bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online Banking and Beyond: Internet‐Related Offerings from U.S. Banks
Authors: Wan Siaw‐Peng
Published: July 2008

When banks first had access to the Internet in the mid‐1990s, they treated it as simply another channel to distribute bank‐related information to their customers. Over the last few years, the Internet has rapidly become a viable channel for banks to serve their various customer groups. Today, many banks are offering online banking services to their customers, via the banks' Web sites, enabling customers to conduct a variety of banking activities and transactions on the Internet simply with browsers. Most banks are also transforming their Web sites into gatewayss to a variety of information resources (both financial and nonfinancial) and products and services (both banking and nonbanking) for their customer. The Internet has also afforded banks the opportunity to offer a number of new products and services, such as ones that cater to online e‐commerce markets.
Online News Services (Online Journalism)
Authors: Garrison Bruce
Published: July 2008

Online news is in transition. This chapter focuses on the nature and status of online news and journalism, including that practiced by newspapers, magazines, and broadcast and network television and discusses its evolution over the past decade. It provides an overview of the evolution of online news. This chapter also outlines the most significant economic models that have failed, have succeeded, or are currently being tested. Competition among online newspapers, radio stations, television stations and networks, magazines, and other media is also discussed. The chapter examines the changing nature of online news and the impact of multimedia and convergence on their content and staffing. The chapter provides brief descriptions of the major American online news organizations. The primary service models for online news and a summary of online news market sizes and models conclude the discussion.
Patent Law
Authors: Bluhm Gerald
Published: July 2008

Patents are the means by which inventors protect the rights to their inventions. Almost every country has a patent granting office, which after some level of review or examination, grants a patent to the inventor (or applicant) for a limited term, in return for the inventor's teaching or explaining the invention, its use and/or its manufacture. A patent grants the holder a right to
exclude
others from making or using the patented invention, but does not grant the holder the right to
practice
the invention. To be patentable in the U.S., an invention must be novel and not obvious in view of current knowledge in the particular field, and the invention must be useful. In the United States, “anything under the sun that is made by man” is patentable.
Physical Security
Authors: Michael Mark
Published: July 2008

The physical ingredients of a computing environment are hardware (machines, storage media, and transmission media), electricity, humans and the information they possess, and the physical representation of digital information. The role of physical security is to guard the integrity and availability of these components and prevent their misuse. This is a multifaceted task. The challenge involves environmental conditions, physical access, inbound and outbound electromagnetic radiation, and even human knowledge. A tiny chink in the physical armor—a purloined password, for instance—may provide a foothold for a major attack via the Internet. Thus, physical security complements cybersecurity, which defends against attacks mounted at the level of digital information.
Radio Frequency and Wireless Communications
Authors: Ugweje Okechukwu C.
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview and summary of the fundamental meaning and concepts of radio‐frequency and wireless communication systems. It begins with a summary of the history of wireless communications in general, from the first radio‐frequency communication to current cellular mobile radio systems. It then presents the concept of radio wave propagation, forms of wireless communication systems and techniques, and the basic concept of cellular mobile radio communication. It classifies wireless communications into categories of related technology by grouping related concepts together. Finally, it reviews the current wireless technologies as well as emerging technologies.
Structured Query Language (
SQL
)
Authors: Slazinski Erick D.
Published: July 2008

It has been claimed that over 80% of all applications (including Internet applications) have significant database components. In the various database platforms that are on the market today, the relational model dominates the marketplace. The language of relational databases is SQL. Not only are applications using databases, but also many of today's dynamic Web sites are database‐driven. It is therefore crucial for all application developers to know the basics of SQL. This chapter introduces the basics of SQL and its common applications.
Taxation Issues
Authors: Nellen Annette
Published: July 2008

Since about 1995, as access to the Internet grew and businesses began to realize the potential of this new commerce model, a variety of tax issues began to surface. The reason tax issues exist is primarily due to the reality that online vendors can reach a wide customer base from a single location and the ability to transfer digitized products. Existing tax systems were not designed with the Internet in mind and thus some provisions do not adequately address electronic transactions. These tax issues exist at all levels of government. Various efforts have been made since 1995 at all levels to identify the specific issues and develop possible solutions. This work is challenging due to the number of players involved and will likely continue for several years.
Telecommuting and Telework
Authors: Westfall Ralph D.
Published: July 2008

Academic and commercial researchers, freelance writers, and business telework over the final three decades of the 20th century. Despite the extensive research and publicity, telecommuting has not attained anywhere near the usage levels that some experts forecasted for the start of the new millennium. Although much of the published material includes extravagant claims about productivity gains from telecommuting, most of these claims are based on subjective data collected from telecommuters. This data typically of results. This chapter defines the various forms of telecommuting and telework and covers the history of the concept. In addition, it analyzes the claims about productivity gains and societal benefits resulting from telecommuting. Based on a realistic view of these considerations, the author projects moderate increases in telecommuting usage, facilitated by increasing use of low‐cost, high‐bandwidth Internet technologies.
Virtual Private Networks: Internet Protocol (IP) Based
Authors: McDysan David E.
Published: July 2008

This chapter begins with some motivational discussion on why enterprises use the Internet to improve productivity, generate new revenues, and be more competitive. We highlight some important security considerations that render the basic public Internet unacceptable for conducting sensitive transactions, such as e‐commerce. Our discussion then summarizes the technologies, namely connection‐oriented label switching and separate connectionless forwarding tables, that are used to partition a shared public network into multiple virtual private networks (VPNs). The chapter then presents a taxonomy of the types of VPNs being standardized in the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), differentiated primarily by whether the VPN functionality is implemented on the customer‐edge (CE), or on the provider‐edge (PE) devices. We then summarize CE‐based VPNs either (a) overlaid on a frame relay or an asynchronous transfer mode network or (b) implemented over the Internet using the IP security (IPsec) standards. The text then describes the principal PE‐based approaches, which involve either (a) a separate routing instance for each VPN or (b) a shared, aggregated routing instance for all VPNs that logically maintains separation through configuration. Finally, the chapter concludes with a discussion about design considerations for use of VPNs and an example of an extranet VPN deployment using the CE‐based IPsec approach.
Web Search Technology
Authors: Yu Clement , Meng Weiyi
Published: July 2008

The World Wide Web has become the largest information source in recent years and search engines are indispensable tools for finding needed information from the Web. The coverage of the Web by a single search engine may be limited. One effective way to increase the search coverage of the Web is to combine the coverage of multiple search engines. Systems that do such combination are called metasearch engines. When a metasearch engine receives a query from a user, it invokes the underlying search engines to retrieve useful information for the user and combines the returned results from multiple search engines into a single ranked list before displaying it to the user. In this chapter, we describe the inner workings of search engines and metasearch engines. Specifically, we describe techniques used to build search engines and metasearch engines.
Wireless Communications Applications
Authors: Guizani Mohsen
Published: July 2008

Visionaries predict mobile links as good as those that office computer users enjoy, enabling high‐speed Internet access, CD quality sound, and crystal clear video. Even more exciting are the new applications unique to mobile devices: location‐based maps, personalized weather forecast, even real‐time medical monitoring. Electronic currency could allow a cellular phone to become a virtual wallet, transmitting the equivalent of cash to stores both in real world and online. This chapter examines what is possible with present‐day and future wireless systems. It introduces the importance of wireless technologies. It focuses on the applications and the underlying technology.
Innocent but proven guilty: Eliciting internalized false confessions using doctored‐video evidence
Authors: Nash Robert A. , Wade Kimberley A.
Published: July 2008

More powerful computers and affordable digital‐video equipment means that desktop‐video editing is now accessible and popular. In two experiments, we investigated whether seeing fake‐video evidence, or simply being told that video evidence exists, could lead people to believe they committed an act they never did. Subjects completed a computerized gambling task, and when they returned later the same day, we falsely accused them of cheating on the task. All of the subjects were told that incriminating video evidence existed, and half were also exposed to a fake video. See‐video subjects were more likely to confess without resistance, and to internalize the act than told‐video subjects, and see‐video subjects tended to confabulate details more often than told‐video subjects. We offer a metacognitive‐based account of our results. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Band‐Edge Engineered Hybrid Structures for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells Based on SnO2 Nanowires
Authors: Gubbala Suresh , Chakrapani Vidhya , Kumar Vivekanand , Sunkara Mahendra K.
Published: July 2008

In this report, we show for the first time that SnO2 nanowire based dye sensitized solar cells exhibit an open circuit voltage of 560 mV, which is 200 mV higher than that using SnO2 nanoparticle based cells. This is attributed to the more negative flat band potential of nanowires compared to the nanoparticles as determined by open circuit photo voltage measurements made at high light intensities. The nanowires were employed in hybrid structures consisting of highly interconnected SnO2 nanowire matrix coated with TiO2 nanoparticles, which showed an open circuit voltage of 720 mV and an efficiency of 4.1% compared to 2.1% obtained with pure SnO2 nanowire matrix. The electron transport time constants for SnO2 nanowire matrix were an order of magnitude lower and the recombination time constants are about 100 times higher than that of TiO2 nanoparticles. The higher efficiency observed for DSSCs based on hybrid structure is attributed to the band edge positions of SnO2 relative to that of TiO2 and faster electron transport in SnO2 nanowires.
Synthesis of Cu2PO4OH Hierarchical Superstructures with Photocatalytic Activity in Visible Light
Authors: Cho In‐Sun , Kim Dong Wook , Lee Sangwook , Kwak Chae Hyun , Bae Shin‐Tae , Noh Jun Hong , Yoon Sung Hun , Jung Hyun Suk , Kim Dong‐Wan , Hong Kug Sun
Published: July 2008

Using a wet‐chemical method and without any surfactants or templates, various 3D hierarchical superstructures of Cu2PO4OH were synthesized by simply adjusting the pH. The resulting hierarchical superstructures were characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high resolution‐TEM (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. With an increase in pH from 2.5 to 7.0, the morphology of Cu2PO4OH varied from microrods to walnut‐shaped microspheres of self‐assembled nanoparticles. A possible mechanism for the formation of the Cu2PO4OH hierarchical superstructures was also proposed. The optical properties of the Cu2PO4OH hierarchical superstructures were strongly related to their morphologies and the size of the assembled crystallites. We further demonstrated the useful photocatalytic activity of these complex structures in the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under visible light irradiation (λ > 410 nm). The best photocatalytic performance was achieved by Cu2PO4OH with a walnut‐shaped morphology due to the excellent absorption of visible light as well as a high BET surface area.
Formation of Methanofullerene Cation in Bulk Heterojunction Polymer Solar Cells Studied by Transient Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Yamamoto Shunsuke , Guo Jiamo , Ohkita Hideo , Ito Shinzaburo
Published: July 2008

Photogenerated charge carriers for blend films of poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(3,7‐dimethyloctyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene] (MDMO‐PPV) and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) have been investigated by transient absorption spectroscopy. The blend film with a low PCBM fraction (<10 wt %) exhibits a wide absorption that ranges from 900 to 1000 nm, which is characteristic of the MDMO‐PPV hole polaron and PCBM radical anion. On the other hand, the blend film with a higher PCBM fraction (> 30 wt %) exhibits a major absorption band at ∼900 nm, which is characteristic of the PCBM radical cation. For identification of charge carriers, the absorption spectrum and molar absorption coefficient of each charged species have been evaluated separately using various combinations of electron donor and acceptor materials. Consequently, the MDMO‐PPV hole polaron has been found to have a broad absorption at ∼950 nm and the PCBM radical anion and cation show a distinct absorption at 1020 and 890 nm, respectively. On the basis of these absorption spectra, the transient spectra observed for the blend films have been simulated. The spectrum for a low PCBM fraction is well reproduced by superposition of the absorption spectra of the MDMO‐PPV hole polaron and PCBM radical anion. On the other hand, the spectrum for a high PCBM fraction is well reproduced by superposition of the absorption spectra of the MDMO‐PPV hole polaron, PCBM radical anion, and PCBM radical cation, which indicates that the PCBM radical cation is formed in the blend films with PCBM at a high concentration. Possible mechanisms for the formation of the PCBM radical cation in the blend are also discussed.
Characterization of a glucocorticoid receptor gene (GR, NR3C1) promoter polymorphism reveals functionality and extends a haplotype with putative clinical relevance
Authors: Kumsta Robert , Moser Dirk , Streit Fabian , Koper Jan Willem , Meyer Jobst , Wüst Stefan
Published: July 2008

Hyperactivity of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis has been associated with the etiology of major depression. One of the factors underlying altered glucocorticoid signaling might be variability of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (GR, NR3C1). GR polymorphisms have been associated with variability in glucocorticoid sensitivity and endocrine responses to psychosocial stress. Furthermore, a common GR SNP (rs10482605), located in the promoter region, has been associated with major depression. We performed functional characterization of this SNP in vitro using a reporter gene assay under different stimulation conditions. Furthermore, we genotyped 219 subjects previously genotyped for four common GR SNPs to further characterize GR haplotype structure. The minor C allele of the rs10482605 SNP showed reduced transcriptional activity under unstimulated conditions and under different stimulation conditions in two brain derived cell lines. Linkage analyses revealed that the rs10482605 SNP is in high linkage disequilibrium with a A/G SNP in exon 9beta (rs6198), associated with relative glucocorticoid resistance and increased GRbeta mRNA stability. We provide evidence that two functional GR SNPs in linkage disequilibrium are responsible for both regulation of GR expression and mRNA stability. This newly characterized haplotype could increase the risk for the development of stress related disorders, including major depression. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The performance coupling of nonlinear materials and nonlinear geometries
Authors: Hase Kevin R. , Graham Alan L.
Published: July 2008

The nonlinear properties of materials can couple with nonlinear geometries in component applications producing surprising overall system responses. Hence materials must be designed for particular, component level, applications, taking into account the component geometry, to achieve optimal performance. Here we focus on the compressive stress–strain and load‐deflection characteristics of soft, polymeric foams in nonlinear geometries. The model system for these coupled nonlinearities is the thin layer of foam contained between two initially concentric spheres. We find that a nonlinear component‐level response is exhibited with nonlinear geometries, even with a material whose compressive stress–strain response is linear. Polymeric foams exhibit a modified system‐level response that is not apparent from standard viscometric testing results. The spherical geometries tend to concentrate the force in a more localized area of the foam, as opposed to the force distribution seen in linear materials, and this gives greater importance to the higher strain regions of the foam stress–strain response. In addition the geometry diminishes the contribution to the mechanical response in the low to middle range of the stress–strain response curve. These findings have provided critical insights to material designers who are engineering new generations of materials with enhanced component‐level performance. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Changes in human EEG alpha activity following exposure to two different pulsed magnetic field sequences
Authors: Cook C.M. , Saucier D.M. , Thomas A.W. , Prato F.S.
Published: July 2008

The present study investigates the effects of a weak (±200 µTpk), pulsed, extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF MF) upon the human electroencephalogram (EEG). We have previously determined that exposure to pulsed ELF MFs can affect the EEG, notably the alpha frequency (8–13 Hz) over the occipital–parietal region of the scalp. In the present study, subjects (n = 32) were exposed to two different pulsed MF sequences (1 and 2, used previously) that differed in presentation rate, in order to examine the effects upon the alpha frequency of the human EEG. Results suggest that compared to sham exposure, alpha activity was lowered over the occipital–parietal regions of the brain during exposure to Sequence 1, while alpha activity over the same regions was higher after Sequence 2 exposure. These effects occurred after approximately 5 min of pulsed MF exposure. The results also suggest that a previous exposure to the pulsed MF sequence determined subjects' responses in the present experiment. This study supports our previous observation of EEG changes after 5 min pulsed ELF MF exposure. The results of this study are also consistent with existing EEG experiments of ELF MF and mobile phone effects upon the brain. Bioelectromagnetics 30:9–20, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oxygen Microscopy by Two‐Photon‐Excited Phosphorescence
Authors: Finikova Olga S. , Lebedev Artem Y. , Aprelev Alexey , Troxler Thomas , Gao Feng , Garnacho Carmen , Muro Silvia , Hochstrasser Robin M. , Vinogradov Sergei A.
Published: July 2008

High‐resolution images of oxygen distributions in microheterogeneous samples are obtained by two‐photon laser scanning microscopy (2P LSM), using a newly developed dendritic nanoprobe with internally enhanced two‐photon absorption (2PA) cross‐section. In this probe, energy is harvested by a 2PA antenna, which passes excitation onto a phosphorescent metalloporphyrin via intramolecular energy transfer. The 2P LSM allows sectioning of oxygen gradients with near diffraction‐limited resolution, and lifetime‐based acquisition eliminates dependence on the local probe concentration. The technique is validated on objects with a priori known oxygen distributions and applied to imaging of pO2 in cells.
Real‐time hybrid testing using the unconditionally stable explicit CR integration algorithm
Authors: Chen Cheng , Ricles James M. , Marullo Thomas M. , Mercan Oya
Published: July 2008

Real‐time hybrid testing combines experimental testing and numerical simulation, and provides a viable alternative for the dynamic testing of structural systems. An integration algorithm is used in real‐time hybrid testing to compute the structural response based on feedback restoring forces from experimental and analytical substructures. Explicit integration algorithms are usually preferred over implicit algorithms as they do not require iteration and are therefore computationally efficient. The time step size for explicit integration algorithms, which are typically conditionally stable, can be extremely small in order to avoid numerical stability when the number of degree‐of‐freedom of the structure becomes large. This paper presents the implementation and application of a newly developed unconditionally stable explicit integration algorithm for real‐time hybrid testing. The development of the integration algorithm is briefly reviewed. An extrapolation procedure is introduced in the implementation of the algorithm for real‐time testing to ensure the continuous movement of the servo‐hydraulic actuator. The stability of the implemented integration algorithm is investigated using control theory. Real‐time hybrid test results of single‐degree‐of‐freedom and multi‐degree‐of‐freedom structures with a passive elastomeric damper subjected to earthquake ground motion are presented. The explicit integration algorithm is shown to enable the exceptional real‐time hybrid test results to be achieved. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐resolution copy number arrays in cancer and the problem of normal genome copy number variation
Authors: Gorringe Kylie L. , Campbell Ian G.
Published: July 2008

High‐resolution techniques for analysis of genome copy number (CN) enable the analysis of complex cancer somatic genetics. However, the analysis of these data is difficult, and failure to consider a number of issues in depth may result in false leads or unnecessary rejection of true positives. First, segmental duplications may falsely generate CN breakpoints in aneuploid samples. Second, even when tumor data were each normalized to matching lymphocyte DNA, we still observed copy number polymorphisms masquerading as somatic alterations due to allelic imbalance. We investigated a number of different solutions and determined that evaluating matching normal DNA, or at least using locally derived normal baseline data, were preferable to relying on current online databases because of poor cross‐platform compatibility and the likelihood of excluding genuine small somatic alterations. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Different telomere maintenance mechanisms in alveolar and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Ohali Anat , Avigad Smadar , Naumov Inna , Goshen Yacov , Ash Shifra , Yaniv Isaac
Published: July 2008

The activation of a telomere maintenance mechanism (TMM) is crucial for the immortalization of tumor cells. Most human cancers apply telomerase‐dependent TMM but some use a mechanism called alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). The latter was suggested to be mainly characterizing sarcomas with nonspecific complex karyotypes, whereas telomerase activation is typical of sarcomas generated by specific translocations. In this study, we investigated the TMM and its association with survival in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), which is characterized by two major subtypes: one that is harboring a specific translocation (alveolar) and one that has a nonspecific karyotype (embryonal). Telomerase activity (TA), using telomerase repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) assay, and telomere length (TRF), using Southern blotting, were analyzed in tumor samples from 31 patients (16 embryonal and 15 alveolar). Alveolar RMS tumors exhibited no ALT phenotype and the majority presented TA. Some embryonal tumors exhibited an ALT or “ALT‐like” phenotype which lacked TA, whereas others expressed telomerase‐dependent TMM, and neither TA nor ALT correlated with outcome. The average TRF length of the embryonal tumors was significantly higher than that of the alveolar tumors (10.8 vs. 7.2 kb, P = 0.003). Interestingly, some tumors of both subtypes presented no TMM. These observations suggest that alveolar RMS predominantly use telomerase‐dependent TMM, whereas in embryonal tumors both telomerase and ALT may play a role. These findings have important implications for understanding the role of TMM in the development of RMS tumors, and for future designing adapted treatment strategies. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Array‐based comparative genomic hybridization in early‐stage mycosis fungoides: Recurrent deletion of tumor suppressor genes BCL7A, SMAC/DIABLO, and RHOF
Authors: Carbone Angelo , Bernardini Laura , Valenzano Francesco , Bottillo Irene , De Simone Clara , Capizzi Rodolfo , Capalbo Anna , Romano Francesca , Novelli Antonio , Dallapiccola Bruno , Amerio Pierluigi
Published: July 2008

The etiology of mycosis fungoides (MF), the most frequent form of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL), is poorly understood. No specific genetic aberration has been detected, especially in early‐stage disease, possibly due to the clinical and histological heterogeneity of patient series and to the different sources of malignant cells (skin, blood, or lymph node) included in most studies. Frozen skin biopsies from 16 patients with early‐stage MF were studied using array‐based comparative genomic hybridization. A DNA pool from healthy donors was used as the reference. Results demonstrated recurrent loss of 19, 7p22.1‐p22.3, 7q11.1‐q11.23, 9q34.12, 12q24.31, and 16q22.3‐q23.1, and gain of 8q22.3‐q23.1 and 21q22.12. The 12q24.31 region was recurrently deleted in 7/16 patients. Real‐time PCR investigation for deletion of genes BCL7A, SMAC/DIABLO, and RHOF—three tumor suppressor genes with a putative role in hematological malignancies—demonstrated that they were deleted in 9, 10, and 13 cases, respectively. The identified genomic alterations and individual genes could yield important insights into the early steps of MF pathogenesis. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A community based survey of cognitive functioning, highway‐code performance and traffic accidents in a cohort of older drivers
Authors: Ingley Sanjay , Chinnaswamy Srinivasan , Devakumar Manikarassa , Bell Diana , Tranter Richard
Published: July 2008

Background

The DVLA allows driving in early dementia contingent on regular medical assessment. GPs and psychiatrists require validated and accessible assessments. Some studies have suggested that cognitive testing has utility in the assessment of driving capacity in elderly drivers. One study raises the possibility of using a highway‐code questionnaire as an adjunct to these tests.

Method

Two hundred drivers over the age of 65 were randomly selected from two GP surgeries. Baseline assessment comprised completion of a Highway Code questionnaire (DPHC‐98), the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and an abbreviated version of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale Cognitive Subsection (EURO‐ADAS). A history of road traffic accidents (RTAs) over the preceding 5 years was obtained. At 12‐month follow‐up interview driving status of the subject and occurrence of RTAs were recorded. Predictive power of DPHC‐98 and cognitive testing with regards RTAs were examined through logistic regression analysis.

Results

Performance on the Highway Code questionnaire was identified as the only significant regression factor in the prediction of prospective RTAs. However, none of the logistic regression models were able to identify any drivers involved in RTAs either retrospectively or prospectively.

Conclusion

Cognitive tests are not linked with risk of driving accidents in older adults in any useful way. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synergistic antitumor effects of transarterial viroembolization for multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma in rats
Authors: Altomonte Jennifer , Braren Rickmer , Schulz Stephan , Marozin Sabrina , Rummeny Ernst J. , Schmid Roland M. , Ebert Oliver
Published: July 2008

Oncolytic virotherapy is a promising strategy for safe and effective treatment of malignancy. We have reported previously that recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) vectors are effective oncolytic agents that can be safely administered via the hepatic artery in immunocompetent rats to treat multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), resulting in tumor necrosis and prolonged survival. Though the results were encouraging, complete tumor regression was not observed, which led us to explore alternative approaches to further enhance the efficacy of VSV treatment. Transarterial embolization techniques have been shown to improve the efficiency and tumor selectivity of anticancer treatments. Degradable starch microspheres (DSM) are one such embolic agent that provides transient embolization of the therapeautic agent before being degraded by serum amylases. Here we demonstrate via dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging that in our rat model of multifocal HCC, DSM injection into the hepatic artery results in a substantial reduction in tumor perfusion of systemically applied contrast agent. VSV, when administered in combination with DSM, results in enhanced tumor necrosis and synergistically prolongs survival when compared with VSV or DSM monotherapy.

Conclusion:

This regimen of viroembolization represents an innovative therapeutic modality that can augment the future development of transarterial oncolytic virus therapy for patients with advanced HCC. (Hepatology 2008;48:1864-1873.)
Highly Selective Fluorescence Detection for Mercury (II) Ions in Aqueous Solution Using Water Soluble Conjugated Polyelectrolytes
Authors: Lu Haiyan , Tang Yanli , Xu Wei , Zhang Deqing , Wang Shu , Zhu Daoben
Published: July 2008

A highly selective assay method has been developed to detect mercury (II) (Hg2+) ions using cationic conjugated polymer (CCP). The transduction mechanism is based on a Hg2+ promoted reaction. In the absence of Hg2+ ions, the CCP can form the complex with an anionic 1,3‐dithiole‐2‐thione derivative through electrostatic interactions. The fluorescence of CCP is efficiently quenched by 1,3‐dithiole‐2‐thione derivative via an electron transfer process. Upon adding Hg2+ ions, the transformation of 1,3‐dithiole‐2‐thione into 1,3‐dithiole‐2‐one inhibits the quenching, and the fluorescence of CCP is recovered. Distinguishing aspects of this assay include the signal amplification of CCPs and a specific Hg2+ promoted reaction. By triggering the change in the emission intensity of CCP, it is possible to detect Hg2+ ions in aqueous solution.

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Long‐term benefits of darifenacin treatment for patient quality of life: Results from a 2‐year extension study
Authors: Dwyer Peter , Kelleher Con , Young Jay , Haab François , Lheritier Karine , Ariely Rinat , Ebinger Ursula
Published: July 2008

Background and Aims

Overactive bladder (OAB), a chronic condition requiring long‐term management, is associated with substantial impact on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). The short‐term benefits of antimuscarinic drug treatment are well known. Here we investigate the impact on HRQoL of long‐term treatment with the M3‐selective muscarinic receptor antagonist darifenacin over 2 years.

Methods

HRQoL was assessed using the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) for patients with ‘wet’ OAB treated with darifenacin (7.5/15 mg once daily [o.d.]) in an open‐label 2‐year extension of two double‐blind feeder studies. Data were also analyzed for the subset of patients who continued darifenacin 7.5/15 mg o.d. directly into the extension study from the feeder studies (the ‘darifenacin continuation’ group), and also older patients (≥65 years) and men within this group.

Results

The total study population comprised 716 patients, of whom 303 patients formed the ‘darifenacin continuation’ group (including 85 patients ≥65 years and 41 men). Substantial impairment of HRQoL was noted in baseline KHQ assessments. KHQ scores improved significantly from feeder‐study baseline to extension study end/last visit in eight of the nine domains, with more than 50% of patients reporting improvements in seven of the nine domains. Despite fewer patients, significant improvements in KHQ scores were also observed in the subsets of older patients (≥65 years) and men. Almost two‐thirds of the ‘darifenacin continuation’ group were either satisfied or extremely satisfied with treatment.

Conclusions

Long‐term darifenacin treatment was associated with significant and clinically meaningful improvements in HRQoL for patients with ‘wet’ OAB over 2 years. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:540–547, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chemical modification and characterization of gigaporous polystyrene microspheres as rapid separation of proteins base supports
Authors: Qu Jian‐Bo , Zhou Wei‐Qing , Wei Wei , Su Zhi‐Guo , Ma Guang‐Hui
Published: July 2008

To overcome the disadvantages of protein denaturation and nonspecific adsorption on poly(styrene‐divinylbenzene) (PS) matrix as chromatographic supports, gigaporous PS microspheres, which we prepared in a previous study, were chemically modified with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) through two‐step reaction. The microspheres were chloroacetylated through Friedel‐Crafts acetylation with chloroacetyl chloride and modified with hydrophilic PVA through Williamson reaction afterward. The modified microspheres were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), mercury porosimetry measurements (MPM), BET nitrogen adsorption measurements, laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM), and protein adsorption experiments. Results showed that PS microspheres were successfully coated with PVA, while the gigaporous structure could be maintained. Consequently, the hydrophilicity and biocompatibility of modified microspheres was greatly improved and nonspecific adsorption of proteins was significantly decreased. The coatings contained only stable chemical bonds (e.g., CC, COC) and easily derived hydroxyl moieties. The large pores of gigaporous PS microspheres also facilitated the modification by PVA. After further derivation, the coated gigaporous base supports could apply in various modes of chromatography and have great potentials in high‐speed protein chromatography. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5794–5804, 2008
Synthesis and properties of polyethylene with side‐chain triphenylamines as hole‐transporting materials
Authors: Park Myung Hwan , Huh Jung Oh , Do Youngkyu , Lee Min Hyung
Published: July 2008

The copolymerization of ethylene with triphenylamine (TPA)‐containing α‐olefin monomer 1 using a rac‐Et(Ind)2ZrCl2 (EBIZr)/MAO catalytic system was investigated to prepare polyethylene with pendent TPA groups. Despite the presence of a large excess of TPA moieties, the polymerization reactions efficiently produce copolymers of high‐molecular‐weight with the comonomer incorporation up to 6.1 mol % upon varying the comonomer concentration in the feed. Inspection of the aliphatic region of the 13C‐NMR spectrum and the estimated copolymerization parameters (r1 ≈ 0 for 1 and rE ≈ 43 for ethylene) reveal the presence of isolated comonomer units in the polymer chain. While UV–vis absorption measurements of the copolymers show an invariant absorption feature, PL spectra exhibit a slightly red‐shifted emission with increasing content of 1 in the polymer chain. All the copolymers show high thermal stability (Td5 > 436 °C), and the electrochemical stability toward oxidation is also observed. Particularly, the copolymer displays hole‐transporting ability for the stable green emission of Alq3 when incorporated into the hole‐transporting layer of an electroluminescence device. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5816–5825, 2008
Assessment of fungicide systemicity in wheat using LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Klittich Carla JR , Green Fredrick R , Ruiz James M. , Weglarz Ted , Blakeslee Beth A
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND: Systemicity is an important attribute of fungicides that is difficult to measure in early‐stage screening without labeling the compound with a radioisotope. A method of measuring translocation that does not require potent fungicidal activity or a radiolabel would guide identification of compounds with desirable attributes.

RESULTS: The authors developed an analytical technique that mimics field application, using LC‐MS/MS to screen compounds for translocation in wheat leaves. The method sorted commercial and experimental fungicides appropriately into systemic and non‐systemic categories. A model using LC‐MS/MS data was equivalent to a lipophilicity model and superior to a water solubility model at predicting compound systemicity.

CONCLUSION: Early‐stage compounds can be screened for systemicity on whole plants using LC‐MS/MS. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Relative importance of within‐habitat environment, land use and spatial autocorrelations for determining odonate assemblages in rural reservoir ponds in Japan
Authors: Hamasaki Kenji , Yamanaka Takehiko , Tanaka Koichi , Nakatani Yukinobu , Iwasaki Nobusuke , Sprague David S.
Published: July 2008

To clarify the major factors affecting odonate assemblages in rural reservoir ponds among within‐habitat environments, land use around ponds and spatial autocorrelation, we surveyed odonate adults (Zygoptera and Anisoptera) in 70 study ponds in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, during three sampling periods in 2005. Redundancy analyses (RDA) for these three factor groups were executed to determine their strength in explaining the odonate species composition. Their relative contributions were also evaluated by the method of variation partitioning. A total of 41 odonate species were recorded in the study ponds, and 24 of them, excluding rare species, were used for our analysis. Summed effects including all three factor groups explained approximately 39% of the variation in odonate species composition. We found that spatial autocorrelation was the most important, though the within‐habitat environment and land use had comparable effects. We conclude that spatial autocorrelation should be considered in this type of analysis, though we could not clearly explain what caused such a spatial structure. Pond area and debris that had accumulated at the bottom of ponds were selected as the within‐habitat environment, and the forests and paddy fields around ponds were selected for land use after the procedure of forward stepwise selection. These results suggest that the recent decrease of forests around the ponds has had a negative effect on the odonate assemblages.
Enhanced expression of transgene in CHO cells using matrix attachment region
Authors: Wang Tian‐Yun , Yang Rui , Qin Chuan , Wang Li , Yang Xian‐Jun
Published: July 2008

The expression of transgenes in mammalian cells is often at a low level mainly due to position effects from the neighboring chromatin context. To improve this, we have constructed a vector pCAM, which contains chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene cassettes, driven by SV40 early promoter and flanked by two human β‐globin MARs in cis. We transfected this vector into the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line, and found that the level of CAT gene expression with MAR was effectively increased, about 5.493‐fold higher than those without MARs. Moreover, the variations of CAT expression among individuals of transformants were decreased 2.670‐fold. Our result also showed that MAR could increase the proportion of positive colonies in recombinants.
Hepatic differentiation of cord blood‐derived multipotent progenitor cells (MPCs) in vitro
Authors: Moon Young Joon , Lee Myoung Woo , Yoon Hee Hoon , Yang Mal Sook , Jang In Keun , Lee Jong Eun , Kim Hyo Eun , Eom Young‐woo , Park Joon Seong , Kim Hugh C. , Kim Young Jin , Lee Kwang‐Ho
Published: July 2008

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells that possesses practical and ethical advantages. We previously reported a novel UCB‐derived adult stem cells which we termed umbilical cord blood‐derived multipotent progenitor cells’ (MPCs). MPCs were capable of differentiating into functional neuronal cells. Under appropriate conditions lasting several days or weeks, we now show that the MPCs differentiate into hepatocyte‐like cells in vitro; their properties were verified using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), Western blot, immunofluorescence, periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) staining of accumulated glycogen and an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We also found that hepatic differentiated cells expressed hepatocyte specific markers, such as albumin, hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)‐1α, HNF4, cytokeratin (CK)‐8, CK‐18, tyrosine amino transferase (TAT), and CYP2B6. Moreover, albumin was secreted, which suggests that MPCs from UCB possess multi‐differentiation potential and have the capacity to differentiate into functional cells of hepatic lineage in vitro.
Contractile and coronary vascular effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide in neonatal pig hearts
Authors: Ascuitto Robert J. , Ross-Ascuitto Nancy T. , Waddell Alice E. , Kadowitz Phillip J.
Published: July 2008

Objective

The purpose was to investigate the influence of the 38-amino-acid neuropeptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP38), on contractile function and coronary vascular tone in neonatal hearts.

Methods

Isolated, paced (150 bpm), isovolumically-beating, piglet hearts (n = 19) underwent retrograde aortic perfusion at constant coronary flow (≈2.5 ml/min/gwet) with an erythrocyte-enriched (Hct 15-0%) solution (37 °C). Agonists were injected into the aortic root of hearts, and the changes in + dP/dtmax and − dP/dtmax (reflecting contractility), and coronary perfusion pressure (reflecting vascular tone) were determined. Responses to PAPCAP38 were compared to isoproterenol, and to the truncated peptide PACAP6–38.

Results

PACAP38 (0.1 and 0.5 nmol) increased + dP/dtmax from 1387.4 ± 134.6 to 1619.0 ± 118.7, and from 1296.2 ± 93.4 to 1872.2 ± 111.4 mmHg/s (P < 0.05); changed −dP/dtmax from −1087.6 ± 107.5 to −1206.6 ± 93.6, and from −1025.0 ± 46.8 to −1375.4 ± 80.9 mmHg/s (P < 0.05) and decreased coronary perfusion pressure from 61.8 ± 2.5 to 51.0 ± 3.8, and from 62.5 ± 1.0 to 45.3 ± 3.3 mmHg (P < 0.05), respectively. In comparison, isoproterenol (0.1 nmol) increased +dP/dtmax from 1313.6 ± 62.8 to 1679.0 ± 74.4 (P < 0.05), and −dP/dtmax from −1026.4 ± 54.1 to −1222.6 ± 57.4 mmHg/s (P < 0.05). PACAP6–38 reduced PACAP38's coronary vasodilatory, but not its contractile, effect. When compared to our previous studies of the the 27-amino-acid neuropeptide PACAP27, PACAP38 had less potent contractile, but similar vasodilatory effects.

Conclusions

PACAP38 enhanced contractility and produced coronary vasodilation in piglet hearts, which may make PACAP38 a promising cardiotonic agent for the treatment of neonates with heart failure.
PREROGATIVE AND PRECEDENT: THE PRIVY COUNCIL ON DEATH ROW
Authors: Hare Ivan
Published: July 2008

AS a result of previous appeals to the Privy Council from death row, many Caribbean States are in a difficult position. If they proceed to execution before the applicant has exhausted all possible avenues for seeking clemency, they may violate due process rights; if they delay the death penalty for too long, execution will constitute inhuman treatment. The latest and most significant of the recent decisions is Lewis & others v. Attorney-General of Jamaica [2000] 3 W.L.R. 1785.
UP THE CREEK: AN EXERCISE IN COMMON SENSE FROM THE COURT OF APPEAL
Authors: Gibbs Dominic
Published: July 2008

THE recent decision in Chelsea Yacht and Boat Co. Ltd. v. Pope [2000] 1 W.L.R. 1941 may be considered a timely reminder from the Court of Appeal that real property law applies to real property and not to chattels. The wonder of the case lies in how this, hardly particularly profound, proposition came to require two appeals for its elucidation, and how the learned judges in the District and West London County Courts came, in their desire to tread nimbly through the thickets of a short point of statutory interpretation, to lose sight of the particular wood into which they had wandered.
CHEATING THE PUBLIC REVENUE: FICTIONS AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Authors: Virgo Graham
Published: July 2008

THE decisions of the House of Lords in R. v. Allen [2001] UKHL 45, [2001] 3 W.L.R. 843 and R. v. Dimsey [2001] UKHL 46, [2001] 3 W.L.R. 843 concerned appeals against convictions for cheating and conspiring to cheat the public revenue. The appeals were heard together before the Court of Appeal (noted (2000) 59 C.L.J. 42) and before the House of Lords, although separate decisions were handed down in the latter court. Both cases arose from the evasion of tax through the use of overseas companies. Allen had evaded his own tax liability by, inter alia, making false declarations of his income and Dimsey, a financial services adviser, had administered overseas companies for various clients, including Allen, to evade their tax liability. The grounds of appeal fell under two main headings. A third ground, relating to Allen alone, was that benefits in kind received by him from overseas companies of which he was a shadow director were not taxable. It was held that he was liable to pay tax on such benefits, even though the link between those benefits and the services he provided as a shadow director might be tenuous.
An Angle on Nationalism in China Today: Attitudes Among Beijing Students after
Belgrade 1999
Authors: Zhao Dingxin
Published: July 2008

It is widely claimed that radical anti-US nationalism has become dominant in China, especially among young students. Based on a survey of 1,211 students and interviews with 62 informants conducted in three elite Beijing universities about four months after the US bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, this article shows that most students believed that the embassy bombing was a deliberate action and that their anger towards the bombing incident was genuine. Yet, contrary to initial expectations, the study also shows that the anger expressed by the students during the anti-US demonstrations was more a momentary outrage than a reflection of a long-term development of popular anti-US nationalism, that Beijing students saw the United States more as a superpower than as an enemy, and that they considered “to counteract US hegemony” the least important among the eight national goal statements that were provided. The findings demonstrate that, at least among China's elite student population, a population that has always been at the forefront of Chinese politics in the 20th century, there is no domination of anti-US nationalism.