bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homopolymerization of n‐butyl methacrylate using bis(salicylaldiminate)copper(II)/ methylaluminoxane catalysts
Authors: Raspolli Galletti Anna Maria , Hayatifar Mohammad , Patil Yogesh
Published: April 2010

Polymerization catalysts based on copper precursors appear particularly interesting due to the low metal cost, limited toxicity and modest sensitivity to deactivation by polar species. To date, α‐olefin and polar monomer coordination polymerization catalysed using copper catalysts has been scarcely investigated, and a good part of the literature is represented by patents. Here this research has been expanded to the study of the performances of bis(salicylaldiminate)copper(II)/methylaluminoxane (MAO) catalysts in the polymerization of n‐butyl methacrylate. The study of the catalytic activity of bis(salicylaldiminate)copper(II)/MAO systems in n‐butyl methacrylate polymerization was focused on the relationship between the catalytic behaviour and the main reaction conditions and ligand structures. The electronic and steric characteristics of the chelate ligands play an important role in the catalytic performances. The presence of electron‐withdrawing nitro groups on the chelate ligands increased the catalytic activity which reached 36 kgpolymer mol−1 h−1, the highest value up to now reported for copper systems in methacrylic or acrylic monomer polymerization. These performances were ascribed to copper catalysts activated by MAO: without copper precursor, working in the presence of MAO and free salicylaldimine ligand, complete inactivity was ascertained. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of a high‐protein diet on food intake and liver metabolism during pregnancy, lactation and after weaning in mice
Authors: Kuhla Björn , Kucia Marzena , Görs Solvig , Albrecht Dirk , Langhammer Martina , Kuhla Siegfried , Metges Cornelia C.
Published: April 2010

Major hepatic metabolic pathways are involved in the control of food intake but how dietary proteins affect global metabolism to adjust food intake is incompletely understood, particularly under physiological challenging conditions such as lactation. In order to identify these molecular events, mice were fed a high‐protein (HP) diet from pregnancy, during lactation until after weaning and compared with control fed counterparts. Liver specimens were analyzed for regulated proteins using 2‐DE and MALDI‐TOF‐MS and plasma samples for metabolites. Based on the 26 differentially expressed proteins associated with depleted liver glycogen content, elevated urea and citrulline plasma concentrations, we conclude that HP feeding during lactation leads to an activated amino acid, carbohydrate and fatty acid catabolism while it activates gluconeogenesis. From pregnancy to lactation, plasma arginine, tryptophan, serine, glutamine and cysteine decreased, whereas urea concentrations increased in both groups. Concomitantly, hepatic glycogen content decreased while total fat content remained unaltered in both groups. Consideration of 59 proteins differentially expressed between pregnancy and lactation highlights different strategies of HP and control fed mice to meet energy requirements for lactation by adjusting amino acid degradation, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, citrate cycle, but also ATP‐turnover, protein folding, secretion of proteins and (de)activation of transcription factors.
Poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymers containing multiple, pendent plasticizing groups
Authors: Tas Huseyin , Mathias Lon J.
Published: April 2010

New ether dimer (ED‐Eh) and diester (EHDE) derivatives of α‐(hydroxymethyl)acrylate, each having two 2‐ethylhexyl side chains, and an amine‐linked di(2‐ethylhexyl)acrylate (AL‐Eh), having three 2‐ethylhexyl side chains, were synthesized and (co)polymerized to evaluate the effects of differences in the structures of the monomers on final (co)polymer properties, particularly glass transition temperature, Tg. The free radical polymerizations of these monomers yielded high‐molecular–weight polymers. Cyclopolymer formation of ED‐Eh and AL‐Eh was confirmed by 13C NMR analysis and the cyclization efficiencies were found to be very high (∼100%). Copolymers of ED‐Eh, EHDE, and AL‐Eh with methyl methacrylate (MMA) showed significant Tg decreases over poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) due to 2‐ethylhexyl side groups causing “internal” plasticization. Comparison of the Tg's of the copolymers of 2‐ethylhexyl methacrylate, ED‐Eh, EHDE, and AL‐Eh with MMA revealed that the impacts of these monomers on depression of Tg's are identical with respect to the total concentration of the pendent groups. This is consistent with an earlier study involving copolymers of monomers comprising one and two octadecyl side groups with MMA. That is, the magnitude of decrease in Tg's was quantitatively related to the number of the 2‐ethylhexyl pendent groups in the copolymers rather than their placement on the same or randomly incorporated repeat units. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2302–2310, 2010
Synthesis and characterization of stimuli‐responsive porous/hollow nanoparticles by self‐assembly of chitosan‐based graft copolymers and application in drug release
Authors: Chuang Chung‐Yang , Don Trong‐Ming , Chiu Wen‐Yen
Published: April 2010

In this research, stimuli‐responsive porous/hollow nanoparticles were prepared by the self‐assembly method. First, chitosan‐graft‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (CS‐g‐PNIPAAm) copolymers were synthesized through polymerization of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) monomer in the presence of chitosan (CS) solution using ceric ammounium nitrate as the initiator. Then, the CS‐g‐PNIPAAm copolymers were dissolved in the acetic acid aqueous solution and heated to 40 °C to induce their self‐assembly. After CS‐g‐PNIPAAm assembled to form micelles, a cross‐linking agent was used to reinforce the structure to form nanoparticles. The molecular weight of grafted PNIPAAm on CS chains was changed to investigate its effect on the structure, morphology, thermo‐, and pH‐responsive properties of the nanoparticles. TEM images showed that a porous or hollow structure in the interior of nanoparticles was developed, depending on the medium temperature. The synthesized nanoparticles carried positive charges on the surface and exhibited stimuli‐responsive properties, and their mean diameter thus could be manipulated by changing the pH value and temperature of the environment. The nanoparticles showed a continuous release of the encapsulated doxycycline hyclate up to 10 days during an in vitro release experiment. These porous/hollow particles with environmentally sensitive properties are expected to be used in hydrophilic drug delivery system. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2377–2387, 2010
Photoreactive nanomatrix structure formed by graft‐copolymerization of 1,9‐nonandiol dimethacrylate onto natural rubber
Authors: Yamamoto Yoshimasa , Suksawad Patjaree , Pukkate Nanthaporn , Horimai Tatsuya , Wakisaka Osamu , Kawahara Seiichi
Published: April 2010

Formation of photoreactive nanomatrix structure was investigated by graft‐copolymerization of an inclusion complex of 1,9‐nonandiol dimethacrylate (NDMA) with β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) onto natural rubber particle using potassium persulfate (KPS), tert‐butyl hydroperoxide/tetraethylenepentamine (TBHPO/TEPA), cumene hydroperoxide/tetraethylenepentamine (CHPO/TEPA), and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as an initiator. The graft copolymer was characterized by 1H NMR and FTIR after coagulation. The conversion of NDMA and the amount of residual methacryloyl group were found to be 58.5 w/w % and 1.81 w/w %, respectively, under the suitable condition of the graft‐copolymerization. The morphology of the film specimen, prepared from the graft copolymer, was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) after staining the film with OsO4. Natural rubber particle of about 1.0 μm in diameter was dispersed in poly(NDMA) matrix of about 10 nm in thickness. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2418–2424, 2010
Association of hydrophobically α,ω‐end‐capped poly(2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline) in water
Authors: Volet Gisèle , Deschamps Anne‐Cécile Lasne , Amiel Catherine
Published: April 2010

The α,ω‐end‐capped poly(2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline) (Cn‐POXZ‐Cn) have been synthesized by a one‐pot process using cationic ring‐opening polymerization with an appropriate initiator and terminating agent. The polymers bearing different alkyl groups C12 and C18 have molecular weight in the range of 2.4 × 103 to 14 × 103 with a small polydispersity index. The solution behavior of the free chains has been analyzed in a nonselective solvent, dichloromethane, by small‐angle neutron scattering and dynamic light scattering. These amphiphilic polymers associate in water to form flower‐like micellar structures. Critical micelle concentrations, investigated by fluorescence technique, are in the range of 0.03–0.5 g L−1 and are dependent on the hydrophilic/lipophilic balance. The structural properties of the aggregates have also been investigated by viscometry. Intrinsic viscosities of these polymers are in the same range as that of the precursors poly(2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline) (POXZ) and mono‐functionalized polymers. Large viscosity increase corresponding to intermicellar bridging was observed in the vicinity of the micelle overlap concentration. Addition of hydroxypropyl β‐cyclodextrin (HβCD) has dissociated the aggregates and the intrinsic viscosities of the HβCD‐end‐capped chains have become comparable with the ones of POXZ precursor chains. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2477–2485, 2010
Disassembly via an environmentally friendly and efficient fluorous phase constructed with dendritic architectures
Authors: Wilson Christopher J. , Wilson Daniela A. , Feiring Andrew E. , Percec Virgil
Published: April 2010

Traditionally the fluorous phase is generated with perfluorinated alkyl groups that are usually perfluorooctyl or longer and are bioaccummulative and biopersistent and therefore, are considered environmentally unfriendly. Here we report a new concept for the construction of the fluorous phase. This concept is based on the amplification of the fluorous effect with the help of dendritic architectures containing very short semifluorinated groups on their periphery. This new concept was demonstrated by the convergent synthesis of the first and second generation AB3 and AB2 benzyl ether dendrons functionalized on their periphery via catalytic nucleophilic addition of their phenolates to perfluoropropyl vinyl ether. The resulting dendrons are liquids. Their fluorous phase affinity was analyzed and demonstrated that the dendritic architecture amplifies the fluorous phase at a specific generation by the number of functional groups on the dendron periphery, and at different generations by increasing their generation number. Therefore, this concept is very efficient for the design and synthesis of new fluorous materials. In addition, by contrast with dendrons containing perfluoroalkyl groups on their periphery, the current dendrons mediate the disassembly of their parent building blocks but do not mediate the self‐assembly in a supramolecular architecture. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2498–2508, 2010
Structure and function of enzymes in heme biosynthesis
Authors: Layer Gunhild , Reichelt Joachim , Jahn Dieter , Heinz Dirk W.
Published: April 2010

Tetrapyrroles like hemes, chlorophylls, and cobalamin are complex macrocycles which play essential roles in almost all living organisms. Heme serves as prosthetic group of many proteins involved in fundamental biological processes like respiration, photosynthesis, and the metabolism and transport of oxygen. Further, enzymes such as catalases, peroxidases, or cytochromes P450 rely on heme as essential cofactors. Heme is synthesized in most organisms via a highly conserved biosynthetic route. In humans, defects in heme biosynthesis lead to severe metabolic disorders called porphyrias. The elucidation of the 3D structures for all heme biosynthetic enzymes over the last decade provided new insights into their function and elucidated the structural basis of many known diseases. In terms of structure and function several rather unique proteins were revealed such as the V‐shaped glutamyl‐tRNA reductase, the dipyrromethane cofactor containing porphobilinogen deaminase, or the “Radical SAM enzyme” coproporphyrinogen III dehydrogenase. This review summarizes the current understanding of the structure–function relationship for all heme biosynthetic enzymes and their potential interactions in the cell.
Current approaches to the management of pneumonia
Authors: Gosney Jessica , Chester Jonathan , Gosney Margot
Published: April 2010

Our series Prescribing in older people gives practical advice for successful management of the special problems face by this age group. Here, the authors describe the diagnosis and recommended management of pneumonia in the community. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
Asthma treatment in pregnancy
Authors: Emary Kate , Mackillop Lucy
Published: April 2010

Our series Prescribing in pregnancy provides guidance on what information to offer pregnant women about the risks and benefits of drug treatment. Here the authors discuss the course of asthma during pregnancy and the use and safety of asthma medications. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
Prescriber 1990–2010: the changing face of the NHS
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: April 2010

The past two decades have seen drastic changes to the way the NHS is managed and funded and at both local and national level. Steve Chaplin highlights the key reports, government policies and landmark events that have reshaped the NHS between 1990 and 2010. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
Submicron nucleation kinetics during a high‐speed laser assisted surface modification
Authors: Shishkovsky I.
Published: April 2010

The Fokker–Planck kinetic equation was solved precisely for a widespread realized in practice a lamellar (dendrite) nucleation in the cases of a laser assisted surface modification including nanofabrication. The expressions for an average size of the crystallizing nucleus were determined, as well as for a relative fraction of the solid phase volume. The submicron particle distribution by sizes, average radius, and density of a new growing phase are evaluated numerically depending on regimes of the laser influence. The effect exerted on morphology, chemical state (to be more precise, catalytic properties), and deformations of the kinetic of phase transformation are considered. A new criterion for the amorphous state obtained after high‐speed laser cooling is proposed.
Low dislocation density nonpolar (11‐20) GaN films achieved using scandium nitride interlayers
Authors: Moram M. A. , Kappers M. J. , Humphreys C. J.
Published: April 2010

This paper reports the properties of low dislocation density a ‐plane 11‐20 GaN films grown on sapphire using 2 – 15 nm ScN interlayers (ILs). Dislocation densities decrease with increasing ScN IL thickness and the surface roughness for coalesced films remains low at 0.7 nm. X‐ray diffraction data show a reduction in ω‐scan FWHMs at all rotational positions and luminescence intensities increase compared to a control sample without a ScN IL. However, a slight increase in the prismatic stacking fault density is observed, compared to the control sample. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Selective growth of InN on patterned GaAs(111)B substrate – influence of InN decomposition at the interface
Authors: Murakami Hisashi , Cho Hyun‐Chol , Kumagai Yoshinao , Koukitu Akinori
Published: April 2010

Selective growth of InN on the round opening patterned GaAs (111)B substrate was performed for improving the crystalline quality such as the density of threading dislocations by metalorganic vapour phase epitaxy. Due to the large sticking coefficient of indium (In) on SiO2, deposition of polycrystalline InN was occurred on SiO2 mask at low temperature around 550 °C. On the contrary, selective growth of InN layer without the deposition on the SiO2 mask could be possible by raising the growth temperature up to 615 °C. It was also found that the decomposition of InN occurred at the interface between InN and GaAs substrate during the growth. Crystalline quality of InN was strongly influenced by the decomposition of InN at the interface due to the mixing of N‐polarity and In‐polarity domains at the interface. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Evaluation of multiple‐quantum‐well structure on InGaN template using (11$ \bar 2 $2) facet growth and mass transport
Authors: Fujita Daisuke , Miyatake Takaaki , Shinagawa Taku , Abe Yuki , Murakami Kazuma , Li Bocheng , Matsumoto Hiroyuki , Murayama Satoru , Okada Narihito , Tadatomo Kazuyuki
Published: April 2010

We succeeded in the fabrication of a thick InGaN template by (11$ \bar 2 $2) facet growth and mass transport. Thick InGaN was grown on a GaN (11$ \bar 2 $2) facet with a stable facet structure. After 20 min annealing under a flow of NH3 and N2, the InGaN with the (11$ \bar 2 $2) facet was perfectly embedded owing to mass transport. Subsequently, a multiple‐quantum‐well structure was fabricated on the InGaN template and characterized using monochromatic cathodeoluminescence measurement. As a result, we found that there were two regions with peak emission wavelengths of 420 and 500 nm because of the compositional pulling effect. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Degradation characteristics of blue GaN‐LED chip related to packages
Authors: Kang Jeung‐Mo , Kim Jae‐Wook , Choi Jeong‐Hyeon , Kim Du‐Hyun , Oh Pyung‐Sik , Han Sang‐Kook , Kwon Ho‐Ki
Published: April 2010

This paper reports the degradation characteristics of blue GaN‐LED (Gallium Nitride‐light emitting diode) chip related to various packages. Three types of package have been considered to investigate degradation characteristics in this study. One package is our proposed new concept of metal package by which we can estimate the lifetime of blue LED chip (chip size: 1mm × 1mm) with high accuracy. In the proposed package, components in conventional LED package which may obscure the degradation behaviour of LED chip itself were removed or replaced by other materials or components. And as a control group, two types of commercial packages were used (3W package and low power package). We investigated and analyzed the light‐output degradation and changing of package materials of high‐power blue LED chip packaged with these three types of package to aging time of 5,000 hours. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical characterization of AlGaN/GaN quantum disc structures in single nanowires
Authors: Rigutti L. , Fortuna F. , Tchernycheva M. , De Luna Bugallo A. , Jacopin G. , Julien F. H. , Furtmayr F. , Stutzmann M. , Eickhoff M.
Published: April 2010

We report a systematic study of the luminescence properties of AlxGa1‐xN/GaN single and multi quantum disc structures in single nanowires with Al fraction xAl varying from 0.05 to 1. These quantum structures are situated on the top of GaN nanowires grown in the polar [0001] direction. Nanowires are synthesized by Plasma Assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy under nitrogen rich growth conditions at a substrate temperature of T = 780 °C on Si (111) substrates. The PL energy of single and multi‐quantum disc systems is explained in terms of Al content in the barriers, band bending at the upper polar surface, and strain relaxation in the heterostructure region (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Quantification of unintentional doping in non‐polar GaN using scanning capacitance microscopy
Authors: Zhu Tongtong , Kappers Menno J. , Moram Michelle A. , Oliver Rachel A.
Published: April 2010

Unintentional doping in non‐polar a ‐plane (11‐20) gallium nitride (GaN) grown on r ‐plane (1‐120) sapphire has been characterized using scanning capacitance microscopy. A conductive interface layer has been observed adjacent to the GaN/sapphire interface, and its average thickness has been quantified and found to increase as the duration of an initial period of three‐dimensional growth is increased. By using a Si doped calibration staircase structure, the conductive interface region is found to contain an average carrier concentration of (2.5 ± 0.3) x 1018 cm‐3. We also observe unintentionally‐doped features extending at 60° from the GaN/sapphire interface. We suggest that these inclined features may be due to impurity incorporation around prismatic stacking faults. The carrier concentration decreases along the inclined feature with distance from the GaN/sapphire interface. In addition, the inclined features are found more frequently in a sample subjected to an additional annealing process, which may provide evidence that the unintentional doping arises from oxygen diffusion from the sapphire substrate. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optimal caliper widths for propensity‐score matching when estimating differences in means and differences in proportions in observational studies
Authors: Austin Peter C.
Published: April 2010

In a study comparing the effects of two treatments, the propensity score is the probability of assignment to one treatment conditional on a subject's measured baseline covariates. Propensity‐score matching is increasingly being used to estimate the effects of exposures using observational data. In the most common implementation of propensity‐score matching, pairs of treated and untreated subjects are formed whose propensity scores differ by at most a pre‐specified amount (the caliper width). There has been a little research into the optimal caliper width. We conducted an extensive series of Monte Carlo simulations to determine the optimal caliper width for estimating differences in means (for continuous outcomes) and risk differences (for binary outcomes). When estimating differences in means or risk differences, we recommend that researchers match on the logit of the propensity score using calipers of width equal to 0.2 of the standard deviation of the logit of the propensity score. When at least some of the covariates were continuous, then either this value, or one close to it, minimized the mean square error of the resultant estimated treatment effect. It also eliminated at least 98% of the bias in the crude estimator, and it resulted in confidence intervals with approximately the correct coverage rates. Furthermore, the empirical type I error rate was approximately correct. When all of the covariates were binary, then the choice of caliper width had a much smaller impact on the performance of estimation of risk differences and differences in means. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparative study on ridge waveguide laser diodes with SiO2 and SiNx passivation layers
Authors: Bengi A. , Jang S. J. , Yeo C. I. , Mammadov T. , Özçelik S. , Lee Y. T.
Published: April 2010

In this study, we have reported the fabrication and device characteristics of metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) grown 1.3‐µm InP‐based InGaAsP multiquantum well ridge waveguide laser diodes (LDs) for communication systems. The LD parameters such as threshold current, differential resistivity and output power for SiO2 and SiNx passivation layers have been compared. Fabricated LDs have a threshold current, differential resistivity and output power values of 42 mA, 20 Ω, 9.3 mW and 51 mA, 25 Ω, 6.8 mW for SiO2 and SiNx passivation layers, respectively. The analyses showed that the fabricated LD with SiO2 passivation layer has a better performance than the other one in the view of lower threshold current, differential resistivity and higher output power. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optical behaviors of thin indium‐containing chalcogenide films
Authors: Petkov P. , Stoilova A. , Nedeva Y. , Petkov E.
Published: April 2010

The optical spectra of thin (GeSe5)100−xInx films, with x from 0 to 20 mol% indium, have been studied with a view to understanding the role of indium on the film behavior. An optical characterization method, based on the transmission and the reflection spectra at normal incidence of uniform, thin films, has been used to obtain the thicknesses and optical constants corresponding to the as‐deposited and annealed samples. The dispersion of the refractive index is discussed in terms of the single‐oscillator Wemple‐Di Domenico model. The absorption edges are described using both the Urbach rule and the ‘nondirect transition’ model proposed by Tauc. The variations in the refractive index, the bandgap, and the oscillation energy of the films after annealing are discussed with respect to rearrangement of the main structure units. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electronic and optical properties of GIZO thin film grown on SiO2/Si substrates
Authors: Tahir Dahlang , Lee Eun Kyoung , Kwon Hyuk Lan , Kun Oh Suhk , Kang Hee Jae , Heo Sung , Lee Eun Ha , Chung Jae Gwan , Lee Jae Cheol , Tougaard Sven
Published: April 2010

The electronic and optical properties of GaInZnO (GIZO) thin films grown on SiO2/Si by r.f. magnetron sputtering were obtained by means of XPS and reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy (REELS). The optical properties represented by the dielectric function ε, refractive index n, extinction coefficient k and transmission coefficient T of GIZO thin films were obtained from a quantitative analysis of the REELS spectra. When the concentration ratios of Ga:In:Zn in GIZO thin films are 1:1:1, 2:2:1, 3:2:1 and 4:2:1, the bandgap values are 3.2, 3.2, 3.4 and 3.6 eV, respectively. The optical properties were determined from the energy loss of the REELS spectra by using quantitative analysis of electron energy loss spectra (QUEELS)‐ε(k, ω)‐REELS software. The optical properties depend on the Ga concentration, and the transmission in the visible region improved with increasing Ga concentration in GIZO. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards a reliable characterisation of oxide layers on pure aluminium using high energy resolution FE‐AES
Authors: Vandendael I. , Hauffman T. , Van Ingelgem Y. , Hubin A. , Terryn H.
Published: April 2010

Al2O3 on metallic aluminium is a widely used material of high technological importance. For the local chemical characterisation of these substrates, field‐emission Auger electron spectroscopy (FE‐AES) bears potential thanks to its high lateral resolution. In this study, the O KLL and Al KLL Auger electron spectral lines are recorded with high energy resolution from pure aluminium, thin Al2O3 and thick Al2O3 layers on metallic aluminium. The behaviour of these aluminium oxide layers under electron beam irradiation is investigated.

It is demonstrated that, thanks to the high energy resolution used, it is possible to discriminate between the metallic and oxidised aluminium on the basis of the Al0 KL2, 3L2, 3 and Al3+ KL2, 3L2, 3 Auger electron peaks recorded within one and the same spectrum. Oxygen electron‐stimulated desorption is observed for both aluminium oxides. The estimation of the effective cross‐section for the oxygen desorption shows that the thin oxide layer is less stable against this phenomenon than the thick oxide layer. It is shown that when an Al2O3 layer is irradiated with an electron beam, surface charging occurs. These phenomena remain limited thanks to the presence of the underlying metallic aluminium substrate. Finally, it is shown that non‐homogeneities at the surface of the analysed oxides result in significant chemical shifts of the O KLL and Al KLL Auger electron transitions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adhesion Properties of Plywood Glue Containing Soybean Meal as an Extender
Authors: Hojilla‐Evangelista Mila P.
Published: April 2010

This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of soybean meal as a protein extender in plywood adhesive intended for sprayline coaters. Ground soybean meal, with 52.8% (dry basis, db) crude protein and 0.9% (db) residual oil, replaced the current industry extender, wheat flour, in the standard glue mix. Substitution was done on the protein content basis. Mixing and adhesion properties of the glue containing soybean meal were compared with those of the industry‐standard glue. The soybean meal‐based glue showed excellent mixing characteristics and its viscosity (1,275 cp) met the recommended value for this type of adhesive. Its wet tensile strength, however, was less than that of the standard glue and below the threshold value of 200 psi considered as an indicator of strong bonding. The soybean meal glue formulation was then modified further by increasing the amount of meal such that the amount of protein present was double that contributed by wheat flour in the original mix. This adjustment resulted in higher wet tensile strength (209 psi), which not only met the threshold value for strong glue bonds, but also equaled that of the standard glue. These results demonstrated that soybean meal is a viable extender in plywood glue for sprayline coaters.
Poor school bonding and delinquency over time: Bidirectional effects and sex differences
Authors: Freidenfelt Liljeberg Jenny , Eklund Jenny M. , Fritz Marie Väfors , af Klinteberg Britt
Published: April 2010

The association between poor school bonding and delinquency has only been partly addressed in earlier research. Using a longitudinal design, the objective of our study was to investigate possible bidirectional effects and sex differences between adolescents’ experienced school bonding and self‐rated delinquency over time. A total of 788 adolescents (353 boys and 435 girls) were investigated by questionnaire at age 14 and 16. Poor school attachment and commitment as well as poor teacher attachment were found to be stronger determinants of delinquency for males than for females. Delinquency predicted poor school commitment for both boys and girls, and poor school attachment for girls, thus indicating bidirectional effects over time and sex differences in some of the bidirectional effects. The study concludes that the delinquency propensity of adolescent boys may be affected by all school bonding dimensions, whereas for girls it is their relationship with their teachers that is of significance.
Validation of the German Version of the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) – Preliminary Results
Authors: Sachs G. , Winklbaur B. , Jagsch R. , Keefe R.S.E.
Published: April 2010

The German version of the BACS showed high test-retest reliability. Sensitivity and specificity scores demonstrated good ability to differentiate between patients and controls. The study suggests that the German Version of the BACS is a useful scale to evaluate cognitive functioning.
Use of genome‐scale metabolic models for understanding microbial physiology
Authors: Liu Liming , Agren Rasmus , Bordel Sergio , Nielsen Jens
Published: April 2010

The exploitation of microorganisms in industrial, medical, food and environmental biotechnology requires a comprehensive understanding of their physiology. The availability of genome sequences and accumulation of high‐throughput data allows gaining understanding of microbial physiology at the systems level, and genome‐scale metabolic models represent a valuable framework for integrative analysis of metabolism of microorganisms. Genome‐scale metabolic models are reconstructed based on a combination of genome sequence information and detailed biochemical information, and these reconstructed models can be used for analyzing and simulating the operation of metabolism in response to different stimuli. Here we discuss the requirement for having detailed physiological insight in order to exploit microorganisms for production of fuels, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. We further describe the reconstruction process of genome‐scale metabolic models and different algorithms that can be used to apply these models to gain improved insight into microbial physiology.
NirJ, a radical SAM family member of the d1 heme biogenesis cluster
Authors: Brindley Amanda A. , Zajicek Richard , Warren Martin J. , Ferguson Stuart J. , Rigby Stephen E.J.
Published: April 2010

NirJ is involved in the transformation of precorrin‐2 into heme d
1, although its precise role in the process has not been established. The purified protein was found to contain a 4Fe–4S centre, in line with the prediction that it belongs to the radical SAM class of enzymes. This was further confirmed by binding of S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine (SAM) to dithionite‐reduced NirJ, which resulted in a decrease in the signal intensity and in a shift to higher field of the [4Fe–4S]1+ EPR signal. Significantly, though, this approach also led to the appearance of a small but reproducible organic radical signal that was associated with about 2% of the NirJ molecules and was affected by the incorporation of SAM deuterated at the 5′ adenosyl group.
Spatiotemporal control of cyclic AMP immunomodulation through the PKA–Csk inhibitory pathway is achieved by anchoring to an Ezrin–EBP50–PAG scaffold in effector T cells
Authors: Cornez Isabelle , Taskén Kjetil
Published: April 2010

A variety of immunoregulatory signals to effector T cells from monocytes, macrophages and regulatory T cells act through cyclic adenosine monophosphate. In the effector T cell, the protein kinase A (PKA) type I isoenzyme localizes to lipid rafts during T cell activation and modulates directly the proximal events that take place after engagement of the T cell receptor. The most proximal target for PKA phosphorylation is C‐terminal Src kinase (Csk), which initiates a negative signal pathway that fine‐tunes the T cell activation process. The A kinase anchoring protein Ezrin colocalizes PKA and Csk by forming a supramolecular signaling complex consisting of PKA, Ezrin, Ezrin/radixin/moesin (ERM) binding protein of 50 kDa (EBP50), phosphoprotein associated with glycosphingolipid‐enriched membrane microdomains (GEMs) (PAG) and Csk.
Obesity and its outcomes among pregnant South African women
Authors: Basu Jayati K. , Jeketera Clara M. , Basu Debashis
Published: April 2010

Objective

To determine the prevalence of obesity and its effect on maternal and fetal outcomes among pregnant women at the Johannesburg Hospital, South Africa.

Methods

A retrospective study of 767 pregnant women divided into BMI groups. Complications such as pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), urinary tract infection (UTI), preterm labor, preterm rupture of membranes (PROM), induction of labor (IOL), postdates, fetal weight, and fetal outcome were compared among the BMI groups. Seasonal variation in BMI was measured. Descriptive statistics included mean with 95% confidence interval or median with interquartile range. Inferential statistics included t test, χ2 test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and analysis of covariance.

Results

Among the study population, 337 (44%) were obese or morbidly obese. The complications of GDM (P < 0.001), UTI (P = 0.002), and failed IOL (P = 0.003) were significantly more common among morbidly obese women. There was no seasonal variation in BMI.

Conclusion

The prevalence of obesity in pregnancy was high in South African women and was associated with an increase in complications.
Improving maternal and perinatal health care in the Central Asian Republics
Authors: Borchert Matthias , Bacci Alberta , Baltag Valentina , Hodorogea Stelian , Drife James
Published: April 2010

Objective

To describe our experience of a complex training intervention to introduce effective perinatal care, evidence‐based medicine, national confidential enquiries into maternal deaths, and facility‐based near‐miss case reviews in the Central Asian Republics.

Methods

We describe our experiences from training sessions and report on findings from data extraction from patient records, patient interviews, discussions with healthcare staff, and observation of health care during our follow‐up visits.

Results

Many outdated practices in perinatal care have been abandoned, and several recommended approaches have been adopted in pilot facilities. Familiarity with the concept of evidence‐based medicine has increased among participants. National confidential enquiries into maternal deaths are being prepared and facility‐based near‐miss case reviews piloted.

Conclusion

The experience of the complex training intervention to improve maternal and perinatal health care in the Central Asian Republics is encouraging, but roll‐out will be challenging. The quality of care and the attitudes of healthcare providers will have to be monitored continuously.
Mobile Marketing in the Retailing Environment: Current Insights and Future Research Avenues
Authors: Shankar Venkatesh , Venkatesh Alladi , Hofacker Charles , Naik Prasad
Published: April 2010

Mobile marketing, which involves two- or multi-way communication and promotion of an offer between a firm and its customers using the mobile, a term that refers to the mobile medium, device, channel, or technology, is growing in importance in the retailing environment. It has the potential to change the paradigm of retailing from one based on consumers entering the retailing environment to retailers entering the consumer's environment through anytime, anywhere mobile devices. We propose a conceptual framework that comprises three key entities: the consumer, the mobile, and the retailer. The framework addresses key related issues such as mobile consumer activities, mobile consumer segments, mobile adoption enablers and inhibitors, key mobile properties, key retailer mobile marketing activities and competition. We also address successful retailer mobile marketing strategies, identify the customer-related and organizational challenges on this topic, and outline future research scenarios and avenues related to these issues.
Haemotropic Mycoplasmas: What's Their Real Significance in Cats?
Authors: Tasker Séverine
Published: April 2010

Practical relevance The feline haemotropic mycoplasmas (‘haemoplasmas’) are a group of bacteria that can induce haemolytic anaemia in cats. Mycoplasma haemofelis is the most pathogenic of the species; ‘ Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ and ‘ Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ are less pathogenic. The natural route of transmission of feline haemoplasma infection has not been confirmed, but fleas are implicated. When disease results, common clinical signs are pallor, lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, depression, dehydration and pyrexia. Treatment with tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones is usually effective at resolving clinical disease, but clearance of infection may not result.

Global importance The feline haemoplasmas are found worldwide, although prevalence varies geographically.

Patient group Older male non-pedigree cats are believed to be at increased risk of haemoplasma infection, although younger cats are possibly more likely to show clinical disease associated with M haemofelis.

Clinical challenges The significance of feline haemoplasma infection is difficult to determine due to the existence of asymptomatic carrier cats and the variable pathogenicity of the haemoplasma species. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results should be interpreted in the light of the patient's clinical signs and haematological findings, infecting haemoplasma species and level of haemoplasma DNA present in the blood. Trial antibiotic treatment for haemoplasmosis may be warranted in suspected cases while awaiting PCR results.

Evidence base Aspects of feline haemoplasmosis, particularly risk factors, pathogenesis, diagnostic methods and treatment, have been the focus of much recent research. This article draws on the current evidence base with a view to helping clinicians diagnose and manage cases more effectively.
Treatment of Corneal Ulcers: What are the Medical Options?
Authors: Hartley Claudia
Published: April 2010

Practical relevance Corneal ulcers in cats (ulcerative keratitis) are a common presenting complaint, and are a frequent sequela to feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) infection. In fact, it is fair to assume an FHV-1 aetiology until proven otherwise. In practice, therefore, many cases of corneal ulceration can be treated medically, but treatment can frequently be challenging, with the need to tailor therapy carefully to the type of ulcer, the individual cat and its temperament.

Patient group All age groups and breeds can suffer with ulcerative keratitis although some breeds are over-represented for some types of corneal ulceration.

Evidence base The scientific literature on feline ulcerative keratitis is extensive, particularly that related to FHV-1 infection. This article reviews the medical treatment options for corneal ulceration in cats with reference to the current evidence base.
Treatment of Corneal Ulcers: When is Surgery Indicated?
Authors: Hartley Claudia
Published: April 2010

Practical relevance While corneal ulcers in cats frequently arise secondarily to feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) infection, and thus medical therapy is often indicated, other causes include trauma, eyelid abnormalities (agenesis, entropion, dermoids and neoplasia), tear film abnormalities and neurological deficiencies (trigeminal nerve paralysis or facial nerve paralysis). In some such cases, surgery is required. Treatment always needs to be tailored carefully according to the depth and progression of the ulcer, any concurrent ophthalmic disease, the patient's general health and demeanour, and owner compliance and financial circumstances.

Patient group All age groups and breeds can suffer with ulcerative keratitis although some breeds are over-represented for some types of corneal ulceration.

Evidence base The scientific literature on feline ulcerative keratitis is extensive. This article reviews the surgical indications for corneal ulceration in cats with reference to the current evidence base.
Successful Treatment of Acromegaly in a Diabetic Cat with Transsphenoidal Hypophysectomy
Authors: Meij Björn P , Auriemma Edoardo , Grinwis Guy , Buijtels Jenny J C W M , Kooistra Hans S
Published: April 2010

Patient and surgical treatment An 11-year-old, castrated male cat was referred for insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus. It had a ravenous appetite, increased body weight, polyuria/polydipsia and a dull hair coat. The cat was receiving 25 IU insulin four times daily but blood glucose concentrations remained elevated. Plasma concentrations of growth hormone (GH) (51 μug/l, reference range 0.8–7.2 μg/l) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) (3871 μg/l, reference range 39–590 μg/l) were highly elevated, whereas those of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone and Cortisol were normal. Computed tomography revealed a thick palatum molle and an enlarged pituitary gland, indicating a pituitary neoplasm. Microsurgical transsphenoidal hypophysectomy was performed and microscopic examination of the surgical specimen revealed an acidophilic, infiltrative pituitary adenoma that showed positive immunostaining for GH.

Outcome The clinical signs resolved and 3 weeks after surgery the cat no longer required insulin administration. One year after hypophysectomy the plasma concentrations of GH and IGF-1 were 2.4 μg/l and 113 μg/l, respectively.

Practical relevance This is the first report detailing transsphenoidal hypophysectomy as a feasible and effective treatment for feline acromegaly due to a pituitary somatotroph adenoma. Moreover, in this patient, concurrent insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus resolved completely. The surgery is discussed in the context of human and other feline therapies for acromegaly.
Synovial Osteochondroma Involving the Elbow of a Cat
Authors: Tan Chris , Allan Graeme S , Barfield Dominic , Krockenberger Mark B , Howlett Rolfe , Malik Richard
Published: April 2010

Clinical presentation A 12-year-old spayed domestic crossbred cat presented because she would not walk down stairs. A firm swelling on the medial aspect of the elbow was detected during physical examination. The lesion was not hot or painful on palpation and the lameness was mild, but the elbow had a reduced range of motion compared with the contralateral limb.

Diagnosis and treatment Plain radiographs, physical findings, the appearance of the lesion at surgery and histopathological examination of biopsy specimens suggested the mass was a synovial osteochondroma arising from synovial membrane near the medial portion of the elbow joint. Resection of the lesion improved the cat's mobility and overall clinical status. At the time of writing, the cat continued to do well 18 months following surgery and was receiving standard doses of meloxicam for the concurrent elbow osteoarthritis.

Practical relevance Practitioners should be alert to the possibility of this benign entity. Misdiagnosis as a chondrosarcoma, for example, might conceivably lead to radical and unnecessary amputation.
Congenital Large Intestinal Hypoganglionosis in a Domestic Shorthair Kitten
Authors: Roe Kirsty A M , Syme Harriet M , Brooks Harriet W
Published: April 2010

Clinical presentation and investigations An 11-week-old female domestic shorthair kitten presented with a history of constipation since weaning. Abdominal distension was noted on physical examination and abdominal radiographs revealed a large volume of faeces in the descending and transverse colon. Colonoscopy was unremarkable and euthanasia was performed at the owners' request.

Diagnosis The histological diagnosis of large intestinal hypoganglionosis was made post mortem.

Significance This appears to be the first reported case of congenital hypoganglionosis in a kitten with histopathological confirmation of the diagnosis. It may potentially be a more common cause of constipation in kittens and young cats than has previously been suspected.
Molecular basis for therapy resistance
Authors: Lønning Per E.
Published: April 2010

Chemoresistance remains the main reason for therapeutic failure in breast cancer as well as most other solid tumours. While gene expression profiles related to prognosis have been developed, so far use of such signatures as well as single markers has been of limited value predicting drug resistance. Novel technologies, in particular with regard to high through‐put sequencing holds great promises for future identification of the key “driver” mechanisms guiding chemosensitivity versus resistance in breast cancer as well as other malignant conditions.
Triple‐negative breast cancer: Present challenges and new perspectives
Authors: Podo Franca , Buydens Lutgarde M.C. , Degani Hadassa , Hilhorst Riet , Klipp Edda , Gribbestad Ingrid S. , Van Huffel Sabine , W.M. van Laarhoven Hanneke , Luts Jan , Monleon Daniel , Postma Geert J. , Schneiderhan-Marra Nicole , Santoro Filippo , Wouters Hans , Russnes Hege G. , Sørlie Therese , Tagliabue Elda , Børresen-Dale Anne-Lise
Published: April 2010

Triple‐negative breast cancers (TNBC), characterized by absence of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and lack of overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), are typically associated with poor prognosis, due to aggressive tumor phenotype(s), only partial response to chemotherapy and present lack of clinically established targeted therapies. Advances in the design of individualized strategies for treatment of TNBC patients require further elucidation, by combined ‘omics’ approaches, of the molecular mechanisms underlying TNBC phenotypic heterogeneity, and the still poorly understood association of TNBC with BRCA1 mutations. An overview is here presented on TNBC profiling in terms of expression signatures, within the functional genomic breast tumor classification, and ongoing efforts toward identification of new therapy targets and bioimaging markers. Due to the complexity of aberrant molecular patterns involved in expression, pathological progression and biological/clinical heterogeneity, the search for novel TNBC biomarkers and therapy targets requires collection of multi‐dimensional data sets, use of robust multivariate data analysis techniques and development of innovative systems biology approaches.
Simplicial radditive functors
Authors: Voevodsky Vladimir
Published: April 2010

The simplicial extension of any functor from Sets to Sets which commutes with directed colimits respects weak equivalences. In the present paper we construct a framework which allows one to extend this result to a wide class of model categories and functors between such categories.