bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A re-evaluation of the Italian historical geomagnetic catalogue: implications for paleomagnetic dating at active Italian volcanoes
Authors: D'Ajello Caracciolo F. , Pignatelli A. , Speranza F. , Meloni A.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. Paleomagnetism is proving to represent one of the most powerful dating tools of volcanics emplaced in Italy during the last few centuries/millennia. This method requires that valuable proxies of the local geomagnetic field (paleo)secular variation ((P)SV) are available. To this end, we re-evaluate the whole Italian geomagnetic directional data set, consisting of 833 and 696 declination and inclination (respectively) measurements carried out since 1640 AD at several localities. All directions were relocated via virtual geomagnetic pole method to Stromboli (38.8° N, 15.2° E), rough centre of the active Italian volcanoes. For declination-only measurements, missing inclinations were derived (always by pole method) by French data (for period 1670–1789), and by nearby Italian sites/years (for periods 1640–1657 and 1790–1962). Using post-1805 declination values, we obtain a 0.46 ± 0.19 °/yr westward drift of the geomagnetic field for Italy. Original observation years were modified considering such drift value to derive a drift-corrected relocated data set. Both data sets were found to be in substantial agreement with directions derived from the field models by Jackson et al. (2000) and Pavon-Carrasco et al. (2009). However, the drift-corrected data set minimizes the differences between the Italian data and both field models, and eliminates a persistent 1.6° shift of 1933–1962 declination values from Castellaccio with respect to other nearly coeval Italian data. The relocated data sets were used to calculate two post-1640 Italian SV curves, with mean directions calculated every 30 and 10 years before and after 1790, respectively. Curve comparison suggests that the regional model by Pavon-Carrasco et al. (2009) yields the best available SV curve to perform paleomagnetic dating of 1600–1800 AD Italian volcanics, while the Italian drift-corrected curve is probably preferable for the XIX century. For the XX century, the global model by Jackson et al. (2000) yields more accurate inclination values, while the declinations from our drift-corrected curve seem to better represent the local field evolution, at least for the first half of the century.
Petermann Glacier, North Greenland: massive calving in 2010 and the past half century
Authors: Johannessen O. M. , Babiker M. , Miles M. W.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. Greenland's marine-terminating glaciers drain large amounts of solid ice through calving of icebergs, as well as melting of floating glacial ice. Petermann Glacier, North Greenland, has the Northern Hemisphere's long floating ice shelf. A massive (~270 km2) calving event was observed from satellite sensors in August 2010. In order to understand this in perspective, here we perform a comprehensive retrospective data analysis of Petermann Glacier calving-front variability spanning half a century. Here we establish that there have been at least four massive (100+ km2) calving events over the past 50 years: (1) 1959–1961 (~153 km2), (2) 1991 (~168 km2), (3) 2001 (~71 km2) and (4) 2010 (~270 km2), as well as ~31 km2 calved in 2008. The terminus position in 2010 has retreated ~15 km beyond the envelope of previous observations. Whether the massive calving in 2010 represents natural episodic variability or a response to global and/or ocean warming in the fjord remains speculative, although this event supports the contention that the ice shelf recently has become vulnerable due to extensive fracturing and channelized basal melting.
Hydrogen Production from Renewables
Authors: Navarro Rufino M. , Sanchez‐Sanchez M. Cruz , Alvarez‐Galvan M. Consuelo , Fierro Jose Luis G. , Al‐Zaharani Saeed M.
Published: January 2011

Hydrogen is considered to be critical for energy and environmental sustainability. However, as hydrogen is currently produced from fossil fuels, it emits large amounts of carbon dioxide along the reforming steps. The technical challenges to achieve a stable hydrogen economy include improving process efficiencies, lowering the cost of production, and harnessing renewable sources for hydrogen production. Lignocellulosic biomass is one of the most abundant forms of renewable resources. When this precursor is used, virtually no net greenhouse gas emissions result because a natural cycle is maintained, in which carbon is extracted from the atmosphere during plant growth and is released during hydrogen production. This article focuses on recent developments in biomass and biomass‐derived product conversion to H2. The second option explored here is the conversion of solar energy into hydrogen via water‐splitting processes assisted by two‐step metal‐oxide thermochemical cycles or by photosemiconductor catalysts. The conversion of solar energy into a clean fuel (H2) is the most promising technology for the future because large quantities of hydrogen can potentially be generated in a clean and sustainable manner. Undoubtedly, the conversion of solar energy into H2is one of the greatest challenges scientists are facing in the twenty first century. A survey is presented of the advances made in the development of metal oxide redox pairs since the pioneering work by Nakamura in 1977 and in the development of photocatalysts for water splitting under visible light since the first work of Fujishima and Honda in 1972. The very high thermal reduction temperature used for the metal oxide redox pairs developed until now leads to severe sintering, melting, and vaporization of materials, decreasing the efficiency and durability in the cyclic operation. Consequently, the application of material science and engineering to the development of materials with lower reduction temperature and high water‐splitting ability is still a challenge in this scientific area and an overview of the progress is provided in this article. On the other hand, there are still major challenges in the development of photocatalysts with improved efficiencies for hydrogen production from water using solar energy. An overview is provided in this article of research strategies and approaches adopted in the search for photocatalysts for water splitting under visible light (new photocatalyst materials and the control of the synthesis of materials for customizing the crystallinity, electronic structure, and morphology of catalysts at nanometric scale).
Fuel Cells: Enzymes and Microbes for Energy Production
Authors: Barrière Frédéric
Published: January 2011

The use of redox enzymes and bacteria as catalysts at the electrodes of fuel cells is reviewed with an emphasis on some inorganic aspects of the research. In biofuel cells, redox enzymes catalyze the oxidation of organic substrates like glucose at the anode or the reduction of electron acceptors like dioxygen at the cathode. Many of the redox enzymes have metal‐active sites that are of interest to the bioinorganic chemist. Moreover, efficient electrical linking between a redox enzyme and an electrode requires the mediation of a small electroactive molecule, capable of diffusing and shuttling electrons between the core of the enzyme and the electrode surface. These redox mediators may be coordination or organometallic complexes. In microbial fuel cells, the biocatalysts are living microorganisms, most often bacteria. At the anode, the bacteria metabolize organic substrates like sugars or acetate. In the absence of dioxygen or other natural electron acceptors, some species of bacteria may transfer electrons to the anode of a fuel cell. Different mechanisms for bacterial anodic electron transfer are proposed and discussed in this article. One common feature of these processes is the direct or indirect linking of the electrode surface to the outer‐membrane‐bound electron‐transfer chain of the respiratory system of bacteria. This system contains a chain of redox enzymes containing cytochrome‐type active sites that may be directly electrochemically addressed in some cases. At the cathode of microbial fuel cell, some bacteria may also accept electrons and catalyze the reduction of electron acceptors like nitrate, sulfate, and dioxygen. Given the importance of dioxygen reduction in most fuel cells, a perspective is given on the way inorganic chemistry may contribute to the design of efficient electrode catalysts through molecular, material, enzymatic, or biological approaches. Finally, the prospect of self‐sustained biological fuel cell is discussed with integration of plants with their anolyte as an in situ fuel provider in the form of root exudates, or enrichment of dioxygen in their catholyte with photosynthetic activity of algae. Although the emphasis is on the inorganic themes of biological fuel cell research, the important multidisciplinary approaches of the topic are put forward. This article also contains discussions on the relative performances and applications of both types of biological fuel cells.
Fuel Cells: Proton Exchange Membranes
Authors: Devanathan Ram
Published: January 2011

Proton exchange membrane, also known as polymer electrolyte membrane, fuel cells (PEMFCs) offer the promise of efficient conversion of chemical energy of fuel, such as hydrogen or methanol, into electricity with minimal pollution. Their widespread use to power zero‐emission automobiles as part of a hydrogen economy can contribute to enhanced energy security and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. However, the commercial viability of PEMFC technology is hindered by high cost associated with the membrane‐electrode assembly (MEA) and poor membrane durability under prolonged operation at elevated temperature. Membranes for automotive fuel cell applications need to perform well over a period comparable to the life of an automotive engine and under heavy load cycling including start‐stop cycling under subfreezing conditions. The combination of elevated temperature, changes in humidity levels, physical stresses, and harsh chemical environment contribute to membrane degradation. Perfluorinated sulfonic acid (PFSA)‐based membranes, such as Nafion
®
, have been the mainstay of PEMFC technology. Their limitations, in terms of cost and poor conductivity at low hydration, have led to continuing research into membranes that have good proton conductivity at elevated temperatures above 120 °C and under low‐humidity conditions. Such membranes have the potential to avoid catalyst poisoning, simplify fuel cell design, and reduce the cost of fuel cells. Hydrocarbon‐based membranes are being developed as alternatives to PFSA membranes, but concerns about chemical and mechanical stability and durability remain. Novel anhydrous membranes based on polymer gels infused with protic ionic liquids have also been recently proposed, but considerable fundamental research is needed to understand proton transport in novel membranes and evaluate durability under fuel cell operating conditions. In order to advance this promising technology, it is essential to rationally design the next generation of PEMs on the basis of an understanding of chemistry, membrane morphology, and proton transport obtained from experiment, theory, and computer simulation.
Oxygen Production from Water: Molecular Catalysts
Authors: Llobet Antoni , Romain Sophie
Published: January 2011

This article presents an overview of the established basis needed for the oxidation of water to dioxygen, and thus the demands a catalyst needs to fulfill to be able to perform this reaction. It further describes the structure, redox properties, and performance of selected molecular catalysts that have been reported to be able to perform this difficult reaction and that can be considered as references in the field. The scarce reaction mechanism studies that have been described are also summarized and discussed. The article mainly deals with Ru complexes, because they constitute most of the available literature at the moment, and are classified as a function of their nuclearity. Other transition metal complexes of relevance based on Ir, Co, and Mn are also described. Finally, a few conclusions are drawn from the global description of all of the catalysts presented here, and the challenges and opportunities in the field are also discussed.
Photosynthesis: Energy Conversion
Authors: Ulas Gözde , Brudvig Gary W.
Published: January 2011

The process of water oxidation and carbon dioxide reduction in oxygenic photosynthesis involves a complex series of events that start with light energy capture and end with its storage in the form of the chemical energy in glucose. These reactions provide a solution to efficient solar energy conversion into high‐energy chemicals. The principles revealed by study of natural photosynthetic systems may be used to design artificial systems for solar fuel production. Understanding the light‐driven oxidation of water, in particular, is of high interest, as this half reaction could be used in sustainable solar fuel production by processes of artificial photosynthesis to meet the world's growing energy demand. In this article, we look into the intricate photosynthetic machinery and the various processes that it performs in order to efficiently capture, convert, and store light energy. Our main focus is on the so‐called “light” reactions, where specific processes are driven by direct light absorption. As a result, reducing equivalents are extracted from water and transferred to NADP+, to be used in the carbon‐fixing reactions, which are not directly modulated by sunlight. We describe the characteristic features of each protein in the photosynthetic electron‐transport machinery, and specifically focus on the water‐oxidation catalysis performed as the first step of oxygenic photosynthesis by the metalloenzyme photosystem II, due to its relevance to synthetic biomimetic water‐oxidation catalysts. Several processes that photosystem II employs to couple light energy absorption to catalytic turnover are discussed, including proton and electron transfers, redox leveling, charge accumulation, and proposed catalytic mechanisms.
Fuel Cells: Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxides
Authors: Atkinson Alan , Kilner John , Skinner Stephen , Brandon Nigel P. , Brett Dan J. L.
Published: January 2011

Fuel cells are electrochemical energy conversion devices that convert chemical energy in fuels directly into electrical energy, without the process of combustion. As a result, they are not constrained by the same thermodynamic limitations as those of heat engines and therefore have the potential to achieve higher efficiencies. High‐temperature solid oxide fuel cells (HT‐SOFCs) operate up to 1000 °C. These fuel cells achieve very high system efficiencies when integrated with gas turbines for large‐scale stationary applications. However, operation at such high temperatures means that the components of the stack need to be predominantly ceramic, in addition to expensive high‐temperature metal alloys. For smaller scale applications, there is a trend to move to lower operating temperatures, into the so‐called intermediate‐temperature (IT) range of 500–750 °C. In doing so, a wider range of construction materials can be used, offering reduced system cost and, in principle, improved performance durability. In this article, we introduce the IT‐SOFC and explain their main operational advantages. We also focus on the combination of inorganic materials and processing routes that go to make reduced temperature SOFC operation possible.
Electrochemical and Photoelectrochemical Conversion of Carbondioxide to Alcohols
Authors: Crabtree Robert H.
Published: January 2011

Energy storage for intermittent alternative energy sources such as wind and solar could take the form of CO2reduction to liquid fuels, such as methanol. Electrochemical and photoelectrochemical methods are discussed.
Energy Research: Computational Challenges
Authors: Batista Victor S.
Published: January 2011

The emergence of photocatalytic solar cells based on semiconductor materials functionalized with earth‐abundant transition metal complexes represent a promising development for the sustainable production of fuel from renewable resources (e.g., water). This article reviews recent advances in studies of nanoporous TiO2 thin films sensitized with manganese catalysts, with emphasis on recent computational work integrated with synthesis, electrochemistry, and spectroscopy. The resulting interdisciplinary approach addresses fundamental aspects that affect the overall efficiency of photocatalytic mechanisms, including proton‐coupled electron transfer, rectification of interfacial electron transfer, and visible light absorption, providing guidelines for the design of novel photocatalytic materials for fuel production.
Supercapacitors: Electrode Materials Aspects
Authors: Zhang Li Li , Lei Zhibin , Zhang Jintao , Tian Xiaoning , Zhao Xiu Song
Published: January 2011

Global warming and the finite nature of fossil fuels have driven the world to adopt sustainable and renewable energies. Electrochemical energy conversion and storage systems are considered as such energy sources. As a bridge between high‐power‐output conventional capacitors and high‐energy‐density batteries, supercapacitors (also known as ultracapacitors or electrical double layer capacitors) are an ideal electrochemical energy‐storage system, suitable for rapid storage and release of energy. In comparison with that of batteries, the energy density of supercapacitors is much lower. Therefore, improving the energy density without sacrificing the high power density of supercapacitors has been a key research direction in developing high‐performance supercapacitor devices. The properties of the active electrode materials, including surface area, pore size, pore connectivity, electric conductivity, and surface chemistry, play a crucial role in determining the ultimate performance of the supercapacitor. This article presents an overview of literature data on supercapacitor electrode materials. With a brief description of the structure and energy‐storage mechanism of supercapacitors, recent advancements in electrode materials including carbon‐based materials (e.g., activated carbon, templated carbon, carbon nanotubes, graphene), transition‐metal oxides, and conducting polymers are summarized and discussed.
Anisotropy of Charge Transport in a Uniaxially Aligned and Chain‐Extended, High‐Mobility, Conjugated Polymer Semiconductor
Authors: Lee Mi Jung , Gupta Dhritiman , Zhao Ni , Heeney Martin , McCulloch Iain , Sirringhaus Henning
Published: January 2011

Charge transport in the ribbon phase of poly(2,5‐bis(3‐alkylthiophen‐2‐yl)thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene) (PBTTT)—one of the most highly ordered, chain‐extended crystalline microstructures available in a conjugated polymer semiconductor—is studied. Ribbon‐phase PBTTT has previously been found not to exhibit high carrier mobilities, but it is shown here that field‐effect mobilities depend strongly on the device architecture and active interface. When devices are constructed such that the ribbon‐phase films are in contact with either a polymer gate dielectric or an SiO2 gate dielectric modified by a hydrophobic, self‐assembled monolayer, high mobilities of up to 0.4 cm2 V−1 s−1 can be achieved, which is comparable to those observed previously in terrace‐phase PBTTT. In uniaxially aligned, zone‐cast films of ribbon‐phase PBTTT the mobility anisotropy is measured for transport both parallel and perpendicular to the polymer chain direction. The mobility anisotropy is relatively small, with the mobility along the polymer chain direction being higher by a factor of 3–5, consistent with the grain size encountered in the two transport directions.
Equilibrium and kinetics of vancomycin adsorption on polymeric adsorbent
Authors: Likozar Blaž , Senica David , Pavko Aleksander
Published: January 2011

Isolation step of vancomycin, a glycopeptide antibiotic, is usually done from fermentation broth filtrate, while its adsorption directly from the whole broth could rationalize the process. The equilibrium and kinetics of vancomycin adsorption from broth supernatant, diluted and whole broth on polymeric adsorbent was studied in this work. Experimental equilibrium data was correlated with Sips, Langmuir, Freundlich, and linear adsorption isotherms. Agreement between measured and regressed data for the first three mentioned models did not vary much and was relatively high. The maximum adsorbed amount for supernatant was higher than for fermentation broths because mycelium particles blocked adsorbent surface. Liquid film mass transfer studies showed that external mass transfer resistance could have been neglected. Diffusion of vancomycin inside adsorbent particles was acknowledged using a nonstructural, homogenous surface diffusion and bidisperse pore models. Model simulations indicated that kinetics of the process could be improved by using smaller adsorbent particles. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Power‐law polymer solution flow in a converging annular spinneret: Analytical approximation and numerical computation
Authors: Tung Kuo‐Lun , Li Yu‐Ling , Hu Che‐Chia , Chen Yu‐Shao
Published: January 2011

A simplified analytical solution for the flow of power‐law liquids through a conical annulus was derived to estimate the flow profile, wall shear rate, and elongation rate in the spinneret during the spinning of hollow fiber membranes. The velocity profiles and shear and elongation rates of the power‐law fluid showed good agreement with those obtained from computational fluid dynamic simulations. Although the actual spinneret is characterized by an annulus with a converging cross section, most studies to date have used a geometrical concentric annulus for the sake of simplicity. The results of the current work indicate that neglecting the converging characteristics of the actual spinneret can lead to significant underestimation of the wall shear rate. Using the equations derived in our work, we were able to predict not only the velocity profile but also the wall shear rate and the elongation rate; the influence of the spinneret design on the membrane morphology and properties were also examined. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
The dining etiquette of desert baboons: the roles of social bonds, kinship, and dominance in co‐feeding networks
Authors: King Andrew J. , Clark Fay E. , Cowlishaw Guy
Published: January 2011

To better understand how individual relationships influence patterns of social foraging in primate groups, we explored networks of co‐feeding in wild desert baboons (Papio ursinus). To minimize the risk of aggression and injury associated with contest competition, we expected that individual group members would choose to co‐feed with those group‐mates that are most likely to show tolerance and a willingness to share food patches. We tested two alternative hypotheses about who those group‐mates might be: the “social bonds hypothesis” predicts that preferred foraging partners will be those with whom individuals share strong social bonds, indexed by grooming, whereas the “kinship hypothesis” predicts that preferred foraging partners will be relatives. We also investigated and controlled for the effects of dominance rank, given that competitive ability is known to shape foraging patterns. Social network analyses of over 5,000 foraging events for 14 adults in a single troop revealed that baboon co‐feeding was significantly correlated with grooming relationships but not genetic relatedness, and this finding was also true of the female‐only co‐feeding network. Dominant individuals were also found to be central to the co‐feeding network, frequently sharing food patches with multiple group‐mates. This polyadic analysis of foraging associations between individuals underlines the importance of dominance and affiliation to patterns of primate social foraging. Am. J. Primatol. 73:768–774, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The enigmatic Arunachal macaque: its biogeography, biology and taxonomy in Northeastern India
Authors: Biswas Jihosuo , Borah Dhiraj K. , Das Abhijit , Das Jayanta , Bhattacharjee P. C. , Mohnot S. M. , Horwich Robert H.
Published: January 2011

The purpose of this study was to determine the taxonomic status of an unidentified enigmatic macaque seen by scientists since the late 1990s in Arunachal Pradesh, India. We surveyed 49 troops of enigmatic macaques in four districts of Arunachal Pradesh. The population studied is from the macaque sinica‐group as defined by the reproductive organs. The main species‐separating trait in the sinica‐group is tail length to head and body length ratio that decreases with latitude and elevation. We gathered data on morphology, pelage descriptions, tail to head and body ratios and tail to hind foot ratios from photos and live animals (43 individuals from 36 areas) within the range of and between the two subspecies of the Assamese macaque (Macaca assamensis). We compared the data to six western Assamese macaques and studies of Assamese macaques and related species. We found great variability in tail length, pelage color, facial skin color, and facial and hair patterns. The tail/head–body and tail/foot ratios, although varied, supported the hypothesis that these enigmatic forms were part of a population of Assamese macaques found in the gap between the two subspecies ranges and were not a new species as described earlier. Instead, we found evidence that darker pelage, larger body size, and shorter tails occur at higher elevations and latitudes similar to the general trend in the sinica‐group's adaptations to colder climates. Thus, the population may be important for its variation, throwing light on the speciation process and how the northern species of Tibetan macaques evolved from an ancestor similar to the Assamese macaques as adaptations to a colder climate. Am. J. Primatol. 73:458–473, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photochemische Reaktionen als Schlüsselschritte in der Naturstoffsynthese
Authors: Bach Thorsten , Hehn Jörg P.
Published: January 2011

Photochemische Reaktionen bereichern in signifikanter Weise das Repertoire zur Knüpfung von Kohlenstoff‐Kohlenstoff‐Bindungen und machen ungewöhnliche, auf herkömmlichem Weg nicht erhältliche Molekülgerüste zugänglich. In diesem Aufsatz werden die wichtigsten Umsetzungen der Photochemie vorgestellt, die auf breiter Front Einzug in die Naturstoffsynthese gehalten haben. Beispielhaft werden einzelne Totalsynthesen diskutiert, wobei besonderes Augenmerk auf den photochemischen Schlüsselschritt sowie dessen Stereoselektivität gerichtet ist. Dabei wird das photochemisch erzeugte Molekül in Relation zur Struktur des Naturstoffs gebracht, und Folgereaktionen werden, wo notwendig, illustriert und klassifiziert.
Demonstration of the IDEAL recommendations for evaluating and reporting surgical innovation in minimally invasive oesophagectomy
Authors: Blazeby J M , Blencowe N S , Titcomb D R , Metcalfe C , Hollowood A D , Barham C P
Published: January 2011

Background

The Idea, Development, Evaluation, Assessment and Long term study (IDEAL) framework makes recommendations for evaluating and reporting surgical innovation and adoption, but remains untested.

Methods

A prospective database was created for the introduction of minimally invasive techniques for oesophagectomy. IDEAL stages of development and evaluation were examined retrospectively in a series of patients undergoing laparoscopically assisted oesophagectomy (LAO), two- or three-phase minimally invasive oesophagectomy (MIO) and open oesophagectomy.

Results

A total of 192 patients were involved. In IDEAL stages 1 and 2a, LAO in 16 patients was uneventful, but two-phase MIO in six patients was abandoned following consecutive technical complications. Two-phase MIO was modified to a three-phase MIO procedure, and the results of LAO (67 patients), three-phase MIO (35) and open techniques (68) were studied in IDEAL stage 2b. Major complications (Clavien–Dindo grades III and IV) occurred in 12 (18 per cent), nine (26 per cent) and 14 (21 per cent) LAO, three-phase MIO and open procedures respectively. There were four in-hospital deaths (2 LAO and 2 open).

Conclusion

The IDEAL framework is a feasible method for documenting the development and implementation of a procedure. MIO should now be compared with open surgery in a randomized controlled trial (IDEAL stage 3).
A phase 2 trial of bortezomib followed by the addition of doxorubicin at progression in patients with recurrent or metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Argiris Athanassios , Ghebremichael Musie , Burtness Barbara , Axelrod Rita S. , Deconti Ronald C. , Forastiere Arlene A.
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND:

Bortezomib, an inhibitor of the 26S proteasome and NF‐κB, may have antitumor activity in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Preclinical studies have shown synergy between bortezomib and doxorubicin.

METHODS:

Eligibility criteria included incurable ACC, any number of prior therapies but without an anthracycline, unidimensionally measurable disease, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0‐2, and ejection fraction within normal limits. Patients with stable disease for ≥9 months were excluded. Patients received bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2 by intravenous (IV) push on Days 1, 4, 8, and 11, every 21 days until progression. Doxorubicin 20 mg/m2 IV on Days 1 and 8 was added at the time of progression.

RESULTS:

Twenty‐five patients were enrolled, of whom 24 were eligible; the most common distant metastatic sites were the lung (n = 22) and the liver (n = 7). There was no objective response with single‐agent bortezomib; best response was stable disease in 15 (71%) of 21 evaluable patients. The median progression‐free survival and overall survival were 6.4 months and 21 months, respectively. Of 10 evaluable patients who received bortezomib plus doxorubicin, 1 had a partial response, and 6 had stable disease. The most frequent toxicity with bortezomib was grade 3 sensory neuropathy (16%). With bortezomib plus doxorubicin, serious toxicities seen more than once were grade 3‐4 neutropenia (n = 3) and grade 3 anorexia (n = 2).

CONCLUSIONS:

Bortezomib was well tolerated and resulted in disease stabilization in a high percentage of patients but no objective responses. The combination of bortezomib and doxorubicin was also well tolerated and may warrant further investigation in ACC. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
CH⋅⋅⋅π Interaction‐Modulated Solid‐State Packing and Carrier Mobility in Thienyl and Thieno[3,2‐b]Thienyl End‐Capped Distyrylarylene Derivatives
Authors: Li Ye‐Xin , Liang Zuo‐Qin , Xi He , Ma Lu‐Lu , He Tao , Yuan Chun‐Xue , Tao Xu‐Tang
Published: January 2011

Research on structure–property relationships in distyrylarylene derivatives is far behind their wide applications in optoelectronic devices due to the absence of crystal structure information. Herein, the single crystals of 4,4′‐bis(2‐thienylvinyl)biphenyl (1) and 4,4′‐bis(2‐thieno[3,2‐b]thienylvinyl)biphenyl (2) were successfully grown by the vapor transport method. Both molecules adopt the typical herringbone packing motif. However, the intermolecular CH⋅⋅⋅π interaction in compound 2 is much stronger than that in compound 1. The correlations of interchain interaction with film morphology, optical and electronic properties were studied. Compound 2 formed higher crystalline films with (001) and (111) orientations. The organic field‐effect transistor properties of both materials were investigated. Compound 2 showed better performance with a hole mobility higher than 0.01 cm2 V−1 s−1 and an on/off current ratio over 106. These results reveal that the intensity of CH⋅⋅⋅π interactions can exert dramatic influences on the optical and electronic properties of distyrylarylene‐based materials.
Growth and characterization of buried GaSb p‐n junctions for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Baldini M. , Ghezzi C. , Parisini A. , Tarricone L. , Vantaggio S. , Gombia E. , Motta A. , Gasparotto A.
Published: January 2011

Structures composed of a p++(Zn)GaAs layer deposited by MOVPE on a n(Te)‐doped GaSb substrate were fabricated, with the purpose of obtaining GaSb p‐n homo‐junctions, through the diffusion of Zn into the substrate, for photovoltaic applications. Different Zn doping levels and post‐growth annealing parameters were investigated. The junctions were characterized from the electrical point of view by I‐V measurements, while Zn diffusion profiles were studied by SIMS analysis. The effective achievement of a GaSb buried junction, whose profile is characterized by a limited Zn diffusion into the substrate, was evidenced. Efficiency measurements by a solar simulator on 5x5 mm2 samples were also performed in order to investigate the photovoltaic properties of the structure. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Quantitative Electron Tomography Study of Ruthenium Particles on the Interior and Exterior Surfaces of Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Friedrich Heiner , Guo Shujing , de Jongh Petra E. , Pan Xiulian , Bao Xinhe , de Jong Krijn P.
Published: January 2011

The efficiency of filling carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by ultrasound‐assisted wet impregnation is quantified by electron tomography (ET). For image analysis, a method that combines edge detection with single‐value thresholding is proposed and validated. A high proportion (80 wt %) of the ruthenium was deposited inside the tube at an average particle size of 2–4 nm. Particles located on the outer surface of the CNT had a size of 1–3 nm. The local ruthenium loading measured by ET (3.2 wt %) closely matched the value from elemental analysis (3.5 wt %). In addition, a few 1 nm‐sized ruthenium particles were detected inside the carbon wall, which contained pores/cracks. Direct imaging and quantification is a powerful tool to understand and possibly model the unique properties of CNT‐based catalysts.
PLA nanoparticles loaded with an active lactone form of hydroxycamptothecin: Development, optimization, and in vitro–in vivo evaluation in mice bearing H22 solid tumor
Authors: Hou Zhenqing , Zhou Chunxiao , Luo Ying , Zhan Chuanming , Wang Yixiao , Xie Liya , Zhang Qiqing
Published: January 2011

Hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT)‐loaded PLA nanoparticles were prepared by a one‐step method using the direct dialysis technique, and were examined for particle characteristics, in vitro drug release, and cytotoxicity, as well as antitumor efficiency. Three main influential factors based on the results of a single‐factor test, i.e., PLA concentration, ratio of HCPT to PLA (wt/wt), and dialysis bags with different molecule weight cutoffs, were evaluated using an orthogonal design, giving nanoparticles an average diameter of ∼226.8 nm with smooth surface, modest drug entrapment efficiency (65.15%), and fine drug‐loading content (5.16%, w/w). HCPT was in a crystalline state within the particles. In vitro drug release studies exhibited a slow and prolonged release profile over a period of 30 days. The cytotoxicity test on BEL‐7402 cells indicated that the HCPT‐PLA nanoparticles were more cytotoxic than commercially available HCPT injection. When the antitumor effect was examined by i.v. administration to mice bearing H22 solid tumor, HCPT‐PLA nanoparticles showed a significant suppression of tumor growth without loss of body weight. These results suggest that HCPT‐PLA nanoparticles prepared by the dialysis technique present desirable characteristics for sustained drug delivery and are potentially useful to enhance the antitumor efficacy of HCPT. Drug Dev Res 72: 337–345, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The eye as an organizer of craniofacial development
Authors: Kish Phillip E. , Bohnsack Brenda L. , Gallina Donika , Kasprick Daniel S. , Kahana Alon
Published: January 2011

The formation and invagination of the optic stalk coincides with the migration of cranial neural crest (CNC) cells, and a growing body of data reveals that the optic stalk and CNC cells communicate to lay the foundations for periocular and craniofacial development. Following migration, the interaction between the developing eye and surrounding periocular mesenchyme (POM) continues, leading to induction of transcriptional regulatory cascades that regulate craniofacial morphogenesis. Studies in chick, mice, and zebrafish have revealed a remarkable level of genetic and mechanistic conservation, affirming the power of each animal model to shed light on the broader morphogenic process. This review will focus on the role of the developing eye in orchestrating craniofacial morphogenesis, utilizing morphogenic gradients, paracrine signaling, and transcriptional regulatory cascades to establish an evolutionarily‐conserved facial architecture. We propose that in addition to the forebrain, the eye functions during early craniofacial morphogenesis as a key organizer of facial development, independent of its role in vision. genesis 49:222–230, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sox9 function in craniofacial development and disease
Authors: Lee Young‐Hoon , Saint‐Jeannet Jean‐Pierre
Published: January 2011

The Sox family of transcriptional regulators has been implicated in the control of a broad array of developmental processes. One member of this family SOX9 was first identified as a candidate gene for campomelic dysplasia (CD), a human syndrome affecting skeletal, and testis development. In these patients most endochondral bones of the face fail to develop resulting in multiple defects such as micrognathia, cleft palate, and facial dysmorphia. In this review we describe Sox9 expression during embryonic development and summarize loss of function experiments in frog, fish, and mouse embryos highlighting the role of Sox9 in regulating morphogenesis of the face. We also discuss the mutations in and around SOX9 responsible for craniofacial defects in CD patients. genesis 49:200–208, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling of voltage hysteresis and relaxation of HEV NiMH battery
Authors: Ota Yutaka , Hashimoto Yoshihiro
Published: January 2011

SOC (State of Charge) estimation‐based battery management is essential for HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) applications. The SOC can be estimated by the relationship between the OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) and SOC, which is based on the Nernst equation, in combination with Coulomb counting. However, voltage hysteresis and relaxation make measurement of the OCV difficult. The OCV measured after charge (discharge) is higher (lower) than the OCV estimated by the Nernst equation, and relaxes slowly with a time constant from a few minutes to a few hours. In this paper, to express voltage hysteresis and relaxation, a three‐layer model for nickel active materials is proposed. A voltage gap between the surface and inside of the nickel active material is introduced, and voltage hysteresis is modeled with the surface partial battery governing the OCV of the whole battery. Voltage relaxation is also expressed as equalization between the surface layer and the relaxation layer with a higher internal resistance. The static and dynamic behavior of the proposed model is confirmed through experiments with a 7.2‐V 6.5‐Ah NiMH battery module. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 175(1): 1–7, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21102
Cortical representation of the human hand assessed by two levels of high‐resolution EEG recordings
Authors: Houzé Bérengère , Perchet Caroline , Magnin Michel , Garcia‐Larrea Luis
Published: January 2011

Increasing interest in cortical plasticity has prompted the growing use of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) to estimate changes in the cortical representation of body regions. Here, we tested the effect of different sites of hand stimulation and of the density of spatial sampling in the quality of estimation of somatosensory sources. Sources of two SEP components from the primary somatosensory cortex (N20/P20 and P45) were estimated using two levels of spatial sampling (64‐ vs. 128‐channel) and stimulation of four distal sites in the upper limbs, including single digits (first vs. fifth) and distal nerves with comparable cortical projection (superficial branch of the radial nerve and distal ulnar nerve). The most robust separation of somatosensory sources was achieved by comparing the cortical representations of the first digit and the distal ulnar nerve territories on the N20/P20 component of SEPs. Although both the 64‐ and the 128‐electrode montages correctly discriminated these two areas, only the 128‐electrode montage was able to significantly separate sources in the other cases, notably when using first versus fifth digit stimulation. Trustworthy distinction of cortical representations was not obtainable when using the P45 component, probably because of greater activation volume, radial orientation of sources in areas 1–2 and increased variability with attention and vigilance. Assessment of tangential SEP components to stimulation of first digit versus ulnar nerve appears the best option to assess plastic somatosensory changes, especially when using relatively low‐electrode sampling. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of mage‐A4 and mage‐C1 tumor‐associated antigen in benign and malignant thyroid diseases
Authors: Melo Daniel Hardy , Mamede Rui Celso Martins , Neder Luciano , Saggioro Fabiano Pinto , Figueiredo David Livingstone Alves , Araújo da Silva Wilson , Jungbluth Achim A. , Zago Marco Antônio
Published: January 2011

Background

A subset of thyroid tumors characterized by a follicular growth pattern can represent a serious diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry and molecular pathology for genetic profiling have been used in an attempt to resolve some of these issues.

Methods

Tumor tissue samples of thyroid were obtained from 70 patients who underwent surgical therapy. They were divided into 4 groups: 20 adenomatous goiters, 10 follicular adenomas, 24 papillary carcinomas, and 16 follicular carcinomas. Immunohistochemical analysis was carried out using antibodies for MAGE‐A4 (melanoma antigen‐encoding gene A4) and MAGE‐C1 (melanoma antigen‐encoding gene C1).

Results

Standard histologic analysis and immunohistochemistry analysis of MAGE‐A4 and MAGE‐C1 expression were performed in all patients. The antigens examined were not expressed in any of the tissues.

Conclusions

The malignant degeneration of normal tissues is a multifactorial process, varying considerably both among tumor types and among individual patients. The present study showed that there was no immunolabeling of the MAGE‐A4 and MAGE‐C1 antigens. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Sentinel lymph node biopsy using real‐time fluorescence navigation with indocyanine green in cutaneous head and neck/lip mucosa melanomas
Authors: Hayashi Toshihiko , Furukawa Hiroshi , Oyama Akihiko , Funayama Emi , Saito Akira , Yamao Takeshi , Yamamoto Yuhei
Published: January 2011

Background

The triple technique (lymphoscintigraphy, patent‐blue staining, and a gamma probe) constitutes a reliable method for the sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy. However, in head and neck melanomas, a shine‐through phenomenon, which occurs because these SLNs are close to the primary focus, is irreversibly problematic. To get around the shine‐through phenomenon, this study uses the fluorescence navigation with indocyanine green (ICG) as well as the triple technique.

Methods

ICG is a green dye and can be used as a marker with infrared fluorescence. ICG solution is intradermally injected around the tumor. By using Photodynamic Eye (PDE) intraoperatively, it is possible to observe the injected ICG as SLNs in the fluorescence images.

Results

By use of the fluorescence imaging with ICG, clear identification of the SLN of the case became possible.

Conclusions

We think the fluorescence navigation with ICG will be a useful option for the SLN biopsy in head and neck melanomas. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
Identification of a sequence in the matricellular protein SPARC that interacts with the scavenger receptor stabilin‐1
Authors: Workman Gail , Sage E. Helene
Published: January 2011

SPARC (osteonectin/BM‐40), a secreted matricellular protein that promotes cellular deadhesion and motility in wound healing, carcinogenesis, and inflammation, binds to the scavenger receptor stabilin‐1 in alternatively activated macrophages and undergoes endocytosis and clearance from the extracellular space. Both SPARC and stabilin‐1 are expressed by endothelial cells during inflammation, but their interaction in this context is unknown. We have identified a binding site on SPARC for stabilin‐1 by a solid‐state peptide array coupled with a modified enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. A monoclonal antibody that recognizes the identified binding site was also characterized that could be an inhibitor for the SPARC‐stabilin‐1 interaction in macrophages or endothelial cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 1003–1008, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The presence of extracellular matrix alters the chondrocyte response to endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Nugent Ashleigh E. , McBurney Denise L. , Horton Walter E.
Published: January 2011

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that extracellular matrix (ECM) would alter the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response of chondrocytes. Chondrocytes were isolated from calf knees and maintained in monolayer culture or suspended in collagen I to form spot cultures (SCs). Our laboratory has shown that bovine chondrocytes form cartilage with properties similar to native cartilage after 2–4 weeks in SCs. Monolayer cultures treated with ER stressors glucose withdrawal (–Glu), tunicamycin (TN), or thapsigargin (TG) up‐regulated Grp78 and Gadd153, demonstrating a complete ER stress response. SCs were grown at specific times from 1 day to 6 weeks before treatment with ER stressors. Additionally, SCs grown for 1, 2, or 6 weeks were treated with increasing concentrations of TN or TG. Western blotting of SCs for Grp78 indicated that increased ECM accumulation results in delayed expression; however, Grp78 mRNA is up‐regulated in response to ER stressors even after 6 weeks in culture. SCs treated with ER stressors did not up‐regulate Gadd153, suggesting that the cells experienced ER stress but would not undergo apoptosis. In fact, SCs undergo apoptosis upon ER stress treatment after 0–1 day of growth; however, after 4 days and to 6 weeks, apoptosis in treated samples was not different than controls. Pro‐survival molecules Bcl‐2 and Bag‐1 were up‐regulated upon ER stress in SCs. These results suggest that presence of ECM confers protection from ER stressors. Future studies involving chondrocyte physiology should focus on responses in conditions more closely mimicking the in vivo cartilage environment. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 1118–1129, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
WHAT CAUSES INTENTIONAL HOMICIDE?
Authors: Loureiro Paulo Roberto Amorim , Silva Emilson C. D.
Published: January 2011

Latin American and Caribbean countries are world leaders in intentional homicide rates. Our estimates suggest that the intentional homicide rate in the Latin America and Caribbean region is 40 per cent higher than the average for the rest of the world. The intentional homicide rate for a group of violent countries (Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala and Jamaica) is nearly 58 per cent higher than the world's average. Utilising an international panel data set to study the determinants of intentional homicide, we demonstrate that intentional homicide is highly inert, counter‐cyclical, declines with development and rises with violence and income inequality. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.