bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and evaluation of composite electromagnetic wave absorbers made of aluminum fine particles dispersed in polystyrene medium
Authors: Asano Norizumi , Wada Yoichi , Sakai Kenji , Yoshikado Shinzo
Published: December 2009

We developed composite electromagnetic wave absorbers consisting of dispersed aluminum fine particles in a polystyrene medium and evaluated their properties in order to realize single‐layer electromagnetic wave absorbers with good absorption in the gigahertz region. Polystyrene particles with two diameters (approximately 200 μm and 1 μm) and fine aluminum particles were mixed by mechanical milling. The mixture was heated above the melting point of polystyrene and then cooled naturally in air. The frequency characteristics of the complex relative permeability and the complex relative permittivity were calculated from the values of the scattering parameters of a coaxial line loaded with a sample of a toroidal‐core shape. Both the diamagnetism and the magnetic loss increased in proportion to the volume mixing ratios of aluminum particles up to approximately 34 vol for samples made of polystyrene particles with approximately 200 μm or 1μm diameter. The diamagnetism was almost frequency‐independent and the magnetic loss decreased with increasing frequency for all samples. These results were in agreement with qualitative theoretical prediction. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(1): 30– 40, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10169
The Tricarbonyliron Chalcogenolates [(OC)3Fe(μ‐ESitBu3)]2 (E = S, Se, Te)
Authors: Kückmann Theresa , Schödel Frauke , Sänger Inge , Bolte Michael , Wagner Matthias , Lerner Hans‐Wolfram
Published: December 2009

The tricarbonyliron thiolate and selenolate [(OC)3Fe(μ‐ESitBu3)]2 (E = S, Se) were synthesized photochemically from the reaction of 2 equiv. of pentacarbonyliron with the dichalcogenides tBu3Si–E2–SitBu3 (E = S, Se). X‐ray‐quality crystals of the tricarbonyliron thiolate [(OC)3Fe(μ‐SSitBu3)]2 (monoclinic, P21/n) and selenolate [(OC)3Fe(μ‐SeSitBu3)]2 (monoclinic, P21/n) were grown from benzene. The cyclic voltammograms of [(OC)3Fe(μ‐ESitBu3)]2 (E = S, Se, Te) resemble each other. Electrochemical reduction at potential below –2.2 V or reduction of [(OC)3Fe(μ‐ESitBu3)]2 (E = S, Se, Te) with Na or K led to degradation of the complex core with the formation of the chalcogenolates [ESitBu3]– (E = S, Se, Te). The dichalcogenides tBu3Si–E2–SitBu3 (E = Se, Te) are accessible by the reaction of Na[ESitBu3] with oxygen. However, the disulfide tBu3Si–S2–SitBu3 (monoclinic, P21/c) which is used in the synthesis of tricarbonyliron thiolates [(OC)3Fe(μ‐ESitBu3)]2 as starting material, was prepared from S2Cl2 and Na[SitBu3]. Depending on the solvent used for crystallization, the sodium supersilyl chalcogenolates Na[ESitBu3] (E = S, Se) form dimeric or tetrameric structures in the solid state. Single crystals of the dimeric thiolate [Na(thf)2SSitBu3]2 (monoclinic, P21/c) were obtained from thf at –25 °C whereas crystals suitable for X‐ray diffraction of tetrameric chalcogenolates [Na(thf)ESitBu3]4 (E = S, Se) were grown from hexane at –25 °C.
Pump‐free and low‐cost negative pressure sampling device for rapid sample loading in MCE
Authors: Hu Hongmei , Yin Xuefeng , Qi Liya , Liu Jinhua
Published: December 2009

A pump‐free and low‐cost negative pressure sampling device for injecting well‐defined non‐biased sample plugs into the separation channel of MCE was developed. It was composed of a pipet bulb, a 3‐way electromagnetic valve and a single voltage supply at constant voltage. A sub‐atmospheric pressure was created by hand‐pressing air out of the pipet bulb and retained in it by switching the 3‐way electromagnetic valve at cutoff position. During the sample loading stage, the sub‐atmospheric pressure in the pipet bulb was applied via a 3‐way electromagnetic valve to the headspace of the sealed sample waste reservoir (SW). A pinched sample plug was formed at the channel intersection in less than 0.5 s. Once the 3‐way electromagnetic valve was switched to connect SW to ambient atmosphere to release the vacuum in SW, electrophoresis separation was consequently activated under the electric potentials applied. Experimental results demonstrated the pump‐free negative pressure sampling device worked well in a wide vacuum degree ranged from −250 to −30 mbar with a satisfactory analytical precision. The sample consumption for each cycle was calculated to be 51–12 nL under the sampling pressure. Theoretical deduction indicates that the volume of the pipet bulb can be further reduced to 1 mL, which is critical for minimizing the sampling device for MCE.
The use of encompassing tests for forecast combinations
Authors: Kışınbay Turgut
Published: December 2009

This paper proposes an algorithm that uses forecast encompassing tests for combining forecasts when there are a large number of forecasts that might enter the combination. The algorithm excludes a forecast from the combination if it is encompassed by another forecast. To assess the usefulness of this approach, an extensive empirical analysis is undertaken using a US macroeconomic dataset. The results are encouraging; the algorithm forecasts outperform benchmark model forecasts, in a mean square error (MSE) sense, in a majority of cases. The paper also compares the empirical performance of different approaches to forecast combination, and provides a rule‐of‐thumb cut‐off point for the thick‐modeling approach. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Olfactory ensheathing cell membrane properties are shaped by connectivity
Authors: Rela Lorena , Bordey Angelique , Greer Charles A.
Published: December 2009

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) have been repeatedly implicated in mediating plasticity, particularly in situ in the olfactory nerve in which they support the extension of olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) axons from the olfactory epithelium to the olfactory bulb (OB). OECs are specialized glia whose processes surround OSN axon fascicles within the olfactory nerve and across the OB surface. Despite their purported importance in promoting axon extension, and following transplants, little is known about either morphology or biophysical properties of OECs in situ. In particular, cell–cell interactions that may influence OEC function are largely unexplored. Here, we studied OEC connectivity and morphology in slice preparations, preserving tissue structure and cell–cell interactions. Our analyses showed that OECs form a matrix of cellular projections surrounding axons, unique among glia, and express high levels of connexin‐43. Lucifer Yellow injections revealed selective dye coupling among small subgroups of OECs. Two types of OECs were biophysically distinguished with whole‐cell voltage‐clamp recordings: (1) with low‐input resistance (Ri), linear current profiles, and frequently dye coupled; and (2) with high Ri, nonlinear current profiles, and infrequent dye coupling. Pharmacological blockade of gap junctions changed OEC membrane properties such that linear OECs became nonlinear. Double recordings indicated that the appearance of the nonlinear current profile was associated with the loss of electrical coupling between OECs. We conclude that the diversity of OEC current profiles can be explained by differences in gap‐junction connectivity and discuss implications of this diversity for OEC influences on axon growth and excitability. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Critical Role of Interferon Regulatory Factor-1 in Murine Liver Transplant Ischemia Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Ueki Shinya , Dhupar Rajeev , Cardinal Jon , Tsung Allan , Yoshida Junichi , Ozaki Kikumi S. , Klune John R. , Murase Noriko , Geller David A.
Published: December 2009

Interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) is a transcription factor that regulates gene expression during immunity. We hypothesized that IRF-1 plays a pivotal role in liver transplant (LTx) ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Mouse orthotopic LTx was conducted after 24 hours cold storage in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution in wildtype (WT) C57BL/6 and IRF-1 knockout (KO) mice. IRF-1 deficiency in liver grafts, but not in recipients, resulted in significant reduction of hepatocyte apoptosis and liver injury, as well as improved survival. IRF-1 mRNA up-regulation was typically seen in graft hepatocytes in WT→WT LTx. Deficiency of IRF-1 signaling in graft resulted in significantly reduced messenger RNA (mRNA) levels for death ligands and death receptors in hepatocytes, as well as decreased caspase-8 activities, indicating that IRF-1 mediates death ligand-induced hepatocyte death. Further, a smaller but significant IRF-1 mRNA up-regulation was seen in WT graft nonparenchymal cells (NPC) and associated with interferon gamma (IFN-γ) mRNA up-regulation exclusively in NPC. IFN-γ mRNA was significantly reduced in IRF-1 KO graft. Thus, IRF-1 in graft hepatocytes and NPC has distinct effects in hepatic I/R injury. However, LTx with chimeric liver grafts showed that grafts lacking hepatocellular IRF-1 had better protection compared with those lacking IRF-1 in NPC. The study identifies a critical role for IRF-1 in liver transplant I/R injury. (Hepatology 2010.)
Expression and prognostic significance of APAF‐1, caspase‐8 and caspase‐9 in stage II/III colon carcinoma: Caspase‐8 and caspase‐9 is associated with poor prognosis
Authors: Sträter Jörn , Herter Ines , Merkel Gaby , Hinz Ulf , Weitz Jürgen , Möller Peter
Published: December 2009

Apoptosis protease activating factor‐1 (APAF‐1), caspase‐8 and caspase‐9 are important factors in the execution of death signals. To study their prognostic influence in colon carcinoma, expression of APAF‐1, caspase‐8 and caspase‐9 was determined by immunohistochemistry in normal colon mucosa (n = 8) and R0‐resected stage II/III colon carcinomas (n ≥ 124) using a semiquantitative score. Staining results were correlated with disease‐free survival by Kaplan–Meier estimates, and multivariate Cox analyses were performed. In normal colon, APAF‐1 and caspase‐8 are most strongly expressed in the luminal surface epithelium, whereas caspase‐9 is expressed all along the crypt axis. In colon carcinomas, there is considerable variability in the expression of these proapoptotic factors, although complete loss of caspase‐8 and caspase‐9 is rare. APAF‐1 expression did not correlate with disease‐free survival. Instead, both expression of caspase‐9 and high‐level expression of caspase‐8 in a majority of tumor cells were significantly associated with adverse prognosis (p = 0.004 and p = 0.029, respectively). The influence of caspase‐8 expression was mainly seen in patients with stage III colon carcinoma (p = 0.011), whereas the prognostic influence of caspase‐9 expression was significant in stage II cases (p = 0.037) and just failed to be significant in stage III tumors (p = 0.0581). After adjusting for confounding factors in a multivariate Cox analysis, the effect of caspase‐9 in predicting disease‐free survival was confirmed (p = 0.003). Our data suggest that, in colon carcinomas, expression of caspase‐8 and caspase‐9 is significantly associated with poor survival. Caspase‐9 may be an independent prognosticator in colon carcinoma.
PELP1: A novel therapeutic target for hormonal cancers
Authors: Chakravarty Dimple , Tekmal Rajeshwar Rao , Vadlamudi Ratna K.
Published: December 2009

Recent studies implicate that the estrogen receptor (ER) coregulator proline‐, glutamic acid‐, and leucine‐rich protein (PELP) 1 as playing critical roles in ER‐genomic, ER‐nongenomic, and ER‐signaling cross talk with growth factor signaling pathways. PELP1 expression is deregulated in hormonal cancers and recent studies further elucidated the molecular mechanisms by which PELP1 regulates hormone therapy response. Although PELP1 is important for normal functions of the ER, the possibility to target ER‐PELP1 axis appears to be an effective strategy for preventing hormonal carcinogenesis and therapy resistance. Thus, PELP1 may be useful as prognostic marker for hormonal cancers and PELP1 signaling may be useful to generate targeted therapeutics to overcome hormonal therapy resistance. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 62(3): 163–169, 2010
Functional and conformational properties of phaseolin (Phaseolus vulgris L.) and kidney bean protein isolate: A comparative study
Authors: Yin Shou‐Wei , Tang Chuan‐He , Wen Qi‐Biao , Yang Xiao‐Quan
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: Kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgris L.) seed is an underutilised plant protein source with good potential to be applied in the food industry. Phaseolin (also named G1 globulin) represents about 50 g kg−1 of total storage protein in the seed. The aim of the present study was to characterise physicochemical, functional and conformational properties of phaseolin, and to compare these properties with those of kidney bean protein isolate (KPI).

RESULTS: Compared with kidney bean protein isolate (KPI), the acid‐extracted phaseolin‐rich protein product (PRP) had much lower protein recovery of 320 g kg−1 (dry weight basis) but higher phaseolin purity (over 950 g kg−1). PRP contained much lower sulfhydryl (SH) and disulfide bond contents than KPI. Differential scanning calorimetry analyses showed that the phaseolin in PRP was less denatured than in KPI. Thermal analyses in the presence or absence of dithiothreitol, in combination with SH and SS content analyses showed the contributions of SS to the thermal stability of KPI. The analyses of near‐UV circular dichroism and intrinsic fluorescence spectra indicated more compacted tertiary conformation of the proteins in PRP than in KPI. PRP exhibited much better protein solubility, emulsifying activity index, and gel‐forming ability than KPI. The relatively poor functional properties of KPI may be associated with protein denaturation/unfolding, with subsequent protein aggregation.

CONCLUSION: The results presented here suggest the potential for acid‐extracted PRP to be applied in food formulations, in view of its functional properties. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Rhinovirus infection‐induced alteration of tight junction and adherens junction components in human nasal epithelial cells
Authors: Yeo Nam‐Kyung , Jang Yong Ju
Published: December 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Manifestations of rhinovirus (RV) infections include mucus overproduction, increased vascular permeability, and secondary bacterial infection. These effects may reflect disrupted epithelial barrier functions, which are mainly regulated by intercellular junctions, referred to as tight junctions (TJs) and adherens junctions (AJs). The objective of this study was to investigate changes in the components of TJs (ZO‐1, occluding, and claudin‐1) and AJs (E‐cadherin) after RV infection in cultured nasal epithelial cells.

Methods:

Primary human nasal epithelial cells grown at an air‐liquid interface were infected apically with RV. RV‐induced changes in the expression of epithelial TJ and AJ proteins were determined using real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction, confocal microscopy, and Western blot analyses. Functional changes in the integrity of junctional proteins were assessed by measuring transepithelial resistance (TER) using a voltmeter.

Results:

RV infection decreased mRNA levels of ZO‐1, occludin, claudin‐1, and E‐cadherin to 64.2%, 51.8%, 56.2%, and 56.3%, respectively, of those in controls (P < .05). Decreases in ZO‐1, occludin, claudin‐1, and E‐cadherin protein levels in RV‐infected cells were evident in immunofluorescent confocal microscopic images. Expression levels of these proteins were also lower in the RV‐infected group in Western blot analyses. RV infection reduced the mean TER from 143.1 Ω/cm2 (controls) to 122.6 Ω/cm2.

Conclusions:

RV infection decreased the expression of TJ and AJ components and reduced TER in primary cultured human nasal epithelial cells, indicating that RV infection may exert a harmful effect on nasal epithelial barrier function. Laryngoscope, 2010
The shelf life of antimicrobial ear drops
Authors: Clark Matthew P. A. , Pangilinan Lyela , Wang Amy , Doyle Patrick , Westerberg Brian D.
Published: December 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The advice given to patients regarding the shelf life of antimicrobial ear drops is based on little or no evidence. We aimed to determine appropriate recommendations for the shelf life of common antibiotic‐containing topical otic solutions.

Study Design:

Prospective experimental design.

Methods:

Ear drops containing gentamicin and ciprofloxacin were analyzed. Their effectiveness was assessed on agar plates inoculated with both Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bottles were also assessed for contamination once opened. In addition, drops used for 1 week on patients with culture‐positive otorrhea were analyzed for contamination of both the bottle teat and the drop solution.

Results:

Neither antibiotic showed deterioration in effectiveness against either microorganism over a 4‐month period, as assessed by the size of inhibitory zones on inoculated agar plates. Of drops returned after use on infected patients, none of the cultures from the teats of the bottle grew any organisms. The drop solution itself also showed no contamination after having been opened for 4 months and used by a patient.

Conclusions:

There appears to be no evidence that antimicrobial ear drops containing either gentamicin or ciprofloxacin lose their efficacy against either S. aureus or P. aeruginosa over at least 4 months from opening, or that the bottle contents become contaminated after use in patients with culture‐positive otorrhea. It is likely these findings apply to other antimicrobial drops and for other organisms. This allows us to advise patients to keep unfinished drops for potential future use with beneficial economic implications. Laryngoscope, 2010
The generation and utilisation of half‐cycle cut‐offs in high harmonic spectra
Authors: Chipperfield L.E. , Robinson J.S. , Knight P.L. , Marangos J.P. , Tisch J.W.G.
Published: December 2009

High‐order harmonic spectra are composed of a coherent sum of half‐cycle emissions, the cut‐off energy of which depend sensitively on different sub‐cycle portions of the driving laser field. By selecting the correct focal geometry the half‐cycle cut‐off emissions can be preferentially selected over the lower energy plateau emissions through phase matching, such that they form macroscopic half‐cycle cut‐off features in the far‐field spectrum. The energy of these macroscopic half‐cycle cut‐offs can then be used to retrieve the waveform of the driving laser field. The processes through which these macroscopic half‐cycle cut‐offs are formed and their applications, both for measuring the laser waveform and the generation of wavelength tunable isolated attosecond pulses, are reviewed in detail.
The effect of recrystallization on corrosion and electrochemical behavior of 7150 Al alloy
Authors: Peng G. S. , Chen K. H. , Fang H. C. , Chen S. Y. , Chao H.
Published: December 2009

By weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques complemented by optical and scanning electron microscopy observations, the effect of recrystallization on the corrosion, and electrochemical behavior of 7150 Al alloy was studied. The results indicated that the high recrystallization fraction 7150‐1# was worse than the low recrystallization fraction 7150‐2# on corrosion resistance. The analysis of EIS indicated that 7150‐1# exhibited obvious pitting corrosion at 5 h immersion time, whereas 7150‐2# showed no obvious pitting corrosion even at 33 h. The corrosion route developed along the grain boundary of recrystallization grains, not along the grain boundary of unrecrystallization grains.
A New Polymeric Light‐Emitting Material with Pure Green Emission: Poly(fluorene‐alt‐quinoxaline) with Benzothiadiazole Groups in the Side Chain
Authors: Xu Erjian , Zhong Hongliang , Lai Hua , Zeng Danli , Zhang Jianhua , Zhu Wenqing , Fang Qiang
Published: December 2009

A new alternative copolymer composed of fluorene and quinoxaline units having benzothiadiazole groups in the side chain was prepared and used as a green emitter for polymeric light‐emitting diodes to give a device emitting pure green color at about 520 nm with a chromaticity coordinate of (x = 0.32, y = 0.59), matching the NTSC 1979 standard green color (x = 0.31, y = 0.595) very well.

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Biomimetic Principles in Polymer and Material Science
Authors: Antonietti Markus , Fratzl Peter
Published: December 2009

“Not to copy Biology: to learn in modesty from her principles and to transfer it to materials space and conditions previously not accessible to biology”

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Spectroscopic, Mechanical and Dynamic‐Mechanical Studies on the Photo‐Aging of a Tetrafunctional Epoxy Resin
Authors: Ragosta Giuseppe , Abbate Mario , Musto Pellegrino , Scarinzi Gennaro
Published: December 2009

The photo‐oxidative degradation of a densely cross‐linked epoxide/diamine network based on tetraglycidyl‐4,4′ diaminodiphenylmethane (TGDDM) and 4,4′ diaminodiphenyl sulphone (DDS) has been investigated by FTIR spectroscopy, dynamic‐mechanical analysis (DMA) and compressive mechanical tests. The FTIR measurements allowed us to monitor the degradation process of the different groups present in the TGDDM/DDS network and to obtain reliable kinetic data. On this basis the most likely photo‐degradation mechanisms were proposed. Dynamic‐mechanical measurements and mechanical compressive tests were used to gain an insight in the effect of the photo‐oxidative degradation on the relaxation processes of the epoxy network and on the mechanical performances.
Demixing Time and Temperature Influence on Porosity and Interconnection of PLLA Scaffolds Prepared via TIPS
Authors: Brucato V. , Pavia F. Carfì , La Carrubba V.
Published: December 2009

Scaffolds suitable for tissue engineering applications were prepared by Thermally Induced Phase Separation (TIPS) starting from a ternary solution PLLA/dioxane/water. The experimental protocol consisted of three consecutive steps, a first quench from the homogeneous solution to an appropriate demixing temperature (within the binodal region), a liquid‐liquid demixing stage for a given time and a final quench from the demixing temperature to a low temperature (within the spinodal region). A large variety of morphologies, in terms of average pore size and interconnection were obtained upon modifying the demixing time and temperature, owing to the interplay of nucleation and growth processes during the residence in the metastable state. An interesting combination of micro and macro‐porosity was observed for longer demixing times (above 30 min at 35 °C).
OLED with Hole‐Transporting Layer Fabricated by Ink‐Jet Printing
Authors: Villani F. , Vacca P. , Miscioscia R. , Nenna G. , Burrasca G. , Fasolino T. , Minarini C. , Sala D. della
Published: December 2009

we report about the fabrication of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) ink‐jet printing a hole‐transporting polymer (PF6, poly(9,9‐dihexyl‐9H‐fluorene‐2,7‐diyl)) on flexible substrate (PET) and performing the other layers through vacuum thermal evaporation. The aim of the work is to employ the ink‐jet printing (IJP) technology, familiar as a method for printing on paper, in optoelectronic applications and to determine how the deposition method affects the functional material film properties and hence the ultimate device performances. In this line of work, ink‐jet printed polymer films are compared to same spin‐coated polymer from the electro‐optical point of view: both prepared materials are adopted as HTLs of electroluminescent devices. All manufactured OLEDs are characterized and their behaviours are investigated and analyzed with theoretical models. The results show differences in current density and optical behaviours between the devices fabricated by means of the above mentioned technologies which can be justified in terms of different trap distribution induced by impurity energy levels associated to each process.
Influences of Plasma Treatment and 60Co γ‐Ray Radiation on the Over‐Voltage Positive Temperature Coefficient of High Density Polyethylene/Carbon Black Nano Composites
Authors: Liu Chia‐I , Tsai Ching‐Shan , Tsao Keng‐Yu , Chen Kan‐Nan , Yeh Jen‐Taut , Huang Chi‐Yuan
Published: December 2009

Argon plasma‐pretreated high‐density polyethylene (PHDPE) was blended with the conductive nano carbon black (CB) and inorganic flame retardant (magnesium hydroxide, Mg(OH)2) was added. Influences of the CB content, plasma treatment time, plasma treatment power, and dosage of 60Co γ‐ray radiation on positive temperature coefficient (PTC) behaviors of composite were studied. In addition, the over‐voltage resistance behavior of the composites was also investigated. The free radical of PHDPE was measured by 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The gel contents of composite were measured by solvent extraction method. The results showed that the room‐temperature volume resistivity and PTC effect of composite were improved significantly with plasma treatment. The PHDPE composite with 60Co γ‐ray radiation eliminated the negative temperature coefficient (NTC) effect in the composites effectively, and the PTC intensity of composite was increased. With increasing of radiation dosage from 20 Mrads to 80 Mrads, the gel content of composites increased up to 83.84% and the response temperature of composites shifted to low temperature (127.5 °C to 114.8 °C). In this work, the composites also successfully passed the over‐voltage resistance test, and possessed good reproducibility.
Influence of High Temperatures on PET‐Concrete Properties
Authors: Albano C. , Camacho N. , Hernández M. , Matheus A. , Gutiérrez A.
Published: December 2009

Lightweight aggregate is an important material in reducing the unit weight of concrete and it is essential in the construction of high‐rise buildings; besides, the use of recycled PET bottles as lightweight aggregate in concrete is an effective contribution for environmental preservation. So, the objective of the present work is to study the flexural strength of PET‐concrete and PET thermal degradation in the concrete, when the blends with 10 and 20 vol% of PET are exposed to different temperatures (200, 400, 600 °C). The flexural strength of PET‐concrete exposed to a heat source is strongly dependent on the temperature, the water/cement ratio, as well as on the content and particle size of PET. Furthermore, the activation energy for PET degradation is affected by temperature, location of PET particles on the slabs and the water/cement ratio. A higher content of water gives rise to hydrolytic degradation on PET and a higher vapor pressure that increases the formation of cracks on the concrete. The values of activation energy are higher on the center of the slabs than on the surface, due to the poor heat conduction of concrete.
Pfade des Iods
Authors: Wagner Hubertus , Franke Katrin , Röttger Anna
Published: December 2009

Die Spanne zwischen dem Wert der empfohlenen Aufnahme des Spurenelements Iod und dem oberen Grenzwert ist klein. Um herauszufinden, wie sich Iodzusätze im Tierfutter sowie Iodsalz in Wurst und Schinken auf die Iodversorgung auswirken, wurden Fütterungsversuche durchgeführt und Fleischerzeugnisse aus dem Handel untersucht. Solche Studien erfordern eine flexible Iodanalytik.
Adding a nursing information technology subscale to the practice environment scale of the Nursing Work Index
Authors: Moorer Oyweda W. , Meterko Mark , Alt‐White Anna C. , Sullivan Jennifer L.
Published: December 2009

In the past decade, the use of information technology (IT) to support healthcare delivery has greatly expanded. Introducing new clinical information systems and updating existing systems require continued learning and training among registered nurses (RNs) and other clinicians. Consequently, a 5‐item measure was designed as a subscale to the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index. This new subscale, the Nursing Information Technology Subscale (NITS) measures RNs' perception of the extent to which IT in their practice environment supports patient care delivery. A psychometric evaluation of the NITS was conducted at 8 Veterans Affairs hospitals. The findings demonstrated that this brief subscale has acceptable reliability as well as convergent and discriminant validity. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 33:48–59, 2010
Targeted therapy in haematological malignancies
Authors: Hamilton Ashley , Gallipoli Paolo , Nicholson Emma , Holyoake Tessa L
Published: December 2009

The recent and rapid development of molecularly targeted therapy is best illustrated by advances in the management of haematological malignancy. In myeloid diseases we have seen dramatic improvements in the overall survival and quality of life for patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia treated with ABL and Src/ABL kinase inhibitors and we are poised to discover whether JAK2 inhibitors may offer similar benefit in myeloproliferative diseases. For acute myeloid leukaemia, the introduction of ATRA and myelotarg have had major impacts on the design of therapy regimens and many novel targeted agents, including farnesyl transferase, FLT3 and histone deacetylase inhibitors, are now in clinical trial. In lymphoid malignancies the highlight has been the introduction of rituximab, with significant improvements in the management of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. The last 10 years has experienced a rapidly expanding interest and acceptance that leukaemic stem cells, including an improved ability to target them, may hold the key to improved response and reduced relapse rates across both myeloid and lymphoid disease. We now eagerly anticipate an era in which a wealth of preclinical discoveries are progressed to the clinic. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ADAM 12 may be used to reduce the false positive rate of first trimester combined screening for Down syndrome
Authors: Christiansen Michael , Pihl Kasper , Hedley Paula L. , Gjerris Anne‐Cathrine , Lind Pia Ø. , Larsen Severin Olesen , Krebs Lone , Larsen Torben
Published: December 2009

Background

ADAM12 has been shown to be an efficient maternal serum marker for Down syndrome (DS) in the first trimester; but recent studies, using a second generation assay, have not confirmed these findings. We examined the efficiency of a second generation assay for ADAM12.

Materials and Methods

ADAM12 concentrations were determined in 28 first trimester DS and 503 control pregnancies using a novel Research DelfiaR ADAM12 kit. Log10MoM distributions of ADAM12 and correlations with other markers were established. Population performance of screening was estimated by Monte Carlo simulation.

Results

ADAM12 was significantly reduced in the first trimester in DS pregnancies with a log10MoM of −0.1621 (equivalent to 0.68 MoM) (p < 0.001). The reduction decreased with advancing gestational age. ADAM12 used with PAPP‐A + hCGβ + NT (CUB screening) increased the detection rate (DR) from 86% to 89% for a false positive rate (FPR) of 5%. When used for a fixed DR of 90%, the addition of ADAM12 resulted in a 25% reduction of the FPR.

Conclusion

ADAM12 is a moderately effective DS marker. It is not a cost‐effective addition to CUB screening, but may be used to reduce the FPR in selected high‐risk cases. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fourier transform infrared study of supramolecular polyurethane networks containing pyridine moieties for shape memory materials
Authors: Chen Shaojun , Hu Jinlian , Yuen Chun‐Wah , Chan Laikuen
Published: December 2009

Non‐covalent interactions are increasingly used in the molecular self‐assembly of well‐defined structures. In this study, a series of pyridine‐containing polyurethanes (PUPys) were synthesized with diisocyanates and pyridine derivatives. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was employed to identify the vibration frequencies and investigate the relationship of shape memory effect (SME) and hydrogen‐bonded supramolecular structure of the PUPys. The results show that a large fraction of strong hydrogen bonds are formed in the urethane group as well as in the pyridine ring. Moreover, the hydrogen bonding in the pyridine ring not only shows a response to a temperature stimulus in the PUPys, but is also responsive to moisture in N,N‐bis(2‐hydroxylethyl)isonicotinamine (BINA)/hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI)‐based PUPys; the hydrogen bonds in the urethane group have a higher dissociation temperature and show little response to moisture absorption. Accordingly, the PUPys are expected to show thermally induced and moisture‐induced SMEs. Finally, the shape recovery process of films in the shape of flowers induced by temperature and moisture supports the idea that the PUPys could be used as thermally induced shape memory polymers (SMPs), and the BINA/HDI‐based PUPys could be used as moisture‐sensitive SMPs. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Structural and impedance spectroscopy analysis of Ba(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3 ceramic
Authors: Bhagat S. , Prasad K.
Published: December 2009

Lead‐free perovskite Ba(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3 (BFN) was prepared by conventional ceramic fabrication technique at 1200 °C/5 h in air atmosphere. The crystal symmetry, space group, and unit cell dimensions were determined from the experimental results using FullProf software whereas crystallite size and lattice strain were estimated from Williamson–Hall approach. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the compound indicated the formation of a single‐phase monoclinic structure with the space group P2/m. EDAX and SEM studies were carried out in order to evaluate the quality and purity of the compound. To find a correlation between the response of the real system and idealized model circuit composed of discrete electrical components, the model fittings were presented using the impedance data. Complex impedance analyses suggested the dielectric relaxation to be of non‐Debye type. The correlated barrier hopping (CBH) model was employed to successfully explain the mechanism of charge transport in BFN.
Annealing temperature‐dependent piezoelectric properties of Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti3O12 ferroelectric thin films
Authors: Chen Y. Q. , Zheng X. J. , He L. , Feng X.
Published: December 2009

Annealing temperature‐dependent (ATD) microstructure, ferroelectric, dielectric, and piezoelectric properties of Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti3O12 (BNT) thin films by metal‐organic decomposition method were investigated in detail. The relative permittivity εr (702) at 1 kHz, the spontaneous polarization 2Ps (72 µC/cm2), and the effective piezoelectric coefficient d33 (62 pm/V) under the amplitudes of the bipolar driving field 320 and 280 kV/cm are the best for BNT thin film annealed at 700 °C. The 2Ps and εr moderated by annealing temperature are responsible for ATD piezoelectric properties according to phenomenologic equation. The results show BNT is a promising candidate for piezoelectric thin film devices.
Sclerocarya birrea (a. rich) hochst. [‘marula’] (anacardiaceae): a review of its phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology and its ethnomedicinal uses
Authors: Ojewole John A. O. , Mawoza Tariro , Chiwororo Witness D. H. , Owira Peter M. O.
Published: December 2009

A plethora of ethnotherapeutic properties and pharmacological actions have been attributed to Sclerocarya birrea (family: Anacardiaceae). It is one of the most highly valued indigenous trees of southern Africa. Reports in biomedical literature have indicated the presence of medicinally‐important chemical constituents in the plant, notably: polyphenols, tannins, coumarins, flavonoids, triterpenoids, phytosterols, and so forth. Pharmacological studies by various groups of investigators have shown that S. birrea possesses antidiarrhoeal, antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, antihypertensive, anticonvulsant, antinociceptive and antioxidant properties, thus lending pharmacological support to the plant's folkloric, ethnotherapeutic uses in South African traditional medicine. In view of the immense medicinal importance of the plant, this review aimed at compiling all currently available information on S. birrea's chemical constituents, as well as its ethnomedicinal, pharmacological and toxicological properties. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mass transport studies of different additives in polyamide and exfoliated nanocomposite polyamide films for food industry
Authors: de Abreu David Antonio Pereira , Cruz José Manuel , Angulo Iinmaculada , Losada Perfecto Paseiro
Published: December 2009

The development of new food packaging films through the incorporation of nanoparticles, and the effect of the nanoparticles on the process of migration of the substances used in manufacturing the new films is expected to lead to an improvement in the shelf life of food and thus, consumer safety and health. In recent years, attention has focused on nanocomposites because these compounds often exhibit unexpected hybrid properties derived from synergistic reactions between nanoparticles and the polymeric matrix. The exfoliation of nanoclays in polyamide film provides a film with better barrier properties than that obtained through the intercalation of nanoclays. Migration of chemicals from food packaging into food may produce potential adverse health effects because of exposure to toxic compounds. The present study addressed the migration of caprolactam, 5‐Chloro‐2‐(2,4‐dichlorophenoxy)phenol (triclosan) and trans,trans‐1,4‐diphenyl‐1,3‐butadiene (DPBD) from polyamide and polyamide‐nanoclays to different types of food simulants. The values for limit of detection (LOD) obtained for caprolactam, triclosan and DPBD was 0.5 mg/L, 0.02 mg/L and 0.01 mg/L, respectively. Furthermore, instrumental precision was evaluated through repeatability injections, resulting in relative standard deviations lower than 3.08%. Diffusion coefficients were calculated according to a mathematical model based on Fick's Second Law, and the results were discussed in terms of the parameters that may have the greatest effect on migration. The presence of polymer nanoparticles was found to slow down the rate of migration of substances from the matrix polymer into the food up to six times. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conformational and tautomeric preferences in 3‐aminoacrylaldehyde: A theoretical study
Authors: Nowroozi Alireza , Roohi Hossein , Sheibaninia Mohseneh , Sadeghi Ghoogheri Mohammad Sadegh , Raissi Heidar
Published: December 2009

The conformational study of 3‐aminoacrylaldehyde were performed at various theoretical levels and the equilibrium conformations were determined. Furthermore, to have more reliable energies, the total energies of all forms recomputed at G2MP2 and CBS‐QB3. Theoretical calculations clearly show that the intramolecular hydrogen bond (IHB) is the origin of conformational preference and the resultant IHB order at HF/6‐311++G(d,p), MP2/6‐311++G(d,p), and CBS‐QB3 levels is different from the order which obtained from the B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p), G2MP2, the geometrical parameters, AIM, and NBO analyses. Furthermore, our theoretical results reveal that the ketoamine (KA) tautomeric group is more stable than the enolimine (EI) and ketoimine (KI) ones. The IHB and tautomeric process could not rationalize the irregular stability of KA group with respect the others. But the population analyses of the possible conformations by NBO predict that the π‐electron delocalization, especially unusual π→ πcharge transfer, is the origin of tautomeric preference. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Exchange and correlation in density functional theory and quantum chemistry
Authors: Peach Michael J. G. , Tozer David J. , Handy Nicholas C.
Published: December 2009

The nature of exchange, dynamic correlation (DC) and left–right correlation (LRC) is considered in density functional theory and wavefunction‐based quantum chemistry. The presence of LRC in approximate exchange density functionals is highlighted and the separation of LRC and DC is considered. For H2, the Heitler–London approach is shown to include the essential elements of exchange and LRC. The arguments are illustrated by a comparison of Gaussian orbital s‐optimised Heitler–London and OPTX potential energy curves. They agree well near equilibrium, but differ at large distances due to the inability of the OPTX form to describe the dissociation process. LRC and DC values determined using the two approaches are compared. The influence of higher angular momentum functions in the Heitler–London approach is then investigated (commonly called self‐consistent valence bond); the agreement with OPTX degrades, leading to a larger value of LRC and a smaller value of DC at H2 equilibrium. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Calculation of the electrostatic charges and energies for intercalation of aromatic drug molecules with DNA
Authors: Kostjukov V. V. , Khomytova N. M. , Hernandez Santiago A. A. , Licona Ibarra R. , Davies D. B. , Evstigneev M. P.
Published: December 2009

In this work, we analyzed the influence of the charge model on the magnitudes of atomic charges and electrostatic energies for the binding of aromatic drug molecules with DNA. The dependence of the charge and energy on the level of theory (HF, DFT (B3LYP), MP2, semi‐empirical methods), basis set (STO‐3G, 3‐21G, 6‐31G, 6‐31G*, 6‐31G**), method of charge computation (Mulliken, Natural Population Analysis, CHelpG, Merz–Kollman), and force field charge (CHARMM27, AMBER99) has been tracked for typical aromatic drugs of different structure and charge state. Recommendations and restrictions have been formulated for the use of particular approaches in charge/electrostatic energy calculations. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
A new biometric identity based encryption scheme secure against DoS attacks
Authors: Sarier Neyire Deniz
Published: December 2009

Recently, Sarier 1 proposed an efficient biometric Identity Based Encryption (IBE) scheme called BIO‐IBE using the Sakai Kasahara Key Construction and proved its security in the Random Oracle Model (ROM) based on the well‐exploited k‐BDHI computational problem. Despite its efficiency compared to other fuzzy IBE systems implemented for biometric identities, BIO‐IBE is not secure against a new type of denial of service (DoS) attack that we present. In this context, we describe a new biometric IBE scheme and show that our scheme is immune against this attack due to the signature applied on the public value PAR of the user. This way, the sender can detect whether PAR of the receiver that is stored publicly is modified by an active adversary, thus the generation of a ciphertext based on a wrong identity is avoided. The main difference of the new scheme is the structure of the key generation algorithm, where a unique biometric identity string ID obtained from the biometric attributes is used instead of picking a different polynomial for each user as in other fuzzy IBE schemes. In addition to the well‐defined security model for current fuzzy IBE schemes, we describe a stronger security model and prove the security of our scheme in this framework achieving a better reduction cost compared to BIO‐IBE. Finally, our scheme provides security against DoS attacks and better efficiency in terms of the key generation and decryption algorithms compared to the existing fuzzy IBE schemes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Management of women referred to an acute gynecology unit: impact of an ultrasound‐based model of care
Authors: Bignardi T. , Burnet S. , Alhamdan D. , Lu C. , Pardey J. , Benzie R. , Condous G.
Published: December 2009

Objective

To assess the impact of the introduction of an ultrasound‐based model of care for women with acute gynecological complications.

Methods

This was a prospective comparative study of women attending an ultrasound‐based acute gynecology unit (AGU) at the Nepean Hospital during a 6‐week period 4 months after the unit's inception (new model of care), and a group of women presenting at the hospital during a similar period 6 months immediately prior to the unit's inception (traditional model). In the new model of care, ultrasound was performed at the time of the initial assessment by a senior clinician. The main outcome measures were admission rates and occupied bed days.

Results

The study included 290 consecutive women with complete data, 133 before and 157 after the introduction of the AGU. Compared with the group presenting before establishment of the AGU, the group who attended the AGU had significantly lower admission rate (7% vs. 36%, P < 0.0001) and significantly shorter time to see a trainee gynecologist (mean, 172 vs. 205 min, P = 0.00089), time to ultrasound examination (mean, 199 vs. 533 min, P < 0.0001), length of stay as an outpatient (mean, 45 vs. 248 min, P < 0.0001), fewer occupied bed days (total, 30 vs. 85 days, P < 0.0001) and lower surgical intervention rates (12% vs. 29%, P = 0.00025). They also had significantly higher expectant management rate (26 vs. 8%, P = 0.00023). The extrapolated annual reduction in occupied bed days represented a total financial saving of $ 257 617 Australian dollars.

Conclusions

In the AGU, the availability of ultrasound carried out by a senior clinician with an interest in gynecological emergencies may lead to a reduction in admissions and improved outcomes. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of cross section design and testing conditions on the flexural properties of wood/PVC composite beams
Authors: Sombatsompop N. , Prapruit W. , Chaochanchaikul K. , Pulngern T. , Rosarpitak V.
Published: December 2009

Highly filled wood/poly(vinyl chloride) (WPVC) composites were manufactured in five different cross sections by using an industrial‐scale twin‐screw extruder. The flexural properties of such composites were evaluated, with the effects of sample direction, span length, and rate of loading also being taken into account. The experimental results suggested that the cross section design of WPVC composite products had a significant effect on the flexural properties. Better flexural properties were obtained when testing the WPVC composites in an edgewise loading direction. The findings of this work suggested that a low number of hollow cores with thick flanges and webs should be used to obtain a composite with better flexural properties. The WPVC composite with low density was observed to exhibit lower flexural strength, and the rate of loading had a marginal effect on the flexural properties of the composites. The minimum L/d ratios of the WPVC beam to be used for steady flexural properties were 10 in the edgewise direction and 16 in the flatwise direction. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL, 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers