bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality Issues in Personalized E-Health, Mobile Health and E-Health Grids
Authors: Kastania Anastasia N. , Kossida Sophia
Published: September 2010

The electronic healthcare in the modern society has the possibility of converting the practice of delivery of health care. Currently, chaos of information is characterizing the public health care, which leads to inferior decision-making, increasing expenses and even loss of lives. Technological progress in the sensors, integrated circuits, and the wireless communications have allowed designing low cost, microscopic, light, and smart sensors. These smart sensors are able to feel, transport one or more vital signals, and they can be incorporated in wireless personal or body networks for remote health monitoring. Sensor networks promise to drive innovation in health care allowing cheap, continuous, mobile and personalized health management of electronic health records with the Internet. The e-health applications imply an exciting set of requirements for Grid middleware and provide a rigorous testing ground for Grid. In the chapter, the authors present an overview of the current technological achievements in the electronic healthcare world combined with an outline of the quality dimensions in healthcare.
Traceability Systems for Sustainable Development in Rural Areas
Authors: Díaz Vicente García , Bustelo B. Cristina Pelayo G. , Martínez Oscar Sanjuán , Lovelle Juan Manuel Cueva , Ordóñez de Pablos Patricia
Published: September 2010

In a global world, where a lot of international trade treaties have been signed, we must face new threats such as influenza A (H1N1) or bioterrorism. In this context, to control the origins of food can save lives and big amounts of money. Meanwhile, new regulations in the European Union have arisen. In accordance with the provisions of Article 18 of European Regulation 178/2002, from 1(st) January 2005, all European companies in the food industry must have implemented a traceability system. However, it may sound strange that after all these years with this regulation in force some of the workers in this area don´t even know what traceability is. This document pretends to give some details on food traceability, and it will expose a real case in which cutting-edge technologies have been applied to solve the traceability in rural areas of northern Spain, by improving productivity and allowing small businesses to offer more competitive and safer products, and of higher quality.
Understanding Knowledge Networks via Social Network Analysis (SNA)
Authors: Helmi Asleena , Ahmad Zainal Ariffin , Hung Daisy Kee Mui
Published: September 2010

The link between KM and network theory lies in the cultivating of knowledge networks by viewing knowledge as connections and understanding it as the aggregation of connections across different entities albeit it people or organizations (Kadushin, 2004). The study explores primarily on the capabilities and capacity building of government-linked corporations (GLC) in Malaysia in relation to its evolution as a knowledge network. In this chapter, the authors explore the overlap that exists in KM particularly in the entities and sharing of knowledge assets that undergoes a multiplying effect in its value propositions with the forming of interoganizational relationships. The findings of the study indicates that in order to benefit from the knowledge multiplying affects, organizations need to create a “network identity” and develop capabilities as a learning entity that would add value to the network itself. From the context of KM, majority of the GLCs are in the transitory stages in which issues of trust, competencies and communications have been key indicators in forming network relations. As such this chapter would be useful in highlighting the significance of network relations and provides further proliferation in the study of social network theory and significance to KM.
Analysis of Online Game Distribution in China’s Internet Cafés
Authors: Ren Qun , Hardwick Philip
Published: September 2010

Internet Cafés are the most popular locations for internet users to enjoy online game playing in China. At the beginning of this chapter, the authors analyzed reasons for Internet cafes’ popularity as well as listing difficulties the Internet Cafés are confronting. Applying the distribution strategy put forward by Kasper, the authors analyzed how five of the top ten most popular games are distributed in the Internet cafés by their game operators. In the conclusion, the authors suggest game operators of different market dominance should utilize different distribution strategies (intensive or selective one) to match the game product with the players’ demand. At the end of this chapter, some recommendations are put forward for the Internet cafés to take into account.
Strategic Regional Networks in Higher Education
Authors: Kantola Mauri , Kettunen Juha , Helmi Satu
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this study is to present a framework, which can be used to analyze the regional dimension of the institutional performance in higher education. This chapter combines strategic planning and corporate social responsibility reporting. The strategic planning of a higher education institution defines strategic objectives, which take into account educational policy, national and regional networked strategies, and the regional demand for labor. The evaluation of the external impact of an institution means that a general conceptual framework must describe the outreach and engagement of the institution with the region. The framework presented in this study includes the elements of the networked knowledge society, strategic management, global reporting initiative and quality assurance. The empirical part of this study is based on the network study of the Turku University of Applied Sciences. The framework can be used in decision making when an institution is invited to join local, national and international networks.
Visualizing Knowledge Awareness Support in Ubiquitous Learning
Authors: El-Bishouty Moushir M. , Ogata Hiroaki , Yano Yoneo
Published: September 2010

The aim of this research is to provide the learner with knowledge awareness support according to his current need and location. Therefore, we presented a ubiquitous learning environment in order to support the learners while doing tasks; this environment is called PERKAM (PERsonalized Knowledge Awareness Map). PERKAM allows the learners to share knowledge, interact, collaborate, and to exchange individual experiences. It utilizes ubiquitous technologies to detect the learner’s environmental objects and location, and then recommends the best matched educational materials and peer helpers in accordance with the detected objects and the current location. This environment provides the learner with Knowledge Awareness Map, which graphically displays the knowledge awareness support. The experiment and the questionnaire results indicated that Knowledge Awareness Map is helpful to understand the learner’s situation and it efficiently visualizes the recommendations.
Using Mobile Technologies as Research Tools
Authors: Hanewald Ria
Published: September 2010

This chapter describes the use of mobile technologies as research tools while discussing both the benefits and limitations of this mode. It maps practical approaches to the management of a mobile, digital data collection process and its accompanying challenges, namely the potential and pitfalls in gathering, coding and archiving the research data. The use of mobile technology devices and the amalgamation of hardware, operating systems, networking and software to facilitate and support this process are discussed. The lessons learned from the technical aspects underpinning fieldwork for research purposes will assist others in maximizing the potential of mobile technology to support their research projects.
Historic Monument Education
Authors: Shih Ju-Ling , Chuang Chien-Wen , Hwang Gwo-Jen
Published: September 2010

The aim of this research was to design an inquiry-based mobile learning strategy that integrated the physical environment and digital resources to enhance elementary students’ learning of historic monuments. The students were situated in both the real world and the virtual world to extend their learning experiences. Based on collaborative learning principles, students used the handheld device, PDA, to do their investigations. This research utilized the Peace Temple in Taiwan as the teaching and learning site and invited 32 fifth graders to participate in the learning activities. Through pre- and post-class questionnaires, as well as observations and focus group interviews, both qualitative and quantitative data about students’ social relationships were collected and analyzed. The results showed that students’ social relationships varied at different stages with different tasks. Inquiry-based mobile learning is shown to have positive effect on students’ learning performances and learning satisfactions.
Educational Podcasts at University Campus Suffolk
Authors: Goodchild Tim , Chenery-Morris Sam
Published: September 2010

This chapter will explore the introduction and development of podcasts at University Campus Suffolk (UCS). The podcasts discussed in this chapter have all been developed in relation to pre-registration health and social care courses within the Faculty of Health at UCS. UCS is a relatively new university, and has a wide range of professional courses including nursing, midwifery, radiography, operating department practice and social work. The chapter will begin with a discussion of where podcasts sit in the paradigm of mobile learning and then a brief history of podcasting. The introduction of podcasts at UCS has been ad-hoc and mostly in response to ideas for developing the wider student learning experience. This ad-hoc approach has led to the development of a model for their educational use. Three case studies will be outlined, followed by presentation of the model. These case studies will show how podcasts came to be utilised, and the progression of our thoughts and experiences which have informed their current and future development at UCS. Small scale evaluations throughout the developmental period, and informal student feedback have helped inform the progression of podcasting at UCS. These evaluations have driven the increased use of podcasts at UCS, with students enjoying the experience of using podcasts, and also the ability to digest the podcasts at a time of their choosing. However, it should be noted that because of the nature of the developmental process, full scale evaluative research is only now being undertaken.
Design and Development of an e-Platform for Supporting Liquid Food Supply Chain Monitoring and Traceability
Authors: Folinas Dimitris , Manikas Ioannis
Published: September 2010

In this paper, the deliverables of a research project are presented, which aims at the development of a webbased platform capable of supporting the traceability of liquid products like milk, wine and olive oil. First, it includes the design of a supply chain reference model and the identification of the data required for the efficient operation of the traceability system. The main elements of the proposed model defined in this paper are the entities, stages, events, and processes. The reference model consists of three distinct phases that represent stages of real-life supply chains. Each of these phases is defined by certain interactions between the above basic elements. Additionally, the proposed e-platform is based on the above reference model aiming to follow and register the production and distribution processes of the raw materials, semi-finals, and final products that are used in the examined industry.
Projector Phones
Authors: Schöning Johannes , Löchtefeld Markus , Rohs Michael , Krüger Antonio
Published: September 2010

With the miniaturization of projection technology, the integration of tiny projection units into mobile devices is no longer fiction; therefore, such integrated projectors in mobile devices could make mobile projection ubiquitous. These phones will have the ability to project large-scale information onto any surfaces in the real world, and by doing so, the interaction space of the mobile device can be considerably expanded. In addition, physical objects in the environment can be augmented with additional information, which can support interaction concepts that are not even possible on modern desktop computers today. The authors believe that mobile camera-projector units can form a promising interface type for mobile Augmented Reality (AR) applications, thus, this paper identifies different application classes of such interfaces. In addition, different spatial setups of camera and projector units will have an effect on the possible applications and the interaction space with the focus on the augmentation of real word objects in the environment. This paper presents two examples of applications for mobile camera-projector units and different hardware prototypes that allow augmentation of real world objects.
Formation, Repair, and Genotoxic Properties of Bulky DNA Adducts Formed from Tobacco‐Specific Nitrosamines
Authors: Peterson Lisa A.
Published: September 2010

4‐(Methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanone (NNK) and N′‐nitrosonornicotine (NNN) are tobacco‐specific nitrosamines present in tobacco products and smoke. Both compounds are carcinogenic in laboratory animals, generating tumors at sites comparable to those observed in smokers. These Group 1 human carcinogens are metabolized to reactive intermediates that alkylate DNA. This paper focuses on the DNA pyridyloxobutylation pathway which is common to both compounds. This DNA route generates 7‐[4‐(3‐pyridyl)‐4‐oxobut‐1‐yl]‐2′‐deoxyguanosine, O2‐[4‐(3‐pyridyl)‐4‐oxobut‐1‐yl]‐2′‐deoxycytosine, O2‐[4‐(3‐pyridyl)‐4‐oxobut‐1‐yl]‐2′‐deoxythymidine, and O6‐[4‐(3‐pyridyl)‐4‐oxobut‐1‐yl]‐2′‐deoxyguanosine as well as unstable adducts which dealkylate to release 4‐hydroxy‐1‐{3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanone or depyriminidate/depurinate to generate abasic sites. There are multiple repair pathways responsible for protecting against the genotoxic effects of these adducts, including adduct reversal as well as base and nucleotide excision repair pathways. Data indicate that several DNA adducts contribute to the overall mutagenic properties of pyridyloxobutylating agents. Which adducts contribute to the carcinogenic properties of this pathway are likely to depend on the biochemistry of the target tissue.
Adjustment and Characterization of an Original Model of Chronic Ischemic Heart Failure in Pig
Authors: Barandon Laurent , Calderon Joachim , Réant Patricia , Caillaud Dominique , Lafitte Stéphane , Roques Xavier , Couffinhal Thierry , Dos Santos Pierre
Published: September 2010

We present and characterize an original experimental model to create a chronic ischemic heart failure in pig. Two ameroid constrictors were placed around the LAD and the circumflex artery. Two months after surgery, pigs presented a poor LV function associated with a severe mitral valve insufficiency. Echocardiography analysis showed substantial anomalies in radial and circumferential deformations, both on the anterior and lateral surface of the heart. These anomalies in function were coupled with anomalies of perfusion observed in echocardiography after injection of contrast medium. No demonstration of myocardial infarction was observed with histological analysis. Our findings suggest that we were able to create and to stabilize a chronic ischemic heart failure model in the pig. This model represents a useful tool for the development of new medical or surgical treatment in this field.
Modelling historical and current irrigation water demand on the continental scale: Europe
Authors: aus der Beek T. , Flörke M. , Lapola D. M. , Schaldach R. , Voß F. , Teichert E.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Water abstractions for irrigation purposes are higher than for any other pan-European water use sector and have a large influence on river runoff regimes. This modelling experiment assesses historic and current irrigation water demands for different crops in five arc minute spatial resolution for pan-Europe. Two different modelling frameworks have been applied in this study. First, soft-coupling the dynamic vegetation model LPJmL with the land use model LandSHIFT leads to overestimations of national irrigation water demands, which are rather high in the southern Mediterranean countries. This can be explained by unlimited water supply in the model structure and illegal or not gauged water abstractions in the reported data sets. The second modelling framework is WaterGAP3, which has an integrated conceptual crop specific irrigation module. Irrigation water requirements as modelled with WaterGAP3 feature a more realistic representation of pan-European water withdrawals. However, in colder humid regions, irrigation water demands are often underestimated. Additionally, a national database on crop-specific irrigated area and water withdrawal for all 42 countries within pan-Europe has been set up and integrated in both model frameworks.
Large Space‐Charge Effects in a Nanostructured Proton Conductor
Authors: Haverkate Lucas A. , Chan Wing K. , Mulder Fokko M.
Published: September 2010

Decreasing the dimensions of heterogeneous mixtures of ionic conductors towards the nanoscale results in ionic conduction enhancements, caused by the increased influence of the interfacial space‐charge regions. For a composite of TiO2 anatase and solid acid CsHSO4, the strong enhancement of the ionic conductivity at the nanoscale also can be assigned to this space‐charge effect. Surprisingly high hydrogen concentrations in the order of 1021 cm−3 in TiO2 are measured, which means that about 10% of the available sites for H+ ions are filled on average. Such high concentrations require a specific elaboration of the space‐charge model that is explicitly performed here, by taking account of the large occupation numbers on the exhaustible sites. It is shown that ionic defects with negative formation enthalpy reach extremely high concentrations near the interfaces and throughout the material. By performing first‐principles density functional theory calculations, it is found that proton insertion from CsHSO4 into the TiO2 particles is preferred compared to neutral hydrogen atom insertion and indeed that the formation enthalpy is negative. Moreover, the average proton fractions in TiO2, estimated by the theoretical ionic density profiles, are in good agreement with the experimental observations.
The Dependence of Device Dark Current on the Active‐Layer Morphology of Solution‐Processed Organic Photodetectors
Authors: Keivanidis Panagiotis E. , Ho Peter K. H. , Friend Richard H. , Greenham Neil C.
Published: September 2010

Organic photodiodes are presented that utilize solution‐processed perylene diimide bulk heterojunctions as the device photoactive layer. The polymer (9,9′‐dioctylfluorene‐co‐benzothiadiazole; F8BT) is used as the electron donor and the N,N′‐bis(1‐ethylpropyl)‐3,4,9,10‐perylene tetracarboxylic diimide (PDI) derivative is used as the electron acceptor. The thickness‐dependent study of the main device parameters, namely of the external quantum efficiency (EQE), the short‐circuit current (ISC), the open‐circuit voltage (VOC), the fill factor (FF), and the dark current (ID) is presented. In as‐spun F8BT:PDI devices the short‐circuit EQE reaches the maximum of 17% and the VOC value is as high as 0.8 V. Device ID is in the nA mm−2 regime and it correlates with the topography of the F8BT:PDI layer. For a range of annealing temperatures ID is monitored as the morphology of the photoactive layer changes. The changes in the morphology of the photoactive layer are monitored via atomic force microscopy. The thermally induced coalescence of the PDI domains assists the dark conductivity of the device. ID values as low as 80 pA mm−2 are achieved with a corresponding EQE of 9%, when an electron‐blocking layer (EB) is used in bilayer EB/F8BT:PDI devices. Electron injection from the hole‐collecting electrode to the F8BT:PDI medium is hindered by the use of the EB layer. The temperature dependence of the ID value of the as‐spun F8BT:PDI device is studied in the range of 296–216 K. In combination with the thickness and the composition dependence of ID, the determined activation energy Ea suggests a two‐step mechanism of ID generation; a temperature‐independent step of electric‐field‐assisted carrier injection from the device contacts to the active‐layer medium and a thermally activated step of carrier transport across the device electrodes, via the PDI domains of the photoactive layer. Moreover, device ID is found to be sensitive to environmental factors.
Non‐Toxic Dry‐Coated Nanosilver for Plasmonic Biosensors
Authors: Sotiriou Georgios A. , Sannomiya Takumi , Teleki Alexandra , Krumeich Frank , Vörös Janos , Pratsinis Sotiris E.
Published: September 2010

The plasmonic properties of noble metals facilitate their use for in vivo bio‐applications such as targeted drug delivery and cancer cell therapy. Nanosilver is best suited for such applications as it has the lowest plasmonic losses among all such materials in the UV‐visible spectrum. Its toxicity, however, can destroy surrounding healthy tissues and thus, hinders its safe use. Here, that toxicity against a model biological system (Escherichia coli) is “cured” or blocked by coating nanosilver hermetically with a about 2 nm thin SiO2 layer in one‐step by a scalable flame aerosol method followed by swirl injection of a silica precursor vapor (hexamethyldisiloxane) without reducing the plasmonic performance of the enclosed or encapsulated silver nanoparticles (20–40 nm in diameter as determined by X‐ray diffraction and microscopy). This creates the opportunity to safely use powerful nanosilver for intracellular bio‐applications. The label‐free biosensing and surface bio‐functionalization of these ready‐to‐use, non‐toxic (benign) Ag nanoparticles is presented by measuring the adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in a model sensing experiment. Furthermore, the silica coating around nanosilver prevents its agglomeration or flocculation (as determined by thermal annealing, optical absorption spectroscopy and microscopy) and thus, enhances its biosensitivity, including bioimaging as determined by dark field illumination.
Towards a Universal Method for the Stable and Clean Functionalization of Inert Perfluoropolymer Nanoparticles: Exploiting Photopolymerizable Amphiphilic Diacetylenes
Authors: Morasso Carlo , Colombo Miriam , Ronchi Silvia , Polito Laura , Mazzucchelli Serena , Monti Diego , Buscaglia Marco , Bellini Tommaso , Prosperi Davide
Published: September 2010

Highly fluorinated materials are being widely investigated due to a number of peculiar properties, which are potentially useful for various applications, including use as lubricants, anti‐adhesive films, and substitutes for biological fluids for biomedical utilization. However, at present such potential is still poorly exploited. One of the major drawbacks that hampers the rapid development of nanoscale fluoro‐hybrid devices is the remarkable inertness of perfluoropolymeric materials that lack reactive functionalities, as they do not offer any functional groups that can be employed to covalently anchor organic molecules on their surface. In this paper, a convenient method for the stable biofunctionalization of strongly unreactive perfluoropolymer nanoparticles (PnPs) is reported. PnPs are easily coated with newly synthesized asymmetric diacetylenic monomer compounds (ADMs), thanks to PnP’s high propensity to interact with hydrophobic moieties. Once monomerically adsorbed onto PnPs, such suitably designed ADMs enable the formation of a robust polymeric shell around the perfluoroelastomer core via a clean UV‐promoted localized photopolymerization. Given the peculiar optical characteristics of PnPs, the coating of the particles can be monitored step by step using light scattering, which also allows estimation of the fraction of reacted monomers by competitive adsorption with smaller particles. The potential of this method for the biofunctionalization of PnPs is demonstrated with representative proteins and carbohydrates. Among them, the extension to avidin–biotin technology may broaden the scope and applicability of this strategy to potentially a large number of molecules of biomedical interest.
Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Hydrogenation of α‐Amino‐β‐Keto Ester Hydrochlorides Catalyzed by an Iridium Complex with MeO‐BIPHEP and NaBArF: Catalytic Cycle and Five‐Membered Chelation Mechanism of Asymmetric Hydrogenation
Authors: Maeda Tsukuru , Makino Kazuishi , Iwasaki Masamichi , Hamada Yasumasa
Published: September 2010

The development of Ir‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of α‐amino‐β‐keto ester hydrochlorides is described. This reaction proceeds through a dynamic kinetic resolution to produce anti‐β‐hydroxy‐α‐amino acid esters in a high diastereo‐ and enantioselective manner. Mechanistic studies have revealed that this unique asymmetric hydrogenation proceeds through reduction of the ketone moiety via the five‐membered transition state involving the chelation between the oxygen of the ketone and the nitrogen of the amine function. The relationship studies between the hydrogen pressure and the stereoselectivity have disclosed two mechanisms dependent on hydrogen pressure. Under low hydrogen pressure (<15 atm), the reaction rate proportionally increased with the hydrogen pressure. However, under the high hydrogen conditions, the reaction rate exponentially accelerated along with the increasing hydrogen pressure, which suggests the participation of two or more of hydrogen atoms.
Integrative genomic characterization and a genomic staging system for gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Ylipää Antti , Hunt Kelly K. , Yang Jilong , Lazar Alexander J. F. , Torres Keila E. , Lev Dina C. , Nykter Matti , Pollock Raphael E. , Trent Jonathan , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND:

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) historically were grouped with leiomyosarcomas (LMSs) based on their morphologic similarities; however, recently, GIST was established unequivocally as a distinct type of sarcoma based on its molecular features and response to imatinib treatment.

METHODS:

To gain further insight into the genomic differences between GISTs and LMSs, the authors mapped gene copy number aberrations (CNAs) in 42 GISTs and 30 LMSs and integrated the results with gene expression profiles.

RESULTS:

Distinct patterns of CNAs were revealed between GISTs and LMSs. Losses in 1p, 14q, 15q, and 22q were significantly more frequent in GISTs than in LMSs (P < .001); whereas losses in chromosomes 10 and 16 and gains in 1q, 14q, and 15q (P < .001) were more common in LMSs. By integrating CNAs with gene expression data and clinical information, the authors identified several clinically relevant CNAs that were prognostic of survival in patients with GIST. Furthermore, GISTs were categorized into 4 groups according to an accumulating pattern of genetic alterations. Many key cellular pathways were expressed differently in the 4 groups, and the patients in each group had increasingly worse prognoses as the extent of genomic alterations increased.

CONCLUSIONS:

Based on the current findings, the authors proposed a new tumor‐progression genetic staging system termed genomic instability stage to complement the current prognostic predictive system based on tumor size, mitotic index, and v‐kit Hardy‐Zuckerman 4 feline sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KIT) mutation. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Preparation, Crystal Structure, and Properties of Five Metal‐Organic Complexes Based on a Triangular Nonplanar Carboxylate Ligand
Authors: He Haiyan , Yin Handong , Wang Daqi , Ma Huiqing , Zhang Guoqing , Sun Daofeng
Published: September 2010

A nonplanar triangular carboxylate ligand has been synthesized and applied to assemble metal‐organic frameworksunder hydro‐ or solvothermal conditions. Five new metal‐organic complexes, [H2N(CH3)2]2[Cd(HTMBTC)2]·2H2O·dmf (1), [Cu3(TMBTC)2(2,2′‐bpy)2]·H2O (2), [Zn3(TMBTC)2(H2O)2]·H2O (3), [Cd3(TMBTC)2(H2O)4]·4H2O (4), and [Cu3(TMBTC)2](5), (dmf = dimethylformamide; TMBTC = 2,4,6‐trimethylbenzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylic acid; bpy = bipyridine) were crystallized; they possess four different structural types. In 1, the nonplanar carboxylate ligand connects the cadmium ion to give rise to a 2D (4,4) topological layer that contains two vertical left‐ and right‐handed helical chains. In 2, the carboxylate ligands first link the copper ions to generate a 1D tubular unit, which can be considered the basic building block. The 1D tubular units are further connected by the ligand to form a 2D layer structure. Complexes 3 and 4 have similar structural types. The zinc and cadmium ions are connected by the ligand to form a bilayer framework that contains double (6,3) topological nets. Different from complexes 1–4, complex 5 has a 3D framework. The copper ions are first connected by the ligand to generate a bilayer structure that contains double (6,3) nets, which are further connected by sharing the copper ion to form the final 3D framework. Photoluminescence measurements of 1, 3, and 4 in the solid state at room temperature show that all three coordination networks exhibit similar, strong luminescence, which can be assigned to an intraligand π → π* transition.
Highly Stereoselective Synthesis of Tricyclic Chromenoisoxazolidines by Intramolecular 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloadditions
Authors: Bakthadoss Manickam , Murugan Gandhi
Published: September 2010

The novel and simple synthesis of tricyclic chromenoisoxazolidine frameworks by using Baylis–Hillman derivatives through in situ formation of nitrones followed by an intramolecular [3+2] dipolar cycloaddition reaction sequence is described. The new [3+2] cycloaddition reaction leads to a novel class of angularly substituted fused tricyclic chromenoisoxazolidines, creating two rings and three contiguousstereocenters, one of them being a tetrasubstituted carbon center. Fused tricyclic compounds were obtained in a highly stereoselective fashion with high yields.
A continuous model for sand dunes: Review, new developments and application to barchan dunes and barchan dune fields
Authors: Durán Orencio , Parteli Eric J.R. , Herrmann Hans J.
Published: September 2010

Basically, sand dunes are patterns resulting from the coupling of hydrodynamic and sediment transport. Once grains move, they modify the surface topography which in turns modifies the flow. This important feedback mechanism lies at the core of continuous dune modelling. Here we present an updated review of such a model for aeolian dunes, including important modifications to improve its predicting power. For instance, we add a more realistic wind model and provide a self‐consistent set of parameters independently validated. As an example, we are able to simulate realistic barchan dunes, which are the basic solution of the model in the condition of unidirectional flow and scarce sediments. From the simulation, we extract new relations describing the morphology and dynamics of barchans that compare very well with existing field data. Next, we revisit the problem of the stability of barchan dunes and argue that they are intrinsically unstable bed‐forms. Finally, we perform more complex simulations: first, a barchan dune under variable wind strength and, second, barchan dune fields under different boundary conditions. The latter has important implications for the problem of the genesis of barchan dunes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rates, distributions and mechanisms of change in meander morphology over decadal timescales, River Dane, UK
Authors: Hooke J. M. , Yorke L.
Published: September 2010

This paper analyses types and rates of change in river meander morphology and the links between mechanisms of change and emergent behaviour of planform morphology. It uses evidence of four dates of aerial photography combined with annual field mapping and ground photography to examine the morphological changes and mechanisms of change in a series of bends on an active meandering river, the River Dane in NW England, over a 25 year period. This unique data set allows insight into the spatial and temporal variability of bank line movement and component processes. Bank lines were mapped photogrametrically from air photos of 1984, 1996, 2001 and 2007 and the digitised courses compared in ArcGIS to produce calculations of erosional and depositional areas and rates. Most bends exhibit morphological change that largely follows the autogenic sequence, identified in qualitative models of meander development, from low sinuosity curves through simple symmetric and asymmetric bends to compound forms with lobe development in the apex region. Rates of erosion and bankline movement increase through this sequence until the compound phase. Relationships of amounts of movement to various curvature measures of bend morphology are complex. Several new loops, distinct from compound bend behaviour, have developed during the study period in formerly straight sections. Mechanisms of morphological change are illustrated for four types of bends: new, rapid growth bend; sharp‐angled bend with mid‐channel bar development; symmetric migrating bend; and simple to compound bend development. The changes take place in phases that are not simply related to discharge but to inherent sequences and feedbacks in development of bars and bend morphology and timescales for these are identified. Overall, emergent behaviour of systematic planform change, moderated by channel confinement and boundary features, is produced from spatially and temporally varied channel processes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Fixed‐Mesh ALE approach for the numerical simulation of floating solids
Authors: Baiges Joan , Codina Ramon , Coppola‐Owen Herbert
Published: September 2010

In this paper, we propose a method to solve the problem of floating solids using always a background mesh for the spatial discretization of the fluid domain. The main feature of the method is that it properly accounts for the advection of information as the domain boundary evolves. To achieve this, we use an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian framework, the distinctive characteristic being that at each time step results are projected onto a fixed, background mesh. We pay special attention to the tracking of the various interfaces and their intersections, and to the approximate imposition of coupling conditions between the solid and the fluid. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soret and Dufour effects on the mixed convection flow of a second grade fluid subject to Hall and ion‐slip currents
Authors: Hayat T. , Nawaz M.
Published: September 2010

An analysis is performed to investigate Soret and Dufour effects on mixed convection boundary layer three‐dimensional flow of an electrically conducting second grade fluid over a linearly stretching vertical sheet. Hall and ion‐slip effects are retained in the presence of mass diffusion of chemically reacting species. The governing partial differential equations are transformed into the ordinary differential equations by the use of similarity variables. The resulting problems are solved analytically by homotopy analysis method (HAM). A comparative study between the present and existing limiting results is carefully made. The convergence of derived series solutions is ensured. The influence of different physical parameters on dimensionless velocities, temperature and concentration field are seen through plots. The variation of skin friction coefficients, Nusselt number and Sherwood number for different values of involved parameters is analyzed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The expression of stem cell‐related indicators as a prognostic factor in human lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Xue‐Yan , Dong Qiang‐Gang , Huang Jin‐Su , Huang Ai‐Mi , Shi Chun‐Lei , Jin Bo , Sha Hui‐Fang , Feng Jiu‐Xian , Geng Qin , Zhou Jin , Xu Hui‐Li , Han Bao‐hui
Published: September 2010

Introduction

The purpose of the present study was to detect the presence of BASC‐like stem cell‐related indicators, such as clara cell secretory protein (CCSP), Octamer‐4 (OCT4) and Bmi‐1, and evaluate their implications in the prognosis of patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Specimens of 134 cases of lung adenocarcinoma were collected after radical surgery from January 1999 to June 2004.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐six cases showed cells that were positive for CCSP, 99 cases positive for OCT4, 91 cases simultaneous expression of CCSP and OCT4 and 74 cases positive for Bmi‐1. Bmi‐1 was significantly higher in patients at stage III compared to patients at stages I and II. The pattern of survival curves showed that Bmi‐1 was a significant prognostic factor of poor overall survival in lung adenocarcinoma patients (P = 0.0000), and the patients with OCT4+ expression showed a greater increase in mortality than OCT4− patients (P = 0.0103). The results of univariate and multivariate Cox analysis revealed that the pathological stages of tumor node metastases (P = 0.037), OCT4 (P = 0.046) and Bmi‐1 expression (P = 0.001) were independent prognostic factors.

Conclusions

OCT4 and Bmi‐1 may be good biomarkers to predict the prognosis of patients with completely resected lung adenocarcinoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:856–862. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical and biochemical characterization of patients with early infantile onset of autosomal recessive GTP cyclohydrolase I deficiency without hyperphenylalaninemia
Authors: Opladen Thomas , Hoffmann Georg , Hörster Friederike , Hinz Anne‐Bärbel , Neidhardt Katharina , Klein Christine , Wolf Nicole
Published: September 2010

Autosomal recessive guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase (GTPCH) type I deficiency is characterized by complex neurological dysfunction. Patients are usually diagnosed with hyperphenylalaninemia in newborn screening. We describe two unrelated patients without hyperphenylalaninemia who presented during early infancy with severe motor retardation, hypokinesia, and truncal hypotonia. CSF homovanillic acid and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid as well as tetrahydrobiopterin and neopterin were decreased. Diagnosis of recessive GTPCH deficiency was confirmed biochemically, and a novel homozygous mutation was identified in one patient and a compound‐heterozygous mutation of GCH1 in the other. Treatment with Levodopa/Carbidopa resulted in striking clinical improvement, with age‐appropriate development at follow‐up at 6 years. Autosomal recessive GTPCH deficiency should be considered in infants with severe truncal hypotonia even if hyperphenylalaninemia or classical extrapyramidal symptoms are missing. Neurotransmitter analysis followed by enzyme or mutation analysis can confirm the diagnosis, and Levodopa treatment should be started at high‐doses. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Tardive dyskinesia and other movement disorders secondary to aripiprazole
Authors: Peña Maria Sierra , Yaltho Toby C. , Jankovic Joseph
Published: September 2010

The objective of this report is to draw attention to tardive dyskinesia (TD) caused by aripiprazole, a third generation antipsychotic. TD has been traditionally attributed to typical (first‐generation) antipsychotics, but other dopamine receptor blocking drugs and atypical (second‐ and third‐generation) neuroleptics are emerging as an important cause of TD. We reviewed the medical records of patients with TD seen at the Baylor College of Medicine Movement Disorders Clinic between 2002 and 2010 to identify patients with TD associated with aripiprazole. Among 236 patients with TD seen over the specified period, 8 (3.4%) were found to have aripiprazole‐associated TD. In 5 patients, TD occurred after exclusive exposure to aripiprazole. The mean age at onset was 55.8 ± 14.8 years with a female predominance. The average duration of treatment with aripiprazole was 18.4 ± 26.4 months. Oro‐bucco‐lingual stereotypy was seen in all patients. In most patients, TD did not spontaneously improve after stopping aripiprazole. Of the 5 patients treated with tetrabenazine, 4 improved during follow‐up. Although aripiprazole, a third generation antipsychotic, has been promoted to have a low risk of TD, the drug accounts for about 3.5% of patients with TD evaluated in a movement disorders clinic. This largest reported series draws attention to the growing incidence of TD and other drug‐induced movement disorders associated with “atypical antipsychotics.” © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Enhanced evanescent mode light trapping in organic solar cells and other low index optoelectronic devices
Authors: Green Martin A.
Published: September 2010

A new light‐trapping scheme is described based on tunnelling evanescent waves. The scheme is particularly suitable for low index materials such as organic solar cells and polar inorganic semiconductors such as CdTe, or dielectric layers containing, for example, upconverters. The 4n2 macroscopic limit on light trapping, where n is refractive index, can be exceeded by a large margin using the new scheme. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Further consideration of the correlation of the rates of solvolytic displacement of chloride ion from phosphorus (V)
Authors: Kevill Dennis N. , Park Kyoung‐Ho , Koh Han Joong
Published: September 2010

Specific rates of solvolysis of diphenyl (1) and bis(2,4‐dichlorophenyl) (3) phosphorochloridate (chlorophosphate) have been determined by a conductivity technique. The available specific rates together with those determined earlier for bis(4‐chlorophenyl) phosphorochloridate (2) have been analyzed in terms of the extended (two‐term) Grunwald–Winstein equation. It is found that rather poor overall correlations found earlier for 1 and 2 and now for 3 are considerably improved when data points for 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol–ethanol and acetone–water mixtures are excluded. The large sensitivities toward changes in solvent nucleophilicity are consistent with a bimolecular process. The differences in nucleophilicity of an acetone–water mixture for attack at carbon or at phosphorus are discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of γ irradiation on the surface properties of wet polysulfone films containing poly(vinylpyrrolidone)
Authors: Matsuda Masato , Yakushiji Taiji , Sakai Kiyotaka
Published: September 2010

In Japan, hemodialyzers are usually sterilized by γ irradiation. However, the polymer materials used in the dialysis membrane, such as polysulfone (PSf) and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), undergo crosslinking or degradation on exposure to γ radiation. In the present study, we prepared PSf/PVP films (PVP content, 0–50 wt%) and used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to perform nanoscale evaluations of the effect of γ irradiation (25 and 50 kGy) on the surface properties of wet PSf/PVP surfaces. Force‐curve measurements were used to evaluate the hardness of and fibrinogen adsorbability on the wet PSf/PVP surface; fibrinogen adsorbability on the wet PSf/PVP surface was evaluated using AFM probes with fibrinogen immobilized on the tips of the probes. At PVP levels greater than 5 wt%, the wet PSf/PVP film surface was completely covered with hydrated and swollen PVP particles. The surface hardness of the wet PSf/PVP films exposed to 25‐kGy γ irradiation greatly decreased with increasing PVP content, whereas the surface hardness of the wet PSf/PVP films exposed to 50‐kGy γ irradiation did not decrease significantly. At higher PVP levels, the reduction in the fibrinogen adsorbability on a wet PSf/PVP film exposed to 25‐kGy γ irradiation was more significant than that on a wet PSf/PVP film exposed to 50‐kGy γ irradiation. PVP particles on the wet PSf/PVP film surface exposed to 50‐kGy γ irradiation did not show significant hydration and swelling because the polymer materials PVP–PSf and PVP‐PVP in these membranes has undergone excessive crosslinking due to γ irradiation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alkyl Passivation and Amphiphilic Polymer Coating of Silicon Nanocrystals for Diagnostic Imaging
Authors: Hessel Colin M. , Rasch Michael R. , Hueso Jose L. , Goodfellow Brian W. , Akhavan Vahid A. , Puvanakrishnan Priyaveena , Tunnel James W. , Korgel Brian A.
Published: September 2010

A method to produce biocompatible polymer‐coated silicon nanocrystals for medical imaging is shown. Silica‐embedded Si nanocrystals are formed by HSQ thermolysis. The nanocrystals are then liberated from the oxide and terminated with Si–H bonds by HF etching, followed by alkyl monolayer passivation by thermal hydrosilylation. The Si nanocrystals have an average diameter of 2.1 nm ± 0.6 nm and photoluminesce with a peak emission wavelength of 650 nm, which lies within the transmission window of 650–900 nm that is useful for biological imaging. The hydrophobic Si nanocrystals are then coated with an amphiphilic polymer for dispersion in aqueous media with the pH ranging between 7 and 10 and an ionic strength between 30 mM and 2 M, while maintaining a bright and stable photoluminescence and a hydrodynamic radius of only 20 nm. Fluorescence imaging of polymer‐coated Si nanocrystals in biological tissue is demonstrated, showing the potential for in vivo imaging.
Correlation between unconjugated bilirubin and total cholesterol in the sera of 1‐month‐old infants
Authors: Nagao Yoshiro , Ohsawa Maki , Kobayashi Tomoka
Published: September 2010

Aim:  To investigate why breastfed infants are more likely to have prolonged jaundice than formula‐fed infants.

Methods:  Serum unconjugated bilirubin (UCB), total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) were measured for 102 infants of 1 month. Enrolled infants were 42 breastfed, 40 mixed‐fed and 20 bottle‐fed infants. Statistic analyses for relationship among UCB, TC, TG, perinatal factors and post‐natal factors were performed for these infants.

Results:  In correlation analyses UCB was correlated with peak transcutaneous bilirubin value in neonatal period (TcBn) (r = 0.612, P < 0.0001) and with TC (r = 0.383, P < 0.0001). When analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) for UCB were performed using TcBn as the covariate, the results indicated that there was neither significant main nor interaction effect of feeding method on UCB, and that main and interaction effects of TC on UCB were significant when TC was categorised into two groups (≤150 mg/dL and >150 mg/dL).

Conclusions:  It is suggested that both neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and subsequent higher plasma TC are associated factors for prolonged jaundice.