bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Efficient Method for the Glycosylation of Isoflavones
Authors: Al‐Maharik Nawaf , Botting Nigel P.
Published: October 2008

The isoflavone phytoestrogens are still of current interest for their positive and negative health benefits. However, there are still many unanswered questions regarding their absorption, metabolism and bioavailability. Studies in this area require access to samples of both the isoflavone 7‐O‐glucosides, the form found in plants and the 7‐O‐glucuronides, which are important mammaliam metabolites. A new efficient, high‐yielding glycosylation procedure is described for isoflavones, which employs 2,2,2‐trifluoro‐N‐(p‐methoxyphenyl)acetamidates as the glycosyl donors. This methodology was used to prepare the 7‐O‐glycosides of the three main isoflavones, daidzein, genistein and glycitein. The isoflavones were protected with hexanoyl groups which improved their solubility in organic solvents and improved the efficiency of the reaction. The same methodology was then adapted for the synthesis of the analogous 7‐O‐glucuronides. The new synthesis will provide access to large quantities of these compounds for further biological studies. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
PCA‐ and PMF‐based methodology for air pollution sources identification and apportionment
Authors: Chavent Marie , Guégan Hervé , Kuentz Vanessa , Patouille Brigitte , Saracco Jérôme
Published: October 2008

Air pollution is a wide concern for human health and requires the development of air quality control strategies. In order to achieve this goal pollution sources have to be accurately identified and quantified. The case study presented in this paper is part of a scientific project initiated by the French Ministry of Ecology and Sustainable Development. For the following study measurements of chemical composition data for particles have been conducted on a French urban site. The first step of the study consists in the identification of the sources profiles which is achieved through principal component analysis (PCA) completed by a rotation technique. Then the apportionment of the sources is evaluated with a receptor modeling using positive matrix factorization (PMF) as estimation method. Finally the joint use of these two statistical methods enables to characterize and apportion five different sources of fine particulate emission. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The limits to stock index arbitrage: Examining S&P 500 futures and SPDRS
Authors: Richie Nivine , Daigler Robert T. , Gleason Kimberly C.
Published: October 2008

This study examines factors affecting stock index spot versus futures pricing and arbitrage opportunities by using the S&P 500 cash index and the S&P 500 Standard and Poor's Depository Receipt (SPDR) Exchange‐Traded Fund (ETF) as “underlying cash assets.” Potential limits to arbitrage when using the cash index are the staleness of the underlying cash index, trading costs, liquidity (volume) issues of the underlying assets, the existence of sufficient time to execute profitable arbitrage transactions, short sale restrictions, and the extent to which volatility affects mispricing. Alternatively, using the SPDR ETF as the underlying asset mitigates staleness and trading cost problems as well as the effects of volatility associated with the staleness of the cash index. Minute‐by‐minute prices are compared over different volatility levels to determine how these factors affect the limits of S&P 500 futures arbitrage. Employing the SPDR as the cash asset examines whether a liquid tradable single asset with low trading costs can be used for pricing and arbitrage purposes. The analysis examines how long mispricing lasts, the impact of volatility on mispricing, and whether sufficient volume exists to implement arbitrage. The minute‐by‐minute liquidity of the futures market is examined using a new transaction volume futures database. The results show that mispricings exist regardless of the choice of the underlying cash asset, with more negative mispricings for the SPDR relative to the S&P 500 cash index. Furthermore, mispricings are more frequent in high‐ and mid‐volatility months than in low‐volatility months and are associated with higher volume during high‐volatility months. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 28:1182–1205, 2008
Aging diseases – do they prevent preventive health care from saving costs?
Authors: Gandjour Afschin
Published: October 2008

The potential of preventive health‐care services to save costs is intensely debated. On the one hand, a longer life span increases the probability that new and costly diseases occur. On the other hand, a higher life expectancy postpones the expensive last year of life (LYOL), which becomes cheaper with age. Using US expenditure data on survivors and decedents the paper shows that prevention in the general population causes expenditures for additional diseases that are larger than the savings from postponing the LYOL. This result may also hold for prevention in diseased individuals. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling the monetary value of a QALY: a new approach based on UK data
Authors: Mason Helen , Jones‐Lee Michael , Donaldson Cam
Published: October 2008

Debate about the monetary value of a quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) has existed in the health economics literature for some time. More recently, concern about such a value has arisen in UK health policy. This paper reports on an attempt to ‘model’ a willingness‐to‐pay‐based value of a QALY from the existing value of preventing a statistical fatality (VPF) currently used in UK public sector decision making. Two methods of deriving the value of a QALY from the existing UK VPF are outlined: one conventional and one new. The advantages and disadvantages of each of the approaches are discussed as well as the implications of the results for policy and health economic evaluation methodology. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of unsedated transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy in the diagnosis of hypopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Wang Cheng‐Ping , Lee Yi‐Chia , Yang Tsung‐Lin , Lou Pei‐Jen , Ko Jenq‐Yuh
Published: October 2008

Background

This study evaluates the efficacy of unsedated transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in the diagnosis of hypopharyngeal cancer and screening of esophageal lesions.

Methods

Twenty‐seven patients with newly diagnosed hypopharyngeal cancer were evaluated by transnasal EGD without conscious sedation.

Results

Twenty‐two hypopharyngeal cancers arose from the pyriform sinus, and the other 5 tumors were from the posterior hypopharyngeal wall. Seventeen tumors were classified as T3‐T4. Twenty‐four hypopharyngeal tumors were pathologically proved malignancy by this technique. Regarding simultaneous esophageal lesions, esophageal dysplasia was noted in 4 patients and esophageal cancer occurred in 6 patients. The procedures were performed without difficulty except in 1 patient with huge posterior wall tumor. The mean procedure time was 22 minutes. All patients tolerated the procedure well, without significant bleeding or respiratory distress during examination.

Conclusion

Unsedated transnasal EGD is a safe, tolerable, and accurate endoscopic technique for diagnosis of hypopharyngeal cancer and screening of simultaneous esophageal cancer. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Targeting heat-shock protein 90 improves efficacy of rapamycin in a model of hepatocellular carcinoma in mice #
Authors: Lang Sven A. , Moser Christian , Fichnter-Feigl Stefan , Schachtschneider Philipp , Hellerbrand Claus , Schmitz Volker , Schlitt Hans J. , Geissler Edward K. , Stoeltzing Oliver
Published: October 2008

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains associated with a poor prognosis, but novel targeted therapies in combination with anti-angiogenic substances may offer new perspectives. We hypothesized that simultaneous targeting of tumor cells, endothelial cells, and pericytes would reduce growth and angiogenesis of HCC, which represents a highly vascularized tumor entity. Recently, because of their anti-angiogenic properties, inhibitors of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) have entered clinical trials for therapy of HCC. However, treatment with mTOR inhibitors may lead to paradoxical activation of Akt signaling in tumor cells via insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR)–dependent and IGF-IR–independent mechanisms. Because we have recently identified heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) antagonists to impair both oncogenic and angiogenic signaling cascades in tumor cells, including Akt and IGF-IR, we sought to investigate whether Hsp90 blockade could improve growth-inhibitory and anti-angiogenic effects of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin. Human HCC cells, a murine hepatoma cell line, endothelial cells (ECs), and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) were employed in experiments. Results show that dual inhibition of mTOR and Hsp90 leads to effective disruption of oncogenic signaling cascades and substantially improves growth-inhibitory effects in vivo. Importantly, blocking Hsp90 abrogated the rapamycin-induced activation of Akt and of the downstream effector nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) in HCC tumors. Furthermore, Hsp90 inhibition reduced the expression of platelet-derived growth factor-receptor-β (PDGF-Rβ) on VSMCs, and diminished vascular endothelial growth factor-receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) expression on ECs, which further improves the anti-angiogenic capacity of this regimen. Conclusion: Blocking Hsp90 disrupts rapamycin-induced activation of alternative signaling pathways in HCCs and substantially improves the growth-inhibitory effects of mTOR inhibition in vivo. Hence, the concept of targeting tumor cells, ECs, and VSMCs by blocking Hsp90/mTOR could prove valuable for treatment of HCC. (Hepatology 2008.)
Natural course of hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia: A long‐term follow‐up study with sonography
Authors: Kuo Yuan‐Hung , Wang Jing‐Houng , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Hung Chao‐Hung , Wei Yu‐Ching , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Chen Chien‐Hung , Yen Yi‐Hao , Lee Chuan‐Mo , Eng Hock‐Liew
Published: October 2008

Purpose.

We aimed to investigate the natural course of hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) in a long‐term follow‐up study with sonography.

Method.

This study comprised 30 patients (24 women and 6 men) with 34 FNHs. Diagnosis of FNH was made using color Doppler sonography, contrast‐enhanced CT, or MRI in combination with needle biopsy. Patients were followed every 3 to 6 months with sonography. Regression or progression of tumor was defined as a change of over 30% in maximal diameter. Disappearance was defined as no vizualization of the tumor on at least 3 follow‐up sonographic examinations.

Results.

Thirty‐four FNHs were followed over a mean period of 42 months (range, 7–95 months). Twenty‐four lesions (70.6%) were stable in size, 1 (2.9%) progressed, and 9 (26.5%) regressed. Of those that regressed, 6 (17.6%) disappeared over a mean period of 59 ± 30 months (range, 20–95 months). Older age (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.02–1.56; p < 0.05) and longer follow‐up time (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01–1.21; p < 0.05) were the independent factors associated with complete regression of FNH.

Conclusion.

Most FNHs were stable or regressed/disappeared after a long follow‐up period. Based on the benign course, conservative treatment for asymptomatic FNH should be advocated. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 2009.
Up‐regulation of P‐glycoprotein by HIV protease inhibitors in a human brain microvessel endothelial cell line
Authors: Zastre Jason A. , Chan Gary N.Y. , Ronaldson Patrick T. , Ramaswamy Manisha , Couraud Pierre O. , Romero Ignacio A. , Weksler Babette , Bendayan Moise , Bendayan Reina
Published: October 2008

A major concern regarding the chronic administration of antiretroviral drugs is the potential for induction of drug efflux transporter expression (i.e., P‐glycoprotein, P‐gp) at tissue sites that can significantly affect drug distribution and treatment efficacy. Previous data have shown that the inductive effect of human immunodeficiency virus protease inhibitors (PIs) is mediated through the human orphan nuclear receptor, steroid xenobiotic receptor (SXR or hPXR). The objectives of this study were to investigate transport and inductive properties on efflux drug transporters of two PIs, atazanavir and ritonavir, at the blood–brain barrier by using a human brain microvessel endothelial cell line, hCMEC/D3. Transport properties of PIs by the drug efflux transporters P‐gp and multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) were assessed by measuring the cellular uptake of3H‐atazanavir or3H‐ritonavir in P‐gp and MRP1 overexpressing cells as well as hCMEC/D3. Whereas the P‐gp inhibitor, PSC833, increased atazanavir and ritonavir accumulation in hCMEC/D3 cells by 2‐fold, the MRP inhibitor MK571 had no effect. P‐gp, MRP1, and hPXR expression and localization were examined by Western blot analysis and immunogold cytochemistry at the electron microscope level. Treatment of hCMEC/D3 cells for 72 hr with rifampin or SR12813 (two well‐established hPXR ligands) or PIs (atazanavir or ritonavir) resulted in an increase in P‐gp expression by 1.8‐, 6‐, and 2‐fold, respectively, with no effect observed for MRP1 expression. In hCMEC/D3 cells, cellular accumulation of these PIs appears to be primarily limited by P‐gp efflux activity. Long‐term exposure of atazanavir or ritonavir to brain microvessel endothelium may result in further limitations in brain drug permeability as a result of the up‐regulation of P‐gp expression and function. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanisms underlying Li+ effects in glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmissions in the adult rat brain and in primary cultures of neural cells as revealed by 13C NMR
Authors: Fonseca Carla P. , Sierra Alejandra , Geraldes Carlos F. G. C. , Cerdán Sebastion , Castro M. Margarida C. A.
Published: October 2008

We investigated by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) the mechanisms underlying Li+ effects on glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission systems in the adult rat brain and in primary cultures of cortical neurons and astrocytes during the metabolism of (1‐13C) glucose or (2‐13C) acetate. Adult male rats receiving a single dose of Li+ intraperitoneally (7 mmol/kg) were infused 2 hr later, for 60 min, with (1‐13C) glucose (80 μmol/min/kg) or (2‐13C) acetate (240 μmol/min/kg). High‐resolution 13C NMR spectra of brain extracts prepared after the infusion revealed that Li+ significantly decreased the incorporation of 13C in glutamate and GABA (γ‐aminobutyric acid) carbons from (1‐13C) glucose, but not from (2‐13C) acetate. To complement the in vivo approach, primary cultures of cortical neurons or astrocytes were incubated with 1 mM uniformly 13C‐labeled glucose or 5 mM (2‐13C) acetate, in the absence and presence of increasing Li+ concentrations up to 15 mM. Under these conditions, Li+ significantly decreased neuronal glucose uptake in a concentration‐dependent manner without apparent effects on astrocytic acetate uptake. Extracts prepared at the end of the incubations showed that Li+ significantly decreased the incorporation of 13C labeling into GABA carbons from its precursor glutamate in neurons, but such a decrease into glutamine carbons in astrocytes was not statistically significant. Our results indicate that the effects of Li+ are mediated through a reduction of neuronal glucose uptake, resulting in a decrease of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission without apparent effects on astrocytic metabolism. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spinal p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase mediates allodynia induced by first‐degree burn in the rat
Authors: Sorkin Linda , Svensson Camilla I. , Jones‐Cordero Toni L. , Hefferan Michael P. , Campana W. Marie
Published: October 2008

Activation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the spinal cord has been implicated in the development and maintenance of pain states. In this study, we tested whether p38 MAPK is involved in the response to first‐degree burn of the hind paw. This injury induces central sensitization leading to tactile allodynia and is mediated by activation of Ca2+ permeable AMPA/kainate receptors through PKC and PKA. We demonstrate that p38 MAPK is rapidly and robustly activated in the superficial spinal dorsal horn after mild thermal injury to the hind paw. Activated p38 MAPK was localized primarily to microglia and to a lesser extent in oligodendrocytes and lamina II neurons. Astrocytes were not involved in the p38 MAPK response. Intrathecal pretreatment of pharmacological inhibitors of p38 MAPK (SB203580, SD‐282) dose‐dependently blocked development of tactile allodynia, a characteristic of the first‐degree burn model. The effects of the inhibitors on tactile allodynia were lost when they were administered after injury. These studies identify p38 MAPK as a major mediator of tactile allodynia, most likely activated downstream of AMPA/kainate receptors. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A spatial analysis of extreme hourly precipitation patterns in India
Authors: Sen Roy Shouraseni
Published: October 2008

Station level hourly precipitation data from 1980 to 2002 spread across the Indian subcontinent were analysed for trends in extreme hourly precipitation events. The analyses were conducted for the main seasons of winter, dry‐summer, and wet‐summer monsoon seasons, respectively. The results of the study indicated rising trends in extreme heavy precipitation events, mostly in the high‐elevation regions of the northwestern Himalaya as well as along the foothills of the Himalaya extending south into the Indo‐Gangetic basin. In general, the lowest positive trends to slightly neutral to negative trends in extreme precipitation events were observed during the winter season, while stronger positive trends were found for both dry‐summer and wet‐summer monsoon seasons. Along the west coast, the southern part experienced a declining trend, whereas the northern section of the coast experienced an increasing trend of extreme precipitation events. Most of Deccan Plateau extending towards south central coastal regions of the subcontinent also experienced a positive trend in the occurrence of extreme heavy precipitation events. Furthermore, the trends affecting large, million‐plus‐population urban agglomerations were examined separately, and these trends were found to be pre‐dominantly positive during dry‐summer and wet‐summer monsoon seasons, but showed neutral to negative trends during the winter season. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Effects of ovariectomy on bone turnover, porosity, and biomechanical properties in ovine compact bone 12 months postsurgery
Authors: Kennedy Oran D. , Brennan Orlaith , Rackard Susan M. , Staines Anthony , O'Brien Fergal J. , Taylor David , Lee T. Clive
Published: October 2008

Compact bone makes up approximately 80% of the human skeleton by mass; but there are little data available on the effects of increased bone turnover on compact bone mechanical and material properties. This study addresses this question by measuring intracortical remodeling, resorption cavity number, and porosity in an ovariectomized (OVX) sheep model, and measures changes in biomechanical properties. Thirty‐eight sheep were divided into two groups. Group 1 were controls (n = 19), and Group 2 were ovariectomized (OVX; n = 19). Fluorochrome dyes were administered intravenously to both groups at five time points over 12 months post‐OVX to label sites of bone turnover. At 12 months post‐OVX all animals were euthanized. Samples were harvested from the left metatarsal and were analyzed for intracortical bone turnover at five time points, the number of resorption cavities, and the level of intracortical porosity. The effects of these parameters on bone biomechanical properties were then measured. Bone turnover was increased in the OVX group at 6, 9, and 12 months (p < 0.05). Resorption was also higher in the OVX group at 12 months (p < 0.05). Furthermore, porosity was significantly increased in the OVX group at 12 months (p < 0.05). Stiffness and yield strength were reduced in the OVX group compared to controls (p = 0.05). Ultimate compressive strength and work to fracture did not differ between groups. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms and effects of increased bone turnover on bone material and microstructural properties. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:303–309, 2009
Adaptive patterns of movement during stair climbing in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Asay Jessica L. , Mündermann Annegret , Andriacchi Thomas P.
Published: October 2008

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a distinctive characteristic in the pattern of movement (forward trunk lean to reduce demand on the quadriceps muscle) during stair climbing in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) that is associated with the severity of the disease. Twenty‐three patients with radiographically diagnosed knee OA and 20 physically active adults performed stair ascending trials without support at their self‐selected speed. Standard gait analysis was used to calculate three‐dimensional lower extremity joint kinematics and kinetics. Forward trunk lean, or trunk flexion, was defined as the sagittal plane projection of the angle between a line connecting the midpoint of the trans‐acromion line and the midpoint of the trans‐iliac crest line and the global vertical axis. Patients with more severe knee OA (KL ≥ 3) had greater forward trunk lean (+6.3°, p = 0.045) and lower knee net quadriceps moments (−35.2%, p = 0.001) than controls. In more severe patients, the forward trunk lean was correlated with a reduction in the net quadriceps moment during stair climbing (R2 = 0.590, p = 0.006). The results of this study identified a distinctive compensatory pattern of movement to reduce the quadriceps demand during stair climbing in patients with more severe knee OA by increasing forward trunk lean. Assessing forward trunk lean during stair climbing may be a useful functional marker for evaluating osteoarthritis status and quadriceps function that appears to be a more sensitive indicator of disease severity than perceived pain. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:325–329, 2009
Coversand and Pleistocene palaeosols in the Landes region, southwestern France
Authors: Bertran Pascal , Allenet Giselle , Gé Thierry , Naughton Filipa , Poirier Philippe , Goñi Maria F. Sanchez
Published: October 2008

New sections in the coversand of the Landes region, southwestern France, show at least two main depositional phases corresponding to the Upper Pleniglacial and the Lateglacial, which are separated by palaeosols. The lower palaeosol, a gleyic to histic cryosol overlying a net of sand wedges and dated to ca. 23 14C ka BP, testifies to a short occurrence of permafrost. Impeded drainage due to the frozen subsoil is assumed to be the main factor involved in lowered aeolian transport and soil formation. Pollen analysis indicates a shrub tundra‐type environment. The overlying coversand unit is associated with small transverse ridges or sheet‐like deposits, and corresponds to the maximal extension of the sands, Upper Pleniglacial in age. An incipient podzol developed on the dunes under a boreal pine forest, and has been dated to 11.5–12 14C ka BP, i.e. to the Allerød period. This has been buried by the second coversand unit during the Younger Dryas, typified by abundant denivation features and root imprints. Although preliminary, the chronology of sand deposition in the Landes region appears thus to be roughly similar to that found for the other European coversands, showing that all were the result of similar western European climatic changes, i.e. repeated episodes of increasing aridity related to the Upper Pleniglacial and the Younger Dryas episode. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determining the spatial and temporal patterns of climate changes in China's western interior during the last 15 ka from lacustrine oxygen isotope records
Authors: Yu Shi‐Yong , Ricketts Richard D. , Colman Steven M.
Published: October 2008

China's western interior is a climatologically complex region, where climatic conditions are primarily controlled by the westerly jet stream and the Asian monsoon system. Observations reveal that the δ18O signatures of these atmospheric elements as expressed in their meteoric waters are different, and these differences are reflected in the lacustrine systems that are ultimately fed by the meteoric waters. Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) decomposition of 17 lacustrine δ18O records from this area clearly reveals the spatial and temporal structures of climate changes during the last 15 ka. The first EOF mode, dominated by sites in the NW sector, captures the temperature effect on the variability of the δ18O dataset. We interpret the variations through time in the amplitude of this mode to be indicative of changes in summer air temperature. The second EOF mode, heavily weighted by sites in the SE sector, reveals the ‘amount effect’ on δ18O, and thus its amplitude time series indicates changes in the intensity of the Asian summer monsoon. Our EOF‐based reconstructions of regional climate are generally consistent with the δ18O records of ice cores, cave speleothems and marine carbonates. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Managing business transformation to deliver strategic agility
Authors: Morgan Robert E. , Page Kelly
Published: October 2008

For some time, it has been claimed that information and communication technologies (ICTs) provide the means for transforming the way business is conducted in many industries, but our understanding still remains unclear how this form of change can be managed. This paper seeks to explore ICT‐based business transformation and in trying to understand better this concept, it is established that there is no ‘one best way’ to set about change.

Moreover, every transformation programme is unique, presenting distinct opportunities and challenges. While there are a number of ways in which executives can seek to better understand how they can engage in business transformation, the true measure of successful business transformation is in the nature of its implementation. Even in those organizations where there is a universal recognition that business transformation is important and responses are implemented, performance may still suffer.

This syndrome, which is common in organizations, has been described as ‘active inertia’ and can be characterized as an organization's inability to take the appropriate action in the face of shifting market and business changes. The emphasis here is on the term ‘appropriate’ rather than ‘action’ per se. The paper develops a framework which illustrates that successful ICT‐based business transformation programmes are generally founded upon changing behaviour, changing thinking, and changing perceptions of all key personnel.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Leadership development: integration in context
Authors: Thomas Howard , Carnall Colin
Published: October 2008

The study and practice of leadership development has been influenced by models of leadership which emphasize behavioural perspectives. The need to understand the impact of a leader on the people they lead is important if it leads people to reflect on how they interact with others. But the models tend to be either limited to a focus on how to engage others or to be based on a rather static competence framework. Yet leaders must learn to make choices within a more dynamic context.

The practice of leadership development needs to pay attention to integration in at least two important senses. One relates to the design and delivery of leadership development and the need to focus on both the development of leaders and the development of leadership as it is practised in the organization. The latter requires a focus on the choices leaders make and the assumptions and skills they bring to decision‐making.

The second arises out of the first and is based on the assumption that integrated and effective leadership development must be a joint process where responsibility is shared between senior leadership of the company and leadership development professionals. The paper illustrates these ideas through a number of case illustrations drawn from the authors' recent practice in this field.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of corrosion protective performance of nanostructured polyaniline and poly(1‐naphthylamine)‐based alkyd coatings on mild steel
Authors: Riaz U. , Ahmad S. , Ashraf S. M.
Published: October 2008

Nanostructured materials have been establishing themselves as modern generation of high performance materials in many areas ranging from automotive engineering to bioengineering owing to a vast array of their unique properties. Improvements in environmental impact can also be achieved utilizing nanostructure particulates in coating and eliminating the requirement of toxic inhibitors such as chromates. The paper reports a comparative study on the corrosion resistance performance of soya oil alkyd containing nanostructured polyaniline (PANI) and poly(1‐naphthylamine) (PNA) composite coatings. The corrosion protective performance was evaluated by physico‐mechanical properties, corrosion rate, open circuit potential measurements, and SEM studies. The PNA/alkyd composite coatings were found to show far superior corrosion resistance performance as compared to PANI/alkyd system.
In vitro electrochemical evaluation and phase purity of natural hydroxyapatite coating on medical grade 316L stainless steel
Authors: Javidi M. , Bahrololoom M. E. , Javadpour S. , Ma J.
Published: October 2008

Natural hydroxyapatite (HA) has been electrophoretically deposited on the surface of medical grade 316L stainless steel (SS). Deposition was performed at various applied voltages of 30, 60, and 90 V for 3 min. After deposition the samples were dried at room temperature and sintered in a vacuum furnace (10−4–10−5 Torr) at 800 °C for 1 h. In vitro electrochemical studies were performed in the Hank's solution. The results showed that corrosion potential and breakdown potential of the coated samples shifted toward nobler potential compared with the uncoated 316L SS. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy investigations revealed a higher polarization resistance, total impedance, and lower capacitance values for the coated samples compared to the bare one which indicated the improvement of corrosion resistance of the coated samples. The surface morphology of the samples was studied by a scanning electron microscope, and also phase purity and crystallinity of the coating material were investigated by X‐ray diffraction. Deposition at 60 V for 3 min was found to be an optimum coating condition which led to the uniform, continuous, and crack‐free coatings. The crystallinity of the coating materials was measured to be high, and quantitative analysis of the coatings after sintering showed some partial decomposition of natural HA to tricalcium phosphate.
Comparison of tic characteristics between children and adults
Authors: Cubo Esther , Chmura Teresa , Goetz Christopher G.
Published: October 2008

There are limited data about clinical characteristics of tics in adults. We performed a video and chart retrospective longitudinal review of patients diagnosed with tics from a tertiary referral medical center to compare tic characteristics between adults and children. Tic severity in 40 children and 31 adults was assessed using the modified Rush videotape rating scale and the Yale global tic severity scale (YGTSS). Baseline tic severity scores were similar in adults when compared with children (P = 0.11). In follow‐up visits, compared to baseline total YGTSS scores were significantly reduced in both children (P < 0.003) and adults (P < 0.0009), but children were less frequently treated with medications for tics (P = 0.004) when compared with adults. Tic phenomenology and severity were similar between children and adults, but pharmacological tic management was different, perhaps reflecting a practice trend to avoid medications in children. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Objective measurement of muscle rigidity in parkinsonian patients treated with subthalamic stimulation
Authors: Levin Johannes , Krafczyk Siegbert , Valkovič Peter , Eggert Thomas , Claassen Jens , Bötzel Kai
Published: October 2008

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) has been shown to be an effective treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD). The intraoperative positioning of DBS electrodes and postoperative adjustment of the stimulation parameters, however, require continuous, precise evaluation. Moreover, ambulatory measurements of the symptoms would also help to evaluate changes in the progression of PD in these patients. To this aim, we objectified rigidity measurements via surface EMG recordings of the Mm. biceps (bic) and triceps brachii (tric) in patients treated with chronic stimulation of the STN. We show that cessation and initiation of DBS have effects on the EMG profile during standardized extension and flexion movements in the elbow joint. These data correlate significantly with clinical ratings. Thus, EMG recordings of the Mm. bic and tric during this standardized extension‐flexion movement can be used to objectively measure rigidity and to monitor its course over time. In view of its low technical requirements, this technique lends itself to use during DBS implantation surgery and in the clinical environment. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Large‐scale matrix equations of special type
Authors: Benner Peter
Published: October 2008

This issue contains papers dealing with a variety of linear and nonlinear matrix equations arising in systems and control theory, model reduction, and in various other areas of applied mathematics, economics, engineering, and the sciences. Special emphasis is given to the numerical treatment of large‐scale problems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical solution of large‐scale Lyapunov equations, Riccati equations, and linear‐quadratic optimal control problems
Authors: Benner Peter , Li Jing‐Rebecca , Penzl Thilo
Published: October 2008

We study large‐scale, continuous‐time linear time‐invariant control systems with a sparse or structured state matrix and a relatively small number of inputs and outputs. The main contributions of this paper are numerical algorithms for the solution of large algebraic Lyapunov and Riccati equations and linear‐quadratic optimal control problems, which arise from such systems. First, we review an alternating direction implicit iteration‐based method to compute approximate low‐rank Cholesky factors of the solution matrix of large‐scale Lyapunov equations, and we propose a refined version of this algorithm. Second, a combination of this method with a variant of Newton's method (in this context also called Kleinman iteration) results in an algorithm for the solution of large‐scale Riccati equations. Third, we describe an implicit version of this algorithm for the solution of linear‐quadratic optimal control problems, which computes the feedback directly without solving the underlying algebraic Riccati equation explicitly. Our algorithms are efficient with respect to both memory and computation. In particular, they can be applied to problems of very large scale, where square, dense matrices of the system order cannot be stored in the computer memory. We study the performance of our algorithms in numerical experiments. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A molecular correlate of clinicopathology in transthyretin amyloidosis
Authors: Pepys Mark B
Published: October 2008

The mechanisms responsible for amyloid deposition at different times and in different organs, even in individuals with the same amyloidogenic mutation, are not known. The demonstration, in hereditary systemic transthyretin Val30Met amyloidosis, that such differences are consistently associated with amyloid fibrils composed of different length transthyretin fragments sheds new light on this question and will open the way to further informative studies. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New chemoenzymatic‐facilitated synthesis of diblock copolymers and biomedically appropriate vesicles
Authors: Li Meng , Wang Wei , Pan Si , Zhang Bao , Wang Jingyuan
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: Biocatalytic approaches in polymer science are expected to further increase the diversity of polymeric materials. And the full exploitation of biocatalysis in polymer science will require the development of compatible chemoenzyme‐catalyzed methods.

RESULTS: The well‐defined diblock copolymer poly(2,2,2‐trichloroethanol 10‐hydroxydecanate)‐block‐poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (P(TCE‐10‐HD)‐b‐PGMA) was obtained by combining enzymatic condensation polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). P(TCE‐10‐HD) was prepared by enzymatic condensation polymerization of 10‐hydroxydecanoic acid and 2,2,2‐trichloroethanol. This CCl3‐terminated polyester permitted subsequent ATRP of glycidyl methacrylate. Kinetic studies indicated a ‘living’ controlled radical polymerization. The self‐assembly behavior of the amphiphilic diblock copolymer, in tetrahydrofuran/water, gave rise to aggregates with diameters ranging from 160 to 240 nm. The morphology of the assembly particles was studied using atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

CONCLUSION: To obtain the ATRP macromolecular initiator, this one‐step method is more convenient than other two‐step methods. The results of NMR, Fourier transform infrared and gel permeation chromatography analyses testified that this method is feasible. The formulated vesicles have great potential as biomedical materials. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Deep‐red light‐emitting phosphorescent dendrimer encapsulated tris‐[2‐benzo[b]thiophen‐2‐yl‐pyridyl] iridium (III) core for light‐emitting device applications
Authors: Jung Kyung Moon , Kim Kyung Hwan , Jin Jung‐Il , Cho Min Ju , Choi Dong Hoon
Published: October 2008

New deep‐red light‐emitting phosphorescent dendrimers with hole‐transporting carbazole dendrons were synthesized by reacting tris(2‐benzo[b]thiophen‐2‐yl‐pyridyl) iridium (III) complex with carbazolyl dendrons by DCC‐catalyzed esterification. The resulting first‐, second‐, and third‐generation dendrimers were found to be highly efficient as solution‐processable emitting materials and for use in host‐free electrophosphorescent light‐emitting diodes. We fabricated a host‐free dendrimer EL device with configuration ITO/PEDOT:PSS (40 nm)/dendrimer (55 nm)/BCP (10 nm)/Alq3 (40 nm)/LiF (1 nm)/Al (100 nm) and characterized the device performance. The multilayered devices showed luminance of 561 cd/m2 at 383.4 mA/cm2 (12 V) for 15, 1302 cd/m2 at 321.3 mA/cm2 (14 V) for 16, and 422 cd/m2 at 94.4 mA/cm2 (18 V) for 17. The third‐generation dendrimer, 17 (ηext = 6.12% at 7.5 V), showed the highest external quantum efficiency (EQE) with an increase in the density of the light‐harvesting carbazole dendron. Three dendrimers exhibited considerably pure deep‐red emission with CIE 1931 (Commission International de L'Eclairage) chromaticity coordinates of x = 0.70, y = 0.30. The CIE coordinates remained very stable with the current density. The integration of rigid hole‐transporting dendrons and phosphorescent complexes provides a new route to design highly efficient solution‐processable materials for dendrimer light‐emitting diode (DLED) applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 7517–7533, 2008
A facile synthetic strategy for hyperbranched polymer via combining free radical telomerization and polycondensation
Authors: Liu Jianhua , Zhan Fu , Fu Qi , Zhu Xiangyang , Shi Wenfang
Published: October 2008

A facile strategy combining free radical telomerization and polycondensation to prepare hyperbranched polymers was developed. By selecting a suitable telogen and a vinyl monomer, the product obtained by telomerization could be regarded as an ABn type monomer for preparing a hyperbranched polymer via conventional polycondensation. The principles for selecting vinyl monomers and telogens were proposed. The feed ratio of vinyl monomer to telogen was discussed in the theory. For demonstrating the strategy, methyl (meth)acrylate (MA or MMA) and 2‐mercaptoethanol were used as a vinyl monomer and a telogen, respectively. The two‐unit adduct of MA or MMA obtained after purifying was regarded as a model ABB′ monomer. The sequential transesterification demonstrated that the carboxylate group at the terminal unit has higher reactivity than that at penultimate unit because of the different substituents at the respective α‐positions, resulting in lower degree of branching (DB) of obtained polymer. As substitutes, 2‐hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate and thioglycolic acid were used as a vinyl monomer and a telogen, respectively. The results showed that the hyperbranched polymer obtained by using pseudo one‐pot approach had moderate DB. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 7543–7555, 2008
Does the strain hardening modulus of glassy polymers scale with the flow stress?
Authors: Govaert Leon E. , Engels Tom A. P. , Wendlandt Michael , Tervoort Theo A. , Suter Ulrich W.
Published: October 2008

Using a generic coarse‐grained bead‐spring model, Hoy and Robbins reproduced important experimental observations on strain hardening, specifically the generally observed Gaussian strain hardening response and its dependence on network density and temperature. Moreover, their simulation results showed that the strain hardening response at different strain rates collapses to a single curve when scaled to the value of the flow stress, a phenomenon that has not yet been verified experimentally. In the present study, the proposed scaling law is experimentally investigated on a variety of polymer glasses: poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(phenylene ether), polycarbonate, polystyrene, and poly(ethylene terephthalate)‐glycol. For these polymers, true stress–strain curves in uniaxial compression were collected over a range of strain rates and temperatures and scaled to the flow stress. It was found that, generally, the curves do not collapse on a mastercurve. In all cases, the strain hardening modulus is observed to increase linearly, but not proportionally to the flow stress. The experimental data, therefore, unambiguously demonstrate that the proposed scaling law does not apply within the range of temperature and strain rate covered in this study. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 2475–2481, 2008
Mapping full field deformation of auxetic foams using digital speckle photography
Authors: Chiang Fu‐pen , Uzer Gunes
Published: October 2008

Measuring strain in foam presents a number of challanges. In the case of polymeric foam, the material is so soft that a conventional strain gage is not applicable because the rigidity of gage and its associated glue is stronger than the foam itself. Transducers such as clip gage, etc. may not be suitable either because the strain field may not be uniform within the gage length. Thus it is desirable that a non‐contact and full field strain measurement technique be available. In this paper we introduce a speckle photography technique that is non‐contact and can measure the full field deformation of a foam specimen. We use the natural texture of the pattern. Digitized images of the foam specimen under different loads are “compared” using a special algorithm called CASI, to yield deformation maps of the specimen. Examples of applying this technique to testing PVC foam composites are presented in the paper. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Elasticity of periodic and aperiodic structures of polydisperse dimers in two dimensions at zero temperature
Authors: Narojczyk J. W. , Wojciechowski K. W.
Published: October 2008

Elastic constants of two isotropic structures formed by two‐dimensional soft dimers, built of two atoms of centres distanced by σ and interacting through site‐site n ‐inverse‐power potential, with atomic size polydispersity have been studied at zero temperature. The aperiodic structure of degenerate crystal (DC) has been compared with a periodic lattice of dimers with 3‐fold symmetry axis. The comparison performed at the density for which atoms of the dimers can form hexagonal lattice showed that, although the elastic properties of both systems are very similar, the Poisson's ratio of the degenerate structure is lower than that of the crystalline one. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Auxetic behaviour from rotating rhombi
Authors: Attard Daphne , Grima Joseph N.
Published: October 2008

Auxeticity (i.e. negative Poisson's ratios) is associated with particular geometrical features and deformation mechanisms of a system. Among the potential systems that may exhibit such behaviour are rotating rigid units. Here we discuss how rigid rhombi of the same shape and size can be connected in two different ways to give rise to two distinct systems: the Type α and Type β rotating rhombi. We derive the mechanical properties, for the Type β system and compare it to those of the Type α to highlight the differences between the two systems namely that Type α systems are highly anisotropic and can exhibit both negative and positive Poisson's ratios which depend on the shape of the rhombi and the angle between them whereas Type β systems are isotropic with a constant in‐plane Poisson's ratio of –1. Furthermore we show that by constructing the rhombi from five truss‐type elements, where the one forming the diagonal has a different thermal expansion than the other four identical trusses, the Poisson's ratios for the Type α systems can also be made temperature dependent, in contrast with Type β systems which remain unaffected by temperature changes. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Sample size calculation for cluster randomized cross‐over trials
Authors: Giraudeau B. , Ravaud P. , Donner A.
Published: October 2008

The cluster randomized cross‐over design has been proposed in particular because it prevents an imbalance that may bring into question the internal validity of parallel group cluster trials. We derived a sample size formula for continuous outcomes that takes into account both the intraclass correlation coefficient (representing the clustering effect) and the interperiod correlation (induced by the cross‐over design). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disintegration and violence among migrants in Germany: Turkish and Russian youths versus German youths
Authors: Baier Dirk , Pfeiffer Christian
Published: October 2008

Turkish and Russian immigrants are the two largest groups of immigrants in Germany, but there are some important differences regarding their legal status. Although most of the Turkish adolescents were born in Germany, few of them have German citizenship. In contrast, most of the Russian youths were born outside Germany, but they mostly possess German nationality because of their status as ethnic Germans. Despite these differences, both groups show a high level of violent behavior. This article investigates the causes for the different levels of violent behavior among juvenile Russian and Turkish immigrants in comparison to German youths. On the basis of a large‐scale school survey with 14,301 respondents, the authors examine the causes for their high level of violent behavior compared to German adolescents. The theoretical basis is a combination of disintegration and socialization theory, as well as additional factors that are discussed as causes of violence in several theoretical approaches.

In the empirical part of the article, the authors provide a systematic description of sources and levels of disintegration among the three youth groups. The empirical findings demonstrate that juvenile migrants are more disintegrated in several respects and that the higher level of disintegration explains some of the differences in violent behavior. But specific cultural orientations are also important in this context.