bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Empirical Comparison of Methods for Clustering Problems: Are There Benefits from Having a Statistical Model?
Authors: Andrews Rick L , Brusco Michael , Currim Imran S , Davis Brennan
Published: July 2010

This study compares the effectiveness of statistical model-based (MB) clustering methods with that of more commonly used non model-based (NMB) procedures in three important contexts: the traditional cluster analysis problem in which a set of consumer characteristic variables is used to form segments; clusterwise regression, in which response parameters from a regression form the basis of segments, and bicriterion clustering problems, which arise when managers wish to form market segments jointly on the basis of a set of characteristics and response parameters from a regression. If the managers primary objective is to forecast responses for segments of holdout consumers for whom only characteristics are available, NMB procedures perform better than MB procedures. However, if it is important to understand the true segmentation structure in a market as well as the nature of the regression relationships within segments, the MB procedure is clearly preferred. Bicriterion segmentation methods are shown to be advantageous when there is at least some concordance between segments derived from different bases. Insights from the simulation study shed new light on a social marketing application in the area of segmenting and profiling overweight youths.
Alcohol, Athletic Performance and Recovery
Authors: Vella Luke D. , Cameron-Smith David
Published: July 2010

Alcohol consumption within elite sport has been continually reported both anecdotally within the media and quantitatively in the literature. The detrimental effects of alcohol on human physiology have been well documented, adversely influencing neural function, metabolism, cardiovascular physiology, thermoregulation and skeletal muscle myopathy. Remarkably, the downstream effects of alcohol consumption on exercise performance and recovery, has received less attention and as such is not well understood. The focus of this review is to identify the acute effects of alcohol on exercise performance and give a brief insight into explanatory factors.
Why do Students Study Abroad? Exploring Motivations Beyond Earning Academic Credits
Authors: Nyaupane Gyan P. , Paris Cody Morris , Teye Victor
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine motivations of college students' participation in study abroad programs. The study is based on surveys conducted with a group of university students who participated in a study abroad program to either the South Pacific (Australia, New Zealand,
and Fiji) or Europe (Austria and the Netherlands). The study results suggested four motivation domains: international travel, escape, social, and academic. Of the four motivational dimensions, the strongest was international travel, followed by academic, social, and escape. The implications
of the findings to the student travel industry and study abroad programs are discussed.
Asymptotic Dimension of Proper CAT(0) Spaces that are Homeomorphic to the Plane
Authors: Chinen Naotsugu , Hosaka Tetsuya
Published: July 2010

In this paper, we investigate a proper CAT(0) space (X, d) that is homeomorphic to ℝ2 and we show that the asymptotic dimension asdim(X, d) is equal to 2.
Congruent Number Elliptic Curves with Rank at Least Three
Authors: Johnstone Jennifer A. , Spearman Blair K.
Published: July 2010

We give an infinite family of congruent number elliptic curves each with rank at least three.
A Continuous Extension Operator for Convex Metrics
Authors: Stasyuk I. , Tymchatyn E. D.
Published: July 2010

We consider the problem of simultaneous extension of continuous convex metrics defined on subcontinua of a Peano continuum. We prove that there is an extension operator for convex metrics that is continuous with respect to the uniform topology.
Valuation of a Mary Carter Agreement
Authors: Kamin Jules H.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Pitfalls to Using the Real-Rates or Age-Earnings Profile Models in Calculating Economic Loss: A Comment
Authors: Saurman David S.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
State Tort and Insurance Reform: The Net Result of Two Years Effort
Authors: Depperschmidt Thomas O.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available
Letters To The Editor
Authors: Behr Michael
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
An Investigation into the Nelson Median and the Mean Age at Final Separation from the Labor Force
Authors: Frasca Ralph R. , Winger Bernard J.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Those Who Only Remember the Past May Be Doomed to Repeat Its Mistakes
Authors: Havrilesky Thomas
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Estimating Earning Capacity With Constant Earnings Growth Rates
Authors: Saurman David S. , Means T. S.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Letters to the Editor
Authors: Jolivet Vincent M.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Wrongful Employment Termination and Resulting Economic Losses
Authors: Franz Wolfgang W.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Damages Calculations: Transatlantic Dialogue
Authors: Slesnick Frank
Published: July 2010

This article carefully reviews the book titled Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Damages Calculations: Transatlantic Dialogue edited by John O. Ward and Robert J. Thornton, published by Emerald Books (2009). The book is a compendium of papers arising from several international meetings sponsored by the National Association of Forensic Economics, which contrasts and compares the methodology utilized in several European countries in comparison with practice in the United States. What is clear from reading the chapters is that European courts depend heavily upon standardized tables when calculating economic loss, with judges adjusting the tables based upon case precedent and individual discretion. U.S. courts, on the other hand, do not depend upon standardized tables and rely more on testimony from experts. The pros and cons of both systems are presented in the book. The article concludes with suggestions for further research.
Preferential macrovasculopathy in systemic sclerosis detected by regional pulse wave velocity from wave intensity analysis: Comparisons of local and regional arterial stiffness parameters in cases and controls
Authors: Liu Jie , Zhang Yan , Cao Tie‐Sheng , Duan Yun‐You , Yuan Li‐Jun , Yang Yi‐Lin , Li Yu , Yao Li
Published: July 2010

Objective

To study the extent and severity of macrovasculopathy in systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) patients by comparing both local and regional arterial stiffness parameters.

Methods

The local arterial stiffness indices of the right common carotid artery, right brachial artery, right radial artery, right superficial femoral artery, and right posterior tibial artery were measured in 25 SSc patients and strictly matched healthy controls. The regional pulse wave velocity (PWV) of each arterial segment was also calculated from wave intensity analysis.

Results

There were no differences between the two groups in the stiffness index (β), Peterson's pressure modulus, arterial compliance, and local PWV derived from β (PWVβ) of all vessels except the right brachial artery, of which β, Peterson's pressure modulus, and PWVβ were markedly lower and arterial compliance was higher in SSc patients compared with controls (P < 0.05). The forearm (brachial–radial) and arm (carotid–radial) PWVs were significantly higher in SSc patients than in controls (mean ± SD 12.1 ± 7.1 meters/second versus 8.3 ± 3.5 meters/second and mean ± SD 7.9 ± 1.9 meters/second versus 6.9 ± 1.5 meters/second, respectively; P < 0.05), whereas the upper arm (carotid–brachial), aortic (carotid–femoral), and leg (femoral–ankle) PWVs were not different between groups. The aortic PWV was also higher in the diffuse cutaneous SSc subgroup than in controls (mean 6.2, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 5.4–6.9 meters/second versus mean 5.1, 95% CI 4.7–5.6 meters/second; P < 0.05) after adjusting for potentially influential variables.

Conclusion

The macrovasculopathy occurs preferentially at the forearm and aorta in SSc, which can be sensitively and reliably detected by regional PWVs rather than commonly used local arterial stiffness indices.
NbCl5: an efficient catalyst for one‐pot synthesis of α‐aminophosphonates under solvent‐free conditions
Authors: Hou Jun‐Tao , Gao Jian‐Wu , Zhang Zhan‐Hui
Published: July 2010

NbCl5 has been found to be a very effective catalyst for the synthesis of a variety of α‐aminophosphonates through the Kabachnik–Fields reaction of carbonyl compound, amine and diethyl phosphite under solvent‐free conditions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiple receiver experiments for NMR spectroscopy of organosilicon compounds
Authors: Kupče Ēriks , Wrackmeyer Bernd
Published: July 2010

A new pulse sequence, 2D INEPT‐PANACEA, that allows parallel acquisition of 2D29Si29Si INADEQUATE and 2D29Si1H HMBC spectra and also provides the 1D29Si NMR spectrum has been designed for use with organosilicon compounds and tested using a mixture of OH‐terminated polydimethylsiloxanes. The spectra provide29SiO29Si connectivities and multiple bond29Si1H correlation spectra in a single measurement that can be recorded in as little time as 8 min. In addition, the 1D29Si NMR spectrum provides accurate measurement of29Si chemical shifts with a signal‐to‐noise ratio allowing for determination of29Si13C spin–spin coupling constants, and also serves as a frequency lock. The latter feature allows for recording of NMR spectra of neat liquid samples or of samples without a deuterated solvent. The second example of using multiple receivers involves PANSY‐COSY and PANSY‐TOCSY experiments, using silatrane glycol as a test sample. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of Ag(I)‐N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes derived from benzimidazol‐2‐ylidene
Authors: Özdemir İlknur , Gürbüz Nevin , Doğan Öznur , Günal Selami , Özdemir İsmail
Published: July 2010

Novel benzimidazol‐2‐ylidene carbene complexes of Ag(I) were prepared by interaction of the corresponding benzimidazolium salt with Ag2O in dichloromethane. Their structures were characterized by elemental analyses, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR and IR spectroscopy techniques. All compounds studied in this work were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activities against the standard strains: Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and the fungi Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. The new complexes were found to be effective antimicrobial activity against a series of bacteria and fungi. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Colloidal properties of copolymer‐encapsulated and surface‐modified pigment dispersion and its application in inkjet printing inks
Authors: Fu Shaohai , Du Changsen , Zhang Kai , Wang Chunxia
Published: July 2010

A styrene–maleic acid copolymer (PSMA)‐encapsulated 2‐[(2‐methoxy‐4‐nitrophenyl) azo]‐N‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐3‐oxobutyramide (PY74) dispersion was prepared by the phase‐separation technique. A surface‐modified PY74 dispersion was prepared with PSMA sodium as a dispersant by the milling method. Furthermore, the two dispersions were applied to formulate pigment inks. The colloidal properties of these two dispersions were compared. The printing and color performance of the prepared inks were also investigated. The results show that the PSMA‐encapsulated PY74 dispersion with a small particle size had higher stabilities of NaCl concentration, pH value, and temperature than the surface‐modified PY74 dispersion. The apparent viscosity of the PSMA‐encapsulated PY74 dispersion changed little, while it changed greatly in the surface‐modified PY74 dispersion with an increase of the shear rate from 10 to 100 s−1. The ink printing and color performance of printed Fabrics indicated that the PSMA‐encapsulated PY74 dispersion was more suitable for the preparation of inkjet printing ink than the surface‐modified PY74 dispersion. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Online monitoring of the influence of the chemical structure of hindered amines on the hydrolysis of polycarbonate in a polycarbonate/poly(acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene) blend by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy
Authors: Rajan Vipin V. , Steinhoff Bernd , Alig Ingo , Wäber Roy , Wieser Jürgen
Published: July 2010

Without stabilization, polycarbonate (PC)/poly(acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene) (ABS) blends are susceptible to a loss of mechanical properties after a few days of exposure to weathering conditions. ABS can be stabilized against terrestrial light by the use of hindered amines in combination with a UV absorber; such hindered amines cannot be used when PC is present in the polymer blend. The hydrolysis of PC is accelerated when a small amount of a hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS) is incorporated into the resin and is exposed to elevated temperatures. In this study, three different HALSs (Tinuvin 123, Tinuvin 770, and Tinuvin 765, Ciba, Basel, Switzerland) were used as UV stabilizers for PC/ABS blends, and their effects on the PC phase were observed with online ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy on extruded flat films. These stabilizers were compounded with the blends in a corotating twin‐screw extruder at 240°C. The molecular weight of the compounded samples was determined by gel permeation chromatography. The extent of degradation induced by the HALSs on the PC phase was found to be a function of its chemical structure. Tinuvin 123 with an amino ether functional group enhanced degradation in comparison with Tinuvin 770 and Tinuvin 765. Tinuvin 770, a secondary amine, was apt to be more reactive than Tinuvin 765, a tertiary amine, because less steric hindrance was experienced by the former. Accelerated aging of the compounded samples was performed. Decreased degradation was observed for the samples containing hindered amines; however, the HALSs alone were not effective in protecting the PC/ABS blends against harmful UV light. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Comparative studies on corrosion protection properties of polyimide‐silica and polyimide‐clay composite materials
Authors: Huang Tsao‐Cheng , Hsieh Chi‐Fa , Yeh Tzu‐Chun , Lai Cheug‐Ling , Tsai Mei‐Hui , Yeh Jui‐Ming
Published: July 2010

Comparative studies on corrosion protection properties of polyimide‐silica‐clay composites were studied in this article. A series of polyimide‐silica (PIS), polyimide‐clay (PIC), and polyimide‐silica‐clay composites (PISC) materials, consisting of an organo‐soluble polyimide (ODA‐BSAA) matrix, inorganic silica particles prepared through the sol–gel reaction of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and dispersed nanolayers of inorganic montmorillonite clay, were successfully prepared by solution dispersion technique. Then, all samples were characterized by FTIR, powder X‐ray diffraction patterns, transmission electron microscopy, and29Si solid‐state NMR. The main focus of this article is the comparison of the corrosion protection properties of PIS, PIC, and PISC composite materials. Normally, the aspect ratio of clay is higher than silica. Superior dispersion of clay platelets into a polymer matrix may effectively increase the length of diffusion pathways for oxygen and water. The effects of the materials composition on the corrosion protection performance, gas barrier, and optical properties, in the form of both coating and film, were also studied by electrochemical corrosion measurements (e.g., corrosion potential, polarization resistance, corrosion current, and impedance spectroscopy), gas permeability analysis, and UV‐visible transmission spectroscopy. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Photografting of methacrylic acid onto HDPE initiated by acetaldehyde in aqueous solutions
Authors: Song Anqi , Zhao Di , Rong Rong , Zhang Lin , Wang Huiliang
Published: July 2010

Acetaldehyde could act as a very effective photoinitiator for water‐borne photografting. The photografting of methacrylic acid (MAA) onto polyethylene initiated by acetaldehyde in aqueous solutions was reported. Acetaldehyde had higher photoinitiation efficiency than acetone and formaldehyde. The extent of grafting varied with the acetaldehyde content in the solution and it showed the maximum when the content of acetaldehyde was about 10 w/w %. The extent of grafting firstly increased with the increase of monomer concentration till 2 mol/L and then kept constant or slightly decreased. ATR‐FTIR characterizations of the grafted samples proved the successful grafting of MAA onto PE, and the calculated carbonyl indexes were in accord with the results obtained by the gravimetric method. The water absorbency of the grafted samples increased almost linearly with the extent of grafting. The difference in the photoinitiation efficiencies of acetaldehyde, acetone and formaldehyde was discussed through their differences in the n‐π* transitions in water and the photoinitiation process. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Electrospinning of fluorescent fibers from CdSe/ZnS quantum dots in cellulose triacetate
Authors: Abitbol Tiffany , Wilson Jordan T. , Gray Derek G.
Published: July 2010

Fluorescent cellulose triacetate (CTA) fibers were prepared by electrospinning solutions of CTA dissolved in an 8 : 2 v/v cosolvent system of methylene chloride (MC) and methanol (MeOH) which contained CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs). The relatively low loading of colloidal nanoparticles was sufficient to impart fluorescence to the fibers but did not significantly alter fiber morphologies, which tended toward smooth surfaces with the occasional longitudinal feature. The fibers were birefringent due to the alignment of the polymer chains which occurred during electrospinning and had widths on the order of a hundred nanometers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Electrical properties of poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) films with an incorporation of platinum metal nanoparticles
Authors: Lee Cho‐Young , Choi Yong‐June , Park Hyung‐Ho
Published: July 2010

The effects of platinum metal nanoparticles on a conjugated polymer were investigated by monitoring the electronic structures and measuring the electrical properties of poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) (PPV) and PPV/Pt nanocomposites films. Enhanced current density in PPV/Pt nanocomposite films was obtained by the incorporation of Pt nanoparticles into the conjugated polymer PPV. This result agrees well with our observation of an increase in the electron affinity and an increase in roughness with increasing Pt nanoparticle content. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Sepiolite‐reinforced epoxy nanocomposites: Thermal, mechanical, and morphological behavior
Authors: Nohales Andrés , Muñoz‐Espí Rafael , Félix Paula , Gómez Clara M.
Published: July 2010

A bisphenol A‐based epoxy resin was modified with pristine sepiolite and an organically surface‐modified sepiolite and thermally cured using two different curing agents: an aliphatic and a cycloaromatic diamine. The nanocomposites were characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), rheology, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and electron microscopy. The initial sepiolite–epoxy mixtures show a better dispersion for the sepiolite‐modified system that forms a percolation network structure. Mechanical properties have also been determined. The flexural modulus of the epoxy matrix slightly increases by the incorporation of the organophilic sepiolite. The flexural strength of the sepiolite‐modified resin cured with the aliphatic diamine increased by 10%, while the sepiolite‐modified resin cured with the cycloaromatic diamine resulted in a lower flexural strength, as compared with the unmodified resin. Electron micrographs revealed a better nanodispersion of the sepiolite in the epoxy matrix for the organophilic modified sepiolite nanocomposite. The initial thermal decomposition temperature did not change significantly with the addition of sepiolite, whereas mechanical properties were affected. The reduced flexural strength was attributed to the stress concentrations caused by the sepiolite modifier. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Homoleptic Platinum(II) and Palladium(II) Organothiolates and Phenylselenolates: Solvothermal Synthesis, Structural Determination, Optical Properties, and Single‐Source Precursors for PdSe and PdS Nanocrystals
Authors: Chui Stephen Sin‐Yin , Low Kam‐Hung , Lu Jun , Roy V. A. L. , Chan Sharon Lai‐Fung , Che Chi‐Ming
Published: July 2010

Homoleptic d8‐metal organothiolates and phenylselenolates [M(EC6H5)2]∞ (E=S, M=Pt 1, M=Pd 2, M=Ni 5; E=Se, M=Pt 3, M=Pd 4) were prepared as crystalline solids under solvothermal conditions. Their structures were solved using powder X‐ray diffraction data. In each case, the EC6H5 (E=S, Se) ligand binds to two metal ions (M=Pt, Pd, and Ni) to form chain‐like structures with planar (in 1) or zig‐zag (in 2, 3, 4, 5) conformations. The [M(SR)2]∞ complexes (M=Pt, R=4‐tert‐butylphenyl 6; R=2‐naphthyl 8; R=4‐nitrophenyl 10 and M=Pd, R=4‐tert‐butylphenyl 7; R=2‐naphthyl 9; R=4‐nitrophenyl 11) were prepared under similar solvothermal conditions. Based on the XPS binding energies and elemental analyses, complexes 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 have the same [M(SR)2]∞ formulation as 1 and 2. The cyclic complex [Pd6(SCH3)12] 12 was prepared as a crystalline solid by solvothermal annealing treatment of the amorphous precipitate. A chain‐like polymer structure is proposed for both [Pd(SC12H25)2]∞ 13 and [Pd(SC16H33)2]∞ 14; these polymeric chains self‐assemble to give layer‐like structures. Solid‐state diffuse reflectance spectra reveal that the optical band gap Eg (eV) of complexes 1, 6, 8, 10 and of 2, 7, 9, 11 are in the range of 2.10–3.00 eV and 2.10–2.63 eV, respectively, and 5 has the lowest Eg value (1.72 eV). Heating solid samples of 4 and 13 under solvothermal conditions afforded phase‐pure Pd17Se15 and PdS nanocrystals, respectively. Field‐effect transistors fabricated with a drop‐cast thin film made from Pd17Se15 nanocrystals prior treated with an ethanolic solution of 1‐hexadecanethiol displayed ambipolar charge transporting properties with hole and electron mobility being 7×10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1 and 6×10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively.
Structural analysis of some soluble elastins by means of FT‐IR and 2D IR correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Popescu Maria‐Cristina , Vasile Cornelia , Craciunescu Oana
Published: July 2010

Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy combined with 2D correlation spectroscopy has been used to offer some information about stability and structure of some soluble elastins. Temperature has been chosen as the perturbation to monitor the infrared behavior of various soluble elastins, namely, α‐elastin p, α‐elastin, and k‐elastin. In the 3800–2700 cm−1 region, the H‐containing groups were analyzed. The bonded hydroxyls are found to decrease prior to the NH‐related hydrogen bonds and also to the conformational reorganization of hydrocarbon chains. The transition temperatures were evaluated and they were found to agree with those obtained from DSC data. The FTIR spectra and their 2nd derivatives denote that α‐ elastins exhibited amide‐I, ‐II and ‐III bands at 1656, 1539 and 1236 cm−1, respectively, while in k‐elastin these bands were found at 1652 cm−1 for amide I, 1540 cm−1 for amide II and 1248 cm−1 for amide III. The macroscopic IR finger‐print method, which combines: general IR spectra, secondary derivative spectra, and 2D‐IR correlation spectra, is useful to discriminate different elastins. Thus using the differences of the position and intensity of the bands from “fingerprint region” of studied elastins, which include the peaks assigned to CO, CC groups from α‐helix, β‐turn, and the peaks assigned to the amide groups, it is possible to identify and discriminate elastins from each others. Furthermore, the pattern of 2D‐IR correlation spectra under thermal perturbation, allow their direct identification and discrimination. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93: 1072–1084, 2010.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Cellular Internalization of Water‐Soluble Helical Aromatic Amide Foldamers
Authors: Iriondo‐Alberdi Jone , Laxmi‐Reddy Katta , Bouguerne Benaissa , Staedel Cathy , Huc Ivan
Published: July 2010

The intracellular transport of drugs and therapeutics represents one of the most exciting and challenging areas at the interface of chemistry, biology, and medicine. Most of the effort in this field so far has been devoted to the development of peptide‐based delivery systems that can translocate therapeutic agents into their intracellular targets. More recently, the use of bioinspired non‐natural foldamers has resulted in the successful delivery of cargo molecules, which possess a wide range of sizes and physicochemical properties across the cell membrane. We report herein the synthesis of aromatic amide foldamers and their biological evaluation as cell‐penetrating agents. By using a well‐established synthetic route, a series of fluorescein‐labeled cationic aryl amide conjugates has been constructed, and their cellular uptake into various human cell lines has been analyzed by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. The assays revealed that longer oligomers achieve greater cellular translocation, with octamer Q8 proving to be a remarkable vehicle for all three cell lines. Biological studies have also indicated that these helices are biocompatible, thus showing promise in their application as cell‐penetrating agents and as vehicles to deliver biologically active molecules into cells.
Generalized Spitzer Function with Finite Collisionality in Toroidal Plasmas
Authors: Kernbichler W. , Kasiov S. V. , Leitold G. O. , Nemov V. V. , Marushchenko N. B.
Published: July 2010

The drift kinetic equation solver NEO‐2 [1] which is based on the field line integration technique has been applied to compute the generalized Spitzer function in a tokamak with finite plasma collisionality. The resulting generalized Spitzer function has specific features which are pertinent to the finite plasma collisionality. They are absent in asymptotic (collisionless or highly collisional) regimes or in results drawn from interpolation between asymptotic limits. These features have the potential to improve the overall ECCD efficiency if one optimizes the microwave beam launch scenarii accordingly (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Gyrokinetic Theory of Rotation in Stellarators
Authors: Helander P. , Simakov A. N.
Published: July 2010

It is shown that gyrokinetic turbulence is in general unable to significantly affect the large‐scale radial electric field and rotation of a stellarator plasma. This rotation is thus close to that calculated by neoclassical theory without fluctuations. Only if the magnetic configuration is very close to being perfectly quasiaxisymmetric or quasihelically symmetric can the bulk plasma rotation be affected by gyrokinetic turbulence. This conclusion follows from the orderings underlying the derivation of the gyrokinetic equation, and does therefore not require this equation actually to be solved. On the other hand, on small scales with a radial extent comparable to the ion gyroradius, zonal flows may be excited by gyrokinetic turbulence and could modify the ensuing transport (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Appl1 is dispensable for Akt signaling in vivo and mouse T‐cell development
Authors: Tan Yinfei , You Huihong , Coffey Francis J. , Wiest David L. , Testa Joseph R.
Published: July 2010

Appl1 (Adaptor protein containing pleckstrin homology [PH], phosphotyrosine binding [PTB], and Leucine zipper motifs) is an adaptor that participates in cell signaling by interacting with various signaling molecules including Akt, PI3‐kinase (PI3K), Rab5, adiponectin receptor, and TrkA. By using RNA knockdown technology, Appl1 has been implicated in zebrafish development and murine glucose metabolism. To investigate the unambiguous role of Appl1 in vivo, we generated a knockout mouse in which exon1 of the Appl1 gene was disrupted using gene trap methodology. Homozygous Appl1 knockout mice with ubiquitous loss of Appl1 protein expression were viable, grossly normal, and born at expected Mendelian ratios. Moreover, activation of Akt and the downstream effecter Gsk3β was unaffected in vivo. We next performed glucose and insulin tolerance tests and found that glucose metabolism is normal in Appl1‐null mice. We also tested the effect of Appl1 loss on Akt signaling in T cells, because we discovered that Appl1 strongly interacts with the p110β subunit of PI3K in T lymphocytes. However, such interaction was found to be dispensable for Akt signaling in thymic T cells and T‐cell development. Moreover, Appl1 loss did not affect DNA synthesis in cultured thymocytes, although loss of Appl1 was associated with a slight increase in ConA‐stimulated splenic T‐cell viability/proliferation. Collectively, our findings indicate that Appl1 is dispensable for Akt signaling in vivo and T‐cell differentiation. genesis 48:531–539, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ROSA26Flpo deleter mice promote efficient inversion of conditional gene traps in vivo
Authors: Raymond Christopher S. , Soriano Philippe
Published: July 2010

Gene trap mutagenesis in embryonic stem cells is an important tool to help elucidate gene function in current mouse mutagenesis efforts. Vector systems based on inversion of the gene trap module have recently been devised to allow for conditional mutagenesis. However, additional efforts are needed to improve this technology including improving the efficiency of site‐specific recombinases required to manipulate these conditional vectors in vivo. Here we describe a mouse line carrying the codon‐optimized FLP recombinase Flpo at the ROSA26 locus that functions at higher efficiency than a similar Flpe line in mediating the DNA inversion of a conditional gene trap cassette in vivo. genesis 48:603–606, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative prevalence, correlates of impairment, and service utilization for eating disorders across US ethnic groups: Implications for reducing ethnic disparities in health care access for eating disorders
Authors: Marques Luana , Alegria Margarita , Becker Anne E. , Chen Chih‐nan , Fang Angela , Chosak Anne , Diniz Juliana Belo
Published: July 2010

Objective:

The study compared the prevalence, correlates of functional impairment, and service utilization for eating disorders across Latinos, Asians, and African Americans living in the United States to non‐Latino Whites.

Method:

Pooled data from the NIMH Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiological Studies (CPES;NIMH, 2007) were used.

Results:

The prevalence of anorexia nervosa (AN) and binge‐eating disorder (BED) were similar across all groups examined, but bulimia nervosa (BN) was more prevalent among Latinos and African Americans than non‐Latino Whites. Despite similar prevalence of BED among ethnic groups examined, lifetime prevalence of any binge eating (ABE) was greater among each of the ethnic minority groups in comparison to non‐Latino Whites. Lifetime prevalence of mental health service utilization was lower among ethnic minority groups studied than for non‐Latino Whites for respondents with a lifetime history of any eating disorder.

Discussion:

These findings suggest the need for clinician training and health policy interventions to achieve optimal and equitable care for eating disorders across all ethnic groups in the United States. © 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2011)
miR‐29b and miR‐125a regulate podoplanin and suppress invasion in glioblastoma
Authors: Cortez Maria Angelica , Nicoloso Milena Sabrina , Shimizu Masayoshi , Rossi Simona , Gopisetty Gopal , Molina Jennifer R. , Carlotti Carlos , Tirapelli Daniela , Neder Luciano , Brassesco Maria Sol , Scrideli Carlos Alberto , Tone Luiz Gonzaga , Georgescu Maria‐Magdalena , Zhang Wei , Puduvalli Vinay , Calin George Adrian
Published: July 2010

Glioblastoma is the most frequent and malignant brain tumor, characterized by an elevated capacity for cellular proliferation and invasion. Recently, it was demonstrated that podoplanin membrane sialo‐glycoprotein encoded by PDPN gene is over‐expressed and related to cellular invasion in astrocytic tumors; however the mechanisms of regulation are still unknown. MicroRNAs are noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression and several biological processes and diseases, including cancer. Nevertheless, their roles in invasion, proliferation, and apoptosis of glioblastoma are not completely understood. In this study, we focused on miR‐29b and miR‐125a, which were predicted to regulate PDPN, and demonstrated that these microRNAs directly target the 3′ untranslated region of PDPN and inhibit invasion, apoptosis, and proliferation of glioblastomas. Furthermore, we report that miR‐29b and miR‐125a are downregulated in glioblastomas and also in CD133‐positive cells. Taken together, these results suggest that miR‐29b and miR‐125a represent potential therapeutic targets in glioblastoma. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Paleoenvironmental reconstruction of Holocene coastal sediments adjacent to archaeological ruins in Aqaba, Jordan
Authors: Allison Alivia J. , Niemi Tina M.
Published: July 2010

Stratified cultural remains from the Early Roman/Nabataean to Byzantine periods in the coastal zone of Aqaba, Jordan, and analyses of thirteen sediment cores provide evidence for changes in the depositional environment during the Holocene. The overall trend in subsurface sediments is a basal marine transgressive layer overlain by a regressional sequence of embayment lagoonal sediments identified from microfossil analyses, and backshore pond, alluvium, and eolian deposits until the 1st century B.C., when mudbrick structures appear. Based on two radiocarbon dates, a brackish water coastal embayment formed prior to ca. 5900–5700 B.C. and was subsequently filled by siltation. Local tectonic subsidence along faults of the Dead Sea transform may have helped form the lagoon. Freshwater Candona sp. ostracods found in sand layers in the lagoon facies show signs of having been transported and redeposited. These data indicate that lakes or marshes were likely located inland of the study area. Supporting faunal and floral evidence for wetter climatic conditions, wetland habitats, and extensive water diversion and agricultural terraces has been excavated at late Chalcolithic (4000–3500 B.C.) sites in the Aqaba region (Khalil & Schmidt, 2009). By the 8th century B.C., the depositional environment along the coastal plain of Aqaba was dominated by distal alluvial fan and eolian sedimentation and the shoreline had prograded about 400m seaward. The migration of human settlements since the 8th century B.C. from the center of the valley toward the southeast may be driven by the changing course of Wadi Yutim and conditions along the coastal plain. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predicting postoperative morbidity and mortality by model for endstage liver disease score for patients with head and neck cancer and liver cirrhosis
Authors: Kao Huang‐Kai , Guo Li‐Fei , Cheng Ming‐Huei , Chen I‐How , Liao Chun‐Ta , Fang Ku‐Hao , Yu Jau‐Song , Chang Kai‐Ping
Published: July 2010

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Model for Endstage Liver Disease (MELD) scoring system for predicting the morbidity and mortality of patients with head and neck cancer with liver cirrhosis undergoing tumor resection with microsurgical free‐tissue transfer.

Methods

Between January 2000 and December 2008, 3108 cases were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

There were 59 men and 2 women enrolled in this study. Preoperatively, 31 and 30 patients were classified as having lower (<9.73) and higher (>9.73) MELD scores, respectively. Patients with higher MELD scores had significantly more postoperative medical morbidities including pulmonary complications and gastrointestinal bleeding. The mortality rate was also significantly higher for higher MELD scorers (23.3% vs 3.2%; p = 0.026). By logistic regression model, preoperative MELD score was a significant predictive factor for morbidity and mortality in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

MELD score could be used to predict morbidity and mortality for patients with head and neck cancer with liver cirrhosis undergoing tumor resection with microsurgical free tissue transfer. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
The Ewing's sarcoma fusion protein, EWS‐FLI, binds Runx2 and blocks osteoblast differentiation
Authors: Li Xiaodong , McGee‐Lawrence Meghan E. , Decker Matthew , Westendorf Jennifer J.
Published: July 2010

Ewing's sarcomas are highly aggressive round cell tumors of bone and soft tissues that afflict children and young adults. The majority of these tumors harbor the t(11;22) translocation and express the fusion protein EWS‐FLI. Modern molecular profiling experiments indicate that Ewing's tumors originate from mesenchymal precursors in young individuals. EWS‐FLI alters the morphology of mesenchymal cells and prevents lineage specification; however, the molecular mechanisms for differentiation arrest are unclear. We recently showed that EWS‐FLI binds Runx2, a master regulator of osteoblast differentiation. In this report, we demonstrate that FLI sequences within EWS‐FLI are responsible for interactions with Runx2. EWS‐FLI blocks the expression of osteoblastic genes in a multipotent progenitor cell line that requires Runx2 to integrate bone morphogenic protein (Bmp)2 signaling while increasing proliferation and altering cell morphology. These results demonstrate that EWS‐FLI blocks the ability of Runx2 to induce osteoblast specification of a mesenchymal progenitor cell. Disrupting interactions between Runx2 and EWS‐FLI1 may promote differentiation of the tumor cell. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 933–943, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of intracellular decorin via proteasome degradation in rat mesangial cells
Authors: Wu Huijuan , Jiang Weina , Zhang Yan , liu Ye , Zhao Zhonghua , Guo Muyi , Ma Duan , Zhang Zhigang
Published: July 2010

Decorin (DCN) is a member of small leucine‐rich proteoglycan family that neutralizes the bioactivity of transforming growth factor‐beta1 (TGF‐β1). It has been proven to be a promising anti‐fibrotic agent to treat glomerulonephritis. But the underlining mechanism for regulating and degrading intracellular DCN is still not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the roles of ubiquitination in the regulation of cytoplasmic DCN metabolism in rat mesangial cells (MC) by immunoprecipitation and Western blot. The results showed that a proportion of cytoplasmic DCN was ubiquitinated in normal MC and was enhanced in N‐glycosylation inhibitor (tunicamycin)‐treated MC. After being treated with the proteasome inhibitor MG132, ubiquitinated DCN accumulated and displayed a prolonged half‐life, accompanied by decreased TGF‐β1 expression and reduced collagen IV mRNA level in MC. This study demonstrated that the stability and function of cytoplasmic DCN can be regulated by ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS) in MC, which implies that regulating the ubiquitination and degradation of DCN might be a novel approach for modulating MC bioactivity. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1010–1019, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of PPARγ in the salutary effects of 17β‐estradiol on kupffer cell cytokine production following trauma‐hemorrhage
Authors: Suzuki Takao , Kawasaki Takashi , Choudhry Mashkoor A. , Chaudry Irshad H.
Published: July 2010

Studies have shown that administration of 17β‐estradiol prevents trauma‐hemorrhage‐induced increase in proinflammatory cytokine production by Kupffer cells and associated multiple organ injury. Since activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) following ischemic conditions has been shown to be protective, we examined if PPARγ plays any role in the salutary effects of 17β‐estradiol on Kupffer cell cytokine production following trauma‐hemorrhage. Male mice underwent trauma‐hemorrhage (mean blood pressure 40 mmHg for 90 min, then resuscitation). 17β‐estradiol (50 µg/kg) or vehicle with or without PPARγ antagonist GW9662 was injected subcutaneously at the middle of resuscitation. At 2 h after trauma‐hemorrhage, plasma interleukin (IL)‐6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α levels, Kupffer cell IL‐6 and TNF‐α production and mRNA expression, and PPARγ, nuclear factor (NF)‐κB and activator protein (AP)‐1 DNA binding activity were determined. Kupffer cell IL‐6 and TNF‐α production, as well as plasma IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels, increased following trauma‐hemorrhage. Moreover, NF‐κB and AP‐1 DNA binding activity and IL‐6 and TNF‐α mRNA expression were also enhanced under such conditions. However, 17β‐estradiol administration normalized all these parameters. Although PPARγ activity decreased after trauma‐hemorrhage, administration of 17β‐estradiol following trauma‐hemorrhage elevated PPARγ activity above the normal level. Inhibition of PPARγ by co‐administration of GW9662, however, abolished the salutary effects of 17β‐estradiol on plasma cytokine and Kupffer cells. Thus, activation of PPARγ appears to play an important role in mediating the salutary effects of 17β‐estradiol on plasma cytokine levels and Kupffer cell cytokine production after trauma‐hemorrhage, which are likely mediated via NF‐κB and AP‐1. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 205–211, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immune challenge affects female condition and egg size in the grey partridge
Authors: Cucco Marco , Pellegrino Irene , Malacarne Giorgio
Published: July 2010

As maintenance of the immune system is energetically costly and resource‐limited, trade‐offs among immune function, body condition, and reproductive allocation are expected. In this study, we experimentally test the possible trade‐off between immune response, self maintenance, and reproductive output in breeding grey partridges Perdix perdix. Before laying, half the females were immune challenged with a novel antigen vaccine (Newcastle disease virus, NDV). The challenged females showed a higher erythrosedimentation rate, a serum parameter related to worsened health conditions, but their cell‐mediated immune reaction (PHA test) did not differ from that of controls. The NDV‐treated females laid smaller eggs (mass, length, and breadth), while the concentrations of antibacterial substances (lysozyme and avidin, two enzymes that confer innate antibacterial immunity) were unrelated to the hen's immune challenge. Our study suggests that an immune challenge can have physiological consequences in terms of self‐maintenance and reproductive allocation to the egg. J. Exp. Zool. 313A:597–604, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Liquid chromatographic methods to analyze hindered amines light stabilizers (HALS) levels to improve safety in polyolefins
Authors: Noguerol‐Cal Rosalía , López‐Vilariño Jose Manuel , Fernández‐Martínez Gerardo , González‐Rodríguez M. Victoria , Barral‐Losada Luis F.
Published: July 2010

A chromatographic method using ultra performance LC with ultraviolet spectrophotometry detection system (UPLC‐UV‐visible (UV/Vis)) (UPLC, ultra performance LC) was developed to determine Chimassorb 944 and Tinuvin 770, high‐ and low‐molecular mass hindered amine light stabilizers, respectively. The use of a bridge ethylene hybrid‐based particles C18 UPLC column, being compatible with a buffered mobile phase adjusted to pH 11.5, was used to achieve a satisfactory elution of possible non‐ionizated units of polymeric Chimassorb 944. In addition, a HPLC with positive ion mode ESI and hybrid linear ion trap (LTQ) Fourier transform (FT) Orbitrap MS detection system (HPLC‐UV/Vis‐ESI‐LTQ(FT)Orbitrap) was used for screening and identification purposes. Reliable determinations of monomeric units of Chimassorb 944 and molecule of Tinuvin 770 were achieved by HPLC‐ESI(+)‐LTQ FT Orbitrap MS method using scan mode. Quality parameters of UPLC‐UV/Vis method were evaluated. Obtained LODs and LOQs were 3.41 and 11.4 mg/L for Tinuvin 770 and 0.83 and 2.78 mg/L for Chimassorb 944, respectively. Satisfactory quality parameters of this chromatography method provided the chance to count on a good tool to know the compliance with legal requirements.
Synthesis of Photocleavable Amphiphilic Block Copolymers: Toward the Design of Photosensitive Nanocarriers
Authors: Cabane Etienne , Malinova Violeta , Meier Wolfgang
Published: July 2010

The synthesis of a novel amphiphilic block copolymer containing a photodegradable linker as a junction point between hydrophilic and hydrophobic chains is presented. PmCL–ONB–PAA block copolymers were synthesized via a combination of ROP and ATRP from a difunctional photoresponsive initiator (ONB). The copolymers are biodegradable and biocompatible, they can self‐assemble into different structures, including micelles and vesicles which are photoresponsive. When polymer solutions were exposed to UV we observed significant changes in size and number of particles. We are currently investigating the promising potential of this system as photosensitive nanocarrier.

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Diphenylacetylene Polymer Nanofiber Mats Fabricated by Freeze Drying: Preparation and Application for Explosive Sensors
Authors: Lee Wang‐Eun , Oh Chang‐Jin , Kang Inn‐Kyu , Kwak Giseop
Published: July 2010

Finely structured diphenylacetylene polymer nanofibers were successfully prepared by a freeze drying method. SEM revealed that the morphology and structure of the fibers were significantly dependent on the concentration of the polymer solution, the ‘frozen in’ quenching temperature and the chemical structure of the polymer derivatives. Polarized fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that the polymer chains within the nanofiber were uniaxially oriented and highly elongated. The polymer nanofiber was remarkably sensitive to explosive nitroaromatic compounds when compared to the corresponding thin films. The fluorescence of polymer nanofiber obtained from 0.003 wt.‐% cryogenic benzene solution rapidly decreased to 50% of its initial value in ≈35 s by exposing to 2,4‐dinitrotoluene.

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Long‐Aliphatic‐Segment Polyamides: Salt Preparation and Subsequent Anhydrous Polymerization
Authors: Boussia Anastasia C. , Vouyiouka Stamatina N. , Porfiris Athanasios D. , Papaspyrides Constantine D.
Published: July 2010

Long‐aliphatic‐segment polyamides were prepared based on hexamethylenediamine and α,ω‐(CH2)x biosynthetic diacids (x = 10, 11, 12). The pertinent monomers (salts) were isolated as solids, thoroughly characterized for the first time, and then submitted to an anhydrous melt prepolymerization technique. The obtained prepolymers exhibited $\overline {M} _{{\rm n}} $ in the range of 5 100–11 800 g · mol−1, and the molecular weight was further increased by up to 55% through solid‐state finishing. The suggested overall polyamidation cycle was conducted at short melt‐reaction times, so as to avoid any thermal degradation, and was proved efficient, indicating similar reactants polymerizability independently of the methylene content.

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Improving the Thermal Behavior of Poly(propylene) by Addition of Spherical Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Palza Humberto , Vergara Rodrigo , Zapata Paula
Published: July 2010

Spherical silica nanoparticles were mixed with a PP matrix and the thermal behavior of the nanocomposites was studied. The nanocomposites presented drastic improvements in the degradation behavior under thermo‐oxidative conditions, showing complex multistep processes. Under inert conditions the improvements were lower. Our results indicate that mechanisms based on the labyrinth effect, nanoconfinement or trapping model, are not able to explain the whole enhanced thermal stability in these nanocomposites. Moreover, the high specific area of the nanoparticles (≈70 m2 · g−1) indicates that processes based on the adsorption of volatile polar products coming from the oxidative degradation mechanism are plausible.

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