bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reversible Photocontrolled Swelling‐Shrinking Behavior of Micron Vesicles Self‐Assembled from Azopyridine‐Containing Diblock Copolymer
Authors: Han Kuo , Su Wei , Zhong Mincheng , Yan Qing , Luo Yanhua , Zhang Qijin , Li Yinmei
Published: October 2008

Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐block‐poly{6‐[4‐(4‐pyridyazo)phenoxy] hexylmethacrylate} (PNIPAM‐b‐PAzPy) was synthesized by successive reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. In a water/tetrahydrofuran (H2O/THF) mixture, amphiphilic PNIPAM‐b‐PAzPy self‐assembles into giant micro‐vesicles. Upon alternate ultraviolet (UV) and visible light irradiation, obvious reversible swelling‐shrinking of the vesicles was observed directly under an optical microscope. The maximum percentage increase in volume, caused by the UV light, reached 17%. Moreover, the swelling could be adjusted using the UV light power density. The derivation of this effect is due to photoinduced reversible isomerization of azopyridine units in the vesicles.

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De novo generation of axially vascularized tissue in a large animal model
Authors: Beier Justus P. , Horch Raymund E. , Arkudas Andreas , Polykandriotis Elias , Bleiziffer Oliver , Adamek Edith , Hess Andreas , Kneser Ulrich
Published: October 2008

De novo generation of axially vascularized tissue with clinically relevant dimensions in a large animal model and implementation of clinically established imaging modalities for in vivo evaluation of vascularization. To be used for reconstruction of tissue defects, engineered grafts need to be axially vascularized to enable transplantation without graft loss due to hypoxia. Limitations to dimensions in small animal models had not yet been overcome, which is necessary to yield clinical relevance. Anatomical studies of groin and axillary regions in eight merino sheep were followed by microsurgical creation of an arteriovenous loop (AV‐loop), embedded in an isolation chamber filled with fibrin matrix. Constructs were implanted in the groin of six sheep for up to 6 weeks. Course of vascularization in de novo forming tissue was assessed by sequential computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in vivo, as well as by postexplantational micro‐computed tomography and histology. A vascular axis was constantly found epifascially at the medial aspect of all sheep's thighs, which was used for AV‐loop creation. Patency of AV‐loop could be visualized by CTA and MRA scans during 1–6 weeks. Complex 3D‐vessel‐reconstruction revealed increasing axial vascularization of the fibrin matrix and growing connective tissue within the isolation chamber, which was confirmed by micro‐computed tomography and histology postexplantation. De novo formation of axially vascularized tissue was demonstrated for the first time ever in a large animal model, paving the way for the first application of tissue engineering vascularized grafts with clinically relevant dimensions. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
Variation in protein Cα‐related one‐bond J couplings
Authors: Schmidt Jürgen M. , Howard Mark J. , Maestre‐Martínez Mitcheell , Pérez Carlos S. , Löhr Frank
Published: October 2008

Four types of polypeptide 1JCαX couplings are examined, involving the main‐chain carbon Cα and either of four possible substituents. A total 3105 values of 1JCαHα, 1JCαCβ, 1JCαC′, and 1JCαN′ were collected from six proteins, averaging 143.4 ± 3.3, 34.9 ± 2.5, 52.6 ± 0.9, and 10.7 ± 1.2 Hz, respectively. Analysis of variances (ANOVA) reveals a variety of factors impacting on 1J and ranks their relative statistical significance and importance to biomolecular NMR structure refinement. Accordingly, the spread in the 1J values is attributed, in equal proportions, to amino‐acid specific substituent patterns and to polypeptide‐chain geometry, specifically torsions ϕ, ψ, and χ1 circumjacent to Cα. The 1J coupling constants correlate with protein secondary structure. For α‐helical ϕ, ψ combinations, 1JCαHα is elevated by more than one standard deviation (147.8 Hz), while both 1JCαN′ and 1JCαCβ fall short of their grand means (9.5 and 33.7 Hz). Rare positive ϕ torsion angles in proteins exhibit concomitant small 1JCαHα and 1JCαN′ (138.4 and 9.6 Hz) and large 1JCαCβ (39.9 Hz) values. The 1JCαN′ coupling varies monotonously over the ϕ torsion range typical of β‐sheet secondary structure and is largest (13.3 Hz) for ϕ around − 160 . All four coupling types depend on ψ and thus help determine a torsion that is notoriously difficult to assess by traditional approaches using 3J. Influences on 1J stemming from protein secondary structure and other factors, such as amino‐acid composition, are largely independent. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Utility of somatosensory evoked potentials in chronic acquired demyelinating neuropathy
Authors: Yiannikas Con , Vucic Steve
Published: October 2008

Chronic acquired demyelinating polyneuropathy (CADP) is a heterogeneous syndrome that may be classified into a number of subtypes. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) assess proximal segments of sensory nerves, inadequately assessed by routine nerve conduction studies (NCSs). The aim of the present study was to determine the utility of SSEPs in diagnosing and classifying different CADP subtypes. Forty‐seven patients with CADP were studied and classified in five groups based on conventional NCSs and SSEPs. Some patients in Group 1 were initially misdiagnosed as having either motor neuron disease or multifocal motor neuropathy due to normal sensory NCSs, but they exhibited abnormal tibial and median nerve SSEPs, as evidenced by marked prolongation or absence of peripheral potentials (N9‐median nerve, and N20‐tibial nerve). These were reclassified as having chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy (CIDP). In CIDP patients (Group 2), SSEPs were abnormal, thereby confirming the presence of demyelination in the proximal peripheral nerves. Patients with distal acquired demyelinating neuropathy (DADS) (Group 3), as defined by conventional NCS, exhibited abnormal SSEPs when anti‐MAG antibodies were present. Anti‐MAG‐negative DADS patients (Group 3) had normal SSEPs. In the pure sensory ataxic group (Group 4), SSEP studies disclosed poorly formed and delayed cortical potentials with absent lumbar (N20) potentials, thereby suggesting the presence of proximal demyelination. SSEPs were normal in the pure motor CIDP and multifocal motor neuropathy patients (MMN) (Group 5), thereby differentiating asymmetric forms of CIDP from MMN. These findings suggest that SSEPs may be an important complementary investigation to conventional NCSs in the diagnosis of CADP. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Effect of applied voltage on jet electric current and flow rate in electrospinning of polyacrylonitrile solutions
Authors: Fallahi Delaram , Rafizadeh Mehdi , Mohammadi Naser , Vahidi Behrooz
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: In the electrospinning process, through subjecting a pendent drop of a polymer solution to a high electric field, a fluid jet is ejected from the drop. To have a stable process, the rate at which the fluid is forced into the drop and the rate at which the fluid is carried away by the jet must be equal. A method is reported to find the point at which the flow into the drop is equal to the flow out of the drop.

RESULTS: In the electrospinning of polyacrylonitrile solutions, by applying different voltages at a constant solution feed rate, two jet regimes were observed: stable jet and fluctuating jet regimes. The stable jet regime occurred at low voltages where the jet flow rate was lower than the feed rate, and the fluctuating jet regime occurred at higher voltages where the jet flow rate exceeded the feed rate. The highest voltage in the stable jet regime was the point where the jet flow rate was equal to the feed rate. This point was determined for different feed rates.

CONCLUSION: By applying various voltages at different feed rates, and investigating the jet current, a curve showing stable processing points can be obtained. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and properties of polyurethane networks derived from new soybean oil‐based polyol and a bulky blocked polyisocyanate
Authors: Jalilian Mehrdad , Yeganeh Hamid , Haghighi Mehdi Nekoomanesh
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: Developing vegetable oil‐based polyols for polyurethane manufacturing is becoming highly desirable for both economic and environmental reasons. Most vegetable oils do not bear hydroxyls naturally. The objective of this work was to prepare a new soybean oil‐based polyol with high functionality of hydroxyl groups and built‐in (preformed) urethane bonds.

RESULTS: A facile and improved method was developed for the transformation of epoxidized soybean oil into carbonated soybean oil under ambient pressure of CO2 gas, with tetrabutylammonium bromide/calcium chloride as catalyst/co‐catalyst couple. Ring‐opening reaction of the carbonated oil with ethanolamine led to the desired polyol. A one‐pack polyurethane system was prepared via combination of the polyol and a blocked polyisocyanate. The polyol and final polyurethanes were fully characterized, and their physical, mechanical, viscoelastic and electrical insulating properties were studied.

CONCLUSION: The application of this newly developed soybean oil‐based polyol for preparation of electroinsulating casting polyurethanes was examined. The prepared soy‐based polyurethanes offered excellent thermal and electrical insulating properties. Also, tunable physical and chemical properties for the final polyurethanes were achieved by replacing part of the soybean oil‐based polyol with poly(propylene glycol) (Mn = 1000 g mol−1). Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Contrast Effects at Dislocation Networks in Very Thin Polyethylene Single Crystals Observed in the Electron Microscope
Authors: Holland V. F. , Lindenmeyer P. H. , Trivedi R. , Amelinckx S.
Published: October 2008

The contrast effects at dislocations in very thin bi‐layered single crystals of polyethylene are discussed on the basis of the dynamical theory. The crystal thickness is smaller than one extinction distance. In such crystals the dislocation lines can be imaged either as bright or as dark lines in both the bright and the dark field image. In one area of the bright field image one family of dislocations may be observed as bright lines and another family as dark lines. Image “inversion” takes place in the bend contours, i.e., dark lines become bright and vice versa. The dark field images due to the diffraction vectors +g and −g may be either similar or complementary. All these observations can be accounted for by comparing them with profiles computed on the basis of the dynamical theory.

Although one would expect the crystals to be thin enough for the kinematical theory to be applicable, it is found that the image profiles, as deduced by Hirsch, Howie, and Whelan[2] on the basis of this theory, cannot account for the observations. It is shown that this is a result of the approximations used in computing the integrals occuring in this theory.

The observed dislocation networks are discussed in terms of Burgers vectors. The contrast effects are used to establish this analysis unambigeously. It is found that ribbons of partial dislocations occur in the networks. From the partial separation an estimate is made for the ratio of the stacking fault energy over the shear modulus (γ/μ b).

Singularities in the networks are analysed and shown to result from the presence of partial dislocations ending in the foil surfaces.
Mint oil (Mentha spicata Linn.) offers behavioral radioprotection: a radiation‐induced conditioned taste aversion study
Authors: Haksar A. , Sharma A. , Chawla R. , Kumar Raj , Lahiri S. S. , Islam F. , Arora M. P. , Sharma R. K. , Tripathi R. P. , Arora Rajesh
Published: October 2008

Mentha spicata Linn. (mint), a herb well known for its gastroprotective properties in the traditional system of medicine has been shown to protect against radiation‐induced lethality, and recently its constituents have been found to possess calcium channel antagonizing properties. The present study examined the behavioral radioprotective efficacy of mint oil (obtained from Mentha spicata), particularly in mitigating radiation‐induced conditioned taste aversion (CTA), which has been proposed as a behavioral endpoint that is mediated by the toxic effects of gamma radiation on peripheral systems, primarily the gastrointestinal system in the Sprague‐Dawley rat model. Intraperitoneal administration of Mentha spicata oil 10% (v/v), 1 h before 2 Gy gamma radiation, was found to render significant radioprotection against CTA (p < 0.05), by blocking the saccharin avoidance response within 5 post‐treatment observational days, with the highest saccharin intake being observed on day 5. This finding clearly demonstrates that gastroprotective and calcium channel antagonizing properties of Mentha spicata can be effectively utilized in preventing radiation‐induced behavioral changes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of Arctic ozone loss in winter 2004/05 based on assimilation of EOS MLS and SBUV/2 observations
Authors: Jackson D. R. , Orsolini Y. J.
Published: October 2008

In this paper we present a new technique for the estimation of ozone loss in the stratospheric polar vortex based on the assimilation of Earth Observing System Microwave Limb Sounder (EOS MLS) and Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet radiometer (SBUV/2) ozone observations in the Met Office data assimilation system. We focus on the northern winter of 2004/05, which was exceptionally cold in the Arctic stratosphere, with associated large ozone depletion due to heterogeneous chemistry. Our ozone loss estimate, which was calculated for the 1 February to 10 March 2005 period, peaks at 450 K (approximately 17–18 km), and is 0.6 ppmv at that isentropic level (our loss estimate for the vortex core only was somewhat higher (1.0 ppmv) and indicates uncertainties related to mixing at the vortex edge). This value is similar to or smaller than results from other studies, which estimate ozone loss in this period to be in the 0.6–1.2 ppmv range. When combined with results from other studies that estimate ozone loss occurring outside our assimilation period, we obtain an estimate of 0.8–1.2 ppmv for ozone loss from early January to early March 2005.

We find a second maximum in ozone loss for the 1 February–10 March period near 650 K (approximately 25 km) of around 0.4 ppmv. This is a lower figure than found in other studies, but ozone loss is actually much stronger at this level outside the vortex in a low‐ozone pocket in the Aleutian anticyclone, likely due to the NOx catalytic cycle. Our results show that the ozone data assimilation method we have used to estimate ozone loss is very promising, and can lead to potentially more accurate ozone‐loss estimates than other methods. © Royal Meteorological Society and Crown Copyright, 2008.
A large amplitude gravity wave in the lower stratosphere detected by radiosonde
Authors: Shutts G. J. , Kitchen M. , Hoare P. H.
Published: October 2008

Temperature profiles in the lower stratosphere commonly show fluctuations (typical peak‐to‐peak amplitude of a few degrees) on a vertical scale of a few kilometres. The routine operational radiosonde launched from Shanwell (56.43°N 2.87°W) at 2318 GMT on 12 December 1986 recorded very large amplitude excursions in temperature (15.9 K change over a vertical distance of 2 km) in the lower stratosphere which were identified as being exceptional by the staff at the radiosonde station. The temperature fluctuations were accompanied by strong shear in the horizontal wind and large variations in the rate of ascent of the balloon.

The disturbance is argued to be due to a quasi‐stationary gravity wave with vertical momentum flux about 3 or 4 N m−2 averaged over a horizontal scale of at least 20km. These observations, their meteorological context and their interpretation are described in detail.
Estimating the change point of a normal process mean with a monotonic change
Authors: Noorossana Rassoul , Shadman Alireza
Published: October 2008

One of the essential steps for process improvement is to quickly recognize the starting time or the change point of a process disturbance. In this paper, we describe the behavior model of process mean and then obtain a maximum‐likelihood estimator (MLE) for the change point of the normal process mean without requiring the exact knowledge of the change type. Instead, we assume that the type of change present belongs to a family of monotonic changes. Finally, we study the performance of the proposed change‐point estimator relative to the MLEs for the process mean change point derived under a simple step change and linear trend change assumption. We do this for a number of monotonic change types following a signal from a Shewhart X̄ control chart. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimizing tape‐burnishing/wiping process of magnetic recording media through Taguchi method
Authors: Zhao J. M. , Ho S. L. , Piramanayagam S. N. , Shi J. Z.
Published: October 2008

For the ever‐increasing recording density in hard disk drives, ultra‐low gliding height media are required. It is an immense challenge for the tape‐burnishing/wiping process of media to reduce the asperities effectively and efficiently while no scratches occur. The purpose of this paper is to characterize and then optimize the tape‐burnishing/wiping process as so to minimize the asperities without leaving any scratches on the media surface. A Taguchi experiment design method is adopted to analyze the data and acquire an optimal level combination of process parameters. The resulting optimal combination is practically implemented in tape‐burnishing/wiping the several magnetic recording media, which reveals that the average pass ratio of 5 nm glide avalanche testing increases nearly doubly to a level of 96%. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust optimization of an airplane component taking into account the uncertainty of the design parameters
Authors: Steenackers Gunther , Guillaume Patrick , Vanlanduit Steve
Published: October 2008

A slat track, structural component of an aircraft wing that transfers the aerodynamical loads, excited by operational forces can result in excessive displacement levels if not properly designed. The design parameter values are not always precisely known but can contain a level of uncertainty to some extent due to, for example dimensional variation. During the different optimization approaches, the slat track geometry is optimized in order to limit the maximum vertical displacement, taking into account the variability of the design parameters. Application and comparison of different optimal, robust and generalized optimization approaches is presented and applied on the slat track finite element model, making use of mean and variance response functions to model the uncertainty on the finite element displacement values. Next to validating different objective function statements, a comparison is also made on the level of accuracy and practicability concerning the different response function models, based on regression techniques and Monte Carlo simulations, optimization and transmissibilities and regressive techniques and vibration reduction over a frequency range. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of reliability‐oriented field feedback information for product design improvement: a case study
Authors: Magniez Clément , Brombacher Aarnout C. , Schouten Jeu
Published: October 2008

In the innovative industry, four major trends are found to influence product quality and reliability: the increase in product complexity, the strong pressure on time to market, the increasing global economy, and the decreasing tolerance for quality problems. Thus, it becomes more difficult to anticipate all potential failures during the product development process. In this context, an efficient field feedback process should be in place to react to the unanticipated deviations in product performance. Based on a case study made in an innovative company, this paper shows that the problem is not so much in the information collection as in the inherent quality of the information and in the manner the information is processed. Therefore, a new method, presented in this paper, was developed to classify and prioritize field data and to upgrade it into information that can be used for design improvement according to the dominant classes of failures using the four‐phase roller coaster model. Although this newly generated information is richer than raw field data it is not yet detailed enough to allow direct design optimization. Therefore, a second upgrading stage, based on design of experiments, was developed. It uses a method that combines physics‐of‐failure (bottom‐up) and field information (top‐down). As traditional DoE mainly deals with largely time‐independent quality data obtained during the manufacturing process the approach had to be modified to deal with time‐dependent reliability data. Case study results show that it is a promising approach for characterizing and resolving failure mechanisms also in innovative companies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of impurities in sisomicin and netilmicin by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Bo , Van Schepdael Ann , Hoogmartens Jos , Adams Erwin
Published: October 2008

The characterization of unknown impurities present in netilmicin and sisomicin by liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) is described. The volatile ion‐pairing agent trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) was used for the retention of the main compounds and their impurities on a reversed‐phase (RP) C18 column, because they are highly hydrophilic and basic compounds. The method showed good separation between netilmicin and its four potential related substances prescribed in the European Pharmacopoeia, which were identified by comparison of their retention times with those of the reference substances. Furthermore, in total 16 unknown impurities in a netilmicin sample and six in a sisomicin sample with unknown identity were detected. The structures of the unknown compounds were deduced based on comparison of fragmentation patterns with those of the reference substances investigated in LC/MSn experiments by the use of electrospray ion trap mass spectrometry. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid comprehensive amino acid analysis by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry: comparison to cation exchange with post‐column ninhydrin detection
Authors: Dietzen Dennis J. , Weindel Annette L. , Carayannopoulos Mary O , Landt Michael , Normansell Ellen T. , Reimschisel Tyler E. , Smith Carl H.
Published: October 2008

Ion‐exchange chromatography with ninhydrin detection remains the gold standard for detecting inborn errors of amino acid catabolism and transport. Disadvantages of such analysis include long chromatography times and interference from other ninhydrin‐positive compounds. The aim of this project was to develop a more rapid and specific technique using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Optimal fragmentation patterns for 32 amino acids were determined on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer following butylation. Chromatographic characteristics of each of the amino acids were determined using C8 reversed‐phase chromatography with 20% acetonitrile/0.1% formic acid as isocratic mobile phase. Quantitation using eleven deuterated internal standards was compared to cation exchange and ninhydrin detection on a Beckman 7300 system. Following methanol extraction and butylation, determination of 32 amino acids required 20 min. The dynamic range of each amino acid was generally 1–1000 µmol/L. Imprecision ranged from 7 to 23% (CV) over 6 months and recovery ranged from 88–125%. Deming regression with the Beckman 7300 yielded slopes from 0.4–1.2, intercepts from −21 to 65 µmol/L, correlation coefficients from 0.84–0.99 and Syx from 2–125 µmol/L. Isobaric amino acids were separated by chromatography (e.g. leucine, isoleucine) or by unique fragmentation (e.g., alanine, β‐alanine). LC/MS/MS is comparable to traditional LC‐ninhydrin detection. Mass spectral detection shortens analysis times and reduces potential for interference in detecting inborn metabolic errors. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐resolution liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry combined with liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry to identify polyphenols from grape antioxidant dietary fiber
Authors: Touriño Sonia , Fuguet Elisabet , Jáuregui Olga , Saura‐Calixto Fulgencio , Cascante Marta , Torres Josep Lluís
Published: October 2008

Grape antioxidant dietary fiber (GADF) is a dietary supplement that combines the benefits of both fiber and antioxidants that help prevent cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The antioxidant polyphenolic components in GADF probably help prevent cancer in the digestive tract, where they are bioavailable. Mass spectrometry coupled to liquid chromatography is a powerful tool for the analysis of complex plant derivatives such as GADF. We use a combination of MS techniques, namely liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐TOF‐MS) and liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MS/MS) on a triple quadrupole, for the identification of the polyphenolic constituents of the soluble fraction of GADF. First, we separated the mixture into four fractions which were tested for phenolic constituents using the TOF system in the full scan mode. The high sensitivity and resolution of the TOF detector over the triple quadrupole facilitate the preliminary characterization of the fractions. Then we used LC/ESI‐MS/MS to identify the individual phenols through MS/MS experiments (product ion scan, neutral loss scan, precursor ion scan). Finally, most of the identities were unequivocally confirmed by accurate mass measurements on the TOF spectrometer. LC/ESI‐TOF‐MS combined with MS/MS correctly identifies the bioactive polyphenolic components from the soluble fraction of GADF. High‐resolution TOF‐MS is particularly useful for identifying the structure of compounds with the same LC/ESI‐MS/MS fragmentation patterns. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new method for the identification and the structural characterisation of carotenoid esters in freshwater microorganisms by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Frassanito Rita , Cantonati Marco , Flaim Giovanna , Mancini Ines , Guella Graziano
Published: October 2008

Liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MS) has been employed to identify carotenoid esters present in raw organic extracts of pigmented freshwater microalgae and to gain structural information on these compounds. In particular, acyl carotenoid derivatives of Haematococcus pluvialis and Euglena sanguinea have been characterised by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in a quadrupole ion trap. ESI‐MS/MS allows recognition of the presence of carotenoid esters in complicated mixtures without any initial chromatographic work‐up and without the need to use UV‐Vis photo‐diode array (PDA) detectors. Product ion scans of the [M + Na]+ ion lead to known neutral losses of the C7H8 and C8H10 residues from the conjugated polyene moiety of the carotenoid unit, that permit the unambiguous identification of the carotenoid itself. These structurally relevant ions are not observed in positive or negative ion APCI (atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation) mass spectra. Moreover, the several product ions observed in positive and/or negative ion ESI‐MS/MS not only are a diagnostic signature of the main structural features of the acyl chains such as length, position and unsaturation, but also display the nominal mass of the parent xanthophyll. Our methodology has been validated (i) by using esters of astaxanthin obtained from off‐line purification of the H. pluvialis extracts and structurally elucidated through proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) spectroscopy and (ii) by product analysis of esters by alkaline hydrolysis. The characterisation of the unknown carotenoid esters of E. sanguinea is a demonstration of the capabilities of this methodology. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An exploration of spirituality, spiritual beliefs and paediatric rehabilitation
Authors: Baldwin Patricia J. , McDougall Janette , Evans Jan
Published: October 2008

This paper presents key concepts related to spirituality that are meaningful to a community‐based paediatric rehabilitation centre in Ontario, Canada, for the provision of holistic care for children and youth with disabilities and their families. These key concepts were identified through an extensive review of quantitative and qualitative studies from relevant areas of research. Discussions around the concepts then took place with service providers from multiple disciplines, administrators, advisory board members, childhood disability researchers and parents of children and youth with disabilities. Practice implications from the literature and from the discussions resulted in six recommendations related to implementation of holistic care to address the spiritual needs of children and youth with disabilities and their families within the context of paediatric rehabilitation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early clinical and radiological outcomes after double osteotomy in patients with late presentation Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
Authors: Sarassa Carlos A. , Herrera Ana Milena , Carvajal Jaime , Gomez Luisa F. , Lopez Camilo A. , Rojas Andres F.
Published: October 2008

Purpose

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is an idiopathic avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Although many surgical approaches to treat the late presentation of this pathology have been proposed, there are few reports about the early results of the double osteotomy procedure (femoral varus osteotomy combined with Salter innominate osteotomy). The purpose of this study was to describe the early results obtained with the double osteotomy in patients with late presentation of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

Methods

Cross-sectional evaluation of ten patients intervened with double osteotomy. There were seven males and three females with a mean age of 9.2 ± 1.7 years [standard deviation (SD)]. The average post-surgical time of evaluation was of 46.5 ± 26.2 months.

Results

Of the ten evaluated patients, four had a Catterall III and six had a Catterall IV disease. According to Herring classification, three patients were Herring B and seven were Herring C. The epiphyseal extrusion average before and after the surgical procedure was 19.3 ± 12.4 and 12.1 ± 14.9%, respectively. In accordance with the Ratliff classification and Lloyd Roberts radiological results, the following were the postoperative clinical results: four good, five fair and one poor. Based on the Stulberg classification, there was one patient in class I, five in class II, three in class III and one in class IV.

Conclusion

The surgical treatment for late Perthes disease with the best expected outcome is still a challenge. According to the resultsreported here, the double osteotomy could be considered as an alternative to treat this entity.
Decision‐making style among adolescents: Relationship with sensation seeking and locus of control
Authors: Baiocco Roberto , Laghi Fiorenzo , D'Alessio Maria
Published: October 2008

The principal aim of the study was to examine the psychometric properties and construct validity of the General Decision‐Making Scale (GDMS) in a sample of 700 adolescents (aged 15–19 years). Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses provide evidence for a solid five‐dimension structure reflecting the theorized construct: rational, intuitive, dependent, avoidant and spontaneous. No differences were found with respect to gender; however older adolescents used more rational decision‐making style than younger ones and had lower mean scores on intuitive, avoidant and spontaneous scales. Correlations between GDMS and both Sensation Seeking and Locus of Control scales provided substantiation for the convergent validity. Higher school achievements were positively associated with a rational decision‐making style while the number of absences from school was positively related to spontaneous and avoidant styles. Data encourage the use of GDMS not only in the research of personality but for educational and counseling purposes.
Combinatory responses of proinflamamtory cytokines on nitric oxide‐mediated function in mouse calvarial osteoblasts
Authors: Park Young‐Guk , Kim Kyung‐Woon , Song Kwon‐Ho , Lee Ji‐Min , Hong Jeong‐Jin , Moon Sungk‐Kwon , Kim Cheorl‐Ho
Published: October 2008

Combinatory responses of proinflamamtory cytokines have been examined on the nitric oxide‐mediated function in cultured mouse calvarial osteoblasts. Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) induced iNOS gene expression and NO production, although these actions were inhibited by L‐NG‐monomethylarginine (L‐NMMA) and decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity. Furthermore, NO donors, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and NONOate dose‐dependently elevated ALPase activity. In contrast, transforming‐growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) decreased NO production stimulated by IL‐1β, TNF‐α and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ). iNOS was expressed by mouse calvarial osteoblast cells after stimulation with IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and IFN‐γ. Incubation of mouse calvarial osteoblast cells with the cytokines inhibited growth and ALPase activity. However, TGF‐β‐treatment abolished these effects of IL‐1β, TNF‐α and IFN‐γ on growth inhibition and stimulation of ALPase in mouse calvarial osteoblast cells. In contrast, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and IFN‐γ exerted growth‐inhibiting effects on mouse calvarial osteoblast cells which were partly NO‐dependent. The results suggest that NO may act predominantly as a modulator of cytokine‐induced effects on mouse calvarial osteoblast cells and TGF‐β is a negative regulator of the NO production stimulated by IL‐1β, TNF‐α and IFN‐γ.
Man, my brain is tired: Linking depletion and cognitive effort in choice
Authors: Johnson Eric J.
Published: October 2008

Understanding how limited resources influence decision making is important to theory and even more to important practice. I focus on two questions inspired by Baumeister et al.: (1) What exactly is depleted? and (2) Is it useful to employ Systems 1 and 2 in modeling depletion? I discuss possible candidates for depletion at both the neural and the cognitive process levels and argue that a dual process model of depletion makes a very clear set of testable predictions. Finally, I believe that understanding the causes of depletion is essential in designing helpful choice environments.
Free to buy? Explaining self‐control and impulse in consumer behavior
Authors: Hofmann Wilhelm , Strack Fritz , Deutsch Roland
Published: October 2008

An important goal for consumer psychology is to understand when and why consumer behavior is driven by impulses versus rational decisions. Models accounting for the different shades of consumer behavior should spell out how impulsive versus reflective precursors of action are instigated, how they transform into behavior, when they conflict with each other, how such conflicts are resolved, and which boundary conditions (such as ego depletion) affect the relative influence of impulsive versus reflective precursors on behavior. Introducing the notion of free will into consumer psychology may discourage researchers from investigating the specific mechanisms underlying consumer choice and behavior.
Free will, temptation, and self‐control: We must believe in free will, we have no choice (Isaac B. Singer)
Authors: Wertenbroch Klaus , Vosgerau Joachim , Bruyneel Sabrina D.
Published: October 2008

Baumeister, Sparks, Stillman, and Vohs (2007) sketch a theory of free will as the human ability to exert self‐control. Self‐control can produce goal‐directed behavior, which free will conceptualized as random behavior cannot. We question whether consumer psychology can shed light on the ontological question of whether free will exists. We suggest that it is more fruitful for consumer psychology to examine consumers' belief in free will. Specifically, we propose that this belief arises from consumers' phenomenological experience of exercising self‐control in the face of moral or intertemporal conflicts of will. Based on extant literature in philosophy, psychology, and economics, we offer both a narrower conceptualization of the nature of self‐control problems and a more general conceptualization of self‐control strategies, involving not only willpower but also precommitment. We conclude with a discussion of the consequences of consumers' belief in free will.
Social reality and the hole in determinism
Authors: Baumeister Roy F.
Published: October 2008

To believe in free will is to believe that people really make choices, in which more than one outcome is possible. Instead of the outmoded dualism of mind and body, we need to understand the duality of physical and social reality. Social reality, composed of meaning, reveals the inadequacy of physical determinism. Social realities (e.g., money, justice, democracy, law, mathematics, culture) do not have the properties of physical matter (e.g., chemical composition, mass, velocity, molecular structure), but they can affect behavior and thereby enter into the stream of physical causation.
The impact of negative affect on responses to affect‐regulatory experiences
Authors: Shen Hao , Wyer Robert S.
Published: October 2008

People who feel unhappy are usually motivated to eliminate this unpleasant affective state. However, the objective they pursue could be either general (e.g., to feel better) or specific (to remedy the conditions that gave rise to their negative feelings). Three studies examined the factors that determined the level of specificity at which individuals define their affect‐regulatory objective and their attraction to activities that bear on this objective. Participants were attracted to activities that could potentially eliminate the specific concerns that elicited their negative affect only if (a) the description of these activities called attention to these concerns or (b) they were explicitly told to think about the situation that gave rise to their unpleasant feelings. More generally, participants were attracted to activities that were intrinsically attractive but irrelevant to the situation that produced the negative affect they were experiencing.
Consumer confusion of percent differences
Authors: Kruger Justin , Vargas Patrick
Published: October 2008

The present research investigated consumers' intuitions about percent differences. We found that the perceived difference between two quantities compared on a percent scale varies as a function of the target of the comparison. The subjective price difference between a $1500 and a $1000 moped, for instance, increased when the former was described as 50% more than the latter than when the latter was described as 33% less than the former (Experiment 1). This effect (1) is limited to comparisons made on a ratio scale, (2) varies as a function of the percent difference between the two quantities, and (3) applies not only to price but also to other quantifiable attributes (Experiments 2–4). Finally, Experiment 5 found that the bias was reduced (but not eliminated) with financial incentives for accuracy and persisted even among highly numerate individuals. Discussion focuses on the source and the implications of this bias.
Gender‐related reactions to gratuitous sex appeals in advertising
Authors: Sengupta Jaideep , Dahl Darren W.
Published: October 2008

This research investigates differences and similarities between men and women in their spontaneous reactions to gratuitous sexual appeals in advertising. Earlier research suggests that both males and females will react negatively to such ads because of perceptions of unethicality, manipulativeness, etc. However, we hypothesize and find that, under the sort of constrained processing conditions that allow the elicitation of spontaneous, gut‐level reactions, men on average will exhibit a more positive attitudinal response to gratuitous sex appeals than women (Experiments 1 and 2). Experiment 3 then provides support for the underlying process – and also demonstrates intragender variation—by showing that women with more liberal attitudes to sex per se react in a manner very similar to men; namely, they report more liking for a sexual ad than a nonsexual ad.
Should we ask our children about sex, drugs and rock & roll? Potentially harmful effects of asking questions about risky behaviors
Authors: Fitzsimons Gavan J. , Moore Sarah G.
Published: October 2008

Research shows that asking questions can fundamentally change behavior. We review literature on this question‐behavior effect, which demonstrates that asking questions changes both normal and risky behaviors. We discuss potential explanations for the effect and review recent findings that reveal interesting moderators of the influence of questions on behavior. We then highlight the potential impact of the question‐behavior effect in an important public health context: screening adolescents for risky behavior. While medical guidelines emphasize the importance of asking adolescents questions about substance (drug, alcohol) use and sexual behaviors, research on the question‐behavior effect suggests that asking adolescents about risky behaviors has the potential to increase the frequency with which they engage in these behaviors. We argue that the act of screening or measuring risky behavior is potentially counterproductive. We emphasize the importance of interventions beyond screening, and suggest ways in which screening can be carried out to minimize its impact. In short, asking questions about behaviors can change behavior, and asking questions about risky behaviors may itself be a risky undertaking.
While parents might not want to, researchers really should ask questions about risky behaviors
Authors: Moore Sarah G. , Fitzsimons Gavan J.
Published: October 2008

In this reply, we focus on two major issues raised by our commentators. First, we deal with some empirical issues about whether asking questions really increases risky behavior. We argue that the results reviewed in our target article are valid, and are not due to lab‐specific effects, or to question‐wording or question‐answering issues. Second, we tackle some issues related to the process by which questions might increase risky behavior. We focus on two mechanisms that seem promising for explaining the influence of questions on risky behavior: attitude activation and social norms. We also consider the impact of various moderators on the risky question‐behavior effect, building on suggestions made in the commentaries. Finally, we make some suggestions about techniques that we—as parents, practitioners, and researchers—might use to reduce the impact of asking questions about risky behavior.
What's in a frame anyway?: A meta‐cognitive analysis of the impact of one versus two sided message framing on attitude certainty
Authors: Rucker Derek D. , Petty Richard E. , Briñol Pablo
Published: October 2008

The current research examines a potentially new strategy to increase attitude certainty: framing messages as two sided. That is, we explore the consequences of articulating that others have considered both the positives and negatives of a message position, in the absence of any real differences in substantive content presented. Although classic research and theory appear to assume no clear benefit for simply framing a message as two sided, we develop and apply a meta‐cognitive approach that predicts advantages for such messages with respect to attitude certainty and attitude‐behavior correspondence.
Will you read this article's abstract? Theories of the question–behavior effect
Authors: Spangenberg Eric R. , Greenwald Anthony G. , Sprott David E.
Published: October 2008

Question–behavior research has frequently demonstrated that asking questions about future behaviors increases the performance of socially normative behaviors. In response to Fitzsimons and Moore's review (2008) of the question–behavior effect in the context of risky behaviors, we consider how asking questions about an undesirable behavior may increase the probability of performing that behavior. We suggest that a theory with 19th century roots—ideomotor action—may be useful in understanding these potential effects.
Will I like a “medium” pillow? Another look at constructed and inherent preferences
Authors: Simonson Itamar
Published: October 2008

There is a growing consensus that preferences are inherently constructive and largely determined by the task characteristics, the choice context, and the description of options. Although the fact that construction influences often play an important role is not in dispute, I argue that much of the evidence for preference construction reflects people's difficulty in evaluating absolute attribute values and tradeoffs and their tendency to gravitate to available relative evaluations. Furthermore, although some key demonstrations of constructive preferences involved rather unusual tasks and might have “benefited” from the effects they were demonstrating, the findings have led to rather sweeping, unqualified conclusions. The notion of more stable inherent preference components that are not determined by context is then introduced, suggesting that it is often meaningful and useful to assume that people are non/receptive to certain aspects and object configurations, including those that may not yet exist. Inherent preferences are more influential when reference points and forces of construction are less salient, most notably, when objects are experienced. The final section explores some of the implications of constructed and inherent preferences with respect to decision and marketing research.
Preference construction and preference stability: Putting the pillow to rest
Authors: Bettman James R. , Luce Mary Frances , Payne John W.
Published: October 2008

We advocate a different approach to the important questions that Simonson raises regarding preference construction. First, we argue that existing literature both acknowledges and addresses preference stability. In particular, we show that stable preferences are not incompatible with theories of preference construction. We note that construction can influence experienced utility as well as prediction of preference and argue that a careful analysis of stability must allow for contextual influences in both these domains. Finally, we note that Simonson's notion of ‘inherent' preferences is unclear, and we argue that a better way to take up this important challenge is through existing literatures providing insights into conditions leading to preference stability.
Beyond rationality: The content of preferences
Authors: Dhar Ravi , Novemsky Nathan
Published: October 2008

The BDT literature has largely focused on demonstrations of violations of rationality (i.e. consistency) in individual decision making and has had little to say about the content of preferences. While researchers concluded that inconsistency implied preferences were constructed, some went so far as to presume that since preferences are constructed, substantive preferences do not exist prior to their revelation. In other words, they extended the findings that individuals do not always know exactly what they want to imply that consumer's do not have any substantive preferences. This clearly overstepped the bounds of the evidence, which was agnostic toward the existence of reasonably stable substantive preferences. We applaud Simonson for calling attention to this point. While we do not believe that Simonson's “inherent preferences” lead to preference orders that behave any more rationally or consistently than those studied in the BDT literature, we nevertheless join him in his call for further research into the content of preferences and make a variety of suggestions about where that research will bear most fruit.