bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Analysis of Fiber Fracture in Powder Injection Molded Metal Composites
Authors: Ahmad Faiz , Raza M. Rafi
Published: October 2011

In this study, metal composite feed stocks were prepared and test samples were produced by powder injection molding and Multiple Live-Feed Molding (MLFM) devices to investigate the effects of fiber content and macro-shear on the fiber fracture. Fiber-length was measured using an image processing system. The results showed that the fiber volume content increased fiber fracture by 9% and viscosity showed 10% increase in fiber fracture. Samples produced by MLFM devices showed a 1% higher fiber fracture compared to the test bars produced by injection molding. Tensile strength of composites was calculated using fiber contents and fiber length. Considerable increase in tensile strength was noted for metal composites with fiber length above a critical length.
Positive psychology leadership coaching experiences in a financial organisation
Authors: Cilliers Frans
Published: October 2011

Orientation: Organisations are practising leadership coaching more and more from a positive psychology perspective, yielding positive results. The current qualitative research focused on this coaching using work engagement, learned resourcefulness, sense of coherence, selfactualisationand locus of control as constructs. Although the researcher could find no previous research on this combination of constructs, the findings did link to previous studies with other constructs and combinations.Research purpose: The purpose of this research was to describe the positive psychology leadership coaching experiences of leaders in a large financial organisation. Motivation for the study: The researcher addressed the organisation’s need to develop leadership by structuring and presenting a coaching programme. He chose positive psychology as the paradigm and experiential learning as the method to meet the organisation’s goal of enabling its leaders to take up their roles with self-awareness, internal motivation and effective interpersonal connections.Research design, approach and method: The researcher used a qualitative and descriptive research design with a case study. Leaders attended ten experiential leadership-coaching sessions over three months. The sessions focused on work engagement, learned resourcefulness, sense of coherence, self-actualisation values and locus of control. The data gathering consisted of the coach’s field notes and the participants’ reflective essays, which they wrote after the last coaching session. The researcher analysed the data using discourse analysis.Main findings: The manifesting themes were the coaching context, engagement in roles, understanding role complexity, emotional self-awareness and demands, self-authorisation and inability to facilitate the growth of others.Contribution/value-add: Although intrapersonal awareness increased significantly, leaders struggled with the interpersonal complexity of the leadership role. Positive psychology leadership coaching should refine the operationalisation of interpersonal effectiveness.Practical/managerial implications: Organisations should integrate the methodology of leadership coaching with leadership development interventions to expose leaders to better intrapersonal awareness and functioning.
Synthesis of a composite inorganic membrane for the separation of nitrogen, tetrafluoromethane and hexafluoropropylene
Authors: Bissett Hertzog , Krieg H. M.
Published: October 2011

Composite inorganic membranes were synthesised for gas component separation of N2, CF4 and C3F6. Selectivities lower than Knudsen selectivities were obtained due to membrane defects. A composite ceramic membrane consisting of a ceramic support structure, a MFI intermediate zeolite layer and a Teflon top layer, was developed to improve separation.
Aerosol climatology over Nile Delta based on MODIS, MISR and OMI satellite data
Authors: Marey H. S. , Gille J. C. , El-Askary H. M. , Shalaby E. A. , El-Raey M. E.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Since 1999 Cairo and the Nile delta region have suffered from air pollution episodes called the "black cloud" during the fall season. These have been attributed to either burning of agriculture waste or long-range transport of desert dust. Here we present a detailed analysis of the optical and microphysical aerosol properties, based on satellite data. Monthly mean values of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 550 nm were examined for the 10 yr period from 2000–2009. Significant monthly variability is observed in the AOD with maxima in April or May (~0.5) and October (~0.45), and a minimum in December and January (~0.2). Monthly mean values of UV Aerosol Index (UVAI) retrieved by the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) for 4 yr (2005–2008) exhibit the same AOD pattern. The carbonaceous aerosols during the black cloud periods are confined to the planetary boundary layer (PBL), while dust aerosols exist over a wider range of altitudes, as shown by Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) aerosol profiles. The monthly climatology of Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) data show that the aerosols during the black cloud periods are spherical with a higher percentage of small and medium size particles, whereas the spring aerosols are mostly large non-spherical particles. All of the results show that the air quality in Cairo and the Nile delta region is subject to a complex mixture of air pollution types, especially in the fall season, when biomass burning contributes to a background of urban pollution and desert dust.
Unexpected Expectations in Critical Values in Anatomic Pathology: Improving Agreement Between Pathologists and Nonpathologists With the Treatable Immediately, Life-Threatening Terminology
Authors: Renshaw Scott A. , Gould Edwin W. , Renshaw Andrew A.
Published: October 2011

Context.—The degree to which critical values in anatomic pathology are understood in the nonpathology community is not know.

Objective.—To measure the degree of agreement between pathologists and nonpathologists regarding critical values in anatomic pathology.

Design.—A survey containing 15 anatomic pathologic diagnoses was given to a group of pathologists and nonpathologists who were then asked to state whether they should be regarded as critical values.

Results.—Nonpathologists thought that a significantly greater percentage of diagnoses were critical than did pathologists, (49% versus 12%, P < .001). If the term critical value was changed to treatable immediately, life threatening, there was no significant difference between the responses of nonpathologists and pathologists (20% versus 12%, P  =  .06).

Conclusions.—There is considerable disagreement between pathologists and nonpathologists concerning which diagnoses are critical values in anatomic pathology. Use of the term treatable immediately, life threatening significantly improves agreement.
Recognizing the Romantic Novel
Authors: Alexander Neal
Published: October 2011

The British Romantic era was a vibrant and exciting time in the history of the novel. Yet, aside from a few iconic books Pride and Prejudice, Frankensteinit has been ignored or dismissed by later readers and critics. Bringing this rich but neglected body of works to the fore, Recognizing the Romantic Novel: New Histories of British Fiction, 1780-1830 challenges us to rethink our ideas of the novel as a genre, as well as our long-held assumptions about the literary movement of Romanticism. Ranging from pre-Revolution to post-Waterloo, this volume celebrates the experimental drive and revisionary spirit of the Romantic novel. With essays on authors ranging from Burney to Austen to Hogg, it argues that the Romantic-era novel can be understood as a field, not simply a heterogeneous mass of fictional formsa field, furthermore, that can hold its own against more widely read eighteenth-century and Victorian novels. Eleven essays by prominent scholars in the field demonstrate that previously unexplored contexts can help us recognize even familiar Romantic-era novels in new and fuller ways. These essays thoughtfully explore such varied concerns as the critique of Enlightenment ideals, the close affiliation between poetry and prose, a fraught engagement with politico-ethical issues, the limits of our access to and understanding of the past, and a rethinking of communities outside the conventions of the marriage plot.
Felty's syndrome autoantibodies bind to deiminated histones and neutrophil extracellular chromatin traps
Authors: Dwivedi Nishant , Upadhyay Jagriti , Neeli Indira , Khan Salar , Pattanaik Debendra , Myers Linda , Kirou Kyriakos A. , Hellmich Bernhard , Knuckley Bryan , Thompson Paul R. , Crow Mary K. , Mikuls Ted R. , Csernok Elena , Radic Marko
Published: October 2011

Objective

To test the hypothesis that autoantigen modifications by peptidylarginine deiminase type 4 (PAD‐4) increase immunoreactivity.

Methods

We assembled sera from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Felty's syndrome (FS), and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody–associated vasculitides (AAVs), as well as sera from control subjects without autoimmune diseases. The sera were tested for binding to activated neutrophils, deiminated histones, and neutrophil extracellular chromatin traps (NETs). IgG binding to lipopolysaccharide‐activated neutrophils was assessed with confocal microscopy, and binding to in vitro–deiminated histones was measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting. In addition, we quantitated histone deimination in freshly isolated neutrophils from the blood of patients and control subjects.

Results

Increased IgG reactivity with activated neutrophils, particularly binding to NETs, was paralleled by preferential binding to deiminated histones over nondeiminated histones by ELISA in a majority of sera from FS patients but only in a minority of sera from SLE and RA patients. Immunoblotting revealed autoantibody preference for deiminated histones H3, H4, and H2A in most FS patients and in a subset of SLE and RA patients. In patients with AAVs, serum IgG preferentially bound nondeiminated histones over deiminated histones. Increased levels of deiminated histones were detected in neutrophils from RA patients.

Conclusion

Circulating autoantibodies in FS are preferentially directed against PAD‐4–deiminated histones and bind to activated neutrophils and NETs. Thus, increased reactivity with modified autoantigens in FS implies a direct contribution of neutrophil activation and the production of NET‐associated nuclear autoantigens in the initiation or progression of FS.
Synthesis of Polyisoprene Terpenoid Dendrons and their Applications in Oligo(phenylene ethynylene)s as “Shells”
Authors: Chai Wen‐Yu , Shi Zi‐Fa , An Peng , Wang Wei , Wang Lu‐Feng , Cao Xiao‐Ping
Published: October 2011

The novel double‐stage convergent synthesis of a new class of polyisoprene terpenoid (PIPTP) dendrons is described. PIPTP dendrons bear a highly branched aliphatic hydrocarbon skeleton and a hydrophilic hydroxy focal point functionality. These dendrons have the specific formula C(5×2G+1‐5)H(5×2G+2‐8)O, and each dendritic layer is constructed from an isoprene unit. The key branching steps involve a double alkyl‐metal addition to an ester functionality, followed by deoxygenation of the resulting tertiary alcohol by triethylsilane and trifluoroacetic acid, then hydrogenation or hydrogenolysis. The dendrons were also attached to oligo(phenylene ethynylene)s (OPEs) so as to function as protective shells to allow fine tuning of the nanoscopic environment around the OPE moiety, and to exert precise control of the packing density and intermolecular interaction between the OPE cores. Fluorescence quantum yield data reveal that the OPE core is better encapsulated by the PIPTP dendrons than by Fréchet dendrons.
A Framework for Globally Optimal State Estimation for Systems with Unknown Inputs (II): Untrammeled Approach
Authors: Hsieh Chien‐Shu
Published: October 2011

In this paper, a globally optimal state estimation, in light of unbiased minimum‐variance filtering over all linear unbiased estimators, is addressed. This paper is the second part of a comprehensive extension of original work by Hsieh, with the main aim being to develop an untrammeled filtering framework that does not need any transformations for global unbiased minimum‐variance state estimation (GUMVSE) for systems with unknown inputs that affect both the system and the output. The main contributions of this paper are: (i) a more general derivation of the globally optimal state estimator (GOSE) for the GUMVSE is presented; (ii) a more direct proof, verifying the global optimality of the GOSE by finding the global minimum of the trace of the estimation error covariance, is constructed; and (iii) an application of the proposed result to re‐derive a specific transformation‐based GOSE, i.e., the recursive optimal filter proposed by Cheng et al., is illustrated. The relationship with previously proposed results is also addressed. A simulation example is given to illustrate the usefulness of the proposed results.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Degradation and Energy Characteristics of Reactive Amine Solvents during CO2 Absorption/Desorption
Authors: Ewert Günter , Kemper Jasmin , Algayer Yvonne , Meshkova Ana
Published: October 2011

Für die Abtrennung von klimarelevantem CO2 aus Rauch‐ und Prozessgasen ist die Reaktivabsorption mit wässrigen Amin‐Lösungen eine technologisch schnell realisierbare Methode. Häufig diskutierte Probleme sind eine kostenmindernde Effizienzsteigerung im Gesamtprozess der CO2‐Absorption und eine energieintensive Lösungsmittelregeneration unter Betriebsbedingungen. Weniger betrachtet wurden dagegen kapazitäts‐ und energieeffizienzreduzierende Degradationsvorgänge der meist eingesetzten Monoethanolamin‐Blends. Die im laufenden Betrieb auftretenden Kapazitätsverminderungen sind insbesondere von der Zeit, der Temperatur und vom O2‐ und SO2‐Gehalt der Rohgase abhängig und sind bei der Auslegung zu berücksichtigen. Durch Zugabe von degradationshemmenden Stoffen kann der Energieaufwand gesenkt werden.
Growth, spectral and thermal studies of ibuprofen crystals
Authors: Ramukutty S. , Ramachandran E.
Published: October 2011

RS ‐Ibuprofen was crystallized for the first time in silica gel under suitable pH conditions by reduction of solubility method. The grown crystals were characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction and density measurement. The functional groups present in the crystal were identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Optical bandgap energy of ibuprofen was estimated as 3.19(3) eV from UV‐Vis spectrum. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that ibuprofen is thermally stable upto 102.9 °C and the initial loss of mass was due to evaporation only. Morphological study showed that the growth is prominent along b‐axis and the prominent face is {100}. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Empirical analysis of the reliability of low‐rate wireless u‐healthcare monitoring applications
Authors: Lee Young‐Dong , Jeong Do‐Un , Lee Hoon‐Jae
Published: October 2011

In this paper, we demonstrate an empirical analysis of the reliability of low‐rate wireless u‐healthcare monitoring applications. We have considered the performance analysis of the IEEE 802.15.4 low‐rate wireless technologies for u‐healthcare applications. For empirical measurement, we considered three scenarios in which the reliability features of the low‐rate wireless u‐healthcare monitoring applications have been measured: (i) distance between sensor nodes and base station; (ii) deployment of the number of sensor nodes in a network; and (iii) data transmission by different time intervals. The experimental results show that received data are used to calculate BER and analyze the performance according to the scenarios. The BER is affected when varying the distance between sensor node and base station, the number of nodes, and time interval. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gene expression profiling in human whole blood samples after controlled testosterone application and exercise
Authors: Schönfelder Martin , Hofmann Hande , Anielski Patricia , Thieme Detlef , Oberhoffer Renate , Michna Horst
Published: October 2011

Doping with anabolic agents is regulated within a number of sports. Testosterone and its functional analogs are popular compounds for increasing muscle mass, physical performance, recovery, and reducing body fat. While routine tests for anabolic drugs exist (e.g. hair, urine, and blood analysis), the aim of the present study is to determine specific gene expression profiles (induced by testosterone and exercise) which may be used as effective biomarkers to determine the use of anabolic drugs. In this study, whole blood samples of 19 male volunteers were analyzed by semi‐quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) for gene expression profiles in the context of exercise and transdermal testosterone application (1.5 mg/kg body weight). The hormone application was monitored by urine and saliva analysis for testosterone. Both urinary and saliva levels indicate that transdermal testosterone application leads to an increase of testosterone, especially after exercise. RT‐PCR results showed a clear variation in the expression of target genes as well as established housekeeping genes. Only one of the nine common housekeeping genes, cyclophilin b (PPIB), appears to be independent of both exercise and testosterone. Out of 14 candidate genes, five are unregulated; all others were more or less influenced by the mentioned variables. Only interleukin‐6 appeared to be exclusively dependent on long‐term testosterone application. This study indicates that many genes are not influenced by testosterone alone while exercise modulates gene expression in whole blood samples. As such, exercise must be considered when validating gene expression techniques for doping analysis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
[n]Borametalloarenophanes (n = 1, 2): Strained Systems with Uncommon Reactivity Patterns
Authors: Braunschweig Holger , Kupfer Thomas
Published: October 2011

The chemistry of ansa‐complexes is of increasing importance in organometallic chemistry and materials science, a development that is closely related to the discovery of the first strained [1]silaferrocenophane in 1975 and their high value as efficient monomers in the ring‐opening polymerization to prepare high‐molecular‐weight metallopolymers. By contrast, interest in boron‐bridged derivatives has sparked only recently, which is rather surprising given the anticipated high degree of molecular ring strain imposed by the small covalent radius of the boron nucleus. Thus, it was not until 1997 that boron was successfully incorporated into an ansa‐bridge. Since then, the chemistry of strained [n]borametalloarenophanes has been studied systematically with respectto synthesis, electronic/structural properties and reactivity patterns. As a consequence, a rather large variety of [n]borametalloarenophanes based on different sandwich complex systems such as homoleptic [Fe(η5‐C5H5)2] and [M(η6‐C6H6)2] (M = V, Cr), as well as heteroleptic [Mn(η5‐C5H5)(η6‐C6H6)] and [M(η5‐C5H5)(η7‐C7H7)] (M = Ti, V, Cr) are now available. The structural and electronic consequences of the small mono‐ or diatomic boron bridges have been evaluated by different spectroscopic methods and X‐ray diffraction studies. Most importantly, these systems were shown to possess an enhanced reactivity. Uncommon and exciting reaction pathways could be encountered, which are evidently driven by the release of molecular ring strain. This Microreview is intended to highlight the consequences of molecular ring strain on the properties of [n]borametalloarenophanes. We begin with a comprehensive overview on the experimental approaches applied to their synthesis, and consider their unique properties in great detail. Subsequently, we will recognize that the highly strained character of the [n]bora‐metalloarenophanes enables unprecedented reaction pathways.
Characterization of primary wilms tumor cultures as an in vitro model
Authors: Wegert Jenny , Bausenwein Sabrina , Roth Sabine , Graf Norbert , Geissinger Eva , Gessler Manfred
Published: October 2011

Functional analysis of gene candidates and testing of novel therapeutics in Wilms tumors (WT) has been hampered by the lack of in vitro model systems. WT are characterized by a spectrum of histological appearances, but published cell lines are mostly derived from rare anaplastic variants or even non‐WT. There has been some success in establishing primary cultures, but these are often poorly characterized or only derived from less frequent WT1 mutant tumors. We report the generation of a set of primary WT‐cell cultures using a simple cultivation protocol. Our cultures could be established after preoperative chemotherapy and irrespective of histological subtypes or genetic alterations. The presence of tumor‐specific genetic alterations validates these cultures as being tumor‐derived. Genetic characterization is of utmost importance as some cultures with similar morphological appearance lacked such alterations and either represent clonal variants or normal cells. By immunohistochemistry, the cells are either epithelial or more mesenchymal, and the latter exhibiting a longer life span with 30 or more passages before undergoing senescence. This may be related to WT being embryonal tumors with a strong differentiation potential that may prevail in vitro. Telomeres progressively shorten with cultivation, but their length does not predict lifespan. hTERT transfection may partly allow establishment of immortalized lines, because 2/7 cultures avoid senescence even in later passages. Importantly, these cells can be efficiently manipulated by transfection, making them a useful model system for in vitro testing. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Myo‐inositol in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Authors: Carlomagno Gianfranco , Unfer Vittorio , Buffo Silvia , D'Ambrosio Francesco
Published: October 2011

Objective

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a mood disorder disrupting social and/or occupational life of affected women. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder etiology is unknown, although a pivotal role is played by the serotoninergic system. Indeed, one of the most effective treatments is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Several studies have proposed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor‐like role for myo‐inositol, likely due to the fact that myo‐inositol is the second messenger of serotonin. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of myo‐inositol in the treatment of PMDD.

Methods

We used a two‐phase clinical trial approach (phase I: placebo washout; phase II: comparisons between treatment and placebo) and treated PMMD patients with two different myo‐inositol formulations: powder or soft gel capsules. We decided to test these two formulations because according to the manufacturer, 0.6 g of myo‐inositol in soft gel capsule has a pharmacokinetic equivalent to 2 g of myo‐inositol in powder.

Results

Our results showed a significant improvement of three different scales: a reduction in the Daily Symptoms Records scale and an improvement of the Hamilton Depression Rating and Clinical Global Impression—Severity of Illness scales. Results were similar for both formulations.

Conclusions

In the present study, by using a new pharmaceutical formulation, we were able to clearly prove the efficacy of myo‐inositol in PMDD. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of N‐terminal sequences of the tyrosine kinase sf‐Stk in transformation of rodent fibroblasts by variants of Friend spleen focus‐forming virus
Authors: Umehara Daigo , Kawamura Maki , Odahara Yuka , Watanabe Shinya , Hanson Charlotte , Ruscetti Sandra , Nishigaki Kazuo
Published: October 2011

Infection of erythroid cells by Friend spleen focus‐forming virus (SFFV) leads to acute erythroid hyperplasia in mice, due to expression of its unique envelope glycoprotein, gp55. Erythroid cells expressing SFFV gp55 proliferate in the absence of their normal regulator, erythropoietin, because of the interaction among the viral envelope protein, the erythropoietin receptor, and a short form of the receptor tyrosine kinase Stk (sf‐Stk). This leads to constitutive activation of several signal transduction pathways. Our previous studies showed that sf‐Stk interacts with SFFV gp55, forming disulfide‐linked complexes. This covalent interaction, along with other noncovalent interactions with SFFV‐gp55, results in constitutive tyrosine phosphorylation of sf‐Stk and rodent fibroblast transformation. Here, we determined the precise amino acid region within sf‐Stk that contributes to fibroblast transformation by the polycythemia‐inducing (SFFV‐P) and the anemia‐inducing (SFFV‐A) strains of SFFV. Sf‐Stk deletion mutants showed different transforming abilities in fibroblasts infected with SFFV‐P and SFFV‐A, although the N‐terminal extracellular domain of sf‐Stk was essential for fibroblast transformation by both viruses. Point mutations of sf‐Stk indicated that cysteine 19 was critical for fibroblast transformation by SFFV‐P, although all four cysteines (8, 19, 37 and 42) appeared to be important for fibroblast transformation by both SFFV‐P and SFFV‐A. Mutation of sf‐Stk cysteine 19 abolished its ability to form dimers with SFFV‐P and SFFV‐A gp55. These results suggest that the interaction between sf‐Stk and the envelope proteins of the polycythemia‐ and anemia‐inducing variants of SFFV is architecturally different.
Inhibition of cyclooxygenase‐2 causes regression of gastric adenomas in trefoil factor 1 deficient mice
Authors: Thiel Alexandra , Narko Kirsi , Heinonen Mira , Hemmes Annabrita , Tomasetto Catherine , Rio Marie‐Christine , Haglund Caj , Mäkelä Tomi P. , Ristimäki Ari
Published: October 2011

Cyclooxygenase‐2 (Cox‐2) expression is a marker of reduced survival in gastric cancer patients, and inhibition of Cox‐2 suppresses gastrointestinal carcinogenesis in experimental animal models. To investigate the role of Cox‐2 in gastric carcinogenesis in vivo, we utilized trefoil factor 1 (Tff1) deficient mice, which model the neoplastic process of the stomach by developing gastric adenomas with full penetrance. These tumors express Cox‐2 protein and mRNA, and we have now investigated the effects of genetic deletion of the mouse Cox‐2 gene [also known as prostaglandin‐endoperoxide synthase 2 (Ptgs2)] and a Cox‐2 selective drug celecoxib. Our results show that genetic deletion of Cox‐2 in the Tff1 deleted background resulted in reduced adenoma size and ulceration with a chronic inflammatory reaction at the site of the adenoma. To characterize the effect of Cox‐2 inhibition in more detail, mice that had already developed an adenoma were fed with celecoxib for 8–14 weeks, which resulted in disruption of the adenoma that ranged from superficial erosion to deep ulcerated destruction accompanied with chronic inflammation. Importantly, mice fed with celecoxib for 16 weeks, followed by control food for 9 weeks, redeveloped a complete adenoma with no detectable inflammatory process. Finally, we determined the identity of the Cox‐2 expressing cells and found them to be fibroblasts. Our results show that inhibition of Cox‐2 is sufficient to reversibly disrupt gastric adenomas in mice.
Gulf spill update: What should damaged companies do?
Authors: Johnson Leigh Redd , Rudolph Holly R.
Published: October 2011

A year after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf, many of those affected are still trying to recover economic damages caused by the horrific widespread accident. Those damaged include fishermen, property owners, hoteliers, and restaurateurs, just to name a few. And there are many, many thousands of them.

Lots of victims have filed lawsuits against BP, Transocean, and Halliburton. There are hundreds of federal cases, representing over 100,000 plaintiffs. Others have filed claims with the BP‐sponsored Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF).

But what are the best options for businesses damaged by the disaster? This article examines the current status of GCCF payments and litigation. It also explores the advantages and disadvantages of each option. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Paclitaxel inhibits osteoclast formation and bone resorption via influencing mitotic cell cycle arrest and RANKL‐induced activation of NF‐κB and ERK
Authors: Ang Estabelle S. M. , Pavlos Nathan J. , Chim Shek Man , Feng Hao Tian , Scaife Robin M. , Steer James H. , Zheng Ming H. , Xu Jiake
Published: October 2011

Pathological bone destruction (osteolysis) is a hallmark of many bone diseases including tumor metastasis to bone, locally osteolytic giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone, and Paget's disease. Paclitaxel is frequently prescribed in the treatment of several malignant tumors where it has been shown to exert beneficial effects on bone lesions. However, the mechanism(s) through which paclitaxel regulates osteoclast formation and function remain ill defined. In the present study, we demonstrate that paclitaxel dose‐dependently inhibits receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B ligand (RANKL)‐induced osteoclastogenesis in both RAW264.7 cells and mouse bone marrow macrophage (BMM) systems. In addition, paclitaxel treatment reduces the bone resorptive activity of human osteoclasts derived from GCT of bone, and attenuates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced osteolysis in a mouse calvarial model. Complementary cellular and biochemical analyses revealed that paclitaxel induces mitotic arrest of osteoclastic precursor cells. Furthermore, luciferase reporter gene assays and western blot analysis indicate that paclitaxel modulates key RANKL‐induced activation pathways that are essential to osteoclast formation including NF‐κB and ERK. Collectively, our findings demonstrate a role for paclitaxel in the regulation of osteoclast formation and function and uncover potential mechanism(s) through which paclitaxel alleviates pathological osteolysis. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 946–955, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Perinatal outcomes after sonographic detection of isolated short femur in the second trimester
Authors: Ventura Walter , Huaman Johnny , Nazario Conny Elizabeth , Ingar Jaime , Huertas Erasmo , Antonio Limay Oscar
Published: October 2011

Purpose.

To determine the association of fetal isolated short femur in the second‐trimester ultrasound (US) examination with perinatal outcomes such as small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) and low‐birth weight (LBW) neonates.

Methods.

This is a retrospective cohort study in fetuses routinely assessed by US examination at 18 to 24 weeks during 2006–2009. A fetal isolated short femur was defined as femur length below the 5th percentile and with no chromosomal or structural abnormalities. Fetuses with abdominal circumference below the 5th percentile at the time of US examination were excluded. Each case of short femur was matched with three controls according to gestational age at the time of the US examination.

Results.

Sixty‐one fetuses met the inclusion criteria. Both the group of women carrying a fetus with isolated short femur and that of women carrying a fetus with normal femur length had similar general and obstetric characteristics. Women carrying a fetus with isolated short femur were significantly more likely to deliver a SGA neonate (19.7% versus 8.7%, p < 0.05) and a LBW neonate (19.7% versus 7.1%, p < 0.05) than women carrying a fetus with normal femur length. Logistic regression analysis found odds ratios for SGA and LBW of 2.6 (95% confidence interval, 1.1–5.9) and 2.9 (95% confidence interval, 1.2–7.1), respectively.

Conclusions.

Isolated short femur in the second‐trimester US examination is associated with a subsequent delivery of SGA and LBW neonates. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 40:63–67, 2012
Liver diffusivity in healthy volunteers and patients with chronic liver disease: Comparison of breathhold and free‐breathing techniques
Authors: Eatesam Mamak , Noworolski Susan M. , Tien Phyllis C. , Nystrom Michelle , Dodge Jennifer L. , Merriman Raphael B. , Qayyum Aliya
Published: October 2011

Purpose:

To compare liver ADC obtained with breathhold and free‐breathing diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) in healthy volunteers and patients with liver disease.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty‐eight subjects, 12 healthy volunteers and 16 patients (9 NAFLD, 7 chronic active HCV), underwent breathhold (BH) and free‐breathing (FB) DWI MRI at 1.5 Tesla. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine correlation while paired t‐tests assessed differences between BH and FB ADC. Estimated bias was calculated using the Bland‐Altman method.

Results:

Liver ADC (×10−3 mm2/s) was lower on BH for all groups (mean difference 0.36 ± 0.20; P < 0.01). ADC was higher in healthy volunteers (BH 1.80 ± 0.18; FB 2.24 ± 0.20) compared with NAFLD patients (BH 1.43 ± 0.27; FB 1.78 ± 0.28) (P < 0.001) and HCV patients (BH 1.63 ± 0.191; FB 1.88 ± 0.12). Overall correlation between BH and FB ADC was (r = 0.75), greatest in NAFLD (r = 0.90) compared with the correlation in HCV (r = 0.24) and healthy subjects (r = 0.34). Bland‐Altman plots did not show agreement in mean absolute difference and estimated bias between subjects.

Conclusion:

Correlation between BH and FB liver ADC is moderate indicating that BH and FB should not be used interchangeably. Additionally, the lower ADC values in BH versus FB should be accounted for when comparing different liver DWI studies. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:103‐109. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging: A prospective evaluation of patients with suspected appendicitis (Diamond)
Authors: Heverhagen Johannes T. , Pfestroff Kathrin , Heverhagen Anna E. , Klose Klaus J. , Kessler Katharina , Sitter Helmut
Published: October 2011

Purpose:

To show the effect of standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with suspected appendicitis on negative laparotomy and perforation rate. Moreover, the economic impact on hospital resources was evaluated.

Materials and Methods:

In all, 52 patients (21 female; mean age 44.7 years) were prospectively included in this Institutional Review Board (IRB)‐approved study. Abdominal MRI including coronal inversion recovery, axial T2‐weighted, and contrast‐enhanced axial T1‐weighted sequences was performed. MRI results were compared to final clinical outcome determined by follow‐up or histopathology. Change of treatment was evaluated according to the final clinical outcome. Economic impact was evaluated by comparing the costs of MRI to the savings due to a change in treatment after MRI. Negative laparotomy and perforation rate as well as sensitivity and specificity were derived.

Results:

Negative laparotomy and perforation rate were 0% (0/52) and 8% (1/13). Sensitivity and specificity for detecting acute appendicitis were 85% (11/13) and 97% (38/39). In 40% of patients therapy changed due to the MRI. The overall effect on the use of hospital resources was a net saving of €2335.

Conclusion:

Abdominal MRI in the evaluation of patients with suspected appendicitis and equivocal clinical findings is safe, reliable, and cost‐effective. It should be considered an important alternative to computed tomography. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:617‐623. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gender differences in both active and passive parts of the plantar flexors series elastic component stiffness and geometrical parameters of the muscle–tendon complex
Authors: Fouré Alexandre , Cornu Christophe , McNair Peter J. , Nordez Antoine
Published: October 2011

Men are reportedly at higher risk of plantar flexor muscle injury and Achilles tendon ruptures than women. Biomechanical parameters are thought to play a role in the higher frequency of injury to males. One parameter is the stiffness of tissues; a stiff tissue cannot absorb sufficient energy with loading, and subsequently may be more likely to be injured. Thus, our purpose was to investigate the gender difference in the geometrical parameters of plantar flexor's muscle–tendon complex and the stiffness of both active and passive parts of the series elastic component (SSEC1 and SSEC2, respectively). Using the alpha method on data obtained from quick stretches to the plantar flexors performed during isometric contractions, SSEC1 and SSEC2 were assessed. Plantar flexor muscles and Achilles tendon cross‐sectional areas (CSATS and CSAAT, respectively) were determined in young healthy men (n = 49) and women (n = 31). The findings showed that SSEC2 was higher in men (p < 0.001), but this difference was not apparent when SSEC2 was normalized to CSAAT (p > 0.05). In contrast, SSEC1 was lower in men (p < 0.001) and remained so after normalization to CSATS. Higher joint stiffness observed in men was notably influenced by lever arm length. Thus, the results of this study have implications for performance and injury. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:707–712, 2012
Nitrogen‐use efficiency traits of mini‐watermelon in response to grafting and nitrogen‐fertilization doses
Authors: Colla Giuseppe , Rouphael Youssef , Mirabelli Cristina , Cardarelli Mariateresa
Published: October 2011

Two experiments were conducted to study the effect of grafting on nitrogen‐use efficiency (NUE) in mini‐watermelon plants. In the first study, mini‐watermelon plants (Citrullus lanatus [Thumb.] Matsum. and Nakai cv. Minirossa) either ungrafted or grafted onto Macis, Vita (Lagenaria siceraria [Mol.] Standl.), PS1313, and RP15 (Cucurbita maxima Duchesne × Cucurbita moschata Duchesne) rootstocks grown in hydroponics were compared in terms of shoot dry biomass, leaf area, root‐to‐shoot ratio, SPAD index, shoot N uptake, and nitrate reductase (NR) activity 40 d after transplantation in response to nitrate concentration in the nutrient solution (0.5, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, or 20 mM of NO$ _3^- $). In the second experiment, the suitability of a selected rootstock with high NUE (Vita) to improve crop performance and NUE of grafted mini‐watermelon plants was evaluated under field conditions. In the hydroponic experiment mini‐watermelon grafted onto Vita rootstock needed the lowest nitrate concentration (1.31 mM of NO3) in the nutrient solution to reach half maximum shoot dry weight. Total leaf area, SPAD index, and shoot N uptake increased in response to an increase of N concentration in the nutrient solution. At 2.5 mM NO$ _3^- $, mini‐watermelon grafted on either Vita or RP15 had the highest NR activity whereas no significant difference was observed at 10 mM NO$ _3^- $. The open‐field study indicated that increasing N‐fertilization rates from 0 to 100 kg ha–1 improved total and marketable yields of mini‐watermelon plants while decreasing NUE. When averaged over N levels, the marketable yield, NUE, N‐uptake efficiency, and N‐utilization efficiency were significantly higher by 39%, 38%, 21%, and 17%, respectively, in Minirossa grafted onto Vita compared to ungrafted Minirossa plants. Therefore, grafting mini‐watermelon plants onto selected rootstocks can be used as a quick and effective method for improving productivity and NUE.
Raman investigation of silicon nanocrystals: quantum confinement and laser‐induced thermal effects
Authors: Duan Y. , Kong J. F. , Shen W. Z.
Published: October 2011

We present a detailed experimental and theoretical Raman investigation of quantum confinement and laser‐induced local thermal effects on hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon with different nanocrystal sizes (3.6–6.2 nm). The local temperature was monitored by measuring the Stokes/anti‐Stokes peak ratio with the laser power density range from ~120 to 960 kW/cm2. In combination with the three‐dimensional phonon confinement model and the anharmonic effect, which incorporates the three‐phonon and four‐phonon decay processes, we revealed an asymmetrical decay process with wavenumbers ~170 and 350 cm–1, an increasing anharmonic effect with nanocrystal sizes, and a shortening lifetime with enhanced temperature and decreasing nanocrystal dimension. Furthermore, we demonstrated experimentally that for Si nanocrystals smaller than 6 nm, the quantum confinement effect is dominant for the peak shift and line broadening. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Block alternating splitting implicit iteration methods for saddle‐point problems from time‐harmonic eddy current models
Authors: Bai Zhong‐Zhi
Published: October 2011

For the saddle‐point problems arising from the finite element discretizations of the hybrid formulations of the time‐harmonic eddy current problems, we establish a class of block alternating splitting implicit iteration methods and demonstrate its unconditional convergence. Experimental results are given to show the feasibility and effectiveness of this class of iterative methods when they are employed as preconditioners for Krylov subspace methods such as GMRES and BiCGSTAB. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Density functional theory study of the regio‐ and stereoselectivity of diels–alder reactions of 5‐Aryl‐2‐pyrones
Authors: Chemouri Hafida , Mekelleche Sidi Mohamed
Published: October 2011

A theoretical study of the mechanism and regio‐ and stereoselectivity of Diels–Alder reactions of 5‐aryl‐2‐pyrones (Ar = Ph, 4‐(MeS)‐Ph) with substituted alkenes (CHZ = CH2, Z = COMe, OAc) is performed at the B3LYP/6‐31G(d) level. The analysis of the relevant stationary points of the potential energy surface and intrinsic reaction coordinate calculations show that these cycloadditions are undergoing through asynchronous concerted mechanisms yielding to the formation of the 5‐endo isomers as the major cycloadducts. The calculation of activation and reaction energies indicates that the 5‐endo cycloadducts are favored both kinetically and thermodynamically. The obtained results are in good agreement with experimental outcomes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
First‐principles simulations of two photon absorption spectra of dynamic structural chromophores in green fluorescent protein
Authors: Zhang M. ‐Y. , Wang J. ‐Y. , Lin C. ‐S. , Cheng W. ‐D.
Published: October 2011

The bridge photoisomerization of the chromophores of fluorescent proteins has been suggested as the possible mechanism of radiationless decay in fluorescent proteins. It indicates that this internal structure changing of chromophores great influence the optical properties of fluorescent proteins. The two‐photon absorption (TPA) properties of fluorescent proteins might also be influenced by the bridge photoisomerization of the chromophores. In this work, we simulate the dynamic conformations through rotating the bridge bond of chromophore of green fluorescent protein, and employ the time dependent density functional theory combining with the sum‐over‐states method to study their TPA characters. With our study, we find that the TPA characters of chromophore will be improved through controlling rotation of the bridge bond of chromophore. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Theoretical study of methoxy group influence in the gas‐phase elimination kinetics of methoxyalkyl chlorides
Authors: Brea Oriana , Loroño Marcos , Marquez Edgar , Mora Jose R. , Cordova Tania , Chuchani Gabriel
Published: October 2011

The unimolecular gas‐phase elimination kinetics of 2‐methoxy‐1‐chloroethane, 3‐methoxy‐1‐chloropropane, and 4‐methoxyl‐1‐chloroburane has been studied by using density functional theory (DFT) methods to propose the most reasonable mechanisms of decomposition of the aforementioned compounds. Calculation results of 2‐methoxy‐1‐chloroethane and 3‐methoxy‐1‐chloropropane suggest dehydrochlorination through a concerted nonsynchronous four‐centered cyclic transition state (TS) to give the corresponding olefin. In the case of 4‐methoxyl‐1‐chloroburane, in addition to the 1,2‐elimination mechanism, the anchimeric assistance by the methoxy group, through a polar five‐centered cyclic TS, provides additional pathways to give 4‐methoxy‐butene, tetrahydrofuran and chloromethane. The bond polarization of the CCl, in the direction of Cδ+···Clδ−, is the limiting step of these elimination reactions. The significant increase in rate together with the formation of a cyclic product tetrahydrofuran in the gas‐phase elimination of 4‐methoxyl‐1‐chloroburane is attributed to neighboring group participation of the oxygen of the methoxy group in the TS. The theoretical calculations show a good agreement with the reported experimental results. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Dysfunctional learning in decision processes: the case of employee reciprocity
Authors: Markle Alex B.
Published: October 2011

While traditional economic models characterize individuals as boundlessly self‐interested, decades of empirical findings suggest that individuals' self‐interest motives are constrained by concurrent preferences for fairness. Individuals act on these preferences by behaving reciprocally: rewarding others perceived as behaving fairly and punishing others perceived as behaving unfairly. Successful firms must learn to navigate environments characterized by the reciprocity of their transaction partners. This paper investigates firms' judgments about employee reciprocity and posits a dysfunctional learning process whereby firms that overestimate employee reciprocity learn to correct their beliefs through feedback, while those that underestimate employee reciprocity do not. The result, demonstrated through computer simulation, is a systematic bias toward an overemphasis on employee self‐interest, and a resulting inefficiency in wage choices that hurts firm profitability. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cell membrane lytic action of metoclopramide and its relation to tardive dyskinesia
Authors: Lai Terence K.Y. , Seeman Philip , Liu Fang
Published: October 2011

The long‐term use of many antipsychotic medications carries a risk of tardive dyskinesia in a small proportion of patients. Although metoclopramide is an antipsychotic at high doses, this drug is more commonly used at low daily doses to accelerate stomach movement of food. Because prolonged use of metoclopramide has also been associated with tardive dyskinesia, this drug is convenient to study to examine the possible basis of tardive dyskinesia. Previous work proposed that antipsychotics accumulated in the melanin granules of the human substantia nigra, ultimately building up to high concentrations that could disrupt cell membranes of nigral neurons. While previous work demonstrated the accumulation of metoclopramide in postmortem human nigral tissue, it remained to be tested whether high concentrations of metoclopramide would actually disrupt cell membranes. Therefore, the present work examined whether metoclopramide could disrupt cell membranes, using human erythrocytes directly exposed to various concentrations of metoclopramide in vitro. It was found that metoclopramide caused disruption of the red cells starting at a threshold of 1 mM, which would result in ∼280 μmoles of metoclopramide per kilogram of dry red cell membranes. However, the nonspecific adsorption of metoclopramide to human substantia nigra is ∼23 μmol/kg of dry solids (measured at the clinical spinal fluid concentration of metoclopramide). Therefore, the membrane‐lytic concentration of metoclopramide is only about 12 times higher than that after a single exposure of the drug to the nigral tissue. Hence, metoclopramide accumulation in the substantia nigra over a matter of months may lead to nigral neuron damage. Synapse, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.