bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metamictization in zircon. Part I: Raman investigation following a Rietveld approach: Profile line deconvolution technique.
Authors: Presser V.
Published: November 2008

The line profile form of Raman spectra can be analyzed using the very same approach and software used for diffractogram deconvolution via the Rietveld approach. In both cases the ‘true’ profile containing information about the sample must be separated from the instrument's profile function (and potentially from the emission profile) which can be achieved by deconvolution. In this first part of a two‐part study we demonstrate how the instrument's function can be described via a Gaussian function profile (yielding the very same result as several convoluted hat functions) using several examples (diamond, calcite, silicon and silicon carbide) for which true Raman bandwidth values are presented (assuming the true band profile to be Lorentzian). Also, asymmetrical bands can be described and analyzed via the presented deconvolution approach. The second part of this study will discuss and apply this method for studying the radiation‐induced damage in zircon grains (metamictization). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale: Presentation and clinimetric profile
Authors: Goetz Christopher G. , Nutt John G. , Stebbins Glenn T.
Published: November 2008

We developed and tested a rating scale aimed to capture the essential features of dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease (PD). Although several scales assess selected attributes of PD‐dyskinesias, no comprehensive rating tool exists. Available rating scales were evaluated by the investigators and patient focus groups. Modifications were finalized into the Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale (UDysRS). The UDysRS has four parts: I: Historical Disability (patient perceptions) of On‐Dyskinesia impact (maximum 44 points); II: Historical Disability (patient perceptions) of Off‐Dystonia impact (maximum 16 points); III: Objective Impairment (dyskinesia severity, anatomical distribution over seven body regions, and type (choreic or dystonic) based on four activities observed or video‐recorded (28 points); IV: Objective Disability based on Part III activities (maximum 16 points). For clinimetric testing, 70 PD patients with all severities of dyskinesia were interviewed and videotaped. Twenty movement disorder experts rated the videotapes with the UDysRS. Internal consistency was examined with Cronbach's alpha. Inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability was evaluated with generalized weighted and nonweighted Kappa coefficients, and intraclass correlation coefficients. Both subjective (Sections I and II) and objective (Sections III and IV) demonstrated high internal consistency (alpha: 0.915, 0.971). Interrater reliability for the objective sections was acceptable for all items and likewise for intrarater reliability except for right leg. Reliable factor structures were found for both subjective (six factors) and objective sections (five factors). The UDysRS is a clinimetrically sound rating scale for dyskinesia in PD, demonstrating acceptable levels of internal consistency and inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability. Testing scale responsivity to treatment interventions is planned. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Effectiveness of a peer‐support community in addiction recovery: participation as intervention
Authors: Boisvert Rosemary A , Martin Linda M , Grosek Maria , Clarie Anna June
Published: November 2008

The main purpose of the study was to determine whether a peer‐support community programme would reduce relapse rates among clients recovering from substance addictions and homelessness and result in increased perceived community affiliation, supportive behaviours, self‐determination and quality of life.

Mixed methods were utilized including semi‐structured interviews, participant observation and a pretest/post‐test to evaluate changes on the quality of life rating, the Medical Outcomes Study–Social Support Survey, and the Volitional Questionnaire. Data from the prior year's permanent supportive housing programme were used for comparison of relapse rates.

Significant reduction of risk of relapse was found in clients who participated in the programme. Significant differences were found on three subscales of the Medical Outcomes Study–Social Support Survey. Improvement that did not reach statistical significance was seen on the quality of life rating. Qualitative evidence supported improvements in perceived community affiliation and supportive behaviours.

Evidence suggests that a peer‐supported community programme focused on self‐determination can have a significant positive impact on recovery from substance addictions and homelessness. Limitations include a small sample size and lack of a randomized control group. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Governance Frameworks for Public Project Development and Estimation
Authors: Klakegg Ole Jonny , Williams Terry , Magnussen Ole Morten , Glasspool Helene
Published: November 2008

This paper investigates how the interface between governance and project management works for public projects. It describes governance frameworks, analyzes embedded governance principles, and discusses the consequences. Based on an initial literature study giving theoretical underpinning, a characterization of frameworks is developed and used to investigate three public-investment-project governance frameworks in Norway and the United Kingdom. This gives a systematic comparison of framework scope, structure, and embedded principles, and shows the differences between the frameworks and elements, despite the stated purposes being the same: increasing value for money and better use of public spending. The analysis shows the frameworks have to be politically and administratively well anchored. A case study particularly looking into cost and time illustrates how the framework influences the project through scrutiny. The analysis shows the governance frameworks are important in securing transparency and control and clarifies the role of sponsor. This work will be useful in establishing frameworks in other contexts and should be helpful in working with governance of major public projects.
An Investigation into Successfully Managing and Sustaining the Project Sponsor—Project Manager Relationship Using Soft Systems Methodology
Authors: Sewchurran Kosheek , Barron Michelle
Published: November 2008

This article explores the role played by the project sponsor and project manager in successfully delivering information technology (IT) projects. It describes the common issues of the client-consultant relationship, comparing the perspectives of project managers and project sponsors gathered from the literature and through interviews. The research further explores the underlying reasons for the existence of the issues that impact the successful delivery of IT projects. This article goes beyond identifying critical success factors and uses a systemic inquiry to learn about the influences that shape attitudes, actions, and perspectives. The research setting is a South African business consulting company. The findings are that the fundamental influence on the client-consultant relationship is the lack of understanding and appreciation of each other's environments; that is, project sponsors are rooted in an operational environment, and project managers are rooted in a project environment. Because of this lack of understanding and appreciation, communication barriers exist. In order to overcome these barriers, both project managers and project sponsors need to engage in an ongoing dialectic relationship to understand and appreciate each other's respective environments. Establishing an appreciation of each other's environments enables project managers and project sponsors to be more understanding of the demands within each environment as well as the impact environment has on project delivery. A suitable management process that can put in place a dialectical relationship management process is established and proposed as an option to improve the engagement process between project sponsors and project managers engaged in IT projects.
An Empirically Grounded Search for a Typology of Project Management Offices
Authors: Hobbs Brian , Aubry Monique
Published: November 2008

This article uses an empirical contribution to better understand the project management office (PMO). PMOs are an important aspect of project management practice. Their design and management is complicated by the great variability found among PMOs in different organizations. Lack of consensus on their structure and the roles they undertake prevent the establishment of formal standards on PMOs. Having a typology of PMOs can make the great variability much more manageable. However, the typology should be grounded in reality. The aim of this article is to exploit a rich database of descriptions of 500 PMOs to identify patterns in the data that can form the bases for one or more typologies of PMOs. Data on both the organizational context and the characteristics of PMOs were explored. The search for the bases of a typology relies on the identification of statistical associations (1) between the characteristics of PMOs and characteristics of their organizational context, (2) between the different characteristics of PMOs themselves, and (3) between the performance of PMOs and the characteristics of both PMOs and their organizational context. The analysis explores each of these avenues successively in the search for characteristics that are good or poor candidates for forming the basis of a typology of PMOs. The results of the analysis are then integrated into a model.
Decision Making within Distributed Project Teams: An Exploration of Formalization and Autonomy as Determinants of Success
Authors: Bourgault Mario , Drouin Nathalie , Hamel Emilie
Published: November 2008

Competitive advantages and access to competencies are among the most frequent motivations for developing various forms of collaborative relationships. While some firms claim to collaborate at a strategic level, as in joint ventures, others pursue collaboration at a micro level, as in projects. Collaborations at the project level involve a network of dispersed team members actively involved in common activities. This creates new challenges for effective decision making in distributed project teams, as processes are often ill adapted for facilitating collaborative work. Many researchers have studied aspects of these organizational problems. However, questions regarding team autonomy and decision-making processes remain largely underinvestigated. After reviewing the literature on key concepts related to organizational decision making, we conducted an empirical study using a quantitative approach that involved an online survey sent to project management professionals. The analysis of the data clearly indicates that success in managing distributed project teams is linked to team autonomy in conducting project activities and to formal decision-making processes. These findings also highlight the fact that a formal decision-making process is even more important for distributed teams that are highly dispersed.
Discriminating Contexts and Project Management Best Practices on Innovative and Noninnovative Projects
Authors: Besner Claude , Hobbs Brian
Published: November 2008

Managing an innovation project (i.e., a project that produces a new product or that involves a new concept or a new technology) is hypothesized as being different from managing projects that produce a standard product with low innovative content using few innovative technologies. If this hypothesis is true, different processes or more strict and extensive use of well-known practices will be required, and specific tools and techniques will be adopted to execute these processes. This article explores the use of 91 project management practices. The data set consists of 734 responses from experienced project managers and program directors. The article compares innovative project contexts and practices with low innovative environments. Best practices are identified by examining which practices and contexts discriminate between high- and low-performing organizations. This article reveals that maturity in project management processes is strongly associated with a high project success rate for the entire sample. The participation of the project manager or program director during the front end of the project is shown to be one of the principal factors discriminating high-performing organizations delivering innovation projects. Availability of competent personnel as well as practices that enhance project definition also discriminate between high and low performers on innovative projects.
Synthesis and Characterization of the Nitrogen‐Rich Hyperbranched Polymers – Poly([1,2,3]‐Triazole‐[1,3,5]‐Triazine)s
Authors: Malkov Georgiy V. , Shastin Alexey V. , Estrin Yakov I. , Badamshina Elmira R. , Mikhailov Yuriy M.
Published: November 2008

Novel hyperbranched poly([1,2,3]‐triazole‐[1,3,5]‐triazine)s (HBP TT) were synthesized by a 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction from AB2 monomer – 2‐azido‐4,6‐bis‐prop‐2‐yn‐1‐yloxy‐ [1,3,5]‐triazine (ABPOT). The monomer contains one azide group A and two terminal alkyne units B. Thermal polymerization of ABPOT in bulk or in DMF solution leads to hyperbranched polymers containing both 1,4‐ and 1,5‐disubstituted [1,2,3]‐triazoles. The monomer was also polymerized catalytically in the presence of Cu(I) salts under mild reaction conditions in DMSO solution and in bulk affording hyperbranched poly‐[1,2,3]‐triazoles 1,4‐disubstituted only. The reactions lead to the products soluble in aprotic polar solvents like DMSO or DMF. Side reactions can proceed in a few cases, particularly: (i) homocoupling of alkyne groups, leading to the formation of insoluble products as a result of cross‐linking, (ii) isomerization of propynyloxytriazine fragments to propynyl‐ or propadienyltriazinone ones, and (iii) hydrolysis of triple bonds without the loss of solubility. Heats of formation of monomer and synthesized polymers were calculated from their combustion heats. All products were characterized by NMR‐, IR‐spectroscopy, and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) data. The obtained results open the prospect for the use of HBP TT as the high‐enthalpy modifiers for energetic and non‐energetic binders.
The effects of impoundment and non‐native species on a river food web in Mexico's central plateau
Authors: Mercado‐Silva Norman , Helmus Matthew R. , Zanden M. Jake Vander
Published: November 2008

Habitat modifications, non‐native species and other anthropogenic impacts have restructured fish communities in lotic ecosystems of central Mexico. Conservation of native fishes requires understanding of food web changes resulting from the introduction of non‐native species, flow alteration and other human impacts. Using δ13C and δ15N analysis of fishes and invertebrates we investigated the effects of non‐native species, and reservoirs on food webs of the Laja river ecosystem (Guanajuato, central Mexico). We estimated trophic position (TP), relative trophic niche and food web dispersion at 11 reservoir, river and tailwater sites. Reservoirs and non‐native fishes modified food webs in the Laja. Food web dispersion was greater in reservoir than in tailwater and river sites. Reservoir food webs had the greatest range of δ13C values, indicating a more diverse resource base compared to rivers. δ13C values increased with distance downstream from reservoirs, suggesting declining subsidies of river food webs by reservoir productivity. Stable isotopes revealed potential effects of non‐native fishes on native fishes via predation or competition. Non‐native Micropterus salmoides were top predators in the system. Non‐natives Cyprinus carpio, Oreochromis mossambicus and Carassius auratus exhibited lowest TP in the Laja but overlapped significantly with most native species, indicating potential for resource competition. Native Chirostoma jordani was the only species with a significantly different trophic niche from all other fish. Many rivers in central Mexico share similar anthropogenic impacts and similar biotas, such that food web patterns described here are likely indicative of other river systems in central Mexico. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface excitation parameter for selected polymers
Authors: Pauly N. , Tougaard S.
Published: November 2008

The surface excitation parameter (SEP) is theoretically determined for different polymers, namely, polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyacetylene (PA) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), for electron energies between 300 and 5000 eV and for angles between 0 and 70o to the surface normal. We use our previous definition of SEP as the change in excitation probability of an electron caused by the presence of the surface in comparison with an electron moving in an infinite medium. The calculations are performed within the dielectric response theory by means of the QUEELS‐ε(k, ω)‐ REELS software determining the energy‐differential inelastic electron scattering cross‐sections for reflection‐electron‐energy‐loss spectroscopy (REELS). More precisely, the volume component for an infinite medium is subtracted from the calculated REELS cross‐section and in this way the surface excitation component of the cross‐section is determined and the SEP calculated. We find that the presence of an energy band gap reduces the SEP values compared to those for metals, and this decrease is larger for polymers with larger gaps. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface functionalization with phosphazene substrates—part VII. Silicon‐based materials functionalized with hexachlorocyclophosphazene
Authors: Boscoletto Angelo Boscolo , Gleria Mario , Milani Roberto , Meda Laura , Bertani Roberta
Published: November 2008

This paper investigates by means of XPS analysis the surface functionalization of soda‐lime and fused quartz glass substrates with hexachlorocyclophosphazene (HCCP), obtained by simple immersion in solutions of phosphazene in anhydrous solvents. Several experimental parameters like reaction solvent, temperature and treatment duration were studied, together with the influence of physisorbed water on the surface of the substrates. Phosphazene‐derived deposits resistant to tetrahydrofuran (THF) washing and vacuum drying were obtained. They presented P:N:Cl stoichiometric ratios close to 1:1:1 when the reaction and the final drying of the samples were performed at room temperature; use of higher temperatures resulted in lower nitrogen and chlorine content. The chemical nature of the films was studied by XPS peaks deconvolution which enabled us to propose a possible, temperature‐enhanced hydrolytical degradation mechanism. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparative studyof heat‐treated Ag:SiO2 nanocomposites synthesized by cosputtering and sol‐gel methods
Authors: Sangpour P. , Babapour A. , Akhavan O. , Moshfegh A. Z.
Published: November 2008

In this work, we compared formation and properties of heat‐treated Ag nanoparticles in silica matrix synthesized by RF‐reactive magnetron cosputtering and sol–gel methods separately. The sol–gel and sputtered films were annealed at different temperatures in air and in a reduced environment, respectively. The optical UV‐visible spectrophotometry have shown that the absorption peak appears at 456 and 400 nm wavelength indicating formation of silver nanoparticles in SiO2 matrix for both the sol–gel and sputtering methods at 100 and 800 °C, respectively. XPS measurements showed that the metallic Ag0 nanoparticles can be obtained from both the techniques at these temperatures. According to XPS and AFM analysis, by increasing annealing temperature, the concentration of the Ag nanoparticles on the surface decreased and the nanoparticles diffused into the substrate for the sol–gel films, while for the films deposited by cosputtering method, the Ag surface concentration increased by increasing the temperature. Based on AFM observations, the size of nanoparticles on the surface were obtained at about 25 and 55 nm for sputtered and sol–gel films, respectively, supporting our optical data analysis. In comparison, the sputtering technique can produce Ag metallic nanoparticles with a narrower particle size distribution relative to the sol–gel method. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures – Present status and further developments
Authors: Bijlaard Frans
Published: November 2008

Together with standards for fabrication and erection and harmonized product standards, the structural Eurocodes form the basis for the design of structures and structural products. From April 2010 onwards, the Eurocodes are obligatory for the design of structures and the national design codes have to be withdrawn.

Eurocode3 covers design of steel structures. This paper gives an overview of the context in which Eurocode 3 exists and of the accompanying codes. The various individual parts of Eurocode3 are mentioned. Attention will be paid to the safety elements such as the partial safety factors for strength and stability. The National Annexes are discussed. Furthermore, corrections and amendments are mentioned and finally an opinion is presented on the possibilities and difficulties the practitioners will experience when using Eurocode 3 and on the future developments that are needed.
The Free Form Design (FFD) in steel structural architecture – aesthetic values and reliability
Authors: Majowiecki Massimo
Published: November 2008

Today, the influence of powerful surface and solid geometrical modelling algorithms allows an unprecedented morphology freedom (FFD) that hardly anybody could have imagined in the world of architectural conceptual design. The FFD's fast dissemination and the associated applications: the Free Form Buildings (FFB), some of them representative of a new trend in the current history of architecture, has brought an “innovation concern” into the traditional design methodology of structural engineering, generating process uncertainties in reliability assessment in general and structural safety warnings in particular.

On the other hand, imitation and originality at any cost, achievable thanks to FFD's user‐friendly facilities, lead to ethical problems of sustainability in the technical, cultural and economics fields. FAST (Function Analysis System Technique) may help to obtain the best value index design solution.
Steel beam‐columns subjected to fire
Authors: Knobloch Markus , Fontana Mario , Frangi Andrea
Published: November 2008

The flexural and lateral‐torsional buckling resistance of steel beam‐columns subjected to fire is strongly affected by the decreasing stiffness during heating and the non‐linear stress‐strain relationship of steel at elevated temperatures. This paper analyses the spatial buckling behaviour of steel members subjected to combined axial compression and biaxial bending moments with both uniform and non‐uniform bending moment distributions. The results of a parametric study using the finite element approach are presented as temperature‐dependent non‐dimensional M‐N interaction curves and compared to results according to the current European fire design rules as well as a simple calculation model based on the Method1 and 2 approaches currently used for the European ambient temperature design. The comparative study shows that the Method1 and 2 approaches cannot be directly adapted for the fire design of steel beam‐columns in combined axial compression and biaxial bending. The interaction and plasticity factors must be further developed to take advantage of using similar interaction formulae for ambient temperature and fire design.
A study of cylindrical shells under global bending in the elastic‐plastic range
Authors: Chen Lei , Doerich Cornelia , Rotter J. Michael
Published: November 2008

Many thin cylindrical shells are used in structural applications in which the dominant loading condition is global bending. Key examples are chimneys, wind turbine towers, tubular piles and tall silos. These structures are generally much thinner than pipelines and tubular structural members, but are often much thicker than the highly imperfection‐sensitive, very thin shells used in tanks and squatter silos. Their thickness lies in an uncomfortable range which is extremely thin for the structural tube community and very thick for the shell buckling community. The buckling strength of these structures is dominated by extensive plasticity, but the fully plastic state is usually far from being attained.

There has been much controversy over the appropriate definition of strengths for these shells in the last few years, caused by the mismatch between design rules used by different communities and attempts to harmonise all rules into a single generic description. This paper explores the buckling strength of imperfect thin cylindrical shells under bending in this elastic‐plastic range, and shows how the capacity curve of the new Eurocode EN 1993‐1‐6 (2007) can be used to express the behaviour accurately and safely. It is assumed that the shell is held circular by rings or boundaries at reasonable intervals, effectively restraining ovalisation. It is hoped that these results will make a useful contribution towards resolving the misunderstandings and controversy that has been evident in this field in recent times.
Seismic design of a steel‐concrete hybrid cable‐stayed bridge – the Shin‐Minato bridge
Authors: Yoshinaga Hiroshi , Ymanouchi Tetsuya , Goto Yoshio , Nagai Masatsugu
Published: November 2008

Toyama New Port is an important international port in the Hokuriku area facing the Sea of Japan, which is located near Toyama city, Toyama prefecture. Toyama city has a population of around 400000, and is an important city in the Hokuriku area from the economic, culture and politics viewpoints. The port is an international multipurpose terminal and provides the berth for passenger ships and cargo ships transporting raw materials such as timber, coal etc. In order to attain smooth distribution of products from this international multipurpose terminal, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure & Transport is now in charge of constructing a harbor road connecting the east and west sides of the port.

This harbor road links the left bank (Kaiou‐machi, Izumi city) and the right bank (Kairyu‐machi, Izumi city) of Toyama New Port (see Fig. 1). The Shin‐Minato Bridge, a cable‐stayed structure, is located on the middle section of this road. In order to ensure safe navigation for large ships, a clearance exceeding 270 m wide and 47 m high is necessary. Therefore, a continuous cable‐stayed bridge with steel‐concrete hybrid main girder and steel towers was chosen. The center span of this cable‐stayed bridge is 360 m long and the towers rise 127 m above sea level. The central span between the towers is a twin‐box‐type steel girder with an orthogonally stiffened steel deck; each side span girder comprises a three‐cell PC box girder. Since the side spans are relatively short, a steel‐concrete hybrid system was selected.

This paper describes design issues relating to earthquake‐resistant or earthquake‐control design.
New Phosphides La5Zn2−xP6 and Ce5Zn2−xP6 – the n = 4 Members of the REZn2P2·n(REP) Series
Authors: Lincke Hannes , Nilges Tom , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: November 2008

The new phosphides La5Zn2−xP6 and Ce5Zn2−xP6 were synthesized from the rare earth metals, LaZn and CeZn precursor compounds, Zn, and red phosphorous in NaCl/KCl salt fluxes. They crystallize with a new rhombohedral structure type: $R{\bar 3}m$, Z = 3, a = 422.11(6), c = 6220(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0369, 356 F2 values, 23 variables for La5Zn1.69P6 and a = 417.05(6), c = 6162(1), wR2 = 0.0343, 286 F2 values, 23 variables for Ce5Zn1.75P6. The P3− phosphide anions show an h2c4 stacking sequence in which the RE3+ and Zn2+ cations fill 5/6 and 1/6 of the octahedral and tetrahedral voids in an ordered manner, respectively, leading to a layer of condensed ZnP4 tetrahedra and quintupled layers of condensed REP6 octahedra. The structures of La5Zn2−xP6 and Ce5Zn2−xP6 belong to a larger family of phosphides which are intergrowth variants of CaAl2Si2 and NaCl related slabs according to REZn2P2·n(REP) with n = 4 for the present phosphides.
Synthesis and Characterization of Intercluster Compounds Consisting of Various Gold Clusters and Differently Charged Keggin Anions
Authors: Schulz‐Dobrick Martin , Jansen Martin
Published: November 2008

The crystal structures of five intercluster compounds consisting of gold clusters and Keggin anions have been determined by single‐crystal x‐ray diffraction: [Au9(PPh3)8][PMo12O40] (P4/n, Z = 2, a = 24.0195(13), c = 13.6818(10) Å), [Au9(PPh3)8][HSiMo12O40] (P4/n, Z = 2, a = 24.270(3), c = 13.752(2) Å), [Au9(PPh3)8][H3CoW12O40] (P4/n, Z = 2, a = 24.4776(16), c = 13.7759(13) Å), [Au8(PPh3)8]2[SiMo12O40] (Pbca, Z = 4, a = 36.269(4), b = 24.488(3), c = 38.612(4) Å) and (nBu4N)[Au9(Ptol3)8][SiMo12O40] (Cc, Z = 4, a = 24.832(5), b = 24.955(5), c = 40.096(8) Å, β = 106.744(3)°). In these compounds, the charges of the building blocks were varied. Altering the charge on the Keggin anion in combination with the [Au9(PPh3)8]3+ cluster gave rise to isostructural compounds as the charge is compensated by protonation of the polyoxometalate anion. Varying the charge or the ligand type of the gold cluster led to compounds with a completely different packing principle.
Palladium‐, Platin‐ und Dieisenkomplexe mit Isocyanacetat: Ringschluß, säureinduzierte Ringöffnung, Diprotonierung
Authors: Schrölkamp Stephan , Völkl Alfons , Lügger Thomas , Hahn F. Ekkehardt , Beck Wolfgang , Fehlhammer Wolf Peter
Published: November 2008

Palladium, Platinum, and Diiron Complexes with Isocyanoacetate: Ring Closure, Acid‐Induced Ring Opening, Diprotonation

Substitution by isocyanoacetate (CNCH2CO2−) of one chloro ligand in trans‐[MCl2(PPh3)2] (M = Pd, Pt) results in the Δ2‐oxazolin‐5‐on‐2‐ato complexes 4a, b, i.e. immediate cyclization occurs in contact with these metal(II) species. In contrast, the open‐chain form of the functional isocyanide is retained in [K(18‐crown‐6][Fe2Cp2(CNCH2CO2)(CO)3] (16) in which it occupies a terminal position. Protonation (alkylation) of the platinum complex 4b proceeds with ring cleavage and formation of isocyano acetic acid 11 (ethyl isocyanoacetate 12) stabilized by metal ion coordination. Protonation of 16 requires two equivalents of acid to yield the aminocarbyne‐bridged complex [{μ‐C=N(H)CH2CO2H}Fe2Cp2(CO)3](BF4) (17) as the only isolable product. Here isocyanoacetate displays a third kind of reactivity pattern in addition to that at PdII/PtII and that at Cr0/W0 where the primary species [M(CO)5CNCH2CO2]− and [M(CO)5CNCH2CO2H] proved to be the most stable. All of the proposed structures are substantiated by analytical and the usual spectroscopic (IR, NMR{1H, 13C, 31P}, FAB‐MS) data, that of 4b also by an X‐ray structure determination which reveals a practically perpendicular arrangement of the coordination and the ring plane, and a long C2‐O bond as the predetermined breaking point of the heterocycle.
Phase Width and Site Preferences in the EuMgxGa4−x Series
Authors: You Tae‐Soo , Miller Gordon J.
Published: November 2008

A series of EuMgxGa4−x compounds were synthesized using high temperature, solid‐state methods and characterized by both powder and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. All compounds crystallize in the tetragonal BaAl4‐type structure (space group I4/mmm, Z = 2, Pearson symbol tI10) with full occupancy of Ga at the apical atom (4e) site and mixed‐occupancy of Mg and Ga at the basal atom (4d) site. Six compositions were analyzed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction: EuMg0.21(1)Ga3.79(1), EuMg0.91(1)Ga3.09(1), EuMg1.22(1)Ga2.78(1), EuMg1.78(1)Ga2.22(1), EuMg1.84(1)Ga2.16(1), and EuMg1.94(1)Ga2.06(1). As the larger Mg atoms increasingly replace Ga atoms at the basal site in EuMgxGa4−x, the a‐axis lengths at first decrease and then increase, while the c‐axis lengths increase monotonically along the series. The phase width of the BaAl4‐type EuMgxGa4−x series is identified to be 0 ≤ x ≤ 1.94(1), a range which corresponds to 12.06(1)‐14 valence electrons per formula unit, and can be understood by their electronic structures using density of states (DOS) curves calculated by tight‐binding calculations. Mg substitution for Ga at the basal site is consistent with the site preferences for mixed metals on the three‐dimensional framework of the BaAl4‐structure based on both electronegativities and sizes, and provides the rationale for the unusual behavior in lattice parameters. The observed site preference was also rationalized by total electronic energies calculated for two different coloring schemes.
Mycobacterium Smegmatis Infection of the Hand
Authors: Best Corliss A. , Best Timothy J.
Published: November 2008

We report a case of Mycobacterium smegmatis granuloma in the soft tissues of the first web space of the left hand in a 67-year-old Caucasian woman. She was in good systematic health; there was no recollection of trauma to the hand. A combined regime of prolonged antibiotic therapy and surgical debridement was necessary to ultimately eradicate the infection. The natural history, microbiology, and treatment of this rare hand infection are discussed.
SiC Nanowires Synthesized by Rapidly Heating a Mixture of SiO and Arc-Discharge Plasma Pretreated Carbon Black
Authors: Wang Feng-Lei , Zhang Li-Ying , Zhang Ya-Fei
Published: November 2008

SiC nanowires have been synthesized at 1,600 °C by using a simple and low-cost method in a high-frequency induction furnace. The commercial SiO powder and the arc-discharge plasma pretreated carbon black were mixed and used as the source materials. The heating-up and reaction time is less than half an hour. It was found that most of the nanowires have core-shell SiC/SiO2nanostructures. The nucleation, precipitation, and growth processes were discussed in terms of the oxide-assisted cluster-solid mechanism.
Composition, Physical Properties and Drying Characteristics of Seed Oil of Momordica charantia Cultivated in Sri Lanka
Authors: Prashantha M. A. B. , Premachandra J. K. , Amarasinghe A. D. U. S.
Published: November 2008

Karawila (Momordica charantia), also known as bitter gourd, is widely used as a food and a medicine in Asian countries. Representative samples of the seeds of the most abundant cultivar (MC43) in Sri Lanka were collected. The kernel represented 60 ± 4.7% of the seed by dry weight basis. The oil content of the dry kernel was 40.45 ± 3.12%. The seed oil was rich in α‐eleosteric acid (50.04 ± 4.80%) and three other geometrical isomers of 9,11,13‐octadecatrienoic acid that constituted 6.55%. The acid value, the saponification value and the iodine value were 2.73 ± 0.876, 190.70 ± 1.82 mg/g and 115.96 ± 3.46 cg/g, respectively. The set‐to‐touch drying time of 3 h observed for the seed oil of MC43 was significantly less than that of linseed oil (13 h). The presence of a high amount of conjugated octadecatrienoic acids, low acid value, high saponification value, moderate iodine value and the low set‐to‐touch drying time are promising indicators of the potential of karawila seed oil as a good drying oil for the paint and coating industry.
Comparative Analysis of Rice Genome Sequence to Understand the Molecular Basis of Genome Evolution
Authors: Wu Jianzhong , Mizuno Hiroshi , Sasaki Takuji , Matsumoto Takashi
Published: November 2008

Accurate sequencing of the rice genome has ignited a passion for elucidating mechanism for sequence diversity among rice varieties and species, both in protein-coding regions and in genomic regions that are important for chromosome functions. Here, we have shown examples of sequence diversity in genic and non-genic regions. Sequence analysis of chromosome ends has revealed that there is diversity in both sequences and distribution in the region of telomere repeat arrays, from chromosome to chromosome, within a plant. Detailed study has allowed us to speculate the mechanism of generation of these arrays. Sequence analysis using various cultivated and wild rice of the sd1 gene, which contributed to the “Green Revolution” in rice varieties and their wild progenitors, has also demonstrated sequence diversity, which is correlated with taxonomic classification. These results indicate that detailed analysis of sequence diversity and comparison might give us a clue in elucidating mechanism of the evolution of rice genome.
Right-Wing Authoritarianism, Social Dominance Orientation, and Attachment: An Italian Study
Authors: Roccato Michele
Published: November 2008

The paper presents the results of a theoretical and empirical study of the relations between right-wing authoritarianism (RWA), social dominance orientation (SDO), and attachment. A study on 353 Italian university students in Turin was conducted. A correlation between RWA and SDO was found, and a structural equation model of the origins of RWA and SDO was built using attachment style as a principal predictor of the two constructs. Several psychosocial variables (course of studies undertaken, group participation, and importance of religion) were also used as predictors. The major results were: (a) RWA and SDO correlate positively, but not very strongly; (b) attachment styles directly and/or indirectly influence RWA and SDO; and (c) RWA and SDO each have specific predictors, but also share one predictor, importance of religion, which raises RWA scores, but lowers SDO scores. The limits and future developments of this research are discussed.
Gamma ray sources using imperfect relativistic mirrors
Authors: Mendonça J. T. , Serbeto A.
Published: November 2008

The collective backscattering of intense laser radiation by energetic electron beams is considered. Exact solutions for the radiation field are obtained, for arbitrary electron pulse shapes and laser intensities. The electron beams act as imperfect nonlinear mirrors on the incident laser radiation. This collective backscattering process can lead to the development of new sources of ultrashort pulse radiation in the gamma-ray domain. Numerical examples show that, for plausible experimental conditions, intense pulses of gamma rays, due to the double Doppler shift of the harmonics of the incident laser radiation, can be produced using the available technology, with durations less than one attosecond.
Photobleaching-free infrared near-field microscopy localizes molecules in neurons
Authors: Generosi J. , Margaritondo G. , Kropf M. , Hirling H. , Catsicas S. , Johnsson K. , Tolk N. H. , Piston D. W. , Cricenti A.
Published: November 2008

High-resolution detection of specific molecules in cells is a major challenge in biology. We show that infrared scanning near-field microscopy can detect the spatial distribution of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid–type glutamate receptor clusters on hippocampal neurons. The GluR2 subunits were labeled with the die Alexa 488 and high-resolution infrared micrographs were taken at 6.25 μm. The absence of photobleaching makes this approach suitable for a long-term observation and allows to localize different infrared-absorbing molecules over the complex background of other cell components.
Growth and characterization of Er-doped single crystal lithium niobate fibers
Authors: Arcangeli Andrea , Parisi Daniela , Toncelli Alessandra , Tonelli Mauro , Bazzan Marco , Argiolas Nicola , Ciampolillo Maria Vittoria , Sada Cinzia
Published: November 2008

Single crystal lithium niobate fibers with diameters ranging from 1to3mm have successfully been grown by the micro-pulling-down technique. The fibers are doped with various Er doping levels from 0to0.7mol% and appear to be transparent and crack-free. The study includes x-ray structural investigation and complete spectroscopic characterization. The analysis shows a good homogeneity of composition, and the comparison with bulk crystals demonstrates the good optical quality of the samples. Particular attention has been devoted to the measurements of the fluorescence decay time of the I13∕24 Er level, which has been carried out with a particular technique in order to avoid radiation trapping effects. Results are in agreement with the literature both in the case of bulk crystals and of fibers. Reliable polarized emission cross section in the 1.5μm region are presented.
Approach of spherical harmonics to the representation of the deformed su(1,1) algebra
Authors: Fakhri H. , Ghaneh T.
Published: November 2008

The m-shifting generators of su(2) algebra together with a pair of l-shifting ladder symmetry operators have been used in the space of all spherical harmonics Ylm(θ,ϕ) in order to introduce a new set of operators, expressing the transitions between them. It is shown that the space of spherical harmonics whose l+2m or l−2m is given presents negative and positive irreducible representations of a deformed su(1,1) algebra, respectively. These internal symmetries also suggest new algebraic methods to construct the spherical harmonics in the framework of the spectrum-generating algebras.
Energy and angle spectra of sputtered particles for low-energy deuterium impact of deuterated amorphous carbon
Authors: Krstic P. S. , Reinhold C. O. , Stuart S. J.
Published: November 2008

We study the translational, vibrational, and rotational energy spectra of atoms and molecules reflected or sputtered from deuterated amorphous carbon surfaces by impact of low-energy (1–30 eV) deuterium atoms. Both the rovibrational and translational energies of sputtered deuterium molecules are found to be close to 1 eV over the whole impact energy range, with approximate equipartition between rotational and vibrational modes, particularly at the higher impact energies. Sputtered carbon-containing molecules are vibrationally energetic, with rovibrational energies in the range of 1.5–2.5 eV; translational and rotational motions are less energetic, close to 0.5 eV, but hotter, with more energy per degree of freedom. The energy distributions of ejected molecules confirm the partial thermalization of the impact cascade. We also study the angular spectrum of the velocity of the outgoing particles as well as their angular momentum. While the velocity vectors are described well by a cosine distribution, a preferred direction of rotation is found at the lowest energies, with the angular momenta preferentially oriented parallel to the surface.
Reduced bound exciton and surface exciton emissions in Al-doped ZnO nanorods exposed to ambient air
Authors: Zhang Y. Z. , He H. P. , Jin Y. Z. , Zhao B. H. , Ye Z. Z. , Tang H. P.
Published: November 2008

Temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy is employed to investigate the effects of exposure to ambient air on the optical property of Al-doped ZnO nanorods. Low temperature PL of the as-grown nanorods shows dominant D0X (excitons bound to neutral donors) emission at 3.363 eV and surface state-related emission at 3.310 eV. After exposure to ambient air, both of them vanish and the first LO phonon replica of free exciton is observed instead. It is proposed that surface adsorption and indiffusion of oxygen in ambient air result in surface modification and destruction of D0X complex.
Perturbation of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 association with latent TGF-β binding protein yields inflammation and tumors
Authors: Yoshinaga Keiji , Obata Hiroto , Jurukovski Vladimir , Mazzieri Roberta , Chen Yan , Zilberberg Lior , Huso David , Melamed Jonathan , Prijatelj Petra , Todorovic Vesna , Dabovic Branka , Rifkin Daniel B.
Published: November 2008

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) activity is controlled at many levels including the conversion of the latent secreted form to its active state. TGF-β is often released as part of an inactive tripartite complex consisting of TGF-β, the TGF-β propeptide, and a molecule of latent TGF-β binding protein (LTBP). The interaction of TGF-β and its cleaved propeptide renders the growth factor latent, and the liberation of TGF-β from this state is crucial for signaling. To examine the contribution of LTBP to TGF-β function, we generated mice in which the cysteines that link the propeptide to LTBP were mutated to serines, thereby blocking covalent association.

Tgfb1
C33S/C33S

mice had multiorgan inflammation, lack of skin Langerhans cells (LC), and a shortened lifespan, consistent with decreased TGF-β1 levels. However, the inflammatory response and decreased lifespan were not as severe as observed with
Tgfb1
−/−
animals.

Tgfb1
C33S/C33S

mice exhibited decreased levels of active TGF-β1, decreased TGF-β signaling, and tumors of the stomach, rectum, and anus. These data suggest that the association of LTBP with the latent TGF-β complex is important for proper TGF-β1 function and that

Tgfb1
C33S/C33S

mice are hypomorphs for active TGF-β1. Moreover, although mechanisms exist to activate latent TGF-β1 in the absence of LTBP, these mechanisms are not as efficient as those that use the latent complex containing LTBP.
Intermolecular interactions identify ligand-selective activity of estrogen receptor α/β dimers
Authors: Powell Emily , Xu Wei
Published: November 2008

Estrogen receptor (ER) dimerization is prerequisite for its activation of target gene transcription. Because the two forms of ER, ERα and ERβ, exhibit opposing functions in cell proliferation, the ability of ligands to induce ERα/β heterodimers vs. their respective homodimers is expected to have profound impacts on transcriptional outcomes and cellular growth. However, there is a lack of direct methods to monitor the formation of ERα/β heterodimers in vivo and to distinguish the ability of estrogenic ligands to promote ER homo- vs. heterodimerization. Here, we describe bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assays for monitoring the formation of ERα/β heterodimers and their respective homodimers in live cells. We demonstrate that although both partners contribute to heterodimerization, ligand-bound ERα plays a dominant role. Furthermore, a bioactive component was found to induce ERβ/β homodimers, and ERα/β heterodimers but had minimal activity on ERα/α homodimers, posing a model that compounds promoting ERα/β heterodimer formation might have therapeutic value. Thus, ER homodimer and heterodimer BRET assays are applicable to drug screening for dimer-selective selective ER modulators. Furthermore, this strategy can be used to study other nuclear receptor dimers.
Is REP a measure of “objective support”?
Authors: Farris James S. , Goloboff Pablo A.
Published: November 2008

Grant and Kluge have recently stated that Bremer support and their own REP (“relative explanatory power”), are the only objective measures of group support. This paper discusses their claim, showing that their philosophical arguments have no basis, and that their own numerical examples actually serve to illustrate shortcomings of REP.