bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of downstream system on self‐excited oscillations in collapsible tubes
Authors: Wang J. W. , Chew Y. T. , Low H. T.
Published: March 2009

During self‐excited oscillation, the effects of downstream head, resistance and inertia on the amplitude and frequency of the tube outlet pressure and flow have been studied experimentally. Different sets of resistance and head combinations could be arranged to achieve identical mean pressure–flow condition, but the unsteady pressure and flow waveforms were found to be different. In a conventional experimental set‐up, the direct effect of downstream resistance could be inadvertently complicated by the indirect ones, which were caused by the associated variations of mean pressure and flow on the downstream head. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Host‐Assisted Guest Self‐Assembly: Enhancement of the Dimerization of Pyronines Y and B by γ‐Cyclodextrin
Authors: Bordello Jorge , Reija Belén , Al‐Soufi Wajih , Novo Mercedes
Published: March 2009

Buckle up! The dimerization of small fluorescent guests is strongly enhanced in presence of a cyclodextrin host. The host cavity acts like a belt to assist the self‐assembly of guests (see picture). Small variations in the guest structure have significant influence on the stability and geometry of the aggregates.

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The role of small variations in the structural properties of host and guest molecules on the stoichiometry and strength of supramolecular associations is analyzed. Earlier we found that a change in substituents from pyronine B to pyronine Y has a dramatic effect on both the stability and the dynamics of the association of these guests with β‐cyclodextrin as host. Now we study the association between these two pyronines and a cyclodextrin with a bigger cavity (γ‐cyclodextrin) using UV/Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The absorption spectra of the pyronines show complex variations with cyclodextrin concentration indicating that pyronine dimerization is strongly enhanced inside the cavity of the cyclodextrin. A full model is proposed and the equilibrium constants of the involved processes and the absorption and emission spectra of the different species are estimated. The equilibrium constants of the formation of complexed dimers are much higher than those for free dimerization or for the inclusion of a single guest. The γ‐cyclodextrin host acts like a belt to assist the guest self‐assembly. The differences in the stability of pyronine B and pyronine Y dimers are explained on the basis of their structure and geometry.
Non‐Blinking Semiconductor Colloidal Quantum Dots for Biology, Optoelectronics and Quantum Optics
Authors: Spinicelli Piernicola , Mahler Benoit , Buil Stéphanie , Quélin Xavier , Dubertret Benoit , Hermier Jean‐Pierre
Published: March 2009

Twinkle, twinkle: The blinking of semiconductor colloidal nanocrystals is the main inconvenience of these bright nanoemitters. There are various approaches for obtaining non‐blinking nanocrystals, one of which is to grow a thick coat of CdS on the CdSe core (see picture). Applications of this method in the fields of optoelectronic devices, biologic labelling and quantum information processing are discussed.

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The blinking of semiconductor colloidal nanocrystals is the main inconvenience of these bright nanoemitters. For some years, research on this phenomenon has demonstrated the possibility to progress beyond this problem by suppressing this fluorescence intermittency in various ways. After a brief overview on the microscopic mechanism of blinking, we review the various approaches used to obtain non‐blinking nanocrystals and discuss the commitment of this crucial improvement to applications in the fields of optoelectronic devices, biologic labelling and quantum information processing.
Adult neurogenesis in the crayfish brain: Proliferation, migration, and possible origin of precursor cells
Authors: Zhang Yi , Allodi Silvana , Sandeman David C. , Beltz Barbara S.
Published: March 2009

The birth of new neurons and their incorporation into functional circuits in the adult brain is a characteristic of many vertebrate and invertebrate organisms, including decapod crustaceans. Precursor cells maintaining life‐long proliferation in the brains of crayfish (Procambarus clarkii, Cherax destructor) and clawed lobsters (Homarus americanus) reside within a specialized niche on the ventral surface of the brain; their daughters migrate to two proliferation zones along a stream formed by processes of the niche precursors. Here they divide again, finally producing interneurons in the olfactory pathway. The present studies in P. clarkii explore (1) differential proliferative activity among the niche precursor cells with growth and aging, (2) morphological characteristics of cells in the niche and migratory streams, and (3) aspects of the cell cycle in this lineage. Morphologically symmetrical divisions of neuronal precursor cells were observed in the niche near where the migratory streams emerge, as well as in the streams and proliferation zones. The nuclei of migrating cells elongate and undergo shape changes consistent with nucleokinetic movement. LIS1, a highly conserved dynein‐binding protein, is expressed in cells in the migratory stream and neurogenic niche, implicating this protein in the translocation of crustacean brain neuronal precursor cells. Symmetrical divisions of the niche precursors and migration of both daughters raised the question of how the niche precursor pool is replenished. We present here preliminary evidence for an association between vascular cells and the niche precursors, which may relate to the life‐long growth and maintenance of the crustacean neurogenic niche. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2009
Improving the sensitivity of negative controls in ancient DNA extractions
Authors: Xu Zhi , Zhang Fan , Xu Bosong , Tan Jingze , Li Shilin , Jin Li
Published: March 2009

Much attention has been paid on ancient DNA (aDNA) studies, and negative control was used as one of the stringent quality assurance criteria in order to detect potential contamination. However, the results of some aDNA studies showed the evidence of contamination despite their negative controls failed to do so. Using λ DNA to mock extraneous contaminating DNA, our study showed that aDNA had a property of improving the efficiency of extraction including contaminating DNA, while negative controls had low sensitivity to detect contamination. To circumvent this problem, carrier DNA such as poly(dA) is suggested to be introduced into aDNA extraction.
Lipid metabolite levels of prostaglandin D2 and eicosapentaenoic acid recovered from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid correlate with lung function of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and controls
Authors: Csanky Ezster , Rühl Ralph , Scholtz Beata , Vasko Attila , Takacs Laszlo , Hempel William M.
Published: March 2009

One‐step global profiling of analyte (mRNA, protein, metabolite) biomarkers may soon replace conventional blood and histological/biopsy diagnostics technologies. It is important to establish whether the numerous blood and other body fluid‐derived potential novel diagnostics will be sufficiently efficacious and precise to replace, for example, imaging and functional diagnostic tests. Currently, imaging technologies and spirometry are indispensable for the diagnosis and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To validate the concept of using body fluid biomarkers in COPD and to address the question of whether biomarker levels correlate with lung function, we measured the level of a number of biologically relevant lipids and metabolites in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of COPD and control subjects and examined whether these correlate with numeric parameters of lung function. Both the diagnosis and management of COPD rely on costly and labor intensive lung function tests. Thus, there is an imminent need to replace the current diagnostic approaches with simpler clinical assays. As a first step, we demonstrate proof of principle; the correlation of lipid biomarkers as measured by LC‐MS with lung function. In the apparently BAL‐accessible fluid compartment, the total recovered lipid metabolite amount, particularly prostaglandin D2 and eicosapentaenoic acid show a remarkable linear correlation with lung function (R2>0.7). The study outcome is encouraging for the continuation of the work toward the measurement of lipid metabolite levels in more easily obtainable biological fluids such as sputum, exhaled air condensate, urine and plasma.
Sampling from Dirichlet partitions: estimating the number of species
Authors: Huillet Thierry , Paroissin Christian
Published: March 2009

The Dirichlet partition of an interval can be viewed as the generalization of several classical models in ecological statistics. We recall the unordered Ewens sampling formulae ‐ESF) from finite Dirichlet partitions. As this is a key variable for estimation purposes, focus is on the number of distinct visited species in the sampling process. These are illustrated in specific cases. We use these preliminary statistical results on frequencies distribution to address the following sampling problem: what is the estimated number of species when sampling is from Dirichlet populations? The obtained results are in accordance with the ones found in sampling theory from random proportions with Poisson–Dirichlet ‐PD) distribution. To conclude with, we apply the different estimators suggested to two different sets of real data. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On spatial skew‐Gaussian processes and applications
Authors: Zhang Hao , El‐Shaarawi Abdel
Published: March 2009

In many applications, observed spatial variables have skewed distributions. It is often of interest to model the shape of the skewed marginal distributions as well as the spatial correlations. We propose a class of stationary processes that have skewed marginal distributions. The covariance function of the process can be given explicitly. We study maximum likelihood inference through a Monte Carlo EM algorithm, and develop a method for the minimum mean‐square error prediction. We also present two applications of the process. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neural connectivity as an intermediate phenotype: Brain networks under genetic control
Authors: Meyer‐Lindenberg Andreas
Published: March 2009

Recent evidence suggests that default mode connectivity characterizes neural states that account for a sizable proportion of brain activity and energy expenditure, and therefore represent a plausible neural intermediate phenotype. This implies the possibility of genetic control over systems‐level connectivity features. Imaging genetics is an approach to combine genetic assessment with multimodal neuroimaging to discover neural systems linked to genetic abnormalities or variation. In the present contribution, we report results obtained from applying this strategy to both structural connectivity and functional connectivity data. Using data for serotonergic (5‐HTTLPR, MAO‐A) and dopaminergic (DARPP‐32) genes as examples, we show that systems‐level connectivity networks under genetic control can be identified. Remarkable similarities are observed across modalities and scales of description. Features of connectivity often better account for behavioral effects of genetic variation than regional parameters of activation or structure. These data provide convergent evidence for genetic control in humans over connectivity systems, whose characterization has promise for identifying neural systems mediating genetic risk for complex human behavior and psychiatric disease. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cortical mapping of naming errors in aphasia
Authors: Fridriksson Julius , Baker Julie M. , Moser Dana
Published: March 2009

Persons with aphasia vary greatly with regard to clinical profile; yet, they all share one common feature—anomia—an impairment in naming common objects. Previous research has demonstrated that particular naming errors are associated with specific left hemisphere lesions. However, we know very little about the cortical activity in the preserved brain areas that is associated with aphasic speech errors. Utilizing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we show for the first time that specific speech errors are associated with common cortical activity in different types and severities of aphasia. Specifically, productions of phonemic errors recruited the left posterior perilesional occipital and temporal lobe areas. A similar pattern of activity was associated with semantic errors, albeit in the right hemisphere. This study does not discount variability in cortical activity following left hemisphere stroke; rather, it highlights commonalities in brain modulation in a population of patients with a common diagnosis but vastly different clinical profiles. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Beta‐amyloid protein (25–35) disrupts hippocampal network activity: Role of Fyn‐kinase
Authors: Peña Fernando , Ordaz Benito , Balleza‐Tapia Hugo , Bernal‐Pedraza Ramón , Márquez‐Ramos Abraham , Carmona‐Aparicio Liliana , Giordano Magda
Published: March 2009

Early cognitive deficit characteristic of early Alzheimer's disease seems to be produced by the soluble forms of β‐amyloid protein. Such cognitive deficit correlates with neuronal network dysfunction that is reflected as alterations in the electroencephalogram of both Alzheimer patients and transgenic murine models of such disease. Correspondingly, recent studies have demonstrated that chronic exposure to βAP affects hippocampal oscillatory properties. However, it is still unclear if such neuronal network dysfunction results from a direct action of βAP on the hippocampal circuit or it is secondary to the chronic presence of the protein in the brain. Therefore, we aimed to explore the effect of acute exposure to βAP25–35on hippocampal network activity both in vitro and in vivo, as well as on intrinsic and synaptic properties of hippocampal neurons. We found that βAP25–35, reversibly, affects spontaneous hippocampal population activity in vitro. Such effect is not produced by the inverse sequence βAP35–25and is reproduced by the full‐length peptide βAP1–42. Correspondingly βAP25–35, but not the inverse sequence βAP35–25, reduces theta‐like activity recorded from the hippocampus in vivo. The βAP25–35‐induced disruption in hippocampal network activity correlates with a reduction in spontaneous neuronal activity and synaptic transmission, as well as with an inhibition in the subthreshold oscillations produced by pyramidal neurons in vitro. Finally, we studied the involvement of Fyn‐kinase on the βAP25–35‐induced disruption in hippocampal network activity in vitro. Interestingly, we found that such phenomenon is not observed in slices obtained from Fyn‐knockout mice. In conclusion, our data suggest that βAP acutely affects proper hippocampal function through a Fyn‐dependent mechanism. We propose that such alteration might be related to the cognitive impairment observed, at least, during the early phases of Alzheimer's disease. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PPARδ activation inhibits angiotensin II induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by suppressing intracellular Ca2+ signaling pathway
Authors: Lee Kuy‐Sook , Park Jin‐Hee , Lee Seahyoung , Lim Hyun‐Joung , Park Hyun‐Young
Published: March 2009

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors δ (PPARδ) is known to be expressed ubiquitously, and the predominant PPAR subtype of cardiac cells. However, relatively less is known regarding the role of PPARδ in cardiac cells except that PPARδ ligand treatment protects cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting NF‐κB activation. Thus, in the present study, we examined the effect of selective PPARδ ligand L‐165041 on angiotensin II (AngII) induced cardiac hypertrophy and its underlying mechanism using cardiomyocyte. According to our data, L‐165041 (10 µM) inhibited AngII‐induced [3H] leucine incorporation, induction of the fetal gene atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and increase of cardiomyocyte size. Previous studies have implicated the activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in the progress of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. L‐165041 pretreatment significantly inhibited AngII‐induced intracellular Ca2+ increase and subsequent phosphorylation of FAK. Further experiment using Ca2+ ionophore A23187 confirmed that Ca2+ induced FAK phosphorylation, and this was also blocked by L‐165041 pretreatment. In addition, overexpression of PPARδ using adenovirus significantly inhibited AngII‐induced intracellular Ca2+ increase and FAK expression, while PPARδ siRNA treatment abolished the effect of L‐165041. These data indicate that PPARδ ligand L‐165041 inhibits AngII induced cardiac hypertrophy by suppressing intracellular Ca2+/FAK/ERK signaling pathway in a PPARδ dependent mechanism. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 823–834, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Personal coaching as a positive intervention
Authors: Biswas‐Diener Robert
Published: March 2009

Personal coaching is a relatively new and unlicensed profession aimed at helping functioning individuals set and achieve goals, overcome obstacles, and maintain motivation. Coaching is increasingly merging with psychology as evidenced by new journals, academic programs, and research symposia. Although coaching has traditionally been used with non‐clinical populations, it can be highly relevant to psychotherapy. Clinicians who develop a hybrid psychotherapy‐coaching practice might be better protected from occupational stress and burnout. In addition, a number of coaching interventions and assessments might translate well to therapy and help clinicians innovate their practice. The synergy between personal coaching and psychotherapy are illustrated with a case example. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 65: 1–10, 2009.
Well‐being therapy for generalized anxiety disorder
Authors: Ruini Chiara , Fava Giovanni A.
Published: March 2009

Well‐being therapy (WBT) aims to enhance psychological well‐being based on Ryff's (1989) six dimensions: autonomy, personal growth, environmental mastery, purpose in life, positive relations, and self‐acceptance. Previous studies have documented the efficacy of this psychotherapy in treating patients with mood and anxiety disorders and in preventing relapse in recurrent depression. We discuss and illustrate the use of WBT in generalized anxiety disorder. We present a case of a patient suffering from generalized anxiety disorder treated with cognitive‐behavioral therapy followed by WBT. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 65: 1–10, 2009.
Batch treatment of liquid fraction of pig slurry by intermittent aeration: process simulation and microbial community analysis
Authors: Magrí Albert , Guivernau Miriam , Baquerizo Guillermo , Viñas Marc , Prenafeta‐Boldú Francesc X , Flotats Xavier
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Manure treatment in intensive livestock farming is required to reduce the risk of negative environmental impacts by nitrogen disposal. Biological removal through intermittent aeration in a single bioreactor is a suitable method for this purpose. The characteristic operation based on the alternation of oxic/anoxic phases confers these systems with certain particularities in terms of process modelling and of understanding the microbial interactions.

RESULTS: The performance of a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) treating raw liquid fraction of pig slurry (LFPS) under loading rates of 0.13 g N L−1 d−1 was studied. Three different aeration strategies were applied: (1) constant airflow; (2) dissolved oxygen (DO) set‐point; and (3) DO‐based real‐time control. The comparatively low aeration intensity applied throughout the third strategy resulted in the process being performed mainly via nitrite, implying a reduction on the requirements of organic carbon and oxygen. However, a decrease in the nitrification rate was observed under those conditions. Experimental results were satisfactorily simulated by a mathematical model focused on organic carbon and nitrogen removal. Microbial community structure analysis through denaturing gradient gel electrophoretic profiling of 16S rDNA genes showed that the aeration exerted a strong influence on the dominant microbial populations. The presence of the ammonia‐oxidizing species Nitrosomonas europaea, and of denitrifying bacteria related to Thauera sp. and Ralstonia sp., was detected in the strategy at low DO.

CONCLUSION: Dependence of model statement and parameter values on the bioreactor operational patterns and piggery wastewater composition was evidenced. Oxygen limitation was responsible for a significant microbial shift in SBR treating LFPS. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Survival impact of nodal disease in hard palate and maxillary alveolus cancer
Authors: Lin Harrison W. , Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: March 2009

Objective:

Evaluate the impact of primary site stage and cervical metastasis on the survival of patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the hard palate or maxillary alveolus.

Study Design:

Cross‐sectional population analysis of prospectively maintained database.

Methods:

Cases of hard palate and maxillary alveolus SCC from 1988–2004 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Demographic data and extent of disease were extracted for each case, and T‐stage, and N‐stage were computed. Survival differences according to T‐stage and N‐stage were determined with the Kaplan‐Meier method and the log‐rank test.

Results:

Four hundred eleven cases of maxillary alveolus and 314 cases of hard palate SCC were identified, for a total of 725 cases (53.9% female, mean age: 70.9 years). The prevalence of cervical metastasis was not significantly different according to primary site (P = .181); advanced N‐stage significantly correlated with more advanced T‐stage (P < .001). Of the 725 cases, 4.1% of T1 tumors, 14.9% of T2 tumors, 10.3% of T3 tumors, and 24.7% of T4 tumors had cervical nodal metastases. The mean overall survivals were 96.5, 69.1, 67.8, and 49.3 months for T1–T4 tumors, respectively (P < .001). With regard to N‐stage, the mean survivals were 73.7, 69.7, 29.8, and 5.5 months for N0–N3 lesions, respectively (P < .001). Nodal metastasis effect on survival remained significant (P < .039) in stratified survival analysis except for T3 lesions (P = .205).

Conclusions:

Survival in patients with SCC of either the hard palate or maxillary alveolus is significantly influenced by T‐stage and a nonnegligible rate of cervical nodal metastases. Laryngoscope, 119:312–315, 2009
Peculiar Behavior of Degenerative Chain Transfer Polymerization of a Phosphonated Methacrylate
Authors: David Ghislain , Asri Zhor El , Rich Samantha , Castignolles Patrice , Guillaneuf Yohann , Lacroix‐Desmazes Patrick , Boutevin Bernard
Published: March 2009

Living/controlled radical polymerization of dimethyl(methacryloyloxy)methyl phosphonate (MAPC1) has been attempted using degenerative transfer to produce block copolymers. RAFT polymerization of this monomer is sensitive to very low level of oxygen and in any case limited to low monomer conversion. Reverse iodine transfer polymerization (RITP) leads to higher monomer conversion with a limited amount of living polymer (55% by 1H NMR), precluding an efficient synthesis of block copolymers. A PMMA‐b‐PMAPC1 diblock copolymer was therefore synthesized by iodine transfer polymerization (ITP) of MAPC1 from a PMMA‐I macro‐chain transfer agent prepared by RITP. The diblock copolymer, purified by selective precipitation, contains an average of five MAPC1 units and has potential an adhesive and as a corrosion inhibitor.

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AB2 Functional Polyesters via Ring Opening Polymerization: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Velthoen Ingrid W. , Dijkstra Pieter J. , Feijen Jan
Published: March 2009

Aliphatic AB2 functional polyesters were conveniently prepared by the ring opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone and L‐lactide in the presence of the AB2 functional initiator 2,2‐bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid (bis‐MPA) and Sn(Oct)2 as the catalyst. In L‐lactide polymerization, both bis‐MPA hydroxyl groups initiated the polymerization reaction, but for ε‐caprolactone polymerization this depended on the monomer to initiator to catalyst ratio. Initiation at two hydroxyl groups occurred at high monomer to initiator ([M]/[I]) ratio and at high Sn(Oct)2 to monomer ratio. The melting temperatures of the AB2‐functional PLLA and PCL polymers were comparable to linear polymers with a $\overline {DP}$ equal to the $\overline {DP}$ per arm in the polymer.

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Attitudes of Chinese couples in Hong Kong regarding using preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and human leukocyte antigens (HLA) typing to conceive a ‘Saviour Child’
Authors: Hui Edwin C. , Chan Carina , Liu Athena , Chow Kathy
Published: March 2009

Objectives

To investigate Hong Kong couples' attitudes and concerns about using preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and human leukocyte antigens (HLA) typing to conceive a disease‐free and tissue‐compatible ‘Saviour Child (SC)’ to save an afflicted sibling.

Methods

Two cohorts of Chinese couples, one with natural pregnancies and the other receiving in vitro fertilization (IVF) services, were studied using a structured questionnaire.

Results

Although most couples believed that embryos possess moral rights, they considered it acceptable to reproduce a donor child if it was safe for the child, and tissue transplantation was the only available treatment for the sick sibling. Most couples believed that the donor child would not suffer adverse physical or psychological effects but rather would gain positive psychological benefits, and opined that parents using PGD/HLA‐typing suffer sacrificially for their children. In response to one specific question, one‐third of the couples agreed to use the donor child as a lifetime organ donor and supported the use of PGD for non‐medical gender selection. One‐quarter were willing to reject PGD/HLA‐typing because of its potential for non‐medical genetic enhancement.

Conclusion

Probably influenced by the Chinese tradition of strong familism, couples in Hong Kong generally show positive attitudes towards using PGD/HLA‐typing to reproduce a ‘SC’ to save a sibling affected with life‐threatening diseases amenable to treatment with genetically compatible tissue. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis before second‐trimester Genetic Amniocentesis (APGA): a single‐centre open randomised controlled trial
Authors: Giorlandino Claudio , Cignini Pietro , Cini Marco , Brizzi Cristiana , Carcioppolo Ornella , Milite Vincenzo , Coco Claudio , Gentili Paolo , Mangiafico Lucia , Mesoraca Alvaro , Bizzoco Domenico , Gabrielli Ivan , Mobili Luisa
Published: March 2009

Objective

To compare procedure‐related pregnancy loss after second‐trimester genetic amniocentesis in women given an antibiotic prophylaxis and controls.

Methods

Prospective, open randomised controlled single‐centre study between January 1999 and December 2005 at Artemisia Fetal Maternal Medical Centre. A follow‐up within 4 weeks after the procedure was done.

Of 36 347 eligible women, 1424 refused to participate and 34 923 were enrolled and randomised with unequal chance of selection, 21 991 were assigned to treatment group and 12 932 were assigned to the control group, and did not receive any placebo. Oral azithromycin, 500 mg per day, was administered 3 days before amniocentesis. The primary endpoint was the procedure‐related pregnancy loss. The secondary endpoint was the rate of preterm premature rupture of membranes.

Results

The rate of abortion related to the amniocentesis was 7/21 219 women (0.03%, 95% CI 0.009–0.057) in the intervention group, and 36/12 529 (0.28%, 0.28–0.30) in controls (p= 0.0019). The rate of preterm premature rupture of membranes was 14/21 219 (0.06%, 0.031–0.101) in the intervention group, and 140/12 529 (1.12%, 0.94–1.30) in the control group (p= 0.001).

Conclusions

Antibiotic prophylaxis before second‐trimester amniocentesis reduced the risk of abortion and of rupture of the membranes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atorvastatin modifies the protein profile of circulating human monocytes after an acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Barderas María G. , Tuñón José , Dardé Verónica M. , De la Cuesta Fernando , Jiménez‐Nácher José J. , Tarín Nieves , López‐Bescós Lorenzo , Egido Jesús , Vivanco Fernando
Published: March 2009

Aggressive treatment with high‐dose atorvastatin reduces more effectively the incidence of cardiovascular events than moderate statin therapy. The mechanism of this benefit has not been fully elucidated. In order to know the potential effects of statin treatment on the protein expression of circulating monocytes in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients, a proteomic analysis of these cells was carried out by 2‐DE and MS. Twenty‐five patients with non‐ST‐elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS) were randomized, the fourth day after admission, to receive ATV 80 mg/dL (n = 14) or conventional treatment (CT) (n = 11), for two months. Blood was withdrawn at the end of the treatment, and monocytes were extracted for proteomic analysis and their protein expression patterns determined. Age, sex, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, body mass index, presence of hypertension, diabetes, and smoking status were not significantly different between the two groups of patients. The expression of 20 proteins was modified by intensive ATV. Among the most relevant results stand out the normalization by intensive ATV treatment of the expression of proteins that modulate inflammation and thrombosis such as protein disulfide isomerase ER60 (PDI), Annexin I, and prohibitin, or that have other protective effects as HSP‐70. Thus, this approach shed light at the molecular level of the beneficial mechanisms of anti‐atherothrombotic drugs.
Serially coupled microcolumn reversed phase liquid chromatography for shotgun proteomic analysis
Authors: Tao Dingyin , Zhu Guijie , Sun Liangliang , Ma Junfeng , Liang Zhen , Zhang Weibing , Zhang Lihua , Zhang Yukui
Published: March 2009

Microcolumn RPLC (μRPLC) is one of the optimum separation modes for shotgun proteomic analysis. To identify as many proteins as possible by MS/MS, the improvement on separation efficiency and peak capacity of μRPLC is indispensable. Although the increase in column length is one of the effective solutions, the preparation of a long microcolumn is rather difficult due to the high backpressure generated during the packing procedure. In our recent work, through connecting microcolumns of 5, 10, and 15 cm length via unions with minimal dead volume, long microcolumns with length up to 30 cm were obtained, with which 318 proteins were identified from proteins extracted from Escherichia coli by μRPLC‐ESI MS/MS, and similar distributions of Mw and pI were found with single and various coupled microcolumns. Furthermore, by using MS/MS with improved sensitivity, with such a serially coupled 30 cm long microcolumn, 1692 proteins were identified within 7 h from rat brain tissue, with false positive rate (FPR) <1%. All these results demonstrated that serially couple microcolumns might be of great promising to improve the separation capacity of μRPLC in shotgun proteomic analysis.
PEO‐Like Coatings Prepared by Plasma‐Based Techniques
Authors: Choukourov Andrei , Polonskyi Oleksandr , Hanus Jan , Kousal Jaroslav , Grinevich Andrey , Slavinska Danka , Biederman Hynek
Published: March 2009

Polyethylene oxide (PEO)‐like films were prepared by rf magnetron sputtering of PEO and by thermal evaporation of PEO with and without activation by argon plasma. Rf magnetron sputtering under low power (<10 W) leads to deposition of the films with significant loss of ether structure. Under higher power, a co‐evaporation regime is achieved and the resultant films are richer in ether groups. Thermal evaporation of PEO proves to be even more effective in retention of ether structure. The films evaporated without activation by plasma are very close in composition to original material, yet they are soluble in water. Activation of the flux of evaporated species by Ar plasma results in enhanced cross‐linking and better stability in water, however at expense of retention of PEO character.
Hybrid Inorganic–Organic Functional Coatings for Injection Molding Applications
Authors: Burmeister Frank , Hagen Jan , Denter Joern , Wirth Marco , Fromm Alexander , Kleer Guenter
Published: March 2009

We report on the development of a nanostructured, inorganic–organic hybrid tool coating for functionalizing surfaces of plastic components via replication processes. First, an inorganic TiAlN‐coating is deposited in a reactive RF‐magnetron process as a carrier of the functional nanostructure. In the second step, the organic top coating is deposited via plasma polymerization of fluor‐containing hydrocarbons on top of the hard coating. Investigations were carried out concerning the hybrid coating's morphology, its surface energies and its thermomechanical stability in replication processes. The hybrid coating has been deposited on tools and replicated into polymethylmethacrylate. A significant lowering of the demolding forces in comparison to solely inorganic coatings was observed.
Creation of Vias With Optimized Profile for 3‐D Through Silicon Interconnects (TSV)
Authors: Richter Karola , Viehweger Kay , He Jian , Bartha Johann‐Wolfgang
Published: March 2009

The continually growing functionality and pattern density of semiconductor devices leads to the development of innovative and cost‐effective 3‐D stacking and interconnection technologies for ICs and MEMS. These include the formation of vias for interconnects by deep reactive ion etch (DRIE) of silicon. The commonly used DRIE based on a Bosch patent creates holes with vertical sidewalls. However, holes with tapered sidewalls are advantageous, because their widened opening facilitates following deposition and filling processes and a bevelled upper edge of the vias prevents deposited layers from breaking. We created such holes by an optimized positive profile etching (PPE) process. Furthermore, we post‐treated holes with vertical sidewalls to eliminate the sharp edge at their opening and to widen this region. We created blind holes with tapered sidewalls with a diameter of 5–10 µm and through silicon holes with a diameter of 40 µm and aspect ratios up to 10.
Some Effects of Corona Plasma Treatment of Polylactide/Montmorillonite Nanocomposite Films
Authors: Żenkiewicz Marian , Richert Józef , Rytlewski Piotr , Moraczewski Krzysztof
Published: March 2009

Influence of the unit energy (Eu) of corona discharge used for modification of pure polylactide (PLA) and polylactide nanocomposite (PLAC) containing 5 wt% of an aluminosilicate nanofiller (Cloisite 30B) on water (ΘW) and diiodomethane (ΘD) contact angles as well as on surface free energy (γs) of these polymers was studied. ΘW and ΘD as advancing contact angles were measured with use of a goniometer while γs was calculated by the Owens–Wendt method. It was found that ΘW increased with the rising Eu while ΘD remained approximately constant. Assuming Eu = const, it could be stated that the increase in γs was much more evident for PLA than for PLAC. This increase resulted practically from the change in the polar component of γs because the dispersive component for the two materials only slightly decreased with increase in Eu.
Growth and structure of CuIn7Se11 single crystals and H2O/CuIn7Se11 photoelectrochemical cells
Authors: Bodnar I. V. , Gorbachov D. V. , Rud V. Yu. , Rud Yu. V. , Victorov A.
Published: March 2009

Single crystals of CuIn7Se11 ternary compound have been grown by directional crystallization of the melt at first time. The composition of the obtained single crystals was determined by electron probe X‐ray microanalysis, X‐ray method was used to determine their structure. It was established that the grown crystals are crystallized in hexagonal structure. H2O/CuIn7Se11 photoelectrochemical cells have been created on the given crystals at first time. The photosensitivity spectra from which the character of interband transitions and band gap values have been determined have been investigated. The created photoelectrochemical cells can be utilized as wide‐band photoconvertors of an optical radiation. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical and electrical characterization of FTO films grown by spray pyrolysis method
Authors: Oshima Minoru , Takemoto Yujin , Yoshino Kenji
Published: March 2009

Transparent conducting thin films of fluorine‐doped SnO2 were deposited on glass substrates by spray pyrolysis technique in order to find out the effect of solution concentration. These films were prepared using various fluorine concentrations from 0 to 5 mol%. The films were all polycrystalline with tetragonal crystal structures. The best electro‐optic properties, an average transmittance of 82% and a resistivity of 1.4 × 10–3 Ωcm, a carrier concentration of 6.2 × 1020 cm–3, a mobility of 7.1 cm2/Vs, were achieved with fluorine doing concentration of 4 mol% at substrate temperature of 500 °C. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of CaCo(H2O)[BP2O8(OH)]·H2O
Authors: Menezes Prashanth W. , Hoffmann Stefan , Prots Yurii , Kniep Rüdiger
Published: March 2009

CaCo(H2O)[BP2O8(OH)]·H2O was synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions and investigated by single crystal X–ray diffraction (triclinic, space group P (No. 2), a = 6.5793(3) Å, b = 7.8320(1) Å, c = 8.8172(1) Å, α = 68.785(7)°, β = 82.719(10)°, γ = 73.985(9)°, V = 406.930(19) Å3, Z = 2). The crystal structure contains layers stacked along [011]. The layers are built from isolated borophosphate oligomers, [B2P4O16(OH)2]8– (loop branched tetrahedral hexamers), which are interconnected by dimers of CoO3O2/2(H2O) coordination octahedra. Calcium ions and crystal water are located at the borders of the layers, close to intra‐layer cavities.
Determinants of fruit removal in Geonoma pauciflora, an understory palm of neotropical forests
Authors: Pizo Marco Aurélio , Almeida‐Neto Mário
Published: March 2009

Competition for seed dispersers is supposedly a selective force that drives the evolution of plant reproductive traits. In the understory of tropical forests, such competition should be especially severe among bird‐dispersed plant species because (i) the production of copious fruit crops is limited by low light availability; (ii) there usually is a high density of fleshy fruited plants, and (iii) understory frugivorous birds are not abundant. In this paper, we took advantage of a high‐density population of Geonoma pauciflora, a bird‐dispersed palm species growing in the understory of the Brazilian Atlantic forest, to investigate the influence of plant traits and its immediate neighborhood on fruit removal. Intrinsic (crop and fruit sizes) and extrinsic traits (related to light availability) affected the fruit removal of G. pauciflora. Crop size had a greater influence than fruit size on the absolute number of fruits removed, whereas none of the investigated traits influenced decisively fruit removal efficiency (i.e., the proportion of an individual's crop removed). The influence of light availability was mostly indirect, through its positive influence on fruit production. A significant positive spatial autocorrelation in removal efficiency occurred among neighboring plants within a 7‐m radius, which is indicative of facilitation among neighboring individuals. The consequence of such positive spatial autocorrelation in removal efficiency for clonal plants such as G. pauciflora is that by attracting a frugivore a given ramet may promote the removal of fruits of other ramets, thus enhancing the reproductive output of the genet as a whole.
Cylindrical plasma equilibria maintained by means of a rotating magnetic field
Authors: Hugrass W. N.
Published: March 2009

The equilibrium of a plasma cylinder confined by means of a steady axial magnetic field, Bα, and a transverse magnetic field, Bω, which rotates about the axis of the cylinder is analysed using a two-fluid model. It is shown that the electron fluid is tied to the rotating field provided that

The rotating field does not impart a steady azimuthal motion to the ions provided that However, the ion fluid acquires a steady azimuthal velocity due to electron-ion collisions. A self-consistent radial electric field is produced; this field plays an important role in establishing the steady ion flow.
Growth rates of bending KdV solitons
Authors: Laedke E. W. , Spatschek K. H.
Published: March 2009

Nonlinear ion-acoustic waves in magnetized plasmas are investigated. In strong magnetic fields they can be described by a Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) type equation. It is shown here that these plane soliton solutions become unstable with respect to bending distortions. Variational principles are derived for the maximum growth rate γ as a function of the transverse wavenumber k of the perturbations. Since the variational principles are formulated in complementary form, the numerical evaluation yields upper and lower bounds for γ. Choosing appropriate test functions and increasing the accuracy of the computations we find very close upper and lower bounds for the γ(k) curve. The results show that the growth rate peaks at a certain value of k and a cut-off kc exists. In the region where the γ(k) curve was not predicted numerically with high accuracy, i.e. near the cut-off, we find very precise analytical estimates. These findings are compared with previous results. For k≥kc, stability with respect to transverse perturbations is proved.
On the influence of the Hall effect on the spectrum of the ideal magnetohydrodynamic cylindrical pinch
Authors: Schaper Ulrich
Published: March 2009

The influence of the Hall effect on the spectrum of ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) is investigated for axisymmetric perturbations of an infinitely extended circular cylindricalZpinch with a diffuse current density. The pinch is bounded by an ideal conducting wall. The normal mode analysis expi(kz—ωt) of the linearized perturbations gives a non-selfadjoint eigenvalue problem. The complex eigenvaluesωare considered which depend on the equilibrium function, the axial mode numberk, and the dimensionless Hall effect parameterαwhich is inversely proportional to the square root of the mass density. A stabilizing influence of the Hall effect is shown by a sufficient stability criterion for equilibria without reversed magnetic fields which is more optimistic than the corresponding criterion of ideal MHD. If the Hall effect is retained in Ohm's law then there are, in contrast to ideal MHD, new simple points of accumulation of discrete eigenvalues when the radial mode numbernof the eigenfunctions tends to infinity. The accumulation points are real, they are given by the extrema of the equilibrium function and they depend on the axial mode numberk. The direction of accumulation is always along the real axis of the complex plane for equilibria without magnetic field reversal. From this it follows that accumulation points are no longer connected with stability criteria as is the case in ideal MHD. If the Hall effect parameterαtends to zero then the accumulation points coincide with the twofoldk−independent accumulation point of ideal MHD. If the Hall effect is not neglected then the pure growth rates of ideal MHD are replaced by complex frequencies with smaller growth rates; and ifαis greater than some critical value then the perturbation is stable. If thek0mode is stable then all modes withk≥k0are stable. For some continuous profiles of the current density the eigenvalue problem is solved numerically. The dependence of eigenvalues on the radial mode number and the dependence of the radial electron velocity on the Hall effect is shown. For equilibria with a reversal of the magnetic field, the unstable behaviour predicted by MHD theory cannot be excluded by consideration of the Hall effect.
Effect of longitudinal electric fields on electrostatic electron cyclotron waves
Authors: Brinca Armando L. , Dysthe Kristian B.
Published: March 2009

We study the influence of static parallel electric fields on the characteristics of obliquely propagating electron Bernstein waves. Analysis of the equilibrium state defines the range of validity of the adopted model, viz. a collisionless, locally homogeneous medium described by the Vlasov and Poisson equations. An iterative method yields the modified dispersion relation whose numerical solution, for an idealized medium, suggests the relevance of the effects induced by static parallel electric fields in natural plasmas.
Finite-beta and curvature drift effects on drift waves near the plasmapause
Authors: Migliuolo S. , Patel V. L.
Published: March 2009

The linear stability of finite-β drift waves, near the plasmapause of the earth, is analysed for the case in which the magnetic field is non-uniform in two dimensions. The coupling of the drift wave to the oscillation of the magnetic field, due to non-zero β, is found to be destabilizing. The spatial structure of the unstable mode is found to be governed by the ‘curvature’ scale length of the equilibrium magnetic field.
Variational principles of guiding centre motion
Authors: Littlejohn Robert G.
Published: March 2009

An elementary but rigorous derivation is given for a variational principle for guiding centre motion. The equations of motion resulting from the variational principle (the drift equations) possess exact conservation laws for phase volume, energy (for time-independent systems), and angular momentum (for azimuthally symmetric systems). The results of carrying the variational principle to higher order in the adiabatic parameter are displayed. The behaviour of guiding centre motion in azimuthally symmetric fields is discussed, and the role of angular momentum is clarified. The application of variational principles in the derivation and solution of gyrokinetic equations is discussed.
Self-similar and asymptotic solutions for a one-dimensional Vlasov beam
Authors: Burgan J. R. , Feix M. R. , Fijalkow E. , Munier A.
Published: March 2009

Rescaling transformations bringing friction terms in the new equation are used to obtain the asymptotic solution of a one-dimensional, one-species beam. It is shown that for all possible initial conditions this asymptotic solution coincides with the self-similar solution.
Electrostatic modes in a magnetized plasma with a longitudinal density gradient
Authors: Maggs J. E. , Morales G. J.
Published: March 2009

An analytic study is made of the electrostatic mode structures which exist between the upper-hybrid cut-off and the plasma resonance in a plasma in which the zero-order density gradient points along the magnetic field. In general the solutions consist of long-wavelength cold modes which are converted to short-wavelength Bohm-Gross modes near plasma resonance. However, there exist certain discrete angles of propagation at which finite solutions exist that can be described solely in terms of cold plasma theory. The relevance of these processes to resonant absorption experiments in the auroral ionosphere is considered. A brief study is made of the changes produced by a finite angle between the density gradient and the magnetic field. The possibility of finding analogous low-frequency structures is also investigated.
The effect of microscale random Alfvén waves on the propagation of large-scale Alfvén waves
Authors: Namikawa Tomikazu , Hamabata Hiromitsu
Published: March 2009

The ponderomotive force generated by random Alfvén waves in a collisionless plasma is evaluated taking into account mean magnetic and velocity shear and is expressed as a series involving spatial derivatives of mean magnetic and velocity fields whose coefficients are associated with the helicity spectrum function of random velocity field. The effect of microscale random Alfvén waves through ponderomotive and mean electromotive forces generated by them on the propagation of large-scale Alfvén waves is also investigated.