bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stable Discrete Series Characters at Singular Elements
Authors: Spallone Steven
Published: November 2009

Write for the stable discrete series character associated with an irreducible finite-dimensional representation E of a connected real reductive group G. Let M be the centralizer of the split component of a maximal torus T, and denote by Arthur’s extension of . In this paper we give a simple explicit expression for when γ is elliptic in G. We do not assume γ is regular.
Integral Representation for U3 × GL2
Authors: Wambach Eric
Published: November 2009

Gelbart and Piatetskii-Shapiro constructed various integral representations of Rankin–Selberg type for groups G×GLn, where G is of split rank n. Here we show that their method can equally well be applied to the product U3 × GL2, where U3 denotes the quasisplit unitary group in three variables. As an application, we describe which cuspidal automorphic representations of U3 occur in the Siegel induced residual spectrum of the quasisplit U4.
Photo‐induced Charge Transfer and Relaxation of Persistent Charge Carriers in Polymer/Nanocrystal Composites for Applications in Hybrid Solar Cells
Authors: Heinemann Marc Daniel , von Maydell Karsten , Zutz Folker , Kolny‐Olesiak Joanna , Borchert Holgert , Riedel Ingo , Parisi Jürgen
Published: November 2009

The photo‐induced charge transfer and the dynamics of persistent charge carriers in blends of semiconducting polymers and nanocrystals are investigated. Regioregular poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is used as the electron donor material, while the acceptor moiety is established by CdSe nanocrystals (nc‐CdSe) prepared via colloidal synthesis. As a reference system, organic blends of P3HT and [6,6]‐phenyl C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) are studied as well. The light‐induced charge transfer between P3HT and the acceptor materials is studied by photoluminescence (PL), photo‐induced absorption (PIA) and light‐induced electron spin resonance spectroscopy (LESR). Compared to neat P3HT samples, both systems show an intensified formation of polarons in the polymer upon photo‐excitation, pointing out successful separation of photogenerated charge carriers. Additionally, relaxation of the persistent charge carriers is investigated, and significant differences are found between the hybrid composite and the purely organic system. While relaxation, reflected in the transient signal decay of the polaron signal, is fast in the organic system, the hybrid blends exhibit long‐term persistence. The appearance of a second, slow recombination channel indicates the existence of deep trap states in the hybrid system, which leads to the capture of a large fraction of charge carriers. A change of polymer conformation due to the presence of nc‐CdSe is revealed by low temperature LESR measurements and microwave saturation techniques. The impact of the different recombination behavior on the photovoltaic efficiency of both systems is discussed.
Solvent‐Resistant PDMS Microfluidic Devices with Hybrid Inorganic/Organic Polymer Coatings
Authors: Kim Bo‐Yeol , Hong Lan‐Young , Chung Young‐Min , Kim Dong‐Pyo , Lee Chang‐Soo
Published: November 2009

This study presents a method for the fabrication of solvent‐resistant poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microfluidic devices by coating the microfluidic channel with a hybrid inorganic/organic polymer (HR4). This modification dramatically increases the resistance of PDMS microfluidic channels to various solvents, because it leads to a significant reduction in the rate of solvent absorption and consequent swelling. The compatibility of modified PDMS with a wide range of solvents is investigated by evaluating the swelling ratio measured through weight changes in a standard block. The HR4‐modified PDMS microfluidic device can be applied to the formation of water‐in‐oil (W/O) and oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions. The generation of organic solvent droplets with high monodispersity in the microfluidic device without swelling problems is demonstrated. The advantage of this proposed method is that it can be used to rapidly fabricate microfluidic devices using the bulk properties of PDMS, while also increasing their resistance to various organic solvents. This high compatibility with a variety of solvents of HR4‐modified PDMS can expand the application of microfluidic systems to many research fields.
Brief communication: The distribution of perikymata on Qafzeh anterior teeth
Authors: Guatelli‐Steinberg Debbie , Reid Donald J.
Published: November 2009

Recent studies have suggested that Neandertals and modern humans differ in the distribution of perikymata (enamel growth increments) over their permanent anterior tooth crowns. In modern humans, perikymata become increasingly more compact toward the cervix than they do in Neandertals. Previous studies have suggested that a more homogeneous distribution of perikymata, like that of Neandertals, characterizes the anterior teeth of Homo heidelbergensis and Homo erectus as well. Here, we investigated whether Qafzeh anterior teeth (N = 14) differ from those of modern southern Africans, northern Europeans, and Alaskans (N = 47–74 depending on tooth type) in the percentage of perikymata present in their cervical halves. Using the normally distributed modern human values for each tooth type, we calculated Z‐scores for the 14 Qafzeh teeth. All but two of the 14 Qafzeh teeth had negative Z‐scores, meaning that values equal to these would be found in the bottom 50% of the modern human samples. Seven of the 14 would be found in the lowest 5% of the modern human distribution. Qafzeh teeth therefore appear to differ from those of modern humans in the same direction that Neandertals do: with generally lower percentages of perikymata in their cervical regions. The similarity between them appears to represent the retention of a perikymata distribution pattern present in earlier members of the genus Homo, but not generally characteristic of modern humans from diverse regions of the world. Am J Phys Anthropol 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gleaning signals about the past from cemetery data
Authors: Sattenspiel Lisa , Stoops Melissa
Published: November 2009

Cemetery headstones provide an easily accessible source of demographic data in human populations. In common with other sources of demographic data, such as skeletal samples, cemetery data may not be representative of the populations from which they were derived. In some circumstances they can be reasonably representative, however, and in such cases they may provide signals about demographic changes in the population that contributed to the cemetery. We present here analyses of burials occurring between 1900 and 1990 at the Columbia Cemetery in Columbia, Missouri. Our analyses, in combination with archival materials relating to infrastructure improvements in Columbia and data on infectious disease mortality in the state of Missouri, show that patterns of death observed in the cemetery data provide evidence for the timing of changes in the health of Columbia's residents. At the time that major improvements in sanitation and hygiene were implemented, burials of individuals dying under age 45 decreased significantly while burials of individuals older than 45 remained relatively high. Furthermore, data on infectious disease mortality indicate significant declines in deaths from water‐ and milk‐borne infections, but no change in mortality from respiratory illnesses. These data also indicate that observed changes occurred about a decade later in Columbia than in large cities and more densely populated states elsewhere in the United States. Thus, this study illustrates the value of cemetery data in helping to fill gaps about how and when different events known to affect patterns of birth and death may have played out across time and space. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the relationship of dental microwear to dental macrowear
Authors: Schmidt Christopher W.
Published: November 2009

Dental microwear analysts have demonstrated that hard diets leave numerous microscopic pits on occlusal surfaces. The relationship between occlusal pitting and gross macrowear, however, is not well known. The current study seeks to elucidate the relationship between dental microwear and macrowear by determining if microscopically pitted teeth are associated with greater expressions of macrowear. This study examined microwear and macrowear on mandibular second molars from 60 prehistoric adult Native Americans representing three dietary regimes (foraging, mixed economy, and agriculture). Initially, two dental microwear feature variables were studied: percentage of pits and mean scratch width. Standard macrowear scores ranged from 4 to 40. ANOVAs suggested that neither of the microwear variables was affected by age or sex, but age affected macrowear scores. Because of this, the sample had a balanced number of young and old adults (i.e., those below and above skeletal age 35). A Pearson's correlation showed no covariation between scratch width and the percentage of pits. Regression analysis indicated that macrowear was not a function of the percentage of pits. However, a significant positive relationship was found between dental macrowear and scratch width. A post priori test found a significant negative relationship between macrowear and the total number of scratches. It is concluded, then, that wide scratches remove more enamel and dentin than do numerous pits, although both cause dental wear. It is suggested here that the term “abrasive” be used to describe those microwear profiles that lead to heavy macrowear and have relatively wide scratches. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Olfactory epithelium amyloid‐β and paired helical filament‐tau pathology in Alzheimer disease
Authors: Arnold Steven E. , Lee Edward B. , Moberg Paul J. , Stutzbach Lauren , Kazi Hala , Han Li‐Ying , Lee Virginia M. Y. , Trojanowski John Q.
Published: November 2009

Objective

Olfactory dysfunction is common in Alzheimer disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Paired helical filament (PHF)‐tau, α‐synuclein, and amyloid‐β lesions occur early and severely in cerebral regions of the olfactory system, and they have also been observed in olfactory epithelium (OE). However, their frequency, abundance, and disease specificity, and the relationships of OE pathology to brain pathology have not been established.

Methods

We investigated the pathological expression of amyloid‐β, PHFtau, α‐synuclein, and TDP‐43 in postmortem OE of 79 cases with AD, 63 cases with various other neurodegenerative diseases, and 45 neuropathologically normal cases.

Results

Amyloid‐β was present as punctate and small patchy aggregates in 71% of AD cases, compared with 22% of normal cases and 14% of cases with other diseases, and in greater amounts in AD than in either of the other 2 diagnostic categories. PHFtau was evident in dystrophic neurites in 55% of cases with AD, 34% with normal brains, and 39% with other neurodegenerative diseases, also at higher densities in AD. α‐Synuclein was present in dystrophic neurites in 7 cases, 6 of which also had cerebral Lewy bodies. Pathological TDP‐43 inclusions were not observed in the OE in any cases. Amyloid‐β and to a lesser degree, PHFtau ratings in OE significantly correlated with cortical Aβ and PHFtau lesion ratings in the brain.

Interpretation

These data demonstrate that AD pathology in the OE is present in the majority of cases with pathologically verified AD and correlates with brain pathology. Future work may assess the utility of amyloid‐β and PHFtau measurement in OE as a biomarker for AD. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:462–469
Dementia incidence continues to increase with age in the oldest old: The 90+ study
Authors: Corrada María M. , Brookmeyer Ron , Paganini‐Hill Annlia , Berlau Daniel , Kawas Claudia H.
Published: November 2009

Objective

The oldest old are the fastest growing segment of the US population, and accurate estimates of dementia incidence in this group are crucial for healthcare planning. Although dementia incidence doubles every 5 years from ages 65 to 90 years, it is unknown if this exponential increase continues past age 90 years. Here, we estimate age‐ and sex‐specific incidence rates of all‐cause dementia in people aged 90 years and older, including estimates for centenarians.

Methods

Participants are from The 90+ Study, a population‐based longitudinal study of aging and dementia. Three hundred thirty nondemented participants aged 90 years and older at baseline were followed between January 2003 and December 2007. Age‐ and sex‐specific incidence rates of all‐cause dementia were estimated by person‐years analysis.

Results

The overall incidence rate of all‐cause dementia was 18.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 15.3–21.5) per year and was similar for men and women (risk ratio, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.65–1.37). Rates increased exponentially with age from 12.7% per year in the 90–94‐year age group, to 21.2% per year in the 95–99‐year age group, to 40.7% per year in the 100+‐year age group. The doubling time based on a Poisson regression was 5.5 years.

Interpretation

Incidence of all‐cause dementia is very high in people aged 90 years and older and continues to increase exponentially with age in both men and women. Projections of the number of people with dementia should incorporate this continuing increase of dementia incidence after age 90 years. Our results foretell the growing public health burden of dementia in an increasingly aging population. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:114–121
Antibodies to native myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein in children with inflammatory demyelinating central nervous system disease
Authors: Brilot Fabienne , Dale Russell C. , Selter Rebecca C. , Grummel Verena , Reddy Kalluri Sudhakar , Aslam Muhammad , Busch Verena , Zhou Dun , Cepok Sabine , Hemmer Bernhard
Published: November 2009

Objective

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) is a candidate target antigen in demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Although MOG is encephalitogenic in different animal models, the relevance of this antigen in human autoimmune diseases of the CNS is still controversial.

Methods

We investigated the occurrence and biological activity of antibodies to native MOG (nMOG) in 47 children during a first episode of CNS demyelination (acute disseminated encephalomyelitis [ADEM], n = 19 and clinical isolated syndrome [CIS], n = 28) by a cell‐based bioassay.

Results

High serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers to nMOG were detected in 40% of children with CIS/ADEM but 0% of the control children affected by other neurological diseases, healthy children, or adults with inflammatory demyelinating diseases, respectively. By contrast, IgM antibodies to nMOG occurred in only 3 children affected by ADEM. Children with high anti‐nMOG IgG titer were significantly younger than those with low IgG titer. Anti‐nMOG IgG titers did not differ between the ADEM and CIS group, and did not predict conversion from CIS to MS during a mean 2‐year follow‐up. However, intrathecal IgG anti‐MOG antibody synthesis was only seen in CIS children. IgG antibodies to nMOG not only bound to the extracellular domain of nMOG, but also induced natural killer cell‐mediated killing of nMOG‐expressing cells in vitro.

Interpretation

Overall, these findings suggest nMOG as a major target of the humoral immune response in a subgroup of children affected by inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the CNS. Children may provide valuable insight into the earliest immune mechanisms of CNS demyelination. Ann Neurol 2009;66:833–842
Steroid receptor phosphorylation: Assigning function to site‐specific phosphorylation
Authors: Ward Robert D. , Weigel Nancy L.
Published: November 2009

Steroid receptors (SRs) are hormone‐activated transcription factors important for a wide variety of cellular functions. Post‐translational modifications of SRs, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, acetylation, and sumoylation regulate their expression and function. The remarkable number of phosphorylation sites in these receptors and the wide variety of kinases shown to modulate phosphorylation influence the integration between cell‐signaling pathways and SR action. These phosphorylation sites have been identified in all of the functional domains with the majority being located within the amino‐terminal portions of the receptors. The regulation of function is receptor specific, site specific, and often dependent on the cellular context. Numerous roles for site‐specific phosphorylation have been elucidated including sensitivity of hormone response, DNA binding, expression, stability, subcellular localization, dimerization, and protein–protein interactions that can determine the regulation of specific target genes. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding receptor site‐specific phosphorylation and regulation of function. As functional assays become more sophisticated, it is likely that additional roles for phosphorylation in receptor function will be identified.
Relationship of protozoan biomass to phosphate and nitrate removal from activated sludge mixed liquor
Authors: Akpor Oghenerobor B. , Momba Maggy N. B.
Published: November 2009

The relationship between protozoan biomass concentration and phosphate and nitrate removal was investigated in mixed liquor using three different carbon sources as supplements. The study was carried out using three respective initial biomass concentrations in a shaking flask environment. Samples were taken every 24 h to determine phosphate, nitrate, dissolved oxygen and chemical oxygen demand. The results revealed a direct relationship between decreases in nutrient concentrations and increases in cell densities of the isolates. Between 24 and 96 h, the increases in the protozoan density corresponded to a phosphate decreases from initial ranges of 55.42–57.36 mg/L, 50.27–51.17 mg/L and 50.01–50.83 mg/L to final ranges of 2.46–11.90 mg/L, 0.61–11.80 mg/L and 1.29–13.89 mg/L, in the presence of Aspidisca, Trachelophyllum and Peranema, respectively. Nitrate concentrations were observed to decrease from initial ranges of 23.84–25.90 mg/L, 23.94–25.84 mg/L and 26.12–26.54 mg/L to final ranges of 0.11–6.32 mg/L, 0.16–5.60 mg/L and 0.24–9.04 mg/L, respectively. The study had revealed that an increase in cell density of the test isolates produces a corresponding increase in phosphate and nitrate removal.
Development of a method to measure methadone enantiomers and its metabolites without enantiomer standard compounds for the plasma of methadone maintenance patients
Authors: Wang Sheng‐Chang , Ho Ing‐Kang , Wu Shiow‐Ling , Liu Shu Chih , Kuo Hsiang‐Wei , Lin Keh‐Ming , Liu Yu‐Li
Published: November 2009

A liquid chromatography–photodiode array (LC‐PDA) method using a chiral analytical column was developed to determine the plasma levels of enantiomers of methadone and its chiral metabolite, 2‐ethylidene‐1,5‐dimethyl‐3,3‐diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP), without the standard compounds of R‐form or S‐form enantiomers. This method was established by the characteristics of recombinant cytochrome P‐450 (CYP) isozymes, where CYP2C19 prefers to metabolize R‐methadone and CYP2B6 prefers to metabolize S‐methadone. We incubated the racemic methadone standard with either enzyme for 24 h. We identified the retention times of R‐ and S‐methadone to be around 10.72 and 14.46 min, respectively. Furthermore, we determined the retention times of R‐ and S‐EDDP to be approximately 6.76 and 7.72 min, respectively. No interferences were shown through the retention times of morphine, buprenorphine and diazepam. With the high recovery rate of a solid‐phase extraction procedure, this method was applied in analyzing plasma concentrations of seven methadone maintenance patients where R‐ and S‐methadone and R‐ and S‐EDDP were 233.4 ± 154.9 and 185.9 ± 136.3 ng/mL and 84.4 ± 99.4 and 37.6 ± 22.9 ng/mL, respectively. These data suggest that the present method can be applied for routine assay for plasma methadone and EDDP concentrations for patients under treatment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐performance liquid chromatography with solid‐phase extraction for the quantitative determination of nilotinib in human plasma
Authors: Miura Masatomo , Takahashi Naoto , Sawada Ken‐ichi
Published: November 2009

A simple, rapid and sensitive high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)‐based method with ultraviolet detection was developed for the quantitation of nilotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in human plasma. Nilotinib and the internal standard dasatinib were separated using a mobile phase of 0.5% KH2PO4 (pH2.5)–acetonitrile–methanol (55:25:20, v/v/v) on a Capcell Pak MG II column (250 × 4.6 mm) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min and optical measurement at 250 nm. Analysis required only 100 μL of plasma and involved a rapid and simple solid‐phase extraction with an Oasis HLB cartridge, which gave recoveries from 72 to 78% for nilotinib and from 74 to 76% for dasatinib. The lower limit of quantification for nilotinib was 10 ng/mL. The linear range of this assay was between 10 and 5000 ng/mL (r2 > 0.9992 for the regression line). Intra‐ and inter‐day coefficients of variation were less than 10.0% and accuracies were within 10.4% over the linear range. Our results indicate that this method is applicable to the monitoring of plasma levels of nilotinib in a clinical setting. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A didactic computational tool for monitoring and control of arc welding processes—Teaching and research
Authors: Gonçalves e Silva Régis Henrique , Dutra Jair Carlos , Locatelli Guilherme
Published: November 2009

This paper describes the development of a control and monitoring platform for arc welding processes, which provides versatility and efficiency in the scientific study and teaching of welding technology. The implemented system is capable of executing different welding modalities as well as effecting substantial changes in their function logic in a simple and didactic manner. One of the innovations promoted by the development of this system is the possibility of drawing waveforms of the welding current for the arc welding processes (MIG/MAG, TIG, Plasma) thus allowing a more visual and interactive method for demonstrating the characteristics of each variant. This also allows deepening of the studies related to the metal transfer (MIG/MAG) and, as a consequence, presenting technological innovations for this process. The control and monitoring platform developed was structured in such a way as to be able to incorporate new technologies, allowing its updating together with the evolution of welding processes. The generated files can also be exported and transferred online, so that several institutions are able to interact in synergic projects. In this context, this system is presented as an alternative with significant potential for welding studies in teaching and research institutions both in Brazil and abroad. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 20: 239–246, 2012
Girls' and boys' experiences and perceptions of parental discipline and punishment while growing up in China and England
Authors: Hester Marianne , He Junping , Tian Lan
Published: November 2009

This article draws on comparative research involving an exploratory and retrospective survey of 498 students in China and 481 in England and follow‐up interviews, focusing on their experiences of physical punishment and disciplinary behaviour from mothers and fathers ‘while growing up’, including how they felt about their experiences and views concerning what might be perceived as ‘acceptable’ or ‘unacceptable’ punishments. The emphasis is on the Chinese findings, although the English findings are referred to for comparison and debate. As children, the Chinese students who were surveyed experienced similar types and levels of punishment, although with significant gendered differences echoing traditional Chinese perceptions of ‘passive’ female and ‘active’ male. In a similar vein, there also appeared to be greater expectations in relation to educational achievement for boys in China. While most of the Chinese respondents thought the use of physical punishment acceptable for disciplining children, there were indications that this was being questioned and that some wanted change. The UK students, compared to the Chinese, reported lower levels of physical punishment, although the use of punishment to curtail boys' behaviour was in some respects similar. Use of physical punishment was deemed less acceptable by the UK respondents. Copyright. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Precision and accuracy of risk scores for in‐hospital death after percutaneous coronary intervention in the current era
Authors: Brener Sorin J. , Colombo Karen D. , Haq Salman A. , Bose Sanjay , Sacchi Terrence J.
Published: November 2009

Background: Various risk assessment scores were proposed in the last decade for prediction of in‐hospital mortality in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We sought to apply two validated scores, the Mayo Clinic Risk Score (MCRS) and the New York Risk Score (NYRS) to a contemporary cohort treated at a single institution and to simplify the NYRS, such that the parameters used in both scores are similar. Methods and Results: Patients undergoing PCI in 2005–2007 were included. MCRS and NYRS were calculated for each patient. A simplified NYRS, similar to MCRS, was constructed by deleting two variables (gender and left main coronary stenosis). Model discrimination was assessed by the C statistic and goodness‐of‐fit (calibration) was measured with the Hosmer‐Lemeshow test. There were 3,165 procedures. The in‐hospital mortality was 0.56% (95% CI 0.31–0.83%). Mean MCRS was 2.7 ± 2.4 (predicted mortality 0.3%). The C‐statistic for MCRS was 0.82 (0.71–0.94) and the model was well calibrated (P = 0.79). Mean NYRS was 5.1 ± 3.3, (predicted mortality 0.23%). The C‐statistic for NYRS was 0.83 (0.74–0.95), not different from MCRS (P = 0.62) and the model was well calibrated (P = 0.29). The mean simplified NYRS was 4.6 ± 3.1 among survivors and 10.9 ± 5.8 among those who died, P < 0.001. The score had a C‐statistic of 0.83 (0.71–0.95), not different from MCRS (P = 0.84) or NYRS (P = 0.27) and was well calibrated (P = 0.71). Conclusion: PCI risk scores utilizing easily collected variables are useful in discriminating risk and predicting death. NYRS might be simplified by removing the gender and left main coronary stenosis variables from its algorithm. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous aortic valve implantation using novel imaging guidance
Authors: Dvir Danny , Kornowski Ran
Published: November 2009

Thorough imaging of the aortic valve and related structures is highly important before and during percutaneous valve implantation. However, imaging modalities currently used in the catheterization room, namely, conventional aortography and transesophageal echocardiography are limited in guiding the precise valve placement during the implantation procedure. A novel real‐time imaging modality capable of three‐dimensional reconstruction of the ascending aorta has recently been introduced (CardioOp‐THV, C‐THV, Paieon Inc., Park Afek, Israel). We applied this system during a complex procedure of percutaneous aortic valve implantation in a patient with severe aortic tortuosity, large aortic‐valve angulation, and asymmetric septal hypertrophy. We found the guidance system very helpful not only for accurate positioning of the valve but also for selecting the optimal projection for valve implantation, selecting the prosthetic valve size, and evaluating the results after deployment. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transcatheter closure of large congenital coronary‐cameral fistulae with Amplatzer devices
Authors: Bruckheimer Elchanan , Harris Matthew , Kornowski Ran , Dagan Tamir , Birk Einat
Published: November 2009

Objectives: To report on the methods and results of treatment of large congenital coronary‐cameral fistulae by transcatheter closure with Amplatzer devices. Background: Large coronary‐cameral fistulae cause a steal phenomenon from the normal coronary circulation. Surgical closure is an option. However, transcatheter methods allow for temporary occlusion, definition of anatomy, and online assessment of successful closure. Amplatzer devices are compact occluders that can be fully delivered, collapsed, and repositioned until a satisfactory position is attained. Methods: Coronary and fistula anatomy were defined by selective coronary angiography with or without temporary occlusion. Device closure of the fistula was performed at the most distal point accessible, often from the cameral side using an arteriovenous loop method. Results: Ten patients of median age 2.6 years (0.5–52.2) and weight 14.4 kg (6.1–67) underwent an attempt at transcatheter closure of a large fistula. In nine patients, the fistula was closed successfully with a device. There were no complications. Conclusions: Transcatheter closure of coronary‐cameral fistula with Amplatzer devices is safe and effective. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The amplatzer vascular plug and amplatzer vascular plug II for vascular occlusion procedures in 50 patients with congenital cardiovascular disease
Authors: Schwartz Matthew , Glatz Andrew C. , Rome Jonathan J. , Gillespie Matthew J.
Published: November 2009

Objective: To describe the use of the amplatzer vascular plug (plug 1) and amplatzer vascular plug II (plug 2) in patients with congenital cardiovascular disease (CCVD). Background: Plugs 1 and 2 have recently been made available. We report our experience describing plugs 1 and 2 in patients with CCVD highlighting the versatility of these devices. Methods: All patients with CCVD who underwent a vascular occlusion procedure at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia between August 1, 2004 and July 30, 2009 with plug 1 or 2 were included. A retrospective review was performed. Results: Fifty patients underwent vascular occlusion procedure with plug 1 or 2 at a median age of 2.0 years (range 1 day to 47 years) and median weight of 12.3 kg (range 3.1–98 kg). Fifty‐eight plugs (43% plug 1, 57% plug 2) were placed in 52 vessels. Of these vessels, 20 (38%) were patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), 14 (27%) venous collaterals, 5 (10%) aorto‐pulmonary collaterals, 4 (8%) modified Blalock Taussig shunts, 3 (5%) porto‐systemic connections, and 6 (12%) miscellaneous structures. Excluding a patient who was lost to follow‐up, complete occlusion was observed in 100% of vessels either at the time of the catheterization or at follow‐up. There were two complications (3.8%). Conclusions: Plugs 1 and 2 are safe and effective devices that can be used in a variety of blood vessels in patients with CCVD. Plug 2 is particularly useful in closure of high‐flow, tubular structures, especially type C PDA's. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sm3+‐Doped Bi2O3 Photocatalyst Prepared by Hydrothermal Synthesis
Authors: Krishna Reddy Jakkidi , Srinivas Basavaraju , Durga Kumari Valluri , Subrahmanyam Machiraju
Published: November 2009

Bi2O3 and Sm3+‐doped Bi2O3 visible‐light‐active photocatalysts with different Sm3+ loadings (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 wt %) were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The structural properties of the prepared catalysts were studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), BET surface area, UV/Vis diffuse reflectance (DRS), FTIR, and X‐ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopic techniques. The XRD spectra of the Sm‐doped Bi2O3 catalysts calcined at 550 °C show only the characteristic peaks of Bi2O3. A high red shift in the range 450–600 nm was detected in the DRS band, leading to a large decrease in the band‐gap energy from 2.82 to 2.0 eV. This red shift increased with increasing Sm content. XPS results revealed that Sm interacted with Bi2O3, wherein both Bi and Sm were in the +3 oxidation state. The photocatalytic activities of the catalysts were evaluated for the degradation of methylene blue and phenol under solar irradiation. Of all of the catalysts prepared, the Sm3+‐doped Bi2O3 with a Sm loading of 1 wt % gave the best photocatalytic activity.
Order Versus Disorder in Chiral Tetrathiafulvalene‐Oxazoline Radical‐Cation Salts: Structural and Theoretical Investigations and Physical Properties
Authors: Madalan Augustin M. , Réthoré Céline , Fourmigué Marc , Canadell Enric , Lopes Elsa B. , Almeida Manuel , Auban‐Senzier Pascale , Avarvari Narcis
Published: November 2009

Electrocrystallization experiments with the chiral ethylenedithio‐tetrathiafulvalene‐methyl‐oxazoline (EDT‐TTF‐OX) donors (R)‐, (S)‐, and (rac)‐1 have provided two series of mixed‐valence salts with the PF6− and [Au(CN)2]− anions. Within each series the cell parameters are the same for the three R, S, and rac compounds, except for the space group, which is centrosymmetric triclinic P$\bar 1$ for the racemic forms and noncentrosymmetric P1 for the enantiopure salts. In the racemic salt [(rac)‐1]2PF6 the two enantiomers crystallize disordered on the same crystallographic site with a site occupational factor of 0.6:0.4, whereas this type of disorder is not possible in the enantiopure salts. Both s‐cis and s‐trans conformations, when taking into account the mutual orientation of the TTF and oxazoline moieties, are present in this first series. In sharp contrast, in the series of salts [1]2[Au(CN)2], only the s‐trans conformation is observed with no structural disorder. Theoretical calculations at the DFT level of theory revealed a very small energy difference between the two stable planar s‐cis and s‐trans conformations, which are both energy minima in either neutral or oxidized states. Single‐crystal conductivity measurements showed metallic‐like behavior for all the salts down to 220–250 K with a smooth increase in resistivity at lower temperatures. The conductivity at room temperature is 5 S cm−1 for [(rac)‐1]2PF6, in which disorder was observed, whereas for [(R)‐1]2PF6 and [(S)‐1]2PF6 the average value is around 100 S cm−1. In the second series of salts the conductivity at room temperature is 125–130 S cm−1 for [(rac)‐1]2[Au(CN)2] and [(R)‐1]2[Au(CN)2]. Extended Hückel band structure calculations revealed identical features for the three salts of the [1]2[Au(CN)2] series and are consistent with the electronic structures of quasi‐one‐dimensional conductors.
Noncovalent Synthesis of Hierarchical Zinc Phosphates from a Single Zn4O12P4 Double‐Four‐Ring Building Block: Dimensionality Control through the Choice of Auxiliary Ligands
Authors: Murugavel Ramaswamy , Kuppuswamy Subramaniam , Gogoi Nayanmoni , Boomishankar Ramamoorthy , Steiner Alexander
Published: November 2009

In contrast to the well‐known reaction of phosphonic acids RP(O)(OH)2 with divalent transition‐metal ions that yields layered metal phosphonates [RPO3M(H2O)]n, the 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl ester of phosphoric acid, dippH2, reacts with zinc acetate in methanol under ambient conditions to afford tetrameric zinc phosphate [(ArO)PO3Zn(MeOH)]4 (1). The coordinated methanol in 1 can be readily exchanged by stronger Lewis basic ligands at room temperature. This strategy opens up a new avenue for building double‐four‐ring (D4R) cubane‐based supramolecular assemblies through strong intercubane hydrogen‐bonding interactions. Seventeen pyridinic ligands have been used to synthesize as many D4R cubanes [(ArO)PO3Zn(L)]4 (2–18) from 1. The ligands have been chosen in such a way that the majority of them contain an additional functional group that could be used for noncovalent synthesis of extended structures. When the ligand does not contain any other hydrogen‐bonding donor–acceptor sites (e.g., 2,4,6‐trimethylpyridine (collidine)), zero‐dimensional D4R cubanes have been obtained. The use of pyridine, lutidine, 2‐aminopyridine, and 2,6‐diaminopyridine, however, results in the formation of linear or zigzag one‐dimensional assemblies of D4R cubanes through strong intermolecular CH⋅⋅⋅O or NH⋅⋅⋅O interactions. Construction of two‐dimensional assemblies of zinc phosphates has been achieved by employing 2‐hydroxypyridine or 2‐methylimidazole as the exo‐cubane ligand on zinc centers. The introduction of an alcohol side chain on the pyridinic ligand in such a way that the CH2OH group cannot participate in intracubane hydrogen bonding (e.g., pyridine‐3‐methanol, pyridine‐4‐methanol, and 3,5‐dimethylpyrazole‐N‐ethanol) leads to the facile noncovalent synthesis of three‐dimensional framework structures. Apart from being useful as building blocks for noncovalent synthesis of zeolite‐like materials, compounds 1–18 can also be thermolyzed at approximately 500 °C to yield high‐purity zinc pyrophosphate (Zn2P2O7) ceramic material.
Protecting‐Group‐Free Total Synthesis of Isoquinoline Alkaloids by Nickel‐Catalyzed Annulation ofo‐Halobenzaldimine with an Alkyne as the Key Step
Authors: Korivi Rajendra Prasad , Cheng Chien‐Hong
Published: November 2009

An efficient short total synthesis of benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids including oxyavicine, oxynitidine, and oxysanguinarine is described. Thus,N‐methyl‐o‐bromobenzaldimines1 b–dundergo regioselective cyclization with 4‐(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol‐5‐yl)but‐3‐yn‐1‐ol (2 b) in the presence of [Ni(cod)2] (cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene). In situ oxidation of the resultant isoquinolinium salts gives isoquinolinone derivatives5 b–dwith benzo[d][1,3]dioxol‐5‐yl substitution at the C3atom and a (CH2)2OH group at the C4atom. Later, oxidation of the alcohol group in5 b–dto the aldehyde moiety followed by acid‐catalyzed cyclization and dehydration completes the total syntheses to give oxyavicine, oxynitidine, and oxysanguinarine in 67, 65, and 60 % yields, respectively. The synthesis requires four steps fromo‐bromobenzaldehyde derivatives. Transformations of these alkaloids to the other alkaloids in this family are also discussed herein.
Using discrete optimization for designing dental shade guides
Authors: Cocking Cara , Helling Stephan , Oswald Marcus , Rammelsberg Peter , Reinelt Gerhard , Hassel Alexander J.
Published: November 2009

A key criterion in the design of dental shade guides used for matching tooth color is that the shade tabs cover the natural tooth color space as completely as possible with a manageable number of tabs. Earlier studies have designed hypothetical shade guides from a given population of tooth colors described in the CIELAB system using the goal of minimizing the mean coverage error. In this study, we investigate this topic using the goal of maximizing coverage, meaning that as many measured colors as possible were within a given color difference from the nearest shade tab of the guide. We use techniques of linear discrete optimization to determine the positions of the shade tabs and consider both color difference formulas, CIELAB and CIEDE2000, in an exemplary tooth color population. We obtain coverage error and coverage figures for hypothetical shade guides of various numbers of tabs designed with the goal of either minimizing coverage error or maximizing coverage. Results show that discrete optimization and the goal of maximizing coverage could be used to improve shade guide development. The described technique could be used not only for dental shade guides development, but also for any purpose requiring coverage of as many colors as possible while keeping the number of reference colors manageable. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2010
Microstructured Plasma Sources
Authors: Büttgenbach S. , Lucas N. , Sichler P.
Published: November 2009

Dielectric barrier discharges generated in microcavities or by the use of microstructures have gained increasing interest in research and industry in recent years. This is due to the advantages of small dimensions of microstructured plasma sources and particularly their ability to generate plasmas at atmospheric pressure. In the scope of this work the design and fabrication of two different microplasma sources is presented. First, microplasma reactors based on microstructured electrode arrays which have detailed dimensions in the range of some tens of micrometers and have been successfully applied for the decomposition of waste gases are presented. Subsequently microplasma stamps, which allow the generation of microplasmas in closed cavities and which are powerful process tools for area‐selective modification of various surfaces at atmospheric pressure, are presented. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
When monocytes and platelets compete: The effect of platelet count on the flow cytometric measurement of monocyte CD36
Authors: Dzik W.H. , Cserti‐Gazdewich C.M. , Ssewanyana I. , DeLelys M. , Preffer F.I.
Published: November 2009

Background:

Flow cytometric measurement of monocyte surface CD36 is relevant to several conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lipid disorders, platelet isoimmunization, and susceptibility to P falciparum malaria. CD36 is also strongly expressed on platelets where it is also known as platelet glycoprotein IV.

Methods:

Whole blood samples, containing identical monocyte concentrations, were adjusted to contain platelets ranging from 20,000/uL to 600,000/uL, were stained with fluorescent‐labeled anti‐CD36, and analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results:

CD36 median fluorescent intensity (MFI) observed on monocytes decreased as the platelet concentration in the sample increased with more than a 50% decline in monocyte MFI over the normal range of platelet values. The effect was not abolished by using larger volumes of monoclonal antibody and was observed with different clones of reagent anti‐CD36. The findings were most consistent with competition by platelets for the CD36 reagent. Similar findings were observed with antibody to class I HLA. Under defined assay conditions, monocyte CD36 MFI declined with rising platelet concentration in a predictable fashion following an inverse linear relationship.

Conclusions:

Measurement of CD36 expression on monocytes by flow cytometry in whole blood samples is affected by the sample platelet count. When comparing the monocyte CD36 expression among different individuals, our approach can be used to adjust measured monocyte CD36 expression for the effect of the platelet concentration in the sample. Competition by platelets for monoclonal reagents may occur in other settings when whole blood assays are used and when the target antigen is strongly expressed on both platelets and leukocytes. © 2009 Clinical Cytometry Society
Voltammetric determination of sulfamethoxazole at a multiwalled carbon nanotube modified glassy carbon sensor and its application studies
Authors: Issac Sindhu , Girish Kumar K.
Published: November 2009

Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) is an anti‐bacterial sulfonamide. It prevents the formation of dihydrofolic acid, a compound that bacteria need in order to survive. The present work details the voltammetric analysis of SMX at a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)‐Nafion modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Sulfamethoxazole gives a well defined oxidation peak at 0.74 V in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution (PBS) of pH 8.0. The experimental parameters such as the amount of MWCNT‐Nafion suspension, the pH of the supporting electrolyte and scan rate were optimized and a direct electrochemical method for the determination of SMX was developed. Under optimum conditions the oxidation peak current is linear to the concentration of SMX in the range 1 × 10−2 − 5 × 10−5 M with a detection limit of 1 × 10−5 M. The MWCNT/GCE showed good stability, selectivity and was successfully used to quantify SMX in pharmaceutical formulations and urine sample. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generation of method AC Ampere force using eddy current inside a nonmagnetic thin plate and its effect on electrodynamic suspension
Authors: Ohji Takahisa , Sato Masaaki , Amei Kenji , Sakui Masaaki
Published: November 2009

In this paper, we propose a novel method for magnetic levitation force generation. In our method, we utilized three AC electromagnets that generate the inductive and AC Ampere forces. One electromagnet is installed above the surface and the other two in both sides of thin plate. Phase conditions providing the maximum levitation force are derived from 2‐dimensional finite element analysis. In order to confirm the performance of the proposed method, we performed some experiments. The experimental results show that in difference from conventional AC methods, the magnetic levitation force is increased around 5.9 times for the same eddy current inside the aluminum plate. In addition, the relations between excitation frequency, plate thickness and total levitation force are explained in details. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 170(3): 48–56, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20905
Unaltered negative selection and Treg development of self‐reactive thymocytes in TCR transgenic Fyn‐deficient mice
Authors: Mamchak Alusha A. , Thien Christine B. F. , Dagger Samantha A. , Lyandres Julia , Jiang Shuwei , Langdon Wallace Y. , DeFranco Anthony L.
Published: November 2009

The tyrosine kinase Fyn has been implicated as playing an important role in the generation of both stimulatory and inhibitory signaling events induced by TCR engagement. To assess the role of Fyn for antigen‐driven negative selection and Treg development, which are both dependent on the strength and nature of TCR signaling, we generated mice that co‐express the transgenes for OVA and the OT‐II TCR, which recognizes a peptide from OVA. In mice expressing both transgenes, negative selection, Treg development in the thymus, and the number of Treg in the periphery were each unaffected by ablation of Fyn. Moreover, fyn−/− Treg were functional, as assessed in vitro. We further tested the role of Fyn for the adaptor function of c‐Cbl, using mice containing a point mutation in c‐Cbl that abolishes its E3 ubiquitin ligase function but maintains its adaptor function. The functional and signaling properties of this mutant c‐Cbl were unaltered in fyn−/− thymocytes. Combined, these data indicate that Fyn was not required for the induction of central tolerance by negative selection, the adaptor protein role of c‐Cbl, or the normal development and function of Treg.
Permo‐Triassic development from Ireland to Norway: basin architecture and regional controls
Authors: Štolfová Kateřina , Shannon Patrick M.
Published: November 2009

Extensive occurrences of Permo‐Triassic strata are preserved along the Northwest European Atlantic margin. Seismic reflection and well data are used to describe large‐scale Permo‐Triassic basin geometries along a swath of the continental shelf more than 2000 km long extending from the Irish to the mid‐Norwegian sectors. Successions in the Celtic Sea, the flanks of the Irish Rockall Basin, basins west and north of Scotland, and the Trøndelag and Horda platforms west of Norway are described. The large‐scale Permo‐Triassic depositional geometries commonly represent erosional remnants of larger basins modified by later rifting episodes, uplift, inversion and continental breakup. However, the interpreted geometries reveal spatial and temporal differences in rifting style. The basins developed above a complex mosaic of petrologically heterogeneous crustal terranes with inherited crustal fabrics, which had a significant impact on the depositional basin geometries. Small Permian basins with growth faulting developed in the southern Celtic Sea region. Extensive, uniformly thick Triassic strata are characteristic of the wide rift basins in the southeastern Rockall Basin and northwest of the Solan Bank High. Thick, fault‐controlled basins developed in the Horda and Trøndelag platform regions. The main controls on Permo‐Triassic basin architecture are (a) crustal thickness and composition, which determined the development of narrow or wide rift basin geometries, (b) inherited Variscan, Caledonian and Precambrian basement structures and (c) pre‐rift palaeotopography. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.