bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship of rainfall variability in West Central Africa to sea‐surface temperature fluctuations
Authors: Balas N. , Nicholson S. E. , Klotter D.
Published: June 2007

This study examines the interannual variability of rainfall in western equatorial Africa and its links to sea‐surface temperatures (SSTs). Five geographical regions within the latitudes 10°N–5°S are delineated for the analysis. The links to SSTs in the tropical Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans are examined via seasonal composites of wet and dry years and via linear correlations.

The results show that interannual variability is extremely complex in this region and that several factors govern it. The most important include SST anomalies along the Benguela Coast, a general warming or cooling of the tropical oceans, Atlantic SSTs specifically, the contrast between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and the Pacific El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO). These factors differ seasonally. In much of the region, rainfall variability is linked to the Pacific El Niño and the western Indian Ocean early in the year, but to the Atlantic during the boreal summer months. The Indian Ocean again becomes important in late summer/early fall.

The role of the Atlantic appears to be the modulation of the north–south excursion of the Intertropical convergence Zone (ITCZ). Hence the polarity of the SST/rainfall association depends on location. The association between SSTs near the coast and rainfall is positive if the influence is direct but can be positive or negative for indirect influences. An opposition between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans appears to displace convection in an east–west direction.

Our results suggest several generic conclusions concerning the link between SSTs and continental rainfall. One is that the influence of the three oceans is seasonally dependent. The impact of a specific SST anomaly is also seasonally dependent. The same SST pattern may enhance rainfall in one season, but reduce it in the following season. Finally, the SST/rainfall associations are generally not symmetric. That is, the factors producing wet conditions are not the reverse of those producing dry conditions. In order to understand these associations, the underlying mechanisms via the general atmospheric circulation must be determined. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Spatio‐temporal climatic change of rainfall in East Java Indonesia
Authors: Aldrian Edvin , Djamil Yudha Setiawan
Published: June 2007

Spatial and temporal rainfall analysis of the Brantas Catchment Area (DAS Brantas), East Java, from 1955 to 2005 based on 40 rainfall stations with monthly rainfall data derived from daily rainfall data has been performed. To identify the climatic trend and annual changes in the area over the last five decades, we use the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) method based on multivariate statistics, followed by the fast Fourier transform (FFT) method for the power density spectrum analysis, the non‐parametric Mann‐Kendall trend test and the wavelet transform method. With EOF, we found the monsoonal rainfall pattern as the most dominant in this area, which explains about 72% of all variances. Without the annual signal, the leading EOF shows significant ENSO‐modulated inter‐annual and seasonal variabilities, especially during the second transitional period. We found a common and significant negative trend of accumulated rainfall and a negative trend of the monsoonal strength and dominance. This finding leads to changes in the annual pattern, which are increase in the ratio of rainfall during the wet season and increase of the dry spell period or the imbalance of the annual pattern. The increased ratio of the rainfall in the wet season has led to an increased threat of drought in the dry season and extreme weather in the wet season in recent decades. The role of the orographic effect had been detected from the decadal pattern, in which the high‐altitude areas have greater rainfall amount all year round. From the decadal isohyets in December/January/February (DJF) and June/July/August (JJA), the rainfall amount decreased significantly during the last five decades as shown by a persistent increase of areas with low rainfall amount. By comparing the time series of rainfall data in two locations, the mountain and coastal areas, we discovered that the dry periods have increased, mainly in the low altitude area. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Cloudiness variations in Łódź in the second half of the 20th century
Authors: Wibig Joanna
Published: June 2007

In Łódź, the total cloud cover has significantly decreased in the second half of the 20th century. This change is opposite to that of the low‐level cloud cover in the warm part of the year. But the most important are variations in frequencies of different cloud types. The stratiform clouds, St and Ns, became less frequent, whereas the convective ones, Cu and Cb, became more frequent. The rise in Ac and high‐level clouds and the fall in As clouds were also observed. These changes are consistent with other observations in central and eastern Europe. Because different cloud types are created in different conditions, their variability is a valuable tool for assessment of changes in processes taking place in the troposphere. Such reorganization in cloud types distribution indicates significant changes in the vertical structure of the troposphere: fall of the frequency of temperature inversions in the lower troposphere and stronger lapse rate. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Detecting summer rainfall enhancement within metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia USA
Authors: Diem Jeremy E.
Published: June 2007

This paper presents a methodology for detecting summer rainfall enhancement within a metropolitan area. The chosen study domain is the Atlanta, Georgia USA metropolitan area, and the time period covers summer (i.e. June–August) seasons from 1949 to 2005. In order to determine if observed heavy‐rainfall frequencies at nine candidate stations in the metropolitan area are enhanced, predicted frequencies are derived from heavy‐rainfall frequencies at seven reference stations located more than 50 km from downtown Atlanta. Both parametric and non‐parametric tests are used to test for significant differences between observed frequencies and predicted frequencies within 29 overlapping 30 year periods (i.e. climatological periods). Norcross, which was ∼30 km northeast of downtown Atlanta and thus was typically downwind of urbanized Atlanta on heavy‐rainfall days at all candidate stations, was the only station to exhibit significant rainfall enhancement. The final ten climatological periods exhibited enhancement, with observed frequencies of ≥ 30 mm days for those periods being at least 20% larger than predicted frequencies. It is hoped the methods employed in this paper can be used in other metropolitan areas. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Mesoscale wind climate analysis: identification of anemological regions and wind regimes
Authors: Burlando M. , Antonelli M. , Ratto C. F.
Published: June 2007

Following the idea that the climatological study of a physical variable should aim at the comprehension of its mean state as well as the characterization of its dynamics, cluster analysis has been applied to study the wind climate of Corsica (France) in order to identify the anemological regions (mean state) and the wind regimes (weather variability) which characterize its coastal areas. The analysis is based on a 3‐year long time‐series of measurements of the wind velocity from 11 anemometric stations located along the perimeter of the island. Since the present study was an analysis preliminary to the subsequent assessment of the wind potential of Corsica, we have worked only with wind intensities. Nevertheless, at the end of our analysis, we have also considered wind directions for the final interpretation of the results. The anemological regions are defined through the comparison of 15 different clustering techniques resulting from the combination of three distance measures and five agglomerative methods. As confirmed by geographical considerations, the results identify three distinct anemological regions: the eastern region (ER), the north‐western region (NWR), the south‐western region (SWR). The wind regimes are identified by means of a two‐stage classification scheme based on a hierarchical cluster analysis followed by a partitional clustering. The final classification identifies eight regimes: the four wind regimes corresponding to the main weather patterns of Western Europe, as proposed by Plaut and Simonnet, and another four clusters corresponding to breeze regimes. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Tibiofemoral force following total knee arthroplasty: Comparison of four prosthesis designs in vitro
Authors: Nicholls Rochelle L. , Schirm Andreas C. , Jeffcote Benjamin O. , Kuster Markus S.
Published: June 2007

Despite ongoing evolution in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) prosthesis design, restricted flexion continues to be common postoperatively. Compressive tibiofemoral force during flexion is generated through the interaction between soft tissues and prosthesis geometry. In this study, we compared the compressive tibiofemoral force in vitro of four commonly used prostheses: fixed‐bearing PCL (posterior cruciate ligament)‐retaining (PFC), mobile‐bearing posterior‐stabilized (PS), posterior‐stabilized with a High Flex femoral component (HF), and mobile‐bearing PCL‐sacrificing (LCS). Fourteen fresh‐frozen cadaver knee joints were tested in a passive motion rig, and tibiofemoral force measured using a modified tibial baseplate instrumented with six load cells. The implants without posterior stabilization displayed an exponential increase in force after 90° of flexion, while PS implants maintained low force throughout the range of motion. The fixed‐bearing PFC prosthesis displayed the highest peak force (214 ± 68 N at 150° flexion). Sacrifice of the PCL decreased the peak force to a level comparable with the LCS implant. The use of a PCL‐substituting post and cam system reduced the peak force up to 78%, irrespective of whether it was a high‐flex or a standard PS knee. However, other factors such as preoperative range of motion, knee joint kinematics, soft tissue impingement, and implantation technique play a role in postoperative knee function. The present study suggests that a posterior‐stabilized TKA design might be advantageous in reducing soft tissue tension in deep flexion. Further research is necessary to fully understand all factors affecting knee flexion after TKA. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25:1506–1512, 2007
Novel function of TWEAK in inducing intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Wako Masanori , Haro Hirotaka , Ando Takashi , Hatsushika Kyosuke , Ohba Tetsuro , Iwabuchi Sadahiro , Nakao Atsuhito , Hamada Yoshiki
Published: June 2007

The goal of this research was to examine the role of TWEAK in normal disc cells and to investigate its potential role in disc degeneration. We performed histological examinations of disc tissues and assessed the role of the novel cytokine TWEAK using murine organ disc culture. The expression of both TWEAK and its receptor, Fn14, in discs was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real‐time PCR. TWEAK induced disc cells to generate MMP‐3 in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. This induction was strongly inhibited in the presence of a neutralizing antibody to TWEAK or a chimeric Fn14/Fc fusion protein. In disc tissues derived from TNF‐α receptor 1‐ or TNF‐α receptor 2‐deficient mice, recombinant TWEAK modestly induced MMP‐3. In contrast, in disc cultures lacking TWEAK, tissues from wild‐type mice or receptor‐deficient mice failed to express MMP‐3. Furthermore, aggrecan expression was potently abrogated in a time‐dependent manner in the presence of recombinant TWEAK. This is the first report to confirm expression of TWEAK and its receptor Fn14 in murine intervertebral disc tissues. The data suggest that TWEAK plays a role in MMP‐3 up‐regulation and aggrecan down‐regulation in disc tissues, resulting in proteoglycan degradation and promotion of disc degeneration. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25:1438–1446, 2007
Micro‐Raman study of Zr‐substituted Bi4Ti3O12 ceramics
Authors: Das S. R. , Dobal P. S. , Sundarakannan B. , Das R. R. , Katiyar R. S.
Published: June 2007

We have studied the lattice vibrational modes of Zr‐substituted Bi4Ti3O12 ceramics using micro‐Raman spectroscopy. Replacement of Zr at the Ti site in the perovskite block is found from the increase in the lattice parameters as a function of Zr contents. Combined X‐ray diffraction patterns and Raman analysis suggested less than 40 mole% Zr solubility in Bi4Ti3O12. At 40 mole% of Zr substitution or above, the unreacted monoclinic‐phase ZrO2 is observed in the X‐ray diffraction patterns and the Raman spectra. The incorporation of Zr in Bi4Ti3O12 reduces the soft mode wavenumber and the transition temperature. Moreover, temperature dependent studies confirmed the ferroelectric to paraelectric transition in Bi4Ti3O12 at about 675 °C. On increasing the Zr content up to 40% on the Ti sites of Bi4Ti3O12, a systematic decrease in the phase transition temperature from 675 to 630 °C was observed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiplex spectroscopy of stable and transient species in a molecular beam
Authors: Tulej M. , Meisinger M. , Knopp G. , Walser A. M. , Gerber T. , Radi P. P.
Published: June 2007

A new apparatus is described that uses nonlinear and linear spectroscopic techniques simultaneously for the characterization of stable and transient molecules in a molecular beam environment. Short‐lived species are generated by applying a well‐defined discharge on a suitable precursor prior to supersonic expansion. Femtosecond ionization and mass spectrometry is used to optimize the discharge source. Degenerate and two‐color resonant four‐wave mixing spectroscopy (DFWM and TC‐RFWM, respectively) are used in tandem with laser‐induced fluorescence (LIF) and cavity ring‐down spectroscopy (CRD). We demonstrate initial experiments on the 4051 Å band of C3 ($\tilde{A}^{1}\Pi_{u} - \tilde{X}^{1}\Sigma_{g}^{+}$], 000–000). DFWM, LIF and CRD display similarities in the general shape and position of the rovibronic transitions. A more detailed view, however, reveals the complementary character of the methods and the potential of simultaneously measured spectra. High signal‐to‐noise ratios and well‐structured spectra are obtained by DFWM. LIF is favorable for the observation of weak features but strongly dependent on the relaxation mechanism of the upper excited state. CRD suffers generally from a large background signal but yields quantitative information. By applying the methods in parallel, quantitative measurements of molecular number densities, transitions dipole moments and relaxation rates are accessible. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A non‐destructive characterization of stratigraphies in contemporary prints using micro‐Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Vila A. , Jawhari T. , García J. F.
Published: June 2007

Artistic prints are one of the most popular forms of art because their production process allows multiple reproduction of a single original. However, this characteristic has facilitated the introduction into the market of a huge number of forgeries and fakes, especially in reproductions of contemporary artists' prints. Prints consist of an image stamped on a paper support. When different colours are involved in their composition, they are printed successively and the sequences appear registered in those small areas of the artwork where two colours overlap. In general, original prints are discriminated from forgeries and fakes mainly by stylistic criteria and, secondly, by their material composition. Nevertheless, in some cases this information is not enough to differentiate between original and non‐original prints; therefore it would be helpful to establish the printing order of the different inks involved. The present study evaluates the capability of micro‐Raman spectroscopy to establish the printing order of an artistic artwork. For this, the influence of instrumental instability and intrinsic print heterogeneity was first studied in order to define the number of replicate measurements required for a proper description of the composition of a print. Microscope lenses of different magnification were also used to evaluate the improvement in depth resolution when areas with overlapped inks were analysed. Thus, this article presents the Raman results obtained on prints in which inks with very similar (ultramarine and ocean blue) and very different (ocean and Prussian blue) Raman intensity signals appear overlapped. From these results, a procedure is proposed and applied to the study of the production process of a contemporary artist's work. In all cases, the right printing order was established with a confidence level of up to 99%. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Infrared dispersion of dielectric function in Mg‐doped LiNbO3 crystals with polaronic‐type conductivity
Authors: Kitaeva G. Kh. , Kuznetsov K. A. , Shevlyuga A. V. , Penin A. N.
Published: June 2007

We have measured the refractive indices of Mg:LiNbO3 crystals before and after chemical reduction at different annealing temperatures by the spontaneous parametric down‐conversion technique and near‐forward Raman scattering by polaritons in the range 2–11 µm. The polaron‐induced contribution to the dispersion of the real part of the dielectric function was revealed near the phonon absorption edge. It was found that this contribution increases considerably with increase in the polaron concentration. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vibrational spectroscopic and force field studies of copper(II) chloride and bromide compounds, and crystal structure of KCuBr3
Authors: Stepakova Liubov V. , Skripkin Mikhail Yu. , Chernykh Lyudmila V. , Starova Galina L. , Hajba László , Mink János , Sandström Magnus
Published: June 2007

Vibrational spectroscopic and force field studies have been performed of 15 related copper(II) chloride and copper(II) bromide compounds, including hydrated salts crystallizing in ternary aqueous systems with alkali and ammonium halides. For halocuprates with distorted octahedral coordination characteristic stretching Raman wavenumbers, corresponding to symmetric stretching CuIIX modes in the equatorial plane, were found in the ranges 247–288 cm−1 for X = Cl, and 173–189 cm−1 for X = Br, while the low‐wavenumber stretching modes for the weaker axial CuX interactions varied considerably. The tetrahedral coordination for Cs2CuCl4 and Cs2CuBr4 leads to somewhat lower CuX symmetric stretching wavenumbers, 295 and 173 cm−1, respectively. The assignments of the copper–ligand stretching vibrations were performed with the aid of normal coordinate calculations. Correlations between force constants, averaged CuX stretching wavenumbers and bond distances have been evaluated considering the following aspects: (1) Jahn–Teller tetragonal distortion (axial elongation) of the octahedral copper(II) coordination environment, (2) differences between terminal and bridging halide ligands (3) effects of coordinated water and the influence of outer‐sphere cations. Force constant ratios for terminal and bridging metal–halide bonds reveal characteristic differences between planar and tetrahedrally coordinated M2X6 species. In the hydrated copper(II) halide complexes, the halide ligands are more strongly bound than coordinated water molecules. The crystal structure of KCuBr3 (K2Cu2Br6), which was determined to provide structural information for the force field analyses, contains stacks of planar dimeric [Cu2Br6]2− complexes held together by weak axial CuBr interactions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rotational CARS thermometry at high temperature (1800 K) and high pressure (0.1–1.55 MPa)
Authors: Vestin F. , Afzelius M. , Berger H. , Chaussard F. , Saint‐Loup R. , Bengtsson P.‐E.
Published: June 2007

Dual‐broadband rotational CARS (DB‐RCARS) thermometry has been investigated at high temperature and high pressure. Single‐shot measurements were performed at 1800 K, in air and nitrogen at pressures up to 1.55 MPa and in oxygen at pressures up to 0.5 MPa. For all conditions, the resonant signal contribution to the spectra clearly dominated over the non‐resonant one, implying the high potential for DB‐RCARS for temperature and concentration measurements also at the high temperatures and pressures used in the present investigation. The relative standard deviation was generally ∼2% for single‐shot data at pressures from 0.5 to 1.55 MPa. At the investigated temperature, 1800 K, rotational lines from thermally excited vibrational states could be observed in the highly resolved experimental spectra. Using a previously developed weighting procedure applied to these lines, it was demonstrated that the temperature standard deviation could be lowered with as much as 30%. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple pretreatment with low O2 to alleviate superficial scald in Granny Smith apples
Authors: Pesis Edna , Ben‐Arie Rosa , Feygenberg Oleg , Lichter Amnon , Gadiyeva Oxana , Antilofyev Ivan , Uryupina Tamara
Published: June 2007

Sealing Granny Smith apples in a low‐O2 atmosphere for 7 days at 20 °C (LO2‐20C) prior to cold storage reduced superficial scald development after 6 and 8 months at 0 °C plus 10 days at 20 °C. This LO2‐20C treatment reduced the O2 levels that induce endogenous production of significant amounts of CO2, acetaldehyde and ethanol, and thereby reduced ethylene production in cold storage, which in turn reduced scald development. Treatment with ethanol vapour (20 mL L−1) for 1 day at 20 °C plus 6 days at 1 °C or with low O2 for 1 day at 20 °C plus 6 days at 1 °C (LO2‐1C) did not reduce scald effectively. 1‐Methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) treatment at 0.5 µL L−1 was the most efficient at reducing scald development. In all treatments, superficial scald development proceeded from the distal blossom end towards the proximal stem end of fruits. After 6 months of cold storage at 0 °C, peel browning and membrane leakage, measured as electrical conductivity in situ, were greater at the blossom end than at the stem end of control, ethanol‐ and LO2‐1C‐pretreated fruits. In LO2‐20C‐ and 1‐MCP‐pretreated fruits, colour indices (hue angle, lightness and chroma) and electrolyte leakage were similar at both the stem and blossom ends and were associated with less scald development after 6 months at 0 °C. The reduction in scald development was also associated with lower peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities in the peel of LO2‐20C‐ and 1‐MCP‐pretreated fruits. A simple treatment at 20 °C (LO2‐20C) prior to regular cold storage could also be suitable for organically grown apples that cannot be treated with diphenylamine or 1‐MCP. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Molecular and physicochemical characterisation of starches from yam, cocoyam, cassava, sweet potato and ginger produced in the Ivory Coast
Authors: Tetchi Fabrice Achille , Rolland‐Sabaté Agnès , Amani Georges N'Guessan , Colonna Paul
Published: June 2007

Granule sizes, macromolecular features and thermal and pasting properties of starches from seven tropical sources (Florido, Kponan and Esculenta yams, cocoyam, cassava, sweet potato and ginger) were compared with those of several well‐known cereal, legume and tuber starches. The aim of the study was to characterise some non‐conventional starches with a view to possibly marketing them. Amylose content varied from 148 mg g−1 in Esculenta starch to 354 mg g−1 in smooth pea starch. For total starches, weight‐average molar mass (M̄w) ranged between 0.94 × 108 and 1.80 × 108 g mol−1 for potato and normal maize starches respectively. Gyration radius (R̄G) varied from 157 nm for ginger starch to 209 nm for normal maize starch. Gelatinisation enthalpy (ΔH) ranged between 9.8 and 20.7 J g−1 for wheat and Florido starches respectively. Gelatinisation peak temperature (Tg) varied from 58.1 °C for wheat starch to 87.3 °C for ginger starch. Native starch granule mean diameter ranged between 5.1 and 44.5 µm for Esculenta and potato starches respectively. Cassava and potato starches had the highest swelling power and dispersed volume fraction at all treatment temperatures, while ginger starch had the lowest. Cocoyam starch had the highest and ginger starch the lowest solubility at 85 and 95 °C. Cassava starch was the most stable under cold storage conditions. Roots and tubers such as ginger and cassava produced in the Ivory Coast are new sources of starches with very interesting properties. Thus these starches could be isolated on an industrial level in order to market them. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of phenolics in sorghum grain on its bitterness, astringency and other sensory properties
Authors: Kobue‐Lekalake Rosemary I , Taylor John RN , de Kock Henriette L
Published: June 2007

Despite the fact that condensed tannins are potentially important antioxidants, there is a general belief that tannins in sorghum confer objectionable sensory attributes. The objective of this study was to determine differences in the sensory attributes of sorghums containing different levels of total phenolic compounds. A trained sensory panel described and quantified the sensory attributes of different sorghums (condensed‐tannin containing and tannin‐free). All the sorghum cultivars were perceived as bitter and astringent. Bran infusions of tannin sorghums were perceived as darker, clearer, more bitter and more astringent than those of the tannin‐free sorghums, while those of tannin‐free sorghums were perceived as sweeter and cloudy. Sorghum whole‐grain rice from the tannin sorghums which had relatively soft endosperm texture (PAN 3860 and Ex Nola 97 GH) was perceived as dark, hard, chewy, bitter and astringent, while that from tannin‐free sorghums having relatively hard endosperm texture (Segaolane and Phofu) was perceived as soft, sweet and had a maize‐flavour. Surprisingly, the bitterness and astringency, as well as other sensory attributes of NS 5511 (tannin sorghum), were perceived as similar to PAN 8564 (tannin‐free sorghum) even though NS 5511 had more than twice the total phenol content of PAN 8564. This suggests not all condensed‐tannin containing sorghums have objectionable sensory attributes. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
HPLC‐chip‐mass spectrometry for protein signature identifications
Authors: Hardouin Julie , Joubert‐Caron Raymonde , Caron Michel
Published: June 2007

This work investigates the use of an HPLC‐chip microfluidic device interfaced to an IT mass spectrometer to search for biomarker signatures. To that end, the identification of autoantigens is chosen as a model. It not only constitutes a proof of concept model but also the growing interest in autoantibodies and autoantigens as new markers of diseases provides a practical application at the same time. The peptides are separated by the HPLC‐chip system allowing suitable resolution and reproducibility. The determination of two parameters that characterize a peptide sequence during LC‐MS/MS analyses, retention time (RT) and m/z ratio, improves the identification of a number of peptides derived from protein digests. These findings illustrate that accurate RT measurement obtained in a microfluidic device is useful to obtain mass/retention time (MRT) pairs for a given peptide, which can contribute to the definition of biomarker signatures.
Isolation and purification of chemical constituents from the pericarp of Sophora japonica L. by chromatography on a 12% cross‐linked agarose gel
Authors: Liu Renmin , Qi Yuanying , Sun Ailing , Xie Hongyan
Published: June 2007

A chromatographic method using 12% cross‐linked agarose gel Superose 12 as the separation medium was developed for isolation and purification of the chemical constituents from the pericarp of Sophora japonica L. The mobile phase used for the separation was 2% acetic acid and 7% acetic acid in gradient elution. As a result, eight compounds including four kinds of flavonoids and four kinds of isoflavonoids were obtained in a one‐step separation. A straightforward explanation of the separation mechanism of flavonoids and isoflavonoids on Superose 12 is also given. The flavonoids and isoflavonoids are retained on Superose 12 by a combination of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions between the hydroxyl groups of aglycone and the residues of the cross‐linking reagents used in the manufacture of Superose 12.
Chemical stability of midazolam injection by high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: de Diego Marta , Godoy Gloria , Mennickent Sigrid
Published: June 2007

The chemical stability of midazolam hydrochloride injection, undiluted or diluted with dextrose sterile solution, was studied at different storage conditions by LC. The study was performed at room temperature (23 ± 2°C) under light exposure and light protection, +8 ± 1°C and –20 ± 0.5°C, in glass and plastic containers over 14 days with midazolam hydrochloride injection, undiluted or diluted with 5% dextrose sterile solution. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a RP‐18e column, using a mobile phase consisting of ACN–phosphate buffer (pH 3.3; 0.1 M) (30:70 v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and UV detection at 220 nm. The concentrations of all samples remained greater than 90% of the original concentration. The chromatographic assay exhibited an adequate linearity (r2 >0.999), selectivity, precision (RSD <3.1), and accuracy (recoveries from 100.46 to 101.40%). Injectable midazolam hydrochloride was chemically stable in all conditions that were studied.
Interstitial photodynamic therapy of nonresectable malignant glioma recurrences using 5‐aminolevulinic acid induced protoporphyrin IX
Authors: Beck Tobias J. , Kreth Friedrich W. , Beyer Wolfgang , Mehrkens Jan H. , Obermeier Andreas , Stepp Herbert , Stummer Walter , Baumgartner Reinhold
Published: June 2007

Background and Objective

Limited knowledge of the light and temperature distribution within the target volume in combination with non‐selective accumulation of the applied photosensitizers (PS) has hampered the clinical relevance of interstitial photodynamic therapy (iPDT) for treatment of malignant glioma patients. The current pilot study focused on the development and the clinical implementation of an accurate and reproducible irradiation scheme for iPDT using 5‐aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) induced protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) as a selectively working PS.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Monte Carlo simulations of fluence rate and heat transport simulations were performed using the optical properties of normal brain tissue infiltrated by tumor cells (absorption coefficient µa = 0.2 cm−1, reduced scattering coefficient: µ′s = 20 cm−1). A modified 3‐D treatment‐planning software was used to calculate both, the treatment‐volume and the exact position of the light diffusers within the lesion. The feasibility and the risk of iPDT were tested in 10 patients with small and circumscribed recurrent malignant gliomas.

Results

The optimum distance between the implanted light diffusers was determined to be 9 mm with regard to both fluence rate and temperature distribution. For this distance a temperature increase above 42°C was not expected to occur. Up to six cylindrical light diffusers were stereotactically implanted to achieve a complete irradiation of the tumor volume, which was possible in every single patient (mean tumor volume: 5.9 cm3). The total applied light fluence was between 4,320 J and 11,520 J. Side effects of iPDT were not observed. Median survival was 15 months.

Conclusion

5‐ALA iPDT in combination with a 3‐D treatment‐planning (which was based on optical and thermal simulations) is a safe and feasible treatment modality. The clinical impact of these findings deserves further prospective evaluation. Lasers Surg. Med. 39:386–393, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extent of lateral epidermal protection afforded by a cryogen spray against laser irradiation
Authors: Franco Walfre , Liu Jie , Romero‐Méndez Ricardo , Jia Wangcun , Nelson J. Stuart , Aguilar Guillermo
Published: June 2007

Background and Objectives

Cryogen spray cooling (CSC) has become an integral part of dermatologic laser surgery because of its ability to remove selectively large amounts of heat from human skin in short periods of time, thereby protecting the epidermis from unintended thermal injury. The objective of the present study is to investigate the extent of lateral epidermal protection afforded by a cryogen spray during laser irradiation.

Materials and Methods

CSC experiments on skin phantoms are conducted using a commercial nozzle (GentleLase, Candela) to characterize epidermal cooling in time and space; namely, surface temperatures and heat fluxes during a 60 milliseconds spurt and 30 milliseconds delay. Numerical methods are used to model the light distribution (755 nm), heat diffusion and thermal injury within the epidermis and dermis. A 755 nm laser (GentleLase, Candela) was used to assess in vivo the extent of lateral epidermal protection against irradiation in human skin.

Results

The commercial nozzle produced an uneven deposition and spread of liquid cryogen, thereby creating zones of high and low heat extraction on the surface. Numerical and in vivo studies show that 18 mm diameter laser beams may induce skin injury at the periphery of the irradiated areas. However, a 10 mm diameter beam provides the safest therapy because only the zone of highest heat extraction is exposed to laser irradiation. Beyond 10 mm, heat extraction is no more than a third of the maximum heat extraction within this diameter.

Conclusions

Accumulation of heat within the epidermis is always greater at the laser beam periphery, away from the CSC nozzle tip, where heat extraction is lowest. Therefore, there is risk of thermal injury at the beam periphery when there is a mismatch between the skin protected by CSC and that exposed to laser irradiation. For the cooling and irradiation sequences considered herein, heat extraction provided by a 60 milliseconds spurt/30 milliseconds delay correctly matches the heating profile of a 10 mm diameter beam. Lasers Surg. Med. 39:414–421, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long‐Term survival of patients treated with photodynamic therapy for carcinoma in situ and early non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Corti Luigi , Toniolo Lamberto , Boso Caterina , Colaut Flavio , Fiore Davide , Muzzio Pier‐Carlo , Koukourakis Michael I. , Mazzarotto Renzo , Pignataro Michele , Loreggian Lucio , Sotti Guido
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The role of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of small cancers has been established in several clinical studies. Here, we report on the efficacy of PDT for early inoperable or recurrent non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods and Materials

From June 1989 to November 2004, 40 patients with 50 NSCLC were treated with PDT. Twelve cases were inoperable for medical reasons and were staged as T1N0M0, and 28 had recurrent in situ carcinoma. Patients with residual disease after PDT received definitive radiotherapy and/or brachytherapy. Follow‐up ranged from 6 to 167 months (median 43.59). Twenty of the 40 patients received i.v. injections of hematoporphyrin derivative (5 mg/kg), the other 20 had injections of porfimer sodium (Photofrin, 2 mg/kg). An argon dye laser (630 nm wavelength, 200–300 J/cm2) was used for light irradiation in 24 of the 40 patients, a diode laser (Diomed, 630 nm wavelength, 100–200 J/cm2) in the other 16.

Results

PDT obtained a 72% complete response (CR) rate (36/50 treated lesions), that is 27 CR among the 37 Tis carcinomas and 9 among the 13 T1 cases. Kaplan–Meier curves showed a mean overall survival (OS) of 75.59 months (median 91.4 months). Two‐ and 5‐year OS rates were 72.78% and 59.55%. The mean and median survival rates for patients with Tis stage were 86.5 and 120.4 months, respectively (standard error 9.50) and for patients with T1 disease they were 45.78 and 35.71 months, respectively; the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.03). No severe early or late PDT‐related adverse events were recorded.

Conclusions

PDT is effective in early primary or recurrent NSCLC, resulting in a CR rate of 72%. The incorporation of PDT in standard clinical practice, in combination with radiotherapy, warrants further investigation. Lasers Surg. Med. 39:394–402, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Erratum: Safety of radiofrequency treatment over human skin previously injected with medium‐term injectable soft‐tissue augmentation materials: A controlled pilot trial
Authors: Alam Murad , Levy Ross , Pajvani Urvi , Ramierez James A. , Guitart Joan , Veen Heather , Gladstone Hayes B.
Published: June 2007

In this original published article, Dr. Pajvani's name was misprinted. It should be Urvi Pajvani, MD.
Erratum: Laser surgery of port wine stains using local vacuum pressure: Changes in calculated energy deposition (Part II)
Authors: Franco Walfre , Childers Michael , Stuart Nelson J. , Aguilar Guillermo
Published: June 2007

In the original published article, the title of the article was incorrect. The title should be Laser Surgery of Port Wine Stains Using Local Vacuum Pressure: Changes in Calculated Energy Deposition (Part II)
Poly(quinoxaline vinylene) With Conjugated Phenylenevinylene Side Chain: A Potential Polymer Acceptor With Broad Absorption Band
Authors: Huo Lijun , Tan Zhan'ao , Zhou Yi , Zhou Erjun , Han Minfang , Li Yongfang
Published: June 2007

Alkoxyl phenylenevinylene substituted poly(quinoxaline vinylene) (PV‐PQV) was designed and synthesized. The polymer film showed a broad absorption band from 300 to 704 nm with a lower bandgap of 1.76 eV. The onset oxidation potential (Eox) and onset reduction potential (Ered) of PV‐PQV were 0.51 and −0.89 V (versus Ag/Ag+), corresponding to a HOMO level of −5.22 eV and a LUMO level of −3.82 eV, respectively. The results indicate that PV‐PQV possesses a higher electron affinity similar to other polyquinoxaline derivatives. The strong photoluminescence of MEH‐PPV was entirely quenched by PV‐PQV in a polymer blend solution of MEH‐PPV and PV‐PQV, which suggests that electron transfer from the excitons of MEH‐PPV to PV‐PQV occurs after MEH‐PPV is photoexcited. Owing to the broad absorption band in the visible region and the high electron affinity, PV‐PQV could be a promising polymer photovoltaic acceptor material.

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Kinetic Studies of Metallocene‐Catalyzed Copolymerization of Propene with 10‐Undecene‐1‐ol Using In‐Line FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Sahre Karin , Schulze Ulrich , Eichhorn Klaus‐J. , Voit Brigitte
Published: June 2007

The present study describes the quantitative monitoring of the metallocene‐catalyzed copolymerization of propene with 10‐undecene‐1‐ol (UO) by in‐line ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy in order to obtain kinetic data. For the description of the time dependency of this copolymerization reaction a pseudo‐first‐order rate law was used. The apparent rate constant kapp of the comonomer consumption could be determined by evaluation of the integral absorbances of characteristic IR bands of the double bond of UO and of special IR determined concentration profiles of that comonomer using chemometric tools. The apparent rate constants determined by the integral absorbances of the ν CC band (stretching vibrations) range of 0.32–0.66 × 10−4 s−1 whereas evaluation of the absolute concentrations of the comonomer yields rate constants of 0.29–0.57 × 10−4 s−1. Variations within the rate constants obtained from different experimental runs point to a certain complexity of the reaction and a significant dependence of the copolymerization on the exact polymerization procedure.

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Production of Thermoplastic Starch/MMT‐Sorbitol Nanocomposites by Dual‐Melt Extrusion Processing
Authors: Ma Xiaofei , Yu Jiugao , Wang Ning
Published: June 2007

A “green” processing method, dual‐melt extrusion, was used to prepare thermoplastic starch/montmorillonite nanocomposites without organic reactions in the solution. XRD demonstrates that sorbitol enlarged the interlayer distance of MMT during the first step. MMT‐sorbitol, formamide and starch were used to obtain TPS/MMT nanocomposites in the second step. XRD and TEM reveal that TPS intercalated the layers of MMT. With increasing MMT content, improvements in thermal stability, tensile strength, Young's modulus and energy break, and a slight decrease of elongation at break, appeared. The effect of water content on the tensile strength and elongation at break was also studied.

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Macromol. Mater. Eng. 6/2007
Authors: Aubert Mélanie , Roth Michael , Pfaendner Rudolf , Wilén Carl‐Eric
Published: June 2007

Cover: The picture on the cover shows a set of symmetrical and unsymmetrical azoalkanes. The symmetrical azoalkanes provide flame retardancy to poly(propylene), whereas the unsymmetrical azoalkanes can successfully be used for either controlled degradation of poly(propylene) or crosslinking of polyethylene. Further details can be found in the article by M. Aubert, C.‐E. Wilén,* M. Roth, and R. Pfaendner on page 707.
Macromol. Mater. Eng. 6/2007
Authors: Sinha Ray Suprakas , Bandyopadhyay Jayita , Bousmina Mosto
Published: June 2007

Back Cover: The picture on the cover shows the compatibilization mechanism of organically modified layered silicate for an immiscible polymer blend. Further details can be found in the article by S. Sinha Ray,* J. Bandyopadhyay, and M. Bousmina on page 729.
Chemical Approach to Functional Artificial Opals
Authors: Lange Birger , Fleischhaker Friederike , Zentel Rudolf
Published: June 2007

Artificial opals are self‐assembled colloidal crystals, which consist of a cubic dense packing (fcc) of hard (not film‐forming) colloids with diameters ranging from 200 to 900 nm. Because of their periodic nanostructure the assemblies are able to reflect light that matches their periodicity, i.e., UV‐ to IR‐radiation depending on the size of the colloids. Thus, they present a subgroup of ‘photonic crystals’. While, originally, the chemistry inside the colloids and the resulting opals was of minor significance, nowadays the chemical variation of opals is becoming more and more important for the preparation of functional and patterned opals. The search for functional opals is, therefore, especially focused on four topics: I) coloring agents, II) incorporation of fluorescent materials, III) replication, and IV) the controlled incorporation of defects.

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Layer‐by‐Layer Spin Self‐Assembled Hole Injection Layers Containing a Perfluorinated Ionomer for Efficient Polymer Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Park Juhyun , Kwon Youngnam , Lee Tae‐Woo
Published: June 2007

Deposition of hole injection layers including a perfluorinated ionomer has been demonstrated using layer‐by‐layer spin self‐assembly for enhanced device efficiency and lifetime in PLEDs. We show that the LBL spin self‐assembled thin films enable to control work functions of indium‐tin oxide anodes by changing the PFI concentration and that a resulting green‐emitting device has an enhanced luminescence efficiency and 18 times longer half lifetime than a device using a conventional HIL. We also fabricate a gradient of energy levels by the LBL self‐assembly of the PFI that results in a work function of 5.74 eV, which can be used to improve carrier injection even for an emitting layer whose ionization potential is over 5.7 eV.

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A proposed COX‐2 and PGE2 receptor interaction in UV‐exposed mouse skin
Authors: Chun Kyung‐Soo , Langenbach Robert
Published: June 2007

The cyclooxygenases (COX‐1 and COX‐2) and the prostaglandins (PGs) they generate play a major role in the skin's response to sunlight. Sunlight, especially the ultraviolet B (UVB) component, induces COX‐2 and increases PG levels. However, PGs can have both beneficial and adverse cutaneous effects. To elucidate the roles of the COXs and the PGs they generate in response to UVB exposure, experiments with the COX‐1‐ and COX‐2‐deficient mice have provided insight into the specific roles of each isoform. Furthermore, because PGE2 is the major PG produced following UV exposure and PGE2 manifests its biological activity via four membrane receptors (EP1, EP2, EP3, EP4), elucidating contributions of these receptors is essential for understanding the roles of PGs in UVB‐induced effects. In this review, we summarize recent findings from the COX‐deficient mice showing how COX‐2 generated PGE2 acting via the receptors EP2 and EP4 could contribute to short term beneficial, but also contribute to long‐term carcinogenic effects in response to UVB exposure. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Malignant Tourette syndrome
Authors: Cheung Min‐Yuen Cynthia , Shahed Joohi , Jankovic Joseph
Published: June 2007

The aim of this work was to draw attention to potentially life‐threatening symptoms associated with Tourette syndrome (TS) and to explore their relationship to TS comorbidities. Medical records of all patients with TS evaluated at our Movement Disorders Clinic between July 2003 and July 2006 were reviewed. Data on patients with malignant TS, defined as ≥2 emergency room (ER) visits or ≥1 hospitalizations for TS symptoms or its associated behavioral comorbidities, were entered into a dataset and analyzed. Five illustrative cases are described. Of 333 TS patients evaluated during the 3‐year period, 17 (5.1%) met the criteria for malignant TS. Hospital admission or ER visits were for tic‐related injuries, self‐injurious behavior (SIB), uncontrollable violence and temper, and suicidal ideation/attempts. Compared with patients with nonmalignant TS, those with malignant TS were significantly more likely to have a personal history of obsessive compulsive behavior/disorder (OCB/OCD), complex phonic tics, coprolalia, copropraxia, SIB, mood disorder, suicidal ideation, and poor response to medications. Although TS is rarely a disabling disorder, about 5% of patients referred to a specialty clinic have life‐threatening symptoms. Malignant TS is associated with greater severity of motor symptoms and the presence of ≥2 behavioral comorbidities. OCD/OCB in particular may play a central role in malignant TS; obsessive compulsive qualities were associated with life‐threatening tics, SIB, and suicidal ideation. Malignant TS is more refractory to medical treatment than nonmalignant TS. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Formation and structure elucidation of two novel spiro[2H‐indol]‐3(1H)‐ones
Authors: Košmrlj Janez , Kafka Stanislav , Leban Ivan , Grad Marjeta
Published: June 2007

The molecular structures of two byproducts 1,1″‐diphenyl‐3′,4′‐dihydrodispiro[indole‐2,2′‐furan‐5′,2″‐indole]‐3,3″(1H, 1″H)‐dione (3) and 1,5′‐diphenyl‐4′,5′‐dihydro‐3′H‐spiro[indole‐2,2′‐pyrano[3,2‐b]indol]‐3(1H)‐one (4), which accompanied the rearrangement of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐1‐phenylquinoline‐2,4(1H,3H)‐dione (1) to 2‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐1,2‐dihydro‐3H‐indol‐3‐one (2), have been elucidated by NMR, MS, and X‐ray diffraction. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Utilizing unsymmetrical indirect covariance processing to define 15N13C connectivity networks
Authors: Martin Gary E. , Irish Patrick A. , Hilton Bruce D. , Blinov Kirill A. , Williams Antony J.
Published: June 2007

There has been considerable interest over the past decade in the utilization of direct and long‐range 1H15N heteronuclear shift correlation methods at natural abundance to facilitate the elucidation of small molecule structures. Recently, there has also been a high level of interest in the exploration of indirect covariance NMR methods. Our initial explorations in this area led to the development of unsymmetrical indirect covariance methods, which allow the calculation of hyphenated 2D NMR spectra such as 2D GHSQC‐COSY and GHSQC‐NOESY from the discrete component 2D NMR experiments. We now wish to report the utilization of unsymmetrical indirect covariance NMR methods for the combination of 1H13C GHSQC and 1H15N long‐range (GHMBC, IMPEACH‐MBC, CIGAR‐HMBC, etc.) heteronuclear chemical shift correlation spectra to determine 15N13C correlation pathways. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.