bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopy and Defect Identification for Fluorinated Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Bittencourt Carla , Van Lier Gregory , Ke Xiaoxing , Suarez‐Martinez Irene , Felten Alexandre , Ghijsen Jacques , Van Tendeloo Gustaaf , Ewels Christopher P.
Published: March 2009

Finely tuned: Carbon nanotubes are exposed to a CF4 radio‐frequency plasma (see picture). High‐resolution photoelectron spectroscopy shows that the treatment effectively grafts fluorine atoms onto the MWCNTs, altering the valence electronic states. Fluorine surface concentration can be tuned by varying the exposure time.

magnified image

Multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were exposed to a CF4 radio‐frequency (rf) plasma. High‐resolution photoelectron spectroscopy shows that the treatment effectively grafts fluorine atoms onto the MWCNTs, altering the valence electronic states. Fluorine surface concentration can be tuned by varying the exposure time. Evaporation of gold onto MWCNTs is used to mark active site formation. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy coupled with density functional theory (DFT) modelling is used to characterise the surface defects formed, indicating that the plasma treatment does not etch the tube surface. We suggest that this combination of theory and microscopy of thermally evaporated gold atoms onto the CNT surface may be a powerful approach to characterise both surface defect density as well as defect type.
The Growth of GaN Nanowires by LiF‐Assisted CVD
Authors: Kuo Dong‐Hau , Wu Wun‐Hao
Published: March 2009

Communication: We report the concept of an in‐situ‐formed subfluoride of GaF by reacting Ga and LiF for facilitating the growth of GaN nanowires with LiF‐assisted CVD. HF gas and moisture‐sensitive GaCl3 are not required for this process. The effects of LiF and growth temperature on the formation, crystal structure, and microstructure of the nanowires are investigated. The formation of GaN NWs via the vapor‐liquid‐solid growth mechanism involves the crystallization of 1D GaN from GaN molecules passing through catalytic nanoparticles or the nitridation of precipitates from Au‐Ga‐Li alloy melts.
Polymeric Coatings Deposited From an Aerosol‐Assisted Non‐thermal Plasma Jet
Authors: O'Neill Liam , O'Sullivan Caroline
Published: March 2009

By combining a non‐equilibrium, atmospheric pressure, plasma jet with an aerosol delivery system, it is possible to deposit polymeric coatings onto three‐dimensional substrates. In this study, the effects of varying process parameters on the deposition of a fluorocarbon precursor, using this system, are investigated. A statistically designed experiment is undertaken to probe the factors altering the deposition properties. It is shown that highly functional coatings can be deposited with minimal fragmentation of the precursor monomer. Both the plasma power and distance from the plasma to the substrate are factors which significantly affect the deposition rate and chemistry of the coatings.
ALD of YF3 Thin Films from TiF4 and Y(thd)3 Precursors
Authors: Pilvi Tero , Puukilainen Esa , Munnik Frans , Leskelä Markku , Ritala Mikko
Published: March 2009

Yttrium fluoride (YF3) is a dielectric material with good light transmittance between the ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) range of wavelengths. In this paper we introduce the first use of the atomic layer deposition (ALD) of YF3 thin films. The films are grown at 175–325 °C. Y(thd)3 (thd = 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐3,5‐heptanedionato) is used as a cation source and TiF4 as a fluorine precursor. YF3 film growth characteristics, together with structural, optical, and electrical properties, are studied. Various methods, such as spectrophotometry, X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA) are applied to characterize the films. Electrical properties are analyzed from Al/YF3/indium‐tin‐oxide capacitor structures at room temperature. The growth rates of the films are between 1.1 and 1.7 Å per cycle. The films grown below 225 °C are amorphous, otherwise they are polycrystalline. The impurities detected in the YF3 film are H, C, O, and Ti. The amount of all of these tends to decrease with increasing deposition temperature, and is only 3.0 at.‐% at 325 °C. Permittivities of the films are around 6. The refractive indices are 1.51–1.59 (at λ = 580 nm), and high light transmittance is achieved from the UV to IR regions with the sample grown at 300 °C.
Analyses of TGF‐β1‐inducible Ig germ‐line γ2b promoter activity: Involvement of Smads and NF‐κB
Authors: Seo Goo‐Young , Park Seok‐Rae , Kim Pyeung‐Hyeun
Published: March 2009

TGF‐β1 directs class switch recombination to IgG2b as well as IgA. We have shown that Smad3/4, Runx3, and p300 mediate TGF‐β1‐induced germ‐line (GL) γ2b transcription and that there is a potential Smad‐binding element (SBE, CAGAC, −38/−34) and Runx‐binding element (TGTGGGT, +41/+47) in the promoter region. Here, we have characterized more putative transcription factor‐binding elements in the promoter. Site‐directed mutagenesis revealed that two more putative SBE (GTCTG, −67/−63 and +38/+42) are relevant to TGF‐β1‐induced GLγ2b promoter activity, a finding that was confirmed by EMSA. However, neither overexpression of Ets (i.e.Elf‐1, Fli‐1, or Pu.1) nor a mutation deleting a putative Ets‐binding element (CAGGAA, −4/+2) affected basal or TGF‐β1‐induced promoter activity. On the other hand, NF‐κB repressed promoter activity without direct binding to two putative NF‐κB‐binding elements (GGACTCCCC, −63/−55; GGGCCTTTCC,+237/+246). Instead, NF‐κB overexpression increased the expression of Smad7 transcripts. Moreover, p300 overexpression failed to rescue the inhibitory effect of NF‐κB on GLγ2b promoter activity. These results indicate that there are multiple SBE relevant to GLγ2b promoter activity and that NF‐κB acts in cooperation with p300 to downregulate promoter activity through increasing the gene expression of inhibitory Smad7.
Increased detection of proliferating, polyfunctional, HIV‐1‐specific T cells in DNA‐modified vaccinia virus Ankara‐vaccinated human volunteers by cultured IFN‐γ ELISPOT assay
Authors: Winstone Nicola , Guimarães‐Walker Ana , Roberts Joanna , Brown Denise , Loach Vanessa , Goonetilleke Nilu , Hanke Tomáš , McMichael Andrew J.
Published: March 2009

Induction of a long‐term immunological memory, which can expand and defend the host upon pathogen encounter, is the “holy grail” of vaccinology. Here, using a sensitive cultured IFN‐γ ELISPOT assay, we show that 50% (15 out of 30) of healthy, HIV‐1/2‐uninfected volunteers who received pTHr.HIVA DNA prime‐modified vaccinia virus Ankara. HIVA boost vaccine regimen 1 to 3 1/2 years ago had detectable HIV‐1‐specific T‐cell responses. These T cells, predominantly of the CD4+ subtype, could proliferate and produce multiple cytokines in response to in vitro peptide stimulation. Peptide mapping studies showed that the vaccine‐induced CD4+ T cells were mostly directed toward epitopes targeted in HIV‐1‐infected individuals. In addition, we used the same assay to re‐evaluate 51 volunteers from past vaccine trial IAVI‐006 and corrected the previously reported 10% of vaccine responders to 50%. Thus, we confirmed that cultured assays are a valuable tool for studying T‐cell memory. These results are discussed in the context of the current state‐of‐affairs of the HIV‐1 vaccine field.
A Facile Synthesis of Both Enantiomers of 6‐Acetoxy‐5‐hexadecanolide, a Major Component of Mosquito Oviposition Attractant Pheromones
Authors: Singh Surendra , Guiry Patrick J.
Published: March 2009

The stereoselective synthesis of (–)‐(5R,6S)‐erythro‐6‐acetoxy‐5‐hexadecanolide, the major component of a mosquito oviposition attractant pheromone, and its enantiomer are reported. The synthesis was completed over seven steps in 28 % overall yield by using Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation and ZrCl4‐catalyzed cyclic acetal formation as the key steps. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Synthesis of an Inherently Chiral Calix[4]arene Amino Acid and Its Derivatives: Their Application to Asymmetric Reactions as Organocatalysts
Authors: Shirakawa Seiji , Shimizu Shoichi
Published: March 2009

The synthesis of an inherently chiral calix[4]arene amino acid as a chiral building block has been achieved in order for subsequent transformation to various types of inherently chiral calix[4]arenes. The optically pure, inherently chiral calix[4]arene amino acids were prepared by the separation of a diastereomeric mixture of calix[4]arene amino acid derivatives bearing a (R)‐BINOL moiety. The separated optically pure calix[4]arene amino acid derivatives with a (R)‐BINOL moiety were easily transformed to novel inherently chiral calix[4]arenes containing an amino alcohol structure or a quaternary ammonium moiety. These optically pure chiral calix[4]arenes were applied to asymmetric reactions as organocatalysts.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Investigation of the sliding behavior between steel and mortar for seismic applications in structures
Authors: McCormick Jason , Nagae Takuya , Ikenaga Masahiro , Zhang Peng‐Cheng , Katsuo Mika , Nakashima Masayoshi
Published: March 2009

The friction developed between a steel base plate and a mortar base contributes shear resistance to the building system during a seismic event. In order to investigate the possible sliding behavior between the base plate and the mortar, a shake table study is undertaken using a large rigid mass supported by steel contact elements which rest on mortar surfaces connected to the shake table. Horizontal input accelerations are considered at various magnitudes and frequencies. The results provide a constant friction coefficient during sliding with an average value of approximately 0.78. A theoretical formulation of the friction behavior is also undertaken. The theoretical equations show that the sliding behavior is dependent on the ratio of the friction force to the input force. The addition of vertical accelerations to the system further complicates the sliding behavior as a result of the varying normal force. This results in a variable friction resistance which is a function of the amplitude, phase, and frequency of the horizontal and vertical input motions. In general, this study showed a consistent and reliable sliding behavior between steel and mortar. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eating concerns and media influences in an Irish adolescent context
Authors: McNicholas Fiona , Lydon Alma , Lennon Ruth , Dooley Barbara
Published: March 2009

Objective

EPICA is the first large‐scale Irish study of a school‐going population examining the impact of media influences on eating attitudes.

Method

Students were screened using the EAT‐26, EDI‐III and a study‐specific questionnaire. A sub‐sample of parents' views was included.

Results

Three thousand and thirty‐one students (mean age 14.74) and 56 parents enrolled. The majority (71.4%) of adolescents felt adversely affected by media portrayal of body weight and shape, with more than a quarter (25.6%) believing it to be ‘far too thin’. A significant correlation between media impact and high EAT scores (χ2 = 450.78, df = 2, p < 0.05) and EDI‐III scores (χ2 = 387.51, df = 4, p < 0.05) was demonstrated. Parents also view media portrayal as too thin (94.7%), less than half are adversely affected by it (49.2%) but the majority (71.9%) believe their children to be.

Conclusion

Media portrayal of body weight and shape is correlated with eating psychopathology and may affect adolescents more than adults. School psycho‐educational programmes and media policies are urgently needed to minimise any detrimental effect. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
A perspective on managing evaluation
Authors: Baizerman Michael , Compton Donald W.
Published: March 2009

Managing evaluation studies, evaluators and other workers, and evaluation units is an omnipresent but almost invisible practice little studied and written about. The authors ask whether this should change and how. It is necessary to illuminate this practice before deciding, making distinctions among management, manager, and managing, the first a view from the 20th floor, the second from the 10th to fifth floors, and the last on the ground floor of everyday life. Conceptual and practical definitions drawn from practice and literature emphasize the routine, mundane nature of the work. Needed are research, analysis, and reflection on managing expertise, with a focus on the importance of expertise in evaluation research and in managing. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
What did we learn from the case studies about managing evaluation?
Authors: Baizerman Michael , Compton Donald W.
Published: March 2009

Case studies about managing evaluation are examined for perspectives on expertise in managing evaluation. There are lessons on a geography of managing, managing as organizational work, the notions of “competency” and “expertise,” and managing evaluation as professional work. Dreyfus and Dreyfus (2004) offer a framework for an introductory discussion of the essentials of expertise, as does Ryle's distinction (1949) between “knowing that” (about) and “knowing how” (to). © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Individual voluntary arrangements: A ‘fresh start’ for salaried consumer debtors in England and Wales
Authors: Walters Adrian
Published: March 2009

Since the mid‐1990s the number of consumer insolvencies in England and Wales has grown exponentially. The UK's Insolvency Act 1986 offers two formal responses to personal insolvency: bankruptcy and individual voluntary arrangements (‘IVAs’). While consumers have used both these debt relief mechanisms in increasing numbers in recent years, IVAs—regulated agreements between debtors and creditors facilitated by a licensed insolvency practitioner, usually taking the form of a 5‐year payment plan—grew faster than bankruptcies between 2003 and 2006. However, the level of new IVA approvals fell back in 2007 and the first half of 2008. This article charts the transformation of the IVA from a bankruptcy alternative originally designed for insolvent traders and professionals into a tool of consumer debt relief. It then seeks to explain both the stellar rise in IVA usage among consumer debtors and the subsequent stalling of IVA growth. The rise of consumer IVAs can be attributed largely to supply side changes in the market for debt resolution—in particular the emergence of volume providers commonly referred to as ‘IVA factories’—while a sustained backlash against the procedure and the providers instigated by institutional creditors demanding higher recoveries accounts for the subsequent decline in approvals. The article concludes by considering the near‐term prospects for consumer IVAs within the context of the increasingly complex UK debt resolution market. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thrombolytic therapy for venous thromboembolism: Current clinical practice
Authors: Stashenko Gregg J. , Hargett Charles W. , Tapson Victor F.
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND:

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a life‐threatening condition for which thrombolytic therapy may be beneficial. The appropriate setting for the use of thrombolytic therapy remains controversial. More than 10 years ago we described the case‐based practice patterns for the use of thrombolytics in VTE, and now, in the context of recent studies and guidelines, we sought to reevaluate the use of thrombolytics and to determine whether beliefs have changed.

METHODS:

Active pulmonologists in 11 southeastern states were selected to complete a web‐based questionnaire that included background questions and hypothetical case scenarios involving VTE and potential treatment with thrombolytics.

RESULTS:

Eighty‐one physicians completed the survey and 84% reported using thrombolytic therapy for VTE within the last 2 years. In the absence of absolute contraindications, 99% of respondents would strongly consider using systemic thrombolytic therapy for massive pulmonary embolism (PE) with hypotension, 83% would strongly consider thrombolysis for a large PE with severe hypoxemia, and 62% would strongly consider thrombolysis for PE with echocardiographic evidence of right ventricular dysfunction. In a patient with massive PE and hypotension with certain contraindications, 91% of respondents would still strongly consider thrombolysis.

CONCLUSIONS:

Most practicing pulmonologists would strongly consider administering thrombolytic therapy for massive PE with hypotension or hypoxemia, and a majority favor thrombolysis for PE in the setting of echocardiographic evidence of right heart dysfunction. Despite the evolving data and guidelines for the management of VTE, our findings are similar to prior survey results, emphasizing the need for further physician education and future randomized trials to clarify the therapy for this potentially deadly condition. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:313–316. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Development of a New Comprehensive Ocean Atlas for Indian Ocean utilizing ARGO Data
Authors: Prasad Kumar B. , Barman Rahul , Dube S. K. , Pandey P. C. , Ravichandran M. , Nayak Shailesh
Published: March 2009

The World Ocean Atlas (WOA), also termed ‘Levitus Climatology’, is a global ocean climatology containing monthly, seasonal and annual means of temperature (T) and salinity (S) fields at standard ocean depths. The monthly climatology for T and S is available for standard depths up to 1000 m. The database used in the preparation of this climatology (WOA) are historical records of Conductivity, Temperature and Depth (CTD) casts and other available marine observations collected in the past. The methodology used in preparation of this WOA is objective analysis which is essentially non‐synoptic and widely scattered in the space domain. We understand that ARGO data has so far not been blended with WOA, nor has its impact for improving WOA climatology been attempted. Presently, with the wealth of marine data from ARGO profilers in the Indian Ocean, we propose a new approach to reconstruct T and S fields optimally utilizing the ARGO data. Here we develop a new model using Delaunay Tessellation with QHull algorithm delivering three‐dimensional T and S fields from a non‐uniform scattered database up to a depth of 1000 m. For gaps in a data‐sparse region, we use all available quality‐checked Ocean Station Data (OSD) and Profiling Float Data (PFL) information on T and S, in addition to the existing ARGO data. The initiative here was to replace WOA data points with realistic information from ARGO and in situ data, thereby producing a new climatology atlas. We demonstrate the robustness of our approach, and the final climatology on T and S is better compared with the existing state‐of‐the‐art WOA. The advantage of the proposed methodology is the scope of improving the ocean atlas with the addition of more ARGO data in the near future. The clustered approach in modelling enables ocean parameter retrieval in geometrically disconnected regions with an option for hot restart. We believe that the new climatology will benefit the research community immensely. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Sampling free and particle‐bound chemicals using solid‐phase microextraction and needle trap device simultaneously
Authors: Niri Vadoud H. , Eom In‐Yong , Kermani Farhad Riazi , Pawliszyn Janusz
Published: March 2009

The possibility of sampling the free and particle‐bound concentrations of organic compounds was studied using two different sampling techniques at the same time: needle trap device (NTD) and solid‐phase microextraction (SPME). In this study, a mosquito coil was used to produce gaseous (free) and particle‐bound compounds. Allethrin, the active ingredient in mosquito coils, was chosen as the target analyte. Under the same sampling conditions, the amount of allethrin extracted from the mosquito‐coil smoke was higher for the NTD compared to the SPME fiber, while the extracted amounts were almost the same for both devices when sampling gaseous samples of allethrin. These results can be explained by the fact that the SPME fiber can only extract free molecules (based on diffusion), whereas the NTD, an exhaustive sampling device, collects both free and particle‐bound allethrin. Breakthrough for NTD and carryover for both NTD and SPME were negligible under the given sampling and desorption conditions.
Single‐drop microextraction followed by in‐syringe derivatization and GC‐MS detection for the determination of parabens in water and cosmetic products
Authors: Saraji Mohammad , Mirmahdieh Shiva
Published: March 2009

A single‐drop microextraction (SDME) method followed by in‐syringe derivatization and GC‐MS determination has been developed for analysis of five parabens, including methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, n‐propyl and n‐butyl paraben in water samples and cosmetic products. N,O‐Bis(trimethylsilyl)acetamide (BSA) was used as derivatization reagent. Derivatization reaction was performed inside the syringe barrel using 0.4 μL of BSA. Parameters that affect the derivatization yield such as temperature and time of the reaction were studied. In addition, experimental SDME parameters such as selection of organic solvent, addition of salt, extraction time and extraction temperature were investigated and optimized. The RSD of the method for aqueous samples varied from 8.1 to 13%. The LODs ranged from 0.001 (n‐butyl paraben) to 0.015 (methyl paraben) μg/L, and the enrichment factors were between 23 and 150.
Development and validation of a rapid and efficient method for simultaneous determination of methylxanthines and their metabolites in urine using monolithic HPLC columns
Authors: Atia Noha N. , York Peter , Clark Brian J.
Published: March 2009

A new rapid, sensitive and validated HPLC method has been developed for the determination of methylxanthines and their metabolites in asthmatic patients. The method was initiated by using spiked urine samples on a silica monolithic column as a novel packing material. The mobile phase consisted of 10 mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer/methanol (87.5:12.5 v/v), at a flow rate 1 mL/min. Detection was set at 274 nm. The LOQ for all the compounds ranged from 14 to 41 ng/mL. Excellent linearity was achieved over the studied range of concentration with correlation coefficients 0.9991–0.9998 (n = 6). The developed method was validated by precision and accuracy with RSD <2.55%. On extraction of the drugs and metabolites from the urine samples high recoveries were achieved ranging from 82.06 to 98.34% w/w on RP18 cartridges and methanol/chloroform (20:80 v/v) as the extraction solvent. This method has advantages over other methods using conventional C18 packings.
Pressurised liquid extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from gas and particulate phases of atmospheric samples
Authors: Ras Maria Rosa , Borrull Francesc , Marcé Rosa Maria
Published: March 2009

Pressurised liquid extraction (PLE) was applied to determine the atmospheric levels of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the gas and particulate phases. The method involved high‐volume air sampling with quartz fibre filters (QFFs) and polyurethane foam (PUF) plugs and analytes were subsequently extracted from the samples by PLE, and determined with GC‐MS. We optimised the PLE conditions for the solvent, the number of cycles and extraction temperature. Recoveries were higher than 90% for most compounds. Method LODs and LOQs were between 0.001 and 0.02 ng/m3 and between 0.01 and 0.05 ng/m3. Air samples were taken from a site in the region of Tarragona in Catalonia, Spain, where one of the largest petrochemical complexes in southern Europe is located. The total concentration of PAHs were from 6.7 to 27.66 ng/m3, with predominant levels of PAHs appearing in the gas phase (48–81%), and an average level of benzo[a]pyrene, the most carcinogenic PAH, of 0.86 ng/m3.
A strategy for fine sediment retention with bioengineering works in eroded marly catchments in a mountainous mediterranean climate (Southern ALPS, France)
Authors: Rey F.
Published: March 2009

In eroded catchments in mountainous and Mediterranean‐type ecosystems, erosion can be responsible for high yields of fine sediment at the exit of catchments, which can cause different types of damage such as reservoir silting or ecological pollution. To avoid this sediment transport, low‐cost rehabilitation actions such as involving bioengineering techniques within small gullies can be used to trap and retain eroded materials before they reach the catchment exit. Based on current results of research carried out in the French Southern Alps, a specific strategy for such interventions is proposed, with rules for bioengineering structure use and methods for determining priority actions. This strategy for fine sediment retention with bioengineering works is currently being applied on eroded marly catchments in the French Southern Alps, in a mountainous Mediterranean climate. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
31P Solid state NMR study of structure and chemical stability of dichlorotriphenylphosphorane
Authors: Gonnella Nina C. , Busacca Carl , Campbell Scot , Eriksson Magnus , Grinberg Nelu , Bartholomeyzik Teresa , Ma Shengli , Norwood Daniel L.
Published: March 2009

Solid state 31P NMR spectroscopy was used to examine, monitor and quantify the compound integrity of the chemical reagent dichlorotriphenylphosphorane. Comparison was also made with solution 31P NMR spectra which showed that this highly reactive species could be observed in dry benzene prior to conversion to the hydrolyzed product. This is the first reported solid state NMR study of the stability and reactivity of dichlorotriphenylphosphorane and the first account of its observation and comparison in the solution state. In the solid state, the ionic and covalent forms for dichlorotriphenylphosphorane were observed along with hydrolyzed products, however, the degree of hydrolysis was dependent upon the rotor packing conditions. Calculation of the relative percent composition of dichlorotriphenylphosphorane with hydrolyzed product was made for samples prepared in air versus under nitrogen atmosphere. This information was critical in adjusting the amount of reagent used in chemical development syntheses and scale up laboratories. All hydrolyzed products were identified, based upon chemical comparisons with spectra of pure materials. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Groutability of cement‐based grout with consideration of viscosity and filtration phenomenon
Authors: Kim Jong‐Sun , Lee In‐Mo , Jang Jae‐Hyuk , Choi Hangseok
Published: March 2009

The groutability depends on the properties of the grout, its injection processes, and on the mechanical properties of the soil formation. During the process of pouring cement‐based grouting into a porous medium, a variation with time occurs in the viscosity of grout suspension. In addition, the particle filtration phenomenon will limit the expansion of the grouted zone because cement particles are progressively stagnant within the soil matrix. In this paper, a closed‐form solution was derived by implementing the mass balance equations and the generalized phenomenological filtration law, which can be used to evaluate the deposition of cement‐based grout in the soil matrix. The closed‐form solution relevant to a particular spherical flow was modified by a step‐wise numerical calculation, considering the variable viscosity caused by a chemical reaction, and the decrease in porosity resulting from grout particle deposition in the soil pores. A series of pilot‐scale chamber injection tests was performed to verify that the developed step‐wise numerical calculation is able to evaluate the injectable volume of grout and the deposition of grout particles. The results of the chamber injection tests concurred well with that of the step‐wise numerical calculation. Based on the filtration phenomenon, a viable approach for estimating the groutability of cement‐based grout in a porous medium was also suggested, which might facilitate a new insight in the design of the grouting process. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lack of early engagement: a pre‐eminent barrier to Australian university bequest giving?
Authors: McGill Phyllis , Rundle‐Thiele Sharyn , Lye Ashley
Published: March 2009

Decreased government funding has placed increasing financial pressure on Australian universities. Currently Australian universities receive 6.6% of all donations to nonprofit organisations in Australia while universities in the United States attract 14%. These figures suggest there is considerable room for improvement for Australian universities. Efforts directed towards adding to knowledge of philanthropy to universities in Australia are, therefore, very topical at present. Despite acknowledged differences between the types of literature on gift‐giving it predominately centres on the motivation to donate to nonprofit organisations during an individual's lifetime (in vivogiving) with less focus on bequests. This exploratory study sought to gain insight into barriers to Australian University bequests. Lack of alumni engagement in Australian Universities was identified as a primary bequest barrier. Barriers identified previously in the literature (e.g. communications quality, performance, insensitive marketing) were considered secondary barriers to bequests. The results suggest a long term strategy is needed for Australian Universities seeking to improve donations. Universities need to engage students from the start of their academic tenure in order to be considered for a bequest. This paper proposes a model which highlights the consequences of this lack of early engagement and identifies key points in the academic and post‐academic process where successive challenges increasingly diverge the student from the university's bequest prospects.

Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Applications of the Boundary Element Method in Dynamics of Solids
Authors: Fedelinski Piotr , Gorski Radoslaw , Czyz Tomasz , Dziatkiewicz Grzegorz
Published: March 2009

The boundary element method (BEM) is developed and applied in new fields of dynamic fracture mechanics, dynamics of composite, elasto–plastic and piezoelectric materials. The BEM results are compared with solutions computed by the finite element method (FEM) showing high accuracy of the BEM. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Dynamical iteration schemes for multiscale simulation in nanoelectronics
Authors: de Falco Carlo , Culpo Massimiliano
Published: March 2009

In this paper we present the spatial discretization of the thermal element model for coupled electrothermal simulation introduced in [1] with a suitable multiscale Finite Element scheme. The structure of the local matrices for the the thermal element is presented in detail and some preliminary numerical results are reported. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Efficient solution of large scale Lyapunov and Riccati equations arising in model order reduction problems
Authors: Saak Jens , Benner Peter
Published: March 2009

Model order reduction of large–scale linear time–invariant systems is an omnipresent task in control and simulation of complex dynamical processes. The solution of large scale Lyapunov and Riccati equations is a major task, e.g., in balanced truncation and related model order reduction methods, in particular when applied to semi–discretized partial differential equations constraint control problems. The software packageLyaPackhas shown to be a valuable tool in the task of solving these equations since its introduction in 2000.

Here we want to discuss recent improvements and extensions of the underlying algorithms and their implementation. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Void nucleation by vacancy condensation
Authors: Weinberg Kerstin
Published: March 2009

A computational simulation of Kirkendall voiding in metallic materials is presented. After a brief explanation of the phenomena and its consequences on the reliability of microelectronic components we introduce a constitutive model for void nucleation and growth which is based on vacancy diffusion and rate–dependent inelastic deformation. This model can be used to predict the temporal development of voids in solder during thermal cycling and/or impact loading. A numerical study illustrates the potential of the model for the failure analysis. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Total FETI for contact problems with additional nonlinearities
Authors: Dobiáš Jiří , Pták Svatopluk , Vondrák Vít , Dostál Zdeněk
Published: March 2009

The paper is concerned with application of a new variant of the Finite Element Tearing and Interconnecting (FETI) method, referred to as the Total FETI (TFETI), to the solution to contact problems with additional nonlinearities. While the standard FETI methods assume that the prescribed Dirichlet conditions are inherited by subdomains, TFETI enforces both the compatibility between subdomains and the prescribed displacements by the Lagrange multipliers. If applied to the contact problems, this approach not only transforms the general nonpenetration constraints to the bound constraints, but it also generates an enriched natural coarse grid defined by the a priori known kernels of the stiffness matrices of the subdomains exhibiting rigid body modes. We combine our in a sense optimal algorithms for the solution to bound and equality constrained problems with geometric and material nonlinearities. The section on numerical experiments presents results of solution to bolt and nut contact problem with additional geometric and material nonlinear effects. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The modular robotic systems
Authors: Tatar O. , Stan S. , Mandru D.
Published: March 2009

A very important design goal of these robotic systems is the adaptability to the inner diameters of the pipes. In this paper, we proposed two wheeled–type in–pipe modular robotic systems. Thus, the studied modular robotic systems are characterized by an adaptable structure, based on linkages mechanisms. The prototypes were designed in order to inspect pipes with variable diameters within 140 and 200 mm. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A crack model with delayed embedded discontinuities
Authors: Theiner Y. , Hofstetter G.
Published: March 2009

In this contribution the combination of a smeared rotating crack model with a crack model based on the strong discontinuity approach and formulated within the framework of elements with embedded discontinuities is presented. This so–called crack model with delayed embedded discontinuities allows considering crack opening in the direction normal to the crack and relative tangential displacements of the crack faces with transfer of shear forces across the crack faces. The advantages of this approach are shown by the numerical simulation of an anchor pull out test. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Protein‐ and homo poly(amino acid)‐based hydrogels with super‐swelling properties
Authors: Zohuriaan‐Mehr M. J. , Pourjavadi A. , Salimi H. , Kurdtabar M.
Published: March 2009

The use of super‐swelling polymers is steadily increasing and the applications in industry are continuing to grow. With the authorization of the superabsorbents in food packaging by the Food and Drug Administration recently, demand may soon take off in the market. However, the increase in prices of petroleum products in recent years may be a drawback for these acrylic‐based materials. Thus, there is now a need to develop natural‐based super‐swelling hydrogels which are more economical and environment friendly. In addition, the super‐swelling gels are promising novel functions in the biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. This review is aimed to highlight research and trends in protein‐ and homo poly(amino acid)‐based super‐swelling hydrogels. Thus, the proteinaceous hydrogels, including chemically modified soy‐, fish‐ and collagen‐based proteins, are discussed. The protein‐polysaccharide, protein‐synthetics, and the inorganic composites are also investigated as hybrid materials. Finally, the super‐swelling hydrogels based on homo polypeptides, i.e. poly(aspartic acid), poly(glutamic acid), and poly(ε‐L‐lysine) are reviewed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of second trimester screen positive pregnancies at increased risk for congenital heart defects
Authors: Jelliffe‐Pawlowski Laura L. , Walton‐Haynes Lynn , Currier Robert J.
Published: March 2009

Objective

To examine whether second trimester biomarkers could be used to identify screen positive pregnancies at increased risk for congenital heart defects (CHDs) and measure the effect of using different biomarker cut points on the detection of CHDs and on the performance of predictive models.

Methods

Included were 19,402 pregnancies without chromosomal defects, which were screen positive for Down syndrome or other birth defects based on maternal serum measurements of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), and unconjugated estriol (uE3). Logistic regression models were built that compared biomarkers for CHD cases compared to controls.

Results

CHD cases were more likely to be screen positive for trisomy‐18, to have a nuchal fold (NF) ≥ 5 mm, and/or to have an hCG multiple of the median (MoM) ≥ 95th percentile in models that considered screen positive grouping. In models that did not consider screen positive grouping, cases were more likely to have a NF ≥ 5 mm, an AFP MoM ≤10th percentile, an hCG MoM ≤25th percentile, and/or an hCG MoM ≥ 75th percentile.

Conclusion

Along with NF, second trimester maternal serum biomarkers may be useful indicators for fetal and newborn evaluation for CHDs in screen positive pregnancies without identified chromosomal defects. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanotechnology for parasitic plant control
Authors: Pérez‐de‐Luque Alejandro , Rubiales Diego
Published: March 2009

The field of nanotechnology opens up novel potential applications for agriculture. Nanotechnology applications are already being explored and used in medicine and pharmacology, but interest for use in crop protection is just starting. The development of nanodevices as smart delivery systems to target specific sites and nanocarriers for controlled chemical release is discussed. Some nanotechnologies can improve existing crop management techniques in the short to medium term. Nanocapsules would help to avoid phytotoxicity on the crop by using systemic herbicides against parasitic weeds. Nanoencapsulation can also improve herbicide application, providing better penetration through cuticles and tissues, and allowing slow and constant release of the active substances. On the other hand, new crop management tools could be developed on the basis of medical applications. Nanoparticles have a great potential as ‘magic bullets’, loaded with herbicides, chemicals or nucleic acids, and targeting specific plant tissues or areas to release their charge. Viral capsids can be altered by mutagenesis to achieve different configurations and deliver specific nucleic acids, enzymes or antimicrobial peptides acting against the parasites. Many issues are still to be addressed, such as increasing the scale of production processes and lowering costs, as well as toxicological issues, but the foundations of a new plant treatment concept have been laid, and applications in the field of parasitic plant control can be started. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Observation of weak ferromagnetism in the C14 Laves phase of the (Fe1–xNix)2Nb system
Authors: Paduani C. , Schaf J. , Persiano A. I. C. , Raposo M. T. , Ardisson J. D. , Takeuchi A. Y.
Published: March 2009

In this work we report the observation of weak ferromagnetism in the hexagonal C14 Laves phase (s.g. P63/mmc) of the (Fe1–x Nix)2Nb system, which has been reported as nonmagnetic in the literature. A larger unit cell volume is observed as compared to Fe2Nb. From low‐temperature magnetization measurements it is found that the Ni substitution for Fe indeed leads to the onset of a weak ferromagnetic ordering in the C14 Laves phase of this pseudobinary system. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
PAMBE growth and in‐situ characterisation of clean (2 × 2) and (√3 × √3) R30° reconstructed InN(0001) thin films
Authors: Himmerlich M. , Eisenhardt A. , Schaefer J. A. , Krischok S.
Published: March 2009

The surface properties of thin InN(0001) films grown by plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PAMBE) were characterised. Two stable surface reconstructions (a (2 × 2) and a (√3 × √3) R30°) are identified which develop depending on the used preparation conditions. The structural, compositional and electronic surface properties were analysed in‐situ using reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and photoelectron spectroscopy (PES). From the absence of surface contaminants as well as excess indium it can be concluded that these superstructures are formed by single adatom layers. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Choosing an optimal method to combineP‐values
Authors: Won Sungho , Morris Nathan , Lu Qing , Elston Robert C.
Published: March 2009

Fisher (1925) was the first to suggest a method of combining thep‐values obtained from several statistics and many other methods have been proposed since then. However, there is no agreement about what is the best method. Motivated by a situation that now often arises in genetic epidemiology, we consider the problem when it is possible to define a simple alternative hypothesis of interest for which the expected effect size of each test statistic is known and we determine the most powerful test for this simple alternative hypothesis. Based on the proposed method, we show that information about the effect sizes can be used to obtain the best weights for Liptak's method of combiningp‐values. We present extensive simulation results comparing methods of combiningp‐values and illustrate for a real example in genetic epidemiology how information about effect sizes can be deduced. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intake and digestion of horned guan Oreophasis derbianus diets measured in three Mexican zoos
Authors: Tovar Gretel , Cornejo Juan , Macek Michael , Dierenfeld Ellen S.
Published: March 2009

We conducted nutritional analyses of diets offered to and ingested by seven pairs of horned guans (Oreophasis derbianus) in three zoos. Digestibility was calculated with individually housed birds (n=1 at each zoo). Diets offered varied widely among institutions, both in ingredients fed as well as in nutrient composition. Feeding selectivity was evident through differences in composition of diets offered vs. consumed, with fruit (bananas, grape, and/or plantain) and avocado (when offered) highly preferred; green leaves, poultry pellets, and other vegetables comprised lesser proportions of the diet. All facilities fed 2–3X more food than consumed, allowing a great degree of choice of preferred items and potentially consumption of nutritionally imbalanced diets—in particular, mineral constituents. Diets were highly digestible; dry matter (DM) digestion coefficients ranged from 70 to ∼90%; protein digestibility varied from 30 to 80%; fat was >90% digestible. Diet composition was compared with known nutritional requirements of domestic avian species, and feeding recommendations discussed. Despite the wide variability in nutrient composition of diets eaten (i.e. protein 6–10% of DM; fat 2–17% of DM), no overt health problems were noted and all pairs had successfully reproduced on these diets. It is suggested that horned guans may have nutrient requirements more similar to those suggested for other frugivorous birds than values determined for poultry as the physiologic model. Comparisons with native food items, as well as more detailed nutrient balance studies, may provide even better guidelines for captive management of this highly endangered species. Zoo Biol 28:319–330, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Whites, Blacks, and Brown in the Labor Market in Brazil: A Study About Inequalities
Authors: Saboia Ana Lucia , Saboia João
Published: March 2009

This paper examines inequalities between white and black and brown populations in Brazil within occupations that require university degree. The main result confirms that once reached the university degree, blacks/brown usually obtain smaller but comparable income to that of whites. Although some racial discrimination in labor market may exist, such result corroborates other studies that identify schooling differentials as the main reason for the high income inequality found in Brazil.
Single and combined supplementation of glutamine andn-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on host tolerance and tumour response to 7-ethyl-10-[4-(1-piperidino)-1-piperidino]carbonyloxy-camptothecin (CPT-11)/5-fluorouracil chemotherapy in rats bearing Ward colon tumour
Authors: Xue Hongyu , Le Roy Séverine , Sawyer Michael B. , Field Catherine J. , Dieleman Levinus A. , Baracos Vickie E.
Published: March 2009

Prior reports suggest that during irinotecan (7-ethyl-10-[4-(1-piperidino)-1-piperidino]carbonyloxy-camptothecin; CPT-11) chemotherapy in laboratory rats, the anti-tumour efficacy and diarrhoea toxicity could be modulated byn-3 PUFA and glutamine, respectively. We further examined how these two dietary elements, when provided individually and in combination, would affect the efficacy of a cyclical regimen of CPT-11/5-fluorouracil (5-FU), an accepted combination regimen for colorectal cancer. Prior to initiating chemotherapy, diets enriched either with glutamine (2 %, w/w total diet) orn-3 PUFA (0·88 %, w/w total diet) alone, inhibited Ward colon tumour growth (P < 0·05). These diets also completely or partially normalized the changes in peripheral leucocyte counts associated with the tumour-bearing state (e.g. neutrophil proportion/concentration and lymphocyte proportion). During chemotherapy, either glutamine- orn-3 PUFA-enriched diet enhanced tumour chemo-sensitivity, and reduced body weight loss, anorexia and muscle wasting (v.animals fed control diet,P < 0·05). Surprisingly, providing both glutamine andn-3 PUFA together did not confer a greater benefit on tumour inhibition either in the presence or absence of chemotherapy; individual benefits associated with single treatments, particularly in respect to host nutritional status (i.e. body weight, food intake and muscle weight) and immune (peripheral leucocyte counts) features were instead partially or completely lost when these two nutrients were combined. These results draw into question the common assumption that there are additive or synergistic benefits of combinations of nutrients, which are beneficial on an individual basis, and suggest that co-supplementation with glutamine andn-3 PUFA is not indicated during chemotherapy with CPT-11 and 5-FU.