bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A facile automated synthesis of N‐succinimidyl 4‐[18F]fluorobenzoate ([18F]SFB) for 18F‐labeled cell‐penetrating peptide as PET tracer
Authors: Tang Ganghua , Tang Xiaolan , Wang Xinlu
Published: April 2010

A fully automated synthesis of N‐succinimidyl 4‐[18F]fluorobenzoate ([18F]SFB) was carried out by a convenient three‐step, one‐pot procedure on the modified TRACERlab FXFN synthesizer, including [18F]fluorination of ethyl 4‐(trimethylammonium triflate)benzoate as the precursor, saponification of the ethyl 4‐[18F]fluorobenzoate with aqueous tetrapropylammonium hydroxide instead of sodium hydroxide, and conversion of 4‐[18F]fluorobenzoate salt ([18F]FBA) to [18F]SFB treated with N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethyl‐O‐(N‐succinimidyl)uranium tetrafluoroborate (TSTU). The purified [18F]SFB was used for the labeling of Tat membrane‐penetrating peptide (containing the Arg‐Lys‐Lys‐Arg‐Arg‐Arg‐Arg‐Arg‐Arg‐Arg‐Arg‐Pro‐Leu‐Gly‐Leu‐Ala‐Gly‐Glu‐Glu‐Glu‐Glu‐Glu‐Glu‐Glu sequence, [18F]CPP) through radiofluorination of lysine amino groups. The uncorrected radiochemical yields of [18F]SFB were as high as 25–35% (based on [18F]fluoride) (n=10) with a synthesis time of∼40 min. [18F]CPP was produced in an uncorrected radiochemical yields of 10–20% (n=5) within 30 min (based on [18F]SFB). The radiochemical purities of [18F]SFB and [18F]CPP were greater than 95%. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The identification of synthetic homopolymer end groups and verification of their transformations using MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Yejia , Hoskins Jessica N. , Sreerama Subramanya G. , Grayson Michael A. , Grayson Scott M.
Published: April 2010

Recent advances in the resolving power of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) enable the detailed characterization of linear homopolymers, and in particular provide invaluable data for the determination of their end‐group functionalities. With the growing importance of macromolecular coupling reactions in building complex polymer architectures, the ability to accurately monitor end‐group transformations is becoming increasingly important for synthetic polymer chemists. This tutorial demonstrates the application of MALDI‐TOF MS in determining both end‐group functionalities and their transformations for linear homopolymers. Examples of both polycaprolactone and polystyrene are examined, and the strengths and weaknesses of various approaches to data analysis are given. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Will snow‐abundant winters still exist in the Swiss Alps in an enhanced greenhouse climate?
Authors: Beniston Martin , Uhlmann Bastienne , Goyette Stéphane , Lopez‐Moreno Juan Ignacio
Published: April 2010

Snow cover and duration are very variable components of the alpine environment and are often poorly reproduced in climate models. Using joint probability temperature/precipitation distributions to categorize cold/dry, cold/moist, warm/dry (WD) and warm/moist situations in winter, this study demonstrates that one particular mode (WD) exerts the strongest influence on snow. When the number of WD days is low, snow in the Swiss Alps is abundant, and vice versa. Since the 1950s, there has been an increase in the WD events and a subsequent reduction in snow cover. Snow‐abundant winters have nevertheless occurred in recent years, when WD days are low, despite winter temperatures that are more than 1 °C higher than those in the mid‐1900s. The WD mode thus represents a form of proxy to snow amount and duration; its evolution in an enhanced greenhouse climate can help identify whether snow‐abundant winters may still occur in a much warmer world. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Oxidative stress in subsynovial connective tissue of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Kim Jae Kwang , Koh Young Do , Kim Jeong Suk , Hann Hoo Jae , Kim Mi Jin
Published: April 2010

Ischemic‐reperfusion injury is thought to be a cause of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The purpose of this study was to determine whether oxidative stress caused by ischemia‐reperfusion injury in subsynovial connective tissue is associated with idiopathic CTS and its symptoms. Bioptic samples of tenosynovial tissue were collected from 20 idiopathic CTS patients during surgery. Control specimens of tenosynovial tissue were collected from eight non‐CTS patients. Analysis included histological and immunohistochemical examination for the distribution of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), nuclear factor (NF)‐κβ, and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β RI in subsynovial connective tissues. Histological examinations showed a marked increase in fibroblast density and vascular proliferation in specimens from CTS patients. The expressions of eNOS, NF‐κβ, and TGF‐β RI in fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells of subsynovial connective tissues of patients were significantly higher than in those of controls. A significant positive correlation was found between the subjective symptom severity of CTS, and the immunoreactivities of eNOS and NF‐κβ. This study suggests that oxidative stress in subsynovial connective tissue is related to CTS and its symptoms. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1463–1468, 2010
Plasma brominated polymer particles as grafting substrate for thiol‐terminated telomers
Authors: Byström Emil , Nordborg Anna , Limé Fredrik , Dinh Ngoc Phuoc , Irgum Knut
Published: April 2010

A combined surface activation and “grafting to” strategy was developed to convert divinylbenzene particles into weak cation exchangers suitable for protein separation. The initial activation step was based on plasma modification with bromoform, which rendered the particles amenable to further reaction with nucleophiles by introducing Br to a surface content of 11.2 atom‐%, as determined by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Grafting of thiol‐terminated glydicyl methacrylate telomers to freshly plasma activated surfaces was accomplished without the use of added initiator, and the grafting was verified both by reduction in bromine content and the appearance of sulfur‐carbon linkages, showing that the surface grafts were covalently bonded. Following grafting the attached glydicyl methacrylate telomer tentacles were further modified by a two‐step procedure involving hydrolysis to 2,3‐hydroxypropyl groups and conversion of hydroxyl groups to carboxylate functionality by succinic anhydride. The final material was capable of baseline separating four model proteins in 3 min by gradient cation exchange chromatography in a fully aqueous eluent.
A Novel Route for Fabricating Metal‐Polymer Composite Nanoparticles with Phase‐Separated Structures
Authors: Yabu Hiroshi , Koike Kazutaka , Motoyoshi Kiwamu , Higuchi Takeshi , Shimomura Masatsugu
Published: April 2010

Au nanoparticles (NPs) and polymer composite particles with phase‐separation structures were prepared based on phase separation structures. Au NPs were successfully synthesized in amphiphilic block‐copolymer micelles, and then composite particles were formed by a simple solvent evaporation process from Au NPs and polymer solution. The phase separated structures (Janus and Core‐shell) were controlled by changing the combination of polymers having differing hydrophobicity.

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Tragfähigkeit von Aluminiumschrauben Teil 1 – Statische Tragfähigkeit
Authors: Arz U. , Weber J. O. , Marx T. , Berger C.
Published: April 2010

Der vorliegende Beitrag gibt eine Übersicht über die statische Tragfähigkeit von hochfesten Aluminiumschrauben aus den Knetwerkstoffen EN AW 6056 und EN AW 7075, wobei am Rande noch Schrauben aus den Werkstoffen EN AW 6013 und EN AW 6082 betrachtet werden. Die zurzeit erreichbaren mechanischen und zyklischen Eigenschaften, sowie verschiedene Einflüsse hierauf werden beschrieben. In Teil 2 wird auf die zyklische Tragfähigkeit eingegangen.

In this paper an overview of the mechanical behaviour of high strength screws made of aluminum is given. The investigated wrought alloys are AA 6056 and AA 7075. In some cases there is look to the wrought alloys AA 6013 and AA 6082. In part 2 a description of the cyclic behaviour of these alloys will be given.
New procedure for preparation of highly stable and well separated carbon nanotubes in an aqueous modified polyacrylonitrile
Authors: Bagheri B. , Abdouss M. , Shoushtari A. M.
Published: April 2010

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) due to their nonreactive surface can not effectively disperse in polymeric matrix. Efficient exploitation of CNTs properties to improve material performance is generally related to the degree of dispersion, saturation by the matrix and interfacial adhesion. In order to obtain a suitable dispersion, the CNTs usually need treatment before they can be utilized. In this work, an easy procedure for preparation a stable dispersion of well separated and individual CNTs in an aqueous polymeric solution by using of Gum Arabic (GA) and modified polymer has been described. The applied polymer was a modified water soluble acrylonitrile polymer. The modification was carried out through functionalizing polyacrylonitrile by 2‐aminoethanol. Individual dispersion of the CNTs in the aqueous GA solution after two month can be observed. By incorporating the modified polyacrylonitrile to the solution, the stability of the individual CNTs dispersion several times was increased in such a way that after six month, the CNTs were still kept at their individual positions. According to the suggested mechanism of dispersion, hydrogen bonds between GA/CNTs and the modified polyacrylonitrile chains can be formed that increasing the dispersion ability. The effects of salts and temperature on dispersion ability of GA were also studied.
Rapid harvesting both kidneys from one donor rat for transplantation with a technique of sharp dissection after irrigation
Authors: Daqiang Zhao , Jun Li , Jiang Qiu , Changxi Wang , Lizhong Chen
Published: April 2010

The comparisons of two different methods of donor nephrectomy were performed in this study. Fisher inbred rats were used as donors and recipients of kidneys. In method A (the conventional technique), meticulous blunt dissection of the abdominal aorta, inferior vena cava, and renal arteries/veins, was followed by ligating and cutting the superior mesenteric artery and small vessels entering the above vessels. Both donor kidneys were irrigated after the suprarenal aorta and inferior vena cava were cross‐clamped (n = 10). In method B, donor rats were systematically irrigated by infrarenal aorta catheterization following laparotomy, then the vessels were sharply mobilized using a pair of microscissors to directly cut the fat and adherent connective tissues away from the edge of the vessels (n = 10). Isotransplantation was performed by end‐to‐side anastomosis of the blood vessels and end‐to‐end anastomosis of the ureters. Irrigating the donor kidney before dissection provided a clear visual field, reduced the operation time (37.50 ± 6.84 versus 68.30 ± 11.53 minutes, p < 0.001), facilitated the dissection of vessels, and reduced the risk of vasospasm (5 out of 19 versus 0 out of 18, p < 0.05). This study has demonstrated the proposed technique is fast and safe, and may be useful in research of renal transplantation in the rat model. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 30:569–573, 2010.
A simple flowcell for reaction monitoring by NMR
Authors: Khajeh M. , Bernstein M. A. , Morris G. A.
Published: April 2010

A simple, cheap and flexible flowcell based on a standard 5 mm NMR tube, designed for the monitoring of reactions but of wide applicability, is described. No modification of the NMR instrument is needed, allowing the system to be employed with any conventional NMR probe and magnet. The system is robust and economical in use of reagents, and can be used for studying both homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparison of variational formats for porous media subjected to dynamic loading
Authors: Lenhof B. , Larsson F. , Runesson K.
Published: April 2010

This paper presents a comparison of two variational formats for fully saturated porous media subjected to dynamic loading, whereby the general situation of relative fluid acceleration is considered: (1) the classical three‐field (u, p, w)‐format and (2) a novel two‐field (u, p)‐format, where the seepage velocity w is a spatially ‘local’ field whose treatment resembles that of internal variables in material models. The limited numerical comparison shows that the (u, p)‐format competes well with the (u, p, w)‐format. Indeed, it is consistent with the general acceleration modeling in the full range of permeabilities. Moreover, in the low permeability regime (where the magnitude of w is insignificant), the new format reflects the situation pertinent to ‘added‐mass’ and is more efficient than the classical (u, p, w)‐format. Finally, the (u, p)‐formatcan conveniently be implemented in existing FE‐codes based on the ‘added mass’ formulation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feasibility of a daily electronic survey to study prevention behavior with HIV‐infected individuals
Authors: Cook Paul F. , McElwain Catherine J. , Bradley‐Springer Lucy A.
Published: April 2010

The daily experiences of persons living with HIV (PLWH) are important but under‐studied as predictors of HIV prevention behavior. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is an intensive within‐subjects data collection method that can be used to examine daily experiences. To determine whether PLWH would participate in EMA, we conducted a feasibility study with 21 PLWH. The method was acceptable to men and women from diverse backgrounds, with 81% (17/21) completing 2 months of daily surveys, and 67% (14/21) completing 6 months. Measures were completed on 72% of study days. Only 6% of records had missing data. Daily survey completion decreased over time. Participants reported that EMA was easy and did not influence their behaviors. Results suggest EMA is feasible with PLWH. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 33:221–234, 2010
The synthesis and properties of a reactive flame‐retardant unsaturated polyester resin from a phosphorus‐containing diacid
Authors: Zhang Chen , Huang Jun Yi , Liu Shu Mei , Zhao Jian Qing
Published: April 2010

A transparent flame‐retardant unsaturated polyester resin (FR‐UPR) was obtained by reacting propylene glycol (PG) with maleic anhydride (MA), phthalic anhydride (PA), and 9,10‐dihydro‐10[2,3‐di(hydroxy carbonyl)propyl]‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DDP) synthesized from 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene 10‐oxide (DOPO) and itaconic acid (ITA). The chemical structure of the resulting FR‐UPR was confirmed by FTIR, 1H‐NMR and 31P‐NMR. The average molecular weight and viscosity of the FR‐UPR were determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and viscometer, respectively. Thermal stability was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) both in air and nitrogen to determine the thermal decomposition mechanism, and the apparent activation energy (Ea) was calculated by both the Kissinger and Ozawa methods. Compared to unsaturated polyester resin (UPR), the higher Ea of FR‐UPR3 implied an improved thermal stability. According to variations of the limited oxygen index (LOI) values, the UL 94 rating of vertical burning test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photographs of char residues, the flame retardance of cured FR‐UPR was enhanced with increasing DDP content. The study of fire reaction tests, using a cone calorimeter, suggested that there was a significant reduction of flammability in the FR‐UPR. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation, combustion, and thermal behavior of UV‐cured epoxy‐based coatings containing layered double hydroxide
Authors: Xing Weiyi , Song Lei , Wang Xin , Lv Xiaoqi , Hu Yuan
Published: April 2010

The bisphenol A epoxy acrylate resin (EA) containing a small amount of layered double hydroxide (LDH) was cured within seconds under UV irradiation at ambient temperature. Its microstructure was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The combustion behavior of the coating was examined by the Microscale Combustion Calorimeter (MCC) and limiting oxygen index (LOI). The results obtained from MCC and LOI indicated that the addition of LDH into EA could decrease the peak of heat release rate (HRR) for the films and increase the LOI value of the films. Thermal behavior of the cured films was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results for TGA indicated that with increase in the contents of LDH, the residual char of UV‐cured films increased at 600 °C. The evolved products for UV‐cured films were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis/infrared spectrometry (TGA‐IR). It was implied that the mechanism of thermal degradation for EA0 was different from EA4. Viscoelastic property of photo‐cured hybrid materials was evaluated by dynamic‐mechanical analysis. The effect of LDH on the properties of UV‐curable films was critically evaluated in this paper. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An alternative method for irones quantification in iris rhizomes using headspace solid‐phase microextraction
Authors: Roger B. , Fernandez X. , Jeannot V. , Chahboun J.
Published: April 2010

Introduction – The essential oil obtained from iris rhizomes is one of the most precious raw materials for the perfume industry. Its fragrance is due to irones that are gradually formed by oxidative degradation of iridals during rhizome ageing.

Objective – The development of an alternative method allowing irone quantification in iris rhizomes using HS‐SPME‐GC.

Methodology – The development of the method using HS‐SPME‐GC was achieved using the results obtained from a conventional method, i.e. a solid–liquid extraction (SLE) followed by irone quantification by CG.

Results – Among several calibration methods tested, internal calibration gave the best results and was the least sensitive to the matrix effect. The proposed method using HS‐SPME‐GC is as accurate and reproducible as the conventional one using SLE. These two methods were used to monitor and compare irone concentrations in iris rhizomes that had been stored for 6 months to 9 years.

Conclusion – Irone quantification in iris rhizome can be achieved using HS‐SPME‐GC. This method can thus be used for the quality control of the iris rhizomes. It offers the advantage of combining extraction and analysis with an automated device and thus allows a large number of rhizome batches to be analysed and compared in a limited amount of time. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of indoor and outdoor performance measurements of recent commercially available solar modules
Authors: Virtuani A. , Müllejans H. , Dunlop E. D.
Published: April 2010

The strong growth of the PV market is accompanied by an increasing number of “new” PV technologies and concepts now mature for commercialization. A correct calibration of these devices is in some cases very difficult, because indoor and outdoor performance measurements often lead to different results. In this paper we compare theindoorandoutdoorperformance measurements of a set of recent commercially available PV modules (conventional and high‐efficiency c‐Si, single‐, double‐, and triple‐junction thin film (TF) technologies) and we observe that the maximum powerPmaxof some devices measured indoors using our large area pulsed solar simulator is usually lower than the power measured outdoors under natural sunlight. The major effects which lead to these discrepancies are identified, as follows: (a)spectral mismatch errors, very significant for CdTe, and all a‐Si TF technologies; (b) measurement‐relatedsweep‐time effects, which seem to strongly influence the performance of high efficiency c‐Si devices and to a lesser extend of all a‐Si TF technologies; and (c) short‐timelight‐soaking effects, which influence the performance of CIS and to a lesser extent CdTe. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
E10: Eine fundamentale Symmetrie der Physik? Neuer Zugang zur Quantengravitation
Authors: Nicolai Hermann , Kleinschmidt Axel
Published: April 2010

Symmetrien spielen in den grundlegenden Theorien der Physik eine zentrale Rolle. Sie könnten helfen, eine Quantengravitation zu entwickeln, die erfolgreich Allgemeine Relativitätstheorie und Quantentheorie zusammenbringt. Gibt es ein Symmetrieprinzip, das diese Zusammenführung bewirkt? Die einzigartige mathematische E10‐Struktur eröffnet tatsächlich einen neuen Zugang zur Quantengravitation. Mit ihr ließe sich eine neue Beschreibung von urknallartigen Singularitäten und Schwarzen Löchern finden. Das vollständige Verständnis des E10‐Modells mit seinen Auswirkungen auf die Struktur der Raumzeit könnte tiefe Einblicke in grundlegende Symmetrien und Prinzipien der Welt eröffnen. Noch allerdings steht die theoretische Physik hier am Anfang.
Vom Kolibri zum Wal
Authors: Rolfs Claus
Published: April 2010

Der Mensch, alle Säugetiere und alle Vögel sind Warmblüter, denn sie haben warmes Blut in ihren Adern. Diese Lebewesen strahlen daher Energie ab. Damit sie – trotz dieses Energieverlustes – ihre Körpertemperatur konstant halten können und nicht abkühlen und sterben, müssen sie von Zeit zu Zeit Nahrung aufnehmen und verbrennen. Diesen Vorgang nennt man Metabolismus. Abschätzungen der umgesetzten Energie erlauben Rückschlüsse auf grundlegende Eigenschaften wie die Größe von Tieren.
Multivariate denoising methods combining wavelets and principal component analysis for mass spectrometry data
Authors: Mostacci Elise , Truntzer Caroline , Cardot Hervé , Ducoroy Patrick
Published: April 2010

The identification of new diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers is one of the main aims of clinical cancer research. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using mass spectrometry for the detection of such biomarkers. The MS signal resulting from MALDI‐TOF measurements is contaminated by different sources of technical variations that can be removed by a prior pre‐processing step. In particular, denoising makes it possible to remove the random noise contained in the signal. Wavelet methodology associated with thresholding is usually used for this purpose. In this study, we adapted two multivariate denoising methods that combine wavelets and PCA to MS data. The objective was to obtain better denoising of the data so as to extract the meaningful proteomic biological information from the raw spectra and reach meaningful clinical conclusions. The proposed methods were evaluated and compared with the classical soft thresholding denoising method using both real and simulated data sets. It was shown that taking into account common structures of the signals by adding a dimension reduction step on approximation coefficients through PCA provided more effective denoising when combined with soft thresholding on detail coefficients.
2‐DE proteome maps for the leaf apoplast of Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Goulet Charles , Goulet Catherine , Goulet Marie‐Claire , Michaud Dominique
Published: April 2010

We provide 2‐D gel reference maps for the apoplastic proteome of Nicotiana benthamiana leaves infiltrated or not with the bacterial gene vector Agrobacterium tumefaciens. About 90 proteins were analyzed by LC‐MS/MS for identification and function assignment. We show, overall, an effective response of the plant to agroinfiltration involving a specific, cell wall maintenance‐independent up‐regulation of defense protein secretion. The proteome maps described should be a useful tool for systemic studies on plant–pathogen interactions or cell wall metabolism. They also should prove useful for the monitoring of secreted recombinant proteins and their possible pleiotropic effects along the cell secretory pathway of N. benthamiana leaves used as an expression platform for clinically useful proteins.
Analysis of the phosphoproteome of the multicellular bacterium Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) by protein/peptide fractionation, phosphopeptide enrichment and high‐accuracy mass spectrometry
Authors: Parker Jennifer L. , Jones Alexandra M. E. , Serazetdinova Liliya , Saalbach Gerhard , Bibb Mervyn J. , Naldrett Mike J.
Published: April 2010

The serine (Ser)/threonine (Thr)/tyrosine (Tyr) phosphoproteome of exponentially growing Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) was analysed using the gel‐free approaches of preparative IEF for protein fractionation, followed by strong cation exchange peptide fractionation and phosphopeptide enrichment by TiO2 metal oxide affinity chromatography. Phosphopeptides were identified using LC‐ESI‐LTQ‐Orbitrap™ MS. Forty‐six novel phosphorylation sites were identified on 40 proteins involved in gene regulation or signalling, central metabolism, protein biosynthesis, membrane transport and cell division, as well as several of unknown function. In contrast to other studies, Thr phosphorylation appeared to be preferred, with relative levels of Ser, Thr and Tyr phosphorylation of 34, 52 and 14%, respectively. Genes for most of the 40 phosphorylated proteins reside in the central “housekeeping” region of the linear S. coelicolor chromosome, suggesting that in general Ser, Thr and Tyr phosphorylation play a role in regulating essential aspects of metabolism in streptomycetes. A greater number of regulators and putative regulators were also identified compared with other bacterial phosphoproteome studies, potentially reflecting the complex heterotrophic and developmental life style of S. coelicolor. This study is the first analysis of the phosphoproteome of a member of this morphologically complex and industrially important group of microorganisms.
A DFT‐based exploration augmented by X‐ray and NMR of the stereoselectivity in the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of 1‐pyrroline‐1‐oxide to methyl cinnamate and benzylidene acetophenone
Authors: Acharjee Nivedita , Das Tapas Kumar , Banerji Avijit , Banerjee Manas , Prangé Theirry
Published: April 2010

A B3LYP/6–31G* study was carried out for the reactions of 1‐pyrroline‐1‐oxide (N1) with methyl cinnamate (E1) and benzylidene acetophenone (E2) for getting a quantitative rationalization of the experimental findings. The product ratios were determined by NMR studies of the crude reaction mixtures. The conformation and stereochemistry of the isolated cycloadducts were finally confirmed by 2D NMR and X‐ray diffraction. The endo/exo‐selectivities were predicted through the computation of activation parameters on the basis of assumed concerted mechanism. The regioselectivity and reactivity were amply predicted by local and global electrophilicity indices and were found to be in good agreement with the experimental findings which were supportive of polar character and of the direction of charge transfer (CT) accompanying the cycloaddition. It was found that the cycloaddition involving methyl cinnamate was endo‐selective, while that with benzylidene acetophenone produced the exo‐isomer as the major adduct. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Static ignition hazards of “conductive” liquids during container filling
Authors: Britton Laurence G.
Published: April 2010

This paper briefly discusses the hazards of “splash filling” containers with liquids that are sufficiently conductive to produce sparks at their surfaces. It is advised that the “2 mm” (2000 micron) maximum safe coating thickness for containers given in Codes and Recommended Practices is unsafe and should probably read “2 mil” (50 micron) instead. For a typical drum filling operation the effect of increased coating thickness in this range is to increase the liquid voltage by a factor of about 80. This paper advises on the appropriate use of dip pipes and other precautions. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2010
Mn2+‐assisted recombination of trions in semimagnetic quantum dots
Authors: Chernenko A. V. , Brichkin A. S. , Sokolov S. V. , Ivanov S. V.
Published: April 2010

Photoluminescence studies of individual CdSe/ZnSe/ZnMnSe quantum dots (QDs) allow us to observe excitons and negatively charged trions in spectra recorded at liquid He temperatures. Exciton and trion lines equally split into a doublet of circularly polarized lines in a magnetic field B directed perpendicular to the sample plain. The ratio of intensities of lines in the doublet differs for excitons and trions. The difference can be explained if spin‐dependent non‐radiative recombination is taken into account. Contrary to expectations processes induced by the Coulomb interaction do not lead to such a recombination. The dominant mechanism of spin‐dependent energy transfer from photoexcited QDs to Mn ions is related to the sp‐d mixing. The efficiency of this mechanism substantially exceeds that induced by the Coulomb interaction. Suppression of the non‐radiative recombination by a magnetic field in Faraday geometry leads to the increase in QDs PL intensity.
Green electron‐beam pumped laser arrays based on II–VI nanostructures
Authors: Zverev M. M. , Ivanov S. V. , Gamov N. A. , Zdanova E. V. , Studionov V. B. , Peregoudov D. V. , Sedova I. V. , Gronin S. V. , Sorokin S. V. , Kop'ev P. S. , Olikhov I. M.
Published: April 2010

Room temperature electron‐beam pumped (U = 15–26 keV) green lasers and laser arrays based on multiple quantum well II–VI structures with an extended up to 2 µm waveguide have been studied. The maximum achieved output pulse power is as high as 31 and 630 W per facet from a single 0.24‐mm‐wide laser element at the cavity length of 0.4 mm and a laser array consisting of 26 elements, respectively.
Robotic vs. laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Markar S. R. , Karthikesalingam A. P. , Hagen M. E. , Talamini M. , Horgan S. , Wagner O. J.
Published: April 2010

The aim of this meta‐analysis was to compare clinical outcome following laparoscopic and robotic Nissen fundoplication. A systematic literature search of Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library databases was performed. Primary outcome measures were the requirement for re‐operation, postoperative mortality and postoperative dysphagia. Secondary outcome measures were operative time, length of hospital stay, operative complications and cost. Six randomized trials, of 226 patients, were included in this meta‐analysis. There was no significant difference in requirement for re‐operation or in postoperative dysphagia. There was a significantly reduced total operative time in the laparoscopic group (weighted mean difference = 4.154; 95% CI = 1.932–6.375; p = 0.0002). There was no significant difference between robotic and laparoscopic groups for hospital stay or operative complications. Clinical results from robotic Nissen fundoplication were comparable to the standard laparoscopic approach, but there was associated increased operative time and procedure cost. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sustainable development policies and achievements in the context of the agriculture sector in Thailand
Authors: Kasem Sukallaya , Thapa Gopal B.
Published: April 2010

Consistent with Agenda 21 and the philosophy of ‘sufficiency economy’, Thailand has pursued sustainable agricultural development policy to complement its pursuit of sustainable national development. Primarily based on secondary information, this study first analyzes the evolving sustainable agricultural development policies, followed by an assessment of the achievements attained, where explanations are provided for the achievement or non‐achievement. The findings reveal that Thailand began to pay attention to sustainable agricultural development policy starting in the early 1990s. However, it was only after the adoption of the philosophy of ‘sufficiency economy’ as the main sustainable development policy agendum that the country began to move seriously towards sustainable agriculture development. In this regard, several policy instruments were introduced, including crop diversification, reduced use of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides, and promotion of organic agriculture and healthy food. Overall, impressive achievements were made in introducing such policies, but those policies may have little effect on the ground, considering that conventional agriculture has still remained largely intact. The reasons for the divergence between the policies and actual practices are explained in this paper, while important policy relevant conclusions applicable to all developing countries are also deduced. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Improved bonding strength between TiO2 film and Ti substrate by microarc oxidation
Authors: Hong M. H. , Lee D. H. , Kim K. M. , Lee Y. K.
Published: April 2010

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys have proved to be very suitable materials for load‐bearing bioimplant applications. Unfortunately, Ti and its alloys exhibit poor osteoinductive properties like most metals. This drawback was recently addressed by modified titania (TiO2). However, the bonding strength between TiO2 and substrate is not very strong. Therefore, mechanical properties and biochemical stability are very important.

Many techniques have been investigated for modifying the TiO2 layer. Microarc oxidation (MAO) represents a relatively new surface modification technique where thick, hard and anticorrosive oxide coatings can be easily and cost‐effectively fabricated. In this study, various chemicals were used as the electrolyte for MAO. Hydroxyapatite (HA) suspension was prepared by dispersing HA powder in distilled water and adjusting the pH in the range of 4–11.

Bonding strength between TiO2 film and substrate was determined by modified ASTM C‐633 and the ability to form apatite was confirmed after MAO, by soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF). The bonding strength decreased when the electrolyte was changed, but increased with increasing voltage. Bioactivity was only present in NaOH‐treated specimens. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring the flow in lean software development
Authors: Petersen K. , Wohlin C.
Published: April 2010

Responsiveness to customer needs is an important goal in agile and lean software development. One major aspect is to have a continuous and smooth flow that quickly delivers value to the customer. In this paper we apply cumulative flow diagrams to visualize the flow of lean software development. The main contribution is the definition of novel measures connected to the diagrams to achieve the following goals: (1) increase throughput and reduce lead‐time to achieve high responsiveness to customers' needs and (2) to provide a tracking system that shows the progress/status of software product development. An evaluation of the measures in an industrial case study showed that practitioners found them useful and identify improvements based on the measurements, which were in line with lean and agile principles. Furthermore, the practitioners found the measures useful in seeing the progress of development for complex products where many tasks are executed in parallel. The measures are now an integral part of the improvement work at the studied company. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neurites from PC12 cells are connected to each other by synapse‐like structures
Authors: Jeon Chan‐Young , Jin Jae‐Kwang , Koh Young‐Ho , Chun Wook , Choi Ihn‐Geun , Kown Hyung‐Joo , Kim Yong‐Sun , Park Jae‐Bong
Published: April 2010

PC12 cells have been used as a model of sympathetic neurons. Nerve growth factor (NGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and cAMP induce neurite outgrowth from PC12 cells. cAMP induced a greater number of neurites than did NGF. In particular, we attempted to elucidate whether PC12 cell neurites, induced by several factors including NGF, bFGF, and cAMP, form synapses, and whether each neurite has presynaptic and postsynaptic properties. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we observed that neurites are connected to each other. The connected regions presented dense core vesicles and a clathrin‐coated membrane invagination. In addition, typical maker proteins for axon and dendrite were identified by an immuno‐staining method. Tau‐1, an axonal marker in neurons, was localized at a high concentration in the terminal tips of neurites from PC12 cells, which were connected to neurite processes containing MAP‐2, a dendritic marker in neurons. Furthermore, neurites containing SV2 and synaptotagmin, markers of synaptic vesicles, were in contact with neurites harboring drebrin, a marker of the postsynaptic membrane, suggesting that neurites from PC12 cells induced by NGF, bFGF, and cAMP may form synapse‐like structures. Tat‐C3 toxin, a Rho inhibitor, augmented neurite outgrowth induced by NGF, bFGF, and cAMP. Tat‐C3 toxin together with neurotrophins also exhibited synapse‐like structures between neurites. However, it remains to be studied whether RhoA inhibition plays a role in the formation of synapse‐like structures in PC12 cells. Synapse 64:765–772, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical implication of intra‐amniotic sludge on ultrasound in patients with cervical cerclage
Authors: Gorski L. A. , Huang W. H. , Iriye B. K. , Hancock J.
Published: April 2010

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine whether intra‐amniotic (IA) sludge, a sonographic finding of hyperechoic matter in the amniotic fluid close to the internal cervical os, is associated with preterm delivery in patients with cervical cerclage.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of patients who had undergone McDonald cerclage between January 1997 and December 2004 was conducted. Transvaginal ultrasound examinations had been performed at 14–28 weeks of gestation, and the ultrasound images were assessed by three reviewers (blinded to patient outcome) to determine the presence or absence of IA sludge. The primary outcome studied was the gestational age at delivery.

Results

A total of 177 patients who had undergone cervical cerclage, and for whom adequate records were available, were identified. Sixty had sonographic evidence of IA sludge (Group 1) and 117 had absence of IA sludge (Group 2). There was no significant difference in the mean gestational age at delivery between the two groups (36.4 ± 4.0 vs. 36.8 ± 2.9 weeks, P = 0.53), and no statistical difference in the rate of preterm delivery at < 28 (6.7% vs. 1.7%, P = 0.18), < 30 (6.7% vs. 3.4%, P = 0.45), < 32 (8.3% vs. 6.8%, P = 0.77) or < 36 (16.7% vs. 19.7%, P = 0.69) weeks of gestation.

Conclusion

Intra‐amniotic sludge on ultrasound is not associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery in patients with cervical cerclage. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Information visualization
Authors: Chen Chaomei
Published: April 2010

This overview introduces the key structure of the field of information visualization, a number of influential exemplars in the field, and challenging as well as promising directions of future developments. The focus is on explaining some of the most fundamental concepts, prominent approaches, and commonly held criteria. The overview also aims to point out theoretical and practical challenges that the community as a whole has been addressing. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Computer Graphics
Atrial Resection for Lung Cancer: Morbidity, Mortality, and Long‐Term Follow‐up
Authors: Kuehnl Andreas , Lindner Michael , Hornung Hans‐Martin , Winter Hauke , Jauch Karl‐Walter , Hatz Rudolf A. , Graeb Christian
Published: April 2010

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine our results of combined resection of the atrium and non‐small‐cell lung cancer using a concurrent and continuously updated database.

Methods

A total of 35 patients underwent extended pulmonary resection with partial resection of the atrium. The main focus of the study was to define subgroups of patients who can potentially benefit from surgery.

Results

Pneumonectomy was performed in 31 cases, and the other 4 patients underwent a lesser resection. Postoperative morbidity was 20%, and the mortality rate was 9%. The median intensive care unit stay was 2 days and the hospital stay 13 days. The survival rates were 80% at 1 year, 21% at 3 years, and 16% at 5 years. The median survival of patients with low‐grade tumors (G1/2) was 27 months, contrasted by only 15 months’ survival for patients with high‐grade tumors (P = 0.026). Multivariate analysis indicated that completeness of resection had a significant impact on survival (P = 0.042).

Conclusions

Combined resection of lung and atrium is a complex surgical procedure, but it can be performed with fair morbidity and mortality rates, even in patients with an increased number of preoperative risk factors. Patients suffering from low‐grade tumors benefit significantly from radical surgery. Future studies must define whether a multimodal therapeutic approach that includes induction therapy can prolong patient survival.
Clinical aspects of short‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: van Maldegem Bianca T. , Wanders Ronald J. A. , Wijburg Frits A.
Published: April 2010

Short‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (SCADD) is an autosomal recessive inborn error of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. SCADD is biochemically characterized by increased C4‐carnitine in plasma and ethylmalonic acid in urine. The diagnosis of SCADD is confirmed by DNA analysis showing SCAD gene mutations and/or variants. SCAD gene variants are present in homozygous form in approximately 6% of the general population and considered to confer susceptibility to development of clinical disease. Clinically, SCADD generally appears to present early in life and to be most frequently associated with developmental delay, hypotonia, epilepsy, behavioral disorders, and hypoglycemia. However, these symptoms often ameliorate and even disappear spontaneously during follow‐up and were found to be unrelated to the SCAD genotype. In addition, in some cases, symptoms initially attributed to SCADD could later be explained by other causes. Finally, SCADD relatives of SCADD patients as well as almost all SCADD individuals diagnosed by neonatal screening remained asymptomatic during follow‐up. This potential lack of clinical consequences of SCADD has several implications. First, the diagnosis of SCADD should never preclude extension of the diagnostic workup for other potential causes of the observed symptoms. Second, patients and parents should be clearly informed about the potential lack of relevance of the disorder to avoid unfounded anxiety. Furthermore, to date, SCADD is not an optimal candidate for inclusion in newborn screening programs. More studies are needed to fully establish the relevance of SCADD and solve the question as to whether SCADD is involved in a multifactorial disease or represents a nondisease.
Effects of Partially Hydrogenated, Semi‐Saturated, and High Oleate Vegetable Oils on Inflammatory Markers and Lipids
Authors: Teng Kim‐Tiu , Voon Phooi‐Tee , Cheng Hwee‐Ming , Nesaretnam Kalanithi
Published: April 2010

Knowledge about the effects of dietary fats on subclinical inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk are mainly derived from studies conducted in Western populations. Little information is available on South East Asian countries. This current study investigated the chronic effects on serum inflammatory markers, lipids, and lipoproteins of three vegetable oils. Healthy, normolipidemic subjects (n= 41; 33 females, 8 males) completed a randomized, single‐blind, crossover study. The subjects consumed high oleic palm olein (HOPO diet: 15% of energy 18:1n‐9, 9% of energy 16:0), partially hydrogenated soybean oil (PHSO diet: 7% of energy 18:1n‐9, 10% of energy 18:1trans) and an unhydrogenated palm stearin (PST diet: 11% of energy 18:1n‐9, 14% of energy 16:0). Each dietary period lasted 5 weeks with a 7 days washout period. The PHSO diet significantly increased serum concentrations of high sensitivity C‐reactive protein compared to HOPO and PST diets (by 26, 23%, respectively;P< 0.05 for both) and significantly decreased interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) compared to PST diet (by 12%;P< 0.05). In particular PHSO diet, and also PST diet, significantly increased total:HDL cholesterol ratio compared to HOPO diet (by 23, 13%, respectively;P< 0.05), with the PST diet having a lesser effect than the PHSO diet (by 8%;P< 0.05). The use of vegetable oils in their natural state might be preferred over one that undergoes the process of hydrogenation in modulating blood lipids and inflammation.
Homogeneous Kähler and Sasakian structures related to complex hyperbolic spaces
Authors: Gadea P. M. , Oubiña J. A.
Published: April 2010

We study homogeneous Kähler structures on a non-compact Hermitian symmetric space and their lifts to homogeneous Sasakian structures on the total space of a principal line bundle over it, and we analyse the case of the complex hyperbolic space.
C*-envelopes of tensor algebras for multivariable dynamics
Authors: Davidson Kenneth R. , Roydor Jean
Published: April 2010

We give a new very concrete description of the C*-envelope of the tensor algebra associated to a multivariable dynamical system. In the surjective case, this C*-envelope is described as a crossed product by an endomorphism and as a groupoid C*-algebra. In the non-surjective case, it is a full corner of such an algebra. We also show that when the space is compact the C*-envelope is simple if and only if the system is minimal.
A supermatrix-based molecular phylogeny of the family Drosophilidae
Authors: VAN DER LINDE KIM , HOULE DAVID , SPICER GREG S. , STEPPAN SCOTT J.
Published: April 2010

The genusDrosophilais diverse and heterogeneous and contains a large number of easy-to-rear species, so it is an attractive subject for comparative studies. The ability to perform such studies is currently compromised by the lack of a comprehensive phylogeny forDrosophilaand related genera. The genusDrosophilaas currently defined is known to be paraphyletic with respect to several other genera, but considerable uncertainty remains about other aspects of the phylogeny. Here, we estimate a phylogeny for 176 drosophilid (12 genera) and four non-drosophilid species, using gene sequences for up to 13 different genes per species (average: 4333 bp, five genes per species). This is the most extensive set of molecular data on drosophilids yet analysed. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted with maximum-likelihood (ML) and Bayesian approaches. Our analysis confirms that the genusDrosophilais paraphyletic with 100% support in the Bayesian analysis and 90% bootstrap support in the ML analysis. The subgenusSophophora, which includesDrosophila melanogaster, is the sister clade of all the other subgenera as well as of most species of six other genera. This sister clade contains two large, well-supported subclades. The first subclade contains the HawaiianDrosophila, the genusScaptomyza, and thevirilis-repletaradiation. The second contains theimmigrans-tripunctataradiation as well as the generaHirtodrosophila(exceptHirtodrosophila duncani),Mycodrosophila,ZaprionusandLiodrosophila. We argue that these results support a taxonomic revision of the genusDrosophila.
Prospect Theory and the Disposition Effect
Authors: Kaustia Markku
Published: April 2010

This paper shows that prospect theory is unlikely to explain the disposition effect. Prospect theory predicts that the propensity to sell a stock declines as its price moves away from the purchase price in either direction. Trading data, on the other hand, show that the propensity to sell jumps at zero return, but it is approximately constant over a wide range of losses and increasing or constant over a wide range of gains. Further, the pattern of realized returns does not seem to stem from optimal after-tax portfolio rebalancing, a belief in mean-reverting returns, or investors acting on target prices.
The Nature of Shadows, from Yale to Bilkent
Authors: Aranyosi István
Published: April 2010

I discuss a solution to the Yale shadow puzzle, due to Roy Sorensen, based on the actual process theory of causation, and argue that it does not work in the case of a new version of the puzzle, which I call ‘the Bilkent shadow puzzle’. I offer a picture of the ontology of shadows which, together with an alternative view of causation, constitutes the basis for a new solution that uniformly solves both puzzles.