bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Evaluation of Analgesic, Antiinflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of New 6‐Acyl‐3‐alkyl‐5‐methyl‐2(3H)‐benzoxazolones.
Authors: Koksal Meric , Kelekci Nesrin Gokhan , Mercanoglu Guldem Olguner , Erdogan Hakki
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of 3,4‐Dihydro‐2H‐1,3‐benzoxazines by Condensation of 2‐Hydroxyaldehydes and Primary Amines: Application to the Synthesis of Hydroxy‐Substituted and Deuterium‐Labeled Compounds.
Authors: Andreu R. , Ronda J. C.
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Transformation of Trinitromethyl Group into Cyano: A New Synthesis of 1,3,5‐Triazinecarbonitriles.
Authors: Bakharev V. V. , Gidaspov A. A. , Peresedova E. V.
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Simple and Convenient Synthesis of (.+‐.)‐Bakuchiol (IV)
Authors: Chen Hongli , Li Yuanchao
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Efficient Synthesis of O‐Succinimidyl‐(tert‐Butoxycarbonylamino)methyl Carbamates Derived from α‐Amino Acids Accelerated by Ultrasound: Application to the Synthesis of Ureidodipeptides.
Authors: Sureshbabu Vommina V. , Sudarshan Naremaddepalli S. , Kantharaju Kantharaju
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: A General, Iterative, and Modular Approach Toward Carbohydrate Libraries Based on Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Oxidative Cyclizations.
Authors: Niggemann Meike , Jelonek Andreas , Biber Nicole , Wuchrer Margarita , Plietker Bernd
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Total Synthesis of Aristolactams via a One‐Pot Suzuki—Miyaura Coupling/Aldol Condensation Cascade Reaction.
Authors: Kim Joa Kyum , Kim Young Ha , Nam Ho Tae , Kim Bum Tae , Heo Jung‐Nyoung
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Molecular Field Analysis and 3D‐Quantitative Structure—Activity Relationship Study (MFA 3D‐QSAR) Unveil Novel Features of Bile Acid Recognition at TGR5.
Authors: Macchiarulo Antonio , Gioiello Antimo , Thomas Charles , Massarotti Alberto , Nuti Roberto , Rosatelli Emiliano , Sabbatini Paola , Schoonjans Kristina , Auwerx Johan , Pellicciari Roberto
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Binding Interaction Analysis of the Active Site and Its Inhibitors for Neuraminidase (N1 Subtype) of Human Influenza Virus by the Integration of Molecular Docking, FMO Calculation and 3D‐QSAR CoMFA Modeling.
Authors: Zhang Qingye , Yang Jiaoyan , Liang Kun , Feng Lingling , Li Sanpin , Wan Jian , Xu Xin , Yang Guangfu , Liu Deli , Yang Shao
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Predicting Kinase Selectivity Profiles Using Free‐Wilson QSAR Analysis.
Authors: Sciabola Simone , Stanton Robert V. , Wittkopp Sarah , Wildman Scott , Moshinsky Deborah , Potluri Shobha , Xi Hualin
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Automotive Catalysis Studied by Surface Science
Authors: Bowker Michael
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Rational Assembly of High‐Spin Polynuclear Magnetic Complexes into Coordination Networks: The Case of a [Mn4] Single‐Molecule Magnet Building Block
Authors: Roubeau Olivier , Clerac Rodolphe
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications of Group 13 Cationic Compounds
Authors: Dagorne Samuel , Atwood David A.
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Hantzsch Reaction: Recent Advances in Hantzsch 1,4‐Dihydropyridines
Authors: Saini Anil , Kumar Sanjay , Sandhu Jagir S.
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Chemical Studies on Plant Polyphenols and Formation of Black Tea Polyphenols
Authors: Tanaka Takashi
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: A Self‐Healing Elastomer
Authors: Wietor Jean‐Luc , Sijbesma Rint P.
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Toward Living Radical Polymerization
Authors: Moad Graeme , Rizzardo Ezio , Thang San H.
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Reporting on community investment
Authors: Tsang Stephen , Welford Richard , Brown Michelle
Published: November 2008

This paper provides a better understanding of current practices of the reporting about community investment, performance and impact in terms of approach, type of information, reporting by sectors and geographical locations as well as how this relates to the Global Reporting Initiative guidelines. A total of 72 sustainability reports were selected for this analysis, 58 of which followed the most recent GRI Reporting Framework. Our findings suggest that companies find it very difficult to articulate their community engagement objectives. There is a great deal of emphasis on philanthropy and employee volunteering, the impact of which is rarely evaluated. Whilst companies report on inputs and performance, very few are able to report in a meaningful way on the outputs and impacts of their community investment. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
The in vitro genotoxic effects of a commercial formulation of α‐cypermethrin in human peripheral blood lymphocytes
Authors: Kocaman Ayşe Yavuz , Topaktaş Mehmet
Published: November 2008

α‐Cypermethrin, a highly active pyrethroid insecticide, is effective against a wide range of insects encountered in agriculture and animal husbandry. The potential genotoxicity of a commercial formulation of α‐cypermethrin (Fastac 100 EC, containing 10% α‐cypermethrin as the active ingredient) on human peripheral lymphocytes was examined in vitro by sister chromatid exchange (SCE), chromosomal aberrations (CAs), and micronucleus (MN) tests. The human lymphocytes were treated with 5, 10, 15, and 20 μg/ml of α‐cypermethrin for 24‐ and 48‐hr. α‐Cypermethrin induced SCEs and CAs significantly at all concentrations and treatment times and MN formation was significantly induced at 5 and 10 μg/ml of α‐cypermethrin when compared with both the control and solvent control. Binuclear cells could not be detected sufficiently in the highest two concentration of α‐cypermethrin (15 and 20 μg/ml) for both the 24‐ and 48‐hr treatment times. α‐Cypermethrin decreased the proliferation index (PI) at three high concentrations (10, 15, and 20 μg/ml) for both treatment periods as compared with the control groups. In addition, α‐cypermethrin reduced both the mitotic index (MI) and nuclear division index (NDI) significantly at all concentrations for two treatment periods. The PI and MI were reduced by α‐cypermethrin in a concentration‐dependent manner during both treatment times. In general, α‐cypermethrin showed higher cytotoxic and cytostatic effects than positive control (MMC) at the two highest concentrations for the 24‐ and 48‐hr treatment periods. The present study is the first to report the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of commercial formulation of α‐cypermethrin in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An experimental study of fire development in deep enclosures and a new HRR–time–position model for a deep enclosure based on ventilation factor
Authors: Moinuddin Khalid A. M. , Thomas Ian R.
Published: November 2008

The behaviour of fire within a deep (high‐depth‐to‐height ratio) enclosure with various openings at one end has been studied experimentally. Sixteen fuel trays were placed within an 8.0m long × 2.0m wide × 0.6m high steel enclosure. The experiments confirmed previous smaller‐scale experiments, which showed that the fires in deep enclosures are strongly influenced by the ventilation and are not at all uniform throughout the depth of the enclosure. The severity of exposure of structural members is much more severe close to the ceiling near the front of the enclosure compared with the back of the enclosure. Based on the test data that can be found in this report, as well as other well‐known tests, a heat release rate–time–position model is proposed for fire development in deep enclosures. The same sets of test data are also used to evaluate other model predictions. Finally, a recommendation is made to choose a model based on the shape of the enclosure (i.e. deep, wide, square, etc.). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment with selective estrogen receptor modulators regulates myelin specific T‐cells and suppresses experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Bebo Bruce F. , Dehghani Babak , Foster Scott , Kurniawan Astrid , Lopez Francisco J. , Sherman Larry S.
Published: November 2008

Steroidal estrogens can regulate inflammatory immune responses and may be involved in the suppression of multiple sclerosis (MS) during pregnancy. However, the risks and side effects associated with steroidal estrogens may limit their usefulness for long‐term MS therapy. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) could provide an alternative therapeutic strategy, because they behave as estrogen agonists in some tissues, but are either inert or behave like estrogen antagonists in other tissues. In this study, we investigated the ability of two commercially available SERMs (tamoxifen and raloxifene) to regulate myelin specific immunity and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice. Both tamoxifen and raloxifene suppressed myelin antigen specific T‐cell proliferation. However, tamoxifen was more effective in this regard. Tamoxifen treatment reduced the induction of major histocompatibility complex II by lipopolysaccharide stimulated dendritic cells and decreased their ability to activate myelin specific T‐cells. At lower doses, tamoxifen was found to increase the levels of Th2 transcription factors and induce a Th2 bias in cultures of myelin‐specific splenocytes. EAE symptoms and the degree of demyelination were less severe in mice treated with tamoxifen than in control mice. These findings support the notion that tamoxifen or related SERMs are potential agents that could be used in the treatment of inflammatory autoimmune disorders that affect the central nervous system. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neural transition from short‐ to long‐term memory and the medial temporal lobe: A human evoked‐potential study
Authors: James Clara , Morand Stéphanie , Barcellona‐Lehmann Sandra , Michel Christoph M. , Schnider Armin
Published: November 2008

Recent studies indicated that the human medial temporal lobe (MTL) may not only be important for long‐term memory consolidation but also for certain forms of short‐term memory. In this study, we explored the interplay between short‐ and long‐term memory using high‐density event‐related potentials. We found that pictures immediately repeated after an unfilled interval were better recognized than pictures repeated after intervening items. After 30 min, however, the immediately repeated pictures were significantly less well recognized than pictures repeated after intervening items. This processing advantage at immediate repetition but disadvantage for long‐term storage had an electrophysiological correlate: spatiotemporal analysis showed that immediate repetition induced a strikingly different electrocortical response after 200–300 ms, with inversed polarity, than new stimuli and delayed repetitions. Inverse solutions indicated that this difference reflected transient activity in the MTL. The findings demonstrate behavioral and electrophysiological dissociation between recognition during active maintenance and recognition after intervening items. Processing of novel information seems to immediately initiate a consolidation process, which remains vulnerable during active maintenance and increases its effectiveness during off‐line processing. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Degradation of C.I. Acid Red 88 aqueous solution by combination of Fenton's reagent and ultrasound irradiation
Authors: Song Ya‐Li , Li Ji‐Tai , Chen Hua
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUND: Pollution caused by industrial wastewater has become a common problem for many countries. In particular, dye pollutions from industrial effluents disturb human health and ecological equilibrium. The discharge of highly colored synthetic dye effluents is aesthetically displeasing and can damage the receiving water body by impeding penetration of light. Azo dyes can be reduced to more hazardous intermediates on anaerobic conditions. Therefore, an effective and economic treatment of effluents containing a diversity of textile dyes has become a necessity for clean production technology for textile industries. Herein we wish to report the degradation of Acid Red 88 by the combination of Fenton's reagent and ultrasound irradiation.

RESULTS: The results show that the combination of ultrasonic irradiation and Fenton's reagent is effective for the degradation of Acid Red 88 aqueous solution. Furthermore, it can achieve better results than either Fenton's reagent or ultrasound alone. The optimum conditions for the degradation of Acid Red 88 aqueous solution were 1.96 mmol L−1 H2O2, 0.108 mmol L−1 Fe2+, pH 3.0, and ultrasonic irradiation frequency of 40 kHz. A degradation efficiency of 98.6% was achieved within 135 min.

CONCLUSION: We have provided an efficient and convenient procedure for the degradation of Acid Red 88 aqueous solution. In the present procedure, the azo linkage of Acid Red 88 is broken and some carbonyl compounds are formed, but the complete mineralization of dye cannot be achieved. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Platelet gel does not improve peripheral nerve regeneration: An electrophysiological, stereological, and electron microscopic study
Authors: Piskin Ahmet , Kaplan Suleyman , Aktaş Abit , Ayyildiz Mustafa , Raimondo Stefania , Aliç Taner , Bozkurt H. Hakan , Geuna Stefano
Published: November 2008

Although use of platelet gel (PG) for promoting tissue regeneration is a popular approach because of its capacity to accelerate tissue regeneration, to our knowledge, its effects on peripheral nerve have still not been elucidated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate effects of PG on sciatic nerve regeneration using electrophysiology, stereology, and electron microscopy. The study was performed using five groups of rats: sham operated (Sham), collagen tube conduit (CT), collagen tube conduit plus platelet gel (CT + PG), autogenous nerve graft (ANG), and primary repair (PR) groups. Gap length for CT and CT + PG groups is 1 cm. Electrophysiology showed that nerve conduction velocity was not different among experimental groups; the amplitude of compound action potential of PR group was significantly higher than other groups. Examination of the nerves showed that Sham group not only had a larger axon diameter but also a thicker myelin sheath. A higher number of myelinated axon was found in both ANG and PR groups in comparison to Sham, CT, and CT+PG groups. There is no significant difference between morphological quantities of CT+PG and CT group. It was expected that regeneration degree of the nerve fibers of CT+PG group would be better than CT group, which was the control group permitting to disclose the presence of a positive effect of PG on nerve regeneration, but this was not the case. Therefore, our results suggest that PG does not improve axon regeneration after microsurgical reconstruction of a nerve gap by collagen tubes. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
Organic–inorganic hybrid membranes prepared from the sol–gel process of poly(butyleneadipate‐co‐terephthalate) and TiO2
Authors: Lin Chien‐Hong , Chang Ching‐Han , Jao Win‐Chun , Yang Ming‐Chien
Published: November 2008

Organic–inorganic hybrids based on poly(butyleneadipate‐co‐terephthalate)/titanium dioxide (PBAT/TiO2) hybrid membranes were prepared via a sol–gel process. The PBAT/TiO2 hybrid membranes were prepared for various PBAT/TiO2 ratios. The resulting hybrids were characterized with a morphological structure, hydrophilicity, biodegradability, and thermal properties. The results showed that macrovoids underwent a transition into a sponge‐like membrane structure with the addition of TiO2. After sol–gel transition, a strong interaction between the inorganic network and polymeric chains led to an increase in glass transition temperature (Tg), thermal degrading temperature, and hydrophilicity, and hence a higher biodegradability. According to X‐ray diffraction measurements of the crystal structure of the hybrid, the presence of TiO2 did not change the crystal structure of PBAT. TiO2 networks are uniformly dispersed into the PBAT matrix and no aggregation of TiO2 networks in the hybrid membranes was observed through the small angle X‐ray scattering measurements. Thus, the sol–gel process of PBAT and TiO2 can be used to prepare a hybrid with higher application temperature and faster biodegradation rate. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐assembled structures in blends of disordered and lamellar block copolymers: SAXS, SANS and TEM study
Authors: Holoubek Jaroslav , Baldrian Josef , Lednický František , Lal Jyotsana
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUND: The phase behaviour of copolymers and their blends is of great interest due to the phase transitions, self‐assembly and formation of ordered structures. Phenomena associated with the microdomain morphology of parent copolymers and phase behaviour in blends of deuterated block copolymers of polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), i.e. (dPS‐block‐dPMMA)1/(dPS‐block‐PMMA)2, were investigated using small‐angle X‐ray scattering, small‐angle neutron scattering and transmission electron microscopy as a function of molecular weight, concentration of added copolymers and temperature.

RESULTS: Binary blends of the diblock copolymers having different molecular weights and different original micromorphology (one copolymer was in a disordered state and the others were of lamellar phase) were prepared by a solution‐cast process. The blends were found to be completely miscible on the molecular level at all compositions, if their molecular weight ratio was smaller than about 5. The domain spacing D of the blends can be scaled with Mn by D ∼ Mn2/3 as predicted by a previously published postulate (originally suggested and proved for blends of lamellar polystyrene‐block‐polyisoprene copolymers).

CONCLUSIONS: The criterion for forming a single‐domain morphology (molecularly mixed blend) taking into account the different solubilization of copolymer blocks has been applied to explain the changes in microdomain morphology during the self‐assembling process in two copolymer blends. Evidently the criterion, suggested originally for blends of lamellar polystyrene‐block‐polyisoprene copolymers, can be employed to a much broader range of block copolymer blends. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Self‐assembling properties of ionic‐complementary peptides
Authors: D'Auria Gabriella , Vacatello Manuela , Falcigno Lucia , Paduano Luigi , Mangiapia Gaetano , Calvanese Luisa , Gambaretto Roberta , Dettin Monica , Paolillo Livio
Published: November 2008

Self‐complementary synthetic peptides, composed by 8 and 16 residues, were analyzed by CD, NMR and small angle neutron scattering (SANS) techniques in order to investigate the relevance of charge and hydrophobic interactions in determining their self‐assembling properties. All the sequences are potentially able to form fibrils and membranes as they share, with the prototype EAK16, a strictly alternating arrangement of polar and nonpolar residues. We find that 16‐mer peptides show higher self‐assembling propensities than the 8‐mer analogs and that the aggregation processes are favored by salts and neutral pH. Peptide hydrophobic character appears as the most relevant factor in determining self‐assembling. Solution conformational analysis, diffusion and SANS measurements all together show that the sequences with a higher self‐assemble propensity are distributed, in mild conditions, between light and heavy forms. For some of the systems, the light form is mostly constituted by monomers in a random conformation, while the heavy one is constituted by β‐aggregates. In our study we also verified that sequences designed to adopt extended conformation, when dissolved in alcohol‐water mixtures, can easily fold in helix structures. In that media, the prototype of the series appears distributed between helical monomers and β‐aggregates. It is worth noticing that the structural conversion from helical monomer to β‐aggregates, mimics β‐amyloid peptide aggregation mechanisms. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FTIR spectroscopic studies on aggregation process of the β‐amyloid 11–28 fragment and its variants
Authors: Juszczyk Paulina , Kołodziejczyk Aleksandra S. , Grzonka Zbigniew
Published: November 2008

Aggregation of Aβ peptides is a seminal event in Alzheimer's disease. Detailed understanding of the Aβ assembly process would facilitate the targeting and design of fibrillogenesis inhibitors. Here, conformational studies using FTIR spectroscopy are presented. As a model peptide, the 11–28 fragment of Aβ was used. This model peptide is known to contain the core region responsible for Aβ aggregation. The structural behavior of the peptide during aggregation provoked by the addition of water to Aβ(11–28) solution in hexafluoroisopropanol was compared with the properties of its variants corresponding to natural, clinically relevant mutants at positions 21–23 (A21G, E22K, E22G, E22Q and D23N). The results showed that the aggregation of the peptides proceeds via a helical intermediate, and it is possible that the formation of α‐helical structures is preceded by creation of 310‐helix/310‐turn structures. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Online immobilized metal affinity chromatography/mass spectrometric analysis of changes elicited by cCMP in the murine brain phosphoproteome
Authors: Ding S. , Bond A. E. , Lemière F. , Tuytten R. , Esmans E. L. , Brenton A. G. , Dudley E. , Newton R. P.
Published: November 2008

An automated online immobilized metal affinity chromatography/high‐performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometric (IMAC‐HPLC/MS/MS) method was developed to study cytidine 3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate (cCMP)‐specific protein phosphorylation, analogous to a previously successful offline IMAC method using microvolume IMAC pipette tips. The optimized method identified murine brain phosphoproteins selectively modified by challenge with cCMP, using manual interpretation of the results to confirm both phosphorylation and selectivity of response to cCMP. A number of proteins identified by this strategy have potential roles in hyperproliferation, a previously reported response to elevated levels of cCMP. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of contemporaneous component loading for extrapolated primary loads in wind turbines
Authors: Natarajan Anand , Holley William E. , Penmatsa Reveendra , Brahmanapalli Bhanu Chandar
Published: November 2008

This paper describes the statistical identification of component loading occurring at the same instant as an extrapolated primary 50 year extreme load. As it is not feasible to simulate a full lifetime of fluctuating wind turbine loads to determine the largest extreme value, extrapolation to a 50 year or other desired long‐term return period is performed based on limited simulation data. For specific wind turbine component design, it is required to identify other simultaneously applied loading corresponding to this long‐term extrapolated load level. This identification is performed using statistical methods, since an appropriate loads simulation time series directly giving loads at the extrapolated load level is unavailable. The statistical behavior of each contemporaneous load in the simulation time series that was used to determine the extrapolated load is illustrated by the histogram. Since this histogram is in general skewed, the mean value of the corresponding data may not be an appropriate value for such contemporaneous loads. Instead, in this paper, a value corresponding to the mode of the estimated probability distribution function of the contemporaneous load is used. The robustness of ascertaining this most probable contemporaneous load is also investigated. The application of this process of identification of contemporaneous extreme loads is also applied to cases wherein the extrapolated load is a resultant load value, for which a suitable vector direction for the extreme resultant load is chosen. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safety‐factor calibration for wind turbine extreme loads
Authors: Moriarty Patrick
Published: November 2008

Proper prediction of long‐term extreme values for operating wind turbine loads and deflections is a critical component of wind turbine design. Direct observations or simulations of long‐term extremes are not yet available; therefore, these predictions rely on some combination of large numbers of simulations and extrapolation. Extrapolation methods themselves can have significant uncertainty, and they also require that the wind turbine designer have a greater level of statistical expertise—factors that make the methods less attractive for industrial application. As an alternative to extrapolation, safety factors can be calibrated using techniques that allow designers to use smaller data sets. To calculate such factors, a series of simulations was used to extrapolate 50 year extreme values for a 5 MW wind turbine. Two methods are proposed for calculating such safety factors: one based on the mean and standard deviation of extreme values, and one based on the median of extreme values. Through a process of random sampling without replacement, the safety factor based on the median of extreme values was found to be less variable and also more independent of the number of simulations. The safety factors required were as large as 1.7, or were only 1.25 if rotor thrust loads were considered the dominant design drivers. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catalyst‐functionalized nanomaterials
Authors: Lu Yi , Liu Juewen
Published: November 2008

With rapid development in both nanotechnology and biotechnology, it is now possible to combine these two exciting fields to modulate the physical properties of nanomaterials with the molecular recognition and catalytic functional properties of biomolecules. Such research efforts have resulted in a larger number of sensors that can detect a broad range of analytes ranging from metal ions, small molecules, and nucleic acids down to proteins. These sensors will find important applications in nanomedicine. In this article, the design of sensors with four classes of nanomaterials (metallic, semiconductor, magnetic, and carbon nanotube nanoparticles) is reviewed. Metallic nanoparticles possess distance‐dependent optical properties and are useful for designing colorimetric sensors. Semiconductor nanoparticles or quantum dots (QDs) appear to be superior alternatives to traditional organic fluorophores in many aspects, such as broad excitation range, narrow emission peaks, and high photo stability. QD sensors based on either energy transfer or charge transfer are summarized. Furthermore, magnetic nanoparticles are shown to be useful as smart magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. Finally, some carbon nanotubes show near‐IR emission properties, and thus, are potentially useful for in vivo sensing. Sensors based on either tuning the emission intensity or wavelength are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vitro Nanoparticle-Based Sensing
Coerced sexual debut and lifetime abortion attempts among women in Rakai, Uganda
Authors: Polis Chelsea B. , Lutalo Tom , Wawer Maria , Serwadda David , Kigozi Godfrey , Nalugoda Fred , Kiwanuka Noah , Gray Ronald
Published: November 2008

Objective

To assess whether reported coercion at sexual debut is associated with a greater lifetime risk of attempting an abortion among women in Rakai, Uganda.

Methods

Analysis of data from sexually experienced, ever‐pregnant women in a longitudinal, population‐based, open cohort study in 56 rural communities in Rakai, Uganda (n = 4784). For univariate analysis, the t test was used for continuous variables and the Pearson χ2 or Fisher exact tests for categorical variables. Multivariate logistic regression was used to control for potential confounding.

Results

Twenty percent of women reported coercion at sexual debut. Compared with women who reported consensual sexual debut, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of subsequent abortion attempts among coerced women was 1.57 (95% CI, 1.11–2.20).

Conclusion

There is a need to protect women from sexual coercion, implement policies for prevention of violence, and provide comprehensive reproductive health care, including prevention of unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortions.
Normal Motor Nerve Conduction Studies Using Surface Electrode Recording from the Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Deltoid, and Biceps
Authors: Buschbacher Ralph Michael , Weir Susan Karolyi , Bentley John Greg , Cottrell Erika
Published: November 2008

Objective

Proximal peripheral nerve conduction studies can provide useful information to the clinician. The difficulty of measuring the length of the proximal nerve as well as a frequent inability to stimulate at 2 points along the nerve adds a challenge to the use of electrodiagnosis for this purpose. The purpose of this article is to present normal values for the suprascapular, axillary, and musculocutaneous nerves using surface electrodes while accounting for side‐to‐side variability.

Design

Prospective, observational study.

Setting

Patients were evaluated in outpatient, private practices affiliated with tertiary care systems in the United States and Malaysia.

Participants

One hundred volunteers were recruited and completed bilateral testing. Exclusion criteria included age younger than 18 years; previous shoulder surgery/atrophy; symptoms of numbness, tingling, or abnormal sensations in the upper extremity; peripheral neuropathy; or presence of a cardiac pacemaker.

Methods

Nerve conduction studies to bilateral supraspinatus, infraspinatus, deltoid, and biceps brachii muscles were performed with documented technique. Distal latency, amplitude, and area were recorded. Side‐to‐side comparisons were made. A mixed linear model was fit to the independent variables of gender, race, body mass index, height, and age with each recorded value.

Main Outcome Measurements

Distal latency, amplitude, area, and side‐to‐side variability of nerve conduction studies of the suprascapular, axillary, and musculocutaneous nerves with correlation to significant independent variables.

Results

Data are presented showing normal distal latency, amplitude, and area values subcategorized by clinically significant variables, as well as acceptable side‐to‐side variability. Increased height correlated with increased distal latency in all the nerves tested. Amplitudes were larger in the infraspinatus recordings from women, while the amplitudes from the biceps and deltoid were greater in men. A larger body mass index was associated with a smaller amplitude in the deltoid in men. No correlations were seen with age or race.

Conclusion

Normative values for distal latency, amplitude, duration, and area were developed for proximal nerve conductions to the axillary, musculocutaneous, and suprascapular nerves. Simple surface electrode placement allows for easy reproduction of the authors' techniques. This is a useful standard to facilitate evaluation of these proximal peripheral nerves.
THE CULTURAL LOGIC OF HIERARCHY IN THE TARASCAN STATE
Authors: Haskell David L.
Published: November 2008

This paper seeks to broaden our understanding of the Tarascan state by analyzing the cultural logic of hierarchy as revealed in theRelación de Michoacán. Following the insights of Dumont (1980) and Sahlins (1985), it is proposed that the historical narrative contained within that document is concerned with legitimizing the rule of the Tarascan royal dynasty through a conception of hierarchy based on the logic of encompassment. This analysis interprets the characters of the narrative as instantiations of “elementary categories,” and the interactions between these characters serve to define and ultimately transform those categories. The most important transformation is the encompassing of the “Islander” category by the “Chichimec” category. It is through this encompassment that the royal dynasty symbolized a socio-cosmic totality and therefore possessed legitimate authority. Furthermore, I outline a model of elite interaction and the development of the Tarascan state in which the royal dynasty sought to monopolize foreign trade goods, thus materially constructing its own identity as a possessor of legitimate authority and, therefore, as Chichimecs, according to one connotation of that term. At the same time, a class of status markers was created that could be shared with the lesser nobility, conferring legitimacy on them while preserving the wealth and identity of the royal dynasty.
Reconstructing Green's function by correlation of the coda of the correlation (C3) of ambient seismic noise
Authors: Stehly L. , Campillo M. , Froment B. , Weaver R. L.
Published: November 2008

Analysis of long‐range correlation of the microseisms has been shown to provide reliable measurements of surface wave speeds that can be used for seismic imaging and monitoring. In the case of an even distribution of noise sources, it has been theoretically demonstrated that the correlation is the exact Green's function, including all types of waves. This method is limited in its application by the actual source distribution. In practice, the azimuthal distribution of energy flux of the noise is dominated by some particular directions resulting in a clear azimuthal dependence of the quality of the reconstruction of Rayleigh waves, with a poor reconstruction in some azimuths. To solve this problem, we use noise correlations measured on the entire network. We consider two stations, A and B, for which the Rayleigh waves could not be discerned in the in the correlation of continuous records of ambient noise. We computed all correlations between the station A (respectively B) and all the 150 other stations located at regional distances. Theoretically, these virtual seismograms contain direct waves and coda, although they are clearly contaminated by the influence of the imperfect ambient noise field and most are inadequate for direct analysis. We used these correlation functions as equivalents to seismograms produced by sources acting at the 150 stations locations and recorded in A (respectively B). We select time windows in those virtual seismograms that correspond to coda and compute correlations between them. This metacorrelation is found to exhibit the surface wave part of the Green's function that was not visible in the raw correlation of ambient noise. We illustrate the legitimacy of the reconstruction by comparison with raw noise correlations. This procedure can be used to assess seismic velocity between stations, even in presence of a directive and poorly oriented ambient noise. The result shows that in spite of the small signal‐to‐noise ratios often seen in correlations of ambient noise, especially at large lag time corresponding to coda, their codas are better equipartitioned than was the ambient noise upon which they were based. They are therefore presumably multiply scattered and contain information on both direct surface waves and also on more complex travel paths.
Relative and absolute sea level rise in western Canada and northwestern United States from a combined tide gauge‐GPS analysis
Authors: Mazzotti Stephane , Jones Casey , Thomson Richard E.
Published: November 2008

Empirical studies and climate models suggest large variations of absolute sea level (ASL) changes between oceanic basins. Such potential variations raise concern on the applicability of global mean ASL predictions to specific regions and on estimates of relative sea level (RSL) hazards. We address this issue for the western Canada and northwestern United States coastline by estimating the 20th century ASL rate using a combination of 34 colocated tide gauge and Global Positioning System (GPS) stations. The tide gauge data are quality controlled and corrected for spatially and temporally correlated sea level transients in order to derive robust RSL trends and standard errors. Reference frame and other GPS‐specific issues are considered as part of the error budget in absolute GPS vertical velocities. Our combined tide gauge‐GPS analysis, aligned to the International Terrestrial Reference Frame 2000, indicates a northeast Pacific ASL rise of 1.8 ± 0.2 mm/a through the 20th century, which is similar to accepted rates for the global eustatic mean. For the period 1993–2003, we find a regional ASL rate of −4.4 ± 0.5 mm/a consistent with satellite altimetry. On the basis of the Intergovernment Panel on Climate Change Assessment Report 4 mean scenario and our assessment of coastal motions from GPS and tide gauge data, we derive a map of predicted 21st century RSL rise in western Canada and the northwestern United States. Variations in coastal uplift strongly affect spatial RSL patterns. Subsidence of southern Puget Sound may significantly increase RSL rise in the Seattle‐Tacoma metropolitan area. Conversely, tectonic uplift along parts of the outer west coast may reduce future RSL rise by up to 50–100%.
Waist Circumference as a Cardiovascular and Metabolic Risk in Japanese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Sone Hirohito , Tanaka Sachiko , Iimuro Satoshi , Oida Koji , Yamasaki Yoshimitsu , Ishibashi Shun , Oikawa Shinichi , Katayama Shigehiro , Ito Hideki , Ohashi Yasuo , Akanuma Yasuo , Yamada Nobuhiro
Published: November 2008

Excess waist circumference (WC) is a frequently used indicator of abdominal obesity and/or cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Nonetheless, search of the literature revealed no prospective studies on the association between WC and CVD events in diabetic patients. In this study, the clinical significance and implications of WC as a cardiovascular and metabolic risk indicator was prospectively investigated in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes. For this purpose, baseline data on WC, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were collected and subsequent CVD (coronary heart disease and stroke) events during the following 8 years were studied in 1,424 Japanese type 2 diabetic patients, and the cross‐sectional/longitudinal associations between WC and CVD risk factors/events were analyzed. Mean WC levels were significantly increased according to the number of coexisting risk factors. However, no significant difference in mean WC between subgroups with and without CVD events was noted, and excess WC alone was not predictive of subsequent CVD events either in male or female subjects even after adjustment for age, smoking, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. In female patients, excess WC (≥80 cm) was predictive of CVD events only with the coexistence of hypertension. In Japanese diabetic patients, excess WC alone, although a good marker for clustering of CVD risk factors, did not raise the risk of CVD events unless accompanied by hypertension in female patients. Further investigations are necessary before WC as a risk factor can be utilized in clinical settings for the management of diabetes in this population.
A new biodegradable nanocomposite based on polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane nanocages: cytocompatibility and investigation into electrohydrodynamic jet fabrication techniques for tissue‐engineered scaffolds
Authors: Raghunath Joanne , Zhang Hongbo , Edirisinghe Mohan J. , Darbyshire Arnold , Butler Peter E. , Seifalian Alexander M.
Published: November 2008

Our group has developed a non‐biodegradable nanocomposite based on POSS (polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane) nanocages with PCU [poly(carbonate urethane)] and previous studies have shown good cell‐compatibility and antithrombogenic properties. The latest biodegradable formulation is a POSS‐modified poly(hexanolactone/carbonate)urethane/urea containing 80% hexanolactone (caprolactone) with the tradename UCL‐NanoBio™. The direct effect of the polymer on cells was investigated by seeding stem cells on to circular discs of the polymer in 24‐well plates; these discs were prepared mainly by electrohydrodynamic jetting. To assess the indirect effect of the polymer, various concentrations of the polymer powder were added to CCM (cell culture medium) and left on a shaker for 10 days. The precipitate was then removed and the CCM was used for culturing the cells seeded on to 24‐well plates. Cell viability and growth at 48 and 96 h were assessed using Alamar Blue™ and lactate dehydrogenase, and morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy. Cells were shown to adhere well to the polymer, with cell metabolism being comparable with that found on TCP (tissue‐culture plastic). Indirect assessment demonstrated some decrease in cell viability with high concentrations of polymer, but showed no difference in cell death between polymer concentrations. The viability of cells seeded on to the polymer was comparable with that of those seeded on to TCP. Cell viability was comparable on both electrosprayed and electrospun scaffolds, but infiltration into the scaffold was much more evident on the electrospun scaffolds. It can be concluded that this new nanocomposite can support the growth and viability of stem cells and that scaffolds of this polymer nanocomposite fabricated by electrohydrodynamic jetting routes have potential use for tissue engineering in the future.
Phosphoinositide 3‐kinases in cell migration
Authors: Cain Robert J. , Ridley Anne J.
Published: November 2008

Cell migration is essential for many biological processes in animals and is a complex highly co‐ordinated process that involves cell polarization, actin‐driven protrusion and formation and turnover of cell adhesions. The PI3K (phosphoinositide 3‐kinase) family of lipid kinases regulate cell migration in many different cell types, both through direct binding of proteins to their lipid products and indirectly through crosstalk with other pathways, such as Rho GTPase signalling. Emerging evidence suggests that the involvement of PI3Ks at different stages of migration varies even within one cell type, and is dependent on the combination of external stimuli, as well as on the signalling status of the cell. In addition, it appears that different PI3K isoforms have distinct roles in cell polarization and migration. This review describes how PI3K signalling is regulated by pro‐migratory stimuli, and the diverse ways in which PI3K‐mediated signal transduction contributes to different aspects of cell migration.