bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of new cardo poly(ether imide)s derived from 9,9‐bis [4‐(4‐aminophenoxy)phenyl]xanthene
Authors: Sheng Shou‐Ri , Zhang Wei , Lu Chun , Wan Jiong , Liu Xiao‐Ling , Song Cai‐Sheng
Published: April 2012

A series of new cardo poly(ether imide)s bearing flexible ether and bulky xanthene pendant groups was prepared from 9,9‐bis[4‐(4‐aminophenoxy)phenyl]xanthene with six commercially available aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides in N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc) via the poly(amic acid) precursors and subsequent thermal or chemical imidization. The intermediate poly(amic acid)s had inherent viscosities between 0.83 and 1.28 dL/g, could be cast from DMAc solutions and thermally converted into transparent, flexible, and tough poly(ether imide) films which were further characterized by X‐ray and mechanical analysis. All of the poly(ether imide)s were amorphous and their films exhibited tensile strengths of 89–108 MPa, elongations at break of 7–9%, and initial moduli of 2.12–2.65 GPa. Three poly(ether imide)s derived from 4,4′‐oxydiphthalic anhydride, 4,4′‐sulfonyldiphthalic anhydride, and 2,2‐bis(3,4‐dicarboxyphenyl))hexafluoropropane anhydride, respectively, exhibited excellent solubility in various solvents such as DMAc, N,N‐dimethylformamide, N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone, pyridine, and even in tetrahydrofuran at room temperature. The resulting poly(ether imide)s with glass transition temperatures between 286 and 335°C had initial decomposition temperatures above 500°C, 10% weight loss temperatures ranging from 551 to 575°C in nitrogen and 547 to 570°C in air, and char yields of 53–64% at 800°C in nitrogen. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Reaction kinetics studies on plasma‐treated polypropylene–polystyrene interfaces
Authors: Yan Da , Guo Chu , Xu Xinhua , Ma Guiqiu , Sheng Jing
Published: April 2012

In this article, the effects of low temperature Ar glow discharge plasma modification on the surface of polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) plates were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the temporal change of the complex viscosity (η*) of PP/PS plates with a sandwich structure were measured by a rotational rheometer. The results showed that the formation of reactive groups on the surface of PP and PS plates was due to the reaction of O2 with some free radicals when exposed to air. In the rheology study, because of the increase of interfacial adhesion strength due to the coupling reaction between the reactive groups at the interface, η* increased with welding time. There were two distinct stages for the changes of η* with welding time. In Stage I, η* increased rapidly and indicated a reaction‐controlled kinetics, the apparent reaction kinetics was a first‐order reaction; in Stage II, η* increased slowly and indicated a diffusion‐controlled reaction. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Design and development of microparticulate delivery system of metronidazole: Experimental design methodology
Authors: Shukla Raj Kumar , Tiwari Akanksha
Published: April 2012

This study describes the application of response surface methodology in the optimization of guar gum microspheres for colon‐specific delivery of metronidazole. The effect of varying the relative percent of the four factors used, that is guar gum, glutaraldehyde, swelling time, and stirring speed, has been systematically investigated for identifying their best values to optimize the drug release and encapsulation efficiency as well as to highlight possible interactions among the components. Different batches were prepared according to 24 factorial designs and randomly evaluated for drug release and drug encapsulation efficiency. Analysis of response surface plots allowed identification of the best combination of four levels to minimize drug release in upper part of gastrointestinal tract and maximize the encapsulation efficiency. The scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the surface of these microspheres. Drug polymer interactions were assessed by differential scanning calorimetry and XRD. The good correspondence between calculated and experimental values indicated in the validity of the generated statistical model. Only a small fraction of drug was released at acidic pH; however, the release of drug was found to be higher in the presence of rat cecal contents, indicating the susceptibility of crosslinked guar gum matrix to colonic enzymes released from rat cecal contents. Metronidazole release kinetics corresponds best to zero‐order model and drug release mechanism was diffusion and swelling controlled. The significance of differences was evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Differences were considered statistically significant at P < 0.05. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Mechanical and shape‐memory properties of polyamide/maleated polyethylene/linear low‐density polyethylene blend
Authors: Lin Guo‐Ming , Sui Guo‐Xin , Yang Rui
Published: April 2012

Novel polymer blends of polyamide and linear low‐density polyethylene with maleated polyethylene as compatibilizers were prepared in a modular intermeshing corotating twin‐screw extruder. Polymer blends with different contents of polyamide in polyethylene matrix were obtained. The mechanical properties were studied in terms of the tensile strength and elongation‐to‐break. The shape‐memory properties of the blended materials were characterized using three‐point bending test in a temperature‐controlled chamber. The results show that the incorporation of maleated polyethylene has a strong effect on the tensile properties and the morphology of the blends. The shape‐memory effect of blended materials is affected by polyamide weight fraction, and 60 wt % polyethylene, 20 wt % polyamide, and 20% maleated polyethylene have an acceptable performance. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Polyester/cellulose acetate composites: Preparation, characterization and biocompatible
Authors: Wang Hui‐Min , Chou Yi‐Ting , Wu Chin‐San , Yeh Jen‐Taut
Published: April 2012

The biocompatibility, morphology, and mechanical thermal properties of composite materials composed of maleic anhydride‐grafted polylactide (PLA‐g‐MA) and cellulose acetate (CA) were evaluated. Composites containing maleic anhydride‐grafted PLA (PLA‐g‐MA/CA) exhibited noticeably superior mechanical properties due to greater compatibility between the two components. The dispersion of CA in the PLA‐g‐MA matrix was highly homogeneous as a result of ester formation, and the consequent creation of branched and cross‐linked macromolecules, between the carboxyl groups of PLA‐g‐MA and hydroxyl groups in CA. The human skin dermal fibroblasts (FBs) seeded on these two novel series membranes to verify the wound dressing characterization properties. With time‐dependent course, the FBs proliferation demonstrated a better increasing performance on the series membranes of PLA/CA than PLA‐g‐MA/CA. The immunofluorescent staining illustrated FBs with normal morphological features. The collagen amount from FBs on the PLA/CA series was 25% higher than that seeded on regular culture‐plates after 7 days incubation. With CA content from 0 to 20%, the collagen amount increased apparently and up to the position of CA20%. Otherwise, with PLA‐g‐MA membranes, the collagen amount showed moderate stimulations. The SEM image presented secreted collagen from FBs on the PLA/CA membrane, indicating the bio‐functional properties of these membranes. The above result analysis, this PLA‐g‐MA/CA composites has good mechanical properties and biocompatible, in the future when use adjusts the formula according to the functionality, may increase the product utility. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Betriebserfahrungen mit thermoaktiven Bauteilsystemen
Authors: Kalz Doreen , Pfafferott Jens , Koenigsdorff Roland
Published: April 2012

Gebäude, die mit thermoaktiven Bauteilsystemen (TABS) in Verbindung mit der Nutzung von Umweltenergie gekühlt und ggf. beheizt werden, haben sich in den letzten Jahren etabliert. Viele erfolgreiche und gut funktionierende Beispiele belegen, dass mit diesen Systemen ein hohes Maß an thermischer Behaglichkeit in Verbindung mit einer hohen Energieeffizienz bei Nutzung von erneuerbarer Umweltenergie (v. a. oberflächennaher Geothermie) erreicht werden kann. Jedoch zeigen die Betriebserfahrungen und die systematische wissenschaftliche Auswertung einer ganzen Reihe von Projekten, dass es in Planung, Ausführung und Betrieb noch Verbesserungsmöglichkeiten in Richtung einer besseren Ausschöpfung des Effizienzpotentials gibt. Im Folgenden werden Praxiserfahrungen und Betriebsauswertungen einer Reihe von Nichtwohngebäuden mit thermoaktiven Bauteilsystemen hinsichtlich des ther‐ mischen Raumkomforts und der Energieeffizienz vorgestellt und Erfolgsfaktoren sowie Anforderungen an die Systeme aufgezeigt.

Operating experience with Thermo‐Active Building Systems (TABS). Buildings that are cooled and, if applicable, heated by thermo‐active building systems (TABS) in combination with environmental energy have been established in the market during the last years. Many successful and efficient examples prove, that these systems can achieve a good thermal room comfort with a high energy efficiency of the plant system using environmental energy (mainly surface‐near geothermal energy). However, operating experience and a systematic evaluation of several building projects demonstrate that there is potential improvement in the design, implementation, and operation of TABS systems. The article presents operating experience and a detailed evaluation of the operation performance of several non‐residential buildings with thermo‐active building systems with respect to thermal comfort and energy efficiency.
Determination of the anti‐viral drug Ribavirin in dosage forms via micelle‐enhanced spectrofluorimetric method
Authors: Alarfaj Nawal A. , El‐Tohamy Maha F.
Published: April 2012

A simple and sensitive spectrofluorimetric method was developed for the determination of Ribavirin in pharmaceutical formulations. The proposed method was based on the fluorescence spectral behaviour of Ribavirin in a sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micellar system. In an aqueous acetate buffer solution of pH 4.0, the fluorescence intensity of Ribavirin was significantly enhanced by about 217% in the presence of SDS. Fluorescence intensity was measured at 396 nm after excitation at 270 nm for Ribavirin. The fluorescence‐concentration plot was rectilinear over the range of 0.01‐3.0 µg/mL for Ribavirin with a lower detection limit of 5.02 x 10‐3 µg/mL. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of the drug in its commercial capsules. Results were in good agreement with those obtained with the official method. The application of the proposed method was extended to stability studies of Ribavirin after exposure to different forced degradation conditions such as acidic, alkaline, photo and oxidative conditions according to ICH guidelines. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid on-site evaluation of axillary fine-needle aspiration cytology in breast cancer
Authors: O'Leary D P , O'Brien O , Relihan N , McCarthy J , Ryan M , Barry J , Kelly L M , Redmond H P
Published: April 2012

Background

Axillary ultrasonography (AUS) and fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) can establish axillary lymph node status before surgery, although this technique is hampered by poor adequacy rates. To achieve consistently high rates of FNAC adequacy, rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) of FNAC samples was introduced.

Methods

This single-centre, retrospective observational study of patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer undergoing preoperative AUS and FNAC between February 2008 and November 2010 examined the effect of the introduction of ROSE.

Results

A total of 381 patients were included. AUS revealed 152 axillae with suspicious radiological features. FNAC was positive for malignant cells in 75 (49·3 per cent) of 152 samples. Sentinel lymph node mapping was avoided in 75 patients, representing 19·7 per cent of the entire study population. Adequacy rates increased from 78 per cent to 96 per cent following the introduction of ROSE (P = 0·001). The overall sensitivity and specificity of AUS and FNAC was 80·6 and 100 per cent respectively. A lymph node diameter equal to or larger than 10 mm and extranodal extension were significantly associated with positive FNAC (P < 0·001 and P = 0·012 respectively). Maximum lymph node diameter of at least 10 mm was an independent predictor of positive FNAC (odds ratio 11·2, 95 per cent confidence interval 3·32 to 37·76; P < 0·001).

Conclusion

AUS with FNAC provided accurate preoperative staging of the axilla for metastatic breast disease and avoided unnecessary sentinel lymph node mapping. The introduction of ROSE ensured the efficiency of AUS and FNAC.
Relationship between the hip joint capsule and piriformis tendon in a simulation of the modified Watson‐Jones anterolateral approach in THA cadaver study
Authors: Sasaki M. , Nagoya S. , Kaya M. , Okazaki S. , Tateda K. , Kosukegawa I. , Yamashita T.
Published: April 2012

Fifteen fresh frozen cadavers were used for a simulation of the modified Watson‐Jones anterolateral approach in an anatomical study. Several parameters were measured to evaluate the relation between the piriformis tendon insertion and hip joint capsule insertion. The anteroposterior diameter of the piriformis tendon was found to be greater than the medial–lateral diameter, and that the posterior part of the incised hip joint capsule is distant from the piriformis tendon as the piriformis is inserted into the extra‐articular portion. We also found that it was important not to dissect the anteroproximal portion of the greater trochanter to prevent rupture of the piriformis tendon, whereas the posterior portion was relatively safe. Clin. Anat. 26:610–613, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Safety and efficacy of everolimus‐eluting stents versus paclitaxel‐eluting stents in a diabetic population
Authors: Laynez Ana , Sardi Gabriel , Hauville Camille , Barbash Israel M. , Pakala Rajbabu , Torguson Rebecca , Xue Zhenyi , Satler Lowell F. , Pichard Augusto D. , Waksman Ron
Published: April 2012

Objectives

This study aimed to analyze the use of everolimus‐eluting stents (EES) and paclitaxel‐eluting stents (PES) in an unrestricted diabetic population and to compare the performance of these two drug‐eluting stents.

Background

EES have demonstrated superiority in efficacy when compared to PES in a general population. However, it is controversial whether this superiority holds true in a diabetic population.

Methods

From March 2004 to May 2010, 968 patients with consecutive diabetes who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention and implantation of an EES (n = 388) or PES (n = 580) at our institution. In‐hospital, 1‐month, 6‐month, and 1‐year clinical outcomes were analyzed and compared. Correlates of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were identified.

Results

Baseline clinical characteristics were similar between stent types except for more family history of coronary artery disease in the PES group and more insulin‐dependent diabetes and unstable angina at initial diagnosis in the EES group. The PES group had higher number of lesions treated, longer stents used, and a higher proportion of intravascular ultrasound and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor use. The EES group had more type C and distal lesions. There was higher target lesion revascularization (TLR)‐MACE in the PES group (3.3% vs. 1.0%, P = 0.03) as well as a higher rate of stent thrombosis (ST) (8 patients vs. 0 in the EES group, P = 0.03). ST continued to be higher in the PES group at 6 and 12 months and mortality was higher at 12 months in the PES group (9.4% vs. 5.2%, P = 0.02). After adjustment, no significant differences were found between stent types on Cox regression analysis for hazard ratios at 1‐year follow‐up of TLR‐MACE.

Conclusions

In a diabetic population undergoing PCI, the use of an EES compared to PES was associated with lower rates of stent thrombosis; but after adjustment the composite TLR‐MACE at 1 year was similar between both stents. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis, Structure, Spectroscopic, and Electrochemical Properties of Highly Fluorescent Phosphorus(V)–meso‐Triarylcorroles
Authors: Ghosh Avijit , Ravikanth Mangalampalli
Published: April 2012

The synthesis, spectroscopic, and electrochemical properties of seven new PV–meso‐triarylcorroles (1–7) are reported. Compounds 1–7 were prepared by heating the corresponding free‐base corroles with POCl3 at reflux in pyridine. Hexacoordinate PV complexes of meso‐triarylcorroles were isolated that contained two axial hydroxy groups, unlike the PV complex of 8,12‐diethyl‐2,3,7,13,17,18‐hexamethylcorrole, which was pentacoordinate, or the PV complex of meso‐tetraphenylporphyrin, which was hexacoordinate with two axial chloro groups. 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopy in CDCl3 indicated that the hexacoordinated PV–meso‐triarylcorroles were prone to axial‐ligand dissociation to form pentacoordinated PV–meso‐triarylcorroles. However, in the presence of strongly coordinating solvents, such as CH3OH, THF, and DMSO, the PV–meso‐triarylcorroles preferred to exist in a hexacoordinated geometry in which the corresponding solvent molecules acted as axial ligands. X‐ray diffraction of two complexes confirmed the hexacoordination environment for PV–meso‐triarylcorroles. Their absorption spectra in two coordinating solvents revealed that PV–meso‐triarylcorroles showed a strong band at about 600 nm together with other bands, in contrast to PV–porphyrins, which showed weak bands in the visible region. These compounds were easier to oxidize and more difficult to reduce compared to PV–porphyrins. These compounds were brightly fluorescent, unlike the weakly fluorescent PV–porphyrins, and the quantum yields for selected PV–corroles were as high as AlIII and GaIII corroles, which are the best known fluorescent compounds among oligopyrrolic macrocycles.
Convergent Synthesis of Near‐Infrared Absorbing, “Push–Pull”, Bisthiophene‐Substituted, Zinc(II) Phthalocyanines and their Application in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Ince Mine , Cardinali François , Yum Jun‐Ho , Martínez‐Díaz M. Victoria , Nazeeruddin Mohammad K. , Grätzel Michael , Torres Tomás
Published: April 2012

Zinc(II) phthalocyanine dyes that contain triarylamine‐terminated bisthiophene and hexylbisthiophene groups have been synthesized by a convergent approach by using carboxytriiodo–ZnPc as a precursor. Further transformation of the iodo groups by a Pd‐catalyzed reaction allowed easy preparation of further extended π‐conjugated carboxy–ZnPcs. These dyes have been used as sensitizers in dye‐sensitized solar cells, which exhibit a panchromatic response and moderate overall efficiencies.
Energy Estimates and Cavity Interaction for a Critical‐Exponent Cavitation Model
Authors: Henao Duvan , Serfaty Sylvia
Published: April 2012

We consider the minimization of$\int_{\Omega _\varepsilon } {|D{\bf u}|^p } d{\bf x}$in a perforated domain$\Omega _\varepsilon : = \Omega \backslash \cup _{i = 1}^M B_\varepsilon ({\bf a}_i )$of$\font\open=msbm10 at 10pt\def\R{\hbox{\open R}}\R^n$among maps$\font\open=msbm10 at 10pt\def\R{\hbox{\open R}}{\bf u} \in W^{1,p} (\Omega _\varepsilon ,\R^n )$that are incompressible (det$D{\bf u} \equiv 1$) and invertible, and satisfy a Dirichlet boundary conditionu=gon ∂Ω. If the volume enclosed byg(∂Ω) is greater than |Ω|, any such deformationuis forced to map the small holesBε(ai) onto macroscopically visible cavities (which do not disappear as ε → 0). We restrict our attention to the critical exponentp=n, where the energy required for cavitation is of the order of$\sum\nolimits_{i = 1}^M {v_i |\log \varepsilon |}$and the model is suited, therefore, for an asymptotic analysis (v1,…,vMdenote the volumes of the cavities). In the spirit of the analysis of vortices in Ginzburg‐Landau theory, we obtain estimates for the “renormalized” energyshowing its dependence on the size and the shape of the cavities, on the initial distance between the cavitation pointsa1,…,aM, and on the distance from these points to the outer boundary ∂Ω. Based on those estimates we conclude, for the case of two cavities, that either the cavities prefer to be spherical in shape and well separated, or to be very close to each other and appear as a single equivalent round cavity. This is in agreement with existing numerical simulations and is reminiscent of the interaction between cavities in the mechanism of ductile fracture by void growth and coalescence. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A microinjection protocol for the generation of transgenic killifish (Species: Nothobranchius furzeri)
Authors: Hartmann Nils , Englert Christoph
Published: April 2012

Background: A challenge in age research is the absence of short‐lived vertebrate model organisms. The turquoise killifish Nothobranchius furzeri has an exceptionally short lifespan of 4–10 months depending on the strain. Thus, it possesses the shortest known maximum lifespan of a vertebrate species that can be bred in captivity. Results: Here we show the successful introduction of DNA and RNA molecules into the one‐cell embryo of N. furzeri. For this purpose, we adapted existing microinjection protocols to inject through the remarkably thick and robust chorion of N. furzeri's eggs. The injected DNA transgene was integrated into the genome and transmitted to subsequent generations as indicated by the expression of the fluorophore enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Furthermore, we could confirm a special phase during embryonic development in which embryogenesis occurs within a re‐aggregated mass of previously dispersed cells as it has been described for other related cyprinodont fish species. Conclusions: The transgenesis protocol described here provides a basis for a variety of genetic manipulations including overexpression of genes and determining their effects on lifespan and longevity. The feasibility to perform transgenesis is an important step to establish N. furzeri as a new model in age research. Developmental Dynamics 241:1133–1141, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Generation of a conditional allele for the mouse endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene
Authors: Jiang Rosie , Wang Suwan , Takahashi Keiko , Fujita Hiroki , Fruci Christopher R. , Breyer Matthew D. , Harris Raymond C. , Takahashi Takamune
Published: April 2012

Mice with endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) deletions have defined the crucial role of eNOS in vascular development, homeostasis, and pathology. However, cell specific eNOS function has not been determined, although an important role of eNOS has been suggested in multiple cell types. Here, we have generated a floxed eNOS allele in which exons 9–12, encoding the sites essential to eNOS activity, are flanked with loxP sites. Mice homozygous for the floxed allele showed normal eNOS protein levels and no overt phenotype. Conversely, homozygous mice with Cre‐deleted alleles displayed truncated eNOS protein, lack of vascular NO production, and exhibited similar phenotype to eNOS knockout mice, including hypertension, low heart rate, and focal renal scarring. These findings demonstrate that the floxed allele is normal and it can be converted to a non‐functional eNOS allele through Cre recombination. This mouse will allow time‐ and cell‐specific eNOS deletion. genesis 50:685–692, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Techno‐economics for conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol by indirect gasification and mixed alcohol synthesis
Authors: Dutta Abhijit , Talmadge Michael , Hensley Jesse , Worley Matt , Dudgeon Doug , Barton David , Groenendijk Peter , Ferrari Daniela , Stears Brien , Searcy Erin , Wright Christopher , Hess J. Richard
Published: April 2012

This techno‐economic study investigates the production of ethanol and a higher alcohols coproduct by conversion of lignocelluosic biomass to syngas via indirect gasification followed by gas‐to‐liquids synthesis over a precommercial heterogeneous catalyst. The design specifies a processing capacity of 2,205 dry U.S. tons (2,000 dry metric tonnes) of woody biomass per day and incorporates 2012 research targets from NREL and other sources for technologies that will facilitate the future commercial production of cost‐competitive ethanol. Major processes include indirect steam gasification, syngas cleanup, and catalytic synthesis of mixed alcohols, and ancillary processes include feed handling and drying, alcohol separation, steam and power generation, cooling water, and other operations support utilities. The design and analysis is based on research at NREL, other national laboratories, and The Dow Chemical Company, and it incorporates commercial technologies, process modeling using Aspen Plus software, equipment cost estimation, and discounted cash flow analysis. The design considers the economics of ethanol production assuming successful achievement of internal research targets and nth‐plant costs and financing. The design yields 83.8 gallons of ethanol and 10.1 gallons of higher‐molecular‐weight alcohols per U.S. ton of biomass feedstock. A rigorous sensitivity analysis captures uncertainties in costs and plant performance. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2012
Beschwingt und beflügelt
Authors: Treude Janina
Published: April 2012

Wo Exzellenz ein Gesicht erhält: In Berlin zeichnete die DFG zwei Wissenschaftlerinnen und neun Wissenschaftler mit dem wichtigsten deutschen Forschungspreis aus.
Game‐Based Simulation for Cross‐Cultural Decision Making Training
Authors: Madni Azad M.
Published: April 2012

Increasing globalization has had a major impact on manufacturing and service industries as well as on coalition operations conducted by the military. What is common to both the commercial and military sectors is the recent surge in interest in cross‐cultural decision making (CCDM) training. Existing CCDM training approaches tend to employ either some form of multi‐agent simulation or some variant of classical game theory. Despite their manifest benefits, these approaches have specific limitations that need to be overcome to create an effective cross‐cultural training system. Multi‐agent simulations typically lack theoretical underpinnings while classical game theory‐based approaches take a limited view of strategic decision making. Specifically, by adopting a Western view of rationality, game‐theoretic approaches fail to accommodate considerations such as fairness, altruism and reciprocity. Empirical research in strategic economic games has shown that humans respond to more than merely monetary incentives. In particular, research has shown that cultural norms play a central role in human decision making behavior, especially in non‐Western cultures. This paper presents an innovative approach to game‐based simulation that combines findings from behavioral game theory with classical game theory and multi‐agent simulation to exploit the strengths of each approach while making learning enjoyable, memorable, and fun. An illustrative game‐based simulation for CCDM training is also presented. The simulation framework is equally applicable to teaching other soft skills as well as skills that are too hazardous or too expensive to teach in the realworld through live exercises. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of Celebrity Endorsements on Consumer Purchase Intentions: Advertising Effect and Advertising Appeal as Mediators
Authors: Wang Jau‐Shyong , Cheng Yen‐Fen , Chu Yi‐Ling
Published: April 2012

Advertising has become the most efficient way for companies to transmit product information to consumers. Words and images are often used to display the product and thus attract the attention of consumers. Of all types of endorsement, celebrity endorsement is the marketing method most frequently used by entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs use celebrity endorsement to increase consumer purchasing motivation. Not only can celebrity endorsements attract consumers to purchase products, but the appeal of statements by celebrities can also affect consumer product image. Different appeal methods result in different advertising effects. This study used the case of advertising spokespersons for cell phones with general consumers as subjects. A total of 202 valid samples obtained through the questionnaire survey and used partial least squares regression analysis. The results showed that celebrity endorsements, advertising appeal, and advertising effect significantly and positively affect consumer purchase intentions. Moreover, advertising appeal and advertising effect exert a partial mediating effect on the relationship between celebrity endorsement and purchase intention. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hippocampal polyamine levels and transglutaminase activity are paralleling spatial memory retrieval in the C57BL/6J mouse
Authors: Tiboldi Akos , Lentini Alessandro , Provenzano Bruno , Tabolacci Claudio , Höger Harald , Beninati Simone , Lubec Gert
Published: April 2012

Although a potential role for polyamines and transglutaminases (TGs) in memory mechanisms have been proposed, hippocampal spermine (SPM) and spermidine (SPD) levels as well as transamidating activity of TG in spatial memory have not been addressed yet. It was therefore the aim of the study to assess hippocampal polyamines and TG activity at the probe trial in a spatial memory paradigm. C57BL/6J mice (20 animals per group) were used for the experiments and divided into a trained and a yoked (untrained) group. The Morris water maze (MWM) was selected as the memory test, animals were sacrificed within 5 min following the probe trial and hippocampi were taken for biochemical analysis. SPD and SPM levels were assessed by an analytical procedure according to Gismondi et al. Transamidating activity of TG was determined following the method described by Chung and Folk using [14C] methylamine as substrate. γ‐(Glutamyl)‐polyamine levels were evaluated by ion exchange chromatography according to Folk et al. Animals learned the task in the MWM as latencies and pathlengths were significantly reduced. At the probe trial mice showed significantly higher preference for the target quadrant. Free SPD and SPM levels were manifold decreased in the trained as compared to the yoked group. Transamidating activity of TG was fourfold increased in trained as compared to yoked controls. γ‐(Glutamyl)‐SPD was comparable while γ‐(glutamyl)‐SPM was significantly higher in the trained group. The findings show a potential role for polyamines, their derivative γ‐(glutamyl)‐SPM and transamidating activity of TG at memory retrieval or formation. Results from this study are extending and knowledge on polyamines and report for the first time involvement of γ‐(glutamyl)‐SPM and transamidating activity of TG that may form the basis for future neurochemical and pharmacological studies and indeed, modulation of polyamine and TG activity has been already proposed as a tentative therapeutical concept. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Solvent Extraction of Ag(I) and Cu(II) with New Macrocyclic Schiff Bases
Authors: Kedy Souad , Kandil Farouk , Almhna Nadeem
Published: April 2012

Two new macrocyclic Schiff bases (II) and (III) containing nitrogen ‐ oxygen donor atoms were synthesized by reaction between diethylene triamine or 2,2′‐(ethylenedioxy)bis(ethylamine) and the intermediate compound: 1,4‐bis(6‐methoxy‐2‐formylphenyl)‐1,4‐dioxabutane (I). Identification of these macrocyclic Schiff bases: 1,12, 15,18, 29,32 ‐ hexaaza ‐ [3,4;8,9;20,21;26,27‐tetra‐(6′‐methoxyphenyl)]‐5,8,22,25‐tetraoxa cyclo tetratriacosine‐1,11,18,28‐tetraene. (II) 1,12,21,32‐tetraaza‐[3,4;9,10;23,24;29, 30‐tetra‐(6′‐methoxyphenyl)]‐5,8,15,18,25,28,35,38‐octaoxa cyclo ‐ tetracontane‐1,11,21,31‐tetraene. (III) were determined by elemental analysis (LC‐MS), (IR) and (1H and 13C‐NMR) spectroscopy. The liquid‐liquid extraction of metal picrates such as Ag+ and Cu2+ from aqueous phase to organic phase was carried out using these ligands. The effect of chloroform and dichloromethane as organic solvents over the metal picrate extractions were investigated at 25 ± 0.1 °C by using atomic absorption spectrometer.
Induced Decompositions of Graphs
Authors: Bondy J. Adrian , Szwarcfiter Jayme L.
Published: April 2012

We consider those graphs G that admit decompositions into copies of a fixed graph F, each copy being an induced subgraph of G. We are interested in finding the extremal graphs with this property, that is, those graphs G on n vertices with the maximum possible number of edges. We discuss the cases where F is a complete equipartite graph, a cycle, a star, or a graph on at most four vertices.
Comparative effectiveness of low‐molecular‐weight heparin versus unfractionated heparin for thromboembolism prophylaxis for medical patients
Authors: Rothberg Michael B. , Pekow Penelope S. , Lahti Maureen , Lindenauer Peter K.
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND:

Both unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH) are approved for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis. Which agent is superior remains controversial.

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the effectiveness, complications, and costs of UFH and LMWH as VTE prophylaxis for hospitalized medical patients.

DESIGN:

Retrospective cohort.

SETTING:

Three hundred thirty‐three acute care facilities in 2004–2005.

PATIENTS:

Adults with 4 common medical diagnoses considered to carry moderate‐to‐high risk of VTE. Excluded were patients on warfarin or with hospital stays of ≤2 days. VTE prophylaxis was assessed from billing data.

INTERVENTION:

None.

MEASUREMENTS:

VTE, major bleeding or heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia, mortality, and cost.

RESULTS:

Of 32,104 patients who received prophylaxis, 55% received LMWH and the remainder received UFH. The hospital where the patient obtained care was the strongest predictor of receiving LMWH. VTE was observed in 163 (0.51%) patients; complications, followed by stopping therapy, were rare (<0.2%). In analysis adjusted for the propensity for UFH and other covariates, patients treated with UFH had an odds ratio for VTE of 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76 to 1.43) compared to LMWH. In a grouped treatment model, the odds of VTE with UFH was 1.14 (95% CI 0.72 to 1.81). Adjusted odds of bleeding with UFH compared to LMWH were 1.64 (95% CI 0.50 to 5.33), adjusted odds of complications followed by stopping prophylaxis were 2.84 (95% CI 1.43 to 45.66), and adjusted cost ratio was 0.97 (95% CI 0.90 to 1.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

For VTE prophylaxis, the effectiveness and cost of LMWH and UFH are similar, but LMWH is associated with fewer complications. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012;. © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
The influence of North Atlantic atmospheric and oceanic forcing effects on 1900–2010 Greenland summer climate and ice melt/runoff
Authors: Hanna Edward , Jones Julie M. , Cappelen John , Mernild Sebastian H. , Wood Len , Steffen Konrad , Huybrechts Philippe
Published: April 2012

Correlation analysis of Greenland coastal weather station temperatures against the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) indices for the summer season (when Ice Sheet melt and runoff occur) reveals significant temporal variations over the last 100 years, with periods of strongest correlations in the early twentieth century and during recent decades. During the mid‐twentieth century, temperature changes at the stations are not significantly correlated with these circulation indices. Greenland coastal summer temperatures and Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) runoff since the 1970s are more strongly correlated with the Greenland Blocking Index (GBI) than with the NAO Index (NAOI), making the GBI a potentially useful predictor of ice‐sheet mass balance changes. Our results show that the changing strength of NAOI–temperature relationships found in boreal winter also extends to summer over Greenland. Greenland temperatures and GrIS runoff over the last 30–40 years are significantly correlated with AMO variations, although they are more strongly correlated with GBI changes. GrIS melt extent is less significantly correlated with atmospheric and oceanic index changes than runoff, which we attribute to the latter being a more quantitative index of Ice Sheet response to climate change. Moreover, the four recent warm summers of 2007–2010 are characterised by unprecedented high pressure (since at least 1948—the start of the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis record) in the tropospheric column. Our results suggest complex and changing atmospheric forcing conditions that are not well captured using the NAO alone, and support theories of an oceanic influence on the recent increases in Greenland temperatures and GrIS runoff. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
An orchestrated climate song from the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and its implication on climatological processes
Authors: Lee T. , Ouarda T. B. M. J. , Li J.
Published: April 2012

A climate index is a time series that quantifies the temporal evolution of a climate process in a particular region. Various climatic patterns, such as the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation, Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), Arctic Oscillation, and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), have been summarized into climate indices corresponding to the respective regions; a comparison among these indices enables various further inferences. In this study, we investigated the interconnection between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans using the representative climate indices, i.e. the PDO and NAO indices, respectively. Using empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and statistical analysis, it was shown that these two indices share the same long‐term oscillation phase in the low‐frequency domain, while in the high‐frequency domain, the cross‐correlation and the serial correlations of the two indices vary according to the phase of the long‐term oscillation. This implies that a certain long‐term oscillatory forcing influences both the Atlantic and Pacific regions. Three global gridded climate variables [i.e. sea‐level pressure (SLP), precipitable water (PW), and sea‐surface temperature (SST)] were studied over three different periods (i.e. the negative phase period of the long‐term oscillation centered on 1960 and the positive phase centered on 1990). The mean 11 year anomalies revealed a noticeable particular spatial pattern and opposing tendencies for these periods. Furthermore, the global spatial patterns inducing the cross‐correlation between the NAO and PDO indices and the lag‐1 auto‐correlations of the NAO index are presented. Based on the results presented in the current study, a long‐term oscillation with a 70 to 80 year cycle may exist in the Pacific and Atlantic regions simultaneously. Because the slow and cyclic long‐term oscillation can be predictable using EMD, if the same climate conditions of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans continue as the last several decades, the spatial evolution of climate variables might also be inferred according to the phase of the long‐term oscillation. Further physical study and analysis of long proxy records should help provide more conclusive results. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
The Campo Felice late Pleistocene Glaciation (Apennines, central Italy)
Authors: Giraudi Carlo
Published: April 2012

Study of the glacial deposits and lacustrine sediments of Campo Felice (Apennines, central Italy) has enabled the glacial phases of the last 40 ka to be dated more precisely, and has demonstrated that the maximum glacial advance did not occur in correspondence with the last global glacial maximum and with the coldest and most arid phase suggested by the pollen, but in a period dated between about 33 and 27 ka, characterized by a less extreme climate. Furthermore, a glacial expansion took place also in the period prior to 35 ka. Correlation with the Alpine glacial variations has shown that the Apennine last glacial maximum occurred before that of the southern slope of the Alps. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organic and conventional nonflavored yogurts from the Italian market: study on sensory profiles and consumer acceptability
Authors: Gallina Toschi Tullia , Bendini Alessandra , Barbieri Sara , Valli Enrico , Cezanne Marie Louise , Buchecker Kirsten , Canavari Maurizio
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: The sensory properties of food products are an important success factor, especially in the organic market, where many producers and distributors of organic food claim superior taste for their products compared to the conventional alternative. For this reason consumer expectations and preferences, as well as the sensory properties of conventional and organic yogurt, have to be investigated in depth. In this work, the sensory profiling and consumer data of six nonflavored organic and conventional Italian yogurts were elaborated. Some results on the data segmentation (heavy and light users of organic food) and on the effect of information on liking (blind and labeled test) were obtained. Multivariate analysis was carried out to study how the sensory characteristics of ‘natural yogurts’ drive consumer liking.

RESULTS: Consumers' preferences were oriented towards a creamy mouthfeel and smooth visual appearance and for a less acid and fresh taste. In particular, a conventional yogurt was the least accepted, because it was not creamy enough. This paper shows there is room to improve unflavored yogurt to better meet consumer expectations.

CONCLUSION: Sensory profiling did not allow a distinction in odor/taste/texture between organic and conventional samples. However, three of four organic samples were in the region of highest consumer acceptability, fitting well consumers' preference. There was no clear tendency that heavy or light users scored differently in the blind and labeled tests regarding overall liking but, for all, the most liked conventional yogurt scored higher when labeled as organic. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Numerical approximation of the Oldroyd‐B model by the weighted least‐squares/discontinuous Galerkin method
Authors: Chen Tsu‐Fen , Lee Hyesuk , Liu Chia‐Chen
Published: April 2012

We consider a numerical method for the Oldroyd‐B model of viscoelastic fluid flows by a combination of the weighted least‐squares (WLS) method and the discontinuous Galerkin (DG) finite element method. The constitutive equation is decoupled from the momentum and continuity equations, and the approximate solution is computed iteratively by solving the Stokes problem and a linearized constitutive equation using WLS and DG, respectively. An a priori error estimate for the WLS/DG method is derived and numerical results supporting the estimate are presented. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2013
Valproic acid synergistically enhances the cytotoxicity of clofarabine in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Xie Chengzhi , Edwards Holly , LoGrasso Salvatore B. , Buck Steven A. , Matherly Larry H. , Taub Jeffrey W. , Ge Yubin
Published: April 2012

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a major therapeutic challenge in pediatric oncology even with intensified cytarabine (ara‐C)‐based chemotherapy. Therefore, new therapies are urgently needed to improve treatment outcome of this deadly disease. In this study, we evaluated antileukemic interactions between clofarabine (a second‐generation purine nucleoside analog) and valproic acid (VPA, a FDA‐approved agent for treating epilepsy in both children and adult and a histone deacetylase inhibitor), in pediatric AML.

Methodology

In vitro clofarabine and VPA cytotoxicities of the pediatric AML cell lines and diagnostic blasts were measured by using MTT assays. The effects of clofarabine and VPA on apoptosis and DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) were determined by flow cytometry analysis and Western blotting, respectively. Active form of Bax was measured by Western blotting post‐immunoprecipitation.

Results

We demonstrated synergistic antileukemic activities between clofarabine and VPA in both pediatric AML cell lines and diagnostic blasts sensitive to VPA. In contrast, antagonism between the two agents could be detected in AML cells resistant to VPA. Clofarabine and VPA cooperate in inducing DNA DSBs, accompanied by Bax activation and apoptosis in pediatric AML cells.

Conclusion

Our results document synergistic antileukemic activities of combined VPA and clofarabine in pediatric AML and suggest that this combination could be an alternative treatment option for the disease. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 1245–1251. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mode‐I intralaminar fracture toughness of silica particles‐filled glass woven fabric‐reinforced vinyl ester composites
Authors: Sham Prasad M. S. , Venkatesha C. S. , Jayaraju T. , Janardhan D.
Published: April 2012

Glass woven fabric reinforced vinyl ester (GV) composites filled with different weight proportions of silica particles were fabricated by hand lay up technique followed by oven curing. The plane strain Mode‐I Intralaminar fracture toughness, KIC of the silica filled GV composites has been studied and the experimental results were compared with those of unfilled GV composites. The findings of the experiments showed that the fracture toughness has improved by the addition of silica particles up to 6 weight % with marginal increase of tensile properties. The silica filled and unfilled GV composites showed brittle fracture, with maximum toughness for 6 weight % silica particles. The morphology of fracture surfaces was examined by using SEM. Pulled and fractured fibers are observed on the fracture surface of GV composites evidencing fiber bridging but not in the silica filled GV composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Light trapping in pyramidally textured crystalline silicon solar cells using back‐side diffractive gratings
Authors: Rothemund Ralph , Umundum Thomas , Meinhardt Gerald , Hingerl Kurt , Fromherz Thomas , Jantsch Wolfgang
Published: April 2012

Back‐side diffractive gratings enhance a solar cell's efficiency by trapping light inside the cell and increasing the probability of absorption. We introduce a three‐dimensional, polarization‐sensitive optical model combining ray tracing and rigorous coupled‐wave analysis to investigate silicon solar cells with pyramidal front‐side texturing and back‐side gratings. Parameter optimization is performed to increase the short‐circuit current density for a linear binary grating with grating period p and height h. For the investigated 180‐µm‐thick pyramidally textured silicon solar cells, the simulation yields a maximum enhancement of the short‐circuit current density by ΔJSC = 1.79 mA/cm2 corresponding to an absolute efficiency increase of Δη = 0.90%. Furthermore, we report on fabrication and reflectance measurements of solar cells with gratings and key challenges in achieving efficiency gains using back‐side diffractive gratings. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determining the Polymorphic Purity of ε‐CL20 Contaminated by Other Polymorphs through the Use of FTIR Spectroscopy with PLS Regression
Authors: Dumas Séverine , Gauvrit Jean Yves , Lanteri Pierre
Published: April 2012

CL20 (HNIW=hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane), is an energetic molecule that presents four polymorphs (called alpha (α‐), beta (β‐), gamma (γ‐), and epsilon (ε‐)). The ε form is the one used in propellant formulations (the rocket combustive agent). On the one hand, a method developed to measure the purity of this form should be the most reliable one. On the other hand, the amount of impurities – alpha (α‐), beta (β‐), gamma (γ‐), and of the monoacetylatedpentanitrated compound (PN) – should be taken into account in order to assess the influence of the impurities on this propellant. The aim of this work is to develop a quantitative analytical method to measure the polymorphic composition of CL20 using FTIR‐MIR spectroscopy and PLS regression.