bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical progression in Parkinson disease and the neurobiology of axons
Authors: Cheng Hsiao‐Chun , Ulane Christina M. , Burke Robert E.
Published: May 2010

Despite tremendous growth in recent years in our knowledge of the molecular basis of Parkinson disease (PD) and the molecular pathways of cell injury and death, we remain without therapies that forestall disease progression. Although there are many possible explanations for this lack of success, one is that experimental therapeutics to date have not adequately focused on an important component of the disease process, that of axon degeneration. It remains unknown what neuronal compartment, either the soma or the axon, is involved at disease onset, although some have proposed that it is the axons and their terminals that take the initial brunt of injury. Nevertheless, this concept has not been formally incorporated into many of the current theories of disease pathogenesis, and it has not achieved a wide consensus. More importantly, in view of growing evidence that the molecular mechanisms of axon degeneration are separate and distinct from the canonical pathways of programmed cell death that mediate soma destruction, the possibility of early involvement of axons in PD has not been adequately emphasized as a rationale to explore the neurobiology of axons for novel therapeutic targets. We propose that ongoing degeneration of axons, not cell bodies, is the primary determinant of clinically apparent progression of disease, and that future experimental therapeutics intended to forestall disease progression will benefit from a new focus on the distinct mechanisms of axon degeneration. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:715–725
Anisotropic distribution of quantum‐vacuum momentum density in a moving electromagnetic medium
Authors: Shen J.Q.
Published: May 2010

An isotropic electromagnetic medium becomes gyrotropically anisotropic when it moves, and an anisotropic electromagnetic environment can then be created in this motion‐induced anisotropic medium. One of the most remarkable features is that the quantum vacuum in the anisotropic electromagnetic environment exhibits a nonzero electromagnetic momentum density, since the universal symmetry of the vacuum fluctuation field is broken, and the anisotropic quantum vacuum mode structure is produced because of the symmetry breaking. This would give rise to a noncompensation effect among the four vacuum eigenmodes (i.e., the forward and backward propagating modes as well as their respective mutually perpendicular polarized components), and leads to an anisotropic correction to the vacuum momentum in the moving medium. The physical significance and the potential applications of the anisotropic quantum vacuum are discussed. This quantum‐vacuum effect may be used to develop sensitive sensor techniques and to design new quantum optical and photonic devices.
Wechselwirkung von Metallkomplexen mit G‐Quadruplex‐DNA
Authors: Georgiades Savvas N. , Abd Karim Nurul H. , Suntharalingam Kogularamanan , Vilar Ramon
Published: May 2010

Guaninreiche DNA‐Sequenzen können sich zu viersträngigen Aggregaten anordnen, die als G‐Quadruplexe bezeichnet werden. Man nimmt an, dass diese DNA‐Sekundärstrukturen an der Regulation verschiedener biologischer Schlüsselprozesse beteiligt sind. Im menschlichen Genom kommen guaninreiche Sequenzen mit dem Potenzial zur Bildung von G‐Quadruplexen beispielsweise im Telomer sowie in den Promoterregionen bestimmter Onkogene vor. Die Identifizierung dieser Sequenzen als neue Zielstrukturen für Tumortherapeutika hat großes Interesse an der Entwicklung von Verbindungen ausgelöst, die mit Quadruplex‐DNA wechselwirken können. Die meisten bekannten Quadruplex‐DNA‐Bindungssubstanzen beruhen zwar auf rein organischen Templaten, später wurde aber nachgewiesen, dass auch viele Metallkomplexe mit dieser DNA‐Sekundärstruktur effiziente Wechselwirkungen eingehen. Dieser Aufsatz gibt einen Überblick über die wichtigen Funktionen, die Metallkomplexe als Quadruplex‐DNA‐Bindungssubstanzen haben können, und diskutiert die besonderen Eigenschaften von Metallzentren auf diese Verbindungen.
From the Structure and Function of the Ribosome to New Antibiotics (Nobel Lecture)
Authors: Steitz Thomas A.
Published: May 2010

A complex structure: The 2009 Nobel Prize was awarded for investigations into the structure and function of the ribosome, the protein factory of the cell. The Laureates describe first hand the course of the discoveries in this area, from the beginning of their research to the current detailed understanding.
The bridged cyclopentadienyl indenyl (fluorenyl) zirconocene complexes for polyethylene macromonomers
Authors: Huang Wenzhong , Li Fengbo , Ma Haiyan , Huang Jiling
Published: May 2010

The synthesis of long‐chain branched polyethylene includes the generation of vinyl‐terminated polyethylene macromonomers and the copolymerization of these macromonomers with ethylene. Four new bridged cyclopentadienyl indenyl (fluorenyl) zirconocene complexes 1a–b, 2a–b were prepared and showed high activities for ethylene homopolymerization upon the activation of methylaluminoxane. The steric bulk of bridged substituent has a profound effect on the catalytic activity as well as on the molecular weight of resulting polyethylene. Complex 1b showed the highest activity of up to 5.32 × 106 g PE/(mol Zr h) for ethylene homopolymerization at 70 °C, which was higher than that of Cp2ZrCl2. The polyethylenes produced with complexes 1a–d/MAO are mostly vinyl‐terminated, possess low molecular weight and fit as macromonomers. The (p‐MePh)2C‐bridged cyclopentadienyl indenyl zirconocene complex 1a could produce polyethylene macromonomer with selectivity for the vinyl‐terminal as high as 94.9%. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deposition of copper‐doped iron sulfide (CuxFe1−xS) thin films using aerosol‐assisted chemical vapor deposition technique
Authors: Disale Sujit D. , Garje Shivram S.
Published: May 2010

Copper‐doped iron sulfide (CuxFe1−xS, x = 0.010–0.180) thin films were deposited using a single‐source precursor, Cu(LH)2Cl2 (LH = monoacetylferrocene thiosemicarbazone), by aerosol‐assisted chemical vapor deposition technique. The Cu‐doped FeS thin films were deposited at different substrate temperatures, i.e. 250, 300, 350, 400 and 450 °C. The deposited thin films were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, Raman spectra, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX) and atomic force microscopy. XRD studies of Cu‐doped FeS thin films at all the temperatures revealed formation of single‐phase FeS structure. With increasing substrate temperature from 250 to 450 °C, there was change in morphology from wafer‐like to cylindrical plate‐like. EDX analysis showed that the doping percentage of copper increased as the substrate temperature increased from 250 to 450 °C. Raman data supports the doping of copper in FeS films. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization and structure–property relationship of chemical oxidative polymerization of poly(para‐hydroquinone)
Authors: Tibaoui T. , Ayachi S. , Hamidi M. , Bouachrine M. , Paris M. , Alimi K.
Published: May 2010

Poly(para‐hydroquinone) (PPHQ) was prepared by chemical oxidation reaction using titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) as an oxidant. Solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (CPMAS 13C‐NMR), infrared absorption, optical absorption, thermal analysis (TGA and DTA), and electron paramagnetic resonance techniques were used to characterize the obtained PPHQ polymer. The correlation between different experimental results justifies the chemical structure and proves the vibrational and optical properties of this polymer. Theoretical calculations based on ab initio density functional theory and semiempirical Austin Model 1 methods were accomplished to elucidate the structure–property relationship of PPHQ polymer. From oligomer 8‐hydroquinone, we have predicted the experimentally observed results. This oligomer is considered as model structure, which reproduces the PPHQ polymer characteristics and elucidates the TiCl4 effect on the properties of the polymer under study. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
4‐Acetoxystyrene nitroxide‐mediated controlled radical polymerization: Comparison with styrene
Authors: Cho Andrew S. , Wang Lin , Dowuona Emmanuel , Zhou Hongying , Nguyen SonBinh T. , Broadbelt Linda J.
Published: May 2010

The nitroxide‐mediated controlled radical polymerization (NM‐CRP) of 4‐acetoxystyrene with an alkoxyamine was analyzed by a combined experimental and modeling approach. At low nitroxide concentrations, thermal initiation was significant, and control of the polydispersity was poor, as was observed previously for styrene. A continuum model based on the method of moments was used to regress the parameters for the reversible nitroxide uncoupling/coupling reactions (activation energy of uncoupling), thermal initiation (activation energy of initiation), and termination (frequency factor of recombination). The model was able to capture the molecular weight averages and the polydispersity index as a function of time and the nitroxide concentration qualitatively and quantitatively. Using this mechanistic framework, we developed kinetic Monte Carlo models that allowed the molecular weight distributions to be predicted explicitly in good agreement with experimental data. A comparison of the NM‐CRP of 4‐acetoxystyrene and styrene is provided to illustrate the effect of the acetoxy substituent. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synergetic behavior of low Tg polybutadiene polymers and polysiloxanes as components for glass fiber sizing in composite materials
Authors: Danner Katherine M. , Dey Moutushi , McAllister Quinn P. , Barsotti Robert J. , Kissounko Denis A.
Published: May 2010

The effect of low Tg polybutadiene (PBD) rubbery polymer as a part of polysiloxane/PBD E‐glass fibers sizing on mechanical properties of a corresponding epoxy composite material has been evaluated by the punch shear test technique. The results show that the use of hydroxyl terminated PBD led to significant increase in interface shear strength, energy absorption, as well as dynamic modulus and Tg in a corresponding composite material. The sizing composition and fiber morphology were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and AFM microscopy, respectively. Possible rational for such sizing composition/material property relationship is discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Studies on synthesis and characterization of a novel acrylic aromatic amide oligomer of aminolysed endproducts generated from pet waste with hydrazine monohydrate and its photocuring with acrylate monomers
Authors: Soni R. K. , Teotia Meenu , Dutt Krishna
Published: May 2010

A novel acrylic aromatic amide oligomer was synthesized by using depolymerized end product of PET waste with hydrazine monohydrate. The end product of aminolysed PET waste was synthesized under ambient conditions and was used in the preparation of novel acrylic oligomer with the reaction of acryloyl chloride prepared from acrylic acid. The acrylic oligomer was characterized by spectroscopic techniques, such as FTIR, 1H‐NMR, UV, Mass spectrometry, and by other analytical techniques such as, Iodine value, TGA, and DSC. The proposed structure of the oligomer is supported by its spectral analysis and the same is inferred from other techniques. The acrylic oligomer mixed with other acrylate monomers such as methylmethacrylate, ethylhexylacrylate, acrylic acid, and photoinitiator, can be cured by UV radiation and can thus be used as an adhesion promoter on metal/glass surface. This article presents the possibility of using a difunctional aromatic amide oligomer with excellent hydrogen bonding capacity as an alternative to urethane acrylates in radiation curable formulations. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
The crystallization and morphology of biodegradable poly(butylene succinate‐co‐terephthalate) copolyesters with high content of BT units
Authors: Li Faxue , Luo Shengli , Ma Chi , Yu Jianyong , Cao Amin
Published: May 2010

Isothermal crystallization and morphology of biodegradable PBST copolyesters with high content of BT units were investigated. The crystallization kinetic analysis showed that the Avrami exponent n ranged from 3.2 to 4.9, indicating a three‐dimensional growth initiated by homogeneous nucleation mechanism at low crystallization temperature and heterogeneous nucleation mechanism at high temperature. After isothermal crystallization, multiple melting peaks were observed during DSC heating, and were explained by the melting and recrystallization model. The equilibrium melting temperatures of the PBST copolyesters were determined by Hoffman–Weeks and Gibbs–Thomson methods, respectively. Two methods, however, gave different values for each sample. The origin of the complexity and its influences on the equilibrium melting temperature of the copolyesters were analyzed. According to WAXD measurement, the copolyesters were identified to have the same crystal structure as that of PBT, suggesting that only the BT units were crystallized in the system whereas the BS units were in the amorphous state. POM micrographs showed that the crystals of the copolyesters were composed of little spherulites, beneficial to forming flexible fibers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Rheological properties of elastomer‐modified polypropylene and their influence on the formation of flow marks
Authors: Iannuzzi Giovanna , Rigdahl Mikael
Published: May 2010

A premium appearance is essential for many polymeric products and for this reason surface defects associated with the manufacturing process, e.g. injection molding, are detrimental. In this study, the interest is focussed on defects arising during injection molding of such elastomer‐modified polymers that are often used in the automotive sector to produce interior and exterior components. In particular, defects denoted as “flow marks” or “tiger stripes” were investigated. These defects appear on the surface of the injection‐molded components, especially if long flow lengths are involved and consist of alternating glossy and dull bands. Here an attempt was made to elucidate to what extent some important rheological properties of the polymer melts influence the generation of such flow marks. Hence, the flow properties, mainly in shear; of three different grades of elastomer‐modified polypropylene containing mineral fillers were correlated to their propensity for defect generation. In summary, it was noted that a higher melt elasticity, as reflected in pressure losses during flow through a capillary, the degree of die swell and to some extent the dynamic‐mechanical behavior, leads to less severe flow marks or retards the formation of such defects. Elongational draw‐down experiments also indicated a more stable flow in the case of the melt that exhibited the highest elasticity. Furthermore, subjecting the measured flow behavior to a Mooney analysis, the results obtained pointed to that wall‐slip in itself is not a primary cause for the appearance of the type of flow marks studied here. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Chemical modification and characterization of poly(vinyl chloride) by crosslinking of multifunctional amines
Authors: Singh Ajay , Rawat M. S. M. , Pande C. S.
Published: May 2010

In this study poly(vinlyl chloride) (PVC) was modified by using ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, and ethanolamine as a crosslinker in dimethylformamide. Reaction variables were optimized for getting desired crosslinked PVC, which was further reacted with maleic anhydride to form graft polymer. The anhydride group on further hydrolysis gives carboxylic group, which can exchange proton with other cations.The polymers were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and thermal analysis (TGA/DTA). Swelling behavior was examined in various electrolytic solutions. Modified PVC have shown good thermal stabilities and absorption capacities in neutral and acidic media, due to which these polymers might find applications in cation exchanger resin and chromatography. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
The effect of gamma irradiation on electrical characteristics of Au/polyvinyl alcohol (Co, Zn‐doped)/n‐Si Schottky barrier diodes
Authors: Taşçıoğlu İ. , Uslu H. , Altındal Ş. , Durmuş P. , Dökme İ. , Tunç T.
Published: May 2010

To show the effect of gamma radiation, Au/Polyvinyl Alcohol (Co, Zn‐doped)/n‐Si Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) were exposed to 60Co γ‐ray source at room temperature. These structures were investigated by using current‐voltage (I‐V), capacitance‐voltage (C‐V), and conductance‐voltage (G/ω‐V) measurement methods before and after irradiation. The C‐V and G/ω‐V measurements were carried out at 1 MHz. The density of interface states (Nss) as a function of Ec‐Ess was obtained from the forward bias I‐V data by taking into account the bias dependence effective barrier height (ϕe) and series resistance (Rs) of device at room temperature. Experimental results show that the values of ideality factor (n), Rs, and Nss increased after gamma irradiation. It was found to degrade the reverse leakage current with radiation whereas its effect on the forward I‐V characteristics was negligible. The results show that main effect of the radiation is the generation of Nss with energy level within the forbidden band gap of Si between polymer and semiconductor. In addition, the values of Rs were determined from Cheung's method, and it was seen that these values increased with radiation effect. As seen I‐V and C‐V characteristics, the main electrical parameters such as ideality factor (n), Rs, Nss were strongly influenced with the presence of radiation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Plasma‐induced graft polymerization of poly(ethylene glycol) on poly(methyl methacrylate) surfaces for improving antistatic property
Authors: Wei Yanlin , Wang Xiaoli , Gao Junping , Chen Yashao
Published: May 2010

Ar plasma‐induced graft polymerization of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) on Ar plasma pretreated poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) surfaces was carried out to improve the antistatic properties. The surface composition and microstructure of the PEG‐grafted PMMA surfaces from plasma induction were characterized by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transfer infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy, water contact angles (CA), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements. The measurements revealed that the antistatic properties can be remarkably improved with the surface resistivity of PEG‐grafted PMMA surface decreasing significantly by 3–6 orders of magnitude, with the optimum condition for polymerization grafted onto the Ar plasma pretreated PMMA surface being 40 W for RF power and 3 min for glow discharge time. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effect of coefficient of thermal expansion on positive temperature coefficient of resistivity behavior of HDPE–Cu composites
Authors: Kar Prativa , Khatua B. B.
Published: May 2010

Positive temperature coefficient of resistivity (PTCR) characteristics of (high density polyethylene) HDPE–Cu composites has been investigated with reference to the conventional HDPE–CB (carbon black) composites. Plot of resistivity against temperature of HDPE–CB composites showed a sudden rise in resistivity (PTC trip) at 127°C, close to the melting temperature of HDPE. However, the PTC trip temperature (98°C) for HDPE–Cu composites was appeared well below the melting temperature of HDPE. Addition of 1 phr nanoclay in the composites resulted in an increase in PTC trip temperature of HDPE–Cu composites, whereas no significant effect of nanoclay on PTC trip temperature was evident in case of HDPE–CB–clay composites. We proposed that the PTC trip temperature in HDPE–Cu composites was governed by the difference in coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of HDPE and Cu. The room temperature resistivity and PTC trip temperature of HDPE–Cu composites were very much stable upon thermal cycling. DMA results showed higher storage modulus of HDPE–Cu composites than the HDPE–CB composites. Thermal stability of HDPE–Cu composites was also improved compared to that of HDPE–CB composites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Involvement of different risk factors in clinically severe large joint osteoarthritis according to the presence of hand interphalangeal nodes
Authors: Valdes Ana M. , McWilliams Daniel , Arden Nigel K. , Doherty Sally A. , Wheeler Margaret , Muir Kenneth R. , Zhang Weiya , Cooper Cyrus , Maciewicz Rose A. , Doherty Michael
Published: May 2010

Objective

To quantify the differences in risk factors influencing total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR) based on the presence versus absence of multiple interphalangeal nodes in 2 or more rays of the fingers of each hand in patients with large joint osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

A group of 3,800 patients with large joint OA who underwent total joint replacement (1,201 of whom had the nodal phenotype) and 1,906 control subjects from 2 case–control studies and a population‐based cohort in the UK were studied. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for the risk of total joint replacement in association with age, sex, body mass index (BMI), height, and prevalence of the T allele in the GDF5 rs143383 polymorphism. ORs for total joint replacement were compared between cases of nodal OA and cases of non‐nodal OA and between patients who underwent TKR and those who underwent THR.

Results

Age, sex, and BMI had significantly higher ORs for an association with total joint replacement in nodal OA cases than in non‐nodal OA cases. The GDF5 polymorphism was significantly associated with THR in cases of nodal OA, but not in cases of non‐nodal OA, and increased height was a risk factor for THR in non‐nodal OA cases only. Female sex was a protective risk factor for TKR in non‐nodal OA cases (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.52–0.70) but was predisposing for TKR in the nodal form of OA (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.49–2.26). The nodal phenotype was associated with a significantly higher risk of undergoing both THR and TKR (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.09–1.94) and also a significantly higher risk of bilateral TKR (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.37–2.11), but, paradoxically, was associated with a lower risk of bilateral THR (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.56–0.91).

Conclusion

Nodal and non‐nodal forms of large joint OA have significantly different risk factors and outcomes, indicating a different etiology for the 2 forms of OA. With regard to the likelihood of undergoing THR, this appears to be, at least in part, genetically determined.
Structural design of composite nonlinear feedback control for linear systems with actuator constraint
Authors: Lan Weiyao , Wang Dan
Published: May 2010

The performance of the composite nonlinear feedback (CNF) control law relies on the selection of the linear feedback gain and the nonlinear function. However, it is a tough task to select an appropriate linear feedback gain and appropriate parameters of the nonlinear function because the general design procedure of CNF control just gives some simple guidelines for the selections. This paper proposes an operational design procedure based on the structural decomposition of the linear systems with input saturation. The linear feedback gain is constructed by two linear gains which are designed independently to stabilize the unstable zero dynamics part and the pure integration part of the system respectively. By investigating the influence of these two linear gains on transient performance, it is flexible and efficient to design a satisfactory linear feedback gain for the CNF control law. Moreover, the parameters of the nonlinear function are tuned automatically by solving a minimization problem. The proposed design procedure is illustrated by applying it to design a tracking control law for the inverted pendulum on a cart system.

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
A robust method to determine global distribution of atmospheric boundary layer top from COSMIC GPS RO measurements
Authors: Ratnam M. V. , Basha S. G.
Published: May 2010

In this study, we introduce a robust method for precise determination of atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) top from COSMIC global positioning system radio occultation measurements. We apply a wavelet covariance transform to compute the convolution of COSMIC‐observed bending angle/refractivity profile with a Haar function and use the maximum covariance to identify the ABL top, making detection of even small transitions possible. Results obtained were compared with radiosonde N profiles for verification of the ABL top. This procedure developed was used to study the global distribution of ABL top with special reference to the inter‐tropical convergence zone. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Fitting non‐Gaussian persistent data
Authors: Palma Wilfredo , Zevallos Mauricio
Published: May 2010

This paper discusses a new methodology for modeling non‐Gaussian time series with long‐range dependence. The class of models proposed admits continuous or discrete data and considers the conditional variance as a function of the conditional mean. These types of models are motivated by empirical properties exhibited by some time series. The proposed methodology is illustrated with the analysis of two real‐life persistent time series. The first application is concerned with the modeling of stock market daily trading volumes, whereas the second application consists of a study of mineral deposit measurements. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Periconceptional nutrient intakes and risks of neural tube defects in California
Authors: Carmichael Suzan L. , Yang Wei , Shaw Gary M.
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND:

This study investigated the association of neural tube defects (NTDs) with maternal periconceptional intake of folic acid–containing supplements and dietary nutrients, including folate, among deliveries that occurred after folic acid fortification in selected California counties.

METHODS:

The population‐based case–control study included fetuses and live born infants with spina bifida (189) or anencephaly (141) and 625 nonmalformed, live born controls delivered from 1999 to 2003. Mothers reported supplement use during telephone interviews, which included a 107‐item food frequency questionnaire. For dietary nutrients, intakes <25th, 25th to <75th (reference), and ≥75th percentile were compared, based on control distributions.

RESULTS:

After adjustment for potential confounders, any versus no supplement intake resulted in ORs of 0.8 (95% CI, 0.5–1.3) for anencephaly and 0.8 (95% CI, 0.6–1.2) for spina bifida. After stratification by maternal intake of vitamin supplements, most factors in the glycemic pathway were not associated with either NTD, with the exception of low levels of fructose and glucose that were significantly associated with anencephaly. Some nutrients that contribute to one‐carbon metabolism showed lowered risks (folate, riboflavin, vitamins B6 and B12); others did not (choline, methionine, zinc). Antioxidant nutrients tended to be associated with lowered risks (vitamins C, E, A, β‐carotene, lutein).

CONCLUSIONS:

Mothers' intake of vitamin supplements was modestly if at all associated with a lowered risk of NTDs. Dietary intake of several nutrients contributing to one‐carbon metabolism and oxidative stress were associated with reduced NTD risk. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Randomized clinical trial of prehabilitation in colorectal surgery
Authors: Carli F , Charlebois P , Stein B , Feldman L , Zavorsky G , Kim D J , Scott S , Mayo N E
Published: May 2010

Background

‘Prehabilitation’ is an intervention to enhance functional capacity in anticipation of a forthcoming physiological stressor. In patients scheduled for colorectal surgery, the extent to which a structured prehabilitation regimen of stationary cycling and strengthening optimized recovery of functional walking capacity after surgery was compared with a simpler regimen of walking and breathing exercises.

Methods

Some 112 patients (mean(s.d.) age 60(16) years) were randomized to either the structured bike and strengthening regimen (bike/strengthening group, 58 patients) or the simpler walking and breathing regimen (walk/breathing group, 54 patients). Randomization was done at the surgical planning visit; the mean time to surgery available for prehabilitation was 52 days; follow-up was for approximately 10 weeks after surgery.

Results

There were no differences between the groups in mean functional walking capacity over the prehabilitation period or at postoperative follow-up. The proportion showing an improvement in walking capacity was greater in the walk/breathing group than in the bike/strengthening group at the end of the prehabilitation period (47 versus 22 per cent respectively; P = 0·051) and after surgery (41 versus 11 per cent; P = 0·019).

Conclusion

There was an unexpected benefit from the recommendation to increase walking and breathing, as designed for the control group. Adherence to recommendations was low. An examination of prehabilitation ‘responders’ would add valuable information. Registration number: NCT00227526 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Randomized clinical trial of laxatives and oral nutritional supplements within an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol following liver resection
Authors: Hendry P O , van Dam R M , Bukkems S F F W , McKeown D W , Parks R W , Preston T , Dejong C H C , Garden O J , Fearon K C H
Published: May 2010

Background

Routine laxatives may expedite gastrointestinal recovery and early tolerance of food within an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programme. Combined with carbohydrate loading and oral nutritional supplements (ONS), it may further enhance recovery of gastrointestinal function and promote earlier overall recovery.

Methods

Seventy-four patients undergoing liver resection were randomized in a two-by-two factorial design to receive either postoperative magnesium hydroxide as a laxative, preoperative carbohydrate loading and postoperative ONS, their combination or a control group. Patients were managed within an ERAS programme of care. The primary outcome measure was time to first passage of stool. Secondary outcome measures were gastric emptying, postoperative oral calorie intake, time to functional recovery and length of hospital stay.

Results

Sixty-eight patients completed the trial. The laxative group had a significantly reduced time to passage of stool: median (interquartile range) 4 (3–5) versus 5 (4–6) days (P = 0·034). The ONS group showed a trend towards a shorter time to passage of stool (P = 0·076) but there was no evidence of interaction in patients randomized to the combination regimen. Median length of hospital stay was 6 (4–7) days. There were no differences in secondary outcomes between groups.

Conclusion

Within an ERAS protocol for patients undergoing liver resection, routine postoperative laxatives result in an earlier first passage of stool but the overall rate of recovery is unaltered. Registration number: NCT00538954 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Smooth force rendering on coarse polygonal meshes
Authors: Wu Jun , Leung Yuen‐Shan , Wang Charlie C.L. , Wang Dangxiao , Zhang Yuru
Published: May 2010

Piecewise linear polygonal model has onlyG0continuity, thus users can easily feel the edges when using haptic device to touch a solid represented by coarse polygonal meshes. To produce an appealing haptic sensation for smooth solids, a large number of polygons are needed in conventional approaches. This, however, slows down computation and consumes much more memory. In this paper, we present a method to generate smooth feedback force in haptic interaction with coarse polygonal meshes. Our method calculates the interaction force based on Gregory patches, which are locally constructed fromn‐sided polygons and ensureG1continuity across boundaries of patches. During the real time haptic interaction, the contact point is continuously tracked on the locally constructed Gregory patches and thus generates smooth haptic forces to be rendered. Our method is validated on various models with comparison to conventional force rendering techniques. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlative joint definition for motion analysis and animation
Authors: Pronost Nicolas , Sandholm Anders , Thalmann Daniel
Published: May 2010

In this paper we address the problem of creating accurate joint models from real motions while allowing scalability. We propose an automatic method to model, scale, and simulate non‐idealized joints from the external motion of markers. We demonstrate the method on the human knee joint modeling for musculoskeletal analysis and for character animation. The resulting joints, called correlative joints, are character and motion independent and rely on linear combinations of degrees of freedom calculated from multiple regression laws. We show that by using such models, inverse kinematics (IK) solvers find better solutions when tracking motions and solving constraints. Importing correlative joints into new models involves only minimal requirements on landmarks locations and no costly additional computations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shape manipulation using physically based wire deformations
Authors: You L. H. , Yang Xiaosong , You X. Y. , Jin Xiaogang , Zhang Jian J.
Published: May 2010

This paper develops an efficient, physically based shape manipulation technique. It defines a 3D model with profile curves, and uses spine curves generated from the profile curves to control the motion and global shape of 3D models. Profile and spine curves are changed into profile and spine wires by specifying proper material and geometric properties together with external forces. The underlying physics is introduced to deform profile and spine wires through the closed form solution to ordinary differential equations for axial and bending deformations. With the proposed approach, global shape changes are achieved through manipulating spine wires, and local surface details are created by deforming profile wires. A number of examples are presented to demonstrate the applications of our proposed approach in shape manipulation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A genetic‐fuzzy system for optimising agent steering
Authors: Gerdelan Anton , O'Sullivan Carol
Published: May 2010

Fuzzy controllers are a popular method for animated character perception and control. A drawback of fuzzy systems is that time intensive manual calibration of system parameters is required. We introduce a new Genetic‐Fuzzy System (GFS) that automates the tuning process of rules for animated character steering. An advantage of our GFS is that it is able to adapt the rules for steering behaviour during run time. We explore the parameter space of the new GFS, and discuss how the GFS can be implemented to run as a background process during normal execution of a simulation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrasound Irradiation Facilitated Adsorption of MTBE from Aqueous Solution using Exfoliated Graphite
Authors: Soltani B. , Moheb A.
Published: May 2010

Water pollution due to the fuel additive methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE), which is a suspected carcinogen, is often observed in surface and ground water. The removal of MTBE from aqueous solution at a concentration of 0.00143 g/mL by using exfoliated graphite (EG) as a novel adsorbent is reported. Experiments are carried out in batch mode and the effects of several factors on the removal of MTBE are evaluated. In addition, the influence of ultrasound irradiation on MTBE adsorption is investigated. The results show that an efficient removal of MTBE from aqueous solution could be achieved by implementing an ultrasound facilitated adsorption process using EG. A maximum removal efficiency of 97 % is achieved for MTBE in controlled conditions and it is found that applying ultrasound has a significant positive effect on the removal of MTBE from aqueous solutions.
Monitoring of pellet coating process with image analysis—a feasibility study
Authors: Kucheryavski Sergey , Esbensen Kim H. , Bogomolov Andrey
Published: May 2010

Image analysis is an efficient technique used in many areas of science and industry. However, in process analytical applications it tends to be an ancillary tool, used mainly for visual monitoring or measuring some geometrical properties. At the same time, there are many other important aspects of the process samples appearance, besides measurable distances, that may be connected to the information of interest. In the present paper, the methods of image analysis were applied to at‐line monitoring of fluid bed pellet coating process. The quantitative description of images of pellet samples, taken from different process stages, has been obtained using two different approaches: wavelet decomposition and angle measure technique (AMT). Both methods revealed a strong correlation between image features and process parameters. However, the AMT results turned out to be more accurate and stable. It has been shown that pellet images, taken with a conventional digital camera, can be used for at‐line monitoring of the process course, specifically, the growth of pellets due to the coating. An algorithm for precise counting of pellets has been developed. Combined with the sample weighing, it enables an accurate determination of the mean added pellets' weight. The method can be used for the determination of the mean layer thickness, either by itself for at‐line analysis or as a reference technique, when modeling the process from in‐line spectroscopy data. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blind source separation in diffuse reflectance NIR spectroscopy using independent component analysis
Authors: Toiviainen M. , Corona F. , Paaso J. , Teppola P.
Published: May 2010

Near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy permits non‐contact analysis of solid samples in the diffuse reflectance (DR) measurement mode. However, uncontrolled physical variations between solid samples, such as changes in packing density and particle size distribution, have a complex nonlinearizing effect on the NIR spectra which complicates the extraction of chemical information from data.

Blind source separation (BSS) methods attempt to blindly factorize the measured mixture spectra into the pure analyte spectra and their concentration profiles. The physical interferences, however, make the application of BSS methods difficult on the NIR spectra of solids. The application of independent component analysis (ICA) on NIR DR spectra is discussed, and a three‐phase preprocessing procedure of the measured spectral signals designed to improve the separation capability of ICA is proposed in this work. The method involves the removal of nonlinear effects from the measured spectra using scatter correction, denoising with rank reduction and alteration of the sample statistics of the signals via differentiation with respect to the wavelength. The procedure is tested and the explanatory power of BSS is demonstrated using a laboratory data set comprising ternary mixtures of pharmaceutical powders. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chirally Functionalized Hollow Nanospheres Containing L‐Prolinamide: Synthesis and Asymmetric Catalysis
Authors: Gao Jinsuo , Liu Jian , Tang Jianting , Jiang Dongmei , Li Bo , Yang Qihua
Published: May 2010

Chirally functionalized hollow nanospheres with different surface properties were successfully synthesized by co‐condensation of (2S,1′R,2′R)‐N‐tert‐butyloxycarbonylpyrrolidine‐2‐carboxylic acid [2′‐(4‐trimethoxysilylbenzylamide)cyclohexyl] amide with 1,2‐bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane or tetramethoxysilane using F127 (EO106PO70EO106) as surfactant in water. The TEM and N2 sorption characterizations show that the particle size of the hollow nanosphere is 15–21 nm with a core diameter of 10–16 nm. These L‐prolinamide‐functionalized hollow nanospheres are highly efficient solid catalysts for the direct asymmetric aldol reaction between cyclohexanone and aromatic aldehydes. It was found that the addition of water in the reaction system not only enhanced the catalytic activity but also increased the enantioselectivity, which is probably due to the enhanced hydrogen bond between the amide oxygen atom and the hydroxyl group of water. Moreover, the catalytic activity increases sharply as the surface hydrophobicity of the hollow nanospheres increases. These hollow nanospheres are quite stable and can be reused with almost the same enantioselectivity and only a slight decrease in catalytic activity.
Singly and Doubly Twisted [36]Annulenes: Synthesis and Calculations
Authors: Mohebbi Ali Reza , Mucke Eva‐Katrin , Schaller Gaston R. , Köhler Felix , Sönnichsen Frank D. , Ernst Ludger , Näther Christian , Herges Rainer
Published: May 2010

A cyclophane with a [36]annulene periphery, including four anthrylene and two phenylene units, was synthesized in a four‐step sequence using a McMurry cyclization. Upon crystallization from different solvents, four different conformations were determined by X‐ray structure analysis. Two conformations exhibit a double twist (Hückel topology) and two structures include a single twist (Möbius topology). By using DFT calculations a conformation with a triple twist (Möbius) was located. However, our calculations and the NMR spectroscopy data do not provide evidence for aromaticity (for Möbius structures) or antiaromaticity (for Hückel structures).
ChemInform Abstract: Observation of All‐Metal Aromatic Molecules.
Authors: Li Xi , Kuznetsov Aleksey E. , Zhang Hai‐Feng , Boldyrev Alexander I. , Wang Lai‐Sheng
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 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: Crystal Structure of U2Ni12As7.
Authors: Stepien‐Damm J. , Kaczorowski D. , Wochowski K.
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 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: Tuning Solvent‐Dependent Color Changes of Three‐Dimensionally Ordered Macroporous (3DOM) Materials Through Compositional and Geometric Modifications.
Authors: Blanford Christopher F. , Schroden Rick C. , Al‐Daous Mohammed , Stein Andreas
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 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 Solid‐State 93Nb and 19F NMR Spectroscopy and X‐Ray Diffraction Study of Potassium Heptafluoroniobate(V): Characterization of 93Nb, 19F Coupling, and Fluorine Motion.
Authors: Du Lin‐Shu , Schurko Robert W. , Lim Kwang Hun , Grey Clare P.
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 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: Electrolytic Water Splitting: Indications for the Existence of Protonic Quantum Interferences.
Authors: Sperling J. , Abdul‐Redah T. , Streffer R. M. F. , Chatzidimitriou‐Dreismann C. A. , Tributsch H.
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 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: Physicochemical Properties of Pressure‐Synthesized Lithium Fullerides.
Authors: Zubareva N. A. , Mitronova G. Yu. , Velikodnyi Yu. A. , Avdeev V. V.
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 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: Preparation of Ge3N4 Films on the Germanium Surface.
Authors: Nakhutsrishvili I. G. , Dzhishiashvili D. A. , Miminoshvili E. B. , Mushkudiani M. A.
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 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: Growth of Ferroelectric Lead Metatantalate Single Crystals.
Authors: Sholokhovich M. L. , Dugin V. E. , Rybina I. N.
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 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: W6Cl18: New Syntheses, New Structure Refinement, Electronic Structure, and Magnetism.
Authors: Naegele Andreas , Glaser Jochen , Meyer H.‐Juergen
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 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: Ligand Effects in Palladium‐Catalyzed Allylic Alkylation in Ionic Liquids.
Authors: Ross James , Chen Weiping , Xu Lijin , Xiao Jianliang
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 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: Syn Diastereoselectivity in the Synthesis of Homoallylamine Using Crotylsilane in the Three‐Component Reaction.
Authors: Billet Manuella , Klotz Phillipe , Mann Andre
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 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: Catalytic Enantioselective Cyanosilylation of Ketones: Improvement of Enantioselectivity and Catalyst Turn‐Over by Ligand Tuning.
Authors: Hamashima Yoshitaka , Kanai Motomu , Shibasaki Masakatsu
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 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: Novel Enantiomer‐Switching Catalysts for Asymmetric Reductions and Michael Reactions.
Authors: Narasimhan S. , Velmathi S. , Balakumar R. , Radhakrishnan V.
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 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.