bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cause‐related marketing campaigns with luxury firms: An experimental study of campaign characteristics, attitudes, and donations
Authors: Boenigk Silke , Schuchardt Viktoria
Published: October 2012

Cause‐related marketing (CRM) partnerships between luxury firms and charitable organizations have grown in popularity, yet no study has examined such luxury CRM campaigns thus far. Using a fictitious campaign by the Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin and the Plan International Germany charity, the authors conducted an experimental CRM study among 281 actual luxury consumers. Realizing CRM campaigns in the luxury segment can be promising for luxury firms and charities. In particular, a CRM campaign works best when the donation magnitude is high (25% vs. 1%) and the price of the luxury service offering is moderate (€180 vs. €450). Furthermore, luxury campaigns enhance the attitudes of luxury customers toward charitable organizations, especially if they are unknown brands. Yet this study also offers a warning that luxury campaigns can be risky if consumers who have previously supported the charitable organization perceive the campaign as too high profile. Ultimately, this study reveals that CRM luxury campaigns play a major role for fundraising success.

Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Films on amorphous polyamide nanocomposites: structure and properties
Authors: Santamaría P. , Eguiazabal J. I.
Published: October 2012

The ability of a nanoclay to improve the transport and mechanical properties of amorphous polyamide (aPA)‐based films was studied as a function of the draw ratio (DR) and the nanoclay content. The presence of nanoclay did not hinder the drawing ability as the maximum DR of the nanocomposites (NCs) and of the aPA were almost the same (51 for the aPA and from 51 to 55 for the NCs). The high degree of exfoliation and orientation along the drawing direction led to a 30% reduction in the water diffusion coefficient compared with the aPA. Moreover, the already low permeability of the aPA to oxygen was halved. The modulus of elasticity presented unusual increases both in the machine and transverse directions. Both increases of properties were attributed to the planar geometry of the oriented nanoclay sheets. The effects of the presence of nanoclay on the modulus of elasticity in the draw direction in addition to the effects caused by drawing lead to a combined modulus increase of 65% in the highly drawn 6%NC films. The nanoclay also reduced the modulus anisotropy of the films. An increase in either the nanoclay content or the DR causes a decrease in ductility due to both the stress concentrations created by the nanoclay and to the increasing number of chain segments located parallel to the drawing direction. The dimensional stability of the films greatly increased as the addition of 6% nanoclay led to a 70% decrease in creep deformation after 120 h. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Positioning new treatments in the management of immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Arnold Donald M.
Published: October 2012

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a syndrome characterized by low platelet counts and an increased risk of bleeding. For most children, ITP is a self‐limiting disease; however, for some children and most adults, thrombocytopenia can become chronic. Newer therapies for ITP include rituximab and thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonists. Rituximab is a useful second‐line therapy and may be splenectomy‐sparing. Thrombopoeitin receptor agonists have demonstrated large treatment effects with respect to increasing platelet levels; however, they require maintenance dosing. This review summarizes how these new agents might be positioned in the management of patients with chronic ITP. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 60: S19–S22. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Peripheral blood stem‐cell harvest using percutaneous arterial lines in children
Authors: Even‐Or Ehud , Grunspan Anna , Swerdlow Yakov , Kodman Yona , Yahel Anat , Katz Jacob , Krauss Aviva , Yaniv Isaac , Stein Jerry
Published: October 2012

Background

Autologous peripheral blood stem‐cell collection (PBSCC) in children has become an integral part of contemporary treatment protocols, but the procedure is often complicated due to technical issues related to vascular access. Central line placement is often implemented to surmount this problem, but is associated with complications such as bleeding, thrombosis and pneumothorax. As an alternative we have introduced the use of radial arterial lines for PBSCC in children.

Procedure

Data from autologous stem cell collections performed from October 2002 to December 2011 using a radial arterial line were collected.

Results

A total of 372 PBSCC procedures were performed during the study period; an arterial line was used in 311 PBSCC's in 208 children. The average patient age and weight were 7.9 years (SD 5.4) and 28.3 kg (SD 20.4), respectively. The smallest patient was 9 months old and weighed 7 kg. The mean total volume processed was 8,593 cm3 (SD 4,854), and the mean number of blood volumes processed was 4.3. Mean collection time for a single blood volume was 55 minutes (SD 15.5). The mean number of CD34+ cells collected per donation was 5.8 × 106/kg. Ninety‐seven patients (46%) required more than one collection to meet the requested CD34+ cell target. No serious adverse effects associated with vascular access occurred in this cohort.

Conclusion

Percutaneous placement of radial artery catheters can be rapidly and safely performed in very small infants and in children with difficult venous access. This technique provides a reliable platform for efficient PBSCC. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 946–948. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Noninvasive prenatal aneuploidy testing of chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y, using targeted sequencing of polymorphic loci
Authors: Zimmermann Bernhard , Hill Matthew , Gemelos George , Demko Zachary , Banjevic Milena , Baner Johan , Ryan Allison , Sigurjonsson Styrmir , Chopra Nikhil , Dodd Michael , Levy Brynn , Rabinowitz Matthew
Published: October 2012

Objective

This study aims to develop a noninvasive prenatal test on the basis of the analysis of cell‐free DNA in maternal blood to detect fetal aneuploidy at chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y.

Methods

A total of 166 samples from pregnant women, including 11 trisomy 21, three trisomy 18, two trisomy 13, two 45,X, and two 47,XXY samples, were analyzed using an informatics‐based method. Cell‐free DNA from maternal blood was isolated, amplified using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting 11 000 single nucleotide polymorphisms on chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y in a single reaction, and sequenced. A Bayesian‐based maximum likelihood statistical method was applied to determine the chromosomal count of the five chromosomes interrogated in each sample, along with a sample‐specific calculated accuracy for each test result.

Results

The algorithm correctly reported the chromosome copy number at all five chromosomes in 145 samples that passed a DNA quality test, for a total of 725/725 correct calls. The average calculated accuracy for these samples was 99.92%. Twenty‐one samples did not pass the DNA quality test.

Conclusions

This informatics‐based method noninvasively detected fetuses with trisomy 13, 18, and 21, 45,X, and 47,XXY with high sample‐specific calculated accuracies for each individual chromosome and across all five chromosomes. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of abuse and dependence cases through a hospital database
Authors: Daveluy A , Miremont‐Salamé G , Kostrzewa A , Couret A , Lacoin L , Lecomte C , Moore N , Gilleron V , Haramburu F
Published: October 2012

Computerized hospital databases are used for clinical and economic research. In France, the hospital administrative database, Programme de médicalisation des systèmes d'information (PMSI), could be an interesting means for identifying cases of abuse and dependence in hospitals.

Purpose

To assess the capability of PMSI to identify cases of abuse and dependence (medicines or illicit drugs; tobacco and alcohol not included).

Methods

Cross‐sectional study, from October 1 to December 31, 2008, in teaching hospitals of Bordeaux. All hospitalizations with an ICD‐10 code related to possible abuse or dependence were selected. Cases were validated by a committee composed of three pharmacologists using discharge summaries.

Results

Among the 34 816 patients registered in the PMSI during the study period, a total of 227 patients were pre‐selected as potential cases; 21 patients, hospitalized for abuse or dependence, or complications of which, were included in the analysis. Mean age was 35 years. Substances implicated were buprenorphine (n = 8), benzodiazepines (n = 7), cannabis (n = 6), cocaine (n = 4), heroin (n = 3), amphetamine, ecstasy, morphine, codeine, and tramadol (n = 1, respectively); there was polydrug use in six cases.

Conclusions

The PMSI database can be useful to identify certain cases of abuse and dependence. This pilot study has been conducted at a local level; as the PMSI is available in all hospital settings in France, further analysis could be done at the regional and national levels. Such data could be a valuable indicator to analyze trends and assess the medical consequences of substance abuse. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pilot Study of a Novel Patient Self‐Management Program for Warfarin Therapy Using Venipuncture‐Acquired International Normalized Ratio Monitoring
Authors: Simmons Brandon J. , Jenner Kathleen M. , Delate Thomas , Clark Nathan P. , Kurz Deanna , Witt Daniel M.
Published: October 2012

Study Objective

To compare clinical and safety outcomes of warfarin therapy before and after implementation of a novel patient self‐management (PSM) program in which patients received their venipuncture‐derived international normalized ratio (INR) results through a secure online messaging system and adjusted their warfarin dosages and follow‐up visits according to provided support tools.

Design

Prospective, open‐label, 3‐month, pilot study.

Setting

Centralized clinical pharmacy anticoagulation service.

Patients

Forty‐four patients with atrial fibrillation who were receiving warfarin for more than 6 months were enrolled in the trial between January 1, 2011, and February 28, 2011; 39 patients completed the trial. Patients acted as their own controls.

Intervention

Patients received dosing decision support tools during a 2‐hour live PSM training class. Those who then demonstrated proficiency in PSM assumed responsibility for their warfarin therapy management.

Measurements and Main Results

Outcomes of warfarin therapy were measured in each patient before and after implementation of the PSM program. Study variables included time in the therapeutic INR range (TTR), numbers of INR tests performed, and episodes of major bleeding or thrombosis. No significant difference in TTR occurred between the 90 days before PSM program participation and the 90 days of PSM (82.9% vs 81.2%, p=0.65). The mean number of INR tests performed for each patient increased from 2.97 before PSM program participation to 4.38 during PSM (p<0.01). No bleeding or thrombotic events occurred during the PSM phase.

Conclusion

Patients were trained to engage in PSM using support tools and venipuncture‐derived INR results received by an online messaging system to adjust warfarin dosage and frequency of INR testing. No significant difference in TTR occurred in these patients before and during the PSM. This novel PSM model appears to be a feasible method of managing warfarin therapy in carefully selected patients; however, a larger, randomized controlled trial is needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the model and its effect on anticoagulation service workload.
High‐efficiency thin‐film silicon solar cells with improved light‐soaking stability
Authors: Matsui Takuya , Sai Hitoshi , Saito Kimihiko , Kondo Michio
Published: October 2012

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si : H) films are prepared by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) with a triode electrode configuration in which a SiH4–H2 glow‐discharge plasma is confined spatially away from the substrate. Although the deposition rate (0.1–0.5 Å/s) is lower than that of the conventional diode PECVD process (2.5 Å/s), the light‐induced degradation in conversion efficiency (Δη/ηini) of a single‐junction solar cell is substantially reduced (e.g., Δη/ηini ~ 10% at an absorber thickness of ti = 250 nm), and efficiencies after light soaking (LS) maintain >9% for ti = 180–390 nm. By applying the improved a‐Si : H layers as top cell absorbers in a‐Si : H/hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon (µc‐Si : H) tandem solar cells, the light‐induced degradation can be reduced further (e.g., Δη/ηini ~ 5% at ti = 250 nm). As a result, we obtain confirmed stabilized efficiencies of 9.6% (LS condition: 100 mW/cm2, 50 °C, 1000 h) and 11.9% (LS condition: 125 mW/cm2, 48 °C, 310 h) for a‐Si : H single‐junction and a‐Si : H/µc‐Si : H tandem solar cells, respectively. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Attitudes of cancer patients in a university teaching hospital in southeast Nigeria on disclosure of cancer information
Authors: Nwankwo K. C. , Anarado Agnes N. , Ezeome E. R.
Published: October 2012

Objective

The attitudes of cancer patients from southeast Nigeria on disclosure of cancer information were studied to ascertain their information needs and what information was disclosed to them by their physicians.

Methods

Structured questionnaires were administered on all consenting cancer patients that were managed at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu between July and October 2011. The data collected were analysed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 18.

Results

Two hundred and forty‐four patients participated in the study. Ninety‐five per cent of the participants wanted to know the nature of their diagnosis, but 76.7% admitted to being informed of the diagnosis by their doctors. Nearly 54% of participants will like to be informed of a bad prognosis, but only 1.8% was informed. The word cancer was used to disclose the diagnosis to 69.4% of the patients, but 108 (44.3%) patients did not have any idea what cancer meant, 39.8% knew it as an incurable disease whereas 8.6% described it as a tumour or abnormal growth. Patient factors that significantly improved the disclosure of diagnostic information were education (p = 0.044) and site of the cancer (p = 0.043).

Conclusions

Most of the surveyed cancer patients in University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu desire to know the truth about the diagnosis of their disease, and more than 50% of them desire to know when the disease becomes terminal and death is imminent. Physicians in southeast Nigeria should consider the information needs of the individual patients and tailor their disclosure practices to meet these individual needs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of quantitative proteomics technologies to the biomarker discovery pipeline for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Dagley Laura F. , Emili Andrew , Purcell Anthony W.
Published: October 2012

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory‐mediated demyelinating disorder most prevalent in young Caucasian adults. The various clinical manifestations of the disease present several challenges in the clinic in terms of diagnosis, monitoring disease progression and response to treatment. Advances in MS‐based proteomic technologies have revolutionized the field of biomarker research and paved the way for the identification and validation of disease‐specific markers. This review focuses on the novel candidates discovered by the application of quantitative proteomics to relevant disease‐affected tissues in both the human context and within the animal model of the disease known as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. The role of targeted MS approaches for biomarker validation studies, such as multiple reaction monitoring will also be discussed.
Proven in vitro evolution of protease cathepsin E‐inhibitors and ‐activators at pH 4.5 using a paired peptide method
Authors: Kitamura Koichiro , Komatsu Masayuki , Biyani Madhu , Futakami Masae , Kawakubo Tomoyo , Yamamoto Kenji , Nishigaki Koichi
Published: October 2012

Improving a particular function of molecules is often more difficult than identifying such molecules ab initio. Here, a method to acquire higher affinity and/or more functional peptides was developed as a progressive library selection method. The primary library selection products were utilized to build a secondary library composed of blocks of 4 amino acids, of which selection led to peptides with increased activity. These peptides were further converted to randomly generate paired peptides. Cathepsin E‐inhibitors thus obtained exhibited the highest activities and affinities (pM order). This was also the case with cathepsin E‐activating peptides, proving the methodological effectiveness. The primary, secondary, and tertiary library selections can be regarded as module‐finding, module‐shuffling, and module‐pairing, respectively, which resembles the progression of the natural evolution of proteins. The mode of peptide binding to their target proteins is discussed in analogy to antibodies and epitopes of an antigen. Copyright © 2012 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transparent caesium bromide storage‐phosphors for radiation imaging
Authors: Winch Nicola M. , Edgar Andrew
Published: October 2012

Semi‐transparent discs of polycrystalline CsBr:Eu2+ storage phosphor for X‐ray imaging have been produced using a room temperature milling/pressing technique, and have been studied using infrared, and photoluminescence spectroscopies, together with scanning electron microscopy. The pressed discs are very sensitive to water vapour, and scanning electron microscopy shows that material undergoes a complete recrystallization following exposure to humid air for a few minutes through a room temperature hydration/crystallization process. Discs prepared by a simple mixture of CsBr and EuBr2 show photostimulated luminescence (PSL) at 440 nm without further processing, and the conversion efficiency is sufficient that X‐ray imaging can be demonstrated. Discs which have been prepared by first sintering at 600 °C, then pressed, and finally hydrated at room temperature show very strong PSL with a conversion efficiency of ∼36 pJ mR−1 mm−3. A model is proposed for the generation of the active PSL centres in CsBr by the milling/hydration process.
Effect of conducting polymer layer on microwave absorption properties of BaFe12O19TiO2 composite
Authors: Akman O. , Durmus Z. , Kavas H. , Aktas B. , Kurtan U. , Baykal A. , Sözeri H.
Published: October 2012

Ba‐hexaferrite (BaM) particles, synthesized by a sol–gel route, have been mixed with TiO2 powders with different mass ratios. The obtained BaMTiO2 composites have been coated with a conducting polymer layer of polypyrrole (PPy). Structural, magnetic and microwave absorption properties of the PPy‐coated and uncoated BaMTiO2 composites have been investigated by X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning/tunneling electron microscopy, magnetization, and near‐field microwave measurements in the frequency range of 8–18 GHz. The dielectric loss of the PPy‐coated composites appeared to be higher compared to the uncoated samples in the whole frequency range. A single matching frequency was observed for each of the coated and uncoated samples in the frequency range between 16 and 18 GHz. Despite their relatively low absorption properties of uncoated composites (∼−30 dB), PPy‐coated ones have wide absorption bandwidths at −20 dB. The main absorption mechanism in all samples, coated and uncoated, is dielectric loss.
Deposition temperature dependence of titanium oxide thin films grown by remote‐plasma atomic layer deposition
Authors: Lee Jaesang , Lee Seung Jae , Han Won Bae , Jeon Heeyoung , Park Jingyu , Jang Woochool , Yoon Chong Seung , Jeon Hyeongtag
Published: October 2012

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films were deposited by remote‐plasma atomic layer deposition (RPALD). The process window was determined in the range from 150 to 300 °C for atomic layer deposition of TiO2 thin film. The crystal structure and grain size of the TiO2 thin films deposited by RPALD was controlled via the variations of the deposition temperature and post‐deposition thermal annealing. The as‐deposited TiO2 thin film grown at 150 °C was amorphous whereas the TiO2 thin films grown above 200 °C were polycrystalline, consisting of anatase phase. As the deposition temperature increased, the grain size of the anatase phase progressively decreased. Meanwhile, when annealed at 900 °C, the amorphous TiO2 thin film deposited at 150 °C crystallized into anatase structure. The film deposited at 200 °C retained the anatase structure up to 900 °C while incurring minimal grain growth. However, the post‐annealed TiO2 thin films deposited at 250 and 300 °C partially transformed to the rutile structure, resulting in a mixture of anatase and rutile phases. It is speculated that the relatively large grain size of the films deposited below 200 °C likely suppressed the anatase → rutile transformation during annealing as the reduction of total fraction of grains boundaries, which acted as primary nucleation sites for the rutile transition, delayed the anatase → rutile transformation.
Chemical functionalization of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes by coating with titanium
Authors: Dettlaff‐Weglikowska Urszula , Koizhaiganova Raushan , Piao Minxing , Kim Do‐Hyun , Kennedy Gary P. , Glanz Carsten , Kolaric Ivica , Roth Siegmar
Published: October 2012

In this study, we investigated the effect of coating multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with titanium using chemical vapor deposition. This coating process was carried out in a quartz tube, which was heated in a tubular furnace at 600 °C with an argon/hydrogen gas flow mixture; argon was bubbled through liquid TiCl4 for 1h. Under these conditions the weight of the MWNTs was found to increase by about 3.5%. Characterization of the chemically treated MWNTs was achieved using Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The presence of titanium was confirmed by energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis. The functional properties of the Ti‐coated MWNTs have been proved by the fabrication of aluminium based composites. Significant reinforcement of the extruded composites indicates strong interfacial bonding to the aluminium matrix.
In situ filling of metallic single‐walled carbon nanotubes with ferrocene molecules
Authors: Sauer Markus , Shiozawa Hidetsugu , Ayala Paola , Ruiz‐Soria Georgina , Kataura Hiromichi , Yanagi Kazuhiro , Krause Stefan , Pichler Thomas
Published: October 2012

We present a stepwise in situ filling of metallic single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with a mean diameter of 1.4 nm with metallocenes and a concomitant characterisation of their electronic properties using photoemission spectroscopy (PES) and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) without breaking the ultra‐high vacuum environment. The changes in the SWCNTs' electronic structure upon ferrocene (FeCp2) filling are suggested by a broadening of the C 1s spectral line. Weak n‐type charge transfer from the ferrocene to the SWCNT is evidenced by a reduction of the intensity of the first van Hove singularity (vHs) in the fine structure of the unoccupied density of states as well as an increase in the valency of Fe in the FeCp2 molecule. Additionally, we evidence the presence of clean ferrocene with a resonance photoemission study showing the appearance of electronic states of localised Fe 3d electrons. This gives further insight into the electrical properties of functionalised carbon nanotubes fabricated in a clean environment avoiding inclusion of impurities.
Endothelium‐Independent Vasorelaxation Effects of Sigesbeckia glabrescens (Makino) Makino on Isolated Rat Thoracic Aorta
Authors: Lee Kyungjin , Jung Jinho , Yang Gabsik , Ham Inhye , Bu Youngmin , Kim Hocheol , Choi Ho‐Young
Published: October 2012

The present study aimed to investigate the vasorelaxant effect of the methanol extract of Sigesbeckia glabrescens (Makino) Makino (MESG) on rat aortic rings and mechanism of action. MESG inhibited both noradrenaline bitartrate (NA)‐ and potassium chloride (KCl)‐induced contraction of endothelium‐intact aortic rings in a concentration‐dependent manner. Removal of the endothelium did not influence the effect of MESG on NA‐precontracted aortic rings. Pretreatment with MESG (250 µg/mL) inhibited calcium chloride‐induced vasocontraction of NA‐ or KCl‐precontracted endothelium‐denuded aortic rings. It also relaxed phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate‐induced contraction of aortic rings in a concentration‐dependent manner. In addition, Bay K8644 (an L‐type calcium channel opener) vasocontracted in MESG pretreated aortic rings. On the other hand, the inositol 1,4,5‐triphosphate receptor, the ryanodine receptor, the Rho‐kinase inhibitor (Y‐27632), a soluble guanylyl cyclase blocker (1‐H‐[1,2,4]‐oxadiazolo‐[4,3a]‐quinoxalin‐1‐one), and K+ channel blockers (glybenclamide, tetraethylammonium, and 4‐aminopyridine) did not affect the effect of MESG. These results suggested that the mechanism underlying the vasorelaxant effect of MESG is mediated by endothelium‐independent pathways. This specifically refers to blockade of the influx of extracellular Ca2+ via receptor‐operative Ca2+ channels and voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels and inhibition of a protein kinase C‐mediated cellular pathway. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DRIVERS OF RIPARIAN TREE INVASION ON A DESERT STREAM
Authors: Reynolds L. V. , Cooper D. J. , Hobbs N. T.
Published: October 2012

Understanding mechanisms of exotic species' invasions is essential to managing riparian landscapes throughout the world. In the southwestern USA, the two most dominant invaders of riparian habitats are the exotic tree species tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima, Tamarix chinensis, and their hybrids) and Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia). These plants were introduced around 1900, and their success may be facilitated by river regulation, river channel changes, and precipitation patterns. We hypothesized that riparian invasion in Canyon de Chelly, Arizona, was initiated by a change point event such as plantings, dam construction, or channel incision and that establishment near a change point was tied to flood events. We aged tamarisk, Russian olive, and native cottonwood trees from study sites in Canyon de Chelly and used tree ring analysis to determine the year of establishment and the elevation of the germination point relative to the channel. We used Bayesian Poisson regression and information theoretics to identify change points and precipitation variables driving annual tree establishment. We found that most tamarisk and Russian olive trees established in the late 1980s, and most cottonwoods established in 1930‐1950 and 1980‐2000. Regression models indicated that change points occurred in 1983 for Russian olive and 1988 for tamarisk, and precipitation was important for establishment. Although plantings and river regulation probably played a role in tree invasion, our results suggest that these species required precipitation and stream channel change for widespread establishment in Canyon de Chelly. The factors driving riparian invasions may not be those often associated with degraded rivers, such as altered hydrographs and land management changes, thus requiring analyses of the full range of ecological and physical processes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toward a theory of intraorganizational attention based on desirability and feasibility factors
Authors: Barreto Ilídio , Patient david l.
Published: October 2012

Why would managers in the same firm differ in their attention to opportunity versus threat aspects of the same exogenous shock? Drawing on the attention‐based view, strategic issue
diagnosis theory, and construal level theory, we propose and test a theoretical model of differentiated attention among managers within a firm driven by desirability (shock distance) and feasibility (capability perception) considerations. Managers more distant from the locus of the shock and managers with stronger ex ante perceptions regarding organizational capabilities to address the shock paid more attention to opportunity aspects and less attention to threat aspects. We also found subordination effects between shock distance and capability perception, and a moderating role of domain‐specific experience on the effects of capability perception.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gold Nanoparticles Downregulate Interleukin‐1β‐Induced Pro‐Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Sumbayev Vadim V. , Yasinska Inna M. , Garcia Cesar Pascual , Gilliland Douglas , Lall Gurprit S. , Gibbs Bernhard F. , Bonsall David R. , Varani Luca , Rossi François , Calzolai Luigi
Published: October 2012

Interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β)‐dependent inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, pose a serious medical burden worldwide, where patients face a lifetime of illness and treatment. Organogold compounds have been used since the 1930s to treat rheumatic and other IL‐1β‐dependent diseases and, though their mechanisms of action are still unclear, there is evidence that gold interferes with the transmission of inflammatory signalling. Here we show for the first time that citrate‐stabilized gold nanoparticles, in a size dependent manner, specifically downregulate cellular responses induced by IL‐1β both in vitro and in vivo. Our results indicate that the anti‐inflammatory activity of gold nanoparticles is associated with an extracellular interaction with IL‐1β, thus opening potentially novel options for further therapeutic applications.
Crystallization Control in Metallurgical Slags Using the Single Hot Thermocouple Technique
Authors: Klug Jeferson L. , Hagemann René , Heck Nestor C. , Vilela Antônio C. F. , Heller Hans P. , Scheller Piotr R.
Published: October 2012

With the single hot thermocouple technique (SHTT) the solidification behavior of metallurgical slags has been studied by in situ observation, constructing time–temperature–transformation (TTT) or continuous‐cooling‐transformation (CCT) diagrams. The SHTT is a unique apparatus that enables measurement of the slag sample temperature using a thermocouple while the sample is heated or cooled simultaneously. Due to the low heat capacity of the system sample/thermocouple high heating or cooling rates can be easily obtained (>3000°C/min). The following findings are reported in the present paper: (i) For the CaO–Al2O3 slag – 44% CaO, 56% Al2O3 (wt%) – the CCT diagram shows large differences between liquidus and the temperature for first crystals precipitation, even at low cooling rates, for example, 168°C below the liquidus when cooling at a rate of 6°C min−1. (ii) For the CaO–SiO2 slag – % CaO/% SiO2 (wt%) = 0.7 – no crystal is observed for continuous cooling, even at low cooling rates, such as 10°C min−1. During isothermal experiments crystallization was observed only at 1000°C with an incubation time of 76 s (average of six experiments, standard deviation 27 s). However, crystallization becomes much more intense for the CaO–SiO2 slag when increasing the temperature after reaching lower temperatures (<1000°C), where probably the conditions for nucleation are better.
Effect of Cooling Rates on the Second‐Phase Precipitation and Proeutectoid Phase Transformation of a Nb–Ti Microalloyed Steel Slab
Authors: Ma Fanjun , Wen Guanghua , Wang Wanlin
Published: October 2012

During the continuous casting of low‐carbon Nb–Ti microalloyed steel, control of the slab surface microstructure and the behavior of the second‐phase precipitation are significantly influenced by the cooling rate. Through confocal laser scanning microscopy, the effect of the cooling rate on the behavior of ferrite precipitation both at the grain boundary and within the austenite was observed in situ and analyzed. The relationship between the cooling rate and precipitation of the microalloying elements on the slab surface microstructure was further analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the effect of microalloying element precipitation on proeutectoid ferrite phase transformation is mainly manifested in two aspects: (i) the carbonitrides of microalloying elements act as inoculant particles to promote nucleation of the proeutectoid ferrite and (ii) the carbon near the grain boundary is depleted when the microalloying elements precipitate into carbonitrides, inducing a decrease in the local carbon concentration and promoting ferrite precipitation.
Mathematical Modeling and Exergy Analysis of Blast Furnace Operation With Natural Gas Injection
Authors: Guo Tong‐Lai , Chu Man‐Sheng , Liu Zheng‐Gen , Tang Jue , Yagi Jun‐Ichiro
Published: October 2012

Blast furnace operation with natural gas (NG) injection is one of the effective measures to save energy, reduce CO2 emission, and decrease environmental load for iron and steel industry. Numerical simulations on blast furnace operation with NG injection through tuyeres are performed in this paper by raceway mathematical model, multi‐fluid blast furnace model, and exergy analytical model. With increasing NG injection volume, the simulation results are shown as follows: (1) the theoretical flame temperature and bosh gas volume can be constant by decreasing blast volume and increasing oxygen enrichment. (2) The utilization rate of CO enhances while that of H2 decreases. The proportion of H2 in indirect reduction tends to be increased, which accelerates the reduction of burdens. The pressure drop shows that the permeability of blast furnace gets better. The blast furnace productivity is increased from 2.07 to 3.08 t · m−3 · day−1. The silicon content in hot metal is decreased from 0.26% to 0.05%. When BF operation with 125.4 kg · tHM−1 NG injection, coke rate and carbon emission rate are decreased by 27.2% and 32.2%, respectively. (3) The thermodynamic perfection degree is increased from 88.40% to 90.50%, the exergy efficiency is decreased from 51.94% to 49.02% and the chemical exergy of top gas is increased from 4.69 to 6.22 GJ · tHM−1. It is important to strengthen the recycling of top gas.
Numerical Model of Scrap Blending in BOF with Simultaneous Consideration of Steel Quality, Production Cost, and Energy Use
Authors: Wang Chuan , Brämming Mats , Larsson Mikael
Published: October 2012

At its integrated steel plant in Luleå, SSAB EMEA produces high strength steel via two basic oxygen furnaces (BOFs), type LD/LBE. The BOFs are charged with a mix of hot metal, scrap, and slag formers. The scrap has several functions, for example, as coolant to balance excess heat, and it contributes to high steel production rate and decreased CO2 emission. The optimal scrap to hot metal ratio is influenced by several factors, for example, the excess heat generated in the BOF versus target value of tapping temperature, content of contamination elements versus contents allowed in the steel, possible use of alloys in scrap to decrease the need of alloy addition and the scrap price versus the production cost of hot metal. The first two factors also affect the maximum amount of scrap to be charged. Furthermore, the available scrap exists as several types with different composition, properties, size, and price. For most scrap types there are also uncertainties in composition, which has to be considered. An optimization model has been further developed in combination with some statistic analysis techniques. The present work is focusing on the possibility to use the model as a tool to optimize and control raw material/scrap blending into the BOFs. On the basis of the statistical analysis technique, the scrap sorting in the model will be described, as well as development and introduction of an extended BOF sub‐model. This model includes a scrap sorting function and a response on deviations in steel quality. Real production data is used to identify steel quality parameters with consideration of different combination of elements, for example, S, Cr, Ni, and Cu. The possible solutions with simultaneous consideration of steel quality, energy consumption and production cost are presented.
Language Teachers' Attitudes, Beliefs, Professional Knowledge, and Views on Professional Development: An Exploratory Study at a Preschool TEFL Setting
Authors: Lin Zheng
Published: October 2012

This article reports on an exploratory study of English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers' attitudes, beliefs, and professional knowledge about teaching EFL (TEFL) in a preschool setting in China. The investigation is structured on a two‐dimensional grid based on Calderhead's (1996) categorisation of teachers' attitudes and beliefs and Richards's (1996) two‐dimensional division of EFL teachers' professional knowledge. It aims to explore relationships between teachers' attitudes and beliefs and their professional knowledge as well as their connections to views on a TEFL professional development program. The study shows that EFL teachers demonstrate an eminent form‐focused inclination in their beliefs and professional knowledge, which is translated into a strong desire for new teaching methods to be introduced in a professional development program. The article concludes with a brief account of the study's implications for the design of a TEFL professional development program.
Surface energy of polypropylene/polysulfone compatibilized blends
Authors: Flaris V. , Montero N. , Steinberg C.
Published: October 2012

Various surface energy models were applied to environmentally friendly membrane blends composed of polypropylene and polysulfone, with and without the addition of functional polyolefins. The Zisman and van Oss models gave comparable values for these polymer blend systems, and the Owens/Wendt model gave slightly lower values. There was effectively no variability in the surface energy values obtained by using two different processing methods. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Metal‐binding Sites of N‐Acetylneuraminic Acid
Authors: Illi Sarah , Schulten Johanna , Klüfers Peter
Published: October 2012

Sialic acid represents a group of thirty derivates of neuraminic acid with various substituents at the amino residue and the alcoholic hydroxy groups. We analysed the behaviour of the tetracoordinated metal ions palladium(II) and silicon(IV) against the most important derivative N‐acetylneuraminic acid (NANA). The molecular structures were assigned by a combined 1H, 13C and 29Si NMR‐spectroscopic approach. Despite the presence of many different functional groups, the coordination chemistry of NANA with PdII follows established rules. Coordination via the N‐acetyl‐group – sterically impossible with PdII – was realised with SiIV.
Introducing a New Naphthoxime‐based Ligand into the ­Chemistry of Triangular [Mn3] Complexes
Authors: Hołyńska Małgorzata , Frank Nicolas , Dehnen Stefanie
Published: October 2012

A new type of naphthoxime‐based ligand, 1‐(1‐hydroxynaphthalen‐2‐yl)ethanone oxime (naphthsaoH2, 1a), is introduced into the chemistry of manganese(III) complexes. First triangular [Mn3] compound with this ligand is presented: [Mn3O(naphthsao)3(CH3OH)5(CH2ClCOO)] (1). Also preliminary structural studies for [Mn3O(naphthsao)3(CH3OH)5(CH3COO)] (A) and 0.52[Mn3O(naphthsao)3(CH3OH)5(H2O)]·0.48[Mn3O(naphthsao)3(CH3OH)6] (B) are mentioned. Compound 1 was characterized by X‐ray diffraction studies and by a preliminary investigation of the magnetic properties, showing antiferromagnetic coupling of the MnIII ions. Compound 1 displays a supramolecular motif of hydrogen‐bonded chains.
Biased random walk on critical Galton–Watson trees conditioned to survive
Authors: Croydon D. A. , Fribergh A. , Kumagai T.
Published: October 2012

We consider the biased random walk on a critical Galton–Watson tree conditioned to survive, and confirm that this model with trapping belongs to the same universality class as certain one-dimensional trapping models with slowly-varying tails. Indeed, in each of these two settings, we establish closely-related functional limit theorems involving an extremal process and also demonstrate extremal aging occurs.
Development and characterization of synthetic amphiploid (AABB) between Oryza sativa and Oryza punctata
Authors: Wang Aiyun , Zhang Xianhua , Yang Chunhua , Song Zhaojian , Du Chaoqun , Chen Dongling , He Yuchi , Cai Detian
Published: October 2012

Oryza punctata, a wild relative of cultivated rice, belongs to the BB genome of Oryza. Interspecific hybrids (CW008, AB) between Oryza sativa (2n = 24 AA) and O. punctata (2n = 24 BB) were obtained using embryo rescue technique. Synthetic allopolyploid (DCW008, AABB) were produced through chromosome doubling by colchicine. Hybrids overcame many wild traits except the shattering and awn. The synthetic amphiploid plants showed obvious superiority in growth and production. Interspecific hybrids CW008 were completely infertile but DCW008 had better seed set after selfing. Genomic in situ hybridization investigations were performed on DCW008. The result indicated that the A genome was closed to the B genome and translocations occurred between some chromosomes of cultivated and wild rice. Meiosis was nearly normal in the amphiploid hybrid but was disrupted in the diploid hybrid, which resulted in different fertility of them.
Effects of additional N on herbaceous species of desertified steppe in arid regions of China: a four‐year field study
Authors: Su Jieqiong , Li Xinrong , Li Xiaojun , Feng Li
Published: October 2012

Human‐induced nitrogen (N) enrichment is impacting the structure and function of grassland ecosystems, although few studies have been conducted in arid and semi‐arid ecosystems under field conditions. Here, a 4‐year multi‐level N addition experiment under ambient precipitation in a typical temperate desert steppe in arid regions of China was designed to evaluate the impact of N enrichment on the herbaceous vegetation community in desert ecosystems. The results showed that species richness declined in response to N addition during all 4 years, while aboveground biomass increased in the relatively wet year (2007) and decreased in the relatively dry years (2008–2010) according to N addition level, as compared to the control. Plant community composition differed among plant functional groups (PFGs) based on added N. Perennial grasses (PG) benefited more compared with annuals and perennial forbs (PF) from N enrichment in terms of biomass production under conditions of high precipitation in 2007. In relatively dry years, biomass production of all PFGs was strictly dependent on inter‐ and intra‐annual precipitation, which led PG to dominate in 2008 (with a dry spring) and PF to dominate in 2009 and 2010. Our results demonstrate that the impact of N enrichment on the herbaceous vegetation community in desert steppes may be strongly dependent on natural precipitation patterns characterized by shifts in plant community composition, particularly in terms of biomass production.
l‐Carnitine and Long‐Chain Acylcarnitines are Positively Correlated with Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Humans: The SABPA Study
Authors: Mels Catharina M. C. , Schutte Aletta E. , Erasmus Elardus , Huisman Hugo W. , Schutte Rudolph , Fourie Carla M. T. , Kruger Ruan , Van Rooyen Johannes M. , Smith Wayne , Malan Nicolaas T. , Malan Leoné
Published: October 2012

The prevalence of hypertension in sub‐Saharan Africa is increasing rapidly, and treatment remains challenging. Although the use of l‐carnitine in treatment has received much attention, studies reporting on physiological l‐carnitine levels in hypertensives are limited. Our aim was to determine physiological levels of l‐carnitine and acylcarnitines in African and Caucasian men, and to investigate associations between ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and carnitine levels. Participants included 101 African and 101 Caucasian teachers. Ambulatory BP measurements were conducted, and l‐carnitine and acylcarnitine levels determined. African men showed significantly higher systolic BP (p < 0.001), diastolic BP (p < 0.001) and l‐carnitine levels (p = 0.01). In both ethnic groups, partial regression analyses revealed a positive association between BP and l‐carnitine, although in Caucasians it was with systolic (r = 0.20, p = 0.045), and in Africans with diastolic BP (r = 0.23, p = 0.023). After adjusting for confounders, an independent positive association between systolic (R2 = 0.37, β = 0.12, p = 0.041) and diastolic BP (R2 = 0.39, β = 0.14, p = 0.018) and l‐carnitine and long‐chain acylcarnitines (R2 = 0.38, β = 0.17, p = 0.005 and R2 = 0.39, β = 0.15, p = 0.011) were found, independent of ethnicity. Physiological l‐carnitine levels were not only higher in Africans than in Caucasians but also above the expected reference range. Despite promising results on l‐carnitine (and its short‐chain derivatives) in hypertension treatment regimens, our findings paradoxically show that elevated BP is significantly associated with higher physiological l‐carnitine and long‐chain acylcarnitine levels.
Review of Fractures and Low Bone Mass in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Sheung-Tung Ho
Published: October 2012

Children with cerebral palsy have an increased risk of fracture and low bone mass. A systematic review was carried out to identify the associated or risk factors. The role of bone mineral density measurement (particularly whole-body or distal femur) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and quantitative computed tomography is examined. Current strategies to prevent or treat the bone fragility in children with cerebral palsy are summarised.
Review of Partial Fasciectomy for Dupuytren's Contracture in Southern Chinese Patients
Authors: Wai-Chung Chan , Siu-Ho Wan , Fu-Keung Ip
Published: October 2012

Dupuytren's contracture is a fibroproliferative disease of the palmar fascia producing fascial fibrosis in nodular or cord form, and results in flexion contracture of the involved fingers. In contrast to Western populations, Dupuytren's contracture, especially the severe form of the disease, is not common in Southern Chinese patients: there have been only scant reports from the Southern Chinese region. In addition, the natural history and surgical outcome may be different from those of Western patients. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of Southern Chinese patients with Dupuytren's contracture treated with partial fasciectomy through a Bruner's incision. Twenty-nine Chinese patients (45 fingers) with Dupuytren's contracture were reviewed retrospectively from 1999 to 2008. All patients underwent partial fasciectomy performed under general anaesthesia. The ranges of movement of the metacarpophalangeal (MCPJ) and proximal interphalangeal (PIPJ) joints were measured preoperatively and during follow-up to assess the degree of correction after surgery. A total of 34 out of 45 fingers (75.6%) and 30 out of 45 fingers (66.7%) had regained a full range of movement of the MCPJs and PIPJs, respectively. In addition, 26 out of 29 patients (89.6%) had an improvement in extension of their MCPJs, and 20 out of 29 patients (68.9%) showed a gain in extension of their PIPJs. One in 29 patients (3.4%) developed a wound infection and needed further surgery for debridement. One patient had recurrent PIPJ contracture after partial fasciectomy (3.4%). None of our patients had a neurovascular injury or wound healing problem. We conclude that partial fasciectomy with a Bruner's incision yields satisfactory results in Southern Chinese patients that are comparable to results from Western studies.