bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Film blowing of silane‐modified polyethylene
Authors: Dintcheva Nadka Tzankova
Published: June 2009

The grafting of vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES) onto polyethylene (PE) with the help of small amounts of peroxides was investigated to film‐blow these modified materials. The degree of crosslinking was kept very low to achieve good melt processability and improved mechanical properties. The possibility of obtaining modified PE films with improved properties and regularly distributed crosslinking with a single processing step demonstrates the uniqueness of this study. The additive concentration was established through preliminary studies; with a batch mixer, it was possible to process the modified PE in the film‐blowing operation. Water treatment of the modified films after film blowing allowed for improved properties without the processability being affected. The modification of PE was followed with mechanical, rheological, and extraction tests and with calorimetric analyses. The variations of the main mechanical properties of the films were very important from an application point of view. The elastic modulus and tear strength of the films for both extrusion directions (machine and transverse) increased with the VTES concentration increasing and even more with the addition of a small quantity of a peroxide. Some reductions of the tensile strength and elongation at break were observed, but these reductions were not considerable. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Films from oat spelt arabinoxylan plasticized with glycerol and sorbitol
Authors: Mikkonen Kirsi S. , Heikkinen Susanna , Soovre Annemai , Peura Marko , Serimaa Ritva , Talja Riku A. , Helén Harry , Hyvönen Lea , Tenkanen Maija
Published: June 2009

The development of packaging films based on renewable materials is an important and active area of research today. This is the first extensive study focusing on film‐forming properties of an agrobiomass byproduct, namely, oat spelt arabinoxylan. A plasticizer was needed for cohesive film formation, and glycerol and sorbitol were compared. The tensile properties of the films varied with the type and amount of the polyol. With a 10% (w/w) plasticizer content, the films containing glycerol had higher tensile strength than the films containing sorbitol, but with a 40% plasticizer content, the result was the opposite. Sorbitol‐plasticized films retained their tensile properties better than films with glycerol during 5 months of storage. The films were semicrystalline with similar crystallinity indices of 0.20–0.26. The largest crystallites (9.5 nm) were observed in the film with 40% glycerol. The softening of films with 40% (w/w) glycerol started at a significantly lower relative humidity (RH) than that of the corresponding sorbitol‐containing films. The films with sorbitol also had lower water vapor permeability (WVP) than the films with glycerol. The films plasticized with 10% (w/w) sorbitol had a WVP value of 1.1 g mm/(m2·d·kPa) at the RH gradient of 0/54%. The oxygen permeability of films containing 10% (w/w) glycerol or sorbitol was similar: 3 cm3·μm/(m2·d·kPa) at 50–75% RH. A higher plasticizer content resulted in more permeable films. Permeation of sunflower oil through the films was not detected. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Synthesis of poly(methyl methacrylate‐g‐glycidyl azide) graft copolymers using N, N‐dithiocarbamate‐mediated iniferters
Authors: Al‐Kaabi Khalifa , Van Reenen Albert J.
Published: June 2009

A glycidyl azide polymer with pendent N, N‐diethyl dithiocarbamate groups (GAP‐DDC) was prepared by the reaction of poly(epichlorohydrin) (PECH) with pendent N, N‐diethyl dithiocarbamate groups (PECH‐DDC) and sodium azide (NaN3) in dimethylformamide (DMF). It was then used as a macro‐photoinitiator for the graft polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA). Photopolymerization was carried out in a photochemical reactor at a wavelength greater than 300 nm. Conversion was determined gravimetrically and first‐order time conversion plot for the polymerization system showed linear increase with the polymerization time indicating that polymerization proceed in controlled fashion. The molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) was in the range of 1.4–1.6 during polymerization. The formation of poly(methyl methacrylate‐g‐glycidyl azide) (PMMA‐g‐GAP) graft copolymer was characterized by gel permeation chromatography, FT‐IR spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Synthesis and characterization of grafted copolymers of aromatic polyimides and ε‐caprolactam
Authors: Volkova Tat'yana V. , Vygodskii Yakov S. , Zabegaeva Olesya N. , Zubavichus Yan V. , Il'ina Marina N. , Krasnov Alexander P. , Afonicheva Ol'ga V. , Lozinskaya Elena I. , Garbuzova Irina A. , Shaplov Alexander S.
Published: June 2009

Anionic polymerization of ε‐caprolactam was performed in the presence of only 5 wt % of aromatic polyimides having five‐ and six‐membered imide cycles and bearing hexafluoroisopropylidene, ether, fluorene, siloxane, phthalide, or SO3H groups, both in the polymer backbone and as side moieties. The synthesized new copolymers were fully characterized by IR spectroscopy, thermomechanical analysis, dilatometry, and X‐ray diffraction. Tough and frictional properties of the obtained copolymers were estimated as well. It was found that on the selection of polyimide activator it is possible to gain the desirable control over the polymer properties, namely the gel‐fraction content, phase composition, compression modulus, notched Izod impact strength, temperature of frictional contact, friction coefficient, etc. These investigations will facilitate the choice of the optimum macromolecular activator for the modification of both the synthetic method and the properties of the commercial polycaproamide. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Synthesis and properties of superabsorbent hydrogels based on guar gum and succinic anhydride
Authors: Fujioka Rumiko , Tanaka Yukari , Yoshimura Toshio
Published: June 2009

Synthesis of novel superabsorbent hydrogels has been investigated with the reaction of guar gum and succinic anhydride (SA), using of 4‐dimethylaminopyridine as esterification promoter and water or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) as reaction solvent, followed by NaOH neutralization. Hydrogels prepared in water exhibited somewhat higher water absorbency than those prepared in DMSO; its maximum water absorbency in pure water and aqueous 0.9% NaCl solution was ca. 200 g/g and 80 g/g, respectively. These values were considerably higher than those of hydrogels obtained from starch in a similar way. The products in this study biologically degraded up to 70–80% after 10 days in activated sludge, which shows their excellent biodegradability. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
π‐Conjugation Enlargement Toward the Creation of Multi‐Porphyrinic Systems with Large Two‐Photon Absorption Properties
Authors: Aratani Naoki , Kim Dongho , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: June 2009

Recent progress in the synthesis of covalently linked porphyrin arrays with large two‐Photon absorption (TPA) cross‐section values has been reviewed with a particular focus on the relation of TPA properties with molecular structures. Covalently linked porphyrin arrays continue to be important and useful for the creation of functional materials owing to their chemical robustness, fine‐tuning, and easy manipulation. More importantly, the porphyrin electronic systems are quite susceptible to periphery conjugative perturbations, hence allowing facile fabrications to extensively delocalized systems. This property has been used for exploration of porphyrin‐based molecular systems with large TPA values, demonstrating a general trend that enhancement in electronic interactions leads to large TPA cross‐section values. As a representative example, the porphyrin tapes exhibit larger TPA values owing to the fully delocalized nature of the π‐electrons. This Focus Review will help understand the structural requirements of porphyrin arrays with large TPA values, which will be useful for future applications in optical communication in the IR region.
Qualitätsprüfung für Energieausweis‐Software
Authors: Fehlauer Klaus , Winkler Heiko , Brätz Marcel
Published: June 2009

Nach der Einführung der Energieeinsparverordnung 2007 (EnEV 2007) beauftragte das Bundesamt für Bauwesen und Raumordnung (BBR) ein Forschungsprojekt, um die am Markt verfügbare Software zur EnEV 2007 einer Qualitätsprüfung zu unterziehen. Der Zweck des Projektes war die Prüfung hinsichtlich einer korrekten Nachweisführung und Energiepassausstellung sowie die Erarbeitung von Methoden zur Qualitätsprüfung und ‐sicherung mit dem Ziel, Transparenz bei den am Markt vorhandenen Softwarelösungen zu schaffen. Darüber hinaus sollte durch die Bereitstellung von Testmodulen die Möglichkeit geschaffen werden, vorhandene Softwareprodukte durch das Aufdecken von Mängeln stetig weiter zu entwickeln, um so die Qualität der Produkte auf hohem Niveau dauerhaft zu sichern. Es wurden 15 Softwareprogramme für Nichtwohngebäude und 13 Programme für Wohngebäude für die Bedarfsberechnung nach DIN 4108‐6 und DIN V 4701‐10 und für Verbrauchsausweiserstellung untersucht. Im Rahmen dieser Veröffentlichung wurden schwerpunktmäßig die Ergebnisse für die Bedarfsberechnungen auf Basis von DIN V 18599 für den Nichtwohngebäudebereich vorgestellt.

Quality tests for Energy Passport software.

Shortly after the introduction of the 2007 Building Energy Conservation Ordinance (EnEV 2007), the German Institute for Applied Information Technology in Construction (IAIB) was commissioned by the German Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning (BBR) to carry out quality tests for the EnEV 2007 software available on the market. The specified project aims were to check calculation and Energy Passport issuing procedures and the development of quality assurance methods with the aim of creating transparency regarding the software solutions available on the market. 15 software programs for office buildings and 13 software programs for residential buildings were examined with regard to the determination of energy demand according to DIN V 18599 and with regard to energy consumption.
“Race salience” in juror decision‐making: misconceptions, clarifications, and unanswered questions
Authors: Sommers Samuel R. , Ellsworth Phoebe C.
Published: June 2009

In two frequently cited articles, Sommers and Ellsworth (2000, 2001) concluded that the influence of a defendant's race on White mock jurors is more pronounced in interracial trials in which race remains a silent background issue than in trials involving racially charged incidents. Referring to this variable more generally as “race salience,” we predicted that any aspect of a trial that leads White mock jurors to be concerned about racial bias should render the race of a defendant less influential. Though subsequent researchers have further explored this idea of “race salience,” they have manipulated it in the same way as in these original studies. As such, the scope of the extant literature on “race salience” and juror bias is narrower than many realize. The present article seeks to clarify this and other misconceptions regarding “race salience” and jury decision‐making, identifying in the process avenues for future research on the biasing influence of defendant race. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advanced dynamical risk analysis for monitoring anaerobic digestion process
Authors: Hess Jonathan , Bernard Olivier
Published: June 2009

Methanogenic fermentation involves a natural ecosystem that can be used for waste water treatment. This anaerobic process can have two locally stable steady‐states and an unstable one making the process hard to handle. The aim of this work is to propose analytical criteria to detect hazardous working modes, namely situations where the system evolves towards the acidification of the plant. We first introduce a commonly used simplified model and recall its main properties. To assess the evolution of the system we study the phase plane and split it into nineteen zones according to some qualitative traits. Then a methodology is introduced to monitor in real‐time the trajectory of the system across these zones and determine its position in the plane. It leads to a dynamical risk index based on the analysis of the transitions from one zone to another, and generates a classification of the zones according to their dangerousness. Finally the proposed strategy is applied to a virtual process based on model ADM1. It is worth noting that the proposed approach do not rely on the value of the parameters and is thus very robust. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
Oxidative Folding of Peptides and Proteins. Edited by Johannes Buchner and Luis Moroder.
Authors: Neundorf Ines , Beck‐Sickinger Annette G.
Published: June 2009

RSC, Cambridge 2009, xxi+429 pp., hardcover £ 119.95—ISBN 978‐0‐85404‐148‐0
“Valve‐in‐valve” for the treatment of paravalvular leaks following transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Rodés‐Cabau Josep , Dumont Eric , Doyle Daniel
Published: June 2009

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is commonly associated with some degree of aortic regurgitation (AR) secondary to the presence of paravalvular leaks. We present the case of an 86‐year‐old woman diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis who underwent TAVI with a 23‐mm Edwards‐SAPIEN valve. The procedure complicated with a severe paravalvular leak following TAVI that was unresponsive to balloon postdilation. This complication was successfully managed with the implantation of a second valve of the same diameter within the first one (“valve‐in‐valve”) resulting in trivial residual AR and the absence of significant transvalvular gradient at the end of the procedure. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Passing sheaths and electrode catheters through inferior vena cava filters: Safer than we think?
Authors: Kanjwal Yousuf , John Jerry M. , Burket Mark W.
Published: June 2009

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are being inserted with increasing frequency for the prevention of pulmonary embolus. Previous case reports have documented the passage of up to three electrode catheters or an individual long sheath through an IVC filter. The current report expands on prior series with regard to the number of devices used. We describe our experience in 10 patients in whom up to five electrode catheters and/or sheaths were placed through an IVC filter using a transfemoral approach under fluoroscopic guidance without routine venography. Devices were successfully introduced and withdrawn in each case without filter dislodgment. Our series illustrates the feasibility and safety of passing multiple electrode catheters and long sheaths through an IVC filter. Evidence is accumulating to suggest that an IVC filter should not be considered an absolute contraindication to performing diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transjugular approach for transcatheter closure of mitral paraprosthetic leak
Authors: Joseph George , Thomson Viji Samuel
Published: June 2009

Transcatheter closure of mitral paraprosthetic leak (PPL) using femoral antegrade transseptal or retrograde approach is often unsuccessful when the involved part of the mitral annulus is difficult to access or when the left atrium is large. We report the successful use of jugular venous approach to perform transseptal antegrade PPL closure in a 49‐year‐old male with mitral PPL located in the anteromedial part of the annulus. This technique could serve as a useful alternative in patients in whom transcatheter closure of mitral PPL is technically difficult. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endovascular abdominal aortic stenosis treatment with the optimed self‐expandable nitinol stent
Authors: Ghazi Payam , Haji‐Zeinali Ali‐Mohammad , Shafiee Nahid , Qureshi Shakeel A.
Published: June 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of self‐expandable stents (OptiMed) for treatment of abdominal aortic stenosis in the situations in which the aortic stenosis locates near the origin of celiac, superior mesenteric, renal and inferior mesenteric arteries. Methods: Five consecutive patients scheduled for endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic stenosis by self‐expandable nitinol stent (Sinus‐Aorta/OptiMed) implantation. The diameter of the stent was chosen as 10–30% more than that of the normal portion of the aorta above the stenosis. Long stents of 60 mm or longer were chosen. After stent deployment, balloon postdilation was performed with a balloon in patients with residual gradient > 5 mm Hg. Results: All patients were successfully treated with the OptiMed stents. The balloon predilation was performed in one patient due to severe stenosis. The mean diameter and length of the stents deployed were 20.4 ± 2.9 (range, 16–24 mm) and 64 ± 8.9 (range, 60–80 mm), respectively. The balloon postdilation was performed in all cases. The mean diameter of the balloons was 13.6 ± 1.5 (range, 12–15 mm). The mean diameter of stenosis increased from 4.8 ± 1.9 to 14.4 ± 1.8 mm after stent placement. The mean peak systolic gradient decreased from 46.8 ± 31.5 mm Hg to 0.8 ± 1.8 mm Hg. During follow‐up (22.8 ± 14.3 months), none of the patients had restenosis within the stent, occlusion of any branches of the aorta, or other related complications. Conclusions: In our small series, we observed that abdominal aortic stenosis can be successfully and effectively treated with OptiMed stents in the situations in which the stenotic segment is located next to the origins of the main visceral branches of abdominal aorta. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Efficient and Practical Arene Hydrogenation by Heterogeneous Catalysts under Mild Conditions
Authors: Maegawa Tomohiro , Akashi Akira , Yaguchi Kiichiro , Iwasaki Yohei , Shigetsura Masahiro , Monguchi Yasunari , Sajiki Hironao
Published: June 2009

An efficient and practical arene hydrogenation procedure based on the use of heterogeneous platinum group catalysts has been developed. Rh/C is the most effective catalyst for the hydrogenation of the aromatic ring, which can be conducted in iPrOH under neutral conditions and at ordinary to medium H2 pressures (<10 atm). A variety of arenes such as alkylbenzenes, benzoic acids, pyridines, furans, are hydrogenated to the corresponding cyclohexyl and heterocyclic compounds in good to excellent yields. The use of Ru/C, less expensive than Rh/C, affords an effective and practical method for the hydrogenation of arenes including phenols. Both catalysts can be reused several times after simple filtration without any significant loss of catalytic activity.
Electric Field Assisted Effects on Molecular Orientation and Surface Morphology of Thin Titanyl(IV)phthalocyanine Films
Authors: Schuster Britt‐Elfriede , Basova Tamara V. , Peisert Heiko , Chassé Thomas
Published: June 2009

Herein we present electric field assisted effects on the molecular orientation, the polymorphism, and the surface morphology of thin titanyl(IV)phthalocyanine (TiOPc) films. The ability of electric fields to affect the thin film structure of polar molecules is demonstrated using titanyl(IV)phthalocyanine as a model compound exhibiting both a permanent and an induced electric dipole moment. Thin films of TiOPc prepared by organic molecular beam deposition (OMBD) in the absence and in the presence of an electric field during the thin film growth are characterized using polarization dependent Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The distinctive pattern of vibrational modes of the phthalocyanine skeleton indicates different molecular orientations in these thin films: Raman spectra of regions where an electric field is present during thin film growth reveal a preferential molecular orientation with an inclination angle of the molecular plane (pseudoplanar macrocycle) with respect to the substrate plane of nearly 90°. Contrary to that, in regions where the electric field was absent, the molecules adopt predominantly a configuration with a smaller tilt angle (∼ 60°). In addition, an electric field assisted change is apparent in AFM images: A large amount of well‐formed steplike crystallites lying parallel to the substrate is observed when no electric field was present, whereas in the case when an electric field was applied during thin film growth the crystallites exhibit a tilt with respect to the substrate plane.
Theoretical Simulation of Vibrational Sum‐Frequency Generation Spectra from Density Functional Theory: Application to p‐Nitrothiophenol and 2,4‐Dinitroaniline
Authors: Guthmuller Julien , Cecchet Francesca , Lis Dan , Caudano Yves , Mani Alaa Addin , Thiry Paul A. , Peremans André , Champagne Benoît
Published: June 2009

The molecular orientation of adsorbed molecules forming self‐assembled monolayers can be determined by combining vibrational sum‐frequency generation (SFG) measurements with quantum chemical calculations. Herein, we present a theoretical methodology used to simulate the SFG spectra for different combinations of polarizations. These simulations are based on calculations of the IR vectors and Raman tensors, which are obtained from density functional theory computations. The dependency of the SFG vibrational signature with respect to the molecular orientation is presented for the molecules p‐nitrothiophenol and 2,4‐dinitroaniline. It is found that a suitable choice of basis set as well as of exchange‐correlation (XC) functional is mandatory to correctly simulate the SFG intensities and consequently provide an accurate estimation of the adsorbed molecule orientation. Comparison with experimental data shows that calculations performed at the B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p) level of approximation provide good agreement with experimental frequencies, and with IR and Raman intensities. In particular, it is demonstrated that polarization and diffuse functions are compulsory for reproducing the IR and Raman spectra, and consequently vibrational SFG spectra, of systems such as p‐nitrothiophenol. Moreover, the investigated XC functionals reveal their influence on the relative intensities, which show rather systematic variations with the amount of Hartree–Fock exchange. Finally, further aspects of the modeling are revealed by considering the frequency dependence of the Raman tensors.
110 Years of the Meyer–Overton Rule: Predicting Membrane Permeability of Gases and Other Small Compounds
Authors: Missner Andreas , Pohl Peter
Published: June 2009

The transport of gaseous compounds across biological membranes (see picture) is essential in all forms of life. In this Minireview, the authors discuss recently reported violations of the well‐established Meyer–Overton rule for small molecules, including carboxylic acids and gases, and show that Meyer and Overton continue to rule.

magnified image

The transport of gaseous compounds across biological membranes is essential in all forms of life. Although it was generally accepted that gases freely penetrate the lipid matrix of biological membranes, a number of studies challenged this doctrine as they found biological membranes to have extremely low gas‐permeability values. These observations led to the identification of several membrane‐embedded “gas” channels, which facilitate the transport of biological active gases, such as carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, and ammonia. However, some of these findings are in contrast to the well‐established solubility–diffusion model (also known as the Meyer–Overton rule), which predicts membrane permeabilities from the molecule′s oil–water partition coefficient. Herein, we discuss recently reported violations of the Meyer–Overton rule for small molecules, including carboxylic acids and gases, and show that Meyer and Overton continue to rule.
A Force‐Spectroscopy‐Based Single‐Molecule Metal‐Binding Assay
Authors: Cao Yi , Er Kai Shih , Parhar Rakesh , Li Hongbin
Published: June 2009

Quantifying metal‐binding by force:A quantitative single‐molecule force‐spectroscopy‐based assay is developed to measure the binding affinity of metal ions to proteins. The method uses the unfolding force of a protein as a direct probe to distinguish the apo and metal‐ion‐bound forms of that protein and quantify the partitioning between the two forms (see figure).

magnified image
Cover Picture: Critical Size for O2 Dissociation by Au Nanoparticles (ChemPhysChem 2/2009)
Authors: Roldán Alberto , González Silvia , Ricart Josep Manel , Illas Francesc
Published: June 2009

The cover picture shows the results of a systematic density functional theory study of the intrinsic reactivity of unsupported Au nanoparticles towards molecular oxygen dissociation. The top part of the image evidences the prediction that small nanoparticles such as Au25 and Au38 are able to dissociate O2 through a small energy barrier. The middle part and bottom part of the image show the different behaviour of larger nanoparticles and of extended Au surfaces where impinging O2 molecules are likely to desorb. These results by F. Illas et al. (page 348) provide an explanation to recent findings (Turner et al. Nature, 2008, 454, 981) indicating that Au nanoparticles derived from Au55 are able to selectively oxidize styrene directly from dioxygen.

magnified image
Adaptive secure multicast in wireless networks
Authors: Han Yiliang , Gui Xiaolin
Published: June 2009

Secure multicast is one of the majority services in the near future. The frameworks for IP multicast cannot be directly applied in wireless networks. To address the natural issues of wireless multicast and enhance the efficiency, an adaptive secure multicast framework based on a new primitive calledmulti‐recipient generalized signcryptionand a multi‐recipient generalized signcryption scheme based on the gap Diffie–Hellman problem (MGSC‐GDH) are proposed. The key technologies to construct a high‐performance adaptive scheme including identification function, randomness reusing are investigated. The framework provides separate or joint encryption and signature functions according to users' identities and requirements transparently, and has the ability to aggregate multiple unicast besides the common multicast service. Therefore, overheads are reduced sharply for multiple functions which are provided with a single primitive. By the precise reduction, the gap‐bridge between the security of a base scheme and the corresponding multi‐recipient generalized signcryption scheme is built, which is a direct measure to quantify the security. Analysis shows that MGSC‐GDH is a semantic secure multi‐recipient generalized signcryption scheme and more efficient than other similar schemes in computational and communicational aspects. It is suitable for dynamic environment for rekeying is avoided when membership changes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disruption of the cytoskeleton during Semaphorin 3A induced growth cone collapse correlates with differences in actin organization and associated binding proteins
Authors: Brown Jacquelyn A. , Bridgman Paul C.
Published: June 2009

Repulsive guidance cues induce growth cone collapse or collapse and retraction. Collapse results from disruption and loss of the actin cytoskeleton. Actin‐rich regions of growth cones contain binding proteins that influence filament organization, such as Arp2/3, cortactin, and fascin, but little is known about the role that these proteins play in collapse. Here, we show that Semaphorin 3A (Sema 3A), which is repulsive to mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons, has unequal effects on actin binding proteins and their associated filaments. The immunofluorescence staining intensity of Arp‐2 and cortactin decreases relative to total protein; whereas in unextracted growth cones fascin increases. Fascin and myosin IIB staining redistribute and show increased overlap. The degree of actin filament loss during collapse correlates with filament superstructures detected by rotary shadow electron microscopy. Collapse results in the loss of branched f‐actin meshworks, while actin bundles are partially retained to varying degrees. Taken together with the known affects of Sema 3A on actin, this suggests a model for collapse that follows a sequence; depolymerization of actin meshworks followed by partial depolymerization of fascin associated actin bundles and their movement to the neurite to complete collapse. The relocated fascin associated actin bundles may provide the substrate for actomyosin contractions that produce retraction. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 2009
Growth cone‐like waves transport actin and promote axonogenesis and neurite branching
Authors: Flynn Kevin C. , Pak Chi W. , Shaw Alisa E. , Bradke Frank , Bamburg James R.
Published: June 2009

Axonogenesis involves a shift from uniform delivery of materials to all neurites to preferential delivery to the putative axon, supporting its more rapid extension. Waves, growth cone‐like structures that propagate down the length of neurites, were shown previously to correlate with neurite growth in dissociated cultured hippocampal neurons. Waves are similar to growth cones in their structure, composition and dynamics. Here, we report that waves form in all undifferentiated neurites, but occur more frequently in the future axon during initial neuronal polarization. Moreover, wave frequency and their impact on neurite growth are altered in neurons treated with stimuli that enhance axonogenesis. Coincident with wave arrival, growth cones enlarge and undergo a marked increase in dynamics. Through their engorgement of filopodia along the neurite shaft, waves can induce de novo neurite branching. Actin in waves maintains much of its cohesiveness during transport whereas actin in nonwave regions of the neurite rapidly diffuses as measured by live cell imaging of photoactivated GFP‐actin and photoconversion of Dendra‐actin. Thus, waves represent an alternative axonal transport mechanism for actin. Waves also occur in neurons in organotypic hippocampal slices where they propagate along neurites in the dentate gyrus and the CA regions and induce branching. Taken together, our results indicate that waves are physiologically relevant and contribute to axon growth and branching via the transport of actin and by increasing growth cone dynamics. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 2009
A Fast Response Strontium Ion‐Selective Electrode Prepared by Sol‐Gel Membrane Technique
Authors: Zanjanchi M. A. , Arvand M. , Mahmoodi N. O. , Islamnezhad A.
Published: June 2009

A sol‐gel electrode, based on 6‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐2‐phenyl‐4,4‐dipropyl‐3,5‐diaza‐bicyclo [3,1,0] hex‐2‐ene (NPDBH) as a neutral ionophore, was successfully developed for the detection of Sr2+ in aqueous solutions. Theoretical calculations confirmed NPDBH selectivity toward strontium in comparison with some other metal ions. The electrode responds to Sr2+ ion with a sensitivity of 29.1±0.4 mV/decade over the range 8.0×10−7–1.0×10−1 M. Selectivity coefficients determined by matched potential method (MPM) indicate high selectivity for strontium ions. The electrode has a fast response time of 11 s and a working pH range of 3.0–10.0. The sol‐gel electrode shows detection limit of 7.5×10−8 M.
Characteristics of Voltammetric Determination and Speciation of Chromium – A Review
Authors: Bobrowski Andrzej , Królicka Agnieszka , Zarębski Jerzy
Published: June 2009

This article reviews the voltammetric methods of chromium determination, including adsorptive and catalytic adsorptive stripping voltammetry at liquid mercury, metallic films, and modified carbon paste electrodes. The principle applications of the catalytic adsorptive stripping voltammetric method of chromium(VI) determination in the presence of DTPA and nitrate, most useful in the analysis of chromium traces and its speciation, is presented in detail. Special emphasis is put on the presentation and characterization of the voltammetric procedures which make it possible to conduction speciation studies of chromium(VI) in the presence of a great excess of chromium(III) and surfactants. This survey is based on 173 articles.
A Simple and Sensitive Method for the Amperometric Detection of Trace Chromium(VI) Based on Prussian Blue Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Xing Sujie , Xu He , Shi Guoyue , Chen Junshui , Zeng Liping , Jin Litong
Published: June 2009

A simple and sensitive method for the amperometric detection of trace amount of chromium(VI) using a Prussian blue modified glassy carbon electrode (PB/GCE) is described here. The Everitts salt/Prussian blue redox couple of the PB film was found to mediate the Cr(VI) reduction, and the mechanism of electrochemical reaction was investigated. The effects of PB film thickness, applied potential and electrolyte solution on the current response of Cr(VI) reduction were thoroughly studied. Under the optimized conditions, the PB/GCE provided a wide linear range for Cr(VI) analysis from 0.5 to 200 ppb with excellent sensitivity (15±0.2 nA/ppb) and low detection limit (0.15 ppb). In addition, the modified electrode showed excellent stability, reproducibility and good resistance to other metal ions and surfactants. Finally, the proposed method was applied to detect trace Cr(VI) in wastewater with satisfactory results. The great advantages of the method were characterized by the simplicity, ease of preparation, stability, short analysis time and cost‐efficiency.
A Microbial Sensor Based on Direct Electron Transfer at Shewanella Sp. Drop‐Coated Screen‐Printed Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Sudhakara Prasad Kariate , Arun A. B. , Rekha P. D. , Young Chiu‐Chung , Chang Jen‐Lin , Zen Jyh‐Myng
Published: June 2009

Aerobically grown Shewanella sp. bacterial suspension drop‐coated on a disposable screen‐printed carbon electrode was found to possess electroactivity without the aid of redox mediator. Cyclic voltammetric studies revealed the characteristics of a mixed diffusion adsorption‐controlled electrochemical process for direct electron transfer at the bacteria‐modified electrode. Both FE‐SEM and ATR FT‐IR experiments were carried out to investigate the surface characteristics. The electroanalytical applicability was further demonstrated for electrocatalytic reduction of arsenite, hydrogen peroxide and nitrite. Low cost and very simple manufacturing procedure allow for the proposed bacterial sensor to be applied as disposable devices.
Fifteen year comparison of antipsychotic use in people with dementia within hospital and nursing home settings: sequential cross‐sectional study
Authors: Connelly Peter J. , Law Emma , Angus Susan , Prentice Neil
Published: June 2009

Objective

The use of antipsychotics to treat people with behavioural and psychological symptoms associated with dementia is controversial, especially in long‐stay settings. We assessed the relationship between behaviour, function and antipsychotic use in people with dementia in a long‐stay psychiatric unit and designated elderly mentally ill (EMI) nursing homes over a 15‐year period.

Method

Sequential cross‐sectional studies assessing twelve behaviours and seven measures of function for each patient. Antipsychotic and antidepressant use was obtained from current prescription records.

Results

Regular antipsychotic use in hospital fell between 1990 and 1998. In 1998 use in nursing homes was significantly greater than in hospital, and increased between 1998 and 2005. Noisiness/verbal aggression (NVA) was the only behaviour more commonly associated with regular antipsychotic use over that timescale. Those with low levels of core symptoms (p = 0.021) and high dependency patients (p = 0.001) were more likely to be receiving regular antipsychotics in nursing homes than in hospital. Depression was not treated well even when identified.

Conclusion

Compared to a long‐stay hospital setting, antipsychotic drug use for people with dementia in nursing homes has risen and become less systematic. This cannot be explained by increasing core behaviour symptoms or differences in physical dependency. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
UCP2, a metabolic sensor coupling glucose oxidation to mitochondrial metabolism?
Authors: Pecqueur Claire , Alves‐Guerra Clotilde , Ricquier Daniel , Bouillaud Frederic
Published: June 2009

Mitochondrial uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation may serve a variety of purposes such as the regulation of substrate oxidation, free radical production (a major by‐product of mitochondrial respiration) and ATP production and turnover. As regulators of energy expenditure and antioxidant defenses, uncoupling proteins would seem to offer an attractive mechanism by which to explain the control of body weight, resting metabolic rate and aging. As a result, the discovery of UCP1 homologues has led to an impressive number of publications. However, 10 years after their identification, no consensus has been found concerning the function of UCP homologues, and there are controversies as to whether or not they even have physiologically significant uncoupling activity. Here, we discuss a potential new function for UCP2, as a carrier involved in the coupling between glucose oxidation and mitochondrial metabolism. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life 61(7): 762–767, 2009
Nuclear localization signals and human disease
Authors: McLane Laura M. , Corbett Anita H.
Published: June 2009

In eukaryotic cells, the physical separation of the genetic material in the nucleus from the translation and signaling machinery in the cytoplasm by the nuclear envelope creates a requirement for a mechanism through which macromolecules can enter or exit the nucleus as necessary. Nucleocytoplasmic transport involves the specific recognition of cargo molecules by transport receptors in one compartment followed by the physical relocation of that cargo into the other compartment through regulated pores that perforate the nuclear envelope. The recognition of protein cargoes by their transport receptors occurs via amino acid sequences in cargo proteins called nuclear targeting signals. Both nuclear import and export of proteins are highly regulated processes that control, not only what cargo can enter and/or exit the nucleus, but also when in the cell cycle and in what cell type, the cargo can be transported. Deregulation of the nuclear transport of specific cargoes has been linked to numerous cancers and developmental disorders highlighting the importance of understanding the mechanisms underlying nucleocytoplasmic transport and particularly the modulation of the specific interactions between transporter receptors and nuclear targeting signals within target cargo proteins. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life 61(7): 697–706, 2009
The cell surface glycoprotein CDCP1 in cancer—Insights, opportunities, and challenges
Authors: Wortmann Andreas , He Yaowu , Deryugina Elena I. , Quigley James P. , Hooper John D.
Published: June 2009

In the last few years dysregulated expression of the cell surface glycoprotein CUB domain‐containing protein 1 (CDCP1) has been associated with several cancers and this cell surface molecule has been recognized both as a tumor marker and as a potential target to disrupt progression of cancer. Here we summarize what is known about CDCP1 including its structural features, expression in normal and cancerous tissues, and the in vitro experiments and studies in animal models that have provided the key insights into its potential role in tumor formation and metastasis in humans. We conclude by highlighting opportunities and challenges in targeting CDCP1 in cancer. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life 61(7): 723–730, 2009
Giving off mixed signals—Distinct functions of α5β1 and αvβ3 integrins in regulating cell behaviour
Authors: Morgan Mark R. , Byron Adam , Humphries Martin J. , Bass Mark D.
Published: June 2009

The formation, maturation, and dissolution of focal adhesions are basic prerequisites of cell migration and rely on the recruitment, signalling, and endocytosis of integrins. In many instances, extracellular matrix molecules are recognised by a number of integrins, and it is the sequential involvement of different integrins that allows establishment of cell polarity and migration towards a matrix stimulus. In this review, we consider both the similarities and differences between two key fibronectin receptors, αvβ3 and α5β1 integrin. By considering the GTPase and kinase signalling and trafficking of two such closely‐related receptors, we begin to understand how cell migration is coordinated. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life 61(7): 731–738, 2009
Clinical grade preparation of human natural regulatory T‐cells encoding the thymidine kinase suicide gene as a safety gene: authors' reponse
Authors: Guillot‐Delost Maude , Cheraï Mustapha , Hamel Yamina , Rosenzwajg Michelle , Baillou Claude , Simonin Ghislaine , Leclercq Virginie , Mariotti‐Ferrandiz Maria Encarnita , Six Adrien , Bon‐Durand Véronique , Maury Sébastien , Salomon Benoit L. , Cohen José L. , Klatzmann David , Lemoine François M.
Published: June 2009

This Response refers to JGM 1286, which was published in The Journal of Gene Medicine 11:2. Please follow the link below to view the Letter to the Editor.

Letter to the Editor
Systematically improving physician assignment during in‐hospital transitions of care by enhancing a preexisting hospital electronic health record
Authors: Zsenits Balazs , Polashenski Walter A. , Sterns Richard H. , Brown David R. , Moheet Amir
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND:

The nationwide expansion of the hospitalist movement brings rapid change in communication and work processes in many hospitals. While our fast‐growing hospitalist program has greatly improved length of stay and quality measures, it has also faced complex operational challenges affecting the whole organization rather than just our division: assigning and tracking hospitalist coverage of admitted patients was one of these challenges.

METHODS:

We integrated a system of algorithms and interface solutions into our hospital's preexisting electronic health records (EHR) program to act as a decision support tool and computerized safety net during admission and patient distribution. Its main structural elements include: (1) algorithms that identify patients for hospitalist coverage and monitor coverage during transitions of care; (2) EHR data fields that enable hospitalists to assign and update each patient's coverage information in real time; and (3) a combination of display solutions to inform users of coverage arrangements and alert for potentially misassigned patients. Our system assists with correct attending selection on admission. It also assures continuity of coverage during transitions within the hospitalist program and across care settings.

RESULTS:

Our enhancements to the EHR received unanimously positive assessment by users and added an important layer of patient safety and organizational efficiency for our hospitalist program.

DISCUSSION:

Adaptations of our tools may provide similar opportunities for improvements in a variety of hospitalist settings; an integrated computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system is not a prerequisite. We demonstrate how the presented innovations can be used to enhance other EHR functions as well. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:308–312. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
How complete is the evidence for thromboembolism prophylaxis in general medicine patients? A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Bump Gregory M. , Dandu Madhavi , Kaufman Samuel R. , Shojania Kaveh G. , Flanders Scott A.
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVES:

Guidelines recommend pharmacologic prophylaxis for hospitalized medical patients at increased risk of thromboembolism. Despite recommendations, multiple studies demonstrate underutilization. Factors contributing to underutilization include uncertainty that prophylaxis reduces clinically relevant events, as well as questions about the best form of prophylaxis. We sought to determine whether prophylaxis decreases clinically significant events and to answer whether unfractionated heparin (UFH) or low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is either more effective or safer.

DATA SOURCES:

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases were searched through June 2008. Relevant bibliographies and conference proceedings were reviewed and LMWH manufacturers were contacted.

STUDY SELECTION:

Randomized trials comparing UFH or LMWH to control, as well as head‐to‐head comparisons of UFH to LMWH in general medicine patients.

DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS:

End points of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), proximal or symptomatic DVT, pulmonary embolism, mortality, bleeding, and thrombocytopenia were extracted from individual trials. Pooled relative risks were calculated using random effects modeling.

RESULTS:

We identified 8 trials comparing prophylaxis to control, and 6 trials comparing UFH to LMWH. Prophylaxis reduced DVT (relative risk [RR] = 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.36‐0.92), proximal DVT (RR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.31‐0.69), and pulmonary embolism (RR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.53‐0.93). Prophylaxis increased the risk of any bleeding (RR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.15‐2.06) but not major bleeding. Across trials comparing LMWH to UFH, there were no differences for any outcome.

CONCLUSIONS:

Among medical patients, pharmacologic prophylaxis reduced the risk of thromboembolism without increasing risk of major bleeding. The current literature does not demonstrate superior efficacy of UFH or LMWH. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:289–297. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
The practicalities of a Learning Tourism Destination: a case study of the Ningaloo Coast
Authors: Schianetz Karin , Jones Tod , Kavanagh Lydia , Walker Paul A. , Lockington David , Wood David
Published: June 2009

The complex and dynamic nature of tourism, and the need to address triple bottom line sustainability, has encouraged a search for adaptive tourism management approaches based on organisational learning. In this paper, the authors discuss a practical approach for the implementation of a Learning Tourism Destination (LTD), a new concept derived from the theory of learning organisations. Preliminary results from a case study undertaken at the Ningaloo Coast in Western Australia are discussed. The conducted surveys indicate that the LTD forms a useful framework for fostering consensus building, dialogue and collective learning processes among stakeholders. The proposed approach has the potential to improve decision‐making within the concept of sustainable tourism development by facilitating participative planning processes. The overall strategy of this paper is to explore the practicalities of the LTD implementation process, and to spark further conceptual and practical debate, based on the analysis of the Ningaloo case study. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How to repair customer trust after negative publicity: The roles of competence, integrity, benevolence, and forgiveness
Authors: Xie Yi , Peng Siqing
Published: June 2009

The purpose of the comprehensive model presented here is to explain the underlying mechanism by which corporations can repair customer trust after negative publicity. The study sets out to examine corporate informational, affective, and functional initiatives managers take to influence three trustworthiness factors—competence, benevolence, and integrity—and to elicit forgiveness. A scenario‐based experiment conducted to test the conceptual model found support for most hypotheses. According to the results, rebuilding a trustworthy image and earning consumer forgiveness are crucial steps in repairing consumer trust. A clear pattern of influential factors for different trustworthiness aspects was found, indicating that affective initiatives are the most effective strategy in shaping a corporate image of integrity and benevolence, and that providing sufficient information is a key activity for enhancing consumers' judgment about the firm's competence. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.