bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some mechanisms for subtle influences of stereochemical composition on the physical properties of macromolecules
Authors: Mattice Wayne L. , Helfer Carin A. , Rane Sagar S. , Von Meerwall Ernst D. , Farmer Barry L.
Published: April 2005

Coarse‐grained chains can be designed so that they successfully capture subtle effects arising from the local covalent structure of real chains. Constraining the conformations of the coarse‐grained chains with an appropriate rotational isomeric state model can achieve this objective. This claim has been documented by simulations of the dependence of the mixing behavior of polypropylene melts on the stereochemical composition of the chains; atactic polypropylene and isotactic polypropylene are miscible, but the replacement of either component with syndiotactic polypropylene can lead to immiscibility. This has also been documented by a comparison of simulations and infrared–visible sum frequency generation spectroscopy studies of the surface structures of atactic polystyrene and random copolymers of ethylene and propylene. The success of this method when the stereochemical composition is defined by side chains as small as CH3suggests that it should also be applicable to other problems in which the influence of the stereochemical composition is less subtle because the stereochemistry is defined by larger side chains. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 1271‐1282, 2005
A laboratory‐based comparison of a molluscicide and an alternative food source (red clover) as means of reducing slug damage to winter wheat
Authors: Brooks Andrew S , Wilcox Andrew , Cook Richard T , Crook Mitchell J
Published: April 2005

Slugs are major pests of many crops in the UK, including winter wheat, yet current methods of control are often unreliable. This study investigates the potential use of red clover, as an alternative food source, to reduce the amount of damage caused to winter wheat by the field slug, Deroceras reticulatum (Müller). Two laboratory‐based studies, each conducted over a 7‐day period, investigated the effects of red clover seedlings and commercial metaldehyde pellets on damage to winter wheat seeds and seedlings. The results indicate that metaldehyde applications, in the form of commercially available pellets, resulted in significantly greater protection to wheat seeds compared with red clover, whereas metaldehyde and red clover were equally as effective in reducing damage to wheat seedlings. A further laboratory experiment investigated the effect of two slug population densities (48 and 16 adults m−2) and high and low red clover seed rates (125% and 75% of a standard rate) on damage to wheat seeds. Results showed that, at the highest slug population density, red clover sown at 125% of the standard rate gave 99% protection to wheat seeds, compared with the 75% seed rate which gave 55%. At the lower slug population density, both seed rates of red clover resulted in similar levels of protection. Implications for the potential use of red clover as an alternative food source for reducing damage to winter wheat in field conditions are discussed. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of a Photolabile Backbone Amide Linker for Cleavage of Internal Amides in the Synthesis towards Melanocortin Subtype‐4 Agonists
Authors: Minkwitz Rolf , Meldal Morten
Published: April 2005

A new photolabile backbone amide handle has been developed for the synthesis of a melanocortin subtype‐4 receptor (MCR4) agonist library in the solid phase. This traceless linker allows for the solid‐supported synthesis of internal amides and their release under very mild, orthogonal conditions from solid support. The chemistry to attach an amide onto the linker is discussed. Structural variations of the linker in order to facilitate the attachment are investigated. The cleavage rate on the solid phase was measured. Finally, a small arylpiperazine library towards the MCR4 receptor was synthesized and its members characterized via HPLC, MS and NMR.
A novel coaxial electrospray ionization method for characterizing hexacosanoylceramides by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry
Authors: Ramjit Harri G. , Newton Randall , Guare James P.
Published: April 2005

Because of poor aqueous solubility and lack of UV chromophores, the characterization of long‐chain hydrocarbons and ceramides by conventional UV and mass spectrometric methods has not been successful. Therefore, a novel coaxial electrospray ionization method was developed for characterizing reaction products of phytosphingosine and hexacosanoic acid in toluene and tetrahydrofuran (THF), by high resolving power Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICRMS). Simultaneous spraying of a solution of apolar analytes and polar reagents into the gas phase readily enabled protonation and/or sodiation of analyte with enhanced signal‐to‐noise (S/N). Sample introduction was by direct infusion such that the sprayers were arranged either along the instrument line‐of‐sight (for monospray and coaxial spray modes) or in a 45° configuration for dual‐spray mode. For dual‐spray and coaxial spraying, p‐toluenesulphonic acid was used as a reagent and sprayed simultaneously with the analyte dissolved in toluene or THF. Compounds were characterized by accurate mass measurement of the protonated and/or sodiated molecules. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of KLa[C(CN)3]4·H2O containing a Shielded Potassium Ion
Authors: Srinivasan Radhakrishnan , Tragl Sonja , Meyer H.‐Jürgen
Published: April 2005

KLa[C(CN)3]4·H2O was crystallized from an aqueous solution containing La(NO3)3·6H2O and K[C(CN)3]. The crystal structure was solved and refined from X‐ray single crystal data (P4/n, Z = 2, a = b = 12.379(1) Å, c = 6.5695(8) Å, V = 1006.7(2) Å3). Solid KLa[C(CN)3]4·H2O forms a framework structure with bridging tricyanomethanide ions, each of them connecting two La3+ ions and one K+ ion. Potassium is apparently situated in a tetrahedral environment with four K–N distances of 2.741(3) Å, shielded by four other tricyanomethanide ions. Each La3+ has a square antiprismatic coordination of nitrogen atoms from eight [C(CN)3]– ions, and this antiprism is mono‐capped by one water molecule.
The Unsubstituted Rare Earth Pyrazolates [Nd(Pz)3(PzH)4] and [Ho(Pz)3(PzH)3]: Structural Diversity from Monomers to a Coordination Polymer
Authors: Quitmann Catharina C. , Müller‐Buschbaum Klaus
Published: April 2005

The high‐temperature oxidation of the rare earth metals holmium and neodymium with the amine pyrazole gave the two new compounds [Ho(Pz)3(PzH)3] (1) and [Nd(Pz)3(PzH)4] (2) (pyrazole, PzH = C3H3NNH; pyrazolate anion, Pz− = C3H3NN−). 1 exhibits a one dimensional chain structure with the unusually high number of twelve nitrogen atoms that form a hexagonal antiprism as coordination polyhedra around HoIII. 2 consists of monomeric molecules containing trivalent neodymium with the coordination number of nine. The coordination polymer 1 shows both a higher thermal stability as well as a packing of a dinstinctively higher density than monomeric 2. Both compounds were investigated by low‐temperature single crystal X‐ray analysis, Mid IR, Far IR and Raman spectroscopy. Simultaneous DTA/TG and temperature dependent x‐ray powder diffraction were used as combinatory methods to investigate the thermal properties of both compounds.
A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study of (OH−) Schottky Defects in Hydroxyapatite
Authors: Zahn Dirk , Hochrein Oliver
Published: April 2005

The dynamics of (OH−) Schottky defects is investigated for a hydroxyapatite / vacuum interface and in the bulk crystal. From our molecular dynamics simulations the mechanism of such defect translocation is identified. The hydroxide ions are arranged in [001] channels formed by staggered triangles of calcium ions. Above 200 °C, the OH− ions start to invert their orientation by passing through the surrounding Ca2+ triangle. In the neighborhood of an empty calcium triangle, the OH− orientation inversion may also occur by hydroxide ion translocation from the occupied to the unoccupied calcium triangle. The later process causes the hydroxide to jump by c/2 ≈ ±3.5Å along the [001] direction. From an Arrhenius plot the activation energy of (OH−) Schottky defect diffusion in the bulk crystal was found as 73 kJ mol−1. At the hydroxyapatite/vacuum interface, OH− defect sintering exhibited a preference of Schottky defects diffusion to the surface.
Prediction of Possible High‐Pressure Phases of Cu3N
Authors: Cancarevic Z. , Schön J. C. , Jansen M.
Published: April 2005

The possibility of Cu3N in the form of high‐pressure phases has been investigated by theoretical methods. Structure candidates that had been found during the investigation of the enthalphy landscapes of various nitridic M3N‐type compounds have been locally optimized within the Hartree‐Fock and DFT‐approximation. It is found that at high pressures several phases might be stable, with the most likely transition to occur from the experimentally observed low‐pressure phase (ReO3‐type) to the Li3P‐type, the α‐UO3‐type or the I‐K3N‐type at about 25–35 GPa.
Zur Synthese von binären und ternären Carbiden in einem modifizierten Haushaltsmikrowellenofen
Authors: Ahlers Ruth , Ruschewitz Uwe
Published: April 2005

On the Synthesis of Binary and Ternary Carbides in a Modified Domestic Microwave Oven

By modifying a domestic microwave oven binary and ternary carbides were synthesized from the elements in an argon atmosphere. We succeded in preparing CaC2, Ca4Ni3C5 and MgM3Cx (M = Ni, Co) within several minutes. Well crystallized product powders were obtainend with purities as high as 90 % (CaC2, MgNi3Cx). In the case of MgNi3Cx our experiments show that a product with a high carbon content (x ≈ 1) is only synthesized under optimized conditions (magnesium surplus, reaction time). This product exhibits the expected superconductivity with a critical temperature of approx. 6 K. The syntheses and possible structures of MgPdCxHy (x = 0.4‐0.8, y = 0.4‐2.3) and MgPtC0,06H0,32 are briefly discussed.
AIS and Long Range Identification & Tracking
Authors: Cairns William R.
Published: April 2005

This paper describes the United States Coast Guard's efforts regarding Long Range Identification & Tracking (LRIT) of ships. Among those elements included in the LRIT plan, automatic identification systems (AIS), typically envisioned as a short-range system, may also play a long-range role. AIS vessel tracking may be accomplished through high elevation shore sites allowing reception of AIS signals to nominally 24 nm that loosely puts it in the category of a short-range sensor. Additionally, the US Coast Guard is conducting research and development efforts to determine the feasibility of using AIS receive capability on low earth orbit (LEO) satellites and high altitude, long endurance (HALE) airships or balloons. In parallel with the developing technical capabilities, the US approach with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and domestic legislation and regulations are also addressed. Finally, a vision for the implementation of LRIT is offered. The paper was presented on 9 November 2004 at Church House, London during the Institute's NAV 04 Conference.
The views of young people with congenital cardiac disease on designing the services for their treatment
Authors: Kendall Lynne , Sloper Patricia , Lewin Robert J. P. , Parsons Jonathan M.
Published: April 2005

Background and purpose:There is little documented evidence of young people with congenital cardiac disease being consulted as to what help, if any, they really need in relation to their condition. Most research concentrates on the medical aspects of the condition. There are studies of psychological and social functioning, but few have directly sought the opinions of the young people. More recent research has indicated a need for health professionals to develop services to meet both psychosocial and physical needs of young people with congenital cardiac disease. The findings of the recent Kennedy Report support this need. The purpose of this study was to explore the views of young people with a range of congenital cardiac conditions, on what would help them better deal with their condition, and when and how help might be provided.Methods:This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. We interviewed 16 young people in their own home. Interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed. Analysis was conducted using the “Framework” method.Results:Whilst most of the young people interviewed actively manage their condition, they think more support from others would be beneficial. Issues of activity and communication were cited most often as areas requiring more understanding from people they interact with, for example teachers and peers. The discussion focuses on how health professionals might change or develop their practice to help young people better cope with their condition.Conclusions:Most of the young people interviewed in this study had developed their own strategies for coping with their condition. Although this is a small study, the young people provided important suggestions as to how health professionals could better develop current services.
Transthoracic three-dimensional echocardiography prior to closure of atrial septal defects in children
Authors: Acar Philippe , Roux Daniel , Dulac Yves , Rougé Pierre , Aggoun Yacine
Published: April 2005

Aims:Our aims were to use transthoracic three-dimensional echocardiography to assess the morphology of atrial septal defects in children prior to closure, and to compare the three-dimensional echocardiographic data with transcatheter and surgical findings.Methods and results:We used transthoracic three-dimensional echocardiography in 62 consecutive patients, aged from 2 to 18 years, with atrial septal defects, measuring the maximal diameter and the extent of the rims. Subsequent to the study, we referred 42 patients for transcatheter closure, the rims being measured at greater than 4 mm. We found a good correlation between the maximal diameter of the defect as measured at transthoracic three-dimensional echocardiography and using a balloon (y = 3.45 − 0.73x; r = 0.78; p < 0.0001), the mean difference between the measurements being 2.4 ± 2.8 mm. Successful closure with the Amplatzer septal occluder, having a mean size of 22 ± 4 mm, was achieved in 95% of the patients. Of the original cohort, 20 patients were referred for surgical closure. In these patients, the inferior rim had been deemed insufficient in 5, the postero-superior rim in 6, and the postero-inferior rim in 9. Complete agreement was found when the deficiency of the rim as judged using transthoracic three-dimensional echocardiography was compared with intraoperative findings. The correlation between measurements of the deficiency of the rim achieved by transthoracic three-dimensional echocardiography and at surgery was excellent (y = 0.2 + 0.98x; r = 0.93; p < 0.0001), the mean difference between the measurements being no more than 0.6 ± 0.4 mm.Conclusions:Transthoracic three-dimensional echocardiography proved accurate in measuring the maximal diameter and rims of atrial septal defects within the oval fossa. This non-invasive method will be valuable in selecting children for transcatheter or surgical closure of such defects.
Kawasaki disease complicated by cerebral infarction
Authors: Suda Kenji , Matsumura Masahiko , Ohta Shigeru
Published: April 2005

An 8-month-old boy presented with right hemiplegia of sudden onset after 20 days of Kawasaki disease, which was not initially treated by gamma globulin. Cranial X-ray computed tomography confirmed cerebral infarction as the cause of the right hemiplegia. In subsequent weeks, he developed multiple thromboses in coronary aneurysms. He successfully underwent intracoronary thrombolysis using tissue plasminogen activator without haemorrhagic complications. Cerebral infarction as a complication of Kawasaki disease is rare, and is a difficult clinical situation to manage.
The quintessence of the making of the heart
Authors: Gittenberger-de Groot Adriana C.
Published: April 2005

In my Mannheimer lecture, designed to meet the needs of a mainly clinical audience, I present aspects of cardiac development that link basic science to clinically relevant problems. During development of the cardiac tube, and its subsequent changes as a dextrally looped structure, which is still connected to the dorsal body wall by a venous and an arterial pole, there are basic requirements. These consist of the development of myocardium, endocardium and the interposed cardiac jelly from the cardiogenic plates. In this primitive heart tube, septation and valvar formation then take place to convert it into a four-chambered heart. I demonstrate that the refining of the above events cannot take place without the addition of extracardiac populations of cells. These are presented as the “quintessence of heart development”, and consist of cells derived from the neural crest, along with epicardially derived cells. Without these contributions, the embryos uniformly die of cardiac insufficiency. Important contributions are made by the cells derived from the neural crest to septation and the formation of the arterial valves, and possibly in differentiation of the central conduction system. The epicardially derived cells are essential for formation of the interstitial fibroblasts and the myocardium, as well as the coronary vascular system. I conclude by discussing specific malformations of the heart that might be linked to these extracardiac contributions.
Transcatheter closure of a multiperforated atrial septal defect extending from the oval fossa to the mouth of the inferior caval vein
Authors: Peuster Matthias , Reckers Julia , Fink Christoph
Published: April 2005

We report a novel technique using an Amplatzer atrial septal occluder to close a defect located in the inferior-posterior portion of the interatrial septum that extended into the mouth of the inferior caval vein. Because of the close relation of the defect to the inferior caval vein, the right atrial disc was opened into the inferior caval vein and pushed toward the right atrium by use of the delivery cable. There was no residual shunting immediately and 3 months after the intervention. We conclude that even defects located infero-posteriorly within the oval fossa may be successfully closed by transcatheter techniques using the Amplatzer device.
Methotrexate in recurrent postpericardiotomy syndrome
Authors: Zucker Nili , Levitas Aviva , Zalzstein Eli
Published: April 2005

The postpericardiotomy syndrome occurs in up to one-third of children undergoing cardiac surgery. Its treatment includes anti-inflammatory agents, diuresis, and drainage of effusions. Administration of steroids can have a dramatic effect, but is limited by adverse effects. Usually the syndrome lasts weeks only, and persistence beyond six months is exceptional. We describe a rare case of chronic postpericardiotomy syndrome, with recurrent pericardial effusions and steroid dependency, that was treated successfully with a low weekly dose of methotrexate.
Origin of the highly elevated Pyrenean peneplain
Authors: Babault Julien , Van Den Driessche Jean , Bonnet Stéphane , Castelltort Sébastien , Crave Alain
Published: April 2005

Peneplanation of mountain ranges is generally considered the result of long‐term erosional processes that smooth relief and lower elevation near sea level. Therefore peneplain remnants at high elevation in mountain ranges are used to infer posttectonic surface uplift. Such an interpretation has been proposed for the Pyrenees where high‐elevation, low‐relief erosional surfaces rose up to more than 2000 m. Because the Pyrenean foreland basins are filled with very thick continental deposits, which have buried the early jagged landscape, we challenge this hypothesis by pointing out that relief applanation does not necessarily require elevation lowering. We propose an alternative interpretation in which piedmont aggradation of detrital sediment that comes from erosion of the high chain induces the rise of the base level of the range, therefore reducing strongly the erosive efficiency of the drainage system and resulting in the progressive smoothing of the relief. Such a process allows a high‐elevation, low‐relief erosional surface to develop at the scale of the range. In the Pyrenees, occurrence of high‐elevation, low‐relief erosional surface remnants does not imply a posttectonic uplift, but is instead due to the dissection of the initial Miocene high‐elevation, low‐relief surface by the recent drainage system, the erosive activity of which has been enhanced by global climate change from the late Pliocene onward.
Application of accelerated molecular dynamics schemes to the production of amorphous silicon
Authors: Choudhary Devashish , Clancy Paulette
Published: April 2005

The evolving nature of a Stillinger–Weber modeled silicon glass is studied using two accelerated molecular dynamics scheme, specifically, hyperdynamics and self-guided algorithms due to Voter and due to Wu and Wang, respectively. We obtain an acceleration of the dynamics, a “boost,” on the order of 20 without incurring any significant computational overhead. The validity of the results using accelerated methods is provided by comparison to a conventional molecular dynamics (MD) algorithm simulated under constant temperature conditions for more than 100 ns. We found that performing a sensitivity analysis of the effect of the parameters λ and t1 before applying the self-guided MD scheme was important. Values of λ greater than 0.1 and t1 equal to 1 ps were found to give improved structural evolution as compared to a conventional MD scheme. The hyperdynamics approximation scheme was found to be effective in obtaining boosts in the range of 4–12 for a small system without changing the dynamics of the evolution. However, for a large system size such an approach introduces significant perturbations to the pertinent equations of motion.
Generation of potential energy curves for the XΣg+1, BΔg+1, and B′Σg+1 states of C2 using the effective valence shell Hamiltonian method
Authors: Chaudhuri Rajat K. , Freed Karl F.
Published: April 2005

Calculations of the ground and excited state potential energy curves of C2 using the third-order effective valence Hamiltonian (H3rdv) method are benchmarked against full configuration interaction and other correlated single-reference perturbative and nonperturbative theories. The large nonparallelity errors (NPEs) exhibited even by state-of-art coupled cluster calculations through perturbative triples indicate a serious deficiency of these single-reference theories. The Hv method, on the other hand, produces a much reduced NPE, rendering it a viable approximate many-body method for accurately determining global ground and excited state potential energy curves∕surfaces.
Mechanisms of local and global molecular quantum gates and their implementation prospects
Authors: Troppmann Ulrike , de Vivie-Riedle Regina
Published: April 2005

We explore how the globality of quantum logic operations is ensured in the context of optimal control theory when qubits are encoded in vibrational eigenstates of different normal modes and specially shaped laser fields act as quantum logic operations. In a two-qubit model system, transition mechanisms for optimized laser fields generating single qubit flips, local NOT and global NOT and controlled-NOT (CNOT) gates are investigated and compared. We evaluate the participation of vibrational eigenstates beyond the qubit basis in the global gate mechanisms and how different features of CNOT and NOT gates relate to the characteristics of the vibrational manifold. When a non-qubit normal mode interacting via anharmonic resonances is introduced, neither the global gate mechanisms nor the optimized laser fields show a significant increase in complexity. Similar features of the global quantum gates in both model systems indicate a generality of the deduced principles. Finally, a primary concept for a realization of global quantum gates in an actual experiment referring to state-of-the-art techniques is presented. The possible reconstruction of optimized laser fields with sequences of simple Gaussian subpulses is demonstrated and some critical parameters are deduced.
Stretching distributions in chaotic mixing of droplet dispersions with unequal viscosities
Authors: Florek Charles A. , Tucker Charles L.
Published: April 2005

The stretching behavior of droplet dispersions with viscosity different from the matrix fluid is examined in chaotic and regular flows, in the limit of zero interfacial tension. Computations use a Lagrangian particle method, with the microstructure for each particle based on an exact solution for ellipsoidal droplets in the dilute limit. Two closed, two-dimensional time-periodic flows are considered: flow between eccentric cylinders and the sine flow. In regular flows with viscosity ratio of five or greater, many droplets display oscillatory motion and never experience large stretching. The global average stretch grows linearly in a regular flow at a rate that decreases as viscosity ratio increases. In contrast, chaotic flows gradually stretch and orient high-viscosity droplets, such that the droplets asymptotically follow the stretching of the underlying flow. Consequently, for long times, droplet stretching statistics display the universal features shown by passive fluid elements in a chaotic flow: the geometric mean stretch grows exponentially at the rate of the Lyapunov exponent, and the log of the principal stretch ratio, scaled by its mean and standard deviation, settles to an invariant global probability distribution and an invariant spatial distribution. These results demonstrate that chaotic flows are highly effective at stretching microstructures that do not stretch readily in regular flows, and show that the stretching ability of a chaotic flow can be concisely described, independent of the viscosity ratio of the dispersion that is being mixed.
Spectral properties of a Dirac operator in the chiral quark soliton model
Authors: Arai Asao , Hayashi Kunimitsu , Sasaki Itaru
Published: April 2005

We consider a Dirac operator H acting in the Hilbert space L2(R3;C4)⊗C2, which describes a Hamiltonian of the chiral quark soliton model in nuclear physics. The mass term of H is a matrix-valued function formed out of a function F:R3→R, called a profile function, and a vector field n on R3, which fixes pointwise a direction in the isospin space of the pion. We first show that, under suitable conditions, H may be regarded as a generator of a supersymmetry. In this case, the spectra of H are symmetric with respect to the origin of R. We then identify the essential spectrum of H under some condition for F. For a class of profile functions F, we derive an upper bound for the number of discrete eigenvalues of H. Under suitable conditions, we show the existence of a positive energy ground state or a negative energy ground state for a family of scaled deformations of H. A symmetry reduction of H is also discussed. Finally a unitary transformation of H is given, which may have a physical interpretation.
Local measurement of surface states energy distribution in semiconductors using Kelvin probe force microscope
Authors: Saraf S. , Molotskii M. , Rosenwaks Y.
Published: April 2005

We report on a method to quantitatively measure the local energy distribution of surface states density within the band gap of semiconductors using Kelvin probe force microscopy. The method is based on scanning a cross-sectional pn junction; as the tip scans the junction, the surface states position relative to the Fermi level changes, thereby changing the surface potential. The energy distribution is then obtained by fitting the measured surface potential. The method is applied to an oxidized Si (110) surface where a quantitative states distribution across most of the bandgap is obtained.
Control of the electrical and adhesion properties of metal/organic interfaces with self-assembled monolayers
Authors: Cho Jeong Ho , Lim Jung Ah , Han Joong Tark , Jang Ho Won , Lee Jong-Lam , Cho Kilwon
Published: April 2005

With the aim of improving the electrical and adhesion properties of a noble-metal electrode (Ag)/organic interface, a SH-terminated self-assembled monolayer (SAM) that reacts with the silver atoms of the electrode was tested. Silver atoms deposited on the SH-modified surface were found to bind strongly to the terminal sulfur atoms as a result of the reaction between sulfur and silver. In contrast, silver atoms deposited onto a CH3-modified surface do not react with the SAM. The specific contact resistance of the interface between the SH-terminated surface and the silver electrode (1.31×10−2Ωcm2) was found to be much lower than that of the silver thin film deposited on the CH3-modified surface (495.58Ωcm2).
Inorganic polymer-derived tubular SiC arrays from sacrificial alumina templates
Authors: Wang Hao , Li Xiao-Dong , Kim Taek-Soo , Kim Dong-Pyo
Published: April 2005

An inorganic polymer-derived SiC array with a well-aligned tubular structure, tailored diameter, and wall thickness were prepared by using sacrificial alumina membrane as a template. After being pyrolyzed at 1250 °C, the template was etched away by treating with HF solution. The SiC tubes displayed a series of properties, such as high adsorption, high-temperature resistance, and electrically semiconductor. The SiC arrays prepared by the present methodology hold potential application in the field of optics and as a catalyst carrier due to its inherent properties.
Combinatorial method to prepare metal nanoparticles that catalyze the growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Noda Suguru , Tsuji Yoshiko , Murakami Yoichi , Maruyama Shigeo
Published: April 2005

Enhanced surface diffusion at the growth temperature of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) can cause coarsening of metal catalysts. By balancing the nominal thickness and surface diffusion length of metals, metal nanoparticles of desirable size are expected to form spontaneously under the SWNTs growth conditions. Our combinatorial method, using a library of nominally 0.001 to 1 nm thick sputter-deposited cobalt patterns, identified in a single experimental run that cobalt nanoparticles from submonolayers can catalyze the growth of high-quality SWNTs.
Neutrophils mediate immune modulation of dendritic cells through glycosylation-dependent interactions between Mac-1 and DC-SIGN
Authors: van Gisbergen Klaas P.J.M. , Sanchez-Hernandez Marta , Geijtenbeek Teunis B.H. , van Kooyk Yvette
Published: April 2005

Neutrophils are key players of the innate immune system that provide a first line of defense against invading pathogens. However, it is unknown whether neutrophils can interact with dendritic cells (DCs) to modulate adaptive immune responses. We demonstrate that neutrophils strongly cluster with immature DCs and that activated, not resting, neutrophils induce maturation of DCs that enables these DCs to trigger strong T cell proliferation and T helper type 1 polarization of T cells. This neutrophil–DC interaction is driven by the binding of the DC-specific, C-type lectin DC-SIGN to the β2-integrin Mac-1. Strikingly, DC-SIGN only interacts with Mac-1 from neutrophils, but not from other leukocytes, mainly because of specific Lewisx carbohydrates that are present on the αM chain of Mac-1 from neutrophils. Furthermore, we show that besides the formation of cellular contact, the tumor necrosis factor-α produced by activated neutrophils is essential for inducing DC maturation. Our data demonstrate that DC-SIGN and Mac-1 define a molecular pathway to establish cellular adhesion between DCs and neutrophils, thereby providing a novel cellular link between innate and adaptive immunity.
γδ T cell–induced hyaluronan production by epithelial cells regulates inflammation
Authors: Jameson Julie M. , Cauvi Gabrielle , Sharp Leslie L. , Witherden Deborah A. , Havran Wendy L.
Published: April 2005

Nonhealing wounds are a major complication of diseases such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. For efficient tissue repair, inflammatory cells must infiltrate into the damaged tissue to orchestrate wound closure. Hyaluronan is involved in the inflammation associated with wound repair and binds the surface of leukocytes infiltrating damaged sites. Skin γδ T cells play specialized roles in keratinocyte proliferation during wound repair. Here, we show that γδ T cells are required for hyaluronan deposition in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and subsequent macrophage infiltration into wound sites. We describe a novel mechanism of control in which γδ T cell–derived keratinocyte growth factors induce epithelial cell production of hyaluronan. In turn, hyaluronan recruits macrophages to the site of damage. These results demonstrate a novel function for skin γδ T cells in inflammation and provide a new perspective on T cell regulation of ECM molecules.
Collection development for the “chip” generation and beyond
Authors: Sullivan Kathleen
Published: April 2005

Purpose

Explores the question: “How am I, as a baby‐boomer collection development specialist, to prepare myself to collect the library resources over the next few decades?” This question was posed partially because the author is one of those “aging” librarians one reads about in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A collection manager explores resource formats that may be in demand to meet changing user expectations.

Findings

Many of these expectations are driven by technology and the advent and popularity of computer games. Librarians will need to look first at the functions users seek and then help them to match the format(s) that best meet these needs. Collection managers will have to identify a variety of resources, offer access across disciplinary lines and provide access, as much as possible, on a 24/7 basis.

Originality/value

All of the formats discussed, and more, will be part of future libraries’ collections. Not all formats or functions will be required by all of our users. However, there cannot be any doubt that function, rather than format, will dictate the look and feel of future library collections.
Developing criteria for the withdrawal of print content available online
Authors: Stowell Bracke Marianne , Martin Jim
Published: April 2005

Purpose

Limited physical and financial resources and changing customer behaviors compelled the University of Arizona Science‐Engineering Library to pursue more flexible collection management options, such as removing print copies of journals as the library purchased the electronic backfiles. The purpose of this paper is to describe a process used at the library to compare electronic journals to their print counterparts.

Design/methodology/approach

The library's approach was to study the electronic content provided through Elsevier's ScienceDirect for completeness and quality of text and images. This was to ensure that the removal of print would minimally impact library customers while reclaiming building space that could be better utilized to meet changing customer needs.

Findings

The process uncovered the reality that the electronic backfiles were not always adequate substitutes for print copies. In response, it was necessary to open a dialogue with the publisher to share the library's findings that resulted in improved electronic backfiles.

Originality/value

This paper weighs the advantages and disadvantages of taking a transformational approach to collection management.
The collection policy reborn: a practical application of web‐based documentation
Authors: Corrigan Andy
Published: April 2005

Purpose

Aims to compare and contrast different collection policies and shows a practical application of web‐based documentation.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is a case study and general review that discusses how significant numbers of libraries today are posting collection policies on the web, how these policies may differ in form and practice from those of the past, and how the Howard‐Tilton Memorial Library at Tulane University developed and applied one such policy of its own. It also discusses examples of relevant literature and other collection policy web sites.

Findings

Its implications point to the value of developing sets of narrative collection policy statements focusing on specific academic disciplines and of beginning the policy‐making process with an assessment of the academic profile of the university that the library supports.

Originality/value

General discussion of collection policies has been absent from the literature for some time and the article should be valuable to those libraries without collection policies or those with older printed policies languishing in file cabinets.
International marketing research
Authors: Robson Matthew J.
Published: April 2005

Purpose

To investigate the state of the international marketing literature in terms of its ability to offer managers with fine‐grained insights into marketing strategy effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual study based on insights into advances in international marketing research.

Findings

Contingency accounts of strategy effectiveness are persuasive in the international marketing literature. But areas of research (e.g. the trust‐performance literature) have been slow to identify and discuss contingencies inherent in foreign marketplace ventures.

Practical implications

Practitioners would be advised to consider the degree to which empirical research on international marketing strategy accounts for contextual complexity. Scholarly research should cover not only “whether” an international marketing strategy is productive, but crucially “when” the strategy is productive.

Originality/value

Suggests different areas of international marketing research are at different stages of theoretical development. Usefulness of academic findings may be linked to the level of development of the contingency framework within an international marketing stream.
LIBS range extended through the use of a transportable terawatt laser system
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: April 2005

Purpose

This article provides details of recent research in France and Germany which has extended the operational range of the laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique through the use of a transportable terawatt laser, the “Teramobile”.

Design/methodology/approach

The high power of the Teramobile's laser generates self‐guided filaments of light which overcome the diffraction limit that restricts the range of conventional pulsed laser sources in air to around 100 m. The system can deliver laser intensities of around 1013 W/cm2 to locations at a distance of several kilometer without focusing. It has been used in a variant of the LIBS technique termed remote filament‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (R‐FIBS).

Findings

Experiments have shown that the R‐FIBS technique can analyse metal samples for elemental composition at a range of up to 180 m. Further work offers prospects to extend the range to as much as 1 km.

Originality/value

This research illustrates that a transportable terawatt laser can be used as the source in the new R‐FIBS technique, suggesting many remote sensing analytical applications such as environmental monitoring, detecting chemical and biological warfare agents, monitoring the composition of molten metals and identifying radioactive waste.
Structural integrity monitoring with fibre Bragg grating sensors
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: April 2005

Purpose

This paper describes a recent collaborative project involving the development of a multiplexed fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensor system for structural integrity monitoring.

Design/methodology/approach

The system is described and field trials on both conventional and novel composite bridges are discussed. A FBG sensor‐based structural monitoring system was developed, based on a fluorescent fibre as the optical source. It used a tuneable, fibre‐coupled, Fabry‐Perot filter, actuated by piezoelectric transducers and operated over the bandwidth of the source at up to 250 scans/second. Light from the source was filtered and reflected back from the Bragg gratings, through optical couplers, to eight photodiode detectors. These detected the resulting time‐domain spectra of the sensors in each of the serially connected sensor arrays. The system was tested at City University and then subjected to trials on the Mjosund road bridge in Norway and on West Mill bridge in Oxfordshire, UK, which is the first bridge to be fabricated from a new type of composite material.

Findings

During the Norwegian trials the system was arranged with four or five FBG sensors per channel giving a total of 32 measurement points with eight parallel channels. Twelve conventional foil strain gauges and a number of thermocouples were also installed. Different static and dynamic loads were applied over a period of 18 months and the results showed that the thermally compensated strain data obtained optically matched those from the resistive gauges to within <5 με. During the construction stage of the Oxfordshire bridge, sections of the decking and longitudinal composite support beams were instrumented with 40 FBG sensors with temperature compensation, placed at pre‐selected sites of maximum strain. These exhibited a resolution of ±5 με and an operating range of over ±2,000 με.

Originality/value

This research has shown that multiplexed, multi‐point FBG sensor systems can accurately and reliably monitor both static and dynamic strains in large structures over a range of temperatures and for extended periods of time.
Computer screen pointer using intelligent colour sensing systems
Authors: Urwin‐Wright S.D. , Sanders D.A. , Tewkesbury G.E.
Published: April 2005

Purpose

A novel sensor system is described that can replace the need to use a touch screen, mouse or keyboard for use with either a thin film transistor (TFT) or cathode ray tube (CRT) screen.

Design/methodology/approach

A tri‐colour photodiode in a colour sensor pen (CSP) is used as an input to depict where a user is pointing by detecting a dynamic kaleidoscope of colours flashed onto the screen. The most easily detected colours are placed around the predicted position of the sensor. The output from the sensor is filtered and transmitted to a computer where colour is translated into a corresponding co‐ordinate. An artificial neural network (ANN) ensures that optimum colours are placed closest to the sensor by predicting future pointer position.

Findings

The CSP successfully provided an input that depicted where a user was pointing. Sensors tested were not able to differentiate more than 28 colours on a TFT screen but an ANN system made them more accurate. Hue and Saturation were successfully used to model colour in a two‐dimensional colour grid as they were unaffected by brightness. The sensor output was successfully converted into a co‐ordinate and used to move a cursor. The kaleidoscope of colours was dynamic as it changed size and colour to increase accuracy. The ANN successfully predicted future positions to assist the sensor in making optimum colour detections. The best predictions of future positions were obtained with four and eight hidden neurons and there did not appear to be any significant advantage in training with more than 2,000 epochs. The system has performed satisfactorily for various inputs.

Research limitations/implications

The novel light pen works on TFT and CRT screens. Problems included the time that colours needed to be left on a screen to be detected and the limited number of colours that could reliably be detected. These were overcome by using a dynamic kaleidoscope of colours to improve colour detection and an ANN to predict future pointer positions, based on previous locations. This prediction was used to place optimum colours closest to the sensor in order to increase accuracy. Further testing is taking place to confirm that the sensor can be used at any angle.

Practical implications

The novel light pen type peripheral and intelligent colour sensing system can replace the need to use a touch screen, mouse or keyboard.

Originality/value

The new intelligent colour sensing system works on either a TFT or CRT screen. The use of the colour translation and sensor and the ANN to predict future pointer position are all novel.
Tracking and characterizing knocks atop large interactive displays
Authors: Paradiso Joseph A. , King Leo Che
Published: April 2005

Purpose

To describe the development of and experience with a system that tracks the position of knocks and taps atop a large sheet of glass for use as an inexpensive retrofit that can make large windows into interactive interfaces.

Design/methodology/approach

The structural‐acoustic wavefront coming from the impact is simultaneously recorded by four contact piezoelectric pickups mounted near the sheet's corners. A digital signal processor extracts relevant characteristics from these signals, such as amplitudes, frequency components, and differential timings, which are used to estimate the location of the hit and derive other parameters, including a degree of confidence in the position accuracy, the strike intensity and the nature of each hit (e.g. knuckle knock, metal tap, or fist bang – our system responds to any kind of impact). A set of heuristically‐guided rules are employed to compare the waveforms recorded by different sensors and determine the differential timing.

Findings

Across sensitive areas ranging up to 2×2 m, we have obtained position resolutions of σ=2.5 cm for 1/4 in. tempered glass and σ=3‐4 cm for 1 cm thick shatterproof glass. Our system delivers 65 ms latency, hence is essentially real time. The system has been installed in several public settings, and has proven to be very robust.

Research limitations/implications

Suggestions are given for doing everything in software and not using the DSP. Analytical compensation of the dispersion would probably yield better precision but require more computation time.

Practical implications

As this system requires only simple hardware, it needs no special adaptation of the glass pane, and allows all tracking transducers to be mounted on the inner surface, hence it is quite easy and inexpensive to deploy as a retrofit to existing windows. This opens many applications, such as an interactive storefront, with content controlled by knocks on the display window, an interactive museum display case, or a vending machine where one can select by tapping directly above the desired item.

Originality/value

As large displays become less costly and more common, systems like these can make them interactive. This paper details our approach.
Evaluating the efficacy of credit card regulation
Authors: Braunsberger Karin , Lucas Laurie A. , Roach Dave
Published: April 2005

Purpose

In the USA, the Federal Reserve Board (FRB) has adopted a final rule amending the Truth in Lending Act's Regulation Z, effective October 1, 2001. The present study aims to use the elaboration likelihood model to explore how consumers might respond to the revised credit card disclosure requirements, focusing specifically on college students.

Design/methodology/approach

Each subject was randomly assigned to one of two financial scenarios and asked to choose, among competing offers, the credit card that presented the “best” match to the scenario. Subsequently, all subjects completed measures designed to test hypothesized relationships within the framework of the elaboration likelihood model.

Findings

College students possess a fairly low level of knowledge of credit cards and thus are not very well equipped to make educated choices concerning such cards.

Research limitations/implications

The use of a rural student sample is a limitation and future research should investigate different populations, including those in urban and international markets.

Practical implications

Since the variable APR information appears to distract consumers from taking into account other important cost information, credit card issuers should develop solicitations that aid consumers in making knowledgeable choices.

Originality/value

The present research is the first to investigate the impact of the FRB's recently adopted final rule amending the Truth in Lending Act's Regulation Z. The findings should thus be of interest to regulators, credit card issuers, and consumer advocates.