bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of snowmelt and heavy rainfall runoff on erosion rates in a gully system, Lublin Upland, Poland
Authors: Rodzik Jan , Furtak Tomasz , Zglobicki Wojciech
Published: October 2009

The study examines water runoff and geomorphic processes within a permanent gully located in an agricultural catchment of the Lublin Upland, southeast Poland. The studies were conducted in the period 2003 to 2006, during which time the volume and intensity of precipitation were recorded and water runoff and sediment concentration at the outlet of the main gully were measured. After large surface runoff events that resulted in geomorphic effects, erosion and accumulation forms were examined. The role of snowmelt and heavy rains in the runoff of water and suspended solids from the catchment, as well as their effect on the dynamics of certain processes such as rill erosion, piping and accumulation within the gully all were evaluated. It was observed that the gully developed spatially through piping and headcut processes during snowmelt, while the main gully form became shallower as a result of accumulation processes. Headcut erosion at the gully bottom and transport of the material out of the catchment, predominantly during pluvial runoff events, were much less intensive. It was estimated that the intensity of snowmelt runoff in the years 2003 to 2006 was similar to the multi‐annual average, while the intensity of pluvial runoff was significantly lower. An attempt was made to describe the dynamics of gully erosion and the direction of gully system evolution on a medium‐term time scale (50 to 100 years). It was found that the roles of snowmelt and heavy rains in such catchments are in opposition. Snowmelt runoff events lead to the spatial development of the gullies and make them shallower, while pluvial runoff events add to the deepening of the gully and result in transporting the material outward. These two processes keep the gully system in relative balance. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Similar solutions of stretching flow with mass transfer
Authors: Hayat T. , Awais M. , Sajid M.
Published: October 2009

This study describes the influence of mass transfer on the steady two‐dimensional magnetohydrodynamic boundary layer flow of a Jeffery fluid bounded by a stretching sheet. A uniform magnetic field in the presence of chemical reaction is applied. The arising nonlinear partial differential equations are reduced to nonlinear ordinary differential equations by similarity variables. Similar solutions of velocity and concentration fields are derived by a homotopy analysis method. The values of surface mass transfer and gradient of mass transfer are also tabulated. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accurate and efficient simulation of transport in multidimensional flow
Authors: Latorre B. , Garcia‐Navarro P. , Murillo J. , Burguete J.
Published: October 2009

A new numerical method to obtain high‐order approximations of the solution of the linear advection equation in multidimensional problems is presented. The proposed conservative formulation is explicit and based on a single updating step. Piecewise polynomial spatial discretization using Legendre polynomials provides the required spatial accuracy. The updating scheme is built from the functional approximation of the exact solution of the advection equation and a direct evaluation of the resulting integrals. The numerical details for the schemes in one and two spatial dimensions are provided and validated using a set of numerical experiments. Test cases have been oriented to the convergence and the computational efficiency analysis of the schemes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temporal and Spatial Distributions of Rotifers in Xiangxi Bay of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China
Authors: Zhou Shuchan , Huang Xiangfei , Cai Qinghua
Published: October 2009

From July 2003 to June 2005, investigations of rotifer temporal and spatial distributions were car‐ried out in a bay of the Three Gorges Reservoir, Xiangxi Bay, which is the downstream segment of the Xiangxi River and the nearest bay to the Three Gorges Reservoir dam in Hubei Province, China. Thirteen sampling sites were selected. The results revealed a high species diversity, with 76 species, and 14 dominant species;i.e., Polyarthra vulgaris, Keratella cochlearis, Keratella valga, Synchaeta tremula, Synchaeta stylata, Trichocerca lophoessa, Trichocerca pusilla, Brachionus angularis, Brachionus calyciflorus, Brachionus forficula forficula, Ascomorpha ovalis, Conochilus unicornis, Ploesoma truncatum and Anuraeopsis fissa.After the first year of the reservoir impoundment, the rotifer community was dominated by ten species; one year later it was dominated by eight species. The community in 2003/2004 was dissimilar to that in 2004/2005, which resulted from the succes‐sion of the dominant species. The rotifer community exhibited a patchy distribution, with significant heterogeneity observed along the longitudinal axis. All rotifer communities could be divided into three groups, corresponding to the riverine, the transition and the lacustrine zone, respectively. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Food Resource Partitioning between Two Invasive Gobiid Species (Pisces, Gobiidae) in the Littoral Zone of the River Danube, Hungary
Authors: Borza Péter , Erős Tibor , Oertel Nándor
Published: October 2009

At present, the invasive round and bighead gobies are the most abundant benthic fish species in the near shore zone of the Middle Danube. We compared their diet seasonally in natural and artificial habitats and contrasted it with the food supply. The composition of the macroinvertebrate community was determined mainly by seasonal changes, whereas habitat type had smaller effect. Round gobies followed these changes flexibly. They consumed mainly chironomids in the spring, whilst amphipods and molluscs in the summer and autumn. Bighead gobies relied on amphipods in each season and in both habitats, and consumed fish, too, including round goby (intraguild predation). Diet overlap was determined by the morphological differences of the species allowing a varying degree of differentiation according to the seasonally changing food supply. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Temperature‐Dependent Growth and Life Cycle of Nemoura sichuanensis (Plecoptera: Nemouridae) in a Chinese Mountain Stream
Authors: Li Fengqing , Cai Qinghua , Liu Jiankang
Published: October 2009

Plecoptera constitute a numerically and ecologically significant component in mountain streams all over the world, but little is known of their life cycles in Asia. The life cycle of Nemoura sichuanensis and its relationship to water temperature was investigated during a 4‐year study in a headwater stream (known as the Jiuchong torrent) of the Xiangxi River in Central China. Size structure histograms suggest that the life cycle was univoltine, and the relationships between the growth of Nemoura sichuanensis, physiological time, and effective accumulated water temperature were described using logistic regressions. The growth pattern was generally similar within year classes but growth rates did vary between year‐classes. Our field data suggest a critical thermal threshold for emergence in Nemoura sichuanensis, that was close to 9 °C. The total number of physiological days required for completing larval development was 250 days. The effective accumulated water temperature was 2500 degree‐days in the field. Development during the life cycle increased somewhat linearly with the physiological time and the effective accumulated water temperature, but some non‐linear relationships were best developed by logistic equations. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Core binding factor at the crossroads: Determining the fate of the HSC
Authors: Link Kevin A. , Chou Fu‐Sheng , Mulloy James C.
Published: October 2009

Hematopoietic development requires coordinated actions from a variety of transcription factors. The core binding factor (CBF), consisting of a Runx protein and the CBFβ protein, is a transcription factor complex that is essential for emergence of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) from an endothelial cell stage. The hematopoietic defects observed in either Runx1 or CBFβ knockout mice underscore the necessity of this complex for definitive hematopoiesis. Despite the requirement for CBF in establishing definitive hematopoiesis, Runx1 loss has minimal impact on maintaining the HSC state postnatally, while CBFβ may continue to be essential. Lineage commitment, on the other hand, is significantly affected upon CBF loss in the adult, indicating a primary role for this complex in modulating differentiation. Given the impact of normal CBF function in the hematopoietic system, the severe consequences of disrupting CBF activity, either through point mutations or generation of fusion genes, are obvious. The physiologic role of CBF in differentiation is subverted to an active process of self‐renewal maintenance by the genetic aberrations, through several possible mechanisms, contributing to the development of hematopoietic malignancies including myelodysplastic syndrome and leukemia. The major impact of CBF on the hematopoietic system in both development and disease highlights the need for understanding the intricate functions of this complex and reiterate the necessity of continued efforts to identify potential points of therapeutic intervention for CBF‐related diseases. J. Cell. Physiol. 222:50–56, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of non‐zein proteins in BR473 maize protein bodies by LC‐nanoESI‐MS/MS
Authors: Bicudo Rogério Campos , Bicudo Tatiana Campos , Forato Lucimara A. , Titato Guilherme M. , Colnago Luiz A. , Lanças Fernando M.
Published: October 2009

The nutritional value of maize seed is limited due to its high content of storage proteins (zeins), which are deficient in essential amino acids such as lysine and tryptophan. In a previous paper, we showed that protein bodies obtained from BR473 maize variety, developed by Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation), were mainly constituted by Z27 and a smaller quantity of Z50 γ‐zeins. Besides zein proteins, other not identified protein band in the SDS/PAGE was also observed, which could indicate the presence of non‐zein proteins additionally to γ‐zeins. In the present paper, we have demonstrated the presence of non‐zein proteins in BR473 maize protein bodies by LC‐nanoESI‐MS/MS and database searching. This fact could be related to the excellent energetic value and higher protein quality of BR473 maize grains, since high lysine concentration in some maize varieties has been related to the presence of cytoskeleton proteins that are non‐zeins. We have identified the following proteins: Brittle‐1 protein (chloroplast precursor), Legumin‐1, glyceroldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, and elongation factor 1‐α.
Study on the migration of bisphenol‐A from baby bottles by stir bar sorptive extraction‐thermal desorption‐capillary GC‐MS
Authors: De Coensel Nathalie , David Frank , Sandra Pat
Published: October 2009

Migration of bisphenol‐A (BPA), the principal monomer of polycarbonate (PC) baby bottles, was investigated using an aqueous migration simulant. BPA was determined in 200 mL water samples using stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) after in situ derivatization with acetic acid anhydride followed by thermal desorption (TD)‐capillary GC‐MS. The concentration of BPA was calculated using the deuterated internal standard d6‐BPA. Calibration for BPA was shown to be linear in a concentration range from 1 ng/L to 10 μg/L with a correlation coefficient >0.99. The LOD for BPA (as acetate) was 0.12 ng/L and LOQ 0.40 ng/L (ppt). PC bottles were heated in a water bath and in a microwave oven at four different temperatures (37, 53, 65, and 85°C). The higher the temperature, the more the BPA was released, and after a few heating cycles, the released concentrations became constant. At normal use, i.e. at 37°C, concentrations are ca. 10 ng/L. No significant difference was noted between water bath and microwave heating illustrating that migration of BPA is mainly temperature dependent.
The relevance of epigenetics to PTSD: Implications for the DSM‐V
Authors: Yehuda Rachel , Bierer Linda M.
Published: October 2009

Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, can occur in response to environmental influences to alter the functional expression of genes in an enduring and potentially, intergenerationally transmissible manner. As such, they may explain interindividual variation, as well as the long‐lasting effects of trauma exposure. Although there are currently no findings that suggest epigenetic modifications that are specific to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or PTSD risk, many recent observations are compatible with epigenetic explanations. These include recent findings of stress‐related gene expression, in utero contributions to infant biology, the association of PTSD risk with maternal PTSD, and the relevance of childhood adversity to the development of PTSD. The relevance of epigenetic mechanisms to formulations of PTSD for the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐V) is described.
Friction reduction in rolling bearing by using polymer additives
Authors: Bercea Maria , Bercea Mihai
Published: October 2009

The friction torque on the outer ring of a tapered roller bearing has been experimentally measured for a mineral oil (base oil), as well as for samples of the base oil additived with low‐density polyethylene. The data show an important reduction of friction by introducing the polymer into the base oil due to the film formed by the adsorption of macromolecular coils on the solid surface. The effectiveness of macromolecular additive contribution to friction behaviour is described in terms of polymer efficiency, which shows maximum values at low polymer concentrations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The spacing effect in marketing: A review of extant findings and directions for future research
Authors: Noel Hayden , Vallen Beth
Published: October 2009

The spacing effect refers to the advantage in memory for information repeated at separate points in time over information repeated in massed fashion. This phenomenon has been extensively studied in psychology and has a wide scope of application. In spite of its possible applications, particularly related to advertising effectiveness, the spacing effect and its underlying theories have received limited attention in marketing. Evidence suggests that encoding variability theory, the one most frequently cited in marketing to explain the spacing effect, cannot explain existing empirical evidence as well as two other theories, reconstruction theory and study‐phase retrieval theory. This paper reviews these theories, as well as extant research, and discusses implications for advertising and directions for future research in marketing. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Face as a mediator of the relationship between material value and brand consciousness
Authors: Liao Jiangqun , Wang Lei
Published: October 2009

Although the relationship between materialism and name‐brand consumption has been documented in literature, its relational mechanism is not well addressed. It can hardly explain why people buy brand products without really knowing about the brands. In this case, people may consume brand products not for material possessions but for social needs, such as a desire to have favorable social self‐worth and to be respected in relation to others and social activities, which is defined as face (Ting‐Toomey & Kurogi, 1998). The present study explored how the relationship between materialism and brand consciousness is influenced by face. The role of face was tested both as a moderator and as a mediator. The results showed that face consciousness, material values, and brand consciousness were significantly correlated but did not exhibit significant interaction. Multiple regression analyses support face not as a moderator, but as a partial mediator. The results provide new insights into the mechanisms of how materialism and face influence brand consciousness differently. The theoretical meaning and implications for marketing management are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Outcome of active disease in ankylosing spondylitis: A prospective study
Authors: Martindale J. , Smith J. , Grennan D. , Goodacre L. , Goodacre J.A.
Published: October 2009

Background: People with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) typically experience episodic exacerbations, but the extent to which they subsequently experience a sustained reduction in disease markers below recognized thresholds for active disease is unclear.

Objective: To investigate changes in, and associations between, disease markers over 18 months in people with active AS.

Methods: Within a cohort of 89 participants with AS, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) scores of 4 or higher were used to identify those with active disease. Standard assessment tools were used to monitor participants prospectively at four consecutive six‐monthly intervals. Participants received standard treatments but none received anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNFα) medication during the study.

Results: The median age of the cohort was 50 years (inter‐quartile range [IQR] 38.5–55.5), the median age of disease onset was 25 years (IQR 18–33) and the median disease duration was 18 years (IQR 13–27). Forty‐seven (53%) participants had a BASDAI score of 4 or higher on the first assessment, of whom 45 (51%) scored 4 or higher on all subsequent assessments. Furthermore, 38 (43%) and 16 (18%) participants scored BASDAI 5 or 6, respectively, or higher, throughout. BASDAI scores correlated strongly with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) scores. Compared with 19 (21%) participants whose BASDAI scores were consistently below 4 throughout, participants with persistently high BASDAI scores showed higher scores for anxiety and depression, and some evidence of functional deterioration during the study period.

Conclusions: In this cohort, disease markers in most people with active AS were sustained above the standard threshold for active disease. This has important implications for planning care pathways and for optimal utilization of anti‐TNFα treatment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frequency and predictors of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in myotonic dystrophy
Authors: Shieh Kenneth , Gilchrist James M. , Promrat Kittichai
Published: October 2009

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disease that is strongly associated with insulin resistance. Myotonic dystrophy (DM1) is the most common form of adult‐onset muscular dystrophy, and there is a high frequency of insulin resistance due to insulin receptor mRNA splicing defects in muscle tissue. The frequency and predictors of NAFLD in this population have not been described. Thirty‐six patients with DM1 were prospectively assessed for the presence of NAFLD and insulin resistance. NAFLD was defined by abnormal liver chemistry tests with ultrasound or pathologic evidence of steatosis in the absence of other liver disease. Abnormal liver chemistry tests were found in 44% of DM1 patients (mean ALT 73 ± 21 U/L, AST 53 ± 15 U/L), and 87% were attributable to NAFLD. Clinical predictors of NAFLD included increased insulin resistance by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) method (9.5 vs. 4.0 U,P= 0.03), elevated fasting insulin (40.4 vs. 16.1 μIU/ml,P= 0.03), abdominal obesity (98.6 vs. 90.8 cm,P= 0.03), elevated triglycerides (195.7 vs. 136.8 mg/dl,P= 0.02), and elevated total cholesterol (213.6 vs. 180.6 mg/dl,P= 0.02). NAFLD is very common and should be considered in the management of DM1. It is strongly associated with markers of insulin resistance and features of the metabolic syndrome. These findings support the role of peripheral insulin resistance in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Muscle Nerve, 2010
A two‐echelon inventory‐location problem with service considerations
Authors: Mak Ho‐Yin , Shen Zuo‐Jun Max
Published: October 2009

We study the problem of designing a two‐echelon spare parts inventory system consisting of a central plant and a number of service centers each serving a set of customers with stochastic demand. Processing and storage capacities at both levels of facilities are limited. The manufacturing process is modeled as a queuing system at the plant. The goal is to optimize the base‐stock levels at both echelons, the location of service centers, and the allocation of customers to centers simultaneously, subject to service constraints. A mixed integer nonlinear programming model (MINLP) is formulated to minimize the total expected cost of the system. The problem is NP‐hard and a Lagrangian heuristic is proposed. We present computational results and discuss the trade‐off between cost and service. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 2009
Optical macromolecular indoaniline indicators for vinyl‐SiH curing of silicones for dental application
Authors: Bardts Mareike , Ritter Helmut , Sohr Volker
Published: October 2009

In this paper we present a poly siloxane containing covalently bound indoaniline dye, which decolorizes during reaction with a poly siloxane bearing vinyl and Si‐H groups in the presence of a Karstedt catalyst. Poly siloxane bearing indoaniline endgroups were prepared from (2‐allyl‐4‐(4‐(ethyl(2‐hydroxyethyl)amino)phenylimino)‐ 6‐methoxycyclohexa‐2,5‐dienone respectively 2‐allyl‐4‐(4‐(ethyl(2‐hydroxyethyl)amino)phenylimino)cyclohexa‐2,5‐ dienone) and Si‐H terminated poly siloxane. The structure was verified by IR‐, 1H‐NMR spectroscopy, and MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. The obtained blue colored poly siloxane is suitable as dye indicator for crosslinking, for example, for a time‐controlled preparation of dental impressions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High incidence of hearing loss in long‐term survivors of multisystem Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Nanduri Vasanta , Tatevossian Ruth , Sirimanna Tony
Published: October 2009

Background

Ear involvement in the acute phase of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is commonly seen and well documented, but the long‐term sequelae are less well described, particularly in relation to hearing loss.

Methods

We investigated 40 patients with biopsy‐proven multisystem LCH >5 years from the end of treatment, using detailed audiological assessment and CT/MRI imaging of the petrous temporal bones.

Results

The incidence of ear involvement in the acute phase of disease was 70%. Fifteen of the 39 patients tested (38%) had residual permanent hearing loss at long‐term follow‐up.

Conclusions

The incidence of hearing loss is much higher than has previously been reported in LCH, and may reflect a referral bias of young (<2 years) and more complex patients to our tertiary centre. However, the hearing loss appears to be highly specific to this patient group when compared to other long‐term survivors of childhood cancers, probably due to the propensity of LCH to involve the ears. We therefore recommend audiology testing as an important part of long‐term follow‐up for patients with multisystem LCH. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:449–453. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outcome of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia with induction failure treated by the Japan Association of Childhood Leukemia Study (JACLS) ALL F‐protocol
Authors: Suzuki Nobuhiro , Yumura‐Yagi Keiko , Yoshida Makoto , Hara Junichi , Nishimura Shinichiro , Kudoh Tooru , Tawa Akio , Usami Ikuya , Tanizawa Akihiko , Hori Hiroki , Ito Yasuhiko , Miyaji Ryosuke , Oda Megumi , Kato Koji , Hamamoto Kazuko , Osugi Yuko , Hashii Yoshiko , Nakahata Tatsutoshi , Horibe Keizo
Published: October 2009

Background

Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who fail to achieve complete remission (CR) after induction therapy (induction failure: IF) have a poor prognosis; however, there have been few prospective studies in patients with IF.

Patients and Methods

Between April 1997 and March 2005, 27 of 1,237 leukemic patients (2.2%) failed to achieve CR after four‐ or five‐drug induction therapy. Twenty‐three of these patients entered the F‐protocol study, which mainly consisted of acute‐myeloid‐leukemia‐oriented chemotherapy followed by scheduled hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).

Results

Seventeen (73.9%) of the 23 patients responded to re‐induction chemotherapy with CR. Of note, 15 (93.8%) of 16 patients with Philadelphia‐chromosome‐negative (non‐Ph+) ALL achieved CR; in contrast, only 2 (28.6%) of 7 Ph+ patients achieved CR. Fourteen (82.4%) of 17 patients remained in CR (CCR) until their scheduled HCT, 12 of the 14 with CCR underwent HCT as scheduled, and 6 patients remain in first CR after a median of 78 months (range, 49–107 months). The 5‐year overall survival (OS) rates of 16 patients with non‐Ph+ and 7 patients with Ph+ were 43.8 ± 12.4% and 14.3 ± 13.2%, respectively (P = 0.012). The 5‐year OS rate of the 17 patients who obtained CR by re‐induction therapy and the 6 who did not were 47.1 ± 12.1% and 0%, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Acute‐myeloid‐leukemia‐oriented chemotherapy followed by scheduled HCT is a promising treatment strategy for non‐Ph+ ALL patients with IF. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010; 54:71–78. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhancement of the properties of EPDM/NBR elastomers using nanoclay for seal applications
Authors: Ghassemieh Elaheh
Published: October 2009

In this research, we have investigated the effects of addition of different percentages of nanoclay to the ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) on the characteristics of these rubbers as seal material. Properties such as tensile strength, modulus at different extensions, elongation at break, compressive set, hardness, and permeability and abrasion resistance are tested to assess the effect of addition of the nanoclay. Results indicate that addition of nanoclay at certain compositions could slightly reduce the strength of the rubber. However more stable modulus at different strains are provided, the hardness of the rubber is preserved and slightly enhanced, the permeability is reduced in both rubbers especially considerable decrease in EPDM is observed which is desirable in diminishing the effect of explosive decompression. At the same time the compression test shows that the nanoclay improves the performance of the rubbers under compression which is essential in seal application. The X‐ray diffraction tests clarify that the dispersion of the nanoclay in the NBR samples is of high quality. In the EPDM samples, the dispersion is in need of improvement. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Polystyrene/CaCO3 composites with different CaCO3 radius and different nano‐CaCO3 content—structure and properties
Authors: Zha Linlin , Fang Zhengping
Published: October 2009

The Archimedes' principle and physical theory are attempted to analysis the densification and structure of the polystyrene (PS) composites by melt compounding with CaCO3 having different particle size. The difference between the measured specific volume (ν) andthe theoretically calculated specific volume (νmix), Δν = ν−νmix, can reflect the densification of the composites. It is clearly demonstrated that the PS composites become more condensed with the reduction of the CaCO3 particle size. Especially, when the content for nano‐CaCO3 achieves 2 wt%, the Δν value of the composites reaches the least, which shows the best densification. Meanwhile, the glass transition temperature (Tg) reaches the maximum value of about 100°C by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal mechanical analysis (TMA), which indirectly reveals the composites microstructure more condensed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveal that 2 wt% nano‐CaCO3 uniformly disperses in PS composites. The CaCO3 selected in this experiment has certain toughening effect on PS. The impact and tensile strength increase with addition of nano‐CaCO3, but the elongation at break decreases. When nano‐CaCO3 content achieved 2 wt%, the impact and tensile strength present the maximum value of 1.63 KJ/m2 and 44.5 MPa, which is higher than the pure PS and the composites filled with the same content of micro‐CaCO3. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1258–1264, 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fetal sex assignment by first trimester ultrasound: a Tunisian experience
Authors: Chelli Dalenda , Methni Ahlem , Dimassi Kaouther , Boudaya Fethia , Sfar Ezzedine , Zouaoui Béchir , Chelli Hela , Chennoufi Mohamed Badis
Published: October 2009

Objective

To assess the feasibility and accuracy of fetal sex identification during the first trimester ultrasound exam.

Methods

A prospective study was carried out on 312 fetuses at 11–14 weeks' gestation. The genital region was examined by transabdominal ultrasound. The angle of the genital tubercle to a horizontal line through the lumbosacral skin was measured. Fetal gender was assigned as male if this angle was > 30° and female when it was < 10°.

Results

Sex assignment was feasible in 89.7% and accurate in 85.7% of fetuses. Accuracy was similar in males as in females (87.9% vs 83.3%; NS). However, accuracy increased significantly during the gestational age period in male (Chi‐square for trend P = 0.03) but not in female (P = 0.41) fetuses. Compared with singletons, presence of multiple fetuses (n = 12) did not influence feasibility or accuracy (89.2% vs 96% and 85.6% vs 86.4% respectively). In male fetuses, there was a significant increase in the angle of the genital tubercle with increasing crown‐rump length(CRL) (r = 0.667; p = 0.025), while in females the angle did not significantly change with increasing gestation.

Conclusion

Sonographic first trimester sex assignment is highly feasible and accurate. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PP13 mRNA expression in the cellular component of maternal blood as a marker for preeclampsia
Authors: Shimizu Hanako , Sekizawa Akihiko , Purwosunu Yuditiya , Nakamura Masamitsu , Farina Antonio , Rizzo Nicola , Okai Takashi
Published: October 2009

Objective

To assess the PP13 expression in the cellular component of blood in both preeclamptic patients and asymptomatic pregnant women during the early second trimester.

Methods

In the case–control study, peripheral blood samples were obtained from pregnant women with preeclampsia (n = 24) and controls (n = 22). PP13 RNA expression was quantified in the cellular component of the blood by reverse transcription PCR assay. Next, as a cohort study of asymptomatic pregnant women at early gestation, cellular RNA from 41 cases who developed preeclampsia at later gestation and 123 cases of control were analysed, and the possibility of prediction of preeclampsia was assessed.

Results

In symptomatic patients, PP13 level in preeclampsia was significantly lower than that in controls (p < 0.001). In the asymptomatic pregnant women, the PP13 level in preeclampsia was significantly lower than that in the controls (p = 0.008). A receiver‐operating characteristics (ROC) curve yielded a detection rate of 24 and 31% at a false positive rate of 5 and 10% respectively.

Conclusion

An alteration in the cellular PP13 RNA expression would affect the placental pathophysiological change. The cellular PP13 expression level could therefore potentially be one of the key markers to predict the clinical onset of preeclampsia. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of a first‐trimester prediction model for pre‐eclampsia based on uterine arteries and maternal history in high‐risk pregnancies
Authors: Herraiz I. , Arbués J. , Camaño I. , Gómez‐Montes E. , Grañeras A. , Galindo A.
Published: October 2009

Objective

To assess the value of a prediction model for pre‐eclampsia (PE) in the first trimester (Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2007;30:742–794) for the prediction of late (>34 weeks) and early (≤34 weeks) PE in a high‐risk population.

Methods

Longitudinal study performed in 152 high‐risk pregnancies with at least one high‐risk condition: previous PE, hypertension, pregestational diabetes, renal disease, obesity, hyperlipidemia, autoimmune disorders, thrombophilia or recurrent pregnancy loss. Mean uterine artery pulsatility index at 11 to 13 + 6 weeks and a series of maternal variables were combined in order to obtain the estimated ‘a posteriori risk for PE’ in each woman. This risk for unaffected women was compared with that for patients who subsequently developed late and early PE. The performance of such approach was described by receiver‐operating characteristic curves.

Results

Late PE developed in 13 (8.6%) pregnancies and early PE in seven (4.6%). The median ‘a posteriori risk for PE’ in the unaffected, late PE, and early PE groups was 0.62%, 1.22%, and 2.49% (P < 0.01), respectively. For a false‐positive rate of 10%, the detection rates of late and early PE were 23.1 and 42.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

This referenced model shows a modest performance when applied to high‐risk women. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystallin distribution patterns in concentric layers from toad eye lenses
Authors: Keenan Jonathan , Elia Giuliano , Dunn Michael J. , Orr David F. , Pierscionek Barbara K.
Published: October 2009

Protein distribution patterns across eye lenses from the Asiatic toadBufo gargarizanswere investigated and individual crystallin classes characterised. Special fractionation that follows the growth mode of the lens was used to yield nine fractions corresponding to layers laid down at different chronological (developmental) stages. Proportions of soluble and insoluble crystallins within each fraction were measured by Bradford assay. Water‐soluble proteins in all fractions were separated by size‐exclusion HPLC and constituents of each class further characterised by electrophoresis, RP‐HPLC and MS analysis. In outer lens layers, α‐crystallin is the most abundant soluble protein but is not found in soluble proteins in the lens centre. Water‐soluble β‐crystallins also decrease from their highest level in the outer lens to negligible mounts in the central lens. The proportion of soluble γ‐crystallin increases significantly towards the lens centre where this is the only soluble protein present. Insoluble protein levels increase significantly towards the lens centre. InB. gargarizanslenses, as with other anurans, the predominant water‐soluble protein class is γ‐crystallin. No taxon‐specific crystallins were found. The relationship between the protein distribution patterns and the functional properties of the lens this species is discussed.
Strongly electron deficient sulfonyldithioformate based RAFT agents for hetero Diels‐Alder conjugation: Computational design and experimental evaluation
Authors: Nebhani Leena , Sinnwell Sebastian , Lin Ching Yeh , Coote Michelle L. , Stenzel Martina H. , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher
Published: October 2009

The synthesis of a novel class of reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agents—based on quantum‐chemical ab initio calculations—having methylsulfonyl and phenylsulfonyl moieties as Z‐group is described. The resulting C‐sulfonyldithioformate transfer agents [benzyl methylsulfonyldithioformate (MSDTF) and benzyl phenylsulfonyldithioformate (PSDTF)] feature extremely strong electron deficient CS double bonds and should thus be suitable to undergo rapid hetero Diels‐Alder (HDA) reactions with variable dienes under mild (i.e., ambient and catalyst free) reaction conditions. It can be demonstrated via a series of model reactions, whose outcome is monitored via electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI–MS), that C‐sulfonyldithioformate based RAFT agents undergo HDA reactions with a series of diene‐capped macromolecules (10 min < reaction time < 24 h) at ambient temperatures (T ≈ 25 °C) with reaction times ranging from 24 h (for open chain dienes) to a few minutes (for cyclopentadiene) in the absence of any catalysts. Concomitantly, PSDTF is able to efficiently mediate the polymerization of isobornyl acrylate (iBA) with living characteristics (2300 < Mn (g/mol) < 16,000, 1.08 < PDI < 1.31). In a subsequent step, it is demonstrated that conjugates of poly(iBA) and polystyrene can be constructed under mild reaction conditions (reaction time < 10 min, T ≈ 25 °C, Mn ≈ 6000 (g/mol), PDI ≈ 1.3, no catalyst). In addition, we highlight that sulfonyldithioformate type RAFT agents are such effective dienophiles that they can undergo HDA reactions with certain monomers, including styrene. While such a strong HDA activity limits their use in polymerizations, it opens an avenue for catalyst free efficient surface modification reactions under mild conditions with variable dienes. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6053–6071, 2009
Monitoring ultrathin film photopolymerization of tetra‐alkylepoxyporphyrin by UV‐Vis spectroscopy
Authors: Lintinen Kalle , Storbacka Linda , Efimov Alexander , Hietala Sami , Ahorinta Risto , Tkachenko Nikolai , Lemmetyinen Helge
Published: October 2009

Cationic photopolymerization is a convenient in situ polymerization method for organic thin film preparation. In this work, the polymerization mechanisms is applied for highly viscous cross‐linking monomers, using tetra‐alkylepoxyporphyrin (TAEP) as a case study. By comparing the UV‐Vis spectra of the polymerized sample before and after the unreacted monomers have been dissolved, it is possible to estimate the polymerization yield. An IR spectrum of a reference thick film confirms full polymerization. Scanning fluorescence lifetime microscopy and AFM show the uniformity of the polymer. It was shown that photopolymerization is highly dependent on the substrate nature and requires at best case a 10 min illumination at 90 °C. Thermal polymerization of the same sample requires 10 min heating at 150 °C in dark. It was also shown that TAEP works as a self‐sensitizer for cationic photopolymerization. The proposed method is a mild and versatile technique for in situ preparation of thin polymeric films directly from chromophore monomers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6095–6103, 2009
Dual linearized gravity in D = 6 coupled to a purely spin‐two field of mixed symmetry (2,2)
Authors: Bizdadea C. , Cioroianu E.M. , Saliu S.O. , Băbălîc E.M.
Published: October 2009

Under the hypotheses of analyticity, locality, Lorentz covariance, and Poincaré invariance of the deformations, combined with the requirement that the interaction vertices contain at most two spatiotemporal derivatives of the fields, we investigate the consistent interactions between a single massless tensor field with the mixed symmetry (3,1) and one massless tensor field with the mixed symmetry (2,2). The computations are done with the help of the deformation theory based on a cohomological approach, in the context of the antifield‐BRST formalism. Our result is that dual linearized gravity in D = 6 gets coupled to a purely spin‐two field with the mixed symmetry of the Riemann tensor such that both the gauge transformations and first‐order reducibility relations in the (3,1) sector are changed, but not the gauge algebra.
Synthesis and mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes produced by the water assisted CVD process
Authors: Smajda R. , Andresen J. C. , Duchamp M. , Meunier R. , Casimirius S. , Hernádi K. , Forró L. , Magrez A.
Published: October 2009

Catalyst activity during the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) growth by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is enhanced when water, a weak oxidizer, is introduced together with the carbon source. The height as well as the CNTs density can be controlled by fine‐tuning the water content. The characterization of the mechanical properties of CNTs produced by the water assisted CVD process clearly indicates that high quality materials are produced. CNTs with diameter smaller than 12 nm exhibit Young's modulus higher than 400 GPa.
Raman characterization of MoS2 microtube
Authors: Virsek Marko , Krause Matthias , Kolitsch Andreas , Remškar Maja
Published: October 2009

A MoS2 microtube synthesized by chemical transport reaction was studied by Raman line scan mapping. The Raman spectrum of the MoS2 microtube closely resembles that of a MoS2 single crystal. For the first order A1g and E2g Raman modes, the same frequencies can be observed for both MoS2 microtubes and single crystals, respectively, while line widths are slightly larger in the microtube spectrum, which can be attributed to defects. In the line scan along the tube axis, the wave numbers of first order peaks are constant, while a slight up‐shift of the Raman lines is observed in a line scan perpendicular to the tube. Possible mechanisms are discussed and the heating effect is proposed. Line scan approach over the edge of an object thus enables accurate determination of positions of first order peaks in highly absorbing materials.
Damage structures in austenitic stainless steels during incubation period of void swelling
Authors: Yoshiie Toshimasa , Cao Xingzhong , Xu Qiu , Sato Koichi , Troev T. D.
Published: October 2009

The incubation period, a transient stage before the steady void swelling, in austenitic stainless steels is important, because it determines the duration of service under neutron irradiation in reactors. However, most of experimental studies have been performed after void formation by transmission electron microscopy, and point defects and their clusters under the resolution limits are impossible to detect. In this study, defect structures during the incubation period were studied by using positron annihilation lifetime measurement. The formations of small vacancy clusters below 363 K and precipitates above 563 K were detected by neutron irradiation. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
He bubble formation and emission of He in irradiated Fe
Authors: Xu Qiu , Cao Xingzhong , Sato Koichi , Yoshiie Toshimasa , Iwai Takeo
Published: October 2009

The formation and stability of He bubbles in Fe irradiated with 2.5 MeV He to a dose of 1.0×1020 ions/m2 were investigated. The results of positron lifetime and coincidence Doppler broadening (CDB) measurements showed that He bubbles were formed in the He‐ion‐irradiated Fe. The growth of the He bubbles by the movement and coalescence of bubbles at temperatures higher than 773 K was detected. The He bubbles remained even at the high temperature of 1373 K. In addition, He atoms were also trapped by dislocation loops formed by the irradiation. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Positron lifetime studies of defects in α‐Fe containing helium
Authors: Troev T. , Popov E. , Staikov P. , Nankov N.
Published: October 2009

Point defects are key factor for determination of properties and characteristics of structural materials. The properties of defects in alpha Fe containing helium atoms have been investigated by model positron lifetime simulations. The electron and positron wave functions have been obtained in the local density approximation to the two‐component density functional theory. The calculated values of the positron lifetime correlate with the magnitude of the electron density. The lifetime of positrons trapped in nano‐voids increases with the size of the voids. The presence of He in the nano‐void decrease the lifetime. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Positronium state in quartz
Authors: Barbiellini B. , Platzman P. M.
Published: October 2009

The positronium state in quartz is described by a linear superposition of two states: the first describing the free positron in the crystal and the second corresponding to a positronium Bloch wavefunction in the lattice. The condition for positronium formation in the electron gas is deduced by using variational calculations of the positron binding energy to the electron system.

The self annihilation parameter κ introduced in positron lifetime experiments can be properly justified by using the mixed state. A variational method to calculate κ is proposed (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The benefit of GPS zenith delay assimilation to high‐resolution quantitative precipitation forecasts: a case‐study from COPS IOP 9
Authors: Yan X. , Ducrocq V. , Jaubert G. , Brousseau P. , Poli P. , Champollion C. , Flamant C. , Boniface K.
Published: October 2009

The benefit of assimilating high spatial and temporal resolution Global Positioning System (GPS) zenith tropospheric delay (ZTD) observations within a high‐resolution numerical weather prediction (NWP) system is evaluated during IOP 9 of the Convective and Orographically‐induced Precipitation Study (COPS) campaign. In the framework of the international COPS field experiment, which took place from June to August 2007, a dense GPS network was deployed in the Vosges mountain region in eastern France and in the Black Forest region in southwestern Germany.

GPS ZTD observations collected during the COPS field campaign, in addition to the European operational GPS data, are assimilated into the AROME/3D‐Var system. We investigate the impact of assimilating these GPS ZTD observations on the forecast of convective systems that travelled over eastern France during the three days of COPS IOP 9 (18–20 July 2007). The results show a clear positive impact on short‐range quantitative precipitation forecasts when GPS ZTD observations are assimilated. The impact is most important on 19 July 2007 (IOP 9b). The present study benefits from additional validation measurements collected during the COPS campaign. In particular we find that the assimilation of ZTD data induces changes in the low‐to‐middle tropospheric water vapour vertical structure that are consistent with water vapour measurements from radiosonde and airborne lidar.

As most of the improvement is gained by assimilating GPS ZTD observations from the European operational GPS network, this study opens up encouraging horizons for the assimilation of GPS ZTD in new high‐resolution operational NWP systems. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Quantitative Structure‐Activity Relationship (QSAR) Study with a Series of 17α‐Derivatives of Estradiol: Model for the Development of Reversible Steroid Sulfatase Inhibitors
Authors: Maltais René , Fournier Diane , Poirier Donald
Published: October 2009

Steroid sulfatase (STS) is the steroidogenic enzyme responsible for the hydrolysis of different sulfated steroids into their corresponding hydroxylated forms. This enzyme attracts our attention for its potential role in the growth of hormone‐dependent breast and prostate tumors by the transformation of inactive sulfated precursors (which are very abundant in the blood) into active sex steroids. In order to identify the parameters responsible for good affinity with the active enzyme site and thus producing a good reversible STS inhibitor, we have built a quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) model by using MDL‐QSAR software which analyzes the molecules through more than 400 molecular descriptors. A total of 65 derivatives in position 17α of estradiol with their corresponding IC50 values were used to create our QSAR model. The linear regression converged through an optimization process to a relatively simple equation described by 4 molecular descriptors (Log P, nelem, κ0 and κα3). Virtual screening of approximately 200 molecules then enabled us to direct the synthesis of new reversible STS inhibitors.