bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reply to comments on “A new formulation and solution method of electromagnetic scattering from arbitrary shaped dielectric objects”
Authors: Tezel Necmi Serkan
Published: March 2010

In a recent comment by Çayören et al.[Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52 (2010), 246], it is claimed that formulation of the article by Tezel [Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50 (2008), 2768–2772] is not correct. In this reply, it is shown that well known electromagnetic boundary condition on dielectrics can be defined differently which leads to simplification of the problem and proves that the formulation of the article by Tezel is correct. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 1459–1460, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25223
Erratum: Characterization of uni‐traveling carrier photodiodes for high‐linearity and high‐SNR applications
Authors: Wiberg Andreas O. J. , Vukusic Josip , Sunnerud Henrik , Stake Jan , Andrekson Peter A.
Published: March 2010

Originally published Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 984–987, 2010. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 1460, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25225
Exact solutions for one‐dimensional transient response of fluid‐saturated porous media
Authors: Shan Zhendong , Ling Daosheng , Ding Haojiang
Published: March 2010

Based on the Biot theory, the exact solutions for one‐dimensional transient response of single layer of fluid‐saturated porous media and semi‐infinite media are developed, in which the fluid and solid particles are assumed to be compressible and the inertial, viscous and mechanical couplings are taken into account. First, the control equations in terms of the solid displacement u and a relative displacement w are expressed in matrix form. For problems of single layer under homogeneous boundary conditions, the eigen‐values and the eigen‐functions are obtained by means of the variable separation method, and the displacement vector u is put forward using the searching method. In the case of nonhomogeneous boundary conditions, the boundary conditions are first homogenized, and the displacement field is constructed basing upon the eigen‐functions. Making use of the orthogonality of eigen‐functions, a series of ordinary differential equations with respect to dimensionless time and their corresponding initial conditions are obtained. Those differential equations are solved by the state‐space method, and the series solutions for three typical nonhomogeneous boundary conditions are developed. For semi‐infinite media, the exact solutions in integral form for two kinds of nonhomogeneous boundary conditions are presented by applying the cosine and sine transforms to the basic equations. Finally, three examples are studied to illustrate the validity of the solutions, and to assess the influence of the dynamic permeability coefficient and the fluid inertia to the transient response of porous media. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bifurcation analysis for a rate‐sensitive, non‐associative, three‐invariant, isotropic/kinematic hardening cap plasticity model for geomaterials: Part I. Small strain
Authors: Regueiro R. A. , Foster C. D.
Published: March 2010

Localized deformations such as shear bands, compaction bands, dilation bands, combined shear/compaction or shear/dilation bands, fractures, and joint slippage are commonly found in geomaterials like soil and rock. Thus, modeling their inception, development, and propagation, and effect on mechanical response of the body or structure is important. The paper will focus on one, now classical, analysis method for modeling the inception of these localized deformations for a rate‐sensitive, non‐associative, three‐invariant, isotropic/kinematic hardening cap plasticity model. Bifurcation analysis, in terms of continuous and discontinuous conditions (Int. J. Solids Struct. 1980; 16:597–605), provides the mathematical conditions under which a localized deformation mode could be admissible, and it should not to be confused with attempting to model the microstructural evolution of the geomaterial as it transitions from a nearly uniform to localized deformation response at a material point. Analysis determines that continuous and discontinuous bifurcation are different for weak discontinuity and the same for strong discontinuity, and such conditions are identified for the plasticity model. Rate sensitivity will preclude bifurcation regardless of viscosity value. Numerical examples demonstrate various plasticity model features that enable detection of localization using bifurcation analysis. All analyses are conducted currently in the small strain regime. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical analysis of a one‐dimensional infiltration problem in unsaturated soil by a seepage–deformation coupled method
Authors: Garcia E. , Oka F. , Kimoto S.
Published: March 2010

A multiphase coupled elasto‐viscoplastic finite element analysis formulation, based on the theory of porous media, is used to describe the rainfall infiltration process into a one‐dimensional soil column. Using this framework, we have numerically analyzed the generation of pore water pressure and deformations when rainfall is applied to the soil. A parametric study, including rainfall intensity, soil–water characteristic curves, and permeability, is carried out to observe their influence on the changes in pore water pressure and volumetric strain. From the numerical results, it is shown that the generation of pore water pressure and volumetric strain is mainly controlled by material parameters α andn′ that describe the soil–water characteristic curve. A comparison with the laboratory results shows that the proposed method can describe very well the characteristics observed during the experiments of one‐dimensional water infiltration into a layered unsaturated soil column. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sex dimorphism in gray/white matter volume and diffusion tensor during normal aging
Authors: Abe Osamu , Yamasue Hidenori , Yamada Haruyasu , Masutani Yoshitaka , Kabasawa Hiroyuki , Sasaki Hiroki , Takei Kunio , Suga Motomu , Kasai Kiyoto , Aoki Shigeki , Ohtomo Kuni
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study is to elucidate sex differences in global and regional gray/white matter volume, mean diffusivity (MD), and fractional anisotropy (FA) during normal aging using voxel‐based analysis. We studied 245 healthy right‐handed subjects with a wide range of ages (115 women, 22–70 years; 130 men, 21–71 years). Regarding global effects, inclusion of a quadratic age term improved the fit to data for white matter fraction and MD, but not for global gray matter volume/fraction or FA. Regarding regional effects, we found anterior‐dominant volume loss, FA decrease predominantly in the anterior white matter, and MD increase predominantly in perisylvian regions and periventricular white matter against age for both sexes. Compared with women, we found a steeper FA decline for men in the right inferior fronto‐temporal areas, extending to the anterior cingulate cortex, and an accelerated MD increase for men in the bilateral frontal, temporal, and parietal areas. There was no area in which interaction of sex with age was significant for regional volume, or in which a steeper FA decline or accelerated MD increase for women was significant. Our results provide strong evidence of sex dimorphism in global and focal diffusion characteristics during normal aging. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generalized ℋ︁2 model approximation for differential linear repetitive processes
Authors: Wu Ligang , Zheng Wei Xing , Su Xiaojie
Published: March 2010

This paper investigates the generalized ℋ︁2 model approximation for differential linear repetitive processes (LRPs). For a given LRP, which is assumed to be stable along the pass, we are aimed at constructing a reduced‐order model of the LRP such that the generalized ℋ︁2 gain of the approximation error LRP between the original LRP and the reduced‐order one is less than a prescribed scalar. A sufficient condition to characterize the bound of the generalized ℋ︁2 gain of the approximation error LRP is presented in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Two different approaches are proposed to solve the considered generalized ℋ︁2 model approximation problem. One is the convex linearization approach, which casts the model approximation into a convex optimization problem, while the other is the projection approach, which casts the model approximation into a sequential minimization problem subject to LMI constraints by employing the cone complementary linearization algorithm. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate the proposed theories. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical characterization of Azadirachta indica grafted on Melia azedarach and analyses of azadirachtin by HPLC‐MS‐MS (SRM) and meliatoxins by MALDI‐MS
Authors: Forim Moacir Rossi , Cornélio Vivian Estevam , das G. F. da Silva M. Fátima , Rodrigues‐Filho Edson , Fernandes João B. , Vieira Paulo C. , Matinez Sueli Souza , Napolitano Michael P. , Yost Richard A.
Published: March 2010

Introduction – Melia azedarach adapted to cool climates was selected as rootstocks for vegetative propagation of Azadirachta indica. Cleft grafting of A. indica on M. azedarach rootstock showed excellent survival. Little is known about the chemistry of grafting.

Objective – The roots, stems, leaves and seeds of this graft were examined in order to verify if grafted A. indica would produce limonoids different from those found in non‐grafted plants. Intact matured fruits were also studied to verify if they were free of meliatoxins.

Methodology – After successive chromatographic separations the extracts afforded several limonoids. HPLC‐MS/MS and MALDI‐MS were used to develop sensitive methods for detecting azadirachtin on all aerial parts of this graft and meliatoxins in fruits, respectively.

Results – The stem afforded the limonoid salannin, which was previously found in the oil seeds of A. indica. Salannin is also found in the root bark of M. azedarach. Thus, the finding of salannin in this study suggests that it could have been translocated from the M. azedarach rootstock to the A. indica graft. HPLC‐MS/MS analyses showed that azadirachtin was present in all parts of the fruits, stem, flowers and root, but absent in the leaves. The results of MALDI‐MS analyses confirmed the absence of meliatoxins in graft fruits.

Conclusion – This study showed that A. indica grafted onto M. azedarach rootstock produces azadirachtin, and also that its fruits are free of meliatoxins from rootstocks, confirming that this graft forms an excellent basis for breeding vigorous Neem trees in cooler regions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of sesterterpenoids from Aspergillus terreus using ESI‐QTOF and ESI‐IT
Authors: Wu Zhi‐Jun , Fang Dong‐Mei , Han Dan , Li Guo‐You , Chen Xiao‐Zhen , Qi Hua‐Yi , Zhang Guo‐Lin
Published: March 2010

Introduction – Biosynthesis of terretonin was studied due to the interesting skeleton of this series of sesterterpenoids. Very recently, López‐Gresa reported two new sesterterpenoids (terretonins E and F) which are inhibitors of the mammalian mitochondrial respiratory chain. Mass spectrometry (MS), especially tandem mass spectrometry, has been one of the most important physicochemical methods for the identification of trace natural products due to it rapidity, sensitivity and low levels of sample consumption. The potential application prospect and unique skeleton prompted us to study structural characterisation using MS.

Objective – To obtain sufficient information for rapid structural elucidation of this class of compounds using MS.

Methodology – The elemental composition of the product ions was confirmed by low‐energy ESI‐CID‐QTOF‐MS/MS analyses. The fragmentation pathways were postulated on the basis of ESI‐QTOF‐MS/MS/MS and ESI‐IT‐MSn spectra. Common features and major differences between ESI‐QTOF‐MS/MS and IT‐MSn spectra were compared. For ESI‐QTOF‐MS/MS/MS experiments, capillary exit voltage was raised to induce in‐source dissociation. Ammonium acetate or acetic acid were added into solutions to improve the intensity of [M + H]+. The collision energy was optimised to achieve sufficient fragmentation. Some fragmentation pathways were unambiguously proposed by the variety of abundance of fragment ions at different collision energies even without MSn spectra.

Results – Fragmentation pathways of five representative sesterterpenoids were elucidated using ESI‐QTOF‐MS/MS/MS and ESI‐IT‐MSn in both positive‐ and negative‐ion mode. The key group of characterising fragmentation profiles was ring B, and these fragmentation patterns are helpful to identify different types of sestertepenoids.

Conclusion – Complementary information obtained from fragmentation experiments of [M + H]+ (or [M + NH4]+) and [M − H]− precursor ions is especially valuable for rapid identification of this kind of sesterterpenoid.
Phenolic compounds in the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum: distribution and radical‐scavenging activities
Authors: Audibert Laetitia , Fauchon Marilyne , Blanc Nathalie , Hauchard Didier , Ar Gall Erwan
Published: March 2010

Introduction – Phenolic compounds are metabolites exhibited at high levels in Phaeophyceae. Although several studies have been conducted on total phenol contents, no one to our knowledge has dealt with the contents of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities on purified fractions.

Objective – The purpose of this study was the extraction and purification of phenolic compounds from the brown seaweed Ascophylllum nodosum, to determine both their distribution and their radical‐scavenging activities, and to obtain a sufficiently purified oligophenolic fraction to perform an RP‐HPLC analysis on molecules with a molecular weight (MW) < 2 kDa.

Methodology –

Phenolic compounds were separated and purified by liquid–liquid extraction, tangential ultrafiltration and dialysis. Then, the contents of both phenolic compounds and radical‐scavenging activities were measured by the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, and DPPH and ABTS assays. NMR analysis was performed to validate the process. RP‐HPLC with a C18 column was performed on the oligophenolic fraction, using a novel method developed in this study.

Results – Seven fractions were obtained as a function of polarity and molecular weight. Among them, the fraction containing phenolic compounds with a MW ≥ 50 kDa appeared to be the most active, correlated with the content of phenolic compounds.

Conclusion – This work constitutes a step forward in the separation and purification of bioactive phlorotannins and represents a prerequisite for further investigations into their structural characterisation and distribution in A. nodosum.
Extraction and characterisation of hemicelluloses from maize stem
Authors: Sun Xiao‐Feng , Fowler Paul , Rajaratnam Mohanathas , Zhang Guangcheng
Published: March 2010

Introduction – Extraction and characterisation of hemicelluloses are very important for converting them into functional materials and chemicals.

Objective – To develop a method for isolation of hemicelluloses from all cell walls.

Methodology – Sequential steps using 90% dioxane, 80% acidic dioxane, 100% dimethyl sulphoxide and 8% NaOH were used for extraction of the hemicellulosic preparations (H1, H2, H3 and H4) from maize stem. Advanced NMR techniques were used for the analysis of native hemicelluloses.

Results – Hemicelluloses with high yieldd were isolated from all cell walls, and contained arabinoxylan as the major polysaccharide. H3 was substituted by α‐l‐arabinofuranose, α‐d‐xylopyranose, and acetyl groups (degree of saturation = 0.12/0.09) at O‐3/O‐2 of xylan. H4 had a long continuous side chain of arabinose residues, and associated closely with non‐cellulosic glucose. The hemicelluloses formed more linkages with guaiacyl lignins, and some p‐coumaric acids built a bridge between hemicelluloses and lignin in maize stem.

Conclusion – This modified method is successful for the isolation of hemicelluloses with high yields from all cell walls of maize stem. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and Validation of a Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography Method for Quantitative Determination of Butenolides in Piper malacophyllum (C. Presl) C. DC.
Authors: de Oliveira Alberto , Silva Claudinei A. , Silva Adalberto M. , Tavares Marina F.M. , Kato Massuo J.
Published: March 2010

Introduction – A large number of natural and synthetic compounds having butenolides as a core unit have been described and many of them display a wide range of biological activities. Butenolides from P. malacophyllum have presented potential antifungal activities but no specific, fast, and precise method has been developed for their determination.

Objective – To develop a methodology based on micellar electrokinetic chromatography to determine butenolides in Piper species.

Methodology – The extracts were analysed in an uncoated fused‐silica capillaries and for the micellar system 20 mmol/L SDS, 20% (v/v) acetonitrile (ACN) and 10 mmol/L STB aqueous buffer at pH 9.2 were used. The method was validated for precision, linearity, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) and the standard deviations were determined from the standard errors estimated by the regression line.

Results – A micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) method for determination of butenolides in extracts gave full resolution for 1 and 2. The analytical curve in the range 10.0–50.0 µg/mL (r2 = 0.999) provided LOD and LOQ for 1 and 2 of 2.1/6.3 and 1.1/3.5 µg/mL, respectively. The RSD for migration times were 0.12 and 1.0% for peak area ratios with 100.0 ± 1.4% of recovery.

Conclusions – A novel high‐performance MEKC method developed for the analysis of butenolides 1 and 2 in leaf extracts of P. malacophyllum allowed their quantitative determined within an analysis time shorter than 5 min and the results indicated CE to be a feasible analytical technique for the quantitative determination of butenolides in Piper extracts. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A nitromethane‐based HPLC system alternative to acetonitrile for carotenoid analysis of fruit and vegetables
Authors: Sandmann Gerhard
Published: March 2010

Acetonitrile‐based HPLC systems are the most commonly used for carotenoid analysis from different plant tissues. Because of the acetonitrile shortage, an HPLC system for the separation of carotenoids on C18 reversed‐phase columns was developed in which an acetonitrile–alcohol‐based mobile phase was replaced by nitromethane. This solvent comes closest to acetonitrile with respect to its elutrophic property. Our criterion was to obtain similar separation and retention times for a range of differently structured carotenoids. This was achieved by further increase in the lipophilicity with ethylacetate. For all the carotenoids which we tested, we found co‐elution only of β‐cryptoxanthin and lycopene. By addition of 1% of water, separation of this pair of carotenoids was also achieved. The final recommended mobile phase consisted of nitromethane : 2‐propanol : ethyl acetate : water (79 : 10 : 10 : 1, by volume). On Nucleosil C18 columns and related ones like Hypersil C18, we obtained separation of carotenes, hydroxyl, epoxy and keto derivatives, which resembles the excellent separation properties of acetonitrile‐based mobile phases on C18 reversed phase columns. We successfully applied the newly developed HPLC system to the separation of carotenoids from different vegetables and fruit. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparative separation of chlorogenic acid by centrifugal partition chromatography from highbush blueberry leaves (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)
Authors: Kim Sang‐Min , Shang Ya Fang , Um Byung‐Hun
Published: March 2010

Introduction – Blueberries (genus Vaccinium) have gained worldwide focus because of the high anthocyanin content of their fruits. In contrast, the leaves of blueberry have not attracted any attention, even though they contain large quantities of chlorogenic acid, a strong antioxidant compound.

Objective – The aim of this investigation was the quantification and preparative isolation of chlorogenic acid (5‐caffeoylquinic acid, 5‐CQA) from blueberry leaves using a new separation scheme, centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC).

Methodology – A water fraction containing a high concentration of 5‐CQA (14.5% of dry weight extract) was obtained by defatting a crude methanol extract from blueberry leaves. CPC was applied to isolate 5‐CQA from this water fraction using a two‐phase solvent system of ethyl acetate–ethanol–water at a volume ratio 4:1:5 (v/v/v). The flow‐rate of mobile phase was 2 mL/min with the ascending mode while rotating at 1200 rpm. The eluate was monitored at 330 nm. The structure of chlorogenic acid in the CPC fraction was confirmed with HPLC, UV, ESI/MS and NMR spectra.

Results – The HPLC chromatogram showed that the fractions collected by CPC contained chlorogenic acid with 96% purity based on peak area percentage. The total amount of chlorogenic acid isolated from 0.5 g of a water fraction was 52.9 mg, corresponding to 10.6% of the water fraction. The isolated compound was identified successively as 5‐CQA with MS (parent ion at m/z 355.1 [M + H]+) and 1H NMR spectra [caffeoyl moiety in the down field (δ 6.0–8.0 ppm) and quinic acid moiety in the up field (δ 2.0–5.5 ppm)].

Conclusion – 5‐CQA was successfully isolated from blueberry leaves by the CPC method in a one‐step procedure, indicating a further potential use for blueberry leaves. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Superheated water extraction of essential oils from Cinnamomum zeylanicum (L.)
Authors: Jayawardena Bimali , Smith Roger M.
Published: March 2010

Introduction – Superheated water extraction (SHWE) potentially provides an environmentally friendly and clean extraction technique which uses a minimum or no organic solvent. The scope and limitations of the technique have still to be fully explored.

Objective – To investigate the application of SHWE to cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum L.) bark and leaves as typical plant materials to determine if this extraction method can yield a higher quality oil.

Methodology – Samples of cinnamon bark or leaves were extracted at 200°C with water under pressure. The essential oils were obtained from the aqueous solution using a solid phase extraction cartridge and were then examined by GC‐MS.

Results – Using superheated water extraction, cinnamon bark oil with over 80% cinnamaldehyde and cinnamon leaf oil containing up to 98% eugenol were obtained. Alternative solvent extraction methods were also studied but led to emulsion formation apparently because of the presence of cellulose breakdown products.

Conclusion – Superheated water extraction offers a cheap, environmentally friendly technique with a shorter extraction time than hydrodistillation and yielded a higher quality oil with a higher proportion of eugenol than hydrodistillation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of lanthanum oxide (La2O3) on the structure and crystallization of poly(vinylidene fluoride)
Authors: Song Jianbin , Lu Chunhua , Xu Dan , Ni Yaru , Liu Yujian , Xu Zhongzi , Liu Jianxun
Published: March 2010

Rare earth polymers, due to their excellent luminescence, fluorescence, laser protective, optical and magnetic properties, have attracted much research attention in recent years. However, little attention has been paid to the effect of rare earths on the structure and crystallization of polymers, which is of important significance in the development of functional polymers. X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry were used to investigate the structure and crystallization behavior of a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/lanthanum oxide (La2O3) composite. The results showed that the degree of perfection, crystal size, crystallization rate and isothermal crystallization activation energy of PVDF in the composite decreased, compared with pure PVDF. The spherulite nucleation and growth for PVDF and PVDF composite were analyzed in detail using the Lauritzen‐Hoffman equation. The modified Avrami equation and the Mo equation were used to study the non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics. The addition of La2O3 did not change the crystal structure and nucleation process for PVDF, but it decreased markedly the crystal growth rate and led to the formation of unstable crystals. This was attributed to the fact that too much La2O3 prevented PVDF molecular chains from moving and arranging in an orderly manner into crystals. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Garlic as an inhibitor of Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing in cystic fibrosis—a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Smyth Alan R. , Cifelli Paramita M. , Ortori Catharine A. , Righetti Karima , Lewis Sarah , Erskine Penny , Holland Elaine D. , Givskov Michael , Williams Paul , Cámara Miguel , Barrett David A. , Knox Alan
Published: March 2010

Pseudomonas aeruginosa forms biofilms in the cystic fibrosis lung. Quorum sensing (QS) controls biofilm maturation, immune evasion, antibiotic tolerance and virulence factor production. Garlic shows QS inhibitory activity in vitro and in animal models. We report the first clinical trial in man of a QS inhibitor.

We randomized 34 patients to garlic or olive oil capsules (both 656 mg daily). Clinical outcomes and safety bloods were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks treatment. In this exploratory study, analysis was per protocol.

Eight patients withdrew, leaving 26 for analysis (13 garlic). With placebo, there was a greater decline in mean (SD) percentage change from baseline FEV1 [−3.6% (11.3)] than with garlic [−2.0% (12.3)]. This was not significant (mean difference = 1.6, 95% CI −12.7 to 15.9, P = 0.8). The mean (SD) increase in weight was greater with garlic [1.0% (2.0)] than with placebo [0.6% (2.0)]—non‐significant (mean difference = 0.4%, 95% CI −1.3 to 2.0, P = 0.6). The median (range) change in clinical score with garlic was −1 (−3 to 5) and 1 (−1 to 4) with placebo (negative score means improvement). This was non‐significant [median difference = −1 (−3 to 0), P = 0.16]. In the garlic group, seven patients had IV antibiotics versus five placebo. There was a highly significant correlation between plasma and sputum measurements of the QS molecule 3‐oxo‐C12‐HSL (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.914, P = 0.004). At the end of treatment five patients in each group had abnormal liver function or triglycerides and five garlic patients (one placebo) reported minor adverse effects.

Garlic capsules were well tolerated. Although there was no significant effect of garlic compared to placebo in this pilot study, there was a suggestion of improvement with garlic which should be investigated in a larger trial. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:356–362. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A functional polymorphism in MSMB gene promoter is associated with prostate cancer risk and serum MSMB expression
Authors: Xu Bin , Wang JinFeng , Tong Na , Mi YuanYuan , Min ZhiChao , Tao Jun , Li PengChao , Cheng Gong , Li JiuMing , Wang MeiLin , Tang JiaLin , Song NingHong , Zhang ZhengDong , Zhang Wei , Wu HongFei , Hua LiXin , Feng NingHan
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND

To explore the reported association of SNP marker rs10993994 with prostate cancer identified by two independent in two genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) further, we performed a case–control study in southern Chinese Han population. Consequently, we detected the serum levels of MSMB expression with different genotypes in the cases and controls to characterize the functional consequences of rs10993994.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two hundred fifty‐one prostate cancer and 258 control subjects were included in the cancer association study and 90 serum samples were used to test the expression of the MSMB by Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

We found that the T allele displayed an increased prevalence of prostate cancer compared with the C allele (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.01–1.67, P = 0.040). Moreover, the prostate cancer patients carrying CT/TT genotype had significantly decreased serum MSMB levels compared to those with CC genotype (16.32 ± 3.98 µg/L vs. 19.33 ± 4.27 µg/L, P = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

rs10993994 in MSMB promoter affects serum MSMB expression, contributes to the genetic predisposition to prostate cancer in southern Chinese Han population. Prostate 70: 1146–1152, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Energy‐resolved STM maps of finite carbon nanotubes and the role of surface–tube interactions
Authors: De Menech Mario , Saalmann Ulf , Garcia Martin E.
Published: March 2010

The influence of the supporting surface on the standing wave electronic modes of finite metallic carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is discussed. The charge distribution of the states is visualized by simulating the energy resolved scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) maps. The Fourier transform of the spatial patterns exhibited by the STS maps allows to reconstruct the dispersion relation, whose definiteness is smeared out for increasing surface–tube interaction strengths. The scattering of the modes in the tube due to the interaction with the surface causes distortions of the simulated maps. For example, the reflection symmetry with respect to the mirror plane perpendicular to the tube axis appears to be broken for modes in the case of narrow tubes, when the interaction with the surface is strong enough.

Breaking of the reflection symmetry: STS map for a (4,4) carbon nanotube of length 50a0 near the Fermi level placed at 2.5 Å (upper tube) and 3.0 Å (lower tube) away from an Au(111) surface. Red, green, and blue colored regions refer to large, intermediate and low values of the current, respectively.

magnified image
Effect of post‐implantation anneal on the current‐voltage characteristics of IR photodiodes based on p‐CdxHg1‐xTe
Authors: Vishnyakov A. V. , Varavin V. S. , Garifullin M. O. , Predein A. V. , Remesnik V. G. , Sabinina I. V. , Sidorov G. Yu.
Published: March 2010

Current–voltage characteristics of IR photodiodes and carriers distributions in n+–n– –p ‐structures based on p ‐type CdxHg1‐xTe films with x = 0.22 were examined. 3D numerical modelling of the distribution of charge carriers after photodiode implantation and annealing was performed. The obtained distribution was used to calculate the current–voltage characteristics. The calculations predict that large tunnel currents in diodes after implantation can result from an increased donor concentration (more than 1015 cm‐3) in the n–‐layer, which enhances tunnelling by decreasing the thickness of the space charged region of the n –p ‐junction. Another possible reason is the small (less than 3 μm) depth of the p –n ‐junction. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical properties of molecular beam epitaxy‐grown HgCdTe structures with potential wells
Authors: Ivanov‐Omskii V. I. , Mynbaev K. D. , Bazhenov N. L. , Smirnov V. A. , Mikhailov N. N. , Sidorov G. Yu. , Remesnik V. G. , Varavin V. S. , Dvoretsky S. A.
Published: March 2010

Photoconductivity and photoluminescence of HgCdTe‐based nanostructures with 50 to 200 nm‐wide potential wells were studied. The structures were grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs substrates, and emitted light with wavelengths 2.8–3.8 μm at 300 K. The luminescence properties of the nanostructures at low temperatures were found to be strongly affected by the effect of alloy disorder, which led to a substantial red‐shift of the emission spectrum in relation to energy gap of the wells. This effect could be reduced by post‐growth annealing of the structures, which also increased the luminescence intensity. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Evolution of CdS:Mn nanoparticle properties caused by pH of colloid solution and ultrasound irradiation
Authors: Savchuk A. I. , Rudko G. Yu. , Fediv V. I. , Voloshchuk A. G. , Gule E. G. , Ivanchak S. A. , Makoviy V. V.
Published: March 2010

The effects of pH value and precursors concentrations in the growth solution as well as of ultrasound irradiation on the properties of CdS:Mn nanoparticles in PVA matrix are studied. Analysis of the photoluminescence spectra indicates that the increase of the pH value in the growth solution leads to the increase of the density of surface electron states that participate in radiative transitions and to the enlargement of CdS:Mn nanoparticles.

We discuss a stabilization of the sizes of CdS:Mn nanoparticles at pH=6 and change of nanoparticle size with decreasing pH value at elevated concentrations of ions HS‐. It is shown that in the ultrasound‐treated samples the size of the particles does not depend on pH value. The effects of ultrasound result primarily from acoustic cavitation. It is demonstrated that the action of two external factors (the value of the medium pH and ultrasound treatment) on the characteristics of nanoparticles is correlated. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Adaptive variable structure state estimation for uncertain systems with persistently bounded disturbances
Authors: Wu Huai‐Ning , Shi Peng
Published: March 2010

This paper develops an adaptive state estimator design methodology for nonlinear systems with unknown nonlinearities and persistently bounded disturbances. In the proposed estimation scheme, the boundary layer strategy in variable structure techniques is utilized to design a continuous state estimator such that the undesirable chattering phenomenon is avoided; and the adaptive bounding technique is used for online estimation of the unknown bounding parameter. The existence condition of the adaptive estimators is provided in terms of linear matrix inequality (LMI). Since the orthogonal projection of the state estimation error onto the null space of the linear measurement distribution matrix is used in the derivation process, the update law of bounding parameter estimate is represented in terms of the available measurement error. The proposed estimator can ensure that the state estimation error is uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB) with an ultimate bound. Furthermore, using the existing LMI optimization technique, a suboptimal adaptive state estimator can be obtained in the sense of minimizing an upper bound of the peak gains in the ultimate bound. Finally, a simulation example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed design method. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploratory inspection—a user‐based learning method for improving open source software usability
Authors: Zhao Luyin , Deek Fadi P. , McHugh James A.
Published: March 2010

The increasingly widespread use of open source software (OSS) is an indication of its success. However, as a software development model OSS still has shortcomings that need to be resolved. In particular, the question of usability and its improvement in an OSS context remains a significant ongoing issue that demands further investigation. This is especially so given the unique manner in which OSS diverges from traditional software development models. Current experience with OSS does not favor the existence of a positive relation between the standard OSS development paradigm and good usability practice. We believe that addressing the inadequacy of usability expertise in the OSS community will improve the quality of its products and enhance their competitiveness. Motivated by the unique user‐driven character of the OSS model, we propose an exploratory method for inspection which is intended to assist OSS users in contributing to open source usability inspection. This method provides an effective adaptation of the ‘learning‐by‐doing’ approach to the domain of usability inspection. This is accomplished by innovatively applying usability patterns to guide usability exploration, incorporating strategies for ‘outlining knowledge’ and ‘exploration freedom’ and implementing both techniques in an integrated inspection environment. The results of an experiment involving a group of OSS users inspecting an open source project called dotproject demonstrate that this method outperforms traditional heuristics‐based inspection. The paper also considers the applicability of the usability method and tool developed to usability improvement in the context of traditional proprietary development. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What shapes perceptions of climate change?
Authors: Weber Elke U.
Published: March 2010

Climate change, as a slow and gradual modification of average climate conditions, is a difficult phenomenon to detect and track accurately based on personal experience. Insufficient concern and trust also complicate the transfer of scientific descriptions of climate change and climate variability from scientists to the public, politicians, and policy makers, which is not a simple transmission of facts. Instead, worldview and political ideology, two elements of the cultural context of decisions, guide attention toward events that threaten the desired or existing social order, and shape expectations of change, which in turn guide the detection and interpretation of climate events. Action that follows from climate change perceptions can be informed by different processes. Affect‐based decisions about climate change are unlikely to motivate significant action, as politicians and the general public are not particularly worried about climate risks, and because attempts to scare people into greater action may have unintended negative consequences. Analysis‐based decisions are also unlikely to result in significant action, because of large discounting of uncertain future costs of climate risks compared to the certain and immediate costs of climate change mitigation. Rule‐based decisions that determine behavior based on moral or social responsibility may hold out the best prospects for sustainable action. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Perceptions of Climate Change
Bandwidth‐satisfied routing in multi‐rate MANETs by cross‐layer approach
Authors: Hu Chia‐Cheng
Published: March 2010

Previous quality‐of‐service (QoS) routing protocols in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) determined bandwidth‐satisfied routes for QoS applications. Since the multi‐rate enhancements have been implemented in MANETs, QoS routing protocols should be adapted to exploit them fully. However, existing works suffer from one bandwidth‐violation problem, named the hidden route problem (HRP), which may arise when a new flow is permitted and only the bandwidth consumption of the hosts in the neighborhood of the route is computed. Without considering the bandwidth consumption to ongoing flows is the reason the problem is introduced. This work proposes a routing protocol that can avoid HRP for data rate selection and bandwidth‐satisfied route determination with an efficient cross‐layer design based on the integration of PHY and MAC layers into the network layer. To use bandwidth efficiently, we aim to select the combination of data rates and a route with minimal bandwidth consumption to the network, instead of the strategy adopted in the most previous works by selecting the combination with the shortest total transmission time. Using bandwidth efficiently can increase the number of flows supported by a network. Copyright 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharyngeal packing is a predisposing factor for postoperative aphthous stomatitis in nasal surgery
Authors: Erkalp Kerem , Korkut Yasemin Arzu , Meric Aysenur , Kahya Volkan , Gedikli Orhan , Su Ozlem Kucuk , Saitoglu Leyla
Published: March 2010

Objective

To evaluate whether pharyngeal packing is a predisposing factor for the development of postoperative aphthous stomatitis in nasal surgery.

Study Design

A prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

Setting

A tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

After the study was approved by the local ethics committee, 100 adult patients scheduled for routine nasal surgery were enrolled. The development of postoperative aphthous lesions within three days after surgery was evaluated in patients in whom a pharyngeal pack was (Group 1) or was not (Group 2) applied during nasal surgery.

Results

In Group 1, the presence of pharyngeal pack increased the risk for postoperative oral mucosal aphthae development by 4.64 times (P = 0.02, RR = 4.64, 95% CI = 1.22‐17.91). No significant associations were found between postoperative oral mucosal aphthae development and sex (P = 1), age (P = 0.69), height (P = 0.73), weight (P = 0.22), or duration of surgery (P = 0.47) in Group 1.

Conclusion

Pharyngeal packing during nasal surgery increases postoperative morbidity by leading to the development of painful oral aphthous lesions.
Effects of traditional Chinese acupuncture in post‐viral olfactory dysfunction
Authors: Vent Julia , Wang Djin‐Wue , Damm Michael
Published: March 2010

Objective

To date, recovery of olfactory function after viral infection of the upper airway cannot be achieved reliably with pharmacotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of traditional Chinese acupuncture (TCA) on olfactory function in patients with persistent post‐viral olfactory dysfunction (PVOD).

Study Design

Historical cohort study.

Setting

University Medical Center, Department of Otorhinolaryngology.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 15 patients presenting to the outpatient clinic with PVOD were treated by TCA in 10 weekly, 30‐minute sessions. Subjective olfactometry was performed with the Sniffin' Sticks test set. Treatment success was defined as an increase in Sniffin' Sticks test scores of at least six points. The effects of TCA, obtained with the χ2 test, were compared with those of matched pairs suffering from PVOD who had been treated with vitamin B complex over 12 weeks.

Results

Eight patients treated with TCA had improved olfactory function compared with two treated with vitamin B complex. χ2 test revealed a significantly better outcome in olfactory function in patients undergoing acupuncture compared with patients receiving vitamin B complex (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

TCA possibly offers a new therapeutic regimen for post‐viral dysosmia. More research in a larger case series is needed before a clearer picture will emerge.
Effects of perioperative S (+) ketamine infusion added to multimodal analgesia in patients undergoing ambulatory haemorrhoidectomy
Authors: Spreng Ulrich J. , Dahl Vegard , Ræder Johan
Published: March 2010

Background and objective

Perioperative low-dose ketamine has been useful for postoperative analgesia. In this study we wanted to assess the analgesic effect and possible side-effects of perioperative low-dose S (+) ketamine when added to a regime of non-opioid multimodal pain prophylaxis.

Methods

Seventy-seven patients scheduled for haemorrhoidectomy were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, controlled study. They received oral paracetamol 1–2 g, total intravenous anaesthesia, intravenous 8 mg dexamethasone, 30 mg ketorolac and local infiltration with bupivacaine/epinephrine. Patients randomized to S (+) ketamine received an intravenous bolus dose of 0.35 mg kg−1 S (+) ketamine before start of surgery followed by continuous infusion of 5 μg kg−1 min−1 until 2 min after end of surgery. Patients in the placebo group got isotonic saline (bolus and infusion). BISTM monitoring was used. Pain intensity and side-effects were assessed by blinded nursing staff during PACU stay and by phone 1, 7 and 90 days after surgery.

Results

In patients randomized to S (+) ketamine emergence from anaesthesia was significantly longer (13.1 min vs. 9.3 min; p < 0.001). BIS values were significantly higher during anaesthesia (maximal value during surgery: 62 vs. 57; p = 0.01) and when opening eyes (81 vs. 70, p < 0.001). Pain scores (NRS and VAS) did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions

The addition of perioperative S (+) ketamine for postoperative analgesia after haemorrhoidectomy on top of multimodal non-opioid pain prophylaxis does not seem to be warranted, due to delayed emergence and recovery, more side-effects, altered BIS readings and absence of additive analgesic effect.
A historical analysis of central bank independence in Latin America: the Colombian experience, 1923-2008
Authors: Meisel Adolfo , Barón Juan D.
Published: March 2010

This paper explores the relationship between central bank independence and inflation in Latin America, using the experience of Colombia (1923-2008) as a case study. Since its creation, in 1923, Colombia’s central bank has undergone several reforms that have changed its objectives and degree of independence. Between 1923 and 1951, it was private and independent, with a legal commitment to price stability. In 1962, monetary responsibilities were divided between a government-dominated monetary board, in charge of monetary policies, and the central bank, which carried them out. In the early 1990s, the bank recovered its independence and its focus on price stability. Inflation varied substantially during these subperiods. Our analysis suggests that the central bank independence, combined with a commitment to price stability, renders the best results in terms of price stability.
Endowments, fiscal federalism and the cost of capital for states: evidence from Brazil, 1891–1930
Authors: Martinez Fritscher André C. , Musacchio Aldo
Published: March 2010

There is a large literature that aims to explain what determines country risk (defined as the difference between the yield of a sovereign's bonds and the risk free rate). In this article, we contribute to the discussion by arguing that an important explanatory factor is the impact that commodities have on the capacity to pay. We use a newly created database with state-level fiscal and risk premium data (between 1891 and 1930) to show that Brazilian states with natural endowments that allowed them to export commodities that were in high demand (e.g. rubber and coffee) ended up having higher revenues per capita and lower cost of capital. We also explain that the variation in revenues per capita was both a product of the variation in natural endowments (i.e. the fact that states cannot produce any commodity they want) and a commodity boom that had asymmetric effects among states. These two effects generated variation in revenues per capita at the state level thanks to the extreme form of fiscal decentralisation that the Brazilian government adopted in the constitution of 1891, which gave states the sole right to tax exports. We also run instrumental variable estimates using indices of export prices for each state. These estimates confirm our findings that states with commodities that had higher price increases had lower risk premia.
The recognition and documentation of delirium in hospital palliative care inpatients
Authors: Barnes Julia , Kite Suzanne , Kumar Manoj
Published: March 2010

Objective:

Delirium is a clinical syndrome that is known to be under recognized by palliative care teams. A wide variation in reported prevalence may reflect differences in definitions and assessment methods, patient characteristics, and study design. The aim of this study was to test an intervention to improve recognition of delirium in the inpatient palliative care setting.

Method:

We conducted a retrospective palliative care notes review of documented prevalence of delirium among 61 patients referred to the Specialist Palliative Care Advisory Team (SPCT). Subsequently, training in the use of the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) was provided to the SPCT and a prospective survey of the prevalence of delirium measured by the CAM was undertaken with the next 59 patients referred.

Results:

In the retrospective chart review, the term “delirium” was not used, and synonyms were identified and used to establish a delirium prevalence of 11.5%. In the intervention utilizing the CAM in a prospective sample of 59 referred patients, a prevalence rate of 8.5–15.2% for delirium was found. Use of the CAM was received favorably by the SPCT.

Significance of Results:

The institution of the use of the CAM as a screening and assessment tool in the inpatient palliative care setting did not significantly increase the recognition of delirium. Reasons for the low prevalence of delirium are discussed.