bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum and Ecosystem Entropies
Authors: Kirwan A. D.
Published: June 2008

Ecosystems and quantum gases share a number of superficial similarities including enormous numbers of interacting elements and the fundamental role of energy in such interactions. A theory for the synthesis of data and prediction of new phenomena is well established in quantum statistical mechanics. The premise of this paper is that the reason a comparable unifying theory has not emerged in ecology is that a proper role for entropy has yet to be assigned. To this end, a phase space entropy model of ecosystems is developed. Specification of an ecosystem phase space cell size based on microbial mass, length, and time scales gives an ecosystem uncertainty parameter only about three orders of magnitude larger than Planck’s constant. Ecosystem equilibria is specified by conservation of biomass and total metabolic energy, along with the principle of maximum entropy at equilibria. Both Bose - Einstein and Fermi - Dirac equilibrium conditions arise in ecosystems applications. The paper concludes with a discussion of some broader aspects of an ecosystem phase space.
Estimating the Entropy of Binary Time Series: Methodology, Some Theory and a Simulation Study
Authors: Gao Yun , Kontoyiannis Ioannis , Bienenstock Elie
Published: June 2008

Partly motivated by entropy-estimation problems in neuroscience, we present a detailed and extensive comparison between some of the most popular and effective entropy estimation methods used in practice: The plug-in method, four different estimators based on the Lempel-Ziv (LZ) family of data compression algorithms, an estimator based on the Context-Tree Weighting (CTW) method, and the renewal entropy estimator. METHODOLOGY: Three new entropy estimators are introduced; two new LZ-based estimators, and the “renewal entropy estimator,” which is tailored to data generated by a binary renewal process. For two of the four LZ-based estimators, a bootstrap procedure is described for evaluating their standard error, and a practical rule of thumb is heuristically derived for selecting the values of their parameters in practice. THEORY: We prove that, unlike their earlier versions, the two new LZ-based estimators are universally consistent, that is, they converge to the entropy rate for every finite-valued, stationary and ergodic process. An effective method is derived for the accurate approximation of the entropy rate of a finite-state hidden Markov model (HMM) with known distribution. Heuristic calculations are presented and approximate formulas are derived for evaluating the bias and the standard error of each estimator. SIMULATION: All estimators are applied to a wide range of data generated by numerous different processes with varying degrees of dependence and memory. The main conclusions drawn from these experiments include: (i) For all estimators considered, the main source of error is the bias. (ii) The CTW method is repeatedly and consistently seen to provide the most accurate results. (iii) The performance of the LZ-based estimators is often comparable to that of the plug-in method. (iv) The main drawback of the plug-in method is its computational inefficiency; with small word-lengths it fails to detect longer-range structure in the data, and with longer word-lengths the empirical distribution is severely undersampled, leading to large biases.
Community based learning with adults: Bridging efforts in multiple sectors
Authors: Holland Barbara , Robinson Gail
Published: June 2008

Beyond the classroom, adults are benefiting from learning through community involvement as a component of career or retirement activities.
Maternal 2nd to 4th digit ratio does not predict lifetime offspring sex ratio at birth
Authors: Helle Samuli , Lilley Thomas
Published: June 2008

The low ratio of second‐to‐fourth digit length (2D:4D) of parents, a putative indicator of high prenatal and even adult testosterone levels, has been suggested to predict a male‐biased secondary offspring sex ratio. We investigated this question in 244 contemporary postreproductive Finnish women. Information on the lifetime offspring birth sex ratio of women was collected by questionnaires and the 2D:4D of both their hands were measured from scanned photographs. We found no evidence that the right hand 2D:4D, the left hand 2D:4D, the mean of the right and the left hand 2D:4D, or the difference between the right and the left hand 2D:4D was related to offspring sex ratio at birth among these women. Our results thus do not support the suggestion that offspring birth sex ratio is related to 2D:4D in women. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Strong association between birth month and reproductive performance of Vietnamese women
Authors: Huber Susanne , Fieder Martin
Published: June 2008

Epidemiological studies on premodern and modern Western societies indicate that birth season may influence female reproduction. Nothing is known, however, about this effect in developing economies. Many of the latter are characterised by tropical climates with a rainy season associated with lower food availability and a greater prevalence of infectious diseases. We therefore predict that an association between birth month and reproductive output, if it exists, should be related to the rainy season. To test this prediction, we analysed census data of Vietnam obtained from IPUMS‐International (Vietnam 1999 Population and Housing Census). Based on 493,853 women born between 1950 and 1977 and thus aged 22 to 49 years, we found that the time series of mean offspring count per month of birth has a highly significant period of 12 months (power = 46.871, P < 0.00001). Our results further indicate that the 12‐month periodic signal has a maximum in July and a minimum in January. Accordingly, the peak corresponds to birth during the rainy season, the low if the third pregnancy month concurs with the rainy season. The month of birth is therefore clearly associated with the later reproductive performance of Vietnamese women, strongly supporting the assumption that environmental and maternal conditions during early development exert long‐term effects on reproductive functioning. Provided the rainy season adversely affects developmental processes due to inadequate food and/or high infection risk, the association reported here points to a critical period of reproductive development during early pregnancy. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association of adult height and leg length with fasting plasma cortisol concentrations: Evidence for an effect of normal variation in adrenocortical activity on growth
Authors: Phillips D. I. W. , Syddall Holly E. , Cooper Cyrus , Hanson Mark A.
Published: June 2008

We have evaluated the relationship between activity of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis and adult height in adults recruited from the UK Hertfordshire Cohort Study. In a sample of 1,354 individuals, we found that height fell by 0.67 cm (95% CI 0.34–1.0) per SD (114 nmol/l) increase in fasting plasma cortisol concentrations. The association was continuous across the range of cortisol concentrations and was independent of the levels of corticosteroid binding globulin. It was of similar magnitude in men and women. In a subsample of the study available data on standing and sitting height was used to estimate trunk and leg length. Fasting plasma cortisol concentrations were found to have a much greater impact on leg length than trunk length. These findings suggest that physiological variations in adrenocortical glucocorticoid secretion in humans affect adult height. They also raise the possibility that the HPA axis may be involved in mediating resource allocation decisions and trade‐offs during development perhaps by limiting physical growth to enable other competing processes. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pulmonary Architecture in the Conducting Regions of Six Rats
Authors: Lee Dongyoub , Fanucchi Michelle V. , Plopper Charles G. , Fung Jennifer , Wexler Anthony S.
Published: June 2008

Rats are widely used for studies of pulmonary toxicology and lung disease. Several studies suggest nominal geometric parameters describing the architecture of the rat airway. However, intersubject variance has never been reported due to the huge effort and time to take these manual measurements. In this study, we present statistics of the branching pattern of six healthy male Sprague Dawley rats by automatically analyzing computed tomography images of silicon casts of their airways. Details of branching characteristics and also intersubject variance are presented. In addition, this study shows that mean and standard deviation of many geometric parameters insufficiently represent pulmonary architecture because some, such as diameter‐asymmetry, are not normally distributed. Detailed statistics including inter‐ and intrasubject variance and distribution of the geometric parameters will aid in constructing more realistic airway models for particle transport and studies of normal and abnormal respiratory physiology. Anat Rec, 291:916–926, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Northern hemisphere storm tracks in strong AO anomaly winters
Authors: Nie Ji , Wang Peng , Yang Wenchang , Tan Benkui
Published: June 2008

Northern Hemisphere winter 300 hPa storm tracks/baroclinic waves and their energetics during strong Arctic Oscillation (AO) anomaly events are investigated. It is shown that during strong positive AO anomaly winters, the Atlantic storm track intensifies significantly and shifts northward and far downstream while Pacific storm track extends westward. Baroclinic waves over the Atlantic propagate along central North Atlantic during strong negative AO anomaly winters while during strong positive AO anomaly winters, waves over the Atlantic split into two branches. Distributions of the kinetic energy and energy conversions of different spatial scale over the storm track regions assume different characteristics for different AO phases. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Behavior of the solution of a random semilinear heat equation
Authors: Varadhan S. R. S. , Zygouras Nikos
Published: June 2008

We consider a semilinear heat equation in one space dimension, with a random source at the origin. We study the solution, which describes the equilibrium of this system, and prove that, as the space variable tends to infinity, the solution becomes a.s. asymptotic to a steady state. We also study the fluctuations of the solution around the steady state.
Military uses of nanotechnology—Too much complexity for international security?
Authors: Altmann Jürgen
Published: June 2008

Nanotechnology, converging with other advanced technologies, will bring benefits and risks. Particular dangers can arise from military uses. Weapons and other systems that are autonomous and/or small, cheap, and numerous will greatly increase complexity. Proceeding from criteria of preventive arms control, several potential military applications should be limited preventively. Here the USA plays a key role. In the future verification of compliance would have to be very intrusive, with inspection rights and criminal prosecution as within states. Would this be compatible with nation states maintaining armed forces for their security? Or does mastering the complexity brought about by the new technologies require changes in the international system? © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2008
Expression of HNF4α variants in pancreatic islets and Ins‐1 β cells
Authors: Huang Jianmin , Karakucuk Vildan , Levitsky Lynne L. , Rhoads David B.
Published: June 2008

Background

Hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF4α) is a nuclear receptor essential for endodermal differentiation and cell functions in the adult pancreas, liver, and other tissues. Mutations in the HNF4A gene cause MODY1. Up to nine protein variants arise from two developmentally regulated promoters. Because some variants lack the N‐terminal activation function 1 (AF‐1) and/or C‐terminal inhibitory F domain, defining their tissue‐specific regulation and function is important for understanding pancreatic β cell behaviour.

Methods

Expression of HNF4α variants in islets, rat Ins‐1 insulinoma cells, and human Hep3B hepatocellular carcinoma cells was assessed using a long‐range reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) strategy capable of recognizing each combination of mRNA termini. Protein expression was verified by immuno‐blotting with terminus‐specific antibodies and DNA‐binding assays.

Results

Mouse islets and both cell lines express HNF4α9, which lacks both AF‐1 and the F domain. Islets also expressed the HNF4α P1 promoter variants HNF4α1/α2, and Hep3B cells expressed HNF4α3. When ectopically expressed in COS‐7 cells, HNF4α1, α3, α7, and α9 each stimulated an HNF4α‐dependent promoter. Variants containing exon 1B (HNF4α4 − α6) were not detected. Lack of canonical splicing signals and species conservation argues against exon 1B usage.

Conclusions

This is the first report of HNF4α9 expression in any tissue. Our findings extend our understanding of HNF4α gene transcription and function. This knowledge may be useful in efforts to recover or establish regulated insulin secretion. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tools and cover effects in bedload transport observations in the Pitzbach, Austria
Authors: Turowski Jens M. , Rickenmann Dieter
Published: June 2008

We report bedload data and acoustic impulse measurements due to particle impact from the Pitzbach in Austria. Impulse counts can be viewed as a measure of the energy delivered to the bed by moving particles. Impulse counts show a large scatter even for the same discharge and bedload supply. This scatter is due to varying grain size distribution, grain shape, mode of transport of the sediment particles and spatial and temporal distribution of the sediment load. The mean impulse count at given hydraulic conditions may increase or decrease with increasing sediment supply, suggesting that both tools and cover effects are active on the channel bed. Dependent on the local balance between sediment supply and transport capacity, either effect may be dominant at different locations along the cross‐section at the same time. Furthermore, the same bed location may respond to increasing sediment supply as tools‐dominated at some discharges and cover‐dominated at other discharges. Our observations may have implications for modelling of bedrock erosion in landscape evolution models and of bedrock channel morphology. Erosion models that do not incorporate both tools and cover effects are not sufficient to describe observations. Furthermore, a local erosion law cannot in general be used to describe erosion averaged over the channel cross‐section. The changing balance between sediment supply and transport capacity with increasing discharge highlights that a single representative discharge is not sufficient to capture the full erosion dynamics. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal control of film casting processes
Authors: Selvanayagam K. , Götz Thomas , Sundar S. , Vetrivel V.
Published: June 2008

We present an optimal control approach for the isothermal film casting process with free surfaces described by averaged Navier–Stokes equations. We control the thickness of the film at the take‐up point using the shape of the nozzle and the initial thickness. The control goal consists in finding an even thickness profile. To achieve this goal, we minimize an appropriate cost functional. The resulting minimization problem is solved numerically by a steepest descent method. The gradient of the cost functional is approximated using the adjoint variables of the problem with fixed film width. Numerical simulations show the applicability of the proposed method. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing and treating veterans with traumatic brain injury
Authors: French Louis M. , Parkinson Glenn W.
Published: June 2008

Conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have resulted in greater proportions of service members with traumatic brain injury than in prior conflicts. These brain injuries range from the mild (concussion) to severe, and have enormous implications for clinical practice with these soldiers. The highly stressful and dangerous context in which these injuries are sustained set them apart in significant ways from brain injuries seen in civilian settings. The associated emotional toll of the environment and comorbid injuries, often resulting from blast exposure, complicates the clinical picture. In this article, the authors describe the complex presentations in this population of traumatically brain injured combat veterans and illustrate with case vignettes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 64:1–10, 2008.
Real flow number and the cycle rank of a graph
Authors: Lukot'ka Robert , Škoviera Martin
Published: June 2008

This article establishes a relationship between the real (circular) flow number of a graph and its cycle rank. We show that a connected graph with real flow number p/q + 1, where p and q are two relatively prime numbers must have cycle rank at least p + q − 1. A special case of this result yields that the real flow number of a 2‐connected cubic graph with chromatic index 4 and order at most 8k + 4 is bounded from below by 4 + 1/k. Using this bound we prove that the real flow number of the Isaacs snark I2k + 1 equals 4 + 1/k, completing the upper bound due to Steffen [Steffen, J Graph Theory 36 (2001), 24–34]. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 59: 11–16, 2008
Osteoblastoma: A 30‐year study of 99 cases
Authors: Berry Micah , Mankin Henry , Gebhardt Mark , Rosenberg Andrew , Hornicek Francis
Published: June 2008

Background and Objectives

Osteoblastoma is a rare, bone‐forming neoplasm accounting for 1% of primary bone tumors. It arises in young patients and develops in long bones and posterior elements of the spine. Osteoblastoma is characterized by interconnecting trabeculae of woven bone and rimmed by prominent osteoblasts. In the current study we characterize osteoblastoma by its demographic and anatomic prevalence. We looked at rates of recurrence as related to treatment.

Methods

We performed a review of our institution's Orthopaedic Oncology tumor registry and identified 99 verified cases of osteoblastoma treated between 1974 and 2006. Data related to demographic, anatomic, surgical treatment and follow‐up information were analyzed.

Results

The cohort included 69 males and 30 females with an average age of 24 ± 14 years. The most common sites of occurrence were the vertebral column (28 patients) and the humerus (21 patients). The tumors were treated with en bloc surgical resection or curettage with allograft or autograft. Local recurrence rate was 24% and most followed curettage and packing. No patient died of disease.

Conclusions

Osteoblastoma frequently affects the long bones and the spine. The recurrence rate following curettage is relatively high and can be minimized by resective surgery, in select cases. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;98:179–183. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Capital ideas: Enhancing the power of human assets
Authors: Yukl Gary , Lepsinger Richard
Published: June 2008

In today's rapidly changing and competitive business environment, organizations and their leaders must pay attention to an asset that is sometimes given short shrift—human capital, the skills and motivation of the organization's employees. Leaders at all levels can have a strong influence on human capital through a combination of relationsoriented behaviors and human resource management programs.
Image counts: Building an authentic leadership presence
Authors: Criswell Corey , Campbell David
Published: June 2008

A leader's image can be either an asset or a liability. Although many leaders mistakenly believe that managing their image amounts to chicanery, it's important for them to recognize the genuine aspects of themselves that should be coming across to other people—but may not be. Crafting an authentic image requires you to gain a clear picture of the image people are currently perceiving, decide what image you would like to portray, and develop the skills to close the gap.
Novel Bone Substitute Composed of Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins‐Crosslinked Gelatin and Tricalcium Phosphate
Authors: Chen Kuo‐Yu , Shyu Pei‐Chi , Chen Yueh‐Sheng , Yao Chun‐Hsu
Published: June 2008

A biodegradable GTP composite composed of OPCs crosslinked gelatin with tricalcium phosphate was prepared as a novel bone substitute. The effects of the degree of crosslinking on the swelling ratio, in vitro degradation rate, and morphology of the GTP composite are discussed. Adding OPCs to GP and GTP composites markedly reduced the degradation rate, indicating that OPCs are good crosslinking reagents for gelatin. Cytotoxic tests demonstrated that OPCs, gelatin and tricalcium phosphate released from GTP composite promoted the proliferation of MG‐63 cells. Results of this study suggest that the nontoxic GTP composite is suitable for use as a large defect bone substitute.

magnified image
Measurement of Transfer Coefficients to Monomer for n‐Butyl Methacrylate by Molecular Weight Distributions from Emulsion Polymerization
Authors: Sangster David F. , Feldthusen Jesper , Strauch Jelica , Fellows Christopher M.
Published: June 2008

The average kinetic coefficient for chain transfer to monomer 〈ktr,M〉 in the free‐radical polymerization of n‐butyl methacrylate (BMA) has been determined by the analysis of molecular weight distributions obtained by seeded emulsion polymerization under conditions such that chain transfer to monomer is the dominant chain‐stopping event. Measurements between 40 and 70 °C gave data fitting an Arrhenius‐type relationship with exponential factor EA = 30 900 ± 4 500 J · mol−1 and pre‐exponential factor log A = 3.45 ± 0.15. The value for EA is comparable with published data for chain transfer to monomer from methyl methacrylate (MMA) and n‐butyl acrylate (BA). The A value, however, is 1–3 orders of magnitude smaller, suggesting that there is more hindrance for chain transfer to monomer for BMA than for either MMA or BA.

magnified image
Back‐Biting Termination in Methyl Methacrylate/tert‐Butyl Acrylate Anionic Block Copolymerization
Authors: Čadová Eva , Dybal Jiří , Kříž Jaroslav , Vlček Petr , Janata Miroslav , Toman Luděk
Published: June 2008

The product of spontaneous termination formed after addition of one or two t‐BuA units onto living PMMA chains in the MMA/t‐BuA block copolymerization was isolated and characterized by SEC, UV, FT‐IR, Raman and NMR spectroscopy. It appears as a low‐molecular‐weight peak in SEC eluograms of the copolymers, absorbing at 260 nm; its retention time corresponds to that of the PMMA block. In its FT‐IR and Raman spectra, new bands appeared corresponding to the CC and CO vibrations of a conjugated and H‐bonded ester group of the enol form of the cyclic oxoester composed of MMA and t‐BuA units. Experimental support of a back‐biting reaction at the link between PMMA and Pt‐BuA blocks is presented.

magnified image
Synthesis of Branched Polyglucans by the Tandem Action of Potato Phosphorylase and Deinococcus geothermalis Glycogen Branching Enzyme
Authors: van der Vlist Jeroen , Palomo Reixach Marta , van der Maarel Marc , Dijkhuizen Lubbert , Schouten Arend Jan , Loos Katja
Published: June 2008

An enzymatic tandem reaction is described in which the enzymes phosphorylase and Deinococcus geothermalis glycogen branching enzyme (Dg GBE) catalyze the synthesis of branched polyglucans from glucose‐1‐phosphate (G‐1‐P). Phosphorylase consumes G‐1‐P and polymerizes linear amylose while Dg GBE introduces branching points on the α‐(1 → 6) positions by reshuffling short oligosaccharides. The resulting branched polyglucans have an unusually high degree of branching of 11%.

magnified image
Non‐coaxiality and stress–dilatancy rule in granular materials: FE investigation within micro‐polar hypoplasticity
Authors: Tejchman Jacek , Wu Wei
Published: June 2008

This paper deals with FE investigations of shear localization in dilatant granular bodies. The calculations were carried out with a hypoplastic constitutive law enhanced by micro‐polar terms to properly model the shear zone evolution. The behaviour of an initially medium dense sand specimen with very smooth and very rough horizontal boundaries was analyzed during a plane strain compression test. A stochastic distribution of the initial void ratio was assumed to be spatially correlated. Attention was focused on the non‐coaxiality of the directions of the principal strain increments and principal stresses in the shear zone and on the stress–dilatancy rule. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phagocyte‐specific S100 proteins are released from affected mucosa and promote immune responses during inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Foell D , Wittkowski H , Ren Z , Turton J , Pang G , Daebritz J , Ehrchen J , Heidemann J , Borody T , Roth J , Clancy R
Published: June 2008

Phagocyte‐derived S100 proteins are endogenous activators of innate immune responses. S100A12 binds to the receptor for advanced glycation end‐products, while complexes of S100A8/S100A9 (myeloid‐related proteins, MRP8/14; calprotectin) are ligands of toll‐like receptor 4. These S100 proteins can be detected in stool. In the present study we analyse the release of S100A12 and MRP8/14 from intestinal tissue. Specimens from patients with Crohn's disease (CD; n = 30), ulcerative colitis (UC; n = 30), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS; n = 30) or without inflammation (n = 30) were obtained during endoscopy. After 24 h culture, S100A12 and MRP8/14 were analysed in supernatants. Endoscopic, histological, laboratory and clinical disease activity measures were documented. We found an increased spontaneous release of S100A12 from tissue in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The release of S100A12 into the supernatants was 28‐fold enhanced in inflamed tissue when compared to non‐inflamed tissue (mean 46.9 vs. 1.7 ng/ml, p < 0.0001). In active CD, release of S100A12 and MRP8/14 was strongly dependent on localization, with little release from sites of active ileal inflammation compared to colonic inflammation. This difference was more pronounced for S100A12 than for MRP8/14. S100A12 and MRP8/14 provoked up‐regulation of adhesion molecules and chemokines on human intestinal microvascular endothelial cells (HIMECs) isolated from normal colonic tissue. The direct release of phagocyte‐derived S100 proteins from inflamed tissues may reflect secretion from infiltrating neutrophils (S100A12) and also monocytes or epithelial cells (MRP8/14). Via activation of pattern recognition receptors, these proteins promote inflammation in intestinal tissue. The enhanced mucosal release can explain the correlation of fecal markers with disease activity in IBD. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inherited thrombophilic factors do not increase central venous catheter blockage in children with malignancy
Authors: Chung Brian Hon‐Yin , Ma Edmond Shiu‐Kwan , Khong Pek‐Lan , Chan Godfrey Chi‐Fung
Published: June 2008

Background

Central venous catheter (CVC) blockage is a common complication in pediatric oncology patients. We investigated whether inherited thrombophilic factors may predispose Chinese children with cancer to CVC blockage.

Method

Newly diagnosed patients with CVC inserted were recruited during a 30‐month period and prospectively followed until CVC removal, end of treatment or death. Protein C (PC), protein S (PS), anti‐thrombin III (AT‐III), Factor V Leiden (FVL), prothrombin 20210 variant (p20210), and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism (C677T), were studied with other acquired factors. The primary endpoint was CVC blockage and symptomatic thromboembolic events (TE) were recorded.

Result

Thirty‐six patients were recruited. CVC blockage was found in 3/36 (8.3%) and the incidence was 0.23 per 1,000 catheter‐days. Among the 3 with CVC blockage, 2 were heterozygous for MTHFR polymorphism and 1 was heterozygous for PC deficiency. One with ALL developed superior saggital sinus thrombosis while on asparaginase and he was heterozygous for MTHFR polymorphism. One ALL patient with combined heterozygous MTHFR polymorphism, PC and PS deficiency did not develop any CVC blockage during a median follow‐up of 3.8 years. AT‐III deficiency, FVL and p20210 were not found in all patients.

Conclusion

Compared to previous studies, our cohort had a much lower incidence of CVC blockage. A different pattern of inherited thrombophilic factors was found with heterozygous MTHFR polymorphism being the most common. We concluded that inherited thrombophilic factors alone were not associated with CVC blockage in our pediatric cancer patient population. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:509–512. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Valacyclovir and acyclovir pharmacokinetics in immunocompromised children
Authors: Bomgaars Lisa , Thompson Patrick , Berg Stacey , Serabe Baruti , Aleksic Alek , Blaney Susan
Published: June 2008

Background

Valacyclovir, an orally administered pro‐drug of acyclovir, is utilized in the therapy of herpes simplex and herpes zoster infections. Little data regarding the pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability are available for pediatric patients. This report describes acyclovir pharmacokinetics following valacyclovir administration in immunocompromised pediatric patients, compares pharmacokinetic parameters following oral valacyclovir and IV acyclovir, and provides a limited assessment of efficacy in the setting of active herpes zoster infection.

Procedure

A total of 37 immunocompromised children were enrolled on one of two studies. Pharmacokinetic data are available for 32 patients following valacyclovir (15 mg/kg) administration, 11 of whom also had pharmacokinetic sampling following IV acyclovir administration. Three patients received valacyclovir as treatment for herpes zoster infections.

Results

Mean (±SD) Cmax values for acyclovir following oral valacyclovir were 18.8 ± 7 µM with a total exposure of 4,106 ± 1,519 µM min. The mean bioavailability of acyclovir from valacyclovir was 64%. Grade 1 nausea and emesis, which occurred in five patients was the only valacyclovir‐related toxicity. Two of the three patients treated for herpes zoster had complete scabbing of lesions by day 9.

Conclusion

Valacyclovir (15 mg/kg) was well tolerated in pediatric patients and demonstrated excellent bioavailability. Consideration should be given to the use of oral valacyclovir for the treatment of herpes zoster in clinically stable pediatric oncology patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:504–508. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coinheritance of sickle cell anemia and hereditary spherocytosis
Authors: Selcuk Duru Nilgun , Celkan Tiraje , Civilibal Mahmut , Ozbek Nur Ozden , Basak A. Nazli , Elevli Murat
Published: June 2008

To date only three siblings with coinheritance of sickle cell anemia (SCA) and hereditary spherocytosis (HS) have been reported. We here describe a 17‐year‐old boy who experienced episodes of hemolysis and had a large spleen. The diagnosis of SCA was confirmed by hemoglobin electrophoresis (HbS 88.9%) and genetic analysis (homozygote HbSS mutation). The diagnosis of HS was established by an osmotic fragility test, performed twice. A splenectomy was performed, and following surgery the hemoglobin concentration was maintained between 9 and 11 g/dl without further transfusion requirements. This patient was the fourth reported case with co‐existence of two different genetically transmitted hemolytic anemias. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:560–563. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic diagnosis of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in the bone marrow of a patient without evidence of primary tumor
Authors: Lisboa Susana , Cerveira Nuno , Vieira Joana , Torres Lurdes , Ferreira Ana Maia , Afonso Mariana , Norton Lucília , Henrique Rui , Teixeira Manuel R.
Published: June 2008

Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) is characterized by two pathognomonic translocations, both involving the FOXO1 gene. We describe a case of a 10‐year‐old child with multiple lytic lesions involving all the vertebral bodies, sternum and femur and a bone marrow biopsy compatible with a small round cell neoplasia, but no evidence of a primary tumor. Interphase FISH analysis with specific probes evidenced a rearrangement involving the FOXO1 gene and RT‐PCR identified the PAX7‐FOXO1 fusion transcript. These data show a case of ARMS with no evidence of primary tumor presenting the PAX7‐FOXO1 fusion gene. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:554–557. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Post‐operative radiotherapy for Ewing sarcoma: when, how and how much?
Authors: Laskar S. , Mallick I. , Gupta T. , Muckaden M.A.
Published: June 2008

Postoperative radiotherapy in Ewing family of tumors has undergone continuous evolution over the last few decades to establish its role in the combined modality management of these tumors. The process of evolution is still far from over. This review analyzes the evidence from major multi‐institutional prospective trials as well as large retrospective institutional series in Ewing tumors to determine the current standards and controversies in postoperative radiation. The indications of PORT, radiation dose‐fractionation, timing, target volumes and treatment planning, as well as the late effects are reviewed. A summary of evidence based consensus is presented and unresolved aspects are discussed. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:575–580. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Remote Plasma‐Enhanced Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition of Aluminum Oxide Thin Films
Authors: Volintiru Ioana , Creatore Mariadriana , van Hemmen Johannes L. , van de Sanden Mauritius C. M.
Published: June 2008

Aluminum oxide films were deposited using remote plasma‐enhanced metalorganic chemical vapor deposition from oxygen/trimethylaluminum mixtures. Initial studies by in situ spectroscopic ellipsometry demonstrated that the aluminum oxide films deposited at temperatures <150 °C were porous. The low refractive index of 1.38 was found to increase to 1.52 under ambient conditions, due to ageing. In order to improve the film properties, two routes were explored. First, by increasing the substrate temperature films with a refractive index of 1.48 were obtained at 400 °C, accompanied by a strong decrease in OH concentration, as shown by infrared spectroscopy. Second, by applying an additional rf bias to the substrate the in situ refractive index increased up to 1.60 and the OH groups were quantitatively removed.

magnified image
Structural characterization of CalO2: A putative orsellinic acid P450 oxidase in the calicheamicin biosynthetic pathway
Authors: McCoy Jason G. , Johnson Heather D. , Singh Shanteri , Bingman Craig A. , Lei In‐Kyoung , Thorson Jon S. , Phillips George N.
Published: June 2008

Although bacterial iterative Type I polyketide synthases are now known to participate in the biosynthesis of a small set of diverse natural products, the subsequent downstream modification of the resulting polyketide products remains poorly understood. Toward this goal, we report the X‐ray structure determination at 2.5 Å resolution and preliminary characterization of the putative orsellenic acid P450 oxidase (CalO2) involved in calicheamicin biosynthesis. These studies represent the first crystal structure for a P450 involved in modifying a bacterial iterative Type I polyketide product and suggest the CalO2‐catalyzed step may occur after CalO3‐catalyzed iodination and may also require a coenzyme A‐ (CoA) or acyl carrier protein‐ (ACP) bound substrate. Docking studies also reveal a putative docking site within CalO2 for the CLM orsellinic acid synthase (CalO5) ACP domain which involves a well‐ordered helix along the CalO2 active site cavity that is unique compared with other P450 structures. Proteins 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Deposition of nano‐crystalline lead chalcogenide thin films using a simple electrochemical technique
Authors: Mukherjee Nillohit , Ahmed Sk. Faruque , Mukherjee Dipankar , Chattopadhyay Kalyan Kumar , Mondal Anup
Published: June 2008

Nanocrystalline thin films of lead chalcogenides (PbS, PbSe and PbTe) were deposited on transparent conducting oxide (TCO) coated glass substrates at room temperature using a simple electrochemical (galvanic) technique, from suitable electrolytic solutions and without the application of any external bias. X‐ray characterization revealed that PbS, PbSe and PbTe thin films were all of cubic phase. The formation of nanocrystallites with dense and compact surface morphology was detected from FESEM and AFM measurements. The nanocrystalline films showed ‘blue shifted’ IR absorption. Hall measurements showed the materials to be p‐type in nature with carrier concentration in the range 1019 – 1020/cm3. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A cleaner approach towards deposition of CdS thin films by an electrochemical technique
Authors: Mondal Anup , Madhu Utpal , Bandyopadhyay Nil Ratan
Published: June 2008

CdS thin films have been deposited on Transparent Conducting Oxide (TCO, containing SnO2: F) coated glass substrates from aqueous sodium thiosulfate solutions, using the galvanic technique. A cadmium foil was used as a sacrificial anode and was the only source of Cd++ ions for CdS thin films, no external bias being used during film depositions. The films have been characterized using X‐ray diffraction, SEM, EDX, AFM and optical absorption studies. AAS analyses were carried out to determine the Cd content in solutions after film deposition. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Development and characterization of electrochemically enlarged silicon electrodes for energy storage microcapacitors
Authors: Sancho A. , Pérez N. , Gracia J.
Published: June 2008

Focused on the development of high capacitance silicon‐based devices, an optimized anodization method has been carried out in order to obtain electrodes with a greatly enlarged area. This constitutes a first structural condition to maximize the charge storage density of the capacitor. According to this purpose, the macropore formation on P and N type substrates has been analyzed and contrasted. For this task, the deposition parameters of a transparent Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) layer on N‐type silicon have been established to ensure a conductive ohmic contact. Furthermore, the crystalline structure and transparency of the film have been demonstrated. This allows an efficient electron‐hole generation by illuminating the back side of the wafer. Referring the P‐type substrates, the effect of the applied current density in the superficial porosity and the macropore formation rate has been measured. A subsequent doping process of the macroporous structure by the use of a planar diffusion source has been performed to guarantee its low series resistance. In order to demonstrate the feasibility and mechanical robustness of the intended capacitance structure, a dielectric layer and a top electrode layer have been deposited. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electrochemical formation of InP porous nanostructures and its application to amperometric chemical sensors
Authors: Sato Taketomo , Mizohata Akinori , Fujino Toshiyuki , Hashizume Tamotsu
Published: June 2008

In this paper, we report the electrochemical formation of the InP porous nanostructures and their feasibility for the application to the amperometric chemical sensors. Our two step electrochemical process consists of the pore formation on a (001) n‐type InP substrate and the subsequent etching of pore walls caused by changing the polarity of the InP electrode in a HCl‐based electrolyte. By applying the anodic bias to the InP electrode, the high‐density array of uniform nanopores was formed on the surface. Next, the cathodic bias was applied to the porous sample to reduce the wall thickness by cathodic decomposition of InP, where the thickness of InP nanowall decreased uniformly along the entire depth of the porous layer. From the amperometric measurements of the porous electrode, it was found that the electrocatalytic activity was much higher than that of the planar electrode. Furthermore, the current sensitivity for the H2O2 detection was much enhanced after the cathodic decomposition process. The InP porous nanostructure formed by the present process is one of the promising structures for the application to the semiconductor‐based bio/chemical sensors. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electrodeposited nanocrystalline bronze alloys as replacement for Ni
Authors: Hovestad A. , Tacken R. A. , Mannetje H. H. ‘t
Published: June 2008

Nanocrystalline white‐bronze, CuSn, electroplating was investigated as alternative to Ni plating as undercoat for noble metals in jewellery applications. A strongly acidic plating bath was developed with an organic additive to suppress hydrogen evolution and obtain bright coatings. Polarization curves indicate a strong inhibition by the organic additive at the tin equilibrium potential. Mass transfer controlled deposition yields nanocrystalline bronze coating with 0–65 wt% Sn. One or two low temperature equilibrium phases, high temperature equilibrium phases or a non‐equilibrium phase were identified by XRD analyses. Bright white bronze, 50 wt% Cu/50 wt% Sn, bronze coatings show improved tarnishing resistance and similar corrosion and wear resistance as undercoat for gold on actual jewellery parts compared to nickel. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of surface pre‐treatment in the room temperature fabrication of nanoporous alumina
Authors: Leitao D. C. , Sousa C. T. , Ventura J. , Carpinteiro F. , Correia J. G. , Amado M. M. , Sousa J. B. , Araujo J. P.
Published: June 2008

In nanoporous alumina, surface pre‐treatment, prior to the anodization process, plays a crucial role in the pore structure formation and organization. In this work we employ different pre‐treatments to determine the best suited for the subsequent anodization process. We observed significative differences in the current density transients (monitored during anodization), depending on the pre‐treatment used. For diamond paste polished surface, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the first anodization revealed a degraded porous structure, with no organization.

Samples with NaOH soft chemical etching, ion milling etching and electropolishing pre‐treatments revealed the best quality first anodization surfaces, so that a second anodization process was applied. Current density transients, together with SEM images, showed that there was still growth competition for the ion‐milling and electropolishing cases and longer first anodization times are thus required to obtain the equilibrium structure. We show that only in the case of NaOH soft chemical etching, the dimples carved in the aluminum foil from the first anodization step, strictly guide the growth of pores during the second anodization step. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
New insights in the electrodeposition mechanism of CuInSe2 thin films for solar cell applications
Authors: Chassaing Elisabeth , Ramdani Omar , Grand Pierre‐Philippe , Guillemoles Jean‐François , Lincot Daniel
Published: June 2008

The electrodeposition of CuInSe2, one of the most appropriate absorber for thin layer photovoltaic solar cells, is investigated with a rotating disc electrode by voltametry, steady‐state polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in dilute acidic solutions. Three main potential domains are distinguished. At low cathodic polarizations, binary Cu‐Se compounds are deposited. Indium starts to incorporate beyond a potential threshold which is associated with a current peak similar to a passivation peak and with impedance diagrams showing a negative polarisation resistance. For more negative potentials the impedance diagrams exhibit mainly characteristic features corresponding to charge transfer under diffusional control. A reaction path is proposed. These results are discussed in terms of general behavior of multinary compound deposition. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis and Seebeck coefficient of nanostructured phosphorus‐alloyed bismuth telluride thick films
Authors: Zhou Jian , Li Shanghua , Soliman Hesham M. A. , Toprak Muhammet S. , Muhammed Mamoun , Platzek Dieter , Müller Eckhard
Published: June 2008

Phosphorous‐alloyed Bi2Te3 thick films have been prepared by electrochemical deposition. The average grain size of the films was calculated to be 14‐26 nm based on Scherrer's equation. The effect of P on the Seebeck coefficient of thermoelectric P‐alloyed Bi2Te3 thick film was investigated. The results show that P‐alloyed thick film has n‐type conductivity with the Seebeck coefficient of ‐35 μV/K. The correlation between P site occupancy in the crystal and the Seebeck coefficient was discussed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis and characterization of cerium oxide by electrochemical methods
Authors: Lair V. , Ringuedé A. , Vermaut P. , Griveau S.
Published: June 2008

Ceria‐based materials have been synthesized by electrochemical process. Electrodeposition is an interesting cheap method which can be performed at ambient pressure and rather low temperature (less than 100 °C). Moreover, it is easy to control in situ the film thickness. Ceria coatings were obtained by an indirect electrodeposition method. A potentiostatic technique (–0.7 V/SCE) was used to first reduce a hydroxide precursor (O2 or NO3–) before leading to the formation of cerium oxide after 2h of deposition time. This work focused on the characterization of ceria films deposited onto stainless steel in view of high temperature fuel cell applications. The chosen deposition conditions lead to quite adherent, homogenous and covering films. The microstructure and the crystallinity of the ceria thin layers were characterized by SEM, TEM and XRD measurements. Electrochemical microscopy (SECM) was also used to locally study the conductive properties of ceria layers and the homogeneity of the deposited films. Finally, electrochemical characterizations such as impedance spectroscopy were performed under air atmosphere. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Odin: Team VictorTango's entry in the DARPA Urban Challenge
Authors: Bacha Andrew , Bauman Cheryl , Faruque Ruel , Fleming Michael , Terwelp Chris , Reinholtz Charles , Hong Dennis , Wicks Al , Alberi Thomas , Anderson, David , Cacciola Stephen , Currier, Patrick , Dalton Aaron , Farmer Jesse , Hurdus Jesse , Kimmel Shawn , King Peter , Taylor Andrew , Covern David Van , Webster Mike
Published: June 2008

The DARPA Urban Challenge required robotic vehicles to travel more than 90 km through an urban environment without human intervention and included situations such as stop intersections, traffic merges, parking, and roadblocks. Team VictorTango separated the problem into three parts: base vehicle, perception, and planning. A Ford Escape outfitted with a custom drive‐by‐wire system and computers formed the basis for Odin. Perception used laser scanners, global positioning system, and a priori knowledge to identify obstacles, cars, and roads. Planning relied on a hybrid deliberative/reactive architecture to analyze the situation, select the appropriate behavior, and plan a safe path. All vehicle modules communicated using the JAUS (Joint Architecture for Unmanned Systems) standard. The performance of these components in the Urban Challenge is discussed and successes noted. The result of VictorTango's work was successful completion of the Urban Challenge and a third‐place finish. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.