bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photoinduced antimicrobial polymer blends with benzophenone as a functional additive
Authors: Hong Kyung Hwa , Sun Gang
Published: February 2009

Benzophenone (BP)‐incorporated polymer films including polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films were prepared, and the structural and photoactivated properties were investigated by SEM, XRD, DSC, antimicrobial, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production tests. When the amount of incorporated BP concentration was 0.5 wt %, the polymer films were successfully prepared without significant changes in physical properties. Also, all the BP‐incorporated polymer films showed antimicrobial abilities under UVA (365 nm) irradiation, and the effectiveness increased as the amounts of BP in the polymers are increased. On the other hand, it was observed that photoirradiated PVA/BP composite films created H2O2 under the atmospheric dark condition. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Estimation of solubility parameter components of solutes and polymers using heat of vaporization and heat of sorption of solutes
Authors: Huang Jan‐Chan
Published: February 2009

In a recent study, a two‐dimensional solubility parameter model was used to correlate the heat of solution for solutes ranging from n‐alkanes to alcohols, dissolved in isotatic polypropylene (PP), poly(ethyl ethylene) (PEE), and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). When literature data of solubility parameter components of solutes were used, the correlation had some scattering for solutes with low values of cohesive energy density. In this study, the components of solubility parameters of solutes and polymers were estimated from cohesive energy and heat of sorption of solutes. Good correlation was obtained for the specific heat of sorption (ΔUsorp/V) for solutes ranging from n‐alkanes to alcohols, and PDMS had a polar component as previously estimated. Free volume effect in solution process may be the source of a small systematic deviation from the model. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Measurements of birth defect prevalence: Which is most useful as a comparator group for pharmaceutical pregnancy registries?
Authors: Scheuerle Angela , Vannappagari Vani X. , Miller Mary K.
Published: February 2009

Pharmaceutical pregnancy registries document birth defects and other complications reported in pregnancies exposed to specific medications or diseases. A baseline estimate of birth defect prevalence is necessary for comparison. To identify potential teratogenic signals, the pregnancy registry must have a comparator that most closely matches the exposed population and data collection methodology, which are characteristics that vary among the multiplicity of birth defect surveillance systems. The system that yields the most accurate prevalence data may be different from that most closely matching the pregnancy registry methods. State public health programs have highly accurate and precise statistics, but their populations are broader than those of a pharmaceutical pregnancy registry. Large collaborative databases may have a more useful covered population, but there are secondary problems related to data precision. Health care databases enroll large numbers of patients and have good information about exposures and health problems, but the data can be difficult to access and lack useful detail. Exposure‐related databases are closer in population definition and collection methods, though the presence of different diseases and exposures can be problematic. Internal comparators are likely to be most useful in formal statistical analysis, but added cost and management burden and may require significantly increased registry enrollment. There is no ideal comparator, and this must be taken into account when planning a single‐exposure or single‐disease pregnancy registry. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Iridium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Unfunctionalized Enamines
Authors: Baeza Alejandro , Pfaltz Andreas
Published: February 2009

Optically active tertiary amines are readily prepared by iridium‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of unfunctionalized enamines (see scheme). The best enantioselectivities with >90 % ee were obtained with N‐aryl‐ and N‐benzyl‐substituted enamines with a terminal double bond. The hydrogenation of enamines derived from cyclic ketones, which has not been reported yet with other catalysts, gave enantiomeric excesses of up to 87 %.

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Cover Picture: A Chemical System that Mimics Decoding Operations (ChemPhysChem 3/2009)
Authors: Giansante Carlo , Ceroni Paola , Venturi Margherita , Sakamoto Junji , Schlüter A. Dieter
Published: February 2009

The cover picture illustrates the decoding operation that can be mimicked by a solution containing a shape‐persistent macrocycle bearing two 2,2'‐bipyridine units and two Coumarin 2 moieties upon chemical inputs (protons) and photophysical outputs (four protonation states of the macrocycle under UV illumination are represented in the picture). M. Venturi et al. show on p. 495 that equilibrium mixtures of protonated species of this macrocycle contain more chemical information than the sum of information carried by the individual molecules.

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Mathematical learning disabilities in children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: A review
Authors: De Smedt Bert , Swillen Ann , Verschaffel Lieven , Ghesquière Pol
Published: February 2009

Mathematical learning disabilities (MLD) occur frequently in children with specific genetic disorders, like Turner syndrome, fragile X syndrome and neurofibromatosis. This review focuses on MLD in children with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS). This syndrome is the most common known microdeletion syndrome with a prevalence of at least 1:4000 to 1:6000 live births. Although the clinical presentation of 22q11DS is quite variable, its major characteristics include velopharyngeal abnormalities, congenital cardiac anomalies, mild facial dysmorphism and learning difficulties. Children with 22q11DS show considerable difficulties in mathematics, despite relatively normal reading performance. While fact retrieval seems to be preserved, impairments in procedural calculation and word problem solving are particularly prominent. Children with 22q11DS also have substantial difficulties in understanding and representing numerical quantities, possibly related to poor visuospatial attention, which all might stem from their underlying abnormalities in the inferior parietal cortex. This review ends with a discussion on how research on genetic disorders might aid our understanding of MLD in general. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2009;15:4–10.
Mathematical skills in Williams syndrome: Insight into the importance of underlying representations
Authors: O'Hearn Kirsten , Luna Beatriz
Published: February 2009

Williams syndrome (WS) is a developmental disorder characterized by relatively spared verbal skills and severe visuospatial deficits. Serious impairments in mathematics have also been reported. This article reviews the evidence on mathematical ability in WS, focusing on the integrity and developmental path of two fundamental representations, namely those that support judgments of “how much” (i.e., magnitude) and “how many” (i.e., number of objects). Studies on magnitude or “number line” representation in WS suggest that this core aspect of mathematical ability, is atypical in WS throughout development, causing differences on some but not all aspects of math. Studies on the representation of small numbers of objects in WS are also reviewed, given the proposed links between this type of representation and early number skills such as counting. In WS, representation appears to be relatively typical in infancy but limitations become evident by maturity, suggesting a truncated developmental trajectory. The math deficits in WS are consistent with neurological data indicating decreased gray matter and hypoactivation in parietal areas in WS, as these areas are implicated in mathematical processing as well as visuospatial abilities and visual attention. In spite of their deficits in core mathematical representations, people with WS can learn many mathematical skills and show some strengths, such as reading numbers. Thus individuals with WS may be able to take advantage of their relatively strong verbal skills when learning some mathematical tasks. The uneven mathematical abilities found in persons with WS provide insight into not only appropriate remediation for this developmental disorder but also into the precursors of mathematical ability, their neural substrates, and their developmental importance. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2009;15:11–20.
Mathematics deficiencies in children with very low birth weight or very preterm birth
Authors: Taylor H. Gerry , Espy Kimberly Andrews , Anderson Peter J.
Published: February 2009

Children with very low birth weight (VLBW, <1500 g) or very preterm birth (VPTB, <32 weeks gestational age or GA) have more mathematics disabilities or deficiencies (MD) and higher rates of mathematics learning disabilities (MLD) than normal birth weight term‐born children (NBW, >2500 g and >36 weeks GA). MD are found even in children without global disorders in cognition or neurosensory status and when IQ is controlled, and they are associated with other learning problems and weaknesses in perceptual motor abilities and executive function. Factors related to poorer mathematics outcomes include lower birth weight and GA, neonatal complications, and possible abnormalities in brain structure. While little is known about the nature of MD in these children, studies of MLD in other neurodevelopmental disorders and in children with learning disabilities provide useful models for further investigation. Further investigation of the neuropsychological and neuropathological correlates of distinct types of mathematics difficulties is also needed. Studies along these lines will yield information about the unique features of MD in children with VLBW/VPTB and about the nature and origins of poor mathematics achievement more generally. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2009;15:52–59.
Potential influences on mathematical difficulties in children and adolescents with neurofibromatosis, type 1
Authors: Moore Bartlett D.
Published: February 2009

Neurofibromatosis, type 1 (NF‐1) is a common genetic disorder affecting 1 in 3,500–4,000 individuals in the world. Mutations of the NF‐1 gene produce a myriad of physical, medical, and psychological manifestations. Although there is a very high degree of variability in the manifestations between individuals with NF‐1, the majority of children and adolescents with NF‐1 encounter difficulties that negatively impact their educational attainment. NF‐1 is associated with a very high incidence of cognitive deficits and learning disability, sometimes including mathematical learning disabilities (MLD). A number of possible inter‐related etiologies for MLD specific to children and adolescents with NF‐1 are discussed, including the high incidence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, visual spatial impairment, morphological and functional brain abnormalities. Thus NF‐1 exemplifies the wide ranging sources of potential influences on mathematical learning and MLD. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2009;15:45–51.
Statistics and biomedical informatics in forensic sciences
Authors: Zvárová Jana
Published: February 2009

Statistics and biomedical informatics play a very important role in forensic sciences. Statistics can be regarded as the science of uncertainty. It is therefore natural that statistics should be applied to evidence used for legal purposes or the individual's identification as uncertainty is a feature of any legal or identification processes where decisions are based on upon the basis of evidence. Biomedical informatics is bringing new approaches how to handle genetic and other data supporting decision‐making processes. We will show the simultaneous application of statistical and biomedical informatics approaches in the field of forensic dentistry and for calculating weight‐of‐evidence for forensic DNA profiles. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ex vivo analysis of rotational stiffness of different osteosynthesis techniques in mouse femur fracture
Authors: Histing Tina , Holstein Joerg H. , Garcia Patric , Matthys Romano , Kristen Alexander , Claes Lutz , Menger Michael D. , Pohlemann Tim
Published: February 2009

The various molecular mechanisms of cell regeneration and tissue healing can best be studied in mouse models with the availability of a wide range of monoclonal antibodies and gene‐targeted animals. The influence of the mechanical stability of individual stabilization techniques on the molecular mechanisms of fracture healing has not been completely elucidated yet. Although during recent years several osteosynthesis techniques have been introduced in mouse fracture models, no comparative study on fracture stabilization is available yet. We therefore analyzed herein in a standardized ex vivo setup the rotational stiffness of seven different osteosynthesis techniques using osteotomized right cadaver femora of CD‐1 mice. Uninjured femora without osteotomy served as controls. Femur stabilization with a locking plate or an external fixator resulted in a rotational stiffness almost similar to the intact femur. The use of a “pin‐clip” device, a “locking nail,” a “mouse nail,” or an “intramedullary screw” produced a lower torsional stiffness, which, however, was still significantly higher than that achieved with the widely applied conventional pin. By the use of the presented data a more specific choice of stabilization technique will be possible according to the various questions concerning molecular aspects in fracture healing. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 1152–1156, 2009
Comparative analysis of essential oils from eight herbal medicines with pungent flavor and cool nature by GC–MS and chemometric resolution methods
Authors: Zhao Chenxi , Zeng Yingxu , Wan Mingzhu , Li Rongxi , Liang Yizeng , Li Chengyong , Zeng Zhongda , Chau Foo‐Tim
Published: February 2009

Systematic comparative research was conducted on essential oils from eight traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) of pungent flavor and cool nature because the essential oils are the main active ingredients of herbs of this kind. The work was based on their component analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), on their retention indices, as well as on chemometric resolution methods. A total of 144 compounds were tentatively identified, accounting for 69.0% to 91.8% of the total essential oils. It is worth noting that there are 67 compounds in at least three of these eight essential oils. Moreover, many biologically active compounds, such as hexanal, α‐pinene, camphene, β‐pinene, p‐cymene, limonene, eucalyptol, (Z)‐ocimene, γ‐terpinene, camphor, p‐menthone, 4‐terpineol, α‐terpineol, carvone, eugenol, caryophyllene, β‐farnesene, α‐curcumene, β‐selinene, δ‐cadinene, caryophyllene oxide, cedrol, n‐hexadecanoic acid, benzaldehyde, benzeneacetaldehyde, phthalic acid diisobutyl ester, linoleic acid, tetradecanoic acid, (Z,Z,Z)‐9,12,15‐octadecatrienoic acid, eucalyptol, pentadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, linoleic acid methyl ester, exist in at least four of the eight essential oils. These results might help us to understand why the eight herbs are all of pungent flavor and cool nature according to the theory of TCM, and may provide a useful chemical basis for future research on herbs of this kind.
Moving reaction boundary and isoelectric focusing: IV. Systemic study on Hjertén's pH gradient mobilization
Authors: Xu Yan‐Jie , Li Si , Zhang Wei , Fan Liu‐Yin , Shao Jing , Cao Cheng‐Xi
Published: February 2009

In this paper, Hjertén's mobilization of pH gradient in IEF was systemically and quantitatively analyzed with the Rr value of judgment expression comparing the fluxes of hydrogen and hydroxyl ions. The theoretical results show that (i) there is Rr = 0, viz., quasi‐equal fluxes of proton and hydroxyl ion, in a classic IEF with sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide used as the anolyte and catholyte, respectively, this is the main reason why pH gradient is quite stable in IEF; (ii) but if the salt of sodium sulfate is added into the sodium hydroxide, there is Rr > 0, viz., the flux of proton being higher than that of hydroxyl ion, the Rr value implies a cathodic mobilization of pH gradient, and the higher the Rr value is the faster the cathodic mobilization becomes; (iii) if the salt is added into the sulfuric acid, there is Rr < 0, the Rr value indicates an anodic mobilization, and the smaller the Rr value is the faster the anodic mobilization turns. To test these theoretical results above, a novel procedure was developed for the run of classic IEF followed by Hjertén's mobilization of pH gradient. The strict experiments were in well coincidence with the theoretical results. The results have obvious significances for the mechanism and development of Hjertén's mobilization.
Multifunctional Block Copolymers Based on Styrene Derivatives
Authors: Stadermann Jan , Fleischmann Sven , Messerschmidt Martin , Komber Hartmut , Voit Brigitte
Published: February 2009

Several functionalized block copolymers based on polystyrene with considerably different block polarities have been prepared using controlled radical polymerization techniques (NMRP, RAFT). The target polymers, having hydroxy, alkyne or amine functionalities in at least one block were characterized by techniques like NMR, GPC and DSC to verify structure, molar masses, molecular weight distributions and thermal properties. With the example of partly protected hydroxystyrene based block copolymers, regular structured film surfaces could be created and were shown to be converted into homogeneous polymer surfaces by applying heat as external trigger. With alkyne functionalized block copolymers, modifications with objects of varying sizes were carried out, employing the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of alkynes with azides. Once again, the “click approach” proved its high efficiency as the reactions proceeded completely even with objects of high steric demand. Studying the influence on the macromolecular architecture, we found a strong alteration of glass transition temperatures for the compared polymer materials, indicating a bracing of the chains due to steric hindrance between the bulky side objects.
Synthesis of Polypeptide Based Rod‐Coil Block Copolymers by Using TEMPO Based Bifunctional Initiator
Authors: Stern Maria , Jurjevic Simone , Heise Andreas , Menzel Henning
Published: February 2009

A bifunctional initiator was synthesized having two functional groups for the initiation of the nickel mediated ring‐opening polymerization of γ‐benzyl‐l‐glutamate‐N‐carboxyanhydride and for the controlled radical polymerization of styrene via NMP. Molecular weights and molecular weight distributions of the polypeptides and block copolymers (PBLG‐b‐PS) were measured by SEC/MALLS. The controlled character of the NMP of styrene was examined by investigation of monomer consumption by gas chromatography.
Electrodeposition of Amino‐Functionalized Particles in a pH Gradient: Quantitative Investigations Employing an Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance
Authors: Bünsow Johanna , Grabs Ilka‐Marina , Schmidt‐Naake Gudrun , Johannsmann Diethelm
Published: February 2009

The electrodeposition of amino‐functionalized polystyrene and polybutylacrylate particles onto a gold electrode was investigated by an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) and by AFM imaging. Particles with diameters in the range of 100 nm were prepared by miniemulsion polymerization. An electrochemical pH modulation in front of the electrode induced the neutralization of the amino groups and the particles readily precipitated onto the surface. The efficiency of the deposition was a function of the applied voltage, of the particles' softness, and of the amino content of the particles. Depending on the polymer composition, the coatings consisted of a dense array of individual miniemulsion particles or of a smooth polymer surface produced by coalescence.
Control of the Molecular Weight Distribution in Continuous Emulsion Polymerization in a Pulsed Sieve Plate Column
Authors: Smeets Niels M.B. , Dautzenberg Bart A.J. , Heuts Johan P.A. , Meuldijk Jan , van Herk Alex M.
Published: February 2009

Control of the molecular weight distribution in continuous emulsion polymerization in a pulsed sieve plate column (PSPC) is experimentally studied. A global model, based on the Mayo equation, incoporating catalyst partitioning and deactivation was used to quantitatively illustrate the effect of the COBF addition on the instantaneous degree of polymerization in a batch reactor and the PSPC. Operating conditions have a strong influence on the cumulative molecular weight distribution of the latex product produced in the PSPC.
Characterization of Z‐RAFT Star Polymerization of Butyl acrylate by Size‐Exclusion Chromatography
Authors: Boschmann Daniel , Edam Rob , Schoenmakers Peter J. , Vana Philipp
Published: February 2009

Z‐RAFT star polymerization of butyl acrylate using multifunctional trithiocarbonate‐type RAFT agents carrying methyl propionate as the leaving group were used to form star polymers having 3, 4, and 6 arms. The polymerizations showed well controlled behavior up to high monomer conversions. By using a mixture of mono‐ and multifunctional RAFT agents, arm and star polymer were obtained simultaneously within a single RAFT polymerization, which enabled the evaluation of the apparent arm numbers. The desired topology of the star polymers was found being present already from the early phase of polymerization on. The apparent arm number slightly increases at very high monomer conversions in accordance to earlier reported star coupling reactions. Correction factors for conventionally calibrated SEC showed excellent agreement with data for polystyrene stars, indicating that the contraction of the hydrodynamic volume in comparison to linear polymer is only dependent on the polymer topology. The evaluation of absolute molar masses of star polymers was however limited by the accuracy of the conventional calibration.
Free Radical Polymerization in Ionic Liquids – Solvent Influence of New Dimension
Authors: Schmidt‐Naake G. , Woecht I. , Schmalfuß A. , Glück T.
Published: February 2009

For the free radical polymerization of polar monomers which are soluble in ionic liquids (ILs) an extraordinary strong solvent effect can be observed. The solvent influence of the ILs leads to a strong enhancement of the polymerization rate and extremely high, mostly broadly distributed molecular weights. The experimentally determined very high propagation rate coefficient kp and the reduction of the activation energy of propagation EA can be explained by H‐bonds between both the monomer molecules and the growing radical chains and the cations and anions of the ILs. The high viscosity of the ILs themselves as well as the increase of the viscosity during the polymerization process are responsible for the high molecular weights and the mostly high polydispersities. The systematic variation of the rate constants of propagation kp and termination kt using microwave reactor, IL/conventional organic solvent mixtures and increased reaction temperatures is studied.
Modification of the Solvent Influence on the Free Radical Polymerization in Ionic Liquids by Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Glück T. , Woecht I. , Schmalfuß A. , Schmidt‐Naake G.
Published: February 2009

Microwave irradiation is supposed to disturb the polar interactions between the ionic liquid and the monomer molecules or the polymer radicals which probably leads to a decrease in kp compared to conventional heating. This work deals with the comparison of the influence of microwave heating and conventional heating on polymerizations in the ionic liquids [EMIM]EtSO4 and [BMIM]BF4. Different monomers were homo‐ and copolymerized at 60 and 80 °C in DMF or methanol and [EMIM]EtSO4 or [BMIM]BF4 as solvent. Lower conversions were observed under microwave irradiation when polymerizing in the ionic liquid (IL), but not when polymerizing in DMF or methanol. Nevertheless there were no systematical differences in the molecular weights and in the copolymer compositions between microwave heating and conventional heating.
Aspects of Free Radical Polymerization of Styrene and n‐Butylmethacrylate in Imidazolium Tosylates
Authors: Strehmel Veronika , Reynaud Eric , Wetzel Hendrik , Görnitz Eckhard , Laschewsky André
Published: February 2009

Summery: A series of 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tosylates was explored as new solvents for the free radical polymerization of n‐butylmethacrylate and styrene. The use of these ionic liquids results in high yields and high molecular weights of the polymers, often even exceeding the molecular weights achieved in bulk polymerization. The obtained molecular weights and their distributions are sensitive to the structure of the ionic liquids, namely to substituents of the imidazolium ring. The broad and bimodal molecular weight distributions of the polystyrene made in the 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tosylates is caused by a heterophase polymerization.
Three‐compartment T1 relaxation model for intracellular paramagnetic contrast agents
Authors: Strijkers Gustav J. , Hak Sjoerd , Kok Maarten B. , Springer Charles S. , Nicolay Klaas
Published: February 2009

The goal of this work was to elaborate a model describing the effective longitudinal relaxation rate constant R1 for 1H2O in three cellular compartments experiencing possible equilibrium water exchange, and to apply this model to explain the effective R1 dependence on the overall concentration of a cell‐internalized Gd3+‐based contrast agent (CA). The model voxel comprises three compartments representing extracellular, cytoplasmic, and vesicular (e.g., endosomal, lysosomal) subcellular spaces. Relaxation parameters were simulated using a modified Bloch–McConnell equation including magnetization exchange between the three compartments. With the model, several possible scenarios for internalized CA distribution were evaluated. Relaxation parameters were calculated for contrast agent restricted to the cytoplasmic or vesicular compartments. The size or the number of CA‐loaded vesicles was varied. The simulated data were then separately fitted with empirical mono‐ and biexponential inversion recovery expressions. The voxel CA‐concentration dependencies of R1 can be used to qualitatively and quantitatively understand a number of different experimental observations reported in the literature. Most important, the simulations reproduced the relaxivity “quenching” for cell‐internalized contrast agent that has been observed. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Longitudinal quantitative MR imaging of cartilage morphology in the presence of gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd‐DTPA)
Authors: Eckstein Felix , Wyman Bradley T. , Buck Robert J. , Wirth Wolfgang , Maschek Susanne , Hudelmaier Martin , Hellio Le Graverand Marie‐Pierre
Published: February 2009

MRI‐based cartilage morphometry can monitor cartilage loss in osteoarthritis. Intravenous Gd‐DTPA injection is needed for compositional (proteoglycan) cartilage imaging with delayed gadolinium enhanced MRI (dGEMRIC). However, longitudinal changes of cartilage morphology have not been compared in the presence and absence of Gd‐DTPA. Baseline and 2‐year follow‐up images were acquired in 41 female participants with definite medial radiographic osteoarthritis, both before and 2 h after Gd‐DTPA injection, and cartilage thickness was measured. In the absence of Gd‐DTPA, a 2.6% reduction in cartilage thickness was observed between baseline and follow‐up in the central subregion of the medial femorotibial compartment (standardized response mean [SRM] = −0.33; P < 0.05), but only a 0.7% reduction (SRM = −0.10; P = 0.51) in the presence of Gd‐DTPA. The findings suggest that morphometric cartilage measurement in the presence of Gd‐DTPA needs to undergo further validation, before one can recommend longitudinal dGEMRIC and morphological cartilage imaging to be performed in a single session. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Compliance with immunizations in splenectomized individuals with hereditary spherocytosis
Authors: Grace Rachael F. , Mednick Rachel E. , Neufeld Ellis J.
Published: February 2009

Overwhelming infection by encapsulated bacteria is a significant risk of splenectomy. Strict adherence to immunizations against encapsulated organisms is recommended. We performed a cross‐sectional study to determine immunization status after splenectomy in the hereditary spherocytosis (HS) population. As HS is most often autosomal dominant, we used a strategy of ascertaining older affected individuals by expanding pedigrees from patients in our pediatric hematology center. Only 26% of asplenic patients reported receiving all recommended post‐splenectomy vaccines. This study demonstrates that pediatric hematology clinics have a unique opportunity to provide or recommend catch‐up and booster vaccinations to splenectomized adult relatives of their patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:865–867. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Plant phosphoproteomics: An update
Authors: Kersten Birgit , Agrawal Ganesh Kumar , Durek Pawel , Neigenfind Jost , Schulze Waltraud , Walther Dirk , Rakwal Randeep
Published: February 2009

Phosphoproteomics involves identification of phosphoproteins, precise mapping, and quantification of phosphorylation sites, and eventually, revealing their biological function. In plants, several systematic phosphoproteomic analyses have recently been performed to optimizein vitroandin vivotechnologies to reveal components of the phosphoproteome. The discovery of novel substrates for specific protein kinases is also an important issue. Development of a new tool has enabled rapid identification of potential kinase substrates such as kinase assays using plant protein microarrays. Progress has also been made in quantitative and dynamic analysis of mapped phosphorylation sites. Increased quantity of experimentally verified phosphorylation sites in plants has prompted the creation of dedicated web‐resources for plant‐specific phosphoproteomics data. This resulted in development of computational prediction methods yielding significantly improved sensitivity and specificity for the detection of phosphorylation sites in plants when compared to methods trained on less plant‐specific data. In this review, we present an update on phosphoproteomic studies in plants and summarize the recent progress in the computational prediction of plant phosphorylation sites. The application of the experimental and computed results in understanding the phosphoproteomic networks of cellular and metabolic processes in plants is discussed. This is a continuation of our comprehensive review series on plant phosphoproteomics.
White light generation through yellow nanophosphor and blue organic light‐emitting diode
Authors: Park Je Hong , Jang Nak Won , Kim Jong Su , Jeong Yong Seok
Published: February 2009

White light‐emitting device (WLED) combining yellow‐emitting nanophosphor and blue organic light‐emitting diode (LED) was developed. WLED was fabricated by using a spin‐coating method. Yellow‐emitting nanophosphor was dispersed in the blue‐emitting polymer solution for spin‐coating. As a variation of mixture ratio of yellow‐emitting nanophosphor and blue‐emitting polymer in emitting layer, the emission spectra were studied. Our white organic light‐emitting device with 30% phosphor mixture ratio and at the driving voltage of 17 V showed the color coordinates of x = 0.266 and y = 0.33. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Are AlN and GaN substrates useful for the growth of non‐polar nitride films for UV emission? The oscillator strength perspective
Authors: Bhattacharyya Jayeeta , Ghosh Sandip , Grahn Holger T.
Published: February 2009

The authors present results of a perturbation theory study of the effect of strain on the oscillator strengths of interband transitions in wurtzite group‐III‐nitride films suitable for ultraviolet light emission applications. Ternary alloy films are investigated, which can be pseudomorphically grown on GaN and AlN substrates with nonpolar M ‐plane (1$ \bar 1 $00) and A ‐plane (11$ \bar 2 $0) orientations. Valence band mixing, induced by the anisotropic in‐plane strain that arises in these films, can have a dramatic influence on the optical polarization properties of the transitions. An increased efficiency of light emission in the 0.21 μm to 0.25 μm spectral range is best achieved using AlN substrates, on which both Al1–x Gax N and Al1–x Inx N films experience compressive strain. On GaN substrates, Al1–x Gax N films experience tensile strain and will exhibit poor light emission efficiency. However Al1–x Inx N films on GaN substrates can emit light efficiently in the 0.3 μm to 0.36 μm spectral range. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Activation energy of Mg in a ‐plane Ga1–xInx N (0 < x < 0.17)
Authors: Iida Daisuke , Iwaya Motoaki , Kamiyama Satoshi , Amano Hiroshi , Akasaki Isamu
Published: February 2009

We investigated the electrical properties of Mg‐doped Ga1–x Inx N grown on an a ‐plane template. High‐hole‐concentration p‐type Mg‐doped Ga1–x Inx N films with an InN molar fraction of 0.17 were fabricated on sidewall‐epitaxial‐lateral overgrown a ‐plane GaN grown on an r ‐plane sapphire substrate by MOVPE. Variable‐temperature Hall effect measurement showed that a maximum hole concentration of 1.4 × 1019 cm–3 for x = 0.17 was reproducibly achieved at room temperature. The activation energy of Mg acceptors in Mg‐doped a ‐plane Ga0.83In0.17N was found to be as low as 48 meV. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nuclear Factor I Isoforms Regulate Gene Expression During the Differentiation of Human Neural Progenitors to Astrocytes
Authors: Wilczynska Katarzyna M. , Singh Sandeep K. , Adams Bret , Bryan Lauren , Rao Raj R. , Valerie Kristoffer , Wright Sarah , Griswold-Prenner Irene , Kordula Tomasz
Published: February 2009

Even though astrocytes are critical for both normal brain functions and the development and progression of neuropathological states, including neuroinflammation associated with neurodegenerative diseases, the mechanisms controlling gene expression during astrocyte differentiation are poorly understood. Thus far, several signaling pathways were shown to regulate astrocyte differentiation, including JAK-STAT, bone morphogenic protein-2/Smads, and Notch. More recently, a family of nuclear factor-1 (NFI-A, -B, -C, and -X) was implicated in the regulation of vertebral neocortex development, with NFI-A and -B controlling the onset of gliogenesis. Here, we developed an in vitro model of differentiation of stem cells towards neural progenitors (NP) and subsequently astrocytes. The transition from stem cells to progenitors was accompanied by an expected change in the expression profile of markers, including Sox-2, Musashi-1, and Oct4. Subsequently, generated astrocytes were characterized by proper morphology, increased glutamate uptake, and marker gene expression. We used this in vitro differentiation model to study the expression and functions of NFIs. Interestingly, stem cells expressed only background levels of NFIs, while differentiation to NP activated the expression of NFI-A. More importantly, NFI-X expression was induced during the later stages of differentiation towards astrocytes. In addition, NFI-X and -C were required for the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein and secreted protein acidic and rich in cystein-like protein 1, which are the markers of astrocytes at the later stages of differentiation. We conclude that an expression program of NFIs is executed during the differentiation of astrocytes, with NFI-X and -C controlling the expression of astrocytic markers at late stages of differentiation.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Thickness measurement of coated Ni on brass plate using Kα/Kβ ratio by XRF spectrometry
Authors: Karimi Minoo , Amiri Nayereh , Tabbakh Shabani Amir Ali
Published: February 2009

Relative intensity of Cu and Ni K lines in the x‐ray spectrum of brass plates coated with Ni of different thicknesses was measured by X‐Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry. The obtained results show that relative intensities, Kα/Kβ, of Cu and Ni K lines are increasing functions of Ni layer thickness. Thereby, these relative intensities can be used to measure the thickness of Ni layer on brass plate in the range of fractions of one to several micrometers. This method can also be used to measure the thickness of other coating materials. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A quantitative assessment of gene expression (QAGE) reveals differential overexpression of DOPEY2, a candidate gene for mental retardation, in Down syndrome brain regions
Authors: Rachidi Mohammed , Delezoide Anne‐Lize , Delabar Jean‐Maurice , Lopes Carmela
Published: February 2009

The brain alterations and mental retardation in Down syndrome are associated with overdosage of chromosome 21 genes. To shed light on the understanding of the molecular effect of this genetic overdosage, gene expression studies have crucial importance to quantify expression variations in Down syndrome tissues compared to normal ones. Herein, an in situ Quantitative Assessment of Gene Expression (QAGE) was used to quantify and statistically analyze, for the first time, DOPEY2 expression variations in different regions of the Down syndrome human fetal brains and to compare them to corresponding normal brains. DOPEY2, which is localized in the Down Syndrome Critical Region (DSCR) and is a candidate gene for neurological alterations in Down syndrome, showed a delimited regional and cellular expression pattern in the cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum, characterized by different transcriptional intensities in both normal and trisomic brains. DOPEY2 is overexpressed more than 50% (1.79‐, 1.97‐ and 2.12‐folds in the cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus, respectively), and showed statistically significant differences in the overexpression ratios in the three brain regions expressing DOPEY2. The demonstration of differential DOPEY2 expression and overexpression in human fetal brains suggests that this gene is submitted to a complex transcriptional control and could depend from other human chromosome 21 genes. Moreover, DOPEY2 overexpression in the brain regions, that are altered in Down syndrome patients and involved in learning and memory processes, is in agreement to the hypothesis that this gene plays a potential role in functional brain alterations and in the pathogenesis of mental retardation in Down syndrome. This new in situ QAGE approach allowed quantitative measurements of transcriptional changes and statistical evaluations of the expression and overexpression patterns of DOPEY2 at specific regions of the brain, which is a complementary approach to qRT‐PCR and microarray for transcriptome study. Moreover, this approach could be a powerful tool to study the candidate chromosome 21 genes for Down syndrome and other pathologies caused by regionalized quantitative transcriptional alterations, for greater interpretation of functional processes driving gene expression.
Boundary integral method for the evolution of slender viscous fibres containing holes in the cross-section
Authors: CHAKRAVARTHY SRINATH S. , CHIU WILSON K. S.
Published: February 2009

We consider the evolution of slender viscous fibres with cross-section containing holes with application to fabrication of microstructured optical fibres. The fibre evolution is driven by either prescribing velocity or a force at the ends of the fibre, and the free surfaces evolve under the influence of surface tension, internal pressurization, inertia and gravity. We use the fact that ratio of the typical fibre radius to the typical fibre length is small to perform an asymptotic analysis of the full three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations similar to earlier work on non-axisymmetric (but simply connected) fibres. A numerical solution to the multiply connected steady-state drawing problem is formulated based on the solution the Sherman–Lauricella equation. The effects of different drawing and material parameters like surface tension, gravity, inertia and internal pressurization on the drawing are examined, and extension of the method to non-isothermal evolution is presented.
Stability analysis of cusped bubbles in viscoelastic flows
Authors: YOU R. , BORHAN A. , HAJ-HARIRI H.
Published: February 2009

Experiments have established that an axisymmetric sharp trailing edge of a gas bubble in a viscoelastic fluid can develop into a three-dimensional ‘knifelike’ shape under certain conditions (high capillary number, large bubble size). A numerical study is conducted to discover the physics of this phenomenon. The axisymmetric deformation of a bubble rising buoyantly in a viscoelastic fluid is simulated by solving the axisymmetric flow equations coupled with the constitutive equations of the finitely extensible nonlinear elastic Chilcott–Rallison (FENE-CR) model. The three-dimensional temporal linear stability analysis of this axisymmetric base state is carried out. The dominant eigenvalue which is indicative of the growth rate of the perturbations is computed. The only unstable eigenmode has azimuthal wavenumber m equal to 2. The corresponding eigenfunction shows that indeed a sharp axisymmetric tail develops a knife-edge form. A further investigation of the energy budget of the disturbances for m = 2 is performed to determine the production and dissipation terms affecting the growth of this instability. It is shown that the normal gradient of the base-state pressure along the free surface plays an important role in the evolution of the instability.
Dynamo properties of the turbulent velocity field of a saturated dynamo
Authors: CATTANEO FAUSTO , TOBIAS STEVEN M.
Published: February 2009

In order better to understand how dynamo systems saturate, we study the kinematic dynamo properties of velocity fields that arise from nonlinearly saturated dynamos. The technique is implemented by solving concurrently, in addition to the momentum equation, two induction equations, one for the actual magnetic field and one for an independent passive vector field. We apply this technique to two illustrative examples: convectively driven turbulence and turbulence represented by a shell model. In all cases we find that the velocity remains an efficient kinematic dynamo even after nonlinear saturation occurs. We discuss the implications to the process of dynamo saturation.
Experience sampling research in psychopathology: opening the black box of daily life
Authors: Myin-Germeys I. , Oorschot M. , Collip D. , Lataster J. , Delespaul P. , van Os J.
Published: February 2009

A growing body of research suggests that momentary assessment technologies that sample experiences in the context of daily life constitute a useful and productive approach in the study of behavioural phenotypes and a powerful addition to mainstream cross-sectional research paradigms. Momentary assessment strategies for psychopathology are described, together with a comprehensive review of research findings illustrating the added value of daily life research for the study of (1) phenomenology, (2) aetiology, (3) psychological models, (4) biological mechanisms, (5) treatment and (6) gene–environment interactions in psychopathology. Overall, this review shows that variability over time and dynamic patterns of reactivity to the environment are essential features of psychopathological experiences that need to be captured for a better understanding of their phenomenology and underlying mechanisms. The Experience Sampling Method (ESM) allows us to capture the film rather than a snapshot of daily life reality of patients, fuelling new research into the gene–environment–experience interplay underlying psychopathology and its treatment.
The future of psychiatry in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Patel V.
Published: February 2009

The great shortage, and inequitable distribution, of psychiatrists in low- and middle-income countries is one of the key reasons for the large treatment gap for people with mental disorders. Psychiatrists need to play a public mental health leadership role in increasing the coverage of mental health care through task shifting of effective interventions to non-specialist health workers. Psychiatrists' new roles should include designing and managing such programmes, building clinical capacity, supervision and quality assurance, providing referral pathways and research.
Editorial
Authors: BURNARD PAMELA , SPRUCE GARY
Published: February 2009

The articles in this issue encompass topics that range from the musical behaviours of primary school children in Singapore, to the use of podcasting in an undergraduate programme in Wolverhampton, UK, and from the musical role models of secondary school children in Stoke-on-Trent (also in the UK), to the impact of the social and cultural context on school music education in Hong Kong. This issue also brings together articles that explore how university music students develop skills as instrumental and vocal teachers and reconsiders how musical skills can form a meaningful relationship with music education research. These articles, taken together, reflect the richness and diversity of contemporary music education research and the range of contexts in which it takes place. How should music educators respond to the changing tapestry of cultural themes and diversity which underpin the field of music education?
Sociopolitical culture and school music education in Hong Kong
Authors: Ho Wai-Chung , Law Wing-Wah
Published: February 2009

In the last two decades, educational and curricular reforms in Hong Kong have been designed to prepare students for the challenges of the return of Hong Kong's sovereignty from the UK to the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1997. This paper focuses on students' and teachers' attitudes towards a multicultural music education, which includes Chinese music, in response to this socio-political change. A mixed method design, involving a content analysis of relevant official educational and music documents, a questionnaire survey to 3,243 school students, and semi-structured interviews with 20 music teachers have been employed to further understanding of the development of politics and culture in Hong Kong society, which was investigated between winter 2006 and spring 2007. This paper argues that access to various musical cultures is a necessary but not sufficient condition for the development of music education in Hong Kong. Questions of how to integrate both Chinese music and other musical cultures in music education will remain a challenge for the future.
Contractionary Investment Policies in China 1988/89: Accounting for the Implementation Difficulties and Successes
Authors: Holz Carsten A.
Published: February 2009

In the past twenty years the People's Republic of China has undergone four marked periods of overheating as measured by output and price rises. While the 1980 bout of inflation was primarily a result of planned price increases, inflation in 1985/86, 1988/89, and 1993–95 increasingly reflected underlying market imbalances as prices had been liberalized and production decisions decentralized. Inflation was experienced as most severe in the 1988/89 period when the inflation rate climbed rapidly to levels – since the early years of the PRC unprecedented – above 20 per cent in mid-1988. Panic purchases in summer 1988 because of expected further price rises spread to several cities and inflation became tantamount to “social instability.” The Chinese Communist Party Central Committee strongly voiced its concern about the “stable and healthy economic development” in a communiqué on 30 September 1988: “At present, our overall economic situation is good, but the difficulties and problems are numerous, the most prominent being the excessively large commodity price rises.” Party and central government in 1988 felt compelled to stop economic overheating in order to prevent further panic purchases and rises in the inflation rate which would endanger social stability.