bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasmonic Coaxial Waveguides with Complex Shapes of Cross-Sections
Authors: Kozina Olga , Nefedov Igor , Melnikov Leonid , Karilainen Antti
Published: December 2010

In this paper, we describe waveguide properties of new optical waveguides made of noble metals and filled with glass and air. Such waveguides are coaxial cables and differ from a conventional coaxial in the shape of their central rods. Coaxial waveguide with annular and elliptic central rods are considered. Numerical simulations demonstrate that these waveguides, having nanosize cross-section, support propagation of few comparatively low-loss modes, having phase velocity close to the speed of light and the fields localized in a small area outside a metal. We illustrate excitation of these coaxial modes by dipole-like sources.
Sub-Wavelength Resonances in Metamaterial-Based Multi-Cylinder Configurations
Authors: Arslanagić Samel , Breinbjerg Olav
Published: December 2010

Sub-wavelength resonances known to exist in isolated metamaterial-based structures of circular cylindrical shape are investigated with the purpose of determining whether the individual resonances are retained when several of such resonant structures are grouped to form a new structure. To this end, structures consisting of 1, 2 and 4 sets of metamaterial-based concentric cylinders excited by an electric line current are analyzed numerically. It is demonstrated that these structures recover the resonances of the individual structures even when the cylinders are closely spaced and the new structure is thus electrically small. The investigation is conducted through a detailed analysis of the electric near-field distribution as well as the radiation resistance in those cases where the individual structures are made of simple dielectric materials in conjunction with simple, but lossy and dispersive, metamaterials.
1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of Lodgepole Pine Wood Chips Affected by the Mountain Pine Beetle
Authors: Todoruk Tara M. , Hartley Ian D. , Teymoori Roshanak , Liang Jianzhen , Peemoeller Hartwig
Published: December 2010

In this study, wood-water interactions of mountain pine beetle affected lodgepole pine were found to vary with time since death. Based on an analysis of magnetization components and spin-spin relaxation times from 1H NMR, it was determined that the mountain pine beetle attack does not affect the crystalline structure of the wood. Both the amorphous structure and the water components vary with time since death, which could be due to the fungi present after a mountain pine beetle attack, as well as the fact that wood from the grey-stage of attack cycles seasonally through adsorption and desorption in the stand.
Strain Measurements of Composite Laminates with Embedded Fibre Bragg Gratings: Criticism and Opportunities for Research
Authors: Luyckx Geert , Voet Eli , Lammens Nicolas , Degrieck Joris
Published: December 2010

Embedded optical fibre sensors are considered for structural health monitoring purposes in numerous applications. In fibre reinforced plastics, embedded fibre Bragg gratings are found to be one of the most popular and reliable solutions for strain monitoring. Despite of their growing popularity, users should keep in mind their shortcomings, many of which are associated with the embedding process. This review paper starts with an overview of some of the technical issues to be considered when embedding fibre optics in fibrous composite materials. Next, a monitoring scheme is introduced which shows the different steps necessary to relate the output of an embedded FBG to the strain of the structure in which it is embedded. Each step of the process has already been addressed separately in literature without considering the complete cycle, from embedding of the sensor to the internal strain measurement of the structure. This review paper summarizes the work reported in literature and tries to fit it into the big picture of internal strain measurements with embedded fibre Bragg gratings. The last part of the paper focuses on temperature compensation methods which should not be ignored in terms of in-situ measurement of strains with fibre Bragg gratings. Throughout the paper criticism is given where appropriate, which should be regarded as opportunities for future research.
Toward a Continuous Intravascular Glucose Monitoring System
Authors: Beier Brooke , Musick Katherine , Matsumoto Akira , Panitch Alyssa , Nauman Eric , Irazoqui Pedro
Published: December 2010

Proof-of-concept studies that display the potential of using a glucose-sensitive hydrogel as a continuous glucose sensor are presented. The swelling ratio, porosity, and diffusivity of the hydrogel increased with glucose concentration. In glucose solutions of 50, 100, 200, and 300 mg/dL, the hydrogel swelling ratios were 4.9, 12.3, 15.9, and 21.7, respectively, and the swelling was reversible. The impedance across the hydrogel depended solely on the thickness and had an average increase of 47 W/mm. The hydrogels exposed to a hyperglycemic solution were more porous than the hydrogels exposed to a normal glycemic solution. The diffusivity of 390 Da MW fluorescein isothiocyanate in hydrogels exposed to normal and hyperglycemic solutions was examined using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and was found to be 9.3 × 10−14 and 41.4 × 10−14 m2/s, respectively, compared to 6.2 × 10−10 m2/s in glucose solution. There was no significant difference between the permeability of hydrogels in normal and hyperglycemic glucose solutions with averages being 5.26 × 10−17 m2 and 5.80 × 10−17 m2, respectively, which resembles 2–4% agarose gels. A prototype design is presented for continuous intravascular glucose monitoring by attaching a glucose sensor to an FDA-approved stent.
Cruise Passengers Expenditure Analysis and Probability Of Repeat Visits to Costa Rica: a Cross Section Data Analysis
Authors: Brida Juan Gabriel , Risso Wiston Adrián
Published: January 2011

The present article considers the cruising expenditure in Costa Rica as a key variable in the economic analysis of the cost and benefits associated with the cruise industry. We applied a rarely accessible and very good quality database collected by the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT)
to estimate our econometric models. We estimate a cross-sectional regression model for the cruising expenditure, showing the existence of different tourist profiles that are related to the expenditure levels. In particular, heavy spenders are distinguishable from the other segments in terms
of age, hours spent out of the ship, nationality, income levels, and their spending pattern. In addition, we also use the data to analyze the determinants of the probability of returning. We show that this probability depends positively on the level of satisfaction declared by the passenger
and the number of hours spent out the ship, among other variables. We also show that older visitors are more likely to return than younger ones; first-time visitors are also more likely to return than repeat visitors and tourists whose income is larger than US$41,000 are more likely
to return than other visitors. Finally, men are more likely to return than women.
Is the Tourism-led Growth Thesis Valid? The Case of the Bahamas, Barbados, and Jamaica
Authors: Singh Diaram Ramjee , Wright Allan S. , Hayle Carolyn , Craigwell Roland
Published: January 2011

This article seeks to investigate whether there is a causal relationship between tourism growth and economic growth in the Bahamas, Barbados, and Jamaica. Several empirical studies have advanced evidence to support the idea that tourism growth promotes economic growth in a number of
countries. Using the cointegration test and a vector autoregression model, this article was able to establish that no equilibrium exists between tourism receipts and gross domestic product in any of the countries studied. The Granger Causality Test, however, does confirm the existence of a
shortterm relationship.
Toward a Halal Tourism Market
Authors: Battour Mohamed M. , Ismail Mohd Nazari , Battor Moustafa
Published: January 2011

This article begins by explaining the concept of Islamic Shariah. It explains the sources of Shariah as well as its higher objectives. The article focuses on the implications of observance of Shariah in the tourism and hospitality industries. Following this is a description of the recent
phenomena of “Halal tourism" and “Islamic Hospitality” illustrated through selected examples from Muslim countries in Asia and the Middle East. The development of "Islamically oriented” standards is also discussed giving rise to new concepts such as “Shariah-compliant,”
which refers to Islamic consideration of being alcohol free, gambling free, and the availability of “Halal” food. Lastly, the article discusses future trends and challenges related to Halal tourism.
Host Community Attitudes Toward Tourism Development: The Triggered Tourism Life Cycle Perspective
Authors: Chhabra Deepak
Published: January 2011

This study examines the current stage of tourism in Ladakh (India) using both face-to-face interviews and a survey comprised of open-ended questions. It hypothesizes that the evolution of host community attitudes as tourism moves from one life cycle stage to another is the combined
influences of triggers such as the social exchange, social disruption, Lamarckian, and Chaos theories. This modified tourism life cycle (TLC) framework is termed as the Triggered TLC framework. A strong influence of identified triggers is noted at various stages and a favorable disposition
towards tourism development in the later stages of the life cycle is detected. These findings offer important implications for both the policy makers of tourism in Ladakh and the local residents.
Elasticities of Demand for Tourism in Nigeria: An Ardl Approach
Authors: Bankole Abiodun S. , Babatunde M. Adetunji
Published: January 2011

This study empirically examines aggregate tourism demand function for Nigeria between 1995 and 2005 using quarterly data. The total tourist arrivals into Nigeria are related to world income, relative prices, and transportation cost. The ARDL approach is employed to compute the shortand
long-run elasticities of income, price, and transportation cost variables and the CUSUM and CUSUMSQ is implemented for stability tests on the aggregate tourism demand function. The empirical results indicate that income, transportation cost, and relative prices are the variables explaining
the total tourist arrivals to Nigeria and a stable tourism demand function exists.
Significant phorophyte (substrate) bias is not explained by fitness benefits in three epiphytic orchid species
Authors: Gowland Kelli M. , Wood Jeff , Clements Mark A. , Nicotra Adrienne B.
Published: December 2010

• Premise: Epiphytes rely on their phorophyte (host substrate) for support; epiphytic orchids also rely on mycorrhizal fungi for germination. Previous studies have proposed a degree of specificity in both interactions. Epiphytic orchids therefore provide an interesting system in which to examine multispecies interactions and the evolution of specialization.

• Methods: We examined the potential and actual distributions of three co‐occurring, related epiphytic orchid species: Sarcochilus hillii, Plectorrhiza tridentata, and Sarcochilus parviflorus on phorophytes in Australia's temperate dry rainforests.

• Key results: These three small epiphytic orchid species were all biased toward certain woody plant species, in particular, the tree Backhousia myrtifolia, though the extent of specificity varied. Biases toward the most common phorophyte species were not explained by increases in adult orchid fitness, nor did probability of flowering increase on B. myrtifolia. Indeed, individuals on this woody phorophyte tended to have fewer inflorescences than those on other woody phorophytes. Only S. hillii benefited from establishment on B. myrtifolia; it had more leaves on this phorophyte than on others.

• Conclusions: In many cases what appear to be simple interactions between two species may be mediated by more complex symbioses. For this system, we propose that the cause for bias in orchid distribution occurs much earlier in an orchid's life and may be due to a bias of their mycorrhizal fungi for the dominant orchid phorophytes.
The restoration of biodiversity: Where has research been and where does it need to go?
Authors: Brudvig Lars A.
Published: December 2010

The practice of ecological restoration is a primary option for increasing levels of biodiversity by modifying human‐altered ecosystems. The scientific discipline of restoration ecology provides conceptual guidance and tests of restoration strategies, with the ultimate goal of predictive landscape restoration. I construct a conceptual model for restoration of biodiversity, based on site‐level (e.g., biotic and abiotic) conditions, landscape (e.g, interpatch connectivity and patch geometry), and historical factors (e.g., species arrival order and land‐use legacies). I then ask how well restoration ecology has addressed the various components of this model. During the past decade, restoration research has focused largely on how the restoration of site‐level factors promotes species diversity—primarily of plants. Relatively little attention has been paid to how landscape or historical factors interplay with restoration, how restoration influences functional and genetic components of biodiversity, or how a suite of less‐studied taxa might be restored. I suggest that the high level of variation seen in restoration outcomes might be explained, at least in part, by the contingencies placed on site‐level restoration by landscape and historical factors and then present a number of avenues for future research to address these often ignored linkages in the biodiversity restoration model. Such work will require carefully conducted restoration experiments set across multiple sites and many years. It is my hope that by considering how space and time influence restoration, we might move restoration ecology in a direction of stronger prediction, conducted across landscapes, thus providing feasible restoration strategies that work at scales over which biodiversity conservation occurs.
Microsatellite markers for the Chinese herbaceous peony Paeonia lactiflora (Paeoniaceae)
Authors: Li Lin , Cheng Fang‐yun , Zhang Qi‐xiang
Published: December 2010

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite (simple sequence repeat, SSR) primers were developed for the Chinese peony, P. lactiflora, to investigate the diversity within Chinese peony germplasm resources.

• Methods and Results: Using an SSR‐enriched genomic library, a set of 10 unique polymorphic genomic SSRs was developed and characterized. The primers amplified 61 alleles in all 10 loci, including di‐, tri‐, and tetranucleotide repeats. The primers were also effective for P. veitchii and P. obovata.

• Conclusions: The new primers will be useful for genetic research of the Chinese peony and extend the repertoire of SSR markers available to study the herbaceous taxa in Paeonia.
Advancing the Use and Quality of Peritoneal Dialysis by Developing a Peritoneal Dialysis Satellite Center Program
Authors: Jiang Zongpei , Yu Xueqing
Published: December 2010

Background

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is developing rapidly in China, but because there are not enough well-trained PD doctors and nurses in more rural areas, this expansion is occurring mainly in larger cities. To address this imbalance, our center established a PD satellite center program across Guangdong Province, with the aim of extending the use and improving the quality of PD.

Methods

Sun Yat-sen University PD center is responsible for running the satellite program. The PD satellite centers are selected using specific criteria. The full-time PD physicians and nurses in the satellite centers accept a unified training program and treatment practices, and their clinical outcomes are carefully followed by our center.

Results

The program began in January 2008, and there are now 12 PD centers from which 26 doctors and 32 nurses received PD training. Several hundred patients are now receiving PD through this program. The total number of PD patients treated by our center and the satellites increased to 1860 from 1010. The number treated in the satellite units increased to 1165 from 601. The annual dropout rate fell to 17.6% from 28.2%, and the average peritonitis incidence fell from 1 episode in 39.4 patient–months to 1 episode in 46.2 patient–months. The 1-year patient and technique survival rates increased to 84.2% from 82.0% and to 93% from 88.7% respectively.

Conclusions

Our PD satellite center program is a good model for increasing the use and improving the quality of PD in rural areas. We plan to expand this program to other parts of southern China.
Dissociative Conscious Sedation, An Alternative to General Anesthesia for Laparoscopic Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Implantation: A Randomized Trial Comparing Intravenous and Subcutaneous Ketamine
Authors: Javid Mihan J. , Rahimi Mojgan , Keshvari Amir
Published: December 2010

Laparoscopy is an effective method of implantation for peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters. Use of the laparoscopic technique is increasing because of its potential advantages over other techniques. In most patients, selection for PD is based on negative criteria, and because of the need for general anesthesia, the laparoscopic technique can be life-threatening in these patients. On the other hand, local anesthesia is insufficient for laparoscopic catheter implantation. To avoid the need for general anesthesia and to achieve patient safety and satisfaction, we designed a type of conscious sedation (dissociative conscious sedation) and compared the efficacy of subcutaneous (SC) and intravenous (IV) ketamine added to narcotics in patients scheduled for laparoscopic implantation of a PD catheter.

Methods

Our prospective randomized double-blind study enrolled 60 adult patients with chronic renal failure who were scheduled for laparoscopic implantation of a PD catheter. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving IV ketamine, and the other receiving SC ketamine. In both groups, patients were premedicated with IV midazolam 0.015 mg/kg, fentanyl 1–2 μg/kg, and lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg. Patients then received 0.6 mg/kg ketamine either intravenously (IV group) or by subcutaneous injection at the anterior aspect of the forearm (SC group). If systolic blood pressure (BP) increased more than 20% from baseline or exceeded 170 mmHg, IV nitroglycerine (TNG) 50 μg was administered incrementally (repeated 50-μg doses). After a desirable level of conscious sedation was achieved, local anesthesia and nitrous oxide pneumoperitoneum were applied, and the PD catheter was implanted under laparoscopic guidance. Heart rate and BP were measured throughout the procedure. Adverse effects and recovery events were recorded.

Results

All patients tolerated the procedure well. Administration of TNG was significantly more frequent in the IV ketamine group. Pain intensity during the surgery was similar in both groups. Both groups were comparable with regard to heart rate, but patients in the SC ketamine group had a significantly lower systolic BP at the 2nd measurement and a lower rate–pressure product at the 2nd, 4th, and 5th measurements. All patients in the SC ketamine group were cooperative during surgery and experienced uneventful recoveries; mild hallucinations were observed in 5 patients in the IV ketamine group. In the IV ketamine group, 3 patients lost the ability to cooperate during surgery. All catheters were successfully placed.

Conclusions

Dissociative conscious sedation is an acceptable alternative to general anesthesia in laparoscopic implantation of the PD catheter. Ketamine by the SC route is as effective as, but safer than, IV ketamine.
Avancées dans le pré-verbal : les trames discursives conceptuelles
Authors: Toma Antoine
Published: December 2010

Le problème d’une recherche qui se situe dans le champ de la formalisation de l’activité langagière est celui de la réalisation concrète. Une méconnaissance de la problématique peut conduire à s’étonner qu’une application n’ait pas encore permis à une machine de produire du discours alors que de nombreux exemples de traitement formel ont été proposés dans l’histoire. Le but de cet article est de tenter d’abord d’expliquer pourquoi, puis d’envisager les pistes de recherche les plus fécondes. En attendant, les réalisations concrètes peuvent être multiples dès lors que cette recherche, qui permet de démonter les mécanismes du langage, trouve des applications d’ordre didactique. L’écart prétendu grand entre la réflexion métalinguistique et la pédagogie doit cependant être le plus petit possible, l’une se nourrissant de l’autre et réciproquement.
Argumentation, représentation, intervention : les rôles de l'imagerie dans les discours scientifiques
Authors: Cambrosio Alberto
Published: January 2011

L’article présente un certain nombre de thèmes développés dans le cadre de recherches sociologiques récentes sur la visualisation dans le domaine scientifique. L’imagerie, loin de remplir de simples fonctions didactiques ou pédagogiques, contribue de façon décisive à structurer la recherche. On constate notamment l’existence de mécanismes particuliers d’argumentation visuelle, le recours à l’imagerie intervenant également dans la constitution des objets scientifiques ainsi que du domaine invisible qui sert de cadre aux interventions sur ces objets et à leurs actions. L’article examine quelques-uns des nouveaux défis posés par l’imagerie de synthèse, notamment le télescopage entre représentation et intervention.
Measurements and Gδ-Subsets of Domains
Authors: Bennett Harold , Lutzer David
Published: January 2011

In this paper we study domains, Scott domains, and the existence of measurements. We use a space created by D. K. Burke to show that there is a Scott domain P for which max(P) is a Gδ-subset of P and yet no measurement μ on P has ker(μ) = max(P). We also correct a mistake in the literature asserting that [0, ω1) is a space of this type. We show that if P is a Scott domain and X ⊆ max(P) is a Gδ-subset of P, then X has a Gδ-diagonal and is weakly developable. We show that if X ⊆ max(P) is a Gδ-subset of P, where P is a domain but perhaps not a Scott domain, then X is domain-representable, first-countable, and is the union of dense, completely metrizable subspaces. We also show that there is a domain P such that max(P) is the usual space of countable ordinals and is a Gδ-subset of P in the Scott topology. Finally we show that the kernel of a measurement on a Scott domain can consistently be a normal, separable, non-metrizable Moore space.
On the Dichotomy of the Evolution Families: A Discrete-Argument Approach
Authors: Preda Ciprian , Sipos Ciprian
Published: January 2011

We establish a discrete-time criteria guaranteeing the existence of an exponential dichotomy in the continuous-time behavior of an abstract evolution family. We prove that an evolution family acting on a Banach space X is uniformly exponentially dichotomic (with respect to its continuous-time behavior) if and only if the corresponding difference equation with the inhomogeneous term from a vector-valued Orlicz sequence space lΦ(ℕ, X) admits a solution in the same lΦ(ℕ, X). The technique of proof effectively eliminates the continuity hypothesis on the evolution family (i.e., we do not assume that U( · , s)x or U(t, · )x is continuous on [s, ∞), and respectively [0, t]). Thus, some known results given by Coffman and Schaffer, Perron, and Ta Li are extended.
A Note on Toric Varieties Associated with Moduli Spaces
Authors: Uren James J.
Published: December 2010

In this note we give a brief review of the construction of a toric variety coming from a genus g ≥ 2 Riemann surface Σg equipped with a trinion, or pair of pants, decomposition. This was outlined by J. Hurtubise and L. C. Jeffrey. A. Tyurin used this construction on a certain collection of trinion decomposed surfaces to produce a variety DMg , the so-called Delzant model of moduli space, for each genus g. We conclude this note with some basic facts about the moment polytopes of the varieties . In particular, we show that the varieties DMg constructed by Tyurin, and claimed to be smooth, are in fact singular for g ≥ 3.
From the archive: ‘A memory and decision model for eyewitness identification’ by S. E. Clark (2003). Applied Cognitive Psychology, 17, 629–654 with commentary
Authors:   Nominated by Tim Perfect – Associate Editor
Published: January 2011

I chose this paper because it demonstrates an insightful application of theory to the complex problem of witness decision making. It provides an explicit mathematical model of how people make identifications, and applies it to existing published data sets with apparently discrepant findings. The outcomes challenge how we think about the identifi cation process, how we should interpret variations between studies, and what our applied recommendations about line‐ups should be.
A primatological perspective on death
Authors: Anderson James R.
Published: December 2010

Some questions that arise from observations of responses to dead and dying individuals by nonhuman primates are discussed, focusing on psychological issues. The phenomenon of transport and care of dead infants is reviewed, along with the consequences of the mother dying for orphaned offspring. It is argued that particular attention should be paid to how the context of a death affects individuals, for example, traumatic accidental or predation‐induced death versus peaceful death following illness. Some primates kill others of their own or other species, which raises additional questions about death awareness and empathy. Observations from both the field and captivity can contribute toward a better understanding of the psychological meaning of death for primates. Some aspects of death awareness recognized by developmental psychologists might help guide research efforts in this area. Am. J. Primatol. 73:410–414, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Correlation Between the Distribution of SP and CGRP Immunopositive Neurons in Dorsal Root Ganglia and the Afferent Sensation of Preputial Frenulum
Authors: Wu Zhong‐Min , Chen Yong‐Feng , Qiu Peng‐Nian , Ling Shu‐Cai
Published: December 2010

The aim of this study was to explore the distribution of substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) immunoreactive nerve terminals in the penis prepuce and the preputial frenulum. The possible correlation between SP‐ and CGRP‐immunopositive neurons in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and the afferent sensation of the penile preputial frenulum is also discussed. Immunohistochemistry showed SP‐ and CGRP‐positive nerve terminals in the epidermal basal layer of the prepuce and frenulum in adult human males. The majority of the nerve terminals presented as bundles of different lengths and a few as enlarged nodosities. The density of SP‐ and CGRP‐immunopositive nerve terminals in the preputial frenulum was significantly higher than those in the penis prepuce (P<0.01). Fluoro‐Gold (FG) retrograde tracing method was used to trace the origin of nerve terminals in Sprague‐Dawley rats. SP and CGRP immunofluorescence labeling was employed to detect the distribution of SP‐ and CGRP‐immunoreactive neurons in DRG. FG retro‐labeled neurons were localized in L6‐DRG and S1‐DRG. All the FG/SP and FG/CGRP double‐labeled neurons were medium or small‐sized. One‐third of the FG‐labeled neurons were SP‐immunoreactive, and a half of them CGRP‐immunoreactive in L6‐DRG and S1‐DRG, respectively. The FG/SP/CGRP‐labeled neurons accounted for one fifth of the FG retro‐labeled neurons. Taken together, these data suggest that the SP‐ and CGRP‐immunopositive nerve fibers may participate in the transmission of afferent sensation in the preputial frenulum. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessing the role of involvement as a mediator of allocentrist responses to advertising and normative influence
Authors: Wu Couchen , Jang Lieching , Chen Chongi
Published: January 2011

There has been increasing discussion of the guiding role of cultural knowledge in the construction of meaning from a stimulus. The present study, conducted in a collectivist culture, explores the role of consumer product involvement in behavioral intention. The research demonstrates that in addition to ego‐focused advertising appeal, the independent variable of subjective norm functions as a predictor of involvement. Both of these independent considerations can activate higher involvement of allocentrists, increasing their trust, affective attitudes, and subsequent purchase intention toward the advertised product.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Electrochemical and Optical Anion Chemosensor Based on Tripodal Tris(ferrocenylurea)
Authors: Li Minrui , Wu Biao , Jia Chuandong , Huang Xiaojuan , Zhao Qilong , Shao Shijun , Yang Xiao‐Juan
Published: January 2011

A neutral tripodal tris(ferrocenylurea) anion receptor has been designed that can electrochemically and optically recognize sulfate and phosphate anions. The binding of the tetrahedral anion induced distinct cathodic shifts of the ferrocene/ferrocenium redox couple in chloroform, whereas the UV/Vis spectrum of the receptor showed an increase in the d–d transition band upon addition of sulfate ions. Furthermore, the anion complexes (TBA)2⋅[SO4⊂L]⋅H2O (1) and TBA[F⊂L] (2; TBA=tetrabutylammonium ion) were isolated. Crystal structural analyses showed that the receptor in the two 1:1 (host/guest) complexes encapsulated sulfate or fluoride ions in the tripodal cavity through multiple hydrogen bonds. 1H NMR spectroscopic and ESI mass‐spectrometric analysis revealed strong sulfate and fluoride binding in solution.
The Influence of Linker Geometry in Bis(3‐hydroxy‐N‐methyl‐pyridin‐2‐one) Ligands on Solution Phase Uranyl Affinity
Authors: Szigethy Géza , Raymond Kenneth N.
Published: January 2011

Seven water‐soluble, tetradentate bis(3‐hydroxy‐N‐methyl‐pyridin‐2‐one) (bis‐Me‐3,2‐HOPO) ligands were synthesized that vary only in linker geometry and rigidity. Solution‐phase thermodynamic measurements were conducted between pH 1.6 and pH 9.0 to determine the effects of these variations on proton and uranyl cation affinity. Proton affinity decreases by introduction of the solubilizing triethylene glycol group as compared to unsubstituted reference ligands. Uranyl affinity was found to follow no discernable trends with incremental geometric modification. The butyl‐linked 4 li‐Me‐3,2‐HOPO ligand exhibited the highest uranyl affinity, consistent with prior in vivo decorporation results. Of the rigidly‐linked ligands, the o‐phenylene linker imparted the best uranyl affinity to the bis‐Me‐3,2‐HOPO ligand platform.
Optical Imaging with Dynamic Contrast Agents
Authors: Wei Qingshan , Wei Alexander
Published: January 2011

Biological imaging applications often employ molecular probes or nanoparticles for enhanced contrast. However, resolution and detection are still often limited by the intrinsic heterogeneity of the sample, which can produce high levels of background that obscure the signals of interest. Herein, we describe approaches to overcome this obstacle based on the concept of dynamic contrast: a strategy for elucidating signals by the suppression or removal of background noise. Dynamic contrast mechanisms can greatly reduce the loading requirement of contrast agents, and may be especially useful for single‐probe imaging. Dynamic contrast modalities are also platform‐independent, and can enhance the performance of sophisticated biomedical imaging systems or simple optical microscopes alike. Dynamic contrast is performed in two stages: 1) a signal modulation scheme to introduce time‐dependent changes in amplitude or phase, and 2) a demodulation step for signal recovery. Optical signals can be coupled with magnetic nanoparticles, photoswitchable probes, or plasmon‐resonant nanostructures for modulation by magnetomotive, photonic, or photothermal mechanisms, respectively. With respect to image demodulation, many of the strategies developed for signal processing in electronics and communication technologies can also be applied toward the editing of digital images. The image‐processing step can be as simple as differential imaging, or may involve multiple reference points for deconvolution by using cross‐correlation algorithms. Periodic signals are particularly amenable to image demodulation strategies based on Fourier transform; the contrast of the demodulated signal increases with acquisition time, and modulation frequencies in the kHz range are possible. Dynamic contrast is an emerging topic with considerable room for development, both with respect to molecular or nanoscale probes for signal modulation, and also to methods for more efficient image processing and editing.
Spin‐Trapping Evidence for the Formation of Alkyl, Alkoxyl, and Alkylperoxyl Radicals in the Reactions of Dialkylzincs with Oxygen
Authors: Maury Julien , Feray Laurence , Bazin Samantha , Clément Jean‐Louis , Marque Sylvain R. A. , Siri Didier , Bertrand Michèle P.
Published: January 2011

The reactions of dialkylzincs (Me2Zn, Et2Zn, and nBu2Zn) with oxygen have been investigated by EPR spectroscopy using spin‐trapping techniques. The use of 5‐diethoxyphosphoryl‐5‐methyl‐1‐pyrrroline N‐oxide (DEPMPO) as a spin‐trap has allowed the involvement of alkyl, alkylperoxyl, and alkoxyl radicals in this process to be probed for the first time. The relative ratio of the corresponding spin‐adducts depends strongly on the nature of the R group, which controls the CZn bond dissociation enthalpy, and on the experimental conditions (excess of spin‐trap compared with R2Zn and vice versa). The results have demonstrated that Et2Zn and, to a lesser extent, nBu2Zn are much better traps for oxygen‐centered species than Me2Zn. When the dialkylzincs were used in excess with respect to the spin‐trap, the concentration of the oxygen‐centered radical adducts of DEPMPO was much lower for Et2Zn and nBu2Zn than for Me2Zn. A detailed reaction mechanism is discussed and CZn, OZn, and OO bond dissociation enthalpies for the proposed reaction intermediates were calculated at the UB3LYP/6‐311++G(3df,3pd)//UB3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) level of theory to support the rationale.
Double Targeting of Tumours with Pyrenyl‐Modified Dendrimers Encapsulated in an Arene–Ruthenium Metallaprism
Authors: Pitto‐Barry Anaïs , Barry Nicolas P. E. , Zava Olivier , Deschenaux Robert , Dyson Paul J. , Therrien Bruno
Published: January 2011

The self‐assembly of 2,4,6‐tris(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,5‐triazine (tpt) triangular panels with p‐cymene–ruthenium building blocks and 5,8‐dioxido‐1,4‐naphthoquinonato (donq) bridges, in the presence of pyrenyl‐containing dendrimers of different generations (P0, P1 and P2), affords the triangular prismatic host–guest compounds [Pn⊂Ru6(p‐cymene)6(tpt)2(donq)3]6+ ([Pn⊂1]6+). The host–guest nature of these systems, with the pyrenyl moiety being encapsulated in the hydrophobic cavity of the cage and the dendritic functional group pointing outwards, was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy (1H, 2D and DOSY). The host–guest properties of these systems were studied in solution by NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopic methods, allowing the determination of their affinity constants (Ka). Moreover, the ability of these water‐soluble host–guest systems to carry the pyrenyl‐containing dendrimers into cancer cells was evaluated on human ovarian cancer cells. The host–guest systems are all more cytotoxic than the empty cage [1][CF3SO3]6 (IC50≈4 μM), with the most active compound, [P0⊂1][CF3SO3]6, being an order of magnitude more cytotoxic.
Syntheses, Structures, and Reactivities of Homometallic Rare‐Earth‐Metal Multimethyl Methylidene and Oxo Complexes
Authors: Hong Jianquan , Zhang Lixin , Yu Xiaying , Li Meng , Zhang Zhengxing , Zheng Pengzhi , Nishiura Masayoshi , Hou Zhaomin , Zhou Xigeng
Published: January 2011

Unsolvated, trinuclear, homometallic, rare‐earth‐metal multimethyl methylidene complexes [{(NCN)Ln(μ2‐CH3)}3(μ3‐CH3)(μ3‐CH2)] (NCN=L=[PhC{NC6H4(iPr‐2,6)2}2]−; Ln=Sc (2 a), Lu (2 b)) have been synthesized by treatment of [(L)Ln{CH2C6H4N(CH3)2‐o}2] (Ln=Sc (1 a), Lu (1 b)) with two equivalents of AlMe3 in toluene at ambient temperature in good yields. Treatment of 1 with three equivalents of AlMe3 gives the heterometallic trinuclear complexes [(L)Ln(AlMe4)2] (Ln=Sc (3 a), Lu (3 b)) in good yields. Interestingly, 2 can also be generated by recrystallization of 3 in THF/toluene, thereby indicating that the THF molecule can also induce CH bond activation of 2. Reaction of 2 with one equivalent of ketones affords the trinuclear homometallic oxo–trimethyl complexes [{(L)Ln(μ2‐CH3)}3(μ3‐CH3)(μ3‐O)] (Ln=Sc(4 a), Lu(4 b)) in high yields. Complex 4 b reacts with one equivalent of cyclohexanone to give the methyl abstraction product [{(L)Lu(μ2‐CH3)}3(μ3‐OC6H9)(μ3‐O)] (5 b), whereas reaction of 4 b with acetophenone forms the insertion product [{(L)Lu(μ2‐CH3)}3{μ3‐OCPh(CH3)2}(μ3‐O)] (6 b). Complex 4 a is inert to ketone under the same conditions. All these new complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, NMR spectroscopy, and confirmed by X‐ray diffraction determination.
Gearing of Molecular Swirls: Columnar Packing of Nematogenic Hexakis(4‐alkoxyphenylethynyl)benzene Derivatives
Authors: Lee Shern‐Long , Lin Hsing‐An , Lin Yi‐Hui , Chen Hsiu‐Hui , Liao Ching‐Ting , Lin Tzu‐Ling , Chu Yi‐Chen , Hsu Hsiu‐Fu , Chen Chun‐hsien , Lee Jey‐Jau , Hung Wen‐Yi , Liu Qu‐Yuan , Wu Chunhung
Published: January 2011

Through molecular design and straightforward synthesis, incorporating an additional alkoxy chain onto various numbers of peripheral phenyls in nematogenic hexakis(4‐alkoxyphenylethynyl)benzene was achieved to generate columnar phases with significantly expanded temperature ranges. For the compound with two decyloxy chains on every peripheral phenyl, scanning tunnelling microscopic studies indicate the molecule adopts a preferred molecular‐swirl geometry by restricting the conformational arrangement of the alkoxy side chains. Cooperative packing of the molecular swirls by a lock‐in mechanism among columns results in a stable helical column packing evidenced by powder X‐ray diffraction.
Incorporating Multiple Energy Relay Dyes in Liquid Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Yum Jun‐Ho , Hardin Brian E. , Hoke Eric T. , Baranoff Etienne , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Nazeeruddin Mohammad K. , Torres Tomas , McGehee Michael D. , Grätzel Michael
Published: January 2011

Panchromatic response is essential to increase the light‐harvesting efficiency in solar conversion systems. Herein we show increased light harvesting from using multiple energy relay dyes inside dye‐sensitized solar cells. Additional photoresponse from 400–590 nm matching the optical window of the zinc phthalocyanine sensitizer was observed due to Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from the two energy relay dyes to the sensitizing dye. The complementary absorption spectra of the energy relay dyes and high excitation transfer efficiencies result in a 35 % increase in photovoltaic performance.
Utility of PAX8 and PAX2 immunohistochemistry in the identification of renal cell carcinoma in diagnostic cytology
Authors: Knoepp Stewart M. , Kunju Lakshmi P. , Roh Michael H.
Published: December 2010

The diagnosis of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in cytology specimens may be difficult to confirm on the basis of cytomorphology alone. Often, immunohistochemistry serves as an important adjunct in confirming this diagnosis. Recently, PAX2 was shown to be useful in this regard. In this study, we sought to compare the utility of PAX8 to that of PAX2 immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of RCC in cytology specimens. First, we verified the performance of PAX8 immunohistochemistry on a tissue microarray (TMA) composed of 54 cases of RCC; PAX8 immunoreactivity was seen in at least 10% of the tumor cells in all cases. Next, we applied PAX8 immunohistochemistry to cell block sections prepared from 24 cases of RCC, obtained from fine‐needle aspirates and effusion specimens. PAX2 immunohistochemistry was performed for comparison. Immunopositivity was defined as the presence of nuclear staining in at least 10% of tumor cell nuclei. Immunoreactivity for PAX8 and PAX2 was seen in 21 (88%) and 20 (83%) of the 24 cases, respectively. The presence of either PAX8 or PAX2 immunostaining was present in 22 of 24 cases, thus showing a total sensitivity of 92%. Overall, the results indicate that PAX8 and PAX2 are diagnostically useful adjuncts in confirming the diagnosis of RCC in cytology specimens. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Micronucleus and its applications
Authors: Samanta Swapan , Dey Pranab
Published: December 2010

Micronucleus (MN) is a small additional nucleus and is readily identifiable by light microscopy. Biologically, micronuclei are the chromosome fragments or whole chromosomes that lag behind at anaphase during nuclear division. MN occurs due to genetic damage of the cell and the MN scoring is the indicator of the genetic damage. Therefore MN scoring can be used in various clinical setting such as to supervise genotoxicity, biomonitoring of diseases, screening of preneoplastic diseases and identification of high risk patients. In this brief review, the morphology, etiology, estimation, and applications of MN have been discussed. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Squash cytomorphology of central neurocytoma: A study of five cases
Authors: Jaiswal Sushila , Vij Mukul , Jaiswal Awadhesh Kumar , Behari Sanjay
Published: December 2010

Intraoperative consultation is an important component in the surgical management of brain tumors. This study was undertaken to describe the cytomorphological features of central neurocytoma (CN) in squash smears. Squash smear of five CNs were reviewed. One to two millimeters of the biopsy material was crushed between two glass slides to make a thin film that was fixed in 95% alcohol and stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Cytological diagnoses were correlated with clinical and radiological data and finally with histopathological findings in the tumor. We had 5 cases (4 males, 1 female; age, 19–61 years; mean, 32 years). All tumors were located in the lateral ventricle. The smears were highly cellular displaying monomoprhic round tumor cells, round to oval nuclei with evenly distributed finely granular chromatin and ill‐defined cytoplasmic borders within fibrillar matrix. Focal rosette formation is also noted. A capillary network was identified in between tumor cells in all the cases. One case had calcification with numerous psamomma bodies identified in the squash smear.

The differential diagnosis is discussed. On squash smears, CN can be diagnosed when cytomorphological features are correlated with clinical and radiological finding. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retrospective cytological study of intraocular lymphoma using vitreous and intraocular perfusion fluid
Authors: Kinoshita Yuichi , Takasu Kosho , Adachi Yasushi , Yuri Takashi , Nagumo Sachiko , Shikata Nobuaki
Published: December 2010

Intraocular lymphoma (IOL) is an extremely rare tumor. We carried out a retrospective cytopathological study with vitreous and intraocular perfusion fluid obtained on conducting a pars plana vitrectomy in 18 cases of IOL. In the 18 cases, nine were patients of Kansai Medical University Takii Hospital from 1991 to 2007, and the other nine had already been reported by other hospitals. Most patients were male, and the average age at onset was 60.4‐year‐old. The main symptoms were vitreous opacity, amblyopia, and blurred vision. Cases of primary intraocular lymphoma numbered 8/15 (53%), while cases of infiltration of malignant lymphoma from the brain numbered 2/15 (13%). Although IOL contains various subtypes of lymphoma, the most frequent subtype is diffuse large B‐cell type lymphoma.

It has been reported that making a definite diagnosis of IOL is difficult because the clinical symptoms and examinations are similar to chronic uveitis, and so IOL is called “masquerade syndrome.” Recently, serological and molecular pathological studies have been carried out in addition to morphological examination. However, a cytological diagnosis based on the clinical background and/or image findings is important for the diagnosis of IOL, because of the volume limit of the vitreous fluid and difficulty of obtaining specimens from the inside of the eyes. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Urothelial carcinoma involving vaginal specimens from patients with neobladder: A potential pitfall in diagnostic cytopathology
Authors: Sigel Carlie S. , Park Kay J. , Fine Samson W. , Lin Oscar
Published: December 2010

Most vaginal neoplasms represent metastasis from the cervix, endometrium, colon and ovary and distinction from a primary lesion does not pose a diagnostic problem. Recently, it has been recognized that women with urothelial carcinoma (UC) who have undergone radical cystectomy with orthotopic neobladder reconstruction are at risk for recurrence in the lower gynecologic tract. Our objective is to describe the cytologic features of cases with confirmed UC in the vagina in this clinical setting.

Four vaginal specimens from patients with prior radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder reconstruction with histologically confirmed UC were evaluated. The vaginal specimens consisted of Thinprep® and Papanicolaou‐stained slides. Cytomorphologic parameters including cellular arrangement, cell size and shape, cytoplasm, and nuclear features were evaluated and compared with a corresponding surgical biopsy.

All four cases were highly cellular with abundant neoplastic cells arranged singly and in loose three‐dimensional clusters with overlapping nuclei. The neoplastic cells were large and polygonal with well‐defined cell borders, high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio, and granular basophilic cytoplasm. The chromatin was coarse with small nucleoli. Scattered keratinized single cells with atypical hyperchromatic nuclei were observed in each case.

In summary, UC involving the vagina can share many morphologic features with primary squamous cell carcinomas at this site, including focal keratinization. Abundant three dimensional clusters of neoplastic cells and a previous history of orthotopic neobladder reconstruction are helpful cytomorphologic and clinical features supporting a diagnosis of UC involving the vagina and may prevent unnecessary work‐up for a new primary lesion. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2011. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, epithelial cell abnormality‐adjusted workload, and the thinprep imaging system
Authors: Renshaw Andrew A. , Elsheikh Tarik M.
Published: December 2010

Previous studies have shown a negative correlation between screening sensitivity using the ThinPrep Imaging System (TIS) and epithelial cell abnormality (ECA) adjusted workload (ECA rate × actual slides screened/day) at the thresholds of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) and high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). We sought to determine if a similar correlation could be shown at the threshold of low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL). Using data in seven manuscripts from the literature that contain sufficient information, the change in screening sensitivity using the TIS compared with manual screening was negatively correlated with ECA adjusted workload (y = −3.75x + 54, R2 = 0.104). Using the sensitivity of manual screening of 79% for manual screening at a threshold of LSIL from the original TIS trial, 100% sensitivity could be achieved at an ECA adjusted workload of approximately seven slides/day, the same workload that achieves 100% sensitivity at a threshold of ASCUS and slightly higher than the threshold for HSIL. We conclude that the ECA adjusted workload is a valuable method to assess workload for the TIS at the threshold of LSIL. Laboratories using the TIS should restrict workload to seven ECA adjusted slides/day (maximum actual slides/day = 700/ECA percentage). Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.