bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reactive extraction of propionic acid using tri‐n‐octylamine, tri‐n‐butyl phosphate and aliquat 336 in sunflower oil as diluent
Authors: Keshav Amit , Wasewar Kailas L. , Chand Shri
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: Propionic acid is widely used in chemical and allied industries and can be produced by biocultivation in a clean and environmentally friendly route. Recovery of the acid from the dilute stream from the bioreactor is an economic problem. Reactive extraction is a promising method of recovering the acid but suffers from toxicity problems of the solvent employed. There is thus a need for a non‐toxic solvent or a combination of less toxic extractants in a non‐toxic diluent that can recover acid efficiently.

RESULTS: The effect of different extractants (tri‐n‐butylphosphate (TBP), tri‐n‐octylamine (TOA) and Aliquat 336) and their mixed binary solutions in sunflower oil diluent was studied to find the best extractant‐sunflower oil combination. Equilibrium complexation constant, KE, values of 4.02, 3.13 and 1.87 m3 kmol−1 were obtained for propionic acid extraction using Aliquat 336, TOA and TBP, respectively, in sunflower oil. The effect of different modifiers (1‐decanol, methylisobutyl ketone, butyl acetate and dodecanol) on the extraction was also studied and it was found that modifiers enhance extraction, with 1‐decanol found to be the best.

CONCLUSION: The problem of toxicity in reactive extraction can be reduced by using a non‐toxic diluent (sunflower oil) or a modifier in a non‐toxic solvent, with the extractant. The addition of modifiers was found to improve the extraction. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Normal ultrasound anatomy of the triangular fibrocartilage of the wrist: A study on cadavers and on healthy subjects
Authors: Pesquer Lionel , Scepi Michel , Bihan Morgan , Vialle Romain , Richer Jean Pierre , Roumy Jérôme , Tasu Jean‐Pierre
Published: October 2008

Purpose.

To report the normal sonographic anatomy of the triangular fibrocartilage (TFC) of the wrist in cadavers and volunteers.

Method.

Five hands from cadavers were examined sonographically before and after wrist dissection, during which the TFC was marked with surgical wires. Twenty volunteers without wrist limitation or pain, and without any history of wrist disease or inflammatory arthritis (mean age, 26 years (range,19–45 years) were also examined.

Results.

Sonograms showed that the meniscus and the TFC were clearly separated. The meniscus appeared as a triangular structure that was homogeneous and slightly hyperechoic. Compared with the meniscus, the TFC appeared hypoechoic. The same patterns were observed for cadavers and volunteers. In 3 volunteers (15%), the TFC was not visualized.

Conclusions.

Using high‐resolution ultrasound systems, the TFC can be separated from meniscus. However, vizualization of the TFC remains limited due to its deep location and the presence of acoustic shadowing from bony structures. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 2009
Sonography of postpartum uterine inversion from acute to chronic stage
Authors: Momin Asif A. , Saifi Shenaz G. A. , Pethani Nargis R. , Mitha Sharifa H.
Published: October 2008

We report the sonographic appearance of postpartum uterine inversion progressing from acute partial to chronic stage after an 8‐week interval. The delay in diagnosis was partly due to the patient's stable clinical condition except for minor vaginal discharge and bleeding. The diagnosis of chronic inversion on the follow‐up sonographic examination prompted clinicians to undertake surgical repair. Our case shows that the prompt use of sonography during labor and in the peripartum should be sufficient to establish the diagnosis of this serious postpartum complication, which can result in shock or even death. Sonography findings can be considered characteristic and fairly accurate in this condition. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 2009
Colorimetric recognizing of biologically important anions based on anion‐induced tautomerism of the sensor
Authors: Shao Jie , Yu Xudong , Lin Hai , Lin Huakuan
Published: October 2008

The anion sensing ability of compound 1 based on a novel 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazone derivative was studied through “naked‐eye” experiment, UV–Vis spectral titration, and 1H NMR titration. Sensor 1 was synthesized through a simple method with high yield. The solution of host 1 turned deep purple from light purple in the presence of the strong basic anions and turned yellow upon addition of the weak basic anions, respectively. The results could be explained on the basis of transfer of the tautomeric equilibrium of sensor 1 induced by anions with different basicity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ESI+MS/MS confirmation of canine ivermectin toxicity
Authors: Lehner A. F. , Petzinger E. , Stewart J. , Lang D. G. , Johnson M. B. , Harrison L. , Seanor J. W. , Tobin T.
Published: October 2008

Ivermectin is a semisynthetic macrocyclic lactone anthelmintic of the avermectin family derived fromStreptomycesfermentation products. Avermectins are used as antiparasitic agents in domestic animals; although considered relatively safe, one must consider animal species, breed, weight, and age in dosage determinations.

In January 2006, two canines were presented to the UK Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center after dying from suspected ivermectin overdoses [30–50 mg/kg body weight]. To confirm this clinical diagnosis we developed a rapid, sensitive semiquantitative ElectroSpray Ionization–Mass Spectrometry (ESI/MS) method for ivermectin in canine tissue samples. Pharmaceutical ivermectin contains two ivermectins differing by a single methyl group, and each compound forms interpretation‐confounding adducts with tissue Na+and K+ions. We now report that ivermectin administration was clearly confirmed by comparison with standard and dosage forms of ivermectin, and simple proportionalities based on mass spectral intensity of respective molecular ions allowed semiquantitative estimates of injection site tissue concentrations of 20 and 40 µg/g tissue (wet weight) in these animals, consistent with the history of ivermectin administration and the clinical signs observed.

There is a distinct need for both rapid detection and confirmation of toxic exposures in veterinary diagnostics, whether for interpretation of clinical cases antemortem or for forensic reasons postmortem. It is vital that interpreters of analytical results have appropriate guidance in the scientific literature and elsewhere so as to enable clear‐cut answers. The method presented here is suitable for routine diagnostic work in that it allows rapid extraction of ivermectin from tissue samples, avoids the need for high‐performance liquid chromatography and allows ready interpretation of the multiple ivermectin species seen by ESI+MS/MS in samples originating from veterinary dosage forms. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accurate mass analysis of N‐acyl‐homoserine‐lactones and cognate lactone‐opened compounds in bacterial isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 by LC‐ESI‐LTQ‐FTICR‐MS
Authors: Cataldi Tommaso R. I. , Bianco Giuliana , Abate Salvatore
Published: October 2008

N‐acyl‐homoserine‐lactones (AHSLs) are widely conserved signal molecules present in quorum sensing systems of Gram‐negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We present here the results obtained with a hybrid linear trap/Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (LTQ‐FTICR) mass spectrometer used to investigate the occurrence of AHSLs and cognate N‐acyl‐homoserines (AHSs) in bacterial isolates of P. aeruginosa (strain PAO1). Two hydrolysed AHSs were found in significant amounts, most likely formed through the lactone opening of N‐3‐oxo‐decanoyl‐L‐homoserine‐lactone (3OC10‐HSL) and N‐3‐oxo‐dodecanoyl‐L‐homoserine‐lactone (3OC12‐HSL). Structure elucidation of these ring‐opened molecules, i.e. N‐3‐oxo‐decanoyl‐L‐homoserine (3OC10‐HS), and N‐3‐oxo‐dodecanoyl‐L‐homoserine (3OC12‐HS), which are not detected by bacterial biosensors, was performed by high‐resolution and accurate mass measurements upon liquid chromatography (LC) and confirmed by tandem MS in the LTQ analyser. Assignment of chemical formula, with mass spectra in the form of [M + H]+, was significantly expedited by extracted ion chromatograms (XICs) because the number of potentially plausible formulae for each protonated signalling molecule was considerably reduced a priori by the LC behaviour, the high mass measurement accuracy available in FTICR mass spectra and the isotopic patterns. At least two concentration levels were observed in spent culture supernatants of P. aeruginosa: compounds at a relatively high content (5–15 µM) that is C4‐HSL, 3OC10‐HS, and 3OC12‐HS and those occurring at a lower content (<0.2 µM) that is C6‐HSL and C8‐HSL. The implications of this work extend to a great variety of Gram‐negative bacteria. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of flavonoids: Tandem mass spectrometry, computational methods, and NMR
Authors: March Raymond , Brodbelt Jennifer
Published: October 2008

Due to the increasing understanding of the health benefits and chemopreventive properties of flavonoids, there continues to be significant effort dedicated to improved analytical methods for characterizing the structures of flavonoids and monitoring their levels in fruits and vegetables, as well as developing new approaches for mapping the interactions of flavonoids with biological molecules. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), particularly in conjunction with liquid chromatography (LC), is the dominant technique that has been pursued for elucidation of flavonoids. Metal complexation strategies have proven to be especially promising for enhancing the ionization of flavonoids and yielding key diagnostic product ions for differentiation of isomers. Of particular value is the addition of a chromophoric ligand to allow the application of infrared (IR) multiphoton dissociation as an alternative to collision‐induced dissociation (CID) for the differentiation of isomers. CID, including energy‐resolved methods, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) have also been utilized widely for structural characterization of numerous classes of flavonoids and development of structure/activity relationships.

The gas‐phase ion chemistry of flavonoids is an active area of research particularly when combined with accurate mass measurement for distinguishing between isobaric ions. Applications of a variety of ab initio and chemical computation methods to the study of flavonoids have been reported, and the results of computations of ion and molecular structures have been shown together with computations of atomic charges and ion fragmentation. Unambiguous ion structures are obtained rarely using MS alone. Thus, it is necessary to combine MS with spectroscopic techniques such as ultraviolet (UV) and NMR to achieve this objective. The application of NMR data to the mass spectrometric examination of flavonoids is discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Five cases of β‐ureidopropionase deficiency detected by GC/MS analysis of urine metabolome
Authors: Kuhara T. , Ohse M. , Inoue Y. , Shinka T.
Published: October 2008

The clinical presentation of inborn errors of pyrimidine degradation varies considerably from asymptomatic to severe neurological illness. We have reported a method to screen for and make a chemical diagnosis of β‐ureidopropionase deficiency, leading to the discovery of the first asymptomatic case of this disease. In this method, the recovery of β‐ureidopropionate and β‐ureidoisobutyrate, the key biomarkers, was very high,and the adoption of GC/MS and targeted analysis enabled us to simultaneously obtain information related and unrelated to pyrimidine metabolism. The present study reports the results of a large‐scale screening of 24 000 newborns using dried urine on filter paper. Identification of a total of four asymptomatic patients among newborns suggests the high incidence (1/6000) of this disease in Japan. While these newborns were asymptomatic, two additional cases detected at the age of 5 years as well as 3 months with this method for high‐risk screening had autism and West syndrome, respectively.

The key biomarkers and α‐ureidobutyrate used as an internal standard were found to give not only their di‐trimethylsilyl derivatives but also tri‐trimethylsilyl derivatives, upon derivatization. The mass spectra and retention times of their tri‐trimethylsilyl derivatives and data handling for quantification of the markers are presented.

Identification of individuals with defects in pyrimidine metabolism would realize personalized medication in cancer chemotherapy with pyrimidine analogs such as 5‐fluorouracil. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnostic fragment‐ion‐based extension strategy for rapid screening and identification of serial components of homologous families contained in traditional Chinese medicine prescription using high‐resolution LC‐ESI‐ IT‐TOF/MS: Shengmai injection as an example
Authors: Zheng Chaonan , Hao Haiping , Wang Xuan , Wu Xiaolan , Wang Guangji , Sang Guowei , Liang Yan , Xie Lin , Xia Chunhua , Yao Xilin
Published: October 2008

The paper presents a modified and universally applicable diagnostic fragment‐ion‐based extension strategy (DFIBES) to efficiently process the information acquired by liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization source in combination with hybrid ion trap and high‐resolution time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry [LC‐(ESI)‐IT‐TOF/MS], facilitating the structural determination of serial components contained in traditional Chinese medicine prescription (TCMP). The key advantage of DFIBES is that it facilitates the rapid classification of the complicated peaks into well‐known chemical families, which significantly simplifies the complicated procedures of structural characterization. Moreover, considering that a certain family of compounds usually produces identical fragment ions, the DFIBES would be widely applicable to many other families of compounds identification besides the presently validated ginsenosides and lignans. Shengmai injection, composed of Panax ginseng, Radix ophiopogonis, and Schisandra chinensis, was taken as a TCMP example to conduct and validate the proposed DFIBES. Diagnostic fragment ions (DFI) for each chemical family contained in Shengmai injection was firstly determined or proposed from the separated analysis of 15 authentic standards and the extract of S. chinensis. The ESI‐MSn fragmentation patterns of ginsenosides and lignans were then systematically studied for developing the ‘structure extension’ approach. Upon LC‐IT‐TOF/MS analysis and DFIBES, more than 30 ginsenosides and 20 lignans have been rapidly detected and identified from Shengmai injection, supporting that the DFIBES is a very powerful strategy and would be widely applicable for the complicated components identification from TCMP and other complicated mixtures. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation of 2‐substituted benzofuran fragment ions from 6‐alkyl‐ and 6‐aryldibenzo(d,f)(1,3)dioxepine derivatives under electron ionization—a useful precursor ion for isomeric differentiation
Authors: Begala Michela , Tocco Graziella , Meli Gabriele , Podda Gianni , Urru Silvana A. M.
Published: October 2008

Tandem mass spectrometry has been applied to differentiate three sets of o‐, m‐ and p‐methyl, ‐methoxy and ‐nitro‐substituted‐6‐phenyl‐dibenzo(d,f)(1,3)dioxepines. Collision‐induced dissociation (CID) experiments have been carried out on 2‐phenylbenzo[b]furan fragment ions, which originate from the decomposition of the molecular ions after their EI‐induced isomerization to spirocyclic structures. With the exception of m‐ and p‐methylphenylbenzo[b]furan isomers, which display identical CID mass spectra, the three isomeric methoxy‐ and nitrophenylbenzo[b]furan fragment ions display very characteristic CID behavior which allows unequivocal differentiation of the 6‐phenyl‐dibenzo(d,f)(1,3)dioxepine isomers. 6‐(o‐nitrophenyl)‐dibenzo(d,f)(1,3)dioxepine isomer, does not form a 2‐(o‐nitrophenyl)benzo[b]furan ion and, therefore, it can be differentiated from the m‐ and p‐ isomers based on the mere EI mass spectra. Furthermore, it shows a characteristic ion most likely due to an ortho effect between the nitro group and the dioxepine ring. Multiple stage mass spectrometric techniques (MSn), labeled derivatives and reference compounds were used in order to gain additional information on the structures of product ion from the CID fragmentation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluoxetine affords robust neuroprotection in the postischemic brain via its anti‐inflammatory effect
Authors: Lim Chae‐Moon , Kim Seung‐Woo , Park Ju‐Young , Kim Chaekyun , Yoon Sung Hwa , Lee Ja‐Kyeong
Published: October 2008

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that is widely used in the treatment of major depression including after stroke. In this study, we tested whether fluoxetine protects neuronal death in a rat cerebral ischemia model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The administration of fluoxetine intravenously (10 mg/kg) at 30 min, 3 hr, or 6 hr after MCAO reduced infarct volumes to 21.2 ± 6.7%, 14.5 ± 3.0%, and 22.8 ± 2.9%, respectively, of that of the untreated control. Moreover, the neuroprotective effect of fluoxetine was evident when it was administered as late as 9 hr after MCAO/reperfusion. These neuroprotective effects were accompanied by improvement of motor impairment and neurological deficits. The fluoxetine‐treated brain was found to show marked repressions of microglia activation, neutrophil infiltration, and proinflammatory marker expressions. Moreover, fluoxetine suppressed NF‐κB activity dose‐dependently in the postischemic brain and also in lipopolysaccharide‐treated primary microglia and neutrophil cultures, suggesting that NF‐κB activity inhibition explains in part its anti‐inflammatory effect. These results demonstrate that curative treatment of fluoxetine affords strong protection against delayed cerebral ischemic injury, and that these neuroprotective effects might be associated with its anti‐inflammatory effects. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased oxidation of certain glycolysis and energy metabolism enzymes in the frontal cortex in Lewy body diseases
Authors: Gómez Anna , Ferrer Isidre
Published: October 2008

Lipoxidative damage of aldolase A, enolase 1, and glyceraldehyde dehydrogenase (GAPDH) was found in the frontal cortex in a percentage of aged controls by bidimensional gel electrophoresis, Western blot test, in‐gel digestion, and mass spectrometry. Aldolase A and enolase 1 were altered in 12 of 19 cases, whereas oxidation of GAPDH was found in 6 of 19 controls. The three enzymes were oxidized in the frontal cortex in the majority of cases of incidental Parkinson's disease (iPD), PD, and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Differences were statistically significant (χ2 test) for GAPDH in PD and DLB. Densitometric studies have shown that the ratio of oxidized protein per spot is higher in iPD, PD, and DLB compared with controls. These findings show oxidation of three enzymes linked with glycolysis and energy metabolism in the adult human brain as well as increased oxidation of aldolase A, enolase 1, and GAPDH in the frontal cortex in Lewy body diseases. Modifications of these enzymes may result in decreased activity and may partly account for impaired metabolism and function of the frontal lobe in PD. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spatiotemporal variability of precipitation total series over Turkey
Authors: Türkeş Murat , Koç Telat , Sariş Faize
Published: October 2008

Long‐term changes and trends in the series of monthly, seasonal and annual precipitation totals of 97 stations in Turkey were analysed by considering their spatial and temporal characteristics. Secular trends in precipitation series were examined with the Mann–Kendall rank correlation test for the general period 1930–2002, whereas spatial variabilities of, and relationships between, the precipitation series at 86 of these stations were investigated by the principal component analysis (PCA) for the period 1953–2002 when the length of data is at its best for the stations subjected to the PCA. Major findings of the paper can be summarized as follows: (1) First principal component (PC1) generally describes climatology of the precipitation totals in Turkey that is closely governed by the large‐scale and/or synoptic scale atmospheric features (i.e. surface and upper air pressure and wind systems). (2) In winter, it is very likely that the greater PC1 loadings over the western and south‐western parts of Turkey characterized mainly with the Mediterranean rainfall regimes indicate influence of the large‐scale atmospheric circulation and associated weather patterns. However, smaller PC1 loadings over the north‐eastern and eastern parts of Turkey are very likely related to the influence of the northerly mid‐latitude cyclones, and the northerly and easterly circulations linked with the Eastern Europe and the Siberian originated high pressures on spatial variations of winter precipitation. (3) As for the long‐term temporal variability, it was detected that there is an apparent decreasing trend in the winter precipitation totals of Turkey, whereas a general increasing trend is dominant in the precipitation totals of spring, summer and autumn seasons. (4) Observed decreasing trends are the strongest over the Mediterranean and the Mediterranean Transition rainfall regime regions. (5) Strong decreasing trends are also mostly found in winter months of the year, while apparent increasing trends show up at some stations in the months of April, August and October. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Prospective, double blind, randomized, controlled trial of simvastatin in human fracture healing
Authors: Patil Sanjeev , Holt Graeme , Raby Nigel , McLellan Alastair R. , Smith Karen , O'Kane Sarah , Beastall Graham , Crossan James F.
Published: October 2008

Although statins are widely prescribed as cholesterol‐lowering drugs, a number of studies suggest that these compounds may have anabolic effects on bone. Our aim was to assess whether simvastatin affects the rate of fracture healing in humans. A prospective, double‐blind, randomized controlled trial was performed. Individuals who had sustained an undisplaced, extra‐articular fracture of the distal radial metaphysis were recruited from a trauma clinic. Patients were randomized to receive simvastatin 20 mg once daily or a placebo. Regular clinical and radiological follow‐up was undertaken for a 12 week period. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry assessment of bone mineral density was conducted at 2 and 12 weeks postinjury. Biochemical markers of bone turnover were assayed during the study period. Time to fracture union was defined as the time to cortical bridging in four cortices on plain radiographs. In addition, the rate of trabecular union was assessed. Eighty patients were recruited, of which 62 completed the study (31 in each group). Study cohorts were matched for age and gender. For patients receiving simvastatin therapy, the mean time to fracture union was 71.6 days (SD 22.2 days, SEM 3.8 days). This compared to 71.3 days (SD 21.3, SEM 4.1 days) for the control cohort (p = 0.6481). There was no significant difference between bone mineral density or bone biochemical markers between groups (p > 0.05). Despite promising results from in vivo and in vitro animal studies, simvastatin at a treatment dose of 20 mg once daily does not affect the rate of fracture healing in humans. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:281–285, 2009
ModernSphagnumδ13C signatures follow a surface moisture gradient in two boreal peat bogs, James Bay lowlands, Québec
Authors: Loisel Julie , Garneau Michelle , Hélie Jean‐François
Published: October 2008

Carbon isotopic composition ofSphagnummacrofossils can potentially be used as a palaeohydrological tool for peat‐based climatic studies since a relationship betweenSphagnumδ13C values and peatland surface moisture has been presented in previous studies. In order to verify this hypothesis, modernSphagnumδ13C values were measured along a moisture (microtopographic) gradient in two boreal peat bogs. Isotopic measurements were performed on bulk material ofS. fuscum,S. magellanicum,S. capillifoliumand S.pulchrum. Isotopic variations found within and betweenSphagnumspecies along the microtopographic gradient were compared using analysis of variance. A significant positive correlation (P < 0.0001) was found betweenSphagnumδ13C values and their position along the surface moisture gradient. Results show that13C‐depleted values are related to low water table depths (WTD), while13C‐enriched values correspond to a water table that is close to the peat surface. Although the mechanisms underlying carbon fractionation processes in mosses are not well understood, we demonstrate that water resistance to CO2diffusion is an important fractionation process that is observed in bulkSphagnumδ13C measurements, since drier and wetter samples exhibit consistent and very different isotopic signatures. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The business model: an integrative framework for strategy execution
Authors: Richardson James
Published: October 2008

We have many useful frameworks for formulating business strategy, i.e., devising a theory of how to compete. Frameworks for strategy execution are comparatively fragmented and idiosyncratic.

This paper proposes a business model framework to link the firm's theory about how to compete to its execution. The framework captures previous ideas about business models in a simple logical structure that reflects current thinking in strategy.

The framework is a useful tool for the strategist, for teaching, and for research on business models in strategy.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Minding the cognition: toward a strategic knowledge management for competitive advantage
Authors: Muthusamy Senthil
Published: October 2008

The knowledge base of an organization is considered its intellectual capital, and is increasingly emphasized as a vital source of competitive advantage. Engineering, managing, and leveraging knowledge (individual‐, group‐, and organizational‐level knowledge) are becoming strategic activities in many organizations for achieving competitive advantage.

In this context, building organizational capabilities to acquire, create, and disseminate knowledge on a continual basis has become a key challenge for strategy and organizational design experts. While the research and practice in this regard has focused extensively on Information Technology (IT) capabilities for building knowledge communities, the process dimension of learning, knowledge creation, and dissemination has received less attention.

This paper articulates the need for cultivating the various learning as well as socio‐cognitive routines to create and leverage knowledge and suggests how this approach would help formulate better strategies and enhance employees' commitment.

This article also highlights the importance of a dynamic approach to managing organizational cognition, a critical factor in organization survival. We further discuss the implications for strategic management and organization development practices.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Planning with Blue Ocean strategy in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Butler Colin
Published: October 2008

Blue Ocean strategy emphasizes revisiting the value added of various activities in the value chain. Key activities should have added value whilst other activities should have reduced value. Some activities should be eliminated and new activities should be introduced.

Non‐customers should be targeted through innovation and change in strategy rather than competing head‐on with direct competitors. In the UAE, new businesses are starting in a high‐growth economy and new strategies are being implemented by small and medium‐sized enterprises and multinational enterprises.

This paper investigates approaches to a Blue Ocean strategic formulation and implementation by both the SME and MNE sectors and analyses key differences between the firms of different sizes. The sample is taken from the cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The development of tourist art and souvenirs — the arc of the boomerang: from hunting, fighting and ceremony to tourist souvenir
Authors: Hume David L.
Published: October 2008

This paper examines the history and development of tourist art and souvenirs and discusses the reception of such artefacts, alongside works of fine art, within the museogallery system. Beginning with the relationship between cultural tourism and anthropology, it identifies common links between ethnographic artefacts, works of fine art and souvenirs collected in Australia during the latter half of the 20th century. Approaching these objects from the discipline of art history, this research takes as its priority the formal qualities of the artefacts and charts the transition of the boomerang, among other Aboriginal artefacts, from functional tool designed for hunting, to a marker of people and place made for sale as a tourist commodity. Other questions addressed in this research are as follows: What, other than size and price, attracts tourists to certain souvenirs and not others? Where is their final resting place and what meaning is attached to them through the narrative appended by the maker and by the consumer? How is it effected by the resulting location of display? Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent and emerging anti‐diabetes targets
Authors: Mohler Michael L. , He Yali , Wu Zhongzhi , Hwang Dong Jin , Miller Duane D.
Published: October 2008

Diabetes is a disease that affects over 150 million people worldwide for which there are multiple oral and injectable medications. Because of trends in obesity and sedentary lifestyles, diabetes rates in both developed and developing countries are increasing at an alarming rate. Current medications are not adequately effective in maintaining long‐term glycemic control in most patients, even when used in combination, leaving diabetics susceptible to developing life threatening and debilitating complications such as cardiovascular disease, blindness, kidney complications, and amputations. Consequently, there is a critical need for more potent pharmacotherapies with novel mechanisms of action. A panel of 20 emerging diabetes targets is presented, and small molecule modulators for each target will be discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 29, No. 1, 125–195, 2009
Epidermal stem cells: location, potential and contribution to cancer
Authors: Ambler CA , Määttä A
Published: October 2008

Epidermal stem cells have been classically characterized as slow‐cycling, long‐lived cells that reside in discrete niches in the skin. Gene expression studies of niche‐resident cells have revealed a number of stem cell markers and regulators, including the Wnt/β‐catenin, Notch, p63, c‐Myc and Hedgehog pathways. A new study challenges the traditional developmental paradigm of slow‐cycling stem cells and rapid‐cycling transit amplifying cells in some epidermal regions, and there is mounting evidence to suggest that multi‐lineage epidermal progenitors can be isolated from highly proliferative, non‐niche regions. Whether there is a unique microenvironment surrounding these progenitors remains to be determined. Interestingly, cancer stem cells derived from epidermal tumours exist independent of the classic skin stem cell niche, yet also have stem cell properties, including multi‐lineage differentiation. This review summarizes recent studies identifying the location and regulators of mouse and human epidermal stem cells and highlights the strategies used to identify cancer stem cells, including expression of normal epidermal stem cell markers, expression of cancer stem cell markers identified in other epidermal tumours and characterization of side‐population tumour cells. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased expression and nuclear localization of the centrosomal kinase Nek2 in human testicular seminomas
Authors: Barbagallo Federica , Paronetto Maria P , Franco Renato , Chieffi Paolo , Dolci Susanna , Fry Andrew M , Geremia Raffaele , Sette Claudio
Published: October 2008

Protein kinases that regulate the centrosome cycle are often aberrantly controlled in neoplastic cells. Changes in their expression or activity can lead to perturbations in centrosome duplication, potentially leading to chromosome segregation errors and aneuploidy. Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) are characterized by amplification of centrosomes through unknown mechanisms. Herein, we report that Nek2, a centrosomal kinase required for centrosome disjunction and formation of the mitotic spindle, is up‐regulated in human testicular seminomas as compared to control testes or other types of testicular germ cell tumours. In addition, Nek2 activity is also increased in human seminomas, as demonstrated by immunokinase assays. Analysis by immunohistochemistry indicated that Nek2 is prevalently localized in the nucleus of neoplastic cells of primary human seminomas. Such nuclear localization and the up‐regulation of Nek2 protein were also observed in the Tcam‐2 seminoma cell line. We demonstrate that nuclear localization of Nek2 is a feature of the more undifferentiated germ cells of mouse testis and correlates with expression of the stemness markers OCT4 and PLZF. These studies suggest that up‐regulation of Nek2 is a frequent event in human seminomas and that this may participate in the onset or progression of neoplastic transformation through deregulation of centrosome duplication and/or nuclear events in germ cells. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Management and successful desensitization in methotrexate‐induced anaphylaxis
Authors: Bouchireb Karim , Dodille Aurélie , Ponvert Claude , Gouraud François , Dubrel Marie , Brugières Laurence
Published: October 2008

Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions to methotrexate are rare. In patients with methotrexate‐induced anaphylaxis, discontinuation of treatment may increase the risk of death due to cancer progression. In such patients, desensitization may enable the patient to continue treatment with methotrexate. We report the case of a child with metastatic osteosarcoma, who experienced an anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reaction to methotrexate. Skin tests with methotrexate were not performed because their diagnostic value is controversial. Desensitization with methotrexate was successful and allowed the patient to complete 12 additional courses of chemotherapy. Thus, we confirm that desensitization may be a safe procedure in patients with cancer who experience methotrexate‐induced anaphylaxis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:295–297. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new type of eco‐friendly resist based on nonchemically amplified system
Authors: Park Ji Young , Yun Je Moon , Kim Jin‐Baek
Published: October 2008

Novel water‐processable photopolymers were designed to be useful as environment‐friendly photolithographic materials. By copolymerization of 2‐(2‐diazo‐3‐oxo‐butyryloxy)ethyl methacrylate (DOBEMA), hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), methacryllic acid (MAA), and sodium 4‐vinylbenzenesulfonate (SVBS), two kinds of polymers, poly(DOBEMA‐co‐HEMA‐co‐SVBS) for negative‐tone resist and poly(DOBEMA‐co‐MAA) for positive‐tone resist, were synthesized and their photolithographic properties were investigated. The single component negative‐tone resist produced 0.8 μm line and space patterns using a mercury‐xenon lamp in a contact printing mode using pure water as casting and developing solvent at a exposure dose of 25 mJ cm−2. On the other hand, the single component positive‐tone resist produced 0.8 μm line and space patterns at a much higher dose of 150 mJ cm−2. Thus, the negative resist showed much improved sensitivity when compared with the positive resist and the reported nonchemically amplified resists. This sensitivity is comparable with those of typical chemically amplified resists. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 7534–7542, 2008
Poly(ethylene glycol)‐based amphiphilic model conetworks: Synthesis by RAFT polymerization and characterization
Authors: Achilleos Mariliz , Legge Thomas M. , Perrier Sébastien , Patrickios Costas S.
Published: October 2008

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐containing quasi‐model amphiphilic polymer conetworks (APCNs) were prepared by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization using α,ω‐bis(2‐cyanoprop‐2‐yl dithiobenzoate)‐PEG as a bifunctional RAFT macrochain transfer agent (macro‐CTA) and stepwise additions of a hydrophobic monomer and a crosslinker (crosslinker: macro‐CTA = 10:1, reaction time 24 h). Three different types of monomers, methyl methacrylate (MMA), n‐butyl acrylate and styrene, were employed as the hydrophobic monomers, whereas ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, ethylene glycol diacrylate and 1,4‐divinylbenzene served as the respective crosslinkers. PEG homopolymer hydrophilic quasi‐model networks were also prepared by RAFT‐polymerizing the three crosslinkers directly onto the two active ends of the PEG‐based macro‐CTA. From the three ABA triblock copolymers prepared, the MMA‐containing one was obtained at the highest polymerization yields. The crosslinking yields of the three ABA triblock copolymers with the corresponding crosslinkers were higher than those of the PEG‐based macro‐CTA with the same crosslinkers. The degrees of swelling (DSs) of all conetworks were measured in water and in tetrahydrofuran (THF). The DSs of the APCNs in THF were higher than those in water, whereas the reverse was true for the DSs of the hydrophilic homopolymer networks. Finally, the aqueous DSs of the APCNs were lower than those of the corresponding hydrophilic homopolymer networks. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 7556–7565, 2008
Exploring rheological properties of aqueous polyaniline‐PVP dispersion
Authors: Gangopadhyay Rupali
Published: October 2008

Stable aqueous dispersion of polyaniline (PAn) stabilized by a hydrophilic polymer poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) exhibits interesting rheological properties different from its components. Shear thinning observed for both PVP and PAn–PVP colloid (PP) indicates partially entangled nature of the later. Linear viscoelastic response of PVP solution exhibit strong frequency dependence of elastic (G′) and viscous (G″) modulus over the whole frequency range (0.1–100 ras/s) where G′ never exceeds G″ indicating the applicability of the Rouse‐Zimm model to this system. On the other hand, there is a crossover of G′ and G″ in the rheological profile of PP dispersion so that a single relaxation time model can be applicable. Therefore, PVP presents an entangled polymeric system and supposed to have a spectrum of relaxation times, whereas PP resembles to a physically crosslinked system with a single relaxation time. Increasing the extent of hydrogen bonding within the system (by raising the fraction of PAn or by leaving the solution undisturbed for long) relaxation time also becomes longer. The large difference in values of steady and complex shear viscosity (η and η*) within LVE regime reflects that original Cox‐Merz rule is obviously inapplicable to these systems. But at larger strain amplitude, η and η* are satisfactorily coincident that indicates a broader applicability of the modified Cox‐Merz rule. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 2443–2455, 2008
Synthesis and aqueous solution properties of hydrophobically modified anionic acrylamide copolymers
Authors: Yang Qingbo , Song Chunlei , Chen Qiang , Zhang Pingping , Wang Pixin
Published: October 2008

In this investigation, hydrophobically modified polyacrylamide with low amounts of anionic long‐chain alkyl was synthesized by the free radical polymerization in deionized water. This water‐soluble copolymerization method is more convenient compared with the traditional micellar copolymerization methods. The copolymers were characterized using Fourier transform infrared, 1H NMR, and the molecular weight and polydispersity were determined using gel permeation chromatography. The solution behavior of the copolymers was studied as a function of composition, pH, and added electrolytes. As NaCl was added to solutions of AM/C11AM copolymers or pH was lowered, the shielding or elimination of electrostatic repulsions between carboxylate groups of the C11AM unit lead to coil shrinkage. The steady shear viscosity and dynamic shear viscoelastic properties in semidilute, salt‐free aqueous solutions were conducted to examine the concentration effects on copolymers. In addition, the shear superimposed oscillation technique was used to probe the structural changes of the network under various stresses or shear conditions. We prepared hydrophobically modified polyacrylamide with N‐alkyl groups in the aqueous medium. The advantage of this method is that the production is pure without surfactants. These results suggest that the unique aqueous solution behavior of the copolymers is different from conventional hydrophobically associating acrylamide. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 2465–2474, 2008
Preparation and properties of negative thermal expansion zirconium tungstate thin films deposited by radio frequency magnetron sputtering
Authors: Liu Hong‐Fei , Cheng Xiao‐Nong , Zhang Zhi‐Ping
Published: October 2008

Zirconium tungstate (ZrW2O8) thin films were deposited on quartz substrates by radio frequency magnetron sputtering followed by annealing at various temperatures. The effects of post‐deposition annealing temperature on the phase, morphology and negative thermal expansion properties of the ZrW2O8 thin films were investigated. X‐ray diffraction data confirmed that the as‐deposited ZrW2O8 films were amorphous, and crystalline ZrW2O8 films could be obtained at high annealing temperature. Trigonal ZrW2O8 films could be prepared at 740 °C and cubic ZrW2O8 films could be prepared at 1200 °C. The surface morphologies of the ZrW2O8 thin films were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that amorphous ZrW2O8 films were uniform and dense, and the grain size of the crystalline ZrW2O8 films became larger with increasing annealing temperature. The resulting cubic ZrW2O8 films showed negative thermal expansion, the average value of thermal expansion coefficient being –8.18 × 10–6 K–1 in the temperature range 15–700 °C. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Broadband viscoelastic spectroscopy measurement of mechanical loss and modulus of polycrystalline BaTiO3 vs. temperature and frequency
Authors: Dong Liang , Stone Donald S. , Lakes Roderic S.
Published: October 2008

Characterization of pure polycrystalline BaTiO3 was carried out by means of Broadband Viscoelastic Spectroscopy (BVS) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) above ambient temperature. A peak in mechanical loss has been observed near the Curie point 130 °C. The magnitude of the peak increases with thermal rate and decreases with frequency. Expressions for the peak magnitude have been derived based upon available models describing the first order phase transition. Mechanical anomalies were observed outside the vicinity of the phase transition. Transition temperature measured by BVS differed from that via DSC; the effect of stress on the ferroelastic transformation is a possible cause. Isothermal frequency scans revealed a hump in mechanical loss in the vicinity of the transition temperature below 1 Hz and a modulus decrease with decreasing frequency. Quasi‐isothermal studies revealed a significant softening in bulk modulus and a transient negative Poisson's ratio during the tetragonal‐to‐cubic phase transition. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Prediction of auxetic phenomena in nanoporomaterials
Authors: Shilko S. V. , Petrokovets E. M. , Pleskachevsky Yu. M.
Published: October 2008

Porous materials are efficient structures in respect to optimizing strength and stiffness for a given weight. A new means of improving the characteristics of the samples may be realized using abnormal deformation properties of auxetic porous materials having a negative Poisson's ratio ν. Auxetic porous materials are suitable for creating adaptive contact joints and for replacing damaged biotissue. It is known that the inverted or re‐entrant cell structure of porous auxetics may be obtained by isotropic permanent volumetric compression of conventional foam, resulting in microbuckling of the cell walls. There is interest in compression‐driven self‐assembly as a means to create auxetic porous structures on a nanoscale. To predict the deformation behaviour of porous materials under various types of loading, corresponding mathematical models should be developed. The possibility of compression‐driven self‐assembly of the auxetic nanostructures has been predicted. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Homological connectivity of random k‐dimensional complexes
Authors: Meshulam R. , Wallach N.
Published: October 2008

Let Δn−1 denote the (n − 1)‐dimensional simplex. Let Y be a random k‐dimensional subcomplex of Δn−1 obtained by starting with the full (k − 1)‐dimensional skeleton of Δn−1 and then adding each k‐simplex independently with probability p. Let Hk−1(Y; R) denote the (k − 1)‐dimensional reduced homology group of Y with coefficients in a finite abelian group R. It is shown that for any fixed R and k ≥ 1 and for any function ω(n) that tends to infinity

© 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2009
On systematic scan for sampling H‐colorings of the path
Authors: Pedersen Kasper
Published: October 2008

We show that systematic scan for H‐colorings of the n‐vertex path mixes in O(log n) scans for any fixed H using block dynamics. For a restricted family of H we furthermore show that systematic scan mixes in O(log n) scans for any scan order. For completeness we show that a random update Markov chain mixes in O(nlog n) updates for any fixed H. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2009
Corrigendum: On fractional K‐factors of random graphs
Authors: Haber Simi , Krivelevich Michael
Published: October 2008

We regret that the article “On Fractional K‐Factors of Random Graphs,” which appeared in Random Structures and Algorithms (Haber and Krivelevich 30 (2007), 441–463), had an inaccuracy in Lemma 6.1. This in turn led to a misstatement in the description of a family of graphs demonstrating the tightness of the main result. In this short note, we fix this inaccuracy and also take the opportunity, kindly provided by the editors, to close a gap in the proofs of two of the technical lemmas. We like to point the readers to http://www.math.tau.ac.il/∼krivelev/papers.html, where a corrected version of the article appears. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2008
A comparison of hospital performance with non‐ignorable missing covariates: An application to trauma care data
Authors: Kirkham Jamie J.
Published: October 2008

Trauma is a term used in medicine for describing physical injury. The prospective evaluation of the care of injured patients aims to improve the management of a trauma system and acts as an ongoing audit of trauma care. One of the principal techniques used to evaluate the effectiveness of trauma care at different hospitals is through a comparative outcome analysis. In such an analysis, a national ‘league table’ can be compiled to determine which hospitals are better at managing trauma care. One of the problems with the conventional analysis is that key covariates for measuring physiological injury can often be missing. It is also hypothesized that this missingness is not missing at random (NMAR). We describe the methods used to assess the performance of hospitals in a trauma setting and implement the method of weights for generalized linear models to account for the missing covariate data, when we suspect the missing data mechanism is NMAR using a Monte Carlo EM algorithm. Through simulation work and application to the trauma data we demonstrate the affect the missing covariate data can have on the performance of hospitals and how the conclusions we draw from the analysis can differ. We highlight the differences in hospital performance and the ranking of hospitals. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.