bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Populism Personified or Reinvigorated Reformers? The German Left Party in 2009 and Beyond
Authors: Hough Dan , Koß Michael
Published: June 2009

Despite its recent electoral successes, the Left Party's position in the German party system is more fragile that it may at first appear. The Left Party gained support in 2005 largely on account of dissatisfaction with other parties and not because masses of voters were flocking to its (nominally socialist) cause. Not even a majority from within its own supporter base thought it possessed "significant problem solving competences." Rather, much of the Left Party's political discourse is based on negative dismissals of much that it sees—in policy terms—before it. We discuss the Left Party's political development through the prism of populist politics. After outlining what we understand populism to mean, we analyze the Left Party's programmatic stances and political strategy within the context of this framework. Although populism is certainly not the sole preserve of the Left Party, it clearly excels in using populist tools to make political headway. We conclude by discussing the ramifications that this has for German party politics in general and for the Social Democratic Party in particular.
From a Five to a Six-Party System? Prospects of the Right-wing Extremist NPD
Authors: Decker Frank , Miliopoulos Lazaros
Published: June 2009

Right-wing extremist and populist parties operate in a rather difficult social and political environment in Germany, rendering notable electoral success fairly improbable, especially when compared to other European countries. The main reason for this is the continuing legacy of the Nazi past. Nevertheless the neo-Nazi National Democratic Party of Germany (NPD) managed to gain substantial votes in recent Land elections and became the leading force in the right-wing extremist political camp. Its success is attributable to rightwing extremist attitudes in some parts of the electorate in connection with a widespread feeling of political discontent. Nevertheless, it is questionable whether the NPD will be able to transform these attitudes into a viable ideological basis for two main reasons. On the one hand, maintaining a neo-Nazi ideology makes the NPD unattractive to many potential voters. On the other hand, given its internal power struggles and severe financial problems, the party may be unable to meet its challenges in organizational terms.
Clinical usefulness of assessing lumbar somatosensory evoked potentials in lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Konno Shunsuke , Miyamoto Masabumi , Gembun Yoshikazu , Horiguchi Gen , Ito Hiromoto
Published: July 2009

Object

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of assessing lumbar somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) in central lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

Methods

The latencies of lumbar SSEPs were recorded in 40 patients with central LSS, including 16 men and 24 women. The mean age of the patients was 67.3 ± 7.4 years. The diagnosis was LSS in 23 cases and LSS associated with degenerative spondylolisthesis in 17 cases. The average duration of symptoms was 43.8 ± 51.2 months. Twenty-two cases had bilateral and 18 cases had unilateral leg symptoms. Thirty-seven cases were associated with neurogenic intermittent claudication and the mean walking distance of patients with this condition was 246.8 ± 232.7 m. The mean Japanese Orthopedic Association scale score, as well as the visual analog scale (VAS) scores of low-back pain, leg pain, and numbness, were 16.5 ± 3.5, 6.0 ± 2.5, 6.9 ± 2.1, and 7.8 ± 2.2, respectively. The minimal cross-sectional area of the dural sac on MR imaging was 0.44 ± 0.21 cm2. Thirty-nine cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy without lumbar and peripheral neuropathy were chosen as the control group.

Results

The latencies of lumbar SSEPs in patients with LSS and in the control group were 23.0 ± 2.0 ms and 21.6 ± 1.9 ms, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the LSS and control groups (p < 0.05). The latency of lumbar SSEPs was significant correlated with the VAS score of leg numbness (p < 0.05). The latency of lumbar SSEPs in LSS was clearly delayed when the VAS score of leg numbness was ≥ 8 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Lumbar SSEPs are able to detect neurological deficit in the lumbar area effectively, and they can reflect part of the subjective severity of sensory disturbance (numbness) in LSS. Both lumbar SSEPs and VAS scores of leg numbness may be useful for clinical evaluation in patients with LSS.
Selenium and the Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase System
Authors: Oien Derek B. , Moskovitz Jackob
Published: July 2009

Selenium is a chemical element participating in the synthesis of selenocysteine residues that play a pivotal role in the enzymatic activity efficiency of selenoproteines. The methionine sulfoxide reductase (Msr) system that reduces methionine sulfoxide (MetO) to methionine comprises the selenoprotein MsrB (MsrB1) and the non-selenoprotein MsrA, which reduce the R- and the S- forms of MetO, respectively. The effects of a selenium deficient (SD) diet, which was administrated to wild type (WT) and MsrA knockout mice (MsrA-/-), on the expression and function of Msr-related proteins are examined and discussed. Additionally, new data about the levels of selenium in brain, liver, and kidneys of WT and MsrA-/- mice are presented and discussed.
Large‐Scale Discovery of Gene‐Enriched SNPs
Authors: Gore Michael A. , Wright Mark H. , Ersoz Elhan S. , Bouffard Pascal , Szekeres Edward S. , Jarvie Thomas P. , Hurwitz Bonnie L. , Narechania Apurva , Harkins Timothy T. , Grills George S. , Ware Doreen H. , Buckler Edward S.
Published: July 2009

Whole‐genome association studies of complex traits in higher eukaryotes require a high density of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers at genome‐wide coverage. To design high‐throughput, multiplexed SNP genotyping assays, researchers must first discover large numbers of SNPs by extensively resequencing multiple individuals or lines. For SNP discovery approaches using short read‐lengths that next‐generation DNA sequencing technologies offer, the highly repetitive and duplicated nature of large plant genomes presents additional challenges. Here, we describe a genomic library construction procedure that facilitates pyrosequencing of genic and low‐copy regions in plant genomes, and a customized computational pipeline to analyze and assemble short reads (100–200 bp), identify allelic reference sequence comparisons, and call SNPs with a high degree of accuracy. With maize (Zea mays L.) as the test organism in a pilot experiment, the implementation of these methods resulted in the identification of 126,683 putative SNPs between two maize inbred lines at an estimated false discovery rate (FDR) of 15.1%. We estimated rates of false SNP discovery using an internal control, and we validated these FDR rates with an external SNP dataset that was generated using locus‐specific PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing. These results show that this approach has wide applicability for efficiently and accurately detecting gene‐enriched SNPs in large, complex plant genomes.
Barley Stem Rust Resistance Genes: Structure and Function
Authors: Kleinhofs Andris , Brueggeman Robert , Nirmala Jayaveeramuthu , Zhang Ling , Mirlohi Aghafakhr , Druka Arnis , Rostoks Nils , Steffenson Brian J.
Published: July 2009

Rusts are biotrophic pathogens that attack many plant species but are particularly destructive on cereal crops. The stem rusts (caused by Puccinia graminis) have historically caused severe crop losses and continue to threaten production today. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) breeders have controlled major stem rust epidemics since the 1940s with a single durable resistance gene Rpg1. As new epidemics have threatened, additional resistance genes were identified to counter new rust races, such as the rpg4/Rpg5 complex locus against races QCCJ and TTKSK. To understand how these genes work, we initiated research to clone and characterize them. The Rpg1 gene encodes a unique protein kinase with dual kinase domains, an active kinase, and a pseudokinase. Function of both domains is essential to confer resistance. The rpg4 and Rpg5 genes are closely linked and function coordinately to confer resistance to several wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) stem rust races, including the race TTKSK (also called Ug99) that threatens the world's barley and wheat crops. The Rpg5 gene encodes typical resistance gene domains NBS, LRR, and protein kinase but is unique in that all three domains reside in a single gene, a previously unknown structure among plant disease resistance genes. The rpg4 gene encodes an actin depolymerizing factor that functions in cytoskeleton rearrangement.
Reproductive Factors and Risk of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Nationwide Cohort Study in Denmark
Authors: ULFF-MØLLER CONSTANCE J. , JØRGENSEN KRISTIAN T. , PEDERSEN BO V. , NIELSEN NETE M. , FRISCH MORTEN
Published: July 2009

Objective.

The female predominance in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) suggests the possible involvement of reproductive factors in its etiology. We evaluated the relationship between parity and pregnancy losses and subsequent risk of SLE in a population-based cohort study.

Methods.

We followed 4.4 million Danes aged 15–69 years for first inpatient hospitalizations for SLE between 1977 and 2004. As measures of relative risk, we used Poisson regression-derived hospitalization rate ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for cohort members with different reproductive histories.

Results.

Overall, 1614 women and 274 men were hospitalized with SLE during 88.9 million person-years of followup. Number of children was unrelated to SLE risk in men, but women with at least one liveborn child were at lower risk than nulliparous women (RR 0.74; 95% CI 0.64–0.86), and women with 2 or more children were at lower risk than 1-child mothers. Recurrent idiopathic pregnancy losses, including spontaneous abortions, missed abortions, and stillbirths, were associated with markedly increased SLE risk (RR 3.50; 95% CI 2.38–4.96, for 2+ vs none; p < 0.001).

Conclusion.

Nulliparous women, 1-child mothers, and women who experience spontaneous abortions, missed abortions, or stillbirths are at increased SLE risk. Theoretically, immunological processes involved in subfertility or idiopathic pregnancy losses might act as initiating or contributing factors in some cases of SLE. However, considering the well established excess of pregnancy complications in women with established SLE, the observed associations more likely reflect the effect of subclinical immunological processes in women destined to develop SLE.
Lack of Association with Rheumatoid Arthritis of Selected Polymorphisms in 4 Candidate Genes: CFH, CD209, Eotaxin-3, and MHC2TA
Authors: DIEGUEZ-GONZALEZ REBECA , AKAR SERVET , CALAZA MANUEL , GONZALEZ-ALVARO ISIDORO , FERNANDEZ-GUTIERREZ BENJAMIN , LAMAS JOSE RAMON , de la SERNA ARTURO R. , CALIZ RAFAEL , BLANCO FRANCISCO J. , PASCUAL-SALCEDO DORA , VELLOSO MARIA LUISA , PEREZ-PAMPIN EVA , PABLOS JOSE LUIS , NAVARRO FEDERICO , NARVAEZ JAVIER , LOPEZ-LONGO FRANCISCO JAVIER , HERRERO-BEAUMONT GABRIEL , GOMEZ-REINO JUAN J. , GONZALEZ ANTONIO
Published: July 2009

Objective.

To investigate associations with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in 4 candidate genes, complement factor H (CFH), CD209 or DC-SIGN, eotaxin-3, and the MHC class II Transactivator (MHC2TA) genes. These SNP have been reported as important for RA (eotaxin-3 and MHC2TA) or for other immune-mediated diseases (CFH and CD209).

Methods.

Genotypes for the 7 selected SNP were obtained from 1587 patients with RA and 1570 controls of Spanish ancestry. Analyses were carried out after stratification for sex, erosions, rheumatoid factor, shared epitope, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, and the R620W PTPN22 SNP.

Results.

None of the comparisons between patients with RA and controls or between the different strata of patients according to disease features was significant.

Conclusion.

None of the SNP in CFH and CD209 showed evidence of association with RA. We did not replicate the association of eotaxin-3 with RA described in Koreans, or that of the MHC2T SNP.
Paul’s 'former conduct in the Judean way of life' (Gal 1:13) … or not?
Authors: Cromhout Markus
Published: July 2009

Various arguments are made about Paul’s 'Jewishness/ Judeanness' as a follower of Jesus Messiah, for example, that Paul essentially remained to be 'Jewish/Judean' and that he still fully operated in the world of 'Judaism'. These claims are investigated by answering three sets of questions derived from a proposed general model of ethnicity, which is developed with the help of cultural anthropology (ethnicity theory).
Working memory deficits can be overcome: Impacts of training and medication on working memory in children with ADHD
Authors: Holmes Joni , Gathercole Susan E. , Place Maurice , Dunning Darren L. , Hilton Kerry A. , Elliott Julian G.
Published: July 2009

This study evaluated the impact of two interventions—a training program and stimulant medication—on working memory (WM) function in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Twenty‐five children aged between 8 and 11 years participated in training that taxed WM skills to the limit for a minimum of 20 days, and completed other assessments of WM and IQ before and after training, and with and without prescribed drug treatment. While medication significantly improved visuo‐spatial memory performance, training led to substantial gains in all components of WM across untrained tasks. Training gains associated with the central executive persisted over a 6‐month period. IQ scores were unaffected by either intervention. These findings indicate that the WM impairments in children with ADHD can be differentially ameliorated by training and by stimulant medication. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The “Ductilities” in Single Phase Steels from Usual to Nanoscale Microstructures
Authors: Bouaziz Olivier
Published: July 2009

The control and the improvement of the ductility of nanostructured structural steels is one of the key challenges in assessing the technological viability of this metallurgical strategy. In the present paper, it is shown that more rigorous definitions of the ductility are required in order to avoid possible confusions. After this preliminary work, a more transparent analysis is done concerning the effect of the microstructural scale showing clearly the weaknesses and the strengths of ultra‐fine single phase steels. Finally, possible ways to overcome the main limitations are presented.
Adhesive, Flexible, and Robust Polysaccharide Nanosheets Integrated for Tissue‐Defect Repair
Authors: Fujie Toshinori , Matsutani Noriyuki , Kinoshita Manabu , Okamura Yosuke , Saito Akihiro , Takeoka Shinji
Published: July 2009

Recent developments in nanotechnology have led to a method for producing free‐standing polymer nanosheets as a macromolecular organization. Compared with bulk films, the large aspect ratio of such nanosheets leads to unique physical properties, such as transparency, noncovalent adhesion, and high flexibility. Here, a biomedical application of polymer nanosheets consisting of biocompatible and biodegradable polysaccharides is reported. Micro‐scratch and bulge tests indicate that the nanosheets with a thickness of tens of nanometers have sufficient physical adhesiveness and mechanical strength for clinical use. A nanosheet of 75 nm thickness, a critical load of 9.1 × 104 N m−1, and an elastic modulus of 9.6 GPa is used for the minimally invasive repair of a visceral pleural defect in beagle dogs without any pleural adhesion caused by wound repair. For the first time, clinical benefits of sheet‐type nano‐biomaterials based on molecular organization are demonstrated, suggesting that novel therapeutic tools for overlapping tissue wounds will be possible without the need for conventional surgical interventions.
Rational Design of Charge‐Neutral, Near‐Infrared‐Emitting Osmium(II) Complexes and OLED Fabrication
Authors: Lee Tsang‐Chi , Hung Jui‐Yi , Chi Yun , Cheng Yi‐Ming , Lee Gene‐Hsiang , Chou Pi‐Tai , Chen Chung‐Chia , Chang Chih‐Hao , Wu Chung‐Chih
Published: July 2009

A new series of charge neutral Os(II) isoquinolyl triazolate complexes (1–4) with both trans and cis arrangement of phosphine donors are synthesized, and their structural, electrochemical and photophysical properties are established. In sharp contrast to the cis‐arranged complexes 2–4, the trans derivative 1, which shows a planar arrangement of chromophoric N‐substituted chelates, offers the most effective extended π‐delocalization and hence the lowest excited state energy gap. These complexes exhibit phosphorescence with peak wavelengths ranging from 692–805 nm in degassed CH2Cl2 at room temperature. Near‐infrared (NIR)‐emitting electroluminescent devices employing 6 wt % of 1 (or 4) doped in Alq3 host material are successfully fabricated. The devices incorporating 1 as NIR phosphor exhibit fairly intense emission with a peak wavelength at 814 nm. Forward radiant emittance reaches as high as 65.02 µW cm−2, and a peak EQE of ∼1.5% with devices employing Alq3, TPBi and/or TAZ as electron‐transporting/exciton‐blocking layers. Upon switching to phosphor 4, the electroluminescence blue shifts to 718 nm, while the maximum EQE and radiance increase to 2.7% and 93.26 (μW cm−2) respectively. Their performances are optimized upon using TAZ as the electron transporting and exciton‐blocking material. The OLEDs characterized represent the only NIR‐emitting devices fabricated using charge‐neutral and volatile Os(II) phosphors via thermal vacuum deposition.
A Multiscale Description of the Electronic Transport within the Hierarchical Architecture of a Composite Electrode for Lithium Batteries
Authors: Badot Jean‐Claude , Ligneel Éǹc , Dubrunfaut Olivier , Guyomard Dominigve , Lestriez Bernard
Published: July 2009

The broadband dielectric spectroscopy technique is applied, for the first time, to a composite material used as an electrode for lithium battery. The electrical properties (permittivity and conductivity) are measured from low (a few Hz) to microwave (a few GHz) frequencies. The results demonstrate that the broadband dielectric spectroscopy technique is very sensitive to the different scales of the electrode architecture involved in electronic transport, from interatomic distances to macroscopic sizes, as well as to the morphology at these scales, coarse or fine distribution of the constituents. This work opens up new prospects for a more fundamental understanding and more rational optimization of the electronic transport in composite electrodes for lithium batteries and other electrochemical energy storage technologies (including other batteries, supercapacitors, low‐ and medium‐temperature fuel cells), electrochemical sensors and conductor–insulator composite materials.
Highly Active, Well‐Defined (Cyclopentadiene)(N‐heterocyclic carbene)palladium Chloride Complexes for Room‐Temperature Suzuki–Miyaura and Buchwald–Hartwig Cross‐Coupling Reactions of Aryl Chlorides and Deboronation Homocoupling of Arylboronic Acids
Authors: Jin Zhong , Guo Su‐Xian , Gu Xiao‐Peng , Qiu Ling‐Ling , Song Hai‐Bing , Fang Jian‐Xin
Published: July 2009

A new class of well‐defined N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐(cyclopentadiene)palladium chloride complexes such as CpPd(NHC)Cl wasw synthesized from the readily available starting NHC‐palladium(II) chloride dimers. These air‐stable, coordinatively saturated NHC‐Pd complexes bearing the cyclopentadiene (Cp) unit exhibit high catalytic activity in the room temperature Suzuki–Miyaura and Buchwald–Hartwig cross‐coupling reactions involving unactive aryl chlorides as the substrates. In addition, they are found to be extremely efficient catalysts in the deboronation homocoupling of arylboronic acids at room temperature.
Facile, Efficient Copolymerization of Ethylene with Bicyclic, Non‐Conjugated Dienes by Titanium Complexes Bearing Bis(β‐Enaminoketonato) Ligands
Authors: Liu Jing‐yu , Liu San‐rong , Pan Li , Li Yue‐sheng
Published: July 2009

Copolymerizations of ethylene with 5‐vinyl‐2‐norbornene or 5‐ethylidene‐2‐norbornene under the action of various titanium complexes bearing bis(β‐enaminoketonato) chelate ligands of the type, [R1NC(R2)CHC(R3)O]2TiCl2 (1, R1=Ph, R2=CF3, R3=Ph; 2, R1=C6H4F‐p, R2=CF3, R3=Ph; 3, R1=Ph, R2=CF3, R3=t‐Bu; 4, R1=C6H4F‐p, R2=CF3, R3=t‐Bu; 5, R1=Ph, R2=CH3, R3=CF3; 6, R1=C6H4F‐p, R2=CH3, R3=CF3), have been shown to occur with the regioselective insertion of the endocyclic double bond of the monomer into the copolymer chain, leaving the exocyclic vinyl double bond as a pendant unsaturation. The ligand modification strongly affects the copolymerization behaviour. High catalytic activities and efficient co‐monomer incorporation can be easily obtained by optimizing the catalyst structures and polymerization conditions.
Silver Triflate‐Catalyzed or Electrophile‐Mediated Tandem Reaction of N′‐(2‐Alkynylbenzylidene)hydrazides with Dimethyl Acetylenedicarboxylate
Authors: Chen Zhiyuan , Ding Qiuping , Yu Xingxin , Wu Jie
Published: July 2009

Different outcomes were generated under different conditions for the tandem reactions of N′‐(2‐alkynylbenzylidene)hydrazides with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD) catalyzed by silver triflate or in the presence of electrophiles. The unexpected isoquinoline‐based azomethine ylides were obtained when the reaction was catalyzed by silver triflate or in the presence of bromine, while the fused 1,2‐dihydroisoquinolines were afforded when iodine was employed in the above tandem reactions.
Design and Application of 2,2‐Dibromodimedone as Organic Brominating Reagent for Asymmetric Bromination of 1,3‐Dicarbonyl Compounds and Ketones Catalysed by Chiral Amino Acids
Authors: Goswami Papori , Baruah Abhilasha , Das Babulal
Published: July 2009

A green and ecofriendly enantioselective α‐bromination of carbonyl and 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds is reported involving the synthesis of a novel organic brominating source. The organic brominating reagent can be recovered after each cycle, rebrominated and reused. The reaction is catalysed by chiral amino acids and completed within a short reaction time with good enantioselectivity and exclusive formation of only α‐monobrominated carbonyl compounds.
Amphiphilic Block Polypeptide‐Type Ligands for Micellar Catalysis in Water
Authors: Elias Shlomi , Vigalok Arkadi
Published: July 2009

Novel amphiphilic block polypeptide ligands were synthesized and showed excellent behavior in the metal‐catalyzed organic transformations in pure water. The catalytic activity and/or recycling properties of the catalysts are the result of the micellar structure of the polymeric system in water.
Enantioselective Silylcyanation of Aldehydes and Ketones by a Titanium Catalyst Prepared from a Partially Hydrolyzed Titanium Alkoxide and a Schiff Base Ligand
Authors: Yoshinaga Kazuhiko , Nagata Takushi
Published: July 2009

In the presence of small amount (0.2–1.0 mol%) of a titanium complex catalyst prepared from a partially hydrolyzed titanium alkoxide and an optically active tridentate Schiff base ligand, the enantioselective silylcyanation of aldehydes and ketones proceeded in a short reaction time at room temperature to afford the corresponding optically active cyanohydrin derivatives in excellent chemical yield with high enantiomeric excess (86–97% ee). The results indicate that partially hydrolyzed titanium alkoxides are a promising titanium source for the preparation of efficient catalysts for asymmetric synthesis.
Ruthenium(II)‐Catalyzed Regioselective Synthesis of Allyl Ketones from Alkynes and their Silver(I)‐Catalyzed Hydroarylation into γ‐Functionalized Ketones
Authors: Zhang Min , Jiang Huanfeng , Dixneuf Pierre H.
Published: July 2009

The regioselective synthesis of β,γ‐unsaturated ketones from terminal alkynes is achieved by cooperative action of tris(acetonitrile)pentamethylcyclopentadieneruthenium hexafluorophosphate [Cp*Ru(NCMe)3+ PF6−] and para‐toluenesulfonic acid catalysts. These allyl ketones undergo direct regioselective hydroarylation/Friedel–Crafts reaction to introduce an electron‐rich aryl group at the γ‐position in the presence of ligand‐free silver triflate (AgOTf) catalyst. Both catalytic reactions take place with atom economy and provide an alternative to the synthesis of a variety of allyl ketones and γ‐arylated ketones.
Structural Crystallography of Inorganic Oxysalts.IUCr Monographs on Crystallography No. 22. By Sergey V. Krivovichev.
Authors: Albrecht‐Schmitt Thomas
Published: July 2009

Oxford University Press, Oxford 2009. 320 S., geb., $ 130.00.—ISBN 978‐0199213207

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Cover Picture: A Microfluidic Approach to Chemically Driven Assembly of Colloidal Particles at Gas–Liquid Interfaces (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 29/2009)
Authors: Park Jai Il , Nie Zhihong , Kumachev Alexander , Abdelrahman Ahmed I. , Binks Bernard P. , Stone Howard A. , Kumacheva Eugenia
Published: July 2009

A chemically mediated microfluidic approach to the generation of particle‐coated bubbles is reported by E. Kumacheva and co‐workers in their Communication on page 5300 ff. The approach employs rapid, controllable dissolution of CO2 bubbles in a dispersion of carboxylated particles. Local increases in the acidity of the medium in the neighborhood of the bubbles lead to a change in the surface energy of the particles and their deposition on the gas–liquid interface.

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Inside Cover: Charge‐Conversional Polyionic Complex Micelles—Efficient Nanocarriers for Protein Delivery into Cytoplasm (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 29/2009)
Authors: Lee Yan , Ishii Takehiko , Cabral Horacio , Kim Hyun Jin , Seo Ji‐Hun , Nishiyama Nobuhiro , Oshima Hiroki , Osada Kensuke , Kataoka Kazunori
Published: July 2009

A highly efficient protein delivery into cytoplasm is described by K. Kataoka, and co‐workers on page 5309 ff. The charge‐density increase of a protein cargo by reversible modification, which was based on the charge‐conversional moieties citaconic amide and cis‐aconitic amide, helped the stability of protein/block copolymer polyionic complex (PIC) micelles. The rapid protein charge conversion in endosomes induced the dissociation of the PIC micelles and efficient endosomal escape.

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How comb‐type poly(maleic acid alkylamide‐co‐α‐olefin) assemble in waxy oils and improve flowing ability
Authors: Xu Jun , Zhang Xingyu , Sun Jie , Li Li , Guo Xuhong
Published: July 2009

Wax deposition in pipelines restricts flow and even leads to plugging during oil transportation. This paper aims to improve the flowing ability of cold waxy oils using comb‐type copolymers to interact with main components of waxy oil: long‐chain n‐paraffins and asphaltenes. A series of comb‐type poly(maleic acid alkylamide‐co‐α‐olefin) (MAC) with different side‐chain lengths were synthesized by copolymerization of α‐olefin and maleic anhydride followed by amidation with alkylamine. Their effects on the rheological property (yield stress) and crystallization behaviors of both model waxy oils and crude oils were observed by rheology, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and optical microscopy. MACs reduced the yield stress of oils and the crystal size of long‐chain n‐paraffins, and improved the flowing ability of oils at 0 °C significantly. The MACs either self‐assemble to nucleate the crystallization of long‐chain n‐paraffins or co‐crystallize with them by the nonpolar side chains and inhibit the growth of paraffin crystals by the layer of the polar parts, while the carboxyl and amide groups interact with polar aromatic asphaltenes to prevent their aggregation upon cooling. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FCCU simulation based on first principle and artificial neural network models
Authors: Miheţ Maria , Cristea Vasile Mircea , Agachi Paul Şerban
Published: July 2009

A first principle model has been developed for the reactor–regenerator system based on construction and operating data from an industrial fluid catalytic cracking unit (FCCU). The first principle model takes into account the main FCCU subsystems: reactor riser, regenerator, stripper, catalyst circulation lines, air blower, wet gas compressor and main fractionator. A five‐lump kinetic scheme has been considered for the reactions taking place in the reactor riser. Subsequently, an artificial neural network (ANN) model has been built for the complex FCCU system. The dynamic simulator, based on the previously developed first principle model, served as the source of reliable data for ANN design, training and testing. The ANN developed model was successfully trained and tested. Comparison between first principle and neural network based model leads to a very good match between the two models. Results show the substantial reduction of the computation time featured by the ANN model compared to the first principle model, demonstrating its potential use for real‐time implementation in model‐based control algorithms. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fenton and photo‐Fenton treatment of distillery effluent and optimization of treatment conditions with response surface methodology
Authors: Hadavifar Mojtaba , Zinatizadeh Ali Akbar , Younesi Habibollah , Galehdar Maedeh
Published: July 2009

Two chemical processes, Fenton and photo‐Fenton, were tested separately for the treatment of vinasse, which was generated from an alcohol distillery process. In order to evaluate the processes effectiveness, four independent variables viz. SCOD concentration, initial pH, H2O2 and FeSO4 dosage were applied. Experiments were conducted based on a central composite design (CCD) and analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM). UV radiation for 80 min was applied in each experiment during the photo‐Fenton process. Two modified quadratic equations were used for data fitting. The most significant model terms in the processes were found to be the initial chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration and the initial pH. A higher removal efficiency was achieved in the photo‐Fenton process compared to Fenton alone. The efficiency varied from 18 to 97% for the photo‐Fenton process, while it was in the range of 5–47% for Fenton process. The R2 value of the models (R2 > 0.97) shows a very high degree of correlation between the parameters. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Supporting mechanism of non‐toxic chromium (III) acetate on silica for preparation of Phillips ethylene polymerization catalysts
Authors: Qiu Pengyuan , Li Xiaofang , Zhang Shiliang , Cheng Ruihua , Dong Qi , Liu Boping , Li Liuzhong , Yu Yongling , Tang Yan , Xie JianLing , Wang Wenqing
Published: July 2009

Phillips catalyst is an important kind of industrial polyethylene catalyst. As early as in the late 1970s, CrO3 was substituted by chromium (III) acetate for the preparation of Phillips catalyst on the industrial scale owing to health and environmental considerations. There is still considerable research focusing on the relations between the preparation process and catalyst properties in academics. In this work, the supporting mechanism of chromium (III) acetate on silica has been studied by Thermogravimetry–Differential Thermal Analysis (TG‐DTA), and Electron Spin Resonance (ESR), in comparison with that of supporting CrO3 on SiO2. The basic chromium (III) acetate supported on high surface area silica gel decomposed differently from that for bulk basic chromium acetate when decomposition temperature was decreased by 15 °C. The decomposition temperature was 299 °C for Cr3(OH)2(Ac)7/SiO2 catalyst precursor, which would be firstly transferred into CrO3 followed by supporting on silica surface as chromate species. The further weight loss came from thermal inductive reduction of chromate species into Cr2O3, which was also supported by the results of colors of catalysts. Moreover, with the increase of chromium loading of Cr3(OH)2(Ac)7/SiO2, such thermal inductive reduction became more severe. ESR spectra of Cr3(OH)2(Ac)7/SiO2 and CrO3/SiO2 catalyst precursors showed that a small amount of supported Cr5+ can exist stably on silica gel surface at temperatures higher than 200 °C. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical simulation of flow and heat transfer in connection of gasifier to the radiant syngas cooler
Authors: Ni Jianjun , Liang Qinfeng , Yan Zhuoyong , Yu Zunhong , Yu Guangsuo
Published: July 2009

The connection of gasifier to the radiant syngas cooler has been regarded as a key technology for heat recovery system. Multiphase flow and heat transfer processes presented in this work considers particle deposition and radiation model to mixture of non‐gray gas with particles. An axisymmetric simulation of the multiphase flow in an industrial scale connection is performed. The standard k‐ε model, Renormalization group (RNG) k‐ε model and Realizable k‐ε model turbulence model are proposed. The particle motion is modeled by discrete random walk model. The discrete ordinates model (DOM), P‐1 and discrete transfer model (DTRM) are used to model the radiative heat transfer. The effect of particles on the radiative heat transfer was taken into account when the DOM and P‐1 model were used. The absorption coefficient of the gas mixture is calculated by means of a weighted‐sum‐of‐gray‐gas (WSGG) model. The results with the DOM and P‐1 model are very similar and close to practical condition. A large number of particles are deposited on the cone of gasifier which is the top of connection. Maximum temperature difference is approximate 7 K when the cooling tube heights change from 0.5 m to 1.5 m. The temperature inside has a linear relationship with operating temperature. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of mineral composition of oil shale
Authors: Wang Dong‐Mei , Xu Ying‐Mei , He De‐Min , Guan Jun , Zhang Oiu‐Min
Published: July 2009

The aim of this paper is to identify the mineral composition of oil shale from different locations and relate it to their interval of occurrence. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transforms spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) methods were used for this invetigation. Hydrogen peroxide was used as the oxidant to eliminate the influence of organic matter in TGA. DRIFTS results indicated that most of the kerogen is in aliphatic hydrocarbon form and the peak of hydrocarbon nearly disappeared after oxidation. XRD results indicated that quartz, muscovite, kaolinite and calcite are the dominant minerals. Longkou and Changchun oil shale samples contain high percentage of calcite (12.9 and 11.7% CO2 respectively) while Fushun and Huadian oil shale samples contain less than 6% CO2. Especially, in Fushun oil shale sample, the content is below 3%. Kaolinite is found in Fushun oil shale sample, while muscovite is only found in Huadian oil shale sample. Integration of the XRD, DRIFTS and TGA results of the oil shale samples from different locations has provided a better way of mineral composition identification. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of a photo‐patternable cross‐linked epoxy system containing photodegradable carbonate units for deep UV lithography
Authors: Huh Geun , Kwon Ki‐Ok , Cha Sang‐Ho , Yoon Sang‐Woong , Lee Moo Young , Lee Jong‐Chan
Published: July 2009

Bis(2‐(oxiran‐2‐ylmethyl)‐1,3‐dioxoisoindolin‐5‐yl) carbonate and polymers containing 9‐anthracenylmethylmethacrylate (AMMA), p‐tert‐butoxy styrene (PTBS), and methacrylic acid (MAA) monomeric units were synthesized with the aim of developing a novel photo‐patternable cross‐linked epoxy system. The oxirane groups in bis(2‐(oxiran‐2‐ylmethyl)‐1,3‐dioxoisoindolin‐5‐yl) carbonate were reacted with the carboxylic acid in the polymer to generate a cross‐linked epoxy film, and the photo degradation of the cross‐linked film was achieved through decomposition of the carbonate groups in the cross‐linked film by deep UV irradiation. Because the copolymer containing anthracene groups has relatively high reflective index and absorption at 248 nm, this cross‐linked system can be applied to patternable bottom antireflective coating materials for deep UV lithography applications. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
A survey of student perceptions of team‐based learning in anatomy curriculum: Favorable views unrelated to grades
Authors: Vasan Nagaswami S. , DeFouw David O. , Compton Scott
Published: July 2009

Team‐based learning (TBL) combines independent out of class preparation with in class small group discussion. We adopted TBL in teaching first year medical gross anatomy. In this study, we evaluated student perceptions of TBL by using a survey that elicited perceptions of both pedagogy and mode of learning. Anatomy lectures were replaced with required preclass readings, self‐assessment quizzes, small group discussions of assignments, and groups retaking the same quizzes for deeper learning. At the course conclusion, students were surveyed to assess their preference for TBL, their perceptions of TBL effectiveness, and their perceptions of successful interpersonal relationships within groups. Respondents (n = 317; 89% response) were asked to rate the extent that they agreed (−2 = strongly disagree; −1 = disagree; 0 = neutral; 1 = agree; and 2 = strongly agree). A principal components factor analysis with varimax rotation identified two 8‐item factors: “perceptions of TBL” and “perceptions of teamwork.” Internal consistency for each was high [Cronbach's alpha = 0.908 (preference for TBL); 0.884 (preference of teamwork)]. Results of one‐way analysis of variance between Honors/High Pass/Pass/Fail students indicated that Honors (n = 73) tended to rate perceptions of TBL higher than Pass (n = 54) [mean difference = 2.92; 95% CI (0.05, 5.79)], and also higher than Fail (n = 11) [mean difference = 6.30; 95% CI (1.13, 11.47)]. However, each had overallpositive ratings. No difference was noted between mean ratings of teamwork, which were also, overall, positive. We conclude that medical students view TBL favorably irrespective of their grades. Anat Sci Educ 2:150–155, 2009. © 2009 American Association of Anatomists.
Risky choice framing: Task versions and a comparison of prospect theory and fuzzy‐trace theory
Authors: Kühberger Anton , Tanner Carmen
Published: July 2009

Framing effects are said to indicate irrationality in decision making because they illustrate that linguistically different descriptions of equivalent options lead to inconsistent choices. A review of the literature on the effects of adding, or subtracting, implicated complements of the sure option shows that this leads to a classic framing effect, a reversal of the classic effect, or no framing effect. Thus, the assumption of equivalence of formulations is not justified. In addition we provide a test of two major, but opposing theories on framing, prospect theory and fuzzy‐trace theory. Based on an online study we investigated the effects of subtracting complements of the risky option. The results are more consistent with fuzzy‐trace theory than with prospect theory. The consequences of these findings for the application of formal models like prospect theory, and for rationality, are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developmental exposure to 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin alters postnatal T cell phenotypes and T cell function and exacerbates autoimmune lupus in 24‐week‐old SNF1mice
Authors: Mustafa Amjad , Holladay Steven D. , Goff Matthew , Witonsky Sharon , Kerr Richard , Weinstein Danielle A. , Karpuzoglu‐Belgin Ebru , Gogal Robert M.
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND:

Untreated, more than 95% of female SWR x NZB: F1(SNF1) mice spontaneously develop a fatal lupus‐like glomerulonephritis by 8 months‐of‐age, while disease onset in males is much slower.

METHODS:

Timed‐pregnant SNF1mice (10 per treatment) were exposed to 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) on gestational day (GD) 12 by oral maternal gavage with 0, 40, or 80 μg/kg TCDD.

RESULTS:

Offspring of the TCDD‐exposed dams showed numerous alterations in T lineage cells at 24 weeks‐of‐age. Females but not males showed decreased CD4+8+and increased CD4−8−thymocytes. Females also showed increased autoreactive CD4+Vβ17a+axillary and inguinal lymph node T cells. Concanavalin A–stimulated splenocytes from prenatal TCDD‐treated mice produced decreased interleukin 17 (IL‐17) in the females while males showed increased IL‐2 and IFN‐γ, and diminished IL‐4. Mitogen‐stimulated pan‐lymphoproliferative responses were significantly increased across sex by TCDD. Anti‐IgG and anti‐C3 immune complex deposition in kidneys was present in the males after TCDD, and visibly worsened in females.

CONCLUSIONS:

Developmental TCDD exposure can permanently alter T lymphopoiesis in autoimmune‐prone SNF1 mice. The alteration profile is beyond the classic immune suppression response, to also include exacerbation and induction of a lupuslike autoimmune disease. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Behavioral change related to Wenchuan devastating earthquake in mice
Authors: Li Yonghong , Liu Yanyou , Jiang Zhou , Guan Junwen , Yi Guixi , Cheng Shuting , Yang Bo , Fu Tianming , Wang Zhengrong
Published: July 2009

It has been suggested that some animals are much more capable of perceiving certain kinds of geophysical stimuli which may precede earthquakes than humans, but the anecdotal phenomena or stories about unusual animal behaviors prior to an earthquake should be interpreted with objective data. During the Wenchuan magnitude 8.0 earthquake that happened in Wenchuan county (31.0° north latitude, 103.4° east longitude) of Sichuan province, China, on May 12, 2008, eight mice were monitored for locomotor activity and circadian rhythm in constant darkness with temperature 22–24 °C and humidity 55–65% for 38 days. The ongoing monitoring of locomotor activity of mice in our laboratory made it possible to design a posteriori study investigating whether the earthquake was associated with any change in animal behavior. Based on analyzing the recorded data with single cosinor, we found that the locomotor activity dramatically decreased in six of these eight mice on day 3 before the earthquake, and the circadian rhythm of their locomotor activity was no longer detected. The behavioral change lasted for 6 days before the locomotor activity returned to its original state. Analyses of concurrent geomagnetic data showed a higher total intensity during the span when the circadian rhythm in locomotor activity weakened. These results indicated that the behaviors, including circadian rhythm and activity, in these mice indeed changed prior to the earthquake, and the behavioral change might be associated with a change of geomagnetic intensity. Bioelectromagnetics 30:613–620, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Bayesian Long‐term Survival Model Parametrized in the Cured Fraction
Authors: Castro Mário de , Cancho Vicente G. , Rodrigues Josemar
Published: July 2009

The main goal of this paper is to investigate a cure rate model that comprehends some well‐known proposals found in the literature. In our work the number of competing causes of the event of interest follows the negative binomial distribution. The model is conveniently reparametrized through the cured fraction, which is then linked to covariates by means of the logistic link. We explore the use of Markov chain Monte Carlo methods to develop a Bayesian analysis in the proposed model. The procedure is illustrated with a numerical example.
Highly selective determination of phenolphthalein by flow injection chemiluminescence method based on a molecular imprinting polymer
Authors: Yu Jinghua , Ge Lei , Dai Ping , Zhang Congcong , Ge Shenguang , Huang Jiadong
Published: July 2009

The phenolphthalein‐imprinted polymer was prepared with methacrylic acid as functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross‐linker. Taking advantage of the quenching effect of phenolphthalein on the potassium permanganate–HCl–anhydrous alcohol chemiluminescence system, a new model was established to determine phenolphthalein by a highly selective flow injection chemiluminescence method. The traditional flow‐though cell was replaced with a novel flow path using a Y‐shaped polymethyl methacrylate column, through which the three reactants were injected simultaneously. The linear range of this assay was from 1.0 × 10−8 to 1.0 × 10−6 g/mL (r = 0.9978). The limit of detection was 8.9 × 10−9 g/mL. The relative standard deviation for the determination of 1.0 × 10−8 g/mL phenolphthalein solution was below 2.9% (n = 11). The proposed method was applied to the determination of phenolphthalein in real samples with satisfactory results. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Terminalia chebula aqueous extract on oxidative stress and antioxidant status in the liver and kidney of young and aged rats
Authors: Mahesh Ramalingam , Bhuvana Shanmugham , Hazeena Begum Vava Mohaideen
Published: July 2009

We evaluated the preventive effects of Terminalia chebula (T. chebula) aqueous extract on oxidative and antioxidative status in liver and kidney of aged rats compared to young albino rats. The concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), lipofuscin (LF), protein carbonyls (PCO), activities of xantione oxidase (XO), manganese‐superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST), and glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), levels of glutathione (GSH), vitamin C and vitamin E were used as biomarkers. In the liver and kidney of aged animals, enhanced oxidative stress was accompanied by compromised antioxidant defences. Administration of aqueous extract of T. cheubla effectively modulated oxidative stress and enhanced antioxidant status in the liver and kidney of aged rats. The results of the present study demonstrate that aqueous extract of T. cheubla inhibits the development of age‐induced damages by protecting against oxidative stress. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbonated Water Purification of Carbon Nanotubes Synthesized on Fe‐CaCO3 Catalysts
Authors: See C. H. , Husin A. , Harris A. T.
Published: July 2009

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) grown on CaCO3 substrate can be easily purified using dilute mineral acids. Here it is shown, for the first time, that as‐synthesized CNTs can be purified to a large extent with carbonated water. The amount of CaCO3 that can be dissolved is dependent on the solution volume and the quantity of dissolved CO2. Between 38 and 57 wt % of CaCO3 was removed under atmospheric pressure, and increased to 80 wt % using water pretreated to 3 bar CO2 pressure. CO2 partial pressure was found to have the most significant impact by facilitating the formation of Ca(HCO3)2. No detrimental effects on CNT quality was determined by Raman spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis.
Stabilization of Metal Nanoparticles – A Chemical Approach
Authors: Gromov A. A. , Strokova Y. I. , Teipel U.
Published: July 2009

The chemical and physical mechanisms for the formation of passivation coatings on active metal nanoparticles were studied in this work. The passivation processes involved in the formation of coatings on nanoparticles were analyzed by SEM, TEM, XRD, EDS, DTA‐TG and chemical analysis. Inorganic passivation coatings for aluminum nanopowders were more effective in terms of thermal stability than organic ones. The stability of organic passivation coatings to further oxidation did not depend on the type of coating, but instead depended on the particle size of the passivated powders. A new advanced approach involving a metal nanopowder passivation technique has been applied.