bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transient solution for multilayered poroviscoelastic media obtained by an exact stiffness matrix formulation
Authors: Mesgouez A. , Lefeuve‐Mesgouez G. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe authors propose a semi‐analytical approach to studying wave propagation in multilayered poroviscoelastic grounds due to transient loads. The theoretical development is based on the exact stiffness matrix method for the Biot theory coupled with a matrix conditioning technique. It is developed in the wavenumber frequency domain after a Fourier transform on the surface space variables and the time variable. The usual methods yield a poorly conditioned numerical system. This is due in particular to the presence of mismatched exponential terms. In this article, increasing exponential terms are eliminated and only decreasing exponential terms remain. Consequently, the method can be applied to a large field of configurations without restriction concerning high frequencies, large Fourier transform parameters or large layer thicknesses. Validation and efficiency of the method are discussed. Effects of layering show that the layer impedance influence on solid and fluid displacements. Moreover, this approach can be of interest for the validation of numerical tools. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An adaptive species conservation genetic algorithm for multimodal optimization
Authors: Li Jian‐Ping , Wood Alastair S. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis paper introduces an adaptive species conservation genetic algorithm (ASCGA) by defining a species with three parameters: species seed, species radius and species boundary fitness. A species is defined as a group of individuals that have similar characteristics and that are dominated by the best individual in the species, called the species seed. Species radius defines the species' upper boundary and the species boundary fitness is the lowest value of fitness in the boundary. Some heuristic algorithms have been developed to adjust these parameters and an ASCGA has been proposed to solve multimodal optimization problems. With heuristic techniques, ASCGA can automatically adjust species parameters and allow the species to adapt to an optimization problem. Experimental results presented demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is capable of finding the global and local optima of test multimodal optimization problems with a higher efficiency than the methods from the literature. ASCGA has also successfully found a significantly different solution of a 25‐bar space truss design and identified 761 local solutions of the 2‐D Shubert function. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factorial design of nanosized polyisoprene synthesis via differential microemulsion polymerization
Authors: Suppaibulsuk Bunthita , Prasassarakich Pattarapan , Rempel Garry L. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe synthesis of nanosized polyisoprene latex was carried out by differential microemulsion polymerization using 2, 2′‐Azoisobutyronitrile (AIBN) initiator system under various reaction conditions. A $2_V^{5 - 1} $ fractional factorial experimental design was applied to study the effects of reaction variables: amount of initiator and surfactant, monomer‐to‐water ratio, reaction temperature, and stirring speed on rubber particle size and monomer conversion. The analysis of the results from the design showed the main effects on the observed response and the amount of initiator, reaction temperature and stirring speed in the range of the test had significant effects on polyisoprene particle size. The significant effects on monomer conversion were reaction temperature, stirring speed, and interaction between reaction temperature and stirring speed in the range of the test. The optimum conditions gave highest monomer conversion of 90% and average particle size of polyisoprene of 27 nm. The nanosized polyisoprene was also characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polyimide/polyoxometalate copolymer thin films: synthesis, thermal and dielectric properties
Authors: Tan Lin , Liu Shumei , Zeng Fang , Ling Zhiyuan , Zhao Jianqing 
Published: April 2009

AbstractA mono‐lancunary keggin‐type decatungstosilicate (SiW11) polyoxometalate (POM) modified by γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH550) was incorporated into polyimide (PI) through copolymerization. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), fourier transition infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) were used to characterize the structure and composition of the polyoxometalate–organosilane hybrid (SiW11KH550) and PI/SiW11KH550 copolymers. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies indicate that the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PI/SiW11KH550 copolymers increases from 330°C (for neat PI) to 409°C (for the copolymer sample with 10 wt% of SiW11KH550). Dielectric measurement showed that both the dielectric constant and the dielectric loss for the copolymer thin films decreased with the increase in SiW11KH550 content, and the dielectric constant and dielectric loss values decreased to 2.1 and 3.54 × 10−3, respectively, for the copolymer sample with 10 wt% of SiW11KH550. The incorporation of SiW11KH550 into polymer matrices is a promising approach to prepare PI films with a low dielectric constant and low dielectric loss. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Progressive neurocognitive impairment in young adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Harila Marika J. , Winqvist Satu , Lanning Marjatta , Bloigu Risto , Harila‐Saari Arja H. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackgroundDespite the extensive literature on neuropsychological sequelae after treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the very‐long‐term neurocognitive outcome of the survivors is poorly studied. We assessed neuropsychological functioning in a population‐based cohort of young adult childhood ALL survivors.ProcedureNeuropsychological testing was performed on 64 survivors an average of 20 years after the diagnosis. The test battery included verbal intelligence quotient (VIQ) and performance intelligence quotient (PIQ), memory function, orientation and attention as well as motor performance. Cranial irradiation had been administered to 44 survivors as part of ALL treatment, whereas 20 survivors had been treated solely with chemotherapy. A control group consisted of 45 healthy young adults. Earlier neuropsychological test results of 45 of the survivors were available for comparison.ResultsThe ALL survivors attained significantly lower test scores than the controls in all the neuropsychological function areas. The mean VIQ test scores were 91, 100, and 109 (P < 0.001), and the mean PIQ test scores 100, 111, and 118 (P < 0.001) for the irradiated survivors, non‐irradiated survivors and controls, respectively. Memory and motor functions were impaired among the irradiated survivor group compared with the controls. A significant decline in PIQ and VIQ test scores was observed in the irradiated survivor group during the follow‐up period, but only in VIQ in the non‐irradiated group.ConclusionsSurvivors of childhood ALL suffer from long‐lasting progressive neuropsychological impairment, especially when treatment includes cranial irradiation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:156–161. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia with ALL relapse following engrafted bone marrow transplant
Authors: Luscri Nathan , Mauer Michael , Sarafoglou Kyriakie , Moran Antoinette , Tolar Jakub 
Published: April 2009

AbstractLactic acidosis together with hypoglycemia in the face of hematologic malignancy is a grave development. A 7‐year‐old male with pre‐B‐cell ALL following hematopoietic cell transplant was admitted to our hospital in his second relapse. On hospital days 4 and 5, he developed refractory hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis, central respiratory failure, and acute renal failure. Bicarbonate infusion, B vitamins, and hemodialysis were not effective. Care was withdrawn on hospital day 9. Further understanding of the mechanisms that cause the combined onset of lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia will help clinicians in implementing timely therapies that may reduce mortality. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:223–225. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A simple isocratic HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of curcuminoids in commercial turmeric extracts
Authors: Wichitnithad Wisut , Jongaroonngamsang Nutthapon , Pummangura Sunibhond , Rojsitthisak Pornchai 
Published: April 2009

AbstractIntroductionTurmeric (Curcuma longa) extracts contain three curcuminoids (curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin and bisdesmethoxycurcumin) as major bioactive substances. Previously reported HPLC‐UV methods for the determination of curcuminoids have several disadvantages, including unsatisfactory separation times, poor resolution and/or complicated solvent mixtures with gradient elution.ObjectiveTo develop a simple isocratic HPLC‐UV method for the simultaneous determination of individual curcuminoids for the quality control of turmeric extracts.MethodologyThe sample was prepared by dissolving the extract in acetonitrile and subsequently diluting with 50% acetonitrile. This solution was analysed by reverse‐phase chromatography on an Alltima C18column with isocratic elution of acetonitrile and 2% v/v acetic acid (40:60, v/v) at a flow rate of 2.0 mL/min, a column temperature of 33°C, and UV detection at 425 nm. The method was validated and applied for quantification of individual curcuminoids in commercial turmeric extracts.ResultsThe method allowed simultaneous determination of curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin and bisdesmethoxycurcumin in the concentration ranges of 10–60, 4–24 and 0.5–3.0 µg/mL, respectively. The limits of detection and quantification were, respectively, 0.90 and 2.73 µg/mL for curcumin, 0.84 and 2.53 µg/mL for desmethoxycurcumin and 0.08 and 0.23 µg/mL for bisdesmethoxycurcumin, and the percentage recoveries were, respectively, 99.16–101.75 (%RSD ≤ 1.11%), 99.50–101.01 (%RSD ≤ 1.74%) and 99.67–101.92 (RSD ≤ 1.31%).ConclusionThe method was found to be simple, accurate and precise and is recommended for routine quality control analysis of turmeric extracts containing the three curcuminoid compounds as the main principles in the herb. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical and demographic characteristics of patients receiving different oral hypoglycemic agents
Authors: Gomes Tara , Juurlink David N. , Lipscombe Lorraine L. , Mamdani Muhammad M. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo characterize the demographic and clinical profiles of older persons with diabetes treated with a thiazolidinedione (TZD) in comparison to other groups of patients, including all patients with diabetes and those taking other oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs).Research Design and MethodsWe studied Ontario residents aged 66 and older and alive on 31 March 2008. Five groups were created based on diabetes status and history of treatment with OHAs, including patients prescribed rosiglitazone, patients prescribed pioglitazone, and a sample of three other groups: patients prescribed any other OHA in the preceding year, all patients with diabetes, and elderly Ontarians regardless of diabetes status. We excluded patients receiving insulin or multiple TZDs from the three OHA groups. Study groups were compared based on demographic information, measures of comorbidity, history of cardiovascular diseases, and concomitant use of drugs for cardiovascular disease.ResultsPeople treated with pioglitazone (n = 16 206) were highly similar to those treated with rosiglitazone (n = 16 066). Individuals treated with either TZD tended to be younger, less likely to reside in a long‐term care facility, and had similar cardiovascular profiles to samples of patients with diabetes (n = 50 000) and those taking other OHAs (n = 50 000).ConclusionsOlder patients started on TZDs have cardiovascular risk profiles comparable to other individuals with diabetes, including those taking other OHAs, suggesting that observational studies of TZD safety are not likely confounded by selection bias. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cluster randomized trials to study the comparative effectiveness of therapeutics: stakeholders' concerns and recommendations
Authors: Mazor Kathleen M. , Sabin James E. , Goff Sarah L. , Smith David H. , Rolnick Sharon , Roblin Douglas , Raebel Marsha A. , Herrinton Lisa J. , Gurwitz Jerry H. , Boudreau Denise , Meterko Vanessa , Dodd Katherine S. , Platt Richard 
Published: April 2009

AbstractPurposeTo describe the concerns raised by health plan members, providers and purchasers related to studying the comparative effectiveness of therapeutics using cluster randomized trials (CRTs) within health plans. An additional goal was to develop recommendations for increasing acceptability.MethodsEighty‐four qualitative in‐depth telephone interviews were conducted; 50 with health plan members, 21 with providers, and 13 with purchasers. Interviews focused on stakeholders' concerns about and recommendations for conducting CRTs in health plans.ResultsMembers expressed concerns that CRTs might compromise their healthcare. Providers and purchasers recognized the value of and the need for comparative effectiveness research. Providers expressed concerns that they would not have sufficient time to discuss a CRT with patients, and that participation in such a study could negatively impact their relationships with patients. Purchasers would want assurances that study participation would not result in members receiving lesser care, and that benefits would remain equitable for all members.ConclusionsThis study provides insight into how health plan members, providers and purchasers might react to a CRT being conducted in their health plan. The recommendations reported here provide guidance for researchers and policy makers considering this methodological approach and suggest that with sufficient preparation and planning CRTs can be an acceptable and efficient methodology for studying the comparative effectiveness of therapeutics in real world settings. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of ester group bulkiness of polyacrylates on miscibility with poly(vinyl acetate)
Authors: Princi Elisabetta , Vicini Silvia , Pedemonte Enrico 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: The miscibility of poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) with a series of polyacrylates, namely poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA), poly(ethyl acrylate) (PEA) and poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA), with ester chains of varying bulkiness was studied from both qualitative and quantitative points of view.RESULTS: The evidence from thermal (differential scanning calorimetry) and Fourier transform infrared analyses demonstrates that the miscibility of PVAc with the polyacrylates is rapidly reduced on increasing the bulkiness of their ester chains. Miscibility is quantitatively discussed in the framework of the corresponding states theory applying the approximate Patterson form. For this reason the characteristic values of volume, temperature and pressure were preliminarily evaluated both experimentally, through dilatometric measurements, and by calculations. At the same time, calorimetric measurements allowed the evaluation of the enthalpies of mixing of the components.CONCLUSION: The conclusions reached with this approach are that polar interactions are active among the repeat units of the blend components, but the intensities of these forces are progressively reduced by the shielding of the apolar groups of the polyacrylates. The steric hindrance of the hydrocarbon groups shields the interactions of the polar groups of PVAc with the COOR moieties of the acrylates, so that the miscibility progressively decreases from PMA to PEA to PBA. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Numerical simulations of buried emitter back‐junction solar cells
Authors: Harder Nils‐P. , Mertens Verena , Brendel Rolf 
Published: April 2009

AbstractWe recently introduced the buried emitter back‐junction solar cell, featuring large area fractions of overlap betweenn+‐type andp+‐type regions at the rear side of the device. In this paper we analyse the performance of the buried emitter solar cell (BESC) and its generalisations by one‐dimensional device simulations and analytical model calculations. A key finding is that the generalised versions of the BESC structure allows achieving very high efficiencies by passivating virtually the entire surface ofp‐type emitters by an oxidisedn‐type surface layer. A disadvantage of this type of full‐area emitter passivation in the generalised back‐junction BESC is the need for an insulating layer between the metallisation of the emitter and the contact to the base, which is technologically difficult to achieve. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Zn(S,O,OH)/ZnMgO buffer in thin film Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2‐based solar cells part I: Fast chemical bath deposition of Zn(S,O,OH) buffer layers for industrial application on Co‐evaporated Cu(In,Ga)Se2 and electrodeposited CuIn(S,Se)2 solar cells
Authors: Hubert C. , Naghavi N. , Roussel O. , Etcheberry A. , Hariskos D. , Menner R. , Powalla M. , Kerrec O. , Lincot D. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis paper is focused on the basic study and optimization of short time (<10 min) Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD) of Zn(S,O,OH) buffer layers in co‐evaporated Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) and electrodeposited CuIn(S,Se)2 ((ED)‐CIS) solar cells for industrial applications. First, the influence of the deposition temperature is studied from theoretical solution chemistry considerations by constructing solubility diagrams of ZnS, ZnO, and Zn(OH)2 as a function of temperature. In order to reduce the deposition time under 10 min, experimental growth deposition studies are then carried out by the in situ quartz crystal microgravimetry (QCM) technique. An optimized process is performed and compared to the classical Zn(S,O,OH) deposition. The morphology and composition of Zn(S,O,OH) films are determined using SEM and XPS techniques. The optimized process is tested on electrodeposited‐CIS and co‐evaporated‐CIGSe absorbers and cells are completed with (Zn,Mg)O/ZnO:Al windows layers. Efficiencies similar or even better than CBD CdS/i‐ZnO reference buffer layers are obtained (15·7% for CIGSe and 8·1% for (ED)‐CIS). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PPI spider: A tool for the interpretation of proteomics data in the context of protein–protein interaction networks
Authors: Antonov Alexey V. , Dietmann Sabine , Rodchenkov Igor , Mewes Hans W. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractRecent advances in experimental technologies allow for the detection of a complete cell proteome. Proteins that are expressed at a particular cell state or in a particular compartment as well as proteins with differential expression between various cells states are commonly delivered by many proteomics studies. Once a list of proteins is derived, a major challenge is to interpret the identified set of proteins in the biological context. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) data represents abundant information that can be employed for this purpose. However, these data have not yet been fully exploited due to the absence of a methodological framework that can integrate this type of information. Here, we propose to infer a network model from an experimentally identified protein list based on the available information about the topology of the global PPI network. We propose to use a Monte Carlo simulation procedure to compute the statistical significance of the inferred models. The method has been implemented as a freely available web‐based tool, PPI spider (http://mips.helmholtz‐muenchen.de/proj/ppispider). To support the practical significance of PPI spider, we collected several hundreds of recently published experimental proteomics studies that reported lists of proteins in various biological contexts. We reanalyzed them using PPI spider and demonstrated that in most cases PPI spider could provide statistically significant hypotheses that are helpful for understanding of the protein list.
Proteomic analysis of parthenogenetic and in vitro fertilized porcine embryos
Authors: Gupta Mukesh Kumar , Jang Jung Mi , Jung Jin Woo , Uhm Sang Jun , Kim Kwang Pyo , Lee Hoon Taek 
Published: April 2009

AbstractProteomic data from embryos are essential for the completion of whole proteome catalog due to embryo‐specific expression of certain proteins. In this study, using reverse phase LC‐MS/MS combined with 1‐D SDS‐PAGE, we identified 1625 mammalian and 735 Sus scrofa proteins from porcine zygotes that included both cytosolic and membranous proteins. We also found that the global protein profiles of parthenogenetically activated (PA) and in vitro fertilized (IVF) zygotes were similar but differences in expression of individual proteins were also evident. These differences were not due to culture conditions, polyspermy or non‐activation of oocytes, as the same culture method was used in both groups, the frequency of polyspermy was 24.3±3.0% and the rates of oocyte activation did not differ (p>0.05) between PA and IVF embryos. Consistent with proteomic data, fluorescent Hoechst 33 342 staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay also revealed that PA embryos were of poor quality as they contained less cells per blastocyst and were more predisposed to apoptosis (p<0.05), although their in vitro development rates were similar. To our knowledge, this is the first report on global peptide sequencing and quantification of protein in PA and IVF embryos by LC‐MS/MS that may be useful as a reference map for future studies.
First evidence of a membrane‐bound, tyramine and β‐phenylethylamine producing, tyrosine decarboxylase in Enterococcus faecalis: A two‐dimensional electrophoresis proteomic study
Authors: Pessione Enrica , Pessione Alessandro , Lamberti Cristina , Coïsson Daniel Jean , Riedel Kathrin , Mazzoli Roberto , Bonetta Silvia , Eberl Leo , Giunta Carlo 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe soluble and membrane proteome of a tyramine producing Enterococcus faecalis, isolated from an Italian goat cheese, was investigated. A detailed analysis revealed that this strain also produces small amounts of β‐phenylethylamine. Kinetics of tyramine and β‐phenylethylamine accumulation, evaluated in tyrosine plus phenylalanine‐enriched cultures (stimulated condition), suggest that the same enzyme, the tyrosine decarboxylase (TDC), catalyzes both tyrosine and phenylalanine decarboxylation: tyrosine was recognized as the first substrate and completely converted into tyramine (100% yield) while phenylalanine was decarboxylated to β‐phenylethylamine (10% yield) only when tyrosine was completely depleted. The presence of an aspecific aromatic amino acid decarboxylase is a common feature in eukaryotes, but in bacteria only indirect evidences of a phenylalanine decarboxylating TDC have been presented so far. Comparative proteomic investigations, performed by 2‐DE and MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS, on bacteria grown in conditions stimulating tyramine and β‐phenylethylamine biosynthesis and in control conditions revealed 49 differentially expressed proteins. Except for aromatic amino acid biosynthetic enzymes, no significant down‐regulation of the central metabolic pathways was observed in stimulated conditions, suggesting that tyrosine decarboxylation does not compete with the other energy‐supplying routes. The most interesting finding is a membrane‐bound TDC highly over‐expressed during amine production. This is the first evidence of a true membrane‐bound TDC, longly suspected in bacteria on the basis of the gene sequence.