bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel Concept for Highly Oriented Carbon Nanotube Composite Tapes or Fibres with High Strength and Electrical Conductivity
Authors: Deng Hua , Zhang Rui , Reynolds Christopher T. , Bilotti Emiliano , Peijs Ton 
Published: November 2009

AbstractA new concept is described for the creation of multifunctional polymer nanocomposite tapes (or fibres) that combines high stiffness and strength with good electrical properties and a low percolation threshold of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The concept is based on a bicomponent tape (or fibre) construction consisting of a highly oriented polymer core and a conductive polymer composite (CPC) skin based on a polymer with a lower melting temperature than the core, enabling thermal annealing of these skins to improve conductivity through a dynamic percolation process while retaining the properties of the core and hence those of the tape (or fibre). The percolation threshold in the CPC skins of the highly drawn conductive bicomponent tapes could be decreased from 5.3 to 1.1 wt.‐% after annealing.magnified image
Extrusion Processing and Properties of Protein‐Based Thermoplastics
Authors: Verbeek Casparus J. R. , van den Berg Lisa E. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIncreasing interest in competitive, sustainable, and biodegradable alternatives to petroleum‐based plastics has encouraged the developmentof protein‐based plastics. The formation of a homogeneous protein melt during extrusion occurs through: denaturation, dissociation, unraveling, and alignment of polymer chains. The presence of covalent cross‐links is unfavorable, decreasing chain mobility, increasing viscosity and preventing homogenization. Proteins have high softening temperatures, often above their decomposition temperatures. To avoid degradation, the required chain mobility is achieved by plasticizers. By understanding a protein's physiochemical nature, additives can be selected that lead to a bioplastic with good processability. The final structural and functional properties are highly dependent on the protein and processing conditions.magnified image
Controlled band dispersion for quantitative binding determination and analysis with electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Schug Kevin A. , Serrano Carlos , Fryčák Petr 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis review discusses recent emerging techniques that have been used to couple flow‐injection analysis (FIA) and electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) for the quantitation of noncovalent binding interactions. Focus is placed predominantly on two such methods. Diffusion‐based measurements, developed by Konermann and co‐workers, uses controlled‐band dispersion prior to ESI‐MS to determine diffusion constants and binding constants based on the temporal variation of ligand signal measured in the mass spectrum (an indirect technique). Dynamic titration, developed by Schug and co‐workers, is a direct method, where a temporal compositional gradient of a guest molecule is induced in the presence of host in solution to monitor the concentration dependence of complex formation as a function of observed complex ion abundance after ESI‐MS. Further discussion places these techniques in the context of a variety of other direct and indirect ESI‐MS‐based binding determination methods, and highlights advantages, disadvantages, and practical considerations for their proper use to investigate a broad range of macromolecular and small‐molecule interaction systems. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 29:806–829, 2010
Olfactory dysfunction in Parkinsonism caused by PINK1 mutations
Authors: Ferraris Alessandro , Ialongo Tamara , Passali Giulio Cesare , Pellecchia Maria Teresa , Brusa Livia , Laruffa Marianna , Guidubaldi Arianna , Paludetti Gaetano , Albanese Alberto , Barone Paolo , Dallapiccola Bruno , Valente Enza Maria , Bentivoglio Anna Rita 
Published: November 2009

AbstractHyposmia is a common nonmotor feature of Parkinson's disease (PD) and has been variably detected in monogenic Parkinsonisms. To assess olfactory dysfunction in PINK1‐related Parkinsonism, we evaluated olfactory detection threshold, odor discrimination, and odor identification in five groups of subjects: sporadic PD (n = 19), PINK1 homozygous (n = 7), and heterozygous (n = 6) parkinsonian patients, asymptomatic PINK1 heterozygous carriers (n = 12), and Italian healthy subjects (n = 67). All affected subjects and all healthy heterozygotes but one resulted hyposmic, with most patients in the range of functional anosmia or severe hyposmia. Detection threshold was more preserved and discrimination more impaired in patients with PINK1 mutations than in PD cases. Alterations of detection and discrimination were observed also in PINK1 asymptomatic heterozygotes. On the contrary, odor identification appeared to be mostly related to the disease status, as it was impaired in nearly all patients (including PD and PINK1 cases) and preserved in healthy heterozygotes. Our data indicate that olfactory dysfunction is common in PINK1 Parkinsonism and consists typically in defective odor identification and discrimination. A milder olfactory deficit, mostly involving discrimination, can be found in asymptomatic heterozygotes, possibly indicating an underlying preclinical neurodegenerative process. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
No brain structure abnormalities in boys with Tourette's syndrome: A voxel‐based morphometry study
Authors: Roessner Veit , Overlack Sebastian , Baudewig Juergen , Dechent Peter , Rothenberger Aribert , Helms Gunther 
Published: November 2009

AbstractMorphometric findings in Tourette's syndrome (TS) are still inconsistent probably due to differences in analysis approaches as well as several confounders (coexisting psychiatric conditions, medication status, etc.). Our aim was to identify possible morphometric changes in a well‐defined sample of drug‐naïve boys with “pure” TS. High‐resolution structural magnetic resonance images of 38 boys with TS were compared with those of 38 healthy boys matched for age and IQ using voxel‐based morphometry (VBM). Coexisting psychiatric conditions and previous medication were excluded. The inclusion of 10‐ to 15‐year‐old boys minimized the well known compensatory changes due to tic suppression over many years. VBM analyses revealed no differences between the treatment naïve boys with “pure” TS and healthy controls. Brain morphology is not altered in boys with “pure” TS. Further studies should reveal whether previous findings might be ascribed to confounding factors like coexisting psychiatric conditions or long‐term compensatory mechanisms due to voluntary tic suppression. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
The reaction of spiro[indoline‐naphthopyrans] with nitrogen oxides. Not a case of biradical double trapping
Authors: Alberti Angelo , Astolfi Paola , Campredon Mylène , Greci Lucedio , Guerra Maurizio , Macciantelli Dante , Plescia Elena 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe reactions of six differently substituted photochromic spiro[indoline‐naphtopyrans] with ·NO or ·NO2 under normal daylight conditions have been investigated by means of EPR spectroscopy along with those of three structurally related spiro[indoline‐benzopyrans]. The spectra due to cyclic oxynitroxides originating from double trapping of biradicals by ·NO were observed with the three latter derivatives, this finding being in agreement with previous results. Similar signals were also observed with the six former compounds, but in this case they were responsible for just a minor component of the spectra, the main spectral signals being due to hitherto unreported paramagnetic species that on the basis of their spectral parameters are identified as iminoxy radicals. DFT calculations at the B3LYP/6‐31G* level carried out on a variety of radicals support this assignment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Convergence of the multipoint flux approximation L‐method for homogeneous media on uniform grids
Authors: Cao Yufei , Helmig Rainer , Wohlmuth Barbara I. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIn this article, we show the convergence of the multipoint flux approximation (MPFA) L‐method. To do so, we introduce a boundary modification of the original MPFA L‐method. On basis of this local modification, we obtain the equivalence between the MPFA L‐method and a conforming finite element approach with modified right hand side. The influence of the modified right hand side can be easily analyzed within the abstract framework of variational crimes. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2011
The Hofmeister effect on amyloid formation using yeast prion protein
Authors: Yeh Victor , Broering James M. , Romanyuk Andrey , Chen Buxin , Chernoff Yury O. , Bommarius Andreas S. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractA variety of proteins are capable of converting from their soluble forms into highly ordered fibrous cross‐β aggregates (amyloids). This conversion is associated with certain pathological conditions in mammals, such as Alzheimer disease, and provides a basis for the infectious or hereditary protein isoforms (prions), causing neurodegenerative disorders in mammals and controlling heritable phenotypes in yeast. The N‐proximal region of the yeast prion protein Sup35 (Sup35NM) is frequently used as a model system for amyloid conversion studies in vitro. Traditionally, amyloids are recognized by their ability to bind Congo Red dye specific to β‐sheet rich structures. However, methods for quantifying amyloid fibril formation thus far were based on measurements linking Congo Red absorbance to concentration of insulin fibrils and may not be directly applicable to other amyloid‐forming proteins. Here, we present a corrected formula for measuring amyloid formation of Sup35NM by Congo Red assay. By utilizing this corrected procedure, we explore the effect of different sodium salts on the lag time and maximum rate of amyloid formation by Sup35NM. We find that increased kosmotropicity promotes amyloid polymerization in accordance with the Hofmeister series. In contrast, chaotropes inhibit polymerization, with the strength of inhibition correlating with the B‐viscosity coefficient of the Jones‐Dole equation, an increasingly accepted measure for the quantification of the Hofmeister series.
What can pest management learn from laboratory animal ethics?
Authors: Yeates James 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThere remains a lack of a clear overarching policy framework for decision‐making in pest control programmes. In comparison, ethical principles have been extensively developed for scientific procedures, such as those underlying the UK's Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. This paper assesses the extent to which the principles and methodology underlying the act and secondary guidance could be used to provide principles of rodent management. Useful principles include that any programme has a legitimate purpose; that methods are used only if the harms are outweighed by the benefits; that harms are minimised by refinement, replacement and reduction and that there is personal responsibility. The usefulness and implications for pest control of each principle and the overall approach are discussed. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of the essential oil constituent thymol and other neuroactive chemicals on flight motor activity and wing beat frequency in the blowfly Phaenicia sericata
Authors: Waliwitiya Ranil , Belton Peter , Nicholson Russell A , Lowenberger Carl A 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: The effects were evaluated of the plant terpenoid thymol and eight other neuroactive compounds on flight muscle impulses (FMIs) and wing beat frequency (WBF) of tethered blowflies (Phaenicia sericata Meig.).RESULTS: The electrical activity of the dorsolongitudinal flight muscles was closely linked to the WBF of control insects. Topically applied thymol inhibited WBF within 15–30 min and reduced FMI frequency. Octopamine and chlordimeform caused a similar, early‐onset bursting pattern that decreased in amplitude with time. Desmethylchlordimeform blocked wing beating within 60 min and generated a profile of continuous but lower‐frequency FMIs. Fipronil suppressed wing beating and induced a pattern of continuous, variable‐frequency spiking that diminished gradually over 6 h. Cypermethrin‐ and rotenone‐treated flies had initial strong FMIs that declined with time. In flies injected with GABA, the FMIs were generally unidirectional and frequency was reduced, as was seen with thymol.CONCLUSIONS: Thymol readily penetrates the cuticle and interferes with flight muscle and central nervous function in the blowfly. The similarity of the action of thymol and GABA suggests that this terpenoid acts centrally in blowflies by mimicking or facilitating GABA action. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
An information management paradigm for statistical experiments
Authors: Goh T. N. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractOptimization of engineering processes and products via statistical design of experiments is an approach well known to statisticians but still not popularly used by technical personnel. This paper sets out a pattern of reasoning that would facilitate the appreciation, on the part of non‐mathematicians, of the principles and advantages of using statistical experimental design for process and product modeling and optimization. Use is made of the concepts of information transformation and conservation in a language that is familiar to those of purely technical background, leading to better understanding, acceptance and application of the efficiency and effectiveness of statistical experiments. In today's environment of the prevalence of software and hardware for statistical analysis, engineers concerned with quality and reliability would particularly benefit from such a paradigm for process and product performance improvement. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chromatinisation of herpesvirus genomes
Authors: Paulus Christina , Nitzsche Alexandra , Nevels Michael 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe double‐stranded DNA genomes of herpesviruses exist in at least three alternative global chromatin states characterised by distinct nucleosome content. When encapsidated in virus particles, the viral DNA is devoid of any nucleosomes. In contrast, within latently infected nuclei herpesvirus genomes are believed to form regular nucleosomal structures resembling cellular chromatin. Finally, during productive infection nuclear viral DNA appears to adopt a state of intermediate chromatin formation with irregularly spaced nucleosomes. Nucleosome occupancy coupled with posttranslational histone modifications and other epigenetic marks may contribute significantly to the extent and timing of transcription from the viral genome and, consequently, to the outcome of infection. Recent research has provided first insights into the viral and cellular mechanisms that either maintain individual herpesvirus chromatin states or mediate transition between them. Here, we summarise and discuss both early work and new developments pointing towards common principles pertinent to the dynamic structure and epigenetic regulation of herpesvirus chromatin. Special emphasis is given to the emerging similarities in nucleosome assembly and disassembly processes on herpes simplex virus type 1 and human cytomegalovirus genomes over the course of the viral productive replication cycle and during the switch between latent and lytic infectious stages. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fine sediment retention as affected by annual shoot collapse: Sparganium erectum as an ecosystem engineer in a lowland stream
Authors: Asaeda Takashi , Rajapakse Lalith , Kanoh Masahiro 
Published: November 2009

AbstractTo examine the effect of different growth forms of Sparganium erectum (Sparganiaceae) on its sediment trapping and retention characteristics, the plant phenology and morphological attributes based on stands along the edge of a river channel, river flow velocity distribution and sedimentation rates in‐ and outside the stands of a downstream site were examined over a 3‐year period. A decomposition experiment was carried out to determine the respective fragmentation rates of S. erectum shoots and rhizomes. The preliminary monitoring revealed that S. erectum shoots attained distinct phonological stages; submerged in winter, subsequently emerging in late‐spring, while the same cycle was followed by successive secondary cohorts. Our results highlighted that the growth form substantially affected the flow condition in‐ and outside the stands, thus affecting associated sedimentation rates. Although the sedimentation was high if the shoots were submerged in early‐spring, the accumulated fine sediment layer was unleashed following shoot emergence, despite their large biomass and the resulting low flow velocity. The collapse of S. erectum shoots accelerated sedimentation again by increasing constriction to flow, producing a more preferable habitat for its soft roots and rhizomes. The collapse of emergent shoots, therefore, appeared to be a vital part of the inherent phonological cycle of S. erectum. Further, due to the high‐decomposition rate, the collapsed shoots disappeared within 40–60 days, whereas the decomposed materials occupied a large fraction of the floating organic matter. The collapse of shoots increased flow resistance by ∼50%, though the stand area occupied a mere one‐fifth of the channel. The seasonal observations provided further insight into the modification of flows due to the growth and changing growth form affecting associated fine sediment trapping and retention characteristics within the stands, deriving important management implications and highlighting the role of S. erectum as an ecosystem engineer in lowland streams. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The language of poverty: an exploration of the narratives of the poor
Authors: Misturelli Federica , Heffernan Claire 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWithin the development discourse, the narratives of the poor are a well utilized rhetorical tool to describe poverty and its causes. However, narratives can also reveal the beliefs and ‘world‐view’ of the narrators. To explore this influence, the authors applied a discursive approach, to deconstruct the narratives of 101 slum dwellers in Kibera, Nairobi. The results revealed that poverty was largely attributed to external constraints, beyond an individual's control. Despite wanting a better life, participants held low expectations for the future. Hopes and dreams were placed on their children. While risk and uncertainty was a constant theme, large differences were found between genders as to the aspirations for the future. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Influence of methane flow on the microstructure and properties of TiAl‐doped a‐C:H films deposited by middle frequency reactive magnetron sputtering
Authors: Pang Xianjuan , Shi Lei , Wang Peng , Xia Yanqiu , Liu Weimin 
Published: November 2009

AbstractHydrogenated TiAl‐doped a‐C:H films were deposited on Si substrates by middle frequency magnetron sputtering TiAl target in argon and methane gas mixture atmosphere. The surface morphology, hardness, chemical nature and bond types of the films were characterized by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM), XPS, Raman spectroscopy and nanoindentation. The friction and wear behaviors of the deposited films were characterized on an UMT‐2MT test system. SEM was utilized to analyze the wear scar and debris on steel balls after sliding on the deposited films under dry friction conditions. The wear rate of the deposited films was calculated from traces of surface profiles taken across the wear track using an optical profile. The results demonstrated that the film deposited at 60 sccm methane flow exhibited higher hardness, as well as low friction coefficient and wear rate, which is attributed to the formation of a graphitized transfer layer. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seismic performance of a 55‐storey steel plate shear wall
Authors: Youssef Nabih , Wilkerson Ryan , Fischer Kurt , Tunick Daniel 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe Los Angeles Convention Center Hotel is a 55‐storey steel‐framed steel plate shear wall high‐rise building that takes full advantage of many of the performance‐based design approaches and philosophies. The primary lateral resistance system consists of thin steel plates (3/8–1/4 in. thick) within fully welded WUF‐W moment frames. Additional system stiffness is provided by several storey‐high outrigger trusses at the mid‐height and top of the tower while using buckling‐restrained braces (BRBs) as fuse elements to control the maximum force that the outrigger trusses can develop. Full nonlinear time history record analyses were performed using a suite of seven paired ground motions scaled to a 2475‐year event. Modelling methods were developed for the expected model system behaviour that correlated well with observations from independent research tests. While an essential part of the alternate design verification process, the nonlinear modelling needed to be carefully scrutinized at every step to ensure that unanticipated results of the verification were true behaviours rather than artificial artefacts of model limitations that were not indicative of actual system performance. Extensive analysis and design were performed for the diaphragms of the tower for building set‐back 26th level, as well as the ground floor podium transfer slab. A bounding analysis was performed to ensure essentially elastic behaviour for the backstay of the tower in the concrete basement wells and reinforced concrete mat. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Medical treatments: in association or alone, their roles and their future perspectives
Authors: Reig Maria , Bruix Jordi 
Published: November 2009

AbstractManagement of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex issue, as it needs to take into account the liver disease, the cancer stage and the performance status of the patient. The treatment decision has to be based on robust scientific evidence and for this it is instrumental to have a proper staging system linked to the treatment indication. The BCLC proposal serves these two purposes and has been validated worldwide and endorsed by several scientific associations. The sole systemic therapy that has shown efficacy in improving the survival of HCC patients is sorafenib, an oral kinase inhibitor that blocks the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway and the receptor for VEGFR 2 and PDGFR‐beta. Sorafenib has been recognized as the standard of care for patients who cannot benefit from treatments of higher priority and established efficacy, such as surgical resection, transplantation, ablation and transarterial chemoembolization. Sorafenib has changed the management of HCC, opening the path to combination therapies for patients at advanced stages and to evaluation as an adjuvant for those in earlier evolutionary stages.
Single HCC smaller than 2 cm: surgery or ablation
Authors: Livraghi Tito 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIn the EASL and AASLD guidelines, hepatic resection (HR) is considered the first option for patients in stage 0 (very early HCC). This statement was not based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) versus other therapies, but on the oncological assumption that HR is the better procedure for obtaining complete tumor ablation including a safety margin. Subsequently, three RCTs compared percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) versus HR in patients with early HCC. All failed to demonstrate better survival in favor of HR, even though the larger size of the early stage needs a larger area of necrosis. A recent study focused on stage 0 demonstrated a sustained local complete response after RFA comparable with that of HR. All these trials established that RFA is less invasive and associated with lower complication rates and lower costs. These data suggest that RFA can be considered the first option for operable patients with very early HCC. Other options (HR, PEI, selective TAE/TACE) can be used as salvage therapy for the few cases in which RFA is unsuccessful or unfeasible.