bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of a new railway line embankment (Mediterranean TGV) on the frequency of spring frosts in a fruit‐growing area of the Durance Valley (south of France)
Authors: Quénol Hervé , Beltrando Gérard 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe new Mediterranean High Speed Railway (Paris–Marseille) passes through the fruit orchards of the Durance Valley in the south of France (Provence). With radiative weather conditions (clear sky, cool wind), spatial variability of nocturnal temperature is significant especially on rough terrains (slope, depression) and in areas with an obstacle. Thus, every obstacle, such as an embankment, can modify the cold airflow and induces an accumulation upstream. In this area, the average number of frost days in spring is 1.82 days (climate normals of 1961–1990 at the Istres weather station). The aim of this article is to present a methodology adapted to fine scales (measurements and cartography) to evaluate the impact of the embankment on the frost risk.Results show that the embankment modifies local night airflow. The embankment modifies the circulation of the down‐valley wind while permitting the local gravity winds to be established more intensely and to cause an increase of cooling in topographic depressions or upstream from an obstruction. Two areas can be identified on both sides of the embankment. The first area, to the northeast of the embankment, is influenced by the down‐valley wind. Conversely, in the second area southwest of the embankment, gravity winds are established. In this area, the minimum temperature at night can be colder by more than 2 °C and this increases the risk of frost damage. Cartography showed that nearly 100 ha of fruit trees were subjected to this additional frost risk. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Near real‐time provision of downwelling shortwave radiation estimates derived from satellite observations
Authors: Geiger Bernhard , Meurey Catherine , Lajas Dulce , Franchistéguy Laurent , Carrer Dominique , Roujean Jean‐Louis 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe EUMETSAT Satellite Application Facility for Land Surface Analysis operationally delivers estimates of the downwelling shortwave radiation flux, which constitutes an important variable for characterising the surface energy budget. The product is derived from observations provided by the SEVIRI instrument onboard the geostationary satellites of the Meteosat Second Generation series. The spatial coverage of the product includes Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and parts of South America. It is generated every 30 min and distributed to the users in near real‐time. For clear sky conditions the flux estimate is determined with a parameterisation of the atmospheric transmittance as a function of the concentration of atmospheric constituents. For overcast sky a simple physical model of the radiation transfer in the cloud‐atmosphere‐surface system is employed, for which the satellite signal supplies the essential input information. The product has been validated with in situ data from six European ground measurement stations. The resulting statistics show a standard deviation of the difference between instantaneous satellite estimates and ground measurements in the order of 40 W m−2 for clear sky data and 110 W m−2 for cloudy sky data. For the complete sample including all data points the standard deviation amounts to 85 W m−2. The bias between the satellite product and the ground data is small with absolute values of less than 10 W m−2. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Inverse optimal noise‐to‐state stabilization of stochastic recurrent neural networks driven by noise of unknown covariance
Authors: Liu Ziqian , Wang Qunjing , Schurz Henri 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIn this paper, we extend our previous research results regarding the stabilization of recurrent neural networks from the concept of input‐to‐state stability to noise‐to‐state stability, and present a new approach to achieve noise‐to‐state stabilization in probability for stochastic recurrent neural networks driven by the noise of unknown covariance. This approach is developed by using the Lyapunov technique, inverse optimality, differential game theory, and the Hamilton–Jacobi–Isaacs equation. Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A prospective observational study of IVC filters in pediatric patients
Authors: Raffini Leslie , Cahill Anne Marie , Hellinger Jeffrey , Manno Catherine 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe use of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters to prevent pulmonary embolism (PE) has increased with the advent of retrievable filters (Crowther: Am J Med 120: S13–S17, 2007). Both permanent and retrievable filters have been used in the pediatric population, though reports describing such patients and their outcomes are limited.ProcedureOur center has established a longitudinal prospective cohort study of consecutive patients with acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) at our pediatric tertiary care institution. Data collection in this study includes medical history, risk factors, radiologic and laboratory studies, therapy, and follow‐up.ResultsTwo hundred ten patients were enrolled into this cohort from January 2003 to January 2007. IVC filters were percutaneously placed into 11 patients, ranging in age from 6.8 to 23.4 years. The primary reason for filter placement was a VTE and a contraindication to anticoagulation. Nine patients had retrievable filters placed and two received permanent filters. Seven of the nine retrievable filters were removed 21–97 days (median 37 days) after placement. In the remaining two patients, thrombus prevented removal in one, and the filter was electively retained in the other. One patient with a permanent filter died from malignancy. The three patients who are alive and well with IVC filters have had them for 25–60 months. No patient with an IVC filter developed a subsequent PE.ConclusionsApproximately 5% of patients in this pediatric thrombosis cohort received an IVC filter. The placement and removal of these devices is technically feasible in children. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:517–520. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intracerebral small round cell tumor: An unusual case with EWS‐WT1 translocation
Authors: Bouchireb Karim , Auger Nathalie , Bhangoo Ranjeev , Di Rocco Federico , Brousse Nicole , Delattre Olivier , Varlet Pascale , Grill Jacques 
Published: June 2008

AbstractDesmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare tumor, seen both in children and young adults with a marked predilection for the peritoneal cavity. Histology showed a small round cell tumor with a fibromyxoïd stroma and immunohistochemistry indicated neural and mesenchymal differentiation, and diagnosis was made by molecular detection of the EWS‐WT1 fusion gene product. DSRCT should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intracranial small round cell tumors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:545–548. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Local lymph node involvement in pediatric renal cell carcinoma: A report from the Italian TREP project
Authors: Indolfi Paolo , Bisogno Gianni , Cecchetto Giovanni , Spreafico Filippo , De Salvo Gian Luca , Collini Paola , Jenkner Alessandro , Inserra Alessandro , Schiavetti Amalia , di Martino Martina , Casale Fiorina 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackgroundOne of the most important adverse prognostic factors for adult renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the retroperitoneal lymph node involvement. The aim of this article is to study the prognostic significance of local lymph node involvement in pediatric RCC and the role of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RLND) at diagnosis.ProcedureThe series included 16 patients with RCC and lymph nodes involvement registered in the Italian Rare Tumors Pediatric Age (TREP) project, accounting for 26.2% of 61 pediatric RCC observed at AIEOP centers.ResultsA radical nephrectomy was performed in all cases: at diagnosis in 12 cases, after preoperative chemotherapy (CT) in 4 cases. As a part of the same procedure 9 patients underwent RLND, and 7 received a more limited lymph nodes resection. Five (31.2%) developed disease recurrence 2–34 months after diagnosis (median, 6 months) plus 1 developed progression; 6 patients died, 1 of them from secondary leukemia. Among the nine patients receiving RLND, eight are alive and disease free. This compares with only one patient surviving among the seven receiving a more limited lymph nodes resection. The estimated 25‐year PFS and OS rates for all patients were 61.4% (95% CI 33.2–80.5) and 50.8% (95% CI 16.5–77.5), respectively.ConclusionsLymph node involvement is an unfavorable prognostic factor in children with RCC. RLND appears to be a critical factor to improve the outcome. However, when compared to similar adult patients, the outcome in children appears to be better, suggesting that pediatric RCC, or the host, may be critical differences. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:475–478. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differences in CTG triplet repeat expansion in leukemic cells and normal lymphocytes from a 14‐year‐old female with congenital myotonic dystrophy
Authors: Akiyama Masaharu , Yuza Yuki , Yokokawa Yuichi , Yokoi Kentaro , Ariga Masamichi , Eto Yoshikatsu 
Published: June 2008

AbstractWe describe a rare case of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a 14‐year‐old female with congenital myotonic dystrophy manifested as mental retardation, extensive contractures of multiple joints of the lower extremities, and severe scoliosis. Because of the potential toxicity of chemotherapy and the patient's poor performance status, a modified chemotherapy regimen was administered. Analysis of the greatly expanded number of CTG repeats at the 3′ untranslated region of DMPK gene showed that the number of repeats was 233 greater in leukemic cells than in normal lymphocytes; this elongation may have occurred during the cellular proliferation of leukemic clones. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:563–565. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tribological behaviors of aligned carbon nanotube/fullerene‐epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Huan , Feng Jiyun , Hu Xijun , Ng Ka Ming 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe tribological properties of aligned CNT/fullerene‐epoxy nanocomposites were studied by nanoscratch, nanowear, and nano‐indentation tests. Compared with neat epoxy, aligned CNT/fullerene‐epoxy nanocomposites showed lower friction coefficient in scratch tests, a reduction of 38.1 and 26.2%, respectively. In addition, the aligned CNT‐epoxy composite showed better wear resistance and its hardness and Young's modulus increased by 29.4 and 16.8%, respectively. In contrast, for a fullerene‐epoxy nanocomposite with 10 wt% fullerenes, the hardness decreased by 50% and the Young's modulus decreased by more than 60% when compared with the neat epoxy. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Study on synthesis of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) grafted carbon black and temperature‐dependence conductivity of grafted carbon black/epoxy composites
Authors: Cheng Jianguo , Wang Li , Huo Jia , Yu Haojie , Yang Qiang , Deng Libo 
Published: June 2008

AbstractCarbon black nanoparticle grafted with poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (CB‐g‐PNIPAAm) was synthesized by surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ATRP). The temperature‐responsive behavior of CB‐g‐PNIPAAm was proved by temperature‐variable 1H NMR. A temperature‐dependent conductive composite was prepared by blending CB‐g‐PNIPAAm with epoxy resin. The relationship between temperature and resistivity of the composite was studied: the composite exhibited a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) phenomenon. Possible mechanism for the NTC phenomenon was suggested. The results showed that resultant composites can be used in intelligent temperature‐switching. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1529–1535, 2008
Effect of binary block‐selective solvents on self‐assembly of ABA triblock copolymer in dilute solution
Authors: Yu Haizhou , Zhu Jintao , Jiang Wei 
Published: June 2008

AbstractWe have studied the self‐assembly of the ABA triblock copolymer (P4VP‐b‐PS‐b‐P4VP) in dilute solution by using binary block‐selective solvents, that is, water and methanol. The triblock copolymer was first dissolved in dioxane to form a homogeneous solution. Subsequently, a given volume of selective solvent was added slowly to the solution to induce self‐assembly of the copolymer. It was found that the copolymer (P4VP43‐b‐PS366‐b‐P4VP43) tended to form spherical aggregate or bilayer structure when we used methanol or water as the single selective solvent, respectively. However, the aggregates with various nanostructures were obtained by using mixtures of water and methanol as the block‐selective solvents. The aggregate structure changed from sphere to rod, vesicle, and then to bilayer by changing water content in the block‐selective solvent from 0 to 100%. Moreover, it was found that the vesicle size could be well controlled by changing the copolymer content in the solution. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1536–1545, 2008
Nanoconfinement as a tool to study early stages of polymer crystallization
Authors: Beiner Mario 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis article promotes the idea that crystallization experiments under confinement can be an interesting tool to learn more about the early stages of polymer crystallization in bulk systems. Based on various results from the recent literature, it is demonstrated that crystalline forms that are metastable, transient, or inaccessible in bulk samples can be easily obtained and studied in nanoscopic compartments. This is interesting in the light of the recent discussion about thermodynamic reasons for the temporary occurrence of a mesophase at the growth front of crystals in bulk polymers, in particular, about a hexagonally packed mesophase in polyethylene. The experimental findings for nanoconfined methylene sequences seem to support indirectly thermodynamic approaches explaining the occurrence of a mesophase based on the small thickness of the crystal at the growth front. A first estimate for the critical crystal thickness dmc defining the transition from hexagonal to orthorhombic packing in case of confined methylene sequences is provided based on results for side chain polymers. Further perspectives of crystallization experiments on confined systems are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1556–1561, 2008
Effect of specific rotation of chiral dopant and polymerization temperature on reflectance properties of polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal cells
Authors: Guo Jinbao , Yu Lilong , Liu Fang , Guo Renwei , Ma Guojing , Cao Hui , Yang Huai 
Published: June 2008

AbstractA series of polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal (PSCLC) cells were prepared by photo‐polymerization of a cholesteric liquid crystal (Ch‐LC) mixture containing a nonreactive LC, a nematic diacrylate and a novel cholesteryl monomer. The influence of the specific rotation and concentration of the chiral dopants, and the polymerization temperature on reflection properties was investigated. The results demonstrate that the reflection band was broadened after polymerization for all the systems both left‐handed S811 and right‐handed R1011 as the chiral dopant, which is speculated to be a result of an inhomogeneous consumption of the chiral monomer within the system. Additionally, the polymer temperature plays an integral role in the observed reflection spectra, and at optimum polymerization temperature the broadband reflection effect becomes much more pronounced. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the role of microscopic changes of the polymer network induced by polymerization temperature. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1562–1570, 2008
Anomalous Roughness Scaling of Well‐Ordered Amorphous Fluorocarbon Films Deposited from an Octafluorocyclobutane Plasma
Authors: Baloniak Tim , von Keudell Achim 
Published: June 2008

AbstractFluorocarbon thin films with adjustable surface roughness are deposited in a capacitively coupled octafluorocyclobutane (c‐C4F8) plasma at a pressure of 40 Pa and 100 Pa. The surface morphology is studied using non‐contact atomic force microscopy (AFM). The film properties are analyzed using spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The interface roughness w of the 100 Pa deposition rapidly increases with deposition time t according to a power law $w \sim t^\beta$ with a dynamic scaling exponent β of 1.35 ± 0.08. This large β‐value indicates anomalous roughness scaling. Different growth models are discussed which might explain the rapid roughness evolution that is observed during high pressure deposition.magnified image
Absorption of Photo‐Ionizing Radiation of Corona Discharges in Air
Authors: Aints Märt , Haljaste Ants , Plank Toomas , Roots Leho 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe absorption characteristics of photo‐ionizing VUV radiation emitted by corona discharges in the pressure range from 20 to 750 Torr in dry and humid air were measured. The experimental results are compared with data and approximation formulae obtained by others. For a wide region of pressure and absorption path length, the formula proposed by Zheleznyak et al. (Teplofiz. Vysokih Temp. 1982, 20, 423) seems to be the most reliable for approximation of our results for dry air. We propose a modification of that formula for humid air. The obtained results are suitable for modelling of discharge development in ambient air.magnified image
Crystal structure of phosphoglucose isomerase from Trypanosoma brucei complexed with glucose‐6‐phosphate at 1.6 Å resolution
Authors: Arsenieva Diana , Appavu Brian L. , Mazock Gloria H. , Jeffery Constance J. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractEnzymes of glycolysis in Trypanosoma brucei have been identified as potential drug targets for African sleeping sickness because glycolysis is the only source of ATP for the bloodstream form of this parasite. Several inhibitors were previously reported to bind preferentially to trypanosomal phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI, the second enzyme in glycolysis) than to mammalian PGIs, which suggests that PGI might make a good target for species‐specific drug design. Herein, we report recombinant expression, purification, crystallization and X‐ray crystal structure determination of T. brucei PGI. One structure solved at 1.6 Å resolution contains a substrate, D‐glucose‐6‐phosphate, in an extended conformation in the active site. A second structure solved at 1.9 Å resolution contains a citrate molecule in the active site. The structures are compared with the crystal structures of PGI from humans and from Leishmania mexicana. The availability of recombinant tPGI and its first high‐resolution crystal structures are initial steps in considering this enzyme as a potential drug target. Proteins 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Wet pre‐treatment of poly(butylene) terephthalate‐poly(ethylene) terephthalate blend and subsequent metallization by electroplating
Authors: Ng C. S. , Mak C. L. , Wong Y. W. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractSurface modification of poly(butylene) terephthalate‐poly(ethylene) terephthalate blend using sodium hydroxide pre‐treatment and followed by Cu‐deposition through electroplating technique is described. By etching with sodium hydroxide, rough surfaces with carbonyl functional groups were obtained. The correlation between the etching rate and the surface morphologies was studied. Surface composition after etching and electroplating were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction respectively. The roughness and the cross‐section morphologies of the blend before as well as after etching, and electrodeposition of Cu were characterized by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy respectively. Using contact angle measurements, the effects of the etching time on the hydrophilic character of the polymer surface were assessed. Adhesion of Cu layer, evaluated by the Scotch tape test, depended on the surface roughness and the palladium content of the activating bath. Our results show that engineering plastics with ester functional groups can be etched by using alkali to promote metallization. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Kinetics of induced electrodeposition of alloys containing Mo from citrate solutions
Authors: Beltowska‐Lehman E. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe kinetics of Ni‐Mo alloy electrodeposition from complex citrate‐sulphate baths has been investigated by means of steady‐state polarization measurements in a system with a rotating disk electrode (RDE). The partial current densities for deposition of Ni and Mo as a function of the solution composition, the cathode potentials and the rate of mass transport were determined. Strong interaction between the discharging metal ions occur: nickel induces molybdenum deposition, but its discharge is markedly inhibited by molybdenum. This effect, related to the formation of intermediate molybdenum oxides, becomes less pronounced when the rotation speed was increased. Hydrogen evolution is associated with molybdenum deposition. An increase of the molybdate ions concentration in the bath, as well as an increase in the rate of mass transport lead to an increase in Mo content in deposits and to the reduction of current efficiency. The surface morphology as a function of the content of molybdenum in the alloy were also investigated. Crack‐free, compact, semi‐bright Ni‐Mo coatings, containing up to about 40 wt% of Mo, characterized by good adhesion to steel substrate were obtained. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The effect of substrate on the microstructure and preferred orientation of nanocrystalline copper prepared by electrodeposition
Authors: Tjahyono N. I. , Chiu Y. L. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIn the present work, nanocrystalline copper thin films have been prepared by electrodeposition using a high purity copper as anode. Two types of substrate have been used, one bcc low carbon steel and one fcc austenitic stainless steel. The deposition current density has been controlled at different values ranging from 20 to 80mA/cm2. SEM and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) technique have been used to characterise the deposited thin films. The orientation index, as evaluated using Harris method, shows a strong <110> texture with orientation index about 4 for copper deposited but on bcc low carbon steel substrate only. The grain sizes of the nanocrystalline copper have been evaluated following the Scherrer method. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Contributions regarding the research of some new nanostructured coating materials
Authors: Manciulea Ileana , Mihalevschi Daniela , Dumitrescu Lucia 
Published: June 2008

AbstractOrganic‐inorganic hybrid materials are very interesting for several applications thanks to their properties based on the synergistic combination of different components. The paper presents some contributions on synthesis and characterization of new coating nanomaterials based on combinations of alumina nanoparticles with functionalized acrylic polymers, that lead to the enhancement of the wood coatings properties, such as biocide activity. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)