bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A MALDI‐TOF MS study of lanthanide(III)‐cored poly(phenylenevinylene) dendrimers
Authors: García‐Martínez Joaquín C. , Atienza Carmen , de la Peña Milagros , Rodrigo Ana C. , Tejeda Juan , Rodríguez‐López Julián 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAn extensive study by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) of some first‐generation and second‐generation lanthanide(III)‐cored poly(phenylenevinylene) dendrimers is described. The complexes were obtained by self‐assembly of suitably functionalized carboxylate dendrons around the lanthanide ion (La3+, Er3+). Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy gave reasonable evidence for the proposed structures. However, MS was used to ascertain unequivocally the complex formation. The most reliable results were found in the negative reflector mode, using 2‐[(2E)‐3‐(4‐tert‐butylphenyl)‐2‐methylprop‐2‐enylidene]malononitrile (DCTB) as matrix. Well‐defined and highly resolved base peaks corresponding to negative ions of [Gn4La]− and [Gn4Er]− were found in all cases, with an excellent match between the theoretical and observed isotope distributions. However, the 3 : 1 stoichiometry used in the synthesis guarantees an empirical formula Gn3Ln for the complexes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term variability in precipitation and streamflow in Iceland and relations to atmospheric circulation
Authors: Jónsdóttir Jóna Finndís , Uvo Cintia B. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractHow the variability of the atmospheric circulation affects precipitation in Iceland is not completely understood. Also, the sea surface temperature (SST) has a strong influence on the temperature over the country, and thereby, snow and glacial melt. This study, therefore, aims at explaining how atmospheric circulation and sea surface temperature influence seasonal and annual precipitation, and, consequently, runoff in Iceland.Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis is performed on annual and seasonal time series of precipitation and discharge to identify their key modes of variability during the period 1966–2004. The correlation between the time series of each EOF mode with individual time series of sea level pressure (SLP), air temperature and SST was then evaluated.The analyses evidenced how large‐scale climate variables are connected to the regional precipitation and runoff in Iceland. They showed that the strength of the polar vortex may be, at least, as important for the precipitation in some areas of Iceland as the strength of the Icelandic Low (IL). Moreover, the location of the semi‐permanent IL often defines the predominant wind direction over the country and, as such, the regions of preferred precipitation.Since the watersheds act as large precipitation gauges with response patterns depending on the geology and glaciers, the variability of the annual discharge closely resembles the variability of precipitation, except for the glacial rivers. Glacial melt is highly correlated to air temperature and SST, and the spring discharge is affected by winter and spring temperatures.The results also revealed that Icelandic hydrological conditions in the spring can be forecasted by precipitation and temperature of the autumn and winter seasons, as well as by the general prevalent circulation patterns. Additionally, a potential for seasonal forecast of precipitation, and river discharge in other seasons was identified, particularly if seasonal forecast of SLP is available. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Out‐of‐phase relationships between convection over northwest India and warm pool region during the winter season
Authors: Yadav R. K. , Rupa Kumar K. , Rajeevan M. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the effect of convection over warm pool region of Indonesia on northwest India winter precipitation (NWIWP) using an analysis of latest available observed climate data. The analysis is based on correlations and composites performed using India Meteorological Department (IMD) records of station data. We find that there is an out‐of‐phase relationship between convection over warm pool region and northwest India during the winter season. In particular, a positive precipitation anomaly over northwest India is typically found in correspondence to subdued convection over warm pool region. A physical mechanism for such effect is proposed, by which during excess years of NWIWP the tropical cooling over the warm pool region due to suppressed convection generates an upper‐level convergence (cyclonic circulation) anomaly over south Asia which intensifies the westerly jet stream over Indian region. Also, the reduced convection over the warm pool may be due to reduced Madden‐Julian oscillation (MJO) activities on the intra‐seasonal timescale. The Rossby‐gyre dynamics with the strong vertical and westward meridional tilts in the tropical baroclinic atmosphere forms cyclonic circulation anomalies at the upper troposphere due to a weak MJO which intensifies the westerly jet stream over the Indian region. The jet stream guides the western disturbances (WDs) and hence increases precipitation over northwest India. The seasonal persistence in migration of convective maximum from south Asia (foothills of the Himalayas) to Indonesia during the peak months of boreal summer to winter increases the seasonal predictability of NWIWP. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Intervertebral disc cell response to dynamic compression is age and frequency dependent
Authors: Korecki Casey L. , Kuo Catherine K. , Tuan Rocky S. , Iatridis James C. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe maintenance of the intervertebral disc extracellular matrix is regulated by mechanical loading, nutrition, and the accumulation of matrix proteins and cytokines that are affected by both aging and degeneration. Evidence suggests that cellular aging may lead to alterations in the quantity and quality of extracellular matrix produced. The aims of this study were to examine the role of loading and maturation (a subset of aging), and the interaction between these two factors in intervertebral disc cell gene expression and biosynthesis in a controlled 3D culture environment. Cells were isolated from young (4–6 months) and mature (18–24 months) bovine caudal annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus tissue. Isolated cells were seeded into alginate and dynamically compressed for 7 days at either 0.1, 1, or 3 Hz or maintained as a free‐swelling control. After 7 days, DNA and sulfated glycosaminoglycan contents were analyzed along with real time, quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis for collagen types I and II, aggrecan, and matrix metalloproteinase‐3 gene expression. Results suggest that maturation plays an important role in intervertebral disc homeostasis and influences the cell response to mechanical loading. While isolated intervertebral disc cells responded to mechanical compression in 3D culture, the effect of loading frequency was minimal. Altered cellular phenotype and biosynthesis rates appear to be an attribute of the cell maturation process, potentially independent of changes in cellular microenvironment associated with lost nutrition and disc degeneration. Mature cells may have a decreased capacity to create or retain extracellular matrix components in response to mechanical loading compared to young cells. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 800–806, 2009
Elimination of oxidation and decomposition by SnCl2 in the SERS study of pyridoxine on a roughened Au electrode
Authors: Chu Youping , Chen Shu , Zheng Jufang , Li Zelin 
Published: December 2008

AbstractSevere interference from the oxidation and laser carbonization was encountered in the measurements of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of pyridoxine (PN) on the roughened gold electrode. However, we found that high‐quality SERS spectra of PN could be obtained by the introduction of SnCl2, which only has few Raman peaks at low wavenumbers. SnCl2, as a good reductive, is capable of removing the oxidative species on the gold substrate and the dissolved oxygen in solution, and as a result lowering the open circuit potential (OCP). Sn(II) can also strongly chemically adsorb on the gold surface and interact with PN through coordination/chelation, such that not only to prevent PN from damage by the giant electromagnetic field for the ‘first‐layer’ effect, but also to give rise to very strong Raman scattering signals of PN where chemical enhancement plays an important role. Those are the main reasons for the elimination of the oxidation and decomposition of PN and for the high‐quality SERS spectra of PN. The way the SnCl2 confines PN within the enhanced electromagnetic field by its ability of adsorption and coordination/chelation can be utilized to improve the routine SERS analysis of analogous type of reactive organic/biomolecules. In addition, this method has been successfully extended to the SERS measurements of PN on the substrates of roughened silver and copper. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parametric amplification and processing in optical fibers
Authors: Radic S. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWe review recent progress made in parametric amplification and signal processing using high confinement fibers. In contrast to crystalline and semiconductor devices, fiber parametric amplifiers offer interaction lengths that can vary from 10 m to 1 km and are not limited by waveguide losses. The operation, design and impairment physics of general fiber parametric devices are reviewed. The technology prospects for advanced signal processing are discussed.
In situ Growth of Pd Nanoparticles in Crosslinked Polymer Matrices
Authors: Aberg Christopher M. , Seyam Mohamed A. , Lassell Scott A. , Bronstein Lyudmila M. , Spontak Richard J. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPolymer nanocomposites continue to receive considerable attention as multifunctional hybrid materials, with most nanocomposites fabricated by physical dispersion of surface‐functionalized nanoscale objects. In this study, we explore the viability of growing Pd‐containing nanoparticles from Na2PdCl4 in two different polymers: hypercrosslinked polystyrene (HPS) and an aromatic polyimide (PIm). In HPS, single Pd‐containing nanoparticles possessing a relatively narrow size distribution (ca. 1–4 nm) form upon reduction of the divalent PdCl ions. Single nanoparticles with a broad size distribution ranging from ≈2 to 16 nm develop in PIm, which simultaneously undergoes chemical crosslinking during ion reduction. Such hybrid materials hold promise in molecular catalysis and gas separation.magnified image
Visual scanning and cognitive performance in prediagnostic and early‐stage Huntington's disease
Authors: Blekher Tanya , Weaver Marjorie R. , Marshall Jeanine , Hui Siu , Jackson Jacqueline Gray , Stout Julie C. , Beristain Xabier , Wojcieszek Joanne , Yee Robert D. , Foroud Tatiana M. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate visual scanning strategies in carriers of the Huntington disease (HD) gene expansion and to test whether there is an association between measures of visual scanning and cognitive performance. The study sample included control (NC, n = 23), prediagnostic (PDHD, n = 21), and subjects recently diagnosed with HD (HD, n = 19). All participants completed a uniform clinical evaluation that included examination by neurologist and molecular testing. Eye movements were recorded during completion of the Digit Symbol Subscale (DS) test. Quantitative measures of the subject's visual scanning were evaluated using joint analysis of eye movements and performance on the DS test. All participants employed a simple visual scanning strategy when completing the DS test. There was a significant group effect and a linear trend of decreasing frequency and regularity of visual scanning from NC to PDHD to HD. The performance of all groups improved slightly and in a parallel fashion across the duration of the DS test. There was a strong correlation between visual scanning measures and the DS cognitive scores. While all individuals employed a similar visual scanning strategy, the visual scanning measures grew progressively worse from NC to PDHD to HD. The deficits in visual scanning accounted, at least in part, for the decrease in the DS score. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Online privacy and security practices of the 100 largest US nonprofit organizations
Authors: Hoy Mariea Grubbs , Phelps Joseph 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Although online consumer privacy has been an important issue in the commercial realm for more than a decade, nonprofit organizations (NPOs, or nonprofits, for short) have just begun to address the topic recently. No published scholarly research has examined the online information practices of the largest NPOs with regard to privacy and security issues. The absence of data leaves one unable to empirically gauge the extent of NPO compliance with the Federal Trade Commissions (FTCs) suggested information practices. Such an investigation would be useful not only to US nonprofits but also non‐US nonprofits that are reaching US donors via their web sites.
This study examines the online information practices of The Nonprofit Times 100 web sites and compares their practices to that of their commercial counterparts. The NPO web sites were found to collect just as much, and in some cases even more, personally identifying information as the commercial sites. The NPO web sites were more likely to display a privacy disclosure and privacy seal. Of critical concern, and not assessed in the commercial samples, is that nearly all of the NPO sites post personally identifying information (of individuals who are not employees).
The current study provides benchmarks useful for assessing security issues pertaining to the collection, use, and even posting of personal information for NPO web sites. It also proposes actions for improving online security and privacy with the hope of encouraging more discussion of these important issues within the NPO community.
Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of cause marketing associations on product and cause brand value
Authors: Wymer Walter , Samu Sridhar 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

The purpose of the study presented in this paper is to add to our understanding of the added value, both monetary and non‐monetary, to a brand when supporting a cause in a cause marketing ad. The findings show that consumers do not perceive the brand to be worth more if it was shown to be supporting a cause. The study also failed to show a significant improvement in consumer brand attitudes for brands featured in cause marketing ads. However, there was an attitude improvement for the cause. Product type and consumer dispositional variables were also examined.
In summary, this study calls into question the value brands derive from being paired with a cause. This study discusses productive areas of future research and managerial implications.
Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retaining the visitor, enhancing the experience: identifying attributes of choice in repeat museum visitation
Authors: Burton Christine , Louviere Jordan , Young Louise 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

How people make choices in relation to cultural and leisure consumption has been explored from the viewpoint of motivation, lifestyle segmentation, and lifecycle. Little is known about the specific characteristics associated with choices to visit, re‐visit, or not to visit a museum. Understanding characteristics of choice, developing incentives, bundled packages, and levels of pricing is an essential element in marketing strategies for museums operating in a competitive leisure marketplace. However, determining what really matters to cultural consumers is complex and methodologies to assist in unraveling such complexities are not easily identified. This study aimed to address ways in which people respond to specific incentives as influences in choosing museum visitation. The study was conducted in two major museums in Australia to determine how useful choice modeling is in identifying features that matter to cultural consumers. The results suggest that choice modeling has much to offer in relation to understanding the benefits people are seeking from a museum experience as well as offering strategic insight into potential collaborative ventures and re‐combinations of existing museum products and services.
Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of gelatin nanofibers electrospun using ethanol/formic acid/water as a solvent
Authors: Chen Hsin‐Chieh , Jao Win‐Chun , Yang Ming‐Chien 
Published: December 2008

AbstractGelatin nanofibers were prepared via electrospinning using aqueous solutions of formic acid and ethanol as the solvent instead of cytotoxic solvents. The resulting mat was further crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (GTA). The influence of the storing time on the viscosity and gel point of the solution was investigated. The gelatin nanofibers were examined using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) for the fiber size and morphology. The lowest diameter of gelatin fiber (85 nm, without beads) was achieved when the gelatin concentration was 20 wt% and electrospinning was conducted with a voltage of 20 kV over a distance of 10 cm at ambient temperature. The results from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that the softening temperature of gelatin nanofibers crosslinked with GTA was elevated. In addition, GTA‐crosslinked gelatin nanofibers exhibited cell compatibility for mouse mesangial cells (CRL 1927). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of phosphorus‐containing Mannich‐type bases as curing agents for epoxy resin
Authors: Liu Huan , Xu Kai , Ai Hao , Zhang Liangliang , Chen Mingcai 
Published: December 2008

AbstractTwo novel phosphorus‐containing Mannich‐type bases, [(2‐{[(diethoxy‐phosphoryl)‐phenyl‐methyl]‐amino}‐ ethylamino)‐phenyl‐methyl]‐phosphonic acid diethyl ester (PEDA) and ({2‐[2‐(2‐{[(diethoxy‐phosphoryl)‐phenyl‐methyl]– amino}‐ethylamino)‐ethylamino]‐ethylamino}‐phenyl‐methyl)‐phosphonic acid diethyl ester (PTTA) were prepared and employed as curing agents in an attempt to prepare flame retardant epoxy systems. Through a curing reaction, phosphorus was incorporated in the backbone of the epoxy polymer. The processing characteristic of these systems was studied in terms of gel time at different temperatures. Thermal and flame retardancy properties of the cured epoxy thermosets were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and flammability test. The degradation activation energy was calculated by Kissinger's model. The results showed that the gel time of the phosphorus‐containing epoxy systems was prolonged; the glass transition temperature (Tg) was increased due to the introduction of phosphorus and the initial degradation activation energy of phosphorus‐containing epoxy systems was lower than phosphorus‐free epoxy systems. High char yield (23–27 wt%) and limiting oxygen index (LOI) values of 28–30 were observed for the phosphorus‐containing epoxy thermosets, indicating their improvement in flame retardancy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ccl2/Mcp‐1 blockade reduces glomerular and interstitial macrophages but does not ameliorate renal pathology in collagen4A3‐deficient mice with autosomal recessive Alport nephropathy
Authors: Clauss Sebastian , Gross Oliver , Kulkarni Onkar , Avila‐Ferrufino Alejandro , Radomska Ewa , Segerer Stephan , Eulberg Dirk , Klussmann Sven , Anders Hans‐Joachim 
Published: December 2008

AbstractLack of the α3 or α4 chain of type IV collagen (COL4) causes autosomal recessive Alport nephropathy in humans and mice that is characterized by progressive glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial disease. Renal pathology is associated with chemokine‐mediated macrophage infiltrates but their contribution to the progression of Alport nephropathy is unclear. We found Ccl2 to be expressed in increasing amounts during the progression of nephropathy in Col4a3‐deficient mice; hence, we blocked Ccl2 with anti‐Ccl2 Spiegelmers, biostable L‐enantiomeric RNA aptamers suitable for in vivo applications. Ccl2 blockade reduced the recruitment of ex vivo‐labelled macrophages into kidneys of Col4a3‐deficient mice. We therefore hypothesized that a prolonged course of Ccl2 blockade would reduce renal macrophage counts and prevent renal pathology in Col4a3‐deficient mice. Groups of Col4a3‐deficient mice received subcutaneous injections of either an anti‐mCcl2 Spiegelmer or non‐functional control Spiegelmer on alternate days, starting from day 21 or 42 of age. Glomerular and interstitial macrophage counts were found to be reduced with Ccl2 blockade by 50% and 30%, respectively. However, this was not associated with an improvement of glomerular pathology, interstitial pathology, or of overall survival of Col4a3‐deficient mice. We conclude that Ccl2 mediates the recruitment of glomerular and interstitial macrophages but this mechanism does not contribute to the progression of Alport nephropathy in Col4a3‐deficient mice. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomic analysis of Aspergillus nidulans cultured under hypoxic conditions
Authors: Shimizu Motoyuki , Fujii Tatsuya , Masuo Shunsuke , Fujita Kensaku , Takaya Naoki 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe fungus Aspergillus nidulans reduces nitrate to ammonium and simultaneously oxidizes ethanol to acetate to generate ATP under hypoxic conditions in a mechanism called ammonia fermentation (Takasaki, K. et al.. J. Biol. Chem. 2004, 279, 12414–12420). To elucidate the mechanism, the fungus was cultured under normoxic and hypoxic (ammonia fermenting) conditions, intracellular proteins were resolved by 2‐DE, and 332 protein spots were identified using MALDI MS after tryptic digestion. Alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenases that play key roles in oxidizing ethanol were produced at the basal level under hypoxic conditions but were obviously provoked by ethanol under normoxic conditions. Enzymes involved in gluconeogenesis, as well as the tricarboxylic and glyoxylate cycles, were downregulated. These results indicate that the mechanism of fungal energy conservation is altered under hypoxic conditions. The results also showed that proteins in the pentose phosphate pathway as well as the metabolism of both nucleotide and thiamine were upregulated under hypoxic conditions. Levels of xanthine and hypoxanthine, deamination products of guanine and adenine were increased in DNA from hypoxic cells, indicating an association between hypoxia and intracellular DNA base damage. This study is the first proteomic comparison of the hypoxic responses of A. nidulans.