bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved imaging resolution in desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Kertesz Vilmos , Van Berkel Gary J. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe imaging resolution of desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI‐MS) was investigated using printed patterns on paper and thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) plate surfaces. Resolution approaching 40 µm was achieved with a typical DESI‐MS setup, which is approximately 5 times better than the best resolution reported previously. This improvement was accomplished with careful control of operational parameters (particularly spray tip‐to‐surface distance, solvent flow rate, and spacing of lane scans). In addition, an appropriately strong analyte/surface interaction and uniform surface texture on the size scale no larger than the desired imaging resolution were required to achieve this resolution. Overall, conditions providing the smallest possible effective desorption/ionization area in the DESI impact plume region and minimizing the analyte redistribution on the surface during analysis led to improved DESI‐MS imaging resolution. Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance of block‐coded land mobile satellite systems
Authors: Lee Chang‐Ming , Su Yu T. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAlthough various measurements have indicated that mobile satellite channels are not memoryless, most related coded system performance analysis assumes perfect interleaving is in place so that the effect of channel memory can be completely ignored. This paper presents a systematic method to accurately and efficiently predict the performance of errors‐and‐erasures or errors‐only decoders for block‐coded systems in general mobile satellite channels. Numerical results are provided to validate our analytic results. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The secondary electron emission yield for 24 solid elements excited by primary electrons in the range 250–5000 ev: a theory/experiment comparison
Authors: Walker C.G.H. , El‐Gomati M.M. , Assa'd A.M.D. , Zadražil M. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe secondary electron (SE) yield, δ, was measured from 24 different elements at low primary beam energy (250–5,000 eV). Surface contamination affects the intensity of δ but not its variation with primary electron energy. The experiments suggest that the mean free path of SEs varies across the d bands of transition metals in agreement with theory. Monte Carlo simulations suggest that surface plasmons may need to be included for improved agreement with experiment. SCANNING 30:365–380, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Macroscopic Fibers of Well‐Aligned Carbon Nanotubes by Wet Spinning
Authors: Zhang Shanju , Koziol Krzysztof K. K. , Kinloch Ian A. , Windle Alan H. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractA simple process to spin fibers consisting of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) directly from their lyotropic liquid‐crystalline phase is reported. Ethylene glycol is used as the lyotropic solvent, enabling a wider range of CNT types to be spun than previously. Fibers spun with CNTs and nitrogen‐doped CNTs are compared. X‐ray analysis reveals that nitrogen‐doped CNTs have a misalignment of only ±7.8° to the fiber axis. The tensile strength of the CNT and nitrogen‐doped CNT fibers is comparable but the modulus and electrical conductivity of the are lower. The electrical conductivity of both types of CNT fibers is found to be highly anisotropic. The results are discussed in context of the microstructure of the CNTs and fibers.
Self‐Stabilized Nanoparticles of Intrinsically Conducting Copolymers from 5‐Sulfonic‐2‐Anisidine
Authors: Li Xin‐Gui , Lü Qiu‐Feng , Huang Mei‐Rong 
Published: July 2008

AbstractNovel copolymer nanoparticles with inherent self‐stability, narrow size distribution, and high electrical conductivity are facilely and productively synthesized by the oxidative precipitation polymerization of 5‐sulfonic‐2‐anisidine and aniline in acidic medium without any external stabilizer. The structures of the copolymer particles are systematically characterized by IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, laser particle‐size analysis, atomic force microscopy, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The comonomer ratio, oxidant/monomer ratio, and polymerization temperature and medium can be used to optimize the size and conductivity of the nanoparticles. It is found that the nanoparticles exhibit a minimal size and polydispersity index of around 53 nm and 1.045, respectively. Nanocomposite films of the nanoparticles with diacetyl and ethyl celluloses show good thermostability and a low percolation threshold of 0.08 wt%, at which the films retain 89% of the transparency, 96–98% of the strength, and 108 times the conductivity of the matrix film. The synthesis of sulfoanisidine copolymer nanoparticles is thus achieved without the use of external stabilizer, which opens up a simple and general route to the fabrication of nanostructured polymer materials with controllable size, narrow size distribution, intrinsic self‐stability, strong dispersibility, high purity, and optimizable electroconductivity.
ROI of software process improvement at BL informática: SPIdex is really worth it
Authors: Ferreiro Ferreira Analia Irigoyen , Santos Gleison , Cerqueira Roberta , Montoni Mariano , Barreto Ahilton , Rocha Ana Regina , Barreto Andrea O. S. , Silva Filho Reinaldo C. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIn today's global competitive environment, organizations are always trying to improve their practices aiming to achieve higher levels of productivity, quality and competitiveness. Software process improvement (SPIdex) is one of the most used approaches to achieve these goals. However, this kind of initiative is not easy, and usually great investments are necessary. Therefore, determining the return on these investments is very important to justify them and keep high‐level management and project teams motivated for continuous improvement. In this article, we present quantitative results of return on investment (ROI) at BL Informática, a Brazilian small‐sized organization which is improving its processes since 2003 and is experiencing great success. We present the benefits regarding schedule, costs, productivity, quality, customer satisfaction and also financial benefits. Results show that investments in SPIdex really can pay off, as happened at BL Informática. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human resources based improvement strategies—the learning factor
Authors: Messnarz Richard , Ekert Damjan , Reiner Michael , O'Suilleabhain Gearoid 
Published: July 2008

AbstractProcesses usually are defined according to the underlying standards (ISO 15504, ESA ECSS, ISO 9001, etc.) and are described with process steps to be performed by roles and producing results (outputs) from well‐defined inputs, methods and tools to support the process steps, and activities to be done and skills to be covered by roles (Messnarz Ret et al. Proceedings of the 6th European Conference on Quality Assurance, Vienna 10–12 April 1999). Assessments and the resulting improvement initiatives focus much on the processes and less on the human resources based strategies.In this article we want to emphasise that both issues are of equal importance, the processes and the highly skilled human force. We also highlight a currently running European strategy (European Qualification Network (EQN)) and a funded technology project PLATO which support the establishment of such a human resource and learning strategy in Europe. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using virtual reality for evaluation of fetal ambiguous genitalia
Authors: Verwoerd‐Dikkeboom C. M. , Koning A. H. J. , Groenenberg I. A. L. , Smit B. J. , Brezinka C. , Van Der Spek P. J. , Steegers E. A. P. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectiveThe utility of a virtual reality system was examined in the visualization of three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound images of fetal ambiguous genitalia.MethodsIn 2005, fetal ambiguous genitalia were diagnosed in four patients referred to our department for prenatal ultrasound assessment. The patients were examined by two‐dimensional (2D) and 3D ultrasound and, subsequently, the volumes obtained on 3D ultrasound were visualized in the BARCO I‐Space virtual reality system. This system projects stereoscopic images on three walls and the floor of a small ‘room’, allowing several viewers to see a 3D ‘hologram’ of the data being visualized. The results of 2D and 3D ultrasound examination and the virtual reality images of the I‐Space were compared with diagnoses made postpartum.ResultsIn all cases, prenatal diagnosis was unclear based on 2D ultrasound alone. Surface rendering of 3D data provided an impression of ambiguity, but diagnosis based on these data proved incorrect at birth in three cases. Conclusions based on the evaluation of 3D volumes in virtual reality best fitted the postpartum diagnosis in all cases.ConclusionsThis study suggests that by evaluation of the genitals in the I‐Space, a better impression of genital ambiguity can be established. Binocular depth perception appeared particularly useful in distinguishing either a micropenis or enlarged clitoris from labia minora, since it helps in the estimation of size and position. Therefore, we see potential for the application of virtual reality not only for the evaluation of fetal ambiguous genitalia, but in all those cases where depth perception would improve the visualization of anatomical structures. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thickness of fetal membranes: a possible ultrasound marker for preterm delivery
Authors: Severi F. M. , Bocchi C. , Voltolini C. , Borges L. E. , Florio P. , Petraglia F. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate whether measurement of the thickness of the fetal membranes by high‐resolution ultrasound is a useful marker to predict preterm delivery.MethodsOne hundred and fifty‐eight women with singleton pregnancies at 18–35 gestational weeks were enrolled consecutively at our referral center for obstetric care and the thickness of their fetal membranes was measured using high‐resolution ultrasound equipment. Data were analyzed to determine whether there were significant differences between those delivering at term and those delivering preterm. Receiver–operating characteristics (ROC) curves were used to determine the best cut‐off point of membrane thickness for predicting preterm birth.ResultsWomen who delivered preterm had greater fetal membrane thickness than did those who delivered at term (1.67 ± 0.27 mm vs. 1.14 ± 0.30 mm, P < 0.0001). For the best cut‐off indicated by ROC curve analysis (1.2 mm), the sensitivity and specificity for predicting preterm birth were 100% (95% CI, 80.3–100) and 69.5% (95% CI, 61.2–77.0), respectively, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were 3.3 and 0.0, respectively.ConclusionSonographic measurement of fetal membrane thickness could be helpful in the prediction of preterm delivery. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance analysis of transmitted‐reference UWB systems with narrowband interference suppression
Authors: Cui S. , Teh K. C. , Li K. H. , Guan Y. L. , Law C. L. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a receiver structure for transmitted‐reference ultra‐wideband (TR‐‐UWB) systems with both narrowband interference (NBI) and inter‐pulse interference (IPI) mitigation capabilities. The effects of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and the IEEE 802.15.4a fading channel are also taken into consideration. We adopt band‐stop filtering to suppress the NBI. For IPI, it is statistically removed by a sum‐and‐average process. Theoretical analysis is carried out to study the lower bound of the bit‐error rate (BER) performance of the proposed receiver. Numerical results show that the proposed receiver is able to provide satisfactory performance and is robust to variations in the system design parameters. It is also observed that the proposed receiver is able to deliver good performance even when there is zero delay between the reference and data pulses, which can effectively double the system throughput. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Metallic Zintl Phase Ba3Si4 – Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Chemical Bonding, and Physical Properties
Authors: Aydemir Umut , Ormeci Alim , Borrmann Horst , Böhme Bodo , Zürcher Fabio , Uslu Burcu , Goebel Thorsten , Schnelle Walter , Simon Paul , Carrillo‐Cabrera Wilder , Haarmann Frank , Baitinger Michael , Nesper Reinhard , von Schnering Hans Georg , Grin Yuri 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe Zintl phase Ba3Si4 has been synthesized from the elements at 1273 K as a single phase. No homogeneity range has been found. The compound decomposes peritectically at 1307(5) K to BaSi2 and melt. The butterfly‐shaped Si46− Zintl anion in the crystal structure of Ba3Si4 (Pearson symbol tP28, space group P42/mnm, a = 8.5233(3) Å, c = 11.8322(6) Å) shows only slightly different Si‐Si bond lengths of d(Si–Si) = 2.4183(6) Å (1×) and 2.4254(3) Å (4×). The compound is diamagnetic with χ ≈ −50 × 10−6 cm3 mol−1. DC resistivity measurements show a high electrical resistivity (ρ(300 K) ≈ 1.2 × 10−3 Ω m) with positive temperature gradient dρ/dT. The temperature dependence of the isotropic signal shift and the spin‐lattice relaxation times in 29Si NMR spectroscopy confirms the metallic behavior. The experimental results are in accordance with the calculated electronic band structure, which indicates a metal with a low density of states at the Fermi level. The electron localization function (ELF) is used for analysis of chemical bonding. The reaction of solid Ba3Si4 with gaseous HCl leads to the oxidation of the Si46− Zintl anion and yields nanoporous silicon.
RbSb2 – Eine mit KSb2 verwandte Zintl‐Phase
Authors: Petri Denis , Röhr Caroline 
Published: July 2008

AbstractRbSb2 – A Zintl Phase related to KSb2The electron‐precise Zintl compound RbSb2, which was known to melt incongruently at 418 °C, has been prepared in pure phase from elemental rubidium and antimony in sealed tantalum crucibles. In accordance with the ribbon‐shaped antimonide anions, the compound crystallizes with extremely thin intergrown, mechanically and chemically very sensitive needles of dark‐metallic lustre. The crystal structure could be determined and refined using single crystal x‐ray data (monoclinic, space group C2/m, a = 1403(2), b = 414.0(4), c = 855.7(14) pm, β = 104.45(12)°, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0901) despite the poor quality of the crystals. It shows fused six‐membered rings of two‐ and three‐bonded Sb atoms forming ribbons running along the monoclinic b axis, which can be interpreted as sections of the elemental structure of antimony (dSb‐Sb = 281.9(5) and 286.0(9) pm respectively). The structure of RbSb2 is thus closely related to that of KSb2, which exhibits identical antimony anions. Compared to the potassium compound, the $^{1}_{\infty}\rm [Sb_{2}]^{-}$ ribbons are reoriented against each so that the coordination number of the A counter ions is increased from 6 + 2 (for A = K) to 8 + 2 (for A = Rb). The results of a FP‐LAPW band structure calculation of RbSb2 are used to explain the chemical bonding in this classical Zintl phase with a calculated indirect band gap of 0.38 eV.
Effect of Heavy‐Atom (Br) at the Phenyl Rings of Schiff‐Base Ligands on the NIR Luminescence of their Bimetallic Zn‐Nd Complexes
Authors: Bi Wei‐Yu , Lü Xing‐Qiang , Chai Wen‐Li , Song Ji‐Rong , Wong Wai‐Kwok , Yang Xiao‐Ping , Jones Richard A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractTwo heterobimetallic Zn‐Nd phenylene‐bridged Schiff‐base ligands complexes [ZnNdL1(Py)(NO3)3] (1) and [ZnL2Nd(Py)(NO3)3]·MeCN (2) (Py = pyridine, H2L1 = N,N′‐bis‐ (3‐methoxy‐salicylidene)phenylene‐1,2‐diamine, H2L2= N,N′‐bis‐5‐bromo‐3‐methoxy‐salicylidene)phenylene‐1,2‐diamine) were obtained. Both 1 and 2 were structurally characterized by X‐ray crystallography, and their near‐infrared (NIR) luminescent properties were determined. For the two complexes, the occupation of pyridine at the axial position of 3d Zn2+ ions could effectively prevent luminescent quenching arising from OH‐, NH‐ or CH oscillators of the solvates around the 4f Nd3+ ions, and the heavy‐atom (Br) effect of the Schiff‐base ligands on their NIR luminescent properties is also discussed.
Metal Derivatives of Heterocyclic Thioamides: Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Copper Complexes with 1‐Methyl‐1,3‐imidazoline‐2‐thione and 1,3‐Imidazoline‐2‐thione
Authors: Lobana Tarlok S. , Sharma Renu , Sharma Rekha , Butcher Ray J. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractReactions of copper(I) halides (Cl, Br, I) with 1‐methyl‐1, 3‐imidazoline‐2‐thione (mimzSH) in 1 : 2 molar ratio yielded sulfur‐bridged dinuclear [Cu2X2(μ‐S‐mimzSH)2(η1‐S‐mimzSH)2] (X = I, 1, Br, 2; Cl, 3) complexes. Copper(I) iodide with 1,3‐imidazoline‐2‐thione (imzSH2) and Ph3P in 1 : 1 : 1 molar ratio has also formed a sulfur‐bridged dinuclear [Cu2I2(μ‐S‐imzSH2)2(PPh3)2] (4) complex. The central Cu(μ‐S)2Cu cores form parallelograms with unequal Cu–S bond distances {2.324(2), 2.454(3) Å} (1); {2.3118(6), 2.5098(6) Å} (2); {2.3075(4), 2.5218(4) Å} (3); {2.3711(8), 2.4473(8) Å} (4). The Cu···Cu separations, 2.759–2.877Å in complexes 1–3 are much shorter than 3.3446Å in complex 4. The weak intermolecular interactions {H2CH···S# (2); CH···Cl# (3); NH···I# (4)} between dimeric units in complexes 2–4 lead to the formation of linear 1D polymers.
Synthese, Strukturen, NMR‐ und EPR‐Untersuchungen der binuklearen Bis(N,N,N‴,N‴‐tetraisobutyl‐N′,N″‐isophthaloylbis(selenoureato))‐Komplexe des NiII und CuII
Authors: Rodenstein Axel , Griebel Jan , Richter Rainer , Kirmse Reinhard 
Published: July 2008

AbstractSynthesis, Structures, NMR and EPR Investigations of Binuclear Bis(N,N,N‴,N‴‐tetraisobutyl‐N′,N″‐isophthaloylbis(selenoureato)) Complexes of NiII and CuIIThe synthesis of binuclear CuII and NiII complexes of the quadridentate ligand N,N,N‴,N‴‐tetraisobutyl‐N′,N″‐isophthaloylbis(selenourea) and their crystal structures are reported. The complexes crystallize monoclinic, P21/c (Z = 2). In the EPR spectra of the binuclear CuII complex exchange‐coupled CuII‐CuII pairs were observed. In addition the signals of a mononuclear CuII species are observed what will be explained with the assumption of an equilibrium between the binuclear CuII‐complex (CuII‐CuII pairs) and oligomeric complexes with “isolated” CuII ions. Detailed 13C and 77Se NMR investigations on the ligand and the NiII complex allow an exact assignment of all signals of the heteroatoms.
Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Bis(1‐{(E)‐2‐pyridinylmethylidene}‐semicarbazone)iron(II) and ‐copper(II) Diperchlorate Monohydrates
Authors: Garbelini Ellery R. , Hörner Manfredo , Boneberger Behm Mariana , Evans David J. , Nunes Fábio S. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe pyridine‐2‐carbaldehyde semicarbazone ligand (HL) reacts with iron(II) and copper(II) perchlorates in boiling ethanol to yield red‐violet [FeII(HL)2](ClO4)2·H2O (1) and light‐green crystals [CuII(HL)2](ClO4)2·H2O (2). The crystals are triclinic with the metal ions in an octahedral environment, coordinated to two nitrogen and one oxygen‐donor atom from HL. Electronic, magnetic and electrochemical properties are presented as well.
Two 1,2,4‐Triazole‐based Zinc(II) Complexes with Aromatic Acid as Coligand: Synthesis, Structure and Fluorescence Properties
Authors: Liu Zhong‐Yi , Wang Xiu‐Guang , Yang En‐Cui , Zhao Xiao‐Jun 
Published: July 2008

AbstractTwo two‐dimensional (2‐D) trz‐based coordination polymers, {[Zn(trz)(mb)]·H2O}n (1) and {[Zn(trz)(ca)]·H2O}n (2) (Htrz = 1,2,4‐triazole, Hmb = 4‐methylbenzoic acid, and Hca = trans‐cinnamic acid), have been synthesized by diffusion method and fully structural characterized by elemental analysis, FT‐IR, single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography, TG and fluorescence spectra. Structural analysis reveals that both complexes exhibit the analogous 2‐D ZnII‐trz layer motif with hydrophobic aromatic rings attached on both sides despite their different crystal system and space group (orthorhombic, Pbca for 1 and monoclinic, P21/c for 2). Interestingly, the discrete water‐dimer and infinite 1‐D water‐chain were observed to be entrapped in the 2‐D layer of 1 and 2, respectively, resulted from the different orientation of lattice water molecules as well as the patterns of hydrogen bonds involved. In addition, their similiar thermal behaviors and fluorescence emissions originated from intraligand electronic transfer were also investigated and compared.
Association of chromosome 9p21 SNPs with cardiovascular phenotypes in morbid obesity using electronic health record data
Authors: Wood G. Craig , Still Christopher D. , Chu Xin , Susek Meghan , Erdman Robert , Hartman Christina , Yeager Stephanie , Blosky Mary Ann , Krum Wanda , Carey David J. , Skelding Kimberly A. , Benotti Peter , Stewart Walter F. , Gerhard Glenn S. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Genomic medicine research requires substantial time and resources to obtain phenotype data. The electronic health record offers potential efficiencies in addressing these temporal and economic challenges, but few studies have explored the feasibility of using such data for genetics research. The main objective of this study was to determine the association of two genetic variants located on chromosome 9p21 conferring susceptibility to coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes with a variety of clinical phenotypes derived from the electronic health record in a population of morbidly obese patients. Data on more than 100 clinical measures including diagnoses, laboratory values, and medications were extracted from the electronic health records of a total of 709 morbidly obese (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m2) patients. Two common single nucleotide polymorphisms located at chromosome 9p21 recently linked to coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes (McPherson et al. Science 316:1488–1491, 2007; Saxena et al. Science 316:1331–1336, 2007; Scott et al. Science 316:1341-1345, 2007) were genotyped to assess statistical association with clinical phenotypes. Neither the type 2 diabetes variant nor the coronary heart disease variant was related to any expected clinical phenotype, although high-risk type 2 diabetes/coronary heart disease compound genotypes were associated with several coronary heart disease phenotypes. Electronic health records may be efficient sources of data for validation studies of genetic associations.
Patient led conferences – Who attends, are their expectations met and do they vary in three different countries?
Authors: Zakrzewska Joanna M. , Jorns Teekayu P. , Spatz Amy 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTObjective: To determine the demographics of attendees at three national conferences for trigeminal neuralgia sufferers, to quantify their expectations and determine if they were fulfilled.Design: A self complete questionnaire was distributed at the start and end of patient led conferences delivered by health care practitioners (HCP).Participants: 249 sufferers, most of whom were members of their support group.Setting: National conferences in US, UK and Australia organised by the Trigeminal Neuralgia Associations of the respective countries.Results: 83% of attendees completed the questionnaire before the conference and 79% returned them at the end. The majority were middle aged females in pain and there was little difference between the three countries. Some attendees were newly diagnosed, others had undergone both medical and surgical therapies. Disability on the graded chronic pain scale was high in 32% of attendees and their expectations centred around increasing their knowledge about the disease and hearing about new treatments. Their expectations were fully met as shown by mean scores of 8 and above (10 being the best). Attendees particularly valued the opportunity to meet expert HCPs (mean 9.4) but also appreciated the opportunity to meet fellow sufferers (mean 8.9). Participants stated that the conference improved their confidence in dealing with their pain (mean 8.1).Conclusion: Attendees at national conferences of support groups show considerable disability and their major expectations of improving their knowledge and meeting both expert HCPs and fellow sufferers are fulfilled.