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Selected AbstractsINDIVIDUAL EQUITY RETURN DATA FROM THOMSON DATASTREAM: HANDLE WITH CARE!THE JOURNAL OF FINANCIAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2006Ozgur S. Ince Abstract We compare individual U.S. equity return data from Thomson Datastream (TDS) with similar data from the Center for Research in Security Prices (CRSP) to evaluate TDS for use in studies involving large numbers of individual equities in markets outside the United States. We document important issues of coverage, classification, and data integrity and find that naive use of TDS data can have a large impact on economic inferences. We show that after careful screening of the TDS data, inferences drawn from TDS data are similar to those drawn from CRSP. We illustrate the importance of the screens we develop using U.S. TDS data by applying the screens to TDS data from four European equity markets. [source] Novel Technique to Decrease Cost of Surgical Light Handle CoversDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 5 2007AMY R. BRACKEEN MD No abstract is available for this article. [source] ChemInform Abstract: Vectorial Growth/Regulations in a {P8W48}-Type Polyoxotungstate Compartment: Trapped Unusual Molybdenum Oxide Acts as a Handle.CHEMINFORM, Issue 11 2010Filipa L. Sousa Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a "Full Text" option. The original article is trackable via the "References" option. [source] ChemInform Abstract: Cubane with a Handle: [{In3As4Nb}-As]7- in Cs7NbIn3As5.CHEMINFORM, Issue 25 2002Franck Gascoin Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a "Full Text" option. The original article is trackable via the "References" option. [source] ChemInform Abstract: An Improved Synthesis of N-[(9-Hydroxymethyl)-2-fluorenyl]succinamic Acid (HMFS), a Versatile Handle for the Solid-Phase Synthesis of Biomolecules.CHEMINFORM, Issue 26 2001Fernando Albericio Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a "Full Text" option. The original article is trackable via the "References" option. [source] Changing Views of Serpent Handling: A Quasi-Experimental StudyJOURNAL FOR THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF RELIGION, Issue 3 2000Ralph W. Hood Knowledge about serpent handling sects (SHS) even among social scientists and legislators has been largely influenced by biased media reports. Our own field research suggests that factual knowledge about SHS is effective in changing stereotypes about serpent handling and in altering views as to the rights of believers to handle serpents in church. In a quasi-experimental study, participants were pretested with respect to both prejudicial and reasoned evaluative views about SHS. Participants saw either a video of contemporary SHS in which handlers demonstrated and explained their faith, or a control tape in which contemporary SHS were shown but serpent handling was neither demonstrated nor defended. As predicted, viewing the serpent handling video was effective in reducing stereotyping of SHS and in changing attitudes regarding the sincerity of the believers and the right of SHS to practice their faith without legal constraints. Appropriate controls indicated that changes were not simply a function of a pretest by treatment interaction. The relevance of these data for altering laws against the practice of serpent handling is discussed. [source] Changes in the rRNA levels of specific microbial groups in activated sludge during sample handling and storageLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2005J.E. Keith Abstract Aims:, To quantitatively analyse the changes in group-specific rRNA levels in activated sludge as a function of sample handling and storage procedure. Methods and Results:, Quantitative membrane hybridizations with 32P-labelled oligonucleotide probes were used to analyse the effects of different sample handling and storage conditions on the relative rRNA levels of the alpha, beta, and gamma-Proteobacteria, the Cytophaga-Flavobacteria group, and the mycolic acid-containing actinomycetes in activated sludge. Group-specific rRNA levels, expressed as percentages of total 16S rRNA detected with a universal probe, in samples maintained at room temperature significantly changed after 48 h. Group-specific rRNA levels in samples treated with chloramphenicol showed significant change after 72 h. Conclusions:, Sample storage at room temperature is a viable option if freezing or analysis can be performed within 24 h, while treatment with chlorampenicol can extend that time to at least 48 h. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Handling, shipping, and storage of environmental samples under several conditions may result in inaccurate determination of the microbial populations in microbial ecology studies. [source] Age-specific functions of Stone Handling, a solitary-object play behavior, in Japanese Macaques (Macaca fuscata)AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2007Charmalie A.D. Nahallage Abstract Stone handling (SH) in Japanese macaques, a form of solitary-object play, is newly acquired only by young individuals, and is the first example of a directly nonadaptive behavior that is maintained as a behavioral tradition within free-ranging provisioned social troops. We report here the first systematic investigation of this behavior in a stable captive social troop, the Takahama troop, which is housed in an outdoor enclosure of the Primate Research Institute (PRI), Kyoto University, Japan. This study was conducted to evaluate relevant competing hypotheses regarding the function of object play (e.g., misdirected foraging behavior and motor training) to explain the proximal causes and ultimate function(s) of SH. The "misdirected foraging behavior" hypothesis can be ruled out because of the lack of a clear temporal relationship between feeding and the occurrence of SH in any age class. Age-related differences in SH performance and behavioral patterns were observed, suggesting possible differences in the immediate cause and ultimate function between young and adults. Young individuals engaged in frequent bouts of short duration, involving locomotion and vigorous body actions throughout the day, which is typical for play by young in general. This pattern of behavior is consistent with the motor training hypothesis, which states that play occurs during the development of motor and perceptual skills and is thus potentially critical for neural and cognitive development. This practice is continued by those who acquire it at an early age, with adults engaging in significantly fewer but longer bouts that involve more stationary, complex manipulative patterns, almost exclusively in the late afternoon. We propose that for adults, at the proximate level SH is psychologically relaxing, but ultimately functions to maintain and regenerate neural pathways, and potentially helps to slow down the deterioration of cognitive function associated with advanced age in long-lived provisioned and captive macaques. Am. J. Primatol. 69:1,15, 2007.© 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Multiple animated characters motion fusionCOMPUTER ANIMATION AND VIRTUAL WORLDS (PREV: JNL OF VISUALISATION & COMPUTER ANIMATION), Issue 5 2002Luo Zhongxiang Abstract One of the major problems of the motion capture-based computer animation technique is the relatively high cost of equipment and low reuse rate of data. To overcome this problem, many motion-editing methods have been developed. However, most of them can only handle one character whose motions are preset, and hence cannot interact with its environment automatically. In this paper, we construct a new architecture of multiple animated character motion fusion, which not only enables the characters to perceive and respond to the virtual environment, but also allows them to interact with each other. We will also discuss in detail the key issues, such as motion planning, coordination of multiple animated characters and generation of vivid continuous motions. Our experimental results will further testify to the effectiveness of the new methodology. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Length-dependent DNA separations using multiple end-attached peptide nucleic acid amphiphiles in micellar electrokinetic chromatographyELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 13 2008Jeffrey M. Savard Abstract End-labeled free-solution electrophoresis (ELFSE) is an alternative approach to gel-based methods for size-based electrophoretic separation of DNA. In ELFSE, an electrically neutral "drag-tag" is appended to DNA to add significant hydrodynamic drag, thereby breaking its constant charge-to-friction ratio. Current drag-tag architecture relies on covalent attachment of polymers to each DNA molecule. We have recently proposed the use of micellar drag-tags in conjunction with sequence-specific hybridization of peptide nucleic acid amphiphiles (PNAAs). This work investigates the effect of multiple PNAA attachment on DNA resolution using MEKC. Simultaneous PNAA hybridization allows for the separation of long DNA targets, up to 1012,bases, using micellar drag-tags. Each PNAA handle independently interacts with the micellar phase, reducing the overall mobility of this complex relative to individual PNAA binding. The sequence- and size-based dependence of this separation technique is maintained with multiple PNAA binding over a range of DNA sizes. Results are accurately described by ELFSE theory, yielding , = 54 for single-micelle tagging and , = 142 for dual-micelle tagging. This method is the first example of a non-covalent drag-tag used to separate DNA of 1000,bases based on both size and sequence. [source] Coaxial Aerodynamically Assisted Bio-jets: A Versatile Paradigm for Directly Engineering Living Primary OrganismsENGINEERING IN LIFE SCIENCES (ELECTRONIC), Issue 6 2007S. Irvine Abstract In this paper, a coaxial jetting methodology is demonstrated as a first example (non-electric field driven) completely run by aerodynamic forces which are brought about by the application of a differential pressure for the safe handling of primary living organisms by means of jets as encapsulated droplets. Previously this jetting technique in this configuration has only been investigated for processing combinations of liquid-liquid and liquid-gas systems. These developmental studies into aerodynamically assisted jets (AAJ) have unearthed a versatile bio-jetting approach referred to here as coaxial aerodynamically assisted bio-jetting (CAABJ). In the current work, this flexible approach is demonstrated to handle two primary cell types for drop-and-placing onto several different substrates. Furthermore, the study assesses cellular viability of the post-treated cells in comparison to controls by way of flow cytometry. These first steps demonstrate the promise this protocol has in exploring the creation of biologically viable structures to form encapsulations of cells which would be useful as a direct tissue engineering to the immuno-hinding methodology in bio-repair and therapeutics. Therefore, these investigations place CAABJ into the cell jetting pursuit together with bio-electrosprays, which will undergo an explosive developmental research. [source] Graft copolymerization modification of silk fabric with an organophosphorus flame retardantFIRE AND MATERIALS, Issue 5 2010Guan Jinping Abstract This paper mainly deals with flame retardance of a silk fabric treated with a vinyl phosphate dimethyl 2-(methacryloyloxyethyl) phosphate (DMMEP) onto silk fabric by a graft copolymerization technique. This paper also explores the relationship between limiting oxygen index (LOI) and weight gain of DMMEP treated silk fabric. The paper also investigates the whiteness, handle, tensile strength and laundering durability of treated silk fabric. Microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) is applied to test the heat release rate of silk fabric. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) are carried out to investigate the thermal decomposition behavior of DMMEP treated silk fabric. The kinetic parameters, activation energy and pre-exponential factor are determined using the Kissenger method. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Graphene,Polymer Nanofiber Membrane for Ultrafast PhotonicsADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 5 2010Qiaoliang Bao Abstract A freestanding membrane composed of a nanofiber network of a graphene,polymer nanocomposite is fabricated by electrospinning and applied as an optical element in fiber lasers. The functionalization of graphene with conjugated organic molecules provides a handle for improving mechanical and thermal properties as well as tuning the optical properties. A small loading (0.07,wt%) of functionalized graphene enhances the total optical absorption of poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) by 10 times. The electrospun graphene,polymer nanocomposites exhibit wideband saturable absorbance for laser pulse shaping, and attain a larger modulation depth and smaller nonsaturable loss than single-walled carbon nanotubes. The results show that electrospun graphene nanocomposites are promising candidates as practical and efficient photonic materials for the generation of ultrashort pulses in fiber lasers. [source] A field investigation of manual forces associated with trigger and push to start electric screwdriversHUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, Issue 4 2007Brian D. Lowe This study investigated manual forces associated with trigger start (TS) and push to start (PTS) activation in-line electric screwdriver designs. The vertically directed axial screwdriver force transmitted with the driver to the fastener and the grip/finger forces on the driver handle were measured from 13 employees in an electronics assembly manufacturing facility. The PTS driver was associated with significantly ( p < .01) higher axial force than the TS driver at two of the four workstations, where the difference was as high as a 184% increase (36.5 vs. 103.8 N). Total finger force on the screwdriver handle was also higher for the PTS screwdriver ( p < .01). The PTS screwdriver may reduce instances of fastener head damage ("cam out") by requiring a minimum level of axial force to ensure better contact between the screwdriver bit and the fastener. However, this appears to come at the expense of greater manual forces exerted by the operator. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 17: 367,382, 2007. [source] Development of the infant's ability to retrieve food through a slitINFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT, Issue 1 2002Bénédicte Achard Abstract The main purpose of the present study is to explore infants' ability to comprehend task manipulation, and whether they can feed themselves with a spoon when food has to be retrieved through a slit in a lid placed over a plate. To access the food, the infant has to align the bowl of the spoon with the slit. The orientation of the slit is manipulated, and certain orientations require more elaborate modifications of the feeding action than others. The infants are observed at monthly intervals, from 12 to 17 months of age. The presence of the lid affects the behaviour of the infants at all ages. Some behaviours become more immature. The infants grasp the spoon with more primitive grasp configurations, they grasp the spoon less consistently at the top of the handle, and they orient the spoon less consistently, with its bowl facing upwards. These differences decrease with age. The infants also make attempts to adjust to the constraints of the task, mainly by inclining the spoon more vertically, and rotating the hand in such a way as to align the spoon with the orientation of the slit. These adjustments improve with age. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Manipulating the Local Light Emission in Organic Light-Emitting Diodes by using Patterned Self-Assembled Monolayers,ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 14 2008Simon G. J. Mathijssen Patterned organic light-emitting diodes are fabricated by using microcontact- printed self-assembled monolayers on a gold anode (see background figure). Molecules with dipole moments in opposite directions result in an increase or a decrease of the local work function (foreground picture), providing a direct handle on charge injection and enabling local modification of the light emission. [source] Heterogeneity and cross section dependence in panel data models: theory and applications introductionJOURNAL OF APPLIED ECONOMETRICS, Issue 2 2007Badi H. Baltagi The papers included in this special issue are primarily concerned with the problem of cross section dependence and heterogeneity in the analysis of panel data models and their relevance in applied econometric research. Cross section dependence can arise due to spatial or spill over effects, or could be due to unobserved (or unobservable) common factors. Much of the recent research on non-stationary panel data have focussed on this problem. It was clear that the first generation panel unit root and cointegration tests developed in the 1990's, which assumed cross-sectional independence, are inadequate and could lead to significant size distortions in the presence of neglected cross-section dependence. Second generation panel unit root and cointegration tests that take account of possible cross-section dependence in the data have been developed, see the recent surveys by Choi (2006) and Breitung and Pesaran (2007). The papers by Baltagi, Bresson and Pirotte, Choi and Chue, Kapetanios, and Pesaran in this special issue are further contributions to this literature. The papers by Fachin, and Moon and Perron are empirical studies in this area. Controlling for heterogeneity has also been an important concern for empirical researchers with panel data methods promising better handle on heterogeneity than cross-section data methods. The papers by Hsiao, Shen, Wang and Weeks, Pedroni and Serlenga and Shin are empirical contributions to this area. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Survival of Salmonella in bathrooms and toilets in domestic homes following salmonellosisJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2000J. Barker The survival and environmental spread of Salmonella bacteria from domestic toilets was examined in homes, where a family member had recently suffered an attack of salmonellosis. In four out of six households tested, Salmonella bacteria persisted in the biofilm material found under the recess of the toilet bowl rim which was difficult to remove with household toilet cleaners. In two homes Salmonella bacteria became incorporated into the scaly biofilm adhering to the toilet bowl surface below the water line. Salmonella enteritidis persisted in one toilet for 4 weeks after the diarrhoea had stopped, despite the use of cleaning fluids. Salmonellas were not isolated from normally dry areas such as, the toilet seat, the flush handle and door handle. Toilet seeding experiments were set up with Salmonella enteritidis PT4 to mimic environmental conditions associated with acute diarrhoea. Flushing the toilet resulted in contamination of the toilet seat and the toilet seat lid. In one out of three seedings, Salmonella bacteria were also isolated from an air sample taken immediately after flushing, indicating that airborne spread of the organism could contaminate surfaces in the bathroom. In the seeded toilet Salmonella bacteria were isolated from the biofilm in the toilet bowl below the waterline for up to 50 d after seeding, and also on one occasion from the bowl water. The results suggest that during diarrhoeal illness, there is considerable risk of spread of Salmonella infection to other family members via the environment, including contaminated hands and surfaces in the toilet area. [source] A novel direct aerodynamically assisted threading methodology for generating biologically viable microthreads encapsulating living primary cellsJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 2 2008Sumathy Arumuganathar Abstract In a recent discovery, coaxial electrospinning was explored to encapsulate living organisms within a continuous bio-polymeric microthread from which active biological scaffolds were fabricated (Townsend-Nicholson and Jayasinghe, Biomacromolecules 2006, 7, 3364). The cells were demonstrated to have gone through all expected cellular activity without their viability being compromised. These biologically active threads and scaffolds have direct and tremendous applicability from regenerative to therapeutic medicine. Currently these post-processed cells as composite threads and scaffolds are being investigated in-depth at a cellular level to establish if the processing methodology has any affect on the cellular make-up. We now demonstrate a competing non-electric field driven approach for fabricating composite threads and scaffolds influenced only by a differential pressure. We refer to this novel composite thread to scaffold fabrication methodology as coaxial aerodynamically assisted bio-threading (CAABT). Our investigations firstly, demonstrate that this technique can process handle living organisms without biologically perturbing them in anyway. Secondly the process is elucidated as possessing the ability to form composite active threads from which biologically viable scaffolds are formed. Finally our study employs florescent activated cell sorting (FACScan), a method by which the cellular dynamics and viability are quantified on control and threaded cellular samples at two prescribed time points. In parallel with FACScan, optical comparison of cellular morphology at three time points within a period of three weeks is carried out to photographically observe any changes in the post-processed cellular phenotype. Our developmental investigations into this novel aerodynamically assisted threading methodology has unearthed a unique biomicrofabrication approach, which joins cell electrospinning in the cell threading to scaffold fabrication endeavor. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source] The accuracy of the Vivacare true pressure-sensitive periodontal probe system in terms of probing forceJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 2 2000Axel Bergenholtz Abstract Background: The Hunter TPS Vivacare periodontal probe was invented to perform consistent, accurate and reliable periodontal examinations "with controlled pressures". Aims: The aims of the present investigation are 3: (1) what is the accuracy of the probing force when various probe heads are used in a correct operation position; (2) what is the effect of over- and under-reading of the operation position on the probing force; (3) what is the accuracy of the probing force when different probe handles are used. The Hunter TPS probe consists of a tip connected to a special spring mechanism, which controls the pressure extended to the probe tip. According to the manufacturer, the force indicator lines coincide at approximately 20 g force. Method: The test apparatus consisted of an electronic balance, and an electronic caliper. 12 TPS probes tips and 3 handles were selected to test whether there were differences in force between probes. Each probe tip was adapted to the same handle and tested 10 times. In a 2nd test, the TPS-handles and over-, accurate-, and under-readings were analyzed as to how they affect the probing force. The 12 TPS probe tips were connected to each of the 3 handles and tested 10× for each of 3 handles and levels. Results: The range in force between TPS probe tips was 8.4 g (p<0.001). For the handles as well as for each of the readings of the operating positions, the differences were small and non-significant. However, between over- and under-readings, there were statistical significant differences. Conclusions: The conclusion is that the variation in force between probe tips is high and always above the manufacturer's "approximately" 20 g. As long as the same handle and the same probe tip are used together, and the examiner is reading the markings correct, the. TPS probe is adequate. [source] Trading crossings for handles and crosscapsJOURNAL OF GRAPH THEORY, Issue 4 2001Dan Archdeacon Abstract Let ck,=,crk (G) denote the minimum number of edge crossings when a graph G is drawn on an orientable surface of genus k. The (orientable) crossing sequence co, c1,c2,encodes the trade-off between adding handles and decreasing crossings. We focus on sequences of the type co,>,c1,>,c2,=,0; equivalently, we study the planar and toroidal crossing number of doubly-toroidal graphs. For every ,,>,0 we construct graphs whose orientable crossing sequence satisfies c1/co,>,5/6,,. In other words, we construct graphs where the addition of one handle can save roughly 1/6th of the crossings, but the addition of a second handle can save five times more crossings. We similarly define the non-orientable crossing sequence ,0,,1,,2, ··· for drawings on non-orientable surfaces. We show that for every ,0,>,,1,>,0 there exists a graph with non-orientable crossing sequence ,0, ,1, 0. We conjecture that every strictly-decreasing sequence of non-negative integers can be both an orientable crossing sequence and a non-orientable crossing sequence (with different graphs). © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Graph Theory 38: 230,243, 2001 [source] An Enhanced Device for Transluminal Retrieval of Vascular Stents Without Surgical Procedures: Experimental StudiesJOURNAL OF INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 3 2010MASAYUKI TSUCHIDA M.D. Background: Although efforts have been focused on developing endovascular procedures by which intravascular devices such as stents could be effectively deployed, few data exist regarding devices for the nonsurgical retrieval of deployed stents. Therefore, we designed to enable retrieval of deployed stents without a surgical procedure. Methods: The device consisted of four components: ultra-low profile forceps with 2.0 mm in diameter, conducting shaft with 1.8 mm in diameter, control handle by which the forceps is opened or closed, and a covering sheath. This device was designed to advance into the vessel lumen along a 0.014-inch guidewire by over the wire fashion. Results: The forceps could firmly catch nonexpanded as well as expanded tubular-type stents with open cells in an in vitro model that was 4.0 mm in diameter. Then, we used this device in porcine renal arteries with 2.5,5.0 mm in diameter. At first, a fragmented 0.014-inch guidewire could be safely removed without vessel damage that was confirmed by intravascular ultrasound. This device could successfully remove four of five inappropriately and 11 of 14 appropriately deployed stents. Under these conditions, intravascular ultrasound demonstrated minor vessel wall dissection in two-third of cases. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the present device can be used for transluminal removal of foreign bodies such as nonexpanded as well as expanded stents in acute phase. Further miniaturization may enable using this type of device in the renal as well as coronary arteries. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:264,270) [source] Design and development of a prototype endocavitary probe for high-intensity focused ultrasound delivery with integrated magnetic resonance imagingJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 3 2007Iain P. Wharton MRCS Abstract Purpose To integrate a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) transducer with an MR receiver coil for endocavitary MR-guided thermal ablation of localized pelvic lesions. Materials and Methods A hollow semicylindrical probe (diameter 3.2 cm) with a rectangular upper surface (7.2 cm × 3.2 cm) was designed to house a HIFU transducer and enable acoustic contact with an intraluminal wall. The probe was distally rounded to ease endocavitary insertion and was proximally tapered to a 1.5-cm diameter cylindrical handle through which the irrigation tubes (for transducer cooling) and electrical connections were passed. MR compatibility of piezoceramic and piezocomposite transducers was assessed using gradient-echo (GRE) sequences. The radiofrequency (RF) tuning of identical 6.5 cm × 2.5 cm rectangular receiver coils on the upper surface of the probe was adjusted to compensate for the presence of the conductive components of the HIFU transducers. A T1-weighted (T1-W) sliding window dual-echo GRE sequence monitored phase changes in the focal zone of each transducer. High-intensity (2400 W/cm,2), short duration (<1.5 seconds) exposures produced subtherapeutic temperature rises. Results For T1-W images, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improved by 40% as a result of quartering the conductive surface of the piezoceramic transducer. A piezocomposite transducer showed a further 28% improvement. SNRs for an endocavitary coil in the focal plane of the HIFU trans-ducer (4 cm from its face) were three times greater than from a phased body array coil. Local shimming improved uniformity of phase images. Phase changes were detected at subtherapeutic exposures. Conclusion We combined a HIFU transducer with an MR receiver coil in an endocavitary probe. SNRs were improved by quartering the conductive surface of the piezoceramic. Further improvement was achieved with a piezocomposite transducer. A phase change was seen on MR images during both subtherapeutic and therapeutic HIFU exposures. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The role of mid-chain radicals in acrylate free radical polymerization: Branching and scissionJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 23 2008Thomas Junkers Abstract The past 5 years have seen a significant increase in the understanding of the fate of so-called mid-chain radicals (MCR), which are formed during the free radical polymerization of monomers that form highly reactive propagating radicals and contain an easily abstractable hydrogen atom. Among these monomers, acrylates are, beside ethylene, among the most prominent. Typically, a secondary propagating acrylate-type macroradical (SPR) can easily transfer its radical functionality via a six-membered transition state to a position within the polymer chain (in a so-called backbiting reaction), creating a tertiary MCR. Alternatively, the radical function can be transferred intramolecularly to any position within the chain (also forming an MCR) or intermolecularly to another polymer strand. This article aims at providing a comprehensive overview of the up-to-date knowledge about the rates at which MCRs are formed, their secondary reactions as well as the consequences of their occurrence under variable reaction conditions. We explore the latest aspects of their detection (via electron spin resonance spectroscopy) as well as the characterization of the polymer structures to which they lead (via high resolution mass spectrometry). The presence of MCRs leads to the formation of branched polymers and the partial formation of polymer networks. They also limit the measurement of kinetic parameters (such as the SPR propagation rate coefficient) with conventional methods. However, their occurrence can also be used as a synthetic handle, for example, the high-temperature preparation of macromonomers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 7585,7605, 2008 [source] Synthesis of comb-shaped poly(methyl methacrylate)- b -poly(polytetrahydrofuran acrylate) under 60Co ,-ray irradiationJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 20 2002Tao He Abstract Comb-shaped graft copolymers with poly(methyl methacrylate) as a handle were synthesized by the macromonomer technique in two steps. First, polytetrahydrofuran acrylate (A-PTHF), prepared by the living cationic ring-opening polymerization of tetrahydrofuran, underwent homopolymerization with 1-(ethoxycarbonyl)prop-1-yl dithiobenzoate as an initiator under 60Co , irradiation at room temperature; Second, the handle of the comb-shaped copolymers was prepared by the block copolymerization of methyl methacrylate with P(A-PTHF) as a macroinitiator under 60Co , irradiation. The two-step polymerizations were proved to be controlled with the following evidence: the straight line of ln[M]0/[M] versus the polymerization time, the linear increase in the number-average molecular weight with the conversion, and the relatively narrow molecular weight distribution. The structures of the P(A-PTHF) and final comb-shaped copolymers were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 3367,3378, 2002 [source] Using polymers to control substrate, ligand, or catalyst solubilityJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 14 2001David E. Bergbreiter Abstract The attributes and design of soluble polymer supports for catalysis and synthesis are discussed. By manipulating polymer structure, polymer supports can be prepared so that the solubility of an attached reagent, substrate, or ligand is affected by heating, cooling, pH, or solvent identity. Supports with such engineered solubility are useful both in organic synthesis and catalysis. They can be used as purification handles in organic synthesis as a way to recover catalysts, as a way to turn reactions on or off, and more generally, as a handle for separations. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 39: 2351,2363, 2001 [source] Effect of heat treatment on Cronobacter spp. in reconstituted, dried infant formula: preparation guidelines for manufacturersLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2009P.-C. Chen Abstract Aim:, To explore safe guidelines for manufacturers and consumers to prepare, handle and store dry infant formula (DIF) to protect infants against Cronobacter spp. Methods and Results:, Selected strains (2.45, FSM 293, ATCC-12868, FSM-271) screened from 68 strains of Cronobacter spp. were used to study growth and survival in commercial DIF. Prototype growth patterns in Enterobacteriaceae enrichment broth (EEB) containing a cocktail comprised of ATCC 12868, ATCC 29004, ATCC 29544 and ATCC 51329 showed a rapid increase in cell count (2·0 log10 to 6·2 log10 CFU ml,1). Infant formula provided a better protective environment for the cells of Cronobacter strains than did buffered peptone water. Experiments on survival in inoculated (104,106 CFU ml,1) reconstituted infant formula (RIF), preparation temperature, the effect of preparation volume (one-serving or two-serving) and effect of storage at room temperature for up to 10 h provided information to develop consumer guidelines for DIF preparation and handling. Conclusions:, Reconstituted DIF in water at >70°C in larger volumes, minimizing storage time before feeding and storing unused reconstituted formulate at <4°C, may reduce the risk of Cronobacter infection in infants. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Meningitis, necrotizing enterocolitis and bacteremia in premature babies has been linked to contaminated milk powder and DIF; better handling practices may improve the safety of these foods for neonates. [source] Synthesis and Controlled Polymerisation of a Novel Gramicidin S AnalogueMACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS, Issue 16 2005Lee Ayres Abstract Summary: The controlled polymerisation of a bulky, peptide-based monomer was investigated. The cyclic , -sheet forming decapeptide gramicidin S was modified with a methacrylate handle and subsequently polymerised via atom transfer radical polymerisation (ATRP), to yield a well-defined gramicidin-S-containing polymer. The secondary structure of the peptide moiety was retained within the resulting polymer, as indicated by IR spectroscopy. This is the first example of the use of ATRP to create a synthetic polymer with a cyclic peptide as a side chain. The gramicidin S based monomers synthesised here were then polymerised by ATRP. [source] Technology survey indicates big case management problems from arbitration E-discovery are spreading, growing more expensiveALTERNATIVES TO THE HIGH COST OF LITIGATION, Issue 8 2009Deborah Rothman Handling discovery requests for electronic records has troubled judges, and is hitting arbitration processes hard. Deborah Rothman, of Los Angeles, and Thomas J. Brewer, of Seattle, surveyed members of a professional arbitrators' group to get a handle on how tribunals are dealing with the pervasive issues. In a concluding Part II next month, the authors predict E-discovery practices. [source] Martin Stutzmann: Editor, Teacher, Scientist and FriendPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 2 2005Manuel Cardona On 2 January 1995 Martin Stutzmann became Editor-in-Chief of physica status solidi, replacing Professor E. Gutsche, who had led the journal through the stormy period involving the fall of the Iron Curtain, the unification of Germany and the change in its Eastern part, where physica status solidi was based, from "socialism as found in the real world" (a German concept) to real world capitalism. In 1995 it was thought that the process had been completed (we should have known better!) and after the retirement of Prof. Gutsche the new owners of physica status solidi (Wiley-VCH) decided that a change in scientific management was desirable to adapt to the new socio-political facts and to insure the scientific continuity of the journal. Martin had moved in 1993 from my department at the Max-Planck-Institute to Munich where he soon displayed a tremendous amount of science man- agement ability during the build-up of the Walter Schottky Institute. The search for a successor as Edi- tor-in-Chief was not easy: the job was not very glamorous after the upheavals which had taken place in the editorial world following the political changes. Somebody in the Editorial Boards must have suggested Martin Stutzmann. I am sure that there was opposition: one usually looks for a well-established person ready to leave his direct involvement in science and take up a new endeavor of a more administrative nature. Nevertheless, the powers that be soon realized that Martin was an excellent, if somewhat unconventional candidate who had enough energy to remain a topnotch scientist and to lead the journal in the difficult times ahead: he was offered the job. In the negotiations that followed, he insisted in getting the administrative structures that would allow him to improve the battered quality of the journal and to continue his scientific productivity. Today we are happy to see that he succeeded in both endeavors. The journal has since grown in size and considerably improved its quality. Martin Stutzmann's scientific output has continued and today he can be found listed among the 400 most cited physicists worldwide. According to the Institute of Scientific Information (ISI) he has published nearly 400 articles in source journals; they have been cited over 4600 times. His scientific visibility has been partly responsible for the success of the journal under his leadership. When he took over in 1995 the Impact Factors of physica status solidi (a) and (b) were about 0.5. Now they oscillate around 1.0. The journals occupy places 30 (a) and 29 (b) among the 57 condensed matter publications listed in the ISI. Six years ago these places were 34 (a) and 30 (b). The journal is even better placed with respect to the so-called cited half-life which is 8.2 years for pss (a) (place 16 among 57) and 6.7 years for pss (b) (place 20 among 57). Martin, of course, has contributed with his original publications to the success of the journal, having published 36 articles in pss(a) and 32 in pss(b). I would like to some of the editorial decisions implemented under Martin's leadership. They have been largely responsible for the quantitative improvements just described. Martin introduced international standards of peer review, usually involving two anonymous referees: The increase of the rejection rate from ca. 20% to 60% followed. He discontinued the Short Notes, which had become nearly irrelevant, and replaced them, in 1997 by Rapid Research Notes (today Rapid Research Letters) with especially strict reviewing rules and a rather attractive layout. Martin's participation in many international conferences and their organization gave him a handle to acquire the publication of conference proceedings. Organizing committees usually prefer publication in international journals rather than special books because of their guaranteed future availability in libraries and the partaking in the reviewing procedure. The journal became increasingly popular along these lines, a fact which moved Martin to launch in 2002 part (c) of the journal, devoted mainly, but not exclusively, to conference articles. Martin also introduced the publication of Feature Articles, topical issues, and the instrument of the Editor's Choice to highlight articles deemed to be especially interesting. He appointed Regional Editors (6 at this point) which represent the journal in important geographic regions. He also brought the journal online, a must these days. The upheavals that followed the collapse of most of the communist world, the rapid development of science in many emerging nations and the enhanced competitiveness, even in the developed countries, have not ebbed out. Some of them are particular damaging to the reputation of science in a world increasingly skeptical of its values. I am thinking of scientific misconduct and outright fraud, in the form of plagiarism and data fabrication. physica status solidi was also afflicted by this plague: after all, it happened in the best of families. Two of the most notorious offenders of the past decade, J. H. Schön and Y. Park, also visited physica status solidi. In two courageous editorials Martin Stutzmann and Stefan Hildebrandt (Managing Editor of the journal) rapidly exposed these cases of misconduct together with other cases in which there was also good reason to suspect misconduct. Some of the articles involved were rapidly retracted by the authors, others were not. It is reassuring to say that none of them had any impact worth mentioning (1,3 citations, mostly by the authors themselves or in the editorials just mentioned). Only few journal editors dared to convey to the readers a warning that some work of those authors may be faulty even if no air-tight proof was available. However, Martin and Stefan did. We wish that Martin will remain at the helm at least another decade, before he switches to research on the liquid state as practiced in Southern France. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||