bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agricultural Interests, Trade Adjustment and Repeal of the Corn Laws
Authors: Brawley Mark R.
Published: June 2006

In the 1840s, agricultural preferences on trade fluctuated between unity around protection and sector-based splits. Political economists have struggled to explain this pattern, because they have relied on the standard economic models of the domestic distribution of the gains from trade. The standard models depict interests in stable and exclusive terms, making them ill-suited for explaining change. I employ a new economic model—one designed to link the macroeconomic effect of trade with the microeconomic changes involved in adjustment—to highlight the risks landowners faced during adjustment. Landowners would support trade liberalisation only when these risks declined. The timing and nature of Peel's actions make sense as efforts to ease agricultural adjustment, thus exposing the latent sector-based cleavage in agriculture, observed economically as well as politically.
Effects of nifedipine and interleukin‐1α on the expression of collagen, matrix metalloproteinase‐1, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 in human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Sakagami G. , Sato E. , Sugita Y. , Kosaka T. , Kubo K. , Maeda H. , Kameyama Y.
Published: June 2006

Background and Objective:  Nifedipine‐induced gingival overgrowth is known to be characterized by fibrosis and some degree of inflammation. However, the molecular mechanism of the fibrosis is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate in vitro the effects of nifedipine and interleukin‐1α on the molecules involved in fibrosis, namely type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1).

Material and Methods:  Four human gingival fibroblast strains, derived from four healthy volunteers, were cultured in media containing nifedipine (1 µg/ml), with or without interleukin‐1α (0.05 ng/ml). The mRNAs of type I collagen, MMP‐1, and TIMP‐1 were measured by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR). The proteins of MMP‐1 and TIMP‐1 were examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the ratios of MMP‐1 to TIMP‐1 proteins were calculated.

Results:  The mRNA expression of type I collagen showed no significant change. Both mRNA expression and protein production of MMP‐1 were up‐regulated by interleukin‐1α, either alone or in combination with nifedipine, whereas those of TIMP‐1 were up‐regulated by nifedipine alone or in combination with interleukin‐1α. The ratio of MMP‐1 to TIMP‐1 was not changed by nifedipine alone, but it was increased by interleukin‐1α alone or in combination with nifedipine. However, in two of the four cell strains tested, nifedipine reduced the ratio of MMP‐1 to TIMP‐1 compared with that for interleukin‐1α alone.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that nifedipine may predispose to fibrosis in some individuals in situations where interleukin‐1 levels are raised.
The effect of cyclosporin on cell division and apoptosis in human oral keratinocytes
Authors: Birraux J. , Kirby J. A. , Thomason J. M. , Taylor J. J.
Published: June 2006

Background and Objective:  Gingival overgrowth (GO) is a side‐effect of cyclosporin A (CsA) therapy and is characterised by enlargement of the gingiva with epithelial thickening and overproduction of extracellular matrix components. The pathogenesis of the epithelial thickening in GO remains obscure. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of CsA on the growth of oral epithelial cells in vitro and to test the hypothesis that CsA influences apoptosis in these cells.

Material and Methods:  Cyclosporin was cocultured with an immortalized normal human oral keratinocyte cell line (HOK‐16B), an epitheloid cervical carcinoma cell line (HeLa) and primary oral keratinocytes. Cell division was quantified using a CyQUANT™ kit. Apoptosis was induced using tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and assayed by analysis of caspase‐3 activity. Expression of the anti‐apoptotic protein, Bcl‐2, was measured by western blotting.

Results:  CsA exhibited a dose‐ and time‐dependent inhibition of cell division in all three keratinocyte cell cultures. Significantly, HOK‐16B cells treated with high doses of CsA (10 µg/ml) did not recover their proliferative capacity 3 d after withdrawal of CsA, indicating that CsA‐induced inhibition of growth is not temporary. Concentrations of CsA that inhibited cell division (1 µg/ml) did not have any effect on constitutive or TNF‐α ‐induced apoptosis or Bcl‐2 expression in HOK‐16B cells.

Conclusion:  CsA inhibits oral epithelial cell division and this effect is not associated with changes in apoptosis in these cells. The action of CsA on oral epithelial cells may be associated with a long‐lasting stress signal, which might account for some of the pathological effects of this drug.
Simulation of Compressor Transient Behavior Through Recurrent Neural Network Models
Authors: Venturini M.
Published: June 2006

In the paper, self-adapting models capable of reproducing time-dependent data with high computational speed are investigated. The considered models are recurrent feed-forward neural networks (RNNs) with one feedback loop in a recursive computational structure, trained by using a back-propagation learning algorithm. The data used for both training and testing the RNNs have been generated by means of a nonlinear physics-based model for compressor dynamic simulation, which was calibrated on a multistage axial-centrifugal small size compressor. The first step of the analysis is the selection of the compressor maneuver to be used for optimizing RNN training. The subsequent step consists in evaluating the most appropriate RNN structure (optimal number of neurons in the hidden layer and number of outputs) and RNN proper delay time. Then, the robustness of the model response towards measurement uncertainty is ascertained, by comparing the performance of RNNs trained on data uncorrupted or corrupted with measurement errors with respect to the simulation of data corrupted with measurement errors. Finally, the best RNN model is tested on field data taken on the axial-centrifugal compressor on which the physics-based model was calibrated, by comparing physics-based model and RNN predictions against measured data. The comparison between RNN predictions and measured data shows that the agreement can be considered acceptable for inlet pressure, outlet pressure and outlet temperature, while errors are significant for inlet mass flow rate.
Performance and Flow Characteristics of an Optimized Supercritical Compressor Stator Cascade
Authors: Song Bo , Ng Wing F.
Published: June 2006

An experimental and numerical study was performed on an optimized compressor stator cascade designed to operate efficiently at high inlet Mach numbers (M1) ranging from 0.83 to 0.93 (higher supercritical flow conditions). Linear cascade tests confirmed that low losses and high turning were achieved at normal supercritical flow conditions (0.7<M1<0.8), as well as higher supercritical flow conditions (0.83<M1<0.93), both at design and off-design incidences. The performance of this optimized stator cascade is better than those reported in the literature based on Double Circular Arc (DCA) and Controlled Diffusion Airfoil (CDA) blades, where losses increase rapidly for M1>0.83. A two-dimensional (2D) Navier-Stokes solver was applied to the cascade to characterize the performance and flow behavior. Good agreement was obtained between the CFD and the experiment. Experimental loss characteristics, blade surface Mach numbers, shadowgraphs, along with CFD flowfield simulations, were presented to elucidate the flow physics. It is found that low losses are due to the well-controlled boundary layer, which is attributed to an optimum flow structure associated with the blade profile. The multishock pattern and the advantageous pressure gradient distribution on the blade are the key reasons of keeping the boundary layer from separating, which in turn accounts for the low losses at the higher supercritical flow conditions.
A Correlation-Based Transition Model Using Local Variables—Part II: Test Cases and Industrial Applications
Authors: Langtry R. B. , Menter F. R. , Likki S. R. , Suzen Y. B. , Huang P. G. , Völker S.
Published: June 2006

A new correlation-based transition model has been developed, which is built strictly on local variables. As a result, the transition model is compatible with modern computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods using unstructured grids and massive parallel execution. The model is based on two transport equations, one for the intermittency and one for the transition onset criteria in terms of momentum thickness Reynolds number. The proposed transport equations do not attempt to model the physics of the transition process (unlike, e.g., turbulence models), but form a framework for the implementation of correlation-based models into general-purpose CFD methods. Part I of this paper (Menter, F. R., Langtry, R. B., Likki, S. R., Suzen, Y. B., Huang, P. G., and Völker, S., 2006, ASME J. Turbomach., 128(3), pp. 413–422) gives a detailed description of the mathematical formulation of the model and some of the basic test cases used for model validation. Part II (this part) details a significant number of test cases that have been used to validate the transition model for turbomachinery and aerodynamic applications, including the drag crisis of a cylinder, separation-induced transition on a circular leading edge, and natural transition on a wind turbine airfoil. Turbomachinery test cases include a highly loaded compressor cascade, a low-pressure turbine blade, a transonic turbine guide vane, a 3D annular compressor cascade, and unsteady transition due to wake impingement. In addition, predictions are shown for an actual industrial application, namely, a GE low-pressure turbine vane. In all cases, good agreement with the experiments could be achieved and the authors believe that the current model is a significant step forward in engineering transition modeling.
Effect of Unheated Starting Lengths on Film Cooling Experiments
Authors: Coulthard Sarah M. , Volino Ralph J. , Flack Karen A.
Published: June 2006

The effect of an unheated starting length upstream of a row of film cooling holes was studied experimentally to determine its effect on heat transfer coefficients downstream of the holes. Cases with a single row of cylindrical film cooling holes inclined at 35deg to the surface of a flat plate were considered at blowing ratios of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5. For each case, experiments were conducted to determine the film-cooling effectiveness and the Stanton number distributions in cases with the surface upstream of the holes heated and unheated. Measurements were made using an infrared camera, thermocouples, and hot and cold-wire anemometry. Ratios were computed of the Stanton number with film cooling (Stf) to corresponding Stanton numbers in cases without film cooling (Sto), but the same surface heating conditions. Contours of these ratios were qualitatively the same regardless of the upstream heating conditions, but the ratios were larger for the cases with a heating starting length. Differences were most pronounced just downstream of the holes and for the lower blowing rate cases. Even 12 diameters downstream of the holes, the Stanton number ratios were 10–15% higher with a heated starting length. At higher blowing rates the differences between the heated and unheated starting length cases were not significant. The differences in Stanton number distributions are related to jet flow structures, which vary with blowing rate.
Effect of Jet Pulsation and Duty Cycle on Film Cooling From a Single Jet on a Leading Edge Model
Authors: Ekkad Srinath V. , Ou Shichuan , Rivir Richard B.
Published: June 2006

The effect of jet pulsation and duty cycle on film effectiveness and heat transfer was investigated on a film hole located on the circular leading edge of a blunt body. A transient infrared technique was used to measure both heat transfer coefficients and film effectiveness from a single test. Detailed Frossling number and film effectiveness distributions were obtained for all flow conditions. Jet pulsing frequencies of 5 Hz, 10 Hz, and 20 Hz have been studied. The effect of duty cycle created by the valve opening and closing times was also set at different levels of 10%, 25%, 50%, and 75% of designated 100% fully open condition for different blowing ratios from 0.25 to 2.0. The combination of pulse frequency and duty cycle was investigated for different blowing ratios on a single leading edge hole located at 22 deg from geometric leading edge. Results indicate that higher effectiveness and lower heat transfer coefficients are obtained at the reduced blowing ratios, which result from reduced duty cycles. The effect of varying the pulsing frequency from 5 Hz to 20 Hz is not discernable beyond the level of experimental uncertainty. Effective blowing ratio due to lowering of the duty cycle at a given blowing ratio seems to play a more important role in combination with pulsing, which provides improved cooling effectiveness at lower heat transfer coefficients.
Calculation of the Expansion Through a Cooled Gas Turbine Stage
Authors: Torbidoni Leonardo , Horlock J. H.
Published: June 2006

In recent work by the same authors [Torbidoni, L., and Horlock, J. H., 2005, ASME J. Turbomach, 127, pp. 191–199], a new method for calculating the coolant flow requirements of a high-temperature gas turbine blade was described. It involved consideration of successive chordwise strips of blading; the coolant required in each strip was obtained by detailed study of the heat transfer processes across the wall of the blade and then setting limits on the maximum blade metal temperature. In the present paper, the gas state paths, involving viscous losses, heat transfer, and mixing of the coolant with the mainstream, are determined strip by strip along the whole blade chord for the stator and rotor of the stage and illustrated on an enthalpy-entropy chart. The work output from each rotor strip is obtained together with the losses (entropy creation) through the whole stage. It is then possible to calculate the thermodynamic efficiency for the cooled turbine stage and compare it to that of the uncooled stage. Illustrative calculations are given, a main calculation being based on the mean flow across the blade pitch. But, in a second supplementary calculation, allowance is also made for flow variations across the blade pitch. By comparing these two calculations, it is shown that the mean flow calculation is usually adequate.
Aerodynamic Losses of a Cambered Turbine Vane: Influences of Surface Roughness and Freestream Turbulence Intensity
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Ligrani Phillip M.
Published: June 2006

The effects of surface roughness and freestream turbulence level on the aerodynamic performance of a turbine vane are experimentally investigated. Wake profiles are measured with three different freestream turbulence intensity levels (1.1%, 5.4%, and 7.7%) at two different locations downstream of the test vane trailing edge (1 and 0.25 axial chord lengths). Chord Reynolds number based on exit flow conditions is 0.9×106. The Mach number distribution and the test vane configuration both match arrangements employed in an industrial application. Four combered vanes with different surface roughness levels are employed in this study. Effects of surface roughness on the vane pressure side on the profile losses are relatively small compared to suction side roughness. Overall effects of turbulence on local wake deficits of total pressure, Mach number, and kinetic energy are almost negligible in most parts of the wake produced by the smooth test vane, except that higher freestream losses are present at higher turbulence intensity levels. Profiles produced by test vanes with rough surfaces show apparent lower peak values in the center of the wake. Integrated aerodynamic losses and area-averaged loss coefficient YA are also presented and compared to results from other research groups.
Fundamental Frequencies of Turbine Blades With Geometry Mismatch in Fir-Tree Attachments
Authors: Qin Fei , Chen Liming , Li Ying , Zhang Xiaofeng
Published: June 2006

Geometry mismatch in a turbine blade root, which arose in manufacturing process or caused by wearing out during service, leads to contact conditions changed in fir-tree attachments. As a result, shifting of the fundamental frequencies and redistribution of stress in the blade base possibly cause failure of the blade. A three-dimensional finite element model of a blade and its fir-tree attachments have been constructed and analyzed by taking into account contact nonlinearity in the attachments and large deformation effect of the blade. The geometry mismatch was introduced into the finite element model by defining gaps between two contact surfaces in the attachments. The influence of gap configuration and gap size on contact and fundamental frequencies was investigated. Results showed that gap configuration has significant influence on fundamental frequencies of the blade, especially on its bending modes. Gap size has little influence on the frequencies but significant influence on the contact status and thus changes stress distribution in the attachments. The results also suggest that modeling contact behavior in fir-tree attachments is necessary to obtain more accurate fundamental frequencies.
Separation and Transition Control on an Aft-Loaded Ultra-High-Lift LP Turbine Blade at Low Reynolds Numbers: Low-Speed Investigation
Authors: Zhang Xue Feng , Vera Maria , Hodson Howard , Harvey Neil
Published: June 2006

An experimental study was conducted to improve the performance of an aft-loaded ultra-high-lift low-pressure turbine blade known as U2 at low Reynolds numbers. This was achieved by manipulation of the laminar-turbulent transition process on the suction surface. The U2 profile was designed to meet the targets of reduced cost, weight and fuel burn of aircraft engines. The studies were conducted on both low-speed and high-speed experimental facilities under the unsteady flow conditions with upstream passing wakes. The current paper presents the low-speed investigation results. On the smooth suction surface, the incoming wakes are not strong enough to suppress the separation bubble due to the strong adverse pressure gradient on the suction surface and the low wake passing frequency, which allows the separation between the wakes more time to re-establish. Therefore, the profile losses of this ultra-high-lift blade are not as low as conventional or high-lift blades at low Reynolds numbers even in unsteady flows. Two different types of passive separation control devices, i.e., surface trips and air jets, were investigated to further improve the blade performance. The measurement results show that the profile losses can be further reduced to the levels similar to those of the high-lift and conventional blades due to the aft-loaded nature of this ultra-high-lift blade. Detailed surveys of the blade surface boundary layer developments showed that the loss reduction was due to the suppression of the separation underneath the wakes, the effect of the strengthened calmed region and the smaller separation bubble between wakes.
Ageing and vascular ageing
Authors: Jani B , Rajkumar C
Published: June 2006

There is an age related decline in various physiological processes. Vascular ageing is associated with changes in the mechanical and the structural properties of the vascular wall, which leads to the loss of arterial elasticity and reduced arterial compliance. Arterial compliance can be measured by different parameters like pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, and systemic arterial compliance. There is evidence that arterial compliance is reduced in disease states such as hypertension, diabetes, and end stage renal failure. Changes in arterial compliance can be present before the clinical manifestation of cardiovascular disease. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures have been shown to improve arterial compliance. Arterial compliance may constitute an early cardiovascular risk marker and may be useful in assessing the effects of drugs on the cardiovascular system. Pharmacogenetics and genetics of arterial compliance in the future will improve our knowledge and understanding about vascular ageing.
Probiotics and inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Bai A-P , Ouyang Q
Published: June 2006

Enteric microflora profiles vary considerably between active inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and healthy conditions. Intestinal microflora may partake in the pathogenesis of IBD by one or some ways: specific pathogenic infection induces abnormal intestinal mucosal inflammation; aberrant microflora components trigger the onset of IBD; abnormal host immune response loses normal immune tolerance to luminal components; luminal antigens permeate through the defective mucosal barrier into mucosal lamina propria and induce abnormal inflammatory response. Preliminary studies suggest that administration of probiotics may be benefit for experimental colitis and clinical trials for IBD. Researches have been studying the function of probiotics. Introduction of probiotics can balance the aberrant enteric microflora in IBD patients, and reinforce the various lines of intestinal defence by inhibiting microbial pathogens growth, increasing intestinal epithelial tight junction and permeability, modulating immune response of intestinal epithelia and mucosal immune cells, secreting antimicrobial products, decomposing luminal pathogenic antigens.
A 30 year perspective of the quality of evidence published in 25 clinical journals: Signs of change?
Authors: Gnanalingham M G , Robinson S G , Hawley D P , Gnanalingham K K
Published: June 2006

Methods

The quality of clinical studies published in five different specialties, over three decades was evaluated. Computerised search of the Medline database was undertaken to evaluate the articles published in 25 clinical journals in 1983, 1993, and 2003 from five different specialties (medicine, surgery, paediatrics, anaesthesia, and psychiatry). The number of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, and other clinical trials (non-RCT) were noted.

Results

From the 27 030 articles evaluated, there were 2283 (8.4%) RCTs, 166 (0.6%) meta-analyses, and 4153 (15.4%) other clinical trials. For the proportion of RCTs, the rank order of the specialties was; anaesthesia (503; 18%), psychiatry (294; 9.6%), medicine (899; 8.1%), paediatrics (326; 6.4%), and surgery (261; 5.3%) (p<0.001). For the proportion of meta-analysis, the rank order of the specialties was; psychiatry (36; 1.2%), medicine (105; 0.9%), paediatrics (15; 0.3%), anaesthesia (6; 0.2%), and surgery (4; 0.1%) (p<0.001). Overall, from 1983 to 2003, there were increases in the proportion of RCTs (449, 5.9% to 1027, 9.6%), meta-analysis (0, 0% to 127, 1.2%), and other clinical trials (897, 12% to 1983, 19%) (p<0.001). This trend was apparent in each clinical specialty (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Over the three decades evaluated, clinical trials, notably RCTs and meta-analysis form only a small proportion of articles published in prominent journals from five clinical specialties. This is notwithstanding the modest increases in the proportions of RCTs and meta-analysis over the same period.
Why do primary care doctors undertake postgraduate diploma studies in a mixed private/public Asian setting?
Authors: Lam T P , Lam K F , Tse E Y Y
Published: June 2006

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the reasons why primary care doctors undertake postgraduate diploma studies in a mixed private/public Asian setting.

Methods

Twenty four past or current postgraduate diploma students of the family medicine unit (FMU) of the University of Hong Kong participated in three focus group interviews. A structured questionnaire was constructed based on the qualitative data collected and was sent to 328 former applicants of postgraduate diploma studies at FMU.

Results

“Upgrading medical knowledge and skills” and “improving quality of practice” were two of the factors that most of the respondents considered to be significant in motivating them to undertake postgraduate diploma studies. “Time constraint” and “workload in practice” were however the most significant demotivating factors. Financial issues were more seriously considered by the junior than the senior doctors. To be able to “expand patient base and/or number” was considered to be a significant factor by the private doctors who were also keen to “improve communication and relationship with patients”.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that there are mixed reasons for primary care doctors to undertake postgraduate diploma studies. Course organisers should take into consideration these various reasons in planning their programmes.
Dysphagia in stroke patients
Authors: Singh S , Hamdy S
Published: June 2006

Swallowing musculature is asymmetrically represented in both motor cortices. Stroke affecting the hemisphere with the dominant swallowing projection results in dysphagia and clinical recovery has been correlated with compensatory changes in the previously non-dominant, unaffected hemisphere. This asymmetric bilaterality may explain why up to half of stroke patients are dysphagic and why many will regain a safe swallow over a comparatively short period. Despite this propensity for recovery, dysphagia carries a sevenfold increased risk of aspiration pneumonia and is an independent predictor of mortality. The identification, clinical course, pathophysiology, and treatment of dysphagia after stroke are discussed in this review.
Platelet inhibition with prasugrel (CS-747) compared with clopidogrel in patients undergoing coronary stenting: the subset from the JUMBO study
Authors: Serebruany V L , Midei M G , Meilman H , Malinin A I , Lowry D R
Published: June 2006

Background

Based on the preclinical and phase 1 studies, prasugrel, a novel platelet ADP P2Y12 receptor blocker, may be a more potent platelet inhibitor than clopidogrel. This study compared the antiplatelet properties of prasugrel in a small subset of patients enrolled in the JUMBO trial, and compared with historic clopidogrel treated controls.

Methods and results

Nine patients undergoing coronary stenting were randomised to one of three arms of prasugrel (40 mg loading, and 7.5 mg maintenance, n = 1; 60/10 mg, n = 4; or 60/15 mg, n = 2), or clopidogrel (300/75 mg, n = 2). Aspirin and GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors were permitted. Platelet activity was assessed at baseline, at 4, and 24 hours, and at 30 days after stent implantation in substudy participants, and compared with 124 historic controls who received clopidogrel. Independent of the loading, or maintenance dose, patients treated with prasugrel exhibited significantly more potent platelet inhibition as determined by ADP, and collagen induced aggregation, Ultegra Analyser, and surface expression of PECAM-1, GPIIb/IIIa antigen, and activity with PAC-1 antibody, GPIb, P-selectin, CD40-ligand, GP37, and thrombospondin receptor expression when compared with those treated with clopidogrel. There were no differences between antiplatelet agents with regard to vitronectin, LAMP-1, PAR-1 (intact and cleaved epitopes) thrombin receptor expression, or formation of platelet-monocyte microparticles. Expression of GPIIb antigen, vitronectin, and LAMP-3 receptor were not affected by both agents. Two patients treated with prasugrel 10 mg/daily exhibited complete inhibition of collagen induced aggregation at 30 days.

Conclusion

At the dosing regimens chosen in the JUMBO trial, it seems that prasugrel is a more potent antiplatelet agent than clopidogrel. Two episodes of profound platelet inhibition, which are not seen with clopidogrel, raise the possibility of higher bleeding risks especially during long term prasugrel use. Whether stronger platelet inhibition will yield better clinical outcomes and/or increased bleeding remains to be determined in an ongoing comparative phase 3 superiority trial (TRITON).
Socioeconomic variations in nicotine dependence, self-efficacy, and intention to quit across four countries: findings from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Survey
Authors: Siahpush M , McNeill A , Borland R , Fong G T
Published: June 2006

Objective:To examine the effect of socioeconomic status (SES) on nicotine dependence, self-efficacy, and intention to quit.

Design setting and participants:Data were from the first wave (2002) of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Survey (ITC-4), a panel study of over 2000 adult smokers from each of four countries: the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Data were collected via telephone interviews.

Main outcome measures:Nicotine dependence, intention to quit, and self-efficacy to quit smoking were the main outcome measures used in this study.

Results:Lower levels of education were associated with higher nicotine dependence. The effect of lower income on higher heaviness of smoking index (HIS) scores was significant in Canada, the UK, and Australia. Respondents with low education had 35% larger odds of low self-efficacy than those with high education. Respondents with low education had 40% larger odds of having no intention to quit than those with high education. Respondents with low income had 23% larger odds of having no intention to quit than those with high income. Country was not a moderator of the association of SES with self-efficacy and intention to quit.

Conclusion:To the extent that lower SES smokers are more addicted, they are likely to need more intensive support if they are to be successful in their attempts to quit. Given their lower incomes, this places a special responsibility on government to provide or subsidise such services. This should include access to the widest possible range of effective pharmacotherapies complemented with evidence based counselling and support.
Cigarette purchase patterns in four countries and the relationship with cessation: findings from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Survey
Authors: Hyland A , Laux F L , Higbee C , Hastings G , Ross H , Chaloupka F J , Fong G T , Cummings K M
Published: June 2006

Background:Higher cigarette prices result in decreased cigarette consumption, but some smokers may seek lower-taxed cigarette sources. This price avoidance behaviour likely dampens the health impact of higher cigarette prices although it has not been thoroughly studied.

Objective:To describe the characteristics of smokers who purchase low/untaxed cigarettes and to examine how this behaviour is associated with subsequent changes in smoking behaviours.

Methods:Telephone survey data from 8930 smokers from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Survey (ITC-4) were used to assess cigarette purchase patterns and smoking behaviours in Wave 1 conducted from October to December 2002 and subsequently followed seven months later in Wave 2. Respondents’ smoking status, attempts to quit, amount smoked, and cigarette purchase patterns were assessed in both waves.

Results:Rates of purchase from a low/untaxed source at the respondents’ last cigarette purchase differed notably between countries at Wave 1, from less than 1% in Australia to 15% in the United Kingdom. In the UK, but not the other countries, this increased significantly to 20% at Wave 2. Smokers who were older, white/English speakers, had higher incomes, and had higher levels of education were more likely to report purchasing cigarettes from a low/untaxed source on their last purchase. Those who reported purchasing from a low/untaxed source on their last purchase at Wave 1 were less likely to have tried to quit smoking quit smoking by Wave 2 (relative risk 0.70, p < 0.01), while no overall significant association with smoking cessation was observed.

Conclusion:Data from this study indicate that there are lower levels of making a quit attempt among purchasers of low/untaxed cigarettes compared to purchasers of full-priced cigarettes. The availability of low/untaxed cigarettes may mitigate the influence of increases in cigarette prices.
Socioeconomic and country variations in knowledge of health risks of tobacco smoking and toxic constituents of smoke: results from the 2002 International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Survey
Authors: Siahpush M , McNeill A , Hammond D , Fong G T
Published: June 2006

Background:Socioeconomic status is strongly associated with smoking prevalence and social class differences contribute substantially to social inequalities in mortality. This research investigated socioeconomic and country variations in smokers’ knowledge that smoking causes heart disease, stroke, impotence and lung cancer, that smoke contains cyanide, mercury, arsenic and carbon monoxide, and whether nicotine causes most of the cancer.

Methods:Data were from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Survey, a cohort survey of over suppl_ adult smokers from four countries: the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Data were collected via telephone interviews in 2002.

Results:Higher education and income were associated with higher awareness. For example, the odds of knowing that smoking causes heart disease, stroke and lung cancer were respectively 71%, 34% and 83% larger for respondents with high versus low income. The odds of knowing that smoke contains cyanide, mercury, arsenic and carbon monoxide were respectively 66%, 26%, 44% and 108% larger for respondents with a university degree than those with a high school diploma or lower level of education. Results also revealed that awareness of harms of smoking was generally the highest in Canada and the lowest in the UK.

Conclusions:Lower socioeconomic status was associated with lower awareness of the harms of smoking and misunderstanding around nicotine. There is a need to improve knowledge of the dangers of smoking among the disadvantaged segments of the population.
Reductions in tobacco smoke pollution and increases in support for smoke-free public places following the implementation of comprehensive smoke-free workplace legislation in the Republic of Ireland: findings from the ITC Ireland/UK Survey
Authors: Fong G T , Hyland A , Borland R , Hammond D , Hastings G , McNeill A , Anderson S , Cummings K M , Allwright S , Mulcahy M , Howell F , Clancy L , Thompson M E , Connolly G , Driezen P
Published: June 2006

Objective:To evaluate the psychosocial and behavioural impact of the first ever national level comprehensive workplace smoke-free law, implemented in Ireland in March 2004.

Design:Quasi-experimental prospective cohort survey: parallel cohort telephone surveys of national representative samples of adult smokers in Ireland (n  =  769) and the UK (n  =  416), surveyed before the law (December 2003 to January 2004) and 8–9 months after the law (December 2004 to January 2005).

Main outcome measures:Respondents’ reports of smoking in key public venues, support for total bans in those key venues, and behavioural changes due to the law.

Results:The Irish law led to dramatic declines in reported smoking in all venues, including workplaces (62% to 14%), restaurants (85% to 3%), and bars/pubs (98% to 5%). Support for total bans among Irish smokers increased in all venues, including workplaces (43% to 67%), restaurants (45% to 77%), and bars/pubs (13% to 46%). Overall, 83% of Irish smokers reported that the smoke-free law was a “good” or “very good” thing. The proportion of Irish homes with smoking bans also increased. Approximately 46% of Irish smokers reported that the law had made them more likely to quit. Among Irish smokers who had quit at post-legislation, 80% reported that the law had helped them quit and 88% reported that the law helped them stay quit.

Conclusion:The Ireland smoke-free law stands as a positive example of how a population-level policy intervention can achieve its public health goals while achieving a high level of acceptance among smokers. These findings support initiatives in many countries toward implementing smoke-free legislation, particularly those who have ratified the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which calls for legislation to reduce tobacco smoke pollution.
Methods of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Survey
Authors: Thompson M E , Fong G T , Hammond D , Boudreau C , Driezen P , Hyland A , Borland R , Cummings K M , Hastings G B , Siahpush M , Mackintosh A M , Laux F L
Published: June 2006

This paper outlines the design features, data collection methods and analytic strategies of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Survey, a prospective study of more than 2000 longitudinal respondents per country with yearly replenishments. This survey possesses unique features that sets it apart among surveys on tobacco use and cessation. One of these features is the use of theory-driven conceptual models. In this paper, however, the focus is on the two key statistical features of the survey: longitudinal and “quasi-experimental” designs. Although it is often possible to address the same scientific questions with a cross-sectional or a longitudinal study, the latter has the major advantage of being able to distinguish changes over time within individuals from differences among people at baseline (that is, differences between age and cohort effects). Furthermore, quasi-experiments, where countries not implementing a given new tobacco control policy act as the control group to which the country implementing such a policy will be compared, provide much stronger evidence than observational studies on the effects of national-level tobacco control policies. In summary, application of rigorous research methods enables this survey to be a rich data resource, not only to evaluate policies, but also to gain new insights into the natural history of smoking cessation, through longitudinal analyses of smoker behaviour.
THEORETICAL STUDY OF THE HYDROLYSIS MECHANISM OF METABOLIC PRODUCT FROM TIRAPAZAMINE'S UNDERGOING ENZYMATIC CATALYSIS
Authors: ZHA DONG , LI LAI-CAI , ZHENG YAN , WANG XIN , TIAN AN-MIN , WONG NING-BEW
Published: June 2006

Two different hydrolysis mechanisms of metabolic product from tirapazamine's enzymatic catalysis have been studied by density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) and B3LYP/6-311+G(d) levels. The results indicate that the activation barrier of rate-controling step of Brown's model is smaller than that of Denny's model.
CHARGE AND ENERGY TRANSFER IN BINAPHTHALENE MOLECULE WITH TWO SPIROPYRAN UNITS USED FOR CHIRAL MOLECULAR SWITCHES AND LOGIC GATES
Authors: SUN MENGTAO , MA FENGCAI
Published: June 2006

A new binaphthalene molecule with two spiropyran units used for chiral molecular switches and logic gates was synthesized and characterized.12 In this paper, charge and energy transfer in binaphthalene molecule with two spiropyran units are theoretically investigated with quantum chemistry method, as well as 2D and 3D real space analysis methods, since molecule construction with photoinduced electron transfer or charge transfer is one of the most frequently used pathways for building useful sensors and molecular machines. The orientation and strength of transition dipole moment in absorption spectra are obtained by 3D transition density. The orientation and results of intramolecular charge transfer on the excitation are obtained with 3D charge difference densities. The electron-hole coherence and excitation delocalization in absorption spectra are investigated with 2D contour plots of transition density matrix. Overall, the computed results remain in good agreement with the relevant experimental data, and the theoretical results reveal the relationship between the function of sensor and the excited state properties of the structure and transformation of the compound, upon addition of acid and base in absorption spectra.
CALCULATIONS WITH CORRELATED MOLECULAR WAVE FUNCTIONS: HF, MP2 AND DFT CALCULATIONS ON SECOND-ROW DIATOMIC HYDRIDES
Authors: JORGE F. E. , BERNARDO L. M. , MUNIZ E. P.
Published: June 2006

The performance of the previously proposed double zeta valence quality plus polarization functions (DZP) and augmented DZP (ADZP) basis sets is tested at the Hartree–Fock, second-order Møller–Plesset, and density functional levels of theory for the electronic ground state of the second-row diatomic hydrides. Total energy, second-order correlation energy, dissociation energy, bond length, vibrational frequency, and dipole moment are calculated and compared with results obtained with popular basis sets reported in the literature. It is shown that the DZP and ADZP basis sets in general provides better accuracy for a similar number of basis functions.
CONSTRUCTING THE CRITICAL CURVE FOR THE TWO-LAYER POTTS MODEL USING CELLULAR AUTOMATA
Authors: ASGARI YAZDAN , GHAEMI MEHRDAD
Published: June 2006

The critical points of the 3-states two-layer Potts model on square lattice for different interlayer couplings (Kx = Ky ≠ Kz) are calculated with high precision using probabilistic cellular automata with Glauber algorithm, where Kx and Ky are the nearest-neighbor interactions within each layer in the x- and y-directions respectively, and Kz is the interlayer coupling. The obtained results are 0.726, 0.807, 0.928, 0.987 and 1.00 for the cases Kz/Kx = 1, 0.5, 0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 respectively, from which the critical curve is been constructed based on this model.
A MONTE CARLO SIMULATION OF MAGNETIC ORDERING IN ISING FERRITES OF FORMULA 5Fe2O3.3Y2O3WITH GARNET STRUCTURE
Authors: STANICA NICOLAE , DOBRESCU GIANINA , PATRON LUMINITA , SUH SOONG-HYUCK , CIMPOESU FANICA , POSTELNICU LUCIAN
Published: June 2006

The magnetic properties simulation of extended networks containing quantum spins, by original FORTRAN code "MCIsing", is presented. The computer code is based on Ising model and uses Monte Carlo-Metropolis (MCM) algorithm. The results of magnetic Monte Carlo studies on a garnet type lattice, Ising model ferrimagnet, provide insights into the exchange interactions involved in the Ferrites of Formula 5 Fe2O3.3 Y2O3with Garnet Structure.
A GAUSSIAN WAVEPACKET APPROACH FOR CURVE-CROSSING DYNAMICS
Authors: TATE CHRISTOPHER A. , MESSINA MICHAEL
Published: June 2006

We present a Gaussian wavepacket approach for curve-crossing dynamics that only requires a single Gaussian wavepacket per surface. Unlike other Gaussian wavepacket approaches to curve-crossing dynamics, the present method does not rely upon probability density being built up on a non-adiabatically coupled surface by the break-up of an evolving wavepacket. Thus, our trial solution for the time-dependent Schrodinger equation comprised of a single Gaussian wavepacket per non-adiabatically coupled surface. We also present a generalization of the method to treat multi-dimensional systems that is based on the time-dependent Hartree approximation. We present numerical results for both single and multi-dimensional curve-crossing dynamics and compare them to the exact results.
THE EXOTHERMIC PNC → PCN REACTION
Authors: WANG SUYUN , YAMAGUCHI YUKIO , SCHAEFER HENRY F.
Published: June 2006

PCN and PNC are possible interstellar species that have not been experimentally characterized. With various ab initio methods, including multireference and restricted open-shell single-reference electronic structure theory, the PCN/PNC species and the transition state for the isomerization reaction PCN ↔ PNC have been studied. The Dunning series of correlation-consistent basis sets, cc-pVXZ and aug-cc-pVXZ (X = T and Q), have been used. Geometries, total energies, dipole moments, harmonic vibrational frequencies, infrared intensities, and zero-point vibrational energies are reported for the PCN/PNC isomers and the transition state. Both PCN and PNC are linear with 3Σ- ground states, and linear [Formula: see text] is predicted to lie 13.7 kcal mol-1 (13.5 kcal mol-1 with ZPVE correction) above linear [Formula: see text] at the aug-cc-pVQZ CCSD(T) level of theory. The CN bond distance in [Formula: see text] is predicted to be 1.174 Å, only 0.002 Å longer than the experimental value of 1.172 Å for diatomic CN (X2Σ+, suggesting that CN has triple bond character in [Formula: see text]. The isomerization transition state is found to be cyclic [Formula: see text], with angles θ e ( PCN ) = 82.2°, θ e ( CNP ) = 63.1°, and θ e ( NPC ) = 34.7°. The isomerization barrier is predicted to be 35.7 kcal mol-1 (34.5 kcal mol-1 with ZPVE correction) relative to linear [Formula: see text]. The predicted dipole moments are substantial, 2.79 debye (polarity + PCN -) and 2.51 debye (polarity + PNC -).
SPATIALLY-DISCRETIZED HIGH-TEMPERATURE APPROXIMATIONS AND THEIR O(N) IMPLEMENTATION ON A GRID
Authors: PREDESCU CRISTIAN
Published: June 2006

We consider the problem of performing imaginary-time propagation of wavefunctions on a grid. We demonstrate that spatially-continuous high-temperature approximations can be discretized in such a way that their convergence order is preserved. Requirements of minimal computational work and reutilization of data then uniquely determine the optimal grid, quadrature technique, and propagation method. It is shown that the optimal propagation technique is O(N), with respect to the grid size. The grid technique is utilized to compare the Monte Carlo efficiency of the Trotter–Suzuki approximation against a recently introduced fourth-order high-temperature approximation, while circumventing the issue of statistical noise, which usually prevents such comparisons from being carried out. We document the appearance of a systematic bias in the Monte Carlo estimators that involve temperature differentiation of the density matrix, bias that is due to the dependence of the eigenvalues on the inverse temperature. This bias is negotiated more successfully by the short-time approximations having higher convergence order, which leads to non-trivial computational savings.
Parks and Peoples: The Social Impact of Protected Areas
Authors: West Paige , Igoe James , Brockington Dan
Published: June 2006

This review examines the social, economic, and political effects of environmental conservation projects as they are manifested in protected areas. We pay special attention to people living in and displaced from protected areas, analyze the worldwide growth of protected areas over the past 20 years, and offer suggestions for future research trajectories in anthropology. We examine protected areas as a way of seeing, understanding, and producing nature (environment) and culture (society) and as a way of attempting to manage and control the relationship between the two. We focus on social, economic, scientific, and political changes in places where there are protected areas and in the urban centers that control these areas. We also examine violence, conflict, power relations, and governmentality as they are connected to the processes of protection. Finally, we examine discourse and its effects and argue that anthropology needs to move beyond the current examinations of language and power to attend to the ways in which protected areas produce space, place, and peoples.
Diffuse Atomic and Molecular Clouds
Authors: Snow Theodore P. , McCall Benjamin J.
Published: June 2006

Diffuse interstellar clouds have long been thought to be relatively devoid of molecules, because of their low densities and high radiation fields. However, in the past ten years or so, a plethora of polyatomic molecules have been observed in diffuse clouds, via their rotational, vibrational, and electronic transitions. In this review, we propose a new systematic classification method for the different types of interstellar clouds: diffuse atomic, diffuse molecular, translucent, and dense. We review the observations of molecules (both diatomic and polyatomic) in diffuse clouds and discuss how molecules can be utilized as indicators of the physical and chemical conditions within these clouds. We review the progress made in the modeling of the chemistry in these clouds, and the (significant) challenges that remain in this endeavor. We also review the evidence for the existence of very large molecules in diffuse clouds, and discuss a few specific clouds of particular interest.