bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Data Access Security through the Utilization of [2048,512,4] Linear Code
Authors: Olaewe Olufemi Ololade , Agbedemnab Peter Awonnatemi , Iddrisu Mohammed Muniru
Published: February 2024

Linear code is a type of error-correcting code that satisfies the property of closure under addition. Linear codes have been a major component in data security and cryptography and has been proven as an important tool in maintaining privacy. Linear code, [n,k,d] is a type of linear code with specific parameters that describe its properties and capabilities with n being the length of codewords, k, the dimension of the code and d denotes the minimum Hamming distance. Code [2048,512,4] is an example of [n,k,d] Linear code with large codeword length, high dimension and a moderate minimum hamming distance. It was generated by a combination of two of [1024,256,4] linear code and its validity has been verified and confirmed using Gilbert Varshamov bound.   This paper proposes a technique to enhance data access security by utilizing linear code [2048,512,4]. The proposed algorithm utilizes a sophisticated linear code equivalence test methodology to create a robust and secure system that generates and validates unique [2048, 512, 4] linear codes. These codes serve as highly effective authentication mechanisms, granting individualized access privileges to different users within the system. Also, by employing cutting-edge techniques in linear code equivalence testing, the algorithm ensures the generation of distinct and non-repeating [2048, 512, 4] linear codes, uniquely tailored to be each user's credentials. The analysis of the results reveals that to breach such a security measure, an intruder would need to contend with a vast number of permutations and combinations. In particular, there are 2048 P 2048 patterns and an astounding 131,328 distinct combinations of codewords that remain unknown to any potential breacher. These findings underscore the robustness and invulnerability of the proposed technique for enhancing data access security. The proposed technique also demonstrates a potential for significantly enhancing the protection of sensitive data for organisations in both pre-quantum and post quantum computing within the digital ecosystem.
A Comparative Study of Islam and Christianity's View of Nature
Authors: Fahimi Dr. Azizollah
Published: February 2024

Some Western intellectuals, such as M. White, attribute the current environmental crises to a religious view of the environment, and believe that religious teachings about the environment have destroyed natural gifts in the world today. This needs to be reviewed and analyzed. The infiltration of some Aristotelian philosophical ideas of Ancient Rome into the body of Christian thought reinforces the views of people like M. White. While the ideas originated from the Greek school of Alexandria, inspired by Socratic thought, there has always been a loving view of nature, and nature has considered the embodiment of the gods which this thought has also been influential in some Christians in Europe. But the Oriental schools, and at the top of them the comprehensive school of Islam, have never been competitive and angry view with nature and have considered it a beautiful image of the divine creation. Therefore, the slogan of land destruction is due to a religious view, which is a false slogan. The propagation of Oriental rulings and teachings can have a large audience in the world and eliminate these biased attacks.
Smart Urban Development Solutions in Vietnam
Authors: Dung Nguyen Tien
Published: February 2024

The paper studies the current situation of smart urban development in Vietnam, thereby proposing solutions and recommendations to stakeholders to develop smart cities in the coming time. By using qualitative research methods, such as: aggregation, regression and interpretation, on the basis of assessing the current situation of smart urban development in Vietnam, a number of proposals and recommendations to stakeholders are made to target smart urban development in Vietnam, such as: (i) Investing in infrastructure and technology; (ii) Building data-based ecosystems; (iii) Engaging people in smart city planning and implementation; (iv) Promoting sustainability and green technology; and (v) Strengthening public-private cooperation
The Auditor’s Reporting and its Role in Rationalizing Economic Decisions
Authors: Farhood Alaa Saleh , Jawad Marwa Arkan , Jebur Nadia Adhal , Khudhair Anmar Adnan
Published: February 2024

The research aims to clarify the concept of Auditing Reporting and its role in rationalizing economic decisions in joint stock companies listed in the Iraq Stock Exchange from the point of view of academics and professionals on the one hand, and from the point of view of investors and lenders on the other hand, where the auditor’s reporting witnessed a great development in many areas that it addressed Many previous studies compared to reporting by the auditor in Iraq, as there are shortcomings in the information contained in the auditor's report in the field of rationalizing investment and lending decisions in joint stock companies listed in the Iraqi Stock Exchange. Accordingly, the research was based on the presentation and analysis of the results of the questionnaire prepared to test the relationship between informing the auditor in Iraq in his report and the rationalization of investment and lending decisions. However, it is necessary to develop the auditor’s report and improve its content of information, as investors and lenders as well as academics and professionals emphasize in this context the need to develop the auditor’s reporting and improve the content of his report of information to have an effective role in rationalizing decisions Economic.
Reflect the Impact of High Involvement Management Practices on Achieving Competitive Superiority: Applied Study of Opinions of a Sample of Senior Leaders in the Civil Banks in the Central Euphrates Governorates
Authors: Mezher Aseel Ali , Oleiwi Israa Abdulhasan
Published: February 2024

The current study aims to uncover the impact of the High Involvement Management Practices (functional integration, training, motivation, and team) to achieve competitive superiority (cost, quality, flexibility, delivery, innovation), The course of study depends on identifying a major problem that has been clarified through several questions that revolve around an important question: Can High InvolvementManagement Practices be employed to achieve competitive superiority. Therefore, the current study relied on a questionnaire tool in order to measure the availability of the practices of managing high Involvement and competitive superiority of the civil banks in the governorates of the Middle Euphrates (Diwaniyah, Najaf Al-Ashraf, Karbala Al-Sacred, Babil and Al-Muthnah). Using special statistical packages in SPSS.V.27 and AMOS.V.26 the results of the normal distribution, modeling of the structural equation, the stability and inner truthfulness factor, arithmetic means, standard deviations, relative importance, and correlation matrix were extracted. The results of the study showed that there is a direct and indirect correlation and influence between the practices of the management of high Involvement to help achieve the competitive edge of the management leadership in performing their work.
A
arskog Syndrome
Authors: Stevenson Roger E.
Published: January 2005

Aarskog syndrome is one of the most clinically distinctive phenotypes among the hereditary syndromes. Manifestations in the facial morphology, skeleton, and genitalia form a clinically useful triad, present from birth. Identification of an X‐linked pattern of inheritance in familial cases and the presence of subtle findings in carrier females can further assist in diagnosis. Many multigenerational pedigrees have been identified because of the X‐linked inheritance pattern, the presence of distinctive external manifestations and the absence of lethal manifestations. The responsible gene has been identified and testing for gene mutations has recently become available.
Angelman Syndrome
Authors: Williams Charles A.
Published: January 2005

Angelman syndrome is a genetic neurobehavioral condition that is characterized by developmental delay, progressive microcephaly, ataxic gait, absence of speech, seizures, and spontaneous bouts of laughter. The first reports from North America appeared in the early 1980s. More recently, many new case reports and several reviews have appeared. Angelman syndrome has been reported throughout the world among divergent racial groups. In North America, the great majority of known cases seem to be of Caucasian origin. Although the exact incidence of Angelman syndrome is unknown, an estimate of between 1 in 12,000 and 1 in 20,000 seems reasonable. Life span does not appear to be dramatically shortened, and a 62‐year‐old woman with Angelman syndrome and many individuals in their fourth or fifth decades of life are known.
B
ardet‐
B
iedl Syndrome
Authors: Slavotinek Anne M.
Published: January 2005

Bardet‐Biedl syndrome is a rare, pleiotropic congenital malformation syndrome comprising rod‐cone dystrophy, postaxial polydactyly, truncal obesity, learning disability, hypogenitalism, and renal disease. It is an important diagnostic consideration in syndromes with progressive visual impairment or with overgrowth. In the last few years, isolation of seven of the causative genes in this heterogeneous syndrome and the elucidation of possible complex patterns of inheritance have resulted in an increased awareness of Bardet‐Biedl syndrome in the medical and scientific community.
Beckwith‐Wiedemann Syndrome and Hemihyperplasia
Authors: Weksberg Rosanna , Shuman Cheryl
Published: January 2005

Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome is characterized by a triad of exomphalos, macroglossia, and gigantism. The population incidence is estimated to be 1 in 13,700 with equal incidence in males and females. This is likely an underestimate as cases with milder phenotypes may not be diagnosed. Some cases of isolated hemihyperplasia may, in fact, represent cases of Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome with reduced expressivity. Clinical features of Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome, in addition to the triad mentioned above, include hemihyperplasia, umbilical hernia, diastasis recti, embryonal tumors, adrenocortical cytomegaly, ear anomalies, visceromegaly, renal abnormalities, and neonatal hypoglycemia. Supportive findings may include polyhydramnios and prematurity, enlarged placenta, cardiomegaly, and characteristic facies. The latter feature is much more recognizable in early life and becomes less obvious over time. Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome is a complex multigenic disorder caused by alterations in growth regulatory genes on chromosome 11p15 and can currently be categorized into eight distinct genetic groups.
CorneliadeLange Syndrome
Authors: Fitzpatrick David R. , Kline Antonie D.
Published: January 2005

Cornelia de Lange syndrome is a rare developmental malformation syndrome characterized by learning disability, small stature, limb abnormalities, and distinctive craniofacial features. The facial gestalt is the most widely accepted criterion for diagnosis. The most distinctive features are neat semicircular eyebrows with synophrys, long and curly eyelashes, a long, smooth and prominent philtrum, and thin lips with down‐turned corners producing a crescent‐shaped mouth. No diagnostic biochemical, cytogenetic, or molecular test exists, and the diagnosis relies on clinical history and examination. Within Cornelia de Lange syndrome there is a wide spectrum of severity. At the most severe end are severely growth‐retarded infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and/or severe limb reduction defects and global cognitive impairment with little or no speech. Mildly affected individuals may have no major malformations and close to normal intelligence and are able to live independently and reproduce. Estimates of incidence vary from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 100,000 live births.
C
ostello Syndrome
Authors: Lin Angela E. , Gripp Karen W. , Kerr Bronwyn
Published: January 2005

Costello syndrome is a distinctive multiple‐anomaly condition whose core features include a characteristic facial appearance, moderate intellectual handicap, poor postnatal growth, loose skin of the hands and feet with characteristic hand position, and papillomata. Additional features include increased birth weight, severe feeding difficulty, cardiac abnormalities, additional skin lesions, and joint laxity. There is an increased risk for tumors.
C
raniosynostosis Syndromes
Authors: Gripp Karen W. , Zackai Elaine H.
Published: January 2005

Craniosynostosis, the premature fusion of cranial sutures, is relatively common with an estimated birth prevalence of 1/3000. Most often the sagittal suture is affected, and the majority of these are of nongenetic origin. Coronal synostosis is the second most common form, and this may be an isolated finding or due to an underlying genetic cause (in about one third of cases). More than 100 craniosynostosis syndromes have been described. Many of these are accompanied by limb abnormalities, suggesting common molecular pathways for craniofacial and limb development. Apert, Pfeiffer, Crouzon, Muenke, and Saethre‐Chotzen are the most common of the craniosynostosis syndromes and this chapter will focus on these entities.
Denys‐Drash andFrasier Syndromes
Authors: Clericuzio Carol L.
Published: January 2005

Denys‐Drash and Frasier syndromes represent a spectrum of disorders of genitourinary development and neoplasia caused by autosomal dominant mutations in theWT1tumor‐suppressor gene. Denys‐Drash syndrome is classically defined by the clinical triad of incomplete male genital development, early‐onset nephropathy, and Wilms tumor. Frasier syndrome is defined as the triad of XY gonadal dysgenesis (i.e., phenotypic females with 46,XY karyotype and streak gonads), childhood‐onset renal failure, and gonadoblastoma. XX females can also haveWT1mutations and develop nephropathy and tumors but have normal female genitalia and thus are not recognized until these complications develop. While, in general, there is a phenotype/genotype correlation between these syndromes and the types ofWT1mutations, in reality there is great overlap in the clinical presentations and types of mutations, such that many affected individuals have intermediate phenotypes and others have incomplete phenotypes. Hence Denys‐Drash syndrome and Frasier syndrome are best thought of as “WT1spectrum disorders,” and individuals with any features of the clinical spectrum should be considered at risk forWT1mutations and associated nephropathy and tumors.
Down Syndrome
Authors: Hunter Alasdair G. W.
Published: January 2005

Down syndrome is the most common identifiable genetic cause of mental retardation. The facial appearance of persons with the syndrome is very characteristic and is frequently associated with other minor anomalies and malformations of other body systems, most importantly the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. Individuals with Down syndrome also have an increased rate of a number of acquired medical complications including those of the thyroid gland and the gastrointestinal, upper‐respiratory, audiological, hematological, and neurological systems. It is thus important for persons with Down syndrome to be followed in a systematic fashion and for them to have access to appropriate specialists in order to anticipate, prevent, or modify potential complications. Current research continues to shed light on many behavioral and medical aspects of Down syndrome, but many questions remain about the relationship between the trisomy of chromosome 21, the developmental and behavioral pattern, and the health complications.
Ehlers‐Danlos Syndromes
Authors: Wenstrup Richard J. , Hoechstetter Leah B.
Published: January 2005

The Ehlers‐Danlos syndromes are a genetically, biochemically, and clinically diverse group of heritable connective tissue conditions. Once classified as 11 separate disorders, a new nomenclature has significantly reduced this number. The Ehlers‐Danlos syndromes have a combined estimated prevalence of 1 in 5000. Features common to all forms include joint laxity and dermal findings.
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Porteous Mary E. M. , Berg Jonathan N.
Published: January 2005

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is an autosomal dominant disease of blood vessels, affecting approximately 1 in 8000 individuals. It is characterized by mucocutaneous telangiectases, recurrent epistaxes, gastrointestinal bleeding, and arteriovenous malformations in the lungs, brain, and liver. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia can be caused by mutations in either the endoglin gene or theALK1gene, both of which encode proteins involved in serine‐threonine kinase signaling in the endothelial cell. These genes are thought to account for the majority of cases. Currently, the diagnosis is made using published clinical diagnostic criteria. Affected younger adults may be presymptomatic, so mutation analysis, where available, is an important adjunct to clinical diagnosis.
Incontinentia Pigmenti
Authors: Donnai Dian
Published: January 2005

Familial incontinentia pigmenti, sometimes referred to as incontinentia pigmenti 2, is a multisystem disorder affecting predominantly females, although rare male cases have been described. Pedigree analysis supports X‐linked‐dominant inheritance and 50% of the female offspring of an affected woman will inherit the condition and manifest it to a variable extent. Affected women have an increased risk of miscarriage, most likely representing male lethal conceptions. The cutaneous manifestations are diagnostic and classically occur in four stages: vesicular, verrucous, hyperpigmented, and atrophic. They occur in the distribution of Blaschko's lines. In addition to these cutaneous manifestations, there may be a variety of dental, ocular, neurologic, and developmental abnormalities.
Marfan Syndrome
Authors: Schrijver Iris , Alcorn Deborah M. , Francke Uta
Published: January 2005

Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder that affects 1–2 per 10,000 individuals. The diagnosis of Marfan syndrome is strongly based on clinical criteria, such as aortic dilatation or dissection, ectopia lentis, and dural ectasia. The identification of mutations in the fibrillin‐1 (FBN1) gene may be included in the diagnostic evaluation.FBN1mutations have also been detected in individuals with other fibrillinopathies. We discuss diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatments of this group of disorders.
Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Viskochil David
Published: January 2005

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (often abbreviated to NF1) is associated with myriad features, some of which are congenital anomalies while others are age‐related abnormalities of tissue proliferation. It is an autosomal dominant condition with a high degree of variability in clinical expression. Although it is fully penetrant in adults, there is an age‐related penetrance for a number of the individual clinical signs. Cutaneous manifestations include café‐au‐lait patches, distinctive freckling patterns, and dermal neurofibromas. Other signs include Lisch nodules, skeletal dysplasia, optic pathway tumor, and plexiform neurofibroma. Neurofibromatosis type 1 affects approximately 1 in 3500 individuals worldwide.
Oculo‐Auriculo‐Vertebral Spectrum
Authors: Gorlin Robert J.
Published: January 2005

The predominant defects in this nonrandom association of craniofacial anomalies represent problems in morphogenesis of the first and second branchial arches, usually of a unilateral nature. These may be accompanied by vertebral and/or ocular abnormalities. The many terms used for this complex indicate the broad spectrum of anomalies described and emphasized by those reporting them. This entity has been known as hemifacial microsomia, oculo‐auriculo‐vertebral dysplasia, Goldenhar syndrome, Goldenhar‐Gorlin syndrome, first and second branchial arch syndrome, and lateral facial dysplasia.
Prader‐Willi Syndrome
Authors: Cassidy Suzanne B. , Mccandless Shawn E.
Published: January 2005

The major features of this multisystem disorder include prenatal and neonatal central hypotonia causing poor suck and infantile failure to thrive, characteristic facial appearance, developmental delay/generally mild mental retardation, childhood‐onset obesity, short stature for the family, hypogonadism causing genital hypoplasia and pubertal insufficiency, and a characteristic behavior disorder. Obesity‐related complications are the major cause of morbidity and mortality. The cause of Prader‐Willi syndrome is absence of paternal contribution at chromosome 15q11‐13, a region involving genomic imprinting, through deletion, maternal uniparental disomy, or an imprinting defect. The specific genes involved are not yet definitively delineated. Clinical diagnostic criteria for Prader‐Willi syndrome have been published, but confirmation requires diagnostic testing, which is clinically available. Management is mostly supportive since no definitive treatment is known. Special feeding techniques are usually required to avoid or treat failure to thrive in infancy. Early infant stimulation followed by special educational resources can optimize developmental outcome. Obesity can be avoided or treated through appropriate nutrition, exercise, and environmental controls. Growth deficiency and abnormal body composition (high fat:lean body mass) respond well to growth hormone replacement. Sex hormones can be given to replace the deficient ones. Behavioral problems are treated through parenting skill enhancement, behavior modification, or psychotropic medication. Treatment of abnormal saliva secretion and sleep disturbance are also possible.
R
obin Sequence
Authors: Shprintzen Robert J.
Published: January 2005

Robin or Pierre Robin sequence is the association of micrognathia, a wide, U‐shaped cleft palate, and upper airway obstruction. It may be associated with other mandibular abnormalities such as retrognathia and asymmetry. It is an etiologically heterogeneous disorder that most often occurs as part of a multiple anomaly syndrome. Two syndromes constitute over 40% of all cases, namely Stickler and velo‐cardio‐facial syndromes. It has been estimated that only 17% of Robin sequences are isolated. Therefore an initial diagnosis of Robin sequence must be regarded as a starting point in the diagnostic search.
Rubinstein‐Taybi Syndrome
Authors: Hennekam Raoul C. M.
Published: January 2005

The Rubinstein‐Taybi syndrome is a multiple congenital anomaly syndrome that is mainly characterized by a peculiar face, broad thumbs, broad big toes, short stature, and mental retardation. The facial appearance is striking, in part due to the dysmorphic features, but also due to their facial expression. The syndrome shows a pleiotrophy of features, of which the behavior, orthopedic problems, keloid formation, and increased tumor risk are especially important. The syndrome is caused byde novoheterozygous constitutional deletions or mutations of the CREB‐binding protein (CBP) gene.
S
tickler Syndrome
Authors: Francomano Clair , Wilkin Douglas J. , Liberfarb Ruth M.
Published: January 2005

Stickler syndrome, also known as hereditary progressive arthro‐ophthalmopathy, is an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder affecting primarily the ocular, orofacial, and skeletal systems. Progressive myopia begins in the first decade of life and affected persons exhibit premature degenerative changes in various joints with slight hypermobility. Midface hypoplasia is usually evident in early life. Changes in three collagen genes lead to these features.
Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 13 Syndromes
Authors: Carey John C.
Published: January 2005

The trisomy 18 and trisomy 13 syndromes represent important and common conditions of human aneusomy. Together, their combined prevalence in live‐born infants approaches 1 in 4000 births. These syndromes are unique among chromosome disorders as well as the other conditions described in this text since about 90% of children with trisomies 18 and 13 die before their first birthday. Because of this high infant mortality rate, the conditions are sometimes labeled simplistically as “lethal.” However, about 10% of infants do indeed survive. Regardless of the figures for survival, the parents of the child and the practitioners caring for the family seek an approach to management and health supervision as in any other serious medical disorder. Ongoing support and care by professionals are crucial to a family whose child has an uncertain prognosis. This chapter will provide a concise review of the literature of the syndromes and a plan of management for the primary care of children with trisomies 18 and 13.
Tuberous Sclerosis
Authors: Yates John R. W.
Published: January 2005

Tuberous sclerosis (or tuberous sclerosis complex) is a multisystem disorder characterized by tumor‐like lesions (hamartomas) in the brain, skin, and other organs and is often associated with seizures and mental retardation. The major diagnostic features are facial angiofibromas, forehead plaques, ungual fibromas, hypomelanotic macules, shagreen patches, retinal astrocytic hamartomas, cortical tubers, subependymal nodules, subependymal giant cell astrocytomas, cardiac rhabdomyomas, renal angiomyolipomas, and pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis. The disorder shows autosomal dominant inheritance with approximately two‐thirds of affected children being born to unaffected parents as the result of a new dominant mutation. The condition is caused by mutations in either theTSC1gene (chromosome 9q34) or theTSC2gene (chromosome 16p13.3). The management of tuberous sclerosis presents many challenges because of the range of organs involved, the different ages at which the manifestations can appear, and the wide variation in severity.
VATER
Association
Authors: Hall Bryan D.
Published: January 2005

The VATER/VACTERL association is a complex malformation disorder with three to seven primary anomalies of unknown etiology involving the spine, anus, heart, trachea, esophagus, kidneys, and limbs. Prognosis varies depending on which areas are abnormal and the degree to which each malformation can be corrected or ameliorated. Many surgical and medical specialists may be utilized acutely and chronically to treat and manage each child's problems. Successful management of children with the VATER/VACTERL association optimizes a potentially good prognosis.
Properties and microstructure of polyurethane resins from liquefied wood
Authors: Wei Yuping , Cheng Fa , Li Houping , Yu Jiugao
Published: January 2005

In this article, polyurethane resins were synthesized from liquefied benzylated wood and toluene diisocyanate (TDI)–trihydromethylene propane (TMP) prepolymer (as curing agent). The relations of their segmented structure and properties of were investigated. Results indicated that polyurethane resins made from benzylated wood solution have good mechanical and thermal properties. With the increase of curing agent amount from 23.8 to 53.5%, the degree of phase segregation increased, and under experimental conditions in this article, phase transition was detected with a curing agent amount of 69.9%. After this transition, the mechanical properties of polyurethane resins were improved. Thermal history treatment can also influence microstructure and thermal stabilities of polyurethane samples. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 1175–1180, 2005
Studies on chain transfer reaction in butadiene polymerization initiated withn‐butyl lithium and novel promoter potassiumpara‐methylphenoxide
Authors: Yang Xiao , Wang Yurong , Jia Jingsheng
Published: January 2005

The chain transfer reaction was examined in the anionic telomerization of butadiene withn‐BuLi as the initiator, potassiumpara‐methylphenoxide (ROK) as the novel promoter, mixed xylene as the transfer agent as well as a solvent in the presence of diglyme as the polar modifier. Effects of ROK, diglyme, and the polymerizing temperature were studied. It was demonstrated that they all promote the chain transfer reaction. The relative constant of chain transfer to the solvent was also calculated. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 1215–1218, 2005
Prediction of rubber stability by accelerated aging test modeling
Authors: Rodionova Oxana Y. , Pomerantsev Alexey L.
Published: January 2005

This study was devoted to the prediction of polymer material aging. The prediction of the shelf time of tire rubber is used as an example in this article. The main steps of the whole procedure are described. They are the design of the experiment, accelerated aging testing, the construction of a multiresponse mathematical model and parameter estimation, and the extrapolation of the model in real‐life settings. The main pitfalls were deduced, and techniques to overcome these pitfalls are described. Novel methods of data modeling, such as evolutionary design of experiment and successive Bayesian estimation, were used. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 1275–1284, 2005
Moisture effects on FM300 structural film adhesive: Stress relaxation, fracture toughness, and dynamic mechanical analysis
Authors: LaPlante Gabriel , Lee‐Sullivan Pearl
Published: January 2005

The behavior of cured FM300 epoxy, a structural film adhesive, subjected to partial and full moisture saturation has been evaluated. Three separate but interrelated test methods were used: stress relaxation, fracture toughness, and dynamic mechanical testing. The mechanical response of the epoxy due to increasing moisture content was dependent on the testing method. In stress relaxation testing, the epoxy was plasticized when partially saturated with moisture, but it became more rigid when fully saturated. The plasticization‐to‐stiffening transition was not observed in the other two test methods. Fracture testing showed that the material toughness increased with increasing moisture concentration: plasticization effects were dominant. Similar changes in the loss modulus were found in dynamic mechanical analysis. We propose that the differences in behavior have been due to differences in load levels and loading rates used in these probing techniques. Stress relaxation testing, at a relatively lower load and loading rate, appeared to be more sensitive to the localized interactions between the absorbed water molecules and the crosslinked structure. Higher loads and loading rates tended to reveal the bulk effects of plasticization only. Nevertheless, there was also strong evidence from glass‐transition temperature measurements that these moisture effects were mostly reversible. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95:1285–1294, 2005
NMR structures and orientation of the fourth transmembrane domain of the rat divalent metal transporter (DMT1) with G185D mutation in SDS micelles
Authors: Li Hongyan , Li Fei , Kwan Miufan , He Qing‐Yu , Sun Hongzhe
Published: January 2005

DMT1, also known as Nramp2, is an iron transporter, and belongs to the family of Nramp proteins. Disease‐causing mutations both in Nramp1 and Nramp2 occurring at the conserved two adjacent glycine residues located within the fourth transmembrane domain (TM4) suggest that TM4 may serve an important biological function. In the present study, we have determined the high‐resolution structures of a synthetic peptide, corresponding to the sequence of the fourth transmembrane domain of rat DMT1 with G185D mutation, in membrane‐mimetic environments (e.g., SDS micelles) using NMR spectroscopy and distance‐geometry/simulated annealing calculations. The spatial structures showed α‐helices without a kink in the middle portion of the peptide, with a highly flexible and poorly defined N‐terminus. Both the N‐terminus and the helical core of the peptide were embedded into the SDS micelles. Interestingly, the folding and membrane location of the C‐terminus was pH dependent, being well‐folded and inserted into SDS micelles only at a low pH value (4.0). The peptide exhibited amphipathic characteristics, with hydrophilic residues (Asp7, Thr11, Asp14, and Thr15) lying in one side of the helix, which provide a basis for the formation of water‐filled channel architectures through self‐associations. The significant broadening of the resonances of the hydrophilic residues Asp7, Thr11, and Asp14, which are buried inside SDS micelles, upon addition of Mn2+ further verified the possibility of the formation of a channel through which metal ions pass. The substitution of Gly7 by an aspartate residue neither significantly altered the structure and membrane location of the peptide nor abolished its properties of channel forming and metal permeation compared with the wild‐type peptide. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers, 2005
The characteristics of young and adult dyslexics readers on reading and reading related cognitive tasks as compared to normal readers
Authors: Miller‐Shaul Shelley
Published: January 2005

Most of the research into dyslexia has been carried out among children and has raised the question whether the characteristics of young dyslexics are similar to those of adult dyslexics. The aim of this research was, therefore, to confirm whether the cognitive deficits, which appear among young dyslexics on reading and reading related tasks, are similar among adult dyslexics.

Four groups of subjects were tested in this study: two groups of fourth graders, dyslexic and normal readers, and two groups of students, compensated dyslexics and normal readers.

A comparison of the differences in research measures between the young dyslexics and their control group, and between the adult dyslexics and their control group, clearly indicates that the difference between regular readers and dyslexics is significantly smaller in the adult group on orthographic tasks, and this difference increases in adults on phonological tasks.

The findings of this study reinforce the assumption that dyslexics have particular difficulty with the phonological‐auditory channel. Another main finding is the slow speed of processing in verbal and non‐verbal tasks. It can be assumed that these problems start at a young age and persist in compensated adult dyslexics. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A forward‐propagation learning rule for acquiring inverse models in multilayered neural networks
Authors: Nagasawa Kazuyuki , Fukumura Naohiro , Uno Yoji
Published: January 2005

Many proposals have been presented for the acquisition of inverse models in multilayered neural networks. However, most are concerned with the backpropagation rule or its improvement. In learning in a multilayered neural network based on the backpropagation rule, there must be a supervisor signal for the output layer, and there must be a particular path to propagate the learning signal in the reverse direction. In addition, convergence is slow due to the use of the method of steepest descent in updating the weights. Consequently, this paper proposes a forward‐propagation rule in which the neural network model is trained by propagating the motion error exhibited by the control object in the forward direction in the neural network. In the proposed algorithm, the extended Newton's method is used to derive the goal signal (which corresponds to the supervisor signal) in the hidden layer and the output layer. Since linear multiple regression can be used in weight updating for realizing the goal signals, the iteration of weight updating can be reduced compared to the method of steepest descent. A computer simulation was performed for acquisition of a two‐link arm model, and the effectiveness of the proposed learning scheme was verified. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 88(2): 59–68, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20148
Impact of reservoir potentials on the analyte behavior in microchip electrophoresis: Computer simulation and experimental validation for DNA fragments
Authors: Xu Zhongqi , Nakamura Yousuke , Hirokawa Takeshi
Published: January 2005

Fundamental understanding of the impact of reservoir potentials on the analyte behavior on the microfluidic chips is an important issue in microchip electrophoresis (MCE) for suitable injection and separation of analytes, since the applied potentials may significantly affect the shape of sample plug, sample leakage from the injection channel to the separation channel, injected sample amount, and separation efficiency. This study addressed this issue for the case of a conventional cross‐geometry microchip with four reservoirs using computer simulations, the results of which were verified by the analysis of DNA fragments. For the microchip with a definite structure and migration distance, the injected sample amount was shown to be the vital parameter for improving the limit of detection and resolution. During injection, the shape of the sample plug could be adjusted by varying the reservoir potentials. It was demonstrated that a “magnified injection” (applying high voltage on the three reservoirs to the sample reservoir) is useful to enhance the detection sensitivity depending on the analyte composition, although such injection was previously avoided because of introducing too large amounts of the analyte in comparison with two established modes, floating and pinched injection. Optimal magnified injection was proved to improve the sensitivity for about 4 times over that of pinched injection for the analysis of DNA step ladders using microchip gel electrophoresis (MCGE). Sample leakage of DNA fragments could be suppressed by applying a high positive voltage on injection channel during separation, but the voltage degraded the injected amount and resolution.
End‐labeled free‐solution electrophoresis of DNA
Authors: Meagher Robert J. , Won Jong‐In , McCormick Laurette C. , Nedelcu Sorin , Bertrand Martin M. , Bertram Jordan L. , Drouin Guy , Barron Annelise E. , Slater Gary W.
Published: January 2005

DNA is a free‐draining polymer. This subtle but “unfortunate” property of highly charged polyelectrolytes makes it impossible to separate nucleic acids by free‐flow electrophoresis. This is why one must typically use a sieving matrix, such as a gel or an entangled polymer solution, in order to obtain some electrophoretic size separation. An alternative approach consists of breaking the charge to friction balance of free‐draining DNA molecules. This can be achieved by labeling the DNA with a large, uncharged molecule (essentially a hydrodynamic parachute, which we also call a drag‐tag) prior to electrophoresis; the resulting methodology is called end‐labeled free‐solution electrophoresis (ELFSE). In this article, we review the development of ELFSE over the last decade. In particular, we examine the theoretical concepts used to predict the ultimate performance of ELFSE for single‐stranded (ssDNA) sequencing, the experimental results showing that ELFSE can indeed overcome the free‐draining issue raised above, and the technological advances that are needed to speed the development of competitive ELFSE‐based sequencing and separation technologies. Finally, we also review the reverse process, called free‐solution conjugate electrophoresis (FSCE), wherein uncharged polymers of different sizes can be analyzed using a short DNA molecule as an electrophoretic engine.
Direct calculation of interconversion barriers in dynamic chromatography and electrophoresis: Isomerization of captopril
Authors: Trapp Oliver
Published: January 2005

Dynamic capillary electrophoresis (DCE) and direct calculation of the rate constants of isomerization has been applied to determine the cis‐trans isomerization barriers of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor captopril. The separation of the rotational cis‐trans isomeric drug has been performed in an aqueous 50 mM borate buffer at pH 9.3. Interconversion profiles featuring plateau formation, peak‐broadening, and peak coalescence were observed. To determine the rate constants of the forward and backward reaction (kcis→trans and ktrans→cis) of the isomerization process in dynamic capillary electrophoresis, a novel straightforward calculation method using the experimental parameters plateau height, hplateau, peak width at half height wh, the total migration times of the cis‐trans isomers tR and the electroosmotic break‐through time t0 as well as the peak ratio of the cis‐trans isomers is presented for the first time. From temperature dependent measurements the rate constants kcis→trans and ktrans→cis and the kinetic activation parameters ΔG≠, ΔH≠, and ΔS≠ of the cis‐trans isomerization of captopril were obtained. From the activation parameters the isomerization barriers of captopril at 37°C under basic conditions were calculated to be ΔG≠cis→trans = 90.3 kJ·mol−1and ΔG≠trans→cis = 90.0 kJ·mol−1*.
Field gradient electrophoresis
Authors: Warnick Karl F. , Francom Scott J. , Humble Paul H. , Kelly Ryan T. , Woolley Adam T. , Lee Milton L. , Tolley H. Dennis
Published: January 2005

The class of equilibrium gradient methods utilizes the opposition of two forces, at least one of which changes in magnitude with position, to separate and concentrate analytes. The drawback of many methods of this type is that the production of two opposing forces requires in comparison to standard methods, such as capillary electrophoresis, a relatively complex apparatus. In addition, for techniques such as electric field gradient focusing, hydrodynamic flow leads to Taylor dispersion, which limits the attainable concentration factor. We propose a new method, gradient field electrophoresis, which achieves analyte separation and focusing with only one spatially varying force, an electric field gradient. A model for the method is developed and used to analyze peak capacity. Experimental results for a protein (R‐phycoerythrin) are given and compared to the model.
Biomarkers for apoptosis in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Ankarcrona Maria , Winblad Bengt
Published: January 2005

Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects millions of people worldwide and the number of AD cases will increase with increased life expectancy. Today there is no cure for this devastating and always lethal disease and therefore it is of great interest for patients, relatives and societies to find new drugs that can hinder the disease process. During the progression of AD a substantial amount of neurons degenerate in the brain. The mechanisms of cell death involved in AD have not been fully elucidated. However, there are several reports showing that neurons die partly by apoptosis in the AD brain. Drugs blocking apoptosis could therefore be potentially useful for early prevention of neuronal cell death. Biomarkers for apoptosis should be important tools in the evaluation of drug effects and in the diagnostics of AD. Here we review the current knowledge in the field and discuss potential biomarkers for apoptosis in AD. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical application of operationalized criteria for ‘Depression of Alzheimer's Disease’
Authors: Rosenberg Paul B. , Onyike Chiadi U. , Katz Ira R. , Porsteinsson Anton P. , Mintzer Jacobo E. , Schneider Lon S. , Rabins Peter V. , Meinert Curtis L. , Martin Barbara K. , Lyketsos Constantine G.
Published: January 2005

Objectives

‘Depression of Alzheimer's Disease’ (dAD) is a common complication of Alzheimer's disease and is increasingly recognized as a syndrome with a clinical presentation differing from major depression. Criteria for the diagnosis of dAD have been proposed previously.

Methods

This paper presents these criteria in operationalized format designed to be accessible for clinical use. Four cases are discussed that demonstrate the use of these criteria and illustrate important differences between dAD and major depression.

Results

The dAD criteria are broader than DSM‐IV criteria for Major Depressive Episode and incorporate caregiver input.

Conclusions

Given the differences between dAD and major depression diagnoses, it is important to assess the efficacy of treatments for dAD. Depression in Alzheimer's Disease‐2 (DIADS‐2) is a controlled trial of dAD treatments that will also assess the validity of these criteria. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictors of high level of burden and distress in caregivers of demented patients: results of an Italian multicenter study
Authors: Rinaldi P. , Spazzafumo L. , Mastriforti R. , Mattioli P. , Marvardi M. , Polidori M. C. , Cherubini A. , Abate G. , Bartorelli L. , Bonaiuto S. , Capurso A. , Cucinotta D. , Gallucci M. , Giordano M. , Martorelli M. , Masaraki G. , Nieddu A. , Pettenati C. , Putzu P. , Tammaro V. A. , Tomassini P. F. , Vergani C. , Senin U. , Mecocci P.
Published: January 2005

Background

Considerable suffering is experienced by carers of patients with dementia. Most existing studies do not consider the coexistence of subjective and objective aspects that cause, interacting to each other, this suffering.

Objectives

In this study we: (1) define the high‐risk group of caregivers on the bases of the scores obtained on the four scales evaluating burden, distress, depression and anxiety (BDDA) taken into account simultaneously and (2) evaluate risk factors related to the high level of BDDA.

Subjects and methods

419 elderly outpatients with dementia and their caregivers were enrolled. Patients were evaluated for their cognitive, neuropsychological and functional impairment and for comorbidity. Caregivers were evaluated with four scales for the assessment of burden, distress related to neuropsychological disturbances, depression and anxiety. Cluster analysis was used to identify the group with the High level of BDDA (HBDDA).

Results

By multiple logistic analysis, disability, specific behavioural disturbances of the patients as well as caregiver's age, type of relationship and living in the south of Italy were observed to be a major risk factor for HBDDA.

Conclusion

The targeted use of scales specifically assessing BDDA of the caregiver and the identification of particular patient and caregiver characteristics are able to allow a precise and early definition of caregivers at high risk of burden and distress. This might be helpful in planning the correct social/clinical/rehabilitative approach. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improvement of arthroscopic cartilage stiffness probe using amorphous diamond coating
Authors: Töyräs Juha , Korhonen Rami K. , Voutilainen Tanja , Jurvelin Jukka S. , Lappalainen Reijo
Published: January 2005

During arthroscopic evaluation of articular cartilage unstable contact and even slipping of the measurement instrument on the tissue surface may degrade the reproducibility of the measurement. The main aim of the present study was to achieve more stable contact by controlling the friction between articular cartilage surface and the arthroscopic cartilage stiffness probe (Artscan 200, Artscan Oy, Helsinki, Finland) using amorphous diamond (AD) coating. In order to obtain surfaces with different average roughnesses (Ra), polished stainless steel disks were coated with AD by using the filtered pulsed arc‐discharge (FPAD) method. Dynamic coefficient of friction (μ) between the articular cartilage (n = 8) and the coated plates along one non‐coated plate was then determined. The friction between AD and cartilage could be controlled over a wide range (μ = 0.027–0.728, p < 0.05, Wilcoxon test) by altering the roughness. Possible deterioration of cartilage was investigated by measuring surface roughness after friction tests and comparing it with the roughness of the adjacent, untested samples (n = 8). Importantly, even testing with the roughest AD (Ra = 1250 nm) did not damage articular surface. On the basis of the friction measurements, a proper AD coating was selected for the stiffness probe. The performance of coated and non‐coated probe was compared by measuring bovine osteochondral samples (n = 22) with both instruments. The reproducibility of the stiffness measurements was significantly better with the AD‐coated probe (CV% = 4.7) than with the uncoated probe (CV% = 8.2). To conclude, AD coating can be used to safely control dynamic friction with articular surface. Sufficient friction between articular surface and reference plate of the arthroscopic probe improves significantly reproducibility of the stiffness measurements. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 73B: 15–22, 2005