bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solvent effect on geometry and nonlinear optical response of conjugated organic molecules
Authors: Yu. Balakina Marina , Nefediev Sergey E.
Published: March 2006

In this paper the effect of solvents of different polarity (chloroform and acetone) on the geometry and static electric properties (dipole moment, polarizability, and first hyperpolarizability) of four nonlinear optical (NLO) chromophores is studied within the framework of the Polarizable Continuum Model (PCM) at the Self‐consistent Field (SCF) level. The standard 6‐31G** basis set is used for the chromophore geometry optimization both in the gas phase and in the solvents, and a moderate‐size aug‐cc‐pVDZ* basis set is used for the calculation of electric properties of the chromophores under study. The effect of the solvent on the geometrical parameters of the chromophores is shown to be insignificant. However, to avoid inaccuracies in estimation of first hyperpolarizability, the use of chromophore geometries, optimized in a solvent, is recommended for chromophores with a rather long conjugation bridge between electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing groups. The solvent effect on the calculated values of first hyperpolarizability results in its strong enhancement by a factor of 2.9–2.3 in the case of chloroform and by a factor of 3.9–2.8 in the case of acetone, the effect being somewhat attenuated with the lengthening of the conjugation bridge in the series of chromophores. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
FTIR study of the CO adsorption over Pt/MFI catalysts: Ab initio interpretation
Authors: Nesterenko N. S. , Avdey A. V. , Ermilov A. Yu
Published: March 2006

The state and dispersion of Pt supported on MFI catalysts with different contents have been studied using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Experimentally predicted Pt‐containing complexes were simulated by density functional theory (DFT) for CO frequency shift estimation and determination of the relative intensities. According to DFT calculation and experimental data, a new interpretation was proposed. A new approach for estimation of the Pt dispersion based on IR spectra of adsorbed CO has been developed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Starch Modification Using Reactive Extrusion
Authors: Xie Fengwei , Yu Long , Liu Hongshen , Chen Ling
Published: March 2006

This paper presents a review of the principle and technologies in reactive extrusion and their application in starch modification and preparation of starch derivatives, such as starch graft copolymers, glycosides, cationic starch, or oxidized starch. The applications of reactive extrusion in producing other biopolymers are also touched. Flexibility and efficiency of reactive extruders as reactors for biopolymers are particularly noteworthy.
Properties and Flocculation Efficiency of Highly Cationized Starch Derivatives
Authors: Krentz Dirk‐Oliver , Lohmann Claudia , Schwarz Simona , Bratskaya Svetlana , Liebert Tim , Laube Johannes , Heinze Thomas , Kulicke Werner‐Michael
Published: March 2006

In this study the flocculation efficiency of cationic starch derivatives of varying degrees of substitution (DS) and different amylose/amylopectin ratios was investigated and compared to structural properties. The molar masses, Mw, radii of gyration, RG, and the molar mass distributions of the starch samples were determined by applying the method of flow field‐flow‐fractionation combined with multi‐angle light scattering and interferometric refractometry. In dewatering experiments potato starch derivatives of differing DS have optimum dosages that correspond to their cationicity. The lowest flocculant dosage yielding maximum dewatering results was determined for the most strongly substituted sample (DS = 1.48), while the least substituted starch derivative (DS = 0.28) showed the highest flocculant demand. Furthermore, the molar mass distribution and coil dimensions of derivatives seem to have a great influence on flocculation efficiency, because a 1.5‐fold increase in molar mass can compensate a 1.5‐fold decrease in DS. Toxicological investigations on synthetic and natural flocculants employing hens fertile egg screening test (HEST) led to the conclusion that cationic starches of DS < 0.95 are less toxic than commercial synthetic flocculants. When the results of flocculation experiments and toxicological data were taken into account, a moderate DS of 0.6 was deemed to give the best compromise between dewatering efficiency, cost‐effectiveness and ecological safety.
Effect of Moisture on Hydrothermal Modification of Yam Dioscorea hispida Dennst Starch
Authors: Tattiyakul Jirarat , Naksriarporn Tarin , Pradipasena Pasawadee , Miyawaki Osato
Published: March 2006

Starch from Thai yam Dioscorea hispida Dennst; locally known as kloy kao niaw (KKN), was hydrothermally modified (HM) at moisture contents (MC) between 13 and 30 g water/100 g starch (wb) at 90°C for 10 h. All treatments caused a decrease in swelling power and amylose leaching, and an increase in gelatinization temperature of the starch indicating a strengthened network within the starch granule. However, when setting 7 g starch/100 g (wb) gelatinized starch dispersion to gel and subjecting the samples to dynamic rheological tests, only HM KKN starch modified at 13 g water/100 g starch (wb) gave starch gel with higher complex modulus (G*) when compared to native KKN starch gel over the test frequency range (0.001 to 30 Hz). The X‐ray diffraction pattern revealed that KKN starch granule's crystalline structure changed from B to C‐type when modified at 13 g water/100 g starch (wb) and stayed unchanged when modified at 18 to 30 g water/100 g starch (wb).
Short‐Chain‐Length Distribution in Debranched Rice Starches Differing in Gelatinization Temperature or Cooked Rice Hardness
Authors: Nakamura Yasunori , Sato Aya , Juliano Bienvenido O.
Published: March 2006

Tropical nonwaxy and waxy rice starches differing in gelatinization temperature and previously characterized by high‐performance gel permeation chromatography of debranched amylopectin were subjected to capillary electrophoresis of debranched starch to measure their amylopectin chain ratio (ACR, ratio A chains/A + B1 chains). The ACR data confirmed that low gelatinization temperature (GT) starch contained S‐type (ACR ≥ 0.23) amylopectin and intermediate‐high GT starch had L‐type (ACR <0.20) amylopectin. ACR not only influenced GT, gelatinization enthalpy and ease of attack of starch granules by HCl and amylase, but affected also the extent of amylopectin staling of starch gels. Two japonica and two indica×japonica South Korean rices with low‐amylose low‐GT starch also contained S‐type amylopectin.
Physical Properties of Yellow Alkaline Noodles from Near‐isogenic Wheat Lines with Different Wx Protein Deficiency
Authors: Tanaka Yuko , Miura Hideho , Fukushima Michihiro , Ito Miwako , Nishio Zenta , Kim Sun‐Ju , Hashimoto Naoto , Noda Takahiro , Takigawa Shigenobu , Matsuura‐Endo Chie , Yamauchi Hiroaki
Published: March 2006

This paper reports the results of a study of the relationship among the amylose content of flours and the physical properties, such as the texture, of yellow alkaline noodles (YAN) prepared from these flours. For this purpose, we used eight types of near‐isogenic flours with different Wx protein deficiency under the Chinese Spring genetic background. With the use of the near‐isogenic lines, it was possible to achieve similar flour characteristics, with the exception of the amylose content of starch in YAN, and to analyze clearly the effects of the amylose content on the physical properties of YAN. The results of this study indicated that the breaking force and breaking force/breaking deformation of YAN made from the eight lines basically decreased and that the elastic index, on the contrary, increased, when the amylose content of starch from the flours was reduced. The breaking force and elastic index of gels from the flours and starches of the eight lines showed similar tendencies to those described above with regard to YAN. These results showed that the physical properties of YAN are greatly influenced by the amylose content of the flour and the properties of the starch gel. A sensory evaluation of YAN indicated that noodles from the flours of single‐null types, which lack either the Wx‐A1 or the Wx‐B1 protein but particularly the former, had somewhat lower hardness and better elasticity and smoothness than those made from flour having all three Wx genes. The results basically corresponded to those of the physical properties of boiled YAN. These facts suggest that wheat with a somewhat lower amylose content, when compared to wild‐type wheat, is suitable for producing YAN with acceptable texture, especially when considering the elasticity and smoothness.
Experimental study of the friction and wear behaviour of a polymer disc/primer coating combination used in ball‐joints by means of large‐scale testing
Authors: Samyn P. , De Baets P. , Van Paepegem W. , Degrieck J. , Van Schepdael L. , Gerber A. , Leendertz J.S.
Published: March 2006

The surfaces of a heavily loaded ball‐joint were initially covered with a sliding spray, and suffer wear. A solution is found by incorporating ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) discs with a carbon fibre/epoxy reinforced ring as sliding material into the chairs of the structure. The ball side is covered with a zinc phosphate primer coating. For design purposes the local static and dynamic behaviour of the hybrid UHMWPE discs in contact with steel or Zn‐coated counterfaces should be large‐scale tested in terms of their loading capacity, low friction and wear resistance. Also the influence of creep and wear on friction is examined. After the large‐scale verification tests in laboratory, a good correlation is found with a test in the field. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Load dependence and lifetime studies of self‐assembled monolayers
Authors: Hild W. , Ahmed S.I.‐U. , Hungenbach G. , Scherge M. , Schaefer J.A.
Published: March 2006

A comparative study of the microtribological properties of native oxide on Si (100), Si (100) coated with octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) and perfluorode‐cyltrichlorosilane (FDTS) self‐assembling monolayers (SAMs) is presented. The frictional properties between these samples and a bare silicon sphere were examined using a microtribometer. Microfriction was investigated as a function of the normal load and relative humidity. Also, the microfriction of OTS‐ and FDTS‐coated surfaces was studied as a function of sliding time and normal load to examine the lifetime of these monolayers. Confirming the results of earlier studies, in the microtribological regime OTS and FDTS significantly reduce the friction force in comparison to the bare, native oxide covered (hydrophilic) silicon surface. The friction vs. normal load curve of oxide‐covered surfaces as well as the SAMs can be described by contact mechanics. Lifetime measurements of the SAMs, examined as a function of the normal load and relative humidity, indicate that the OTS monolayers wear quickly in both dry and moist environments, while the lifetime of FDTS monolayers appears to increase in moist environments. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oscillating sliding wear behaviour of SiC, TiC, TiB2, 59SiC–41TiB2 and 52SiC–24TiC–24TiB2 materials up to 750°C in air
Authors: Wäsche R. , Yarim R. , Klaffke D. , Hartelt M.
Published: March 2006

The tribological behaviour of different monolithic and composite ceramics was evaluated in the temperature range between room temperature and 750°C. The test method was oscillating sliding with a ball‐on‐disk arrangement in an SRV machine. Alumina balls were used as counter body. The friction behaviour was determined on‐line, and the wear behaviour was determined from calculations on the basis of wear scar dimensions and profilometric measurements. The friction depends on temperature and shows an increase for most materials for increasing temperature; the smallest friction at all temperatures is found for monolithic TiC. The wear behaviour shows different trends for the different materials. In tests against SiC a maximum of wear is found at 500°C, for TiC at 200°C and for TiB2 at 750°C. The composite ceramics suffer the smallest wear of all materials in the range from 200°C to 500°C. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endoscopy‐assisted Breast‐Conserving Surgery for Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Lee Eun‐Kyu , Kook Shin‐Ho , Park Yong‐Lai , Bae Won‐Gil
Published: March 2006

Purpose

Breast‐conserving surgery is now accepted as one of the standard therapeutic options for stages I and II breast cancers. Although breast‐conserving surgery can help retain a good breast shape, a long marked scar would be a disadvantage. Endoscopic surgery can be performed via a small and remote incision that becomes inconspicuous after surgery. To improve the cosmetic outcome, endoscopic breast‐conserving surgery, which can be performed through minimal axillary and periareolar semicircular incisions, was undertaken.

Methods and materials

From October 2002 to October 2004, 20 breast cancer patients whose tumor sizes were less than 3 cm and who were clinically node negative without invasion to the skin and pectoralis major muscle underwent endoscopic breast‐conserving surgery. First, endoscopic dye‐guided sentinel node biopsy was done through a low transverse axillary incision lateral to the pectoralis major muscle. The subpectoral pocket was gently created by Vein Harvest under the view of endoscopic monitor. We made the periareolar semicircular incision to create the skin flap and to resect the tumor‐containing quadrant by using Visiport and PowerStar scissors. Frozen‐section biopsies were done to rule out tumor invasion to the resection margin. Patient characteristics, tumor characteristics, operation time, and amount of bleedings were all evaluated.

Results

The mean age of patients was 45 (range: 25–64). The mean tumor size was 2.2 cm (range: 0.2–4.0 cm). The average operation time of the early 9 cases, except the 3 cases that underwent axillary‐node dissection, was 178 minutes, and that of the later 8 cases was 130 minutes (P < 0.001). The mean amount of operative bleeding was 184 ± 130 ml. There were no major complications.

Conclusion

Endoscopic breast‐conserving surgery is a new technique that can minimize the long operation scar of classic breast‐conserving surgery. In properly selected cases, our results showed the maximized cosmetic satisfaction of the breast cancer patients and a shortened operation time after the learning period, promising it could be an alternative to the classic breast‐conserving surgery.
Selective Modified Radical Neck Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Cancer—Is Level I, II and V Dissection Always Necessary?
Authors: Caron N. R. , Tan Y. Y. , Ogilvie J. B. , Triponez F. , Reiff E. S. , Kebebew E. , Duh Q. Y. , Clark O. H.
Published: March 2006

Background

There is ongoing controversy as to the indications for and extent of lateral cervical lymphadenectomy for patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). While most now agree that prophylactic lymph node dissections (LND) play no role, at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) we limit LND selectively on a level by level basis, and resect only the levels thought to harbor disease or to be at increased risk of metastases. This initial ‚selective LND’ usually includes levels III and IV (due to the well‐documented increased likelihood of metastases to these levels) and levels I, II, and V are included when there is clinical or radiological evidence of disease or increased risk of it.

Methods

A retrospective review of the clinical charts and hospital records of 106 consecutive patients who had metastatic PTC and who underwent at least one lateral cervical LND at UCSF between January 1995 and December 2003 was carried out. Data were collected to assess which patients had levels I, II, and/or V included in their initial ipsilateral and/or contralateral LND and to determine the recurrence rates at these levels if they had previously been excised compared with if they had not. Chi‐squared and Fisher exact tests were utilized for statistical comparison, where appropriate.

Results

A total of 140 initial lateral LND were performed: 104 ipsilateral and 36 contralateral. In these initial LND, 3.9%, 72.5%, and 18.6% of patients had levels I, II, and V resected on the ipsilateral side, and 2.9%, 60.0%, and 37.1% of patients had levels I, II, and V resected on the contralateral side. Recurrence at levels I and V was uncommon in all patient populations. Recurrence at level II was 19% ipsilaterally and 10% contralaterally when the level was previously resected and 21% ipsilaterally and 14% contralaterally when the level was not previously resected. There was no statistically significant difference in recurrence at level II when the level had previously been resected compared with when it had not.

Conclusions

If utilized in the appropriate patient population, a selective approach to lateral cervical LND for PTC can be a successful alternative to the routine modified radical LND. Levels I and V do not require resection unless there is clinical or radiological evidence of disease. Guidelines for which patients may be considered for this less aggressive approach to level II nodal metastases are suggested.
Expression of Prostate‐Specific Membrane Antigen in Normal and Malignant Human Tissues
Authors: Kinoshita Yoshihisa , Kuratsukuri Katsuyuki , Landas Steve , Imaida Katsumi , Rovito Peter M. , Wang Ching Y. , Haas Gabriel P.
Published: March 2006

Background

Prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is upregulated in androgen‐dependent prostate carcinoma and it has been targeted for immunotherapy and diagnosis of this cancer. However, this protein is also expressed in other tissues. The objective of this study is to investigate its expression in normal and malignant human tissues.

Methods

Using monoclonal antibodies 24.4E6 (specific for residues 638–657) and 7E11.C5 (specific for the transmembrane domain of PSMA), immunohistochemical detection of PSMA was performed in surgical specimens.

Results

Prostate‐specific membrane antigen was detected in the epithelium of prostate, urinary bladder, proximal tubules of kidney, liver, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, breast, fallopian tubes and testicular seminiferous tubules, hippocampal neurons and astrocytes, ependyma, cortex and medulla of the adrenal gland, and ovary stroma. It was also detected in neoplasms of the prostate, kidney, urinary bladder, stomach, small intestine, colon, lung, adrenal gland, and testis. It was not detected in normal seminal vesicles or the lung.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that PSMA is widely distributed in normal tissues, and, depending on the tumors, its expression is up‐ or down‐regulated, or unchanged. The broad distribution of PSMA may make it suitable for the diagnosis and therapy of a wide variety of tumors.
Laparoscopic Lysis of Adhesions
Authors: Szomstein Samuel , Menzo Emanuele Lo , Simpfendorfer Conrad , Zundel Nathan , Rosenthal Raul J.
Published: March 2006

Background

Intra‐abdominal adhesions constitute between 49% and 74% of the causes of small bowel obstruction. Traditionally, laparotomy and open adhesiolysis have been the treatment for patients who have failed conservative measures or when clinical and physiologic derangements suggest toxemia and/or ischemia. With the increased popularity of laparoscopy, recent promising reports indicate the feasibility and potential superiority of the minimally invasive approach to the adhesion‐encased abdomen.

Methods

The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome of laparoscopic adhesiolysis and to provide technical tips that help in the success of this technique.

Results

The most important predictive factor of adhesion formation is a history of previous abdominal surgery ranging from 67%–93% in the literature. Conversely, 31% of scars from previous surgery have been free of adhesions, whereas up to 10% of patients without any prior surgical scars will have spontaneous adhesions of the bowel or omentum. Most intestinal obstructions follow open lower abdominopelvic surgeries such as colectomy, appendectomy, and hysterectomy. The most common complications associated with adhesions are small bowel obstruction (SBO) and chronic pain syndrome. The treatment of uncomplicated SBO is generally conservative, especially with incomplete obstruction and the absence of systemic toxemia, ischemia, or strangulation. When conservative treatment fails, surgical options include conventional open or minimally invasive approaches; the latter have become increasing more popular for lysis of adhesions and the treatment of SBO. Generally, 63% of the length of a laparotomy incision is involved in adhesion formation to the abdominal wall. Furthermore, the incidence of ventral hernia after a laparotomy ranges between 11% and 20% versus the 0.02%–2.4% incidence of port site herniation. Additional benefits of the minimally invasive approaches include a decreased incidence of wound infection and postoperative pneumonia and a more rapid return of bowel function resulting in a shorter hospital stay. In long‐term follow up, the success rate of laparoscopic lysis of adhesions remains between 46% and 87%. Operative times for laparoscopy range from 58 to 108 minutes; conversion rates range from 6.7% to 43%; and the incidence of intraoperative enterotomy ranges from 3% to 17.6%. The length of hospitalization is 4–6 days in most series.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic lysis of adhesions seems to be safe in the hands of well‐trained laparoscopic surgeons. This technique should be mastered by the advanced laparoscopic surgeon not only for its usefulness in the pathologies discussed here but also for adhesions commonly encountered during other laparoscopic procedures.
Bilateral axillary metastasis from a primary ethmoidal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Islam S , Cole C V , Hoffman G R , Brennan P A
Published: March 2006

The development of infra-clavicular lymph node metastasis from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is an uncommon event. We present a rare case of bilateral axillary nodal metastasis that developed in a patient previously treated for a primary ethmoidal squamous cell carcinoma. To our knowledge, there have only been five case reports in the English literature, accounting for a total of 10 patients, which documented a clinically apparent metastasis to axillary lymph nodes from various head and neck malignancies. Significantly however, the simultaneous ipsilateral and contralateral lymphatic spread of disease from a tumour in the para-nasal sinus, so as to involve bi-axillary nodes, has not been previously reported. We discuss the possible pathogenesis and the prognostic significance of this manifestation.
The application of a simplified system of criterions for audit to improve paediatric cardiologic and paediatric cardiac surgical care: evidence from a regional approach in Hungary
Authors: Mogyorosy Gabor , Karacsonyi Tunde , Szucs Eva , Kiraly Laszlo , Kovacs Tamas , Szatmari Andras
Published: March 2006

Aims:To evaluate the quality of cardiac and surgical care provided for children with congenital cardiac malformations in the eastern county of Hungary.Methods:We used the method of clinical audit based in selection of criterions, developing five such criterions concerning timely diagnosis, access to treatment, and outcome. To examine compliance with these criterions, we analysed retrospectively the routine data relating to children living in Hajdu-Bihar County. The period of observation lasted from January, 1994, until December, 2001, and was divided into two epochs in order to evaluate any changes over time.Results:In the first epoch, 28 infants, representing 0.1% of all newborns, died of congenital cardiac disease, with one of the malformations being recognised post mortem. In the second epoch, 21 infants died, representing 0.09% of newborns. In this group, each malformation was diagnosed before death. In each period, 6 infants died without having undergone cardiac surgery, and having no other non-cardiac disease. The overall postoperative mortality was 9.2% for the first period, and 4.6% for the second. The number of patients waiting for non-urgent repair had reduced significantly by the end of the second epoch.Conclusions:The results show that the timely diagnosis of congenital cardiac malformations is in line with accepted international standards. Conversely, the access to invasive treatment was limited over the period of observation, albeit that the waiting list was reduced significantly by the end of the second epoch. The postoperative mortality for those suffering congenital cardiac malformations is also comparable with international standards, except for mortality during infancy for treatment of complex anomalies. Our audit highlights the need for surgical repair of the more complex malformations during infancy.
QT dispersion in acute rheumatic fever
Authors: Polat Tugcin Bora , Yalcin Yalim , Akdeniz Celal , Zeybek Cenap , Erdem Abdullah , Celebi Ahmet
Published: March 2006

Background:Disturbances of conduction are well known in the setting of acute rheumatic fever. The aim of this study is to investigate the QT dispersion as seen in the surface electrocardiogram of children with acute rheumatic fever.Methods:QT dispersion was quantitatively evaluated in 88 children with acute rheumatic fever. Patients were divided into two groups based on the absence or presence of carditis. As a control group, we studied 36 healthy children free of any disease, and matched for age with both groups. Repeat echocardiographic examinations were routinely scheduled in all patients at 3 months after the initial attack to study the evolution of valvar lesions.Results:The mean QT dispersion was significantly higher in children with rheumatic carditis. But there was no statistical difference between children without carditis and normal children. Among the children with carditis, the mean dispersion was higher in those with significant valvar regurgitation. Dispersion of greater than 55 milliseconds had a sensitivity of 85%, and specificity of 70%, in predicting rheumatic carditis, while a value of 65 milliseconds or greater had sensitivity of 81% specificity of 85% in predicting severe valvar lesions in acute rheumatic carditis. At follow-up examination, a clear reduction on the QT dispersion was the main finding, reflecting an electrophysiological improvement.Conclusions:These observations suggest that QT dispersion is increased in association with cardiac involvement in children with acute rheumatic fever.
Health and well-being of children with congenital cardiac malformations, and their families, following open-heart surgery
Authors: Majnemer Annette , Limperopoulos Catherine , Shevell Michael , Rohlicek Charles , Rosenblatt Bernard , Tchervenkov Christo
Published: March 2006

Infants who survive open-heart surgery are at risk for developmental disability, which may impact on the well-being not only of the child, but also the family. The objective of our prospective study, therefore, was to determine the long-term health-related quality of life of children with congenital cardiac malformations following open-heart surgery, and to describe the persisting level of stress in their families. To this end, 49 parents completed the Child Health Questionnaire, the Parenting Stress Index, and the Child Behaviour Checklist as part of a developmental follow-up protocol when their child was 5 years of age. Mean scores on the Child Health Questionnaire were in the normal range, with physical well-being equal to 53.5, psychosocial well-being 50.9, with only 6.4 percent and 8.5 percent of subjects, respectively, falling within the suboptimal range of less than 40. The distribution of scores on the Parenting Stress Index, however, were more variable, with over one-quarter of parents indicating a high level of stress, with almost one-fifth having low levels of stress, and just over half scoring in the normal range, with the group mean being 52.6 plus or minus 32.3. An abnormal neurologic examination before surgery was associated with lower physical health (β equal to −5.5, p equal to 0.02, r2equal to 0.18), whereas lower arterial saturations of oxygen, less than 85 percent preoperatively, was associated with lower psychosocial health (β equal to −6.6, p equal to 0.01, and r2equal to 0.14). The internalizing and externalizing behaviours of the child were significantly correlated with psychosocial well being, with r ranging from −0.32 to −0.52, and p less than 0.05. Parental stress also correlated with psychosocial health (r equal to −0.48 and p equal to 0.0009). Overall, the perception by the parents of the health-related quality of life of their child is favourable 5 years following open-heart surgery during infancy. Many parents, nonetheless, continue to feel either stressed or defensive about their child, particularly if their child exhibits behavioural difficulties. Our findings suggest that strategies need to be considered to enhance family well-being in the planning and delivery of health services to this population at high risk.
Nationwide survey of pregnancy and delivery in patients with coronary arterial lesions caused by Kawasaki disease in Japan
Authors: Tsuda Etsuko , Kawamata Kazuya , Neki Reiko , Echigo Shigeyuki , Chiba Yoshihide
Published: March 2006

Background: Our purpose was to determine the outcome of pregnancy and delivery in patients with coronary arterial lesions caused by Kawasaki disease.Methods and Results: We surveyed by mail the Japanese national experience of pregnancy and delivery in patients known to have Kawasaki disease. The first questionnaire was returned by 154 of 207 (74%) institutions, and 16 of the 154 had knowledge of deliveries in their patients. Based on a second questionnaire, and previous Japanese case reports, we identified 46 deliveries in 30 patients from 16 institutions. The age at delivery ranged from 18 to 35 years, with a median of 27 years. Of the patients, 4 had undergone coronary arterial bypass grafting. Low-dose aspirin was given in 16 patients. The deliveries, 27 in all, had been vaginal in 20 patients, albeit that 7 required assistance by forceps or vacuum extraction under epidural anesthesia. Caesarean section had been performed in 11 patients, 3 for obstetric indications, and 1 for chest discomfort in the third trimester. Although there were no cardiac events, obstetric complications occurred in 2.Conclusion: The results of pregnancy and delivery were favourable. The mode of delivery should be primarily determined by obstetrical considerations, rather than the coronary arterial lesions caused by Kawasaki disease. Excessive anticoagulant therapy may not be needed for this population.
Correction of coronary arterial anomalies at surgical repair of common arterial trunk with ischaemic left ventricular dysfunction
Authors: Chaudhari Milind , Hamilton Leslie , Hasan Asif
Published: March 2006

Common arterial trunk is frequently associated with anomalies of coronary arterial origin and distribution. We describe two infants in whom coronary intervention was performed during the repair of common arterial trunk, with reversal of ischaemic left ventricular dysfunction. We discuss the surgical implications of recognition of the coronary arterial anomalies during the repair of common arterial trunk.
Absent pericardium: at risk for endocarditis?
Authors: Sivaprakasam Muthukumaran C. , Narayanan Arul , Vettukattil Joseph J.
Published: March 2006

A 16-year-old girl with no previous cardiac problems presented to the casualty with septic shock. Investigations revealed endocarditis involving the mitral valve. At the time of surgery, she was noted to have a large left atrial appendage herniating into the left pleural cavity due to partial absence of the pericardium. Complete or partial absence of the pericardium is an uncommon congenital anomaly. Though various complications and presentations are reported, it has not been identified as a risk factor for endocarditis. We discuss the possible mechanism, and need for prophylaxis against endocarditis, in patients with absence of the pericardium.
Acute myocardial infarction associated with heavy alcohol intake in an adolescent with normal coronary arteries
Authors: Biyik Ismail , Ergene Oktay
Published: March 2006

Acute ingestion of large quantities of alcohol is known to be able to trigger acute myocardial infarction. A 19-year-old boy presented at the emergency department of our hospital with complaints of severe retrosternal chest pain. One night before this event, he had drunk large amounts of alcohol. The level of alcohol in his blood was measured at 0.59 grams per litre. A 12-lead electrocardiogram showed elevations of the ST segment, averaging from 2 to 10 millimetres, in leads V1-6, DI and aVL. Since consumption of alcohol is very common in the community, the triggering effect of binge-drinking and consumption of large amounts of alcohol on acute myocardial infarction should be considered as a crucial subject for public health so as to raise the consciousness of the population, especially young persons.
Designing integrated conservation and development projects (ICDPs): illegal hunting, wildlife conservation, and the welfare of the local people
Authors: JOHANNESEN ANNE BORGE
Published: March 2006

This paper develops a bio-economic model to explore the effect on illegal hunting, wildlife conservation, and human welfare of the most common instruments of two different designs of Integrated Conservation and Development Projects (ICDPs) currently in existence. First, it is demonstrated that the distribution of game meat and money transfers to the local people fails if not explicitly linked to the conservation objective. Second, the analysis shows that ICDPs relying on such a link, implemented as a risk of being excluded from the project if caught in illegal hunting, may reach their goal of improved wildlife conservation and human welfare. The theoretical model is illustrated by numerical calculations using data from the Serengeti in Tanzania.
Screeninguntersuchungen und neuropsychologische Markertests in der Demenzdiagnostik
Authors: Reischies Friedel M.
Published: March 2006

Zusammenfassung: Eine neuropsychologische Untersuchung muss Teil des diagnostischen Prozesses der Demenzen sein, das ist weithin akzeptiert. Aber neuropsychologische Testung ist zeitaufwändig und teuer. Es gibt zwei Ansätze zum Screening für Demenz: (1) ein kurzes Screening im engen Sinn des Wortes, beispielsweise für die Konsiliar-Psychiatrie, das nicht länger als 1-2 min dauert. Ein Screening Test kann die Selektion der ausführlicher zu testenden Patienten reduzieren. Ein Beispiel für ein neues Verfahren wird vorgestellt (Nano-Screen) mit einer hohen Korrelation zur MMSE von r = .9. (2) Für die Diagnose des neuropsychologischen Demenzsyndroms vom Alzheimer Typ mittels kurzer Markertests für neuropsychologische Syndrome, d. h. für die verschiedenen neuropsychologischen Domänen wie Amnesie, Aphasie und Apraxie sind einige Batterien vorgeschlagen worden, wobei der Status der Validierung sehr unterschiedlich ist. Probleme mit zirkulären Designs der Validierung werden besprochen und das Problem, dass bei den neuropsychologischen Markertests in den verschiedenen Domänen doch nur ein einziger Leistungsfaktor, ein Demenzfaktor gemessen werden könnte. Weiterhin weist die klinische Erfahrung auf potenzielle Probleme mit fehlerhafter Anwendung und dem Bedarf an Training der Testdurchführung hin.
Volcanic eruptions, lightning, and a waterfall: Differentiating the menagerie of infrasound in the Ecuadorian jungle
Authors: Johnson Jeffrey B. , Lees Jonathan M. , Yepes Hugo
Published: March 2006

In northeastern Ecuador, near Reventador Volcano, the airwaves are filled with infrasound. Here we identify the locations and characterize three distinct sources of local infrasound, including two types of infrasonic sources, which are not commonly discussed in the literature. The first of these novel sources is an intense and continuous radiator with a fixed location corresponding to San Rafael Waterfall. The signal from the river exhibits a tremor‐like envelope that is well correlated across the 3‐element infrasound network. Beyond the river, we also observe and map spatially variable sources corresponding to thunder. These transient signals have impulsive onsets, but are not well correlated across the network and are attributable to spatially‐distributed source regions. Finally, we identify plentiful infrasound corresponding to Reventador's volcanic vent that is associated with unrest. This study demonstrates the utility of dispersed infrasound networks for distinguishing variable sources and improving interpretation of mechanisms of infrasound radiators.
A two‐component model of phytoplankton absorption in the open ocean: Theory and applications
Authors: Devred E. , Sathyendranath S. , Stuart V. , Maass H. , Ulloa O. , Platt T.
Published: March 2006

The two‐population absorption model of Sathyendranath et al. is extended to retrieve the specific absorption coefficients (absorption per unit concentration of chlorophyll‐a) of the component populations of phytoplankton. The model relates the absorption coefficient of phytoplankton to chlorophyll‐a concentration, assuming that the assemblages of phytoplankton comprise mixtures of two populations whose proportions vary as the total concentration of cells changes. The model is applied to in situ data collected from six regions during 34 cruises. The model compares well with earlier models of phytoplankton absorption but brings the additional advantage of parameters that have clear bio‐optical and biological interpretation. Size structure of the phytoplankton populations was inferred from the values of the specific absorption coefficients. The results are consistent with pigment analyses performed on the same samples. Seasonal analysis of data from the northwest Atlantic, southeast Pacific, and the Arabian Sea showed significant changes in the spectral form and magnitude of the specific absorption coefficients of small‐ and large‐celled populations, which appear to be related to changes in species composition. The model serves thus as an optical tool to explore the large‐scale biogeography of phytoplankton.
An estimate of the cross‐frontal transport at the shelf break of the East China Sea with the Finite Volume Coastal Ocean Model
Authors: Isobe Atsuhiko , Beardsley Robert C.
Published: March 2006

The Finite Volume Coastal Ocean Model (FVCOM) is used to estimate the onshore cross‐frontal transport at the shelf break of the East China Sea. Boundary conditions of FVCOM are provided by the Princeton Ocean Model simulating ocean currents in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea realistically. One advantage of this study is that the unstructured triangular cell grid of FVCOM resolves complex bottom topography that may trigger Kuroshio frontal waves. It is anticipated that these nonlinear frontal waves enhance the exchange of seawater between the Kuroshio and shelf regions. Kuroshio frontal waves in the model are excited around the location where the bottom slope changes abruptly, and have the phase speed and amplitude consistent with those observed in the East China Sea. In addition, the model reproduces the onshore transport associated with growing frontal waves in the upper and lower layers. On the basis of passive tracer experiments, the annually averaged onshore‐transport integrated along the shelf break is estimated to be 0.85 × 106 m3/s.
Estimation of Oxygen Metabolism in a Rat Model of Permanent Ischemia Using Positron Emission Tomography with Injectable 15O-O2
Authors: Temma Takashi , Magata Yasuhiro , Kuge Yuji , Shimonaka Sayaka , Sano Kohei , Katada Yumiko , Kawashima Hidekazu , Mukai Takahiro , Watabe Hiroshi , Iida Hidehiro , Saji Hideo
Published: March 2006

The threshold of cerebral blood flow (CBF) into infarction in rats has been indicated to be similar to that in patients. However, CBF does not reflect metabolic function, and so estimations of oxygen metabolism have been required. Here, we estimated changes in oxygen metabolism after occluding the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) in rats using an injectable 15O-O2 we developed. A decrease in CBF (left: 0.67±0.22 mL/min/g, right: 0.44±0.17 mL/min/g, P < 0.05) and compensatory increase in the oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) (left: 0.42±0.13, right: 0.50±0.19, P < 0.05) were observed at 1-h after occlusion. In contrast, a marked decrease in CBF and the cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen and a collapse of the compensatory OEF mechanism were found at 24 h after occlusion. Injectable 15O-O2 could be used to reliably estimate oxygen metabolism in an infarction rat model with positron emission tomography.
Experimental study of electron- and ion-beam properties on the BNL electron-beam ion source and comparison with theoretical models
Authors: Pikin A. , Alessi J. G. , Beebe E. N. , Kponou A. , Prelec K.
Published: March 2006

The maximum achievable perveance of the electron beam in the ion trap region and in the electron collector of the BNL Test electron-beam ion source (EBIS) has been measured for different electron-beam currents. These perveances determine the maximum degree of electron-beam retardation in these areas, which limits for the first case the maximum capacity of the ion trap, and for the second case the minimum dissipated power on the electron collector, for a given electron current. The results are compared with the results of optical simulations of the electron beam. In another set of experiments, data on Test EBIS ionization efficiency for different experimental conditions were obtained. These results are presented and compared with calculations based on stepwise ionization assuming 100% ion confinement in the trap. Finally, a series of experimentally measured longitudinal-energy spectra of the extracted ion beam are presented, and will be compared with the calculated energy spread.
The REX-ISOLDE charge breeder as an operational machine
Authors: Wenander F. , Delahaye P. , Scrivens R. , Savreux R. ,   REX-ISOLDE Collaboration
Published: March 2006

The charge breeding system of radioactive beam experiment at ISOLDE (REX-ISOLDE), consisting of a large Penning trap in combination with an electron-beam ion source (EBIS), is now a mature concept after having delivered radioactive beams for postacceleration to a number of experiments for three years. The system, preparing ions prior to injection into a compact linear accelerator, has shown to be versatile in terms of the ion species and energies that can be delivered. During the experimental periods 2004 and 2005 a significant part of the ISOLDE beam time was dedicated to REX-ISOLDE experiments. Ion masses in the range between A=7 and 153 have been handled with record efficiencies. High-intensity as well as very-short-lived isotope beams were proven to be feasible. Continuous injection into the EBIS has also been successfully tested. Two means of suppressing unwanted beam contaminations were tested and are now in use. In addition, the experience gained from the trap-EBIS concept from a machine operational point of view will be discussed and the limitations described.
Optimization of a compact multicusp He+ ion source for double-charge-exchanged He− beam
Authors: Shinto K. , Sugawara H. , Takenaga M. , Takeuchi S. , Tanaka N. , Okamoto A. , Kitajima S. , Sasao M. , Nishiura M. , Wada M.
Published: March 2006

Preliminary test bench results to study the beam quality extracted from a compact multicusp He+ ion source for He− beam production are reported. The bench is a part of the beam diagnostic system equipped with energy analyzers, emittance meters, focusing beam optics, an alkali-metal charge-exchange cell, a neutral particle energy analyzer, a double focusing magnetic momentum analyzer, a postaccelerator, and a drift tube. Utilizing the front end of the bench, the transverse emittance and the energy distribution function of a He+ beam extracted from a multi-line-cusp magnetic-field ion source 8cm in diameter and 9cm in length were measured. The results indicated that improvements in both formation of the plasma meniscus and reinforcement of pumping in the extraction region are necessary to produce a higher brightness He+ beam.
Total efficiency of an isotope-separator-on-line production system based on an electron cyclotron resonance ion source associated with a carbon target: The case of SPIRAL 1
Authors: Jardin P. , Eleon C. , Farabolini W. , Boilley D. , Dubois M. , Gaubert G. , Cornell J. C. , Huet-Equilbec C. , Lecesne N. , Leroy R. , Pacquet J. Y. , Saint Laurent M. G. , Villari A. C. C.
Published: March 2006

An original approach to the time behavior of an isotope-separator-on-line production system is proposed in the case of a production system where the target and the ion source are connected through a conductance much larger than that of the exit hole of the source. One major goal of this article is to derive the analytical expression of the response time of the system for noble gases from statistical parameters only, which can be deduced from a few simple measurements. The validity limits of the expression of the total efficiency are given, and the calculations are compared to the results obtained at GANIL during operation of SPIRAL 1, using a carbon target close coupled to a multicharged electron cyclotron resonance ion source. The final analytical expression for the total efficiency shows that the usual product of diffusion efficiency, effusion efficiency, and ionization efficiency cannot be applied in our case. We show how it is possible to predict the atom-to-ion transformation efficiency for radioactive isotopes of noble gas using response times measured for stable isotopes.
Lattice-Boltzmann simulation of the sedimentation of charged disks
Authors: Capuani Fabrizio , Pagonabarraga Ignacio , Frenkel Daan
Published: March 2006

We report a series of lattice-Boltzmann simulations of the sedimentation velocity of charged disks. In these simulations, we explicitly account for the hydrodynamic and electrostatic forces on disks and on their electrical double layer. By comparing our results with those for spheres with equal surface and charge, we can clarify the effect of the particle shape on the sedimentation process. We find that disks and spheres exhibit a different dependence of the sedimentation velocity on the Debye screening length. An analysis of the behavior of highly charged disks (beyond the scope of the linearized Poisson-Boltzmann equation) shows that, in that regime, the charge dependence of the sedimentation velocity of disks and spheres is similar. This suggests that, at high charge, the effective hydrodynamic shape of the disks becomes more spherical.