bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) mRNA expression in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia: implications for the development of prostate cancer
Authors: Zhigang Zhao , Wenlu Shen
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUND

Prior data clearly demonstrated the expression of prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) mRNA in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) tissues. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine whether PSCA mRNA expression was associated with the presence of cancer in this disease.

METHODS

One hundred seventeen men were diagnosed with isolated PIN on initial prostate biopsy, 51 with low‐grade form (LGPIN), and 66 with high‐grade form (HGPIN). PSCA mRNA expression in initial PIN and subsequent cancer was examined by in situ hybridization (ISH). The differences of the PSCA mRNA expression level between the groups were analyzed by the Chi‐square and Student's t‐test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the predictive performance of PSCA mRNA.

RESULTS

PSCA mRNA expression level in 34 subsequent cancers was statistically increased compared with their paired PIN (P < 0.001), with a Gleason's dependence. HGPIN showed statistically high PSCA mRNA expression compared with LGPIN (P < 0.01). PSCA mRNA expression levels were significantly stronger in the initial isolated LGPIN and isolated HGPIN with subsequent cancer than those without (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that only PSCA mRNA was predictive of the onset of subsequent cancer in patients with isolated LGPIN and in those with isolated HGPIN, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data identify PSCA mRNA in initial PIN as a significant predictor of subsequent cancer, suggesting that PSCA implies in prostatic tumorigenesis and may be used to identify the patients with isolated PIN who are at high risk for cancer onset in the disease process. Prostate 67: 1143–1151, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the wind power rejection in the islands of Crete and Rhodes
Authors: Katsaprakakis Dimitris Al. , Papadakis Nikos , Christakis Dimitris G. , Zervos Arthouros
Published: May 2007

Crete and Rhodes represent the two biggest isolated power systems in Greece. The energy production in both islands is based on thermal power plants. The annual wind energy rejection percentage is calculated for Crete and Rhodes in this paper. The rejected wind energy is defined as the electric energy produced by the wind turbines and not absorbed by the utility network, mainly due to power production system's stability and dynamic security reasons. A parametric calculation of the annual wind energy rejection percentage, in terms of the installed wind power, the power demand and the maximum allowed wind power instant penetration percentage, is accomplished. The methodology takes into account (i) the wind power penetration probability, restricted by the thermal generators technical minima and the maximum allowed wind power instant penetration percentage over the instant power demand; and (ii) the wind power production probability, derived by the islands' wind potential. The present paper indicates that isolated power systems which are based on thermal power plants have a limited wind power installation capacity—in order to achieve and maintain an adequate level of system stability. For a maximum wind power instant penetration percentage of 30% of the power demand, in order to ensure an annual wind energy rejection percentage less than 10%, the total installed wind power should not exceed the 40% of the mean annual power demand. The results of this paper are applicable to medium and great size isolated power systems, with particular features: (i) the power production is based on thermal power plants; (ii) the power demand exhibits intensive seasonal variations and is uncorrelated to the wind data; (iii) the mean annual power demand is greater than 10MW; and (iv) a high wind potential, presenting mean annual wind velocity values greater than 7·5ms−1, is recorded. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley &Sons, Ltd.
Landscape structure affects food quality of sika deer (Cervus nippon) evidenced by fecal nitrogen levels
Authors: Miyashita Tadashi , Suzuki Maki , Takada Mayura , Fujita Go , Ochiai Keiji , Asada Masahiko
Published: May 2007

Evaluating the quality of wildlife habitat is essential for understanding and predicting population dynamics in heterogeneous environments. We used fecal nitrogen levels as an indicator of habitat quality of sika deer (Cervus nippon) and explored important landscape elements influencing nitrogen levels, taking deer density into account. We established 92 plots differing in deer density and landscape structure on the Boso Peninsula, central Japan, and collected fecal samples along a 1‐km transect at each plot. The regression models involving two independent variables, i.e., deer density and the length of forest edge within an area of 100 or 200 m from the transect, were selected based on the Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC). Levels of fecal nitrogen were positively correlated with the length of the forest edge and negatively correlated with population density of deer. The area of 100 or 200 m from the transect most likely reflected the behavioral scale of the deer. Coverage of palatable understory vegetation increased with proximity to forest edge and decreased with deer density. Variability in the level of fecal nitrogen could thus be explained by food availability in the landscape. These results suggest that landscape alterations increase the carrying capacity of sika deer and thereby increase impacts upon the ecosystem.
Sunflower‐Oil Wax Reduction by Seed Solvent Washing
Authors: Baümler Erica R. , Crapiste Guillermo H. , Carelli Amalia A.
Published: May 2007

Wax distribution in sunflower seeds was determined by capillary‐gas chromatography, as well as both the wax composition in sunflower oils obtained from washed seeds and the wax composition in the solvent extracts. The dehulling efficiency was evaluated by using a laboratory centrifugal process. The washing effect on hull morphology and on wax distribution was observed by scanning‐electron microscopy. Washing preferentially removed the crystallized fraction, hexane being the most effective solvent. Short contact times (20 s) at 25–40 °C were sufficient to extract the insoluble waxes by hexane washing. The extracted material consisted of C40–C54 waxes with higher percentages of extracted C44, C46 and C48. These are superficially in the hull of sunflower seed presenting a non‐uniform distribution as observed by microscopy. Solvent washing with pre‐heating of the seeds caused a decrease in sample moisture content, which reduced dehulling ability. Ethanol‐washed seeds were the easiest to dehull, but higher production of fines was also observed. Solvent washing improves both the dehulling‐seed ability increment and the recovery of sunflower waxes as a by‐product for commercial use.
Samuel Morland and his calculating machines c.1666: the early career of a courtier–inventor in Restoration London
Authors: RATCLIFF J. R.
Published: May 2007

This paper presents the story of two calculating machines invented by Sir Samuel Morland (1625–95) in the 1660s. These instruments are the earliest known mechanical calculators made in England. Their designs are unusual and very much of their time. They appealed to some, especially at court, and were dismissed by others, such as Robert Hooke. The first part of the paper introduces Morland and the courtier–inventor's world, in which a reputation as a ‘machinist’ or an engineer could accompany high social status. It considers why a former diplomat and postal spy would turn to invention in general and to mechanical calculators in particular as a career move in the Restoration court. The second part addresses the instruments – attention to their design reveals Morland's inspiration. The paper concludes with an examination of the market for the calculators in London, Paris and Florence. While it is notable that the calculators circulated both in court and in the commercial sphere, even more interesting is the contrast between their receptions in these two spheres. The story of these machines and their maker helps flesh out the poorly understood world of the courtier–inventor in early modern England.
Lampreys, lungfish and elasmobranchs: Cambridge zoology and the politics of animal selection
Authors: BLACKMAN HELEN
Published: May 2007

The Cambridge school of animal morphology dominated British zoology in the late nineteenth century. Historians have argued that they were very successful until the death of their leader F. M. Balfour in 1882, when the school all but died with him. This paper argues that their initial success came about because their work fitted well with the university in the 1870s and 1880s. They attempted to trace evolutionary trees by studying individual development. To do this they needed access to species they considered primitive. Balfour made use of his social networks to aid the school and to collect the specimens they needed for their work. The school has been portrayed as failing in the 1890s when students rejected dry laboratory-bound studies. However, a new generation of researchers who followed Balfour had to travel extensively if they were to obtain the organisms they needed. International travel was popular amongst zoologists and the Cambridge school developed their own extensive networks. A new breed of adventurer–zoologists arose, but because of the school's tenuous position within the university they were unable to equal Balfour's success.
The vein of Labbe masquerading as an epidural abscess
Authors: Kraus M , Shelef I , Niv A , Kaplan D M
Published: May 2007

The occipitotemporal vein (OTV) courses over the temporal lobe, connecting the superficial middle cerebral vein and the transverse sinus. This vein is rarely identifiable on computerized tomography (CT) scans and a large amount of contrast is needed to identify such a relatively small vessel. We present a 12-month-old male with acute coalescent mastoiditis and a subperiosteal abscess. An epidural abscess was suspected on pre-operative CT scan. No abscess was found on surgery. Based on the surgical finding, we determined that this misdiagnosis was due to a vascular variant, the occipitotemporal vein (vein of Labbe) that masqueraded as an abcess on the CT scan. Recognition of the vein of Labbe on CT scan is therefore essential for the appropriate management of otological and neurotological disease.
Malignant triton tumour of the parapharyngeal space: a case arising from the cervical sympathetic nerve
Authors: Yang B-B , Jiang H , Chang H-Y
Published: May 2007

Background:

Malignant triton tumour is a relatively rare, aggressive sarcoma comprising both malignant schwannoma cells and malignant rhabdomyoblasts. Malignant triton tumour of the parapharyngeal space is exceptionally rare, with only one case being described in the literature. Malignant triton tumour of the cervical sympathetic nerve has not previously been reported.

Methods:

We report a case involving the parapharyngeal space and arising from the cervical sympathetic nerve, and we review the management and outcome of the previous case reported in this rare location.

Conclusions:

The parapharyngeal space is a unique location. Owing to this specific localisation, adjuvant therapy in addition to complete resection may be important in the treatment of malignant triton tumour in this rare location.
The Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma system: a new classification of allergic rhinitis and nasal responsiveness
Authors: Sheahan P , McConn-Walsh R , Walsh M , Costello R W
Published: May 2007

Objectives and hypothesis:

Allergic rhinitis has traditionally been classified into seasonal and perennial rhinitis. However, many subjects with dual sensitisation do not fit neatly into either category. Recently, the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma workshop has proposed a new allergic rhinitis classification, into intermittent and persistent forms. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether the symptomatic and secretory responsiveness of allergic rhinitis sufferers correlated well with the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma classification, compared with the traditional classification.

Study design:

Experimental study.

Methods:

Forty subjects with allergic rhinitis and 13 normal controls underwent a unilateral nasal bradykinin challenge protocol. Symptom scores were recorded and secretion weights measured bilaterally using filter paper disks. The symptomatic and secretory responses of allergic subjects were analysed according to both the traditional and the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma classifications, and the two systems were compared.

Results:

For both classification systems, the two groups of allergic subjects were clearly demarcated by secretory responses. However, after classification according to the traditional system, there was a lack of clear demarcation between the groups as regards symptomatic response, whereas clear demarcation of symptomatic responses was seen after using the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma classification.

Conclusions:

In allergic rhinitis subjects, the degree of nasal responsiveness was closely related to their Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma classification. Furthermore, this classification was not compromised by the inclusion of subjects with dual sensitisation. Thus, the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma classification may have advantages for future research studies on allergic rhinitis.
‘Paper protection’ mechanisms: child soldiers and the international protection of children in Africa's conflict zones
Authors: Francis David J.
Published: May 2007

The arrest and prosecution in March 2006 of the former Liberian warlord-President Charles Taylor by the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone, for war crimes including the recruitment and use of child soldiers, and the arrest and prosecution of the Congolese warlord, Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, by the International Criminal Court, accused of enlisting child soldiers in the DRC war, have raised expectations that finally international conventions and customary international laws protecting children in conflict zones will now have enforcement powers. But why has it taken so long to protect children in conflict situations despite the volume of international treaties and conventions? What do we know about the phenomenon of child soldiering, and why are children still routinely recruited and used in Africa's bloody wars? This article argues that against the background of unfolding events relating to prosecution for enlistment of child soldiers, the international community is beginning to wake up to the challenge of enforcing its numerous ‘paper protection’ instruments for the protection of children. However, a range of challenges still pose serious threats to the implementation and enforcement of the international conventions protecting children. Extensive research fieldwork in Liberia and Sierra Leone over three years reveals that the application of the restrictive and Western-centric definition and construction of a ‘child’ and ‘childhood’ raises inherent difficulties in the African context. In addition, most war-torn and post-conflict African societies are faced with the challenge of incorporating international customary laws into their domestic laws. The failure of the international community to enforce its standards on child soldiers also has to do with the politics of ratification of international treaties, in particular the fear by African governments of setting dangerous precedents, since they are also culpable of recruitment and use of child soldiers.
A new decay channel for compressional Alfvén waves in plasmas
Authors: BRODIN G. , SHUKLA P. K. , STENFLO L.
Published: May 2007

We present a new efficient wave decay channel involving nonlinear interactions between a compressional Alfvén wave, a kinetic Alfvén wave, and a modified ion sound wave in a magnetized plasma. It is found that the wave coupling strength of the ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) theory is much increased when the effects due to the Hall current are included in a Hall–MHD description of wave–wave interactions. In particular, with a compressional Alfvén pump wave well described by the ideal MHD theory, we find that the growth rate is very high when the decay products have wavelengths of the order of the ion thermal gyroradius or shorter, in which case they must be described by the Hall–MHD equations. The significance of our results to the heating of space and laboratory plasmas as well as for the Solar corona and interstellar media are highlighted.
Religious involvement and depressive symptoms in primary care elders
Authors: KING D. A. , LYNESS J. M. , DUBERSTEIN P. R. , HE H. , TU X. M. , SEABURN D. B.
Published: May 2007

Background

Multiple lines of evidence indicate relationships between religious involvement and depression, although the specific nature of the relationships is yet to be clarified. Moreover, there appear to be no well controlled longitudinal studies to date examining this issue in primary care elders.

Method

The authors assessed the linear and non-linear relationships between three commonly identified types of religious involvement and observer-rated depressive symptoms in 709 primary care elders assessed at baseline and 1-year follow-up.

Results

Cross-sectional analyses revealed a curvilinear, U-shaped association between depressive symptoms and organizational religious activity, an inverse linear relationship of depressive symptoms with private religious involvement, and a positive relationship of depressive symptoms with intrinsic religiosity. Longitudinal analyses revealed a U-shaped association between depressive symptoms and private religious involvement, such that those reporting moderate levels of private religiosity at baseline evidenced lower levels of depressive symptoms at 1-year follow-up than those reporting either high or low levels of private religious activity.

Conclusions

The relationships between religious involvement and depression in primary care elders are complex and dependent on the type of religiosity measured. The authors found the strongest evidence for an association of non-organizational, private religious involvement and the severity of depressive symptoms, although further study is warranted using carefully controlled longitudinal designs that test for both linear and curvilinear relationships.
A tractable typed feature structure grammar for Mainland Scandinavian
Authors: Søgaard Anders , Haugereid Petter
Published: May 2007

This article presents a typed feature structure grammar formalism for Mainland Scandinavian which outperforms existing grammars in several respects: it is multilingual and captures dialectal variation and many typological facts, and it is computationally efficient. Our reference point is the grammar formalism of Underwood (1997). It is proven that Underwood's formalism is intractable. Our formalism improves on this result, i.e. it is decidable in polynomial time. The article covers the phenomena covered in Underwood (1997) and non-local dependencies.
Is the adapted Radimer/Cornell questionnaire valid to measure food insecurity of urban households in Tehran, Iran?
Authors: Zerafati_Shoae Nahid , Omidvar Nasrin , Ghazi-Tabatabaie Mahmood , Houshiar_Rad Anahita , Fallah Hajieh , Mehrabi Yadollah
Published: May 2007

Objective

To assess the validity of the adapted Radimer/Cornell questionnaire to measure food insecurity in low-income urban households in Tehran, the capital of Iran.

Design

The Radimer/Cornell questionnaire was modified and used to assess the applicability, validity and reliability of such a measure in a culturally different context of urban households in Tehran. Factor analysis and Cronbach's α were used to assess validity and reliability, respectively. Socio-economic characteristics and food consumption frequency of the household were used to assess the criterion validity of the questionnaire.

Setting

District 20 of Tehran.

Subjects

A sample of 250 Iranian nuclear households with at least one child aged 1–18 years and a non-pregnant, non-lactating woman of reproductive age, selected through a multistage random sampling method.

Results

Three scales, labelled as household, individual and child hunger, were extracted through factor analysis using varimax rotation. Internal consistency of the scales was 0.897, 0.820 and 0.796, respectively. Individual insecurity and child hunger were inversely correlated with monthly per capita income, father's education, mother's education and father's occupational status, and positively correlated with household size, as expected. However, household insecurity did not follow the same pattern. Consumption frequency of fruits, vegetables, dairy, red meat and rice declined as food insecurity status worsened, while bread and potato consumption increased.

Conclusion

The results show that a modified version of the Radimer/Cornell questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument to measure household food insecurity in a culturally different context. However, further modifications seem necessary to measure food insecurity at household level. Results lend support to the utility and applicability of experience-based measures in varying cultural communities.
ANCA-associated vasculitis: Diagnosis, clinical characteristics and treatment
Authors: Haubitz
Published: May 2007

The primary systemic vasculitides are a group of diseases characterized by an inflammatory process of the vessel walls and classified according to the smallest vessels involved. Small vessel vasculitides comprise the largest subgroup divided into diseases with a pauci-immune vasculitis and ANCA and diseases with deposition of immunoglobulin without ANCA. ANCA-associated systemic vasculitides include Wegener’s granulomatosis, microscopic polyangiitis comprising renal-limited vasculitis and Churg-Strauss syndrome. Diagnosis is based on clinical manifestation, ANCA-testing and histology. Beside the role of ANCA as a diagnostic marker many studies and animal models have focused on the pathogenic role. The treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis has changed from a standardized "Fauci-protocol" to an individualized less toxic strategy taking into consideration disease severity, organ manifestation, age of the patient and individual risk factors (e.g. increased bone marrow toxicity in patients with renal insufficiency). For remission induction patients are sub-grouped according to limited or generalized disease with moderate or severe renal involvement. Thus cyclophosphamide is only used in patients with generalized disease or – regarding Churg-Strauss-syndrome – patients with risk factors. For maintenance of remission azathioprine should be used in most of the patients.
Determination of urban volatile organic compound emission ratios and comparison with an emissions database
Authors: Warneke C. , McKeen S. A. , de Gouw J. A. , Goldan P. D. , Kuster W. C. , Holloway J. S. , Williams E. J. , Lerner B. M. , Parrish D. D. , Trainer M. , Fehsenfeld F. C. , Kato S. , Atlas E. L. , Baker A. , Blake D. R.
Published: May 2007

During the NEAQS‐ITCT2k4 campaign in New England, anthropogenic VOCs and CO were measured downwind from New York City and Boston. The emission ratios of VOCs relative to CO and acetylene were calculated using a method in which the ratio of a VOC with acetylene is plotted versus the photochemical age. The intercept at the photochemical age of zero gives the emission ratio. The so determined emission ratios were compared to other measurement sets, including data from the same location in 2002, canister samples collected inside New York City and Boston, aircraft measurements from Los Angeles in 2002, and the average urban composition of 39 U.S. cities. All the measurements generally agree within a factor of two. The measured emission ratios also agree for most compounds within a factor of two with vehicle exhaust data indicating that a major source of VOCs in urban areas is automobiles. A comparison with an anthropogenic emission database shows less agreement. Especially large discrepancies were found for the C2‐C4 alkanes and most oxygenated species. As an example, the database overestimated toluene by almost a factor of three, which caused an air quality forecast model (WRF‐CHEM) using this database to overpredict the toluene mixing ratio by a factor of 2.5 as well. On the other hand, the overall reactivity of the measured species and the reactivity of the same compounds in the emission database were found to agree within 30%.
Transport and Helfand moments in the Lennard-Jones fluid. II. Thermal conductivity
Authors: Viscardy S. , Servantie J. , Gaspard P.
Published: May 2007

The thermal conductivity is calculated with the Helfand-moment method in the Lennard-Jones fluid near the triple point. The Helfand moment of thermal conductivity is here derived for molecular dynamics with periodic boundary conditions. Thermal conductivity is given by a generalized Einstein relation with this Helfand moment. The authors compute thermal conductivity by this new method and compare it with their own values obtained by the standard Green-Kubo method. The agreement is excellent.
Magnetic phase diagram of Nd0.5Ca0.5−ySryMnO3
Authors: Kumary T. Geetha , Cheng S. L. , Lin J. G. , Chiang Wen-C.
Published: May 2007

The phase diagram obtained for Nd0.5Ca0.5−ySryMnO3 from the temperature dependent magnetization and electron spin resonance measurements are presented in this paper. It is found from magnetization measurements that y=0.25 is a critical point where a magnetic transformation occurs, accompanied by a nonmonotonic variation in the c lattice parameter. Below a certain transition temperature, compounds with y<0.25 exhibit charge ordering and those with y≥0.25 show ferromagnetic ordering. An antiferromagnetic transition occurs for y=0 at still lower temperatures whereas a phase separation into antiferromagnetically and ferromagnetically ordered states occurs for 00.
The effect of thermal annealing on photoelectrochemical responses of WO3 thin films
Authors: Ahn Kwang-Soon , Lee Se-Hee , Dillon Anne C. , Tracy C. Edwin , Pitts Roland
Published: May 2007

The photoelectrochemical responses of WO3 thin films have been investigated as a function of annealing temperature up to 600 °C. WO3 films were deposited on unheated substrates by thermal evaporation followed by annealing at temperatures of 300, 500, and 600 °C for 5 h in air. The WO3 film annealed at 500 °C shows the best photoelectrochemical response due to improved crystallinity and enhanced light absorption in the long-wavelength region. Although the WO3 film annealed at 600 °C exhibits better crystallinity and increased light absorption properties, it shows a decreased photoelectrochemical response in comparison to the one annealed at 500 °C. These results strongly suggests that the reduced amount of electrochemical reaction sites for the film annealed at 600 °C film plays a significant role in influencing the decreased photoresponse.
Asymmetric intermixing in a Co–Al thin film system: An investigation using coaxial impact collision ion scattering spectroscopy
Authors: Hwang H. M. , Park J. Y. , Jung S. K. , Lee J. , Whang C. N. , Kim S.-P. , Lee S.-C. , Lee K.-R. , Chung Y.-C.
Published: May 2007

Surface structure evolution during atomic deposition in a Co–Al system was investigated using coaxial impact collision ion scattering spectroscopy (CAICISS). Half monolayer of Al and Co atoms were deposited on Co(0001) and Al(001) single crystal surfaces, respectively, in an ultrahigh-vacuum environment. CAICISS analysis of the deposited surface revealed an asymmetric interfacial reaction, as predicted by previous molecular dynamics simulations. Al atoms deposited on a Co substrate are placed on the surface with no interatomic intermixing. In contrast, significant surface intermixing with the deposited Co atoms occurs on the Al(001) substrate, resulting in the formation of a CoAl intermetallic surface layer of B2 structure. These asymmetric features would be important to the understanding of the structural evolution of thin film multilayers.
Composition fluctuations, chemical exchange, and nuclear relaxation in membranes containing cholesterol
Authors: Radhakrishnan Arun , McConnell Harden
Published: May 2007

A thermodynamic model of cholesterol-phospholipid complexes is used as a starting point for calculating fluctuations in membranes containing cholesterol and phospholipids. The calculations describe fluctuations in the concentration of complexes formed between cholesterol and phospholipids with longer saturated fatty acid chains. The fluctuations in complex concentrations arise by two distinct mechanisms. In one, the chemical composition of the sample varies from point to point, and the concentration of the complexes varies according to local chemical equilibrium. In the second, the composition remains fixed, and the complexes form and dissociate according to chemical reaction kinetics. In both cases the nuclear resonance frequency of a deuterium labeled phospholipid undergoes fluctuations and line broadening as a consequence of the formation and dissociation of complexes. For a specific ternary lipid mixture at its critical composition, deuterium nuclear resonance line broadening of chain labeled phospholipids is calculated for temperatures up to 10°–20° above the miscibility critical temperature. This line broadening is associated with fluctuations in the degree of phospholipid chain ordering related to the formation and dissociation of complexes.
Boundary lubricant films under shear: Effect of roughness and adhesion
Authors: Drummond C. , Rodríguez-Hernández J. , Lecommandoux S. , Richetti P.
Published: May 2007

The normal interaction and the behavior under shear of mica surfaces covered by two different triblock copolymers of polylysine-polydimethysiloxane-polylysine were studied by combining the capabilities of the surface forces apparatus and the atomic force microscopy. At low pH values these copolymers spontaneously adsorb on the negatively charged mica surfaces from aqueous solutions as a consequence of the positive charge of the polylysine moieties. The morphology of the adsorbed layer is determined by the molecular structure of the particular copolymer investigated. This morphology plays a fundamental role on the behavior of the adsorbed layers under shear and compression. While nonadhesive smooth layers oppose an extremely small resistance to sliding, the presence of asperities even at the nanometric scale originates a frictional resistance to the motion. The behavior of uniform nonadhesive nanorough surfaces under shear can be quantitatively understood in terms of a simple multistable thermally activated junction model. The electric charge of the adsorbed copolymer molecules and hence the adhesion energy between the coated surfaces can be modified by varying the pH of the surrounding media. In the presence of an adhesive interaction between the surfaces the behavior under shear is strongly modified. Time-dependent mechanisms of energy dissipation have to be evoked in order to explain the changes observed.
Highly absorbing gadolinium test device to characterize the performance of neutron imaging detector systems
Authors: Grünzweig C. , Frei G. , Lehmann E. , Kühne G. , David C.
Published: May 2007

We report on the fabrication and application of a novel neutron imaging test device made of gadolinium. It is designed for a real time evaluation of the spatial resolution, resolution direction, and distortions of a neutron imaging detector system. Measurements of the spatial resolution of Li6F doped ZnS scintillator screens with different thicknesses and of imaging plates were performed. The obtained results are in good agreement with comparison measurements using the standard knife edge detection method.
Ferroelectric BaTiO3 thin films on Ni metal tapes using NiO as buffer layer
Authors: Yuan Z. , Liu J. , Weaver J. , Chen C. L. , Jiang J. C. , Lin B. , Giurgiutiu V. , Bhalla A. , Guo R. Y.
Published: May 2007

Ferroelectric BaTiO3 (BTO) thin films were deposited on NiO buffered polycrystalline Ni tapes by pulsed laser deposition. Microstructural studies by x-ray diffractometer and transmission electron microscopy reveal that the as-grown BTO films have the nanopillar structures with an average size of approximately 80nm in diameter and the good interface structures with no interdiffusion or reaction. The dielectric and ferroelectric property measurements exhibit that the BTO films have a relatively large dielectric constant, a small dielectric loss, and an extremely large piezoelectric response with a symmetric hysteresis loop. These excellent properties indicate that the as-fabricated BTO films are promising for the development of the structural health monitoring systems.
High contrast polarization sensitive quantum well infrared photodetectors
Authors: Antoni Thomas , Nedelcu Alexandru , Marcadet Xavier , Facoetti Hugues , Berger Vincent
Published: May 2007

The responsivity of polarization sensitive quantum well infrared photodetectors with small pixel size (down to 20μm) is investigated. It is shown that pixels suitable for integration into very large focal plane arrays (1000×1000) can discriminate the polarization of the incoming signal. A responsivity contrast higher than 60% is obtained although the grating size is reduced to only six periods. The quantum efficiency and polarimetric capabilities can be both optimized with the same grating parameters.
Electro-optic properties of a homeotropic liquid crystal cell with 90° surface rubbings and a reverse-handed chiral dopant
Authors: Lee Ju-Hyun , Ge Zhibing , Wu Shin-Tson
Published: May 2007

The electro-optic properties of a 90° twisted-homeotropic liquid crystal (LC) cell with a chiral dopant whose handedness is opposite to the LC twist are studied. In the voltage-off state, the LC directors exhibit a homeotropic alignment. However, in the intermediate voltage state, the bulk LC directors behave like a homogeneous alignment due to the balanced torques between the electric field, surface anchoring, and reversed chiral dopant. Potential applications of this mode for liquid crystal displays, especially for dual-cell-gap transflective liquid crystal displays, are emphasized.
Direct Democracy Matters for Economic Performance: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Feld Lars P. , Savioz Marcel R.
Published: May 2007

Since the sixties, the discussion whether democracy is a precondition for or a result of economic growth has not yet been finished. In this paper a comparative institutional analysis of the relative performance of direct and representative democratic decision making in the Swiss economy is undertaken using a cross section of the 26 Swiss states in 1989 and pooled cross section time series data for the states from 1982 to 1993. The empirical results and robustness tests support the hypothesis that the stronger control of the representatives by the voters due to obligatory and optional referenda leads to better economic performance.

Seit den sechziger Jahren diskutieren Sozialwissenschaftler darüber, welche Auswirkungen De‐mokiatie auf das wirtschaftliche Wachstum eines Landes hat. In diesem Aufsatz wird der Einfluss direkt‐ und repräsentativ‐demokratischer Entscheidungsprozesse in einer vergleichenden institutionellen Analyse unter Verwendung von kantonalen Querschnittsdaten für 1989 und gepoolten Querschnitts‐ und Zeitreihendaten für den Zeitraum von 1982 bis 1993 untersucht. Die empirischen Ergebnisse und unterschiedliche Robustheitstests stützen die Hypothese, dass die stärkere Kontrolle der Repräsentanten durch die Stimmbürger mit Hilfe von obligatorischen und fakultativen Referenden zu einer relativ besseren wirtschaftlichen Leistungsfähigkeit führt.

La question de savoir si les institutions démocratiques ont un effet positif ou negatif sur le développement économique est discutée depuis les années soixante à soixante‐dix. La présente étude économétrique compare l'effet de différents types d'institutions démocratiques (démocratic représentative et directe) sur le développement économique. A cette fin nous analysons le niveau de développement économique des cantons suisses en fonction de leurs institutions politiques. Les résultats empiriques, qui se révèlent robustes dans différents tests, appuient l'hypothèse qu'un contrǒle plus étroit des élus par le référendum facultatif ou obligatoire conduit à une plus grande performance économique.
Seigniorage and the Transfer of Central Bank Profits to the Government
Authors: Baltensperger Ernst , Jordan Thomas J.
Published: May 2007

This paper reconsiders different questions related to the transfer of central bank profits to the government. We arrive at three main conclusions: I) The extent to which central bank profits are transferred is irrelevant, economically speaking, as long as fiscal spending is independent of the size of the transfers; 2) The asset structure should reflect the needs of the central bank to ensure the credibility of its money. Portfolio return is of secondaly importance; 3) In order to minimize the spending response of the fiscal authority, transfers of central bank profits should evolve at a constant rate which reflects an average of previous profits.

In diesem Aufsatz werden verschiedene Fragen im Zusammenhang mit der Überweisung von Zentralbankgewinnen an die Fiskalbehörde diskutiert. Es können drei Hauptschlussfolgerungen gezogen werden: I) Das Ausmasq der Gewinnüberweisung ist irrelevant, solange das Ausgabever‐halten der Fiskalbehörde davon unabhängig ist: 2) Die Aktivenstruktur sollte dem Bedürfnis der Zentralbank dienen, die Glaubwüdigkeit ihres Geldes zu garantieren. Die Rentabilität hat eine zweitrangige Bedeutung; 3) Um die Reaktion des Ausgabeverhaltens der Fiskalbehörde zu mini‐mieren, sollten die Überweisungen uber längere Zeit konstant gehalten werden und einem Durchschnitt aus früheren Gewinnen entsprechen.

Cet article considi‐re des questions différentes concernant le transfert des bénéfices de la banque centrale au gouvernement. II y a trois conclusions principales: I) L'étendue des bénétkes transférés n'a pas d'importance si les dépenses fiscales n'en dépendent pas: 2) La structure des actifs devrait retléter le besoin de la banque centrale d'assurer la crédibilité de sa monnaie. La rentabilité n'a qu'une importance secondaire; 3) Pour réduire I'augmentation des dépenses du gouvernement, le transfert des bénéfices de la banque centrale devrait évoluer d'une façon constante et refléter la moyenne des bénéfices précédents
Monetary Policy Implications of Digital Money
Authors: Berentsen Aleksander
Published: May 2007

The term digital money refers to various proposed electronic payment mechanisms designed to use by consumers to make retail payments. These mechanism are based either on wart cards or on network money. Smart cards could potentially replace currency as the predominant means to pay for retail purchases. Software‐based digital money products (network money) bring cheap electronic funds transfers to individuals and small firms. This paper examines how digital money affects the demand for money and how this process, in turn, affects the demand for reserves, monetary control, and the monetary transmission mechanism.

ZUSAMMENFASSGNG

Der Begriff ‘Digitales Geld’ bezieht sich auf verschiedene Vorschläge fur elektronische Zahlung‐ssysteme, die von den Konsuinenten zur Bezahlung von Einkäufen im Einzelhandel verwendet werden können. Diese Zahlungssysteme basieren entweder auf ‘smart cards’ oder auf ‘Netzwerk‐geld’. Smart cards können möglicherweise Bargeld als vorherrschendes Zahlungsmittel im Einzelhandel ersetzen. Software‐basierte digitale Geldprodukte (Netzwerkgeld) ermöglichen demgegenüber einen billigen Transfer von Geld an Einzelpersonen und kleine Unternehmen. Dieses Papier untersucht, wie digitales Geld die Geldnachfrage beeinflusst und welche Auswirkungen dies wiederum auf die Nachfrage nach Reserven. die Kontrolle der Geldmenge und die montären Transmissionsinechanisinen hat.

Le terme monnaie digitale se refère à différents méchanismes de payment, ayant été proposées pour étre utilisés par les consomateurs pour effectuer leurs payments quotidiens. Ces méchanismens sont basés sur le principe de la ‘smart card’ ou du ‘network money’. Les ‘smart cards’ pourraient remplacer la inonnaie comme méchanism de payment prédominant pour I'achat quotidien. Par contre, le ‘network money’, monnaie digitale basée sur des logiciels, apporte une méthode peu coǔteuse pour les personnes particulières et les petites entreprises pour effectuer leurs transfers monétaires. Cet article examine comment la monnaie digitale influence la demande de la monnaie, et comment ce processus influence la demande pour les reserves monétaires, le contrǒle monétaire. ainsi que les méchanisines de transfers monétaires.
Haemodynamic changes and heart rate variability during midazolam‐propofol co‐induction*
Authors: Win Ni Ni , Kohase H. , Yoshikawa F. , Wakita R. , Takahashi M. , Kondo N. , Ushito D. , Umino M.
Published: May 2007

In a prospective, blind, randomised study, we examined the effects of midazolam‐propofol co‐induction on haemodynamic (blood pressure, heart rate and stroke volume) and heart rate variability. The latter was measured by spectral analysis using the maximum‐entropy method to calculate the following: the low frequency component (LF), which reflects both the cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, the high frequency component (HF) and entropy, which reflects the cardiac parasympathetic activity, the total power (TP), calculated by the addition of LF and HF, and the LF/HF ratio, which reflects the balance between the cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous activity. Forty patients were randomly allocated to the propofol group and the midazolam‐propofol group, and the parameters described above were calculated at baseline (T1), post induction (T2), after tracheal intubation (T3), and 3 min (T4) and 5 min after intuba‐tion (T5). Propofol was administered at 2.5 mg.kg−1 in the propofol group and midazolam at 0.1 mg.kg−1 followed by propofol at 1.5 mg.kg−1 in the midazolam‐propofol group for anaesthesia induction. Then, propofol was administered at 4–6 mg.kg−1propofol for maintenance in both groups. The midazolam‐propofol group showed compensated haemodynamic changes, which were related to significant increases in the LF/HF ratio at T2, T4 and T5 (p = 0.011, 0.038 and 0.034). These results suggest that the midazolam‐propofol combination yielded compensated modulatory effects on the cardiovascular system, including preserved baroreflex activity.
Bilateral intra‐oral, infra‐orbital nerve block for postoperative analgesia following cleft lip repair in paediatric patients: comparison of bupivacaine vs bupivacaine–pethidine combination
Authors: Jonnavithula N. , Durga P. , Kulkarni D. K. , Ramachandran G.
Published: May 2007

This prospective, randomised, double blind study compared the efficacy of pethidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine with the efficacy of bupivacaine alone for infra‐orbital nerve block in alleviating postoperative pain in children undergoing cleft lip repair. Forty paediatric patients aged between 5 and 60 months undergoing cleft lip repair were randomly allocated to two groups of 20. After tracheal intubation, group B received bilateral intra‐oral, infra‐orbital nerve block with 1 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine on each side and group P received 1 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine along with 0.25 mg.kg−1 body weight pethidine. Sedation after recovery from anaesthesia was assessed using the University of Michigan Sedation Scale (UMSS) and pain was assessed postoperatively up to 36 h using the FLACC scale (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability). The median (IQR) duration of analgesia from the time of administration of block in group B was 18 h (14.2–20) compared to 29.1 h (24–36) in group P (p = 0.001). Addition of pethidine as an adjunct to local anaesthetic significantly prolonged the duration of postoperative analgesia without any adverse effects.
Airway topicalisation in morbidly obese patients using atomised lidocaine: 2% compared with 4%*
Authors: Wieczorek P. M. , Schricker T. , Vinet B. , Backman S. B.
Published: May 2007

We evaluated the technique of airway anaesthesia using atomised lidocaine for awake oral fibreoptic intubation in morbidly obese patients using two doses of local anaesthetic. Morbidly obese patients were allocated to receive either 2% or 4% lidocaine (40 ml) for oral airway anaesthesia using an atomiser with high oxygen flow. Patients were carefully sedated using midazolam and fentanyl. Outcomes included patient tolerance to airway manipulation, haemodynamic parameters, and serial plasma lidocaine concentrations. In all, 27 patients were enrolled in the study (2% cohort n = 14, 4% cohort n = 13). Patient characteristics and time for topicalisation and airway management were similar. Haemodynamic parameters did not change significantly. Tolerance to insertion of the Ovassapian airway, bronchoscopy, and tracheal tube positioning was excellent (12 vs 12 patients, 12 vs 12 patients, and 8 vs 12 patients had no response, respectively, 2% vs 4%). Differences did not reach statistical significance. Peak plasma lidocaine concentration was significantly lower in the 2% group (2.8 (0.8) μg.ml−1 compared with 6.5 (1.0) μg.ml−1, p < 0.05). Airway anaesthesia using atomised lidocaine for awake fibreoptic intubation in the morbidly obese is efficacious, rapid, and safe. Compared with 4% lidocaine, the 2% dose provides acceptable intubating conditions in most cases and produces lower plasma lidocaine levels.
Differential cell size optimization strategies produce distinct diatom richness–body size relationships in stream benthos and plankton
Authors: PASSY SOPHIA I.
Published: May 2007

The relationship between species richness and body size is one of the most thoroughly studied subjects in animal ecology; however, this relationship and its underlying mechanisms are largely unknown in photosynthetic organisms, especially protists.

In this continental study, I first examined the number of diatom species across the cell size spectrum in benthic and planktonic stream habitats. The relationship was right‐skewed unimodal and was significantly different between the benthos and the plankton; larger sizes were more speciose in the benthos, and smaller sizes in the plankton. The species richness peaks were explained with allometric trade‐offs between maximum nutrient uptake rate and dispersal in the benthos but maximum nutrient uptake rate and sinking resistance in the phytoplankton.

I also explored the cell size similarity among species and across environments. Small diatoms were significantly more similar in size than large diatoms, and benthic diatoms were significantly more similar than planktonic diatoms.

This is the first continental study on the richness–body size relationship in algae, which suggests that the environmental differences between benthic and planktonic habitats generated allometric trade‐offs that have driven the cell size optimization towards larger species in the benthos but smaller in the plankton. The patterns of cell size similarity revealed a higher niche overlap in the benthos than in the phytoplankton and among small species than among large species. These findings indicate that interspecific competition in stream diatoms, which is a function of niche differentiation, is habitat‐specific and inversely related to cell size.