bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved statistical seasonal forecasts using extended training data
Authors: Wilks Daniel S.
Published: January 2008

Statistical seasonal forecasts for gridded North American temperatures are computed using Pacific sea‐surface temperature predictors, comparing long (1880 through most recent year) and short (1950 through most recent year) training samples. Use of the longer training series substantially improves the forecasts in winter, and improves forecasts for the longer lead times in other seasons, even though the older reconstructed predictor fields are based on less complete and presumably less reliable information. Forecasts made using canonical correlation analysis and maximum covariance analysis (MCA) perform similarly overall, although the best forecasts in winter are achieved with MCA forecasts that also include a predictor representing the warming trend in recent years. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Macromol. Mater. Eng. 1/2008
Authors: Meier Johann G. , Klüppel Manfred
Published: January 2008

Cover: The morphological structure of carbon black networks in elastomers and their flocculation dynamics under heat treatment and especially during vulcanization are analyzed by dynamic mechanical and dielectric spectroscopy. The development of two relaxation processes is observed that are related to a cluster‐ and a gap process, respectively. Further details can be found in the article by J. G. Meier and M. Klüppel* on page 12.
A PCA Based Fault Detection Scheme for an Industrial High Pressure Polyethylene Reactor
Authors: Sharmin Rumana , Shah Sirish L. , Sundararaj Uttandaraman
Published: January 2008

A data‐based monitoring scheme is proposed to detect decomposition in low density polyethylene reactors by combining principal component analysis with a priori information on the heat balance equations around the reactor. During normal operating conditions, the heat balance equation should close at all times within reasonable limits. If excess heat is generated in the reactor, the heat balance closure error will exceed a user specified threshold limit to indicate the possible onset of decomposition. However, since precise information required to formulate the exact energy balance equations was not available, principal component analysis (PCA) was used as a model identification tool. Results from a number of decompositions case studies from an industrial low density polyethylene/ethylene vinyl acetate autoclave reactor indicate that the method was able to detect the onset of decomposition with reasonable lead time.

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Evaluation of human brain tumor heterogeneity using multiple T1‐based MRI signal weighting approaches
Authors: Donahue Manus J. , Blakeley Jaishri O. , Zhou Jinyuan , Pomper Martin G. , Laterra John , van Zijl Peter C.M.
Published: January 2008

Vascular‐space‐occupancy (VASO) MRI without contrast injection was explored for imaging cerebral blood volume (CBV) and tissue heterogeneity in gliomas (n = 10). VASO contrast complemented contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted (GAD‐T1w), FLAIR and T1w magnetization‐prepared‐rapid‐gradient‐echo (MPRAGE) images. High‐grade gliomas showed a VASO‐outlined hyperintense zone corresponding to long‐T1 regions in MPRAGE and to nonenhancing regions in GAD‐T1w images. FLAIR, MPRAGE, and VASO data were used to segment tumors into multiple zones of different T1. After removal of known resection areas using pre‐ and postsurgical MRI, the volume of overlap between the hyperintense VASO‐zone and the long‐T1 MPRAGE zone correlated with that of GAD‐T1w enhancement (R2 = 0.99) and tumor grade. Based on these correlations, this remaining long T1 overlap area was tentatively assigned to necrosis. In one promising case the collective T1‐weighted approach accurately identified a low‐grade glioma despite the presence of contrast enhancement in GAD‐T1w images consequential to chemoradiation‐associated treatment effect. The results suggest that this collective T1‐weighted approach may provide useful information for regional assessment of heterogeneous tumors and for guiding treatment‐related decisions in patients with gliomas. Magn Reson Med, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A comparison of antidepressant use in Nova Scotia, Canada and Australia
Authors: Smith Alesha J , Sketris Ingrid , Cooke Charmaine , Gardner David , Kisely Steve , Tett Susan E
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The prevalence of major depression is reported as approximately 8% in Canada and 7.5% in Australia, the use of antidepressants is therefore common. However, questions remain about whether depression is under‐diagnosed and whether patients are appropriately treated with antidepressants once the disorder is recognized. We compared the use of antidepressant medicines, in Nova Scotia, Canada and Australia, in populations receiving public drug subsidy.

Methods

The Nova Scotia Pharmacare Program and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in Australia were used to obtain dispensing data for all publicly subsidized antidepressants. Utilization was compared from 2000–2003, using the World Health Organisation Anatomic Therapeutic Chemical (ATC)/Defined Daily Dose (DDD) system.

Results

The use of antidepressants increased in both areas over the study period. However, the use of antidepressants in Nova Scotia increased at a significantly higher rate than Australia. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were the most commonly prescribed class of drugs in both areas, constituting 60% of all antidepressants prescribed. Eight different antidepressants made up 90% of the antidepressant drug use in Australia, with sertraline the most commonly prescribed. Similarly, nine different antidepressants made up 90% of the antidepressant use in Nova Scotia, with paroxetine most commonly prescribed.

Conclusions

This study found differences in the rate but not class of antidepressant prescribing in Nova Scotia and Australia. Antidepressant use increased in both areas over the time period. This may be due to increased exposure to marketing, promotion, education or different prescribing practices in Nova Scotia compared to Australia. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) and outcome in patients with non‐chemotherapy agranulocytosis
Authors: Ibáñez L. , Sabaté M. , Ballarín E. , Puig R. , Vidal X. , Laporte J.‐R. ,   and the Agranulocytosis and Aplastic Anaemia Study Group of Barcelona
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The use of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) in the treatment of non‐chemotherapy drug‐ induced agranulocytosis is controversial. We aimed at assessing the effect of G‐CSF on the duration of agranulocytosis.

Methods

To assess the effect of G‐CSF on the duration of agranulocytosis, a Cox proportional hazard model with an estimated propensity score covariate adjusting for several prognostic factors was used.

Results

One hundred and forty‐five episodes of agranulocytosis were prospectively collected from January 1994 to December 2000 in Barcelona (Spain). No differences were found in the case‐fatality rate between treated (9 of 101, 8.9%) and not treated (5 of 44, 11.4%) patients. The median time to reach a neutrophil count ≥1.0 × 109/L was 5 days (95%CI 5–6) in patients treated with G‐CSF compared to 7 days (95%CI 6–8) in those not treated, with a hazard ratio of 1.58 (95% CI 1.1–2.3).

Conclusions

G‐CSF shortens time to recovery in patients with agranulocytosis. However, as an effect on case‐fatality has not been recorded, and data on cost‐effectiveness are lacking, it would be wise to restrict its use to high‐risk patients. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Economic impacts of glyphosate‐resistant crops
Authors: Gianessi Leonard P
Published: January 2008

Glyphosate‐resistant crops have been widely planted since their introduction in 1996. Growers have numerous choices for herbicide treatments and have chosen to plant glyphosate‐resistant crops on the basis of economic factors. The economic effects of the widespread planting of glyphosate‐resistant crops have included reductions in herbicide expenses, increases in seed costs, increased yield and changes in the relative profitability of crops that has resulted in changes in which crops are planted. In addition, non‐pecuniary benefits have accrued as a result of the simplicity of weed management in the glyphosate‐resistant crop systems. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Current insulin therapies for people with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Thomas Reena , Home Philip
Published: January 2008

Insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes aims to achieve optimal glycaemic control while avoiding hypoglycaemia. Our Drug review focuses on currently employed insulins and treatment strategies, followed by sources of further information, a review of prescription data and the Datafile. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd
Cooperative nanosystems
Authors: Guarise Cristian , Manea Flavio , Zaupa Giovanni , Pasquato Lucia , Prins Leonard J. , Scrimin Paolo
Published: January 2008

Multivalent systems are well known for their enhanced ability to bind multivalent counterparts. This contribution addresses the question whether they can also behave as cooperative catalysts. Analyzing examples from our own laboratory we show that self‐assembled systems obtained by covering gold nanoclusters with thiol‐terminated amino acids and peptides behave indeed as cooperative catalysts. By comparing their activity profiles with those of discrete, multivalent systems we show what are minimal conditions to elicit cooperativity in multivalent systems. Reactions taken into considerations for our analysis are the hydrolyses of carboxylate‐ and phosphate esters. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection and quantification of sucrose as dietary biomarker using gas chromatography and liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry
Authors: Kuhnle Gunter G. C. , Joosen Annemiek M. C. P. , Wood Tommy R. , Runswick Shirley A. , Griffin Julian L. , Bingham Sheila A.
Published: January 2008

Several epidemiological studies suggest a link between the intake of refined sugars and an increased risk for colorectal, breast, pancreatic and endometrial cancer. However, other studies failed to confirm these conclusions and the reason for this may be the ambiguity of dietary assessment methods – mainly self‐reporting – employed. Sucrose is an established biomarker for sugars intake, allowing the objective assessment of dietary sucrose. So far, urinary excretion of sucrose was mainly determined using an enzyme assay. However, this method is time‐consuming and labour‐intensive. In this study, we present a mass spectrometric method for the determination of sucrose in urine using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC/MS) which can be used for large‐scale epidemiological studies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
6α‐Methylandrostenedione: gas chromatographic mass spectrometric detection in doping control
Authors: Parr Maria K. , Kazlauskas Rymantas , Schlörer Nils , Opfermann Georg , Piper Thomas , Schulze Gabriele , Schänzer Wilhelm
Published: January 2008

In recent years products containing 6α‐methylandrost‐4‐ene‐3,17‐dione have appeared on the sport supplement market. Scientific studies have proven aromatase inhibition and anabolic and mild androgenic properties; however, no preparation has been approved for medical use up to now. In sports 6α‐methylandrost‐4‐ene‐3,17‐dione has to be classified as a prohibited substance according to the regulations of the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA). For the detection of its misuse the metabolism was studied following the administration of two preparations obtained from the Internet (Formadrol and Methyl‐1‐Pro). Several metabolites as well as the parent compounds were synthesized and the structures of 3α‐hydroxy‐6α‐methyl‐5β‐androstan‐17‐one, 6α‐methylandrost‐4‐ene‐3,17‐dione, and 5β‐dihydromedroxyprogesterone were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The main metabolite, 3α‐hydroxy‐6α‐methyl‐5β‐androstan‐17‐one, was found to be excreted as glucuronide and was still detectable in µg/mL amounts until urine collection was terminated (after 25 h). Additionally, samples from routine human sports doping control had already tested positive for the presence of metabolites of 6α‐methylandrost‐4‐ene‐3,17‐dione. Screening analysis can be easily performed by the existing screening procedure for anabolic steroids using 3α‐hydroxy‐6α‐methyl‐5β‐androstan‐17‐one as target substance (limit of detection <10 ng/mL). Its discrimination from the closely eluting drostanolone metabolite, 3α‐hydroxy‐2α‐methyl‐5α‐androstan‐17‐one, is possible as the mono‐TMS derivative. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of atenolol transformation products on light‐activated TiO2 surface by high‐performance liquid chromatography/high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Medana Claudio , Calza Paola , Carbone Francesco , Pelizzetti Ezio , Hidaka Hisao , Baiocchi Claudio
Published: January 2008

We have studied the photocatalytic transformation of atenolol, 4‐[2‐hydroxy‐3‐[(1‐methyl)amino]propoxyl]benzeneacetamide, a cardioselective β‐blocking agent used to treat cardiac arrhythmias and hypertension, under simulated solar irradiation using titanium dioxide as photocatalyst. The investigation involved monitoring drug decomposition, identifying intermediate compounds, assessing mineralization, and evaluating toxicity. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) via an electrospray ionization (ESI) interface was a powerful tool for the identification and measurement of the degradation products; 23 main species were identified. Intermediates were characterized through their chromatographic behavior and evolution kinetics, coupled with accurate mass information. Through the full analysis of MS and MSn spectra and a comparison with parent drug fragmentation pathways, the diverse isomers were characterized. Neither atenolol nor the intermediates formed exhibit acute toxicity. All intermediates are easily degraded and no compound identified could withstand 2 h irradiation. Photomineralization of the substrate in terms of carbon mineralization and nitrogen release was rapid and, within 4 h of irradiation, organic nitrogen and carbon were completely mineralized. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differentiation of diastereomeric cyclic β‐amino acids by varying the neutral reagent in ion/molecule reactions studied by electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry
Authors: Hyyryläinen Anna R. M. , Pakarinen Jaana M. H. , Vainiotalo Pirjo , Fülöp Ferenc
Published: January 2008

Stereochemical differentiation of diasteromeric pairs of cis‐ and trans‐2‐aminocyclohexane‐, ‐2‐amino‐4‐cyclohexene‐, and ‐2‐aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acids was investigated with host–guest complexes where tetraethyl resorcarene was the host molecule. Diastereoselectivity was evaluated by ion/molecule reactions and collision‐induced dissociation with electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI‐FTICRMS). The effect of varying the neutral reagent (n‐propylamine, i‐propylamine, diethylamine, and triethylamine) in ion/molecule reactions was evaluated. Both steric interactions and proton affinity of the neutral reagents influenced the reaction rates. High proton affinity of the neutral reagent apparently had a twofold effect. If the proton affinity of the neutral reagent was too high, the reaction tended to become too exothermic and part of the host–guest complex decomposed instead of transforming to a new host–guest complex, effecting a decrease in the reaction rate. The remaining portion of the host–guest complexes meanwhile reacted very fast with the neutral reagent due to high proton affinity causing an increase in the reaction rate. n‐Propylamine and i‐propylamine proved to be the best neutral reagents, providing clear diastereoselectivity for β‐amino acids in ion/molecule reactions. Interestingly, diastereoselectivity was better for flexible cyclohexane β‐amino acids (2 and 3) than for more rigid cyclopentane β‐amino acids (6 and 7). The results of ab initio and hybrid density functional theory calculations on the structures of the host–guest complexes of saturated β‐amino acids were in good agreement with the experimental results. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Socio‐economic factors in the differential upsurge of tick‐borne encephalitis in central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Šumilo Dana , Bormane Antra , Asokliene Loreta , Vasilenko Veera , Golovljova Irina , Avsic‐Zupanc Tatjana , Hubalek Zdenek , Randolph Sarah E.
Published: January 2008

Tick‐borne encephalitis (TBE), the most serious widespread vector‐borne disease of humans in Europe, increased from 2‐ to 30‐fold in many Central and Eastern European countries from 1992 to 1993, coinciding with independence from Soviet rule. Unemployment and low income have been shown in Latvia to be statistically associated with high‐risk behaviour involving harvest of wild foods from tick‐infested forests, and also with not being vaccinated against TBE. Archival data for 1970‐‐2005 record major changes in the agricultural and industrial sectors, and consequent changes in the abiotic and biotic environment and socio‐economic conditions, which could have increased the abundance of infected ticks and the contact of humans with those ticks. For example, abandoned agricultural fields became suitable for rodent transmission hosts; use of pesticides and emissions of atmospheric industrial pollutants plummeted; wildlife hosts for ticks increased; tick populations appear to have responded; unemployment and inequality increased in all countries. These factors, by acting synergistically but differentially between and within each country, can explain the marked spatio‐temporal heterogeneities in TBE epidemiology better than can climate change alone, which is too uniform across wide areas. Different degrees of socio‐economic upheaval caused by political transition in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia and the Czech Republic can apparently explain the marked variation in TBE upsurge. Causal linkage between national socio‐economic conditions and epidemiology is strongly indicated by striking correlations across eight countries between the degree of upsurge of TBE and both poverty and household expenditure on food (R2 = 0.533 and 0.716, respectively). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification and methodology issues in multivariate analysis of ToF‐SIMS data for mixed organic systems
Authors: Lee J. L. S. , Gilmore I. S. , Seah M. P.
Published: January 2008

Multivariate methods, such as principal component analysis (PCA) and multivariate curve resolution (MCR), are often employed to aid the analysis of large complex data sets such as time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) images. There is, however, much confusion over the most appropriate choice of method for any given application and the effects of data preprocessing, which is exacerbated by the confusing terminologies and the use of jargon in this field. In the present study, a simple model system consisting of a ToF‐SIMS image of an immiscible polymer blend is used to evaluate PCA and MCR in the accurate identification, localisation and quantification of the phase‐separated polymer domains, using four data preprocessing methods (no scaling, normalisation, variance scaling and Poisson scaling). This highlights significant issues and challenges in the quantitative multivariate analysis of mixed organic systems, including the discrimination of chemically significant features from experimental noise, the resolution of weak chemical contributions and potential bias introduced by data preprocessing. Multivariate analysis using Poisson scaling, identified as the most suitable data preprocessing method for both PCA and MCR, demonstrates a marked improvement upon traditional (manual) analysis and provides valuable additional information that is difficult to detect using traditional analysis. Using these results, we present recommendations for the optimum use of multivariate analysis by analysts and provide guidance on selecting the most appropriate methods. Confusing terminology is also clarified. © Crown copyright 2008. Reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical methodology for classifying units on the basis of multiple‐related measures
Authors: Teixeira‐Pinto Armando , Normand Sharon‐Lise T.
Published: January 2008

Both the private and public sectors have begun giving financial incentives to healthcare providers, such as hospitals, delivering superior ‘quality of care’. Quality of care is assessed through a set of disease‐specific measures that characterize the performance of healthcare providers. These measures are then combined into a unidimensional composite score. Most of the programs that reward superior performance use raw averages of the measures as the composite score. The scores based on raw averages fail to take into account typical characteristics of data used for performance evaluation, such as within‐patient and within‐hospital correlations, variable number of measures available in different hospitals, and missing data. In this paper, we contrast two different versions of composites based on raw average scores with a model‐based score constructed using a latent variable model. We also present two methods to identify hospitals with superior performance. The methods are illustrated using national data collected to evaluate quality of care delivered by the U.S. acute care hospitals. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modulation models for seasonal time series and incidence tables
Authors: Eilers Paul H. C. , Gampe Jutta , Marx Brian D. , Rau Roland
Published: January 2008

We model monthly disease counts on an age–time grid using the two‐dimensional varying‐coefficient Poisson regression. Since the marginal profile of counts shows a very strong and varying annual cycle, sine and cosine regressors model periodicity, but their coefficients are allowed to vary smoothly over the age and time plane. The coefficient surfaces are estimated using a relatively large tensor product B‐spline basis. Smoothness is tuned using difference penalties on the rows and columns of the tensor product coefficients. Heavy over‐dispersion occurs, making it impossible to use Akaike's information criterion or Bayesian information criterion based on a Poisson likelihood. It is handled by selective weighting of part of the data and by the use of extended quasi‐likelihood. Very efficient computation is achieved with fast array algorithms. The model is applied to monthly deaths due to respiratory diseases, for U.S. females during 1959–1998 and for ages 51–100. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developmental responses to UV‐B radiation in common frogRana temporariaembryos from along an altitudinal gradient
Authors: Marquis Olivier , Miaud Claude , Lena Jean‐Paul
Published: January 2008

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UV) is harmful for developing amphibians. As UV increases with altitude and latitude, it is suggested that high altitude and latitude populations have evolved tolerance to high levels of UV. Using laboratory experiments, we tested the hypothesis thatRana temporariapopulations from several altitudes (438–2,450 m above sea level) were adapted to UV by assessing the effects of artificial UV on embryos mortality rate, malformations, and body length at hatching. We also tested the protective role of the jelly surrounding the embryos. Without artificial UV exposure, hatching success decreased with altitude of the population. Malformation rates were low for all populations (mean 1.36%), and hatching size increased with altitude. The artificial UV (UV‐B, UV‐A, and visible) used was similar to the solar spectrum received at high altitude. Exposed embryos had performance similar to that of embryos without exposure: a decreased hatching success with altitude and a low malformation rate (mean 0.85%). However, hatching size did not vary with altitude, and UV‐exposed embryos tended to be smaller at hatching than non‐exposed embryos. Removal of the protective jelly envelope greatly decreased the performance of UV‐exposed embryos: hatching success strongly decreased with altitude and embryos of the highest population (2,450 m asl) did not develop. Malformation reached 4.98%, without population differences, and hatching size of embryos without jelly was smaller than hatching size of non‐manipulated embryos with no population effect. This study demonstrates that lowland jellyless embryos were less sensitive (i.e., exhibited a higher survival rate) than highland embryos and, on the other hand, that the jelly envelope was a more efficient protection for embryos in highland than in lowland populations. A trade‐off hypothesis is presented to explain this difference in UV tolerance and protection among populations: in a harsh, highland environment (i.e., with a curtailed activity period), embryos have to invest in development and growth and, thus, embryo protection should be a female investment (via the jelly). In a lowland environment, embryonic growth and development are less constrained and embryos are able to invest and use protection or repair mechanisms inherited from their parents.
Bayesian Procedures for Identifying Aberrant Response-Time Patterns in Adaptive Testing
Authors: van der Linden Wim J. , Guo Fanmin
Published: January 2008

In order to identify aberrant response-time patterns on educational and psychological tests, it is important to be able to separate the speed at which the test taker operates from the time the items require. A lognormal model for response times with this feature was used to derive a Bayesian procedure for detecting aberrant response times. Besides, a combination of the response-time model with a regular response model in an hierarchical framework was used in an alternative procedure for the detection of aberrant response times, in which collateral information on the test takers’ speed is derived from their response vectors. The procedures are illustrated using a data set for the Graduate Management Admission Test® (GMAT®). In addition, a power study was conducted using simulated cheating behavior on an adaptive test.
Perceptions of Patient Safety Culture Among Physicians and RNs in the Perioperative Area
Authors: Scherer Denise , Fitzpatrick Joyce J.
Published: January 2008

A CULTURE OF SAFETY is vital in the perioperative area, where errors can result in patient injury or death. Communication and teamwork are important aspects of this culture.

A COMMUNITY HOSPITAL surveyed physicians and nurses in the perioperative area to examine and compare their perceptions of the hospital culture as it relates to patient safety.

ALTHOUGH RESULTS INDICATED that, overall, physicians and RNs had positive perceptions of the culture, some respondents gave negative responses to important questions related to communication and supervisor or manager behavior. These findings have implications for improving managerial strategies and for future research within the perioperative area. AORN J 87 (January 2008) 163‐175. © AORN, Inc, 2008.
Total Knee Arthroplasty: Past Successes and Current Improvements
Authors: Hohler Sharon E.
Published: January 2008

DURING THE PAST 40 YEARS, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedures have improved patients' pain, functional status, and overall health‐related quality of life.

IMPROVED INTRUMENTATION and implant designs enable surgeons to make precise bone resection incisions that have made this a safer and more routinely performed surgery.

THIS ARTICLE REVIEWS traditional and minimally invasive approaches and best practices to help surgeons and perioperative staff members provide quality care to patients undergoing TKA. AORN J 87 (January 2008) 143‐158. © AORN, Inc, 2008.
Reviews
Authors: Kerrick Lisa , Ouellette Maj Mary‐Ellen , Walker Nathalie , Hembree Patricia A.
Published: January 2008

Ensuring Fairness in Health Care Coverage: An Employer's Guide to Making Good Decisions on Tough IssuesMatthew K. Wynia and Abraham P. Schwab 2006, 240 pages $29.95 hardcover

A Survival Guide to Managing Employees From Hell: Handling Idiots, Whiners, Slackers, and Other Workplace DemonsGini Graham Scott, 2006, 224 pages, $15 softcover

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Sourcebook, third edition, Sandra J. Judd, Ed., 2006, 657 pages, $87 hardcover

The Manager's Guide to Rewards: What You Need to Know to Get the Best for—and From—Your Employees, Doug Jensen, Tom McMullen, and Mel Stark, 2006, 156 pages, $24.95 hardcover
Influence of apolipoprotein E genotype and dietary α-tocopherol on redox status and C-reactive protein levels in apolipoprotein E3 and E4 targeted replacement mice
Authors: Jofre-Monseny Laia , Huebbe Patricia , Stange Inken , Boesch-Saadatmandi Christine , Frank Jan , Jackson Kim , Minihane Anne-Marie , Rimbach Gerald
Published: January 2008

The molecular basis of the positive association between apoE4 genotype and CVD remains unclear. There is directin vitroevidence indicating that apoE4 is a poorer antioxidant relative to the apoE3 isoform, with some indirectin vivoevidence also available. Therefore it was hypothesised that apoE4 carriers may benefit from α-tocopherol (α-Toc) supplementation. Targeted replacement mice expressing the human apoE3 and apoE4 were fed with a diet poor (0 mg/kg diet) or rich (200 mg/kg diet) in α-Toc for 12 weeks. Neither apoE genotype nor dietary α-Toc exerted any effects on the antioxidant defence system, including glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities. In addition, no differences were observed in mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation. α-Toc concentrations were modestly higher in plasma and lower in tissues of apoE4 compared with apoE3 mice, with the greatest differences evident in the lung, suggesting that an apoE4 genotype may reduce α-Toc delivery to tissues. A tendency towards increased plasma F2-isoprostanes in apoE4 mice was observed, while liver thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances did not differ between apoE3 and apoE4 mice. In addition, C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were reduced in apoE4 mice indicating that this positive effect on CRP may in part negate the increased CVD risk associated with an apoE4 genotype.
Effects of long-term administration of a cocoa polyphenolic extract (Acticoa powder) on cognitive performances in aged rats
Authors: Bisson Jean-François , Nejdi Amine , Rozan Pascale , Hidalgo Sophie , Lalonde Robert , Messaoudi Michaël
Published: January 2008

Numerous studies have indicated that increased vulnerability to oxidative stress may be the main factor involved in functional declines during normal and pathological ageing, and that antioxidant agents, such as polyphenols, may improve or prevent these deficits. We examined whether 1-year administration of a cocoa polyphenolic extract (Acticoa powder), orally delivered at the dose of 24 mg/kg per d between 15 and 27 months of age, affects the onset of age-related cognitive deficits, urinary free dopamine levels and lifespan in old Wistar-Unilever rats. Acticoa powder improved cognitive performances in light extinction and water maze paradigms, increased lifespan and preserved high urinary free dopamine levels. These results suggest that Acticoa powder may be beneficial in retarding age-related brain impairments, including cognitive deficits in normal ageing and perhaps neurodegenerative diseases. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms of cocoa polyphenols in neuroprotection and to explore their effects in man.
SCHUR–NEVANLINNA SEQUENCES OF RATIONAL FUNCTIONS
Authors: Bultheel Adhemar , Lasarow Andreas
Published: January 2008

We study certain sequences of rational functions with poles outside the unit circle. Such kinds of sequences are recursively constructed based on sequences of complex numbers with norm less than one. In fact, such sequences are closely related to the Schur–Nevanlinna algorithm for Schur functions on the one hand, and to orthogonal rational functions on the unit circle on the other. We shall see that rational functions belonging to a Schur–Nevanlinna sequence can be used to parametrize the set of all solutions of an interpolation problem of Nevanlinna–Pick type for Schur functions.
INCOMPLETE BESSEL FUNCTIONS. II. ASYMPTOTIC EXPANSIONS FOR LARGE ARGUMENT
Authors: Jones D. S.
Published: January 2008

Asymptotic expansions for an incomplete Bessel function of large argument are derived when the parametric point (a) is well away from any saddle point, (b) coincides with a saddle point and (c) is in the neighbourhood of a saddle point.
WHEN THE SUM OF ALIQUOTS DIVIDES THE TOTIENT
Authors: Banks William D. , Luca Florian
Published: January 2008

Let $\varphi(\cdot)$ be the Euler function and let $\sigma(\cdot)$ be the sum-of-divisors function. In this note, we bound the number of positive integers $n\le x$ with the property that $s(n)=\sigma(n)-n$ divides $\varphi(n)$.
NOTE ON A HYPERGEOMETRIC INTEGRAL
Authors: Jones D. S.
Published: January 2008

The asymptotic behaviour of a certain integral is investigated. The investigation involves a hypergeometric function of a type for which the asymptotics have not previously been considered.
DUAL $L_{p}$ JOHN ELLIPSOIDS
Authors: Yu Wuyang , Leng Gangsong , Wu Donghua
Published: January 2008

In this paper, the dual $L_p$ John ellipsoids, which include the classical Löwner ellipsoid and the Legendre ellipsoid, are studied. The dual $L_p$ versions of John's inclusion and Ball's volume-ratio inequality are shown. This insight allows for a unified view of some basic results in convex geometry and reveals further the amazing duality between Brunn–Minkowski theory and dual Brunn–Minkowski theory.
Field testing of six decision support systems for scheduling fungicide applications to control Mycosphaerella graminicola on winter wheat crops in Ireland
Authors: BURKE J. J. , DUNNE B.
Published: January 2008

Field experiments were conducted between 2003 and 2005 to compare the efficacy of five interactive decision support systems (DSSs) (DESSAC, PLANT-Plus, proPLANT Expert, CerDis and Crop Protection Online (CPO)) and an in-crop system (Septoria Timer) to schedule fungicide applications to winter wheat cultivars (Madrigal and Claire) for the control of Mycosphaerella graminicola. The effectiveness of the crop management programmes proposed by the DSSs was compared with that of standard 2-spray programmes applied at GS 37 and 65 and 3-spray programmes applied at GS 32, 39 and 65. Compared with the 3-spray programme, the programme scheduled by CPO advised application of the least active ingredient to the six trials over three seasons, while together with the Septoria Timer it also advised the least number of applications (average 2·3 per crop). The PLANT-Plus system advised the highest input of active ingredient and the highest number of applications (average of 4·0 per crop). The interactive DSSs responded to cultivar susceptibility to M. graminicola by scheduling more applications to the susceptible cv. Madrigal compared with the moderately resistant cv. Claire. Whether control of M. graminicola is expressed as reduction in the proportion of necrosis per leaf or a reduction of the area under the disease progress curve, the 3-spray programme provided the most effective control. The Septoria Timer provided a similar level of control. For the remaining programmes, the effectiveness of control varied with observation date, leaf and cultivar. The 2-spray programme provided the least successful control. Fungicide application significantly increased grain yield each season. The fungicide scheduling programme that provided the highest grain yield varied by cultivar and season. Grain specific weight was enhanced by fungicide application compared with the untreated control, except for cv. Claire in 2004. The fungicide scheduling programme that provided the highest specific weight varied with cultivar and season. The highest average margin over fungicide cost was provided by the Septoria Timer.
Transition from squeezing to dripping in a microfluidic T-shaped junction
Authors: DE MENECH M. , GARSTECKI P. , JOUSSE F. , STONE H. A.
Published: January 2008

We describe the results of a numerical investigation of the dynamics of breakup of streams of immiscible fluids in the confined geometry of a microfluidic T-junction. We identify three distinct regimes of formation of droplets: squeezing, dripping and jetting, providing a unifying picture of emulsification processes typical for microfluidic systems. The squeezing mechanism of breakup is particular to microfluidic systems, since the physical confinement of the fluids has pronounced effects on the interfacial dynamics. In this regime, the breakup process is driven chiefly by the buildup of pressure upstream of an emerging droplet and both the dynamics of breakup and the scaling of the sizes of droplets are influenced only very weakly by the value of the capillary number. The dripping regime, while apparently homologous to the unbounded case, is also significantly influenced by the constrained geometry; these effects modify the scaling law for the size of the droplets derived from the balance of interfacial and viscous stresses. Finally, the jetting regime sets in only at very high flow rates, or with low interfacial tension, i.e. higher values of the capillary number, similar to the unbounded case.
A comparison of turbulent thermal convection between conditions of constant temperature and constant heat flux
Authors: VERZICCO R. , SREENIVASAN K. R.
Published: January 2008

We numerically investigate turbulent thermal convection driven by a horizontal surface of constant heat flux and compare the results with those of constant temperature. Below Ra ≈ 109, where Ra is the Rayleigh number, when the flow is smooth and regular, the heat transport in the two cases is essentially the same. For Ra > 109 the heat transport for imposed heat flux is smaller than that for constant temperature, and is close to experimental data. We provide a simple dimensional argument to indicate that the unsteady emission of thermal plumes renders typical experimental conditions closer to the constant heat flux case.
Parametric instability in a rotating cylinder of gas subject to sinusoidal axial compression. Part 2. Weakly nonlinear theory
Authors: RACZ J.-P. , SCOTT J. F.
Published: January 2008

A weakly nonlinear analysis is presented of parametric instability in a rotating cylinder subject to periodic axial compression by small sinusoidal oscillations of one of its ends (‘the piston’). Amplitude equations are derived for the pair of parametrically resonant (primary) inertial modes which were found to arise from linear instability in Part 1. These equations introduce an infinity of geostrophic mode amplitudes, representing a nonlinear modification of the mean flow, for which evolution equations are also derived. Consequences of the total system of equations are investigated for axisymmetric modes. Different possible outcomes are found at large times: (a) a fixed point, representing a saturated state in which the oscillatory toroidal vortices of the primary mode are phase-locked to the piston motion with half its frequency; (b) a limit cycle or chaotic attractor, corresponding to slow-time oscillations of the primary mode; or (c) exponential divergence of the amplitudes to infinity. The latter outcome, a necessary condition for which is derived in the form of a threshold piston amplitude for divergence, invalidates the theory, inducing a gross change in the character of the flow and providing a route out of the weakly nonlinear regime. Non-zero fixed-point branches arise via bifurcations from both sides of the linear neutral curve, where the basic flow changes local stability. The lower-amplitude branch is shown to be unstable, while the upper one may lose local stability, resulting in a Hopf bifurcation to a limit cycle, which can subsequently become aperiodic via a series of further bifurcations. Typically, during the resulting oscillations, whether periodic or not, the perturbation first grows from small amplitude owing to basic-flow instability, then nonlinear detuning of the parametric resonance causes decay back to small amplitude in the second half of the cycle, which then restarts.
Parametric instability in a rotating cylinder of gas subject to sinusoidal axial compression. Part 1. Linear theory
Authors: RACZ J.-P. , SCOTT J. F.
Published: January 2008

An analysis is presented of parametric instability in a finite-length rotating cylinder subject to periodic axial compression by small sinusoidal oscillations of one of its ends (the ‘piston’). The instability is due to resonant interactions between inertial-wave (Kelvin) modes of the cylinder and the oscillatory compression and is resisted by viscosity, acting both through thin boundary layers and throughout the volume, the two mechanisms proving crucial for a satisfactory description. Instability is found to take the form of either a single axisymmetric mode with frequency near to half that of compression, or a pair of non-axisymmetric modes of the same azimuthal and axial orders and oppositely signed frequencies, whose difference is close to the compression frequency. Thus, in the axisymmetric case, instability leads to spontaneous growth of a system of one or more oscillating toroidal vortices encircling the cylinder axis, while the differing frequencies of the two modes of non-axisymmetric instability implies an oscillatory aperiodic flow. The neutral curves giving the threshold for instability are determined for all modes/mode pairs. For a given mode or mode pair, the neutral curve shows a critical piston amplitude dependent on rotational Reynolds number and cylinder aspect ratio, below which instability does not occur, and above which there is instability provided the compression frequency is chosen to lie in a band centred on the exact resonance condition.
Flow in a commercial steel pipe
Authors: LANGELANDSVIK L. I. , KUNKEL G. J. , SMITS A. J.
Published: January 2008

Mean flow measurements are obtained in a commercial steel pipe with krms/D = 1/26 000, where krms is the roughness height and D the pipe diameter, covering the smooth, transitionally rough, and fully rough regimes. The results indicate a transition from smooth to rough flow that is much more abrupt than the Colebrook transitional roughness function suggests. The equivalent sandgrain roughness was found to be 1.6 times the r.m.s. roughness height, in sharp contrast to the value of 3.0 to 5.0 that is commonly used. The difference amounts to a reduction in pressure drop for a given flow rate of at least 13% in the fully rough regime. The mean velocity profiles support Townsend's similarity hypothesis for flow over rough surfaces.
Investigation of the backflow phenomenon in falling liquid films
Authors: DIETZE GEORG F. , LEEFKEN A. , KNEER R.
Published: January 2008

The phenomenon of backflow in the capillary wave region of laminar falling liquid films is studied in detail. For the first time, the mechanism leading to the origination of the phenomenon is identified and explained. It is shown that backflow forms as the result of a separation eddy developing at the bounding wall similar to the case of classical flow separation. Results show that the adverse pressure distribution causing the separation of the flow in the capillary wave region is induced by the strong third-order deformation (i.e. change in curvature) of the liquid–gas free surface there. This deformation acts on the interfacial pressure jump, and thereby the wall pressure distribution, as a result of surface tension forces. It is shown that only the capillary waves, owing to their short wavelength and large curvature, impose a pressure distribution satisfying the conditions for flow separation. The effect of this capillary separation eddy on momentum and heat transfer is investigated from the perspective of modelling approaches for falling liquid films. The study is centred on a single case of inclined liquid film flow in the visco-capillary regime with surface waves externally excited at a single forcing frequency. Investigations are based on temporally and spatially highly resolved numerical data obtained by solving the Navier–Stokes equations for both phases. Computation of phase distribution is performed with the volume of fluid method and the effect of surface tension is modelled using the continuum surface force approach. Numerical data are compared with experimental data measured in the developed region of the flow. Laser-Doppler velocimetry is used to measure the temporal distribution of the local streamwise velocity component, and confocal chromatic imaging is employed to measure the temporal distribution of film thickness. Excellent agreement is obtained with respect to film thickness and reasonable agreement with respect to velocity.
Instability of a stratified boundary layer and its coupling with internal gravity waves. Part 1. Linear and nonlinear instabilities
Authors: WU XUESONG , ZHANG JING
Published: January 2008

In this paper, we consider a viscous instability of a stratified boundary layer that is a form of the familiar Tollmien–Schlichting (T-S) waves modified by a stable density stratification. As with the usual T-S waves, the triple-deck formalism was employed to provide a self-consistent description of linear and nonlinear instability properties at asymptotically large Reynolds numbers. The effect of stratification on the temporal and spatial linear growth rates is studied. It is found that stratification reduces the maximum spatial growth rate, but enhances the maximum temporal growth rate. This viscous instability may offer a possible alternative explanation for the origin of certain long atmospheric waves, whose characteristics are not well predicted by inviscid instabilities. In the high-frequency limit, the nonlinear evolution of the disturbances is shown to be governed by a nonlinear amplitude equation, which is an extension of the well-known Benjamin–Davis–Ono equation. Numerical solutions indicate that as a spatially isolated disturbance evolves, it radiates a beam of long gravity waves, and meanwhile small-scale ripples develop on its front to form a well-defined wavepacket. It is also shown that for jet-like velocity profiles, the standard triple-deck theory must be adjusted to account for both the displacement and transverse pressure variation induced by the inviscid flow in the main layer. The nonlinear evolution of high-frequency disturbances is governed by a mixed KdV–Benjamin–Davis–Ono equation.
Stability of flows past a pair of circular cylinders in a side-by-side arrangement
Authors: MIZUSHIMA J. , INO Y.
Published: January 2008

The stability and transition of flow past a pair of circular cylinders in a side-by-side arrangement are investigated by numerical simulations and linear stability analyses. Various flow patterns around the cylinders have been reported to appear due to an instability of the steady symmetric flow that is realized at small Reynolds numbers, among which deflected oscillatory flow is particularly noticeable. The physical origin of the flow is explored by bifurcation analyses of the numerical data. We found that the deflected oscillatory flow arises from the steady symmetric flow through sequential instabilities due to stationary and oscillatory unstable modes. Steady asymmetric flow with respect to the streamwise centreline between the two cylinders was also found to be induced by the instability due to a stationary mode in a very narrow range of the gap width between the two cylinders. We classify the instability modes of the steady symmetric flow into four groups in the parameter space of the gap width, and evaluate the critical Reynolds number for each mode of instability.