bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective retrieval and induced forgetting in eyewitness memory
Authors: Migueles Malen , García‐Bajos Elvira
Published: December 2006

This study analyses retrieval‐induced forgetting (RIF) in eyewitness memory. Selective retrieval of specific information about an event could cause eyewitnesses to forget related contents. Based on a video of a man being robbed while withdrawing money from a cash machine, we examined the effects of partial retrieval on the most relevant aspects of the event: actions (Experiment 1) and offender characteristics (Experiment 2), in both immediate and long‐term recall (24 hours). In both experiments long‐term recall was a replica of immediate recall for correct information as well as errors. The effects of partial retrieval practice were also repeated in long‐term recall. Conventional RIF was found for offender characteristics but selective retrieval of the actions of the event produced no comparable effect. It is assumed that the organisation and integration of the actions of the event protected them from RIF. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complexation of Cadmium and Copper by Fluvial Humic Matter and Effects on Their Toxicity
Authors: Corami F. , Capodaglio G. , Turetta C. , Bragadin M. , Calace N. , Petronio BM.
Published: December 2006

The effects of humic acids and fulvic acids isolated from the River Arno (Italy) on the bioavailability and toxicity of cadmium and copper were assessed in relation to changes in their speciation. Measurements of the complexing capacity of solutions containing these organic ligands were carried out by a titration procedure followed by DPASV and toxicity tests were carried out using lysosomes isolated from rat liver. The complexing capacity of the physiological medium containing about 13 mg/L of humic acids, expressed as ligand concentrations, was 0.30 and 0.072 μmol/L for cadmium and copper respectively; the corresponding conditional stability constants were 4.2 × 1011 and 1.3 × 108 (mol/L)‐1. The complexing capacities of the solution containing the same amount of fulvic acids were 0.33 and 0.164 μmol/L for cadmium and copper respectively, the conditional stability constants were 3.2 × 1011 and 2.4 × 107 (mol/L)‐1.

The humic acids reduced the toxicity of cadmium by about 5 times: the EC50 changed from 4.4 to 20.4 μmol/L. The dose effect curve of copper presented a bi‐sigmoid trend and two EC50 values can be determined: The EC50(1) in the presence of humic acids changed from 2.0 to 3.1 μmol/L, while the EC50(2) increased from 22.3 to 45.3 μmol/L. The fulvic acids reduced the cadmium toxicity by about the same amount as humic acids, from 4.4 to 18.6 μmol/L, but they had no effect on copper toxicity. Analysing the chemical speciation of cadmium and copper in the presence of humic components and under toxicity test conditions we can say that the appreciable decrease of EC50 is not related to changes in their speciation; we can hypothesize that this is due to different processes, as well as to blocking of the lysosomal membrane. On the basis of the shape of the dose‐effect curves obtained for cadmium and copper respectively, we can say that the toxic effects of the two metals are different and we can hypothesize that copper could exercise its toxic activity by inhibiting the ATP‐driven proton pump and the function of the Cl‐ selective channel.
Use of Different Spectroscopic Techniques in the Analysis of Roman Age Wall Paintings
Authors: Agnoli Francesca , Calliari Irene , Mazzocchin Gian‐Antonio
Published: December 2006

In this paper the analysis of samples of Roman age wall paintings coming from: Pordenone, Vicenza and Verona is carried out by using three different techniques: energy dispersive x‐rays spectroscopy (EDS), x‐rays fluorescence (XRF) and proton induced x‐rays emission (PIXE). The features of the three spectroscopic techniques in the analysis of samples of archaeological interest are discussed.

The studied pigments were: cinnabar, yellow ochre, green earth, Egyptian blue and carbon black
Acute Myelogeneous Leukemia (M0/M1) with novel chromosomal abnormality of t(14;17) (q32; q11.2)
Authors: Ahmad Firoz , Dalvi Rupa , Mandava Swarna , Das Bibhu Ranjan
Published: December 2006

Acute Myelogeneous Leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease with respect to morphology, immunophenotype, and genetic rearrangements. Multiple recurrent chromosomal aberrations have been identified by conventional cytogenetic analysis. In this study, we report a case whose clinical features were suggestive of AML‐M1 subtype with t(14;17) (q32; q11.2) karyotype involving rearrangement of chromosomal segments 17q11.2 and 14q32. This is the first report of novel chromosomal translocation in this subset of AML and has not yet been reported elsewhere. This rearrangement may include certain cancer associated oncogene(s) or genes involved in the differentiation like retionic acid receptor alpha (RARA), which may confer differentiation blockage and/or proliferation advantage. Am. J. Hematol. 82: 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The synthesis and cytotoxic evaluation of a series of benzodioxole substituted titanocenes
Authors: Sweeney Nigel J. , Claffey James , Müller‐Bunz Helge , Pampillón Clara , Strohfeldt Katja , Tacke Matthias
Published: December 2006

Using 6‐benzo[1,3]dioxolefulvene (1a), a series of benzodioxole substituted titanocenes was synthesized. The benzyl‐substituted titanocene bis[(benzo[1,3]dioxole)‐5‐methylcyclopentadienyl] titanium (IV) dichloride (2a) was synthesized from the reaction of Super Hydride with 1a. An X‐ray determined crystal structure was obtained for 2a. The ansa‐titanocene {1,2‐di(cyclopentadienyl)‐1,2‐di‐(benzo[1,3]dioxole)‐ethanediyl} titanium(IV) dichloride (2b) was synthesized by reductive dimerisation of 1a with titanium dichloride. The diarylmethyl substituted titanocene bis(di‐(benzo[1,3]dioxole)‐5‐methylcyclopentadienyl) titanium(IV) dichloride (2c) was synthesized by reacting 1a with the para‐lithiated benzodioxole followed by transmetallation with titanium tetrachloride. When titanocenes 2a–c were tested against pig kidney (LLC‐PK) cells inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 2.8 × 10−4, 1.6 × 10−4 and 7.6 × 10−5 M, respectively, were observed. These values represent improved cytotoxicity against LLC‐PK, when compared with unsubstituted titanocene dichloride, but are not as impressive as values obtained for titanocenes previously synthesized using the above methods. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lyn, one of the Src‐family tyrosine kinases expressed in phagocytes, plays an important role in β2 integrin‐signalling pathways in opsonized zymosan‐activated macrophage‐like U937 cells
Authors: Adachi Reiko , Suzuki Kazuhiro
Published: December 2006

We have investigated the contribution of Hck, Lyn and Fgr, highly expressed Src family tyrosine kinases (SFKs) in signalling pathways in opsonized zymosan (OZ)‐activated phagocytes by using short interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Treatment of macrophage‐like U937 cells with the siRNAs targeted to these transcripts decreased the protein content of each kinase to less than half that of untreated cells. Among these siRNAs, siRNA targeted to Lyn was the most effective in diminishing two kinds of phagocyte functions, that is oxidative burst and phagocytosis. Phosphorylation of c‐Cbl, a multidomain adaptor protein in the β2 integrin‐signalling pathway, was also largely inhibited by treatment with siRNA to Lyn. Thus, the results with siRNAs highly specific for Hck, Lyn and Fgr suggested that, among these three SFKs, Lyn plays the most important role in signalling pathways downstream of β2 integrins in OZ‐stimulated phagocytes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemotherapy response is an important predictor of local recurrence in ewing sarcoma
Authors: Lin Patrick P. , Jaffe Norman , Herzog Cynthia E. , Costelloe Colleen M. , Deavers Michael T. , Kelly Jeana S. , Patel Shreyaskumar R. , Madewell John E. , Lewis Valerae O. , Cannon Christopher P. , Benjamin Robert S. , Yasko Alan W.
Published: December 2006

BACKGROUND.

Local recurrence in Ewing sarcoma is associated with a poor prognosis. The purpose of the study was to determine the factors that predict local recurrence after surgical treatment of the primary tumor.

METHODS.

Between 1990 and 2001, 64 patients underwent surgical resection of Ewing sarcoma. Surgical margins were assessed histologically and radiologically. Response to preoperative chemotherapy was determined by detailed specimen mapping. Local recurrence‐free survival (LRFS) was calculated by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Multivariate analysis was performed with the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS.

A number of factors were found to be associated with local recurrence on univariate analysis. Patients with a good response to chemotherapy (≥90% tumor necrosis), had superior LRFS at 5 years (86% vs 51%, P = .015). Central site of disease was associated with an increased rate of recurrence. The LRFS at 5 years was 50% for the chest wall, 74% for pelvic/scapular, and 86% for extremity tumors (P = .083). Positive surgical margin was not a strong predictor of recurrence (P = .72). A critical analysis of minimal surgical margin based on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans also failed to reveal an association between margin and local recurrence. In multivariate analysis, the 2 independent predictors of local recurrence were histological response to chemotherapy and central site of disease.

CONCLUSION.

Local recurrence after surgical resection is a complex phenomenon. An important predictive factor is the response to chemotherapy. In the current study, this seems to have the largest impact. Central site of disease may be a second independent predictive factor. Cancer 2007;109:603–611. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Twenty years of external quality assurance in clinical cell analysis — A tribute to Jean‐Luc D'Hautcourt
Authors: Brando Bruno , Gatti Arianna , Chianese Rosa , Gratama Jan Willem
Published: December 2006

External quality assurance (EQA) programs in clinical cell analysis are now a consolidated item of laboratory practice. All the flow cytometric testings with an impact on clinical decision making have been submitted to regular EQA programs during the last 20 years, and this has produced internationally homogeneous guidelines, with a remarkable improvement in result reproducibility.

Jean‐Luc D'Hautcourt was a pioneer in this field, and his valuable contributions to flow cytometric method standardization and to the dissemination of the educational aspects of EQA programs are recognized.

The different methodological approaches undertaken in the United States and Europe are discussed. The educational role of SIHON in the Benelux Countries and of UKNEQAS for Leucocyte Immunophenotyping worldwide is emphasized. Accredited and accreditating EQA programs require an impressive degree of organization and technical knowledge, so that only major international providers can afford such a task nowadays. However, small local studies still provide the necessary stimulus to the continuous improvement of the scientifical aspects of EQA schemes. © 2006 Clinical Cytometry Society
Preliminary Contribution to the Quantification of HMF in Honey by Electrochemical Biosensor Chips
Authors: Lomillo M. Asunción Alonso , del Campo F. Javier , Pascual F. Javier Muñoz
Published: December 2006

Several hydroximethylfurfural (HMF) microbiosensors, based on a microelectrode configuration built by photolithographic techniques, have been developed. Two different biosensors based on the aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzyme coupling with NADH oxidase (NOD) or diaphorase (Diaph) are described. Experimental variables were optimized using experimental design methodology, by central composite designs, taking the intensity registered for a given HMF solution as response. Given the reproducibility (residual standard deviation (RSD), 7.20%), repeatability (RSD=3%) and limit of detection (LOD)=1.68×10−4 mol dm−3 (α=β=0.05 and a replicate) reached by the ALDH‐Diaph microbiosensor under the optimum conditions, the analysis of HMF in honey was successfully accomplished.
Enhanced Resolution of Copper and Bismuth by Addition of Gallium in Anodic Stripping Voltammetry with the Bismuth Film Electrode
Authors: Prior Chad , Lenehan Claire E. , Walker G. Stewart
Published: December 2006

This paper presents the enhanced analysis of copper on a bismuth electrode upon addition of gallium(III). The presence of gallium alleviates the problems of overlapping stripping signals usually observed between copper and bismuth when using the Bismuth Film Electrode. In addition, it has been found that the presence of gallium improves the reproducibility of the bismuth stripping signal. Simultaneous deposition of copper and bismuth at −1500 mV for 2 minutes in a supporting electrolyte composed of 0.1 M pH 4.75 acetate buffer with 250 μg L−1 gallium yields well resolved copper and bismuth signals when analyzed with square‐wave anodic stripping voltammetry. Simultaneous analysis of copper and lead yielded linear calibration plots in the range 10 to 100 μg L−1 with regression coefficients of 0.997 and 0.994 respectively. The theoretical detection limit for copper was calculated to be 4.98 μg L−1 utilizing a 2 minutes deposition time. The relative standard deviation for a copper concentration of 50 μg L−1 was 1.6% (n=10).
Effect of vanillin on toxicant‐induced lethality in the Drosophila melanogaster DNA repair test
Authors: Furlanetto Magda Patrícia , Sinigaglia Marialva , Amaral Viviane Souza do , Dihl Rafael Rodrigues , de Andrade Heloísa Helena Rodrigues
Published: December 2006

Vanillin (VA) modulates the genotoxicity of chemical and physical agents in a complex manner. Previous studies indicate that VA inhibits the mutagenicity but increases the mitotic homologous recombination caused by at least some genotoxic agents. In the present study, we have evaluated the effects of VA on the repair of lethal damage produced by three genotoxins, N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea (ENU), ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), and mitomycin C (MMC), using the DNA repair test (DRT) in Drosophila melanogaster. VA, 0.25% and 0.5% (w/v), increased the toxicity of MMC and EMS in repair‐deficient flies, as measured by a decrease in the proportion of male to female progeny in the DRT; sex ratios decreased from 18−48% for MMC and 21−97% for EMS. These effects may be caused by the inhibition of nonhomologous DNA end joining caused by VA. In contrast to the results with MMC and EMS, VA protected against the lethality of ENU in repair‐defective flies, as measured by a 43−207% increase in the survival of male flies in the DRT. It was inferred that the protective effect was due to VA modulating stages prior to the induction of ENU lesions in DNA, including modulating the antioxidant properties of VA and/or to its interference with the metabolic activation and/or detoxification of specific genotoxins. The results from this study indicate that the characterization of VA as a promising agent for preventing damage to genes and chromosomes should be tempered by observations that VA can increase the toxicity of chemical agents. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Early‐life risk factors for late‐onset depression
Authors: Sneed Joel R. , Kasen Stephanie , Cohen Patricia
Published: December 2006

Objective

To assess differences between women with no history of depression (No MDD), early‐onset depression (EOD), and late‐onset depression (LOD) on psychosocial risk factors (marital conflict and lack of social support), neuroticism, and overall self‐rated health.

Method

Diagnostic data from a community‐based longitudinal study of women at mean ages 39, 42, 48, and 59 was used to create three groups of women (No MDD, EOD and LOD). These groups were then compared on psychosocial, personality, and overall health risk assessed approximately 10 years prior to diagnosis.

Results

There were no differences between the groups on marital conflict and social support. Those with EOD scored higher than those in the LOD and No MDD groups on neuroticism. Importantly, those with LOD reported poorer health than those with No MDD 10 years prior to diagnosis.

Conclusions

These findings provide support for the notion that poor health and not psychosocial risk factors or neuroticism predispose otherwise healthy adults to developing depression for the first time in late‐life. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence of cognitive and functional impairment in a community sample in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
Authors: Lopes Marcos A. , Hototian Sergio R. , Bustamante Sonia E. Z. , Azevedo Dionísio , Tatsch Mariana , Bazzarella Mário C , Litvoc Júlio , Bottino Cássio M. C.
Published: December 2006

Objective

This study aimed at estimating the prevalence of cognitive and functional impairment (CFI) in a community sample in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, evaluating its distribution in relation to various socio‐demographic and clinical factors.

Methods

The population was a representative sample aged 60 and older, from three different socio‐economic classes. Cluster sampling was applied. Instruments used to select CFI (a syndromic category that does not exclude dementia): ‘Mini Mental State Examination’ (MMSE), ‘Fuld Object Memory Evaluation’ (FOME), ‘Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly’ (IQCODE), ‘Bayer Activities of Daily Living Scale’ (B‐ADL) and clinical interviews. The data obtained were submitted to bivariate and logistic regression analysis.

Results

A sample of 1.145 elderly persons was evaluated, with a mean age of 70.9 years (60–100; DP: 7.7); 63.4% were female, and 52.8% had up to 4 years of schooling. CFI prevalence was 18.9% (n = 217). Following logistic regression analysis, higher age, low education, stroke, epilepsy and depression were associated with CFI. Female sex, widowhood, low social class and head trauma were associated with CFI only on bivariate analysis.

Conclusion

CFI prevalence results were similar to those found by studies in Brazil, Puerto Rico and Malaysia. Cognitive and functional impairment is a rather heterogeneous condition which may be associated with various clinical conditions found in the elderly population. Due to its high prevalence and association with higher mortality and disability rates, this clinical syndrome should receive more attention on public health intervention planning. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Quaternary is here to stay
Authors: Bowen D. Q. , Gibbard Philip L.
Published: December 2006

The proposals to drop the name Quaternary, to extend the Neogene Period to the present day, and to confirm the base of the Pleistocene at 1.8 Ma are reviewed. It is concluded that there is no scientific case for dropping the name Quaternary and that an overwhelming volume of evidence points to 2.6 Ma as the most appropriate base for the Quaternary/Pleistocene, when extensive Northern Hemisphere mid‐latitude glaciation occurred under what were essentially similar physical boundary conditions of continents, oceans, seaways and mountain ranges that characterise, and are unique to, the Quaternary. It is desirable that all stratigraphical and geochronological evidence is tied rigorously into the Global Stratigraphic Timescale. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
pH‐induced reorientation of microperoxidase‐11 in mesoporous molecular sieves
Authors: Zhang B. Paul , Donohoe Robert J. , Bailey James A.
Published: December 2006

The resonance Raman spectra of microperoxidase‐11 loaded into the siliceous materials MCM‐41 and SBA‐15 demonstrate a pH dependence indicative of a protonation event on the substrate. An unusual change in relative Raman intensities without a shift in wavenumbers is observed upon lowering the system pH. Protonation of the silica surface is suggested to induce a reorientation of the MP‐11 fragments within the silica framework. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Crank–Nicholson‐based unconditionally stable time‐domain algorithm for 2D and 3D problems
Authors: Xie Xin , Pan George , Hall Stephen
Published: December 2006

It has been shown that both ADI‐FDTD and CN‐FDTD are unconditionally stable. While the ADI is a second‐order approximation, CN is only in the first order. However, analytical expressions reveal that the CN‐FDTD has much smaller truncation errors and is more accurate than the ADI‐FDTD. Nonetheless, it is more difficult to implement the CN than the ADI, especially for 3D problems. In this paper, we present an unconditionally stable time‐domain method, CNRG‐TD, which is based upon the Crank–Nicholson scheme and implemented with the Ritz–Galerkin procedure. We provide a physically meaningful stability proof, without resorting to tedious symbolic derivations. Numerical examples of the new method demonstrate high precision and high efficiency. In a 2D capacitance problem, we have enlarged the time step, Δt, 400 times of the CFL limit, yet preserved good accuracy. In the 3D antenna case, we use the time step, Δt, 7.6 times larger that that of the ADI‐FDTD i.e., more than 38 times of the CFL limit, with excellent agreement of the benchmark solution. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 261–265, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22101
Optimized electrode structure for a high‐Q electro‐optic microdisk‐based optical phase modulator
Authors: Li Song , Yi Fei , Zhang Xianmin , Zheng Shilie
Published: December 2006

A novel spatial pattern of the metal electrode for a high‐Q electro‐optic microdisk‐based optical phase modulator, which can be used to construct a photonic antenna, is proposed. This structure of electrode can help acquire resonant standing wave distribution along the electrode. The simulation results show that the electro‐optic modulation efficiency can be increased significantly. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 313–316, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22114
Fractal Hilbert microstrip antennas with reconfigurable radiation patterns
Authors: Zhang Yong , Wang Bing‐Zhong , Yang Xue‐Song
Published: December 2006

This paper presents two novel pattern reconfigurable microstrip antennas, which are formed by second‐ and third‐order fractal Hilbert curves, respectively. Both of the antennas have the feature of linearly polarized reconfigurable radiation patterns. By controlling switches on/off, the radiation patterns can be reconfigured in the upper‐half space. The two antennas have potential applications in mobile communication systems and large phased arrays. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 352–354, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22122
A novel compact coplanar‐waveguide bandpass filter with good stopband rejection
Authors: Weng Min‐Hang , Hung Cheng‐Yuan , Huang Chun‐Yueh , Ye Chang‐Sin , Su Yan‐Kuin
Published: December 2006

With the rapid development of wireless communications, sharp rejection, and wide stopband are very important issues for filter applications. In this paper, a novel compact coplanar‐waveguide bandpass filter (CPW–BPF) is designed and implemented on commercial substrate. This filter at center frequency f 0 of 3.3 GHz has presented almost very good measured characteristics including the narrow bandwidth of 8.7%, two transmission zeros in the passband edge and wide stopband rejection below 2.45 GHz and from 3.8 to 8 GHz. Experimental results of the fabricated filter show a good agreement with the simulated results. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 369–371, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22134
Package‐induced cross‐coupling effect on amplifier harmonic suppression
Authors: Chen Han‐Jan , Huang Tsung‐Hui , Chang Chin‐Sheng , Chen Lih‐Shan , Horng Jui‐Hong , Wang Yeong‐Her , Houng Mau‐Phon
Published: December 2006

A composite bandpass low noise amplifier, designed by the image parameter method and semi‐lumped component approach, is described and results for image filtering are presented. Moreover, the source‐load coupling capacitor incorporation with system grounding inductors give the amplifiers controllable finite transmission zeros in the stopband without adding any extra elements. By properly adjusting the system inductance values, the zero point at a high‐side skirt to suppress the harmonic frequency for linearity improvement can be easily manipulated. Good skirt selectivity and controllable stopband characteristics can be achieved simultaneously. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 332–336, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22137
Efficient, tunable photonic crystal fiber Raman laser
Authors: Yan Pei‐Guang , Ruan Shuang‐Chen , Guo Chun‐Yu , Yu Yong‐Qin , Li Ling
Published: December 2006

An efficient, tunable photonic crystal fiber Raman laser was firstly investigated. At the lasing light of 1126.8 nm, up to 2.7 W of continuous‐wave output power was obtained at the maximum incident pump power of 5.6 W. The corresponding optical conversion efficiency and the slope efficiency were ∼48 and ∼70.9%, respectively. By applying longitudinal tension strain on the fiber Bragg grating, we achieved ∼6.4 nm of the dynamic range with our laser. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 395–397, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22139
RFID tag antenna using two‐shorted microstrip patches mountable on metallic objects
Authors: Yu Byunggil , Kim Sung‐Joo , Jung Byungwoon , Harackiewicz Frances J. , Lee Byungje
Published: December 2006

A novel UHF band RFID tag antenna, which can be effectively mounted on metallic objects, is presented. Using the inductively coupled feeding technique, the proposed antenna consists of two symmetric shorted radiating elements and feeding loop. The feeding loop is excited so that the currents on the radiating elements are out of phase with the equal amplitude. The proposed tag antenna gives smaller variation of the antenna performance than that of conventional tag antennas when the tag is mounted on the various sizes of the metallic objects. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 414–416, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22159
Ultra wide band filter with wide stop band
Authors: Packiaraj D. , Ramesh M. , Kalghatgi A. T.
Published: December 2006

Design of an ultra wide band (UWB) filter using tightly coupled lines in micro strip medium suitable for UWB communications has been presented in this paper. Coupled lines with centrally loaded open circuited stubs have been appropriately chosen to locate the two attenuation poles, close to either side of the desired pass band. Experimental results of a 3.1–5.3 GHz filter designed using the present method have been verified against the results obtained from circuit model. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 436–439, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22166
Compact dual‐mode bandpass filter using equilateral triangular slotted‐patch resonator
Authors: Chen Jian‐Xin , Xue Quan
Published: December 2006

A compact dual‐mode bandpass filter (BPF) using equilateral triangular slotted‐patch resonator is proposed, which has the advantages of compact size, low insertion loss, and good passband selectivity because of two transmission zeros located at the low and high stopband. A demonstration BPF is optimized, fabricated, and tested. The simulated and measured results are presented and show good agreements. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 493–494, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22169
The economics of land‐use regulation in the presence of an externality: a dynamic approach
Authors: Goetz Renan U. , Zilberman David
Published: December 2006

Land‐use restrictions are frequently applied to separate non‐polluting from polluting activities. In contrast to the existing literature, we simultaneously incorporate spatial and intertemporal aspects of the problem and endogenously determine the border of the zones. Intensity‐orientated instruments alone, such as a spatially differentiated tax on inputs or outputs, are not able to support the socially optimal outcome and need to be complemented by instruments that affect choices at the extensive margin such as positive or negative land‐use taxes or land zoning. The necessary changes required to transform a spatially optimal, yet static, environmental policy into an intertemporally and spatially optimal environmental policy are presented and discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Boosting silica levels in wheat leaves reduces grazing by rabbits
Authors: Cotterill Jane V , Watkins Richard W , Brennon Clare B , Cowan David P
Published: December 2006

Systemic application of sodium silicate can significantly enhance the levels of leaf silica in winter wheat (Triticum aestivumL. cv. Mercia), suggesting that this material could reduce the palatability of plants to vertebrate herbivores (e.g. rabbits,Oryctolagus cuniculusL.). A bioassay was developed using hydroponically grown wheat plants. Plants treated with sodium silicate were significantly more resistant to grazing by wild rabbits than untreated plants, with severe, potentially lethal feeding damage being reduced by over 50%. Further studies were carried out to develop more practical techniques for boosting silica levels in plants using silicon‐rich ‘fertilisers’ including calcium silicate and calcium silicate slag (CSS). Silica levels were elevated in the plant 1.9–2.8 times over the control through the application of various silicon materials, in line with those of the hydroponic treatment. Encouragingly, levels of silica were elevated even in young wheat plants, which are most vulnerable to rabbit damage, and in a range of wheat varieties. The use of CSS is particularly promising because of its lower cost in comparison with calcium silicate, and it has a proven track record in slag fertilisation of rice and sugar cane crops. At the optimum CSS application rate of 3 g silicon L−1soil, wheat silica levels were approximately doubled, with no detrimental impacts on long‐term growth or yield. Crown copyright 2006. Reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of agricultural adjuvants on droplet spectra
Authors: Spanoghe Pieter , De Schampheleire Mieke , Van der Meeren Paul , Steurbaut Walter
Published: December 2006

The formation of a spray is the result of interaction between the nozzle type and the spray liquid. When adjuvants lower the surface tension, a shift to a finer spray quality might be expected. Increases in viscosity might cause coarser sprays. The spray pressure, nozzle type and spray liquid determine spray performance. Adjuvants that cause droplets of oil in the spray mixture, for example crop oils, petroleum oils and even some water‐insoluble emulsifiers and surfactants, may unexpectedly increase the spray droplet size. In cases where a finer spray is obtained, the volume fraction of drops smaller than 100 µm diameter, V100, is expected to increase, but for some adjuvants a decrease in V100 is observed. Finally, spray droplets may also differ when the concentration of the applied adjuvants changes. An overview based on reports in the literature is given of the effects of different classes of adjuvants used for agricultural cropping on spray droplet spectra. The effects of these adjuvants on spray formation depend on the type of nozzle in combination with the applied pressure. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Cloning, characterization and expression of a calnexin homologue from the pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
Authors: dos Santos Feitosa Luciano , de Almeida Soares Célia Maria , dos Santos Márcia Regina Machado , Bailão Alexandre Melo , Xander Patrícia , Mortara Renato Arruda , Lopes José Daniel
Published: December 2006

We report the cloning of a Paracoccidioides brasiliensis cDNA, here named PbCnx, encoding the homologue of the endoplasmic reticulum molecular chaperone calnexin. Calnexin specifically recognizes monoglucosylated glycoproteins in the endoplasmic reticulum, thus being an essential component of the complex that interacts with the folded state of nascent secreted glycoproteins. The PbCnx open reading frame was found in a 1701 base pair (bp) fragment that encodes a 567 amino acid protein with an estimated mass of 62 680 Da. Northern and Southern blot hybridizations showed that PbCnx is encoded by a single, or a low number of, gene copies. PbCnx contains the hallmark KPEDWD motifs that are found in all members of the calnexin/calreticulin family proteins. A cDNA‐encoding PbCnx was overexpressed as recombinant protein in Escherichia coli. The purified recombinant PbCnx was recognized by 6 out of 10 sera from PCM patients, a result that rules out its possible consideration for further use in diagnosis. Using confocal microscopy with anti‐PbCnx mouse serum against yeast forms, a cytoplasmic staining pattern was observed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Which Comorbid Conditions Predict Complications after Surgery for Colorectal Cancer?
Authors: Lemmens Valery E. P. P. , Janssen‐Heijnen Maryska L. G. , Houterman Saskia , Verheij Kees D. G. W. , Martijn Hendrik , van de Poll‐Franse Lonneke , Coebergh Jan Willem W.
Published: December 2006

Background

Accurate presurgical assessment is important to anticipate postoperative complications, especially in the growing proportion of elderly cancer patients. We designed a study to define which comorbid conditions at the time of diagnosis predict complications after surgery for colorectal cancer.

Patients

A random sample of 431 patients recorded in the population‐based Eindhoven Cancer Registry who underwent resection for stage I–III colorectal cancer, newly diagnosed between 1995 and 1999 were entered into this study.

Methods

The influence of specific comorbid conditions on the incidence and type of complications after surgery for colorectal cancer was analyzed.

Results

Overall, patients with comorbidity did not develop more surgical complications. However, patients with a tumor located in the colon who suffered from concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) more often developed pneumonia (18% versus 2%; P = 0.0002) and hemorrhage (9% versus 1%; P = 0.02). Patients with colon cancer who suffered from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) at the time of cancer diagnosis more often had surgical complications (67% versus 30%; P = 0.04), especially more minor infections (44% versus 11%; P = 0.002) and major infections (56% versus 10%; P < 0.0001), pneumonia (22% versus 2%; P = 0.01), and thromboembolic complications (11% versus 3%; P = 0.02). Patients with a tumor located in the rectum who suffered from COPD more frequently had any surgical complication (73% versus 46%; P = 0.04), and the presence of DVT at the time of cancer diagnosis was predictive of thromboembolic complications (17% versus 4%; P = 0.045). The presence of DVT remained significant after adjustment for relevant patient and tumor characteristics (odds ratio 9.0, 95% confidence interval 1.1–27.9).

Conclusions

Among patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer, development of complications was especially predicted by presence of COPD and DVT. In patients with the latter comorbidity, regulation of the pre‐ and postsurgical hemostatic balance needs full attention.
Nerve‐Identifying Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Surgical Anatomical Study
Authors: Wijsmuller A. R. , Lange J. F. M. , Kleinrensink G. J. , van Geldere D. , Simons M. P. , Huygen F. J. P. M. , Jeekel J. , Lange J. F.
Published: December 2006

Background

Pain syndromes of somatic and neuropathic origin are considered to be the main causes of chronic pain after open inguinal hernia repair. Nerve‐identification during open hernia repair is suggested to be associated with less postoperative chronic pain. The aim of this study was to define clinically relevant surgical anatomical zones facilitating efficient identification of the three inguinal nerves during open herniorrhaphy.

Method

Through dissection of 18 inguinal areas of embalmed and unembalmed human cadavers, identification zones were developed for the inguinal nerves (in particular for the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve).

Results

The iliohypogastric nerve was identifiable running approximately horizontally and ventrally to the internal oblique muscle perforating the external oblique aponeurosis at a mean of 3.8 cm (range 2.5–5.5 cm) cranially from the external ring. When present, the ilioinguinal nerve was identifiable running ventrally and parallel to the spermatic cord, dorsally from the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle. Identification of the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve was more comprehensive. The course of the genital branch is laterocaudal at the level of the internal inguinal ring.

Conclusion

Based on the newly defined identification zones, peroperative identification of all inguinal nerves is possible. Further research is warranted to assess clinical feasibility of these zones and to evaluate the influence of (facultative) division, preservation or omittance of the identification of inguinal nerves on the incidence of chronic pain.
Methyl ester propoxylates
Authors: Cox Michael F. , Weerasooriya Upali , Filler Paul , Mellors William
Published: December 2006

Insertion of propylene oxide into methyl esters is accomplished using a proprietary alkoxylation catalyst. The alkoxylation mechanism is believed to involve transesterification between the alkoxylated metal‐alkoxide of the catalyst and the ester. Optimal alkoxylation conditions are discussed. The effect of inserting propylene oxide prior to ethoxylation on surface properties and foam performance is examined.
Oxygen bleaching systems in domestic laundry
Authors: Milne Neal J.
Published: December 2006

The oxidative bleaching process plays a key role in removing unwanted stains from laundry. This review covers methods of generation of active oxygen bleaching species, their activation and application. In addition, the requirements for commercially acceptable oxygen bleach products are discussed.
Laundry products in bar form
Authors: Berna J. L. , Moreno A. , Bengoechea C.
Published: December 2006

Synthetic detergents have all but replaced soap in the developed countries. Laundry products in bar form, however, are still the major detergent in much of the world where manual washing predominates. This article reviews the types of laundry bars in existence today, their consumption, typical compositions, and the processes by which they are manufactured.
Sensory Assessment of Microencapsulated Fish Oil Powder
Authors: Kolanowski Wojciech , Jaworska Danuta , Weißbrodt Jenny , Kunz Benno
Published: December 2006

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of microencapsulation by spray drying on fish oil sensory quality. Evaluated fish oil powders were coated with modified cellulose, skim milk powder and a mixture of fish gelatin and cornstarch. Samples were stored in the presence of air and under vacuum and then sensory evaluated. It was shown that fish oil powders were very susceptible to oxidation resulting in off‐flavor formation. Odor profiles of samples stored in the presence of air were unstable and showed increases in undesirable odor attributes, which were significantly correlated with peroxide value, especially in the case of samples formed by spray drying. Elimination of air from the packaging improved stability of all samples during storage in both odor profile and peroxide value. The main conclusion of this study is that microencapsulation, especially by spray drying, provokes strong changes in fish oil sensory quality. Microencapsulated fish oil powder is not stable and rapidly oxidizes in the presence of air. However, its stability may be improved when stored under vacuum.
Changes in frequency and intensity of daily precipitation over the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Gallego M. C. , García J. A. , Vaquero J. M. , Mateos V. L.
Published: December 2006

There is a general consensus within the climate community that any change in the frequency or severity of extreme climate events would profoundly impact nature and society. Such changes can be studied in terms of rainfall indices derived from daily data. The great variability of the rainfall over the Iberian Peninsula and the irregularity of its water regime make any study of the rainfall in this geographical region very interesting. In this work, we contribute some information about the characteristics and distribution of the daily precipitation series over the Iberian Peninsula, in particular the study of trends in series of several selected indices all related to the frequency or intensity of the daily rainfall. Data used are taken from a set of 35 series of daily rainfall in the aforementioned region during the period 1958–1997. The selected observatories constitute a representative sample of the orography and geographical diversity present in the peninsula. From the daily rainfall data, series of frequency and intensity rainfall indices were constructed on the basis of a prior definition of four rainfall categories reflecting certain percentiles of the precipitation distribution in the peninsula: total rainfall (≥0.2 mm), light (≥0.2 mm and <2.5 mm), moderate (≥2.5 mm and <7.5 mm), intense (≥7.5 mm), and very intense (≥15 mm). The indices studied were number of rainy days in each rainfall category, medians and maxima of length of dry spells (both related to the frequency of the precipitation), accumulated precipitation in each rainfall category, proportion of rainfall in each category relative to the total accumulated rainfall, and mean precipitation per wet day in each category (related to the amounts). All the indices were evaluated seasonally. Significant trends in many of the selected series were found. The results for all the indices are coherent and point to an increase of the light rainfall events at the cost of a decrease of more intense events.
Schumann resonances: Interpretation of local diurnal intensity modulations
Authors: Pechony O. , Price C.
Published: December 2006

A technique suggested by Sentman and Fraser (1991) for separating the global and the local contributions to the observed Schumann resonance (SR) field power variations is applied to simulated SR field power calculated in a uniform cavity. The spatial/temporal distribution of lighting strokes included in the computations is based on satellite lightning data. It is shown that the local intensity modulation function calculated with a uniform model is similar to the function obtained by Sentman and Fraser with experimental data. Since the local modulation function computed from a uniform model simulation cannot be induced by ionosphere day‐night asymmetry, the local modulation function cannot represent diurnal ionosphere height variation. It is shown that the local modulation function depends primarily on the source‐receiver distance geometry and that Sentman and Fraser have developed an efficient technique of removing source‐receiver distance effects from SR records.
Biology as Technology: A Social Constructionist Framework for an Evolutionary Psychology
Authors: Moore Kevin
Published: December 2006

The analogy between biology and engineering in evolutionary psychology is argued to be insightful but limited. A broader analogy is therefore proposed called “biology as technology.” Biological evolution, that is, is best understood as the design and production of technical systems rather than engineered mechanisms. On that basis, a social constructionist theory of technology is used to found a revised analogy. This theory distinguishes primary instrumentalization processes of functionalization from secondary instrumentalization processes that realize technical systems in surrounding contexts. Using this framework, the revised analogy bridges between adaptationist accounts in standard evolutionary psychology and interactionist accounts critical of standard evolutionary psychology. Implications of this revised analogy for the evolution of mindedness and sociality are identified and discussed.
Do studies in caveolin‐knockouts teach us about physiology and pharmacology or instead, the ways mice compensate for ‘lost proteins’?
Authors: Insel P A , Patel H H
Published: December 2006

A wide array of phenotypic changes have been reported in mice with knockout of expression of caveolin‐1. Neidhold et al. (2007) describe results in this issue that continue this trend by showing that saphenous arteries from adult caveolin‐1 knockout mice lack caveolae, lose β1‐adrenoceptor‐promoted relaxation, gain β3‐adrenoceptor‐promoted relaxation but show no change in vasomotor response to β2‐adrenoceptor activation. Neither the physiological importance for wild‐type animals nor the mechanistic basis for these changes is clear. Although the caveolin‐1 knockout and wild‐type mice express similar levels of the receptor mRNAs, the protein expression of the receptors is not specified and represents, in our view, an important limitation of the study. We also question the physiological relevance of the findings and ask: Do studies in total body/lifespan caveolin‐knockout mice further understanding of physiology and pharmacology or do they primarily characterize secondary consequences? We propose that alternative approaches that decrease caveolin expression in a temporally and spatially discrete manner are more likely to facilitate definitive conclusions regarding caveolin‐1 and its role in regulation of β‐adrenoceptors and other pharmacological targets.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 251–254. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706981
The antinociceptive effects of intraplantar injections of 2‐arachidonoyl glycerol are mediated by cannabinoid CB2receptors
Authors: Guindon J , Desroches J , Beaulieu P
Published: December 2006

Background and purpose:

2‐arachidonoyl glycerol (2‐AG) is an endogenous cannabinoid with central antinociceptive properties. Its degradation is catalysed by monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) whose activity is inhibited by URB602, a new synthetic compound. The peripheral antinociceptive effects of 2‐AG and URB602 in an inflammatory model of pain are not yet determined. We have evaluated these effects with and without the cannabinoid CB1(AM251) and CB2(AM630) receptor antagonists.

Experimental approach:

Inflammation was induced in rat hind paws by intraplantar injection of formalin. Nociception was assessed behaviourally over the next 60 min, in 19 experimental groups: (1) control; (2‐6) 2‐AG (0.01‐100 μg); (7) AM251 (80 μg); (8) AM251+2‐AG (10 μg); (9) AM630 (25 μg); (10) AM630+2‐AG (10 μg); (11‐16) URB602 (0.1‐500 μg); (17) 2‐AG+URB602 (ED50); (18) AM251+URB602 (ED50); (19) AM630+URB602 (ED50). Drugs were injected s.c. in the dorsal surface of the hind paw (50 μl), 15 min before formalin injection into the same paw.

Key results:

2‐AG and URB602 produced dose‐dependent antinociceptive effects for the late phases of the formalin test with ED50of 0.65±0.455 μg and 68±14.3 μg, respectively. Their combination at ED50doses produced an additive antinociceptive effect. These effects were inhibited by AM630 but not by AM251 for 2‐AG and by the two cannabinoid antagonists for URB602.

Conclusions and implications:

Locally injected 2‐AG and URB602 decreased pain behaviour in a dose‐dependent manner in an inflammatory model of pain. The antinociceptive effect of 2‐AG was mediated by the CB2receptor.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)150, 693–701. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706990