bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Truncated Recombinant Dobrava Hantavirus Nucleocapsid Proteins Induce Strong, Long-Lasting Immune Responses in Mice
Authors: Maes Piet , Keyaerts Els , Bonnet Véronique , Clement Jan , Avsic-Zupanc Tatjana , Robert Alain , Van Ranst Marc
Published: May 2006

We describe the cloning and expression of Dobrava hantavirus (DOBV) nucleocapsid proteins and a truncated form consisting of the first 118 N-terminal amino acids, and the capacity of these E. coli ICONE 200-expressed recombinant proteins (rNp) to induce a protective immune response against DOBV in mice. As an alternative carrier protein, the outer membrane protein A derived from Klebsiella pneumoniae (rP40) has been coupled to different rNp constructs. All recombinant proteins were found to be highly immunogenic after three immunizations of rNp. The immunizations resulted in the induction of a strong Np-specific IgG response with a predominance of IgG1 over IgG2b and IgG2a, suggesting a mixed Th1/Th2 cell involvement. A specific IgG3 response could not be detected. Mice immunized with recombinant DOBV rNp without rP40 showed lower nucleocapsid-specific antibody responses in comparison with the rP40-conjugated constructs, but all mice were found to be protected against DOBV challenge. Our results indicate that the rNp constructs coupled to rP40, represent promising vaccine candidates.
Prediction of Breakthrough Hepatitis due to Lamivudine-Resistant Hepatitis B Virus by a Sensitive Semiquantitative Assay Using Peptide Nucleic Acids
Authors: Mori Kojiro , Minami Masahito , Kirishima Toshihiko , Kunimoto Koji , Okita Mika , Nakayama Mika , Makiyama Akiko , Yamaoka Junko , Nakajima Tomoki , Yasui Kohichiroh , Itoh Yoshito , Okanoue Takeshi
Published: May 2006

Objective: The aim of this study was to predict breakthrough hepatitis and analyze the dynamics of lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B virus in patients treated with lamivudine. Methods: Fifty-five chronic hepatitis B patients treated with lamivudine were included. The emergence of YMDD motif mutants was detected by peptide nucleic acid (PNA) mediated PCR clamping with a detection limit of 101 YMDD mutants. We then performed a semiquantitative PCR assay of subjects in whom YMDD mutants were detected. This assay detects 102.7–107.7 copies of mutant virus per 1 ml of serum. Results: YMDD mutants were detected in 28 (51%) of the 55 patients. Eight patients stopped medication before viral breakthrough. YMDD mutants appeared transiently despite the continuance of lamivudine therapy in 12 patients. In all 8 patients with breakthrough hepatitis, the quantities of YMDD mutants ranged from 102.7–104.7 copies/ml in the two to three months before clinical breakthrough. In contrast, in 12 patients without viral breakthrough, there were always less than 102.7 copies/ml YMDD mutants. Conclusions: Lamivudine-resistant viruses sometimes disappear even during lamivudine administration. Our sensitive quantitative assay proved useful for early detection of YMDD mutants and a threshold of 102.7 copies/ml is suggested for predicting viral breakthrough.
Use of the Low-Dose Corticotropin Stimulation Test for the Monitoring of Children with Asthma Treated with Inhaled Corticosteroids
Authors: Raux Demay M.C. , Magny J.P. , Idrès N. , Grimfeld A. , Le Bouc Y.
Published: May 2006

Objective: Subnormal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) function and rare cases of adrenal crisis have been reported in asthmatic children treated with inhaled corticosteroids. We investigated subnormal HPA activity and followed up affected patients until recovery of normal HPA functions. Study Design: 100 children with persistent asthma underwent low-dose corticotropin testing, with the administration of 1 µg of 1–24 ACTH intravenously. Treatments were beclomethasone dipropionate as a metered-dose inhaler, n = 14, budesonide as a dry-powder inhaler, n = 16, fluticasone propionate as a metered-dose inhaler n = 31 or a dry-powder inhaler n = 39. The mean commercially labelled dose was 520 ± 29 µg/day (mean ± SEM, range: 160–1,000) and the equipotent dose (which compares the efficiency of these drugs for treating asthma and their responsibility for systemic effects) was 890 ± 55 µg/day (range: 200–2,000). Results: The mean stimulated cortisol level ± SEM (and range) of the patient was 482 ± 12 (148–801), and that of 40 age-matched controls was 580 ± 12.5 (439–726), (SD = 79). The result was subnormal (more than 2 SD below the mean of the controls) in28 of the 100 patients. One–four stepwise decreases of 10–100% in the daily equipotent doses received by the patients with abnormal low-dose corticotropin testing results led to normal results in subsequent low-dose corticotropin testing in 27 retested patients. The mean time interval between two tests was 5 months (range: 2–6 months) and the mean period required for normalization of the test was 13 months (range: 2–21). Only one case of asthma exacerbation and no adrenal crisis were observed over these periods. Conclusions: Decreasing daily equipotent doses led to recovery of normal HPA function without asthma exacerbation. Thus, a revision of the doses of inhaled corticosteroids used in asthmatic children with a progressive decrease to the consensus-recommended doses should decrease the systemic effects of inhaled corticosteroids, while minimizing the risk of asthma exacerbation.
Endoscopic Stent Insertion for the Palliation of Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction
Authors: Kazi H.A. , O’Reilly D.A. , Satchidanand R.Y. , Zeiderman M.R.
Published: May 2006

Background/Aims: Controversy exists as to whether endoscopic or minimally invasive/open bypass is superior in cases of malignant gastric outlet obstruction. Methods: Retrospective observational study following those patients admitted to the hospital between January 1999 and December 2004 (n = 23) with gastric outlet obstruction. In all suitable patients endoscopic stent insertion was attempted. Symptomatic improvement was monitored as was time until discharge as well as need for readmission. We also recorded morbidity and mortality associated with the procedure as well as final survival in days. Results: Stents were inserted successfully in 21 patients. Two patients went on to have a laparoscopic bypass. Stent placement relieved obstructive symptoms in all patients. A median inpatient stay of 4 days was achieved (range 2–9 days). One patient was admitted with recurrent symptoms 9 months following his initial treatment. Investigation showed the distal end of the stent to be occluded by further tumor. His symptoms were relieved by the insertion of a second stent. In 19 patients death was due to metastatic disease. Operative mortality: cerebrovascular accident day 2 (n = 1), duodenal perforation day 4 (n = 1). Conclusion: Patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction not suitable for resection should be assessed for insertion of an enteral stent.
A Calm and Happy Keeper of the Keys
Authors: Paoline Eugene A. , Lambert Eric G. , Hogan Nancy Lynne
Published: May 2006

Job stress and job satisfaction have both received a considerable amount of attention among studies of organizations in general, and correctional organizations are no exception. Although many work-related factors have been used to explain these two concepts, several important areas have been excluded. The current study builds on existing research by examining job stress and job satisfaction and how they are affected by American Correctional Association (ACA) standards, relations with coworkers, and prison policies. Using survey data collected from a large county correctional system in Orlando, Florida, the findings suggest that ACA views, relations with coworkers, and institutional policies all have significant effects on job stress and satisfaction of correctional staff. The authors also find that these three work environment variables have a far greater magnitude of effects than do the personal characteristics of employees.
Recidivism Following Mandated Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for Felony Probationers
Authors: Hiller Matthew L. , Knight Kevin , Simpson D. Dwayne
Published: May 2006

Substance abuse is common among probationers, and treatment programs have become an integral part of community corrections. The current study presents findings from a modified therapeutic community (TC) serving drug abusing probationers in a large metropolitan area. Findings show that treatment dropouts were more likely to be rearrested for a serious felony within 2 years of leaving the TC program than were treatment graduates and probationers from an untreated comparison group. Also, a significantly smaller proportion of graduates were rearrested during the 2nd year after release compared to those who drop out of treatment or who do not receive treatment. Logistic regression analysis that adjusted for pre-existing group differences suggests there was a small impact of the TC program on recidivism, with treatment graduates only slightly less likely to be arrested within 2 years of leaving the program.
Conning or Conversion? The Role of Religion in Prison Coping
Authors: Thomas Jim , Zaitzow Barbara H.
Published: May 2006

Prisons today face what might be a nearly insurmountable task: somehow to meld humane, safe confinement and correctional programming within the context of expanding populations of offenders serving longer sentences. The use of prison religious programs presents one unique program opportunity to channel inmates’ energies in meaningful and beneficial ways. Although religion has always played a vital role in correctional programming, it has also evoked controversy because uninhibited religious expression may conflict with concerns relating to security and safety. In this article, the authors assess a variety of issues surrounding the provision of religious services in prison settings.
The Irish in Schuylkill County Prison
Authors: Gido Rosemary L. , Castle Tammy , Dodson Kimberly D. , McDonald Danielle , Olsen Christine Y. , Boyd Rebecca J.
Published: May 2006

Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn as a “cradle of diversity,” welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. The reality is that labor strife and ethnic conflict are endemic features of Pennsylvania's history. Irish Catholic immigrants began to pour into Pennsylvania's northeastern anthracite coal mining region between 1850 and 1880. This very violent pre- and post- Civil War period engendered hatred and prejudice toward these Irish and culminated in the conviction and public executions (hangings) of 20 Irish men between 1877 and 1879 (the alleged Molly Maguire Conspiracy). This research utilizes primary records from Schuylkill County (PA) Prison (1853-1873) and documents (similar to contemporary incarceration patterns) the overimprisonment of foreign-born and minority groups that posed a threat to community power interests—in this case, the powerful coal and railroad interests who literally controlled the police (private company Coal and Iron Police), the jails, the courts, and the gallows.
Gang Interventions in Jails
Authors: Ruddell Rick , Decker Scott H. , Egley Arlen
Published: May 2006

This national-level study surveys the perceptions of 134 jail administrators in 39 states about the prevalence of gang members in their facilities. Consistent with previous empirical work, approximately 13% of jail populations are thought to be gang involved, and although there are no regional differences in these estimates, small jails report having fewer gang-involved inmates. When asked about the problems that these inmates cause in their facilities, respondents report that gang members are less disruptive than inmates with severe mental illnesses but are more likely to assault other inmates. The use and efficacy of 10 programmatic responses to gangs are evaluated, with respondents rating the gathering and dissemination of gang intelligence as the most effective intervention. Implications for practitioners and gang research are outlined.
NOTES AT THE INTERSECTIONS OF LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE: THE AMERICAN DIALECT SOCIETY'S EARLYDIALECT NOTES
Authors: STRAND AMY DUNHAM
Published: May 2006

This article examines the first two volumes of the American Dialect Society's Dialect Notes, spanning 1889-1904, to explore the cross-fertilization of language and literary studies within the historical context of the society's founding moment in 1889. In particular, this archive reveals that language and literary studies intersected not only in the broad interests of early ADS members—including, for example, such noteworthy figures as thomas Wentworth Higginson, Sarah Orne Jewett, George L. Kittredge, James Russell Lowell, and William Dwight Whitney—but also converged in the objects, methods, and projects of dialect scholarship—individual scholars' contributions to Dialect Notes and the larger American Dialect Dictionary project, both of which drew on popular dialect literature. The article finally suggests that historicizing the mutually “linguistic” and “literary” beginnings of the ADS calls attention to the long-interdisciplinary nature of dialect study, affirming ongoing interdisciplinary work on American dialect.
NOTES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF EXISTENTIALTHEY
Authors: MONTGOMERY MICHAEL
Published: May 2006

This paper examines expletive they, a form occasionally noted in the literature (especially on Appalachian English) but heretofore not analyzed. It examines phonological and syntactic patterns in which the form occurs and explores four hypotheses for its development. Two of these posit that expletive they reflects a phonological process of postvocalic /r/ loss from expletive there and a third that it is derived from pronominal they, which has an identical phonological shape. Historical citations support only a fourth possibility, which argues that expletive they can be traced to Ulster and ultimately to Scotland in the seventeenth century and has been in variation with expletive there for 400 years. The form is thus seen to have had a long and complex history in both the United States and the British Isles.
THE SOURCE FOR BENJAMIN FRANKLIN'S “THE DRINKERS DICTIONARY” (AND WAS IT MATHER BYLES?)
Authors: BERSON JOEL S.
Published: May 2006

“The Drinkers Dictionary,” a list of 229 expressions describing someone who is inebriated, is commonly attributed to Benjamin Franklin; a Pennsylvania Gazette article of January 13, 1737 (1736 Old Style), is credited as its first publication. There is, however, an earlier publication of a very similar word list in the New England Weekly Journal of July 6, 1736. The two word lists are largely identical; however, differences in the lists and the accompanying essays indicate that “The Drinkers Dictionary” originated in Boston and suggest that Franklin's 1722 Silence Dogood essay in the New-England Courant was not the primary genesis for either word list. Thus, Franklin was not the earliest publisher and most likely not the principal compiler of the word list. Possible New England authors of the NEWJ essay and its dictionary are Mather Byles, Joseph Green, and John Colman.
US Interests in the Mediterranean
Authors: Dillery C. Edward
Published: May 2006

C. Edward Dillery is a retired Foreign Service officer who was ambassador to Fiji, Tonga, Kiribati, and Tuvalu. He also served at the US embassy in Cyprus and was director of the Office of Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus Affairs in the Department of State.
US and European Approaches to China
Authors: Weinrod W. Bruce
Published: May 2006

W. Bruce Weinrod is an attorney and international business advisor and has served as deputy assistant secretary of defense for European and NATO policy.
Albania: Authoritarianism without Oil
Authors: Tarifa Fatos , Lucas Peter
Published: May 2006

Fatos Tarifa is former ambassador of Albania to the United States. He is the author of The Quest for Legitimacy and the Withering Away of Utopia and The Balkans: A Mission neither Accomplished nor Impossible. Peter Lucas is a political columnist for the Boston Herald and Boston Globe and author of Rumpalla: Rummaging through Albania.
EU-Turkish Relations: Prospects and Problems
Authors: Calleya Stephen C.
Published: May 2006

Stephen C. Calleya is director of the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies, University of Malta.
The Dayton Accords: Symbol of Great-Power Failings
Authors: Dragnich Alex N.
Published: May 2006

Alex N. Dragnich is a retired professor of political science of Vanderbilt University.
Adsorption Modification of Carboxylated Carbon Nanotubes with Aniline in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Xie Xiaofeng , Gao Lian
Published: May 2006

Aniline-modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) have been obtained through interaction between carboxylated MWNT and aniline in aqueous solution. The influence of three species carboxylation treatment on the interaction has been studied. FT-IR spectra bands detectable in this case implied the generation of amide bonds and the conjugation of aromatic ring in samples. The results show that citric acid serves as super intermediate medium in the course of aniline-modified MWNT. Moreover, higher temperature can promote the modified procedure significantly.
Synthesis of 1,3-Selenazines and 1,3-Selenazolidines via Intramolecular Addition of N-Allylselenoureas
Authors: Koketsu Mamoru , Kiyokuni Takashi , Sakai Tsutomu , Ando Hiromune , Ishihara Hideharu
Published: May 2006

The regiochemistry of intramolecular addition of N-allylselenoureas leading to 2-imino-5-methyl-1,3-selenazolidines or 2-amino-5-iodo-4H-5,6-dihydro-1,3-selenazines depends on the treatment of hydrogen chloride or iodine: treatment of hydrogen chloride with N-allylselenoureas affords preferentially 2-imino-5-methyl-1,3-selenazolidines through 5-endo closure, whereas treatment of iodine affords preferentially 2-amino-5-iodo-4H-5,6-dihydro-1,3-selenazines through 6-exo closure.
Photochromism of Diarylethene-functionalized Polystyrene with High Conversion in a Solid-state Polymer Film
Authors: Kobatake Seiya , Kuratani Hirotsugu
Published: May 2006

Photochromic polymers that exhibit thermally irreversible and photochemically reversible color changes were synthesized by radical polymerization of a styrene monomer having a photochromic diarylethene chromophore. The photocoloration reaction of the polymer proceeded with high conversion even in the solid-state polymer film.
SnCl2·2H2O—An Alternative to Lewis Acidic Ionic Liquids
Authors: Arumugam Pandurangan , Perumal Paramasivan T
Published: May 2006

Inexpensive and commercially available SnCl2·2H2O has been shown to be an alternative to Lewis acidic ionic liquids by carrying out a variety of organic synthesis. The reaction medium is recycleable and the reaction time is comparable with the microwave reactions.
Simultaneous Synthesis and Self-assembly of Cyclic Diphenylalanine at Hydrothermal Condition
Authors: Togashi Takanari , Umetsu Mitsuo , Tsuchizaki Hiroyuki , Ohara Satoshi , Naka Takashi , Adschiri Tadafumi
Published: May 2006

Hydrophobic amino acid, l-phenylalanine, formed insoluble aggregates with unique morphologies at hydrothermal condition. The analyses by infrared spectrum and gel permeation chromatography indicate the highly efficient synthesis of cyclic diphenylalanine probably due to solid–liquid phase separation. The formed cyclic diphenylalanine simultaneously self-assembled to form nanorod structure in the hydrothermal condition.
Construction of a Fuel Cell from Proton-conducting Silica Nanofilm
Authors: Li Haibin , Kunitake Toyoki
Published: May 2006

We constructed a fuel cell using a proton-conducting porous silica film with thickness of 650 nm. This fuel cell delivered an open circuit voltage (OCV) of 540 mV and a maximum power density of 51 μW/cm2 at room temperature. The silanol group on the pore wall promoted proton conduction, and water molecules adsorbed in the pore suppressed permeation of fuel gas.
Degradation of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid (2,4-D) by Cobalt-60 Gamma Radiation in a Methanolic Solution Containing Humic Acid
Authors: Campos Sandro X , Vieira Eny M
Published: May 2006

In this study, cobalt-60 gamma radiation was used to degrade 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid herbicide (2,4-D) in methanol in the presence of humic acid. The 2,4-D solution was irradiated with different doses. The herbicide was completely degraded after treatment with a dose of 150 kGy. The influence of humic acids was verify in higher doses (75 and 100 kGy) only. ESI/MS and MS/MS identified 3-chlorophenol as the intermediate product. The radiolytic yield (G) of 2,4-D degradation was calculated.
A Simple Way for Preparing Antioxidation Nano-copper Powders
Authors: Yang Jian-guang , Okamoto Takeshi , Ichino Ryoichi , Bessho Takeshi , Satake Shigeru , Okido Masazumi
Published: May 2006

A two-step reduction route in polyol process for producing copper nano-particles with satisfied antioxidation property is described here. This process involves two-step reduction of copper salts in polyol solution with the surfactant protection under atmospheric conditions at a temperature below 353 K. Well-dispersed nano-copper particles with ca. 80 nm in diameter were obtained from the diethylene glycol (DEG) solution containing 0.2 M Cu2+ ion, 0.3 mM polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a ligand agent at 330 K, glucose as first reductant, and ascorbic acid as second reductant.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Optical Limiting Effect of a Cu(I) Coordination Polymeric Cluster Bridged by Chiral-carbon Skeleton Bipyridyl Ligand
Authors: Niu Yunyin , Song Yinglin , Wang Qingli , Guo Xiaoling , Zhu Yu , Hou Hongwei
Published: May 2006

Solution reaction of Cu(I) iodide with chiral-carbon skeleton ligand 2,3-di(4-pyridyl)-2,3-butanediol (meso-dpb) in DMSO generated a novel 2D coordination polymeric cluster [(CuI)4(dpb)4(DMSO)4(CH3OH)4(H2O)]n (1), in which the dpb exhibits a TT conformation and the adaptable Cu2I2 rhomboid cluster unit facilitates the formation of a final noninterpenetrating motif. The nonlinear optical limiting property of 1 was also studied at 532 nm. The limiting threshold was determined to be 0.42 J cm−2 and this value is three times better than 1.6 J cm−2 of C60.
Synthesis and Liquid-crystalline Properties of Bromoalkyloxy-substituted Terphenylenes
Authors: Larios-López Leticia , Navarro-Rodríguez Dámaso , Donnio Bertrand , Guillon Daniel
Published: May 2006

A series of bromoalkyloxy-substituted terphenylenes were synthesized through a Palladium cross-coupling reaction between arylboronic acids and bromoaryl derivatives. By DSC it was observed that these intermediates show a rich thermotropism in a wide range of temperature (110–180 °C) and by X-ray diffraction it was determined that the liquid-crystalline nature corresponds to tilted type smectic mesophases (SmC, SmF/SmI, and a two-dimensional ordered tilted mesophase SmX).
Recovery of Impairments After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Findings From a Prospective, Multicentre Study
Authors: Tate Robyn L. , Harris Ross D. , Cameron Ian D. , Myles Bridget M. , Winstanley Julie B. , Hodgkinson Adeline E. , Baguley Ian J , Harradine Peter G ,   Brain Injury Outcomes Study (BIOS) Group
Published: May 2006

This study aimed to describe the recovery of impairments after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) over a 3-year period. An inception cohort over 2 years was recruited from 11 brain injury rehabilitation units participating in a state-wide program. The 131 individuals with TBI were assessed at admission to the rehabilitation program, 18 months and 3 years post-trauma. This report described results from the Disability Rating Scale (DRS) and Mayo-Portland Adaptability Index (MPAI). Regression analyses, examining the influence of five acute injury variables on DRS and MPAI, revealed that posttraumatic amnesia (PTA) was a significant individual predictor. Data were thus analysed according to duration of PTA: 1 to 2 weeks (n= 19), 2 to 4 weeks (n= 44) and more than 4 weeks (n= 68). At program admission there was poorer overall level of functioning on the DRS in the longest PTA group, but no difference between the shorter PTA groups. Significant improvements occurred on the DRS for all PTA groups over the first 18 months posttrauma, with improvements continuing between 18 months and 3 years. At the 3-year follow-up, frequency data from the MPAI indicated that clinically significant impairments in mobility, hand function, communication and behaviour were uncommon in the shorter PTA groups, although 36% to 47% continued to experience cognitive impairments. Impairments were common in the longest PTA group in some areas, particularly cognition where two thirds or more continued to experience clinically significant impairments in attention, memory and novel problem-solving. These results confirm the predictive significance of PTA duration regarding longer-term level of recovery. They also highlight the limitation in classifying the ‘severe’ TBI category as an homogenous group: significant subgroup differences occurred on medical and functional variables at program admission, 18 months and 3 years posttrauma. These data further substantiate the persistence of neuropsychological impairments in the face of good physical recovery at all levels of severity within the severe TBI group.
Generalisability of the Rapid Screen of Concussion: A Dual-Centre Approach
Authors: McCullough Cynthia Melanie , De Monte Veronica , Sheedy Joanne , Geffen Gina Malke
Published: May 2006

This study investigated the generalisability of the Rapid Screen of Concussion (RSC; a series of brief computerised tests) and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSS; Wechsler, 1981) for discriminating between concussion (mTBI) and orthopaedic patient groups in two different centres, the Royal Brisbane Hospital, Brisbane (N = 177) and St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney (N = 211). Group differences and interactions were assessed between test centre (Sydney or Brisbane) and injury type (mTBI or orthopaedic control) on a composite variable of the RSC and DSS subtests. Age, education and number of standard drinks of alcohol consumed were covaried for these analyses. While the mTBI patients obtained lower scores than orthopaedic patients, there were no significant differences between Brisbane and Sydney participants in performance on the RSC and DSS. There was no significant interaction between injury type and test centre. Similarities of correct classification rates of the RSC and DSS for Brisbane and Sydney were examined using a double cross-validation technique. When cross-validating from the Brisbane to Sydney sample it was revealed that sensitivity was 73% in Brisbane and 71% in Sydney, while specificity for the two samples was 76% and 67%, respectively. When cross-validating from the Sydney sample to the Brisbane sample sensitivity was 64% and 63%, respectively. Specificity was 81% in Sydney and 80% in Brisbane. These results indicated that correct classification rates were sufficiently similar between the cities and that the RSC and DSS could be generalised. When samples were combined, sensitivity was found to be 66% while specificity was 80%. The RSC and DSS are recommended as adjunct procedures to medical diagnoses of mTBI.
Excluded Letter Fluency Test (ELF): Norms and Test–Retest Reliability Data for Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Shores E. Arthur , Carstairs Jane R. , Crawford John R.
Published: May 2006

Normative and reliability data for the Excluded Letter Fluency (ELF) Test are provided. A stratified random sample of 399 healthy young adults aged 18 to 34 years from Sydney, Australia, completed the ELF Test as well as a full-length WAIS-R, as part of a larger battery of tests. After a 1-year interval 99 of these individuals were retested on the same forms of the tests. The influence of age, sex and education was investigated on the ELF and only education was found to have a significant overall effect on the total scores. However, gender was found to have an effect on the error scores, with males making more rule-breaks than females. Tables are provided for converting ELF raw scores, corrected for years of education, to standard scores with 90% and 95% confidence intervals for both test and retest purposes. A table for calculating the base rate of errors, for males and for females, on the ELF is also provided.
Effect of Acid Treatment Agent of Sea Laver on Geoenvironmental Properties of Tidal Flat Muds in the Ariake Sea
Authors: Hayashi S , Du YJ
Published: May 2006

Recently the amount of catch of some specific benthos (e.g., shells) in the Ariake Sea of Japan has reduced dramatically. Researchers are questioning if it is the acid treatment practice undertaken in the Ariake Sea tidal flats that changed the geoenvironmental properties of the tidal flat muds, and consequently caused impacts on the benthos living in the muds. However, so far, relatively few detailed studies have been done in this regard. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of acid treatment practice on the geoenvironmental properties of muds in the Ariake Sea tidal flats. The field investigation data as well as laboratory test data are presented. It is found that as a consequence of the acid treatment practice, considerable reduction of salt concentration and pH of the muds has taken place. Furthermore, the measured increased sulfide content of the muds indicate that the acid treatment practice in the tidal flats of the Ariake Sea may have produced serious consequences for some benthos inhabiting the shallow depth of the muds.
Efficiency of Arsenic Removal Unit Working in Bangladesh and Cement Stabilization of Its Sludge
Authors: Hussainuzzaman MM , Yokota H
Published: May 2006

To supply safe water to the arsenic affected community, an arsenic removal unit, gravel sand filter (GSF), was developed by modifying the pond sand filter (PSF) so that it can be used to overcome the dry season low flow problem of it. Performance data of that arsenic removal unit shows that it can be the most suitable option to solve that problem of the PSF. GSF uses the naturally occurring iron to remove arsenic by coprecipitation. In this process it produces arsenic rich iron sludge. Disposal of this sludge to the nature may pose a risk of secondary contamination to the stratum. Leaching tests of the arsenic rich iron sludge and the solidified sludge with cement indicates that arsenic leaching ratio of sludge ranges between 3 and 13 % and that of cement stabilized sludge is between 1 and 6 %. This means that the arsenic has a strong bond with the iron sludge and its treatment may not be difficult.
The Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of Trace Metals in Sediments of a Highly Urbanized Watershed
Authors: Li LY , Mattu G , McCallum D , Hall K , Chen M
Published: May 2006

The Brunette watershed (7200 ha) is located in the urbanized metropolitan area of Greater Vancouver, Canada. It is an area of high traffic density and extensive impervious surfaces (paved roads and roof tops). This watershed provides an excellent area for the study of the spatial and temporal trace metal contamination in sediments. Street surface, stream, and lake sediments were collected over a 25-year period and analyzed for total and acid-extractable trace metals (Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn). Lead concentrations in all areas have decreased dramatically, directly as a result of the discontinuation of lead addition to fuels in the 1970s. The mean concentration of total lead in stream sediments has decreased from 230 in 1973 to 134 and 36–66 mg/kg in 1993 and 1997–1998, respectively. Manganese, especially the acid extractable fraction, increased during the early 1990s when MMT replaced tetraethyl lead as an antiknock compound. The 0.5 M HCl extractable manganese in stream sediments has increased from 18 in 1973 to 545 in 1993 and 162–273 mg/kg in 1997–1998. Burnaby Lake, a shallow (Zav = 1.0 m, 140 ha) lake, has acted as a sink for trace metal contaminated sediments. Highest trace metal levels are found in surface sediments at the east end of the lake (where Cu, Pb, and Zn were 159, 179, and 529 mg/kg) containing more silt (24%) and higher organic matter (32.5%). The sandy delta of Still Creek (silt<4%, organic matter 5.6%), which contributes over 50% of the flow to the lake, has lower trace metal levels (Cu, Pb, and Zn were 72, 77, and 207 mg/kg) even though the creek is the predominant source of trace metals transported to the lake.
Overview of Natural Attenuation of Sediments
Authors: Mulligan CN , Yong RN
Published: May 2006

Natural attenuation involves the use of the natural processes with the soil and groundwater to remediate contamination by physical, chemical, and biological processes to reduce the risk to human health and the environment. Although the use of natural attenuation as a treatment process is increasing for remediation of contaminated groundwater, much less research has focused on contaminated soils and sediments. Industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and sewage discharges are major sources of contaminants for the sediments. In addition, benthic organisms can transport contaminants through bioturbation and there is considerable variability at sites. Organic materials, a particularly important component of the sediments, can sequester the contaminants. Sediment-water partitioning controls the release of the contaminants into pore water and benthic organisms. Fate and transport mechanisms for both organic and inorganic contaminants within the sediments need to be understood to establish protocols for the monitoring and use of natural attenuation.
Effect of Specimen Size on Consolidation Parameters of Marine Clay Deposits
Authors: Shogaki T
Published: May 2006

The effect of specimen size on consolidation parameters of undisturbed marine clay deposits and their remolded samples are examined through the standard incremental loading oedometer test I.A.W. JIS A 1217. There are two sizes of specimens, a d60 specimen (60 mm d and 20 mmh) and a d30 specimen (30 mmd and 10 mmh). The relationships between void ratio and consolidation load were unrelated to specimen size in the loading and unloading process. The coefficients of consolidation (cv) obtained from the d30 specimen were smaller than those of the d60 specimen in the over-consolidated stage. This was caused by larger t90 values (the required time for 90% consolidation) of the d30 specimen than those of the d60 specimen. The t90 ratio was about 1.3 in this stage. In the normally consolidated stage, the cv, coefficient of volume compressibility (mv), and permeability (k) were unrelated to specimen size. The consolidation parameters obtained from the d30 specimen were almost the same as those of the d60 specimen in the normally consolidated stage. The d30 specimen, retrieved from the 45 mm, small tube sampler or a 75-mm sampler, is more effective for sample testing purposes.
Transport Phenomena of Volatile Solute in Soil during Bioventing Technology
Authors: Suko T , Fujikawa T , Miyazaki T
Published: May 2006

Bioventing is one of the remediation techniques for volatile organic compound (VOC) contamination with VOC in the vadose zone. The object of this study is to investigate the pollutant transport and removal during aeration treatment focusing on convection, biodegradation, and volatilization. As for the result of 20-cm column experiment, dodecane removal ratio of the samples with aeration was about 20 % higher than those with no aeration. But after 30 days, the increasing rate of dodecane removal ratio decreased drastically in all cases. Total germ density increased after 10 days, but stopped increasing after 30 days. In the samples with higher water content, total germ numbers and dodecane removal ratio increased largely at the inlet of the air. From the estimations of the contribution of volatilization and biodeg-radiation, the authors found that volatilization played a more important role on dodecane removal during the first 10 days of the column experiment, and biodegradation became predominant afterward.
Treatment Options for Invasive Fungal Infections
Authors: Ashley Elizabeth S. Dodds
Published: May 2006

Clinicians face an increasing occurrence of invasive fungal infections. These are due not only to traditional yeast and mould species but also to rare pathogens that can be difficult to treat. The introduction of new agents has expanded the options for treating common and rare mycotic infections with antifungal efficacy at least equal, and safety far superior, to that of a once‐limited choice of therapies. Patients with invasive mycoses frequently have concomitant disorders and require multidrug regimens. Clinicians must be aware of the potential for interactions among agents available for treating invasive mycoses in patients with serious underlying conditions.
Candida Resistance and Its Clinical Relevance
Authors: Klepser Michael E.
Published: May 2006

Since the 1970s, the death rate from Candida infection has risen in conjunction with increasing numbers of patients at risk for serious fungal infections, such as those immunocompromised because of tissue or organ transplantation, chemotherapy, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or advanced age. Candidal infections are not only prevalent but also associated with considerable mortality and morbidity. In 2005, the overall mortality rate was 44% within 30 days of the first blood culture positive for any Candida species. Given the substantial morbidity and mortality, clinicians must include fungal infection in the differential diagnosis for at‐risk patients, and they must quickly select appropriate antifungal therapy for those with identified infection. However, clinicians cannot use the minimum inhibitory concentration to select antifungal therapy in the same way they use it to treat bacterial infections. The relationship between in vitro susceptibility and clinical effect is not as direct with antifungals as it is with antibiotics. As long as Candida species continue to be the major causes of fungal infections, improving outcomes remains an important therapeutic goal. A key element is preventing and managing drug resistance. Further study of treatment duration, dosage, intermittent‐versus‐continuous administration schedules, and other treatment options are needed to determine their effect on resistance. Therapy that combines agents with complementary mechanisms of action may increase potency and broaden the spectrum of antifungal efficacy while decreasing the number of resistant organisms.
Sealants
Authors: Klosowski Jerome M. , Lueder Timothy B. , Vandereecken Patrick
Published: May 2006

Sealants are materials installed in gaps or joints to prevent water, wind, dirt, or other contaminants from passing through the joint or gap. They are commonly rated by their movement ability. High movement sealants, eg, silicones, urethanes, and polysulfides, typically accommodate joint movement of 25% or higher. Acrylic sealants are commonly used in joints where movement is 5–15% and no higher than 25%. Butyl sealants are used in applications with movement of <12.5%. Each sealant type’s base polymer provides inherent properties that find use in specific applications. Silicones are resistant to weathering and are used in applications where longevity is a prime concern. Urethanes are tough, abrasion resistant, with good adhesion to many substrates, thus allowing many applications in weatherproofing, especially in high abuse areas. Polysulfides have superior chemical resistance and find wide use in aircraft applications. Latex acrylics have good weatherability, low cost, and are easy to use, making them popular with consumers in nondemanding applications. Polyisobutylene sealants have low moisture vapor permeability and high tack, which are necessary for automotive and insulating glass applications. Most recently, a new class of sealants often referred to as Si‐Hybrids, afford improved adhesion and properties typical of organic based sealants such as paintability and non‐staining character.
Sulfonation and Sulfation
Authors: Dado Gregory P. , Knaggs Edward A. , Nepras Marshall J.
Published: May 2006

Sulfonation and sulfation are chemical processes for introducing the sulfur trioxide moiety into organic entities. These processes are utilized in both batch and continuous modes to produce anionic surfactants, cyclic intermediates, dyes, pigments, medicinals, pesticides, sweeteners, lubricant additives, and polymeric specialty chemicals. Reagents for sulfonation and sulfation include sulfur trioxide, its derivatives and adducts, and sulfur dioxide and its derivatives. Liquid sulfur trioxide is the most reactive available reagent and is moderated by vaporization and dilution with inert dry gases, by use of reaction solvents, or by using adducting agents. Commercially important sulfonated and sulfated products are described. Continuous falling film gaseous sulfur trioxide sulfonation–sulfation, the method of choice for sulfonating flowable liquid feedstocks, is emphasized. Choice of reagent depends on the chemistry involved, derived product quality, as well as economic and environmental considerations.
Sulfuric Acid and Sulfur Trioxide
Authors: Muller Thomas L.
Published: May 2006

Sulfuric acid has been an important article of commerce for at least 250 years and is one of the largest volume basic chemicals in the world. This article discusses physical properties of sulfuric acid, oleum, and sulfur trioxide and includes 13 tables, 19 graphs, and extensive references. Both the single and double absorption contact processes for sulfuric acid manufacture are discussed, including materials of construction. Also discussed are significant advances in the process that increase energy recovery. Other information includes economics, health and toxicity, and applicable Federal regulations for shipping and handling.
Temperature Measurement
Authors: White D. R.
Published: May 2006

Thermodynamic temperature is defined in terms of the rate of change of energy with entropy, and can be equated with the mean translational kinetic energy of unbound atoms and molecules. Practical temperature measurements are made on the International Temperature Scale of 1990, ITS‐90, an empirical approximation to the thermodynamic scale. ITS‐90 defines the temperature scale from 0.65 K upward based on a variety of thermometers including platinum resistance thermometers and spectral‐band radiation thermometers. Measurements made using other thermometers, such as industrial platinum resistance thermometers, industrial radiation thermometers, thermistors, thermocouples, and liquid‐in‐glass thermometers, should be traceable to ITS‐90. Advice on using, calibrating, and interpreting measurements from these devices is given.
Vinyl Chloride
Authors: Cowfer Joseph A. , Gorensek Maximilian B. ,   Updated by Staff
Published: May 2006

A brief history of the commercial development of vinyl chloride, tabulation of its physical properties, discussion of its chemical reactions, detailed descriptions of the component processes currently used for its production, economic aspects, uses, toxicity and handling precautions, and purity standards are given. Chemical reactions that vinyl chloride undergoes include polymerization, substitution at the carbon–chlorine bond, oxidation, addition, photochemistry, and pyrolysis. Important manufacturing methods are described with emphasis on the balanced process based on ethylene and chlorine feedstocks. Component processes of direct chlorination, oxychlorination, and pyrolysis of the intermediate 1,2‐dichloroethane (EDC) are described in terms of their reaction mechanisms, operating conditions, conversions and yields, and overall process integration. Oxychlorination technology comparisons are made between processes involving either fixed‐ or fluidized‐bed reactors and either air or oxygen feeds. Intermediate 1,2‐dichloroethane purification requirements are described as are by‐product handling and disposal and environmental considerations. Technology trends are also briefly discussed. Economic aspects given include production of vinyl chloride monomer, and a listing of U.S. producers. Quality standards are also presented, along with toxicity and handling precautions.
Self‐Cleaning Materials—Lotus Effect Surfaces
Authors: Li Jun , Zhang Zhuqing , Xu Jianwen , Wong C. P.
Published: May 2006

The lotus effect represents superhydrophobicity and self‐cleaning properties of natural lotus leaves. Since it was first explained by Professor Wilhelm Barthlott in 1997, lotus effect has gained much attention, and various applications of lotus effect surfaces have been proposed. However, superhydrophobic surfaces have been prepared and studied since 1950s. In this work, the relationship between the two concepts, the lotus effect and superhydrophobicity, is discussed. We also briefly review the fundamental theories on the wettability of hydrophobic rough surfaces, recent modeling works on superhydrophobic and self‐cleaning properties, as well as the processing of lotus effect films. Based on the properties of lotus effect surfaces, different applications were introduced.
A smooth switching adaptive controller for linearizable systems with improved transient performance
Authors: Tze Huang Jeng , Ming Chen Yen
Published: May 2006

The certainty equivalent control has achieved asymptotic tracking stability of linearizable systems in the presence of parametric uncertainty. However, two major drawbacks remain to be tackled, namely, the risk of running into singularity for the calculated control input and the poor transient behaviour arising frequently in a general adaptive system. For the first problem, a high gain control is activated in place of the certainty equivalent control until the risk is bypassed. Among others, it requires less control effort by taking advantages of the bounds for the input vector field. Moreover, the switching mechanism is smooth and hence avoids possible chattering behaviour. Next, to solve the second problem, a new type of update algorithm guaranteeing the exponential stability of the overall closed‐loop system, on a weaker persistent excitation (PE) condition, is proposed. In particular, it requires no filtering of the regressor and hence is easier to implement. Simulation results demonstrating the validity of the proposed design are given in the final. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Closure of turbulent fluxes for the transport of momentum, energy, and mass
Authors: Alfradique Marcelo Ferreira , Telles Affonso Silva
Published: May 2006

The methods of extended thermodynamics are employed to establish a set of closure equations for the turbulent fields. The main advantage of its use resides in the elimination of all arbitrariness in the selection of the constitutive variables and basic model for the average fields present in the various equations for the turbulent moments. In addition, the method provides a systematic way correcting observed improprieties. Starting with the equations for the fluctuations of the velocity and of passive scalar fields, it is possible to write successive equations for the moments of increasing orders in the form of balances in terms of a time derivative, a convective flux, and a source field. The unknown terms for each order are assumed to be determined by constitutive equations given as functions, exclusively, of the moments of lower order. The only free choice is on the level of description, as determined by the order of the highest moment considered. Equations required for the two first levels, pertaining to the moments of the fluctuations of velocity, and of temperature and concentrations are presented, discussed and compared to previous models and known results. Heat and mass‐transfer effects are considered, and it is shown the existence of interference between these processes in a form analogous to the Dufour and Soret effects, with a marked anisotropy following the Reynolds stress. © 2006 American Institute of Chemcial Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Autosomal dominant atretic cephalocele with phenotype variability: Report of a Brazilian family with six affected in four generations
Authors: Carvalho D.R. , Giuliani L.R. , Simão G.N. , Santos A.C. , Pina‐Neto J.M.
Published: May 2006

Atretic cephalocele is a clinicopathological entity, which is different from the common form of cephalocele. Its etiopathogenesis has not been completely explained and there are only two previous reports of familial recurrence. We report a Brazilian family with autosomal dominant inheritance with variable expressivity. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.