bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semiempirical, squeeze flow, and intermolecular diffusion model. II. Model verification using laser microwelding
Authors: Grewell David , Benatar Avraham
Published: June 2008

This article reviews the application of a coupled squeeze flow and intermolecular diffusion model, which was used to predict the quality and size of microwelds in plastics. Weld widths predictions were compared with previously presented experimental results using moving heat source models and temperature fields. The motivation for this work was to develop and verify a model based on fundamental principles that could accurately predict weld size and strength for conventional plastic welding techniques as well as novel techniques such as laser microwelding. It is envisioned that the resulting model could be used to predict proper welding parameters, including laser power and travel speed, to produce welds of varying size. Although insight into weld quality can be derived from this model, it was not the goal of this work to accurately predict weld strength for laser microwelding because of the difficulty in measuring weld strength on the micron scale. However, as reported in Part 1, weld strength for impulse welds were accurately predicted. In this model it was found that variable temperature histories, rather than a single value of maximum weld temperature, allows more accurate modeling of the welding process. In this work (Part 2), microwelds as small as 11 μm in width were produced with transmission infrared welding. In addition, welds over 150‐μm wide were also generated and the model was able to predict the range of weld widths that were found experimentally. It was found that the predictions were in very good agreement with the experimental results. There was some deviation between the experimental data and the model at the extreme parameters and it is believed that this was due to the temperature‐dependent material properties as well as optical aberrations. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fiber‐particle morphological transition and its effect on impact strength of PS/HDPE blends
Authors: Ramírez‐Arreola D. , Robledo‐Ortiz J. , Moscoso F. , González‐Núñez R. , Rodrigue D.
Published: June 2008

A morphological analysis was performed to study the effect of postextrusion conditions on the properties of polystyrene (PS)/high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) blends. The results show that both draw ratio (DR) and water contact distance (X) have a definite influence on the morphology and mean failure energy (MFE) of 3, 6, and 9% PS in HDPE. In general, the MFE of the blends increases with DR up to a critical value, being function of the water contact distance, where substantial decreases are observed. It was found that deformation of the dispersed phase increases with DR, but decreases with water contact distance. However, morphological analysis of the dispersed phase shows that particle–fiber transition occurs at critical values of DR and X up to a point where fiber break‐up occurs. These morphological transitions can easily explain the impact strength behavior of the samples. Using normalized data, a master curve is proposed relating the postextrusion conditions to the MFE. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Ultrasound aided extrusion process for preparation of polyolefin–clay nanocomposites
Authors: Lapshin Sergey , Swain Sarat K. , Isayev Avraam I.
Published: June 2008

A continuous ultrasound assisted process using a single screw compounding extruder with an ultrasonic attachment was developed to prepare polyolefin/clay nanocomposites. High‐density polyethylene and isotactic polypropylene were compared. The feed rate that controls the residence time of the polymer in the ultrasonic treatment zone was varied. Die pressure and power consumption were measured. Rheological properties, morphology, and mechanical properties of the untreated and ultrasonically treated nanocomposites were studied. Similarities and differences of obtained nanocomposites are discussed based on their properties and structural characteristics. The modified Halpin‐Tsai theory of composite materials has been employed in order to predict the effect of incomplete exfoliation of clay platelets on the Young's modulus of the nanocomposites. A good agreement between experimental and theoretical data has been observed when reduction of the reinforcement efficiency of clay had been incorporated through the reduced aspect ratio of elementary clay platelets. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Chromophore concentration effect on holographic grating formation efficiency in novel azobenzene‐functionalized polymers
Authors: Schab‐Balcerzak Ewa , Sobolewska Anna , Miniewicz Andrzej , Jurusik Jan
Published: June 2008

Optically active photochromic poly(amideimide)s containing azobenzene side groups in the repeating unit were prepared. The polymers were designed and synthesized specifically for this work in order to evaluate chromophore concentration effect on holographic grating recording. The poly(amideimide)s with mono‐ and bis‐azobenzene moieties were obtained via direct high temperature polycondensation and compared with respect to their ability of diffraction grating formation due to the light‐induced optical anisotropy effects. Holographic gratings were fabricated in polymer films upon exposure to an interference pattern of two polarized Ar+ laser beams at 514.5 nm wavelength. Different geometries of laser beams polarization were applied. It should be emphasized that although the azobenzene moieties are rigidly connected to the polymers backbone, some of polymers exhibited the unusually high light diffraction efficiency of around 40%. The created surface relief gratings (SRGs) were successfully observed using the atomic force microscopy (AFM). AFM images show regularly defined and aligned grating structures. It should be stressed that the SRGs with maximum of relief height up to 260 nm in polyimide derivatives with side azobenzene group were observed for the first time. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Ab initio simulations of diluted magnetic semiconductors: cobalt‐doped zinc oxide
Authors: Nayak Sanjeev K. , Ogura Masako , Hucht Alfred , Buschmann Stephan , Akai Hisazumi , Entel Peter
Published: June 2008

The structural and magnetic properties of diluted magnetic III–V and II–VI semiconductors (DMS) have been investigated using ab initio simulations techniques based on density functional theory and the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) for the exchange–correlation term. In order to achieve an agreement with spectroscopic data of the electronic structure, it is necessary to employ methods which go beyond the standard implementation of density funcional theory allowing for a better description of Coulomb correlations in the poorly screened rather open ionic structures of the materials. As an example, we give a detailed description of Co‐doped ZnO in the wurtzite lattice. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetotransport and structural properties of superconducting BPSCCO thick film on MgO substrate
Authors: Albiss B. A. , Gharaibeh M. , Obaidat I. M. , Al‐Rawashdeh N. , Oweis R. , Hamdi N. , Qaseer M. K. Hasan
Published: June 2008

Superconducting thick films of Bi1.8Pb0.4Sr2Ca2.2Cu3Ox (BPSCCO) have been prepared on MgO single crystal substrates by employing a screen‐printing method. Using this technique, we have prepared several samples utilizing different experimental conditions. Optimization of properties such as film thickness, microstructure, phase formation and annealing time was carefully monitored to obtain samples with transport properties that are quite sensitive to relatively low magnetic fields. The thick film was characterized using XRD, SEM, I–V characteristics and magnetoresistance methods. The microstructural analysis revealed that the samples were superconducting with the existence of a considerable number of weak links between the grains and at the grain boundaries. When the R–B curves were plotted at T = 77 K and at relatively low applied magnetic fields up to 100 G, the value of the normalized resistance was well fitted to the relation R (B)/R (B = 0) = 1 + αB2, where α is a constant. Samples were also measured after several thermal cycles to check the reproducibility at various experimental conditions. It was demonstrated that the I–V curves were independent of the number of thermal cycles and exhibited no significant change at relatively low currents and magnetic fields. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Effects of Sildenafil Citrate on Ischemic Colonic Anastomotic Healing in Rats: Its Relationship Between Nitric Oxide and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Uzun Hafize , Konukoglu D. , Nuri M. K. , Ersoy E. Y. , Özçevik S. , Yavuz N.
Published: June 2008

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of sildenafil citrate on normal and ischemic colon anastomosis in the rat model by measuring the levels of blood and colonic tissues nitric oxide, thiobarbituric acid reactive substrates (as a marker of lipid peroxidation), and glutathione (as an antioxidant).

Methods

Normal (group 1 and 3) and ischemic anastomosis (group 2 and 4) were performed in four equal rat groups (n = 14). Orally 10 mg/kg per day of sildenafil citrate therapy were applied in group 3 and group 4 after operation. Seven rats of the each group were killed on postoperative days 3 and 7.

Results

Sildenafil citrate therapy was resulted in elevated nitric oxide levels in both normal and ischemic anastomotic tissues (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.03) at postoperative day 3. Tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substrate levels were elevated in rats with normal anastomosis by sildenafil therapy (p < 0.001) at postoperative days 3 and 7 (p < 0.05). Sildenafil therapy given to the normal anastomosis group has significantly higher tissue nitric oxide levels than the normal anastomosis group without therapy at postoperative day 7 (p < 0.001). On postoperative day 7, plasma nitric oxide levels were decreased by sildenafil citrate in rats with normal (p < 0.01) and ischemic anastomosis (p < 0.05). The beneficial effect of sildenafil citrate also was seen for erythrocyte glutathione levels in rats with normal anastomosis at postoperative day 7 and in rats with ischemic anastomosis at postoperative day 3.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that sildenafil citrate may affect ischemic anastomotic healing due to its possible effects on nitric oxide metabolism and lipid peroxidation. However, functional implication of this agent further needs to be elucidated.
Preoperative Prediction of the Location of Parotid Gland Tumors using Anatomical Landmarks
Authors: Lim Chi Young , Chang Hang‐Seok , Nam Kee‐Hyun , Chung Woong Youn , Park Cheong Soo
Published: June 2008

Background

The location of the parotid gland tumor can affect the duration and difficulty of operation. Therefore, accurate preoperative evaluation of tumor location can affect surgical outcomes.

Methods

Results in 100 patients with parotid gland tumors who underwent parotidectomy between January 2000 and October 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. Tumor location was determined relative to four landmarks—facial nerve (FN) line, Utrecht (U) line, Conn’s arc (CA), and retromandibular vein (RV)—on computerized tomography (CT) scans, and confirmed by intraoperative findings. The accuracy of each landmark was evaluated. Correlations between accuracy and tumor size were determined for tumors ≤2 cm and >2 cm in diameter.

Results

Of the four landmarks, the U line was the most accurate (94%), sensitive (89.3%), and specific (97.7%) in predicting tumor location. However, for tumors ≤2 cm in diameter, FN line (p = 0.022) and RV (p = 0.028) were significantly more accurate than U line and CA.

Conclusion

Although the U line was the most accurate in predicting the location of parotid gland tumors, landmarks predicting accurate tumor location should be selected according to tumor size.
Chronic allograft nephropathy
Authors: Fletcher Jeffery T. , Nankivell Brian J. , Alexander Stephen I.
Published: June 2008

Chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) is the leading cause of renal allograft loss in paediatric renal transplant recipients. CAN is the result of immunological and nonimmunological injury, including acute rejection episodes, hypoperfusion, ischaemia reperfusion, calcineurin toxicity, infection and recurrent disease. The development of CAN is often insidious and may be preceded by subclinical rejection in a well-functioning allograft. Classification of CAN is histological using the Banff classification of renal allograft pathology with classic findings of interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, glomerulosclerosis, fibrointimal hyperplasia and arteriolar hyalinosis. Although improvement in immunosuppression has led to greater 1-year graft survival rates, chronic graft loss remains relatively unchanged and opportunistic infectious complications remain a problem. Protocol biopsy monitoring is not current practice in paediatric transplantation for CAN monitoring but may have a place if new treatment options become available. Newer immunosuppression regimens, closer monitoring of the renal allograft and management of subclinical rejection may lead to reduced immune injury leading to CAN in the paediatric population but must be weighed against the risk of increased immunosuppression and calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Psychiatric Severity upon Outcomes Among Substance Abusers Residing in Self‐Help Settings
Authors: Majer John M. , Jason Leonard A. , North Carol S. , Ferrari Joseph R. , Porter Nicole S. , Olson Bradley , Davis Margaret , Aase Darrin , Molloy J. Paul
Published: June 2008

A longitudinal analysis of psychiatric severity was conducted with a national sample of recovering substance abusers living in Oxford Houses, which are self‐run, self‐help settings. Outcomes related to residents' psychiatric severity were examined at three follow‐up intervals over one year. Over time, Oxford House residents with high versus low baseline psychiatric severity reported significantly more days using psychiatric medication, decreased outpatient psychiatric treatment, yet no significant differences for number of days abstinent and time living in an Oxford House. These findings suggest that a high level of psychiatric severity is not an impediment to residing in self‐run, self‐help settings such as Oxford House among persons with psychiatric comorbid substance use disorders.
Synthesis and Characterization of Soyamide Ferulate
Authors: Rawlins James W. , Pramanik Monoj , Mendon Sharathkumar K.
Published: June 2008

Ferulic acid (4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxycinnamic acid) is a phytochemical antioxidant that is widely distributed throughout the plant kingdom. Cinnamic acid derivatives are used as biobased ultraviolet (UV) absorbers in sunscreen formulations. Soybean oil ferulate, a biobased UV absorber, was synthesized by reacting soyamide with ferulic acid. The resulting product was characterized by infrared (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Spectroscopic studies measured the soyamide‐based ferulate maximum absorbance at 327 nm with a molar extinction coefficient of 19,705 L mol−1 cm−1. Soyamide ferulate has potential to be used in coatings.
Prognostic importance of a short deceleration time in symptomatic congestive heart failure☆
Authors: Akkan Dilek , Kjærgaard Jesper , Møller Jacob Eifer , Hassager Christian , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Køber Lars ,   EchoCardiography and Heart Outcome Study (ECHOS) investigators
Published: June 2008

Aims:

A restrictive transmitral filling (RF) pattern predicts increased mortality in heart failure (HF) with reduced left ventricular (LV) systolic function. We performed a combined evaluation of LV function and RF for prognosis in patients with HF with and without systolic dysfunction.

Methods and results:

Doppler echocardiography was performed in 972 patients with symptomatic HF. RF was considered present when deceleration time (DT) was ≤140 ms and non‐RF when > 140 ms. A DT >240 ms was defined as delayed relaxation. During a median of 51 months the unadjusted all‐cause mortality rates were significantly increased among patients with RF vs. the non‐RF group (1‐ and 4‐year mortality was 25% and 54% vs. 17% and 43%). In a multivariable model, RF was a significant predictor of all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR)=2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.5–2.6) whereas delayed relaxation was without prognostic importance (HR=0.9, CI:0.5–1.6). Repeating the multivariable model in subgroups of wall motion index (WMI) showed that RF was a strong predictor of mortality independent of WMI. For patients with LVEF of at least 50%, HR for RF was 2.0 (CI:1.1–3.4; p=0.02) and interaction between LVEF and RF was not significant.

Conclusion:

In a heterogeneous population hospitalised for symptomatic HF a restrictive transmitral filling pattern, defined as shortened deceleration time, during hospitalisation is an ominous prognostic sign independent of LV systolic function.
Home care as an option in worsening chronic heart failure— A pilot study to evaluate feasibility, quality adjusted life years and cost‐effectiveness
Authors: Patel Harshida , Shafazand Masoud , Ekman Inger , Höjgård Sören , Swedberg Karl , Schaufelberger Maria
Published: June 2008

Background:

Worsening chronic heart failure (CHF) is largely characterized by frequent hospital admissions and the need for specialist care.

Aim:

To evaluate the feasibility of home care (HC) versus conventional care (CC) in relation to health‐related quality of life (HRQL) and cost‐utility in patients with worsening CHF.

Methods:

Thirty‐one patients seeking medical attention at hospital for worsening CHF were randomised to HC or CC. Following discharge within 48 hours from the hospital, patients in the HC group were followed‐up in their homes by a specialist nurse. Follow‐ups were conducted for both groups, 1, 4, 8 and 12 months after inclusion in the study.

Results:

There was no significant difference in clinical events, adverse events or in HRQL. The total cost related to CHF was lower in the HC group after 12 months (p=0.05).

Conclusion:

Reduction in cost of care for selected patients with CHF eligible for hospital care might be achieved by early discharge from hospital followed by home visits. Due to the small number of patients, these results must be interpreted with caution.
Using peripheral blood mononuclear cells to determine proteome profiles in human cardiac failure
Authors: Mazzola Alessia , Cianti Riccardo , Bini Luca , Armini Alessandro , Eberini Ivano , Pompella Gerarda , Capecchi Pier Leopoldo , Natale Mariarita , Abbracchio Maria P. , Laghi‐Pasini Franco
Published: June 2008

Background:

In chronic heart failure (CHF), peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) might undergo structural and/or functional alterations as a consequence of the development and progression of the disease.

Aims:

This study was aimed at: (1) assessing the proteome profile of PBMC from Controls and CHF subjects, (2) identifying differentially‐expressed proteins in healthy subjects and patients, and (3) analysing the expression of these proteins in patients after heart transplantation.

Methods and results:

Proteome changes were assessed in PBMC from 8 healthy and 11 end‐stage CHF (6 Ischaemic Heart Failure [IHF], 5 Dilated CardioMyopathy [DCM]) subjects by gel electrophoresis, PD‐Quest analysis and mass spectrometry. Eighteen proteins were differentially expressed in Controls and CHF patients. However, among CHF patients, these proteins were equally expressed in IHF and DCM subjects. Eleven proteins were found to belong to 4 functional classes (3 cytoskeletal, 4 cell‐cycle progression, 2 stress response and DNA repair, 2 energetic metabolism proteins). Changes in three of the differentially‐expressed proteins were also confirmed by Western blot and were reversed after heart transplantation.

Conclusion:

Results demonstrate an altered protein expression profile in PBMC of CHF patients compared to Controls, thus providing a basis for further diagnostic and prognostic tests for CHF.
Remission in the outpatient care of schizophrenia: 3-Year results from the Schizophrenia Outpatients Health Outcomes (SOHO) Study in France
Authors: Gasquet Isabelle , Haro Josep Maria , Tcherny-Lessenot Stéphanie , Chartier Florence , Lépine Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2008

Objective

To analyse the contribution of socio-demographics, clinical profile and psychotropic treatment on remission in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

Among 933 French outpatients recruited in the European observational Schizophrenia Outpatient Health Outcomes study (SOHO), 563 were followed-up for 3 years, had at most one missing visit, and were included in the analysis. Symptomatic remission was defined as a score of 3 (mild severity) or less on the Clinical Global Impression-Schizophrenia (CGI) overall, positive, negative and cognitive symptom scales, maintained for at least 6 months and without hospitalization. A logistic regression model was used to analyse the factors associated with time in remission.

Results

60.6% of patients achieved remission during the 3-year follow-up. Patients never treated before inclusion in the study (OR = 2.3) and those having paid employment (OR = 1.4) were more likely to achieve remission. Higher baseline clinical severity was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of achieving remission: CGI overall (OR = 0.67), CGI positive (OR = 0.85) and CGI negative (OR = 0.74). Compared with olanzapine, other atypicals (OR = 0.71) and conventional antipsychotics (OR = 0.69) were associated with a lower probability of achieving remission.

Conclusions

Remission can be achieved in a high proportion of patients. Factors such as being previously untreated, having paid employment and taking olanzapine are predictors of remission.
Basal forebrain atrophy is a presymptomatic marker for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hall Andrew M. , Moore Robert Y. , Lopez Oscar L. , Kuller Lewis , Becker James T.
Published: June 2008

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common degenerative neurologic disorder. The onset of symptoms is insidious and follows a long period of progression of an asymptomatic pathology that proceeds in a precise anatomic and temporal sequence. Recent studies with quantitative magnetic resonance imaging techniques have shown the localization of the in vivo pathology of AD and its antecedent, mild cognitive impairment. The objective of the present study was to determine whether a sensitive and reliable marker for the presymptomatic phase of the disorder could be identified by longitudinal analysis of an initially asymptomatic, community‐based population.

Methods

One hundred forty‐eight healthy, cognitively normal participants in the Cardiovascular Health Study–Cognition Study had detailed clinical examinations and magnetic resonance imaging scans in 1998–1999 and 2002–2003. Modulated voxel‐based morphometry was used to compare regional brain volumes in subjects who remained cognitively normal after 5 to 6 years of follow‐up (n = 127) with those who developed probable AD during the same period (n = 21).

Results

Among normal subjects destined to develop AD, there was significant atrophy in the basal forebrain area as long as 4.5 years before the development of clinical symptoms. When the left hippocampus was also atrophic, the onset of dementia typically occurred earlier than in cases in which the atrophy was confined to basal forebrain.

Conclusions

Atrophy in the basal forebrain precedes the development of AD in subjects with cognition judged to be normal by neuropsychological testing. The time required to develop dementia appears to be shortened if hippocampal atrophy is also present. These data indicate that atrophy restricted to medial basal forebrain is a biomarker that predicts development of probable AD in asymptomatic elderly subjects.
Mammomonogamus auris infection in the middle ear of a domestic cat in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, USA
Authors: Tudor Edgar G. , Lee Alice C.Y. , Armato Danielle G. , Bowman Dwight D.
Published: June 2008

A 2-year-old female domestic shorthair cat on the island of Saipan was presented to a local veterinarian for headshaking. Otoscopic examination showed mild erythema of the right tympanic membrane, but was otherwise unremarkable. Headshaking resolved with topical gentamicin/betamethasone/clotrimazole therapy; however, erythema persisted. Further otoscopy revealed movement of the erythematous region, which was in fact the red-colored strongylid nematode, Mammomonogamus auris, residing within the middle ear. Myringotomy and a saline flush were performed under heavy sedation. A silastic tube was inserted into the incision and the worms were retrieved by applying negative pressure. Follow-up treatment included topical thiabendazole/dexamethasone/neomycin ointment as well as selamectin. Mammomonogamus auris has previously been documented only three times, once each in China, Sri Lanka and Japan. This is the first report of M auris in cats from Saipan.
Neoproterozoic rift and within-plate magmatism in the Yenisei Ridge: implications for the breakup of Rodinia
Authors: Nozhkin A.D. , Turkina O.M. , Bayanova T.B. , Berezhnaya N.G. , Larionov A.N. , Postnikov A.A. , Travin A.V. , Ernst R.E.
Published: June 2008

Geological, petrological, geochemical, and isotope data from the Yenisei Ridge indicate three stages of rifting and attendant within-plate magmatism at 750, 700, and 670 Ma. The igneous rocks of the three stages are, respectively, metarhyolite-basalt, trachybasalt-trachyte, and alkali ultramafic (alkali picrite) associations. Magmatism was concurrent with terrigenous deposition of the Neoproterozoic Upper Vorogovka, Chingasan, and Chapa Groups. The volcanosedimentary complexes were deposited in narrow rift-like graben along faults. The earlier consolidated flanking uplifts of the graben experienced granitoid magmatism synchronously with rifting and within-plate volcanism. The respective plutonic events produced granitoid intrusions of the Ayakhta (760–750 Ma), Kutukas (690–700 Ma), and Middle Tatarka (~700 Ma) alkaline complexes, and the later (about 650–670 Ma) alkali ultramafic Chapa complex of carbonatites and metasomatites. Basalts and alkaline rocks are chemically similar to ocean-island and continental-rift basalts which have been reliably attributed to mantle plumes. Neoproterozoic rifting and within-plate magmatism were possibly related to the plume activity responsible for the breakup of Rodinia. These events in the Yenisei Ridge appear to be coeval with rifting and within-plate magmatic processes in other continental blocks which may have been parts of the Rodinia supercontinent.
Permian-Triassic granitoid magmatism and metallogeny of the Hangayn (central Mongolia)
Authors: Orolmaa D. , Erdenesaihan G. , Borisenko A.S. , Fedoseev G.S. , Babich V.V. , Zhmodik S.M.
Published: June 2008

We report new isotope dates and metallogenic and chemical characteristics of granitoids from the Hangayn area (central Mongolia) with implications for the time and tectonic settings of their formation. Proximal U-Pb and Ar-Ar ages of 241.3±1.5 Ma and 238.2±2.5 Ma have been obtained for the Triassic Guchin Us and Hurmen Gol intrusions, respectively, and an Early Permian age (288.7±2.3 Ma, Ar-Ar) for the Bayanulaan granite and for granite porphyry from the Saran Uul Cu-Mo-(Au) deposit. Granitoids of the Egiyn Davaa, Hangayn, and Shar Us Gol complexes in the southwestern Hangayn area are of two geochemical types. Some intrusions that were formerly attributed to these complexes have been reinterpreted as resulting from multiple plutonic pulses of different ages. According to our new data and published evidence, most of granitoids in the area may have been produced by Early-Middle Triassic (255–230 Ma) rather than Permian and Late Triassic-Early Jurassic events. The Hangayn granitoids are of low mineral potential. Gold mineralization in the area is confined within the Hangayn gold belt and appears to be independent of the intrusions.
Cretaceous-Paleogene within-plate magmatism in Central Asia: data from the Tien Shan basalts
Authors: Simonov V.A. , Mikolaichuk A.V. , Rasskazov S.V. , Kovyazin S.V.
Published: June 2008

We investigated local geology of Meso-Cenozoic basalt complexes in the Tien Shan and collected the first samples that represent nearly the entire area of within-plate basaltic magmatism in Central Asia (over 285,000 km2). According to their 40Ar/39Ar ages, the Tien Shan basalts erupted for a relatively short time span between 61 and 76 Ma, in the Late Cretaceous-Paleogene. The trace- and rare-earth-element compositions of rocks show that most of the studied basaltic series in the Tien Shan formed in within-plate magmatic systems related to mantle plume sources. Some melts bear evidence of crustal contamination. The compositions of melt inclusions and patterns of trace and rare-earth elements in them are consistent with the plume origin of the melts and with the evolution of magmatic systems toward an increase in K, Al, and Fe contents. The melt inclusion data show a direct dependence of the crystallization temperatures of parental melts of the Meso-Cenozoic Tien Shan basalts on their Mg#: 1220–1250 °C for picrite basalts of the Uchkuduk site, 1175–1215 °C for basalts of the Tekelik, and 1145–1170 °C for andesite basalts of the Alakol’ site.
Long-term consumption of saponins derived from Platycodi radix (22 years old) enhances hepatic insulin sensitivity and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in 90 % pancreatectomized diabetic rats fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Kwon Dae Yeon , Kim Young Seob , Hong Sang Mee , Park Sunmin
Published: June 2008

Crude saponins derived from Chinese Platycodi radix have been reported to prevent increases in body weight and liver TAG in mice fed a high-fat diet. We investigated the effects of an extract (PR) taken from Korean Platycodi radix, which is cultivated for 22 years in the ground (Jangsaeng doraji), and its saponins (PRS) on insulin resistance and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in 90 % pancreatectomized diabetic rats fed high-fat diets. Four groups were orally supplemented with 2 g PR, 0·2 g PRS, 20 mg rosiglitazone (positive control) or 0·5 g cellulose (negative control) per kg body weight on a daily basis for 8 weeks. We found that PRS lowered body weight, visceral fat mass and serum leptin levels in pancreatectomized rats in comparison to the control. PR enhanced first- and second-phase insulin secretion while PRS stimulated only first-phase insulin secretion. Glucose infusion rates to maintain euglycaemia at hyperinsulinaemic states decreased in a descending order of rosiglitazone, PRS, PR and control, but they increased hepatic glucose output in the same order. This reduction was associated with the storage of decreased TAG and increased glycogen, which was a result of enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of anti-insulin receptor substrate-2 and serine473 phosphporylation of protein kinase B (PKB, Akt). Improved hepatic insulin signalling led to decreased phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase expression and reduced hepatic glucose output accordingly. In conclusion, PRS principally improves glucose homeostasis by enhancing hepatic insulin sensitivity as a consequence of reducing fat storage and stimulating insulin signalling in diabetic rats. In addition, PR contains components that promote glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.
Comparison of cluster and principal component analysis techniques to derive dietary patterns in Irish adults
Authors: Hearty Áine P. , Gibney Michael J.
Published: June 2008

The aims of the present study were to examine and compare dietary patterns in adults using cluster and factor analyses and to examine the format of the dietary variables on the pattern solutions (i.e. expressed as grams/day (g/d) of each food group or as the percentage contribution to total energy intake). Food intake data were derived from the North/South Ireland Food Consumption Survey 1997–9, which was a randomised cross-sectional study of 7 d recorded food and nutrient intakes of a representative sample of 1379 Irish adults aged 18–64 years. Cluster analysis was performed using thek-means algorithm and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to extract dietary factors. Food data were reduced to thirty-three food groups. For cluster analysis, the most suitable format of the food-group variable was found to be the percentage contribution to energy intake, which produced six clusters: ‘Traditional Irish’; ‘Continental’; ‘Unhealthy foods’; ‘Light-meal foods & low-fat milk’; ‘Healthy foods’; ‘Wholemeal bread & desserts’. For PCA, food groups in the format of g/d were found to be the most suitable format, and this revealed four dietary patterns: ‘Unhealthy foods & high alcohol’; ‘Traditional Irish’; ‘Healthy foods’; ‘Sweet convenience foods & low alcohol’. In summary, cluster and PCA identified similar dietary patterns when presented with the same dataset. However, the two dietary pattern methods required a different format of the food-group variable, and the most appropriate format of the input variable should be considered in future studies.
Scientific Community in a Divided World: Economists, Planning, and Research Priority during the Cold War
Authors: Bockman Johanna , Bernstein Michael A.
Published: June 2008

During the Cold War, economists utilizing mathematical methods in both the Soviet Union and the United States found they shared a common research project. After the Stalinist years in which they could communicate very little, they found that they had much to learn from each other. Mathematical economics came to bridge the divide between East and West even though the meetings and collaborations between American and Soviet colleagues were fraught with tension and misunderstanding. The Cold War excitement about mathematical economics and the East-West cooperation it allowed, however, dwindled with the end of détente, the global shift in economic science away from mathematical economics, and the end of state socialism in the East Bloc. To understand the rise and fall of this cooperation and convergence, we examine the case of the connection between Tjalling C. Koopmans, a Dutch economist living in the United States as a result of World War II, and Leonid V. Kantorovich, a Russian scientist living in the Soviet Union. These two men jointly won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Science in 1975. Their scientific connections reflect the broader experiences of East-West scientific collaboration during the Cold War. At the same time, they offer insights for scholars regarding struggles over scientific research priority and the potential for convergence between capitalism and socialism during the Cold War era.
Globalization, Universalism, and Cultural Form
Authors: Adams Laura L.
Published: June 2008

When we think of the globalization of culture, we tend to think of the consumption of cultural goods produced in the West and the effects of these goods on the values and practices of non-Western consumers. The literature on the globalization of culture also tends to focus on how Western markets for non-Western cultural goods affect patterns of cultural production in the non-Western world.1Naturally, this focus on markets tends to draw our theoretical interest toward questions of capitalism. However, when we look at societies without a history of capitalism, new questions come to light. That men wear Western-style suits in both Uzbekistan and Italy, that orchestras use polyphony in both Kazakhstan and Austria, and thatKing Learis popular in both Turkmenistan and England cannot be explained by the dynamics of capitalism.
The Rise of Hamburg as a Global Marketplace in the Seventeenth Century: A Comparative Political Economy Perspective
Authors: Lindberg Erik
Published: June 2008

The rise of Hamburg as a global marketplace and financial centre in the seventeenth century was a significant sign of the bourgeoning integration of European markets. In the early seventeenth century, the urban staple function in northwest Europe was largely concentrated in Amsterdam, while in the late seventeenth and eighteenth centuries London and Hamburg rose to preeminence. Hamburg served as a hub for international trade, connecting markets in England, Germany, Hungary, Poland, the Baltic, and the Mediterranean. Goods such as raisins, sugar, tobacco, salt, iron, and leather changed hands, with the transactions reflecting the widespread mercantile network in which Hamburg took part. Furthermore, the commercial development of Hamburg and the rise of the Prussian state were important steps in creating a well-ordered and integrated urban network in Germany long before political unification.
The Origins of the Market Economy: State Power, Territorial Control, and Modes of War Fighting
Authors: Schoenberger Erica
Published: June 2008

The origin and spread of money-based commodity markets is normally attributed to a natural evolution from barter and is usually seen as a solution to problems of exchange. I want to propose that markets to a considerable degree develop historically out of a different set of dynamics. These are concerned with the state-building tasks of territorial conquest and control, and are closely related to specific modes of war fighting. In this connection, markets develop not only to facilitate exchange per se but also to facilitate the mobilization of resources and their management across space and time. This need to manage resources geographically and temporally contributes not only to the spread of commodity markets but also to the development of markets in land and in labor.
Protected Rimlands and Exposed Zones: Reconfiguring Premodern Eurasia
Authors: Lieberman Victor
Published: June 2008

In a recent study, I sought to analyze political and cultural patterns across mainland Southeast Asia during roughly a thousand years, from c. 800 to 1830.1In brief, I argued that each of mainland Southeast Asia's three great north-south corridors experienced a pattern of accelerating integration. This process was territorial in the sense that some twenty-three small polities in the fourteenth century were assimilated, gradually or convulsively, fully or partially, to three overarching imperial systems by the early 1800s. Integration was administrative insofar as within each imperial system mechanisms of provincial control, economic extraction, and manpower organization became more penetrating, stable, and efficient. Integration was cultural in the sense that hitherto self-sufficient communities across each of the three principal zones came to accept linguistic, ethnic, and religious norms sanctioned by imperial elites.
Purity and Contamination: Language Ideologies in French Colonial Native Policy in Morocco
Authors: Hoffman Katherine E.
Published: June 2008

Among French scholars and administrators during the French Protectorate of Morocco (1912–1956), especially prior to World War II, there was both a great belief in, and widespread suspicion of, a group's language as a reliable indicator of its ethnicity. Legend among the Ida ou Zeddout Berber people of southwestern Morocco holds that Captain Ropars, who ran the French Protectorate's Anti-Atlas mountain military post in Igherm from 1949–1954, not only spoke the Tashelhit Berber language, but also ordered the local men to do so under threat of imprisonment. “You're Ishelhin (Tashelhit speakers),” he allegedly told people in this collective memory as recounted to me. “You should speak Tashelhit, not Arabic.” The widespread eighteenth- and nineteenth- century idea of Volkgeist (‘soul of the folk’) that Ropars evoked has become commonplace today. A group's language is often considered to function as what Herder called the “treasury of the thought of an entire people” and “the mirror of its history, its deeds, joys and sorrows” (in Bauman and Briggs 2003: 169–70; see also Lorcin 1999: 44), and even what Abbey Condillac earlier called the “genius of each people” (Steedly 1996: 447). Captain Ropars followed Samuel Johnson's claim that identifying languages was the same as identifying “nations,” and, as Irvine and Gal paraphrase, “a logical first step in comparing, understanding, and ordering [nations'] relations to each other and to Europeans” (2000: 50). Yet, other French Protectorate administrators and scholars saw the link between language and primordial ethnicity as false, since histories of language use may be obscured or simply uninterrogated by a group's members.
Transnational Romance, Terror, and Heroism: Russia in American Popular Fiction, 1860–1917
Authors: Chatterjee Choi
Published: June 2008

Scholars of Russian-American relations in the late nineteenth century have long been concerned with the personalities and writings of university-based experts, journalists, diplomats, and political activists. We are well acquainted with the observations of various American commentators on the backward state of Russian state, society, economy, and politics. While the activities of prominent men such as George Kennan have effortlessly dominated the historical agenda, the negative discourses that they produced about Russia have subsumed other important American representations of the country. Since the period of early modern history, European travelers had seen Russia as a barbarous land of slave-like people, responsive only to the persuasions of the whip and the knout wielded by an autocratic tsar. Subsequently, Larry Wolff has shown that Voltaire and other Enlightenment philosophers created images of a despotic and backward Eastern Europe in order to validate the idea of a progressive, enlightened, and civilized Western Europe.
Nodular fasciitis: a case series
Authors: Reitzen S D , Dogan S , Har-El G
Published: June 2008

Background:

Given its rarity, varied histological presentation and often pseudosarcomatous appearance, nodular fasciitis is frequently misdiagnosed on pre-operative, intra-operative and final analyses.

Methods:

Four cases of nodular fasciitis are reviewed.

Results:

Physical and radiological findings were consistent with a parapharyngeal tumour, probably neurogenic, a level four neck mass suspicious for lymphoma; a sternoclavicular mass in a patient with a history of breast cancer suspicious for metastasis; and a cheek mass consistent with an accessory parotid tumour. Fine needle aspiration results were consistent with a neurogenic tumour in two patients and an undifferentiated malignancy in two patients. Frozen section examination most commonly included masses with spindle-type cells. The final diagnosis of nodular fasciitis was made only after permanent section and immunohistological analysis.

Conclusions:

In a patient with nonspecific results following investigation of a head or neck mass, nodular fasciitis should be considered. Use of appropriate immunohistochemical markers will aid in the final diagnosis.
Langerhans' cell histiocytosis of the temporal bone: successful treatment of sensorineural hearing loss with low-dose radiotherapy
Authors: Zlodre J K , Rennie A T M , Ramsden J D
Published: June 2008

Objective:

To present the successful treatment of sensorineural hearing loss secondary to Langerhans' cell histiocytosis with low-dose radiotherapy, and also the disparity between radiological resolution of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis lesions and lack of sensorineural hearing loss improvement, accompanied by a review of the literature on otolaryngological manifestations and management of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis.

Case report:

Langerhans' cell histiocytosis is a multisystem disease which frequently causes osseous lesions in the temporal bones. Hearing loss is usually conductive but may be sensorineural with lesions of the petrous temporal bone. We present a case of sensorineural hearing loss secondary to Langerhans' cell histiocytosis affecting the labyrinth and internal auditory meatus, which resolved following radiotherapy. Contralateral sensorineural hearing loss in the same patient, previously treated with chemotherapy, did not resolve despite radiological resolution of the temporal bone lesions.

Conclusion:

We suggest that timely radiotherapy for treatment of sensorineural hearing loss secondary to Langerhans' cell histiocytosis is an appropriate treatment option.
The ENT emergency clinic: a prospective audit to improve effectiveness of an established service
Authors: Mylvaganam S , Patodi R , Campbell J B
Published: June 2008

Background:

Ear, nose and throat emergency clinic services vary greatly between trusts. Their common aim is to enable acute conditions to be seen quickly and effectively within an optimum environment. There is however no ‘gold standard’ for service.

Objectives:

To identify an efficient model of service, and to determine whether introduction of a referral and appointment based system improves patient waiting times and appropriateness of referrals.

Methods:

A prospective audit, comprising: an initial survey to appraise the existing service; telephone surveys of eight trusts in the West Midlands to determine variability of ENT emergency clinic services and to identify components of an effective service; and re-audit following implementation of a verbal referral and appointment based service.

Results:

The new service significantly reduced patient waiting times, from 70 minutes to 35 minutes (t = 6.776;p < 0.01), with an associated reduction in the variability of waiting times. Inappropriate referrals were reduced from 7 to 2 per cent. These results were achieved when a 72 per cent referrer compliance with the service was observed.

Conclusions:

A verbal referral and appointment based system improves patient waiting times and appropriateness of referrals. Maintenance of high referrer compliance with such a system should be considered, and a tool for monitoring referring practitioners is suggested. This clinic construct model is offered as an example in order to aid delivery of an effective ENT emergency service in departments with similar patient demand and staff resources.
Long-term outcome of children undergoing surgery for suspected perilymph fistula
Authors: Sim R J , Jardine A H , Beckenham E J
Published: June 2008

A number of authors have suggested that surgery for suspected perilymph fistula is effective in preventing deterioration of hearing and in improving hearing in some cases in the short term. We present long-term hearing outcome data from 35 children who underwent exploration for presumed perilymph fistula at The Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia, between 1985 and 1992.

Methods:

The pre-operative audiological data (mean of 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz results) were compared with the most recently available data (range two to 15 years) and the six-month post-operative data.

Results:

The short-term results showed no significant change in hearing at six months, with a subsequent, statistically significant progression of hearing loss in both operated and non-operated ears (Wilcoxon signed rank test: operated ear, p < 0.017; non-operated ear, p < 0.009).

Conclusion:

In this case series, exploratory surgery for correction of suspected perilymph fistula did not prevent progression of long-term hearing loss.