bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of interferon and lamivudine treatment in Japanese patients with HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Arase Yasuji , Ikeda Kenji , Suzuki Fumitaka , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Kobayashi Masahiro , Akuta Norio , Hosaka Tetsuya , Sezaki Hitomi , Yatsuji Hiromi , Kawamura Yusuke , Kobayashi Mariko , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: July 2007

The aim of this study was to elucidate the long‐term outcome after interferon (IFN) or lamivudine (LMV) treatment in Japanese patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive chronic hepatitis B. Inclusion criteria were biopsy proven chronic hepatitis or liver cirrhosis, no history of IFN or LMV treatment. Three hundred twenty‐seven patients satisfied above criteria were treated with IFN or LMV. The primary end point of our study was serum clearance of HBeAg and decrease of serum HBV‐DNA to ≤5 LEG/ml after the initiation of treatment. This study was a retrospective cohort study. Attainment of serum clearance of HBeAg and decrease of serum HBV‐DNA to ≤5 LEG/ml was regarded as response. Two hundred eighty‐six patients had got response after the initiation of treatment. The cumulative rate of response was 28.0% in the first year, 56.2% at the 5th year and 82.5% at the 10th year. Response occurred when HBV‐DNA load was high level of more than 7 LEG/ml, and serum ALT level was more than 100 IU/L, HBV genotype was B. IFN and LMV were the similar effect on response (P = 0.410). On IFN therapy, cumulative rate of response in patients of <35 years was higher than that in patients ≥35 years (P = 0.002). Our results suggest that (1) IFN and LMV are the similar effect on response, (2) IFN therapy is more effective for younger patients. J. Med. Virol. 79:1286–1292, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Simple Relation for the Concentration Dependence of Osmotic Pressure and Depletion Thickness in Polymer Solutions
Authors: Fleer Gerard J. , Skvortsov Alexander M. , Tuinier Remco
Published: July 2007

We propose simple expressions $\Pi /\Pi _0 = 1 + (\varphi /\varphi _{{\rm ex}} )^{3\alpha - 1}$ and $(\delta _0 /\delta )^2 = 1 + (\varphi /\varphi _{{\rm ex}} )^{2\alpha }$ for the osmotic pressure Π and the depletion thickness δ as a function of the polymer concentration φ. Here, Π0 and δ0 correspond to the dilute limit, and φex is an extrapolation concentration which is of the order of the overlap concentration φov. The De Gennes exponent α describes the concentration dependence of the semidilute correlation length $\xi \sim \varphi ^{ - \alpha }$; it is related to the Flory exponent ν through $\alpha = \nu /(3\nu - 1)$. The quantity φex is experimentally accessible by extrapolating the semidilute limit towards Π = Π0 or δ = δ0. These expressions are exact in mean field, where the ratio φex/φov (0.49 for Π, 0.41 for δ) follows from established models. For excluded‐volume chains they describe simulation data excellently: in this case φex/φov is 0.69 for Π and again 0.41 for δ. We find also very good agreement with experimental data.

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An innovative treatment concept for free flap reconstruction of complex central chest wall defects—The cephalic‐thoraco‐acromial (CTA) loop
Authors: Engel Holger , Pelzer Michael , Sauerbier Michael , Germann Günther , Heitmann Christoph
Published: July 2007

Background: Loco‐regional flaps are the method of choice for chest wall reconstruction. However there is a selected group of patients who require free flap reconstruction, when all other options are used up. A small subgroup of these patients was identified where the commonly used recipient vessels (Internal mammary A. + V., Thoraco‐dorsal A. + V.) were no longer available. Patient and method: This group comprised 16 seriously ill patients in the period from 2000 to 2004. Underlying diseases were sternum osteomyelitis (10×), tumor (2×), and osteo‐radionecrosis (4×). There were 10 women and 6 men with mean age 62.4 years. All patients were classified as ASA III and IV. Fourteen patients received a TFL flap, two patients a vertical rectus myocutaneuos flap (VRAM). Recipient vessels were created with a temporary A‐V loop between the cephalic vein and the thoraco‐acromial artery (CTA‐loop). Results: No flap was lost and two had to be revised successfully for thrombosis of the arterial anastomosis. Mean operation time was 6.1 (4.7–8.4) h. Average time for ventilatory support was 56 (4–338) h. Five patients died within 6 months postoperatively due their underlying advanced disease (n = 3) or multiple organ failure (n = 2). Conclusion: The new concept of creating recipient vessels for free flap reconstruction of complex thoracic wall defects proved to be safe and reliable. The CTA loop allowed for unhurried flap dissection, best possible flap positioning, and straightforward end–end anstomoses in these seriously sick patients. The outcome with respect to complications and survival justifies the operative effort. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
Factors related to lower urinary tract symptoms among a sample of employed women in Taipei
Authors: Liao Yuan‐Mei , Dougherty Molly C. , Biemer Paul P. , Liao Chin‐Tai , Palmer Mary H. , Boyington Alice R. , Connolly AnnaMarie
Published: July 2007

Aim

To identify factors associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) among female elementary school teachers in Taipei.

Methods

This study is a cross‐sectional, descriptive study. A total of 520 surveys were distributed to 26 elementary schools in Taipei. Logistic regression was used to identify possible factors related to individual LUTS.

Results

Study results were based on the information provided by 445 participants. Of the 445 teachers, 293 (65.8%) experienced at least one type of LUTS. Factors associated with urinary incontinence were body mass index (BMI), vaginal delivery, obstetric and/or gynecological surgery, bladder habits, and job control. Increased daytime urinary frequency was associated with chronic cough and chronic constipation. Bladder habits, straining to lift heavy objects at work and chronic constipation were associated with urgency. Nocturia was associated with age and caffeine consumption while intermittent stream was associated with the presence of a family history of LUTS and chronic constipation. Bladder habits and regular exercise were associated with weak urinary stream. Incomplete emptying was more likely to occur in teachers with chronic constipation and in those who did not exercise regularly.

Conclusion

All the LUTS under logistic regression analyses were associated with 1–3 modifiable factors. Identification of these modifiable contributing factors may be useful to health care providers. Education of women may include the importance of maintaining normal body weight, good bladder/bowel habits, and regular exercise, treating chronic cough, decreasing daily caffeine consumption, and implementing feasible environmental modifications in employment settings. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The penilo‐cavernosus reflex: Comparison of different stimulation techniques
Authors: Podnar Simon
Published: July 2007

Aims

Although several stimulation techniques are available to elicit sacral reflexes, no comparative data on their utility has been published. The aim of the present study was to determine the most sensitive stimulation technique used for neurophysiologic recording of the penilo‐cavernosus reflex.

Methods

Neurophysiologic measurement of the penilo‐cavernosus reflex on single and double pulse electrical, and on mechanical stimulation was performed in 52 men with chronic cauda equina or conus medullaris lesions. Responses were recorded by a standard concentric EMG needle electrode inserted consecutively into the left and right bulbocavernosus muscle. Responses were regarded as abnormal when non‐elicitable, of increased latency, or of increased latency compared to the contralateral side, using my previously published normative ranges. Sensitivity was calculated separately for each side using all three stimulation techniques.

Results

Sensitivities of the electrophysiological measurement of the penilo‐cavernosus reflex on single electrical, double electrical, and mechanical stimulation were 70%, 73%, and 73%, respectively. The combined use of all three stimulation modalities increased the sensitivity to 82%. The use of interside latency differences did not increase the sensitivity using any of the stimulation modalities.

Conclusions

No significant differences in sensitivity were found between the three stimulation techniques, and only a very modest increase was found on concomitant application of all three. Because of the high elicitability of responses, the lower stimulation strength required, and the opportunity to measure sensory and reflex thresholds, the authors' preference is to use double pulse electrical stimulation. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:244–248, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A councilman's pipe dream
Authors: Bromage Arthur W.
Published: July 2007

Frustrated by city government problems under antiquated charter, officiency visons with city manager.
Extrinsic cohesive modelling of dynamic fracture and microbranching instability in brittle materials
Authors: Zhang Zhengyu (Jenny) , Paulino Glaucio H. , Celes Waldemar
Published: July 2007

Dynamic crack microbranching processes in brittle materials are investigated by means of a computational fracture mechanics approach using the finite element method with special interface elements and a topological data structure representation. Experiments indicate presence of a limiting crack speed for dynamic crack in brittle materials as well as increasing fracture resistance with crack speed. These phenomena are numerically investigated by means of a cohesive zone model (CZM) to characterize the fracture process. A critical
evaluation of intrinsic versus extrinsic CZMs is briefly presented, which highlights the necessity of adopting an extrinsic approach in the current analysis. A novel topology‐based data structure is employed to enable fast and robust manipulation of evolving mesh information when extrinsic cohesive elements are inserted adaptively. Compared to intrinsic CZMs, which include an initial hardening segment in the traction–separation curve, extrinsic CZMs involve additional issues both in implementing the procedure and in interpreting simulation results. These include time discontinuity in stress history, fracture pattern dependence on time step control, and numerical energy balance. These issues are investigated in detail through a ‘quasi‐steady‐state’ crack propagation problem in polymethylmethacrylate. The simulation results compare reasonably well with experimental observations both globally and locally, and demonstrate certain advantageous features of the extrinsic CZM with respect to the intrinsic CZM. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A level set‐based parameterization method for structural shape and topology optimization
Authors: Luo Zhen , Wang Michael Yu , Wang Shengyin , Wei Peng
Published: July 2007

This paper presents an effective parametric approach by extending the conventional level set method to structural shape and topology optimization using the compactly supported radial basis functions (RBFs) and the optimality criteria (OC) method. The structural design boundary is first represented implicitly by embedding into a higher‐dimensional level set function as its zero level set, and the RBFs of a favorable smoothness are then applied to interpolate the level set function. The original initial value problem is thus converted to a parametric optimization, with the expansion coefficients of the interplant posed as the design variables.

The OC method is then applied to advance the structure boundary in terms of the velocity field derived from the parametric optimization. Hence, the structural shape and topology optimization is now transformed into a process of iteratively finding coefficients to update the level set function to achieve an optimal configuration. The numerical considerations of the conventional level set method, including upwind schemes, velocity extension, and reinitialization, are eliminated. The proposed scheme is capable of addressing structural shape fidelity and topology change simultaneously and of keeping the boundary smooth during the optimization process. Furthermore, numerical convergence is expected to be improved. A widely investigated example, in the framework of structural stiffness designs, is applied to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A computational method for inverse free boundary determination problem
Authors: Hon Y. C. , Li M.
Published: July 2007

Based on the method of fundamental solutions and discrepancy principle for the choice of location for source points, we extend in this paper the application of the computational method to determine an unknown free boundary of a Cauchy problem of parabolic‐type equation from measured Dirichlet and Neumann data with noises. The standard Tikhonov regularization technique with the L‐curve method for an optimal regularized parameter is adopted for solving the resultant highly ill‐conditioned system of linear equations. Both one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional numerical examples are given to verify the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed computational method. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NMR investigations of reactively extruded PVC/PMMA and PVC/PS blends
Authors: Haba Yafit , Balazs Yael S. , Carmiel Oshrat , Katz Itai , Narkis Moshe , Schmidt Asher
Published: July 2007

Reactively extruded PVC/PMMA and PVC/PS polymer blends were investigated by 1H and 13C high‐resolution and 13C MAS NMR spectroscopy. To obtain blends, liquid solutions of monomer, initiator, and cross‐linking agent were absorbed into porous polyvinyl chloride (PVC) particles, forming dry blends; subsequently, the dry blends were fed into a twin‐screw extruder at 180°C activating in situ polymerization within the PVC matrix. Polymer and monomer fractions of resultant extruded blends were identified and characterized at the molecular level by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, providing important insights into the microscopic details of the blends. NMR characterization includes: residual monomer content and its dispersion and site heterogeneity within the PVC matrix; effect of initial concentrations of monomer, initiator, and cross‐linker on the final products; and possible occurrences of copolymer grafting. NMR spectroscopy reveals efficient polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) (ca 90% polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)) and inefficient polymerization of styrene (less than 10% polystyrene (PS) with a significant fraction of unreacted monomer remaining entrapped in the PVC matrix) under the reactive extrusion of PVC/monomer (15 phr monomer) dry blends. Morphologically, the reactively extruded PVC/PMMA forms a single‐phase blend. In contrast, the PVC/PS forms a phase separated blend. Both the in situ polymerization efficiency and the phase behavior of the resulting blends are rationalized in terms of the affinity of the monomers in the initial dry blends, and of the resulting polymers in the final reactively extruded blends, to the PVC. This understanding can guide the design and control of properties of blends obtained through the reactive extrusion process and other in situ polymerization techniques. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preventing adverse drug events in hospital practice: an overview
Authors: Rommers Mirjam K. , Teepe‐Twiss Irene M. , Guchelaar Henk‐Jan
Published: July 2007

Adverse drug events (ADEs) are a considerable cause of morbidity and mortality in hospital practice. The precise frequency is unknown, but studies give an incidence number ranging from 2 until 52 ADEs per 100 patients. There are many different methods for definition, causality assessment, severity classification and detection which make it difficult to compare the different studies. A substantial part (in some studies up to 70%) of ADEs can be prevented and it is important to, besides their detection, focus on the prevention of these ADEs. In this literature review we give an overview of methods for preventing ADEs. There are many different tools with different impact on a particular part of the distribution system which has the potential to prevent ADEs. A multifaceted approach is needed. Two interesting strategies of prevention, pharmacist participation on ward rounds and computerised physician order entry with clinical decision support systems (CDSS), are highlighted. Moreover, two promising CDSS are discussed in more detail, namely computer‐based monitoring systems and information systems which link laboratory and pharmacy data. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optical properties of polyimines: UV–vis and photoluminescence study of undoped and doped polymers in aprotic and protic solvents
Authors: Iwan Agnieszka , Mazurak Zbigniew , Sek Danuta
Published: July 2007

The optical properties of polyimines (PAs) with structure containing aliphatic–aromatic and aromatic–aromatic moieties are reported. It is demonstrated that the photoluminescence (PL) spectra can be regulated over a wide range by variation in main chain structure and through protonation or intramolecular hydrogen bonding. By combining these two methods it is possible to precisely tune the emission spectra of PAs in the spectral range of 480–531 nm. Luminescent PA/1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxamide sulfonic acid complexes were self‐organizated from nonamphiphilic π‐conjugated PAs, in DMA and in m‐cresol solution. Solvatochromism is manifested in the PL spectra of the undoped and doped PAs. The emission spectra of doped PAs are blue or red shifted relative to the undoped one. Additionally, absorption (UV–vis) properties of the PAs before and after protonation with 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxamide sulfonic acid (“dopant I”) were tested. We propose that the novel self‐assembly is driven by the amphiphilicity of 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxamide sulfonic acid activated by protonation of PAs. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1179–1186, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and properties of liquid‐ crystalline triblock copolymers by ATRP, having electron‐transporting thiadiazole unit
Authors: Nakashima Shinji , Sato Moriyuki , Yamaguchi Isao
Published: July 2007

ABA‐type block copolymers composed of 2,5‐diphenyl‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole (DPTD) oligoester and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) segments (Mn = 16 200 and 23 000) were synthesized by atom‐transfer radical polymerization and their liquid‐crystalline (LC) and photoluminescence (PL) properties were examined. The structures of block copolymers were identified by Fourier transform infrared and 1H NMR spectroscopies. Differential scanning calorimetry measurement, polarizing microscopy observation and wide‐angle X‐ray analysis revealed that the block copolymers form thermotropic LC phase (smectic C) independent of molecular weights of PMMA segments, but a model polymer (PMMA segments having the DPTD unit in the central part) has no LC melt. Solution and solid‐state PL spectra indicated that all the block copolymers display blue emission arising from the DPTD unit. Their quantum yields are 17–21%, which increase with the PMMA chain lengths. The block copolymers have good aligned structures in the LC states, but their order parameter (S) values in sheared LC states were lower than those in the sheared LC compounds. The PL properties in the LC states were independent of the LC aligned structures. Cyclic voltammetry measurements showed that these block copolymers have deep HOMO levels compared with polymers composed of oxadiazole rings. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Rapid and automatic on‐plate desalting protocol for MALDI‐MS: Using imprinted hydrophobic polymer template
Authors: Jia Weitao , Wu Huixia , Lu Haojie , Li Na , Zhang Yang , Cai Ruifang , Yang Pengyuan
Published: July 2007

A novel protocol of rapid and automatic on‐plate desalting (OPD) and peptide concentration for 2‐DE‐MALDI‐MS has been developed by the approach of templating the hydrophobic polymer solution over Kapton‐etched mask. For the template technique, small hydrophobic polymer [linear poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), PMMA derivatized with fullerene‐C60 (PMMA‐C60), linear polystyrene (PSt), or PSt derivatized with fullerene‐C60 (PSt‐C60)] spots (990 μm od) are patterned at the centers of stainless MALDI plate wells (1400 μm id). Tryptic–peptide solution with no predesalting was dropped onto the central hydrophobic spots, resulting in a concentration of proteolytic peptides on the hydrophobic polymer surface with a reduced spot size. The dried peptide layer was then covered subsequently with over‐volume matrix solution, causing the removal of redissolved salts from the spot center to the spot edge by means of a natural “outward flow.” The proposed OPD protocol exhibited a dramatic enhancement in S/N up to 850 for 14 fmol BSA digests in the coexistence of 100 mM salts, compared with barely detectable peaks in ordinary way. This analysis has shown that the success rate of identification was increased by two‐fold for low abundance proteins in the human liver tissue with no need for the conventional ZipPlate desalting strategy.
Multivariate explanation of the 1985–1990 and 1995–2000 destination choices of newly arrived immigrants in the United States: the beginning of a new trend?
Authors: Liaw Kao‐Lee , Frey William H.
Published: July 2007

This paper identifies the salient features in the 1985–1990 and 1995–2000 destination choices of newly arrived immigrants, and performs multivariate explanation of these choices, based on an application of a multinomial logit model to the state‐specific immigration data of the 1990 and 2000 censuses. The salient features are that: (1) the destination choice pattern of the newly arrived immigrants became more dispersed from the late 1980s to the late 1990s; (2) the change was pervasive in the sense that it was true for all combinations of five broad ethnic groups and four levels of educational attainment; (3) the change was much greater for Hispanics and Blacks than for Asians and Whites; (4) the lower the level of education, the greater the increase in dispersion; and (5) the Hispanics with the lowest education experienced the greatest increase in dispersion. Our multivariate analysis reveals that: (1) while the attraction of co‐ethnic communities as destinations remained strong for both periods, it became much less intense in the late 1990s, especially for Hispanics and Blacks; (2) the newly arrived immigrants were subject to the strong pull of higher income level in both periods; (3) the pull of employment growth became stronger and more industry‐specific from the late 1980s to the late 1990s; and (4) the pull of service employment growth, especially for the least‐educated Hispanic immigrants, became much stronger in the later period. In the context of the progressive entrenchment of neoliberalism and the major changes in immigration policies, our empirical findings suggest that the ethnically selective dispersal of immigrants in the late 1990s is probably the beginning of a new trend. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fragmentation study of a 8‐C‐glycosyl isoflavone, puerarin, using electrospray ion trap time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry at high resolution
Authors: Li Hui , Wan Leren , Hashi Yuki , Chen Shizhong
Published: July 2007

A mass spectrometry method that combines electrospray with an ion trap time‐of‐flight mass analyzer has been used to characterize puerarin (7,4′‐dihydroxyisoflavone‐8‐C‐β‐D‐glucoside). MSn spectra (n ≤ 6) were obtained in positive and negative ion mode. The combination of accurate mass measurement in MS2 spectra and sequential MSn experiments enabled fragmentation pathways to be elucidated in detail. A novel structure for [M+H−150]+ has been found. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parsonage–Turner Syndrome—Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Hussey A. J. , O'Brien C. P. , Regan P. J.
Published: July 2007

Parsonage–Turner syndrome is the term used to describe a neuritis involving the brachial plexus. It may present with symptoms of an isolated peripheral nerve lesion, although the pathology is thought to lie more proximally. A case describing an isolated anterior interosseus nerve palsy due to an acute brachial neuritis is presented where the electromyographic findings confirmed the diagnosis, but also demonstrated the coexistence of a dual pathology in the form of a cervical radiculopathy. The literature is reviewed regarding etiology, treatment, and prognosis.
Copper‐mediated formation of hydrogen peroxide from the amylin peptide: A novel mechanism for degeneration of islet cells in type‐2 diabetes mellitus?
Authors: Masad Atef , Hayes Lee , Tabner Brian J. , Turnbull Stuart , Cooper Leanne J. , Fullwood Nigel J. , German Matthew J. , Kametani Fuyuki , El-Agnaf Omar M.A. , Allsop David
Published: July 2007

Amyloid deposits derived from the amylin peptide accumulate within pancreatic islet β‐cells in most cases of type‐2 diabetes mellitus (T2Dm). Human amylin ‘oligomers’ are toxic to these cells. Using two different experimental techniques, we found that H2O2 was generated during the aggregation of human amylin into amyloid fibrils. This process was greatly stimulated by Cu(II) ions, and human amylin was retained on a copper affinity column. In contrast, rodent amylin, which is not toxic, failed to generate any H2O2 and did not interact with copper. We conclude that the formation of H2O2 from amylin could contribute to the progressive degeneration of islet cells in T2Dm.
OWUSU AND TURNER: THE SHARK IN THE WATER?
Authors: Knight C.J.S.
Published: July 2007

An important current issue in the conflict of laws is how to deal with the decision of the European Court of Justice in Owusu v. Jackson. It has left numerous unanswered questions on the scope of the Brussels I Regulation and the future is deeply uncertain. Much could be written on whether Owusu is correct, and even more on where one should progress from the current position. But the concern of the present article is more limited: how does the decision in Owusu interact with the previous decision of the European Court of Justice in Turner v. Grovit? Before addressing that question, however, it is necessary to introduce both decisions, and, in particular, the different views of where the future after Owusu may lie.
RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS IN DISCRIMINATION LAW
Authors: Sandberg Russell , Doe Norman
Published: July 2007

The debate in January 2007, as presented by the mass media, concerning whether an exemption should be provided for Roman Catholic Adoption Agencies from new laws prohibiting discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation in the provision of goods and services, rested upon two erroneous assumptions. The first was an assumption that awarding exemptions on grounds of religion was novel; the second was that the debate concerned whether there ought to be a religious exemption at all. This article seeks to engage with the real debate concerning the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007, which is not whether there ought to be a religious exemption (since one has been given) but rather the scope of the exemption. It also aims to show that religious exemptions are common in English law, including discrimination law, and to elucidate the various exemptions, paying particular attention to their beneficiaries and the basis on which discrimination is permitted. In short, this article seeks to understand the state of the law as a whole contextualising the recent moral panic.
HOW SELECTIVE IS SELECTIVITY? A FEW THOUGHTS ON REGIONAL SELECTIVITY
Authors: Kurcz Bartłomiej
Published: July 2007

Article 87 (1) EC prohibits any state aid in whatsoever form, unless the Commission considers it to be compatible with the common market. This prohibition significantly reduces in many cases the freedom of Member States to conduct their policies in defining the political and economic environment in which undertakings operate. Article 88 (3) EC, which provides for the notification procedure and prohibits the implementation of aid measures before the Commission's approval, also significantly reduces the Member State's playground. Rarely, however, can it be argued that the state aid control could potentially have drastic consequences for the national constitution order. Although the questions of what constitutes state resources and to which extent trade between Member States can be affected are controversial, this article focuses on only one aspect of the definition of state aid, namely selectivity, the application of which may have the most far-reaching consequences for many Member States' constitutional orders. It has to be stressed, though, that this short article does not aim to deal comprehensively with every difficult issue connected with the application of the selectivity test, but is limited to some of its aspects which may have bearing on Member States' decisions concerning the distribution of powers and especially the power of taxation.
A DIRECTOR'S DUTY TO CONFESS: A MATTER OF GOOD FAITH?
Authors: Ho Lusina , Lee Pey-Woan
Published: July 2007

In common law jurisdictions, there has been considerable academic and judicial discussion of the duties of company directors generally. In contrast, relatively little ink has been spent on the specific duty, if any, of a company director to disclose his own misconduct (in the civil realm) to the company, even less so on the nature and basis of such a duty. This is unsurprising given the very restrictive approach to disclosure obligations in English law. Thus, while a director may in loose terms be said to be under a “duty” to disclose interests that conflict with the company's, such disclosure only serves the purpose of relieving him from liability, and failure to do so per se has not been regarded as an independent source of liability.
TAKEOVER REGULATION: HISTORICAL AND THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES ON THE CITY CODE
Authors: Johnston Andrew
Published: July 2007

The City Code on Takeovers and Mergers has generally been lauded as a system of self-regulation that offers the advantages of speed, flexibility and low cost administration by experts. Many of its provisions are uncontroversial and do indeed reflect a consensus view about the way in which takeovers should be carried out. However, the Code's prohibition on defensive measures by management in the event of a takeover is far more controversial. This article argues that the City Code – and the prohibition on defensive measures in particular - was introduced because the common law had demonstrated itself incapable of putting in place a system of takeover regulation that ensured the takeover remained a viable means of ensuring managerial accountability to shareholders. Its introduction in 1968 fundamentally transformed the UK's system of corporate governance. Through its prohibition on defensive measures once a takeover becomes imminent, the Code truncates the general management discretion that lies at the heart of company law and forces management to focus on the generation of short-term shareholder value. What is striking is that this fundamental reorientation of the way in which companies are controlled was brought about not by an Act of Parliament but by a self-regulatory measure put in place by financial institutions. Following the implementation of the Takeover Directive, which itself was heavily influenced by the City Code, the Companies Act 2006 now requires the Takeover Panel to maintain that prohibition.
On hydrodynamic and acoustic modes in a ducted shear flow with wall lining
Authors: VILENSKI GREGORY G. , RIENSTRA SJOERD W.
Published: July 2007

The propagation of small-amplitude modes in an inviscid but sheared subsonic mean flow inside a duct is considered. For isentropic flow in a circular duct with zero swirl and constant mean flow density the pressure modes are described in terms of the eigenvalue problem for the Pridmore-Brown equation with Myers' locally reacting impedance boundary conditions.

The key purpose of the paper is to extend the results of the numerical study of the spectrum for the case of lined ducts with uniform mean flow in Rienstra (Wave Motion, vol. 37, 2003b, p. 119), in order to examine the effects of the shear and wall lining. In the present paper this far more difficult situation is dealt with analytically. The high-frequency short-wavelength asymptotic solution of the problem based on the WKB method is derived for the acoustic part of the spectrum. Owing to the stiffness of the governing equations, an accurate numerical study of the spectral properties of the problem for mean flows with strong shear proves to be a non-trivial task which deserves separate consideration.

The second objective of the paper is to gain theoretical insight into the properties of the hydrodynamic part of the spectrum. An analysis of hydrodynamic modes both in the short-wavelength limit and for the case of the narrow duct is presented. For simplicity, only the hard-wall flow configuration is considered.
Large-eddy simulations of gas-turbine swirl injector flow dynamics
Authors: WANG SHANWU , YANG VIGOR , HSIAO GEORGE , HSIEH SHIH-YANG , MONGIA HUKAM C.
Published: July 2007

A comprehensive study on confined swirling flows in an operational gas-turbine injector was performed by means of large-eddy simulations. The formulation was based on the Favre-filtered conservation equations and a modified Smagorinsky treatment of subgrid-scale motions. The model was then numerically solved by means of a preconditioned density-based finite-volume approach. Calculated mean velocities and turbulence properties show good agreement with experimental data obtained from the laser-Doppler velocimetry measurements. Various aspects of the swirling flow development (such as the central recirculating flow, precessing vortex core and Kelvin–Helmholtz instability) were explored in detail. Both co- and counter-rotating configurations were considered, and the effects of swirl direction on flow characteristics were examined. The flow evolution inside the injector is dictated mainly by the air delivered through the primary swirler. The impact of the secondary swirler appears to be limited.
Bounds on the momentum transport by turbulent shear flow in rotating systems
Authors: BUSSE F. H.
Published: July 2007

Bounds on the momentum transport by laminar or turbulent shear flows between two parallel plates in constant relative motion in a rotating system are derived. The axis of rotation is parallel to the plates. The dimensionless component of the rotation vector perpendicular to the relative motion of the plate is denoted by the Coriolis number τ. Through the consideration of separate energy balances for the poloidal and the toroidal components of the fluid velocity field a variational problem is formulated in which τ enters as a parameter. Bounds that are derived under the hypothesis that the extremalizing vector fields are independent of the streamwise coordinate suggest that no state of turbulent motion can exist for $-2\sqrt{1708} \equiv -\hbox{\it Re}_E \leq \hbox{\it Re} \leq 1708/\tau + \tau$ with $\tau \gtrsim \sqrt{1708}$.
A note on the similarity between the normal-field instability in ferrofluids and the thermocapillary instability
Authors: JOO SANG W.
Published: July 2007

A striking resemblance between the normal-field instability in ferromagnetic fluids and the interfacial mode of the thermocapillary instability in viscous fluids is presented. A nonlinear evolution equation describing the dynamics of the free surface for a ferrofluid layer subject to a uniform normal magnetic field is derived, and compared to that for a thin viscous layer heated from below. Their similarity predicts the possibility of mutual nonlinear stability control.
THREE NEW SPINY EUPHORBIA (EUPHORBIACEAE) SPECIES FROM WESTERN SAUDI ARABIA
Authors: Fayed A. A. , Al-Zahrani D. A.
Published: July 2007

AbstractThree shrubby, succulent, spiny Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae) species from western Saudi Arabia are described and illustrated as new: Euphorbia madinahensis Fayed & D.Al-Zahrani, Euphorbia saudiarabica Fayed & D.Al-Zahrani and Euphorbia taifensis Fayed & D.Al-Zahrani. Diagnostic characters, descriptions and taxonomic comments on each are given, and they are compared with closely related species. The geographical distribution of the three new species is shown.
PINOCHIA, A NEW GENUS OF APOCYNACEAE, APOCYNOIDEAE FROM THE GREATER ANTILLES, MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA
Authors: Endress M. E. , Hansen B. F.
Published: July 2007

AbstractPinochia, a new neotropical genus of Apocynaceae, subfamily Apocynoideae, is segregated from Forsteronia, described and illustrated. Four new combinations and a key to the species are provided.
Interpretation and musical signification in acousmatic listening
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: July 2007

The challenges of understanding musical meaning are considered in light of ways in which electroacoustic practice and acousmatic listening might embody yet further nuances in how music can function as a signifying system. ‘Classical’ semiotics is discussed, as well as more recent developments with post-structuralist approaches and musical semantics in other areas of music scholarship. The idea, inherited from the tradition of ‘absolute music’, that musical meaning lies exclusively in the inner operations of the musical materials and their structural organisation, is questioned. Concepts from ecologically inspired music psychology are drawn upon to highlight the importance of interpretation, as well as perception, in acousmatic listening. It is argued that if new theoretical terminologies are needed, an invaluable project would be to develop a taxonomy (and thus theoretical framework) of how sound can ‘stand for something’, i.e. function as a sign in semiotic terms. It is also argued that such terminology should not reinforce distinctions between intra- and extra-musical that feature in many theoretical constructs used in relation to this music. Consideration of the Peircean semiotic model in electroacoustic music (as well as the more widely used Saussurean one), tropology in the study of literature, and a much more widely comparative and culturally explicit approach to analysis are suggested as practical starting points. A more critical approach to the integral role of sound recording and reproduction in relation to concepts of representation is needed.
Counterpoint and quotation in Ussachevsky's Wireless Fantasy
Authors: Beaudoin Richard
Published: July 2007

Wireless Fantasy, Vladimir Ussachevsky's 4½-minute tribute to the birth of wireless radio, utilises a rich collection of sound materials, from antique spark generators and shortwave radio sounds to a recorded segment of Wagner's Parsifal. Wireless Fantasy is here examined not as much for the cultural meaning of its sources but for insight into Ussachevsky's dramatic counterpointing of those sources in real time. The analytical methodology focuses on pitch, rhythm, and timbre equally, using both standard music notation and spectral analysis to examine the contrapuntal elements in this classic electroacoustic composition. Special attention is paid to the coincidence of accent between the source materials that generates the work's climax and to the involvement of all the sources in articulating its final cadence. The larger issue of quotation within electroacoustic composition is discussed with regard to an abstract reference in the work's coda.
Spectromorphological analysis of sound objects: an adaptation of Pierre Schaeffer's typomorphology
Authors: Thoresen Lasse , Hedman Andreas
Published: July 2007

The last fifty years has witnessed an enormous development with regard to sound production, and has opened a new world of novel aural experiences. In order to be able to articulate and discuss these experiences there is a need for a corresponding novel set of terms and concepts. Such a terminology would also be relevant for analytical and interpretive approaches to electroacoustic music, avant-garde Western music, and ethno music. Pierre Schaeffer's typomorphology, developed in the 1960s, proposed a variety of novel terms, but they have not been of widespread use, since they unfortunately did not lend themselves very well for practical analysis. The present paper intends to develop Schaeffer's approach in the direction of a practical tool for conceptualising and notating sound quality. While carefully reducing the sometimes-bewildering number of terms found in Schaeffer's work, it introduces a set of graphic symbols apt for transcribing electroacoustic music in a concise score. The analysis of sound objects calls for a specific listeners' intention, called reductive listening.
Why a laptop orchestra?
Authors: Trueman Dan
Published: July 2007

In 2005, the Princeton Laptop Orchestra (PLOrk), an ensemble of fifteen laptop-based meta-instruments, began its first season. In this article, the author explores the motivations for starting a laptop orchestra, both in musical and cultural terms, and some of the aesthetic, technical, and compositional issues that face those interested in working with such an ensemble.
Exploring cross-linguistic vocabulary effects on brain structures using voxel-based morphometry
Authors: GREEN DAVID W. , CRINION JENNY , PRICE CATHY J.
Published: July 2007

Given that there are neural markers for the acquisition of a non-verbal skill, we review evidence of neural markers for the acquisition of vocabulary. Acquiring vocabulary is critical to learning one's native language and to learning other languages. Acquisition requires the ability to link an object concept (meaning) to sound. Is there a region sensitive to vocabulary knowledge? For monolingual English speakers, increased vocabulary knowledge correlates with increased grey matter density in a region of the parietal cortex that is well-located to mediate an association between meaning and sound (the posterior supramarginal gyrus). Further this region also shows sensitivity to acquiring a second language. Relative to monolingual English speakers, Italian–English bilinguals show increased grey matter density in the same region. Differences as well as commonalities might exist in the neural markers for vocabulary where lexical distinctions are also signalled by tone. Relative to monolingual English, Chinese multilingual speakers, like European multilinguals, show increased grey matter density in the parietal region observed previously. However, irrespective of ethnicity, Chinese speakers (both Asian and European) also show highly significant increased grey matter density in two right hemisphere regions (the superior temporal gyrus and the inferior frontal gyrus). They also show increased grey matter density in two left hemisphere regions (middle temporal and superior temporal gyrus). Such increases may reflect additional resources required to process tonal distinctions for lexical purposes or to store tonal differences in order to distinguish lexical items. We conclude with a discussion of future lines of enquiry.
The use of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to identify and map alien segments carrying genes for effective resistance to leaf rust in bread wheat
Authors: Iqbal Nayyer , Eticha Firdissa , Khlestkina Elena K. , Weidner Annette , Röder Marion S. , Börner Andreas
Published: July 2007

Aegilops markgrafiiis a useful source of genes encoding both resistance to biotic stress and high seed lysine content. Bread wheat/Ae. markgrafiiintrogression lines expressing leaf rust resistance were developed from a cross between a leaf rust-resistantAe.markgrafiiaccession and the susceptible bread wheat cultivar ‘Alcedo’. The content of introgressed segments present in five sister introgression lines was assessed with the help of chromosome-specific simple sequence repeats (SSRs). One of the lines was used as a parent of a 140 individual F2mapping population, by crossing with the leaf rust-susceptible bread wheat cv. ‘Borenos’. The population was tested for susceptibility or resistance to leaf rust, and linkage analysis indicated the presence of a quantitative trait locus (QLr.ipk-2A) originating from theAe. markgrafiiparent, mapping to the distal segment of chromosome arm 2AS.
Allelic diversity of natural oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) populations detected by microsatellite markers: implications for conservation
Authors: Bakoumé Claude , Wickneswari Ratnam , Rajanaidu Nookiah , Kushairi Ahmad , Amblard Philippe , Billotte Norbert
Published: July 2007

The allelic diversity within oil palm populations (45 native ones from 10 African countries, three breeding populations and one collection of semi-wild material) was determined using 16 microsatellite markers. A total of 209 alleles were detected, with a mean number of 13.1 alleles per locus. The mean effective number of alleles per locus (Ae) was 3.3 ± 1.3. Although the Duncan's multiple range test only separated the group of populations from Madagascar from the rest on the basis ofAe, the presence of unique and rare alleles and high values ofAesuggest that 23 of the African populations should be conserved to secure allelic diversity.
Identification of new sources of bacterial blight (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae) resistance in wild Oryza species and O. glaberrima
Authors: Vikal Yogesh , Das Aparna , Patra B. , Goel R. K. , Sidhu J. S. , Singh Kuldeep
Published: July 2007

Bacterial blight (BB) of rice is a widespread disease in tropical Asia, contained largely through the deployment of race-specific resistance genes. Although more than 25 BB resistance genes have been identified, none are effective individually against all the pathotypes prevalent in north-western India. The response of a set of 327 accessions of 13 wildOryzaspecies and cultivated African rice,O.glaberrima, was evaluated to infection with seven pathotypes ofXanthomonas oryzaepv.oryzaeover a period of 3–4 years. Of these, 67 were resistant or moderately resistant to all pathotypes. These comprised 13 accessions ofO.glaberrima, 5 ofO. barthii, 10 ofO.rufipogon, 4 ofO.longistaminata, 22 ofO.nivara, 6 ofO.officinalis, 2 ofO.rhizomatisand 5 ofO.minuta. Inheritance studies, molecular mapping and transfer of some of these genes intoO.sativassp.indicaare in progress.
Active immunization with EPF suppresses the formation of immune ascites in BALB/c mice
Authors: QUINN KATHRYN A.
Published: July 2007

The production of early pregnancy factor (EPF) is not confined to pregnancy — EPF has been detected as a product of tumour and transformed cells in vivo and in vitro. In this study, EPF (or an EPF‐like substance) was detected also in the serum of BALB/c mice, 7 days after intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of the mineral oil pristane. Furthermore, EPF was present in serum from mineral oil–induced plasmacytoma‐susceptible mice throughout the latent period potentially leading to tumour development, peaking around the time neoplastic cells were identified in ascites. Since mineral oil–induced granuloma is essential to development of immune ascites, involvement of EPF in this process was investigated.

Active immunization of BALB/c mice with EPF was shown to suppress the production of immune ascites, induced by multiple i.p. injections of antigen in complete Freund's adjuvant. Of the mice immunized with EPF (n= 19), only 47% produced ascites, compared with 94% of mice receiving saline or human chorionic gonadotrophin and 100% of mice receiving keyhole limpet haemocyanin. Further investigations revealed that ascites was only produced in mice that maintained free–circulating EPF. These mice displayed the classic mineral oil–induced granuloma covering the tissues of the peritoneum. In contrast, the serum of mice that did not produce ascites tested negative for EPF and the peritonea of these mice were devoid of the oil granuloma. These studies suggest that EPF is involved in the initiation and maintenance of the inflammatory response of the peritoneum to mineral oil.