bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parameters affecting transition temperatures of poly(lactic acid‐co‐polydiols) copolymer‐based polyester urethanes and their shape memory behavior
Authors: Petchsuk A. , Klinsukhon W. , Sirikittikul D. , Prahsarn C.
Published: August 2011

A series of polyester urethanes (PEUs) comprising poly(lactic acid‐co‐polydiol) copolymers as a soft segment, 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and 1,4‐butanediol (BDO) as a hard segment were systematically synthesized. Soft segments, which were block copolymers of L‐lactide (LA) and polydiols such as poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(trimethylene ether glycol), were prepared via ring opening polymerization. Glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the obtained PEUs were found strongly dependent on properties of copolymer soft segments. By simply changing composition ratio, type and molecular weight of polydiols in the soft segment preparation step, Tg of PEU can be varied in the broad range of 0–57°C. The synthesized PEUs exhibited shape memory behavior at their transition temperatures. PEUs with hard segment ratio higher than 65 mole percent showed good shape recovery. These findings suggested that it is important to manipulate molecular structure of the copolymer soft segment for a desirable transition temperature and design optimal soft to hard segment ratio in PEU for good shape recovery. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of ageing on rheology of SBR/sulfur‐modified asphalts
Authors: Zhang Feng , Yu Jianying , Wu Shaopeng
Published: August 2011

The effect of short‐term and long‐term oxidative ageing on the rheological, physical properties, the morphology, and thermodynamic behavior of the styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR)‐ and SBR/sulfur‐modified asphalts is studied respectively. The dynamic rheological tests show the two major effects of ageing on the rheological behavior of the asphalt binders. Ageing prompts the degradation of polymer and increases the viscous behavior of the binders, on the other, ageing improves the elastic behavior of the binders due to the changed asphalt components, the final rheological behavior of the aged binders depends on the combined effect. The SBR/sulfur‐modified asphalt is more susceptible to ageing and dynamic shear due to the structural instability and show a viscous behavior with increasing the sulfur level after ageing. Under the influence of repeated shear force, the high‐temperature property of the SBR/sulfur‐modified asphalts declines. The morphology observation shows the compatibility between polymer and asphalt is improved with further ageing especially for the SBR/sulfur‐modified asphalt. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of injection velocity and joint geometry on quality of insert molding
Authors: Lin Chung‐Chih
Published: August 2011

A study of the influence of the injection velocity and the joint geometry on the quality of insert molding is presented. The proposed approach was based on the rheological concept, and the optimal injection velocity of insert molding was determined through calculations of the relative viscosity with corresponding injection velocities. In addition, the influence of the joint geometry between two different materials on the adhesion performance was also evaluated experimentally. A newly designed wafer cassette storage box that consisted of a cover (polybutylene terephthalate) with a transparent window (polycarbonate) and a base was given to demonstrate how to implement the methodology. Besides injection velocity, this study shows that the joint geometry is also a significant factor in improving the adhesion strength between the cover and the transparent window.POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and characterization of fluorescent membrane based on europium coordinated acrylic acid grafted biorientation polypropylene
Authors: Wang Zheng , Wang Jiliang , Cao Zheng , Lei Jingxin
Published: August 2011

Acrylic acid grafted biorientation polypropylene (AA‐g‐BOPP) membrane was prepared through a nonvapor and nonliquid photografting method (NNPM). The grafted membrane was then coordinated with europium nitrate and 1,10‐phenanthroline to obtain europium coordinated AA‐g‐BOPP [Eu‐c‐(AA‐g‐BOPP)] fluorescent membrane. The resulting Eu‐c‐(AA‐g‐BOPP) membrane was characterized by Fourier transfer infrared spectrometer and fluorescence spectrometer. The results indicate that polar monomer AA can be effectively grafted on BOPP by NNPM, and that the intensity of fluorescence of the grafted membrane enhances with grafting degree. Eu‐c‐(AA‐g‐BOPP) membrane with a reasonable grafting degree shows excellent fluorescent property, and such fluorescent membrane has great potential applications in the area of electronic devices. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
The effect of different stabilizers on the formation of self‐assembled porous film via the breath‐figure technique
Authors: Amirkhani Masoud , Berger Nicola , Abdelmohsen Mohamed , Zocholl Frank , Gonçalves Manuel Rodrigues , Marti Othmar
Published: August 2011

The Breath‐Figure technique was employed to imprint honeycomb structures in the polymer films via the condensation of water vapor on the surface of an evaporating polymer solution. Generally, the condensed water droplets can be stabilized by an end‐functional polymer or by particles added to the polymer solution. In this study, we carried out a systematic experiment on the effect of different stabilizers on the porous honeycomb structure under identical physical conditions. The end‐functional polymer produced a large area of regular spherical bubbles, whereas adding particles to the polymer solution leads to smaller arrays of the flattened bottom bubbles. The separation length between pores was larger for polymer/particle sample than that of the end‐functional polymer films. In the regular area of polymer/particle film many bubbles were not decorated by particles. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 49: 1430–1436, 2011
Erythrocyte zinc levels in children with bronchial asthma
Authors: Yilmaz E. Arik , Ozmen S. , Bostanci I. , Misirlioglu E. Dibek , Ertan U.
Published: August 2011

Zinc deficiency may be suspected to play a role in the pathogenesis, control, and severity of asthma because of its antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti‐inflammatory effects. We aimed to investigate whether there was any relationship between erythrocyte zinc levels and childhood asthma. The erythrocyte zinc levels of 67 asthmatic and 45 healthy children were analyzed in this case–control study. The mean concentrations of erythrocyte zinc were 1215.8 ± 145.1 µg/dl in asthma patients and 1206.9 ± 119.5 µg/dl in controls with no significant difference (P = 0.472). The erythrocyte zinc level was below 1,000 µg/dl in 6 asthmatic patients (8.9%) and 2 control group patients (4.4%). There was no relationship between erythrocyte zinc levels and duration of follow‐up, severity, and control of the asthma (P > 0.05). On the other hand, patients hospitalized for an asthma attack had significantly lower erythrocyte zinc levels compared with nonhospitalized patients and the control group (P = 0.000 and P = 0.004 respectively). This study's findings indicate that asthmatic children are not a risk group for zinc deficiency. We emphasize that checking zinc levels in children who are hospitalized for an asthma attack may be useful. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2011; 46: 1189–1193. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tuberculous damaged lung in a child
Authors: Consunji‐Araneta Raquel , Higgins Rick , Qing Gefei , Bouhasan Lamya
Published: August 2011

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the “great pretender.” We report the case of a 10‐year‐old female, who presented with a mass in the left chest that was suspected initially to be a tumor. This was later confirmed to be tuberculous in nature, with dissemination to the liver. A large granuloma eventually replaced the left lung, leaving her with “tuberculous destroyed lung” (TDL), an extremely rare, life‐threatening sequela of the disease. We review the pathophysiology, radiologic findings, and management options, which includes pneumonectomy, for this seldom seen but preventable condition. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2011; 46: 1247–1250. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Independent North–South Child Migration as a Parental Investment in Northern Ghana
Authors: Kwankye Stephen O.
Published: August 2011

North–south independent child migration flows in Ghana have gained increasing political and research interest. Parents and adult relations actively participate in the decision of their children to migrate. In view of this, this study uses a 2005 survey of 451 independent child migrants in Accra and Kumasi to assess the extent to which this relatively new wave of migration constitutes some kind of an economic investment by parents against poverty. A major finding of the study is that although parents, through remittances by their children, may meet their objective of sending their children as migrants to southern communities, in the long run, these gains may be eroded because of diverse social, economic, and reproductive health risks the children may be exposed to. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Failure of potassium dimer formation on the β‐SiC(100)‐c(4 × 2) surface
Authors: Haycock Barry , Ortega José , Lewis James P.
Published: August 2011

Using ab initio molecular dynamics, we study the formation of dimers on the β‐SiC(100)‐c(4 × 2) surface. According to previously published experimental results of Derycke et al. [Appl. Phys. Lett. 88(2), 022105 (2006)] (using scanning tunneling spectroscopy, core‐level photoemission spectroscopy, and low‐energy electron diffraction) the (100)‐c(4 × 2) surface is highly prone to form potassium dimers. In their work, potassium atoms fill adjacent well‐defined pedestal sites when there are lower coverages of potassium deposited onto the surface (∼0.16 monolayers). Contrary to the work by Derycke et al., we find that potassium does not prefer to form dimers on the (100)‐c(4 × 2) surface, but rather potassium tends to reconstruct (after annealing simulations) by choosing distant pedestal sites in order to minimize the overlap of the ionic radii of the potassium atoms.
Ferromagnetic behavior in Mn‐doped LaAlO3 single crystals
Authors: Ge J. J. , Yang M. , Xue X. B. , You B. , Sun L. , Zhang W. , Wu X. S. , Hu A. , Du J.
Published: August 2011

LaAlO3 single crystals were doped with transition element Mn by thermal diffusion method for investigation of ferromagnetism. With increasing the annealing temperature TN, ferromagnetism begins to appear when TN equals 750 °C, which is indicated by small magnetic hystersis (M ‐H) loop with low coercive field of 60 Oe measured at 60 K. After TN arrives at 1300 °C, obvious M ‐H loop can be observed at 60 K and the M ‐T curve displays sharp Curie phase transition, which shows an unambiguous ferromagnetism. A bound magnetic polaron model was proposed to understand the observed ferromagnetic behavior in Mn‐doped LaAlO3 single crystals. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Sulphur isotopes in animal hair track distance to sea
Authors: Zazzo A. , Monahan F. J. , Moloney A. P. , Green S. , Schmidt O.
Published: August 2011

Stable sulphur isotope ratios (34S/32S) in animal tissues have been suggested as a tracer of coastal residency of terrestrial animals, but data are lacking that quantify the inland range of the sulphur coastal signal and the effects of seasonality. Here, we present δ34S measurements of sheep wool collected seasonally on eight farms across Ireland and wool samples collected opportunistically along the west and east coasts. We observed large (>10‰) δ34S differences across the island and we show that wool δ34S values were negatively correlated with distance to the west coast. We propose that this is due to the predominantly (south‐)westerly airflow, possibly combined with the influence of anthropogenic sulphur deposited from the east. While essentially all the sulphur contained in west‐coast wool is of marine origin, relatively high δ34S values were still measured >100 km inland, suggesting that marine sulphur can be carried over long distances. Seasonal variations are small at the individual level for sedentary grazing animals. We conclude that sulphur isotopes ratios measured in archival keratinous tissues can be used to describe regional δ34S isoscapes primarily defined by distance to coasts and thus provide a tool to detect short‐term movements of domestic, feral and wild animals within such isoscapes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel low‐cost prostate resection trainer—description and preliminary evaluation
Authors: Ebbing Jan , Schostak Martin , Steiner Ursula , Stier Katja , Neymeyer Jörg , Miller Kurt , Baumunk Daniel
Published: August 2011

Background

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a challenging operation for residents with limited endoscopic experience. A number of virtual TURP simulators have been validated in the past. This study is the first description and preliminary evaluation of a non‐virtual, low‐cost TURP trainer as a teaching tool for residents in urology.

Methods

Dr K. Forke's prostatic resection trainer (PRT; LS 10‐2/S, Samed GmbH, Dresden, Germany) was tested during the surgical training of a resident. Under the supervision of an experienced senior surgeon, three aspects were examined: the resection trainer's approximation to reality, the ease of instruction, and the potential capability to improve surgeons' psychomotor abilities with regard to the three‐dimensional (3D) guidance of the instrument. The improvement in resection speed (RS) of residents with no PRT training (control group) was also compared to the results of the PRT‐trained resident.

Results

During the PRT training, the resident displayed clear improvement in resection quality (RQ) and a 27% increase in RS (p = 0.03). In the post‐training stage, the PRT‐trained resident showed a more constant progress rate, to a maximum RS of 0.37 g/min (35% increase; p = 0.01), whereas the control group displayed varied RS learning curves. Composed of a synthetic material, which can be resected by standard instruments, the trainer offers a haptical experience that is particularly realistic and may provide an increased learning rate.

Conclusion

From the findings, we conclude that this novel PRT is suitable for daily use and offers an effective and more affordable alternative to virtual simulators. Further validation studies will follow and new fields of application will be tested. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evolution of autonomous and semi‐autonomous robotic surgical systems: a review of the literature
Authors: Moustris G. P. , Hiridis S. C. , Deliparaschos K. M. , Konstantinidis K. M.
Published: August 2011

Background

Autonomous control of surgical robotic platforms may offer enhancements such as higher precision, intelligent manoeuvres, tissue‐damage avoidance, etc. Autonomous robotic systems in surgery are largely at the experimental level. However, they have also reached clinical application.

Methods

A literature review pertaining to commercial medical systems which incorporate autonomous and semi‐autonomous features, as well as experimental work involving automation of various surgical procedures, is presented. Results are drawn from major databases, excluding papers not experimentally implemented on real robots.

Results

Our search yielded several experimental and clinical applications, describing progress in autonomous surgical manoeuvres, ultrasound guidance, optical coherence tomography guidance, cochlear implantation, motion compensation, orthopaedic, neurological and radiosurgery robots.

Conclusion

Autonomous and semi‐autonomous systems are beginning to emerge in various interventions, automating important steps of the operation. These systems are expected to become standard modality and revolutionize the face of surgery. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
WEIR POOL SURCHARGE AND A CORRESPONDING INCREASE IN ALGAL BIOFILM COMMUNITY DIVERSITY IN THE LOWER RIVER MURRAY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Authors: Souter N. J. , Walter M. , Wen L.
Published: August 2011

Lowland rivers impounded by weirs are often operated to provide stable water levels. In the lower River Murray, stable water levels promote algal biofilms dominated by stalked diatoms, filamentous green algae and Cyanobacteria. In summer 2005–2006, the Lock 5 weir pool was surcharged for environmental benefit. Algal biofilms grown on artificial substrates were compared to the following year when the water level remained stable. On both occasions, substrates were fixed at 300‐mm depth in the river channel and a connected wetland. During the surcharge, additional floating substrates were deployed to control for the change in water level. The algal communities that developed during both years were dominated by diatoms. A greater diversity in the biofilm community was evident during the 4‐month surcharge when compared with the following year. This was due to a much greater change in algal biofilm community composition over the 4 months of the surcharge, compared with biofilms grown during a period of stable water level, when the community changed little after 1 month. The lack of difference between fixed and floating substrates suggests that the change in water level was not responsible for the difference between the surcharge and stable level biofilms. Possible reasons for the difference between years include light, nutrients and water temperature. Although the effect of the surcharge could not be definitively defined, these results provide some evidence that weir pool surcharge may be used to improve algal biofilm diversity when compared with the current stable water level regime. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and StructuralCharacterization of RuII‐DMSO and RuIII‐DMSO‐substituted α‐Keggin‐type Phosphotungstates, [PW11O39RuIIDMSO]5– and [PW11O39RuIIIDMSO]4–, and Catalytic Activity for Water Oxidation
Authors: Sadakane Masahiro , Rinn Niklas , Moroi Sachie , Kitatomi Hiroaki , Ozeki Tomoji , Kurasawa Mariko , Itakura Masaya , Hayakawa Shinjiro , Kato Kazuo , Miyamoto Mayumi , Ogo Shuhei , Ide Yusuke , Sano Tsuneji
Published: August 2011

RuII‐ and RuIII‐substituted α‐Keggin‐type phosphotungstates with a dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) ligand, [PW11O39RuIIDMSO]5– (1) and [PW11O39RuIIIDMSO]4– (2), were synthesized. Compound 1 was prepared by reaction of [PW11O39]7– with [RuII(DMSO)4]Cl2 in water at 125 °C under hydrothermal conditions and was isolated as a cesium salt. Compound 2 was prepared by reaction of 1 with bromine in water at 60 °C and was isolated as a cesium salt. The compounds were characterized by cyclic voltammetry, elemental analysis, UV/Vis, IR,31P NMR, 183W NMR, 1H NMR, and XANES (Ru K‐edge and L3‐edge)spectroscopic methods. Single crystal structural analysis of 1 revealed that RuII is incorporated in the α‐Keggin framework and coordinated by DMSO through a Ru–S bond. Cyclic voltammetry of 1 indicated that the incorporated RuII‐DMSO is reversibly oxidizable to the RuIII‐DMSO derivative 2. Compound 1 showed catalytic activity for water oxidation in the presence of cerium ammonium nitrate as an oxidant.
Anion Binding of a Protonated Tripodal Tris(ferrocenylurea) Receptor
Authors: Li Minrui , Wu Biao , Cui Fengjuan , Hao Yongjing , Huang Xiaojuan , Yang Xiao‐Juan
Published: August 2011

Two anion complexes of a tripodal tris(ferrocenylurea) receptor (L), (LH)·CF3SO3 (1) and (LH)·HSO4 (2), were obtained from L and triflic acid or sulfuric acid, respectively. Crystal structural analyses show that the receptor in the two 1:1 (host/guest) complexes is protonated (on the bridgehead tertiary amine), and the CF3SO3– or HSO4– anion is located outside the tripodal cavity and anchored by the urea and CH groups of the receptor by hydrogen bonds. 1H NMR spectroscopic studies confirmed the binding mode in solution.
Etoposide, cisplatin–etoposide, methotrexate, actinomycin‐D as primary treatment for management of very‐high‐risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia
Authors: Cyriac Sanju , Rajendranath Rejiv , Sridevi Veluswami , Sagar Tenali G.
Published: August 2011

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of etoposide, cisplatin–etoposide, methotrexate, actinomycin‐D (EP–EMA) chemotherapy as the frontline treatment for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) patients with very high (≥ 12) FIGO prognostic scores.

Methods

Nine patients with very‐high‐risk GTN were treated with EP–EMA at the Cancer Institute, Adyar, India, between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2007. Salvage chemotherapy, adjuvant surgery, and radiotherapy were used when indicated. Clinical response, toxicity, and survival were analyzed separately.

Results

The median FIGO score was 15. Six (66.7%) patients had a complete clinical response, whereas progressive disease occurred for 3 (33.3%) women. None of the patients relapsed. This translated to an overall survival rate of 66.7% in the primary setting. All patients with liver‐only metastases were survivors after treatment with EP–EMA. Grade 3 neutropenia was detected in 3 (33.3%) patients only. No life‐threatening toxicity was observed after EP–EMA treatment.

Conclusion

EP–EMA was highly effective for the primary management of very‐high‐risk GTN.
The continental shelf of the Russian Arctic region: the state of the art in the study and exploration of oil and gas resources
Authors: Kaminskii V.D. , Suprunenko O.I. , Suslova V.V.
Published: August 2011

The Arctic shelf of Russia bears huge oil and gas resources. Twenty-seven oil and gas fields (including ten sea-coastal) were discovered in the Barents (with the Pechora) and Kara Seas. Today, however, none of the offshore fields is developed, and the overall degree of the geological and geophysical study of the shelf is still low. A complex of actions is proposed to accelerate the exploration and development of oil and gas resources of the Russian Arctic seas.
Uzon volcano caldera (Kamchatka): A unique natural laboratory of the present-day naphthide genesis
Authors: Kontorovich A.E. , Bortnikova S.B. , Karpov G.A. , Kashirtsev V.A. , Kostyreva E.A. , Fomin A.N.
Published: August 2011

Oil shows from the thermal springs of the Uzon volcano caldera have been studied by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry methods. Based on the composition and distribution of biomarker molecules, their genetic identity with the organic matter of Pliocene–Quaternary deposits has been established. It has been shown that the Uzon caldera is a unique natural laboratory of the present-day oil formation from the organic matter of Pliocene–Quaternary sediments. It has been stated that attempts to consider the compounds forming these oil shows as a product of hydrothermal abiogenic synthesis are absolutely unfounded.
Algebraically diverging modes upstream of a swept bluff body
Authors: Obrist Dominik , Schmid Peter J.
Published: August 2011

Classical stability theory for swept leading-edge boundary layers predicts eigenmodes in the free stream with algebraic decay far from the leading edge. In this article, we extend the classical base flow solution by Hiemenz to a uniformly valid solution for the flow upstream of a bluff body, which includes a three-dimensional boundary layer, an inviscid stagnation-point flow and an outer parallel flow. This extended, uniformly valid base flow additionally supports modes which diverge algebraically outside the boundary layer. The theory of wave packet pseudomodes is employed to derive analytical results for the growth rates and for the eigenvalue spectra of this type of mode. The complete spectral analysis of the flow, including the algebraically diverging modes, will give a more appropriate basis for receptivity studies and will more accurately describe the interaction of perturbations in the free stream with disturbances in the boundary layer.
Making biomedicine in twentieth-century Italy: Domenico Marotta (1886–1974) and the Italian Higher Institute of Health
Authors: COZZOLI DANIELE , CAPOCCI MAURO
Published: August 2011

This paper focuses on the role played by Domenico Marotta, director of the ISS (Higher Institute of Health) for over twenty-five years, in the development of twentieth-century Italian biomedicine. We will show that Marotta aimed to create an integrated centre for research and production able to interact with private industry. To accomplish this, Marotta shifted the original mission of the ISS, from public health to scientific research. Yet Mussolini's policy turned most of the ISS resources towards controls and military tasks, opposing Marotta's aspiration. By contrast, in the post-war years Marotta was able to turn the ISS into the most important Italian biomedical research institution, where research and production fruitfully cohabited. Nobel laureates, such as Ernst Chain, and future Nobel laureates, such as Daniel Bovet, were hired. The ISS built up an integrated research and production centre for penicillin and antibiotics. In the 1960s, Marotta's vision was in accord with the new centre-left government. However, he pursued his goals by ruling the ISS autocratically and beyond any legal control. This eventually led to his downfall and prosecution. This also marked the decline of the ISS, intertwined with the weakness of the centre-left government, who failed to achieve structural reforms and couple the modernization of the country with the democratization of its scientific institutions.
‘Stargazers at the world's end’: telescopes, observatories and ‘views’ of empire in the nineteenth-century British Empire
Authors: MCALEER JOHN
Published: August 2011

This article argues that the study of astronomical observing instruments, their transportation around the globe and the personal and professional networks created by such exchanges are useful conceptual tools in exploring the role of science in the nineteenth-century British Empire. The shipping of scientific instruments highlights the physical and material connections that bound the empire together. Large, heavy and fragile objects, such as transit circles, were difficult to transport and repair. As such, the logistical difficulties associated with their movement illustrate the limitations of colonial scientific enterprises and their reliance on European centres. The discussion also examines the impact of the circulation of such objects on observatories and astronomers working in southern Africa, India and St Helena by tracing the connections between these places and British scientific institutions, London-based instrument-makers, and staff at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. It explores the ways in which astronomy generally, and the use of observing instruments in particular, relate to broader themes about the applications of science, the development of colonial identities, and the consolidation of empire in the first half of the nineteenth century. In considering these issues, the article illustrates the symbiotic relationship between science and empire in the period, demonstrating the overlap between political and strategic considerations and purely scientific endeavours. Almost paradoxically, as they trained their sights and their telescopes on the heavens, astronomers and observers helped to draw diverse regions of the earth beneath closer together. By tracing the movement of instruments and the arcs of patronage, cooperation and power that these trajectories inscribe, the role of science and scientific objects in forging global links and influencing the dynamics of the nineteenth-century British Empire is brought into greater focus.
The putative effects of green tea on body fat: an evaluation of the evidence and a review of the potential mechanisms
Authors: Thavanesan Navamayooran
Published: August 2011

The increase in the prevalence of obesity in recent years has prompted research into alternative methods of modulating body weight and body fat. The last decade has reflected this with a surge in studies investigating the potential of green tea as a natural agent of weight loss, with a view to confirming and elucidating the mechanisms underlying its effect on the body. Currently, it is widely believed that the polyphenolic components present in green tea have an anti-obesogenic effect on fat homeostasis, by increasing thermogenesis or reducing fat absorption among other ways. The data published to date, however, are inconsistent, with numerous putative modes of action suggested therein. While several unimodal mechanisms have been postulated, a more plausible explanation of the observed results might involve a multimodal approach. Such a mechanism is suggested here, involving simultaneous inhibition of the enzymes catechol-O-methyltransferase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase and impeding absorption of fat via the gut. An evaluation of the available evidence supports a role of green tea in weight loss; however the extent of the effects obtained is still subject to debate, and requires more objective quantification in future research.
Effect of 6 weeks' consumption of β-glucan-rich oat products on cholesterol levels in mildly hypercholesterolaemic overweight adults
Authors: Charlton Karen E. , Tapsell Linda C. , Batterham Marijka J. , O'Shea Jane , Thorne Rebecca , Beck Eleanor , Tosh Susan M.
Published: August 2011

Several regulatory bodies have approved a health claim on the cholesterol-lowering effects of oat β-glucan at levels of 3·0 g/d. The present study aimed to test whether 1·5 g/d β-glucan provided as ready-to-eat oat flakes was as effective in lowering cholesterol as 3·0 g/d from oats porridge. A 6-week randomised controlled trial was conducted in eighty-seven mildly hypercholesterolaemic ( ≥ 5 mmol/l and < 7·5 mmol/l) men and women assigned to one of three diet arms (25 % energy (E%) protein; 45 E% carbohydrate; 30 E% fat, at energy requirements for weight maintenance): (1) minimal β-glucan (control); (2) low-dose oat β-glucan (1·5 g β-glucan; oats low – OL) or (3) higher dose oat β-glucan (3·0 g β-glucan; oats high – OH). Changes in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) from baseline were assessed using a linear mixed model and repeated-measures ANOVA, adjusted for weight change. Total cholesterol reduced significantly in all groups ( − 7·8 (sd 13·8) %, − 7·2 (sd 12·4) % and − 5·5 (sd 9·3) % in the OH, OL and control groups), as did LDL-C ( − 8·4 (sd 18·5) %, − 8·5 (sd 18·5) % and − 5·5 (sd 12·4) % in the OH, OL and control groups), but between-group differences were not significant. In responders only (n 60), β-glucan groups had higher reductions in LDL-C ( − 18·3 (sd 11·1) % and − 18·1 (sd 9·2) % in the OH and OL groups) compared with controls ( − 11·7 (sd 7·9) %; P = 0·044). Intakes of oat β-glucan were as effective at doses of 1·5 g/d compared with 3 g/d when provided in different food formats that delivered similar amounts of soluble β-glucan.
ON THE COHOMOLOGY OF CERTAIN QUOTIENTS OF THE SPECTRUM BP
Authors: JEANNERET A. , WÜTHRICH S.
Published: August 2011

The aim of this note is to present a new, elementary proof of a result of Baas and Madsen on the mod p cohomology of certain quotients of the spectrum BP.
CHARACTERIZATIONS OF STRICTLY SINGULAR AND STRICTLY COSINGULAR OPERATORS BY PERTURBATION CLASSES
Authors: AIENA PIETRO , GONZÁLEZ MANUEL , MARTÍNEZ-ABEJÓN ANTONIO
Published: August 2011

We consider a class of operators that contains the strictly singular operators and it is contained in the perturbation class of the upper semi-Fredholm operators PΦ+. We show that this class is strictly contained in PΦ+, solving a question of Friedman. We obtain similar results for the strictly cosingular operators and the perturbation class of the lower semi-Fredholm operators PΦ−. We also characterize in terms of PΦ+ and in terms of PΦ−. As a consequence, we show that and are the biggest operator ideals contained in PΦ+ and PΦ−, respectively.
KERNELS OF REPRESENTATIONS AND COIDEAL SUBALGEBRAS OF HOPF ALGEBRAS
Authors: BURCIU SEBASTIAN
Published: August 2011

We define left and right kernels of representations of Hopf algebras. In the case of group algebras, left and right kernels coincide and they are the usual kernels of modules. In the general case, we show that these kernels coincide with the categorical left and right Hopf kernels of morphisms of Hopf algebras defined in Andruskiewitsch and Devoto [Extensions of Hopf algebras, Algebra i Analiz7 (1995), 22–69]. Brauer's theorem for kernels over group algebras is generalised to Hopf algebras.
Osteoblastoma of the nasal septum
Authors: Young E , Dabrowski M , Brelsford K
Published: August 2011

Objectives:

To present a case of, and to review the literature concerning, osteoblastoma of the nasal cavity, and to demonstrate the importance of considering this rare entity when assessing patients presenting with a nasal septum lesion.

Case report:

Benign osteoblastoma is a rare tumour, constituting 1 per cent of all bone tumours. Most cases occur in the long bones. Osteoblastoma involving the nasal cavity is rare, with only 10 reported cases in the English-language literature. Most nasal cavity cases originate from the ethmoid sinus and spread to involve the nasal cavity. There are only four reported cases of osteoblastoma originating from the bones of the nasal cavity. We report a case of osteoblastoma originating from the bony nasal septum in a 45-year-old man with a history of recurrent, right-sided epistaxis and nasal obstruction.

Conclusion:

This is the second report in the English-language literature of osteoblastoma originating from the bony nasal septum.
Arachnoid cysts confined to the internal auditory canal or facial nerve canal
Authors: Zhang Q , Kaga K , Sano M , Takegoshi H
Published: August 2011

Objective:

To illustrate the morphological characteristics and pathological significance of arachnoid cysts confined to the internal auditory canal or facial nerve canal.

Design:

Retrospective case series.

Subjects:

Three patients' cases were reviewed, and temporal bone sections examined histologically.

Results:

In this series, three intracanalicular arachnoid cysts were found in the internal auditory canal and one in the facial nerve canal. All lesions consisted of distinct, space-occupying cysts with a sharp boundary with surrounding tissues. They were thin-walled and compressed the surrounding nerve trunks to a variable degree. However, there was no indication that patients suffered meatal nerve dysfunction.

Conclusion:

Arachnoid cysts can develop within the internal auditory canal or facial nerve canal. In our series, they were asymptomatic, which is quite different from most intracanalicular arachnoid cysts encountered in clinical practice.
Traditional and complementary and alternative medicines make for unwilling bedfellows in the management of cancer: a case report with a tragic outcome
Authors: Trinidade A , Shakeel M , Hurman D , Hussain A
Published: August 2011

Background:

Complementary and alternative medicine is very much in the public arena as a treatment option. The pharmacodynamics of most complementary and alternative medicines are not well understood, and some can lead to significant adverse drug interactions. This report aims to present the case of a cancer patient who abandoned traditional medicine in favour of complementary and alternative medicine.

Method:

Case report.

Results:

The patient refused potentially curative adjuvant radiotherapy for his oral cavity carcinoma following surgery, and eventually succumbed to disease.

Conclusion:

Recently, there appears to be much public awareness of and empathy for complementary and alternative medicine. Healthcare professionals should be aware of such therapies so that they can advise their patients in an informed manner. The role of such therapies in benign conditions may not be as critical as that in malignancy, where life-saving conventional treatment may be abandoned in favour of complementary and alternative medicine, with consequent loss of life.
Clinical anatomy of the chorda tympani: a systematic review
Authors: McManus L J , Dawes P J D , Stringer M D
Published: August 2011

Objective:

The chorda tympani is at risk of iatrogenic injury throughout its course. This paper reviews the clinical anatomy of the nerve in adults.

Design:

Systematic literature review.

Method:

Relevant English-language articles were identified using five electronic databases and one search engine. Data from approximately 70 scientific papers were supplemented with information from selected reference texts.

Results:

The anatomy of the chorda tympani differs from standard descriptions, particularly regarding its exit from the middle ear and area of lingual innervation. Whilst it is known to convey taste sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and parasympathetic innervation to the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands, the chorda tympani probably has additional sensory and secretomotor functions.

Conclusion:

A detailed understanding of the anatomy of the chorda tympani may help to reduce the risk of iatrogenic injury during head, neck and middle-ear surgery, and to explain the variable consequences of such injury.
Distortion of an amplitude modulated electromagnetic signal with time-dependent dust charging
Authors: GAHLOT AJAY , WALIA RITU , SHARMA SURESH C. , SHARMA R. P.
Published: August 2011

A large amplitude modulated Gaussian electromagnetic beam propagating in a dusty plasma with dust charge fluctuations has been studied. The electrons are heated non-uniformly by the electromagnetic beam. For non-steady state, we obtain nonlinear current density in the presence of dust grains. This expression has been used to study the non-stationary self-focusing and resulting self-distortion of the amplitude modulated electromagnetic beam. It has been observed that the dust charge fluctuation increases the self-focusing of electromagnetic beam. It is also found that the effect of dust charge fluctuations is significant on the modulation index.
An early spring bloom of large diatoms in the ice-covered Saroma-ko Lagoon, Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Shiomoto Akihiro , Asakuma Koji , Hoon Han-Dong , Sakaguchi Koichi , Maekawa Kimihiko
Published: August 2011

Saroma-ko Lagoon, the largest body of water that has complete ice coverage during winter in Japan, was not completely covered by ice in the winter of 2009. This condition is considered to be a result of the progression of global warming. A bloom of large diatoms was observed in the ice-free area between February and April. This early spring bloom seemed to have started in the latter part of January, and lasted for about three months. The maximum chlorophyll-a (Chl a) concentration of about 10 mg m−3 was observed in March, and was similar to the level of 5–20 mg m−3 previously reported for the ordinary spring bloom in Saroma-ko Lagoon. The maximum primary production of 786 mgC m−2 day−1 and the maximum Chl a-specific primary production, an index of the phytoplankton growth rate, were also found in March. Species changes from Thalassiosira spp. to Chaetoceros spp. were observed during the bloom. This early spring bloom could extend into the ordinary spring bloom period. Its duration was obviously longer than that of the spring bloom, which is typically about one month. These results show the phytoplankton condition that could be expected during winter and spring as global warming progresses.
Seasonal variations in diet of arrow squid (Nototodarus gouldi): stomach content and signature fatty acid analysis
Authors: Pethybridge H. , Virtue P. , Casper R. , Yoshida T. , Green C.P. , Jackson G. , Nichols P.D.
Published: August 2011

This study details the feeding ecology of arrow squid,Nototodarus gouldi, collected opportunistically from trawlers in waters south-east off Australia in 2007 and 2008. Combined stomach content and fatty acid (FA) signature analyses provided clear evidence of seasonal dietary shifts in prey composition. Teleost fish remains (mainly otoliths) were found in 67% of stomachs with the two mesopelagic planktivorous fish,Lampanyctodes hectorisandMaurolicus muelleridominating. Cephalopods and crustaceans were supplementary dietary components, with an increased representation in the diet over winter. Digestive gland lipid content was moderate (16.4 ± 8.4% wet weight) and was rich in triacylglycerol and monounsaturated fatty acids. Multivariate analysis of FA profiles grouped arrow squid with profiles of mesopelagic fish and cephalopods, thus supporting the findings of stomach content analysis. Seasonal differences in total lipid content were likely related to summer upwelling events and local changes in productivity, while intraspecific differences in lipid class and FA composition were related to seasonal differences of prey consumption. FA analyses also demonstrated dietary differences associated with gender, size and female maturation. Such relationships demonstrate that the diet ofN. gouldiis closely linked to prey size, abundance and availability and possibly also, to key life-history stages.
Spatial and seasonal variations of subtidal free-living nematode assemblages in the northern Beibu Gulf, South China Sea
Authors: Fu S.J. , Cai L.Z. , Yang J. , Zhou X.P. , Peng X. , Cao J.
Published: August 2011

This study determined the spatial and seasonal density, number of genera, genera composition, maturity index and trophic structure of free-living nematode assemblages in the subtidal waters of the northern Beibu Gulf, South China Sea, and explored whether these five biotic characteristics were related to various environmental variables. Based on the data derived from samples collected seasonally at nine stations, the mean densities of nematodes decreased from alongshore to offshore station in the northern Beibu Gulf. However, the number of nematode genera increased from alongshore to offshore station. Non-parametric multidimensional scaling analysis showed no clear seasonal changes for nematode assemblages in most sampling stations. Higher densities of the generaElzaliaandTricomawere found in offshore sampling stations, and a higher density of the genusCheironchuswas found in alongshore sampling stations. The mean percentage of each feeding type compared to the total numbers was highest in epigrowth feeders (2A), second highest in non-selective deposit feeders (1B), third highest in predators (2B), and lowest in selective deposit feeders (1A). There were significant negative correlations between nematode density and water depth and temperature; significant positive correlations between the number of nematode genera and water depth and salinity; and significant negative correlation between the maturity index of the nematode assemblage and organic matter. BIOENV analysis indicated that water depth, salinity, pH, median sediment particle size and organic matter were the most correlated combination of environmental variables affecting the nematode assemblages.
Treatment with anthelminthics during pregnancy: what gains and what risks for the mother and child?
Authors: ELLIOTT ALISON M. , NDIBAZZA JULIET , MPAIRWE HARRIET , MUHANGI LAWRENCE , WEBB EMILY L. , KIZITO DENNISON , MAWA PATRICE , TWEYONGYERE ROBERT , MUWANGA MOSES
Published: August 2011

In 1994 and 2002, respectively, the World Health Organisation proposed that treatment for hookworm and schistosomiasis could be provided during pregnancy. It was hoped that this might have benefits for maternal anaemia, fetal growth and perinatal mortality; a beneficial effect on the infant response to immunisation was also hypothesised. Three trials have now been conducted. Two have examined the effects of benzimidazoles; one (the Entebbe Mother and Baby Study) the effects of albendazole and praziquantel. All three were conducted in settings of high prevalence but low intensity helminth infection. Results suggest that, in such settings and given adequate provision of haematinics, the benefit of routine anthelminthics during pregnancy for maternal anaemia may be small; none of the other expected benefits has yet been demonstrated. The Entebbe Mother and Baby Study found a significant adverse effect of albendazole on the incidence of infantile eczema in the whole study population, and of praziquantel on the incidence of eczema among infants of mothers withSchistosoma mansoni. Further studies are required in settings that differ in helminth species and infection intensities. Further research is required to determine whether increased rates of infantile eczema translate to long-term susceptibility to allergy, and to explore the underlying mechanisms of these effects. The risks and benefits of routine anthelminthic treatment in antenatal clinics may need to be reconsidered.
A computerized psychiatric diagnostic system and case nomenclature for elderly subjects: GMS and AGECAT
Authors: Copeland J. R. M. , Dewey M. E. , Griffiths-Jones H. M.
Published: August 2011

Synopsis

The Geriatric Mental State and a new computerized diagnostic system, AGECAT, are briefly described. A nomenclature for designating cases for epidemiological work is introduced. Concordance between AGECAT and psychiatrists' diagnoses for these studies, hospital and community based (total of 541 subjects), achieved overall kappa values of 0·84 for a psychiatric hospital sample and 0·74 for a community sample. The values for depression and organic illness specifically in these settings were psychiatric hospital 0·80/0·86, and community 0·80/0·88, respectively.
Discoveries and Recoveries in the Laboratory of Georgian Theatre
Authors: Taylor David Francis
Published: August 2011

For a four-month period in 2010 David Francis Taylor worked as a research consultant with the Theatre Royal at Bury St Edmunds, the only working Regency playhouse in Britain. In this article Taylor reflects upon the experiences and insights he acquired over the course of this collaboration. In particular, he indicates how the theatre's restaging of the neglected repertory of the long eighteenth century within the Georgian space of performance can aid theatre historians in understanding the intricate dynamics of the period's theatre architecture and, crucially, the position and agency of its spectatorships. David Francis Taylor is Assistant Professor of English at the University of Toronto. His book Theatres of Opposition, which concerns the theatricality of politics in the career of the playwright-parliamentarian Richard Brinsley Sheridan, will be published next year by Oxford University Press. He has published articles in Eighteenth-Century Studies, European Romantic Review, and the Keats-Shelley Review, and is currently co-editing, with Julia Swindells, the Oxford Handbook to the Georgian Playhouse.
Veteran Directors and ‘New Realities’
Authors: Herbert Ian
Published: August 2011

Lifetime achievement and ‘New Theatre Realities’ celebrated in St Petersburg.