bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced silicon microstructures, sensors, and systems
Authors: Paul Oliver , Gaspar Joao , Ruther Patrick
Published: April 2007

This paper presents the progress in silicon‐based biomedical microstructures, material characterization techniques, and mechanical microsystems by the authors' research team. Microneedle and microelectrode arrays with fluidic through‐wafer vias and electrical contacts were developed. The structures are designed for dermatological and biological applications such as allergy testing, surface electromyography, and spatially resolved impedance spectroscopy. The characterization of thin films has relied on the bulge test. By the formulation of more powerful models, the application range of the bulge test was extended to elastically supported thin‐film multilayers. This enables the mechanical properties of thin films to be determined reliably. Finally, progress in the operation and application of novel stress sensors based on CMOS diffusions and field effect transistors and exploiting the pseudo‐Hall effect is reported. Their integration into powerful single‐chip microsystems is described. Applications include stress mapping, force and torque measurements, and tactile surface probing of microcomponents. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan© 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Low‐temperature direct bonding of poly(methyl methacrylate) for polymer microchips
Authors: Shinohara Hidetoshi , Mizuno Jun , Shoji Shuichi
Published: April 2007

A low‐temperature, direct bonding method for poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) plates has been developed by employing surface treatment by atmospheric pressure oxygen plasma, vacuum oxygen plasma, ultraviolet (UV)/ozone or vacuum ultraviolet (VUV)/ozone. Reasonable bonding strength, as evaluated by a tensile test, was achieved below the glass transition temperature (Tg). The highest bonding strength among the achieved results is 1.43 MPa (about three times the value for conventional direct bonding) at an annealing temperature of 50 °C and an applied pressure of 2.5 MPa for 10 min. Low‐temperature bonding prevents deformation of the PMMA microstructure. A prototype PMMA microchip that has fine channels of 5 µm depth was fabricated by hot‐embossing using a Si mold. After atmospheric pressure oxygen plasma activation, direct bonding was carried out at an annealing temperature of 75 °C and an applied pressure of 3 MPa for 3 min. The method gives good bonding characteristics without deformation and leakage. This low‐temperature bonding technology can be applied to polymer micro/nano structures. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan© 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Localized thermal processing with a laser‐trapped and heated metal nanoparticle
Authors: Numata Takayuki , Tatsuta Hirokazu , Morita Yoshiaki , Otani Yukitoshi , Umeda Norihiro
Published: April 2007

We report localized thermal processing using a laser‐trapped and heated metal nanoparticle. A metal nanoparticle trapped by a focused, continuous wave (CW), near‐infrared laser was heated by photothermal conversion and acted as a remotely controllable nanosized thermal tool for processing a workpiece. We demonstrated the processing of a glass substrate with an optically trapped gold nanoparticle (diameter 200 nm) irradiated by a Nd:YAG laser (λ = 1.064 µm, CW). Laser irradiation caused local melting of the substrate and a crater‐like nanosized imprint on the substrate, demonstrating thermal nanoprocessing of an optically transparent material. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan© 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Exploration of communication models in the design of distributed embedded systems
Authors: Kobayashi Kazutaka , Shiraishi Takashi , Zakaria Nurul Azma , Yamasaki Ryosuke , Yoshida Norihiko , Narazaki Shuji
Published: April 2007

Distributed embedded systems involve communication in various layers, and therefore their design is more difficult than of single embedded systems. This paper presents how communication exploration can be done in a design process of distributed embedded systems using an example of event‐triggered and time‐triggered communication. A design process begins from abstract specification without assuming any communication category, then explores the categories in a stepwise manner, followed by physical implementation synthesis. This encourages stepwise decision making, component and framework reuse, and early stage verification. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan© 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Hydrophilization of polypropylene films by using migratory additives
Authors: Zhu Siqiang , Hirt Douglas E.
Published: April 2007

Linear and branched hydrophilic additives of various molecular weights (MWs) were extruded with polypropylene (PP) to make blend films. The surface‐modifying additives included polyethylene glycol (PEG), hydroxyl‐terminated four‐arm polyethylene oxide (PEO), and a commercial hydrophilic additive, Irgasurf HL560. Films were extruded by using a twin‐screw microcompounder at 200°C, and the resulting film thickness was 100 μm. Attenuated total reflectance (ATR)‐FTIR spectrometry and water contact angle measurements were performed on the film surfaces over time to investigate the additive migration behavior. Although ATR‐FTIR detected concentration increases for all additives in the subsurface region, there was no significant improvement in surface hydrophilicity for the PEGs and four‐arm PEOs in the same period of time as water contact angles were measured on the surfaces. Among the linear additives, low MW PEG (1 kDa) was found to migrate faster than the high MW varieties. The linear PEG and four‐arm PEO with MW higher than 2 kDa did not exhibit significant migration to the surface within a month. Irgasurf was found to change the surface wettability effectively in a relatively short time. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 13:57–64, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Preparation and phase behavior of acetyl monoglycerides
Authors: Martin James B. , Lutton E. S.
Published: April 2007

A homologous series of 1‐monoacetyl‐3‐monoglycerides in which the fatty acyl group varies from C14 to C22 in even C intervals has been prepared by partial acetylation of the appropriate 1‐monoglycerides. Crystallization and silica gel chromatography were used to isolate the diglycerides in high purity. The isomeric monoacetyl monostearins were prepared either by application of a similar procedure to 2‐monostearin or by acetylation of 1‐tetrahydropyranyl‐3‐monostearin with subsequent removal of the blocking group to obtain 2‐acetyl‐1‐monostearin. In the homologous series of 1‐acetyl‐3‐monoglycerides from monomyristin through behenin the stable form at room temperature, called form I, is a tilted double chain length form, existing up to the melting point for myristin through stearin but transforming to a stable α form before melting for arachidin and behenin. The α form, low melting and entirely metastable for myristin through stearin, transforms reversibly to sub‐α on cooling. Both α and sub‐α are perpendicular forms and probably of single chain length structure. An interesting feature is the two‐step transformation of sub‐α to α on warming; the nature of this stepwise transformation, observed for all but myristin, is discussed. A nearly perpendicular double chain length β‐like form occurs for palmitin and stearin and perhaps myristin. This form, which has not been well characterized thermally, though possibly entirely metastable, is conceivably a stable form at low temperatures.
Canadian beeswax: Analytical values and composition of hydrocarbons, free acids and long chain esters
Authors: Tulloch A. P. , Hoffman L. L.
Published: April 2007

Physical and chemical properties of 80 samples of Canadian yellow unrefined beeswax have been determined. Mean values were: melting point, 64.3 C; acid value, 18.7; ester value, 72.6; ratio number 3.89; saponification cloud point 62.5 C; and hydrocarbon content, 15.3%. There was no significant variation due to geography or climate. Values were very similar to those of U.S. beeswax and were within the specifications of National Formulary XIII, except that 21 samples had ester values in the range 70–72. A more accurate specification for ester value would be 70–77 instead of 72–77. Hydrocarbons, free fatty acids and long chain esters were analyzed by gas liquid chromatography, and the limiting values found make possible improved detection and estimation of adulterants. The upper limits for C16 and C18 acids were 5.8 and 3.3%, respectively, of the total free acids.
Projection and prospects for cottonseed in the 1970’s
Authors: Cater Carl M.
Published: April 2007

Oilseeds and their products, vegetable oils and oilcakes, are primary agricultural commodities on the world market. The current annual volume is ca. $3000 million and, with increasing world population and income, their production is expected to expand. Improved technology, which allows for substitution of oils from various sources in many products, has narrowed the price spread between different oils. If production increases as predicted, the price of vegetable oils may decline in the future. Oilcakes are used primarily for animal feed at present. Forecasts predict that consumption of oilcake should increase and prices remain stable. Since cottonseed is a byproduct of cotton fiber production, it does not readily respond to fluctuations in supply and demand. Two factors may significantly affect utilization patterns of cottonseed protein in the future. First is development of the liquid cyclone process for production of food‐grade protein flour from conventional cottonseed. Second is development of commercially acceptable varieties of glandless cotton, the seed of which can be processed into food without special procedures. Exploitation of these developments could move significant amounts of cottonseed protein into food channels in both developed and lesser developed countries and alter use patterns for cottonseed.
Projection and prospects for sunflower seed
Authors: Gandy Dalton E.
Published: April 2007

Oil‐type sunflower production may be expected to increase during this decade and strengthen the crop’s position as the second largest world source of vegetable oil. The development would intensify its already profound effect upon world trade in general and the vegetable oil industry in particular. The Soviet Union, producer of more than half of the world’s supply of sunflower oil, has greatly influenced the position of this commodity. Apparent increasing production there and in other countries, including the U.S., will influence the market position of all vegetable oils. Sunflower oil with its many desirable characteristics should find ready acceptance in world markets. Sunflower meal should be competitive with most vegetable proteins. Domestic sunflower production has been competitive with other farm crops in many areas. Requirements for successful production include the application of good management and the use of available information and materials. In most instances where production has not been satisfactory, poor management, which is somewhat typical in attempting to grow most new crops, has existed. A need also exists for further development of high yielding varieties, insect and disease control, improved harvesting procedures, control of field losses to birds and improved cultural practices. Good progress is being made in each of these categories.
Catalytic transfer hydrogenation of soybean oil methyl ester using inorganic formic acid salts as donors
Authors: Arkad O. , Wiener H. , Garti N. , Sasson Y.
Published: April 2007

The hydrogenation of soybean oil methyl esters using aqueous formic acid salts solutions and heterogeneous palladium‐on‐carbon catalyst was investigated. Complete hydrogenation of the methyl ester was achieved by mixing a concentrated aqueous alkali formate solution with the methyl ester at 80 C in the presence of the catalyst (0.2–0.4% Pd). At the initial stages of the reaction, the selectivity was significantly higher than conventional hydrogenation (hydrogenation under pressure) performed with the same catalyste.Cis‐trans isomerization was similar to the behavior of conventional techniques.
Design of oilseed extractors I. Oil extraction (supplement)
Authors: Karnofsky George
Published: April 2007

This supplements an earlier article (1) which presented a method of calculating retention time required for countercurrent extraction of oilseeds from laboratory extraction rate data. The method is based on the empirical observation that extraction rate is governed largely by the rate at which undissolved oil goes into solution, resistance to diffusion from the flakes becoming of consequence only in thick flakes. This article introduces the concepts of parabolic concentration gradient in the flakes and of an apparent diffusivity which is an inherent property of the seed. The method is applied to the solution of several commercially important extractions.
Rigid urethane foams from hydroxymethylated linseed oil and polyol esters
Authors: Khoe T. H. , Otey F. H. , Frankel E. N.
Published: April 2007

Rigid urethane foams were prepared from hydroxymethylated linseed oil and its esters of glycerol, trimethylolpropane and pentaerythritol. These polyols were made by selective hydroformylation with a rhodium‐triphenylphosphine catalyst followed by catalytic hydrogenation with Raney nickel. Although the hydroxymethylated linseed monoglyceride by itself yielded a satisfactory foam, better foams were made from all hydroxymethylated linseed derivatives when blended with a low‐molecular weight commercial polyol. Linseed‐derived foams were compared with foams from equivalent formulations of hydroxymethylated monoolein and castor oil. Hydroxymethylated products yielded polyurethane foams meeting the requirements of commercial products with respect to density, compressive strength and dimensional stability.
Gas chromatography of the fat‐soluble vitamins: A review
Authors: Sheppard A. J. , Prosser A. R. , Hubbard W. D.
Published: April 2007

The application of gas liquid chromatography (GLC) as an analytical tool for the determination of the fat‐soluble vitamins A, D, E and K has yet to be utilized to its full potential. A review of the published work of many researchers in this field is presented. GLC methods to measure the vitamin A isomers have not been developed to any appreciable practical extent. Liquid liquid chromatography might well be the technique of choice. In the field of vitamin D there are indications that a practical GLC analysis is feasible for pharmaceutical preparations. The GLC applications for vitamin E are diverse, well defined and generally widely accepted in research laboratory situations and for regulatory and quality control usage. Vitamins K1 and K2 have been measured with limited success in a few research laboratories, but the GLC methods have not developed on a practical basis. However GLC is used for measuring vitamin K3 (menadione and menadione sodium bisulfite) on a fairly routine basis in quality control laboratories.
Pilot run, plant design and cost analysis for reductive ozonolysis of methyl soyate
Authors: Throckmorton P. E. , Pryde E. H.
Published: April 2007

Preparation of methyl azelaaldehydate dimethyl acetal (MAzDA) from methyl soyate was investigated on a pilot scale via the sequence ozonization, hydrogenation, acetalization and fractional distillation. A water‐methyl soyate emulsion for the ozonization step was preferred to methanolic solution or neat methyl soyate for reasons of cost and safety. Ozonization of the water‐methyl soyate emulsion (1.63:1 ratio) in a six‐plate sieve tower produced 1271 lb aqueous peroxidic emulsion during 12 days of continuous operation. Because a continuous hydrogenation facility was not available, reduction was done in 200 lb batches. Since batch hydrogenation of the peroxidic emulsion in this quantity was difficult to control and optimum conditions were difficult to maintain, maximum yield of the product was only 56%. The average yield for seven batches was 48.3%. However laboratory hydrogenation under optimum conditions of periodic samples taken from the sieve tower discharge indicated an overall yield of 74.5% (average of eight monitor samples). A plant designed to produce 10 million lb annually should be capable of producing MAzDA at a total manufacturing cost of 39 cents/lb or a net manufacturing cost of 27 cents/lb with byproduct credit conservatively estimated. Methyl soyate ozonolysis products are not sensitive to detonation, and their exothermic decomposition is greatly moderated by the presence of water.
Soap‐based detergent formulations: IV. The synthesis and surface active properties of sulfopropyl esters of N‐substituted iminodiacetic acids
Authors: Micich T. J. , Sucharski M. K. , Weil J. K. , Linfield W. M.
Published: April 2007

A series of di(potassium 3‐sulfopropyl) N‐alkyl and N‐acyliminodiacetates were prepared by reacting 1,3‐propanesultone with the corresponding dipotassium N‐alkyl and N‐acyliminodiacetates, respectively. The washing ability of these products was examined alone and in combination with soap. Whereas the surfactant properties of the precursor iminodiacetates were poor, the addition of two sulfopropyl groups resulted in products with excellent lime soap dispersing power, calcium ion stability and water solubility.
Rapid deter mination of protein in soybean meals
Authors: Deacon Benjamin D.
Published: April 2007

Protein content of soybean meal is determined by a modified biuret method. Samples are stirred with 0.5N sodium hydroxide containing normal or isopropyl alcohol and copper hydroxide at 70 C. Protein is determined from the absorbance of the filtered solution at 550 nm. Satisfactory correlation with the standard Kjeldahl method was obtained.
Some new developments in surfactant analysis
Authors: Lew H. Y.
Published: April 2007

Three new analytical methods for surfactants have been developed and evaluated, and the stoichiometry in cationic titration of a dianionic surfactant has been determined. The three methods include: (a) a rapid method for pyrolytic cleavage of hydrophobic groups from surfactants to hydrocarbons, which can be used for quantitative identification of the hydrophobic groups; (b) a molecular weight method for alkylphenoxy and alkoxy polyethoxylates based on sulfation followed by cationic titration; and (c) a microcationic titration method designed for low levels (1–10 microequivalents) of anionic surfactants, which possesses certain advantages over conventional methods. Previously stoichiometry in cationic titration has been reported only for monoanionic surfactants. In a study of a dianionic surfactant,n‐octadecylbutane 1,4‐disulfate, each sulfate group was found to react in a 1:1 equivalent ratio with a cationic titrant.
Gas chromatograms of synthetic liquid waxes prepared from seed triglycerides of limnanthes, crambe and lunaria
Authors: Miwa Thomas K.
Published: April 2007

Compositions of synthetic liquid waxes derived from erucic‐containing seed oils vary considerably. These differences, when determined by gas chromatography, allow “fingerprint” identification of the source of oil.
Selective hydrogenation with copper catalysts: III. Hydrogen addition and isomerization
Authors: Koritala Sambasivarao
Published: April 2007

β‐Eleostearate was found to be reduced by 1,6 addition of hydrogen. Because of the extensive isomerization of conjugated trienes during hydrogenation, the occurrence of 1,2 and 1,4 addition reactions could not be proven. Conjugated dienes were reduced by both 1,2 and 1,4 addition of hydrogen. The double bond distribution in the products formed from linoleate, linolenate and their isomers was consistent with the assumption that the double bonds in polyunsaturated fatty esters conjugate and then add hydrogen. Extensive isomerization (positional and geometric) of the conjugated double bond systems occurred during hydrogenation. Monoenes were not isomerized under similar conditions of hydrogenation. Since double bond distribution in monoenes formed from linoleate and alkali‐isomerized linoleate was identical, indications are that conjugation precedes hydrogenation.
Determination of aldehydes in mixtures of mono‐ and dicarboxylic acids
Authors: Crowell E. P. , Burnett B. B.
Published: April 2007

Determination of total aldehydes in fatty acid oxidation products was accomplished by using a colorimetric procedure based on 2,4‐dinitrophenyl‐hydrazine derivatives. To overcome problems of high reagent blanks and poor reproducibility the carbonyl derivatives were separated from excess reagent by extraction. Solubility and phase interface problems were avoided by using a sample dispersing solvent. Potential interferences were explored. The final procedure was demonstrated to be applicable from 25 µmoles to 2 mmoles/g carbonyl with a relative standard deviation of 3.5%.
Monohydroxylation of unsaturated oils: II. Autoxidation‐reduction
Authors: Venkateswara Rao G. , Achaya K. T.
Published: April 2007

After an initial induction period the rate of autoxidation of safflower oil was linear at 0–5 C under ultraviolet illumination in glass and proceeded to a maximum peroxide value of 2200. Reduction of hydroperoxy to hydroxy groups was easily accomplished by shaking with stannous chloride solution. The product showed hydroxyl value (HV) 76, iodine value (IV) (total) 122 and conjugated diene 20%. Attempts to increase the degree of this hydroxylation either by controlled oxidation, or by additional autoxidation after blocking the hydroxyl in the oncehydroxylated oil, or by autoxidizing in the presence of silver nitrate or stannous chloride, were unsuccessful. After preliminary treatment with an acidic earth, the rate of autoxidation of a commercial linseed oil was linear up to a PV of 1840. Reduction with stannous chloride gave a product with a HV of 50 containing 15% diene and 3% triene conjugation.
Cationic fatty acid derivatives aid retention of starch and pigment color in cellulosic pulp
Authors: Wilham C. A. , Mehltretter C. L. , McGuire T. A.
Published: April 2007

Cellulosic pulp in water suspension treated with 0.06% selected cationic fatty acid derivatives at pH 4.5 retained up to 99% of gelatinized corn starch and a pigment color.
The art of oilseed meal grinding
Authors: Thomas George R.
Published: April 2007

Meal grinding must be set up to give a definite and desired product. The original concept of solvent extracted soybean meal grinding was to use the two‐stage grinding system. However, the advent of front end hull removal equipment resulted in the development of the single stage grinding system, utilizing the grinders with just one sifter. This system lends itself well to grinding on stream. Meal grinding installations must be carefully planned to accommodate all parameters, such as desired consistency of finished product, dust control, conveyance systems, placement of all equipment in meal grinding system, and provisions for hot‐meal, or wet‐meal grinding requirements.
Moisture extraction concepts, design and practices from soybeans
Authors: Bunn Julian W.
Published: April 2007

Expanded markets for soybean products have dictated large increases in processing plant capacities. Larger and more sophisticated oil extraction plants are being put on stream by the industry. Lower moisture beans, and in larger volumes, are necessary for the production of high protein meal. Standard grain drier design criteria no longer suffice, a special Soybean Process Drier‐Cooler has evolved. The resulting driers must have a large production capacity while producing bean to bean uniformity with a high degree of reliability and safety. Consideration is given to the physical and chemical characteristics of the bean, to drying concepts and to drier requirements. Rate of moisture migration, allowable air temperatures versus heat tolerance of the bean air flow requirements for moisture removal, and operational as well as safety controls are discussed. Soybean Process Drier‐Coolers of today demand a new perspective of the engineer in predicting capacity requirements, in designing adequate feed and take‐away equipment, and in the location in the processing plant. Fields are currently being explored to assure the processor of the bigger, better drier that will be required.
Male Urogenital Function After Confirmed Nerve‐Sparing Total Mesorectal Excision with Dissection in Front of Denonvilliers’ Fascia
Authors: Kneist W. , Junginger T.
Published: April 2007

This prospective study addresses the rate of male genital dysfunction following total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal carcinoma using the anterior extramesorectal plane and its correlation with early urinary function, pelvic autonomic nerve preservation (PANP), and intraoperative neurostimulation (INS). A consecutive series of 44 men operated on by the same surgical team was analyzed. After excluding 18 patients considered to be impotent preoperatively, urogenital function was evaluated in 26 patients on the basis of the International Prostatic Symptom Score and International Index of Erectile Function. PANP was assessed with INS of parasympathetic nerves. PANP was complete in 21 patients (80.8%). Deterioration of urinary function was observed in six patients (23.1%) at early follow‐up. Postoperative erectile dysfunction assessed in seven patients (26.9%) was associated with micturition disturbances in four (57%). Despite dissection in front of Denonvilliers´ fascia, the incidence of erectile dysfunction was low in patients with nonanterior tumors (1/10). INS results had higher sensitivity for predicting urinary dysfunction than for predicting erectile dysfunction (67% vs. 43%). Values for specificity and accuracy were 95% and 90%, and 89% and 77%, respectively. The correlation between the findings on INS and urinary function was good (κ = 0.66) at a fair (κ = 0.36) correlation for erectile function. Nerve‐sparing TME using the anterior extramesorectal plane results in a justifiable rate of postoperative impotence in patients with nonanterior tumors. Patients with negative results on INS or early urinary dysfunction are at greater risk of erectile dysfunction.
Is Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Colorectal Cancer a Future Prognostic Factor? A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Des Guetz Gaëtan , Uzzan Bernard , Nicolas Patrick , Cucherat Michel , de Mestier Philippe , Morere Jean‐François , Breau Jean‐Luc , Perret Gérard
Published: April 2007

The diagnostic value of sentinel lymph node mapping (SLNM) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) is controversial. Prognostic factors for CRC must be detected to improve its treatment. A PubMed query (key words: colorectal cancer, sentinel node) provided 182 studies on the sentinel lymph node (SLN) for CRC, the abstracts of which were reviewed. Altogether, 48 studies dealing with the diagnostic value of SLNM were selected from PubMed, and 6 other studies were retrieved from reviews. We compared the diagnostic value of SLNM with that of conventional histopathologic examination. We used the diagnostic accuracy odds ratio (DAOR) method. Because of significant heterogeneity, we chose the random effect model (Der Simonian and Laird). Statistics were performed on 33 studies, including 1794 patients (1201 colon and 332 rectum cancers). The mean SLNM failure rate was 10%. The global sensitivity and specificity of the SLNM were, respectively, 70% and 81%. The pooled DAOR was 10.7 (95% confidence interval 7.0–16.5). That means that a patient whose SLN is invaded has 10.7 times more risk to be node‐positive than an SLN‐negative patient. Lymphatic mapping appears to be readily applicable to CRC. One of the main reasons for the heterogeneity is the performance of the SLNM by Saha et al., whose data had better sensitivity (90%) than those in other studies. The SLNM technique should be better standardized in future studies. Understanding the cause of false‐negative SLNs (9%) is a major issue to resolve before routinely using this technique in CRC management. The prognostic implication of micrometastases found in SLNs requires further evaluation.
Staging Laparoscopy for Advanced Gastric Cancer: Is It Also Useful for the Group Which has an Aggressive Surgical Strategy?
Authors: Song Kyo Young , Kim Jin Jo , Kim Seung Nam , Park Cho Hyun
Published: April 2007

Background

Staging laparoscopy has been shown to be useful for increasing the accuracy of preoperative staging. However, controversy still exists regarding patient selection and subsequent treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the role of staging laparoscopy for a group that has a policy to perform aggressive surgery for advanced gastric cancer.

Methods

Twenty‐four patients with clinical T3 or T4 gastric cancer expected to undergo curative resection, based on conventional preoperative diagnostic methods underwent staging laparoscopy. We examined the accuracy and the impact of staging laparoscopy on the further treatment options.

Results

The mean running time for the staging laparoscopy was 40.7 min (range: 25–75 min), and one complication was noted (4.2%). In regard to the tumor depth, 11 of 24 (45.8%) cases had a discrepancy after staging laparoscopy. In addition, 15 of 24 patients (62.5%) were found to have unsuspected peritoneal metastases, and 8 patients (33.3%) were excluded from laparotomy. The remaining 16 patients (66.7%), including 9 patients with localized peritoneal metastases (P1), underwent resection. The diagnostic accuracy for T factor was 81.3% in 16 laparotomy cases and overall accuracy of P factor was 91.7%.

Conclusions

Staging laparoscopy had a significant impact on decisions regarding the treatment plan in patients with advanced gastric cancer for a group that has an aggressive treatment strategy.
Adolescent psychological well‐being by identity style
Authors: Phillips Tommy M. , Pittman Joe F.
Published: April 2007

High school‐age adolescents (N=262) in two samples completed a measure of identity style, along with measures of self‐esteem, hopelessness, delinquent attitudes, educational expectations, and optimism/efficacy. Analysis of variance was used to evaluate the relationship between identity style and the other psychosocial variables. Participants classified as having a diffuse/avoidant orientation had lower self‐esteem and higher delinquent attitude scores than those with either an information or normative orientation. At the same time, the diffuse‐avoidant style was associated with higher hopelessness and lower optimism/efficacy scores than the normative and information styles. The normative and information styles did not differ significantly in terms of the dependent variables. Results also indicated that males were more likely to be diffused and females more likely to be information‐oriented.
FKBP22 is part of chaperone/folding catalyst complexes in the endoplasmic reticulum ofNeurospora crassa
Authors: Tremmel Dirk , Duarte Margarida , Videira Arnaldo , Tropschug Maximilian
Published: April 2007

FKBP22 is a dimeric protein in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum, which exhibits a chaperone as well as a PPIase activity. It binds via its FK506 binding protein (FKBP) domain directly to the Hsp70 chaperone BiP that stimulates the chaperone activity of FKBP22. Here we demonstrate additionally the association of FKBP22 with the molecular chaperones and folding catalysts Grp170, α‐subunit of glucosidase II, PDI, ERp38, and CyP23. These proteins are associated with FKBP22 in at least two protein complexes. Furthermore, we report an essential role for FKBP22 in the development of microconidiophores inNeurospora crassa.
Mining iron: Iron uptake and transport in plants
Authors: Kim Sun A. , Guerinot Mary Lou
Published: April 2007

Iron uptake in plants is highly regulated in order to supply amounts sufficient for optimal growth while preventing excess accumulation. In response to iron deficiency, plants induce either reduction‐based or chelation‐based mechanisms to enhance iron uptake from the soil. Genes involved in each mechanism have been identified from various model plants including Arabidopsis and rice. Iron transport within plants is also tightly controlled. New information has emerged on transporters that play a role in xylem loading and phloem loading/unloading of iron, and on the iron chelators involved in iron homeostasis. Some of the components regulating iron deficiency responses also have been elucidated, demonstrating that iron dependent gene regulation occurs at both the transcriptional and post‐transcriptional levels.
Asthma and the unified airway
Authors: Krouse John H. , Brown Randall W. , Fineman Stanley M. , Han Joseph K. , Heller Andrew J. , Joe Stephanie , Krouse Helene J. , Pillsbury Harold C. , Ryan Matthew W. , Veling Maria C.
Published: April 2007

Inflammatory processes of the upper and lower airway commonly co‐exist. Patients with upper respiratory illnesses such as allergic rhinitis and acute and chronic rhinosinusitis often present to both otolaryngologists and primary care physicians for treatment of their symptoms of nasal and sinus disease. These patients often have concurrent lower respiratory illnesses such as asthma that may be contributing to their overall symptoms and quality of life. Unfortunately, asthma frequently remains undiagnosed in this population. It was the objective of this paper to examine the relationship between upper respiratory illnesses such as rhinitis and rhinosinusitis and lower respiratory illnesses such as asthma, and to provide a framework for primary care and specialty physicians to approach these illnesses as a spectrum of inflammatory disease. The present manuscript was developed by a multidisciplinary workgroup sponsored by the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy. Health care providers in various specialties contributed to the manuscript through preparation of written materials and through participation in a panel discussion held in August 2006. Each author was tasked with reviewing a specific content area and preparing a written summary for inclusion in this final document. Respiratory inflammation commonly affects both the upper and lower respiratory tracts, often concurrently. Physicians who are treating patients with symptoms of allergic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis must be vigilant to the presence of asthma among these patients. Appropriate diagnostic methods should be used to identify individuals with concurrent respiratory illnesses, and comprehensive treatment should be instituted to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

© 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Zinc homeostasis in 1–4 year olds consuming diets typical of US children
Authors: Griffin Ian J. , Lynch Mary Frances , Hawthorne Keli M. , Chen Zhensheng , Hamzo Maria G. , Abrams Steven A.
Published: April 2007

Few data have evaluated Zn balance in young children after the first year of life. The objective of the present study was to study the relationships among Zn intake, absorption, endogenous faecal excretion, and retention in a group of healthy children. Thirty children, aged 15–48 months, were studied on a diet representative of their usual daily mineral intake. Zn absorption was assessed using a dual-tracer stable-isotope technique. Endogenous Zn faecal excretion and Cu absorption were determined in a subset of children. We found that Zn intake from the in-patient weighed dietary record (5·0 (sd 2·1) mg/d) was significantly greater than the current estimated average requirement (EAR; 2·5 mg/d; P < 0·0001). Neither fractional Zn absorption, urinary Zn excretion, nor endogenous faecal Zn excretion was significantly related to Zn intake (r2 < 0·1; P>0·4, for all). Absolute Zn absorption was significantly related to Zn intake (r2 0·696; P < 0·0001), as was Zn retention (r2 0·506; P < 0·0001). Cu absorption was relatively high (75·1 (sd 10·8) %) despite the high Zn intake. The EAR for Zn based on this dataset would appear to be between 4·2 and 4·7 mg/d to allow for a net average retention of 120 μg/d consistent with growth needs. We concluded that at relatively high Zn intakes there was little evidence of down regulation of absorption or up regulation of urinary or endogenous faecal Zn excretion across the intake range studied. Zn retention was positively correlated with intake. A Zn intake between 4·2 and 4·7 mg/d should meet the requirement for normal growth for this age group.
Hypocholesterolaemic effects of plant sterol analogues are independent of ABCG5 and ABCG8 transporter expressions in hamsters
Authors: Jia Xiaoming , Ebine Naoyuki , Demonty Isabelle , Wang Yanwen , Beech Robin , Muise Victoria , Fortin Marc G. , Jones Peter J. H.
Published: April 2007

The hypolipidaemic effects of plant sterols are well established. However, mechanisms by which plant sterols lower plasma cholesterol levels, particularly at the molecular level, have not been clearly elucidated. The objective of the present study was to determine whether different plant sterol analogues reduce plasma cholesterol levels by up regulating the sterol transporters ABCG5 and ABCG8 in the liver and/or small intestine. Male Golden Syrian hamsters were divided into eight groups. Groups 1 and 2 were fed a maize starch–casein–sucrose-based diet that did not contain cholesterol (control; Con) or the Con diet with the addition of 0·25 % cholesterol (Ch-Con). Groups 3–8 were fed the Ch-Con diet supplemented with 1 % plant sterols, 1 % plant stanols, 1 % of a plant sterol and stanol mixture (50:50), 1·76 % plant sterol–fish oil esters, or 0·71 or 1·43 % stanol–ascorbic acid esters, respectively. After 5 weeks, the Ch-Con diet up regulated the ABCG5 mRNA expression and tended (P = 0·083) to increase ABCG8 mRNA expression in the liver, but did not affect both genes’ expression in the small intestine compared with the Con diet. Hamsters fed 0·7 % stanol esters showed lower plasma cholesterol levels (P < 0·001) and also lower liver ABCG5 mRNA expression (P < 0·05) compared with the Ch-Con diet. Plant stanols, stanol esters, and sterol esters did not affect the ABCG5 or ABCG8 mRNA expressions in the liver and intestine although they reduced plasma cholesterol levels. These results suggest that plant sterols and their derivatives reduce plasma cholesterol levels independently from the mRNA expression of ABCG5 and ABCG8 transporters.
Estimation of heritabilities and correlations between repeated faecal egg count measurements in lambs facing natural nematode parasite challenge, using a random regression model
Authors: VAGENAS D. , WHITE I. M. S. , STEAR M. J. , BISHOP S. C.
Published: April 2007

The development of the genetic control of nematode resistance in growing lambs is of biological interest, as well as being important in terms of designing practical strategies to breed for increased nematode resistance. The current paper demonstrates the use of random regression techniques for quantifying the development of the heritability of faecal egg count (Fec), the indicator of nematode resistance, in growing lambs and predicted inter-age genetic and phenotypic correlations for Fec. Fec data from 732 lambs, collected at 4-week intervals fromc. 8–24 weeks of age, were analysed using random regression techniques. Random effects fitted in the model included genetic, individual animal environmental, litter and residual random effects. Output (co)variance components were interpolated to weekly time points. Individual variance components showed complex patterns of change over time; however, the estimated heritability increased smoothly with age, from 0·10 to 0·38, and showed more stable time trends than were obtained from univariate analyses of Fec at individual time points. Inter-age correlations decreased as the time interval between measurements increased. Genetic correlations were always positive, with 0·6 of all possible inter-age correlations being greater than 0·80. Phenotypic correlations were lower, and decreased more quickly as the time interval between measurements increased. The results presented confirm biological understanding of the development of immunity to nematode infections in growing lambs. Additionally, they provide a tool to determine optimal sampling ages when assessing lambs' relative resistance to nematode infections.
Erlitou and the Formation of Chinese Civilization: Toward a New Paradigm
Authors: Allan Sarah
Published: April 2007

This paper offers an alternative paradigm to dynastic history and state formation with which to understand the formation of Chinese civilization: cultural hegemony. It argues that an elite culture first crystallized in the early second millennium BCE at Yanshi Erlitou in Henan Province in which bronze was associated with a set of religious practices centered on ancestral offerings. It established a cultural hegemony over the Chinese continental region by the middle of the millennium (early Shang Dynasty). Archaeologically, its primary markers are bronze vessels with a common set of motifs and ritual forms. Although cultural diversity and local political authority remained, it was unlike the previous Neolithic cultures because it had no challenger in range or influence. Moreover, it anticipated the later common elite culture, which in Confucius's time was defined in terms of shared rites. Thus, we may legitimately call it an early stage of “Chinese civilization.”
Critical Methods in Tibetan Medical Histories
Authors: Garrett Frances
Published: April 2007

This paper addresses the development of scholastic medical traditions in Tibet through an examination of lists of physicians. I consider the debates that such lists and their accompanying narratives engender for Tibetan historians and reflect on the contributions they make to the identity of the medical tradition. By examining the structure and content of classificatory methods in medical histories, I argue that temporally organized lists document the place of medicine across time, geographically organized lists document the reach of medical knowledge across space, and thematically organized lists document the intertwining of medical knowledge and skill with other aspects of intellectual and civil life. In making these lists, medical historians paint a portrait of the Tibetan medical tradition that evokes connections to Buddhism and the strength and cosmopolitanism of the imperial period. Medical histories thus emphasize a picture of Tibet in the broader context of Asia—a Tibet whose empire lives on culturally or intellectually, if not militarily.
Javanese Women and the Veil in Post-Soeharto Indonesia
Authors: Smith-Hefner Nancy J.
Published: April 2007

This article examines the practice and meanings of the new veiling and of Islamization more generally for young Muslim Javanese women in the new middle class. Drawing on eight months of ethnographic research in the Central Java city of Yogyakarta in 1999 and three subsequent one-month visits during 2001, 2002, and 2003, I explore the social and religious attitudes of female students at two of Yogyakarta's leading centers of higher education: Gadjah Mada University, a nondenominational state university, and the nearby Sunan Kalijaga National Islamic University. The ethnographic and life-historical materials discussed here underscore that the new veiling is neither a traditionalist survival nor an antimodernist reaction but rather a complex and sometimes ambiguous effort by young Muslim women to reconcile the opportunities for autonomy and choice offered by modern education with a heightened commitment to the profession of Islam.
How Confucius Does Things with Words: Two Hermeneutic Paradigms in theAnalectsand Its Exegeses
Authors: Xiao Yang
Published: April 2007

This essay attempts to discover patterns of communicative and hermeneutic practices in theAnalects, as well as in the commentary tradition, known asjingxue(classicism). TheAnalectscontains at least two distinctive paradigms showing different ways of interpreting speech: One is Confucius's pragmatic approach, which emphasizes the intention and purpose of the speaker, and the other is Gongxi Hua's approach, which focuses on the literal meaning of the speech. Examples of each paradigm can be found in the long history of the exegeses of theAnalects.Commentaries by two groups of scholars are discussed: those whose approach is similar to that of Confucius (Sima Qian, Zheng Xuan, Mouzi, Huang Kan, Cheng Yi, and Zhu Xi) and those whose approach is similar to that of Gongxi Hua (Xianqiu Meng, Han Fei, Wing-tsit Chan, Ya Hanzhang, and Wang Yousan).
Free-surface thin-film flows over topography: influence of inertia and viscoelasticity
Authors: SAPRYKIN SERGEY , KOOPMANS RUDY J. , KALLIADASIS SERAFIM
Published: April 2007

We consider viscoelastic flows over topography in the presence of inertia. Such flows are modelled by an integral-boundary-layer approximation of the equations of motion and wall/free-surface boundary conditions. Steady states for flows over a step-down in topography are characterized by a capillary ridge immediately before the entrance to the step. A similar capillary ridge has also been observed for non-inertial Newtonian flows over topography. The height of the ridge is found to be a monotonically decreasing function of the Deborah number. Further, we examine the interaction between capillary ridges and excited non-equilibrium inertia/viscoelasticity-driven solitary pulses. We demonstrate that ridges have a profound influence on the drainage dynamics of such pulses: they accelerate the drainage process so that once the pulses pass the topographical feature they become equilibrium ones and are no longer excited.
Strong and weak blow-up of the viscous dissipation rates for concentrated suspensions
Authors: BERLYAND LEONID , PANCHENKO ALEXANDER
Published: April 2007

We study the overall dissipation rate of highly concentrated non-colloidal suspensions of rigid neutrally buoyant particles in a Newtonian fluid. This suspension is confined to a finite size container, subject to shear or extensional boundary conditions at the walls of the container. The corresponding dissipation rates determine the effective shear viscosity μ* and the extensional effective viscosity λ*. We use recently developed discrete network approximation techniques to obtain discrete forms for the overall dissipation rates, and analyse their asymptotics in the limit when the characteristic interparticle distance goes to zero. The focus is on the finite size and particle wall effects in spatially disordered arrays. Use of the network approximation allows us to study the dependence of μ* and λ* on variable distances between neighbouring particles in such arrays.

Our analysis, carried out for a two-dimensional model, can be characterized as global because it goes beyond the local analysis of flow in a single gap between two particles and takes into account hydrodynamic interactions in the entire particle array. The principal conclusion in the paper is that, in general, asymptotic formulae for μ* and λ* obtained by global analysis are different from the formulae obtained from local analysis. In particular, we show that the leading term in the asymptotics of μ* is of lower order than suggested by the local analysis (weak blow-up), while the order of the leading term in the asymptotics of λ* depends on the geometry of the particle array (either weak or strong blow-up). We obtain geometric conditions on a random particle array under which the asymptotic order of λ* coincides with the order of the local dissipation in a gap between two neighbouring particles, and show that these conditions are generic. We also provide an example of a uniformly closely packed particle array for which the leading term in the asymptotics of λ* degenerates (weak blow-up).