bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention of intraocular pressure elevation after argon laser trabeculoplasty in primary open angle glaucoma
Authors: Bozic Marija , Hentova-Sencanic Paraskeva , Kontic Djordje , Markovic Vujica , Marjanovic Ivan
Published: April 2011

Introduction. Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) is an intraocular pressure
lowering method that is overall safe and powerful, but often complicated
by transient postoperative intraocular pressure rises. In prevention of
this complication, we frequently use two potent alpha-adrenergic agonists
- brimonidine and apraclonidine. Objective. The aim of this study was to
compare brimonidine 0.2% and apraclonidine 0.5% efficacy and safety in
prevention of intraocular pressure elevation after ALT. Methods. This was a
prospective, randomized, double-masked and comparative study. This study
included 27 POAG patients, 15 received 0.2% brimonidine, and 12 received
0.5% apraclonidine before laser surgery (22 eyes in both groups).
Intraocular pressure readings were taken 1, 2, 3, 24 hours and 7 days
after ALT. Student?s t-test was used to analyze data between two groups, and
?2 test to compare data within groups. Value p less than 0.05 was considered
statistically significant. Results. We found statistically significantly
lower IOP in eyes that received 0.2% brimonidine at readings taken 1 hour
after ALT (p=0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in
other IOP readings between two groups. Conclusion. A single preoperative
drop of brimonidine 0.2% had similar efficacy and safety as apraclonidine
0.5% in preventing transient IOP elevations after ALT.
Influence of social environment on caries prevalence in early childhood
Authors: Tusek Ivan , Carevic Momir , Tusek Jasmina
Published: April 2011

Introduction. Early childhood caries (ECC) is a special form of caries that
affects decideous teeth with rapid progression and numerous complications.
Objective. The aim of the study was to define the prevalence of ECC in
children of the South Backa area, the importance of social environment for
the prevalence and severity of ECC, and define the model for its prevention.
Methods. The survey was the cross-sectional analytical study in the 10%
sample of children, aged 13-64 months, different sex, social status and human
environment. Severity and prevalence of ECC were assessed by dental check-ups.
The epidemiological data were obtained by the interview of parents. The tests
of significant statistical differences were performed by the analysis
variance and ?2 (p<0.05) test, as well as interdependence of ECC and single
characteristics that could be a predictor of the disease by the logistic
regression. Results. The prevalence of ECC was 30.5%. The highest disease
frequency was found in children of male sex (35.1%), out of kindergardens
(54.2%), in the third and the next born child in the family (46.9%) and in
part-time employed mothers (47.2%) who had only elementary education (59.3%)
and were poorly informed about oral health. The highest prevalence (47.1%) of
ECC was found in children whose parents had the lowest income per month. Type
1 of ECC was the most presented one (75.0%). Conclusion. The higher
prevalence and more severe ECC were found in the third and the next born male
child from rural environment.
Reaction time in relation to duration of heroin abuse
Authors: Martinovic-Mitrovic Sladjana , Dickov Aleksandra , Mitrovic Dragan , Dickov Veselin , Jovanovic Mirjana , Petrovic Dusan
Published: April 2011

Introduction. Consequences of heroin abuse include organic damage of cerebral
structures. The level of impairments is in a direct and positive relation
with the length of heroin abuse. Objective. The aim of this research was the
evaluation of the reaction time with heroin addicts with different length of
substance abuse. Methods. Research method: 90 examinees were divided into
three groups with relation to the length of heroin abuse. Data collection
included a questionnaire referring to socio-demographic and addictive
characteristics. A specially designed programme was used for the evaluation
of reaction time to audio/ visual signal. Results. In relation to the
reaction time as overall model, the difference between examinees with
different length of heroin abuse can be found on the marginal level of
significance (F=1.69; df=12; p=0.07). In visual modality, with the increase
of length of heroin abuse leads to a significant prolongation of simple (the
first visual sign: F=3.29; df=2; p=0.04) and choice reaction time (the second
visual sign: F=4.97; df=2; p=0.00; the third visual sign: F=3.08; df=2;
p=0.05). Longer heroin consumption also leads to the prolongation of the
simple (the first auditory task: F=3.41; df=2; p=0.04) and the complex
auditory reaction time (the second auditory task: F=5.67; df=2; p=0.01; the
third auditory task: F=6.42; df=2; p=0.00). Conclusion. Heroin abuse leads to
the prolongation of both simple and choice reaction time in visual as well as
auditory modality. The average daily dose of opiates was the most important
predictor of the abovementioned cognitive dysfunction.
Anaesthesia for noncardiac surgery in children with congenital heart disease
Authors: Simic Dusica , Djukic Milan , Budic Ivana , Milojevic Irina , Strajina Veljko
Published: April 2011

Children with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) presenting for non-cardiac
surgery have various physiological and functional abnormalities and thus pose
great challenges to the anaesthesiologist. The principles of anaesthesia are
to minimize pathophysiological changes which may upset the complex
interaction between systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance. Knowledge of
the specific cardiac anatomy, familiarity with the modifications of the
cardiorespiratory physiology, the awareness of the potential risks of
complications for each individual case are mandatory for the choice of the
anaesthesia strategy for each patient. During the preoperative assessment,
the risk-benefit ratio should be estimated and preoperative plan established
in order to optimize the preoperative status. An anaesthesiologist must also
understand pharmacology of drugs being used and should tailor anaesthetic
management to the type of surgery. An interdisciplinary team approach is the
cornerstone for the safe delivery of anaesthesia to this paediatric patient
population. The team should comprise an anesthesiologist, a paediatric
cardiologist, a surgeon, a cardio-surgeon and a neonatologist. This review is
meant to explain the classification of congenital heart diseases and to equip
the anaesthesiologist with the necessary information about preoperative
assessment, anaesthesiology management, monitoring tools important for the
safe non-cardiac surgery procedures as well as therapeutic strategies during
the postoperative period.
Building Effective Online Relationships
Authors: Keating Byron , Rugimbana Robert , Quazi Ali
Published: April 2011

The application of relationship management strategies to the online environment has been met with great enthusiasm. However, research indicates that many of the traditional drivers of effective relationships may need to be re-interpreted when applied in Cyberspace. This chapter proposes an enhanced model for the management of customer relationships (CRM) in an online context. It builds on the traditional strengths of CRM, namely processual efficiency and profitability, to ensure that a greater emphasis is given to the interpersonal nature of relationship development.
E-Partnership and Virtual Organizations
Authors: Zhao Fang
Published: April 2011

With the convergence of information technology and communication, the Internet has changed the way organizations communicate internally and externally, the way organizations are configured and the way organizations build partnerships. As a result, e-partnerships and virtual organizations become increasingly popular in today’s corporate world. This chapter aims to address issues of change and innovation associated with e-partnerships and virtual organizations. The chapter (i) discusses the advantages of e-partnerships and virtual organizations and the driving forces behind them; (ii) identifies issues and problems relating to the emergence of e-partnerships and virtual organizations; (iii) explores key factors for achieving the best performance and best results of e-partnerships and virtual organizations; and (iv) speculates future trends of the development of e-commerce and e-business which affects directly the viability of e-partnerships and virtual organizations. This author maintains that a total quality partnership approach holds the key to success. The present study draws upon the current leading literature in the field and a case study of Amazon.com, one of the world largest on-line dealers and virtual enterprise with the most extensive e-networks and e-partnerships.
From Cash to E-Money
Authors: Singh Mohini , Zoppos Betty
Published: April 2011

With technological developments, and the changing needs of global and on-line businesses, innovations in retail payment methods have evolved progressively. The retail business has undergone a transformation from main street business to on-line business in the last decade due to globalisation, technological developments, application of the Internet and innovative business models. When commerce goes electronic, the means of paying for goods and services must also go electronic. Paper-based payment systems cannot support the speed, security, privacy and internationalisation necessary for electronic commerce. This chapter is an appraisal of retail payment innovations and changes in payment instruments in Australia in the last decade. It highlights continued primacy of cash for face-to-face payments, growth in payment by cards and other new developments to support evolving e-business models. The need for e-payment systems in e-business, an understanding of payment systems, market developments, payment risks and technological applications to payment methods are also discussed.
Security Management in an E-Business Environment
Authors: Singh Mohini
Published: April 2011

Ensuring security for e-business information exchange is essential as it entails exchange of sensitive information. E-business transactions entail transfer of funds with buyers, sellers and business partners. Vulnerabilities and security incidents in the digital environment require an understanding of technology issues and security challenges for privacy and trust in an online environment. Technological developments over the past few years have made significant contributions to securing the Internet for e-business. This chapter is a discussion of managing security in an e-business organization. It illustrates the differences in security policies for traditional businesses and online businesses, introduces basic security concepts, provides an understanding of security incidents in e-business and briefly explains some basic security tools. More importantly the chapter highlights e-business security management by highlighting the need for organization-based security policies, procedures and practices. Trust and privacy issues in e-business have been addressed by highlighting the need for effective management of security in e-business.
A Framework for Electronic Commerce Research in Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises
Authors: Al-Qirim Nabeel A.Y.
Published: April 2011

It is believed that the recent emergence of electronic commerce (e-commerce) in the early ’90s could provide different opportunities to small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in overcoming part of their technological, environmental, organizational, and managerial inadequacies. However, recent research portrays a gloomy picture about e-commerce uptake and use in SMEs. Therefore, the implication here is twofold. Initially, there is a need to generate more e-commerce research that could penetrate much deeper into main impending issues pertaining to the SMEs in their potential uptake and use of e-commerce. On the other hand, e-commerce is characterized of being embryonic but growing very fast and fragmented across the different disciplines, which makes the task of capturing its different perspectives a very complex one. The preceding two implications represent the greatest challenge for researchers and professionals interested in undertaking e-commerce research in SMEs. In line with the above implications, the first objective of this research aims at capturing the different e-commerce perspectives from the SMEs’ point of view, and the second objective aims at capturing the e-commerce perspective from the theoretical and the methodological point of view. Addressing the preceding implications in this research could shed some light into some of the gray areas in the e-commerce research in SMEs.
Business Issues in the 21st Century
Authors: Quayle Michael , Christiansen John K.
Published: April 2011

This chapter explores the business issues affecting the level of implementation of e-commerce adoption in small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Results of a survey of 256 UK and 140 Danish small firms suggests those SMEs in both countries that have developed e-commerce capability have not done so strategically and have yet to enjoy significant cost and time savings. The survey also identifies the challenges faced by SMEs. Finally, the authors suggest paths that might be followed in seeking to achieve effective performance and wider adoption of commerce.
Traits of Successfully E-Enabled Irish SMEs
Authors: Golden William , Hughes Martin , Ruane Lucy
Published: April 2011

This chapter investigates the factors that have contributed to successful e-enablement within Irish SMEs. These factors are categorized as organizational, management, and implementation factors. The organizational factors that contribute to such success include previous organizational IT expertise, previous experience with logistics, and the suitability of the product for sale on the Web. The management factors that have a positive influence on success include the existence of a champion, having an e-commerce strategy, and integrating the Web presence into the existing business. The implementation issues that contribute to success include planning the Web presence, usability of the website, the existence of security features on the website, outsourcing elements of the e-commerce project, and website marketing. The authors purposefully chose to study recognized successful e-enabled SMEs so as to identify the salient factors and explore how these factors contributed to the success of the SMEs e-commerce initiative.
What Should SMEs do to Succeed in Today's Knowledge-Based Economy?
Authors: Sharma Sushil K. , Wickramasinghe Nilmini , Gupta Jatinder N.D.
Published: April 2011

The shift to a knowledge-based economy results largely from developments in information and communications technologies. Knowledge-based economies offer huge opportunities for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop entirely new high-value products and services, add value to existing products and services, reduce costs, develop new export markets, and add value to existing activities. Implicit promises include access to world markets, low-cost entry into new markets, and the ability to gain efficiencies in business processes. However, these promises may be illusory for most SMEs. Technological, organizational, and marketing hurdles are also making it more difficult for SMEs to succeed in knowledge-based economies. This chapter identifies those major factors that are hindering the success of SMEs in knowledge-based economies. The chapter then goes on to suggest a set of guidelines to make SMEs succeed in this new knowledge-based society.
Analyzing the Risk Factors of Moving to a Remote Application Outsourcing Model
Authors: Weerakkody Vishanth , Tebboune D.E.S. , Currie Wendy L. , Khan Naureen
Published: April 2011

In the last few years there has been much interest in the delivery of software-as-a-service. The concept of remote application outsourcing, or application service provision (ASP), has emerged as a solution aiming to offer organizations, mainly small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), access to key applications that were previously unaffordable. This chapter examines this model of software delivery, focusing on the potential risks that could be associated with it. The authors identify shared risks with traditional IS/IT outsourcing and proprietary risks of this model. The chapter concludes by giving a classification of these risks.
Singular Moduli of Shimura Curves
Authors: Errthum Eric
Published: April 2011

The j-function acts as a parametrization of the classical modular curve. Its values at complex multiplication (CM) points are called singular moduli and are algebraic integers. A Shimura curve is a generalization of the modular curve and, if the Shimura curve has genus 0, a rational parameterizing function exists and when evaluated at a CM point is again algebraic over Q. This paper shows that the coordinate maps given by N. Elkies for the Shimura curves associated to the quaternion algebras with discriminants 6 and 10 are Borcherds lifts of vector-valued modular forms. This property is then used to explicitly compute the rational norms of singular moduli on these curves. This method not only verifies conjectural values for the rational CM points, but also provides a way of algebraically calculating the norms of CM points with arbitrarily large negative discriminant.
On Operator Sum and Product Adjoints and Closures
Authors: Gustafson Karl
Published: April 2011

We comment on domain conditions that regulate when the adjoint of the sum or product of two unbounded operators is the sum or product of their adjoints, and related closure issues. The quantum mechanical problem PHP essentially selfadjoint for unbounded Hamiltonians is addressed, with new results.
Performance of Low-Dissipation Euler Fluxes and Preconditioned LU-SGS at Low Speeds
Authors: Kitamura Keiichi , Shima Eiji , Fujimoto Keiichiro , Wang Z. J.
Published: April 2011

In low speed flow computations, compressible finite-volume solvers are known to a) fail to converge in acceptable time and b) reach unphysical solutions. These problems are known to be cured by A) preconditioning on the time-derivative term, and B) control of numerical dissipation, respectively. There have been several methods of A) and B) proposed separately. However, it is unclear which combination is the most accurate, robust, and efficient for low speed flows. We carried out a comparative study of several well-known or recently-developed low-dissipation Euler fluxes coupled with a preconditioned LU-SGS (Lower-Upper Symmetric Gauss-Seidel) implicit time integration scheme to compute steady flows. Through a series of numerical experiments, accurate, efficient, and robust methods are suggested for low speed flow computations.
A Normal Mode Stability Analysis of Numerical Interface Conditions for Fluid/Structure Interaction
Authors: Banks J. W. , Sjögreen B.
Published: April 2011

In multi physics computations where a compressible fluid is coupled with a linearly elastic solid, it is standard to enforce continuity of the normal velocities and of the normal stresses at the interface between the fluid and the solid. In a numerical scheme, there are many ways that velocity- and stress-continuity can be enforced in the discrete approximation. This paper performs a normal mode stability analysis of the linearized problem to investigate the stability of different numerical interface conditions for a model problem approximated by upwind type finite difference schemes. The analysis shows that depending on the ratio of densities between the solid and the fluid, some numerical interface conditions are stable up to the maximal CFL-limit, while other numerical interface conditions suffer from a severe reduction of the stable CFL-limit. The paper also presents a new interface condition, obtained as a simplified characteristic boundary condition, that is proved to not suffer from any reduction of the stable CFL-limit. Numerical experiments in one space dimension show that the new interface condition is stable also for computations with the non-linear Euler equations of compressible fluid flow coupled with a linearly elastic solid.
A Finite Volume Method for the Multi Subband Boltzmann Equation with Realistic 2D Scattering in Double Gate MOSFETs
Authors: Lu Tiao , Du Gang , Liu Xiaoyan , Zhang Pingwen
Published: April 2011

We propose a deterministic solver for the time-dependent multi-subband Boltzmann transport equation (MSBTE) for the two dimensional (2D) electron gas in double gate metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) with flared out source/drain contacts. A realistic model with six-valleys of the conduction band of silicon and both intra-valley and inter-valley phonon-electron scattering is solved. We propose a second order finite volume method based on the positive and flux conservative (PFC) method to discretize the Boltzmann transport equations (BTEs). The transport part of the BTEs is split into two problems. One is a 1D transport problem in the position space, and the other is a 2D transport problem in the wavevector space. In order to reduce the splitting error, the 2D transport problem in the wavevector space is solved directly by using the PFC method instead of splitting into two 1D problems. The solver is applied to a nanoscale double gate MOSFET and the current-voltage characteristic is investigated. Comparison of the numerical results with ballistic solutions show that the scattering influence is not ignorable even when the size of a nanoscale semiconductor device goes to the scale of the electron mean free path.
Efficient Solution of Ordinary Differential Equations with High-Dimensional Parametrized Uncertainty
Authors: Gao Zhen , Hesthaven Jan S.
Published: April 2011

The important task of evaluating the impact of random parameters on the output of stochastic ordinary differential equations (SODE) can be computationally very demanding, in particular for problems with a high-dimensional parameter space. In this work we consider this problem in some detail and demonstrate that by combining several techniques one can dramatically reduce the overall cost without impacting the predictive accuracy of the output of interests. We discuss how the combination of ANOVA expansions, different sparse grid techniques, and the total sensitivity index (TSI) as a pre-selective mechanism enables the modeling of problems with hundred of parameters. We demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of this approach on a number of challenging test cases drawn from engineering and science.
Continuation Finite Element Simulation of Second Harmonic Generation in Photonic Crystals
Authors: Bao Gang , Xu Zhengfu , Yuan Jianhua
Published: April 2011

A computational study on the enhancement of the second harmonic generation (SHG) in one-dimensional (1D) photonic crystals is presented. The mathematical model is derived from a nonlinear system of Maxwell’s equations, which partly overcomes the shortcoming of some existing models based on the undepleted pump approximation. We designed an iterative scheme coupled with the finite element method which can be applied to simulate the SHG in one dimensional nonlinear photonic band gap structures in our previous work. For the case that the nonlinearity is strong which is desirable to enhance the conversion efficiency, a continuation method is introduced to ensure the convergence of the iterative procedure. The convergence of our method is fast. Numerical experiments also indicate the conversion efficiency of SHG can be significantly enhanced when the frequencies of the fundamental and the second harmonic wave are tuned at the photonic band edges. The maximum total conversion efficiency available reaches more than 50% in all the cases studied.
Double Exchange Model in Triangular Lattice Studied by Truncated Polynomial Expansion Method
Authors: Zhang Gui-Ping
Published: April 2011

The low temperature properties of double exchange model in triangular lattice are investigated via truncated polynomial expansion method (TPEM), which reduces the computational complexity and enables parallel computation. We found that for the half-filling case a stable 120° spin configuration phase occurs owing to the frustration of triangular lattice and is further stabilized by antiferromagnetic (AF) su-perexchange interaction, while a transition between a stable ferromagnetic (FM) phase and a unique flux phase with small finite-size effect is induced by AF superexchange interaction for the quarter-filling case.
The thermal structure of Israel
Authors: Shalev E. , Lyakhovsky V. , Weinstein Y. , Ben-Avraham Z.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. Heat flux at the Arabian Shield is a significant component in reconstructing tectonic, seismic, and hydrologic models. In this paper we analyze temperature data from all the available oil and water wells in Israel. We show that the average heat flux in Israel is 40–45 mW m−2. A supporting evidence for the low heat flux is the relatively deep seismicity, extending almost to the mantle in the region. A Heat flux anomaly that exists in Northern Israel and Jordan could be attributed to groundwater flow or young magmatic activity (~100 000 years) that is common in this area. Xenoliths that yield relatively steep geothermal gradients could be the result of local heating by magmas or by lithospheric necking and shear heating. The higher Heat flux in Southern Israel and Jordan probably reflects the opening of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Eilat and does not reflect the average value of the Arabian Shield.
Fluidization
Authors: Avidan Amos A. , King Desmond F. , Knowlton Ted M. , Pell Mel
Published: April 2011

Fluidization is the art of handling a solid as if it were a fluid. To fluidize solid particles, a gas or a liquid flows up through a particle bed at such a rate as to support the weight of particles via drag force such that the weightless particles are free to move and flow akin to molecules in a liquid. Fluidization by a gas is by far the most commonly used technique, although solids can be fluidized by a liquid, or by a gas and a liquid. Often the gas reacts with the particles as it fluidizes them. Commercially, gas‐fluidized beds are used for a multitude of purposes, from drying solids to burning coal and from making plastics to producing gasoline from heavy oils.

The important properties of particles that relate to fluidization are discussed along with the different regimes that fluidized beds can exhibit. The isothermal nature of fluidized beds and the high rates of heat and mass transfer are discussed. Design of fluidized beds is introduced as are the various pieces of hardware needed. Circulating fluidized beds are also discussed, as is industrial scale up.
Autosome STRs in native South America—Testing models of association with geography and language
Authors: Callegari‐Jacques Sidia M. , Tarazona‐Santos Eduardo M. , Gilman Robert H. , Herrera Phabiola , Cabrera Lilia , dos Santos Sidney E.B. , Morés Luiza , Hutz Mara H. , Salzano Francisco M.
Published: April 2011

Information on one Ecuadorian and three Peruvian Amerindian populations for 11 autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci is presented and incorporated in analyses that includes 26 other Native groups spread all over South America. Although in comparison with other studies we used a reduced number of markers, the number of populations included in our analyses is currently unmatched by any genome‐wide dataset. The genetic polymorphisms indicate a clear division of the populations into three broad geographical areas: Andes, Amazonia, and the Southeast, which includes the Chaco and southern Brazil. The data also show good agreement with proposed hypotheses of splitting and dispersion of major language groups over the last 3,000 years. Therefore, relevant aspects ofNative American history can be traced using as few as 11 STR autosomal markers coupled with a broad geographic distribution of sampled populations. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cure kinetics of an epoxidized hemp oil based bioresin system
Authors: Manthey Nathan W. , Cardona Francisco , Aravinthan Thiru , Cooney Tyson
Published: April 2011

A novel epoxidized hemp oil (EHO) based bioresin was synthesized by epoxidation in situ with peroxyacetic acid. In this research the cure kinetics of an EHO based bioresin system cured with triethylenetetramine (TETA) was studied by differential scanning calorimetry using both isothermal and nonisothermal data. The results show that the curing behavior can be modeled with a modified Kamal autocatalytic model that accounts for a shift to a diffusion‐controlled reaction postvitrification. The total order of the reaction was found to decrease with an increase in temperature from ∼ 5.2 at 110°C to ∼ 2.4 at 120°C. Dynamic activation energies were determined from the Kissinger (51.8 kJ/mol) and Ozawa‐Flynn‐Wall (56.3 kJ/mol) methods. Activation energies determined from the autocatalytic method were 139.5 kJ/mol and −80.5 kJ/mol. The observed negative activation energy is thought to be due to an unidentified competitive reaction that gives rise to the appearance of k2 decreasing with increasing temperature. The agreement of fit of the model predictions with experimental values was satisfactory for all temperatures. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Characterization and diffusion behavior of chitosan–poss composite membranes
Authors: Xu Dan , Loo Leslie S. , Wang Kean
Published: April 2011

Four types of polyhedral oligosilsesquioxanes (POSS) were incorporated into chitosan by solution blending to fabricate composite membranes. The thermal stability of the composite membranes was improved compared with the neat chitosan membrane. For the mechanical properties, the stiffness of the composite membranes was weakened by the presence of POSS. However, the effects of POSS on the strength and elongation at break of the composite membranes depended on the type of POSS incorporated. Hydrophilic POSS increased the ductility of the composite membranes and maintained their strength, while hydrophobic POSS made the membranes more brittle and less rigid compared with the neat chitosan membranes. These significant differences were due to the different compatibility and interfacial adhesion between POSS and chitosan. The permeation of sodium chloride and riboflavin in the composite membranes was also influenced by the type and content of POSS in the membranes. Composite membranes containing hydrophilic POSS showed higher partition coefficients but lower diffusion coefficients of riboflavin, compared with the composite membranes containing hydrophobic POSS. This indicates that the transport of riboflavin is retarded by the interactions between riboflavin and the membrane. This study suggests that the structure and physical properties of chitosan membrane can be modified by the incorporation of a small amount of POSS molecules. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Effect of molecular weight of polyethylene on its flammability
Authors: Nakashima Erika , Ueno Tomonaga , Yukumoto Masao , Takeda Kunihiko
Published: April 2011

Polyethylene has been widely applied in our society and is known to burn well. Many researchers have been studying to control the flammability of polyethylene when adding several catalysts. However, this study has confirmed the effect of the molecular weight on the flammability of polyethylene. This article displays combustion states of two different molecular weights of polyethylene. The low molecular weight of polyethylene did not ignite and the high molecular weight of polyethylene ignited and burned well. From this result, it was difficult for polyethylene to continue combustion under limited conditions, such as the vertical configuration of the materials, air circumstance, and low molecular weight. To analyze such behaviors, the relationship between combustion state and degradation behavior of polyethylene was compared to that of polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene. PP and polystyrene decomposed into small molecules directly through chain‐end scission and that low‐molecular weight scission products went to gas phase and reacted with oxygen and consequently fire around specimens during combustion. Polyethylene decomposed into relatively higher molecular weight scission products through random scission at primary degradation. The scission products further decomposed into lower molecular weight products with drip, which caused the combustion under specimens. There were no big differences in a weight loss temperature and scission products at high temperature between a low molecular weight of polyethylene and a high molecular weight of polyethylene. Therefore, the degradation and combustion behavior of scission products of polyethylene in primary degradation warrant further research on flame retardant of polyethylene. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Microspheres of carboxymethyl guar gum for in vitro release of abacavir sulfate: Preparation and characterization
Authors: Sullad Anita G. , Manjeshwar Lata S. , Aminabhavi Tejraj M.
Published: April 2011

Carboxymethyl guar gum (CMGG), an anionic semisynthetic GG derivative, was synthesized by incorporating CM group into GG chain. Microspheres were prepared by loading abacavir sulfate (AS) using water‐in‐oil (w/o) emulsion method. Formulations were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In vitro release profiles of GG and CMGG loaded with AS performed in pH 1.2 as well as 7.4 buffer media at 37°C displayed the varying drug release profiles in stomach and intestinal conditions. Release of the drug was extended up to 28 h in both GG and CMGG matrices, but the burst release observed in case of GG matrix was reduced in the case of CMGG. The kinetics of in vitro release was analyzed using the empirical equations. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
The rhetorical construction of polity membership: Identity, culture and citizenship in young people's discussions of immigration in northern England
Authors: Gibson Stephen , Hamilton Lorna
Published: April 2011

In this paper, we argue for a social psychological approach to citizenship which focuses on how social actors define competent and legitimate polity membership, together with the associated rights and responsibilities that this entails. A perspective based on the principles of rhetorical psychology is adopted in order to explore these issues in an analysis of a sample of young people's talk about issues of immigration to the UK. Analysis considers how matters of ‘race’, national identity and culture were oriented to and constructed during the interviews. We then explore how rights and responsibilities concerning cultural expression, interpersonal civility/courtesy and (implicitly acultural) legal frameworks were articulated as practical criteria for judgements about competent and legitimate polity membership. These findings are discussed in relation to existing social psychological work on issues such as racism and national identity, with a view to situating these matters within an overarching concern for the construction of polity membership. We conclude by briefly considering the implications of these findings for contemporary debates concerning citizenship education in the UK. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Everyday citizenship: Identity and recognition
Authors: Hopkins Nick , Blackwood Leda
Published: April 2011

Recent theorizing on citizenship encourages a broader consideration of the degree to which individuals are able to participate in social life without valued elements of their self‐definition being compromised. This paper seeks to illustrate how social psychology can contribute to such an approach through providing an analysis of British Muslims' accounts of how others orient to their religious and national identities. The data are qualitative and derived from interviews with 28 Muslims. The analysis focuses on participants' accounts of how, in everyday interaction, others' assumptions about their religious identity affected their abilities to act on terms that were their own and how this constrained their abilities to speak and be heard in the public sphere. The wider significance of these data for struggles over citizenship and the recognition of identities are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards a social psychology of citizenship? Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Condor Susan
Published: April 2011

The concept of citizenship is currently the subject of extensive, and often heated, debate on the part of policy makers and social scientists. Many of the key concerns encapsulated in the idea of citizenship—collective identity, solidarity, pro‐social behaviour, group boundaries, intra and intergroup conflict—also represent longstanding concerns on the part of social and community psychologists. However, at present, very little psychological theory or research directly addresses the subject of citizenship. The aim of this Special Issue is to explore how the construct of citizenship might contribute to social psychological understandings of social conflict and solidarity and, conversely, to consider how existing social psychological theories and methods might contribute to contemporary understandings of citizenship. The authors of the six articles in the Special Issue apply a range of theoretical perspectives (self‐categorization theory, social identity theory, rhetorical psychology, the theory of social representations) and methods (experiments, surveys, interviews, ethnography) to examine situated understandings of citizenship in a variety of domains (civic and political participation, immigration attitudes, minority identities, nationalism). Despite their different approaches, the authors display a common concern to recognize complexity, contradiction and contestability as inherent, and often productive, features of the everyday construction and performance of citizenship. As a consequence, social psychological perspectives may have the potential to restore the damaged reputation of the citizen currently apparent in much policy and social scientific discourse. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Citizenship attributes as the basis for intergroup differentiation: Implicit and explicit intergroup evaluations
Authors: McNamara Niamh , Muldoon Orla , Stevenson Clifford , Slattery Emer
Published: April 2011

Recent research (e.g. Barnes, Auburn & Lee, 2004) suggests that citizenship opportunities and resources may be afforded or denied to individuals according to their group memberships. We consider how the generic processes of intergroup differentiation by which groups are socially devalued and excluded can reflect divergent conceptualizations of citizenship among different groups. As part of a wider investigation of social exclusion, a combination of methods was used to investigate the relative intergroup perceptions of residents from more and less affluent areas in Limerick city, Ireland. Participants (n = 214) completed the implicit association test and rated a fictional character on a series of citizenship‐relevant dimensions. All participants displayed negative implicit associations with designated disadvantaged areas in Limerick. The results of the explicit prejudice assessment illustrated that these negative associations are matched by a lower overall attribution of positive characteristics to residents from these areas relative to residents from a more affluent area. On examination of each group's relative rating of traits, residents from less affluent areas appear doubly disadvantaged as they are devalued in terms of both outgroup and ingroup understandings of citizenship attributes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
VEGF‐A‐induced immature DCs not mature DCs differentiation into endothelial‐like cells through ERK1/2‐dependent pathway
Authors: Lu Jing , Zhao Jun , Zhao Jimin , Ma Junfen , Liu Kangdong , Yang Hongyan , Huang Youtian , Qin Zhenzhu , Bai Ruihua , Li Pei , Yan Wenhai , Zhao Mingyao , Dong Ziming
Published: April 2011

Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen‐presenting cells that play an important role in anti‐tumour immunity. Endothelial‐like differentiation of DCs is an interesting phenomenon. The specific role of vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A) on the differentiation of immature DCs (iDCs) and mature DCs (mDCs) is worth further research. Here, we show that VEGF‐A can induce iDCs to differentiate into endothelial‐like cells (ELCs). But it has no obvious influence on mDCs. In the process of endothelial‐like differentiation of iDCs, a sustained activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) was detected. VEGF‐A induced the activation of ERK1/2, and led to the nuclear translocation of phosphorylation ERK1/2. Incubation of iDCs with the ERK1/2 upstream kinase MEK1/2 inhibitor PD98059, blocked the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and CREB as well as the endothelial‐like differentiation of iDCs. These data suggest that VEGF‐A induces endothelial‐like differentiation of iDCs not mDCs through ERK1/2 signalling pathway. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduction of scatter radiation during transradial percutaneous coronary angiography: A randomized trial using a lead‐free radiation shield
Authors: Politi Luigi , Biondi‐Zoccai Giuseppe , Nocetti Luca , Costi Tiziana , Monopoli Daniel , Rossi Rosario , Sgura Fabio , Modena Maria Grazia , Sangiorgi Giuseppe M.
Published: April 2011

Background: Occupational radiation exposure is a growing problem due to the increasing number and complexity of interventional procedures performed. Radial artery access has reduced the number of complications at the price of longer procedure duration. Radpad® scatter protection is a sterile, disposable bismuth‐barium radiation shield drape that should be able to decrease the dose of operator radiation during diagnostic and interventional procedures. Such radiation shield has never been tested in a randomized study in humans.

Methods: Sixty consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography by radial approach were randomized 1:1 to Radpad use versus no radiation shield protection. The sterile shield was placed around the area of right radial artery sheath insertion and extended medially to the patient trunk. All diagnostic procedures were performed by the same operator to reduce variability in radiation absorption. Radiation exposure was measured blindly using thermoluminescence dosimeters positioned at the operator's chest, left eye, left wrist, and thyroid.

Results: Despite similar fluoroscopy time (3.52 ± 2.71 min vs. 3.46 ± 2.77 min, P = 0.898) and total examination dose (50.5 ± 30.7 vs. 45.8 ± 18.0 Gycm2, P = 0.231), the mean total radiation exposure to the operator was significantly lower when Radpad was utilized (282.8 ± 32.55 μSv vs. 367.8 ± 105.4 μSv, P < 0.0001) corresponding to a 23% total reduction. Moreover, mean radiation exposure was lower with Radpad utilization at all body locations ranging from 13 to 34% reduction.

Conclusions: This first‐in‐men randomized trial demonstrates that Radpad significantly reduces occupational radiation exposure during coronary angiography performed through right radial artery access. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
A model‐based development approach for the verification of real‐time Java code
Authors: Pour Niusha Hakimi , Strooper Paul , Wellings Andy
Published: April 2011

Many real‐time systems are safety‐and security‐critical systems and, as a result, tools and techniques for verifying them are extremely important. Simulation and testing such systems can be exceedingly time‐consuming and these techniques provide only probabilistic measures of correctness. There are a number of model‐checking tools for real‐time systems. Although they provide formal verification for models, we still need to implement these models. To increase the confidence in real‐time programs written in real‐time Java, this paper proposes a model‐based approach to the development of such programs. First, models can be mechanically verified, to check whether they satisfy particular properties, by using current real‐time model‐checking tools. Then, programs can be derived from the model by following a systematic approach. We introduce a timed automata to RTSJ Tool (TART), a prototype tool to automatically generate real‐time Java code from the model. Finally, we show the applicability of our approach by means of four examples: a gear controller, an audio/video protocol, a producer/consumer and the Fischer protocol. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐purity flow sorting of early meiocytes based on DNA analysis of guinea pig spermatogenic cells
Authors: Rodríguez‐Casuriaga Rosana , Geisinger Adriana , Santiñaque Federico F. , López‐Carro Beatriz , Folle Gustavo A.
Published: April 2011

Mammalian spermatogenesis is still nowadays poorly understood at the molecular level. Testis cellular heterogeneity is a major drawback for spermatogenic gene expression studies, especially when research is focused on stages that are usually very short and poorly represented at the cellular level such as initial meiotic prophase I (i.e., leptotene [L] and zygotene [Z]). Presumably, genes whose products are involved in critical meiotic events such as alignment, pairing and recombination of homologous chromosomes are expressed during the short stages of early meiotic prophase. Aiming to characterize mammalian early meiotic gene expression, we have found the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) as an especially attractive model. A detailed analysis of its first spermatogenic wave by flow cytometry (FCM) and optical microscopy showed that guinea pig testes exhibit a higher representation of early meiotic stages compared to other studied rodents, partly because of their longer span, and also as a result of the increased number of cells entering meiosis. Moreover, we have found that adult guinea pig testes exhibit a peculiar 4C DNA content profile, with a bimodal peak for L/Z and P spermatocytes that is absent in other rodents. Besides, we show that this unusual 4C peak allows the separation by FCM of highly pure L/Z spermatocyte populations aside from pachytene ones, even from adult individuals. To our knowledge, this is the first report on an accurate and suitable method for highly pure early meiotic prophase cell isolation from adult mammals, and thus sets an interesting approach for gene expression studies aiming at a deeper understanding of the molecular groundwork underlying male gamete production. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Persistence of immunological alterations after thymectomy in Good's syndrome: A clue to its pathogenesis
Authors: Ternavasio‐de la Vega Hugo‐Guillermo , Velasco‐Tirado Virginia , Pozo‐Rosado Laura , Soler‐Fernández María‐Carmen , Pérez‐Andres Martín , Orfao Alberto , Sánchez‐Sánchez Rafael , González‐Villaron Luis
Published: April 2011

Analyzing the phenotypic characterization of the immune system cells involved in the pathogenesis of immunodeficiency with thymoma (Good's syndrome) is difficult due to the low number of studies on that subject. We describe the immunological alterations observed in a case of Good's syndrome, and we summarize the pathogenic explanations found in the literature. © 2011 International Clinical Cytometry Society