bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grafting of functional nitroxyl free radicals to polyolefins as a tool to postreactor modification of polyethylene‐based materials with control of macromolecular architecture
Authors: Cicogna Francesca , Coiai Serena , Passaglia Elisa , Tucci Irene , Ricci Lucia , Ciardelli Francesco , Batistini Antonio
Published: December 2010

Nitroxyl radicals were used as functionalizing agents during the free radical postreactor modification process of polyolefins carried out in the melt. The 4‐hydroxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (HO‐TEMPO) and the 4‐benzoyloxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (BzO‐TEMPO) free radicals were successfully grafted onto a polyethylene‐based material (ethylene‐co‐1‐octene copolymer) by coupling reaction with polymer macroradicals; these last were formed by H‐abstraction through peroxide addition. The macromolecular structure of the functionalized polyolefins was assessed by 1H‐NMR, FTIR spectroscopy, and SEC measurements which were used to evidence the grafting site, to evaluate the grafting level and to highlight the occurrence of chain extension through crosslinking side reactions. Indeed the use of proper model compounds allowed the preparation of accurate FTIR calibration curves for the quantitative determination of the functionalization degree. Besides the high temperature SEC analysis highlighted that this fast and simple coupling reaction between macroradicals and nitroxyl free radicals grants the grafting of functionalities onto the polyolefin backbone by contemporarily preventing the side reactions liable of the structure and MW modification of the pristine polymer. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Boron‐functionalized poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate)s from hydroboration of poly(allyl‐β‐hydroxyalkanoate)s: Synthesis and insights into the microstructure
Authors: Guillaume Clémence , Ajellal Noureddine , Carpentier Jean‐François , Guillaume Sophie M.
Published: December 2010

The controlled ring‐opening polymerization of racemic allyl‐β‐butyrolactone (rac‐BLallyl) in toluene or in bulk, catalyzed by the discrete β‐diiminate zinc amido [(BDIiPr)Zn(N(SiMe3)2)] (1) or {amino‐methoxy‐bis(phenolate)}yttrium amido [(ONOOtBu)Y(N(SiHMe2)2)(THF)] (2) complexes, in association with an alcohol, gave poly(β‐hydroxyalkanoate)s (PHAs) with allylic side chains. These PHAsallyl exhibit either a slightly isotactic‐enriched (Pm = 0.61) or highly syndiotactic‐enriched (Pr = 0.82) backbone structure, respectively, with high molar mass (Mn up to 21,100 g mol−1) and narrow molar mass distribution values (1.05 < Mw/Mn < 1.28), as evidenced by detailed 13C NMR and size exclusion chromatography analyses. Postpolymerization rhodium‐catalyzed hydroboration of the resulting PHAsallyl with pinacolborane quantitatively afforded the corresponding PHAsboron. Introduction of boron into the pendant chains did not alter neither the structure of the polymer backbone nor the macromolecular features (Mn, Mw/Mn, and stereoregularity). However, differential scanning calorimetry analyses revealed a significant increase of the glass transition temperature on modifying the allyl for the boron function in these PHAs. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Atom transfer radical polymerization of functional monomers employing Cu‐based catalysts at low concentration: Polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate
Authors: Tsarevsky Nicolay V. , Jakubowski Wojciech
Published: December 2010

Initiators for continuous activator regeneration atom transfer radical polymerization (ICAR ATRP) of an epoxide‐containing monomer, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), was successfully carried out using low concentration of catalyst (ca. 105 ppm) at 60 °C in anisole. The copper complex of tris(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine was used as the catalyst, diethyl 2‐bromo‐2‐methylmalonate as the initiator, and 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile as the reducing agent. When moderate degrees of polymerization were targeted (up to 200), special purification of the monomer, other than removal of the polymerization inhibitor, was not required to achieve good control. To synthesize well‐defined polymers with higher degrees of polymerization (600), it was essential to use very pure monomer, and polymers of molecular weights exceeding 50,000 g mol−1 and Mw/Mn = 1.10 were prepared. The developed procedures were used to chain‐extend bromine‐terminated poly(methyl methacrylate) macroinitiator prepared by activators regenerated by electron transfer (ARGET) ATRP. The SnII‐mediated ARGET ATRP technique was not suitable for the polymerization of GMA and resulted in polymers with multimodal molecular weight distributions. This was due to the occurrence of epoxide ring‐opening reactions, catalyzed by SnII and SnIV. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Reverse mode operation polymer dispersed liquid crystal with a positive dielectric anisotropy liquid crystal
Authors: Cupelli Daniela , Nicoletta Fiore P. , De Filpo Giovanni , Formoso Patrizia , Chidichimo Giuseppe
Published: December 2010

The development of electrically activated chromogenic materials is important for their potential applications in smart windows. Several previous works have reported on reverse mode operation polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) based on negative dielectric anisotropy liquid crystals. They have a transparent OFF state, which turns opaque after the application of a suitable external electric field. Nevertheless, these devices have some limitations such as the use of large amount of expensive liquid crystals with peculiar physical‐chemical properties. In addition, a good matching between the refractive index of liquid crystal and the polymer matrix one is required. The main result of this work is the achievement of reverse mode operation devices prepared with a positive dielectric anisotropy liquid crystal and characterized by a high OFF state transmittance obtained by the onset of high intensity built‐in DC electric fields in a direct mode operation PDLC, which allows the OFF state homeotropic alignment of liquid crystal directors. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Water‐disintegrative and biodegradable blends containing poly(L‐lactic acid) and poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)
Authors: Oyama Hideko T. , Tanaka Yoshikazu , Hirai Sakiko , Shida Shigenari , Kadosaka Ayako
Published: December 2010

In this study, novel biodegradable materials were successfully generated, which have excellent mechanical properties in air during usage and storage, but whose structure easily disintegrates when immersed in water. The materials were prepared by melt blending poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) with a small amount of oligomeric poly(aspartic acid‐co‐lactide) (PAL) as a degradation accelerator. The degradation behavior of the blends was investigated by immersing the blend films in phosphate‐buffered saline (pH = 7.3) at 40 °C. It was shown that the PAL content and composition significantly affected morphology, mechanical properties, and hydrolysis rate of the blends. It was observed that the blends containing PAL with higher molar ratios of L‐lactyl [LA]/[Asp] had smaller PBAT domain size, showing better mechanical properties when compared with those containing PAL with lower molar ratios of [LA]/[Asp]. The degradation rates of both PLLA and PBAT components in the ternary blends simultaneously became higher for the blends containing PAL with higher molar ratios of [LA]/[Asp]. It was confirmed that the PLLA component and its decomposed materials efficiently catalyze the hydrolytic degradation of the PBAT component, but by contrast that the PBAT component and its decomposed materials do not catalyze the hydrolytic degradation of the PLLA component in the blends. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2010
The side growth of lithalsas: Some comments on observations in northern québec
Authors: Pissart A.
Published: December 2010

Based on observations in northern Québec and Belgium, the author infers that lithalsas in northern Québec are modern analogues of the enclosed and ramparted depressions that occur on the Hautes Fagnes plateau, Belgium. It is hypothesised that the growth of these lithalsas occurs not only by vertical heave associated with ice segregation within mineral material but also by lateral frost thrusting. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thirty years of solid state physics research at the Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Authors: Wang Yupeng
Published: December 2010

Research activities in solid‐state physics undertaken in the past 30 years at the Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, are reviewed. Some outstanding research results in those subfields including crystal growth, crystallography, superconductivity, high‐pressure physics, solid‐state lasing, metallic glass, low‐dimensional structure, photonics, topological insulator, and so forth, have been briefly highlighted.
Luminescence and scintillation of Eu2+‐doped high silica glass
Authors: Chewpraditkul W. , Chen D. , Yu B. , Zhang Q. , Shen Y. , Nikl M. , Kucerkova R. , Beitlerova A. , Wanarak C. , Phunpueok A.
Published: December 2010

High silica glass doped with Eu2+ ions was prepared as a scintillating material by impregnation of Eu ions into a porous silica glass followed by reduction sintering in CO atmosphere. A dominant emission band of the Eu2+ 5d–4f transition peaking around 430 nm was observed in the luminescence spectrum with the excitation peak around 280 nm and no emission from Eu3+ was present. Photoluminescence decay kinetics was governed by decay times of a few microseconds. The Eu2+‐doped high silica glass exhibited comparable energy resolution and slightly higher photoelectron yield with respect to the Bi4Ge3O12 crystal in the pulse height spectra for X‐ray photon energies within 22–60 keV. Furthermore, a factor of 1.2 higher radioluminescence intensity was observed as well. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A guide to the design and analysis of small clinical studies
Authors: Kianifard Farid , Islam M. Zahur
Published: December 2010

Clinical studies, which have a small number of patients, are conducted by pharmaceutical companies and research institutions. Examples of constraints that lead to a small clinical study include a single investigative site with a highly specialized expertise or equipment, rare diseases, and limited time and budget. We consider the following topics, which we believe will be helpful for the investigator and statistician working together on the design and analysis of small clinical studies: definitions of various types of small studies (exploratory, pilot, proof of concept); bias and ways to mitigate the bias; commonly used study designs for randomized and nonrandomized studies, and some less commonly used designs; potential ethical issues associated with small underpowered clinical studies; sample size for small studies; statistical analysis methods for different types of variables and multiplicity issues. We conclude the paper with recommendations made by an Institute of Medicine committee, which was asked to assess the current methodologies and appropriate situations for conducting small clinical studies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of soil moisture gradients on the path and the intensity of a West African squall line
Authors: Wolters Dirk , van Heerwaarden Chiel C. , de Arellano Jordi Vilà‐Guerau , Cappelaere Bernard , Ramier David
Published: December 2010

During the West African monsoon season, precipitation is strongly coupled to soil moisture availability. This interaction is generally understood as a positive feedback mechanism, and has been considered on very different spatial and temporal scales. Past research has mainly focused on this feedback in terms of the effects on general precipitation patterns, not on a single convective system. In this research, a single squall line is reproduced using the Weather Research and Forecasting Advanced Research (WRF‐ARW) mesoscale weather model. Model results are analyzed and compared with surface and upper‐air observations.

A sensitivity analysis on the influence of soil moisture on the squall line is performed through five numerical experiments. In four experiments, soil moisture is increased or decreased with respect to a control experiment. This is done in two manners: by affecting soil moisture most strongly in the wetter places in the modelled domain and by affecting soil moisture most strongly in the drier places. Minor deviations occur in the path of the squall line after modifying soil moisture most strongly in the wetter places. Systematic deviations occur in its path after increasing soil moisture most strongly in the drier places. A mechanism is proposed that connects the applied soil moisture modifications to larger‐scale flow patterns that determine the path of the squall line. In all five experiments, the precipitation intensity of the squall line strongly declines when the system moves towards western areas with lower soil moisture values. It is concluded that a positive effect of local soil moisture on precipitation intensity in passing squall lines is likely on the considered length‐scale of 100 km. Until now, this mechanism has only been shown for much smaller spatial scales. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
On the length‐scale of the wind profile
Authors: Peña Alfredo , Gryning Sven‐Erik , Mann Jakob
Published: December 2010

We present the results of an analysis of simultaneous sonic anemometer observations of wind speed and velocity spectra over flat and homogeneous terrain from 10 up to 160 m height performed at the National Test Station for Wind Turbines at Høvsøre, Denmark. The mixing length, l, derived from the wind speed profile, is found to be linearly proportional to the length‐scale of turbulence, derived either from the peak of the vertical velocity spectrum, (λm)w, or from a three‐dimensional turbulence spectral model, for a range of atmospheric stability conditions, friction Rossby numbers, and within the range of observational heights ((λm)w ∼ 7l). Under very unstable conditions and above 100 m, the local wind shear is low, and the relation between both length‐scales is slightly nonlinear. Mixing‐length and wind profile models, which depend on both atmospheric stability and friction Rossby number, generally show better agreement to the observations of the length‐scale and wind speed profile than the models from surface‐layer theory, which show good agreement with the observations for the first 80 m only. The results from this analysis demonstrate a close connection between these two types of length‐scales. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Effects of electron‐beam irradiation on physicochemical properties of starches separated from stored wheat
Authors: Hu BiJun , Huang Man , Yin ShouWei , Zi MingYang , Wen QiBiao
Published: December 2010

Effects of electron‐beam irradiation (0, 1.0, 2.7, and 4.4 kGy) on physicochemical properties, MW distribution as well as microstructure of starches separated from electron‐beam irradiated and stored wheats were investigated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), SEM, and static multi‐angle laser light scattering (MALLS). The profiles of starch viscosity illustrated that peak, hot paste, cold paste, and setback were considerably decreased with increasing irradiation dose. The DSC pattern indicated that the electron‐beam irradiation caused a slight decrease in gelatinization temperature. SEM results showed that on the surfaces of a few starch granules fissures appeared and that they become rough when the irradiation doses reached 4.4 kGy. Damaged starch (DS) contents analysis suggested that the DS increased from 5.33 to 7.38% as the dose increased from 0 (control) to 4.4 kGy. HPSEC measurement showed that the starch molecule were gradually degraded due to the electron‐beam irradiation treatment, and the molar mass of wheat starches decreased by one order of magnitude when the irradiation doses reached 4.4 kGy.
Rheological and calorimetric properties of corn‐, wheat‐, and cassava‐ starches and soybean protein concentrate composites
Authors: Colombo Andrés , León Alberto Edel , Ribotta Pablo Daniel
Published: December 2010

The effect of soy protein concentrate (SPC) on the rheological and calorimetric properties of corn, wheat, and cassava starches was assessed. SPC increased To values and decreased the ΔH of all tested starches, which could be related to lower availability of water for starch gelatinization and/or to the interactions between SPC and amorphous regions of starch granules. SPC and sugar addition modified the viscosity parameters (obtained through a rapid visco‐analyser) of starch pastes, which was attributed to an increase in solid content and to the interaction of proteins with the starch dispersed phase. Frequency sweeps were carried out with a rheometer on gels containing starch, SPC, and sucrose. SPC raised storage and loss modulus, producing more consistent starch gels. Besides, penetration tests showed that SPC steadily increased starch gel firmness. Scanning electron micrographs showed that protein concentrate produced gels with closer structures. Summarizing, the starch and SPC in the gels obtained were expected to be arranged in a two‐phase system. Results showed that it is possible to achieve different textures for starch dessert formulations.
Community‐based learning and research
Authors: Dallimore Elise , Rochefort David A. , Simonelli Kristen
Published: December 2010

Community‐based learning and research is one of the most exciting ventures in contemporary higher education. This chapter examines programs and practices focusing on administrative structure as well as three specific classroom‐based models.
Learning abroad
Authors: Gardinier Lori , Colquitt‐Anderson Dawn
Published: December 2010

This chapter outlines the range of program models for studying abroad and provides readers with specific structural‐ and curricula‐based approaches for internationalizing campuses.
Oxidative stress and cell‐cycle change induced by coexposed PCB126 and benzo(a) pyrene to human hepatoma (HepG2) cells
Authors: Wei Wei , Li Xiao‐Feng , Li Xiao‐Nuan , Chen Xue‐Min , Liu Ai‐Lin , Lu Wen‐Qing
Published: December 2010

Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) never exists in the environment as a single compound but always coexists with other chemicals. These chemicals may affect the toxicity of BaP. Our previous study confirmed that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which were recently found coexisting with BaP in various environmental media, dramatically enhanced the genotoxicity of BaP. But the known mechanisms associated with this phenomenon are limited. Because BaP's genotoxicity is highly associated with its ability to induce the oxidative stress, we propose that the coexistence of PCBs may enhance BaP's genotoxicity by affecting BaP‐induced oxidative stress. In this study, the HepG2 cells were treated with either BaP (50 μM), 3,3′,4,4′,5‐pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126) (0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 nM), or pretreated with PCB126 followed by a coexposure to BaP and PCB126. We found that the exposure to BaP alone effectively increased the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase, but decreased the percentage of S‐phase cells. Compared to BaP alone, coexposure to both BaP and PCB126 effectively enhanced the levels of ROS and MDA as well as the percentage of cells in S phase, but decreased the levels of GSH and percentage of cells inG0/G1 phase. Our findings suggest that increasing oxidative stress and impairing the normal cell‐cycle control may be mechanisms by which PCB126 enhances the genotoxity of BaP exposure. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012.
Ionenbeschuss von Polymeren für die Medizintechnik
Authors: Mändl Stephan
Published: December 2010

Ionenimplantation, eine Standardtechnologie in der Halbleiterindustrie, wird seit den 1960er Jahren ebenfalls für Biomaterialien verwendet. Im Folgenden wird eine Variation des Verfahrens beispielhaft vorgestellt — Plasma‐Immersions‐Ionenimplantation (PIII). Bei PIII‐Behandlungen findet man bei Prozesszeiten von weniger als einer Minute änderungen der Oberflächenenergie, die über mehrere Wochen anhalten. Zusätzlich können bei der Modifizierung Reibkoeffizient, Verschleiß und Topographie verändert werden, wobei reduzierte Verschleißraten und eine erhöhte Rauhigkeit sich positiv auf die Biokompatibilität bzw. die Bioaktivität auswirken. Bei kombinierten PIII‐Beschichtungen mit gleichzeitigem energetischem Ionenbeschuss wird eine exzellente Adhäsion selbst bei Raumtemperatur ermöglicht. Neben der gezielten Aufbringung von photoaktiven Oberflächen, die antibakteriell wirken, kann hier ebenfalls eine osteoinduktive Topographie eingestellt werden.
The economics of adaptation along developed coastlines
Authors: Neumann James , Hudgens Daniel , Herter John , Martinich Jeremy
Published: December 2010

Sea‐level rise (SLR) increases the risk of permanent inundation of coastal lands and structures, while also increasing the risk of periodic damage from storms and risks to ecological resources. Prior studies have illustrated the importance of considering adaptation measures, such as armoring and beach nourishment, when estimating the economic cost of SLR, but these studies have taken the form either of careful, geographically limited case studies or national estimates based on limited samples. We present a framework for evaluating the economics of adaptation to permanent inundation from SLR that employs detailed local scale data and is spatially comprehensive, and apply the framework to estimate costs of adaptation for the full coastline of the continental US. Our results show that the economic cost of SLR is much larger than prior estimates suggest—more than $63 billion cumulative discounted cost (at 3%) for a 68 cm SLR by 2100, and $230 billion undiscounted—yet is only one‐fourth the total value of low‐lying property vulnerable to SLR, illustrating the importance of careful site‐specific consideration of adaptation. Further, the granularity of the framework provides spatial, temporal, and response mode details useful to both national policy‐makers and local adaptation planners, and can readily incorporate estimates of ecological and storm surge damages as they become available. WIREs Clim Change 2011 2 89–98 DOI: 10.1002/wcc.90

This article is categorized under:

Climate Economics > Aggregation Techniques for Impacts and Mitigation Costs
High‐Pressure Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Characterization of Zn2PN3 – A New catena‐Polynitridophosphate
Authors: Sedlmaier Stefan J. , Eberspächer Moritz , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: December 2010

Phase‐pure zinc catena‐polynitridophosphate Zn2PN3 was synthesized by means of high‐pressure high‐temperature conditions (1200 °C, 8 GPa) starting from Zn3N2 and P3N5 utilizing a multianvil assembly. It was obtained as a colorless, microcrystalline powder. The crystal structure of Zn2PN3 (Cmc21, no. 36, a = 937.847(6), b = 547.696(4), c = 492.396(3) pm, Z = 4, Rp = 0.0110, wRp = 0.0141) has been refined from powder X‐ray diffraction data by the Rietveld method using the atomic parameters of isotypic Mg2PN3 as starting values. Interconnected by N‐coordinated Zn2+ ions, the catena‐polynitridophosphate chain anions run parallel [001] with a chain periodicity P = 2 and a stretching factor fs = 0.88. FT‐IR and Raman spectra of Zn2PN3 were recorded and relevant bands were assigned. The solid‐state 31P MAS NMR spectrum yielded a single resonance at δ = 42.8. In addition an account of the thermal behavior of Zn2PN3 is given.
Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation in the Treatment of 36 Renal Cell Carcinoma Tumours Compared with Published Results of Using Computed Tomography Guidance
Authors: Davis Kellie , Kielar Ania , Jafari Katayoun
Published: December 2010

This study aimed to analyse the outcomes of ultrasound (US) guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with renal lesions and to compare our outcomes with published results of ablations carried out when using computed tomography (CT) guidance. This retrospective study evaluated RFA of 36 renal tumours in 32 patients (M = 21, F = 11). The mean patient age was 70 years (range, 39–89 years). Ablations were performed by using either multi-tined applicators or cooled and/or cluster applicators under US guidance. Applicator size varied from 2–5 cm, depending on the size of the index tumour. Conscious sedation was administered by an anesthetist. Follow-up imaging by using contrast-enhanced CT was performed 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after RFA, and yearly thereafter. The mean tumour follow-up time was 12 months (range, 1–35 months). The mean tumour size was 2.7 cm (range, 1–5 cm). Primary effectiveness was achieved in 31 cases (86.1%), with patients in 5 cases (11.1%) demonstrating residual disease. Three patients had repeated sessions, which were technically successful. The remaining 2 patients were not re-treated because of patient comorbidities. As a result, secondary effectiveness was achieved in 34 patients (94.4%). In 1 patient, a new lesion developed in the same kidney but remote from the 2 prior areas of treatment. Hydrodissection was performed in 3 patients (8.3%), manipulation or electrode repositioning in 11 patients (30.6%), and ureteric cooling in 1 patient (2.8%). Minor and major complications occurred in 3 (8.3%) and 3 (8.3%) patients, respectively. Correlation coefficients were calculated for distance from skin to tumour and risk of complication as well as compared with primary and secondary effectiveness. This study demonstrates that US-guided RFA is an effective treatment for renal lesions, with rates of effectiveness and complication rates comparable with published CT-guided RFA results.
Endotracheal nebulization of N-acetylcysteine increases airway resistance in cats with experimental asthma
Authors: Reinero Carol R. , Lee-Fowler Tekla M. , Dodam John R. , Cohn Leah A. , DeClue Amy E. , Guntur Vamsi P.
Published: December 2010

N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a mucolytic and antioxidant, is speculated to cause bronchoconstriction in cats when delivered via aerosol. We hypothesized that in cats with experimental asthma, aerosol delivery of NAC (400 mg cumulative dose) via an endotracheal tube would increase airflow limitation as measured by ventilator-acquired mechanics. After endotracheal drug delivery, airway resistance and inspiratory plateau pressure (Pplat) measurements were obtained in six mechanically ventilated asthmatic cats. Results demonstrated significantly increased airway resistance ( P=0.0007) compared with aerosolized saline control; Pplats were not significantly different ( P=0.059). All cats exhibited at least one adverse effect: excessive airway secretions ( n=3), spontaneous cough ( n=2), unilateral strabismus ( n=1) and post-anesthetic death ( n=1). No adverse reactions were noted with saline aerosol; cough was noted in one cat with methacholine challenge. In conclusion, airway resistance and adverse reactions were documented in all cats after NAC aerosol delivery. Further studies must be performed to evaluate if it is an effective mucolytic and/or antioxidant in cats and to determine if bronchodilator pre-treatment will negate NAC-induced bronchoconstriction.
A brief assessment of eating habits and weight gain in a Mediterranean cohort
Authors: Zazpe Itziar , Bes-Rastrollo Maira , Ruiz-Canela Miguel , Sánchez-Villegas Almudena , Serrano-Martínez Manolo , Angel Martínez-González Miguel
Published: December 2010

Assessment of eating habits (EH) through closed questions could be an alternative tool to assess diet as a predictor of weight change in epidemiological studies. The aim was to assess the association between baseline EH and the risk of weight gain or becoming overweight/obese in a Spanish dynamic prospective cohort (the Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra Project) of 10 509 participants. The baseline questionnaire included ten short questions with two possible answers: yes or no. We calculated a baseline EH score, categorised in quartiles, positively weighting answers on more fruit, vegetables, fish and fibre and less meat, sweets and pastries, fat, butter, fatty meats and added sugar in drinks. Reducing the consumption of meat or fat and removing fat from meat were significantly associated with lower weight gain. The partial correlation coefficient between EH score and weight change was − 0·033 (P = 0·001). We observed 1063 cases of incident overweight/obesity among 7217 participants without overweight/obesity at baseline. Trying to eat more fruit, fish or fibre and less meat was inversely significantly associated with incident overweight/obesity. Those participants in the upper quartile of the score were at a 38 % (adjusted OR 0·62; 95 % CI 0·48, 0·81) lower risk of developing overweight/obesity during the follow-up compared with those in the lower quartile. However, the receiver-operating characteristic curves for the model with and without the EH score were materially identical. Despite the apparent significant inverse association, this score had a low predictive value for future weight gain and for incident overweight/obesity in a Mediterranean population, although some EH were independently and positively associated with weight gain.
Effects of hydroxytyrosol-enriched sunflower oil consumption on CVD risk factors
Authors: Vázquez-Velasco Miguel , Esperanza Díaz Ligia , Lucas Rocío , Gómez-Martínez Sonia , Bastida Sara , Marcos Ascensión , Sánchez-Muniz Francisco J.
Published: December 2010

Inclusion of biophenols in traditional foods transforms them into functional foods that may help to decrease CVD risk. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the consumption of hydroxytyrosol-enriched sunflower oil (HSO) improves certain CVD biomarker values. A total of twenty-two healthy volunteers participated in a cross-over study involving two 3-week periods, separated by a 2-week washout period, in which volunteers consumed 10–15 g/d of either HSO (45–50 mg/d of hydroxytyrosol) or non-enriched (control) sunflower oil. Total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, arylesterase activity, oxidised LDL and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1) levels were measured in the plasma obtained at the beginning and at the end of each treatment period. The HSO group displayed a significantly higher level (P < 0·01) of arylesterase activity and significantly lower levels of oxidised LDL and sVCAM-1 (bothP < 0·05) than the control group. These results suggest that HSO may help prevent CVD.
FINITE GROUPS WITH SOME WEAKLY S-SUPPLEMENTED SUBGROUPS
Authors: GUO WENBIN , SHUM K. P. , XIE FENGYAN
Published: December 2010

Let H be a subgroup of a group G. Then, we call H weakly s-supplemented in G if G has a subgroup T such that HT = G and H ∩ T ≤ HsG, where HsG is the largest s-permutable subgroup of G contained in H. In this paper, we use the weakly s-supplemented subgroups to characterize the structure of groups. A series of known results in the literature are unified and generalized.
“Thomas Rhymer (A)” and the Tradition of Early Modern Feminist Theology
Authors: Hill Thomas D.
Published: December 2010

One sometimes has the experience of knowing two apparently unrelated bits of information—sometimes for years—until suddenly it occurs to one that they are in fact related and indeed illuminate each other in quite startling ways. I have had the good fortune to teach some of the Scots ballads for the last decade or so and have taught “Thomas Rhymer (A)” and ‘Tam Lin (A)” as exemplars of Scots Other World balladry. It is a truism (and the first piece of information) that the worldview of these ballads differs quite markedly from the medieval Catholic worldview that was current when these ballads may have originated and the Scots Presbyterian one that was the dominant ideology in the time and place when they were collected. Few ballad scholars would dispute this claim.
An evaluation of two perennial ryegrass cultivars (AberDart and Fennema) for sheep production in the uplands
Authors: EVANS J. G. , FRASER M. D. , OWEN I. , DAVIES D. A.
Published: December 2010

Under lowland conditions there is evidence to indicate that animals consuming ryegrasses bred for elevated water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) concentrations are able to utilize the protein in their diet more efficiently, resulting in increased live-weight gain, milk production and lower loss of N. The current study evaluated the effects on upland sheep production of grazing two cultivars of perennial ryegrass nominally differing in WSC content. Replicate plots (n=4) of a cultivar bred for elevated levels of WSC (AberDart) and a control cultivar (Fennema) were grazed by ewes and lambs (pre-weaning) and by lambs only (post-weaning). Target surface sward heights of 40 and 60–70 mm were maintained during the pre-weaning and post-weaning periods, respectively. No differences were found in the WSC concentration of the two swards during either the pre-weaning or post-weaning periods. However, cultivar AberDart had a significantly lower fibre concentration during both periods (P<0·05), and a higher digestibility of organic matter in dry matter (DOMD) value during the post-weaning period (P<0·05). There was no cultivar effect of treatment on lamb growth during the pre-weaning period, but lamb live-weight gain was significantly higher for those grazing AberDart than Fennema during the post-weaning period (200 g/d v. 125 g/d; s.e.d.=26·5 g/d; P<0·01), leading to a greater proportion of lambs selected for slaughter by the end of September (0·99 v. 0·70 respectively; s.e.d.=0·062; P<0·05). The improved performance for lambs grazing AberDart relative to those grazing Fennema indicates that advances in plant breeding have the potential to improve the efficiency and profitability of lamb production in the uplands. However, additional research is required to explore the extent to which growing conditions in marginal environments influence the expression of traits.
Reliability of current Spanish irrigation designs in a changed climate: a case study
Authors: UTSET A. , DEL RÍO B.
Published: December 2010

A very serious effort to modernize irrigation systems is being made in Spain, to reduce water and energy losses in an environmentally sustainable way. This is expensive and it is important that the new irrigation systems work properly over a long period. The systems have been designed taking into account historical evapotranspiration (ET) averages during the months of maximum demand, as well as the crop-specific ET values (Kc coefficients) of typical crops. However, the increase in ET rates due to global warming could mean that the capacity of these new and expensive irrigation systems to fulfil the crop water requirements may be exceeded in the near future. However, the expected increase in CO2 concentration could diminish crop transpiration rates for similar water demands from the atmosphere, thereby reducing irrigation requirements. A methodology was developed in order to estimate crop water requirements under climate change conditions. The reliability of a new irrigation system designed in Valladolid, Northern Spain was tested. The regionalized climate change scenarios for Valladolid, provided by the National Institute of Meteorology, were used for the periods 2011–40, 2041–70 and 2071–2100 and the A2 and B2 emission scenarios were considered using the ECHAM and coupled general circulation model (CGCM) global circulation models. A historical series of daily meteorological data for Valladolid was used to generate statistical ET distributions through the LARS-WG generator. Simulations considered each of the above periods, global circulation models (GCM) and emission scenarios. Furthermore, the Kc of the typical irrigated crops of the zone (maize, potato and sugar beet) were reduced for each period, GCM and emission scenario according to the relationships between CO2 concentrations and transpiration obtained by Kruijt et al. (2008). The results indicated that, on average, historical ET rates provide a sufficiently robust indicator to enable estimations of the crop ET in the future, particularly considering the CO2 effect in reducing crop transpiration. However, ET variability is significantly increased after 2040, especially for the A2 emission scenario. The results show that ET variability rather than global increase is the most serious risk that current irrigation systems must face in the near future in Northern Spain, as consequence of climate change. Such variability should be included in irrigation designs.
Income and the midlife peak in common mental disorder prevalence
Authors: Lang I. A. , Llewellyn D. J. , Hubbard R. E. , Langa K. M. , Melzer D.
Published: December 2010

Background

The prevalence of psychological distress and common mental disorders has been shown to peak in midlife but analyses have ignored the association of poor material circumstances with prevalence. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the midlife prevalence peak occurs only in lower-income households.

Method

Pooled data were used from the annual Health Survey for England, a nationally representative cross-sectional study, on community-dwelling individuals aged ⩾16 years from years 1997 to 2006 (n=100 457). 12-item General Health Questionnaire scores, reported mental illness diagnoses and receipt of relevant medication were assessed in relation to household income and age. Analyses were separated by gender and adjusted for age, ethnicity, smoking, social class, education and co-morbidities.

Results

Prevalence of psychological distress, diagnoses and treatments rose with age until early middle age and declined subsequently. In analyses conducted separately by income categories, this pattern was marked in low-income groups but absent in high-income groups. Income-related inequalities in the prevalence of psychological distress were greatest in midlife; for example, in men aged 45–54 years the odds ratio of receiving psychiatric medication in the lowest income group compared with the highest was 7.50 [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.24–13.27] and in women aged 45–54 years the odds ratio of reporting mental illness was 10.25 (95% CI 6.16–17.05).

Conclusions

An increased prevalence of psychological distress, common mental disorder diagnoses and treatment in midlife is not a universal phenomenon but is found only in those in low-income households. This implies the phenomenon is not inevitable but is potentially manageable or preventable.
Lack of progression of brain abnormalities in first-episode psychosis: a longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Schaufelberger M. S. , Lappin J. M. , Duran F. L. S. , Rosa P. G. P. , Uchida R. R. , Santos L. C. , Murray R. M. , McGuire P. K. , Scazufca M. , Menezes P. R. , Busatto G. F.
Published: December 2010

Background

Some neuroimaging studies have supported the hypothesis of progressive brain changes after a first episode of psychosis. We aimed to determine whether (i) first-episode psychosis patients would exhibit more pronounced brain volumetric changes than controls over time and (ii) illness course/treatment would relate to those changes.

Method

Longitudinal regional grey matter volume and ventricle:brain ratio differences between 39 patients with first-episode psychosis (including schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder) and 52 non-psychotic controls enrolled in a population-based case-control study.

Results

While there was no longitudinal difference in ventricle:brain ratios between first-episode psychosis subjects and controls, patients exhibited grey matter volume changes, indicating a reversible course in the superior temporal cortex and hippocampus compared with controls. A remitting course was related to reversal of baseline temporal grey matter deficits.

Conclusions

Our findings do not support the hypothesis of brain changes indicating a progressive course in the initial phase of psychosis. Rather, some brain volume abnormalities may be reversible, possibly associated with a better illness course.
Asymptotics of Hele-Shaw flows with multiple point sources
Authors: Onodera Michiaki
Published: December 2010

We study the asymptotic behaviour of a Hele-Shaw flow produced by the injection of fluid from a finite number of points at different speeds. We prove that, as time tends to infinity, the boundary of the fluid domain approaches the circle centred at the barycentre of the injection points with weights proportional to the injection rates. The distances from the barycentre to the boundary points are estimated from both above and below.
Regularity for subquadratic parabolic systems: higher integrability and dimension estimates
Authors: Scheven Christoph
Published: December 2010

We consider weak solutions of parabolic systems of the type

where the structure function b is differentiable with respect to x and satisfies standard ellipticity and growth properties with polynomial growth rate p ∊ (2n/(n + 2), 2). We investigate regularity properties of the solution, including the existence of second-order spatial derivatives, the existence of the time derivative and the higher integrability of the spatial gradient. As an application, we derive dimension estimates for the singular set of solutions of homogeneous parabolic systems. More precisely, we establish the bound

provided the structure function depends Höolder continuously on the space variable with Höolder exponent β ∊(0, 1].
Sildenafil therapy for neonatal and childhood pulmonary hypertensive vascular disease
Authors: Humpl Tilman , Reyes Janette T. , Erickson Simon , Armano Ruth , Holtby Helen , Adatia Ian
Published: December 2010

Objectives

We hypothesised that sildenafil would improve hemodynamics in children with pulmonary hypertension and attenuate rebound pulmonary hypertension after inhaled nitric oxide withdrawal.

Patients and methods

We undertook an open-label, single-drug study of sildenafil in patients under 5 years of age with either symptomatic or rebound pulmonary hypertension following inhaled nitric oxide withdrawal.

Results

We recruited 25 patients (median age 180 days, 10–1790) to receive sildenafil. The median right ventricular to systemic systolic blood pressure ratio before sildenafil therapy was 1.0 (0.5–1.4) and decreased to 0.5 (with a range from 0.3 to 1.3; p = 0.0002). In five patients the baseline pulmonary vascular resistance index was 10 (7.1–13.6) Wood units metre square and decreased to 5.8 (2.7–15.6) Wood units metre square (p = 0.04) at 6 months. Ten patients were treated with sildenafil for a median of 34 days (9–499) until resolution of pulmonary artery hypertension and continue to do well. Six patients continued sildenafil therapy for a median of 1002 days (384–1574) with improvement but without resolution of pulmonary hypertension. There was no change in serum creatinine, urea, liver function tests, or platelet count. In 15 patients sildenafil abolished rebound pulmonary artery hypertension following withdrawal of inhaled nitric oxide. Median right ventricular pressure to systemic systolic pressure ratio decreased from 1.0 (0.8–1.4) during nitric oxide withdrawal to 0.4 (0.3–0.8) p = 0.006 after pre-treatment with sildenafil.

Conclusion

In children under 5 years of age with severe pulmonary hypertension, sildenafil therapy resulted in prolonged hemodynamic improvements without adverse effects. Sildenafil attenuated rebound pulmonary hypertension after withdrawal of inhaled nitric oxide.
Using Wikis as Cost Saving Tools at Field Fisher Waterhouse
Authors: Sarkanen Anneli
Published: December 2010

This paper, presented at the BIALL Conference in June 2010 by Anneli Sarkanen, describes the process Field Fisher Waterhouse went through in utilising wikis in the firm for knowledge management and knowledge sharing. It describes the development of the project, the tactics used to encourage adoption, problems encountered and the project's planned future development.
The Recession Mounts the Ivory Tower: How the Lillian Goldman Law Library at Yale has met the Challenges Posed by a Declining Economy
Authors: Cadmus Femi , Kaufmann Blair
Published: December 2010

The global recession has wrought havoc on the budgets of libraries worldwide, forcing administrators to reassess priorities and change direction midcourse. Privately funded academic libraries which typically rely heavily on large endowments have not been exempt and in fact have probably been hit the hardest. The challenges encountered by this long drawn financial crisis have ultimately provided opportunities to reassess priorities and conduct business more efficiently. This paper was presented at the BIALL Conference in June 2010 by Femi Cadmus and Blair Kaufmann.
Some reflections on the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) “Summit” 2010: Mapping Our Future
Authors: Wills David
Published: December 2010

David Wills describes his experiences at the AALL summit with particular emphasis on the sessions on legal education, digital ephemera preservation, disaster planning and the rights of indigenous people.
Research and Resources for Family Law
Authors: Morris Geraldine
Published: December 2010

Sources of family law encompass a wide range of disciplines from children law to civil law and domestic law to international regulations. Geraldine Morris, solicitor and Family Practice Area Champion at LexisNexis Butterworths considers the wide ranging sources needed to support family lawyers.
Introducing an Intranet in a Firm of Solicitors
Authors: Dewar Helen
Published: December 2010

Helen Dewar has written a very practical list of do's and dont's when implementing a law firm intranet, based on her own experience.
Mass Transfer of Antibiotics Adsorbed by Human Serum Albumin in Hemodialyzers
Authors: Kanamori Toshiyuki , Takeshita Takaaki , Sakai Kiyotaka
Published: December 2010

The removal rate of a drug by a hemodialyzer is very important to determine the dosage of the drug to a patient without kidney function. Mass transfer of a drug in a hemodialyzer and a patient's body is more complicated than that of ordinary solutes because most drugs are adsorbed by serum albumin. In this paper, we reveal the adsorption characteristics of five clinical antibiotics onto human serum albumin (HSA) with new experimental methods and discuss the influence of adsorption characteristics on removal of antibiotics by hemodialyzers using mathematical models. The adsorption equilibrium of the antibiotics with HSA followed the Langmuir isotherm. Adsorption rates of the antibiotics onto HSA were measured using a constant‐flow stirred tank reactor with an ultrafiltration module. A kinetic model for antibiotic transfer in a hemodialyzer and a patient's body was derived with the parameters obtained by the above experiments. Validity of the model was confirmed by dialysis experiments using hemodialyzers and antibiotic solutions including HSA. Removal estimation of a drug by hemodialysis therapy is feasible by the model with the parameters of the Langmuir isotherm for the drug.
What is the Value?
Authors: Peus Claudia , Kerschreiter Rudolf , Frey Dieter , Traut-Mattausch Eva
Published: December 2010

In recent years a number of leadership constructs have been introduced to the literature that comprise explicit reference to the leader’s ethical behavior including transformational, ethical, authentic, and spiritual leadership. These types of leadership have been posited to have a positive impact on employees and the organizations they are part of, and research has pointed to positive relations with work-related attitudes. So far, however, the question whether or not these leadership styles are also related to objectively determined organizational performance has remained unanswered. Thus, the purpose of this article is to review the empirical literature on the relation between ethically-oriented leadership and economic performance. Findings indicate that ethically-oriented leadership is in fact economically effective.