bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the microstructure on the dye diffusion and mechanical properties of polyamide‐6 fibers
Authors: Vasanthan N.
Published: December 2006

The morphology, mechanical properties, and dye diffusion of drawn and heat‐set polyamide‐6 (PA6) yarns were examined. Correlations between the microstructure of PA6 yarns and the dye diffusion coefficients and mechanical properties were established. The crystallinity of PA6 yarns was estimated with density and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements. A decrease in the γ crystallinity and an increase in the γ‐crystallite size with the draw ratio were observed and attributed to the disappearance of small crystallites and an increase in the average γ‐crystallite size population during the deformation process. The scouring treatment increased the total crystallinity, almost entirely as a result of an increase in the α fraction. Thermally induced crystallization involved increases in both crystalline phases (α and γ) and did not involve crystal‐to‐crystal transformation, whereas drawing PA6 yarns involved both crystallization of the amorphous phase in the α form and γ→α transformation. A sharp decrease in the diffusion coefficient with an increasing draw ratio of PA6 yarns was correlated with an increasing amorphous orientation. The influence of thermally induced crystallinity on the diffusion coefficient seemed exceptionally strong. The mechanical properties of PA6 yarns were examined and correlated with structural changes. It was demonstrated that the crystallinity had a direct correlation with the terminal modulus and extension at break, whereas there was no correlation with the initial modulus. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 349–357, 2007
The development and evaluation of a measure to assess cancer survivors' unmet supportive care needs: the CaSUN (Cancer Survivors' Unmet Needs measure)
Authors: Hodgkinson K. , Butow P. , Hunt G. E. , Pendlebury S. , Hobbs K. M. , Lo S. K. , Wain G.
Published: December 2006

Background: Many cancer survivors experience ongoing morbidity over the survivorship continuum and their supportive care needs have yet to be comprehensively assessed.

Methods: This study aimed to develop and empirically evaluate a self‐report measure of cancer survivors' supportive care needs. In Phase I, questionnaire items were generated based upon previous qualitative research that identified both unique and shared needs in survivors and their partners; items were constructed into the Cancer Survivors' Unmet Needs measure (CaSUN). In Phase 2, the CaSUN was completed by 353 cancer survivors who had been diagnosed with cancer between 1 and 15 years earlier and were currently disease‐free.

Results: After modification, the CaSUN included 35 unmet need items, 6 positive change items and an open‐ended question. Good acceptability, internal consistency and validity were demonstrated, although test–retest reliability was low. Maximum likelihood factor analysis identified five discrete factors: Existential Survivorship, Comprehensive Care, Information, Quality of Life and Relationships.

Conclusions: Preliminary data indicates that the CaSUN meets the majority of psychometric criteria for assessment measures, although its low test–retest reliability awaits further investigation. The CaSUN will facilitate the evaluation of supportive care services and generation of service delivery recommendations for cancer survivors. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What can the age composition of a population tell us about the age composition of its out‐migrants?
Authors: Little Jani S. , Rogers Andrei
Published: December 2006

Preliminary findings show that the age structure of a population can provide valuable information about the age composition of its out‐migrants, and that this relationship can become a key ingredient in the proposed new method for estimating the age profile of out‐migrants when accurate data are not available. The method relies on the Rogers‐Castro model schedule to consistently and accurately represent age profiles of out‐migration, and the results show that variation among these out‐migration schedules can be captured by a typology based on a small set of clusters, or families of schedules. Membership of the clusters is then predicted from simple measures of population composition using discriminant function analysis. The investigation is based on data for US states, CMSAs, MSAs and non‐metropolitan counties, and their outflows of migrants between 1995 and 2000. The measures of population age composition come from official 1995 intercensal age‐specific population estimates for the same geographical units. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘Low’ fertility and population replacement in Scotland
Authors: MacInnes John , Díaz Julio Pérez
Published: December 2006

It has been argued that Scotland faces population ageing and decline that will have potentially serious economic and social consequences, and that the origin of these processes lie in its low and declining fertility rates. After considering alternatives to the total period rate measure of fertility, empirical evidence and theoretical argument about low fertility and its consequences is briefly reviewed. The paper argues that low fertility in general may not be the problem it is often purported to be, that Scotland has relatively high fertility, and that pro‐natalist policies are neither desirable nor necessary. It suggests that low fertility and population ageing may be viewed as positive developments, and that within Europe, Scotland is distinguished more by its excess of early deaths than by any shortage of births. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ab‐initio modeling of spintronic materials
Authors: Sanyal Biplab , Eriksson Olle
Published: December 2006

Half‐metallic ferromagnets with high Curie temperatures are important ingredients for spintronics applications. These include diluted magnetic semiconductors and other ordered ferromagnetic compounds. In this paper, we present ab‐initio density functional electronic structure calculations of several spintronic materials addressing issues on the nature of exchange interactions, electron correlation effects, influence of defects, effects of disorder and volume dependence of exchange interactions. The calculations are done by two different methods, (i) plane wave projector augmented wave and (ii) Green function based Korringa–Kohn–Rostoker‐Coherent Potential Approximation (KKR‐CPA). We also present calculations of Curie temperatures using Monte‐Carlo simulations with effective Heisenberg Hamiltonian within the framework of ab‐initio methods. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of Cr doping on HgTe properties
Authors: Asotski Valeriy V. , Lashkarev George V. , Radchenko Mykhailo V. , Frasunyak Vasiliy M.
Published: December 2006

Electrical and magnetic investigations of HgTe doped by Cr are presented. The low temperature features of Hall coefficient magnetoresistance, thermoelectric power and magnetic susceptibility were revealed. They point out to the creation of an impurity level by the Cr dopant and to the behavior of Cr2+(d4) as Van–Vleck ion. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
MBE growth of MgGeAs2:Mn on GaAs substrate
Authors: Li Z. , Bender H. , Malfait M. , Moshchalkov V. V. , Borghs G. , Roy W. Van
Published: December 2006

Manganese doped II–IV–V2 chalcopyrites are promising candidates for room temperature ferromagnetic semiconductors. In this category, we report a new material MgGeAs2:Mn for MBE growth on GaAs substrates. Firstly, we investigated the growth of MgGeAs2 on GaAs (001) and (111)B. Stoichiometric growth conditions were established with assistance of XPS measurements. On GaAs (001), RHEED, XRD and TEM revealed phase separation with the formation of Mg3As2 and columnar grains with composition modulation. On GaAs(111)B, we obtained single crystalline films of 35 nm with a smooth surface at an optimized growth temperature of 560 °C and a beam equivalent pressure ratio Mg:Ge:As = 1:3.1:800. The lattice constant of the chalcopyrite phase is nearly matched to GaAs for both (001) and (111)B growth, in contrast to the theoretical prediction of a 6.1% mismatch. With flux variations of ±10%, Hall measurements at room temperature showed n‐type conduction (n = 4 × 1017 ∼ 3 × 1018 cm–3) in germanium rich samples and p‐type conduction (p = 8 × 1018 ∼ 2 × 1019 cm–3) in magnesium rich samples.

Two ways of manganese incorporation were tried on (111)B grown MgGeAs2: (1) in‐situ solid state reaction by annealing a manganese layer deposited on top of MgGeAs2 and (2) co‐evaporation of manganese during the host material growth. Using method (2), manganese was incorporated by replacing 20% of magnesium without structural change. RHEED and XRD did not reveal the existence of additional phases. However, the preliminary magnetization and transport measurement didn't reveal a ferromagnetic signal in these samples. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical, structural, and magnetic properties of p‐type GaN implanted with Fe+ (5 and 10 at%)
Authors: Shon Yoon , Park Young S. , Lee Seejoon , Jeon H. C. , Kwon Y. H. , Kang T. W. , Kim Jin Soak , Kim Eun Kyu , Kim C. K. , Yoon C. S.
Published: December 2006

p‐type GaN epilayers were prepared by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition and subsequently implanted with Fe+. The results of energy dispersive X‐ray peak displayed the Fe‐injected concentration of 5 and 10 at%, respectively. The results of photoluminescence measurement show that optical transitions related to Fe appear at 2.5 and 3.1 eV. It was confirmed that the photoluminescence peak at 2.5 eV is a donor‐Fe acceptor transition and the photoluminescence peak at 3.1 eV is a conduction band‐Fe acceptor transition. Apparent ferromagnetic hysteresis loops measured at 10 and 300 K with the Fe concentration of 10 at% were observed, and the temperature‐dependent magnetization displayed a ferromagnetic behavior persisting up to 300 K. The systematic enhancement of ferromagnetic hysteresis loops for GaN implanted with high doses of Fe (5 → 10 at%) takes place with an increase in the annealing temperature from 700 to 850 °C. The trends of magnetic properties coincide with the results of the increased full width at half maximum of triple axis diffraction for GaN (0002) including the appearance of GaFeN, the enhanced Fe‐related photoluminescence transitions, and the increased sizes of symmetric spin ferromagnetic domains GaFeN in atomic force microscopy and magnetic force microscopy systematically. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photoluminescence and Hall studies of GaN:Fe and (Ga,Fe)N:Mg layers
Authors: Wegscheider M. , Simbrunner C. , Przybylińska H. , Kiecana M. , Sawicki M. , Navarro‐Quezada A. , Sitter H. , Jantsch W. , Dietl T. , Bonanni A.
Published: December 2006

Temperature dependent photoluminescence (PL) in the ultraviolet (UV) regime and Hall measurements at room temperature have been performed on Metal‐Organic‐Chemical‐Vapour‐Deposition (MOCVD) grown GaN:Fe and (Ga,Fe)N:Mg layers. PL measurements were employed in order to study the dopants' influence on the near‐band edge excitonic emission and their tendency to provoke the formation and suppression of defects or incorporation of impurities. For their identification and for the understanding of the PL spectra the evaluation of the free carrier concentrations via Hall measurements were necessary. Depending on the iron concentration of the (Ga,Fe)N layers, the near‐band edge emission goes through two different stages: at low Fe‐concentration no excitonic emission can be seen whereas with higher doping levels, excitonic features develop. The (Ga,Fe)N films exhibit n‐type behaviour. The Mg codoped samples show strong Mg and defect related luminescence bands, whose occurrence and intensity also strongly depends on whether high or low Fe concentration is present. The (Ga,Fe)N:Mg layers were semi insulating. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Defects in thin film silicon at the transition from amorphous to microcrystalline structure
Authors: Astakhov O. , Carius R. , Petrusenko Yu. , Borysenko V. , Barankov D. , Finger F.
Published: December 2006

Defects in thin film silicon with different structure all the way from amorphous to microcrystalline were investigated by electron spin resonance with emphasis on amorphous material prepared close to the transition to crystalline growth. Electron beam irradiation and stepwise annealing is used for reversible variation of the defect density over three orders of magnitude. The electron irradiation enhances mainly the native paramagnetic defects. Additional resonances are found as satellites to the central line, which anneal rapidly at temperatures below 100 °C. These features are most pronounced for the amorphous material prepared close to the transition to crystalline growth. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Surface morphology of highly mismatched InSb films grown on GaAs substrates by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Xiong Min , Li Meicheng , Zhao Liancheng
Published: December 2006

InSb films on GaAs(001) substrates with and without GaAs buffer layer have been grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Rather than surface undulations, aligned ripples and pyramidal hillocks along the orthogonal 〈110〉 directions were observed on the surface of InSb films. Both the preferential growth and the termination of ripples were proved to be related to strain‐driven mass transport. A model was proposed to elucidate the formation of the hillocks, which are more efficient to relax strain than ripples. Due to the strain relaxation through hillocks with small bases predominantly, the surfaces of the InSb films grown without a GaAs buffer layer are smoother than those of films grown with a GaAs buffer layer. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Beyond cost models: communications satellite revenue models. Integrating cost considerations into a value‐centric mindset
Authors: Saleh J. H. , Torres Padilla J. P.
Published: December 2006

While satellite cost models are pervasive throughout the aerospace industry, revenue models or utility models of space systems are quasi‐inexistent. This situation perhaps conveys the false impression that satellites are either cost sinks or expensive artefacts whose value or utility profile over their design lifetime is difficult to quantify. In this paper, we propose that satellites, like any other complex engineering systems, should be perceived as value delivery artefacts, and the value delivered, or the flow of service that the spacecraft delivers over its design lifetime, deserves as much effort to quantify as the system's cost. To this effect, we build, in the case of a GEO communications satellite, revenue models based on (1) statistical analyses of spacecraft loading dynamics and (2) historical trends of market prices for the communications services provided. Results and discussions presented here should prove useful to satellite operators and industry observers. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved TDM switching assignments for variable and fixed burst length
Authors: Kagaris Dimitri
Published: December 2006

In this paper we present two algorithms for improved satellite‐switched TDM slot assignments ofN×Ntraffic matrices underKtransponders/carriers (simultaneous connections), 1⩽K⩽N. The first algorithm applies to data switching with variable burst length and achieves optimum transmission time with a significantly lower number of switching configurations than a previously proposed algorithm, while still having the same time complexity (O(N4)). Experimental results demonstrate the advantage. The second algorithm applies to the case of fixed burst length and offers a faster complexity ofO(L·N2), whereLis the minimum transmission time, at the cost of occasionally missing the minimum. Extensive simulations indicate that the difference from the minimum is rare and is at most one. They also show that the presented algorithm even improves a previous one which was proposed for the fixed burst length case and has the same time complexity but usesK=N. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Locating faulty code by multiple points slicing
Authors: Zhang Xiangyu , Gupta Neelam , Gupta Rajiv
Published: December 2006

Dynamic slicing has long been considered as a useful tool for debugging programs as it effectively identifies a reduced fault candidate set which captures the faulty code in the program. Traditionally, a backward dynamic slice is computed starting from an incorrect value observed by the programmer during a failed program run. This incorrect value is either an incorrect output value or an incorrect address whose dereferencing causes the program to crash. Recently we proposed two additional types of dynamic slices, a forward dynamic slice of a minimal failure inducing input difference and a bidirectional dynamic slice of a critical predicate. We have built a dynamic slicing tool that computes dynamic slices by instrumenting program binaries and executing them to build dynamic dependence graphs. In this paper, through experiments, we demonstrate that supporting three different types of dynamic slices has the following advantages. First, we observe that for each type of dynamic slice there are distinct situations in which it is not applicable. Therefore, we should support multiple types of slices to handle a wide range of situations. Second, supporting multiple types of dynamic slices enables us to compute a multiple points dynamic slice which is the intersection of different type of available slices. Our experiments show that multiple points dynamic slices are significantly smaller than any of the three kinds of individual dynamic slices. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systematic pattern selection using pattern language grammars and design space analysis
Authors: Zdun Uwe
Published: December 2006

Software patterns provide reusable solutions to recurring design problems in a particular context. The software architect or designer must find the relevant patterns and pattern languages that need to be considered, and select the appropriate patterns, as well as the best order to apply them. If the patterns and pattern languages are written by multiple pattern authors, it might be necessary to identify interdependencies and overlaps between these patterns and pattern languages first. Out of the possible multitude of patterns and pattern combinations that might provide a solution to a particular design problem, one fitting solution must be selected. This can only be mastered with a sufficient expertise for both the relevant patterns and the domain in which they are applied. To remedy these issues we provide an approach to support the selection of patterns based on desired quality attributes and systematic design decisions based on patterns. We propose to formalize the pattern relationships in a pattern language grammar and to annotate the grammar with effects on quality goals. In a second step, complex design decisions are analyzed further using the design spaces covered by a set of related software patterns. This approach helps to systematically find and categorize the appropriate software patterns—possibly even from different sources. As a case study of our approach, we analyze patterns from a pattern language for distributed object middleware. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Significance of severe distant and moderate close earthquakes on design and behavior of tall buildings
Authors: Mwafy Aman , Elnashai Amr , Sigbjörnsson Ragnar , Salama Assaad
Published: December 2006

Many sites around the world may be subjected to severe distant earthquakes alongside moderate‐size, short source‐to‐site distance events. The two scenarios have different impacts on high‐rise buildings and should be therefore investigated. Dubai, a region with an exceptionally high rate of development, is vulnerable to the aforementioned earthquake hazard scenarios. The region represents one of the most rapidly growing in construction of tall buildings worldwide. It was therefore selected for the investigation described in the paper. A hazard study for the construction site of a 187m high reinforced concrete tower is conducted. Seismicity of the region is outlined and a hazard assessment is carried out to evaluate peak ground accelerations and uniform hazard spectra for different probabilities of exceedance. A number of natural and synthetic records are selected to represent different seismic assessment scenarios at the site. The RC tower is then modeled and analyzed using state‐of‐the art analytical platforms. Three‐dimensional elastic, inelastic pushover and response history analyses are carried out to verify the dynamic characteristic and estimate the capacity to compare it with the predicted demand. The significance of including severe distant earthquakes in design and assessment of high‐rise buildings is confirmed. Records representing the latter scenario amplify the fundamental mode that may be overlooked in design using short source‐to‐site earthquakes. A proposal is made for scaling the results from inelastic dynamic analysis to arrive at a safe and economical design level. The study not only presents comprehensive hazard and vulnerability study for the selected test case, but also gives conclusions that generically apply to the class of long‐period buildings subjected to large‐distant and small‐close earthquakes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the shear strength of reinforced concrete deep beam with web opening
Authors: Eun Hee‐Chang , Lee Young‐Ho , Chung Heon‐Soo , Yang Keun‐Hyeok
Published: December 2006

An objective of this study is to establish the shear strength of reinforced concrete deep beam with web opening. Eighteen beams were tested with the variables of the steel ratio and strength of longitudinal bars, concrete strength, and shear span‐to‐depth ratio. It was observed that the opening is strengthened by longitudinal bars but the load‐carrying capacity of deep beams with openings can be largely improved by the increase in concrete strength. Modifying the softened truss model derived by Mau and Hsu and utilizing the results of this experiment carried out with the variables of concrete strength, cross‐section size, shear‐span‐to‐depth ratio, and the strength and steel ratio of longitudinal bars, this study proposes an improved model to predict the shear strength. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal detection and outcome of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a French registry‐based study
Authors: Gallot D. , Boda C. , Ughetto S. , Perthus I. , Robert‐Gnansia E. , Francannet C. , Laurichesse‐Delmas H. , Jani J. , Coste K. , Deprest J. , Labbe A. , Sapin V. , Lemery D.
Published: December 2006

Objectives

To describe the true incidence, prenatal detection rate and fetal outcome of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in a systematically registered population over an 18‐year period and to determine any change in trends over time.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of all cases of CDH registered in the Central‐Eastern France Birth Defects Registry from 1986 to 2003. All fetuses and infants up to 1 year of age diagnosed with CDH were registered, including miscarriages later than 22 weeks of gestation, stillbirths and terminations of pregnancy (TOP). Routine prenatal screening consisted of three ultrasound examinations and there was no upper limit of gestational age for TOP.

Results

Five hundred and one cases of CDH were identified from a total of 1 835 022 live births (2.7 cases per 10 000 live births). The overall prenatal detection rate was 54%. There was a significant increase over time in the detection rate mainly for associated CDH and left‐sided CDH (P < 0.0001), and in the proportion of neonates delivered in tertiary centers (P < 0.0001). The overall survival rate at discharge was 47% and this increased significantly over time for isolated CDH (P = 0.04), whereas it was lower and remained stable for associated CDH (P = 0.64). The TOP rate for isolated CDH did not vary significantly in contrast to that for associated CDH cases in which the TOP rate increased over time, progressively replacing the neonatal death rate (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Over an 18‐year period, this large population‐based study demonstrated increasing prenatal detection rates for associated CDH and left‐sided CDH and confirmed an increasing survival rate mainly for isolated CDH. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnostic Sensitivity of Contrast Swallow for Leakage after Gastric Resection
Authors: Tonouchi Hitoshi , Mohri Yasuhiko , Tanaka Kouji , Ohi Masaki , Kobayashi Minako , Yamakado Koichiro , Kusunoki Masato
Published: December 2006

Introduction

We examined the clinical manifestations and computed tomography findings of patients with leakage after gastrectomy for cancer and determined the sensitivity of the contrast swallow for the leakage diagnosis.

Methods

The medical records of 331 consecutive patients undergoing gastrectomy between January 1992 and December 2003 were reviewed. Routine contrast swallow was performed in all patients before oral intake. Once leakage was suspected, an emergency contrast swallow was performed and its diagnostic sensitivity determined.

Results

In total, leakage was diagnosed 9 of 17 times by the contrast swallow, for a diagnostic sensitivity of 53%. The clinical signs or another imaging modality often corrected the misdiagnosis.

Conclusions

The diagnostic sensitivity of contrast swallow for leakage after gastrectomy was low. Therefore, if we employ the contrast swallow technique, we should keep in mind its low sensitivity.
A Propensity Score Adjustment for Multiple Group Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Hoshino Takahiro , Kurata Hiroshi , Shigemasu Kazuo
Published: December 2006

In the behavioral and social sciences, quasi-experimental and observational studies are used due to the difficulty achieving a random assignment. However, the estimation of differences between groups in observational studies frequently suffers from bias due to differences in the distributions of covariates. To estimate average treatment effects when the treatment variable is binary, Rosenbaum and Rubin (1983a) proposed adjustment methods for pretreatment variables using the propensity score.

However, these studies were interested only in estimating the average causal effect and/or marginal means. In the behavioral and social sciences, a general estimation method is required to estimate parameters in multiple group structural equation modeling where the differences of covariates are adjusted.

We show that a Horvitz-Thompson-type estimator, propensity score weighted M estimator (PWME) is consistent, even when we use estimated propensity scores, and the asymptotic variance of the PWME is shown to be less than that with true propensity scores.

Furthermore, we show that the asymptotic distribution of the propensity score weighted statistic under a null hypothesis is a weighted sum of independent χ12
variables.

We show the method can compare latent variable means with covariates adjusted using propensity scores, which was not feasible by previous methods. We also apply the proposed method for correlated longitudinal binary responses with informative dropout using data from the Longitudinal Study of Aging (LSOA). The results of a simulation study indicate that the proposed estimation method is more robust than the maximum likelihood (ML) estimation method, in that PWME does not require the knowledge of the relationships among dependent variables and covariates.
Phase diagram of α‐sulfonate methyl esters derived from palm stearin/alcohol/water systems
Authors: Lim Wen Huei
Published: December 2006

Phase diagrams of α‐sulfonate methyl ester derived from palm stearin (α‐SMEPS)/alcohol/water systems were mapped at 30±0.1°C. Two main regions—an isotropic and a lamellar liquid crystalline—were the focal points in this system. An increase in alcohol chain length decreased the isotropic region and increased the lamellar liquid crystal region. In the isotropic region, self‐assembly of α‐SMEPS at different alcohol chain lengths was determined by using conductivity and viscosity measurements. The phase boundaries of micelle to bicontinuous structure and bicontinuous structure to inverse micelle transitions in the isotropic regions are proposed from these analytical methods. The increase in alcohol chain length shifted the micelle ⇆ bicontinuous structure to the water‐rich corner, and the bicontinuous structure ⇆ inverse micelle transition moved toward the alcohol‐rich corner.
The effect of some foam boosters on the foamability and foam stability of anionic systems
Authors: Sakai Takaya , Kaneko Youhei
Published: December 2006

The foaming properties of anionic surfactant solutions containing a nonionic surfactant, fatty acid N‐methyl‐ethanolamide (NMEA), were investigated. Foamability, which is the foam‐generating power at the initial stage of foaming, was measured by a laboratory‐built foam‐testing apparatus, and also by the conventional Ross‐Miles test NMEA synergistically increased the foamability of anionic surfactant solutions, particularly when small amounts of NMEA were added. Shorter hydrocarbon chain lengths of NMEA, such as N‐octanoyl‐N‐methylethanol (NMEA‐08) and N‐decanoyl‐N‐methylethanol (NMEA‐10), showed better performance in the laboratory‐built foam tester. The results of the Ross‐Miles evaluation, however, were completely opposite. Compared with commercial nonionic boosters, such as fatty acid monoethanolamide, fatty acid diethanolamide, and lauramidopropyldimethylbetaine (LPB), NMEA was the most effective for increasing foamability of the solution at the initial stage. The most popular amphoteric foam booster, LPB, did not increase foamability but likely generated the initial foam volume on the Ross‐Miles test as a result of foam film stabilization. From these results, a foam‐boosting mechanism of NMEA different from that of LPB is suggested.
Investigation of the properties of decaoxyethylene n‐dodecyl ether, C12E10, in the aqueous sugar‐rich region
Authors: Sharma K. Shivaji , Rakshit Animesh Kumar
Published: December 2006

Interfacial, thermodynamic, and morphological properties of decaoxyethylene n‐dodecylether [CH3 (CH2)11(OCH2CH2)10OH](C12E10) in aqueous solution were analyzed by tensiometric, viscometric, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS) techniques. Dynamic and structural aspects at different temperatures in the absence and presence of sugars at different concentrations were measured. Critical micelle concentrations (CMC) were determined by surface tension measurements in the presence of ribose, glucose, and sucrose. The heat capacity (ΔCp.m.), transfer enthalpy (ΔHm.tr.), transfer heat capacities (ΔCp.m.tr.), micellization constant (Km), Setchenow constant (KSN), and partition coefficient (q) were determined and discussed as an extension of the usual thermodynamic quantities of micellization and adsorption at the air‐water interface. An enthalpy‐entropy compensation effect was observed with an isostructural temperature (Tc) of about 310 K for both micellization and interfacial adsorption. SANS measurements were taken to elucidate structural information, viz., aggregation number (Nagg), shape, size, and number density (Nm) on C12E10 micelles in D2O at different concentrations of sugars (0.05, 0.02, 0.3, and 0.5 M) and temperatures (30, 45, and 60°C). Intrinsic viscosity gave the hydrated micellar volume (Vh), volume of the hydrocarbon core (Vc), and volume of the palisade layer of the oxyethylene (OE) unit (VOE). SANS, as well as rheological data, supported the formation of nonspherical micelles with or without sugars. By SANS, we also observed that at the studied temperature intervals, oblate ellipsoid micelles changed into prolate ellipsoids and the number density of micelles decreased with an increase in temperature both in the presence and in the absence of sugars and also on increasing the concentration of sugars. Proton NMR showed a change in chemical shift of the OE group of micelles above the CMC. We also studied the phase separation of C12E10 by sugars in cloud point measurements.
Brief report: Effect of menarcheal status and family structure on depressive symptoms and emotional/behavioural problems in young adolescent girls
Authors: Capron Christiane , Thérond Carine , Duyme Michel
Published: December 2006

The study investigated the relationship between depressive symptoms and emotional/behavioural problems in adolescent girls () aged 12–13 years, menarcheal status and family structure, and considered whether the effect of family structure was the same in the presence or absence of menses. The Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were administered to a representative sample of adolescents. Results showed main effects of menarcheal status and family structure on SDQ scores and a significant interaction on CDI scores only. A non‐intact family appeared to be a stronger risk factor for depressive symptomatology than for emotional/behavioural problems in menarcheal girls.
The Schrödinger–Maxwell system with Dirac mass
Authors: Coclite G.M. , Holden H.
Published: December 2006

We study a nonrelativistic charged quantum particle moving in a bounded open set

\Omega \subset \mathbb{R}^{3}

with smooth boundary under the action of a zero-range potential. In the electrostatic case the standing wave solution takes the form

\psi (t,x) = u(x)\mathrm{e}^{−\mathrm{i}\omega t}

where

u

formally satisfies

−\mathrm{\Delta }u + \alpha \phi u−\frac{1}{\beta }\delta _{x_{0}}u = \omega u

and the electric potential

ϕ

is given by

−\mathrm{\Delta }\phi = u^{2}

. We give a rigorous definition of this problem and show that it has a weak nontrivial solution.

Nous étudions une particule quantique chargée et non relativiste se déplaçant dans un domaine ouvert borné

\Omega \subset \mathbb{R}^{3}

au contour régulier sous l'action d'un potentiel concentré en un point. Dans le cas electrostatique, l'onde solution prends la forme

\psi (t,x) = u(x)\mathrm{e}^{−i\omega t}

où

u

satisfait formellement

−\mathrm{\Delta }u + \alpha \phi u−\frac{1}{\beta }\delta _{x_{0}}u = \omega u

et le potentiel électrique

ϕ

est donné par

−\mathrm{\Delta }\phi = u^{2}

. Nous donnons une définition rigoureuse du problème et montrons qu'il possède une solution faible non triviale.
Spinal administration of a δ opioid receptor agonist attenuates hyperalgesia and allodynia in a rat model of neuropathic pain
Authors: Holdridge Sarah V. , Cahill Catherine M.
Published: December 2006

Neuropathic (NP) pain is a debilitating chronic pain disorder considered by some to be inherently resistant to therapy with traditional analgesics. Indeed, μ opioid receptor (OR) agonists show reduced therapeutic benefit and their long term use is hindered by the high incidence of adverse effects. However, pharmacological and physiological evidence increasingly suggests a role for δOR agonists in modulating NP pain symptoms. In this study, we examined the antihyperalgesic and antiallodynic effects of the spinally administered δOR agonist, d‐[Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin II (deltorphin II), as well as the changes in δOR expression, in rats following chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. Rats with CCI exhibited cold hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia over a 14‐day testing period. Intrathecal administration of deltorphin II reversed cold hyperalgesia on day 14 and dose‐dependently attenuated mechanical allodynia. The effects of deltorphin II were mediated via activation of the δOR as the effect was antagonized by co‐treatment with the δ‐selective antagonist, naltrindole. Western blotting experiments revealed no changes in δOR protein in the dorsal spinal cord following CCI. Taken together, these data demonstrate the antihyperalgesic and antiallodynic effectiveness of a spinally administered δOR agonist following peripheral nerve injury and support further investigation of δORs as potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of NP pain.
Fibroblast growth factor‐10 prevents H2O2‐induced cell cycle arrest by regulation of G1 cyclins and cyclin dependent kinases
Authors: Upadhyay D. , Chang W. , Wei K. , Gao M. , Rosen G.D.
Published: December 2006

We studied the effects of fibroblast growth factor (FGF‐10) on H2O2‐induced alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) G1 arrest and the role of G1 cyclins. FGF‐10 prevented H2O2‐induced AEC G1 arrest. FGF‐10 induced 2–4‐fold increase in cyclin E, cyclin A and CDKs (2, 4) alone and in AEC treated with H2O2. H2O2 downregulated cyclin D1; FGF‐10 blocked these effects. FGF‐10 prevented H2O2‐induced upregulation of CDK inhibitor, p21. SiRNAp21 blocked H2O2‐induced downregulation of cyclins, CDKs and AEC G1 arrest. Accordingly, we provide first evidence that FGF‐10 regulates G1 cyclins and CDKs, and prevents H2O2‐induced AEC G1 arrest.
Noise‐reduction filtering for accurate detection of replication termini in bacterial genomes
Authors: Arakawa Kazuharu , Saito Rintaro , Tomita Masaru
Published: December 2006

Bacterial chromosomes are highly polarized in their nucleotide composition through mutational selection related to replication. Using compositional skews such as the GC skew, replication origin and terminus can be predicted in silico by observing the shift points. However, the genome sequence is affected by myriad functional requirements and selection on numerous subgenomic features, and elimination of this “noise” should lead to better predictions. Here, we present a noise‐reduction approach that uses low‐pass filtering through Fast Fourier transform coupled with cumulative skew graphs. It increases the prediction accuracy of the replication termini compared with previously documented methods based on genomic base composition.
The twin‐arginine translocation pathway is necessary for correct membrane insertion of the Rieske Fe/S protein in Legionella pneumophila
Authors: De Buck Emmy , Vranckx Leen , Meyen Eef , Maes Liesbeth , Vandersmissen Liesbeth , Anné Jozef , Lammertyn Elke
Published: December 2006

The twin‐arginine translocation (Tat) pathway translocates folded proteins across the cytoplasmic membrane. Proteins transported through this secretion system typically carry two arginine residues in their signal peptide that is cleaved off during translocation. Recently, we demonstrated the presence of the Tat pathway in Legionella pneumophila Philadelphia‐1 and the Rieske Fe/S protein PetA was one of the predicted Tat substrates. Because we observed that the signal peptide of PetA is not processed and that this protein is still membrane associated in the tat mutants, correct membrane insertion was assayed using a trypsin sensitivity assay. We conclude that the Tat pathway is necessary for correct membrane insertion of L. pneumophila PetA.
Pansteatitis and severe hypocalcaemia in a cat
Authors: Zini Eric , Hauser Beat , Ossent Pete , Dennler Renate , Glaus Tony M.
Published: December 2006

A 13-year-old Siamese cat was presented for investigation of lethargy and progressive abdominal enlargement. Serum chemistry revealed severe reduction of total and ionised serum calcium. The omentum appeared hyperechoic with scattered hypoechoic foci on abdominal ultrasound examination. Elevated serum parathormone and low fractional excretion of calcium excluded a parathyroid disorder and renal loss of the electrolyte. During laparotomy the omentum appeared opaque, white and firm. Post-mortem examination revealed that the thoracic and subcutaneous fat was also affected. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of pansteatitis with diffuse calcium soaps formation. While, severe hypocalcaemia is occasionally seen in cats, the association with pansteatitis has not been reported previously. In man, a cause-and-effect relationship between calcium soaps and hypocalcaemia is recognised, though the association is rare.
Economic Growth and Democracy in Africa: Revisiting the Feldstein-Horioka Puzzle
Authors: Kisangani Emizet F.
Published: December 2006

Abstract.The debate on the relationship between economic performance (sustained economic growth, saving and investment) and democracy remains unsettled. This article provides a critical review of the arguments by relying on the Feldstein-Horioka puzzle. A generalized method of moments (GMM) using 37 African countries from 1960 to 1998 reveals a close relationship among indicators of economic performance but no relationship between economic performance and democracy. Co-integration and vector error correction models contradict GMM results, however. Democracy fosters investment in eight countries, enhances saving in three other countries and sustains economic growth in five. Therefore, single country analyses using appropriate methodologies seem warranted to avoid putting forth ecological fallacies with detrimental policy implications.

Résumé.Le débat sur la relation entre performance économique (croissance économique soutenue, épargne et investissement) et démocratie est encore loin d'être clos. Cet article fait une analyse critique des thèses en présence en se basant sur le paradoxe de Feldtsein-Horioka. L'analyse de 37 pays africains de 1960 à 1998 utilisant la méthode des moments généralisée (MMG) démontre un lien étroit entre les divers indicateurs de performance économique, mais aucun lien entre ceux-ci et la démocratie. Cependant, la cointégration et les modèles vectoriels à correction d'erreurs contredisent les résultats basés sur la MMG. En effet, la démocratie favorise l'investissement dans huit pays, encourage l'épargne dans trois autres pays, et soutient la croissance économique dans cinq pays. Il semble justifié, par conséquent, de recourir à des analyses individuelles par pays utilisant des méthodologies appropriées pour éviter des erreurs écologiques aux répercussions néfastes sur la politique économique.
Globalization, Politics and Provincial Government Spending in Canada
Authors: Pickup Mark
Published: December 2006

Abstract.Using time series, cross-sectional econometric modelling, an analysis is made of competing political and economic determinants of Canadian provincial government fiscal policy during the 1980s and 1990s. It is determined that provincial government spending responses to trade liberalization are dependent upon the ideology of the government and conditioned by the degree of provincial unionization. When relatively high levels of unionization prevail, those governments that typically spend the most reduce total spending to a lowest common denominator. However, when unionization is low, provincial government spending responses to increasing trade openness is primarily compensatory. This is in contradiction to the “race to the bottom” theory. The contingent nature of the provincial government spending response to trade openness means that despite overall pressures for fiscal convergence, political, economic and regional factors continue to contribute to distinct provincial spending policies.

Résumé.Cet article utilise une modélisation économétrique transversale en série chronologique pour analyser les déterminants politiques et économiques en compétition au niveau de la politique fiscale du gouvernement provincial canadien durant les années 1980 et 1990. Il est établi qu'en termes de dépenses publiques, les réactions du gouvernement provincial face à la libéralisation des échanges sont tributaires de l'idéologie du gouvernement et déterminées par le niveau de syndicalisation provincial. Lorsque le niveau de syndicalisation est relativement élevé, ce sont les gouvernements provinciaux qui dépensent le plus qui réduisent leurs dépenses totales au plus bas dénominateur commun. Par contre, plus le niveau de syndicalisation est bas, plus les dépenses publiques face à la libéralisation des échanges sont principalement compensatoires. Cela vient contredire la théorie du “ nivellement par le bas ”. La nature conditionnelle de la réaction du gouvernement provincial en termes de dépenses publiques signifie qu'en dépit des pressions globales pour la convergence fiscale, des facteurs politiques, économiques et régionaux continuent de contribuer aux politiques de dépenses publiques distinctes.
Banking Crises, Collective Protest and Rebellion
Authors: Richards David L. , Gelleny Ronald D.
Published: December 2006

Abstract.Both developed and developing countries have experienced turmoil associated with banking sector failures. However, while there exists literature studying the economic costs of banking meltdowns, little scholarly attention has been devoted to examining the relationship between banking crises and domestic agitation (internal conflict). Failing to explore the impact of banking crises on domestic agitation risks excluding a key component in understanding the puzzle of domestic political stability. Examining a dataset of 125 countries for the years 1981 to 2000, we find banking crises to be systematically associated with greater levels of collective protest activities such as riots, anti-government demonstrations and strikes.

Résumé.Les défaillances du secteur bancaire ont causé des perturbations sociales aussi bien dans les pays développés que dans les pays en voie de développement. Toutefois, tandis qu'il existe des recherches sur les coûts économiques des faillites bancaires, les chercheurs se sont peu intéressés au rapport entre crises bancaires et problèmes socio-politiques intérieurs. En négligeant l'effet des crises bancaires sur les troubles sociaux intérieurs, on risque d'exclure un élément clé de l'analyse complexe de la stabilité politique intérieure. L'examen d'un ensemble de données sur 125 nations pour les années 1981 à 2000, nous permet de constater que les crises bancaires sont systématiquement associées à une accélération des activités de protestation collective telles que les émeutes, les manifestations anti-gouvernementales et les grèves.
Reconfiguring Sovereignty: NAFTA Chapter 11 Dispute Settlement Procedures and the Issue of Public-Private Authority
Authors: McBride Stephen
Published: December 2006

Abstract.This article focuses on the claim that authority is shifting from public into private hands. To partially test that thesis it examines the procedures for settling disputes under NAFTA Chapter 11 (itself an example of the broader category of investor-state provisions found in bilateral investment agreements and some international conventions). The article detects evidence of a delegation or transfer of public authority to private processes. It deals only incidentally with NAFTA Chapter 11's grant to investors of the right to make direct claims against signatory governments; rather, it concentrates on the procedures for resolving such claims, and the means available to states to assert the public interest. Specifically, this article examines the way that the NAFTA Chapter 11 dispute resolution mechanism is rooted in private arbitration processes and seeks to determine the effectiveness of the means available to public authorities to alter decisions emanating from them, if they are deemed to be contrary to the public interest.

Résumé.Cet article considère l'argument selon lequel l'exercice de l'autorité publique est en train de passer du domaine public au domaine privé. Afin de vérifier, au moins partiellement, cette thèse l'article passe en revue les procédures d'adjudication des différends aux termes du chapitre 11 de l'ALENA - qui est lui-même un exemple de la catégorie plus vaste des dispositions concernant le traitement des investisseurs, et leur droit d'apparaître devant les tribunaux d'arbitrage au même titre que les États, que l'on trouve dans certains traités bilatéraux et internationaux. L'article décèle les indices d'une délégation ou d'un transfert de l'autorité publique vers le secteur privé. Il ne porte que tangentiellement sur le chapitre 11 de l'ALENA et les droits des investisseurs de porter plainte contre les gouvernements signataires; il analyse, par contre,de manière plus approfondie les procédures utilisées pour résoudre de telles plaintes et les moyens dont disposent les États pour défendre l'intérêt général. L'auteur examine plus particulièrement l'enracinement de la procédure de résolution des différends du chapitre 11 de l'ALENA dans les processus d'arbitrage privé et cherche à déterminer l'efficacité des moyens dont disposent les autorités publiques pour modifier les décisions qui en résultent si elles s'avèrent être contraires à l'intérêt général.