bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Degradation of aqueous methyl tert‐butyl ether by photochemical, biological, and their combined processes
Authors: Asadi Azadeh , Mehrvar Mehrab
Published: September 2006

The degradation of aqueous methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE) at relatively high concentrations was investigated by various photo‐induced oxidation processes such as UV/H2O2 and UV/TiO2 as well as biological processes and their combination. It was shown that the degradation of MTBE by UV/H2O2 and TiO2 photocatalytic followed a first‐order model with apparent rate constant of 1.31 × 10−1 and 1.21 × 10−2 min-1, respectively. It was observed that UV/H2O2/TiO2 process did not have any advantages over each of the other processes alone. The biodegradation of methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE) was evaluated using aerobic mixed culture with three different approaches, including ultimate biological oxygen demand (BODU) assessment, nonacclimated, and acclimated mixed cultures. The apparent rate constant for the biodegradation of MTBE by nonacclimated mixed culture was 4.36 × 10−2 day-1. It was shown that the acclimatization of the mixed cultures enhanced the rate of biodegradation of MTBE to 3.24 × 10−1mg L-1h-1. Finally, the effects of the photocatalytic pretreatment of aqueous MTBE on its subsequent biological treatment were studied. It was observed that the rate of bioreaction was not enhanced and the photocatalytic pretreatment had adverse effects on its biological treatment so that the apparent rate constant decreased to 2.83 × 10−1 mg L-1h-1.
Modelling of quantum yields in photocatalytic membrane reactors immobilising titanium dioxide
Authors: Bellobono Ignazio Renato , de Martini Giulia , Tozzi Paola Maria , Canevali Carmen , Morazzoni Franca , Scotti Roberto , Bianchi Riccardo
Published: September 2006

For some model molecules (methanoic and ethanoic acids, methane,
and phenol), systematic investigations of quantum yields were
carried out in the present paper, as a function of concentration
and of absorbed radiant power. Quantum yields Φ∞,
calculated from rates, followed an apparently Langmuirian function
of initial concentration C0, by which Φ∞ values
at “infinite” concentration could be obtained. By having thus
established that quantum yields of photomineralisation
Φ∞ are independent of radiation wavelength, within
the absorption range of semiconductor, but depend on radiant
power, such a dependency was experimentally investigated. For all
the investigated molecules, the maximum allowable values reached
in the low radiant power range clearly appeared as a plateau. On
the contrary, at high radiant power values, another plateau, at a
value of about 1/4‐1/5 with respect to the maximum value, was
evident. This was interpreted on the basis of a competition
kinetics of hydroxyl radicals with themselves, leading to hydrogen
peroxide formation, other than with substrate or
intermediate molecules leading to full mineralisation.
Modelling of quantum yields as a function of concentration and
radiant power thus allows a fully consistent and trustworthy
design of photoreactors.
The influence of KrF excimer laser irradiation on the surface of collagen and collagen/PVP films
Authors: Wisniewski M. , Sionkowska A. , Kaczmarek H. , Skopinska J. , Lazare S. , Tokarev V.
Published: September 2006

The surface properties of collagen and collagen/poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) films after KrF excimer laser irradiation (λ = 248nm) were investigated by means of the technique of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM). The laser irradiation of the used specimens caused an expansion of materials above their surface with pronounced sings of its melting. The height of the ablated volume in a case of collagen film at a fluence of 1.1J/cm2 was approximately 5μm. A white damage appears on the treated surfaces at a threshold of 0.5J/cm2 with a single pulse and becomes more visible for a higher fluence. It is also noteworthy that along with increasing fluences (beginning from the fluence of 1.7J/cm2), the characteristic filaments at the spot edges are observed. The local heat and pressure generated by the laser radiation were able to induce bubble formation on the surface. Further bubble colliding and bursting produce a three‐dimensional polymer “microfoam” structure with interconnected pores. These results can be of interest for some new applications.
Treatment of wastewater dyeing agent by photocatalytic process in solar reactor
Authors: Zahraa O. , Maire S. , Evenou F. , Hachem C. , Pons M. N. , Alinsafi A. , Bouchy M.
Published: September 2006

The photocatalytic decolorization of industrial textile dyes has been studied. The treatment was carried out on a solar reactor consisting in a flat active plane, tilted so as to face the sun and to allow the trickling of the water to be treated. Alternatively the reactor could be irradiated by an artificial source. After checking the system using salicylic acid, a conventional model molecule, the photocatalytic decolorization of Orange II, Yellow Drimarene, and Black Drimarene dyes was investigated. Artificial and solar irradiation gave comparable results although the heating by the sun reduced the amount of adsorption. The kinetics agrees with the Langmuir‐Hinshelwood model and a discrepancy between adsorption constants deduced from the kinetic and adsorption experiments was interpreted by considering various types of adsorption sites. Orange II and Drimarene dyes decolorization kinetics are opposite limiting cases of the above model, as being of order 0 and 1 with respect to the dye, respectively.
Laboratory‐scale photomineralization of n‐alkanes in gaseous phase by photocatalytic membranes immobilizing titanium dioxide
Authors: Bellobono Ignazio Renato , Stanescu Rodica , Costache Cristina , Canevali Carmen , Morazzoni Franca , Scotti Roberto , Bianchi Riccardo , Mangone Emilia Simona , de Martini Giulia , Tozzi Paola Maria
Published: September 2006

Kinetics of photocatalytic oxidation of methane, ethane, and n‐heptane, to yield intermediates, and photomineralization of intermediates, to yield carbon dioxide and water, was studied in the gaseous phase, at 308 ± 2 K, by a laboratory‐scale photoreactor and photocatalytic membranes immobilizing 30 ± 3 wt.% of TiO2, in the presence of aerosolized stoichiometric hydrogen peroxide as oxygen donor, and at a relative humidity close to 100%. The whole volume of irradiated solution was 4.000 ± 0.005 L, the ratio between this volume and the geometrical apparent surface of the irradiated side of the photocatalytic membrane was 3.8 ± 0.1 cm, and the absorbed power was 0.30 W/cm (cylindrical geometry). The pinetic parameters of the present work substantially coincide with those of the same molecules previously studied in aqueous solution, within the limits of experimental uncertainty. Photocatalytic processes thus appear to be controlled by interface phenomena, which are ruled kinetically, and apparently also thermodynamically, by concentration gradients, independently on diffusion and other processes in the aqueous or gaseous bulk, if turbulence in these phases is adequately assured.
Mechanisms of the influence of UV irradiation on collagen and collagen‐ascorbic acid solutions
Authors: Metreveli N. , Namicheishvili L. , Jariashvili K. , Mrevlishvili G. , Sionkowska A.
Published: September 2006

The study of the influence of UV irradiation on collagen solutions has shown the destabilization of the collagen molecule by calorimetric method. It is reflected both in changes of thermodynamic parameters of transition (Tm, ΔH, Cp = f(t)) and in the appearance of a low temperature peak, that is practically irreversible against rescanning. All these indicate that the important defects in the molecule occur. The ESR measurements have shown that the above‐mentioned thermal changes are connected with the occurrence of free radicals in solution under UV irradiation. They interact with proline (Pro) residues of the protein with the appearance of secondary free radicals, with following migration to glycine (Gly) residues. The emergence of the free radicals at the Pro and then at the Gly residues may cause the dramatic structural defect resulting from the UV irradiation, which significantly alters the network of hydrogen bonds in the triple helix of the collagen molecule. All this is connected with destabilization of the collagen molecule, because the defects in amino acid residues probably lead to cleavage of covalent bonds near the damaged sites maintaining the triple helical structure. The presence of ascorbic acid in collagen solution protects the collagen molecule from occurring of secondary free radicals.
Photodegradation of chlorbromuron, atrazine, and alachlor in aqueous systems under solar irradiation
Authors: Bahena Cristina Lizama , Martínez Susana Silva
Published: September 2006

Homogeneous and heterogeneous aqueous systems of the herbicides of chlorbromuron, atrazine, and alachlor were irradiated with a nonexpensive solar irradiation using a photoreactor with recirculation. Photodegradation of these herbicides occurred in both aqueous systems; however the presence of TiO2 clearly accelerated the degradation of the three herbicides in comparison with direct photolysis. Degradation was followed by measuring the chemical oxygen demand (COD) as a function of reaction time for each aqueous system. Over 90% of COD abatement in the heterogeneous aqueous system was obtained in a short time period showing that mineralization of chlorbromuron, atrazine, and alachlor was achieved.
Thermally modified titania photocatalysts for phenol removal from water
Authors: Grzechulska-Damszel Joanna , Morawski Antoni W. , Grzmil Barbara
Published: September 2006

Two kinds of titanium dioxide were used as starting materials for thermal modification: Tytanpol A11 supplied by Chemical Factory “Police” S.A. (Poland) and Degussa P25 supplied by Degussa AG (Germany). The photocatalytic activity of titania materials modified by thermal treatment was tested in the reaction of photocatalytic oxidation of phenol. It was found that the highest activity in the reaction of photocatalytic decomposition of phenol, in case of Tytanpol A11, shows the samples of material modified at temperatures of 700 and 750°C. These catalysts were more active than untreated A11, whereas materials modified at higher temperatures show lower activity. In the case of P25, all thermally treated materials were less active than the unmodified material. The photocatalyst samples were characterized by UV‐Vis/DR, FTIR/DRS, and XRD methods.
Fault Diagnosis System of Induction Motors Based on Neural Network and Genetic Algorithm Using Stator Current Signals
Authors: Han Tian , Yang Bo-Suk , Choi Won-Ho , Kim Jae-Sik
Published: September 2006

This paper proposes an online fault diagnosis system for induction motors through the combination of discrete wavelet transform (DWT), feature extraction, genetic algorithm (GA), and neural network (ANN) techniques. The wavelet transform improves the signal‐to‐noise ratio during a preprocessing. Features are extracted from motor stator current, while reducing data transfers and making online application available. GA is used to select the most significant features from the whole feature database and optimize the ANN structure parameter. Optimized ANN is trained and tested by the selected features of the measurement data of stator current. The combination of advanced techniques reduces the learning time and increases the diagnosis accuracy. The efficiency of the proposed system is demonstrated through motor faults of electrical and mechanical origins on the induction motors. The results of the test indicate that the proposed system is promising for the real‐time application.
Analysis of electroelastic frictionless contact problems withadhesion
Authors: Sofonea Mircea , Arhab Rachid , Tarraf Raafat
Published: September 2006

We consider two quasistatic frictionless contact problems for
piezoelectric bodies. For the first problem the contact is
modelled with Signorini′s conditions and for the second one is
modelled with normal compliance. In both problems the material′s
behavior is electroelastic and the adhesion of the contact
surfaces is taken into account and is modelled with a surface
variable, the bonding field. We provide variational formulations
for the problems and prove the existence of a unique weak solution
to each model. The proofs are based on arguments of time‐dependent
variational inequalities, differential equations, and fixed point.
Moreover, we prove that the solution of the Signorini contact
problem can be obtained as the limit of the solution of the
contact problem with normal compliance as the stiffness
coefficient of the foundation converges to infinity.
The constrained gravity model with power function as a cost function
Authors: Samanta Bablu , Mazumder Sanat Kumar
Published: September 2006

A gravity model for trip distribution describes the number of
trips between two zones, as a product of three factors, one of the
factors is separation or deterrence factor. The deterrence factor
is usually a decreasing function of the generalized cost of
traveling between the zones, where generalized cost is usually
some combination of the travel, the distance traveled, and the
actual monetary costs. If the deterrence factor is of the power
form and if the total number of origins and destination in each
zone is known, then the resulting trip matrix depends solely on
parameter, which is generally estimated from data. In this paper,
it is shown that as parameter tends to infinity, the trip matrix
tends to a limit in which the total cost of trips is the least
possible allowed by the given origin and destination totals. If
the transportation problem has many cost-minimizing solutions,
then it is shown that the limit is one particular solution in
which each nonzero flow from an origin to a destination is a
product of two strictly positive factors, one associated with the
origin and other with the destination. A numerical example is
given to illustrate the problem.
Delegated dynamic portfolio management under mean-variance preferences
Authors: Cetin Coskun
Published: September 2006

We consider a complete financial market with deterministic
parameters where an investor and a fund manager have mean-variance
preferences. The investor is allowed to borrow with risk-free rate
and dynamically allocate his wealth in the fund provided his
holdings stay nonnegative. The manager gets proportional fees
instantaneously for her management services. We show that the
manager can eliminate all her risk, at least in the constant
coefficients case. Her own portfolio is a proportion of the amount
the investor holds in the fund. The equilibrium optimal strategies
are independent of the fee rate although the portfolio of each
agent depends on it. An optimal fund weight is obtained by the
numerical solution of a nonlinear equation and is not unique in
general. In one-dimensional case, the investor's risk is inversely
proportional to the weight of the risky asset in the fund. We also
generalize the problem to the case of multiple managers and
provide some examples.
Multiparametric Flow System for the Automated Determination of Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium in Large‐Volume Parenteral Solutions and Concentrated Hemodialysis Solutions
Authors: Pistón Mariela , Dol Isabel , Knochen Moisés
Published: September 2006

A multiparametric flow system based on multicommutation and binary sampling has been designed for the automated determination of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in large‐volume parenteral solutions and hemodialysis concentrated solutions. The goal was to obtain a computer‐controlled system capable of determining the four metals without extensive modifications. The system involved the use of five solenoid valves under software control, allowing the establishment of the appropriate flow conditions for each analyte, that is, sample size, dilution, reagent addition, and so forth. Detection was carried out by either flame atomic emission spectrometry (sodium, potassium) or flame atomic absorption spectrometry (calcium, magnesium). The influence of several operating parameters was studied. Validation was carried out by analyzing artificial samples. Figures of merit obtained include linearity, accuracy, precision, and sampling frequency. Linearity was satisfactory: sodium, r2 > 0.999 (0.5–3.5 g/L), potassium, r2 > 0.996 (50–150 mg/L), calcium, r2 > 0.999 (30–120 mg/L), and magnesium, r2 > 0.999 (20–40 mg/L). Precision (sr, %, n = 5) was better than 2.1%, and accuracy (evaluated through recovery assays) was in the range of 99.8%–101.0% (sodium), 100.8–102.5% (potassium), 97.3%–101.3% (calcium), and 97.1%–99.8% (magnesium). Sampling frequencies (h−1) were 70 (sodium), 75 (potassium), 70 (calcium), and 58 (magnesium). According to the results obtained, the use of an automated multiparametric system based on multicommutation offers several advantages for the quality control of large‐volume parenteral solutions and hemodialysis concentrated solutions.
On the mixed fractional Brownian motion
Authors: Zili Mounir
Published: September 2006

The mixed fractional Brownian motion is used in mathematical
finance, in the modelling of some arbitrage‐free and complete
markets. In this paper, we present some stochastic properties and
characteristics of this process, and we study the
α‐differentiability of its sample paths.
Transplacental RNAi: Deciphering Gene Function in the Postimplantation‐Staged Embryo
Authors: O′Shea K. Sue , De Boer Lisa S. , Slawny Nicole A. , Gratsch Theresa E.
Published: September 2006

RNAi offers the opportunity to examine the role in postimplantation development of genes that cause preimplantation lethality and to create allelic series of targeted embryos. We have delivered constituitively expressed short hairpin (sh) RNAs to pregnant mice during the early postimplantation period of development and observed gene knockdown and defects that phenocopy the null embryo. We have silenced genes that have not yet been “knocked out” in the mouse (geminin and Wnt8b), those required during earlier cleavage stages of development (nanog), and genes required at implantation (Bmp4, Bmp7) singly and in combination (Bmp4 + Bmp7), and obtained unique phenotypes. We have also determined a role in postimplantation development of two transcripts identified in a differential display RT‐PCR screen of genes induced in ES cells by noggin exposure, Aggf1 and an Est (GenBank AK008955). Systemic delivery of shRNAs provides a valuable approach to gene silencing in the embryo.
Neutrophilic Cell‐Free Exudate Induces Antinociception Mediate by the Protein S100A9
Authors: Pagano Rosana L. , Mariano Mario , Giorgi Renata
Published: September 2006

Calcium‐binding protein S100A9 (MRP‐14) induces
antinociceptive effect in an experimental model of
painful sensibility and participates of antinociception observed
during neutrophilic peritonitis induced by glycogen or carrageenan
in mice. In this study, the direct antinociceptive role of the
protein S100A9 in neutrophilic cell‐free exudates obtained of mice
injected with glycogen was investigated. Mice were
intraperitoneally injected with a glycogen solution, and after
4, 8, 24, and 48 hours, either the pattern of cell
migration of the peritoneal exudate or the nociceptive response of
animals was evaluated. The glycogen‐induced neutrophilic
peritonitis evoked antinociception 4 and 8 hours after inoculation of the irritant. Peritoneal cell‐free exudates,
collected in different times after the irritant injection, were
transferred to naive animals which were submitted to the
nociceptive test. The transference of exudates also induced
antinociceptive effect, and neutralization of S100A9 activity by
anti‐S100A9 monoclonal antibody totally reverted this response.
This effect was not observed when experiments were made 24 or
48 hours after glycogen injection. These results clearly
indicate that S100A9 is secreted during glycogen‐induced
neutrophilic peritonitis, and that this protein is responsible by
antinociception observed in the initial phase of inflammatory
reaction. Thus, these data reinforce the hypothesis that the
calcium‐binding protein S100A9 participates of the endogenous
control of inflammatory pain.
Natural convection in a square cavity with partially active vertical walls: Time‐periodic boundary condition
Authors: Nithyadevi N. , Kandaswamy P. , Sivasankaran S.
Published: September 2006

A numerical study of transient natural convection in a square
cavity with partly thermally active side walls is
introduced. The thermally active regions of the side walls are
periodic in time. Top and bottom of the cavity are adiabatic. Nine
different positions of the thermally active zones are considered.
The governing equations are solved using control volume method
with power‐law scheme. The results are obtained for various values
of amplitude, period, and Grashof numbers ranging from
104–106 and different thermally active situations. It
is found that the average heat transfer increases by increasing
amplitude for P = 1, 5, and decreasing for P = 3. The average
Nusselt number behaves nonlinearly as a function of period.
Lyapunov‐Schmidt method dedicated to the observer analysis and design
Authors: Benmerzouk D. , Barbot J. P.
Published: September 2006

An analysis of observation error dynamics and an observer design are presented using the so‐called Lyapunov‐Schmidt method, firstly in order to analyze the solution′s bifurcation of the observation error dynamics, and secondly in order to propose a robust observer with respect to such solution′s bifurcation. Two numerical examples based on the Galerkin method show the pertinence of the proposed approach.
Robust stabilization withH∞performance for a class of linear parameter‐dependent systems
Authors: Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: September 2006

We focus on the issue of robust stabilization withH∞performance for a class of linear time‐invariant parameter‐dependent systems under norm‐bounded nonlinear uncertainties. By combining the idea of polynomially parameter‐dependent quadratic Lyapunov functions and linear matrix inequalities formulations, some parameter‐independent conditions with high precision are given to guarantee robust asymptotic stability and robust disturbance attenuation of the linear time‐invariant parameter‐dependent system in the presence of norm‐bounded nonlinear uncertainties. The parameter‐dependent state‐feedback control is designed based on the Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Isaac (HJI) method. The applicability of the proposed design method is illustrated in a simple example.
PPAR Gamma Activity and Control of Bone Mass in Skeletal Unloading
Authors: Marie P. J. , Kaabeche K.
Published: September 2006

Bone loss occuring with unloading is associated with decreased osteoblastogenesis and increased bone marrow adipogenesis, resulting in bone loss and decreased bone formation. Here, we review the present knowledge on the role of PPARγin the control of osteoblastogenesis and bone mass in skeletal unloading. We showed that PPARγpositively promotes adipogenesis and negatively regulates osteoblast differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells in unloading, resulting in bone loss. Manipulation of PPARγ2 expression by exogenous TGF-β2 inhibits the exaggerated adipogenesis and corrects the balance between osteoblastogenesis and adipogenesis induced by unloading, leading to prevention of bone loss. This shows that PPARγplays an important role in the control of bone mass in unloaded bone. Moreover, this opens the possibility that manipulation of PPARγmay correct the balance between osteoblastogenesis and adipogenesis and prevent bone loss, which may have potential implications in the treatment of bone loss in clinical conditions.
Synchronous Multifocal Osteosarcoma: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Currall Verity A. , Dixon John H.
Published: September 2006

Background. Multifocal osteosarcoma is usually described as the occurrence of the tumour at two or more sites in a patient without pulmonary metastases and may be synchronous or metachronous. Case report. A previously well 21‐year old male, who presented with a swollen, painful right knee with no history of trauma, was found to have a high‐grade osteosarcoma of the distal tibia and proximal femur. He underwent resection and prosthetic replacement of the distal femur and proximal tibia and remains well 19 months after diagnosis. Discussion. Multifocal osteosarcoma is a rare condition with a poor prognosis. There is debate about whether it represents multiple primary tumours or metastatic disease.
Loss of Flexibility in Alcohol-Taking Rats: Promoting Factors
Authors: Turyabahika-Thyen Katja , Wolffgramm Jochen
Published: September 2006

Alcohol consumption in humans can move from a flexible pattern of intake to an inflexible (addictive) one. Several endogenous and exogenous factors are discussed to be involved in this transition. The purpose of this study was to examine factors that might promote the development of inflexibility. Over a period of 52 weeks (long-term) rats had continuously free choice between differently concentrated alcohol solutions and tap water (four-bottle paradigm). After 4 months of alcohol deprivation, a retest with free choice of alcohol was performed. Bitter-taste conditions were used to test the flexibility of alcohol taking. In the retest alcohol-experienced rats revealed a much higher alcohol intake than previously alcohol-naive ones. Part of the alcohol-experienced animals showed impairment of flexibility in alcohol taking. During long-term choice, some groups were submitted to experimental interventions that might affect addiction development (stress, withdrawal, limited access, adverse consequences). Rats with limited access to alcohol at the end of the long-term choice period took more alcohol and were less flexible in the retest than any other group. It is suggested that an unsatisfied urge for alcohol leads to impairment of control over alcohol drinking.
Monitoring of Alcohol and Drugs under Scrutiny: Output and Shortcomings
Authors: van de Mheen H. , Cruts A.A.N. , Lempens A.L.F. , Ketelaars A.P.M. , van Laar M.W.
Published: September 2006

A major focus of Dutch addiction policy is to improve the monitoring of substance use and addiction – which surveys and registrations are important for the monitoring of alcohol and drugs problems, and what information is generated or needs to be generated by these monitors? Three methods were used: an inventorisation of existing monitoring projects, a survey among experts in the field of alcohol and drugs to study the information needs, and a study on the output and shortcomings of the existing monitors. Sixty monitors and 13 ‘umbrella’ monitors were found. Experts formulated the needs of 11 topics which were matched with the output of the monitors. Coverage of the nature and extent of use in general is good. Shortcomings apply to the use and accessibility of the monitors, as well as to their completeness, standardisation and content. Especially questions with respect to problem use, treatment demand/need of help and user careers cannot be answered sufficiently with the existing information.
Comparing Injecting and Non-Injecting Illicit Opioid Users in a Multisite Canadian Sample (OPICAN Cohort)
Authors: Fischer Benedikt , Manzoni Patrik , Rehm Jürgen
Published: September 2006

Illicit opioid use in Canada and elsewhere increasingly involves a variety of opioids and non-injection routes of administration. Injection and non-injection opioid users tend to differ in various key characteristics. From a public health perspective, non-injection routes of opioid use tend to be less harmful due to lesser morbidity and mortality risks. Our study compared current injectors (80%) and non-injectors (20%) in a multi-site sample of regular illicit opioid users from across Canada (‘OPICAN’ study). In bivariate analysis, injectors and non-injectors differed by prevalence in social and health characteristics as well as drug use. Logistic regression analysis identified city, drug use, housing status and mental health problems as independent predictors of injection status. Further analysis revealed that the majority of current non-injectors had an injection history. Our results reinforce the need to explore potential interventions aimed at preventing the transition from non-injectors to injecting, or facilitating the transition of injectors to non-injecting, as initiated in several other contexts.
Pulse Pressure and Mortality from Cerebrovascular Diseases in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: The Verona Diabetes Study
Authors: Zoppini Giacomo , Verlato Giuseppe , Zamboni Cristina , Venturi Cristina , Gennaro Nicola , Biasi Valeria , Bonora Enzo , Muggeo Michele
Published: September 2006

Background/Objective: Previous studies conducted both in the general and diabetic population have shown that pulse pressure (PP) can predict mortality from cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between PP and specific cardiovascular mortality, i.e. from cerebrovascular and ischemic heart diseases, in a well-characterized cohort of type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: A cohort of 1,128 known type 2 diabetic patients 56 to 74 years of age with at least 2 blood pressure measurements for each year between 1984–1986 was followed-up for ten years to assess specific causes of death. The analyses were carried out by using the mean and the coefficient of variation (CV) of PP. Results: By the end of the 10-year follow-up period, 375 patients (178 male, 197 female) had died (33%). The mean PP resulted as an independent predictor of all causes and cardiovascular mortality. Remarkably, the mean PP, but not the CV of PP, was highly predictive of mortality from cerebrovascular diseases. The risk of cerebrovascular mortality rose by 86% with a 10 mm Hg increase in mean PP. PP turned out to be the most important predictor of cerebrovascular mortality among various pressure indexes (mean, systolic and diastolic pressure). Conclusion: The mean pulse pressure, but not the coefficient of variation is a strong predictor of cardiovascular mortality, mainly from cerebrovascular diseases, in type 2 diabetic patients.
The Alanine/Threonine Polymorphism of the Alpha-1-Antichymotrypsin (SERPINA3) Gene and Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms in the Japanese Population
Authors: Krischek Boris , Akagawa Hiroyuki , Tajima Atsushi , Narita Akira , Kasuya Hidetoshi , Hori Tomokatsu , Inoue Ituro
Published: September 2006

Background: Serine protease inhibitor member 3 of clade A (SERPINA3), also known as alpha-1-antichymotrypsin, inhibits the activity of cathepsin G. The release of neutrophil cathepsin G (proteolytic enzyme) can destroy the vascular matrix through degradation, platelet aggregation and coagulation disorders. In a previous report there was evidence that an alanine/threonine polymorphism was associated with the risk factor for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in a Polish population. We performed this study to determine whether this A15T polymorphism shows the same association in a Japanese population. Methods: A total of 437 patients with an aneurysmal SAH and 405 control cases of Japanese origin were genotyped for the A15T polymorphism and 2 further intronic single nucleotide polymorphisms by using polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. Results: In the patients with intracranial aneurysms the SERPINA3 A15T allele and genotype distribution did not differ significantly from the controls. Conclusion: In the Japanese population the A15T polymorphism of the SERPINA3 gene is not associated with aneurysmal SAH.
Impact on Health-Related Quality of Life and Perceived Burden of Informal Caregivers of Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Serrano-Aguilar P.G. , Lopez-Bastida J. , Yanes-Lopez V.
Published: September 2006

This study assessed the impact on health-related quality of life (HRQL) and the perceived burden of informal caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) on the Canary Islands (Spain). We utilized a multicenter, cross-sectional design, based on questionnaire responses of 237 informal caregivers of AD patients. Patients were classified according to the degree of severity utilizing the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale. Sociodemographic, HRQL (EQ-5D) and functional dependency data were gathered together with the degree of caregiver burden. Caregivers had a higher frequency of problems than did the general population for every EQ-5D dimension. Caregivers’ HRQL was inversely associated with the subject dependency level and caregiver age. HRQL was higher for more educated caregivers. Variables with a negative and/or significant effect on caregivers’ HRQL were high feelings of burden, more committed time to care, and older age. The caregiver burden quantified by the Zarit scale showed 83.3% of caregivers with a high level of burden.
Chronic Psychological Distress and Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease in Old Age
Authors: Wilson Robert S. , Arnold Steven E. , Schneider Julie A. , Kelly Jeremiah F. , Tang Yuxiao , Bennett David A.
Published: September 2006

Clinical and pathological data from the Rush Memory and Aging Project were used to test the hypothesis that distress proneness is associated with increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). More than 600 older persons without dementia completed a 6-item measure of neuroticism, a stable indicator of proneness to psychological distress. At annual intervals thereafter, they underwent uniform evaluations that included clinical classification of AD and administration of 18 cognitive tests. Those who died underwent brain autopsy from which composite measures of AD pathology were derived. During a mean of about 3 years of follow-up, 55 people were clinically diagnosed with AD. In analyses that controlled for age, sex, and education, persons with a high level of distress proneness (score = 24, 90th percentile) were 2.7 times more likely to develop AD than those not prone to distress (score = 6, 10th percentile). Adjustment for depressive symptomatology or frequency of cognitive, social, and physical activity did not substantially change this effect. Distress proneness was also associated with more rapid cognitive decline. Among 45 participants who died and underwent brain autopsy, distress proneness was unrelated to diverse measures of AD pathology and was inversely related to cognition after controlling for AD pathology. The results support the hypothesis that distress proneness is associated with increased risk of dementia and suggest that neurobiologic mechanisms other than AD pathology may underlie the association.
Delusional Misidentification Syndrome: Why Such Nosologic Challenge Remains Intractable
Authors: Rodrigues Adriano C.T. , Banzato Cláudio E.M.
Published: September 2006

The delusional misidentification syndrome has lately been the object of lengthy psychopathological discussions. Controversies persist as to how best to define it, distinguish its subtypes and set their limits. Attempts to provide this syndrome with a better conceptual framework have usually relied on proposing new definitions and classifications. In this article, we suggest that some prevailing difficulties are basically related to two separate but intertwined issues: the self-reflexive property of the human mental functioning and the first-person linguistic expression of human experience. We argue that this discussion belongs to a broader context than the one it is usually referred to, as it deals with problems germane to conceptual psychopathological investigations in general. In that regard, DMS provides us with a very telling example, to the extent to which it has, at its core, to account for the puzzling phenomena of identity, which are particularly affected by cultural and linguistic variables.
School Finance, Equivalent Educational Expenditure, and the Income Distribution: Equal Dollars or Equal Chances for Success?
Authors: Wilson Kathryn , Lambright Kristina , Smeeding Timothy M.
Published: September 2006

This article breaks new ground in the debate on school finance and equality of per pupil school expenditures. We are able to merge school district data with the individual and family data of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID). This allows us to examine both student and school district characteristics and to assess several measures of equality of expenditure across the income distribution of parents and by funding sources. Unlike studies that use district-level data, our study finds a surprising degree of equality in the actual amounts expended per child in low- versus high-income families. But after adjusting expenditures for student body composition to reach equivalent education expenditures, we find a greater inequality in per pupil spending across the income distribution. In addition, there are substantial racial inequalities in expenditures across the income spectrum. In closing we discuss policy implications for school finance and increased equality of educational opportunity.
Thermo-viscoplastic Modeling of Composites Exposed to Fire or High Temperature
Authors: Kwon S. W. , Smith W. L. , Lee S. W.
Published: September 2006

This article presents a study on composites exposed to elevated temperatures associated with fire. A thermo-viscoplastic model is proposed for description of the rate-dependent and temperature-dependent behavior of composites at elevated temperatures. AS4/PEEK and E-glass/vinylester composites are chosen to examine the proposed model. Thermo-viscoplastic parameters of the proposed model were determined for each material using experimental data. Off-axis angle tests were performed with various strain rates at various temperatures for E-glass/vinylester woven composite, while experimental data available from literatures were used for AS4/PEEK unidirectional composite. Comparison of the results from the proposed model with experimental data shows good agreement. Also, a few interesting points observed during this study, such as the material behavior near the glass transition temperature, the failure mechanism, and the effect of charring are discussed.
Stress Concentration in the Matrix with Degraded Fiber–Matrix Interfaces
Authors: Upadhyay P. C. , Yadav S. , Banta Larry , Lyons Donald
Published: September 2006

Based on the composite cylinders assemblage (CCA) model, an elastic solution to the problem of an imperfectly bonded continuous fiber composite is presented under plain strain condition. A dual series approach based on Airy's stress function is employed to yield an exact solution for the stresses and displacements in the fiber and the surrounding matrix. Bond imperfection due to degraded fiber– matrix interface is modeled by considering the infinitesimally thin layer between the fiber and the matrix, having one-dimensional extensional and shear elements (springs) over the entire interface. Effects of degraded fiber–matrix interface on the stress concentration and displacements in the matrix are studied at different fiber volume fractions. Changes in the stress concentration with change in the stiffness ratio between fiber and matrix materials are also examined.
A Fatigue Damage Parameter for Life Assessment of Off-axis Unidirectional GRP Composites
Authors: Varvani-Farahani A. , Haftchenari H. , Panbechi M.
Published: September 2006

The present study develops a fatigue damage parameter to assess the fatigue damage of unidirectional glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) composites. The proposed parameter is based on the physics and the mechanism of fatigue cracking within three damage regions of matrix (I), fiber-matrix interface (II), and fiber (III) in these materials as the number of cycles progresses. In region I, damage was initiated in the form of microcracks within the matrix. For region II, damage progress took place along the matrix-fiber interface leading to fiber fracture in region III. The proposed fatigue damage model successfully correlated fatigue lives of unidirectional GRP composites at various off-axis angles and stress ratios R as compared with other earlier developed fatigue parameters.
An Optimized Clustering and Selective Probing Framework to Support Internet Quality-of-Service Routing
Authors: Jariyakul Nattaphol , Znati Taieb
Published: September 2006

The advent of multimedia applications has triggered widespread interest in quality-of-service (QoS) support. An Internet-based QoS framework, Differentiated Services (DiffServ), has been proposed. The framework focuses mainly on packet scheduling. As such, it decouples routing from QoS provisioning. This typically results in inefficient routes, thereby limiting the ability of the network to support QoS requirements and to manage resources efficiently. This article proposes a scalable, clustering, and selective probing framework to assist in identifying and selecting routing paths that are very likely to meet the QoS requirements of the underlying application. The proposed approach can be seamlessly integrated into the DiffServ framework to extend its ability to support QoS requirements. A description of the basic components of the framework is provided. Scalability is achieved using a clustering algorithm, referred to as d-median, to reduce signaling and routers overhead. A thorough study to evaluate the performance of d-median is conducted. The results of the study show that, for power-law graphs such as the Internet, the d-median clustering-based approach outperforms existing clustering methods.
Update in the Pharmacologic Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Odegard Peggy Soule , Setter Stephen M. , Iltz Jason L.
Published: September 2006

There are now more than 20 million people in America with diabetes mellitus (DM), and the prevalence of this illness continues to increase especially in those with type 2 DM. Over the past decade, research in the area of DM treatment has focused on pharmacologic approaches to modifying glucose metabolism as well as on lifestyle interventions to prevent and manage DM. Pharmacologic research has been guided by an improved understanding of the human physiology of glucose metabolism, allowing for development of new hormonal drug therapies and improved insulin formulations. As a result, there are several new pharmacologic treatments now available or on the horizon for DM. In this article, the authors review the first of the new hormonal therapies for DM, with a focus on information that will be useful for diabetes educators including the medication actions, side effects, patient counseling points, monitoring, and place in therapy in comparison to existing DM treatments. This series on new therapies has been divided into 3 parts, with this first part devoted to an update on the new incretin mimetic and amylin analog agents recently approved for use in DM. Subsequent parts in this series will focus on the new insulin products and oral therapies available or soon to be available. Cases will be used to assist with understanding the type of patient who will benefit from each of these new therapies.
Influence of Ventilation Routes on Indoor Pollutant Elimination in a Working Environment
Authors: Chou Po-Cheng , Chiang Che-Ming , Lee Chia-Yen , Ho Ming-Chin
Published: September 2006

This study compares the performance of various heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) arrangements in eliminating pollutants in working environments in Taiwan. Applying the Reynolds’ average Navier Stokes (RANS) equations using the conventional κ-ε turbulence model, the airflow phenomena of various ventilation routes are evaluated. Taking the concentration of carbon dioxide and the air change rate as evaluation factors, the simulation results are used to identify the vent arrangements which optimise the ventilation efficiency. The current results should be a valuable reference for designers involved with the design of healthy and energy-saving work environments.
Analysis of Particle Pollution in an Office by the Concept of Perceived Particle Intensity
Authors: Zhao Bin , Zhang Ying
Published: September 2006

This paper is a study of the particle pollution in an office under two different ventilation modes, that is, mixing ventilation and displacement ventilation. The particle concentration distribution in a full scale office has been numerically simulated, while the size distribution of particles from copiers, which are regarded as a major particle source in offices, has been measured for numerical simulation. The results show that most particles generated by the copiers are in sub-micron range, with diameters of 0.5-2.0 m. Based on the numerical results of particle concentration distribution, the concept of perceived particle intensity (PPI) proposed in a previous study has been applied to evaluate the particle pollution in an office under two different ventilation modes. In addition the occupied density (OD) concept is employed to consider the occupant distribution. The results show that for the cases presented, side supply (mixing ventilation) is better than bottom supply (displacement ventilation) since in our construction the particle source (copier) was located close to the displacement diffuser, which implies that displacement ventilation needs to be carefully designed and adapted for actual application. It is hoped that it will be possible to evaluate particle pollution for different combinations of particle source locations and ventilation modes following the process presented in this study.
Interior Air Pollution in Automotive Cabins by Volatile Organic Compounds Diffusing from Interior Materials: I. Survey of 101 Types of Japanese Domestically Produced Cars for Private Use
Authors: Yoshida Toshiaki , Matsunaga Ichiro , Tomioka Kimiko , Kumagai Shinji
Published: September 2006

The types and concentrations of organic compounds in the interior air of 101 different types of Japanese domestically produced private-use cars were examined. All the vehicles had been registered in the summer season as new cars and were less than 3 years old. The airborne compounds in the cabins were collected for 24h under static condition with the engine stopped and the windows, doors and vents closed. A total of 275 organic compounds, including many aliphatic hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons, were identified, and 242 of them could be quantitated for each cabin. The sum of the concentrations of 241 compounds excluding formaldehyde was approximately 600 g·m-3 as a median, ranging from 136 to 3968 g·m-3 for the tested cars. The findings demonstrated that the air in the cabin of these cars was contaminated by high concentrations of a large variety of organic compound diffusing from the interior materials.
Interior Air Pollution in Automotive Cabins by Volatile Organic Compounds Diffusing from Interior Materials: II. Influence of Manufacturer, Specifications and Usage Status on Air Pollution, and Estimation of Air Pollution Levels in Initial Phases of Delivery as a New Car
Authors: Yoshida Toshiaki , Matsunaga Ichiro , Tomioka Kimiko , Kumagai Shinji
Published: September 2006

Air pollution in the cabins of 101 Japanese cars due to organic compounds diffusing from the interior materials has been described in our previous report. In the present study, the influence of the manufacturer, specifications and usage status of these cars on the interior air pollution was evaluated by covariance analysis. Also, the levels of air pollution in the initial phases of delivery as a new car were estimated using previous data for the time-courses of interior concentrations of organic compounds measured in another new car. The findings showed greater air pollution in the cabins of luxury cars, with leather seats or leather steering wheels, or high-end catalogue prices. Differences in the specifications contributed more markedly to interior air pollution than differences in manufacturers. Also, usage status, such as everyday ventilation affected the long-term interior air quality. The sum values of interior concentrations of 154 compounds, for which there were time-course data, were estimated to be approximately 1700 μg·m-3 as a median (max. 11,000 μg·m-3) at 1 month from delivery (interior temperature, 32°C; interior humidity, 45%).