bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reductions in stress urinary incontinence episodes: What is clinically important for Women?
Authors: Yalcin Ilker , Peng Guangbin , Viktrup Lars , Bump Richard C.
Published: May 2009

Aim

To expand our understanding of the clinical importance to patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) of reductions in incontinence episode frequency (IEF) that fall short of a complete cure.

Methods

We used an integrated database that included data from 1,913 women with SUI who were enrolled in four randomized, placebo‐controlled pharmaceutical clinical trials and examined the relationship between various levels of reduction in IEF and minimally clinical important difference (MCID) levels established for the validated Incontinence Quality of Life (I‐QOL) questionnaire. The first decile of IEF reduction to exceed the within‐group MCID was considered to be the point at which the reduction in IEF first became clinically important. The between‐group MCID was then used to determine when further reductions in incontinence represented clinically relevant incremental improvements for patients.

Results

Improvements in condition‐specific quality of life were not clinically important until the fifth decile of IEF reduction, representing a reduction in IEF >40% to ≤50%. Patients appreciated incremental clinically important benefits when IEF reductions exceeded 70%, with progressive improvements in condition‐specific quality of life with higher levels of IEF reduction. The difference between a >70% to ≤80% reduction and a >90% to ≤100% reduction was clinically important.

Conclusion

Reductions in IEF ≤40% do not appear to be clinically important for women with SUI. Patients appear to recognize important clinical value at reductions of approximately 50% and important incremental clinical value at reductions of approximately 75% and 90–100%. These thresholds may not apply to women seeking non‐pharmaceutical treatments for SUI. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:344–347, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lower urinary tract symptoms following neurological illness may be influenced by multiple factors: Observations from a neurorehabilitation service in a developing country
Authors: Panicker Jalesh N. , Menon Lakshmi , Anandkumar A. , Sundaram K.R. , Fowler Clare J.
Published: May 2009

Aims

To evaluate the pattern of lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) in patients with neurological disease in the setting of a rehabilitation service in a developing country, and analyze causes for unexpected lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Methods

Patients with neurological disorders and having significant LUTS were prospectively evaluated. Level of neurological lesion was localized by neurological examination and investigations. LUTD was evaluated by symptom analysis, bladder diaries and ultrasonography. Storage symptoms were managed using antimuscarinic medications and voiding dysfunction, when significant, was managed by catheterization and patients were regularly followed up. Patients with symptoms that had not been expected based upon their level of neurological lesion were further evaluated.

Results

Fifty patients (mean age 43.5 ± 18.3 years) were included and according to neurological localization, were categorized into suprapontine (n = 9; 18%), infrapontine/suprasacral (n = 25; 50%) or infrasacral (n = 16; 32%) groups. Incontinence was more common in patients with suprapontine and infrapontine/suprasacral lesions (n = 20) (P < 0.03), hesitancy more common with infrapontine/suprasacral lesions (n = 20) (P = 0.004) and retention more with infrasacral lesions (n = 13) (P < 0.001). Patients belonging to suprapontine and infrapontine/suprasacral groups more likely showed improvement at follow up (P = 0.008). Fourteen patients (28%) had unexpected LUTS and this was due to urological causes (n = 6) or multiaxial neurological involvement (n = 8). Potentially treatable factors were managed, resulting in symptom relief.

Conclusion

LUTS in neurological disease may be at variance with the pattern expected based upon level of neurological lesion. Such patients may require further evaluation and consideration should be given to concomitant urological conditions and multiaxial neurological involvement. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:378–381, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Work‐based learning in the context of contemporary health care education and practice: A concept analysis
Authors: Manley Kim , Titchen Angie , Hardy Sally
Published: May 2009

Work‐based learning has the potential to transform health care services to improve patients' and users' experiences, support the implementation of evidence, provide value for money, improve productivity and achieve continued modernization. This article describes the findings from a literature‐based concept analysis that explored a contemporary understanding of work‐based learning relevant to modern health care practice and education. Many descriptions of work‐based learning exist but it is difficult to define the concept in a way that practitioners can understand and relate to in their daily working lives. The article identifies the distinguishing attributes of work‐based learning, together with its enabling factors and consequences. From this literature‐based concept analysis, it is concluded that work‐based learning is a process that concentrates on how learning takes place within the workplace. It is stimulated by workplace activities that engage the learner in discussion and debate with workplace colleagues. This critical dialogue, if facilitated and adequately resourced, can trigger a transformation of workplace culture into one that captures situated learning to enhance not only the individual, but also team and even organizational working practices. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High solubility, low‐dielectric constant, and optical transparency of novel polyimides derived from 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethyl‐4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl‐4″‐isopropyltoluene
Authors: Wang Chen‐Yi , Li Guang , Zhao Xiao‐Yan , Jiang Jian‐Ming
Published: May 2009

A series of novel polyimides (PIs) (3a–d) were prepared from 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethyl‐4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl‐4″‐isopropyltoluene (1) with four aromatic dianhydrides via a one‐step high temperature polycondensation procedure. The obtained PIs showed excellent solubility, with most of them dissoluble at a concentration of 10 wt % in amide polar solvents and chlorinated solvents. Their films were nearly colorless and exhibited high‐optical transparency, with the UV cutoff wavelength in the range of 328–353 nm and the transparency at 450 nm >80%. They also showed low‐dielectric constant (2.49–2.94 at 1 MHz) and low‐water absorptions (0.44–0.65%). Moreover, these PIs possessed high‐glass transition temperatures (Tg) beyond 327 °C and excellent thermal stability with 10% weight loss temperatures in the range of 530–555 °C in nitrogen atmosphere. In comparison with some fluorinated poly(ether imide)s derived from the trifluoromethyl‐substituted bis(ether amine)s, the resultant PIs 3a–d showed better solubility, lower cutoff wavelength, and higher Tg. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 3309–3317, 2009
Dual responsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels having spironaphthoxazines as pendant groups
Authors: Kulawardana Erandimala U. , Kuruwita‐Mudiyanselage Thilini , Neckers Douglas C.
Published: May 2009

Stimuli responsive hydrogels (PNIPAAm‐MSp) with a thermoresponsive backbone and photochromic pendant groups were synthesized via free radical polymerization using N‐isopropylacrylamide, modified spironaphthoxazines with a polymerizable double bond (MSp) as photochromic monomer, the crosslinker N,N′‐methylenebis(acrylamide) and the initiator 2,2′‐azobis(isobutyronitrile) in dimethylsulfoxide. The polymers are dual responsive, in that poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) responds to temperature changes whereas the pendant spironaphthoxazines respond to light. Irradiation enhanced the water absorption of the polymers while increases in temperature decreased it. The irradiated PNIPAAm‐MSp showed best water absorption at 0 °C (Q = 3.25) while water desorbed at higher temperatures (35 °C; Q = 0.30); where Q is the amount of water absorbed by a gram of dry polymer. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 3318–3325, 2009
Temperature dependent relaxation of a “solid–liquid”
Authors: Goertz M. P. , Zhu X.‐Y. , Houston J. E.
Published: May 2009

We have used the Interfacial Force Microscope to perform temperature dependent indentation measurements on a model viscoelastic material, Silly Putty. By transforming time dependent stress relaxations into frequency dependent modulus, we can identify the temperature dependence of the elastic and viscous response of an experimentally challenging material. This technique promises to be useful in determining the mechanical properties of composite materials with microscopic spatial resolution. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1285–1290, 2009
Thermal degradation and kinetic analysis of biodegradable PBS/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites
Authors: Shih Yeng‐Fong
Published: May 2009

In this study, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were first modified using N,N′‐ dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) dehydrating agents. Subsequently, the poly(butylene succinate)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (PBS/MWNTs) nanocomposites were prepared through facile melt blending. Thermal degradation of these PBS/MWNT nanocomposites was investigated; the kinetic parameters of degradation were calculated using the Coats and Redfern, Ozawa, and Horowitz and Metzger methods, respectively. It was found that the degradation reaction mechanism of PBS and the CNT‐C18 containing nanocomposites at lower temperature was likely to produce an F1 model through reaction of random chain cleavage (cis‐elimination). However, the reaction mechanism at higher temperature was likely to be a D1 model because of the dominant diffusion control effect. Moreover, it was found that the activation energies of CNT‐C18‐containing PBS nanocomposites were first increased with the content of CNT‐C18, but then decreased after the content was larger than 0.5 wt % for all models at differing heating rates. This may be due to the formation of a conductive network of CNTs in the polymer matrix at higher content of CNTs, which lead to better heat and electrical conductivity. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1231–1239, 2009
Remote Plasma Device for Surface Modification at Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Reichen Patrick , Sonnenfeld Axel , Rudolf von Rohr Philipp
Published: May 2009

Here, a novel atmospheric plasma device is presented, which applies the (remote) afterglow of micro‐barrier discharges. The study evaluates its applicability to surface modification of temperature‐sensitive particulates. As such, cylindrical samples have been placed in the remote treatment zone of the device, and the effects of treatment time and variable gas mixtures on the surface wettability are investigated. Furthermore, the influence of the excess voltage in He discharge with admixtures of O2, CO2 and N2 and the effect thereof on the water contact angle is described.
Impact of Annealing on the Conductivity of Amorphous Carbon Films Incorporating Copper and Gold Nanoparticles Deposited by Pulsed Dual Cathodic Arc
Authors: Endrino Jose Luis , Horwat D. , Anders A. , Andersson J. , Gago R.
Published: May 2009

The influence of annealing in argon at 300 °C on the conductivity, phase stability and electronic structure of hydrogen‐free amorphous carbon (a‐C) films containing copper (a‐C:Cu) and gold (a‐C:Au) nanoclusters was investigated. The motivation of this work is twofold: (1) to study the thermal stability of a‐C:Cu and a‐C:Au films and (2) to point out the relevance of X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) technique to study the structural evolution of metal‐doped a‐C nanocomposites. The films were produced at room temperature using a selective‐bias pulsed dual‐cathode arc deposition technique. Compositional analysis was performed with secondary neutral mass spectroscopy whereas grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction (GIXRD) was used to monitor phase transformation and identify the dispersion or agglomeration of the crystallites within the carbon matrix. XANES spectra at the C‐K was used to investigate the effect of annealing in argon on the electronic structure of the a‐C matrix, while Cu K and Au L‐edges were investigated on a‐C:Cu and a‐C:Au samples, respectively, to study the nanocluster evolution. XANES showed that the a‐C host matrix increased its graphitic character and that stress was relieved upon annealing. No relevant changes were observed in the Au arrangements in a‐C:Au films. In the case of the a‐C:Cu samples, the Cu‐K XANES spectra indicated the formation of Cu2O crystals which correlated well with GIXRD spectra and the decrease in conductivity.
SiOx‐Based Multilayer Barrier Coatings Produced by a Single PECVD Process
Authors: Patelli Alessandro , Vezzù Simone , Zottarel Lorenzo , Menin Enrico , Sada Cinzia , Martucci Alessandro , Costacurta Stefano
Published: May 2009

Multilayer organic/inorganic gas barrier coatings on plastics are needed for high performance demanding applications from OLEDs to packaging. In order to simplify the multilayer deposition process, we developed a single step vacuum process where silicon oxide‐based PECVD multilayers are obtained by the modulation of the hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) precursor inlet and interfaces are controlled by pumping speed. In this way, depending on O2/HMDSO ratio, ‘ceramic’ or ‘polymeric’ layers are deposited, with nanometre control of thickness of layers and interfaces. Permeability behaviour of the multilayer structures obtained is described as a function of the number of layers and their thickness.
Molecular modeling of flexible arm‐mediated interactions between bacterial chemoreceptors and their modification enzyme
Authors: Muppirala Usha K. , Desensi Susan , Lybrand Terry P. , Hazelbauer Gerald L. , Li Zhijun
Published: May 2009

Sensory adaptation in bacterial chemotaxis is mediated by methylation and demethylation of specific glutamyl residues in the cytoplasmic domain of chemoreceptors. Methylation is catalyzed by methyltransferase CheR. In E. coli and related organisms, methylation sufficiently rapid to be physiologically effective requires a carboxyl terminal pentapeptide sequence on the receptor being modified or, via adaptational assistance, on a neighboring homodimer in a receptor cluster. Pentapeptide‐enhanced methylation is thought to be mediated by a ∼30 residue, potentially disordered sequence that serves as a flexible arm connecting the receptor body and pentapeptide‐bound methyltransferase, thus allowing diffusionally restricted enzyme to reach methyl‐accepting sites. However, it was not known how many or which sites on the same or neighboring receptors were accessible to the tethered enzyme. We investigated using molecular modeling and found that, in a hexagonal array of trimers of receptor dimers, CheR tethered to a dimer of chemoreceptor Tar by its native 30‐residue flexible‐arm sequence could reach all methyl‐accepting sites on the dimer to which it was tethered plus 48 methyl‐accepting sites distributed among nine neighboring dimers, equivalent to the total sites carried by six receptors. This modeling‐determined methylation neighborhood of one enzyme‐binding dimer and six neighbors corresponds precisely with the experimentally identified neighborhood of seven. Thus, the experimentally observed adaptational assistance can occur by docking of pentapeptide‐bound, diffusionally restricted enzyme to methyl‐accepting sites on neighboring receptors. Our analysis introduces the notion that physiologically relevant adaptational assistance could occur even if only a subset of sites on a particular receptor are within reach.
Vibrational spectroscopic investigation of the ligand binding domain of kainate receptors
Authors: Du Mei , Rambhadran Anu , Jayaraman Vasanthi
Published: May 2009

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has been used to probe the agonist‐protein interactions in the ligand binding domain of the GluR6 subunit, one subunit of the kainate subtype of glutamate receptors. In order to study the changes in the interactions over a range of activations the investigations were performed using the wild type, N690S, and T661E mutations. These studies show that the strength of the interactions at the α‐amine group of the agonist, as probed by studying the environment of the nondisulphide bonded Cys 432, acts as a switch with weaker interactions at lower activations and stronger interactions at higher activations. The α‐carboxylate interactions of the agonist, however, are not significantly different over the wide range of activations, as measured by the maximum currents mediated by the receptors at saturating concentrations of agonists. Previous investigations of AMPA receptors show a similar dependence of the α‐amine interactions on activation indicating that the roles of the α‐amine interactions in mediating receptor activation are similar for both subtypes of receptors; however, in the case of the AMPA receptors a tug of war type of change was observed between the α‐amine and α‐carboxylate interactions and this is not observed in kainate receptors. This decoupling of the two interactions could arise due to the larger cleft observed in kainate receptors, which allows for a more flexible interaction for the α‐amine and α‐carboxylate groups of the agonists.
Development of insect‐resistant transgenic rice with Cry1C*‐free endosperm
Authors: Ye Rongjian , Huang Haiqun , Yang Zhou , Chen Taiyu , Liu Li , Li Xianghua , Chen Hao , Lin Yongjun
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: Yellow stem borer (Tryporyza incertulas Walker), striped stem borer (Chilo suppressalis Walker) and leaf folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenec) are three lepidopteran pests that cause severe damage to rice in many areas of the world. In this study, novel insect‐resistant transgenic rice was developed in which Bt protein expression was nearly absent in the endosperm. The resistant gene, cry1C*, driven by the rice rbcS promoter (small subunit of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase), was introduced into Zhonghua 11 (Oryza sativa L. ssp. japonica) by Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation.

RESULTS: A total of 83 independent transformants were obtained, 19 of which were characterised as single‐copy foreign gene insertion. After preliminary screening of the T1 families of these 19 transformants in the field, six highly insect‐resistant homozygous lines were selected. These six homozygous transgenic lines were field tested for resistance to leaf folders and stem borers, and for their agronomic performance. The Cry1C* protein levels in leaves and endosperm were measured by ELISA. Subsequently, the elite transgenic line RJ5 was selected; this line not only possessed high resistance to leaf folders and stem borers, normal agronomic performance, but also Cry1C* expression was only 2.6 ng g−1 in the endosperm.

CONCLUSION: These results indicated that RJ5 has the potential for widespread utility in rice production. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Susceptibility to insecticides in the Q biotype of Bemisia tabaci is correlated with bacterial symbiont densities
Authors: Ghanim Murad , Kontsedalov Svetlana
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: The presence of symbiotic microorganisms may influence an insect's ability to tolerate natural and artificial stress agents such as insecticides. The authors have previously shown that Rickettsia in the B biotype of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) increases this insect's susceptibility to several insecticidal compounds. This communication reports a comparison of the susceptibilities of three isofemale strains of the Q biotype of B. tabaci harbouring different bacterial complements to major insecticides from different chemical groups: one strain harboured only Arsenophonus, one harboured Rickettsia and Arsenophonus and one harboured Arsenophonus and Wolbachia.

RESULTS: The presence of different symbiont combinations in the three strains had a significant influence on their susceptibility to most of the insecticides tested. Thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, pyriproxyfen and spiromesifen had a significant influence on strains that had the double infections Rickettsia–Arsenophonus and Wolbachia–Arsenophonus, which also carried higher amounts of symbionts as assessed by quantitative real‐time PCR. No significant differences in mortality rates were observed when the tested strains were treated with diafenthiuron.

CONCLUSION: The results suggest a correlation between the presence of high bacterial densities in B. tabaci and the insect's ability to detoxify toxic compounds such as insecticides. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Depth profiles of ceramic tiles by using orthogonal double‐pulse laser induced breakdown spectrometry
Authors: Čtvrtníčková T. , Fortes F. J. , Cabalín L. M. , Kanický V. , Laserna J. J.
Published: May 2009

The potential of a double pulse (DP) excitation scheme for in‐depth characterization of ceramic samples using laser induced breakdown spectrometry (LIBS) has been demonstrated. For this purpose, two Q‐switched Nd:YAG lasers in orthogonal configuration were employed, the first one to ablate the sample (1064 nm) and the second one (532 nm) to excite the ablated material. Light emission was collected by a spectrograph and detected by an intensified charge‐coupled device (CCD) detector. Optimal conditions such as relative laser beam positions, laser pulse energies, inter‐pulse separation and CCD delay time were studied. Depth profiles were evaluated on the basis of various elemental compositions in both layers of ceramic samples. The depth resolution with DP configuration was improved by almost twofold as compared to the single‐pulse approach. The reproducibility of the depth profiles is also twice better with double pulse LIBS. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of maleic anhydride‐grafted polytetrafluoroethylene on the tensile and tribological properties of blending polytetrafluoroethylene with polyamide‐6
Authors: Li J. , Xia Y. C.
Published: May 2009

Blending polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to polyamide‐6 (PA6) with and without maleic anhydride‐grafted polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE‐g‐MA) was produced in a corotating twin screw extruder, where PTFE acts as the polymer matrix and PA6 as the dispersed phase. The effect of PTFE‐g‐MA on the tensile properties and tribological propertiesof PTFE/PA6 polymer blends is studied. Results show that the structural stability and morphology of the blends were greatly improved by PTFE‐g‐PA6 grafted copolymers, which were formed by the in situ reaction of anhydride groups with the amino end groups of PA6 during reactive extrusion forming an imidic linkage. The presence of PTFE‐g‐PA6 in the PTFE continuous phase improves the interfacial adhesion, as a result of the creation of an interphase that was formed by the interaction between the formed PTFE‐g‐PA6 copolymer in situ and both phases. Compared with thePTFE/PA6 without PTFE‐g‐MA, the PTFE/PA6 with PTFE‐g‐MAhad the lowest friction coefficient and wear under given applied load and reciprocating sliding frequency. The interfacial compatibility of the composite prevented the rubbing‐off of PA6, accordingly improved the friction and wear properties of the composite. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adsorption and separation of light alkane hydrocarbons by porous hexacyanocobaltates (III)
Authors: Autie‐Castro G. , Autie M. , Reguera E. , Santamaría‐González J. , Moreno‐Tost R. , Rodríguez‐Castellón E. , Jiménez‐López A.
Published: May 2009

The adsorption and separation of light n‐alkane hydrocarbons (propane, butane, pentane, hexane and heptane) by zinc and cadmium hexacyanocobaltates (III) were studied from inverse gas chromatographic data. These two solids are representative of the porous frameworks found for transition metals hexacyanometallates. For cadmium, the porous framework is related to the presence of systematic vacancies for the building block, [Co(CN)6], while for Zn it is a consequence of a tetrahedral coordination for the Zn atom. These linear light hydrocarbons (paraffins) are effectively separated by these two porous frameworks. The involved differential adsorption heats and the related separation coefficients were estimated from the recorded chromatographic data. No significant differences for the separation ability of light n‐alkane hydrocarbons by the evaluated materials were observed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal anatomic evaluation in the overweight and obese gravida
Authors: Thornburg L. L. , Miles K. , Ho M. , Pressman E. K.
Published: May 2009

Objectives

To evaluate the rate of completion of anatomic surveys of fetuses in overweight and obese gravid patients as compared with normal controls.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of anatomic ultrasound scans performed between 2004 and 2007. Women were stratified by prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) into normal weight (BMI, 18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI, 25.0–29.9 kg/m2) and obese Class I (BMI, 30.0–34.9 kg/m2), Class II (BMI, 35.0–39.9 kg/m2) and Class III (BMI ≥ 40.0 kg/m2) groups. Rates of completion of basic and comprehensive scans, gestational age at completion and number of scans required were compared.

Results

For the 7140 patients included, completion rates for both the basic (normal weight, n = 2253 (79%); overweight, n = 1771 (76%); obese Class I, n = 767 (72%), Class II, n = 323 (61%) and Class III, n = 171 (49%)) and comprehensive (normal weight, n = 1234 (43%); overweight, n = 930 (40%); obese Class I, n = 404 (38%), Class II, n = 215 (41%) and Class III, n = 108 (31%)) surveys decreased significantly with increasing BMI (P < 0.00001). For surveys completed, the mean number of scans required was significantly higher for obese patients (basic: normal weight 1.3 vs. obese Class III 1.9; comprehensive: normal weight 1.7 vs. obese Class III, 2.2)(P < 0.00001). The overall completion rate improved at each gestational week, but was best between 20 and 23 weeks for obese patients.

Conclusions

As maternal BMI increases, the rate of completion of anatomic surveys decreases and the number of scans required increases. Delaying the initial survey until 20 weeks' gestation may improve the capacity to complete the examination in a single visit. It should be noted that these results represent completion rates at a tertiary referral center, and therefore may not reflect community experience. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rotatable Magnetron Sputter Technologyfor Large Area Glass and Web Coating
Authors: Blondeel Anja , Persoone Peter , De Bosscher Wilmert
Published: May 2009

Over the last few decades, magnetron sputtering has become a major coating technology for depositing high quality thin films. The ease of scalability, while maintaining excellent control of all crucial layer parameters, made it appropriate for large area substrates and high mass productivity. The introduction of the rotating cylindrical magnetron concept in the nineties has further contributed to the success of sputtering in large area coating of rigid and flexible substrates. The rotatable sputtering technology does not only contribute significantly to a reduction in cost‐of‐ownership (higher target material consumption, more system throughput and up‐time …), it opens new perspectives in advanced coating applications where tolerances are narrow and requirements are high.

In this paper, we will discuss the advantages of using rotatable target technology in large area coaters, whereby we will focus on the issues related to the sputter deposition on rigid and flexible substrates.
The Effect of BRCA Gene Testing on Family Relationships: A Thematic Analysis of Qualitative Interviews
Authors: Douglas Heather A. , Hamilton Rebekah J. , Grubs Robin E.
Published: May 2009

Discovery of mutations in the breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 can have emotional consequences for both the tested individual and his or her relatives. This secondary analysis study investigated how BRCA testing impacts family dynamics and relationships. For the original study, a grounded theory inquiry, participants were recruited from a hereditary breast/ovarian cancer syndrome support website and open‐ended interviews were performed asking about individual and family experiences after BRCA testing. All 12 participants whose interviews were included in the secondary analysis had a BRCA mutation. For the secondary analysis, thematic analysis was conducted and revealed three main themes characterizing the effect of BRCA testing on family relationships: 1. That the first in the family to have testing or seek genetic counseling takes on a special family role that can be difficult for them; 2. That discussions in the family often change; and 3. That individuals may feel more or less connected to certain family members. These changes seemed to relate to family cancer history, relationships, coping strategies, communication patterns, and mutation status. Genetic counselors might find it useful to explore these issues in order to prepare clients before BRCA testing and to support them through shifts in family dynamics after disclosure of results.
Organogel‐Based Emulsion Systems, Micro‐Structural Features and Impact on In Vitro Digestion
Authors: Duffy Nicola , Blonk Han C. G. , Beindorff Christiaan M. , Cazade Magali , Bot Arjen , Duchateau Guus S. M. J. E.
Published: May 2009

Organogels based on edible oils and specific mixtures of phytosterols can serve as structured systems with a low saturated fat content. These low‐SAFA organogels can be used also to create o/w emulsions. Little is known about the structures formed in these specific organogels and at the emulsion interface. We studied o/w organogels on different length scales to describe and understand their micro‐structural features. Very basic processing conditions such as composition, temperature and storage time were taken into account. Two different types of structure were observed; at the smallest scale, long thin crystals are formed out of the oil phase into the continuous water phase. We propose that these are needle‐like crystals. Next, tube‐like structures are identified and can be visualized as tubular micelles. A model is proposed which fits the dimension (~7 nm) with the length scale of the molecular building blocks (TAGs and sterols). As edible fats from food products are enzymatically hydrolyzed in the gut prior to absorption, we also looked into the impact on the lipase reaction speed. Simple in vitro enzymatic hydrolysis experiments showed a slower enzymatic digestion. Organogel systems and emulsion made thereof have interesting food structuring properties with possible advantages in composition (low SAFA) and digestion speed.
Yin and Yang: CCN3 inhibits the pro‐fibrotic effects of CCN2
Authors: Leask Andrew
Published: May 2009

Fibrotic disease is a significant cause of mortality. CCN2 (connective tissue growth factor [CTGF]), a member of the CCN family of matricellular proteins, plays a significant role in driving the fibrogenic effects of cytokines such as transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). It has been proposed that other members of the CCN family can either promote or antagonize the action of CCN2, depending on the context. A recent elegant study published by Bruce Riser and colleagues (Am J Pathol. 174:1725–34, 2009) illustrates that CCN3 (nov) antagonizes the fibrogenic effects of CCN2. This paper, the subject of this commentary, raises the intriguing possibility that CCN3 may be used as a novel anti‐fibrotic therapy.
Partial regularity results up to the boundary for harmonic maps into a Finsler manifold
Authors: Tachikawa Atsushi
Published: May 2009

We study the energy functional for maps from a Riemannian

m

-manifold

M

into a Finsler space

N=(\mathbb{R}^{n},F)

. Under the restriction

2⩽m⩽4

, we prove the full Hölder regularity of weakly harmonic maps (i.e., weak solutions of its Euler–Lagrange equation) from

M

to

N

in the case that the Finsler structure

F(u,X)

depends only on vectors

X

, and a partial Hölder regularity of energy minimizing maps in general cases.

Nous étudions la fonctionnelle d'énergie pour les applications d'une variété riemannienne

M

dans un espace de Finsler

N=(\mathbb{R}^{n},F)

. Sous la restriction

2⩽m⩽4

, nous prouvons la régularité de Hölder complète des applications faiblement harmoniques (i.e. solutions faibles de son équation d'Euler–Lagrange) de

M

à

N

dans le cas où la structure de Finsler

F(u,X)

dépend seulement des vecteurs

X

, et nous prouvons une régularité de Hölder partielle des minimiseurs de l'énergie dans le cas général.
Methods for structural characterization of prefibrillar intermediates and amyloid fibrils
Authors: Langkilde Annette Eva , Vestergaard Bente
Published: May 2009

Protein fibrillation is first and foremost a structural phenomenon. Adequate structural investigation of the central conformational individuals of the fibrillation process is however exceedingly difficult. This is due to the nature of the process, which may be described as a dynamically evolving equilibrium between a large number of structural species. These are furthermore of highly diverging sizes and present in very uneven amounts and timeframes. Different structural methods have different strengths and limitations. These, and in particular recent advances within solution analysis of the undisturbed equilibrium using small angle X‐ray scattering, are reviewed here.
Feline Herpesvirus Infection: ABCD Guidelines on Prevention and Management
Authors: Thiry Etienne , Addie Diane , Belák Sándor , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Egberink Herman , Frymus Tadeusz , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Hartmann Katrin , Hosie Margaret J , Lloret Albert , Lutz Hans , Marsilio Fulvio , Pennisi Maria Grazia , Radford Alan D , Truyen Uwe , Horzinek Marian C
Published: May 2009

Overview Feline viral rhinotracheitis, caused by feline herpesvirus (FHV), is an upper respiratory tract disease that is often associated with feline calicivirus and bacteria. In most cats, FHV remains latent after recovery, and they become lifelong virus carriers. Stress or corticosteroid treatment may lead to virus reactivation and shedding in oronasal and conjunctival secretions.

Infection Sick cats shed FHV in oral, nasal and conjunctival secretions; shedding may last for 3 weeks. Infection requires direct contact with a shedding cat.

Disease signs Feline herpesvirus infections cause acute rhinitis and conjunctivitis, usually accompanied by fever, depression and anorexia. Affected cats may also develop typical ulcerative, dendritic keratitis.

Diagnosis Samples consist of conjunctival, corneal or oropharyngeal swabs, corneal scrapings or biopsies. It is not recommended that cats recently vaccinated with a modified-live virus vaccine are sampled. Positive PCR results should be interpreted with caution, as they may be produced by low-level shedding or viral latency.

Disease management ‘Tender loving care’ from the owner, supportive therapy and good nursing are essential. Anorexic cats should be fed blended, highly palatable food - warmed up if required. Mucolytic drugs (eg, bromhexine) or nebulisation with saline may offer relief. Broad-spectrum antibiotics should be given to prevent secondary bacterial infections. Topical antiviral drugs may be used for the treatment of acute FHV ocular disease. The virus is labile and susceptible to most disinfectants, antiseptics and detergents.
Feline Leukaemia: ABCD Guidelines on Prevention and Management
Authors: Lutz Hans , Addie Diane , Belák Sándor , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Egberink Herman , Frymus Tadeusz , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Hartmann Katrin , Hosie Margaret J , Lloret Albert , Marsilio Fulvio , Pennisi Maria Grazia , Radford Alan D , Thiry Etienne , Truyen Uwe , Horzinek Marian C
Published: May 2009

Overview Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that may induce depression of the immune system, anaemia and/or lymphoma. Over the past 25 years, the prevalence of FeLV infection has decreased considerably, thanks both to reliable tests for the identification of viraemic carriers and to effective vaccines.

Infection Transmission between cats occurs mainly through friendly contacts, but also through biting. In large groups of non-vaccinated cats, around 30–40% will develop persistent viraemia, 30–40% show transient viraemia and 20–30% seroconvert. Young kittens are especially susceptible to FeLV infection.

Disease signs The most common signs of persistent FeLV viraemia are immune suppression, anaemia and lymphoma. Less common signs are immune-mediated disease, chronic enteritis, reproductive disorders and peripheral neuropathies. Most persistently viraemic cats die within 2–3 years.

Diagnosis In low-prevalence areas there may be a risk of false-positive results; a doubtful positive test result in a healthy cat should therefore be confirmed, preferably by PCR for provirus. Asymptomatic FeLV-positive cats should be retested.

Disease management Supportive therapy and good nursing care are required. Secondary infections should be treated promptly. Cats infected with FeLV should remain indoors. Vaccination against common pathogens should be maintained. Inactivated vaccines are recommended. The virus does not survive for long outside the host.
Feline Immunodeficiency: ABCD Guidelines on Prevention and Management
Authors: Hosie Margaret J , Addie Diane , Belák Sándor , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Egberink Herman , Frymus Tadeusz , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Hartmann Katrin , Lutz Hans , Marsilio Fulvio , Pennisi Maria Grazia , Radford Alan D , Thiry Etienne , Truyen Uwe , Horzinek Marian C , Lloret Albert
Published: May 2009

Overview Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a retrovirus closely related to human immunodeficiency virus. Most felids are susceptible to FIV, but humans are not. Feline immunodeficiency virus is endemic in domestic cat populations worldwide. The virus loses infectivity quickly outside the host and is susceptible to all disinfectants.

Infection Feline immunodeficiency virus is transmitted via bites. The risk of transmission is low in households with socially well-adapted cats. Transmission from mother to kittens may occur, especially if the queen is undergoing an acute infection. Cats with FIV are persistently infected in spite of their ability to mount antibody and cell-mediated immune responses.

Disease signs Infected cats generally remain free of clinical signs for several years, and some cats never develop disease, depending on the infecting isolate. Most clinical signs are the consequence of immunodeficiency and secondary infection. Typical manifestations are chronic gingivostomatitis, chronic rhinitis, lymphadenopathy, weight loss and immune-mediated glomerulonephritis.

Diagnosis Positive in-practice ELISA results obtained in a low-prevalence or low-risk population should always be confirmed by a laboratory. Western blot is the ‘gold standard’ laboratory test for FIV serology. PCR-based assays vary in performance.

Disease management Cats should never be euthanased solely on the basis of an FIV-positive test result. Cats infected with FIV may live as long as uninfected cats, with appropriate management. Asymptomatic FIV-infected cats should be neutered to avoid fighting and virus transmission. Infected cats should receive regular veterinary health checks. They can be housed in the same ward as other patients, but should be kept in individual cages.
Christianizing the Klan: Alma White, Branford Clarke, and the Art of Religious Intolerance
Authors: Neal Lynn S.
Published: May 2009

According to the biblical book of Daniel chapter 3, King Nebuchadnezzar, who ruled the Babylonian Empire where the Jews lived in exile, commissioned the building of a ninety-foot golden image and commanded the people to worship it. Refusal to comply meant one's death in a fiery furnace. While most obeyed the king's dictate, the story recounts how Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego, Jews who worked for the king, refused to worship the image and remained loyal to their God. In response, the king bade his men to stoke the furnace and burn the defiant rebels. To the king's amazement, the trio appeared unscathed amid the red-hot flames, and he glimpsed a mysterious fourth figure with them. Seeing this, the king called the men to come out of the furnace and they emerged unharmed, protected, according to the text, by the fourth figure, an angel. The story depicts Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego as heroes who withstood the forces of evil and witnessed the power of their God. It speaks to the fidelity of these men and to the intolerant nature of Nebuchadnezzar's faith. While this passage and its lessons may be familiar to many, in the 1920s they gained additional meanings that provide us with important insights into the workings of religious intolerance in the United States.
Hochschild cohomology of II1 factors with Cartan maximal abelian subalgebras
Authors: Cameron Jan M.
Published: May 2009

In this paper we prove that, for a type-II1 factor N with a Cartan maximal abelian subalgebra, the Hochschild cohomology groups Hn(N,N)=0 for all n≥1. This generalizes the result of Sinclair and Smith, who proved this for all N having a separable predual.
On graded centres and block cohomology
Authors: Linckelmann Markus
Published: May 2009

We extend the group theoretic notions of transfer and stable elements to graded centres of triangulated categories. When applied to the centre Z*(Db(B) of the derived bounded category of a block algebra B we show that the block cohomology H*(B) is isomorphic to a quotient of a certain subalgebra of stable elements of Z*(Db(B)) by some nilpotent ideal, and that a quotient of Z*(Db(B)) by some nilpotent ideal is Noetherian over H*(B).
Direct and converse results for q-Bernstein operators
Authors: Finta Zoltán
Published: May 2009

Direct and converse theorems are established for the q-Bernstein polynomials introduced by G. M. Phillips. The direct approximation theorems are given for the second-order Ditzian–Totik modulus of smoothness. The converse results are theorems of Berens–Lorentz type.
‘Extraction from the Mortal Site’: Badiou on the Resurrection in Paul
Authors: Welborn L. L.
Published: May 2009

This essay explores the heuristic force of Alain Badiou's theory of ‘truth-processes’ for an understanding of the psycho-social effect of Paul's gospel upon first-century inhabitants of the Roman Empire, both elite and lower class. Badiou's analysis of the ‘situated void’ around which existence is constructed directs attention to figures of the subject as ‘living death’ in the literature of the first century, illuminating the process by which a new, liberated self came forth, in response to Paul's message of the resurrection. An immanent critique of Badiou's singular emphasis upon the resurrection as the Pauline ‘truth-event’ gives rise to an hypothesis regarding Paul's description of his gospel as ‘Christ crucified’ in his later epistles: Paul dared to name the ‘situated void’ around which the existence of slaves was constructed in order to redeem the oppressed, whose identities were submerged in shame, from the annihilating power of the cross.
‘(Bethany) beyond the Jordan’: The Significance of a Johannine Motif
Authors: Earl Douglas S.
Published: May 2009

There are three occurrences of the phrase πϵ́ραν τοῦ Ἰορδάνου in John (1.28; 3.26; and 10.40) at a location identified in 1.28 (problematically) as Bethany. The significance of the phrase and location is developed first by exploring Bethany as Bashan via Micah 7.14–15, Jer 50.19–20 and Ps 68, and secondly by considering the significance of ‘crossing the Jordan’ in the OT and 1QS. The gospel is shown to invert the traditional motif; for John one finds life with Godin Jesusby crossing the Jordanout ofIsrael, to Bashan, indicating an unexplored symbol in the Fourth Gospel.
Hebrews 12.5–13, the Wilderness Period, and Israel's Discipline
Authors: Thiessen Matthew
Published: May 2009

Since the author of Hebrews locates his readers in Israel's wilderness period in Heb 3.1–4.11 and 11.8–39, the discussion of παιδɛία in 12.5–13 should be interpreted in light of early Jewish conceptions of Israel's time in the wilderness. Confirmation that this is the correct context in which to understand 12.5–13 will be found in Deuteronomy, Wisdom, Philo, and Josephus, all of whom, like Hebrews, consider endurance of the disciplinary period of the wilderness necessary in order to inherit the promised rest. For this reason, Hebrews warns of Esau, the paradigmatic example of the undisciplined person who forfeits his inheritance.
Moral Order in the Western Tradition: Harry Jaffa's Grand Synthesis of Athens, Jerusalem, and Peoria
Authors: Kraynak Robert P.
Published: May 2009

Harry V. Jaffa has inspired a generation of students in American political thought by defending the natural rights principles of the Declaration of Independence and of Abraham Lincoln. Jaffa is also a defender of Leo Strauss's idea of a “political science of natural right,” which Strauss drew primarily from classical Greek political philosophy. Jaffa's efforts to defend the several strands of the Western natural right tradition led him to develop a grand synthesis of “Athens, Jerusalem, and Peoria,” which I argue is a noble but untenable way of upholding the moral order of the West—and a departure from the intentions of Leo Strauss.
Post-Communist Democratization: Democratic Politics as the Art of the Impossible?
Authors: Bideleux Robert
Published: May 2009

Post-Communist democratization continues to generate high levels of interest and scholarly debate. The dominant rubrics for the study of post-Communist transformation since the early 1990s have been provided by “democratic transition” and “democratic consolidation” theories and concepts which were mainly developed in endeavors to analyze and explain very different experiences in the Western hemisphere during the 1970s and 1980s. Indeed, “the end of communist rule was unthinkingly (but almost universally) identified with the phase of democratic transition,” and “transition and consolidation have been the main concepts around which the discussion of democratization has revolved.” The books reviewed here offer stimulating changes of approach and challenge widespread “West-centric” assumptions about democracy and democratization.
Egypt under Muʿāwiya Part II: Middle Egypt, Fusṭāṭ and Alexandria
Authors: Foss Clive
Published: May 2009

The first part of this paper discussed a large collection of documents from Upper Egypt illustrative of society and economy in the time of Muʿāwiya. Here, further papyri, of pagarchs of Arsinoe, present supplementary information about grain production, taxation, great estates, the postal service and the role of the church in the local economy. Information about Fusṭāṭ and Alexandria depends on literary sources and archaeology. Fusṭāṭ, which started as a camp, became more organized and controlled under Muʿāwiya's governors when the main shipyard was moved there. Alexandria, despite romantic descriptions, was at least partly ruined. Like Fusṭāṭ, it was the seat of a major garrison. Taken together, the evidence from Egypt shows much administrative continuity from Byzantine times, but with important new taxes and requisitions and a tighter central control. It suggests that Muʿāwiya ran a sophisticated and effective state.
The sanctuary of Shaykh ʿAdī at Lalish: Centre of pilgrimage of the Yezidis
Authors: Açıkyıldız Birgül
Published: May 2009

The sanctuary of Shaykh ʿAdī, the only monumental complex of the Yezidis, lies at Lalish, 35 kilometres north of Mosul, in Iraqi Kurdistan. It is dedicated to its founder, Shaykh ʿAdī (d. 1162). Although it has been suggested that it was converted from a Christian monastery, Arabic sources and architectural analysis indicate that it may originally have been thezāwiyawhere Shaykh ʿAdī and his disciples retired to meditate. After his death, the sanctuary grew up around his tomb and became a centre of pilgrimage. It is a large complex containing buildings of different sizes and functions. It was not conceived as a centrally planned structure and its different parts were added progressively as and when circumstances dictated. The dominant architectural style is derived from that which characterizes the twelfth–thirteenth-century Shiite buildings of Mosul, and was continued by the Yezidis until the present day.