bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpretation of DTA Experiments Used for Crystal Nucleation Rate Determinations
Authors: Weinberg Michael C.
Published: April 2005

An analysis is presented of two schemes which have been proposed for the determination of the temperature dependence of homogeneous crystal nucleation rates in glasses via DTA measurements. The first method is based upon the postulate that the inverse of the temperature at which the DTA crystallization rate is maximum, T1p, will increase monotonically as the number density of nucleated particles increases. The second method is based on the observation that the intensity at Tp (peak height) increases as Tp grows. The validity of both of these methods is assessed for inorganic glasses for two specific crystal growth models.
Coherent Phase Diagram for Spinodal Decomposition in the Tetragonal Titanium Dioxide—Tin Oxide System
Authors: Nambu Shinji , Oiji Masaki
Published: April 2005

A microscopic calculation was carried out for spinodal decomposition in the tetragonal TiO2—SnO2 system by taking into account the contribution of the elastic free energy. Necessary elastic constants for the solid solutions and the elastic free energy of modulated structure were calculated in terms of interatomic potentials. A coherent phase diagram was obtained unambiguously from the calculated elastic free energy by using the interaction parameter determined by the experimental binodal line. The results were compared with the calculation based on the regular‐solution model.
Microstructural and Microchemical Characterization of a Calcium Aluminate—Polymer Composite (MDF Cement)
Authors: Popoola Oludele O. , Kriven Waltraud M. , Young J. Francis
Published: April 2005

The microstructure of a macrodefect‐free (MDF) cement has been characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and high‐resolution electron microscopy (HREM). The microchemistry of ultramicrotomed samples has been studied by energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and parallel electron energy loss spectrometry (PEELS). MDF cement consists of CaAl2O4 and CaAl4O7 grains randomly distributed in a polymer matrix. The ceramic/polymer interface contains an amorphous interphase inside of which are distributed very fine crystallites of the metastable hydration product Ca2Al2O5·8H2O. PEELS analyses of the interphase revealed the presence of carbon, indicating that Ca2Al2O5·8H2O was most likely stabilized by the intercalation of polymeric chains into its basal interlayers. The polymer phase preferably cross‐links with Al. In situ environmental cell electron microscopy showed that moisture uptake of MDF cements occurred by polymer swelling and interphase dissolution. The role of the interfacial interphase in dry and wet mechanical properties is discussed.
Effects of Grain Size of Hot‐Pressed Silicon Nitride on Contact Damage Morphology and Residual Strength
Authors: Makino Hiroaki , Kamiya Nobuo , Wada Shigetaka
Published: April 2005

Effects of the grain size of hot‐pressed Si3N4 on contact damage morphology and residual strength were studied using the elastic/plastic indentation method with a spherical indenter. The contact damage, initially formed with increasing indentation load, was Hertzian cracks in the Si3N4 consisting of fine grains (mean grain size: 0.2 μm). In the coarser‐grained Si3N4 (mean grain size: 0.8 μm), there was a damage texture, consisting of grain‐sized microcracks. The residual strength was degraded at a load slightly higher than the critical load for contact damage formation. The strength degradation was not caused by contact damage but the residual stress formed around the impressions.
Oxygen lon Mobility in Cubic Zr0.85Ca0.15O1.85
Authors: KINGERY W. D. , PAPPIS J. , DOTY M. E. , HILL D. C.
Published: April 2005

Oxygen ion mobility in the cubic fluorite‐structure phase having the composition Zr0.85Ca0.15O1.85 has been directly determined by exchange measurements employing the stable isotope O18 and mass spectrometer analysis. Measurements of electrical conductivity have been carried out as a function of both temperature and oxygen pressure. Results indicate that the conductivity is wholly ionic with a transfer number near unity for the oxygen ion.
Microstructure and Humidity‐Sensitive Characteristics of α‐Fe2O3 Ceramic Sensor
Authors: Cantalini Carlo , Pelino Mario
Published: April 2005

The microstructure and humidity‐sensitive characteristics of α‐Fe2O3 porous ceramic were investigated. Microporous α‐Fe2O3 powders were obtained by controlling the topotactic decomposition reaction of α‐FeOOH. Water vapor adsorption thermogravimetrical experiments were carried out in the relative humidity (rh) range 0% to 95% on the α‐Fe2O3 powder and the 900°C sintered compact. The microstructure was investigated by SEM, TEM, Hg intrusion, and N2 adsorption porosimetry techniques. The humidity sensitivity was investigated by the impedance measurements technique in 0% to 95% rh on the compacts sintered at 50°C steps in the 850° to 1100°C range. Humidity response was found to be affected by the microstructure, i.e., the characteristics of the precursor powders and sintering temperatures.
Kinetics of Anatase TiO2 Surface Area Reduction in a Mixture of HCl, H2O, and O2: l, Experimental Study
Authors: Gruy Frédéric , Pijolat Michèle
Published: April 2005

Changes in the surface area of anatase TiO2 were investigated at 690 K as a function of the gas composition in mixtures of hydrogen chloride, water vapor, and oxygen. The chlorine content on the catalyst support was not dependent on the annealing time, which indicates that the adsorption equilibrium is reached very quickly. The kinetics of surface area were obtained as a function of partial pressure of HCI (from 0.1 to 40 kPa), water vapor (from 0.05 to 10 kPa), and oxygen (from 0.4 to 20 kPa). A mathematical expression for the rate of surface area loss was obtained which includes the partial pressure of water and the chlorine content at the surface of anatase.
Effect of Water Vapor on the Release of Fission Gases from Uranium Oxycarbide in High‐Temperature, Gas‐Cooled Reactor Coated Fuel Particles
Authors: Myers Benjamin F.
Published: April 2005

The hydrolysis of uranium oxycarbide (UCO) was studied by injecting water vapor into a fuel element containing a known number of high‐temperature, gas‐cooled reactor (HTGR) coated particles with exposed fuel kernels. The experiments were conducted in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at temperatures between 700° and 1000°C, a system pressure of 200 kPa, and partial pressures of water vapor between 21 and 199 Pa. The general sequential response of the exposed fuel kernels to water vapor addition consisted of (1) a rapid release of stored fission gas with a concomitant increase in the steady‐state release and (2) a period of constant steady‐state release. Upon cessation of the addition of water vapor, a decline in the release to prehydrolysis values generally occurred. The release of stored fission gas was dependent on the square of the partial pressure of water vapor. The ratio of the constant steady‐state release to the prehydrolysis value was independent of the partial pressure of water vapor. The time constant for the decline in the release was the same in all of the hydrolysis tests.
Experimental Evaluation of the Acceptor‐States Compensation in Positive‐Temperature‐Coefficient‐Type Barium Titanate
Authors: Huybrechts Ben , Ishizaki Kozo , Takata Masasuke
Published: April 2005

Experimental evidence shows that the acceptor‐state levels in Sb‐doped positive‐temperature‐coefficient‐type BaTiO3 are compensated up to a critical acceptor‐state density. Using the slope of the natural logarithm of the resistivity with respect to 1/T, instead of maximum resistivity as a measure for the acceptor‐state density, it is possible to estimate this critical value. The value obtained (4.2 × 1017 m−2) is believed to be the first reported estimate based on experimental data. It is in good agreement with the estimate of 6 × 1017 m−2 (first reported by Jonker) obtained from the spontaneous polarization of BaTiO3. This shows that the ferroelectric behavior of BaTiO3 is indeed a feasible explanation for the low resistivity below the Curie point, as proposed by Jonker.
Stress–Strain Behavior of Nicalon‐Fiber‐Reinforced Calcium Aluminosilicate Composites under Tensile Fatigue Conditions
Authors: Thomas Warren A. , Kopp Michael W. , Sanchez J. M.
Published: April 2005

The unusual stress–strain hysteresis loop shape exhibited by ceramic‐matrix composites under cyclic loading has previously been explained as a result of either strain rate dependence of the frictional shear stress or crack closure. This investigation has determined that the response is due to neither mechanism. Instead, it is proposed that a variation of interfacial shear strength occurs during each cycle. A static coefficient of friction dominates immediately after loading or unloading. A much lower dynamic coefficient of friction operates once fiber sliding begins. This dynamic coefficient appears to be very dependent on surface roughness.
Influence of Atmosphere on the Final‐Stage Sintering Kinetics of Ultra‐High‐Purity Alumina
Authors: Thompson A. Mark , Harmer Martin P.
Published: April 2005

The influence of sintering atmosphere on the final‐stage sintering of ultra‐high‐purity alumina has been investigated. Model final‐stage microstructures were tailored via a latex sphere impregnation and burnout technique. Critical experiments have been conducted to quantitatively examine the influence of the oxygen partial pressure on the final‐stage sintering kinetics. Samples were sintered at 1850°C in either dry hydrogen (Po2∼ 3 × 10−17 atm) or wet hydrogen Po2∼ 5 × 10−10 to 2 × 10−11 atm), and their microstructures were characterized as a function of sintering time, Sintering in dry hydrogen decreased the susceptibility of the final‐stage microstructure to pore/boundary breakaway. In the kinetic analysis, the variation in the number of pores per grain, Ng, was taken into account. It was found that in both atmospheres, the densification rate was controlled by grain boundary diffusion, and that sintering in dry hydrogen increased the densification rate by a factor of 2.25. In addition, it was determined that the grain growth rate in both atmospheres was controlled by the rate of surface diffusion of matter around the pores and that sintering in dry hydrogen enhanced the grain growth rate by a factor of 5.6. The overall effect of the dry hydrogen atmosphere was that it enhanced the coarsening rate relative to the densification rate by a factor of 2.5, and consequently shifted the grain size‐density trajectory to much lower densities for a given grain size.
Drying of Granular Ceramic Films: I, Effect of Processing Variables on Cracking Behavior
Authors: Chiu R. C. , Garino T. J. , Cima M. J.
Published: April 2005

Drying of binder‐free granular ceramic films was studied to identify processing variables which affect their cracking behavior. Films were prepared from electrostatically stabilized suspensions of α‐alumina in water. A critical cracking thickness (CCT) was determined, above which films would spontaneously crack during drying. The effects of particle size, liquid surface tension, drying rate, dispersion stability, and sedimentation time were evaluated by a statistical design methodology. The CCT for films prepared on glass substrates was used as a measure of the effect of each variable on cracking. The statistically significant variables were particle size, dispersion stability, and sedimentation time. The effect of substrate constraint was also studied by producing films on a Teflon substrate and a pool of liquid Hg. The observations were consistent with a capillary formed tensile stress acting on the entire film rather than differential stress generated by a moisture gradient over the film thickness.
Push‐Out Tests on a New Silicon Carbide/Reaction‐Bonded Silicon Carbide Ceramic Matrix Composite
Authors: Curtin William A. , Eldridge Jeffrey I. , Srinivasan Gajawalli V.
Published: April 2005

Fiber push‐out tests have been performed on a ceramic matrix composite consisting of Carborundum sintered SiC fibers, with a BN coating, embedded in a reaction‐bonded SiC matrix. Analysis of the push‐out data, utilizing the most complete theory presently available, shows that one of the fiber/coating/matrix interfaces has a low fracture energy (one‐tenth that of the fiber) and a moderate sliding resistance τ∼ 8 MPa. The debonded sliding interface shows some continuous but minor abrasion, which appears to increase the sliding resistance, but overall the system exhibits very clean smooth sliding. The tensile response of a full‐scale composite is then modeled, using data obtained here and known fiber strengths, to demonstrate the good composite behavior predicted for this material.
Oxygen Tracer Diffusion in La2‐xSrxCuO4‐y Single Crystals
Authors: Opila Elizabeth J. , Tuller Harry L. , Wuensch Bernhardt J. , Maier Joachim
Published: April 2005

The tracer diffusion of 18O in La2‐xSrxCuO4‐y single crystals (x = 0 to 0.12) has been measured from 400° to 700°C in 1 atm of oxygen using SIMS analysis. Evidence for diffusion by a vacancy mechanism was found at low strontium contents. Oxygen diffusivities for x 2≥ 0.07 were depressed by several orders of magnitude below the diffusivity for undoped La2CuO4±y. The observed effects of strontium doping on oxygen diffusivity are discussed in terms of defect chemical models. The decreasing oxygen diffusivity with increasing strontium was attributed to the ordering of oxygen vacancies at large defect concentrations. A diffusion anisotropy, Dab/Dc, of ∼600) was also found at 500°C.
Influence of Potassium on Preparation and Performance of PTC Resistors
Authors: Ho In‐Chyuan , Hsieh Huey‐Lin
Published: April 2005

Different amounts of K2CO3 were added to (Ba,Sr)TiO3‐based PTCR (positive temperature coefficient of resistance) ceramics to investigate their influence on the microstructural and electrical properties. Experimental results showed that the incorporation of K acted as an A‐site acceptor‐type dopant. In addition to enhancing discontinuous grain growth, the increase of K2CO3 was found to raise the room‐temperature resistivity which was dominated by grain‐boundary resistance rather than grain resistance. By adjusting to a suitable amount of donor dopant, the inherent contamination of K in raw material can be compensated to achieve a high‐quality PTC resistor.
Veterinary pharmacovigilance. Part 5. Causality and expectedness
Authors: WOODWARD K. N.
Published: April 2005

In the European Union and elsewhere there is a requirement to ascribe causality to adverse drug reactions which occur in treated animals. In the EU, the ABON system of causality assessment is used but the assignment of causality assigned is not always self evident, and it may be complicated for a variety of reasons. In this paper, the approaches to causality assessment, based on a number of key criteria which examine the administration of the drug in relation to the sequence of ensuing events and the presence of biological plausibility are examined, along with the utility of using algorithms to facilitate this process. Unexpected adverse drug reactions usually require expedited reporting, depending on national or regional regulatory requirements. Again, deciding on what might constitute an expected (or unexpected) adverse reaction, particularly when a product may be intended for use in a number of species, and when within any one species a number of breeds may be treated, is not necessarily a straightforward issue. However, an approach to facilitate the decision‐ making process, based on a similar approach used in the pharmacovigilance of human medicinal products is discussed.
Veterinary pharmacovigilance. Part 6. Predictability of adverse reactions in animals from laboratory toxicology studies
Authors: WOODWARD K. N.
Published: April 2005

Toxicological studies are conducted on constituents of veterinary medicinal products for a number of reasons. Aside from being a requirement of legislation, they are carried out for predictive purposes in the assessment of user safety or for the determination of consumer safety, for example, in the elaboration of maximum residue limits or tolerances. Alternatively, the results of toxicology studies may be available as they have been generated for registration of the drug for human medicinal purposes. This paper examines if the results of such studies have any predictive value for adverse reactions, which might occur during clinical use in animals. A number of adverse reactions, notably the Type A (toxicology or pharmacology dependent) should be predictable from these laboratory studies. However, as with human pharmaceutical products, they have less utility in predicting Type‐B reactions (idiosyncratic in nature).
Candidosis and aspergillosis as autopsy findings from 1994 to 2003
Authors: Schwesinger G. , Junghans D. , Schröder G. , Bernhardt H. , Knoke M.
Published: April 2005

We analysed the autopsy records of the Greifswald University Institute of Pathology (located in Eastern Germany) in respect of findings of candidosis and aspergillosis from 1994 to 2003. We also present eight immature aborted fetuses and premature infants with a mycosis. In a total of 2027 autopsies we found 164 cases of invasive candidosis and aspergillosis (8.1%) including a combination of both on four occasions. Other authors cited between 0.7 and 7.3%. In these 10 years in our material mycoses and in particular candidosis increased in spite of slightly decreased numbers of autopsies. The differences comparing the 5‐years periods (1994–98 and 1999–2003) are highly significant for both mycoses and candidosis. They are not significant for aspergillosis. A similar relationship was observed in the distribution of mycotic organs and causative origin for candidosis alone. In the last 5 years the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, including the peritoneum, were more frequently infected by Candida. Non‐haematological neoplasia and pneumonia as basic diseases more often appeared in cases of candidosis. All eight immature aborted fetuses and premature infants suffered from candidosis. The survey confirms the importance of autopsy as a tool for education and quality control in medical diagnostic and therapeutic activity in the field of mycoses, too.
Dermatophyte infections in the Ljubljana region, Slovenia, 1995–2002
Authors: Dolenc‐Voljč Mateja
Published: April 2005

We studied dermatophyte infections in patients, examined in the Mycological Laboratory of the Department of Dermatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana during the period 1995–2002. A total of 42 494 samples were collected from 33 974 patients suspected to have dermatomycosis. Dermatophytes were identified in 8286 (71.2%) positive cultures. Microsporum canis was the most frequent dermatophyte isolated (46.8%), followed by Trichophyton rubrum (36.7%), T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale (7.9%) and T. mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes (4.9%). Less frequently isolated were M. gypseum, T. verrucosum, Epidermophyton floccosum, T. tonsurans and T. violaceum. The most common dermatophyte infections included tinea corporis, onychomycosis, tinea pedis and tinea faciei. Zoophilic dermatophytes were most commonly recovered from children and adolescents with tinea capitis, tinea corporis and tinea faciei. Anthropophilic species were identified mostly in adults with tinea pedis, onychomycosis and tinea inguinalis. During the period studied, we recorded a decline in the rate of M. canis infections, while infections produced by T. rubrum increased in frequency.
Dysplastic naevi: To shave, or not to shave? A retrospective study of the use of the shave biopsy technique in the initial management of dysplastic naevi
Authors: Armour Katherine , Mann Stephen , Lee Stephen
Published: April 2005

The management of dysplastic naevi is a controversial subject. This study sought to assess the usefulness of the shave biopsy technique in the initial management of dysplastic naevi, and to demonstrate the advantages over the punch biopsy technique. We report a retrospective observational study of histopathology specimens examined in one histopathology practice over a 14‐month period. Patients who had a clinical diagnosis of ‘dysplastic naevus’, which had initially been biopsied using either a shave or punch biopsy, and then followed up with a full‐thickness elliptical excision, were included in the study. Histopathological concordance between the shave and punch biopsy specimens and their respective follow‐up elliptical excisions was compared. We found that 21 of 22 (95.5%) shave biopsies were concordant with their respective excision specimens, and that 29 of 41 (70.7%) punch biopsies were concordant with their respective elliptical excision specimens. Of the shave biopsy specimens reviewed, 66% showed that the dysplastic naevi were completely excised with the initial biopsy, compared with 21.2% of the punch biopsy specimens. These findings confirm that shave biopsies provide accurate diagnostic information in the assessment of dysplastic naevi. Shave biopsies enable the entire lesion to be submitted for histopathological assessment, improving the chances of an accurate diagnosis.
Rheumatoid nodules without arthritis
Authors: Hewitt Daniel , Cole Judith
Published: April 2005

A 53‐year‐old man presented with firm, non‐tender subcutaneous nodules overlying his hands and elbows. These had been progressive in number and size over 7 years. Rheumatoid factor was negative but a biopsy was consistent with rheumatoid nodules. He has never had any joint symptoms and remains otherwise asymptomatic. Examination is unremarkable except for the nodules described. We believe this man has rheumatoid nodules with no evidence of arthritis.
Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy: Current status
Authors: Ahmadi Sharareh , Powell Frank C
Published: April 2005

Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy is a common benign dermatosis of pregnancy that was described in 1979 as an intensely pruritic urticarial cutaneous eruption. This is a well‐defined clinical entity that mainly occurs in primigravidas in the third trimester, which resolves spontaneously or with delivery and is usually responsive to topical treatments. The aetiology of PUPPP is obscure. Histology is non‐specific, but consistently shows mild lymphohistiocytic perivascular inflammatory infiltrate with a variable number of eosinophils. Immunofluorescent studies are negative. The maternal and fetal prognosis are generally unaffected, and the condition is usually responsive to topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines.
Lifestyle practices of Jordanian pregnant women
Authors: Gharaibeh M. , Al‐Ma’aitah R. , Al Jada N.
Published: April 2005

Background:  Although many improvements have been made in the area of women's health in Jordan, women during pregnancy still face many health problems that put their lives at risk. This is evident in the relatively high Maternal Mortality Rate, anaemia, low birth weight and other problems related to their lifestyle practices during pregnancy (Jordanian Ministry of Health 1998).

Purpose:  To describe the health‐promoting lifestyle behaviours of Jordanian pregnant women. The Maternal Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile (MHPLP), based on the Health Promotion Model, was modified to measure maternal practices. A representative sample of 400 Jordanian pregnant women in their 20th week of gestation or beyond were recruited from five public Maternal and Child Health Centres in the city of Irbid, in the northern part of Jordan. The MHPLP measures six dimensions: physical activity, stress management, self‐actualization, nutrition, health responsibility and interpersonal support. Data were analysed by using descriptive analysis.

Results:  The women reported high scores on health responsibility and self‐actualization, moderate scores on interpersonal support and nutrition, and low scores on physical activity and stress management behaviours.

Conclusions and implications for policy, practice and research:  The findings have implications for the quality of care delivered through the maternal and child health services. Health promotion and healthy lifestyle need to be an integral part of health services provided for pregnant women. Further research is needed to develop an instrument that integrates the cultural beliefs relating to lifestyle practices of Jordanian pregnant women mainly in the areas of physical activities and stress management. Policy implications of the findings are discussed.
Estimation of Nonparametric Autoregressive Time Series Models Under Dynamical Constraints
Authors: Biscay R. J. , Lavielle Marc , Ludeña Carenne
Published: April 2005

Abstract. A method is introduced to estimate nonparametric autoregressive models under the additional constraint that its regression function has a stable cycle. It is based on a penalty approach that chooses a series expansion approximation taking into account both goodness‐of‐fit and fulfillment of the constraint. Consistency of the proposed estimator is obtained under general hypothesis. Feasibility and effective performance of the introduced method are studied through simulated examples and electro‐encephalographic data collected from a subject suffering from epilepsy.
The production and consumption of bar iron in early modern England and Wales
Authors: KING PETER
Published: April 2005

Errata. The Economic History Review 59: 1, 64

The production and consumption of bar iron in early modern England and Wales. An estimate made of the bar iron production in England shows two periods when production grew rapidly, 1540‐1620 and 1785‐1810. Both of these were related to the adoption of new technology‐the finery forge in the first case, and potting and stamping and then puddling in the second. Imports of iron from Spain declined sharply after 1540, but those from Sweden became significant from the mid‐seventeenth century, and those from Russia after 1730. Consumption grew rapidly in the late sixteenth century, and again during the eighteenth. Hence, the industrial revolution was the culmination of a long period of growth.
European integration and corporate restructuring: the strategy of Unilever, c.1957–c.19901
Authors: JONES GEOFFREY , MISKELL PETER
Published: April 2005

European integration and corporate restructuring: the strategy of Unilever, c.1957‐c.1990. While much has been written about the politics of European integration, discussion about the role of business in this process has been largely confined to lobbying activities. This article focuses on the business reaction to European integration. It highlights the constraints facing one of Europe's largest firms in building a regional detergents business. These included divergences in market demand and political obstacles to rationalization, but more serious was a corporate culture based around local decision making and consensus. The study demonstrates that a full understanding of the European integration process must incorporate a firm‐level analysis of how Europe‐wide businesses were built after 1957.
Evaluation of soluble benzene migration in the Uinta Basin
Authors: ZHANG Y. , PERSON M. , MERINO E. , SZPAKIEWCZ M.
Published: April 2005

Field sampling and mathematical modeling are used to study the long‐distance transport and attenuation of petroleum‐derived benzene in the Uinta Basin, Utah. Benzene concentration was measured from oil and oil field formation waters of the Altamont‐Bluebell and Pariette Bench oil fields in the basin. It was also measured from springs located in the regional groundwater discharge areas, hydraulically down‐gradient from the oil fields sampled. The average benzene concentration in oils and co‐produced waters is 1946 and 4.9 ppm at the Altamont‐Bluebell field and 1533 and 0.6 ppm at the Pariette Bench field, respectively. Benzene concentration is below the detection limit in all springs sampled. Mathematical models are constructed along a north–south trending transect across the basin through both fields. The models represent groundwater flow, heat transfer and advective/dispersive benzene transport in the basin, as well as benzene diffusion within the oil reservoirs. The coupled groundwater flow and heat transfer model is calibrated using available thermal and hydrologic data. We were able to reproduce the observed excess fluid pressure within the lower Green River Formation and the observed convective temperature anomalies across the northern basin. Using the computed best‐fit flow and temperature, the coupled transport model simulates water washing of benzene from the oil reservoirs. Without the effect of benzene attenuation, dissolved benzene reaches the regional groundwater discharge areas in measurable concentration (>0.01 ppm); with attenuation, benzene concentration diminishes to below the detection limit within 1–4 km from the reservoirs. Attenuation also controls the amount of water washing over time. In general, models that represent benzene attenuation in the basin produce results more consistent with field observations.
Inhibition of yeasts isolated from traditional Turkish cheeses by Lactobacillus spp.
Authors: DURLU‐ÖZKAYA FÜGEN , KARABIÇAK NILGÜN , KAYALI REVASIYE , ESEN BERRIN
Published: April 2005

Antifungal activity of some Lactobacillus strains was determined. Yeasts were isolated and identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae (10 of 17) and one each of Candida pseudotropicalis, C. krusei, C. lipolytica, C. lusitaniae, C. ciferrii, Torulopsis glabrata and Rhodotorula rubra. Lactobacillus strains were found to have fairly strong antifungal activity against S. cerevisiae. Of the 19 bacteria tested, L. plantarum Lp 21 seemed to have the most inhibitory effect against all of the S. cerevisiae strains except for S. cerevisiae 13. We suggest that L. plantarum Lp 21 can be used with starter cultures for cheese production.
Regulation of glutamate carboxypeptidase II hydrolysis ofN‐acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) in crayfish nervous tissue is mediated by glial glutamate and acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Urazaev Albert K. , Grossfeld Robert M. , Lieberman Edward M.
Published: April 2005

Glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII), a glial ectoenzyme, is responsible forN‐acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) hydrolysis. Its regulation in crayfish nervous tissue was investigated by examining uptake of [3H]glutamate derived fromN‐acetylaspartyl‐[3H]glutamate ([3H]NAAG) to measure GCPII activity. Electrical stimulation (100 Hz, 10 min) during 30 min incubation with [3H]NAAG increased tissue [3H]glutamate tenfold. This was prevented by 2‐(phosphonomethyl)‐pentanedioic acid (2‐PMPA), a GCPII inhibitor, suggesting that stimulation increased the hydrolysis of [3H]NAAG and metabolic recycling of [3H]glutamate. Antagonists of glial group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGLURII), NMDA receptors and acetylcholine (ACh) receptors that mediate axon–glia signaling in crayfish nerve fibers decreased the effect of stimulation by 58–83%, suggesting that glial receptor activation leads to stimulation of GCPII activity. In combination, they reduced [3H]NAAG hydrolysis during stimulation to unstimulated control levels. Agonist stimulation of mGLURIImimicked the effect of electrical stimulation, and was prevented by antagonists of GCPII or mGLURII. Raising extracellular K+to three times the normal level stimulated [3H]NAAG release and GCPII activity. These effects were also blocked by antagonists of GCPII and mGLURII. No receptor antagonist or agonist tested or 2‐PMPA affected uptake of [3H]glutamate. We conclude that NAAG released from stimulated nerve fibers activates its own hydrolysis via stimulation of GCPII activity mediated through glial mGLURII,NMDA and ACh receptors.
Energy substrate requirements for survival of rat retinal cells in culture: the importance of glucose and monocarboxylates
Authors: Wood John P. M. , Chidlow Glyn , Graham Mark , Osborne Neville N.
Published: April 2005

The process of metabolic coupling has been described as a means of providing additional fuel for neurons during periods of intense activity. This process has been suggested to occur in the mammalian retina, but whether retinal neurons can metabolise glial‐derived monocarboxylates remains uncertain. The present study therefore sought to define the preferred energy substrates for maintenance of different retinal cells in culture, in order to clarify whether metabolic coupling can potentially occur in this tissue. All cells in rat retinal cultures were detrimentally affected by glucose deprivation. The effect on some neurons, however, could be partially reversed by 5 mm pyruvate or lactate. Furthermore, the glycolytic inhibitor, iodoacetic acid, caused a dose‐dependent loss of all retinal cells in culture, whereas the mitochondrial inhibitor, 2,4‐dinitrophenol, only led to a decrease in the number of neurons. Finally, inhibition of transporters for glucose or monocarboxylates caused the respective loss of glia or neurons from cultures. These data together demonstrate that, although cells do preferentially metabolise glucose, monocarboxylates such as lactate or pyruvate do play an important role in neuronal maintenance. These data therefore give partial support to the notion that metabolic coupling may occur in the retina.
Transport characteristics of N‐acetyl‐l‐aspartate in rat astrocytes: involvement of sodium‐coupled high‐affinity carboxylate transporter NaC3/NaDC3‐mediated transport system
Authors: Fujita Takuya , Katsukawa Hiromi , Yodoya Etsuo , Wada Miyuki , Shimada Ayumi , Okada Naoki , Yamamoto Akira , Ganapathy Vadivel
Published: April 2005

We investigated in the present study the transport characteristics of N‐acetyl‐l‐aspartate in primary cultures of astrocytes from rat cerebral cortex and the involvement of NA+‐coupled high‐affinity carboxylate transporter NaC3 (formerly known as NaDC3) responsible for N‐acetyl‐l‐aspartate transport. N‐acetyl‐l‐aspartate transport was NA+‐dependent and saturable with a Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) of ∼110 µm. NA+‐activation kinetics revealed that the NA+ to‐N‐acetyl‐l‐aspartate stoichiometry was 3 : 1 and concentration of Na+ necessary for half‐maximal transport (KNAm) was 70 mm. NA+‐dependent N‐acetyl‐l‐aspartate transport was competitively inhibited by succinate with an inhibitory constant (Ki) of 14.7 µm, which was comparable to the Km value of NA+‐dependent succinate transport (29.4 µm). l‐Aspartate also inhibited NA+‐dependent [14C]N‐acetyl‐l‐aspartate transport with relatively low affinity (Ki = 2.2 mm), whereas N‐acetyl‐l‐aspartate was not able to inhibit NA+‐dependent aspartate transport in astrocytes. In addition, Li+ was found to have a significant inhibitory effect on the NA+‐dependent N‐acetyl‐l‐aspartate transport in a concentration‐dependent manner. Furthermore, RT–PCR and western blot analyses revealed that NaC3 is expressed in primary cultures of astrocytes. Taken collectively, these results indicate that NaC3 expressed in rat cerebrocortical astrocytes is responsible for NA+‐dependent N‐acetyl‐l‐aspartate transport. This transporter is likely to be an essential prerequisite for the metabolic role of N‐acetyl‐l‐aspartate in the process of myelination.
Cellular and subcellular localization of EFA6C, a third member of the EFA6 family, in adult mouse Purkinje cells
Authors: Matsuya Shigetsune , Sakagami Hiroyuki , Tohgo Akira , Owada Yuji , Shin Hye‐Won , Takeshima Hiroshi , Nakayama Kazuhisa , Kokubun Shoichi , Kondo Hisatake
Published: April 2005

EFA6C is a third member of the EFA6 family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) for ADP‐ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6). In this study, we first demonstrated that EFA6C indeed activated ARF6 more selectively than ARF1 by ARF pull‐down assay. In situ hybridization histochemistry revealed that EFA6C mRNA was expressed predominantly in mature Purkinje cells and the epithelial cells of the choroid plexus in contrast to the ubiquitous expression of ARF6 mRNA throughout the brain. EFA6C mRNA was already detectable in the Purkinje cells at embryonic day 13, increased progressively during post‐natal development and peaked during post‐natal second week. In Purkinje cells, the immunoreactivity for EFA6C was localized particularly in the post‐synaptic density as well as the plasma membranes of the cell somata, dendritic shafts and spines, while the immunoreactivity in their axon terminals in the deep cerebellar nuclei was very faint. These findings suggest that EFA6C may be involved in the regulation of the membrane dynamics of the somatodendritic compartments of Purkinje cells through the activation of ARF6.
Anxiety, gingival inflammation and periodontal disease in non‐smokers and smokers – an epidemiological study
Authors: Johannsen Annsofi , Åsberg Marie , Söder Per‐Östen , Söder Birgitta
Published: April 2005

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of anxiety, measured by one single question, on gingival inflammation and periodontal disease in non‐smokers and smokers.

Material and Methods: The participants were 144 subjects with untreated periodontal disease 30–40 years of age, and 26 healthy controls, 30–40 years of age. All subjects were clinically examined and answered an uncomplicated question regarding anxiety in every day life, as well as smoking habits. The periodontitis subjects were divided into; an aggressive periodontitis (AP)‐group and a chronic periodontitis (CP)‐group. Fisher's exact probability t‐test, analysis of variance (anova), Mann–Whitney U‐test and analysis of covariance (ancova) were used as statistical methods.

Results: Anxious subjects had a significantly higher gingival index than non‐anxious subjects, when controlling for smoking (p<0.01). The healthy anxious non‐smokers had an average score of GI 1.6 (±0.4 SD) compared with 1.2 (±0.4 SD), p<0.05 for the non‐anxious non‐smokers. Anxious smokers with periodontits (AP‐/CP‐group) had significantly more sites with pockets 5 mm, compared with non‐anxious smokers, (p<0.05).

Conclusions: The results of the present study, suggest that self‐reported anxiety was associated with an adverse affect on the gingiva. Anxiety seemed to be associated with increased severity of periodontal disease in smokers.
Pain during prophylaxis treatment elicited by two power‐driven instruments
Authors: Kocher T. , Rodemerk B. , Fanghänel J. , Meissner G.
Published: April 2005

Background: Sonic scalers have an elliptical and piezoceramic ultrasonic scalers a linear oscillation pattern. Thus, a sonic scaler “hammers” the tooth surface, irrespective of its alignment to the tooth, whereas a piezoceramic ultrasonic scaler may oscillate parallel to the tooth surface and gently remove calculus if the alignment is correct. The aim of this study was to measure pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS) during removal of supragingival calculus on mandibular incisors with a sonic or an ultrasonic scaler.

Material and methods: Seventy‐four periodontally healthy subjects with supragingival calculus on the mandibular incisors were treated with both a sonic and a piezoceramic ultrasonic scaler in a split‐mouth design. The sequence of instrument application and allocation of instruments to jaw side were randomized. Patient comfort was assessed with a VAS after treatment.

Results: The VAS results did not show any difference between the two instrumentation modalities.

Conclusion: For calculus removal during prophylaxis the type of power‐driven instrument does not seem to have an impact on perceived pain. This means that the oscillation pattern does not influence the pain experience.
THE BETA‐BINOMIAL MODEL: VARIABILITY IN OVERDISPERSION ACROSS METHODS AND OVER TIME
Authors: LIGGETT RACHEL E. , DELWICHE JEANNINE F.
Published: April 2005

The beta‐binomial model accounts for variability between samples as well as variability between judges (overdispersion), making it possible to combine responses across judges and replications. Overdispersion (measured by gamma) was examined in this 3‐part study. (1) Groups of judges (n = 53–59) performed two replications each of a paired comparison and paired preference. Results showed that extent of overdispersion could not be predicted from the method. (2) The stability of gamma across discrimination methods (2‐alternative forced choice [2‐AFC], 3‐alternative forced choice [3‐AFC], triangle and duo‐trio) was also examined (n = 103). Results indicated that gamma was largely consistent across 2‐AFC, 3‐AFC and triangle tasks, but it was higher in the duo‐trio task. (3) The stability of gamma over time was also investigated (n = 25). Results demonstrate that overdispersion varied over time with no clear pattern. In all cases, use of the beta‐binomial model allowed responses across judges and replications to be combined, increasing the power achieved for a given panel size.
SENSORY COMPARISON OF SEVERAL CHEESE VARIETIES MANUFACTURED FROM DIFFERENT MILK SOURCES
Authors: BÁRCENAS P. , PÉREZ ELORTONDO F.J. , ALBISU M.
Published: April 2005

The objectives of the present study were (1) to identify specific sensory patterns for several cheese varieties, paying special attention to ewe's milk cheeses, (2) to describe nonewe's milk cheeses (goat, cow, milk mixture) relationships within the considered ewe's milk cheese sensory space and (3) to evaluate if a lexicon specifically suited for ewe's milk cheeses’ description was useful for other sources of milk cheeses’ sensory assessment. A lexicon specifically adapted for ewe's milk cheese sensory description was employed. Results from Linear Discriminant Analysis showed that ewe's milk cheese varieties have unique sensory characteristics that are very different from each other. Cow milk variety was the closest to one of the ewe's milk cheese category; however, a deeper analysis showed both products had very specific sensory properties. The ewe's milk cheese descriptive lexicon is adequate to discriminate among nonovine varieties. However, updates may be necessary for a complete sensory characterization.
Game theory and physics
Authors: Hauert Christoph , Szabó György
Published: April 2005

Evolutionary game theory is designed to capture the essentials of the characteristic interactions among individuals. Its most prominent application is the quest for the origins and evolution of cooperation. The effects of population structures on the performance of behavioral strategies became apparent only in recent years and marks the advent of an intriguing link between apparently unrelated disciplines. Evolutionary game theory in structured populations reveals critical phase transitions that fall into the universality class of directed percolation on square lattices and mean-field-type transitions on regular small world networks and random regular graphs. We employ the prisoner’s dilemma to discuss new insights gained in behavioral ecology using methods from physics.
Drop formation in a falling stream of liquid
Authors: Grubelnik Vladimir , Marhl Marko
Published: April 2005

The narrowing of a falling stream of liquid is a well-known demonstration of the equation of continuity. We consider the behavior of the bottom of a falling liquid stream where the stream ceases to narrow, and swells and forms droplets. Drop formation is demonstrated by detailed photos of experiments. A simple mathematical description of the observations is given, including the key processes responsible for drop formation.
TWO-LOOP GHOST–ANTIGHOST CONDENSATION FOR SU(2) YANG–MILLS THEORIES IN THE MAXIMAL ABELIAN GAUGE
Authors: FAZIO A. R.
Published: April 2005

In the framework of the formalism of Cornwall et al. for composite operators, we study the ghost–antighost condensation in SU (2) Yang–Mills theories quantized in the maximal Abelian gauge and derive analytically a condensating effective potential at two ghost loops. We find that in this approximation the one-loop pairing ghost–antighost is not destroyed but no mass is generated if the ansatz for the propagator suggested by the tree level Hubbard–Stratonovich transformations is used.
INFLUENCE OF THE RELICT COSMOLOGICAL CONSTANT ON ACCRETION DISCS
Authors: STUCHLÍK ZDENĚK
Published: April 2005

Surprisingly, the relict cosmological constant has a crucial influence on properties of accretion discs orbiting black holes in quasars and active galactic nuclei. We show it by considering basic properties of both the geometrically thin and thick accretion discs in the Kerr–de Sitter black hole (naked-singularity) spacetimes. Both thin and thick discs must have an outer edge allowing outflow of matter into the outer space, located nearby the so-called static radius, where the gravitational attraction of a black hole is balanced by the cosmological repulsion. Jets produced by thick discs can be significantly collimated after crossing the static radius. Extension of discs in quasars is comparable with extension of the associated galaxies, indicating a possibility that the relict cosmological constant puts an upper limit on extension of galaxies.
FILMIFICATION OF METHODS AND AN EXAMPLE OF ITS APPLICATIONS
Authors: EBIHARA TSUKASA , MIRENKOV NIKOLAY , NEMOTO MASAAKI , NOMOTO RIKIO
Published: April 2005

A user-oriented programming paradigm based on the "filmification" of methods is developed by the Active Knowledge Studio team at the University of Aizu. Within this paradigm, an algorithmic "cyberFilm" is a set of multimedia frames where different groups of frames represent different algorithmic features from multiple views. Because of the multiple views and multimedia, users can understand the algorithm correctly and easily. In this paper, an example of the filmification of methods is presented, related to cyberFilm frames of the thermal conduction problem solved with the Gauss-Jordan method. Through these frames, features of the algorithm are presented, and an essential compactness of an integrated view, considered as a visual program, is explained. Examples of program templates supporting the cyberFilm frames are also presented. Two types of program synthesis schemes supporting program synthesis are also described.
A GENERIC FORMAL FRAMEWORK FOR CONSTRUCTING AGENT INTERACTION PROTOCOLS
Authors: CHEN BO , SADAOUI SAMIRA
Published: April 2005

Agent interaction protocols (AIP) design is one of the principal issues for building multi-agent systems. Indeed, the construction of AIP should integrate theories, methodologies and tools. We propose in this paper a unifying framework that provides a generic agent architecture to be reused as well as a methodology to construct and refine AIP specifications in an incremental way. This framework is based on the highly expressive formal language Lotos and its related technologies, such as finite state machines and temporal logics. Hence, the proposed framework also facilitates formal validation and verification of AIP specifications using rigorous tools. We argue that there are three layers of semantics of Lotos specifications that can improve Lotos expressivity in describing agent interaction. Therefore, this framework can describe almost all aspects of agent interaction and at different abstraction levels. In addition, we demonstrate how to generate an online auction protocol from the generic framework, and how to validate and verify this protocol.
A HYBRID EVOLUTIONARY ALGORITHM FOR MULTIPLE-DESTINATIONS ROUTING PROBLEM
Authors: AL-SHARHAN SALAH , AL-ANZI FAWAZ
Published: April 2005

This paper presents a hybrid evolutionary algorithm for constrained multiple destinations routing problem. The problem can be formulated as minimising tree cost under several constraints or QoS metrics. Computing such constrained multicast tree has been proven to be NP-complete. The proposed hybrid algorithm is based on a population based incremental learning algorithm and a constrained distance network heuristic (or CKMB) algorithm. In the proposed algorithm, CKMB is utilised as a decoding scheme. Experimental results show that, in most cases, the proposed algorithm yields better solutions than other heuristic algorithms proposed in the literature including the best known one BSMA.