bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consequences of Combining Cystic Fibrosis— and Non-Cystic Fibrosis-Derived Pseudomonas aeruginosa Antibiotic Susceptibility Results in Hospital Antibiograms
Authors: Bosso John A , Mauldin Patrick D , Steed Lisa L
Published: October 2006

Background:

In preparing hospital antibiograms for individual organisms and antibiotics, laboratories often combine susceptibility data for isolates from a variety of sources and patient types. If results from patients with known resistance patterns that vary from normal are included, the overall susceptibility value for the institution could be misleadingly skewed.

Objective:

To assess the degree of bias introduced into a hospital antibiogram by combining cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to produce one hospital-wide percent susceptible figure for each tested antibiotic.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was conducted of an academic, tertiary care medical center's microbiology database. We examined quarterly and annual susceptibility data from 2004, comparing non-CF data with combined susceptibility data for 10 antibiotics within each quarter, as well as those reported in the annual antibiogram. Differences were assessed for statistical significance using x2 testing with Bonferroni correction.

Results:

Large differences were observed between non-CF and combined percent susceptible data in the 4 quarters (aminoglycosides 3% vs 20%, fluoroquinolones 2% vs 18%, respectively) and when comparing annual non-CF (n = 191) with annual combined (n = 266) data. With the annual figures, these differences were frequently statistically significant (70% vs 58%, 91% vs 83%, 85% vs 70%, and 72% vs 60% for gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin, and gatifloxacin/levofloxacin, respectively; all p ≤ 0.01).

Conclusions:

Combining CF and non-CF P. aeruginosa susceptibility into one percent susceptibility value for all isolates may produce figures that underestimate the activity of some antibiotic classes against non-CF isolates. Clinicians may make less than optimal empiric antibiotic selection choices based on such data.
Expression of Phox2b by Brainstem Neurons Involved in Chemosensory Integration in the Adult Rat
Authors: Stornetta Ruth L. , Moreira Thiago S. , Takakura Ana C. , Kang Bong Jin , Chang Darryl A. , West Gavin H. , Brunet Jean François , Mulkey Daniel K. , Bayliss Douglas A. , Guyenet Patrice G.
Published: October 2006

Central congenital hypoventilation syndrome is caused by mutations of the gene that encodes the transcription factor Phox2b. The syndrome is characterized by a severe form of sleep apnea attributed to greatly compromised central and peripheral chemoreflexes. In this study, we analyze whether Phox2b expression in the brainstem respiratory network is preferentially associated with neurons involved in chemosensory integration in rats. At the very rostral end of the ventral respiratory column (VRC), Phox2b was present in many VGlut2 (vesicular glutamate transporter 2) mRNA-containing neurons. These neurons were functionally identified as the respiratory chemoreceptors of the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN). More caudally in the VRC, many fewer neurons expressed Phox2b. These cells were not part of the central respiratory pattern generator (CPG), because they were typically cholinergic visceral motor neurons or catecholaminergic neurons (presumed C1 neurons). Phox2b was not detected in serotonergic neurons, in the A5, A6, and A7 noradrenergic cell groups nor within the main cardiorespiratory centers of the dorsolateral pons. Phox2b was expressed by many solitary tract nucleus (NTS) neurons including those that relay peripheral chemoreceptor information to the RTN. These and previous observations by others suggest that Phox2b is expressed by an uninterrupted chain of neurons involved in the integration of peripheral and central chemoreception (carotid bodies, chemoreceptor afferents, chemoresponsive NTS neurons projecting to VRC, RTN chemoreceptors). The presence of Phox2b in this circuit and its apparent absence from the respiratory CPG could explain why Phox2b mutations disrupt breathing automaticity during sleep without causing major impairment of respiration during waking.
The effect of primary crystallizing phases on mechanical properties of Cu46Zr47Al7 bulk metallic glass composites
Authors: Jiang F. , Zhang Z.B. , He L. , Sun J. , Zhang H. , Zhang Z.F.
Published: October 2006

Cu46Zr47Al7 bulk metallic glass (BMG) and its composites in plate with different thicknesses up to 6 mm were prepared by copper mold casting. Primary crystallizing phases with different microstructures and volume fractions could be obtained under different cooling rates, forming some composites with different mechanical properties. Under compression tests, the 2-mm-thick monolithic BMG has a yield strength of 1894 MPa and a high fracture strength of up to 2250 MPa at plastic strain up to 6%, exhibiting apparent “work-hardening” behavior. The 4-mm-thick Cu46Zr47Al7 BMG composite containing martensite phase yields at 1733 MPa and finally fails at 1964 MPa with a plastic strain of 3.7%.
Strong Zn concentration effect on the soldering reactions between Sn-based solders and Cu
Authors: Yang S.C. , Ho C.E. , Chang C.W. , Kao C.R.
Published: October 2006

The acute Zn concentration sensitivity of the reaction between Sn-based solders and Cu substrate is reported and explained in this article. Three Sn-xZn solders (x = 0.5, 0.7, and 2 wt%) were reacted with Cu substrates at 250 °C for 2–10 min. A slight variation in the Zn concentration changed the reaction product formed at the interface. When the Zn concentration was low (x = 0.5 wt%), the reaction product was Cu6Sn5. When the Zn concentration was slightly increased to 2 wt%, the reaction product became Cu5Zn8. When Zn concentration was in-between (x = 0.7 wt%), Cu6Sn5 and CuZn co-existed. The above findings are explained using the Cu–Sn–Zn phase diagram. The implication is that the type of compound forms at the interface can be controlled by adjusting the Zn concentration of the Sn-based solders.
An Exploration of the Dimensions of Pregnancy Intentions Among Women Choosing to Terminate Pregnancy or to Initiate Prenatal Care in New Orleans, Louisiana
Authors: Santelli John S. , Speizer Ilene S. , Avery Alexis , Kendall Carl
Published: October 2006

Objectives. We examined pregnancy decisionmaking among women seeking abortion or prenatal care.

Methods. Conventional measures of pregnancy intentions were compared with newer measures in 1017 women seeking abortion. A reduced sample of abortion patients (142 African American women from New Orleans) was compared with 464 similar women entering prenatal care.

Results. Virtually all abortion patients reported the pregnancy as unintended; two thirds of prenatal patients reported the pregnancy as unintended. Reasons for seeking abortion related to life circumstances, including cost, readiness, not wanting any more children, marital status, relationship stability, and being too young. Abortion patients were more likely to report trying hard to avoid a pregnancy and not being in a relationship. They were less likely to report that their partner wanted a baby (odds ratio=0.10) or that they wanted a baby with their partner (odds ratio=0.13) than prenatal patients.

Conclusions. Traditional measures of pregnancy intentions did not readily predict a woman’s choice to continue or abort the pregnancy. Relationship with male partners, desire for a baby with the partner, and life circumstances were critical dimensions in pregnancy decisionmaking.
Effectiveness of Bans and Laws in Reducing Traffic Deaths
Authors: McMillan Garnett P. , Lapham Sandra
Published: October 2006

We determined the relative risk of alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents and fatalities after New Mexico lifted its ban on Sunday packaged alcohol sales.

We extracted all alcohol-related crashes from New Mexico police reports for 3652 days between July 1, 1990, and June 30, 2000, and found a 29% increase in alcohol-related crashes and a 42% increase in alcohol-related crash fatalities on Sundays after the ban on Sunday packaged alcohol sales was lifted. There was an estimated excess of 543.1 alcohol-related crashes and 41.6 alcohol-related crash fatalities on Sundays after the ban was lifted.

Repealing the ban on Sunday packaged alcohol sales introduced a public health and safety hazard in New Mexico.
Safety Belt Use and the Switch to Primary Enforcement, 1991–2003
Authors: Houston David J. , Richardson Lilliard E.
Published: October 2006

State seat belt laws have increased use rates and have reduced traffic fatalities, but tremendous variation exists in the laws. New Hampshire does not have a law, and 30 states have only secondary enforcement laws. Whereas primary enforcement allows an officer to issue a citation for any infraction, secondary enforcement permits a citation only if a motorist is stopped for another infraction first.

We performed a cross-sectional time-series analysis of the impact of upgrading to primary enforcement on belt use rates for 47 states and the District of Columbia from 1991 to 2003. Our results suggest that states with secondary enforcement laws could increase belt use by 10 percentage points and improve public safety considerably by upgrading to primary enforcement.
Public Health Implications of Smokeless Tobacco Use as a Harm Reduction Strategy
Authors: Savitz David A. , Meyer Roger E. , Tanzer Jason M. , Mirvish Sidney S. , Lewin Freddi
Published: October 2006

Harm reduction strategies involve promoting a product that has adverse health consequences as a substitute for one that has more severe adverse health consequences. Smokeless tobacco low in nitrosamine content offers potential benefits in reducing smoking prevalence rates. Possible harm arises from the potential for such products to serve as a gateway to more harmful tobacco products, public misinterpretation of “less harmful” as “safe,” distraction from the public health goal of tobacco elimination, and ethical issues involved in advising those marketing these harmful products. We offer a research agenda to provide a stronger basis for evaluating the risks and benefits of smokeless tobacco as a means of reducing the adverse health effects of tobacco.
Design of decentralized IMC‐PID controller based on dRI analysis
Authors: He Mao‐Jun , Cai Wen‐Jian , Wu Bing‐Fang
Published: October 2006

A simple yet effective method for designing decentralized PID controller, which is based on dynamic interaction analysis and internal model control principle, is proposed. On the basis of structure decomposition, the dynamic relative interaction is defined and represented by the process model and controller explicitly. Using the initial controllers designed for the diagonal elements, the multiplicate model factor is derived, and then simplified to a pure time delay function at the neighborhood of each control loop critical frequency to obtain the equivalent transfer function for the particular control loop. Consequently, appropriate parameters of individual controller are determined by applying the IMC‐PID tuning rules for the equivalent‐transfer function. Simulation results for a variety of 2 × 2, 3 × 3 and 4 × 4 systems show that the design technique results better overall control performance than those of existing design methods. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Megakaryocytic blast crisis as first presentation of chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Campiotti L. , Grandi A.M. , Biotti M.G. , Ultori C. , Solbiati F. , Codari R. , Venco A.
Published: October 2006

We describe an extremely rare case of megakaryocytic blast crisis as first presentation of chronic myeloid leukemia. The patient had a very high platelet count and developed an ischemic stroke with seizures. She was treated with hydroxyurea, platelet apheresis, ARA‐C, and idarubicin in order to obtain a prompt reduction of thrombocytosis and then with imatinib 600 mg/die PO. The therapy induced a complete hematological remission with a resolution of neurological signs within 4 weeks. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outcome and cost analysis of sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence
Authors: Hetzer F H , Bieler A , Hahnloser D , Löhlein F , Clavien P-A , Demartines N
Published: October 2006

Background

Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) may be successful in treating incapacitating faecal incontinence. The technique is expensive, and no cost analysis is currently available. The aim of this study was to assess clinical outcome and analyse cost-effectiveness.

Methods

Thirty-six consecutive patients underwent a two-stage SNS procedure. Outcome parameters and real costs were assessed prospectively.

Results

SNS was tested successfully in 33 of 36 patients, and 31 patients were stimulated permanently. In the first stage, eight of 36 patients reported minor complications (pain, infection or electrode dislocation), resulting in a cost of €4053 (range €2838–7273) per patient. For the second stage (permanent stimulation), eight of 33 patients had an infection, pain or loss of effectiveness, resulting in a cost of €11 292 (range €7406–20 274) per patient. Estimated costs for further follow-up were €997 per year. The 5-year cumulative cost for SNS was €22 150 per patient, compared with €33 996 for colostomy, €31 590 for dynamic graciloplasty and €3234 for conservative treatment.

Conclusion

SNS is a highly cost-effective treatment for faecal incontinence. Options for further reduction of SNS costs include strict patient selection, treatment in an outpatient setting and using cheaper devices.
Anatomical considerations on Sudeck's critical point and its relevance to colorectal surgery
Authors: van Tonder J.J. , Boon J.M. , Becker J.H.R. , van Schoor A.‐N.
Published: October 2006

Sudeck's critical point at the rectosigmoid junction is described as the point of origin of the last sigmoid arterial branch, originating from the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). There is controversy on the importance of Sudeck's point, and the frequency in which the anastomosis is found. Furthermore, the diameter of the anastomosis, if present, may also impact on the viability of the caudal stump. This study aimed to determine the frequency in which a macroscopic anastomosis occurs, between the superior rectal artery and the last sigmoidal branch, in a cadaver population; the diameter of this anastomosis and the distance from the origin of the IMA to Sudeck's point. Sixty‐four cadavers were included in the study, excluding those with previous surgery to the rectosigmoid junction. Sudeck's point was carefully identified and dissected to establish the presence of an anastomosis. Subsequent measurements were performed using a digital caliper (accuracy = 0.01 mm). A macroscopic anatomosis was absent in three cases (4.7%). The mean diameter of the anastomosis when present was 1.9 mm (SD: 0.5 mm), and the distance from the origin of the IMA to Sudeck's point was 55.5 mm (SD: 14.6 mm). Although an anastomosis is present in the majority of cases, the vessel is very small in diameter, and may not be sufficient to meet the demands of the caudal stump. The distance from the origin of the IMA to Sudeck's point is sufficient enough to allow for ligation of the IMA proximal to Sudeck's point. Clin. Anat. 20:424–427, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
δ‐Cyclodextrin as novel chiral probe for enantiomeric separation by electromigration methods
Authors: Wistuba Dorothee , Bogdanski Anja , Larsen Kim L. , Schurig Volker
Published: October 2006

Native δ‐CD has been employed as chiral selector in CE and MEKC. To investigate the potential of the enantiodiscriminating properties of δ‐CD, negatively charged 5‐dimethylamino‐1‐naphthalene‐sulfonyl (dansyl)‐, 2,4‐dinitrophenyl (DNP)‐ and FMOC‐derivatives of several amino acids, 1,1'‐binaphthyl‐2,2'‐diylhydrogenphosphate, flavanones and three positively charged drugs have been selected as testing samples. Enantioresolution factors up to 4.82 have been observed. The results were compared with those achieved by the conventional running buffer additives α‐, β‐ and γ‐CDs. For several examples a steady increase of enantioresolution with increasing degree of oligomerization has been detected.
CZE of human alpha‐1‐acid glycoprotein for qualitative and quantitative comparison of samples from different pathological conditions.
Authors: Lacunza Izaskun , Sanz Jesus , Diez‐Masa Jose Carlos , de Frutos Mercedes
Published: October 2006

Alpha‐1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP) presents different forms, which may arise from differences in the amino acid sequence and/or in the glycosidic part of the protein. Changes in forms of AGP have been described in literature as a possible tumor marker. While most previous works have approached the study of glycopeptides and/or glycans obtained after fragmentation of the protein, in this work, a CZE method is developed to separate up to eleven peaks of intact forms of AGP. A computer program developed in our laboratory is used to select the migration parameters that make possible an accurate assignment of AGP peaks. Electropherograms of AGP samples purified from sera of cancer patients and healthy donors are qualitatively and quantitatively compared. Percentages of correct assignment of AGP peaks close to 100% are achieved by using either the migration time of each peak relative to that of the EOF marker or the effective electrophoretic mobility of the peaks. The computer program permits to select, among different hypotheses for peak allotment, that one providing the highest accuracy of assignment. In this way, some peaks with different charge‐to‐mass ratio and a different distribution of area percentage of AGP forms are observed when comparing samples from sick and healthy individuals. Thus, a method that permits to compare AGP forms existing in sera of individuals with different pathophysiological situations has been developed. A potential for using AGP forms analyzed by CZE as a disease marker and for using this technique for screening purposes is envisaged.
Effects on microstrain and conversion of flowable resin composite using different curing modes and units
Authors: Tseng Wan‐Yu , Chen Ruey‐Song , Wang Jaw‐Lin , Lee Ming‐Shu , Rueggeberg Frederick A. , Chen Min‐Huey
Published: October 2006

The flowable resin composite, Tetric Flow, was used to measure microstrain and degree of conversion after hardening with each of three curing machines: XL3000(XL) for 10, 20, 30, and 40 s; Optilux 501 using conventional mode (OC) for 10, 20, 30, and 40 s, as well as Optilux boost (OB, 10 s) and ramp modes (OR, 20 s); and LEDemetron (LEDe) for 10, 20, 30, and 40 s. The emitted power density and spectral distribution of the three light curing units were also measured. The LEDe output energy spectrum was centralized between 425 and 490 nm, which encompasses the excited wavelength of camphorquinone. The microstrain produced by the curing process is as a second‐degree polynomial for each light source. The OB microstrain was highest, while the OR microstrain was lower. The ranking in order of degree of monomer conversion was as follows: XL10 ≤≤ OC10 ≤≤ LED 10 = OR = XL 20 = OC 20 = XL 30 ≤≤ LED 20 ≤≤ OC30 = LED 40 = XL 40 = OC40 = LED 30 ≤ OB. The degree of conversion cured with OB was significant higher than other curing modes except OC30, OC40, LEDe30, LEDe40, and XL40. The conversion value of XL10 was the lowest. The LEDe produced higher conversion for the same emitted energy compared to the two halogen units. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Nanoleakage and microshear bond strength in deproteinized human dentin
Authors: Silva Eduardo M. , Duarte Patrícia B. P. G. , Poskus Laiza T. , Barcellos Alexandre A. L. , Guimarães José G. A.
Published: October 2006

This study evaluated the influence of dentin deproteinization with NaOCl on the microshear bond strength (μSBS) and the nanoleakage patterns of three dentin bonding systems (DBS). Occlusal dentin surfaces, obtained from extracted noncarious human molars, were divided into two experimental groups, according to dentin surface treatment: Group I–37% H3PO4/15s and Group II–37% H3PO4/15s + 10% NaOCl/1 min. The dentin surfaces were bonded with one of the following DBS: Scotchbond Multipurpose–SBMP, Prime & Bond NT–PB and Clearfil SE Bond–SE. After 1 week storage in water at 37°C, the specimens were subjected to the μSBS test. The data were analyzed by two‐way ANOVA and Student‐Newman‐Keuls' test (p = 0.05). The nanoleakage was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in backscattered electron imaging regime. No significant difference in μSBS between dentin treatments was found for SBMP. For PB, μSBS increased after NaOCl dentin treatment. SE showed a reduction in μSBS in deproteinized specimens. SEM analysis showed different nanoleakage patterns for each DBS. Irrespective of dentin treatments, all SBMP specimens showed nanoleakage. SE did not show nanoleakage with the two dentin treatments. PB showed nanoleakage within the hybrid layer only in acid‐etched specimens. The influence of dentin deproteinization was dependent on the dentin bonding system formulation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Micromechanical versus chemical bonding between CoCr alloys and methacrylate resins
Authors: Barclay Craig W. , Spence Donald , Laird William R. E. , Marquis Peter M. , Blunt Liam
Published: October 2006

Introduction: As adhesive systems for bonding to metals have developed in dentistry, considerable importance is attached to the preparation of the metal alloy for both mechanical and chemical bonding. Different grit sizes when sandblasting Cobalt Chromium (CoCr) will provide a different three‐dimensional surface for bonding. Previous reports have shown that 4‐Methacryloyloxyethyl trimellitic anhydride (4‐Meta) resins offer high bond strengths to CoCr alloy, with various surface preparations providing varying bond strengths. The relevance of this to bond strength was assessed. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the importance of grit size of alumina in the preparation of CoCr alloy and to determine the effect on the tensile bond strength of four different acrylic resins to the CoCr alloy. Methods: Ten specimens were prepared within each group of four resins. Four grit sizes were assessed, 50, 110, 250 μm, and a range from 180 to 330 μm. The specimens were tested both within one day of production after storing at 37°C in phosphate‐buffered saline for seven days and after thermocycling. Results: Grit size resulted in a change in average contact surface area available for bonding. A significant difference (p < 0.01) existed in bond strengths between each of the materials, but no significant difference (p = 0.0673) was determined when different grit sizes were included. Significance: It was concluded that grit size determined the available contact surface area of CoCr alloy for bonding but did not determine the bond strength that could be achieved between acrylic resins and CoCr alloy as a result of the poor adaptation of the resin to the complex surface topography. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty for the stand‐alone augmentation of osteoporosis‐induced vertebral compression fractures: Present status and future directions
Authors: Lewis Gladius
Published: October 2006

Enormous research efforts are being expended on two minimally invasive procedures: percutaneous vertebroplasty (VP) and kyphoplasty (KP). The present report, which is a detailed critical review of VP and KP that emphasizes their biomechanics aspects, is divided into six parts. In the first two parts, succinct descriptions are given of osteoporosis‐induced vertebral body (VB) compression fractures as the underlying pathology to be treated with VP and KP, the theory of VP and KP, and the techniques used in performing these procedures. Concerns about VP and KP, such as the high radiation exposure burden that may be imposed on both patient and medical personnel and extravasation of the injectable bone cement, are discussed in the third part. Detailed discussions of fourteen issues/questions, such as the extent to which VP or KP affects various biomechanical measures of the augmented VB and those adjacent to it and the appropriate volume of the cement to use, are presented in the fourth part. Ideas for future research, such as development of a new generation of injectable bone cements and identification of an appropriate animal model, are covered in the fifth part. The final section contains a summary of the most salient points/observations made in the report. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Histological biocompatibility of new, non‐absorbable glaucoma deep sclerectomy implant
Authors: Kałużny Jakub J. , Jóźwicki Wojciech , Wiśniewska Halina
Published: October 2006

We performed this study to compare the intrascleral biocompatibility of three materials: non‐absorbable hydrogel contact lens polymer, non‐absorbable silicone rubber, and absorbable cross‐linked sodium hyaluronate. Intrascleral implantation of three different materials was performed in 13 healthy, pigmented rabbits. Implants of methacrylic hydrogel, silicone rubber, and cross‐linked sodium hyaluronate were implanted in 10, 8, and 8 eyes, respectively. The animals were euthanized at 7, 30, 180, and 360 days post implantation. The eyes were enucleated and immediately fixed in 10% buffered formalin. Semithin sections were cut and stained with hematoxylin‐eosin. Light microscope analysis of the specimens was performed. The least severe inflammatory reaction was observed with cross‐linked sodium hyaluronate implants. The number of inflammatory cells in proximity to methacrylic hydrogel and silicone implants at all periods of follow up was similar. The thickest fibrous capsule was observed with silicone implants (average, 28.38 ± 11.17 μm). This area was thinner with methacrylic hydrogel implants (average, 14.90 ± 5.57 μm) and was thinnest around sodium hyaluronate implants (average, 7.21 ± 2.33 μm). For each type of implant, the wall on the conjunctival side of the fibrous capsule was significantly thicker than the wall on the choiroidal side. The space between the implant, scleral flap, and bed was filled soon after surgery with connective tissue rich in vessels. In our study, cross‐linked sodium hyaluronate had the highest intrascleral biocompatibility. Although the inflammatory responses of the sclera to methacrylic hydrogel and silicone rubber were similar in nature, a thicker fibrous capsule was generated around silicone implants. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Preparation and characterization of poly(L‐lactic acid)‐chitosan hybrid scaffolds with drug release capability
Authors: Prabaharan M. , Rodriguez‐Perez M. A. , de Saja J. A. , Mano J. F.
Published: October 2006

Novel poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA)–chitosan hybrid scaffolds were developed in order to be used as tissue‐engineering scaffolds and drug release carriers. The incorporation of chitosan into the PLLA porous structure allows for producing chitosan‐based scaffold devices with interesting damping and stiffness aimed at being used in tissue engineering of bone or cartilage. The pore structure of the hybrid scaffolds was influenced by the concentration of the chitosan solution introduced into the PLLA scaffold. For lower concentrations, chitosan was mainly deposited onto the PLLA surface, whereas for higher concentration chitosan formed also microfibrilar structures within the pore walls of the PLLA foam that may act as additional soft anchorage sites for cells. Equilibrium water uptakes up to about 110% were achieved in 24 h. An anti‐inflammatory drug, ketoprofen, was loaded within the chitosan component of the hybrid scaffolds by immersing the scaffolds in a drug–ethanol solution. The drug was released sharply within the initial periods (∼2–4 h), but the rate decreased further, showing a sustained release. The drug release rate can be controlled by the chitosan content and cross‐link densities, suggesting the effectiveness of the hybrid scaffold as a drug delivery system. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
A constructive treatment of Urysohn's Lemma in an apartness space
Authors: Bridges Douglas , Diener Hannes
Published: October 2006

This paper is dedicated to Prof. Dr. Günter Asser, whose work in founding this journal and maintaining it over many difficult years has been a major contribution to the activities of the mathematical logic community.

At first (maybe even at second) sight it appears highly unlikely that Urysohn's Lemma has any significant constructive content. However, working in the context of an apartness space and using functions whose values are a generalisation of the reals, rather than real numbers, enables us to produce a significant constructive version of that lemma. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A nonstandard proof of a lemma from constructive measure theory
Authors: Ross David A.
Published: October 2006

Suppose that fn is a sequence of nonnegative functions with compact support on a locally compact metric space, that T is a nonnegative linear functional, and that $ \sum ^\infty _{n=1}$ T fn < T f0. A result of Bishop, foundational to a constructive theory of functional analysis, asserts the existence of a point x such that $ \sum ^\infty _{n=1}$ fn (x) < f 0(x). This paper extends this result to arbitrary Hausdorff spaces, and gives short proofs using nonstandard analysis. While such arguments used are not themselves constructive, they can illuminate where the difficulty lies in finding the point x. An algorithm for constructing x is then given, with a nonstandard proof that the algorithm converges to a correct value. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
FMR fine structure – A tool to investigate the spatial magnetic phase separation phenomena in manganites
Authors: Martyanov Oleg , Yudanov Valerii , Lee Roman , Volkov Nikita , Sablina Klara
Published: October 2006

An original approach is proposed to study the magnetic phase separation phenomenon. It is based on the registration of the noise‐like FMR Fine Structure (FMR FS) caused by the magnetic interparticle dipole–dipole interaction between spatially separated ferromagnetic regions. Data obtained for a La0.7Pb0.3MnO3 single crystal point to the existence of spatially separated ferromagnetic regions. It is shown that FMR FS of the La0.7Pb0.3MnO3 single crystal is temperature reversible and disappears at the maximum of magnetoresistance.

magnified image

The FMR FS of La0.7Pb0.3MnO3 single crystal (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Immobilization Techniques for Mono‐ and Oligosaccharide Microarrays
Authors: Monzo Alex , Guttman András
Published: October 2006

Mono‐ and oligosaccharide microarrays play an essential role in the analysis of many important biological processes, such as DNA–sugar interactions, protein–sugar interactions, and sugar–sugar interactions. Based on the earlier success of DNA and protein microarrays, similar technologies emerged in the past years for sugar immobilization in order to fabricate carbohydrate microarrays. Efficient immobilization of various mono‐ and oligosaccharides of interest onto solid surfaces is indispensable for successful preparation of carbohydrate microarrays. In this paper, we review the different techniques available for covalent and noncovalent immobilization of conjugated and nonconjugated simple and complex sugars onto a palette of various surfaces. We also give a short overview on some of the future prospects of this emerging field.
Reorganization of highly preorganized hosts upon cation complexation: Ab initio study of fluorospherands
Authors: Elroby Shabaan A. K. , Lee Kyu Hwan , Oh Jung Soo , Chung Hwan Won , Cho Seung Joo , Paek Kyungsoo
Published: October 2006

Fluorospherands (F‐spherands) are highly preorganized hosts composed of fluorobenzene or 4‐methylfluorobenzene units attached to one another at their 2,6‐positions. To understand the intrinsic factors affecting cation complexation, we investigated the complexation behavior between F‐spherands and cations using density functional theory (DFT) at the level of B3LYP/6‐31G**. The F6‐spherand (C6H3F)6, (1) has a highly preorganized spherical cavity, which can encapsulate Li+ and Na+. Its cavity is not big enough for K+ and NH, which prefer external binding. Plausible conformations were studied for F8‐spherand (C6H3F)8. Conformer of D2d symmetry (2b) is more stable than that of D4d (2a), in agreement with NMR experiments. The cavity size of F8‐spherand is big enough to encapsulate all cations studied. However, the cavity size of 2b is smaller than that of 2a, which resulted in the guest selectivity. Upon complexation, 2b conformation is more stable for Li+ and Na+, while 2a conformation is preferred for larger cations such as K+ and NH. Thus, the ab initio calculations over these highly preorganized fluorospherands give important insights into their host–guest chemistry. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
Cervical length assessment in women with idiopathic polyhydramnios
Authors: Hershkovitz R. , Sheiner E. , Maymon E. , Erez O. , Mazor M.
Published: October 2006

Objective

The aims of the study were to determine cervical length among patients with polyhydramnios and to assess the relationship between the severity of polyhydramnios, cervical length and gestational age at delivery.

Patients and methods

A prospective study was designed including 92 consecutive singleton pregnancies with polyhydramnios between 24 and 40 weeks' gestation. Cervical length was measured using transvaginal sonography. Polyhydramnios was defined when amniotic fluid index (AFI) was equal to or greater than 20 cm. A single sonologist performed all the examinations of the cervical length and the AFI.

Results

The median cervical length and AFI were 37.5 (range, 7–52) mm and 28.8 (range, 20–43) cm, respectively. A significant gradual shortening of the cervical length was observed with advancing gestational age (P = 0.027). No significant association was found between AFI and cervical length (P = 0.24). A cut‐off of 15 mm (n = 5) was associated with a significantly lower gestational age at delivery (30 ± 2.6 weeks vs. 37.2 ± 4.2 weeks, respectively, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Women with polyhydramnios have a gradual shortening of cervical length with advancing gestational age. However, this finding is not related to the severity of polyhydramnios. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing large‐scale forcing data for single‐column and cloud‐resolving models from the Mixed‐Phase Arctic Cloud Experiment
Authors: Xie Shaocheng , Klein Stephen A. , Zhang Minghua , Yio John J. , Cederwall Richard T. , McCoy Renata
Published: October 2006

This study represents an effort to develop Single‐Column Model (SCM) and Cloud‐Resolving Model large‐scale forcing data from a sounding array in the high latitudes. An objective variational analysis approach is used to process data collected from the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program (ARM) Mixed‐Phase Arctic Cloud Experiment (M‐PACE), which was conducted over the North Slope of Alaska in October 2004. In this method the observed surface and top of atmosphere measurements are used as constraints to adjust the sounding data from M‐PACE in order to conserve column‐integrated mass, heat, moisture, and momentum. Several important technical and scientific issues related to the data analysis are discussed. It is shown that the analyzed data reasonably describe the dynamic and thermodynamic features of the Arctic cloud systems observed during M‐PACE. Uncertainties in the analyzed forcing fields are roughly estimated by examining the sensitivity of those fields to uncertainties in the upper‐air data and surface constraints that are used in the analysis. Impacts of the uncertainties in the analyzed forcing data on SCM simulations are discussed. Results from the SCM tests indicate that the bulk features of the observed Arctic cloud systems can be captured qualitatively well using the forcing data derived in this study, and major model errors can be detected despite the uncertainties that exist in the forcing data as illustrated by the sensitivity tests. Finally, the possibility of using the European Center for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts analysis data to derive the large‐scale forcing over the Arctic region is explored.
Manipulation of slow molecular beams by static external fields
Authors: McCarthy Timothy J. , Timko Michael T. , Herschbach Dudley R.
Published: October 2006

Deflection by magnetic or electric field gradients has long been used to analyze or to alter the translational trajectories of neutral gas-phase atoms or molecules. Recent work has developed sources of slow, cold molecular beams that offer means to enhance markedly the attainable deflections, which are inversely proportional to the translational kinetic energy. The sensitivity and resolution can thus be much increased, typically by factors of 102–104. We illustrate ways to exploit this enhanced deflection capability, particularly when balancing electric and magnetic deflections. Chemical scope can be greatly extended by utilizing feeble but ubiquitous interactions, especially the induced electric dipole due to the molecular polarizability and magnetic moments resulting from molecular rotation or nuclear spins. We also examine the effect of non-Maxwellian velocity distributions produced by supersonic expansions or by quantum statistics (pertinent for ultracold beams). Generic plots are provided, employing dimensionless variables, to facilitate the design and interpretation of experiments with deflections amplified by low kinetic energy.
The photodissociation dynamics of ozone at 193nm: An O(D21) angular momentum polarization study
Authors: Brouard M. , Cireasa R. , Clark A. P. , Groenenboom G. C. , Hancock G. , Horrocks S. J. , Quadrini F. , Ritchie G. A. D. , Vallance C.
Published: October 2006

Polarized laser photolysis, coupled with resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization detection of O(D21) and velocity-map ion imaging, has been used to investigate the photodissociation dynamics of ozone at 193nm. The use of multiple pump and probe laser polarization geometries and probe transitions has enabled a comprehensive characterization of the angular momentum polarization of the O(D21) photofragments, in addition to providing high-resolution information about their speed and angular distributions. Images obtained at the probe laser wavelength of around 205nm indicate dissociation primarily via the Hartley band, involving absorption to, and diabatic dissociation on, the B̃B21(3A11) potential energy surface. Rather different O(D21) speed and electronic angular momentum spatial distributions are observed at 193nm, suggesting that the dominant excitation at these photon energies is to a state of different symmetry from that giving rise to the Hartley band and also indicating the participation of at least one other state in the dissociation process. Evidence for a contribution from absorption into the tail of the Hartley band at 193nm is also presented. A particularly surprising result is the observation of nonzero, albeit small values for all three rank K=1 orientation moments of the angular momentum distribution. The polarization results obtained at 193 and 205nm, together with those observed previously at longer wavelengths, are interpreted using an analysis of the long range quadrupole-quadrupole interaction between the O(D21) and O2(Δg1) species.
Metal-insulator transition, magnetoresistance, and magnetic properties of 3d-sulfides (Review)
Authors: Abramova G. M. , Petrakovskii G. A.
Published: October 2006

The results of a study of the transport and magnetic properties of some sulfides of 3d elements are reported. The concentration transitions with a change of conductivity type and a change of magnetic order are considered, and the features of the colossal magnetoresistance in FexMn1−xS and CuVxCr1−xS2 solid solutions are discussed.
Recent observation of anomalous superconducting behavior of ultrathin YBCO films and single crystals of cluster borides
Authors: Gasparov V. A.
Published: October 2006

We report a number of deviations from conventional behavior in the superconducting properties of ultrathin [1–3unit-cell (UC)] YBa2Cu3O7−x films sandwiched between semiconducting Pr0.6Y0.4Ba2Cu3O7−x layers and for single crystals of the cluster superconductor zirconium dodecaboride ZrB12. We have found a quadratic temperature dependence of the kinetic inductance, Lk−1(T), at low temperatures, independent of frequency, with a break in slope at TBKTdc, a maximum of the real part of the conductance, ωσ1(T), and a large shift of the break temperature and of the position of the maximum to higher temperatures with increasing frequency ω. We obtain from these data the universal ratio TBKTdc∕Lk−1(TBKTdc)=25, 25, and 17nH∙K for 1-, 2- and 3-UC films, respectively, in close agreement with the theoretical prediction for the vortex-antivortex unbinding transition. The superfluid density of ZrB12 displays unconventional temperature dependence, with a pronounced shoulder at T∕Tc=0.65. Contrary to conventional theories we find a linear temperature dependence of Hc2(T) from Tc down to 0.35K. We suggest that both the λ(T) and Hc2(T) dependences can be explained by a two-band BCS model with different superconducting gap and Tc.
Dissociation of heme from gaseous myoglobin ions studied by infrared multiphoton dissociation spectroscopy and Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Yi-Sheng , Sabu Sahadevan , Wei Shih-Chia , Josh Kao C.-M. , Kong Xianglei , Liau Shing-Chih , Han Chau-Chung , Chang Huan-Cheng , Tu Shih-Yu , Kung A. H. , Zhang John Z. H.
Published: October 2006

Detachment of heme prosthetic groups from gaseous myoglobin ions has been studied by collision-induced dissociation and infrared multiphoton dissociation in combination with Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Multiply charged holomyoglobin ions (hMbn+) were generated by electrospray ionization and transferred to an ion cyclotron resonance cell, where the ions of interest were isolated and fragmented by either collision with Ar atoms or irradiation with 3μm photons, producing apomyoglobin ions (aMbn+). Both charged heme loss (with [Fe(III)-heme]+ and aMb(n−1)+ as the products) and neutral heme loss (with [Fe(II)-heme] and aMbn+ as the products) were detected concurrently for hMbn+ produced from a myoglobin solution pretreated with reducing reagents. By reference to Ea=0.9eV determined by blackbody infrared radiative dissociation for charged heme loss of ferric hMbn+, an activation energy of 1.1eV was deduced for neutral heme loss of ferrous hMbn+ with n=9 and 10.
Optimization of gated x-ray intensifier screens
Authors: Walsh P. J. , Oertel J. , Lanier N. E. , Archuleta T. N. , Chelli S. J. , Lvovsky Marina
Published: October 2006

Gated x-ray intensifiers are primary imaging diagnostics in high energy density physics and inertial confinement fusion experiments. We describe recent work in optimization of the phosphor screens used in these intensifiers. One avenue for improvement in resolution, contrast, and brightness is improved phosphor screens. Efforts have been directed at improving luminosity, resolution, and contrast with an aluminized thin (<0.7μg∕cm2) phosphor layer, a higher transmission indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode, and higher density screens. Thinner phosphors, coupled with thinner aluminum overcoats (<500Å), should give equivalent or higher luminosities than traditional thick (<0.7μg∕cm2) settled coatings in the electron energy range between 3 and 5kV, typical microchannel plate to screen accelerating voltages for this class of instrument. Higher resolution is achieved by coupling increased extraction voltage (ph∕e-) with less interparticle photon diffusion and increased photon capture (aluminum overcoat). The contribution of the aluminum overcoat to capturing backscattered screen photons is examined. Improved transmission of an ITO electrode used in the cataphoretic deposition technique is demonstrated.
New technique to observe the emission of fast protons from the plasma bulk with improved sensitivity
Authors: Rapisarda D. , Zurro B. , Moroño A. , Baciero A.
Published: October 2006

A technique to attenuate the strong emission of the Hα line center while enhancing the emission due to high energy neutrals produced in the core of a high temperature plasma is presented. The method consists in placing, at the center of the focal plane of a high resolution spectrometer, a thin transparent plate in whose center is a narrow mask with 90% attenuation by Au evaporation. The experimental setup and a proof of principle using TJ-II plasma discharges are presented.
Second-harmonic generation with magnetic-field controllabilities
Authors: Fan C. Z. , Huang J. P.
Published: October 2006

The authors theoretically exploit a class of nonlinear optical materials, which are made of single domain ferromagnetic nanoparticles coated by a nonmagnetic nanoshell with an intrinsic second-harmonic generation (SHG) susceptibility in a nonmagnetic host fluid. The SHG of such materials possess magnetic-field controllabilities, i.e., magnetic-field-controllable anisotropy, redshift, and enhancement, which are caused to appear by the shift of a resonant plasmon frequency due to the formation of the chains of the coated nanoparticles.
Detection of short lived radioisotopes as a fast diagnostic for intense laser-solid interactions
Authors: Clarke R. J. , Ledingham K. W. D. , McKenna P. , Robson L. , McCanny T. , Neely D. , Lundh O. , Lindau F. , Wahlström C.-G. , Simpson P. T. , Zepf M.
Published: October 2006

As a diagnostic of high-intensity laser interactions (>1019Wcm−2), the detection of radioactive isotopes is regularly used for the characterization of proton, neutron, ion, and photon beams. This involves sample removal from the interaction chamber and time consuming post shot analysis using NaI coincidence counting or Ge detectors. This letter describes the use of in situ detectors to measure laser-driven (p,n) reactions in Al27 as an almost real-time diagnostic for proton acceleration. The produced Si27 isotope decays with a 4.16s half-life by the predominantly β+ emission, producing a strong 511keV annihilation peak.
Bend loss for channel plasmon polaritons
Authors: Volkov Valentyn S. , Bozhevolnyi Sergey I. , Devaux Eloise , Ebbesen Thomas W.
Published: October 2006

Using near-field optical microscopy, the authors investigate propagation of channel plasmon polaritons excited in the wavelength range of 1425–1640nm along smoothly bent and split V-shaped grooves milled in a gold film. We find that for 0.6-μm-wide and 1.1-μm-deep grooves bent with the smallest curvature radius of ≅0.83μm, the double bend (for S bends) and splitting (for Y splitters) losses decrease for longer wavelengths approaching (in the wavelength range of 1600–1640nm) the levels of ∼0 and 0.5dB, respectively.
Dynamic nuclear magnetic resonance study of some ruthenium nitrosyl chalcogen complexes [Ru(NO)X3(RR'E)2] (X = Cl, Br; E = S, Se)
Authors: Page CT , Fergusson JE
Published: October 2006

The n.m.r. spectra of the
complexes [Ru(NO)X3L2] (where X
= Cl, Br; L = Et2S,EtPhS, Pr2S,(PhCH2)2S,
Et2Se EtPhSe) have been investigated over
the temperature range 200-375 K. The resonance multiplet,
assigned to the methylene protons, changes from a quartet at high temperatures
to a coalesced peak and then a series of quartets at lower temperatures. The
results may be explained by inversion about the S or Se atom; the spectra at
low temperatures correspond to an ABX3 spin system (for ethyl) and
at high temperature to a A2X3 spin system. From computer
simulation of the spectra the rates of inversion have been determined and hence
the energy barrier to inversion (54-75 kJ mol-1) and free energy of
activation (54-79 kJ mol-1).