bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate Risk Management in Agro-Pastoral Systems of Central and Northern Tanzania: Costs and Benefits of Local Adaptation
Authors: Sewando Ponsian T.
Published: March 2024

In Tanzania, agro-pastoral practices have been adapted to climate change for several years. However, the economic benefits and costs of adaptation techniques for agro-pastoralists have not been well documented. Therefore, this paper analyses the economic benefits and costs of adaptation strategies to climate change and variability. The analysis used primary data collected from 411 agro-pastoral households randomly selected from 22 villages in five districts in northern and central Tanzania. Net present value, benefit-cost ratio and internal rate of return were calculated to determine the benefit-cost analysis of adaptation strategies. The planned adaptation strategies were found to be financially viable compared to business-as-usual practices. Sensitivity analysis also showed that maize-sunflower intercropping was viable, while maize-bean intercropping was more sensitive to a 10% change in yield. In addition, drip irrigation and micro-catchment rainwater harvesting have the potential to contribute to climate risk management in these dryland areas by minimising water use and maximising output per hectare; the main challenge is the high initial capital cost. There is therefore a need for extension agents to continue to promote crop and livestock diversification among agro-pastoralists in managing climate risks to reduce their vulnerability to climate change and variability. In addition, research and development (R&D) practitioners need to promote and capacitate agro-pastoralists in drip irrigation and micro-catchment rainwater harvesting adaptation strategies.
Experiências de microagressões contra a identidade não-binária
Authors: Ponce de Leão Lima Almeida Gabriel , Machado das Neves André Luiz , Dos Santos Dantas Daniela
Published: March 2024

As microagressões são maneiras sutis de se realizar ataques a identidades por conta do gênero e da sexualidade. Com foco na identidade não binária, esta pesquisa qualitativa buscou analisar os relatos de três participantes levando em consideração os doze temas de microagressão por Nadal, Skolnik e Wong (2012), utilizando, para isto, uma análise temática, com o objetivo de analisar os temas mais recorrentes. Como resultado, apenas alguns dos temas foram contemplados pelas falas dos participantes, com maior representação em dois temas, sendo um tema sobre as microagressões sistêmicas e ambientais e o tema do uso de terminologia de gênero incorreta e/ou transfóbica. Se sugere maior desenvolvimento sobre as microagressões contra pessoas trans, especialmente contra pessoas não binárias.
(Re)produzindo o corpo cis
Authors: Braga Patrick
Published: March 2024

Somente na década de 1990, pessoas de identidade sexual entendida como normal pelo discurso biomédico passaram a ser tratadas por um termo próprio: cisgênero. Antes disso, entretanto, sujeitos interpretados como anormais já eram nomeados. O presente trabalho defende que o corpo normal(izado) só pode existir a partir da negação e/ou rejeição do outro, a-normalizado. Articulando uma revisão bibliográfica de genealogias acerca do binarismo sexual a produções sobre a temática de gênero sob a perspectiva da teoria queer, objetiva-se analisar a suposta pré-discursividade da identidade cis, desvelando-a como uma autoatribuição ontológica, que é, de fato, epistemologicamente insustentável. Com isso, conclui-se que vivemos contemporaneamente em uma era somatopolítica na qual as tecnologias de (re)produção do sexo são utilizadas a fim de reinscrever os corpos na lógica dimórfica do binarismo sexual e faz-se propostas para se desbinarizar o discurso biomédico.
Analisando argumentos antilinguagem não binária
Authors: Iabel Barbosa Inaê
Published: March 2024

Ao menos desde 2020, projetos de lei que têm por objetivo a proibição do uso da linguagem não binária em instituições educacionais vêm sendo apresentados por parlamentares antigênero Brasil afora. Tomando como objeto de análise as justificativas de projetos de lei para a proibição da linguagem não binária em Santa Catarina e posts de parlamentares sobre a temática, observa-se a articulação de uma gramática política antilinguagem não binária em torno de três grandes temas: “uma tentativa forçada”, “modificação da Língua Portuguesa” e “a falaciosa bandeira de democratização da linguagem”. Percebe-se, ainda, que, atrelada a esses temas, há a produção discursiva de três figuras que estariam em ameaça: a criança, a língua portuguesa e a pessoa com deficiência. Conclui-se, então, que a gramática política antilinguagem não binária tem por objetivo a instauração de um pânico moral sobre os usos dessa forma de linguagem e está fortemente ancorada na cisnormatividade, na colonialidade e no capacistimo.
Positive association of the Disrupted‐in‐Schizophrenia‐1 gene (DISC1) with schizophrenia in the Chinese han population
Authors: Qu Mei , Tang Fulei , Yue Weihua , Ruan Yan , Lu Tianlan , Liu Zhonghua , Zhang Handi , Han Yonghua , Zhang Darong , Wang Fei , Zhang Dai
Published: February 2007

Disrupted‐in‐Schizophrenia‐1 (DISC1) is located on 1q42.1, one of the most promising susceptibility loci in schizophrenia linkage studies. A non‐synonymous genetic variation rs821616 (Ser704Cys) in DISC1, has recently been shown to be associated with schizophrenia in family‐based study [Callicott et al. (2005); Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 102: 8627–8632]. In order to further confirm this issue, we examined four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a chromosomal region spanning 42 kb of this gene, namely rs821616, rs821597, rs4658971, and rs843979, in Chinese sample of 313 schizophrenia patients and 317 healthy controls. Our results showed that two SNPs had strong associations with schizophrenia (rs821616: Allele A > T, χ2 = 7.8006, df = 1, P = 0.0052; Genotype, χ2 = 7.7935, df = 2, P = 0.0203; rs821597: Allele A > G, χ2 = 9.5404, df = 1, P = 0.0020; Genotype, χ2 = 12.2780, df = 2, P = 0.0022). When haplotypes were constructed with two, three, and four markers, a number of haplotype combinations, especially those including rs821616 and rs821597, were significantly associated with schizophrenia. Furthermore, there was a strong evidence for association in a four‐marker haplotype analysis (χ2 = 7.686, df = 4, P = 0.005581, corrected P = 0.006199). Although the case‐control and family‐based association studies both suggest that DISC1 gene may play a role in genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia, the risk haplotypic combinations have subtle differences in the two studies. Our findings provide further evidence for DISC1 as a predisposing gene involved in schizophrenia in the Chinese Han Population. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PCR amplification on magnetic nanoparticles: Application for high‐throughput single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping
Authors: Liu Hongna , Li Song , Wang Zhifei , Hou Peng , He Quanguo , He Nongyue
Published: February 2007

A novel approach for the genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) based on solidphase PCR on magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is described. PCR products were amplified directly on MNPs. The genotypes of a given SNP were differentiated by hybridization with a pair of allele‐specific probes labeled with dual‐color fluorescence (Cy3, Cy5). The results were analyzed by scanning the microarray printed with the denatured fluorescent probes on an unmodified glass slide. Electrophoresis analysis indicated that PCR could proceed successfully when MNPs‐bound primers were used. Furthermore, nine different samples were genotyped and their fluorescent signals were quantified. Genotyping results showed that three genotypes for the locus were very easily discriminated. The fluorescent ratios (match probe:mismatch probe signal) of homozygous samples were over 9.3, whereas heterozygous samples had ratios near 1.0. Without any purification and concentration of PCR products, this new MNP‐PCR based genotyping assay potentially provides a rapid, labor‐saving method for genotyping of a large number of individuals.
Expression and distribution of N‐acetyl and N‐glycolylneuraminic acids in secreted and cell‐associated glycoconjugates by two human osteosarcoma cell lines
Authors: Tzanakakis G. N. , Nikitovic D. , Katonis P. , Kanakis I. , Karamanos N. K.
Published: February 2007

N‐acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) and N‐glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) are the dominant sialic acids (Sia) in mammals usually found in the non‐reducing terminal of oligosaccharide side chains in glycoproteins and glycolipids. Their expression and distribution pattern have been correlated both with the malignant phenotype and tumor grade of human cancers. The aim of the present study was to determine by reversed‐phase HPLC method the amounts of Neu5Ac and Neu5Gc as well as their distribution among the culture media and cell surface of MG‐63 and Saos‐2 human osteosarcoma cell lines of high and low metastatic potential. It was determined that MG‐63 cells produce up to 5‐fold more total sialic acid as compared with the Saos 2 cells. Neu5Ac accounts for ca 60% of the total sialic acids secreted by MG‐63 cells, whereas Neu5Gc is the predominant sialic acid present on the MG‐63 cell membrane. Saos 2 cells secrete considerable amounts of Neu5Ac to culture media. The obtained data indicate that the human osteosarcoma cells express both forms of Sia‐containing glycoconjugates; the differences in the amounts of each of the two major Sia types and their distribution may be related to their differences in morphology and/or metastatic potentials. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Successful coronary intervention after percutaneous aortic valve replacement
Authors: Zajarias Alan , Eltchaninoff Hélène , Cribier Alain
Published: February 2007

Percutaneous aortic valve replacement has been reported previously. Progression of underlying coronary artery disease is expected with the aging population. We report the case of an 85 year old patient who underwent successful percutaneous coronary stent placement 15 months after receiving an Edwards percutaneous heart valve in the aortic position. Coronary angiography, stent deployment, and crossing of the aortic valve were all completed without any complications using standard angiographic catheters. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Design of Original Bioactive Formulations Based on Sugar–Surfactant/Non‐steroidal Anti‐inflammatory Catanionic Self‐Assemblies: A New Way of Dermal Drug Delivery
Authors: Consola Sabrina , Blanzat Muriel , Perez Emile , Garrigues Jean‐Christophe , Bordat Pascal , Rico‐Lattes Isabelle
Published: February 2007

A new kind of catanionic assembly was developed that associates a sugar‐based surfactant with a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID). Three different assemblies using indomethacin, ibuprofen and ketoprofen as NSAIDs were easily obtained in water by an acid–base reaction. These assemblies formed new amphiphilic entities because of electrostatic and hydrophobic effects in water and led to the spontaneous formation of vesicles. These catanionic vesicles were then tested as potential NSAID delivery systems for dermatological application. The anti‐inflammatory activity was evaluated in vivo, and this study clearly showed an improved therapeutic effect for NSAIDs that were formulated as catanionic vesicles. These vesicles ensured a slower diffusion of the NSAID through the skin. This release probably increased the time of retention of the NSAID in the targeted strata of the skin. Thus, the present study suggests that this catanionic bioactive formulation could be a promising dermal delivery system for NSAIDs in the course of skin inflammation treatment.
An adaptive control system using the fuzzy theory for transient multi‐physics numerical simulations
Authors: Muramatsu Toshiharu , Yagawa Genki
Published: February 2007

An adaptive control system to yield optimum time step sizes was developed using the fuzzy theory for transient multi‐physics numerical simulations. Applications of the control system reveal considerable amount of the computing time savings, typically by 50–75% of the computing time required when the time step size was not controlled by the system. The result obtained in this work is very encouraging in the sense that the adaptive control system would be used as one of the efficient measures for saving computing time when one wishes to perform extremely large‐scale computations in transient multi‐physics numerical simulations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogel nerve conduits produced from alginate/chitosan complexes
Authors: Pfister Lukas A. , Papaloïzos Michaël , Merkle Hans P. , Gander Bruno
Published: February 2007

Nerve conduits (NCs) represent a promising alternative to conventional treatments for peripheral nerve repair. Materials for NC production should be biodegradable, possess adequate mechanical properties, and allow for exchange of nutrients. To this aim, we developed biodegradable NC made of a hydrogel that consisted of the oppositely charged polysaccharides alginate and chitosan. Swelling and permeation studies, as well as rheological measurements, served to characterize the NC. The alginate/chitosan NC showed high water uptake (84% w/w) and permitted permeation of fluorescent‐labeled dextrans in a molecular weight dependent manner. The NC fulfilled the mechanical specifications without further crosslinking. The soft NC can be expected to preclude nerve compression (storage modulus of about 40 kPa), but possess sufficient mechanical strength. In combination with remarkable tear resistance, the NC affords easy surgical handling. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Block Copolymers by the Combination of Cationic and Anionic Polymerizations for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Feng Dingsong , Higashihara Tomoya , Cheng Guanglou , Cho Jae Cheol , Faust Rudolf
Published: February 2007

Polyisobutylene based block copolymers have attracted significant interest for biomedical applications. Poly(styrene‐b‐isobutylene‐b‐styrene) (SIBS) has been used as a drug (Paclitaxel, PTx) eluting coating for the TAXUS™ stent. By changing the polarity of the end segments modulation of drug release has been achieved. In this paper, two new synthetic routes are reported for the synthesis of polyisobutylene (PIB) based block copolymers containing poly(methyl methacrylates) end blocks by the combination of living cationic and anionic polymerizations. In the first approach the PIB chain‐ends were converted to macroanions that efficiently initiated the polymerization of methacrylates in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at −78 °C to afford poly(isobutylene‐b‐methyl methacrylate) (PIB‐b‐PMMA). PIB‐b‐PMMA could also be synthesized by a coupling reaction between living poly(methacrylate) anion and bromoallyl end‐functional PIB.
Hybrid Dendritic‐Linear Copolymers: Synthesis and Reactivity
Authors: Froimowicz Pablo , Paez Julieta , Gandini Alessandro , Belgacem Naceur , Strumia Miriam
Published: February 2007

A novel hybrid aromatic dendritic‐linear copolymer from Jeffamine® was synthesized by an adaptation of Kakimoto's procedure. Comparative studies of reactivity between aromatic and aliphatic hybrid dendritic‐linear copolymers were carried out, through which the best reactivity and the derivatizing capacity of this novel copolymer were clearly demonstrated for the aromatic hybrid dendritic‐linear copolymer. Schiff's base formation by reaction with a chromophore (MFVF) gave hybrid copolymer interesting crosslinkable properties.
The WAXD and Tensile Stress and Elongation at the Yield Point of Polypropylene Additived Films
Authors: Sampaio Elsa M. Valim , Ruvolo Filho Adhemar C.
Published: February 2007

The study of some properties of commercial polypropylene additived films, that were submitted to UV radiation, has been done for samples that were produced as a prototype for synthetic grass. In the present work, was analyzed by WAXD the area of diffraction peak at 2θ around 17°, that is correlated with the monoclinic crystalline phase in PP, and its reciprocal width at half weight, and also the tensile stress and the elongation in the yield point. All these properties were analyzed as a function of the sample exposure time under UV radiation in the accelerated mode. To clarify the behavior found for these properties were also analyzed by WAXD some samples that have been heated at 200 °C and cooled at room temperature. These studies show that the samples could undergo some modification on their photo‐degradation profile that is correlated with the modification of the PP macromolecular and supramacromolecular structures.
Crystallization Kinetics of Homogeneous and Melt Segregated PE Containing Diblock Copolymers
Authors: Müller Alejandro J. , Lorenzo Arnaldo T. , Castillo Reina V. , Arnal María Luisa , Boschetti‐de‐Fierro Adriana , Abetz Volker
Published: February 2007

The crystallization behavior of four types of polyethylene (PE) containing diblock copolymers with an approximate 50/50 composition has been investigated and compared with their respective PE homopolymers. A glassy block of polystyrene (PS), a rubbery block of poly (D,L‐lactide) (PDLA), a semicrystalline block of poly (L‐lactide) (PLLA) and a miscible block of (poly(ethylene‐alt‐propylene) (PEP) were used to asses the influence of the degree of confinement and miscibility on the crystallization kinetics of PE. PEP had the largest effect on the crystallization kinetics of the PE block in view of its miscibility. For the strongly segregated systems larger restrictions were imposed by vitreous PS due to hard confinement as compared with the soft confinement of the rubbery PDLA block. A nucleation effect of previously crystallized PLLA on the PE block was detected which offset its depression of the crystallization kinetics of PE.
The Model Oligoester Bis‐(2‐Hydroxypropyl)phthalate ‐ Synthesis and Relaxation Properties
Authors: Sułkowski Wiesław W. , Maślanka Sławomir , Pentak Danuta , Wolińska Agnieszka , Janeczek Henryk , Paluch Marian , Danch Adam , Sułkowska Anna
Published: February 2007

The study of polymer properties requires the synthesis and analysis of simple model compounds. In this work the suitable oligoesters were used for this purpose. The investigation of model oligoesters allows us to describe the physicochemical and utility properties i.e. stability and resistance of linear, branched and dendrite polyesters. To achieve this aim the model oligoesters were synthesized and their physicochemical properties were described. The structure of the oligoesters was confirmed with the use of NMR, FTIR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. A detailed study of the relaxation properties using broadband dielectric spectroscopy and Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA) was also performed. A description of the α relaxation process and different dielectric and DMTA β‐relaxation processes for the oligoesters are indispensable to determine the relaxation properties of the suitable polyesters.
Evaluation of the Surface Tension of Poly(vinyl butyral) Using the Pendant Drop Method
Authors: Morais Douglas , Valera Ticiane Sanches , Demarquette Nicole Raymonde
Published: February 2007

In this work the surface tension of poly(vinyl butyral) was evaluated for temperatures ranging from 240 to 260 °C, using the pendant drop method. The surface tension values obtained were in the same range as the ones obtained for other molten polymers; However the variation of surface tension with temperature was more than ten times larger than for other molten polymers. This difference was attributed to a chemical change of the polymer during the surface tension measurement.
Comblike Complexes of Poly(aspartic acid) and Alkyltrimethylamonium Cationic Surfactants
Authors: López‐Carrasquero Francisco , Báez María E. , García‐Alvarez Montserrat , Martínez de Ilarduya Antxon , Alla Abdelilah , Fernández Carlos E. , Muñoz‐Guerra Sebastián
Published: February 2007

A series of complexes from poly(aspartic acid) and alkyltrimethylammonium bromide surfactants with linear alkyl groups, containing even number of carbon atoms from 12 up to 22 were synthesized. The complexes were obtained in good yields, are soluble in organic solvents and stable up to temperatures near 170 °C. On the other hand, the paraffinic side chains are able to crystallize depending on the length of the surfactant n‐alkyl chain being the main chain of the complexes is arranged in an extended conformation.
Multi‐Scale Simulation of the Conformation and Dynamics of Dendrimeric Macromolecules
Authors: del Rio Echenique Gustavo , Cifre José G. Hernández , Rodríguez Esteban , Rubio Ana , Freire Juan J. , de la Torre José García
Published: February 2007

In this work, we propose simple physical models and simulation methodologies for the simulation of solution properties of dendrimer molecules. We employ a multi‐scale approach, in which the basic entities in the bead‐and‐connector models are first parameterized by comparison of the outcome from fully atomic molecular dynamics simulation with that of Monte Carlo calculations of the simple model. Employing experimental data of the radius of gyration for this parameterization, the calculated values of other properties, like the intrinsic viscosity and hydrodynamic radius are in good agreement with experimental data. The dynamics of our simple physical model can be studied by Brownian dynamics with hydrodynamic interaction. Thus one can make predictions for other dynamic properties of the dendrimer molecules, like NMR relaxation and rheology.
Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate)/Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) Blends
Authors: Conti Denise Santos , Pezzin Sérgio Henrique , Coelho Luiz Antônio Ferreira
Published: February 2007

With the objective of developing new biodegradable materials, the mechanical properties and the morphology of blends of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate), P(3HB), and poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate), P(3HB‐co‐3HV), were studied in this work. P(3HB) (492 kg · mol−1)/P(3HB‐co‐3HV)‐6%3HV (294.2 kg · mol−1) blends were prepared by injection in a wide range of proportions and characterized by mechanical behavior of tensile strength, Izod impact strength and hardness Shore D. According to the increase of the copolymer content in the blend, it was detected that the hardness Shore D and the maximum tensile strength presented a significant reduction, the elasticity modulus showed a significant reduction, the elongation at break presented a significant increase and the Izod impact strength practically remained constant. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) was carried out in the fractured surface of the samples obtained during the tests of tensile and impact strength. These analyses showed a morphology with fragile fracture for whole blends, agreeing with mechanical results previously reported.
The Spherizone Process: A New PP Manufacturing Platform
Authors: Mei Gabriele , Herben Pierre , Cagnani Camillo , Mazzucco Antonio
Published: February 2007

The development of the new Spherizone technology, based on the innovative reactor MultiZone Circulating Reactor (MZCR), exploits its capability to generate innovative polypropylene based materials. The MZCR is made by two legs, through which solid is kept circulating: the riser, operating as a fast fluidized bed, and the downer, where the polymer particles descend in plug flow. With a simple arrangement (a monomer stream, called “barrier”, fed at the top of the downer), the reactor's legs can operate under different reacting conditions, allowing the production of different polymers in the two zones: the consequent mixing of the two polymer phases is not achievable with any other technologies beforehand. This, in turn, leads to improved properties, such as: stiffness and processability for pipe; broader processing window, good optics and high stiffness/impact in thermoforming; processability at very high speed in BOPP; superior clarity in blow molding, blown and cast film; softness with good tenacity in fiber; improved impact/stiffness in injection molding; high melt strength for foam and compounding.
Novel biobased resins from blends of functionalized soybean oil and unsaturated polyester resin
Authors: Miyagawa Hiroaki , Mohanty Amar K. , Burgueño Rigoberto , Drzal Lawrence T. , Misra Manjusri
Published: February 2007

Biobased unsaturated polyester (UPE) materials containing epoxidized methyl soyate (EMS) were processed with cobalt naphthenate as a promoter and 2‐butanone peroxide as an initiator. A certain amount of the UPE resin was replaced by EMS. The combination of the UPE and EMS resulted in an excellent combination for a new biobased thermoset material with a relatively high elastic modulus and a constant glass transition temperature with up to 25 wt % replacement with EMS. The Izod impact strength was almost constant while the amount of EMS was changed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 698–704, 2007
Simple solvation potential for coarse‐grained models of proteins
Authors: Bhattacharyay A. , Trovato A. , Seno F.
Published: February 2007

We formulate a simple solvation potential based on a coarsed‐grained representation of amino acids with two spheres modeling the Cα atom and an effective side‐chain centroid. The potential relies on a new method for estimating the buried area of residues, based on counting the effective number of burying neighbors in a suitable way. This latter quantity shows a good correlation with the buried area of residues computed from all atom crystallographic structures. We check the discriminatory power of the solvation potential alone to identify the native fold of a protein from a set of decoys and show the potential to be considerably selective. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of non‐parabolicity on the density of states for high‐field mobility calculations in dilute nitrides
Authors: Vaughan M. P. , Ridley B. K.
Published: February 2007

Using the 2‐level band anticrossing (BAC) model or its generalisation to n ‐bands, the essential features of the non‐parabolicity of the band structure in dilute nitride materials can be captured using a k·p – like formulation. However, the derived densities of states in both 3D and 2D are then badly behaved near the nitrogen impurity levels with unrealistic consequences. Densities of states in the general n ‐band case are derived using a Green's function approach, which are well‐behaved and conserve the number of states in the crystal. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A statistical model for inter‐temporal causal dynamics of glucose production and disposal with insulin level in diabetic patients
Authors: Das Purkayastha D. , Yin Jie
Published: February 2007

This paper provides a useful tool to examine inter‐temporal behaviour in glucose and insulin level in diabetic patients. The primary thrust of this paper is to model inter‐temporal causal dynamics of endogenous and ingested glucose production and disposal with insulin in diabetic patients. A short‐run compartmental dynamics of glucose and insulin was introduced with their stochastic relationship through a vector autoregressive (VAR) scheme. This study also aims to develop glucose variability indices and test for their independence, homogeneity and symmetry at steady‐state condition. The model also empirically identifies the significant prognostic factors and other exogenous variables affecting the dynamics. An empirical application provides more compelling evidence of such dynamics. The estimated model reconfirms the fact that pre‐prandial PM glucose level has statistically significant effects on post‐prandial PM glucose level in diabetic patients. Also, pre‐prandial PM insulin level shows a significant impact on post‐prandial PM insulin in this study. In addition, results also indicate statistical significance of body mass index (BMI) and haemoglobin on post‐prandial PM glucose level. It is interesting to note that the pattern of glucose variability indices in pre‐ and post‐prandial AM time points is different from those at PM period. The results also show interdependence between the glucose variability indices. Only the pre‐ and post‐meal PM variations of glucose are homogenous to its pre‐ and post‐meal AM variations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogenation of canola oil in the presence of nickel and the methyl benzoate‐chrome carbonyl complex
Authors: Rubin L. J. , Köseoglu S. S. , Diosady L. L. , Graydon W. F.
Published: February 2007

Canola oil was hydrogenated using a mixture of homogeneous methyl benzoate‐Cr(CO)3and heterogeneous nickel catalysts. The effect of the methyl benzoate‐Cr(CO)3_to‐nickel ratio on the activity, specific isomerization index, linoleate and linolenate selectivities, and fatty acid composition was evaluated, and the results compared with those obtained with commercial nickel catalyst and methyl benzoate‐Cr(CO)3used individually. At higher chromium‐to‐nickel ratios the activity of nickel was inhibited and the system behaved essentially like the pure chrome complex, while at low chromium‐to‐nickel ratios the characteristics of the nickel predominated. In a short transition zone relatively high reaction rates were obtained with significantly reducedtrans‐isomer levels in the product. In a broader sense, it may be possible to combine a homogeneous and heterogeneous catalyst while retaining the advantages of both. We may thus be able to design catalyst systems for specific applications.
Fundamental study of biochemical behavior of anionic sulfonate‐ and sulfate‐type surfactants
Authors: Tomiyama Shin‐Ichi
Published: February 2007

The interactions of α‐olefin sulfonate with proteins were studied and a few environmental and hygienic phenomena investigated on the basis of these interactions. It was found that α‐olefin sulfonate formed a complex with proteins mainly through ionic bonds similar to those formed by linear alkylate sulfonate and alkyl sulfate and that the α‐olefin sulfonate‐protein complex had much in common with these surfactant‐protein complexes. The data on surfactant adsorption indicate that the effects of sulfonate‐type surfactants are due to the formation of complexes with the protein of the skin, hog bristles, and human hair. Adsorption of surfactant occurred in the gills of fish; the adsorption increased with time. When protein was added, the surfactant solution was less biologically effective to fish. The data suggest that adsorption of the surfacntant disturbs the functions of fish gills. Increase in erythrocyte count, which always is found in oxygen‐deficient conditions, occurred in fish killed by exposure to the surfactant.
Recent advances in automated lipid analysis
Authors: Levine Jacob B.
Published: February 2007

This paper reviews some of the recent developments in automated instrumentation which apply to the determination of chemically significant blood lipids such as cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids. Many complex lipid determinations can be performed on the continuous flow system of Skeggs following simple preliminary extraction.

This system, commercially available as the AutoAnalyzer is composed of modules which are capable of extraction, digestion and hydrolysis. Analytical endpoints can be determined by colorimetry or fluorometry with automatic recording of results.
Oxazoline polyester coating resins
Authors: deJarlais W. J. , Gast L. E. , Cowan J. C.
Published: February 2007

Oxazoline polyester resins were prepared by reaction of oxazoline diols from linseed acids and tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane with each of five dibasic acids (adipic, dimer, fumaric, itaconic and maleic). Certain resins were dissolved in isopropyl alcohol to give solutions infinitely water dilutable when the free carboxyl was neutralized with an amine. Film properties of resins cast on steel plates were investigated. Drying characteristics, hardness, color stability and solvent resistance of some of these films equaled or excelled those of a commercial soy alkyd resin, although their initial color was darker. The resins prepared from itaconic and maleic acids have potential value as water‐solubilizable coating vehicles.
Volatile compounds produced by irradiation of butterfat
Authors: Merritt Charles , Forss D. A. , Angelini Pio , Bazinet M. L.
Published: February 2007

Anhydrous butterfat was irradiated at 6 megarads in a special glass reaction flask, and the headspace and total condensate samples were examined by wide‐range (‐180C to 125C) gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. The nature and amounts of volatile compounds were not greatly influenced by whether the butterfat was irradiated under oxygen or under vacuum, nor (apart fromn‐alkanoic acids) by storage for 1 and 9 weeks.

Carbon dioxide was produced in greatest amount. Of the remaining compounds, aliphatic hydrocarbons predominated both in number and amount. Aliphatic oxygenated compounds including carbonyl compounds were isolated in relatively small amounts. The following compounds were identified positively: C1‐13n‐alkanes; C4‐9 2‐methylalkanes; C2‐14 alk‐l‐enes; C2‐9 alk‐l‐ynes; C2‐5n‐alkanoic acids; C1‐5n‐alkan‐l‐ols and propan‐2‐ol; C2‐8n‐alkanals and 2‐methylbut‐2‐enal; C3‐5,7 alkan‐2‐ones; C1‐4n‐alkyl formates, vinyl and isoamyl formate, methyl acetate and methyln‐hexanoate; and carbon dioxide.
The geometric isomers of conjugated octadecadienoates from dehydrated methyl ricinoleate
Authors: Body D. R. , Shorland F. B.
Published: February 2007

The dehydration of methyl ricinoleate by heatingin vacuo in the presence of KHSO4 resulted in the formation of the following conjugated octadecadienoates expressed as a percentage of the final product:cis, trans (trans, cis), 14.3;cis, cis, 11.2;trans, trans, 7.3. The isomers contained the double bonds predominantly in the 9,11 position but the possible presence of traces of 8,10 and other conjugated isomers is not excluded. Using urea 舠inclusion舡 fractionation and low temp crystallization from acetone methyl,cis‐9,cis‐11‐octadecadienoate was isolated.

The methyl esters of commercially dehydrated castor oil fatty acids on the other hand, contained the following percentages of conjugated octadecadienoate isomers:cis, trans (trans, cis), 20.3;cis, cis, 8.0;trans, trans, 5.4. From these mixtures conc ofcis, trans (trans, cis)‐ andtrans, trans‐octadecadienoates were prepared by fractional distillation and low temp crystallization. It was found that the conjugated octadecadienoates consisted of mixtures of positional isomers with double bonds mainly in the 8,10 and 9,11 positions with lesser amounts in the 7,9 and 10,12 positions.
Determination of glyceride composition of several solid and liquid fats
Authors: Jurriens G. , Kroesen A. C. J.
Published: February 2007

Cocoabutter, Sumatra palm oil, lard, groundnut oil, soybean oil and cottonseed oil have been analyzed by separating the triglycerides according to their degree of unsaturation by means of thin‐layer chromatography on silica impregnated with silver nitrate. Of each triglyceride fraction obtained in this way, the fatty acid composition舒overall and at the 2‐position舒has been determined. Moreover, the triglyceride composition of the fractions of cocoabutter, Sumatra palm oil and lard has been determined by means of gasliquid chromatography. The results confirm the correctness of Vander Wal舗s theory on the distribution of fatty acids in the triglycerides of vegetable natural fats.
Lipid metabolism in germinating flaxseed
Authors: Zimmerman D. C. , Klosterman H. J.
Published: February 2007

Flaxseed was germinated in the dark at 25C for 90 hr and the amt of triglycerides, free fatty acids (FFA) and phospholipids, as well as the fatty acid composition of each, were determined at 18‐hr intervals. The amt of FFA increased greatly during germination. There was no preferential metabolism of any particular fatty acid in either the triglyceride or FFA fractions. The percentage of linolenic acid in the phospholipids increased as germination progressed. Behenic, lignoceric and cerotic acids were observed in the FFA fraction after 54 hr of germination. Odd‐numbered saturated and unsaturated acids, indicative of ana‐oxidation mechanism, were observed in the FFA fraction at 54 hr and in the triglyceride fraction at 72 hr.
Identification of the less common isologous short‐chain triacylglycerols in the most volatile 2.5% molecular distillate of butter oil
Authors: Myher J. J. , Kuksis A. , Marai L.
Published: February 2007

The isologous short‐chain triacylglycerols of the most volatile 2.5% distillate of butter oil were resolved by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with mass spectrometry. The molecular species were identified by means of the [MH]+ and the [MH‐RCOOH]+ ions in positive chemical ionization mode. A set of empirically determined incremental elution factors was found that could be used to calculate the accurate elution order of natural butterfat triacylglycerols when analyzed by reversed‐phase HPLC. The triacylglycerols were also resolved by temperature‐programmed gas‐liquid chromatography on capillary columns coated with polar liquid phases. The high polarity of the columns provided separation of triacylglycerols on the basis of the degree of unsaturation, as well as on the nature of the shortest acyl chain, with the isologous species having the shortest chainlength eluting last. Both saturated and unsaturated triacylglycerols containing normal and branched‐chain odd‐carbon fatty acids in combination with short‐chain acids were identified, and over 150 molecular species were quantitated.
Milk fat fractionation today: A review
Authors: Deffense E.
Published: February 2007

Although anhydrous milk fat (AMF) has excellent properties, its variable physicochemical properties and its lack of functionality restrict its uses in the food industry. A technology involving dry fractionation of AMF has been developed, and its attributes include selectivity, reliability and general application. Combining two simple and reliable technologies,i.e., multi‐step fractionation and blending, it is possible to overcome functionality problems and the seasonal variations of AMF.
Quantitative determination of castor oil in edible and heat‐abused oils by13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Husain Sajid , Kifayatullah M. , Sastry G. S. R. , Raju N. Prasada
Published: February 2007

Application of13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for detection of castor oil (CO) in various edible oils, such as coconut oil, palm oil, groundnut oil and mustard oil, is described. Characteristic signals observed at δ 132.4, δ 125.6, δ 71.3, δ 36.8 and δ 35.4 ppm, due to C10, C9, C12, C13 and C11 carbons of ricinoleic acid (RA) in CO, were selected for distinguishing it from edible oils. Quantitative13C NMR spectra of oils were recorded in CDCl3 with a gated decoupling technique. The minimum detection limits for qualitative and quantitative analyses were 2.0 and 3.0%, respectively. The proposed method is simple, nondestructive and requires no sample pretreatment. Its application to heat‐abused oils has also been demonstrated successfully without any of the interferences observed in most other methods.
Evolutionary change in a pine wilt system following the invasion of Japan by the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchusxylophilus
Authors: Togashi Katsumi , Jikumaru Shota
Published: February 2007

Pinewood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is the causative agent of pine wilt disease (PWD) of pine trees and is transmitted by cerambycid beetles belonging to the genus Monochamus. PWN is believed to have been introduced into Japan from North America at the beginning of the 20th century. In this article, we first provide an outline of the PWD system and the range expansion of PWN in Japan and then review the literature, focusing on the virulence of PWN. Virulence is a heritable trait in PWN, with high virulence being closely related to a high rate of reproduction and within‐tree dispersal. When two PWN isolates with different virulence levels are inoculated into pine seedlings, the more virulent nematodes always dominate in dead seedlings. In a laboratory setting, many more virulent nematodes board the insect vectors than avirulent ones. The age at which vectors transmit the most abundant PWNs to pine twigs changes during the course of a PWD epidemic. However, the relation between virulence and transmission of PWN remains as yet relatively unknown. Such information would enable ecologists to predict the evolution of the PWD system. In this review we also compare ecological traits between the PWN and the avirulent congener, B. mucronatus.
Self-assembled InAs quantum dot formation on GaAs ring-like nanostructure templates
Authors: Strom N. W. , Wang Zh M. , Lee J. H. , AbuWaar Z. Y. , Mazur Yu I. , Salamo G. J.
Published: February 2007

The evolution of InAs quantum dot (QD) formation is studied on GaAs ring-like nanostructures fabricated by droplet homo-epitaxy. This growth mode, exclusively performed by a hybrid approach of droplet homo-epitaxy and Stransky-Krastanor (S-K) based QD self-assembly, enables one to form new QD morphologies that may find use in optoelectronic applications. Increased deposition of InAs on the GaAs ring first produced a QD in the hole followed by QDs around the GaAs ring and on the GaAs (100) surface. This behavior indicates that the QDs prefer to nucleate at locations of high monolayer (ML) step density.
Buying Expertise: Campaign Contributions and Attention to Policy Analysis in Congressional Committees
Authors: ESTERLING KEVIN M.
Published: February 2007

I examine the relationship between interest group hard money contributions and legislators' attention to policy analysis in U.S. congressional committees. I argue that groups tend to contribute to members who have a high capacity to develop effective policies and legislation. Consequently, over the long term, contributions create incentives for members of Congress to enhance their analytical capacity for policymaking. Using data from hearings on the Medicare program and latent variable modeling techniques, I demonstrate that members who have a higher latent analytical policymaking capacity tend to attract more contributions and at the same time tend to engage in analytical discourse in committee hearings. In addition, members with higher analytical capacity tend to disengage from discussions of the symbolic aspects of policies that are of interest to constituents. The results help shed new light on debates over campaign finance reform regarding the normative value of hard money contributions.
ON CLAUDE VIVIER'S ‘LONELY CHILD’
Authors: Gilmore Bob
Published: February 2007

There is an uncanny symmetry in the life of the French–Canadian composer Claude Vivier: we do not know the exact time or circumstances of his birth, and we do not know the exact time or circumstances of his death. The first of these two facts haunted Vivier all his life. Born to unknown parents in Montreal in April 1948 and placed in an orphanage, he became obsessed with the identity of his birth mother, whom he never knew. Several of his compositions can be heard as a poignant attempt to communicate with her. The second fact – his murder in March 1983 by a young Parisian criminal in circumstances that remain not fully investigated – has, you might say, haunted the posthumous reputation of his music. It seems impossible to discuss Vivier's work without mentioning the cruel and sordid circumstances of his death. For some, his murder is the key to an understanding of his life and – even more controversially – of his work.
Intentions-Verhaltens-Lücke bei sportlichen Aktivitäten
Authors: Mohiyeddini Changiz , Bauer Stephanie
Published: February 2007

Zusammenfassung. Mit dem Schlagwort “Intentions-Verhaltens-Lücke” wird das Phänomen bezeichnet, dass psychologische Modelle zur Vorhersage des Sportverhaltens (z. B. die Theory of Planned Behavior, TPB) zwar eine beachtliche Leistung bei der Vorhersage von Intentionen zeigen, diese prädiktive Leistung jedoch bei der Vorhersage des auf Grund der relevanten Intentionen zu erwartenden Verhaltens erheblich abnimmt. Während sich bisherige Lösungsansätze zur Überbrückung dieser Lücke fast ausschließlich auf kognitive Variablen konzentriert haben, versucht die vorliegende Arbeit durch die Hinzunahme emotionaler Variablen die Modellannahmen der TPB zu erweitern, um die prädiktive Leistung des Modells zu erhöhen. In einer Studie mit 273 Probanden wurden ein traditionelles Modell (basierend auf der TPB) und ein um die Variable Emotionen erweitertes Modell mittels Strukturgleichungsmodellen getestet. Die Ergebnisse belegen einen substantiellen Zuwachs an Varianzaufklärung von 12 % für das erweiterte Modell bei der Vorhersage des Sportverhaltens. Dieser Befund legt nahe, traditionelle Modelle zur Vorhersage des (Gesundheits-) Verhaltens, die ausschließlich kognitive Parameter berücksichtigen, um die Variable Emotionen zu erweitern. Abschließend werden Implikationen der Ergebnisse für zukünftige Forschungsarbeiten skizziert.
Self-assessed intelligence and confidence for the acquisition of skills
Authors: Furnham Adrian , Chamorro-Premuzic Tomas
Published: February 2007

Abstract. This study set out to explore the relationship between beliefs about intelligence (BAI) ( Dweck, 1999 ), estimates of self- and other- (specifically mother’s, father’s, and closest friend’s) intelligence ( Furnham, 2001 ), and confidence in the acquisition of skills (CAS), in a sample of 266 British college students (194 females). As in previous studies, there were significant gender differences in self-assessed intelligence (SAI), such that males estimated their ability higher than did females. There was also a significant correlation between BAI and CAS, such that individuals who believed that intelligence may increase over time (incremental theorists) were generally more confident with regard to the acquisition of novel skills. Results are discussed in light of the potential theoretical links between perceived abilities and the development of future skills.
End‐of‐storm oscillation in tropical air mass thunderstorms
Authors: Pawar S. D. , Kamra A. K.
Published: February 2007

Characteristics of the end‐of‐storm oscillation (EOSO) in the atmospheric surface electric field observed beneath isolated air mass thunderstorms at a tropical station, Pune, are investigated. Typically, the value of the electric field at the ground during the EOSO periods has been observed to range between −3 and +4 kV m−1. Durations of the EOSO at Pune are 24% of those for the large quasi‐stationary thunderstorms occurring at Florida and 55% of the convective air mass thunderstorms at New Mexico. During the EOSO periods, frequency of lightning decreases very much but some flashes exhibit unique features of charge transportation associated with them. Observation of a new phenomenon, the inverted EOSO, is reported in a storm with inverted polarity of electrical dipole. Our observations are found to be consistent with the convective mechanism scenario of the EOSO in which the surface field meters are exposed to the upper positive charge of the cloud by the downdrafts.
Contribution of aeolian dust in Japan Sea sediments estimated from ESR signal intensity and crystallinity of quartz
Authors: Nagashima K. , Tada R. , Tani A. , Toyoda S. , Sun Y. , Isozaki Y.
Published: February 2007

Late Quaternary hemipelagic sediments in the Japan Sea contain aeolian dust from East Asia which potentially records past variations in the Asian monsoon and the westerly jet. However, extracting information about aeolian dust from Japan Sea sediments is difficult because the sediments also contain detrital material from the Japanese Islands. Here we present a method for extracting the aeolian dust components from Japan Sea hemipelagic sediments using provenance analysis of different size fractions. Hemipelagic sediments of the Japan Sea can be described by a combination of two populations characterized by lognormal grain size distributions with different median grain sizes, which are called the coarser (2–15 μm) and the finer (<10 μm) populations. We characterized these populations on the basis of provenance analyses, using the electron spin resonance (ESR) signal intensity and crystallinity of quartz. The results suggest that quartz in the coarser population has been mostly supplied from Northern China and Siberia/northeastern China by aeolian transport, whereas quartz in the finer population has been dominantly supplied by rivers draining the Japanese Islands.