bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquid crystalline epoxides with long lateral substituents: Mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: Zheng Yiquan , Lu Mangeng , Ren Shaoping , Liang Liyan , Lan Yanxun
Published: August 2007

In this work, mechanical and thermal properties of liquid crystalline epoxides (LCEs) with long lateral substituents from 4 to 12 carbon atoms cured with diaminodiphenylmethane were evaluated and analyzed by dynamic mechanical analysis, tensile tests, scanning electron micrographs (SEM), and thermo‐gravimetrical analysis. The experimental results indicated that the Young's modulus and α, β transitions in crosslinked networks are associated with the length of lateral substituents. The plastic deformation in fracture surfaces was observed by SEM. Thermal stability, water and solvent absorption of cured networks was dependent on the length of lateral substituents. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2835–2841, 2007
Breadth of glass transition temperature in styrene/acrylic acid block, random, and gradient copolymers: Unusual sequence distribution effects
Authors: Wong Christopher L. H. , Kim Jungki , Torkelson John M.
Published: August 2007

Block, random, and gradient copolymers of styrene (S) and acrylic acid (AA) are synthesized by conventional or controlled radical polymerization, and their glass transition temperature (Tg) behaviors are compared. The location and breadth of the Tgs are determined using derivatives of differential scanning calorimetry heating curves. Each S/AA random copolymer exhibits one narrow Tg, consistent with a single phase of limited compositional nanoheterogeneity. Block copolymers exhibit two narrow Tgs originating from nanophase separation into ordered domains with nearly pure S or nearly pure AA repeat units. Each gradient copolymer exhibits a Tg response with a ∼50–56 °C breadth that extends beyond the upper Tg of the block copolymers. For copolymers of similar composition, the maximum value in the gradient copolymer Tg response is consistent with that of a random copolymer, which has an enhanced Tg relative to poly(acrylic acid) due to more effective hydrogen bonding when AA units are separated along the chain backbone by S units. These results indicate that gradient copolymers with ordered nanostructures can be rationally designed, which exhibit broad glass transitions that extend to higher temperature than the Tgs observed with block copolymers. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2842–2849, 2007
Unique structural characteristics of nematic ordered cellulose—Stability in water and its facile transformation
Authors: Togawa Eiji , Kondo Tetsuo
Published: August 2007

Nematic Ordered Cellulose (NOC) film that exhibits a noncrystalline yet highly ordered form was prepared by stretching a water‐swollen cellulose gel obtained in a unique manner with coagulation of cellulose molecules dissolved in the N,N‐dimethylacetamide/LiCl solvent system. In this article, structural characteristics of this unique film were investigated. Orientation of the molecular chains in the noncrystalline regions across the entire film were stable after immersing in water at room temperature, though conventional amorphous cellulose regions are in any forms believed fairly to be recrystallized under a humid atmosphere. Even 30 days after immersing in water at 50 °C, neither crystallization nor disordering of the chains occurred in the NOC film. On the contrary, the film was capable of being transformed into films composed of cellulose polymorphs domains where the molecular orientation was still maintained as the initial film under various mild conditions that both cotton and cellophane did not show any changes on their structure. These contradictory properties of the NOC film proved to be dependent on its unique supermolecular structure. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2850–2859, 2007
Improvement of energetic efficiency for homoepitaxial diamond growth in a H2/CH4 pulsed discharge
Authors: Brinza O. , Achard J. , Silva F. , Duten X. , Michau A. , Hassouni K. , Gicquel A.
Published: August 2007

The use of pulsed discharges for diamond deposition has been demonstrated to ensure a better control of heat transfer from the plasma to the walls in microwave plasma reactors. It also favours the production of CH3 species while keeping constant or higher the H‐atom density. Higher growth rates can then be obtained. In this paper is reported an increase of the growth rate by 25% while decreasing the input microwave mean power by 15%. These results are discussed in terms of atomic hydrogen and methyl radicals densities calculated with a unstationary 1‐D axial plasma model. The results show in particular that the gas temperature, which directly controls atomic hydrogen production, needs a ton of around 8 ms to reach the steady state, and that 50% of atomic hydrogen is lost by recombination after a toff of 2 ms. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Versatile properties of nanocrystalline diamond films deposited in Ar/H2/CH4 microwave discharges as a function of process parameters
Authors: Monéger D. , Bénédic F. , Sarry F. , Renard P. , Azouani R. , Elmazria O. , Silva F. , Gicquel A.
Published: August 2007

In this paper, we discuss on the versatility of nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) film properties as a function of the process parameters aiming to properly fulfil the requirements for various applications. NCD films are achieved in Ar/H2/CH4 microwave discharges. Their characteristics are changed by varying the depo‐sition parameters: pulsed and continuous discharges, hydrogen concentration, microwave power, surface temperature, and N2 ratio in the gas mixture as impurity. SEM, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, AFM and electrical measurements (Arrhenius diagrams) are performed in order to assess the film properties. The microstructure and phase purity, that mainly determine the surface roughness, electrical resisti‐vity, and growth rate, critical parameters for industrial applications such as mechanics and electronics, are particularly examined. The results point out the flexibility of the microwave plasma assisted process, suitable to straightforwardly control and adapt NCD film properties to the expected applications. Thus, a transition from nanocrystalline to microcrystalline structures is easily obtained with different amounts of non‐diamond phases, leading to surface roughness increasing from 20 nm to 80 nm and keeping appreciable growth rates around 1 µm h–1. The most striking results concern the wide range of the film transversal resistance values measured at room temperature, evolving from 400 Ω for graphite‐like NCD film to 3 × 1012 Ω for microcrystalline diamond. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Investigating large vacancy clusters in type IIa diamond with electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS)
Authors: Barnes R. , Bangert U. , Scott A.
Published: August 2007

The origin of colour in brown diamonds has attracted much attention in recent years, and resulted in many attempts to characterise the responsible defect. These years of focused study have only ruled out possible solutions, including the popular hypothesis of dislocation states (B. Willems, PhD Thesis, University of Antwerp (2006) [1]). Most recently, positron annihilation studies have verified the existence of large clusters of vacancies in type IIa brown diamond (J. M. Mäki et al., presented at SBDDX (2004) [2]) that are significantly higher in concentration than in the corresponding treated colourless diamond. Also, theoretical calculations of large clusters of vacancies show {111} π‐bonded surfaces cause the same broad featureless optical absorption as brown diamond (L. Hounsome et al., phys. stat. sol. (a) 202, 2182 (2005) [3]). This bonding is also shown to produce intensity at 5–7 eV in low loss electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Comparing EELS analysis of brown and colourless diamond reveals a relative increase in intensity at 5–7 eV in the brown diamond. Using EELS with energy resolution between 0.25 and 0.4 eV (U. Bangert et al., Ultramicroscopy 104, 46 (2003) [4]) on the NW‐STEM and SuperSTEM, π‐bonding intensity is verified to be present as a bulk feature in brown diamond. This π‐bonding is found across all regions of brown diamond regardless of position relative to dislocations. On closer inspection this π‐bonding intensity shows variations on a scale that could be related to vacancy clusters or several clusters, however more investigation is needed. In colourless diamond, any intensity in the π‐bonding region can be attributed to surface contamination. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cathodoluminescence as a tool to determine the phosphorus concentration in diamond
Authors: Barjon J. , Pinault M.‐A. , Kociniewski T. , Jomard F. , Chevallier J.
Published: August 2007

In n‐type diamond doped with phosphorus, exciton properties have been investigated by cathodoluminescence as a function of the phosphorus concentration. A series of homoepitaxial diamond layers were grown by microwave plasma‐assisted chemical vapor deposition and doped with a liquid organic precursor of phosphorus (tertiarybutylphosphine). Their phosphorus concentration ranges from 5.2 × 1016 cm–3 to 3.3 × 1018 cm–3 as measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry. It is shown that the ratio between the luminescence intensities of the neutral phosphorus‐bound exciton and the free exciton recombinations follows the donor concentration. A calibration graph is presented to determine the phosphorus contents in diamond with cathodoluminescence spectroscopy at 102 K. The influence of electrical compensation on the optical spectra is discussed. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Diamond ultramicroelectrodes
Authors: Foord John S. , Hu Jingping , Holt Katherine B.
Published: August 2007

Ultramicroelectrode (UME) tips from conductive diamond were fabricated by hot filament chemical vapour deposition. By changing growth conditions, it was possible to fabricate tips with very smooth nanocrystalline coatings, or relatively rough microcrystalline deposits. Cyclic voltammetry data in ferrocene methanol solution was recorded to characterise the two types of diamond. Nanocrystalline diamond displayed inferior behaviour, both in terms of the potential window, and the background current. Two types of insulation method were studied to complete the microelectrode fabrication process. Nail varnish was found to be easiest to apply and produce the best results. Fast set epoxy produced electrodes with inferior voltammetric characteristics. Electrochemical approach curves were measured under differing conditions for the electrodes studied. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Study of the CVD process sequences for an improved control of the Bias Enhanced Nucleation step on silicon
Authors: Saada S. , Arnault J. C. , Tranchant N. , Bonnauron M. , Bergonzo P.
Published: August 2007

Diamond epitaxy is of great interest for electronic applications. Most of the time, heteroepitaxial diamond films have been obtained using the Bias Enhanced Nucleation (BEN) step. To investigate the transition between the first CVD plasma exposure and the BEN steps, we studied the residence time distribution (RTD) to monitor the methane concentration in the gas mixture. We showed that the stabilisation time of the methane concentration is not negligible when compared to the biasing duration currently used to obtain high nucleation density and induces effects on the current variation during the first stages of nucleation. We proposed a modelisation of the CVD reactor from experimental data to optimise and reduce this stabilisation time. Then, we showed that the nucleation phenomena are strongly dependent of the used protocol. To conclude, we propose a new approach for an improved control of the Bias Enhanced Nucleation parameters towards a greater reproducibility. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Stability of H‐terminated BDD electrodes: an insight into the influence of the surface preparation
Authors: Vanhove E. , de Sanoit J. , Arnault J. C. , Saada S. , Mer C. , Mailley P. , Bergonzo P. , Nesladek M.
Published: August 2007

EIS, CV and XPS experiments were carried out to address the evolution of H‐terminated BDD electrochemical properties under intensive use and air aging. A drastic drop of apparent electron transfer rate k0′ was thus recorded using Fe(CN6)3–/4– as the redox mediator by identifying components of the Randles equivalent circuit. Excellent agreement was observed between theoretical and experimental curves. The feasibility of recovering and stabilizing high reactivity and reversible behaviour by applying a suitable electrochemical post treatment was then demonstrated. Such a treatment was developed empirically and seemed to significantly improve the electrode performances. On the basis of our results, we claim that the electrochemical evolutions observed are strongly linked to chemical termination modifications and partial inactivation of the electrode surface. Further research on the mechanisms that govern electron mediation at the diamond surface would be of high interest for better control of diamond electrode stability and reactivity towards their applications for bio‐electronic devices. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electrical transport measurements and emission properties of freestanding single crystalline CVD diamond samples
Authors: Deferme W. , Bogdan A. , Bogdan G. , Haenen K. , De Ceuninck W. , Nesládek M.
Published: August 2007

In this work time‐of‐flight (TOF) measurements are performed on freestanding single crystalline (100) CVD diamond layers with different surface terminations. The transit properties and electron and hole mobility are measured for completely oxidised and completely hydrogenated diamonds. The results clearly show that the different terminations of the diamond surface have an influence on the electrical transport properties. Furthermore, evidence is given that oxygen‐induced surface states influence the TOF spectra. Light emission at 235 nm and around 430 nm is observed when applying a pulsed electric field on the diamond. The small peak at 235 nm is attributed to free exciton recombination while the broad band at 430 nm is contributed to A‐band luminescence. Emission spectra at voltages as high as 1.4 V/μm are given and compared. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structural and mechanical properties of spark plasma sintered n‐ and p‐type bismuth telluride alloys
Authors: Böttner Harald , Ebling Dirk G. , Jacquot A. , König J. , Kirste L. , Schmidt J.
Published: August 2007

Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) is used for the fabrication of wafers of n‐ and p‐type thermoelectric V2VI3 materials. The SPS process did not change the overall chemical composition. X‐ray diffraction analysis and the electron backscattered selected area diffraction prove the preferential orientation after the SPS procedure expecting anisotropic thermoelectric prop‐ erties. The mechanical properties of the SPS material are enormously enhanced, so that the fabrication of thin wafers with only 100 µm thickness suitable for the development of Peltier devices with high cooling power density will be possible. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The effect of experimental flow reductions on macroinvertebrate drift in natural and streamside channels
Authors: James A. B. W. , Dewson Z. S. , Death R. G.
Published: August 2007

Understanding how much water must remain in a stream to maintain a healthy functioning ecosystem has become an important focus in stream ecology research. The drift of stream invertebrates is important as a mechanism of dispersal, recolonization and as a food source for fish in flowing water. Drift behaviour of stream invertebrates in response to flow reduction was examined in natural and streamside channels in two countries (Canada and New Zealand). We hypothesised that the drift of some taxa would increase following flow reduction as they attempted to avoid unfavourable conditions. Taxa such as Baetis sp. (Ephemeroptera) in Canadian streamside channels and Coloburiscus humeralis (Ephemeroptera) and Austrosimulium sp. (Simulidae) in streams in New Zealand exhibited a short‐term increase in drift following flow reduction. This appears to be in response to decreased velocities and available habitat in flow reduced areas. The majority of taxa displaying this response were filter feeders, suggesting a decline in food delivery with reduced flow contributed to increased drift. Some taxa (e.g. the amphipod Paracalliope fluviatilis) had a sustained increase in drift throughout the reduced flow period, probably because a preference for reduced flows increased their abundance or levels of activity. Water allocation decisions should consider potential impacts on the drift behaviour of the more commonly drifting taxa in a stream. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of segregation phase on a batch hot‐dip‐coated Zn/0.1Al/0.2Sb surface
Authors: Wang Xinhua , Lu Jintang , Che Chunshan
Published: August 2007

The segregation of antimony in a batch hot‐dipped regular‐spangle galvanized coating from a Zn‐0.1Al‐0.2Sb bath was investigated. The samples were characterized by using SEM/EDS. The nature of the segregation phase was determined by XRD as βSb3Zn4. Assisted with SbZn phase diagram, the behavior of antimony during the solidification process of the Zn‐0.1Al‐0.2Sb coating is examined. It is suggested that the coating solidification proceeds in three stages. Owing to the cooling rate of batch hot dip galvanizing process smaller than that of continuous hot dip galvanizing line (CGL), the resulting structure of the segregation phase in current work is βSb3Zn4 instead of metastable ζSb2Zn3 for CGL. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient generation of constrained block allocation sequences
Authors: Salama Ibrahim , Ivanova Anastasia , Qaqish Bahjat
Published: August 2007

Selection bias is a potential problem, especially in trials where blinding is not possible. Randomization with a constrained block of large size provides better protection from selection bias than using a sequence of blocks of small size with the same maximum imbalance. We propose an algorithm that efficiently generates constrained block allocation sequences, and we describe two clinical trials in which such a constrained randomization was used. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frontomaxillary facial angle in chromosomally normal fetuses at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks
Authors: Borenstein M. , Persico N. , Kaihura C. , Sonek J. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: August 2007

Objective

To establish the normal range of the frontomaxillary facial (FMF) angle at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks of gestation.

Methods

In this prospective study, three‐dimensional (3D) volumes of the fetal head were obtained from 500 pregnancies before fetal karyotyping by chorionic villus sampling (CVS), after screening by fetal nuchal translucency (NT) thickness and maternal serum free β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks. Only cases with a normal karyotype were included in this study. The FMF angle was measured off‐line. In a subgroup of 150 cases the FMF angle was measured using 2D ultrasound before obtaining a 3D volume. In 50 cases the 3D volumes were used to measure the FMF angle by the same examiner twice and by another examiner once.

Results

The mean FMF angle decreased with crown–rump length (CRL) from 84.3° at CRL 45 mm to 76.5° at CRL 84 mm. There was no significant association between the FMF angle and fetal NT or serum PAPP‐A or β‐hCG. In the volumes with paired measurements, the difference between two measurements by the same or two sonographers was < 5% in 95% of the cases. In the cases with paired 3D and 2D ultrasound measurements, the difference in FMF angles was < 8% in 95% of the cases.

Conclusions

At 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks the FMF angle decreases with fetal CRL but is not related to fetal NT or serum biochemistry. The measurement is reproducible and the results obtained by 3D and 2D ultrasound are similar. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparison of the lipids of triticale, wheat and rye grown under similar ecological conditions
Authors: Zeringue H. J. , Feuge R. O.
Published: August 2007

Samples of triticale, wheat and rye grown in the same season at the same location in southern United States were analyzed for amounts and types of lipids and for fatty acid composition. Selected kernels of the 3 cereals were separated into anatomical parts (bran, endosperm and germ) and analyzed for amounts and types of lipids, and the anatomical parts of triticale were analyzed for fatty acid composition. The triticale contained several times more phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine than did the wheat and rye. Marked differences in lipid composition were found in the bran, endosperm and germ fractions; and some differences were found among corresponding fractions of the 3 cereals. The bran fractions were rich in steryl esters and contained no glycolipids or phospholipids. Fatty acid compositions of the lipids from the anatomical parts of triticale exhibited some difference.
The determination of optical brighteners in laundry detergents by reverse phase and ion pair high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: McPherson B. P. , Omelczenko N.
Published: August 2007

Eleven optical brighteners have been qualitatively and quantitatively determined using C18, C8, or C2 reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) columns. Comparable results also were obtained using radially compressed reverse phase HPLC cartridges. Mobile phases consist of acetonitrile and methanol in water with 0.05 M phosphate buffer. Quaternary ammonium salts also are added to the mobile phase for ion pair formation. Ultraviolet (UV) detection at 340 nm gives more than adequate sensitivity for brighteners formulated between 0.05 and 2.0%. Sample preparation is simple and all components can be eluted within 15 min. Powdered and liquid detergents, fabric softeners, and bleach boosters have been routinely analyzed and results closely agree with those obtained using thin layer chromatography and densitometry.
Sunflower oil processing from crude to salad oil
Authors: Sullivan Frank E.
Published: August 2007

World‐wide use of sunflower oil is second only to soybean oil. Interest in domestic use as a premium salad oil is very recent. The high ratio of polyunsaturated‐to‐saturated fatty acids makes sunflower oil a premium salad oil. Sunflower oil, however, contains a small amount of high melting wax which must be removed to avoid settling problems. It is possible to produce a brilliant, dewaxed, deodorized sunflower oil with over a 100‐hr cold test at 0 C. This quality oil can be produced by conventional caustic refining, dewaxing, bleaching and deodorization. A quality finished oil may also be produced by dewaxing and steam refining. This paper reviews various methods for processing sunflower oil from the crude state through the finished, dewaxed, deodorized salad oil.
Winterization of oils and fats
Authors: Puri Pushpinder S.
Published: August 2007

The process of winterization consists of fractional crystallization of oils and fats followed by the separation of solids to make high quality salad oils. To design a winterization process, the rate of cooling of oil, the temperature of crystallization and the mobility of triglyceride molecules in the oil mass are crucial. These variables play a significant role both in separating the solid fats as distinct crystals and facilitating their filtration from the oil. Thus, the main emphasis in this paper is on the effect of the above variables on the performance of the winterization process.
Computer control in the extraction and edible oil industries
Authors: Witte N. H.
Published: August 2007

The cost of computers is coming down, and the availability of programming languages and application packages for process control is increasing. These facts indicate that computers should find more application to extraction and edible oil plants. Some of the potential applications for these industries, with examples, are discussed.
Soaps and detergents and the environment
Authors: Taylor A.
Published: August 2007

For more than a quarter of a century there has been a constantly growing awareness of, and interest in, the effects of the detergent industry, by the nature and use of its products on the environment. This interest has largely been in terms of the aquatic environment, but also, as with other industries, in terms of other socioecological issues. This paper concentrates on a review of detergents and their components, both organic and inorganic, and their impact on the aquatic environment in different parts of the world. It deals in particular with sodium tripolyphosphate, a major inorganic component in detergents, and presents an up‐to‐date and critical review of technical, environmental, sociological and legislative aspects of this product on a worldwide basis and a comparison of it with some of its proposed partial substitutes.
Capitalism, Democracy and Discrimination—The Rise and Decline of Racism in Cox's Caste, Class and Race1
Authors: Chand Ganeshwar
Published: August 2007

In his book Caste, Class and Race, Oliver Cromwell Cox took positions on the link between capitalism and racism that appear contradictory; on the one hand he argues that racial exploitation emerged with the rise of capitalism, and on the other, that advancement of capitalism would reduce racial exploitation. This article analyzes this seeming contradiction from a Marxian perspective and argues that Cox failed to seriously consider the central organizing mechanism of capitalism—competition—to discuss the relation between capitalism and racism. To analyze race relations under any mode of production, the central organizing mechanism of that mode has to occupy a focal position. A failure to take account of that fact often results in political conclusions that, like Cox's, are divorced from theoretical analysis and thus are weak and impractical.
Race, Job Training, and Economic Development: Barriers to Racial Equity in Program Planning
Authors: Fitzgerald Joan , Patton Wendy
Published: August 2007

This article examines barriers to implementing government programs designed to redress racial economic exclusion. The authors review the current urban employment environment, and the need for more extensive job training and education programs targeting young African Americans. A case study is presented of the implementation of one such program in Ohio, the High Unemployment Population Program. It demonstrates that the most well designed program can fail if staff charged with implementation are not committed to its goals. In the current racially charged environment of the country, this barrier to implementation is likely to affect many new government programs throughout the 1990s. The article concludes with several recommendations for successful program implementation.
Conventional Versus Invaginated Stripping of the Great Saphenous Vein: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Scheltinga Marc R. , Wijburg Edwin R. , Keulers Bram J. , de Kroon Karin E.
Published: August 2007

Background

An invaginated strip of the great saphenous vein (GSV) may be associated with diminished blood loss and less discomfort compared to conventional stripping in patients with unilateral primary GSV varicosis.

Methods

Ninety‐two patients were randomized for conventional (CON) or invaginated (INVAG) stripping and were followed for 26 weeks postoperatively.

Results

Both groups (n = 46) were well balanced for age, gender distribution, and body mass index. The CON group lost twice as much blood compared to the INVAG group (CON: 28 ± 4 g, INVAG: 15 ± 2 g, p < 0.001). Infragenual incision length following a conventional strip was twice as long (CON: 16 ± 1 mm, INVAG: 8 ± 1 mm, p < 0.001). Pain as measured with a visual analog scale (minimal 0, max 10) decreased in both groups in a similar fashion from 3.2 ± 0.3 preoperatively to 0.6 ± 0.2 after 26 weeks (p < 0.001). Saphenous nerve damage after one month was observed in four CON patients compared to no patients following invagination. Return to work was not different (CON: 13 ± 2 days, INVAG: 11 ± 2 days).

Conclusion

Invagination of the GSV in uncomplicated primary varicosis may be associated with less surgical trauma compared to a conventional stripping technique.
Tree spatial patterns and environmental relationships in the forest–alpine tundra ecotone at Niwot Ridge, Colorado, USA
Authors: Humphries Hope C. , Bourgeron Patrick S. , Mujica‐Crapanzano Laura R.
Published: August 2007

Forest–alpine tundra ecotones (FTEs) are dynamic transition zones between forest and alpine tundra ecosystems that play an important role in regulating ecological processes, which are in turn directly influenced by the spatial patterns of trees and environmental constraints such as topography and climate. Our objectives were to characterize the spatial patterns of tree species and size classes, determine whether spatial patterns of trees differed among three FTE types, and examine FTE‐ and tree‐environmental relationships in our study area on Niwot Ridge, CO, USA. Overall, spatial aggregation was more extensive for seedlings than saplings or trees. Distributions were largely random in limber pine but were highly aggregated in Engelmann spruce and especially subalpine fir, reflecting these species’ relative shade tolerance and expected sequence of establishment following disturbance. Fragmented and patchy tree distributions were observed in the FTE with the most heterogeneous topography, characterized by high relief and associated physical disturbances. The least patchy distributions were associated with the FTE containing a relative absence of disturbance. Intermediate levels of tree aggregation were associated with low topographic relief and presence of meadows and wetlands. Our results emphasize the importance of spatial structure as an initial controlling factor of vegetation pattern in FTEs occurring in the same landscape.
Imaging the Detergency of Single Cotton Fibers with Confocal Microscopy: the Effect of Surfactants and Lipases
Authors: Sonesson Andreas W. , Callisen Thomas H. , Elofsson Ulla M. , Brismar Hjalmar
Published: August 2007

Detergency mechanisms of lipids from single cotton fibers were visualized by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Fibers were soiled with different types of lipids: olive oil, lard and tri‐C10, and subsequently stained with the fluorescent probe Nile Red. A surfactant composition of 300 μM C12E6/LAS (1:2 mol%) was used to mimic the surfactants used in a common washing solution. It was evident from the captured image series that the different kinds of soiling were removed by different mechanisms by the surfactants, depending on the fluidity of the lipid. Roll‐up was the main mechanism when removing olive oil, whereas emulsification (necking) and/or solubilization were observed in the removal of lard and tri‐C10. Only 20–25% of the olive oil remained after treatment with surfactants, which was much less compared to the solid fats where roughly 50% remained at end of treatment. The effect of adding lipases to the detergent formulation was clearly seen, both by an apparently higher rate of removal of olive oil but also using double injection when removing lard. A first injection of only surfactants removed a certain part of the lard as emulsion droplets stuck onto the fiber. A second injection of both lipases and surfactants was able to remove some of the preformed emulsion particles and reduce the overall remaining lard content on the cotton fiber.
Orally disintegrating olanzapine induces less weight gain in adolescents than standard oral tablets
Authors: Crocq Marc-antoine , Guillon Marie-Sa , Bailey Paul Ernest , Provost Dominique
Published: August 2007

We compared the changes in weight (kg) and body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) in 52 hospitalized adolescents between baseline and after 12 weeks of monotherapy with either (i) olanzapine (OLZ) orally disintegrating tablets (ODT) (N = 16; 16.6 mg/day ± 4.4 [SD]), or (ii) OLZ standard oral tablets (SOT) (N = 10; 18.0 mg/day ± 4.2), or (iii) risperidone (N = 26; 2.8 mg/day ± 1.2). Significantly greater increases in mean weight and BMI were observed in the patients treated with OLZ SOT (8.9 ± 5.1 [SD] kg; 1.9 ± 0.6 kg/m2, respectively) than in those with ODT (3.0 ± 2.1 kg; 1.1 ± 0.8 kg/m2). Similarly, OLZ ODT treatment was associated with significantly greater increases in weight and BMI than risperidone (1.0 ± 1.8 kg; 0.4 ± 0.7 kg/m2). These findings suggest that adolescents gain less weight with OLZ ODT than OLZ SOT, possibly because the former formulation shortens the time of interaction with digestive serotonin receptors mediating satiety.
Reviewing the diagnostic validity and utility of mixed depression (depressive mixed states)
Authors: Benazzi Franco
Published: August 2007

Objective

To review the diagnostic validity and utility of mixed depression, i.e. co-occurrence of depression and manic/hypomanic symptoms.

Methods

PubMed search of all English-language papers published between January 1966 and December 2006 using and cross-listing key words: bipolar disorder, mixed states, criteria, utility, validation, gender, temperament, depression-mixed states, mixed depression, depressive mixed state/s, dysphoric hypomania, mixed hypomania, mixed/dysphoric mania, agitated depression, anxiety disorders, neuroimaging, pathophysiology, and genetics. A manual review of paper reference lists was also conducted.

Results

By classic diagnostic validators, the diagnostic validity of categorically-defined mixed depression (i.e. at least 2–3 manic/hypomanic symptoms) is mainly supported by family history (the current strongest diagnostic validator). Its diagnostic utility is supported by treatment response (negative effects of antidepressants). A dimensionally-defined mixed depression is instead supported by a non-bi-modal distribution of its intradepression manic/hypomanic symptoms.

Discussion

Categorically-defined mixed depression may have some diagnostic validity (family history is the current strongest validator). Its diagnostic utility seems supported by treatment response.
Expression and functional activity of pro‐oxidants and antioxidants in murine heart exposed to acute hypobaric hypoxia
Authors: Karar Jayashree , Dolt Karamjit S. , Mishra Manoj K. , Arif Ehtesham , Javed Saleem , Pasha M.A. Qadar
Published: August 2007

Under hypobaric hypoxia, antioxidant defenses of the heart are stressed by the enhanced production of ROS. Mammalian heart acclimatizes to hypoxia through altered gene expression, which we studied in murine heart exposed to 10 h of acute hypobaric hypoxia (AHH), equivalent to 15 000 ft, using cDNA arrays. Functional classification of genes with a ⩾2‐fold change revealed a number of pro‐oxidants like Cyba, Xdh, Txnip, Ppp1r15b and antioxidants like Cat, Gpx1, Mt1, Mgst1. Interestingly, the protein level of Cyba, a subunit of NADPH oxidase, was markedly decreased in AHH exposed heart, suggesting the involvement of some stress response pathways. The AHH exposure also caused a significant reduction (50%) in the level of GSH (P
< 0.05). The present study provides a retrospective insight on the cellular antioxidant defense mechanisms under AHH.
The role of quality in e‐procurement performance: An empirical analysis
Authors: Vaidyanathan Ganesh , Devaraj Sarv
Published: August 2007

While the adoption and use of e‐procurement has been prevalent in supply chain management, there is very little research examining the critical role of quality in this context. e‐Procurement promises to cut operational costs all across the supply chain, but it also raises the expectations of buyers posing a challenge for buyer satisfaction and supply chain performance. Using the theoretical lens of Dynamic Capabilities Theory and Resource‐Based View, we postulate that online information and process act as resources that result in logistics fulfillment capabilities. These capabilities in turn lead to satisfaction with e‐procurement. We estimate our research model using structural equation modeling with survey data collected from 131 purchasing and procurement managers. We empirically examine these linkages by analyzing data collected from procurement managers. Our results indicate strong support for the relationships between information flow process quality, logistics fulfillment quality processes, and e‐procurement satisfaction performance. One of the surprising findings of our study is that fulfilled order timeliness has a significantly greater impact on satisfaction than fulfilled order accuracy. This finding points to the increasingly important role that the dimension of time plays in today's competitive environment.
In‐Office Laryngeal Surgery with the 585nm Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL)
Authors: Mouadeb Debbie Aviva , Belafsky Peter C.
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVES

The 585nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) is a promising tool for in‐office laryngeal surgery. Data with respect to the safety and efficacy of the PDL for office laryngeal use is sparse. The purpose of this study is to review our experience with unsedated office PDL surgery.

METHODS

Records of individuals undergoing in‐office PDL between September 1, 2004, and September 1, 2006 were abstracted from a clinical database.

RESULTS

Forty‐seven patients underwent 117 treatments. The most common indications were recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), Reinke's edema, and vocal fold polyps. One hundred and four of 117 procedures were felt to be a success ablating all disease. Thirteen treatments requred early termination. The most common factor responsible for termination was an inability to achieve a comfortable level of anesthesia. One patient with Reinke's edema developed postprocedure stridor that required a 3‐day hospital admission for observation and corticosteroids. There was no incidence of any vocal fold scarring, web formation, or other complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The 585nm PDL is a promising tool for in‐office treatment of various laryngeal disorders. Complications are rare.
Pretherapeutic Staging of Recurrent Laryngeal Carcinoma: Clinical Findings and Imaging Studies Compared with Histopathology
Authors: Zbären Peter , Christe Andreas , Caversaccio Marco D. , Stauffer Edouard , Thoeny Harriet C.
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVE

To assess the accuracy of preoperative imaging studies and clinical and endoscopic examinations for recurrent laryngeal carcinoma evaluation.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

A retrospective comparative study was performed at a university department on 42 recurrent laryngeal carcinomas. Surgical specimens were cut into whole‐organ slices. Histologic findings were compared with the findings of the different preoperative diagnostic modalities.

RESULTS

The craniocaudal tumor spread was correctly evaluated by endoscopy and imaging studies in 52% and 24%, respectively, and the contralateral tumor spread in 50% and 52%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for detection of tumor infiltration of the thyroid was 48%, 88%, and 64% and of the cricoid 47%, 80%, and 67%. The accuracy of recurrent tumor classification (crT) was 50%; most tumors were underclassified.

CONCLUSION

The inadequately evaluated tumor spread and the inadequately classified recurrent tumors were underestimated and underclassified in most cases, respectively.
Incidence of and Risk Factors for Airway Complications Following Endotracheal Intubation for Bronchiolitis
Authors: Jorgensen Jeffrey , Wei Julie L. , Sykes Kevin J. , Klem Stephen A. , Weatherly Robert A. , Bruegger Daniel E. , Latz Adriane D. , Nicklaus Pamela J.
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVE

To identify risk factors predisposing to postextubation complications and the incidence of subglottic stenosis following endotracheal intubation for bronchiolitis.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

A review of 144 consecutive infants and children intubated for bronchiolitis between 2000 and 2005 at a regional children's hospital.

RESULTS

The mean age at diagnosis was 6.4 months. Follow‐up data were available in 93 patients (64.6%), and average length of follow‐up was 9.3 months. One hundred and three patients (71.5%) had positive RSV detection. Average duration of intubation was 5.5 days. Twenty‐six patients (18.1%) required reintubation during the same admission. Children intubated for less than 3 days and those greater than 12 months of age were more likely to experience postextubation difficulties. Approximately 40% of patients experienced postextubation difficulties. Subglottic pathology was found on endoscopy in 6 patients (4%). There were no cases of long‐term subglottic stenosis.

CONCLUSION

Immediate postextubation complications are common after bronchiolitis, especially in patients intubated for less than 3 days and greater than 12 months of age. We found no evidence of long‐term subglottic stenosis in this population.
Comparison of Cytokine Levels in Bilateral Ear Effusions in Patients with Otitis Media Secretoria
Authors: Matkovic Svjetlana , Vojvodic Danilo , Baljosevic Ivan
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to clarify the site of primary pathology in otitis media with effusion.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

The levels of the inflammatory mediators TNF‐α, TNF‐β, IL‐1β, IL‐8, IL‐6, IL‐4, IL‐2, IL‐5, IL‐10, and IFN‐7 were measured in 54 pairs (108 samples) using specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).

RESULTS

The levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, TNF‐β, IL‐1β, IL‐8, anti‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐5, IL‐4, IL‐10, IL‐6, and cytokines with immunoregulatory potential IFN‐7, IL‐2 were different between both ears of the same patient.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that in one individual both ears have different immunological processes or rates and this has implications on using the opposite ear as a control in clinical trials.

SIGNIFICANCE

Profiles of interlink of examined cytokines within the samples of both ear effusions were significantly different. A significant bilateral difference was found in the levels of IFN‐7.
Wireless Upper Esophageal Monitoring for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)
Authors: Friedman Michael , Schalch Paul , Vidyasagar Ramakrishnan , Kakodkar Kedar A. , Mazloom Narges , Joseph Ninos J.
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVES

To confirm feasibility of transnasal placement of a wireless pH‐monitoring capsule in the upper esophagus, and to determine the positive predictive value of LPR and GERD signs and symptoms for diagnosis of LPR in patients with OSAHS.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, nonrandomized, IRB‐approved study of 89 OSAHS patients with and without symptoms and signs of LPR.

METHODS

After complete history including QOL survey and fiberoptic laryngoscopy, patients underwent transnasal placement of the pH‐monitoring capsule and wireless data collection for 24 hours.

RESULTS

77 of 89 consecutive patients underwent successful placement of wireless pH‐monitoring capsule (86.5% success rate) and completed the study. 55 (71.4%) OSAHS patients had positive pH studies. 10.4% of these patients reported no symptoms or signs of LPR, indicating occult disease.

CONCLUSION

Success rates of placement, tolerability, morbidity, and complications are excellent. Wireless upper esophageal pH monitoring is safe and effective for diagnosing LPR in patients with OSAHS.
Effect of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor on Laryngeal Wound Healing in Rabbits
Authors: Schroeder James W. , Rastatter Jeffrey C. , Walner David L.
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVE

Study the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on laryngeal wound healing in a rabbit model. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, blinded.

METHODS

The anterior cricoid cartilage of 10 rabbits was split and a VEGF‐soaked collagen sponge was sewn between the cut edges. In 10 control animals, the collagen sponge was soaked with phosphate‐buffered saline solution. The larynx was harvested on day 10. The degree of epithelial closure, the degree of soft tissue closure, and the presence of inflammatory cells was graded.

RESULTS

There was complete epithelial closure in the control group. There was a slightly higher, but not statistically significant, grade of soft tissue closure in the experimental group. The experimental group had a lower but not statistically significant acute inflammatory response score.

CONCLUSIONS

The topical application of VEGF through an implanted collagen sponge to an anterior, subglottic incision in a rabbit has no significant effect on tracheal luminal epithelial closure, acute inflammatory response, or soft tissue repair at postsurgical day 10.
Clinical Practice Guideline on Adult Sinusitis
Authors: Rosenfeld Richard M.
Published: August 2007

This executive summary will alert clinicians to key evidence‐based statements in a multidisciplinary, clinical practice guideline on adult sinusitis developed by the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. Included in the guideline are 17 boldfaced action statements: 3 on viral rhinosinusitis, 7 on acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, and 7 on chronic rhinosinusitis and recurrent acute rhinosinusitis. Evidence profiles that accompany each statement are summarized to show why it was made and how it can be implemented. Guideline statements regarding acute rhinosinusitis focus on diagnosing presumed bacterial illness and using antibiotics appropriately. Guideline statements regarding chronic rhinosinusitis or recurrent acute rhinosinusitis focus on appropriate use of diagnostic tests. Surgical therapy is not discussed.
Energy utilization and growth performance of broilers receiving diets supplemented with enzymes containing carbohydrase or phytase activity individually or in combination
Authors: Olukosi Oluyinka A. , Cowieson Aaron J. , Adeola Olayiwola
Published: August 2007

Energy utilization in broilers as influenced by supplementation of enzymes containing phytase or carbohydrase activities was investigated. Day-old male broilers (480) were allocated to four slaughter groups, thirty broilers in the initial slaughter group and 150 broilers in each of the final slaughter groups on days 7, 14 and 21. Broilers in each of the final slaughter groups were allocated to five treatments in a randomized complete block design, each treatment had six replicate cages of five broilers per replicate cage. The diets were maize–soyabean based with wheat as a source of NSP. The treatments were: (1) positive control that met nutrient requirements of the day-old broiler chick; (2) negative control (NC) deficient in metabolizable energy and P; (3) NC plus phytase added at 1000 FTU/kg; (4) NC plus cocktail of xylanase, amylase and protease (XAP); and (5) NC plus phytase and XAP. Gain and gain:food were depressed (P < 0·05) in the NC diet. Phytase improved (P < 0·05) gain at all ages and gain:food at days 0–14 and days 0–21. There was improvement (P < 0·01) in net energy for production, energy retained as fat and protein from days 0 to 14 and from days 0 to 21 in phytase-supplemented diet compared with the NC diet. Net energy for production was more highly correlated with performance criteria than metabolizable energy and may be a more sensitive energy utilization response criterion to use in evaluating broiler response to enzyme supplementation.
Fruit and vegetables and cardiovascular disease: epidemiological evidence from the non-Western world
Authors: Dauchet Luc , Dallongeville Jean
Published: August 2007

Observational studies have shown a more favourable cardiovascular risk profile in consumers of fruit and vegetables than in non-consumers. Fruit and vegetable intake is usually associated with lower levels of serum cholesterol1 and lower blood pressure2. Furthermore, the increase in cardiovascular risk factors with ageing tends to be slower in fruit and vegetable consumers3,4 resulting in less coronary and cerebrovascular events5–8.