bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exchange Rate Regimes and Currency Crises: an Evaluation using Extreme Value Theory*
Authors: Haile Fasika Damte , Pozo Susan
Published: December 2007

We test whether the exchange regime in place has an impact on the vulnerability of countries to currency crises. Our paper is distinguishable from others (i) in its use of extreme value theory to identify currency crisis periods and (ii) in using two separate designations for the exchange regime in place. The first is the self‐reported or announced exchange rate system. The second classification scheme, by Levy‐Yeyati and Sturzenegger, is based on the relative movements of international reserves and exchange rates. The Levy‐Yeyati and Sturzenegger procedure is intended to reveal the actual as distinct from the “legal” exchange arrangement. We find, interestingly, that the announced exchange regime has an impact on the likelihood of currency crises, while the “true” or observed regime does not. Announced pegged exchange regimes increase the risk of currency crisis even if, in reality, the exchange rate system in place is not pegged.
Tariffs vs Quotas in a Model of Trade with Capital Accumulation*
Authors: Calzolari Giacomo , Lambertini Luca
Published: December 2007

This paper examines the equivalence among price‐modifying and quantity‐fixing international trade policies in a differential game. We employ two well‐known capital accumulation dynamics for firms, due to Nerlove and Arrow and to Ramsey, respectively. We show that, in both cases, open‐loop and closed‐loop Nash equilibria coincide. Under the former accumulation the tariff‐quota equivalence holds, while, in general, it does not under the latter. Moreover, in the Ramsey model, the country setting the trade policy (weakly) prefers a quantity‐equivalent import quota to the adoption of the tariff. These results are not a consequence of the equilibrium concept we adopt (with and without market power), but directly follow from the interplay between market power and the properties of accumulation dynamics.
Foreign Aid under Quantitative Restrictions: Welfare Effects and International Factor Mobility
Authors: Bezmen Trisha
Published: December 2007

Using a two‐country, general‐equilibrium model of international trade, this paper incorporates pre‐existing quantitative trade restrictions and international factor mobility into the transfer problem analysis. The effects of foreign aid on the welfare of both the donor and recipient nations are identified under each form of quantitative trade restriction: quotas and voluntary export restraints (VERs). In doing so, this paper identifies conditions under which international transfers are strictly Pareto‐improving (i.e. increase global welfare). A central result of this analysis is the direct welfare effect of a transfer received by a nation with quota‐constrained (VER‐constrained) imports is enhanced (may be enhanced) by a worsening of the recipient’s terms of trade.
Heat Transfer Behavior for a Stationary or Rotating MCM Disk With an Unconfined Round Jet Impingement
Authors: Fang C. J. , Wu M. C. , Kuo Y. M. , Lee C. Y. , Peng C. H. , Hung Y. H.
Published: December 2007

A series of experimental investigations on the studies related to fluid flow and transient mixed convection from a horizontally unconfined stationary or rotating ceramic-based multichip module (MCM) disk with unconfined jet impingement have been successfully conducted. The fluid flow and heat transfer behavior explored includes the streamwise velocity and turbulence intensity distributions, transient dimensionless temperature distribution on the MCM disk surface, transient heat flux distribution of input power, and transient chip and average heat transfer characteristics on the MCM disk surface. Besides, two new correlations of transient stagnation and average Nusselt numbers in terms of jet Reynolds number, ratio of jet separation distance to nozzle diameter and time elapsed during the transient period, are presented for the cases of stationary MCM disk. For the cases of rotating MCM disk, a complete composite correlation of steady-state average Nusselt number for mixed convection due to jet impingement, disk rotation and buoyancy is proposed. As compared with the steady-state results, if the transient chip and average heat transfer behaviors may be considered as a superposition of a series of quasisteady states, the transient chip and average Nusselt numbers in all the present transient experiments can be properly predicted by the existing steady-state correlations when t>6min in the power-on transient period.
Heat-Transfer Optimization for Multichip Module Disks With an Unconfined Round Air Jet Impingement
Authors: Lee Y. C. , Fang C. J. , Wu M. C. , Peng C. H. , Hung Y. H.
Published: December 2007

An effective method for performing the thermal optimization of stationary and rotating multichip module (MCM) disks with an unconfined round-jet impingement under space limitation constraint has been successfully developed. The design variables of stationary and rotating MCM disks with an unconfined round-jet impingement include the ratio of jet separation distance to nozzle diameter, Grashof number, jet Reynolds number, and rotational Reynolds number. The total experimental cases for stationary and rotating MCM disks are statistically designed by the central composite design method. In addition, a sensitivity analysis, the so-called analysis of variance, for the design factors has been performed. Among the influencing parameters, the jet Reynolds number dominates the thermal performance, while the Grashof number is found to have the least effect on heat-transfer performance for both stationary and rotating cases. Furthermore, the comparisons between the predictions by using the quadratic response surface methodology and the experimental data for both stationary and rotating cases are made with a satisfactory agreement. Finally, with the sequential quadratic programming technique, a series of thermal optimizations under multiconstraints—such as space, jet Reynolds number, rotational Reynolds number, nozzle exit velocity, disk rotational speed, and various power consumptions—has been systematically explored and discussed.
An Experimental Approach for Thermal Characterization of Water-Cooled Heat Sinks Using Fourier Analysis Techniques
Authors: Salem Thomas E. , Bayne Stephen B. , Porschet Don
Published: December 2007

As power electronic applications continue to switch higher levels of voltage and current in smaller-sized component packages, the resulting increase in power density requires efficient thermal management. This paper compares the thermal performance for operating a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor on a water-cooled pole-arrayed heat sink versus a novel water-cooled microchannel heat sink. Details are presented on an innovative technique using Fourier analysis techniques for determining the thermal capacitance modeling parameter for the heat sinks from experimental data.
Intraportally delivered GLP-1, in the presence of hyperglycemia induced via peripheral glucose infusion, does not change whole body glucose utilization
Authors: Johnson Kathryn M. S. , Edgerton Dale S. , Rodewald Tiffany , Scott Melanie , Farmer Ben , Neal Doss , Cherrington Alan D.
Published: December 2007

After a meal, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose levels are significantly greater in the hepatic portal vein than in the artery. We have previously reported that, in the presence of intraportal glucose delivery, a physiological increase of GLP-1 in the hepatic portal vein increases nonhepatic glucose uptake via a mechanism independent of changes in pancreatic hormone secretion. The aim of the present study was to determine whether intraportal glucose delivery is required to observe this effect. Experiments consisted of a 40-min basal period, followed by a 240-min experimental period, during which conscious 42-h fasted dogs received glucose peripherally to maintain arterial plasma glucose levels at ∼160 mg/dl. In addition, either saline ( n = 6) or GLP-1 (1 pmol·kg−1·min−1; GLP-1, n = 6) was administered intraportally during the experimental period. As in the previous study, the presence of GLP-1 did not alter pancreatic hormone levels; however, in the present study, intraportal GLP-1 infusion did not result in an increase in whole body glucose utilization. This is despite the fact that arterial and hepatic portal vein GLP-1 levels were maintained at the same level as the previous study. Therefore, a physiological elevation of GLP-1 in the hepatic portal vein does not increase whole body glucose uptake when hyperglycemia is induced by peripheral glucose infusion. This indicates that a physiological increase in GLP-1 augments glucose utilization only when GLP-1 and glucose gradients conditions mimic the postprandial state.
Genome-wide gene expression profiling reveals renal genes regulated during metabolic acidosis
Authors: Nowik Marta , Lecca M. Rita , Velic Ana , Rehrauer Hubert , Brändli André W. , Wagner Carsten A.
Published: December 2007

Production and excretion of acids are balanced to maintain systemic acid-base homeostasis. During metabolic acidosis (MA) excess acid accumulates and is removed from the body, a process achieved, at least in part, by increasing renal acid excretion. This acid-secretory process requires the concerted regulation of metabolic and transport pathways, which are only partially understood. Chronic MA causes also morphological remodeling of the kidney. Therefore, we characterized transcriptional changes in mammalian kidney during MA to gain insights into adaptive pathways. Total kidney RNA from control and 2- and 7-days NH4Cl treated mice was subjected to microarray gene profiling. We identified 4,075 transcripts significantly ( P < 0.05) regulated after 2 and/or 7 days of treatment. Microarray results were confirmed by qRT-PCR. Analysis of candidate genes revealed that a large group of regulated transcripts was represented by different solute carrier transporters, genes involved in cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis, water homeostasis, and ammoniagenesis. Pathway analysis revealed that oxidative phosphorylation was the most affected pathway. Interestingly, the majority of acutely regulated genes after 2 days, returned to normal values after 7 days suggesting that adaptation had occurred. Besides these temporal changes, we detected also differential regulation of selected genes (SNAT3, PEPCK, PDG) between early and late proximal tubule. In conclusion, the mammalian kidney responds to MA by temporally and spatially altering the expression of a large number of genes. Our analysis suggests that many of these genes may participate in various processes leading to adaptation and restoration of normal systemic acid-base and electrolyte homeostasis.
Map of differential transcript expression in the normal human large intestine
Authors: LaPointe Lawrence C. , Dunne Robert , Brown Glenn S. , Worthley Daniel L. , Molloy Peter L. , Wattchow David , Young Graeme P.
Published: December 2007

While there is considerable research related to using differential gene expression to predict disease phenotype classification, e.g., neoplastic tissue from nonneoplastic controls, there is little understanding of the range of expression in normal tissues. Understanding patterns of gene expression in nonneoplastic tissue, including regional anatomic expression changes within an organ, is vital to understanding gene expression changes in diseased tissue. To explore the gene expression change along the proximal-distal axis of the large intestine, we analyzed microarray data in 184 normal human specimens using univariate and multivariate techniques. We found 219 probe sets that were differentially expressed between the proximal and distal colorectal regions and 115 probe sets that were differentially expressed between the terminal segments, i.e., the cecum and rectum. We did not observe any probe sets that were statistically different between any two contiguous colorectal segments. The dominant expression pattern (65 probe sets) follows a dichotomous expression pattern consistent with the midgut-hindgut embryonic origins of the gut while a second pattern (50 probe sets) depicts a gradual change in transcript levels from the cecum to the rectum. While the dichotomous pattern includes roughly equal numbers of probe sets that are elevated proximally and distally, nearly all probe sets that show a gradual change demonstrate increasing expression levels moving from proximal to distal segments. These patterns describe an expression map of individual transcript variation as well as multigene expression patterns along the large intestine. This is the first gene expression map of an entire human organ.
Charge-Transfer Interaction in Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes with Tetrathiafulvalene and Their Applications
Authors: Kim Jin-Sun , Choi Kyuseok , Kim Ju-Jin , Noh Dong-Youn , Park Sang-Kyu , Lee Ha-Jin , Lee Haeseong
Published: December 2007

We observed that single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) was aligned in the presence of TTF. This alignment was induced by a specific interaction between SWNT and tetrathiafulvalene (TTF), a well-known organic donor. The interaction between the two molecules can be explained by a charge-transfer,
which was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy. The binding energies of S (2P1/2) and S (2P3/2) were shifted from 163.0 eV and 164.1 eV to 163.9 eV and 165.1 eV, respectively. In Raman spectra of the SWNT-TTF, three peaks of SWNT
in radial breathing mode were also upshifted by 4–5 cm−1. The charge-transfer interaction also contributed in modifying the electronic structure of SWNT and furthermore enhanced the electrical conductivity of SWNT. A more conductive thin film was fabricated using the
SWNT-TTF. Four-probe measurement revealed that the surface resistance of the SWNT-TTF film was reduced to 4.359 Ω at room temperature while that of SWNT film was 6.894 Ω. These results enable carbon nanotubes to be utilized more for practically for industrial applications in fabricating
peculiar nano-sized building blocks.
Aggregation Behavior of Na-Neutralized Styrene-Ran-Methacrylic Acid Copolymers in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Park Yu-Ri , Yu Jeong-A , Kim Joon-Seop
Published: December 2007

The aggregation behavior of un-neutralized, partly and fully Na-neutralized poly(styrene-ranmethacrylic acid) copolymers in aqueous solution was investigated using a SEM technique. It was observed that the un-neutralized copolymer formed spherical particles on the Si wafer, and the
average size of particles was ca. 160 nm. The particle sizes did not change much with acid content. Upon the neutralization of the acid groups of the copolymer with NaOH, the copolymer became more hydrophilic, leading to the formation of network-like feature consisting of much smaller particles
(<50 nm), compared to those of the acid copolymers. With increasing ionization, the boundary of the particles forming networks faded away, implying the formation of tubular structures.
Local production and activation of complement up-regulates the allostimulatory function of dendritic cells through C3a–C3aR interaction
Authors: Peng Qi , Li Ke , Anderson Katie , Farrar Conrad A. , Lu Bao , Smith Richard A. G. , Sacks Steven H. , Zhou Wuding
Published: December 2007

Donor cell expression of C3 enhances the alloimmune response and is associated with the fate of transplantation. To clarify the mechanism for enhancement of the immune response, we have explored the role of C3a receptor (C3aR)–ligand interaction on murine bone marrow dendritic cells (DCs). We show that DCs either lacked receptor for C3a (a C3 cleavage product) or were treated with C3aR antagonist, elicited defective T-cell priming against alloantigen expressed on the DCs. This was associated with reduced surface expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and costimulatory molecules on the DCs, and with defective priming in skin allograft rejection. In addition, DCs lacking factor B were unable to generate potent T-cell responses against donor antigen, whereas lack of C4 had no detectable effect, suggesting a role for the alternative pathway contributing to allostimulation. Furthermore, therapeutic complement regulator can down-regulate DC allostimulatory function. These findings suggest that the capacity of DCs for allostimulation depends on their ability to express, activate, and detect relevant complement components leading to C3aR signaling. This mechanism, in addition to underpinning the cell-autonomous action of donor C3 on allostimulation, has implications for a wider range of immune responses in self-restricted T-cell priming.
Modeling Werner Syndrome in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: COX LYNNE S. , CLANCY DAVID J. , BOUBRIAK IVAN , SAUNDERS ROBERT D. C.
Published: December 2007

Abstract:  Human progeroid Werner syndrome provides the current best model for analysis of human aging, recapitulating many aspects of normal aging as a result of mutation of the WRN gene. This gene encodes a RecQ‐type helicase with additional exonuclease activity. While biochemical studies in vitro have proven invaluable in determining substrate specificities of the WRN exonuclease and helicase, it has been difficult to dissociate the two key enzyme activities in vivo. We are developing Drosophila as a model system for analysis of WRN function; the suitability of Drosophila for extensive and sophisticated genetic manipulation permits us to investigate regulatory pathways and the impact of WRN loss at organismal, cellular, and molecular levels. BLASTP screening of the Drosophila genome with human WRN sequence allowed us to identify three RecQ helicases with strong homology to human WRN, a presumed helicase component of the spliceosome, and two DEAH‐box putative RNA helicases with weaker WRN homology. None of these helicases contain a WRN‐like exonuclease domain, but two potential WRN‐like exonucleases in flies encoded by the loci CG7670 and CG6744 were also identified in the BLAST search. CG6744 and CG7670 are more closely related to human WRN than to each other. We have obtained a fly strain with a piggyBac insertional mutation within the CG6744 locus, which decreases expression of the encoded mRNA. Such flies show elevated levels of somatic recombination. We suggest that WRN‐like exonuclease activity is critical in maintaining genomic integrity in flies.
Modes of Collective Decision-Making: Eight Criteria for Evaluation of Representatives, Referenda, Participation and Surveys
Authors: Clark Terry Nichols
Published: December 2007

This short paper seeks more to raise questions than provide answers. It differs from most recent work on measuring citizen preferences in the range of questions posed. Indeed, most such work, we argue, represents what economists term suboptimizing. The major studies on social welfare functions deserve our respect for their mathematical elegance. But how is this tradition to be linked to more general concerns, such as assessing legislative decision-making versus citizen participation versus surveys? This paper outlines a framework that might be applied in a general benefit-cost approach. If its answers, in the form of entries in Table 1, are only most tentative, it still points to a distinctive set of questions for future work, In the meantime, policy makers and their consultants must reach decisions regarding the relative merits of such things as citizen surveys. This framework may serve minimally as a structure for assessment of alternatives.

Table 1 lists four decision-making modes and eight criteria for their evaluation. The remainder of the paper comments briefly on the various cells of Table 1.

The four modes in Table 1 are singled out because of their empirical frequency.
A matter of looks: The framing of obesity in four Swedish daily newspapers
Authors: Sandberg Helena
Published: December 2007

This article reports on a study done in Sweden on how the daily press covers the theme of overweight/obesity. It deals with two questions: (1) How is overweight framed in the media? and (2) Which consequences can these framings have on public perceptions of overweight/obesity? The study is limited to media content in Swedish daily newspapers, 1997–2001. In all 1 925 articles from four different papers have been analysed. The study points out that overweight/obesity is most frequently presented as a health problem, however the dominating frame in the news papers is overweight presented as a beauty dilemma. The two ways of constructing overweight comes along with different kind of information that leaves the potential reader with diverse impressions and solutions. The first frame appeals to reason and rationality, the latter mobilizes emotions and affect. When the reporters reduce the health problem to a matter of looks they underestimate the seriousness of this social problem, which might have undesirable effects on public perception of overweight. There are considerable gender dimensions in the coverage and overweight is mostly presented as a female problem. In the articles obese people are often stigmatized and gender stereotypes are frequently reproduced. There is on top of that and abundance of paradoxes in the material, which also makes it hard for the reader to orient herself in the crossfire of messages and gives little advice upon how to solve the problem of overweight.
Mode I and Mode II fracture toughness of densified Sitka spruce fabricated in an airtight atmosphere with high-temperature steam
Authors: Yoshihara Hiroshi , Nobusue Kyohei
Published: December 2007

Mode I and Mode II initiation fracture toughness was examined by DCB (double cantilever beam) and 3ENF (three-point bend end notched flexure) tests on specimens of compressed Sitka spruce. The compressed wood was fabricated by varying the compression ratio, and the effectiveness of the compression treatment was examined in view of improving the fracture mechanics properties. In both cases, the fracture toughness did not show a significant increase after the compression treatment. Thus, it would be necessary to develop a new compression treatment method to improve the fracture mechanics properties.
Decay resistance of wood treated with amino-silicone compounds
Authors: Weigenand Oliver , Humar Miha , Daniel Geoffrey , Militz Holger , Mai Carsten
Published: December 2007

An amino-silicone (AS; amino-polydimethylsiloxane) micro-emulsion was tested for its suitability to preserve wood against basidiomycetes in a mini-block experiment and in a test according to the European standard (1996) EN 113. Decay resistance was assessed against the white rot fungi Trametes versicolor, Ceriporiopsis subvermispora, and Hypoxylon fragiforme, as well as the brown rot fungi Coniophora puteana, Antrodia vaillantii, Gloeophyllum trabeum and Serpula lacrymans. Pine sapwood and beech wood were treated with AS emulsions at solute concentration levels of 2%, 5% and 15%. The mini-blocks treated with 15% concentrations of AS resisted decay by T. versicolor and C. puteana over a long time (12 weeks), while samples treated with low and moderate concentrations underwent considerable mass losses. Accordingly, microscopic studies revealed a high degree of colonisation by the white rot fungus and loss of cell wall integrity (brown rot) in samples treated with 2% AS. At high AS content (15%), no or only initial stages of decay could be observed. In the European standard (1996) test EN 113, the mass loss in all fungal cultures except for the white rot ascomycete H. fragiforme was below 5%, when the samples were treated with 15% AS. The effect of low and moderate AS concentration on the decay resistance was dependent on the fungal strain. The mode of action of AS treatment against basidiomycete decay is discussed.
The ambivalence over the Levantinization of Israel: “David Levi” jokes
Authors: Salamon Hagar
Published: December 2007

The present article focuses on David Levi jokes—an Israeli joke cycle—as a catalyzing agent in the evolution of Israeli identity. Although the manifest referent in the jokes is a concrete political and ethnic figure, the article argues that the actual referent is the whole of Israeli society.

The cumulative effect of composing, hearing, recalling and especially repeating these elements, all in a spirit of self-mockery, enables mediation of national ambivalences and vulnerabilities. Through these jokes, an Israeli Levantine identity is internalized as teller and listener “try on” aspects of the Levantine national self through imagery, language, and gesticulation. Characteristic of these jokes are riddles conveyed through a meta-linguistic device. The joke-telling event is thus in effect a mimetic model of the interaction between the linguistic and the social, which enacts certain relationships pertaining to belonging and identity; as such, it is a unique prism for exploring the cultural matrix within which the construction of identity is carried out.
Toward a Metadata Standard for Digitized Historical Newspapers
Authors: Murray Ray L.
Published: December 2007

This paper is a case study of metadata development in the early stages of the National Digital Newspaper Program, a twenty-year digital initiative to expand access to historical newspapers in support of research and education. Some of the issues involved in newspaper metadata are examined, and a new XML-based standard is described suited to the large volume of data, while remaining flexible into the future.
A note on pricing inflation-indexed life annuities
Authors: Lazar D.
Published: December 2007

This paper deals with the topic of inflation protection of pensions and the pricing process for inflation-indexed life annuities. Several ways of partial indexation of pensions are taken into consideration. Future inflation paths are obtained by simulation of a stochastic time series model. The main advantage of the proposed methodology is that it allows the pricing of partially inflation-indexed pensions. The pricing process is based on the hypothesis that the annuities provider guarantees a certain level of the real interest rate. Certain numerical results are obtained. Taking into account that inflation is generated by autoregressive processes of order one AR(1), empirical distributions of the expected present value (EPV) are determined for some partial inflation-indexed life annuities. Numerical results achieved for an AR(1) model that describes the evolution of the inflation rate in Spain during the period 1962–2005 are also presented. Results gained allow the comparison of the mean and standard deviation calculated on the basis of empirical distributions of the EPV for various types of partially indexed annuities, and also for various values of AR(1) model parameters. By flexible offers, insurers may meet the expectations of the annuitants, regarding both price and guaranteed protection against inflation.
Validade do diabetes auto-referido e seus determinantes: evidências do projeto Bambuí
Authors: Lima-Costa Maria Fernanda , Peixoto Sérgio Viana , Firmo Josélia Oliveira Araújo , Uchoa Elizabeth
Published: December 2007

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a validade do diabetes auto-referido e seus determinantes entre idosos. MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo transversal 1.492 indivíduos > 60 anos de idade, que correspondiam a 86% de todos os moradores, na faixa etária considerada, da cidade de Bambuí, Minas Gerais, em 1997. A validade do diabetes auto-referido foi determinada em relação ao diabetes mellitus definido por critérios médicos (glicemia de jejum > 126 mg/dl ou tratamento). RESULTADOS: As prevalências do diabetes mellitus e do diabetes auto-referido foram de 14,5% e 11,7%, respectivamente. A sensibilidade e a especificidade do último em relação ao primeiro foram 57,1% (IC 95%: 50,3;63,8) e 96,0% (IC 95%: 94,7;97,0). Visitas ao médico há menos de dois anos (RP=3,78), escolaridade de um a três anos (RP= 1,90) e > 4 anos (RP=1,55) apresentaram associações positivas e independentes com a sensibilidade. Visitas ao médico há menos de dois anos (RP=0,96) e sexo feminino (RP=0,97) apresentaram associações negativas e independentes com a especificidade. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados mostraram que o diabetes auto-referido não deve ser usado como indicador da prevalência do diabetes mellitus na população estudada, nem para a identificação de indivíduos com a doença. A escolaridade e o uso de serviços de saúde foram determinantes da capacidade do idoso informar corretamente a sua condição de diabético, indicando que essas características modificáveis podem desempenhar papel importante na prevenção secundária e terciária da doença.
Proposal for a UK domestic water trading scheme
Authors: Griggs J. C. , Jeffrey P.
Published: December 2007

Water charges in the UK, Ireland, Canada and parts of the USA are largely based upon house value rather than consumption. This paper shows how charges based upon consumption could facilitate trading among metered consumers and provide incentives to non-metered customers to switch to a metered tariff. To develop a household domestic water trading scheme, various environmental trading schemes were examined including the EU emissions trading scheme (EU ETS) and tradable energy quotas (TEQs). The derived scheme encourages domestic consumers to trade and reduce their water use. Although a degree of trading would be possible on an occasional basis for unmetered properties (by the substitution of appliances with water-conserving models) and conventionally metered properties (based upon sustained reductions in consumption, but on an annual basis), frequent full trading would only be possible if smart water meters were installed. It is concluded that, while water trading schemes are feasible, they present a number of challenges. However, due to the availability of a number of existing potential elements, implementation—at least on a regional basis—could be achievable relatively quickly. Once an initial scheme is running it could be refined and expanded to other regions, and nationally or internationally, if appropriate.
Managing recovery after widespread damage
Authors: Wearne S. H.
Published: December 2007

Recovery work to restore infrastructure, public services, business and industry (as distinct from the recovery of casualties in the emergency response phase) after widespread damage or disruption may require coordination of the use of engineering resources, access and space beyond the administrative strength and statutory control of local authorities and the police. The UK Government's Resilience programme requires cooperation between public and private organisations in planning for emergencies and the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 provides emergency powers for managing the response to major events. After widespread severe damage, emergency powers might also be required to control all parties' use of their own and others' resources in the urgent first stage of recovery work to restore infrastructure and services.
Recent Advances in the Tumour Biology of the GPI-Anchored Carcinoembryonic Antigen Family Members CEACAM5 and CEACAM6
Authors: Chan C.H.F. , Stanners C.P.
Published: December 2007

On its discovery in 1965 by Gold and Freedman in the blood of patients with colorectal cancer [...]
The Cancer Patient’s Friend
Authors: Bick J.
Published: December 2007

The day my friend called me to say that she was discontinuing chemotherapy, I was angry and disillusioned. My first comment was “You can’t! The longer they can keep you alive, the better chance you have of surviving. There are new drugs every day.” [...]
Production of microporous resins for heavy‐metal removal. II. Functionalized polymers
Authors: Cardoso Judith , Ortiz‐Palacios Jesús , Manero Octavio
Published: December 2007

Ion‐exchange polymers were used successfully in water‐treatment operations. In this study, three ion‐exchange resins based on 4‐vinylpyridine and divinylbenzene functionalized with N‐oxide groups were obtained. Their ion‐adsorption properties were measured in solutions containing chromium at concentrations of 4 and 500 ppm with column and batch equilibrium techniques. The removal efficiency of the chromium ions with HCl was observed to increase after the protonation of the N‐oxide groups. The resins could be reused after 10 cycles with the metal removal efficiency maintained at higher than 95%. These studies evidenced a strong correlation between the morphology and ionic group content in the resin and its chromium ion sorption capability. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
High temperature organic/inorganic addition cure polyimide composites, part 1: Matrix thermal properties
Authors: Lincoln Jason E. , Hout Sara , Flaherty Kelly , Curliss David B. , Morgan Roger J.
Published: December 2007

Structure‐thermal property interrelationships are characterized and reported for organic/inorganic addition cure polyimide composite matrices based on 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride, the reactive terminal group 4‐phenylethynyl phthalic anhydride, and stoichiometric controlled diamine ratios of 1,3‐phenylenediamine, 1,4‐phenylenediamine, or 4,4′‐(1,3‐phenylenediisopropylidene) bisaniline, combined with bis(p‐aminophenoxy) dimethyl silane or an α, ω‐bis(3‐aminopropyl) polydimethylsiloxane oligomer. Polymerization of monomer reactants resin solutions, carbon fiber prepregs and composites, and imidized oligomers are characterized to relate molecular chemical structure and morphology to glass transition temperature, processing characteristics, thermodynamic properties, and thermal stability. Glass transition temperature, thermal decomposition temperature, and char yield were found to increase with increasing siloxane block length in the imide backbone. As the concentration of inorganic component in the imide oligomer backbone increased, the cured glass transition temperature decreased. Char yield and thermal decomposition temperature were observed to decrease as the inorganic component concentration increased. Incorporation of bis(p‐aminophenoxy) dimethyl silane into the imide oligomer structure did not provide any significant advantages over traditional polyimides relative to thermal properties or composite processing, but aminosiloxanes improved composite toughness, prepreg tack, and composite processability. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
In situ fluorescence spectroscopic studies of polymerization of anaerobic adhesives
Authors: Maandi Eerik , Sung Chong Sook P.
Published: December 2007

Anaerobic adhesives cured by a redox initiated free radical mechanism contain acrylate monomers, stabilizers, accelerators, a nonreactive fluorophore used as an inspection aid, and various nonreactive ingredients to modify polymer properties and rheology. Fluorescence spectroscopy has shown that collisional quenching of the fluorophore due to an amine cure‐accelerator is reduced by rising viscosity during polymerization, thus resulting in an increase in fluorescence intensity. By monitoring the changes in fluorescence intensity with an in situ fiber‐optic method, room temperature polymerizations have been characterized both in a model formulation containing only reactive ingredients as well as in a real commercial formulation containing many nonreactive ingredients. The results from this fluorescence method on polymerization monitoring show excellent correlation with the FTIR results. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Interaction of glycyrrhetinic acid, furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide with bovine serum albumin and their displacement interactions: capillary electrophoresis and fluorescence quenching study
Authors: Zhou Neng , Liang Yi‐Zeng , Wang Bing , Wang Ping , Chen Xian , Zeng Mao‐Mao
Published: December 2007

Licorice is the most widely used crude drug in traditional Chinese medicine. Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is the metabolite of glycyrrhizic acid, which is the main bioactive ingredient of licorice. In this work, capillary electrophoresis–frontal analysis (CE–FA) was applied to study the binding of bovine serum albumin with GA and two diuretics: furosemide (FU) and hydrochlorothiazide (HZ). The binding parameters of GA were determined by Scatchard analysis, which showed that there are two kinds of binding sites in bovine serum albumin for GA. However, the results showed that the CE–FA method was not suitable for the interaction study of FU and HZ. Therefore, utracentrifugation–CE was used to probe the binding characteristic of these two drugs and the results showed only one kind of binding site for them under the studied conditions. Displacement interactions between these drugs were also investigated by utracentrifugation–CE method and the results showed that GA hardly displaces HZ while it can slightly displace FU and FU can slightly displace HZ. For comparison, the binding of these drugs was also studied by the fluorescence quenching method and the data were processed by the Stern–Volmer quenching equation. Results showed that the binding constants were basically consistent for two methods for all drugs studied. The number of binding sites on one protein molecule was well consistent for FU and HZ while it was quite different for GA. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of forsythiaside in rat plasma by high‐performance liquid chromatography and its application to pharmacokinetic studies
Authors: Li Yun‐Xia , Jiang Xue‐Hua , Liang Hu‐Yi , Li Xue
Published: December 2007

A simple high‐performance liquid chromatographic method was developed to study the pharmacokinetics of forsythiaside in rat plasma after intravenous administration. Hesperidin was used as the internal standard. The drugs were separated on a reversed‐phase C18 column and detected at 332 nm. Good linearity was achieved in the range of 0.067–26.667 µg/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐assay variation coefficients for this analysis were no more than 10.94 and 14.56%, respectively. The average recovery for forsythiaside was 87.42% from plasma. The analytical sensitivity and accuracy of this assay were adequate for characterization of the pharmacokinetics of intravenous administration of forsythiaside to rats and the assay has been successfully applied to provide pharmacokinetic data. The mean t1/2Z was 20.36, 19.40 and 23.62 min for 2, 5 and 20 mg/kg for forsythiaside after i.v. administration, respectively. The AUC0−t increased linearly from 40.64 to 624.14 µg min/mL after administration of the three doses. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative determination of domperidone in human plasma by ultraperformance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Xu Dong‐Hang , Lou Hong‐Gang , Yuan Hong , Jiang Bo , Zhou Quan , Zhang Zhong‐Miao , Ruan Zou‐Rong
Published: December 2007

A simple and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for determining domperidone in human plasma. The analyte and internal standard (IS; mosapride) were isolated from plasma samples by protein precipitation with methanol (containing 0.1% formic acid). The chromatographic separation was performed on an Xterra MS C18 Column (2.1 × 150 mm, 5.0 µm) with a gradient programme mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.30 mL/min. The total run time was 4.0 min. The analyses were carried out by multiple reaction monitoring using the parent‐to‐daughter combinations m/z 426 → 175 and m/z 422 → 198 (IS). The areas of peaks from the analyte and IS were used for quantification of domperidone. The method was validated according to the FDA guidelines on bioanalytical method validation. Validation results indicated that the lower limit of quantification was 0.2 ng/mL, and the assay exhibited a linear range of 0.2–60.0 ng/mL and gave a correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.999 or better. Quality control samples (0.4, 0.8, 15 and 50 ng/mL) in six replicates from three different analytical runs demonstrated an intra‐assay precision (RSD) 4.43–6.26%, an inter‐assay precision 5.25–7.45% and an overall accuracy (relative error) of <6.92%. The method can be applied to pharmacokinetic and bioequivalence studies of domperidone. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and validation of a simple thin layer chromatographic method for the analysis of artemisinin in Artemisia annua L. plant extracts
Authors: Marchand Els , Atemnkeng Magnus A. , Vanermen Stijn , Plaizier‐Vercammen Jacqueline
Published: December 2007

Owing to the development of parasite resistance to standard antimalarial treatments like chloroquine and sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine, the demand for Artemisia annua, a key ingredient for new and highly effective antimalarial drugs, is huge. Therefore selective and precise methods to determine the content of artemisinin in dry plant material and in raw impure extracts are needed. In this work a method is described for the clear separation and extraction of artemisinin from other plant components in the Artemisia annua L. plant by thin‐layer chromatography (TLC). To obtain optimal extraction and recovery efficiency, several parameters were evaluted, including choice of extraction solvent, TLC plate type and sensitivity between UV and visible light. Method validation was performed on both the dry plant material and non‐purified plant extracts. Toluene presented the highest extraction efficiency compared with petroleum ether, hexane and methanol. Reversed‐phase plates showed more concentrated spots than normal‐phase plates, while the sensitivity of the analysis in UV was comparable to that in visible light but less precise. The impure plant extracts were analyzed by both TLC and HPLC‐UV at 215 nm and both methods met the requirements for linearity, selectivity, precision and accuracy. Hence, the proposed TLC method can easily be used for both qualitative and quantitative control of the raw plant extract in areas where advanced methods are scarce. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of a fully automated high throughput liquid chromatographic/tandem mass spectrometric method for roxithromycin quantification in human plasma. Application to a bioequivalence study
Authors: Kousoulos Constantinos , Tsatsou Georgia , Dotsikas Yannis , Apostolou Constantinos , Loukas Yannis L.
Published: December 2007

A fully automated high‐throughput liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method was developed for the determination of roxithromycin in human plasma. The plasma samples were treated by liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) in 2.2 mL 96‐deep‐well plates. Roxithromycin and the internal standard clarithromycin were extracted from 100 µL of human plasma by LLE, using methylt‐butyl ether as the organic solvent. All liquid transfer steps were performed automatically using robotic liquid handling workstations. After vortexing, centrifugation and freezing, the supernatant organic solvent was evaporated and reconstituted. Sample analysis was performed by reversed‐phase LC‐MS/MS, with positive ion electrospray ionization, using multiple‐reaction monitoring. The method had a very short chromatographic run time of 1.6 min. The calibration curve was linear for the range of concentrations 50.0–20.0 × 103ng mL−1. The proposed method was fully validated and it was proven to be selective, accurate, precise, reproducible and suitable for the determination of roxithromycin in human plasma. Therefore, it was applied to the rapid and reliable determination of roxithromycin in a bioequivalence study afterper osadministration of 300 mg tablet formulations of roxithromycin. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pyrazolyl–Diamine Ligands That Bear Anthracenyl Moieties and Their Rhenium(I) Tricarbonyl Complexes: Synthesis, Characterisation and DNA‐Binding Properties
Authors: Vitor Rute F. , Correia Isabel , Videira Margarida , Marques Fernanda , Paulo António , Costa Pessoa João , Viola Giampietro , Martins Gabriel G. , Santos Isabel
Published: December 2007

Two novel families of pyrazolyl–diamine ligands that bear an anthracen‐9‐yl group as a DNA‐binding fragment, pz*(CH2)2NH(CH2)2NHCH2‐9‐anthryl (pz*=pz (L1), 3,5‐Me2pz (L2)) and pz*(CH2)2NH(CH2)2NH2 (pz*=4‐(9‐anthrylmethyl)pz (L3), 3,5‐Me2‐4‐(9‐anthrylmethyl)pz (L4)), have been prepared and fully characterised. In the case of L2–L4, the evaluation of their coordination capability towards the fac‐[Re(CO)3]+ core led to the synthesis of the organometallic complexes fac‐[Re(CO)3{3,5‐Me2pz(CH2)2NH(CH2)2NHCH2‐9‐anthryl}]Br (7) and fac‐[Re(CO)3{4‐(9‐anthrylmethyl)pz*(CH2)2NH(CH2)2NH2}]Br (pz*=pz (8), 3,5‐Me2pz (9)). The interaction of the novel pyrazole–diamine ligands and the rhenium(I) complexes with calf thymus (CT) DNA has been investigated with a variety of spectroscopic techniques (UV‐visible, fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD) and linear dichroism (LD)). All of the evaluated compounds have a moderate affinity to CT DNA (3.46×103<Kb<1.95×104), but the binding mode depends on the position of the chromophore in the framework of the pyrazolyl–diamine ligands. LD measurements have shown that L1 and L2 act as DNA intercalators, but complex 7 intercalates only partially. By contrast, the compounds with the anthracenyl group at the 4‐position of the azolyl ring (L3, L4 and 9) do not intercalate, and behave more like DNA groove binders. Fluorescence microscopy studies have demonstrated that complexes 7 and 9 can target the nucleus of murine B16‐F1 melanoma cells, and appear to be promising platforms for the further design of radiopharmaceuticals for targeted radiotherapy.
Polyvinyl‐Locked versus Free Quaterthiophene: Effect of Spatial Constraints on the Electronic Properties ofn‐Hexylquaterthiophene
Authors: Melucci Manuela , Zambianchi Massimo , Zanelli Alberto , Camaioni Nadia , Gazzano Massimo , Bongini Alessandro , Barbarella Giovanna
Published: December 2007

A soluble, low‐weight fraction of poly(α‐vinyl,ω‐n‐hexyl‐quaterthiophene), PT4Hex, havingn‐hexylquaterthiophenes as side‐chain groups, is prepared by free‐radical polymerization of α‐vinyl,ω‐n‐hexyl‐quaterthiophene and the corresponding properties compared to those of free di‐n‐hexylquaterthiophene (T4Hex). Optical analysis (absorption and emission) and X‐ray diffraction data indicate that in the polyvinyl‐locked architecture the quaterthiophene pendants adopt a cofacial arrangement with a mutual distance close enough for π–π orbitals to overlap (∼4 Å). As a consequence of the close chain packing, a shift of the reduction potential of about 0.5 V toward less negative values with respect to free T4Hex, is found for PT4Hex films. Due to its enhanced electron affinity, PT4Hex displays an electron‐acceptor behavior when blended with alkylated and silylated quaterthiophenes acting as donors.