bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
90dB‐DR 3.3V CMOS single‐ended‐to‐fully differential and fully differential‐to‐single‐ended amplifiers for audio applications
Authors: Boarin G. , Colonna V. , Gandolfi G. , Stefani F. , Baschirotto A.
Published: January 2005

This paper presents the design and the realization of single‐ended‐to‐fully differential and fully differential‐to‐single‐ended amplifiers to be used in an audio signal processing system. The proposed blocks allow to reduce significantly the pin number of the developed system, while guaranteeing the high quality (16bit) performance required in an audio channel. The proposed circuits have been realized in a standard 3.3V 0.35 µm CMOS technology and achieve a Dynamic Range in excess of 90dB with a Total Harmonic Distortion lower than ‐80dB for a full scale signal amplitude. Their power consumption (≈6mW and each) and the area (0.1mm2each) are finally negligible with respect to the other blocks in the overall systems. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental Study and Modelling of Formation and Decay of Active Species in an Oxygen Discharge
Authors: Diamy A.‐M. , Legrand J.‐C. , Rybkin V. V. , Smirnov S. A.
Published: January 2005

A microwave (2.45 GHz) oxygen discharge (3 hPa, 150 W, 50 mL.min–1) is studied by optical emission spectroscopy of O(5P) (line 777.4 nm) and of the atmospheric system of O2(head‐line 759.4 nm). Calibration of the spectral response of the optical setup is used to determine the concentrations of O(5P) and O2(b). The concentration of the O(5P) atoms is in the range 108–109 cm–3 and the concentration of the O2(b) molecules is in the range 1014 – 2 × 1014 cm–3 along the discharge tube. An attempt is made to simulate the experimental results by using coupling the Boltzmann equation, homogeneous energy transfer V‐V and V‐T, heterogeneous reactions on the walls (energy transfer and recombination of atoms) and a kinetic scheme (electronic transfer and chemical reactions). The Boltzmann equation includes momentum transfer, inelastic and superelastic processes and e‐e collisions. V‐V and V‐T transfer equations are obtained from the SSH theory and the kinetic scheme includes 65 reactions with 17 species [electrons e, ions O– and O2–, fundamental electronic neutral species O(3P), O2, O2(X,v), O3 and excited neutral species O2(a), O2(b), O2(A), O(1D), O(1S), O(5P), O(4d 5Do), O(5s 5So), O(3d 5Do) and O(4s 5So)]. A fair agreement between experimental results and modelling is obtained with the following set of fitting values:

– heterogeneous deactivation coefficient for O2(b) γ = 2.6 × 10–2;

– rate constant of reaction [O(1D) + O(3P) → 2 O(3P)] k34 = 1.4 × 10–11 cm3.s–1;

– electron concentration in the range 1010 – 1011 cm–3.

Modelling shows that the recombination coefficient for oxygen atoms on the silica wall (range 1.4 × 10–3 – 0.2 × 10–3) is of the same order as the values obtained in a previous paper and that the ratio ([O] / 2 [O2]initial) is about 33–50%. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
One‐sided flame spread phenomena of a thermally thin composite cotton/fiberglass fabric
Authors: Kleinhenz Julie , Ferkul Paul , Pettegrew Richard , Sacksteder Kurt R. , T'ien James S.
Published: January 2005

As an experimental necessity, past flame spread studies have relied on fast burning cellulosic papers. For the longer duration tests planned for the International Space Station a 50% fiberglass, 50% cotton composite fabric is better suited for the novel fuel feeding system in the compact hardware design of a current microgravity combustion experiment. The fabric's combustion characteristics in normal gravity include unexpected cases where a flame can be sustained on one side of the fuel. One‐sided flames are smaller in size than their two‐sided counterparts, and propagate at half the speed. Surface temperature distributions were measured using infrared imaging and indicated a high temperature region caused by the non‐flammable fiberglass. Breaching the fiberglass matrix made it possible for the flame to transfer to the other side of the fuel, suggesting that the fiberglass matrix acts as a flame arrester. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A high‐resolution scheme for the equations governing 2D bed‐load sediment transport
Authors: Hudson Justin , Sweby Peter K.
Published: January 2005

This paper investigates how to accurately numerically approximate the equations governing 2D sediment transport by considering two approaches: a steady and unsteady approach. A high‐resolution scheme based on Roe's scheme is used to approximate both approaches with the results compared for a 2D test case. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An implicit multiblock coupling for the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Romé Christophe , Glockner Stéphane
Published: January 2005

In the present work, we describe an interface treatment of multiblock computation for the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations discretized upon a finite volume marker and cell (MAC) approach. The connection between the different blocks is based on velocity interpolation only. The originality of this work is that the polynomial interpolation coefficients are present in the final linear system and ensure that the equations are globally resolved. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new symmetry‐preserving Cartesian‐grid method for computing flow past arbitrarily shaped objects
Authors: Dröge Marc , Verstappen Roel
Published: January 2005

This paper deals with a numerical method for solving the unsteady, incompressible Navier–Stokes equations in domains of arbitrarily shaped boundaries, where the boundary is represented using the Cartesian‐grid approach. We introduce a novel cut‐cell discretization, which preserves the symmetry of convection and diffusion. That is, convection is discretized by a skew‐symmetric operator and diffusion is approximated by a symmetric, positive‐definite coefficient matrix. The resulting semi‐discrete (continuous in time) system conserves the kinetic energy if the dissipation is turned off; the energy decreases if dissipation is turned on. The method is successfully tested for an incompressible, unsteady flow around a circular cylinder atRe=100. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Haplotype sharing transmission/disequilibrium tests that allow for genotyping errors
Authors: Sha Qiuying , Dong Jianping , Jiang Renfang , Chen Huann‐Sheng , Zhang Shuanglin
Published: January 2005

The present study introduces new Haplotype Sharing Transmission/Disequilibrium Tests (HS‐TDTs) that allow for random genotyping errors. We evaluate the type I error rate and power of the new proposed tests under a variety of scenarios and perform a power comparison among the proposed tests, the HS‐TDT and the single‐marker TDT. The results indicate that the HS‐TDT shows a significant increase in type I error when applied to data in which either Mendelian inconsistent trios are removed or Mendelian inconsistent markers are treated as missing genotypes, and the magnitude of the type I error increases both with an increase in sample size and with an increase in genotyping error rate. The results also show that a simple strategy, that is, merging each rare haplotype to a most similar common haplotype, can control the type I error inflation for a wide range of genotyping error rates, and after merging rare haplotypes, the power of the test is very similar to that without merging the rare haplotypes. Therefore, we conclude that a simple strategy may make the HS‐TDT robust to genotyping errors. Our simulation results also show that this strategy may also be applicable to other haplotype‐based TDTs. Genet. Epidemiol. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Black liquor detoxification by laccase of Trametes versicolor pellets
Authors: Font Xavier , Caminal Gloria , Gabarrell Xavier , Romero Silvia , Vicent M Teresa
Published: January 2005

Black liquors from a soda pulping mill were treated with the white‐rot fungus Trametes versicolor to detoxify and reduce colour, aromatic compounds and chemical oxygen demand (COD). The fungus was used in the form of pellets in aerated reactors (fluidized, stirred and air‐pulsed reactors). Reductions in colour and aromatic compounds of 70–80% and in COD of 60% were achieved. During the different experiments, laccase activity was detected but neither lignin peroxidase (LiP) nor manganese peroxidase activities were detected, although T versicolor is able to produce these enzymes. Experiments also showed a LiP activity inhibitory effect produced by lignin. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that there is a relationship between laccase production and toxicity reduction. This correlation responds to the equation Laccase production = 1.57 LN (toxicity reduction) −16.40. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Wet chemical synthesis of low bulk density aluminium hydroxide powder
Authors: Pradhan JK , Gochhayat PK , Bhattacharya IN , Das SC , Panda RK
Published: January 2005

Fine, low bulk density aluminium hydroxide powdered gel was prepared by the mild base hydrolysis of an aqueous solution of aluminium sulfate with hydrazine hydrate. Parameters such as method of addition of reactant, initial concentration of Al3+, mole ratio, final pH and hydrolysis temperature have a profound effect on the lightness and particle size of the powder. Optimized conditions showed that the final pH, Al3+ concentration and method of addition of reactant have a major contribution on the formation of lighter grade powder. Experiments conducted using other bases also produced lighter particles under similar conditions. Deviation from the optimized conditions led to formation of a higher bulk density product. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of the distribution of consolidants and interpretation of mercury porosimetry data in a sandstone porous network using LSCM
Authors: Zoghlami Karima , Gómez‐Gras David
Published: January 2005

Knowing the 3D distribution of a consolidant within the porous network of a rock is essential for understanding the porosity quantitative data obtained by mercury porosimetry and for observing the effect of consolidants on pore interconnection. In this work, we show for the first time that the distribution of consolidant in the porous network can be determined using laser scanner confocal microscopy (LSCM). Results indicate that consolidants are concentrated in pore throats of less than 40 μm in diameter, affecting both the porous interconnection and the circulation of fluids. LSCM allowed demonstration of the fact that the increase in microporosity detected by mercury porosimetry is due to the development of fissures within the consolidants. No consolidant that produces this kind of fissure can be used in the consolidation of building stones, since it would increase microporosity and, in consequence, vulnerability to weathering agents. Microsc. Res. Tech. 65:270–275, 2004. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New approach to quantifying developmental variation in the dentition using serial microtomographic imaging
Authors: Avishai Gal , Müller Ralph , Gabet Yankel , Bab Itai , Zilberman Uri , Smith Patricia
Published: January 2005

Dental morphogenesis and cellular differentiation are expressed in the fully formed tooth by the topography of the dentin–enamel junction and outer enamel surface. These boundaries can be differentiated using a variety of imaging systems. In this study, we used serial microCT imaging to provide accurate 3D reconstructions of developing lower human second deciduous molars. These were used to quantify the volume of enamel and dentin of individual cusps in relation to basal crown height. As growth and differentiation proceed apically, the spatial orientation of cusp tips and their bases were used to estimate their order of initiation and coalescence. We found that the order of coalescence differed from the order of initiation. We also found that dentin cusp height and volume as well as rate and quantity of enamel apposition varied along mesio‐distal and bucco‐lingual axes, and were independent of order of initiation and duration of growth. These results demonstrate that the potential for variation in crown size and form is maintained throughout development. We propose that the microCT model developed in this study constitutes a new approach for the investigation of developmental variation and its contribution to phylogenetic variation expressed in crown form and size. Microsc. Res. Tech. 65:263–269, 2004. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fabrication of Stable Chiral Polyaniline Nanocomposite‐Based Patterns
Authors: Yang Linglu , Yang Zhaohui , Cao Weixiao
Published: January 2005

Summary: We report an artful method to form a stable pattern of chiral polyaniline nanocomposites (CPANs). It consists of the preparation of a diazoresin (DR)/poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) thin buffer layer on an Si substrate by self‐assembly, followed by the deposition of a multi‐layer film by spin‐assembly, leading to the formation of a (DR/PAA)2DR/(CPAN/DR)n film on the substrate. After selective exposure to UV light through a photomask and the development process, a defined pattern is formed.

Scanning electron microscopy image of the patterned (CPAN/DR)5 thin film on Si wafer.

image

Scanning electron microscopy image of the patterned (CPAN/DR)5 thin film on Si wafer.
Numerical study of two‐dimensional stochastic NLS equations
Authors: Barton‐Smith Marc , Debussche Arnaud , Di Menza Laurent
Published: January 2005

In this article, we numerically solve the two‐dimensional stochastic nonlinear Schrödinger equation in the case of multiplicative and additive white noises. The aim is to investigate their influence on well‐known deterministic solutions: stationary states and blowing‐up solutions. In the first case, we find that a multiplicative noise has a damping effect very similar to diffusion. However, for small amplitudes of the noise, the structure of solitary state is still localized. In the second case, a local refinement algorithm is used to overcome the difficulty arising for the computation of singular solutions. Our experiments show that multiplicative white noise stops the deterministic blow‐up that occurs in the critical case. This extends the results of Debussche and Di Menza (Physica D, 162(3–4) 2002, 131–154) in the one‐dimensional case. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential, 2005.
Properties of nanoporous organosilicate hybrid thin films with a bimodal pore size distribution
Authors: Hyeon‐Lee J , Rhee J , Yim JH , Jeong HD , Gidley DW
Published: January 2005

Low dielectric poly[methylsilsesquioxane‐ran‐trifluoropropylsilsesquioxane‐ran‐(2,4,6,8‐tetramethyl‐2,4,6,8‐tetraethylenecyclotetrasiloxane)silsesquioxane]s {P[M‐ran‐TFP‐ran‐(TCS)]SSQs} having various compositions were synthesized using trifluoropropyl trimethoxysilane, methyl trimethoxysilane and 2,4,6,8‐tetramethyl‐2,4,6,8‐tetra(trimethoxysilylethyl)cyclotetrasiloxane. The chemical composition of the polymers and the content of SiOH end‐groups were controlled by adjusting the reaction conditions, and they were characterized by 1H‐NMR. The thermally decomposable trifluoropropyl groups on the P[M‐ran‐TFP‐ran‐(TCS)]SSQ backbone and heptakis(2,3,6‐tri‐O‐methyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin (CD) were employed as pore generators. The dielectric constants of the porous CD/P[M‐ran‐TFP‐ran‐(TCS)]SSQ films were in the range 2.0–2.7 (at 100 kHz) depending on the concentration of the porogens, and showed no change over 4 days under aqueous conditions. The pore size of the films showed a bimodal distribution, with diameters of ca 0.5–1.0 nm for those originating from the trifluoropropyl groups and 1.7 nm from the CD. The elastic modulus and hardness of the 30 vol% CD‐blended film with a dielectric constant of 2.26 were 2.40 and 0.38 GPa, respectively, as determined by a nanoindenter. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
High‐pressure effect on organic reactions in fluorophobic media
Authors: Jenner Gérard , Gacem Badra
Published: January 2005

The kinetic effect of fluorophobic interactions was examined in Diels–Alder reactions and the conjugate addition of amines to acrylonitrile at different pressures. Its magnitude is lower than for other solvophobic media (water, ethylene glycol). Activation volumes determined in perfluorohexane are less negative for Diels–Alder cycloadditions owing to reduced fluorophobic interactions under pressure, in line with a former study. At variance, the conjugate addition is more pressure sensitive in the fluorous medium owing to the combination of solvophobic acceleration and enhanced electrostriction. Some synthetic applications of the multiactivation method (pressure + fluorophobic activation) are presented with emphasis on the beneficial solvophobic properties of the fluorous medium. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computational study of base‐induced skeletal conversion via a spirocyclic intermediate in dibenzodithiocinium derivatives by ab initio MO calculations
Authors: Okada Keiji , Tanaka Masato , Takagi Ryukichi
Published: January 2005

Reaction of 6‐methyl‐12‐oxo‐5H,7H‐dibenzo[b,g][1,5]dithiocinium salt (1‐SO) with methanolic KOH afforded a mixture of dibenzothiepin derivatives 2‐SO. In order to clarify the intermediates of the rearrangement, ab initio MO calculations with the HF/6–31G* basis set were performed on the reaction intermediates, the transition states and related compounds. The rearrangement was explained in terms of the usual [2,3]‐sigmatropic shift via a spirocyclic intermediate, followed by a 1,3‐shift of the sulfonyl group. However, a different type of rearrangement was observed in 6‐methyl‐5H,7H‐dibenzo[b,g][1,5]dithiocinium salt (1‐S), giving an unexpected dibenzothiepin derivative 3‐S along with a small amount of a ring‐opening product 8 under the same reaction conditions. The formation of 3‐S and 8 was understandable by the assumption of a cationic intermediate resulting from heterolytic cleavage at the benzyl position. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
[2 + 3] Cycloaddition of C,C,N‐triphenylnitrone to trans‐substituted nitroethylenes in the light of an AM1 and AM1/COSMO computational study
Authors: Baranski Andrzej , Jasinski Radomir , Żurowski Kazimierz
Published: January 2005

AM1 calculations suggest that the [2 + 3] cycloaddition of triphenylnitrone 1 to nitroalkenes 2a–c in the gas phase takes place in a concerted manner. However, the azolidine ring bonds C3—C4 and O1—C5 are not formed fully synchronously. Kinetic factors favor the formation of cycloadducts with nitro group in position C‐4 of the azolidine ring (path A). Introduction of toluene, acetone or acetonitrile as a reaction medium increases the activation barriers for both regioisomeric paths. Simultaneously, the energy profiles for path A undergo qualitative change. In this case, two transition states and an intermediate with zwitterionic character were localized by means of the AM1/COSMO method. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of methyl and vinyl substitution on the geometries, relative stabilities and Diels–Alder reactivities of phospholes: a DFT study
Authors: Geetha K. , Dinadayalane T. C. , Sastry G. Narahari
Published: January 2005

Equilibrium geometries and the relative stabilities of 1H‐, 2H‐ and 3H‐phospholes and their methyl‐ and vinyl‐substituted analogs were computed at the B3LYP/6–31G* level. The transition states and products were located for the Diels–Alder reactions of all the dienes with ethylene. The effect of substitution on the geometries, relative stabilities and Diels–Alder reactivities of 1H‐, 2H‐ and 3H‐phospholes were analyzed. The relative stabilities predict that the substitution on phospholes prefers phosphorus over carbon. Computations show that the activation energies are not altered much by substitution of either methyl or vinyl groups on phospholes, but most of the substituted phospholes require slightly higher activation energies than the corresponding parent phospholes. 2H‐phospholes require lower activation energies than 1H‐ and 3H‐phospholes. The reactivity ordering based on FMO energy gaps and the activation energies are similar and follows the sequence 2H‐ > 3H‐ > 1H‐phospholes. The quantaum of charge‐transfer values from diene to dienophile at the transition states and distortion energies were calculated. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic interactions and optical spectral weights in Mott insulators with orbital degrees of freedom
Authors: Oleś Andrzej M. , Horsch Peter , Khaliullin Giniyat
Published: January 2005

We outline a unified approach to magnetic and optical properties of Mott insulators at orbital degeneracy, which provides deep insight into the complex spin–orbital physics. It introduces partial sum rules for individual optical excitations which follow from the multiplet structure of transition metal ions. We show that the observed anisotropies and the temperature dependence of the optical spectral weights in LaVO3 and LaMnO3 follow from spin and orbital correlations and are well understood within this approach. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Orbital polarons and optical conductivity in doped manganites
Authors: Bała J.
Published: January 2005

Orbital polaron formation and the optical conductivity σ(ω) is investigated in the ferromagnetic and paramagnetic phases of doped (x = 1/4) manganites. Using finite‐temperature diagonalization techniques for a realistic spin–orbital model we find the three‐site correlations specific for the orbital polarized state and the σ(ω) which is characterized by a broad spectrum with pronounced optical gap due to polaron formation. At small frequencies (ω < t) the conductivity is dominated by an incoherent spectrum with spectral weight decreasing with increasing temperature leading to an activated behavior in resistivity above Tc. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Protective effect of green tea polyphenol (‐)‐epigallocatechin gallate and other antioxidants on lipid peroxidation in gerbil brain homogenates
Authors: Lee Seong‐Ryong , Im Ki‐Jo , Suh Seong‐Il , Jung Jung‐Gil
Published: January 2005

The aim of this study was to compare the protective effects of green tea polyphenol (‐)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and other well‐known antioxidants on the lipid peroxidation in gerbil brain homogenates. Oxidative stress was induced by H2O2 (10 mM) or ferrous ammonium sulfate (5 µM) and lipid peroxidation was studied. Hydrogen peroxide and ferrous ions are capable of oxidizing a wide range of substrates and causing biological damage. The reaction, referred to as the Fenton process, is complex and can generate both hydroxyl radicals and higher oxidation states of the iron. Thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBA‐RS) were used as a marker of lipid peroxidation. EGCG, trolox, lipoic acid, and melatonin reduced H2O2‐ or ferrous ion‐induced lipid peroxidation in a concentration‐dependant manner. In reducing the H2O2‐induced lipid peroxidation, IC50 values of antioxidants were as follows: EGCG (0.66 µM), trolox (37.08 µM), lipoic acid (7.88 mM), and melatonin (19.11 mM). In reducing the ferrous ion‐induced lipid peroxidation, IC50 values of antioxidants were as follows: EGCG (3.32 µM), trolox (75.65 µM), lipoic acid (7.63 mM), and melatonin (15.48 mM). Under the in vitro conditions of this experiment, EGCG was the most potent antioxidant in inhibiting H2O2 or ferrous ion‐induced lipid peroxidation in the gerbil brain homogenates. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to isoquinoline alkaloids from Sanguinaria canadensis and Hydrastis canadensis
Authors: Mahady Gail B. , Pendland Susan L. , Stoia Adenia , Chadwick Lucas R.
Published: January 2005

Methanol extracts of the rhizomes of Sanguinaria canadensis, and the roots and rhizomes of Hydrastis canadensis, two plants used traditionally for the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments, were screened for in vitro antibacterial activity against 15 strains of Helicobacter pylori. The rhizome extracts, as well as a methanol extract of S. canadensis suspension‐cell cultures inhibited the growth of H. pylori in vitro, with a MIC50 range of 12.5–50.0 µg/ml. Three isoquinoline alkaloids were identiﬁed in the active fraction. Sanguinarine and chelerythrine, two benzophenanthridine alkaloids, inhibited the growth of the bacterium, with an MIC50 of 50.0 and 100.0 µg/ml, respectively. Protopine, a protopine alkaloid, also inhibited the growth of the bacterium, with a MIC50 of 100 µg/ml. The crude methanol extract of H. canadensis rhizomes was very active, with an MIC50 of 12.5 µg/ml. Two isoquinoline alkaloids, berberine and β‐hydrastine, were identiﬁed as the active constituents, and having an MIC50 of 12.5 and 100.0 µg/ml, respectively. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brazilian Propolis: physicochemical properties, plant origin and antibacterial activity on periodontopathogens
Authors: Santos F. A. , Bastos E. M. A. F. , Maia A. B. R. A. , Uzeda M. , Carvalho M. A. R. , Farias L. M. , Moreira E. S. A.
Published: January 2005

Propolis samples collected in the dry and rainy seasons, from an experimental apiary located in a cerrado vegetation region in Brazil were used in this study. Microscopic analysis showed the presence of 31 pollen types, secretory hairs (genus Baccharis) and fragments of plant epidermis. The oxidation rates and the wax content of the samples after physicochemical analyses were in agreement with the Cuban Guideline NRAG 870–88. A high performance liquid chromatography analysis showed a similar pattern of chromatograms, characterized by the presence of ten phenolic compounds. There was no signiﬁcant difference in the proﬁle of phenolic compounds and also in the total ﬂavonoid concentration in propolis samples collected in different seasons. Antibacterial assays were performed by the method of dilution of an ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) in agar (v/v%) and showed that all 16 A. actinomycetemcomitans strains tested were inhibited by propolis concentrations of 0.1% to 0.25%, and did not grow at all at 0.5%. The growth inhibition of six Fusobacterium spp. and 16 black‐pigmented anaerobes was observed at concentrations of 0.05% to 0.1%, and no growth was observed at 0.25%. There was no effect of seasonality on the inhibitory activity of propolis. The antibiotics tetracycline and meropenem were used as positive controls. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The protective effects of Propolis on hepatic injury and its mechanism
Authors: Won Seo Kyung , Park Mijung , Jung Song Yeon , Kim Sung‐Jin , Ro Yoon Kwang
Published: January 2005

Propolis (PP) is a sticky substance that is collected from plants by honeybees. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of PP on hepatotoxicity induced by acetaminophen (AA, paracetamol) and the mechanism of its hepatoprotective effect. In rat hepatocyte culture, pretreatment with PP (1, 10, 100, 200 and 400 µg/mL, 24 h) signiﬁcantly decreased the cytotoxicity of AA (0.5 mm) in a dose‐dependent manner. In mice, pretreatment with PP (10 and 25 mg/kg, p.o., 7 days) also decreased the mortality and the incidence and severity of hepatic necrosis induced by AA (400 mg/kg, i.p.). After treatment with PP for 7 days, the hepatic enzyme activities of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s), UDP‐glucuronyltransferase, phenolsulphotransferase (PST), glutathione S‐transferase (GST) were measured in both rats and mice. In rats, PP (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) decreased the activity of P4502E1, but signiﬁcantly increased the activities of GST and PST. On the other hand, in mice treated with PP (10 and 25 mg/kg, p.o.), the activities of P4501A2, 2B1, 3A4 and 2E1 were dramatically inhibited, and the activity of PST was signiﬁcantly enhanced. These results suggest that PP has a protective effect on hepatic injury, and that its effect may be explained by inhibition of phase I enzymes and induction of phase II enzymes. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of wound healing activity of some herbal formulations
Authors: Mukherjee Pulok K. , Mukherjee Kakali , Rajesh Kumar M. , Pal M. , Saha B. P.
Published: January 2005

The wound healing activity of two herbal formulations (Himax ointment and lotion) containing Indradaru extract, i.e. Arjuna bark (Terminalia arjuna, Family‐Combretaceae), extract was evaluated for its wound healing potential in two types of wound models in rats (i) excision wound model and (ii) incision wound model. Both the formulations responded signiﬁcantly in both the wound models tested. The results were also comparable to that of the standard drug nitrofurazone used as a standard drug for comparison in this present investigation. The results were also comparable in terms of wound contracting ability, epithelization period, tensile strength and regeneration of tissues at the wound area. Thus, this investigation conﬁrms the use of the Himax ointment and lotion containing Terminalia arjuna extract as a wound‐healing agent as known from folklore medicine. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Covariance mapping in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Feldman Andrew B. , Antoine Miquel , Lin Jeffrey S. , Demirev Plamen A.
Published: January 2005

A novel method for acquisition and numerical analysis of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time‐of‐flight mass spectral data is described. The digitized ion current transient from each consecutive laser shot is first acquired and stored independently. Subsequently, statistical correlation parameters between all stored transients are computed. We illustrate the uses of this event‐by‐event analysis method for studies of sample surface heterogeneity as well as for elucidating the mechanisms of ion formation in MALDI. Other potential applications of the method are also outlined. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of a bioactive β‐(1 → 3) polysaccharide (Curdlan) using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Chan T.‐W. D. , Tang K. Y.
Published: January 2005

This paper focuses on the development of MALDI sample preparation protocols for the analysis of a bioactive β‐(1 → 3) polysaccharide, i.e. Curdlan. The crude Curdlan sample was first separated into a low molecular weight water‐soluble portion and a high molecular weight water‐insoluble portion. The water‐soluble portion was analyzed using a standard MALDI sample preparation method developed for dextran analysis. Two low‐mass (<4000 Da) polysaccharide distributions differing by 16 Da were observed. For the analysis of the water‐insoluble portion, several sample preparation protocols were evaluated using GPC‐fractionated samples. A sample preparation method based on the deposition of the analyte solution with a mixture of 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) and 3‐aminoquinoline (3AQ) matrices in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at elevated temperature of 70°C was found to reliably produce good MALDI spectra. MALDI analysis of the water‐insoluble Curdlan portion gave number‐average (Mn) and weight‐average (Mw) molecular weights and polydispersity of 8000 Da, 8700 Da, and 1.10, respectively. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Some aspects of the stability of ion current in a matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization source
Authors: Ptasińska Sylwia , Michalak Leszek , Smolira Marcin
Published: January 2005

The effect of laser exposure (the number of laser shots) on the stability of production of matrix (gentisic acid, sinapinic acid, nicotinic acid and benzoic acid) and biomolecule (insulin and cytochrome‐c) ions is presented. Two methods of sample preparation, dried‐droplet and pressure, were examined. In the case of pressure preparation, the dry powder sample was pressed mechanically with a pressure of 30 MPa. The best results were obtained for the pressure method and gentisic acid as matrix. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Primary structural determination of N‐terminally blocked peptides from the bark of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv by mass spectrometric analysis
Authors: Huang Ren‐Huai , Zhang Ying , Wang Da‐Cheng
Published: January 2005

Sequencing of N‐terminally blocked proteins/peptides is a challenge since these molecules inhibit processing by Edman degradation. By using high accuracy Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) tandem mass spectrometry and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOFMS), the primary structures of two novel N‐terminally blocked antifungal peptides (EAFP1 and EAFP2), purified from the bark of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv, have been determined. The results show that the high mass accuracy provided by FTICR mass spectrometry is effective to determine the N‐terminally blocking group, and can simplify the task of spectral interpretation and improve the precision of sequence determination. The combination of MALDI‐TOFMS with carboxyl peptidase Y digestion was used to determine the C‐terminal 36‐ and 27‐residue sequences of EAFP1 and EAFP2, respectively, to provide the sequence linkage information for tryptic fragments. Compared with traditional peptide chemistry the advantage of mass spectrometric techniques is their simplicity, speed and sensitivity. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ray casting free‐form deformed‐volume objects
Authors: Chen Haixin , Hesser Jürgen , Männer Reinhard
Published: January 2005

A collection of techniques is developed in this paper for ray casting free‐form deformed‐volume objects with high quality and efficiency. The known inverse ray deformation approach is combined with free‐form deformation to bend the rays to the opposite direction of the deformation, producing an image of the deformed volume without generating a really deformed intermediate volume. The local curvature is estimated and used for the adaptive selection of the length of polyline segments, which approximate the inversely deformed ray trajectories; thus longer polyline segments can be automatically selected in regions with small curvature, reducing deformation calculation without losing the spatial continuity of the simulated deformation. We developed an efficient method for the estimation of the local deformation function. The Jacobian of the local deformation function is used for adjustments of the opacity values and normal vectors computed from the original volume, guaranteeing that the deformed spatial structures are correctly rendered. The popular ray casting acceleration techniques, like early ray termination and space leaping, are incorporated into the deformation procedure, providing a speed‐up factor of 2.34–6.56 compared to the non‐optimized case. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First comprehensive assessment of the conservation status of the flora of the Çukurova Deltas, southern Turkey
Authors: Çakan Halil , Yilmaz K. Tuluhan , Düzenli Atabay
Published: January 2005

The Çukurova Deltas on the southern coast of Turkey, with their high biodiversity, are one of the most important wetland and RAMSAR sites in the eastern Mediterranean basin. The total native flora comprises 600 plant taxa, including many endemic and threatened taxa. In an examination of this flora, 62 taxa (31 endemic and 31 rare taxa for Turkey) were categorized as having restricted distributions and being under threat of extinction. To assess the conservation status of the threatened flora, the IUCN Red List categories and criteria were applied at both a regional and global scale. The distribution of threatened flora in the study area was analysed in relation to four principle habitats: sand dunes (mobile or fixed) and sandy beaches (with 64.5% of all taxa), salt flats and salt water marshes (16.1%), river banks and fresh water marshes (9.7%), and field margins and roadsides (9.7%). Sand dunes and sandy beaches were identified as the most threatened habitats, being both sensitive to disturbance and heavily affected by humans. This Red Data List is a first step towards the recognition of conservation problems in the Çukurova Deltas and the need for more effective conservation of their flora.
Habitat degradation threatens the survival of the Ethiopian bush crow Zavattariornis stresemanni
Authors: Borghesio Luca , Giannetti Fabio
Published: January 2005

The Ethiopian bush crow Zavattariornis stresemanni is one of the most remarkable ornithological discoveries of the 20th century. It is restricted to an area of c. 5,000 km2 in southern Ethiopia, and a large part of its range is protected inside Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary. We report on the results of roadside counts carried out in 1989, 1995 and 2003 showing that the population of the species has decreased by 80% during this time. By comparing two Landsat satellite images from 1986 and 2002, we highlight land cover trends within the range of the species. These include a general increase in bush density, probably related to increasing grazing pressure by domestic animals, fire suppression (only in the Sanctuary) and the disappearance of wild herbivores. Land cover trends differed between the Sanctuary and the area outside, where open areas expanded, apparently indicating an increase in agricultural exploitation. Satellite images also showed that, within its range, the bush crow selects areas having relatively open terrain. Our data suggest that the population decrease within the Sanctuary could be due to the encroachment of open savannah by dense bush and that, therefore, the Sanctuary has failed to protect the bush crow. More research is urgently needed to evaluate its conservation status outside the Sanctuary and the impact of human activities on the species.
Social and economic changes and health in Europe East and West
Authors: MARMOT MICHAEL , BOBAK MARTIN
Published: January 2005

The health status of populations of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union underwent major changes after the fall of communism. While mortality started declining in Central Europe, mortality in Russia and most other countries of the former Soviet Union rose dramatically and has yet to improve. In terms of the socioeconomic changes, some countries (mainly Central Europe) were able to contain the fall in income and rise in income inequalities, but across the former Soviet Union gross domestic product plummeted and income inequality grew rapidly. This led to two types of inequality: first, the widening gap in mortality between countries, and second, the increasing social gradient in health and disease within countries. The thrust of our argument is that the disadvantages in health in Eastern Europe, and the growing social inequalities in health in the region, are direct results of the social changes, and that psychosocial factors played a pivotal role in the health pattern seen in Central and Eastern Europe.
In the spirit of cultural communication with reflections on the Nobel Prize for literature
Authors: ALLÉN STURE
Published: January 2005

Fully adequate high-level cross-cultural communication is not feasible, whereas advanced high-level cross-cultural communication is both possible and necessary. In this spirit, four important areas relating to literature, language, research, and religion are discussed. To the extent that cross-cultural communication does not work satisfactorily, as with respect to EU languages and large-scale religious relations, we are dealing with an ignited cultural fuse.
The modernist traveller in Africa: Africanism and the European author's self-fashioning
Authors: MIKKONEN KAI
Published: January 2005

The central question in this paper is the relationship between European modernist traveller's self-fashioning and the representation of Sub-Saharan African cultures, spaces and cross-cultural encounters in the early 20th century. The premise is that the cultural production of identity, including the question of artistic identity and poetics, is most productive where it is most ambivalent and uneasy. High modernist critical narratives pose the question of the phenomenology of travel in terms of textual authority. Authority, in the perception in late colonial European writing, was often simultaneously questioned and affirmed, meaning that Western art, and the modern society, were seen as lacking something significant outside of its margin. At the same time, the idea of the pure exotic emerged as incompatible with modern historical consciousness, and colonial texts anticipate many later theoretical ideas in postcolonial studies. The question is how to portray cross-cultural encounters, and how to fashion the self in the contact zone of travel and sojourn. Modernist travel writing asks what was the writer's self and the recognition of identity and difference in others. The modernist image of Africa carries important implications for the re-evaluation of art and literature and the renewal of artistic or narrative forms.
The case of the missing empire, or the continuing relevance of Multatuli's novel Max Havelaar (1860)
Authors: SALVERDA REINIER
Published: January 2005

I discuss the Dutch maritime and colonial empire in South East Asia (1600–1950) and its literature. Focusing in particular on its absence from most postcolonial debate today, my aim here is to explore why and how this missing Dutch empire and its literature matter to postcolonial theory. I will consider a range of recent reactions to the 19th-century Dutch author Multatuli and his classic novel Max Havelaar or the Coffee Auctions of the Dutch Trading Company (1860). The Indonesian writer Pramoedya Ananta Toer, for example, has expressed the view that it was this novel that ‘put an end to colonialism”. I will also try and assess the continuing relevance of Multatuli's Max Havelaar, considering in particular the issues of justice and humanity raised by this novel about the human cost of coffee production.
Postcolonial memories and lusophone literatures
Authors: DE MEDEIROS PAULO
Published: January 2005

By focusing almost exclusively on the circumstances of British colonialism, postcolonial theory has failed to take into consideration other histories of colonization and other forms of postcoloniality. By considering a few elements from the history of Portuguese colonialism and a few lusophone texts, it is my hope to demonstrate what I consider to be a limited perspective on postcolonial studies, at the same time that one may also ponder the fact that so much in postcolonial literature depends precisely on acts of remembrance. Ruins, all sorts of ruins, form a privileged space for the construction of postcolonial memories and in this essay I will focus especially on one kind, the shipwreck, as a special figure for varied postcolonial memories. In the process, I hope to also make a case for the reconsideration of European literature, via the example of Portuguese literature, from a postcolonial point of view. Germano Almeida's novel, O Testamento do Senhor Napumoceno (1991) and its film version, de-emphasize cultural hegemony and the dichotomy between colony and metropolis. The legacy of Portuguese tradition remains complex.
Neuropsychological profile of Italians with Williams syndrome: An example of a dissociation between language and cognition?
Authors: VICARI STEFANO , BATES ELISABETH , CASELLI MARIA CRISTINA , PASQUALETTI PATRIZIO , GAGLIARDI CHIARA , TONUCCI FRANCESCA , VOLTERRA VIRGINIA
Published: January 2005

Important claims have been made regarding the contrasting profiles of linguistic and cognitive performance observed in two genetically based syndromes, Williams syndrome (WS) and Down syndrome (DS). Earlier studies suggested a double dissociation, with language better preserved than nonverbal cognition in children and adults with WS, and an opposite profile in children and adults with DS. More recent studies show that this initial characterization was too simple, and that qualitatively different patterns of deficit observed within both language and visual–spatial cognition, in both groups. In the present study, large samples of children and adolescents with WS and age-matched DS are compared with typically developing (TD) controls matched to WS in mental age, on receptive and expressive lexical and grammatical abilities, semantic and phonological fluency, digit span and nonverbal visual–spatial span, and on 2 visual–spatial construction tasks. Study 1 confirmed distinct profiles of sparing and impairment for the 2 groups, within as well as between language and nonlinguistic domains, even after IQ variations were controlled. In Study 2 we compared performance of the children, adolescents and young adults with DS and WS included in the first study, divided on the basis of the chronological age of the participants (under 8 years; over 12 years). Although it is important to stress that these are cross-sectional rather than longitudinal data, the results demonstrated that the profile of younger children is different in respect to those of the older children; initial states of the system cannot be inferred by the final state. Possible neural substrates for these profiles and trajectories are discussed. (JINS, 2004,10, 862–876.)
Changing of the Guard
Authors: Haaland Kathleen Y.
Published: January 2005

I am very honored to be the new Editor-in-Chief of the Journal
of the International Neuropsychological Society, JINS,
beginning in January 2005. It is a daunting task to follow in Dr.
Grant's footsteps. He has done a stellar job of developing this
journal from its conception to its current status, and the statistics
that he presents tell only part of the story. He appropriately recognizes
all of the help he has received, but JINS' success is
largely due to his vision, organization, innovation, and leadership. In
order to concretely recognize that vision and its continuing influence
on JINS, Dr. Grant's name will be listed on the cover of
JINS as its Founding Editor. He had the vision to develop a
journal that “fits” the INS from the standpoint of its breadth,
multidisciplinary contributions, and scientific rigor. He selected and
has led an impressive group of senior editors with expertise in a
variety of areas, and these editors have provided a level of editorial
expertise that would not be possible with a single Editor-in-Chief. Dr.
Grant has also brought electronic submission and review to
JINS. Web-based submission began August 1. Even though
electronic submission and review should facilitate logistics, the
quality of JINS will still be most dependent on high quality
peer review provided by the Editorial Board and a large group of
dedicated reviewers.
Useful Backward and Forward Reflections
Authors: Cripe Lloyd I.
Published: January 2005

Pathways to Prominence in Neuropsychology: Reflections of
Twentieth-Century Pioneers. Anthony Y. Stringer, Eileen L. Cooley,
and Anne-Lise Christensen, 2002. New York: Psychology Press. 324 pp.,
$64.95.

Pathways to Prominence in Neuropsychology discusses the
origin and development of research and clinical neuropsychology in the
20th century. This is an important first book to help us better
understand where we have been, where we are, where we are going and who
we are, but be forewarned that the writer of this review is extremely
biased, believing that history is both interesting and potentially
useful to enlighten our individual and collective journeys. The writing
of history, its facts and interpretations, is fraught with challenges
and pitfalls, especially when looking at ourselves. As the American
humorist Herb Shiner once said, “Nothing has changed the course
of history as much as the historian.