bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Textual and visual interfaces in art and design education
Authors: Orr Susan , Blythman Margo , Mullin Joan
Published: January 2005

When art colleges moved into the university sector in the last quarter of the twentieth century the response of many art and design departments was to gain acceptance in the academy. Since writing was/is privileged as a means to analyse and explicate criticality, degrees were created
that required extensive writing in traditional academic genres. This positioned writing (and in some cases theory) in a way that was viewed as restrictive by many in art and design. The current development and expansion of practice-based research degrees and the repositioning of art and design
in the last RAE has led to a re-questioning of the role of writing in art and design education and a rejection in some quarters that writing should be constrained by academic conventions that arise from other disciplines/epistemologies. These developments create a space which enables us to
explore afresh, textual and visual interfaces in art and design education.
Autonome Navigation mobiler Systeme in natürlichen Umgebungen durch die Integration von 3D-Laserdaten (Autonomous Navigation of Mobile Systems in Natural Environments by Integration of 3D Laser Range Data)
Authors: Brenneke Christian , Wulf Oliver , Wagner Bernardo
Published: January 2005

In diesem Artikel wird ein Navigationssystem vorgestellt, das den Einsatz von mobilen Servicerobotern in natürlichen Umgebungen außerhalb von Gebäuden ermöglicht. Erreicht wurde dieses Ziel durch die erfolgreiche Kombination von Umgebungsdaten eines 3D-Laserscanners mit 2D-Navigationsalgorithmen zur Kartengenerierung, Lokalisation und Wegeplanung. Speziell mit dem hier vorgestellten PixelSLAM-Algorithmus ist der Roboter in der Lage, so genannte farbige 2D-Karten zu generieren, in denen Messpunkte mit verschiedenen Attributen versehen werden können. Auf diese Weise kann die selbst generierte Karte gleichzeitig für unterschiedliche Navigationsaufgaben wie die Lokalisation oder die kollisionsfreie Wegeplanung genutzt werden. Die Funktionalität dieses Ansatzes wird anhand verschiedener experimenteller Ergebnisse demonstriert.
Dielectric Relaxation Studies of Binary Mixtures of N-Methylacetamide and Acetonitrile in Benzene Solutions Using Microwave Absorption Studies
Authors: Kumar Raman , Rangra V. S.
Published: January 2005

This paper is concerned with the dielectric relaxation times (τ) and the dipole moments (μ) of the binary mixtures of different molar concentrations of acetonitrile (CH3CN) in the binary mixtures of N-Methylacetamide (NMA) and acetonitrile (CH3CN) in benzene solutions. The physical parameters τ and μ have been calculated by using standard standing wave microwave techniques and Gopala Krishna’s single frequency (9.90 GHz) concentration variational method at different temperatures (25 °C, 30 °C, 35 °C, 40 °C). The dielectric relaxation process have been found to be an activated process. The energy parameters (ΔH, ΔF, ΔS) for the dielectric relaxation process of binary mixtures containing 30% mole-fraction of CH3CN have been calculated at the respective given temperatures and a comparison has been made with the corresponding energy parameters (ΔH
η, ΔF
η, ΔS
η) for the viscous flow. On the basis of the observations, it is found that the dielectric relaxation process can be treated as the rate process like the viscous flow process. Solute–solute and solute–solvent molecular associations have been predicted.
An ab initio DFT Characteristics of Tautomeric Properties of Hydroxyl Radical Modified Nucleosides in Polar and Non-Polar Environments
Authors: Cysewski Piotr
Published: January 2005

DFT ab initio calculations of 22 free radical derived nucleosides analogs were performed in gas phase and water solution. Most of studied compounds exist mainly in expected amino- and keto- forms. However, there were found few important exceptions: enol-amino tautomer of 2-OH-adenosine is dominant in apolar environment, while in polar solution keto-amino isomer become more probable; 8-oxo-guanosine is to be represented as a mixture of two tautomers: 6,8-diketo and 6-enol-8-keto with disfavoring of the latter in polar conditions, 5-OH-cytidine adopts imino-keto form in non-polar surroundings but water stabilizes amino-keto isomer reverting order of these tautomers, cytidine glycol in apolar and polar conditions is represented mainly by keto-imino form, but more polar environment increase percentage of amino-keto tautomer not reverting their order, 6-hydroxy-5,6-dihydroxycytidine in both polar and non-polar conditions adopts keto-imino form, which dominates over keto-amino one, 5-hydroxy-5,6-dihydro-cytosine in non-polar conditions exists as keto-imino tautomer while polar conditions favors keto-amino form.
A new fault diagnosis method using fault directions in Fisher discriminant analysis
Authors: He Q. Peter , Qin S. Joe , Wang Jin
Published: January 2005

Multivariate statistical methods such as principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) have been widely applied to the statistical process monitoring (SPM) of chemical processes and their effectiveness for fault detection is well recognized. These methods make use of normal process data to define a tight normal operation region for monitoring. In practice, however, historical process data are often corrupted with faulty data. In this paper, a new process monitoring method is proposed that is composed of three parts: (1) a preanalysis step that first roughly identifies various clusters in a historical data set and then precisely isolates normal and abnormal data clusters by the k‐means clustering method; (2) a fault visualization step that visualizes high‐dimensional data in 2‐D space by performing global Fisher discriminant analysis (FDA), and (3) a new fault diagnosis method based on fault directions in pairwise FDA. A simulation example is used to demonstrate the performance of the proposed fault diagnosis method. An industrial film process is used to illustrate a realistic scenario for data preanalysis, fault visualization, and fault diagnosis. In both examples, the contribution plots method, based on fault directions in pairwise FDA, shows superior capability for fault diagnosis to the contribution plots method based on PCA. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 51: 555–571, 2005
Glucose control design using nonlinearity assessment techniques
Authors: Hernjak Nicholas , Doyle Francis J.
Published: January 2005

The most effective control algorithm for regulation of glucose levels in persons with diabetes is determined using control‐relevant nonlinearity analysis of a diabetic system model. Theoretical control‐relevant nonlinearity analysis is performed using the Optimal Control Structure and a norm‐based nonlinearity measure. These results are correlated with results of controller performance assessment trials, based on optimizing the rejection of glucose disturbances. Performance is quantified using a standard quadratic performance objective as well as an asymmetric performance objective in which negative glucose deviations are penalized more highly than positive deviations because of the greater health concerns associated with negative deviations. The control‐relevant nonlinearity assessment indicates that the best controller design is a linear algorithm except when the desired performance is strongly asymmetric. For standard meal disturbances, the system is found to be well regulated using proportional–derivative control or standard linear model predictive control with no significant benefit observed in using nonlinear model‐based control. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 51: 544–554, 2005
A survey of public opinion in south‐west Scotland on cetacean conservation issues
Authors: Scott N.J. , Parsons E.C.M.
Published: January 2005

In summer 2001, 252 members of the public in south‐west Scotland were interviewed to determine their awareness of, and opinions on, cetacean conservation issues in Scotland. Interviews were conducted in both rural island and coastal communities and a major city. Interviewees were also presented with a list of threats to cetaceans and were asked to gauge how serious they considered these threats to be for cetaceans in the waters of western Scotland.

Oil spills (43.7%), reduction in available prey (41.8%), marine litter (32%) and sewage bacteria (31.1%) were ranked by most members of the public as being ‘serious threats’.

Least concern was expressed in relation to whale watching: only 0.8% of respondents considered whale watching to be a serious threat and 51.2% thought that it posed no threat at all.

In relation to the other threats considered, there was a moderate level of concern about fishery by‐catches and pollution from aquaculture and land‐based sources.

Levels of concern about disturbance caused by quarrying, dredging and military activities were generally low, despite these factors having been raised by some as being conservation issues in west Scotland.

The majority of participants (69.4%) were aware of whaling operations currently being conducted by Japan and Norway. Almost all participants were against these countries hunting whales (96.4%).

Interviewees were also asked for their opinion regarding the level of protection currently afforded to cetaceans by the Scottish Government. Virtually no interviewee considered cetaceans to be overprotected in Scotland (0.4%). A substantial proportion were of the opinion that they are not sufficiently protected (45.6%). Of these, virtually all (94.8%) thought that legislation specifically for the protection of cetaceans in Scotland should be introduced.

Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polychaete (Spirobranchus giganteus) loading on South African corals
Authors: Floros C.D. , Samways M.J. , Armstrong B.
Published: January 2005

Spirobranchus giganteus is a ubiquitous serpulid polychaete that is an obligate associate of living coral. At Sodwana Bay, South Africa, it is a conspicuous associate of Acropora clathrata plates.

This study explores the relationship between S. giganteus abundance and factors hypothesized to represent stress to the corals, in particular coral bleaching, diving intensity and exposure to destructive wave action as a function of depth. In addition, plate size was investigated to increase understanding of habitat selection by S. giganteus.

There was no significant correlation between diving intensity and S. giganteus abundance on the three reefs studied, suggesting either that the current level of diving intensity causes no stress or that S. giganteus does not indicate stress.

Depth influenced the size distribution of A. clathrata plates, with the larger plates being at greatest depths (>0.4 m2 at depths >14 m).

Extremely high S. giganteus densities (most plates with number of individuals >50 m−2; maximum number of individuals 413.63 m−2 at 9 m depth on one reef) were recorded at depths >14 m, with density increasing overall with depth.

The high densities of S. giganteus on A. clathrata plates are possibly because the plates are a physically elevated platform above the reef, where factors such as predation, competition and smothering by sand are far less important than on the reef surface. In turn, upwelling of nutrients and dependent plankton may encourage S. giganteus to maintain high population levels.

Climatic or other stresses are not considered currently to be responsible for these high S. giganteus densities. Rather, the worm data reflect a healthy upwelling, which may change as the coral reef becomes stressed with global climate change.

Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectrometric determination of atenolol in human plasma
Authors: Li Wenkui , Li Yinghe , Francisco Diane T. , Naidong Weng
Published: January 2005

A hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatographic method with tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of atenolol, a β‐blocking agent, in human plasma has been developed and validated over the curve range of 10–2000 ng/mL. The assay was based on protein precipitation followed by evaporation of the extraction solvent, reconstitution with acetonitrile, and chromatography on an Hypersil silica column (50 × 4.6 mm) using a low aqueous–high organic mobile phase. The mobile phase consists of 85% acetonitrile, 15% water, 0.5% acetic acid and 0.04% triﬂuoroacetic acid and runs isocratically at a ﬂow rate of 2.0 mL/min. The column efﬂuent was split so that 50% of it was transferred into the LC‐MS/MS interface operated in positive electrospray ionization mode. The chromatographic run time was 2.0 min per injection. Atenolol and the internal standard, atenolol‐d7, showed a retention time of 1.0 min. The inter‐day and intra‐day precision and accuracy of the quality control samples were <5.3% relative standard deviation and <8.0% relative error, respectively. To explore the application of the current method for the analysis of other β‐blocking agents, propranolol and metoprolol were tested under the same chromatographic conditions with retention times of 0.68 and 0.75 min, respectively. The present method could be used for therapeutic drug monitoring, pharmacokinetic and drug–drug interaction studies of β‐blocking agents. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of unbound cocaine in blood, brain and bile of anesthetized rats using microdialysis coupled with liquid chromatography and veriﬁed by tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Chen Yen‐Fei , Chang Chun‐Hao , Wang Shau‐Chun , Tsai Tung‐Hu
Published: January 2005

To investigate the disposition of unbound cocaine in the rat blood, brain and bile, we demonstrate an in vivo multiple sampling microdialysis system coupled with liquid chromatography for cocaine assay and veriﬁed by tandem mass spectrometry. Three microdialysis probes were concurrently inserted into the jugular vein, bile duct and brain striatum of each anesthetized rat. After a period of 2 h post‐surgical stabilization, cocaine (10 mg kg−1) was administered through the femoral vein. Separation of unbound cocaine from various biological ﬂuids was applied to a reversed‐phase C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm I.D., 5 µm). The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile–10 mm potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (25:75, v/v, pH 4.0) and 0.8% diethylamine at a ﬂow rate of 1 mL min−1. The UV detector wavelength was set at 235 nm. The results indicate that cocaine penetrates the blood–brain barrier with a rapid distribution. However, unbound cocaine in the bile dialysate was not detectable in the UV detection. We therefore use LC–tandem mass spectrometry to detect the bile ﬂuid after cocaine administration (3 mg kg−1, i.v.). The results indicate that cocaine goes through hepatobiliary excretion. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detecting protein–protein interaction in live yeast by flow cytometry
Authors: Dye Billy T. , Schell Kathleen , Miller David J. , Ahlquist Paul
Published: January 2005

Background

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the most commonly used organism for studying protein– protein interactions. In this report we demonstrate the use of flow cytometry in observing fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between cyan and yellow fluorescent fusion proteins (CFP and YFP, respectively) as a marker for protein interaction in live yeast cells. Probability binning is also employed to provide a statistical confirmation of our observations.

Methods

We coexpressed CFP and YFP fusions containing the N‐terminal transmembrane domain (NTM) of Tom70p in yeast and analyzed FRET in live cells with a multilaser flow cytometer. The Tom70p NTM was previously shown to be sufficient for mitochondrial localization and protein–protein interaction (Millar and Shore, 1994, J Biol Chem 269:12229–12232).

Results

FRET was observed only in cells that expressed CFP and YFP fusions that each contained the wild‐type NTM. The introduction of mutations previously shown to disrupt NTM interaction eliminated FRET. Probability binning confirmed that differences between the FRET channels of experimental and control samples were statistically and physiologically significant.

Conclusion

Flow cytometric analysis of FRET in yeast is a powerful technique for studying protein–protein interactions. The use of flow cytometry allows FRET data to be gathered from a large number of individual cells, thus providing important advantages unavailable to other techniques. Its application to yeast presents a new method to a popular system widely used in proteomic studies. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Response models based on bagging neural networks
Authors: Ha Kyoungnam , Cho Sungzoon , MacLachlan Douglas
Published: January 2005

Identifying customers who are likely to respond to a product offering is an important issue in direct marketing.Response models are typically built from historical purchase data. A popular method of choice, logistic regression, is easy to understand and build, but limited in that the model is linear in parameters. Neural networks are nonlinear and have been found to improve predictive accuracies for a variety of business applications. Neural networks have not always demonstrated clear supremacy over traditional statistics competitors, largely because of over-fitting and instability. Combining multiple networksmay alleviate these problems. A systematic method of combining neural networks is proposed, namely bagging or bootstrap aggregating, whereby overfitted multiple neural networks are trained with bootstrap replicas of the original data set and then averaged. We built response models using a publicly available DMEF data set with three methods: bagging neural networks, single neural networks, and conventional logistic regression. The proposed method not only improved but also stabilized the prediction accuracies over the other two.
The usefulness of bidders’ reputation ratings to sellers in online auctions
Authors: Dholakia Utpal M.
Published: January 2005

To complement existing research showing that sellers’ reputation ratings in online auctions are extremely useful to most bidders therein, we examine current usefulness of bidders’ reputation ratings to sellers and consider how they can be made more useful. In two (briefly described) field studies, we find that even at the boundary conditions, when bidder ratings are extremely atypical and are made conveniently available, they are not used by most sellers. To make bidder reputations more useful, we propose several new measures based on relational marketing theories in consumer settings, which operationalize the relational orientation (via number and extent of multiple-transaction relationships) and the potential of bidders as relational partners (via purchase intensity, average purchase amount, bidding intensity, and bidding caution). These measures, derived from existing bidder reputation profiles, are evaluated for their discriminative value by employing a mixture modeling approach and for their predictive value by tracking a random sample of eBay bidders in a longitudinal year-long field study. We conclude with a discussion of the practical implications of our proposal for sellers, bidders, and online auctioneers.
Controlling NOx emission from industrial sources
Authors: Srivastava R.K. , Neuffer W. , Grano D. , Khan S. , Staudt J.E. , Jozewicz W.
Published: January 2005

A number of regulatory actions focused on reducing NOx emissions from stationary combustion sources have been taken in the United States in the last decade. These actions include the Acid Rain NOx regulations, the Ozone Transport Commission's NOx Budget Program, and the NOx SIP Call rulemakings. In addition to these regulations, the recent Interstate Air Quality Rulemaking proposal and other bills in the Congress are focusing on additional reductions of NOx. Industrial combustion sources accounted for about 18% of NOx emissions in the United States in 2000 and constituted the second largest emitting source category within stationary sources, only behind electric utility sources. Based on these data, reduction of NOx emissions from industrial combustion sources is an important consideration in efforts undertaken to address the environmental concerns associated with NOx. This paper discusses primary and secondary NOx control technologies applicable to various major categories of industrial sources. The sources considered in this paper include large boilers, furnaces and fired heaters, combustion turbines, large IC engines, and cement kilns. For each source category considered in this paper, primary NOx controls are discussed first, followed by a discussion of secondary NOx controls. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2005
Simple algorithm for semi‐active seismic response control of cable‐stayed bridges
Authors: Iemura Hirokazu , Pradono Mulyo Harris
Published: January 2005

The linear quadratic regulator (LQR) control algorithm is at the heart of many modern control design methods. There have been numerous publications dealing with LQR control and earthquake engineering. However, very few papers discuss the hysteretic loops produced by the LQR control force, although in the earthquake engineering field, hysteretic loops have been the key part of seismic designs. This paper shows the importance of investigating the hysteretic loops produced by the LQR control force for seismic response, and proposes a method to reproduce the hysteretic loops with a much simpler algorithm. The investigation was carried out on a cable‐stayed bridge model controlled either by the LQR algorithm, viscous damper, or the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method is capable of reducing seismic response better than the viscous damper case and is similar to the LQR case. The practical applicability of the proposed method is also investigated by using a variable‐orifice oil damper as the controlling device. The proposed method needs only displacement response at the device location, and therefore fewer sensors are needed than for the LQR algorithm. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance‐based seismic analysis and design of suspension bridges
Authors: Arzoumanidis Serafim , Shama Ayman , Ostadan Farhang
Published: January 2005

This paper presents a performance‐based seismic analysis and design of a large suspension bridge, the new Tacoma Narrows Parallel Crossing in the State of Washington. The scope of the project included establishment of design criteria, extensive analysis and validation of the design. The analysis was performed using detailed three‐dimensional models that included geometric and material non‐linearity. The target post‐earthquake level of service was verified using stress, deformation and ductility criteria. In the absence of well‐established criteria, which relate the structural response of tower shafts to specific levels of performance, capacity analyses were performed to demonstrate that the design fulfills the performance objectives. The seismic analysis and design of this bridge was reviewed throughout the design process. An independent check team also performed separate analysis and validation of the design. Thus, this bridge constitutes an example of a large‐scale design project where the performance‐based seismic design procedures underwent rigorous assessment. This work demonstrated that the performance‐based approach for seismic design is an appropriate way for designing earthquake‐resistant structures. Further data that relate the structural response with the performance objectives are necessary. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The CARE international evaluation standards
Authors: Rugh Jim
Published: January 2005

In describing the efforts of CARE International, this chapter demonstrates how nongovernmental organizations have begun to set their own evaluation standards.
Cross‐cutting issues in international standards development
Authors: Russon Craig
Published: January 2005

This summary chapter reports the results of an informal analysis of the previous chapters to frame issues that the evaluation community needs to address as the global standards movement continues.
Environmental conditions leading to the formation of Holocene soil layers in the Northern Taklimakan Desert, Tarim Basin, Northwest China
Authors: Feng Q. , Liu W.
Published: January 2005

Radiocarbon‐dated palaeontological remains and bedding features suggests that climatic changes in the northern Taklimakan Desert since the beginning of the Holocene can be divided into four stages: (i) 12 000–10 000 BP, a cool–to temperate–dry climate resulting in apparent alluvial–fluvial and weak aeolian activities; (ii) 10 000–8000 BP, a dry cold climate, resulting in large‐scale sand dune activity under regional desert expansion; (iii) 8000–3000 BP dry, warm climate, with a decreased area of shifting sand and the fixation of many sand dunes; (iv) 3000 BP to present, rising aeolian activity resulting in sandstorms, under the combined influence of climatic warming and excessive exploitation of land and water resources. Holocene deposits from profiles in the Northern Taklimakan Desert consist mainly of fine‐grained aeolian sand and silty clay. The fine aeolian sand was formed from re‐sorting of aeolian sand during the cold period of the Holocene, while the silty clay was formed by flood deposition in the Holocene warm period. The desert and desert steppe arboreal species and high CaCO3 content of the warm period strata suggest that the Holocene climate in the area, although generally dry, varied between warm/dry and cold/dry, and, especially in recent times, has become increasingly dry. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication and evaluation of nanoporous alumina membranes for osteoblast culture
Authors: Swan Erin E. Leary , Popat Ketul C. , Grimes Craig A. , Desai Tejal A.
Published: January 2005

An understanding of osteoblast response to surface topography is essential for successful bone tissue engineering applications. Alumina has been extensively used as a substrate for bone tissue constructs. However, current techniques do not allow precise surface topography and orientation of the material. In this research, a two‐step anodization process was optimized for the fabrication of nanoporous alumina membranes with uniform pore dimension and distribution. The anodization voltage can be varied to create nanoporous alumina membranes with pore sizes ranging from 30 to 80 nm in diameter. The impact of the nanoscale pores on osteoblast response was studied by evaluating cell adhesion, morphology, and matrix production. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to characterize the nanoporous alumina membranes. Osteoblast adhesion and morphology were investigated using scanning electron microscopy images and matrix production was characterized using energy dispersive spectroscopy. This research combined the advantages of using alumina, a material with proven biocompatibility and current orthopedic clinical applications, and incorporated porous features on the nanoscale which have been reported to improve osteoblast response. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 72A: 288–295, 2005
Enhanced intrinsic biomechanical properties of osteoblastic mineralized tissue on roughened titanium surface
Authors: Takeuchi Kazuo , Saruwatari Lei , Nakamura Hiromi K. , Yang Jenn‐Ming , Ogawa Takahiro
Published: January 2005

The biological mechanisms underlying bone‐titanium integration and biomechanical properties of the integrated bone are poorly understood. This study assesses intrinsic biomechanical properties of mineralized tissue cultured on titanium having different surface topographies. The osteoblastic phenotypes associated with mineral deposition and collagen synthesis underlying the biomechanical modulation are also reported. Rat bone marrow–derived osteoblastic cells were cultured either on the machined titanium disc or acid‐etched titanium disc. Nano‐indentation study of day 28 culture revealed that the mineralized tissue on the acid‐etched surface shows 3–3.5 times greater hardness than that on the machined surface (p < 0.01). Elastic modulus of the mineralized tissue was also 2.5–3 times greater on the acid‐etched surface than on the machined surface (p < 0.01). After 28 days of culture, mineralized nodule area was significantly lower on the acid‐etched surface than on the machined surface (p = 0.0105), while total calcium deposition did not differ between the two surfaces, indicating denser mineral deposition on the acid‐etched surface. Osteopontin and osteocalcin gene expressions assayed by the reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction were upregulated in the acid‐etched titanium culture. Collagen synthesis measured by Sirius red stain‐based colorimetry was 1.5–10 times higher on the acid‐etched surface than on the machined surface in the initial culture period of day 1 to day 14 (p < 0.0001). The amount of collagen synthesis corresponded with the enhanced gene expression of prolyl 4‐hydroxylase, a key enzyme for post‐translational modification of collagen chains. Scanning electron microscopic images revealed that tissue cultured on the acid‐etched titanium exhibited plate‐like, compact surface morphology, while the tissue on the machined titanium appeared porous and was covered by fibrous and punctate structures. We conclude that culturing osteoblasts on rougher titanium surfaces enhances hardness and elastic modulus of the mineralized tissue, associated with condensed mineralization, accelerated collagen synthesis, and upregulated expression of selected bone‐related genes. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 72A: 296–305, 2005
Prevention of postsurgical tissue adhesion by anti‐inflammatory drug‐loaded pluronic mixtures with sol–gel transition behavior
Authors: Oh Se Heang , Kim Jin Kyeong , Song Kyu Sang , Noh Seung Moo , Ghil Sung Ho , Yuk Soon Hong , Lee Jin Ho
Published: January 2005

Sol–gel transition temperature‐controllable Pluronic F127/F68 mixtures including mildly crosslinked alginate and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (ibuprofen) were prepared to evaluate their potential as tissue adhesion barrier gels. The sol–gel transition temperatures of the Pluronic mixtures could be controlled by adjusting F127/F68 ratio and polymer concentration. The mildly crosslinked alginate with still flow property provided the residence stability of Pluronic mixture gels in the body. Ibuprofen was loaded in Pluronic mixtures to reduce inflammatory response in the body and, thus, to prevent tissue adhesion. The gelation temperatures of the Pluronic mixtures were not affected by the alginate but lowered by the addition of ibuprofen. The in vitro drug release behavior and in vivo peritoneal tissue adhesion of the Pluronic mixtures with the sol–gel transition just below body temperatures were investigated. The drug release behavior from the ibuprofen (1 wt%)‐loaded Pluronic mixture gels at 37°C was examined using a membrane‐less dissolution model. The drug in the mixture gels was released continuously up to about 45–65% of the total loading amount during the first 7 days. For in vivo evaluation of tissue anti‐adhesion potential, the Pluronic mixtures with/without drug were coated on the peritoneal wall defects of rats and their tissue adhesion extents and tissue reactions (inflammatory response, granulation tissue formation, and toxicity in organs) were compared. It was observed that ibuprofen has a positive effect for the peritoneal tissue anti‐adhesion. The Pluronic F127/F68/alginate/ibuprofen mixture gel (25 wt% of F127/F68 [7/3], 1 wt% ibuprofen) was highly effective for the prevention of peritoneal tissue adhesion and showed a relatively low inflammatory response and non‐toxicity, and thus can be a good candidate material as a coatable or injectable tissue adhesion barrier gel. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 72A: 306–316, 2005
Sufficient conditions for graphs to be λ′‐optimal, super‐edge‐connected, and maximally edge‐connected
Authors: Hellwig Angelika , Volkmann Lutz
Published: January 2005

The restricted‐edge‐connectivity of a graph G, denoted by λ′(G), is defined as the minimum cardinality over all edge‐cuts S of G, where G‐S contains no isolated vertices. The graph G is called λ′‐optimal, if λ′(G) = ξ(G), where ξ(G) is the minimum edge‐degree in G. A graph is super‐edge‐connected, if every minimum edge‐cut consists of edges adjacent to a vertex of minimum degree. In this paper, we present sufficient conditions for arbitrary, triangle‐free, and bipartite graphs to be λ′‐optimal, as well as conditions depending on the clique number. These conditions imply super‐edge‐connectivity, if δ (G) ≥ 3, and the equality of edge‐connectivity and minimum degree. Different examples will show that these conditions are best possible and independent of other results in this area. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 48: 228–246, 2005
Evaluation of different temperatures in cold air cooling with pulsed‐dye laser treatment of facial telangiectasia
Authors: Hammes Stefan , Raulin Christian
Published: January 2005

Background and Objectives

Cold air cooling is widely used in dermatological laser therapy. We investigated the influence of cold air cooling at different skin temperatures on therapeutic outcome and side effects of pulsed dye laser treatment of facial telangiectasia.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

From September 2002 to February 2003, 17 patients with previously untreated facial telangiectasia underwent a single treatment session with flash‐lamp pulsed dye laser (3.5 J/cm2, 585 nm, 0.45 milliseconds pulse length, 10 mm beam diameter, Cynosure® V). The treatment area was divided into three sub‐areas: no cooling, cold air cooling to 20°C and to 17°C skin temperature. The skin temperature was monitored by a prototype infrared sensor system which controlled the temperature of the cold air stream (Cryo5®). In a prospective study, we collected data on purpura, pain, clearance, and patient satisfaction on numerical analog scales (NAS) from 0 (meaning “no”) to 3 (meaning “high”).

Results

Without cooling, purpura (2.53), pain (2.41), and clearance (2.35) were rated medium to high. Cooling to 20°C reduced purpura (1.12) and pain (1.06), whereas the clearance (2.12) was only slightly affected. Cooling to 17°C reduced purpura (0.88) and pain (0.76) even more, the clearance (2.06) was lowered marginally. Most patients preferred cooling to 20°C skin temperature.

Conclusion

In dermatological laser therapy of facial telangiectasia, the use of cold air cooling can significantly reduce side effects and increase patient satisfaction while only slightly affecting clearance. Cooling to 20°C skin temperature proved to be a well‐balanced middle course. For the practical use of cold air cooling, we thus recommend cooling to a level which the patient can tolerate without problems and to try to increase the energy densities. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical trial of a novel non‐thermal LED array for reversal of photoaging: Clinical, histologic, and surface profilometric results
Authors: Weiss Robert A. , McDaniel David H. , Geronemus Roy G. , Weiss Margaret A.
Published: January 2005

Background and Objectives

Photomodulation has been described as a process which modifies cell activity using light sources without thermal effect. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of a non‐thermal low dose light emitting diode (LED) array for improving the appearance of photoaged subjects.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

This prospective study investigated a random cohort of patients (N = 90) with a wide range of photoaged skin treated by LED photomodulation® using a full panel 590 nm non‐thermal full face LED array delivering 0.1 J/cm2 with a specific sequence of pulsing. Subjects were evaluated at 4, 8, 12, 18 weeks and 6 and 12 months after a series of 8 treatments delivered over 4 weeks. Data collected included stereotactic digital imaging, computerized optical digital profilometry, and peri‐ocular biopsy histologic evaluations for standard stains and well as collagen synthetic and degradative pathway immunofluorescent staining.

Results

Digital imaging data showed a reduction of signs of photoaging in 90% of subjects with smoother texture, reduction of peri‐orbital rhytids, and reduction of erythema and pigmentation. Optical profilometry showed a 10% improvement by surface topographical measurements. Histologic data showed markedly increased collagen in the papillary dermis of 100% of post‐treatment specimens (N = 10). Staining with anti‐collagen I antibodies demonstrated a 28% (range: 10%–70%) average increase in density while staining with anti‐matrixmetalloproteinase (MMP)‐1 showed an average reduction of 4% (range: 2%–40%). No side effects or pain were noted.

Conclusions

Photomodulation to reverse photoaging is possible with a specific array of LEDs with a specific fluence using a precise pulsing or “code” sequence. Skin textural improvement by digital imaging and surface profilometry is accompanied by increased collagen I deposition with reduced MMP‐1 (collagenase) activity in the papillary dermis. This technique is a safe and effective non‐painful non‐ablative modality for improvement of photoaging. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Meralgia paresthetica after strenuous exercise
Authors: Kho Kuan H. , Blijham Paul J. , Zwarts Machiel J.
Published: January 2005

We present three patients with signs and symptoms of meralgia paresthetica (MP) after long‐distance walking and cycling. No other possible causes of MP, such as trauma or exogenous compression, were present. A neuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve was confirmed in all patients with somatosensory evoked potentials. We propose that conduction block due to local ischemia during repetitive muscle stretching was the probable cause for the neuropathy. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Plasticity of dynamic muscle performance with strength training in elderly humans
Authors: Reeves Neil D. , Maganaris Constantinos N. , Narici Marco V.
Published: January 2005

Data are scarce relating to the plasticity with strength training of dynamic muscle performance in older humans. Hence, we investigated alterations in the torque–velocity relation with strength training in old age, and their origin. Knee extension and leg‐press exercises were performed three times per week for 14 weeks. Maximal isokinetic knee extension torque was assessed during concentric and eccentric muscle actions. Agonist–antagonist muscle activation was assessed using electromyography. Vastus lateralis muscle architecture was examined in vivo using ultrasonography. Training increased concentric torque by 22–37% (P < 0.01), but failed to alter eccentric torque (P > 0.05). Increased agonist muscle activation, increased muscle fascicle lengths, and greater elastic energy recovered from tendinous structures may explain the adaptations during concentric actions, whereas the failure of eccentric torque to increase might be explained by the preservation of eccentric force with aging and an underloading of the eccentric movement phase during training. These findings may have important implications for dynamic muscle performance in old age. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Organization of carbon black in laminates of cellulose and melamine‐formaldehyde
Authors: Voigt B. , Rouxel D. , McQueen D.H. , Rychwalski R.W.
Published: January 2005

Thin composite laminates based on melamine‐formaldehyde (MF) and cellulose are made electrostatically dissipative or conductive by addition of carbon black (CB). CB in an ethanol dispersion was applied to MF sheets containing α‐cellulose. Areas around cellulose fibers are favored sites for CB and during subsequent hot‐pressing further redistribution took place, enriching the CB content adjacent to fibers. Thus, the mobility of CB during processing provides a spontaneously formed network with the cellulose fibers as the backbone. Longitudinal and transverse DC resistivity measurements had nearly the same percolation threshold and only slightly different resistivities indicating that an important conduction mechanism takes place through connection points between laminas. The elastic modulus is greatly increased already at very small loadings of CB. POLYM. COMPOS., 26:144–151, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of hydroxyl functionalized hyperbranched polymers on the thermomechanical and morphological properties of epoxy resins
Authors: Cicala G. , Recca A. , Restuccia C.
Published: January 2005

Rheological, thermomechanical, and morphological properties of blends of two different epoxy resins with hydroxyl functionalized hyperbranched polymers have been studied. The hydroxyl functionalized hyperbranched polymers used in this work had different generation number and different number of terminal groups. The difunctional epoxy resin has been also mixed with a linear aromatic thermoplastic in order to compare its effects with that of the hyperbranched polymers. All the blends have been characterized by linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) testing to evaluate the efficiency of the two types of toughening modifiers. In addition, the water uptake has been evaluated for all the formulations. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 45:225–237, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers
In vivo imaging of retinoic acid receptor β2 transcriptional activation by the histone deacetylase inhibitor MS‐275 in retinoid‐resistant prostate cancer cells
Authors: Qian David Z. , Ren Mingqiang , Wei Yongfeng , Wang Xiaofei , van de Geijn Fleur , Rasmussen Camilla , Nakanishi Osamu , Sacchi Nicoletta , Pili Roberto
Published: January 2005

BACKGROUND

In retinoid resistant epithelial tumors, the lack of retinoic acid receptor β2 (RARβ2) expression due to epigenetic silencing impairs the activation of retinoid target genes including RARβ2, and has been associated with the development of cancer. In this study we developed a strategy to monitor the re‐activation of RARβ2 by chromatin remodeling agents combined with retinoids in real time, and to correlate the RARβ2 re‐activation with anti‐tumor activity.

METHODS

We selected the RARβ2‐negative retinoid resistant human prostate carcinoma cell line PC3 and stably transfected it with a luciferase expression vector under the control of a functional segment of RARβ2 promoter (pGL2‐RARβ2‐PC3). Then, we used the bioluminescence technology to monitor the reporter gene expression in real time both in vitro and in vivo following combination treatment with the histone deacetylase inhibitor MS‐275 and 13‐cis retinoic acid (CRA). Based on the effective dose for the RARβ2 re‐activation, we tested the anti‐tumor activity of this drug combination.

RESULTS

Following combination treatment with MS‐275 and CRA, we observed endogenous RARβ2 re‐expression, acetylation at the RARβ2 promoter level, and synergistic activation of the luciferase reporter gene by real time imaging both in vitro and in vivo. Combination treatment with MS‐275 and CRA restored retinoid sensitivity in human prostate carcinoma cell lines, and had a greater inhibitory effect on tumor cell growth than single agents in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence that HDAC inhibitors restore retinoid sensitivity in prostate cancer cells, and in vivo real time imaging of RARβ2 activation may represent a useful tool to study the pharmacodynamics of combination therapy with HDAC inhibitors and retinoids. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of insulin‐like growth factor binding proteins in 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3‐induced growth inhibition of human prostate cancer cells
Authors: Stewart LaMonica V. , Weigel Nancy L.
Published: January 2005

BACKGROUND

The mechanisms underlying 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D)‐induced growth inhibition of human prostate cancer cells have not been fully elucidated. To determine whether alterations in the insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) signaling axis are associated with 1,25D‐induced growth inhibition, we examined the ability of 1,25D to regulate expression of IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) in human prostate cancer cell lines.

METHODS

Northern and Western blot analyses were used to detect 1,25D‐induced alterations in IGFBP expression. Additional in vitro studies were performed to determine the role of IGFBP‐3 in 1,25D‐induced growth inhibition.

RESULTS

1,25D decreased mRNA levels of the growth stimulatory IGFBP‐2 and induced IGFBP‐3 mRNA in LNCaP and C4‐2 cells. 1,25D treatment also increased secreted IGFBP‐3 protein levels in prostate cancer cell lines sensitive to 1,25D growth inhibition but had little effect on IGFBP‐3 expression in 1,25D‐resistant DU145 cells. However, recombinant IGFBP‐3 had only a minor effect on LNCaP cell growth in the presence of serum. Furthermore, siRNA duplexes that reduced IGFBP‐3 expression did not alter 1,25D growth inhibition in either LNCaP or PC‐3 cell lines grown in serum‐containing media.

CONCLUSIONS

Our studies indicate 1,25D‐induced up‐regulation of IGFBP‐3 is not required for the growth inhibitory effects of 1,25D in prostate cancer cells grown in serum‐containing media. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Some benefits of migrants' return visits to Ghana
Authors: Asiedu Alex
Published: January 2005

This paper explores some of the benefits associated with expatriates' temporary return visits to Ghana. These return trips to one's place of origin or birth, commonly referred to as ‘visiting friends and relatives’ (VFR) tourism, represent one of the major outcomes of the migration–tourism nexus. The benefits assessed in this study relate to donations, expenditures and investments made in Ghana by these visiting expatriates. Using two data‐sets derived from newspaper content analyses on donations made in Ghana by visiting non‐resident Ghanaians, and the other a questionnaire interview schedule organised in the United Kingdom for resident Ghanaians on their expenditure and investment outlays during their most recent visit, a number of pertinent issues are investigated. Some of these issues relate to the quantity, timing and beneficiaries of donations, as well as their spatial distribution and their potential for poverty alleviation. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SimBritain: a spatial microsimulation approach to population dynamics
Authors: Ballas Dimitris , Clarke Graham , Dorling Danny , Eyre Heather , Thomas Bethan , Rossiter David
Published: January 2005

In this paper we present an account of a 3‐year research project that is aimed at dynamically simulating urban and regional populations in Britain. In the context of this project we are using data from the 1991 UK Census Small Area Statistics (SAS) and the British Household Panel Survey (BHPS), in order to dynamically simulate the entire population of Britain into 2021 at the small area level. This paper discusses the structure, aims and objectives of SimBritain and presents some preliminary results. Firstly, alternative spatial microsimulation strategies are discussed and their advantages and drawbacks are outlined. Next, the difficulties in calibrating and validating dynamic microsimulation models such as SimBritain are highlighted and ways to tackle these difficulties are explored. The paper then presents some model outputs that highlight the geographical variation of a wide range of socio‐economic variables through the 1990s. Moreover, in light of these outputs, the paper discusses the potential of SimBritain for policy analysis. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectroscopic properties of merocyanine J‐aggregate in LB films
Authors: Yamaguchi Atsushi , Kometani Noritsugu , Yonezawa Yoshiro
Published: January 2005

Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films incorporating unsymmetrical merocyanine dyes; MC(X) (X = O, S, Se), have been fabricated. The J‐aggregates of MC(S) and MC(Se) are characterized by a sharp J‐band and resonance fluorescence. The MC(O) aggregate has a broad absorption band and is non‐fluorescent. We have examined the formation of mixed J‐aggregates in the MC(X)/MC(Y) assemblies (X, Y = O, S, Se). It has been found that a homogeneous aggregate of amalgamation type (HA‐aggregate) is formed in the MC(S)/ MC(Se) assembly. The mixed J‐aggregate in the MC(O)/MC(S) and the MC(O)/MC(Se) assemblies are classified into a mosaic (M‐)aggregate in a wide sense. Despite of similar molecular structure of MC(O) with both MC(S) and MC(Se), the growth of the MC(O) aggregate with a help of the J‐aggregate of MC(S) or MC(Se) as a template may hinder the homogeneous mixing of dye molecules. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)