bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Recovery ofMycobacterium tuberculosisFrom Children Using the Microscopic Observation Drug Susceptibility Method
Authors: Oberhelman Richard A. , Soto-Castellares Giselle , Caviedes Luz , Castillo Maria E. , Kissinger Patricia , Moore David A.J. , Evans Carlton , Gilman Robert H.
Published: June 2006

OBJECTIVE. The diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis presents challenges in children, because symptoms are nonspecific, sputa are not accessible, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis cultures and smears often are negative. The Microscopic Observation Drug Susceptibility technique is a simple, inexpensive method for Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolation with superior speed and sensitivity over Lowenstein-Jensen culture in studies of adults with pulmonary tuberculosis. The objective of this study was to determine whether Microscopic Observation Drug Susceptibility culture can improve the sensitivity and the speed of Mycobacterium tuberculosis recovery among Peruvian children with symptoms suggestive of pulmonary tuberculosis.

METHODS. Two specimens of each type (gastric aspirate, nasopharyngeal aspirate, and stool specimens) were collected from each patient, examined by auramine stain, and cultured by Microscopic Observation Drug Susceptibility and Lowenstein-Jensen techniques. Patients (n = 165) were enrolled between April 2002 and February 2004 at the Instituto de Salud del Niño, the major pediatric hospital in Lima, Peru. Inclusion criteria were age ≤12 years, Stegen-Toledo clinical score ≥5 points, and absence of antituberculous therapy. The main outcome measurements were (1) proportion of specimens that were culture positive by Microscopic Observation Drug Susceptibility versus Lowenstein-Jensen and (2) days required for positive culture result, stratified by specimen type and auramine stain result.

RESULTS. Fifteen (9%) patients had at least 1 positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture (from stool in 3 cases, nasopharyngeal aspirate in 8 cases, and gastric aspirate in 15 cases). Thirty-eight culture-positive specimens were obtained (22 gastric aspirate, 12 nasopharyngeal aspirates, and 4 stools). Microscopic Observation Drug Susceptibility provided significantly more positive cultures than Lowenstein-Jensen (33 of 38 specimens culture positive by Microscopic Observation Drug Susceptibility vs 21 of 38 by Lowenstein-Jensen). This was attributed to enhanced recovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from auramine-negative specimens (19 of 23 by Microscopic Observation Drug Susceptibility vs 9 of 23 by Lowenstein-Jensen), in contrast to similar detection rates for the 2 tests with auramine-positive samples. Similar results were found for analyses that were limited to gastric aspirates. Isolation was faster by Microscopic Observation Drug Susceptibility than Lowenstein-Jensen.

CONCLUSIONS. Isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from children with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis by Microscopic Observation Drug Susceptibility demonstrated greater yield and faster recovery than by Lowenstein-Jensen method, significantly improving local capabilities to detect pediatric tuberculosis in resource-poor settings.
Quasi-static compressive property of metallic glass/porous tungsten bi-continuous phase composite
Authors: Zhang Haifeng , Wang Aimin , Li Hong , Sun Wensheng , Ding Bingzhe , Hu Zhuangqi , Cai Hongnian , Wang Lu , Li Wen
Published: June 2006

A metallic glass/porous tungsten bi-continuous phase composite was prepared by pressure infiltration whose quasi-static compressive stress and strain to macroscopic failure are much higher than those of all the previous tungsten-reinforced metallic glass matrix composites. It deserves to be mentioned that because of its high-yield strength and high elastic strain limit, metallic glass seems to be used as the reinforcement to strengthen the crystalline materials in the bi-continuous phase composite materials.
Mg-doped Nd-Ba-Cu-O generic seed crystals for the top-seeded melt growth of large-grain (rare earth)-Ba-Cu-O bulk superconductors
Authors: Shi Y. , Babu N. Hari , Iida K. , Cardwell D.A.
Published: June 2006

We report the fabrication of Mg-doped NdBCO generic seed crystals, which have been developed recently for the fabrication of any rare earth (RE) based (RE)-Ba-Cu-O single-grain superconductor, with a wide range of Nd1+xBa2-xCu3-yMgyO7-δ compositions. Three basic characteristics of the seed crystals required for effective seeding of bulk (RE)BCO materials were studied in detail. We report the chemical, crystallographic, microstructural, and superconducting properties of the seeds and demonstrate clearly their potential to process various (RE)BCO superconductors in single-grain form. The melting point, volume fraction of Mg-rich inclusions in the bulk microstructure, and the chemical composition of the Nd1+xBa2-xCu3-yMgyO7-δ superconducting matrix of the seed crystals were studied as a function of initial MgO content. Finally, the suitable range of MgO-content within the generic seed crystal that controls effectively the orientation of the seeded grain without compromising its superconducting properties relative to those of the Mg-free compound is identified based on the wide range of seed crystal compositions investigated.
Comparison of powder synthesis routes for fabricating (Ba0.65Sr0.35)TiO3 ceramics
Authors: Ali N.J. , Milne S.J.
Published: June 2006

Powders of Ba0.65Sr0.35TiO3 have been prepared by solution-based and conventional mixed-oxide routes. Powders made by freeze-drying a precursor solution of mixed catecholate complexes of BaTiO3 and SrTiO3 had the smallest particle size, but secondary grain growth during sintering negated the anticipated benefits of the nano-sized powder in relation to ceramic densification and microstructural control. Addition of manganese oxide suppressed secondary grain growth for catecholate powders, allowing 97% dense ceramics to be produced at a sintering temperature of 1300 °C, with grain sizes of ≤5 μm. Doped mixed-oxide samples continued to show secondary grain growth, leading to coarse microstructures with grain sizes ≤100 μm after sintering at 1400 °C. Curie peaks for catecholate samples were sharper than those for mixed-oxide samples, suggesting a more uniform distribution of Ba and Sr ions in the powders. Difficulties were encountered in controlling the (Ba + Sr)/Ti ratio of powders made by an oxalate solution-precipitation route.
Structure and optical properties of plasma immersion ion processed boron-alloyed diamondlike carbon films
Authors: He Xiao-Ming , Walter K.C. , Nastasi M.
Published: June 2006

Boron (B)-alloyed diamondlike carbon (B-DLC) films were prepared on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), glass, and silicon (100) using an inductive radio frequency Ar + C2H2 + B2H6 plasma immersion ion processing (PIIP) technique. The composition of the B-DLC films was measured by ion beam analysis techniques, and the bonding structure was characterized by infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The incorporation of B2H6 gas into the PIIP deposition introduced B-C bonds into the DLC structure, resulting in increased sp3-carbon bonding and improved optical performance. The energetic activation of the deposition atoms, induced by the ion bombardment during the PIIP film growth, enhanced the properties of the B-DLC films deposited on dielectric and transparent optical materials. With B-alloying and an optimized deposition energy of 40–135 eV, B-DLC films were synthesized with B-alloying up to 10.4 at.%, high hardness, high refractive index, and optical transmittance that is higher than that of unalloyed DLC films. The experimental results indicate that C-B hybridization and ion-energy transfer are critical to the synthesis of these hard and transparent B-DLC films.
Enhancement of green photoluminescence from ZnO:Pr powders
Authors: Inoue Yoshihiro , Okamoto Masaki , Morimoto Jun
Published: June 2006

Pr-doped ZnO phosphor powders were prepared by dry reaction within evacuated sealed silica glass tube. Pr2O3 and Pr6O11 were used as additives. Pr concentrations were 0.5, 1, 3, and 5 mol%, and the sintering temperatures were 600, 800, and 1000 °C, respectively. Photoluminescence (PL) and PL excitation (PLE) spectra were measured to study luminescent properties of samples. Some samples showed the enhancement of green emission. This emission is related to native defects in ZnO. Based on the results of PL and PLE, the origin of the enhancement was discussed in view of native defects in ZnO and the defect-related complex in ZnO varistor ceramics. The possible origin is the increase of native defects such as VZn, OZn, and the complex in the vicinity of grain boundaries and ZnO matrix near the surface of grains. The increase of native defects and the complex are probably due to the existence of the Pr3+-ions with binding to native defects, which form the complex by Coulombic potential.
Cerium-doped lutetium aluminum garnet optically transparent ceramics fabricated by a sol-gel combustion process
Authors: Liu Xue-Jian , Li Hui-Li , Xie Rong-Jun , Hirosaki Naoto , Xu Xin , Huang Li-Ping
Published: June 2006

Nano-sized cerium-doped lutetium aluminum garnet (LuAG:Ce) powders were prepared via a sol-gel combustion process from a mixed solution of metal nitrates, using organic glycine as a fuel. The purified crystalline phase of LuAG:Ce was obtained after calcination at 1000 °C for 2 h. The obtained phosphors were agglomerated and had a foamy-like morphology, consisting of pointed crystallites with uniform size of about 40 nm. Both the photoluminescence and the radioluminescence of the calcined powders showed the same two emission bands, corresponding to transitions from the lowest 5d excited state (2D) to the 4f ground state of Ce3+ (2F5/2, 2F7/2). Using the prepared powders, polycrystalline LuAG:Ce optically transparent ceramics were successfully fabricated at 1850 °C for 10 h under vacuum without sintering aids and annealed at 1450 °C for 20 h in air. The sintered ceramics are transparent with an in-line light transmittance in the visible wavelength range of about 50% and have a uniform microstructure with an average grain size of about 8 μm. The radioluminescence of the transparent ceramics is similar to that for calcined powders, except higher in intensity.
Highly textured Pb(Zr0.3Ti0.7)O3 thin films on GaN/sapphire by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Dey S.K. , Cao W. , Bhaskar S. , Li J.
Published: June 2006

Highly (111) textured Pb(Zr0.3Ti0.7)O3 (PZT 30/70) films were deposited on (0001) GaN/sapphire substrates using liquid-source metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) technique at 520 °C and 80 nm/min. The crystallinity of as-deposited PZT films and the structure of PZT/GaN interface were evaluated by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), respectively. Mitigated by geometric epitaxy and strain energy minimization, the orientation relationships of PZT on epi-GaN, determined using x-ray pole figure and selected area diffraction pattern, were as follows: out-of-plane alignment of [111] PZT//[0001] GaN, and orthogonal in-plane alignments of [112] PZT//[1100] GaN (zone axes) and [110] PZT//[1120] GaN. The nanochemistry of the PZT (150nm)/GaN interface, studied using analytical TEM, indicated a chemically sharp interface with interdiffusion limited to a region below 5 nm. The properties of as-deposited PZT on GaN by MOCVD are briefly compared with PZT by sol-gel processing, radio-frequency sputtering, and pulsed laser deposition.
Single-walled carbon nanotube-derived novel structural material
Authors: Yamamoto Go , Sato Yoshinori , Takahashi Toru , Omori Mamoru , Hashida Toshiyuki , Okubo Akira , Tohji Kazuyuki
Published: June 2006

Binder-free macroscopic single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) solids were prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) of purified SWCNTs. The effects of processing temperatures and pressures on the mechanical properties of the SWCNT solids and structural change of SWCNTs in the SWCNT solids were investigated. Transmission electron microscope observation of the SWCNT solids revealed thatthe high-temperature treatment has transformed some part of the SWCNTs into amorphous-like structure and the rest of the SWCNTs remained buried into the above structure. The mechanical properties of the SWCNT solids increased with the increasing processing temperature, probably reflecting the improvement of interfacial strength between SWCNTs and disordered structure of carbon due to the spark plasma generated in the SPS process.
Nanoscale characterization of nautilus shell structure: An example of natural self-assembly
Authors: Velázquez-Castillo R. , Reyes-Gasga J. , García-Gutierrez D.I. , Jose-Yacaman M.
Published: June 2006

Structural characterization at the nanometric scale of theNautilus spshell was carried out by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and high-angle annular dark field to understand how the organic and inorganic components are related. The inorganic phase that built the shell is made of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), with the orthorhombic unit cell of the aragonite, in a texturized arrangement in such a way that thec-axis is always perpendicular to the shell surface. The organic material forms films through the plates. We observed for a very first time some aragonite nanocrystals embedded in the organic matrix. This observation supports the hypothesis that the proteins and other organic compounds guide the crystal growth because the organic matrixes are the places where the nanocrystals grow.
Fabrication of porous SiC-based ceramic microchannels via pyrolysis of templated preceramic polymers
Authors: Nghiem Quoc Dat , Asthana Amit , Sung In-Kyung , Kim Dong-Pyo.
Published: June 2006

This article reports conversion chemistry of preceramic polymer to ceramic phase during the fabrication of high-temperature stable silicon carbide and silicon carbonitride monolithic porous microchannels. The micromolding in capillariesmethod is used to fabricate porous channels by the initial infiltration of a solution of 1.5-μm diameter silica spheres or 1-μm diameter polystyrene spheres into polydimethylsiloxane channels followed by filling the void space among the spheres by using viscous commercial polymeric precursors. Subsequently, the polymer-sphere composite channel was cured and pyrolysed at 1200 °C under inert atmosphere, and final wet etching step of silica spheres with 10% hydrofluoric acid solution developed the pore structures by removing the silica spheres, whereas polystyrene sphere decomposes at the early stage of pyrolysis.
Plastic flow in dynamic compression of a Zr-based bulk metallic glass
Authors: Jiang W.H. , Liu F.X. , Qiao D.C. , Choo H. , Liaw P.K.
Published: June 2006

Using geometrically constrained specimens, the plastic flow behaviors of the as-cast and the relaxed Zr52.5Cu17.9Ni14.6Al10.0Ti5.0 bulk metallic glass in the dynamic compression were investigated. Both alloys exhibit a significant plasticity in the dynamic compression. The plastic deformation in both alloys is still inhomogeneous, which is characterized by the serrated plastic flow and the formation of shear bands. Free volumes affect the shear banding and the plastic flow. The reduced free volume results in the deviation of the shear banding direction from the maximum shear stress. The relaxed alloy exhibits the obvious stress overshoot, which is consistent with the theoretical prediction using a free volume model.
Vertical Mixing and Ecological Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation in Planktonic Communities
Authors: Ferrero Emma , Eöry Matías , Ferreyra Gustavo , Schloss Irene , Zagarese Horacio , Vernet Maria , Momo Fernando
Published: June 2006

We present a mathematical model for a phytoplankton‐zooplankton system, based on a predator‐prey scheme. The model considers the effects of sinking in the phytoplankton, vertical mixing and attenuation of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in the water column. In a first approach, the model was studied under conditions of average PAR irradiance and shows fluctuations and stable equilibrium points. Secondly, we introduced the effects of photoperiod and photoinhibition by UVR and vertical mixing. Under these conditions, the phytoplankton biomass oscillates depending on the combined effects of UVR and mixing. Higher inhibition by UVR and longer mixing periods can induce strong fluctuations in the system but can also produce higher plankton peaks.
Do Genetically Distinct Rougheye Rockfish Sibling Species Differ Phenotypically?
Authors: Gharrett A. J. , Mecklenburg C. W. , Seeb L. W. , Li Z. , Matala A. P. , Gray A. K. , Heifetz J.
Published: June 2006

Two cryptic species of rougheye rockfish Sebastes aleutianus, which we refer to as types I and II, have been identified independently from DNA (microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA [mtDNA]) markers and from distributions of allozyme allele frequencies. Visual differences that discriminate between these species in the field would improve their conservation and management. To delineate species, we used two microsatellite loci, μSma6 and μSma7, in conjunction with mtDNA site differences for the restriction enzymes Cfo I in the region of NADH dehydrogenase (ND) subunits 3 and 4 and Mbo I in the region of ND subunits 5 and 6. We compared meristic characters and morphological dimensions of the genetically determined species and observed that although all parameters had overlapping distributions, type II rougheye rockfish have slightly fewer and shorter gill rakers and deeper bodies. Discriminant analysis of morphological characteristics accurately delineated the species (>94%). Rougheye rockfish have two color forms: Light and dark. We examined the correlation between coloration and genotype and observed that most type II fish had the light coloration, but type I fish were either light or dark and the proportion of each color form changed geographically. We also demonstrated that frequency differences in the distributions of allozyme markers are concordant with diagnostic differences at microsatellite loci and mtDNA markers, although the allozyme markers are not diagnostic.
Folklore-Based Learning on the Web—Pedagogy, Case Study, and Evaluation
Authors: Lee Jimmy Ho-Man , Lee Fong-Lok , Lau Tai-Shing
Published: June 2006

Folklore-based learning is a kind of situated learning paradigm in which students learn by solving problems embedded in a near-real situation. The proposed learning approach employs further interesting story plots from folklores as the background situation to motivate students to participate in learning activities. It is believed that such a paradigm has, on one hand, the advantages of helping students to learn in an authentic situation and, on the other, the provision of interesting story episodes as a stimulating agent for less initiated students. This article reports a folklore-based learning system based on the well-known Chinese folklore called “Tong Pak Fu and Chou Heung,” and its effects on learning the subject of probability by a group of 454 Hong Kong secondary school tsudents when compared with 3 teacher-guided methods. Results show that although no significant differences can be found among the different methods initially, when students with high pre-test scores were excluded the folklore-based learning group outperformed the other groups. Also, from student perception of the system it was found that the students prefer using this system to learn. Consider that no guidance on the subject matters was given to the students learning through this system, while students using the other methods were guided by experienced teachers, the results are very encouraging so that improvement and future developments to cover more topics are warranted.
Extending the Traditional Classroom Through Online Discussion: The Role of Student Motivation
Authors: Xie Kui , Debacker Teresa K. , Ferguson Catherine
Published: June 2006

Two studies addressed students' motivation and participation in an online discussion board which was part of a traditional lecture-based course. The discussion board represented an external communication resource to extend the learning activities beyond the classroom. Self-Determination Theory was used as the theoretical framework to investigate: (a) how students' participation in online discussion related to their intrinsic motivation and attitude toward the class; b) how students' intrinsic motivation changed over time; and c) what factors students noted as responsible for the changes in their motivation level. A total of 123 undergraduate students participated in online discussion as a normal part of their instructional technology class. The results showed that students' participation was related to their intrinsic motivation, but not to their computer/internet skills. Over time, students' intrinsic motivation for participating in online discussion dropped steadily. Student-reported reasons for the motivation changes are discussed.
Things Will Endure Less Than Us
Authors: Abley Ian
Published: June 2006

Ian Abley challenges the current architectural veneration of everything small and tailormade. Could a correlation between the small scale and the sustainable be entirely misplaced? Could our very predilection for ‘sensitive’ diminuitive design be causing us to completely overlook the potential of the megastructure? Shouldn't we be striving to deliver reusable spaces with recyclable parts to the greatest number of people?
People, Not Architecture, Make Communities
Authors: Heartfield James
Published: June 2006

Community is an illusive and, in many respects, unpredictable quality. A sense of citizenship does not simply follow on from a replication of the Victorian, walkable city, just as public disengagement and a lack of social cohesion are not immediate attributes of car‐based and low‐density conurbations. As David Miliband MP, Minister of Communities and Local Government, asserts: ‘Architecture on its own can't make communities.’ Here, in conversation with James Heartfield, Miliband discusses the problems at the heart of sustainable communities ‐ at a time of pending urgency as housing demand far outstrips supply.
London 2030: Taking the Thames Gateway Seriously
Authors: Abley Ian
Published: June 2006

Encouraged by Will Alsop's Supercities project, Ian Abley produced this map as an open invitation to start imagining the development of the Thames Gateway ‐ a doubling of London to the east. Your proposals and visions for a rethought London can be sent through to the guest‐editor of this issue of 4 at www.audacity.org.
Travelling in a Straight Line
Authors: Houchell Oliver
Published: June 2006

In the 1970s, when Paul Rudolph's Lower Manhattan Expressway project was featured on the cover of Reyner Banham's Megastructure, no urban scheme was complete without a rapid transit system running through it. Today, cities are serviced and connected by a range of technologies. Architect and technology‐transfer enthusiast Oliver Houchell talks about the need to use these to increase mobility and expand capacity into and between the world's megalopoli.
Architecture with Legs
Authors: Abley Ian , Schwinge Jonathan
Published: June 2006

Dreaming of developing the Thames Estuary, Ian Abley and Jonathan Schwinge went to see the Maunsell Sea Forts, built off the coast of Herne Bay, Kent, in 1942. Here they met members of Project Redsand, a charitable organisation that aims to preserve the forts as a public museum, and which has so far received encouragement from both industry and government departments.
Why Drive a TT and Live in a Broken Teapot?
Authors: Abley Ian
Published: June 2006

What is the fascination with do‐it‐yourself repairs and tweeness? Obviously old houses are great because they are large, and often stand in the best locations. And, of course, some old houses are the equivalent of classic cars. But most are old bangers ‐ after several owners they are worn‐out maintenance nightmares. Ian Abley asks: Why not knock them down and make way for the manufactured modular housing equivalent of an Audi TT in the gap site? A lot more demolition would result in far more interesting neighbourhoods, lower running costs, and less need for wind farms (as beautiful as they are).
Functionality Rather than Good Intentions in Design
Authors: Addington Michelle
Published: June 2006

The application of technologies in the field of architecture is devoid of both clarity and leadership, argues Michelle Addington, Associate Professor of Architecture at the Harvard School of Design and the author of a new book entitled Smart Materials and Technologies.
Our Overdeveloped Sense of Vulnerability
Authors: Furedi Frank
Published: June 2006

Industrialised development and the suburban megalopolis are commonly regarded as a threat to nature, contributing to the increasing frailty of the planet and its delicate ecosystems. Here, Frank Furedi, Professor of Sociology at the University of Kent, looks beyond the immediate environmental factors and assesses the root causes of our ensuing sense of vulnerability, as our worldview is increasingly informed by a collapse in social self‐confidence.
Appreciating Cumbernauld
Authors: Murray Gordon
Published: June 2006

Built between 1961 and 1969, Cumbernauld town centre was intended by the town's newly established architects' department to be the centrepiece of a Modernist ‘utopia’ that would absorb Glasgow's overspill. It initially attracted architectural honours, but coverage then became damning. Reyner Banham said of it: ‘It shaped its times, and was shaped by them, most notably and depressingly in the use of raw off‐the‐form concrete … a weeping, sweeping, drip‐stained brown.’ As a visiting professor at the University of Strathclyde, Gordon Murray has worked with the head of the school, Steven Spier, to focus all final‐year projects on Cumbernauld. This has resulted in a reappraisal and reappreciation of the much‐maligned megastructure.
Hollywood's Noir Detours: Unease in the Mental Megalopolis
Authors: Barnfield Graham
Published: June 2006

Hollywood cinema entertained urban audiences, but it also encapsulated their experiences in a paradoxical way. The us film noir cycle, commonly seen as downbeat B‐movies made between 1941 and 1958, presented negative counterpoints to the advantages of modern life. Graham Barnfield argues that film noir is nothing if not a mental megalopolis, originating a sensibility that continues to underpin cinematic visions of the future in our age of blinding computer‐generated imagery (CGI).
McLaren Technology Centre
Authors: Melvin Jeremy
Published: June 2006

The product of a highly customised production process, the racing car is the very antithesis of the modular and the mass produced. Jeremy Melvin reveals how Foster and Partners has designed a headquarters for the McLaren Group ‐ a premier producer and promoter of Formula One cars ‐ that, despite its location on the site of an old farm in Woking, Surrey, is resplendent as a ‘late industrial vision of the object perfectly refined to fulfil its allotted task’.
McGauran Giannini Soon Architects
Authors: Penn Shelley
Published: June 2006

Shelley Penn describes how a Melbourne‐based practice's aspirations for integrity and authenticity have led it away from the usual pursuit of an identifiable visual language and style above content.
‘Springtecture’ B
Authors: Takahashi Masaaki
Published: June 2006

Masaaki Takahashi describes a house, designed by Shuhei Endo, whose coiled corrugated‐steel surface seamlessly unifies the inside with the outside, despite its surprisingly rural setting.
Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis product grade optimization in a fluidized bed reactor
Authors: Fernandes Fabiano A. N. , Sousa Elida M. M.
Published: June 2006

Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis is an important chemical process for the production of liquid fuels and olefins. In recent years, the abundant availability of natural gas and the increasing demand of olefins, gasoline, diesel and waxes have led to a high interest in further developing this process. A mathematical model of a fluidized‐bed reactor used for syngas polymerization was developed and the carbon monoxide polymerization was studied from a modeling point of view. Simulation results show that several parameters affect syngas conversion and carbon product distribution, such as operating pressure, superficial gas velocity, bed porosity, and syngas composition. Optimization of liquid hydrocarbon products was done and the best operating conditions for their production were found for an iron catalyst that produces hydrocarbon chains according to a dual mechanism theory. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Multiscale modeling and optimization of H2 storage using nanoporous adsorbents
Authors: Kikkinides Eustathios S. , Konstantakou Maria , Georgiadis Michael C. , Steriotis Theodore A. , Stubos Athanasios K.
Published: June 2006

The aim of the present study is the development of a multiscale modeling and optimization framework for hydrogen storage in carbon‐based nanoporous adsorbents. The outlined methodology is generic and can be easily adapted to the storage of several gases of relevant importance and/or different physisorbing nanoporous materials. The results indicate clearly how operating constraints (such as temperature limitations arising from safety considerations) can affect the material design in terms of its pore size distribution and how material design constraints (such as those arising from manufacturing limitations) can effect the operation and efficiency of the process. The ultimate objective is to systematically reveal the strong and highly related synergistic benefits between process design/operation decisions and material design aspects so as to ensure an economically attractive, technically feasible, and safe process. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Inpatient risk management with mentally ill offenders: results of a survey on clinical decision‐making about easing restrictions
Authors: STÜBNER SUSANNE , GROß GREGOR , NEDOPIL NORBERT
Published: June 2006

Background Procedures for easing restrictions in forensic hospitals are an important part of treatment and serve to prepare inpatients for community conditions. In spite of this, there are still very few empirical data on the assessment of the risks involved. Clinical experience, expert knowledge and theoretical considerations indicate that the risk factors for recidivism after discharge from hospital are not identical with those that predict incidents during hospitalization or during the easing of restrictions.

Aims To determine both possible risk factors for incidents during hospitalization and criteria allowing easing of regulations and confinement.

Methods A survey was conducted of clinicians in forensic hospitals concerning their perception of risk and protective factors.

Results The survey revealed that stable dynamic factors were more relevant for clinicians than static risk factors. Furthermore, clinicians rated protective factors as being as important as risk factors. Depending on the rehabilitation process, aspects of the social network outside the institutions were also rated as being important.

Conclusions and implications for practice These findings offer some clarification of the concept of clinical judgment as applied to assessment of readiness for discharge of offender patients from specialist forensic psychiatric hospitals. Research into risk assessment and management might be improved by taking account of explicit clinical concerns. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring engagement in therapy and motivation to change in adult prisoners: a brief report
Authors: MCMURRAN MARY , THEODOSI ELENI , SELLEN JOSELYN
Published: June 2006

Background The aim of this study was to examine the relative properties of the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) and the Treatment Motivation Questionnaire (TMQ) in assessing offenders' motivation to change.

Method Thirty‐five male prisoners completed the URICA and the TMQ before and after treatment. The URICA scales were scored in three ways: Readiness to Change, the Italian Composite, and Committed Action. The TMQ was scored in four subscales: Internal motivation, External motivation, Help seeking, and Confidence in treatment. The criterion measure was staff‐reported treatment engagement.

Results Significant positive change post‐treatment was evident on Committed Action of the URICA and the Confidence in Treatment scale of the TMQ. The three URICA composite scores correlated significantly and negatively with the criterion measure. Of the TMQ scales, only Confidence in Treatment correlated significantly with the criterion and this in a positive direction.

Conclusion Overall, only the Confidence in Treatment scale of the TMQ provided consistent evidence of motivation for therapy and motivation to change. Better measures of motivation need to be developed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term prognostic implications of nonoptimal primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Parodi Guido , Valenti Renato , Carrabba Nazario , Memisha Gentian , Moschi Guia , Migliorini Angela , Antoniucci David
Published: June 2006

Aim: To evaluate the long‐term outcome of a nonoptimal result of a primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods and Results: An optimal PCI result was defined as TIMI flow grade 3 and residual stenosis ≤≤≤≤20%. Long‐term clinical follow‐up (51 ±± 21 months) data were collected from 1,009 consecutive patients with ST‐elevation AMI who underwent primary PCI. Overall, an optimal primary PCI result was achieved in 958 patients (95%). At 5‐year follow‐up, patients with nonoptimal PCI had a higher rate of all‐cause mortality (47% vs 19%; P < 0.00001 by log‐rank test) than those with an optimal mechanical reperfusion. Fifty‐two percent of the deaths in the nonoptimal PCI group occurred within the first month. Interestingly, after this period, estimated survival of 30‐day alive patients was not significantly different to that of patients with an optimal PCI (P = 0.06 by log‐rank test). Nonoptimal PCI result emerged as an independent predictor of 1‐month mortality (OR = 3.030, 95% CI = 1.265–7.254; P = 0.013), but not of 5‐year mortality. At long‐term follow‐up, comulative rates of nonfatal reinfarction, hospitalization for heart failure, and additional revascularization procedures were similar between patients with nonoptimal and optimal primary PCI (4% vs 5%, P = 0.695; 4% vs 5%, P = 921; and 22% vs 20%, P = 0.816, respectively). Conclusion: A nonoptimal primary PCI result represents a strong predictor of early mortality. However, in patients surviving the early phase, the incidence of clinical events at long‐term follow‐up seems to be similar to successfully reperfused AMI patients. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss., Inc.
Novel percutaneous catheter thrombectomy in acute massive pulmonary embolism: Rotational bidirectional thrombectomy (ROBOT)
Authors: Yoshida Masashi , Inoue Ichiro , Kawagoe Takuji , Ishihara Masaharu , Shimatani Yuji , Kurisu Satoshi , Kusano Kengo Fukushima , Ohe Tohru
Published: June 2006

Background: Although thrombolysis is a standard therapy in cases of pulmonary embolism (PE), fatal outcome is often observed. We designed and investigated the efficacy of a novel percutaneous catheter therapy, rotational bidirectional thrombectomy (ROBOT), for PE. Methods and Results: Eighteen patients with acute massive PE (Miller score ≥ 20) were included in this study. We separated them into two groups [group A (n = 10), thrombolysis; group B (n = 8): thrombolysis and ROBOT or ROBOT alone]. There was no difference in the hemodynamic indices between the groups at diagnosis. ROBOT was designed to fragment emboli by rotating a regular pigtail catheter. Three deaths occurred in group A because of hemodynamic impairment, but there was no death in group B. One day after treatment, systolic pulmonary artery pressure had decreased from 53 ± 8 to 30 ± 8 mm Hg (P < 0.05) in group B and from 54 ± 5 to 42 ± 19 mm Hg (NS) in group A. The hospitalization period in group B was shorter than that in group A (17 ± 6 vs. 27 ± 10 days, P < 0.05). Conclusion: ROBOT therapy results in a significant, rapid improvement in the hemodynamic situation and in a better outcome than conventional therapy in patients with acute massive pulmonary embolism. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pharmacokinetic evaluation and studies on the clinical efficacy of guar gum‐–based oral drug delivery systems of albendazole and albendazole‐β‐cyclodextrin for colon‐targeting in human volunteers
Authors: Shyale Somashekar , Chowdary K.P.R. , Krishnaiah Y.S.R. , Bhat Narasimha K.
Published: June 2006

The present investigation assessed the in vivo properties of the guar gum–based colon‐targeted matrix tablets of albendazole‐β‐cyclodextrin (KA), albendazole matrix tablet (GA), and an immediate‐release albendazole tablet (CA) in humans. A single oral dose was administered in healthy human volunteers and a completely randomized, two‐way, three‐period crossover design was adopted. The data were statistically analyzed and a value of P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. In healthy human volunteers, guar gum colon‐targeted tablets showed delayed tmax and absorption time, decreased absorption rate constant, and unaltered t1/2indicating that albendazole is not released in stomach and small intestine, but is delivered to the colon, resulting in a slow absorption of the drug and making the drug available for local action in the colon. The increase in Cmax and AUC0‐∞ of KA shows that the bioavailability of albendazole in humans could be definitely improved by complexing the drug with β‐cyclodextrin. Furthermore, an open, parallel, single‐blind clinical study was conducted in patient volunteers who had helminthiasis. Clinical studies showed that the guar gum colon‐targeted tablets could reduce eggs per gram faster than conventional tablets could, resulting in improved clinical symptoms, Hb content, and decreased total count as compared to conventional tablets of albendazole. The investigation shows that albendazole, when complexed with β‐cyclodextrin, improves in vivo bioavailability of the drug and colon targeting using guar gum ensures drug delivery in the colonic fluids, and therefore improves clinical efficacy in human beings with helminthiasis. Drug Dev. Res. 67:154–165, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heme oxygenase‐1: a new drug target in oxidative tissue injuries in critically ill conditions
Authors: Takahashi Toru , Shimizu Hiroko , Akagi Reiko , Morita Kiyoshi , Sassa Shigeru
Published: June 2006

Oxidative stresses associated with ischemia/reperfusion, neutrophil activation, and anesthesia with certain volatile agents, etc., are thought to play an important role in the development of acute organ failure in critical illnesses, such as acute lung injury, acute coronary artery insufficiency, acute liver failure, acute renal failure, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Such oxidative stressors provoke a set of cellular responses, particularly those that participate in the defense against tissue injuries. Free heme, which can be rapidly released from hemeproteins, may constitute a major threat in the oxidant stress because it catalyzes the formation of reactive oxygen species. To counteract such insults, cells respond by inducing the 33‐kDa heat shock protein, heme oxygenase (HO)‐1, the rate‐limiting enzyme in heme degradation. Induced HO‐1 as such removes free heme by an enzymatic process. In addition, HO‐1 induction itself confers protection to tissues from further oxidative injuries. In contrast, the abrogation of HO‐1 induction, or chemical ablation of HO activity abolishes the beneficial effect of HO‐1, and results in the aggravation of tissue injuries. In this article, we review recent advances in the essential role of HO‐1 in tissue protection in various models of experimental oxidative tissue injuries as well as in human disorders, which is related to critically ill conditions, with special emphasis on the role of its induction in tissue defense and its potential therapeutic implications. Drug Dev. Res. 67:130–153, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of the oral bioavailability of low molecular weight heparin formulated with glycyrrhetinic acid as permeation enhancer
Authors: Motlekar Nusrat A. , Srivenugopal Kalkunte S. , Wachtel Mitchell S. , Youan Bi‐Botti C.
Published: June 2006

Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is the agent of choice for anticoagulant therapy and prophylaxis of thrombosis and coronary syndromes. However, its therapeutic use is limited due to poor oral bioavailability. The aim of this study was to investigate the oral delivery of LMWH, ardeparin formulated with 18‐β glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), as an alternative to currently used subcutaneous (sc) delivery. Drug transport through Caco‐2 cell monolayers was monitored in the presence and absence of GA by scintillation counting and transepithelial electrical resistance. Regional permeability studies using rat intestine were performed using a modified Ussing chamber. Cell viability in the presence of various concentrations of enhancer was determined by MTT assay. The absorption of ardeparin after oral administration in rats was measured by an anti‐factor Xa assay. Furthermore, the eventual mucosal epithelial damage was histologically evaluated. Higher ardeparin permeability (∼7‐fold) compared to control was observed in the presence of 0.02 % GA. Regional permeability studies indicated predominant absorption in the duodenal segment. Cell viability studies showed no significant cytotoxicity below 0.01% GA. Ardeparin oral bioavailability was significantly increased (Frelative/s.c.=13.3%) without causing any damage to the intestinal tissues. GA enhanced the oral absorption of ardeparin both in vitro and in vivo. The oral formulation of ardeparin with GA could be absorbed in the intestine. These results suggest that GA may be used as an absorption enhancer for the oral delivery of LMWH. Drug Dev. Res. 67:166–174, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low‐intensity exercise increases skeletal muscle protein expression of PPARδ and UCP3 in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Fritz Tomas , Krämer David K. , Karlsson Håkan K. R. , Galuska Dana , Engfeldt Peter , Zierath Juleen R. , Krook Anna
Published: June 2006

Background

Physical exercise provides health benefits for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, partly by enhancing skeletal muscle insulin action. We tested the hypothesis that changes in expression of key genes in skeletal muscles relate to exercise‐induced improvements in type 2 diabetic patients.

Methods

We determined mRNA expression of 20 selected genes following a self‐supervised program of walking (> 150 min per week) over a 4‐month period.

Results

This level of physical activity improved clinical parameters in approximately half the participants, as determined by reduced hypertension and enhanced insulin sensitivity (defined by reduced plasma‐insulin levels and improved homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)). Skeletal muscle mRNA expression of Cbl‐associated protein (CAP), diacylglycerol kinase (DGK)δ, CAP, uncoupling protein (UCP) 3, nuclear respiratory factor (NRF)‐1, and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)δ tended to increase in type 2 diabetic patients with an improved clinical profile. Skeletal muscle protein expression of PPARδ and UCP3 was increased significantly after physical exercise in patients with an improved clinical profile, but were unchanged in patients who did not show exercise‐mediated improvements in clinical parameters.

Conclusions

This study provides clinical evidence that improvements in insulin sensitivity can be achieved in type 2 diabetic patients after individually executed low‐intensity exercise training. Moreover, the positive clinical response to exercise is correlated with changes in skeletalmuscle proteins involved in the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolism. These changes in skeletal muscle gene expression offer a possible molecular explanation for the improvements in clinical outcomes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of caffeine on persuasion and attitude change: The role of secondary tasks in manipulating systematic message processing
Authors: Martin Pearl Y. , Hamilton Victoria E. , McKimmie Blake M. , Terry Deborah J. , Martin Robin
Published: June 2006

Two experiments are reported that examine the effects of caffeine consumption on attitude change by using different secondary tasks to manipulate message processing. The first experiment employed an orientating task whilst the second experiment employed a distracter task. In both experiments participants consumed an orange‐juice drink that either contained caffeine (3.5 mg/kg body weight) or did not contain caffeine (placebo) prior to reading a counter‐attitudinal communication. The results across both experiments were similar. When message processing was reduced or under high distraction, there was no attitude change irrespective of caffeine consumption. However, when message processing was enhanced or under low distraction, there was greater attitude change in the caffeine vs. placebo conditions. Furthermore, attitudes formed after caffeine consumption resisted counter‐persuasion (Experiment 1) and led to indirect attitude change (Experiment 2). The extent that participants engaged in message‐congruent thinking mediated the amount of attitude change. These results provide evidence that moderate amounts of caffeine increase systematic processing of the arguments in the message resulting in greater agreement. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simple estimates of haplotype relative risks in case‐control data
Authors: French Benjamin , Lumley Thomas , Monks Stephanie A. , Rice Kenneth M. , Hindorff Lucia A. , Reiner Alexander P. , Psaty Bruce M.
Published: June 2006

Methods of varying complexity have been proposed to efficiently estimate haplotype relative risks in case‐control data. Our goal was to compare methods that estimate associations between disease conditions and common haplotypes in large case‐control studies such that haplotype imputation is done once as a simple data‐processing step. We performed a simulation study based on haplotype frequencies for two renin‐angiotensin system genes. The iterative and noniterative methods we compared involved fitting a weighted logistic regression, but differed in how the probability weights were specified. We also quantified the amount of ambiguity in the simulated genes. For one gene, there was essentially no uncertainty in the imputed diplotypes and every method performed well. For the other, ∼60% of individuals had an unambiguous diplotype, and ∼90% had a highest posterior probability greater than 0.75. For this gene, all methods performed well under no genetic effects, moderate effects, and strong effects tagged by a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Noniterative methods produced biased estimates under strong effects not tagged by an SNP. For the most likely diplotype, median bias of the log‐relative risks ranged between −0.49 and 0.22 over all haplotypes. For all possible diplotypes, median bias ranged between −0.73 and 0.08. Results were similar under interaction with a binary covariate. Noniterative weighted logistic regression provides valid tests for genetic associations and reliable estimates of modest effects of common haplotypes, and can be implemented in standard software. The potential for phase ambiguity does not necessarily imply uncertainty in imputed diplotypes, especially in large studies of common haplotypes.Genet. Epidemiol. 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.