bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FDOPA-(18F): a PET radiopharmaceutical recently registered for diagnostic use in countries of the European Union
Authors: Chevalme Yanna-Marina , Montravers Françoise , Vuillez Jean-Philippe , Zanca Michel , Fallais Charles , Oustrin Jean , Talbot Jean-Noël
Published: February 2008

Positron emission tomography (PET) and its recent update PET/CT are very effective diagnostic tools for non-invasive imaging of metabolic or functional disorders in target tissues. The clinical usefulness of fluorodeoxyglucose-(18F) (FDG) has been now widely accepted. Recently, the clinical usefulness of fluoroDOPA-(18F) or FDOPA, an aminoacid labelled with the same positron emitter fluorine-18, has been evaluated and recognised in France and subsequently in several EU countries. FDOPA is diagnostic PET agent, which has been used for decades in imaging the loss of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease, and more recently to detect, stage and restage neuroendocrine tumours and to search for recurrence of viable glioma tissue. The present article summarises the body of evidence that led the French Medicines Agency (AFSSAPS) to grant a marketing authorisation to IASOdopa, a commercial preparation of FDOPA. Brief case reports and figures illustrate the diagnostic performance of FDOPA PET or PET/CT in the different settings that are currently approved in oncology.
Effects of Chrysobalanus icaco on the labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99m and on the shape of the red blood cells
Authors: Presta Giuseppe Antonio , Santos-Filho Sebastião David , Paoli Severo de , Giani Tania Santos , Maiworm Adalgisa Ieda , Brandão-Neto José , Medeiros Aldo da Cunha , Fonseca Adenilson de Souza da , Bernardo-Filho Mario
Published: February 2008

Chrysobalanus icaco (abajeru; C.icaco) is recommended in the treatment of diabetes and other clinical disorders. Blood constituents labeled with technetium-99m (99mTc) are used in nuclear medicine. The aim of this study was to verify the effects of an abajeru extract on the labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc and on the shape of red blood cells (RBC). Blood samples(Wistar rats) were incubated with abajeru extract and the labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc and morphology of RBC were carried out. The results showed significant (P<0.05) alteration of labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc and the morphometry (perimeter/area ratio) of the RBC in presence of the extract. These data suggest that this abajeru extract could alter the labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc by its chelating/antioxidant action and/or effects on membrane structures involved in the ion transport.
Narrativas infantis: um estudo de caso em uma instituição infantil
Authors: Kishimoto Tizuko Morchida , Santos Maria Letícia Ribeiro dos , Basílio Dorli Ribeiro
Published: February 2008

Enfrentando a pedagogia tradicional adultocêntrica, uma professora de Educação Infantil conduz projetos com a participação das crianças em uma sala com áreas diversificadas para brincandeiras livres. Ao utilizar a abordagem de projetos integrada aos pressupostos do High/Scope, a professora valoriza os saberes e as narrativas das crianças durante a construção de uma bruxa com caixa de papelão. O caso focaliza narrativas contendo expressões verbais de natureza binária, típicas do processo de categorização da criança, pesquisadas por Bruner e similares às do pensamento selvagem analisado por Lévi-Strauss. O contexto da pesquisa: espaço físico da sala de atividade, reformulado em 2003, conforme pressupostos do modelo curricular High/Scope e enriquecido com a Abordagem de Projetos. A pesquisa, qualitativa, configura um estudo de caso instrumental, colaborativo, em que uma professora de uma escola municipal de Educação Infantil da cidade de São Paulo desenvolve, com crianças de quatro anos, a prática de contar história em um ambiente que estimula a cooperação, o lúdico e as narrativas. Os resultados indicam que, segundo concepções brunerianas, as narrativas infantis binárias, como bruxa boa e má, morar perto e longe, caixa grande e pequena, evidenciam estruturas típicas do pensamento infantil, que auxiliam no processo de categorização de situações do cotidiano. Práticas de contar histórias, de ouvir a criança e de criar espaço para a recriação de narrativas são coerentes com pedagogias que respeitam as formas de representação do mundo da criança, como a abordagem de projetos.
A prática educativa como uma atividade de desencontro de sujeitos
Authors: Rodrigues Rogério
Published: February 2008

Os educadores, de modo geral, partem do princípio de que a prática educativa é algo que surge na transmissão de saberes provenientes do encontro entre sujeitos. Entretanto, nas relações que se estabelecem entre os sujeitos, principalmente, naquilo que orbita no campo do uso da palavra, vive-se o que podemos denominar como o mal-entendido, pois falamos o que não pensamos e escutamos o que não foi dito. No campo educativo, portanto, assumimos a convicção profunda de que as relações são de encontro entre sujeitos, mas paradoxalmente e para desespero dos educadores, temos na prática educativa uma atividade de desencontro de sujeitos. Neste artigo, o objetivo é analisar a prática educativa na dinâmica do desencontro de sujeitos. São tais desencontros que de certo modo abrem as fendas no saber pedagógico e evidenciam a fragilidade desses saberes educativos. Partimos da perspectiva freudiana anunciada em prefácio do livro de August Aichhorn (1925), em que se inscreve a afirmação de que existem três profissões impossíveis - educar, curar e governar. A nossa hipótese é a de que a prática educativa é a realização de uma tarefa que exige do educador uma constante desconstrução de seus princípios pedagógicos que coisificam o sujeito/educando - o desamparo de não sabermos educar.
Uma concepção pragmática de ensino e aprendizagem
Authors: Gottschalk Cristiane Maria Cornelia
Published: February 2008

Com a virada lingüística no final do século XIX, surgiram novas epistemologias que passaram a considerar o papel fundamental da linguagem e de sua práxis na constituição dos sentidos da nossa experiência. Em particular, o filósofo Wittgenstein passa a falar em jogos de linguagem para enfatizar as atividades envolvidas com a linguagem, vistas como instrumentos lingüísticos por excelência. Não obstante, o pragmatismo na Educação continuou reservando à linguagem apenas a função de descrever a experiência ou de ser sua representante. Nesse sentido, o texto propõe uma reflexão sobre o ensino e a aprendizagem no contexto escolar que tenha como referência uma epistemologia de inspiração wittgensteiniana, a pragmática filosófica, com o intuito de se repensar as atuais práticas pedagógicas, as quais têm oscilado entre uma concepção essencialista da Educação (todos constroem um mesmo conhecimento) e, no outro extremo, a possibilidade de um relativismo total. Entre o transcen-dental e o empírico, a pragmática filosófica nos dá instrumentos para ver a atividade do ensino como a apresentação de uma determinada visão de mundo, fundamentada em regras de natureza convencional, e que, portanto, não são passíveis de ser descobertas pelo aluno, mas ao mesmo tempo são as condições de sentido para que o aluno, uma vez persuadido pelo professor, possa organizar de uma outra maneira a sua experiência orientada por essas regras.
A Case of Small Bowel Obstruction Due to Intraluminal Metastases from Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer
Authors: Sridhar Srikala S. , Haider Masoom A. , Guindi Maha , Moore Malcolm J.
Published: February 2008

A 71-year-old man, with a history of metastatic renal cell cancer (RCC), presented with symptoms of a small bowel obstruction with nausea, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea. He underwent surgery and was found to have intraluminal metastases from his metastatic RCC. Intraluminal metastases are rare and usually present with obstruction, bleeding, or perforation. The mainstay of treatment remains complete surgical excision, even in the face of widely metastatic disease. Surgery not only palliates symptoms, but may also extend survival because metastatic RCC can be a very indolent and unpredictable disease. Furthermore, these patients can now be treated with a new class of antiangiogenic agents that are showing impressive response rates, which may also translate into improved overall survival.
Early Antiangiogenic Activity of Bevacizumab Evaluated by Computed Tomography Perfusion Scan in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Andrew X. , Holalkere Nagaraj S. , Muzikansky Alona , Horgan Kerry , Sahani Dushyant V.
Published: February 2008

Background.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly vascularized tumor with a poor prognosis. In a phase II study that combined bevacizumab with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin in advanced HCC, we examined computed tomography perfusion (CTp) scan parameters as surrogate markers of angiogenesis after bevacizumab administration.

Methods.

HCC patients received bevacizumab alone i.v. at 10 mg/kg on day 1 during cycle 1. CTp scanning was performed at baseline and days 10–12 to assess changes in tissue blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), mean transit time (MTT), and permeability surface area product (PS).

Results.

Compared with baseline, a significant decrease in the estimated tumor perfusion parameters including BF, BV, and PS and an increase in MTT were seen on days 10–12 following bevacizumab administration alone. Patients with progressive disease had lower baseline MTT values and a higher percent increase following bevacizumab administration than those with stable disease or partial responses.

Conclusions.

Bevacizumab induced a significant decrease in tumor BF, BV, and PS and an increase in MTT by CTp scan in HCC. Baseline and percent change in MTT following bevacizumab administration correlated with clinical outcome, whereas BF, BV, and PS did not.
Suberoyl Bis-Hydroxamic Acid Activates Notch-1 Signaling and Induces Apoptosis in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Ning Li , Greenblatt David Yu , Kunnimalaiyaan Muthusamy , Chen Herbert
Published: February 2008

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a neuroendocrine (NE) malignancy that frequently metastasizes and has limited treatments. We recently reported that ectopic expression of Notch-1 in human MTC cells suppresses growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of suberoyl bis-hydroxamic acid (SBHA) to modulate Notch-1 signaling in MTC cells. At baseline, no active Notch-1 protein was present in MTC cells. Treatment with SBHA resulted in a dose-dependent induction of the Notch-1 intracellular domain, the active form of the protein. Furthermore, with Notch-1 activation there was a concomitant decrease in achaete-scute complex-like 1 (ASCL-1), a downstream target of Notch-1 signaling, as well as the NE tumor marker chromogranin A (CgA). Transfection of Notch-1 small-interfering RNA into MTC cells blocked the effects of SBHA on Notch-1 activation, ASCL-1, and CgA. Importantly, SBHA treatment resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability. Treated cells had an increase in protein levels of cleaved caspase-3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase, and changes in the expression of apoptotic mediators including Bcl-XL and Bad, indicating that the growth inhibition was a result of apoptosis. These results demonstrate that SBHA activates Notch-1 signaling, which is associated with the antiproliferative and apoptotic effects in MTC cells. Therefore, Notch-1 activation with SBHA is an attractive new strategy for the treatment of patients with MTC.
Management of the Solitary Thyroid Nodule
Authors: Yeung Meei J. , Serpell Jonathan W.
Published: February 2008

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Describe the investigations used for a solitary thyroid nodule.Explain the importance of thyroid ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration biopsy results.Discuss how thyroid nodules are managed surgically.

CME Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ at CME.TheOncologist.com

Thyroid nodules are common, with up to 8% of the adult population having palpable nodules. With the use of ultrasound, up to 10 times more nodules are likely to be detected. Increasing numbers of nodules are being detected serendipitously because of the rising use of imaging to investigate unrelated conditions. The primary aim in investigating a thyroid nodule is to exclude the possibility of malignancy, which occurs in about 5% of nodules. This begins with a thorough history, including previous exposure to radiation and any family history of thyroid cancer or other endocrine diseases. Clinical examination of the neck should focus on the thyroid nodule and the gland itself, but also the presence of any cervical lymphadenopathy. Biochemical assessment of the thyroid needs to be followed by thyroid ultrasound, which may demonstrate features that are associated with a higher chance of the nodule being malignant. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is crucial in the investigation of a thyroid nodule. It provides highly accurate cytologic information about the nodule from which a definitive management plan can be formulated. The challenge remains in the management of nodules that fall under the “indeterminate” category. These may be subject to more surgical intervention than is required because histological examination is the only way in which a malignancy can be excluded. Surgery followed by radioactive iodine ablation is the mainstay of treatment for differentiated thyroid cancers, and the majority of patients can expect high cure rates.
Novel 120‐Hz TFT‐LCD motion‐blur‐reduction technology with integrated motion‐compensated frame‐interpolation timing controller
Authors: Kim Sang Soo , You Bong Hyun , Kim Nam Deog , Berkeley Brian H.
Published: February 2008

Abstract— Samsung has developed a high‐resolution full‐HD (1920 × 1080) 120‐Hz LCD‐TV panel using a novel pixel structure and a motion‐compensated frame‐interpolation (McFi) single‐chip solution. Our latest work includes launch of a 70‐in. full‐HD panel, the world's largest LCD TV in mass production, with a 120‐Hz frame rate. A serious problem involving the charging time margin has been completely overcome through the use of a new alternative 1G‐2D pixel structure and a new driving scheme. Compared with conventional dot‐inversion driving, our new dot‐inversion method, which is a spatial averaging technique, can save power because the column drivers are operated using vertical inversion driving. In addition, McFi, which merges individual ME/MC and timing‐controller (TCON) ICs and memories, has been developed and applied in a mass‐production product for the first time ever. The McFi solution provides 120‐Hz driving with the lowest possible system cost. Motion‐picture response time (MPRT) has been reduced from 1 5 to 8 msec. Moreover, for the case of 24‐Hz film source mode, motion judder has been completely eliminated. As a result, a lineup consisting of 40‐, 46‐, 52‐, 70‐, and 82‐in. LCD‐TV panels with high quality and manufacturability has been made possible.
LED packaging by ink‐jet microdeposition of high‐viscosity resin and phosphor dispersion
Authors: Amemiya Isao , Nomura Yuko , Mori Kenichi , Yoda Miho , Takasu Isao , Uchikoga Shuichi
Published: February 2008

Abstract— An ink‐jet‐printing method applied to the microdeposition of high‐viscosity resin, including optimization of phosphor dispersion for light‐emitting‐diode (LED) packaging was examined for the first time. An ultrasonic ink‐jet‐printing method was used, in which ink droplets are ejected by a focused ultrasonic beam from a nozzle‐less printhead. To fabricate white LEDs, high‐viscosity phosphor‐dispersed resin was deposited to form an encapsulant dome. Two types of methods to control phosphor sedimentation for color uniformity were examined; one is heating the lead frame during the resin deposition, and the other is hydrophobic surface treatment of the lead frame base enabling the fabrication of a small encapsulant dome. For light direction control, a silicone micro lens was deposited on an encapsulant dome using the ink‐jet method. The results show that ultrasonic ink‐jet printing is an applicable technique to optimize and modify on‐demand optical characteristics of LED devices.
Evaluation of single‐, pre‐emphasis, and dual‐driving methods in large‐sized TFT‐LCDs
Authors: Sung Yoo‐Chang , Kwon Oh‐Kyong
Published: February 2008

Abstract— As the panel size and the frame frequency of TFT‐LCDs increases, driving issues become much more important for larger‐sized and higher‐resolution TFT‐LCDs. In our previous paper, the pre‐emphasis driving method was proposed to shorten the driving time of the data line with heavy loads of the large‐sized TFT‐LCDs. This paper proposes a simulation model based on the evaluation results of the developed pre‐emphasis source driver, and the issues of driving the data line with heavy loads are reviewed. The single‐, pre‐emphasis, and dual‐driving methods are compared in terms of their driving time and power consumption for large‐sized TFT‐LCDs with various resistances and capacitances of the data lines. At a panel load of 250‐pF capacitance and 15‐kΩ resistance in full‐HD resolution, the pre‐emphasis driving can reduce the pixel driving time to 66% with a 54% increase in the analog power consumption.
Electrical models of TFT‐LCD panels for circuit simulations
Authors: Park Hyunwoo , Kim Sungha , Kim Soohwan , Jo Youngkwon , Kim Suki , McCartney Richard I.
Published: February 2008

Abstract— As thin‐film‐transistor liquid‐crystal‐display (TFT‐LCD) panels become larger and provide higher resolution, the propagation delay of the row and column lines, the voltage modulation of Vcom, and the response time of the liquid crystal affect the display images now more than in the past. It is more important to understand the electrical characteristics of TFT‐LCD panels these days. There are several commercial products that simulate the electrical and optical performance of TFT‐LCDs. Most of the simulators are made for panel designers. However, this research is for circuit, system, and panel designers. It is made in a SPICE and Cadence environment as a commercial circuit‐design tool. For circuit and system designers, it will help to design the circuit around a new driving method. Also, it can be easily modified for every situation. It also gives panel designers design concepts. This paper describes the electrical model of a 15‐in. XGA (1024 × 768) TFT‐LCD panel. The parasitic resistance and capacitance of the panel are obtained by 3‐D simulation of a subpixel. The accuracy of these data is verified by the measured values of an actual panel. The developed panel simulation platform, the equivalent circuit of a 1 5‐in. XGA panel, is simulated by HSPICE. The results of simulation are compared with those of experiment, according to changing the width of the OE signal. The proposed simulation platform for modeling TFT‐LCD panels can be especially applied to large‐sized LCD TVs. It can help panel and circuit designers to verify their ideas without making actual panels and circuits.
Revival of Mumbai High North – A Case Study
Authors: Mitra N. K. , Dileep P. K. , Kumar Adesh
Published: February 2008

Mumbai High located about 160 km West-North-West of Mumbai City in the Arabian Sea is the largest offshore field in India. The field is being produced through 7 process and 110 well platforms.

On 27th July 2005, an unfortunate accident at one of Mumbai High platforms i.e. BHN platform, resulted in devastating fire. This resulted in complete damage to BHN process platform, damage to nearby process platform NF and moderate damage to the well-cum-process-platform NA & gas-compressor-cum–water injection platform-MNW. The accident was caused by the impact of an approaching Multi support vessel in the hostile monsoon weather.

The accident caused major disruption of offshore production systems of Mumbai High field. Multi disciplinary teams (MDTs) were constituted for planning, executing, coordinating and monitoring the tasks with active support from offshore field personnel and contractors with the objective to restore production, water injection, gas production in shortest possible time.

The offshore management team systematically devised and executed revival plans for restoring Mumbai High North field production of 105,000 b/d with 4 MM m3/d gas. The Revival plans envisaged short term, medium term and long term actions. The short term actions were planned for 2 months, medium term actions for 6 months and long term actions for more than 2 year period.

Based on systematic actions, 85% of Mumbai High North oil and gas production was restored within 30 days. Oil production from nearby NQO process complex and 5 well platforms of BHN was revived under structured plan to bring the field back to normalcy. The total field production could be restored to a level of 235000 vis-à-vis 265000 b/d at pre-accident levels withn 6 months.

The paper describes about the accident and sequential actions for restoration of production which were planned and executed with precision.
When Should We Worry About Supercharging in Formation-Pressure-While-Drilling Measurements?
Authors: Chang Yong , Hammond Paul S. , Pop Julian J.
Published: February 2008

A model is described that is capable of simulating in detail the time variation of formation pressures measured while drilling, in situations where supercharging is significant. Simulation results illustrate the variation of supercharging pressures with formation permeability, drilling-fluid-filtration properties, and drilling-fluid hydraulics. The model is used to explore how drilling operations influence the levels of supercharging when drilling two formations, widely separated along the well trajectory, and of significantly different permeabilities. The forward-simulation capability presented is believed to be a useful aid to the planning, understanding, and interpretation of formation-pressure measurements while drilling.
Measurement of Surfactant-Induced Interfacial Interactions at Reservoir Conditions
Authors: Xu Wei , Ayirala Subhash C. , Rao Dandina N.
Published: February 2008

The effect of surface-active chemicals on oil/water interfacial tension (IFT) and wettability in crude-oil/brine/rock systems at reservoir conditions is important in enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) processes. However, most of the experimental studies on IFT and contact angles have been conducted at ambient conditions and using stock-tank crude oils. In this study, live and stock-tank crude oils have been used at reservoir conditions to make IFT and dynamic contact-angle measurements using the drop-shape-analysis (DSA) and dual-drop/dual-crystal (DD/DC) techniques, respectively. Yates reservoir rock and fluids, and two types of surfactants (nonionic and anionic) in varying concentrations have been used at reservoir conditions of 82°F and 700 psi (27.8°C and 4.8 MPa).

The dynamic oil/water IFT was found to be a strong function of oil composition and of temperature, and it showed a slight dependence on pressure. An attempt has been made to explain the dynamic behavior of IFT using a four-stage mechanistic model involving induction, diffusion, kinetic-barrier, and equilibrium stages. The significant difference observed between the advancing contact angles of live oil (55°) and stock-tank oil (154°) clearly indicates the need to use live oils at reservoir conditions to determine in-situ reservoir wettability. Anionic surfactant altered the weakly water-wet behavior of live oil to strongly oil-wet (165°). It was also able to alter the strong oil-wet behavior of stock-tank oil to less oil-wet (<135°). The nonionic surfactant was able to alter the water-wet live oil system to intermediate-wet (82°), while it did not affect the strongly oil-wet behavior of stock tank oil system.

The oil-wet behavior observed for live oil with surfactants indicates the capability of these surfactants to develop continuous oil-wet paths for potential mixed-wettability development. Thus, this study is of practical significance in cases where the surfactant-induced wettability alterations to either intermediate-wet or mixed-wet can result in improved oil recovery through the lowering of both capillary and adhesion forces.
Prediction of Temperature Propagation Along a Horizontal Well During Injection Period
Authors: Gao Guohua , Jalali Younes
Published: February 2008

This paper presents a mathematical model describing the variation of temperature along the length of a horizontal well during the process of water injection. The model is obtained from a theoretical treatment accounting for both mass transfer and heat transfer between a horizontal well and a reservoir. The treatment is 1D linear in the wellbore and 1D radial in the reservoir. A numerical algorithm for reservoir temperature calculation is proposed and an analytical solution is derived on the basis of some realistic assumptions. The analytical solution can be used to generate the temperature profile in a horizontal injection well for any assumed distribution of injection profile along the length of the well, including injection profile that is uniform, skewed toward the heel or the toe, or exhibits some discontinuity (e.g., leakoff into a high permeability streak or fracture). This paper also presents comparison of temperature profiles obtained with the analytical solution given in this paper and those obtained with a numerical reservoir simulator with temperature option (ECLIPSE), which shows that the analytical solution yields reasonable temperature propagation profiles along the wellbore. The effects of injection rate and the injection profile are analyzed, and a quick in-situ injection pattern-recognition method is proposed. Finally, examples are given to show the practical application of the theoretical model.
High-Mobility-Ratio Waterflood Performance Prediction: Challenges and New Insights
Authors: Kumar Mridul , Hoang Viet , Satik Cengiz , Rojas Danny
Published: February 2008

This paper presents the results of a comprehensive study to improve our understanding of high-mobility-ratio waterfloods (HMRWFs) and to improve performance prediction. Published data on heavy-oil water-injection field projects are limited. Several successful HMRWF projects have been reported, and they show significant oil recovery at high water cut. However, the range of reported recovery is large—waterflood (WF) recoveries of approximately 1-or-2% to 20% of original oil in place (OOIP) have been reported for similar reservoirs. Higher viscosities result in lower recovery.

Mechanistic studies using fine-scale simulations show that the viscosity (or mobility) ratio primarily controls oil-recovery response, and that the recovery is lower at higher viscosity ratios. Further, viscous fingers dominate high-viscosity-ratio floods, and mobile water can reduce recovery significantly. Field-scale simulation results indicate that heterogeneity plays a more important role for an HMRWF than for conventional waterfloods. The amount of primary production before the start of the waterflood has a larger effect on incremental oil recovery for high-mobilityratio floods. Furthermore, highly correlated thin, thief zones reduce recovery of HMRWFs more severely, and rock wettability (relative permeabilties) strongly influences oil recovery. These results indicate that, in addition to reservoir geology, accurate viscosity and relative permeability measurements are essential for a reliable performance prediction.
Oil Recovery From Fractured Carbonates by Surfactant-Aided Gravity Drainage: Laboratory Experiments and Mechanistic Simulations
Authors: Adibhatla B. , Mohanty K. K.
Published: February 2008

Waterflooding recovers little oil from naturally fractured carbonate reservoirs if the matrix is oil-wet and fracture intensity is high. Laboratory experiments and mechanistic simulations have been conducted to understand the injection of dilute anionic surfactant solutions into oil-wet, fractured reservoirs. In this process, surfactant diffuses into the matrix, lowering the interfacial tension (IFT) and contact angle, which decreases the capillary pressure and increases oil relative permeability, enabling gravity to drain up the oil. The rate of oil recovery increases with an increase in matrix permeability, a decrease in initial gas saturation, a decrease of fracture height or spacing, and an increase in the wettability-altering capabilities of the surfactant. Increasing the surfactant concentration does not necessarily enhance the oil recovery rate, because IFT and wettability alterations are not linearly related to surfactant concentration. Adsorption of anionic surfactants on cal-cite can be suppressed with an increase in pH and a decrease in salinity.
USAGE OF UNAUTHORIZED SOFTWARE IN TAIWAN
Authors: Hsu Jane Lu , Su Ya-Lan
Published: February 2008

In this study usage of unauthorized software was examined in detail to reveal the methods by which users obtain pirated software, the quantities and varieties of pirated software in use, and the evaluations and intentions of repeat purchases. In general, computer users who are younger
and have a limited budget are more likely to use pirated software. The most commonly used pirated software includes operation systems, office software, antivirus, and games/entertainment software. Consumers who prefer using unauthorized software would have obtained close to nine pirated
software products in six months, and about two thirds of these types of users have intentions to obtain pirated software again.
EVALUATION OF INTERVENTIONS BASED ON DEPRESSION SIGN SCORES OF ADOLESCENTS
Authors: Bahar Zuhal , ÖZtürk Meryem , Beşer Ayşe , Baykara Ayşen , Eker Gülşen , Çakaloz Burcu
Published: February 2008

The aim in this study was to compare effects of problem-based group therapy and occupational therapy on depression scores six months after the Marmara earthquake in Golcuk. The study included 187 seventh grade students. Data were collected with the Children's Depression Inventory
(CDI; Kovacs, 1981, Turkish version by Öy, 1991) and a sociodemographic form. The schools were randomly assigned into two groups, either to receive problem-based group therapy (Group A) or occupational therapy (Group B). CDI was administered before and after the therapies and depression
sign scores were recorded. After the first and second sessions of the therapies, there was no significant difference in mean depression scores between both groups, but there was a significant decrease in CDI scores of the adolescents.
GENDER AND RACIAL REPRESENTATION IN CHILDREN’S TELEVISION PROGRAMMING IN KUWAIT: IMPLICATIONS FOR EDUCATION
Authors: Shehab Ali J. Al
Published: February 2008

An examination was carried out of television programs made for children and also television programs that involved children, regardless of their intended audience. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of these programs in terms of gender and race representations and stereotypes.
A content analysis was run on segments from two television channels, the Kuwait national channel and the Egyptian satellite channel. Findings are given and discussed against a rich background of research in this area, and conclusions and implications for education are presented.
EFFECT OF ADVANCE EXPLANATIONS ON CUSTOMER-PERCEIVED JUSTICE, SATISFACTION AND LOYALTY ENHANCEMENT
Authors: Huang Jen-Hung , Lin Chia-Yen
Published: February 2008

Providing explanation in mitigating employee response to negative events has been widely discussed and used as an economic tool in organizational behavior (e.g., Gilliland, 1994). This concept was applied examining the advance/post-explanation effect with 300 samples in a service
industry. The result, based on ANOVA analysis, indicates that the advance explanation effect on enhancing customer-perceived justice, satisfaction and loyalty is powerful and significant (Table 1).
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN BELIEF-BASED TARGETS FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INTERVENTION AMONG ADOLESCENTS
Authors: Trinh Linda , Rhodes Ryan E. , Ryan Shon M.
Published: February 2008

This Study elicited salient Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1991) beliefs about physical activity among adolescents (Study 1) and then used these beliefs to evaluate gender differences in intention and behavior (Study 2). Study 1 was conducted with a sample (N = 25) of Canadian
adolescents, followed by Study 2 (N = 157) where participants completed measures of intention, behavioral, normative, and control beliefs and a one-month follow-up of physical activity behavior. For belief-behavior relationships, boys had larger correlations for control beliefs about
schoolwork, other plans, and weather, compared to girls who reported larger correlations for norms from friends (p < .05). Belief-behavior correlation differences by gender were identified that may signal important tailoring in physical activity interventions for adolescents.
ACADEMIC ATTRIBUTIONAL STYLE, SELF-EFFICACY AND GENDER: A CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISON
Authors: Camgoz Selin Metin , Tektas Oznur Ozkan , Metin Irem
Published: February 2008

The relationships between academic attributional style (AAS), self-efficacy, gender and culture were investigated in this study. Three research questions “Is AAS influenced by self-efficacy, gender and culture?”, “Does AAS operate in the same way in two different
cultures?”, and “How do AAS dimensions (internality, stability, globality) vary?” were examined with a sample of 261 university students studying in Turkey and Britain. Regression results showed that gender and culture were separately significant predictors of
pessimistic AAS. However, self-efficacy did not add significantly to the prediction of AAS. Regarding AAS dimensions, MANOVA revealed a significant main effect of culture, suggesting that British students have more pessimistic attributional styles characterized by the internality dimension
in explanations of negative events. Suggestions for future studies are discussed.
Adaptive control for edge alignment in polyester film processing
Authors: Huang Chang‐Chiun , Wu Hsien‐Yi , Tang Tsann‐Tay
Published: February 2008

Edge alignment of polyester (PET) films is important for achieving product quality and processing speed in winding, coating, drying, and other processes. The edge alignment can be achieved by lateral deflection control, provided that the film tension and transport speed are even at desired values. This article aims to correct the lateral deflection of films by designing robust controllers to swivel the guiding rollers and to maintain even tension and speed at target levels. The self‐tuning neuro‐proportional integral derivative controller and adaptive high‐gain output feedback controller are adopted to guide the lateral deflection so that the film aligns at the desired position. A control scheme, neuron controller by associative learning, is used for maintaining tension and speed control. These strategies are applied to a simplified PET film processing system. The experimental results demonstrate that in our setup, the control schemes can effectively alleviate not only the lateral deflection but also the tension and speed fluctuation at target levels. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 26:153–162, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20096
An integrated intelligent system for injection molding process determination
Authors: Zhou Huamin , Zhao Peng , Feng Wei
Published: February 2008

Based on the characteristics of the injection molding process, an integrated intelligent model employing case‐based reasoning (CBR) and fuzzy inference has been constructed, considering the molding personnel's thought during the trial runs and the advantages of CBR and fuzzy inference. The ideology of CBR is adopted for the initial process parameters setting, which simulates the molding personnel's behavior that they often recall a previous case and set the initial process parameters of the current one by referring to that old case. The case design and matching have been described in detail, and four case adaptation strategies have been discussed. The ideology of fuzzy inference based on expert knowledge and practical experience reflects the test moldings for defects correction and process parameters optimization. Therefore, a fuzzy inference model was built for the correction and optimization process. Its key implementation techniques, such as fuzzification and defuzzification strategies, fuzzy rules definition, membership functions, etc, have been discussed. Finally, a corresponding intelligent system has been developed that is integrated with the injection machine by communicating with the controller. The system can be used to determine the initial process parameters and optimize them online. An experimental study has been carried out for verification. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 26:191–205, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20097
Hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings based on perfluoropolyether/silica hybrids by the sol‐gel method
Authors: Fabbri Paola , Messori Massimo , Pilati Francesco , Taurino Rosa , Tonelli Claudio , Toselli Maurizio
Published: February 2008

Glass substrates were spin‐coated with a perfluoropolyether oligomer based organic‐inorganic hybrid material, and prepared by the sol‐gel process. Contact angle analysis and atomic force microscopic analysis were carried out to characterize the surface of the prepared coatings. All systems exhibited strong hydrophobic and oleopophobic characteristics. The wettability behavior was found to be almost independent of both molecular weight and functionality of the fluorinated oligomer. The low values obtained for the contact angle and surface tension indicate that surface segregation of perfluoropolyether segments is likely to take place within the network. On the basis of these results and the high quality of the obtained coatings, these materials could be used as functional coatings to impart water and oleo‐repellent characteristics to glasses and other similar substrates. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 26:182–190, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20098
Paste extrusion control and its influence on pore size properties of PTFE membranes
Authors: Huang Radium , Hsu Ping‐Shun , Kuo Chun‐Yin , Chung Chen Shia , Lai Juin‐Yih , Lee L. James
Published: February 2008

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a remarkable membrane material. Owing to its high‐melting point, PTFE fine powder cannot be processed using conventional melting processing methods. Instead, techniques such as paste extrusion, rolling, and sintering have to be employed. Each processing step has an important influence on the final pore size quality within the membrane. In this paper, a PID controller (proportional‐integral‐derivative controller) was used to improve the properties of PTFE paste during the extrusion process and the quality of the PTFE membrane. A range of lubricant content (18, 20, and 22 wt%) was used to monitor the pressure drop at different extrusion speeds (0.5, 1, and 2 mm/s) and reduction ratios (RR = 26.47, 47.06, 80.06). It was found that a higher lubricant content and a higher reduction ratio resulted in a lower pressure drop. It was also found that a higher stretching temperature tends to result in larger pore size and broader pore size distribution at the same stretching rate. At a monitored and controlled constant low‐extrusion speed, the porosity of PTFE membrane was increased from 38% to 55% and the mean pore size was decreased from 0.22 to 0.15 μm because of less migration and more uniform distribution of lubricant during extrusion. Properties and the associated property uniformity of the PTFE extrudate affect the subsequent membrane‐forming process and the final pore size and size distribution significantly. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 26:163–172, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20099
Anomalous rheological response for binary blends of linear polyethylene and long‐chain branched polyethylene
Authors: Mieda Naoya , Yamaguchi Masayuki
Published: February 2008

The rheological properties are studied for binary blends composed of a low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and a linear polyethylene. It is found that some blends exhibit higher oscillatory shear moduli and drawdown force than the individual pure components, demonstrating that relaxation mechanism with longer characteristic time appears in the blend. The anomalous rheological behavior is detected more clearly for the blends with autoclave‐LDPE than those with tubular‐LDPE. Furthermore, the number of short‐chain branches in a linear polyethylene has no influence on the rheological properties of the blends, suggesting that the phase separation will not be responsible for the anomalous behavior. It is also found that blends of autoclave‐LDPE and tubular‐LDPE show no synergetic effect. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 26:173–181, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20100
Lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 and risk of venous thrombosis in older adults
Authors: Olson Nels , O'Meara Ellen S. , Jenny Nancy S. , Folsom Aaron R. , Bovill Edwin G. , Furberg Curt D. , Heckbert Susan R. , Psaty Bruce M. , Cushman Mary
Published: February 2008

Lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 (Lp‐PLA2) is an enzyme involved in inflammation and platelet function. Inherited deficiency and elevated levels are associated with atherosclerosis. Given potential common etiologies of atherosclerosis and venous thrombosis (VT), we hypothesized that low and high Lp‐PLA2 would be associated with VT risk. Lp‐PLA2 mass and activity were measured in baseline samples of Cardiovascular Health Study participants (5,888 men and women age ≥65), excluding 354 reporting pre‐baseline VT. The study endpoint was VT unrelated to cancer after 11.6 years follow‐up. Hazard ratios were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models, adjusting for age, race, sex, and body‐mass index. With 129 cases of VT, there was no association of Lp‐PLA2 activity with risk. Adjusted hazard ratios were 1.19 (CI 0.62, 2.29) and 0.87 (CI 0.43, 1.76) for the lowest and highest decile, respectively, compared to the 10–25th percentile. Corresponding hazard ratios for Lp‐PLA2 mass were 1.63 (CI 0.79, 3.34) and 1.33 (CI 0.61, 2.87). Results were robust to several definitions of low or high Lp‐PLA2. While the association of Lp‐PLA2 levels with arterial disease events implies a role for this enzyme in atherogenesis, our findings suggest that it is not prothrombotic. Am. J. Hematol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cancer incidence among male Massachusetts firefighters, 1987–2003
Authors: Kang Dongmug , Davis Letitia K. , Hunt Phillip , Kriebel David
Published: February 2008

Background

Firefighters are known to be exposed to recognized or probable carcinogens. Previous studies have found elevated risks of several types of cancers in firefighters.

Methods

Standardized morbidity odds ratio (SMORs) were used to evaluate the cancer risk in white, male firefighters compared to police and all other occupations in the Massachusetts Cancer Registry from 1986 to 2003. Firefighters and police were identified by text search of the usual occupation field. All other occupations included cases with identifiable usual occupations not police or firefighter. Control cancers were those not associated with firefighters in previous studies.

Results

Risks were moderately elevated among firefighters for colon cancer (SMOR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.04–1.79), and brain cancer (SMOR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.10–3.26). Weaker evidence of increased risk was observed for bladder cancer (SMOR = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.89–1.69), kidney cancer (SMOR = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.90–2.01), and Hodgkin's lymphoma (SMOR = 1.81, 95% CI: 0.72–4.53).

Conclusions

These findings are compatible with previous reports, adding to the evidence that firefighters are at increased risk of a number of types of cancer. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:329–335, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular and clinical description of a girl with a 46,X,t(Y;4)(q11.2;p16)/45,X,der(4)t(Y;4)(q11.2;p16) karyotype and a small cryptic 4p subtelomeric deletion
Authors: Zahed Laila , Sismani Carolina , Ioannides M. , Saleh Monzer , Koumbaris G. , Kenj Mazen , Abdallah Amal , Ayyache Maya , Patsalis Philippos
Published: February 2008

We report on a 13‐year‐old female with short stature, minimal axillary and pubic hair, no breast development, absence of uterus and ovaries, with the following karyotype on lymphocyte cultures: 46,X,t(Y;4)(q11.2;p16)[40]/45,X,der(4)t(Y;4)(q11.2;p16)[10]. Loss of the small derivative Y chromosome in 20% of the cells was also confirmed in skin fibroblast cultures. FISH analyses using Y centromere, SRY, subtelomere XpYp/XqYq, Y and 4 painting probes, confirmed the cytogenetic findings. High‐resolution STS analyses using 40 markers covering the Y chromosome did not identify any deletion on the Y. However, de novo absence of the 4p subtelomeric region was noted by FISH, although this deletion was not revealed by Array‐CGH at 1 Mb resolution, the last array clone being 0.35 or 1 Mb distal to the 4p FISH probe. The female phenotype of this patient must be due to the loss of the derivative Y chromosomes in some of her cells, especially the gonads, while the 4p subtelomeric deletion does not seem to contribute to her phenotype. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adenosine A2A receptor antagonist istradefylline (KW‐6002) reduces “off” time in Parkinson's disease: A double‐blind, randomized, multicenter clinical trial (6002‐US‐005)
Authors: LeWitt Peter A. , Guttman M. , Tetrud James W. , Tuite Paul J. , Mori Akihisa , Chaikin Philip , Sussman Neil M. ,   6002‐US‐005 Study Group
Published: February 2008

Objective

Based on new understanding of nondopaminergic pathways involved in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathophysiology, a selective adenosine A2A receptor antagonist, istradefylline, shows promise for the treatment of PD.

Methods

Istradefylline (40mg/day) was studied in levodopa‐treated PD subjects experiencing prominent wearing‐off motor fluctuations. At 23 North American sites, 196 subjects were randomized in a double‐blind, 12‐week outpatient clinical trial of istradefylline (114 completing the trial) or placebo (58 completing the trial). The primary efficacy measure was change from baseline to end point in the percentage of daily awake “off” time, recorded by subjects using a patient PD diary. Secondary end points evaluated “on” time (including “on time with dyskinesia”), the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, and a Clinical Global Impression–Improvement of Illness score. Clinical laboratory, electrocardiograms, vital signs, and adverse event monitoring comprised the safety monitoring.

Results

After randomization, approximately 88% of subjects completed the double‐blind period. Compared with baseline, the decrease of daily awake “off” time for istradefylline was a mean (± standard deviation) of −10.8 ± 16.6% (95% confidence interval, −13.46 to −7.52) and for placebo, −4.0 ± 15.7% (95% confidence interval, −7.73–0.31; p = 0.007 using two‐way analysis of variance). This effect corresponded to changes from baseline in total daily awake “off” time of −1.8 ± 2.8 hours for istradefylline and −0.6 ± 2.7 hours for placebo (p = 0.005). Treatment‐emergent adverse effects with istradefylline were generally mild.

Interpretation

Istradefylline was safe, well tolerated, and offered a clinically meaningful reduction in “off” time without increased troublesome dyskinesia. Ann Neurol 2008