bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of malolactic fermentation and Oenococcus oeni strain on glycosidic aroma precursors and related volatile compounds of red wine
Authors: Ugliano Maurizio , Moio Luigi
Published: September 2006

Free and glycosidically bound volatile compounds of red wine were measured after malolactic fermentation (MLF) with four different commercial starter cultures of Oenococcus oeni. MLF resulted in a significant decrease in the concentration of total glycosides, expressed as phenol‐free glycosyl glucose. Gas chromatographic analyses of wine enzyme hydrolysates showed that the extent of hydrolysis of glycosides during MLF was dependent on both bacterial strain and chemical structure of the substrate. The highest decrease was observed for glycosidic precursors of primary terpene alcohols. Glycoside‐related aroma compounds such as linalool, farnesol, and β‐damascenone were increased after MLF with all the bacterial strains tested. Two of the strains were also able to release significant amounts of vinylphenols during MLF. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of acrylamide content of food products in Korea
Authors: Koh Bong‐Kyung
Published: September 2006

Acrylamide (AA) contents of commercial market‐purchased foods and of traditional home‐cooked Korean foods were investigated. The effect of cooking method on AA amount in potatoes was also studied. AA contents of roasted barley and corn ranged from 116 to 449 µg kg−1 and of chips ranged from 12 to 3241 µg kg−1, representing a very high variation in AA contents among tested samples. Lower levels of AA were found in wheat flour chips compared to potato chips. AA contents of ramen noodles were below 37 µg kg−1, whether they contained potato starch or not. The AA contents of Korean home‐cooked oil fried foods increased in the following order: yakwa < whole deep‐fried sea tangle < ground and deep‐fried lotus root < ground and pan‐fried lotus root < French fries < ground and pan‐fried potato. Lotus root and garlic also had the potential to produce AA during cooking. Pre‐treatment such as grinding, boiling, freezing and thawing increased the AA formation in oil‐fried potato. Temperature was more influential than time on AA formation during deep‐oil frying. Removing water‐soluble fractions reduced AA content of cooked potatoes. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Rainfall temporal variability and erosivity in subhumid and humid zones of southern Nigeria
Authors: Salako F. K.
Published: September 2006

Soil erosion by water is a major cause of land degradation in the tropics. Its quantitative assessment requires evaluation of factors such as rainfall variability and erosivity. Therefore, pluviograph data from 1977 to 1999 for the subhumid (Ibadan) and humid forest (Port‐Harcourt) zones of southern Nigeria were analysed to determine the temporal and spatial variability of rainfall erosivity. Analyses were carried out generally at 15‐minute intervals to obtain rainfall amount, duration, intensity and kinetic energy. Descriptive statistics and t‐tests were used for data analyses. Rainfall intensities between 100 and 150 mm h−1 occurred every year. Rainfall intensities were higher in the subhumid (SH) than humid forest (HF) zone whereas the kinetic energy of rainfall was higher in the HF than the SH zone. Thus, the high erosivity in the SH was mainly due to high intensities whereas it was mainly due to high amounts in the HF zone. In both zones, 42 per cent of the years exceeded long‐term annual average of erosivity. The mean annual EI30 was 11 107 MJ mm ha−1 h−1 in the SH zone and 17 988 MJ mm ha−1 h−1 for the HF zone. Rainfall erosivity indices (E and EI30) correlated significantly with rainfall amount, with 86–99 per cent of variations in daily erosivity explained, and 55–99 per cent of variations in annual erosivity explained by rainfall amount. Spatial and temporal variations were not only influenced by rainfall characteristics but also by inherent differences in rainfall erosivity indices. The data presented are required in the prevention or control of land degradation as well as in the development of watersheds, particularly in the tropics. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electroactive Copolymers with Oligoanilines in the Main Chain via Oxidative Coupling Polymerization
Authors: Chao Danming , Cui Lili , Li Zhicheng , Lu Xiaofeng , Mao Hui , Zhang Wanjin , Wei Yen
Published: September 2006

Summary: By oxidative coupling polymerization of the macromonomer of oligoaniline and p‐phenylenediamine, we have prepared an electroactive copolymer, exhibiting an exciting molecular structure, and interesting spectroscopic and electrochemical properties. The polymerization characteristics and structure of the copolymer were systematically studied by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD). UV‐vis spectra were used to monitor the chemical oxidation process of the reduced copolymer. The electrochemical activity of the copolymer was tested in 1.0 M H2SO4 aqueous solution. Three redox peaks were shown, which is different to that for polyaniline. The thermal properties of the copolymer were also evaluated, by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA); the electrical conductivity is about 5.53 × 10−5 Scm−1 at room temperature, upon a preliminarily, proton‐doped experiment.

Synthesis of the copolymer.

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Synthesis of the copolymer.
Lewis Acid‐Induced N‐Methyleneamines as Initiators in the Synthesis of Secondary Amine‐Terminated Polymers
Authors: McKnight Jeffrey N. , Tillman Eric S. , Sarry Louis R.
Published: September 2006

Summary: The cationic polymerization of poly(tert‐butyl vinyl ether) using N‐methyleneamine equivalents derived from a Lewis acid/1,3,5‐trimethylhexahydro‐1,3,5‐triazine (TMTA) co‐initiating system is reported. The resulting polymers possessed secondary amine functionality at the chain terminus, verified by derivatization with 4‐chloro‐7‐nitrobenzo‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazole (NBD‐Cl) and subsequent analysis with GPC‐UV (470 nm) and 1H NMR.

Use of N‐methyleneamine equivalents lacking aryl substituents to afford amine‐terminated poly(tert‐butyl vinyl ether).

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Use of N‐methyleneamine equivalents lacking aryl substituents to afford amine‐terminated poly(tert‐butyl vinyl ether).
Information aggregation in a catastrophe futures market
Authors: Shachat Jason , Westerling Anthony
Published: September 2006

We experimentally examine a reinsurance market in which participants have differing information regarding the probability distribution over losses. The key question is whether the market equilibrium reflects traders maximizing value with respect to their different priors, or whether the equilibrium is one based on a common belief incorporating all participants' information. When assuming subjects are expected value maximizers, we reject both full information aggregation and no information aggregation equilibria. We discover, as in past individual choice insurance experiments, that buyers under‐assess the probabilities of large loss states, or alternatively, subjects assign larger utility values to losses than to comparable gains. After accounting for these decision theoretic concerns, the non‐aggregation of information hypothesis explains the data better than full information aggregation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
VBR video traffic modeling and synthetic data generation using GA‐optimized Volterra filters
Authors: Abdennour Adel
Published: September 2006

Variable bit rate (VBR) video traffic models, which accurately represent the traffic characteristics and statistical properties of real videos, can provide significant information about expected traffic behavior. This knowledge can be used in the development of effective control schemes and improved network quality of service. An interesting class of models based on the idea of generating a number of chi‐square sequences, by passing a Gaussian autoregressive (AR) process through a simple nonlinearity, was recently introduced. The gamma process in this class of models is obtained by a linear combination of the chi‐square sequences. This model is simple and allows for arbitrary selection of both the AR model and the shape parameter of the gamma probability density function. However, the AR filter order is chosen mainly on a trial‐and‐error basis. In addition, while the approach uses a linear combination ofKchi‐square sequences, it fixes (K− 2) coefficients and solves for only the remaining two because it has more equations than unknowns. Occasionally, the resulting solution is not feasible and additional trials for different solutions are required. It is therefore the objective of this paper to use genetic algorithms to provide a more systematic approach to find the various model parameters. The paper also presents a thorough statistical analysis of the generated synthetic data in order to assess its suitability for representing MPEG video traffic. A comparison with published results is carried out in terms of how close are the means, standard deviations, and the autocorrelation functions to those of the real data. A comparison of over 10000 replications and a number of different video traces reveals that a significant improvement can be achieved in almost all measures and for almost all the movies tested. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & sons, Ltd.
An order optimal solver for the discretized bidomain equations
Authors: Mardal Kent‐Andre , Nielsen Bjørn Fredrik , Cai Xing , Tveito Aslak
Published: September 2006

The electrical activity in the heart is governed by the bidomain equations. In this paper, we analyse an order optimal method for the algebraic equations arising from the discretization of this model. Our scheme is defined in terms of block Jacobi or block symmetric Gauss–Seidel preconditioners. Furthermore, each block in these methods is based on standard preconditioners for scalar elliptic or parabolic partial differential equations (PDEs). Such preconditioners can be realized in terms of multigrid or domain decomposition schemes, and are thus readily available by applying ‘off‐the‐shelves’ software. Finally, our theoretical findings are illuminated by a series of numerical experiments. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Delayed inflammatory responses to endotoxin in fibrinogen‐deficient mice
Authors: Cruz‐Topete D , Iwaki T , Ploplis VA , Castellino FJ
Published: September 2006

Severe inflammation leads to haemostatic abnormalities, such as the development of microvascular thrombi. As a result, ischaemia‐related downstream organ damage can occur. The present study demonstrates that mice with a total deficiency of fibrinogen (Fg−/−) present with altered responses to challenge with Gram‐negative lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Early survival in response to continuous LPS challenge was increased in Fg−/− mice and histological findings indicated that this improvement correlated with a lack of fibrin deposition in organs. Neutrophils appeared early in the lungs of challenged wild‐type (WT) mice, but occurred in Fg−/− mice at later times. This delayed response in Fg−/− mice was confirmed by studies that showed a strong dependence on Fg of binding of neutrophils to endothelial cells in the presence of LPS. While cytokines were also elevated in both WT and Fg−/− mice, their levels were generally lower at early times in this latter group. The time course of MIP‐2 expression correlated with the occurrence of pulmonary leakage after LPS challenge, which was delayed in Fg−/− mice. These results suggest that fibrin(ogen) plays a role as an early mediator in the cross‐talk between coagulation and inflammation. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studying co‐medication patterns: the impact of definitions
Authors: Tobi Hilde , Faber Adrianne , van den Berg Paul B , Drane J Wanzer , de Jong‐van den Berg Lolkje TW
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To show the necessity of distinguishing several patterns of drug prescribing that may lead to co‐medication. It is demonstrated how these different patterns can be investigated using large databases containing pharmacy data or reimbursement data.

Methods

Two examples illustrate how the particular pattern of co‐medication studied will influence the reported proportion of patients having co‐medication, the use of antidepressants among people using anticonvulsants, and the use of antihistamines among people receiving penicillines.

Results

Depending on definition and period considered, the percentage of anticonvulsant users co‐medicated with antidepressants ranged from 5.8% (95%CI 5.0%, 6.8%) to 14.5% (95%CI 13.2%, 15.9%) in 2000. Comparing 2002 with 2000, the ratio of proportions ranged from 1.3 to 2.1. The percentage of people who received penicillines and were co‐medicated with antihistamines ranged from 0.5% (95%CI 0.4%, 0.6%) to 9.7% (95%CI 9.3%, 10.2%) in 2000. Comparing 2002 with 2000, the ratio of proportions ranged from 1.2 to 1.6.

Conclusion

The co‐medication patterns investigated yielded clinical as well as statistically significant different estimates. The estimates differed up to a factor 2.5 for the drugs usually prescribed for long periods, and a factor 12 for drugs prescribed for short periods. Hence, we propose to distinguish the patterns ‘co‐prescribing’, ‘concomitant medication,’ and ‘possibly concurrent medication.’ The research question determines the co‐medication pattern of interest, and the drug and disease under study determine the time window. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acenocoumarol and vasculitis: a case report
Authors: Aouam Karim , Gassab Azza , Khorchani Hassen , Bel Hadj Ali Hichem , Amri Montassar , Boughattas Naceur A , Zili Jamel Eddine
Published: September 2006

A 62‐year‐old woman was referred to the dermatology department for a history of fever, asthenia and cutaneous rash, which appeared after a 3‐day course of digitalin and acenocoumarol for atrial fibrillation. The physical examination revealed multiple round confluent purpuric lesions over her entire legs with no blistering. Laboratory exams were all negative. Biopsy of the involved skin was compatible with leucocytoclastic vasculitis. The acenocoumarol treatment was withheld and the skin lesions resolved spontaneously over the next 10 days. The cause of this purpura was seemingly acenocoumarol because of the close temporal relationship between exposure to the drug and the onset of the symptoms, and the spontaneous resolution of the lesions after acenocoumarol was discontinued. This observation illustrates a rare association between vasculitis and acenocoumarol. Clinicians should be aware of this potential adverse effect and recommend interrupting the drug intake when temporal relation is evocative. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Domain structure and miscibility studies of blends of styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymers (SBS) and styrene–glycidyl methacrylate statistical copolymers (PS‐GMA) using SAXS and DMTA
Authors: Canto LB , Torriani IL , Plivelic TS , Hage E , Pessan LA
Published: September 2006

The domain structure and miscibility in the solid state of a series of blends of styrene‐butadiene‐styrene (SBS) block copolymers and styrene‐glycidyl methacrylate (PS‐GMA) statistical copolymers with varying molecular weights and compositions were studied using small angle X‐ray scattering and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Depending on the molecular characteristics of each component, different types and degrees of solubilization of PS‐GMA in SBS were found which, in addition to the initially SBS phase morphology, lead to materials with multiphase domain morphologies with differences in size and structure. The degree of solubilization of PS‐GMA into the PS domains of SBS was found to be higher for blends containing PS‐GMA with lower molecular weight (Mw = 18 100 g mol−1) and lower GMA content (1 wt%) and/or for SBS with higher PS content (39 wt%) and longer PS blocks (Mw = 19 600 g mol−1). Localized solubilization of PS‐GMA in the middle of PS domains of SBS was found to be the most probable to occur for the systems under study, causing swelling of PS domains. However, uniform solubilization was also observed for SBS/PS‐GMA blends containing SBS with composition in the range of a morphological transition (PS block Mw = 19 600 g mol−1 and 39 wt% of PS) causing a morphological transition in the SBS copolymer (cylinder to lamella). Copyright © 2006 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Overcoming the poor short wavelength spectral response of CdS/CdTe photovoltaic modules via luminescence down‐shifting: ray‐tracing simulations
Authors: Richards B.S. , McIntosh K.R.
Published: September 2006

The short‐wavelength response of cadmium sulfide/cadmium telluride (CdS/CdTe) photovoltaic (PV) modules can be improved by the application of a luminescent down‐shifting (LDS) layer to the PV module. The LDS layer contains a mixture of fluorescent organic dyes that are able to absorb short‐wavelength light of λ < 540 nm, for which the PV module exhibited low external quantum efficiency (EQE), and re‐emit it at a longer wavelength (λ > 540 nm), where the solar cell EQE is high. Ray‐tracing simulations indicate that a mixed LDS layer containing three dyes could lead to an increase in the short‐circuit current density fromJsc = 19.8 mA/cm2toJsc = 22.9 mA/cm2for a CdS/CdTe PV module. This corresponds to an increase in conversion efficiency from 9.6% to 11.2%. This indicates that a relative increase in the performance of a production CdS/CdTe PV module of nearly 17% can be expected via the application of LDS layers, possibly without any making any alterations to the solar cell itself. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cancer support groups: a critical review of empirical studies
Authors: Gottlieb Benjamin H. , Wachala Elizabeth D.
Published: September 2006

Support groups for adults affected by cancer are widely offered by local community and national agencies in North America. This type of psychosocial intervention is defined in terms of its structure and functions, and its theoretical underpinnings and models of practice are described. Forty‐four empirical studies of professionally led cancer support groups are summarized and critically reviewed. These studies include 32 outcome evaluations of randomized controlled trials, two process evaluations, and 10 consumer satisfaction studies. The findings reveal high levels of consumer satisfaction, and the outcome evaluations substantiate the morale and other quality of life benefits short of prolonging life. Discussion centers on priorities for future research and practice. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perceived helpfulness and impact of social support provided by family, friends, and health care providers to women newly diagnosed with breast cancer
Authors: Arora Neeraj K. , Finney Rutten Lila J. , Gustafson David H. , Moser Richard , Hawkins Robert P.
Published: September 2006

We evaluated the helpfulness of informational, emotional, and decision‐making support received by women newly diagnosed with breast cancer from their family, friends, and health care providers. Data were collected at two time points via patient surveys: baseline on an average 2 months post‐diagnosis and follow‐up at 5 months post‐baseline. In the period closer to diagnosis, majority of the women received helpful informational support from health care providers (84.0%); helpful emotional support from family (85%), friends (80.4%), and providers (67.1%); and helpful decision‐making support from providers (75.2%) and family (71.0%). Emotional support at baseline and emotional and informational support at 5‐month follow‐up were significantly associated with patients' health‐related quality of life and self‐efficacy outcomes (p<0.01). Perceived helpfulness of informational, emotional, and decision‐making support provided by family, friends, and providers however significantly decreased over time (p<0.001). Cancer patients' desire significant amount of support throughout their cancer journey. Our results show that while patients receive a lot of support during the period closer to diagnosis, receipt of helpful support drops significantly within the first year itself. In order to facilitate cancer patients' adjustment to their illness, efforts need to be made to understand and address their support needs throughout the cancer experience. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘What does it mean?’ uncertainty, trust and communication following treatment for pre‐cancerous cervical abnormalities
Authors: Juraskova Ilona , Butow Phyllis , Sharpe Louise , Campion Michael
Published: September 2006

The early detection of pre‐cancerous cervical conditions has risen dramatically, prompting more in‐depth investigations regarding psychological implications inherent within the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. This study aimed to identify factors that influence women's experience of diagnosis and treatment of cervical abnormalities and factors that facilitate positive adjustment. Using a semi‐structured telephone interview, we interviewed 21 women (age 24–54) treated at a colposcopy clinic. Systematic recruitment of women with varying degrees of cervical abnormality (CIN 1–3) and time since treatment was undertaken to ensure representation of all relevant experiences and allow the identification of long‐term factors. Coding of audio‐taped, transcribed interviews and searching for themes was achieved by using NUD*IST software. The results identified uncertainty, trust and communication as the key factors for women following diagnosis and treatment. The primary concern following diagnosis was related to cancer but changed to a more prominent concern with future reproductive issues in the post‐treatment period. The majority of women acknowledged the importance of the doctor's empathic communication style. These findings have important implications for future studies and clinical practice. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of models to assess the reduction in contamination of water bodies by agricultural pesticides through the implementation of policy instruments: a case study of the Voluntary Initiative in the UK
Authors: Garratt James , Kennedy Angela
Published: September 2006

Through normal agricultural use, pesticides may reach environmental water bodies via several routes of entry. Various policies and initiatives exist to reduce the effects of pesticides in the environment. One such initiative in place in the UK is the Voluntary Initiative (VI). The VI is a voluntary scheme put forward by the Crop Protection Association with other crop protection and farming organisations to reduce the environmental impacts of pesticides. Mathematical models of pesticide fate can usefully be applied to examine the impact of factors influencing the contamination of water bodies by pesticides. The work reported here used water quality models to examine how changes in farmer behaviour could potentially impact pesticide contamination of environmental water bodies. As far as possible, uncalibrated, standard regulatory models were used. Where suitable models were not available, simple models were defined for the purposes of the study and calibrated using literature data. Scenarios were developed to represent different standards of practice with respect to pesticide user behaviour. The development of these scenarios was guided by the Crop Protection Management Plan (CPMP) aspect of the VI. A framework for the use of modelling in the evaluation of the VI is proposed. The results of the modelling study suggest that, in several areas, widespread adoption of the measures proposed in the VI could lead to reductions in pesticide contamination of environmental water bodies. These areas include pesticide contamination from farmyards, spray drift and field runoff. In other areas (including pesticide leaching to groundwater and contamination of surface water from field drains) the benefits that may potentially be gained from the VI are less clear. A framework to evaluate the VI should take into consideration the following aspects: (1) groundwater is more at risk when there is a combination of leachable compounds, vulnerable soils, shallow groundwater and high product usage; (2) surface water contamination from drains is most likely when heavy rain falls soon after application, the soils are vulnerable and product usage is high; (3) surface water contamination from drift is most likely when the distance between the spray boom and water body is small and product usage is high; (4) surface water contamination from farmyards is dependent on the nature of the farmyard surface, the competence of the spray operator and the level of product usage. Any policy or initiative to reduce pesticide contamination should be measured against farmer behaviour in these areas. © Crown copyright 2006. Reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of efficacy, absorption and translocation of three glyphosate formulations on velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)
Authors: Belles David , Shaner Dale , Westra Phil , Brunk Galen
Published: September 2006

Growth analysis, absorption and translocation studies were conducted to compare a 1‐aminomethanamide dihydrogen tetraoxosulfate (GLY‐A) formulation of glyphosate with two isopropylamine (GLY‐IPA‐1, GLY‐IPA‐2) formulations of glyphosate on velvetleaf. The two isopropylamine formulations differed by the presence of a surfactant in the formulation, GLY‐IPA‐1 containing surfactant whereas GLY‐IPA‐2 did not. Four‐ to six‐leaf velvetleaf was treated with GLY‐A and GLY‐IPA‐1 and GLY‐IPA‐2 (0, 50, 67, 89, 119, 158, 280, 420, 560 and 840 g AE ha−1) with and without ammonium sulfate (AMS; 20 g L−1). GLY‐A and GLY‐IPA‐2 included a non‐ionic surfactant (2.5 mL L−1) in the spray solution at all herbicide concentrations. No additional surfactant was added to GLY‐IPA‐1. The IC50 value for GLY‐A was 88 g AE ha−1 compared with 346 and 376 g AE ha−1 for GLY‐IPA‐1 and GLY‐IPA‐2 respectively in the absence of AMS. When AMS (20 g L−1) was added to the spray solution, the estimated IC50 values were 143, 76 and 60 g AE ha−1 for GLY‐IPA‐1, GLY‐IPA‐2 and GLY‐A respectively. Absorption of 14C‐glyphosate into the third leaf of five‐ to six‐leaf velvetleaf was three‐ to sixfold greater 72 h after treatment (HAT) when applied as GLY‐A compared with GLY‐IPA‐1 and GLY‐IPA‐2 respectively in the absence of AMS. AMS (20 g L−1) increased absorption of 14C‐glyphosate in all glyphosate formulations two‐ to threefold, but differences among the formulations remained. Approximately three‐ and sixfold more 14C‐glyphosate applied as GLY‐A had translocated out of the treated leaf compared with GLY‐IPA‐1 and GLY‐IPA‐2 respectively by 72 HAT. Adding AMS (20 g L−1) increased translocation of 14C‐glyphosate out of the treated leaf approximately 2.5‐fold for all three formulations. The increased efficacy of GLY‐A versus GLY‐IPA‐1 and GLY‐IPA‐2 on velvetleaf is due to the greater rate of absorption and subsequent translocation of glyphosate out of the treated leaf. AMS increased the efficacy of all three formulations by increasing absorption and translocation of glyphosate in the plant. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Lipidomic analysis of twenty‐seven prostanoids and isoprostanes by liquid chromatography/electrospray tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Masoodi Mojgan , Nicolaou Anna
Published: September 2006

Prostanoids are potent mediators of many physiological and pathophysiological processes. Of the many analytical methodologies used for their qualitative and quantitative analysis, electrospray tandem mass spectrometry coupled to liquid chromatography (LC/ESI‐MS/MS) offers a rapid, sensitive and versatile system applicable to lipidomic analyses. We have developed an LC/ESI‐MS/MS assay for twenty‐seven mediators including prostaglandins, prostacyclines, thromboxanes, dihydroprostaglandins and isoprostanes. The assay was liner over the concentration range 1–100 pg/µL. The limits of detection and quantitation were 0.5–50 and 2–100 pg, respectively, whilst recoveries were from 83–116% depending on the metabolite. The assay can be applied to the profiling of prostanoids produced by a variety of biological fluids and extracts including brain, liver, plasma and urine, thus facilitating our understanding of the role of these lipid mediators in health and disease, as well as assisting in drug development. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification and quantitation of phenolic compounds in faecal matrix by capillary gas chromatography and nano‐electrospray mass spectrometry
Authors: Knust Ulrike , Erben Gerhard , Spiegelhalder Bertold , Bartsch Helmut , Owen Robert Wyn
Published: September 2006

Very few relevant methods have been described for the detection and quantitation of phenolic compounds in faecal matrix. Extraction with conventional organic solvents such as chloroform/methanol (2:1, Folch reagent), methanol and ethanol (72%) showed high extraction efficiency for lipids and also gave good recovery of the major phenolic compounds present in the matrix. However, in comparison with a newly developed phosphate buffer method, the yield of minor phenolics was negligible when detected by these conventional methods. Conventional methods also lead to contamination of the ion source of the mass spectrometer and rapid deterioration of column performance mostly due to the high concentration of lipids. However, if the faecal matrix is initially extracted with phosphate buffer, and the extract acidified and re‐extracted with diethyl ether, the range and yield of phenolic compounds are enhanced and the problem of lipid contamination is substantially alleviated. Following pilot studies and optimisation of the procedure, individual phenolic compounds (n = 29) were identified by nano‐electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (nano‐ESI‐MS), nano‐ESI‐tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/EI‐MS) and quantitated (n = 27) by GC/MS in subsets (n = 5) of faecal samples, collected during the European Agency for Cancer Prevention calcium/fibre intervention study from four European countries (Italy, Germany, Spain and Denmark). A range of phenolic compounds (mainly acids) was detected, dominated by phenylacetic, benzoic, phenylpropionic and m‐hydroxyphenylpropionic acids, representing on average 9.91 (93%), 8.25 (92%), 9.45 (95%) and 11.05 (98%) mM in the Italian, German, Spanish and Danish samples, respectively. The new method should enable large epidemiologic, case‐control and intervention studies on the relevance of phenolic antioxidants in the aetiology of colorectal cancer to be conducted in the future. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automatic internal calibration in liquid chromatography/Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry of protein digests
Authors: Palmblad Magnus , Bindschedler Laurence V. , Gibson Trevor M. , Cramer Rainer
Published: September 2006

Accurately measured peptide masses can be used for large‐scale protein identification from bacterial whole‐cell digests as an alternative to tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) provided mass measurement errors of a few parts‐per‐million (ppm) are obtained. Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry (MS) routinely achieves such mass accuracy either with internal calibration or by regulating the charge in the analyzer cell. We have developed a novel and automated method for internal calibration of liquid chromatography (LC)/FTICR data from whole‐cell digests using peptides in the sample identified by concurrent MS/MS together with ambient polydimethylcyclosiloxanes as internal calibrants in the mass spectra. The method reduced mass measurement error from 4.3 ± 3.7 ppm to 0.3 ± 2.3 ppm in an E. coli LC/FTICR dataset of 1000 MS and MS/MS spectra and is applicable to all analyses of complex protein digests by FTICRMS. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cross‐layer enhancement of TCP split‐connections over satellites links
Authors: Peng Fei , Wu Lijuan , Leung Victor C. M.
Published: September 2006

Satellites have played an important role in global telecommunications. However, transmission control protocol (TCP) suffers performance degradations over satellite links due to the long propagation delay and high bit‐error rate. Among methods proposed to alleviate the impact of satellite link characteristics on TCP performance, split TCP connections separated by performance enhancement proxies (PEPs) have been proven attractive because they can keep TCP configurations in the end systems unchanged. While many protocols applied over satellite links between PEPs can effectively mitigate the effect of high loss rates, the long latency still limits the effectiveness of congestion control in these protocols. To minimize the effect of congestion we propose to take advantage of active queue management at the medium access control layer to provide immediate cross‐layer feedback to the TCP segment over satellite. This approach also achieves proper differentiation between packet losses due to channel errors and congestion. Simulation results show that our novel mechanism can give substantial improvements in TCP performance over satellite networks, compared to the best performing version of TCP with or without PEPs. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic resource allocation based on a TCP‐MAC cross‐layer approach for DVB‐RCS satellite networks
Authors: Chini Paolo , Giambene Giovanni , Bartolini Danilo , Luglio Michele , Roseti Cesare
Published: September 2006

Satellite communication networks can provide multimedia broadband services to fixed and mobile users in several scenarios where terrestrial networks are not present or where they need to be complemented. Moreover, satellite links can be useful to bypass crowded terrestrial networks, thus helping in reducing congestion. In such a scenario, characterized by a high propagation delay and a radio channel affected by losses, standard bandwidth allocation schemes prove to be inefficient when Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is running. Hence, we propose a novel resource allocation scheme based on the cross‐layer interaction between TCP and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers. The interest is here in achieving an efficient transfer of files by means of the FTP application protocol. Our scheme permits to avoid network congestion, to reduce the average file transfer time and to achieve a fair sharing of resources among competing flows. The allocation technique has been applied to an Interactive Satellite Network (ISN) based on the DVB‐RCS standard with a group of fixed satellite terminals, which communicate with a Network Control Center (NCC) through a geostationary bent‐pipe satellite, according to a classical star topology. Results are obtained through a network simulator. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
QOS considerations for future military satcom networks with link layer dynamic resource allocation
Authors: Narula‐Tam Aradhana , Wysocarski Jeff , Yao Huan , Wang Mu‐Cheng , Macdonald Thomas , Huang Orton , Pandya Julee
Published: September 2006

To efficiently utilize limited RF resources, future military packet‐switched satellite networks will dynamically allocate resources on the uplink and downlink. Designing the resource allocation algorithms to maximize link layer efficiency is insufficient. The resource allocation algorithms must work cooperatively with the network layer and transport layer to optimize network layer performance and provide quality of service (QoS) to applications and users. Several mechanisms for facilitating this required cooperation between the layers are presented. The individual roles and actions of the layers as well as their interaction are defined. QoS schedulers that continue to provide service differentiation in the presence of link variations are illustrated. Downlink scheduling architectures that provide terminal QoS guarantees are demonstrated. Finally, the interaction between TCP and the dynamic resource allocation algorithms is investigated, leading to suggested modifications of either the resource allocation algorithms, the TCP protocol, or both. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
System dynamics modelling for strategy implementation—case study and issues
Authors: Snabe Birgitte , Größler Andreas
Published: September 2006

System dynamics have over the years proven its usefulness in corporate strategy forming. The purpose of the paper is to investigate, how system dynamics modelling can be supportive for strategy implementation in organizations. In order to do so, we briefly discuss prospective features of strategy implementation interventions. Besides conceptual considerations, we base our arguments on a detailed case study from a high‐tech company. Findings of this paper are that system dynamics modelling can be helpful for strategy implementation in regards to both strategy refinement and transfer of insights and understanding underlying the strategy forming. Research implications comprise the further evaluation of the approach and the discussion of potential ethical issues. The originality of this paper lies in the proposition of the usage of system dynamics modelling in change management settings, where the field of system dynamics traditionally make use of flight simulators or qualitative system dynamics, rather than formal modelling and simulation. © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flexible study processes in ‘knotty’ system dynamics projects
Authors: Winch Graham , Derrick Sonja
Published: September 2006

System dynamics is generally selected as an analytical approach because it is believed to be particularly good with complex issues both in terms of the core model and the environment. The SD literature devotes considerable space to study and intervention processes, often suggesting general models, protocols or procedures that have worked in specific applications or a range of similar applications. This paper describes an ongoing project in which a complex system operates within a complex and fast‐changing environment with major and overlapping organizational changes, a wide and diverse set of stakeholders and difficult national political agendas. The project concerns the nature of ‘quality and effective training’ for junior doctors in the UK against the backdrop of major changes in working hours and conditions driven by national safety concerns and the overarching requirements of the EU Working Time Directive. Early models are already yielding valuable insights for those at a large teaching hospital wrestling with the seemingly impossible task of maintaining levels and quality of both doctor training and service to patients. However, the study is also highlighting that in such high‐complexity the study process itself can be problematic. This paper considers the issues raised and relates them to the literature on model‐based interventions and concludes that flexible and adaptive processes are needed to effectively manage such ‘knotty’ projects. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Babesiaparasites develop and are transmitted by the non-vector soft tickOrnithodoros moubata(Acari: Argasidae)
Authors: BATTSETSEG B. , MATSUO T. , XUAN X. , BOLDBAATAR D. , CHEE S. H. , UMEMIYA R. , SAKAGUCHI T. , HATTA T. , ZHOU J. , VERDIDA A. R. , TAYLOR D. , FUJISAKI K.
Published: September 2006

Ornithodoros moubataticks were fed on blood infected withBabesia equi. However, the parasites were quickly cleared as evidenced by the disappearance ofB. equi-specific ribosomal RNA from the ticks. We hypothesized that if theBabesiaparasite can escape midgut-associated barriers a non-vector tick can become infected withBabesia. To test this hypothesis,B. equiparasite-infected blood fromin vitroculture was injected into the haemocoel of ticks.B. equi-specific rRNA was surprisingly detected 45 days after injection even in the eggs.Babesia-free dogs were infested withO. moubataticks that were infected by inoculation withB. gibsoni-infected red blood cells. Parasitaemia and antibody production against Bg-TRAP ofB. gibsoniincreased gradually. These results indicate thatO. moubatamay be a useful vector model forBabesiaparasites and also a very important tool for studies on tick immunity againstBabesiaparasites and tick-Babesiainteractions.
Family caregivers and caregiving in dementia
Authors: Yap LKP , Seow CCD , Henderson LM , Goh YNJ
Published: September 2006

The alarming statistics of dementia are now widely acknowledged. The most recent estimates indicate 24.3 million suffer from this condition worldwide, with a new case being diagnosed every seven seconds. For the person afflicted, it robs him of his identity and, in the opinion of many, even his personhood. For family members, bereavement can begin from the early stages of the disease where a once-treasured relationship is gradually eroded. Family carers remain the main persons providing care, having to face much emotional, practical and economic strain in the process. Although there is no standard definition of family caregiving, it is understood to involve providing extraordinary care, often outside the bounds of what is usual in family relationships. Caregiving typically stretches over a prolonged period and entails significant expenditure of time, energy, finances, and tasks that may be unpleasant, emotionally stressful and physically exhausting.
Beliefs about Benefits of Rumination in Depressed Men and Women With and Without a History of Assault
Authors: Barnhofer Thorsten , Kuehn Eva-Maria , de Jong-Meyer Renate , Williams J. Mark G.
Published: September 2006

Positive beliefs about the benefits of rumination have been shown to be a proximal factor determining rumination. This study investigated, in a sample of 29 currently depressed patients, whether positive beliefs about rumination parallel known gender differences in rumination and whether these beliefs differ between depressed individuals with and without a history of physical or sexual assault. Depressed women tended to report stronger positive beliefs in the benefits of rumination than men. However, this result was found to be due to differential effects of a history of assault: women with a history of assault showed significantly stronger positive beliefs than women without a history of assault while there were no significant differences in men. Experiences of assault may undermine women's beliefs in coping ability so that rumination is seen as a more compelling option.
Metabolic Engineering and Characterization of phaC1 and phaC2 Genes from Pseudomonas putida KCTC1639 for Overproduction of Medium‐Chain‐Length Polyhydroxyalkanoate
Authors: Kim Tae‐Kwon , Jung Young‐Mi , Vo Minh Tri , Shioya Suteaki , Lee Yong‐Hyun
Published: September 2006

Two PHA synthase phaC1 and phaC2 genes cloned from the new strain Pseudomonas putida KCTC1639 were metabolically engineered for the overproduction of medium‐chain‐length polyhydroxyalkanoate (mcl‐PHA). The overexpressed phaC1 and phaC2 genes in P. putida KCTC1639 were compared in terms of the biosynthesis of mcl‐PHA, fatty acid assimilation, distribution of 3‐hydroxylacyl monomer units, granular morphology, and thermophysical properties of the accumulated mcl‐PHA. The biosynthesis of mcl‐PHA was enhanced only by the overexpressed phaC1 gene up to 2.86‐fold, in contrast, the phaC2 gene did not activate the biosynthesis of mcl‐PHA. The overexpressed phaC1 gene tended to form enlarged, high molecular weight, and lower crystalline mcl‐PHA granules, whereas the amplified phaC2 gene induced the fragmentation of mcl‐PHA into a few small‐sized granules. The transformant P. putida KCTC1639 overexpressing the phaC1 gene encoding PHA synthase I was cultivated by pH‐stat fed‐batch cultivation, and the concentration and content of mcl‐PHA increased up to 8.91 g L−1 and 70.5%, respectively.
Frictional response of a thick gouge sample: 2. Friction law and implications for faults
Authors: Chambon Guillaume , Schmittbuhl Jean , Corfdir Alain
Published: September 2006

On the basis of experimental results, we propose a new friction law aiming at describing the mechanical behavior of thick gouge layers. As shown in the companion paper, the dominant effect to take into account is a significant slip‐weakening process active over decimetric slip distances. This slip weakening is strongly nonlinear and, formerly, does not involve any characteristic length scale. The decrease of the gouge friction coefficient μ with imposed slip δ is well modeled by a power law: μ = μ0 + αδ−β, with β = 0.4. On this major trend are superimposed second‐order velocity‐weakening and time‐strengthening effects. These effects can be described using classical rate‐ and state‐dependent friction (RSF) laws and are associated with a small length scale dc ≈ 100 μm. Consistent with the general RSF framework, we combine slip‐weakening and second‐order effects in a slip, rate, and state (SRS) friction law with two state variables. We then compute the fracture (or breakdown) energy Gc and the apparent weakening distance Dcapp associated with the slip‐weakening process. Once extrapolated to realistic “geophysical” confining pressures, the obtained values are in excellent agreement with those inferred from real earthquakes: Gc ≈ 5 × 106 J m−2 and Dcapp ≈ 20 cm. We also find that fracture energy scales with imposed slip in our experiments: Gc ∼ δ0.6.
Crustal seismic imaging from multifold ocean bottom seismometer data by frequency domain full waveform tomography: Application to the eastern Nankai trough
Authors: Operto S. , Virieux J. , Dessa J.‐X. , Pascal G.
Published: September 2006

In offshore surveys, the deep crust is generally investigated by traveltime tomography applied to sparse ocean bottom seismometer data. The inferred velocity models are of limited resolution precluding a quantitative analysis of deep tectonic discontinuities. If dense arrays of ocean bottom seismometers can be deployed, the resulting data sets become amenable to full waveform processing, which should lead to a significant improvement in the resolution of structures. Such acquisition and processing were achieved on the eastern Nankai subduction zone. Full waveform inversion is entirely implemented in the frequency domain, enabling efficient finite difference wave modeling and allowing to limit the inversion to a few discrete frequencies of increasing value. Such a hierarchical procedure defines a multiresolution approach to seismic imaging. The data set was recorded by 93 instruments deployed along a 105‐km‐long profile. Thirteen frequencies ranging from 3 to 15 Hz were inverted sequentially. Wavelengths imaged by the full waveform inversion typically range between 0.5 and 8 km. Full waveform tomography reveals an intense compression in the upper prism and underlying backstop, as evidenced by several thrusts, the frontal ones still active, corresponding to negative velocity anomalies. The subducting Paleo‐Zenisu ridge is also reconstructed, above which stands the décollement. Velocities in the upper mantle beneath the ridge are rather low (7.5 km s−1), suggesting partially serpentinized mantle beneath the ridge. This paper demonstrates the feasibility of full waveform tomography based on dense ocean bottom seismometer data sets and its ability to quantitatively image the entire crust with a significantly improved resolution compared to what is usually achieved through traveltime tomography.