bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal behaviors of a novel UV cured flame retardant coatings containing phosphorus, nitrogen and silicon
Authors: Chen Xilei , Hu Yuan , Song Lei
Published: December 2007

Phosphorus‐containing trimethoxysilane (DGTH) was blended with Star polyurethane acrylate (SPUA) in different ratios to obtain a series of UV curable intumescent flame retardant resins. The fire properties were characterized by limiting oxygen index (LOI) and cone calorimetry. A distinct synergistic effect was found between SPUA and DGTH. The thermal degradation was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and real time Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The TG results have been found to correlate well with the LOI results. A degradation mechanism has been suggested that the 9,10‐dihydro‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenantrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) group in DGTH first degraded to form poly(phosphoric acid)s, which further catalyzed the degradation of the material to form char with emission of nitrogen volatiles from SPUA, leading to the formation of expanding char. The morphologic structures of crusts of the formed chars were observed by scanning electron microscopy, confirming the synergistic effect between SPUA and DGTH. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 48:116–123, 2008. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Organic–inorganic hybrid materials derived from epoxy resin and polysiloxanes: Synthesis and characterization
Authors: Canto C.F. , Prado L.A.S. de A. , Radovanovic E. , Yoshida I.V.P.
Published: December 2007

In this study, hybrid materials based on epoxy resin were prepared as transparent self‐supported films by a sol–gel process. 4,4′‐Diaminodiphenylmethane or oligomeric epoxy resin were used as precursors, which were conveniently functionalized with trialkoxysilanes as end‐groups. The effect of the introduction of poly (dimethylsiloxane) was also investigated. The hybrid films showed good thermal stability, a nondefined glass transition temperature, and a dense morphology without phase segregation. The tendency to a flat surface could be observed by atomic force microscopy. The hybrid films also showed good performance as coatings for glass plates, with an improved hydrophobic character in comparison to neat epoxy resin. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 48:141–148, 2008. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
A practical approach to modeling time‐dependent nonlinear creep behavior of polyethylene for structural applications
Authors: Liu Hongtao , Polak Maria Anna , Penlidis Alexander
Published: December 2007

The purpose of this work is to develop a practical method for constitutive modeling of polyethylene, based on a phenomenological approach, which can be applied for structural analysis. Polyethylene is increasingly used as a structural material, for example, in pipes installed by trenchless methods, where the relatively low stiffness of polyethylene reduces the required installation forces, chemical inertness makes it applicable for corrosive environments, and adequate strength allows its use in sewer, gas, and water lines. Polyethylene exhibits time‐dependent constitutive behavior which is also dependent on the applied stress level resulting in nonlinear stress–strain relationships. Nonlinear viscoelastic theory has been well established and a variety of modeling approaches have been derived from it. To realistically utilize the nonlinear modeling approaches in design, a simple method is needed for finding a constitutive formulation for a specific polyethylene type. This paper presents such a practical approach to nonlinear viscoelastic modeling utilizing both the multi‐Kelvin element theory and the power law functions to model creep compliance. Creep tests are used to determine material parameters and models are generated for four different polyethylene materials. The corroboration of the models is completed by comparisons with results from different tensile creep, step‐loading creep, and load‐rate tests. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 48:159–167, 2008. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of crystallization on dispersion of carbon nanofibers and electrical properties of polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Tjong S.C. , Liang G.D. , Bao S.P.
Published: December 2007

Polymer nanocomposites filled with low volume fractions of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were prepared by melt‐compounding. Three types of polymers with different crystallization behavior, i.e., weakly‐crystallized low density polyethylene (LDPE), strongly crystallized high density polyethylene (HDPE) and amorphous polystyrene (PS), were selected as matrices for the nanocomposites. The effects of polymer crystallization on the dispersion of CNFs were examined. Optical and electron microscopic examinations revealed that the dispersion of CNFs in the nanocomposite matrices was strongly depended on the crystallization behavior of polymer matrices. The CNFs were found to disperse uniformly in weakly crystallized LDPE and amorphous PS matrices, but agglomerated in HDPE due to its strong crystallization tendency. Such a distinct dispersion behavior of CNFs in polymers had a profound effect on the electrical properties of the nanocomposites investigated. The PS/CNF nanocomposites exhibited the lowest percolation threshold. The HDPE/CNF nanocomposites showed the largest percolation threshold due to the CNF agglomeration within the amorphous phase of HDPE. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 48:177–183, 2008. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
The friction and wear properties of clay filled PA66
Authors: Mu Bo , Wang Qihua , Wang Tingmei , Wang Honggang , Jian Lingqi
Published: December 2007

Polyamide 66(PA66)/clay nanocomposites were prepared by direct melt compounding. The mechanical and tribological properties were evaluated. It was found that addition of clay into PA66 increased the bending strength and microhardness of PA66. And also, the incorporation of clay can reduce the friction coefficient of PA66. The nanocomposites which have the mass fraction less than 5% show less wear rate compared with neat PA66. High fraction of clay can cause severe agglomerated abrasives. The differences in the friction and wear behaviors of PA66 and PA66/clay nanocomposites are attributed to the differences in their surface morphologies, transfer film characteristic. The agglomerated abrasives on the worn surface contribute to the increase of wear rate of nanocomposites of higher mass fraction clay. The friction and wear behaviors of PA66 and its nanocomposites under high temperature exhibit similar tendency with those under 25°C. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 48:203–209, 2008. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and supramolecular self‐assembly of thermosensitive amphiphilic star copolymers based on a hyperbranched polyether core
Authors: Hong Haiyan , Mai Yiyong , Zhou Yongfeng , Yan Deyue , Chen Yan
Published: December 2007

A novel amphiphilic thermosensitive star copolymer with a hydrophobic hyperbranched poly (3‐ethyl‐3‐(hydroxymethyl)oxetane) (HBPO) core and many hydrophilic poly(2‐(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) arms was synthesized and used as the precursor for the aqueous solution self‐assembly. All the copolymers directly aggregated into core–shell unimolecular micelles (around 10 nm) and size‐controllable large multimolecular micelles (around 100 nm) in water at room temperature, according to pyrene probe fluorescence spectrometry and 1H NMR, TEM, and DLS measurements. The star copolymers also underwent sharp, thermosensitive phase transitions at a lower critical solution temperature (LCST), which were proved to be originated from the secondary aggregation of the large micelles driven by increasing hydrophobic interaction due to the dehydration of PDMAEMA shells on heating. A quantitative variable temperature NMR analysis method was designed by using potassium hydrogen phthalate as an external standard and displayed great potential to evaluate the LCST transition at the molecular level. The drug loading and temperature‐dependent release properties of HBPO‐star‐PDMAEMA micelles were also investigated by using indomethacin as a model drug. The indomethacin‐loaded micelles displayed a rapid drug release at a temperature around LCST. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 668–681, 2008
Poly(methyl methacrylate)/multiwalled carbon nanotube microspheres fabricated via in‐situ dispersion polymerization
Authors: Kwon Soon‐Min , Kim Hun‐Sik , Myung Seung Jun , Jin Hyoung‐Joon
Published: December 2007

Poly(methyl methacrylate)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (PMMA/MWCNT) microspheres were successfully prepared by in situ dispersion polymerization in an alcohol phase in which the acid‐treated MWCNTs were dispersed before polymerization. The PMMA and PMMA/MWCNT microspheres were monodisperse. The diameters of the microspheres decreased from about 11.6–6.0 μm as the MWCNT content was increased from 0 to 0.03 wt %. The morphology of the PMMA/MWCNT microspheres was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, and the experimental results showed that the MWCNTs were present both in the interior and on the surface of the microspheres. The synthesized PMMA/MWCNT microspheres were also characterized by electrical resistance measurements to analyze their electrical conductivity. They showed electrorheological (ER) fluid characteristics when they were dispersed in silicone oil. Their ER properties were confirmed by using optical microscopy to examine a suspension of the PMMA/MWCNT microspheres dispersed in insulating silicone oil to which an electric field of 2.5 kV/cm was applied. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 182–189, 2008
Effect of beam stiffness–column reinforcement on creep and shrinkage behaviour of R.C frames
Authors: Sharma R. K. , Maru Savita , Nagpal A. K.
Published: December 2007

Vertical deflections and load transfer among columns of R.C frames depend on the percentage of reinforcement in columns and stiffness of beams. No systematic studies are available in the literature on the effect of these parameters. Such systematic studies are reported in this paper. The beam stiffness is expressed in terms of a non‐dimensional parameter, designated as stiffness factor, which is the ratio of shear stiffness of beams to axial stiffness of columns. It is shown that depending on stiffness factor and column reinforcement, a column may receive the load from the adjacent columns or transfer the load to the adjacent columns, or may receive the load from one of the adjacent columns and at the same time transfer the load to the other adjacent column. Further, the effect of the creep and shrinkage on column axial forces can be of design significance in the lower and middle portions of buildings. The effect becomes greater with the increase in stiffness factor and difference in percentage reinforcement of the adjacent columns. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parathyroidectomy for Renal Hyperparathyroidism in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Schlosser Katja , Schmitt Claus P. , Bartholomaeus Johanna E. , Suchan Katrin L. , Buchler Markus W. , Rothmund Matthias , Weber Theresia
Published: December 2007

Background

Renal hyperparathyroidism (rHPT) almost inevitably develops in pediatric patients with end‐stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) and may require parathyroidectomy (PTX) despite intensified conservative therapy. Long‐term duration of uncontrolled rHPT may result in disabling osteodystrophy and vascular calcifications. Only a few reports on children undergoing PTX for rHPT are available and mainly consist of case reports with short follow‐up periods. To study this entity, we analyzed the course of 23 pediatic patients who underwent PTX for rHPT.

Methods

Twenty‐three patients with a mean age of 15 years and who underwent PTX for rHPT between 1986 and 2006 were evaluated. Surgical indications and techniques, specific postoperative management, and follow‐up courses are described.

Results

Preoperative mean serum (s‐) calcium was 2.7 ± 0.05 mmol/L (normal range = 2.2–2.7 mmol/L); s‐phosphate was 1.8 ± 0.1 mmol/L (normal range = 0.8–1.6 mmol/L), and mean intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was 1240.1 ± 160.1 pg/ml (normal range = 11–65 pg/ml). Twenty‐one patients underwent initial PTX and two patients underwent reoperative PTX. Total PTX with parathyroid autotransplantation (AT) was performed in 18 patients. In three patients less than four parathyroid glands were identified and no AT was performed consecutively. Postoperatively, no complications with respect to bleeding or vocal cord damage were recorded. The postoperative values of s‐calcium, s‐phosphate, and PTH decreased to or below normal range (s‐calcium = 2.0 ± 0.1 mmol/L, s‐phosphate = 1.2 ± 0.1 mmol/L, PTH = 50.1 ± 11.2 pg/ml). All 15 children below the age of 15 years required calcium intravenously. Follow‐up was obtained in all patients 69.6 ± 11.4 months after PTX. Bone pain resolved in all previously symptomatic patients. S‐calcium was 2.2 ± 0.2 mmol/L, s‐phosphate was 1.4 ± 0.3 mmol/L, and PTH was 90.2 ± 21.5 pg/ml. No patient required repeated parathyroid autografting, and only one underwent an explantation of his AT six years after initial PTX.

Conclusion

Total PTX with AT in pediatric patients with rHPT is a safe and effective procedure. It should be considered if rHPT is refractory to conservative treatment, in view of the risk of potentially lethal vascular calcifications developing in the majority of adults with childhood onset of CKD.
Effect of Dopant on the Nanostructured Morphology of Poly (1-naphthylamine) Synthesized by Template Free Method
Authors: Riaz Ufana , Ahmad Sharif , Ashraf S Marghoob
Published: December 2007

The study reports some preliminary investigations on the template free synthesis of ascantly investigated polyaniline (PANI) derivative—poly (1-naphthylamine) (PNA) by template free method in presence as well as absence of hydrochloric acid (HCl) (dopant), using ferric chloride as oxidant. The polymerization was carried out in alcoholic medium. Polymerization of 1-naphthylamine (NPA) was confirmed by the FT-IR as well as UV–visible studies. The morphology and size of PNA particles was strongly influenced by the presence and absence of acid which was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies.
Lycopene attenuates thermal hyperalgesia in a diabetic mouse model of neuropathic pain
Authors: Kuhad Anurag , Sharma Sameer , Chopra Kanwaljit
Published: December 2007

Diabetic neuropathic pain, an important microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus is recognized as one of the most difficult types of pain to treat. The development of tolerance, inadequate relief and potential toxicity of classical antinociceptives warrant the investigation of the newer agents to relieve this pain. The aim of the present study was to explore the antinociceptive effect of lycopene and its effect on tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and nitric oxide (NO) release in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice. Four weeks after a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (200mg/kg), mice were tested in the tail immersion and hot‐plate assays. Diabetic mice exhibited significant hyperalgesia alongwith increased plasma glucose and decreased body weights as compared with control mice. Lycopene (1, 2 and 4mg/kg body weight; per oral) treatment, from the 4th to 8th week after streptozotocin injection, significantly attenuated thermal hyperalgesia and the hot‐plate latencies. Lycopene also inhibited the TNF‐α and NO release in a dose dependent manner. These results indicate an antinociceptive activity of lycopene possibly through its inhibitory action on NO and TNF‐α release and point towards its potential to attenuate diabetic neuropathic pain.
Activation of prothrombin by ASP, a serine protease released from Aeromonas sobria
Authors: Nitta Hidetoshi , Kobayashi Hidetomo , Irie Atsushi , Baba Hideo , Okamoto Keinosuke , Imamura Takahisa
Published: December 2007

The effect of a serine protease (ASP) secreted from Aeromonas sobria on plasma coagulation was investigated. Proteolytically active ASP promoted human plasma coagulation in a dose‐dependent manner. Consistent with the preference for a factor Xa‐specific oligo‐peptide substrate, ASP produced enzymatic activity from human prothrombin but not from factors IX and X. ASP cleaved prothrombin to produce enzymatically active 37 kDa‐fragment displaying the same molecular mass as α‐thrombin. ASP is the first bacterial serine protease that produces α‐thrombin, through which ASP may contribute to the induction of thrombotic tendency in disseminated intravascular coagulation complicated with sepsis caused by A. sobria infections.
Chitotriosidase and YKL‐40 in normal and pre‐eclamptic pregnancies
Authors: Madazli Riza , Kucur Mine , Gezer Altay , Isman Ferruh , Bulut Berk
Published: December 2007

Objective

To compare macrophage activation in normal and pre‐eclamptic pregnancies by determining YKL‐40 concentration and chitotriosidase activity in maternal and cord serum.

Methods

In this prospective case‐control study samples of maternal peripheral blood and umbilical venous blood were collected from 28 pre‐eclamptic and 24 normotensive pregnant women and their newborns. YKL‐40 concentration and chitotriosidase activity were determined by enzyme‐linked immunoassay and fluorometry, respectively.

Results

Chitotriosidase activity in maternal and cord serum and YKL‐40 concentration in cord serum were significantly higher in pre‐eclamptic pregnancies (P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in maternal serum levels of YKL‐40 between the case and control groups (P > 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between diastolic blood pressure and (1) chitotriosidase activity in both maternal and cord serum and (2) cord serum concentration of YKL‐40 (r = 0.61, r = 0.84, and r = 0.58, respectively).

Conclusion

This study may be the first to demonstrate maternal and fetal macrophage activation in pre‐eclampsia.
Chemical composition of pore waters of bottom sediments in different Baikal basins
Authors: Pogodaeva T.V. , Zemskaya T.I. , Golobokova L.P. , Khlystov O.M. , Minami H. , Sakagami H.
Published: December 2007

Results of study of pore waters of bottom sediments from different Baikal basins are presented. The most typical ion distribution patterns reflecting the Baikal sediment diagenesis are given. We have established that in areas with regular sedimentation, in the absence of faults and inflows, the sediment pore waters of three lake basins inherit the chemical composition of the Baikal water, which is stable in time and space. Changes in pore water composition mark general natural anomalies, such as the presence of active faults, tectonic movements, and inflows along permeable zones. In areas with the subsurface occurrence of gas hydrates, thorough long-term research has revealed an anomalous composition of pore waters. It has been established that the anomalies are caused by a discharge of deep-level mud-volcanic fluids. The ejected mud-volcanic waters differ from each other in mineralization, ion composition, and sources, which determines the difference in hydrate formation and the composition of gas hydrates.
Structure of bottom sediments in Lake Hövsgöl: geological and climate controls
Authors:   Hövsgöl Drilling Project Group, Abzaeva A.A. , Bezrukova E.V. , Bychinsky V.A. , Fedenya S.A. , Geletiy V.F. , Goreglyad A.V. , Ivanov E.V. , Inoue G. , Kawai T. , Kalmychkov G.V. , Kashiwaya K. , Kerber E.V. , Khomutova M.Yu. , Khursevich G.K. , Kim J.Y. , Krainov M.A. , Kuzmin M.I. , Kulagina N.V. , Letunova P.P. , Minoura K. , Narantsetseg Ts. , Osukhovskaya Yu.V. , Oyunchimeg Ts. , Prokopenko A.A. , Sakai H. , Solotchina E.P. , Tkachenko L.L. , Tomurhuu D.
Published: December 2007

A new experiment of the Hövsgöl Drilling Project was carried out in Lake Hövsgöl in 2004, as part of the international program of scientific drilling in the Baikal Rift. The reported data include a preliminary description of the recovered lake sediments (HDP-04 core), with their compositions and physical properties, and a tentative age-depth model based on the paleomagnetic polarity scale. This is the first evidence that the lithology of sediments deposited for the past ~1 Myr records periodic alternation of carbonate-free diatomaceous mud and carbonate-bearing silty clay.

The diatom intervals in the record are interpreted as corresponding to interglacials by analogy with the periodicity known since the Last Glacial. The core bears signature of at least nine lithological change events. The sediment lithology records extremely low stand of Paleo-Hövsgöl (shallow-water facies produced by erosion of older sediments at the point where the today’s lake reaches a depth of 240 m). Correlation of the HDP-04 core data with reflection profiling evidence confirms the presence of quite a large gap in the Pleistocene sedimentary record from the Hövsgöl rift basin.

The discovery of alternating carbonate-rich/carbonate-free cycles and evidence for sudden lake level changes impart special importance to the Hövsgöl archive: It can provide a deeper insight into the regional water budget and humidity history than it has been so far possible for the Middle and Late Pleistocene.
Effects of green tea on insulin sensitivity, lipid profile and expression of PPARα and PPARγ and their target genes in obese dogs
Authors: Serisier Samuel , Leray Veronique , Poudroux Wilfried , Magot Thierry , Ouguerram Khadija , Nguyen Patrick
Published: December 2007

As in man, canine obesity is associated with insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia and other chronic diseases. This study was designed to examine the effects of a nutritional supplement (green tea) on insulin sensitivity and plasma lipid concentrations in an obese insulin-resistant dog model. We also determined mRNA expression of two transcription factors, PPARγ and PPARα, and some of their target genes, including GLUT4, lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and adiponectin. Obese dogs were divided into two groups: a green tea group (n 6); a control group (n 4). Dogs in the green tea group were given green tea extract (80 mg/kg per d) orally, just before their single daily meal, for 12 weeks. Insulin sensitivity (using a euglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic clamp) and concentrations of plasma TAG, total cholesterol and NEFA were assessed in each group. Gene expression was measured in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues and in liver and skeletal muscle, by real-time PCR. At 12 weeks in the green tea group, mean insulin sensitivity index was 60 (sem 11) % higher (P < 0·05) and TAG concentration 50 (sem 10) % lower (P < 0·001), than baseline. PPARγ, GLUT4, LPL and adiponectin expression were significantly higher in both adipose tissues, whilst PPARα and LPL expression were significantly higher in skeletal muscle, compared with baseline. These findings show that nutritional doses of green tea extract may improve insulin sensitivity and lipid profile and alter the expression of genes involved in glucose and lipid homeostasis.
Assessment of nutrient and water intake among adolescents from sports federations in the Federal District, Brazil
Authors: de Sousa Eliene F. , Da Costa Teresa H. M. , Nogueira Julia A. D. , Vivaldi Lúcio J.
Published: December 2007

Adolescents aged 11–14 years (n 326), belonging to organized sports federations in the Federal District, Brazil were interviewed. Subjects (n 107) provided four non-consecutive days of food consumption and 219 subjects provided two non-consecutive days of intake. The objective was to assess their nutrient and water intake according to dietary reference intake values and their energy and macronutrient intake by sex and sports groups they were engaged in: endurance, strength-skill or mixed, according to the guidelines established by the American College of Sport Medicine (ACSM). Dietary data were corrected for intra-individual variation. Total energy expenditure was higher among endurance athletes (P < 0·001) following their higher training time (P < 0·001) when compared to adolescents engaged in strength-skill or mixed sports. Total energy intake was only significantly higher among endurance-engaged females (P = 0·05). Protein intake of males was above the guidelines established by the ACSM for all sports groups. All male sport groups fulfilled the intake levels of carbohydrate per kg body weight but only females engaged in endurance sports fulfilled carbohydrate guidelines. Intakes of micronutrients with low prevalence of adequate intake were: vitamins B1, E and folate, magnesium and phosphorus. Few adolescents ( < 5 %) presented adequate intake for calcium, fibre, drinking water and beverages. For micronutrients, prevalence of adequacies were lower for females than males, except for liquids and water. Nutrition guidance is needed to help adolescents fulfil specific guidelines of macronutrient intake for their sports and to improve their intake of micronutrients and water. Special attention should be given to female adolescent athletes.
The effect of a dietary supplement of potassium chloride or potassium citrate on blood pressure in predominantly normotensive volunteers
Authors: Braschi Alessandro , Naismith Donald J.
Published: December 2007

Blood pressure (BP) shows a continuous relationship with the risk of CVD. There is substantial evidence that dietary potassium exerts an anti-pressor effect. Most clinical trials have used KCl. However, the chloride ion may have a pressor effect and in foods potassium is associated with organic anions. In a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial we explored the effect on BP of two salts of potassium, KCl and potassium citrate (K-cit), in predominantly young healthy normotensive volunteers. The primary outcome was the change in mean arterial pressure as measured in a clinic setting. After 6 weeks of supplementation, compared with the placebo group (n31), 30 mmol K-cit/d (n28) changed mean arterial pressure by − 5·22 mmHg (95 % CI − 8·85, − 4·53) which did not differ significantly from that induced by KCl (n26), − 4·70 mmHg ( − 6·56, − 2·84). The changes in systolic and diastolic BP were − 6·69 (95 % CI − 8·85, − 4·43) and − 4·26 (95 % CI − 6·31, − 2·21) mmHg with K-cit and − 5·24 (95 % CI − 7·43, − 3·06) and − 4·30 (95 % CI − 6·39, − 2·20) mmHg with KCl, and did not differ significantly between the two treatments. Changes in BP were not related to baseline urinary electrolytes. A greater treatment-related effect was observed in those with higher systolic BP. Increasing dietary potassium could therefore have a significant impact on the progressive rise in BP in the entire population.
Effect of Ramadan fasting on some indices of insulin resistance and components of the metabolic syndrome in healthy male adults
Authors: Shariatpanahi Z. Vahdat , Shariatpanahi M. Vahdat , Shahbazi S. , Hossaini A. , Abadi A.
Published: December 2007

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Ramadan fasting on insulin sensitivity in subjects with the metabolic syndrome. Males (n 55; age 34·1 (sd 8·9) years) with the metabolic syndrome were studied. Blood pressure, waist circumference, body weight, HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), TAG, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting blood insulin and insulin resistance indices (quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and reciprocal index of HOMA-IR (1/HOMA-IR)) were evaluated before and after 30 d of Ramadan fasting (two meals at 12 h intervals). The dietary intake was estimated by 24 h recall before and after fasting. The total daily energy intake was decreased by 234·6 (sd 88·2) kJ/d in the fasting period (P = 0·005). 1/HOMA-IR, QUICKI and HDL-C were significantly increased (P = 0·005, P = 0·001 and P = 0·004) and FPG significantly decreased (P < 0·005) after fasting. Simple linear regression analysis demonstrated that HOMA-IR, 1/HOMA-IR and QUICKI were related to waist circumference after intervention (r 0·458, P < 0·001; r − 0·396, P < 0·05; r − 0·342, P < 0·05). In conclusion, the present study showed that the combined change in the number and timing of meals and portioning of the entire intake into only two meals per d may increase insulin sensitivity in subjects with the metabolic syndrome even when the decrease in energy consumption is minimal.
The occurrence ofCaryophyllaeus laticepsin the naseChondrostoma nasusfrom Austrian rivers: possible anthropogenic factors
Authors: Jirsa F. , Konecny R. , Frank C.
Published: December 2007

Between April 2003 and November 2006 a total of 198 naseChondrostoma nasus(L.) were examined for parasites from seven river sites in Austria. The selected sites showed different levels of anthropogenic alterations in river morphology ranging from pristine areas, with minor anthropogenic alterations, to strongly physically altered rivers. A variety of parasites were recovered from the skin, gills, swimbladder and eyes, withCaryophyllaeus laticeps(Pallas) being identified as the only cestode species occurring in the intestine. This is the first record of this species in nase in Austria.Caryophyllaeus laticepswas confined to the first 20% of the intestine, even in heavily infected hosts. The occurrence ofC. laticepswithin the fish population seems to be correlated with the degree of anthropogenic changes of the nase's habitat. In rivers with a high degree of ecological integrity or in rivers that are only partially dammed,C. laticepsis either absent inC. nasusor occurs with low prevalence (5.6–20%) and low mean intensity values (1.0–4.0). Where anthropogenic factors have changed the entire river into a reservoir, and fish cannot escape, the prevalence of infection withC. laticepsincreases from 46.2 to 78.2% and the mean intensity from 8.8 to 17.2.
Three-dimensional instability of two nonlinearly coupled electromagnetic waves in a plasma
Authors: STENFLO LENNART , ELIASSON BENGT , MARKLUND MATTIAS
Published: December 2007

The three-dimensional instability of two coupled electromagnetic waves in an unmagnetized plasma is investigated theoretically and numerically. In the regime of two-plasmon decay, where one pump wave frequency is approximately twice the electron plasma frequency, we find that the coupled pump waves give rise to enhanced instability with wavevectors between those of the two beams. In the case of ion parametric decay instability, where the pump wave decays into one Langmuir wave and one ion acoustic wave, the instability regions are added with no distinct amplification. Our investigation can be useful in interpreting laser-plasma as well as ionospheric heating experiments.
Large-amplitude electron plasma oscillations
Authors: ABRAHAM-SHRAUNER BARBARA
Published: December 2007

Large-amplitude electron plasma oscillations in a one-dimensional, cold electron plasma are investigated for a spatially varying, immobile ion density. The Eulerian variables are transformed to Lagrangian variables. The problem is then treated as an effective one-dimensional particle in a potential. Two examples of spatially varying ion densities that lead to analytic functions for the electron position, velocity and electric field are found by Gauss' law to have zero electron density, an unphysical result. A generic solution that includes the two examples is shown to have a spatially homogeneous ion density. A nonlinear ordinary differential equation is the condition for the appropriate form of the electron density and is solved by Lie group symmetries. A more general form of a solution is presented that possesses a spatially varying ion density, but when the necessary conditions are specified it has either zero electron density or secular terms in the electron density.
High-enthalpy, water-cooled and thin-walled ICP sources characterization and MHD optimization
Authors: HERDRICH G. , PETKOW D.
Published: December 2007

The development of the inductively driven plasma wind tunnel PWK3, which enables the electrodeless generation of high-enthalpy plasmas for the development of heat shield materials required for space vehicles performing entry manoeuvres in the atmospheres of Venus, Earth and Mars, is described. The facility with its modular inductive plasma generators allows operation with gases such as carbon dioxide, air, oxygen and nitrogen and was qualified for thermal plasma powers up to 60 kW. Previously developed models for determining plasma properties and plasma source related characteristics enable a maximum plasma power in combination with long operational periods using different operational gases and gas mixtures. This is achieved by an optimization using the optimum operational frequency, a minimization of field losses using very thin plasma tube wall thicknesses and the successful application of MHD effects. Based on the solved cylinder problem for ICPs, a one-dimensional model for radial Lorentz forces and magnetic pressure has been developed. Here, a synthesis of previously published data and works is made where the new algebraic model for the calculation of Lorentz forces and magnetic pressures in an ICP was used and applied to experimental data. In addition, results from the model using the experimental data are shown to be consistent and, in addition, a comparison with a simpler model based on the well-known exponential approach for ICPs showed that the simpler model is covered without fail by the new model. The new model also states that there is a maximum of the Lorentz forces over the damping parameter d/δ (plasma diameter divided by skin depth) which almost corresponds with the position of the maximum plasma power of the cylindric model for ICPs. For the magnetic pressure the position of the maximum pressure is identical to the value for d/δ for the maximum plasma power.
Specific tyrosine phosphorylation induced in Schistosoma mansoni miracidia by haemolymph from schistosome susceptible, but not resistant, Biomphalaria glabrata
Authors: WALKER A. J. , ROLLINSON D.
Published: December 2007

Molecular interplay during snail-schistosome interactions is poorly understood and there is much to discover concerning the effect of snail host molecules on molecular processes in schistosomes. Using the Biomphalaria glabrata – Schistosoma mansoni host-parasite system, the effects of exposure to haemolymph, derived from schistosome-resistant and susceptible snail strains, on protein tyrosine phosphorylation in miracidia have been investigated. Western blotting revealed several tyrosine phosphorylated proteins in this larval stage. Exposure of miracidia to haemolymph from susceptible snails for 60 min resulted in a striking, 5-fold, increase in the tyrosine phosphorylation of a 56 kDa (p56) S. mansoni protein. In contrast, haemolymph from resistant snails had little effect on protein tyrosine phosphorylation levels in miracidia. Confocal microscopy revealed that tyrosine phosphorylation was predominantly associated with proteins present in the tegument. Finally, treatment of miracidia with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein significantly impaired their development into primary sporocysts. The results open avenues for research that focus on the potential importance of phospho-p56 to the outcome of schistosome infection in snails, and the significance of protein tyrosine kinase-mediated signalling events to the transformation of S. mansoni larvae.
Strengths and weaknesses of finite-state technology: a case study in morphological grammar development
Authors: WINTNER SHULY
Published: December 2007

Finite-state technology is considered the preferred model for representing the phonology and morphology of natural languages. The attractiveness of this technology for natural language processing stems from four sources: modularity of the design, due to the closure properties of regular languages and relations; the compact representation that is achieved through minimization; efficiency, which is a result of linear recognition time with finite-state devices; and reversibility, resulting from the declarative nature of such devices. However, when wide-coverage morphological grammars are considered, finite-state technology does not scale up well, and the benefits of this technology can be overshadowed by the limitations it imposes as a programming environment for language processing. This paper investigates the strengths and weaknesses of existing technology, focusing on various aspects of large-scale grammar development. Using a real-world case study, we compare a finite-state implementation with an equivalent Java program with respect to ease of development, modularity, maintainability of the code, and space and time efficiency. We identify two main problems,abstractionandincremental development, which are currently not addressed sufficiently well by finite-state technology, and which we believe should be the focus of future research and development.
The Rise of Deobandi Islam in the North-West Frontier Province and its Implications in Colonial India and Pakistan 1914–1996
Authors: HAROON SANA
Published: December 2007

The commitment of North-West Frontier Province Pakhtun religious politics towards the quest for a society and state governed by religious leaders was directed through the colonial period, and into the national period, predominantly by the ulama known as Deobandis. These ulama took their title from the madrasa Darul Ulum Deoband in the United Provinces in north-India and came to prominence through championing Muslim interests in colonial NWFP. After the partition of the Indian subcontinent and the creation of Pakistan in 1947, the United Provinces remained in India, separating Pakistani scholars trained in Deoband from Indian Deobandi theologians, and indeed from the school itself. But these ulama continued to call themselves Deobandis and were central to the successful demand for the constitutional declaration of Pakistan as an Islamic state; and brought Islam to bear on national and provincial legislation from positions in parliament. Increasingly well-organised and well-funded, NWFP Deobandi ulama established madrasas and mosques in the province, strengthening the preserve of religion and their own authority. When the Afghan resistance to the Soviet occupation began in 1978, a section of the resistance organisation working in exile in Peshawar gravitated towards these Deobandi institutions, drawing the Deobandi ulama of the NWFP into the jihad. Sustaining links to the Afghan fighters even after the withdrawal of the Soviets, the NWFP Deobandis contributed to and encouraged the emerging organisation of the Taliban, becoming champions of their reactionary brand of Islam.
ROBUST MONETARY POLICY IN THE NEW KEYNESIAN FRAMEWORK
Authors: LEITEMO KAI , SÖDERSTRÖM ULF
Published: December 2007

We study the effects of model uncertainty in a simple New Keynesian model using robust control techniques. Due to the simple model structure, we are able to find closed-form solutions for the robust control problem, analyzing both instrument rules and targeting rules under different timing assumptions. In all cases but one, an increased preference for robustness makes monetary policy respond more aggressively to cost shocks but leaves the response to demand shocks unchanged. As a consequence, inflation is less volatile and output is more volatile than under the nonrobust policy. Under one particular timing assumption, however, increasing the preference for robustness has no effect on the optimal targeting rule (nor on the economy).
Carotenoid intakes, assessed by food-frequency questionnaires (FFQs), are associated with serum carotenoid concentrations in the Jackson Heart Study: validation of the Jackson Heart Study Delta NIRI Adult FFQs
Authors: Talegawkar Sameera A , Johnson Elizabeth J , Carithers Teresa C , Taylor Herman A , Bogle Margaret L , Tucker Katherine L
Published: December 2007

Objectives

Intake and status of carotenoids have been associated with chronic disease. The objectives of this study were to examine the association between carotenoid intakes as measured by two regional food-frequency questionnaires (FFQs) and their corresponding measures in serum, and to report on dietary food sources of carotenoids in Jackson Heart Study (JHS) participants.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis of data for 402 African American men and women participating in the Diet and Physical Activity Sub-Study (DPASS) of the JHS.

Results

Mean serum carotenoid concentrations and intakes in this population were comparable to those reported for the general US population. After adjustment for covariates, correlations between serum and dietary measures of each carotenoid, for the average of the recalls (deattenuated), the short FFQ and the long FFQ, respectively, were: 0·37, 0·35 and 0·21 for α-carotene; 0·35, 0·26 and 0·28 for total (diet plus supplements) β-carotene; 0·25, 0·17 and 0·20 for dietary β-carotene; 0·42, 0·34 and 0·26 for β-cryptoxanthin; 0·33, 0·15 and 0·17 for lutein plus zeaxanthin; and 0·37, 0·19 and 0·14 for lycopene. Major dietary sources of α-carotene were orange vegetables; of β-carotene and lutein plus zeaxanthin, mustard, turnip and collard greens; of β-cryptoxanthin, orange juice; and of lycopene, tomato juice.

Conclusions

On average, carotenoid intakes and serum concentrations are not lower in this southern African American population than the general US population. The two regional FFQs developed for a southern US population and used as dietary assessment tools in the JHS appear to provide reasonably valid information for most of these carotenoids.
Life in the Atacama: Science autonomy for improving data quality
Authors: Smith Trey , Thompson David R. , Wettergreen David S. , Cabrol Nathalie A. , Warren‐Rhodes Kimberley A. , Weinstein Shmuel J.
Published: December 2007

“Science autonomy” refers to exploration robotics technologies involving onboard science analysis of collected data. These techniques enable a rover to make adaptive decisions about which measurements to collect and transmit. Science autonomy can compensate for limited communications bandwidth by ensuring that planetary scientists receive those images and spectra that best meet mission goals. Here, we present the results of autonomous science experiments performed in the Atacama Desert of Chile during the Life in the Atacama (LITA) rover field campaign. We aim to provide an overview of autonomous science principles and examine their integration into the LITA operations strategy. We present experiments in four specific autonomous science domains: (1) autonomously responding to evidence of life with more detailed measurements; (2) rock detection for site profiling and selective data return; (3) tactical replanning to efficiently map the distribution of life; (4) detecting novel images and geologic unit boundaries in image sequences. In each of these domains we demonstrate improvements in the quality of returned data through autonomous analysis of imagery.
Scaling relationships and evolution of distributary networks on wave‐influenced deltas
Authors: Jerolmack Douglas J. , Swenson John B.
Published: December 2007

No genetic model can explain the variability in distributary network pattern on modern deltas. Here we derive scaling relationships for two processes known to create distributary channels and, with these laws, construct a simple model for distributary network evolution. The first process is mouth‐bar deposition at the shoreline and subsequent channel bifurcation; the second is avulsion—the wholesale abandonment of a channel in favor of a new path. The former creates relatively small networks with power‐law distributions of channel length; the latter generates relatively few, backwater‐scale distributaries. Frequency‐magnitude plots of channel length on natural deltas agree with theoretical predictions and show a clear separation in scale that reflects these processes: Mouth‐bar distributary lengths scale with the width of the parent channel, and avulsive distributary lengths scale with the backwater length; intermediate channel lengths are relatively rare. Wave energy controls network topology by suppressing mouth‐bar development, thereby preferentially eliminating smaller‐scale distributaries.
Fluid versus simulation model of solitons in solar wind: Application to Ulysses observations
Authors: Baumgärtel K. , Sauer K. , Mjølhus E. , Dubinin E.
Published: December 2007

This paper continues recent efforts based on Hall‐MHD theory (Sauer et al., 2007) to explain a new class of magnetically compressive solitary structures in the interplanetary space, observed by the Ulysses magnetometer (Rees et al., 2006). The theoretical basis is extended by a kinetic approach via one‐dimensional hybrid code simulations which reveal deficiencies of fluid theory in describing slow mode‐type solitons in a collisionless finite β plasma. Kinetic solitary structures, resembling obliquely propagating Alfven wave pulses with quasi‐circular or banana‐type polarization are presented which may reproduce most of the observational features. This suggests that the soliton picture provides an adequate theoretical concept for the observed events.
A semianalytical solution of periodical electro-osmosis in a rectangular microchannel
Authors: Wang Xianming , Chen Bo , Wu Jiankang
Published: December 2007

This paper presents a semianalytical solution to study the flow behavior of periodical electro-osmosis in a rectangular microchannel based on a nonlinear Poisson–Boltzmann equation and Navier–Stokes equation. The analytical results indicate that the velocity of periodical electro-osmosis strongly depends on the Reynolds number Re=ωH2∕ν, the properties of electric double layer, and the applied electric field. When the Reynolds number is low, the velocity amplitude of periodical electro-osmosis is the same as that of steady electro-osmosis, and it shows a square plug-like profile. When the Reynolds number is high, the velocity of periodical electro-osmosis decreases rapidly from the solid wall to the channel center, and it shows a bowl-like velocity profile varying with time. It is also found that the slip velocity of periodical electro-osmosis and its instantaneous flow rate in a microchannel decrease as the Reynolds number increases. Numerical solutions are also given in this paper, which are in good agreement with the semianalytical solutions.
Ab initio calculations on the X̃A′1 and ÃA″1 states of HPO and Franck-Condon simulation of the single vibronic level emission spectra of HPO and DPO
Authors: Lee Edmond P. F. , Mok Daniel K. W. , Chau Foo-Tim , Dyke John M.
Published: December 2007

Minimum-energy geometries and relative electronic energies of the X̃A′1 and ÃA″1 states of HPO have been computed employing the coupled-cluster single-double plus perturbative triple excitations {RCCSD(T)} and/or complete-active-space self-consistent-field (CASSCF) multireference internally contracted configuration interaction (MRCI) methods with basis sets of up to the augmented correlation-consistent polarized-valence quintuple-zeta (aug-cc-pV5Z) quality. In addition, RCCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVQZ and CASSCF/MRCI/aug-cc-pVQZ potential energy functions, anharmonic vibrational wave functions, and energies involving all three vibrational modes for both electronic states of HPO and DPO, and Franck-Condon factors between the two electronic states, which allow for Duschinsky rotation and anharmonicity, were computed. Computed Franck-Condon factors were then used to simulate single vibronic level (SVL) emission spectra recently reported by Tackett and Clouthier [J. Chem. Phys. 117, 10604 (2002)]. Excellent agreement between the simulated and observed spectra was obtained for the ÃA″1(1,0,0)→X̃A′1 SVL emission of HPO and DPO, when the best estimated ab initio geometries of the two states, which include contributions from core correlation and extrapolation to the complete basis set limit, were used in the simulation, suggesting that the best estimated ab initio geometry of the ÃA″1 state of HPO, particularly the bond angle of 94.5°, is more reliable than the available experimentally derived geometry. A discussion on the geometrical parameters derived from rotational constants obtained from the rotational analysis of a high-resolution spectrum and from Franck-Condon simulation of the vibrational structure of an electronic spectrum is given.