bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Russian Energy Policy–Twenty Years after Chernobyl
Authors: Popova Lydia V.
Published: August 2006

The Chernobyl accident had a contradictory effect on Russian energy policy. On one hand, huge economic losses due to the necessity to compensate people and to carry out the clean up, turned the Russian government towards safer ways to produce energy and the effectiveness of its use. On the other hand, the Chernobyl accident gave an impetus to political and economic reforms and the introduction of a market economy. An abundance of natural resources such as oil and gas, and their demand in the international market led to fast transformation of the new attitudes towards energy policy in the first years after the Chernobyl accident, to business as usual. The Russian economy became dependent on oil prices and oil and gas sales. The new energy policy is focused on an increase in nuclear power capacity rather than on energy efficiency. But expensive construction of new nuclear power plants requires substantial government support.
Political Fission
Authors: Fig David
Published: August 2006

Divisive plans to revive the nuclear programme in South Africa are more than likely to repeat apartheid mistakes: investing huge amounts of public money in high risk infrastructure, enrichment of cronies with political connections, and excluding citizens from any say in their energy future. Twenty years after Chernobyl, Cape Town is facing unprecedented and sustained electricity blackouts and the attendant economic disruption as the mismanagement of the two existing nuclear power stations at Koeberg becomes patently evident. The state's answer is to point to a broader power shortage in South Africa, and to propose a spate of pebble bed reactors as a panacea. The present article argues that this proposal is too expensive, creates more of a security state instead of building South Africa's new democracy, and leaves an unsustainable environmental and cost legacy. The argument is made in the context of South Africa's nuclear history—a sordid intermingling of proliferation and power provision as apartheid attempted to survive.
The Prospects for Nuclear Energy in Bulgaria
Authors: Miladinova Gergana
Published: August 2006

In Bulgaria the utilisation of nuclear energy for electricity generation is widely supported by the majority of Bulgarians and most political parties. This article follows the development of nuclear energy generation and policy in Bulgaria and points to some of the many unanswered questions regarding the real need for capacity on such a scale for the country and for the region. However, the political decision for the construction of a second new power plant has been taken, plans are well-advanced. If enough financial resources are ensured and there is support from international financing institutions (including the Russian Gazprombank), there will be a renaissance of nuclear energy in Bulgaria even at the price of a significant negative economic impact and an increase of energy dependence of the country.
Enabling the Willing: Consumer Rebates for Durable Goods
Authors: Bruce Norris , Desai Preyas , Staelin Richard
Published: August 2006

For many consumers who use loans to acquire an expensive durable such as a car, the market value of their current (used) durable is less than the outstanding loan amount. If these consumers want to replace their used durable with a new one, they might not be able to do so because of the added burden of paying off the amount of negative equity. We develop and solve a model in which a durable goods manufacturer gives consumers a cash rebate, so that they can get out of the negative equity problem. We find that under certain conditions, the manufacturer offering a lower durability product is more likely to give cash rebates and, when such rebates are given, to offer a greater cash rebate. These rebates also lead to higher prices net of the rebate compared with the situation without any such rebates. We empirically test some of our equilibrium results and find support for our model predictions.
Research Note—Estimating Heterogeneous Price Thresholds
Authors: Terui Nobuhiko , Dahana Wirawan Dony
Published: August 2006

A brand choice model with heterogeneous price-threshold parameters is used to investigate a three-regime piecewise-linear stochastic utility function. The model is used to explore the relationships between aspects of consumer price sensitivity and price thresholds using hierarchical Bayes modeling with the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method. This study contributes to the modeling literature on discontinuous likelihoods in choice models. The empirical application using our scanner panel data set shows that the reference effect and loss aversion are more marked after price thresholds are taken into heterogeneous price response models. Furthermore, loss aversion is attenuated by using price thresholds than by an aggregate (homogeneity) model without price thresholds.
Observed and Unobserved Preference Heterogeneity in Brand-Choice Models
Authors: Horsky Dan , Misra Sanjog , Nelson Paul
Published: August 2006

This paper extends the scanner-based choice literature by explicitly incorporating individual-level brand-preference data. We illustrate our model using a unique data set that combines survey and scanner data collected from the same individuals.

The addition of individual-specific brand-preference information significantly improves fit and prediction. Furthermore, this “observed” heterogeneity better explains choice than does “unobserved” heterogeneity in the standard scanner model’s parameters. More importantly, we find that the standard model underestimates the importance of consumers’ brand preferences and overestimates both brand loyalties and price sensitivities. Brand loyalty is overestimated because models without preference information confound state dependence, heterogeneity, and preference effects. Price sensitivities are inflated because the “average” preference-based consumer is implicitly assumed to be more willing to switch from his preferred brand than is the “real” preference-based consumer. Further, standard models overestimate the heterogeneity in price and loyalty sensitivities and misidentify both price- and loyalty-sensitive consumers.

The managerial implications of our findings and the applicability of our methodology when survey data are collected infrequently and for only a subsample of consumers are pursued. We demonstrate that even under these circumstances better populationwide pricing and promotion decisions are identified and more accurate targeting results.
Estimating the Interdependence of Television Program Viewership Between Spouses: A Bayesian Simultaneous Equation Model
Authors: Yang Sha , Narayan Vishal , Assael Henry
Published: August 2006

When making product choices, consumers are influenced by the preferences of other consumers, such as family members, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Preference interdependence among family members is likely to be significant because of cohabitation and strong emotional ties. To estimate the preference interdependence, we specify a simultaneous equation model and propose a Bayesian estimation approach. Unlike existing models that use a spatial autoregressive structure to capture the interdependence of consumer preferences, we are able to estimate the potential asymmetry in the preference interdependence among family members in a more flexible way. In a simulation study, we show that models that ignore interdependence of preferences yield biased estimates of consumers’ sensitivity to observed attribute preferences. In an empirical application, we estimate the interdependence of the viewership of television programs between husbands and wives in 481 households. We find that wives’ viewing behavior depends more strongly on their husbands’ viewing behavior than husbands’ viewing behavior depends on their wives’ viewing behavior. There exist significant differences in parameter estimates of dependence across categories of television programs. Differences in levels of spousal interdependence across households are partially explained by the age and the education level of the spouses.
The Development of a Suction Control System for a Triaxial Apparatus
Authors: Jotisankasa A , Coop M , Ridley A
Published: August 2006

A new method of controlling suction in the triaxial apparatus is presented that consists of two subsystems: one each for drying and wetting that is used in combination with an independent measurement of suction. The drying system is based on a development by Cunningham et al _2003_, with improvements in the measurement of the current water content. The wetting system involves the staged circulation of air and water. This new technique enables continuous monitoring of all state variables during tests, including water content, degree of saturation, net stresses, suction, and the different components of strain. Some typical results from tests on a compacted silty clay are presented in order to demonstrate the capabilities of the system. The main advantage of the apparatus is that there is no need to raise the ambient air pressure as is required with the axis translation technique and tests may therefore be conducted at negative pore water pressure. The system may also be easily incorporated into other standard apparatus.
The Effects of Load Soak Control on the Wear of UHMWPE at Various Hydration Levels in a Joint Simulation Study
Authors: Liao Y-S , Hanes M
Published: August 2006

The study was to investigate the effects of various hydration levels on the wear of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) in a hip simulation testing, and to assess the effect of load soak control on the implant wear rates. Three types of polyethylene liners (28 mm ID) made from GUR 1050 UHMWPE bars were evaluated: noncrosslinked (XL0), gamma irradiated (thermally-treated) at nominal doses of 5 and 10 Mrads (XL5 and XL10, respectively). Three hydration processes were applied: (1) presoaked in water for four weeks, i.e., standard protocol; (2) exposed in air for four weeks; and (3) presoaked in water at 900 psi (approximately 60 atm) in a pressurized chamber for three weeks. Six groups of interest were selected and tested on a hip simulator with load soak control stations. The group that was subjected to 900 psi pressure gained 11.9 ± 0.4 mg of water after three weeks, which was about eight times the groups that presoaked in water. After the wear simulation started, the highly hydrated group lost almost 10 mg during the first 0.5-million cycle interval, which was due to the pumping motion of the load soak stations. All soak control liners achieved similar hydration levels after one million cycles of testing. The overall wear rating was inversely related to the amount of crosslinking. Without load soak correction, the initial wear rate of XL5 with pressurized soaking was twice the corrected wear; however, the wear rate remained similar after one million cycles with or without corrections.
Effect of Magnetic Field on Fatigue Crack Propagation of Single-Edge Cracked Soft Ferromagnetic Specimens under Mode I Loading
Authors: Shindo Y , Shindo I , Narita F
Published: August 2006

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of magnetic field on the fatigue crack growth behavior of nickel iron soft ferromagnetic materials under Mode I loading. Fatigue crack growth tests were conducted using single-edge cracked tension specimens in a magnetic field, and the effects of magnetic field and loading condition on the crack growth rates were examined. Magnetic field effect on the stress intensity factor range also was discussed for a single-edge cracked soft ferromagnetic strip. The fracture surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy to correlate with fatigue characteristics.
It Is Time to Rename the DSM
Authors: Thyer Bruce A.
Published: August 2006

Although the DSM purports to be a theoretical with respect to the etiology of mental disorders, its fundamental assumption that aberrant patterns of thought, emotion or behavior reflect mental disturbance is itself an unjustifiable a priori position. Within the DSM-IV-TR, the existence of compelling dysfunctional psychosocial etiological influences precludes the diagnosis of conduct disorder. Consistent with this precedent, the following principle needs to be expanded to virtually all the conditions found in the DSM: “Conditions reasonably attributable to psychosocial factors or medical conditions should not be considered mental disorders.” Following this principle could cause the very concept of mental disorder to evaporate, in favor of a nondualist perspective on explaining human behavior in favor of a consistently physicalistic one. This would promote the study of dysfunctional behavior as a legitimate field of natural science and not one of metaphysical enquiry.
Motivating Gifted, Defiant, and Unconvinced Students to Succeed at The John Dewey Academy
Authors: Bratter Thomas E. , Bratter Carole J. , Coiner Nancy L. , Kaufman Danielle S. , Steiner Kenneth M.
Published: August 2006

The John Dewey Academy (JDA) provides intensive instruction for bright troubled and troublesome teens who need residential treatment. In its 20-year history, all graduates have attended colleges of quality, and more than 70% complete at least their secondary education. This article describes the primary guiding principles that have produced positive results unrivaled by other special purpose schools and residential treatment centers for adolescents who are not amenable to traditional approaches.
Schur and Schubert polynomials as Thom polynomials—cohomology of moduli spaces
Authors: Fehér László , Rimányi Richárd
Published: August 2006

The theory of Schur and Schubert polynomials is revisited in this paper from the point of view of generalized Thom polynomials. When we apply a general method to compute Thom polynomials for this case we obtain a new definition for (double versions of) Schur and Schubert polynomials: they will be solutions of interpolation problems.
On subadditive functions and ψ-additive mappings
Authors: Matkowski Janusz
Published: August 2006

In [4], assuming among others subadditivity and submultiplicavity of a function ψ: [0, ∞)→[0, ∞), the authors proved a Hyers-Ulam type stability theorem for “ψ-additive” mappings of a normed space into a normed space. In this note we show that the assumed conditions of the function ψ imply that ψ=0 and, consequently, every “ψ-additive” mapping must be additive
K-subanalytic rectilinearization and uniformization
Authors: Piękosz Artur
Published: August 2006

We prove rectilinearization and uniformization theorems for K-subanalytic (∝anK-definable) sets and functions using the Lion-Rolin formula. Parallel reasoning gives standard results for the subanalytic case.
Quantum scattering near the lowest Landau threshold for a Schrödinger operator with a constant magnetic field
Authors: Melgaard Michael
Published: August 2006

For fixed magnetic quantum number m results on spectral properties and scattering theory are given for the three-dimensional Schrödinger operator with a constant magnetic field and an axisymmetrical electric potential V. In various, mostly singular settings, asymptotic expansions for the resolvent of the Hamiltonian H
m+Hom+V are deduced as the spectral parameter tends to the lowest Landau threshold. Furthermore, scattering theory for the pair (H
m, H
om) is established and asymptotic expansions of the scattering matrix are derived as the energy parameter tends to the lowest Landau threshold.
The closure diagram for nilpotent orbits of the split real form of E8
Authors: Đoković Dragomir
Published: August 2006

Let
$$\mathcal{O}_1 $$
and
$$\mathcal{O}_2 $$
be adjoint nilpotent orbits in a real semisimple Lie algebra. Write
$$\mathcal{O}_1 $$
≥
$$\mathcal{O}_2 $$
if
$$\mathcal{O}_2 $$
is contained in the closure of
$$\mathcal{O}_1 $$
. This defines a partial order on the set of such orbits, known as the closure ordering. We determine this order for the split real form of the simple complex Lie algebra, E
8. The proof is based on the fact that the Kostant-Sekiguchi correspondence preserves the closure ordering. We also present a comprehensive list of simple representatives of these orbits, and list the irreeducible components of the boundaries
$$\partial \mathcal{O}_1^i $$
and of the intersections
$$\overline {\mathcal{O}_l^i } \cap \overline {\mathcal{O}_l^j } $$
.
On the Hilbert function of curvilinear zero-dimensional subschemes of projective spaces
Authors: Ballico E. , Notari R. , Spreafico M.
Published: August 2006

Here we show the existence of strong restrictions for the Hilbert function of zerodimensional curvilinear subschemes of P
n with one point as support and with high regularity index.
Stable vector bundles over cuspidal cubics
Authors: Bodnarchuk Lesya , Drozd Yuriy
Published: August 2006

We give a complete classification of stable vector bundles over a cuspidal cubic and calculate their cohomologies. The technique of matrix problems is used, similar to [2, 3].
On quasistatic inelastic models of gradient type with convex composite constitutive equations
Authors: Chełmiński Krzysztof
Published: August 2006

This article defines and presents the mathematical analysis of a new class of models from the theory of inelastic deformations of metals. This new class, containing so called convex composite models, enlarges the class containing monotone models of gradient type defined in [1]. This paper starts to establish the existence theory for models from this new class; we restrict our investigations to the coercive and linear self-controlling case.
Thermodynamic non-additivity in disordered systems with extended phase space
Authors: Vakarin Eduard , Badiali Jean
Published: August 2006

Non-additivity effects in coupled dynamic-stochastic systems are investigated. It is shown that there is a mapping of the replica approach to disordered systems with finite replica indexn on Tsallis non-extensive statistics, if the average thermodynamic entropy of the dynamic subsystem differs from the information entropy for the probability distribution in the stochastic subsystem. The entropic indexq is determined by the entropy difference ΔS. In the case of incomplete information, the entropic indexq=1−n is shown to be related to the degree of lost information.
Phase- and helicity-dependent effects in three-color ionization
Authors: Fifirig Magda , Stroe Marius
Published: August 2006

We study the two-photon ionization of the hydrogen atom from its ground state by a three-color electromagnetic field consisting of a superposition of an IR laser and two of its consecutive odd harmonics of order 2p−1 and 2p+1, withp a positive integer and constant relative phase difference. The ionization process due to the net absorption of the energy 2pħω (ω being the IR laser frequency) is considered. The influence of phase difference and helicity on the azimuthal angular distribution of the ejected photoelectrons is illustrated in the case in which the two harmonics have identical polarizations. Phase effect on the alignment of the differential ionization rate is also investigated.
Propagation of Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays in Extragalactic Magnetic Fields
Authors: Wibig Tadeusz
Published: August 2006

In this paper we will discuss the problem of Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays (UHECR) and show that the idea of a Single Source Model established by Erlykin and Wolfendale (1997) to explain the features seen in cosmic ray energy spectra around the 1015 eV region can be successfully applied also for the much higher energies. The propagation of UHECR (of energies higher than 1019 eV) in extragalactic magnetic fields can no longer be described as a random walk (diffusion) process and the transition to rectilinear propagation gives a possible explanation for the so-called Greisen-Zatzepin-Kuzmin (GZK) cut-off which still remains an open question after almost 40 years. A transient “single source” located at a particular distance and producing UHECR for a finite time is the proposed solution.
Multi-mode ground state interaction terms in C60-based electron donor-acceptor complexes
Authors: Sheka Elena
Published: August 2006

Quantum-chemical testing of donor-acceptor properties of binary molecular complexes, related to the singlet state, is suggested as QCh calculations of studied systems and their constituents by using both spin-nondependent (RHF) and spindependent (UHF) versions of the exploited computational tool. The avoided crossing of intermolecular interaction terms of neutral moleculesE int(A 0 B 0) and molecular ionsE int(A + B −) causes a multi-mode character of the ground state term. The dependence of D-A complex properties on the type of the term, space positions of the term minimum, and the interrelation of the corresponding energies are discussed. The suggested approach has been applied to binary complexes C60+X (X=TAE, TDAE, DMMA, COANP, 2Li, Mg).
Polarons in axial transport in single-layer high-Tc superconductors
Authors: Andreev Alexander , Tsintsarska Stefka , Dimitrova-Ivanovich Maria , Polyanski Ivaylo , Georgiev Mladen , Gochev Alexander
Published: August 2006

The temperatureT dependencies ρ(T) of normal state electric resistivitiesρ c (axial) andρ ab (in plane) of single-layer high-T c superconductors show common trends: AsT is raised, the resistivity first drops steeply before it starts rising αT above an apparent semiconductor-to-metal crossoverT cross. To analyze ρ(T) we plottT/ρ againstT at various dopingsx for bothρ c andρ ab.T/ρ is inversely proportional to the traversal time across a potential barrier as an ionic particle drifts in an electric field. We findT/ρ in good agreement with theT dependence of the quantum rate of migrating particles: AsT is raised, a zero-point rate at the lowestT is extended to a nearly flat plateau before a thermally activated branch sets in. We also find evidence for the admixture of 1- & 2-phonon absorptions below the Arrhenius range. These features shape the semiconductor-like branch below Tcross. AboveT cross a metallic-like branch sets in, its αT character deriving from the field coupling of the migrating particle. Our analysis suggests that metal physics may not suffice if ionic features play a role in transport. We attribute our conclusions to the drift of strong-coupling polarons along Cu−O bonds. These “bond polarons” originate from carrier scattering by double-well potentials associated with the bonds. A bond polaron dissociates to a free hole as it passes onto a neighboring O-O link.
Electrical properties and memory effect in the field effect transistor based on organic ferroelectric insulator and pentacene
Authors: Matsuo Yasumitsu , Ijichi Takehiko , Yamada Hironori , Hatori Junko , Ikehata Seiichiro
Published: August 2006

We have fabricated a field effect transistor (FET) based on an organic ferroelectric insulator and molecular conductor, and investigated the electrical properties and memory effects on the PEN-FET. We have observed a drastic change in the drain current at around the coercive electric fieldE c of the organic ferroelectric insulator in not only a FET (PEN-FET) based on a pentacene (PEN) film but also a FET (IPEN-FET) based on an iodine doped PEN film. The magnitude of the change of the drain current for the IPEN-FET is 200 times larger than that for the PEN-FET. It is expected from these results that the PEN-FET (especially the IPEN-FET) is an improvement in such devices, since it operates at a low gate electric field accompanied by the appearance of the spontaneous polarization in the organic ferroelectric insulator. In addition, we have found that the drain current for the PEN-FET does not return to the initial drain current ofE G=0 V/cm for more than one week, even if the gate electric field is changed to 0 V/cm from 500 V/cm(>E c). From these results, it is suggested that the PEN-FET becomes a memory device.
Mean-field expansion and meson effects in chiral condensate of analytically regularized Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model
Authors: Jafarov Rauf , Rochev Vladimir
Published: August 2006

Scalar meson contributions in chiral quark condensate are calculated in the analytically regularized Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model using the framework of mean-field expansion in bilocal-source formalism. The sigma-meson contribution for physical values of the parameters is found to be small. Pion contribution is found to be significant and should be taken into account for the choice of the parameter values.
Two component lattice Boltzmann model with flux limiters
Authors: Cristea Artur , Sofonea Victor
Published: August 2006

A two-dimensional finite difference lattice Boltzmann model for two-component fluid systems is introduced. Phase separaton is achieved using an appropriate expression of the bulk free energy. Flux limiter techniques are used to improve the numberical accuracy of this model.
The ring opening and oligomerisation reactions of an epoxide and an episulfide on aluminosilicates in the liquid phase
Authors: Fási András , Pálinkó István , Gömöry Ágnes , Kiricsi Imre
Published: August 2006

The ring opening reactions of propylene oxide (methyloxirane) or ethylene sulfide )thiirane) were studied in the liquid phase over HZSM-5, HY-FAU or AlMCM-41 at 363 K or 423 K and under 1 or 20 bar pressure in a batch reactor. The proportion of these routes were identified: (i) single C−O scission providing non-cyclic products, (ii) double C−O cleavage leading to the loss of the heteroatom, (iii) oligomerisation resulting in cyclic dimers and the trimer of thiirane and a non-cyclic dimer of methyloxirane. The reaction pathway depended on the conditions and the solid acids used. Findings are compared to those in the gas phase over the same solid acids. Transformation mechanisms are also suggested.
Study of catalase immobilized on a silicate matrix for non-aqueous biocatalysis
Authors: Horozova Elena , Dimcheva Nina
Published: August 2006

Catalytic activity of catalase (CAT) immobilized on a modified silicate matrix to mediate decomposition of meta-chloroperoxibenzoic acid (3-CPBA) in acetonitrile has been investigated by means of quantitative UV-spectrophotometry. Under the selected experimental conditions, the kinetic parameters: the apparent Michaelis constat (KM), the apparent maximum rate of enzymatic reaction (Vmaxapp), the first order specific rate constants (ksp), the energy of activation (Ea) and the pre-exponential factor of the Arrhenius equation (Z0) were calculated. Conclusions regarding the rate-limiting step of the overall catalytic process were drawn from the calculated values of the Gibbs energy of activation ΔG*, the enthalpy of activation ΔH*, and the entropy of activation ΔS*.
2-[3-(Trifluoromethyl)phenyl]furo[3,2-b]pyrroles: synthesis and reactions
Authors: Gajdoš Peter , Pavlíková Soňa , Bureš Filip , Krutošíková Alžbeta
Published: August 2006

The synthesis and reactions of methyl 2-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4H-furo[3,2-b]pyrrole-5-carboxylate (1a) are described. Upon reaction with methyl iodide, benzyl chloride, or acetic anhydride, this compound gave N-substituted products 1b-d. By hydrolysis of compounds 1a-c, the corresponding acids 2a-c were formed, or by reaction with hydrazine-hydrate, the corresponding carbohydrazides 3a-c were formed. By heating 2-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenly]-4H-furo[3,2-b]pyrrole-5-carboxylic acid (2a) in acetic anhydride, 4-acetyl-2-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]furo[3,2-b]pyrrole (4) was formed. By hydrolysis of 4, 2-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4H-furo[3,2-b]pyrrole (5a) was formed, and reactions with methyl iodide or benzyl chloride gave N-substituted products 5b-c. The reaction of 4 with dimethyl butynedioate gave substituted benzo[b]furan 6. Compound 3a reacted with triethyl orthoesters giving 7a-c, which afforded with phosphorus (V) sulphide the corresponding thiones 8a-c. The thiones 8a-c reacted with hydrazine hydrate to form hydrazine derivatives 9a-c. The reaction of triethyl orthoformiate with compounds 9a-c led to furo[2′,3′: 4,5]pyrrolo[1,2-d][1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-f][1,2,4]triazines 10a-c. Hydrazones 11a-c were formed from 3a-c and 5-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]furan-2-carboxaldehyde. The effect of microwave irradiation on some condensation reactions was compared with “classical” conditions. The results showed that microwave irradiation shortens the reaction time while affording comparable yields.
Oxidation of some catecholamines by sodium N-chloro-p-toluenesulfonamide in acid medium: A kinetic and mechanistic approach
Authors:   Puttaswamy, Jagadeesh R. , Vaz Nirmala
Published: August 2006

The kinetics of the oxidation of five catecholamines viz., dopamine (A), L-dopa (B), methyldopa (C), epinephrine (D) and norepinephrine (E) by sodium N-chloro-p-toluenesulfonamide or chloramine-T (CAT) in presence of HClO4 was studied at 30±0.1 °C. The five reactions followed identical kinetics with a first-order dependence on [CAT]o, fractional-order in [substrate]o, and inverse fractional-order in [H+]. Under comparable experimental conditions, the rate of oxidation of catecholamines increases in the order D>E>A>B>C. The variation of ionic strength of the medium and the addition of p-toluenesulfonamide or halide ions had no significant effect on the reaction rate. The rate increased with decreasing dielectric constant of the medium. The solvent isotope effect was studied using D2O. A Michaelis-Menten type mechanism has been suggested to explain the results. Equilibrium and decomposition constants for CAT-catecholamine complexes have been evaluated. CH3C6H4SO2NHCl of the oxidant has been postulated as the reactive oxidizing species and oxidation products were identified. An isokinetic relationship is observed with β=361 K, indicating that enthalpy factors control the reaction rate. The mechanism proposed and the derived rate law are consistent with the observed kinetics.
Kinetic study of adsorption of some biocompounds at the oil/water interface
Authors: Tomoaia Gheorghe , Tomoaia-Cotisel Andrada , Tomoaia-Cotisel Maria , Mocanu Aurora
Published: August 2006

The adsorption kinetics of some local anesthetics, like dibucaine and tetracaine, and of stearic acid from bulk solutions at the oil/water interface was studied by using the pendent drop and ring methods. The anesthetics were dissolved in aqueous solutions (pH 2), and the fatty acid was dissolved in benzene, each biocompound at several different concentrations in bulk solutions. Kinetic equations for Langmuir mechanism of adsorption at oil/water interface were tested. The kinetic analysis shows that Langmuir kinetic approach describes the dynamic interfacial pressures within the limits of the experimental errors over a wide range of time and for different surfactant concentrations in bulk solutions. It is also concluded that this approach allows the calculation of the ratio of the adsorption and desorption rate constants of these biocompounds at the oil/water interface. Obtained results are in substantial agreement with earlier reported data for the surfactant adsorption as, well as with their molecular structure.
Density functional studies of the dipole polarizabilities of the linear polyacenes benzene through nonacene
Authors: Hinchliffe Alan , Nikolaidi Beatrice , Soscún Machado Humberto
Published: August 2006

We report Ab Initio studies of the electric dipole polarizability of the linear polyacene series benzene through nonacene. A number of Ab Initio studies were done at different levels of theory for benzene, with all remaining Ab Initio calculations being at the B3LYP/6-311G(2d, 1p)//B3LYP/6-311+G(2d, 1p) level of theory. We find that the NN tensor component shows a constant increment of 20 atomic units per ring. AM1 and QSAR-quality empirical calculations show poor absolute agreement with the Ab Initio results but given excellent statistical correlation coefficients with the Ab Initio values. This implies that the results of such cheaper calculations can be suitably scaled for predictive purposes.
Indirect spectrophotometric determination of gentamicin and vancomycin antibiotics based on their oxidation by potassium permanganate
Authors: El-Didamony Akram , Amin Alaa , Ghoneim Ahmed , Telebany Ayman
Published: August 2006

Four simple, accurate, sensitive and economical procedures (A–D) for the estimation of gentamicin sulphate and vancomycin hydrochloride, both in pure form and in pharmaceutical formulations have been developed. The methods are based on the oxidation of the studied drugs by a known excess of potassium permanganate in sulphuric acid medium and subsequent determination of unreacted oxidant by reacting it with amaranth dye (method A), acid orange II (method B), indigocarmine (method C) and methylene blue (method D), in the same acid medium at a suitable λmax=521, 485, 610 and 664 nm, respectively. The reacted oxidant corresponds to the drug content. Regression analysis of Beer-Lambert plots showed good correlations in the concentration ranges 4–8, 3–8, 4–9 and 5–9 µg ml−1 with gentamicin and 4–8, 1.5–4, 1.5–4 and 3.5–5.5 µg ml−1 with vancomycin for methods A, B, C, and D, respectively. The molar absorptivity, sandell sensitivity, detection and quantification limits were calculated. The stoichiometric ratios for the cited drugs were studied. The optimum reaction conditions and other analytical parameters were evaluated. The influence of the substance commonly employed as excipients with these drugs were studied. The proposed methods were applied to the determination of these drugs in pharmaceutical formulations. The results have demonstrated that the methods are equally accurate and reproducible as the official methods.
Synthesis and electronic properties of pentacene derivatives as promising n-type semiconductor candidates
Authors: Liu Chengbin , Tang Yanhong , Nie Shuming
Published: August 2006

Two pentacene derivatives 1 and 2 were synthesized from the Diels-Alder reactions of furan derivatives with 1,4-benzoquinone. They were characterized by the methods of 1H — nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometry (UV-VIS), photoluminescence (PL) spectrometry and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The energy gaps of 1 and 2, taken directly from spectroscopic measurements, are broad as 2.72 and 2.46 eV, leading to blue and greenish blue photoluminescence, respectively. The LUMO and HOMO energy levels are −2.77 and −5.49 eV for 1, and −2.91 and −5.37 eV for 2, respectively. The low energy levels make both 1 and 2 good air-stabilities and promising n-type semiconductor candidates for use in organic electronics.
Hydrogen-bonded assembly and binding affinity of the multi-point acceptor and isophthalic acid
Authors: Xu Lingjia , Zhu Liangliang , Wu Shi , Chen Xiaopeng , Teng Qiwen
Published: August 2006

Supermolecular complexes formed by oligophenyleneethynylene derivatives and isophthalic acid were studied using AM1 method to obtain binding energy. Electronic spectra and IR spectra of the complexes were calculated by INDO/CIS and AM1 methods based on AM1 geometries. Results indicated that the dimer could be formed by the monomers via hydrogen bonding because of the negative binding energy. Binding energy of the complexes was affected by electronegativity and steric effects of the substituents. The first UV absorptions and IR frequencies of N-H bonds of the complexes were both red-shifted compared with those of the monomers. The complexes could bind small molecules via hydrogen bonds, resulting in the change in UV absorptions and an increase in IR frequencies of N-H bonds.
Towards relativistic ECP / DFT description of chemical bonding in E112 compounds: spin-orbit and correlation effects in E112X versus HgX (X=H, Au)
Authors: Zaitsevskii Andréi , Rykova Elena , Mosyagin Nikolai , Titov Anatoly
Published: August 2006

The relativistic effective core potential (RECP) approach combined with the spin-orbit DFT electron correlation treatment was applied to the study of the bonding of eka-mercury (E112) and mercury with hydrogen and gold atoms. Highly accurate small-core shape-consistent RECPs derived from Hartree-Fock-Dirac-Breit atomic calculations with Fermi nuclear model were employed. The accuracy of the DFT correlation treatment was checked by comparing the results in the scalar-relativistic (spin-orbit-free) limit with those of high level scalar-relativistic correlation calculations within the same RECP model. E112H was predicted to be slightly more stable than its lighter homologue (HgH). The E112-Au bond energy is expected to be ca. 25–30 % weaker than that of Hg-Au. The role of correlations and magnetic (spin-dependent) interactions in E112-X and Hg-X (X=H, Au) bonding is discussed. The present computational procedure can be readily applied to much larger systems and seems to be a promising tool for simulating E112 adsorption on metal surfaces.
Phenotypic characterisation of extreme growth-selected mouse lines: An important prerequisite for future QTL analysis
Authors: Renne Ulla , Dietl Gerhard , Langhammer Martina , Rehfeldt Charlotte , Nürnberg Karin , Kuhla Siegfried , Bünger Lutz
Published: August 2006

A unique set of seven mouse lines, long-term selected for high growth, from different laboratories around the world has been comprehensively compared to evaluate these resources for future QTL and gene mapping for growth traits. The heaviest line (DUH) was 40% (males) to 44% (females) heavier than the smallest line (ROH) at birth, and 105% (males) to 114% (females) heavier at 98 d. Body conformation (body length and width, body areas), body composition (dry matter, fat, fatty acid composition, organ weights), and skeletal muscle cellularity also differed substantially. DUH was more than 20% longer (12.3 cm) compared to the shortest line ROH (9.7 cm). DAH (22.5%) had the highest percentage of gonadal fat and the leanest was BEH (7.7%). Line BEH (0.49 g) showed the highest weight for the left M. rectus femoris, which was 2.1 times higher, compared to ROH (0.23 g). These results suggest that different alleles, and possibly different physiological pathways, have contributed to the selection response in the different lines. Therefore these selection lines are an important tool with which to identify the genetic and physiological basis of growth as they may contain many, if not all, growth promoting alleles.
Sugar Bingeing in Rats
Authors: M. Avena Nicole , Rada Pedro , Hoebel Bartley G.
Published: August 2006

Bingeing behavior is characteristic of many eating disorders. This unit describes an animal model of sugar bingeing. This model has been used successfully to elicit behavioral and neurochemical signs of sugar dependence in rats, e.g., indices of bingeing, withdrawal, increased intake after abstinence (deprivation effect), cross‐sensitization with amphetamine, and increases in dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens due to repeated bingeing.
One‐Dimensional SDS Gel Electrophoresis of Proteins
Authors: Gallagher Sean R.
Published: August 2006

Electrophoresis is used to separate complex mixtures of proteins (e.g., from cells, subcellular fractions, column fractions, or immunoprecipitates), to investigate subunit compositions, and to verify homogeneity of protein samples. It can also serve to purify proteins for use in further applications. In polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, proteins migrate in response to an electrical field through pores in a polyacrylamide gel matrix; pore size decreases with increasing acrylamide concentration. The combination of pore size and protein charge, size, and shape determines the migration rate of the protein. In this unit, the standard Laemmli method is described for discontinuous gel electrophoresis under denaturing conditions, that is, in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Both full‐size and minigel formats are detailed. Several modifications are provided for specific applications. For separation of peptides and small proteins, the standard buffers are replaced with either a Tris‐tricine buffer system or a modified Tris buffer in the absence of urea. Continuous SDS‐PAGE is a simplified method in which the same buffer is used for both the gel and electrode solutions and the stacking gel is omitted. Other protocols cover the preparation and use of ultrathin gels and gradient gels, and the simultaneous preparation of multiple gels.
Collection of Blood and Plasma from the Mouse
Authors: Argmann Carmen A. , Auwerx Johan
Published: August 2006

There are many elements in plasma that can act as surrogate markers of the physiological well‐being of a mouse, thus making the collection of blood and plasma a general technique with many applications in mouse phenotyping. For example, the presence of certain enzymes in plasma can serve as markers of tissue toxicity (AST, ALT) and general function, and the more sophisticated lipid and lipoprotein profile tests (cholesterol, LDL) can point to dyslipidemias. As many of the tests available to measure these parameters have been adapted to automated systems in a high‐throughput fashion, they have become part of the first line of screening protocols in mouse phenotyping. In this section, general techniques associated with collection and processing of blood are described.
Internet Resources in Medical Genetics
Authors: Pagon Roberta A.
Published: August 2006

This unit presents an overview of the most commonly used, Web‐based information resources for (1) clinicians seeking to apply molecular genetic testing to patient care (see ) or to understand the molecular basis of inherited diseases (see ), (2) consumers seeking advocacy information (see ) or scientific and management information (see , , , , , and ), and (3) genetics professional societies.
Detecting Mutations in the APC Gene in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)
Authors: Hegde Madhuri R. , Roa Benjamin B.
Published: August 2006

Hereditary forms of colorectal cancer (CRC) account for up to 5% of total cases. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant condition affecting nearly 1 in 5000 people and accounts for only about 1% of all CRCs. It is characterized by the progressive development of hundreds to thousands of adenomatous colon polyps. The gene associated with FAP (APC) contains 15 exons in the coding region. A scanning approach for large genes is reasonable, but some standard techniques have limited analytical sensitivity. The method described here, using DHPLC as mutation scanning approach for medium‐throughput DNA sequence analysis, is largely considered to be the gold standard for point mutation analysis, and can be optimized for high‐throughput testing. Detection of deletion and duplication mutations refractory to sequencing have been described using real‐time quantitative PCR for dosage analysis. Technical strategies for mutation detection in the APC gene are presented in this chapter.
EGF Receptor Testing for Non‐Small Cell Lung Carcinomas
Authors: Saldivar Juan‐Sebastian , Chen Zhenbin , Sommer Steve
Published: August 2006

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. An estimated 170,000 new diagnoses are expected this year. Recently, small molecule inhibitors directed at the EGFR kinase domain were approved for the treatment of advanced stages of NSCLC. Genotyping of the EGFR kinase domain has proven to be a useful marker for predicting who will respond to these novel medications. This unit provides a protocol to perform mutation analysis on the EGFR kinase domain where mutations have been associated with significant responsiveness to these EGFR inhibitors. The protocol includes microdissection of tumor tissue from slides, DNA digestion of these cells, amplifying and sequencing pertinent segments of the EGFR gene, and interpretation of the data. The protocol is designed with appropriate redundancy to eliminate allele dropout and to maximize detection of somatic mutations within the tumor.
Biosafety in Handling Gene Transfer Vectors
Authors: Braun Andrew
Published: August 2006

This unit is devoted to safety issues that must be considered when generating and working with vectors for gene therapy. A short description of the relevant regulatory bodies and mechanisms is followed by a general discussion of containment and safety procedures. This is followed by vector‐specific guidelines for nine commonly used vector systems, including adenovirus, vaccinia, HSV‐1, lentivirus, and nonviral vectors. Recent tragic experiences with retroviral integration near oncogene loci demonstrate the surprise effects of successful gene therapy. The unit also outlines the problems encountered when taking a promising vector to clinical trials.
Reagents and Instruments for Multiplexed Analysis Using Microparticles
Authors: Nolan John P. , Yang Loretta , van der Heyde Henri C.
Published: August 2006

Multiplexed molecular analysis by means of flow cytometry using optically encoded microspheres is a rapidly expanding application that has its roots in the earliest days of flow cytometry. The approach is driven by increasing demand for analytical methods to measure large numbers of biomolecules quantitatively and sensitively in small volumes of sample. Encoded microspheres and flow cytometry have been employed for a wide range of multiplexed molecular analysis, and detailed protocols for many of these have been developed. The goal of this unit is to provide an overview of the concepts, instruments, and reagents that enable these assays.
Production of Polyclonal Antisera
Authors: Cooper Helen M. , Paterson Yvonne
Published: August 2006

Although the advances offered by the development of monoclonal antibody techniques have revolutionized the specificity, uniformity, and quantity of antibodies, there remain many circumstances in which polyclonal antibodies are more desirable than monoclonal antibodies. Production of polyclonal antisera takes less time and effort than production of monoclonal antibodies, requires relatively simple and readily available equipment, and produces reagents that can be used for immunoprecipitation, immunoblotting, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Theandin this unit describe the production of polyclonal antisera specific for protein antigens in rabbits, rats, mice, and hamsters. Thepresents a method for preparing serum from blood.
Production of Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Yokoyama Wayne M.
Published: August 2006

This unit describes the production of monoclonal antibodies beginning with immunization and cell fusion and selection. Support protocols are provided for screening primary hybridoma supernatants for antibodies of desired specificity, establishment of stable hybridoma lines, cloning of these B cell lines by limiting dilution to obtain monoclonal lines, and preparation of cloning/expansion medium (thymocyte‐conditioned medium).
Prevalence of overweight and obesity among Guaraní‐Mbyá from Misiones, Argentina
Authors: Orden Alicia B. , Oyhenart Evelia E.
Published: August 2006

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and the fat distribution pattern in Mbyá‐Guaraní children and adults from Misiones, Argentina. Height, weight, and triceps and subscapular skinfolds were measured in 197 individuals aged 2–60 years. Body mass index (BMI), fat and muscle areas, and subscapular/tricipital index were calculated. All data were transformed to z‐scores using US references (NHANES I and II). Overweight and obesity were defined as BMIs between the 85th–95th or above the 95th percentile, respectively. Compared to NHANES references, the Mbyá were shorter and lighter, although their BMI was slightly higher. There were no substantial differences in body composition (fat and muscle) between the Mbyá and the reference. Prevalences of overweight and obesity reached (on average) 16.2 and 14.7%, respectively, and were similar in both sexes. Stunting was higher in females than in males (49.6 vs. 33.3%). Sixty percent of overweight and obese subjects showed a centralized adiposity pattern, and 49% had a high risk for abdominal adiposity. The present results provide new evidence of a striking increase in obesity rates in Amerindians as a part of the process of nutritional transition. The contribution of each component of energy balance, physical activity, and lifestyle could play an important role in this observed tendency, justifying further research in these transitional populations. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 18:590–599, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.