bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personal initiative, commitment and affect at work
Authors: Den Hartog Deanne N. , Belschak Frank D.
Published: December 2006

This paper reports two studies on the relationships between employees' personal initiative, affect and commitment. The results of Study 1 among 390 health care sector employees show that individuals' self‐rated personal initiative is related to affect as well as affective commitment to four distinguishable foci, namely the organization, supervisor, work‐group and career. Commitment explains unique variance in personal initiative, even when controlling for demographic variables and positive and negative work affect. As Study 1 relied solely on self‐report data, multi‐source data were gathered for Study 2 (N = 80). This allowed retesting the hypotheses using both self‐ and manager‐ratings of initiative. Results showed that commitment explains variance in both self‐ and manager‐rated initiative beyond demographics and affect. For self‐rated initiative, team commitment explains most variance, whereas for manager‐rated initiative, organizational commitment does.
Patient Preparation and Perceived Outcomes of Spiritist Healing in Brazil
Authors: Lynch Darrell
Published: December 2006

This paper examines patient preparation and perceived outcomes of treatment given by the popular Brazilian Spiritist healer, Dr. Fritz. The data utilized include the results of 40 personal interviews of Spiritist patients conducted by the author during a seven month stay in Fortaleza, Brazil, plus subsequent follow‐up information. The study finds that a clear majority of the patients expressed belief that their treatments were successful. Certain trends in the types of illnesses for which the Spiritist surgeries appear to have greater success are also suggested. The author stresses the strength, sophistication, and appropriateness of the healing system in its cultural context and the extensive use of powerful symbolism in both the ritual preparations and the surgeries themselves as key factors in the healing system's success. The findings likewise have clear theoretical implications for the current literature on symbolic healing systems in general.
Human Herpesvirus 6 Reactivation in Trichloroethylene‐exposed Workers Suffering from Generalized Skin Disorders Accompanied by Hepatic Dysfunction
Authors: Huang Hanlin , Kamijima Michihiro , Wang Hailan , Li Senhua , Yoshikawa Tetsushi , Lai Guanchao , Huang Zhenlie , Liu Huifang , Chen Jiabin , Takeuchi Yasuhiro , Nakajima Tamie , Li Laiyu
Published: December 2006

Human Herpesvirus 6 Reactivation in Trichloroethylene‐exposed Workers Suffering from Generalized Skin Disorders Accompanied by Hepatic Dysfunction: Hanlin Huang, et al. Hospital for Occupational Diseases Control of Guangdong Province, P. R. of China—Idiosyncratic generalized skin disorders resembling serious drug hypersensitivities have reportedly occurred after occupational exposure to trichloroethylene. However, factors associated with the disorders remain unknown except for trichloroethylene exposure. This study aimed at clarifying whether infectious diseases contributed to the development of rash or hepatitis in patients with trichloroethylene‐related generalized skin disorders. Fifty‐nine patients consecutively hospitalized between March 2002 and December 2003 and 59 healthy exposed workers selected on an age‐matched basis in the patients' factories were enrolled in the study. Information on possible risk factors for rash and hepatitis was collected with structured checklists. Antibody titers were measured for hepatitis A, B and C viruses, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2, Epstein‐Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, human herpesvirus 6, measles and rubella virus. Thirty‐six cases (59%) showed exfoliative dermatitis, 17 (28%) erythema multiforme, 4 (7%) Stevens‐Johnson syndrome, and 4 (7%) toxic epidermal necrolysis. Before the onset of rash, 16 (27%) cases had received medication prescribed for the preceding fever, a main first symptom of the disorders. Marked increases in anti‐human herpesvirus 6 IgG titer (≥256), which indicated viral reactivation, were noted in 14 (25%) patients, while no abnormal increase was detected in the controls (p<0.001). Anti‐measles IgM titer was positive in 2 (7%) cases but not in the controls (p=0.49). The involvement of other known risk factors of rash or hepatitis was ruled out. These results suggest that part of trichloroethylene‐related generalized cutaneous disorders occurring in China and drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome overlap in terms of human herpesvirus 6 reactivation.
Association of Psychological Well‐Being with Oral Conditions in Japanese Workers
Authors: Ide Reiko , Hoshuyama Tsutomu , Wilson Donald , Takahashi Ken , Higashi Toshiaki
Published: December 2006

Association of Psychological Well‐Being with Oral Conditions in Japanese Workers: Reiko Ide, et al. Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health—Although the effect of disorders on psychological well‐being is well‐known, there are few studies focusing on oral conditions at the worksite. The present study examined the association between psychological well‐being and oral conditions of Japanese workers. A cross‐sectional study was performed using data from 1381 Japanese civil service officers aged 20–59 yr old. Psychological well‐being was measured with the 12‐item version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐12) in a comprehensive health questionnaire, while measures for oral condition included self‐rated oral health, oral symptoms and clinical indicators: dental caries, periodontal status and number of missing teeth. The mean GHQ scores according to the levels of each oral condition were estimated by analysis of variance, separately for males and females. Higher scores corresponded to poorer psychological well‐being. Age, gender, smoking and type of occupation were adjusted in a multivariate analysis. Psychological well‐being was not associated significantly with dental caries, periodontal status or number of missing teeth. The adjusted means of the GHQ scores for ‘conscious of appearance of mouth’ were significantly different among the categories for both genders (male: p<0.001, female: p=0.018). For five of six oral symptoms, the adjusted means of GHQ scores were lowest for those respondents who rated their oral symptoms as ‘never or hardly ever.‘ Our results did not show that psychological well‐being was associated with oral conditions measured by clinical indicators. However, an association was found between some oral symptoms and psychological well‐being. Absence of oral symptoms seems to be related to better psychological well‐being.
Effects of the Job Stress Education for Supervisors on Psychological Distress and Job Performance among Their Immediate Subordinates: A Supervisor‐Based Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Takao Soshi , Tsutsumi Akizumi , Nishiuchi Kyoko , Mineyama Sachiko , Kawakami Norito
Published: December 2006

Effects of the Job Stress Education for Supervisors on Psychological Distress and Job Performance among Their Immediate Subordinates: A Supervisor‐Based Randomized Controlled Trial: Soshi Takao, et al. Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences—As job stress is now one of the biggest health‐related problems in the workplace, several education programs for supervisors have been conducted to reduce job stress. We conducted a supervisor‐based randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of an education program on their subordinates' psychological distress and job performance. The subjects were 301 employees (46 supervisors and 255 subordinates) in a Japanese sake brewery. First, we randomly allocated supervisors to the education group (24 supervisors) and the waiting‐list group (22 supervisors). Then, for the allocated supervisors we introduced a single‐session, 60‐min education program according to the guidelines for employee mental health promotion along with training that provided consulting skills combined with role‐playing exercises. We conducted pre‐ and postintervention (after 3 months) surveys for all subordinates to examine psychological distress and job performance. We defined the intervention group as those subordinates whose immediate supervisors received the education, and the control group was defined as those subordinates whose supervisors did not. To evaluate the effects, we employed a repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Overall, the intervention effects (time × group) were not significant for psychological distress or job performance among both male (p=0.456 and 0.252) and female (p=0.714 and 0.106) subordinates. However, young male subordinates engaged in white‐collar occupations showed significant intervention effects for psychological distress (p=0.012) and job performance (p=0.029). In conclusion, our study indicated a possible beneficial effect of supervisor education on the psychological distress and job performance of subordinates. This effect may vary according to specific groups.
Synthesis and cyclization reactions of 2-(6-methylquinolin-4-yl)malononitriles and ethyl 2-cyano-2-(6-methylquinolin-4-yl)acetates
Authors: Ismail Mostafa
Published: December 2006

The nucleophilic substitution reactions of 2,4-dichloro-6-methylquinoline (1) and 4-chloro-6-methylquinolin-2(1H)-one (7) with malononitrile and ethyl cyanoacetate are described. The quinolinylmalononitrile 8a and cyanoacetate 8b were utilized to prepare the novel polyfunctionalized benzoquinolinones 10a,b, pyridylquinolinones 11a,b, pyrazolylquinolinones 12a-e isoxazolylquinolinone 13, pyrimidylquinolinones 14a-c, thienoquinolinones 15, 16a,b, and pyridothienoquinolinones 17a,b. The structures of the new compounds were based on analytical and spectral results.
Geochemistry of the cretaceous-tertiary boundary (Fish Clay) at Stevns Klint (Denmark): Ir, Ni and Zn in kerogen
Authors: Premovic Pavle , Krsmanovic Milena , Todorovic Bratislav , Pavlovic Mirjana , Nikolic Nikola , Djordjevic Dragan
Published: December 2006

Geochemical analyses of trace metals (Ir, Ni and Zn) in the kerogen of the black marl of the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary succession (Fish Clay) at Stevns Klint (H?jerup Church) were undertaken. The data for this kerogen were in accordance with a previous hypothesis that this (insoluble) geoorganic polymer was derived from humic substances (mainly humic acids) of a nearshore soil. Substantial proportions of Ir, Ni and Zn within the kerogen structure were probably contained in these substances arriving at the sedimentary site. It is proposed that these humics were probably transported by acid surface waters (induced by the KT asteroid impact) into the shallow marine basin of Stevns Klint. It is also suggested that local leaching/weathering of the asteroidal impact fallout on the land near these waters played an important role in providing Ir, Ni and Zn for these substances. Apparently, Ir, Ni and Zn of the kerogen were created by the chondritic component of the impact ejecta fallout.
Artemisia vulgaris pollen allergoids digestibility in the simulated conditions of the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Cirkovic-Velickovic Tanja , Polovic Natalija , Gavrovic-Jankulovic Marija , Burazer Lidija , Djergovic-Petrovic Danica , Vuckovic Olga , Drobnjak Olika , Sporcic Zorica , Atanaskovic-Markovic Marina , Jankov Ratko
Published: December 2006

Chemically modified allergens (allergoids) have found use in both traditional and novel forms of immunotherapy of allergic disorders. Novel forms of immunotherapy include local allergen delivery, via the gastrointestinal tract. This study conveys the gastrointestinal stability of three types of mugwort pollen allergoids under simulated conditions of the gut. Allergoids of the pollen extract of Artemisia vulgaris were obtained by means of potassium cyanate, succinic and maleic anhydride. Gastrointestinal tract conditions (saliva, and gastric fluid) were simulated in accordance with the EU Pharmacopoeia. The biochemical and immunochemical properties of the derivatives following exposure to different conditions were monitored by determining the number of residual amino groups with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid, SDS PAGE, immunoblotting and inhibition of mugwort-specific IgE. Exposure to saliva fluid for 2 min did not influence the biochemical and immunochemical properties of the derivatives. In the very acidic conditions of the simulated gastric fluid, the degree of demaleylation and desuccinylation, even after 4 h exposure, was low, ranging from 10 to 30 %. The digestion patterns with pepsin proceeded rapidly in both the unmodified and modified samples. In all four cases, a highly resistant IgE-binding protein the Mwof which was about 28-35 kD, was present. Within the physiological conditions, no new IgE binding epitopes were revealed, as demonstrated by immunoblot and CAP inhibition of the mugwort specific IgE binding. An important conclusion of this study is the stability of the modified derivatives in the gastrointestinal tract of patients, within physiological conditions. The means that they are suitable for use in much higher concentrations in local forms of immunotherapy than unmodified ones.
Regular variation for measures on metric spaces
Authors: Hult Henrik , Lindskog Filip
Published: December 2006

The foundations of regular variation for Borel measures on a complete separable space S, that is closed under multiplication by nonnegative real numbers, is reviewed. For such measures an appropriate notion of convergence is presented and the basic results such as a Portmanteau theorem, a mapping theorem and a characterization of relative compactness are derived. Regular variation is defined in this general setting and several statements that are equivalent to this definition are presented. This extends the notion of regular variation for Borel measures on the Euclidean space Rd to more general metric spaces. Some examples, including regular variation for Borel measures on Rd, the space of continuous functions C and the Skorohod space D, are provided.
Convolutions and mean square estimates of certain number-theoretic error terms
Authors: Ivic Aleksandar
Published: December 2006

We study the convolution function C[f(x)]:=\int_1^x f(y)f\Bigl(\frac xy\Bigr)\frac{dy}y When f(x) is a suitable number-theoretic error term. Asymptotics and upper bounds for C[f(x)] are derived from mean square bounds for f(x). Some applications are given, in particular to |\zeta(\tfrac12+ix)|^{2k} and the classical Rankin--Selberg problem from analytic number theory.
Ultrafast subordinators and their hitting times
Authors: Kovács Mihály , Meerschaert Mark
Published: December 2006

Ultrafast subordinators are nondecreasing L?vy processes obtained as the limit of suitably normalized sums of independent random variables with slowly varying probability tails. They occur in a physical model of ultraslow diffusion, where the inverse or hitting time process randomizes the time variable. In this paper, we use regular variation arguments to prove that a wide class of ultrafast subordinators generate holomorphic semigroups. We then use this fact to compute the density of the hitting times. The density formula is important in the physics application, since it is used to calculate the solutions of certain distributed-order fractional diffusion equations.
Limit distributions for the ratio of the random sum of squares to the square of the random sum with applications to risk measures
Authors: Ladoucette Sophie , Teugels Jef
Published: December 2006

Let {X1,X2, . . .} be a sequence of independent and identically distributed positive random variables of Pareto-type and let {N(t); t >_ 0} be a counting process independent of the Xi?s. For any fixed t> _ 0, define: TN(t) := X2 1 + X2 2 + ? ? ? + X2N (t) (X1 + X2 + ? ? ? + XN(t))2 if N(t) >_ 1 and TN(t) := 0 otherwise. We derive limits in distribution for TN(t) under some convergence conditions on the counting process. This is even achieved when both the numerator and the denominator defining TN(t) exhibit an erratic behavior (EX1 = ?) or when only the numerator has an erratic behavior (EX1 < ? and EX2 1 = ?). Armed with these results, we obtain asymptotic properties of two popular risk measures, namely the sample coefficient of variation and the sample dispersion. References.
Variants of Karamata’s iteration theorem
Authors: Seneta Eugene
Published: December 2006

Karamata?s Iteration Theorem is used to refine the asymptotic behavior of iterates of a function, under a more restrictive assumption than Karamata?s, but still involving regular variation. A second result gives a necessary and sufficient integral condition for convergence of a series of iterates. Historical background to the idea of regularly varying sequence precedes a short concluding section on attribution of a probabilistic result.
On regularly varying moments for power series distributions
Authors: Simic Slavko
Published: December 2006

For the power series distribution, generated by an entire function of finite order, we obtain the asymptotic behavior of its regularly varying moments. Namely, we prove that EwX??(X)\sim(EwX)??(EwX), ? > 0 (w??), where ?(?) is an arbitrary slowly varying function.
Taurocholate and Taurodeoxycholate: Gel Formation and Protonation Constants
Authors: Antonilli Marco , Bottari Emilio , Festa Maria Rosa
Published: December 2006

Taurocholate (TC) and taurodeoxycholate (TDC) in aqueous solutions, in the presence of sodium and hydrogen ions can give micellar products, even differently protonated. This phenomenon is investigated in this paper to explain whether the assumption of hydrogen ions is to attribute to the micellar aggregates, or to the protonation of taurocholate and taurodeoxycholate, respectively.

In the course of this research, often the formation of gel occurred immediately after the mixture of the reagents (sodium, hydrogen ions and anions of bile acids) or after some time, depending on the concentrations of the reagents. No author mentions this evidence, but experiments carried out in the presence of gel are not reproducible because the investigated solutions cannot be considered in real equilibrium.

The protonation study was performed by means of electromotive force measurements of a galvanic cell involving a glass electrode, at 25°C and 1.00 mol dm‐3 NaCl, as ionic medium. The obtained protonation constants had the following values: log k1 = 0.07 ± 0.02 for TC and log k'1 = 1.60 ± 0.03 for TDC.
Sit Parameters for 1:2 Electrolytes and Correlation with Pitzer Coefficients
Authors: Crea Francesco , Foti Claudia , de Stefano Concetta , Sammartano Silvio
Published: December 2006

The empirical parameters of a two‐parameter SIT equation were determined for some 1:2 electrolytes: chlorides, bromides, iodides, nitrates, perchlorates of alkali earth metals and sulfates of alkali metals. A wide range of ionic strengths (0 < I ≤ 18 mol kg−1) and t = 25 °C was considered. Canonical correlation analysis showed quite significant correlations between SIT and Pitzer interaction coefficients for different classes of 1:2 type electrolytes.
Flow Injection Analysis with Tubular Membrane Ion‐Selective Electrode and Coated Wires for Buspirone Hydrochloride
Authors: Abdel‐Ghani Nour , Issa Yousry , Shoukry Adel , Ahmed Howayda
Published: December 2006

New Plastic membrane ion‐selective electrode for buspirone hydrochloride based on buspironium tetraphenylborate was prepared. The electrode exhibited mean slope of calibration graph of 58.4 mV per decade of BusCl concentration at 25 °C. The electrode can be used within the concentration range 6.3 × 10‐5‐10‐2 M BusCl at a pH range of 2.5‐7.0. The standard electrode potentials were determined at different temperatures and used to calculate the isothermal temperature coefficient of the electrode, amounting to 0.00056 V °C‐1. The electrode showed a very good selectivity for BusCl with respect to a number of inorganic cations, sugars and amino acids. The electrode was applied to the potentiometric determination of the buspirone ion and its pharmaceutical preparation under batch and flow injection conditions. Also, buspirone was determined by conductimetric titrations. Graphite rod, copper and silver coated wire electrodes were prepared and characterized as sensors for the drug under investigation.
Characteristics of hammer stones and anvils used by wild bearded capuchin monkeys (Cebus libidinosus) to crack open palm nuts
Authors: Visalberghi E. , Fragaszy D. , Ottoni E. , Izar P. , de Oliveira M.G. , Andrade F.R.D.
Published: December 2006

Capuchins living in Boa Vista (Piauì, Brazil) crack open hard palm nuts on hard, level surfaces (anvils) using stones (hammers) as percussive tools. This activity leaves diagnostic physical remains: distinctive shallow depressions (pits) on the surface of the anvil, cracked shells, and stone hammers on the anvil. To initiate comparison of percussive stone tool use and interpretation of the artifacts it produces across capuchins, chimpanzees, and hominins, we describe a sample of the anvils and hammer stones used by capuchin monkeys at our site. Anvils (boulders and logs) were located predominantly in the transition zone between the flat open woodland and ridges, in locations that offered some overhead coverage, and with a tree nearby, but not necessarily near palm trees. Anvils contained shallow, hemispherical pits with smooth interiors. Hammers represent a diverse assemblage of ancient rocks that are much harder than the prevailing sedimentary rock out of which they eroded. Hard stones large enough to serve as hammers were more abundant on the anvils than in the surrounding area, indicating that capuchins transport them to the anvils. Capuchins use hammers weighing on average more than 1 kg, a weight that is equivalent to 25–40% of the average body weight for adult males and females. Our findings indicate that capuchins select stones to use as hammers and transport stones and nuts to anvil sites. Wild capuchins provide a new reference point for interpreting early percussive stone tool use in hominins, and a point of comparison with chimpanzees cracking nuts. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kinetic model of a granular sludge SBR: Influences on nutrient removal
Authors: de Kreuk M.K. , Picioreanu C. , Hosseini M. , Xavier J.B. , van Loosdrecht M.C.M.
Published: December 2006

A mathematical model was developed that can be used to describe an aerobic granular sludge reactor, fed with a defined influent, capable of simultaneously removing COD, nitrogen and phosphate in one sequencing batch reactor (SBR). The model described the experimental data from this complex system sufficiently. The effect of process parameters on the nutrient removal rates could therefore be reliably evaluated. The influence of oxygen concentration, temperature, granule diameter, sludge loading rate, and cycle configuration were analyzed. Oxygen penetration depth in combination with the position of the autotrophic biomass played a crucial role in the conversion rates of the different components and thus on overall nutrient removal efficiencies. The ratio between aerobic and anoxic volume in the granule strongly determines the N‐removal efficiency as it was shown by model simulations with varying oxygen concentration, temperature, and granule size. The optimum granule diameter for maximum N‐ and P‐removal in the standard case operating conditions (DO 2 mg L−1, 20°C) was found between 1.2 and 1.4 mm and the optimum COD loading rate was 1.9 kg COD m−3 day−1. When all ammonia is oxidized, oxygen diffuses to the core of the granule inhibiting the denitrification process. In order to optimize the process, anoxic phases can be implemented in the SBR‐cycle configuration, leading to a more efficient overall N‐removal. Phosphate removal efficiency mainly depends on the sludge age; if the SRT exceeds 30 days not enough biomass is removed from the system to keep effluent phosphate concentrations low. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;97: 801–815. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A unified starting procedure for the Houbolt method
Authors: Soroushian Aram , Farjoodi Jamshid
Published: December 2006

The method proposed by J.C. Houbolt in 1950 is one of the pioneering methods of time integration. Nevertheless, especially due to its multi‐step fashion and not having a well‐defined starting procedure, the method has not met considerable acceptance. The conversion of the Houbolt method to a one‐step method is reported in the literature. However, the resulting method still lacks an appropriate starting procedure for all practical cases. In this paper, a parameter‐less unified starting procedure is proposed for time integration with the Houbolt method. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrochemical Interrogation and Sensor Applications of Nanostructured Polypyrroles
Authors: Akinyeye Richard , Michira Immaculate , Sekota Mantoa , Al‐Ahmed Amir , Baker Priscilla , Iwuoha Emmanuel
Published: December 2006

The polymerization of pyrrole in β‐naphthalene sulfonic acid (NSA) gave nanotubules, nanomicelles or nanosheets of polypyrrole (PPy) depending on the amount of NSA in the polymer and the temperature of the reaction. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements showed that the diameters of the nanostructured polypyrrole‐β‐naphthalene sulfonic acid (PPyNSA) composites were 150–3000 nm for the tubules, 100–150 nm for the micelles and 20 nm for the sheets. A red shift in the UV‐vis absorption spectra of PPy was observed for PPyNSA which indicates the involvement of bulky β‐naphthalene sulfonate ion in the polymerization process. The UV‐vis also showed the existence of polaron and bi‐polaron in the polymer which may be responsible for the improved solubility of PPyNSA compared to PPy. All the characteristic IR bands of polypyrrole were observed in the FTIR spectra of PPyNSA, with slight variation in the absolute values. However, the absence of NH stretching at 3400 cm−1 and 1450 cm−1 usually associated with neutral polypyrrole confirms that the polymer is not in the aromatic state but in the excited polaron and bipolaron defect state. Electrochemical analysis of PPyNSA reveals two redox couples: a/a′ – partly oxidized polypyrrole‐naphthalene sulfonate radical cation/neutral polypyrrole naphthalene sulfonate; b/b′ – fully oxidized naphthalene sulfonate radical cation/partly reduced polypyrrole‐naphthalene sulfonate radical anion. The corresponding formal potentials measured at 5 mV/s, E°′(5 mV/s), are 181 mV and 291 mV, respectively. Amperometric phenol sensor constructed with PPyNSA on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) gave a sensitivity of 3.1 mA M−1 and a dynamic linear range of 0.65–139.5 μM. The data for the determination of phenol on the GCE/PPyNSA electrode was consistent with the electrocatalytic Michaelis‐Menten model, giving an apparent Michaelis‐Menten constant (KM′) value of 160 μM.
Antigenotoxic activities of crude extracts from Acacia salicina leaves
Authors: Mansour Hédi B. , Boubaker Jihed , Bouhlel Inès , Mahmoud Amor , Bernillon Stéphane , Chibani Jemni B. , Ghedira Kamel , Chekir‐Ghedira Leila
Published: December 2006

For centuries, plants have been used in traditional medicines and there has been recent interest in the chemopreventive properties of compounds derived from plants. In the present study, we investigated the effects of extracts of Acacia salicina leaves on the genotoxicity of benzo[a]pyrene (B(a)P) and nifuroxazide in the SOS Chromotest. Aqueous, total oligomers flavonoids (TOF)‐enriched, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts were prepared from powdered Acacia leaves, and characterized qualitatively for the presence of tannins, flavonoids, and sterols. All the extracts significantly decreased the genotoxicity induced by 1 μg B(a)P (+S9) and 10 μg nifuroxazide (−S9). The TOF‐enriched and methanol extracts decreased the SOS response induced by B(a)P to a greater extent, whereas the TOF‐enriched and the ethyl acetate extracts exhibited increased activity against the SOS response produced by nifuroxazide. In addition, the aqueous, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts showed increased activity in scavenging the 1,1‐diphenyl‐ 2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical, while 100–300 μg/ml of all the test extracts were active in inhibiting
${\rm O}_2^{\cdot-}$
production in a xanthine/xanthine oxidase system. In contrast, only the petroleum ether extract was effective at inhibiting nitroblue tetrazolium reduction by the superoxide radical in a nonenzymatic ${\rm O}_2^{\cdot-}$‐generating system. The present study indicates that extracts of A. salicina leaves are a significant source of compounds with antigenotoxic and antioxidant activity (most likely phenolic compounds and sterols), and thus may be useful for chemoprevention. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic algorithm with integer representation of unit start‐up and shut‐down times for the unit commitment problem
Authors: Dudek Grzegorz
Published: December 2006

This paper presents an approach for solving the unit commitment problem based on genetic algorithm with integer representation of the unit start‐up and shut‐down times. The new definition of the decision variables in the unit commitment problem reduces the solution space and computational time of the genetic algorithm. The method incorporates time‐dependent start‐up costs, demand and reserve constraints, minimum up and down time constraints, ramp rate limit constraints, and units power generation limits. Penalty functions are applied to the infeasible solutions. Test results showed an improvement in effectiveness and computational time compared to results obtained from genetic algorithm with standard binary representation of the unit states and other techniques. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
It might be premature to reject the assumption of a power curve relationship between VAS and SG data: three comments on Stevens, McCabe and Brazier's ‘Mapping between VAS and SG data; results from the UK HUI Index 2 valuation survey’
Authors: Shmueli Amir
Published: December 2006

In a recent paper in Health Economics, Stevens, McCabe and Brazier (Health Econ. 2006; 15: 527–533.) found that the cubic relationship between Visual Analog Scale (VAS) values and standard gamble (SG) utilities was superior to other functional forms in terms of explanatory power and predictive ability. Consequently, they question the reliance on the assumption of a power curve relationship, which was established, theoretically and empirically, in earlier works. This note argues that: (1) SMB's conclusions are incorrect. The estimated cubic function overfits the four data points, and is questionable with respect to the implied attitude toward relative risk. (2) The evaluation of the functional forms in terms of the individual predictions' mean absolute error is misleading and (3) correcting for heteroscedasticity improves the precision of the estimates and of the predictions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of flocoumafen and brodifacoum in whole blood
Authors: Jin Mi‐cong , OuYang Xiao‐kun , Chen Xiao‐hong
Published: December 2006

A high‐performance liquid chromatographic–tandem mass spectrometric (HPLC–MS–MS) assay was developed and validated to determine quantitatively flocoumafen and brodifacoum in whole blood using warfarin as an internal standard (IS). Liquid–liquid extraction, using ethyl acetate, was used to isolate flocoumafen, brodifacoum and the IS from the biological matrix. Detection was performed on a mass spectrometer by negative electrospray ionization (ESI) in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The calibration curves were linear (r2 > 0.998) in the concentration range of 0.1–100.0 ng ml−1 with a lower limit of quantification of 0.05 ng ml−1 for flocoumafen, and 0.1 ng ml−1 for brodifacoum in whole blood. Intra‐day and inter‐day relative standard deviations (RSDs) were less than 8.0% and 10.8%, respectively. Recoveries of flocoumafen and brodifacoum ranged from 78.0% to 83.7%. This assay can be used to determine trace flocoumafen and brodifacoum in whole blood to investigate suspected poisoning of human and animals. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selection‐by‐function: efficient enrichment of cathepsin E inhibitors from a DNA library
Authors: Naimuddin Mohammed , Kitamura Koichirou , Kinoshita Yasunori , Honda‐Takahashi Yoko , Murakami Marina , Ito Masato , Yamamoto Kenji , Hanada Kazunori , Husimi Yuzuru , Nishigaki Koichi
Published: December 2006

A method for efficient enrichment of protease inhibitors out of a DNA library was developed by introducing SF‐link technology. A two‐step selection strategy was designed consisting of the initial enrichment of aptamers based on binding function while the second enrichment step was based on the inhibitory activity to a protease, cathepsin E (CE). The latter was constructed by covalently linking of a biotinylated peptide substrate to each of the ssDNA molecule contained in the preliminarily selected DNA library, generating ‘SF‐link’. Gradual enrichment of inhibitory DNAs was attained in the course of selection. One molecule, SFR‐6‐3, showed an IC50 of around 30 nM, a Kd of around 15 nM and high selectivity for CE. Sequence and structure analysis revealed a C‐rich sequence without any guanine and possibly an i‐motif structure, which must be novel to be found in in vitro‐selected aptamers. SF‐link technology, which is novel as the screening technology, provided a remarkable enrichment of specific protease inhibitors and has a potential to be further developed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐performance liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization mass spectrometry determination of mitiglinide in human plasma and its pharmacokinetics
Authors: Liang Jiabi , Tian Yuan , Zhang Zunjian , Feng Shudan , Zhao Yanan , Mao Guoguang
Published: December 2006

A selective and sensitive method employing high‐performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was developed and validated for the determination of mitiglinide in human plasma.With gliclazide as the internal standard, mitiglinide was extracted from plasma with n‐hexane: = 80 : 20 (v/v). The organic layer was evaporated and the residue was redissolved in methanol: water (10 mM CH3COONH4, pH = 3.0) = 65 : 35 (v/v). An aliquot of 10 µl was chromatographically analyzed on a prepacked Shimadzu VP‐ODS (5 µm, 150 × 2.0 mm i.d.) using the mobile phase comprising methanol: water (10 mM CH3COONH4) = 65 : 35 (v/v) by means of selected‐ion monitoring mode mass spectrometry. Standard curves were linear (r2 = 0.9972) over the concentration range of 2.84–11 300 pmol/ml and had good accuracy and precision. The within‐ and between‐batch precisions of the method were within 15% of standard deviation. The lower limit of detection was 1.42 pmol/ml. The validated HPLC/ESI‐MS method has been successfully applied in the pharmacokinetics of mitiglinide in 12 healthy Chinese volunteers. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isomeric identification by laser control mass spectrometry
Authors: Dela Cruz Johanna M. , Lozovoy Vadim V. , Dantus Marcos
Published: December 2006

The influence shaped femtosecond laser pulses have on molecular photofragmentation and ionization, coupled with the intrinsic sensitivity of mass spectrometry, results in a powerful tool for fast, accurate, reproducible and quantitative isomeric identification. Complex phase functions are introduced to enhance differences during the laser–molecule interactions, which depend on geometric structure, resulting in different fragmentation fingerprints. A full account is given on the setup and results leading to a technique that can be used to distinguish between compounds normally indistinguishable by conventional electron ionization mass spectrometry. We demonstrate geometric and structural isomer identification of cis‐/trans‐3‐heptene, cis‐/trans‐4‐methyl‐2‐pentene, o‐/p‐cresol and o‐/p‐xylene. For the positional isomers of xylene we present a complete dataset consisting of 1024 different phases to explore phase complexity. A selection of two phases from that data can then be used to achieve quantitative identification in mixtures of xylene isomers. Finally, we evaluate receiver operational curves obtained from our experimental data to demonstrate the reliability that can be achieved by femtosecond laser control mass spectrometry. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A quantitative approach to evaluate the problem of coherence of spectral components of the third‐order susceptibility generating coherent anti‐Stokes Raman signals
Authors: Marrocco Michele
Published: December 2006

Precise interpretation of spectral measurements is central to the development of the full extent of the applicative potential of coherent anti‐Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS). One recognized problem that jeopardizes the achievement of high precision is the determination of the best spectral convolution over the relevant bandwidths when degeneracy of laser frequencies is involved. Although the analytical solutions of CARS signals generated by pump and Stokes lasers with standard (i.e. Gaussian or Lorentzian) lineshapes are well known, research in this field has overlooked the criterion on how to discern coherence between spectral components of the third‐order nonlinear susceptibility. Understandably, the ordinary approach is based on an intuitive comparison between the spectral width σ1 of the pump laser with respect to the width Γ of the relevant Raman transitions. More precisely, if σ1 ≪ Γ, then the spectral synthesis can be obtained in the limit of narrowband pump; otherwise spectral coherence has to be included in the calculation leading to problematic spectral analysis. In an attempt to clarify this qualitative criterion better, the present work demonstrates that the limit between the two opposite regimes can have a clearer and neater definition than that accepted so far. In this case, this paper shows that for nonoverlapping Raman transitions determined by a Lorentzian susceptibility, the issue is governed by the analytic function $\sqrt{\pi}\Gamma \exp [(\Gamma/\sigma_{1})^{2}]$ erfc(Γ/σ1)/σ1, which depends uniquely on the ratio Γ/σ1. The unitary limit of this function for σ1 ≪ Γ justifies the incoherent or the narrowband‐pump approach. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A fully matched 9 W compact PHEMT MMIC high power amplifier for X‐band phase array radar applications
Authors: Chu Chen‐Kuo , Huang Hou‐Kuei , Liu Hong‐Zhi , Chiu Jui‐Chieh , Lin Che‐Hung , Hsu Chuan‐Chien , Wu Chang‐Luen. , Chang Chian‐Sern , Wang Yeong‐Her
Published: December 2006

This paper presents a compact X‐band, 9 W AlGaAs/InGaAs/GaAs PHEMT MMIC high power amplifier. This amplifier is designed to fully match a 50 Ω input and output impedance. Based on 0.35 μm gate‐length power PHEMT technology, a two‐stage power amplifier is fabricated on a 3‐mil thick wafer. While operating under 9 V DC bias condition, the characteristics of 17 dB small‐signal gain, an average of 9 W continuous‐wave output power, and 34% power added efficiency from 9.0 to 10.5 GHz can be achieved. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 257–261, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22102
Extraction of effective metamaterial parameters by parameter fitting of dispersive models
Authors: Lubkowski G. , Schuhmann R. , Weiland T.
Published: December 2006

Effective electric permittivity and magnetic permeability for metamaterial structures are extracted from 3D field simulation data. The equivalent representation of the metamaterial is a homogeneous slab described with parameterized dispersive Drude and Lorentz models. The parameters of dispersive models are obtained by optimization. Proposed approach is applied to the extraction of effective material parameters for double negative metamaterial cells. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 285–288, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22105
Improved zoning rule for designing square Fresnel zone plate lenses
Authors: Minin I. V. , Minin O. V. , Petosa A. , Thirakoune S.
Published: December 2006

An improved zoning rule is presented for designing a square Fresnel zone plate lens (FZPL). This new rule results in a higher gain when the FZPL is used as an antenna element or can enhance the focusing properties of the square FZPL when used to collimate an incident plane wave. The derivation of this improved zoning rule is presented along with simulated results for some typical cases. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 276–278, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22108
A novel ultra wideband bandpass filter using microstrip double‐ring resonators
Authors: Liu Wei , Ma Zhewang , Chen Chun‐Ping , Zheng Guoxin , Anada Tetsuo
Published: December 2006

An ultra wideband bandpass filter with sharp‐rejection is proposed by using a new structure of double ring resonators. The double ring resonator generates a couple of attenuation poles, and its operation mechanism is made clear through the even‐ and odd‐mode analysis of the circuit. The stopband of the filter can be significantly widened by cascading the double ring resonators. A two‐stage microstrip bandpass filter with a 3‐dB fractional bandwidth of 80% is designed, fabricated, and tested. The measured frequency response of the filter validates well the theoretical analysis and electromagnetic simulation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 303–305, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22117
Design of a high efficiency power amplifier with input and output harmonic terminations
Authors: Ooi S. F. , Lee S. K. , Sambell A. , Korolkiewicz E. , Butterworth P.
Published: December 2006

In this article it is shown, how, using the load/source pull method to generate the current/voltage waveforms of a class‐F power amplifier, the optimum load, and source impedances at the first three harmonics are obtained. Novel harmonic controllable matching networks are then used to obtain the required impedances, thus improving the power‐added efficiency to 70.4%. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 391–395, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22123
An analytical approach to the reconstruction of the radiating currents in inverse electromagnetic scattering
Authors: Chiappe M. , Gragnani G. L.
Published: December 2006

An analytical approach to inverse electromagnetic scattering is proposed. A two‐dimensional geometry is considered. A closed‐form singular value decomposition of the scattering integral operator is derived and is used to reconstruct the radiating components of the equivalent current density. This is the first step toward a more complete solution that will account for the nonradiating currents, too, and will be used to compute the dielectric features of the body under test. Numerical simulations show the capabilities of the method to reconstruct the radiating current. The model resolution kernel of the scattering operator can be also easily derived. By virtue of the closed‐form solution, results can be achieved in a very short computational time. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 354–360, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22125
Analytical model for the transconductance of microwave AlmGa1−mN/GaN HEMTs including nonlinear macroscopic polarization and parasitic MESFET conduction
Authors: Chattopadhyay Manju K. , Tokekar Sanjiv
Published: December 2006

An improved nonlinear analytical model is presented for calculating the transconductance of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs. The model uses a polynomial dependence of the sheet carrier density on the position of the Fermi energy level, and is valid from subthreshold region to high conduction region. It also highlights the importance of including nonlinear macroscopic polarization in calculating the 2‐DEG sheet carrier concentration at the AlGaN/GaN heterointerface. Current–voltage characteristics developed from the present model include the effects of field dependent mobility, velocity saturation, channel length modulation, and parasitic source and drain resistances. The model is extended to include the parasitic conduction through the AlGaN layer, which reduces the transconductance (gm) at high gate voltages. The present model is based on closed form expression and does not involve any fitting parameter or excessive computation. The results obtained are in good agreement with published experimental data. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 382–389, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22126
A stubby monopole antenna for UMTS mobile phones with E911 function
Authors: Liu Yung‐Tao
Published: December 2006

A stubby monopole antenna for UMTS (universal mobile telecommunication system) mobile phones with the E911 function for locating wireless users is presented. The antenna is easily fabricated from a single metal plate and occupies a cross‐sectional area of 9.5 × 10 mm2 and a length of 23 mm. Further, the antenna shows a wide operating bandwidth of about 905 MHz (1502–2407 MHz), making it easy to cover the UMTS band and the GPS (global positioning system) operation at 1575 MHz for mobile/E911 dual‐mode operation of a mobile phone. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 380–382, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22127
Design of omnidirectional broadband metal‐plate monopole antennas
Authors: Valderas D. , de No J. , Meléndez J. , Sancho I.
Published: December 2006

This article provides a study of monopoles derived from planar configurations by repeated plate rotation. A comparison of four prototypes shows that an increasing number of plates broadens the H‐plane 100% pattern uniformity bandwidth. At the same time, a very broad impedance bandwidth is achieved for all the configurations (1.2 to 50+ GHz VSWR < 2 typical). Thus, the design takes into account both omnidirectional and matching radiation at the same time. Pulse distortion is also discussed, along with VSWR, radiation patterns, gain stability, and uniformity values over the bandwidth. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 375–379, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22130
Compact semilumped bandstop resonators using the capacitively loaded parallel‐coupled microstrip line
Authors: Lee Ju Gab , Lee Wu Seong , Ryu Jae Jong , Moon Yeon Kwan , Jang Joong Ho , Kim Ha Chul , Choi Hyun Chul
Published: December 2006

Compact semilumped bandstop resonators are simply designed using parallel‐coupled microstrip line and lumped capacitors. The lumped capacitors loaded in between coupled lines increase the odd mode electrical length, and the frequency of transmission zero can be controlled by the lumped capacitors. For the accurate estimation of the transmission zero frequency, the four‐port impedance parameter is derived using the even/odd mode analysis in an inhomogeneous dielectric medium. Two types of the bandstop resonators are proposed using the coupled line with the length of λg/8 (@2 GHz), and the calculated and measured results of transmission zero frequency are compared in 1–3 GHz ranges. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 367–369, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22135