bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity of the IL‐4, IL‐4 receptor and IL‐13 loci in mestizos in the general population and in patients with asthma from three subpopulations in Mexico
Authors: López K. I. M. , Martínez S. E. F. , Moguel M. C. M. , Romero L. T. , Figueroa C. S. , Pacheco G. V. , Ibarra B. , Corona J. S.
Published: February 2007

Asthma is an inflammatory airway disease characterized by increased serum IgE levels, mucus hypersecretion and infiltration of inflammatory cells, and is a multifactorial disease that exhibits genetic heterogeneity. Polymorphisms in the interleukin‐4 (C‐590T), interleukin‐4 receptor (ile50val and gln576arg), and interleukin‐13 (arg130gln) genes have been described as susceptibility alleles for asthma. This study was designed to determine whether asthma susceptibility is influenced by genotypic and allelic distribution of the above polymorphisms in three Mexican subpopulations. Four hundred and thirty‐seven subjects from three Mexican subpopulations were classified into two groups: general population and affected/unaffected and genotyped for the above polymorphisms. We compared the distributions of the loci in the groups. In addition, we undertook association analysis between these loci and asthma phenotype in each affected/unaffected group, and determined Nei's genetic distance between the three subpopulations. The allelic and genotypic distributions of the polymorphisms differed between the three subpopulations. There was no association between any of the polymorphisms and asthma phenotype. However, there was a differential distribution of haplogroups (P < 0.0001) between the affected and the unaffected groups from the subpopulations of Jalisco and Guerrero. The genetic distribution of the four polymorphisms in the subpopulations did not influence susceptibility to asthma. Furthermore, the difference in the prevalence of asthma in these subpopulations is not attributable to the genetic background for the four polymorphisms analysed. However, haplogroup analysis suggests that the interaction of the polymorphisms and other predisposing alleles leads to the expression of the clinical phenotype.
Damascene technique applied to surface acoustic wave devices
Authors: Reitz Daniel , Thomas Juergen , Schmidt Hagen , Menzel Siegfried , Wetzig Klaus , Albert Matthias , Bartha Johann W.
Published: February 2007

A new process technology for the wafer-level fabrication of surface acoustic wave (SAW) structures in piezoelectric LiNbO3 is reported. The complete Cu-based metallization system is embedded in the surface by applying the damascene technology. This technique includes ion based dry etching procedures, metallization by sputter deposition (physical vapor deposition) and electrochemical deposition, and finally planarization by chemical-mechanical polishing. The process steps were monitored by means of different evaluation techniques. SAW wave field measurements provided evidence for a good surface quality after planarization.
Three dimension analysis of E×B mass separator
Authors: Li Wen-Ping , Han Li , Gu Wen-Qi
Published: February 2007

Three dimension modeling is used to design an E×B mass separator. After the perpendicular separating principle and basic properties are analyzed in three dimensions, an E×B model is built and optimized to obtain a homogeneous field with negligible fringing. An example of 30keV Si+ ions is given to show its mass resolution, ion motion trajectory, and achromatic aberration in both collimated and crossover modes. Results show that the improved separator can operate in both modes in a nanometer optical column, but has better performance using a crossover mode.
BROADBAND FREQUENCY MIXING AND SECOND-HARMONIC GENERATION IN 2-METHYL-4-NITROANILINE THIN CRYSTAL FROM 250 FS PULSES
Authors: BEN-MESSAOUD T. , DESFORGES J. , GAUVIN S.
Published: February 2007

In this paper, we present the experimental proof that even for highly nonlinear (NL), such as 2-methyl-4-nitroaniline (MNA), wave mixing has negligible effect on the second-harmonic generation (SHG) using 250 fs fundamental pulses. We explain our experimental results with a simple formalism based on monochromatic plane wave (MPW).
The Mechanism of Induced Codeposition of Ni-W Alloys
Authors: Gileadi Eliezer , Eliaz Noam
Published: February 2007

The term induced codeposition was coined by Brenner in 1963, to describe a situation where a metal, which cannot be deposited alone from its aqueous solution, is codeposited in the presence of another metal, forming an alloy . An overview of the mechanism suggested in our earlier papers for electrodeposition of Ni-W alloys from solutions containing citrate as the complexing agent, and the experimental observations that support it, are presented in this paper. It is postulated that induced codeposition results from the formation of a mixed- metal complex, such as [(Ni)(WO4)(H)(Cit)]2-, which is the precursor for deposition of the alloy. Tungsten can only be deposited from this complex, while there are parallel paths for deposition of Ni. The concentration of this complex was calculated on the basis of an observed mass-transport limitation on the partial current for deposition of W.
Pyrocarbon Growth from Allene and Allylene by Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Kawase Motoaki , Miura Kouichi
Published: February 2007

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of carbon from hydrocarbons is used for fabrication of advanced carbon materials as well as involved in some hydrocarbon processing for synthesis of chemical products. Hydrocarbon pyrolysis is so rapid that a variety of hydrocarbons in besides feed reactant contribute to the carbon deposition in these reactors. However, carbon deposition from only some of hydrocarbons has been intensively studied. In this study, the surface reaction rate of allene and allylene was investigated at a total pressure of 6.7 kPa and temperature of 960-1050{degree sign}C using a thin tubular CVD reactor. The pyrocarbon growth rates from allene and allylene were found approximately equal and as high as that from propylene. Effects of temperature, partial pressure, and reactor tube diameter on the CVD rate were examined. The surface reaction rate was formulated by a Langmuir-type equation.
Optical Properties of Silicon - SiO2 Superlattice
Authors: Tsu Raphael , Daneshvar Kasra
Published: February 2007

Silicon, having an indirect optical transition, results in optoelectronic devices with very low efficiency. Although porous silicon shows PL, thought to be primarily due to quantum confinement, and superlattice structures have demonstrated stable photoluminescence, PL and electroluminescence, EL, it is argued that the common denominator may be due to oxygen complexes, rather than quantum size effects. All schemes employing quantum confinement to break the momentum conservation require annealing for reasonable efficiency. The Si - SiO2 superlattices do not represent the answer to the search of optical activities in silicon based materials; rather, provide the basis for the type of structures in searching for the proper Si-based superlattices. The main stumbling block seems to be the usual defects induced by high local strain, leading to non-radiative channels. Thus breakthrough is still waiting to be discovered.
Electronic Transport in Single Crystals of Gd-doped Ceria
Authors: Ruiz-Trejo Enrique , Maier Joachim
Published: February 2007

In this work we study the electronic conductivity of reduced Gd-doped ceria in single-crystals by impedance spectroscopy in the near-room temperature regime (25-110{degree sign}C). The extent of non-stoichiometry in the as-prepared reduced samples is determined by thermogravimetry and the integral enthalpy of re-oxidation by differential scanning calorimetry. The results indicate that the electronic transport takes place via small polarons as in the case of pure ceria. We estimate the activation energy for the process of conduction to be 0.44 eV for Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.864 and 0.45 for Ce0.7Gd0.3O1.82 eV. We found that trapping takes place at the near room temperature regime with a considerable entropic contribution. The integral enthalpy of re-oxidation for Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.864 is 4.2 eV and for Ce0.7Gd0.3O1.82 is 3.6 eV.
Immunosensors Based on Functional Nanoparticle Labels
Authors: Wang Jun , Liu Guodong , Lin Yuehe
Published: February 2007

The electrochemical immunosensors based on functional nanoparticle (NP) labels were described. We have developed functionalized silica NPs conjugates and functionalized gold nanoparticles for sensitive immunoassay of proteins such as mouse IgG and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). These functionalized NPs were characterized by AFM, TEM, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, or electrochemistry. And the analytical performance of these immunosensors was examined. It is found that these methods are very sensitive and the limit of detection was found to be down to 1.0 pM level. The work demonstrates the feasibility of developing a cheap, sensitive, and portable device for multiplexed diagnosis of different proteins. This method is simple, selective and reproducible for trace protein analysis and can be extended to study protein/protein, peptide/protein, and DNA/ protein interactions.
The Mechanical, Thermal and Electronic Properties of Nanoscale Materials by Statistical Moment and Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Methods
Authors: Jindo Kinichi M. , Hung Vu Van , Menon Madhu
Published: February 2007

The mechanical, thermal and electronic properties of the nanoscale materials are studied using an ab initio molecular dynamics (TBMD) method and statistical moment method. We investigate the strength and fracture behaviors of nanoscale materials like carbon nanotubes (CNT), graphens and nanowires in comparison with those of corresponding bulk materials. The thermal lattice expansion coefficients, linear elastic parameters, nonlinear elastic instabilities and bucking, inelastic relaxation, yield strength and fracture behaviors are studied in detail, including the anharmonicity of thermal lattice vibrations. We will show that the thermodynamic and strength properties of the nanoscale materials are quite different from those of the corresponding bulk materials. The electronic density of states and electronic transports of the nanoscale materials, with and without the atomistic defects are also discussed.
A new Approach for the Preparation of High Quality CdTe Nanocrystals and their Optical Characterization
Authors: Osovsky Ruth , Kloper Viki , Kolny-Olesiak Joanna , Sashchiuk Aldona , Lifshitz Efrat
Published: February 2007

A new synthesis procedure for the preparation of CdTe nanocrystals is presented, exhibiting bright luminescence with exceptionally high quantum efficiency (85%). The growth of these nanocrystals occurs in a non-coordinating mother solution, octadecen, with the addition of oleic acid/tri- octylphosphine stabilizers, CdO as a monomer and additional Cd metal particles as an additional Cd reservoir source. The produced NCs have a spherical shape with 5% size distribution and cubic zinc blende crystallographic structure. The absorption and photoluminescence excitation spectra exhibit four distinct excitonic bands at the spectral regime between 530-630 nm. The non-resonantly excited PL spectra show an excitonic band with a full width at half maximum of ~30 nm, Stokes shifted by 75 meV to 36 meV from the lowest exciton transition, decreasing with an increase in the average diameter of the nanocrystals. The fluorescence line narrowing spectra are comprised of a zero-phonon band and a longitudinal-optical replica.
Ferrocene Derivatives in Voltammetric Investigations of Intramolecular Electronic Interactions
Authors: Ludvik Jiri , Stepnicka Petr
Published: February 2007

Many organic and organometallic molecules (including polynuclear complexes, supramolecular systems as well as molecules of biological significance) posses two or more redox centers. The localization of the redox centers, the extent of their intramolecular interactions and the distribution of electron density along the molecule, which is further influenced by substitution, are decisive for the chemical properties and potential utilization of such molecules. In this contribution we report about how the suitable electrochemical properties (reversibility and stability) of ferrocene backbone as a sensitive redox probe or an electrochemical marker were utilized for a) investigations of mutual electronic interactions of various molecular parts of hybrid phosphine ligands, their complexes and P-chelated chromium(0) aminocarbenes; b) testing of alkyne bridges as building blocks for connecting redox centers; c) experimental studies concerning electron density distribution along the purine heterocycle. Electrochemistry in this field represent a very useful approach as a unique source of experimental data.
Preparation and Characterization of Carbon- and Binder-free LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 Film Cathode
Authors: Kang Sun-Ho , Abraham Daniel P.
Published: February 2007

Positive electrodes based on the LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 material are being evaluated in high-power lithium-ion cells for hybrid- electric vehicle applications. To determine performance degradation mechanisms that are associated with the active material, we prepared carbon- and binder-free LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 film cathode on a Pt substrate using a sol- gel spin coating technique. The material was characterized by X- ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Initial data from cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic cycling, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements conducted on the electrodes are reported.
Li/S Lithium Ion Cell Using Graphite as Anode
Authors: He Xiangming , Ren Jianguo , Wang Li , Pu Weihua , Wan Chunrong , Jiang Changyin
Published: February 2007

Being much safer than lithium metal anode, the graphite anode was used to fabricate Li/S cells with a non-lithiated sulfur composite cathode by incorporation of a lithium metal foil. The lithium foil was used to provide lithium for the performance of the cells. The cells can be cycled and showed the different voltage from that of the cell with the lithium metal anode. This paves the effective way to fabricate safer Li/S cells.
Electrocoagulation Mechanism For Metal Removal
Authors: Moreno Hector A. , Cocke David , Gomes Jewel A. , Morkovsky Paul , Parga Jose
Published: February 2007

The current theory of Electrocoagulation has not been able to explain all the phenomena associated with EC, especially the differences in removal efficiency of metals in wastewater. In this paper, we discuss the facts associated with metal removal using EC, and develop a mechanism that explains them. To do so first, a review of the technology and the current model is done. Second, the results from a pilot plant relative to metal removal efficiency using EC are shown. Third, a mechanism for metal removal is presented. This mechanism fits data and observations, follows iron Pourbaix diagram, solubility diagrams, and agrees with the characterization of EC products. Finally the factors affecting metal removal are mentioned.
Factors Affecting DMFC Fuel Cell Performances and Commercialization Consideration
Authors: Tsou Yu-Min , Zhu Zhiyong , Cao Lixin , De Castro Emory
Published: February 2007

Abstract. By combining novel platinum and ruthenium chemistry, we have succeeded in developing a new process for making thoroughly mixed Pt:Ru alloy with minimum undesirable phases at all loadings, as evidenced by XRD analysis. XRD analysis indicated that most other commercial PtRu products have oxide impurities (RuO2 xH2O), or unalloyed Ru phase. Correlation of RDE (rotating disk electrode) results and XRD spectra indicates these phases are ineffective for catalysis. These phases reduce the electronic interaction for weakening Pt-CO bond and the bimolecular reaction rate for CO removal. A good PtRu catalyst should have thorough atomic mixing with large surface area. Oxygen cathodes are also crucial for DMFC performance. Newly developed high performance Pt black cathode catalysts possess high surface areas. 60%-80% Pt on carbon shows similar performance and is easier to process. DMFC anode structure needs to reach a compromise between catalyst access by methanol and cross-over; cathode structure needs to find the compromise between catalyst wetting and proton conduction.
The rapid activation of protein synthesis by growth hormone requires signaling through mTOR
Authors: Hayashi Amanda A. , Proud Christopher G.
Published: February 2007

An important function of growth hormone (GH) is to promote cell and tissue growth, and a key component of these effects is the stimulation of protein synthesis. In this study, we demonstrate that, in H4IIE hepatoma cells, GH acutely activated protein synthesis through signaling via the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and specifically through the rapamycin-sensitive mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1). GH treatment enhanced the phosphorylation of two targets of mTOR signaling, 4E-BP1 and ribosomal protein S6. Phosphorylation of S6 and 4E-BP1 was maximal at 30–45 min and 10–20 min after GH stimulation, respectively. Both proteins modulate components of the translational machinery. The GH-induced phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 led to its dissociation from eIF4E and increased binding of eIF4E to eIF4G to form (active) eIF4F complexes. The ability of GH to stimulate the phosphorylation of S6 and 4E-BP1 was blocked by rapamycin. GH also led to the dephosphorylation of a third translational component linked to mTORC1, the elongation factor eEF2. Its regulation followed complex biphasic kinetics, both phases of which required mTOR signaling. GH rapidly activated both the MAP kinase (ERK) and PI 3-kinase pathways. Signaling through PI 3-kinase alone was, however, sufficient to activate the downstream mTORC1 pathway. Consistent with this, GH increased the phosphorylation of TSC2, an upstream regulator of mTORC1, at sites that are targets for Akt/PKB. Finally, the activation of overall protein synthesis by GH in H4IIE cells was essentially completely inhibited by wortmannin or rapamycin. These results demonstrate for the first time that mTORC1 plays a major role in the rapid activation of protein synthesis by GH.
Altered autonomic control in conscious transgenic rabbits with overexpressed cardiac Gsα
Authors: Nishizawa Takao , Shen You-Tang , Rossi Franco , Hong Chull , Robbins Jeffrey , Ishikawa Yoshihiro , Sadoshima Junichi , Vatner Dorothy E. , Vatner Stephen F.
Published: February 2007

Both enhanced sympathetic drive and altered autonomic control are involved in the pathogenesis of heart failure. The goal of the present study was to determine the extent to which chronically enhanced sympathetic drive, in the absence of heart failure, alters reflex autonomic control in conscious, transgenic (TG) rabbits with overexpressed cardiac Gsα. Nine TG rabbits and seven wild-type (WT) littermates were instrumented with a left ventricular (LV) pressure micromanometer and arterial catheters and studied in the conscious state. Compared with WT rabbits, LV function was enhanced in TG rabbits, as reflected by increased levels of LV dP/d t (5,600 ± 413 vs. 3,933 ± 161 mmHg/s). Baseline heart rate was also higher ( P < 0.05) in conscious TG (247 ± 10 beats/min) than in WT (207 ± 10 beats/min) rabbits and was higher in TG after muscarinic blockade (281 ± 9 vs. 259 ± 8 beats/min) or combined β-adrenergic receptor and muscarinic blockade (251 ± 6 vs. 225 ± 9 beats/min). Bradycardia was blunted ( P < 0.05), whether induced by intravenous phenylephrine (arterial baroreflex), by cigarette smoke inhalation (nasopharyngeal reflex), or by veratrine administration (Bezold-Jarisch reflex). With veratrine administration, the bradycardia was enhanced in TG for any given decrease in arterial pressure. Thus the chronically enhanced sympathetic drive in TG rabbits with overexpressed cardiac Gsα resulted in enhanced LV function and heart rate and impaired reflex autonomic control. The impaired reflex control was generalized, not only affecting the high-pressure arterial baroreflex but also the low-pressure Bezold-Jarisch reflex and the nasopharyngeal reflex.
A Pilot Study of the Use of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Measures as an Outcome for Analysing the Impact of Caries Disease among Swedish 19-Year-Olds
Authors: Oscarson N. , Källestål C. , Lindholm L.
Published: February 2007

Objectives: To be useful as a supplement for health economic evaluations in caries preventive care, the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL) measures must be able to discriminate for caries disease. The aim of this study was therefore to explore whether any differences existed in perceived OHRQOL among adolescents with either high or no caries experience. Methods: Eighty-two individuals (all 19-year-olds) agreed to participate in a pilot exploratory case-control study. Thirty individuals with high caries experience formed the test group. The control group consisted of 52 individuals with no caries experience, selected randomly from a caries-free population. OHRQOL scores were collected for analysis through personal interviews using two OHRQOL measures, the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11–14) and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Results: The OHRQOL measures used were not able to discriminate between young adults with high and no caries risk experience with respect to perceived OHRQOL. Despite a consistently higher impact score for the test group throughout the overall and subscale scores, the differences were not statistically significant except for one of the subscale scores, oral symptoms. Conclusions: This study indicates that the prevalence and incidence of caries must be seen as too low in Sweden to have major influence on young adults’ perceived OHRQOL and well-being. Therefore, the usefulness of OHRQOL measures in supplementing outcome measurement in health economic evaluations, particularly those that focus on caries preventive strategies, must be questioned.
Aquarium Sign in the Left Atrium
Authors: Aghasadeghi Kamran , Aslani Amir
Published: February 2007

A 50-year-old man presented with fever and chest pain. Later on the same day, he developed ischemic stroke and deteriorated into loss of consciousness. A trans-thoracic echocardiography showed air bubbles in the left atrium, resembling the floating bubbles in an aquarium. After further workups, atrio-esophageal fistula was diagnosed. To the best of our knowledge visualization of atrio-esophageal fistula by echocardiography has never been described previously.
ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma) Classification of Allergic Rhinitis Severity in Clinical Practice in France
Authors: Bousquet P.J. , Bousquet-Rouanet L. , Co Minh H.B. , Urbinelli R. , Allaert F.A. , Demoly P.
Published: February 2007

Background: The Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) workshop proposes a classification of allergic rhinitis severity. It does not take into account impairment in quality of life and treatment should be adapted accordingly. Methods: Two cross-sectional surveys were designed:a spring survey, for which 1,321 practitioners enrolled 3,026 patients consulting for seasonal allergic rhinitis and an autumn-winter survey, for which 1,346 practitioners enrolled 3,507 patients consulting for perennial allergic rhinitis. Simple quality of life parameters were included and logistic regressions were performed in order to assess the impairment of quality of life. Results: The majority of the patients were experiencing an impairment on their quality of life (92.2%). Except for cough, these patients had significantly more nasal, lung and ocular symptoms. In a multivariate analysis, rhinorrhea, nasal itching, red eyes, dyspnea, change in voice, fatigue and headache were correlated to impairment of quality of life. Persistent rhinitis was associated only with subjects who expressed difficulties in reading, and intermittent rhinitis with those who had to blow their nose and who expressed an impact on their professional activities. Conclusions: The proposal of the ARIA expert panel defining the severity of allergic rhinitis based on quality of life parameters is likely to simplify daily physician practice.
Analysis of Components of the CD14/TLR System on Leukocytes of Patients with Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Sümegi Andrea , Szegedi Andrea , Gál Mónika , Hunyadi János , Szegedi Gyula , Antal-Szalmás Péter
Published: February 2007

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is frequently associated with skin infections that may be a consequence of an impaired function of the innate immune response. Conversely, the frequent bacterial colonization may also influence the systemic immune reactions, including the Toll-like receptor (TLR) system, through the translocation of bacterial components into the circulation. Therefore, we characterized phenotypic and functional properties of the TLR system in patients with extrinsic and intrinsic AD. Methods: The absolute number of surface CD14, TLR2, TLR4 and CD180 and the CD14-mediated uptake of bodipy-labeled endotoxin and bacteria by whole blood leukocytes was studied by flow cytometry. We measured the serum soluble CD14 concentration by an inhibitory flow cytometric method. Results: We observed a significant overexpression of TLR2 and TLR4 on monocytes, TLR2 and CD14 on granulocytes and CD180 on lymphocytes of intrinsic AD patients compared to healthy controls. The serum soluble CD14 was not different in the intrinsic AD patients, while it was diminished in the extrinsic AD group compared to the controls. The endotoxin and bacterium uptake showed no differences. Conclusions: The observed upregulation of CD14, TLR2, TLR4 and CD180 on peripheral leukocytes seems to be rather a consequence than the cause of the repeated bacterial infections in AD.
A Novel Missense Mutation in CIAS1 Encoding the Pyrin-Like Protein, Cryopyrin, Causes Familial Cold Autoinflammatory Syndrome in a Family of Ethiopian Origin
Authors: Shalev Stavit A. , Sprecher Eli , Indelman Margarita , Hujirat Yaser , Bergman Reuven , Rottem Menachem
Published: February 2007

Background: Cold-induced urticaria is a form of physical urticaria which is characterized by rapid onset of pruritus, erythema, and swelling after exposure to a cold stimulus. Familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome (FCAS) is a rare autosomal-dominant condition characterized by unremitting attacks of cold-induced urticaria, often accompanied by other systemic manifestations. The disorder was previously shown to be caused by mutations in CIAS1, encoding a pyrin-like protein also involved in the pathogenesis of Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS), and chronic infantile neurological cutaneous and articular syndrome (CINCA). Methods: In the present study, using direct sequencing, we assessed a two-generation family of Jewish Ethiopian origin, including 3 members affected with FCAS. Results: We identified a novel CIAS1 mutation, F525C. The mutation was shown to affect a highly conserved residue of the protein and to segregate with the disease throughout the extended family. Conclusions: Our results add to the expanding spectrum of mutations in CIAS1 and provide evidence for striking phenotypic heterogeneity in inherited autoinflammatory syndromes. This is the first report of inherited cold urticaria in a family of Ethiopian origin.
Pregnancy and Delivery with Kindler Syndrome
Authors: Hayashi Shusaku , Shimoya Koichiro , Itami Satoshi , Murata Yuji
Published: February 2007

Background: Kindler syndrome is a rare, autosomal-recessive skin disease characterized by bullous poikiloderma. Mucosal manifestations are common that involve the oral cavity, esophagus, urethra and genital organs. Case Report: A 37-year-old woman with Kindler syndrome received prenatal care at our hospital. Her skin disease did not change during pregnancy and puerperium. Her pregnancy course was uneventful, but an elective cesarean section was performed at 38 weeks of gestation due to vaginal stenosis. Surgical wound healing was uncomplicated. Conclusion: Pregnancy did not exacerbate the cutaneous symptoms of Kindler syndrome in this case. Cesarean delivery may be necessary in cases with severe genital lesions besides obstetrical indications. Careful perioperative management is needed to protect vulnerable skin and mucosa.
The Impact of Input and Output Factors on Emergency Department Throughput
Authors: Asaro Phillip V. , Lewis Lawrence M. , Boxerman Stuart B.
Published: February 2007

Objectives: To quantify the impact of input and output factors on emergency department (ED) process outcomes while controlling for patient‐level variables.

Methods: Using patient‐ and system‐level data from multiple sources, multivariate linear regression models were constructed with length of stay (LOS), wait time, treatment time, and boarding time as dependent variables. The products of the 20th to 80th percentile ranges of the input and output factor variables and their regression coefficients demonstrate the actual impact (in minutes) of each of these factors on throughput outcomes.

Results: An increase from the 20th to the 80th percentile in ED arrivals resulted in increases of 42 minutes in wait time, 49 minutes in LOS (admitted patients), and 24 minutes in ED boarding time (admitted patients). For admit percentage (20th to 80th percentile), the increases were 12 minutes in wait time, 15 minutes in LOS, and 1 minute in boarding time. For inpatient bed utilization as of 7 am (20th to 80th percentile), the increases were 4 minutes in wait time, 19 minutes in LOS, and 16 minutes in boarding time. For admitted patients boarded in the ED as of 7 am (20th to 80th percentile), the increases were 35 minutes in wait time, 94 minutes in LOS, and 75 minutes in boarding time.

Conclusions: Achieving significant improvement in ED throughput is unlikely without determining the most important factors on process outcomes and taking measures to address variations in ED input and bottlenecks in the ED output stream.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamic Effects of an Oral Ghrelin Agonist in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Piccoli Franziska , Degen Lukas , MacLean Carol , Peter Shajan , Baselgia Luisa , Larsen Finn , Beglinger Christoph , Drewe Jürgen
Published: February 2007

Context: An oral formulation of EP01572, a peptidomimetic growth hormone secretagogue, was studied. An oral delivery system would be preferable in many of the possible therapeutic indications of ghrelin agonists such as EP01572.

Objectives: Our objective was to establish the pharmacological profile and the GH-releasing activity of increasing oral doses of EP01572 in healthy volunteers. In addition, the pharmacokinetics and pharmacological effects of EP01572 were investigated after intraduodenal (ID) administration.

Setting: This study was a single-center escalating dose study with oral and ID applications.

Subjects and Methods: In the first part, EP01572 was given orally to 36 male subjects; the treatment consisted of one oral dose of either EP01572 or placebo (0.005, 0.05, and 0.5 mg/kg body weight). Six subjects received two additional oral doses of EP01572: 0.125 and 0.25 mg/kg body weight. In the second part, the following treatments were performed in a randomized order: 1) administration of a bolus of saline (placebo) to the small intestine; 2) ID administration of a bolus of EP01572 at 0.2 mg/kg body weight; 3) ID perfusion of a bolus of EP01572 at 0.35 mg/kg body weight; and 4) ID perfusion of a bolus of EP01572 at 0.5 mg/kg body weight.

Results: The oral and ID administration of EP01572 induced a rapid and dose-dependent increase in plasma drug concentrations and a potent GH release in healthy male volunteers.

Conclusions: This study showed that EP01572 was active with regard to stimulation of GH release in humans after oral and ID administration.
Relating Deaf Students' Reading and Language Scores at College Entry to Their Degree Completion Rates
Authors: Cuculick Jessica Anne , Kelly Ronald R
Published: February 2007

Graduation patterns were examined for 905 deaf students (1990-1998)
at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. Students with
higher reading and language skills had the best overall graduation
percentage. Comparison of recipients of different degrees—bachelor
of science (BS) versus fine arts (BFA); associate of applied science
(AAS) versus occupational studies (AOS)—showed 92% of BS and 82%
of AAS graduates reading at the 9th-grade level or above, versus 65% of
BFA and 47% of AOS graduates. Interestingly, 80% of non-degree-earning
students read at the 9th-12th grade levels; in absolute terms, they
outnumbered graduates with similar reading skills in the AAS and BFA
programs combined, and in the BS program. This indicates a need for
improved counseling, placement, and retention strategies. Students
performed similarly across degree categories, regardless of curriculum
requirements and difficulty. Only non-degree-earning students had
significantly lower grade averages.
Rigid subanalytic subsets of the line and the plane
Authors: Lipshitz Leonard , Robinson Zachary
Published: February 2007

Working over an algebraically closed, complete non-Archimedean non-trivially valued field, we show that any subanalytic subset of the line is semialgebraic and that any subanalytic subset of the plane is semianalytic.
Cores of hyperbolic 3-manifolds and limits of Kleinian groups
Authors: Anderson James W. , Canary Richard D.
Published: February 2007

We study the relationship between the algebraic and geometric limits of a sequence of isomorphic Kleinian groups. We prove that, with certain restrictions on the algebraic limit, the algebraic limit is the fundamental group of a compact submanifold of the quotient of the geometric limit. In particular, we show that the algebraic and geometric limits agree, in the absence of parabolics, if the algebraic limit either has nonempty domain of discontinuity or is not isomorphic to a nontrivial free product of (orientable) surface groups and cyclic groups.
Applications of free entropy to finite von Neumann algebras
Authors: Ge Liming
Published: February 2007

We apply Voiculescu's free entropy to show that free group factors do not possess a simple maximal abelian self-adjoint subalgebra, hence answering a longstanding question of Ambrose and Singer.
Diagonal subalgebras of bigraded algebras and embeddings of blow-ups of projective spaces
Authors: Conca Aldo , Herzog Jürgen , Trung Ngô Viêt , Valla Giuseppe
Published: February 2007

Let V be closed subscheme of [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="01i" /] defined by a homogeneous ideal I ⊆ A = K [ X 1 , . . . , X n ], and let X be the ( n - 1)-fold obtained by blowing-up [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="02i" /] along V . If one embeds X in some projective space, one is led to consider the subalgebra K [( I e ) c ] of A for some positive integers c and e . The aim of this paper is to study ring-theoretic properties of K [( I e ) c ]; this is achieved by developing a theory which enables us to describe the local cohomology of certain modules over generalized Segre products of bigraded algebras. These results are applied to the study of the Cohen-Macaulay property of the homogeneous coordinate ring of the blow-up of the projective space along a complete intersection. We also study the Koszul property of diagonal subalgebras of bigraded standard k -algebras.
CR circle bundles and Mizohata structures
Authors: Le Anbo
Published: February 2007

In this paper we study the relationship between CR-structures on 3-dimensional manifolds and Mizohata structures on 2-dimensional manifolds. Let ( X, H 0,1 ) be a 3-dimensional strictly pseudoconvex CR-manifold. Assume there is a free smooth S 1 -action on X , then X can be regarded as a principal S 1 -bundle π: X → M over a smooth 2-dimensional manifold M ; and assume the CR-structure H 0,1 is invariant under the circle action. First, we show that the projection π * ( H 0,1 ) of H 0,1 into C TM induces a Mizohata structure on M . If ( X, H 0,1 ) can be embedded into some C n by CR-functions, then the induced Mizohata structure on M is locally integrable. Moreover, we consider when a neighborhood of π -1 ( p ) can be embedded into C 2 by CR-functions. Second, for every Mizohata structure V on M we can construct a CR circle bundle ( X, H 0,1 ) via a singular curvature form by using the theory of singular forms and singular connections over circle bundles described here. This construction can be viewed as a generalization of geometric prequantization to a degenerate situation.
Nonabelian duality on Stein spaces
Authors: Kosarew Siegmund
Published: February 2007

It is well known that a Stein complex space can be recovered from its algebra of holomorphic functions. Taking the infinite dimensional Lie group of holomorphic matrices instead of holomorphic functions, we show that a similar result holds. This may be interpreted as a biduality statement in a nonabelian situation.
Distinguished representations of metaplectic groups
Authors: Suzuki Toshiaki
Published: February 2007

We propose a conjecture that automorphic distinguished representations on n -fold covering groups of GL ( nr ) are parametrized by automorphic cuspidal representations of GL ( r ). We also give a local result on unramified distinguished representations; noncuspidal automorphic distinguished representations are constructed by Eisenstein series; and some types of Rankin-Selberg convolutions of a metaplectic form against a distinguished form are shown to have Euler products.
Exponential error terms for growth functions on negatively curved surfaces
Authors: Pollicott Mark , Sharp Richard
Published: February 2007

In this paper we consider two counting problems associated with compact negatively curved surfaces and improve classical asymptotic estimates due to Margulis. In the first, we show that the number of closed geodesics of length at most T has an exponential error term. In the second we show that the number of geodesic arcs (between two fixed points x and y ) of length at most T has an exponential error term. The proof is based on a detailed study of the zeta function and Poincaré series and benefits from recent work of Dolgopiat.
Hochschild cohomology for von Neumann algebras with Cartan subalgebras
Authors: Sinclair Allan M. , Smith Roger R.
Published: February 2007

The main result of this paper is that H n ( M, M ) = 0, n ≥ 1, for von Neumann algebras M with Cartan subalgebras and separable preduals.
Contact cohomology of the projective plane
Authors: Ernström Lars , Kennedy Gary
Published: February 2007

We construct an associative ring which is a deformation of the quantum cohomology ring of the projective plane. Just as the quantum cohomology encodes the incidence characteristic numbers of rational plane curves, the contact cohomology encodes the tangency characteristic numbers.
Euler systems and Jochnowitz congruences
Authors: Bertolini M. , Darmon H.
Published: February 2007

This article relates the Gross-Zagier formula with a simpler formula of Gross for special values of L -series, via the theory of congruences between modular forms. Given two modular forms f and g (of different levels) which are congruent but whose functional equations have sign -1 and 1 respectively, and an imaginary quadratic field K satisfying certain auxiliary conditions, the main result gives a congruence between the algebraic part of L '( f/K , 1) (expressed in terms of Heegner points) and the algebraic part of the special value L ( g / K , 1). Congruences of this type were anticipated by Jochnowitz, and for this reason are referred to as "Jochnowitz congruences."
On log canonical thresholds of reducible plane curves
Authors: Kuwata Takayasu
Published: February 2007

Let f ( x, y ) be an irreducible power series. J. Igusa found a formula for the log canonical threshold of f in terms of the first pair of Puiseux exponents. In this paper, we give an alternate proof for the result, using Shokurov's adjunction theory and the classification of log terminal pairs. The method also gives a generalization of Igusa's result to the case of reducible curves.
Length distortion and the Hausdorff dimension of limit sets
Authors: Bridgeman Martin , Taylor Edward C.
Published: February 2007

Let Γ be a convex co-compact quasi-Fuchsian Kleinian group. We define the distortion function along geodesic rays lying on the boundary of the convex hull of the limit set, where each ray is pointing in a randomly chosen direction. The distortion function measures the ratio of the intrinsic to extrinsic metrics, and is defined asymptotically as the length of the ray goes to infinity. Our main result is that the distortion function is both almost everywhere constant and bounded above by the Hausdorff dimension of the limit set of Γ. As a consequence, we are able to provide a geometric proof of the following result of Bowen: If the limit set of Γ is not a round circle, then the Hausdorff dimension of the limit set is strictly greater than one. The proofs are developed from results in Patterson-Sullivan theory and ergodic theory.
Quantization, reduction, and flag manifolds
Authors: Chuah Meng-Kiat
Published: February 2007

Let K be a compact connected semi-simple Lie group, let G be its complexification, and let G = KAN be an Iwasawa decomposition. Let B be the Borel subgroup containing A and N . Let P be a parabolic subgroup of G containing B , and ( P, P ) its commutator subgroup. In this paper, we perform geometric quantization and symplectic reduction to the pseudo-Kähler forms on the complex homogeneous space G /( P, P ). The reduced space is a disjoint union of copies of the flag manifold G/P , and this allows us to study the signatures of the K -invariant pseudo-Kähler forms on G/P via symplectic reduction. We also discuss the connectivity of the reduced space.
Uniqueness of generalized solutions to nonlinear wave equations
Authors: Zhou Yi
Published: February 2007

In this paper, we consider semilinear wave equations in three space dimensions which satisfy the null condition. We prove that a generalized solution of the Cauchy problem is unique in the class L ∞([0, T ]; H 2 ) ∩ W 1,∞ ([0, T ]; H 1 ).
Examples of nonpolar limit spaces
Authors: Menguy X.
Published: February 2007

In this paper we give an example showing that a limit space of manifolds with positive Ricci curvature can be nonpolar. Recall that a polar space is a space all of whose tangent cones have a pole at the origin. Polar limit spaces have many regularity properties. For instance, J. Cheeger and T. Colding have proven that the Hausdorff dimension of a polar limit space is an integer.
On maximal Sobolev and Hölder estimates for the tangential Cauchy-Riemann operator and boundary Laplacian
Authors: Koenig Kenneth D.
Published: February 2007

Let M be the boundary of a (smoothly bounded) pseudoconvex domain in C n ( n ≥ 3), or more generally any compact pseudoconvex CR-manifold of dimension 2 n - 1 for which the range of [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="01i" /] is closed in L 2 . In this article, we study the L p -Sobolev and Hölder regularity properties of [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="02i" /] and □ b near a point of finite type under a comparable eigenvalues condition on the Levi form. We show that if all possible sums of q 0 eigenvalues of the Levi matrix are comparable to its trace near a point of finite commutator type ("Condition D ( q 0 )"), then the inverse K q of □ b on (0, q )-forms for q 0 ≤ q ≤ n - 1 - q 0 satisfies sharp kernel estimates in terms of the quasi-distance associated to the Hörmander sum of squares operator. In particular, we obtain the "maximal L p estimates" for □ b which were conjectured in the 1980s. We also prove sharp estimates for certain parts of the kernels of K q 0 -1 and K n-q 0 and give some applications concerning domains with at most one degenerate eigenvalue. Finally, we establish the composition and mapping properties of a class of singular integral (nonisotropic smoothing) operators that arises naturally in complex analysis. These results yield optimal regularity of K q (and related operators) in the Sobolev and Lipschitz norms, both isotropic and nonisotropic.
Zeta functions of groups: zeros and friendly ghosts
Authors: du Sautoy Marcus , Grunewald Fritz
Published: February 2007

We consider zeta functions defined as Euler products of W ( p, p -s ) over all primes p where W ( X, Y ) is a polynomial. Such zeta functions arise naturally in the context of zeta functions of algebraic groups and nilpotent groups. The analytic behavior of such Euler products is controlled by something we call the ghost polynomial of W ( X, Y ). The ghost is defined from the zeros of W ( p, Y ) as p ranges over all primes. When the Euler product of the ghost is meromorphic on [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="01i" /], an important property in relation to the analytic behavior of the original zeta function, we say that W ( X, Y ) has a friendly ghost. We give an explicit expression for the ghosts of classical reductive groups and prove that they are friendly. We also consider the ghosts of exceptional reductive groups and zeta functions of nilpotent groups. The concept of the ghost implies a new dichotomy for the representations of an algebraic group according to whether their associated zeta function has a friendly ghost or not.
Teitelbaum's exceptional zero conjecture in the anticyclotomic setting
Authors: Bertolini Massimo , Darmon Henri , Iovita Adrian , Spiess Michael
Published: February 2007

Teitelbaum formulated a conjecture relating first derivatives of the Mazur-Swinnerton-Dyer p -adic L -functions attached to modular forms of even weight k ≥ 2 to certain [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="01i" /]-invariants arising from Shimura curve parametrizations. This article formulates an analogue of Teitelbaum's conjecture in which the cyclotomic [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="02i" /] extension of [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="03i" /] is replaced by the anticyclotomic [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="04i" /]-extension of an imaginary quadratic field. This analogue is then proved by using the Cerednik-Drinfeld theory of p -adic uniformisation of Shimura curves.
A homogeneous arcwise connected non-locally-connected curve
Authors: Prajs Janusz R.
Published: February 2007

Given a homogeneous compactum X , a general method of constructing homogeneous compacta as inverse limit spaces lim{ X n , b n } is introduced, where X n are covering spaces for X and b n are covering mappings. If [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="01i" /] is the Menger universal curve, a variant of this construction provides a homogeneous, arcwise connected, non-locally connected curve. This answers a question of K. Kuperberg.
Isoperimetric properties of higher eigenvalues of elliptic operators
Authors: Grigor'yan Alexander , Yau Shing-Tung
Published: February 2007

We prove, in the setting of a measure energy space ( M , μ, (Ɛ,Ƒ)), that if the smallest eigenvalue λ 1 (Ω) of the generator of the Dirichlet form Ɛ in any precompact open set Ω ⊂ M admits the estimate λ 1 (Ω) ≥ ν(Ω) -α where ν is a measure absolutely continuous with respect to μ and α > 0 then a similar estimate holds for the k th smallest eigenvalue: λ k (Ω) ≥ const ( k /ν(Ω)) α . As an application, we obtain an upper estimate of the stability index of a minimal surface in [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="01i" /] via the total curvature.
Zeta functions of groups and enumeration in Bruhat-Tits buildings
Authors: Voll Christopher
Published: February 2007

We introduce a new method to calculate local normal zeta functions of finitely generated, torsion-free nilpotent groups, [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="01i" /]-groups in short. It is based on an enumeration of vertices in the Bruhat-Tits building for [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="02i" /]. It enables us to give explicit computations for [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="03i" /]-groups of class 2 with small centres and to derive local functional equations. Examples include formulae for nonuniform normal zeta functions.