bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C infection in Alaska Natives with persistently normal, persistently elevated or fluctuating alanine aminotransferase levels
Authors: Bruce Michael G. , Bruden Dana , McMahon Brian J. , Christensen Carol , Homan Chriss , Sullivan Dan , Deubner Heike , Hennessy Thomas , Williams Jim , Livingston Stephen , Gretch David
Published: May 2006

Abstract: Background/Aims: An estimated one‐third of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have persistently normal alanine transaminase (PNALT); however, in many previous studies alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were followed for ≤12 months.

Methods: We analyzed data from a population‐based cohort of 935 Alaska Natives with HCV, recruited from 1994 to 2005, to determine the proportion of persons with PNALT, persistently elevated ALT (PEALT), and fluctuating ALT (FLUXALT) to determine factors for each ALT state. We selected persons with two positive HCV RNA results ≥1 year apart and ≥6 ALT levels measured over the subsequent 3 years with at least 1 month between ALT measurements (n=265). We defined a person as having PNALT, PEALT, or FLUXALT when all six ALT levels were normal, elevated, or did not fit either of the above two categories, respectively, during the 3‐year follow‐up period.

Results: Among 208 persistently HCV RNA‐positive persons, 13 had PNALT, 121 PEALT, 74 FLUXALT. Among 77 persons who underwent liver biopsy, those with PEALT were more likely to have Ishak fibrosis scores >2 compared with persons with FLUXALT (44% vs. 10%, OR 7.0, 95% CI: 1.5–33.2). No statistically significant differences were found in ALT classification by age, gender, infection duration, median body mass index, alcohol consumption, residence, risk behavior, RNA level, or genotype.

Conclusions: Only 6% of persons with chronic HCV had PNALT. Persons with PEALT were significantly more likely to have higher fibrosis scores on liver biopsy than those with FLUXALT. Previous studies with short follow‐up periods may have overestimated the proportion of persons with normal ALT levels.
Effects of Acute Ethanol Exposure on Regulatory Mechanisms of Bcl‐2‐Associated Apoptosis Promoter, Bad, in Neonatal Rat Cerebellum: Differential Effects During Vulnerable and Resistant Developmental Periods
Authors: Siler‐Marsiglio Kendra I. , Madorsky Irina , Pan Qun , Paiva Michael , Neeley Andy W. , Shaw Gerry , Heaton Marieta B.
Published: May 2006

Background: Prenatal alcohol exposure produces anatomical and behavioral abnormalities associated with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Animal FAS models have demonstrated temporal windows of vulnerability in the developing cerebellum, with substantial ethanol (EtOH)‐mediated apoptotic activation during these periods. In rodents, the cerebellum is most sensitive to EtOH on postnatal days 4 to 6 (P4 to P6). At slightly later ages (P7 and later), this region is less vulnerable to EtOH. The present study investigated EtOH effects on mechanisms related to activities of Bad, a proapoptotic member of the Bcl‐2 gene family, to further characterize processes underlying these disparate EtOH sensitivities. In healthy cells, Bad is retained in the cytosol by association with 14‐3‐3, a primarily cytosolic protein. Bad promotes apoptosis by disassociating from 14‐3‐3 and sequestering Bcl‐xL through heterodimerization. This dimerization prevents the neutralizing association of Bcl‐xL with Bax, freeing Bax to perform in a prodeath manner. Caspase‐dependent cleavage of Bad to a 15‐kDa fragment increases its proapoptogenic capacity.

Methods: Two hours following EtOH exposure of P4 and P7 animals via inhalation, we determined how exposure affects intracellular localization and proteolytic cleavage of Bad and expression of cerebellar 14‐3‐3, using subcellular fractionation and Western blot techniques. Ethanol effects on interactions between Bad and 14‐3‐3 or Bcl‐xL at the more vulnerable and less vulnerable ages were determined using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay–based technique to detect native protein–protein interactions.

Results: At P4, EtOH increased mitochondrial localization of Bad, expression of a 15‐kDa fragment recognized by Bad antibody, and formation of Bad:Bcl‐xL complexes. At that more vulnerable age, EtOH also decreased formation of Bad:14‐3‐3 complexes. At P7, EtOH increased Bad:14‐3‐3 complexes and reduced Bad:Bcl‐xL complexes. Cytosolic 14‐3‐3 remained unchanged by EtOH at P4 and P7.

Conclusions: Ethanol‐induced alterations of Bad‐related mechanisms at P4 favor a prodeath response. EtOH does not influence these same mechanisms in a manner that promotes cell death at P7. Divergent Bad‐related responses at these 2 developmental ages likely contribute to their differential EtOH vulnerability.
Preparation of Nanosized Rutile TiO2 from an Aqueous Peroxotitanate Solution
Authors: Seok Sang Il , Ahn Bok Yeop , Pramanik Nimai Chand , Kim Hoon , Hong Suk‐In
Published: May 2006

A new facile method for direct preparation of well‐crystallized rutile TiO2 nanoparticles without any ionic impurities was reported. The nanosized TiO2 was prepared by aging a peroxotitanate solution at 100°C for 0–12 h, formed by reaction of H2O2 and titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP). The method involves hydrolysis of TTIP and simultaneous digestion of hydrolyzed precipitates, and hydrothermal treatment into crystalline phases. It was found that the TTIP/H2O2 molar ratio in the preparation of peroxotitanate as a precursor for TiO2 was crucial in the formation of a rutile phase. Transmission electron microscope observation for sols showed rod‐like shapes with average particle sizes of around 100 nm in the elongated direction.
Texture Measurements in 〈001〉 Fiber‐Oriented PMN–PT
Authors: Brosnan Kristen H. , Messing Gary L. , Meyer Richard J. , Vaudin Mark D.
Published: May 2006

Textured (1‐x)(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–xPbTiO3 (PMN–PT) ceramics obtained by the templated grain growth process possess a significant fraction of the piezoelectric properties of Bridgman‐grown single crystals at a fraction of the cost. However, for integration of these materials into transducer and actuator designs, a more comprehensive characterization of texture quality than possible with Lotgering analysis is needed. In this study, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and electron backscatter diffraction techniques were used to characterize the fiber texture in 〈001〉‐oriented PMN–28PT. The March–Dollase equation was fitted to the intensity data to describe the texture in terms of the texture fraction, f, and the degree of texture of the oriented fraction using the March parameter, r. Although each of the techniques used was quantitatively in agreement, XRD rocking curve collection and analysis was the most time‐efficient technique for making a comprehensive measurement of texture (f=0.69, r=0.29, FWHM=13.9°) for fiber‐oriented PMN–28PT.
Foaming of Filled Polyurethanes for Fabrication of Porous Anode Supports for Intermediate Temperature‐Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Rainer Alberto , Basoli Francesco , Licoccia Silvia , Traversa Enrico
Published: May 2006

The development of a tailored microstructure is considered essential for the development of anode‐supported intermediate temperature‐solid oxide fuel cells (IT‐SOFCs) as it is expected to enhance kinetics at the triple phase boundary. In this study, the application of an in situ foaming technique for the preparation of Ni‐yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) cellular solids as an anode support for IT‐SOFCs is presented. The cermet microstructure is dependent on the preparative route followed. The presence of contaminants in the commercial template precursor was found to be detrimental for electrical properties. A high‐purity polyurethane was then formulated, and tailored Ni–YSZ foams were obtained with 87% porosity. The foam microstructure is characterized by a hierarchical architecture, with interconnected networks of Ni and YSZ particles, large pores related to the open cell structure, and a submicron porosity of the structural trabecular network, with a conductivity value of 80 S/cm at 700°C.
Correlating fracture trends and hydraulic head using semivariogram cloud analysis
Authors: Kurtzman Daniel , Nativ Ronit , Adar Eilon M.
Published: May 2006

Fracture trends (defined as kilometer‐scale linear features interpolated between field observations of fractures along their strikes) often have a dominant orientation. Finding a correlation between this orientation and hydraulic data could shed light on their hydraulic influence. A significant correlation between head residuals from first‐order regional drift and the orientation of 2‐ to 4‐km‐long fracture trends was found in a study site in the Negev, Israel, using the semivariogram cloud analysis. Correlation of head residuals rather than the head itself implies that the orientation of the fracture trends controls the anisotropy and heterogeneity at this scale, mainly because the fracture trends define the orientation of blocks, which differ in their hydraulic properties. Preferential transmissive pathways are probably shorter than the full extent of the fracture trends, causing a relatively high head difference along the trends on the 2‐ to 4‐km scale. Fracture trend density and additional data from short‐range hydraulic tests helped characterize two blocks separated by a fault zone. The identification of hydraulic features on a kilometer scale is necessary for better modeling of regional ground water flow and transport. Hydraulic tests at this scale are not feasible, thereby rendering combined analyses of head and structural data, such as the one presented here, essential.
Spatial weighting functions: Transient hydraulic tests and heterogeneous media
Authors: Molz Fred J. , Guan Jianyong , Wang Jinjun
Published: May 2006

To improve understanding of property measurements in heterogeneous media, an energy‐based weighting function concept is developed. In (assumed) homogeneous media, the instrument spatial weighting function (ISWF) depends only on the energy dissipation distribution set up by the measurement procedure and it reduces to simply inverse sample volume (uniform weighting) for 1‐D parallel flow case (ideal permeameter). For 1‐D transient flow in homogeneous media, such as with slug tests, the ISWF varies with position and time, with 95% of the total weighting contained within 115 well radii, even late in the test. In the heterogeneous case, the determination of the ISWF is connected to the problem of determining an equivalent hydraulic conductivity (K), where the criterion for equivalence is based on equal energy dissipation rate rather than equal volume discharge. The discharge‐based equivalent K (KE) and the energy‐based equivalent K in heterogeneous media (Keh) are not equal in general, with Keh typically above the nodal arithmetic mean K. The possibly more fundamental problem is that as one makes K measurements in heterogeneous media at different locations or on different cores of heterogeneous materials, the ISWF will be heterogeneity dependent, implying that the averaging process resulting in the equivalent K value also varies with position. If the testing procedure is transient, then the averaging process varies with time. This suggests a fundamental ambiguity in the interpretation of hydraulic conductivity measurements in heterogeneous media that may impact how we approach modeling and prediction in a practical sense (Molz 2003). Further research is suggested.
Functional GABAA-Receptor–Mediated Inhibition in the Neonatal Dorsal Horn
Authors: Bremner L. , Fitzgerald M. , Baccei M.
Published: May 2006

Neonatal nociceptive circuits and dorsal horn cells are characterized by an apparent lack of inhibitory control: receptive fields are large and thresholds low in the first weeks of life. It has been suggested that this may reflect immature GABAA-receptor (GABAAR) signaling whereby an early developmental shift in transmembrane anion gradient is followed by a longer period of low Cl− extrusion capacity. To investigate whether functional GABAAR-mediated inhibition does indeed undergo postnatal regulation at the level of dorsal horn circuits, we applied the selective GABAAR antagonist gabazine to the spinal cord in anesthetized rat pups [postnatal day (P) 3 or 21] while recording spike activity in single lumbar dorsal horn cells in vivo. At both ages, blockade of GABAAR activity resulted in enlarged hind paw receptive field areas and increased activity evoked by low- and high-intensity cutaneous stimulation, revealing comparable inhibition of dorsal horn cell firing by spinal GABAARs at P3 and P21. This inhibition did not require descending pathways to the spinal cord because perforated patch-clamp recordings of deep dorsal horn neurons in P3 spinal cord slices also showed an increase in evoked spike activity after application of gabazine. We conclude that spinal GABAergic inhibitory transmission onto single dorsal horn cells “in vivo” is functional at P3 and that low Cl− extrusion capacity does not restrict GABAergic function over the normal range of evoked sensory activity. The excitability of neonatal spinal sensory circuits could reflect immaturity in other intrinsic or descending inhibitory networks rather than weak spinal GABAergic inhibition.
Application of Pervaporation to Phenol–Acetone Condensation Reaction
Authors: Okamoto Ken-ichi , Semoto Toshio , Tanaka Kazuhiro , Kita Hidetoshi
Published: May 2006

Pervaporation through asymmetric polyimide membranes promoted phenol–acetone condensation catalyzed by cation exchange resin as a result of removal of produced water acting as a catalyst inhibitor. This resulted in a significant improvement of the reaction process.
Diastereofacial Discrimination in the Reaction of Chiral Alkoxymethyl Oxime Ethers with Allyl Metallic Reagents
Authors: Ukaji Yutaka , Kume Kouji , Watai Toshiyuki , Fujisawa Tamotsu
Published: May 2006

Allyl Grignard reagent complexed with cerium trichloride added to chiral (E)-alkoxymethyl oxime ether, derived from (S)-2-methoxy-1-phenylethanol, to give the corresponding (S)-amine stereoselectively, while the imino addition of allyllithium occurred with a preference for the opposite (R)-isomer. The configuration of the starting oxime ethers was found to greatly influence the diastereofacial discrimination.
Novel Carboxymethylation of Styrene Derivatives by Mn3+-Mediated Electrooxidation
Authors: Shundo Ryushi , Nishiguchi Ikuzo , Matsubara Yoshiharu , Toyoshima Manabu , Hirashima Tsuneaki
Published: May 2006

Anodic oxidation in a mixed solvent of acetic acid and acetic anhydride containing a variety of styrene derivatives, small amounts of Mn(OAc)2·4H2O and Cu(OAc)2·H2O brought about a facile carboxymethylation to give the corresponding γ-butyrolactones as the main products in good yields.
Photoinduced Electron Transfer Affected by Electrical Potential Difference in LB Films
Authors: Kondo Toshihiro , Fujihira Masamichi
Published: May 2006

The comparison of the dependence of the electron transfer quenching rate on the signs in head group charge indicates that the inner potential difference of the electrical double layer (EDL) created between the sensitizer and the ferrocene monolayer, Δφ, has to be taken into account for estimation of the effective standard free energy of the electron transfer quenching reaction, ΔG°.
Highly Efficient Palladium Catalyst System for Insertion of Acetylenes into Si–Si Bonds. A New Method for Modification of Silicon-containing Polymers
Authors: Yamashita Hiroshi , Catellani Marta , Tanaka Masato
Published: May 2006

The Pd(dba)2–2P(OCH2)3CEt (dba = dibenzylideneacetone) system exhibited highly efficient catalysis in the insertion of acetylenes into Si–Si bonds of hexamethyldisilane, octamethyltrisilane, poly[(disilanylene)phenylene] , poly[(disilanylene)ethylene], and poly(dimethylsilylene).
Lanthanoid Complexes with Hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA) Ligand. Preparation and Crystal Structure of Ytterbium Complexes of HMPA, [Yb(H2O)5(HMPA)2]Cl3·H2O·HMPA and YbCl3 (HMPA)3
Authors: Hou Zhaomin , Kobayashi Kimiko , Yamazaki Hiroshi
Published: May 2006

Reaction of YbCl3 with hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA) in THF under air gave [Yb(H2O)5(HMPA)2]Cl3·H2O·HMPA and YbCl3(HMPA)3 respectively, depending on the recrystallization conditions. Both complexes have been structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography.
Regiospecific and Diastereoselective Crotylation of Aldimines with Crotyltrifluorosilanes Activated by Fluoride Ions
Authors: Kira Mitsuo , Hino Takakazu , Sakurai Hideki
Published: May 2006

Aliphatic and aromatic aldimines are crotylated in a regiospecific and diastereo selective manner by the reaction with (E)- and (Z)-crotyltrifluorosilanes in the presence of cesium fluoride to give homoallylamines in high yields.
An Improved Synthesis of Poly(m-aniline) and the Magnetic Properties of Its HCl Salt
Authors: Ishida Takayuki , Iwamura Hiizu
Published: May 2006

An analytically satisfactory sample of poly(m-aniline) was obtained from m-bromoaniline in the presence of a copper-based catalyst. The magnetic susceptibility of the HCl salt followed a Curie–Weiss law and the spin concentration was determined to be 2.6 × 1019 spins/g.
Photo-Induced Electron Transfer Reaction of Polysilanes. Intramolecular Trapping of a Transient Silyl Radical Cation with a Nucleophile
Authors: Nakadaira Yasuhiro , Sekiguchi Akira , Funada Yasuhito , Sakurai Hideki
Published: May 2006

The radical cation, produced in photo-induced electron transfer of polysilanyl alkanols, can be trapped efficiently intramolecularly with the hydroxyl group. The silyl radical generated in the process is trapped by the solvent employed. A good Hammett relationship is observed in aryldisilanylalkanols between the relative reactivities of the Si–Si bond and σ+ constants of the substituent on the aryl group.
Silylation of Coordinated Dinitrogen by Silylcobalt Complexes. Preparation of a New Series of Silyldiazenido and Silylhydrazido(2−) Complexes of Molybdenum and Tungsten
Authors: Street Andrew C , Mizobe Yasushi , Gotoh Fumisato , Mega Izumi , Oshita Hiroyuki , Hidai Masanobu
Published: May 2006

The silylcobalt complexes [R2R′SiCo(CO)4] (R, R′ = Ph, Me) reacted with dinitrogen complexes of the type [M(N2)2(P)4] (M = Mo, W; P = tertiary phosphine) to give new silyldiazenido complexes trans-[M(NNSiR2R′)(P)4][(μ-OC)Co(CO)3], which were further converted to silylhydrazido(2−) complexes such as trans-[WX(NNHSiR2R′)(dpe)2][Co(CO)4] by treatment with HX (dpe = Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2; X = OH, OMe, Br).
Structure and Spectral Properties of Tris[bis(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionato)]bis(μ-5-methylpyrimidine)copper(II)
Authors: Kogane Tamizo , Kobayashi Kimiko , Ishii Minoru , Hirota Reiko , Nakahara Masayoshi
Published: May 2006

Reaction of Cu(hfac)2 (Hhfac = 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedione) with 5-methylpyrimidine (5-pym) gave the title complex [Cu(hfac)2]3(μ-5-pym)2. The complex has been characterized by X-ray structure analysis and IR spectral measurements.
Adsorption Behavior of a Cationic Surfactant Derivative of Ferrocene on phthalocyanine Pigment Surface
Authors: Yokoyama Seiichiro , Kurata Hideaki , Harima Yutaka , Yamashita Kazuo , Hoshino Katsuyoshi , Kokado Hiroshi
Published: May 2006

Double adsorption layers of a cationic surfactant derivative of ferrocene were found to be built up on phthalocyanine pigment particles in an aqueous solution, leading to re-dispersion of the particles. Electrochemical oxidation of this dispersion system gave a thin phthalocyanine film on an electrode.
The Diffusion Behavior of Ag+ Ions in a Polymer Membrane Containing Valinomycin
Authors: Fujiwara Masato
Published: May 2006

The diffusion behavior of Ag+ ions in a polymer membrane containing valinomycin (VAL) has been studied by X-ray microanalysis. Ag+ ions are transported rapidly into the membrane along with Cl− ions. The saturated amount of Ag+ ions in the membrane is estimated to be equal to that of VAL. It is found that the rate determining step of Ag+ ion transport is the diffusion process.
Synthesis of Quinone-linked Porphyrin Dimer, Trimer, and Tetramer As Models for Photosynthetic Reaction Center
Authors: Osuka Atsuhiro , Nagata Toshi , Maruyama Kazuhiro
Published: May 2006

As models for the photosynthetic reaction center, conformationally restricted quinone-linked porphyrin dimer, trimer, and tetramer were synthesized. The Soret bands of these zinc complexes are blue-shifted or split due to the exciton coupling depending on the geometries and compositions. The fluorescence intensities of these models are significantly reduced by the attached quinone, indicating the efficient electron transfer to the quinone.
Novel C-3 Epimerization of Glycals by Metal Chlorides
Authors: Inaba Kiyoshi , Matsumura Shuichi , Yoshikawa Sadao
Published: May 2006

Treatment of tri-O-acetyl-D-glycals, e.g., tri-O-acetyl-D-glucal, tri-O-acetyl-D-allal and tri-O-acetyl-D-galactal, with metal chlorides in acetic anhydride afforded the C-3 epimer of the glycal triacetate with pseudo-glycal triacetate and unreacted glycal triacetate as an equilibrium mixture. The C-3 epimer of the glycal was readily separated from the reaction mixture using preparative HPLC.
Preparation of 1,4-Diphosphabutatriene from 3-Dichloromethylene-1,2-diphosphirane
Authors: Yoshifuji Masaaki , Toyota Kozo , Yoshimura Hideki
Published: May 2006

3-Dichloromethylene-1,2-bis(2,4,6-tri-t-butylphenyl)-1,2-diphosphirane reacted with lithium naphthalenide to give 1,4-bis(2,4,6-tri-t-butylphenyl)-1,4-diphosphabutatriene, whereas the reaction with t-butyllithium gave t-butyl-1,4-diphospha-2-butyne probably via the 1,4-diphosphabutatriene.
Unique Thermal Isomerization of the Diels-Alder Adduct of 1,1-Dicyclopropylspiro[2.4]hepta-4,6-diene with TCNE
Authors: Nishida Shinya , Asanuma Naoki , Tsuji Takashi , Imai Toshiro
Published: May 2006

The Diels-Alder adduct of 1,1-dicyclopropylspiro[2.4]hepta-4,6-diene (2a) with TCNE underwent unique rearrangement to give an imine derivative, whose formation may be explained by retro-Diels-Alder-re-attack of TCNE at the β position of 2a followed by an extensive isomerization involving the Cope rearrangement.
Redox Behaviors of Viologen-Pendent Polypyrrole on Platinum Electrode. Ordered Electron Transfer between Electrode and Flavin Mononucleotide in Aqueous Media
Authors: Kijima Masashi , Sakawaki Akira , Sato Takeo
Published: May 2006

New Viologen linked pyrrole was polymerized by an electrochemical oxidation on platinum electrode to give a coated film, of which redox behaviors were investigated. Viologen linked pyrrole on one side of its N-alkyl substituents showed a reversible wave due to a redox reaction between viologen and viologen cation radical in aqueous media. An ordered electron-transfer was achieved by using the oriented viologen-pendent modified electrode in the cathodic redox reaction of flavin mononucleotide.
Photochemistry of Isopropylidene 3,3,6-Trimethyl-1,4,5-heptatriene-1,1-dicarboxylate and Its Homologues
Authors: Tsuno Takashi , Sugiyama Kunio
Published: May 2006

Direct photolysis of title compounds gave alkenylidenecyclopropanes as main products, while acetone-sensitized photolysis of those led to mainly intramolecular [2+2]cycloadducts.
Assistance of the Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonding on the Appearance of the Smectic C Phase in 2-(4-Alkoxybenzoyloxy)-5-alkylaminotropone Liquid Crystals
Authors: Mori Akira , Nimura Ryuko , Takeshita Hitoshi
Published: May 2006

New 2-(4-alkoxybenzoyloxy)-5-alkylaminotropone liquid crystals, which exhibited the smectic C phase exclusively, were prepared. The FT-IR spectra of 2-(4-dodecyloxybenzoyloxy)-5-octadecylaminotropone at various temperatures indicated that the intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the NH and the tropone C=O groups assists the appearance of the smectic C phase.
The HPLC determination of the content of magnoflorine in epimedium alpinum L
Authors: Doslov-Kokorus Zvezdana , Ivanovic Ivana , Simic Milena , Vajs Vlatka , Kovacevic Nada
Published: May 2006

The aporphine alkaloid magnoflorine, known as a constituent of Asian Epimedium species, was isolated for the first time from the wild growing European species, Epimedium alpinum L. Identification was done by comparison with literature data. The HPLC method was applied for the determination of the content of the alkaloid in methanolic extracts of plant material. The underground part of E. alpinum contains 1-2 % of magnoflorine, while its content in methanolic extracts was 9.2-11.8 %. The aerial part of the plant contains less alkaloid (0.06-0.12 %), while the magnoflorine content in methanolic extracts of the aerial part was 0.4-0.8 %. Probably, the high content of magnoflorine in the methanolic extracts of underground parts of E. alpinum influences its dose-dependent cytotoxic activity (300 ?g/ml; 39 % survival of cells in an experimental K562 cell culture).
Factors affecting the microstructure of porous ceramics
Authors: Tripkovic Dusan , Radojevic Vesna , Aleksic Radoslav
Published: May 2006

In this study, porous ceramics were produced by using two methods: the polymeric sponge and foam method. A study of the effect of viscosity on the characteristics of the final product produced using the polymeric sponge method revealed that the microstructure of porous ceramics is highly affected by the viscosity of the slurry. The optimal ratio between porosity and the strength of the porous material was achieved by subsequently repeating the immersing and drying processes. A study of the porous material obtained using the foam method revealed that the pore size and foam volume can be controlled by varying the amounts of anhydride and thermal blowing agent. The problem related to foam collapsing was solved by using a thermal blowing agent. The microstructure of the samples was characterized by SEM.
χy-characteristics of projective complete intersections
Authors: Grujic Vladimir
Published: May 2006

We deal with Hirzebruch genera of complete intersections of non-singular projective hyper surfaces. We give the formula for genera of algebraic curve and surfaces and prove that symmetric squares of algebraic curve of genus g > 0 are not projective complete intersections.
Mean value of Piltz' function over integers free of large prime factors
Authors: Nyandwi Servat
Published: May 2006

We use the saddle-point method (due to Hildebrand?Tenenbaum [3]) to study the asymptotic behavior of ?n?x, p(n)?y ?k(n) for any k > 0 fixed, where P(n) is the greatest prime factor of n and ?k is Piltz' function. We generalize all results in [3], where the case k = 1 has been treated.
A note on billiard systems in Finsler plane with elliptic indicatrices
Authors: Radnovic Milena
Published: May 2006

Billiards in the plane with a homogeneous Finsler metric are considered, where the indicatrix is an ellipse. It is proved that billiards in such spaces, up to a linear transformation, have the same trajectories like billiards in the Euclidean plane.
Uber die explizit-losbaren vekuaschen Differentialgleichungen
Authors: Canak Milos
Published: May 2006

(nemacki) Man untersucht die sgn. explizit?losbaren Vekuaschen komplexen Differentialgleichungen w'z = A(z,z)w + B(z,z) wessen Koeffizienten A(z,z) und B(z,z) stetige Funktionen in einem Gebiet ? sind. In fruheren Arbeiten wurde die allgemeine Losung dieser Gleichung mit Hilfe der singularen Doppelintegrale vom Cauchyschen Typus, der unendlichen Reihen und Rekurrenzen ausgedruckt. In dieser Arbeit wird zum ersten mal (fur A(z,z)?0) die allgemeine Losung einer breiten Klasse der Vekuaschen Differentialgleichungen in einem endlichen, geschlossenen und expliziten Form w = w(z,z,Q(z),Q(z),Q'(z)) entdeckt, wobei Q(z) beliebige, analytische Funktion ist. Diese sgn. ?-allgemeine Losung ermoglicht die Trennung des reellen und imaginaren Teiles und dadurch die Anwendungen in der Physik und Mechanik, wie auch das Aufl?osen verschiedener Randwertaufgaben.
Microstructural Investigations of the Mg‐Sn‐xCa System
Authors: Hort N. , Huang Y. , Abu Leil T. , Maier P. , Kainer K. U.
Published: May 2006

New magnesium‐tin‐calcium alloys offer the potential to improve the property profile and to extend the range of applications for magnesium alloys. Alloy development is undertaken in accordance to the formation of intermetallic phases during casting or during subsequent heat treatment. These intermetallic phases may contribute to room temperature strength as well as to the improvement of creep properties. Therefore the behaviour and the structure of these phases needs to be understood in more detail when using these materials in the as‐cast condition or after subsequent heat treatment.
FETMOSS: a software tool for 2D simulation of double‐gate MOSFET
Authors: Abdolkader Tarek M. , Farouk Wael Fikry , Omar O.A. , Hassan Mahmoud Fathy Mahmoud
Published: May 2006

A software tool for the 2D simulation of double‐gate SOI MOSFET is developed. The developed tool is working under MATLAB environment and is based on the numerical solution of Poisson and Schrödinger equations self‐consistently to yield the potential, carrier concentrations, and current within the device. Compared to the already existing tools, the new tool uses finite elements method for the solution of Poisson equation, thus, the simulation of curved boundary structures becomes feasible. Another new feature of the tool is the use of transfer matrix method (TMM) in the solution of Schrödinger equation which was proven in a recent published paper that it gives more accurate results than the conventional finite difference method (FDM) when used in some regions of operation. According to the working conditions, the tool can toggle between FDM and TMM to satisfy the highest accuracy with the largest speed of simulation. The tool is named as FETMOSS (Finite Elements and Transfer matrix MOS Simulator). Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Counting as integration in feasible analysis
Authors: Ferreira Fernando , Ferreira Gilda
Published: May 2006

Suppose that it is possible to integrate real functions over a weak base theory related to polynomial time computability. Does it follow that we can count? The answer seems to be: obviously yes! We try to convince the reader that the severe restrictions on induction in feasible theories preclude a straightforward answer. Nevertheless, a more sophisticated reflection does indeed show that the answer is affirmative. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Potential of imidacloprid to control four species of psocids (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae) infesting stored grain
Authors: Nayak Manoj K , Daglish Gregory J
Published: May 2006

The effectiveness of the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid was evaluated against four psocid pests of stored grain. This research was undertaken because of the growing importance of psocids in stored grain and the need to identify methods for their control. The mortality and reproduction of adults of Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel, L. entomophila (Enderlein), L. decolor (Pearman) and L. paeta Pearman in wheat treated with imidacloprid were determined. There were five application rates (0.5, 1, 2, 5 and 10 mg AI kg−1 grain) and an untreated control. There were significant effects of application rate on both adult mortality and reproduction for all four species, but the effect of imidacloprid was sometimes more pronounced on reproduction. Imidacloprid was most effective against L. bostrychophila, with 100% adult mortality after 7 d at 5 mg AI kg−1, 14 d at 2 mg AI kg−1 and 28 d at 0.5 and 1 mg AI kg−1. No live progeny were produced at 2 mg AI kg−1. For L. decolor, there was 100% adult mortality after 28 d at 10 mg AI kg−1 and no live progeny were produced at 2 mg AI kg−1. For L. entomophila, there was 100% adult mortality after 14 d at 10 mg AI kg−1 and 28 d at 2 and 5 mg AI kg−1. No live progeny were produced at 10 mg AI kg−1. At 10 mg AI kg−1 there was 100% mortality of L. paeta adults after 28 d exposure and no live progeny developed. Because reproduction at some application rates occurred only in the first 14 d of exposure, it is concluded that the application rate leading to population extinction was 1 mg AI kg−1 for L. bostrychophila, 2 mg AI kg−1 for L. decolor and L. entomophila and 5 mg AI kg−1 for L. paeta. This study shows that imidacloprid has potential as a grain protectant to control all four Liposcelis species in stored grain. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Cathodoluminescence and electrophysical characterization of AlxGa1–xN epilayers
Authors: Kozlovsky V. I. , Skasyrsky Y. K. , Dikme Y. , Kalisch H. , Jansen R. H. , Litvinov V. G. , Heuken M.
Published: May 2006

Cathodoluminescence (CL) of metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) grown AlxGa1–xN epilayers on sapphire has been studied with x from 0.23 to 0.38. CL spectra of undoped and Si‐doped AlGaN epilayers with the same alloy composition grown on thick GaN buffers have been compared. The free electron concentration in the doped samples has been measured to (1‐1.6) × 1017 cm–3 with a mobility of 84‐115 cm2/Vs. CL spectra have been compared with deep level transient spectroscopy spectra. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Pinholes in multiple quantum well InxGa1–xN/GaN with low In concentration
Authors: Gloux Florence , Ruterana Pierre , Nouet Gérard
Published: May 2006

A study of pinholes and their relationships with threading dislocations to which they are attached is carried out for an InxGa1–xN/GaN heterostructure with low In concentration (x ∼ 2%). A large amount of pinholes are present in the multiple quantum wells (MQWs) area. For most of the pinholes the shape is the well‐known inverted hexagonal pyramid with {10$ \bar 1 $1} sidewalls. Their apex is situated either in a InxGa1–xN quantum well or in a GaN barrier, at the top of (MQWs) region. Threading dislocations that are attached to pinholes are more frequently of mixed (a + c) type but can also be of a‐ or c‐type. Both an association of an accumulation of strain and a critical impurities concentration around the TDs core seem to be the underlying formation mechanism for the pinholes. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Evaluation criteria for free/open source software products based on project analysis
Authors: Cruz David , Wieland Thomas , Ziegler Alexander
Published: May 2006

Today many companies decide to select free/open source software (F/OSS) products for various reasons, for example, economical or quality reasons. For many areas of application, they can choose from a variety of packages provided by different communities. Introducing a software tool into a company—either for supporting a certain business process or for the development of its own products—may be more or less critical depending on the application, which may range from explorative to mission critical.

One of the most crucial problems in the usage of F/OSS is the actual decision to use a particular product. Although this is rather similar to the usual investment decisions, the consequences of an involvement in a software project are frequently underestimated. Whether a certain package is appropriate for the intended purposes in the given environment and is suitable to the overall business goals of the company is usually not determined systematically, but often arbitrarily. However, many important hints resulting from the development context of an F/OSS product as well as other technical and economical considerations could be helpful to make the product decision process more transparent and deterministic.

In this article, we give a systematic approach for supporting a decision to incorporate a particular F/OSS product into an enterprise. Systematic decision support is provided by a rational approach that facilitates evaluating and interpreting the relevant project circumstances of an F/OSS product to be chosen. By this means, F/OSS projects can be critically reviewed in the light of the particular product requirements of the choosing organisation. The article addresses software managers and engineers in industry and academia. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neonatal 5‐oxoprolinuria: Difficult‐to‐diagnose?
Authors: Mendelson I. S. , Christie E. , Zaleski W. A. , MacKenzie S. L. , Wellner V. P. , Meister A.
Published: May 2006

A male newborn infant presented with metabolic acidosis and haemolytic anaemia. Renal tubular acidosis was suspected in the absence of amino aciduria and the patient was treated with sodium bicarbonate. Two years later, the chronic acidosis, clinical observation of developmental delay and ataxia prompted further investigational studies. 5‐Oxoprolinuria was identified by gas‐liquid chromatography and confirmed by mass spectrometry after an initial mass spectrum analysis reported a glutamic acid artifact. Glutathione and glutathione synthetase in erythrocytes were 25% and 5% of control values, respectively. On the basis of neonatal metabolic acidosis, without amino aciduria and an elevated reticulocyte count, a recommendation is made for blood glutathione and urine 5‐oxoproline screening, followed by glutathione synthetase assay for confirmation of neonatal 5‐oxoprolinuria.
Malignant teratomas in infancy and childhood
Authors: Woolley Morton M.
Published: May 2006

In infancy and childhood, 75% of teratomas occur in females. The most common site is the sacrococcygeal area. The second most common site is the ovary, followed by lesser numbers in many anatomic areas, exclusive of the extremities. The majority of malignant teratomas are in the sacrococcygeal group. Approximately 1/2 of sacrococcygeal teratomas are composed of benign adult tissue. Twenty percent contain embryonic benign tissue and approximately 30% have overtly malignant tissue. With the exception of central nervous system teratomas, the percentage of malignancy is less in other sites. The malignant teratoma is aggressive in its clinical course. At the present time, approximately 80% of patients with malignant teratomas die as a result of the malignancy. Subsequent to appropriate surgical therapy, aggressive radiation and chemotherapy are indicated for treatment of malignant teratomas.
Effect of insulin on donor hepatic energy charge during cross‐dialysis liver support
Authors: Yamaoka Y. , Oshita M. , Ozawa K. , Olumide F. , Eiseman B.
Published: May 2006

Nucleotide energy charge (EC) was calculated in 10 cross‐dialysis and cross‐circulation experiments involving paired pigs, one liverless and one normal. In two other experiments, paired normal pigs were cross‐dialyzed as controls. Supporting animals dialyzed with anhepatic partners and not given insulin demonstrated a linear fall in EC (0.817±0.001 to 0.706±0.001) during the 6‐hour experimental period. Insulin in a dose of 1 unit/kg given prior to the support period maintained high energy phosphate concentrations near normal. Animals directly cross‐perfused without an intervening membrane had a transient fall in liver EC (0.821 to 0.743) in 30 minutes, but the EC returned essentially to normal (0.818) within 6 hours. The beneficial effect of insulin on the energy charge of the liver of a supporting animal connected to a liverless partner (probably by increasing mitochondrial phosphorylation) suggests its use in liver support cross‐dialysis systems.
Hyperlipidemia and pancreatitis
Authors: Buch Annette , Buch Jan , Carlsen Agnete , Schmidt Arne
Published: May 2006

A total of 117 patients with pancreatitis were studied during the acute attack and after remission, and 32.5% were found to have hyperlipidemia, nearly all of type IV. There did not seem to be a relationship between hyperlipidemia and alcohol intake, although nearly 80% of the patients were alcoholics. No defect in triglyceride turnover could be demonstrated by intravenous fat tolerance tests or postheparin lipolytic activity measurements. No correlation was found between hyperlipidemia and steatosis of the liver or diabetes.

It is suggested that the increase in serum triglyceride levels might be due to an increased synthesis or mobilization. It is also suggested that the hypertriglyceridemia does not directly induce an attack of pancreatitis, but might predispose a patient to develop pancreatitis when other provoking factors are also present.
Grey Turner Lecture Delivered at the 28th Congress of the Société Internationale de Chirurgie, San Francisco, September 4, 1979
Authors: Grey‐Turner Elston
Published: May 2006

“This material age is beginning to realise that there was some good in the past.”
Elective treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Darling R. Clement , Brewster David C.
Published: May 2006

During the past 20 years at the Massachusetts General Hospital the mortality rate for elective resection and grafting of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) has fallen from 9.6% to 1.7% in a series of over 1000 patients. The improvement in mortality rate is partially the result of earlier diagnosis, better preoperative preparation, routine use of aortography, and increased technical experience. Improvements in anesthesia and postoperative care have played a large part in reducing the mortality rate of AAA resection and graft. The postgraft failure rate at 5 years is less than 2%. Since the incidence of rupture of AAA measuring between 4 and 7 cm in diameter is approximately 25%, we believe that patients with AAA of this size in a good surgical environment should have elective resection.
Surgical considerations of infection following operations involving the descending thoracic aorta
Authors: Crawford E. Stanley , Reardon Michael J. , Williams Temple W.
Published: May 2006

Infection in the region of aortic repair is a dreaded complication and is well known to occur after abdominal aortic operations when prosthetic grafts communicate with groin incisions. Although the incidence of this complication is now less than 1% in these cases, it has varied from 1.3% to 6.0% and is associated with a mortality rate varying between 25% and 75%. Principles of treatment in such cases include appropriate antibiotic therapy, removal of infected prosthetic grafts, and restoration of distal circulation when necessary to avoid peripheral ischemia. The latter has been necessary in over 50% of cases and has been accomplished (a) rarely by insertion of a new graft, (b) by local reconstruction using autogenous tissue, and (c) more commonly by closing the involved aortic and arterial openings and performing an extra‐anatomic bypass. Although little has been written about this problem occurring after operations for lesions of the descending thoracic aorta, such problems are known to occur. This report is concerned with a detailed review of the 9 reported cases treated surgically and 2 cases that the authors treated. Analysis of this material indicates that the principles learned from treating infected operative sites in the abdominal aorta apply to similar lesions occurring in the descending thoracic aorta.
Surgical prevention of pulmonary embolism
Authors: Savelyev V. S. , Yablokov E. G. , Kirienko A. I. , Savelyev S. V.
Published: May 2006

In an autopsy study of 919 patients who died during the decade from 1964 to 1973 with emboli (731 cases) or thrombi (188 cases) in the pulmonary arteries, the source of the emboli was believed to be the iliocaval segment in 63.8% and the femoral‐popliteal segment in 36.2%. Phlebography was performed in 353 patients with acute phlebothrombosis or pulmonary embolism, and radioisotopic scintiscans with125I‐fibrinogen were performed in 309 patients. Phlebography, particularly with the method of retrograde iliocavography, was of decisive importance in determining the indications for surgery to prevent pulmonary embolism by demonstrating floating thrombi in 37.5% of the cases. During the period 1971 to 1977, 173 operations were performed to prevent pulmonary emboli. These were thrombectomy in 59 patients, filter implantation in 44, vein plication in 10, vein ligation in 3, and combinations of these procedures in 57. Demonstration of a floating venous thrombus was considered an absolute indication for operation. The postoperative mortality rate was 9.2%, and the incidence of postoperative pulmonary embolism was 1.5%
Gastric bypass combined with reversal of intestinal bypass for morbid obesity
Authors: Yale Charles E.
Published: May 2006

Many of the estimated 100,000 patients in the United States who have had jejunoileal bypass (JIB) for morbid obesity will develop lifethreatening complications which require that the JIB be reversed. To avoid the nearly certain recurrence of morbid obesity after reversal of JIB, gastric bypass (GB) was done at the time of the reversal in 19 patients. All patients are alive and healthy. There were no immediate serious postoperative complications. The arthritis, electrolyte imbalance, and multiple gastrointestinal symptoms (bloating, diarrhea, and flatulence) caused by JIB were immediately relieved. Patient acceptance of GB has been gratifying, and most patients continue to maintain a satisfactory weight reduction. The most significant late complication has been disruption of the gastric staple line, which was diagnosed in 4 patients 2 to 21 months after operation. All 4 patients were reoperated upon because of rapid gain in weight following the disruption. The staple line disruption is probably due to repeated overeating and, therefore, overdistention of the small gastric pouch. It is safe and prudent to perform GB in most patients when the JIB must be reversed.
Prediction of in vivo function of human parathyroid tissue autografts by in vitro testing
Authors: Brennan Murray F. , Brown Edward M.
Published: May 2006

In an effort to overcome problems of hypoparathyroidism in patients undergoing reoperation for persistent hyperparathyroidism, a systematic plan has been evolved. All patients who have reoperation and in whom abnormal tissue has been identified have had that tissue removed and portions of it cryopreserved. Following successful reoperation those patients who have prolonged hypoparathyroidism, who cannot be maintained off of vitamin D and calcium, undergo autografting with cryopreserved tissue. Prior to autografting, the parathyroid tissue has been thawed and assessed for the appropriateness of parathyroid hormone suppressibility in response to varying levels of ambient calcium concentration. This report documents that this in vitro test of suppressibility correctly predicts in vivo parathyroid autograft function of both fresh and cryopreserved parathyroid autografts.
Excretion of clindamycin in bile in common duct obstruction
Authors: Moesgaard Flemming , Lykkegaard Nielsen Mogens , Scheibel Jens H.
Published: May 2006

Excretion of clindamycin in normal bile and in bile from the obstructed common bile duct was investigated in 27 patients after intravenous administration of 8 mg/kg clindamycin phosphate. In 9 control patients with a normal common duct, a median clindamycin concentration in bile of 44 µg/ml was found 2 hours after administration, which was 7–8 fold higher than simultaneously determined concentrations in serum. In 18 patients with common duct obstruction, a significant correlation was found between concentration of clindamycin in bile and degree of obstruction expressed by the level of bilirubin in serum (rho = 0.94,p<0.001). Significant amounts of clindamycin were found in common duct bile even in the presence of severe obstruction with pronounced jaundice.