bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting children's fruit and vegetable consumption: Interventions using the Theory of Planned Behaviour as a framework
Authors: Gratton Lucy , Povey Rachel , Clark‐Carter David
Published: December 2006

Objective. This study compared a motivational intervention based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) with a volitional intervention based on implementation intentions.

Design. The study employed a quantitative longitudinal questionnaire design involving two waves of data collection.

Method. Participants (N = 198) were randomly allocated to a control group or one of two intervention groups. TPB variables, and fruit and vegetable consumption were assessed at the beginning of the study (time 1) and 2 weeks later (time 2). Experimental group A formed an implementation intention, about how, when and where they could eat five portions a day, whilst experimental group B stated ways they could overcome motivational barriers to eating five portions a day.

Results. Both interventions were found to increase fruit and vegetable consumption significantly, although only the volitional intervention demonstrated a significant increase in fruit and vegetable consumption over the control intervention.

Conclusions. The present study found support for two interventions in increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in children. These findings are encouraging regarding the use of these types of interventions within schools to improve children's eating behaviour.
Accuracy and Biological Variation of Human Serum Paraoxonase 1 Activity and Polymorphism (Q192R) by Kinetic Enzyme Assay
Authors: Browne Richard W , Koury Stephen T , Marion Susan , Wilding Gregory , Muti Paola , Trevisan Maurizio
Published: December 2006

Background: Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) phenotype is a better predictor of atherosclerosis risk than are PON1 genetic polymorphisms alone. Larger studies are required to determine the role of PON1 and there is a need for standardized PON1 assays between laboratories.

Methods: We have adapted 5 enzyme kinetic assays for high-throughput automated analysis of PON1 activity. Using different substrates and reaction conditions, we measured PON1 activity and used activity ratios to identify the PON1 Q192R genetic polymorphisms and assessed the accuracy of the genotype assignments in 79 adult study participants by comparing them with genotypes determined by AlwI restriction enzyme digestion of a 176-bp PCR amplification product from genomic DNA. Imprecision was determined using pooled serum and purified enzyme preparations. Biological variability was estimated by analysis of serial samples from 17 individuals. Variability parameters were compared with total cholesterol as a point of reference to a recognized biomarker of coronary heart disease risk.

Results: Salt stimulation and inhibition ratios were 97.4% and 94.7% correct in assigning Q192R genotype, respectively. Analytical imprecision (CV) was 1.0%–3.0% for phenylacetate and paraoxon substrate assays and 3.0%–8.0% for the para-nitrophenylacetate substrate assays. Combination of the 2 ratios into a double ratio resulted in 100% correct genotype classification.

Conclusion: The described methods for measurement of PON1 activity and accurate genotype assignment are rapid and have potential to facilitate the efficient investigation of PON1 status in clinical and epidemiological studies.
Von traditionellem Spielzeug zu smarten Spielumgebungen: Die Integration mobiler Geräte in Pervasive-Computing-Spielen (From Traditional Toys to Smart Playsets: The Integration of Mobile Devices into Pervasive Computing Toy Environments)
Authors: Lampe Matthias , Hinske Steve
Published: December 2006

Wir stellen eine Pervasive-Computing-Spielumgebung vor, die das freie Spiel von Kindern bereichert und zudem als interaktive Lernumgebung fungiert. Wir haben eine traditionelle Spielumgebung, die Ritterburg von Playmobil, mit Hilfe von verschiedenen Technologien um multimediale Inhalte erweitert. Basierend auf dem aktuellen Spielgeschehen werden eine passende Hintergrundmusik, Geräusche und Sprachaufnahmen wiedergegeben. Die Radiofrequenz-Identifikations-Technik (RFID) erlaubt dabei eine automatische und unauffällige Identifikation der Spielobjekte. Um die Interaktion im Spiel noch weiter zu fördern, fügen wir mobile Geräte dem Spielkonzept hinzu, die das sog. Touch-Me-Paradigma mit Hilfe der RFID-Technik umsetzen. Mit Hilfe eines solchen mobilen Geräts kann ein Kind auf Spielfiguren oder andere Spielelemente zeigen, diese berühren und eine Reaktion auslösen. Wir beschreiben zwei Ansätze zur Umsetzung dieses Paradigmas (Mobiltelefone bzw. in Spielfiguren integrierte Mini-Computer) und analysieren deren Vor- und Nachteile.
Experimentelle und spielerische Lehr- und Lernsysteme (Playful Computing for Kids)
Authors: Kranz Matthias , Holleis Paul , Schmidt Albrecht
Published: December 2006

Traditionelle Mensch-Maschine-Schnittstellen engen die Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten für Benutzerschnittstellen auf audio-visuelle Aspekte der Anwendungen ein. Berührbare, greifbare und eingebettete Benutzerschnittstellen dagegen erlauben eine wesentlich reichere Interaktion. Dies ist insbesondere von Bedeutung beim Entwurf und der Implementierung von Lernanwendungen und -systemen. In dieser Arbeit untersuchen wir wie neuartige, integrierte greifbare oder berührbare Benutzerschnittstellen, sog. Graspable oder Tangible User Interfaces (TUIs), den Spielspaß deutlich erhöhen und damit auch das Lernerlebnis unterstützen und fördern können. Wir stellen drei berührbare Benutzerschnittstellen vor, die unter anderem bei Lernanwendungen ihren Einsatz finden. Dabei gehen wir insbesondere auf die Eigenschaften dieser neuen Benutzerschnittstellen ein und zeigen deren besondere Eignung für Kinder auf.
Statistical inference on graphs
Authors: Biau Gérard , Bleakley Kevin
Published: December 2006

The problem of graph inference, or graph reconstruction, is to predict the presence or absence of edges between a set of given points known to form the vertices of a graph. Motivated by various applications including communication networks and systems biology, we propose a general model for studying the problem of graph inference in a supervised learning framework. In our setting, both the graph vertices and edges are assumed to be random, with a probability distribution that possibly depends on the size of the graph. We show that the problem can be transformed into one where we can use statistical learning methods based on empirical minimization of natural estimates of the reconstruction risk.Convex risk minimizationmethods are also studied to provide a theoretical framework for reconstruction algorithms based on boosting and support vector machines. Our approach is illustrated on simulated graphs.
Crystal structures of high-pressure phases in the alumina-water system: II. Powder X-ray diffraction study of a new dense aluminum deuteroxide, δ-Al(OD)3
Authors: Komatsu Kazuki , Sano Asami , Momma Koichi , Ohtani Eiji , Kudoh Yasuhiro
Published: December 2006

In this study we report the solution of the structure of δ-Al(OD)3. The crystal structure was determined using powder X-ray diffraction and direct methods, while the positions of deuterium atoms were estimated by difference-Fourier methods and MEM/Rietveld analysis. In the A-site deficient hydroxy-perovskite-type structure of δ-Al(OD)3, we find two types of one-dimensional H-bonding network.
Stability of Proteins Confined in MCM-48 Mesoporous Molecular Sieves – The Effects of pH, Temperature and Co-solvents
Authors: Zhao Shuang , Gies Hermann , Winter Roland
Published: December 2006

Our approach was to encapsulate the model protein ribonuclease A (RNase A) in mesoporous silica MCM-48 (Mobil Composition of Matter No. 48) with glasslike wall structure and well-defined pores to create a confined hydrophilic microenvironment. The differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) method was employed to evaluate the stability of the confined protein as a function of pH and at various co-solvent conditions. Due to a significant stabilization effect, the immobilized protein exhibits a large shift (about 28 ºC at pH 5.5) in the unfolding temperature in confined space of about 25 Å. The stabilization against temperature-induced unfolding is further enhanced with the protein immobilized at higher pH, and the maximum loading of protein has been observed near its isoelectric point. It was also found that the addition of kosmotropic (glycerol) and chaotropic (urea) co-solvents has different impacts on protein immobilization and unfolding scenario.
Adsorption of Collagen Fragments on Titanium Oxide Surfaces: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Köppen Susan , Ohler Bastian , Langel Walter
Published: December 2006

The adsorption of flexible collagen I triple helices with lengths of 8 nm in aqueous solution on a partially hydroxylated rutile layer (pH = 7.4) is modelled by classical molecular dynamics simulation with trajectories of up to 5 ns lengths. The carboxyl groups of glutamic and aspartic acids form hydrogen bonds with surface protons, which result in stable contact points at 300 K, if the bond length is smaller than 2 Å. Lysine side chains bind to surface hydroxyl groups. In spite of rotational motion around the C–N figure axis and opening and closing of hydrogen bonds, the amino groups are immobilized at the surface at N–O distances below 4 Å. In all runs the proteins have few contact points to the surface even though it is perfectly planar in our simulation. We suggest that the experimentally observed increase of adsorption energy and area per molecule over time may be associated to an increase of the number of contact points, which induces spreading of the adsorbate.
Lactoperoxidase and Histatin 5 – their Adsorption Behaviour on Silica and Hydrophobized Silica Surfaces, and Implications on their Role in the Initial Salivary Film Formation
Authors: Svendsen Ida E. , Lindh Liselott , Arnebrant Thomas
Published: December 2006

The acquired pellicle is the thin salivary film that covers all oral surfaces, formed by selective adsorption of primarily salivary proteins. Several cationic proteins, such as lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, lysozyme and histatin 5 have been identified in the pellicle. This study focused on the adsorption of lactoperoxidase and histatin 5, to investigate their possible importance in the initial salivary film formation. The adsorption was investigated by means of in situ ellipsometry, to both pure (hydrophilic) and methylated (hydrophobized) silica substrates, at concentrations relevant in saliva. The adsorption was investigated in terms of surface area per molecule and influence of surface wettability. Mass transport controlled adsorption in relation to the initial adsorption from human whole saliva and glandular saliva was also investigated. Results showed that lactoperoxidase adsorbed in larger amounts on pure silica compared to methylated surfaces. Histatin 5 adsorbed to the same extent on the two types of surfaces, but to a lesser extent compared to lactoperoxidase. The mass transport calculated adsorption rates of lactoperoxidase and histatin 5 showed that histatin 5 might potentially have a significant role in the initial adsorption from saliva, whereas lactoperoxidase may also adsorb but is not a dominating component.
Effect of additives on performance of asphalt mixtures
Authors: Kanitpong K. , Cho D.-W. , Bahia H.
Published: December 2006

The new mechanistic-empirical design guide introduced by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials relies heavily on performance testing results of asphalt concrete mixtures (asphalts) as input to predict pavement service life. In addition, the National Cooperative Highway Research Program, USA 9–19 project introduced the concept of simple performance testing to complement the Superpave mixture design. There is a significant debate about whether these procedures are sensitive to and/or suitable for asphalts with modified bitumen binders (binders). This study was initiated to evaluate the sensitivity of the new asphalt performance tests to modified binders. Two aggregates, three types of modified binder and one conventional unmodified binder were used to conduct a parametric study. The testing included asphalt rutting, asphalt dynamic modulus, and indirect tensile test before and after water conditioning. Modifiers include one anti-stripping additive and two polymeric additives. The results show that the tests are very effective in measuring modifier effects. In general, the anti-stripping additive shows no apparent effect on rutting resistance and on dynamic modulus at high temperatures, but it shows some effect on modulus at low temperatures. Polymeric additives show apparent effects on all aspects of rutting resistance and dynamic modulus. Also, polymeric additives increase the resistance of asphalts to moisture damage more than the increase shown by the anti-stripping additive for the two aggregate types used (granite and limestone). The results are very encouraging in the sense that new tests can be effectively used to study the performance modifications offered by various additives used in practice.
Optimum utilisation of FGD waste in blended binders
Authors: Mangat P. S. , Khatib J. M. , Wright L.
Published: December 2006

The pollution caused by the wastes of semi-dry and dry flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) processes and the increasing cost of disposal make their utilisation imperative. The paper presents the first part of a comprehensive investigation to optimise the use of FGD wastes in concrete manufacture. Batches of FGD materials from actual industrial disposal sites and laboratory simulations based on fly ash and gypsum were investigated, representing the following categories: non-siliceous and deleteriously reactive; non-siliceous and non-reactive; siliceous and pozzolanic active. Generic relationships were derived that emphasise the importance of SO3 content on concrete properties. There is an exponential relationship between strength and SO3 content and also between strength and SiO2 + Al2O3. The results show that SiO2–Al2O3–CaSO4-based FGD wastes with SO3 < 15% retard early strength but increase long-term strength. Mortars containing fly ash–gypsum (FA–G) blend (25% replacement) with gypsum contents up to 35% (SO3 content up to 18·37%) do not suffer long-term strength reduction. An optimum FA–G blend has an SO3 content less than 10%.
Chloride ion penetration in bridge deck concrete
Authors: Ghanem H. A. , Phelan S. , Senadheera S. , Daou Y. A.
Published: December 2006

During freezing temperatures, ice accumulates on exposed concrete slabs such as bridge decks. De-icing salts such as calcium chloride are applied to control this ice formation. These salts migrate down to the reinforcing steel and they can break down the passivation layer on steel, causing it to corrode. This paper is part of a broader research study, sponsored by the Texas Department of Transportation, to explore the possibility of opening the bridge decks to full traffic following construction/repair earlier than the 10 to 12 days as practised now in Texas. Seven concrete mixtures typically used in Texas bridge decks were evaluated for chloride permeability using the ponding test. The primary experimental variables were the curing duration, type and percentage of supplemental cementitious materials, type of coarse aggregate, duration of ponding, and the surface preparation of ponded concrete specimens. The results of this investigation indicated that chloride permeability decreased with increasing curing duration for the top 1 in (2·5 cm) layer of concrete. It was also observed that curing duration may be decreased for some concrete mixtures, as no apparent improvement was shown after a specific curing duration, which ranged from 2 to 8 days depending on the mix. In addition, increasing the amount of cementitious materials such as fly ash from 20% to 30% considerably reduced the chloride permeability.
Laser-driven generation of fast particles
Authors: Badziak J.
Published: December 2006

The great progress in high-peak-power laser technology has resulted recently in the production of ps and subps laser pulses of PW powers and relativistic intensities (up to 1021 W/cm2) and has laid the basis for the construction of multi-PW lasers generating ultrarelativistic laser intensities (above 1023 W/cm2). The laser pulses of such extreme parameters make it possible to produce highly collimated beams of electrons or ions of MeV to GeV energies, of short time durations (down to subps) and of enormous currents and current densities, unattainable with conventional accelerators. Such particle beams have a potential to be applied in numerous fields of scientific research as well as in medicine and technology development. This paper is focused on laser-driven generation of fast ion beams and reviews recent progress in this field. The basic concepts and achievements in the generation of intense beams of protons, light ions, and multiply charged heavy ions are presented. Prospects for applications of laser-driven ion beams are briefly discussed.
Monte Carlo algorithm for drift and diffusion of ions in anisotropic, non-homogeneous media
Authors: Stojmenovik G. , Vermael S. , Beunis F. , Neyts K. , Verschueren A.
Published: December 2006

A new Monte Carlo algorithm for ion transport in two-dimensional anisotropic media is reported. It is based on physical considerations of drift and diffusion in anisotropic media with or without an impermeable boundary. Inhomogeneities in the medium and electric field can be taken into account by averaging along the ion trajectory. The algorithm has been applied to the calculation of ion transport in liquid crystal displays and has been successfully compared with a finite difference program on a one-dimensional liquid crystal structure.
Mixed phase and absorption thin gratings diffraction
Authors: Zakharyan G. , Galstyan A.
Published: December 2006

The coupled wave theory of Raman and Nath diffraction is extended to the case of thin anisotropic holographic media with grating vector parallel to the medium boundaries. Solutions for the wave amplitudes, diffraction efficiencies, and angular mismatch sensitivities are given in transmission geometries for the case of mixed dielectric and absorption modulations. For an apparent distinction, the results are given only for dielectric modulation. The main difference of the new results, with respect to the expressions valid for isotropic media, arises due to the walk-off between the wave-front and energy propagation directions. The difference is particularly important in materials with large birefringence, such as organic crystals, ordered polymers, and liquid crystalline cells.
Quasistationary current contributions in electronic devices
Authors: Neyts K. , Beeckman J. , Beunis F.
Published: December 2006

In an electronic device, the current supplied to the electrodes is related to different types of processes inside the device: current density, change in spontaneous polarization, and change in dielectric properties. Two expressions for the electrode current are derived: one is based on the time derivative of the Shockley-Ramo theorem, the other on the time derivative of the dielectric tensor. This result is illustrated for a switching liquid crystal device and a two-dimensional flux tube.
Optimal period for diffraction gratings recorded in polymer dispersed liquid crystals
Authors: Aslanyan A. , Galstyan A.
Published: December 2006

New diffusion model of recording diffraction gratings in the media of PDLC is described in which besides diffusion of monomer molecules also diffusion of polymer molecules and non-locality of diffusion coefficient are taken into account. It lets us to explain why diffraction efficiency is low for low and high values of intensities of grating recording beam. With the considered model, we have theoretically got optimal period for grating recording.
REACH from the Viewpoint of Environmental Protection
Authors: Karlaganis Georg , Weber Andreas
Published: December 2006

In 2005, Switzerland harmonised its law on chemicals with the related EU law on chemicals by bringing the Chemicals Act and the PARCHEM ordinances into force. Unless this law on chemicals is revised again, both at act and at ordinance level, Swiss regulations will again differ from
those of the EU in important respects. The question therefore arises of whether and to what extent the Swiss legislation on chemicals should be adapted to REACH. In this article, we consider the need for REACH in order to resolve the existing chemicals issue, the contribution of the new regulations
to the protection of the environment, the relationship between the new EU regulation and the existing Swiss legislation and how the possibility of collaboration with the European Chemicals Agency could influence the Swiss adaptation process.
Authorities Dealing with REACH
Authors: Heiß Christiane , Hoffmann Caroline , Schulte Christoph , Tietjen Lars , Frank Ulrike
Published: December 2006

REACH establishes a new principle for assessing the risks of chemicals towards humans and the environment: producers and importers of substances bear the main weight of the new substance stewardship. They have to register the substances which are produced or imported with the central
EU Chemicals Agency. This includes consideration of uses and possible releases of the chemical throughout the product chain. In addition, producers and importers of chemicals have to ensure that management measures are adequate to control the associated risks over the life-cycle of the chemical.
By introducing the 'no data - no market' principle REACH intends to build a dynamic system of growing risk knowledge and risk control for chemicals. In turn, authorities will withdraw from compiling detailed risk assessments and risk reduction strategies. Local, reversible risks and point
emission sources will no longer be a topic of expert committees at EU level. During the registration procedure authorities might serve as helpers e.g. by establishing help-desks to support the compilation of the registration dossiers. For the evaluation step of REACH authorities will be able
to concentrate on substances and uses of high concern which pose a risk to humans and the environment. Where risks are identified as not adequately controlled and therefore needing regulation at Community level, authorities will propose the respective substances as candidates for authorisation.
In addition authorities might suggest restrictions for certain uses. For these legal elements the responsibility still lies with the authorities. Chemicals with persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic properties (PBT-substances) are considered as substances of very high concern and therefore
should be subject to authorisation. Producers and importers are required to identify potential PBT-substances in the registration dossiers. Since the responsibility for introducing legal measures remains with the authorities, they also need to implement mechanisms to identify potential candidates
during the evaluation procedure.
REACH: A Challenge for the Swiss Chemical Industry!
Authors: Gamma Richard , Vesel Paul
Published: December 2006

REACH is currently one of the EU's most far-reaching pieces of proposed legislation. The political goals of this proposal are: the protection of human health and environment, the maintenance of the competitiveness of European Chemical industry and to prevent a break-up of the single
market. These political goals are basically supported by the chemical industry. However the regulation is far away from any practicable form of legislation. The proposals are expensive, complicated and too bureaucratic for companies. Small and medium-sized enterprises will hardly be able to
follow these demands. The special situation of chemical industry in Switzerland, as a non EU country – will be discussed.
Do I Have to Register My Substances for REACH? The Impact of REACH on Swiss Chemical Manufacturers
Authors: Barker Craig A.
Published: December 2006

The developing European legislation on REACH is one of the major changes to chemical control legislation seen anywhere in the world for over two decades. Not since the introduction of substance inventories and developments for the notification of new substances have there been such
significant changes. The proposed changes will have consequences on the global industry and not least on the Swiss industry due to its clear association and proximity to the European Community. Ciba Specialty Chemicals has been associated with the development of the REACH requirements over
many years as we have an invested interest in ensuring that we can meet the requirements of REACH in the most cost effective manner. Swiss companies associated with products being supplied to the EC will need to understand the requirements of REACH, especially with regard to the registration
of the chemical substances they contain. Failure to do so may lead to significant financial consequences not least the ability to market their product.
The Research Programme Contract “Precipitation”: What for? – The Preliminary Analysis of Needs by the Industrial Partners
Authors: Guttmann M. , Dubost B.
Published: December 2006

The predictive modelling of precipitation in steels and aluminium alloys in the solid state, based on the physical understanding of its mechanisms were the major goal of this CPR project. Wrought heat treatable aluminium alloys as well as cold and hot rolled steels are of utmost importance for applications (transportation, electrical applications, building, sport and leisure, etc.) requiring high property (e.g. mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, magnetic properties) to weight ratios.
The Joint Research Program “CPR Precipitation” — Towards More Powerful Computer Assisted Metallurgy Codes
Authors: Maugis P. , Sigli C.
Published: December 2006

Computer Assisted Metallurgy (CAM) is developed and used by both Alcan and Arcelor to predict material properties, optimize processing and accelerate the development of new innovative solutions. These CAM codes describe the microstructure evolution of an alloy from solidification to the final step of the transformation schedule and predict usage properties from the simulated end product microstructure. The accuracy of the predictions requires a reliable laboratory or plant experimental database and robust physical laws.
Transmission Electron Microscopy and Nano‐Precipitation
Authors: Epicier T.
Published: December 2006

We have presented here a rapid survey of some of the stringent results obtained by TEM and associated techniques in the precipitation studies conducted during the CPR ‘Précipitation'. It clearly appears that TEM plays an irreplaceable role in the link between the understanding of the structure and chemistry of small precipitates and the modelling of the precipitation kinetics.
Cluster Dynamics Modelling of Precipitation Kinetics in Al(Zr,Sc) Alloys
Authors: Guyot P. , Lae L.
Published: December 2006

Cluster dynamics simulations in multicomponents alloys emphasize the complexity of the respective roles of atomic mobility and thermodynamics in the precipitation path. Some heuristic assumptions, like the maximum driving force criterion, used in conventional treatments, may fail and need to be carefully revisited at the light of these results.
From the Atomic Jump Frequencies to the Phenomenological Transport Coefficients
Authors: Nastar M. , Barbe V.
Published: December 2006

The SCMF theory based on an atomic model of atom‐vacancy exchange frequencies yields general expressions of the phenomenological coefficients Lij of a multi‐component alloy with any crystallographic structure. The limitations and future improvements of the Self‐Consistent Mean‐Field (SCMF) approach are easily related to the statistical approximation of the thermodynamic correlations and to the time‐dependent effective interactions used to describe the kinetic correlations induced by the vacancy diffusion mechanism.
An Atomic and Mesoscopic Study of Precipitation Kinetics in Al‐Zr‐Sc Alloys
Authors: Clouet E. , Nastar M. , Barbu A. , Sigli C. , Martin G.
Published: December 2006

This study illustrates how a quantitative multiscale modelling of the precipitation kinetics can be performed. Using a very limited number of experimental data and ab‐initio calculations, we built for the Al‐Zr‐Sc alloy an atomic model from which mesoscopic quantities like the interface free energy or the nucleation free energy could be deduced. For the two binary Al‐Zr and Al‐Sc alloys, it was shown that a good agreement can be obtained between the KMC simulations, different mesoscopic models (CD and CNT) and experimental data. For the ternary alloy, CNT could be extended leading to predictions of an increase of the nucleation rate in agreement with atomic simulations and with experimental data.
Synthesis and characterization of moisture‐cured polyurethane membranes and their applications in pervaporation separation of ethyl acetate/water azeotrope at 30°C
Authors: Devi D. Anjali , Raju K. V. S. N. , Aminabhavi T. M.
Published: December 2006

NCO‐terminated polyurethane membranes were prepared using diisocyanate, diol, and trimethylolpropane (TMP) using an NCO/OH ratio of 1.6 : 1. Prepolymer was chain‐extended using cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) in the ratios of 2 : 1, 4 : 1, and 3 : 1 of NCO/OH. Polyurethane (PU) membranes were characterized by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TGA) to investigate their thermal properties. Equilibrium sorption studies were carried out at 30°C in water and ethyl acetate media as well as in their binary mixtures. The influence of CAB on pervaporation (PV) separation of an ethyl acetate/water (92/8, w/w, i.e., azeotropic composition) mixture was investigated. Membranes in this study showed a selectivity of 42.42 with a flux value of 0.187 kg/m/h for 3 : 1% NCO/OH containing PU membrane. In order to gain a more detailed picture of the molecular transport phenomenon, we performed the sorption gravimetric experiments at 30°, 35°, 40°, and 50°C to compute diffusion, swelling, sorption, and permeability coefficients of PU membranes in the azeotropic mixture of ethyl acetate and water. Activation parameters for diffusion and permeation were computed from the Arrhenius equation to understand the polymer/solvent interactions. Sorption trends and diffusion anomalies were established through an empirical equation after estimating the diffusion parameters. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3405–3414, 2007
The influence of culture on learning of psychiatry: the case of Asian‐Indian international medical graduates
Authors: Rao Nyapati R.
Published: December 2006

Culture is ubiquitous and fundamental to the practice and learning of psychiatry. Its influence on psychiatric residency training assumes greater significance in the context of the current workforce dynamics in psychiatry, where 40% of residents are foreign‐born, with a preponderance of them emigrating from Asian cultures. Using the Asian‐Indian international medical graduate (IMG) as an example, the educational challenges faced by IMGs in learning psychiatry are reviewed. These difficulties are traced to the significant psychological impact of migration on IMGs, IMGs' cultural conflicts in using English as a second language, and to the differing attitudes towards mental illness in Eastern and Western cultures. To further delineate the Asian‐Indian IMGs cultural hurdles in learning psychiatry, the impact of the Hindu world view on their individual psychologies and their interpersonal relationships is discussed. It is argued that the instructors involved in training IMGs must be conversant with these core‐cultural differences of their trainees in order to better discharge their roles as teachers. An example from a psychotherapy training session of a resident is offered to highlight the issues raised in this paper. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying and characterizing public science‐related fears from RSS feeds
Authors: Thelwall Mike , Prabowo Rudy
Published: December 2006

A feature of modern democracies is public mistrust of scientists and the politicization of science policy, e.g., concerning stem cell research and genetically modified food. While the extent of this mistrust is debatable, its political influence is tangible. Hence, science policy researchers and science policy makers need early warning of issues that resonate with a wide public so that they can make timely and informed decisions. In this article, a semi‐automatic method for identifying significant public science‐related concerns from a corpus of Internet‐based RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds is described and shown to be an improvement on a previous similar system because of the introduction of feed‐based aggregation. In addition, both the RSS corpus and the concept of public science‐related fears are deconstructed, revealing hidden complexity. This article also provides evidence that genetically modified organisms and stem cell research were the two major policy‐relevant science concern issues, although mobile phone radiation and software security also generated significant interest.
Statistical control for sampling of metallurgical material
Authors: Gerber Hannah , Sharp Gary D. , Tessera Abebe
Published: December 2006

The study's aim was to assess the re‐sampling rate of metallurgical material in a precious metal refinery. Three different methods were evaluated; including the refinery's existing means comparison method, an empirical distribution technique and a non‐linear model. The objective was to assess these three methods to determine which would be the most appropriate for the existing sampling method in order to obtain a re‐sampling rate of 5%. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Slope rotatability over all directions with correlated errors
Authors: Nath Das Rabindra , H. Park Sung
Published: December 2006

Das (Calcutta Statist. Assoc. Bull. 2003; 54:57–70) initiated a study of slope rotatability over axial directions with correlated errors. General conditions for second‐order slope rotatability over axial directions were derived when errors have a general correlated error structure.

In this paper, a class of multifactor designs for estimating the slope of second‐order response surfaces is considered when errors in observations are correlated. General conditions for second‐order slope rotatability over all directions have been derived assuming that errors in observations have a general correlated error structure. It has been derived that robust second‐order rotatable designs are also robust slope rotatable over all directions. The class of robust slope‐rotatable designs over all directions has been examined when errors in observations have the following variance–covariance structures: intra‐class, inter‐class, compound symmetry, tri‐diagonal and autocorrelated structure. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adult index patient with Currarino syndrome due to a novel HLXB9 mutation, c.336dupG (p.P113fsX224), presenting with Hirschsprung's disease, cephalgia, and lumbodynia
Authors: Volk Alexander , Karbasiyan Mohsen , Semmler Alexander , Todt Unda , Urbach Horst , Klockgether Thomas , Linnebank Michael
Published: December 2006

BACKGROUND: The symptom triad of autosomal dominant Currarino syndrome (CS; MIM #176450) consists of anorectal malformation, a sacral bone defect, and presacral masses. Mutations in the homeoboxHLXB9 gene have already been described in a subset of sacrococcygeal anomalies characterized by partial sacral agenesis. CASE: We report a 28‐year‐old male patient with Currarino syndrome due to a heterozygous novel frame‐shift mutation c.336dupG (p.P113fsX224) in the homeoboxHLXB9 gene. CONCLUSIONS: Molecular diagnostics may be helpful in cases of Hirschsprung's disease accompanied by other symptoms suggestive for Currarino syndrome, since it can lead to major complications such as perianal sepsis, meningitis, and malignant transformation. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exposure of neural crest cells to elevated glucose leads to congenital heart defects, an effect that can be prevented by N‐acetylcysteine
Authors: Roest Pauline A. M. , van Iperen Liesbeth , Vis Shirley , Wisse Lambertus J. , Poelmann Rob E. , Steegers‐Theunissen Regine P. M. , Molin Daniel G. M. , Eriksson Ulf J. , Gittenberger‐De Groot Adriana C.
Published: December 2006

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus during pregnancy increases the risk for congenital heart disease in the offspring. The majority of the cardiovascular malformations occur in the outflow tract and pharyngeal arch arteries, where neural crest cells are essential for normal development. We studied the effects of specific exposure of neural crest cells to elevated glucose on heart development. Antioxidants reduce the damaging effect of glucose on neural crest cells in vitro; therefore, we investigated the effect of supplementing N‐acetylcysteine in vivo. METHODS: Cardiac neural crest of HH 8–12 chicken embryos was directly exposed by a single injection in the neural tube with 30 mM D‐glucose (or 30 mM L‐glucose as a control). To examine the effect of a reduction in oxidative stress, we added 2 mM N‐acetylcysteine to the injected D‐glucose. RESULTS: Exposure of neural crest cells to elevated D‐glucose–induced congenital heart malformations in 82% of the embryos. In the embryos injected with L‐glucose, only 9% developed a heart malformation. As expected, all malformations were located in the outflow tract and pharyngeal arch arteries. The frequency of heart malformations decreased from 82% to 27% when 2 mM N‐acetylcysteine was added to the injected D‐glucose. CONCLUSIONS: These data are the first to confirm that the vulnerability of neural crest cells to elevated glucose induces congenital heart malformations. The fact that N‐acetylcysteine limits the teratogenicity of glucose implies that its damaging effect is mediated by an increase of oxidative stress in the neural crest cells. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biomolecular computing: Is it ready to take off?
Authors: Fu Pengcheng
Published: December 2006

Biomolecular computing is an emerging field at the interface of computer science, biological science and engineering. It uses DNA and other biological materials as the building blocks for construction of living computational machines to solve difficult combinatorial problems. In this article, notable advances in the biomolecular computing are reviewed and challenges associated with this multidisciplinary research are addressed. Finally, several perspectives are given based on the review of biomolecular computing.
Better library design: data‐driven protein engineering
Authors: Chaparro‐Riggers Javier F. , Polizzi Karen M. , Bommarius Andreas S.
Published: December 2006

Data‐driven protein engineering is increasingly used as an alternative to rational design and combinatorial engineering because it uses available knowledge to limit library size, while still allowing for the identification of unpredictable substitutions that lead to large effects. Recent advances in computational modeling and bioinformatics, as well as an increasing databank of experiments on functional variants, have led to new strategies to choose particular amino acid residues to vary in order to increase the chances of obtaining a variant protein with the desired property. Strategies for limiting diversity at each position, design of small sub‐libraries, and the performance of scouting experiments, have also been developed or even automated, further reducing the library size.
Are transversion mutations better? A Mutagenesis Assistant Program analysis on P450 BM‐3 heme domain
Authors: Wong Tuck Seng , Roccatano Danilo , Schwaneberg Ulrich
Published: December 2006

Directed evolution represents a versatile tool to tailor enzyme properties to needs in industrial applications and to understand structure‐function relationships. Genetic diversity is commonly generated using error‐prone PCR. Exploration of sequence space by random mutagenesis strongly favors transitions when enzyme‐based mutagenesis methods are employed (Wong, T. S., Zhurina, D., Schwaneberg, U., Comb. Chem. High Throughput Screen. 2006, 9, 271‐288). The genetic code has been organized in a manner that limits chemical diversity when a single transition mutation occurs in a codon (Wong, T. S., Roccatano, D., Schwaneberg, U., Biocatal. Biotransformation 2006, in press). Are transitions more beneficial than transversions for adapting biocatalysts to non‐natural process conditions? In a statistical analysis performed with the Mutagenesis Assistant Program (MAP), we compared the consequences of transition and transversion bias on amino acid substitution patterns of the P450 BM‐3 heme domain. For the analysis, we used a recently introduced benchmarking system consisting of a protein structure indicator, an amino acid diversity indicator with a codon diversity coefficient, and a chemical diversity indicator. A detailed analysis for the P450 BM‐3 heme domain showed that an ideal transversion bias generates more diverse amino acid substitution patterns with a significantly different chemical composition than an ideal transition bias. Emphasis is given on the theoretical analysis with a brief discussion on potential implication of transition and transversion bias in directed evolution experiments.
Biological and structural characterization of new linear gomesin analogues with improved therapeutic indices
Authors: Fázio Marcos A. , Jouvensal Laurence , Vovelle Françoise , Bulet Philippe , Miranda M. Terêsa M. , Daffre Sirlei , Miranda Antonio
Published: December 2006

Gomesin (Gm) is a potent antimicrobial peptide isolated from the spider Acanthoscurria gomesiana. The two disulfide bridges Cys2,15 and Cys6,11 facilitate the folding of the molecule in a β‐hairpin structure, conferring on the peptide a high stability in human plasma. We report herein biological and structural features of new linear Gm analogues, obtained by combining the removal of both disulfide bridges and the incorporation of a D‐ or L‐proline. Regarding their biological properties, two analogues, namely, [D‐Thr2,6,11,15, Pro9]‐D‐Gm and [Thr2,6,11,15, D‐Pro9]‐Gm, are as potent as Gm against Candida albicans and only fourfold less against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In addition, at 100 μM they are approximately threefold less hemolytic than Gm. The best therapeutic indices were found for [D‐Thr2,6,11,15, Pro9]‐D‐Gm and for [(Des‐pGlu1, ‐Thr2, ‐Arg3), Thr6,11,15, D‐Pro9]‐Gm with a 32‐fold increase of their activity against bacteria, and from 128‐ to 512‐fold against yeast when compared with Gm. Regarding the stability, [D‐Thr2,6,11,15, Pro9]‐D‐Gm appeared to be the most resistant in human serum, along with [D‐Thr2,6,11,15, Pro8]‐D‐Gm and [Thr2,6,11,15, D‐Arg4,16, D‐Pro9]‐Gm. When evaluating their conformation by CD spectroscopy in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), most linear analogues display β‐conformation characteristics. Moreover, considering its high therapeutic index and stability in serum, [D‐Thr2,6,11,15, Pro9]‐D‐Gm was further analyzed by NMR spectroscopy. 1H NMR experiments in SDS micelles demonstrated that [D‐Thr2,6,11,15, Pro9]‐D‐Gm presents a conformation very similar to that of Gm. In our search for Gm analogues with enhanced potential for drug development, we demonstrated that designing cysteine‐free analogues can improve the therapeutic index of Gm derivatives. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 85:386‐400, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Connexin 43 is localized with actin in tenocytes
Authors: Wall Michelle E. , Otey Carol , Qi Jie , Banes Albert J.
Published: December 2006

Varieties of cell–matrix or cell–cell adhesions are associated with the actin cytoskeleton. However, for gap junctions, which are both channels and adhesions, there has been little evidence for such an association. The purpose of this study was to determine if connexin 43 (Cx43) associates with actin and to determine if this association is altered under mechanical load in tenocytes, a mechanically sensitive cell. Avian tenocytes were subjected to multiple cyclic strain regimens and then fixed and examined immunohistochemically at various times poststrain to determine where Cx43 protein was localized within the cells in relation to actin filaments. Four percent of tenocytes had colocalization of actin filaments and Cx43, which was significantly increased with 5% cyclic strain. To confirm this phenomenon, human tenocytes and COS‐7 cells were also subjected to cyclic strain and then fixed at the same times after strain. As with avian tenocytes, Cx43 was colocalized with actin in human tenocytes and COS‐7 cells. The colocalization increased significantly after cyclic strain in human tenocytes but not in COS‐7 cells. The lack of detectable changes in COS‐7 cells may indicate that they are less mechanosensitive than tenocytes perhaps due to the less robust actin cytoskeleton seen in the COS‐7 cells when compared to the tenocytes. Furthermore, inhibiting myosin II activity greatly reduced the immunohistochemically‐detectable Cx43 on actin filaments. Connexins may associate with actin to stabilize gap junctions at the plasma membrane, ensuring that tenocytes remain coupled during periods of prolonged or intense mechanical loading. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Racial differences in tumor stage and survival for colorectal cancer in an insured population
Authors: Doubeni Chyke A. , Field Terry S. , Buist Diana S.M. , Korner Eli J. , Bigelow Carol , Lamerato Lois , Herrinton Lisa , Quinn Virginia P. , Hart Gene , Hornbrook Mark C. , Gurwitz Jerry H. , Wagner Edward H.
Published: December 2006

BACKGROUND.

Despite declining death rates from colorectal cancer (CRC), racial disparities have continued to increase. In this study, the authors examined disparities in a racially diverse group of insured patients.

METHODS.

This study was conducted among patients who were diagnosed with CRC from 1993 to 1998, when they were enrolled in integrated healthcare systems. Patients were identified from tumor registries and were linked to information in administrative databases. The sample was restricted to non‐Hispanic whites (n = 10,585), non‐Hispanic blacks (n = 1479), Hispanics (n = 985), and Asians/Pacific Islanders (n = 909). Differences in tumor stage and survival were analyzed by using polytomous and Cox regression models, respectively.

RESULTS.

In multivariable regression analyses, blacks were more likely than whites to have distant or unstaged tumors. In Cox models that were adjusted for nonmutable factors, blacks had a higher risk of death from CRC (hazard ratio [HR], 1.17; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.06–1.30). Hispanics had a risk of death similar to whites (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.92–1.18), whereas Asians/Pacific Islanders had a lower risk of death from CRC (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.78–1.02). Adjustment for tumor stage decreased the HR to 1.11 for blacks, and the addition of receipt of surgical therapy to the model decreased the HR further to 1.06. The HR among Hispanics and Asians/Pacific Islanders was stable to adjustment for tumor stage and surgical therapy.

CONCLUSIONS.

The relation between race and survival from CRC was complex and appeared to be related to differences in tumor stage and therapy received, even in insured populations. Targeted interventions to improve the use of effective screening and treatment among vulnerable populations may be needed to eliminate disparities in CRC. Cancer 2007;109:612–620. © 2006 American Cancer Society.