bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skin-compatible lecithin drug delivery systems for fluconazole: effect of phosphatidylethanolamine and oleic acid on skin permeation
Authors: Hoeller Sonja , Klang Victoria , Valenta Claudia
Published: April 2008

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate skin-compatible drug delivery systems for fluconazole. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were constructed, composed of different soybean lecithins/oil/isopropanol and water. The role of the various lecithin compositions was expressed in the different resulting isotropic areas. Based on these phase diagrams, two systems were chosen as drug delivery systems for fluconazole. The influence of phosphatidylethanolamine and of the oil component on the skin permeation of fluconazole was investigated. The more phosphatidylethanolamine, the greater was the fluconazole skin permeation, independent of the hydrophilicity of the system. The influence of oleic acid and isopropylmyristate as the oil component was compared and a greater penetration enhancing effect was found for the microemulsion containing oleic acid.
Effect of molecular weight and end-group nature on the solubility of ethylene oxide oligomers in 2H, 3H-decafluoropentane and its fully fluorinated analogue, perfluoropentane
Authors: Cote Marie , Rogueda Philippe G A , Griffiths Peter C
Published: April 2008

Fluorinated liquids possess high chemical and physical stability, are tolerated by the human body and, therefore, show great promise in biomedical fields; however, they require extensive formulation. Phase diagrams are reported here for a series of ethylene oxide oligomeric additives in 2H,3H-perfluoropentane (HPFP), a non-chlorofluorocarbon fluorinated liquid regarded as a model propellant for pressurized metered-dose inhalers. Over a wide range of temperatures and concentrations, dihydroxyl end-capped poly(ethylene glycols) (PEGs) exhibited a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) that was strongly molecular weight dependent. In contrast, monomethyl (and thus monohydroxy) and dimethyl end-capped poly(ethylene oxides) were fully miscible with HPFP over the same temperature and concentration ranges, suggesting that the phase behaviour was dominated by end-group/solvent interactions. By systematically substituting HPFP for the fully fluorinated analogue perfluoropentane, the ability of these end-groups to interact with the solvent was perturbed and LCST-type behaviour was induced in the previously fully miscible monomethyl and dimethyl end-capped PEGs. Concomitantly, with increasing perfluoropentane content, the LCST of the dihydroxyl end-capped PEGs was driven to lower temperatures. Therefore, the phase behaviour of these systems may be controlled by ‘tuning’ the end-group structure of the ethylene oxide oligomers, and varying the hydrogen bonding capabilities of the fluorinated solvents.
Nebulisation of corticosteroid suspensions and solutions with a β2 agonist
Authors: O'Callaghan Christopher L , White Judy A , Jackson Judith M , Barry Peter W , Kantar Ahmad
Published: April 2008

The aim of this study was to determine the output of salbutamol nebulised in combination with either flunisolide or beclometasone dipropionate (BDP) from two different nebulisers under simulated breathing conditions. The BimboNeb and Nebula nebulisers were used to nebulise 3.0 mL of the two drug mixtures (salbutamol, 5000 μg plus either flunisolide, 600 μg, or BDP, 800 μg). Particle size was determined by inertial impaction. Total outputs of all drugs from both nebulisers were measured using a sinus flow pump under simulated paediatric and adult breathing patterns. The mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of BDP particles from the mixture was 6.34 μm using the BimboNeb and 5.34 μm using the Nebula. Values for salbutamol in this mixture were 3.93 and 3.32 μm, respectively. The MMAD of flunisolide particles from the BimboNeb and Nebula were 3.74 and 3.65 μm, respectively, while for salbutamol were 3.79 and 3.74 μm, respectively. With the simulated adult breathing pattern, all drug outputs from both mixtures were greater from the BimboNeb than from the Nebula after 5 and 10 min' nebulisation. Drug delivery from the BimboNeb, but not the Nebula, was affected by the simulated breathing pattern. Outputs with the BimboNeb were lower with the paediatric breathing pattern than with the adult pattern. In the majority of cases, nebulising for 10 min produced significantly greater drug output than after 5 min. For the Nebula, outputs were generally similar at 5 and 10 min, irrespective of the breathing pattern. These results highlight the need to assess the amount of aerosolised drug available when drugs are combined, when different nebulisers are used and when they are used with patients of different ages.
Omeprazole promotes gastric epithelial cell migration
Authors: Ng Ka-Man , Cho Chi-Hin , Chang Full-Young , Luo Jiing-Chyuan , Lin Han-Chieh , Lin Hsiao-Yi , Chi Chin-Wen , Lee Shou-Dong
Published: April 2008

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are effective at preventing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastric ulcers. They are also superior to histamine H2-receptor antagonists and misoprostol in treating NSAID-induced gastric ulcer healing. This study explored whether omeprazole, a PPI, can modulate ulcer healing through epithelial cell proliferation and/or cell migration using a rat normal gastric epithelial cell line (RGM-1). Flow cytometry was used to determine cell proliferation and an artificial wound model was used to measure cell migration. Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate the possible mechanisms of action. Omeprazole treatment (10−8, 10−6 and 10−4M) for 12 and 24 h did not promote cell proliferation. However, similar doses of the drug (10−6 and 10−4 M) incubated for 24–48 h significantly promoted the basal cell migration of gastric epithelial cells. Further, the higher concentration of omeprazole (10−4M) reversed the inhibitory action of indometacin (10−5M) on cell migration. Western blot results showed that omeprazole did not increase cyclooxygenase-2 expression and did not activate signal transduction pathways, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/ERK2), P38 mitogenic-activated protein kinase, and phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase. The results suggest that omeprazole is beneficial in basal ulcer healing and it reversed the adverse action of indometacin on ulcer repair under acid-independent conditions. These actions are likely to be mediated through the promotion of gastric epithelial cell migration but not cell proliferation.
MUSICAL STRUCTURE FACILITATES VERBAL LEARNING IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Authors: THAUT MICHAEL H. , PETERSON DAVID A. , SENA KIMBERLY M. , MCINTOSH GERALD C.
Published: April 2008

THERE IS GROWING EVIDENCE that the temporal patterns in music and rhythm can be a mediating stimulus to enhance cognitive function.We investigated here whether a musical template would influence verbal learning and memory performance in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The patients were randomly divided into two groups, hearing either a spoken or musical (sung) presentation of Rey's Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT). Patients in the music condition showed significantly better word order memory than patients in the spoken condition. The evidence suggests that music enhances word order memory in patients with MS.We discuss the possible neurobiological underpinning of this result.
ON-LINE IDENTIFICATION OF CONGENITAL AMUSIA
Authors: PERETZ ISABELLE , GOSSELIN NATHALIE , TILLMANN BARBARA , CUDDY LOLA L. , GAGNON BENOİT , TRIMMER CHRISTOPHER G. , PAQUETTE SÉBASTIEN , BOUCHARD BERNARD
Published: April 2008

RECENTLY, WE POINTED OUT THAT A SMALL number of individuals fail to acquire basic musical abilities, and that these deficiencies might have neuronal and genetic underpinnings. Such a musical disorder is now termed "congenital amusia," an umbrella term for lifelong musical disabilities that cannot be attributed to mental retardation, deafness, or lack of exposure. Congenital amusia is a condition that is estimated to affect 4% of the general population. Despite this relatively high prevalence, cases of congenital amusia have been difficult to identify.We present here a novel on-line test that can be used to identify such cases in 15 minutes, provided that the cohort of the participant is taken into account. The results also confirm that congenital amusia is typically expressed by a deficit in perceiving musical pitch but not musical time.
SPEECH INTONATION PERCEPTION DEFICITS IN MUSICAL TONE DEAFNESS (CONGENITAL AMUSIA)
Authors: PATEL ANIRUDDH D. , WONG MEREDITH , FOXTON JESSICA , LOCHY ALIETTE , PERETZ ISABELLE
Published: April 2008

TO WHAT EXTENT DO MUSIC and language share neural mechanisms for processing pitch patterns? Musical tone-deafness (amusia) provides important evidence on this question. Amusics have problems with musical melody perception, yet early work suggested that they had no problems with the perception of speech intonation (Ayotte, Peretz, & Hyde, 2002). However, here we show that about 30% of amusics from independent studies (British and French-Canadian) have difficulty discriminating a statement from a question on the basis of a final pitch fall or rise. This suggests that pitch direction perception deficits in amusia (known from previous psychophysical work) can extend to speech. For British amusics, the direction deficit is related to the rate of change of the final pitch glide in statements/ questions, with increased discrimination difficulty when rates are relatively slow. These findings suggest that amusia provides a useful window on the neural relations between melodic processing in language and music.
THE RELATION BETWEEN MUSIC AND PHONOLOGICAL PROCESSING IN NORMAL-READING CHILDREN AND CHILDREN WITH DYSLEXIA
Authors: FORGEARD MARIE , SCHLAUG GOTTFRIED , NORTON ANDREA , ROSAM CAMILLA , IYENGAR UDITA , WINNER ELLEN
Published: April 2008

PAST RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT MUSIC and language skills are related in normal-reading children as well as in children with dyslexia. In both an ongoing longitudinal study with normal-reading children and a pilot study with children with dyslexia, we found a strong relationship between musical discrimination abilities and language-related skills. In normal-reading children, musical discrimination predicted phonological and reading skills (Studies 1 and 2). These relationships were stronger in children with music training than in control children without music training. In children with dyslexia,musical discrimination predicted phonological skills, which in turn predicted reading abilities (Study 3). Furthermore, normal-reading children with music training surpassed both normal-reading controls and children with dyslexia in melodic discrimination. Controls also outperformed children with dyslexia (Study 4). Taken together, these findings suggest that a music intervention that strengthens the basic auditory music perception skills of children with dyslexia may also remediate some of their language deficits.
Perinatal Loss: A Qualitative Study in Northern Ireland
Authors: McCreight Bernadette Susan
Published: April 2008

This article describes the experiences of women in Northern Ireland who have experienced a miscarriage or stillbirth. Pregnancy loss encompasses several dimensions of loss for women, loss of the future, loss of self-identity, and the loss of anticipated parenthood. The study explored how women emotionally responded to loss and the care they received from medical staff. Burial arrangements for the remains of the baby are also explored. The methodology adopted a narrative approach based upon in-depth interviews with 23 women who attended pregnancy loss self-help groups. The women's narratives highlight their emotional responses to loss, the medicalization of perinatal grief, and burial arrangements. Women felt that their experience was emotionally negative in that they had been subjected to a rationalizing process of medicalization. The primary focus for the women was on the need to recover space for their emotions and seek acceptance and recognition of the validity of their grief. The study demonstrated that the women's response to being marginalized led them to make sense of their experiences and to create spaces of resistance to medicalization. The way in which women placed emotion at the center of their narratives is taken to be a powerful indicator that the support they require from professionals should take account of the meanings they have constructed from their experience of loss.
“The Wholeness of Things”: Infusing Diversity and Social Justice into Death Education
Authors: Fowler Kathleen L.
Published: April 2008

This article presents resources and strategies for the infusion of diversity and social justice themes into an undergraduate death and dying course. The intent is not to replace or dismiss existing thanatological insights and debates, but rather to widen the cultural perspective to bring these insights and debates into conversation with multiple ways of perceiving and understanding. The article covers definitions, goals and rationales, challenges in identifying and developing appropriate resources, and overall course design. It also explores readings, audiovisual materials, class activities, and pedagogical approaches to foster: student engagement with diverse world-views and experiences; understanding of “cultural competence” in various fields; awareness of the impact of race, class, gender, etc., on access to resources and care; commitment to activism for social justice; and exposure to many forms of resilience, meaning-making, and creative healing.

… whenever there was a death in the village, she was the first to be sent for—the priest came second. For it was she who understood the wholeness of things—the significance of directions and colors. Prayers to appease the hungry ghosts. Elixirs for grief (Watanabe, 1992, p. 603).

… the action most worth watching is not at the center of things but where the edges meet. I like shorelines, weather fronts, international borders. There are interesting frictions and incongruities in these places and often, if you stand at the point of tangency, you can see both sides better … (Fadiman,1997, p. viii).

The only really happy people I have ever met are those of us who work against these deaths with all the energy of our living, recognizing the deep and fundamental unhappiness with which we are surrounded, at the same time as we fight to keep from being submerged by it (Lorde, 1980, p. 77).
Does Religiosity Help Muslims Adjust to Death?: A Research Note
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Samir , Siddique Mohammad Zakaria
Published: April 2008

Death is the end of life. But Muslims believe death is an event between two lives, not an absolute cessation of life. Thus religiosity may influence Muslims differently about death. To explore the impact of religious perception, thus religiosity, a cross-sectional, descriptive, analytic and correlational study was conducted on 150 Muslims. Self-declared healthy Muslims equally from both sexes ( N = 150, Age range – 20 to 50 years, Minimum education – Bachelor) were selected by stratified sampling and randomly under each stratum. Subjects, divided in five levels of religiosity, were assessed and scored for the presence of maladjustment symptoms and stage of adjustment with death. ANOVA and correlation coefficient was applied on the sets of data collected. All statistical tests were done at the level of 95% confidence ( P < 0.05). Final results were higher than the table values used for ANOVA and correlation coefficient yielded P values of < 0.05, < 0.01, and < 0.001. Religiosity as a criterion of Muslims influenced the quality of adjustment with death positively. So we hypothesized that religiosity may help Muslims adjust to death.
Intra- or inter-specific difference in genotypes of Caligus elongatus Nordmann 1832?
Authors: Øines Øivind , Schram Thomas
Published: April 2008

Two mitochondrial and one nuclear genetic marker were used to study the phylogenetic position of the two reported CO1-genotypes of Caligus elongatus in a group of closely related caligid parasites. Molecular analysis of the two mitochondrial genes (CO1 and 16S), indicate genetic distances of the two C. elongatus genotypes in the lower range of distances previously reported between other crustacean species, but higher than comparable reported within-species differences. Analyses of nuclear 18S sequences indicate no detectable differentiation between these genotypes, but may be due to expected differences in the resolution of these genetic markers. Investigation of two of three selected morphological characters reveals phenotypes supporting the division based on the molecular division. The species status on the two C. elongatus genotypes cannot be drawn conclusively, although the molecular and morphological data presented here suggests the presence of sibling species.
A new species of Pharyngodon (Nematoda, Pharyngodonidae) and other helminths in Cyrtodactylus louisiadensis (Sauria, Gekkonidae) from Papua New Guinea
Authors: Bursey Charles , Goldberg Stephen , Kraus Fred
Published: April 2008

Pharyngodon novaeguineae sp. nov. from the large intestines of Cyrtodactylus louisiadensis (Sauria, Gekkonidae), from Papua New Guinea is described and illustrated. Pharyngodon novaeguineae represents the 36th species assigned to the genus and is separated from its congeners based upon absence of a spicule, egg morphology, and excretory pore position.
Occurrence of Echinococcus multilocularis (Cestoda, Taeniidae) in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Western Ukraine
Authors: Kharchenko Vitaliy , Kornyushin Vadim , Varodi Erika , Malega Oleksandr
Published: April 2008

Echinococcus multilocularis was found for the first time in red foxes in the L’vivska and Volynska regions (Western Ukraine). Prevalence was 36% and intensity was 11–731 parasites. The material was identified as E. multilocularis on morphological characters. It is presumed that this infection of foxes with E. multilocularis occurred locally and, probably, can be considered as a consequence of the expansion of the range of the parasite.
Isolation of the cDNAs encoding secreted and membrane binding proteins from egg of Schistosoma japonicum (Chinese strain)
Authors: Yu Chuanxin , Zhang Fengxue , Yin Xuren , Kikuchi Mihoko , Hirayama Kenji
Published: April 2008

The granulomatous reaction which occurs around egg trapped in the intrahepatic venules ultimately may lead to fibrosis, which is the main pathogenesis of schistosomiasis. The excreted proteins from eggs play an important role during this process, and they may be a target for developing new strategies to control the hepatic pathogenesis caused by schistosome infection. In this study, fifteen genes encoding secreted or membrane binding protein were identified with the signal sequence trapping method by retrovirus mediated expression screening (SST-REX) of cDNAs from the egg of Schistosoma japonicum (Chinese strain).
One century of vegetation change on Isla Persa, a nunatak in the Bernina massif in the Swiss Alps
Authors: Vittoz Pascal , Bodin Jeanne , Ungricht Stefan , Burga Conradin A. , Walther Gian‐Reto
Published: April 2008

Question:

How did the vascular plant species composition of a nunatak in the alpine vegetation belt change over a time span of 100 years?

Location:

A 5.6‐ha nunatak, Isla Persa in the Swiss Alps, that remained ice‐free during the last maximum glacier advance in the 1850s and is today partly covered with climactic alpine grassland and dwarf heath shrubs.

Methods:

Floristic inventories in 1906, 1927, 1972, 1995, 2003 and 2004 and a comparative analysis of the species composition over the period 1906–2004.

Results:

31 species that were not recorded in the first inventory were found in the following surveys. However, among them only six were common by 2004. Generally, the new species prefer warmer conditions than those previously present and most newcomers are associated with montane or sub‐alpine grasslands and woodlands. In particular, the observed increase of Vaccinium myrtillus and the arrival of shrub and tree species further substantiate a trend towards vegetation composition of the lower altitudinal belt. Ferns represented 26% of the newcomers, probably due to the high dispersal ability of their lightweight spores. The observed species enrichment was globally small compared to previously inventoried summits.

Conclusion:

Floristic change strongly suggests warmer climatic conditions as the main factor contributing to species compositional change. The relative stability of species richness may be explained by several factors: the isolation of the nunatak and the difficulties for plants to reach the site, the colder local climate, a limited available species pool and interactions of established alpine plants with newly immigrating taxa. Supplementary data collected at a similar altitude would be necessary to better understand the influence of climate change on alpine grasslands.
Solvent‐free one‐pot synthesis of some azo disperse dyes under microwave irradiation: Dyeing of polyester fabrics
Authors: El‐Apasery Morsy A.
Published: April 2008

The one‐pot synthesis of some azo disperse dyes were carried by heating of aniline, sodium nitrite, potassium hydrogen sulfate with active methylene compounds under focused microwave heating in absence of the solvent. Also, by heating of diazoaminobenzene with active methylene in acetic acid solution, in the presence of few drops of hydrochloric acid, were described. Syntheses of novel heterocyclic aromatic compounds as potential intermediates for preparation of azo disperse dyes were studied. The dyeing of polyester fabrics with disperse dyes by the use of high‐temperature dyeing method at 130°C and carrier dyeing method were also used. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Preparation of polylactide‐based microspheres enclosing acetamiprid and evaluation of efficacy against cotton aphid by soil application
Authors: Takei Takayuki , Yoshida Masahiro , Hatate Yasuo , Shiomori Kouichiro , Kiyoyama Shiro , Tsutsui Toshio , Mizuta Kei
Published: April 2008

Concern for the environment has increased interest in reducing the amount of pesticides applied to agricultural land. This can be accomplished by immobilization of the pesticides in polymer supports, which prevents volatilization, degradation and leaching losses, and provides controlled release of the pesticides. In the present study, acetamiprid, a novel pesticide, was enclosed in polylactide (PLA)‐based microspheres using solvent evaporation method via oil‐in‐oil (O/O) emulsion. Amount of acetamiprid released from PLA microspheres was less than 5% in phosphate buffered saline. On the other hand, incorporation of water‐soluble polymer, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(oxyethylene) diglycolic acid, into the PLA microspheres resulted in increased amount of released acetamiprid (∼70%). Planting hole application by greenhouse pot test demonstrated that the efficacy of the PLA/PEG microspheres enclosing acetamiprid against cotton aphids was superior to that of PLA microspheres enclosing acetamiprid. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Autophagy in the liver
Authors: Yin Xiao-Ming , Ding Wen-Xing , Gao Wentao
Published: April 2008

A great part of our current understanding of mammalian macroautophagy is derived from studies of the liver. The term “autophagy” was introduced by Christian de Duve in part based on ultrastructural changes in rat liver following glucagon injection. Subsequent morphological, biochemical, and kinetics studies of autophagy in the liver defined the basic process of autophagosome formation, maturation, and degradation and the regulation of autophagy by hormones, phosphoinositide 3-kinases, and mammalian target of rapamycin. It is now clear that macroautophagy in the liver is important for the balance of energy and nutrients for basic cell functions, the removal of misfolded proteins resulting from genetic mutations or pathophysiological stimulations, and the turnover of major subcellular organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and peroxisomes under both normal and pathophysiological conditions. Disturbance of autophagy function in the liver could thus have a major impact on liver physiology and liver disease.
Antimicrobial properties and elution kinetics of linezolid‐loaded hip spacers in vitro
Authors: Anagnostakos Konstantinos , Kelm Jens , Grün Sandra , Schmitt Eduard , Jung Wolfgang , Swoboda Stefanie
Published: April 2008

Bacterial adhesion to and ‐persistence on antibiotic‐loaded bone cement is an increasing problem. New antibiotics with good antimicrobial and pharmacokinetic properties (e.g. linezolid) may be the solution to this problem; however, few data concerning linezolid‐loaded acrylic cement are currently available. Ten gentamicin‐linezolid‐loaded hip spacers (1 g gentamicin/2.4 g linezolid/80 g PMMA; five spacers including a metallic endoskeleton, five with no metallic components) were tested in vitro against a strain of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus with regard to antibiotic release and bacteria growth inhibition. Daily, the antibiotic elution was determined by high liquid performance chromatography (linezolid) and fluorescence polarization immunoassay (gentamicin), the bacteria growth inhibition photometrically at 546 nm. All spacers demonstrated growth inhibition for 8 days. Peak average concentrations were reached for both agents on day 1 (gentamicin−35.10 μg/mL [24.10–52.52], linezolid−36.28 μg/mL [22.87–71.76]). After 8 days, 0.97% [0.93–1.05%] of the initial amount of linezolid and 3.13% [2.85–3.31%] of gentamicin were meanly released from spacers containing a metallic endoskeleton. In those containing of simple cement these values were 1.22% [0.91–1.59%] and 2.67% [2.12–2.73%], respectively. Linezolid demonstrated acceptable elution kinetics from bone cement; however, further experimental research and animal studies should clarify any possible side effect of linezolid‐loaded cement media before definitive use in the clinical practice. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Enzymatic biodegradation of HEMA/bisGMA adhesives formulated with different water content
Authors: Kostoryz Elisabet L. , Dharmala Kiran , Ye Qiang , Wang Yong , Huber Jesse , Park Jong‐Gu , Snider Grant , Katz J. Lawrence , Spencer Paulette
Published: April 2008

Dentin adhesives may undergo phase separation when bonding to wet demineralized dentin. We hypothesized that adhesives exhibiting phase separation will experience enhanced biodegradation of methacrylate ester groups. The objective of this project was to study the effect of enzyme‐exposure on the release of methacrylic acid (MAA) and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) from adhesives formulated under conditions simulating wet bonding. HEMA/bisGMA(2,2‐bis[4(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methacryloyloxy‐propyloxy)‐phenyl] propane), 45/55 w/w ratio, was formulated with different water content: 0 Wt % (A00), 8 wt % (A08), and 16 wt % (A16). After a three day prewash, adhesive discs were incubated with/without porcine liver esterase (PLE) in phosphate buffer (PB, pH 7.4) at 37°C for 8 days. Supernatants were collected daily and analyzed for MAA and HEMA by HPLC. For all formulations, daily MAA release in the presence of PLE was increased compared to MAA release in PB. HEMA release in the presence of PLE was not detected while HEMA release was consistently measured in PB. A08 and A16 released significantly larger amounts of HEMA compared to A00. Analysis of the cumulative release of analytes showed that the leachables in PLE was significantly increased (p < 0.05) as compared with that released in PB indicating that MAA release was not only formed from unreacted monomers but from pendant groups in the polymer network. However, the levels of analytes HEMA in PB or MAA in PLE were increased in A08 and A16 as compared with A00, which suggests that there could be a greater loss of material in HEMA/bisGMA adhesives that experience phase separation under wet bonding conditions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
A differential environmental game with coupling constraints
Authors: Tidball Mabel , Zaccour Georges
Published: April 2008

We consider a finite‐horizon two‐player differential game where the players face a common terminal environmental constraint. Our aim is to verify whether the result obtained in a static context, namely, that the Pareto‐optimal cooperative solution can be attained as a normalized noncooperative Rosen equilibrium, can be generalized to a dynamic setting. We show that this is not the case. However, we provide a taxation mechanism of players' emissions that forces them to implement the less‐polluting cooperative strategies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A combined experimental, theoretical, and Van't Hoff model study for identity methyl, proton, hydrogen atom, and hydride exchange reactions. Correlation with three‐center four‐, three‐, and two‐electron systems
Authors: Buck Henk M.
Published: April 2008

We have studied carbon transfer reactions following an SN2 reaction profile. With ab initio calculations and experimental geometries concerning the nature of the various complexes indicated as stable, intermediate, and transition state we were able to show the additional value of van't Hoff's tetrahedral configuration by changing its geometry via a trigonal pyramid into a trigonal bipyramid. The ratio of the apical bond and corresponding tetrahedral bond distances is then nearly 1.333. The relevance of this approach has also been shown for identity proton‐(hydrogen atom‐, and hydride‐) in‐line reactions. The use of this geometrical transmission will be demonstrated for the hydrogen bonding distances in e.g., DNA duplexes and other biological (supra) molecular systems. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Wake meandering: a pragmatic approach
Authors: Larsen Gunner C. , Madsen Helge Aa. , Thomsen Kenneth , Larsen Torben J.
Published: April 2008

The phenomenon of wake meandering is long known empirically, but has so far not been treated in a satisfactory manner on the wind turbine load modelling side. We present a consistent, physically based theory for wake meandering, which we consider of crucial importance for the overall description of wind turbine loadings in wind farms. In its present version, the model is confined to single wake situations—including a simple heuristic description of wake interaction with a reflecting surface. Contrary to previous attempts to model wind turbine wake loading, the present approach opens for a unifying description in the sense that turbine power and load aspects can be treated simultaneously. This capability is a direct and attractive consequence of the model being based on the underlying physical process, and it potentially opens for optimization of wind farm topology, wind farm operation, as well as control strategies for the individual turbine.

The application of the proposed dynamic wake meandering methodology with existing aeroelastic codes is straightforward and does not involve any code modifications. The strategy is simply to embed the combined effect of atmospheric turbulence, added wake turbulence and the intermittent ‘turbulence contribution’, caused by wake meandering, in files replacing the traditional turbulence file input to aeroelastic computations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Some applications of a desk‐top computer
Authors: Damoglou A. P.
Published: April 2008

The more complex methods of programming the Olivetti 101 are discussed and illustrated with a set of examples taken from the field of Chemistry and Biochemistry. These examples begin with simple programs and graduate through programs which carry out complicated calculations of a repetitive nature from a minimum of data to programs which use special data storage techniques.
Competitive hydrogenation rates of isomeric methyl octadecenoates
Authors: Scholfield C. R. , Mounts T. L. , Butterfield R. O. , Dutton H. J.
Published: April 2008

Hydrogenation rates of isomeric methyl octadecenoates were compared by reducing mixtures containing a small weight of one radioactively labeled isomer and a much larger weight of another unlabeled isomer. As hydrogenation proceeded, samples were removed for analysis by a gas chromatograph, coupled with an ionization chamber so that mass peaks measured reduction of the unlabeled isomer and radioactive peaks of the labeled isomer. The ratio of hydrogenation rates best fitting these data was calculated with a digital computer. Reductions were made at atmospheric pressure generally with either nickel at 140C or platinum at 50C. A few were made with palladium at 50C. Methyl oleate hydrogenated more rapidly than methyl elaidate and thecis‐15‐isomer more rapidly than oleate. Other variations among the positionalcis isomers investigated were small.
1,3‐Diacyl derivatives of imidazolidine and hexahydropyrimidine: I. Preparation by novel method and characterization
Authors: Mod Robert R. , Magne Frank C. , Sumrell Gene
Published: April 2008

The reaction of formaldehyde and diamides of 1,2‐diamines in acetic acid containing a trace of hydrochloric acid was found to give 1,3‐diacyl derivatives of imidazolidine in high yield. The similar reaction of formaldehyde and diamides of 1,3‐propylenediamine gave high yields of 1,3‐diacylhexahydropyrimidines. Attempts to extend this reaction to other aldehydes than formaldehyde failed, as did attempts to condense formaldehyde with a diamide which would give a four‐membered or seven‐membered ring system, the diamide being recovered unchanged in each instance. Twenty‐two new compounds were prepared and characterized.
Functional antibody deficiency in a patient with type I Gaucher disease
Authors: Jariwala S. P. , Fodeman J. , Hudes G. , Ahuja K. , Rosenstreich D.
Published: April 2008

Gaucher disease (GD), the most common lysosomal storage disorder, demonstrates an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. The genetic defect in GD leads to decreased production of the lysosomal enzyme glucosylceramide hydrolase, thereby resulting in the deposition of glucosylceramide sphingolipids within multiple organ systems. Although the precise mechanisms remain unclear, GD is usually associated with chronic antigenic stimulation and hyperimmunoglobulinaemia. We report a novel case of type I GD coexisting with relatively low serum immunoglobulins, impaired antibody production, and recurrent bacterial infections in a 62‐year‐old male. The patient had been diagnosed with GD 30 years previously and had subsequently started enzyme replacement therapy. Since being diagnosed with GD, the patient had suffered from repeated episodes of acute bronchitis and a recent severe bout of community‐acquired pneumonia that required a lengthy hospitalization. On our initial evaluation, the patient had laboratory testing that demonstrated: decreased serum IgG, IgG2, and IgA levels; reduced absolute CD3+/CD4+, CD3+/CD8+, and lymphocyte counts; low IgG titres to pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine; and decreased anti‐tetanus antibodies. Lymphocyte function analysis demonstrated a normal response to phytohaemagglutinin, and decreased responses to concanavalin A and pokeweed mitogen. Repeat testing after 6 months revealed normal serum immunoglobulin levels and mitogenic responses. Although the explanation for our observed transient hypogammaglobulinaemia remains unclear, this patient's clinical constellation (i.e. repeated infections, hypogammaglobulinaemia and lymphopenia, decreased post‐vaccination titres, and impaired responses to some mitogens) shares overlapping features with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID).
Shannon entropy for stationary processes and dynamical systems
Authors: HAMDAN D. , PARRY W. , THOUVENOT J.-P.
Published: April 2008

We consider stationary ergodic processes indexed by $\mathbb Z$ or $\mathbb Z^n$ whose finite-dimensional marginals have laws which are absolutely continuous with respect to Lebesgue measure. We define an entropy theory for these continuous processes, prove an analogue of the Shannon–MacMillan–Breiman theorem and study more precisely the particular example of Gaussian processes.
A mass customization information framework for integration of customer in the configuration/design of a customized product
Authors: SIDDIQUE ZAHED , BODDU KARUNAKAR REDDY
Published: April 2008

One of the aspects of mass customization is to provide customers with products that are manufactured to their needs and requirements. To provide such support requires better integration of the customer into different stages of design and manufacturing. Expansion of the Internet provides an opportunity for such an integration, which will need to link design and manufacturing of the company with the customer. In current approaches, customers usually specify the options and get the price or simple pictures of the object. In this paper we present a framework in which customer options and size parameters are gathered using the Internet. It is used to automatically generate a 3-dimensional computer-aided design model of the product, estimate the price of the product, and generate assembly sequence information. The framework for mass customization of products necessitates information management among different segments of the company and the customer. The Internet-based system presented in this paper uses a graph grammar and templates to explicitly maintain correspondence among various types of product information from a module perspective. The system is demonstrated using a customizable coffeemaker product family.
The ‘Minority Problem’ and National Classification in the French and Czechoslovak Borderlands
Authors: ZAHRA TARA
Published: April 2008

In the aftermath of the First World War, a so-called ‘minority problem’ loomed large in European politics. This problem was understood, moreover, to be peculiar to central and eastern Europe. In fact, however, linguistic diversity was not a unique feature of the east, but also an ongoing challenge in states that had long claimed to have a unified national culture. This article compares policies of national classification and minority rights in France and Czechoslovakia after the First World War. It suggests that even as east/west binaries structured the unequal application of new international minority rights protections, France, rather than Czechoslovakia, implemented a more radical and racist policy of forcible national classification.
Magnetic and magnetothermal properties of La1−xNdxFe11.5Al1.5 compounds
Authors: Kumar Pramod , Singh Niraj K. , Suresh K. G. , Nigam A. K.
Published: April 2008

In this paper, we report the structural, magnetic, and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of La1−xNdxFe11.5Al1.5 (x=0.1,0.2) compounds. Temperature dependence of magnetization data shows that with Nd substitution, the nature of magnetic transition changes from second order transition to multiple first order transition. This observation is confirmed by the thermodynamic analysis using the Landau theory of phase transitions. The MCE has been calculated in terms of the isothermal magnetic entropy change (ΔSM) using the magnetization isotherms obtained at temperatures close to the transition temperature. The maximum values of ΔSM are found to be 5.4 and 4.6Jkg−1K−1 of x=0.1 and x=0.2, respectively, for a field change of 50kOe, whereas the value for the undoped compound is about 3Jkg−1K−1. The refrigerant capacity has been calculated to be 544J∕kgK for x=0.1 and 470J∕kgK for x=0.2.
Characterization of half-metallic L21-phase Co2FeSi full-Heusler alloy thin films formed by rapid thermal annealing
Authors: Takamura Yota , Nakane Ryosho , Munekata Hiro , Sugahara Satoshi
Published: April 2008

The authors developed a preparation technique of Co2FeSi full-Heusler alloy thin films with the L21-ordered structure on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates, employing rapid thermal annealing (RTA). The Co2FeSi full-Heusler alloy films were successfully formed by RTA-induced silicidation reaction between an ultrathin SOI (001) layer and Fe∕Co layers deposited on it. The highly (110)-oriented L21-phase polycrystalline full-Heusler alloy films were obtained at the RTA temperature of 700°C. Crystallographic and magnetic properties of the RTA-formed full-Heusler alloy films were qualitatively the same as those of bulk full-Heusler alloy. The proposed technique is compatible with metal source∕drain formation process in advanced complementary metal-oxide semiconductor technology and would be applicable to the fabrication of the half-metallic source∕drain of metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor type of spin transistors.
A fourth-order finite difference solver for nerve conduction equation in rectangular domains
Authors: Zhang Zhiyue , Deng Dingwen
Published: April 2008

A fourth-order finite difference solver for the nerve conduction equation is presented that has mesh-independent convergence rate and unconditional convergence for any time-step size. Numerics are performed for a number of test problems which shows that the features of the nerve conduction equation are preserved. The computational loads are roughly same as ones of normal second-order scheme, such as the Crank–Nicolson scheme.
Phase transformation in unpoled bulk Pb(Zn1∕3Nb2∕3)O3–8%PbTiO3 single crystals revealed by the fracturing technique
Authors: Chang W. S. , Lim L. C. , Wang F.-T. , Tu C.-S. , Yang P.
Published: April 2008

Polished-and-annealed surfaces of bulk Pb(Zn1∕3Nb2∕3)O3–PbTiO3 (PZN-PT) single crystals were covered with a deformed layer and, hence, were unsuitable for structural study by means of x-ray diffraction technique. In contrast, fractured surfaces of bulk single crystals were relatively strain-free giving rise to distinctive diffraction patterns. Using the fracturing technique and high-resolution synchrotron x-ray diffraction, the present work shows that unpoled (annealed) PZN-8%PT single crystal undergoes a (MC)-T-C transformation upon heating under zero field condition, where T and C are the tetragonal and cubic phases, respectively. The symbol (MC) indicates an “apparent” type-C monoclinic phase, which in fact may be a rhombohedral phase of complicated domain structures.
Numerical investigation of cooling effect on platinum nanoparticle formation in inductively coupled thermal plasmas
Authors: Shigeta Masaya , Watanabe Takayuki
Published: April 2008

A mathematical model is developed to simulate the comprehensive systems of platinum nanoparticle synthesis using an argon inductively coupled thermal plasma flow with forced cooling portions. Numerical investigation using the model is conducted to clarify and discuss the effects of several cooling methods on the formation mechanisms of nanoparticles in distinctive thermofluid fields with strong two dimensionality. The computational results show that cooling by a radial gas injection, and a counterflow, engenders the remarkable promotion of nanoparticles.
Spin transfer switching and low-field precession in exchange-biased spin valve nanopillars
Authors: Wu M. C. , Aziz A. , Morecroft D. , Blamire M. G. , Hickey M. C. , Ali M. , Burnell G. , Hickey B. J.
Published: April 2008

Using a three-dimensional focused ion beam lithography process, we have fabricated nanopillar devices that show spin transfer torque switching at zero external magnetic fields. Under a small in-plane external bias field, a field-dependent peak in the differential resistance versus current is observed similar to that reported in asymmetrical nanopillar devices. This is interpreted as evidence for the low-field excitation of spin waves, which in our case is attributed to a spin-scattering asymmetry enhanced by the IrMn exchange bias layer coupled to a relatively thin CoFe fixed layer.
Nickel oxide-induced crystallization of silicon for use in thin film transistors with a SiNx diffusion filter
Authors: Kim Jong-Yeon , Han Jin-Woo , Han Jeong-Min , Kim Young-Hwan , Oh Byeong-Yun , Kim Byoung-Yong , Lee Sang-Keuk , Seo Dae-Shik
Published: April 2008

We investigated the use of nickel oxide (NiO) as a catalyst for the metal-induced crystallization. SiNx serves as a diffusion filter that forms an effective barrier to Ni and also acts as a passivation layer for metal contaminants. The NiO has a constant area density of 8.22×106 Ni atoms  cm−2. This allows enough depletion regions for the growth of disklike grains. The thin film transistor exhibited a field-effective mobility of 15.9cm2V−1s−1, a threshold voltage of −5.2V, an Ion∕Ioff ratio of 1.6×107, and a gate voltage swing of 0.8V∕decade.
EGFR in gastric carcinomas: prognostic significance of protein overexpression and high gene copy number
Authors: Kim M A , Lee H S , Lee H E , Jeon Y K , Yang H K , Kim W H
Published: April 2008

Aims:  Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression has been observed in a variety of solid tumours with the potential of new targeted therapeutic agents. The aim was to evaluate the EGFR status of gastric carcinoma (GC) using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

Methods and results:  The EGFR status was evaluated in GC tissues from 511 patients using IHC and FISH. In addition, the clinicopathological characteristics were examined and the results were compared with the EGFR status. One hundred and forty cases (27.4%) showed EGFR overexpression by IHC. EGFR overexpression was associated with older age (P = 0.001), moderately or poorly differentiated histology (P = 0.001) and higher stage disease (P = 0.046). Sixteen cases (3.1%) showed high polysomy and 12 cases (2.3%) had gene amplification by FISH. The correlation between IHC and FISH results was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The patients with GC who had EGFR overexpression had an unfavourable prognosis and multivariate analysis showed that EGFR overexpression was a possible independent unfavourable prognostic factor.

Conclusions:  EGFR overexpression was observed in a subset of cases with GC and was associated with an unfavourable prognosis. It will be important to evaluate EGFR status to interpret future clinical trials properly using EGFR targeted agents.
Small‐group discussions and the microcomputer*
Authors: Cummings R.
Published: April 2008

An investigation into pupil‐talk in groups during a CAL simulation game is reported. The role of language as an aid to communication and understanding is considered along with the potential of the microcomputer as a stimulus to and generator of discussion. The contents of children's conversations, at and away from the keyboard, are analysed.
A survey of microcomputer use and provision In primary schools
Authors: Jackson A. , Fletcher B.(C.) , Messer D. J.
Published: April 2008

Abstract An exhaustive survey of Hertfordshire primary schools was completed which provides detailed information of microcomputer‐provision, classroom use, headteachers' and teachers' aims and attitudes, and an analysis of factors which influence use. The survey was in two parts: an initial questionnaire to identify the extent of microcomputer ownership, and a main questionnaire to collect information from both headteachers and teachers who were using microcomputers. In general, most schools possessed microcomputers, but children's access was limited, and it would appear that drill and practice type programs were most frequently used. The extent and type of use was found to be affected by a number of factors.
Intelligent tutoring systems
Authors: ROSS P.
Published: April 2008

Abstract  This is a non‐specialist introduction to intelligent tutoring systems, one way in which artificial intelligence is being applied to education. It presumes little knowledge of AI. The aim is to explain what an ITS consists of, in general terms, and to give some feel for the current products of this kind of research.