bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Injuries on offshore cruising sailboats: analysis for means of prevention
Authors: Rouvillain J-L , Mercky F , Lethuillier D
Published: June 2007

Objective:

No studies have been performed on cruising sailors who spend most of the year on offshore cruising sailboats. To gain a better understanding of this population, traumatic events occurring in this group of sailors were studied to define appropriate means of prevention.

Design, setting and patients:

Primary care data were collected prospectively using a questionnaire during in-depth interviews by one of the authors (FM) of 100 cruising sailboat crews that called at Martinique between December 2001 and May 2002.

Main outcome measurements:

In total, 56 injuries were reported: 20 involved the upper limb, 20 the lower limb, and 7 the head and neck. There were also 19 burns, 11 of which were photoinduced and 8 accidental. There were 16 skin infections, 3 of which were complicated by arthritis.

Results:

After analysis, we found that most of these injuries could be prevented if the following recommendations were applied. Wearing shoes would avoid foot injuries. A hatch cover would effectively protect from cranial trauma caused by the boom. To protect from the sun, a bimini top (cover to shield the cockpit) would be most effective. A windlass would avoid hand injuries and acute lower back pain. Lastly, meticulous wound care until complete healing would prevent the common complications of skin superinfections.

Conclusions:

Injuries to professional seafarers and ocean racers are well described, but the increasingly growing cruising sailor population has not been well studied. Development of easy and inexpensive worldwide network connection will allow better follow-up of this mobile population.
Experiences of Australian professional female tennis players returning to competition from injury
Authors: Young Janet A , Pain Michelle D , Pearce Alan J
Published: June 2007

Background:

This study examined the experiences of professional female tennis players returning to competition from injury.

Methods:

In a study commissioned by Tennis Australia, 55 Australian professional female tennis players responded anonymously to a questionnaire developed for the purposes of this study. The questionnaire consisted of open and closed questions that assessed a player’s attribution style, the occurrence and effect of minor and major injuries, frequency and type of treatment sought, attitudinal chances following injury and preventative injury factors.

Results:

The quantitative and qualitative analyses of participants’ responses revealed players generally displayed an internal attribution style with the majority of minor injuries involving lower limb injuries (attributed to playing on hard surfaces). Players reported these injuries were addressed in a variety of ways including self-treatment. The majority of severe injuries were upper limb/shoulder and these were generally treated at tournament sites with some requiring surgery.

Conclusions:

Players adopted a range of measures to assist recovery from severe injury including the services of health professionals. In further findings, a player’s attribution style was not a predictive variable, except in terms of the number of tournaments missed for minor injuries. Implications of the study’s results and future research directions for cross-cultural studies are highlighted.
Effects of the playing surface on plantar pressures and potential injuries in tennis
Authors: Girard O , Eicher F , Fourchet F , Micallef J P , Millet G P
Published: June 2007

Objectives:

To examine the influence of different playing surfaces on in-shoe loading patterns during tennis-specific movements.

Methods:

Ten experienced male players performed two types of tennis-specific displacements (serve and volley (SV) and baseline play (BA)) on two different playing surfaces; eg, clay vs Greenset. Maximum and mean force and pressure, contact time, contact area and relative load were recorded by an insole with 99 sensors (X-Pedar system) divided into 9 areas.

Results:

Regarding the whole foot, mean (SD) force (SV: 615 (91) vs 724 (151) N; −12.4%, p<0.05 and BA: 614 (73) vs 717 (133) N; −11.6%, p<0.05) was lower on clay than on Greenset, whereas contact time was longer (SV: 299 (113) vs 270 (148) ms; +16.5%, NS and BA: 354 (72) vs 272 (60) ms; +30.3%, p<0.001). Greenset induced higher loading in the hallux (SV: +15.3%, p<0.05 and BA: +11.4%, not significant) and lesser toes areas (SV: +12.6%, p<0.05 and BA: +18.0%, p<0.01). In contrast, the relative load on the medial (SV: +27.4%, p<0.05 and BA: +16.1%, p = 0.06) and lateral midfoot (SV: +23.3%, p<0.05 and BA: +28.3%, p<0.01) was higher on clay.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that playing surface affects plantar loading in tennis: Greenset induced higher loading in the hallux (SV: +15.3%, p<0.05 and BA: +11.4%, NS) and lesser toes areas (SV: +12.6%, p<0.05 and BA: +18.0%, p<0.01) but lower relative load on the medial (SV: −27.4%, p<0.05 and BA: −16.1%, p = 0.06) and lateral midfoot (SV: −23.3%, p<0.05 and BA: −28.3%, p<0.01) than clay.
Association of rear seat safety belt use with death in a traffic crash: a matched cohort study
Authors: Zhu Motao , Cummings Peter , Chu Haitao , Cook Lawrence J
Published: June 2007

Objective:To estimate the association of rear seat safety belt use with death in a traffic crash.

Design:Matched cohort study.

Setting:The US during 2000 through 2004.

Subjects:Drivers (10 427) and rear seat passengers (15 922) in passenger vehicles that crashed and had at least one driver or rear passenger death. Data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System.

Main outcome measures:The adjusted relative risk (aRR) of death for a belted rear seat passenger compared with an otherwise similar unbelted rear passenger.

Results:Safety belt use was associated with a reduced risk of death for rear car occupants: outboard rear seat aRR 0.42 (95% CI 0.38 to 0.46), and center rear seat aRR 0.30 (95% CI 0.20 to 0.44). For rear occupants of light trucks, vans, and utility vehicles, the estimates were: outboard aRR 0.25 (95% CI 0.21 to 0.29), center aRR 0.34 (95% CI 0.24 to 0.48).

Conclusions:If the authors’ estimates are causal, traffic crash mortality can be reduced for rear occupants by approximately 55–75% if they use safety belts.
Risk factors for childhood drowning in rural regions of a developing country: a case–control study
Authors: Yang Li , Nong Quan-Qing , Li Chun-Ling , Feng Qi-Ming , Lo Sing Kai
Published: June 2007

Background:Descriptive epidemiological studies have shown that childhood drowning rates are higher in developing countries, with an increasing trend in rural areas.

Aim:To examine risk factors associated with childhood drowning in rural China.

Methods:Participants included parents of all children aged 1–14 years who died of drowning between 2002 and 2004 in 20 districts in GuangXi Province, and two age- and gender-matched controls each. Behavioral characteristics of the child and the children’s caregivers were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using logistic regression.

Results:Boys (60%) and children aged 1–4 years (48%) were over-represented among the cases; 62% occurred within 500 m of the school or home. Protective fencing or warning signs were found at only two sites. None of the children’s caregivers knew how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. For children aged 1–4 years significant risk factors included poor health of the caregiver (OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.9 to 5.8), not using flotation devices (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.4 to 4.5) and no proper swimming lessons (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.1 to 5.5). For children aged 5–14 years, the main risk factors were that the child did not have the experience of playing near or in water regularly (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.8 to 7.4) and lack of close supervision (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.3 to 5.6).

Conclusion:Risk factors identified in this study suggest that childhood drowning in rural areas in developing countries could be prevented by providing safety educational programs, which should focus on constant adult supervision and the use of flotation devices when children play in and near water.
Promoting bicycle helmet wearing by children using non-legislative interventions: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Royal Simon , Kendrick Denise , Coleman Tim
Published: June 2007

Objectives:To assess the effectiveness of non-legislative interventions in increasing bicycle helmet use among children and young people, and to identify possible reasons for differential effectiveness of interventions.

Design:Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources:10 electronic databases were searched up to October 2006. Several other sources of potentially relevant information were identified and examined.

Review methods:We included randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials and controlled before-and-after studies of interventions to promote bicycle helmet use, which did not require the enactment of legislation. Participants were aged between 0 and 18 years.

Main outcome measure:Observed helmet wearing.

Results:13 studies were included in the review and 11 in the meta-analysis. The odds of observed helmet wearing were significantly greater among children and young people in the intervention groups (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.35 to 3.35). Subgroup analysis indicated that the effect might be greater for community-based studies (4.57, 2.37 to 8.81) and those providing free helmets (4.60, 2.25 to 9.43) than for those providing subsidized helmets (2.11, 1.09 to 4.06) and those set in schools (1.73, 1.04 to 2.89). Evidence for the effectiveness of the interventions was stronger in studies with follow-up periods of ⩽6 months (2.23, 1.27 to 3.90) than in those with longer-term follow-up (1.63, 0.91 to 2.91).

Conclusions:Non-legislative interventions are effective in increasing bicycle helmet use among children and young people. Community-based helmet promotion programmes that include the provision of free helmets may increase observed helmet wearing to a greater extent than those set in schools or those providing subsidized helmets.
Cyclists injured while sharing the road with motor vehicles
Authors: Haileyesus Tadesse , Annest Joseph L , Dellinger Ann M
Published: June 2007

Objective:To provide national estimates of non-fatal cyclist injuries treated in US hospital emergency departments (EDs) resulting from an encounter with a motor vehicle (MV) on the road.

Methods:Non-fatal injury data for 2001–4 from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System All Injury Program were analyzed.

Results:An estimated 62 267 persons (21.5 per 100 000 population; 95% CI 14.3 to 28.7) were treated annually in US hospital EDs for unintentional non-fatal cyclist injuries involving an MV on the road. Among these cases, children aged 10–14 years (65.8 per 100 000) and males (35.3 per 100 000) had the highest injury rates. Many injuries involved the extremities (41.9%). The head was the primary body part affected for 38.6% of hospitalized/transferred patients, of which about 84.7% had a principal diagnosis of a concussion or internal head injury.

Conclusions:Effective road environmental interventions (eg, bicycle-friendly roadway design, intersections and crossings) along with efforts to promote safe personal behavior (eg, helmet use and following rules of the road) are needed to help reduce injuries among cyclists while sharing the road.
Child passenger injury risk in sibling versus non-sibling teen driver crashes: a US study
Authors: Senserrick Teresa M , Kallan Michael J , Winston Flaura K
Published: June 2007

Several international jurisdictions allow family exemptions to graduated driver licensing passenger restrictions. The objective of this research was to examine differences in injury risk to US child passengers in crashes involving sibling versus non-sibling teen drivers, and to compare outcomes with crashes involving adult drivers. Insurance claim and telephone survey data were collected on 16 233 child passengers (representing 289 329 children) in 17 US jurisdictions. There was a trend toward higher restraint non-use by child passengers in the non-sibling group than in the sibling group (9.6% vs 4.7%; p = 0.08). Children in the sibling group had a 40% lower risk of injury than those in the non-sibling group (adjusted OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.90); however, injury risk was higher in the sibling group than in children traveling with adults (adjusted OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.26). Child passengers riding with sibling teen drivers may be safer than those riding with non-sibling teens, but not as safe as those riding with adult drivers.
Drinking behaviors in young adults: the potential role of designated driver and safe ride home programs
Authors: Rivara Frederick P , Relyea-Chew Annemarie , Wang Jin , Riley Suzette , Boisvert Deanne , Gomez Tony
Published: June 2007

Objectives:To determine the drinking and driving habits reported in people aged 21–34 years.

Design:Random digit dialing survey.

Setting:Seattle and Spokane, Washington; Portland, Oregon.

Participants:917 individuals aged 21–34 years, who had a valid driver’s license, who had consumed at least one alcoholic drink in the last year and who lived in Seattle, Spokane or Portland.

Outcome measures:Driving after drinking, use of a designated driver and serving as a designated driver.

Results:62% drank alcohol at least weekly, and 31% binged at least once per month in the last year. 21% drove after drinking too much in the last month. Two-thirds of individuals reported being a designated driver at least once in the last year, and in most instances, this had been decided before the group went out for the evening. Over three-quarters of individuals reported that they drank less than they usually do the last time they were a designated driver. When using a designated driver, almost half of the individuals reported drinking more on that occasion than usual, with approximately half of those having at least three more drinks than usual.

Conclusions:These results point to the need for interventions to combat the problem of drunk driving and prevent its associated morbidity and mortality. Rigorous evaluation of the effect of designated driver and safe ride home programs are needed.
Asbestos exposure and differences in occurrence of peritoneal mesothelioma between men and women across countries
Authors: Burdorf A , Järvholm B , Siesling S
Published: June 2007

Objective:

In several countries the incidence of peritoneal mesotheliomas among women closely mirrors the pattern among men. The aim was to investigate the role of asbestos exposure in the aetiology of peritoneal mesotheliomas in women and men.

Methods:

All cases of peritoneal mesothelioma were selected from the Swedish and Netherlands Cancer Registers for the period 1989–2003. For both countries incidence rates were calculated and stratified by sex. A linear regression analysis was used to analyse the existence of a trend over time.

Results:

Among men the incidence rate of peritoneal mesothelioma in the Netherlands (0.60 per 100 000 persons) was consistently higher than in Sweden with an average ratio of 1.8 (range 1.4–2.8). In both countries no trend over time was observed. During the 15-year period in the Netherlands the incidence rate among men was about 3.3-fold higher than among women. In Sweden the incidence rate among women was slightly higher than in men up to 1999, and thereafter about threefold higher among men. This sudden shift was statistically significant and seemed mainly caused by changes in classification of peritoneal tumours.

Conclusion:

The absence of a time trend in the incidence rate of peritoneal mesothelioma in the Netherlands and Sweden in the past 15 years may point to a more limited role of occupational exposure to asbestos in the aetiology of peritoneal mesothelioma than for pleural mesothelioma, especially among women. The observed drop around 2000 in annual incidence of peritoneal mesothelioma among Swedish women indicates the presence in the past of a substantial misclassification with other tumours in the peritoneum.
Nuclear genome size in Selaginella
Authors: Little Damon P. , Moran Robbin C. , Brenner Eric D. , Stevenson Dennis Wm.
Published: June 2007

Estimates of nuclear genome size for 9 Selaginella species were obtained using flow cytometry, and measurements for 7 of these species are reported for the first time. Estimates range from 0.086 to 0.112 pg per holoploid genome (84–110 Mb). The data presented here agree with the previously published flow cytometric results for S. moellendorffii . Within the 9 species sampled here, chromosome number varies from 2n = 16 to 2n = 27. Nuclear genome size appears to be strongly correlated with chromosome number (Spearman’s rank correlation; p = 0.00003725). Cultivated S. moellendorffii lacks sexual reproduction—manifest by the production of abortive megasporangia. Flow cytometric data generated from a herbarium specimen of a fertile wild-collected S. moellendorffii are virtually indistinguishable from the data generated from fresh material (0.088 vs. 0.089 pg/1C). Therefore, the limited fertility observed in cultivated plants is probably not the result of abnormal chromosome number (e.g., induced by interspecific hybridization).
Relationships among durum wheat accessions. I. Comparative analysis of SSR, AFLP, and phenotypic data
Authors: Maccaferri M. , Stefanelli S. , Rotondo F. , Tuberosa R. , Sanguineti M.C.
Published: June 2007

The determination of genetic relatedness among elite materials of crop species allows for more efficient management of breeding programs and for the protection of breeders’ rights. Seventy simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 234 amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) were used to profile a collection of 58 durum wheat ( Triticum durum Desf.) accessions, representing the most important extant breeding programs. In addition, 42 phenotypic traits, including the morphological characteristics recommended for the official distinctness, uniformity, and stability tests, were recorded. The correlation between the genetic similarities obtained with the 2 marker classes was high (r = 0.81), whereas lower values were observed between molecular and phenotypic data (r = 0.46 and 0.56 for AFLPs and SSRs, respectively). Morphological data, even if sampled in high numbers, largely failed to describe the pattern of genetic similarity, according to known pedigree data and the indications provided by molecular markers.
Relationships among durum wheat accessions. II. A comparison of molecular and pedigree information
Authors: Maccaferri M. , Sanguineti M.C. , Xie C. , Smith J.S.C. , Tuberosa R.
Published: June 2007

The study of direct ancestry relationships provides information with which to determine essential derivation. SSR profiles were used to determine the pattern of relatedness among 134 durum wheat accessions, representing the most important modern durum wheat gene pools. Simple sequence repeat (SSR)- and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP)-based genetic similarities among cultivars with accurate pedigrees were compared with pedigree-based coefficients of parentage. Sizeable departures of molecular similarities from the expected ones were observed, indicating the unreliability of inferring the pattern of genetic relatedness from the coefficient of parentage. Case studies consisting of parent–progeny cultivar trios and pairs, identified on the basis of their registered pedigree, were studied to evaluate the probability of ancestry of each progeny cultivar, compared with all the remaining accessions. Rare alleles and haplotype sharing were also explored. When the results did not agree with the registered parentages, SSR markers provided information with which to identify the most probable parents (or the corresponding “breeding lineages”) in the collection.
The genetic relationship among plant-height traits found using multiple-trait QTL mapping of a dent corn and popcorn cross
Authors: Li Yuling , Dong Yongbin , Niu Suzhun , Cui Dangqun
Published: June 2007

Plant height (PH) is one of the most important traits in maize breeding programs. In popcorn, inferior plant traits can be improved with the dent/flint corn germplasm. In the current study, a total of 259 F2:3families, developed from a cross between a dent corn inbred and a popcorn inbred, were evaluated for 4 PH traits. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for each trait were detected using composite interval mapping methods. In addition, genetic interrelationships were investigated using multiple-trait joint analysis for PH with ear height (EH), and for PH with top height (TH). In total, 6, 5, 2, and 6 QTLs were identified for PH, EH, TH, and TH/PH in single-trait analysis, respectively. Joint-analysis data suggest a strong and complex genetic relationship between PH and EH, and between PH and EH, with no QTLs controlling any single trait independently. In addition, 4 kinds of QTLs detected were classified as closely linked QTLs, pleiotropic QTLs, QTLs with opposite effects, and additional QTLs. It was, consequently, difficult to improve lodge resistance through selection on any individual PH trait. The current study demonstrates that multiple-trait joint analysis not only identified additional QTLs, but also revealed the genetic relationship among different highly correlated traits at the molecular level.
SYNCHRONIZATION MEASURES OF THE SCALP ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM CAN DISCRIMINATE HEALTHY FROM ALZHEIMER'S SUBJECTS
Authors: KRAMER MARK A. , CHANG FEN-LEI , COHEN MAURICE E. , HUDSON DONNA , SZERI ANDREW J.
Published: June 2007

Three synchronization measures are applied to scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) data collected from 20 patients diagnosed to have either: (1) no dementia, (2) mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or (3) Alzheimer's disease (AD). We apply the three synchronization measures — the phase synchronization, and two measures of nonlinear interdependency — to the data collected from awake patients resting with eyes closed. We show that the synchronization in potential between electrodes near the left and right occipital lobes provides a statistically significant discriminant between the healthy and AD subjects, and the MCI and AD subjects. None of the three measures appears able to distinguish between the healthy and MCI subjects, although MCI subjects show synchronization values intermediate between healthy subjects (with high synchronization values) and AD subjects (with low synchronization values) on average.
ROLE OF REFRACTORY PERIOD IN HOMOCLINIC MODELS OF NEURAL SYNCHRONIZATION
Authors: MONTINA A. , MENDOZA C. , ARECCHI F. T.
Published: June 2007

We study the properties of a homoclinic model of neuron by introducing a suitable one-dimensional map. We show that the system is characterized by a response time to external signals which is a decreasing function of the signal strength, in contrast to excitable models whose response time is signal-independent. In a one-dimensional array of these systems with bidirectional coupling, we observe a sudden transition to a synchronized state at a certain value of the coupling strength. The transition occurs when the response time of a site to the signals of the adjacent sites is of the order of refractory time. Near the transition, we find an intermittent behavior due to the competition between a turbulent and a synchronized state. The observed behavior distinguishes homoclinic systems from excitable systems.
NETWORK DYNAMICS AND SYNCHRONOUS ACTIVITY IN CULTURED CORTICAL NEURONS
Authors: CHIAPPALONE MICHELA , VATO ALESSANDRO , BERDONDINI LUCA , KOUDELKA-HEP MILENA , MARTINOIA SERGIO
Published: June 2007

Neurons extracted from specific areas of the Central Nervous System (CNS), such as the hippocampus, the cortex and the spinal cord, can be cultured in vitro and coupled with a micro-electrode array (MEA) for months. After a few days, neurons connect each other with functionally active synapses, forming a random network and displaying spontaneous electrophysiological activity. In spite of their simplified level of organization, they represent an useful framework to study general information processing properties and specific basic learning mechanisms in the nervous system. These experimental preparations show patterns of collective rhythmic activity characterized by burst and spike firing. The patterns of electrophysiological activity may change as a consequence of external stimulation (i.e., chemical and/or electrical inputs) and by partly modifying the "randomness" of the network architecture (i.e., confining neuronal sub-populations in clusters with micro-machined barriers). In particular we investigated how the spontaneous rhythmic and synchronous activity can be modulated or drastically changed by focal electrical stimulation, pharmacological manipulation and network segregation. Our results show that burst firing and global synchronization can be enhanced or reduced; and that the degree of synchronous activity in the network can be characterized by simple parameters such as cross-correlation on burst events.
LOW TEMPERATURE SPECIFIC HEAT OF INTERMETALLICS (Ti/Be)B2
Authors: KAUR NUPINDER , GAUR N. K. , SINGH R. K.
Published: June 2007

We have applied the Rigid Ion Model (RIM) to study the cohesive and thermal properties of binary intermetallic BeB 2 and TiB 2. The paper reports the calculated results on cohesive energy (ϕ), compressibility (β), molecular force constant (f), Restrahalen frequency (ν0), Debye temperature (Θ D ) and Gruneisen parameter (γ) for the temperature range 50 K ≤ T ≤ 300 K and the effect of van der Waal interaction on these properties are also shown. Our results on Debye temperature are closer to the experimental data. In addition, we have computed the specific heats for BeB 2 and TiB 2 and compared them with the available experimental data.
STEADY STATE SOLUTIONS FOR A THERMAL EXPLOSION IN A CYLINDRICAL VESSEL
Authors: HARLEY C. , MOMONIAT E.
Published: June 2007

Steady state solutions of a heat balance equation modeling a thermal explosion in a cylindrical vessel are obtained. The heat balance equation reduces to a Lane–Emden equation of the second-kind when steady state solutions are investigated. Analytical solutions to this Lane–Emden equation of the second-kind are obtained by implementation of the Lie group method. The classical Lie group method is used to obtain the well-known solution of Frank-Kamenetskii for the temperature distribution in a cylindrical vessel. Using an extension of the classical Lie group method a non-local symmetry is obtained and a new solution describing the temperature distribution after blow-up is obtained.
BOSONIC OPERATOR HAMILTONIAN MODELS OF JOSEPHSON JUNCTIONS IN SERIES AND IN PARALLEL AND THEIR PROJECTIONS ONTO ENTANGLED STATE REPRESENTATIONS
Authors: YE WAN-YU , FAN HONG-YI
Published: June 2007

We present the bosonic operator Hamiltonian models of two Josephson junctions which are connected in series and in parallel, respectively. By introducing the entangled state representations (|η〉 representation and Cooper pairs representation) and projecting the operator Hamiltonian onto the |η〉 representation we obtain the correct Josephson current and phase equations consistent with the classical Hamiltonian cases.
IMPACT OF NANO-Mo ADDITION/SUBSTITUTION ON THE PHASE FORMATION AND SUPERCONDUCTIVITY OF Mg1-xMoxB2 (x=0.0to 0.50)
Authors: MUDGEL MONIKA , AWANA V. P. S. , KISHAN H. , RAWAT RAJEEV , NARLIKAR A. V. , BALAMURUGAN S. , BHALLA G. L.
Published: June 2007

Bulk polycrystalline samples of nano- Mo doped MgB 2 were synthesized by Fe tube encapsulation at ambient pressure under argon annealing (850°C). Mo substitution takes place successfully at the Mg site in Mg 1-x Mo x B 2 only till x=0.2. For higher (x>0.2) Mo content the same did not enter the MgB 2 lattice but rather forms an isomorphic lattice in the host with decreased c but an increased a-parameter. The ρ(T) measurements showed superconducting transition temperature (T c ) of around 36 K for all the samples till x=0.3 and slightly decreased values of 35 and 34 K for x=0.4 and 0.5 samples, respectively. Resistivity under magnetic field [R(T)H] experiments showed distinct single peaks in dρ/dT for all applied fields up to 8 Tesla. The estimated upper critical field H c2 is 8 Tesla for pristine and x=0.2 samples at 15.6 and 19 K, respectively. Thus H c2 increases up to x=0.20 samples and decreases afterwards. Magnetic susceptibility measurements exhibited sharp transition to superconducting state with a sizeable diamagnetic signal at 38 K (T c ) in zero field-cooled measurements. Commendable current density (J c ) of up to 105 A/cm2 in 1–2 T (Tesla) fields at temperatures (T) of up to 10 K is seen from magnetization measurements invoking the Bean's critical state model for pristine samples. For higher fields above 2.5 Tesla the J c (H) characteristics of x=0.1 and 0.2 samples were found to be slightly superior to that for pristine samples with enhanced H irr (irreversibility field).
ADAPTIVE LEARNING SEARCH, A NEW TOOL TO HELP COMPREHENDING METAHEURISTICS
Authors: DRÉO JOHANN , AUMASSON JEAN-PHILIPPE , TFAILI WALID , SIARRY PATRICK
Published: June 2007

The majority of the algorithms used to solve hard optimization problems today are population metaheuristics. These methods are often presented under a purely algorithmic angle, while insisting on the metaphors which led to their design. We propose in this article to regard population metaheuristics as methods making evolution a probabilistic sampling of the objective function, either explicitly, implicitly, or directly, via processes of learning, diversification, and intensification. We present a synthesis of some metaheuristics and their functioning seen under this angle, called Adaptive Learning Search. We discuss how to design metaheuristics following this approach, and propose an implementation with our Open Metaheuristics framework, along with concrete examples.
UFLIBRARY: A SIMULATION LIBRARY IMPLEMENTING THE UTILITY FUNCTION METHOD FOR BEHAVIORAL ORGANIZATION IN AUTONOMOUS ROBOTS
Authors: PETTERSSON JIMMY , WAHDE MATTIAS
Published: June 2007

A simulation software package (UFLibrary) implementing the utility function (UF) method for behavior selection in autonomous robots, is introduced and described by means of an example involving a simple exploration robot equipped with a repertoire of five different behaviors. The UFLibrary (as indeed the UF method itself) is aimed at providing a rapid yet reliable and generally applicable procedure for generating behavior selection systems for autonomous robots, while at the same time minimizing the amount of hand-coding related to the activation of behaviors. It is demonstrated how the UFLibrary allows a user to rapidly implement individual behaviors and to set up and carry out simulations of a robot in its arena, in order to generate and optimize, by means of an evolutionary algorithm, the behavior selection system of the robot.
A NOVEL DELAY-DEPENDENT CRITERION FOR TIME-DELAY T-S FUZZY SYSTEMS USING FUZZY LYAPUNOV METHOD
Authors: CHEN CHENG-WU , LIN CHEN-LIANG , TSAI CHUNG-HUNG , CHEN CHEN-YUAN , YEH KEN
Published: June 2007

This study presents an H∞ controller design for time-delay T-S fuzzy systems based on the fuzzy Lyapunov method, which is defined in terms of fuzzy blending quadratic Lyapunov functions. The delay-dependent robust stability criterion is derived in terms of the fuzzy Lyapunov method to guarantee the stability of time-delay T-S fuzzy systems subjected to disturbances. Based on the delay-dependent condition and parallel distributed compensation (PDC) scheme, the controller design problem is transformed into solving linear matrix inequalities (LMI).
ROBUST DIRECT ADAPTIVE CONTROLLER FOR A CLASS OF NONLINEAR SYSTEMS BASED ON NEURAL NETWORKS AND FUZZY LOGIC SYSTEMS
Authors: CHEMACHEMA MOHAMED , BELARBI KHALED
Published: June 2007

In this paper a direct adaptive control algorithm based on a neural network NN as controller and a fuzzy inference system FIS as control error estimator is presented for a class of SISO uncertain nonlinear systems. The weights adaptation laws are based on the control error. A fuzzy inference system is used to provide an estimate of this error based on past history of the system behavior. The stability of the closed loop is studied using Lyapunov theory. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
A SIMILARITY BETWEEN THE GROSS LAPLACIAN AND THE LÉVY LAPLACIAN
Authors: JI UN CIG , SAITÔ KIMIAKI
Published: June 2007

In this paper we present a construction of an infinite dimensional separable Hilbert space associated with a norm induced from the Lévy trace. The space is slightly different from the Cesàro Hilbert space introduced in Ref. 1. The Lévy Laplacian is discussed with a suitable domain which is constructed by a rigging of Fock spaces based on a rigging of Hilbert spaces with the Lévy trace. Then the Lévy Laplacian can be considered as the Gross Laplacian acting on a certain countable Hilbert space. By constructing one-parameter group of operators of which the infinitesimal generator is the Lévy Laplacian, we study the existence and uniqueness of solution of heat equation associated with the Lévy Laplacian. Moreover we give an infinite dimensional stochastic process generated by the Lévy Laplacian.
BI-POISSON PROCESS
Authors: BRYC WŁODZIMIERZ , WESOŁOWSKI JACEK
Published: June 2007

Bi-Poisson processes are defined as a two-parameter family of processes with linear regressions and linear conditional variances. We give conditions for the existence and uniqueness of such processes. We point out that one-dimensional distributions of the bi-Poisson process are closed under a generalized free convolution introduced by Bożejko and Speicher.7.
ON THE PRIME SPECTRUM OF THE ENVELOPING ALGEBRA AND CHARACTERISTIC VARIETIES
Authors: PAPALEXIOU NIKOLAOS
Published: June 2007

Let 𝔤 be a semisimple Lie algebra and U(𝔤), its enveloping algebra. A problem in the theory of non-commutative algebras is the description of the set Spec U(𝔤) of prime ideals in U(𝔤) as topological space. Using the notion of the characteristic variety as introduced by Joseph, we compute some order relations between prime ideals.
ROOT MULTIPLICITIES AND NUMBER OF NONZERO COEFFICIENTS OF A POLYNOMIAL
Authors: MATTAREI SANDRO
Published: June 2007

It is known that the weight (that is, the number of nonzero coefficients) of a univariate polynomial over a field of characteristic zero is larger than the multiplicity of any of its nonzero roots. We extend this result to an appropriate statement in positive characteristic. Furthermore, we present a new proof of the original result, which produces also the exact number of monic polynomials of a given degree for which the bound is attained. A similar argument allows us to determine the number of monic polynomials of a given degree, multiplicity of a given nonzero root, and number of nonzero coefficients, over a finite field of characteristic larger than the degree.
TWO NON-NILPOTENT LINEAR TRANSFORMATIONS THAT SATISFY THE CUBIC q-SERRE RELATIONS
Authors: ITO TATSURO , TERWILLIGER PAUL
Published: June 2007

Let 𝕂 denote an algebraically closed field with characteristic 0, and let q denote a nonzero scalar in 𝕂 that is not a root of unity. Let 𝔸q denote the unital associative 𝕂-algebra defined by generators x,y and relations [Formula: see text] where [3]q = (q3 - q-3)/(q - q-1). We classify up to isomorphism the finite-dimensional irreducible 𝔸q-modules on which neither of x,y is nilpotent. We discuss how these modules are related to tridiagonal pairs.
CENTRALIZERS AND INDUCTION
Authors: KADISON LARS
Published: June 2007

Given a ring homomorphism B → A, consider its centralizer R = AB, bimodule endomorphism ring S = EndBABand sub-tensor-square ring T = (A ⊗BA)B. Nonassociative tensoring by the cyclic modules RTorSR leads to an equivalence of categories inverse to the functors of induction of restricted A-modules or restricted coinduction of B-modules in case A | B is separable, H-separable, split or left depth two (D2). If RTorSR are projective, this property characterizes separability or splitness for a ring extension. Only in the case of H-separability is RTa progenerator, which takes the place of the key module AAefor an Azumaya algebra A. In addition, we characterize left D2 extensions in terms of the module TR, and show that the centralizer of a depth two extension is a normal subring in the sense of Rieffel as well as pre-braided commutative. For example, the notion of normality yields a version for Hopf subalgebras of the fact that normal subgroups have normal centralizers, and yields a special case of a conjecture that D2 Hopf subalgebras are normal.
SYNTHESIS OF CALCIUM OXALATE ASSEMBLY STRUCTURE AND CONVERSION
Authors: LIU JIN-KU , XU ZHI-ZHEN , WU QING-SHENG
Published: June 2007

The conversion from one assembly structure to other composite assembly structures is valuable to both theoretical research and actual application in the nano/micromaterials science. In this paper, firstly, the flower-like calcium oxalate assembly structure was synthesized using a supramolecule template; then, through a facile process, the calcium oxalate was converted to a sphere-cluster-like core/shell CaC 2 O 4/ CaWO 4 nanocomposite assembly structure. The converted product remained the basic structure of original product, and possessed some new optical properties such as fluorescence, etc.
SILICON-BASED HALF-METAL: METAL-ENCAPSULATED SILICON NANOTUBE
Authors: BAI J. , ZENG X. C.
Published: June 2007

We performed first-principles calculation to show that a host–guest silicon nanostructure can exhibit half-metallic properties, wherein the host is a single-walled hexagonal silicon nanotube while the guest is a hybrid atomic chain of Mn and Co (encapsulated in the host nanotube). The calculated electronic band structures indicate that the Fermi level intersects only in the spin-up band, whereas the spin-down band exhibits semiconducting characteristics.
CLAY NANOTUBES FOR ENCAPSULATION AND SUSTAINED RELEASE OF DRUGS
Authors: VEERABADRAN NALINKANTH G. , PRICE RONALD R. , LVOV YURI M.
Published: June 2007

50-nm diameter halloysite clay nanotubules with 15 nm lumen were used for loading poorly soluble drugs and sustaining their release. Loading was optimized by varying pH and alcohol/water ratio in the solvent with a maximum drug loading of 12 volume%. Near linear release of Dexamethasone, Furosemide, and Nifedipine was demonstrated for 5–10 hours. Its capacity for the time release of drugs, along with its simple loading procedure and the biocompatibility of halloysite nanotubules makes this method a prospective drug delivery system.
MAGNETIC BEHAVIOR OF NANOGRANULAR SILICIDE PHASE (FORMED DUE TO SWIFT HEAVY Fe7+ ION IRRADIATION-INDUCED INTERMIXING)
Authors: SRIVASTAVA P. C. , TRIPATHI J. K.
Published: June 2007

Fe films (of ~50 nm ) on p-silicon substrates have been deposited by electron beam evaporation technique to realize Fe /p Si devices. The devices have been irradiated from 100 MeV swift heavy ions of Fe 7+ with a fluence of 1014 ions-cm-2. The morphological and structural characterization have been done from SEM, AFM and XRD facilities. Magnetic behavior has been studied from vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and SQUID facilities. SEM and AFM studies show the formation of a nanogranular structure. Further, XRD data has shown the formation of intermixed magnetic nanogranular silicide phase ( Fe 5 Si 3) having average grain size of 25 nm. M–H and ZFC (zero field-cooled)/FC (field-cooled) studies show the magnetic behavior of interacting magnetic particles. The observed results have been understood as a typical behavior of interacting magnetic nanograins.
FIELD EMISSION AND APPLICATION OF CARBON NANOTUBES
Authors: LIM SEONG CHU , LEE KYU , LEE IL HA , LEE YOUNG HEE
Published: June 2007

The mechanism of field emission from a metal surface was well explained based on the quantum mechanics in early 20th century. Since then, various materials have been studied for field emitters. However, so far, we have been using only limited materials as a field emitter and an application in some area requires further scientific understandings and technological advancements. In this paper, we review the current status of researches in field emission and emission phenomena of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). This may include current saturation induced by gas adsorbates, screening effects, high current emission, degradation of emitter, and field enhancement factor. We also introduce the present status in the development of various CNT-based field emission devices and discuss their performances. In this part, various potential applications such as field emission display, ionization gauge, X-ray gun, and lamp will be presented.
A 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein is involved in the decrease of interleukin-6 secretion by lead treatment from astrocytes
Authors: Qian Yongchang , Zheng Ying , Weber Deanna , Tiffany-Castiglioni Evelyn
Published: June 2007

Interleukin (IL)-6 is a cytokine produced mainly by microglia and astrocytes and plays a pleiotropic role in the central nervous system. In this study, we cloned rat IL-6 cDNA into an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) or a red fluorescent protein (DsRed2) vector and rat 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) cDNA into an EGFP vector to construct IL-6-EGFP, IL-6-DsRed2, and GRP78-EGFP chimeras for the investigation of the mechanism of IL-6 secretion from astrocytes. The data showed that constructed IL-6-EGFP and IL-6-DsRed2 chimeras retained the secretory property, and the secretion of IL-6-EGFP from astrocytes could be attenuated by GRP78 depletion with double-stranded RNA interference. Coexpression of IL-6-DsRed2 and dysfunctional GRP78-EGFP abolished IL-6-DsRed2 secretion, and two chimeric proteins colocalized inside living astrocytes. Coimmunoprecipitation analysis indicated that IL-6 and GRP78 resided in the same complex. The data further revealed that IL-6-EGFP secretion from astrocytes was blocked by the heavy metal lead (Pb) in a concentration-dependent manner. Analysis of the Pb interaction with protein on a Pb-affinity column demonstrated that Pb bound to GRP78 but failed to bind to IL-6. Therefore, these data suggest that IL-6-EGFP or IL-6-DsRed2 chimeras can be used as imaging probes to study IL-6 secretion from living cells, that GRP78 is involved in IL-6 secretion from astrocytes, and that Pb can block IL-6 secretion from astrocytes via targeting GRP78.
Obesity potentiates development of fatty liver and insulin resistance, but not atherosclerosis, in high-fat diet-fed agouti LDLR-deficient mice
Authors: Coenen Kimberly R. , Hasty Alyssa H.
Published: June 2007

Obesity is increasing at an alarming rate, and its related disorders are placing a considerable strain on our healthcare system. Although they are not always coincident, obesity is often accompanied by hyperlipidemia. Both obesity and hyperlipidemia are independently associated with atherosclerosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and insulin resistance (IR). Thus, we sought to determine the relative contributions of obesity and hyperlipidemia to these associated pathologies. Obese agouti ( A y /a) mice and their littermate controls (a/a) were placed on an LDL receptor (LDLR)−/− background. At 4 mo of age, mice were either maintained on chow diet (CD) or placed on Western diet (WD) for 12 wk. These genetic and dietary manipulations yielded four experimental groups: 1) lean, a/a;LDLR−/−CD; 2) genetic-induced obesity (GIO), A y /a;LDLR−/−CD; 3) diet-induced obesity (DIO), a/a;LDLR−/−WD; and 4) genetic- plus diet-induced obesity (GIO/DIO), A y /a;LDLR−/−WD. Lipoprotein profiles revealed increased VLDL and LDL particles in WD-fed mice compared with CD-fed controls. The hyperlipidemia present in this mouse model was the result of both increased hepatic triglyceride production and delayed lipoprotein clearance from the plasma. Both WD-fed groups exhibited similar levels of atherosclerotic lesion area, with increased obesity in the GIO/DIO group having no impact on atherogenesis. However, the severe obesity in the GIO/DIO group did aggravate NAFLD and IR. These findings suggest that, although obesity and hyperlipidemia exert individual pathological effects, the combination of the two has the potential to exert an additive effect on NAFLD and IR but not atherosclerosis in this mouse model.
R-(+)-α-lipoic acid inhibits endothelial cell apoptosis and proliferation: involvement of Akt and retinoblastoma protein/E2F-1
Authors: Artwohl Michaela , Muth Kathrin , Kosulin Karin , de Martin Rainer , Hölzenbein Thomas , Rainer Georg , Freudenthaler Angelika , Huttary Nicole , Schmetterer Leopold , Waldhäusl Werner K. , Baumgartner-Parzer Sabina M.
Published: June 2007

Lipoic acid was recently demonstrated to improve endothelial dysfunction or retinopathy not only in rats but also in diabetic patients. We tested the hypothesis that R-(+)-α-lipoic acid (LA) directly affects human endothelial cell (EC) function (e.g., apoptosis, proliferation, and protein expression), independent of the cells' vascular origin. Macrovascular EC (macEC), isolated from umbilical (HUVEC) and adult saphenous veins and from aortae, as well as microvascular EC (micEC) from retinae, skin, and uterus, were exposed to LA (1 μmol/l–1 mmol/l) with/without different stimuli (high glucose, TNF-α, VEGF, wortmannin, LY-294002). Apoptosis, proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and protein expression were determined by DNA fragmentation assays, [3H]thymidine incorporation, FACS, and Western blot analyses, respectively. In macro- and microvascular EC, LA (1 mmol/l) reduced ( P < 0.05) basal (macEC, −36 ± 4%; micEC, −46 ± 6%) and stimulus-induced (TNF-α: macEC, −75 ± 11%; micEC, −68 ± 13%) apoptosis. In HUVEC, inhibition of apoptosis by LA (500 μmol/l) was paralleled by reduction of NF-κB. LA's antiapoptotic activity was reduced by PI 3-kinase inhibitors (wortmannin, LY-294002), being in line with LA-induced Akt phosphorylation (Ser437, +159 ± 43%; Thr308, +98 ± 25%; P < 0.01). LA (500 μmol/l) inhibited ( P < 0.001) proliferation of macEC (−29 ± 3%) and micEC (−29 ± 3%) by arresting the cells at the G1/S transition due to an increased ratio of cyclin E/p27Kip (4.2-fold), upregulation of p21WAF-1/Cip1 (+104 ± 21%), and reduction of cyclin A (−32 ± 11%), of hyperphosphorylated retinoblastoma protein (macEC: −51 ± 7%; micEC: −50 ± 15%), and of E2F-1 (macEC: −48 ± 3%; micEC: −31 ± 10%). LA's ability to inhibit apoptosis and proliferation of ECs could beneficially affect endothelial dysfunction, which precedes manifestation of late diabetic vascular complications.
Restriction of sulfur-containing amino acids alters claudin composition and improves tight junction barrier function
Authors: Skrovanek S. , Valenzano M. C. , Mullin J. M.
Published: June 2007

Restriction of sulfur-containing amino acids (SCAA) has been shown to elicit a similar increase in life span and decrease in age-related morbidity as caloric restriction. The singular importance of epithelial barrier function in both physiological homeostasis and prevention of inflammation raised the issue of examining the effect of SCAA restriction on epithelial tight junction structure and permeability. Using a well-described in vitro, epithelial model, the LLC-PK1renal epithelial cell line, we studied the effects of SCAA restriction in culture medium. Reduction of methionine by 90%, cysteine by 50%, and total elimination of cystine resulted in dramatically lower intracellular pools of these amino acids and their metabolite, taurine, but the intracellular pools of the non-SCAA were all elevated. Cell growth and differentiation were maintained, and both confluent cell density and transepithelial short circuit current were unaffected. Certain tight junctional proteins, such as occludin and claudins-1 and -2 were not altered. However, claudins-3 and -7 were significantly decreased in abundance, whereas claudins-4 and -5 were markedly increased in abundance. The functional result of these structural changes was improved barrier function, as evidenced by increased transepithelial electrical resistance and decreased transepithelial (paracellular) diffusion of d-mannitol.