bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real‐Time PCR Sensing by Thermal Conductivity Monitoring
Authors: Noh Seungbeom , Lee Jinsang , Shin Jang‐Kyoo , Lim Geunbae
Published: September 2006

Traditional PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technology is based on an end‐point system which confirms the existence of a target DNA sequence by electrophoresis and UV transillumination steps. This process is labor‐intensive and time consuming. A real‐time PCR is the best alternative that can improve problems of analysis time and accuracy. Therefore, we propose a smaller, non‐optical and non‐labeling system with the advantages of an established real‐time PCR. The proposed technique utilizes a variation of the thermal conductivity of the DNA sample with a PCR cycle. We confirmed that thermal conductivity depends on amounts of PCR products.
Electrochemistry of and Redox‐Induced Metal Release from Metallothioneins at a Nafion‐Coated Bismuth Film Electrode
Authors: Xu Maotian , Wu Yihui , Wang Jianxiu , Zhou Feimeng
Published: September 2006

Nafion‐coated bismuth film electrodes (NCBiFEs) were used to investigate the redox behavior of and metal release from rabbit liver metallothioneins (MTs) in an acetate buffer. Owing to the permselective exchange between positively charged MT molecules and cations in Nafion and the absence of detectable MT adsorption at bismuth surface, a diffusion‐controlled Nernstian redox wave of MTs (Epc=−0.869 V) was observed for the first time. The Nernstian behavior of the diffusing MTs is in contrast to the voltammetric responses of MTs at thin mercury films or Nafion‐coated mercury film electrodes, which either result in the replacement of the metals originally present in MTs by mercury or lead to a noticeable MT adsorption. By avoiding these undesirable features, the NCBiFE provides an excellent milieu for voltammetric studies of different types of MTs and related isoforms, paving the way for studying the redox‐modulated metal transfer of MTs and understanding the biological role of MTs in heavy metal detoxification and essential metal regulations.
Understanding the Electrochemical Reactivity of Bamboo Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes: the Presence of Oxygenated Species at Tube Ends May not Increase Electron Transfer Kinetics
Authors: Banks Craig E. , Ji Xiaobo , Crossley Alison , Compton Richard G.
Published: September 2006

The result of acid washing multiwalled carbon bamboo nanotubes is explored with voltammetry and X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy; it is found that the presence of oxygenated species formed as a result at the ends of the nanotubes does not measurably change the heterogeneous charge transfer kinetics.
Selenomethionine‐Catalyzed Nickel Ion Reduction at a Mercury Electrode: Applications in the Analysis of Nutritional Supplements
Authors: Banica Florinel Gabriel , Kafar Beata , Skrzypek Sławomira , Ciesielski Witold
Published: September 2006

Selenomethionine (SeMet) is a catalyst for Ni2+ reduction at a mercury electrode in a borax buffer at pH around 9 and gives rise to a differential pulse voltammetric peak, A, at −0.74 V vs. the Ag|AgCl, (3 M KCl) reference electrode. Peak current is directly proportional to SeMet concentration over the concentration range 0.4–10 μM. Alkali and alkali‐earth ions depress to some extent the sensitivity but the current‐concentration relationships remains linear even under these conditions. Differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry (DPCSV) in 0.01 M borax results in two partially overlapped peaks. The more negative (A, at about −0.74 V) is similar to that recorded with no deposition and is due to the catalysis by nonadsorbed SeMet, whereas the more positive one (B, at about −0.60 V) results from the catalysis by adsorbed SeMet. Only the DPCSV peak A appears if 0.1 M KNO3 is also present along with 0.01 M borax. Stearic acid, which is present in nutritional supplement tablets, improves the separation of the DPCSV peaks. Consequently, the peak B recorded with 0.01 M borax buffer allows determining SeMet in nutritional supplement tablets by the standard addition method and enables discriminating between the organic and inorganic selenium forms.
A new method for fabrication of an integrated indium tin oxide electrode on electrophoresis microchips with amperometric detection and its application for determination of synephrine and hesperidin in pericarpium citri reticulatae
Authors: Wang Wei , Xu Xueqin , Bin Qiu , Ling Jinming , Chen Guonan
Published: September 2006

A new, simple, and fast method to integrate indium tin oxide electrode in an amperometric detection (AD) microchip is introduced. Without the help of photoresist and complicated apparatus, the microchip could be fabricated in most laboratories in a very short time by this method. The experiment indicated that the microchip was stable and had good reproducibility. On this microchip, a new method was established to separate and determine synephrine and hesperidin, which are the main electroactively bioactive ingredients of pericarpium citri reticulatae, by AD. Under the optimal conditions, the two compounds could be completely separated within 5.5 min and the detection limits were 0.13 and 0.57 μg/mL, respectively. The proposed method has been successfully used to determine synephrine and hesperidin in real pericarpium citri reticulatae sample, and the results show that the proposed method is sensitive, reliable, fast, and economical.
Speciation of selenium compounds by open tubular capillary electrochromatography‐inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Lin Shu‐Yu , Wang Guan‐Ren , Huang Quan‐Pin , Liu Chuen‐Ying
Published: September 2006

We introduce a T‐type interface and a crossflow nebulizer to find ways to combine CEC with inductively coupled plasma MS (ICP‐MS) detection for selenium speciation. For CEC separation, we employed a macrocyclic polyamine‐bonded phase capillary as the separation column and a bare fused‐silica capillary filled with the make‐up liquid (0.05 M HNO3). The effect of nebulizer gas flow rate, make‐up liquid flow, type, concentration and pH of the mobile phase on the separation have been studied. Tris buffer of 50 mM at pH 8.50 gave the best performance for selenium speciation. The reproducibility of the retention time indicated that sample injection by electrokinetic and nebulizer gas flow was better than that by self‐aspiration alone. The detection limits for selenate, selenite, selenocystine and selenomethionine were found to be 2.40, 3.53, 12.86 and 11.25 ng/mL, respectively. Due to the high sensitivity and element‐specific detection, as well as the high selectivity of the bonded phase, quantitative analysis of selenium speciation in urine was also achieved.
Adenosine released by astrocytes contributes to hypoxia‐induced modulation of synaptic transmission
Authors: Martín Eduardo D. , Fernández Miriam , Perea Gertrudis , Pascual Olivier , Haydon Philip G. , Araque Alfonso , Ceña Valentín
Published: September 2006

Astrocytes play a critical role in brain homeostasis controlling the local environment in normal as well as in pathological conditions, such as during hypoxic/ischemic insult. Since astrocytes have recently been identified as a source for a wide variety of gliotransmitters that modulate synaptic activity, we investigated whether the hypoxia‐induced excitatory synaptic depression might be mediated by adenosine release from astrocytes. We used electrophysiological and Ca2+imaging techniques in hippocampal slices and transgenic mice, in which ATP released from astrocytes is specifically impaired, as well as chemiluminescent and fluorescence photometric Ca2+techniques in purified cultured astrocytes. In hippocampal slices, hypoxia induced a transient depression of excitatory synaptic transmission mediated by activation of presynaptic A1 adenosine receptors. The glia‐specific metabolic inhibitor fluorocitrate (FC) was as effective as the A1 adenosine receptor antagonist CPT in preventing the hypoxia‐induced excitatory synaptic transmission reduction. Furthermore, FC abolished the extracellular adenosine concentration increase during hypoxia in astrocyte cultures. Several lines of evidence suggest that the increase of extracellular adenosine levels during hypoxia does not result from extracellular ATP or cAMP catabolism, and that astrocytes directly release adenosine in response to hypoxia. Adenosine release is negatively modulated by external or internal Ca2+concentrations. Moreover, adenosine transport inhibitors did not modify the hypoxia‐induced effects, suggesting that adenosine was not released by facilitated transport. We conclude that during hypoxia, astrocytes contribute to regulate the excitatory synaptic transmission through the release of adenosine, which acting on A1 adenosine receptors reduces presynaptic transmitter release. Therefore, adenosine release from astrocytes serves as a protective mechanism by down regulating the synaptic activity level during demanding conditions such as transient hypoxia. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of alternative methods of collection of service use data for the economic evaluation of health care interventions
Authors: Byford Sarah , Leese Morven , Knapp Martin , Seivewright Helen , Cameron Susan , Jones Vanessa , Davidson Kate , Tyrer Peter
Published: September 2006

Economic evaluation of health care interventions usually requires the collection of service use data to estimate the total cost of participants in an evaluation. There are a number of methods available to measure the quantity of services used but little is known about the relative accuracy of alternative methods. In a multicentre randomised controlled trial of interventions for the treatment of adults with recurrent episodes of deliberate self‐harm (the POPMACT trial), health service data were collected by patient self‐report after six and twelve months and also from GP records by independent investigators. Agreement for overall costs was relatively high. However, this hides substantial variation in agreement between the two sources of information for different services. The results suggest that GP records provide more accurate data on the use of general practice‐based contacts than patient report, but less reliable information on contacts with other health services. Thus reliance on GP records for data on hospital services and other community health services based outside of general practice surgeries is not recommended. Future research should explore the level of agreement between patient report and other providing sector records, such as hospital records. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Key issues in the persistence of underrepresented minority students
Authors: Carter Deborah Faye
Published: September 2006

Research on retention of students of color suggests possible areas of intervention to improve academic success.
Using action inquiry to address critical challenges
Authors: St. John Edward P. , McKinney Jeffrey S. , Tuttle, Tina
Published: September 2006

Action research involves researchers and practitioners in collaborative projects and provides a means of integrating evaluation into the reform process.
Using evaluation to close the inquiry loop
Authors: Musoba Glenda Droogsma
Published: September 2006

Evaluation can provide the assessment information for considering program change as well as be integral to the program design and pilot test of any new institutional intervention.
Lessons learned: Institutional research as support for academic improvement
Authors: St. John Edward P.
Published: September 2006

Although the process of integrating institutional research into professional practice is still in a formative stage, we have learned some lessons from our experience.
A Raman spectroscopic study of humite minerals
Authors: Frost Ray L. , Palmer Sara J. , Bouzaid Jocelyn M. , Reddy B. Jagannadha
Published: September 2006

Raman spectroscopy has been used to study the structure of the humite mineral group ((A2SiO4)n–A(OH, F)2 where n represents the number of olivine and brucite layers in the structure and is 1, 2, 3 or 4 and A2+ is Mg, Mn, Fe or some mix of these cations). The humite group of minerals forms a morphotropic series with the minerals olivine and brucite. The members of the humite group contain layers of the olivine structure that alternate with layers of the brucite‐like sheets. The minerals are characterized by a complex set of bands in the 800–1000 cm−1 region attributed to the stretching vibrations of the olivine (SiO4)4− units. The number of bands in this region is influenced by the number of olivine layers. Characteristic bending modes of the (SiO4)4− units are observed in the 500–650 cm−1 region. The brucite sheets are characterized by the OH stretching vibrations in the 3475–3625 cm−1 wavenumber region. The position of the OH stretching vibrations is determined by the strength of the hydrogen bond formed between the brucite‐like OH units and the olivine silica layer. The number of olivine sheets and not the chemical composition determines the strength of the hydrogen bonds. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct characterization of phase behavior and compatibility in PET/HDPE polymer blends by confocal Raman mapping
Authors: Huan Shuangyan , Lin Weiqi , Sato Harumi , Yang Haifeng , Jiang Jianhui , Ozaki Yukihiro , Wu Hailong , Shen Guoli , Yu Ruqin
Published: September 2006

Morphology, chemical distribution and domain size in poly(ethylene terephthalate)/high‐density poly(ethylene) (PET/HDPE) polymer blends of various ratios prepared with and without maleic anhydride have been analyzed with confocal Raman mapping and SEM. The ratioimage method introduced here allows us to obtain enhanced chemical images with higher contrast and reliability. Compatibility numbers (Nc) are calculated to evaluate the compatibility of the blends. The incompatible polymer blends show heterogeneous distribution with phase separation behavior, while the semicompatible blends prepared with maleic anhydride show much smaller subphase distributions with less distinct interphases. After the blending modification by maleic anhydride of only 0.5%, the viscosity status and dispersibility between PET and HDPE could be substantially improved, and the interactions that exist between the two phases have also been proved by ATR‐FT‐IR results. High‐spatial‐resolution confocal Raman mapping coupled with the ratioimage method provides a very attractive way to characterize the compatibility and phase behavior of the polymer blend through different blending methodologies. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of residual values of different fertilisers at various rates used in phosphorus recapitalisation of an acid tropical soil
Authors: Gikonyo Esther W , Zaharah Abdul R , Hanafi Mohamed M , Anuar Abdul R
Published: September 2006

The success of ‘phosphorus (P) recapitalisation’ depends on the changes in residual value (RV) over time. RVs of triple superphosphate (TSP), Gafsa phosphate rock (GPR) and Christmas Island phosphate rock (CIPR) were determined with and without manure bimonthly for 14 months. RV was calculated as the amount of previously applied fertiliser required to produce yieldXdivided by the amount of freshly applied TSP required to produce the same yield. Dry matter yield (DMY) response curves were curvilinear, with maximum DMY (11 t ha−1) occurring between 150 and 200 kg P ha−1at 6 months and declining with time to 2–4 t ha−1(14 months). Manure/fertiliser combinations increased DMY for CIPR but depressed DMY for TSP and GPR in all harvests except the first one. This can be attributed to nutrient imbalance caused by high P levels. RVs declined with time for fertilisers alone from 100–140% to 10–20% (14 months), while for fertiliser/manure combinations they declined from 110–180% to 10–20% (14 months). Increasing P rates from 100 to 300 kg P ha−1resulted in the depression of initial RVs (100–140%) to 20–60% and later to 10–20% (14 months). Therefore P recapitalisation was not beneficial and hence annual P application would be recommended at 100–150 kg P ha−1. The phosphate rocks could effectively substitute for TSP.

Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Guillain-Barré Syndrome Triggered by Influenza Vaccination in A Recipient of Liver Transplant on Fk506
Authors: Moon Joon-Shik , Souayah Nizar
Published: September 2006

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) has been rarely reported after liver transplantation and generally has good outcome. We report a liver transplant patient on FK506 (tacrolimus) who developed GBS 6 months after liver transplantation. There was no evidence of liver rejection or active infection. Despite treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, the patient expired. GBS occurred despite downregulation of T cells by FK506, suggesting that humoral dysfunction might be the predominant mechanism of GBS in this report.
Liver Transpl 12:1537–1539, 2006.

© 2006 AASLD.
the Role of Tips for Portal Vein Patency in Liver Transplant Patients With Portal Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Bauer Jason , Johnson Stephen , Durham Janette , Ludkowski Michael , Trotter James , Bak Thomas , Wachs Michael
Published: September 2006

The purpose of this research was to study the efficacy and outcomes of transjugular intrahepatic shunt (TIPS) in end-stage liver disease (ESLD) patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) eligible for orthotopic liver transplant. Nine consecutive patients with PVT underwent TIPS as a nonemergent elective outpatient procedure. The primary indication for TIPS was to maintain portal vein patency for optimal surgical outcome. Eight patients underwent contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) and 1 magnetic resonance imaging diagnosing PVT. Shunt creation was determined by available targets at the time of TIPS and by prior imaging. Patients were followed with portography, ultrasound, CT, or magnetic resonance imaging, and the luminal occlusion was estimated before and after TIPS. Primary endpoints were transplantation, removal from the transplant list, or death. Stabilization, improvement, or complete resolution of thrombosis was considered successful therapy. Failures included propagation of thrombosis or vessel occlusion, and poor surgical anatomy due to PVT. Of 9 patients with PVT, TIPS was successfully placed in all patients without complication or TIPS-related mortality. Eight of 9 patients (88.8%) had improvement at follow-up. One patient failed therapy and re-thrombosed. Two patients (22.2%) were transplanted without complication and had no PVT at the time of transplant. Eight of 9 patients were listed for transplant at the time of their TIPS. Eight of 9 PVTs were nonocclusive. Four of 9 patients (44%) had evidence of cavernous transformation. Two patients expired during follow-up 42 and 44 months after TIPS. Three patients remain on the transplant list. One patient has not been listed due to nonprogression of disease. One patient has been removed from the transplant list because of comorbid disease. In conclusion, TIPS is safe and effective in patients with PVT and ESLD requiring transplant. Patients can be successfully transplanted with optimal surgical anatomy. Liver Transpt 12:1544–1551, 2006. © 2006 AASLD.
Effect on Photopolymerization of the Structure of Amine Coinitiators Contained in Novel Polymeric Benzophenone Photoinitiators
Authors: Wei Jun , Wang Hongyu , Jiang Xuesong , Yin Jie
Published: September 2006

Summary: By the polycondensation of TDI with DATBP or AATBP, and different coinitiator amines, six novel thio‐containing polymeric photoinitiators that contain a coinitiator amine and a side‐chain or in‐chain benzophenone (PUSBA or PUIBA) have been synthesized. FT‐IR, 1H NMR, and GPC analyses confirm the structures of all polymers. The UV‐vis spectra indicate that the structure of the coinitiator amines has no significant influence on the maximal absorption. ESR spectra indicate that the polymeric photoinitiators that contain PDEA moieties can generate free radicals most efficiently. Three types of monomer with different functionality, EA, PPGDA, and TMPTA, are chosen to be initiated by these polymeric photoinitiators. The results show that the structure of the coinitiator amines has an important effect on the photopolymerization. For the PUSBA photoinitiators, the photoinitiator that contains N‐phenyldiethanolamine as the coinitiator amine is the most efficient for EA, and that with N‐butyldiethanolamine is the most efficient for both PPGDA and TMPTA. As for the PUIBA photoinitiators, that containing N‐phenyldiethanolamine as the coinitiator amine is the most efficient for the polymerization of the three monomers.

Structure of the polymeric photoinitiators with benzophenone moieties in the side chains.

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Structure of the polymeric photoinitiators with benzophenone moieties in the side chains.
Thermo‐responsive Poly(methyl methacrylate)‐block‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) Block Copolymers Synthesized by RAFT Polymerization: Micellization and Gelation
Authors: Tang Tian , Castelletto Valeria , Parras Petros , Hamley Ian W. , King Stephen M. , Roy Debashish , Perrier Sebastien , Hoogenboom Richard , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: September 2006

Summary: RAFT polymerization was used to prepare PMMA‐b‐PNIPAM copolymers. Two different chain transfer agents, tBDB and MCPDB, were used to mediate the sequential polymerizations. Micellar solutions and gels were prepared from the resulting copolymers in aqueous solution. When heated above Tc of PNIPAM (about 31 °C), DLS revealed that PNIPAM coronas collapsed, resulting in aggregation of the original micelles. The micellar gels underwent syneresis above Tc as water was expelled from the ordered gel structure, the lattice periodicity of which was determined by SANS. A large decrease in lattice spacing was observed above Tc. The gel became more viscoelastic at high temperature, as revealed by shear rheometry which showed a large increase in G″.

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Characterization of Linear and 3‐Arm Star Block Copolymers by Liquid Chromatography at Critical Conditions
Authors: Gao Haifeng , Min Ke , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof
Published: September 2006

Summary: LCCC for polyMA homopolymers was established in order to analyze the polyMA‐polySt linear and star block copolymers. The validity of the assumption that under the LCCC for polyMA, the polyMA segment in the polyMA‐containing block copolymer is chromatographically “invisible” was verified. It was found that within the scale of investigation ($\overline M _{{\rm n},{\rm polyMA}} \leq 5\;\overline M _{{\rm n},{\rm polySt}}$), the molecular weight and architecture of the polyMA segments had no evident influence on the retention behavior of the polySt‐polyMA block copolymers and the polyMA block in the copolymer was “invisible”. The critical conditions of polyMA were used for quantitative analysis of the polySt block in the linear and 3‐arm star polyMA‐polySt block copolymers, which were synthesized by AGET ATRP in miniemulsion. It was shown that the copolymer had completely different elution peak from its MI. The calculated molecular weights of polySt blocks in the block copolymers were similar to those obtained from normal SEC analysis. Transferring the eluates from the LCCC (the first dimension) column to a SEC column (the second dimension) produced LCCC × SEC two‐dimensional chromatogram, which contained information on both chemical composition and molecular weight of the synthesized copolymers. The combination of these liquid chromatography methods clearly confirmed the high initiation efficiency of the polyMA MIs during the synthesis of block copolymers and the presence of a byproduct formed by radical‐radical coupling.

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Back Cover: Macromol. Rapid Commun. 18/2006
Authors: Kwak Giseop , Takagi Akiko , Fujiki Michiya
Published: September 2006

Back Cover: The silylene‐π hetero‐junction poly[di‐n‐hexylsilylenephenylene‐ethynylenephenylene] showed a unique photoexcited energy transfer behavior, revealing the occurrence an intrachain photoexcited energy transfer between locally‐excited π* to charge transfer ground states, as well as an intramolecular charge transfer. Further details can be found in the article by G. Kwak,* A. Takagi, and M. Fujiki* on page 1561.
Progress in type II dehydroquinase inhibitors: From concept to practice
Authors: González‐Bello Concepción , Castedo Luis
Published: September 2006

Scientists are concerned by an ever‐increasing rise in bacterial resistance to antibiotics, particularly in diseases such as malaria, toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, and pneumonia, where the currently used therapies become progressively less efficient. It is therefore necessary to develop new, safe, and more efficient antibiotics. Recently, the existence of the shikimic acid pathway has been demonstrated in certain parasites such as the malaria parasite. These types of parasites cause more than a million casualties per year, and their effects are particularly strong in people with a compromised immune system such as HIV patients. In such cases it is possible that inhibitors of this pathway could be active against a large variety of microorganisms responsible for the more opportunistic infections in HIV patients. Interest in this pathway has resulted in the development of a wide variety of inhibitors for the enzymes involved. This review covers recent progress made in the development of inhibitors of the third enzyme of this pathway, i.e., the type II dehydroquinase. The X‐ray crystal structures of several dehydroquinases (Streptomyces coelicolor, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, etc.) with an inhibitor bound in the active site have recently been solved. These complexes identified a number of key interactions involved in inhibitor binding and have shed light on several aspects of the catalytic mechanism. These crystal structures have also proven to be a useful tool for the design of potent and selective enzyme inhibitors, a feature that will also be discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev
Natural vibration characteristics of gravity structures
Authors: Chugh Ashok K.
Published: September 2006

A forced vibration procedure is presented to estimate fundamental and higher frequencies of vibrations and associated mode shapes of gravity structures. The gravity structures considered are retaining walls and gravity dams. The validity of the proposed procedure is tested on three test problems of varying complexity for which the natural vibration frequencies and mode shapes either have known analytical solutions or have been determined via numerical means/field tests by others. Also included are the results of natural vibration frequencies and associated mode shapes for a spillway control structure located near the abutment end of an embankment dam obtained using the proposed procedure. For all problems considered, fundamental frequency and mode shape results using the proposed procedure are compared with the results obtained using an alternative procedure in which static deflections due to the structure's own weight are used as the starting point for free vibrations by setting the gravity vector to zero. All results compare well. The merits of the proposed procedure are discussed. Published in 2006 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Autonomous contractile activity in the isolated rat bladder is modulated by a TRPV1 dependent mechanism
Authors: Gevaert Thomas , Vandepitte Joachim , Ost Dieter , Nilius Bernd , De Ridder Dirk
Published: September 2006

Aims

Resiniferatoxin (RTX), a vanilloid compound and agonist of the transient receptor potential channel 1 (TRPV1), is known for its beneficial effects on neurogenic detrusor overactivity. The mainstream rationale for its use is the desensitization of TRPV1 on sensory bladder afferents. However, recent findings showed that TRPV1 is present in other cell types in the bladder. To eliminate the effects of RTX on spinal and central neural circuits, we investigated autonomous contractility in normal and neurogenic rat bladders after treatment with RTX.

Methods

Female Wistar rats were made paraplegic at vertebral level T8–T9. Animals were intravesically pre‐treated with vehicle (ethanol 5%) or RTX (100 nM) and sacrificed after 72 hr. Each bladder was excised and placed in a heated organ bath, where intravesical pressures were measured. Effects on contractile parameters of intravesical volume load, the non‐selective muscarinic receptor agonist carbachol (CA) and electrical stimulation (ES) of nerves were studied in both groups.

Results

In RTX‐treated normal bladders we found shorter contractions with higher amplitude than in control bladders (P < 0.05). In RTX‐treated neurogenic bladders the amplitude and duration of autonomous contractions were increased compared with controls (P < 0.05). Furthermore RTX induced an increased response to CA and to ES (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

RTX significantly affected the properties of autonomous bladder contractile activity. This provides evidence for local effects of RTX on bladder contractile activity, which are not mediated by afferent neural pathways and which may contribute to the beneficial effects on detrusor overactivity. TRPV1 and TRPV1+ cells seem to play an important role in (autonomous) bladder contractility. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:424–432, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Robust coordination control of a pneumatic deburring tool
Authors: Kim Chang‐Hoon , Chung Jae H.
Published: September 2006

An efficient robotic deburring method was developed based on an active pneumatic tool. The developed method considers the interaction among the tool, the manipulator, and the workpiece and couples the tool dynamics and a control design that considers deburring process information. The active pneumatic tool was developed based on a single pneumatic actuator, with a passive chamber to provide compliance and reduce chattering caused by air compressibility. A coordination control method was developed for the efficient control of the system, which adopts two‐level hierarchical control structure based on a coordination scheme. Robust feedback linearization was utilized to minimize the undesirable effect of the disturbances, such as static and Coulomb frictions and the nonlinear compliance of the pneumatic cylinder stemming from air compressibility. The developed coordination control method demonstrated its efficacy in terms of deburring accuracy and speed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reconfigurable ankle rehabilitation robot for various exercises
Authors: Yoon Jungwon , Ryu Jeha , Lim Kil‐Byung
Published: September 2006

This paper presents a reconfigurable ankle rehabilitation robot to cover various rehabilitation exercise modes. The designed robot can allow desired ankle and foot motions, including toe and heel raising as well as traditional ankle rotations, since the mechanism can generate relative rotation between the fore and rear platforms as well as pitch and roll motions. In addition, the robotic device can be reconfigured from a range of motion (ROM)/strengthening exercise device to a balance/proprioception exercise device by simply incorporating an additional plate. Further, the action of the device is twofold in the sense that while a patient's foot is fastened firmly to the ROM/strengthening device for task specific training, that person can also stand on the balance/proproception device. To perform each mode of ROM, strengthening, and proproception exercises, aunified position‐based impedance controlis systematically developed taking into account the desired position and velocity. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Real‐time trajectory resolution for a two‐manipulator machining system
Authors: Owen W. S. , Croft E. A. , Benhabib B.
Published: September 2006

Recent research has considered robotic machining as an alternative to traditional computer numerical control machining, particularly for prototyping applications. However, unlike traditional machine tools, robots are subject to relatively larger dynamic disturbances and operate closer to their torque limits. Combined with inaccurate models of the manipulators and the machining process, joint actuators can often saturate during operation. Once a joint is saturated, tool‐path tracking may not be possible and the blank and/or tool may be damaged. This paper presents a real‐time trajectory planner designed to mitigate the effect of unmodeled disturbances, thus avoiding controller saturation and potential tool/blank damage. The forces acting on the end effectors are monitored to identify the onset of a disturbance so that the system can be slowed down before saturation actually occurs. In response to disturbances, a time‐scaling method reduces the tool speed, thereby reducing the demand on the joint torques and allowing the precomputed process plan to continue. When there is sufficient torque available, the tool speed is returned to its planned magnitude. The effectiveness of the proposed time‐scaling algorithm has been demonstrated with simulations. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The chance that a convex body is lattice‐point free: A relative of Buffon's needle problem
Authors: Bárány Imre
Published: September 2006

Given a convex body K ⊂Rd, what is the probability that a randomly chosen congruent copy, K*, of K is lattice‐point free, that is, K*∩Zd = ∅︁? Here Zd is the usual lattice of integer points in Rd. Luckily, the underlying probability is well defined since integer translations of K can be factored out. The question came up in connection with integer programming. We explain what the answer is for convex bodies of large enough volume. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2007
Incremental frequency count—a post BWT‐stage for the Burrows–Wheeler compression algorithm
Authors: Abel Jürgen
Published: September 2006

The stage after the Burrows–Wheeler transform (BWT) has a key function inside the Burrows–Wheeler compression algorithm as it transforms the BWT output from a local context into a global context. This paper presents the Incremental Frequency Count stage, a post‐BWT stage. The new stage is paired with a run length encoding stage between the BWT and the entropy coding stage of the algorithm. It offers high throughput similar to a Move To Front stage, and at the same time good compression rates like the strong but slow Weighted Frequency Count stage. The properties of the Incremental Frequency Count stage are compared to the Move To Front and Weighted Frequency Count stages by their compression rates and speeds on the Calgary and large Canterbury corpora. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Marking musical dictations using the edit distance algorithm
Authors: Tremblay G. , Champagne F.
Published: September 2006

Musical dictations for ear training and training in music writing form a key practice of basic musical training. Marking students' dictation exercises for large groups of students can require a lot of work. In this paper, we present a tool, called CADiM, that can help automate the marking of such musical dictations. The edit distance, which computes the similarity between any two strings, has been used in various areas such as string/text analysis, protein/genome matching in bio‐computing and musical applications, for example music retrieval or musicological analysis. CADiM's marking algorithm is based on an earlier edit distance proposed for musical sequences, but adapted to reflect the marking heuristic used by a domain expert's specific approach to musical training. Computing an edit distance on musical scores requires using an appropriate representation. More precisely, given our specific context, a symbolic representation is required. We use MusicXML, an XML application for standard Western music notation. Given a Document Type Definition for MusicXML, existing Java tools can generate a MusicXML parser. Such a parser, given appropriate input files, then generates an intermediate form (DOM object) on which analyses and transformations are performed in order to compute the edit distance. In turn, the edit distance is used to give a mark as well as identify the key errors. CADiM has been applied to a number of test cases and the results compared with those obtained by a domain expert. Overall, the results are promising, namely, only 3% difference between the domain expert's marks and those produced by CADiM. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A complexity measure for UML component‐based system specification
Authors: Mahmood Sajjad , Lai Richard
Published: September 2006

A component‐based system (CBS) is integration centric with a focus on assembling individual components to build a software system. In CBS, component source code information is usually unavailable. Each component also introduces added properties such as constraints associated with its use, interactions with other components and customizability properties. Recent research suggests that most faults are found in only a few system components. A complexity measure at a specification phase can identify these components. However, traditional complexity metrics are not adequate for a CBS as they focus mainly on either lines of code (LOC) or information based on object and class properties. There is therefore a need to develop a new technique for measuring the complexity of a CBS specification (CBSS). This paper describes a structural complexity measure for a CBSS written in Unified Modelling Language (UML) from a system analyst's point of view. A CBSS consists of individual component descriptions characterized by its syntactic, semantic and interaction properties. We identify three factors, interface, constraints and interaction, as primary contributors to the complexity of a CBSS. We also present an application of our technique to a university course registration system. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A credit‐bearing course for training SI leaders
Authors: Lipsky Sally A.
Published: September 2006

This chapter describes key components in the design of a training course for SI leaders. It describes course content and accompanying theoretical frameworks, and explains how content is delivered.
New directions for Supplemental Instruction
Authors: Painter Sonny L. , Bailey Rebecca , Gilbert Melinda , Prior John
Published: September 2006

SI can expand past the boundaries of on‐campus review sessions. This chapter examines how SI can be implemented in university teaching‐learning centers, thematically based learning communities, and online and video‐based programs and offers a case study of one such online program.
High perinatal survival in monoamniotic twins managed by prophylactic sulindac, intensive ultrasound surveillance, and Cesarean delivery at 32 weeks' gestation
Authors: Pasquini L. , Wimalasundera R. C. , Fichera A. , Barigye O. , Chappell L. , Fisk N. M.
Published: September 2006

Objectives

Increased perinatal mortality in monoamniotic twin pregnancies is attributed to cord accidents in utero and at delivery. We evaluated the following parameters in monoamniotic pregnancies: (1) the incidence of cord entanglement; (2) the effect of sulindac on amniotic fluid volume and stability of fetal lie; and (3) the perinatal outcome with our current management paradigm.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of monoamniotic pregnancies of ≥20 weeks' gestation managed with serial ultrasound surveillance, medical amnioreduction and elective Cesarean delivery at 32 weeks' gestation. Mean amniotic fluid index (AFI) and change in AFI in monoamniotic pregnancies managed with oral sulindac was compared with 40 gestation‐matched monochorionic–diamniotic controls.

Results

Among 44 monoamniotic pregnancies, 20 with two live structurally normal twins at 20 weeks' gestation satisfied the inclusion criteria. All fetuses survived to 28 days postnatally despite early prenatal cord entanglement in all but one case. Whereas AFI remained stable throughout gestation in the controls, the AFI fell in those patients on sulindac from a mean value of 21.0 cm (95% CI, 18.5–23.6 cm) at 20 weeks to a mean of 12.4 cm (95% CI, 10.1–14.6 cm) at 32 weeks (ANOVA P across gestation = 0.001) but mainly remained within normal limits. Fetal lie was stabilized in 11/20 cases in the monoamniotic group compared with 13/40 in the control group (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Cord entanglement appears unpreventable, as it typically occurs in early pregnancy. Sulindac therapy reduces AFI, leads to more stable fetal lie, and may prevent intrauterine death by diminishing the risk of constricting cords that are already entangled. Perinatal survival in monoamniotic pregnancies managed by a regime of sulindac from 20 weeks' gestation, close ultrasound surveillance and elective abdominal delivery at 32 weeks' gestation seems empirically higher than that in the literature. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Naturally conceived twins with monochorionic placentation have the highest risk of fetal loss
Authors: Sperling L. , Kiil C. , Larsen L. U. , Qvist I. , Schwartz M. , Jørgensen C. , Skajaa K. , Bang J. , Tabor A.
Published: September 2006

Objective

The aim of this study was to estimate the rate of fetal loss in dichorionic (DC) and monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancies stratified according to zygosity and method of conception.

Methods

In a prospective multicenter observational study women with a twin pregnancy had an ultrasound scan before 14 + 6 weeks' gestation in order to determine chorionicity. The fetal loss rate, the perinatal, neonatal and infant mortality rates and the frequency of very preterm labor were estimated for the different types of twin.

Results

Among the 495 pregnancies (421 DC and 74 MC) 229 (46%) were conceived naturally and 266 (54%) by assisted reproduction (AR). Outcome data for 945 liveborn babies were obtained. The spontaneous miscarriage rate before 24 weeks' gestation was 10.9% (7/64) among naturally conceived MC compared to 3.0% (5/165) for naturally conceived DC twins (P < 0.05). For twins conceived by AR the corresponding figures were 0% (0/10) and 0.4% (1/256). The odds ratio (OR) for very preterm birth—before 28 weeks' gestation—was 4.2 for MC twins compared to DC twins. The relative risk of fetal loss or death among DC twins was 20% of the risk for MC twins.

Conclusion

The risk of fetal loss, very preterm delivery and neonatal/infant death is significantly higher among twins with MC compared to DC placentation. Twins conceived by AR have a much lower risk of MC placentation. The risk of losing one or both twins seems higher among naturally conceived twins compared to twins conceived by AR, despite the fact that the maternal age was higher among the mothers of the AR twins. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biometry of the pubovisceral muscle and levator hiatus in nulliparous Chinese women
Authors: Yang J.‐M. , Yang S.‐H. , Huang W.‐C.
Published: September 2006

Objectives

To identify using three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound the morphological features and normal biometry of the levator hiatus in nulliparous Chinese women and to explore ethnic differences between these measurements and those in nulliparous Caucasian women.

Methods

3D sonographic data from 59 nulliparous Chinese women (aged 19–38 years) who had no pelvic organ prolapse and no symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction were retrieved from an image dataset and analyzed by offline post‐processing. The pubovisceral muscle and levator hiatus were measured in the planes of maximal pubovisceral muscle thickness and minimum hiatal dimension, respectively. In addition, the genitohiatal and levator ani angles were measured. These values were compared with those in a published study of Caucasian women.

Results

In Chinese women there was no relationship between minimum anteroposterior (AP) hiatal diameter and minimum lateral hiatal diameter. Body weight was correlated with hiatal area and minimum AP hiatal diameter (r = 0.391, P = 0.003 and r = 0.378, P = 0.004, respectively), whereas body mass index was correlated only with minimum AP hiatal diameter (r = 0.349, P = 0.008). There was a significant difference in average pubovisceral muscle thickness (P = 0.001) between nulliparous Chinese and Caucasian women.

Conclusions

Body weight, body mass index, and ethnicity are factors affecting the biometry of the levator hiatus in Chinese nulliparous women. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advanced Power Supplies designed for Plasma Deposition and Etching
Authors: Ochs Dirk , Rettich Thomas
Published: September 2006

Plasma deposition and etching processes are used for a wide range of applications as for example the production of semiconductor circuits, flat panel displays, solar cells, architectural glass and data storage media. To fulfill the special needs of each single process stable DC, MF and RF process power ranging from 50W to 200kW is needed.

All generators need a high precision process control and a supreme arc management with adaptable parameters to provide minimal disturbances in the plasma process and to obtain optimized results in terms of film quality, homogeneity and uniformity over the whole substrate. The fast and flexible arc handling leads to an improvement in the film quality by minimizing flaws and defects and enables the use of very high sputter rates.

To fit DC process demands a new concept for a modular DC system has been realized where up to four 30kW modules can be combined using master slave concept. The arc management and control of the DC module has an intelligent control enabling arc detection times of less than 1μs and a residual energy delivered to the process of only 6 mJ per kW.

For MF processes a fast and effective arc management is an even more important tool for keeping reactive processes stable. The new generation of MF power supplies enables arc detection and shut off times of 5μs with a residual energy delivered to the process of only 5 mJ per kilowatt. This yields the additional advantage that even when the cathode material is almost used up and consequently the arc probability increases, the low residual energy values contribute to an extended service life of the cathode and to better utilization of the target material.

Essentially, the outstanding feature of effective arc management is an undisturbed plasma during the whole operation time. The fast arc suppression minimizes the interruption in the sputtering process to negligibly small values. However, because arcs also serve to remove unwanted materials on the cathode, power supplies must be able to control and regulate the arc energy precisely. MF power supplies are available for process power up to 200kW.

RF systems are based on two different concepts to fit the broad power range between 50W and 50kW. For the low energy range a fully transistorized and μC‐controlled RF generator was developed. This generator has been designed for a max. power of 3kW. Important features are the compact size, robustness, reliability and easy maintenance

To have a cost effective design for a high power RF generator in this power range an oscillator ‐ amplifier concept has been chosen with a solid state driver in combination with a tube type end stage amplifier.

To fit todays demands for advanced etching a dual frequency system consisting of a 13.6 MHz and a 3.4 MHz unit was developed. This enables the possibility to separately control plasma density and ion energy of the discharge.
Abschirmung von Kunststoffen durch Beschichtung im Vakuum
Authors: Gwinner Dieter
Published: September 2006

Durch vakuumgestützte Verfahren lassen sich Abschirmschichten selektiv auf Kunststoffgehäuse aufbringen. Beeinträchtigungen der mechanischen Eigenschaften des Kunststoffmaterials treten nicht auf. Unbeschichtete Flächen behalten ihr Erscheinungsbild, sodass Nacharbeiten entfallen. Die hohe elektrische Leitfähigkeit von Aluminium‐ und Kupferschichten ergibt hohe Schirmdämpfungswerte für elektromagnetischen Wellen. Damit ausgestattete Geräte zum Einsatz in den unterschiedlichsten Industriebereichen erfüllen die Forderung nach elektromagnetischer Verträglichkeit (EMV).

Durch ebenfalls im Vakuum abgeschiedene Schutzschichten steht dem Einsatz unter rauen Umgebungsbedingungen nichts entgegen. Auch Verknüpfungen von Eigenschaften, wie Abschirmung und Lötbarkeit lassen sich durch Beschichtung im Vakuum einstellen; z. B. mit Schichten aus Kupfer / Zinn..

Werden Anforderungen wie Transparenz im sichtbaren Bereich verknüpft mit Vermeidung von statischer Aufladung oder Schwächung hochfrequenter Störungen kommen Indium – Zinn – Oxid – Schichten (ITO) zur Anwendung.