bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gesucht: Monsieur Le Blanc
Authors: Loos Andreas 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn den Straßen von Paris tobt die Revolution: Die Bastille wird gestürmt, Plätze verwandeln sich in Schlachtplätze, Guillotinen haben Hochkonjunktur. Von alldem bekommt die schüchterne 13‐Jährige wenig mit. In der väterlichen Bibliothek sitzt sie mit verstaubten Wälzern im Schoß. Angeblich beeindruckt sie besonders die Geschichte vom Tod des Archimedes.
Deposition of “Polysiloxane” Thin Films Containing Silver Particles by an RF Asymmetrical Discharge
Authors: Despax Bernard , Raynaud Patrice 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe aim of the present work is to produce silver‐containing SiCxOyHz thin films by using simultaneous sputtering of silver and plasma polymerization in an HMDSO plasma. The ratio of plasma polymerization to sputtering was adjusted by using a pulsed flow rate of the hexamethyldisiloxane precursor, which permitted an accurate control of the co‐deposition process. The presence of silver in the gas phase was detected by optical emission spectroscopy. The silver volume fraction was controlled over a wide range by superimposing physical sputtering onto the polymerization process taking place simultaneously within a very low and narrow range of HMDSO plasma pressure. The polymer matrix structures were analyzed by several techniques. FTIR spectra revealed the presence of SiOSi, SiCSi, SiCH3 and CC groups whose amount varied with the silver content. TEM analysis showed Ag nanoparticles with sizes varying from 4 to 70 nm depending on the silver volume fraction.magnified image
Dielectric Barrier Discharge at Atmospheric Pressure as a Tool to Deposit Versatile Organic Coatings at Moderate Power Input
Authors: Heyse Pieter , Dams Roel , Paulussen Sabine , Houthoofd Kristof , Janssen Kris , Jacobs Pierre A. , Sels Bert F. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPlasma coating technologies have been demonstrated as being promising for the fabrication of bioactive and biocompatible materials, among others. Reported efforts are exclusively focused on the two‐step approaches, in which the bioactive component is first immobilized on a substrate, followed by a (vacuum) plasma polymerization treatment or vice versa. However, we believe that upon minimizing the plasma energy, numerous bioactive substances such as enzymes and nucleic acids can be immobilized directly in plasmas via copolymerization with organic precursors, or by direct entrapment in the organic polymer. Therefore, a dielectric barrier discharge was employed at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature to deposit organic coatings with reasonable growth rates at power input and frequency values as low as possible. Two promising precursors, acetylene and pyrrole, were selected out of 22 organic monomers for full physicochemical characterization. While the acetylene polymer film shows resemblance with its vacuum plasma analogue, polypyrrole coatings produced in vacuum and atmospheric plasmas differ significantly.magnified image
Improvements of Permeation Barrier Coatings Using Encapsulated Parylene Interlayers for Flexible Electronic Applications
Authors: Chen Tsai‐Ning , Wuu Dong‐Sing , Wu Chia‐Cheng , Chiang Cheng‐Chung , Chen Yung‐Pei , Horng Ray‐Hua 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA multilayer barrier structure composed of silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and encapsulated parylene on a polycarbonate substrate has been investigated for flexible electronic applications. The organic buffer is commonly used as the smoothing, strengthening and defect‐decoupling layer. However, a lateral leakage problem was observed in the organic interlayer, and resulted in increased permeation and poor adhesion between organic and inorganic layers. It was found that an encapsulated, thermal‐treated parylene interlayer can be used to efficiently reduce the water vapor and oxygen permeation. After 75 d, the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) can reach 2.5 × 10−7 (g · m−2) d−1, as calculated by the calcium test. After being flexed for 5 000 times, the WVTR value almost keeps around 2.1 × 10−6 (g · m−2) d−1. The performance of the proposed multilayer barrier structure has a high potential for flexible solar cell and organic light‐emitting diode applications.magnified image
Chemical and Physical Properties of Copper and Nitrogen Plasma‐Implanted Polyethylene
Authors: Zhang Wei , Ji Junhui , Zhang Yihe , Yan Qing , Chu Paul K. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPlasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) is a new technique used to modify the surface physical and chemical properties of polymers for antibacterial purposes. Our previous research work has shown that copper and nitrogen PIII can give rise to excellent antibacterial properties on polyethylene (PE) substrates. In this paper, the effects of the PIII conditions on the chemical and physical properties of the Cu and N plasma‐implanted PE are investigated. Elemental depth profiles show that Cu and N PIII results in the formation of CN, CN bonds in the surface region, and that the implanted Cu does not bond with the polymer matrix elements. A longer PIII time increases the concentrations of CN, CN and CN bonds formed in the near‐surface region, but the elemental chemical states deeper into the sample remain about the same for different PIII time durations. However, if N‐PIII and Cu‐PIII are not carried out simultaneously, for example, N‐PIII following Cu‐PIII, the retained Cu dose is affected due to nitrogen sputtering, but the Cu chemical state is not altered. In addition, more CN and CN bonds are formed in the outer surface region. A longer N‐PIII implantation time further enriches these chemical functional groups.magnified image
Toxicity of extracts and isobutyl amides from Piper tuberculatum: potent compounds with potential for the control of the velvetbean caterpillar, Anticarsia gemmatalis
Authors: Navickiene Hosana M Debonsi , Miranda José E , Bortoli Sérgio A , Kato Massuo J , Bolzani Vanderlan S , Furlan Maysa 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe isobutyl amides pellitorine (compound 1) and 4,5‐dihydropiperlonguminine (compound 2) were extracted from the seeds of Piper tuberculatum Jacq. (Piperaceae) in yields of 6.10 and 4.45% respectively. The acute toxicities to the velvetbean caterpillar, Anticarsia gemmatalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), of extracts of seeds, leaves and stems of P. tuberculatum, and of compounds 1 and 2, were evaluated by means of contact bioassays. The extracts caused 80% mortality when doses higher than 800.00 µg insect−1 of extract of seeds, leaves and stems were administered to the velvetbean caterpillars. Compounds 1 and 2 showed 100% mortality at doses of 200 and 700 µg insect−1 respectively. The LD50 and LD90 values were respectively 31.3 and 104.5 µg insect−1 for compound 1, and 122.3 and 381.0 µg insect−1 for compound 2. The potential value of extracts and amides derived from P. tuberculatum as efficient insecticides against velvetbean caterpillars is discussed. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Screening of the antibacterial effects of a variety of essential oils on microorganisms responsible for respiratory infections
Authors: Fabio A. , Cermelli C. , Fabio G. , Nicoletti P. , Quaglio P. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the cytotoxicity and the antibacterial effects of a variety of essential oils on major respiratory tract pathogens. The cytotoxicity of 13 essential oils was evaluated on Vero cells. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by the Kirby Bauer paper method, minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration against Streptococcus pyogenes, agalactiae, pneumoniae and Klebsiella pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolated from clinical specimens. The antibiotic sensitivity of these isolates was examined. Some oils showed inhibition of bacterial growth against most of the organisms examined. Cinnamon and thyme showed the strongest action followed by clove. The results reported in this paper indicate that thyme can be considered as a potential antimicrobial agent for the treatment of some respiratory tract infections in man. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Composition and cytotoxic activity of the leaf essential oil of Comptonia peregrina (L.) Coulter
Authors: Sylvestre Muriel , Pichette André , Lavoie Serge , Longtin Angélique , Legault Jean 
Published: February 2007

AbstractComptonia peregrina (L.) Coulter, a native plant from Canada used in traditional medicine against cancer, was extracted by hydrodistillation. Two fractions were collected, one over 0–30 min and one over 30–60 min, to assess the influence of time of hydrodistillation on the composition of essential oil. The chemical composition of these two extracts was determined by GC and GC‐MS analyses. Fifty five components were identified: β‐caryophyllene (23.69% and 15.16%) and α‐humulene (9.67% and 7.43%) were the major components in the 0–30 min and 30–60 min fractions, respectively, while β‐myrcene was detected in a higher amount in the 0–30 min fraction (12.58%) than in the 30–60 min fraction (0.15%). The cytotoxic activities of these fractions were assessed against human lung carcinoma cell line A‐549 and human colon adenocarcinoma cell line DLD‐1. Only the 30–60 min fraction was found to be active against both tumor cell lines, with GI50 values of 66 ± 12 µg/mL for A‐549 and of 46 ± 7 µg/mL for DLD‐1. Two sesquiterpenes present in the oil, α‐humulene and (E)‐nerolidol, have been found to be cytotoxic against both tumor cell lines. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An approach to estimate the energy and strength of the intramolecular hydrogen bond in different conformers of 4‐methylamino‐3‐penten‐2‐one
Authors: Raissi Heidar , Moshfeghi Effat , Jalbout Abraham F. , Saeid Hosseini Mohammad , Fazli Mustapha 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe molecular structure and intramolecular hydrogen bond energy of 32 conformers of 4‐methylamino‐3‐penten‐2‐one were investigated at MP2 and B3LYP levels of theory using the standard 6–31G** basis set and AIM analyses. Furthermore, calculations for all the possible conformations of 4‐methylamino‐3‐penten‐2‐one in water solution were also carried out at B3LYP/6–31G** level of theory. The calculated geometrical parameters and conformational analyses in gas phase and water solution show that the ketoamine conformers of this compound are more stable than the other conformers (i.e., enolimine and ketoimine). This stability is mainly due to the formation of a strong NH···O intramolecular hydrogen bond, which is assisted by π‐electrons resonance. Hydrogen bond energies for all conformers of 4‐methylamino‐3‐penten‐2‐one were obtained from the related rotamers method. The nature of intramolecular hydrogen bond existing within 4‐methylamino‐3‐penten‐2‐one has been investigated by means of the Bader theory of atoms in molecules, which is based on topological properties of the electron density. The results of these calculations support the results which obtained by related rotamers method. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
Predictor‐based repetitive learning control for a class of remote control nonlinear systems
Authors: Pan Ya‐Jun , Sheng Long 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn this paper, a repetitive learning control (RLC) approach is proposed for a class of remote control nonlinear systems satisfying the global Lipschitz condition. The proposed approach is to deal with the remote tracking control problem when the environment is periodic or repeatable over infinite time domain. Since there exist time delays in the two transmission channels: from the controller to the actuator and from the sensor to the controller, tracking a desired trajectory through a remote controller is not an easy task. In order to solve the problem caused by time delays, a predictor is designed on the controller side to predict the future state of the nonlinear system based on the delayed measurements from the sensor. The convergence of the estimation error of the predictor is ensured. The gain design of the predictor applies linear matrix inequality (LMI) techniques developed by Lyapunov Kravoskii method for time delay systems. The RLC law is constructed based on the feedback error from the predicted state. The overall tracking error tends to zero asymptotically over iterations. The proof of the stability is based on a constructed Lyapunov function related to the Lyapunov Kravoskii functional used for the proof of the predictor's convergence. By well incorporating the predictor and the RLC controller, the system state tracks the desired trajectory independent of the influence of time delays. A numerical simulation example is shown to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The performance and efficacy of a two‐person operated portable PIT‐antenna for monitoring spatial distribution of stream fish populations
Authors: Linnansaari Tommi P. , Cunjak Richard A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPassive Integrated Transponder (PIT) technology has enabled the tracking of individual fish by using data‐logging stations and one‐person operated portable tracking units. Whereas data‐logging stations are fixed at a certain location, the portable units have traditionally been used in studies that require tracking operations at small spatial scales (<1000 m2) due to the time investment necessary to fully scan the stream channel. We developed a two‐person operated portable antenna that is stretched between the operators and the area in between is scanned for PIT‐tags. The antenna was five metres wide but can be customized to fit stream‐specific needs. The antenna can be used with existing Texas Instruments Series 2000 tracking units, and the detection distance ranged between 46 and 61 cm when using 23‐ or 32‐mm PIT‐tags, respectively (tag held parallel to the plane of the open coil inductor loop). To assess antenna performance in field trial, we compared the efficacy (% tags found) and time‐efficiency (time used to track a study site) between one‐ and two‐person antennae in three separate stream sites. The new antenna type proved to be very efficient (95.2–100%) for locating tags in all trials. However, the new antenna type might not perform adequately in areas with high structural complexity (e.g. logjams, overhanging vegetation) and a follow‐up with one‐person operated antenna is recommended in such complex habitats. The time consumption was always lower (10–53%) with the new antenna and significant time savings can be assumed especially in areas with a low density of PIT‐tagged individuals. Further, we have successfully used the new antenna type to track juvenile Atlantic salmon both in winter conditions (ice‐free) and warmer water (14°C) without causing fright responses. The new antenna type makes the use of PIT‐technology feasible not only at the micro/mesohabitat scale but also at the segment/reach scale and can thus be used to monitor behavioural responses of fish at the population level in wadable streams. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dementia: nurturing the spirit
Authors: Hudson Rosalie 
Published: February 2007

AbstractCries of dementia commonly heard in residential aged‐care homes call for nothing less than a person‐to‐person response. Spiritual nurture is not to be located in some esoteric, disembodied, otherworldly realm, nor does it belong exclusively in the chaplain's domain. The answer lies in the everyday lived experience of those who have dementia and those who care for them; in the particularity of interpersonal relationships rather than in a generalized problem‐solving process. This involves the professional carer entering the life narrative of the person with dementia, in the context of family and community. In a life‐giving community the cries of dementia will be heard as genuine, rather than being ignored as irrational and unworthy of response. The surprising outcome of spiritual nurturance in the context of dementia is that the health professional, in responding to the cries of dementia, may also discover his or her true self. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of rotary inertia on the fiber dynamics in homogeneous creeping flows
Authors: Altenbach H. , Naumenko K. , Pylypenko S. , Renner B. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe rotation of an inertialess ellipsoidal particle in a Newtonian fluid has been firstly analyzed by Jeffery [1]. He found that in the shear flow the particle rotates such that the end of its axis of symmetry describes a closed periodic orbit. The aim of this paper is to discuss the effects of particle inertia on the rotary motion of a fiber in uniform flow fields. We recall the equations of motion and the constitutive equation for the hydrodynamic moment in the case of a slender fiber. These equations are solved numerically for several flow fields. We demonstrate that for the plane flow fields with dominant vorticity (elliptic and rotational flows) the effect of inertia is the slow particle drift toward the flow plane.
Adhesive elastic plastic contact: theory and numerical simulation
Authors: Gilabert F.A. , Quintanilla M.A.S. , Castellanos A. , Valverde J.M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe examine the adhesive contact of an elastic‐plastic sphere and a rigid plane. We assume that the contact is normal and frictionless. First, a Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation of the contact of an amorphous van der Waals solid is performed. Next, a simple model (EP) for the elastic plastic contact is presented, which has as asymptotic limit the singular model (SS) developed by Mesarovic and Johnson in [1]. Finally, the numerical results are quantitatively compared and discussed in relation to the EP and SS models, and qualitatively with Tomas' model [2]. Acknow This work has been supported by the Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia of the Spanish Government under contract number BFM2003‐1739, and by the Junta de Andalucía under project FQM‐421. A significant technical part of this work has been additionally performed under the Project HPC‐EUROPA (RII3‐CT‐2003‐506079), with the support of the European Community – Research Infrastructure Action under the FP6 “Structuring the European Research Area” Programme.
How to improve gait and balance function in elderly individuals—compliance with principles of training
Authors: Oddsson Lars I. E. , Boissy Patrick , Melzer Itshak 
Published: February 2007

AbstractMost balance training regimens for elderly individuals focus on self-controlled exercises, although automatic postural responses after a balance perturbation are not under direct volitional control. We critically review the literature on this topic, and notice that several studies fail to comply with basic principles of training and therefore show little improvement in function. Some present the view that physical function in the too frail and too fit cannot be improved, which we instead argue would be the effect of nonspecific training programs. We propose a concept for balance training that incorporates voluntary exercises as well as perturbation and dual-task exercises to improve balance control. The program is performed on five different levels where levels 1–4 exercises focus on the skill to maintain balance and level 5 adds perturbation exercises that focus on the skill to recover balance as well as dual task exercises providing a cognitive load during execution of a balance motor task. Functional requirements for muscle strength and power are directly incorporated into the program. The feasibility of the concept has been demonstrated on elderly fallers. A randomized control trial is underway to investigate the effects on healthy elderly individuals. Further intervention studies using this concept are encouraged.
Oxygen consumption of equine articular chondrocytes: Influence of applied oxygen tension and glucose concentration during culture
Authors: Schneider Nicole , Mouithys‐Mickalad Ange , Lejeune Jean‐Philippe , Duyckaerts Claire , Sluse Francis , Deby‐Dupont Ginette , Serteyn Didier 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe investigated the oxygen (O2) uptake of equine articular chondrocytes to assess their reactions to anoxia/re‐oxygenation. They were cultured under 5% or 21% gas phase O2 and at glucose concentrations of 0, 1.0 or 4.5 g/L in the culture medium (n = 3). Afterwards, the O2 consumption rate of the chondrocytes was monitored (oxymetry) before and after an anoxia period of 25 min. The glucose consumption and lactate release were measured at the end of the re‐oxygenation period. The chondrocytes showed a minimal O2 consumption rate, which was hardly changed by anoxia. Independently from the O2 tension, glucose uptake by the cells was about 30% of the available culture medium glucose, thus higher for cells at 4.5 g/L glucose (n= 3). Lactate release was also independent from O2 tension, but lower for cells at 4.5 g/L glucose (n= 3). Our observations indicated that O2 consumption by equine chondrocytes was very low despite a functional mitochondrial respiratory chain, and nearly insensitive to anoxia/re‐oxygenation. But the chondrocytes metabolism was modified by an excess of O2 and glucose.
Copper induces permeability transition through its interaction with the adenine nucleotide translocase
Authors: García Noemí , Martínez‐Abundis Eduardo , Pavón Natalia , Correa Francisco , Chávez Edmundo 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn this work we examined the effect of low concentrations of Cu2+ on the opening of the mitochondrial non‐specific pore. The purpose was addressed to further contribute to the knowledge of the mechanisms that regulate the open/closed cycles of the permeability transition pore. Membrane leakage was established by measuring matrix Ca2+ efflux and mitochondrial swelling. The experimental results indicate that Cu2+ at very low concentrations promoted the release of accumulated Ca2+, as well as mitochondrial swelling, provided 1,10‐phenanthroline has been added. Carboxyatractyloside and Cu2+ exhibited additive effects on these parameters. After Cu2+ titration of membrane thiols, it might be assumed that the blockage of 5.9 nmol of SH/mg protein suffices to open the non‐specific pore. Taking into account the reinforcing effect of carboxyatractyloside, the increasing ADP concentrations, and that N‐ethylmaleimide inhibited the Cu2+‐induced Ca2+ efflux, it is proposed that the target site for Cu2+ is located in the ADP/ATP carrier.
Cerebrosides of baifuzi, a novel potential blocker of calcium‐activated chloride channels in rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells
Authors: Gao Shang‐bang , Wang Chang‐ming , Chen Xue‐song , Yu Wei‐wei , Mo Bi‐wen , Li Chen‐hong 
Published: February 2007

AbstractCalcium‐activated chloride channels (CaCCs) are crucial regulators of vascular tone by promoting a depolarizing influence on the resting membrane potential of vascular smooth muscle cells. However, the lack of a special blocker of CaCCs has limited the investigation of its functions for long time. Here, we report that CB is a novel potential blocker of ICl(Ca) in rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC). Cerebrosides (CB) were isolated from Baifuzi which is dried root tuber of the herb Typhonium giganteum Engl used for treatment of stroke in traditionalmedicine. Using the voltage‐clamp technique, sustained Ca2+‐activatedCl− current (ICl(Ca)) was evoked by a K+‐free pipette solution containing 500 nM Ca2+ which exhibited typical outwardly rectifying and voltage‐/time‐dependence characterization. Data showed that CB played a distinct inhibitory role in modulating the CaCCs. Moreover, we investigated the kinetic effect of CB on ICl(Ca) and found that it could slow the activation dynamics of the outward current, accelerate the decay of the inward tail current and change the time‐dependence characterization. We conclude that CB is a novel potent blocker of CaCCs. The interaction between CB and CaCCs is discussed.