bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Propylene sorption and coordinative interactions for poly(N‐vinyl pyrrolidone‐co‐vinyl acetate)/silver salt complex membranes
Authors: Joo Seung Hwan , Kim Jong Hak , Kang Sang Wook , Jang Jyongsik , Kang Yong Soo 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWhen poly(N‐vinyl pyrrolidone‐co‐vinyl acetate) (PVP‐co‐PVAc) containing amide and ester groups were complexed with silver salts to form silver polymer electrolyte membranes, their separation performance of propylene/propane mixtures showed the high selectivity of propylene over propane of 55 and the high mixed gas permeance of 12 GPU (1 GPU = 1.0 × 10−6 cm3(STP) cm−2 s−1 cmHg−1). The separation performance strongly depends on the composition of the copolymer: the higher concentration of PVP in the copolymer, the better separation performance was achieved. These results suggest that the amide group is more effective in facilitated propylene transport than the ester group, primarily due to the stronger interaction of the silver ions with the amide than the ester oxygens, as demonstrated by FT‐IR and FT‐Raman spectroscopies. In‐situ FT‐IR spectra upon propylene sorption also demonstrate that the interaction strength of the silver ions with the ligands is arranged: amide > CC > ester. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2263–2269, 2007
NMR‐based modeling and binding studies of a ternary complex between chicken liver bile acid binding protein and bile acids
Authors: Tomaselli Simona , Ragona Laura , Zetta Lucia , Assfalg Michael , Ferranti Pasquale , Longhi Renato , Bonvin Alexandre M. J. J. , Molinari Henriette 
Published: July 2007

AbstractChicken liver bile acid binding protein (cL‐BABP) is involved in bile acid transport in the liver cytosol. A detailed study of the mechanism of binding and selectivity of bile acids binding proteins towards the physiological pool of bile salts is a key issue for the complete understanding of the role of these proteins and their involvement in cholesterol homeostasis. In the present study, we modeled the ternary complex of cL‐BABP with two molecules of bile salts using the data driven docking program HADDOCK on the basis of NMR and mass spectrometry data. Docking resulted in good 3D models, satisfying the majority of experimental restraints. The docking procedure represents a necessary step to help in the structure determination and in functional analysis of such systems, in view of the high complexity of the 3D structure determination of a ternary complex with two identical ligands. HADDOCK models show that residues involved in binding are mainly located in the C‐terminal end of the protein, with two loops, CD and EF, playing a major role in ligand binding. A spine, comprising polarresidues pointing toward the protein interior and involved in motion communication, has a prominent role in ligand interaction. The modeling approach has been complemented with NMR interaction and competition studies of cL‐BABP with chenodeoxycholic and cholic acids. A higher affinity for chenodeoxycholic acid was observed and a Kd upper limit estimate was obtained. The binding is highly cooperative and no site selectivity was detected for the different bile salts, thus indicating that site selectivity and cooperativity are not correlated. Differences in physiological pathways and bile salt pools in different species is discussed in light of the binding results thus enlarging the body of knowledge of BABPs biological functions. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phytoplankton dynamics in two tropical rivers with different degrees of human impact (southeast Brazil)
Authors: Soares Maria Carolina S. , Huszar Vera L. M. , Roland Fabio 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPotamoplankton attracts little research attention worldwide and this also holds true in Brazil, despite its numerous river systems. The origin and maintenance of phytoplankton populations in these systems have not been well studied. We analysed biological, physical and chemical parameters of the Paraibuna and Pomba rivers to identify the main driving forces behind temporal and spatial phytoplankton patterns. Both systems are located in the southeast, the most populated region. These rivers are similar in climate and geomorphology, and have become eutrophic due to the increase in the human population of the region, especially in Paraibuna River catchments. Twelve and eleven stations were, respectively, sampled during the dry and rainy seasons in the Paraibuna and Pomba rivers. The seasonal pattern of abiotic and biotic variables was related to the increase in the discharge and dilution caused by the rainy period. However, human influences such as the presence of a reservoir and sewage inflow were important to distinguish the rivers. The phytoplankton community of Paraibuna River was influenced by Chapéu D'Uvas Reservoir, which was dominated by a toxic population of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii. Pomba River phytoplankton was typical of the lotic tropical systems. Phytoplankton functional groups in both rivers were those commonly found in turbid and turbulent shallow lakes. Although the functional group approach was originally described for lentic environments, our data support this approach for lotic community patterns. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling to extract more information from clinical trials data: On some roles for the bootstrap
Authors: Sauerbrei Willi , Royston Patrick 
Published: July 2007

AbstractDespite its importance in the theoretical literature, the bootstrap appears to play a negligible role in pharmaceutical research, as will be demonstrated by a brief literature review. As will be shown by examples, the bootstrap is a useful tool in the planning and analysis of clinical trials. The first example shows that some important information required in the design of a study can best be gained by using the bootstrap. It is argued from two further examples that more information can be extracted from large clinical trials by data‐dependent modelling. This is shown by identifying a prognostic factor that may play a role as an inclusion criterion of a new study and by an interaction of a continuous predictor with treatment. To protect against erroneous conclusions from data‐dependent modelling in a multivariable context, detailed checks of the results and stability analyses should be performed by the bootstrap. To conclude, a discussion of the future of modelling and the future of the bootstrap is given.
Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Molar Substitution on Rheological Properties of Hydroxypropylated Rice Starch Pastes
Authors: Chun So‐Young , Yoo Byoungseung 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe steady and dynamic shear rheological properties of hydroxypropylated rice starch pastes (5%, w/w) were evaluated at different molar substitution (MS, 0.030‐0.142). The swelling power (35.5‐52.8 g/g) and solubility (8.19‐10.7%) values of the hydroxyproylated rice starches were higher than those of native rice starch (26.6 g/g and 7.78%) and increased with an increase in MS. The hydroxypropylated starch pastes at 25°C showed a pronounced shear‐thinning behavior (n = 0.33‐0.40) with Casson yield stress (σoc = 15.9‐31.7 Pa). The consistency index (K) and yield stress (σoc) values of the hydroxypropylated starch pastes were lower than those of the native starch, and increased progressively with an increase in MS. The apparent viscosity (ηa,500) obeyed the Arrhenius temperature relationship over the temperature range of 10‐55°C; the activation energies (Ea) of the hydroxypropylated starch pastes were in the range of 14.8‐18.5 kJ/mol, i.e. higher than that (14.1 kJ/mol) of the native starch. Storage (G′) and loss moduli (G′′) of hydroxypropylated starch pastes increased with an increase in MS, while tan δ (G′′/G′) values decreased, indicating that G′ rose more strongly than G′′ with increased MS.
Merging formation and current amplification of field‐reversed configuration
Authors: Inomoto Michiaki , Ono Yasushi 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe merging formation of the field‐reversed configuration (FRC) has been developed in the TS‐3 merging experiment, leading us to a new scenario of FRC slow formation, heating and current amplification. Two force‐free spheromaks with opposing toroidal fields were merged together in the axial direction to form a high‐β FRC with higher efficiency than the conventional field‐reversed theta‐pinch method. This unique relaxation from the force‐free (β ∼ 0.05 − 0.1) spheromaks to the high‐β (β ∼ 0.7 − 1) FRC is attributed to the conversion of toroidal magnetic energy into ion thermal energy through the reconnection outflow. A central ohmic heating (OH) coil worked successfully to amplify the FRC plasma current by a factor of 2. Toroidal mode analysis of magnetic structure indicated that the tilting stability of the oblate FRC was provided by an ion kinetic effect. This oblate FRC is also useful as an initial equilibrium to produce a high‐βp spherical tokamak (ST) with diamagnetic toroidal magnetic field, suggesting the close relationship between FRCs and high‐βp STs in the second stable region of the ballooning mode. © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Comparison with film substrates of polyimide and Ni for cantilevered magnetic actuators
Authors: Yokota Chikako , Ishiyama Kazushi , Arai Ken Ichi 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper describes a cantilevered actuator driven by magnetostriction in a low magnetic field. The dimensions of the two‐layer actuator were 1 mm × 5 mm, and amorphous FeSiB was used as the positive magnetostrictive material. The theoretical formulas for the amount of displacement and force of the actuator were obtained. In the experiment, a nonmagnetic polyimide film material and a negative magnetostrictive Ni film material were used as the substrates. The change in the characteristics of the actuator caused by changing the substrate was examined with theoretical formulas and experiments. It is shown that the actuator with Ni as the substrate was designed to obtain the largest displacement and the largest force. © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Nd–Fe–B thick films prepared at the high deposition rate of 90 µm/h
Authors: Nakano Masaki , Takeda Hiroyuki , Yamashita Fumitoshi , Fukunaga Hirotoshi 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAfter a postannealing process, the magnetic properties of pulsed laser deposition (PLD)‐made Nd–Fe–B film magnets prepared at the deposition rate of 20–90 µm/h showed constant values, and the average values of Hc, Br and (BH)max were 1050 kA/m, 0.6 T, and 60 kJ/m3, respectively. The obtained results were comparable to those previously reported. In conclusion, it was found that a maximum deposition rate of 90 µm/h could be achieved without deterioration of magnetic and mechanical properties. © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Fabrication of high‐quality two‐dimensional photonic crystals based on porous alumina
Authors: Yayoi Kazuo , Jinno Masahiko , Fujikawa Rintaro , Baryshev Alexander , Khanikaev Alexander , Shin Kwang‐Ho , Uchida Hironaga , Inoue Mitsuteru 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe fabricated porous alumina templates with a well‐ordered pore array by a pre‐triggered anodization method. The arrangement of pores in the fabricated templates was set by a Ni‐dot stamper. The structure of the templates was analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), two‐dimensional Fourier transformation of FESEM images and optical means. It was found that the porous alumina templates have a high‐quality, extended, two‐dimensional hexagonal lattice, which can be used in the fabrication of two‐dimensional magnetophotonic crystals (2D‐MPCs). © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Synthesis and characterization of long gold nanorods
Authors: Liu Ru‐Shi , Chen Hao Ming , Hu Shu‐Fen 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA new approach to fabricate long gold nanorods by controlling the volume of the growth solution is reported. Shapes ranging from fusiform nanoparticles to 1D rods were observed to evolve. Increasing the growth solution can control the length of the nanorods. The length of the rods could be extended to 2 µm, and nanorods with aspect ratios of up to ∼70 could be obtained. Moreover, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) was used to elucidate the growth mechanism of gold nanorods. The gold ions were directly reduced to gold atoms by ascorbic acid during the reaction, and the gold atoms were deposited on the surface of gold seeds, which were introduced into the reaction. Extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) confirmed the growth of gold and the environment around Au atoms during the reaction. XAS is expected to have wide applications in the growth of gold and other related materials. © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A 5‐MHz AT‐cut quartz crystal oscillating circuit functioning in 350 nA
Authors: Sato Tomio , Tanaka Hirokazu , Ehara Kei , Kanno Yoshinori 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAn oscillating circuit functioning at ultra low power (350 nA) for a 5‐MHz AT‐cut quartz crystal oscillator was investigated. This circuit has a resistance between the power terminal of the CMOS‐IC and the power supply, and another between the earth terminal of the CMOS‐IC and the ground (GND). These resistances discourage an inrush of current, and set a gain (gm) necessary for oscillating the circuit at minimum. The developed circuit is quite simple, but enables driving at once‐unthinkable, low power (below 1 µA). © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Noncontact measurement of deep tissue absorption coefficient using Spatially Resolved Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Niwayama Masatsugu , Murata Hideaki , Sone Shingo , Shinohara Shigenobu 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe examined the influence of probe‐tissue distance on the relationship between the deep tissue absorption coefficient and the spatial profile of light intensity by Monte Carlo simulation and in vivo experiments, using noncontact spatially resolved near‐infrared spectroscopy (SRS). These results suggest that noncontact SRS can be reliably used for noncontact measurement of the absorption coefficient and oxygen saturation of deep tissues. © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Lead induced malformations in embryos of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)
Authors: Osman Alaa G. M. , Wuertz Sven , Mekkawy Imam A. , Exner Hans‐Jürgen , Kirschbaum Frank 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe effect of lead exposure (100, 300, and 500 μg/L lead nitrate) on embryos of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus were examined by gross morphology and histopathology. Exposition to lead nitrate caused a progressively longer delay in hatching and also reduced the percentage of embryos, which successfully completely hatch from 75% in the control group to 40% in the group exposed to 500 μg/L lead. Categories of gross morphological abnormalities comprised four major ones (irregular head shape, pericardial edema, yolk sac edema, and notochordal defect) and two minor deformations (finfold defect and reduction of pigmentation). The frequencies of recorded morphological malformations increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing lead concentration in all stages. Four histopathological categories comprising notochordal defect, gill malformation, eye malformation, and detached skin were recorded. All these malformations were recorded only in the embryos exposed to 300 and 500 μg/L lead. The degrees of histological lesions increased with increasing lead concentration and with length of exposure time. Mean concentrations of lead in the whole embryos were measured and the lowest concentrations of lead were recorded in the control groups (0.3–1.0 μg/g wet wt). Accumulated lead increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing dose in all stages. Accumulation of lead in the chorion suggests that the chorion acts as an effective barrier protecting the embryo. Low impact of lead on prehatching stages may be related to both the protective capacity of the chorion and the ability of the perivitelline fluid to concentrate lead. The present results show that (i) lead toxicity was dosage dependent and become evident in gross morphological malformations, followed by histopathological changes, and (ii) early life stages of the African catfish C. gariepinus are a very sensitive bioassay for aquatic lead pollution. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 22: 375–389, 2007.
A case study on Bangka Island, Indonesia on the habits and consequences of pesticide use in pepper plantations
Authors: Wiratno  , Taniwiryono Darmono , Van den Brink Paul J. , Rietjens Ivonne M. C. M. , Murk Albertinka J. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractHabits and consequences of pesticide use in pepper plantations were studied in Indonesia. The first study was conducted by questioning 117 farmers about their habits in pesticide use and determining pesticide residues on pepper berries on Bangka Island. Meanwhile, the second study was completed by analyzing exposure levels of pesticide in farmers' bodies before and after pesticide application to pepper plantations at Sukamulya, West Java. Risks of pesticide exposure to below ground terrestrial invertebrates and aquatic ecosystems adjacent to the treated fields were evaluated using scenarios and a decision support system. Results showed that five respondents (4.3%) were agricultural workers without their own plantations and the others were plantation owners. About 112 respondents (95.7%) used pesticides regularly, while 21 respondents (17.9%) had experienced pesticide poisoning. About 54 respondents (46.2%) tended to apply the same pesticide on all occasions, and 104 respondents (88.9%) indicated to always apply a single compound. About 91 respondents (77.8%) were not aware of the possible impact of pesticides on their health, and 102 respondents (87.2%) were not aware of the possible effects on the environment. In addition while spraying pesticides 17 respondents (14.5%) were smoking, 81 respondents (69.2%) were wearing daily clothes, and 84 respondents (71.8%) were throwing empty bottles into the forest. Exposure study revealed that the residues in the urine and blood increased 6.5–10 and 1.1–1.5 folds, respectively indicating actual and direct exposures. The environmental risk assessment indicated low risks for the terrestrial below ground invertebrates but high potential risks for the aquatic ecosystem. The residues of the major pesticides were below the maximum residue limits. This study indicated that the farmers and their workers, and probably also the environment, were at risk of high exposure to the pesticides applied, but that the risks for the consumers were negligible, if present at all. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 22: 405–414, 2007.
Transfrontal three‐dimensional visualization of midline cerebral structures
Authors: Viñals F. , Muñoz M. , Naveas R. , Giuliano A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjective To compare sonographic visualization of midline cerebral structures obtained by two‐dimensional (2D) imaging and three‐dimensional (3D) multiplanar and volume contrast imaging in the coronal plane (VCI‐C), with transfrontal 3D acquisition.Methods Sixty consecutive healthy fetuses in vertex presentation at a mean gestational age of 24 (range, 20–33) weeks underwent 2D and 3D ultrasound examination. Sagittal cerebral planes were reconstructed using 3D acquisition from axial planes by multiplanar analysis and by VCI‐C. The reconstructed midline images of both these techniques were compared with the midline structures visualized directly in the A‐plane by transfrontal 3D acquisition using a sweep angle of 30°. Measurement of the corpus callosum and cerebellar vermis and visualization of the fourth ventricle and the main vermian fissures were compared. The sharpness of the images was also assessed qualitatively. Mid‐sagittal tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI) was also performed. 3D planes were compared with 2D transfontanelle median planes obtained by transabdominal or, when required, transvaginal sonography.ResultsThe midline plane could be obtained in 88% of multiplanar, 82% of VCI‐C and 87% of transfrontal analyses. Measurements of the corpus callosum and cerebellar vermis obtained by 3D median planes were highly correlated. The clearest and sharpest definition of midline structures was obtained with transfrontal acquisition. Primary and secondary fissures of the cerebellar vermis could be detected in 13–26% of multiplanar, 18–35% of VCI‐C and 52–79% of transfrontal analyses. 2D visualization was superior or equal to the 3D transfrontal approach in all the parameters compared.Conclusion 3D planes obtained from axial acquisitions are simpler and easier to display than are transfrontal ones. However, artifacts and acoustic shadowing are frequent in 3D axial acquisition and spatial resolution is better in the direct visualization transfrontal technique. If the standard examination includes a view of the fetal facial profile, a quick 3D acquisition through the frontal sutures provides direct visualization for assessment of the midline structures. We believe that this volumetric methodology could represent a step towards incorporating a comprehensive fetal neuroscan into routine targeted organ evaluation. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Childhood body mass index gain during the summer versus during the school year
Authors: Downey Douglas B. , Boughton Heather R. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe nationwide increase in obesity affects all population sectors, but the impact on children is of special concern because overweight children are prone to becoming overweight adults. Contrary to the opinion of experts, research suggests that schools may be more part of the solution than the problem. Recent seasonal comparison research (comparing children's outcomes during the summer and during school year) reports that children gain body mass index (BMI) nearly twice as fast during the summer as during the school year. Whereas most children experience healthier BMI gain during the school year than the summer, this is especially the case for black and Hispanic children and for children already overweight.
Summer programming in rural communities: Unique challenges
Authors: Phillips Ruthellen , Harper Stacey , Gamble Susan 
Published: July 2007

AbstractDuring the past several decades, child poverty rates have been higher in rural than in urban areas, and now 2.5 million children live in deep poverty in rural America. Studies indicate that poor children are most affected by the typical “summer slide.” Summer programming has the ability to address the issues of academic loss, nutritional loss, and the lack of safe and constructive enrichment activities. However, poor rural communities face three major challenges in implementing summer programming: community resources, human capital, and accessibility. The success of Energy Express, a statewide award‐winning six‐week summer reading and nutrition program in West Virginia, documents strategies for overcoming the challenges faced by poor, rural communities in providing summer programs. Energy Express (1) uses community collaboration to augment resources and develop community ownership, (2) builds human capital and reverses the acknowledged brain drain by engaging college students and community volunteers in meaningful service, and (3) increases accessibility through creative transportation strategies. West Virginia University Extension Service, the outreach arm of the land‐grant institution, partners with AmeriCorps, a national service program, and various state and local agencies and organizations to implement a program that produces robust results.