bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GaN‐based Schottky diodes for hydrogen sensing in transformer oil
Authors: Sandvik Peter , Babes‐Dornea Elena , Roy Trudel Anik , Georgescu Marius , Tilak Vinayak , Renaud Daniel 
Published: May 2006

AbstractWe report the demonstration of robust, GaN‐based hydrogen sensors for use directly in transformer oil. These 1 mm2 Schottky diodes were immersed in a closed loop with Voltesso insulating oil for 21 months of continuous testing. They showed good reproducibility in response to hydrogen gases, while exposed to varying temperatures. We will briefly discuss the transformer monitoring application, the device design and fabrication process, and the sensor performance from 21‐months of testing. Transfer functions from oil temperature and dissolved gas concentration have been quantified, and those will be briefly discussed. These new sensors offer a novel alternative to electrochemical cell‐based sensors for various applications. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Narrow‐band 400 nm MSM photodetectors using a thin InGaN layer on a GaN/sapphire structure
Authors: Ohsawa J. , Kozawa T. , Fujishima O. , Itoh H. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractDark‐ and photo‐current characteristics, spectral responsivity, and temporal response to a short optical pulse are compared for two devices with the In0.12Ga0.88N thickness of 20 nm and 50 nm. The detecting area is a square of 1 mm × 1 mm or 0.5 mm × 0.5 mm to be applied for plastic optical fibers with large core diameters. Both devices showed narrow‐band responsivity in the wavelength range of 360‐425 nm. The 20‐nm device is satisfactory in the dark‐ and photo‐current characteristics. While, increased currents were observed for 50‐nm device, which fact is attributed to an incoherent growth of the thicker layer on GaN. Pulse responses in the range of nanosecond were measured. But the high‐speed response is weaker than that of the DC operation. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Chemometrics and its applications to x‐ray spectrometry
Authors: Luo Liqiang 
Published: May 2006

AbstractRecent developments in curve fitting, multivariate calibration, and pattern recognition in chemometrics, and their application to x‐ray spectrometry, are reviewed. Relatively innovated algorithms, namely genetic algorithms, neural networks and support vector machines, are discussed. Together with the three algorithms, the performances of different algorithms are compared briefly, which mainly includes principal component analysis, partial least‐squares regression, factor analysis, cluster analysis, nearest neighbor methods, linear discriminant analysis, linear learning machine, and soft independent modeling of class analogy. In general, the chemometrics methods are superior to the conventional methods, such as Fourier transform and Marquardt–Levenberg algorithms, to a certain extent. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A history of modern treatment of aortic aneurysms
Authors: Shumacker Harris B 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe history of the modern treatment of aortic aneurysms is briefly reviewed, especially with reference to developments of particular interest because of improvements they brought about, controversies they initiated, and new directions they indicated as worth following. Lesions treated with considerable risk not long ago or considered operatively unmanageable are being operated upon with progressively greater safety and better results. To be sure, there are certain matters concerning which divergent opinions are held, and these debatable issues can only be resolved with further experiences. The progress which has been made foretells continued improvement in the future.
An update of treatment of aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta
Authors: Najafi Hassan , Javid Hushang , Hunter James A. , Serry Cyrus , Monson David O. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractExcisional therapy has been employed in 32 patients with fusiform aneurysms of the descending aorta. Based on the addition of one of the bypass techniques employed to minimize the hemodynamic abnormalities of aortic clamping, the series is divided into 2 groups, each comprised of 16 patients. In Group I either extracorporeal circulation or indwelling temporary shunts were employed during the period of aortic occlusion, while in Group II simple aortic cross‐clamping was utilized to manage the lesion. No adjuncts were used to avoid ischemia in the latter group. The only death and 2 instances of paraplegia occurred in the shunt group. In general, there were fewer complications in the no‐shunt group, with approximately 2/3 of the patients experiencing an uncomplicated postoperative course. These differences are considered significant, since the 2 groups were similar in respect to the extent and nature of the lesions and other factors influencing operative risk.
Induction of lactoferrin and IL‐8 release from human neutrophils by tryptic enzymes via proteinase activated receptor‐2
Authors: Wang Haoyang , He Shaoheng 
Published: May 2006

AbstractTryptic enzymes such as tryptase, trypsin and thrombin are reportedly able to alter neutrophil behavior. However, little is known of the influence of these proteinases on lactoferrin or IL‐8 release from neutrophils. In the present study, we investigated the effects of tryptase, trypsin, thrombin and elastase, and agonist peptides of PAR‐1 SFLLR‐NH2 and PAR‐2 SLIGKV‐NH2 and tc‐LIGRLO‐NH2 on lactoferrin and IL‐8 release from highly purified human neutrophils. Flow cytometry shows CD16+ neutrophils express PAR‐1 and PAR‐2, but not PAR‐3 and PAR‐4 proteins. RT‐PCR analysis reveals that neutrophils express only PAR‐2 genes. Tryptase and trypsin, but not thrombin and elastase, induced significant lactoferrin and IL‐8 secretion from neutrophils. SLIGKV‐NH2 and tc‐LIGRLO‐NH2, but not SFLLR‐NH2, also stimulated lactoferrin and IL‐8 secretion from neutrophils. In conclusion, only a proportion of neutrophils express PAR‐1 and/or PAR‐2. Tryptase and trypsin‐induced lactoferrin and IL‐8 secretion from neutrophils most likely occur through activation of PAR‐2.
FAMILY SIZE AND CHILDREN’S EDUCATION IN MATLAB, BANGLADESH
Authors: RAZZAQUE ABDUR , STREATFIELD PETER KIM , EVANS ANN 
Published: May 2006

Summary.This study examines the relationship between family size and children’s education in Bangladesh for two periods – 1982 with high fertility and 1996 with low fertility – using data from the Matlab Health and Demographic Surveillance System of the ICDDR,B: Centre for Health and Population Research. Children aged 8–17 years (27,448 in 1982 and 32,635 in 1996) were selected from households where the mother was aged 30–49 years and the father was the head of household. Children’s education was measured in terms of completed years of schooling: at least class 1 (among 8–17 year olds), at least class 5 (among 12–17 year olds) and at least class 7 (among 15–17 year olds). After controlling for all variables in the multivariate analyses, level of children’s education was not found to be associated with family size during the high fertility period. The family size–education relationship became negative during the low fertility period. In both periods children of educated mothers from wealthier households and those who lived close to primary/high schools had more education, but this socioeconomic difference reduced substantially over time. Boys had more education than girls during the high fertility period but this difference disappeared during the low fertility period. As birth rates fall and the proportion of children from small families increases an increase in children’s education is to be expected.
Specialist services and transitional care in paediatric endocrinology in the UK and Ireland
Authors: Kirk Jeremy , Clayton Peter 
Published: May 2006

SummaryObjective  To assess current provision of specialist and transitional paediatric endocrine services in the UK and Ireland.Design  A questionnaire was sent to paediatric endocrinologists requesting details of patients receiving GH and also details of specialist and transitional services.Results  Of 72 questionnaires received, 56 [21 from historical growth centres (group 1), 10 from other teaching hospitals (group 2) and 25 from district general hospitals (DGHs) (group 3)] were analysed. A total of 4758 children [3709 (78%) in group 1] currently receive GH in the UK. Fifty‐six per cent of units (90% in groups 1 and 2) provide transfer clinics: transition (N = 27), adolescent (10), young adult (11) and adult (3). In 90% of the paediatric units, the paediatric and adult endocrinologist sit together, and 58% of clinics are held in the paediatric unit. Clinic entry is based on final height (33%), age (51%), both (14%), and other (2%). Fifty‐five per cent of units transfer all GH‐treated patients, the remainder transfer only those non‐GH‐deficient on retesting. Eighty per cent retest prior to transfer using the insulin tolerance test (ITT) [N = 27 (including three DGHs)], glucagon (22), arginine (4), clonidine (2) and other (5). Apart from intersex clinics (13), there are few specialist clinics for other paediatric endocrine patients, including only three for Turner syndrome (TS). Adult TS transfer is to multidisciplinary clinics (N = 11), adult endocrinology (27), gynaecology (14), cardiology (5) and general practitioner (GP) (1).Conclusions  We have confirmed more GH‐treated patients than before; many remain within historic growth centres. Although in the UK and Ireland transition services are established in many larger units, current guidelines are not always adhered to. Provision of specialist paediatric endocrine clinics for all groups remains variable.
Association of low density lipoprotein receptor related protein‐associated protein (LRPAP1) gene insertion/deletion polymorphism with gallstone disease
Authors: DIXIT MANJUSHA , CHOUDHURI GOURDAS , KESHRI LAXMAN JI , MITTAL BALRAJ 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Gallstones are byproducts of cholesterol supersaturated bile. Various studies have indicated that there might be a genetic predisposition to the disease. Receptor‐associated protein (RAP) is a molecular chaperone for low density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein (LRP), which plays a key role in cholesterol metabolism. Intron 5 insertion/deletion polymorphism of RAP gene (LRPAP1) has been implicated in other diseases sharing etiology with gallstone disease (GSD).Methods:  To analyze the association of insertion/deletion polymorphism in GSD, 130 gallstone patients and 202 healthy subjects took part in the present study. For genotyping, polymerase chain reaction was followed by 2% agarose gel electrophoresis.Results:  The results showed that frequencies of D and I allele were 65.77% and 34.23% in patients, 76.24% and 23.76% in controls, respectively. Frequency of I allele was significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (P = 0.003).Conclusion:  In the present study I (insertion) allele was found to be associated with GSD.
Neuroprotective effect of cannabidiol, a non‐psychoactive component fromCannabis sativa, on β‐amyloid‐induced toxicity in PC12 cells
Authors: Iuvone Teresa , Esposito Giuseppe , Esposito Ramona , Santamaria Rita , Di Rosa Massimo , Izzo Angelo A. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractAlzheimer's disease is widely held to be associated with oxidative stress due, in part, to the membrane action of β‐amyloid peptide aggregates.Here, we studied the effect of cannabidiol, a major non‐psychoactive component of the marijuana plant (Cannabis sativa) on β‐amyloid peptide‐induced toxicity in cultured rat pheocromocytoma PC12 cells. Following exposure of cells to β‐amyloid peptide (1 µg/mL), a marked reduction in cell survival was observed. This effect was associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and lipid peroxidation, as well as caspase 3 (a key enzyme in the apoptosis cell‐signalling cascade) appearance, DNA fragmentation and increased intracellular calcium. Treatment of the cells with cannabidiol (10−7−10−4m) prior to β‐amyloid peptide exposure significantly elevated cell survival while it decreased ROS production, lipid peroxidation, caspase 3 levels, DNA fragmentation and intracellular calcium. Our results indicate that cannabidiol exerts a combination of neuroprotective, anti‐oxidative and anti‐apoptotic effects against β‐amyloid peptide toxicity, and that inhibition of caspase 3 appearance from its inactive precursor, pro‐caspase 3, by cannabidiol is involved in the signalling pathway for this neuroprotection.
Trends in Initiation of Alcohol Use in the United States 1975 to 2003
Authors: Faden Vivian B. 
Published: May 2006

Introduction: Alcohol is the drug of choice for youth in the United States. By 8th grade, more than 40% of youth have used alcohol; by 12th grade, almost 80% have done so (MTF, 2003). And many of these young people begin drinking at relatively early ages. On average, boys start drinking earlier than girls, and whites and Native Americans start drinking earlier than youth of other race/ethnicities. As alcohol consumption is such a high prevalence behavior among young people, it is crucial to understand the initiation of drinking as well as possible, so as to facilitate and inform interventions to delay this behavior. One facet of this involves investigating trends in the initiation of drinking.Methods: Multiple years of data from 3 national surveys, Monitoring the Future (MTF)—1975 to 2003 for 12th graders, 1993 to 2003 for 8th and 10th graders; the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA) [now called the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)]—1991 to 1998; and the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS)—1991 to 2003, were analyzed using joinpoint analysis to further understanding of trends in the initiation of drinking by youth. The present analysis examines whether the age of drinking initiation has changed over time and evaluates trends in the percentages of youth who start drinking by various grades.Results: Simultaneous examination of data from the 3 surveys indicates that 7th and 8th grades (when most youth are 13–14) are peak years for the initiation of drinking. Further, the present analysis shows that although the percentage of youth who start drinking early (before age 13) has declined (YRBSS, MTF), the average age of initiation of drinking for these “very early starters” did not change over the period 1991 to 1998 (NHSDA/NSDUH). At the same time, an upward shift in the “normative” age of initiation has occurred (NHSDA/NSDUH, MTF). Results of analyses by gender and race/ethnicity indicate similar trends over time.Conclusion: A more nuanced understanding of the initiation of drinking can have important implications for prevention.
Fetal Ethanol Exposure Disrupts the Daily Rhythms of Splenic Granzyme B, IFN‐γ, and NK Cell Cytotoxicity in Adulthood
Authors: Arjona Alvaro , Boyadjieva Nadka , Kuhn Peter , Sarkar Dipak K. 
Published: May 2006

Background: Circadian (and daily) rhythms are physiological events that oscillate with a 24‐hour period. Circadian disruptions may hamper the immune response against infection and cancer. Several immune mechanisms, such as natural killer (NK) cell function, follow a daily rhythm. Although ethanol is known to be a potent toxin for many systems in the developing fetus, including the immune system, the long‐term effects of fetal ethanol exposure on circadian immune function have not been explored.Methods: Daily rhythms of cytotoxic factors (granzyme B and perforin), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), and NK cell cytotoxic activity were determined in the spleens of adult male rats obtained from mothers who were fed during pregnancy with chow food or an ethanol‐containing liquid diet or pair‐fed an isocaloric liquid diet.Results: We found that adult rats exposed to ethanol during their fetal life showed a significant alteration in the physiological rhythms of granzyme B and IFN‐γ that was associated with decreased NK cell cytotoxic activity.Conclusion: These data suggest that fetal ethanol exposure causes a permanent alteration of specific immune rhythms that may in part underlie the immune impairment observed in children prenatally exposed to alcohol.
Approximate solution for solute transport during spherical‐flow push‐pull tests
Authors: Schroth Martin H. , Istok Jonathan D. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractAn approximate analytical solution to the advection‐dispersion equation was derived to describe solute transport during spherical‐flow conditions in single‐well push‐pull tests. The spherical‐flow case may be applicable to aquifer tests conducted in packed intervals or partially penetrating wells. Using results of two‐dimensional numerical simulations, we briefly illustrate the applicability of the derived spherical‐flow solution and provide a comparison with its cylindrical‐flow counterpart. Good agreement between simulated extraction‐phase breakthrough curves and the spherical‐flow solution was found when the length of the injection/extraction region was small compared to both aquifer thickness and maximum solute frontal position at the end of the injection phase. On the other hand, discrepancies between simulated breakthrough curves and the spherical‐flow solution increased with increasing anisotropy in hydraulic conductivities. Several inherent limitations embedded in its derivation such as assumptions of isotropy and homogeneity warrant the cautious use of the spherical‐flow solution.
Transmissivity variations in mudstones
Authors: MacDonald Alan M. , Kemp Simon J. , Davies Jeff 
Published: May 2006

AbstractMany people in sub‐Saharan Africa have to rely on meager water resources within mudstones for their only water supply. Although mudstones have been extensively researched for their low permeability behavior, little research has been undertaken to examine their ability to provide sustainable water supplies. To investigate the factors controlling the occurrence of usable ground water in mudstone environments, an area of Cretaceous mudstones in southeastern Nigeria was studied over a 3 yr period. Transmissivity (T) variations in a range of mudstone environments were studied. The investigations demonstrate that within the top 40 m of mudstones, transmissivity can be sufficient to develop village water supplies (T > 1 m2/d). Transmissivity is controlled by two factors: low‐grade metamorphism and the presence of other, subordinate, lithologies within the mudstones. Largely unaltered mudstones (early diagenetic zone), comprising mainly smectite clays, are mostly unfractured and have a low T of < 0.1 m2/d. Mudstones that have undergone limited metamorphism (late diagenetic zone) comprise mixed layered illite/smectite clays, and ground water is found in widely spaced fracture zones (T > 1 m2/d in large fracture zones; T < 0.1 m2/d away from fracture zones). Mudstones that have been further altered and approach the anchizone comprise illite clays, are pervasively fractured, and have the highest transmissivity values (T > 4 m2/d). Dolerite intrusions in unaltered, smectitic mudstones are highly fractured with transmissivity in the range of 1 < T < 60 m2/d. Thin limestone and sandstone layers can also enhance transmissivity sufficiently to provide community water supplies.
Improved water table dynamics in MODFLOW
Authors: Clemo Tom 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe standard formulation of a block‐centered finite‐difference model, such as MODFLOW, uses the center of the cell as the location of a cell node. Simulations of a dynamic water table can be improved if the node of a cell containing the water table is located at the water table rather than at the center of the cell. The LPF package of MOD‐FLOW‐2000 was changed to position a cell's node at the water table in convertible cells with a water table. Improved accuracy in the upper regions of an unconfined aquifer is demonstrated for pumping from a partially penetrating well. The change introduces a nonlinearity into the solution of the flow equations that results in slightly slower convergence of the flow solution, 7% slower in the presented demonstration. Accuracy of simulations is improved where vertical flow is dominated by a moving water table, but not when a large water table gradient dominates over the water table movement.
Use of a multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis method for molecular subtyping and phylogenetic analysis of Neisseria meningitidis isolates
Authors: Liao Jui-Cheng , Li Chun-Chin , Chiou Chien-Shun 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
The multilocus variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) technique has been developed for fine typing of many bacterial species. The genomic sequences of Neisseria meningitidis strains Z2491, MC58 and FAM18 have been available for searching potential VNTR loci by computer software. In this study, we developed and evaluated a MLVA method for molecular subtyping and phylogenetic analysis of N. meningitidis strains.

Results
A total of 12 VNTR loci were identified for subtyping and phylogenetic analysis of 100 N. meningitidis isolates, which had previously been characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing. The number of alleles ranges from 3 to 40 for the 12 VNTR loci; theoretically, the numbers of alleles can generate more than 5 × 1011 MLVA types. In total, 93 MLVA types were identified in the 100 isolates, indicating that MLVA is powerful in discriminating N. meningitidis strains. In phylogenetic analysis with the minimal spanning tree method, clonal relationships, established with MLVA types, agreed well with those built with ST types.

Conclusion
Our study indicates that the MLVA method has a higher degree of resolution than PFGE in discriminating N. meningitidis isolates and may be a useful tool for phylogenetic studies of strains evolving over different time scales.
Enzymatic Degrading Solubilization of a Polymer Comprising Glycine, Phenylalanine, 1,2-Ethanediol, and Adipic Acid
Authors: Saotome Yasushi , Tashiro Mitsuru , Miyazawa Takeo , Endo Takeshi 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Water-insoluble four-component polymers, comprising glycine (Gly), phenylalanine (Phe), 1,2-ethanediol, and adipic acid, were synthesized. These polymers exhibited degrading solubilization upon incubation with chymotrypsin. It was found that the degradation rate of the polymer could be controlled by altering the Phe/Gly ratio.
Molecular Design of Black Lipid Membranes (BLM) by Polymerized Double-Chain Ammonium Amphiphiles
Authors: Kato Shinji , Kunitake Toyoki 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Planar bilayer membranes were obtained from polymerized double-chain ammonium amphiphiles. Their properties were closely related to those of the corresponding aqueous bilayers, and a life time longer than one day was observed for a well-organized polymer sample.