bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Activity of Sugar‐Based Gemini Cationic Amphiphiles
Authors: Negm Nabel A. , Mohamed Amouna S. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractTwo series of gemini cationic surfactants were synthesized based on glucose and fructose molecules. Their chemical structures were confirmed using micro‐elemental analysis, mass spectral fragmentation and FTIR spectroscopic analysis. The surface activities of these gemini amphiphiles were measured, including surface tension (γ), critical micelle concentration (CMC), effectiveness (πcmc), efficiency (pC20), maximum surface excess (Γmax) and minimum surface area (Amin) at 25 °C. Adsorption and micellization free energies of these amphiphiles in their solutions showed a good tendency towards adsorption at the interfaces. The biological activity of the synthesized gemini amphiphiles showed good inhibition at concentrations of 1, 2.5 and 5 mg/mL. The synthesized amphiphiles showed antimicrobial activity on gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria and antifungal activity equal to or comparable to commercially available controls. The discussion rationalized the antimicrobial activities of these amphiphiles with the surface activity and the adsorption parameters. In addition, the effect of sugar nuclei was discussed based on the chemical structure of the bacterial and fungal cell membranes.
Efficacy and safety of morphine‐6‐glucuronide (M6G) for postoperative pain relief: A randomized, double‐blind study
Authors: Smith T.W. , Binning Alexander R. , Dahan Albert 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTAims: The aim of the study was to assess analgesia and safety effects of a range of intravenous doses of M6G (10, 20 and 30mg/70kg), compared to placebo, in postoperative patients.Methods: In a randomized, multicentre, double‐blind study, patients undergoing knee replacement surgery under spinal anaesthesia were administered one of three doses of M6G, or placebo, 150min after spinal nerve block. Morphine rescue medication was available via a PCA pump. The key index of analgesic activity was determined as the amount of morphine consumed by the patient over 12 and 24h after M6G administration. Time to first use of rescue medication, VAS and global pain assessment scales were also recorded. Safety was assessed by monitoring supine blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature and typical opioid side‐effects of PONV and sedation.Results: A total of 170 patients were dosed with study medication. M6G induced a dose‐related reduction in morphine use over 24‐h that reached statistical significance compared to placebo at M6G 30mg/70kg. There was no clear relationship between M6G dose and time to first use of PCA morphine. Pain relief was similar in all groups. M6G showed small, but inconsistent effects on the cardiovascular system and on sedation and no effects were observed on respiration or PONV.Conclusion: M6G induced long‐lasting dose‐related analgesic effects in postoperative patients with limited effects on cardiorespiratory systems or of opioid‐like side‐effects. M6G is an effective opioid for the treatment of moderate to severe postoperative pain.
Decoupling of stalagmite-derived Asian summer monsoon records from North Atlantic temperature change during marine oxygen isotope stage 5d
Authors: Zhou Houyun , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Pingzhong , Shen Chuan-Chou , Chi Baoquan , Feng Yuexing , Lin Yin , Guan Huazheng , You Chen-Feng 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe Asian monsoon is an important component of the global climate system. Seasonal variations in wind, rainfall, and temperature associated with the Asian monsoon systems affect a vast expanse of tropical and subtropical Asia. Speleothem-derived summer monsoon variation in East Asia was previously found to be closely associated with millennial-scale change in temperature in the North Atlantic region between 75 and 10 ka. New evidence recovered from East Asia, however, suggests that the teleconnection between summer monsoon in East Asia and temperature change in the North Atlantic region may have significantly reduced during 120 to ~ 110 ka, a period directly after the full last interglaciation and corresponding roughly to marine oxygen isotope stage 5d. This reduction may be due to the low ice volume in the North Hemisphere at that time, which makes the millennial-scale change in temperature in the North Atlantic region less effective in influencing the Asian summer monsoon. This is important for investigating the mechanisms controlling the Asian summer monsoon and the paleoclimatic teleconnection between East Asia and the North Atlantic region, and for predicting monsoon-associated precipitation in East Asia under a global-warming trend.
Low Cost, High Accuracy Positioning In Urban Environments
Authors: Hide Chris , Moore Terry , Hill Chris , Park David 
Published: June 2008

It is well known that GPS measurements are regularly obstructed in urban environments. Positioning accuracy in such environments is significantly degraded and in many areas, it is not possible to obtain a GPS position fix at all. There are currently two methods that can be used to improve availability in the urban environment. Firstly, GPS receivers can be augmented with dead reckoning sensors such as an INS. Alternatively, High Sensitivity GPS (HSGPS) receivers can be used which are able to acquire and track very weak signals. This paper assesses the performance obtained from a GPS and low cost INS integrated system and a HSGPS receiver in an urban environment in Nottingham, UK. The navigation systems are compared to a high accuracy integrated GPS/INS system which is used to provide a reference trajectory. It is demonstrated that the differential GPS and low cost INS system can provide horizontal positioning accuracy of better than 2·5 m RMS in real-time, and better than 1 m RMS in post-processing, whereas the non-differential HSGPS receiver provides a real-time performance of 5 m RMS. These results were obtained in an environment where, with conventional GPS receivers, a position solution is only available 48·4% of the time. Operational considerations such as initial alignment of the GPS and low cost INS are also discussed when comparing the two systems for urban positioning applications.
Automated synthesis of mechanical vibration absorbers using genetic programming
Authors: Hu Jianjun , Goodman Erik D. , Li Shaobo , Rosenberg Ronald 
Published: June 2008

AbstractConceptual innovation in mechanical engineering design has been extremely challenging compared to the wide applications of automated design systems in digital circuits. This paper presents an automated methodology for open-ended synthesis of mechanical vibration absorbers based on genetic programming and bond graphs. It is shown that our automated design system can automatically evolve passive vibration absorbers that have performance equal to or better than the standard passive vibration absorbers invented in 1911. A variety of other vibration absorbers with competitive performance are also evolved automatically using a desktop PC in less than 10 h.
Evolving blackbox quantum algorithms using genetic programming
Authors: Stadelhofer Ralf , Banzhaf Wolfgang , Suter Dieter 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAlthough it is known that quantum computers can solve certain computational problems exponentially faster than classical computers, only a small number of quantum algorithms have been developed so far. Designing such algorithms is complicated by the rather nonintuitive character of quantum physics. In this paper we present a genetic programming system that uses some new techniques to develop and improve quantum algorithms. We have used this system to develop two formerly unknown quantum algorithms. We also address a potential deficiency of the quantum decision tree model used to prove lower bounds on the query complexity of the parity problem.
Three Years of Ocean Data From a Bio‐optical Profiling Float
Authors: Boss Emmanuel , Perry Mary Jane , Swift Dana , Taylor Lisa , Brickley Peter , Zaneveld J. Ron V. , Riser Stephen 
Published: June 2008

Ocean color, first measured from space 30 years ago, has provided a revolutionary synoptic view of near‐surface fields of phytoplankton pigments. Since 1979, a number of ocean color satellite missions have provided coverage of phytoplankton biomass and other biogeochemical variables on scales of days to years and of kilometers to ocean basin.Because of the nature of visible light and its interaction with absorbing and scattering materials in the ocean and atmosphere, these measurements are biased toward near‐surface waters and are obscured by clouds. As a consequence, ocean color satellites miss significant fractions of phytoplankton biomass, marine primary productivity, and particle flux that occur at depths beyond their sensing range. They also miss phytoplankton blooms and other events that occur during periods of extended cloud cover.
Global Dimming and Brightening: International Workshop of the Israel Science Foundation on Global Dimming and Brightening; Ein Gedi, Israel, 10–14 February 2008
Authors: Ohring George , Cohen Shabtai , Norris Joel , Robock Alan , Rudich Yinon , Wild Martin , Wiscombe Warren 
Published: June 2008

Observations indicate that the amount of solar radiation reaching the surface of the Earth has varied significantly over decadal timescales during the past half century. A workshop of the Israel Science Foundation evaluated the observational evidence for global dimming and brightening (GDB), its possible causes, and its implications for the Earths climate, hydrology, agriculture, and land use. The workshop also identified gaps in our knowledge and made recommendations to fill these gaps.Speakers at the workshop reviewed current understanding of GDB. Surface observations indicate that widespread global dimming (reduced solar radiation) at a rate of about 2–3 watts per square meter per decade occurred between the late 1950s and the late 1980s over midlatitude land surfaces of the Northern Hemisphere. These records also show a reversal of this trend over many land areas in the past two decades— brightening of the order of 2 watts per square meter per decade. Satellite estimates of solar radiation reaching the surface and aerosol trends, only available since the early 1980s, are generally consistent with these findings. Some analyses of the surface observations indicate that the rates of dimming and brightening are highest in major population centers and fall off significantly in areas with lower population densities.
Mexico‐U.S. Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring Efforts: Workshop on Taxonomy of Harmful Algal Blooms; Veracruz, Mexico, 18–22 February 2008
Authors: Hu Chuanmin , Muller‐Karger Frank E. 
Published: June 2008

A workshop on harmful algal bloom (HAB) taxonomy, sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Health of the state of Veracruz, Mexico, was held at the Aquarium of Veracruz and focused on standardizing methods to detect HABs that affect coastal waters in the Gulf of Mexico. This binational effort was established under the umbrella of the Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA), initially formed in 2004 by the five U.S. Gulf states (Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas) with participation from U.S. federal agencies and other stakeholders.The workshop was aimed at developing a joint program in HAB monitoring and research between the United States and Mexico. This was the first joint gathering of its kind and took place as a result of a series of recent initiatives, including a 3‐year grant from the EPA to the University of South Florida to build “A Binational Gulf of Mexico HAB Risk Assessment and Communications Partnership” through efforts to assess, develop, and better integrate the existing human scientific and resource management infrastructure in the United States and Mexico. The workshop was the first step toward these goals.
CHARGE-COUPLED DEVICE SPECKLE OBSERVATIONS OF BINARY STARS WITH THE WIYN*
TELESCOPE. V. MEASURES DURING 2001–2006
Authors: Horch Elliott P. , van Altena William F. , Cyr William M. , Kinsman-Smith Lori , Srivastava Amit , Zhou Jing 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT
A total of 1067 speckle observations of 345 binary stars are presented. Of these, 161 are double stars first resolved by Hipparcos, 17 are resolved for the first time in the observations presented here, and 21 are stars previously discovered by our program and reported in earlier papers in the series. In 947 cases, a magnitude difference is reported along with the relative astrometry. When comparing to systems with very well-known orbits, we find that the root mean square (rms) deviation in separation residuals is 2.81 ± 0.28 mas, and the rms deviation in position angle residuals is 0.88 ± 0.07°. The magnitude difference measures show no significant deviation from Hipparcos photometry, and have average standard deviation of approximately 0.10 mag as judged from repeat observations. Five important systems discovered by Hipparcos are discussed.
Effects of multimedia and schema induced analogical reasoning on science learning
Authors: Zheng R.Z. , Yang W. , Garcia D. , McCadden E.P. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe present study investigates the effects of multimedia and schema induced analogical reasoning on science learning. It involves 89 fourth grade elementary students in the north‐east of the United States. Participants are randomly assigned into four conditions: (a) multimedia with analogy; (b) multimedia without analogy; (c) analogy without multimedia; and (d) non‐multimedia and non‐analogy. The multivariate analyses of covariance reveal significant main effects for multimedia and analogy learning as well as a significant interaction between multimedia and analogy. The findings show that schema induced analogical reasoning can significantly improve science learning and that multimedia becomes more effective when it is integrated with an instructional method such as analogy and less so when it is used only as a visual tool. The study also shows the field dependence/independence as a significant covariate that influences learners' schema induced analogical reasoning in learning. Discussions pertaining to the significance of the findings and their implications for teaching and learning are made. Suggestions for future research are included with an emphasis on developing multimedia supported analogical reasoning for science learning.
Site‐specific receptor methylation of FrzCD in Myxococcus xanthus is controlled by a tetra‐trico peptide repeat (TPR) containing regulatory domain of the FrzF methyltransferase
Authors: Scott Ansley E. , Simon Eric , Park Samuel K. , Andrews Philip , Zusman David R. 
Published: June 2008

Summary Myxococcus xanthus is a gliding bacterium with a complex life cycle that includes swarming, predation and fruiting body formation. Directed movements in M. xanthus are regulated by the Frz chemosensory system, which controls cell reversals. The Frz pathway requires the activity of FrzCD, a cytoplasmic methyl‐accepting chemotaxis protein, and FrzF, a methyltransferase (CheR) containing an additional domain with three tetra trico‐peptide repeats (TPRs). To investigate the role of the TPRs in FrzCD methylation, we used full‐length FrzF and FrzF lacking its TPRs (FrzFCheR) to methylate FrzCD in vitro. FrzF methylated FrzCD on a single residue, E182, while FrzFCheR methylated FrzCD on three residues, E168, E175 and E182, indicating that the TPRs regulate site‐specific methylation. E168 and E182 were predicted consensus methylation sites, but E175 is methylated on an HE pair. To determine the roles of these sites in vivo, we substituted each methylatable glutamate with either an aspartate or an alanine residue and determined the impact of the point mutants on single cell reversals, swarming and fruiting body formation. Single, double and triple methylation site mutants revealed that each site played a unique role in M. xanthus behaviour and that the pattern of receptor methylation determined receptor activity. This work also shows that methylation can both activate and inactivate the receptor.
Vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphisms in Turkish patients with sarcoidosis
Authors: Seyhan E. C. , Cetinkaya E. , Altin S. , Gunluoglu M. Z. , Demir A. , Koksal V. , Issever H. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractPolymorphism at +813 locus of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene is considered to decrease predisposition to sarcoidosis. Our study aimed to investigate the roles of this polymorphism in the development and extent of sarcoidosis. We examined polymorphisms of the VEGF gene in 90 cases with histopathological diagnosis of sarcoidosis and in 110 healthy subjects. VEGF +813 gene polymorphisms were determined using a polymerase chain reaction‐based method after DNA isolation. A significant increase in the frequency of the T allele was found in healthy subjects (odds ratio 0.55; 95% confidence interval 0.32–0.97,P < 0.05). Our results suggest that increase in rarer T allele at + 813 locus of VEGF gene may diminish susceptibility to sarcoidosis in Turkish population.
Clinical utility of intraductal US to decrease early recurrence rate of common bile duct stones after endoscopic papillotomy
Authors: Tsuchiya Shin , Tsuyuguchi Toshio , Sakai Yuji , Sugiyama Harutoshi , Miyagawa Kaoru , Fukuda Yoshihiro , Ando Takeshi , Saisho Hiromitsu , Yokosuka Osamu 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The aim of the present study was to determine whether additional intraductal ultrasound (IDUS) to confirm complete stone clearance decreases the recurrence rate of common bile duct stones for a 3‐year period after endoscopic papillotomy (EPT).Methods:  IDUS was carried out with a thin‐caliber ultrasonic probe (diameter 2.0 mm, frequency 20 MHz) via transpapillary route after stone extraction. If IDUS showed evidence of residual stones and/or sludge, endoscopic management was performed until IDUS examination was negative. A prospective study was conducted on 59 consecutive patients undergoing additional IDUS after stone extraction between January 1996 and May 2003 (IDUS group). The recurrence rate of common bile duct stones was compared with a historical control group (August 1988 to December 1995) consisting of cases that did not undergo IDUS (non‐IDUS group). Potential risk factors for recurrence of common bile duct stones were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis on logistic regression.Results:  In 14 of 59 patients (23.7%), IDUS detected small residual stones not seen on cholangiography. The recurrence rate was 13.2% (17 of 129 patients) in the non‐IDUS group and 3.4% (two of 59 patients) in the IDUS group (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis subsequently identified non‐IDUS status as an independent risk factor for recurrence (odds ratio 5.12, 95% CI 1.11–23.52, P = 0.036).Conclusions:  Additional IDUS to confirm complete stone clearance after EPT decreases the early recurrence rate of common bile duct stones.
Prion disease causes less severe lesions in human hippocampus than other parts of brain
Authors: Kaneko Minoru , Sugiyama Nobuhiro , Sasayama Daimei , Yamaoka Keiko , Miyakawa Tomohiro , Arima Kunimasa , Tsuchiya Kuniaki , Hasegawa Kazuko , Washizuka Shinsuke , Hanihara Tokisi , Amano Naoji , Yagishita Saburo 
Published: June 2008

Aim:  The hippocampus can be very sensitive to damage in the scrapie‐infected mouse, a well‐established animal model of prion diseases. Terminally ill scrapie‐infected animals exhibit nearly complete loss of cornu ammonis (CA) 1 pyramidal neurons, but few studies have focused on the neuropathological lesions of the human hippocampus in autopsied brain tissue; in particular, few findings on differences in severity of pathology between the hippocampal and parahippocampal formations have been obtained. The aim of the present paper is to evaluate the human hippocampus of prion disease through neuropathological examination.Methods:  A systemic, detailed neuropathological study throughout the subdivisions of the hippocampus was carried out in 23 autopsied cases of prion diseases. Prion protein immunohistochemistry was performed in serial brain sections to determine the topography of prion deposits.Results:  Compared to lesions in other brain regions, hippocampal lesions were mild, despite numerous prion deposits. The distribution of prion deposits did not appear to be correlated with neuropathological changes. The present findings differed from the hippocampal pathology observed in scrapie‐infected mice. In addition, differences in neuropathological severity were observed within the hippocampal formation.Conclusion:  The human hippocampus may be protected from the neurotoxic effects of prion deposits.
Classification of adult patients with type 2 diabetes using the Temperament and Character Inventory
Authors: Yoda Noriko , Yamashita Tatsuhisa , Wada Yoshihisa , Fukui Michiaki , Hasegawa Goji , Nakamura Naoto , Fukui Kenji 
Published: June 2008

Aim:  Adult patients with type 2 diabetes were classified using the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). This classification was used to propose effective therapeutic approaches based on subtypes of psychological characteristics.Methods:  The TCI and various psychological tests were administered to 89 patients (54 men and 35 women). Cluster analysis was performed using three temperament factors of the TCI as variables for subclassification: novelty seeking (NS), harm avoidance (HA) and reward dependence (RD).Results:  The patients were divided into two clusters based on the TCI results. Cluster 1 had a low NS/high HA/low RD pattern, which indicated resistance to change and lack of cooperativeness, and results of other tests indicated that patients in cluster 1 were obsessional and had weak intention and personality disorder symptoms. In contrast, cluster 2 had a high NS/low HA/high RD pattern, indicating a socially active person who easily becomes dependent on others, and results of other tests indicated that these patients were histrionic and less anxious. In cluster 1 there was a significant negative correlation between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and SD‐1 (TCI self‐directedness) ‘responsibility’ and a significant positive correlation between HbA1c and State anxiety of State–Trait Anxiety Inventory. In cluster 2 there was a significant positive correlation between HbA1c and HA‐2 ‘fear of uncertainty’.Conclusions:  Patients with type 2 diabetes were classified using the TCI into two subgroups. These two groups differed in psychological characteristics and had a different pattern in correlation with glycemic control.