bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial and temporal characteristics of aerosol optical depth over East Asia and their association with wind fields
Authors: Bao Zhenhao , Zhu Chize , Hulugalla Ranatunge , Gu Junqiang , Di Guoqing 
Published: August 2008

AbstractRotated principal component analysis (PC) was performed on monthly Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data over East Asia for the period of March 2000–January 2006. The first PC mode is a south–north dipole with a strong positive loading between 30–35°N and 130–150°E over middle latitude East Asia and a weaker negative loading in southern parts over East Asia. The first PC mode explains 32.44% of the total variance. By analysing time series of the PC1‐3, results show the PC‐1 and PC‐3 modes are important and both have distinct changes from the period 2000–2003 to 2004–2006; the former pattern (in middle latitudes over East Asia) is characterized in a decreasing linear trend and the latter (in eastern China) is in an increasing linear trend in the full 71 month evolution. Furthermore, based on the wavelet power spectrum analysis, it is found that the distinct changes of the monthly AOD in middle latitudes over East Asia (the PC‐1 pattern) are connected to the multi‐scale variations at intra‐seasonal (3–6 month) and annual (12 month) scales. While calculating the correlation of the PC‐1 with wind fields at 850 hPa from the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis dataset, it is shown that the PC‐1 is closely related to the U and V (horizontal) components over subtropical East Asia and western north Pacific, which well represents East Asian monsoon features. Finally, by comparing the PC‐1 pattern in May between 2003 and 2004, results show that the higher (lower) AOD in 2003 (2004) is associated with weaker (stronger) U component at 850 hPa in middle latitudes over East Asia. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Tuning of a thunderstorm index for north‐eastern Italy
Authors: Dalla Fontana Alberto 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIn the present study the KO index (KOI) is adapted to the climatology of thunderstorms of north‐eastern Italy. A large data set of events falling into the summer months June, July and August of the years 2003–2007 was collected using imagery from the C‐band radar located in Teolo in the north‐eastern Italian region Veneto, and soundings from the Udine station, located 100 km north‐east of the radar. Three methods were evaluated in order to identify the best use of the KOI as a thunderstorm predictor, i.e. based on (1) maximization of the True Skill Score (TSS), (2) frequency distributions, and (3) a probabilistic approach. The first two methods yield the best use of the KOI for categorical (yes/no) forecasts. The third method defines a forecast probability for each value of the KOI. The forecast probabilities were partially corrected for the negative bias found on a reliability diagram. Resolution has been discussed on a Relative Operating Characteristic (ROC) diagram and compared with the TSS. A more reliable evaluation of the scores could be achieved using an independent data set, which is presently not available. Recommendations are given for an effective use of the findings in the forecasting activity. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
On existence of solutions for a system of Boltzmann transport equations
Authors: Tervo Jouko 
Published: August 2008

AbstractWe consider a linear system of Boltzmann transport equations. The system models charged particle transport in tissue, for example. Although only one species of particles, say photons, is invasing these particles mobilize electrons and positrons. Hence in realistic modelling of particle transport one needs a coupled system of three Boltzmann transport equations. The solution of this system must satisfy the inflow boundary condition. We show existence and uniqueness result of the solution applying coercitivity of the underlying linear operator and its adjoint operator. In addition, we consider existence of continuous solutions by iterative methods. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Welfare benefit promotion within a district general hospital rheumatology centre: A joint project with the local Citizens Advice Bureau
Authors: Fruin Carole , Pitt P.I. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectives: The Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), used in arthritis provides an overall disability index and has been used previously to indicate those patients with arthritis who may be eligible for welfare benefits such as Attendance Allowance (AA) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) (Langley et al., 2004, Memel et al., 2002, Powell et al., 2004). The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the HAQ in this local population as a tool for identifying patients who may be eligible for benefits, and to assist those identified in claiming benefits with the help of a Citizens Advice Bureau benefits advisor.Method: HAQ forms were sent to patients attending the Rheumatology Centre, all those patients with a HAQ score of ≤1.5, indicating moderate to severe disability were contacted initially by telephone by the CAB advisor. Those whom were considered eligible were invited to attend the Rheumatology Centre to determine their suitability to apply for benefit. Suitable patients were invited to complete a department of Work and Pensions claim pack either with the advisor in the Rheumatology Centre, with a CAB form completion volunteer within the patient's home or fill the forms in themselves.Results: Of the 86 patients contacted by the CAB advisor, 48 were already on benefits, 8 of these patients were advised to have their benefits reviewed. 38 were not in receipt of any benefits. 29 (63%) were awarded benefits.Conclusions: The HAQ was found to be a useful tool in this local population for identifying patients with arthritis who may be entitled to AA or DLA. The CAB advisor was central to the identification and application process for eligible patients for AA and DLA, which in some cases led to the award of other entitlements. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients' knowledge of the disease and its treatments: A descriptive study
Authors: Mäkeläinen P. , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen K. , Pietilä A‐M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjective: The purpose of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patient education is to increase patients' knowledge levels. However, there are only a limited number of studies available concerning these patients' knowledge of their disease and its various treatments. The purpose of this study was to describe RA patients' understanding of their disease and its treatments.Methods: A total of 252 RA patients participated in this survey in August 2004 (response rate 53.2%). The knowledge levels of the patients and their physical functioning were measured using self‐reported questionnaires. The data were analysed using descriptive and non‐parametric statistical methods.Results: RA patients' knowledge of the disease and its treatments was, on average, good. However, the total scores of the Patient Knowledge Questionnaire ranged from 2 to 29 (maximum score 30). The patients knew well the aetiology and symptoms of RA, the blood tests and the physical exercise; they knew moderately well the facts relating to joint protection, energy conservation and how to use anti‐rheumatic drugs and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. Young patients, women and patients with a long disease duration knew the most. There was a weak correlation between patient knowledge and physical functioning: the weaker the patient's functioning, the higher the knowledge level.Conclusions: RA patients' knowledge of their disease and its treatments varied from poor to good in this group. These results can be used for advancing RA patient education. However, more research is needed to evaluate RA patients' knowledge levels. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disease‐specific measure of quality of life for myasthenia gravis
Authors: Mullins Larry L. , Carpentier Melissa Y. , Paul Robert H. , Sanders Donald B. ,   Muscle Study Group
Published: August 2008

AbstractIn 2000 a Task Force of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America recommended development of a quality of life (QOL) measure specific for myasthenia gravis (MG). Extant investigations have relied solely on assessment of physical aspects of daily living in conceptualizing QOL, despite research that emphasizes the importance of including psychological factors. In the present study we developed a QOL questionnaire specific to MG (MG‐QOL) that assesses both physical and psychological aspects of function. The MG‐QOL questionnaire was administered as a secondary measure of efficacy in a recently completed prospective trial of mycophenolate mofetil involving 80 MG patients. Comparisons indicated that the MG‐QOL performed better than a nondisease‐specific measure of QOL, the SF‐36, in demonstrating disease change as assessed by the primary measure, the Quantitative MG score (QMG). The MG‐QOL correlated highly with the SF‐36, and demonstrated stronger associations with independent physical ability ratings. Results from this study support the use of this new measure of QOL, both clinically and in treatment trials of MG. Muscle Nerve 38: 947–956, 2008
A role for interleukin‐6 in spreading endothelial cell activation after phagocytosis of necrotic trophoblastic material: implications for the pathogenesis of pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Chen Q , Stone P , Ching L‐M , Chamley L 
Published: August 2008

AbstractPre‐eclampsia is characterized by systemic maternal endothelial dysfunction that precedes the onset of clinical symptoms. The cause of the dysfunction is not clear but the number and the nature of trophoblasts shed from the placenta may be altered in pre‐eclamptic pregnancies. These dead trophoblasts become trapped in the pulmonary capillaries and may then be phagocytosed by endothelial cells. Phagocytosis of necrotic, but not apoptotic, trophoblasts results in endothelial cell activation. We have explored the hypothesis that activation can subsequently spread to other endothelial cells via soluble factors without the need for direct contact with shed trophoblasts. Conditioned medium from endothelial cells that had phagocytosed necrotic, but not apoptotic, trophoblasts was shown to activate fresh endothelial cells due, in large part, to IL‐6 secreted into the conditioned medium. The amount of IL‐6 secreted in response to phagocytosis of necrotic trophoblasts was similar to the levels of IL‐6 found by others in the blood of pre‐eclamptic women and was substantially more than the level of IL‐6 which has been reported to induce symptoms of pre‐eclampsia in pregnant rats. We demonstrated that phagocytosis of both a trophoblast cell line as well as trophoblasts shed from human placentae, had this effect on two different types of endothelial cells. The role of IL‐6 in endothelial cell activation was confirmed using recombinant IL‐6 and neutralizing antibodies against IL‐6 and the IL‐6 receptor. Thus, IL‐6 secreted by pulmonary endothelial cells after they have phagocytosed necrotic trophoblasts that are trapped in the pulmonary capillaries could activate endothelial cells in other remote vascular beds, contributing to the systemic activation of the endothelium that is a hallmark of pre‐eclampsia. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacoepidemiology of QT‐interval prolonging drug administration in critically ill patients
Authors: Freeman Bradley D. , Dixon David J. , Coopersmith Craig M. , Zehnbauer Barbara A. , Buchman Timothy G. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractPurposeCommonly prescribed medications produce QT‐prolongation and are associated with torsades de pointes in non‐acutely ill patients. We examined patterns of QT‐prolonging drug use in critically ill individuals.MethodsAn administrative critical care database was utilized to identify patients receiving drugs associated with QT‐interval prolongation or torsades de pointes for ≥ 24 hours.ResultsData from 212 016 individuals collected over a 63‐month period was examined to identify 6125 patients (2.9%) receiving QT‐interval prolonging drugs. These individuals had a mean (±SE) age of 63.0 (±0.2) years, were predominately male (55.4%) and Caucasian (84.4%), and were exposed to QT‐interval prolonging agents for a mean (±SE) 53.1 (±0.4)% of their ICU length of stay. Respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses were the most common reasons for ICU admission (17.2, 12.0%, respectively). The most frequently administered agents were amiodarone (23.5%), haloperidol (19.8%), and levofloxacin (19.7%); no other single agent accounted for more than 10% of QT‐interval prolonging drugs prescribed. Coadministration of QT‐prolonging drugs occurred in 1139 patients (18.6%). These patients had higher ICU mortality rate and longer ICU lengths of stay, compared to patients not receiving coadministered drugs (p < 0.001 for both). For patients receiving coadministered drugs, overlap occurred for 71.4 (±0.8)% of the time that the drugs were given. Amiodarone coadministration with antibiotics, haloperidol coadministration with antibiotics, and haloperidol coadministration with amiodarone, comprised 15.2, 13.7, and 9.4%, of all coadministered agents, respectively.ConclusionsQT‐prolonging drugs were used in a minority of critically ill patients. Prospective evaluation in the ICU environment is necessary to determine whether administration of these agents is associated with adverse cardiac events comparable to those reported in ambulatory patients. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetics of interaction of palm ethyl biodiesel with three different polymer materials
Authors: Lutz Giselle , Mata‐Segreda Julio F. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractDiesel diffuses into neoprene matrices 10% faster than palm ethyl biodiesel at 20°C. In contrast, the palm biodiesel soaks highly plasticized PVC five times faster than diesel. Phthalate plasticizer leaks from the PVC matrix 14 times faster when biodiesel is the absorbed liquid, relative to petrodiesel. This biodiesel penetrates polybutadiene‐styrene resins at rates that depend on the ratio of phenyl to CHCH units in the resins. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blends of carbon blacks and multiwall carbon nanotubes as reinforcing fillers for hydrocarbon rubbers
Authors: Bokobza Liliane , Rahmani Mostafa , Belin Colette , Bruneel Jean‐Luc , El Bounia Nour‐Eddine 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe reinforcement of a styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) by single fillers—carbon black (CB) or multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)—or by mixtures of CB and MWNTs, is investigated. The morphologies, mechanical and electrical properties of the composites, are analyzed. A significant improvement in the tensile properties is observed for samples containing a dual phase. Using atomic force (AFM) and transmission electron (TEM) microscopies, we demonstrate that the double loading improves the dispersion of the nanotubes in SBR. Electrical measurements show lower resistivity and a lower percolation threshhold for composites containing blends of fillers, which provides further evidence of better dispersion. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 46: 1939–1951, 2008
Creep behavior of ultra‐thin polymer films
Authors: O'Connell Paul A. , Hutcheson Stephen A. , McKenna Gregory B. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA novel microbubble inflation method has been used to determine the creep compliance of poly(vinyl acetate) and polystyrene ultra‐thin films (13–300 nm thick) at temperatures from below to above the glass temperature. We present results that suggest that time‐temperature and time‐thickness superposition hold in the glassy relaxation regime. Although time‐temperature superposition is found for the entire response curve for each thickness, we also find that time‐thickness superposition fails as the long‐time compliance is approached. This effect occurs because of a strong stiffening as the film thickness decreases. We also show first evidence of stiffening in the glassy regime of free standing films of polystyrene. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1952–1965, 2008
Assessing crystalline lamellae orientation impact on the properties of semi‐crystalline polymer‐clay nanocomposites
Authors: Vermogen A. , Picard E. , Milan M. L. , Masenelli‐Varlot K. , Duchet J. , Vigier G. , Espuche E. , Gérard J. F. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractSemi‐crystalline polymer‐clay nanocomposite properties are often considered only by their clay dispersion state. The purpose of this work is to highlight texture effects on semi crystalline polymer‐clay properties. Maleic anhydride‐grafted polyethylene nanocomposites with two different processing techniques (Blown Extrusion and Compression) were studied. The processing was shown to induce different crystalline lamellae orientation in the films but with no significant changes in the crystalline lamellae long period, degree of crystallinity, clay particle orientation morphology and dispersion. The impact of these specific textures on the nanocomposites barrier and tensile properties were reported. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1966–1975, 2008
Migration of nanosilica particles in polymer blends
Authors: Elias L. , Fenouillot F. , Majesté J.‐C. , Martin G. , Cassagnau P. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractHydrophilic pyrogenic silica melt mixed in immiscible polypropylene/poly (ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (PP/EVA) blend was found to migrate from the PP matrix to the EVA dispersed domains and remained confined inside them. Surprisingly, it was shown than silica was also able to migrate from a dispersed PP phase to an EVA matrix but this transfer was slower and not complete. The same silica with a hydrophobic surface treatment moved and accumulated to the blend interface and in PP. The mechanisms from which this migration proceeds are discussed. Whereas self diffusion of the particles was shown to have almost no effect, shear induced movements and collisions with dispersed drops is believed to be the most efficient mechanism. The possible trapping of silica aggregates during droplet–droplet coalescence was impossible to observe but is thought to be a possible additional mechanism. No quantification on the relative importance of the latter phenomenon can be drawn at the moment. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1976–1983, 2008
Positron annihilation lifetime measurements of mechanically fatigued polystyrene samples
Authors: Erichsen J. , Nagel C. , Günther‐Schade K. , Renner M. , Altstädt V. , Faupel F. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractEarly stages of cyclic fatigue‐loaded polystyrene (PS) specimens were investigated by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) at a maximum stress amplitude of 15 MPa. PALS yields information about the average unoccupied hole volume. A linear increase in the ortho‐positronium (o‐Ps) lifetime was observed in a range from 0 to 50,000 cycles. This increase occurs homogeneously distributed at different positions along a sample of 170 mm. The average unoccupied void volume increases by 1.2%. On the other hand, the o‐Ps intensity shows no systematic change upon cycling. The results suggest a homogeneous and linear increase in free volume prior to craze formation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1991–1995, 2008
Synthesis, characterization and optical properties of nanocrystalline lead molybdate
Authors: Anandakumar V. M. , Khadar M. Abdul 
Published: August 2008

AbstractLead molybdate (PbMoO4) finds wide practical application due to its acousto‐optic and luminescent properties. In the present study, nanoparticles of PbMoO4 of different grain sizes were synthesized through chemical precipitation technique. Precipitation reactions carried out in non‐aqueous media below room temperature were used for the synthesis of samples of two lower grain sizes. The crystal structure and grain size of the samples were determined using X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. UV–Visible absorption spectra showed a broad absorption peak for the sample with average grain size of 52 nm which is blue shifted considerably as the average grain size was reduced to 14 nm. The fundamental absorption follows an exponential edge indicating Urbach‐like behaviour. The temperature dependence of Urbach parameter is also determined. The micro‐Raman spectra and FT Raman spectra of the samples were recorded and the features in the Raman spectra are discussed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of thallium doping on the electrical and optical properties of CdO thin films
Authors: Dakhel A. A. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA series of lightly Tl‐doped CdO thin films (1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, and 3%) have been prepared by a vacuum evaporation method on glass and Si wafer substrates. The prepared films were subjected to structural study by X‐ray diffraction, optical characterisation by UV–VIS–NIR absorption spectroscopy, and dc‐electrical measurements. Experimental data indicate that Tl3+ doping slightly stretching stresses the CdO crystalline structure and changes the optical and electrical properties. It was observed that Tl doping widens the energy gap of CdO from 2.22 eV to 2.83 eV via a Burstein–Moss energy level shift. The band gap shrinkage was also observed for carrier concentrations Nel > 1.13 × 1020 cm–3, which was explained by merging of the impurity band with the conduction band. The optical properties were explained by using Hamberg et al.'s band‐to‐band transitions and classical Drude theory. The electrical behaviour of the samples shows that they are degenerate semiconductors. The 2% Tl‐doped CdO sample shows an increase in its mobility by about 1.4 times, conductivity by 5 times, and carrier concentration by 3.6 times relative to the undoped CdO film. From the transparent‐conducting‐oxide point of view, Tl is sufficiently effective for CdO doping but does not emulate other dopants like In, Sn, Sc, and Y. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Polymer microfibers obtained using porous silicon templates
Authors: Marsal L. F. , Formentín P. , Palacios R. , Trifonov T. , Ferré‐Borrull J. , Rodriguez A. , Pallarés J. , Alcubilla R. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe deposition of specific materials into ordered pores arranged in a regular lattice allows the fabrication of ordered fiber arrays. Porous silicon is an attractive candidate for use as a template because the porosity and pore size can be tuned. Polymer microfibers using macroporous silicon with various pore depths as template system is reported here. The method entails vacuum infiltration of a polymer solution into the pores of the template. Two different types of polymer were selected in order to obtain ordered arrays of fibers made from Poly(methyl) methacrylate) or Poly(dimethylsiloxane). Microtubes were obtained when we used a silicon membrane as a template, whereas microfibers were obtained when we used a silicon template with pores opened only at one end. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electrical characteristics of temperature‐difference liquid phase deposited SiO2 on GaN with (NH4)2Sx treatment
Authors: Lee Ming‐Kwei , Ho Chen‐Lin , Zeng Jia‐Yi 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe characteristics of a SiO2 film grown on (NH4)2Sx treated GaN by temperature‐difference liquid phase deposition were investigated. Hydrofluorosilicic acid and boric acid were used as deposition solutions. For GaN without the (NH4)2Sx treatment, an Al/SiO2/GaN MOS diode shows poor electrical characteristics due to the native oxides existing at the interface. With (NH4)2Sx treatment of GaN, a stable sulfide‐terminated surface is obtained and the leakage current density of SiO2/GaN is improved from 6.15 × 10–4 A/cm2 to 2.08 × 10–5 A/cm2 at the electric field of 2 MV/cm. The effective oxide charges decrease from 6.09 × 1011 C/cm2 to 2.23 × 1011 C/cm2. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)