bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gas permeability and selectivity of benzophenone aromatic isophthalic copolyamides
Authors: Carrera‐Figueiras Cristian , Aguilar‐Vega Manuel 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe synthesis, thermal, and gas transport properties of poly(benzophenone isophthalamide), DBF/ISO, poly(benzophenone‐5‐tert‐butylisophthalamide), DBF/TERT, homopolymers, and their copolyamides with different DBF/TERT ratios are reported. The results indicate that the glass transition temperatures of the copolyamides increase as the concentration of DBF/TERT in the polyamide increases. The gas permeability coefficients for DBF/ISO are around 10−2 Barrers for O2 which situates this polymer as a barrier polymer. It was also found that permeability coefficients in all polyamides and copolyamides are independent of pressure for He or decrease slightly particularly with O2, CO2, and N2. It was seen that DBF/TERT is up to 15 times more permeable than DBF/ISO, depending on the gas being considered. This behavior was assigned to the presence of the bulky lateral substituent, the tert‐butyl group, in DBF/TERT and DBF/TERT‐co‐DBF/ISO copolyamides. This bulky substituent increases fractional free volume and interchain spacing; as a consequence, the gas permeability and diffusion coefficients generally increase. The experimental results for the gas permeability coefficients and permselectivity for the copolyamides was well represented by a semilogarithmic mixing rule of the homopolyamides permeability coefficients as a function of their volume fraction. The selectivity of gas pairs, such as He/O2 and He/CO2, decreased slightly with the addition of DBF/TERT. The temperature dependence of permeability for homopolyamides and copolyamides can be described by an Arrhenius type equation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2083–2096, 2007
Enhancement of thermoelectric performance in strongly correlated multilayered nanostructures
Authors: Freericks J. K. , Zlatić V. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe cover picture shows a false‐color plot of the density of states for a nanostructure consisting of two ideal metallic leads and a few layers of strongly correlated material in between. The picture originates from the article by Freericks and Zlatić [1]. In this work the authors present a novel approach to transport through strongly anisotropic structures. They illustrate how the electronic charge reconstruction near the interfaces of metal–“strongly correlated barrier”–metal devices can lead to a significant enhancement of the thermoelectric response due to the breaking of particle–hole symmetry.This issue contains papers presented at the XXX International Conference of Theoretical Physics held in Ustroń, Poland, in September 2006.
Preface: phys. stat. sol. (b) 244/7
Authors: Maśka Maciej M. , Zipper Elżbieta , Dajka Jerzy 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe XXX Jubilee International Conference of Theoretical Physics “Electron Correlations in Nano‐ and Macrosystems” was held in Ustroń, Poland, from 9 to 14 September 2006.The current interest in theoretical aspects of solid state physics covers simultaneously macro, micro and nano systems. The broad range of practical applications ranges from technology to quantum and classical information storage. The purpose of the conference was to bring together scientists actively working in those areas of solid state physics in which electron correlations play an important role. Emphasis was given to the fundamental and vital role played by electron correlations. Particular topics included, among others, magnetism and unconventional superconductivity, electronic properties of low dimensional systems, transport phenomena in nano systems and spintronics. As the objective was to discuss ‘hot’ frontiers of modern physics, we invited distinguished scientists who have made significant contributions to the fields covered by the conference.The scientific program of the conference included 39 lectures and 27 poster presentations. The truly international character of the conference was illustrated by the attendance of almost a hundred scientists from 13 nations of three continents. The Organizing Committee would like to express its gratitude to all speakers and contributors for delivering excellent talks and posters. We would also like to thank all of the referees for their conscientious and timely effort in reviewing all manuscripts. Their work improved significantly the quality of the papers presented in this issue. And finally, we wish to thank all the participants for attending this conference and for the friendly atmosphere during the whole meeting.
Structural characterization of II‐VI semiconductor nanoparticles
Authors: Neder R. B. , Korsunskiy V. I. , Chory Ch. , Müller G. , Hofmann A. , Dembski S. , Graf Ch. , Rühl E. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe present structure analysis techniques for nanoparticles, which use the explicit simulation of the nanoparticle structure. Data are based on X‐ray powder data, which are interpreted via the Debye equation and pair distribution function data. The techniques allow the exact determination of the nanoparticle structure, shape and defect structure. ZnO and ZnSe nanoparticles are of ellipsoidal shape with interatomic distance distribution equal to bulk phases. CdSe/ZnS forms core shell particles in which the ZnS shell is structurally incoherent to the core phase. All three materials are characterized by unusually high stacking fault density. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Formation and consequences of misfit dislocations in heteroepitaxial growth
Authors: Walther Markus , Biehl Michael , Kinzel Wolfgang 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe investigate the formation of misfit dislocations in strained heteroepitaxial crystal growth and their influence on the structure of the growing layers. We use Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations for an off‐lattice model in 1+1 dimensions with Lennard‐Jones interactions. Two different types of the formation of dislocations are found, depending on the sign and the magnitude of the misfit. Misfit dislocations affect the lateral and the vertical lattice spacing in heteroepitaxial growth. In addition, we observe a correlation between the lateral position of buried dislocations and grown mounds, depending on the sign of the misfit. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Gauge capability studies for attribute data
Authors: Lyu JrJung , Chen Ming‐Nan 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA gauge repeatability and reproducibility (R&R) method is developed to assess the capability of a measurement system. Although gauge capability studies have received substantial attention, few studies have investigated attribute data despite their wide application in industry. The primary aim of this research is to develop a procedure, based on the generalized linear model, to evaluate the R&R of a measurement system for attribute data. To calculate repeatability of a system, the procedure integrates the iterative weighted least squares (IWLS) method and deviance analysis. The proposed procedure is applied to an inclusion measurement system to verify its adequacy to model the process capability. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advanced da Vinci surgical system simulator for surgeon training and operation planning
Authors: Sun L. W. , Van Meer F. , Schmid J. , Bailly Y. , Thakre A. A. , Yeung C. K. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackgroundAlthough patients benefit considerably from minimally invasive surgery, the use of new instruments such as robotic systems is challenging for surgeons, and extensive training is required.MethodWe developed a computer‐based simulator of the da Vinci Surgical System, modelling the robot and designing a new interface.ResultsThe simulator offers users a two‐handed interface to control a realistic model of the da Vinci robot. The simulator can be applied (i) to provide an environment in which to practice simple surgical skills and (ii) to serve as a visualization platform on which to validate port placement and robot pose for operation planning.ConclusionsVirtual reality is a useful technique for medical training. The simulator is currently in its early stages, but this preliminary work is promising. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lightweight POSIX tracing
Authors: Terrasa Andrés , Espinosa Agustín , García‐Fornes Ana 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn embedded systems, the typical host/target development scheme normally requires a tracing mechanism to be available in the target system in order to collect run‐time information of the application. This information is then used in the host system to debug, monitor, fine tune, etc., the application. Related to this, POSIX has recently incorporated the definition of standard tracing services into the complete POSIX 1003.1‐2001 standard. It is obvious that standard interfaces present several advantages for applications, specially regarding portability. However, the observed trend in real‐time operating systems (RTOSs) of progressively incorporating the POSIX interfaces have not reached the POSIX tracing services. As far as we know, this tracing interface has not been incorporated yet into any commercial RTOS, probably because it is quite recent and its tracing model is too complex and demanding for small, embedded real‐time systems. After carefully analyzing and then implementing and using the POSIX Trace standard in both RT‐Linux and MarteOS, this paper presents the redefinition of the POSIX tracing standard from the perspective of small real‐time systems and, in particular, systems conforming to the POSIX Minimal Realtime System Profile (MRSP). The new tracing model is calledLightweight POSIX tracing. The model has been carefully designed to maintain all the syntax, and almost all the semantics, of the original standard, but it allows for the definition of useful subsets of the original standard that can be implemented very efficiently. The experimental results show that a minimal tracing system which is appropriate for MRSP systems exhibits a significantly smaller memory footprint and lower overhead, compared to the implementation of the complete standard. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ameliorating mental mistakes in tradeoff studies
Authors: Smith Eric D. , Son Young Jun , Piattelli‐Palmarini Massimo , Terry Bahill A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractTradeoff studies are broadly recognized and mandated as the method for simultaneously considering multiple alternatives with many criteria, and as such are recommended in the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Decision Analysis and Resolution (DAR) process. Tradeoff studies, which involve human numerical judgment, calibration, and data updating, are often approached with under confidence by analysts and are often distrusted by decision makers. The decision‐making fields of Judgment and Decision Making, Cognitive Science and Experimental Economics have built up a large body of research on human biases and errors in considering numerical and criteria‐based choices. Relationships between experiments in these fields and the elements of tradeoff studies show that tradeoff studies are susceptible to human mental mistakes: This paper indicates ways to eliminate the presence, or ameliorate the effects of mental mistakes on tradeoff studies. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 10: 222–240, 2007
Political risk at the interface of civilizations: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Howell Llewellyn D. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractPolitical risk is the probability that an investor or investors will lose money due to factors in a society, a government, or its international environment. Risk will vary according to the theory applied to projection and measurement (assessment). Risk also varies at different investor levels, i.e. for all foreign investors, for a particular industry, for a particular firm, or for a specific project. (Howell, 2001b, p. 4) © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Croatia: A country “created from God's tears”
Authors: Zdravkovic Srdan , Amine Lyn S. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis article introduces Croatia as a newly independent Eastern European state that is emerging from centuries of rule by others. Croatia aims to be a modern European nation, offering great potential for international business, tourism, and economic development. Information about Croatia is in short supply, so this article provides valuable insights for businesspeople considering doing business in Croatia. This information can also serve as a general benchmark for neighboring countries that were members of the former Yugoslavia. In the article, we provide background cultural information on Croatia and discuss aspects of the environment relating to (1) political, regulatory, and legal conditions; (2) human resource factors; and (3) foreign direct investment, trade, and marketing conditions. We conclude with managerial and research implications, as well as an evaluation of the outlook for Croatia's future. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The United Arab Emirates: The twenty‐first century beckons
Authors: Grant Jim , Golawala Fatema Shabbir , McKechnie Donelda S. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe United Arab Emirates is quickly making its presence known on the world stage; the country is shifting away from its dependence on oil and diversifying into new business sectors such as real estate, tourism, world‐class sporting events, finance, and construction. Development supported and encouraged by government, economic policy reforms, streamlined foreign investment regulations, and the multicultural lifestyle afforded to nationals and expatriates are contributing to exemplary growth. Despite uncertainty in the regional political situation, the country is stable and at low risk. In sum, the United Arab Emirates appears intent on attracting businesses from many parts of the world, now and throughout the twenty‐first century. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Time‐resolved x‐ray fluorescence for monitoring the intake of mineral nutrients in living plants
Authors: Tsutsumimoto Kaoru , Tsuji Kouichi 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe have applied a time‐resolved means of measurement for studying living plants. The intake of mineral nutrients in a living plant such as stevia has been observed by this measuring instrument. A solution containing K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn compounds was used as the mineral nutrient solution. The concentrations of the standard solutions were specifically chosen to obtain optimal intensities of the x‐ray peaks. The time dependence of the x‐ray fluorescence (XRF) intensity showed specific intake processes depending on the type of element. In addition, the experimental results suggest differences in the translocation of each element in the stevia stem. We conclude that time‐resolved XRF is a powerful technique for studying living plants. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aspects of Informed Consent in Medical Practice in the Eastern Mediterranean Region During the 17th and 18th Centuries
Authors: Christopoulos Platon , Falagas Matthew E. , Gourzis Philippos , Trompoukis Constantinos 
Published: June 2007

AbstractInformed consent is a question of central importance in contemporary medical ethics, and clinical practice is inconceivable without considering the issues it raises. Although it is often vigorously argued that consent, informed or otherwise, is a recent phenomenon and that no sources testify to its existence before the 20th century, it is difficult to accept that a process for regulating the common and fundamental parameters in the relationship between doctor and patient and the planning of treatment had not concerned previous eras. A review of the Registers of the Islamic Court of Candia (Heraklion) in Crete, a series of records that touches on, among other things, matters of medical interest, reveals that the concept of informed consent was not only known during a period that stretched from the mid‐17th to the early 19th century, but it was concerned with the same principles that prevail or have been a point of contention today. An extension of this study into other periods may thus provide contemporary researchers with material and information valuable in the discussion of today’s bioethical issues.
Mevalonic aciduria: Report of two cases
Authors: Bretón Martínez J. R. , Cánovas Martínez A. , Casaña Pérez S. , Escribá Alepuz J. , Giménez Vázquez F. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryMevalonic aciduria is a rare disease that is a consequence of a deficiency of mevalonate kinase, an inborn error in the biosynthesis of cholesterol. Approximately 30 cases have been reported. We present our data on two siblings with mevalonic aciduria as a contribution to the recognition of this subject. Both were born after uneventful pregnancies. Their parents were healthy and not consanguineous. They had normal somatic and psychomotor development until they were around 2 years old. After the second year of life they developed mental retardation, ataxia and hypotonia. MRI showed cerebellar atrophy of both hemispheres and vermis. One sibling, from the age of 10 years onwards, suffered from complex partial seizures that were controlled with levetiracetam and lamotrigine. At 11 and 12 years of age, respectively, they were able to walk without help, but their gait was broad and ataxic. Their speech was dysarthric, fine motor skills were impaired as result of cerebellar ataxia, and they had moderate mental retardation. Diagnosis of mevalonic aciduria was made at this age through urinary organic acid analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy, which revealed high urinary excretion of mevalonic acid. They are currently 18 and 17 years old, respectively, show mental retardation and are able to walk but with difficulty. In our patients, ataxia due to cerebellar atrophy and mental retardation have been the predominant clinical manifestations. In mildly affected patients who survive infancy, these seem to be the predominant findings.
Similar transplantation outcomes in patients bridged with cardiac assist devices for acute cardiogenic shock versus chronic heart failure
Authors: Drakos Stavros G. , Kfoury Abdallah G. , Long James W. , Stringham James C. , Gilbert Edward M. , Horne Benjamin D. , Hagan Mary‐Beth E. , Nelson Karah , Renlund Dale G. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackgroundHeart failure (HF) patients may require cardiac assist device implantation prior to transplantation (Tx) because of either acute cardiogenic shock (ACS), with no prior history of HF, or for progression of pump failure in the setting of chronic HF.AimsTo investigate whether patients implanted with a cardiac assist device for ACS, have similar post‐Tx outcomes as those who underwent cardiac assist device implantation because of progressive chronic HF.Methods and resultsWe compared post‐Tx outcomes of consecutive patients bridged due to ACS (Acute Group) with the outcomes of patients bridged due to deterioration of chronic HF (Chronic Group). Seventy‐three patients had a cardiac assist device implanted and underwent subsequent cardiac Tx. Thirty‐five patients (48%) had a cardiac assist device implanted due to ACS, most often caused by massive acute myocardial infarction, and 38 patients (52%) because of progressive chronic HF. Despite greater compromise at the time of implantation, the Acute Group recovered satisfactorily and underwent Tx with similar post‐Tx survival rates as the Chronic Group patients [1‐year survival: 88.6% vs 86.8%, p=0.80, actuarial survival (mean follow‐up 4.2 years): 80.0% vs 81.6%, p=0.86)]. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in various post‐Tx events.ConclusionPatients with ACS who underwent emergency cardiac assist device implantation as bridge to Tx had similar post‐Tx outcomes as their more chronically ill counterparts who underwent device implantation on a non‐urgent basis.
The role of plasma biomarkers in acute heart failure. Serial changes and independent prognostic value of NT‐proBNP and cardiac troponin‐T
Authors: Metra Marco , Nodari Savina , Parrinello Giovanni , Specchia Claudia , Brentana Loretta , Rocca Patrizia , Fracassi Francesco , Bordonali Tania , Milani Patrizia , Danesi Rossella , Verzura Giulia , Chiari Ermanna , Cas Livio Dei 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAimsBrain natriuretic peptide (BNP), NT‐proBNP and troponins are useful for the assessment of patients with heart failure. Few data exist about their serial changes and their prognostic value in patients with acute heart failure (AHF).Methods and resultsNT‐proBNP and troponin‐T plasma levels were measured at baseline, after 6, 12, 24, 48 h and at discharge in 116 consecutive patients with AHF and no evidence of acute coronary syndrome. NT‐proBNP levels were 4421 pg/mL at baseline, declined after 24 h and reached their nadir at 48 h (2703 pg/mL). Troponin‐T was detectable in 48% of patients. During a median follow‐up of 184 days, 52 patients died or had a non‐fatal cardiovascular hospitalisation. At a multivariable analysis including clinical and echo‐Doppler variables, NT‐proBNP plasma levels at discharge, detectable troponin‐T plasma levels, and NYHA class at discharge were the only independent prognostic factors.ConclusionIn patients with AHF, NT‐proBNP levels decline 24 h after the initiation of intravenous therapy and troponin‐T is detectable in 48% of cases. NT‐proBNP levels at discharge, detectable troponin‐T levels, NYHA class and serum sodium have independent prognostic value.
Low‐dose hormone therapy in the perimenopause
Authors: De Franciscis P. , Cobellis L. , Fornaro F. , Sepe E. , Torella M. , Colacurci N. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the effects of low‐dose hormone therapy (LD‐HT) on bleeding pattern and vasomotor symptoms in perimenopausal women. Methods: In a prospective, open‐label study at an University clinic, 120 perimenopausal women suffering from irregular menstrual cycles and hot flushes were randomized to micronized 17β‐estradiol 1 mg plus dydrogesterone 10 mg sequential added (LD‐HT; group A: 60 subjects) or dydrogesterone 10 mg from day 15 to 28 (group B: 60 subjects). Number and severity of hot flushes and bleeding pattern were assessed throughout the study. Results: Women in group A experienced a significant reduction in number of hot flushes while no significant variation was observed in group B. The incidence of cyclic bleeding was 86% in group A and 76% in group B, the mean duration was significantly lower in group A than in group B. Conclusions: LD‐HT may control both irregular bleeding and hot flushes in perimenopausal women.
Peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with cervical cancer
Authors: Das S. , Karim S. , Datta Ray C. , Maiti A.K. , Ghosh S.K. , Chaudhury K. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective: Impairment of cell‐mediated immunity in carcinoma of the cervix (CA CX) and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) are reported. Contradictory reports exist on lymphocyte subpopulations associated with this disease. The present study aims to quantitatively analyze peripheral blood lymphocytes subsets in patients with CA CX and CIN. Method: Systemic T lymphocyte subsets, CD19+, CD16+ and CD56+ cells in 58 CA CX and 10 CIN patients were studied. The lymphocyte phenotypes were quantified by monoclonal antibodies (anti‐CD4, CD8, CD16, CD19 and CD56). Result: Significant decrease in CD4+ cell population was observed in CA CX and CIN patients as compared to controls (P ≤ 0.05). CD4+/CD8+ ratio was observed to be less in CIN patients (P ≤ 0.001). Other lymphocyte subpopulations appeared to be comparable between the groups. Conclusion: Results indicate immunological abnormalities in invasive CA CX and CIN patients. Study on a larger patient population may provide a biomarker for early detection of this disease.