bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kinetic measurements of the hydrolytic degradation of cefixime: effect of Captisol complexation and water-soluble polymers
Authors: Mallick Subrata , Mondal Arijit , Sannigrahi Santanu 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
We have taken kinetic measurements of the hydrolytic degradation of cefixime, and have studied the effect of Captisol complexation and water-soluble polymers on that degradation. The phase solubility of cefixime in Captisol was determined. Kinetic measurements were carried out as a function of pH and temperature. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed to assay all the samples of phase-solubility analysis and kinetic measurements. Chromatographic separation of the degradation products was also performed by HPLC. FT-IR spectroscopy was used to investigate the presence of any interaction between cefixime and Captisol and soluble polymer. The phase-solubility study showed AL-type behaviour. The pH-rate profile of cefixime exhibited a U-shaped profile whilst the degradation of cefixime alone was markedly accelerated with elevated temperature. A strong stabilizing influence of the cefixime-Captisol complexation and hypromellose was observed against aqueous mediated degradation, as compared with povidone and macrogol. The unfavourable effect of povidone and macrogol may have been due to the steric hindrance, which prevented the guest molecule from entering the cyclodextrin cavity, whereas hypromellose did not produce any steric hindrance.
Antidiabetic properties of the alcoholic extract of Sphaeranthus indicus in streptozotocin-nicotinamide diabetic rats
Authors: Prabhu Kirti S , Lobo Richard , Shirwaikar Annie 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
We have investigated the possible antihyperglycaemic effects of Sphaeranthus indicus extract in rats rendered diabetic by nicotinamide (120 mgkg−1 i.p.) and streptozotocin (STZ) (60 mgkg−1 i.p). Fasting plasma glucose levels, serum insulin levels, serum lipid profiles, magnesium levels, glycosylated haemoglobin, changes in body weight and liver glycogen levels were evaluated in normal and diabetic rats. Oral administration of S. indicus for 15 days resulted in significant decrease in blood glucose levels and increases in hepatic glycogen and plasma insulin levels. Fasting normal rats treated with the alcoholic extract of S. indicus showed significant improvement in oral glucose tolerance test. Glibenclamide was used as a reference standard. The findings demonstrate that the alcoholic S. indicus extract may be useful in the treatment of diabetes.
Enhancement of cytotoxicity of ribosome-inactivating-protein type I by saponinum album is not based on stimulation of phagocytosis
Authors: Weng A , Jenett-Siems K , Görick C , Melzig M F 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Saponinum album, a mixture of triterpenoic saponins derived from Gypsophila species, led to an increased internalization of agrostin, a ribosome-inactivating-protein (RIP) type I in U-937 cells differentiated with interferon-γ or phorbol myristate acetate. Treatment with agrostin only showed no cytotoxicity. It was hypothesized that saponinum album stimulated phagocytosis and by that the uptake of agrostin. For this purpose phagocytosis experiments with Alexa-Fluor-488-labelled 1-μm amino-latex beads and FITC-labelled Escherichia coli (K-12 strain) were performed. The results indicated no stimulation of phagocytosis by treatment with saponinum album.
Self-Oscillating Polymer and Gels as Novel Biomimetic Materials
Authors: Yoshida Ryo 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Stimuli-responsive polymers and their application to biomaterials have been widely studied. On the other hand, as a novel biomimetic polymer, we have been studying a polymer with an autonomous self-oscillating function by utilizing oscillating chemical reactions. So far, we have succeeded in developing a novel self-oscillating polymer and gels by utilizing the Belousov–Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction. The self-oscillating polymer is composed of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm), in which Ru(bpy)32+ is incorporated as a catalyst for the BZ reaction. Under the coexistence of the reactants (malonic acid, sodium bromate, and nitric acid), the polymer undergoes spontaneous cyclic soluble–insoluble changes or swelling–deswelling changes (in the case of gel) without any on–off switching of external stimuli. In this paper, our recent studies on the self-oscillating polymer and the design of functional material systems using the polymer are summarized.
“Syn Effect” in Nucleophilic Addition of Amines to 1,3-Dienyl Sulfone and Ethyl (E)-2,4-Pentadienoate
Authors: Yamazaki Masao , Guha Samar Kumar , Ukaji Yutaka , Inomata Katsuhiko 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
The stereochemistry of nucleophilic addition of amines to (E)-1-tosyl-1,3-butadiene was investigated. The Z/E ratios of the resulting allylic sulfones varied with amines, solvents, temperature, and concentration. When diethylamine was reacted in low concentration at high temperature, the corresponding sterically unfavorable (Z)-4-amino-2-butenyl sulfone was preferentially obtained. The stereochemistry of nucleophilic addition of amines to ethyl (E)-2,4-pentadienoate, which possesses an ester group as a conjugated electron-withdrawing group instead of a p-toluenesulfonyl (Ts) group, was also found to realize similar high Z selectivity. The predominant formation of Z isomers in both cases was rationalized by a “syn effect,” which might be mainly due to n⁄σ→π* interaction and/or 6π-electron homoaromaticity.
Synthesis of Au Nanoparticles in the Interlayer Space of a Layered Titanate Intercalated with 2-Aminoethanethiol
Authors: Ide Yusuke , Nakasato Yuri , Ogawa Makoto 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
The intercalation compound of a layered titanate with 2-aminoethanethiol was synthesized to prepare and support Au nanoparticles with morphology replicated by two-dimensional nanospace. The morphology of the formed Au nanoparticles was revealed to be plate, and the thickness and diameter of the platy particles varied with the added amount of Au source; less than 0.7 nm and ca. 6.8 nm, less than 0.9 nm and ca. 6.5 nm, and less than 0.9–1.0 nm and ca. 5.7 nm at molar Au/SH ratios of 0.5, 1.5, and 2.0 respectively. Platy Au nanoparticle-supported layered titanate (Au/SH ratio of 0.5) was thermally stable up to 180 °C in air and 160 °C in helium, respectively.
Controlled Synthesis of Monodispersed Cerium Oxide Nanoparticle Sols Applicable to Preparing Ordered Self-Assemblies
Authors: Izu Noriya , Matsubara Ichiro , Itoh Toshio , Shin Woosuck , Nishibori Maiko 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Highly dispersed metal oxide nanoparticle sols are of great interest in science and engineering because of their broad potential applications in optics, electronics, sensors, catalysis, biomedicines, and even in cosmetics. Here, we report the size-controlled synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticle sols by a reflux method with poly(vinylpyrrolidone) as a coating agent to afford stable monodispersions of spherical particles with size of 50–120 nm. The size of nanoparticles can be easily controlled by appropriate adjustment of the molecular weight of the added polymer. Colloidal crystals of cerium oxide are also obtained by evaporation of the cerium oxide sol. As cerium oxide has a larger refractive index than silica and polymers typically used for the preparation of colloidal crystals, the present sols are expected to be useful for the fabrication of high-performance photonic crystals.
Understanding students' motivation in project work: A 2×2 achievement goal approach
Authors: Chia Liu Woon , Wang C. K. John , Tan Oon Seng , Ee Jessie , Koh Caroline 
Published: June 2008

Background The project work (PW) initiative was launched in 2000 by the Ministry of Education, Singapore, to encourage application of knowledge across disciplines, and to develop thinking, communication, collaboration, and metacognitive skills. Although PW has been introduced for a few years, few studies have examined the motivation of students in PW, especially with the use of the recently proposed 2 × 2 achievement goal framework.Aim To use a cluster analytic approach to identify students' achievement goal profiles at an intra‐individual level, and to examine their links to various psychological characteristics and perceived outcomes in PW.Sample Participants were 491 Secondary 2 students (mean age=13.78, SD = 0.77) from two government coeducational schools.Method Cluster analysis was performed to identify distinct subgroups of students with similar achievement goal profiles. One‐way MANOVAs, followed by post hoc Tukey HSD tests for pairwise comparisons were used to determine whether there was any significant difference amongst clusters in terms of the psychological characteristics and perceived outcomes in PW.Results Four distinct clusters of students were identified. The cluster with high achievement goals and the cluster with moderately high goals had the most positive psychological characteristics and perceived outcomes. In contrast, the cluster with very low scores for all four achievement goals had the most maladaptive profile.Conclusio The study provides support for the 2 × 2 achievement goal framework, and demonstrates that multiple goals can operate simultaneously. However, it highlights the need for cross‐cultural studies to look into the approach–avoidance dimension in the 2 × 2 achievement goal framework.
Effects of Hemoglobin (Hb) E and HbD Traits on Measurements of Glycated Hb (HbA1c) by 23 Methods
Authors: Little Randie R , Rohlfing Curt L , Hanson Steve , Connolly Shawn , Higgins Trefor , Weykamp Cas W , D'Costa Mario , Luzzi Veronica , Owen William E , Roberts William L 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Background: Glycohemoglobin (GHB), reported as hemoglobin (Hb) A1c, is a marker of long-term glycemic control in patients with diabetes and is directly related to risk for diabetic complications. HbE and HbD are the second and fourth most common Hb variants worldwide. We investigated the accuracy of HbA1c measurement in the presence of HbE and/or HbD traits.
Methods: We evaluated 23 HbA1c methods; 9 were immunoassay methods, 10 were ion-exchange HPLC methods, and 4 were capillary electrophoresis, affinity chromatography, or enzymatic methods. An overall test of coincidence of 2 least-squares linear regression lines was performed to determine whether the presence of HbE or HbD traits caused a statistically significant difference from HbAA results relative to the boronate affinity HPLC comparative method. Deming regression analysis was performed to determine whether the presence of these traits produced a clinically significant effect on HbA1c results with the use of ±10% relative bias at 6% and 9% HbA1c as evaluation limits.
Results: Statistically significant differences were found in more than half of the methods tested. Only 22% and 13% showed clinically significant interference for HbE and HbD traits, respectively.
Conclusions: Some current HbA1c methods show clinically significant interferences with samples containing HbE or HbD traits. To avoid reporting of inaccurate results, ion-exchange chromatograms must be carefully examined to identify possible interference from these Hb variants. For some methods, manufacturers’ instructions do not provide adequate information for making correct decisions about reporting results.
Locally split and locally finite twin buildings of 2-spherical type
Authors: Mühlherr Bernhard 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
We prove a fixed point theorem for twin buildings of arbitrary rank. This theorem is then used to construct certain twin buildings whose existence was conjectured in [12]. As a consequence we obtain a classification of twin buildings whose rank 2 residues correspond to split algebraic groups over a field of cardinality at least 4. A similar result follows for twin buildings whose rank 2 residues are finite.
Generalized q-Schur algebras and modular representation theory of finite groups with split (BN)-pairs
Authors: Dipper Richard , Gruber Jochen 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
We introduce a generalized version of a q-Schur algebra (of parabolic type) for arbitrary Hecke algebras over extended Weyl groups. We describe how the decomposition matrix of a finite group with split BN-pair, with respect to a non-describing prime, can be partially described by the decomposition matrices of suitably chosen q-Schur algebras. We show that the investigated structures occur naturally in finite groups of Lie type.
Extending families of curves over log regular schemes
Authors: Mochizuki Shinichi 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
In this paper, we generalize to the “log regular case” a result of de Jong and Oort which states that any morphism satisfying certain conditions from the complement of a divisor with normal crossings in a regular scheme to a moduli stack of stable curves extends over the entire regular scheme. The proof uses the theory of “regular log schemes” — i.e., schemes with singularities like those of toric varieties – due to K. Kato ([12]). We then use this extension theorem to prove that under certain natural conditions any scheme which is a successive fibration of smooth hyperbolic curves may be compactified to a successive fibration of stable curves.
On the density of rational points on elliptic fibrations
Authors: Bogomolov F. A , Tschinkel Yu 
Published: June 2008

1. Introduction
Let X be an algebraic variety defined over a number field F. We will say that rational points are potentially dense if there exists a finite extension K/F such that the set of K-rational points X(K) is Zariski dense in X. The main problem is to relate this property to geometric invariants of X. Hypothetically, on varieties of general type rational points are not potentially dense. In this paper we are interested in smooth projective varieties such that neither they nor their unramified coverings admit a dominant map onto varieties of general type. For these varieties it seems plausible to expect that rational points are potentially dense (see [2]).
The History of ASTIN. Invited Lecture at the 50 Years Anniversary of ASTIN
Authors: Bühlmann Hans 
Published: June 2008

“War is the father of all things”. This sentence of Heraklit (between 540 and 535 BC) has a lot of truth in general. I am quoting it in connection with World War II (1939-1945) and inventions originating in this period.The best known examples of inventions (or first practical use of such invention) are• Nuclear Fission leading to the construction of the atomic bomb and nuclear reactors,• The Programmable Electronic Computer. Best known is the machine of John von Neumann as Los Alamos: Mathematical Analyser Numerical Integrator and Computer (MANIAC),• Radar to guide the airplanes particularly at night and in bad weather conditions,• Penicillin to fight bacteriological diseases.Some of these inventions relied on original discoveries already made before the war, but during the war they were for the first time used on a large scale.
The Quantitative Modeling of Operational Risk: Between G-and-H and EVT
Authors: Degen Matthias , Embrechts Paul , Lambrigger Dominik D. 
Published: June 2008

Operational risk has become an important risk component in the banking and insurance world. The availability of (few) reasonable data sets has given some authors the opportunity to analyze operational risk data and to propose different models for quantification. As proposed in Dutta and Perry [12], the parametric g-and-h distribution has recently emerged as an interesting candidate.In our paper, we discuss some fundamental properties of the g-and-h distribution and their link to extreme value theory (EVT). We show that for the g-and-h distribution, convergence of the excess distribution to the generalized Pareto distribution (GPD) is extremely slow and therefore quantile estimation using EVT may lead to inaccurate results if data are well modeled by a g-and-h distribution. We further discuss the subadditivity property of Value-at-Risk (VaR) for g-and-h random variables and show that for reasonable g and h parameter values, superadditivity may appear when estimating high quantiles. Finally, we look at the g-and-h distribution in the one-claim-causes-ruin paradigm.
Guiding BMP adoption to improve water quality in various estuarine ecosystems in Western Australia
Authors: Keipert N. , Weaver D. , Summers R. , Clarke M. , Neville S. 
Published: June 2008

The Australian Government's Coastal Catchment Initiative (CCI) seeks to achieve targeted reductions in nutrient pollution to key coastal water quality hotspots, reducing algal blooms and fish kills. Under the CCI a Water Quality Improvement Plan (WQIP) is being prepared for targeted estuaries (Swan–Canning, near Perth, and the Vasse–Geographe, 140 km south of Perth) to address nutrient pollution issues. A range of projects are developing, testing and implementing agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce excessive loads of nutrients reaching the receiving waters. This work builds on progress-to-date achieved in a similar project in the Peel–Harvey Catchment (70 km south of Perth). It deals with the necessary steps of identifying the applicability of BMPs for nutrient attenuation, developing and promoting BMPs in the context of nutrient use and attenuation on farm and through catchments and estimating the degree to which BMP implementation can protect receiving waters.
With a range of BMPs available with varying costs and effectiveness, a Decision Support System (DSS) to guide development of the WQIP and implementation of BMPs to protect receiving waters, is under development. As new information becomes available the DSS will be updated to ensure relevance and accuracy for decision-making and planning purposes. The DSS, calibrated for application in the catchments, will play a critical role in adaptive implementation of the WQIP by assessing the effect of land use change and management interventions on pollutant load generation and by providing a tool to guide priority setting and investment planning to achieve agreed WQIP load targets.
FREUD AND HISTORY BEFORE 1905: FROM DEFENDING TO QUESTIONING THE THEORY OF A GLORIOUS PAST
Authors: Cotti Patricia 
Published: June 2008

En suivant l'emploi que Freud fait du terme allemand Geschichte (histoire comme science, mais aussi récit) entre 1894 et 1905, nous découvrirons deux conceptions de l'histoire. La première, la théorie du passé glorieux et de sa métaphore historique, qui accompagne et soutient la théorie de la séduction, fut affaiblie voire même remplacée par la seconde, une théorie de l'histoire de la culture, après 1897. Nous montrerons comment ce changement a été déterminé par une évolution dans les conceptions freudiennes de la préhistoire de l'enfance et de l'histoire originaire. Nous interrogerons aussi la manière dont la question de l'histoire intervient dans l'auto-analyse de Freud. By sticking closely to Freud's use of the German term Geschichte (history, story) between 1894 and 1905, I will reveal two conceptions of history. The first one, the theory of the glorious past and its archaeological metaphor, which accompanied and sustained the seduction theory, was weakened or even replaced after 1897 by the second one, a theory of cultural history. I will define how this change was determined by an evolution in Freud's conceptions of childhood prehistory and original history. I will also question how the history problem interfered with Freud's auto-analysis.
Neural Networks Grown on Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Bystrenova Eva , Jelitai Marta , Tonazzini Ilaria , N. Lazar Adina , Huth Martin , Stoliar Pablo , Dionigi Chiara , Cacace Marcello G. , Nickel Bert , Madarasz Emilia , Biscarini Fabio 
Published: June 2008

AbstractWe report adhesion, growth, and differentiation of mouse neural cells on ultra‐thin films of an organic semiconductor, pentacene. We demonstrate that i) pentacene is structurally and morphologically stable upon prolonged contact with water, physiological buffer, and cell culture medium; ii) neural stem cells adhere to pentacene and remain viable on it for at least 15 days; iii) densely interconnected neural networks and glial cells develop on the pentacene surface after several days. This implies that adhesion proteins secreted by the cells find suitable adsorption loci to anchor the cells. Pentacene is also a suitable substrate for casting thin layers of cell adhesion molecules, such as laminin and poly‐L‐lysine. Our results show that pentacene, albeit being an aromatic molecule, allows neurons to adhere to and grow on it, which is possibly due to its tightly packed solid state structure. This structure remains unaltered upon exposure to water and interfacial force exerted by the cells. The integration of living cells into organic semiconductors is an important step towards the development of bio‐organic electronic transducers of cellular signals from neural networks.
Treosulfan/fludarabine as an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant conditioning regimen for high‐risk patients
Authors: Baronciani Donatella , Rambaldi Alessandro , Iori Anna Paola , Di Bartolomeo Paolo , Pilo Federica , Pettinau Martina , Depau Cristina , Mico Caterina , Santarone Stella , Angelucci Emanuele 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIn recent years, new conditioning regimens have been explored in patients not eligible for conventional transplant with the aim to reduce transplant‐related mortality. In a phase II multicentric prospective trial, we investigated the safety and feasibility of the treosulfan–fludarabine combination prior to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant in patients with various hematological malignancies not eligible for conventional regimens because of previous intensive treatment, older age, and comorbidities. Forty‐six consecutive patients, median age 48 years (range 17–69), were enrolled. Sixteen of them were in complete remission, and 20 had a HSCT comorbidity index ≥ 1. Forty‐four patients had regular and sustained engraftment, and 39 out of 40 evaluable patients developed complete chimerism. Nonhematological toxicity was limited. Risk of transplant‐related mortality was 9% (95% CI, 2–17%) at day +100 and plotted at 15% (95% CI, 7–22%) after 7 months. The estimated overall survival and progression‐free survival with a median follow‐up of 20 months were 51% and 38%, respectively. The estimated 30 months progression‐free survival for patients transplanted in remission was 56%. The treosulfan–fludarabine combination is a reduced‐toxicity but myeloablative regimen that can be proposed to patients not fitting criteria for conventional transplant regimens. Longer follow‐up and further prospective studies are necessary to evaluate this regimen. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Am. J. Hematol., 2008.
The directive is in: European Union strongly backs cross‐border mediation
Authors: Bleemer Russ 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe European Union makes it official: It prefers mediation for cross‐border civil and commercial disputes. Now, the member states must adopt laws and regulations implementing that preference. Full details on the new EU mediation directive are provided. Also: New York's top court will decide a controversial mediation confidentiality case, and New Jersey's Supreme Court gets a recommendation to ease an ADR representative registration rule.