bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nondestructive Evaluation
Authors: Kundu T. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThe technology of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) includes all nondamaging or nonintrusive methods for determining material identity; for evaluating material properties, composition, structure, or serviceability; and for detecting discontinuities and defects in materials. Nondestructive tests commonly are used for quality control, process control, and for reliability assurance of materials, protective coatings, components, welds, assemblies, structures, and operating systems. The use of these tests helps prevent premature failure of materials during processing, manufacturing, or assembly, and during service under anticipated operating stresses and environments. Nondestructive evaluation provides an essential service toward achieving the goal of optimum plant and system operation.An overview of NDE methods and applications that apply to most inspection demands that can arise in the chemical industry is presented. Candidates for inspection with NDE range from massive aircraft and pressure vessels to minute fibers used in the construction of high strength composites and fine arts objects. Techniques applicable to such a wide range of items may be classified as external energy tests, where the signal or probing medium is generated externally to the system being evaluated, or passive energy tests, where the signal comes from the system itself. Probe sources range from the ultrasonic and microwave through γ‐ and X‐rays. Surface investigation, leak detection, flaw sizing, imaging of material systems, and routine inspections are all carried out using NDE.
InverseGaussian andGaussian Analogies
Authors: Natarajan Rajeshwari 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThe family of inverse Gaussian (IG) distributions is a versatile alternative to modeling nonnegative right‐skewed data. The two parameter IG model is useful because of several properties it shares with the two‐parameter Gaussian (normal) distribution. For example, in both cases, the maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters are sufficient and complete. They also are independent and characterize the distributions (Items 2–6, Table 1). Furthermore, the optimal procedure for testing homogeneity of several means involves anF‐distribution analogous to theF‐statistic associated with Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). This article catalogues such analogies between the two families.
AIDSStochastic Models
Authors: Tan Wai‐Yuan 
Published: May 2005

AbstractTo model the HIV epidemic, there are four different approaches: The deterministic models, the stochastic models, the statistical models, and the state space models. The last three models treat the HIV epidemic as random processes. This article presents a systematic review of these random processes. It illustrates how to develop stochastic models and statistical models of the HIV epidemic and how to combine these models into state space models. Using a homosexual population as an example, it illustrates how to develop stochastic equations for the state variables and how to use the state space models to develop a generalized Bayesian method to estimate the unknown parameters and the state variables. The methodology is illustrated by using the AIDS incidence data of the San Francisco homosexual population.
6‐Substituted Purines as Inhibitors of 15‐Lipoxygenase; a Structure‐Activity Study
Authors: Bråthe Anders , Gundersen Lise‐Lotte , Malterud Karl E. , Rise Frode 
Published: May 2005

Abstract15‐Lipoxygenase (15‐LO) has been implicated in oxidation of low‐density lipoproteins (LDL), a process believed to be important for the development of atherosclerosis, as well as other pathogenic conditions. Potent and selective inhibitors of 15‐LO may have a drug potential. In this study, purines with a variety of substituents have been examined as inhibitors of 15‐lipoxygenase (15‐LO) from soybeans. Several 6‐substitued purines where the purine ring and a phenyl ring in the substituent were separated by a “spacer” were synthesized and their ability to inhibit the enzyme was explored. Sepa ration of the purine and the phenyl rings with none, one or two sp3‐carbons resulted in essentially inactive compounds, trans‐styrylpurines and phenylethynylpurines, on the other hand, they exhibited activity close to the well‐known 15‐LO inhibitor quercetin. High activity was also found when the “spacer” was a trans‐cyclopropyl ring. The shape of the spacer was important; a corresponding cis‐cyclopropylpurine exhibited much less affinity for the enzyme. Only minor differences in inhibitory activity against 15‐LO were found regardless of whether an N‐substituent was situated on N‐9 or N‐7, even when the N‐substituent was relatively large. Also, a variety of substituents in the purine 2‐ and 8‐position were well tolerated.
A New Strategy to Exfoliate Silicone Rubber/Clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Ma Jun , Yu Zhong‐Zhen , Kuan Hsu‐Chiang , Dasari Arovind , Mai Yiu‐Wing 
Published: May 2005

AbstractSummary: A new strategy was developed to prepare disorderly exfoliated nanocomposites, in which a soft siloxane surfactant with a weight‐average molecular weight () of 1 900 was adopted to modify the clay. The modified clay slurry was then mixed with silicone rubber by hand, and exfoliation was achieved. The proposed mechanism thereof was verified by TEM and XRD. The physical entanglement of the soft siloxane surfactant plays a vital role in the diffusion and intercalation of the matrix molecules during the compounding of the slurry‐polymer mixture. This simple method is applicable to other silicone‐based materials reinforced by clay.TEM micrograph of silicone rubber/clay‐sil nanocomposite.magnified imageTEM micrograph of silicone rubber/clay‐sil nanocomposite.
Polycarbazoles: 25 Years of Progress
Authors: Morin Jean‐François , Leclerc Mario , Adès Dominique , Siove Alain 
Published: May 2005

AbstractSummary: Carbazole‐based oligomeric and polymeric materials have been studied for almost 25 years for their unique electrical, electrochemical and optical properties. Interestingly, carbazole units can be linked in two different ways leading to either poly(3,6‐carbazole) or poly(2,7‐carbazole) derivatives. While the former class seems to be very interesting for electrochemical and phosphorescence applications, the latter shows very promising optical properties in the visible range for light emitting diodes (LED). The major intrinsic difference between these two classes is the effective conjugation length: poly(2,7‐carbazole) materials having the longer one, due to their poly(p‐phenylene)‐like structure. Using different synthetic strategies and substitution patterns, the physico‐chemical properties of both classes can be fine‐tuned, leading to high performance materials for a large number electronic applications.Chemical structures for poly(3,6‐carbazole) and poly(2,7‐carbazole) and the materials used as the starting points for their respective syntheses.magnified imageChemical structures for poly(3,6‐carbazole) and poly(2,7‐carbazole) and the materials used as the starting points for their respective syntheses.
Contribution of the Src family of kinases to the appearance of malignant phenotypes in renal cancer cells
Authors: Yonezawa Yuko , Nagashima Yoji , Sato Hiromi , Virgona Nantiga , Fukumoto Keiko , Shirai Sumiko , Hagiwara Hiromi , Seki Taiichiro , Ariga Toyohiko , Senba Hironobu , Suzuki Kazuyuki , Asano Ryuji , Hagiwara Kiyokazu , Yano Tomohiro 
Published: May 2005

AbstractAlthough the constitute activation of the Src family of kinases (Src) has been established as a poor prognostic factor in several types of cancer, the role of Src in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has not been defined. This study aimed to determine whether Src could contribute to the appearance of malignant phenotypes in RCC. The role of Src in the appearance of malignant phenotypes in RCC was examined in two human renal cancer cell lines, Caki‐1 from human metastatic RCC and ACHN from human primary RCC. Src activity in Caki‐1 cells was higher than that in ACHN cells, and this difference corresponded to the difference of PP1 (a Src family inhibitor)‐induced cytotoxicity on the two cells. The difference in cytotoxicity between the cells did not depend on cell cycle regulation but on the induction of apoptosis, and the difference in apoptosis particularly related to the reduction of the Bcl‐xL level. Furthermore, in Caki‐1 cells with higher Src activity, Src stimulated the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), partially via the activation of Stat3, and the inhibition of Src activity caused a reduction of the VEGF level in serum, angiogenesis, and tumor development in a xenograft model. These results suggested that Src contributed to the appearance of malignant phenotypes in renal cancer cells, particularly due to the resistance against apoptosis by Bcl‐xL and angiogenesis stimulated by Src‐Stat3‐VEGF signaling. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dietary fibres as “prebiotics”: Implications for colorectal cancer
Authors: Lim Chiara C. , Ferguson Lynnette R. , Tannock Gerald W. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractA “prebiotic” is a nondigestible food ingredient whose beneficial effects on the host result from the selective stimulation of growth and/or activity of members of the bacterial community that inhabits the human bowel (the gut microbiota). Although much of the prebiotic literature focuses on nondigestible oligosaccharides, such as oligofructose, most dietary fibres that are fermentable carbohydrates could be considered as prebiotics. Early studies suggested that colonic bacteria were risk factors for colon cancer. However, altering the composition or metabolic activity of the bowel microbiota through the use of dietary fibre might be important in reducing the prevalence of colorectal cancer. Mechanisms for beneficial effects of prebiotics might include changing the activity of exogenous carcinogens through modulating metabolic activation and/or detoxification, or stimulating the production of the short‐chain fatty acid, butyrate. However, modern analytical techniques suggest that an important consequence of a modified bacterial community could be a change in the expression not only of a range of different bacterial genes in bowel contents, but also in the bowel mucosa of the host. Analogous with observations with probiotics, the stimulation of cytokines and modification of immune responses could be important in producing beneficial effects. Compared with transitory effects of probiotics, the prebiotic action of fermentable carbohydrates potentially provide the opportunity for sustainable modulation of activity of the gut microbiota. However, their mechanisms of action in humans are speculative, and research aimed at providing an integrated view of the gut microbiota and dietary fibre nutrition of humans needs to be developed.
Production and characterisation of two wheat‐bran fractions: an aleurone‐rich and a pericarp‐rich fraction
Authors: Harris Philip J. , Chavan Ramesh R. , Ferguson Lynnette R. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractWheat bran is a good source of dietary fibre in the form of cell walls, but contains a number of different cell types. We describe a large‐scale procedure for the production of an aleurone‐rich and a pericarp‐rich fraction from hard, Australian wheat. The fractions were characterised by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, by using a range of bright‐field stains, colour reagents, and fluorochromes, and by chemical analysis of the walls. The aleurone fraction included the seed coat with its cuticle. Only the pericarp walls showed a histochemical reaction for lignin. The concentrations of ester‐linked ferulic acid and (1 → 3),(1 → 4)‐β‐glucans were greater in the aleurone‐rich fraction than in the pericarp‐rich fraction. The results are consistent with the arabinoxylans in the walls of the pericarp‐rich fraction being more highly substituted with arabinose than those in the walls of the aleurone‐rich fraction. When the fractions were fed as a dietary supplement to rats and walls were isolated from the faeces, it was found that the pericarp walls were not degraded, but the aleurone walls were partially degraded.
Combination sclerotherapy for exceptionally large varicose veins: One method of preserving the greater saphenous vein for future grafts
Authors: Malkoff Jay S. 
Published: May 2005

The aim of this study was to demonstrate that sclerotherapy of exceptionally large varicose veins, i.e., > 2.0 cm in diameter, is achievable, and should be the method of choice if one wishes to preserve the greater saphenous vein as a source for future bypass grafts. There is an increasing propensity toward microphlebectomy when treating varicose veins in America today. And, there is a corresponding reluctance to perform sclerotherapy, especially when dealing with the larger varices. The following are possible reasons for these decisions:Once deep vein pathology has been ruled out, sclerotherapy can be a successful treatment for any large vein. The second caveat is that significant saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) reflux ( > 1 second) must be eliminated prior to sclerotherapy; the author feels this should be accomplished surgically, not with sclerotherapy. With large varices, if the SFJ is competent then there is most likely a responsible perforator that must either be ligated and/or injected with sclerosant. Less frequently the short saphenous may be involved, and in these cases there are several alternatives, i.e., sclerotherapy or ligation and stripping of the short saphenous vein. Finally, but of great importance, ligation and stripping the greater saphenous vein in order to eliminate the varices that are merely branches of it, creates an unacceptable loss of potential bypass grafts for future CAD patients. This, alone, is reason enough to promote sclerotherapy for very large varicose veins. The author presents two enormous varices that were successful treated with combination sclerotherapy, with a detailed description of the method utilized.
Acute and long-term effects of infection by the respiratory syncytial virus in children with congenital cardiac malformations
Authors: Feltes Timothy F. , Groothuis Jessie R. 
Published: May 2005

All newborn infants have limited pulmonary reserve compared with older children. This puts them at increased risk of respiratory complications, such as those associated with infection by the respiratory syncytial virus. Young children with congenital cardiac disease are particularly likely to suffer severe disease related to infection by the virus. In these children, the extreme vulnerability of the lung to pulmonary oedema is compounded by the additional burden caused by the respiratory syncytial virus.In addition to the well-documented acute pulmonary effects of infection with the respiratory syncytial virus, there may also be consequent long-term respiratory morbidity. Clinical studies have shown that infection by the virus in infancy is associated with a higher risk of developing subsequent bronchial obstructive disease. Much debate surrounds the mechanisms underlying this association. It is thought that a combined immunological and neurogenic response mechanism is likely. Prevention of severe respiratory disease in infants and young children with congenital heart disease due to infection by the virus may, therefore, offer both immediate and long-term benefits. Indeed, an increasing body of evidence supports this hypothesis, indicating a clinical rationale for prophylaxis against the virus in infancy, in order to reduce the chance of developing reactive airways disease and asthma in later life.
Cost and benefits of a multidisciplinary intensive diabetes education programme
Authors: Keers J. C. , Groen H. , Sluiter W. J. , Bouma J. , Links T. P. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractObjectives  To determine the cost and benefits of an intensive diabetes education programme for patients with prolonged self‐management problems and to determine the inclusion criteria for optimal outcomes.Methods  Sixty‐one participants of a multidisciplinary intensive diabetes education programme (MIDEP) were measured before they started the intervention (T0), and at 1‐year follow‐up (T1). Data on glycaemic control (HbA1c), diabetes‐related distress (PAID) and costs were obtained. Changes over time were analysed and means at T0 and T1 were compared to a reference group of 230 non‐referred consecutive outpatients. The number needed to treat (NNT), that is, the number of patients to be treated to achieve one successful case, was calculated for different baseline values of HbA1c and PAID to determine optimal inclusion criteria.Results  Diabetes‐related costs decreased significantly and participants improved significantly in HbA1c and diabetes‐related distress following MIDEP. HbA1c and distress reached the levels of the reference group. The T1 costs remained higher than in the reference group, but the reduction in costs outweighed the intervention costs. Including patients with baseline HbA1c ≥ 8.0% and/or PAID scores ≥ 40 would improve the NNT to achieve clinically relevant outcomes, while 76% of the patients matched these inclusion criteria.Conclusions  MIDEP is effective in improving glycaemic control and diabetes‐related distress for patients with prolonged self‐management difficulties. Besides the immediate reduction in costs found in the present study, improved glycaemic control may reduce future costs of diabetic complications. Stricter inclusion criteria with respect to HbA1c and PAID scores may further improve the programme's efficiency.
Paraneoplastic pemphigus with clinical features of lichen planus associated with low‐grade B cell lymphoma
Authors: Coelho Sónia , Reis José Pedro , Tellechea Oscar , Figueiredo Américo , Black Martin 
Published: May 2005

AbstractBackground  Neoplasia‐induced lichen planus is described as a cell‐mediated reaction to unknown epithelial antigens. Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP), characterized by the presence of a specific array of autoantibodies, probably represents a different form of presentation of the same autoimmune syndrome where the mucocutaneous expression depends on the dominant pathologic mechanism.Methods  The authors report a case of PNP with predominant lichen planus‐like lesions and review the relevant literature. We observed a 74‐year‐old female with vesico‐bullous, erosive, target‐shaped and flat papular lichenoid lesions on the lower legs, palms and soles, evolving for 3 weeks. Histopathology revealed a lichenoid dermatitis. Direct immunofluorescence showed C3 deposition around keratinocytes and epidermal IgG intranuclear deposition. Indirect immunofluorescence revealed circulating IgG with intercellular staining on rat bladder substrate. Immunoblotting demonstrated bands of 130, 190, 210 and 250 kDa antigens. A pararenal B cell lymphoma was found.Results  Oral corticotherapy with 40 mg prednisolone daily was initiated with a good cutaneous response. Four months later, cyclophosphamide (50 mg/day) was introduced because of a discrete enlargement of the pararenal mass. The patient died on the seventh month of follow up as a result of respiratory insufficiency.Conclusion  PNP has different forms of presentation and the lack of a consensus about diagnostic criteria may contribute to underdiagnosed cases. Advances on the knowledge of the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic criteria have allowed a better accuracy of diagnosis.
Late Miocene (U+Th)–4He ages of ferruginous nodules from lateritic duricrust, Darling Range, Western Australia
Authors: PIDGEON R. T. , BRANDER T. , LIPPOLT H. J. 
Published: May 2005

(U+Th)–4He dates are presented for hematite/maghemite and hematite separates from pisolitic nodules from four rock specimens of lateritic duricrust sampled in an area of about 1 km2 in the Darling Range about 50 km northeast of Perth, where the duricrust forms a continuous cover over rocks of the Archaean Yilgarn Craton. Textures and compositions of the separates were checked by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Hematite/maghemite separates from three of the specimens yielded ages of about 10 Ma, identical within error (weighted mean, 9.9 ± 0.9 Ma, 2σ), whereas the hematite separate from the fourth specimen gave a U–He date of 7.5 Ma, all within the Late Miocene. While questions remain as to whether initial and boundary conditions of dating are adequately fulfilled, the iron oxide 4He dates are in good agreement with estimates by palaeomagnetic dating and other methods for the age of laterite formation in the Darling Range and other parts of south Western Australia. This study demonstrates the potential of (U+Th)–4He dating as a serviceable, directly applicable tool for dating lateritic duricrust.
Cortical origin of functional recovery in the somatosensory cortex of the adult mouse after thalamic lesion
Authors: Croquelois Alexandre , Bronchti Gilles , Welker Egbert 
Published: May 2005

AbstractTo study the degree and time course of the functional recovery in the somatosensory cortex (SI) after an excitotoxic lesion in the adult mouse thalamus, metabolic activity was determined in SI at various times points post‐lesion. Immediately after the lesion, metabolic activity in the thalamically deafferented part of SI was at its lowest value but increased progressively at subsequent time points. This was seen in all cortical layers; however, layers I and Vb recovered more rapidly than layers II, III, IV, Va and VI. Removal of the mystacial whiskers corresponding to the deafferented area, 5 weeks after cortical recovery, produced a subsequent 32% drop in metabolic activity, demonstrating peripheral sensory activation of this part of the cortex. Tracing experiments revealed that the deafferented cortex did not receive a novel thalamic input but that cortico‐cortical and contralateral barrel cortex projections to this area were reinforced. We conclude that the cortical functional recovery after a thalamic lesion is, at least partially, due to modified cortico‐cortical and callosal projections to the deafferented cortical area.
Activity‐dependent phosphorylation of Akt/PKB in adult DRG neurons
Authors: Pezet Sophie , Spyropoulos Achillefs , Williams Robert J. , McMahon Stephen B. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThe serine/threonine kinase Akt/PKB has been implicated in cell survival signalling in many cell types, including the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). However, little is known about its role in physiological and pathophysiological conditions in the adult sensory and nociceptive system. In this study, we show that in naïve animals almost all cells express Akt but only a subset of small‐diameter neurons expresses a high level of phospho‐Akt (p‐Akt Ser 473). Activation of peripheral nociceptors in vivo using intraplantar injections of capsaicin in anaesthetized rats induced a rapid onset and time‐dependent increase in p‐Akt Ser 473 in small‐ and medium‐sized DRG, predominantly TRPV1‐positive neurons. In addition, electrical stimulation of ‘A and C’ fibres in the sciatic nerve induced an increase in the cytoplasmic staining of p‐Akt Ser 473 in small‐ and medium‐size DRG neurons. Blocking neuronal activity in the sciatic nerve using tetrodotoxin reduced the basal level of p‐Akt Ser 473. Cultured DRG neurons confirmed that phosphorylation of Akt in different cellular compartments is triggered by depolarization or receptor activation, and suggested that this effect is mediated in part by phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase. Our results show that p‐Akt Ser 473 is a marker of nociceptor activation and suggest a novel role for Akt in the transduction of intracellular signals in adult DRG neurons.