bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term follow‐up results of the combination of topotecan and cytarabine and other intensive chemotherapy regimens in myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Kantarjian Hagop , Beran Miloslav , Cortes Jorge , O'Brien Susan , Giles Francis , Pierce Sherry , Shan Jianqin , Plunkett William , Keating Michael , Estey Elihu
Published: January 2006

BACKGROUND

Progressive or higher‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is often treated with intensive chemotherapy regimens used for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Patients with MDS are often older and may have contraindications to anthracycline‐based regimens. Topotecan‐cytarabine regimens have shown encouraging results in higher‐risk MDS. The aim of this study was to analyze the long‐term results with topotecan‐cytarabine versus other intensive chemotherapy regimens in higher‐risk MDS.

METHODS

Five hundred ten patients with higher‐risk MDS treated with intensive chemotherapy were reviewed. Their median age was 63 years; 82% had intermediate 2 or high‐risk MDS; 32% had secondary MDS; 40% had chromosome 5 or 7 abnormalities. Therapy was: topotecan‐cytarabine in 77; idarubicin‐cytarabine regimens in 270; topotecan‐cytarabine and cyclophosphamide in 67; fludarabine‐cytarabine in 96. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate the independent associations of different variables, and most important, the treatment regimen, with complete response, induction mortality, and survival.

RESULTS

The overall complete response (CR) rate was 55%, induction mortality 17%, and 5‐year survival rate 8%. The 5‐year survival rate was 11% for patients younger than 65 years old and 17% for patients with a normal karyotype. Among 82 patients younger than 65 years with a normal karyotype, the CR rate was 67%, 5‐year survival rate 27%, and 5‐year CR duration rate 33%. Topotecan‐cytarabine regimens were equivalent to idarubicin‐cytarabine regimens in relation to CR rates and survival rates, but were associated with a lower induction mortality. Multivariate analysis confirmed that treatment regimens were not associated with independent significant differences in CR rates or survival. However, topotecan‐cytarabine regimens were still selected to be associated with lower induction mortality rates.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis suggests that topotecan‐cytarabine regimens are equally effective to other AML regimens in higher‐risk MDS and may be less toxic. Topotecan‐cytarabine may be considered a reasonable alternative to idarubicin‐cytarabine in higher‐risk MDS, particularly in older patients with contraindications to anthracyclines. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Fine‐needle aspiration cytology of the thyroid: Ten years experience in a community teaching hospital
Authors: Wu Howard Her‐Juing , Jones Jennifer N. , Osman Jailan
Published: January 2006

We present our experience of fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytology of the thyroid in a community hospital setting and discuss the cancer probability of the indeterminate FNA results. There were 1,621 FNAs, 401 of which have follow‐up thyroidectomies during a 10‐yr period. The initial FNA diagnoses of these 401 cases were benign non‐neoplastic (BNN) 159, malignant 34, atypical 33, suspicious 19, follicular neoplasm (FN) 88, follicular lesion (FL) 51, and inadequate 17. There were no false‐positive cases. Cancer was found in 11 cases diagnosed as BNN (7%), 6 cases were due to sampling errors (incidental microcarcinomas), and 5 cases were due to failure to identify focal atypia in the smears of a follicular variant of papillary carcinoma. The false‐negative rate was 3%, with the exclusion of cases of incidental microcarcinomas. Among the indeterminate FNA results, the follow‐up operations revealed malignant tumors in 16 of 33 (48%) cases of atypical, 13 of 19 (68%) cases of suspicious, 29 of 88 (33%) cases of FN, and 7 of 51 (14%) cases of FL. Malignant tumors were also found in 2 of 17 (12%) of inadequate specimens with follow‐up. When compared to the cancer rate (3%) for FNA diagnosis of BNN, the likelihood of finding cancer in the thyroidectomy is 5 times more for a FL, 11 times more for a FN, 16 times more for atypical, and 23 times more for suspicious. The sensitivity and specificity are 87 and 100%, respectively. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2006; 34:93–96. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Black thyroid revisited: Cytologic diagnosis in fine‐needle aspirates is unlikely
Authors: Oertel Yolanda C. , Oertel James E. , Dalal Kamini , Mendoza Mayo G. , Fadeyi Emmanuel A.
Published: January 2006

We report four patients diagnosed with black discoloration of the thyroid gland at surgery and a fifth patient in which the “black thyroid” was an incidental finding at autopsy. The four patients diagnosed at surgery had prior fine‐needle aspirations (FNA), which did not reveal any characteristic pigmentation. One patient presented with cervical lymph node metastases from a papillary microcarcinoma of thyroid. The second patient was diagnosed as a cellular adenomatoid nodule, and suppressive therapy was recommended. She elected to have surgery instead. The third patient underwent surgery because of an oxyphilic cell nodule, in a background of lymphocytic thyroiditis, in which a Hürthle cell neoplasm could not be ruled out. His aspirates were reviewed at two other institutions, and no diagnosis of black thyroid was entertained. The fourth patient had an adenomatoid nodule with cystic change and slightly atypical squamous metaplasia. She decided to have surgery, which revealed a black thyroid. Later, it was discovered that the patients had received minocycline for the treatment of acne. FNA does not seem to be a reliable method to diagnose black thyroid preoperatively. Although this is a striking operative finding, diagnosing it on FNA seems to be unlikely and also inconsequential. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2006; 34:106–111. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Minimal deviation endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the cervix: Report of three cases with exfoliative cytology
Authors: Odashiro Alexandre N. , Odashiro Danilo N. , Nguyen Gia‐Khanh
Published: January 2006

Three histologically confirmed minimal deviation endometrioid adenocarcinomas (MDEA) of the uterine cervix with cytologic evaluation by cervical scraping were reviewed. The smears were cellular and showed tall columnar tumor cells arranged in monolayered sheets with nuclei in palisade at free borders, rosettes, and irregular clusters. Cellular strips with palisading nuclei was noted in one case. The individual tumor cells showed monomorphic, round or oval, hyperchromatic nuclei with chromatin clumping, small nucleoli, and granular, nonvacuolated cytoplasm with cytoplasmic extensions or tails. The smear background showed a variable amount of necrotic debris admixed with polymorphonuclear leukocytes in two cases. The cytologic manifestations of those three cervical MDEAs overlapped, to some extents, with those of a cervical adenocarcinoma in situ and with those of a well‐differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma invading the cervix. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2006; 34:119–123. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reaction of Pyridine with Phenylcyanoacetylene: A New Route to Functionalized Polyconjugated 1,4‐Dihydropyridine Systems
Authors: Trofimov Boris A. , Andriyankova Ludmila V. , Mal'kina Anastasiya G. , Nikitina Lina P. , Afonin Andrei V. , Ushakov Igor A. , Sinegovskaya Lidiya M. , Vakul'skaya Tamara I.
Published: January 2006

Pyridine reacts with phenylcyanoacetylene under mild conditions (20–25 °C, no catalyst) to unexpectedly give the 2:3 adduct — a C,N‐functionalized polyconjugated 1,4‐dihydropyridine system — containing two 1,4‐dihydropyridine cycles and four vinylene units formed by three molecules of phenylcyanoacetylene (the yield is up to 46 %). Other products are higher oligomers of phenylcyanoacetylene terminated by 1,4‐dihydropyridine cycles (approx. 30 % yield). Assembly of the 2:3 adduct proceeds regio‐ and stereoselectively — only one of the possible isomers is formed. The oligomers show paramagnetic and electroconductive properties. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
DNA Biosensor Based on Carbon Paste Electrodes Modified by Polymer Multilayer
Authors: Ioannou Andrea K. , Pantazaki Anastasia A. , Girousi Stella TH. , Millot Marie‐Claude , Vidal‐Madjar Claire , Voulgaropoulos Anastasios N.
Published: January 2006

An electrochemical DNA biosensor was developed by DNA immobilization at the electrode surface and its electrochemical behavior was studied in relation with different materials added in the paste. The aim was to study new materials for the development of new electrode surfaces, to be applied in the study of DNA – drug interactions. New electrochemical sensing materials using polymer multilayers were reported for the adsorption of DNA. These materials were prepared by mixing a polymer ion exchanger and graphite powder. The mixture was then used to render the modified carbon paste electrode (CPE), on the surface of which the dsDNA was adsorbed and studied by differential pulse voltammetry (DP voltammetry). The signal of guanine oxidation peak of DNA was followed. This modified biosensor was applied for the study of the interaction between DNA and the known intercalators Ethidium Bromide (EB) and Acridine Orange (AO). The established biosensor exhibited an improvement of its sensitivity and repeatability compared with the conventional CPE DNA biosensor.
Robustness of the decorrelating discrete time Rake receiver (DDRR) in the presence of dynamic propagation conditions
Authors: Boujemâa Hatem , Siala Mohamed , Jday Mohamed Hamdi
Published: January 2006

Recently, an optimum structure of the discrete time Rake receiver according to the maximuma posterioricriterion has been proposed. The obtained receiver, known as the decorrelating discrete time Rake receiver (DDRR), uses estimates of the channel statistics in order to compute its decision variable. In this letter, we study the DDRR robustness in the presence of dynamic statistics due to birth‐death and moving paths. Copyright © 2006 AEIT.
Parallelization of the deMon2k code
Authors: Geudtner Gerald , Janetzko Florian , Köster Andreas M. , Vela Alberto , Calaminici Patrizia
Published: January 2006

The parallelization of the LCGTO‐KS‐DFT code deMon2k is presented. The parallelization of the three‐center electron repulsion integrals, the numerical integration using a direct grid algorithm and the matrix multiplication and diagonalization are described. The efficiency of the parallelization is analyzed by selected benchmark calculations. It is shown that geometry optimizations of systems with more than 8000 basis functions are feasible on cluster architectures. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 27: 483–490, 2006
Vegetation response to conditions caused by different soil‐preparation techniques applied to afforestation in semiarid abandoned farmland
Authors: Navarro F. B. , Ripoll M. A. , Jiménez M. N. , De Simón E. , Valle F.
Published: January 2006

Twelve soil‐preparation techniques used in afforestation were applied and 16 environmental variables were measured to test their effects on vegetation abundance, diversity, and cover in semiarid abandoned farmland located in southeastern Spain. The soil‐preparation techniques consisted of punctual treatments—making a hole and constructing a plantation bench with different types of machinery; linear treatments—making furrows along contour lines; and surface treatments—that prepare the soil in general all over the plantation surface. Variables measured were the surface and volume affected by the soil‐preparation treatments, distance from sample quadrats to the remnants of natural vegetation, surface runoff estimated by slope angle, and some edaphic characteristics such as gravel content, active lime, CaCO3, phosphorus, oxidizable organic matter, total soil nitrogen, pH, potassium, salinity, and clay, silt and sand content. The multivariate contrasts obtained demonstrated the existence of a significant relationship between species, samples and environmental variables. Both the distance of the quadrats from the remnants of natural vegetation and the volume of soil removed in different treatments were very weighty variables in the explanation of the variance of data, negatively affecting overall vegetation development. The accumulation or loss of surface runoff and the CaCO3 content in soil were also important variables to explain abundance and diversity data. However, not all the species responded to the variables analysed in the same way. Identification of non‐uniform spatial patterns that significantly affect vegetation suggests that afforestation policies and conservation and management strategies in these semiarid abandoned lands should always take into consideration the quality of the whole landscape. Voluminous soil treatments for afforestation should be avoided. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A cascade of disparities: Health and health care access for people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Krahn Gloria L. , Hammond Laura , Turner Anne
Published: January 2006

People with ID represent approximately 2% of the population and, as a group, experience poorer health than the general population. This article presents recent conceptualizations that begin to disentangle health from disability, summarizes the literature from 1999 to 2005 in terms of the cascade of disparities, reviews intervention issues and promising practices, and provides recommendations for future action and research. The reconceptualization of health and disability examines health disparity in terms of the determinants of health (genetic, social circumstances, environment, individual behaviors, health care access) and types of health conditions (associated, comorbid, secondary). The literature is summarized in terms of a cascade of disparities experienced by people with ID, including a higher prevalence of adverse conditions, inadequate attention to care needs, inadequate focus on health promotion, and inadequate access to quality health care services. Promising practices are reviewed from the perspective of persons with ID, providers of care and services, and policies that influence systems of care. Recommendations across multiple countries and organizations are synthesized as guidelines to direct future action. They call for promoting principles of early identification, inclusion, and self‐determination of people with ID; reducing the occurrence and impact of associated, comorbid, and secondary conditions; empowering caregivers and family members; promoting healthy behaviors in people with ID; and ensuring equitable access to quality health care by people with ID. Their broadscale implementations would begin to reduce the health disparity experienced by people with ID. MRDD Research Reviews 2006;12:70–82. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The absence of CCL2 expression in cervical carcinoma is associated with increased survival and loss of heterozygosity at 17q11.2
Authors: Zijlmans H JMAA , Fleuren G J , Baelde H J , Eilers P HC , Kenter G G , Gorter A
Published: January 2006

To determine whether CCL2 mRNA expression is beneficial or detrimental for cervical cancer patients, the association between the expression of this molecule by cervical tumour cells, the number of tumour‐associated macrophages, and clinicopathological parameters such as recurrence, relapse‐free survival, and overall patient survival was investigated. In cervical cancer samples from 93 untreated cervical cancer patients, the CCL2 mRNA expression level was quantified using RNA in situ hybridization and verified using real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR. The number of tumour‐associated macrophages was determined using immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, the study investigated whether lack of CCL2 expression was due to genetic alterations near the 17q11.2 (CCL2 genomic) region. CCL2 mRNA expression by cervical tumour cells was associated with the number of tumour‐associated macrophages (p < 0.001). Lack of CCL2 mRNA expression (15 samples; 16%) was associated with increased cumulative relapse‐free survival (log rank test, p = 0.030), increased cumulative overall survival (log rank test, p = 0.024), less post‐operative surgery, reduced local and distant recurrence, reduced vascular invasion, and smaller tumour size (<40 mm). The absence of CCL2 mRNA expression corresponded with loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at 17q11.2 in five of six samples. The increased cumulative relapse‐free survival and cumulative overall survival of cervical cancer patients lacking tumour cell‐associated CCL2 mRNA suggest that the tumour‐associated macrophages support tumour progression, presumably by promoting angiogenesis and production of growth factors. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative study of the mechanical and wear performance of short carbon fibers and mineral particles (Wollastonite, CaSiO3) filled epoxy composites
Authors: Xian Guijun , Walter Rolf , Haupert Frank
Published: January 2006

To improve the mechanical and tribological performance, two kinds of wollastonite fillers (fine or coarse) and short carbon fibers (5–15 vol %) were, respectively, incorporated into an epoxy resin. Fine wollastonite fillers remarkably enhanced the flexural modulus, strength, and toughness of the resin at some filler contents (i.e., 10 vol %) simultaneously, while coarse wollastonite fillers and short carbon fibers impaired most of mechanical properties except the modulus. The small particle size, low aspect ratio as well as the good adhesion to the epoxy matrix of the fine wollastonite particles are believed to be responsible for the improved strength and toughness. Tribological tests were performed under sliding and low amplitude oscillating wear conditions. All fillers enhanced the wear resistance and reduced the sliding coefficient of friction but to a different extent. Under sliding wear conditions, fine wollastonite particle‐filled epoxy displayed the highest wear resistance because of the formation of an effective transfer film and the low abrasiveness of the fillers. Under low amplitude oscillating wear conditions, both wollastonite fillers showed much higher wear resistance than short carbon fibers regardless of the filler content. The better adhesion between the wollastonite fillers and the epoxy matrix is responsible for the higher wear resistance under oscillating conditions. The wear tracks were inspected by microscopy to analyze the corresponding wear mechanisms. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 854–863, 2006
Multilocus linkage disequilibrium mapping of epistatic quantitative trait loci that regulate HIV dynamics: a simulation approach
Authors: Wu Song , Yang Jie , Wu Rongling
Published: January 2006

The time‐dependent change of HIV particle load, i.e. HIV dynamics, is likely to be controlled by a multitude of quantitative trait loci (QTL) that interact with each other as well as with various developmental and environmental factors in a coordinated manner. In this article, we have derived a new statistical model for mapping the epistatic QTL responsible for HIV dynamics in a natural human population. This model, constructed on the integrated theme of functional mapping and linkage disequilibrium (LD) mapping, can make use of information from multiple markers genotyped from the human genome. It allows for the test and estimation of genetic actions and interactions involved in the control of HIV progression and provides a general platform to identify the detailed genetic architecture of resistance or susceptibility of humans to HIV on a dynamic scale. We have generalized this model to accommodate various complicated clincal designs for AIDS studies. Simulation studies with different scenarios are performed to examine the statistical behaviour of the model. The genetic and statistical extensions of this mapping model to HIV/AIDS genomic research are discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adolescents’ thoughts about parents’ jobs and their importance for adolescents’ future orientation
Authors: Gardner Neblett Nicole , Schnabel Cortina Kai
Published: January 2006

The current study examined the relation between adolescents’ perceptions of their parents’ jobs and their future orientation, and tested the role of parental support. Four hundred and fifteen ninth through twelfth graders were surveyed about their parents’ job rewards, self‐direction, and stressors, as well as their expectations for employment and education prospects. Results indicate that perceptions of parents’ rewards, self‐direction, and stress predict how positively or negatively adolescents perceive the future to be. Results also suggest that higher levels of parental support may weaken the association between perceptions and future orientation when adolescents perceive their parents experience unfavorable conditions at work. These results suggest that adolescents’ perceptions of parents’ jobs have implications for their preparation for adulthood.
Aplastic anemia in cats — clinicopathological features and associated disease conditions 1996–2004
Authors: Weiss Douglas J
Published: January 2006

A retrospective study of 128 feline bone marrow reports identified 13 cases of aplastic anemia. Clinical diagnoses included chronic renal failure ( n=5), feline leukemia virus infection ( n=2), hyperthyroidism treated with methimazole ( n=1) and idiopathic aplastic anemia ( n=5). In some cats, starvation may play a role in the development of marrow aplasia. Some cats with aplastic anemia can have prolonged survival without resolution of the pancytopenia.
Extravasation of Calcium Solution Leading to Calcinosis Cutis Surrounding the Dorsal Cutaneous Branch of the Ulnar Nerve
Authors: TUNCER S. , AYDIN A. , ERER M.
Published: January 2006

A case of calcinosis cutis caused by calcium extravasation around the wrist is presented. During excision, the lesion was seen to be surrounding the dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve. The possibility of peripheral nerve involvement in extravasation injuries is emphasized.
Degradation, Harm and Survival in a Women's Prison
Authors: Scraton Phil , Moore Linda
Published: January 2006

Based on primary research for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission this article focuses on the conditions and regimes under which women and girls are imprisoned in the North of Ireland. Extensive interviews with women place their experiences and reflections at the heart of the analysis and are supported by full observational access to the daily routines in operation at the Mourne House Unit at Maghaberry Prison. Of particular concern are institutionalised practices regarding self-harm, suicide prevention and the pathologisation of girls and women with mental health needs.
Some Useful Sources
Authors: Jones Helen
Published: January 2006

There is fundamental recognition that the human rights of women are ‘an inalienable, integral and indivisible part of universal human rights’ (Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, para. 18). Violence creates tremendous obstacles to the achievement of rights for women and nation states are obligated to exercise due diligence in the eradication of violence against women and to prevent violence against women wherever it occurs. The following list identifies key documents and resources available at International, European and UK levels. The list includes references to website gateways, documents, campaigns, organisations and publications. The websites provide free access to a wide body of literature and all sites were visited on 11 July 2005 to check that they were current. The list is not comprehensive but is indicative of key materials and services that are easily accessible.
All-Trans Retinoic Acid and Glycated Albumin Reciprocally Influence their Effects in Human Mesangial Cells
Authors: Alique Matilde , Moreno-Manzano Victoria , Sepúlveda-Muñoz Juan Carlos , Reyes-Martín Patricia , Parra-Cid Trinidad , Calvino Myriam , de Lucio-Cazana Francisco Javier
Published: January 2006

All-trans-retinoic acid (tRA) modulates in human mesangial cells (MC) antioxidant defenses, the expression of interleukin-1β-induced vascular cell-adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and the retinoic acid-receptor-β (RAR-β). The correlation of the serum levels of glycated hemoglobin A1c with tRA in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients led us to hypothesize that tRA and glycated albumin (GA), the main circulating glycated protein, might mutually interact in MC. We studied 1) the influence of tRA on GA effects in cultured MC: an assessment was made on how pre-incubation with tRA modified the effects of GA on intracellular oxidation and on the expression of mRNA and protein of COX-2 and VCAM-1; and 2) the influence of GA on tRA effects in MC: we studied how the induction of RARβ expression by tRA was modified by GA. Results: GA dose-dependently increased intracellular oxidation and the expression of the molecules involved in leukocyte infiltration, namely COX-2 and VCAM-1. Pre-incubation with tRA exacerbated GA effects by up to a three- to four-fold additional increase. In turn, induction by tRA of RAR-β was fully inhibited by GA. Thus tRA and GA reciprocally influence their effects in MC. It is possible that this interaction may have a pathophysiological or pharmacological role in diabetic nephropathy.
The venous return simulator: an effective tool for investigating the effects of external compression on the venous hemodynamics – first results after thigh compression
Authors: Fullana  , Cros  , Becker  , Ouchene  , Partsch
Published: January 2006

Background: To present a virtual model, the venous return simulator (VRS), designed to compute venous hemodynamic variations when compression is applied to the leg. Methods: The VRS defines a numerical network of the lower extremity and computes the dynamic variables (flow rate, venous diameter and internal pressure) for a defined external pressure. The VRS was based on physiological data from the literature and clinical studies on healthy subjects. Clinical correlations were required to confirm its validity; for this purpose, we carried out experiments simulating the conditions of a clinical trial, in which the diameter of superficial and deep veins was measured while increasing pressures (20, 40 and 60 mmHg.) were applied to the thighs of patients enduring deep valvular insufficiency and venous ulcers. The diameters and flow rates calculated using our VRS model were compared with the experimental data obtained at the same thigh compression levels. Results: The numerical results of VRS are in good agreement with the clinical data obtained by Duplex, (R2 = 0.96). In accordance with the in vivo measurement the computed results show that only a pressure greater than 40 mmHg is able to reduce the venous diameter at thigh-level, both in the great saphenous vein and in the femoral vein. Conclusion: The venous return simulator computes lower limb hemodynamic parameters under static conditions. The good correlation existing between the VRS and the data obtained in a previous clinical study shows that this numerical approach could provide a useful means of predicting the hemodynamic consequences of compression therapy.
Moderatoren der Konsistenz implizit und explizit erfasster Einstellungen und Persönlichkeitsmerkmale
Authors: Gschwendner Tobias , Hofmann Wilhelm , Schmitt Manfred
Published: January 2006

Zusammenfassung. In zahlreichen Studien zeigte sich, dass implizit erfasste Einstellungen und Persönlichkeitseigenschaften (z.B. mit Hilfe eines Impliziten Assoziationstests von Greenwald et al., 1998 ) nur mäßig mit Selbstberichtsmaßen für das “gleiche“ Konstrukt korrelieren. Zunächst greifen wir frühere Diskussionen der Konsistenzproblematik auf und erörtern die Frage, welche Variablen den fraglichen Zusammenhang moderieren. Dann schlagen wir ein Prozessmodell vor, aus dem sich Randbedingungen ergeben, unter denen implizite und explizite Indikatoren konvergieren. Das Modell kann die Mehrzahl der empirischen Moderatorbefunde erklären. Bekannte Konsistenzmoderatoren lassen sich vier Kategorien zuordnen: Methodisch triviale Moderatoren (z.B. die Reliabilität der verwendeten Maße), Attribute der jeweiligen Disposition (z.B. die Wichtigkeit einer Einstellung), Merkmale von Personen (z.B. das Anerkennungsmotiv), Merkmale von Situationen (z.B. Anwesenheit anderer). Die Übertragung der Erkenntnisse aus den früheren Konsistenzkontroversen auf die aktuelle Diskussion um die Brauchbarkeit von impliziten Verfahren zur Messung von Einstellungen und Persönlichkeitseigenschaften erweist sich als fruchtbar.
Psychometrische Analyse der deutschen Dyadic Adjustment Scale
Authors: Dinkel Andreas , Balck Friedrich
Published: January 2006

Zusammenfassung. Die Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) ist international das am häufigsten eingesetzte Verfahren zur Erfassung der Beziehungsqualität. Allerdings liegen nur wenige Ergebnisse zur psychometrischen Qualität der deutschen DAS vor. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde die Faktorenstruktur der DAS an einer Stichprobe von N = 194 Personen der Allgemeinbevölkerung untersucht. Eine drei-faktorielle Lösung, die die Skalen Zufriedenheit, Kohäsion und Konsens repräsentiert, erwies sich als angemessen. Es zeigten sich Unterschiede im Ladungsmuster gegenüber dem Original; die Originalskala Affektiver Ausdruck ließ sich nicht replizieren. Die Gesamtskala sowie die Subskalen wiesen eine gute interne Konsistenz auf (Gesamtskala α = .90). Wir entwickelten eine Kurzskala der DAS, die mittels je vier Items die drei Subskalen der deutschen DAS erfasst (DAS-12). Die Subskalen sowie die Gesamtform der Kurzskala weisen eine zufrieden stellende interne Konsistenz auf (DAS-12 Gesamt: α = .79). Korrelative Analysen liefern erste Hinweise auf die Validität der Kurzskala.
Komorbidität und elterliche Psychopathologie bei externalisierenden Verhaltensstörungen im Kindesalter
Authors: Linderkamp Friedrich
Published: January 2006

Zusammenfassung. In der vorliegenden Untersuchung wurde auf Grundlage von 61 Familien mit external auffälligen Kindern in einem ersten Schritt hinsichtlich der Störungsbilder Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-/Hyperaktivitätsstörung (ADHS), Störung mit oppositionellem Trotzverhalten (OPP) sowie der Subgruppe mit beiden Störungsformen (ADHS+OPP) eine Subgruppendifferenzierung vorgenommen. Dabei erwies sich die ADHS+OPP-Subgruppe als umfangreichste Teilgruppe (50%) mit der signifikant schwersten Störungsform. Die Verhaltensprobleme der Kinder zeigten sich Subgruppen übergreifend am häufigsten im Umgang mit den Eltern und am zweit häufigsten mit Gleichaltrigen und Geschwistern. Der Umgang mit jüngeren oder älteren Kindern sowie mit fremden Personen erwies sich dem gegenüber Subgruppen übergreifend als nahezu problemlos. Die untersuchten Eltern wiesen über verschiedene Testskalen hinweg zu 18 bis 34% psychische Beeinträchtigungen auf. Varianzanalysen zeigten, dass die psychischen Beeinträchtigungen der Mütter und Väter bezüglich der Schweregrade der kindlichen Verhaltensstörungen Subgruppen übergreifend beträchtlich Varianz aufklärten. Es wird der hohe Stellenwert spezifischer Konzepte individualisierter Elternarbeit hervorgehoben.
Petrogenesis and magma residence time of lavas from Tengchong volcanic field (China): Evidence from U series disequilibria and 40Ar/39Ar dating
Authors: Wang Fei , Peng Zicheng , Zhu Rixiang , He Huaiyu , Yang Liekun
Published: January 2006

We present U‐Th disequilibria measurements as well as radiogenic and trace element data for volcanic rocks erupted over the past ∼200,000 years at Tengchong volcano field (TVF), near the collisional belt of India‐Asia, southwestern China. Mineral separates, matrix, and whole rock were analyzed separately by mass spectrometry for 230Th‐238U disequilibria. Whole rocks are characterized by either 230Th enrichment or depletion relative to 238U. Three mineral internal 230Th age isochrons and a CO2 laser 40Ar/39Ar age were determined. A difference of ∼40 ka between the 230Th age and the 40Ar/39Ar age can be interpreted as the residence time of the associated magma. Large variations in Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopic compositions and trace element ratios suggest more than one source for the TVF lavas. High Th contents, Th/U ratios and LILE element abundances, as well as their large variations can be attributed to partial melting of mantle previously metasomatized by subduction‐derived components. Excesses of 238U in some lavas could be the feature of another end‐member, an arc‐type melt, in the source. Fast extraction of the melts may result in the observed chemical disequilibrium.
Quantum-chemical investigation of second-order nonlinear optical chromophores: Comparison of strong nitrile-based acceptor end groups and role of auxiliary donors and acceptors
Authors: Leclercq A. , Zojer E. , Jang S.-H. , Barlow S. , Geskin V. , Jen A. K.-Y. , Marder S. R. , Brédas J. L.
Published: January 2006

We report a detailed quantum-chemical investigation of donor-acceptor substituted dipolar nonlinear optical chromophores incorporating the 4-(dimethylamino)phenyl donor end group and a variety of strong heterocyclic acceptor end groups, including tricyanofurans and tricyanopyrroles. In particular, we study the variation of the molecular second-order polarizability (β) with the acceptor end group and when inserting auxiliary donors (thiophene) and acceptors (thiazole) into the π bridge. Both finite-field calculations (in the context of local contributions) and sum-over-states calculations were carried out in order to probe the relationship between β and the chemical structure of the various chromophores. The trends obtained with these two methods are fully consistent. The large β values (up to 700×10−30esu) as well as the observed tunability of the optical absorption maximum (λmax) make the chromophores investigated here interesting candidates for use in electro-optic applications at telecommunications wavelengths.
Strain-induced high coercivity in CoFe2O4 powders
Authors: Liu B. H. , Ding J.
Published: January 2006

Three cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) powders were used as starting materials for mechanical milling. A mechanical milling for a short time resulted in a relatively large residual strain and a high density of defects in the micrometer-sized CoFe2O4 powders. High coercivities (up to 5.1 kOe) were achieved in these samples, probably due to the stress anisotropy and pinning effects. A relatively high remanence ratio of 60% and a relatively large value of (BH)max of up to 2.0 MG Oe were obtained for the sample with the highest coercivity. A prolonged milling resulted in the formation of nanosized grains in an amorphous matrix, and the reduction of coercivity to a very low level. The initial particle/grain size played an important role in the microstructure evolution. No significant change in both microstructure and coercivity was found in the CoFe2O4 sample consisting of nanoparticles after mechanical milling.
Conical octopole ion guide: Design, focusing, and its application to the deposition of low energetic clusters
Authors: Röttgen Martin A. , Judai Ken , Antonietti Jean-Marie , Heiz Ueli , Rauschenbach Stephan , Kern Klaus
Published: January 2006

A design of a radio-frequency (rf) octopole ion guide with truncated conical rods arranged in a conical geometry is presented. The performance is tested in a cluster deposition apparatus used for the soft-landing of size-selected clusters on well-characterized substrates used as a model system in heterogeneous catalysis in ultrahigh vacuum. This device allows us to focus 500pA of a mass-selected Ni20+ cluster ion beam from 9mm down to a spot size of 2mm in diameter. The transmittance is 70%±5% at a rf voltage of 420Vpp applied over an amateur radio transceiver with an interposed homemade amplifier-transformer circuit. An increase of the cluster density by a factor of 15 has been achieved. Three ion trajectories are simulated by using SIMION6, which are relevant for this focusing device: transmitted, reflected, and absorbed. The observed effects in the simulations can be successfully explained by the adiabatic approximation. The focusing behavior of the conical octopole lens is demonstrated by experiment and simulations to be a very useful technique for increasing molecule or cluster densities on a substrate and thus reducing deposition time.
Comparison of He I line intensity ratio method and electrostatic probe for electron density and temperature measurements in NAGDIS-II
Authors: Kajita Shin , Ohno Noriyasu , Takamura Shuichi , Nakano Tomohide
Published: January 2006

The electron density and temperature obtained from the line intensity ratio method of HeI (λ=667.8, 706.5, and 728.1nm) are compared to the probe method in a divertor simulator. When a collisional radiative model that does not include the effect of the radiation transport was used for the analysis, ne obtained from the spectroscopic method was significantly higher than that from the electrostatic probe method. The discrepancy between the two methods increases with the gas pressure; in other words, it increases with the optical thickness. In the case that the effect of the radiation trapping is taken into consideration using optical escape factor, the discrepancy becomes moderate. And then, the parameters obtained from the line intensity ratio method agree with the probe method within a factor of 2 in the case that the radiation trapping was introduced with R=0.05m, which corresponds to the column radius of the spatial profile of the excited population density. In recombining plasmas, however, it was shown that the line intensity ratios might not be appropriate because the recombining component broke the monotonic increase/decrease dependences of the line intensity ratios on ne and Te. A measurement of another HeI line intensity of 447.1nm (2P3←4D3) is proposed for solving the problem.
Centrifugal separation of ions and an oppositely charged non-neutral plasma
Authors: Amoretti M. , Canali C. , Carraro C. , Lagomarsino V. , Odino A. , Testera G. , Zavatarelli S.
Published: January 2006

The motion of a single ion confined in a Penning-Malmberg trap together with a plasma column of electrons or positrons is described by means of a simple model. The model qualitatively reproduces the basic mechanism of the centrifugal separation for multispecies plasma composed of particles with the same sign of charge. The ion is pushed toward the plasma boundary also when its charge and the plasma charge have opposite signs. An estimation of the characteristic time scale for the separation is obtained and discussed.
Elastic modulus of amorphous SiO2 nanowires
Authors: Ni Hai , Li Xiaodong , Gao Hongsheng
Published: January 2006

Amorphous SiO2 nanowires with diameter ranging from 50 to 100 nm were synthesized using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) under an argon atmosphere at atmospheric pressure. Nanoscale three-point bending tests were performed directly on individual amorphous SiO2 nanowires using an atomic force microscope (AFM). Elastic modulus of the amorphous SiO2 nanowires was measured to be 76.6±7.2GPa, which is close to the reported value of the bulk SiO2 and thermally grown SiO2 thin films, but lower than that of plasma-enhanced CVD SiO2 thin films. The amorphous SiO2 nanowires exhibit brittle fracture failure in bending.
Atomic force microscopy analysis of cleaved facets in III-nitride laser diodes grown on free-standing GaN substrates
Authors: Smeeton T. M. , Bousquet V. , Hooper S. E. , Kauer M. , Heffernan J.
Published: January 2006

The cleaved {11¯00} mirror facets of III-nitride ridge waveguide laser diodes grown on free-standing GaN substrates have been characterized using atomic force microscopy. The measurements indicate that the exposed facets are atomically smooth and therefore they have a much lower roughness than has been reported for cleaved surfaces of III-nitride heterostructures grown on other substrates. Individual heterostructure layers—including InGaN quantum wells only 3nm thick—could be identified from small variations in the height of the exposed surface. These variations are attributed primarily to the partial relaxation of strained layers at the free surface.
Optical and magnetic properties of Ni nanoparticles in rutile formed by Ni ion implantation
Authors: Zhu S. , Wang L. M. , Zu X. T. , Xiang X.
Published: January 2006

Crystalline Ni nanoparticles in the near surface of TiO2 (rutile) have been synthesized by Ni ion beam implantation at room temperature to a fluence of 1×1017∕cm2. Transmission electron microscopy, optical absorption spectroscopy, and a superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer have been utilized to characterize the nanostructure, optical and magnetic properties of Ni particles in TiO2. Crystalline Ni nanoparticles with dimensions ranging 3–20 nm formed in the near surface of rutile, which caused a broad absorption band from 700 nm in the optical absorption spectrum. Magnetic measurement indicated that the coercive force of Ni nanoparticles was about 210 Oe at 10 K. The superparamagnetism of the nanoparticles was observed above blocking temperature T=85K.
Mulberry latex rich in antidiabetic sugar-mimic alkaloids forces dieting on caterpillars
Authors: Konno Kotaro , Ono Hiroshi , Nakamura Masatoshi , Tateishi Ken , Hirayama Chikara , Tamura Yasumori , Hattori Makoto , Koyama Akio , Kohno Katsuyuki
Published: January 2006

Since ancient times, mulberry leaves (
Morus
spp.) have been used to rear the silkworm
Bombyx mori
. Because the silkworm grows well on mulberry leaves, the toxicities and defensive activities of these leaves against herbivorous insects have been overlooked. Here we show that mulberry leaves are highly toxic to caterpillars other than the silkworm
B. mori
, because of the ingredients of the latex, a milky sap exuded from mulberry leaf veins. The toxicity of mulberry leaves was lost when the latex was eliminated from the leaves, and artificial diets containing latex showed toxicity. Mulberry latex contained very high concentrations of alkaloidal sugar-mimic glycosidase inhibitors reported to have antidiabetic activities, such as 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-
d
-arabinitol, 1-deoxynojirimycin, and 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-
d
-ribitol. The overall concentrations of these inhibitors in latex reached 1.5-2.5% (8-18% dry weight) in several mulberry varieties, which were ≈100 times the concentrations previously reported from whole mulberry leaves. These sugar-mimic alkaloids were toxic to caterpillars but not to the silkworm
B. mori
, indicating that the silkworm can circumvent the mulberry tree's defense. Our results suggest that latex ingredients play key roles in defense of this tree and of other plants against insect herbivory, and they imply that plant latexes are treasuries of bioactive substances useful as medicines and pesticides.
Peptide motifs of the single dominantly expressed class I molecule explain the striking MHC-determined response to Rous sarcoma virus in chickens
Authors: Wallny Hans-Joachim , Avila David , Hunt Lawrence G. , Powell Timothy J. , Riegert Patricia , Salomonsen Jan , Skjødt Karsten , Vainio Olli , Vilbois Francis , Wiles Michael V. , Kaufman Jim
Published: January 2006

Compared with the MHC of typical mammals, the chicken MHC is smaller and simpler, with only two class I genes found in the B12 haplotype. We make five points to show that there is a single-dominantly expressed class I molecule that can have a strong effect on MHC function. First, we find only one cDNA for two MHC haplotypes (B14 and B15) and cDNAs corresponding to two genes for the other six (B2, B4, B6, B12, B19, and B21). Second, we find, for the B4, B12, and B15 haplotypes, that one cDNA is at least 10-fold more abundant than the other. Third, we use 2D gel electrophoresis of class I molecules from pulse-labeled cells to show that there is only one heavy chain spot for the B4 and B15 haplotypes, and one major spot for the B12 haplotype. Fourth, we determine the peptide motifs for B4, B12, and B15 cells in detail, including pool sequences and individual peptides, and show that the motifs are consistent with the peptides binding to models of the class I molecule encoded by the abundant cDNA. Finally, having shown for three haplotypes that there is a single dominantly expressed class I molecule at the level of RNA, protein, and antigenic peptide, we show that the motifs can explain the striking MHC-determined resistance and susceptibility to Rous sarcoma virus. These results are consistent with the concept of a “minimal essential MHC” for chickens, in strong contrast to typical mammals.
Essential role of B-Raf in ERK activation during extraembryonic development
Authors: Galabova-Kovacs Gergana , Matzen Dana , Piazzolla Daniela , Meissl Katrin , Plyushch Tatiana , Chen Adele P. , Silva Alcino , Baccarini Manuela
Published: January 2006

The kinases of the Raf family have been intensively studied as activators of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extra-cellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) module in regulated and deregulated proliferation. Genetic evidence that Raf is required for ERK activation
in vivo
has been obtained in lower organisms, which express only one Raf kinase, but was hitherto lacking in mammals, which express more than one Raf kinase. Ablation of the two best studied Raf kinases, B-Raf and Raf-1, is lethal at midgestation in mice, hampering the detailed study of the essential functions of these proteins. Here, we have combined conventional and conditional gene ablation to show that B-Raf is essential for ERK activation and for vascular development in the placenta. B-Raf-deficient placentae show complete absence of phosphorylated ERK and strongly reduced HIF-1α and VEGF levels, whereas all these parameters are normal in Raf-1-deficient placentae. In addition, neither ERK phosphorylation nor development are affected in B-raf-deficient embryos that are born alive obtained by epiblast-restricted gene inactivation. The data demonstrate that B-Raf plays a nonredundant role in ERK activation during extraembyronic mammalian development
in vivo
.
A unique role of the DNA fragmentation factor in maintaining genomic stability
Authors: Yan Bin , Wang Huili , Peng Yuanlin , Hu Ye , Wang He , Zhang Xiuwu , Chen Qi , Bedford Joel S. , Dewhirst Mark W. , Li Chuan-Yuan
Published: January 2006

DNA fragmentation is a hallmark of apoptosis (programmed cell death). However, the biological function of apoptotic DNA fragmentation remains unclear. Here, we show that DNA fragmentation factor plays an important role for maintaining genomic stability. Inhibition or loss of the DNA fragmentation factor (DFF)/caspase-activated DNase (CAD), whose nuclease activity is responsible for digesting genomic DNA during apoptosis, led to significant increases in spontaneous or induced gene mutations, gene amplifications, and chromosomal instability in primary mouse cells and transformed human cell lines. The mechanism underlying genetic instability in DFF/CAD-deficient cells, at least in part, involves a small but significant elevation in the survival of cells exposed to ionizing radiation, suggesting that apoptotic DNA fragmentation factor contributes to genomic stability by ensuring the removal of cells that have suffered DNA damage. In support of this hypothesis are the observations of increased cellular transformation of mouse embryonic cells from the DFF/CAD-null mice and significantly enhanced susceptibility to radiation-induced carcinogenesis in these mice. These data, in combination with published reports on the existence of tumor-specific gene mutations/deletions in the DFF/CAD genes in human cancer samples, suggest that apoptotic DNA fragmentation factor is required for the maintenance of genetic stability and may play a role in tumor suppression.