bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteomic analysis of human amniotic fluid from Rh− pregnancy
Authors: Hassan Md. Imtaiyaz , Kumar Vijay , Singh Tej P. , Yadav Savita
Published: January 2008

Background

The objective of this study was to identify proteins from the amniotic fluid of the most common reproductive ailment, that is, Rh− incompatibility. In the present study, AF from Rh− pregnancy in the 29–35th week of gestation was analyzed by 2‐DE, and our purpose was to identify the major spots on 2D gel.

Methods

Proteins from an amniotic fluid sample was separated on 2D gel and visualized after silver staining. Most of the spots were analyzed by MALDI‐TOF/MS, and were identified based on the NCBI database by a peptide mass fingerprinting method.

Results

Albumin, serotransferrin, haptoglobin, α‐fetoprotein and immunoglobulin were the major proteins detected. On comparison with 2D gel of normal AF, differences were observed at the level of albumin, and newly identified Calgranulins and Neutophil‐defensins were observed. Many enzymes, growth factor binding proteins, protease inhibitors and proteins related to inflammation have also been identified.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates, for the first time, the potential utility of proteomics‐based approaches to identify specific biomarkers like Calgranulins and Neutophil‐defensins and diagnostic profiles for Rh− incompatibility processes and pathophysiologic conditions of pregnancy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of immersion cryotherapy on medial‐lateral postural sway variability in individuals with a lateral ankle sprain
Authors: Kernozek Thomas W. , Greany John F. , Anderson Danielle R. , Van Heel Douglas , Youngdahl Roderick L. , Benesh Benjamin G. , Durall Christopher J.
Published: January 2008

Background and Purpose. Postural stability has been shown to be impaired after a lateral ankle sprain (LAS) and after immersion cryotherapy in healthy ankles. This study was performed to determine the effects of cryotherapy on postural stability after LAS. Method. A single‐session, repeated measures design was used. Fifteen 18‐ to 29‐year‐old males (mean age 21.33 ± 3.54, height 71.23 ± 2.50 cm, mass 170.33 ± 19.77 kg) with relatively recent grade I LAS volunteered. Medial‐lateral postural sway variability was assessed during single‐leg barefoot stance using a Bertec force platform. Sway was tested before cryotherapy (‘Pre’), immediately after 20 minutes of lower‐leg immersion cryotherapy (‘Post0’), and 10 and 20 minutes after cryotherapy (‘Post10’ and ‘Post20’). Both legs were tested (individually) before cryotherapy; the involved leg was tested alone after cryotherapy. The uninvolved leg served as a control. Results. Postural sway variability of the involved le was significantly greater than the uninvolved le before cryotherapy (p = 0.001). Postural sway variability of the involved le was also significantly greater than the uninvolved LE during Post0 (p = 0.000), Post10 (p = 0.000) and Post20 testing (p = 0.003) with the largest increase in sway variability occurring at Post0. Conclusions. Medial‐lateral postural sway variability was greater after LAS. This effect was augmented by immersion cryotherapy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Potential of Asparagus‐P® to Inactivate Reactive Oxygen Radicals
Authors: Dartsch Peter C.
Published: January 2008

Asparagus‐P® is a traditional herbal medicinal product consisting of a combination of asparagus roots and parsley leaves in equal shares. It is used to support aquaretic kidney function. The present study was undertaken to shed light on the antioxidative effects of both main ingredients and their combination as in Asparagus‐P®. For that purpose, differentiated promyelocytic HL60 cells (functional neutrophils) capable of generating superoxide radicals upon stimulation, were used. Parsley leaves and, hence, also Asparagus‐P® had a marked dose‐dependent antioxidant effect, whereas asparagus roots had only a minor efficacy in this respect. In conclusion, Asparagus‐P® does not only support kidney function, but is also able to inactivate reactive oxygen radicals which might occur by a metabolic or exogenous overload (oxidative stress) or in the course of inflammatory processes. This antioxidant efficacy is primarily related to the content of parsley leaves; asparagus roots seem to enhance this efficacy by promoting the potential of parsley leaves, thus generating a synergistic effect in the combination product Asparagus‐P®. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Follicular Histotypes of Oncocytic Thyroid Carcinomas Do Not Carry Mutations of the BRAF Hot‐spot
Authors: Musholt Petra B. , Musholt Thomas J. , Morgenstern Saskia C. , Worm Karl , Sheu Sien‐Yi , Schmid Kurt W.
Published: January 2008

Background

The BRAF V600E mutation is the most prevalent genetic aberration in papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs), and it is found exclusively in RET/PTC‐negative tumors. In oncocytic (Hürthle cell, oxyphilic) thyroid tumors, the presence of RET/PTC rearrangements is associated with either the conventional papillary histotype or the “solid” Hürthle cell tumors, whereas all predominantly follicular oncocytic carcinomas do not harbor RET/PTC chimeras. Although 12% of tumors of the follicular variant of PTC carry BRAF mutations, none of the few oncocytic follicular thyroid adenomas (oncoAd) or carcinomas (oncoFTC) published worldwide tested positive. An aspired molecular‐based classification of oncocytic thyroid tumors is in need of additional evidence on BRAF mutations in the follicular histotype.

Methods

A series of 44 oncocytic thyroid tumors with well‐documented clinicopathological data was subjected to BRAF mutation analysis (complete exon 15) by automated sequencing.

Results

The series of oncocytic thyroid tumors consisted of 21 adenomas (oncoAds: 17 females, 4 males; mean age, 54.5 years; range, 27–80 years), 20 follicular carcinomas (oncoFTCs: 14 females, 6 males; mean age, 61.4 years; range, 39–80 years), and 3 “classic” papillary carcinomas (oncoPTCs: 3 females; mean age, 58.1 years; range, 46–70 years; 3x T2 tumors). The follicular variants of oncocytic cancers are divided into 11x T2, 5x T3, and 4x T4 tumor stages (International Union Against Cancer [UICC] TNM 5th edition). None of the 44 neoplasms of the presented series demonstrated genetic alterations in the BRAF hot‐spot region (exon 15, codons 599–601). Congruently, 0/10 oncoAd and 0/20 oncoFTC described in the literature so far carried BRAF V600E mutations.

Conclusions

Our results add to the evidence that, in contrast to follicular variants of oncoPTCs, predominantly follicular oncocytic thyroid tumors harbor neither RET/PTC rearrangements nor BRAF mutations. Furthermore, the findings support the concept that oncocytic neoplasms of the thyroid gland are oncocytic counterparts of the respective histotype (adenoma, FTC, PTC, or poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma) rather than a separate tumor entity. Molecular characterization of oncocytic thyroid malignancies for RET/PTC or BRAF genetic alterations may help with (preoperative) classification and prognostic evaluation of these tumors.
Interpretation of plasma amino acids in the follow‐up of patients: The impact of compartmentation
Authors: Bachmann Claude
Published: January 2008

Results of plasma or urinary amino acids are used for suspicion, confirmation or exclusion of diagnosis, monitoring of treatment, prevention and prognosis in inborn errors of amino acid metabolism. The concentrations in plasma or whole blood do not necessarily reflect the relevant metabolite concentrations in organs such as the brain or in cell compartments; this is especially the case in disorders that are not solely expressed in liver and/or in those which also affect nonessential amino acids. Basic biochemical knowledge has added much to the understanding of zonation and compartmentation of expressed proteins and metabolites in organs, cells and cell organelles. In this paper, selected old and new biochemical findings in PKU, urea cycle disorders and nonketotic hyperglycinaemia are reviewed; the aim is to show that integrating the knowledge gained in the last decades on enzymes and transporters related to amino acid metabolism allows a more extensive interpretation of biochemical results obtained for diagnosis and follow‐up of patients and may help to pose new questions and to avoid pitfalls. The analysis and interpretation of amino acid measurements in physiological fluids should not be restricted to a few amino acids but should encompass the whole quantitative profile and include other pathophysiological markers. This is important if the patient appears not to respond as expected to treatment and is needed when investigating new therapies. We suggest that amino acid imbalance in the relevant compartments caused by over‐zealous or protocol‐driven treatment that is not adjusted to the individual patient's needs may prolong catabolism and must be corrected.
Quality of life in subgroups of individuals with whiplash associated disorders
Authors: Wallin Mia K.M. , Raak Ragnhild I.
Published: January 2008

Background: The term whiplash associated disorders (WAD) includes a wide range of complaints, with neck pain as predominating symptom. Living with long term pain influences quality of life. In previous studies of other chronic pain patients, subgrouping has been made according to thermal pain thresholds measured in quantitative sensory testing (QST).

Aims: The aims of the present study are threefold, (1) to evaluate thermal pain thresholds and health related quality of life in WAD patients compared to healthy pain‐free individuals, (2) to explore whether subgrouping of the WAD patients is possible according to thermal pain thresholds over trapezius, and if so (3) to explore differences between the subgroups.

Methods: Twenty‐six patients with WAD and 18 healthy pain‐free controls took part in the study. Thermal pain thresholds were measured in two sites (over the thenar and the trapezius muscle) using quantitative sensory testing (QST). Health related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using the SF‐36. The visual analogue scale was used to rate pain intensity and unpleasantness related to the experimental situation.

Results: WAD patients are more sensitive to thermal pain, and scored lower on the SF‐36 in all scales when compared with healthy pain‐free individuals. After analyzing clusters (K‐means algorithm) two subgroups of WAD emerge, pain insensitive and pain sensitive. The pain insensitive group differed significantly from the pain sensitive group in the Role Emotional subscale of SF‐36 (p=0.025).

Conclusions: Thermal pain hyperalgesia, especially for cold, seems to be a determinant for subgrouping WAD patients. These results support that such a classification of a heterogenous group could be of importance in tailoring treatment and early interventions.
Comparison of clinical estimation of fetal weight at the beginning and end of labor
Authors: Fox Nathan S. , Chasen Stephen T.
Published: January 2008

Objective

To compare the accuracy of clinically estimated fetal weight (EFW) obtained at the beginning and end of labor.

Methods

The clinical EFWs obtained by obstetricians at the beginning (initial EFW) and end (repeat EFW) of labor were compared to determine the accuracy of the estimates in 138 women with term pregnancies.

Results

The initial clinical EFW was changed by obstetricians in 65% of patients over the course of their labor. There was a 66% chance that the repeat EFW was more accurate than the initial EFW (P = 0.003). This increased to 78% when the difference between the initial and repeat EFW was more than 300 g (P = 0.04). Duration and speed of labor, and change in fetal station were not correlated with a lower, higher, or more accurate EFW.

Conclusion

The improved accuracy of a clinical EFW obtained at the end of labor is important for management decisions, such as whether to attempt operative vaginal delivery.
HIV/AIDS: nutritional implications and impact on human development
Authors: Colecraft Esi
Published: January 2008

HIV/AIDS is associated with biological and social factors that affect the individual's ability to consume and utilize food and to acquire food. These biological and social factors lead to poor nutritional status and weight loss, which are an important cause of morbidity in individuals infected with HIV, resulting in a poor quality of life; weight loss is an important predictor of death from AIDS. The links between nutrition and HIV/AIDS amplify the negative effects of HIV infection on human development at individual, household, community and national levels. For many developing countries the incidence of HIV/AIDS and malnutrition is impeding progress towards achieving the UN millennium development goals. Aggressive interventions to curb the spread of HIV continue to be needed. Concurrent efforts to improve nutrition for populations living with HIV/AIDS should also be given priority.
Embodying, Imagining, and Performing Displacement and Trauma in Central Europe Today
Authors: Zarrilli Phillip B.
Published: January 2008

This article provides an illustrated description and analysis of Speaking Stones – a collaborative performance commissioned by Theatre Asou of Graz, Austria, with UK playwright Kaite O'Reilly and director Phillip Zarrilli as a response to the increasingly xenophobic and reactionary realities of the politics of central Europe. The account interrogates the question, the dramaturgical possibilities, and the performative premise which guided the creation of Speaking Stones. Phillip Zarrilli is internationally known for training actors through Asian martial arts and yoga, and as a director. In 2008 he is directing the premiere of Kaite O'Reilly's The Almond and the Seahorse for Sherman-Cymru Theatre and the Korean premiere of Sarah Kane's 4:48 Psychosis. He is also Professor of Performance Practice at the University of Exeter.
Poetic Language and Corporeality in Translations of Greek Tragedy
Authors: Harrop Stephe , Wiles David
Published: January 2008

The translation of ancient tragedy is often considered at a linguistic level, as if the drama consisted simply of words being written, spoken, and heard. This article contends that translation for the stage is a process in which literary decisions have physical, as well as verbal, outcomes. It traces existing formulations concerning the links between vocal and bodily expression, and explores the ways in which printed texts might be capable of suggesting modes of corporeality or systems of movement to the embodied performer; and sketches some of the ways in which the range of possible relationships between language and physicality might be explored and understood, drawing upon recent practice-based research into the work of three modern poetic translators of Greek tragedy. Stephe Harrop is a theatre practitioner and academic whose work explores the links between text and physical performance. She originally trained as a dancer, and currently teaches at Royal Holloway, University of London. David Wiles is Professor of Theatre at Royal Holloway. His research interests include Greek theatre, masked performance, and drama in translation. His most recent publications include A Short History of Western Performance Space (2003) and Mask and Performance in Greek Tragedy (2007).
System Values and Understanding Legal Language
Authors: DEL MAR MAKSYMILIAN
Published: January 2008

This paper argues that the concerns and methodology of the recently completed Report of the International Law Commission (ILC) over the fragmentation of international law presuppose a particular way of understanding legal language which tends to separate the understanding of rules from their factual adaptability to certain recurring social problems faced within specific institutional contexts. The paper argues that separating rules from their factual adaptability focuses the analysis on surface coherence – coherence at the level of abstract terms and phrases. It is the argument of this paper that this presupposition is not warranted, and that the understanding of rules cannot be thus separated. An alternative model of the understanding of legal language is developed on the basis of the work of Bernard Jackson and Geoffrey Samuel. This is further supplemented by the approach to the study of institutional contexts in the recent work of Robert Summers and John Bell. Together, these resources can lead to the analysis of the deep coherence of the international legal order, that being one that prioritizes not the unity of that order, but its responsiveness. The ideal of responsive law is elaborated upon by reference to the work of Philip Selznick and Philippe Nonet. Finally, a different agenda for the ILC is offered on the basis of the methodology of deep coherence. The upshot is that the paper calls for a reorientation of international legal theory, away from concerns about ‘the law itself’ and towards an engagement with the responsiveness of legal work performed in international legal institutions.
Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Bosnia and Herzegovina v. Serbia and Montenegro): An Introduction
Authors: SIVAKUMARAN SANDESH , VILLALPANDO SANTIAGO
Published: January 2008

The long awaited judgment of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide was handed down on 26 February 2007. It has attracted the attention of the international legal community as well as political circles. In addition, the world media – not to mention the local media – have taken note of the judgment, with leading newspapers carrying the story on their front pages rather than buried deep within, as sadly tends to be the case with international legal issues.
Judicial Independence in The Hague and Freetown: A Tale of Two Cities
Authors: SHANY YUVAL , HOROVITZ SIGALL
Published: January 2008

This note evaluates the application of rules on judicial independence and impartiality in two international decisions issued in 2004 – the ICJ Order on Composition in the Wall Advisory Proceedings and the disqualification decision of the Special Court for Sierra Leone in Sesay – and compares them with a code of judicial conduct recently prepared by an ILA study group (the Burgh House Principles on the Independence of the International Judiciary). We assert that the approach taken by the ICJ in Wall is excessively restrictive and is out of step with contemporary tendencies to embrace stricter standards of judicial independence and impartiality.
‘New Facts’ in ICTY and ICTR Review Proceedings
Authors: GALBRAITH JEAN
Published: January 2008

The Statutes of the ICTY and ICTR provide for the review of final judgments upon the discovery of a ‘new fact’ that could have affected the judgments. The Appeals Chambers of the two Tribunals interpret the term ‘new fact’ to mean new information related to a matter that was not at issue during the original trial, as opposed to simply meaning new information of a factual nature. The article argues that this interpretation of ‘new fact’ creates a risk that review will be denied on formalistic grounds even in situations where principles of justice would make review plainly warranted. The article proposes several ways in which the Appeals Chambers could alter their case law to ensure against such injustice. Finally, the article considers the implications of this issue for other international criminal tribunals.
A Review of the Experiences of the Pre-Trial and Appeals Chambers of the International Criminal Court Regarding the Disclosure of Evidence
Authors: SCHEFFER DAVID
Published: January 2008

Negotiators of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) did not intend the Pre-Trial Chamber (PTC) to act as a de facto investigating judge; rather, their intent was that the PTC ensure that the Prosecutor act responsibly and within well-defined limits. Several opportunities have arisen in the Lubanga case before the ICC's PTC and the Appeals Chamber to examine the Prosecutor's duty and performance in disclosing documentary evidence and the identities of witnesses at the pre-trial stage. International criminal tribunals necessarily must bridge the evidentiary magnitude of atrocity crimes with a pragmatic focus on one person's role. The PTC judge should aggressively narrow the charges and focus the Prosecutor on the requirement of minimal evidence to meet the sufficiency standard for the remaining charges, direct the Prosecutor to share existing and emerging evidence with the accused in a timely manner and not wait until 30 days prior to confirmation hearing, and use statutory power to ensure timely non-disclosure requests and determinations.
Prescription drug co-payments and cost-related medication underuse
Authors: WAGNER TODD H. , HEISLER MICHELE , PIETTE JOHN D.
Published: January 2008

Co-payments have been linked to the slowing growth in pharmaceutical spending over the last five years. However, patients with health problems frequently have difficulty affording their pharmacotherapy and fail to take their medication as prescribed. We examine the relationship between co-payment amounts and four types of cost-related underuse: taking fewer doses, postponing taking a medication, failing to fill a prescription at all, and taking medication less frequently than prescribed. We conducted a nationwide survey of US adults age 50 and over who take medication for a chronic condition. Participants provided information on 17 chronic conditions, medication they take for those conditions, and whether they underused any medication due to cost. We analyzed those who reported paying co-payments for their prescriptions (n = 2,869). Analysis involved multivariate logistic regression, with adjustments for survey weights and clustering. Our data show a strong positive association between co-payments and cost-related medication underuse. Although people differ in how they underuse medications, these behaviours are strongly associated with co-payment amount. Realigning the co-payments with cost-effectiveness data, also known as value-based insurance design, warrants further investigation.
Dry mouth — oral care for patients with oligoliasia and xerostomia
Authors: Rath Christian , Imfeld Thomas
Published: January 2008

Reduzierter (Oligosialie) oder gänzlich fehlender Speichelfluss (Xerostomie) beeinträchtigt die Lebensqualität. Während der trockene Mund bei Xerostomie von den Patienten subjektiv schmerzhaft empfunden wird, bleibt eine Oligosialie oft lange unentdeckt. Verschiedene Ursachen wie Allgemeinerkrankungen, Medikationen, Therapien, reduzierte Flüssigkeitszufuhr und das Alter des Patienten können zu vermindertem Speichelfluss führen. Zusätzlich zu Symptomen wie erschwertes Kauen und Schlucken, eingeschränktes Schmecken und Sprechprobleme ist bei Patienten mit Mundtrockenheit das Risiko für die Entstehung von kariösen Läsionen und Mundschleimhauterkrankungen erhöht. Die Früherkennung der Oligosialie sowie die intensive oralprophylaktische Betreuung und Behandlung von Patienten mit Xerostomie stellen an Behandler und Patienten hohe Anforderungen.
Polar cap electron density distribution from IMAGE radio plasma imager measurements: Empirical model with the effects of solar illumination and geomagnetic activity
Authors: Nsumei Patrick A. , Reinisch Bodo W. , Song Paul , Tu Jiannan , Huang Xueqin
Published: January 2008

We present a statistical study of the relative importance of solar illumination and geomagnetic activity dependences of the electron density (Ne) distribution in the polar cap magnetosphere based on 5 years of electron density measurements made by the radio plasma imager (RPI) on board the IMAGE spacecraft. This study covers a geocentric distance of R = 1.4–5.0 RE, and the polar cap is defined by an empirical boundary model that takes into account the dynamic nature of the location and size of the polar cap. The RPI Ne data show that the electron density distribution within the polar cap depends on the geocentric distance, R, geomagnetic activity level, e.g., measured by the Kp index, and solar illumination (solar zenith angle) at the footprints of the geomagnetic field lines. Our analysis of RPI Ne data shows that although an increase in geomagnetic activity leads to an enhanced Ne, the enhancement is found to be altitude‐dependent such that it is most pronounced at higher altitudes and less significant at lower altitudes. At geocentric distance of R = 4.5 RE, an increase in the geomagnetic activity level from Kp < 2 to ∼5 results in an Ne increase by a factor of ∼5. On the other hand, the observations show a strong solar illumination control of Ne at lower altitudes and not at higher. RPI Ne data show that at geocentric distance of about 2 RE in the polar cap, the average Ne is larger on the sunlit side than on the darkside by a factor of 3–4 for both quiet and disturbed conditions. At geocentric distance of R ≈ 2.5 RE the effects of these two factors on Ne appear to be comparable. Similar to previous polar cap density models, the new empirical model of Ne developed in this study takes the form of a power law. While in the previous Ne functional representations the power index is a constant, the power index in our representation of Ne distribution is a function of Kp and solar zenith angle.
Kuril Islands tsunami of November 2006: 1. Impact at Crescent City by distant scattering
Authors: Kowalik Z. , Horrillo J. , Knight W. , Logan Tom
Published: January 2008

A numerical model for the global tsunami computation constructed by Kowalik et al. (2005, 2007a) is applied to the tsunami of November 15, 2006 in the northern Pacific with spatial resolution of one minute. Numerical results are compared to sea level data collected by Pacific DART buoys. The tide gauge at Crescent City (CC) recorded an initial tsunami wave of about 20 cm amplitude and a second larger energy packet arriving 2 hours later. The first energy input into the CC harbor was the primary (direct) wave traveling over the deep waters of the North Pacific. Interactions with submarine ridges and numerous seamounts located in the tsunami path were a larger source of tsunami energy than the direct wave. Travel time for these amplified energy fluxes is longer than for the direct wave. Prime sources for the larger fluxes at CC are interactions with Koko Guyot and Hess Rise. Tsunami waves travel next over the Mendocino Escarpment where the tsunami energy flux is concentrated owing to refraction and directed toward CC. Local tsunami amplification over the shelf break and shelf are important as well. In many locations along the North Pacific coast, the first arriving signal or forerunner has lower amplitude than the main signal, which often is delayed. Understanding this temporal distribution is important for an application to tsunami warning and prediction. As a tsunami hazard mitigation tool, we propose that along with the sea level records (which are often quite noisy), an energy flux for prediction of the delayed tsunami signals be used.
Broken symmetry and long‐term forecasting
Authors: Essex Christopher , Ilie Silvana , Corless Robert M.
Published: January 2008

This paper takes a novel approach to a known basic difficulty with computer simulations of nonlinear dynamical systems relevant to climate modeling. Specifically, we show by minimal examples how small systematic modeling errors might survive averaging over an ensemble of initial conditions. The resulting predictive errors can grow slowly enough initially that they may be overlooked without contradicting known behaviors on middle scales. However, they may nonetheless be significant on long timescales, given our current knowledge. Mathematical symmetry, which has been investigated for improving accuracy in computational algorithms, turns out to provide a novel perspective to this issue.
Fossil and contemporary fine particulate carbon fractions at 12 rural and urban sites in the United States
Authors: Schichtel Bret A. , Malm William C. , Bench Graham , Fallon Stewart , McDade Charles E. , Chow Judith C. , Watson John G.
Published: January 2008

Fine particulate matter collected at two urban, four near‐urban, and six remote sites throughout the United States were analyzed for total carbon (TC) and radiocarbon (14C). Samples were collected at most sites for both a summer and winter season. The radiocarbon was used to partition the TC into fossil and contemporary fractions. On average, contemporary carbon composed about half of the carbon at the urban, ∼70–97% at near‐urban, and 82–100% at remote sites. At Phoenix, Arizona, and Seattle, Washington, one monitor was located within the urban center and one outside to assess the urban excess over background concentrations. During the summer the urban and rural sites had similar contemporary carbon concentrations. However, during the winter the urban sites had more than twice the contemporary carbon measured at the neighboring sites, indicating anthropogenic contributions to the contemporary carbon. The urban fossil carbon was 4–20 times larger than the neighboring rural sites for both seasons. Organic (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) from TOR analysis were available. These and the radiocarbon data were used to estimate characteristic fossil and contemporary EC/TC ratios for the winter and summer seasons. These ratios were applied to carbon data from the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments network to estimate the fraction of contemporary carbon at mostly rural sites throughout the United States. In addition, the ratios were used to develop a semiquantitative, lower bound estimate of secondary organic carbon (SOC) contribution to fossil and contemporary carbon. SOC accounted for more than one‐third of the fossil and contemporary carbon.
Heat budget of the East Antarctic lower atmosphere derived from a regional atmospheric climate model
Authors: van de Berg W. J. , van den Broeke M. R. , van Meijgaard E.
Published: January 2008

The heat budget of the lower East Antarctic atmosphere is calculated using output from a regional atmospheric climate model. The climatology of this model compares well with observations, although the surface energy budget shows an underestimation of the downwelling longwave radiation and an overestimation of the sensible heat flux. The winter atmospheric boundary layer over Antarctica is characterized by a strong surface inversion, due to longwave cooling of the surface. The longwave radiation loss is balanced by heat extracted from the atmosphere by turbulent mixing, which in turn is compensated by large‐scale horizontal and vertical heat advection. Above the boundary layer, net longwave cooling is balanced by subsidence. In the coastal margin, latent heat release from condensation is a significant heat budget component. In summer, the surface is near radiative balance, resulting in a weak surface inversion. As a result, cooling by turbulent mixing and heating by advection in the atmospheric boundary layer are largely reduced. Absorption of shortwave radiation is a small heating source throughout the atmosphere, reducing the importance of advection above the boundary layer. Net longwave cooling and heating by condensation remain unchanged compared to winter.
Diffraction by an imperfect half plane in a bianisotropic medium
Authors: Daniele Vito , Graglia Roberto D.
Published: January 2008

A general theory to study the electromagnetic diffraction by imperfect half planes immersed in linear homogeneous bianisotropic media is presented. The problem is formulated in terms of Wiener‐Hopf equations by deriving explicit spectral domain expressions for the characteristic impedances of bianisotropic media, which allow one to exploit their analytical properties. In the simpler case of perfect electric conducting and perfect magnetic conducting half planes, the Wiener‐Hopf equations involve matrices of order 2, which can be factorized in closed form if the constitutive tensors of the bianisotropic material are of special form. Four of these special cases are discussed in detail. In order to deal with the more general problem, a technique to numerically factorize the Wiener‐Hopf matrix kernels is presented. Our numerical approach is discussed on one example, by considering the previously unsolved problem of a perfect electric conducting half plane in a gyrotropic medium. The reported numerical results show that the diffracted field contribution is obtained by use of the saddle point integration method.
Glucocorticoids Increase VE-Cadherin Expression and Cause Cytoskeletal Rearrangements in Murine Brain Endothelial cEND Cells
Authors: Blecharz Kinga G , Drenckhahn Detlev , Förster Carola Y
Published: January 2008

Recent studies have shown the influence of glucocorticoids on the expression of the tight junction protein occludin in the brain capillary endothelial cell line cEND, contributing to improvement in endothelial barrier functions. In this study, we investigated glucocorticoid effects on the expression of the adherens junction proteins VE- (vascular-endothelial) cadherin, α-catenin and β-catenin as well as that of ZO-1, the plaque protein shared by both adherens and tight junctions on stimulation with dexamethasone. We were able to show a positive influence of dexamethasone administration on VE-cadherin protein levels as well as a rearrangement of VE-cadherin protein to the cytoskeleton after dexamethasone treatment. Investigation of transcriptional activation of the VE-cadherin promoter by dexamethasone, however, did not point to direct glucocorticoid-mediated VE-cadherin gene induction but rather suggested indirect steroid effects leading to increased VE-cadherin protein synthesis. Dexamethasone was further shown to induce cellular differentiation into a cobblestone cellular morphology and reinforcement of adherens junctions concomitant with the increased anchorage of VE-cadherin to the actin cytoskeleton. We thus propose that glucocorticoid effects on VE-cadherin protein synthesis and organization are important for the formation of both adherens and tight junction, and for improved barrier properties in microvascular brain endothelial cells.
Performance of an electron cyclotron resonance ion source designed for isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Hotchkis M. A. C. , Buckley D. , Button D.
Published: January 2008

We have designed, built, and tested an electron cyclotron resonance ion source suited to the needs of an experimental program examining new methods of isotope ratio mass spectrometry using multiply charged ions. Contaminant levels have been reduced to low levels. Sample absorption and desorption effects are under investigation and preliminary results are presented.
Ion source and low energy injection line for a central region model cyclotron
Authors: Zhang Tianjue , Li Zhenguo , Lu Yinlong , Wei Sumin , Cai Hongru , Ge Tao , Wu Longcheng , Pan Gaofeng , Yao Hongjuan , Kuo T. , Yuan D.
Published: January 2008

At CIAE, a 100MeV H− cyclotron (CYCIAE-100) is under design and construction. A central region model (CRM) cyclotron was built for various experimental verifications for the CYCIAE-100 project and for research and development of high current injection to accelerate milliampere H− beam. The H− multicusp source built in 2003 has been improved recently to make the source operation more stable. A new injection line for axial low energy high current injection has been designed and constructed for the CRM cyclotron.
Energy straggling of low-energy ion beam in a charge exchange cell for negative ion production
Authors: Takeuchi S. , Sasao M. , Sugawara H. , Tanaka N. , Kisaki M. , Okamoto A. , Shinto K. , Kitajima S. , Nishiura M. , Wada M.
Published: January 2008

Energy straggling in a charge exchange cell, which is frequently used for negative ion production, was studied experimentally and compared with the results of theoretical evaluation. The change of the energy spectrum of a He+ beam due to charge exchange processes in argon gas was measured in the energy range of 2–6keV. Energy straggling by multiple collisions is expressed by the energy loss formula due to inelastic and elastic processes. The impact parameter is related to the elastic scattering angle, and the geometry of the charge exchange cell and other components of the beam transportation system determines the maximum acceptable scattering angle. The energy spread was evaluated taking the integral limit over the impact parameter into consideration. The theoretical results showed good agreement with those of actual measurement.
Analysis of electron energy distribution of an arc-discharge H− ion source with Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Fujino I. , Hatayama A. , Takado N. , Inoue T.
Published: January 2008

For optimization and accurate prediction of the amount of H− ion production in negative ion sources, analysis of electron energy distribution function (EEDF) is necessary. We developed a numerical code which analyzes EEDF in the tandem-type arc-discharge source. It is a three-dimensional Monte Carlo simulation code with the effects of cusp, filter, and extraction magnets. Coulomb collision between electrons is treated with Takizuka’s model and several inelastic collisions are treated with null-collision method. We applied this code to the JAEA 10ampere negative ion source. The numerical result shows that the order of electron density is in good agreement with experimental results. In addition, the obtained EEDF is qualitatively in good agreement with experimental results.
Photoelectron spectroscopy of the parent anions of the nucleotides, adenosine-5′-monophosphate and 2′deoxyadenosine-5′-monophosphate
Authors: Stokes Sarah T. , Grubisic Andrej , Li Xiang , Jae Ko Yeon , Bowen Kit H.
Published: January 2008

The parent anions of the nucleotides, adenosine-5′-monophosphate (AMPH) and 2′deoxyadenosine-5′-monophosphate (dAMPH) were generated in a novel source and their photoelectron spectra recorded with 3.49eV photons. Vertical detachment energy (VDE) and the adiabatic electron affinity (EAa) values were extracted from each of the two spectra. Concurrently, Kobylecka et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 128, 044315 (2008)] conducted calculations which explored electron attachment to dAMPH. Based on the agreement between their calculated and our measured VDE and EAa values, we conclude that the dAMPH− anions studied in these experiments were formed by electron-induced, intramolecular, (barrier-free) proton-transfer as predicted by the calculations. Given the similarities between the photoelectron spectra of dAMPH− and AMPH−, it is likely that AMPH− can be described in the same manner.
Electrokinetic boundary condition compatible with the Onsager reciprocal relation in the thin double layer approximation
Authors: Doi Masao , Makino Masato
Published: January 2008

The boundary condition, which has been used in the conventional electrokinetic calculation in the thin double layer approximation, has a flaw that it does not give the Onsager reciprocal relation for the sedimentation of charged particle. We propose a new boundary condition, which satisfies the reciprocal relation, and derive a general form for the mobility matrix for the motion of a charged particle under the action of external force, torque, and electric field. We then calculate the mobility matrix explicitly for homogeneously charged spherical particle and discuss the effect of the surface slippage and the surface conductivity on the particle mobility and electric conductivity.
High field Pb207 spin-lattice relaxation in solid lead nitrate and lead molybdate
Authors: de Castro Peter J. , Maher Christopher A. , Vold Robert L. , Hoatson Gina L.
Published: January 2008

Spin-lattice relaxation rates of lead have been measured at 17.6T (156.9MHz) as a function of temperature in polycrystalline lead nitrate and lead molybdate. Comparing the results with relaxation rates measured at lower fields, it is found that at high fields and low temperature, chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) makes small but observable contributions to lead relaxation in both materials. At 17.6T and 200K, CSA accounts for about 15% of the observed relaxation rate. Above 300K, the dominant relaxation mechanism even at 17.6T is an indirect Raman process involving modulation of the Pb207 spin-rotation tensor, as first proposed by Grutzner et al. [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 123, 7094 (2001)] and later treated theoretically in more detail by Vega et al. [Phys. Rev. B 74, 214420 (2006)]. The improved signal to noise ratio at high fields makes it possible to quantify relaxation time anisotropy by analyzing saturation-recovery functions for individual frequencies on the powder pattern line shape. No orientation dependence is found for the spin-lattice relaxation rate of either material. It is argued from examination of the appropriate theoretical expressions, derived here for the first time, that the lack of observable relaxation time anisotropy is probably a general feature of this indirect Raman mechanism.
Magnetic properties of Mn-doped chalcopyrites: (BeSn,BeGe,MgGe)N2
Authors: Rufinus Jeff , DeWinter Jennifer L.
Published: January 2008

The current interest in the emerging field of semiconductor spintronics is mostly focused on transition metal-doped binary materials. Recently, however, the explorations of transition metal-doped chalcopyrite semiconductors have intensified. Since the chalcopyrites are ternary materials, there are possibilities of having ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic configurations, depending on which metal site was substituted by the dopant. A density functional theory within generalized gradient approximation study of three thermodynamically stable Mn-doped (II-IV)-N2 chalcopyrites: (BeSn,BeGe,MgGe)N2 was performed. The results show both BeSnN2 and BeGeN2 to be antiferromagnetic for MnII (Mn substitutes II site) and ferromagnetic for MnIV (Mn substitutes IV site.) On the other hand, MgGeN2 was found to be antiferromagnetic, independent of the substitution sites.
An edge element approach for dynamic micromagnetic modeling
Authors: Bottauscio O. , Chiampi M. , Manzin A.
Published: January 2008

This paper proposes a three-dimensional dynamic micromagnetic model, based on the Galerkin weak formulation, reconstructing magnetization by finite element edge vector shape functions. The demagnetizing filed is computed using a hybrid finite element boundary element method. The procedure is compared to analytical formulas and simulations performed with the NIST/OOMMF code, focusing on damping and precessional switching in magnetic thin films.
Translational-mode dynamics of exchange-biased vortices
Authors: Buchanan K. S. , Hoffmann A. , Novosad V. , Bader S. D.
Published: January 2008

Recent investigations of magnetic vortices in ferromagnetic (FM)∕antiferromagnetic bilayer circular dots show that a magnetic vortex pattern can be imprinted in the antiferromagnet when the bilayers are cooled through the blocking temperature of the system after setting the magnetic state in the FM. Here we investigate the effects of the patterned pinning profile on the magnetization dynamics of these exchange-biased magnetic vortices. A magnetic vortex in a micron-sized magnetically soft element exhibits a low-frequency translational dynamic mode and, since the frequency of this mode is defined by the shape of the energy profile of a displaced vortex, the addition of a vortex-shaped pinning-field profile should influence its motion. Micromagnetic simulations show that the frequency scales linearly with the magnitude of the local pinning field. In a 500nm permalloy dot, 15nm thick, a more than twofold increase in the frequency is expected for experimentally realizable exchange-bias fields.
Ironless magnetically levitated planar actuator
Authors: Jansen J. W. , van Lierop C. M. M. , Lomonova E. A. , Vandenput A. J. A.
Published: January 2008

This paper describes a magnetically levitated planar actuator with moving magnets. This ironless actuator has a stationary coil array above which a translator with a permanent-magnet array is levitated and propelled in the xy plane. During the movements in the xy plane, the set of active coils is switched, as a result of which the stroke in the xy plane can be made, in principle, infinitely long. Measurements on the realized planar actuator show the feasibility of this concept.
Microstructure and magnetic properties of CoPt-SiNx∕Ag thin films
Authors: Fang Y. H. , Kuo P. C. , Lin P. L. , Kuo C. T. , Lin G. P. , Chen S. C.
Published: January 2008

Different amounts of amorphous SiNx nonmagnetic material and magnetic Co50Pt50 alloy were cosputtered on the different thicknesses of Ag films at room temperature then annealed at different temperatures. When the thickness of Ag underlayer is 25nm, the CoPt∕Ag film has a minimum in-plane squareness (S∥) which is about 0.35. The out-of-plane squareness (S⊥), out-of-plane coercivity (Hc⊥), and saturated magnetization (Ms) values of the CoPt∕Ag (25nm) film are about 0.95, 15kOe, and 420emu∕cm3, respectively. From the microstructure analysis of CoPt-SiNx∕Ag (25nm) films with different volume percent of SiNx content, it is found that the average grain size of CoPt decreases from about 80to9nm when the volume percent of SiNx is increased from 0% to 50%. The S⊥, Hc⊥, and Ms values of the (CoPt)50-(SiNx)50∕Ag films are about 0.5, 7.5kOe, and 200emu∕cm3, respectively.
The influence of a Cu buffer layer on the self-assembly of iron silicide nanostructures on Si(111)
Authors: Paredis K. , Vanormelingen K. , Vantomme A.
Published: January 2008

The role of a Cu buffer layer on the formation of iron silicide nanostructures is investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The deposition of 1Å Fe on the Si(111)-7×7 and the Si(111)-5×5-Cu surfaces results in the self-organization of nanoscale islands. Increasing the deposition temperature (300-600°C) leads to an exponential decrease in island density and to an increase of the average island size. At 475°C, the preferential nucleation site changes from the terrace to the step edges, i.e., step flow growth is observed. The self-assembled nanostructures exhibit the metastable CsCl–FeSi1+x structure. Due to the enhanced diffusion, nanodots formed on the 5×5 surface are significantly larger and more separated compared to growth on the bare 7×7 surface. These results show that a buffer layer provides an additional, experimentally controllable parameter, besides temperature, to tailor the size and distribution of nanodots.
Electron concentration dependent magnetization and magnetic anisotropy in ZnO:Mn thin films
Authors: Yang Z. , Liu J. L. , Biasini M. , Beyermann W. P.
Published: January 2008

Well-above room temperature and electron concentration dependent ferromagnetism was observed in n-type ZnO:Mn films, indicating long-range ferromagnetic order. Magnetic anisotropy was also observed in these ZnO:Mn films, which is another indication for intrinsic ferromagnetism. The electron-mediated ferromagnetism in n-type ZnO:Mn contradicts the existing theory that the magnetic exchange in ZnO:Mn materials is mediated by holes.
Polarization of intersubband transitions in self-assembled quantum dots
Authors: Sheng Weidong
Published: January 2008

Intersubband transitions in self-assembled quantum dots are studied by using a multiband tight-binding method. A picture different from that by the single-band effective-mass approximation is presented to reveal the origin of the polarization of the intersubband transitions. It is shown that the symmetry of those minor components from the valence bands in the electronic states accounts for the polarization of the intersubband transitions. A microscopic theory is presented to explain the pattern of symmetry of these minor components in the electronic states. The result is compared with a recent experiment.