bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cre/lox-regulated transgenic zebrafish model with conditional myc-induced T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Langenau David M. , Feng Hui , Berghmans Stephane , Kanki John P. , Kutok Jeffery L. , Look A. Thomas
Published: April 2005

We have created a stable transgenic
rag2-EGFP-mMyc
zebrafish line that develops GFP-labeled T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), allowing visualization of the onset and spread of this disease. Here, we show that leukemias from this transgenic line are highly penetrant and render animals moribund by 80.7 ± 17.6 days of life (±1 SD, range = 50-158 days). These T cell leukemias are clonally aneuploid, can be transplanted into irradiated recipient fish, and express the zebrafish orthologues of the human T-ALL oncogenes
tal1
/
scl
and
lmo2
, thus providing an animal model for the most prevalent molecular subgroup of human T-ALL. Because T-ALL develops very rapidly in
rag2-EGFP-mMyc
transgenic fish (in which “mMyc” represents mouse c-Myc), this line can only be maintained by
in vitro
fertilization. Thus, we have created a conditional transgene in which the
EGFP-mMyc
oncogene is preceded by a loxed
dsRED2
gene and have generated stable
rag2-loxP-dsRED2-loxP-EGFP-mMyc
transgenic zebrafish lines, which have red fluorescent thymocytes and do not develop leukemia. Transgenic progeny from one of these lines can be induced to develop T-ALL by injecting
Cre
RNA into one-cell-stage embryos, demonstrating the utility of the Cre/lox system in the zebrafish and providing an essential step in preparing this model for chemical and genetic screens designed to identify modifiers of Myc-induced T-ALL.
Generalizations of the classical Weyl and Colin de Verdière's formulas and the orbit method
Authors: Boyarchenko Mitya , Levendorskii Sergei
Published: April 2005

The classical Weyl formula expresses the leading term of the asymptotics of the counting function
N(
λ
, H)
of the spectrum of a self-adjoint operator
H
in an invariant form: one can “hear” the volume of the subset of the cotangent bundle where the symbol of the operator
H
is less than λ. In particular, it is applicable to Schrödinger operators with electric potentials growing at infinity. The Weyl formula is formulated in an invariant form; however, it gives +∞ for magnetic Schrödinger operators with magnetic tensors growing at infinity. For these operators, Colin de Verdière's formula is known, but the form of the latter is not invariant. In this article, we suggest an invariant generalization of both Weyl's and Colin de Verdière's formulas for wide classes of Schrödinger operators with polynomial electric and magnetic fields. The construction is based on the orbit method due to Kirillov, and it allows one to hear the geometry of coadjoint orbits.
Fluorescence measurements reveal stoichiometry of K
+
channels formed by modulatory and delayed rectifier α-subunits
Authors: Kerschensteiner Daniel , Soto Florentina , Stocker Martin
Published: April 2005

Modulatory α-subunits, which comprise one-fourth of all voltagegated K
+
channel (Kv) α-subunits, do not assemble into homomeric channels, but selectively associate with delayed rectifier Kv2 subunits to form heteromeric channels of unknown stoichiometry. Their distinct expression patterns and unique functional properties have made these channels candidate molecular correlates for a broad set of native K
+
currents. Here, we combine FRET and electrophysiological measurements to determine the stoichiometry and geometry of heteromeric channels composed of the delayed rectifier Kv2.1 subunit and the modulatory Kv9.3 α-subunit. Kv channel α-subunits were fused with GFP variants, and heteromerization of different combinations of tagged and untagged α-subunits was studied. FRET, evaluated by acceptor photobleaching, was only observed upon formation of functional channels. Our results, obtained from two independent experimental paradigms, suggest the formation of heteromeric Kv2.1/Kv9.3 channels of fixed stoichiometry consisting of three Kv2.1 subunits and one Kv9.3 subunit. Strikingly, despite this uneven stoichiometry, we find that heteromeric Kv2.1/Kv9.3 channels maintain a pseudosymmetric arrangement of subunits around the central pore.
Findings from the latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey
Authors: Swan Gillian
Published: April 2005

The National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) of adults aged 19–64 years, carried out in 2000–1, is part of the NDNS programme, a series of cross-sectional surveys aiming to provide detailed quantitative information on the diet, nutritional status and related characteristics of the British population. The programme is split into four surveys of different population age-groups, conducted at approximately three-yearly intervals. In the survey of adults food consumption data were collected from 1724 respondents using a 7 d weighed-intake dietary record. Other components included: height, weight, waist and hip circumference and blood pressure measurements; a 24 h urine sample; a blood sample; a record of physical activity. Results have been published in four volumes covering food consumption, energy and macronutrient intakes, micronutrient intakes and nutritional status, including physical measurements and physical activity. The results have shown that, based on a comparison of nutrient intakes with the UK dietary reference values, adults in Britain are generally getting sufficient nutrients from their diets. However, younger adults (particularly women) and those in lower socio-economic groups are more likely to have low micronutrient intakes and lower levels of some nutritional status indices. The proportion of food energy derived from total fat has fallen since the last survey of this age-group in 1986–7 and is close to the dietary reference value, while the proportion of energy derived from saturated fatty acids and non-milk extrinsic sugars exceeds the dietary reference values. The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased since 1986–7 and physical activity levels are low.
Focus-group interview and data analysis
Authors: Rabiee Fatemeh
Published: April 2005

In recent years focus-group interviews, as a means of qualitative data collection, have gained popularity amongst professionals within the health and social care arena. Despite this popularity, analysing qualitative data, particularly focus-group interviews, poses a challenge to most practitioner researchers. The present paper responds to the needs expressed by public health nutritionists, community dietitians and health development specialists following two training sessions organised collaboratively by the Health Development Agency, the Nutrition Society and the British Dietetic Association in 2003. The focus of the present paper is on the concepts and application of framework analysis, especially the use of Krueger's framework. It provides some practical steps for the analysis of individual data, as well as focus-group data using examples from the author's own research, in such a way as to assist the newcomer to qualitative research to engage with the methodology. Thus, it complements the papers by Draper (2004) and Fade (2004) that discuss in detail the complementary role of qualitative data in researching human behaviours, feelings and attitudes. Draper (2004) has provided theoretical and philosophical bases for qualitative data analysis. Fade (2004) has described interpretative phenomenology analysis as a method of analysing individual interview data. The present paper, using framework analysis concentrating on focus-group interviews, provides another approach to qualitative data analysis.
Europeans and the Nation State
Authors: Martinotti Guido , Stefanizzi Sonia
Published: April 2005

This chapter examines the relationship between public perceptions of government legitimacy (or satisfaction with democratic performance) at the national level and those at the supranational level, namely support for the European Community. The results are complex and not straightforward, and reveal a wide range of historical and contextual factors. From this perspective, the legitimacy of internationalized governance depends as much on what happens within nation states as on what happens between them.
Models of Capital Requirements in Static and Dynamic Settings
Authors: Scandolo Giacomo
Published: April 2005

The aim of this paper is twofold. First, we generalize the notion of capital requirement, originally formulated in a regulatory framework, in order to unify other apparently diverse financial concepts. Second, we stress the interpretation of a capital requirement as a measure of risk, providing a link with the theory of coherent risk measures. We define a capital requirement as the minimal initial cost of a hedging action that makes the original position acceptable. Three basic elements are involved in such a methodology: a system of prices, a class of permitted hedging actions and a criterion of acceptability. Our approach is very general, because we construct capital requirements on vector spaces. However, we will give some concrete applications related, in particular, to the availability of a financial market, to the presence of different business units in an institution or to the fact that pay‐offs are spread over different dates.
The ovarian morphology of Scorpaena notata shows a specialized mode of oviparity
Authors: Muñoz M. , Casadevall M. , Bonet S.
Published: April 2005

Scorpaena notata is an oviparous species with external fertilization that deposits its eggs in a gelatinous matrix. The internal epithelium of the ovarian wall is chiefly responsible for the production of this matrix, which is particularly abundant and viscous during the spawning period. The oocytes lack lipid droplets, so flotation and transport of the eggs is probably accomplished by means of the matrix that surrounds them. The ovarian stroma is situated along the centre of the gonad and the developing oocytes are connected to it by peduncles. The paucity and small size of the cortical alveoli of the oocytes are notable, as is the thinness of the zona radiata. These are characteristics that would be typical of viviparous species. The histological and ultrastructural observations lead to the conclusion that this species presents a type of oviparity more highly specialized than that of the majority of teleosts.
Females prefer males with larger first dorsal fins in the common freshwater goby
Authors: Suk H. Y. , Choe J. C.
Published: April 2005

Males of the common freshwater goby Rhinogobius brunneus, which provide paternal care, have a first dorsal fin (FDF) that is markedly longer and more elaborate in colour and shape than that of females. Females showed a clear preference for males with longer FDFs, but mated randomly with respect to male body size (Ls) and nest size. They were individually consistent in their choice of mates, and the strength of preference increased with inter‐male differences in FDF length. During courtship, despite the unequivocal preference, females seem not to rely on FDF size in choosing a mate, but the leading display of males appears to play an important role in female choice. The results of this study suggest that intersexual selection probably contributes to the evolution of the elaborate FDF.
Some morphometric and biochemical features of ready‐to‐migrate silver and pre‐migratory yellow stages of the shortfin eel of south‐eastern Australian waters
Authors: Silva S. S. De , Gunasekera R. M. , Collins R. O.
Published: April 2005

The mean total length (LT), mass and age of ready to migrate female silver shortfin eels Anguilla australis from the Hopkins River estuary and the mouth of the Merri River in south‐eastern Australia, were 83·2 ± 1·2 cm, 1051 ± 51 g, and 17·2 ± 1·79 years, respectively. The eye index (IE) of the silver shortfin eels was < 5·2 (mean 7·64 ± 0·29) and differed significantly from that of the yellow shortfin eels collected from two other sites. The IE increased with LT (mm) and was related by log IE= 2·656 log LT6·925. The per cent moisture, protein and ash content of the liver of silver shortfin eels was significantly lower than in yellow shortfin eels, but lipid content was significantly higher in the former (35·5 ± 2·0%). The mean mass μg mg lipid −) of saturates (230·4 ± 2·6 v. 181·7 ±2·6), monoenes (367·4 ± 6·3 v. 290·8 ± 8·9) and PUFA (177·3 ± 5·3 v. 159·7 ± 4·6) in muscle was significantly higher, and the great majority of individual fatty acids was found also in higher quantities in silver shortfin eels. In the liver, the PUFA found in the highest quantity was 22:6n‐3, except in shortfin eels from Hopkins River estuary, and the amount of 18:2n‐6 in the liver of silver shortfin eels was significantly higher than that in yellow shortfin eels but the reverse was true of 20:4n‐6. In both muscle and liver tissues the saturate 16:0 and the monoene 18:ln‐9 collectively accounted for >50% of all the fatty acids in the lipid.
Phylogenetic relationships of Eurasian and American cyprinids using cytochrome b sequences
Authors: Cunha C. , Mesquita N. , Dowling T. E. , Gilles A. , Coelho M. M.
Published: April 2005

Neighbour‐joining and parsimony analyses identified five lineages of cyprinids: (1) European leuciscins (including Notemigonus)+North American phoxinins (including Phoxinus phoxinus); (2) European gobionins+Pseudorasbora; (3) primarily Asian groups [cultrins+acheilognathins+ gobionins (excluding Abbotina)+xenocyprinins]; (4) Abbottina+Sinocyclocheilus+Acrossocheilus; (5) cyprinins [excluding Sinocyclocheilus and Acrossocheilus]+barbins+labeonins. Relationships among these lineages and the enigmatic taxa Rhodeus were not well‐resolved. Tests of monophyly of subfamilies and previously proposed relationships were examined by constraining cytochrome b sequences data to fit previous hypotheses. The analysis of constrained trees indicated that sequence data were not consistent with most previously proposed relationships. Inconsistency was largely attributable to Asian taxa, such as Xenocypris and Xenocyprioides. Improved understanding of historical and taxonomic relationships in Cyprinidae will require further morphological and molecular studies on Asian cyprinids and taxa representative of the diversity found in Africa.
The effects of body mass and feeding on metabolic rate in small juvenile Atlantic cod
Authors: von Herbing I. Hunt , White L.
Published: April 2005

Apparent specific dynamic action (SDA) amplitude in young juvenile Atlantic cod Gadus morhua (1 to 8 g wet mass), fed a standardized meal and then exercised in a circular swimming respirometer at a constant swimming speed of 0·5 ± 0·3 body lengths s‐1, occurred within l h after feeding in all juveniles. SDA amplitude were 1·4 to 1·8 times higher in fed fish compared to unfed fish, and rates of oxygen consumption decreased as body mass increased. SDA duration had a tendency to decrease with increasing body mass and was shortest, at 6 h, in the smallest fish (1–1·5 g), but increased to 10–11 h in the largest fish. Apparent SDA in fed fish (Rr) scaled with a mass exponent of 0·89, while maximum metabolic rate (Rmax) determined by chasing fish to exhaustion and then measuring oxygen consumption for 12 h, and unfed routine metabolic rate (Rr) scaled with a mass exponent of 0·79 and 0·76 respectively. Relative aerobic scope (Rmax– unfed Rr) did not appear to vary over the 1 to 8 g increase in wet mass. These results show that as body mass increased in young juvenile Atlantic cod: (1) apparent SDA (Rf) increased more rapidly than Rmax, and (2) apparent SDA took up >98% of the relative aerobic scope and that young Atlantic cod allocated most of the energy to growth, and left little for other metabolic activities.
Microsatellite identification of individual sockeye salmon in Barkley Sound, British Columbia
Authors: Beacham T. D. , McIntosh B. , MacConnachie C.
Published: April 2005

Population structure of sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka in Barkley Sound, British Columbia, Canada was examined by analysis of microsatellite variation at 14 loci in three populations sampled in each of 3 years. The mean FST over all 14 loci was 0·063. Differences among populations accounted for 12 times the variation observed among years within populations. The number of alleles present at a locus was related to the power of the locus to provide accurate identification of individuals to population. The more alleles that were present at a locus, the greater was the power of the locus for individual identification. Individuals were correctly classified to one of three lakes of origin at a rate of 89%, and to one of two river drainages at a rate of 96%.
Renal water and solute excretion in the Atlantic stingray in fresh water
Authors: Janech M. G. , Piermarini P. M.
Published: April 2005

Freshwater, male Atlantic stingrays Dasyatis sabina, from Lake Jesup, Florida, U·S·A·, excreted a dilute urine similar in composition to freshwater teleosts and lampreys with the exception that urea was the primary osmolyte. Urine flow rate was 2·5 to 10 fold higher than that reported for freshwater teleosts resulting in high free‐water clearance. Mass‐specific free‐water clearance values from euryhaline elasmobranchs inhabiting freshwater environments greatly exceed those for freshwater teleosts and are nearly equivalent to those of freshwater lampreys.
Ionic Conduction in Phosphate Glasses
Authors: Martin Steve W.
Published: April 2005

Ionic conductivity in phosphate glasses has been known for almost 30 years. Recently these glasses have been shown to exhibit some of the highest ionic conductivities ever reported. In many cases, because of their ease of preparation, low melting points, strong glass‐forming character, and simple composition, phosphate glasses have been studied more than any other ionically conducting glasses. However, no single review has ever been made of these glasses with the purpose of correlating the apparent widely disparate values of conductivity that these glasses exhibit. In this review, the conductivities of phosphate glasses are examined considering new structural studies of them. A systematic comparison of the dependence of the conductivity on glass chemistry reveals that, similar to other glass families (silicates and borates for example), the conductivity maximizes when the cation environments in the glass are minimized in their charge density and maximized in their site proximity.
Oxidation Behavior of SiC‐Whisker‐Reinforced Alumina‐Zirconia Composites
Authors: Backhaus‐Ricoult Monika
Published: April 2005

During high‐temperature oxidation in air, SiC‐whisker‐reinforced Al2O3—ZrO2 composites degrade by the formation of a whisker‐depleted mullite‐zirconia scale. The reaction kinetics have been studied as a function of time and temperature for composites with whiskers preoxidized for different times. The evolution of the microstructure has been investigated by optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Possible reaction mechanisms have been discussed. A model compatible with our observations on Al2O3—ZrO2—SiC and the results reported in the literature for Al2O3—SiC whisker composites is proposed: The oxidation occurs at an internal reaction front. Oxygen diffuses along dislocations and grain boundaries through the mullite scale to react at this front with silicon carbide, thereby forming amorphous silica and graphite. Silica penetrates grain boundaries and further reacts with alumina and zirconia to form mullite and zircon, while the second reaction product, graphite, is oxidized into carbon monoxide when the reaction front moves deeper into the sample.
Fracture Mechanics of Titanium/Bioactive Glass‐Ceramic Particulate Composites
Authors: Troczynski Thomas B. , Nicholson Patrick S.
Published: April 2005

Composite bioactive glass‐ceramics reinforced with 30 vol% Ti particles were produced by warm‐forging and in situ crystallization. The bend strength of the composite was 87 ± 7 MPa. A fracture mechanical study in air and Ringer's bioactive solution determined crack velocity vs stress intensity factor and the effect of stressing rate on the bend strength. Time to failure of 10 years is predicted for the composite loaded at 10 MPa in Ringer's solution or 50 MPa in air. A disappointing fatigue performance of the relatively tough metal/ceramic composite illustrates that satisfactory short‐time fracture resistance does not guarantee lifetime under fatigue conditions (long‐term fracture resistance).
Aluminum Titanate Powder Synthesis via Thermal Decomposition of Transparent Gels
Authors: Mani Themanam Veettil , Varma Hari Krishna , Warrier Krishna Gopakumara , Damodaran Alathoor D.
Published: April 2005

Aluminum titanate powder has been prepared through thermal decomposition of a transparent gel formed from a mixture of titanium butoxide and boehmite sol in acetic acid—butanol medium. The thermogravimetric curve of aluminum titanate precursor gel is characterized by a decomposition temperature extending up to 800°C while the constituent gels of boehmite and hydrous titania independently decompose at lower temperature. The removal of water entrapped in the gel structure heated at the above temperature is further made clear by infrared spectral data. The gel stays in the amorphous state up to 800°C, as revealed from XRD. The sintered aluminum titanate shows that grains with sizes above 2 μm are cracked while smaller ones are intact. When heated for a period of 2 h, the gel decomposes to powders with average particle sizes of 2.7 μm at 900°C and 6.5 μm at 1400°C.
Variations in Solution Chemistry During the Low‐Temperature Formation of Hydroxyapatite
Authors: Brown Paul W. , Hocker Nancy , Hoyle Susan
Published: April 2005

Both the kinetics and the microstructure of monolithic hydroxyapatite formed by a low‐temperature dissolution and precipitation reaction strongly depend on the conditions in solution during the reaction. The relationships between the molar ratio of the particulate reactants (dicalcium phosphate and tetracalcium phosphate), the solution chemistry, and the rates of formation of hydroxyapatite are examined. During reaction, steady‐state solution conditions are rapidly achieved. However, the steady states attained are not those associated with the metastable invariant point involving the reactants. Rather, the steady‐state condition varies depending on the molar ratio of the reactants. The ultimate product of the reactions investigated is calcium‐deficient hydroxyapatite. Hydroxyapatite formation occurs in two stages: initial formation of nearly stoichiometric hydroxyapatite followed by its conversion to calcium‐deficient material. Microstructural evidence indicates that the formation of hydroxyapatite occurs in association with dicalcium phosphate, eventually causing the dissolution of the hydroxyapatite reactant to become diffusionally controlled. Effects of common ions, sodium chloride and magnesium chloride, on the chemistry of the aqueous phase and on microstructural development are investigated.
Occurrence of Dielectric 1:1:4 Compound in the Ternary System BaO—Ln2O3—TiO2 (Ln = La, Nd, and Sm): II, Reexamination of Formation of Isostructural Ternary Compounds in Identical Systems
Authors: Takahashi Junichi , Ikegami Takashi , Kageyama Keisuke
Published: April 2005

To establish the correct composition of a ternary compound having higher TiO2 content in the BaO—Nd2O3—TiO2 system, the phase change of samples with variable controlled compositions, which were prepared by a modified coprecipitation method, was examined by X‐ray diffractometry and Raman spectroscopy. Identification of the phases present in the calcined samples and microstructural evidence for the fired product from electron microprobe analysis clearly indicated that the ternary compound having the composition 1:1:4 occurs in the present system. X‐ray powder diffraction data of the isostructural 1:1:4 and 1:1:3 compounds in each identical ternary system (Ln = La, Nd, and Sm) were refined and indexed. Partial subsolidus phase relations consisting of different composition triangles were also proposed for the present ternary systems.
Acoustic Emission During Micro‐ and Macrocrack Growth in Mg‐PSZ
Authors: Drozdov A. V. , Galenko Velodya O. , Gogotsi George A. , Swain Michael V.
Published: April 2005

Acoustic emission (AE) of a Mg‐PSZ (TS grade) material has been studied during three‐ and four‐point bending and stable macrocrack extension tests. During flexure, AE signals increased significantly upon the onset of nonlinear stress‐strain behavior and were associated with phase transformation and microcracking on the tensile surface. Observations of crack extension in notched bars revealed relatively little AE during initial loading and onset of non‐linear behavior. However, on subsequent loadings, the number of counts was in reasonable agreement with the extent of crack growth. These observations are discussed in terms of AE from phase transformation and crack growth at different grain size. They are compared with AE behavior of other zirconia‐based materials.
Fatigue Mechanisms in High‐Strength Silica‐Glass Fibers
Authors: Michalske Terry A. , Smith William L. , Bunker Bruce C.
Published: April 2005

We use experimentally determined crack growth data for silica glass and a fracture mechanics model for delayed failure to predict the fatigue behavior for high‐strength silica‐glass fibers. The results of this model indicate that fracture mechanics methods can be used to adequately describe the fatigue behavior observed for high‐strength silica‐glass fibers at room temperature in humid conditions. The key feature to properly interpreting the fatigue of high‐strength fibers is the use of a fracture‐rate law in which the crack extension rate increases exponentially with applied stress. We show that a fracture mechanics approach to highstrength fiber fatigue can provide the basis for identifying additional fatigue mechanisms that may control failure in more aggressive fatigue environments.
Formation of Ce‐Si‐O‐N Glasses
Authors: Ohashi Masayoshi , Hampshire Stuart
Published: April 2005

The glass‐forming region in the Ce‐Si‐O‐N system was investigated. A large region of clear‐glass formation was observed. The Ce:Si ratio of the clear‐glass‐forming region was consistent with that of the intergranular glassy phases in Ce‐doped Si2N2O.
Volatility of Simulated High‐Level Nuclear Waste Glass by Thermogravimetric Analysis
Authors: Harbour John R.
Published: April 2005

The volatilities of simulated, high‐level nuclear waste glasses have been measured using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). These volatilities were measured in the region of the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the waste glasses, which is between 450° and 500°C. These data were obtained because the Waste Acceptance Preliminary Specifications require that no foreign materials be released into the canistered waste form upon heating of the canister to this glass transition temperature. In fact, all of the waste glass samples studied actually exhibited a net weight gain upon heating. This weight gain was shown to be due to oxygen uptake through oxidation of FeO. Powdered glass samples did show a small weight loss which was smaller in magnitude than the weight gain and was associated with water desorption. No true volatility was detected to the level of sensitivity (0.01 wt%) of the TGA instrument. This converts to a sensitivity of 330 μg/m2 of glass surface and a corresponding minimum value of 41 mg of volatiles for each Defense Waste Processing Facility conistered waste form. TGA experiments carried out at higher temperatures (800°C) revealed that organic concentrations in the waste glasses are less than 0.01 wt%. Thus, these results demonstrate that the Defense Waste Processing Facility will be able to comply with the Waste Acceptance Preliminary Specifications on the exclusion of foreign materials from the canistered waste forms, after exposure to Tg.
Compact Swelling in Bi1.4Pb0.6Sr2Ca2Cu3.6Oy During the Formation of High‐Tc Superconducting Phase
Authors: Kim Chan Joong , Kang Suk‐Joong L. , Won Dong‐Yeon
Published: April 2005

Compact swelling in Pb‐doped Bi‐Sr‐Ca‐Cu‐O superconductor has been studied by observing the effects of the size of calcined powders, volatilization of materials, and sintering of high‐Tc (2223) powders. The bulk density increases at the early stage of sintering, for about 20 h, and then decreases. Densification occurs when the low‐Tc (2212) phase and a liquid phase exist, whereas dedensification occurs with the formation of the 2223 phase regardless of the presence of the liquid. Gas evolution from specimens does not appear to be responsible for compact swelling. Compact swelling is explained by anisotropic growth of thin, platelike 2223 grains in random orientation. When 2223 grains grow in a preferred direction, compact swelling is suppressed.
Determination of Inversion Temperature of Sb2O3‐Doped BaTiO3 Positive Temperature Coefficient of Resistivity (PTCR) Ceramics by the Finite Difference Method
Authors: Kim Hong‐Soo , Sung Gun Yong , Kim Chong Hee
Published: April 2005

The effect of the cooling rate on the PTCR (positive temperature coefficient of resistivity) characteristics of 0.1 mol% Sb2O3‐doped BaTiO3 ceramics has been investigated. Resistances both below and above the Curie temperature were increased by slow cooling, which indicated that the resistive layer width at the grain boundary increased as the cooling rate decreased. Concentration profiles of the Ba vacancies as a function of distance from the grain boundary have been simulated by the finite difference method. The inversion temperature of the 0.1 mol% Sb2O3‐doped BaTiO3 system was determined to be 1160°C from the measured electrical properties and computed concentration profiles.
Effects of Heat Treatments on Multilayer Piezoelectric Ceramic‐Air Composites
Authors: Kahn Manfred , Chase Mark
Published: April 2005

Ceramic‐air composites were prepared from laminated and sintered tapes that contain ceramic powder in a binder matrix and that have carbon‐containing “fugitive” inks screened onto them. The resulting laminates contained initially more than 50% by volume of organic material. This had to be eliminated (“burned out”) before sintering. The results of thermogravimetric analyses demonstrated the frequent occurrence of exothermic reactions when the burnout was conducted in air. This was prevented by lowering the partial oxygen pressure, but only to a point where reducing conditions were prevented since the latter caused carbonization, incomplete burnout, and increased lead evaporation. This was particularly important when a heavy kiln load consumed a significant fraction of the available oxygen. Weight loss, X‐ray fluorescence, and electrical parameter determinations were then used to optimize the burnout conditions. As a result it became possible to make ceramic–air composites that had consistent electrical behavior and that tolerated high hydrostatic pressures.
Microstructure and Bending Strength in the Ternary (Mg,Ca)‐Partially‐Stabilized Zirconia
Authors: Chaim Rachman
Published: April 2005

Microstructure and bending strength of commercial (MgO,CaO)‐partially‐stabilized zirconia subjected to heat treatments in the temperature range 900° to 1550°C were characterized. The as‐received optimally aged material contained small ellipsoid‐shaped tetragonal (t) precipitates dispersed homogeneously in the cubic (c) grains. Annealing at lower temperatures caused isothermal martensitic transformation to the monoclinic (m) phase. Annealing at higher temperatures caused formation of chevronlike and irregularshaped cluster precipitates, due to stress‐induced coarsening and precipitate impingement. The loss of bending strength was related to the stored strain energy contributed by each type of precipitate morphology, in addition to decrease in the volume fraction of the t phase.
Static‐Fatigue Life of Ce‐TZP and Si3N4 in a Corrosive Environment
Authors: Swab Jeffrey J. , Leatherman Gary L.
Published: April 2005

Stress rupture testing was performed in four‐point flexure at 1000°C to determine the effects of Na2SO4‐induced corrosion on the static‐fatigue life of a Ce‐TZP and a MgO‐doped Si3N4. The results showed that the static‐fatigue life of the Ce‐TZP was unaffected by this corrosive environment. However, the static‐fatigue life of a MgO‐doped Si3N4 was reduced by the introduction of Na2SO4.
Carbonitriding of Clay: Relation between the Weight Loss and Crystalline Phases during Reaction
Authors: Mazzoni Alfredo D. , Aglietti Esteban E , Pereira Enrique
Published: April 2005

β'‐Sialons are phases of the Si‐Al‐O‐N system. The carbonitriding of clays and kaolins is a preparation method. The reaction mechanism of clay carbonitriding is verified by means of the relation among crystalline phases formed and the weight loss produced in the samples during the reaction. Two clays were previously mixed with carbon black and pressed into pellets, flowing through N2 atmosphere, at five temperatures within the range 1335–1427°C. The phases formed (XRD)—mullite, SiC, β′A‐sialon, and oxynitrides—were related to the weight loss measured in the pellet independently of reaction temperature and time. The β′A‐sialon and the nitrogenous phases were formed from SiC and mullite. A z value decrease for β′A‐sialon was observed during reaction progression.
Reactivity of Alumina toward Phosphoric Acid
Authors: Bothe James V. , Brown Paul W.
Published: April 2005

Reaction between alumina and 33.3 wt% orthophosphoric acid was investigated by monitoring the heat liberated under isothermal conditions at temperatures from 25° to 90°C. In a separate set of experiments, the H3PO4 concentration was varied from 0 to 50 wt%, at 25°C. Reactivities of five aluminas (three anhydrous and two hydrated) differing in particle size, surface area, and crystallinity were studied. Relationships between the properties of the aluminas and their reactivities toward phosphoric acid were established. The aluminas with the highest surface areas and the lowest degrees of crystallinity react more rapidly and produce overall more heat. Increasing the temperature and phosphoric acid concentration were also shown to increase heat evolution. However, increasing the H3PO4 concentration beyond 33.3 wt% (molar Al/P ratio = 1.0) for the anhydrous aluminas, and beyond 40 wt% for boehmite, does not result in a significant increase in the amount of heat evolved. Gibbsite continues to release greater amounts of heat when reacting with increasing concentrations of H3PO4 (up to 50 wt%). The anhydrous aluminas generally react faster than do the hydrates. Within the range of H3PO4 concentrations from 0 to 33.3 wt% the hydrates and the most reactive anhydrous alumina exhibit approximately the same degree of reactivity on a per mole of Al2O3 basis.
X‐ray Diffraction and Microstructural Investigation of the Al2O3‐La2O3‐TiO2 System
Authors: Škapin Srečo , Kolar Drago , Suvorov Danilo
Published: April 2005

The ternary phase diagram of Al2O3‐La2O3‐TiO2 at 1400°C was determined with 12 compatibility triangles. Al2O3 stabilizes the A‐site‐deficient La2/3TiO3 perovskite structure. According to XRD and microstructural investigations, the solid solution extends along the La2/3TiO3‐LaAlO3 tie line from at least 4 mol% LaAlO3 to pure LaAlO3. With increasing LaAlO3 content, the stabilized La2/3TiO3 structure changes from orthorombic via tetragonal to cubic.
A case of chromomycosis caused by Fonsecaea pedrosoi and a review of reported cases of dematiaceous fungal infection in Japan
Authors: Kondo M. , Hiruma M. , Nishioka Y. , Mayuzumi N. , Mochida K. , Ikeda S. , Ogawa H.
Published: April 2005

We report a case of chromomycosis caused by Fonsecaea pedrosoi that developed in the left buttock of a 63‐year‐old female farmer. About 4 years ago, the patient developed erythema in the left buttock, which gradually spread. At the first consultation, we noted a well‐defined, red‐brown, infiltrated erythematous plaque (8 × 6 cm). Histopathological examination revealed a granulomatous lesion, containing sclerotic cells, associated with giant cells in the upper dermis. The causative fungus was difficult to identify due to low conidiogenesis, but was eventually identified by slide culture as F. pedrosoi. Excision and skin graft were performed, and no recurrence has been observed after 2 years. In Japan, 212 cases of dematiaceous fungal infection were reported in the period from 1982 to 2001. The causative fungus was F. pedrosoi in the majority of cases (126/212; 66%), followed by Exophiala jeanselmei (36/212; 19%). Similar incidence of dematiaceous fungal infection was reported in male and female patients. The upper limbs were affected most frequently in both male and female patients. Ten cases were associated with visceral lesions.
Scutular tinea of the scrotum: report of two cases
Authors: Prochnau Auro , De Almeida Hiram Larangeira , Souza Paulo Ricardo Martins , Vetoratto Gerson , Duquia Rodrigo Pereira , Defferrari Rafael
Published: April 2005

Infections caused by dermathophytes in the scrotal skin are uncommon especially due to Microsporum gypseum, which may form scutular or favus‐like lesions. We report two patients with this type of tinea: one immune suppressed by HIV infection and another immunocompetent without comorbidity. In the literature we found only two reports in immunocompetent patients and some in immune suppressed with similar symptoms.
Modelling skin disease: Lessons from the worlds of mathematics, physics and computer science
Authors: Gilmore Stephen
Published: April 2005

Theoretical biology is a field that attempts to understand the complex phenomena of life in terms of mathematical and physical principles. Likewise, theoretical medicine employs mathematical arguments and models as a methodology in approaching the complexities of human disease. Naturally, these concepts can be applied to dermatology. There are many possible methods available in the theoretical investigation of skin disease. A number of examples are presented briefly. These include the mathematical modelling of pattern formation in congenital naevi and erythema gyratum repens, an information‐theoretic approach to the analysis of genetic networks in autoimmunity, and computer simulations of early melanoma growth. To conclude, an analogy is drawn between the behaviour of well‐known physical processes, such as earthquakes, and the spatio‐temporal evolution of skin disease. Creating models in skin disease can lead to predictions that can be investigated experimentally or by observation and offer the prospect of unexpected or important insights into pathogenesis.
Liposuction for axillary hyperhidrosis
Authors: Lee Michael R , Ryman William J
Published: April 2005

Excessive axillary sweating is a common problem for which many patients frequently seek dermatological advice. The removal of axillary sweat glands using liposuction with tumescent anaesthesia in an outpatient setting is a relatively short and simple procedure with few complications, as seen in this case series. We present 10 patients treated with axillary liposuction under tumescent anaesthesia. Of the 10 patients treated, four relapsed with axillary hyperhidrosis and required additional liposuction to the same area. The longest time to relapse was 15 months, with 4 months being the shortest time. Six patients have not required additional liposuction, with 7 years being the longest time of remission. The complications reported were bruising in the axillae of two patients and relapse of hyperhidrosis in four patients.
Photo‐onycholysis due to sparfloxacin
Authors: Mahajan Vikram K , Sharma Nand Lal
Published: April 2005

This paper describes a case of sparfloxacin‐induced photodermatitis associated with photo‐onycholysis in a 36‐year‐old man. He was being treated with sparfloxacin, streptomycin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide for pulmonary tuberculosis. He developed an exaggerated sunburn‐like rash over the face and the dorsa of hands and feet, and painful onycholysis of finger‐ and toe‐nails. Withdrawal of sparfloxacin resulted in resolution of the skin rash and nail tenderness.
Atrophic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
Authors: Sinovich Vania , Hollowood Kevin , Burge Susan
Published: April 2005

A 48‐year‐old woman presented with a 20‐year history of an asymptomatic depressed atrophic plaque on the abdomen. Five years earlier a punch biopsy of the same lesion had been carried out and a diagnosis of dermatofibroma was made. She was reassured and discharged. Further consultation was sought due to extension and thickening of the lesion. Re‐examination of the initial and new incisional biopsy specimens, along with histochemical staining for CD34, established the diagnosis of atrophic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. A wide local excision was carried out. There has been no recurrence at 9 months of follow up.
Rare complication of Q fever vaccination
Authors: Fairweather Peta , O'Rourke Thomas , Strutton Geoffrey
Published: April 2005

A 32‐year‐old woman with a past history of malignant melanoma presented with a lump in the upper left arm that was excised. Histological examination revealed a granulomatous dermatitis and panniculitis that proved to be a rare reaction to Q fever vaccination.
Men's experiences of vasectomy in the Brazilian Public Health Service
Authors: Manhoso F. R. , Hoga L. A. K.
Published: April 2005

Background  Vasectomy was legalized in Brazil in 1996 and is freely available in some public health institutions. Nevertheless, the prevalence of vasectomy is less than 4.4%, demonstrating how rarely this contraceptive resource is used. The promotion of greater male involvement in reproductive health was one of the recommendations of the Cairo International Conference of Population and Development (ICPD).

Research objective  To describe the experiences of a group of men who had had vasectomy.

Method  The thematic oral history method was used. Twenty men vasectomized in a Sao Paolo State Health Service Clinic were interviewed. Each tape‐recorded narrative was analysed through transcription, textualization, and transcreation, a process used to transform the oral history into written narrative form. From each narrative a ‘vital tone’ was extracted, revealing the essence of the individual experience. All the data were analysed under an inductive and interpretative process. The similarities among histories were identified, and submitted to a process of reduction in order to develop descriptive categories.

Results  The following descriptive categories were developed from the men's experiences: Misconceptions regarding vasectomy that were overcome after hearing positive results expressed by other men; Vasectomy was the last solution for a couple's troubles related to contraceptive methods; Satisfaction related to professional support received during the process of searching for a method and deciding upon vasectomy; Satisfaction was the main feeling expressed following vasectomy and they recommended this contraceptive method to other men; Men's behaviours towards postvasectomy control was divergent despite the professional guidance.

Conclusions  An integrated public policy is required to promote male involvement in reproductive health. Family planning programmes must be meaningful socioculturally and the inclusion of men in these programmes is recommended. The use of anonymized videotaped narratives or the recruitment of the men themselves during counselling about this method would be helpful for the resolution of reservations related to vasectomy. All the interviewed men expressed satisfaction with vasectomy and this feeling was mainly based on the certainty of the preservation of sexual performance.

Limitations  A third of those invited for interview did not attend.
Extension of Autocovariance Coefficients Sequence for Periodically Correlated Processes
Authors: Lambert‐Lacroix Sophie
Published: April 2005

Abstract.  The extension of stationary process autocorrelation coefficient sequence is a classical problem in the field of spectral estimation. In this note, we treat this extension problem for the periodically correlated processes by using the partial autocorrelation function. We show that the theory of the non‐stationary processes can be adapted to the periodically correlated processes. The partial autocorrelation function has a clear advantage for parameterization over the autocovariance function which should be checked for non‐negative definiteness. In this way, we show that contrary to the stationary case, the Yule–Walker equations (for a periodically correlated process) is no longer a tool for extending the first autocovariance coefficients to an autocovariance function. Next, we treat the extension problem and present a maximum entropy method extension through the the partial autocorrelation function. We show that the solution maximizing the entropy is a periodic autoregressive process and compare this approach with others.
Effects of age and suckling on chymosin and pepsin activities in abomasums of goat kids
Authors: ZHANG FU‐XIN , CHEN JIN‐PING , YANG FENG , LI LIN‐QIANG
Published: April 2005

The effects of age and suckling on the chymosin and pepsin activities in abomasums of goat kids were studied using column chromatography. The results showed that the chymosin activity in abomasums of suckling kids at 5 days of age was significantly greater than other age groups (P < 0.01); chymosin activity of random suckling kids decreased with increasing age (P < 0.01); chymosin activity of weaned kids gradually decreased from 10 to 20 days (P < 0.01), and then remained unchanged (P < 0.05); pepsin activity showed a trend of increasing with the advance of age. For kids of the same age, the chymosin activity in the suckling group ranked the highest, the random suckling group the second, and the weaned group the last, but the pepsin activity was in reverse order.
Adeno‐associated virus‐mediated gene transfer of human aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase protects mixed striatal primary cultures from l‐DOPA toxicity
Authors: Doroudchi Mohammad M. , Liauw Jason , Heaton Krista , Zhen Zhu , Forsayeth John R.
Published: April 2005

Although l‐DOPA is the drug of choice for Parkinson's disease, prolonged l‐DOPA therapy results in decreased drug effectiveness and the appearance of motor complications. This may be due in part to the progressive loss of the enzyme, aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). We have developed an adeno‐associated virus vector (AAV–hAADC) that contains human AADC cDNA under the control of the cytomegalovirus promoter. Infusion of this vector into the striatum of parkinsonian rats and monkeys improves l‐DOPA responsiveness by improving AADC‐mediated conversion of l‐DOPA to dopamine. This is now the basis of a proposed therapy for advanced Parkinson's disease. A key concern has been that over‐production of dopamine in striatal neurons could cause dopamine toxicity. To investigate this possibility in a controlled system, mixed striatal primary rat neuronal cultures were prepared. Exposure of cultures to high concentrations of l‐DOPA induced the following changes: cell death in nigral and striatal neurons, aggregation of neurofilaments and focal axonal swellings, abnormal expression of DARPP‐32, and activation of astroglia and microglial cells. Transduction of cultures with AAV–hAADC resulted in efficient and sustained neuronal expression of the AADC protein and prevented all the l‐DOPA‐induced toxicities. The protective effects were due primarily to AADC‐dependent conversion of l‐DOPA to dopamine and an increase in induction of vesicular monoamine transporter resulting in dopamine storage in cultured cells. These results suggest a neuroprotective role for AADC gene transfer against l‐DOPA toxicity.