bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colossal Electro-Resistance Memory Effect at Metal/La2CuO4 Interfaces
Authors: Sawa Akihito , Fujii Takeshi , Kawasaki Masashi , Tokura Yoshinori
Published: October 2005

We have examined the colossal electro-resistance memory effect for the metal/La2CuO4 (M/LCO) junctions with M = Au, Ti, and Al. Among the junctions, the Ti and Al/LCO junctions exhibited hysteretic and nonlinear Schottky-like current–voltage characteristics, whose resistance could also be switched by pulsed voltage stresses. The resistance switching properties are similar to those previously reported in a Ti/Pr0.7Ca0.3MnO3 junctions, and can be attributed to the charging effect at the Schottky-like interface.
Optimized Si-Cap Layer Thickness for Tensile-Strained-Si/ Compressively Strained SiGe Dual-Channel Transistors in 0.13 µm Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Technology
Authors: Wang Yen Ping , Wu San Lein , Chang Shoou Jinn
Published: October 2005

We report the fabrication of a tensile-strained-Si/compressively strained Si0.72Ge0.28 dual-channel n-type metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor (NMOSFET) and p-type metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor (PMOSFET), which were grown on a relaxed Si0.8Ge0.2 virtual substrate using the 0.13 µm CMOS process and we integrate both devices at the same wafer. It is found that a device based on such a structure that is good for optimizing NMOSFET and PMOSFET performance uses a thinner Si-cap layer of 5 nm for PMOSFET and a thicker Si-cap layer of approximately 15 nm for NMOSFET; this offers the most efficient enhancement of carrier mobility. By constraining the Si-cap layer thickness, the current drives of the N and PMOSFETs were increased by 16% and 12%, respectively, for channel lengths down to 0.13 um.
Effects of Hydrazine Surface Treatment on HgCdTe Long-Wavelength Infrared Photodiodes
Authors: Lee Min Yung , Lee Yong Soo , Lee Hee Chul
Published: October 2005

In this study, the effects of hydrazine treatment on the surface of HgCdTe were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectropscopy (XPS) and metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) capacitance–voltage (C–V) analyses. By the XPS analysis, it was found that the Te4+ oxide peak at 576.2 eV disappeared clearly from the surface of HgCdTe after hydrazine treatment. The hydrazine-treated sample showed a near-flatband condition, small hysteresis, and a high-frequency characteristic in C–V measurements. The photodiodes fabricated on hydrazine-treated HgCdTe showed dynamic resistance-area product values at zero bias (R
0
A) of ∼2.54 Ω cm2 for a junction area of 30×30 µm2, which are about ten times larger than those on Br-treated HgCdTe.
Effects of Silica Slurry Temperature on Chemical Mechanical Polishing for Tetraethyl Orthosilicate Film
Authors: Kim Nam-Hoon , Seo Yong-Jin , Lee Woo-Sun
Published: October 2005

The effects of silica slurry temperature on the chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) performance of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) film were investigated. Slurry showed the following dependences of temperature: pH decreased slightly; conductivity showed an increase of 1.88% per degree; the dispersion ability of abrasive particles was improved; the particle size of silica slurry decreased; removal rate significantly increased from 10–40°C and was maintained constant beyond 40°C. An increasing amount of hydroxyl (OH-) groups diffused into the TEOS, and weakened reactants, such as H–C–O–Si bonds on the surface of TEOS film, were actively generated with increasing slurry temperature, which could be removed easily.
Photonic Bandgap Engineering in Mixed Colloidal Photonic Crystals
Authors: Kim Hee Jin , Roh Young-Geun , Jeon Heonsu
Published: October 2005

We demonstrated that photonic bandgap can be engineered in a manner analogous to the electronic bandgap tuning of the GaAlAs mixed semiconductor system. Two kinds of sub-micron spheres of the same size but of different materials, silica and polystyrene, were randomly mixed and ordered into a densely packed colloidal photonic crystal (CPC). Reflectance spectrum measurements revealed that as the polystyrene sphere composition increases the L-point pseudo-bandgap linearly red-shifts over the range from 1010 nm (for pure silica CPC) to 1090 nm (for pure polystyrene CPC) while the reflectance bandwidth remains constant. This spectral shift is in excellent agreement with the prediction based on the effective-medium theory.
Nondestructive Analysis of Crystal Defects in 4H-SiC Epilayer by Devised Electron-Beam-Induced Current Method
Authors: Nitani Satoshi , Hatayama Tomoaki , Yamaguchi Kenji , Yano Hiroshi , Uraoka Yukiharu , Fuyuki Takashi
Published: October 2005

A planar mapping electron-beam-induced current (EBIC) method was applied to analyze the crystal defects in 4H-SiC epilayers for the first time. The crystal defects such as dislocations and subgrain boundaries could be clearly observed using 0.02-µm-thick nickel Schottky contacts formed on the whole 4H-SiC surface. A basal plane dislocation was peculiarly displayed as a streamlike shape in the EBIC image. The relation between the resolution of images and the accelerating voltage in the devised EBIC method is discussed.
Electrical Characteristics of Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Device with Sc Gate on Atomic-Layer-Deposited HfO2
Authors: Yang Hyundoek , Park Hokyung , Lee Dongsoo , Choi Sangmoo , Hwang Hyunsang
Published: October 2005

The electrical characteristics of metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) device with Sc gate on atomic-layer-deposited (ALD) HfO2 were evaluated, for the first time. The equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) was reduced after post-metallization annealing even at 200°C. The reduction of EOT may be attributed to the diffusion of oxygen from the interfacial layer between HfO2 and Si substrate to the Sc gate. In case of optimum annealing condition, Sc gate can reduce EOT without degradation of leakage current and interfacial quality. The estimated effective work function of Sc was ∼3.8 eV and Sc might be a candidate for the gate electrode of n-type MOS devices.
Determination of Lattice Polarity and Surface Relaxation of ZnO(0001)-Zn Surface by Coaxial Impact-Collision Ion Scattering Spectroscopy
Authors: Fujii Shunjiro , Michishita Yusuke , Miyamae Nobuhiko , Suto Hirofumi , Honda Shin-ichi , Oura Kenjiro , Katayama Mitsuhiro
Published: October 2005

The lattice polarity and relaxation of a ZnO single-crystal (0001) surface were investigated by coaxial impact-collision ion scattering spectroscopy (CAICISS). The angle dependences of Zn intensity were in excellent agreement with a simulation result for a Zn-face bulk structure, with regard to both peak positions and intensity, which is much better than previous works. We use this advantage to determine the degree of surface relaxation quantitatively. It was found that the topmost Zn layer has an inward relaxation of 2% of the c-axis lattice constant.
Study of Optical Property in ZnO Thin Film Implanted with Eu by Combinatorial Ion Implantation Techniques
Authors: Sakaguchi Isao , Sato Yoshiyuki , Ryoken Haruki , Hishita Syunichi , Ohashi Naoki , Haneda Hajime
Published: October 2005

Combinatorial ion implantation techniques with mask and digital scanning systems were applied to optimize conditions of the optimal Eu dose for the orange luminescence originating from Eu phosphor in ZnO thin films. Eu ions accelerated to 150 keV were implanted continuously in the range of 1×1016 to 2×1017 ions/cm2. The sample was annealed at 600°C for 10 min in air, in order to observe the orange luminescence at 618 nm. Optimal Eu dose was determined to be about 1×1017 ions/cm2. The luminescence intensity related to Eu3+ was decreased by the annealing at 800°C. The intensity of orange luminescence is related to the degree of recovery from radiation damage.
Interferometric Computed Tomography Measurement and Novel Expression Method of Discharged Flow Field with Unsteady Shock Waves
Authors: Ota Masanori , Koga Toshihiro , Maeno Kazuo
Published: October 2005

A three-dimensinal interferometric computed tomography (CT) measurement has been applied to the unsteady and high-speed flow field including shock waves. The flow field is induced by shock waves discharged from a pair of circular open ends in the shock tube experiment. The incident shock Mach number is 2.0 and discharged Mach number at the open ends is 2.3. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation is also applied to this flow field. To implement the detailed discussion of the experimental result along with the CFD result, we propose a novel visualization method named as `distribution combined schlieren image (DCSI)'.
Electrochemical Deposition of ZnO1-xSx Thin Films Using Three-Step Pulse
Authors: Fathy Naglaa , Ichimura Masaya
Published: October 2005

ZnO1-x
S
x
thin films with 0≤x ≤0.5 were deposited by electrochemical deposition from acidic solutions containing ZnCl2 and Na2S2O3 of different concentrations. The as-deposited films are of thicknesses around 0.5 µm. We used a new pulse form for deposition, i.e., the three-step pulse. The sulfur content increases with increasing concentration of Na2S2O3 at low concentration range. Further increase in Na2S2O3 concentration results in decrease in the sulfur content due to the formation of the sulfur colloids. A decrease in the bandgap energy with increasing sulfur content x was obtained. The bandgap bowing parameter was found to be about 4 eV.
Resist Thickness Effect on Acid Concentration Generated in Poly(4-hydroxystyrene) Film upon Exposure to 75 keV Electron Beam
Authors: Shigaki Takumi , Okamoto Kazumasa , Kozawa Takahiro , Yamamoto Hiroki , Tagawa Seiichi
Published: October 2005

The thickness dependence of resist performance has been investigated. It has been reported that principal properties such as resist sensitivity show strong dependence on resist film thickness. In current standard resist called chemically amplified resist, acids play the most important role in resist pattern formation. However, the dependence of acid concentration on resist thickness has not been reported. Better understanding of acid related issues is important for the development of high performance resists and the precise simulation of resist pattern profiles. In this work, the acid density in poly(4-hydroxystyrene), which is a widely-used backbone polymer for chemically amplified resists, was measured quantitatively by spectroscopic experiments. The average acid concentration nonlinearly increased by 14% with the increase of resist thickness from 65 to 4000 nm.
Generation of Short Pulse Microwave via Superluminous DC to AC Radiation Converter
Authors: Yugami Noboru , Niiyama Toshihiko , Higashiguchi Takeshi , Takahashi Kenji
Published: October 2005

A frequency upshift of a short microwave pulse is generated by the interaction between a relativistic, a periodic electrostatic field and underdense ionization front propagating with higher than the speed of light. When the ionization front propagates higher than the speed of light between structure, we observe further frequency upshift of 8 GHz compared with a conventional DC to AC radiation converter (DARC) case which has typically 16 GHz at a plasma density of n
0=2×1012 cm-3. The frequency of the emitted radiation depends on the speed of the inoizaion front, i.e., the angle between structure and laser propagation direction. The frequency of the emitted radiation is reasonable agreement with the theoretical values.
Super-Accurate Velocity Measurement for Evaluating TiO2–SiO2 Ultra-Low-Expansion Glass Using the Line-Focus-Beam Ultrasonic Material Characterization System
Authors: Ohashi Yuji , Arakawa Mototaka , Kushibiki Jun-ichi
Published: October 2005

A method of improving the measurement accuracy of leaky surface acoustic wave (LSAW) velocity for TiO2-doped SiO2 ultra-low-expansion glass using the line-focus-beam ultrasonic material characterization (LFB-UMC) system was investigated theoretically and experimentally. The frequency dependence of the interference waveform attenuation in a V(z) curve obtained for the glass was calculated by considering the propagation attenuation of LSAWs. The theoretical results revealed that the waveform attenuation depends primarily on acoustic energy loss due to the water-loading effect on the specimen surface, and that the waveform attenuation decreases with decreasing frequency. Significant improvement of the measurement accuracy was successfully demonstrated by using an LFB ultrasonic device with a larger curvature radius R of the cylindrical sapphire acoustic lens, R=2.0 mm, yielding an improved value of ±0.0020% obtained at 75 MHz, as compared to ±0.0053% obtained at 225 MHz with a cylindrical lens of R=1.0 mm.
Strain-Field Evaluation of Strain-Relaxed Thin SiGe Layers Fabricated by Ion Implantation Method
Authors: Sawano Kentarou , Ozawa Yusuke , Fukumoto Atsushi , Usami Noritaka , Yamanaka Junji , Suzuki Kumiko , Arimoto Keisuke , Nakagawa Kiyokazu , Shiraki Yasuhiro
Published: October 2005

Strain-relaxed thin SiGe layers grown on ion-implanted Si substrates were evaluated by X-ray diffraction reciprocal space mapping and spatially resolved micro-Raman spectroscopy. It was found that implantation-induced defects effectively facilitated the misfit dislocation generation and multiplication during postannealing after growth, leading to large and homogeneous strain relaxation. While in-plane strain-field fluctuation with crosshatch morphology was clearly observed in the SiGe layer without implantation, a very uniform strain distribution without such morphology was realized in the sample with implantation. These results indicate that the ion implantation method is a very promising approach for realization of high-quality and extremely thin buffer layers.
Evolution of Self-Assembled InAs/InP Islands into Quantum Rings
Authors: Sormunen Jaakko , Riikonen Juha , Hakkarainen Teppo , Sopanen Markku , Lipsanen Harri
Published: October 2005

Fabrication of quantum rings (QRs) by transforming self-assembled InAs islands on InP is studied. The islands are annealedin-situin a tertiarybutylphosphine ambient at varying temperatures. The duration of the annealing step is also varied. A partial capping of the InAs islands is not required to achieve the morphological change into rings. The evolution of the transformation is observedex-situby atomic force microscopy and photoluminescence measurements. The morphological transformation is accompanied by a compositional change of InAs into InAsP. The results support our conclusions that the QR formation is mostly due to strain-driven kinetic effects.
Microwave Characteristics of NbN/NbNx/NbN Josephson Junctions for Quantum Voltage Standards
Authors: Yamamori Hirotake , Shoji Akira
Published: October 2005

All NbN Josephson junctions with polycrystalline NbN films for both electrodes and barriers have been fabricated and their microwave characteristics for a quantum voltage standard were investigated. A superconductor and a normal metal were prepared by changing the partial pressure of N2during the rf sputter deposition of NbN films. For the Josephson junctions normal resistance was controlled by changing the partial pressure of N2during the NbNxbarrier deposition, and critical current was controlled by changing barrier thickness. As a result, it was found that the product of current and normal resistance can be optimized to maximize the current range of the constant-voltage step for quantum voltage standards.
Composition Profile of ZnSe/BeTe Multiple Quantum Well Structures Studied by Cross-Sectional Scanning Tunneling Microscopy
Authors: Yamakawa Ichirou , Akanuma Yasuhiko , Li Bing Sheng , Akimoto Ryoichi , Nakamura Arao
Published: October 2005

The compositional distribution of ZnSe/BeTe interfaces in ZnSe/BeTe multiple quantum wells with a type-II band alignment has been investigated using cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements. The filled- and empty-state images revealed that Zn–Te and Be–Se bonds exist at the ZnSe/BeTe interface within the range of 2–4 monolayers along the growth direction. The transition layer between the ZnSe layer and the BeTe layer is composed of the BeZnSeTe quaternary alloy. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the existence of a (ZnTe)0.58(BeSe)0.42 transition layer with a width of 0.40 nm at the ZnSe/BeTe interface.
Fabrication and Characterization of Peapod Field-Effect Transistors Using Peapods Synthesized Directly on Si Substrate
Authors: Kurokawa Yuto , Ohno Yutaka , Shimada Takashi , Ishida Masashi , Kishimoto Shigeru , Okazaki Toshiya , Shinohara Hisanori , Mizutani Takashi
Published: October 2005

We have successfully fabricated carbon nanopeapod field-effect transistors (FETs) using peapods synthesized directly on a SiO2/Si substrate. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) for pods were synthesized on the substrate by utilizing position-controlled chemical vapor deposition. The end caps of the SWNTs were removed by oxidation by baking in air. Insertion of fullerenes into the cap-opened SWNTs was performed by the vapor phase doping method. Fabricated Gd@C82 peapod FETs showed ambipolar characteristics. We have estimated the bandgap of the Gd@C82 peapod to be ∼100 meV from the temperature dependence of the drain current.
Multiple fluid migration events along the Moine Thrust Zone, Scotland
Authors: Blumstein Raleigh D. , Elmore R.D. , Engel M.H. , Parnell J. , Baron Martin
Published: October 2005

A palaeomagnetic study of different lithologies exposed along the Moine Thrust Zone from Skye to Durness, Scotland, has identified three chemical remanent magnetizations (CRMs), a potential fourth CRM, and one possible primary component that all reside in hematite. Local and regional fold tests suggest that the CRMs are post-folding and post-thrusting. A contact test in the Torridon Group sandstone indicates that a Permian CRM is localized in and near the fault zone. The Permian CRM, which is also found in the Durness Group, and associated alteration are direct evidence for post-orogenic activity, in which the thrusts vented excess heat during regional crustal extension. On the Isle of Skye, sandstones (Sleat, Torridon and Eriboll Groups) in and around the fault zone contain a Tertiary CRM interpreted to be related to hydrothermal fluids associated with Tertiary intrusions. A possible Mesozoic CRM is also present but it could represent the vector addition of the Permian and Tertiary CRMs. A Devonian CRM is interpreted to be related to hydrothermal fluids associated with Devonian volcanic rocks or to fluids triggered by late stages of the Caledonian orogeny. Geochemical and petrographical studies provide supporting evidence for multiple fluid flow events along the Moine Thrust Zone. These results show that palaeomagnetism can be used to date multiple fluid migration events and that dormant fault zones can act as conduits for flow.
The role of the East Asian active margin in widespread extensional and strike-slip deformation in East Asia
Authors: Schellart W.P. , Lister G.S.
Published: October 2005

East Asia is a region of widespread deformation, dominated by normal and strike-slip faults. Deformation has been interpreted to result from extrusion tectonics related to the India–Eurasia collision, which started in the Early Eocene. In East and SE China, however, deformation started earlier than the collision (latest Cretaceous to Palaeocene), suggesting that extrusion tectonics is not the (only) driving mechanism for East Asia deformation. It is suggested that the East Asian active margin has influenced deformation in East Asia significantly. Along the margin, Cenozoic back-arc extension took place behind several adjoining arcs, implying eastward rollback of the subducting slab and collapse of the overriding plate towards the retreating hinge-line. We show that extension took place along a
c
. 7400 km long stretch of the East Asian margin during most of the Cenozoic. Physical models are presented simulating overriding plate collapse and back-arc extension. The models reproduce important aspects of the strain field in East Asia. For geometrical and rheological conditions scaled to represent East Asia, modelling shows that the active margin can be held responsible for deformation in East Asia as far west as the Baikal rift zone, located
c
. 3300 km from the margin.
Lithospheric structure of the Mid-Norwegian Margin: comparison between the Møre and Vøring margins
Authors: Fernàndez M. , Ayala C. , Torne M. , Vergés J. , Gómez M. , Karpuz R.
Published: October 2005

The lithospheric structure across the Møre Margin has been studied by integrating regional elevation, gravity, geoid and heat-flow data together with available seismic and geological data. Our results show that the Moho depth varies from 42 km beneath the Caledonides to 20–15 km beneath the basin and to 13–16 km in the oceanic domain. The lithosphere thins in a step-like manner from 160 km inland to 60–80 km in the oceanic domain. A comparison with the Vøring Margin reveals that both margins have similar crustal and lithospheric structures. Major dissimilarities are: (1) the volume of underplating beneath the ocean–continent boundary; (2) the lithospheric thickness beneath the Caledonian Front; (3) the lithospheric thickness beneath the distal parts of the margins. The heat transfer across the Vøring Transform Margin, the secular variation of lithospheric thickness with age, and the jump of the Aegir spreading ridge are responsible for these differences.
The role of fault reactivation and growth in the uplift of western Fennoscandia
Authors: Redfield T.F. , Osmundsen P.T. , Hendriks B.W.H.
Published: October 2005

New structural data, published AFT data, and topographic data suggest that the latest Cretaceous–Cenozoic uplift of western Norway was associated with normal reactivation of the Møre–Trøndelag Fault Complex. Reactivation focused along the base of today's topographic rise, with maximum displacements in the order of 2–3 km. Structural and AFT data indicate that reactivation occurred along a displacement gradient with least normal displacement in the NE and increasing displacements towards the SW. Reactivation commenced in connection with the Triassic to earliest Cretaceous phases of rifting on the Norwegian margin, and probably continued through most of the Tertiary. The Late Cretaceous to Cenozoic topographic development of the Scandes Mountains followed structurally induced templates, such as those described from other areas of active normal faulting. A fault model for the Cenozoic uplift of the Norwegian mainland provides a framework for provenance, erosion and transport of sediments eventually deposited in the offshore post-rift basins in the Latest Cretaceous, Palaeogene and Neogene. The asymmetric topographic profile of Fennoscandia is reflected in the AFT data and suggests that lithospheric flexure places a first-order control on the shape of the Scandes Mountains and the central Fennoscandian craton.
Intracellular Signaling for Vasoconstrictor Coupling Factor 6
Authors: Osanai Tomohiro , Magota Koji , Tanaka Makoto , Shimada Michiko , Murakami Reiichi , Sasaki Satoko , Tomita Hirofumi , Maeda Naotaka , Okumura Ken
Published: October 2005

Coupling factor 6 (CF6), a component of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase, is circulating and functions as an endogenous vasoconstrictor by inhibiting cytosolic phospholipase A
2
. We showed a high plasma level of CF6 in human hypertension. The present study focused on the identification and characterization of a receptor for CF6 and its post-receptor signaling pathway. Incubation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with an excess of free CF6 reduced by 50% the immunoreactivity for the antibody to β-subunit of ATP synthase at the cell surface, but unaffected that for the α-subunit antibody. A significant displacement of radioligand was observed at 3×10
−9
through 10
−7
M unlabeled CF6, and the Kd was 7.6 nM. Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) at 10
−7
M and β-subunit antibody suppressed the binding of
125
I-CF6 by 81.3±9.7% and 32.0±2.0%, respectively, whereas the α-subunit antibody unaffected it. The hydrolysis activity of ATP to ADP was increased by 1.6-fold by CF6 at 10
−7
M, and efrapeptin at 10
−5
M, an inhibitor of ATP synthase, blocked it. CF6 at 10
−7
M decreased intracellular pH in 2′,7′-bis(carboxyethyl-5 (6))-carboxyfluorescein-loaded HUVEC. Amyloride at 10
−4
M augmented the pH decrease in response to CF6, whereas efrapeptin at 10
−5
M blocked it. Arachidonic acid release was suppressed by CF6, and it was reversed by efrapeptin at 10
−5
M or β-subunit antibody or ADP at 10
−7
M. The β-subunit antibody suppressed coupling factor 6–induced increase in blood pressure. These indicate that membrane-bound ATP synthase functions as a receptor for CF6 and may have a previously unsuspected role in the genesis of hypertension by modulating the concentration of intracellular hydrogen.
Sex Steroids Modulate Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cell Matrix Protein Deposition and Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression
Authors: Natoli Alaina K. , Medley Tanya L. , Ahimastos Anna A. , Drew Brian G. , Thearle Daniel J. , Dilley Rodney J. , Kingwell Bronwyn A.
Published: October 2005

Large artery stiffening increases cardiovascular risk and promotes isolated systolic hypertension which is more prevalent in elderly women than men. Variation in sex steroid levels between males and females and throughout life may modulate arterial stiffness. We hypothesized that sex steroids directly influence expression of important structural proteins which determine arterial biomechanical properties. Human aortic smooth muscle cells were incubated with physiological concentrations of 17β-estradiol, progesterone, 17β-estradiol and progesterone, or testosterone for 4 weeks. Collagen, elastin, and fibrillin-1 deposition was examined (histochemistry/immunohistochemistry). Gene and protein expression of 2 important matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMPs 2 and 3, regulating matrix turnover was assessed. All sex steroids reduced collagen deposition relative to control (100%). However, the reduction was greater with female sex steroids than testosterone (control, 100%; 17β-estradiol plus progesterone, 20±2%; testosterone 74±12%,
P
<0.001). Female sex steroids increased elastin deposition compared with control (control, 100%; 17β-estradiol, 540±60%; progesterone, 290±40%; 17β-estradiol plus progesterone, 400±80%, all
P
<0.01). The elastin/collagen ratio was >11-fold higher in the presence of 17β-estradiol and progesterone compared with testosterone. Fibrillin-1 deposition was doubled in the presence of female sex steroids (17β-estradiol plus progesterone) compared with testosterone (
P
<0.01). MMP-2 gene and protein expression was unaffected by any sex steroid. Testosterone increased both gene and protein expression of MMP-3 relative to both control and female sex steroids (
P
<0.01). This may contribute to degradation of elastic matrix proteins. In conclusion, female sex steroids promote an elastic matrix profile, which likely contributes to variation in large artery stiffness observed between sexes and with changes in hormonal status across the lifespan.
Resident Nestin
+
Neural-Like Cells and Fibers Are Detected in Normal and Damaged Rat Myocardium
Authors: El-Helou Viviane , Dupuis Jocelyn , Proulx Cindy , Drapeau Jessica , Clement Robert , Gosselin Hugues , Villeneuve Louis , Manganas Louis , Calderone Angelino
Published: October 2005

The present study examined whether nestin
+
neural-like stem cells detected in the scar tissue of rats 1 week after myocardial infarction (MI) were derived from bone marrow and/or were resident cells of the normal myocardium. Irradiated male Wistar rats transplanted with β-actin promoter-driven, green fluorescent protein (GFP)–labeled, unfractionated bone marrow cells were subjected to coronary artery ligation. Three weeks after MI, GFP-labeled bone marrow cells were detected in the infarct region, and a modest number were associated with nestin immunoreactivity. The paucity of GFP
+
/nestin
+
cells in the scar tissue provided the impetus to explore whether neural-like stem cells were derived from cardiac tissue. Nestin mRNA and immunoreactivity were detected in normal rat myocardium, and transcript levels were increased in the damaged heart after MI. In primary-passage, cardiac tissue-derived neural cells, filamentous nestin staining was associated with a diffuse, cytoplasmic glial fibrillary acidic protein signal. Unexpectedly, in viable myocardium, numerous nestin
+
/glial fibrillary acidic protein
+
fiberlike structures of varying length were detected and observed in close proximity to neurofilament-M
+
fibers. The infarct region was likewise innervated, and the preponderance of neurofilament-M
+
fibers appeared to be physically associated with nestin
+
fiberlike structures. These data highlight the novel observation that the normal rat heart contained resident nestin
+
/glial fibrillary acidic protein
+
neural-like stem cells, fiberlike structures, and nestin mRNA levels that were increased in response to myocardial ischemia. Cardiac tissue-derived neural stem cell migration to the infarct region and concomitant nestin
+
fiberlike innervation represent obligatory events of reparative fibrosis in the damaged rat myocardium.
Beneficial Vascular and Metabolic Effects of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-α Activators
Authors: Han Seung Hwan , Quon Michael J. , Koh Kwang Kon
Published: October 2005

Fibric acid is a synthetic ligand of the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α that is highly expressed in skeletal muscle and heart, where it promotes β-oxidation of fatty acids to mediate hypolipidemic actions. PPAR-α regulates expression of key proteins involved in atherogenesis, vascular inflammation, plaque instability, and thrombosis. Thus, PPAR-α may exert direct antiatherogenic actions in the vascular wall. Endothelial dysfunction associated with the metabolic syndrome and other insulin-resistant states is characterized by impaired insulin-stimulated nitric oxide production from the endothelium and decreased blood flow to skeletal muscle. Thus, improvement in insulin sensitivity leads to improved endothelial function. This may be an additional mechanism whereby fibrates decrease the incidence of coronary heart disease. Adiponectin is a protein secreted specifically by adipose cells that may couple regulation of insulin sensitivity with energy metabolism and serve to link obesity with insulin resistance. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms underlying the vascular and metabolic effects of fibrates that may act synergistically to prevent or regress atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
Preeclampsia
Authors: Roberts James M. , Gammill Hilary S.
Published: October 2005

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication with serious consequences for mother and infant. The disorder is diagnosed by gestational hypertension and proteinuria but is far more than pregnancy induced hypertension. Preeclampsia is proposed to occur in 2 stages. Stage 1 reduced placental perfusion is postulated as the root cause and to lead to the maternal syndrome, Stage 2. Why perfusion is reduced, how this translates to a maternal disease in some but not all women and what is the linkage of the 2 stages are topics of intense study. In the last decade such studies have provided valuable insights into pathophysiology that now guide ongoing clinical trials.
Sex-Specific Effects of Prenatal Low-Protein and Carbenoxolone Exposure on Renal Angiotensin Receptor Expression in Rats
Authors: McMullen Sarah , Langley-Evans Simon C.
Published: October 2005

Experimental models have shown the developing cardiovascular and renal systems to be sensitive to mild shifts in maternal nutrition, leading to altered function and risk of disease in adult life. The offspring of Wistar rats fed a low-protein diet during pregnancy exhibit a reduced nephron number and hypertension in postnatal life, providing a useful tool to examine the mechanistic basis of programming. Evidence indicates that upregulation of the renin-angiotensin system plays an important role, in particular through receptor-mediated changes in angiotensin II activity. However, although programmed hypertension has proven dependent on maternal glucocorticoids, there appear to be conflicting effects of prenatal low-protein and glucocorticoid exposure on postnatal angiotensin receptor expression. This study aimed to resolve this issue by comparing the effects of low-protein and glucocorticoid exposures on postnatal nephron number and angiotensin receptor expression. In addition, this study examined the modulation of prenatal treatment effects by postnatal inhibition of type 1 angiotensin receptor. The data demonstrates that whereas prenatal low-protein and glucocorticoid exposure have a similar effect in reducing nephron number, there are age- and gender-related differences in their effects on postnatal angiotensin receptor expression. In addition, this study provides novel evidence of a substantial upregulation of type 2 angiotensin receptor expression in low-protein- and glucocorticoid-exposed female offspring at 20 weeks of age, with implications for subsequent renal remodeling and function. Despite being targeted to the postnephrogenic period, inhibition of type 1 angiotensin receptor had an inhibitory effect on renal and somatic growth, additionally indicating its unsuitability during early life.
Increased Aortic NADPH Oxidase Activity in Rats With Genetically High Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Levels
Authors: Jalil Jorge E. , Pérez Alfonso , Ocaranza María Paz , Bargetto Jorge , Galaz Alfonso , Lavandero Sergio
Published: October 2005

In humans and rats, angiotensin I–converting enzyme activity is significantly determined by a gene polymorphism. Homozygous Brown Norway rats have higher plasma angiotensin I–converting enzyme activity and circulating angiotensin II (Ang II) levels than Lewis rats. Because Ang II induces NAD(P)H oxidase activation, we hypothesized here that Brown Norway rats have higher vascular NAD(P)H oxidase activity and superoxide anion production than Lewis rats. Homozygous Brown Norway (n=15) and Lewis (n=13) male rats were used. Plasma angiotensin I–converting enzyme activity (by fluorimetry), Ang II levels (by high-performance liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay), and aortic NAD(P)H oxidase activity, as well as superoxide anion production (by chemiluminescence with lucigenin) were measured. Plasma angiotensin I–converting enzyme activity and Ang II levels were 100% higher in Brown Norway rats than in Lewis rats (
P
<0.05). Aortic angiotensin I– converting enzyme, but not Ang II, was elevated (
P
<0.05). Aortic superoxide anion production and NAD(P)H oxidase activity were 300% and 260% higher in Brown Norway than in Lewis rats, respectively (
P
<0.05), which was not observed in Brown Norway rats treated with candesartan (10 mg/kg per day for 7 days). Endothelial NO synthase activity in the aorta from Brown Norway rats was significantly lower than in Lewis rats. However, inducible NO synthase activity and both endothelial NO synthase and inducible NO synthase mRNA and protein levels were similar in both genotypes. In summary, Brown Norway rats have higher vascular NAD(P)H oxidase activity and superoxide anion production than Lewis rats, suggesting the presence of a higher level of vascular oxidative stress in rats with genetically higher angiotensin I–converting enzyme levels. This effect is mediated through the angiotensin I receptor.
The silk industry in Bengal during colonial rule
Authors: Ray Indrajit
Published: October 2005

This article examines two hypotheses on Bengal's silk industry during the colonial period: (a) whether the industry declined during the first half of the nineteenth century, and (b) whether the discriminatory colonial policies caused its decay. Discussing the East India Company's involvement in Bengal's silk trade before 1757 as a prelude, it analyses in depth various government policies on raw silk manufacturing and silk weaving during the Company raj. There are discussions on the marketability, technology and organisation of the industry as well as its employment opportunities and capital structure. In contrast to the prevailing hypotheses, the study shows that the industry entered into the declining phase during the third quarter of the nineteenth century. It also suggests that while policy discriminations were present, the hypothesis of discriminatory colonial policies as an explanation for the decline of the industry is not tenable. Rather, the industry collapsed under the adverse impact of the market.
Continuity in children’s literacy achievements: A longitudinal perspective from kindergarten to school
Authors: Aram Dorit
Published: October 2005

This study examined continuity in literacy achievements from kindergarten to school, among low SES Israeli children, controlling for family factors. Kindergartners’ early oral and code-related language skills as well as family measures were assessed at age 51/2. In school, 21/2 years later, their literacy achievements were evaluated. Correlations emerged between all kindergarten literacy measures and school literacy achievements. Oral and code-related early literacy measures similarly predicted all school literacy achievements. Moreover, early literacy predicted literacy achievements at the end of second grade beyond home environmental measures. Results highlighted the stability in children’s learning through the kindergarten-to-school transition, confirming the importance of promoting early literacy in kindergarten, especially among low SES children.
Agreement without understanding? The case of third person singular /s/
Authors: Johnson Valerie E. , de Villiers Jill G. , Seymour Harry N.
Published: October 2005

This study examined the comprehension of third person singular /s/ as a number agreement marker in children speaking Mainstream American English (MAE). Sixty-two MAE-speaking children aged 3-6 years were presented with a comprehension task where they had to focus on the verb as a clue to number agreement. Overall, results showed that only the 5- and 6-year olds were sensitive to third person singular /s/ as an index of subject number in comprehension, despite their earlier command in production. The implications for development of agreement are discussed.
When level-ordering is not used in the formation of English compounds
Authors: Nicoladis Elena
Published: October 2005

To explain the fact that children avoid using regular plurals in modifiers of English compounds by three years, it has been argued that level-ordering constrains all their compounds (e.g., Gordon, 1985). If so, children should avoid regular plurals in ungrammatical compounds like Verb-Object and Verb-Object-er which they use while acquiring grammatical Object-Verb-er compounds (like ‘truck driver’). Children between 3 and 5 years were asked to form novel compounds describing machines acting on objects. The first study included 42 English monolingual children and the second study 36 French-English bilingual children. Both groups of children used significantly more regular plurals in ungrammatical compounds than in grammatical compounds. These results suggest that the avoidance of regular plurals is learned in conjunction with learning the kinds of compounds English allows.
‘It’s Not Forever’
Authors: Parrott Fiona R.
Published: October 2005

This article explores the way patients in a medium secure psychiatric unit relate to the institution through the decoration of bedrooms and self-decoration through clothing and accessories. The ethnography reveals that a refusal to decorate can be contrasted with an extreme concentration upon clothing and style. These two material genres are compared in terms of the potential ease with which they lend themselves to different forms of objectification, the values, uses or discourses which are constituted and developed through these acts of objectification and the constraints on the ability of agents to express them. The evidence suggests that patients continue to conceive of themselves primarily in terms of another potential life outside the institution, attempting to ‘live within’ material cultures that orientate them towards the future and to external relationships.
After Authors
Authors: Balasescu Alec
Published: October 2005

This article explores the relationship between aspects of copyright law (as understood in France), copying as a practice employed or condemned by fashion designers (sometimes both at the same time), and the meaning that ‘authorship’ has for the political economy of fashion production. The empirical substance is the result of 18 months of research in the fashion industry in two locations: Paris and Tehran. Foucault’s archaeological method applied to ‘the author’ points to the constellation of conditions that make the existence of the author possible. This study follows ‘the author’ in two differently located fields of power, interrelated through similar and communicating practices. The first part of the article presents the historic formation of legal authorship in the (Paris) fashion industry, the practices of authoring fashion, and the current legal debates connected to the European Law. The second part is an ethnography of the dynamic of authoring practices in Tehran.
Waste Matter - The Debris of Industrial Ruins and the Disordering of the Material World
Authors: Edensor Tim
Published: October 2005

By exploring the disordering effects of ruination, this article critically explores the ways in which the material world is normatively ordered. The yet to be disposed of objects in ruins have been identified as ‘waste’, an assignation which testifies to the power of some to normatively order the world, but also is part of an excess, impossible to totally erase, which contains rich potential for reinterpretation and reuse because it is under-determined. Through processes of decay and non-human intervention, objects in ruins gradually transform their character and lose their discreteness, they become charged with alternative aesthetic properties, they impose their materiality upon the sensory experience of visitors, and they conjure up the forgotten ghosts of those who were consigned to the past upon the closure of the factory but continue to haunt the premises. In these ways, ruined matter offers ways for interacting otherwise with the material world.
Group Size and Conformity
Authors: Bond Rod
Published: October 2005

This paper reviews theory and research on the relationship between group size and conformity and presents a meta-analysis of 125 Asch-type conformity studies. It questions the assumption of a single function made in formal models of social influence and proposes instead that the function will vary depending on which social influence process predominates. It is argued that normative influence is likely to be stronger when participants make public responses and are face-to-face with the majority, whereas informational influence is likely to be stronger when participants make private responses and communicate with the majority indirectly. The meta-analysis finds that the relationship differs according to whether public or private responses are obtained and whether an Asch or Crutchfield paradigm is employed. Future research needs to identify how the relationship varies depending on different social influence processes elicited by features of the task and setting.
Microheterogeneity of transthyretin in serum and ascitic fluid of ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Gericke Beate , Raila Jens , Sehouli Jalid , Haebel Sophie , Könsgen Dominique , Mustea Alexander , Schweigert Florian J
Published: October 2005

Background

Transthyretin (TTR), a traditional biomarker for nutritional and inflammatory status exists in different molecular variants of yet unknown importance. A truncated form of TTR has recently been described to be part of a set of biomarkers for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. The main aim of the study was therefore to characterize differences in microheterogeneity between ascitic fluid and plasma of women affected with ovarian cancer and to evaluate the tumor site as the possible source of TTR.

Methods

Subjects were 48 women with primary invasive epithelial ovarian cancer or recurrent ovarian carcinoma. The control group consisted of 20 postmenopausal women. TTR and retinol-binding protein (RBP) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels by a high-sensitivity latex particle turbidimetric assay. The molecular heterogeneity of TTR was analysed using immunoprecipitation and matrix-associated laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Presence of TTR in tumor tissue was determined with indirect peroxidase immunostaining.

Results

TTR and RBP (μg/ml) levels in serum were 148.5 ± 96.7 and 22.5 ± 14.8 in affected women compared to 363.3 ± 105.5 and 55.8 ± 9.3 in healthy postmenopausal women (p < 0.01). In ascitic fluid, levels were 1.02 ± 0.24 and 4.63 ± 1.57 μg/ml, respectively. The mean levels of TTR and RBP in serum showed a tendency to decrease with the severity of the disease and were lower in affected women whose CRP levels were > 40 mg/ml (p = 0.08 for TTR; p < 0.05 for RBP). No differences in TTR microheterogeneity were observed between TTR isolated from serum of affected and healthy women or from ascitic fluid. TTR occurred rather consistently in four variants. Mass signals were at 13758 ± 7, 13876 ± 13 (greatest intensity), 13924 ± 21 and 14062 ± 24 Da, representing native, S-cysteinylated, S-cysteinglycinylated and glutathionylated TTR, respectively. Serum of healthy and affected women as well as ascitic fluid contained the truncated fragment of TTR (12828 ± 11 Da). No immunoreactive TTR was observed in the tumor sites.

Conclusion

The severity of the cancer associated catabolism as well as the inflammation status affect serum TTR and RBP levels. Neither TTR nor its truncated form originates from tumor tissue and its occurrence in ascites may well reflect the filtration from blood into ascitic fluid.
Risk factors for adverse perinatal outcomes in imprisoned pregnant women: a systematic review
Authors: Knight Marian , Plugge Emma
Published: October 2005

Background

Imprisoned pregnant women constitute an important obstetric group about whom relatively little is known. This systematic review was conducted to identify the risk factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcome present in this group of women.

Methods

The review was conducted according to a prespecified protocol. Studies of any design were included if they described information on any of the pre-specified risk factors. We calculated the results as summary percentages or odds ratios where data was available on both cases and population controls.

Results

The search strategy identified 27 relevant papers of which 13 met the inclusion criteria, involving 1504 imprisoned pregnant women and 4571 population control women. Imprisoned women are more likely to be single, from an ethnic minority, and not to have completed high school. They are more likely to have a medical problem which could affect the pregnancy outcome and yet less likely to receive adequate antenatal care. They are also more likely to smoke, drink alcohol to excess and take illegal drugs.

Conclusion

Imprisoned women are clearly a high risk obstetric group. These findings have important implications for the provision of care to this important group of women.