bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation of nanopores in a SiN∕SiO2 membrane with an electron beam
Authors: Wu Meng-Yue , Krapf Diego , Zandbergen Mathijs , Zandbergen Henny , Batson Philip E.
Published: September 2005

An electron beam can drill nanopores in SiO2 or silicon nitride membranes and shrink a pore to a smaller diameter. Such nanopores are promising for single molecule detection. The pore formation in a 40nm thick silicon nitride∕SiO2 bilayer using an electron beam with a diameter of 8nm (full width of half height) was investigated by electron energy loss spectroscopy with silicon nitride facing toward and away from the source. The O loss shows almost linear—independent of which layer faces the source, while N loss is quite complicated. After the formation of a pore, the membrane presents a wedge shape over a 70nm radius around the nanopore.
Display device with dual emissive and reflective modes
Authors: Wang X. J. , Lau W. M. , Wong K. Y.
Published: September 2005

A display device with dual electroluminescence and electrochromic display functions is described. The device consists of two layers of polymeric thin films, one of which is an electrochromic polymer and the other an electroluminescence polymer, that are sandwiched between two electrodes. Both polymers are blended with a solid electrolyte. The device functions as an electroluminescence device when positively biased, and as an electrochromic device if biased negatively instead. The measured current density for the electrochromic mode of operation was found to be two orders of magnitude lower than that for the electroluminescence mode. This functional duality demonstrates the successful combination of the option of light-emitting display and the power saving electrochromic mode for portable devices.
Crystal structure and phase transformation in Ni53Mn25Ga22 shape memory alloy from 20Kto473K
Authors: Cong D. Y. , Zetterström P. , Wang Y. D. , Delaplane R. , Peng R. Lin , Zhao X. , Zuo L.
Published: September 2005

The crystal structures, magnetic structures, and phase transformation of the off-stoichiometric Ni53Mn25Ga22 were studied by neutron powder diffraction at different temperatures. It is shown that Ni53Mn25Ga22 has a tetragonal I4/mmm structure from 20Kto403K. An abrupt jump in unit-cell volume around room temperature, corresponding to an endothermic peak in the differential scanning calorimetry curve, was observed. This indicates a pretransformation in the martensitic phase of Ni53Mn25Ga22, which is completely different from the phase transformation in the stoichiometric Ni2MnGa. The sequence of structural transformation in Ni53Mn25Ga22 is closely related to its intrinsic temperature-dependent magnetic structure.
Tunable surface plasmons in coupled metallo-dielectric multiple layers for light-emission efficiency enhancement
Authors: Paiella Roberto
Published: September 2005

The coupling of spontaneously emitted photons to surface plasmons in metal films is a promising technique to increase the efficiency of light-emitting devices. Here we propose and theoretically investigate the use of metallo-dielectric multiple layers to engineer the surface-plasmon density of states, so as to introduce tunable resonances in the emission efficiency through the anticrossing of modes localized on neighboring interfaces. To illustrate, large enhancements in the radiative recombination rate at tunable wavelengths are predicted for a GaN-based light-emitting device, using a Ag∕Si3N4∕Au∕Si3N4 structure with different combinations of the layers thicknesses.
Selected Extraskeletal Effects of Systemic Treatment with Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Wamsley Heather L. , Iwaniec Urszula T. , Wronski Thomas J.
Published: September 2005

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a pleiotropic mitogen with a potent bone-forming effect, rendering it a potential osteoporosis therapy. This study examined selected extraskeletal effects of bFGF in ovariectomized rats, a well-established model of human postmenopausal osteopenia, to more fully characterize side effects associated with bFGF treatment. Five-month-old, osteopenic, ovariectomized rats were injected subcutaneously with vehicle or bFGF (1 mg/kg) daily for 3 weeks. Hematologic and biochemical analyses were performed; and kidneys, livers, and proximal tibiae were examined histologically and histomorphometrically. bFGF administration resulted in anemia that was due to a shift toward granulocyte production in the bone marrow. Increased granulocyte production was also observed in the liver of bFGF-treated rats, which exhibited a markedly increased number and area of hematopoietic foci. bFGF administration also caused mild glomerular hypertrophy that was not attended by significant biochemical evidence of glomerular dysfunction. The bone anabolic effect of subcutaneous bFGF administration was confirmed in the proximal tibia, and was associated with a significant decrease in urine fractional excretion of calcium in bFGF-treated rats. Though bFGF strongly stimulates bone formation at osteopenic skeletal sites, its extraskeletal effects may restrict the long-term use of bFGF in its current form as an osteoporosis therapy.
Metacarpophalangeal pattern profile analysis as a tool for early diagnosis of turner syndrome
Authors: Laurencikas E. , Söderman E. , Davenport M. , Jorulf H. , Sävendahl L.
Published: September 2005

Purpose: To analyze the metacarpophalangeal pattern profile (MCPP) in a cohort of individuals with Turner syndrome (TS), and to assess its value as a tool for early diagnosis of TS.

Material and Methods: Medical records and radiological material were collected of 71 patients with TS aged between 3 and 21 years. Forty‐six patients received growth hormone therapy (33–66 µg kg−1 day−1) and 14 of these were also treated with the anabolic steroid oxandrolone (1.25–3.75 mg day−1). A total of 233 frontal hand radiographs were studied and pattern profiles were calculated. Profiles of the TS patients were compared with those of 70 normal females. Mean pattern profiles were calculated for different age groups and extrapolated profiles for newborns and infants were developed.

Results: Our results confirm that patients with TS have a distinct MCPP which differs significantly from that of normal individuals. A bone‐shortening gradient with increasing shortening from distal phalanges to metacarpals was demonstrated. We also showed that the MCPP in TS is a remarkably constant feature from 3 to 18 years. Pattern profiles did not differ significantly between the patients with 45,X and non‐45,X karyotype. MCPP was not affected by treatment with growth hormone of growth hormone plus oxandrolone. Discriminant analysis yielded correct classification in 88% of analyzed cases.

Conclusion: TS individuals have a distinct hand pattern profile that is not age‐related. MCPP analysis can be applied at any age and may facilitate early diagnosis of TS. Our study showed that MCPP analysis is a specific and sensitive method that should be considered as a routinely used tool for early diagnosis of TS in girls with unexplained short stature.
Patient‐circumference‐adapted dose regulation in body computed tomography. a practical and flexible formula
Authors: Nyman U. , Ahl T. L. , Kristiansson M. , Nilsson L. , Wettemark S.
Published: September 2005

Purpose: To illustrate that the attenuation formula based on monochromatic radiation in homogeneous objects may be used for dose regulation in body computed tomography (CT) based on patient circumference and using a simple cloth measuring tape.

Material and Methods: Based on the attenuation formula for monochromatic radiation, the following Microsoft Excel equation was derived: mAsx = mAsn*EXP((0.693/HVT)*(Øx−Øn)/PI()), where mAsx(milliampere second) in a patient with circumference Øxis calculated based on the nominal mAsnset for a reference patient with the circumference Ønwith regard to indication, scan protocol, and available CT scanner. The HVT = half‐value thickness (object thickness change in cm affecting mAs setting by a factor of 2) resulting in the least mAs difference compared with published studies investigating the mAs needed for constant image noise in abdominal CT phantoms at 80–140 kVp was evaluated. Clinically recommended HVT values were applied to 20 patients undergoing abdominal CT using 130 effective mAs and 94 cm circumference as nominal settings, and an HVT of 9 cm.

Results: The object‐sized dependent mAs for constant image noise at 80–140 kVp in 10–47 cm diameter abdominal phantoms (31–148 cm in circumference) differed, with few exceptions, by no more than 10% from those obtained with our formula using an HVT of 3.2–3.8 cm. An HVT of 9 cm in the patient study resulted in the same image noise–patient circumference relation as a phantom study using a “clinically adapted mAs” resulting in an acceptable noise according to diagnostic requirements. Clinical experiences recommend an HVT of about 8 cm for abdominal CT and 12 cm in thoracic CT. Changing the kVp from 120 to 80, 100, or 140 requires a mAs change roughly by factors of 4, 2, and 0.6, respectively, for constant image noise.

Conclusion: Until fully automatic automatic exposure control systems have been introduced, applying the formula in a computer program provides the radiologist with an easy, quick, flexible, and practical instrument for reasonably good patient‐sized adjusted exposure levels in clinical practice.
Correlative study of angiogenesis and dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging features of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang B. , Gao Z. Q. , Yan X.
Published: September 2005

Purpose: To explore the correlation between contrast‐enhancement patterns on dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) and angiogenesis by analyzing microvessel density (MVD), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and P53 protein expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Material and Methods: MRI was performed with a GE Signa 1.5T MR scanner using SE and FMPSPGR sequences in 30 patients (38 lesions) during the period October 1998 to March 2000. All had histopathologically proven HCC. MR images were reviewed/analyzed retrospectively. The 30 patients were between 35 and 65 years of age (average age 58; 18 M and 12 F). SE T1WI, PDWI, and T2WI were acquired initially. The FMPSPGR sequence was acquired in the same position. The DCE‐MRI was performed in the arterial, portal vein, and delay phase after a bolus injection of Gd‐DTPA. The specimens were stained immunohistochemically for CD34, VEGF, and P53. MVD was highlighted by anti‐CD34 antibody staining. The enhancement features of HCC lesions were studied correlatively with the tumor MVD, VEGF, and P53 expression at protein level.

Results: In the arterial phase, the results showed that MVD of HCC in the high‐enhancement group (229.76±80.96) was higher than that in the equal‐enhancement (173.09±61.38) and low‐enhancement groups (153.00±108.58) ( P<0.01, respectively). VEGF expression of HCC in the high‐enhancement group (68.42%) was higher than that in the equal‐enhancement (36.36%) and low‐enhancement groups (38.89%) ( P<0.05, respectively). In the portal vein phase, MVD of HCC in the enhancement group (259.80±93.30) was higher than that in the non‐enhancement group (178.64±92.65) ( P<0.05). No significant correlation was found between VEGF expression and the enhancement feature in the portal vein phase. In the delay phase, MVD of HCC in the ring‐enhancement group (269.06±57.89) was significantly higher than that in the non‐ring‐enhancement group (144.10±88.90) ( P<0.01). There was a significant difference in VEGF expression between the ring‐enhancement group (76.47%) and the non‐ring‐enhancement group (42.86%) ( P<0.05). No significant correlation was detected between P53 protein expression and the enhancement feature. Relative enhancement (RE) correlated with MVD, but not with VEGF and P53 protein expression.

Conclusion: The contrast‐enhancement patterns on DCE‐MRI are influenced by tumor angiogenesis, as reflected by elevated VEGF expression, and are therefore valuable indicators for accessing tumor angiogenic activity and tumor neovascularization in vivo in HCC patients.
Ultrasound and power doppler evaluation of the hand and wrist in patients with psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Milosavljevic J. , Lindqvist U. , Elvin A.
Published: September 2005

Purpose: To evaluate the ability of high‐resolution and power Doppler sonography in detecting joint and tendon abnormalities in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) of the hands and wrists compared with clinical and radiological findings.

Material and Methods: Thirty‐six patients with psoriatic arthritis of the hands and wrists and 10 healthy controls were examined with ultrasound (US). The degree of synovial proliferation, tenosynovitis, presence of joint effusion as well as the vascularity of synovial tissue was estimated. US findings were scored using a newly devised scoring system.

Results: Thirty‐two patients had articular synovial proliferation and/or tenosynovitis/tendinitis or joint effusion in one or more joints according to US. Twenty‐two patients had tendon changes; only five had joint effusion. The synovial, Doppler, and total articular‐teno scores were all significantly correlated to the number of swollen joints. The scores, however, did not correlate to other clinical or laboratory measurements of disease activity.

Conclusion: US proved effective in demonstrating PsA involvement of the hands and wrists and was more sensitive than clinical examination in detecting pathology. Long‐term follow‐up studies are needed to evaluate whether this can change the traditional approach for assessing involvement of joints and tendons in PsA.
Pneumomediastinum as a complication to treatment of mediastinal (thymic) large b‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Pavlisa G. , Planinc‐Peraica A. , Anic P. , Kardum‐Skelin I. , Pavlisa G. , Jaksic B.
Published: September 2005

Mediastinal (thymic) large B‐cell lymphoma (Med‐DLBCL) is a subtype of diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas (DLBCL) with a typical radiological appearance of bulky anterior mediastinal mass, often with areas of necrosis. We report a case of Med‐DLBCL with unusual radiological findings and clinical development. Computed tomography (CT) obtained at presentation revealed a huge anterior mediastinal tumor with an axial diameter of 180 mm. Nineteen days after the first cycle of chemotherapy, chest radiography and CT revealed large areas of tumor necrosis and pneumomediastinum with air‐fluid levels. To our knowledge, air‐fluid levels inside Med‐DLBCL have not been previously described. This finding, in combination with necrotic sputum, may indicate communication between the tracheobronchial tree and the tumor.
Feasibility of rapid‐sequence 31p magnetic resonance spectroscopy in cardiac patients
Authors: Chida K. , Otani H. , Saito H. , Nagasaka T. , Kagaya Y. , Kohzuki M. , Zuguchi M. , Shirato K.
Published: September 2005

Purpose: To determine the clinical feasibility of rapid‐sequence phosphorus‐31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P ‐MRS) of the heart with cardiac patients using a 1.5T clinical MR system.

Material and Methods: Twenty cardiac patients, i.e. dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) 13 cases, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) 3 cases, hypertensive heart diseases (HHD) 3 cases, and aortic regurgitation (AR) 1 case were examined using rapid cardiac 31P‐MRS. Complete three‐dimensional localization was performed using a two‐dimensional phosphorus chemical‐shift imaging sequence in combination with 30‐mm axial slice‐selective excitation. The rapid‐sequence 31P‐MRS procedure was phase encoded in arrays of 8×8 steps with an average of 4 acquisitions. The total examination time, including proton imaging and shimming, for the rapid cardiac 31P‐MRS procedure, ranged from 10 to 15 min, depending on the heart rate. Student's t test was used to compare creatine phosphate (PCr)/adenosine triphosphate (ATP) ratios from the cardiac patients with those of the control subjects ( n = 13).

Results: The myocardial PCr/ATP ratio obtained by rapid 31P‐MRS was significantly lower ( P<0.001) in DCM patients (1.82±0.33, mean±SD), and in patients with global myocardial dysfunction (combined data for 20 patients: 1.89±0.32) than in normal volunteers (2.96±0.59). These results are similar to previous studies.

Conclusion: Rapid‐sequence 31P‐MRS may be a valid diagnostic tool for patients with cardiac disease.
Percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization: effectiveness of absolute ethanol infusion with balloon catheter in a pig model
Authors: Satake M. , Tateishi U. , Kobayashi T. , Murata S. , Kumazaki T.
Published: September 2005

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of portal vein embolization (PVE) with absolute ethanol using multidetector‐row computed tomography (CT) angiography in a pig model.

Material and Methods: Percutaneous transhepatic PVE with 10 ml absolute ethanol was performed in liver segments ( n = 5) or subsegments ( n = 5) in 10 pigs. CT images and volumetric data were qualitatively and quantitatively assessed to determine future liver remnant (FLR) hypertrophy and to correlate with histopathologic changes 2–6 weeks after PVE. Effectiveness evaluation was based on changes in absolute FLR size and ratio of FLR to total estimated liver volume (TELV).

Results: Occlusion of the embolized vessel was achieved immediately after injecting absolute ethanol within a range of 0.25–0.33 ml/kg. The TELV prior to PVE was 660.49±103.66 cm3 (range 527.22 to 833.70 cm3) and after PVE 769.51±29.36 cm3 (range 685.95 to 887.34 cm3). The mean FLR/TELV ratio increase after PVE was 14.2%. No statistically significant difference was found in the increase of TELV between segmental or subsegmental PVE. On microscopic observation, atrophy of the embolized liver was noted in all animals and was seen distinctly at 3 weeks after PVE in 2 animals.

Conclusion: Both regenerative response and histopathologic changes of the liver were seen after PVE with absolute ethanol with a mean FLR/TELV ratio of 14.2%.
Idiopathic renal arteriovenous fistula treated by transcatheter embolization
Authors: Giavroglou C. E. , Farmakis T. M. , Kiskinis D.
Published: September 2005

Renal arteriovenous fistulas (RAVFs) are unusual lesions with a variety of clinical manifestations. Traditionally, these lesions have been treated surgically. We report on an idiopathic, high‐flow RAVF and an aneurysm treated successfully with the embolization technique. The endovascular management of RAVFs in carefully selected patients is a safe and effective therapeutic technique.
Alcohol Use Disorder and Illicit Drug Use in Admissions to General Hospitals in the United States
Authors: Smothers Barbara A. , Yahr Harold T.
Published: September 2005

This study estimated the prevalence and explored the management of illicit drug use, illicit drug use associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD), and AUD without reported illicit drug use in a national sample of 2040 admissions to general hospitals in the United States. Surveyed in 1994, admissions were diagnosed with past 12‐month DSM‐IV AUD according to the Alcohol Use Disorders and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule. Information about drug use was also included in the interview. Entries in hospital records were used to operationalize management. Prevalence of chronic drug use in hospital admissions was 5%,14% in 18–44‐year‐old admissions, and 31% in admissions with an AUD. In admissions with an AUD, 45% reported no drug use. Detection rates were 82% for admissions with comorbid AUD and chronic drug use (where detection of either problem was assessed); detection rates hovered around 50% in admissions with one or the other condition. Low rates of treatment and referral (33% and 42%, respectively) were observed in the comorbid group; rates were 13–17% in admissions with AUD alone or illicit drug use alone. Findings indicate the need for increased attention to drug use and to AUD with and without other drug use among general hospital admissions.
Dual Diagnosis: Impact of Family History
Authors: Comtois Katherine Anne , Tisdall W. Alec , Holdcraft Laura C. , Simpson Tracy
Published: September 2005

Psychiatric outpatients with severe and persistent mental illness and a current or past substance use disorder (N = 89) were interviewed. Information from the Family Informant Schedule and Criteria was configured in three ways to capture the degree of familial substance abuse: biological parents only, all first‐degree biological relatives, and all caregivers. All three configurations predicted the severity of lifetime drug abuse on the Inventory of Drug Use Consequences, controlling for any gender and non‐substance‐related Axis I diagnosis. Differences in means represent low to very low substance abuse severity for those without family history and low to medium severity for those with family history. The clinical implications are discussed.
Treatment Compliance in Patients with Comorbid Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Herbeck Diane M. , Fitek Diana J. , Svikis Dace S. , Montoya Ivan D. , Marcus Steven C. , West Joyce C.
Published: September 2005

This study examines clinical and non‐clinical factors associated with treatment compliance problems in 342 patients with substance use disorders (SUD) seen in routine psychiatric practice. Weighted Wald‐X2 and multivariate logistic regression assessed sociodemographic, clinical, treatment, and health plan characteristics associated with treatment compliance problems. Among patients with SUD, 40.5% were reported to currently have treatment compliance problems. Patients with treatment compliance problems were significantly more likely to have personality disorders, lower global assessment of functioning scores, and medication side effects than those without treatment compliance problems. Patients seen by psychiatrists who were reimbursed by discounted rather than undiscounted fee‐for‐service were five times more likely to be reported to have treatment compliance problems. Both clinical and non‐clinical factors appear to be associated with treatment compliance problems. Understanding these factors and targeting treatment interventions may improve treatment compliance and patient outcomes.
Use of Court‐ordered Supervised Disulfiram Therapy at DVA Medical Centers in the United States
Authors: Martin Brandon , Mangum Laura , Beresford Thomas P.
Published: September 2005

Having reported high adherence to court‐mandated disulfiram treatment, we hypothesized that other Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) medical centers would report frequent use of this modality. Telephone interviews with DVA substance abuse clinics in 48 of the 50 states matched the national DVA frequencies. Phone survey responders reported disulfiram prescription as never/rarely 63%, sometimes 32%, and often 5%, while court‐ordered disulfiram was used never/rarely 95%, sometimes 3%, and often 2%. Nationally, disulfiram prescriptions covered only 0.07% of all veterans seen. These data suggest a need for a re‐evaluation of disulfiram as an underused treatment for alcohol dependence.
A Study of the Temporal Course of Phenomenology of Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Kumar Satindra , Singh R.K. , Goswami Utpal , Khastgir Udayan
Published: September 2005

The natural history of alcoholism was first charted out in 1946 by Jellinek, whose original results have been replicated by multiple research groups. They have verified a general progression ofalcohol dependence through a series of identifiable phases. The study investigated the sequence of events in the course of alcohol dependence and its deviations from randomness. The study consisted of 36 patients with alcohol dependence, subjected to a structured questionnaire containing 34 items describing the phenomenology of alcohol dependence, based on the lines of SCID. The items experienced by each patient were identified and then plotted on a timeline graph according to an important life event, the items being represented on cards given to the patients randomly. The subjects were reinterviewed after one week and asked to rank their symptoms again to analyze test‐retest reliability. The analysis ofthe item ordering was determined by null hypothesis of randomness. The ordering showed three phases. The early phase was characterized by features of increased tolerance loss of flexibility, and salience. The middle phase consisted mainly of the need for alcohol, and the late phase was predominated by features of physiological withdrawal, tremors, nausea, panics, and hallucinations. There is a characteristic ordering of new events and symptoms, which suggests a developmental process of alcoholism, but this is apparent only if attention is confined to a limited part ofthe broad spectrum. This process is obscured by consideration ofthe social concomitants of alcohol dependence. The study ofthe natural history of alcohol dependence is essential in recognizing and treating the problem and determining whether an intervention appears to be working.
Males and Females Differ in Response to Opioid Agonist Medications
Authors: Jones Hendree E. , Fitzgerald Heather , Johnson Rolley E.
Published: September 2005

Few clinical trials include sex as a factor. This analysis explored within‐sex differences in response to opioid agonist medications. Males and females randomly assigned to buprenorphine, LAAM, or methadone were compared on opioid use and retention in treatment. Females receiving buprenorphine had less objective drug use than females receiving methadone, while males receiving LAAM had less objective drug use than males receiving buprenorphine. Retention in treatment was longer for both sexes receiving methadone versus LAAM. Within‐subject change results indicate that all three medications benefit both sexes. Clinical trials should be designed to examine the impact of sex on outcomes.
Israel 2000: Immigration and Gender Differences in Alcohol Consumption
Authors: Schiff Miriam , Rahav Giora , Teichman Meir
Published: September 2005

The present study addresses the association between immigration from the former Soviet Union (FSU) and gender and alcohol consumption among a representative sample of young adults in Israel 2000. Previous studies that were conducted on FSU immigrants to Israel indicate higher consumption than that of resident Israelis and immigrants of earlier periods. The current study aims to assess alcohol consumption among FSU and resident Israelis five years later to determine whether the discrepancy in alcohol consumption stays consistent or reduces. In addition, gender differences in alcohol consumption among the Israeli society were examined as well, as a special case of socio‐culture differences. The data came from the 2000 national survey of drinking in Israel. Of 5,004 Jewish Israelis, 532 were immigrants from the FSU who arrived since 1989, and 4,472 were resident Israelis. The FSU group was compared with resident Israelis, and males were compared to females on several drinking variables. Logistic regression was the principal method of analysis. Demographics and cultural variables as main effects or in interaction with FSU and gender were controlled. The FSU group was significantly more likely to report drinking in the last twelve months plus drinking in the last thirty days than resident Israelis. Women's reported drinking in the last twelve months was one fourth of men's and during the past thirty days was one fifth of men's. Further investigation on the associations between the success of FSU acculturation in the Israeli society and drinking patterns as well as attitudes toward women and gender differences in alcohol consumption may provide explanations for gender and immigration gaps in alcohol consumption.
The Italian Economy, 2001–03
Authors: Capriati Michele
Published: September 2005

The three years 2001–03 opened in an atmosphere of optimism with the expectation of a new Italian miracle but ended amid widespread disillusion owing to persistent signs of economic decline. This article offers a reconstruction of events in this period, focusing on government economic policy and changes in the labour market. Analysis of these reveals the period to have been characterized by three significant features. In the first place, a growing loss of credibility and authority of government economic policy itself, resulting from the gap between expectations and outcomes. Second, the persistence of a model of development based on low product competitiveness and low-skilled labour. And last, the excessive attention paid to resolving the issues of the moment contrasted with a lack of interest in the future, and consequently in research, innovation, training and infrastructure.
Troppi capi e troppo pochi indiani: la leadership del centro-sinistra
Authors: Pasquino Gianfranco
Published: September 2005

Since its defeat in the 2001 general election, the Italian centre-left has been unable to come to any agreement on the question of its political leadership, either inside or outside parliament. For various reasons, neither of the defeated candidates—Francesco Rutelli of the Margherita and Piero Fassino, the new secretary of the Democrats of the Left—was able to take on this role. Nor could the centre-left agree on appointing Massimo D'Alema as the alliance's spokesperson in parliament. As a result, the choice regarding the alliance leadership was continually postponed with the excuse: ‘The centre-left has lots of prominent figures. When the time comes we will choose one of them’. For a time, there was popular support in favour of a leadership role for Sergio Cofferati, the former Secretary of the Confederazione Generale Italiana del Lavoro (CGIL). However, the likelihood of this scenario receded with his decision to run as candidate-mayor for Bologna. Subsequently, the return from Brussels of the only centre-left leader to have won a general election, Romano Prodi, seemed to resolve the leadership question. However, Prodi quickly became aware that, while the party oligarchs of the centre-left were prepared to make him leader, they were not willing to yield much power. Prodi therefore suggested the use of electoral primaries to decide the leadership issue. In this way, he hoped to build up sufficient consensus from the Olive Tree/centre-left electorate to allow him to become not only head of the government, but also the real leader of the alliance. To date, however, the problems surrounding the centre-left leadership and the undefined nature of the Olive Tree remain unresolved.
Changing family life in Europe: Significance for state and society
Authors: Daly Mary
Published: September 2005

Family change and the risks associated with it form the departure point of this article. The intent is both to elaborate the nature of family change in European societies and to interrogate contemporary policy on the family in the light of emerging changes and risks. The first part of the article undertakes an overview analysis of the main changes affecting families, looking at structure, organisation and relations. It then moves on to consider the key risks and challenges posed by recent changes for individuals, states and society. The risks discussed include the seeming lack of readiness to commit to parenthood, a polarisation between parenthood and partnership, overburdening of women and risks around care. The final section of the article turns to the state's response, in terms of what it has been and what it might (need to) be. It shows how policy on the family, while a growing area of intervention, has actually narrowed in scope, becoming more an arm of employment policy and operating to a rather unidimensional model of family, viz. the two-income family. The underlying story is of a continuing divergence between states’ responses and what people wish for their family life. When it comes to the family, states it seems are always out of date.
Combining methods: a key to understanding complexity in European societies?
Authors: Hantrais Linda
Published: September 2005

Large-scale European research programmes have provided an impetus for social science researchers to co-operate more closely not only across national and cultural boundaries but also across disciplines and research paradigms. Attempts to make sense of diversity have led to a blurring of the traditional methodological divide between quantitative and qualitative paradigms, opening up new perspectives and creating opportunities for synergy and complementarity. The paper draws on examples of the methods used in a cluster of European projects and networks in the field of family and welfare to illustrate the epistemological and practical problems raised when applying multi-methods approaches to research into European societies. It argues that, once these problems have been overcome, by combining methods within and across projects, researchers can expect to gain a deeper understanding of social phenomena in different national settings and develop new insights into complex issues.
Gender differentiation and early labour market integration across Europe
Authors: Smyth Emer
Published: September 2005

This paper examines gender differentiation in early labour market outcomes across twelve European countries. In spite of the fact that the educational attainment of women has now surpassed that of men in many countries, differences persist in the type of educational courses taken by young women and men. Countries differ in the extent of educational segregation by gender but certain regularities are evident, with health/welfare, education and arts courses dominated by women and engineering courses dominated by men. Gender differences in field of study are found to play an important role in channelling young people towards gender-typical careers. Thus, countries with higher levels of educational segregation by gender are found to have higher levels of occupational segregation by gender. However, gender continues to have a strong direct effect on labour market outcomes in both track-differentiated and general educational systems.
Spatial variation of benthic macroinvertebrates and the environmental factors influencing their distribution in Lake Victoria, Kenya
Authors: Muli Jones R.
Published: September 2005

Benthic macroinvertebrates in the Kenyan waters of Lake Victoria were sampled on a monthly basis from March 1994 to March 1995. Ekman grab samples were obtained from 10 stations representing all the major ecological zones of the lake. The aim of the study was to estimate the abundance and diversity of benthos.

The highest mean (± standard error) benthic density was 15113.4 ± 3885.3 m−2 at stations 53, which was significantly different from that of all the other stations (73.5 ± 16.8 to 1625.8 ± 275.4 m−2). Oligochaeta species, which are indicators of organic pollution, dominated the benthic abundance at station 53. Benthos in this station were exposed to both organic and inorganic pollutants as evidenced by highest level of nitrates and trace metals contaminants copper, iron, manganese and aluminum in water at the bottom of water column compared to that at all the other stations. The pollutants find their way to these sites from towns of Webuye, Eldoret, and Kakagema in the catchment through runoff and rivers. The elevated benthic abundance at station 53 could be due to organic and inorganic pollutants.

Shannon index values for the stations in the Winam Gulf were more than triple the values estimated for the open waters implying the gulf had better water quality than the main lake. The gulf mean (± standard error) species heterogeneity values ranged from 0.7 ± 0.2 to 1.1 ± 0.1 whereas in open waters (except station 54) the values were 0.07 to 0.2 ± 0.05. This could be attributed to mixing of water throughout the water column in the gulf ensuring high oxygen levels throughout the water column, which favoured diverse benthos to flourish. In contrast, in deep waters (ca. 40 m) of the main lake stratification occurred most time of year resulting in anoxia in the hypolimnion. Thus, only the dipterans chironomids and chaoborids and oligochates that are adapted to withstand low oxygen levels were recorded, albeit in low densities.
Paleolimnological assessment of human-induced impacts on Walden Pond (Massachusetts, USA) using diatoms and stable isotopes
Authors: Köster Dörte , Pienitz Reinhard , Wolfe Brent B. , Barry Sylvia , Foster David R. , Dixit Sushil S.
Published: September 2005

Multi-proxy analysis of a sediment core spanning 1600 years from Walden Pond, Massachusetts (USA), reveals substantial changes in the nutrient status over the past ∼250 years resulting from anthropogenic impacts on the lake and watershed. Following a period of environmental stability from about 430 AD to 1750 AD, the abundance of the diatom Cyclotella stelligera increased, the chrysophyte cyst to diatom ratio decreased, organic content declined, bulk organic δ13C decreased, and bulk organic δ15N increased. These changes coincided with logging in the watershed, and are mainly attributed to an increase in detrital input of inorganic sediment and delivery of dissolved soil decomposition products from the watershed. With the beginning of intensive recreational development of Walden Pond in the early 20th century, oligotrophic diatom species were largely replaced by disturbance indicators and the diatom-inferred lake pH increased by 0.5 units, while the bulk organic carbon and nitrogen stable isotope composition markedly shifted to lower and higher values, respectively. These changes reflect inorganic inputs from erosion related to trails, beaches, and construction, as well as increased nutrient inputs by wastewater seepage into groundwater and extensive recreational usage. Diatom-inferred total phosphorus increased only slightly, probably because oligotrophic species still persist during spring and autumn, when Walden Pond has lower nutrient concentrations due to reduced recreational activity. During the last 25 years, diatom assemblages stabilized, suggesting that management measures have been effective in reducing the rate of eutrophication. Notably, the changes observed over the past 250 years are well beyond the range of natural variability of the past 1600 years, yet the pre-disturbance record provides a useful target for developing additional restoration and conservation measures to ensure future environmental protection of this historical site.
Surface water quality in Manitoba with respect to six chemical parameters, water body and sediment type and land use
Authors: Pip E.
Published: September 2005

Surface waters at 425 sites in Manitoba were analyzed for total dissolved solids, nitrate-nitrogen, dissolved organic matter, cadmium, lead and copper. Regional differences in chemical parameters were found for various areas of the province and for some bottom sediment types. Sites were classified according to predominant type of land use: minimal, cropland, livestock, mining, recreation, forest logging, hydroelectric development and urban effluent. The highest mean values of total dissolved solids, cadmium and copper were associated with mining, although the highest absolute values for copper were found in cottage and recreational areas due to the use of copper sulphate to control algal blooms. Urban effluents and agriculture significantly elevated total dissolved solids and nitrate. Elevated dissolved organic matter was most associated with land clearing and urban effluents. The relative significance of the various human activities differed with geographical region. Streams were the most vulnerable to contamination, particularly on the Precambrian Shield. Water quality problems exist in some areas in the province, and management must take into account the regional characteristics of surface waters, as well as address the varying nature and intensity of contamination generated by human land uses.
Anti‐CCP: History and its Usefulness
Authors: Herold M. , Boeser V. , Russe E. , Klotz W.
Published: September 2005

Antibodies directed to cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti‐CCP) are highly
specific for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and can easily be detected in sera by using
commercially available immunoassays. The second version of the anti‐CCP test
(anti‐CCP2) demonstrated high specificity (89‐98%) and good sensitivity (41‐88%)
for RA. Commercially available ELISA methods from three different companies are
on the market. All three CCP2 assays show similar results as all CCP2 assays
use the same antigen‐coated plates. This study was an evaluation of a new
automated method for the determination of anti‐CCP2 in a routine laboratory
setting. Five hundred and fourty three serum samples were tested for anti‐CCP2
within normal routine diagnostic using a commercially available ELISA and retested
with a prelaunch version of a new and fully‐automated method (EliA™). The results
were comparable. The new automated assay is easy to
use and demonstrated a diagnostic sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 97%.
Scientific Publishing in Non Industrialized Countries: A Pilot Wireless Internet Project for Africa
Authors: Azzi Angelo
Published: September 2005

There is general agreement that the internet is the major means of future scientific communication and education. However not everybody appreciates that the development of electronic communication in industrialized societies is not matched, even to a small extent, in developing countries. Several new technologies offer the potential for developing countries to provide connectivity. Terrestrial wireless and satellite technologies offer many advantages in that they do not require installation of wire‐line networks. Satellite facilities can also be installed where communication is needed, even in remote and isolated areas, rather than waiting for terrestrial networks to be extended from the cities.
IUBMB Life, 57: 259‐261, 2005
My Reasons for Delivering Two Plenary Lectures at IUB Congresses (1964 and 1979)
Authors: Katchalski‐Katzir Ephraim
Published: September 2005

Some time ago Dr Whelan informed me that there would be a 50th anniversary celebration of IUB's admission into ICSU, and IUBMB Life would publish a special issue to coincide with the IUMB‐FEBS Conference in Budapest next July. While checking the past history of IUB's Congresses, Dr Whelan noticed that I was the only person who had ever been asked to deliver two plenary lectures at these Congresses (1964 and 1979). He invited me to contribute my reminiscences concerning these two lectures, and I promised to explain how this had happened.
IUBMB Life, 57: 239‐242, 2005
Reactive Oxygen Species as Mediators of Cellular Senescence
Authors: Colavitti Renata , Finkel Toren
Published: September 2005

Aging has often been viewed as a random process arising from the accumulation of both genetic and epigenetic changes. Increasingly, the notion that aging is a stochastic process is being supplanted by the concept that maximum lifespan of an organism is tightly regulated. This knowledge has led to a growing overlap between classical signal transduction paradigms and the biology of aging. We review certain specific examples where these seemingly disparate disciplines intersect. In particular, we review the concept that intracellular reactive oxygen species function as signalling molecules and that oxidants play a central role as mediators of cellular senescence.
IUBMB Life, 57: 277‐281, 2005
Loop Movement and Catalysis in Creatine Kinase
Authors: Wang Pan‐Fen , Flynn Allen J. , McLeish Michael J. , Kenyon George L.
Published: September 2005

Recently the crystal structure of creatine kinase from Torpedocalifornica was determined to 2.1 Å. The dimeric structure revealed two different forms in the unit cell: one monomer was bound to a substrate, MgADP, and the other monomer was bound to a transition‐state analogue complex composed of MgADP, nitrate and creatine. The most striking difference between the structures is the movement of two loops (comprising residues 60 ‐ 70 and residues 323 ‐ 333) into the active site in the transition state structure. This loop movement effectively occludes the active site from solvent, and the loops appear to be locked into place by a salt bridge formed between His66 and Asp326. His66 is of particular interest as it is located within a PGHP motif conserved in all creatine kinases but not found in other guanidino kinases. We have carried out alanine‐scanning mutagenesis of each of the residues in the PGHP motif and determined that only the His66 plays a significant role in the creatine kinase reaction. Although neither residue interacts directly with the substrate, the interaction His66 and Asp326 appears to be important in providing the precise alignment of substrates necessary for phosphoryl group transfer. Finally, it is clear that neither His66 nor Asp326 are responsible for the pKs observed in the pH‐rate profile for HMCK.
IUBMB Life, 57: 355‐362, 2005
Species‐Specific Regulation of the α‐2(I) Procollagen Gene by Proximal Promoter Elements
Authors: Leaner Virna D. , Masemola Agatha , Parker Iqbal M.
Published: September 2005

Transcriptional regulation of the human α 2(I) procollagen proximal promoter involves the interaction of trans‐acting factors at the inverted CCAAT box (G/CBE) located at position ‐ 80 and an adjacent GGAGGCCC‐box at ‐ 70. Both these elements have previously been shown to be essential for activity of the human promoter. This study investigated nucleotide differences at three sites (‐74, ‐ 72 and ‐ 71) between the human and mouse promoters that were sufficient to abolish trans‐acting factor binding with the mouse sequence (GGAGACGT). Two distinct DNA‐protein interactions were detected on the human ‐ 107/ + 54 promoter fragment while a single interaction was observed at the equivalent mouse promoter. One of these factors is the CCAAT‐binding factor (CBF) and it's binding was observed on both the human and mouse promoters. Although the GGAGGCCC DNA‐binding element was not detected on the mouse promoter, GGAGGCC‐binding proteins were present in mouse nuclear extracts as observed by their interaction with the human promoter. Functional analysis of the human and mouse ‐ 343/ + 54 and ‐ 107/+ 54 promoter regions revealed significant differences between species; the human constructs having higher activity than the mouse. The differences in promoter activity between species may in part be a result of the nucleotide differences in the GGAGGCCC‐box. Mutations in this region of the human ‐ 107/+ 54 promoter prevented DNA‐protein interaction and lowered promoter activity. These results support the hypothesis that the GGAGGCCC‐box in the human α 2(1) procollagen promoter has a regulatory function and that there exists a species‐specific difference in transcription factor binding and regulation of the gene. IUBMB Life, 57: 363‐370, 2005