bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual‐echo spiral in/in acquisition method for reducing magnetic susceptibility artifacts in blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Li Tie‐Qiang , Takahashi Atsushi , Wang Yang , Mathews Vincent , Glover Gary H.
Published: January 2006

MRI signal dropout in gradient recalled echo acquisitions limits the capability of blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study activation tasks that involve the orbitofrontal, temporal, and basal areas of the brain where significant macroscopic magnetic susceptibility differences exist. Among the various approaches aimed to address this issue, the acquisition method based on spiral in/out trajectories is one of the most time‐efficient and effective techniques. In this study, we extended further the spiral in/out approach into 3D acquisition and compared the effectiveness of the different spiral in/out trajectory combinations in reducing signal dropout. The activation results from whole brain fMRI studies using complex finger tapping and breath‐holding tasks demonstrate that the acquisition method based on dual‐echo spiral in/in (DSPIN) trajectories is the most favorable. The DSPIN acquisition method has the following advantages: (1) It reduces most effectively signal dropout in the brain where magnetic susceptibility inhomogeneity is problematic and significantly improves the sensitivity to detect functional activations in those regions. (2) It significantly improves SNR in the whole brain by dual echo averaging without compromising functional contrast. (3) There is no reduction in time‐efficiency and spatial resolution. Magn Reson Med, 2006. Published 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Noninvasive measurement of myocardial tissue volume change during systolic contraction and diastolic relaxation in the canine left ventricle
Authors: Rodriguez Ignacio , Ennis Daniel B. , Wen Han
Published: January 2006

In coronary circulation the flow in epicardial arteries and veins is observed to be pulsatile and out of phase with each other. Theoretical considerations predict that this phenomenon extends to all levels of the vascular tree and leads to a cyclic fluctuation of regional tissue volume. Intramyocardial tissue volume change between end‐systole and end‐diastole was measured noninvasively with MRI in 10 closed‐chest beagles. The displacement encoding with stimulated‐echo technique was used to obtain pixel‐by‐pixel tissue displacement field between end‐diastole and end‐systole and vice versa in the midlevel left ventricle, from which the 3D strain matrix and volume changes were calculated. The volume change was between 0.8 ± 0.5% (mean ± STD) in the epicardial layer and 1.5 ± 0.6% in the subendocardial layer of the left ventricle. Tissue volume fluctuation reflects the amount of arterial inflow in a heartbeat under the assumption that regional arterial inflow and venous outflow have little time overlap. The corresponding perfusion level was estimated to be from (1.0 ± 0.6) ml/min/g in the epicardial layer to (1.7 ± 0.6) ml/min/g in the subendocardial layer, in good agreement with microsphere measurements in the same dog model. The result supports the notion of high arterial resistance at the microvascular level from intramyocardial pressure during systole. Magn Reson Med, 2006. Published 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transcriptional profiling of brain‐derived‐neurotrophic factor‐induced neuronal plasticity: A novel role for nociceptin in hippocampal neurite outgrowth
Authors: Ring Robert H. , Alder Janet , Fennell Myles , Kouranova Evguenia , Black Ira B. , Thakker‐Varia Smita
Published: January 2006

Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exhibits a sequence of actions on neurons ranging from acute enhancement of transmission to long‐term promotion of neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis associated with learning and memory. The manifold effects of BDNF on neuronal modifications may be mediated by genomic alterations. We previously found that BDNF treatment acutely increases transcription of the synaptic vesicle proteinRab3A, required for trophin‐induced synaptic plasticity, as well as the peptideVGF, which increases during learning. To elucidate comprehensive transcriptional programs associated with short‐ and long‐term BDNF exposure, we now examine mRNA abundance and complexity using Affymetrix GeneChips in cultured hippocampal neurons. Consistent with the modulation of synaptic plasticity, BDNF treatment (3–6 h) induced mRNAs encoding the synapse‐associated proteinssynaptojanin 2, neuronal pentraxin 1, septin 9,andryanodine receptor 2. BDNF also induced expression of mRNAs encoding neuropeptides (6–12 h), includingprepronociceptin, neuropeptide Y,andsecretogranin.To determine whether these neuropeptides induced by BDNF mediate neuronal development, we examined their effects on hippocampal neurons. The four mature peptides derived from post‐translational processing of the ppNociceptin propeptide induced the expression of severalimmediate early genesin hippocampal cultures, indicating neuronal activation. To examine the significance of activation, the effects of nociceptin (orphanin FQ) and nocistatin on neurite outgrowth were examined. Quantitative morphometric analysis revealed that nociceptin significantly increased both average neurite length and average number of neurites per neuron, while nocistatin had no effect on these parameters. These results reveal a novel role for nociceptin and suggest that these neuropeptide systems may contribute to the regulation of neuronal function by BDNF. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2006
Severe deficits in 5‐HT2A‐mediated neurotransmission in BDNF conditional mutant mice
Authors: Rios Maribel , Lambe Evelyn K. , Liu Rongjian , Teillon Sarah , Liu JinHong , Akbarian Schahram , Roffler‐Tarlov Suzanne , Jaenisch Rudolf , Aghajanian George K.
Published: January 2006

BDNF is thought to provide critical trophic support for serotonin neurons. In order to determine postnatal effects of BDNF on the serotonin system, we examined a line of conditional mutant mice that have normal brain content of BDNF during prenatal development but later depletion of this neurotrophin in the postnatal period. These mice show a behavioral phenotype that suggests serotonin dysregulation. However, as shown here, the presynaptic serotonin system in the adult conditional mutant mice appeared surprisingly normal from histological, biochemical, and electrophysiological perspectives. By contrast, a dramatic and unexpected postsynaptic 5‐HT2A deficit in the mutant mice was found. Electrophysiologically, serotonin neurons appeared near normal except, most notably, for an almost complete absence of expected 5‐HT2A‐mediated glutamate and GABA postsynaptic potentials normally displayed by these neurons. Further analysis showed that BDNF mutants had much reduced 5‐HT2A receptor protein in dorsal raphe nucleus and a similar deficit in prefrontal cortex, a region that normally shows a high level of 5‐HT2A receptor expression. Recordings in prefrontal slice showed a marked deficit in 5‐HT2A‐mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents, similar to that seen in the dorsal raphe. These findings suggest that postnatal levels of BDNF play a relatively limited role in maintaining presynaptic aspects of the serotonin system and a much greater role in maintaining postsynaptic 5‐HT2A and possibly other receptors than previously suspected. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2006
Numerical computations of fundamental eigenstates for the Schrödinger operator under constant magnetic field
Authors: Alouges François , Bonnaillie‐Noël Virginie
Published: January 2006

Motivated by questions arising in the theory of superconductivity, we are interested in the study of the fundamental state of the Schrödinger operator with magnetic field in a domain with corners. Although this problem has been extensively studied theoretically, many fewer articles deal with numerical approaches. In this article, we propose numerical experiments based on the finite element method to determine the bottom of the spectrum of the operator. Analyzing the drawbacks of a standard method and the properties of the operator, we propose a natural gauge‐invariant method and provide a few numerical simulations. We furthermore improve the numerical results by coupling the method with a mesh‐refinement technique based on a posteriori error estimates developed by one of the authors. This allows us to look at the monotonicity of the smallest eigenvalue in an angular sector with respect to the angle, which complement theoretical studies. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2006
Comparison of V‐cycle multigrid method for cell‐centered finite difference on triangular meshes
Authors: Kwak Do Y. , Lee Jun S.
Published: January 2006

We consider a multigrid algorithm (MG) for the cell centered finite difference scheme (CCFD) on general triangular meshes using a new prolongation operator. This prolongation is designed to solve the diffusion equation with strongly discontinuous coefficient as well as with smooth one. We compare our new prolongation with the natural injection and the weighted operator in Kwak, Kwon, and Lee (Appl Math Comput 21 (1999), 552–564) and the behaviors of these three prolongation are discussed. Numerical experiments show that (i) for smooth problems, the multigrid with our new prolongation is fastest, the next is the weighted prolongation, and the third is the natural injection; and (ii) for nonsmooth problems, our new prolongation is again fastest, the next is the natural injection, and the third is the weighted prolongation. In conclusion, our new prolongation works better than the natural injection and the weighted operator for both smooth and nonsmooth problems. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2006
Finite‐difference approximation for the u(k)‐derivative with O(hM−k+1) accuracy: An analytical expression
Authors: Dubovsky Vadim , Yakhot Alexander
Published: January 2006

An approximation of function u(x) as a Taylor series expansion about a point x0 at M points xi, ∼ i = 1,2,…,M is used where xi are arbitrary‐spaced. This approximation is a linear system for the derivatives u(k) with an arbitrary accuracy. An analytical expression for the inverse matrix A−1 where A = [Aik] = ${1\over k!}$(xi − x0)k is found. A finite‐difference approximation of derivatives u(k) of a given function u(x) at point x0 is derived in terms of the values u(xi). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2006
Direct patterning of poly(amic acid) and low‐temperature imidization using a photo‐base generator
Authors: Fukukawa Ken‐ichi , Shibasaki Yuji , Ueda Mitsuru
Published: January 2006

A negative‐type photosensitive polyimide (PSPI) based on poly(amic acid) (PAA) and a photo‐base generator (PBG) has been developed. PAA‐2, the polyimide precursor, was prepared from oxydianiline (ODA) and 4,4′‐biphthalic dianhydride (BPDA) in N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc), and used directly for lithographic evaluations. Since a photo‐generated base, dimethyl piperidine (DMP), was effective for the imidization of PAA‐2 to the corresponding PI‐2 at temperatures up to 200°C, the dissolution behavior of this system was studied in relation to PBG content, bake‐temperature dependence, and composition of the aqueous alkaline developer. The PSPI using 85 wt% PAA‐2 and 15 wt% synthesized PBG showed a sensitivity of 220 mJ/cm2 and contrast of 11.7 when exposed to 365‐nm light (i‐line) and developed with an aqueous alkaline developer (aqueous tetramethylammonium hydroxide and iso‐propanol, TMAHaq/iPrOH). A clear negative image with 8‐µm features was produced by contact‐printing and converted into the PI‐2 pattern upon heating at 200°C, confirming the results obtained by Scanning electro microscopy (SEM) imaging and infrared spectroscopy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrocatalytic reduction of oxygen at platinum particles photodeposited on polyaniline/Nafion film
Authors: Yang Qinghao , Wang Yangyong , Nakano Hiroyuki , Kuwabata Susumu
Published: January 2006

Platinum based electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction was prepared by photodeposition of platinum (Pt) particles on the surface of polyaniline/Nafion (PANI/Nafion) composite film. Polyaniline (PANI) acts as a convenient catalyst for the photodeposition of Pt particles and thus gives extremely low platinum loading, from 3 to 32 µg/cm2, on the surface of the PANI/Nafion composite film. Normal cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies were carried out to investigate the influence of different photodeposition conditions. Rotating disc electrodes (RDEs) were used to affirm the oxygen reduction mechanism of these catalytic membranes. Parameters such as the total transferred electrons, limiting reduction current density were determined by Koutecky–Levich analysis of the RDE results. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“Smart” silica‐rubber nanocomposites in virtue of hydrogen bonding interaction
Authors: Peng Chih‐Cheng , Göpfert Astrid , Drechsler Markus , Abetz Volker
Published: January 2006

In this paper “smart” nanocomposites comprising Stöber silica nanoparticles of two different surface polarities and a novel thermoreversible crosslinking rubber carrying self‐complementary hydrogen bonding (HB) moiety were presented. This strategy is based on the idea that the introduction of HB between silica and the modified rubber improves both the filler–rubber interaction and the mechanical properties. The resulting nanocomposites were mainly characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic mechanical analysis. It is found that the competition and symbiosis between the filler–filler, filler–rubber and rubber–rubber HB interaction, as well as the dynamic mechanical properties were controllable simply by changing the silica loading, the degree of rubber modification and the temperature. Besides, the TEM micrographs showed that the modifications of both silica nanoparticles and rubber promoted better silica dispersion in the rubber matrix. By this strategy it is evident that the Payne effect was reduced and it is possible to modify the mechanical properties of such silica filled composites in a controlled way, which could, as an example, meet the requirements for tire applications. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of aqueous anionic poly(urethane‐urea) dispersions. Influence of the incorporation of acrylic, polycarbonate and perfluoro‐oligoether diols on the dispersion and polymer properties
Authors: Durrieu Vanessa , Gandini Alessandro
Published: January 2006

Aqueous poly(urethane‐urea) dispersions were prepared by the prepolymer mixing technique, without using any organic solvent. This work focused on the incorporation into the prepolymer chain of specific macrodiols bearing acrylic, polycarbonate and perfluoro‐oligoether chains, in conjunction with a poly(propylene oxide) diol (Mn = 1000). All the dispersions were synthesized with a fixed NCO/OH ratio, using α,α,α′,α′‐tetramethyl‐1,3‐xylylene diisocayanate, a fixed proportion of emulsifying agent (dimethylol propionic acid, neutralized with triethylamine) and the same chain extender (1,2‐ethylene diamine). The properties of both the dispersions and the dried polymer films were characterized as a function of the nature of the specific incorporated diol and its proportion in the polymer chain, in order to establish criteria leading to an optimized performance in terms of particle size, viscosity, and polymer film properties. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reactions of fluoroalkanoyl peroxides with single‐walled carbon nanotubes: application to sidewall modification of single‐walled carbon nanotubes with the introduction of fluoroalkyl groups
Authors: Sawada Hideo , Shindo Kaoru , Ueno Katsuya , Hamazaki Kazuo
Published: January 2006

Fluoroalkanoyl peroxides reacted with single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SW‐CNTs) to afford fluoroalkylated SW‐CNT derivatives under very mild conditions. Fluoroalkylated SW‐CNT derivatives [RF‐(SW‐CNT)s] thus obtained exhibited no solubility in aqueous and traditional organic media; however, RF‐(SW‐CNT)s were solubilized into water more effectively than the parent SW‐CNT by the use of fluoroalkyl end‐capped homooligomers. However, fluroalkyl end‐capped SW‐CNT cooligomers were obtained by the reactions of fluroalkanoyl peroxides with SW‐CNTs in the presence of radical polymerizable monomers, and these fluoralkylated SW‐CNT cooligomers were found to exhibit a good solubility in aqueous and organic media. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of end group polarity and molecular weight on the lower critical solution temperature of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)
Authors: Furyk Steven , Zhang Yanjie , Ortiz‐Acosta Denisse , Cremer Paul S. , Bergbreiter David E.
Published: January 2006

The lower critical solution temperatures (LCSTs) for mass fractionated samples of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) were studied to determine the effect of polymer molecular weight on the LCST using a high throughput temperature gradient apparatus. PNIPAM fractions prepared by a conventional radical polymerization using azoisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the initiator had LCSTs that were largely invariant with molecular weight or dispersity. Only slight deviations were noted with lower molecular weight samples. An 18‐kDa sample had a 0.6 °C higher LCST. A 56‐kDa sample had a 0.2 °C higher LCST. PNIPAM derivatives prepared with a triphenylmethyl (trityl) functionalized azo initiator were also prepared and mass fractionated. These samples' LCSTs were identical to those of PNIPAM samples prepared using AIBN initiation when higher molecular weight samples were compared. The trityl‐containing PNIPAM fractions' LCSTs varied when the molecular weight decreased below 100 kDa. Acidolysis of the trityl end groups provided a third set of PNIPAM derivatives whose LCST differed only with samples with Mw values < 60 kDa. These results show there is no effect of molecular weight on LCST until the degree of polymerization is such that end group structure becomes significant. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 1492–1501, 2006
Reactivity of styrene and substituted styrenes in the presence of a homogeneous isospecific titanium catalyst
Authors: De Carlo Francesco , Capacchione Carmine , Schiavo Vincenzo , Proto Antonio
Published: January 2006

The isospecific polymerization of several para‐substituted styrenes was performed in the presence of the catalyst dichloro[1,4‐dithiabutanediyl‐2,2′‐bis(4,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐phenoxy)]titanium activated by methylaluminoxane. All the polymers were highly regioregular and isotactic with narrow molecular weight distributions. The presence of electron‐donating substituents on the aromatic ring had a positive effect on the catalyst activity, whereas electron‐withdrawing substituents affected the polymerization activity negatively. Binary copolymerizations of the various substituted styrenes showed an inversion of the reactivity with respect to that observed in the homopolymerization. These results suggested that the last monomer unit of the polymer chain coordinated to the metal center, influencing the reactivity of the catalyst with respect to the incoming monomer. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 1486–1491, 2006
Liquid‐like structure of polymer solutions near the overlap concentration
Authors: Francis R. S. , Patterson G. D. , Kim S. H.
Published: January 2006

The light scattering structure factor S(q, c) has been measured for a series of concentrations near the overlap value c* for solutions of high molecular weight poly(α‐methyl styrene) in the good solvent toluene. Scattering functions near and above overlap are characterized by a maximum as a function of scattering vector q. Scattering functions have also been calculated for these conditions using the measured second virial coefficient and radius of gyration, as reported previously for dilute solutions. The scattering function is factored into an intramolecular part that is described by a Debye function with no adjustable parameters and an intermolecular part that depends on the coil–coil pair correlation function, as suggested by Flory and Bueche. The pair correlation function is calculated using the Percus–Yevick theory of liquids and the Flory–Krigbaum potential for coil–coil interactions, as suggested by Frank Stillinger. Good agreement is obtained for the most concentrated dilute solutions, but as the overlap concentration is approached significant discrepancies are observed. The thermodynamic value of the scattering function, S(0, c), is overestimated by the theory. This discrepancy is discussed in terms of the importance of three‐body interactions, the failure of the Flory–Krigbaum potential in semidilute solutions and the limited precision of the standard protocol for calculating the measured scattering function in nondilute solutions. The observed maximum in the scattering function near overlap is not quantitatively reproduced by the theory. This discrepancy is discussed in terms of the failure of the shape of the Flory–Krigbaum potential to accurately reflect the energy of overlap for chains separated by distances near twice the radius of gyration. The mean‐field nature of the potential ignores the increased probability of interactions of linear neighboring segments. Well into the overlap region, the calculated scattering function poorly describes the observed results. The failure of the Flory–Bueche approximation in semidilute solutions is discussed as well as the effect of a changing radius of gyration as a function of concentration on the intramolecular scattering function. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 703–710, 2006
Investigating chemical process accidents: Examples of good practices
Authors: Morrison D.R. , Ogle R.A. , Viz M.J. , Carpenter A.R. , Su Y.
Published: January 2006

The accident investigation process, rooted in the scientific method, relies heavily on the use of evidence. This paper reviews aspects of the investigation process for three large‐scale chemical process unit accidents (explosions or fires) with a focus on evidence: its collection, handling, use, and analysis. Real incidents provide challenges to the investigation process; some of these challenges involve questions surrounding evidence, such as when is evidence collection complete and how do we know that certain nonphysical evidence (such as witness statements) is reliable? These case studies provide practical examples of the importance of following good engineering practices throughout the life cycle of the investigation with respect to evidence.

The objective of an accident investigation is to determine what happened so that a recurrence of the accident can be prevented. The investigator of a chemical plant accident is confronted with numerous challenges to the fact‐finding process because the accident has destroyed or altered significant sources of evidence such as the physical equipment and the process data. The investigator must often cope with incomplete or contradictory data. The best strategy for dealing with these difficulties is the scientific method: gather facts from numerous independent sources, develop and test alternative hypotheses, and evaluate potential causal factors using sound engineering and scientific principles. The ability to ultimately identify the root causes of a complex chemical plant accident depends heavily on the quality and comprehensiveness of the fact‐finding process. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2006
Nitridation and reoxidation of high‐k metal oxide thin films using argon excimer sources
Authors: Yu J. J. , Boyd I. W.
Published: January 2006

We report for the first time the nitridation and reoxidation of metal oxide films with the active nitrogen and oxygen species produced by argon excimer sources. Preliminary results on 9 nm Ta2O5 films using this method exhibited excellent electrical properties with the leakage current density being up to 3 orders of magnitude lower than the as‐deposited films. Breakdown fields were found to be greater than 13 MV/cm. Accumulation capacitance with the nitrided film increased by 25% compared with the as‐deposited film. Optical transmittance was as high as 99% in the visible region and more than 74% in the UV region. The refractive index at 632.8 nm was high up to 2.2. The Ar excimer source emitted energetic VUV photons which could break nitrogen triple bonds to produce active nitrogen species and photodissociate O2 to form strong oxidant O3 and highly reactive O (1S) atoms, leading to the nitridation and reoxidation of Ta2O5 without the need for the use of H2O, NH3 and high temperature substrate heating. The nitridation process for a specific film thickness can be optimised by adjusting the VUV irradiation time to achieve increased accumulation capacitance and improved leakage property simultaneously. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth and Characterization of Iron Oxide Nanorods/Nanobelts Prepared by a Simple Iron–Water Reaction
Authors: Zhao Yi Min , Li Yan‐Hui , Ma Ren Zhi , Roe Martin J. , McCartney David G. , Zhu Yan Qiu
Published: January 2006

Single‐crystalline hexagonal α‐Fe2O3 nanorods/nanobelts have been created by a simple iron–water reaction in the low‐temperature range of 350–450 °C. Scanning electron microscopy examination shows that the needle‐like products, radiating from and perpendicular to the original large iron particle surfaces, are up to a few micrometers in length with an average diameter from 20 nm (tip) to 100 nm (base). X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy reveal that the outermost surface of the nanorods consists of Fe2O3 without organic impurity contaminants, which could possibly result from other methods, such as hydrothermal growth. Nanobelt‐like structures are believed to result from a combination of increased reaction temperature and time. The initial formation and subsequent growth of α‐Fe2O3 nanorods may be explained by the iron metal corrosion mechanism.
An integrated approach to customer elicitation for the aerospace sector
Authors: Guenov Marin D. , Barker Stephen G. , Hunter Chris , Horsfield Ian , Coleridge‐Smith Neil
Published: January 2006

An integrated approach, the Transitional Business Model (TBM), is proposed, to facilitate rapid and proactive response to customer enquiries, and to inform the derivation, development, and promotion of new and innovative concepts. The model fulfils a need identified within the aerospace sector to enhance the ability for rapid customer needs elicitation, and to improve competitiveness. This paper presents the results of collaborative research with a major aerospace organization culminating in the development of a prototype © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 9: 62–72, 2006
From MC/DC to RC/DC: formalization and analysis of control-flow testing criteria
Authors: Vilkomir Sergiy A. , Bowen Jonathan P.
Published: January 2006

This paper describes an approach to the formalization of existing criteria used in computer systems software testing and proposes a new Reinforced Condition/Decision Coverage (RC/DC) criterion. This new criterion has been developed from the well-known Modified Condition/Decision Coverage (MC/DC) criterion and is more suitable for the testing of safety-critical software where MC/DC may not provide adequate assurance. As a formal language for describing the criteria, the Z notation has been selected. Formal definitions in the Z notation for RC/DC, as well as MC/DC and other criteria, are presented. Specific examples of using these criteria for specification-based testing are considered and some features are formally proved. This characterization is helpful in the understanding of different types of testing and also the correct application of a desired testing regime.
Functional expression of the taste‐modifying protein, miraculin, in transgenic lettuce
Authors: Sun Hyeon-Jin , Cui Min-long , Ma Biao , Ezura Hiroshi
Published: January 2006

Taste‐modifying proteins are a natural alternative to artificial sweeteners and flavor enhancers and have been used in some cultures for centuries. The taste‐modifying protein, miraculin, has the unusual property of being able to modify a sour taste into a sweet taste. Here, we report the use of a plant expression system for the production of miraculin. A synthetic gene encoding miraculin was placed under the control of constitutive promoters and transferred to lettuce. Expression of this gene in transgenic lettuce resulted in the accumulation of significant amounts of miraculin protein in the leaves. The miraculin expressed in transgenic lettuce possessed sweetness‐inducing activity. These results demonstrate that the production of miraculin in edible plants can be a good alternative strategy to enhance the availability of this protein.
Dynamic analysis of a genomic island in Magnetospirillum sp. strain AMB‐1 reveals how magnetosome synthesis developed
Authors: Fukuda Yorikane , Okamura Yoshiko , Takeyama Haruko , Matsunaga Tadashi
Published: January 2006

The entire structure of a 98 kb genomic region that abounds in genes related to magnetosome synthesis was first described in the Magnetospirillum sp. strain AMB‐1. The deletion of this 98 kb genomic region and the circular form after excision from the chromosome was detected by PCR amplification. This strongly suggests that the region has undergone a lateral gene transfer. The region has the characteristics of a genomic island: low GC content, location between two repetitive sequences, and the presence of an integrase in the flanking region of the first repetitive sequence. This 98 kb genomic region has the potential for transfer by the integrase activity. Comparative genome analysis revealed other regions with a high concentration of orthologs in magnetic bacteria besides the 98 kb region, and magnetosome synthesis seemed to need not only the exogenous 98 kb region, but also other orthologs and individually originating genes.
Infiltrats pulmonaires et hyperéosinophilie sanguine
Authors: Ceppi  , Coronado  , Gainon  , Fitting  , Lamy
Published: January 2006

Nous rapportons le cas d'une femme de 43 ans, asthmatique, hospitalisée pour une toux, des expectorations, un état fébrile et une asthénie. La radiographie thoracique met en évidence des infiltrats pulmonaires bilatéraux. L'hémogramme montre une hyperéosinophilie sanguine à plus de 9 G/l. Le lavage bronchoalvéolaire révèle une éosinophilie alvéolaire massive. Le bilan permettra de poser le diagnostic de pneumonie chronique à éosinophiles avec bonne évolution sous traitement de prednisone. Nous discutons le diagnostic différentiel de l'hyperéosinophilie associée à des infiltrats pulmonaires.
Fièvre d'origine indéterminée avec hépatite granulomateuse, uvéite et insuffisance rénale aiguë
Authors: Moret  , Meier  , Rotman  , Lepori  , Lamy
Published: January 2006

Nous rapportons l'histoire d'un homme de 46 ans, présentant depuis 2 mois une fièvre d'origine indéterminée (FUO) avec asthénie et perte pondérale. L'anamnèse systématique et le status révèlent uniquement une douleur mécanique de l'épaule droite. Les antécédents font état d'une tuberculose chez le père lorsque le patient était enfant, d'une hépatite granulomateuse à Brucella et d'une hépatite B il y a 17 ans, et de 2 épisodes d'uvéite ces 3 dernières années d'évolution favorable sous traitement local. Au laboratoire ressortent un syndrome inflammatoire avec anémie inflammatoire et une perturbation des tests hépatiques. La ponction-biopsie hépatique révèle une hépatite granulomateuse non spécifique. Dans les jours qui suivent, apparaît une insuffisance rénale avec un sédiment urinaire inactif. La ponction-biopsie rénale est effectuée permettant de poser, dans ce contexte le diagnostic de sarcoïdose. L'évolution sera tout à fait favorable sous traitement de prednisone. Le diagnostic différentiel de la FUO et l'atteinte rénale liée à la sarcoïdose sont discutés.
Pancytopénie, schizocytose et hémolyse: les pièges diagnostiques d'une pathologie fréquente se manifestant comme une pathologie rare et grave
Authors: Monti  , Canellini  , Trueb  , Cairoli  , Lamy
Published: January 2006

Nous discutons le cas d'une femme de 83 ans qui présente depuis 2 semaines une asthénie, une dyspnée progressive, avec apparition d'un ictère indolore. Les examens de laboratoire mettent en évidence une pancytopénie avec une anémie hémolytique sévère, une thrombopénie et une importante schizocytose. Cette association fait évoquer en premier lieu une microangiopathie thrombotique. L'absence de réticulocytose et de symptômes neurologiques ont permis d'écarter cette hypothèse, alors que la présence d'une macrocytose érythrocytaire et de neutrophiles hypersegmentés sur le frottis sanguin nous ont orienté vers une carence en vitamine B12 et en folates. Après substitution vitaminique nous avons observé une crise réticulocytaire, puis une normalisation des paramètres hématologiques.
The Evaluation of Love
Authors: Yela Carlos
Published: January 2006

In the present paper we tried to obtain a brief, reliable, and valid theoretically based instrument to assess love dimensions within the area of intimate interpersonal relationships. To achieve this, preliminary scales were created based on Sternberg's three-factor model ( Sternberg, 1986 ) and its further refined four-factor model ( Yela, 1996 ). These scales were applied to a sample of 412 people. The results of the factor analysis suggest the appropriateness of using a short version of the preliminary scales (with just five items for each factor). The remaining data obtained from the analysis suggest that the simplified scales show similar psychometric strength to the long preliminary scales. This could be interesting for both basic research and for a potentially applied use.
On the Pragmatics of Qualitative Assessment
Authors: Schilling Jan
Published: January 2006

Using the example of a project on the assessment of implicit leadership theories, this article aims to describe qualitative content analysis as a systematic, rule-based process of analyzing verbal and textual data (e.g., interviews, group discussions, documents). Steps and typical problems in the qualitative assessment process are addressed and guidelines for decision and action presented. The steps include transcription of interview tapes into raw data, condensing and structuring the data, building and applying a category system, displaying data and results for concluding analyses and interpretation. Necessary checks for securing the quality of the assessment are shown for each step. Ideas for the combination of qualitative and quantitative analyses are presented, and applications of qualitative content analysis in the field of psychological assessment discussed.
A French Adaptation of the UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale
Authors: Van der Linden Martial , d'Acremont Mathieu , Zermatten Ariane , Jermann Françoise , Larøi Frank , Willems Sylvie , Juillerat Anne-Claude , Bechara Antoine
Published: January 2006

Impulsivity is an important and multifaceted psychological construct. Recently, Whiteside and Lynam (2001) have developed the UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale that distinguishes four dimensions of impulsivity: Urgency, lack of Premeditation, lack of Perseverance, and Sensation seeking. In the present study, we investigated the psychometric properties of a French adaptation of the UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale. Two hundred and thirty-four undergraduate students completed the UPPS Scale. Exploratory and confirmatory analyses revealed a four factors solution similar to that found in the original study. Also, the results indicated that there was good to very good internal reliability for the four subscales.
The Influence of Method Factors on the Relation between Attitudes and Self-Reported Behaviors in the Assessment of Acculturation
Authors: Arends-Tóth Judit , van de Vijver Fons J.R. , Poortinga Ype H.
Published: January 2006

The role of variation in response scales and measurement methods in the often implicitly assumed attitude-behavior exchangeability in the assessment of acculturation was investigated. Three levels of equivalence of acculturation attitudes and self-reported behaviors were studied: structural equivalence (identity of the internal structure of attitude and behavior), metric equivalence (identity of measurement unit for the two), and scalar equivalence (identity of measurement unit and scale origin). In three studies involving Turkish-Dutch adults a high overall level of structural equivalence was found, implying that acculturation attitudes and behaviors can be conceptualized using a single underlying construct (i.e., acculturation). Metric and scalar equivalence varied across life domains, response scales, and measurement methods: They were higher for the private than for the public domain, for identical than for different response scales, and for the one-statement than for the two-statement measurement method. We concluded that in the assessment of acculturation attitudes and behaviors can only be interchanged in highly restricted conditions.
Development and Validation of a German-Language Version of the Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire (ICQ)
Authors: Kanning Uwe Peter
Published: January 2006

In the current article, the development and validation of a German-language version of the Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire (ICQ; Buhrmester, Furman, Wittenberg, & Reis, 1988 ) are described. The five-factor structure of the ICQ is confirmed by structure equation analysis and reliability is well documented (Cronbach's α = .72-.84). The validation is carried out using the NEO-FFI ( Costa & McCrae, 1992 ) as well as biographical data. In accordance with our expectations, we found positive correlations between the ICQ scales and the NEO-FFI scales of extraversion, conscientiousness, openness and agreeableness as well as negative correlations between the ICQ scales and neuroticism (NEO-FFI). Interpersonal competence, measured by the ICQ, is positively correlated with biographical items, which can have a beneficial influence on the acquisition of social competencies (nonauthoritarian, supportive educational style of parents; leadership in youth) or can be seen as a consequence of already formed competencies (extraverted interpersonal behavior in youth, current social integration and behavior).
Development of the Self-Image Profile for Adults [SIP-AD]
Authors: Butler Richard J. , Gasson Sarah L.
Published: January 2006

Self-esteem is an important notion within clinical practice, yet despite numerous initiatives in measuring the concept, most scales lack a theoretical foundation and are methodologically questionable, being author generated and psychometrically tested on small samples of college students. The Self-Image Profile for adults (SIP-AD), developed and validated on a large British population, is a brief measure (30 items) of both self-esteem and self-image. Through a cross sectional survey of 1,462 adults (17-65 years) across all regions of the United Kingdom, factor structure and convergent validity was assessed. Factorial validity revealed six factors, renamed Aspects of Self, confirmed through oblique rotation, in line with a theoretical position of multidimensionality of self-construing. Measures of internal consistency were 0.898 for Cronbach's coefficient α. Both self-esteem and self-image scores correlated significantly with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (.418 and -.424 respectively) and Tennessee Self-Concept Scale-2 (.557 and -.512). The format of the SIP-AD, with a visually available profile, fosters collaboration between respondent and clinician, which befits its employment in clinical practice.
Seismic anisotropy at Hydrate Ridge
Authors: Kumar Dhananjay , Sen Mrinal K. , Bangs Nathan L. , Wang Chengshu , Pecher Ingo
Published: January 2006

P‐wave velocity increases in the presence of gas hydrates and decreases in the presence of free gas in the sediments, making it an excellent means to investigate gas hydrate systems. However, seismic velocity is typically derived from surface seismic data without consideration of seismic anisotropy. The presence of anisotropy in the hydrate bearing sediments adds an additional complexity in data analysis; however anisotropy can help reveal the distribution of hydrates. Here we report on the evidence of seismic anisotropy at Hydrate Ridge along the Cascadia convergent margin. We find that the south summit is anisotropic, while the basin side (east of south summit) is isotropic. Anisotropy is likely caused by the hydrate veins. We interpret the anisotropy parameters in terms of the distribution and fabric of gas hydrates.
Dynamic and thermodynamic influences on intensified daily rainfall during the Asian summer monsoon under doubled atmospheric CO2 conditions
Authors: Dairaku K. , Emori S.
Published: January 2006

Results from time‐slice ensemble experiments using a T106 AGCM revealed changes in the South Asian summer monsoon resulting from climate change. Model results under global warming conditions suggested more warming over land than over the ocean, a northward shift of lower tropospheric monsoon circulation, and an increase in mean precipitation during the Asian summer monsoon. The number of extreme daily precipitation events increased significantly. Increases in mean and extreme precipitation were attributed to greater atmospheric moisture content (a thermodynamic change). In contrast, dynamic changes limited the intensification of mean precipitation. Enhanced extreme precipitation over land in South Asia arose from dynamic changes rather than thermodynamic changes.
Simulation of sampling error of average rainfall rates in space and time by five satellites using radar‐AMeDAS composites
Authors: Iida Yasuhisa , Okamoto Ken'ichi , Ushio Tomoo , Oki Riko
Published: January 2006

Sampling error has long been an important issue in satellite‐based rainfall measuring mission planning such as for TRMM and GPM (Global Precipitation Measurement), and in evaluating global maps of space‐time average rain rate from multi‐satellite rainfall data. Sampling errors due to sparse space‐time rainfall observations from five currently operated low‐earth‐orbiting satellites (Aqua, DMSP‐F13, F14, F15, TRMM (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission)) were evaluated using 3‐year radar‐AMeDAS composite data around Japan. We simulate realistic observational patterns for the satellite‐borne microwave radiometers. Root‐mean‐square sampling error is expressed as a fraction of true average rain rate. We formulate sampling error as a function of space scale ranging from 0.1° to 5.0°, time scale from 1 to 30 (day), and true average rain rate from 0.001 to 15 (mm/h) for five different combinations of these five satellites.
Numerical study of circulation, dispersion, and hydrodynamic connectivity of surface waters on the Belize shelf
Authors: Tang Liqun , Sheng Jinyu , Hatcher Bruce G. , Sale Peter F.
Published: January 2006

A nested grid ocean circulation modeling system is used to examine the circulation, dispersion, and hydrodynamic connectivity of surface waters on the Belizean shelf. The nested grid system consists of a coarse‐resolution (∼19 km) outer model of the western Caribbean Sea, an intermediate‐resolution (∼6 km) middle model of the southern Meso‐American Barrier Reef System (MBRS), and a fine‐resolution (∼2 km) inner model of the Belizean shelf. The nested system is forced by climatological monthly mean surface forcing and integrated over 5 years. The near‐surface circulation on the Belize shelf produced by the inner model is characterized by a strong and persistent northwestward flow as a direct influence of the Caribbean Current on the northwestern shelf and a weak and spatially variable flow on the inner and southern shelf. The monthly mean model currents are used to calculate retention and dispersion of conservative, near‐surface particles carried by the ocean currents. The near‐surface dispersion is relatively higher in areas seaward (east) of Lighthouse and Glovers Reef atolls and lower on the inner shelf, particularly within the Inner Channel and in the vicinity of South Water Cay. To examine hydrodynamic connectivity of reefs in the surface waters of the Belize shelf, we calculate upstream and downstream retention areas for coral reefs at Turneffe Islands and Glovers Reef atolls. The potential sources of passive, near‐surface particle supply reaching these two reef atolls within 30 days include both the shallow waters surrounding the two sites, the deep waters between them, and the coastal waters of the Bay Islands (Honduras). The 30‐day downstream retention areas of the Turneffe and Glovers Reef atolls cover the central and southern Belize shelf, respectively.
Evaluation of clear‐sky solar fluxes in GCMs participating in AMIP and IPCC‐AR4 from a surface perspective
Authors: Wild Martin , Long Charles N. , Ohmura Atsumu
Published: January 2006

Solar fluxes at the Earth's surface calculated in General Circulation Models (GCMs) contain large uncertainties, not only in the presence of clouds but, as shown here, even under clear‐sky (i.e., cloud‐free) conditions. Adequate observations to constrain the uncertainties in these clear‐sky fluxes have long been missing. The present study provides newly derived observational clear‐sky climatologies at worldwide distributed anchor sites with high‐accuracy measurements from the Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN) and the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program (ARM). These data are used to systematically assess the performance of a total of 36 GCMs with respect to their surface solar clear‐sky fluxes. These models represent almost 2 decades of model development, from the atmospheric model intercomparison projects AMIP I and AMIP II to the state of the art models participating in the 4th Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC‐AR4). Results show that earlier model versions tend to largely overestimate the surface insolation under cloud‐free conditions. This identifies an overly transparent cloud‐free atmosphere as a key error source for the excessive surface insolation in GCMs noted in previous studies. Possible origins are an underestimated water vapor absorption and a lack of adequate aerosol forcing. Similar biases remain in a number of current models with comparatively low atmospheric clear‐sky solar absorption (around 60 Wm−2 in the global mean). However, there are now several models participating in IPCC‐AR4 with higher atmospheric clear‐sky absorption (70 Wm−2 and up, globally averaged) and more realistic aerosol treatment, which are in excellent agreement with the newly derived observational clear‐sky climatologies. This underlines the progress made in radiative transfer modeling as well as in the observation and diagnosis of solar radiation under cloudless atmospheres and puts the most likely value of solar radiation absorbed in the cloud‐free atmosphere slightly above 70 Wm−2.