bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antiferritin antibodies discovered by phage display expression cloning are associated with radiographic damage in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Mewar D. , Moore D. J. , Young‐Min S. , Bertolaccini M. L. , Khamashta M. A. , Watson P. F. , Wilson A. G.
Published: December 2005

Objective

Several autoantibodies have been described in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), leading to interest in the use of such antibodies as diagnostic or prognostic markers in RA as well as in their relevance to disease pathology. The objective of this study was to use a phage display expression cloning system to identify novel autoantibody targets in RA.

Methods

We used immunoscreening of a phage‐displayed complementary DNA (cDNA) library to isolate a cDNA clone encoding the ferritin heavy chain polypeptide. Antiferritin antibody levels in patients with early and established RA, healthy controls, and disease controls were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Antibody‐positive and antibody‐negative individuals were compared with respect to disease severity as measured by the modified Larsen score, demographic variables, rheumatoid factor status, and carriage of HLA–DRB1 shared epitope alleles.

Results

Antiferritin antibodies were present in 60 (16%) of 366 patients with established RA, 23 (19%) of 118 patients with early RA, 2 (2.7%) of 73 healthy blood donors, 2 (2.1%) of 94 individuals with osteoarthritis, and 2 (2.1%) of 97 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (P < 0.01, RA patients versus healthy and disease controls). Antiferritin antibodies were more common in men than in women (28.4% versus 12.2%; P < 0.001), and antiferritin levels were associated with the severity of joint damage (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Antiferritin antibodies are observed in a subset of patients with RA, are present early in the disease course, and are associated with the severity of radiographic damage. Further studies are required to explore their potential as diagnostic and prognostic markers in RA.
The mannose‐binding lectin gene polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus: Two case–control studies and a meta‐analysis
Authors: Ho Lee Young , Witte Torsten , Momot Tanja , Schmidt Reinhold E. , Kaufman Kenneth M. , Harley John B. , Sestak Andrea L.
Published: December 2005

Objective

Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) enhances opsonization and activates complement. Dysfunctional alleles of MBL have been associated with low plasma concentrations of MBL and increased risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but genotyping studies have shown inconsistent results. We performed case–control studies of the MBL polymorphisms in 2 Caucasian cohorts and a meta‐analysis incorporating all published results of MBL genotyping in SLE to explore whether the MBL functional variants are associated with SLE.

Methods

MBL genotypes at 7 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms were sequenced in 96 European American patients with SLE and 96 age‐, race‐, and sex‐matched controls. MBL codons 52, 54, and 57 were genotyped in 285 German patients with SLE and 200 race‐matched controls. Allele frequencies of all known variants were tallied for meta‐analysis.

Results

Although there was a trend toward association with MBL polymorphisms in both patient cohorts evaluated, none of them was significantly associated with SLE on its own. Seventeen comparisons from 15 studies were included in the meta‐analysis. Publication bias was excluded by Egger's regression test (P = 0.14). The overall odds ratio for MBL codon 54 variant B was 1.406 (95% confidence interval 1.221–1.608; P < 0.001). Stratification by ethnicity showed significantly increased odds ratios for association of the MBL codon 54B variant with SLE in African, Asian, and Caucasian cohorts.

Conclusion

Meta‐analysis of all available studies on MBL polymorphisms and SLE shows that MBL variant alleles such as MBL exon 1 codon 54 B, promoter –550 L, and promoter –221 X are SLE risk factors. This association is robust and persists after incorporation of data from our 2 cohorts in which the association failed to reach significance.
The Disease Activity Score is not suitable as the sole criterion for initiation and evaluation of anti–tumor necrosis factor therapy in the clinic: Discordance between assessment measures and limitations in questionnaire use for regulatory purposes
Authors: Wolfe Frederick , Michaud Kaleb , Pincus Theodore , Furst Daniel , Keystone Edward
Published: December 2005

Objective

The Disease Activity Score (DAS) is widely used in clinical trials. A DAS of 5.1 defines the level of severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is the criterion for the initiation of anti–tumor necrosis factor therapy in the UK and The Netherlands. In North America, similar rules are sometimes imposed. However, it is not known how accurately the DAS characterizes RA activity. The present study was undertaken to determine the concordance between DAS scores and physicians' assessments of RA activity, to investigate factors relating to discrepancies, and to assess the suitability of using the DAS in individual patients.

Methods

Six hundred sixty‐nine RA patients were assessed using the DAS and other clinical measures. A physician's global estimate of RA activity was performed using an 11‐point predefined scale and a standard definition of disease activity.

Results

The DAS and physician global assessment had substantially different distributions of values. The level of agreement (Kendall's tau‐a) between DAS scores and physician global assessments was 49% (95% confidence interval 45–53%), Lin's coefficient of concordance was 0.62, and the Bland‐Altman 95% limits of agreement were −3.17 and 3.99. These results suggest poor‐to‐moderate concordance between the 2 measures of disease activity.

Conclusion

The DAS and the physician's assessment of RA activity do not approach, value, and weight RA variables to the same extent, suggesting that RA activity is not evaluated similarly by North American physicians and with the DAS. The scales do not have acceptable levels of concordance. There is too much inherent variability in the DAS and other RA scales (e.g., the Health Assessment Questionnaire) to recommend them as sole determinants of RA activity for clinical or regulatory purposes.
Impact of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography on surgical management of melanoma patients
Authors: Bastiaannet E , Oyen W J G , Meijer S , Hoekstra O S , Wobbes T , Jager P L , Hoekstra H J
Published: December 2005

Background

Several studies have shown adequate sensitivity and specificity of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) for the detection of metastases from melanoma, but few have addressed its impact on treatment. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the impact of FDG-PET on treatment of melanoma in three Dutch university medical centres.

Methods

The medical records of 257 patients were reviewed. The indications for FDG-PET and findings were recorded. Unexpected findings of suspected (pre)malignant tumours other than melanoma were assessed. Treatment plans before and after FDG-PET were recorded and analysed to evaluate changes in disease management.

Results

Most scans (71·2 per cent) were requested for staging, mainly to detect distant metastases in patients with stage III disease. Overall, 56 patients (21·8 per cent) were upstaged as a result of PET. In 44 patients (17·1 per cent) treatment was changed, usually from surgery to systemic treatment in patients with stage III disease. Unexpected tumours were detected (mainly colorectal) in 11 patients (4·3 per cent).

Conclusion

FDG-PET is most valuable in patients with stage III melanoma for detection of distant metastases and identification of candidates for surgery and/or systemic treatment. Unexpected FDG-PET findings should not be disregarded, as (pre)malignant, clinically relevant, tumours may be identified.
Pathologic features of endometrial carcinoma associated with HNPCC
Authors: Broaddus Russell R. , Lynch Henry T. , Chen Lee‐may , Daniels Molly S. , Conrad Peggy , Munsell Mark F. , White Kristin G. , Luthra Rajyalakshmi , Lu Karen H.
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND

Endometrial carcinoma is a common malignancy in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal carcinoma (HNPCC). Like colon carcinoma, endometrial carcinoma is diagnosed at an earlier age in women with HNPCC. In contrast to colon carcinoma, the pathologic features of endometrial carcinoma in HNPCC have not been studied in detail. It was the purpose of this study to pathologically characterize a series of HNPCC associated endometrial carcinomas.

METHODS

Fifty women with HNPCC and endometrial carcinoma were analyzed from four different hereditary cancer registries. H&E stained slides and pathology reports were reviewed for clinically important pathologic features of endometrial carcinoma. These results were compared with those for two different groups of sporadic endometrial carcinoma – women younger than age 50 years (n = 42) and women of all ages with tumors demonstrating microsatellite instability (MSI‐high) secondary to methylation of MLH1 (n = 26).

RESULTS

Nearly one‐fourth of HNPCC patients in this study had endometrial tumors with pathologic features that would require adjuvant therapy after hysterectomy. There was a trend toward the HNPCC patients having more nonendometrioid tumors; all of these patients were carriers of MSH2 mutations. Such nonendometrioid tumors were extremely rare in the MLH1 methylated group. A subset of MLH1 methylated sporadic tumors demonstrated a unique, ‘undifferentiated’ histology that was not observed in HNPCC or the young group.

CONCLUSION

Data suggest a genotype–phenotype relation in which microsatellite instability resulting from MLH1 methylation is almost exclusively associated with classical or ‘undifferentiated’ endometrioid tumors, whereas microsatellite instability secondary to MSH2 mutation can result in a more variable histologic spectrum of endometrial carcinoma. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Genesis of solitons arising from individual Flows of the Camassa‐Holm hierarchy
Authors: Loubet Enrique
Published: December 2005

The present work offers a detailed account of the large‐time development of the velocity profile run by a single “individual” Hamiltonian flow of the Camassa‐Holm (CH) hierarchy, the Hamiltonian employed being the reciprocal of any eigenvalue of the underlying spectral problem. In this simpler scenario, I prove some of the conjectures raised by McKean [27]. Notably, I confirm the ultimate shaping into solitons of the cusps that appear, near blowup sites, of any velocity profile emanating from an initial disposition for which breakdown of the wave in finite time is sure to happen. The careful large‐time asymptotic analysis is carried fromexactexpressions describing the velocity in terms of initial data, the integration involving a “Lagrangian” scale and three “theta functions,” the rates at which the latter reach their common values at each end of the line characterizing the region where soliton genesis is expected. In fact, the present method also suggests how solitons may arise from initial conditions not leading to breakdown. The full CH flow is nothing but a superposition of such commuting “individual” actions. Therein lies the hope that the present account will pave the way to elucidate soliton formation for more complex flows, in particular for the CH flow itself. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On Hamiltonian perturbations of hyperbolic systems of conservation laws I: Quasi‐Triviality of bi‐Hamiltonian perturbations
Authors: Dubrovin Boris , Liu Si‐Qi , Zhang Youjin
Published: December 2005

We study the general structure of formal perturbative solutions to the Hamiltonian perturbations of spatially one‐dimensional systems of hyperbolic PDEsvt+ [ϕ(v)]x= 0. Under certain genericity assumptions it is proved that anybi‐Hamiltonianperturbation can be eliminated in all orders of the perturbative expansion by a change of coordinates on the infinite jet space dependingrationallyon the derivatives. The main tool is in constructing the so‐called quasi‐Miura transformation of jet coordinates, eliminating an arbitrary deformation of a semisimple bi‐Hamiltonian structure of hydrodynamic type (the quasi‐triviality theorem). We also describe, following [35], the invariants of such bi‐Hamiltonian structures with respect to the group of Miura‐type transformations dependingpolynomiallyon the derivatives. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CO Cleavage Promoted by Acetylide Addition to Vinyliminium Diiron Complexes
Authors: Busetto Luigi , Marchetti Fabio , Zacchini Stefano , Zanotti Valerio
Published: December 2005

The vinyliminium complex [Fe2{μ‐η1:η3‐C(Me)=C(Me)C=N(Me)(Xyl)}(μ‐CO)(CO)(Cp)2][SO3CF3] (1; Xyl = 2,6‐Me2C6H3) reacts with LiC≡CR [R = C6H4Me = Tol, Ph, H, nBu, SiMe3, C(Me)=CH2] affording the amido‐functionalized allylidene complexes [Fe2{μ‐κ1(O):η1(C):η3(C)‐C(C≡CR)C(Me)C(Me)C(O)N(Me)(Xyl)}(μ‐CO)(Cp)2] [R = C6H4Me = Tol, 2; R = Ph, 3; R = H, 4; R = nBu, 5; R = SiMe3, 6; R = C(Me)=CH2, 7] in good yields. Labelling experiments with 13CO‐enriched 1 indicate that formation of 2–7 occurs through cleavage of the carbon–oxygen bond of a coordinated CO ligand. The molecular structure of 2 has been determined by an X‐ray diffraction study. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Non‐instrumental voice and extra‐role behaviour
Authors: Platow Michael J. , Filardo Francesca , Troselj Linda , Grace Diana M. , Ryan Michelle K.
Published: December 2005

The instrumental power associated with voicing opinions to an authority was manipulated to observe the effects upon subsequent discretionary, extra‐role behaviours. In two experiments, the provision of non‐instrumental voice increased extra‐role behaviours above a no voice condition. Experiment 2 also showed that this relationship was mediated by procedural‐justice perceptions, but not respect from, or social identification with, the group. The implications of these data for current theory, as well as the possible moderating role of social identification, are discussed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of gene expression and DNA copy number changes in a murine model of lung cancer
Authors: Sweet‐Cordero Alejandro , Tseng George C. , You Han , Douglass Margaret , Huey Bing , Albertson Donna , Jacks Tyler
Published: December 2005

Activation of oncogenic Kras in murine lung leads to the development of numerous small adenomas, only some of which progress over time to overt adenocarcinoma. Thus, although Kras is the initiating oncogene, it is likely that secondary genetic events are required for progression from adenoma to adenocarcinoma. Some of these secondary events may also be important in human lung adenocarcinoma. By comparing gene expression profiles with DNA copy number changes, we sought to identify genes that play key roles in tumor progression in this model. Gene expression profiling revealed significant heterogeneity among the tumor samples. In 27% of the tumors analyzed, whole‐ or subchromosome duplications or deletions in one or more chromosomes were seen. Recurrent duplications were seen on chromosomes 6, 8, 16, and 19, whereas chromosomes 4, 11, and 17 were frequently lost. Notably, focal amplifications or deletions were not seen. Despite the lack of focal amplication, we showed that chromosome duplication has a measurable effect on gene expression that is not uniform across the genome. We identified a group of genes whose gene expression was highly correlated with changes in DNA copy number. These highly correlated genes were enriched for gene ontology categories involved in the DNA damage response and telomere maintenance. This article contains Supplementary Material available at http://www.interscience.wiley.com/jpages/1045‐2257/suppmat. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinicopathologic significance of CD105 expression in squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx
Authors: Chien Chih‐Yen , Su Chih‐Ying , Hwang Chung‐Feng , Chuang Hui‐Ching , Hsiao Yea‐Chyang , Wu Shu‐Ling , Huang Chao‐Cheng
Published: December 2005

Background.

Induction of angiogenesis is a key process in tumor growth and metastasis. We studied the CD105 (endoglin) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in hypopharyngeal cancer to evaluate their clinicopathologic significance.

Methods.

Seventy‐three patients who underwent complete excision of hypopharyngeal cancer were included in this study. Clinicopathologic data were collected retrospectively. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed with antibodies of CD105 and VEGF. Positive‐stained microvessels for CD105 were counted on hot spots of tumors. The staining intensity for VEGF was also evaluated.

Results.

High expression of CD105 correlated significantly with positive nodal metastasis (p < .001) and TNM stage (p < .01). High expression of VEGF correlated significantly with advanced tumor (T) classification (p < .01). The overall 5‐year survival rate was worse in patients with higher CD105 expression (p < .001), advanced TNM stage (p < .01), advanced T classification (p < .01), and positive nodal metastasis (p < .001). Furthermore, Cox regression analysis revealed that CD105 expression in microvessels of tumor tissue, advanced T classification, and nodal status were independent factors for survival.

Conclusion.

Our results suggest that expression of CD105 is a useful predictive prognostic factor in hypopharyngeal cancer. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 28: 441–446, 2006
Crop nitrogen recovery and soil nitrogen dynamics in a 10‐year field experiment with biowaste compost
Authors: Hartl Wilfried , Erhart Eva
Published: December 2005

When fertilizing with compost, the fate of the nitrogen applied via compost (mineralization, plant uptake, leaching, soil accumulation) is relevant both from a plant‐production and an environmental point of view. In a 10‐year crop‐rotation field experiment with biowaste‐compost application rates of 9, 16, and 23 t ha–1 y–1 (f. m.), the N recovery by crops was 7%, 4%, and 3% of the total N applied via compost. Due to the high inherent fertility of the site, N recovery from mineral fertilizer was also low. In the minerally fertilized treatments, which received 25, 40, and 56 kg N ha–1 y–1 on average, N recovery from mineral fertilizer was 15%, 13%, and 11%, respectively.

Although total N loads in the compost treatments were much higher than the N loads applied with mineral fertilizer (89–225 kg Ntot ha–1 y–1 vs. 25–56 kg Ntot ha–1 y–1; both on a 10‐year mean) and the N recovery was lower than in the treatments receiving mineral N fertilizer, soil NO$ _3^- $‐N contents measured three times a year (spring, post‐harvest, autumn) showed no higher increase through compost fertilization than through mineral fertilization at the rates applied in the experiment.

Soil contents of Norg and Corg in the plowed layer (0–30 cm depth) increased significantly with compost fertilization, while with mineral fertilization, Norg contents were not significantly higher. Taking into account the decrease in soil Norg contents in the unfertilized control during the 10 years of the experiment, 16 t compost (f. m.) ha–1 y–1 just sufficed to keep the Norg content of the soil at the initial level.
Lattice permutation for reducing motion artifacts in radial and spiral dynamic imaging
Authors: Tsao Jeffrey , Boesiger Peter , Pruessmann Klaas P.
Published: December 2005

Radial and spiral trajectories exhibit favorable characteristics for dynamic imaging. Nevertheless, changes in image contents during acquisition lead to inconsistencies in the k‐space data, which are manifested as streaks or spiral artifacts, respectively. This work proposes the concept of lattice permutation to reorder the data segments for artifact suppression. This acts to reshuffle the alias pattern along the temporal frequency axis. The proposed approach is well suited to sliding window reconstruction, although more sophisticated methods are also possible. For typical image series where the signal energies are concentrated in the low temporal frequencies, the permutation displaces most of the aliased signals from the low temporal frequencies to the high temporal frequencies, where they are attenuated by sliding window reconstruction, while the signals in the low temporal frequencies are mostly contaminated by aliasing from the much weaker signals in the higher temporal frequencies. This results in considerably reduced artifacts without any increase in scan time. In practice, lattice permutation achieves similar artifact suppression as the bit‐reversed order, but with a less stringent restriction on the number of segments. At the same time, it provides a more powerful approach to controlling the alias pattern exactly. Results from real‐time cardiac imaging are demonstrated. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brachial plexopathy due to malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in neurofibromatosis type 1: Case report and subject review
Authors: Pacelli James , Whitaker Charles H.
Published: December 2005

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common tumor predisposition syndrome affecting approximately 1 in 4,000 persons. It is an autosomal‐dominant disorder with half of the cases resulting from spontaneous mutations. This genetic defect leads to the formation of benign tumors or neurofibromas of the peripheral nervous system. Dermal neurofibromas may cause local discomfort and itching but are rarely associated with neurological deficit and do not undergo malignant change. The more extensive plexiform neurofibromas produce neurological complications in 27%–43% of patients with NF1 and may undergo malignant degeneration in 5% of cases. Patients with NF1 who develop pain or new neurological symptoms should have a rapid and thorough assessment for malignancy. In this report, we illustrate this point by presenting a patient who developed acute shoulder pain and weakness due to malignant degeneration of a plexiform neurofibroma involving the left brachial plexus, and review the literature on this subject. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Quay crane scheduling at container terminals to minimize the maximum relative tardiness of vessel departures
Authors: Liu Jiyin , Wan Yat‐wah , Wang Lei
Published: December 2005

In this paper, we study the problem of scheduling quay cranes (QCs) at container terminals where incoming vessels have different ready times. The objective is to minimize the maximum relative tardiness of vessel departures. The problem can be formulated as a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model of large size that is difficult to solve directly. We propose a heuristic decomposition approach to breakdown the problem into two smaller, linked models, the vessel‐level and the berth‐level models. With the same berth‐level model, two heuristic methods are developed using different vessel‐level models. Computational experiments show that the proposed approach is effective and efficient. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2006
Drawing behavior and characteristics of laser‐drawn polypropylene fibers
Authors: Jalal Uddin Ahmed , Mashima Yusuke , Ohkoshi Yutaka , Gotoh Yasuo , Nagura Masanobu , Sakamoto Akinobu , Kuroda Ryuma
Published: December 2005

Drawing behavior, flow drawing, and neck drawing, was studied for isotacticpolypropylene fibers in CO2 laser drawing system, and the fiber structure and the mechanical properties of drawn fibers were analyzed. For a certain laser power, flow drawing of polypropylene (PP) was possible up to draw ratio (DR) 19.5. Though the drawing stress was very low, the flow‐drawn PP fiber exhibited oriented crystal structure and improved mechanical properties. On the other hand, neck‐drawing was accomplished from DR 4 to 12, with significant increase in drawing stress that enhanced the development of fiber structure and mechanical properties. Unlike PET, the drawing stress depends not only on the DR, but on irradiated laser power also. The 10–12 times neck‐drawn fibers were highly fibrillated. The fibers having tensile strength 910 MPa, initial modulus 11 GPa, and dynamic modulus 14 GPa were obtained by single‐step laser drawing system. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 398–408, 2006
Spin and mixed spin‐and‐orbital excitations in KCuF3
Authors: Sikora O. , Oleś A. M.
Published: December 2005

We investigate the effective spin‐orbital superexchange model for KCuF3 including the superexchange term due to charge‐transfer excitations. We investigate the spin wave and spin‐and‐orbital wave excitations using the bosonic representation of spin and orbital operators for the antiferromagnetic ground state with the ferro‐type of orbital order of occupied eg orbitals. It is shown that antiferromagnetic order is stabilized either by the charge‐transfer superexchange or by the crystal field splitting of the eg energy levels. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Unusual negative magnetisation effect in antiferromagnetic YbFe4Al8 compound
Authors: Andrzejewski B. , Kowalczyk A. , Frąckowiak J. E. , Toliński T. , Szlaferek A. , Pal S. , Simon Ch.
Published: December 2005

We have investigated the effect of negative magnetisation in the YbFe4Al8 compound by means of Mössbauer effect and magnetic measurements. Our conclusions disagree with earlier studies of the compound, in which the existence of a small amount of superconducting phase was reported. We explain the effect of the negative magnetisation in terms of antiferromagnetic interactions between the moment of Yb and the effective moment of the canted Fe spins. The system exhibits negative magnetisation when the effective moment, which is oriented along the external magnetic field, is dominated at low temperatures by the opposite rare earth moment. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Kondo phenomena of structural defects in USbTe ferromagnet
Authors: Henkie Z. , Cichorek T. , Wawryk R. , Wojakowski A. , Steglich F.
Published: December 2005

We have examined an anisotropy of the electrical resistivity ρ (T ) and the thermoelectric power S (T ) in ferromagnetic USbTe. Analysis of the ρ (T ) dependencies revealed an additional term that may be related to a Kondo effect derived from structural two‐level systems. In such a scenario, a continuous decrease of the resistivity upon cooling far below the ferromagnetic transition would suggest a presence of a coherent scattering with a characteristic temperature T 2* = 80 K. The latter is also inferred from the S (T ) data. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Tunnelling magnetoresistance of a T‐shaped Fano dot
Authors: Ţolea Mugurel , Bułka Bogdan R.
Published: December 2005

We show the role of the Fano interference on the magnetoresistance properties of a T‐shaped double‐dot placed between ferromagnetic electrodes. In the linear voltage regime, the magnetoresistance is a nonmonotonic function of the gate voltage. We find high values of the magnetoresistance at the Fano dip and far from it. For resonant transmission, the magnetoresistance is lower and it can be negative for asymmetric couplings. Particularities of the system in nonequilibrium transport are also analysed. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Thermal hysteresis of the phase‐transition temperature of single‐crystal GdB6
Authors: Reiffers M. , Šebek J. , Šantavá E. , Pristáš G. , Kunii S.
Published: December 2005

The phase transition of a single‐crystal sample of GdB6, oriented along the 〈111〉 axis using the temperature dependence of electrical resistivity ρ (T ), susceptibility χ (T ) and heat capacity C (T ) under an applied magnetic field was studied. ρ (T ) has shown 2 anomalies – a sharp drop at T N1 = 15.4 K and a small maximum at T N2 = 9.1 K with thermal hysteresis effect. χ (T ) shows the anomalies at both transition temperatures. C (T ) shows similar thermal hysteresis effect at T N2. The small maximum at T N2 decreases its position to lower temperatures with increasing magnetic field. The peak at T N1 is practically unaffected by an applied magnetic field up to 9 T. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Coronal measurement of the fetal lateral ventricles: comparison between ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Garel C. , Alberti C.
Published: December 2005

Objective

Cerebral ventricular atrial diameter is routinely measured on fetal ultrasound examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); however, the methods have not been compared prospectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate the agreement between fetal ultrasonography and MRI in the measurement of atrial diameter on a coronal slice.

Materials and methods

Measurements of both lateral ventricles were performed prospectively in 106 fetuses using ultrasonography and MRI on the same day. In 39 of these fetuses, MRI was performed following the detection of ventriculomegaly on ultrasound examination. The median gestational age was 32 weeks. The following factors were recorded: the fetal position, the ventricular location (deep or superficial) and the ultrasound approach (transfontanellar or not). The measurements were performed on a coronal slice at the level of the choroid plexuses using both techniques.

Results

The two techniques yielded results in close agreement, independently of the three factors noted above. Ventricular atrial diameters below 10 mm tended to be slightly overestimated by ultrasonography, whereas those above 10 mm tended to be underestimated in comparison to measurements by MRI.

Conclusions

Coronal measurements of the atrial diameter of both cerebral ventricles, whether deep or superficial, are similar when obtained by ultrasonography and MRI. This agreement does not appear to be influenced by the position of the fetal head or by the ultrasound approach (transfontanellar or otherwise) used. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Turbomolecular pumps designed for plasma processes industry. Turbomolekularpumpen speziell für die Plasmaindustrie
Authors: Cerruti R. , Giors S. , Vissers W.
Published: December 2005

Plasma processes are a very popular method to produce high‐grade quality thin films on many different substrates. There are a large variety of different coating systems. Such systems go from small‐scale machines (i.e. Optical coating systems for ophthalmic lenses and filters), through mid‐size machines (such as systems for deposition on flexible substrates used in the food, electronics and packaging industry or systems used for producing optical and magnetic data storage media), up to large‐area systems (i.e. used for architectural glass coating or in the flat panel display industry). Even if all of these systems look very different, there are few common specific points that characterize most of these applications.

The plasma is normally based on Argon, Oxygen, Nitrogen (and more recently Krypton) mixtures in the mid 10–3 mbar range. The base pressure is generally over the mid 10–7 mbar range.

The deposition rate is very high and so the demand for gas throughput is high as well. (i.e. a glass coater can ionize more than 2000 sccm of Argon per cathode segment).

There is a high probability of debris and particle generation within the process; roughing and venting cycles are fast and sometimes uncontrolled (they can be described as air‐in rushes in some cases). Uptime and reliability are not an option, but a must in industrial production environments.

It is therefore difficult to believe that turbo molecular pumps originally designed to reach the 10–10 mbar range with a high number of pumping stages and very tight clearances, are capable to work reliability in this demanding environment. We are keener to think that if we want a reliable and performing pumping solution the design of the turbomolecular pump must be specific and dedicated to the application. Ideally this development process is done side by side with the ultimate equipment users, matching at best process requirements and turbomolecular pump design know‐how. As Varian Vacuum Technologies, we have followed that process and this article is sharing the results.
Nanotechnologie in der Automobiltechnik. Nanotechnology in automotive industry
Authors: Dreßen Jochen , Fellenberg Ralf
Published: December 2005

Bereits heute erzeugt die Nanotechnologie einen beträchtlichen Mehrwert bei der Optimierung von Oberflächen in Bezug auf tribologische, katalytische und optische Eigenschaften. Im Bereich der Werkstoffe stehen Nanokomposite erst am Anfang ihrer Möglichkeiten, Konstruktionswerkstoffe mit höherer Stabilität bei geringerem Gewicht herzustellen. Elektronik und Sensorik tragen bereits heute den Großteil der Innovationen im Automobil. Die zukünftigen Möglichkeiten einer Nanoelektronik werden zu weiteren Verbesserungen im Bereich Verbrauch und Sicherheit führen.
Guidelines for creating a food safety HACCP program in zoos or aquaria
Authors: Schmidt Debra A. , Travis Dominic A. , Williams J. Jason
Published: December 2005

The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) monitoring system has been used traditionally to increase quality control in human food production operations and there is pressure to implement it at the producer and purchaser levels of the food chain. Recently, the concept of HACCP monitoring has extended to food fed to domestic animals. Captive wildlife facilities, such as zoos and aquaria, would benefit from a well‐organized, food safety and nutritional monitoring system. Zoos and aquaria spend significant resources in time and money on maintaining the health of their animals; much of this energy is focused on disease prevention and adequate nutrition. The result of these combined efforts is the implementation of a HACCP program in zoo food management. Although zoo food handling standards have been implemented through the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) accreditation process, food borne disease outbreaks and malnutrition still exist. By implementing an organized approach to monitoring the quality of food delivered to the animals, the safety and nutritional value of the foods will increase, while decreasing the financial loss due to food waste and time spent caring for ill animals. This report provides a framework for implementing a HACCP program into the food preparation and handling system of zoos and aquaria. Zoo Biol 0:1–11, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fungicide and cultivar affect post-anthesis patterns of nitrogen uptake, remobilization and utilization efficiency in wheat
Authors: GOODING M. J. , GREGORY P. J. , FORD K. E. , PEPLER S.
Published: December 2005

Three successive field experiments (2000/01–2002/03) assessed the effect of wheat cultivar (Consort, Hereward and Shamrock) and fungicide (epoxiconazole and azoxystrobin) applied at and after flag leaf emergence on the nitrogen in the above-ground crop (Total N) and grain (Grain N), net nitrogen remobilization from non-grain tissues (Remobilized N), grain dry matter (Grain DM), and nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUtEg=Grain DM/Total N). Ordinary logistic curves were fitted to the accumulation of Grain N, Grain DM and Remobilized N against thermal time after anthesis and used to simultaneously derive fits for Total N and NUtEg.

When disease was controlled, Consort achieved the greatest Grain DM, Total N, Grain N and NUtEg; in each case due mostly to longer durations, rather than quicker rates, of accumulation. Fungicide application increased final Grain DM, Grain N, Total N and Remobilized N, also mostly through effects on duration rather than rate of accumulation. Completely senesced leaf laminas retained less nitrogen when fungicide had been applied compared with leaf laminas previously infected severely with brown rust (Puccinia recondita) and Septoria tritici, or with just S. tritici. Late movement of nitrogen out of fungicide-treated laminas contributed to extended duration of both nitrogen remobilization and grain N filling, and meant that increases in NUtEg could occur without simultaneous reductions in grain N concentration.
Intestinal distribution and fecundity of two species ofDiplostomumparasites in definitive hosts
Authors: KARVONEN A. , CHENG G.-H. , SEPPÄLÄ O. , VALTONEN E. T.
Published: December 2005

This paper investigated the intestinal distribution and fecundity of 2 species ofDiplostomumparasites,D. spathaceumandD. pseudospathaceum, in 2 species of definitive hosts, herring gull (Larus argentatus) and common gull (L. canus), using both empirical field data and experimental infections. At the level of individual hosts, the parasite species occupied different parts within the intestine, but the fecundity of the worms, measured as the number of eggs in the uterus, did not differ between the parasite species except in wild common gulls. Interestingly, egg numbers in individual hosts were positively correlated between the parasite species suggesting that some birds provided better resources for the parasite species. At the host population level, fecundity of the worms did not differ between the host species or between adult birds and chicks. Both parasite species were also aggregated to the same host individuals and it is likely that aggregation is transferred to gulls from fish intermediate hosts. Individual differences in suitability and parasite numbers between hosts provide important grounds and implications for epidemiological model-based parasite prevention strategies.
A model for measuring natural area values and park preferences
Authors: WINTER CAROLINE , LOCKWOOD MICHAEL
Published: December 2005

Theory suggests that values are important in determining an individual's behaviour and preferences related to environmental issues; however robust models that attempt to describe empirical relationships have proven elusive. This paper describes a model that clarified some relationships between values and preferences for the future management of natural areas. The key element in the model was the use of a new scale, the Natural Area Value Scale (NAVS) for measuring the relative strengths of individuals' intrinsic, non-use, use and recreation values for natural areas. Also of importance was a variable that grouped people according to their common values. The data were obtained from samples of the general public, environmentalists and farmers in Australia and were analysed in a structural equation model. The model indicated the relative importance of particular value components in determining nature conservation preferences, as well as individuals' willingness to make personal sacrifices to secure these preferences for protecting natural areas. The model fit differed for the three samples: it provided a good fit for the general public sample, for which it was designed, and weaker fit for environmentalists and farmers. The work contributes to understanding of the values that underlie conservation decisions and provides a basis for further research to develop the model's explanatory power.
Plate tectonics and the detection of land-based biosignatures on Mars and extrasolar planets
Authors: Parnell John
Published: December 2005

On Earth, surface detritus has a quartz-rich mineralogy as a consequence of plate tectonics. Rocky planets without plate tectonics, like Mars, have surface detritus derived from volcanic rocks. There is a marked contrast in the transmission of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) through the upper few millimetres of the two sediment types. Quartz-rich sediment allows PAR to penetrate below the level where ultraviolet (UV) radiation is cut out, so represents a potential refuge for phototrophs at an early stage of evolution before chemical defences against UV radiation are developed. Opaque volcanogenic sediment does not allow significant transmission of radiation beneath the surface. There are consequences for the expression of biosignatures from phototrophs. In the case of direct examination as proposed for Mars, techniques such as Raman spectroscopy will be applicable only to surfaces rather than penetratively into the subsurface. When spectroscopic techniques can be applied to extrasolar planets, the chance of a vegetation signature will be enhanced if the early evolution of phototrophs has been facilitated by a subsurface refuge.
Advances in understanding neuron–glia interactions
Authors: FIELDS R. DOUGLAS
Published: December 2005

Recent advances in the field of neuron–glia interactions were presented at the 27th International Symposium of the University of Montreal Center de Recherche en Sciences Neruologiques. Topics included synaptogenesis, regulation of synaptic strength by glia at the neuromuscular junction and hippocampus; myelin formation, structure, and maintenance; involvement of glia in nervous-system response to injury, hypoxia, and ischemia; neurogenesis and apoptosis, and microglial involvement in chronic pain.
Individual Differences in Students' Preferences for Lecturers' Personalities
Authors: Furnham Adrian , Chamorro-Premuzic Tomas
Published: December 2005

Abstract. This study examines the relationship between students' personality and intelligence scores with their preferences for the personality profile of their lecturers. Student ratings (N = 136) of 30 lecturer trait characteristics were coded into an internally reliable Big Five taxonomy ( Costa & McCrae, 1992 ). Descriptive statistics showed that, overall, students tended to prefer conscientious, open, and stable lecturers, though correlations revealed that these preferences were largely a function of students' own personality traits. Thus, open students preferred open lecturers, while agreeable students preferred agreeable lecturers. There was evidence of a similarity effect for both Agreeableness and Openness. In addition, less intelligent students were more likely to prefer agreeable lecturers than their more intelligent counterparts were. A series of regressions showed that individual differences are particularly good predictors of preferences for agreeable lecturers, and modest, albeit significant, predictors of preferences for open and neurotic lecturers. Educational and vocational implications are considered.
Analytical electron microscopy and focused ion beam: complementary tool for the imaging of copper sorption onto iron oxide aggregates
Authors: Mavrocordatos D. , Steiner M. , Boller M.
Published: December 2005

Nanometre‐scale electron spectroscopic imaging has been applied to characterize the operation of a copper filtration plant in environmental science. Copper washed off from roofs and roads is considered to be a major contributor to diffuse copper pollution of urban environments. A special adsorber system has been suggested to control the diffusion of copper fluxes by retaining Cu with a granulated iron hydroxide. The adsorber was tested over an 18‐month period on facade runoff. The concentrations range of Cu in the runoff water was measured between 10 and 1000 p.p.m. and could be reduced by between 96% and 99% in the adsorption ditch. Before the analysis of the adsorber, the suspended material from the inflow was ultracentrifuged onto TEM grids and analysed by energy‐filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM). Copper was found either as small precipitates 5–20 nm in size or adsorbed onto organic and inorganic particles. This Cu represents approximately 30% of the total dissolved Cu, measured by atomic emission spectrometry. To locate where the copper sorption takes place within the adsorber, the granulated iron oxide was analysed by analytical electron microscopy after exposure to the roof run‐off water. A section of the granulated iron hydroxide was prepared by focused ion beam milling. The thickness of the lamina was reduced to 100 nm and analysed by EFTEM. The combination of these two techniques allowed us to observe the diffusion of Cu into the aggregate of Fe. Elemental maps of Fe and Cu revealed that copper was not only present at the surface of the granules but was also sorbed onto the fine particles inside the adsorber.
Electron spectroscopy imaging to study ELNES at a nanoscale
Authors: Bayle‐Guillemaud P. , Radtke G. , Sennour M.
Published: December 2005

Series of energy‐filtered TEM images have been acquired with very narrow energy slit using a post‐column energy filter. This allowed us to reconstruct spectra with an energy resolution estimated to 2 eV, and a spatial resolution in the order of 0.5 nm. In that way, fine structures of the N‐K edge in AlN/GaN heterostructures have been investigated and compared to EELS spectra. The fine structure in the two nitrides is very sensitive to the local environment. Very good agreement between ESI and EELS spectra was found. Moreover, this technique allowed analysis of the AlN/GaN interface at a nanoscale. The second example is an application of the technique to construct bonding maps. In this case, maps differentiating AlN nanoprecipitates with either the cubic or the hexagonal phase were created.
Electron energy‐loss near edge structure (ELNES) of InGaN quantum wells
Authors: Keast V. J. , Kappers M. J. , Humphreys C. J.
Published: December 2005

Lasers and light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit in the blue to green region are often based on InxGa1–xN quantum well structures. Ionization edges in the electron energy‐loss spectrum contain fine structures (called the energy‐loss near edge structure (ELNES)) and provide information about the electronic structure. In this paper we compare the experimental and calculated ELNES for the N‐K ionization edge of InxGa1–xN quantum wells. When the effects of the core‐hole are included in the calculations, agreement between experimental and calculated spectra is very good. Strain has been shown to accentuate the effects of In on the ELNES and moves the ionization edge onset down in energy, relative to the other features. These results suggest that ELNES may provide an alternative method to lattice imaging to determine the presence of strain in this system.
Bandstructure approach to near edge structure
Authors: Paxton A. T. , Craven A. J. , Gregg J. M. , McComb D. W.
Published: December 2005

We review the current state of the art in EELS fingerprinting by computer simulation, focusing on thebandstructureapproach to the problem. Currently calculations are made using a one electron theory, but we describe in principle the way to go beyond this to include final state effects. We include these effects within the one electron framework using the Slater transition state formula and assess the errors involved. Two examples are then given which illustrate the use of the one electron approximation within density functional theory. Our approach is to combine predictedatomicstructure with predictedelectronicstructure to assist in fingerprinting of complex crystal structures.