bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lidar observations of the stratospheric aerosol: California, October 1972 to March 1974
Authors: Russell P. B. , Viezee W. , Hake R. D. , Collis R. T. H.
Published: February 2007

Thirty night‐time observations of the stratospheric aerosol were made between October 1972 and March 1974, using a ground‐based ruby lidar (laser radar) at Menlo Park, California (37.5°N 122.2°W). Vertical profiles of scattering ratio and particulate backscattering coefficient were obtained by reference to a level of assumed negligible particulate backscattering.

The observation period preceded the major stratospheric penetration of the Fuego volcanic eruption and was evidently one of minimal volcanic influence. Nevertheless, there was appreciable variation among observations, including significant vertical movement of the scattering ratio peak near the time of the 1973 stratospheric warming. Maximum scattering ratios ranged between 1.08 and 1.19, indicating a decline in particulate backscattering by approximately an order of magnitude since the maximum observed shortly after the 1963 eruption of the Agung volcano. This decline in backscattering is shown to agree with the overall trend in twilight scattering and particle data, from balloons, during the same period. On a single night, sequential observations with ruby (694 nm) and dye (589 nm) laser transmitters were made, showing significant scattering‐ratio differences, due primarily to the wavelength dependence of molecular backscattering.

An optical model, consistent with a number of stratospheric measurements made in the early 1970s by a variety of techniques, is used to convert the lidar‐measured backscattering values to other quantities. In this manner, good agreement is demonstrated between particle mass values inferred from lidar and aircraft filter measurements made on the same date. Values for turbidity and particulate optical thickness are similarly derived from the lidar data, giving values considerably smaller than those measured by search‐light in 1964–1965. To assist in radiative transfer calculations for the nonvolcanic period, a table of these optical thickness values is provided. Between 10 and 30 km, the lidar‐derived nonvolcanic particulate optical thicknesses are 0.005 and 0.004 for wavelengths of 550 and 700 nm, respectively.
Differentiation of diastereomeric conduramine derivatives under electron ionization and chemical ionization mass spectral conditions
Authors: Ramanjaneyulu G. S. , Prabhakar S. , Bhaskar G. , Vairamani M. , Yadav J. S. , Murty V. S. R. , Soujanya Y. , Sastry G. Narahari
Published: February 2007

Diastereomeric conduramine derivatives, i.e., (1R,2S,3R/S,6S)‐6‐(N‐carbomethoxyamino) 1,2‐O‐isopropylidenecyclohex‐4‐ene‐1,2,3‐triol (1 and 2) and their O‐acetyl derivatives (3 and 4), were studied using gas chromatography (GC) with electron ionization (EI) and chemical ionization (CI). The EI mass spectra of diastereomeric pairs show consistent differences in the relative abundances of characteristic ions. The EI fragmentation patterns are based on precursor/product ion spectra, high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and deuterium labelling. The CI spectra show differences from the EI spectra, and the isobutane/CI spectra are much simpler than the methane/CI spectra. The differences shown in the CI spectra are similar to those shown in the product ion spectra of [M+H]+ ions generated under electrospray ionization (ESI) conditions. Theoretical calculations are performed to understand the observed differences. The differences in the relative stabilities of molecular ions, or protonated molecules at different sites, can explain the observed differences in the spectra. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of habitat restoration on the macroinvertebrate fauna in a foreland along the river waal, the main distributary in the Rhine delta
Authors: Bij De Vaate Abraham , Klink Alexander G. , Greijdanus‐Klaas Marianne , Jans Luc H. , Oosterbaan Johan , Kok Frank
Published: February 2007

River engineering in the Rhine delta and water pollution have been major threats for the ecological functioning of the river in The Netherlands. To mitigate effects of river engineering, secondary channel construction in the forelands along the existing distributaries is considered to be an important measure for river restoration. These areas are the remnants of the former Rhine floodplain and the only area where habitat restoration is possible due to the river functions assigned. Secondary channel construction in the area called ‘Gamerensche Waarden’ was taken as an example to show effects of habitat restoration on the macroinvertebrate fauna. Totally 322 macroinvertebrate taxa were found during the monitoring period. During the first 3 years species richness in the area increased rapidly due to colonization processes in the channels following habitat development. After that period total number of taxa found in the channels stabilized at around 170. A clear positive relationship was demonstrated between habitat quality and species richness. Furthermore, the density of exotic species in the secondary channels was less than in the groyne fields of the main channel. The relatively low number of taxa in polluted habitats could be explained by the presence of the PCB 28 congener. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water quality response to a pulsed‐flow event on the Mokelumne river, California
Authors: Henson Solomon S. , Ahearn Dylan S. , Dahlgren Randy A. , Nieuwenhuyse Erwin Van , Tate Kenneth W. , Fleenor William E.
Published: February 2007

Controlled water releases from reservoirs (i.e. artificial floods) are used as a management technique to remove fine sediments and detrital materials from spawning gravels, mobilize gravel bars and clear encroaching brush from stream banks. The effects of a managed release event on water quality were investigated on the lower Mokelumne River in the western Sierra Nevada, California. The managed release was characterized by an increase in flow over a 4‐day period (from 11 to 57 m3 s−1). Automatic pump samplers were used to collect samples for water quality from 0.7, 16.4, 37.4 and 54.4 km below Camanche Dam. These sampling sites provided water quality data for three distinct stream reaches: a gravel and sand‐textured substrate reach (0.7–16.4 km), a reach characterized by lentic conditions associated with a small reservoir (16.4–37.4 km), and fine sand and silt‐textured substrate reach (37.4–54.4 km). Water samples were analysed for total suspended solids (TSS), total nitrogen, ammonium (NH4‐N), nitrate (NO3‐N), total phosphorus, soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), foecal coliforms and E. coli. Chemographs for all constituents exhibited spikes in concentration with each increase in streamflow for the rising limb. Fluxes of TSS, total P and total N released from the 0.7 to 16.4 km reach were 322, 0.32 and 0.70 Mg, respectively. The small reservoir acted as a sink for particulate materials retaining about 50% of TSS, 48% of total P and 43% of total N. However, the reservoir acted as a source of dissolved nutrients (NO3‐N = 0.28 Mg and SRP = 0.055 Mg). The stream reach below the reservoir (37.4 to 54.4 km) was a source of particulate materials, dissolved nutrients and bacteria, possibly due to agricultural and urban inputs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of flow variability modification and hydraulics on invertebrate communities in the great fish river (Eastern Cape province, South Africa), with particular reference to critical hydraulic thresholds limiting larval densities of Simulium chutteri lewis (Diptera, Simuliidae)
Authors: Rivers‐Moore N. A. , De Moor F. C. , Morris C. , O'Keeffe J.
Published: February 2007

Flow patterns in the Great Fish River in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa have changed from being seasonal, with predictable no‐flow periods during winter, to perennial following the completion of an inter‐basin transfer scheme in 1977 to provide a regular supply of irrigation water. Simulium chutteri (Diptera: Simuliidae) consequently became a problem species of pestilential proportions, due to increased flow volumes and current velocities favouring this species. In this study, aquatic invertebrates were sampled from the stones‐in‐current biotope with a range of current velocities at three sites on the Great Fish River, with a particular focus on pool/rapid areas favouring S. chutteri. The main aim of this paper was to determine whether critical hydraulic thresholds, including current velocity, could be derived for this species. Knowledge of the hydraulic preferences of S. chutteri is a prerequisite for any integrated control programme which combines larvicidal control with flow manipulation. S. chutteri was found to favour the rapids biotope with current velocities in excess of 90 cms−1, with preferences for higher current velocities increasing with life cycle stage. Additional hydraulic variables, at the scale measured in this study, did not correlate with larval densities. There is potential for more effective long‐term control of problem populations of larval blackfly in the Great Fish River through further research on the potential for using constructed in‐stream vanes to reduce current velocities in rapids of the river at critical periods of the year (July–October), based on flow duration/current velocity relationships. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stress‐related predictors of optimism in breast cancer survivors
Authors: Karademas Evangelos C. , Karvelis Spyridoula , Argyropoulou Katerina
Published: February 2007

Optimism is a key variable for adjustment in aversive conditions. The purpose of this study was to examine whether optimism is predicted by two stress‐related variables which represent information about self and the environment (i.e. illness‐related stress and self‐efficacy), in a sample of breast cancer survivors. Ninety‐two women who had undergone a mastectomy participated in the study (minimum time elapsed since diagnosis = 3 years). Most participants (51 per cent) reported that at least one of four illness‐related concerns had been quite or very stressful in the past 6 months. Analyses showed that illness‐related stress exerted influence on optimism through coping, whereas self‐efficacy exerted influence both directly and through coping. Stress was predicted by two medical variables (time since diagnosis and time since mastectomy). These findings confirmed our hypothesis that knowledge about personal abilities, as well as about environment difficulties can predict the way a person evaluates future outcomes. This study has significant implications for clinical practice with patients. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alignment of a Conjugated Polymer onto Amyloid‐like Protein Fibrils
Authors: Herland Anna , Björk Per , Hania P. Ralph , Scheblykin Ivan G. , Inganäs Olle
Published: February 2007

The amyloid‐like fibril is a biomolecular nanowire template of very high stability. Here we describe the coordination of a conjugated polyelectrolyte, poly(thiophene acetic acid) (PTAA), to bovine insulin fibrils with widths of <10 nm and lengths of up to more than 10 μm. Fibrils complexed with PTAA are aligned on surfaces through molecular combing and transfer printing. Single‐molecule spectroscopy techniques are applied to chart spectral variation in the emission of these wires. When these results are combined with analysis of the polarization of the emitted light, we can conclude that the polymer chains are preferentially aligned along the fibrillar axis.
Nanogoniometry with Scanning Force Microscopy: A Model Study of CdTe Thin Films
Authors: Palacios‐Lidón Elisa , Guanter Luis , Zúñiga‐Pérez Jesús , Muñoz‐Sanjosé Vicente , Colchero Jaime
Published: February 2007

In this paper scanning force microscopy is combined with simple but powerful data processing to determine quantitatively, on a sub‐micrometer scale, the orientation of surface facets present on crystalline materials. A high‐quality scanning force topography image is used to determine an angular histogram of the surface normal at each image point. In addition to the known method for the assignment of Miller indices to the facets appearing on the surface, a quantitative analysis is presented that allows the characterization of the relative population and morphological quality of each of these facets. Two different CdTe thin films are used as model systems to probe the capabilities of this method, which enables further information to be obtained about the thermodynamic stability of particular crystallographic facets. The method, which is referred to as nanogoniometry, will be a powerful tool to study in detail the surface of crystalline materials, particularly thin films, with sub‐micrometer resolution.
Power control and channel allocation for real‐time applications in cellular networks
Authors: Li Xiaochen , Wu Dapeng
Published: February 2007

The next‐generation packet‐based wireless cellular network will provide real‐time services for delay‐sensitive applications. To make the next‐generation cellular network successful, it is critical that the network utilizes the resource efficiently while satisfying quality of service (QoS) requirements of real‐time users. In this paper, we consider the problem of power control and dynamic channel allocation for the downlink of a multi‐channel, multi‐user wireless cellular network. We assume that the transmitter (the base‐station) has the perfect knowledge of the channel gain. At each transmission slot, a scheduler allots the transmission power and channel access for all the users based on the instantaneous channel gains and QoS requirements of users. We propose three schemes for power control and dynamic channel allocation, which utilize multi‐user diversity and frequency diversity. Our results show that compared to the benchmark scheme, which does not utilize multi‐user diversity and power control, our proposed schemes substantially reduce the resource usage while explicitly guaranteeing the users' QoS requirements. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bovine Brain Diacylglycerol Lipase: Substrate Specificity and Activation by Cyclic AMP‐dependent Protein Kinase
Authors: Rosenberger Thad A. , Farooqui Akhlaq A. , Horrocks Lloyd A.
Published: February 2007

Diacylglycerol lipase (EC 3.1.1.3) was purified from bovine brain microsomes using multiple column chromatographic techniques. The purified enzyme migrates as a single band on SDS‐PAGE and has an apparent molecular weight of 27 kDa. Substrate specificity experiments using mixed molecular species of 1,2‐diacyl‐sn‐glycerols indicate that low concentrations of Ca2+ and Mg2+ have no direct effect on enzymic activity and 1,2‐diacyl‐sn‐glycerols are the preferred substrate over 1,3‐diacyl‐sn‐glycerols. The enzyme hydrolyzes stearate in preference to palmitate from the sn‐1 position of 1,2‐diacyl‐sn‐glycerols. 1‐O‐Alkyl‐2‐acyl‐sn‐glycerols are not a substrate for the purified enzyme. The native enzyme had a Vmax value of 616 nmol/min mg protein. Phosphorylation by cAMP‐dependent protein kinase resulted in a threefold increase in catalytic throughput (Vmax = 1,900 nmol/min mg protein). The substrate specificity and catalytic properties of the bovine brain diacylglycerol lipase suggest that diacylglycerol lipase may regulate protein kinase C activity and 2‐arachidonoyl‐sn‐glycerol levels by rapidly altering the intracellular concentration of diacylglycerols.
Intestinal Epithelial Cells Absorb γ‐Tocotrienol Faster than α‐Tocopherol
Authors: Tsuzuki Wakako , Yunoki Ritsuko , Yoshimura Hiroyuki
Published: February 2007

To elucidate the transepithelial transport characteristics of lipophilic compounds, the cellular uptake of tocopherol and tocotrienol isomers were investigated in Caco2 cell monolayer models. These vitamin E isomers formed mixed micelles consisting of bile salts, lysophospholipids, free fatty acid, and 2‐monoacylglycerols, then the micelles were supplied to Caco2 cells. The initial accumulation of tocotrienol isomers in Caco2 cells was larger than those of corresponding tocopherol isomers. There was little difference among the cellular accumulations of four tocopherol isomers. These findings suggested that the difference between the molecular structures of the C16 hydrocarbon chain tail in tocopherol and tocotrienol was strongly responsible for the rapid epithelial transport into the Caco2 cells membranes rather than the difference in the molecular structures of their chromanol head groups. Furthermore, the secretion of α‐tocopherol and γ‐tocotrienol from Caco2 cells was investigated using Caco2 cells plated on a transwell. The time courses of their secretions from Caco2 cells showed that the initial secretion rate of γ‐tocotrienol was also larger than that of α‐tocopherol. To investigate the intestinal uptake of α‐tocopherol and γ‐tocotrienol in vivo, the mice were fed single doses of α‐tocopherol or γ‐tocotrienol with triolein. The γ‐tocotrienol responded faster in plasma than α‐tocopherol, although the maximal level of γ‐tocotrienol was lower than that of α‐tocopherol. This suggested that the intestinal uptake properties of administered α‐tocopherol and γ‐tocotrienol would characterize their plasma level transitions in mice.
Sinomenine inhibits primary CD4+ T‐cell proliferation via apoptosis
Authors: Shu Luan , Yin Wu , Zhang Jing , Tang Bo , Kang Yuan‐Xi , Ding Fan , Hua Zi‐Chun
Published: February 2007

Sinomenine is an active component isolated from Sinomenium acutum and is widely used as an immunosuppressive drug for treating autoimmune diseases. CD4+ T‐cell population plays a key role in adaptive immune response and is related to some autoimmune diseases. In this study, we investigated the possible immunosuppressive effect of sinomenine on CD4+ T cells and its underlying mechanism. Our data demonstrated that sinomenine remarkably suppressed the proliferation of CD4+ T cells, blocked the cell cycle progression from G0/G1 phase to S plusG2/M phases. Finally, the immunosuppressive activity elicited by sinomenine in CD4+ primary lymphocytes was found to be largely accounted for by caspase 3‐dependent cells apoptosis. Sinomenine did not significantly alter the expression of bcl‐2 in activated CD4+ primary T cells, suggesting that bcl‐2 might not be involved in sinomenine‐induced T cells apoptosis. In sum, this study proposes a novel mechanism for the immunosuppressive function of sinomenine on primary mouse CD4+ T cells.
Corruption networks as a sphere of investment activities in modern Russia
Authors: Cheloukhine Serguei , King Joseph
Published: February 2007

This paper studies a new phenomenon, the ‘top to bottom’ corruption networks of organized crime, law enforcement and Government officials in Russia. We examine the Soviet roots of corruption and its transformation during transitional period. By focusing on contemporary Russian corruption networks this paper explores the complex of state-run oligarchic structure with established rates, well organized inter-institutional groups incorporated by common ideas of extracting profits. The danger is in the existence of extensive and stable corruption networks, which not only profit by their illegal activities between Organized Crime groups and Law Enforcements, but invest in further corrupt developments to control the government. We argue that corruption in Russia, for a long time, has been imbedded in the system of social relations and, by the majority of citizens, was not considered to be a crime. Presenting arguments against existing simplified understanding of corruption, this study elucidates corruption networks as an expansion of Organized Crime in all spheres of post-totalitarian Russia. It also shows that a magic circle of corruption closely intertwines with the inefficiency of power and the inefficiency of rule of law.
Stratigraphic constraints on late Pleistocene glacial erosion and deglaciation of the Chukchi margin, Arctic Ocean
Authors: Polyak Leonid , Darby Dennis A. , Bischof Jens F. , Jakobsson Martin
Published: February 2007

At least two episodes of glacial erosion of the Chukchi margin at water depths to ∼ 450 m and 750 m have been indicated by geophysical seafloor data. We examine sediment stratigraphy in these areas to verify the inferred erosion and to understand its nature and timing. Our data within the eroded areas show the presence of glaciogenic diamictons composed mostly of reworked local bedrock. The diamictons are estimated to form during the last glacial maximum (LGM) and an earlier glacial event, possibly between OIS 4 to 5d. Both erosional events were presumably caused by the grounding of ice shelves originating from the Laurentide ice sheet. Broader glaciological settings differed between these events as indicated by different orientations of flutes on eroded seafloor. Postglacial sedimentation evolved from iceberg-dominated environments to those controlled by sea-ice rafting and marine processes in the Holocene. A prominent minimum in planktonic foraminiferal δ18O is identified in deglacial sediments at an estimated age near 13,000 cal yr BP. This δ18O minimum, also reported elsewhere in the Amerasia Basin, is probably related to a major Laurentide meltwater pulse at the Younger Dryas onset. The Bering Strait opening is also marked in the composition of late deglacial Chukchi sediments.
Micro-credit, misappropriation and morality: British responses to Irish distress, 1822–1831
Authors: BAILEY CRAIG
Published: February 2007

This article charts the vicissitudes of an economic experiment that aimed to eradicate distress in early-nineteenth-century Ireland. The London Committee for Irish Relief was formed in 1822 and was the first large-scale, charitable response in Britain to famine conditions in Ireland. The Committee believed that poverty was the cause rather than the effect of ‘the Irish problem’ and tried to initiate change by providing the poor with financial resources. Despite some initial successes, allegations over misappropriation of funds created a climate of distrust about the Committee's policies. These allegations mounted over the decade, and when Ireland once again faced extreme distress, in 1831, they caused a rift in London's charitable circles, producing two organizations: the Irish Distress Committee, which argued that poverty was the causal factor, and the Western Committee for Irish Relief, which identified Catholicism as the source of Ireland's problems. This division reflected a more general loss of confidence in plans to solve Ireland's endemic poverty through the promotion of economic activity. These events coincided with hardening attitudes towards Catholics and the poor throughout the British Isles and played an important role in the development of policies on Irish relief in the nineteenth century.
Visualizing Archaeologies: a Manifesto
Authors: Cochrane Andrew , Russell Ian
Published: February 2007

Is archaeology a science? Is archaeology a humanity? What are the politics of spectatorship and archaeological representation? These initial thoughts form the basis for our archaeological explorations. Within current archaeological discourse, there are a growing number of requests for expressions, which illuminate and expose the interpretive and artistic qualities of presentation and narration. Yet few scholars actively utilize expressive practice to explore these philosophical issues. As such, we feel that it is an opportune time to intervene in visual and textual discourse by issuing a manifesto for our project. We call for a development of a critically reflexive practice of visual archaeological expressionism, which seeks to contest traditional modes of thought and action.
Effects of chelating agents during freeze-drying of boar spermatozoa on DNA fragmentation and on developmental abilityin vitroandin vivoafter intracytoplasmic sperm head injection
Authors: Nakai M. , Kashiwazaki N. , Takizawa A. , Maedomari N. , Ozawa M. , Noguchi J. , Kaneko H. , Shino M. , Kikuchi K.
Published: February 2007

Successful offspring production after intracytoplasmic injection of freeze-dried sperm has been reported in laboratory animals but not in domesticated livestock, including pigs. The integrity of the DNA in the freeze-dried sperm is reported to affect embryogenesis. Release of endonucleases from the sperm is one of the causes of induction of sperm DNA fragmentation. We examined the effects of chelating agents, which inhibit the activation of such enzymes, on DNA fragmentation in freeze-dried sperm and on thein vitroandin vivodevelopmental ability of porcine oocytes following boar sperm head injection. Boar ejaculated sperm were sonicated, suspended in buffer supplemented with (1) 50 mM EGTA, (2) 50 mM EDTA, (3) 10 mM EDTA, or (4) no chelating agent and freeze-dried. A fertilization medium (Pig-FM) was used as a control. The rehydrated spermatozoa in each group were then incubated in Pig-FM at room temperature. The rate of DNA fragmentation in the control group, as assessed by the TUNEL method, increased gradually as time after rehydration elapsed (2.8% at 0 min to 12.2% at 180 min). However, the rates in all experimental groups (1–4) did not increase, even at 180 min (0.7–4.1%), which were all significantly lower (p< 0.05) than that of the control group. The rate of blastocyst formation after the injection in the control group (6.0%) was significantly lower (p< 0.05) than those in the 50 mM EGTA (23.1%) and 10 mM EDTA (22.6%) groups incubated for 120–180 min. The average number of blastocyst cells in the 50 mM EGTA group (33.1 cells) was significantly higher (p< 0.05) than that in the 10 mM EDTA group (17.8 cells). Finally, we transferred oocytes from 50 mM EGTA or control groups incubated for 0–60 min into estrous-synchronized recipients. The two recipients of the control oocytes became pregnant and one miscarried two fetuses on day 39.

The results suggested that fragmentation of DNA in freeze-dried boar sperm is one of the causes of decreasedin vitrodevelopmental ability of injected oocytes to the blastocyst stage. Supplementation with EGTA in a freeze-drying buffer improves this ability.
Body mass index, physical activity and dietary behaviours among adolescents in the Kingdom of Tonga
Authors: Smith BJ , Phongsavan P , Havea D , Halavatau V , Chey T ,   and Members of the Health Behaviour and Lifestyle of Pacific Youth Survey Collaborating Group and Tonga Core Survey Team
Published: February 2007

Objectives

To compare the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents using international and ethnic-specific cut-off points and to examine patterns of physical activity and dietary behaviours.

Design

Cross-sectional analytical study.

Setting

Schools on Tongatapu, Vava'u and Hapa'ai islands in the Kingdom of Tonga.

Subjects

A total of 443 school students aged 11–16 years underwent anthropometric measures of height and weight and provided self-reported measures of physical activity and dietary behaviours.

Results

Mean body mass index (BMI) was higher among girls than boys (23.7 kg m− 2vs. 21.8 kg m− 2) and tended to increase with age. A total of 36.0% of boys and 53.8% of girls were overweight or obese using the international cut-off points, whereas 25.0% of boys and 37.6% of girls were classified in this way using Polynesian-specific cut-off points. Tinned mutton or beef was the food that most participants (56.9%) reported eating once or more per day. Over half of the young people did not eat taro, fruit or vegetables at least once per day. Regular physical activity outside of school hours was reported by 20.7% of respondents, and 58.2% watched 1 h or more of television per day. Physical activity participation was the only behaviour independently associated with a lower risk of overweight or obesity.

Conclusions

Using Polynesian-specific cut-off points for overweight and obesity the prevalence of these conditions was still among the highest found in adolescents. The prevalence of physical inactivity and poor dietary habits indicate that risk factors for chronic disease are well established during adolescence in Tonga.
Association of key foods and beverages with obesity in Australian schoolchildren
Authors: Sanigorski Andrea M , Bell A Colin , Swinburn Boyd A
Published: February 2007

Objective

To examine the pattern of intake of key foods and beverages of children aged 4–12 years and the association with weight status.

Design and setting

A computer-assisted telephone interview was used to determine the intake of fruit, vegetables, packaged snacks, fast foods and sweetened drinks ‘yesterday’ and ‘usually’ as reported by parents/guardians of a representative sample of 2184 children from the Barwon South-Western region of Victoria, Australia.

Results

Children who consumed >2–3, >3–4 and >4 servings of fruit juice/drinks ‘yesterday’ were, respectively, 1.7 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–2.2), 1.7 (95% CI 1.2–2.5) and 2.1 (95% CI 1.5–2.9) times more likely to be overweight/obese compared with those who had no servings of fruit juice/drink ‘yesterday’, adjusted for age, gender and socio-economic status (SES). Further, children who had ≥ 3 servings of soft drink ‘yesterday’ were 2.2 (95% CI 1.3–3.9) times more likely to be overweight/obese compared with those who had no servings of soft drink ‘yesterday’, adjusted for age, gender and SES. In addition, children who ‘usually’ drank fruit juice/drinks twice or more per day were 1.7 (95% CI 1.2–2.4) times more likely to be overweight/obese compared with those who drank these beverages once or less per week, adjusted for age, gender and SES. Although fast foods and packaged snacks were regularly eaten, there were no associations between weight status and consumption of these foods.

Conclusions

Intake of sweetened beverages was associated with overweight and obesity in this population of Australian schoolchildren and should be a target for intervention programmes aimed at preventing unhealthy weight gain in children.
Accelerated Clone Selection for Recombinant CHO Cells Using a FACS‐Based High‐Throughput Screen
Authors: DeMaria Christine T. , Cairns Victor , Schwarz Cordula , Zhang Jin , Guerin Megan , Zuena Erin , Estes Scott , Karey Kenneth P.
Published: February 2007

Flow cytometry was partnered with a nonfluorescent reporter protein for rapid, early stage identification of clones producing high levels of a therapeutic protein. A cell surface protein, not normally expressed on CHO cells, is coexpressed, as a reporter, with the therapeutic protein and detected using a fluorescently labeled antibody. The genes encoding the reporter protein and the therapeutic protein are linked by an IRES, so that they are transcribed in the same mRNA but are translated independently. Since they each arise from a common mRNA, the reporter proteinapos;s expression level accurately predicts the relative expression level of the therapeutic protein for each clone. This method provides an effective process for generating recombinant cell lines producing high levels of therapeutic proteins, with the benefits of rapid and accurate 96‐well plate clone screening and elimination of unstable clones at an earlier stage in the development process. Furthermore, because this method does not rely on the availability of an antibody specific for the therapeutic protein being expressed, it can be easily implemented into any cell line development process.
Can the Atlantic Ocean drive the observed multidecadal variability in Northern Hemisphere mean temperature?
Authors: Zhang Rong , Delworth Thomas L. , Held Isaac M.
Published: February 2007

While the Northern Hemisphere mean surface temperature has clearly warmed over the 20th century due in large part to increasing greenhouse gases, this warming has not been monotonic. The departures from steady warming on multidecadal timescales might be associated in part with radiative forcing, especially solar irradiance, volcanoes, and anthropogenic aerosols. It is also possible that internal oceanic variability explains a part of this variation. We report here on simulations with a climate model in which the Atlantic Ocean is constrained to produce multidecadal fluctuations similar to observations by redistributing heat within the Atlantic, with other oceans left free to adjust to these Atlantic perturbations. The model generates multidecadal variability in Northern Hemisphere mean temperatures similar in phase and magnitude to detrended observations. The results suggest that variability in the Atlantic is a viable explanation for a portion of the multidecadal variability in the Northern Hemisphere mean temperature record.
Erythropoietin Protects from Post-Traumatic Edema in the Rat Brain
Authors: Verdonck Olivier , Lahrech Hana , Francony Gilles , Carle Olivier , Farion Régine , Van de Looij Yohan , Remy Chantal , Segebarth Christoph , Payen Jean-Francois
Published: February 2007

Erythropoietin (Epo) is gaining interest in various neurological insults as a possible neuroprotective agent. We determined the effects of recombinant human Epo (rhEpo, 5000 IU per kg bw) on brain edema induced in rats by traumatic brain injury (TBI; impact-acceleration model; rhEpo administration 30 mins after injury). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a gravimetric technique were applied. In the MRI experiments, the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and the tissue T1 relaxation time were measured hourly in the neocortex and caudoputamen, during a 6 h time span after TBI. In the gravimetric experiments, brain water content (BWC) was determined in these two regions, 6 h after TBI. Apparent diffusion coefficient measurements showed that rhEpo decreased brain edema early and durably. Gravimetric measurements showed that rhEpo decreased BWC at H6 in the neocortex as well as in the caudoputamen. No significant differences in ADC, in T1, or in BWC were found between rhEpo treated-TBI rats and sham-operated rats. Our findings show that post-traumatic administration of rhEpo can significantly reduce the development of brain edema in a model of diffuse TBI. Further studies should be conducted to identify the biochemical mechanisms involved in these immediate effects and to assess the use of rhEpo as a possible therapy for post-traumatic brain edema.
Investigation of surface mass transport in Al–Si–Ca–oxide glasses via the thermal induced decay of submicron surface gratings
Authors: Wang Linlin , Ellison Adam J. G. , Ast Dieter G.
Published: February 2007

In metal crystals, annealing induced decay of micron sized surface features occurs via surface rather than bulk diffusion. Surface transport also dominates the decay of micron sized patterns etched into semiconductors and initial stages in the sintering of ceramics. In oxide glasses, surface transport is expected to take over at a sufficiently small feature size as well, but this transition has not yet been identified, possibly because of the difficulties of preparing periodic gratings <10μm in glass surfaces with chemical etching. We therefore extended these investigations to submicron patterned glass surfaces using advanced lithography and dry etching to generate submicron sized patterns. The glasses selected have compositions along the center line of the SiO2–Al2O3–CaO phase diagram and hence are pseudobinaries, in which SiO4 units are increasingly replaced by AlCa0.5O4 units while maintaining the fourfold coordination of SiO2. The flow properties of these glasses can be studied at lower temperatures than SiO2 but extrapolation can provide insight into pure SiO2. Results obtained indicate that gratings with periodicities between 6 and 0.4μm decay predominantly by viscous flow. However, small but systematic deviations suggest that surface diffusion may contribute in a minor way to near surface mass transport in the submicron regime. In general, the surface viscosity extracted from grating decay agreed with the viscosity measured in bulk samples by three-point bending. Deviations between the two were traced to the in- or outdiffusion of water vapor from the near surface in response to changes in humidity of the laboratory air.
Measuring air gap width of permanent magnet linear generators using search coil sensor
Authors: Waters R. , Danielsson O. , Leijon M.
Published: February 2007

A concept for a wave power plant is being developed at the Centre for Renewable Electric Energy Conversion at the Ångström Laboratory at Uppsala University. The concept is based on a permanent magnet linear generator placed on the seabed, directly driven by a surface following buoy. Critical for the survival of the generator is that the air gap between the moving and static parts of the generator is constantly fixed at the designed width to prevent the moving and static parts from connecting during operation. This paper shows the design and evaluation of an inductive sensor for measuring the air gap width during generator operation. In order to survive during years on the seafloor inside the wave power plants, the sensor has deliberately been chosen to be a passive component, as well as robust and compact. A coil etched on a printed circuit board, i.e., a search coil, was the chosen basis for the sensor. The sensor has been tested on an existing test rig of a wave power plant and the results have been compared with finite element simulations.The results show that a search coil magnetic sensor etched on a printed circuit board is a suitable concept for measuring the air gap width. Experimentally measured and theoretically calculated sensor signals show very good agreement. The setup has a sensitivity of ±0.4mm in the range of 4–9.5mm air gap. The potential for future improvements of the sensitivity is considerable.
Deformations of thin liquid spherical shells in liquid-liquid-gas systems
Authors: Kawano Satoyuki , Shirai Atsushi , Nagasaka Shohei
Published: February 2007

Deformation characteristics of a millimeter-sized thin liquid spherical shell moving at intermediate Reynolds numbers in immiscible liquid are investigated both numerically and experimentally. Experiments are made using the novel principle of sequential production of the shell developed by the authors. Numerical results of the flow pattern around the liquid shell, deformation ratio, and the drag coefficient are compared to experimental results for wide flow conditions. They are in reasonable agreement from the viewpoint of practical engineering. Furthermore, effects of shell deformation on heat transfer characteristics are also investigated numerically. The present research provides the fluid dynamical knowledge for various applications of liquid spherical shells.
High temperature ellipsometry of the conductive oxide LaNiO3
Authors: Berini B. , Noun W. , Dumont Y. , Popova E. , Keller N.
Published: February 2007

La Ni O 3 thin films have been deposited on SrTiO3 (100) by pulsed laser deposition. Substrate temperature and oxygen pressure have been investigated in the ranges of 640–840°C and 200–600μbars, respectively. The use of LaNiO3 as an electrode requires good electrical, structural, and morphological properties. Optimized deposition parameters were determined to be in the range from 650to700°C for the substrate temperature and in the oxygen pressure range from 300to400μbars. Spectroscopic ellipsometry has been used to study in situ the growth of LaNiO3 at high temperature and variation of the optical constants during the cooling from growth to ambient temperature. The metallic behavior of the LaNiO3 is directly observed from the spectral variation of the ellipsometric parameters, tanΨ and cosΔ. For the initial stages of the film growth a determination of the thickness by ellipsometry is possible until the skin depth is reached. The optical constants, refractive index n and extinction coefficient k, have been calculated using a simple model of reflection for the light from a semi-infinite metal during the thermal variation. A linear decrease of the optical constants with a change in curve slope is observed in the temperature interval from 240to400°C. Analysis of the ellipsometric parameters using a Drude-Lorentz dispersion relation indicates a modification in the free electron behavior at high temperatures.
A comprehensive study of the effect of reactive end groups on the charge carrier transport within polymerized and nonpolymerized liquid crystals
Authors: Baldwin R. J. , Kreouzis T. , Shkunov M. , Heeney M. , Zhang W. , McCulloch I.
Published: February 2007

Polymerizable liquid crystalline semiconductors, referred to as reactive mesogens (RMs), consist of π-conjugated cores with reactive end groups decoupled by an aliphatic spacer. These can be polymerized within the mesophase, maintaining the self-assembled morphology and charge transport characteristics. The polymerized films can then be used in organic electronic applications such as charge transport layers in organic light emitting diodes and field effect transistors. We present a systematic study of the effect of reactive end groups on charge transport in calamitic liquid crystals (RMs) using the time-of-flight technique. Several different compounds were synthesized with a variation in both the liquid crystal (LC) mesogenic core group and the functional end groups. The reactive end groups in most cases affect the mesophase charge transport compared to the nonreactive LC mesophase transport. This manifests itself as a reduction in mobility, varying from a factor of 4 in the best case to as large as two orders of magnitude. In the best systems studied, however, the reactive end group effect on the transport, compared to the nonreactive mesophase transport, is negligible. Polymerized reactive mesogens do maintain long-range transport, with comparable mobilities to those of the phase in which they were polymerized over a broad temperature range, including room temperature. The hole and electron mobilities found in polymerized systems are explored using the Holstein small polaron model in the nonadiabatic limit, yielding the relevant polaron binding energies and bandwidths, and using the Bässler Gaussian disorder model, yielding the relevant energetic disorder parameters.
Magnetism and phase stability of R(Co,M)7 pseudobinary intermetallics with TbCu7-type structure
Authors: Guo Yongquan , Feng Weicun , Li Wei , Luo Jun , Liang Jingkui
Published: February 2007

Pseudobinary RCo7−xMx intermetallic compounds with TbCu7-type structure have been synthesized, and their structural and magnetic properties have been investigated using powder x-ray diffraction and magnetic measurements. Based upon the structural analysis, the stabilized element M occupies the 2e or the 3g position depending on its electronegativity. RCo7−xMx compounds exhibit ferromagnetic order with high Curie temperature. In addition, the uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy is observed in SmCo7−xMx intermetallics. The magnetic moments have been investigated using a modified magnetic valence model with the equation ⟨Zm⟩=±xRZmR+xTZmT+2Nsp↑∑ixi, where the magnetic moment contributed by 4f transition metal is corrected from its chemical valence numbers of rare earth in the original magnetic valence model to the theoretical value of gJμBJ. It is also assumed that the nonmagnetic metal has no contribution to the moment. The corrected model can also be used to calculate the moments of the other strong ferromagnetic intermetallics such as R–(T,M) 1:5, 2:17, and R2Fe14B, etc. This model could estimate and even predict the moments as long as the composition of the ferromagnetic alloy is known.
Effect of vanadium content on remanent polarization in bismuth titanate thin films prepared by liquid source misted chemical deposition
Authors: Kim Tai Suk , Kim Ki Woong , Jeon Min Ku , Jung Chang Hwa , Woo Seong Ihl
Published: February 2007

Bi 4 − x ∕ 3 Ti 3 − x V x O 12 (BTV) ferroelectric thin films were fabricated by liquid source misted chemical deposition. The substitution of vanadium for titanium site changed the crystalline orientation and surface morphology of the thin film, which in turn influenced the remanent polarization (Pr). 2Pr of BTV thin film increased with increase of vanadium content and reached a maximum value (21.5μC∕cm2) at x=0.03, as this corresponded with the largest degree of a-axis orientation. However, at 0.05⩽x⩽0.09, 2Pr reduced with decrease in the degree of a-axis orientation. These results indicate that the Pr of the films is dependent on the degree of a-axis orientation.
Lead-free multilayer piezoelectric transformer
Authors: Guo Mingsen , Jiang X. P. , Lam K. H. , Wang S. , Sun C. L. , Chan Helen L. W. , Zhao X. Z.
Published: February 2007

In this article, a multilayer piezoelectric transformer based on lead-free Mn-doped 0.94(Bi1∕2Na1∕2)TiO3–0.06BaTiO3 ceramics is presented. This piezoelectric transformer, with a multilayered construction in the thickness direction, is 8.3mm long, 8.3mm wide, and 2.3mm thick. It operates in the second thickness extensional vibration mode. For a temperature rise of 20°C, the transformer has an output power of >0.3W. With a matching load resistance of 10Ω, its maximum efficiency approaches 81.5%, and the maximum voltage gain is 0.14. It has potential to be used in low voltage power supply units such as low power adapter and other electronic circuits.
Electrophosphorescent devices from a poly(9-vinylcarbazole)/tris(2-phenylpyridine)iridium(III) bilayer with a concentration gradient
Authors: Park Jong Hyeok , Yu Dong Hee , Park O. Ok , Kim Jai Kyeong
Published: February 2007

Electrophosphorescence and the dynamics of charge carrier recombination in poly(9-vinylcarbazole) (PVK)/tris(2-phenylpyridine)iridium [Ir-(ppy)3] bilayer electroluminescence devices were investigated. Because the second layer [Ir-(ppy)3] is spin cast from a solvent that slightly swells the PVK layer, the two layers are partially intermixed at the bilayer interface. Indium tin oxide (ITO)/3,4-polyethylenedioxythiophene-polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT)∕[PVK∕Ir(ppy)3] bilayer/2,9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1, 10-phenanthroline (BCP)∕Ca∕Al ultilayer devices showed similar emission intensity and color quality to those of the PVK:Ir(ppy)3 blended device. However, turn-on and driving voltage were decreased dramatically compared with those of the ITO∕PEDOT∕PVK:Ir(ppy)3 blend∕BCP∕Ca∕Al.
Plastic deformation of gallium arsenide micropillars under uniaxial compression at room temperature
Authors: Michler Johann , Wasmer Kilian , Meier Stephan , Östlund Fredrik , Leifer Klaus
Published: February 2007

The authors have experimentally investigated the compressive strength of GaAs pillars with a diameter of 1μm by uniaxial compression tests. The tests were performed at room temperature and, contrary to macroscopic tests, the micropillars were found to exhibit ductile plasticity comparable to that of metal single crystal micropillars. The yield stress was 1.8±0.4GPa and, for one pillar that was more closely examined, a total deformation of 24% was observed. In the diffraction patterns from transmission electron microscopy studies of this pillar, a high density of twins was observed.
Electrical properties of Bi2Mg2∕3Nb4∕3O7 (BMN) pyrochlore thin films deposited on Pt and Cu metal at low temperatures for embedded capacitor applications
Authors: Xian Cheng-Ji , Park Jong-Hyun , Ahn Kyung-Chan , Yoon Soon-Gil , Lee Jeong-Won , Kim Woon-Chun , Lim Sung-Taek , Sohn Seung-Hyun , Moon Jin-Seok , Jung Hyung-Mi , Lee Seung-Eun , Lee In-Hyung , Chung Yul-Kyo , Jeon Min-Ku , Woo Seong-Ihl
Published: February 2007

200 - nm -thick BMN films were deposited on Pt∕TiO2∕SiO2∕Si and Cu∕Ti∕SiO2∕Si substrates at various temperatures by pulsed laser deposition. The dielectric constant and capacitance density of the films deposited on Pt and Cu electrodes show similar tendency with increasing deposition temperature. On the other hand, dielectric loss of the films deposited on Cu electrode varies from 0.7% to 1.3%, while dielectric loss of films on Pt constantly shows 0.2% even though the deposition temperature increases. The low value of breakdown strength in BMN films on Pt compared to films deposited on Cu electrode was attributed to the increase of surface roughness by the formation of secondary phases at interface between BMN films and Pt electrodes.