bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of tartaric acid on the growth kinetics of silver single crystals
Authors: Rashkov R. , Daskalova A. , Nanev Chr. N.
Published: January 2007

The influence of tartaric acid (TA) on both the growth kinetics and morphology of silver single crystals was investigated in situ during electrocrystallization. Using laser interferometry the dependence of the monoatomic step velocity vs. overvoltage at different concentrations of TA was studied. Measuring the normal growth rate R we calculated the current on the front crystal face. It is shown that the addition of TA changes its value in complicated way vs. overvoltage.
Activity of nonparallel center of growth of (001) face of TGS single crystal under inconstant conditions of crystallization
Authors: Bikov A. Z. , Stoichkov S. D.
Published: January 2007

Morphologic and kinetic behaviour of the hill of the (001) face of TGS crystal, generated by unparallel dislocation center of growth under inconstant supersaturation and temperature has been experimentally examined. Some irreversible changes in the shape of the hill top, as a hysteresis in its normal rate of growth is registered. A model, on the base of which a qualitative anylsis of the phenomenon is proposed.
Growth of P‐Chloroacetanilide Crystals by Gel Aided Solution Technique and Their Characterisation
Authors: Babu K. Rajendra , Deepa M. , Vaidyan V. K. , Nair C. M. K.
Published: January 2007

Single crystals of P‐chloroacetanilide which exhibit non‐linear optical properties have been grown by solution‐gel technique for the first time. Studies on the crystal nucleation have been carried out. The grown crystals are characterised by IR, XRD, and optical microscopy.
Influence of the Fe+2 Ions on the Dissolution Rate of Potassium Chloride
Authors: Omar W. , Ulrich J.
Published: January 2007

A fluidized bed crystallizer is employed to investigate dissolution rates of potassium chloride in the presence of Fe+2 ions at 30 °C. With increasing concentrations of Fe+2 ions, an initial decrease of the dissolution rates in the range between 0 and 10 ppm is followed by a gradual increase in the range between 10 and 50 ppm. The addition of Fe+2 changes the pH level of the solution to a strongly acidic level and increases the streaming potential of the suspension. The acceleration of the dissolution rate is attributed to the adsorption of protons which increase the charge density of the particle and hence the thickness of the diffusion layer will consequently be decreased.
Growth and Optical Properties of LiNbO3: MgO Single Crystals
Authors: Sugak D. Yu. , Matkovskii A. O. , Solskii I. M. , Kopko B. M. , Ya. Oliinyk V. , Stefanskii I. V. , Gaba V. M. , Grabovskii V. V. , Zaritskii I. M. , Rakitina L. G.
Published: January 2007

The technological procedure of the manufacturing of the LiNbO3˙ single crystals doped with 5 mol.% MgO is described in this paper. The results of the investigation of the crystal optical properties, ESR spectra and optical homogeneity are presented. The refractive index dispersion in 300–700 nm region and their temperature dependencies in 20–500 °C range are measured. The dispersion curve is approximated by the two oscillator Sellmeier formula. The data on the LiNbO3: MgO crystal optical resistance are presented.
Electrical and Photoelectrical Properties of n‐CuInS2 Single Crystals
Authors: Cybulski D. , Opanowicz A.
Published: January 2007

The temperature dependences of free electron density and mobility in n‐CuInS2 single crystals have been determined from the Hall effect measurements. The ionization energy of donors and their densities have been estimated. The results of measurements show that the crystals are strongly compensated. The spectral distribution of photoconductivity, the dependence of photoconductivity on excitation intensity, and the photoconductivity decay with time have been measured in the n‐CuInS2 crystals at different temperatures. The results of photo‐conductivity measurements suggest linear recombination of photo‐electrons at weak excitation and quadratic recombination at high excitation intensity. The compensated deep acceptor probably acts as the recombination centre.
4‐(2‐Methylphenyl)‐1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8‐octahydroquinazoline‐2,5‐dione (I) and 4‐(4chlorophenyl)‐1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8‐octahydroquinazoline‐2,5‐dione (II)
Authors: Kendi E. , Saraç S. , Yarim M. , Ertan M. , Läge M. , Krebs B.
Published: January 2007

The crystal and molecular structures of the title compounds have been determined by x‐ray structure analysis. The compounds (I) and (II) crystallize in space groups P212121 and 12/a respectively. The structures were solved by direct methods and refined to R = 0.058 and R = 0.046. The saturated pyrimidine‐2‐one ring in both structures deviates from the planarity. There are two intermolecular hydrogen bonds in (I) and (II).

The configuration at C4 in (I) is S.
The Activity of Substrates in the Catalyzed Nucleation of Undercooled Melts and Aqueous Aerosols
Authors: Gutzow I. , Vassilev Ts. , Dobreva A. , Todorova S.
Published: January 2007

The aim of the present contribution is to analyze and to correlate the experimental evidence on the catalyzed nucleation in the crystallization of undercooled melts. This is done by using a new, generalized theoretical approach accounting for both the thermodynamics of adhesion (i.e. the interface bonding) and for correcting structural factors. Beside the usually considered lattice discrepancy substrate/overgrowing crystal in the present contribution as an additional structural corrective is introduced the polarizability of the building units of both interface constituents. It is shown that such a combined approach gives for the first time a way to correlate quantitatively experiment and theory in the case both of heterogeneous meteorolgical important nucleation catalysis and in the crystallization of glassforming organic and inorganic polymer melts. This approach leads to the possibility of predicting further promising nucleation catalysts and especially appropriate substrates in the induced crystallization of ice from undercooled water.

An additional advantage of the theoretical concept derived here is that it allows also the determination of nucleation activity, Φ, of amorphous substrates or of crystallization cores with distorted structure – i.e. in cases, where the lattice discrepancy approach is impossible from the very beginning.

Two main sources of experimental data are used: crystallization of aqueous aerosols induced by various crystallization cores and the heterogeneous crystallization of undercooled glassforming melts.

Thus a new solution of a classical problem is attempted which may be of use in both meteorology and in the technical applications of induced nucleation by using foreign substrates.
Directional Solidification of Faceting Material in a Centrifuge
Authors: Inatomi Y. , Kitajima O. , Huang W. , Kuribayashi K. , Sawada Y.
Published: January 2007

In situ observation of directional solidification of salol was carried out at a centrifuge acceleration of 10 G (G = 9.81 m/s2). Growth rate, temperature distribution and flow pattern in front of the solid‐liquid interface could be simultaneously measured and visualized using a microscopic interferometer and thermocouples. The specimens were transparent, faceting organic compounds, which develop cellular arrays. These materials of commercial grade were purified by several zone‐refining cycles on a laboratory scale and were enclosed in quartz glass cells. The solidification were controlled by the imposed temperature gradient in the cell and cooling rate at the both side of the cell. The growth direction was adjusted to opposite to the acceleration vector. We found appearance of a local recalescence region in front of the growing surface not only under 1 G but 10 G. The uniformity of the recalescence region along the interface seemed to be defined by the flow induced by the centrifuge acceleration. We considered the non‐uniform temperature distribution ahead of the interface as one of the driving forces of the interface breakdown.
The Oscillations of Crystal Growth Rates at their Formation in the Regime of free Convection of a Solution; Statistical Investigation
Authors: Treivus E. B.
Published: January 2007

The growth rate oscillations of {101) NaNO3 crystal face have been measured at certain range of supersaturation of a water solution. It has been found, that root‐mean‐square amplitude of the oscillations of rates increases linearly with the growth of the mean growth rate. The supposition has been made that observed oscillations belong to flicker noise.
Crystallization of Silver‐Germanium Alloys under Microgravity I. Eutectic Crystallization in Hypoeutectic Alloy
Authors: Vojtěch D. , Holeček S. , Barta C. , Barta C. , Görler G. P. , Otto G. , Wittmann K.
Published: January 2007

The results of a study on eutectic crystallisation in the hypoeutectic alloy under different convection conditions are presented. Buoyancy driven convection was suppressed by processing the samples under microgravity conditions. The effect of convection level on the eutectic crystallisation is shown to be significant: In the absence of convection, the non‐equilibrium level of the process is enhanced. The characteristic dependence of the particle size on the distance from the surface of a sample, observed on the minor phase of the eutectic, is discussed.
Alignment Properties of Some Polymeric Layers
Authors: Frunza S. , Frunza L. , Moldovan R. , Stoenescu D. N. , Grigoriu G. , Luca C. , Grigoriu A.
Published: January 2007

Orientational properties of rubbed thin polymer layers with vinylic backbone and different side groups are presented. Some of these polymers lead to the alignment of LC molecules parallel to the rubbing direction whereas other polymers impose a perpendicular orientation. The stability of the obtained alignment as function of the temperature was tested.
Crystal Growth of Boron Sillenite Bi24B2O39
Authors: Burianek M. , Mühlberg M.
Published: January 2007

The Sillenite type Bi24B2O39 is an incongruently melting compound at Tp = 650 °C. Single crystals have been grown from non‐stoichiometric melts as well as from high temperature solutions by the Czochralski method and by a top seeded solution growth technique (TSSG), respectively.

The main difficulty in the crystal growth of Bi24B2O39 arises from the very small field of crystallization in the binary system Bi2O3–B2O3. Further problems are caused by the nearly simultaneous formation of the 2:1 compound Bi4B2O9 and the 12:1 compound Bi24B2O39. Therefore, a precise thermal reinvestigation of the phase diagram was carried out using DTA‐technique on the Bi2O3‐rich side. Additionally, crystal growth runs have been started in the ternary system Bi2O3–B2O3–Li2O in order to extend the crystallization field. Homogeneous melts were more difficult to prepare because of the high density difference between Bi2O3 (∂ = 9.3 g/cm3) and B2O3 (∂ = 2.46 g/cm3). The homogeneity of the melts were improved, using Bi2O3 and synthesized Bi4B2O9 (∂ = 8.25 g/cm3) as starting materials. As a result of this procedure, small crystals of Bi24B2O39 were grown from these starting materials and the lattice parameter were determined.
Glucose and Fructose Adsorption on Sucrose Crystals. Their Role as Habit‐Modifiers
Authors: Sgualdino G. , Vaccari G. , Mantovani G. , Aquilano D.
Published: January 2007

Experimental evidences show that α‐D‐glucose and β‐D‐fructose work as habit‐modifiers of sucrose crystals grown from aqueous solutions at high concentration only. Their ability to affect the sucrose habit is examined from structural point of view, through stereochemical analysis of both additive molecules and surface sites on some significant polar and non‐polar forms of sucrose crystal. We referred to the classical TLK (terraces, ledges, kinks) model and restricted the adsorption interactions to the H‐bondings only. Notwithstanding the simple qualitative model we adopted, our method of analysis appears satisfactory to interpret analogies and differences in selectivity between glucose and fructose. However, it is not able to explain why the additive concentrations, needed to induce macroscopic effects. are so high. To clear this aspect, we assumed a behaviour as “disruption tailor‐made additives” for both monosaccharides. Finally, sucrose crystals grown in the presence of equimolecular mixture of glucose and fructose (50 + 50 g/100 g H2O), examined by X‐ray powder diffractometry, show the systematic splitting of main diffraction peaks; the systematic effect reveals the influence of both impurities on the bulk structure of sucrose crystal.
Zn–Mg–(Y, RE) Quasicrystals: Growth Experiments and Phase Diagrams
Authors: Langsdorf A. , Seuring C. , Hitter F. , Assmus W.
Published: January 2007

We report about our work on the preparation and characterization of icosahedral Zn–Mg–(Y, RE) (RE = rare earth element) quasicrystals. We obtained single grains of the icosahedral (i‐) phase via slow cooling experiments and with the Bridgman technique. We revealed a composition range of the i‐phase, within which the structure changes. Additionally a systematic investigation of the Zn–Mg–Y phase diagram, including the determination of the primary solidification area of the icosahedral phase is presented. It was found that for a growth from the melt a starting composition with a low Y‐content is needed.
Growth of CeCu2Si2 from a Levitating Melt using the Nacken Kyropoulos Technique
Authors: Nüttgens S. , Büllesfeld F. , Reutzel S. , Finsterbusch D. , Assmus W.
Published: January 2007

Large CeCu2Si2 single crystals of several mm3. are grown by the Nacken Kyropoulos technique. The crystals show interesting low temperature properties which strongly depend on the stoichiometry.
Top‐Seeded Solution Growth of Monomethylurea Single Crystals
Authors: Zha M. , Ardoino M. , Zanotti L. , Paorici C. , Sora I. Natali
Published: January 2007

It was previously reported on the growth of monomethylurea (NMU) single crystals from methanol solution by a mechanical limitation‐direction (MLD) technique in which long (100) oriented seeds, capped on their extremities, were employed. The crystals obtained by this technique, in spite of their good structural and optical quality, presented their core region, in which the seed was located, with a higher density of structural defects and henceforth a reduced cross section useful for optical applications. It is here referred to a new, top‐seeded growth configuration, devised on the basis of a preliminary PBC analysis for assessing the morphological importance of the crystal faces experimentally observed during crystal growth, which allows to grow NMU crystals in which the defected core region is removed for almost the entire length of the crystal.
Subduction zone volcanic ash can fertilize the surface ocean and stimulate phytoplankton growth: Evidence from biogeochemical experiments and satellite data
Authors: Duggen Svend , Croot Peter , Schacht Ulrike , Hoffmann Linn
Published: January 2007

Volcanoes confront Earth scientists with new fundamental questions: Can airborne volcanic ash release nutrients on contact with seawater, thereby excite the marine primary productivity (MPP); and, most notably, can volcanoes through oceanic fertilization affect the global climate in a way that is so far poorly understood? Here we present results from biogeochemical experiments showing that 1) volcanic ash from subduction zone volcanoes rapidly release an array of nutrients (co‐)limiting algal growth in vast oceanic areas, 2) at a speed much faster (minute‐scale) than hitherto known and that marine phytoplankton from low‐iron oceanic areas can swiftly, within days, utilize iron from volcanic sources. We further present satellite data possibly indicating an increase of the MPP due to the seaward deposition of volcanic particulate matter. Our study supports the hypothesis that oceanic (iron) fertilization with volcanic ash may play a vital role for the development of the global climate.
Magnetospheric convection at Saturn as a function of IMF BZ
Authors: Fukazawa Keiichiro , Ogi Shun‐ichi , Ogino Tatsuki , Walker Raymond J.
Published: January 2007

We have used three dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations to investigate the influence of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) on Saturn's magnetosphere for cases with no IMF, northward and southward IMF. The subsolar magnetopause and bow shock positions are sensitive to changes in the solar wind dynamic pressure but insensitive to changes in the IMF. Without an IMF vortices were generated near dawn where the corotating flows and solar wind are opposite. For BZ < 0 the vorticity results from the interaction of flows driven by cusp reconnection and corotation. For BZ > 0 vortices were generated in the morning and evening where the flows from tail reconnection are opposite to the solar wind and corotation. We used the energy flux to the ionosphere and upward field‐aligned currents (FACs) as proxies for diffuse and discrete aurora. Strong upward FACs extend to the morning sector when BZ > 0. The strongest FACs are generated in the flow vortices.
Runaway electron production during intense electron beam penetration in dense plasma
Authors: Parks P. B. , Cowan T. E.
Published: January 2007

Relativistic electrons are efficiently generated when multiterawatt lasers focused to ultrahigh intensities ≳1019W∕cm2 illuminate the surface of dense plasma targets. A theoretical study finds that during typical picosecond pulse widths, significant amounts of Dreicer produced runaway electrons can build up due to the high axial electric field driving the neutralizing return current. An important consequence is that there will be a conversion of plasma current to runaway electron current, which is maximized at some optimum value of the beam-to-plasma density ratio Nb=nb∕ne, depending on the plasma collisionality. At collisionalities representative of solid target experiments, complete conversion to runaway electrons can only take place over a certain range of Nb values. At higher collisionalities and pulse widths, applicable to the fast ignition concept for inertial confinement fusion, it was found that conversion to runaways has a peak at ∼90% around Nb∼0.06. Significant lessening of target material heating by Joule current dissipation is also possible, since part of the beam energy loss is transferred through the electric field directly to the formation of energetic runaways. Implications for beam transport inhibition by the electric field are also discussed.
Particle dynamics in asymmetry-induced transport
Authors: Eggleston D. L.
Published: January 2007

The particle dynamics of asymmetry-induced transport are studied using a single-particle computer simulation. For the case of a helical asymmetry with axial and azimuthal wavenumbers (k,l) and with periodic boundary conditions, behaviors consistent with analytical theory are observed. For the typical experimental case of a standing wave asymmetry, the code reveals dynamical behaviors not included in the analytical theory of this transport. The resonances associated with the two constituent helical waves typically overlap and produce a region of stochastic motion. In addition, particles near the radius where the asymmetry frequency ω matches l times the E×B rotation frequency ωR can be trapped in the potential of the applied asymmetry and confined to one end of the device. Both behaviors are associated with large radial excursions and mainly affect particles with low velocities, i.e., vz<2ωT∕k, where ωT is the trapping frequency. For the case of a helical asymmetry with specularly reflecting boundaries, large radial excursions are observed for all velocities near the radius, where ω=lωR. Minor modifications to these results are observed when the code is run with realistic end potentials.
Suppression of global modes in low-density axisymmetric jets using coflow
Authors: Hallberg M. P. , Srinivasan V. , Gorse P. , Strykowski P. J.
Published: January 2007

Experiments conducted in helium axisymmetric jets with an annular coflowing air stream yield critical values of the velocity ratio U2∕U1 needed to suppress global instability inherent in these low-density flows. Global mode suppression was achieved for coflowing velocities less than approximately 20% of the jet centerline velocity, though the critical velocity ratio displayed a nonmonotonic relationship with the initial shear layer momentum thickness. The experiments are supported by spatio-temporal inviscid stability theory, where the convective-absolute transition was tracked in an operating domain including U2∕U1 and D∕θ. For initially thick shear layers, the experimental observations are in good agreement with linear theory, but deviate considerably as the separating shear layer thickness is reduced.
On the relation between the drag and the vorticity produced on a clean bubble
Authors: Legendre Dominique
Published: January 2007

In this Brief Communication, the vorticity produced by a clean bubble rising in a quiescent liquid is considered. More precisely, a simple relation between the drag of a bubble and the vorticity generated at its surface is proposed. The analysis is based on direct numerical simulations and on asymptotic analytical solutions.
Magnetic field amplification in anisotropic counterstreaming pair plasmas
Authors: Tautz R. C. , Sakai J.-I.
Published: January 2007

The growth rates of the counterstream instability in magnetized electron-positron plasma is investigated by using a two-dimensional, electromagnetic, and relativistic particle-in-cell code. It is shown that strong electromagnetic ordinary-mode waves are excited, that propagate perpendicularly to the background magnetic field and with electric field parallel to that direction. For these waves, the linear growth rates are determined and compared to previous analytical results by Tautz and Schlickeiser [Phys. Plasmas 13, 062901 (2006)]. The simulations confirm the analytically derived growth rates very well. Furthermore, it is shown that for a strong background magnetic field, the linear instability is suppressed which, again, agrees with previous theoretical considerations.
Six-rowed barley originated from a mutation in a homeodomain-leucine zipper I-class homeobox gene
Authors: Komatsuda Takao , Pourkheirandish Mohammad , He Congfen , Azhaguvel Perumal , Kanamori Hiroyuki , Perovic Dragan , Stein Nils , Graner Andreas , Wicker Thomas , Tagiri Akemi , Lundqvist Udda , Fujimura Tatsuhito , Matsuoka Makoto , Matsumoto Takashi , Yano Masahiro
Published: January 2007

Increased seed production has been a common goal during the domestication of cereal crops, and early cultivators of barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. vulgare) selected a phenotype with a six-rowed spike that stably produced three times the usual grain number. This improved yield established barley as a founder crop for the Near Eastern Neolithic civilization. The barley spike has one central and two lateral spikelets at each rachis node. The wild-type progenitor (H. vulgaressp.spontaneum) has a two-rowed phenotype, with additional, strictly rudimentary, lateral rows; this natural adaptation is advantageous for seed dispersal after shattering. Until recently, the origin of the six-rowed phenotype remained unknown. In the present study, we isolatedvrs1(six-rowed spike 1), the gene responsible for the six-rowed spike in barley, by means of positional cloning. The wild-typeVrs1allele (for two-rowed barley) encodes a transcription factor that includes a homeodomain with a closely linked leucine zipper motif. Expression ofVrs1was strictly localized in the lateral-spikelet primordia of immature spikes, suggesting that the VRS1 protein suppresses development of the lateral rows. Loss of function ofVrs1resulted in complete conversion of the rudimentary lateral spikelets in two-rowed barley into fully developed fertile spikelets in the six-rowed phenotype. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the six-rowed phenotype originated repeatedly, at different times and in different regions, through independent mutations ofVrs1.
Auxin Biosynthesis by the YUCCA Genes in Rice
Authors: Yamamoto Yuko , Kamiya Noriko , Morinaka Yoichi , Matsuoka Makoto , Sazuka Takashi
Published: January 2007

Although indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), the predominant auxin in plants, plays a critical role in various plant growth and developmental processes, its biosynthesis and regulation have not been clearly elucidated. To investigate the molecular mechanisms of IAA synthesis in rice (Oryza sativa), we identified seven YUCCA-like genes (named OsYUCCA1-7) in the rice genome. Plants overexpressing OsYUCCA1 exhibited increased IAA levels and characteristic auxin overproduction phenotypes, whereas plants expressing antisense OsYUCCA1 cDNA displayed defects that are similar to those of rice auxin-insensitive mutants. OsYUCCA1 was expressed in almost all of the organs tested, but its expression was restricted to discrete areas, including the tips of leaves, roots, and vascular tissues, where it overlapped with expression of a β-glucuronidase reporter gene controlled by the auxin-responsive DR5 promoter. These observations are consistent with an important role for the rice enzyme OsYUCCA1 in IAA biosynthesis via the tryptophan-dependent pathway.
Chlamydomonas reinhardtiiHas Multiple Prolyl 4-Hydroxylases, One of Which Is Essential for Proper Cell Wall Assembly
Authors: Keskiaho Katriina , Hieta Reija , Sormunen Raija , Myllyharju Johanna
Published: January 2007

Prolyl 4-hydroxylases (P4Hs) catalyze formation of 4-hydroxyproline (4Hyp), which is found in many plant glycoproteins. We cloned and characterized Cr-P4H-1, one of 10 P4H-like Chlamydomonas reinhardtii polypeptides. Recombinant Cr-P4H-1 is a soluble 29-kD monomer that effectively hydroxylated in vitro both poly(l-Pro) and synthetic peptides representing Pro-rich motifs found in the Chlamydomonas cell wall Hyp-rich glycoprotein (HRGP) GP1. Similar Pro-rich repeats that are likely to be Cr-P4H-1 substrates are also present in the cell wall HRGP GP2 and probably GP3. Suppression of the gene encoding Cr-P4H-1 by RNA interference led to a defective cell wall consisting of a loose network of fibrils resembling the inner and outer W1 and W7 layers of the wild-type wall, while the layers forming the dense central triplet were absent. The lack of Cr-P4H-1 most probably affected 4Hyp content of the major HRPGs of the central triplet, GP1, GP2, and GP3. The reduced 4Hyp levels in these HRGPs can also be expected to affect their glycosylation and, thus, the interactive properties and stabilities of their fibrous shafts. Interestingly, our RNA interference data indicate that the nine other Chlamydomonas P4H-like polypeptides could not fully compensate for the lack of Cr-P4H-1 activity and are therefore likely to have different substrate specificities and functions.
Cellular immune response, stress resistance and competitiveness in nestling great tits in relation to maternally transmitted carotenoids
Authors: BERTHOULY ANNE , HELFENSTEIN FABRICE , RICHNER HEINZ
Published: January 2007

Egg yolks contain carotenoids that protect biological molecules against free‐radical damage and promote maturation of the immune system. Availability of carotenoids to birds is often limited. Trade‐offs can thus arise in the allocation of carotenoids to different physiological functions, and mothers may influence the immunocompetence of nestlings by modulating the transfer of carotenoid to the yolk.

In the great tit Parus major, we experimentally manipulated the dietary supply of carotenoid to mothers, and partially cross‐fostered hatchlings to investigate the effect of an increased availability of carotenoids during egg laying on immunocompetence of nestlings.

In addition, we infested half of the nests with hen fleas Ceratophyllus gallinae to investigate the relationship between carotenoid availability, resistance to ectoparasites and immunocompetence.

We found that the procedure of cross‐fostering can reduce the immune response of nestlings, but this effect can be compensated by the maternally transferred carotenoids. Cross‐fostered nestlings of carotenoid‐supplemented females show a similar immune response to non‐cross‐fostered nestlings, while cross‐fostered nestlings of control females mounted a weaker cell‐mediated immune response. This suggests that yolk carotenoids may help nestlings to cope with stress, for example the one generated by cross‐fostering and/or they may enhance nestling competitiveness.

There was no statistically significant interaction between parasite and carotenoid treatments, as would be expected if carotenoids helped nestlings to fight parasites. Under parasite pressure, however, lighter nestlings raised a lower immune response, while the immune response was only weakly correlated with body mass in uninfested nests.
The functional significance of residual yolk in hatchling lizards Amphibolurus muricatus (Agamidae)
Authors: RADDER R. S. , WARNER D. A. , CUERVO J. J. , SHINE R.
Published: January 2007

Although post‐hatching parental care is uncommon in reptiles, reproducing females may none the less contribute to the nutritional state of their offspring by depositing more yolk into the egg than is needed for embryogenesis. This ‘extra’ yolk (i.e. residual yolk) is drawn into the offspring's body prior to hatching and is widely assumed to serve as an energy resource for early life activities. However, empirical data on the functional significance of residual yolk are rare.

We surgically removed residual yolk from hatchling lizards Amphibolurus muricatus to evaluate its effects on offspring growth and survival over 4 weeks under two environmental conditions: low or high food abundance.

Unsurprisingly, higher food abundance enhanced growth rates of the young lizards. However, experimental removal of residual yolk did not affect any of the traits that we measured in either nutritionally harsh or benign post‐hatching environments.

Overall, our results challenge the common assumption that residual yolk is an important source of energy during early life in lizards, and suggest instead that residual yolk is of trivial nutritional significance (especially, relative to prey availability). Residual yolk in A. muricutus may instead have a different (non‐nutritive) function, or be a nonfunctional relict retained through phylogenetic conservatism from ancestral taxa.
Components of nutrient residence time and the leaf economics spectrum in species from Mediterranean old‐fields differing in successional status
Authors: KAZAKOU E. , GARNIER E. , NAVAS M‐L. , ROUMET C. , COLLIN C. , LAURENT G.
Published: January 2007

Leaf life span (LLS) is one of the traits involved in the leaf economics spectrum (ranging from fast acquisition to efficient conservation of resources). How it relates to nutrient resorption efficiency (REFF), another key component of resource conservation, is still under debate. Here we test how leaf traits related to leaf economy, mass loss during senescence and REFF covary among species differing in resource use, and how they respond to nitrogen limitation.

Leaf traits were assessed for 18 species differing in successional status and in resource use, grown in a common‐garden experiment under limiting and non‐limiting N supply.

As expected, leaf traits and nutrient REFF vary with species successional status: early successional species have high rates of resource acquisition with high specific leaf area and live‐leaf phosphorus concentrations, whereas late successional species have an efficient nutrient conservation with long LLS and high nutrient REFF. Leaf life span decreased under non‐limiting N conditions, while nitrogen REFF was unchanged.

Leaf mass loss can alter assessment of nutrient REFF. Nutrient REFF was controlled by nutrient concentration in dead leaves and hence represents a process, distinct from leaf longevity, that leads to resource conservation.
Prospering in a transition economy through information technology‐supported organizational learning
Authors: Janson Marius , Cecez‐Kecmanovic Dubravka , Zupančič Jože
Published: January 2007

Abstract.  This paper presents the findings of a longitudinal study of the Slovenian company Sava during its 1995–2004 transition period when it adapted to and prospered in a free market economy. The company is particularly interesting because of its successful transition from a socialist company operating in a protected market to a privatized company operating in a capitalist global market, as well as the pivotal role of information technology (IT)‐supported organizational learning that brought about radical change and successful transition. Our investigation of Sava’s experiences demonstrates how the company’s increasing attention to organizational learning, integration of working and learning, and its constant innovation of products and processes created new needs for IT support that motivated the adoption of new IT systems (such as Lotus Notes, document management systems, SAP), which in turn increased Sava’s capacity to learn. Furthermore, our study reveals how the role of IT systems in organizational learning depends on the nature of learning (single‐loop, double‐loop or triple‐loop learning) and the organizational level at which learning takes place (individual, group/department or organization). By providing insight into the emergence of distinct types of IT‐supported learning and their vital role in Sava’s successful transition, the paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between IT and organizational learning that is relevant and inspiring to other companies, especially those operating in transition economies.
Evaluation of an osteoporosis prevention education programme for young adults
Authors: Chan Moon Fai , Kwong Wing Suet , Zang Yu‐li , Wan Po Yuk
Published: January 2007

Title. Evaluation of an osteoporosis prevention education programme for young adults

Aim.  This paper reports a study exploring the effectiveness of an osteoporosis prevention education programme for young adults.

Methods.  A quasi‐experimental study was carried out with two groups, using pre‐, post‐ and follow‐up measures and was conducted in one integrated services centre during the period July 2005 to November 2005.

Results.  The results showed statistically significant increases in the reported follow‐up for each outcome: osteoporosis knowledge test scores, osteoporosis health brief scores, and osteoporosis self‐efficacy scores, for those in the intervention group compared with those in the control group. On the satisfaction score, most participants in the intervention group rated the nurse's performance in the educational programme positively.

Conclusion.  Strategies used in this programme may provide guidance for the design of future programmes.
Hypercholesterolaemia impairs monocyte function in CAD patients
Authors: Czepluch F. S. , Bergler A. , Waltenberger J.
Published: January 2007

Objectives.  Hypercholesterolaemia (HC) impairs arteriogenesis, i.e. collateral artery growth. Monocytes are crucial mediators of arteriogenesis. We investigated the impact of the cardiovascular risk factor HC on ligand‐induced monocyte chemotaxis.

Subjects.  The migratory response of monocytes towards the arteriogenic ligands vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A) and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) in hypercholesterolaemic coronary artery disease (CAD) patients (n = 14), hypercholesterolaemic controls (n = 8) and age‐matched healthy controls (n = 19) was analysed. Furthermore, the serum VEGF‐A level was determined in all individuals.

Results.  VEGF‐A‐induced monocyte chemotaxis was severely impaired in hypercholesterolaemic CAD patients when compared with age‐matched healthy controls (P < 0.001). The same was true for the migratory response towards MCP‐1 (P < 0.001). VEGF‐A‐ and MCP‐1‐induced monocyte chemotaxis of hypercholesterolaemic controls was also decreased in comparison with the healthy control group, but not as severe as observed in the hypercholesterolaemic CAD patients. VEGF‐A serum levels did not differ between the three study groups.

Conclusions.  Hypercholesterolaemia severely impairs monocyte function in hypercholesterolaemic CAD patients. Monocyte dysfunction is probably connected to impaired collateral artery growth. The duration of the cardiovascular risk factor HC seems to influence the extent of monocyte dysfunction, as there exists a continuum of diminished monocyte chemotaxis in the three study groups. Further trials are warranted in order to determine whether statins can reverse the negative influence of HC on cell function.
Interstitial deletions of chromosome 6q: genotype–phenotype correlation utilizing array CGH
Authors: Klein OD , Cotter PD , Moore MW , Zanko A , Gilats M , Epstein CJ , Conte F , Rauen KA
Published: January 2007

Interstitial deletions of the long arm of chromosome 6 are relatively rare, with fewer than 100 cases reported. Phenotypic variation is in large part due to differences in size and location of the segmental aneuploidy. We report three new patients with interstitial deletions of chromosome 6q defined at the molecular level by array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH). In two of three cases, the molecular breakpoints differed from those indicated by conventional karyotyping, demonstrating the enhanced resolution of array CGH. Two patients had minimal deletions of 6 and 8.8 Mb involving 6q16.2→q21, and the third patient had a deletion of 11.3 Mb spanning 6q15→q21. All three had developmental delay, craniofacial dysmorphology, and functional eye disorders, suggesting that genes affecting brain and craniofacial development are located in 6q16.2→q21, the deleted region common to all three patients. Furthermore, gene(s) for discordant phenotypic features, such as central diabetes insipidus, may reside at 6q15, the monosomic region unique to patient 3. All three cases described here showed loss of paternal alleles within the deleted segment, providing further evidence of the predominantly paternal origin for 6q deletions and rearrangements.
Effect of a chronic nail‐biting habit on the oral carriage of Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Baydaş B. , Uslu H. , Yavuz İ. , Ceylan İ. , Dağsuyu İ.M.
Published: January 2007

Background/aims:  Nail biting is a common oral habit in children and young adults. However, its effect on the oral carriage of Enterobacteriaceae is unclear. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the differences in prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae in saliva samples from subjects with and without a nail‐biting habit.

Methods:  Saliva samples were taken from 25 subjects who were nail‐biters and 34 subjects with no oral habit. The mean chronological age for all subjects was 13.5 ± 1.9 years. The saliva samples were studied microbiologically. A Pearson chi‐squared test was performed to compare the prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae in the saliva samples of the subjects with and without nail‐biting habits.

Results:  Statistically significant differences were found in the prevalence of Escherichia coli and total Enterobacteriaceae between both groups (P < 0.001). E. coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterobacter cloacae and Enterobacter gergoviae were found in the saliva samples of 19 of the 25 nail‐biting subjects (76%), whereas E. coli, E. aerogenes and E. cloacae were detected in the saliva samples of only nine of the 34 subjects who were not nail‐biters (26.5%).

Conclusion:  According to the results of the present study, the Enterobacteriaceae were more prevalent in the oral cavities of children with nail‐biting habits than in children with no oral habit.
Bacterial community profiles of endodontic abscesses from Brazilian and USA subjects as compared by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis
Authors: Machado de Oliveira J. C. , Siqueira J. F. , Rôças I. N. , Baumgartner J. C. , Xia T. , Peixoto R. S. , Rosado A. S.
Published: January 2007

This study compared the bacterial community profiles of the microbiota associated with acute apical abscesses from Brazilian and USA patients using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). DNA was extracted from purulent exudate aspirates and part of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and separated by DGGE. The resulting banding patterns, which were representative of the bacterial community structures in samples from the two locations, were then compared. Distinct DGGE banding patterns were observed from different samples. Ninety‐nine bands with distinct positions in the gels were detected, of which 27 were found only in the USA samples and 13 were exclusive to Brazilian samples. Four of the 59 shared bands showed very discrepant findings with regard to prevalence in the two locations. Cluster analysis of DGGE banding profiles showed a great variability in the bacterial populations associated with teeth with abscesses regardless of the geographical location. Two big clusters, one for each location, were observed. Other clusters contained a mixture of samples from the two locations. The results of the present study demonstrated a great variability in the bacterial community profiles among samples. This indicates that the bacterial communities of abscesses are unique for each individual in terms of diversity. The composition of the microbiota in some samples showed a geography‐related pattern. Furthermore, several bands were exclusive for each location and others were shared by the two locations and showed great differences in prevalence.
The relationship between dental caries status and dental plaque urease activity
Authors: Shu M. , Morou‐Bermudez E. , Suárez‐Pérez E. , Rivera‐Miranda C. , Browngardt C. M. , Chen Y‐Y. M. , Magnusson I. , Burne R. A.
Published: January 2007

Introduction:  Ammonia production from the metabolism of urea by urease enzymes of oral bacteria moderates plaque acidification and may inhibit dental caries, as suggested by in vitro studies and indirect clinical observations. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship of urease activity with dental caries at the clinical level.

Methods:  Urease activity was measured in dental plaque and saliva samples from 25 caries‐free subjects (CF) and in eight subjects with six or more open caries lesions (CA). Plaque and saliva collection was repeated for each subject 1 week later using identical procedures.

Results:  Urease‐specific activity in the dental plaque of CF subjects was significantly higher compared to that in the subjects with caries. The association of low plaque urease levels with increased caries was further supported by odds ratio analysis using different plaque urease cut‐off points. Using a receiver operating characteristic curve it was estimated that there was an approximately 85% probability of correctly classifying the subjects as CA or CF based on the relative ordering of their plaque urease activity levels. No statistically significant differences were observed in salivary urease activity.

Conclusion:  This study suggests that loss of alkali‐generating potential of tooth biofilms via the urease pathway has a positive relationship to dental caries.
Medical cost analysis of family psychoeducation for schizophrenia
Authors: MINO YOSHIO , SHIMODERA SHINJI , INOUE SHIMPEI , FUJITA HIROKAZU , FUKUZAWA KAE
Published: January 2007

Abstract  Family psychoeducation has been shown to prevent the relapse of schizophrenia. However, whether medical costs are reduced by this approach remains uncertain. The subjects were patients with schizophrenia who lived with high‐expressed emotion (EE) families and were at high risk of relapse. A total of 30 patients whose families underwent psychoeducation and intensive family sessions or psychoeducation and subsequent support were regarded as the psychoeducation group. A high‐EE group without family psychoeducation made up of 24 patients was used as a control group. The mean outpatient medical cost, duration of hospitalization, inpatient medical cost, and total medical cost during the follow‐up period were compared between the psychoeducation group and the control group. The mean inpatient medical cost was ¥270 000 in the psychoeducation group and ¥470 000 in the control group. The mean total medical costs were ¥500 000 in the psychoeducation group and ¥710 000 in the control group. The cost in the psychoeducation group was significantly lower than the control group by Mann–Whitney U‐test. The proportion of patients with a total medical cost greater than the median value was 23% in the psychoeducation group and 54% in the control group with a significant difference. The medical cost can be reduced in the psychoeducation group compared with the control group due to the prevention of re‐hospitalization by family psychoeducation.
Emotional state and coping style among gynecologic patients undergoing surgery
Authors: MATSUSHITA TOSHIKO , MURATA HINAKO , MATSUSHIMA EISUKE , SAKATA YU , MIYASAKA NAOYUKI , ASO TAKESHI
Published: January 2007

Abstract  The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in emotional state and the relationship between emotional state and demographic/clinical factors and coping style among gynecologic patients undergoing surgery. Using the Japanese version of the Profile of Mood States (POMS), 90 patients (benign disease: 32, malignancy: 58) were examined on three occasions: before surgery, before discharge, and 3 months after discharge. They were also examined using the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) on one occasion before discharge. The scores for the subscales depression, anger, and confusion were the highest after discharge while those for anxiety were the highest before surgery. The average scores of the POMS subscales for all subjects were within the normal range. With regard to the relationship between these emotional states and other factors, multiple regressions showed that the principal determinants of anxiety before surgery were religious belief, psychological symptoms during hospitalization and emotion‐oriented (E) coping style; further, it was found that depression after discharge could be explained by chemotherapy, duration of hospitalization, and E coping style. The principal determinants of anger after discharge and vigor before surgery were length of education and E coping style, and severity of disease, chemotherapy, E coping style and task‐oriented coping style, respectively. Those of post‐discharge fatigue and confusion were length of education, psychological symptoms, and E coping style. In summary it is suggested that the following should be taken into account in patients undergoing gynecologic surgery: anxiety before surgery, depression, anger, and confusion after surgery, including coping styles.
Unusual manifestations of premenstrual syndrome
Authors: HSIAO MEI‐CHUN , LIU CHAI‐YIH
Published: January 2007

Abstract  The authors have identified six unusual manifestations of premenstrual syndrome: (i) typical premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms during ovulation; (ii) upper airway infection in the premenstrual phase that remits after onset of menstruation; (iii) recurrent perimenstrual erythematous and edematous skin plaques; (iv) hypomanic or manic state 2–3 days before onset of menstruation; (v) auditory hallucinations and delusion of reference, present only premenstrually; and (vi) remitted bipolar disorder presenting with premenstrual psychotic features. Psychiatrists should be aware of menstrual cycle‐related changes in mental illness, physical illness, or both in women of reproductive age, if cyclic trends are suspected.