bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutants in DEFECTIVE GLYCOSYLATION, an Arabidopsis homolog of an oligosaccharyltransferase complex subunit, show protein underglycosylation and defects in cell differentiation and growth
Authors: Lerouxel Olivier , Mouille Grégory , Andème‐Onzighi Christine , Bruyant Marie‐Pierre , Séveno Martial , Loutelier‐Bourhis Corinne , Driouich Azeddine , Höfte Herman , Lerouge Patrice
Published: April 2005

A mutant called defective glycosylation1‐1 (dgl1‐1) was identified in Arabidopsis based on a growth defect of the dark‐grown hypocotyl and an abnormal composition of the non‐cellulosic cell wall polysaccharides. dgl1‐1 is altered in a protein ortholog of human OST48 or yeast WBP1, an essential protein subunit of the oligosaccharyltransferase (OST) complex, which is responsible for the transfer in the ER of the N‐linked glycan precursor onto Asn residues of candidate proteins. Consistent with the known function of the OST complex in eukaryotes, the dgl1‐1 mutation led to a reduced N‐linked glycosylation of the ER‐resident protein disulfide isomerase. A second more severe mutant (dgl1‐2) was embryo‐lethal. Microscopic analysis of dgl1‐1 revealed developmental defects including reduced cell elongation and the collapse and differentiation defects of cells in the central cylinder. These defects were accompanied by changes in the non‐cellulosic polysaccharide composition, including the accumulation of ectopic callose. Interestingly, in contrast to other dwarf mutants that are altered in early steps of the N‐glycan processing, dgl1‐1 did not exhibit a cellulose deficiency. Together, these results confirm the role of DGL1 in N‐linked glycosylation, cell growth and differentiation in plants.
Visualization of autophagy in Arabidopsis using the fluorescent dye monodansylcadaverine and a GFP‐AtATG8e fusion protein
Authors: Contento Anthony L. , Xiong Yan , Bassham Diane C.
Published: April 2005

Autophagy is a process that is thought to occur in all eukaryotes in which cells recycle cytoplasmic contents when subjected to environmental stress conditions or during certain stages of development. Upon induction of autophagy, double membrane‐bound structures called autophagosomes engulf portions of the cytoplasm and transfer them to the vacuole or lysosome for degradation. In this study, we have characterized two potential markers for autophagy in plants, the fluorescent dye monodansylcadaverine (MDC) and a green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐AtATG8e fusion protein, and propose that they both label autophagosomes in Arabidopsis. Both markers label the same small, apparently membrane‐bound structures found in cells under conditions that are known to induce autophagy such as starvation and senescence. They are usually seen in the cytoplasm, but occasionally can be observed within the vacuole, consistent with a function in the transfer of cytoplasmic material into the vacuole for degradation. MDC‐staining and the GFP‐AtATG8e fusion protein can now be used as very effective tools to complement biochemical and genetic approaches to the study of autophagy in plant systems.
Arabidopsis mutants deregulated in RCI2A expression reveal new signaling pathways in abiotic stress responses
Authors: Medina Joaquín , Rodríguez‐Franco Marta , Peñalosa Andrés , Carrascosa María J. , Neuhaus Gunther , Salinas Julio
Published: April 2005

To uncover new pathways involved in low‐temperature signal transduction, we screened for mutants altered in cold‐induced expression of RCI2A, an Arabidopsis gene that is not a member of the CBF/DREB1 regulon and is induced not only by low temperature but also by abscisic acid (ABA), dehydration (DH) and NaCl. This was accomplished by generating a line of Arabidopsis carrying a transgene consisting of the RCI2A promoter fused to the firefly luciferase coding sequence. A number of mutants showing low or high RCI2A expression in response to low temperature were identified. These mutants also displayed deregulated RCI2A expression in response to ABA, DH or NaCl. Interestingly, however, they were not altered in stress‐induced expression of RD29A, a CBF/DREB1‐target gene, suggesting that the mutations affect signaling intermediates of CBF/DREB1‐independent regulatory pathways. Several mutants showed alterations in their tolerance to freezing, DH or salt stress, as well as in their ABA sensitivity, which indicates that the signaling intermediates defined by the corresponding mutations play an important role in Arabidopsis tolerance to abiotic stresses. Based on the mutants identified, we discuss the involvement of CBF/DREB1‐independent pathways in modulating stress signaling.
Safer injections, fewer infections: injection safety in rural north India
Authors: Kermode Michelle , Holmes Wendy , Langkham Biangtang , Thomas Mathew S. , Gifford Sandy
Published: April 2005

Background  Unsafe injection practices result in a substantial burden of preventable blood‐borne viral disease (BBV). The reasons are complex and include structural, economic and socio‐cultural factors.

Objective  To describe injection‐related practices in two rural north Indian health settings including the contextual factor, highlight some of the challenges facing those endeavouring to translate injection safety policies into safe injection practice, and to identify appropriate intervention strategies.

Method  Qualitative data collection (participant observation and in‐depth interviews) in two rural north Indian hospitals with affiliated community‐based programmes over a 4‐month period. A total of 130 h of observation took place in a range of clinical areas characterized by frequent use of needles and other sharps, and 40 healthcare workers were interviewed. Field notes and interview transcripts were thematically analysed.

Results  Managers in these health settings were clearly endeavouring to promote injection safety by implementing the widespread use of disposable needles and syringes and attempting to address the difficult issue of safe healthcare waste management. However, some unsafe practices were still occurring: reuse of syringes (with and without sterilization) was relatively common, and use of multi‐dose vials, blood sampling, sterilization and disinfection, and healthcare waste management were sub‐optimal in some instances, placing both staff and patients at unnecessary risk of BBV infection.

Conclusion  Strategies for promoting injection safety are necessary if the risk of nosocomial transmission of BBV diseases via unsafe injection practices in rural north India is to be minimized.
Exploring the decision‐making preferences of people with colorectal cancer
Authors: Beaver Kinta , Jones David , Susnerwala Shabbir , Craven Olive , Tomlinson Mary , Witham Gary , Luker Karen A
Published: April 2005

Objectives  To explore patient views on participation in treatment, physical care and psychological care decisions and factors that facilitate and hinder patients from making decisions.

Design  Qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews with patients.

Setting and participants  Three NHS Trusts in the north‐west of England. Theoretical sampling including 41 patients who had been treated for colorectal cancer.

Results  For patients, participation in the decision‐making process was about being informed and feeling involved in the consultation process, whether patients actually made decisions or not. The perceived availability of treatment choices (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy) was related to type of treatment. Factors that impacted on whether patients wanted to make decisions included a lack of information, a lack of medical knowledge and trust in medical expertise. Patients perceived that they could have a more participatory role in decisions related to physical and psychological care.

Conclusion  This study has implications for health professionals aiming to implement policy guidelines that promote patient participation and shared partnerships. Patients in this study wanted to be well informed and involved in the consultation process but did not necessarily want to use the information they received to make decisions. The presentation of choices and preferences for participation may be context specific and it cannot be assumed that patients who do not want to make decisions about one aspect of their care and treatment do not want to make decisions about other aspects of their care and treatment.
VISUAL IMPRINTS ON THE PRISON LANDSCAPE: A STUDY ON THE DECORATIONS IN PRISON CELLS
Authors: BAER LEONARD D.
Published: April 2005

While conducting my first research project on prisons, I noticed that some prisoners decorated their cells with massive quantities of bathing products and air freshener. I wondered why. This led to an impressionistic study that drew from visits to six young offender institutions and interviews with 11 prisoners in England. Prisoners and staff gave numerous explanations for such decorations, including: the commodification of everyday items, such as shower gels; social status; the creation of a home environment; the need to fill space; boredom; illegal activity; and the effect of sentence length on the personalisation of space. Michel de Certeau's idea of tactics is applied to the findings as mundane activities used by people in a position of weakness. Other visual imprints in the everyday surroundings of prisoners could also have numerous explanations. This study serves as a beginning for future research on the personalisation and meanings of prison spaces.
FORUM GERMANORUM IN NORTH‐WEST ITALY: THE HOME COMMUNITY AND LIFE OF ARGUABLY THE EARLIEST KNOWN LEGIONARY VETERAN IN BRITAIN
Authors: SAUER EBERHARD
Published: April 2005

Summary. Excavations at Alchester in Oxfordshire in 2003 yielded the remains of a Roman inscription, smashed into fragments and reused in the foundations of the town wall. It proved to be a tombstone of a veteran of the Second Augustan Legion and it is argued that Alchester was probably the main base of this legion and its famous first commander in Britain, Vespasian. However, the emphasis in this paper is on the home community of the veteran, Forum Germanorum in north‐west Italy, for which the inscription provides the earliest testimony, as well as on the ex‐soldier's career. The precise dating of the monument is of particular significance; it suggests that the deceased was the earliest known legionary veteran to settle in Britain. He is, incidentally, also the only inhabitant of pre‐medieval Oxfordshire (other than, temporarily, Vespasian and some officers of the Second Augustan Legion, if the above theory is accepted) whose life story we know.
The early 20th century: Shaping the discipline of psychology in Japan1
Authors: SATO TATSUYA , SATO TAKAO
Published: April 2005

Abstract: In this paper, we aim to describe the developing process of early Japanese psychology. This is the story of the institutionalization of psychology in Japan. We deal with the first period of Japanese psychology and trace the process of shaping the discipline of psychology in Japan. We also focus on the life and studies of Motora, who was the first psychology professor in Japan, and those of his students. In 1903, Yuzero Motora opened the first formal laboratory of psychology at Tokyo Imperial University, and in 1904, the first 2‐year course in psychology was commenced. Both the laboratory and the two‐year course could produce psychology students who studied “new” or experimental psychology. But not all the experimentation resulted in success. We also examine Fukurai's clairvoyance and thoughtgraphy experiments. Although Fukurai was one of the promising students of Motora, he gradually changed interest to parapsychology. Fukurai's adherence to these psychic phenomenon and his isolation from academic society resulted in the removal of clinical psychology from the psychology discipline in Japan.
Porous Ceramic Bodies with Interconnected Pore Channels by a Novel Freeze Casting Technique
Authors: Araki Kiyoshi , Halloran John W.
Published: April 2005

Porous ceramic bodies with interconnected pore channels were fabricated by a novel freeze casting technique using camphene‐based slurries. The pore channels are surrounded by almost fully dense walls and have nearly circular cross‐sections. The pore volume fraction and the channel size were controllable by the solid content in the slurry. The channels are replicas of entangled dendrites of frozen camphene, which sublimed during the freeze‐drying process. This porous structure with entangled pore channels is considered potentially useful in many applications such as implantable bone scaffolds.
Degradation of Magnesium Aluminum Spinel by Lithium Fluoride Sintering Aid
Authors: Villalobos Guillermo R. , Sanghera Jasbinder S. , Aggarwal Ishwar D.
Published: April 2005

The effect of LiF sintering aid on the degradation of transparent magnesium aluminate spinel during hot‐pressing was studied. LiF is used to etch spinel particles during the hot pressing process. The LiF was found to react with the aluminum in the spinel structure, thereby leaving Mg‐rich regions behind that do not sinter well and result in opaque white regions in the otherwise transparent matrix.
Thermal Expansion Kinetics: Method to Measure Permeability of Cementitious Materials, IV. Effect of Thermal Gradients and Viscoelasticity
Authors: Ciardullo J. P. , Sweeney D. J. , Scherer G. W.
Published: April 2005

When a porous material that is saturated with liquid is heated, the liquid expands much more than the solid phase. If the permeability is low, then the liquid may not be able to escape as it expands, so it expands within the pores and causes dilatation of the body. In that case, by analyzing the kinetics of dilatation during a change in temperature, it is possible to extract the permeability. Previous papers have examined the behavior of an elastic or viscoelastic (VE) porous solid subjected to a thermal cycle slow enough to avoid internal temperature gradients. However, for cementitious samples, the sample size must be large enough that thermal gradients are likely. In this paper, we show that the effect of the gradient can be readily incorporated into the analysis of experimental data. For cement paste, experiments reveal that VE relaxation has a greater influence on the results than the gradient in temperature.
Ti2ZrO Phases Formed in the Titanium and Zirconia Interface After Reaction at 1550°C
Authors: Lin Kun‐Lin , Lin Chien‐Cheng
Published: April 2005

Hot‐pressed 3 mol% Y2O3 partially stabilized ZrO2 was reacted with titanium at 1550°C/30 min. The interface was characterized by analytical transmission microscopy (transmission electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive spectroscopy). The lamellar and the spherical Ti2ZrO as well as the orthorhombic β′‐Ti were found to exist in the titanium side after cooling down to room temperature. The crystal structures of the lamellar and the spherical Ti2ZrO were orthorhombic and hexagonal, respectively. On heating, the dissolution of a large amount of zirconium and oxygen into titanium gave rise to the metastably supersaturated disordered α‐Ti(Zr, O) solid solution where two different Ti2ZrO phases subsequently precipitated, while the β‐Ti coexisting with α‐Ti at high temperatures was transformed to the orthorhombic β′‐Ti during cooling. The spherical hexagonal Ti2ZrO was an ordered structure, with Zr and O occupying substitutional and interstitial sites, respectively. The orientation relations between α‐Ti and the lamellae orthorhombic Ti2ZrO were determined to be [0001]α‐Ti//[110]Ti2ZrO and (1010)α‐Ti//(110)Ti2ZrO; meanwhile, those between the α‐Ti and the spherical hexagonal Ti2ZrO were [0001]α‐Ti//[0001]Ti2rO and (1010)α‐Ti//(1010)Ti2ZrO.
Microstructural Investigation of the Aging Behavior of (3Y‐TZP)–Al2O3 Composites
Authors: Deville Sylvain , Chevalier Jérôme , Dauvergne Christelle , Fantozzi Gilbert , Bartolomé José F. , Moya José S. , Torrecillas Ramón
Published: April 2005

The low‐temperature autoclave aging behavior of zirconia‐toughened alumina composites processed by a classical powder mixing processing route was analyzed using atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The transformation was evaluated in terms of nucleation and growth, assessed by XRD. The time–temperature equivalency of the transformation was used to measure an apparent activation energy of the nucleation stage of the transformation of 78 kJ/mol. The microstructural features influencing the transformation were identified, and the influence of the alumina matrix on the transformation was investigated. Transformation progression grain by grain was observed by AFM. Transformation does not only occur in zirconia agglomerates but also in isolated zirconia grains. The matrix could partially inhibit the transformation. This behavior could be rationalized considering the constraining effect of the alumina matrix, shape strain accommodation arguments, and microstructural homogeneity effects.
Ionic‐Exchange Mechanism in the Formation of Medieval Luster Decorations
Authors: Pradell T. , Molera J. , Roque J. , Vendrell‐Saz M. , Smith A. D. , Pantos E. , Crespo D.
Published: April 2005

Analysis of medieval luster ceramics seems to indicate that the formation of luster layers could involve an ion exchange between some alkali ions of the glaze (Na+ and K+), and copper and silver cations of the luster raw paint during firing. However, because of the weathering shown by the medieval luster decorations analyzed, conclusive proof is difficult to obtain. A realistic reproduction of the luster decorations has been fabricated in order to follow the process of formation of the luster layer. This has been studied by optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, extended X‐ray absorption fine structure, X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure, and the results give direct evidence that ion exchange and diffusion are the physical–chemical mechanisms responsible for the introduction of copper and silver into the glaze.
Oxidation of Silicon Nitride in Wet Air and Effect of Lutetium Disilicate Coating
Authors: Suetsuna Tomohiro , Ohji Tatsuki
Published: April 2005

Oxidation behavior of silicon nitride (Si3N4) was investigated in flowing air (2.45 cm/s) containing 10%–50% H2O at a total pressure of 1.8–10 atm at 1300°–1500°C for 100 h. The oxidation of Si3N4 progressed with volatilization of the SiO2 scale; it was more enhanced at a high partial pressure of H2O rather than at high temperature. The total pressure had little effect on the oxidation. In order to avoid the oxidation, Si3N4 substrate was coated with lutetium disilicate (Lu2Si2O7) layer through the intermediate SiO2‐rich phase. While the coating layer well suppressed the oxidation in case of small amount of water vapor, it was not sufficiently effective to suppress the oxidation when the water vapor was rich. SiO2 volatilization was observed between the layer and substrate. The flexural strength of the coated Si3N4 at room temperature was somewhat increased after the oxidation in wet air, while that of the uncoated one was almost unchanged. This increase was attributable to crack healing of the substrate during the oxidation.
Friction and Wear Properties of Si3N4/Carbon Fiber Composites with Aligned Microstructure
Authors: Hyuga Hideki , Jones Mark I. , Hirao Kiyoshi , Yamauchi Yukihiko
Published: April 2005

The friction and wear properties of silicon nitride/carbon fiber composites have been assessed and compared with monolithic Si3N4. Three different types of composites have been produced; one in which both the Si3N4 grains and the carbon fibers were aligned, one in which only the fibers had alignment, and a third where both the grains and fibers had random orientation. The friction coefficients of all of the composites, following running in, were around 0.2–0.3, typically less than one‐third of that of the monolithic material. However there was no significant difference in friction coefficient between the three different types of composite. The specific wear rates of all the materials decreased with sliding distance and those of the composites were lower than the monolithic material. Among the composites, the wear rate of the one with aligned fibers in a randomly oriented Si3N4 matrix showed no dependence on sliding direction relative to the fiber alignment, and the specific wear rates of these samples were similar to that of the randomly oriented fiber composite, indicating little effect of fiber alignment alone on the wear properties under the present testing conditions. However, the specific wear rate of the composite with both fiber and grain alignment showed directional dependence. Grain cracking was observed perpendicular to the sliding direction, and the Spara specimen, in which the sliding direction was parallel to the Si3N4 grain alignment, showed higher wear rates than the Sperp and N samples of this composite. Such cracks are perpendicular to the major axis of the grains in the Spara sample and are thought to lead to easier removal of grains following their cracking under the tensile stresses induced particularly during the running in period.
Dry Powder Processing of Fibrous Fumed Silica Compacts for Thermal Insulation
Authors: Abe Hiroya , Abe Isami , Sato Kazuyoshi , Naito Makio
Published: April 2005

This study proposes a new dry powder processing method to produce fiber reinforced fumed silica compacts for highly efficient thermal insulation. First, mechanical forces such as shear stress and compression were applied into a fumed silica powder (BET SSA 300 m2/g) and glass fibers (3 mm length, 11 μm diameter) using an attrition type milling apparatus without any media balls. In the resultant powder mixture, fumed silica porously coated glass fiber composites were successfully prepared. SiC particles were also integrated as opacifiers. Then, the fibrous fumed silica porous compact was formed by dry pressing of the powder mixture and exhibited fracture strength of 1.58 MPa at room temperature and thermal conductivity of 0.0282 W/mK at 400°C, when its porosity was 80.1%.
Local Phenomena in Oxides by Advanced Scanning Probe Microscopy
Authors: Kalinin Sergei V. , Shao Rui , Bonnell Dawn A.
Published: April 2005

In the last two decades, scanning probe microscopies (SPMs) have become the primary tool for addressing structure and electronic, mechanical, optical, and transport phenomena on the nanometer and atomic scales. Here, we summarize basic principles of SPM as applied for oxide materials characterization and present recent advances in high‐resolution imaging and local property measurements. The use of advanced SPM techniques for solutions of material related problems is illustrated on the examples of grain boundary transport in polycrystalline oxides and ferroelectric domain imaging and manipulation. Future prospects for SPM applications in materials science are discussed.
Osteogenic melanoma
Authors: FUKUNAGA MASAHARU
Published: April 2005

A case of osteogenic melanoma arising in the sole of the foot of a 75‐year‐old male is described. The patient had a history of cutaneous malignant melanoma of the left sole from 15 years previously with local recurrence 5 years previously. A second recurrence presented as an unencapsulated, poorly circumscribed mass measuring 7.5×6×3 cm, located in the dermis, subcutis and muscle, and composed of a lobular growth of malignant osteocartilaginous elements with foci of epithelioid cells. The tumor was strongly positive for HMB45 and S‐100 protein. No conventional melanoma was found in the skin. The patient had no evidence of recurrence or metastasis 10 months after surgery. Pathologists and clinicians should be aware of the existence of osteogenic melanoma and should differentiate it from mimics.
Calcitonin gene‐related peptide antagonism attenuates the haemodynamic and glycaemic responses to acute hypoxaemia in the late gestation sheep fetus
Authors: Thakor A. S. , Bloomfield M. R. , Patterson M. , Giussani D. A.
Published: April 2005

The fetal defence to acute hypoxaemia involves cardiovascular and metabolic responses, which include peripheral vasoconstriction and hyperglycaemia. Both these responses are mediated via neuroendocrine mechanisms, which require the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. In the adult, accumulating evidence supports a role for calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) in the activation of sympathetic outflow. However, the role of CGRP in stimulated cardiovascular and metabolic functions before birth is completely unknown. This study tested the hypothesis that CGRP plays a role in the fetal cardiovascular and metabolic defence responses to acute hypoxaemia by affecting sympathetic outflow. Under anaesthesia, five sheep fetuses at 0.8 of gestation were surgically instrumented with catheters and a femoral arterial Transonic flow‐probe. Five days later, fetuses were subjected to 0.5 h hypoxaemia during either i.v. saline or a selective CGRP antagonist in randomised order. Treatment started 30 min before hypoxaemia and ran continuously until the end of the challenge. Arterial samples were taken for blood gases, metabolic status and hormone analyses. CGRP antagonism did not alter basal arterial blood gas, metabolic, cardiovascular or endocrine status. During hypoxaemia, similar falls in Pa,O2 occurred in all fetuses. During saline infusion, hypoxaemia induced hypertension, bradycardia, femoral vasoconstriction, hyperglycaemia and an increase in haemoglobin, catecholamines and neuropeptide Y (NPY). In contrast, CGRP antagonism markedly diminished the femoral vasoconstrictor and glycaemic responses to hypoxaemia, and attenuated the increases in haemoglobin, catecholamines and NPY. Combined, these results strongly support the hypothesis that CGRP plays a role in the fetal cardiovascular and metabolic defence to hypoxaemia by affecting sympathetic outflow.
Limitations to systemic and locomotor limb muscle oxygen delivery and uptake during maximal exercise in humans
Authors: Mortensen Stefan P. , Dawson Ellen A. , Yoshiga Chie C. , Dalsgaard Mads K. , Damsgaard Rasmus , Secher Niels H. , González‐Alonso José
Published: April 2005

Reductions in systemic and locomotor limb muscle blood flow and O2 delivery limit aerobic capacity in humans. To examine whether O2 delivery limits both aerobic power and capacity, we first measured systemic haemodynamics, O2 transport and O2 uptake during incremental and constant (372 ± 11 W; 85% of peak power; mean ±s.e.m.) cycling exercise to exhaustion (n= 8) and then measured systemic and leg haemodynamics and during incremental cycling and knee‐extensor exercise in male subjects (n= 10). During incremental cycling, cardiac output and systemic O2 delivery increased linearly to 80% of peak power (r2= 0.998, P < 0.001) and then plateaued in parallel to a decline in stroke volume (SV) and an increase in central venous and mean arterial pressures (P < 0.05). In contrast, heart rate and increased linearly until exhaustion (r2= 0.993; P < 0.001) accompanying a rise in systemic O2 extraction to 84 ± 2%. In the exercising legs, blood flow and O2 delivery levelled off at 73–88% of peak power, blunting leg per unit of work despite increasing O2 extraction. When blood flow increased linearly during one‐legged knee‐extensor exercise, per unit of work was unaltered on fatigue. During constant cycling, , SV, systemic O2 delivery and reached maximal values within ∼5 min, but dropped before exhaustion (P < 0.05) despite increasing or stable central venous and mean arterial pressures. In both types of maximal cycling, the impaired systemic O2 delivery was due to the decline or plateau in because arterial O2 content continued to increase. These results indicate that an inability of the circulatory system to sustain a linear increase in O2 delivery to the locomotor muscles restrains aerobic power. The similar impairment in SV and O2 delivery during incremental and constant load cycling provides evidence for a central limitation to aerobic power and capacity in humans.
X-Ray Beam Damage of Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)
Authors: Militello Maria C. , Gaarenstroom Stephen W.
Published: April 2005

XPS spectra were obtained from a spin-cast poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) film over a period of 15 h in order to measure the effect of x-ray beam exposure on the film surface. Under the conditions used, 10% of the Cl 2p intensity is lost after 102 min of beam exposure. This study was conducted as a part of a multi-laboratory study on beam damage of materials organized by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratories. PVC was used as the reference material to normalize damage results and thus to allow for the intercomparison of damage results from different laboratories and different spectrometers.
Beam Damage of Poly(2-chloroethyl methylacrylate) [PCEMA] Films as Observed by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy at 143 K, 303 K, and 373 K
Authors: Engelhard Mark , Baer Don , Lea Scott
Published: April 2005

XPS spectra were obtained from spin coated PCEMA films for ~240 min in order to measure the effects of x-ray damage. The damage rates were measured with samples maintained at three different temperatures, 143 K, 303 K, and 373 K. The data demonstrate that temperature does alter the rate of damage accumulation and may be a consideration in mounting of samples and in understanding how to minimize the damage process.
ZrO2-CeO2 Sol-Gel Thin Films by XPS
Authors: Armelao Lidia , Bottaro Gregorio , Bigliani Laura , Tondello Eugenio
Published: April 2005

ZrO2-CeO2 thin films were prepared by dip-coating on silica glass via sol-gel processing. Ethanolic sols of zirconium butoxide and cerium (IV) dipivaloylmethanate were used as precursors. Zr0.8Ce0.2O2 films were prepared in air and resulted transparent, homogeneous, crack-free, and well adherent to the substrates. The composition of the films and their behavior toward crystallization were studied by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction as a function of the annealing temperature. At 600 °C only ZrO2 resulted crystallized with tetragonal structure, whereas mixed and nanostructured cerium zirconium oxide layers were obtained at 900 °C with a mean crystallite diameter of ~ 10 nm.
Boron and Phosphorus Quantification in Sol-Gel BPSG Glasses by XPS
Authors: Armelao Lidia , Barreca Davide , Bottaro Gregorio , Canevali Carmen , Morazzoni Franca , Scotti Roberto , Tondello Eugenio
Published: April 2005

Monolithic borophosphosilicate glasses (BPSG) were prepared by the sol-gel route through xerogel densification. Tetramethoxysilane (Si(OCH3)4), trimethylborate (B(OCH3)3), and trimethylphosphite (P(OCH3)3) were used as source compounds for Si, B, and P, respectively. After gel drying, samples underwent thermal treatment up to 700 °C, resulting in transparent and crack-free monolithic glasses. In this work, x-ray photoelectron spectra of a representative glass specimen are presented and discussed. Beside the wide scan spectrum, a detailed analysis of Si 2p, O ls, P 2p, B 1s + P 2s is performed. Moreover, a quantification procedure aimed at resolving problems arising from the overlap between B 1s and P 2s photopeaks in oxide-based systems is proposed.
Au Nanoparticles Supported on HOPG: An XPS Characterization
Authors: Barreca Davide , Bottaro Gregorio , Gasparotto Alberto , Pierangelo Elisabetta , Tondello Eugenio
Published: April 2005

Gold nanoparticles were deposited on HOPG by rf sputtering in Ar plasmas. All experiments were carried out at a substrate temperature as low as 60 °C, in order to minimize the contribution of thermal effects with respect to plasma-dependent phenomena. The system structure and composition were studied by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and glancing incidence x-ray diffraction (GIXRD). This work is dedicated to the XPS characterization of a representative Au/HOPG sample (rf power = 5 W, total pressure = 0.38 mbar, deposition time = 10 min). Detailed scans for the C 1s, O 1s, N 1s, and Au 4f peaks are presented and discussed. The obtained results pointed out to the presence of metallic gold on HOPG. In particular, high-resolution Au 4f spectra evidenced the presence of a core-level shift, typical of nano-sized gold particles.
Study of Ag/SiO2 Nanosystems by XPS
Authors: Armelao Lidia , Barreca Davide , Bottaro Gregorio , Gasparotto Alberto , Maragno Cinzia , Tondello Eugenio
Published: April 2005

Silica-supported silver nanocomposites were synthesized by rf sputtering of Ag from Ar plasmas. Depositions were performed on amorphous silica substrates at temperatures as low as 60 °C. As a general rule, a careful choice of the synthesis conditions allowed the obtainment of Ag/SiO2 nanosystems with well-tailored chemico-physical properties. In fact, a proper combination of the applied rf power and total pressure resulted in a fine tailoring of the nanosystem structure and morphology, enabling the preparation of both cluster/island-like systems or continuous thin films. A detailed characterization of the obtained specimens was attained by the combined use of several analytical techniques. While laser reflection interferometry (LRI) was employed for an in situ real-time investigation of growth dynamics, glancing-incidence x-ray diffraction (GIXRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) provided useful information on the system nanostructure. Furthermore, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to investigate the chemical composition, optical properties, and surface morphology, respectively. This work has been focused on the XPS characterization of two representative Ag/SiO2 specimens. In particular, detailed scans for the Ag 3d, Ag MVV, Si 2s, O 1s, and C 1s regions and related data for a silver thin film on silica and a discontinuous Ag/SiO2 specimen are presented and discussed.
Introduction to XPS Studies of Metal and Metal-oxide Nanosystems
Authors: Armelao Lidia , Barreca Davide , Bottaro Gregorio , Gross Silvia , Gasparotto Alberto , Maragno Cinzia , Tondello Eugenio , Zattin Andrea
Published: April 2005

Metal and metal-oxide based nanosystems are intriguing candidates for a plethora of advanced applications thanks to their diversified chemico-physical properties, that can be further tailored by the use of proper synthesis procedures. Among the different preparation techniques, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), rf sputtering, and sol-gel (SG) display promising features for the design and control of nanosystem characteristics even beyond thermodynamical predictions, thanks to the soft synthetic conditions that enable nucleation to prevail over the subsequent particle agglomeration. In this context, a direct feedback between the nanosystem synthesis and characterization represents a unique tool for the optimization of the process. In particular, XPS spectroscopy plays an outstanding role for the investigation of surface and in-depth chemical composition of thin films as a function of the experimental conditions. In this article, the attention is devoted to the XPS analysis of different kinds of nanosystems, from nanostructured thin films (LaCoO3) to oxide clusters in silica matrices (HfO2 and HfO2–ZrO2 in SiO2) and metal cluster-based composites (Au/graphite, Au/TiO2, Ag/SiO2). This Introduction provides an overview of the data presented in the collected spectral data records, focusing in particular on the interest in these systems and on the most relevant results obtained by XPS investigations.
Parietal Lobe: From Action Organization to Intention Understanding
Authors: Fogassi Leonardo , Ferrari Pier Francesco , Gesierich Benno , Rozzi Stefano , Chersi Fabian , Rizzolatti Giacomo
Published: April 2005

Inferior parietal lobule (IPL) neurons were studied when monkeys performed motor acts embedded in different actions and when they observed similar acts done by an experimenter. Most motor IPL neurons coding a specific act (e.g., grasping) showed markedly different activations when this act was part of different actions (e.g., for eating or for placing). Many motor IPL neurons also discharged during the observation of acts done by others. Most responded differentially when the same observed act was embedded in a specific action. These neurons fired during the observation of an act, before the beginning of the subsequent acts specifying the action. Thus, these neurons not only code the observed motor act but also allow the observer to understand the agent's intentions.
Kinetic Evidence for Five-Coordination in AlOH(aq)
2+
Ion
Authors: Swaddle Thomas W. , Rosenqvist Jörgen , Yu Ping , Bylaska Eric , Phillips Brian L. , Casey William H.
Published: April 2005

Trivalent aluminum ions are important in natural bodies of water, but the structure of their coordination shell is a complex unsolved problem. In strong acid (pH < 3.0), Al
III
exists almost entirely as the octahedral Al(H
2
O)
6
3+
ion, whereas in basic conditions (pH > 7), a tetrahedral Al(OH)
4
–
structure prevails. In the biochemically and geochemically critical pH range of 4.3 to 7.0, the ion structures are less clear. Other hydrolytic species, such as AlOH(aq)
2+
, exist and are traditionally assumed to be hexacoordinate. We show, however, that the kinetics of proton and water exchange on aqueous Al
III
, coupled with Car-Parrinello simulations, support a five-coordinate Al(H
2
O)
4
OH
2+
ion as the predominant form of AlOH(aq)
2+
under ambient conditions. This result contrasts Al
III
with other trivalent metal aqua ions, for which there is no evidence for stable pentacoordinate hydrolysis products.
Earth's Energy Imbalance: Confirmation and Implications
Authors: Hansen James , Nazarenko Larissa , Ruedy Reto , Sato Makiko , Willis Josh , Del Genio Anthony , Koch Dorothy , Lacis Andrew , Lo Ken , Menon Surabi , Novakov Tica , Perlwitz Judith , Russell Gary , Schmidt Gavin A. , Tausnev Nicholas
Published: April 2005

Our climate model, driven mainly by increasing human-made greenhouse gases and aerosols, among other forcings, calculates that Earth is now absorbing 0.85 ± 0.15 watts per square meter more energy from the Sun than it is emitting to space. This imbalance is confirmed by precise measurements of increasing ocean heat content over the past 10 years. Implications include (i) the expectation of additional global warming of about 0.6°C without further change of atmospheric composition; (ii) the confirmation of the climate system's lag in responding to forcings, implying the need for anticipatory actions to avoid any specified level of climate change; and (iii) the likelihood of acceleration of ice sheet disintegration and sea level rise.
Cardiolipin Polyspecific Autoreactivity in Two Broadly Neutralizing HIV-1 Antibodies
Authors: Haynes Barton F. , Fleming Judith , St. Clair E. William , Katinger Herman , Stiegler Gabriela , Kunert Renate , Robinson James , Scearce Richard M. , Plonk Kelly , Staats Herman F. , Ortel Thomas L. , Liao Hua-Xin , Alam S. Munir
Published: April 2005

The design of a human immunodeficiency virus–1 (HIV-1) immunogen that can induce broadly reactive neutralizing antibodies is a major goal of HIV-1 vaccine development. Although rare human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) exist that broadly neutralize HIV-1, HIV-1 envelope immunogens do not induce these antibody specificities. Here we demonstrate that the two most broadly reactive HIV-1 envelope gp41 human mAbs, 2F5 and 4E10, are polyspecific autoantibodies reactive with the phospholipid cardiolipin. Thus, current HIV-1 vaccines may not induce these types of antibodies because of autoantigen mimicry of the conserved membrane-proximal epitopes of the virus. These results may have important implications for generating effective neutralizing antibody responses by using HIV-1 vaccines.
Ivory-billed Woodpecker (
Campephilus principalis
) Persists in Continental North America
Authors: Fitzpatrick John W. , Lammertink Martjan , Luneau M. David , Gallagher Tim W. , Harrison Bobby R. , Sparling Gene M. , Rosenberg Kenneth V. , Rohrbaugh Ronald W. , Swarthout Elliott C. H. , Wrege Peter H. , Swarthout Sara Barker , Dantzker Marc S. , Charif Russell A. , Barksdale Timothy R. , Remsen J. V. , Simon Scott D. , Zollner Douglas
Published: April 2005

The ivory-billed woodpecker (
Campephilus principalis
), long suspected to be extinct, has been rediscovered in the Big Woods region of eastern Arkansas. Visual encounters during 2004 and 2005, and analysis of a video clip from April 2004, confirm the existence of at least one male. Acoustic signatures consistent with
Campephilus
display drums also have been heard from the region. Extensive efforts to find birds away from the primary encounter site remain unsuccessful, but potential habitat for a thinly distributed source population is vast (over 220,000 hectares).
Sex selection and regulated hatred
Authors: Harris John
Published: April 2005

This paper argues that the HFEA’s recent report on sex selection abdicates its responsibility to give its own authentic advice on the matters within its remit, that it accepts arguments and conclusions that are implausible on the face of it and where they depend on empirical claims, produces no empirical evidence whatsoever, but relies on reckless speculation as to what the “facts” are likely to be. Finally, having committed itself to what I call the “democratic presumption”, that human freedom will not be constrained unless very good and powerful reasons can be produced to justify such infringement of liberty, the HFEA simply reformulates the democratic presumption as saying the opposite—namely that freedom may only be exercised if powerful justifications are produced for any exercise of liberty.
Assisted reproductive technologies and equity of access issues
Authors: Peterson M M
Published: April 2005

In Australia and other countries, certain groups of women have traditionally been denied access to assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). These typically are single heterosexual women, lesbians, poor women, and those whose ability to rear children is questioned, particularly women with certain disabilities or who are older. The arguments used to justify selection of women for ARTs are most often based on issues such as scarcity of resources, and absence of infertility (in lesbians and single women), or on social concerns: that it “goes against nature”; particular women might not make good mothers; unconventional families are not socially acceptable; or that children of older mothers might be orphaned at an early age. The social, medical, legal, and ethical reasoning that has traditionally promoted this lack of equity in access to ARTs, and whether the criteria used for client deselection are ethically appropriate in any particular case, are explored by this review. In addition, the issues of distribution and just “gatekeeping” practices associated with these sensitive medical services are examined.
The search for organs:halachicperspectives on altruistic giving and the selling of organs
Authors: Kunin J D
Published: April 2005

Altruistic donation of organs from living donors is widely accepted as a virtue and even encouraged as a duty. Selling organs, on the other hand, is highly controversial and banned in most countries. What is the Jewish legal (halachic) position on these issues? In this review it is explained that altruistic donation is praiseworthy but in no way obligatory. Selling organs is a subject of rabbinic dispute among contemporary authorities.
The role of detergent in refolding of GdnHCl-denatured arginine kinase from shrimpFenneropenaeus Chinensis: the solubilization of aggregate and refolding in detergent solutions
Authors: Pan Ji-Cheng , Wang Jin-Song , Cheng Yuan , Yu Zhenhang , Rao Xue-Ming , Zhou Hai-Meng
Published: April 2005

Strong aggregation occurred in the refolding route of arginine kinase (AK) denatured with 3 mol GdnHCl/L (GdnHCl, guanidine hydrochloride). The activity recovery of GdnHCl-denatured AK was very low and dependent on the protein concentration in the process of refolding. For denatured AK at 1.2 µmol/L concentration, the recovered activity yield was about 45.2% of the native enzyme, whereas at 5.2 µmol/L the activity recovery yield was only 20% of native activity. The nonionic detergent Triton X-100 and Tween 20 (≤100 mmol/L concentration) not only effectively blocked the aggregation but also enabled the denatured AK to recover most of its native activity. The kinetics of aggregate solubilization showed that there was an induction phase dependent on the detergent, but there was no dependency when detergent was absent. The apparent activity recovery had a cooperative relation with detergents in the process of refolding, which suggested the existence of some interaction between the detergent and the refolding intermediate. On the basis of the study results, a scheme of refolding was proposed.Key words: arginine kinase, guanidine-denatured, refolding, detergent, aggregation.
Constitutive expression of human lactoferrin and its N-lobe in rice plants to confer disease resistance
Authors: Takase Kenji , Hagiwara Kiyoshi , Onodera Haruko , Nishizawa Yaeko , Ugaki Masashi , Omura Toshihiro , Numata Shinichi , Akutsu Katsuki , Kumura Haruto , Shimazaki Kei-ichi
Published: April 2005

The milk protein, lactoferrin, is known to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activities. To explore the possibility of conferring disease resistance in plants by expressing this protein, the gene for the full-length human lactoferrin (HLF), as well as the N-lobe, the N-terminal half molecule (HLFN), was introduced into rice plants and expressed constitutively under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promotor. Western blot analysis of leaves from HLF-transgenic rice plants showed an 80 kDa-band, which was about 1–2 kDa less than human milk lactoferrin. HLFN was expressed as a 45-kDa protein and retained its heparin-binding property. Deglycosylation experiments suggested that both proteins produced by the plants had plant-type oligosaccharide chains. The transgenic rice plants were assessed for resistance against disease-causing bacteria, virus, and fungi. Of the pathogens tested, significant resistance against Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) plantarii, the causative agent of bacterial seedling blight disease, was observed in the transgenic plants expressing HLF or HLFN.Key words: expression of domains; glycosylation; lactoferrin; plant disease resistance; transgenic rice.
Hairy rotating black string in the EinsteinMaxwellHiggs system
Authors: Dehghani M H , Khodam-Mohammadi A
Published: April 2005

We show numerically that the Abelian Higgs-field equations in the background of a four-dimensional rotating charged black string have vortex solutions. These solutions, which have axial symmetry, establish that the rotating black string can support the Abelian Higgs field as hair. We find an electric field coupled to the Higgs scalar field in the case of a rotating black string. This electric field is due to an electric charge-per-unit-length, which increases as the rotation parameter increases. We also find that the vortex thickness decreases as the rotation parameter increases. Finally, we consider the self-gravity of the Abelian Higgs field and show that the effect of the vortex is to induce a deficit angle in the metric under consideration, which decreases as the rotation parameter increases. PACS Nos.: 04.70.s, 04.40.b, 11.27.+d