bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of Energy Transfer in Pr3+ and Cr3+ Codoped SrAl12O19 Phosphor
Authors: Wang Xiaojun , Nie Zhaogang , Zhang Jiahua , Ren Xinguang , Zhang Guobin
Published: February 2007

A two-step energy transfer was observed in Pr3+ and Cr3+ codoped SrAl12O19 phosphor, which results in a two-photon luminescence for one UV/vacuum-UV photon absorbed. For one Pr3+ ion excited to the lowest 4f5d states, two Cr3+ ions may be excited and emit two red photons due to 2E→ 4A2 transitions of the Cr3+ ions. Cr3+ ions can be excited into the 4T1(F) levels by cross relaxation of Pr3+ 1S0→ 1I6 or by direct energy transfer from Pr3+ 3P0, 1 states. The mechanisms of the two-step energy transfer process were studied based on spectra and lifetime measurements.
Theoretical Treatment of 3-Phenylsubstituted Thiophenes and Their Intrinsically Conducting Polymers
Authors: Holze Rudolf , Alhalasah Wasim
Published: February 2007

A series of 3-(p-X-phenyl) thiophene monomers (X= -H, -CH3, - OCH3, -COOC2H5, -COCH3,-NO2) was electrochemically polym-erized to furnish polymer films that could be reversibly reduced and oxidized (n- and p-doped). The oxidation potentials of the monomers and formal potentials of the n- and p-doping processes of polymers were correlated with resonance and inductive effects of the substituents on the phenyl ring as well as the semiempirically calculated heats of formation of the monomer radical cations. Moreover, the oxidation potentials of the monomers were correlated with the ionization potentials of the monomers calculated using density functional theory. The reactivity for coupling reactions and the major regioselective products of the polymerization reaction of mono- and oligo-3- phenylthiophenes are inferred from the calculated lone electron spin densities of the respective radical cations. The ionization potentials, which correspond to the energies for generating radical cations during oxidative processes were estimated.
M(0)- Aminocarbene Complexes (M=Cr,W,Fe) : Redox Behaviour Tuned by Metal and/or Ligand Modification
Authors: Ludvik Jiri , Hoskovcová Irena , Roháčová Jana , Dvořák Dalimil
Published: February 2007

Series of chromium, tungsten and iron aminocarbene complexes were prepared and electrochemically investigated. The influence of the type of coordination, of the substituent on the ligand phenyl ring and of the central metal atom on oxidation and reduction potentials was followed electrochemically using the Linear Free Energy Relationship (LFER) approach. The difference between the oxidation and reduction potentials reflects the energy of the HOMO-LUMO gap. The reduction of carbene derivatives strongly depends only on the nature of ligands and their substitution, but not on the nature of the central metal. On the other hand, the oxidation is practically independent of the ligand substitution, being influenced by both the nature of the central metal atom and the number of carbonyl groups (i.e. strong π-acceptors) present.
The pH-Sensitive Characteristics of Thermal ZrO2 / SiO2 Stacked Oxide Sensors
Authors: Chang Jaspers L. , Lee Yulin , Lai Chaosung , Ko Honghsi , Hsieh Lizen
Published: February 2007

The ZrO2 / SiO2 stacked oxides prepared by thermal oxidation were implemented at the temperature of 600°C to 900°C in ambient oxygen. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results indicated that the higher the oxidation temperature the thicker the oxide layer. The total capacitance of corresponding metal oxide semiconductor capacitor is decreased and the equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) is increased. Large shift of flat-band voltages are observed when the ZrO2 / SiO2 stacked oxides Electrolyte-Insulator-Semiconductors (EIS) structure is immersed in the pH=2,4,6,8 and 10 buffer solutions, respectively. The hydrogen ion sensitivity of this structure is found up to be 50.6 mV/pH when the oxidation temperature is 900°C.
Detection of Hypergolic Fuels with a Chemicapacitive Sensor Array
Authors: Hobson Stephen T. , Mlsna Todd , Patel Sanjay , Cemalovic Sabina , Warburton Manna
Published: February 2007

Accurate and reliable detection of hypergolic fuels is a vital component to the Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI) module of the U. S. Missile Defense Agency. Seacoast Science has developed a sensor that uses micromachined capacitors to measure the dielectric constant of a group of selectively absorbing materials. The interaction between target analyte and polymer modifies the dielectric properties (capacitance) of the material. Using an array of commercially available polymers, functionalized polysiloxanes and polycarbosilanes of varying architecture (starburst, hyperbranched, and dendritic) both substituted and unsubstituted hydrazines (Hydrazine, monomethyl hydrazine, and unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine) and nitrogen dioxide (nitrogen tetroxide mimic) were detected in the in the presence of water vapor or hydrocarbons as interferents.
Fabrication and Characterization of IC Compatible Through-Wafer Polysilicon Interconnects
Authors: Luusua Ismo , Henttinen Kimmo , Pekko Panu , Vehmas Tapani
Published: February 2007

A method for processing IC compatible through-wafer electrical interconnects is presented and characterized with high resistivity substrate PIN diodes providing the process quality test. Process methods and results are reported and discussed in detail, including ICP deep etching, polysilicon deposition by LPCVD with in-situ boron doping and planarization by grinding and CMP.
A Kink-Free Bottom Gate Poly-Si Thin-Film Transistor with Smart Body Tie
Authors: Huang Kuo Dong , Lin Jyi-Tsong , Lin Shih-Tsong
Published: February 2007

A novel structure of bottom gate polysilicon thin-film transistor (TFT) with smart body tie is firstly investigated. Comparing with conventional bottom gate TFT, the simulation results derived from the well-known ISE-TCAD simulator have shown that the electrical characteristics are improved actually and greatly, such as the TFT's primary issue of kink effect is marvelously disappeared, the threshold voltage roll- off tendency is definitely suppressed.
Preparation of LiMn2O4 Micro Sphere for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
Authors: Kanamura Kiyoshi , Chiba Takeshi , Dokko Kaoru , Kanno H.
Published: February 2007

Spherical particles of LiMn2O4 were successfully prepared by homogeneous nucleation process. The obtained particles were characterized with Raman and X-ray diffraction methods to confirm its spinel structure. The spherical particles were accumulated on Pt substrate and then sintered. The discharge and charge behaviors of this electrode were excellent even though binder and conducting materials were not involved in the electrode. Moreover, the sintered electrode with polymer electrolyte could be charged and discharged even at room temperature.
Ionic Conduction of Lithium Electrolyte Close to the Cathode Active Materials - LiCoO2 Powder/ Non-Aqueous LiClO4 Solution Coexisting Systems -
Authors: Mizuhata Minoru , Inagaki Satoshi , Deki Shigehito
Published: February 2007

The electrolyte conductivity was measured for the coexisting system containing the non-aqueous lithium electrolyte and lithium cobalt (III) oxide (LiCoO2) powder utilized as the cathode active material. The anomalous behaviors of the ionic conduction near the solid surface were discussed. The conductivity increased with an increase of the liquid content and depended on the solvents. The values of each system depend on the order of the conductivity of bulk systems. Below 15 vol% of the liquid phase, the values were similar as each others. The activation energy was relatively low (20-25 kJ/mol) and decreased with the decrease of the liquid phase for the system containing LiCoO2 powder, whereas the values increased for the system containing a-Al2O3 powder. The decrease phenomena of the activation energy were depends on the solvent species. The IR spectra showed the change of the solvation interaction between C=O bonding and Li+ ion.
The Effect of Vinylene Carbonate (VC) on the Thermal Behavior of Carbon Fiber (CF) Anode
Authors: Amiruddin Shabab , Prakash J. , Bang H. J. , Amine Khalil
Published: February 2007

The electrochemical and the thermal properties of carbon fiber (CF) as anodes in lithium ion batteries have been evaluated under the influence of cyclic carbonates such as vinylene carbonate (VC) as an additive for the electrolyte comprising ethylene carbonate (EC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), and LiPF6. The concentration of the VC additive has been varied (0.5wt%, 1wt%, 1.5wt% of VC in EC-EMC) and the electrochemical performance as well as the effect of this varied concentration on the thermal properties has also been investigated.
Random Resistor Network Approach to Modeling of Conductivity in Composite Polymeric Electrolytes.
Authors: Siekierski Maciej S. , Nadara Katarzyna
Published: February 2007

There is lack of a versatile and efficient model of conductivity for composite polymeric electrolytes. The main limitation of the already applied Effective Medium Theory approach is the fact that each new composite microstructure forces a new mixing rule development. This paper deals with a more elaborate and versatile approach based on the Random Resistor Network method. The introduced model yields simulated conductivity values for composites of any possible microstructure. It is based on current iteration procedure for a randomly generated three dimensional resistor network constituting a digital image of the sample studied. Both the d.c. conductivity value and bulk a.c response of the composite can be calculated. For a.c. studies, the resistors in the network nodes are exchanged for parallel RC or R(CPE) (constant phase element) connections. Additionally, the temperature dependence of the conductivity of the composite can be predicted on basis of the experimentally determined conductivities of the particular phases.
Oxygen Reduction at the Pt/Recast-Nafion Film Interface. Effect of the Polymer Equivalent Weight.
Authors: Chlistunoff Jerzy , Uribe Francisco , Pivovar Bryan
Published: February 2007

ORR at the interface between platinum and recast Nafion® with 1100 and 950 equivalent weights (N1100 and N950) was studied employing smooth Pt and Pt-black-covered ultramicroelectrodes. At 100% relative humidity, the diffusion coefficient and solubility of oxygen in N950 are correspondingly higher and lower than in N1100, in accordance with the smaller volume fraction occupied by the hydrophobic component in N950. The ionomer surface restructuring, where the hydrophobic component is coming into contact with Pt with an increase in ORR overpotential (1) is more significant for N950. The inhibition of ORR caused by the restructuring is dramatically reduced at Pt-black-covered electrodes, where the complex interfacial geometry obstructs molecular motions, but the higher tendency of N950 to push out the hydrophobic component is reflected in the overall smaller accessible Pt black surface area for this ionomer. The potential consequences of restructuring on PEM fuel cell durability are discussed.
A Novel Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-Based Micro-Reformer for Portable Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Ha Jiwon , Gil Jaehyoung H. , Kim Sung Han H. , Lee Hongryul R. , Jang Jaehyuk H.
Published: February 2007

We have developed a miniaturized poly(dimethylsiloxane)(PDMS)- based methanol steam reformer having a serpentine microchannel for application in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The fabricated PDMS microreformer consists of four layers, and a commercial thin-flexible heater for reforming reaction is embedded in the PDMS layers. The volume of a PDMS microreformer is about 10 cm3. The commercial Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 reforming catalyst was used and the Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 reforming catalyst particles of mean diameter 50 ~ 100 um was packed into the microchannels by fludized method. In this study, the miniaturized PDMS microreformer was operated successfully in the operating temperatures of 180 °C ~ 240 °C and 30 % ~ 40 % molar methanol conversion was achieved in the temperature range for the feed rate of 10 ul/min ~ 50 ul/min.
Effect of Substrate Surface Conditions on Electrochemical Performance of Si Thin Film Anode
Authors: Deng Haixia , Park Min , Chung Chi Yuen , Park Cheol-Ho , Joo Seung-Ki
Published: February 2007

Effect of Cu foil substrate surface conditions on the electrochemical performance of Si thin film anode was investigated on four substrate surface conditions, smooth Cu foil, island-shaped s Cu foil, roughened Cu foil with sandpaper, and Cu foil implanted by plasma immersion lanthanum ion implantation (LaPIII). The relationship of effect significant with the thickness of Si was identifiedned. Sample on island-shaped surface and LaPIII treated on one showed better performance. For the thicker Si films, more roughness is better for the substrate. An optimized substrate surface condition according to the film thickness is necessary for the deposition of Si films.
Modeling of the Linear Sweep Voltammograms during the Electro-deoxidation of Titanium Dioxide to Produce Titanium
Authors: Kar Pritish , Evans James
Published: February 2007

The Fray-Farthing-Chen (FFC) process is new electrochemical processes being investigated for a cost-effective titanium extraction process during which a series of lower oxides (1)-(12) are formed in succession from TiO2. A coupled electrochemical and diffusion model is reported to simulate the linear sweep voltammograms to determine the kinetic parameters and a better understanding of electrode reactions that occur during the process by comparison with the experimental voltammograms. Using this model, the diffusion coefficients of oxygen in the phases,Ti3O5 and Ti2O3, that are scarcely reported in the recent literature(13)-(14), the exchange current densities for the reactions that yield these phases and the transfer coefficients has been estimated. It seems from the results that the order of the reaction is first-order in the concentration of oxygen in the solid phase. These parameters would help in the modeling of the FFC and other currently investigated electrochemical titanium extraction processes (15)-(19).
The use of FEMLAB in the Electrochemical Education
Authors: Lavacchi Alessandro , Bardi Ugo , Caporali Stefano
Published: February 2007

The paper reports the experience on the use of the Femlab multiphysics software as a tool for the electrochemical education. The equation oriented structure of Femlab keeps a constant view on the physics of the process, a desirable property for educational purposes. The program allows the models set up starting from the basic equations governing the mass transport in the electrochemical cell. Further it provides powerful postprocessing capabilities owing to easily check the behaviour of all the independent variables of the system. The simulation of three basic electrochemical experiments has been reported here. Potential step under complete diffusion control, linear sweep voltammetry and a simple electrodeposition experiments have been simulated in order to provide a unified picture of the electrochemical phenomena.
Instantaneous Mass/Charge Ratio F(dm/dQ) of the Voltammetric Generation and Characterization of Poly-(Neutral Red) Conducting Films
Authors: Vicente Francisco , Agrisuelas Jeronimo , Gabrielli Claude , Gregori Joan , Garcia-Jareño Jose Juan , Gimenez-Romero David , Perrot Hubert
Published: February 2007

The instantaneous mass/charge ratio F(dm/dQ) allows to follow the electrochemical deposit of poly-(Neutral Red). When the film is deposited on the electrode, the analysis of the instantaneous mass/charge ratio F(dm/dQ) has proved that the exchange of hydroxyl and hydrogen ions takes place simultaneously along the reduction and oxidation processes of this film. The obtained results prove that the entrance of anions into the polymeric film compensates the charge of the radical polymeric cation at lesser potential range than the monomeric radical cation is formed in the voltammetric polymerization.
Enhancement of the Electrocatalytic Reduction of Oxygen at Tungsten Oxide Modified Carbon-Supported RuSex Nanoparticles and Co-Porphyrin Centers
Authors: Miecznikowski Krzysztof , Baranowska Beata , Skunik Magdalena , Kulesza Pawel J. , Dorbandt Iris , Fiechter Sebastian , Bogdanoff Peter , Zlotorowicz A. , Chojak Malgorzata , Lewera A.
Published: February 2007

Introduction of carbon-supported RuSex nanoparticles or cobalt protoporphyrin into ultra-thin WO3 matrices results in the enhancement of their electroctalytic properties towards electroreduction of dioxygen in acidic medium (0.5 mol dm-3 H2SO4). The enhancement effects are evidenced from the positive shifts of the O2 reduction potentials (ca 150 mV and 200mV, respectively). An important issue is that the mixed-valent tungsten (VI, V) oxide support is characterized by good electronic and protonic conductivities. Further, not only RuSex and/or cobalt protoporphyrin are catalytic but also the tungsten oxide matrix is reactive: it provides protons and is capable of promoting the reduction of hydrogen peroxide intermediate.
Comparison of Paired Visual Assessment and Software Analyses of Changes in Caries Status over 6 Months from Fluorescence Images
Authors: Pretty I.A. , Ellwood R.P.
Published: February 2007

Images captured using light-induced fluorescence systems are generally analysed using proprietary software. The purpose of this study was to determine if such images could be scored visually and to compare these data with those metrics produced by the software. A total of 171 lesions were selected from a pool of images to provide a range of lesions which were reported as having remained static, increased or decreased in fluorescence using the QLF analysis software. The baseline and 6-month images were then assessed side by side on a computer screen by 10 examiners who were asked to rate the lesions to determine if the lesion had become better or worse, or had stayed the same. There was generally poor correlation between clinical visual image assessments and all QLF analysis outcomes for all examiners. The agreement amongst the visual image assessments for the 10 examiners compared to the average score ranged from kappa 0.22 to 0.59 and the rank correlations from –0.01 to 0.73. This study suggests that the visual assessment of lesion images by the examiners in this study was based upon different characteristics of lesion change than those utilised by the QLF analysis software. A clearer understanding of lesion characteristics that are indicative of positive and negative changes may be required before this technology can be exploited to its full potential.
Dextromethorphan Premedication Reduces Midazolam Requirement: Objective and Subjective Parameters in Peribronchoscopy
Authors: Schwarz Yehuda , Greif Joel , Lurie Orit , Tarrasch Ricardo , Weinbroum Avi A.
Published: February 2007

Background:Coughing is increased during bronchoscopy and may last for several hours after the procedure. Also prior to the procedure patients show high levels of anxiety due to fear of the pain and breathing difficulties that they might experience during the procedure. Objectives: To evaluate the antitussive, anxiolytic and sedative effect of dextromethorphan (DM) premedication on the amount of intravenous midazolam during bronchoscopic procedures. Methods: Sixty consecutive patients undergoing scheduled bronchoscopy were randomly allocated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Half received 90 mg DM and half placebo. Local anesthesia with 2 ml of repeated intratracheal instillation of 1% lidocaine as needed during bronchoscopy was applied. Midazolam 1 mg (maximum of 5 mg) was administered intravenously until a satisfactory sedation was achieved. Results: Heart rate, systolic and diastolic pressure and SpO2 were assessed before and during bronchoscopy. A visual analog score (VAS) for pain, cough, communication, cooperation, emotional state, complaints, expectoration, level of information about the procedure, feeling of unpleasantness and stress level assessed before and after the examination by the patient and the physician was used. There were no significant differences in the reported degrees of difficulty in undergoing bronchoscopic procedures. DM patients needed significantly fewer lidocaine instillations and lower midazolam dosage, achieved better analgesia, had lower emotion and complaint scores, significantly less coughing, significantly less stress, were significantly more cooperative, found that the procedure was much less unpleasant than they had expected, and produced less sputum at end of the procedure. Conclusions: DM is an effective bronchoscopic premedication in combination with midazolam and improves the overall well-being of the patients.
No End to Hierarchy
Authors: Gabris Gerald T. , Ihrke Douglas M.
Published: February 2007

This article investigates whether authority hierarchy still serves as an important factor influencing employee perceptions toward organizational roles and expected behavior. Results of a study in a federal agency suggest that hierarchy does serve as a significant force influencing employee attitudes toward leadership roles, contrary to the notion that hierarchy will diminish in importance over time. Hierarchy remains a crucial structural force in public organizations and is unlikely to wither away.
Catchment microbial dynamics: the emergence of a research agenda
Authors: Kay D. , Edwards A. C. , Ferrier R. C. , Francis C. , Kay C. , Rushby L. , Watkins J. , McDonald A. T. , Wyer M. , Crowther J. , Wilkinson J.
Published: February 2007

Parallel policy developments driven in the USA by the Clean Water Act and in Europe by the Water Framework Directive have focused attention on the need for quantitative information on the fluxes of faecal indicator bacteria in catchment systems. Data are required on point and diffuse source loadings, fate and transport of these non-conservative parameters, on the land surface, within soil systems, in groundwater, streams, impoundments and nearshore waters. This new information is needed by regulators to inform Total Maximum Daily Load estimates in the USA and Programmes of Measures in Europe both designed to prevent impairment of water quality at locations where compliance is assessed against health-based standards for drinking, bathing or shellfish harvesting. In the UK, the majority of catchment-scale activity in this field has been undertaken by physical geographers although microbial flux analysis and modelling has received much less attention from the research and policy communities than, for example, the nutrient parameters. This paper charts the policy drivers now operative and assesses the evidence base to support current policy questions. Finally, gaps and priority research questions are identified.
Exploring the Microfoundations of Group Consciousness
Authors: Tsoukalas Ioannis
Published: February 2007

This article will explore the microfoundations of group consciousness. In order to do that it re-examines two well-established theoretical traditions within Western social science, the social cohesion paradigm within social psychology and the various mind-body theories within anthropology and sociology, hoping that this re-examination will have intellectual bearing on the issue of group consciousness and group action. As a result of this analysis it is suggested that the different ways a group enacts its ideology can help shed new light on many features of group life. A relatively new theory is therefore presented which can account for this relationship and also helps to organize and integrate many of the earlier findings that pertain to the issue of group consciousness and group action. This theoretical framework, originally developed by Harvey Whitehouse, postulates that divergent modes of encoding have differential social effects. More specifically, there are two distinct modes of encoding, two distinct psychological ways of relating and acting within the framework of a group’s ideology that are worth particular attention: the doctrinal mode of encoding and the imagistic mode of encoding. Their differences, manifested in the formal and informal behavior of groups, are many. Some of them, like organizational structure, change patterns, leadership style, centralization-decentralization aspects and institutional practice, are explored in depth. Whitehouse’s cognitive theory is finally coupled with findings from sociology in order to furnish a fuller account of the social underpinnings of group-related phenomena. In particular we use Mark Granovetter’s network theory in order to show how interactional patterns can have an influence on issues of group consciousness. The two theoretical strands are fused into a dual model which shows great promise and merits further attention. In the final part of the article examples are given in order to illustrate the real-life relevance of the stipulated model.
Care of hospitalized children in Mozambique: nurses’ beliefs and practice regarding family involvement
Authors: Söderbäck Maja , Christensson Kyllike
Published: February 2007

This study aims to describe nurses’ beliefs and practice regarding family involvement in the care of hospitalized children in Mozambique. Ethnographic fieldwork was used. The data production consisted of field descriptions from observations and interviews with 36 nurses. Through qualitative content analysis the findings show that nurses’ practice of family involvement reflects a society that is poor, hierarchical, family-oriented but at the same time still adaptive. Four themes are identified: family members’ presence in order to assist the nurses in care; nurses’ support and education of family members to be involved in care; nurses’ shielding of family members from family involvement; difficulties and conditional dilemmas in the nurses’ involvement of families. It is concluded that emphasizing culturally congruent nursing care is necessary if families’ way of life is to be accommodated. However, to empower family involvement in everyday practice, the Mozambican nurses themselves need to be empowered.
A tale of two White Papers
Authors: Race David G.
Published: February 2007

Cross-cultural differences in governance and policies for learning disability services are of interest.This article focuses on two UK government policy documents issued in 1971 and 2001.Their context, creation, principles, proposals and proposed implementation are examined, and lessons are drawn for an international audience as to the changing nature of services in the UK.The analysis reveals a move from a detailed and prescriptive policy in 1971, largely defined by professionals and bureaucrats, and aimed primarily at families with a disabled member, to statements of broad principles in 2001, devised in consultation with and aimed at a range of groups, including disabled people themselves.The article acknowledges progress in individual rights and choices for people with learning disabilities, but raises doubts about how significant this is in achieving a qualitative improvement in their lives. Some of these doubts relate to the governance process itself.
The p21Waf1 pathway is involved in blocking leukemogenesis by the t(8;21) fusion protein AML1-ETO
Authors: Peterson Luke F. , Yan Ming , Zhang Dong-Er
Published: February 2007

The 8;21 translocation is a major contributor to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) of the M2 classification occurring in approximately 40% of these cases. Multiple mouse models using this fusion protein demonstrate that AML1-ETO requires secondary mutagenic events to promote leukemogenesis. Here, we show that the negative cell cycle regulator p21WAF1 gene is up-regulated by AML1-ETO at the protein, RNA, and promoter levels. Retroviral transduction and hematopoietic cell transplantation experiments with p21WAF1-deficient cells show that AML1-ETO is able to promote leukemogenesis in the absence of p21WAF1. Thus, loss of p21WAF1 facilitates AML1-ETO–induced leukemogenesis, suggesting that mutagenic events in the p21WAF1 pathway to bypass the growth inhibitory effect from AML1-ETO–induced p21WAF1 expression can be a significant factor in AML1-ETO–associated acute myeloid leukemia.
PlnTFDB: an integrative plant transcription factor database
Authors: Riaño-Pachón Diego Mauricio , Ruzicic Slobodan , Dreyer Ingo , Mueller-Roeber Bernd
Published: February 2007

Background

Transcription factors (TFs) are key regulatory proteins that enhance or repress the transcriptional rate of their target genes by binding to specific promoter regions (i.e. cis-acting elements) upon activation or de-activation of upstream signaling cascades. TFs thus constitute master control elements of dynamic transcriptional networks. TFs have fundamental roles in almost all biological processes (development, growth and response to environmental factors) and it is assumed that they play immensely important functions in the evolution of species. In plants, TFs have been employed to manipulate various types of metabolic, developmental and stress response pathways. Cross-species comparison and identification of regulatory modules and hence TFs is thought to become increasingly important for the rational design of new plant biomass. Up to now, however, no computational repository is available that provides access to the largely complete sets of transcription factors of sequenced plant genomes.

Description

PlnTFDB is an integrative plant transcription factor database that provides a web interface to access large (close to complete) sets of transcription factors of several plant species, currently encompassing Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress), Populus trichocarpa (poplar), Oryza sativa (rice), Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Ostreococcus tauri. It also provides an access point to its daughter databases of a species-centered representation of transcription factors (OstreoTFDB, ChlamyTFDB, ArabTFDB, PoplarTFDB and RiceTFDB). Information including protein sequences, coding regions, genomic sequences, expressed sequence tags (ESTs), domain architecture and scientific literature is provided for each family.

Conclusion

We have created lists of putatively complete sets of transcription factors and other transcriptional regulators for five plant genomes. They are publicly available through http://plntfdb.bio.uni-potsdam.de. Further data will be included in the future when the sequences of other plant genomes become available.
Effective healthcare teams require effective team members: defining teamwork competencies
Authors: Leggat Sandra G
Published: February 2007

Background

Although effective teamwork has been consistently identified as a requirement for enhanced clinical outcomes in the provision of healthcare, there is limited knowledge of what makes health professionals effective team members, and even less information on how to develop skills for teamwork. This study identified critical teamwork competencies for health service managers.

Methods

Members of a state branch of the professional association of Australian health service managers participated in a teamwork survey.

Results

The 37% response rate enabled identification of a management teamwork competency set comprising leadership, knowledge of organizational goals and strategies and organizational commitment, respect for others, commitment to working collaboratively and to achieving a quality outcome.

Conclusion

Although not part of the research question the data suggested that the competencies for effective teamwork are perceived to be different for management and clinical teams, and there are differences in the perceptions of effective teamwork competencies between male and female health service managers. This study adds to the growing evidence that the focus on individual skill development and individual accountability and achievement that results from existing models of health professional training, and which is continually reinforced by human resource management practices within healthcare systems, is not consistent with the competencies required for effective teamwork.
A Critical Region in the Mineralocorticoid Receptor for Aldosterone Binding and Activation by Cortisol: Evidence for a Common Mechanism Governing Ligand Binding Specificity in Steroid Hormone Receptors
Authors: Rogerson Fraser M. , Yao Yi-Zhou , Elsass Romi E. , Dimopoulos Nektaria , Smith Brian J. , Fuller Peter J.
Published: February 2007

The amino acids that confer aldosterone binding specificity to the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) remain to be determined. We had previously analyzed a panel of chimeras created between the MR and the glucocorticoid receptor and determined that amino acids 804–874 of the MR ligand binding domain are critical for aldosterone binding. In the present study a further series of chimeras was created within this region. The chimeras were analyzed by a transactivation assay and [3H]aldosterone binding, and the critical region was narrowed down to amino acids 820–844. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to create single and multiple amino acid substitutions in this region. These studies identified 12 of the 16 amino acids that differ in the MR and the glucocorticoid receptor in this region as being critical to conferring aldosterone responsivity. The amino acids that differ in the region 820–844 lie on the surface of the molecule and, therefore, it appears that MR ligand binding selectivity is conferred by residues that do not form part of the ligand binding pocket. Other studies have found that the corresponding regions of the androgen and glucocorticoid receptors are critical for the binding of natural and synthetic ligands, suggesting a common mechanism governing ligand binding specificity. The new chimeras also displayed, as previously reported, a dissociation between cortisol binding and transactivation and, intriguingly, only those that bound aldosterone with high affinity were activated by cortisol, suggesting a common mechanism that underlies specificity of aldosterone binding and the ability of cortisol to activate the MR.
Altered dynamics of the lysosomal receptor for chaperone-mediated autophagy with age
Authors: Kiffin Roberta , Kaushik Susmita , Zeng Mei , Bandyopadhyay Urmi , Zhang Cong , Massey Ashish C. , Martinez-Vicente Marta , Cuervo Ana Maria
Published: February 2007

Rates of autophagy, the mechanism responsible for lysosomal clearance of cellular components, decrease with age. We have previously described an age-related decline in chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA), a selective form of autophagy, by which particular cytosolic proteins are delivered to lysosomes after binding to the lysosome-associated membrane protein type 2A (LAMP-2A), a receptor for this pathway. Rates of CMA decrease with age because of a decrease in the levels of LAMP-2A. In this work we have investigated the reasons for the reduced levels of LAMP-2A with age. While transcriptional rates of LAMP-2A remain unchanged with age, the dynamics and stability of the receptor in the lysosomal compartment are altered. The mobilization of the lysosomal lumenal LAMP-2A to the membrane when CMA is activated is altered in lysosomes from old animals, leading to the presence of an unstable pool of lumenal LAMP-2A. By contrast, the regulated cleavage of LAMP-2A at the lysosomal membrane is reduced owing to altered association of the receptor and the protease responsible for its cleavage to particular membrane microdomain regions. We conclude that age-related changes at the lysosomal membrane are responsible for the altered turnover of the CMA receptor in old organisms and the consequent decline in this pathway.
A large complex containing Patched and Smoothened initiates Hedgehog signaling inDrosophila
Authors: Walthall Sabrina L. , Moses Michelle , Horabin Jamila I.
Published: February 2007

Hedgehog acts as an organizer during development. Its signaling involves the receptor Patched, signal transducer Smoothened and a cytoplasmic complex containing the transcription factor Cubitus interruptus tethered to the Smoothened carboxyl tail. Without Hedgehog, Patched represses Smoothened resulting in proteolysis of Cubitus interruptus to its repressor form. With Hedgehog, Patched repression of Smoothened is relieved and Cubitus interruptus is activated. Sex-lethal, the master switch for sex determination in Drosophila, has been shown to associate with Cubitus interruptus and the cytoplasmic components of the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Additionally, Sex-lethal responds to the presence of Hedgehog in a Patched-dependent manner. The latter prompted us to examine the role of Patched in signaling. We find that Cubitus interruptus, Sex-lethal, Patched and Smoothened co-immunoprecipitate and co-fractionate, suggesting a large complex of both membrane and cytoplasmic components of the Hedgehog pathway. The entire complex is present at the plasma membrane and the association of Patched changes depending on the activation state of the pathway; it also is not female specific. Colocalization analyses suggest that Sex-lethal alters the endocytic cycling of the Hedgehog components and may augment the Hedgehog signal in females by decreasing the proteolytic cleavage of Cubitus interruptus, availing more of it for activation.
Obesity: Implementation of a Weight Management Pharmaceutical Care Service
Authors: Lloyd Kimberly Braxton , Thrower Margaret Ryman , Walters Natasha Boutwell , Krueger Kem P , Stamm Pamela L , Evans R Lee
Published: February 2007

Background:

Obesity, a national epidemic, is one of the leading causes of preventable morbidity and mortality in the US. Pharmacists can play an integral role in weight management. Offering weight management services provides an opportunity to increase public awareness of pharmaceutical care and attract patients to pharmacy programs.

Objective:

To describe the implementation and evaluate outcomes of a weight management pharmaceutical care service in a stand alone pharmaceutical care center on a college campus.

Methods:

A retrospective review of data was conducted on 289 patient charts to evaluate the change in weight, body mass index (BMI), percent body fat, and weight-related health conditions in patients who participated in the Healthy Habits program.

Results:

The net change (change in values observed from first to last appointment) in weight was a loss of 1021.8 kg. The maximum weight change (change seen from the first appointment to the lowest value obtained during the program) was a loss of 1530.5 kg. These values correspond to a net mean weight loss of 3.6 kg per patient (10% of baseline weight) and a maximum mean weight loss per patient of 5.5 kg (15% of baseline weight). Eighty-three patients were able to decrease their BMI category and 76 patients had a decrease in risk status from baseline.

Conclusions:

The Auburn University Pharmaceutical Care Center's Healthy Habits program has been successful in helping patients decrease total body weight, BMI, and risk of weight-related complications. In addition, the program has increased the opportunity to identify other pharmaceutical care needs of patients and help establish the role of pharmacists in the management of obesity.
Clay mineralogy and chemistry of halloysite and alunite deposits in the Turplu area, Balikesir, Turkey
Authors: Ece Ö. Işik , Schroeder Paul A.
Published: February 2007

A field-mapping and crystal-chemical study of two alunite- and halloysite-rich deposits in the Turplu area, situated northwest of Balıkesir on the Biga Peninsula of northwest Turkey reveals a mineralogically diverse and a potentially economic clay deposit. The mineral assemblage along fault zones is dominated by halloysite and sometimes alunite. The alunite is nearly end-member in composition (a = 6.995 Å, c = 17.195 Å) often occurring with a minor Ca phosphate phase. Of the two deposits studied, the more northerly mine contains more alunite relative to halloysite. Geochemical alteration indices suggest that the northern mine has experienced a slightly greater degree of hydrothermal modification. Halloysite is found in both hydrated and dehydrated states and assumes a tubular morphology. Observations by transmission and scanning electron microscopy are consistent with a model of halloysite dehydration, where the shapes transform from an open-hole tubular morphology to a closed-hole unfurled morphology.

Mineral paragenesis includes the effects of initial deposition of volcanic tuffs and andesite on top of karstic terrain. The contact between altered volcanics and underlying limestones is irregular and appears to have provided a mechanism to flush both hydrothermal and meteoric waters through the volcanics. Periods of hydrothermal alteration (hypogene) contemporaneous with extensional and strike-slip faulting have resulted in alunite and halloysite deposits. Hydrothermal alteration is concentrated near the fault zones. Because of subsequent weathering (supergene) away from the fault zones, much of the andesitic volcanic rocks have been altered to a more smectite-rich and kaolinite-bearing assemblage. The deposits continue to be both plastically deformed in the alunite/halloysite regions and to undergo brittle deformation in the saprolitized volcanics. Tectonic deformation has mixed the contacts, such that limestone blocks are entrained into parts of the alteration zones. Gibbsite and gypsum are common weathering products associated with limestone block inclusions. Genetic models for the origins of alunite-halloysite deposits in NW Turkey should consider as possible influencing factors the underlying lithologies, the extent of hydrothermal alteration, and recent weathering by meteoric fluids. In the case of the Turplu deposits, karstic limestones, hydrothermal circulation of sulfate-rich waters, and a post-alteration history of meteoric weathering were all important factors in their formation.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students' Performance on Arithmetic Word Problems
Authors: Hyde Merv , Zevenbergen Robyn , Power Desmond J. (Desmond John)
Published: February 2007

There has been limited research into the intersection of language and
arithmetic performance of students who are deaf or hard of hearing,
although previous research has shown that many of these students are
delayed in both language acquisition and arithmetic performance. The
researchers examined the performance on arithmetic word problems of
deaf and hard of hearing students in the South-East Queensland region
of Australia; they also examined these students' problem-solving
strategies. It was found that performance on word problems was similar
for deaf and hearing students, but that deaf students experienced delays
in achieving successful performance on word problems relative to their
hearing peers. The results confirm the findings of other studies showing
that students who are deaf or hard of hearing experience delayed language
acquisition, which affects their capacity to solve arithmetic word
problems. The study conclusions stress the need for greater use of direct
teaching of analytic and strategic approaches to arithmetic word problems.
Superintendents of American Residential Schools for the Deaf: A Profile
Authors: Knudson Bradley G
Published: February 2007

Data on selected characteristics of superintendents of American
residential schools for the Deaf were gathered in a 1999 survey. The
resulting profile of superintendents of residential schools was
then compared with a profile of superintendents of public elementary
and secondary schools that had been compiled in 1992 by the American
Association of School Administrators. The study population consisted of
the lead administrators of the 72 residential schools for the Deaf in
operation in the United States at the time of the survey. One particularly
noteworthy finding was that these superintendents reported the same
beliefs about their essential responsibilities that had been reported
by superintendents of public elementary and secondary schools. The
greatest disparity between the two groups of superintendents was in
how they characterized their relationships with their governing boards:
Generally, the residential school superintendents reported relationships
that were less formal. The study, apparently the first attempt to
profile superintendents of American residential schools for the Deaf,
establishes a baseline for future studies of this kind.
Comparing Deaf and Hearing College Students' Mental Arithmetic Calculations Under Two Interference Conditions
Authors: Davis Stacey M , Kelly Ronald R
Published: February 2007

Deaf and hearing college students' mean reaction times (RTs) were
compared on a mental calculation task in which they had to verify the
accuracy of solutions to addition and multiplication problems. The deaf
students were divided into higher and lower readers. Higher deaf readers
and hearing students had similar RTs and accuracy on addition problems;
their RTs were greater in the voicing interference mode than in the
manual tapping interference mode. The lower deaf readers showed no RT
differences between the two interference modes and had consistently lower
RT performance and score accuracy across the verification tasks. On the
verification task for multiplication problems, all participants showed
a greater RT effect for manual tapping. The lower deaf readers were
significantly less accurate on multiplication problems.
Spherical characters on P-Adic symmetric spaces
Authors: Rader Cary , Rallis Steve
Published: February 2007

Symmetric spaces over local fields, and the harmonic analysis of their class one representations, arise as the local calculation of Jacquet's theory of the relative trace formula. There is an extensive literature at the real place, but few general results for p-adic fields are known. The objective here is to carry over to symmetric spaces as much as possible of Queens and the prerequisite results of Howe, and to provide counterexamples for those things which do not generalize. We derive the Weyl integration formula, local constancy of the spherical character on the θ-regular set, Howe's conjecture for θ-groups, the germ expansion for spherical characters at the origin, and a spherical version of Howe's Kirillov theory for compact p-adic groups. We find that the density property of regular orbital integrals fails. Some of the basic ideas are nascent in Hakim's thesis (written under Hervé Jacquet).
A note on elliptic curves and Galois module structure in global function fields
Authors: Agboola A.
Published: February 2007

In this paper we study the Galois module structure of certain Kummer orders obtained by dividing torsion points on an elliptic curve defined over a global function field. We prove that such Kummer orders are globally free as Galois modules. This is the analogue over function fields of a conjecture first stated by M. J. Taylor for CM elliptic curves defined over number fields.
Dimension of the Hilbert scheme of curves in P 3
Authors: Oh Kyungho , Rao A. P.
Published: February 2007

We show that the dimension of any component of the Hilbert scheme of space curves (of degree d ) is bounded below by 4 d . We find components where the general point represents a nonlocally Cohen-Macaulay curve which is not a disjoint union of a locally Cohen-Macaulay curve and a zero dimensional scheme.
Seshadri constants on abelian varieties
Authors: Nakamaye Michael
Published: February 2007

We show that on a complex abelian variety of dimension two or greater the Seshadri constant of an ample line bundle is at least one. Moreover, the Seshadri constant is equal to one if and only if the polarized abelian variety splits as a product of a principally polarized elliptic curve and a polarized abelian subvariety of codimension one. We also examine the case when the Seshadri constant is not one and obtain lower bounds when the dimension of the abelian variety is small.
The basic Laplacian of a Riemannian foliation
Authors: Park Efton , Richardson Ken
Published: February 2007

We study the basic Laplacian on Riemannian foliations by writing the basic Laplacian in terms of the orthogonal projection from square-integrable forms to basic square-integrable forms. Using a geometric interpretation of this projection, we relate the ordinary Laplacian to the basic Laplacian. Among other results, we show the existence of the basic heat kernel and establish estimates for the eigenvalues of the basic Laplacian.