bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of symmetrical gaits and whole body mechanics: debunking myths in locomotor biodynamics
Authors: Biknevicius Audrone R. , Reilly Stephen M.
Published: October 2006

Independent maturation of gait (Hildebrand) and whole body mechanics (Cavagna et al.) traditions in locomotor analyses has led to conflicting terminology. Re‐evaluation of these traditions yields three primary insights. First, walking and running should be recognized by their fundamentally different mechanics. Because duty factor fails to consistently distinguish these mechanics, its use in discriminating walks from runs should be abandoned in preference to parameters that more accurately reflect the movements of the center of mass (COM; phase difference in external mechanical energy or Froude number). Second, “trot” should be reserved as a descriptor of a particular footfall pattern. This and all gait terms lack explicit information about limb compliance and thus COM movements. Third, symmetrical gait definitions should be broadened to reflect the four primary footfall patterns: the lateral‐couplet dominated pattern of the pace, the diagonal‐couplet dominated pattern of the trot and the more independent sequencing of footfalls of the two singlefoots. Intermediate gaits (perennially confusing and a mouthful to pronounce) are thereby subsumed by these four discrete gaits. Confusion between gait terminologies would be avoided if limb phase were consistently reported. J. Exp. Zool. 305A, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
De Novo Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Seo Suk , Maganti Kalyani , Khehra Manjit , Ramsamooj Rajendra , Tsodikov Alexander , Bowlus Christopher , McVicar John , Zern Mark , Torok Natalie
Published: October 2006

Hepatic steatosis is a recognized problem in patients after orthotopic liver transplant (OLT). However, de novo development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has not been well described. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of de novo NAFLD after OLT. A retrospective analysis was performed on 68 OLT patients with donor liver biopsies and posttransplantation liver biopsies. Individual medical charts were reviewed for demographics, indication for OLT, serial histology reports, genotypes for hepatitis C, comorbid conditions, and medications. Liver biopsies were reviewed blindly and graded according to the Brunt Scoring System. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to study the risk factors for developing NAFLD. The interval time from OLT to subsequent follow-up liver biopsy was 28 ± 18 months. A total of 12 patients (18%) developed de novo NAFLD, and 6 (9%) developed de novo NASH. The regression model indicated that the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) was associated with a reduced risk of developing NAFLD after OLT (odds ratio, 0.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.010-0.92; P = 0.042). Increase in body mass index (BMI) of greater than 10% after OLT was associated with a higher risk of developing NAFLD (odds ratio, 19.38; 95% confidence interval, 3.50-107.40; P = 0.001). In conclusion, de novo NAFLD is common in the post-OLT setting, with a significant association with weight gain after transplant. The use of an ACE-I may reduce the risk of developing post-OLT NAFLD. Liver Transpl, 2006. © 2006 AASLD.
Transthyretin-Derived Amyloid Deposition on the Gastric Mucosa in Domino Recipients of Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy Liver
Authors: Takei Yo-ichi , Gono Takahisa , Yazaki Masahide , Ikeda Shu-ichi , Ikegami Toshihiko , Hashikura Yasuhiko , Miyagawa Shin-ichi , Hoshii Yoshinobu
Published: October 2006

Familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) is a form of hereditary generalized amyloidosis. Liver tissue explanted from FAP patients has normal structure and function, except for the production of amyloidogenic variant transthyretin (TTR), and domino liver transplantation (DLT) using grafts from FAP patients was first performed in 1995. FAP symptoms usually develop in genetically determined individuals after the age of 20, but it is difficult to estimate when FAP symptoms will appear in domino recipients. Concerning this problem, histological findings showing amyloid deposition have recently been obtained in a few domino recipients of FAP livers. This study investigated the presence of de novo amyloid deposition in the gastroduodenal mucosa of domino recipients transplanted at our institution. Biopsy of gastroduodenal mucosa was carried out in 5 recipients of FAP livers and TTR-derived amyloid deposits were detected in 2 patients, both of whom had undergone DLT 47 months previously. In FAP liver recipients, de novo systemic amyloid deposition may begin much sooner than previously supposed. Therefore, careful follow-up of domino recipients of FAP livers is required. Liver Transpl, 2006. © 2006 AASLD.
Local time and Tanaka formula for a multitype Dawson–Watanabe superprocess
Authors: López‐Mimbela José A. , Villa Morales José
Published: October 2006

In [3] Dynkin defined the local time of a continuous superprocess as a stochastic integral and gave a criterion for existence of local time. Here we prove that the conditions in Dynkin's existence criterion are satisfied by the multitype Dawson–Watanabe superprocess, and give a Tanaka formula‐like representation of the local time which is used to show that the occupation measure of the multitype superprocess is absolutely continuous with respect to an appropriate reference measure, and that the corresponding density coincides a.s. with the local time. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Regions of variability for convex functions
Authors: Yanagihara Hiroshi
Published: October 2006

Let 𝒞 be the class of convex univalent functions f in the unit disc 𝔻 normalized by f (0) = f ′(0) – 1 = 0. For z 0 ∈ 𝔻 and |λ | ≤ 1 we shall determine explicitly the regions of variability {log f ′(z 0): f ∈ 𝒞, f ″(0) = 2λ }. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Dirichlet regularity in arbitrary o‐minimal structures on the field ℝ up to dimension 4
Authors: Kaiser Tobias
Published: October 2006

In this article we show that the set of Dirichlet regular boundary points of a bounded domain of dimension up to 4, definable in an arbitrary o‐minimal structure on the field ℝ, is definable in the same structure. Moreover we give estimates for the dimension of the set of non‐regular boundary points, depending on whether the structure is polynomially bounded or not.

This paper extends the results from the author's Ph.D. thesis [6, 7] where the problem was solved for polynomially bounded o‐minimal structures expanding the real field. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cerebral autoregulation is preserved in multiple system atrophy: A transcranial Doppler study
Authors: Pavy‐Le Traon Anne , Hughson Richard L. , Thalamas Claire , Galitsky Monique , Fabre Nelly , Rascol Olivier , Senard Jean‐Michel
Published: October 2006

Patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) present large changes in blood pressure (BP) due to autonomic disturbances. We analyzed how this change may influence dynamic cerebral autoregulation (DCA). Simultaneous recordings of arterial BP (Finapres) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) blood flow velocity (BFV) (transcranial Doppler) were performed in 10 patients with MSA (61 ± 12 yr of age) and 12 healthy volunteers (61 ± 11 yr of age): cerebral BFV response to oscillations in mean BP was studied in the supine position by cross‐spectral analysis of mean BP and mean MCA BFV. The DCA was also studied during the decrease in BP the first seconds when standing up from a sitting position by the assessment of the cerebrovascular resistance index (CR; mean BP/mean MCA BFV ratio). The MCA BFV/BP cross‐spectral analysis showed a phase for the mid‐frequency band (0.07–0.2 Hz) significantly larger in MSA, suggesting more active autoregulation in response to larger changes in BP. Changes in CR reflecting the rate of autoregulation, when standing did not differ between the two groups. These data suggest that dynamic cerebral autoregulation is preserved in MSA. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Hypoperfusion of the auditory and prefrontal cortices in Parkinsonian patients with verbal hallucinations
Authors: Matsui Hideaki , Nishinaka Kazuto , Oda Masaya , Hara Narihiro , Komatsu Kenichi , Kubori Tamotsu , Udaka Fukashi
Published: October 2006

We examined patients with and without auditory hallucinations, using n‐isopropyl‐p‐[123I]iodoamphetamine single photon emission computed tomographic imaging. We assessed verbal hallucinations in the present study: patients with nonverbal auditory hallucinations were excluded. A total of 11 patients with verbal and visual hallucinations and 17 patients with visual hallucinations only were enrolled. Patients with both verbal and visual hallucinations revealed significant hypoperfusion in the bilateral prefrontal cortex and right superior temporal gyrus compared to patients with visual hallucinations only. There were no significant hyperperfusion in patients with verbal plus visual hallucinations. These results may support the release hallucination theory in verbal hallucinations of Parkinson's disease, although another explanations may be more appropriate and further studies are required. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
In vivo MRI of cancer cell fate at the single‐cell level in a mouse model of breast cancer metastasis to the brain
Authors: Heyn Chris , Ronald John A. , Ramadan Soha S. , Snir Jonatan A. , Barry Andrea M. , MacKenzie Lisa T. , Mikulis David J. , Palmieri Diane , Bronder Julie L. , Steeg Patricia S. , Yoneda Toshiyuki , MacDonald Ian C. , Chambers Ann F. , Rutt Brian K. , Foster Paula J.
Published: October 2006

Metastasis (the spread of cancer from a primary tumor to secondary organs) is responsible for most cancer deaths. The ability to follow the fate of a population of tumor cells over time in an experimental animal would provide a powerful new way to monitor the metastatic process. Here we describe a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that permits the tracking of breast cancer cells in a mouse model of brain metastasis at the single‐cell level. Cancer cells that were injected into the left ventricle of the mouse heart and then delivered to the brain were detectable on MR images. This allowed the visualization of the initial delivery and distribution of cells, as well as the growth of tumors from a subset of these cells within the whole intact brain volume. The ability to follow the metastatic process from the single‐cell stage through metastatic growth, and to quantify and monitor the presence of solitary undivided cells will facilitate progress in understanding the mechanisms of brain metastasis and tumor dormancy, and the development of therapeutics to treat this disease. Magn Reson Med, 2006. Published 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Behavior of ordered sodium in enzymatically depleted cartilage tissue
Authors: Ling Wen , Regatte Ravinder R. , Schweitzer Mark E. , Jerschow Alexej
Published: October 2006

The onset of cartilage tissue disorders can be characterized by a loss of proteoglycans (PGs) and diagnosed by contrast‐enhanced proton (1H) MRI techniques, as well as sodium MRI. The behavior of sodium located in anisotropic environments, is examined as a function of cartilage degeneration. PGs are proteolytically depleted from the cartilage samples, which gives rise to a decrease of the ordered sodium content. More surprisingly, however, the residual quadrupolar couplings are shown to increase with increasing depletion levels. Since the residual quadrupolar couplings are intimately related to local order and anisotropic motion, measuring their distribution in cartilage may provide insight into the structural changes that occur within the tissue upon degradation. In this study relatively mild orientational dependence of the couplings was found. Little or no free sodium was observed in the cartilage specimens under study. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An algorithm for the automated quantitation of metabolites in in vitro NMR signals
Authors: Reynolds Greg , Wilson Martin , Peet Andrew , Arvanitis Theodoros N.
Published: October 2006

The quantitation of metabolite concentrations from in vitro NMR spectra is hampered by the sensitivity of peak positions to experimental conditions. The quantitation methods currently available are generally labor intensive and cannot readily be automated. Here, an algorithm is presented for the automatic time domain analysis of high‐resolution NMR spectra. The TARQUIN algorithm uses a set of basis functions obtained by quantum mechanical simulation using predetermined parameters. Each basis function is optimized by subdividing it into a set of signals from magnetically equivalent spins and varying the simulated chemical shifts of each of these groups to match the signal undergoing analysis. A novel approach to the standard multidimensional minimization problem is introduced based on evaluating the fit resulting from different permutations of possible chemical shifts, obtained from one‐dimensional searches. Results are presented from the analysis of 1H proton magic angle spinning spectra of cell lines illustrating the robustness of the method in a typical application. Simulation was used to investigate the biggest peak shifts that can be tolerated. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of angiotensin II in stress urinary incontinence: A rat model
Authors: Phull Hardeep , Salkini Mohamad , Escobar Christina , Purves Todd , Comiter Craig V.
Published: October 2006

Aims

Pharmacological treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is limited to the use of non‐selective alpha‐agonists, which are often ineffective. Non‐adrenergic mechanisms have also been implicated in urethral closure, including angiotensin II (Ang‐II), which has been demonstrated throughout the urinary tract. We investigate the role of Ang‐II in urethral tone in a rat model of SUI.

Methods

Abdominal leak point pressure (ALPP) and retrograde urethral pressure profilometry (RLPP) were measured in 70 female virgin rats. Thirty rats underwent pudendal nerve injury (PNT), 30 had circumferential urethrolysis (U‐Lys), and 10 had sham surgery. Rats received daily doses of Angiotensin Type 1 (AT‐1) receptor inhibitor (20 mg/kg), Angiotensin Type 2 (AT‐2) receptor antagonist (10 mg/kg), or Ang‐II (2 mg/kg).

Results

Following U‐Lys, RLPP and ALPP decreased from 21.4 ± 2.0 and 39.2 ± 3.3 mm Hg, to 13.1 ± 1.5 and 21.6 ± 1.9 mmHg, respectively (P<0.01). After PNT, RLPP, and ALPP decreased from 21.0 ± 1.6 and 41.9 ± 3.0 mmHg to 13.1 ± 1.5 and 24.7 ± 3.3 mmHg, respectively (P<0.01). AT‐1 inhibitor caused significant decrease in RLPP and ALPP from 21.0 ± 6.2 and 41.8 ± 9.4 mmHg, to 12.0 ± 3.8 and 25.6 ± 6.6 mmHg, respectively (P<0.01). Likewise, AT‐2 treatment reduced RLPP and ALPP from 21.4 ± 6.3 and 40.1 ± 1.7 mmHg, to 13.5 ± 5.7 and 31.0 ± 7.2 mmHg, respectively (P<0.01). Following surgery, Ang‐II administration restored RLPP and ALPP to baseline presurgical values.

Conclusions

AT‐1 and AT‐2 receptor inhibition significantly lowers urethral resistance, comparable to either neurogenic or urethrolytic injury. Ang‐II treatment restored urethral tone in rats with intrinsic sphincter dysfunction. Ang II appears to serve a functional role in the maintenance of urethral tone and stress continence. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel epigenetically deregulated genes in testicular cancer include homeobox genes and SCGB3A1 (HIN‐1)
Authors: Lind GE , Skotheim RI , Fraga MF , Abeler VM , Esteller M , Lothe RA
Published: October 2006

Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) are classified into two main histological subgroups: seminomas and non‐seminomas. The latter comprise several subtypes: embryonal carcinomas, yolk sac tumours, choriocarcinomas, and teratomas. These embryonal and extra‐embryonal‐like differentiation lineages represent a caricature of early normal development, and inactivation of gene expression through promoter hypermethylation may therefore be of particular importance in germ cell tumourigenesis. The promoter methylation status of ten candidate genes—CDH13, DLX6, EMX2, HOXA9, HOXB5, MSX1, MSX2, RASSF1A, RUNX3, and SCGB3A1 (alias HIN‐1)—was assessed by methylation‐specific PCR in seven intratubular germ cell neoplasias and 55 primary TGCTs. Furthermore, by a discovery‐based global approach, comparing cDNA microarray expression profiles of two germ cell tumour cell lines before and after treatment with the demethylating agent 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine, a gene list of potentially epigenetic targets was identified, from which CGGBP1, CGRRF1, SMARCC2, SORBS1, and XPA were analysed further. Overall, the non‐seminomas were significantly more often methylated than were seminomas (p < 0.001). The three most frequently methylated genes among this subtype were SCGB3A1 (54%), RASSF1A (29%), and HOXA9 (26%). CDH13 and HOXB5 were methylated at low frequencies (10–15%), and EMX2, MSX1, RUNX3, SORBS1, and XPA only rarely (<10%). In conclusion, this study has identified several novel epigenetically deregulated target genes in TGCT development, including homeobox genes and SCGB3A1, suggesting that epigenetic inactivation of key genes in normal development also has an important role in TGCTs. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pulmonary dysfunction in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients: Non‐infectious and long‐term complications
Authors: Gower W. Adam , Collaco J. Michael , Mogayzel Peter J.
Published: October 2006

Pulmonary complications are among the most frequently encountered sequelae of pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Non‐infectious complications are becoming increasingly more common in this unique population. This review addresses the diagnosis and management of non‐infectious manifestations of lung disease in pediatric HSCT patients and briefly discusses the long‐term pulmonary function of childhood HSCT survivors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:225–233. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Validity and consequence of informed consent in pediatric bone marrow transplantation: The parental experience
Authors: Benedict Jan M. , Simpson Christy , Fernandez Conrad V.
Published: October 2006

Background

Conditions supporting a high quality of consent for pediatric bone marrow transplantation (BMT) are suboptimal given the complexity of the procedure, lack of options, and parent emotional duress. We studied if parents perceived choice when consenting to BMT, if they felt the consent provided was valid, and how the consent process affected them.

Methods

Telephone or face‐to‐face interviews were recorded using a semi‐structured interview outline. Interview transcripts were anonymized, and independently analyzed by three reviewers.

Results

Twenty parents of twelve children participated, including five bereaved parents. There were no differences in patient transplant characteristics between the eligible and study groups. Divorced or separated parents were underrepresented in the participant group. Fifteen parents felt personally compelled to consent; most (18) denied feeling external medical pressure to do so. All parents felt their consent was valid and most reported adequate levels of freedom, capacity, and information. Expectations formulated during the consent process strongly influenced parents' experience post‐BMT. Good communication during consent contributed to trust and therapeutic alliance with physicians following BMT. Late parental stress and anxiety were periodic, but very high in some families.

Conclusions

Parents feel consent for pediatric BMT is valid, despite feeling personally compelled to consent. Strategies aimed at nurturing hope and realistic expectations may assist in improving the consent process, while diminishing long‐term stressors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:846–851. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Should i stay or should i go? Attachment and personality in stable and instable romantic relationships
Authors: Lehnart Judith , Neyer Franz J.
Published: October 2006

Attachment, relationship satisfaction and personality were measured in a representative longitudinal sample of young adults over 8 years with three measurement occasions. The dynamics between personality and relationship development were examined in two groups: stable continuers (N = 133), who remained with the same partner, and relationship changers (N = 92), who ended their partnership and entered into a new relationship. Partnership satisfaction but not personality predicted relationship stability. Neuroticism and attachment quality were more stable in continuers than in changers. Cross‐lagged analyses of personality and relationship quality revealed a more consistent pattern of reciprocal influences in stable relationships, showing that dynamic transactions between personality and relationship quality are more likely to occur in stable social environments. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability and change in adolescents' personality: a longitudinal study
Authors: Pullmann Helle , Raudsepp Liisa , Allik Jüri
Published: October 2006

The present study examined three types of personality change and continuity (mean‐level, individual‐level, and rank‐order stability) over the 2‐year period in a nationally representative longitudinal sample of Estonian adolescents (N = 876) aged 12–18. According to the Reliable Change Index, 82.1% of adolescents maintained the same level on any given personality trait measured by the NEO Five‐Factorial Inventory (NEO‐FFI) indicating that the individual‐level continuity of adolescents did not differ compared to young adults. A reliable increase was found in Openness. Across the five dimensions, the average test–retest correlations were 0.51, 0.56 and 0.67, and the computed biennial stability values were 0.80, 0.83 and 0.89 for age groups 12 → 14, 14 → 16 and 16 → 18 years, respectively. Neither intelligence nor school performance moderated the differential continuity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
One‐step etch‐through porous silicon membrane with an open cavity and pore size tuning
Authors: Kan P. Y. Y. , Finstad T. G.
Published: October 2006

A thin porous silicon (PS) membrane has been fabricated by electrochemical etching in a hydrofluoric acid (HF) electrolyte in a simple new process. Membrane areas (0.3 mm2) were defined photolithographically by SU8 negative resist. The etching current was varied during the single‐step process to define the thickness of the membrane by electrochemically thinning the Si wafer at high current followed by a lower current pore formation and etch through. The process is simple and fast being completed in less than 2 hours for standard Si wafers. Different ways of improving robustness, yield, etch resistance of the mask, membrane uniformity, pore sizes control and applications are discussed. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Surface electronic properties of H‐terminated diamond in contact with adsorbates and electrolytes
Authors: Nebel C. E. , Rezek B. , Shin D. , Watanabe H.
Published: October 2006

A comprehensive summary of surface electronic properties of undoped hydrogen terminated diamond covered with adsorbates or in electrolyte solutions is given. The formation of a conductive layer at the surface is characterized using Hall effect, conductivity, contact potential difference (CPM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and cyclic voltammetry experiments. Data are from measurements on homoepitaxially grown CVD diamond films with atomically smooth hydrogen terminated surfaces. The data show that due to electron transfer from the valence band into empty states in of the electrolyte, a highly conductive surface layer is generated. Holes propagate in the layer with mobilities up to 350 cm2/Vs. The sheet hole density in this layer is in the range 1011 to 5 × 1012 cm−2, and dependents on pH of the electrolyte or adsorbate. This has been utilized to manufacture ion sensitive field effect transistors (ISFET) from diamond. The drain source conductivity of single crystalline CVD diamond is pH dependent, with about 66 mV/pH, which is in reasonable agreement with the Nernst law. Due to strong coulomb repulsion between positive ions in the electrolyte and the H+‐surface termination of diamond, an enlarged tunneling gap is established which prevents electronic interactions between the electrolyte and diamond. This is a “virtual gate insulator” of diamond ISFETs. Application of potentials larger than the oxidation threshold of +0.7 V (pH 13) to +1.6 V (pH 1) gives rise to strong leakage currents and to partial surface oxidation. In addition, the electronic interaction of diamond with redox couples is characterized using cyclic voltammetry experiments. The results are well described by the transfer doping model which accounts for the specific properties of undoped diamond immersed in electrolyte solutions are covered simply by adsorbates. In addition, numerical solutions of the Schrödinger and Poisson equations are used to show that the density of state distribution of unoccupied valence band states in case of a perfect interface would be governed by two‐dimensional properties (2D). (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Single defect centres in diamond: A review
Authors: Jelezko F. , Wrachtrup J.
Published: October 2006

The nitrogen vacancy and some nickel related defects in diamond can be observed as single quantum systems in diamond by their fluorescence. The fabrication of single colour centres occurs via generation of vacancies or via controlled nitrogen implantation in the case of the nitrogen vacancy (NV) centre. The NV centre shows an electron paramagnetic ground and optically excited state. As a result electron and nuclear magnetic resonance can be carried out on single defects. Due to the localized nature of the electron spin wavefunction hyperfine coupling to nuclei more than one lattice constant away from the defect as dominated by dipolar interaction. As a consequence the coupling to close nuclei leads to a splitting in the spectrum which allows for optically detected electron nuclear double resonance. The contribution discusses the physics of the NV and other defect centre from the perspective of single defect centre spectroscopy. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Experimental indications of a BCS behaviour in superconducting diamond
Authors: Sacépé B. , Chapelier C. , Marcenat C. , Kačmarčik J. , Klein T. , Omnès F. , Bustarret E.
Published: October 2006

We present a scanning tunneling spectroscopy study of a superconducting single‐crystalline heavily boron‐doped diamond which provides an experimental evidence for BCS behaviour. The superconducting gap, its temperature dependence, its relationship to the bulk critical temperature as well as the shape of the tunneling density of states are found to be fully compatible with a conventional BCS‐type weak‐coupling mechanism. A Raman backscattering spectroscopy study of diamond epilayers with different doping levels indicates by a slight phonon softening a coupling between carriers and optical phonons. In addition, in the mixed state, the disordered Abrikosov lattice of vortices were imaged using STM spectroscopy. Localized states at energies strikingly much higher than expected for low‐lying quasiparticles excitations appear in the tunneling density of states of the vortex core. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth and properties of nanocrystalline diamond films
Authors: Williams Oliver A. , Nesládek Miloš
Published: October 2006

The aim of this paper is to summarise recent progress in the growth of small grain‐sized Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) diamond often called nanocrystalline diamond, i.e., diamond with grains typically smaller than 500 nm. Nanocrystalline (NCD) and Ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) films are new materials offering interesting applications to nanobioelectronics and electrochemistry. However NCD and UNCD thin films comprise of entirely different structures which is highlighted here in this paper. We discuss in detail the main differences in Raman spectra, optical properties and electrical transport properties. Finally we present a simple model of the conductivity mechanism in nitrogenated UNCD (N‐UNCD) and boron doped NCD (B‐NCD) films, and show the possibility of achieving the superconductive transition in B‐NCD films. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Functionalization of single‐walled carbon nanotubes by aromatic molecules studied by scanning tunneling microscopy
Authors: Lauffer Peter , Jung Adrian , Graupner Ralf , Hirsch Andreas , Ley Lothar
Published: October 2006

A functionalization of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) without the necessity to introduce defects to the atomic structure of the graphitic lattice can be achieved via π‐stacking interaction of the SWCNTs sidewalls with aromatic molecules. In our work we study the functionalization of SWCNTs with two different aromatic molecules by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS). Functionalization was performed in solution and the SWCNTs so obtained were transfered to a sputter‐annealed Au(111) substrate using dry transfer techniques in vacuum to avoid surface contamination. Differential conductance imaging of the atomically resolved functionalized SWCNT reveals a substructure which can be attributed to the molecular orbitals of aminoanthracene. These findings are compared to the STM images obtained from the bare molecule prepared by thermal evaporation on a clean Au(111) surface which are interpreted with the help of quantum chemical calculations of the molecular orbital structure. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Silicon nanowires: catalytic growth and electrical characterization
Authors: Weber Walter M. , Duesberg Georg S. , Graham Andrew P. , Liebau Maik , Unger Eugen , Cheze Caroline , Geelhaar Lutz , Lugli Paolo , Riechert Henning , Kreupl Franz
Published: October 2006

Nominally undoped silicon nanowires (NW) were grown by catalytic chemical vapor deposition. The growth process was optimized to control the NWs diameters by using different Au catalyst thicknesses on amorphous SiO2, Si3N4, or crystalline‐Si substrates. For SiO2 substrates an Ar plasma treatment was used to homogenize the catalyst coalescence, and thus the NWs diameter. Furthermore, planar field effect transistors (FETs) were fabricated by implementing 13 to 30 nm thin nominally undoped Si‐NWs as the active region. Various silicides were investigated as Schottky‐barrier source and drain contacts for the active region. For CoSi, NiSi and PdSi contacts, the FETs transfer characteristics showed p‐type behavior. A FET consisting of a single Si‐NW with 20 nanometers diameter and 2.5 µm gate‐length delivers as much as 0.15 µA on‐current at 1 volt bias voltage and has an on/off current ratio of 107. This is in contrast to recent reports of low conductance in undoped Si. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electron–phonon coupling in carbon nanotubes
Authors: Machón M. , Reich S. , Thomsen C.
Published: October 2006

Knowledge of electron–phonon coupling is essential for the understanding of many properties of carbon nanotubes. We present a comparative study of the coupling of electrons to totally symmetric phonons: the radial‐breathing mode and the high‐energy mode. The coupling of the high‐energy mode is stronger than of the radial‐breathing mode by a factor of ≈6. In both cases the matrix elements depend on chirality, diameter, family, and transition energy. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fabrication of field‐effect transistor devices with fullerene related materials
Authors: Nagano T. , Kusai H. , Ochi K. , Ohta T. , Imai K. , Kubozono Y. , Fujiwara A.
Published: October 2006

Field‐effect transistor (FET) devices have been fabricated with thin films of fullerodendrons (I), (II) and (III) by using solution process. The n ‐channel normally‐off FET properties have been observed in the fullerodendron (I) and (II) FET devices with SiO2/Si substrate. The values of field‐effect mobility, μ, of the fullerodendron (I) and (II) FETs were determined to be 4.5 × 10–4 and 1.4 × 10–3 cm2 V–1 s–1, respectively, at 300 K. On the other hand, the n ‐channel normally‐on FET properties have been observed in the fullerodendron (II) FET devices with three types of polymer gate insulators on poly(ehylene terephthalate) substrates. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photoluminescence from excitons at the mini‐Brillouin‐zone boundary in a GaAs/AlAs superlattice
Authors: Hasegawa T. , Nakayama M.
Published: October 2006

We have investigated the photoluminescence (PL) properties related to the mini‐Brillouin‐zone boundary (π point) in a (GaAs)24/(AlAs)2 superlattice. In order to detect the PL from the π‐point exciton that has a very fast relaxation process in momentum space, we measured time‐resolved PL (TRPL) spectra with a streak‐camera system. Photoreflectance spectroscopy was adopted to characterize the optical transition energies at the mini‐Brillouin‐zone center (Γ point) and the π point, which results in the clear observation of the heavy‐hole‐exciton transition in the first quantization (n = 1) miniband at the π point, H11(π), in addition to the Γ‐point exciton, H11(Γ) usually observable. We have found that PL band relevant to the H11(π) transition appears in the TRPL spectra by tuning the excitation energy to the H11(Γ) transition. Furthermore, the H11(π)‐PL band has a delay time relative to the H11(Γ)‐PL band, which reflects the pileup of excitons and carriers from the Γ point to the π point in the miniband dispersion. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structural Relaxation in Charged Metal Surfaces and Cluster Ions
Authors: Weigend Florian , Evers Ferdinand , Weissmüller Jörg
Published: October 2006

Space‐charge layers can noticeably affect the properties of metal electrode surfaces, for instance by modifying the surface dielectric response or indirectly via the induced atomic relaxations. While there are efforts to exploit this concept for designing novel functional nanomaterials, the underlying microscopic processes are poorly understood. Here, we report on a density functional theory (DFT) study of atomic relaxation in Au cluster ions comprising up to 309 atoms. Suitable averages over atomic displacements respond to charging consistent with experimental observation on macroscopic Au single‐crystal surfaces. Moreover, the overall DFT response is also consistent with predictions of a simple phenomenological model. Motivated by our observations, we propose a scenario in which the surface relaxation (“stretch”) results from out‐of‐plane Hellman–Feynman forces exerted on the surface atoms by the excess charge, and where the in‐plane surface stress represents essentially an elastic transverse contraction tendency of the surface layer in response to stretch.
In Situ Electron Microscopy Electromechanical Characterization of a Bistable NEMS Device
Authors: Ke Changhong , Espinosa Horacio D.
Published: October 2006

A previously proposed two‐terminal carbon‐nanotube‐based device with closed‐loop feedback is demonstrated through in situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) experiments. The pull‐in/pull‐out tests were carried out using a multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) welded to a conductive probe attached to a nanomanipulator. The MWCNTs were cantilevered over a gold electrode and electrostatically actuated. The measured current–voltage curves exhibited the theoretically predicted hysteretic loop between the pull‐in and pull‐out processes. Both experiments and theoretical modeling demonstrated the bistability of the device confirming its utility in applications such as memory elements, NEMS switches, and logic devices. Failure mechanisms observed during the pull‐in/pull‐out event are also reported and discussed.
Improvement of Aspergillus niger Glucoamylase Thermostability by Directed Evolution
Authors: Wang Yue , Fuchs Erica , da Silva Roberto , McDaniel Allison , Seibel Janice , Ford Clark
Published: October 2006

Directed evolution was used to improve the thermostability of Aspergillus niger glucoamylase (GA) expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A starch‐plate assay developed to screen GA mutants for thermostability gave results consistent with those of irreversible thermoinactivation kinetic analysis. Several thermostable multiply‐mutated GAs were isolated and characterized by DNA sequencing and kinetic analysis. Three new GA mutations, T62A, T290A and H391Y, have been identified that encode GAs that are more thermostable than wild‐type GA, and that improve thermostability cumulatively. These individual mutations were combined with the previously constructed thermostable site‐directed mutations D20C/A27C (forming a disulfide bond), S30P, and G137A to create a multiply‐mutated GA designated THS8. THS8 GA is substantially more thermostable than wild‐type GA at 80°C, with a 5.1 kJ/mol increase in the free energy of thermoinactivation, making it the most thermostable Aspergillus niger GA mutant characterized to date. THS8 GA and the singly‐mutated GAs have specific activities and catalytic efficiencies (kcat/Km) similar to those of wild‐type GA.
Microwave‐accelerated Synthesis and Characterization of Potato Starch‐g‐poly(acrylamide)
Authors: Singh Vandana , Tiwari Ashutosh , Pandey Sadanand , Singh Somit Kumar
Published: October 2006

Using a very low concentration of potassium persulfate as initiator, acrylamide could be efficiently grafted onto potato starch under microwave irradiation and for the grafting O2 removal from the reaction vessel was not required. Under optimal conditions, grafting and efficiency observed were 160% and 89%, respectively. Grafted starch was characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). It was observed that the microwave irradiation could significantly accelerate the synthesis of starch‐graft‐poly(acrylamide), because under identical conditions no grafting was observed in a conventional procedure. Viscosity, shear stability and water/saline solution retention of the microwave‐synthesized grafted starch were studied and compared with that of the parent starch.
Gel and Pasting Behaviour of Fenugreek‐Wheat Starch and Fenugreek – Wheat Flour Combinations
Authors: Brennan Charles S. , Suter Manfred , Matia‐Merino Lara , Luethi Thomas , Ravindran Ganasheranee , Goh Kelvin , Ovortrup Jacqueline
Published: October 2006

The influence of fenugreek material on starch and flour rheological characteristics was determined. Ground fenugreek grain material, and a purified fenugreek extract (Fenulife®) were used as replacement or as addition to flour or starch. Evaluation of the pasting properties of starch and flour fenugreek mixtures illustrated that fenugreek addition increased the peak and final viscosity of the mixtures in relation to the level of fenugreek addition used. The ground fenugreek seeds yielded a lower response than the purified Fenulife® sample, due to the presence of protein, starch and other polysaccharide material in the ground flour. Rheology of the pastes showed that the addition of fenugreek material (especially Fenulife®) increased the viscoelastic nature of the material. Textural analysis of the cooled gels illustrated that the inclusion of fenugreek into flour mixes generally raised the hardness of the gels, although the gels became softer with higher levels of fenugreek material used. The inclusion of fenugreek into starch gels showed similar patterns of pasting and textural properties, with a general decrease in texture related to the level of fenugreek included.
B‐type natriuretic peptide levels predict event‐free survival in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators
Authors: Christ Michael , Sharkova Julia , Bayrakcioglu Somer , Herzum Ileana , Mueller Christian , Grimm Wolfram
Published: October 2006

Introduction:

We examined whether B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels predict outcome in heart failure patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) using a combined endpoint of malignant tachyarrhythmias, death or heart transplantation.

Methods and results:

BNP levels were measured in 123 ICD patients with chronic heart failure (age: 63±12years, ejection fraction: 29±10%). After a median follow‐up of 25months, the combined endpoint was reached in 28 patients (first tachyarrhythmic event, n=16; death, n=11; heart transplantation, n=1). BNP levels were significantly lower in patients with event‐free survival compared to patients reaching the combined endpoint of this study (median: 140 vs. 373pg/ml; p<0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that BNP levels predict adverse outcome (RR 1.002 per pg/ml increment; 95% CI: 1.001–1.003; p<0.001) and use of beta‐blockers was associated with favourable outcome (RR 0.319; 95% CI 0.151–0.670; p=0.004). LV ejection fraction (p=0.66) did not significantly predict event‐free survival in multivariable analysis.

Conclusions:

BNP plasma levels are useful markers to predict event‐free survival in ICD patients with heart failure. Of note, malignant tachyarrhythmias appear responsible for about 50% of fatal outcomes. Our findings suggest that determination of BNP plasma levels is more valuable than determining LV ejection fraction to anticipate event‐free survival in this population.
Pressure tracings in obstructive Tako‐Tsubo cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kurisu Satoshi , Inoue Ichiro , Kawagoe Takuji , Ishihara Masaharu , Shimatani Yuji , Nakama Yasuharu , Kagawa Eisuke
Published: October 2006

A 70‐year‐old female experienced severe anxiety due to an incident with a stranger when she was home alone at night. Immediately after the event, she had an oppressive chest sensation; 16h later she was admitted to hospital. Left ventriculography showed akinesia of the mid‐to‐distal portion and hyperkinesia of the basal portion of the left ventricular chamber. However, coronary angiography showed no significant coronary artery disease. We diagnosed her as having Tako‐Tsubo cardiomyopathy. Subsequently, left ventricular and central aortic pressures were recorded simultaneously. Initial recording showed a peak systolic gradient of 60mm Hg. On the first sinus beat after a premature ventricular contraction, the peak systolic gradient increased to 130mm Hg, and the pulse pressure decreased. Shortly after intravenous administration of nitroglycerin (0.5mg), central aortic pressure decreased and the peak systolic gradient increased to 100mm Hg. On the first sinus beat after a premature ventricular contraction, the peak systolic gradient increased to 160mm Hg, and the pulse pressure decreased. Five minutes after intravenous nitroglycerin, the peak systolic gradient returned to 70mm Hg. Follow‐up transthoracic echocardiography 13days later showed normal left ventricular wall motion with no pressure gradient through the left ventricular outflow tract.
A K52Q substitution in the globular domain of histone H1t modulates its nucleosome binding properties
Authors: Ramesh Sneha , Bharath M.M. Srinivas , Chandra Nagasuma R. , Rao Manchanahalli R. Satyanarayana
Published: October 2006

A comparison of the globular domain sequences of the somatic H1d and testis‐specific H1t revealed a single substitution of lysine 52 in H1d to glutamine 54 in H1t, which is one of the three crucial residues within the second DNA binding site. The globular domains of both histones were modeled using the crystal structure of chicken GH5 as a template and was also docked onto the nucleosome structure. The glutamine residue in histone H1t forms a hydrogen bond with main chain carbonyl of methionine‐52 (in H1t) and is spatially oriented away from the nucleosome dyad axis. A consequence of this change was a lower affinity of recombinant histone H1t towards Four‐way junction DNA and reconstituted 5S mononucleosomes. When Gln‐54 in Histone H1t was mutated to lysine, its binding affinity towards DNA substrates was comparable to that of histone H1d. The differential binding of histones H1d and H1t towards reconstituted mononucleosomes was also reflected in the chromatosome‐stop assay.
Genome wide cDNA‐AFLP analysis of genes rapidly induced by combined sucrose and ABA treatment in rice cultured cells
Authors: Akihiro Takashi , Umezawa Taishi , Ueki Chie , Lobna Ben Mohamed , Mizuno Kouichi , Ohta Masaru , Fujimura Tatsuhito
Published: October 2006

We identified 27 genes induced by combined sucrose and ABA treatment from rice cultured cells with cDNA‐AFLP. Thirteen of these up‐regulated genes were induced 30 min after the co‐treatment. This suite of genes includes starch biosynthesis related genes. Type A genes were expressed only in the presence of both sucrose and ABA. Type B genes were expressed in the presence of sucrose or ABA and the expression was dramatically enhanced by the co‐treatment of sucrose and ABA. These results indicate that multiple steps of starch biosynthesis and other processes may be regulated by at least two different pathways.
A perspective on therapeutic work with in‐patient adolescents
Authors: Singh Neville
Published: October 2006

It is generally difficult to explain the complex practice of psychotherapeutic work with in‐patient adolescents. This is because the adolescent workers' relatively “relaxed” enterprise of promoting the process of self‐understanding within the adolescents is overshadowed by the concurrent high profile activity of their managing these troubled young people. This paper attempts to address what is indeed a perennial difficulty by way of a close study or phenomenology of the workers' on‐going therapeutic relationships with in‐patient adolescents. For the purposes of the investigation the author utilizes the idea of “working closely” as technical concept and guiding principle in the residential treatment and care of troubled adolescents.
Organization and management of an in‐patient treatment unit for adolescents
Authors: Perinpanayagam K.S.
Published: October 2006

Brookside is a second or third tier treatment unit for disturbed adolescents. Most youngsters admitted have been already “treated” by the usual disciplinary measures, simple behavioural techniques, medication and work of different types with them and their families, which have been found to be ineffective. An outline of the philosophy of treatment developed in the unit is described in the paper—a philosophy aimed at dealing with the source of the disturbance and applicable to any type of adolescent problem.

A small minority of referrals from our catchment area, the NETRHA has been found unsuitable for this type of work. This unsuitability is not based on the type of problem, but on our assessment of the potential capacities of the individual.

Inevitably, in the in‐patient setting, the disturbance of the patients affect the staff, and individual and group patient pathology is reflected in staff stress and staff disturbance. Whilst the philosophy of treatment is aimed at benefiting the patient, it is through the understanding and management of staff difficulties, which became of primary concern in the unit, that the pathology of the patients can be unravelled, understood and dealt with. Paradoxically, attempting to care directly for the patients can lead to impossible difficulties, whilst caring for the philosophy of treatment and the staff leads to a solution of most of the problems, and development of both staff and patients. Total patient care is built into the philosophy and management of the unit.

Staying with the problem and working as a team has resulted in successful treatment of youngsters considered to have intractable problems whilst periods of poor staff support and difficulties of working together, have led to failures in treatment.

The basis of this philosophy was first introduced to the author during his training years at the Northgate Clinic, London NW9.
The function of food in residential treatment
Authors: Rose Melvyn
Published: October 2006

This paper describes the behaviour and backgrounds of adolescents in a therapeutic community and proposes that all experiences in the residential context need to form a single integrated psychotherapeutic process. Although reference is made to group and organizational issues, the central consideration is of the significance of food and its treatment potential in this total process.