bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The development of a Fe74Si11B14Ni1 soft magnetic powder used for SMC materials
Authors: Godec M. , Remškar M. , Mandrino Dj. , Šuštaršič B. , Jenko M.
Published: August 2004

Soft magnetic composites (SMCs) are produced by compressing together soft magnetic powders and a binding insulator material. In some applications these composites are able to replace electrical steel sheets or ferrites. Here we report on the development of an SMC produced from Fe74Si11B14Ni1 alloy powder and a binding epoxy insulator. The Fe74Si11B14Ni1 powder was prepared by water atomization. The surfaces and the microstructures of the amorphous and nanocrystalline powders were investigated by x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). It was found that most of the water‐atomized Fe74Si11B14Ni1 alloy powder particles that were smaller than 40 µm had an amorphous structure with small, isolated nanocrystalline grains. During annealing a completely nanocrystalline structure was obtained. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interface effects for very thin Al films deposited onto Cu, Si and SiO2 substrates
Authors: Leinen D.
Published: August 2004

Al has been deposited by PVD in UHV onto Cu, Si and SiO2 substrates. The film surfaces have been analysed quasi in‐situ by XPS for increasing Al film thickness. At very low coverages, Al shows shifts in binding energy of Al 2p and the modified Auger parameter. These shifts are produced as an effect of the interaction with the substrate and depend on the amount of Al coverage and the type of substrate. They decrease with increasing conductivity of the substrate (SiO2, Si and Cu) and with increasing Al coverage. For thicker Al films the modified Auger parameter tends to its bulk value. Auger parameter shifts are discussed in terms of chemical state plots and the relaxation energy of the photoholes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of structural relaxation in alloys of metallic glasses
Authors: Habibi S. , Soudmand M.
Published: August 2004

Structural relaxation in the Fe78Si9B11C2 amorphous alloy has been studied by using length change and microhardness measurements. It is observed that, owing to thermal annealing at low temperatures, the density of the amorphous phase and also its microhardness increases before the start of crystallization. Hence the amorphous meta‐stable phase can be transformed to a more stable amorphous phase, and also its properties can be improved due to thermal annealing at low temperatures. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bulk‐to‐surface segregation measurements of Sb in Cu(111)(0.08 at.%)Sb and Cu(110)(0.08 at.%)Sb single crystals
Authors: Terblans J. J. , van Wyk G. N.
Published: August 2004

Using Auger electron spectroscopy and the linear temperature ramping technique, the bulk‐to‐surface segregation kinetics of Cu(111)(0.08 at.%)Sb and Cu(110)(0.08 at.%)Sb were measured. From these kinetic measurements the pre‐exponential factor (D0) and the activation energy (Q) were determined and it was clear that the activation energy (Q(111)) for the Cu(111) crystal was 18% higher than the activation energy (Q(110)) for the Cu(110) crystal. These differences in the activation energies are explained in terms of the vacancy formation energy and its dependency on the surface energy. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solute segregation at grain boundaries of a partially ordered Fe3Al base alloy
Authors: Lejček Pavel , Hofmann Siegfried
Published: August 2004

The equilibrium chemical composition of grain boundaries in a polycrystalline FeAlCr ordered alloy was studied using AES at intergranular fracture surfaces. It was found that the grain boundaries are slightly enriched in aluminium and chromium. The temperature dependence of grain boundary segregation was correlated according to a recently proposed model of grain boundary segregation in ordered alloys that provides the values of enthalpy and entropy of grain boundary segregation of aluminium (ΔHAl0 = −11.5 ± 0.5 kJ/mol, ΔSAl0 = −7.5 ± 0.5 J/mol.K) and chromium (ΔHCr0 = −8 ± 2 kJ/mol, ΔSCr0 = −4 ± 2 J/mol.K) in α‐iron. These values are in agreement with predictions of grain boundary segregation parameters. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The characterization of various chromium carbide compounds in X20CrMoV121 steel
Authors: Skobir Danijela A. , Jenko Monika , Mandrino Djordje
Published: August 2004

The X20CrMoV121 steels, intended for high‐temperature components in power plants, show during thermal and creep exposure in the range of 650 to 800 °C a pronounced change in microstructure. This means that during use in this temperature range virtually all carbon is bound to carbide precipitates.

The large particles that at first appear on subgrain boundaries are mainly cementite (Fe3C). When the chromium concentration in cementite rises above the solubility limit, the carbide of type M23C6 is formed with chromium, iron and molybdenum in the cation position M.

A systematic investigation of the effect of the annealing temperature in the range from 650 to 800 °C, and for a time of up to 1344 hours, on the evolution of the microstructure and the phase composition of carbide precipitates was performed by SEM and AES. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TEM investigation on top Si layer and buried oxide layer in silicon wafer implanted with low dose at low energy
Authors: Jaroenworaluck A. , Sarmphim P. , Muensit S. , Stevens R.
Published: August 2004

Microstructures of as‐received Si wafers prepared by Separation by Implanted Oxygen (SIMOX) techniques have been investigated by means of high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with interest mainly in the top Si layer and the buried oxide (BOX) layer which were developed in the production process. Cross‐sectional TEM and HRTEM micrographs clearly reveal the existence of thermally produced oxide layers over the Si top interfaces in both the protectively capped and uncapped Si wafers implanted with different doses of oxygen ions at low fixed energy level, and before the annealing process. The thickness of the top Si layer and the BOX layer have been measured and it is apparent that the thickness of these layers relates to the thermally grown oxide layer covering the top Si layer. The TEM analysis allows an understanding and explanation to be made of the different deposition and growth processes of the thermal oxide layers that cover the top Si layers. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of Er:LiNbO3 and APE:Er:LiNbO3 by RBS–channeling and XRD techniques
Authors: Mackova A. , Groetzschel R. , Eichhorn F. , Nekvindova P. , Špirkova J.
Published: August 2004

The samples of erbium‐doped lithium niobate (Er:LiNbO3) were prepared by the standard Czochralski method and treated by the annealed proton exchange (APE) procedure to create a planar waveguide for further optical application. The positions of Er atoms in the crystal lattice of pristine and APE treated Er:LiNbO3 samples were studied by the Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS)–channeling method. The Er3 + ion positions in the pristine and the APE treated Er:LiNbO3 samples are compared. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) was used to determine the damage to the crystal structure caused by the APE treatment. It was found that the APE treatment leads to significant crystal structure damage and to shifts of the Er3 + ions from their positions in the pristine crystal. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Properties of RF magnetron sputtered gallium nitride semiconductors doped with erbium
Authors: Peřina V. , Macková A. , Hnatowicz V. , Prajzler V. , Machovič V. , Matějka P. , Schröfel J.
Published: August 2004

GaN is a wide direct band‐gap (Eg ∼ 3.4 eV) semiconductor which is attractive for optical devices. Trivalent erbium (Er3+) is an efficient luminescent centre with an atom‐like emission at 1540 nm. Typical GaN thin films are fabricated by chemical gas‐phase deposition or by epitaxy. Our GaN films were deposited by RF magnetron sputtering using gallium targets and a 3:7 nitrogen–argon mixture. The thickness of the deposited samples was typically 1–2 µm. For Er doping, pellets of metallic Er were put on top of the Ga target. The goal of erbium doping is to reach a concentration sufficient for optical activity. The composition of prepared layers was checked by nuclear analytical methods. The GaN stoichiometry, O admixture and Er dopant up to depths of 600 nm was checked by RBS using 2.4 MeV protons and 2.2 MeV alpha particles. The H impurity was checked by ERDA with 2.7 MeV alpha particles. The structure of fabricated GaN films was checked by x‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, absorption spectra and photoluminescence spectra. The possibility of fabrication of GaN films containing Er is verified. The H concentration originating from residual contamination of the Ar–N2 mixture can be reduced to some degree by annealing. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The contribution of the amorphous phase in nanocrystalline thin films of germanium and gallium arsenide
Authors: Valeev Rishat G. , Deev Andrew N. , Ruts Yuri V.
Published: August 2004

The nanoscale semiconductor structures obtained by evaporation in high vacuum at different temperatures show anomalous high photoconductivity. This may be connected with the structure of clusters which can consist of both crystalline and amorphous phases. We propose a method of extracting amorphous and crystalline contributions to the clusters. This method is based on the extraction of corresponding contributions to the extended x‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra. The method of EXAFS spectroscopy allows information to be obtained about the local atomic structure of materials in different states, including gases and liquids. The macro‐structure of films was examined by different methods, i.e. x‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). We obtained the volume portion of the amorphous phase to the nanosized particles of Ge as about 70% and for GaAs about 50%. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of the electronic structure of the phosphorus‐doped Si and SiO2:Si quantum dots by XPS and HREELS methods
Authors: Kovalev A. I. , Wainstein D. L. , Tetelbaum D. I. , Hornig W. , Kucherehko Yu. N.
Published: August 2004

The system of the nanocrystals of Si in the SiO2 matrix (SiO2:Si) attracts a great amount of attention due to its ability for luminescence in the visible and near‐IR range of spectrum. The influence of the P ion doping was investigated for the electronic structure of the Si single crystal and the SiO2:Si nanocomposite. The P doping of SiO2 implanted with Si+ and post‐annealed at T = 1000 °C (2 h) results in the enhancement of the PL peak connected with the Si nanocrystals. Owing to the low concentration of Si nanocrystals in the SiO2 matrix, the peculiarities of the P influence on the Si electronic structure were investigated on model samples (Si single crystals with ion doping by P). The determination of the chemical state of the P impurity and the electronic structure of the P‐doped Si and (SiO2:Si) quantum dots was carried out using XPS and high‐resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS). The experimental density of the states (DOS) in the valence band and conduction band of the SiO2:Si composite are in good agreement with the calculation of the local electronic structure around small Si inclusions in the SiO2 matrix by means of the LMTO (linear muffin‐tin orbital) method. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phase analysis and kinetics of solid‐state ageing of Pb‐free Sn3.5Ag solder on electroless NiP substrate
Authors: Yoon Jeong‐Won , Jung Seung‐Boo
Published: August 2004

Growth kinetics of intermetallic compound (IMC) layers formed between Sn3.5Ag solder and electroless NiP/Cu substrates were investigated at temperatures ranging from 100 to 170 °C for 0 to 60 days. The IMC formed at the interface was mainly Ni3Sn4, and a P‐rich Ni (hereafter Ni3P) layer was also observed as a by‐product of Ni3Sn4 formation, that was localized between the Ni3Sn4 IMC and the electroless NiP deposit layer. This Ni3P layer formed because of the phosphorous accumulation at the interface between the electroless Ni and the IMC layer. It was found that both the Ni3Sn4 IMC and the Ni3P layer were formed due to the solder reaction‐assisted crystallization. Also, another layer with NiSnP was observed between the Ni3P layer and the Ni3Sn4 IMC layer. The layer thickness of Ni3Sn4 and Ni3P were approximately 1.83 and 1.56 µm after 50 days of ageing at 150°C, respectively. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface analysis of (NH2)2CS‐treated GaP(001) by AES and XPS
Authors: Liu K. Z. , Suzuki Y. , Fukuda Y.
Published: August 2004

A GaP(001) surface treated by (NH2)2CS/H+ solution has been studied by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and XPS. The AES result indicates that the GaP(001) surface can be sulfurized by (NH2)2CS/H+ solution. Oxygen and nitrogen could be almost removed upon annealing at 550°C. The sulfur on the surface is stable below 550°C but a significant amount of carbon is left. XPS spectra of C 1s and N 1s indicate that most of the (NH2)2CS molecules are adsorbed molecularly on the surface at RT, which is consistent with the AES result. It is found that sulfur is bonded mainly to Ga atoms and also bonded to phosphorus. The XPS and AES results indicate that gallium and phosphorus oxides, which can be almost removed from the surface at 550°C, exist on the passivated surface. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of x‐ray photoemission electron microscopy developed at SPring‐8 BL15XU
Authors: Yasufuku H. , Yoshikawa H. , Kimura M. , Ito K. , Tani K. , Fukushima S.
Published: August 2004

We have been developing x‐ray photoemission electron microscopy (XPEEM) designed for measurement with both soft x‐rays and hard x‐rays at SPring‐8 beamline BL15XU, in order to realize two‐dimensional chemical analysis and to establish a technique for the micro‐area x‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) for practical materials. In this work, surface images of SbTe amorphous/crystalline patterned film, used as the recording layer for the digital versatile disc—rewritable (DVD + RW), were observed by XPEEM. We have also demonstrated the micro‐area x‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) of Sb LIII spectra in a 200 × 200 nm2 area by means of XPEEM, and successfully distinguished the spectrum of the amorphous bit region from that of the crystalline region. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Plasticizers on Mechanical and Barrier Properties of Rice Starch Film
Authors: Laohakunjit Natta , Noomhorm Athapol
Published: August 2004

The effect of plasticizers, glycerol, sorbitol and poly(ethylene glycol) 400 (PEG 400), on mechanical and barrier properties of rice starch film has been investigated. Sorbitol‐ and glycerol‐plasticized starch films appeared homogeneous, clear, smooth, and contained less insoluble particles compared to unplasticized rice starch films. PEG 400 did not form plasticized films of suitable characteristics. The softness and stickiness of films improved with increasing concentrations of glycerol and sorbitol. In general, films plasticized with glycerol and sorbitol displayed a better solubility in water than unplasticized films, i.e. 35% (w/w) glycerol and 45% w/w (sorbitol) (optimum solubility). The tensile strength of films decreased especially in the high concentration regime of plasticizers, between 20–45% (w/w) of plasticizer/rice starch film. Through the entire concentration regime, the tensile strength of glycerol‐plasticized films was significantly lower than that of sorbitol‐plasticized films, but their elongation was larger. The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) through plasticized films and the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) increased with glycerol and sorbitol concentrations, however, glycerol was revealed to be significantly more effective in reducing the tensile strength as well as increasing the WVTR and the OTR compared to sorbitol. With the higher tensile strength and the smaller OTR and WVTR, the 30% sorbitol‐plasticized film reveals an improved coating performance in terms of a reduction of coating failures.
Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Tetraploid and Hexaploid Waxy Wheat Starch
Authors: Chakraborty Monisha , Matkovic Kornelija , Grier Dean G. , Jarabek Eric L. , Berzonsky William A. , McMullen Michael S. , Doehlert Douglas C.
Published: August 2004

Waxy wheats possess unique starch functional properties that may be useful in specific end‐uses. To assess the physicochemical, thermal, and pasting properties, starches from seven waxy genotypes originating from two wheat classes, tetraploid durum and hexaploid hard red spring (HRS), were evaluated and compared with their counterpart non‐waxy wild types. The amylose content ranged from 2.3% to 2.6% in waxy durum lines, compared to 29.2% in normal durum control, and 2.1% to 2.4% in waxy HRS, compared with 26.0% in normal HRS control. Significant differences in the degree of crystallinity were observed between the waxy and control starches, despite similar A‐type X‐ray patterns, although differences between the two wheat classes were non‐significant. Both, control and waxy starches displayed an X‐ray peak corresponding to the amylose‐lipid complex, but the intensity of the peak was markedly lower in the waxy starches. The waxy durum starches exhibited the highest transition temperatures as measured by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), whereas, the enthalpy of gelatinization of most waxy genotypes was statistically higher than that of the controls. All waxy starches displayed high peak viscosity, high breakdown, and low setback profile as measured by the Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA). Texture analysis of RVA gels revealed significant differences between waxy and non‐waxy wheats, as well as between waxy tetraploid and hexaploid wheats, confirming that the nature and class of wheat starch would play a significant role when using waxy wheat blends in different wheat‐based products.
Endometrial development in association with ovarian follicular waves during the menstrual cycle
Authors: Baerwald A. R. , Pierson R. A.
Published: August 2004

Objectives

Waves of ovarian follicular development during the menstrual cycle have recently been documented in our laboratory. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that ultrasonographically detectable changes in the endometrium during the menstrual cycle would differ between women with two vs. three waves of ovarian follicular development and among women with different major and minor wave patterns of follicle growth.

Methods

Fifty women of reproductive age (mean age ± SD, 28.0 ± 6.9 years) underwent daily transvaginal ultrasonography for one interovulatory interval (IOI). Ultrasonographic images of the endometrium were obtained each day, and measurements of endometrial area and perimeter (based on the shape of an ellipse, in the transverse plane) and thickness and pattern (in the sagittal plane) were recorded. Endometrial area, perimeter, thickness and pattern were compared between women with two and three waves of follicle development and among women with different minor and major wave patterns of follicular growth during the IOI.

Results

Endometrial area, perimeter, thickness and pattern increased earlier during the follicular phase in women with two vs. three waves of follicular development. In women with two follicle waves, endometrial area and perimeter increased earlier in those with major major vs. minor major follicle wave patterns.

Conclusions

Ultrasonographically detectable changes in the endometrium occurred in association with follicle wave dynamics in women. Earlier development of the endometrium during the follicular phase in women with two vs. three follicle waves was attributed to an earlier increase in dominant follicle estradiol production. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Das Integrationspotential mesoporöser SiO2‐Schichten als ultra‐low‐k Dielektrikum. Mesoporous SiO2 as low‐k dielectric for integration in Cu/low‐k interconnect systems
Authors: Frühauf S. , Schulz S.E. , Gessner Th.
Published: August 2004

Die Einführung von Schichtwerkstoffen mit sehr kleiner Dielektrizitätskonstante (unter 2,2) als Isolatorschichten für Leitbahnsysteme wird für die 65nm‐Generation höchstintegrierter Schaltkreise schon in den nächsten 3 bis 5 Jahren erwartet. Infolge der Integration dieser “low‐k”‐Materialien wird eine wesentliche Verbesserung der Signalübertragungs‐eigenschaften des Leitbahnsystem ermöglicht. Bei Anwendung der Cu‐DAMASCENE‐Technologie ist eine Vielzahl von Anforderungen für technologisch relevante Eigenschaften des Isolatormaterials zu erfüllen, vor allem chemische, thermische und mechanische Stabilität. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird das Integrationspotential mesoporöser SiO2‐Schichten als ultra‐low‐k Dielektrikum anhand des Anforderungsprofils und der erreichbaren funktionellen und technologischen Eigenschaften detailliert dargelegt.
Industrielle Vakuumlecksuche mit intelligenten Gas‐Leckdetektoren: nicht nur ein Massenspektrometer. Industrial Vacuum Leak Detection with Intelligent Gas Leak Detectors: not only a Mass Spectrometer
Authors: Große Bley Werner
Published: August 2004

Moderne Leckdetektoren, die Prüfgase, insbesondere Helium, zur Prüfung von Komponenten und Anlagen benutzen, müssen sich immer mehr an den Bedürfnissen industrieller Anwendungen orientieren. Mit einem ganz wichtigen ersten Schritt, der schon 20 Jahre zurückliegt, konnten die Heliumleckdetektoren vom flüssigen Stickstoff in der Kühlfalle loskommen, als das Gegenstromverfahren eingeführt wurde. Dies und der Ersatz von Handventilen durch mikroprozessorgesteuerte elektromagnetische Ventile ermöglichte die Bedienung durch relativ wenig ausgebildete Personen in industriellen Prozessen. In den folgenden Jahren konzentrierten sich die Anstrengungen auf die Verbesserung der Nachweisgrenze und der Heliumansprechzeit des neuen Verfahrens.

Die Herausforderung durch Einführung von trockenen Pumpsystemen (von der Halbleiterindustrie gefordert) musste dabei gleichzeitig gemeistert werden. Mit den neuesten Geräten – und damit beschäftigt sich dieser Artikel hauptsächlich – wird der Betrieb unter industriellen Bedingungen jetzt optimiert, wobei man sich nun auch auf die Untergrundbehandlung konzentriert, was für schnelles Abpumpen von großen Behältern (bis zu 100l Volumen) und eindeutiges Erkennen von Lecks unter Verseuchungsbedingungen unabdingbar ist. Innerhalb weniger Minuten in den Leckratenbereich unter 1x10‐9mbarl/s beim Abpumpen eines 100 l Behälters zu gelangen, das ist eine der Spezifikationen, die erreicht werden müssen. Einige 1000 ppm Heliumuntergrund in der Umgebung oder verseuchte Elastomerdichtungen dürfen keine langen Wartezeiten ohne Wertschöpfung erzeugen.

Es ist nicht überraschend, dass neben neuen Pumpentechnologien die Software ein immer wichtigerer Teil moderner Leckdetektoren ist. Es gibt inzwischen Möglichkeiten, mit Signalinstabilitäten umzugehen, um die Leckratennachweisgrenze zu verbessern, es ist möglich, den Effekt der Wasserdampfdesorption auf die Pumpzeit bei großvolumigen Behältern ohne flüssigen Stickstoff zu reduzieren, es gibt immer neue Wege, “ZERO”‐Funktionen und Kompensationen für Nichtlinearitäten bei hohen Drücken einzusetzen.

Diese Entwicklungen werden erläutert und anhand einiger Beispiele von kürzlich in den Markt eingeführten Leckdetektoren verdeutlicht.
In‐situ‐Sauerstoffmesszellen für den Einsatz im Vakuum. In‐situ oxygen sensors for the use in vacuum
Authors: Hartung Reinhold , Fokkens Elgar , Möbius Hans‐Heinrich
Published: August 2004

Der Einsatz galvanischer Zellen mit oxidionenleitenden Festelektrolyten als Sensoren im Vakuum gestattet die direkte Messung des Sauerstoffpartialdrucks, der für Redoxprozesse an der Oberfläche von Werkstücken bei Wärmebehandlungen entscheidend ist. Der Sauerstoff liegt entweder als freie molekulare Komponente oder im thermodynamischen Gleichgewicht mit anderen Gasen vor. Auch im Vakuum gelten die Grundlagen der bekannten Gaspotenziometrie. Reduzierende Gase werden in Redoxquotienten wie QH = p(H2O)/p(H2) erfasst. Für die Festelektrolytmesstechnik zu Untersuchungen im Vakuum ergeben sich spezielle Anforderungen. Sonden mit Luftbezugselektrode werden bereits kommerziell angeboten. Erprobt wurde jetzt von 1 bis 10‐7 bar das feste Bezugssystem Cu,Cu2O, das bei Sensortemperaturen zwischen 400 und 650 °C einsetzbar ist. Wesentliche Störungen durch Sauerstoffpermeabilität des Festelektrolyten wurden in diesem Temperaturbereich nicht beobachtet. Änderungen der Restgaszusammensetzung im Vakuum, die häufig infolge von Wandreaktionen auftreten, werden mit Änderungen von p(O2) bzw. QH angezeigt. Die Messgenauigkeit verbessert sich, wenn Temperaturunterschiede zwischen den Elektroden berücksichtigt werden.
Opioid medication and driving ability
Authors: Kress Hans G. , Kraft Birgit
Published: August 2004

In many European countries the use of opioids for long‐term treatment of nonmalignant pain has dramatically increased during the last decade in order to improve the patient's quality of life, to allow an active social life and the return to work. In modern society, driving is regarded as an essential activity of daily living. Since opioids are centrally acting drugs that may interfere with the ability of safely driving a motor vehicle, the question arises of whether or not and on which conditions patients under continuous opioid medication may be considered fit to drive. In this article the evidence from recent studies of opioid effects on driving ability of patients is reviewed. Based on these data, the prerequisites and restrictions for driving under chronic opioid medication are outlined and practical guidelines are proposed.
Psychosocial behaviour and health care utilization in patients suffering from temporomandibular disorders diagnosed on the basis of clinical findings and MRI examination
Authors: Schmitter Marc , Kress Bodo , Ohlmann Brigitte , Henningsen Peter , Rammelsberg Peter
Published: August 2004

The aim of this study was to evaluate psychosocial behaviour and differences in health care utilization between subgroups of patients suffering from temporomandibular disorders, using both clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials and methods: 70 patients were examined according to the research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD), and were divided into groups according to their clinical diagnoses. MRIs were acquired and joint‐related RDC/TMD diagnoses were modified on the basis of MRI findings. Group I suffered from joint pathology, group II from myofascial pain and group III from a combination. Non‐parametric statistics were used to reveal group‐related differences in psychosocial and behavioural aspects. Differences in group assignment based on clinical and MRI examination were assessed (κ statistics).

Results: MRI findings led to group assignments that were different from clinical assignments (k = 0.3). For both types of assignment, patients with myofascial pain displayed higher somatization scores, used more splints and consulted more physicians. For clinical assignment only, depression scores were higher in the myofascial pain group. For MRI based assignment, sex differences were significant between groups I and III.

Conclusion: Somatization‐specific behaviour is more widespread in patients suffering from exclusively myofascial pain than in patients presenting joint pathology. Inconsistencies in differences of other psychosocial variables between groups of TMD patients seem to be related to differences in group assignment either with or without objective information on joint pathology.
Hyperosmotically induced accumulation of a phosphorylated p38‐like MAPK involved in protoplast volume regulation of plasmolyzed wheat root cells
Authors: Komis G. , Apostolakos P. , Gaitanaki C. , Galatis B.
Published: August 2004

A 46 kDa protein resembling immunochemically to the mammalian dually phosphorylated p38‐MAPK was detected in wheat root cells under hyperosmotic conditions, using Western blot analysis. This protein accumulated in a time‐ and dose‐dependent fashion and exhibited pharmacological sensitivity similar to the activated p38‐MAPK. The application of a highly specific p38‐MAPK inhibitor revealed that the p38‐like MAPK is probably implicated in hyperosmotically induced tubulin cytoskeleton reorganization as well as in protoplast volume regulation and osmotic tolerance of wheat root cells. As far as we know, the p38‐MAPK has not been previously reported in higher plants.
Coronin 7, the mammalian POD‐1 homologue, localizes to the Golgi apparatus
Authors: Rybakin Vasily , Stumpf Maria , Schulze Andrea , Majoul Irina V. , Noegel Angelika A. , Hasse Andreas
Published: August 2004

Coronins constitute an evolutionary conserved family of WD‐repeat actin‐binding proteins. Their primary function is thought to be regulating the actin cytoskeleton. Apart from that, several coronins were indirectly shown to participate in vesicular transport, establishment of cell polarity and cytokinesis. Here, we report a novel mammalian protein, coronin 7 (crn7), which is significantly different from other mammalian coronins in its domain architecture. Crn7 possesses two stretches of WD repeats in contrast to the other coronins only having one. The protein is expressed throughout the mouse embryogenesis and is strongly upregulated in brain and developing structures of the immune system in the course of development. In adult animals, both crn7 mRNA and protein are abundantly present in most organs, with significantly higher amounts in brain, kidney, thymus and spleen and lower amounts in muscle. At the subcellular level, the bulk of the protein appears to be present in the cytosol and in large cytosolic complexes. However, a significant portion of the protein is detected on vesicle‐like cytoplasmic structures as well as on the cis‐Golgi. In the Golgi region, crn7 staining appears broader than that of the cis‐Golgi markers Erd2p and β‐COP, still, the trans‐Golgi network appears predominantly crn7‐negative. Importantly, the membrane‐associated form of crn7 protein is phosphorylated on tyrosine residues, whereas the cytosolic form is not. Crn7 is the first coronin protein proven to localize to the Golgi membrane. We conclude that it plays a role in the organization of intracellular membrane compartments and vesicular trafficking rather than in remodeling the cytoskeleton.
LcoP, an osmoregulated betaine/ectoine uptake system from Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Steger Ralf , Weinand Martin , Krämer Reinhard , Morbach Susanne
Published: August 2004

In Corynebacterium glutamicum, four uptake systems for compatible solutes have been characterized so far. DHPE (ΔbetPΔputPΔproPΔectP), a derivative of the C. glutamicum type strain ATCC 13032 carrying deletions in the corresponding genes, still showed a low betaine uptake rate of 1.4 nmol/(min mg cdm). Genome analyses revealed the presence of a putative carrier, named low capacity osmoregulated permease (LcoP), which shows similarities to compatible solute transporters of the betaine/carnitine/choline transporter (BCCT)‐family. Deletion of lcoP in DHPE resulted in betaine and ectoine uptake deficiency. LcoP, a betaine and ectoine permease is regulated at the expression and the activity level by the external osmolality. Addition of local anesthetics modulated the activity of BCCT‐family members BetP, EctP, and LcoP in a different manner, indicating a different type of lipid–protein interaction.
Cdx2 homeodomain protein regulates the expression of MOK, a member of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase superfamily, in the intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Uesaka Toshihiro , Kageyama Noriko
Published: August 2004

Regulatory protein kinases are involved in various cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Using cDNA differential display, we identified MOK, a member of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase superfamily, as one of the genes induced by a caudal‐related homeobox transcription factor, Cdx2. Analysis of the 5′‐flanking region of the MOK gene led to the identification of primary Cdx2 responsive element, and an electrophoretic mobility shift assay indicated that Cdx2 binds to that element. The interaction of Cdx2 with the MOK promoter region was further confirmed in vivo by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. The expression of MOK mRNA and protein was limited to the crypt epithelial cells of the mouse intestine. We also determined the MOK activity associated with the growth arrest and induction of differentiation by sodium butyrate or Cdx2 expression in the human colon cancer cell line HT‐29. Taken together, these data indicate that MOK is a direct target gene for Cdx2, and that MOK may be involved in growth arrest and differentiation in the intestinal epithelium.
Identification of the p28 subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 3(eIF3k) as a new interaction partner of cyclin D3
Authors: Shen Xiaoyun , Yang Yanzhong , Liu Weicheng , Sun Maoyun , Jiang Jianhai , Zong Hongliang , Gu Jianxin
Published: August 2004

Cyclin D3 is found to play a crucial role not only in progression through the G1 phase as a regulatory subunit of cyclin‐dependent kinase 4 (CDK 4) and CDK 6, but also in many other aspects such as cell cycle, cell differentiation, transcriptional regulation and apoptosis. In this work, we screened a human fetal liver cDNA library using human cyclin D3 as bait and identified human eukaryotic initiation factor 3 p28 protein (eIF3k) as a partner of cyclin D3. The association of cyclin D3 with eIF3k was further confirmed by in vitro binding assay, in vivo coimmunoprecipitation, and confocal microscopic analysis. We found that cyclin D3 specifically interacted with eIF3k through its C‐terminal domain. Immunofluorescence experiments showed that eIF3k distributed both in nucleus and cytoplasm and colocalized with cyclin D3. In addition, the cellular translation activity in HeLa cells was upregulated by cyclin D3 overexpression and the mRNA levels are constant. These data provide a new clue to our understanding of the cellular function of cyclin D3.
Two threonine residues and two serine residues in the second and third intracellular loops are both involved in histamine H1 receptor downregulation
Authors: Horio Shuhei , Kato Toshiyuki , Ogawa Maki , Fujimoto Katsumi , Fukui Hiroyuki
Published: August 2004

Human histamine H1 receptor (H1R) contains five possible phosphorylation residues (Thr140, Thr142, Ser396, Ser398 and Thr478) and the substitution of all these five residues to alanine completely impairs agonist‐induced receptor downregulation. In the present study, to determine which residue(s) are responsible for receptor downregulation, we used mutant H1Rs in which single or multiple residues were substituted with alanine. The results suggested that two groups, i.e., residues Thr140 and Thr142, and residues Ser396 and Ser398, independently contributed to H1R downregulation. Thr140 and Ser398 mainly contributed to downregulation, and Thr142 or Ser396 had a slight inhibitory effect on Thr140‐ or Ser398‐mediated process, respectively.
Recombinant curculin heterodimer exhibits taste‐modifying and sweet‐tasting activities
Authors: Suzuki Maiko , Kurimoto Eiji , Nirasawa Satoru , Masuda Yutaka , Hori Kouichi , Kurihara Yoshie , Shimba Nobuhisa , Kawai Misako , Suzuki Ei-ichiro , Kato Koichi
Published: August 2004

Curculin from Curculigo latifolia is a unique sweet protein that exhibits both sweet‐tasting and taste‐modifying activities. We isolated a gene that encodes a novel protein highly homologous to curculin. Using cDNAs of the previously known curculin (designated as curculin1) and the novel curculin isoform (curculin2), we produced a panel of homodimeric and heterodimeric recombinant curculins by Escherichia coli expression systems. It was revealed that sweet‐tasting and taste‐modifying activities were exhibited solely by the heterodimer of curculin1 and curculin2.
The low pKa value of iron‐binding ligand Tyr188 and its implication in iron release and anion binding of human transferrin
Authors: Sun Xuesong , Sun Hongzhe , Ge Ruiguang , Richter Megan , Woodworth Robert C. , Mason Anne B. , He Qing-Yu
Published: August 2004

2D NMR–pH titrations were used to determine pK
a values for four conserved tyrosine residues, Tyr45, Tyr85, Tyr96 and Tyr188, in human transferrin. The low pK
a of Tyr188 is due to the fact that the iron‐binding ligand interacts with Lys206 in open‐form and with Lys296 in the closed‐form of the protein. Our current results also confirm the anion binding of sulfate and arsenate to transferrin and further suggest that Tyr188 is the actual binding site for the anions in solution. These data indicate that Tyr188 is a critical residue not only for iron binding but also for chelator binding and iron release in transferrin.
Thrombin and histamine stimulate endothelial nitric‐oxide synthase phosphorylation at Ser1177 via an AMPK mediated pathway independent of PI3K‐Akt
Authors: Thors Brynhildur , Halldórsson Haraldur , Thorgeirsson Gudmundur
Published: August 2004

Histamine and thrombin cause phosphorylation and activation of endothelial NO‐synthase (eNOS) on Ser1177. We tested the role of various protein kinases in mediating this effect in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Inhibition of the Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II or phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) had no effect. H89, an inhibitor of both protein kinase A (PKA) and 5′‐AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), strongly inhibited phosphorylation and activity of eNOS. Conversely, the PKA inhibitor Rp‐adenosine 3′5′‐cyclic monophosphate (cAMPS) had no effect and eNOS was not phosphorylated by treatments that affect cAMP levels. Thrombin and histamine caused phosphorylation of AMPK on Thr172 as well as on its downstream target acetyl‐CoA carboxylase. Activation of AMPK using AICAR or CCCP also resulted in eNOS phosphorylation. We conclude that histamine and thrombin cause eNOS phosphorylation in an AMPK mediated manner, independent of P13K‐Akt.
Target recognition by calmodulin: the role of acid region contiguous to the calmodulin‐binding domain of calcineurin A
Authors: Noguchi Masahiro , Izumi Yoshinobu , Yoshino Hidenori
Published: August 2004

Small‐angle X‐ray scattering was used to investigate the role of acid region contiguous to the calmodulin‐binding domain (391–414) of calcineurin in the target recognition by calmodulin. Three synthetic peptides with the residues 385–414, 380–414 and 374–414 of calcineurin A were used for this aim. The X‐ray data are consistent with the fact that calmodulin binds all three peptides with or without Ca2+. Without Ca2+, the whole peptide including acid residues interacts with dumbbell shaped calmodulin, while the acid region is extruded from globular shaped calmodulin with Ca2+. Consequently, a conformation of sequence 374–414 in calcineurin might be changed by Ca2+‐signal via calmodulin, suggesting the consequence of this region with acid residues in the full activation mechanism of calcineurin by Ca2+‐bound calmodulin.
Return-to-Work Interval and Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Results of a Prospective Series of 233 Patients
Authors: CHAISE F. , BELLEMÈRE P. , FRIL J. P. , GAISNE E. , POIRIER P. , MENADI A.
Published: August 2004

Aim of the study

To evaluate the connection between the type of patient insurance and the time taken to return to work after carpal tunnel surgery.

Patients and methods

Two hundred and thirty-three patients in full-time work were operated on for carpal tunnel syndrome between 1 January and 30 June 1998. They were divided into three groups: independent workers ( n=87), wage earners in the private sector ( n=90) and civil servants ( n=56). Four categories were defined: manual workers, non-manual workers, patients with social security insurance and patients with workers compensation. The average return-to-work interval after surgery for each of the groups was evaluated and compared group by group.

Results

For independent workers the average time off work is 17 days, for those in the private sector it is 35 days, and for civil servants it is 56 days. Patients with social security insurance were off work for 32 days and those with workers compensation for 49 days.

Discussion

The comparison shows significant differences with regard to social security insurance: the return-to-work interval in civil servants is larger than for private sector workers, and this is higher than in independent workers. The difference between patients with workers compensation and those with social security insurance is 17 days and significant. There is a significant difference between manual and non-manual workers in independent and private sector workers. There is no significant difference between the sub-groups in the civil servants. These cross references enable us to work out the influence that social security status has on the return-to-work time following surgery.
Electron Microscopy of Biological Macromolecules: Bridging the Gap between What Physics Allows and What We Currently Can Get
Authors: Typke Dieter , Downing Kenneth H. , Glaeser Robert M.
Published: August 2004

The resolution achieved in low-dose electron microscopy of biological macromolecules is significantly worse than what can be obtained on the same microscopes with more robust specimens. When two-dimensional crystals are used, it is also apparent that the high-resolution image contrast is much less than what it could be if the images were perfect. Because specimen charging is one factor that might limit the contrast and resolution achieved with biological specimens, we have investigated the use of holey support films that have been coated with a metallic film before depositing specimens onto a thin carbon film that is suspended over the holes. Monolayer crystals of paraffin (C44H90) are used as a test specimen for this work because of the relative ease in imaging Bragg spacings at ∼0.4 nm resolution, the relative ease of measuring the contrast in these images, and the similar degree of radiation sensitivity of these crystals when compared to biological macromolecules. A metallic coating on the surrounding support film does, indeed, produce a significant improvement in the high-resolution contrast for a small fraction of the images. The majority of images show little obvious improvement, however, and even the coated area of the support film continues to show a significant amount of beam-induced movement under low-dose conditions. The fact that the contrast in the best images can be as much as 25%–35% of what it would be in a perfect image is nevertheless encouraging, demonstrating that it should be possible, in principle, to achieve the same performance for every image. Routine data collection of this quality would make it possible to determine the structure of large, macromolecular complexes without the need to grow crystals of these difficult specimen materials.
Probing of Individual Semiconductor Nanowhiskers by TEM-STM
Authors: Larsson Magnus W. , Wallenberg L. Reine , Persson Ann I. , Samuelson Lars
Published: August 2004

Along with rapidly developing nanotechnology, new types of analytical instruments and techniques are needed. Here we report an alternative procedure for electrical measurements on semiconductor nanowhiskers, allowing precise selection and visual control at close to atomic resolution. We use a combination of two powerful microscope techniques, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and simultaneous viewing in a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The STM is mounted in the sample holder for the TEM. We describe here a method for creating an ohmic contact between the STM tip and the nanowhisker. We examine three different types of STM tips and present a technique for cleaning the STM tip in situ. Measurements on 1-μm-tall and 40-nm-thick epitaxially grown InAs nanowhiskers show an ohmic contact and a resistance of down to 7 kΩ.
In SituElectron Microscopy Studies of the Sintering of Palladium Nanoparticles on Alumina during Catalyst Regeneration Processes
Authors: Liu Rou-Jane , Crozier Peter A. , Smith C. Michael , Hucul Dennis A. , Blackson John , Salaita Ghaleb
Published: August 2004

Sintering of a palladium catalyst supported on alumina (Al2O3) in an oxidizing environment was studied byin situtransmission electron microscopy (TEM). In the case of a fresh catalyst, sintering of Pd particles on an alumina surface in a 500 mTorr steam environment happened via traditional ripening or migration and coalescence mechanisms and was not significant unless heating above 500°C. After the catalyst was used for the hydrogenation of alkynes, TEM coupled with convergent beam electron diffraction and electron energy loss spectroscopy analysis revealed that most of the Pd particles were lifted from the alumina surface by hydrocarbon buildup. This dramatically different morphology totally changed the sintering mechanism of Pd particles during the regeneration process. Catalytic gasification of hydrocarbon around these particles in an oxidizing environment allowed the Pd particles to move around and coalesce with each other at temperatures as low as 350°C. For catalysts heating under 500 mTorr steam at 350°C, steam stripped hydrocarbon catalytically at the beginning, but the reaction stopped after 4 h. Heating in air resulted in both catalytic and noncatalytic stripping of hydrocarbon.
Sub-Ångstrom Atomic-Resolution Imaging from Heavy Atoms to Light Atoms
Authors: O'Keefe Michael A. , Shao-Horn Yang
Published: August 2004

John Cowley and his group at Arizona State University pioneered the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for high-resolution imaging. Three decades ago they achieved images showing the crystal unit cell content at better than 4 Å resolution. Over the years, this achievement has inspired improvements in resolution that have enabled researchers to pinpoint the positions of heavy atom columns within the cell. More recently, this ability has been extended to light atoms as resolution has improved. Sub-Ångstrom resolution has enabled researchers to image the columns of light atoms (carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen) that are present in many complex structures. By using sub-Ångstrom focal-series reconstruction of the specimen exit surface wave to image columns of cobalt, oxygen, and lithium atoms in a transition metal oxide structure commonly used as positive electrodes in lithium rechargeable batteries, we show that the range of detectable light atoms extends to lithium. HRTEM at sub-Ångstrom resolution will provide the essential role of experimental verification for the emergent nanotech revolution. Our results foreshadow those to be expected from next-generation TEMs with CS-corrected lenses and monochromated electron beams.
Beam Statistics and Diffraction from Materials in the Critical State
Authors: Sellar J.R.
Published: August 2004

It is shown that room-temperature diffraction pattern spots and diffuse scatter can appear to change their size and appearance relative to reciprocal-space sublattice reflections when the scattering material corresponds in structure to a critical phase. Under such a condition, the material is considered to be continually on the verge of a phase transition and the diffraction spot will have no definite width, its apparent size in reciprocal space dependent on the strength of the scattering into the diffracted beam. It is thought that the materials described in the experiments—niobia-zirconia ceramic alloys—are capable of entering such a critical phase because of their recently suggested planarXYspin character. After first describing how the seemingly crystalline ceramic alloy can displayXY-like behavior, we analyze the intensity dependence of the critical scattering from the alloy's oxygen superlattice using information-theoretic methods.