bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tree distribution on a steep environmental gradient in an arid savanna
Authors: February Edmund C. , Higgins Steven I. , Newton Rosemary , West Adam G.
Published: September 2006

Aim  The structure of savannas ranges from scrub to woodland over broad geographical gradients. Here we examine the hypothesis that water availability is a major determinant of these structural differences by ascertaining the relationship between water availability and tree growth across a steep moisture gradient.

Location  The study site is a sub‐tropical savanna, with a mean annual precipitation of 400 mm, located in the Phugwane river basin, Kruger National Park, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Methods  We determined plant moisture stress using xylem pressure potentials, stem growth using dendrometer bands, and estimated the water sources available to plants using stable hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratios. The primary objective was to understand tree growth relative to available water along an environmental gradient.

Results  We found that Philenoptera violacea trees growing close to the stream have lower water stress (least negative xylem pressure potentials) and higher cumulative growth than those growing away from the stream. The stem growth of P. violacea was characterized by steady incremental growth and could not be related to antecedent rainfall. Colophospermum mopane trees experienced higher water stress, yet trees growing adjacent to the stream achieved the highest cumulative growth rates over the study period. The growth of C. mopane could be clearly linked to antecedent rainfall, and most growth was achieved during short growth pulses that followed rainfall events. δ18O values become progressively more enriched in the heavier isotope with distance from the stream, suggesting that access to groundwater decreases with distance from the stream side. The isotopic data suggest that P. violacea has access to groundwater, but that C. mopane does not.

Main conclusions  Our results show that water stress increases with distance from the stream side as a result of reduced access to groundwater. Trees without access to deep water adopt an opportunistic growth strategy.
Temperature effects on the development of Enteromyxum spp. (Myxozoa) in experimentally infected tiger puffer, Takifugu rubripes (Temminck & Schlegel)
Authors: Yanagida T , Sameshima M , Nasu H , Yokoyama H , Ogawa K
Published: September 2006

The effects of water temperature on the development of the enteric myxosporeans, Enteromyxum fugu and Enteromyxum leei, were investigated in experimentally infected tiger puffer, Takifugu rubripes. After naïve tiger puffer were fed gut tissue infected with both E. fugu and E. leei, they were divided into separate tanks and kept at different constant temperature regimes between 10 and 25 °C. Regardless of the water temperature tested, E. fugu was consistently detected with a high prevalence of infection (60–100%), although no sporulation occurred at 10 and 15 °C. Development of E. leei and the onset of disease were suppressed by low water temperatures (<15 °C). However, a temperature increase to 20 °C promoted the development of E. leei, followed by an increase of disease rate in the fish. The present study demonstrates that water temperatures below 15 °C have an inhibitory effect on the development of E. fugu and E. leei, resulting in suppression of enteromyxosis at low temperatures.
Direct‐to‐consumer advertising of pharmaceuticals: developed countries experiences and Turkey
Authors: Semin Semih , Aras Şahbal , Guldal Dilek
Published: September 2006

While several major problems concerning drugs occur in the world, the attempts to direct‐to‐consumer advertising (DTCA) has gained a considerable impetus lately in both developed and developing countries. DTCA has increasingly become an appealing advertising alternative for the pharmaceutical industry as drug companies have come to wrestle with such problems as the expansion of the drug market; the decline of the medical representatives’ work efficiency; drug reimbursement restrictions; and the escalating role of the Internet in the consumer market. Some of the main disadvantages of the DTCA are: increasing drug expenditures, unnecessary drug consumption and adverse effect risks. Even though the influence of pharmaceuticals on health services and the economy hold the same importance in the developed and developing countries, its negative consequences have increased by encompassing developing countries in its grip. Therefore, in this review, using Turkey as an example, the situation of direct‐to‐consumer advertisements in developing countries is analysed in relation with developed countries.
Living donor kidney transplantation in pediatric recipients
Authors: Shapiro Ron
Published: September 2006

Abstract:  Living donor kidney transplantation has increased in frequency in pediatric patients, accounting for 43% of cases performed between 1987 and 1991, and 52% of cases performed between 1987 and 2004 in North America. Patient survival has remained excellent over the years, and is currently over 96% at five years. Graft survival has improved over the years, and is currently over 95% at one year. Rejection rates have fallen over the years, and are currently <25% overall, with selected centers having very low rejection rates. The reasons for these improved outcomes are likely related to improvements in maintenance immunosuppression, which include a transition from cyclosporine to tacrolimus‐based regimens, and from azathioprine to mycophenolate mofetil or sirolimus as adjunctive agents. Steroid withdrawal and steroid avoidance are beginning to be utilized by several centers, with excellent early outcomes. Finally, while there may be center effect/learning curve issues involved, the type of donor nephrectomy has recently been shown to influence early outcomes, particularly in very young recipients.
ABPM vs. office blood pressure to define blood pressure control in treated hypertensive paediatric renal transplant recipients
Authors: Ferraris Jorge R. , Ghezzi Lidia , Waisman Gabriel , Krmar Rafael T.
Published: September 2006

Abstract:  While 24‐h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is an established tool for monitoring antihypertensive therapy in adults, data in children are scarce. We retrospectively analysed whether office blood pressure (BP) is reliable for the diagnosis of BP control in 26 treated hypertensive paediatric renal transplants. Controlled office BP was defined as the mean of three replicate systolic and diastolic BP recordings less than or equal to the 95th age‐, sex‐ and height‐matched percentile on the three‐outpatient visits closest to ABPM. Controlled ABPM was defined as systolic and diastolic daytime BP ≤95th distribution adjusted height‐ and sex‐related percentile of the adapted ABPM reference. Eight recipients (30%) with controlled office BP were in fact categorized as having non‐controlled BP by ABPM criteria. Overall, when office BP and ABPM were compared using the Bland and Altman method, the 95% limits of agreement between office and daytime values ranged from −12.6 to 34.1 mmHg for systolic and −23.9 to 31.7 mmHg for diastolic BP, and the mean difference was 10.7 and 3.9 mmHg respectively. Office readings miss a substantial number of recipients who are hypertensive by ABPM criteria. Undertreatment of hypertension could be avoided if ABPM is applied as an adjunct to office readings.
Pollen competition reduces inbreeding depression in Collinsia heterophylla (Plantaginaceae)
Authors: LANKINEN Å. , ARMBRUSTER W. S.
Published: September 2006

We tested two predictions of the hypothesis that competition between self‐pollen may mitigate negative genetic effects of inbreeding in plants: (1) intense competition among self‐pollen increases offspring fitness; and (2) pollen competition reduces the measured strength of inbreeding depression. We used Collinsia heterophylla (Plantaginaceae), an annual with a mixed mating system, to perform controlled crosses in which we varied both the size of the pollen load and the source of pollen (self vs. outcross). Fitness of selfed offspring was higher in the high pollen‐load treatment. Our second prediction was also upheld: inbreeding depression was, on average, lower when large pollen loads were applied (11%) relative to the low pollen‐load treatment (28%). The reduction was significant for two fitness components relatively late in the life‐cycle: number of surviving seedlings and pollen‐tube growth rate in vitro. These findings suggest that intermittent inbreeding, which leads to self‐fertilization in plants with genetic loads, may select for traits that enhance pollen competition.
Investigating Müllerian mimicry: predator learning and variation in prey defences
Authors: IHALAINEN E. , LINDSTRÖM L. , MAPPES J.
Published: September 2006

Inexperienced predators are assumed to select for similarity of warning signals in aposematic species (Müllerian mimicry) when learning to avoid them. Recent theoretical work predicts that if co‐mimic species have unequal defences, predators attack them according to their average unpalatability and mimicry may not be beneficial for the better defended co‐mimic. In this study, we tested in a laboratory environment whether a uniform warning signal is superior to a variable one in promoting predator learning, and simultaneously whether co‐mimics are preyed upon according to their average unpalatability. There was an interaction of signal variation and unpalatability but inexperienced birds did not select for signal similarity in artificial prey; when the prey was moderately defended a variable signal was even learnt faster than a uniform one. Due to slow avoidance learning, moderately defended prey had higher mortality than highly defended prey (although this was not straightforward), but mixing high and moderate unpalatability did not increase predation compared with high unpalatability. This does not support the view that predators are sensitive to varying unpalatability. The results suggest that inexperienced predators may neither strongly select for accurate Müllerian mimicry nor affect the benefits of mimicry when the co‐mimics are unequally defended.
Fatigue crack propagation assessment based on residual stresses obtained through cut‐compliance technique
Authors: GHIDINI T. , DONNE C. Dalle
Published: September 2006

Crack growth rate versus crack length curves of heavily overloaded parent material specimens and fatigue crack propagation curves of friction‐stir‐welded aluminium samples are presented. It is shown that in both cases the residual stresses have a strong effect on the crack propagation behaviour under constant and variable amplitude loading. As a simplified engineering approach, it is assumed in this paper, that in both cases residual stresses are the main and only factor influencing crack growth. Therefore fatigue crack propagation predictions are performed by adding the residual stresses to the applied loading and by neglecting the possible effects of overloading and friction stir welding on the parent material properties. For a quantitative assessment of the residual stress effects, the stress intensity factor due to residual stressesKresis determined directly with the so‐called cut‐compliance method (incremental slitting). These measurements are particularly suited as input parameters for the software packages AFGROW and NASGRO 3.0, which are widely used for fatigue crack growth predictions under constant and variable amplitude loading. The prediction made in terms of crack propagation rates versus crack length and crack length versus cycles generally shows a good agreement with the measured values.
Do Temporary Contracts Increase Work Accidents? A Microeconometric Comparison between Italy and Spain
Authors: Hernanz Virginia , Toharia Luis
Published: September 2006

Abstract.  This paper analyses the effect of contract type on the rate of work‐related accidents in Italy and Spain, using the 1999 Labour Force Survey ‘ad hoc module’. We find that, once personal and job characteristics of workers are controlled for, the differences in the probability of suffering a work accident between open‐ended and temporary workers vanish. Furthermore, following a novel decomposition analysis by Yun, we obtain that personal and job characteristics tend to increase the probability of having an accident for temporary workers, but the specific influence of contract type favours the latter, who show a lower probability on this account.
Do We Need Computer Skills to Use a Computer? Evidence from Britain
Authors: Borghans Lex , Weel Bas ter
Published: September 2006

Abstract.  Using cross‐section data from the 1997 Skills Survey of the Employed British Workforce, we examine the labour‐market returns to self‐assessed computer skills in Britain. Many researchers, using information on computer technology use, have concluded that wage differentials between computer users and non‐users might, among others, be due to differences in the embodiment of computer skills. Using unique information on the importance, level of sophistication, and effectiveness of computer technology use, we show that computer skills do not yield significant labour‐market returns for most types of use. Examining the returns to computer skills at different levels of sophistication of use yields estimates suggesting returns to computer skills at the highest level of sophistication of use only.
A POSITIVE PHENOMENOLOGY: THE STRUCTURE OF MAURICE BLONDEL'S EARLY PHILOSOPHY
Authors: CONWAY MICHAEL A.
Published: September 2006

Given recent developments in Franco‐German phenomenology with its so‐called ‘theological turn’, there has been a concomitant renewal of interest in Maurice Blondel's thought. In this paper I consider the phenomenological structure of Blondel's early philosophy. Blondel defended and published his controversial thesis in 1893 and with this work presented a highly original phenomenology that was deeply indebted to the positive tradition and yet went beyond this same tradition to include even religious practice as part of its inquiry. Keen to engage the rationalist philosophers of the French academy, Blondel proposed a phenomenological project that was geared to engage the critical spirit of an age that was already deemed to be post‐metaphysical. It is in clarifying the manner in which Blondel conceives such a positive phenomenology that I indicate how his thought may contribute to contemporary debates in the phenomenology of religion.
The Association of R&D and Capital Expenditures with Subsequent Earnings Variability
Authors: Amir Eli , Guan Yanling , Livne Gilad
Published: September 2006

Abstract:  We estimate the association of investments in R&D and in physical assets (CAPEX) with subsequent earnings variability. We estimate these relations in different time periods and across industries. We find that R&D contributes to subsequent earnings variability more than CAPEX only in relative R&D‐intensive industries – industries in which R&D is relatively more intensive than physical capital. In physical assets‐intensive industries, we do not find similar relations. The findings suggest that with respect to subsequent earnings variability, fundamental differences between investment information about R&D and CAPEX exist. However, they are mainly noticeable in firms that operate in relatively R&D‐intensive industries. The evidence also suggests there was a shift in the relations between R&D and CAPEX over time. Our findings contribute to the debate on accounting for R&D expenditures.
Pattern design for women with disproportionate figures: a case study for Swaziland
Authors: Zwane Pinkie E. , Magagula Nomsa A.
Published: September 2006

Majority of women with a bottom‐heavy figure profile are dissatisfied with the current clothing sizes sold in retail outlets. They rely on custom‐made clothing or alterations after purchasing an outfit or purchasing different sizes of the same style and colour for the top and bottom. Development of proper‐fitting slopers/basic patterns was the purpose of this study. A sloper is a basic or master pattern with comfort ease but without seam allowances that is used to make other styled patterns. A descriptive research design was utilized in this study. Evaluations of ‘fit’ were conducted on the standard and developed slopers, and also on test garments made from the respective slopers. There was a substantial difference on the waist and hip measurements of the standard and new slopers. Test garments made from developed slopers had a better fit on models than those made from standard slopers. Hence, the models were satisfied with the new slopers. Because the sample was small, this study may be replicated using a larger sample size in order to generalize the results. Apparel manufacturers need to consider the development of suitable slopers for different body types in manufacturing clothes that fit and not only for the proportionate figure.
MULTIPLE ROUTES OF SEXUALITY INALEXANDRIUM TAYLORI(DINOPHYCEAE) IN CULTURE1
Authors: Figueroa Rosa Isabel , Bravo Isabel , Garcés Esther
Published: September 2006

Alexandrium tayloriBalech is a cyst‐forming dinoflagellate species responsible for recurrent blooms in Mediterranean coastal waters. The nuclear development of the cells during the sexual cycle and the effect of different external nitrate and phosphate levels were studied. Nuclear fusion of gametes occurred 6–12 h after the complete cytoplasmic fusion. The U‐shaped nuclei fused through the end of one nucleus and the mid‐area of the other. The mobile and biflagellated zygote had a large, U‐shaped nucleus and may follow three different fates: direct division, short‐term encystment (ecdysal), and long‐term encystment (resting). Ecdysal cysts may divide in >24–96 h into two, four, six, or eight cells before germinating. Meiosis presumably occurred in three locations: in the planozygote, within the ecdysal cyst, and in the planomeiocyte (germling) liberated either from ecdysal or resting cysts. The effects of nutrients on these routes were studied in individually isolated sexual stages. (1) Direct divisions occurred mainly under replete conditions (L1), whereas no direct planozygote divisions were recorded in media with no phosphate added (L‐P). (2) Short‐term encystment was larger in media lacking phosphate (L‐P and L/30) than in medium with no nitrate added (L‐N) or under replete conditions (L1). (3) Long‐term encystment was only observed in medium with no nitrate added (L‐N). The long‐lived resting cyst, not previously described for this species, had a clear double wall, an irregular shape, a flat morphology, and a middle orange spot. No cysts germinated in 1–2 months, whereas 86% of the cysts germinated 2–3 months after being formed. A flow cytometry analysis showed that sexual induction and zygote formation were very fast and highly common processes, zygotes being nearly half of the population at days 3 and 5 after the induction of sexuality in the cultures.
SIMPLE METHOD FOR RNA PREPARATION FROM CYANOBACTERIA1
Authors: Kim Byung‐Hyuk , Oh Hee‐Mock , Lee Young‐Ki , Choi Gang‐Guk , Ahn Chi‐Yong , Yoon Byung‐Dae , Kim Hee‐Sik
Published: September 2006

A simple and rapid method is presented for the preparation of RNA from various cyanobacteria. Unlike other methods that require a lysis solution, lysozymes, or proteinase K, the proposed method, called the bead–phenol–chloroform (BPC) method, uses silica/zirconia beads, phenol, and chloroform to break the cells and extract RNA more efficiently. Experiments confirm that the BPC method can successfully isolate total RNA from various cyanobacterial strains without DNA contamination, and the extracted RNA samples have a relatively high purity, concentration, and yield. Furthermore, the BPC method is more rapid, simple, and economical when compared with previously reported methods.
MOLECULAR GENETIC MANIPULATION OF THE DIATOM THALASSIOSIRA PSEUDONANA (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Poulsen Nicole , Chesley Patrick M. , Kröger Nils
Published: September 2006

Here, we describe the first system for genetic transformation of Thalassiosira pseudonana (Hustedt) Hasle et Heimdal, the only diatom for which a complete genome sequence is presently available. This method is based on microparticle bombardment followed by selection of transformants using the antibiotic nourseothricin. It exhibits the highest transformation efficiency compared with transformation systems for other diatom species. To achieve the high transformation efficiency, it is important to allow recovery of the bombarded T. pseudonana cells in non‐selective suspension culture before spreading on nourseothricin containing agar plates. It is demonstrated that T. pseudonana is readily susceptible to co‐transformation allowing for the simultaneous introduction of a non‐selective gene together with the selection marker gene. Both introduced genes are stably inherited even in the absence of the antibiotic selection pressure. We have developed two T. pseudonana‐specific expression vectors that can drive constitutive expression (vector pTpfcp) and inducible expression (vector pTpNR) of introduced genes. In combination with the available genome data the T. pseudonana transformation system is expected to provide a powerful tool for functional genomics in diatoms.
CHARACTERIZATION OF NW MEDITERRANEANKARLODINIUMSPP. (DINOPHYCEAE) STRAINS USING MORPHOLOGICAL, MOLECULAR, CHEMICAL, AND PHYSIOLOGICAL METHODOLOGIES1
Authors: Garcés Esther , Fernandez Margarita , Penna Antonella , Van Lenning Kees , Gutierrez Andrés , Camp Jordi , Zapata Manuel
Published: September 2006

Recurrent fish kills in the Spanish Alfacs Bay (NW Mediterranean) have been detected during winter seasons since 1994, and were attributed to an unarmored, ichthyotoxic, dinoflagellate, initially identified asGyrodinium corsicumPaulmier, Berland, Billard, & Nezan. Several strains were isolated from the bay and their clonal cultures were compared by combined techniques, including light and electron microscopy, internal transcribed spacer and 5.8S rDNA nucleotide sequencing, and HPLC pigment analyses, together with studies of their photochemical performance, growth rates, and toxicity. Using phylogenetic analyses, all strains were identified as members of the genusKarlodinium, but they were separated into two genetically distinct groups. These groups, identified asKarlodinium veneficum(Ballantine) J. Larsen andK. armigerBergholtz, Daugbjerg et. Moestrup, were also supported by the other techniques used. Detailed analyses of fine structural characteristics (including plug‐like structures in amphiesma and a possible layer of semi‐opaque material beneath the outer membrane) allowed discrimination of the mentioned two species. Specific differences in pigment patterns coincided with that expected for low‐ (K.veneficum) and high‐light (K. armiger) adapted relatives. The higher photosynthetic efficiency ofK.veneficumand the longer reactivation times of the PSII reaction centers observed forK. armigerwere in agreement with this hypothesis. The two species differed in toxicity, but the strains used always induced mortality when incubated with bivalves, rotifers, and finfish. Compared withK. armiger, strains ofK. veneficumyielded higher cell densities, but had lower growth rates.
A FORENSIC AND PHYLOGENETIC SURVEY OF CAULERPA SPECIES (CAULERPALES, CHLOROPHYTA) FROM THE FLORIDA COAST, LOCAL AQUARIUM SHOPS, AND E‐COMMERCE: ESTABLISHING A PROACTIVE BASELINE FOR EARLY DETECTION1
Authors: Stam Wytze T. , Olsen Jeanine L. , Zaleski Susan Frisch , Murray Steven N. , Brown Katherine R. , Walters Linda J.
Published: September 2006

Baseline genotypes were established for 256 individuals of Caulerpa collected from 27 field locations in Florida (including the Keys), the Bahamas, US Virgin Islands, and Honduras, nearly doubling the number of available GenBank sequences. On the basis of sequences from the nuclear rDNA‐ITS 1+2 and the chloroplast tufA regions, the phylogeny of Caulerpa was reassessed and the presence of invasive strains was determined. Surveys in central Florida and southern California of >100 saltwater aquarium shops and 90 internet sites revealed that >50% sold Caulerpa. Of the 14 Caulerpa species encountered, Caulerpa racemosa was the most common, followed by Caulerpa sertularioides, Caulerpa prolifera, Caulerpa mexicana, and Caulerpa serrulata. None of the >180 field‐collected individuals (representing 13 species) was the invasive strain of Caulerpa taxifolia or C. racemosa. With one exception (a sample of C. racemosa from a shop in southern California belonged to the invasive Clade III strain), no invasive strains were found in saltwater aquarium stores in Florida or on any of the internet sites. Although these results are encouraging, we recommend a ban on the sale of all Caulerpa species (including “live rock”) because: morphological identification of Caulerpa species is unreliable (>12% misidentification rate) and invasive strains can only be identified by their aligned DNA sequences, and because the potential capacity for invasive behavior in other Caulerpa species is far from clear. The addition of the Florida region to the genetic data base for Caulerpa provides a valuable proactive resource for invasion biologists as well as researchers interested in the evolution and speciation of Caulerpa.
Good High Schools for Students with Disabilities
Authors: Morocco Catherine Cobb , Aguilar Cynthia Mata , Clay Karen , Brigham Nancy , Zigmond Naomi
Published: September 2006

This special issue presents findings from Good High Schools, a 3‐year study of high schools that have strong participation and positive results for their students with disabilities. In this introductory article, we describe the national search for three “good high schools” and the final selection of schools in Virginia, New York, and Florida. We review the goals and research questions that guided the research and describe the mixed methods research approach used to study the three high schools. Methods included individual and focus group interviews of school administrators, department heads, community representatives, teachers, parents, and students; classroom observations; shadowing of students throughout a school day; surveys of students and teachers; collection of documents on the school mission, course offerings, and students' rights and responsibilities; achievement test scores; and 4‐year transcripts of courses taken by senior students with disabilities. We foreshadow the finding from the three case studies that follow, that a theory of action underlies the approach to educating students with disabilities in the three schools.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Luminescent Properties of CaS:Eu Phosphor
Authors: Kim Kyung Nam , Kim Jae‐Myung , Choi Kyoung Jae , Park Joung Kyu , Kim Chang Hae
Published: September 2006

Europium‐doped calcium sulfide phosphor was synthesized by a co‐precipitation method using calcium carbonate and ammonium sulfate as the sources for calcium and sulfide, respectively. Reduction of the precipitated CaSO4 into CaS was carried out at 550°, 750°, 950°, and 1150°C at a flow rate of H2 5 mL/min and N2 95 mL/min. The formation of crystalline CaS phase was evident by the X‐ray diffraction analysis of the fired products. The phosphor yielded red emission of wavelength 634 nm for the excitation wavelength of 465 nm. The emission intensity of the phosphors increased with increasing firing temperature from 550° to 950°C, but firing at 1150°C showed a dramatic decline in emission due to thermal quenching. The study of the effect of Eu loading level showed a decrease in emission with an increase in loading, and the optimum loading for maximum emission was found to be 0.5 mol%. And it can be possible to generate white light of light emitting devices by mixing with SrGa2S4:Eu green phosphor and this phosphor on the 460 nm InGaN blue chip.
In situ Formation of Hydroxyapatite‐Whisker Ceramics by Hydrothermal Hot‐Pressing Method
Authors: Li Jun‐Guo , Hashida Toshiyuki
Published: September 2006

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) ceramics have been prepared from α‐tricalcium phosphate (α‐TCP) with addition of water or ammonia water by hydrothermal hot‐pressing (HHP) method under a condition of 300°C/40 MPa/2 h. When the additive is water, it appears that the HAp grains produced show whisker‐like and plate‐like features. The bending strength of the HAp ceramic obtained is measured to be 24.5 MPa. When the additive is ammonia water, the obtained HAp ceramic consists of HAp‐whiskers only. The bending strength and fracture toughness reach 56 MPa and 1.52 MPa·m1/2, respectively. Treating α‐TCP with addition of ammonia water by the HHP method is thus a useful method for in situ fabrication of HAp‐whisker ceramics.
Transmission Electron Microscopy Microstructure of 0.95(Na0.5K0.5)NbO3–0.05BaTiO3 Ceramics
Authors: Lee Hwack Joo , Ryu Hyun , Bae Moon‐Sub , Cho Yang Koo , Nahm Sahn
Published: September 2006

Microstructural characterizations using transmission electron microscopy on 0.95(Na0.5K0.5)NbO3–0.05BaTiO3 ceramics sintered at 1030°–1150°C for 2 h were carried out. The liquid phase was found at the triple junction of the grains in all specimens and abnormal grain growth occurred in the presence of the liquid phase. Abnormally grown grains whose shapes were cuboidal were well developed. Anisotropically faceted amorphous liquid phase pockets were observed inside the grain in a specimen sintered at 1060°C for 2 h. The interface between the grain and the liquid matrix was flat and some were identified to be {100} planes of the grains. A certain amount of liquid at the sintering temperature of 1060°C enhanced the abnormal grain growth and contributed to the improvement of the piezoelectric properties.
Fabrication and Electrical Properties of Lead Zirconate Titanate Thick Films on Si Substrate by Using Lanthanum Nickelate Buffer Layer
Authors: Wang G. S. , Rémiens D. , Dogheche E. , Herdier R. , Dong X. L.
Published: September 2006

Lead zirconate titanate PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3 (PZT) thick films have been deposited on silicon substrate by modified metallorganic decomposition process. Crack‐free PZT films of 8 μm thickness can be obtained by using lanthanum nickelate LaNiO3 (LNO) as buffer layer. The greater LNO thickness, the greater thickness of crack‐free PZT can be obtained. The X‐ray diffraction measurements show the films exhibit a single perovskite phase with (110) preferred orientation. SEM measurements showed the PZT thick films have a columnar structure with grain size about 60–200 nm. The thickness dependence of ferroelectric, dielectric, and piezoelectric properties of PZT thick films have been characterized over the thickness range of 1–8 μm. For PZT with thickness of 8 μm, Pr and Ec are 30 μC/cm2 and 35 kV/cm, and dielectric constant and dielectric loss are 1030 and 0.031, respectively. The piezoelectric coefficient (d33) of PZT with 8 μm thickness is obtained to be 77 pm/V. PZT thick films on LNO‐coated Si substrate are potential for MEMS applications.
Characterization of Ni–Cu–Zn Ferrite Prepared from Steel Pickling Liquor and Waste Solutions of Electroplating
Authors: Fu Yen‐Pei
Published: September 2006

In the current research, we propose a new method to synthesize Ni–Cu–Zn ferrite powder, using the steel pickling liquor and the waste solution of electroplating as the starting materials. It is found that the Ni–Cu–Zn ferrite powder prepared by the hydrothermal process from the waste solution showed the formation of cubic ferrite with a saturation magnetization (Ms) of 31 500 Am2/g and an intrinsic coercive force (Hci) of 1536 Am−1, whereas upon annealing at 750°C for 2 h, the Ms increased to 52 600 Am2/g and the Hci reached 3406 Am−1. The toroidal specimen sintered at 950°C for 2 h presented an optimum initial permeability (μi) of 185 at 16.9 MHz, a maximum quality factor (Q) of 100 at 3 MHz. This useful technology can promote the recycling of industry waste solution and contribute to the preservation of the earth. Moreover, this technology can also decrease the manufacturing cost in the treatment of the industrial waste solution for the electroplating and steel industries.
Discrete Element Simulations of the Compaction of Aggregated Ceramic Powders
Authors: Martin Christophe L. , Bouvard Didier , Delette Gérard
Published: September 2006

The compaction behavior of aggregated ceramic powders is investigated using the discrete element method (DEM). We use specific contact forces that represent bonds between primary particles to model aggregates. The bonds have the possibility to break when their strength is exceeded, hence reproducing the crushability of aggregates. The strength of individual aggregates has been investigated using compression between platens. A number of aggregates are then introduced in a periodic simulation box to model close‐die compaction. It is shown that the densification of the powder is mostly due to aggregate attrition and crushability, coupled with rearrangement. The effect of bond size, aggregate strength, and morphology on the powder macroscopic behavior is assessed.
Production of Hydroxyapatite/Bioactive Glass Biomedical Composites by the Hot‐Pressing Technique
Authors: Lee Eun‐Jung , Kim Hyoun‐Ee , Kim Hae‐Won
Published: September 2006

Biomedical composites of hydroxyapatite (HA) and bioactive glass (BG) have been difficult to obtain as a dense body without the undesirable occurrence of thermal reactions and phase degradation. Herein, HA–BG dense composites were produced by the hot‐pressing technique. A range of HA–BG powder mixtures (30–50 wt% BG) was fully densified by hot pressing at temperatures as low as ∼700°–800°C. On the other hand, the HA–BG composites could not be densified by pressureless sintering because their composition was degraded due to a severe thermal reaction. The hot‐pressed composites had significantly improved flexural strengths (∼60 MPa) as compared with those subjected to pressureless sintering (∼30 MPa) or the pure HA control (∼40 MPa). The hot‐pressed HA–BG composites showed significantly enhanced bioactivity in a simulated body fluid, as well as osteoblast cell activity with respect to the pure HA, confirming their excellent in vitro biocompatibility.
Biodoped Ceramics: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Gadre Smita Y. , Gouma P. I.
Published: September 2006

This feature article focuses on biodoped ceramics. These are inorganic materials in which biological materials are incorporated, thus adding new functionality to them. A brief overview of the prominent synthesis techniques for biodoped ceramics, with emphasis on modified sol–gel processes for metal oxide matrices, is given first. Theoretical treatments of the encapsulation of biologicals within a porous ceramic matrix are reviewed. Experimental studies of the stability and dynamics of protein entrapment in silica and other ceramic matrices are also discussed. Finally, key applications of biodoped ceramics in biochemical species detection, bio‐catalysis, and drug delivery are presented.
The critical‐size supraalveolar peri‐implant defect model: characteristics and use
Authors: Wikesjö Ulf M. E. , Susin Cristiano , Qahash Mohammed , Polimeni Giuseppe , Leknes Knut N. , Shanaman Richard H. , Prasad Hari S. , Rohrer Michael D. , Hall Jan
Published: September 2006

Objective: Novel implant technologies and reconstructive therapies for alveolar augmentation require pre‐clinical evaluation to estimate their biologic potential, efficacy, and safety before clinical application. The objective of this report is to present characteristics and use of the critical‐size, supraalveolar, peri‐implant defect model.

Methods: Bilateral extraction of the mandibular premolars was performed in 12 Hound Labrador mongrel dogs following horizontal surgical cut‐down of the alveolar ridge approximating 6 mm. Each jaw quadrant received three custom‐produced TiUnite™, ∅4.0 × 10 mm threaded implants placed into osteotomies prepared into the extraction sites of the third and fourth premolars. The implants exhibited a reference notch 5 mm from the implant platform to facilitate surgical placement leaving 5 mm of the implant in a supraalveolar position, and to serve as a reference point in the radiographic, histologic and histometric analysis. The implants were submerged under the mucoperiosteal flaps for primary intention healing. Fluorescent bone markers were administered at weeks 3 and 4 post‐surgery, and pre‐euthanasia. The animals were euthanized following an 8‐week healing interval when block biopsies were collected for analysis.

Results: Healing was generally uneventful. The radiographic and histometric evaluations demonstrate the limited osteogenic potential of this defect model. Whereas lingual peri‐implant sites exhibited a mean (±SE) bone gain of 0.4±0.1 mm, resorption of the buccal crestal plate resulted in a mean bone loss of 0.4±0.2 mm for an overall osteogenic potential following sham‐surgery averaging 0.0±0.1 mm. Overall bone density and bone–implant contact in the contiguous resident bone averaged 79.1±1.1% and 76.9±2.3%, respectively.

Conclusion: The results suggest that the critical‐size, supraalveolar, peri‐implant defect model appears a rigorous tool in the evaluation of candidate technologies for alveolar reconstruction and osseointegration of endosseous oral implants. Limited innate osteogenic potential allows critical evaluation of osteogenic, osteoconductive, or osteoinductive technologies in a challenging clinical setting.
Effect of triclosan/copolymer‐containing toothpaste on the association between plaque and gingival bleeding: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Müller H. P. , Barrieshi‐Nusair K. M , Könönen E. , Yang M.
Published: September 2006

Aim:To study longitudinal associations between plaque and gingival bleeding and multilevel variance/covariance structures after introducing triclosan‐containing toothpaste.

Material and Methods:A 10‐week, randomized, two‐arm, double‐masked, controlled clinical trial was conducted in 34 healthy, non‐smoking females with plaque‐induced gingivitis. Clinical periodontal examinations were repeated every other week. At week 4, test toothpaste containing 0.24% sodium monofluorophosphate, 0.3% triclosan, and 2% polyvinyl–methyl ether maleic acid; or control toothpaste containing 0.76% sodium monofluorophosphate and 0.1% sodium fluoride, were randomly distributed.

Results:Multivariate multilevel models indicated that, after introducing experimental toothpastes, subject random error was reduced from 0.6 to below 0.2. The odds ratio (OR) of bleeding on probing (BOP) was about 30% less in the test than in the control group (p<0.01). At the end of the experiment, ORs for BOP and plaque index scores 1–3 (reference 0) were 2.1–2.4 in the control group, but 1.1–1.9 in the test group (p<0.05). No effects on plaque levels and calculus were observed.

Conclusions:Multivariate multilevel modelling allows the study of fixed and random effects of experimental toothpastes on gingival inflammation in small sample. Triclosan appears to attenuate the causal association between supragingival plaque and gingival bleeding in gingivitis.
Scaling and root planing and chlorhexidine mouthrinses in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: a randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Faveri Marcelo , Gursky Lauren Christine , Feres Magda , Shibli Jamil Awad , Salvador Sergio Luiz , De Figueiredo Luciene Cristina
Published: September 2006

Objective: Evaluation of the clinical and microbiological effects of scaling and root planing (SRP) alone or in combination with 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) rinsing.

Methods: A blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐design, randomized clinical trial was conducted in 29 subjects with chronic periodontitis. Subjects were assigned to two therapeutic groups: control (SRP+placebo) and test (SRP+CHX during and up to 42 days post‐therapy). Clinical and microbiological [N‐benzoyl‐dl‐arginine‐2‐naphthylamide (BANA test)] examinations were performed at baseline, 42 and 63 days post‐therapy.

Results: Initially, intermediate sites (4–6 mm) in the test group showed less plaque accumulation, gingival bleeding, bleeding on probing and a greater reduction in attachment level and probing depth (PD) at 63 days after treatment. The initially deep sites (>6 mm) in the CHX group also showed a better reduction in plaque accumulation and in PD compared with the control group. Both therapies led to a microbiological improvement; however, the test subjects showed a higher frequency of BANA‐negative sites after treatment, which was sustained over time (p<0.001). At 63 days, the control group presented 25 BANA‐negative sites and 65 positive sites, and the test group 58 and 26, respectively.

Conclusion: The combination of CHX rinses and SRP leads to clinical benefits and to a better reduction in BANA‐positive species.
Characterization of Mahogunin Ring Finger‐1 expression in mice
Authors: Bagher Pooneh , Jiao Jian , Owen Smith C. , Cota Christina D. , Gunn Teresa M.
Published: September 2006

Mutations in mouse Mahogunin Ring Finger‐1 (Mgrn1) were first recognized for their effect on agouti‐mediated pigment‐type switching. Mgrn1 null mutants are completely black and develop spongiform degeneration of the brain. Mgrn1 hypomorphs have dark fur but do not develop neurodegeneration. We characterized a new Mgrn1 hypomorphic allele caused by a gene‐trap insertion. Mice homozygous for this mutation are slightly darker than non‐mutant animals. They show reduced overall expression of Mgrn1 and two of the four normal Mgrn1 isoforms are replaced by β‐GEO fusion proteins that differ from the normal proteins at their carboxy termini. To investigate the role of different Mgrn1 isoforms in pigment‐type switching, we used quantitative relative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction to examine their expression in the skin of Mgrn1 mutant and control mice. Most Mgrn1 mutants produce little or no normal Mgrn1 in the skin. Mgrn1 null mutant mice overexpressing isoform I or III, which are normally absent or weakly expressed in adult skin, had normal agouti‐banded hairs. Our results indicate that reduced levels of MGRN1 cause the pigmentation phenotypes of Mgrn1 mutant mice and that there are no significant differences in the function of the four MGRN1 isoforms in pigment‐type switching.
EARLY NEUTRAL EVALUATIONS: APPLICATIONS TO CUSTODY AND PARENTING TIME CASES PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION IN HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Authors: Pearson Yvonne , Bankovics Gunnar , Baumann Maryellen , Darcy Nancy , DeVries Susan , Goetz James , Kowalsky Gregg
Published: September 2006

A program to apply Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE), a confidential, settlement‐oriented and accelerated alternative dispute resolution technique, to child custody and parenting time cases has been cooperatively developed by Hennepin county Family Court Services and the Minnesota Fourth Judicial District Family Court. Parties are referred by the court to a male/female team of experienced neutral evaluators for early feedback on the probable outcome of a full evaluation and an opportunity to negotiate a settlement. It has proven to be a highly successful program in its first 2 years, with the majority of cases reaching an early settlement. The ENE program reduces the stress and expense of custody disputes for clients, expedites judicial case management, maximizes Family Court Services staff efficiency, and focuses subsequent evaluations on critical issues.
THE TRUANCY COURT DIVERSION PROGRAM OF THE FAMILY COURT, WARREN CIRCUIT COURT DIVISION III, BOWLING GREEN, KENTUCKY: AN EVALUATION OF IMPACT ON ATTENDANCE AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
Authors: Shoenfelt Elizabeth L. , Huddleston Margaret Ryan
Published: September 2006

Educators, parents, and community services partnered with the family court judge to implement the Truancy Court Diversion Program (TCDP). TCDP significantly impacted unexcused absences, unexcused tardies, and academic performance of the elementary and junior high students participating in the program. Elementary participants were more likely to maintain their improved attendance following participation than were junior high participants. Nonetheless, junior high participant grade point averages increased during TCDP and were maintained subsequent to TCDP. TCDP was an effective intervention for improving attendance and academic performance and helping preclude future delinquency.
Fragmentation within and between wetland reserves: the importance of spatial scales for nest predation in reed buntings
Authors: Pasinelli Gilberto , Schiegg Karin
Published: September 2006

Wetlands in many parts of the world are affected by fragmentation at multiple spatial scales. In Switzerland, most wetlands have been destroyed over the past two centuries and management of the remaining wetland reserves has intensified in the recent years leading to increased fragmentation of reed areas within reserves. Using four years of data on the reproductive performance of color‐banded reed buntingEmberiza schoenicluspopulations, we explored fragmentation effects on nest predation rates at four spatial scales ranging from the nest to the landscape scale. In the egg stage, predation rate was negatively related to vegetation cover, vegetation height and nest height, but positively linked to water cover and depth next to the nest (nest scale). Probability of predation declined with increasing size of reed patches containing the nests and distances of nests to the water and land sided reed edge, as well as with decreasing edge to area ratio (edge scale). There was a weak positive association between degree of fragmentation of reed patches within sites and nest predation rates (site scale). Finally, nest predation probability increased with distance to the nearest wetland (landscape scale). Jointly analyzing variables from different spatial scales revealed that a model combining variables from the nest, edge and landscape scale best explained predation probability in the egg stage. In the nestling stage, the single most important factor influencing nest predation probability was the distance to the nearest wetland (landscape scale), with nest predation decreasing with distance between sites. Our results show that the probability of nest predation in reed buntings is affected by fragmentation within and between wetland reserves and that the effects differ between breeding stages. Future management of wetland reserves should aim at sparing reed patches large and dense enough to provide safe nest sites for birds.
Theoretical assessment of unsteady aerodynamic effects in phonation
Authors: Krane Michael H. , Wei Timothy
Published: September 2006

This paper ranks the importance of unsteady aerodynamic mechanisms in glottal flow. Particular emphasis is given to separation point motion, acceleration of glottal airflow by vocal fold motion, and viscous blockage. How nondimensional parameters such as the Reynolds, Strouhal, and Womersley numbers help in this ranking is also addressed. An equation of motion is derived which includes terms explicitly describing the effects of interest, assuming (1) a symmetrical glottis, (2) zero pressure recovery downstream of the vocal folds, and (3) a quasisteady glottal jet. Estimating the order of magnitude of the terms in this equation, it is shown that the flow is characterized by two temporal regimes: (1) a flow initiation/shutoff regime where local unsteady acceleration and wall motion dominate, and (2) a “quasisteady” regime where the flow is dominated by convective acceleration. In the latter case, separation point motion and viscous blockage are shown to be out of phase with motion of the vocal folds, thereby impacting the shape of the glottal volume flow waveform. The analysis suggests that glottal flow may be considered quasisteady only insofar as traditional assumptions concerning glottal jet behavior can be confirmed.