bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential object marking in the dialects of southern Italy: an overview
Authors: Ledgeway Adam
Published: April 2023

This article undertakes a descriptive overview of the variation in the distribution and licensing of differential object marking across a wide range of dialects of the south of Italy. It is shown how variation in this area is not random, but follows patterns of structured variation which can be modelled in a scalar fashion in terms of four broad splits based on grammatical person, and on pronominal-nominal, head-phrasal and animacy/specificity oppositions. These four broad dimensions of variation are, in turn, demonstrated to conceal a number of more subtle differences of a microvariational nature. This microvariation, it is suggested, can be read not only horizontally as synchronic variation across the dialects, but also vertically to provide some key insights into the diachronic development of (Italo-)Romance DOM.
El papel de las virreinas consortes valencianas en la entrada virreinal durante el reinado de Felipe IV
Authors: Verduras Sandra Boluda
Published: April 2023

En el reinado de Felipe IV, los diferentes virreyes tuvieron su entrada solemne en la ciudad de Valencia. Pese al protagonismo masculino, el papel de la virreina consorte no quedó relegado al olvido. Aunque no contaba con una designación oficial regia, actuó en el espacio político como representante de la Corona, siendo reconocida por las autoridades municipales, a través de su presencia en los libros de ceremoniales, que regulaban la jerarquía de cada miembro de la sociedad valenciana. Incluso, en ocasiones excepcionales se produjo su propia entrada diferenciada en la ciudad, como la de la V marquesa de los Vélez.
Moral y liderazgo en Heródoto
Authors: Domingo Sola Gerard
Published: April 2023

Heródoto muestra en su obra Historias un amplio abanico de comportamientos de líderes que fueron relevantes en las guerras médicas entre griegos y persas. La descripción que hace Heródoto de estos líderes comporta también una valoración moral más allá de las aptitudes políticas y militares. Los elementos morales que deben observar los líderes se van sucediendo en paralelo con el relato de las gestas que llevan a cabo. Hay en Heródoto un concepto de destino, de relación entre la divinidad y la humanidad y, en definitiva, del papel del ser humano a lo largo de su existencia, que da una especial relevancia a la moralidad en general y a la de los líderes políticos en particular.
El peor gobierno en 80 años. VOX, franquismo y memoria histórica.
Authors: López Felipe Jacobo
Published: April 2023

El presente artículo aborda la concepción del pasado que no pasa español en el discurso de VOX y su intransigente postura de oposición en la cuestión de la llamada memoria histórica en las que convergen dos de las principales causas de su éxito electoral: su condición de agente creador, difusor y consumidor de un particular relato nacionalista y su actitud belicista de guerra cultural contra la «dictadura progre».
Rapere ad exercitus. La conspiración de Audasio y Epicadio: datación, implicados y condena
Authors: Sebastián Edo Manuel Antonio
Published: April 2023

Suetonio es el único autor que testimonia la última conspiración urdida contra Augusto, en la que participaron Lucio Audasio y Asinio Epicadio, de quienes no tenemos más datos. No obstante, es muy probable que el auténtico cerebro de la operación fuera Julia la Menor y sus partidarios, quienes pretendían rescatar a su madre, Julia la Mayor, y a su hermano, Agripa Póstumo, de sus destierros y llevarlos a los ejércitos. A través de esta posibilidad trataremos de esclarecer los detalles del complot, identificar a algunos implicados y relacionarlo con el exilio que Julia la Menor sufrió en el 8 d.C.
Intra-abdominal fat volume estimation by multi-detector rows computed tomography: relevance in surgical fellowship training program in Shanghai: a retrospective study
Authors: Shah Jenifei , Yu Suyue , Huang Jingyi , Zang Lu , Li Tian , Zhu Zhenglun
Published: April 2023

Background

Intra-abdominal fat volume (IFV) has been shown to have a negative impact on surgical outcomes in gastric cancer (GC) and other gastrointestinal surgeries. The purpose of this study is to look into the relationship between IFV and perioperative outcomes in GC patients using multi-detector rows computed tomography (MDCT) and assess the importance of implementing this observation in current surgical fellowship training programs.

Methods

Patients with GC who underwent open D2 gastrectomy between May 2015 and September 2017 were included in the study. Based on MDCT estimation, patients were divided into high IFV (IFV ≥ 3,000 ml) and low IFV (IFV < 3,000 ml) groups. Perioperative outcomes for cancer staging, type of gastrectomy, intraoperative blood loss (IBL), anastomotic leakage, and hospital stay were compared between the two groups. This study was registered as CTR2200059886.

Results

Out of 226 patients, 54 had early gastric carcinoma (EGC), while 172 had advanced gastric carcinoma (AGC). There were 64 patients in the high IFV group and 162 in the low IFV group. The high IFV group had significantly higher IBL mean values (p = 0.008). Therefore, having a high IFV was a risk factor for the occurrence of perioperative complications (p = 0.008).

Conclusions

High IFV estimated by MDCT prior to GC surgery was associated with increased IBL and postoperative complications. Incorporating this CT-IFV estimation into surgical fellowship programs may aid aspiring surgeons in selecting patients during independent practice in their learning curve and surgical practice for the most appropriate approach for treating GC patients.
Efficacy of Enhanced Dose of Expressed Breast Milk in Neonatal Procedural Pain Relief: A Randomised Placebo-controlled Study
Authors: Jha Lata , Kumar Vasanth N , Banerjee Subho , Bandhopadhyay Chandreyi
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Procedural pain remedies in neonates is an area of active research due to better understanding of short and long-term outcomes of neonatal painful exposures. Non pharmacological interventions are especially attractive as it avoids unnecessary drug exposure. While dextrose is known to be effective, results with small volumes (2 mL) of Expressed Breast Milk (EBM) are equivocal. There is recent theoretical evidence to show that larger doses of EBM may be more efficacious. Aim: To compare the efficacy of a larger volume of EBM 5 mL and 2 mL of 25% Dextrose (25D) in relief of procedural pain from venipuncture in term and preterm neonates. Materials and Methods: A single center randomised placebo- controlled study was conducted at Bokaro General Hospital, Bokaro Steel City, Jharkhand, India, between March 2014 and February 2016. Neonates ≥34 week gestation, requiring venipuncture in a neonatal care unit were randomly allocated into 3 equal groups using a random number table- Sterile Water (SW), 2mL 25D, 5 mL EBM was given two minutes prior to venipuncture. Video of facial response, cry times, Maximal Heart Rate (MHR), and minimum Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) were recorded till five minutes after venipuncture. The Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) score was used to assess the effect of the interventions on procedural pain. Subgroup analysis was done in term and preterm neonates. Continuous variables were presented as mean±SD or median. Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentages. The comparison of normally distributed continuous variables between the groups was performed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results: The PIPP score in the 25D group (2.94±1.41) was significantly lower than the EBM (7.42±1.69) and SW (10.56±1.69) groups (p-value<0.001). MHR was significantly lower in the 25D group, but no difference was found between the EBM and SW groups (p-value=0.23). SpO2 was significantly higher in the 25D group but for the initial 2.5 minutes only. Cry times were significantly lower in the intervention groups. There was no difference in outcomes in term vs. preterm infants. Conclusion: The use of 2 mL 25D was more effective in reducing procedural pain from venipuncture compared to 5 mL EBM. The return of physiological markers (MHR and SpO2) to baseline were faster and more complete in the 25D group.
Anaemia in the Elderly: A Narrative Review
Authors: Dhonde Aditya Suhas , Joshi Shiv Hiren , Joshi Abhishek Upendra , Saha Mitul Sambhu , Mudey Abhay Bhausahb
Published: April 2023

Anaemia is a common morbidity in elderly people (i.e., people who belong to the age group of 60 years or higher). Presentday knowledge is that senescence is the consequence of homeostatic interference. The processes responsible for maintaining it comprise hormones, immune-regulating mechanisms along with oxidative stress/antioxidant equilibrium. Anaemia is caused by any change in these factors. The moment anaemia comes into the picture, it hampers the supply of oxygen causing further deterioration, culminating in debility and infirmity. Anaemia in the senile citizens can lead to certain adverse health events, including functional dependence and may amplify the risks of therapeutic complications, falls, dementia and mortality. Anaemia has a high potential of producing serious impediments in elderly people when compared with younger adults. As a result of which, the Quality Of Life (QOL) of the senescent age group is adversely affected. Hence, early diagnosis of anaemia aids in preventing unforeseen medical situations later. More emphasis is being given to this aspect because of the fact that despite its fair prevalence amongst the elderly, the chances of it being missed on routine clinical examinations are higher.
Grapeseed Extract and its Role in Maintaining Oral Health: A Literature Review
Authors: Waghmare Payal S , Madhu Priyanka Paul , Reche Amit
Published: April 2023

Plant products are becoming the topic for discussion because of its properties and many medicinal benefits. Among these natural products, Grapeseed Extract (GSE) is becoming an essential part of medicine. Antibacterial, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and antiviral are some of the important properties. Due to its antibacterial property it is used to control various bacterial diseases and eased the course of treatment, many oral bacteria are also inhibited by GSE. GSE has shown considerable results in patients with periodontal diseases and treatment of bone loss. GSE is a potent antioxidant and reduces free radicles and oxidative stress thus inhibiting various adverse effects. GSE contains antioxidant properties which protects body from premature ageing. Antifungal properties are very useful in treatment and prevention of fungal infection. Grapeseed is useful in treating oral candidiasis as well. A number of phytochemicals including resveratrol, Proanthocyanidin (PA) are beneficial in treating cancer and prevents recurrence. The protective properties of plant extracts and phytochemicals are recently been used in prevention of most common oral disease like dental caries in children and adults. Many studies are going on about remineralisation efficiency of phytochemicals in the field of dentistry. It has been shown to increase the dentine resin bond strength if it is added in the primer and also effectively reduces the polymerisation. Another important consideration is the safety doses of GSE, it refers to the quantity or percentage in which it is added in the concerned products so it is safely tolerated and its effects are maximum. Overall, GSE contains many useful properties and is of great clinical importance.
Energy Losses by the Interaction of Charged Particles with a Graphene Sheet
Authors: Wang Lijun , Sun Dong , Hua Xiuqin , Liu Daqing
Published: April 2023

Using the fluid dynamics model, we studied the formation of graphene surface plasma when the charge is tilted to the graphene sheet for motion. We calculated the electron energy loss spectrum of electrons at different angles and proved that the resonance in the spectrum is related to the frequency of graphene surface plasma, as the electron velocity decreases, the dispersion shifts to higher energies. An increase in the tilt angle will also shift the dispersion energy in a higher range.
The Exploitation of Genetic Variability and Trait Association Analysis for Diverse Quantitative Traits in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Sharma Sanjeev , Tripathi M. K. , Tiwari Sushma , Solanki R. S. , Chauhan Shailja , Tripathi Niraj , Dwivedi Namrata , Kandalkar V. S.
Published: April 2023

The present investigation was conducted using 102 wheat genotypes at Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Gwalior during Rabi 2018-2019 in randomized block design with two replications. A set of 102 wheat genotype were used to estimate genetic variability, correlation coefficients and path coefficients for fourteen yield and its accrediting attributes. A wide range of variation was observed for important yield components. GCV and PCV was recorded highest for biological yield/plant. High heritability accompanied with higher genetic advance for numbers of productive tillers/plants, spike length, weight of spike, numbers of grains/spike, weight of grains/spike, biological yield/plant, grain yield/plant, harvest index and test weight. Genotypic correlation coefficients were found to be higher in magnitude than that of phenotypic correlation coefficients for most of the traits under investigation, which clearly indicated the presence of inherent association among various characters. The genotypic correlation analysis in the present study observed significant positive association for grain yield with five yield contributing characters viz., numbers of productive tillers/plant, biological yield/plant, weight of grains/spike, weight of spike and numbers of grain/spike. Thus, selection for these characters would be directly follow the immediate improvement of  the grain yield for wheat crop. Analysis of phenotypic path coefficient for various traits on grain yield disclosed highest positive direct effect on grain yield for numbers of productive tillers/plant tracked by biological yield/plant, weight of grains/spike, test weight, harvest index, numbers of grains/spike and numbers of spikelets/spike. Whilst, highest positive indirect effect on grain yield was documented for biological yield per plant via numbers of productive tillers/plants. Henceforward, these traits must be given weightage in selection for the improvement of wheat in future breeding programmes.
The Effect of Heavy Metal Contaminants in Some Herbal Cosmetics on Cardiovascular Risk Indices of Rabbits
Authors: Holy Brown , Thompson N. I. , Matthew E. Adu
Published: April 2023

Background: Cosmetics are ornamental products used in the improvement of the physical outlook of either the face or skin. These may be synthetic or natural depending on the source of production. Herbal cosmetics have gained prominence in our daily lives due to the belief that they are natural. Evidence has shown that they contain heavy metals which may alter biochemical parameters in the cause of usage. This study aims to evaluate the effects of heavy metals on the serum lipid profile and cardiovascular risk indices of rabbits.

Materials and Methods: Three herbal oil namely All things natural (Emi herbal oil), Kakiva (Kakiva herbal oil), and Amal (botanical herbal oil) as well as forty–eight rabbits were purchased from a market in an animal house in Port Harcourt respectively. The rabbits were exposed to the oil for 30, 60, and 90 days and sacrificed for blood samples. The lipid profile and cardiovascular risk indices were evaluated using standard methods. Data were analyzed using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) to compare means.

Results: There were no significant differences in the lipid profile and cardiovascular risk indices in 30 days. However, there was significantly higher total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein but lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol after exposure in 60 days and 90 days.

Conclusion: It is, therefore, pertinent to conclude that herbal cosmetics contain heavy metals which may alter the lipid profile and expose users to cardiovascular risk.
Active site residue 297 of Aspergillus niger phytase critically affects the catalytic properties
Authors: Tomschy Andrea , Wyss Markus , Kostrewa Dirk , Vogel Kurt , Tessier Michel , Höfer Sandra , Bürgin Haimin , Kronenberger Alexandra , Rémy Roland , van Loon Adolphus P.G.M , Pasamontes Luis
Published: July 2002

The wild‐type phytases from the Aspergillus niger strains NRRL 3135 and T213 display a three‐fold difference in specific activity (103 versus 32 U/mg protein), despite only 12 amino acid differences that are distributed all over the sequence of the protein. Of the 12 divergent positions, three are located in or close to the substrate binding site. Site‐directed mutagenesis of these residues in A. niger T213 phytase showed that the R297Q mutation (R in T213, Q in NRRL 3135) fully accounts for the differences in catalytic properties observed. Molecular modelling revealed that R297 may directly interact with a phosphate group of phytic acid. The fact that this presumed ionic interaction – causing stronger binding of substrates and products – correlates with a lower specific activity indicates that product (myo‐inositol pentakisphosphate) release is the rate‐limiting step of the reaction.
Catalase negative Staphylococcus aureus retain virulence in mouse model of chronic granulomatous disease
Authors: Messina Carlo G.M , Reeves Emer P , Roes Jürgen , Segal Anthony W
Published: July 2002

Myeloperoxidase‐mediated chlorination is thought to be a necessary microbicidal mechanism. The H2O2 required for this process is generated by the NADPH oxidase. Staphylococcus aureus can also produce H2O2, which is not broken down by catalase negative organisms. It has been thought that this bacterial H2O2 can substitute for cellular H2O2 in the halogenation reaction in chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) where neutrophils are lacking the NADPH oxidase. We have readdressed this issue in a mouse model of CGD using clinical isolates of catalase positive and negative strains of S. aureus. The results showed these organisms to be equally virulent and that the H2O2 they produced is insufficient to cause significant iodination, a marker for chlorination, thereby contradicting the accepted views on this subject.
Requirement of Rbp9 in the maintenance of Drosophila germline sexual identity
Authors: Lee Sook Hee , Kim Young-Joon , Kim-Ha Jeongsil
Published: July 2002

Drosophila germline sex determination is controlled by a group of genes expressed at early stages of oogenesis (ovo, otu, bam, and Sxl, etc.). Mutations in these genes cause not only sex transformation of female germ cells, but also ovarian tumors. Although mutations at the Rbp9 locus also cause an ovarian tumor phenotype, Rbp9 has been shown to function during later developmental stages than do other ovarian tumor‐causing genes. To test whether Rbp9 is also required for germline sex determination, we examined the sex transformation process of female germ cells in Rbp9 mutant flies. The detection of Sxl male transcripts and other male germline markers in Rbp9 mutant ovaries revealed that the Rbp9 mutation caused a partial germline sex transformation. Therefore, sex determination signals that persist throughout oogenesis appear to be required for proper maintenance of germline sexual identity.
Enzymatic Synthesis of α‐Butylglucoside Linoleate in a Packed Bed Reactor for Future Pilot Scale‐up
Authors: Bousquet Marie‐Pierre , Willemot René‐Marc , Monsan Pierre , Boures Emmanuel
Published: July 2002

The enzymatic synthesis of a mixture of unsaturated fatty acid α‐butylglucoside esters, containing more than 60% α‐butylglucoside linoleate, was achieved through lipase‐catalyzed esterification. The continuous evaporation under reduced pressure of the water produced enabled substrate conversions greater than 95% to be reached. Two immobilized lipases from Candida antarctica (Chirazyme L2, c.‐f., C2) and Rhizomucor miehei (Chirazyme L9, c.‐f.) were compared in stirred batch and packed bed configurations. When the synthesis was carried out in stirred batch mode, C. antarctica lipase appeared to be of greater interest than the R. miehei enzyme in terms of stability and regioselectivity. Surprisingly, a change in the process design to a packed bed configuration enabled the stability of R. miehei lipase to be significantly improved, while the C. antarctica lipase efficiency to synthesize unsaturated fatty acid α‐butylglucoside esters was slightly decreased. Water content in the microenvironment of the biocatalyst was assumed to be responsible for such changes. When the process is run in stirred batch mode, the conditions used promote the evaporation of the essential water surrounding the enzyme, which probably leads to R. miehei lipase dehydration. In contrast, the packed bed design enabled such water evaporation in the microenvironment of the biocatalyt to be avoided, which resulted in a tremendous improvement of R. miehei lipase stability. However, C. antarctica lipase led to the formation of 3% diesters, whereas the final percentage of diesters reached 21% when R. miehei enzyme was used as biocatalyst. A low content of diesters is of greater interest in terms of α‐butylglucoside linoleate application as linoleic acid carrier, and therefore the enzyme choice will have to be made depending on the properties expected for the final product.
Food allergen avoidance – the patient's viewpoint
Authors: Gowland M. Hazel
Published: July 2002

The profile of potentially fatal food allergies has altered in recent years. The vigilance required for allergen avoidance when shopping or eating out depends on information which is often hidden or misleading. Families with allergic children suffer social exclusion and stress, made worse by a serious shortage of specialist patient care. Those who die are usually teenagers and young adults who suffer from severe allergic asthma or anaphylaxis after eating away from the home. A recognised manufacturing standard would endorse businesses seeking to remove the risk of allergen cross‐contamination, whilst the integration of allergy into training for caterers and environmental health professionals would influence and inform foodservice businesses.
Interaction of pleurocidin and its analogs with phospholipid membrane and their antibacterial activity
Authors: Yoshida K. , Mukai Y. , Niidome T. , Takashi C. , Tokunaga Y. , Hatakeyama T. , Aoyagi H.
Published: July 2002

Abstract:A 25‐mer cationic peptide pleurocidin, isolated from the winter flounder, has broad antibacterial activity. To clarify the structure–activity relationship, its properties and biological activity were examined. CD measurements showed that pleurocidin took an α‐helical structure in the presence of DOPC/DOPG (3 : 1, anionic) vesicles. Very weak hemolytic activity of pleurocidin was observed and its antibacterial activity was moderate. Tryptophan fluorescence shift measurements showed that pleurocidin interacted weakly with a neutral phospholipid, but strongly with an acidic phospholipid. The peptide exhibited weak dye‐leakage activity for DOPC (neutral) vesicles and moderate activity for acidic vesicles. From experiments on dye‐leakage activity and membrane translocation of the peptide, it seemed likely that pleurocidin, like magainin 2, forms pores in the lipid membrane. A study of amino acid substitution in pleurocidin revealed that α‐helicity, rather than hydrophobicity, affects the properties and activity of the peptide.
Identification and properties of type I‐signal peptidases of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
Authors: Chu Hoang Ha , Hoang Viet , Kreutzmann Peter , Hofemeister Brigitte , Melzer Michael , Hofemeister Jürgen
Published: July 2002

The use of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens for enzyme production and its exceptional high protein export capacity initiated this study where the presence and function of multiple type I signal peptidase isoforms was investigated. In addition to type I signal peptidases SipS(ba) [Meijer, W.J.J., de Jong, A., Bea, G., Wisman, A., Tjalsma, H., Venema, G., Bron, S. & van Dijl, J.M. (1995) Mol. Microbiol.17, 621–631] and SipT(ba) [Hoang, V. & Hofemeister, J. (1995) Biochim. Biophys. Acta1269, 64–68] which were previously identified, here we present evidence for two other Sip‐like genes in B. amyloliquefaciens. Same map positions as well as sequence motifs verified that these genes encode homologues of Bacillus subtilis SipV and SipW. SipU‐encoding DNA was not found in B. amyloliquefaciens. SipW‐encoding DNA was also found for other Bacillus strains representing different phylogenetic groups, but not for Bacillus stearothermophilus and Thermoactinomyces vulgaris. The absence of these genes, however, could have been overlooked due to sequence diversity. Sequence alignments of 23 known Sip‐like proteins from Bacillus origin indicated further branching of the P‐group signal peptidases into clusters represented by B. subtilis SipV, SipS‐SipT‐SipU and B. anthracis Sip3‐Sip5 proteins, respectively. Each B. amyloliquefaciens sip(ba) gene was expressed in an Escherichia coli LepBts mutant and tested for genetic complementation of the temperature sensitive (TS) phenotype as well as pre‐OmpA processing. Although SipS(ba) as well as SipT(ba) efficiently restored processing of pre‐OmpA in E. coli, only SipS(ba) supported growth at TS conditions, indicating functional diversity. Changed properties of the sip(ba) gene disruption mutants, including cell autolysis, motility, sporulation, and nuclease activities, seemed to correlate with specificities and/or localization of B. amyloliquefaciens SipS, SipT and SipV isoforms.
Experimental manipulation of breeding density and litter size: effects on reproductive success in the bank vole
Authors: Koskela Esa , Mappes Tapio , Ylo­Nen Hannu
Published: July 2002

1. Reproductive success of individual females may be determined by density‐dependent effects, especially in species where territory provides the resources for a reproducing female and territory size is inversely density‐dependent.

2. We manipulated simultaneously the reproductive effort (litter size manipulation: ± 0 and + 2 pups) and breeding density (low and high) of nursing female bank voles Clethrionomys glareolus in outdoor enclosures. We studied whether the reproductive success (number and quality of offspring) of individual females is density‐dependent, and whether females can compensate for increased reproductive effort when not limited by saturated breeding density.

3. The females nursing their young in the low density weaned significantly more offspring than females in the high density, independent of litter manipulation.

4. Litter enlargements did not increase the number of weanlings per female, but offspring from enlarged litters had lower weight than control litters.

5. In the reduced density females increased the size of their home range, but litter manipulation had no significant effect on spacing behaviour of females. Increased home range size did not result in heavier weanlings.

6. Mother's failure to successfully wean any offspring was more common in the high density treatment, whereas litter manipulation or mother's weight did not affect weaning success.

7. We conclude that reproductive success of bank vole females is negatively density‐dependent in terms of number, but not in the quality of weanlings.

8. The nursing effort of females (i.e. the ability to provide enough food for pups) seems not to be limited by density‐dependent factors.
Historical processes and environmental factors as determinants of inter‐island differences in endemic faunas: the case of the Balearic Islands
Authors: Palmer M. , Pons G. X. , Cambefort I. , Alcover J. A.
Published: July 2002

Aim We describe current interisland similarities of endemic faunas, and elucidate the significance of historical factors and environmental ones in determining the pattern found.

Location The six major islands of the Balearics (Western Mediterranean).

Method An extensive review of all the endemic fauna ranging from platyhelminthes to mammals is made. From 568 presumed endemic species and subspecies, 230 full species with neither taxonomic nor distributional uncertainty are chosen. Inter‐island similarities are determined using such a presence‐absence matrix. Finally, relationships between the matrix of faunistic similarity and a number of matrices measuring environmental and historical factors are elucidated.

Results Endemic fauna similarities depend clearly on historical factors. Dependence on environmental factors is unclear. Moreover, endemic fauna reveals two clear‐cut clusters of islands within the Balearics: the Gymnesic Islands, in the NE, and the Pityusic Islands in the SW. Historical factors cluster the Balearic Islands in the same way. Contrasting, environmental variables show smoothed, no significant differences among the Gymnesics and the Pityusics.

Main conclusions Pre‐human flora (palynology) and fauna (bird and mammal fossil record) suggest that environmental differences among the Gymnesics and the Pityusics have now been reduced in comparison to the environmental differences at the Pleistocene and Holocene boundary. This environmental homogenization is likely related with human invasion. Historical effects of prehuman differences between Gymnesic and Pityusic Islands are still recognizable on endemic fauna. In contrast, there is no historical effects on interisland similarities using currently breeding birds (as an example of organisms well‐dispersed and related to vegetation type). We explain the pattern of interisland similarities of endemic fauna as the result of the independent histories among the two islands groups. Contrasting, successive colonizations and extinctions would determine interisland similarities of breeding birds.
Cystic renal cell carcinoma: pathological features, survival and implications for treatment
Authors: Bielsa  , Lloreta  , Gelabert‐Mas
Published: July 2002

Objectives

 To assess the incidence, clinicopathological features, prognosis and therapeutic options of cystic renal cell carcinoma (CRCC).

Patients and methods

 The clinical records and nephrectomy specimens from 206 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were reviewed after a minimum follow‐up of 5 years. The mode of presentation, tumour size, growth pattern, nuclear grade, cytoplasmic appearance and pathological stage at presentation were compared with the outcome, as measured by disease‐free and overall survival of the patients.

Results

 From the 206 patients with RCC, 25 (12%) were classified as having CRCC; most of these cases (96%) occurred in male patients, as opposed to 64% in the remaining patients RCC (P=0.0029). The clinical features at diagnosis were similar in both groups, although asthenia, anorexia and weight loss were uncommon in patients with CRCC (P=0.045). Nuclear grade and pathological stage were usually lower in those with CRCC than in those with RCC (P=0.0071 and P=0.0033, respectively). Survival was significantly longer in patients with CRCC (P=0.0342).

Conclusions

 CRCC is a type of RCC that is usually identified at earlier stages, has a slower growth rate, and is therefore associated with a better prognosis and longer survival than conventional RCC. The differential diagnosis between CRCC, cystic multilocular nephroma and cysts with a superimposed infectious or haemorrhagic process can be extremely difficult in imaging studies, and even in intra‐operative frozen‐section analysis. Because of this, and with the better prognosis of CRCC, a conservative surgical approach would be the treatment of choice whenever technically feasible.
Non‐dipping circadian blood pressure and renal impairment are associated with increased mortality in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sturrock N. D. C. , George E. , Pound N. , Stevenson J. , Peck G. M. , Sowter H.
Published: July 2002

Aims To assess the relevance of circadian blood pressure variation to future morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Methods A retrospective descriptive 4 year follow‐up study of data collected after ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in a clinic setting.

Results Seventy‐five patients (46 male; 29 female) of whom 41% had Type 1 diabetes and 59% Type 2 were followed up for a median of 42 months (11–56). The median creatinine for the whole group at baseline was 101 (56–501) μmol/l. The median circadian blood pressures for the total study population were 147 (110–194)/87 (66–109) mmHg during daytime and 132 (86–190)/77 (50–122) mmHg during night‐time. Half of the patients exhibited a fall in night‐time pressures to 10% lower than daytime pressures (dippers). Dippers were younger, 47 (32–75) years, than non‐dippers, 57 (35–79) years, P = 0.03. Over time, dippers had a lower mortality than non‐dippers, with 8% deaths in the cohort of dippers, 26% deaths in the cohort of non‐dippers, P = 0.04. Cox regression analysis revealed significant contributions from age, duration of diabetes and baseline renal function to subsequent mortality in non‐dippers. Analysing current degree of renal impairment and original dipper status together revealed that, of those patients whose creatinine remained normal, 7% of patients whose blood pressure dipped had subsequently died and 10% of non‐dipping patients had died; of those patients whose creatinine unequivocally rose, 10% of dipping patients had died and 42% of non‐dipping patients had died, P = 0.03

Conclusions Loss of circadian variation in blood pressure is associated with an increased mortality rate, regardless of diabetes type. The combination of non‐dipping and subsequent renal impairment leads to the highest mortality rate. The study suggests a role for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in day‐to‐day clinical practice to select patients with nephropathy who are at greatest risk, in an effort to alter outcome.
Optical response of epitaxial films of YBa2Cu3O7−δ
Authors: Forrester M. G. , Gottlieb M. , Gavaler J. R. , Braginski A. I.
Published: July 2002

We present the results of measurements of optical detection in epitaxial films of YBa2Cu3O7−δ, at wavelengths of 0.63 and 10.6 μm. In contrast to the behavior observed in granular materials, these films appear to show no evidence of nonequilibrium response (breaking of Cooper pairs by photons), but only a bolometric effect (heating of the sample by radiation) in the resistive transition regime. This suggests that epitaxial films do not contain intrinsic links weak enough to be modulated by the incident radiation. For 0.63 μm radiation, mechanically chopped at 725 Hz, measurements of a 10 μm ×90 μm bridge yield a bolometric responsivity of approximately 4×103 V/W, and a detectivity D* of more than 108 cm Hz1/2/W.
Low-temperature preparation of superconducting YBa2Cu3O7−δ films on Si, MgO, and SrTiO3 by thermal coevaporation
Authors: Berberich P. , Tate J. , Dietsche W. , Kinder H.
Published: July 2002

We used simple thermal coevaporation of yttrium, barium, and copper in an oxygen atmosphere to produce thin films of the 90 K superconductor, YBa2Cu3O7−δ, on silicon, magnesium oxide, and strontium titanate. The films were deposited on 650 °C substrates and were superconducting when removed from the evaporator. A short post-anneal at 480 °C produced films on bare Si with transition temperatures (R=0) of 85 K. Films as thin as 0.13 μm, superconducting at 91 K (on MgO) and 89 K (on SrTiO3), were obtained with no post-anneal.
Superconducting glass ceramics with T
c=100 K based on the Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system
Authors: Komatsu T. , Sato R. , Matusita K. , Yamashita T.
Published: July 2002

Superconducting glass ceramics of Bi0.8Pb0.2SrCaCu1.5Oy (sample A) and BiPb0.2SrCaCu1.5Oy (sample B) have been prepared by using the melt quenching method. It was found that the volume fraction of the high Tc phases in sample A annealed at 830 or 840 °C for 250 h was much higher than that in sample B. The annealed (840 °C, 250 h) sample A exhibited superconductivity with a Tc (zero) of 100 K and a critical current density (77 K, zero magnetic field) of 120 A/cm2.
Γ- and X-band contributions to nonresonant tunneling in GaAs/Al0.35Ga0.65As double quantum wells
Authors: Alexander M. G. W. , Nido M. , Reimann K. , Rühle W. W. , Köhler K.
Published: July 2002

Time-resolved photoluminescence in the picosecond regime is performed on an asymmetric GaAs/Al0.35Ga0.65As double quantum well structure with a barrier thickness of 6 nm to obtain the Γ- and X-point barrier contributions to nonresonant tunneling. Application of hydrostatic pressure up to 37 kbar at 5 K reveals that tunneling via virtual X states is at least 800 times less efficient than via virtual Γ states. Above 24.5 kbar an extremely fast scattering of electrons out of the n=1 quantized level of the narrower quantum well is observed.
Common path scanning heterodyne optical profilometer for absolute phase measurement
Authors: Offside M. J. , Somekh M. G. , See C. W.
Published: July 2002

A scanning optical profilometer is described which overcomes some of the limitations of existing interferometric profilometers. Two laser beams are incident on the sample ensuring common path operation. One beam forms a tightly focused sample probe spot and the other remains collimated, acting as a large-area, common path reference beam. Our configuration allows the relative size of the two beams to be varied both arbitrarily and independently, thus guaranteeing an accurate absolute phase measurement. Preliminary results demonstrating the operation of the system are presented.
Grain boundary diffusion activation energy derived from surface roughness measurements of aluminum thin films
Authors: Levenson L. L.
Published: July 2002

Surface roughness measurements of 600-nm-thick aluminum thin films deposited on oxidized silicon substrates have been made by Verkerk and Raaymakers [Appl. Opt. 25, 3602 (1986)]. Here, their data are shown to yield an Arrhenius activation energy of 0.55±0.05 eV/atom. This activation energy is found for T>0.5 Tm, where T is the substrate temperature during deposition and Tm is the melting temperature of aluminum. The regime T>0.5Tm is known to correspond to zone 3 of the structure zone model (SZM) developed by Movchan and Demchishin [Fiz. Metal. Metalloved. 28, 653 (1969)]. The activation energy for grain growth within zone 3 is attributed primarily to bulk or grain boundary diffusion. The activation energy derived from the data of Verkerk and Raaymakers agrees well with the known activation energy for grain boundary diffusion in bulk aluminum, 0.56 eV/atom.
Optical reflectivity measurements using a laser plasma light source
Authors: Bortz M. L. , French R. H.
Published: July 2002

Light produced by a laser plasma light source (LPLS) is used to perform optical reflectivity measurements on single crystals from 5 to 40 eV in a single experiment. The intense continuum generated by the rare-earth plasma allows a significantly higher resolution above 15 eV and extends the measurements to higher energies than those attainable with other laboratory based light sources. This is the first application of a LPLS to vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy of solids and we demonstrate this capability on two insulating materials, α-Al2O3 and MgAl2O4.
Heteroepitaxial Si/Al2O3/Si structures
Authors: Ishida Makoto , Sawada Kazuaki , Yamaguchi Shinsuke , Nakamura Tetsuro , Suzaki Tetsuo
Published: July 2002

A double-heteroepitaxial Si/γ-Al2O3/Si structure was realized. An epitaxial (100)Si layer with high quality was successfully grown on a (100)γ-Al2O3/(100)Si substrate by Si2H6 gas-source molecular beam epitaxy at substrate temperatures between 700 and 800 °C. The γ-Al2O3/Si substrate was fabricated by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition with Al(CH3 )3 and N2 O gases. The reflection high-energy electron diffraction patterns of the 3000-Å-thick Si epitaxial layer indicated streaked 2×1 patterns. This Si film had a mirror-like surface, and smooth surface morphology was observed from replica electron micrographs. From the Auger depth profile of the epitaxial layers, it was found that the double-heteroepitaxial Si/Al2O3/Si structure had a sharper interface between Al2 O3 and the epitaxial Si film due to the low growth temperatures.
Surface and interface free-carrier depletion in GaAs molecular beam epitaxial layers: Demonstration of high interface charge
Authors: Look D. C. , Stutz C. E. , Evans K. R.
Published: July 2002

Molecular beam epitaxial GaAs layers of electron concentration 1.69×1017 cm−3, and various thicknesses d=0.25, 0.50, 1.00, and 2.00 μm, have been grown on semi-insulating GaAs substrates and characterized by the Hall effect and capacitance-voltage (C-V) techniques. A plot of sheet Hall concentration ns vs d gives accurate values of (ND−NA) and (ws+wi), the sum of the surface and interface free-carrier depletion widths, respectively. The C-V measurements verify the value of ND−NA, and also give a good estimate of wi. By comparing the value of wi with depletion theory, it is shown unambiguously that the interface depletion is mainly due to interface states, of concentration 1.2×1012 cm−2 (below midgap). This result has important technological implications.
Growth of regularly coiled carbon filaments by Ni catalyzed pyrolysis of acetylene, and their morphology and extension characteristics
Authors: Motojima Seiji , Kawaguchi Masayuki , Nozaki Koji , Iwanaga Hiroshi
Published: July 2002

Regularly coiled carbon filaments have been obtained by the catalytic pyrolysis of acetylene at 350–750 °C using Ni plate and powder as a catalyst. Morphology and extension characteristics of the obtained coiled filaments were examined in some detail. The regularly coiled filaments have generally a 0.1–0.3 μm thickness, a 2–8 μm coil diameter, and a 0.1–5 mm coil length. The coiled filaments were always formed by the entwistness of two pair coils which grew in the same direction simultaneously from a diamond-shaped Ni seed. We have found that the coiled filaments could be elastically extended up to about three times versus the original coil length.
Generation of picosecond pulses with a gain-switched GaAs surface-emitting laser
Authors: Karin J. R. , Melcer L. G. , Nagarajan R. , Bowers J. E. , Corzine S. W. , Morton P. A. , Geels R. S. , Coldren L. A.
Published: July 2002

Pulses shorter than 4 ps (deconvolved) have been obtained by optically gain switching a GaAs multiple quantum well vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser with a picosecond dye laser. Pulse width and relative peak delay were measured as a function of pump power. A theoretical model of the large signal response agrees well with the measured data. The model predicts the minimum achievable pulse width and pulse delay for this device structure. Experimental results and calculated values indicate that very high modulation rates are possible with vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers.
Growth of highly oriented tin oxide thin films by laser evaporation deposition
Authors: Dai C. M. , Su C. S. , Chuu D. S.
Published: July 2002

Conducting and transparent thin films of tin oxide were prepared by the laser evaporation of an undoped powder-pressed polycrystalline tin oxide target onto unheated substrates. After characterizing these films, the results reveal that the films are highly oriented and with a grain size ∼0.2 μm. The nearly stoichiometric deposition of tin oxide films with deposition rates exceeding 24 Å per pulse was obtained by this method. The lowest resistivity obtained is 3.0×10−3 Ω cm. The visible transmittance (between 4000 and 7000 Å) is above 75%.
Electromigration failure in YBa2Cu3O7−x thin films
Authors: Vitta Satish , Stan M. A. , Warner J. D. , Alterovitz S. A.
Published: July 2002

Electromigration failure in highly oriented YBa2Cu3O7−x thin films below the superconducting transition temperature is reported here for the first time. The film on SrTiO3 failed at 86 K, 2.3×105 A cm−2; while that on LaAlO3 failed at 84 K, 9.3×105 A cm−2. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray analysis of the films after failure shows that Cu migrates preferentially away from the failure region towards the electrode.
Ion and neutral temperatures in electron cyclotron resonance plasma reactors
Authors: Nakano Toshiki , Sadeghi Nader , Gottscho Richard A.
Published: July 2002

Ion and neutral temperatures are measured by high-resolution laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy both in the source and downstream of an electron cyclotron resonance discharge through mixtures of Ar, Ar/Ne, and Ar/He. Contrary to previous reports, both ions and neutrals are found to be cold. In the source, ion temperatures perpendicular to the magnetic field are ≤0.5 eV; downstream they are ∼0.25 eV. Neutral temperatures in the source and downstream are 0.068 and 0.030 eV, respectively.
Solvation forces near a graphite surface measured with an atomic force microscope
Authors: O’Shea S. J. , Welland M. E. , Rayment T.
Published: July 2002

Solvation force interactions in a liquid near a solid wall (graphite) were investigated using an atomic force microscope. The general features of the data show the distinctive oscillatory force curve associated with solvation forces, with a mean periodicity approximately equal to the minimum dimensions of the molecules. Moreover, the graphite surface can still be imaged with atomic resolution; which suggests that the technique can be used for the detailed study of short range forces over specific parts of various surfaces.
Dependence of cathode aperture in pulsed hollow-cathode discharges
Authors: Favre M. , Leñero A. M. , Choi P. , Chuaqui H. , Wyndham E.
Published: July 2002

The effect of electric field penetration in the hollow-cathode region of self-initiated pulsed hollow-cathode discharge is investigated. The discharge is operated in hydrogen at pressures between 30 and 200 mTorr with applied voltages between 10 and 30 kV. Aluminum cathodes with aperture diameters and lengths from 1 to 5 and 2 to 18 mm, respectively, are used. The results show that the effect of the hollow cathode in discharge initiation is particularly strong at low pressures. In the range of parameters investigated, the time delay to breakdown and the jitter decrease when cathode aperture with larger diameters and shorter lengths are used. At high pressure the pulsed hollow-cathode effect is less important as ionization processes in the main gap become dominant.
Quantitative analysis of strain relaxation in GexSi1−x/Si(110) heterostructures and an accurate determination of stacking fault energy in GexSi1−x alloys
Authors: Hull R. , Bean J. C. , Peticolas L. J. , Bahnck D. , Weir B. E. , Feldman L. C.
Published: July 2002

We report a quantitative theoretical and experimental analysis of strain relaxation in GexSi1−x/Si(110) heterostructures. It is shown that above a critical composition, the critical thickness for edge a/6〈112〉 Shockley partial dislocations is less than that for 60° a/2〈110〉 total dislocations. The net (excess) stress is greater on the edge a/6〈112〉 dislocations for epilayer thicknesses, h<hx, but greater on the 60° a/2〈110〉 dislocations for h≳hx. The sensitive calculated dependence of hx upon the stacking fault energy per unit area γ allows an experimental determination of γ=65±10 mJ m−2 for x∼0.3 in GexSi1−x.
Impact ionization in silicon
Authors: Cartier E. , Fischetti M. V. , Eklund E. A. , McFeely F. R.
Published: July 2002

The electron dynamics for electron energies up to 5 eV has been studied by soft x-ray photoemission spectroscopy. Monte Carlo simulations have been performed to derive the energy dependence of the pair-production rate using these results in combination with published data on the ionization coefficient and on the quantum yield for pair production. The obtained ionization rate shows a very soft threshold at 1.2 eV, approaching the results by Kane [Phys. Rev. 159, 624 (1967)] at higher energies. Several published models have been found to be inconsistent with the full set of experimental data we have considered.