bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arteries in the posterior cervical triangle in man
Authors: Weiglein Andreas H. , Moriggl B. , Schalk C. , Künzel K.H. , Müller U.
Published: September 2005

Due to frequent changes in the anatomical nomenclature of the arteries in the posterior cervical triangle (lateral cervical region), anatomical and surgical papers relating to these topics are sometimes difficult to understand and are hard to compare. These changes, coupled with improper knowledge of the gross anatomy and nomenclature of the arteries in the posterior cervical triangle, have presented difficulties in musculocutaneous flap planning, especially in plastic and reconstructive surgery. As an illustration of this concern, the term, transverse cervical artery (A. transversa colli [cervicis]), and its associated branches, have been used frequently over the past several decades with different meanings. In an effort to address this nomenclature challenge and to offer a rational basis for arguing specific name changes, a total of 498 neck‐halves were investigated in Graz, Innsbruck, and Munich. Lateral neck dissections were carried out to expose the subclavian artery and those branches destined for the posterior cervical triangle, specifically, the superficial cervical artery, the dorsal scapular artery, and the suprascapular artery. The course of these arteries and details of their origins and branching patterns were documented. Several arose either as direct branches or from trunks. The convention used in labeling trunks was similar to that described for other trunk formations in the body (e.g., linguo‐facial trunk). Four trunks were observed and named according to the branches that arose from each. A cervico‐dorsal trunk gave origin to the superficial cervical and dorsal scapular arteries, and was found in 30% of cases. A cervico‐scapular trunk gave rise to the superficial cervical and suprascapular arteries in 22% of cases, and a dorso‐scapular trunk provided origins for the dorsal scapular and suprascapular arteries in 4% of cases. A cervico‐dorso‐scapular trunk gave origin to the superficial cervical artery, the dorsal scapular artery, and the suprascapular artery, and was found in 24% of cases. Each of these trunks, in turn, arose from either the subclavian artery or from the thyrocervical trunk. This labeling convention necessitated omitting the term, transverse cervical artery, because this term has become inherently imprecise and variously used over the years. This study describes a simple, uniform, and rational basis for standardizing the nomenclature of the arteries in the posterior cervical triangle. Clin. Anat. 18:553–557, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stature estimation based on hand length and foot length
Authors: Sanli Sultan G. , Kizilkanat Emine D. , Boyan Neslihan , Ozsahin Esin T. , Bozkir M. Gulhal , Soames Roger , Erol Hamza , Oguz Ozkan
Published: September 2005

This study was carried out to estimate the relationship between hand length, foot length and stature using multiple linear regression analyses based on a sample of male and female adult Turks residing in Adana. Measurements of hand length, foot length and stature were taken from 155 adult Turks (80 male, 75 female) aged 17–23 years. The participants were students of the Medical Faculty of Cukurova University. A multiple linear regression model was fitted to the observed data. Stature was taken as the response or dependent variable, hand length and foot length were taken as explanatory variables or regressors. All possible (simple and multiple) linear regression models for each of males, females and both genders together were tested for the best model. The multiple linear regression model for both genders together was found to be the best model with the highest values for the coefficients of determination R2 = 0.861 and R = 0.859, and multiple correlation coefficient R = 0.928. Clin. Anat. 18:589–596, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Correlation between the course of the medial plantar artery and the morphology of the abductor hallucis muscle
Authors: Macchi Veronica , Tiengo Cesare , Porzionato Andrea , Stecco Carla , Parenti Anna , Mazzoleni Francesco , Ger Ralph , De Caro Raffaele
Published: September 2005

The abductor hallucis muscle flap is commonly used as a proximally‐based flap in the management of ankle, heel, and midfoot lesions, where it is ideally suited for closing defects. This study investigates the anatomical details of this muscle in 13 fresh male cadavers. The medial plantar artery (MPA) was studied by dissection and macroscopic analyses to document the relationship of its superficial and deep branches with respect to the abductor hallucis muscle (AHM). Three main patterns could be described. In Pattern A (54%) the MPA divides into two branches. The deep branch reaches the deep surface of the AHM, supplying its proximal part, and the superficial branch courses between the AHM and the flexor digitorum brevis, to end as the first plantar metatarsal artery. The latter supplies two to three small branches to the distal part of the AHM. The fibers of the AHM end symmetrically on the two sides of the tendon and the muscle presents an arciform shape. The MPA, in Pattern B (38%), lacks a deep branch and continues along the lateral border of the AHM as a superficial branch that supplies proximal and distal collaterals to the muscle. The muscle fibers of the AHM end mainly on the medial side of the tendon. The muscle belly presents an arciform shape and is located on the medial margin of the foot superomedially with respect to Pattern A. In Pattern C (8%) the MPA continues as a large deep branch on the deep surface of the AHM and ends as the medial collateral artery of the big toe. A smaller superficial branch of the MPA provides a few collaterals to the AHM from its proximal part and to the flexor digitorum brevis in its distal part. The AHM fibers end mainly on the lateral side of the tendon and morphologically the muscle presents a straight line on the sole of the foot compared to Pattern A. Although Patterns B and C, from a surgical point of view, necessitate interruption of the main trunk of the MPA, Pattern A may permit the vascularization of the muscles of the medial side of the sole of the foot by the superficial trunk of the MPA. Because preoperative radiological study of the plantar vessels correlate with the morphological characteristics of the AHM observed during surgery, such imaging may be useful in determining the appropriate flap design based on the patient's unique pattern of MPA branching. Clin. Anat. 18:580–588, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contrahentes digitorum muscle
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Salter E. George , Oakes W. Jerry
Published: September 2005

Variations of the adductor pollicis muscle of the hand are seemingly rare. We describe an unusual finding of this muscle made during the routine dissection of a cadaveric hand as part of our medical school's gross anatomy course. We believe this case report represents persistence of a portion of the contrahentes digitorum in a human hand. As muscle variations may compress the median nerve while in the carpal tunnel, the clinician should be aware of such a variation. Clin. Anat. 18:606–608, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Peer Led Focus Groups and Young People
Authors: Murray Cathy
Published: September 2005

Peer led focus groups, a qualitative social science research method, and their use with young people are examined. The paper outlines three developments that have contributed to their emergence, namely: traditional focus groups, peer education and participatory research. Drawing on a study in progress, the advantages and challenges associated with peer led focus groups are discussed. A key benefit is that the power differential between the adult researcher and the researched is removed, at least at the point of data collection, rendering peer led focus groups one of few research contexts in which young people can speak collectively with no adult present.
Enhancing Service Evaluability: Lessons from a Programme for Disaffected Young People
Authors: Axford Nick , Berry Vashti , Little Michael
Published: September 2005

The effectiveness of children's services is often limited by a series of problems that also impede meaningful evaluation. This article describes and assesses research strategies to enhance the evaluability of a programme for disaffected young people, arguing that they have the potential to improve services more widely. It explores methods for developing a logic model, setting target group criteria, tightening programme components, identifying sufficient suitable candidates and selecting appropriate measures. Examples of other preparatory work aimed at helping the evaluation are given, including firming‐up the programme and evaluation ethics and dealing with the politics of a fairly complex evaluation (a randomised controlled trial) that involves numerous stakeholders.
Refocusing Children's Services Towards Prevention: Lessons from the Literature
Authors: Axford Nick , Little Michael
Published: September 2005

Increasingly, western developed countries are committed to improving prevention and early intervention strategies that address risks in all areas of children's lives. This article considers the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of such refocusing activity. Five sets of strategies for refocusing are described: developing and using local evidence; designing, implementing and evaluating new services (alongside de‐commissioning); fiscal control; mainstreaming reforms and ensuring sustainability; and structural reorganisation. Five benefits of such reforms are outlined: improved outcomes; better inter‐agency working; greater efficiency; improved practice and outputs; and enhanced user and staff satisfaction. The article notes ways of mitigating the risks of refocusing and the need for practical methods that connect strategies and overcome obstacles in order to achieve the identified benefits.
Increased incidence of melanoma in renal transplantation recipients
Authors: Hollenbeak Christopher S. , Todd Michael M. , Billingsley Elizabeth M. , Harper Gregory , Dyer Anne‐Marie , Lengerich Eugene J.
Published: September 2005

BACKGROUND

It is well established that the incidence of nonmelanoma skin carcinoma is increased in renal transplantation recipients. However, existing studies are not in agreement over whether patients who undergo transplantation have an increased risk of melanoma. The objective of this study was to estimate the risk of melanoma among immunosuppressed renal transplantation recipients and to determine whether that risk is associated with patient and transplantation characteristics.

METHODS

The authors studied 89,786 patients who underwent renal transplantation between 1988 and 1998 using the United States Renal Data System. Age standardized (to the United States 2000 population) incidence rates for melanoma were computed as diagnoses per 100,000 population and were compared with rates from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data. Incidence rates also were stratified to examine differences by age and gender.

RESULTS

Of the 89,786 patients who underwent transplantation, 246 patients developed melanoma. The age‐adjusted incidence rate of melanoma among renal transplantation recipients was 55.9 diagnoses per 100,000 population. This represented an increase in age‐adjusted, standardized risk that was 3.6 times greater than the SEER population. Stratified analysis suggested that the risk of melanoma accelerated in male transplantation recipients as age increased, but the risk leveled off with age among female transplantation recipients. Finally, there was a trend for patients who experienced at least 1 acute rejection episode to develop melanoma (odds ratio = 1.34; P = 0.059).

CONCLUSIONS

Renal transplantation recipients were nearly 3.6 times more likely to develop melanoma than the general population. Physicians who care for renal transplantation recipients should be vigilant in screening for melanoma. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Nanocrystalline non‐planar carbons: Growth of carbon nanotubes and curled nanostructures
Authors: Orlanducci S. , Fiori A. , Tamburri E. , Sessa V. , Terranova M. L. , Rossi M.
Published: September 2005

We present a variety of non‐planar graphitic nanostructures selectively generated in a modified Hot‐Filament Chemical Vapour Deposition (HF‐CVD) apparatus, using purpose‐synthesized amorphous carbon nanoparticles or graphite powders as solid state precursor. The employed methodologies enable to successfully synthesize homogeneous and well organized deposits of single‐ and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes, onion‐like nanostructures, and nanotube bundles coated by nano‐sized diamond grains. Variations in the morphological aspect of such non‐planar graphite‐based nanostructures are observed changing the experimental conditions: the solid state reactants, the filament and substrate temperatures, the catalyst concentration, and the atomic hydrogen flux over the substrate play key roles in the phenomenon. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Deposition pressure influence on morphological and electrical properties of poly‐silicon
Authors: Sciuto M. , Papalino L. , Gagliano C. , Padalino M. , Coccorese C. , Mello D. , Renna G. , Franco G.
Published: September 2005

In the modern MOS‐based device the poly‐silicon morphological and electrical properties play a very important role for the final die performance. In particular for flash memory devices, due to the continuous shrinkage, it is very important to control the relationship between process parameters and layer characteristics. In this paper we discuss the influence of deposition pressure on morphological and electrical properties of poly‐silicon deposited by LPCVD. We show that, in spite of amorphous state of as‐deposited layer, after crystallization, poly‐silicon grain size, resistivity and work function strongly depend on deposition pressure. TEM plane view with grain size distribution of the three more interesting cases has been studied. Then these grain sizes have been related with the resistivity. It has been observed that higher pressure tends to decrease grain size and resistivity while lower pressure has the opposite effect. Finally AFM analysis has been performed in order to determine a qualitative grain distribution on the surface. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Multiscale simulation of silicon film growth
Authors: Cavallotti C. , Pantano E. , Veneroni A. , Masi M.
Published: September 2005

The modeling approach (multiscale) linking the different scales encountered in simulating industrial growth processes from the vapor phase of interest for the silicon based microelectronics is here addressed. The final aim is linking the materials and devices performances to the operational parameters of the production techniques. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Silicon carbide growth mechanisms from SiH4, SiHCl3 and nC3H8
Authors: Veneroni A. , Omarini F. , Masi M.
Published: September 2005

A detailed chemical mechanism for the silicon carbide epitaxial growth using chlorinated precursors is presented here. The mechanism involves 155 gas phase and 66 surface reactions among 47 gas phase and 9 surface species, respectively. A comparison with the performances of the standard process using silane is presented and the observed growth rate increase and the disappearing of the homogeneous silicon droplets in gas phase is explained. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Zinc doped GaAs epitaxial layers MOVPE grown by liquid metalorganic sources
Authors: Begotti M. , Ghezzi C. , Longo M. , Magnanini R. , Parisini A. , Tarricone L. , Vantaggio S.
Published: September 2005

The properties of Zinc‐doped GaAs, grown by MOVPE employing the tertiary buthyl arsine precursor, were studied as a function of the doping level, comprised within the (1 × 1016 – 7 × 1019 cm–3) range. Hall effect measurements were performed as a function of temperature; the simultaneous analysis of the Hall hole density and Hall mobility gave the effective doping concentration, the thermal ionisation energy of the acceptor impurities and the compensation ratio. Fast Fourier Transform Photoluminescence measurements were performed on the GaAs layers; the results were correlated with those obtained from the electrical analysis. A comparison of the obtained data with the results of an analogous investigation, previously performed on intrinsically Carbon doped GaAs layers, allowed the following conclusions: a) the GaAs layers exhibit a low content of non‐intentional impurities (<1014 cm–3); b) both Zinc and Carbon show a low compensation ratio; c) both Carbon and Zinc doped layers show electrical and optical properties comparable with the state of the art; d) Carbon intrinsic doping appears preferable for low‐medium carrier concentrations, while Zinc appears preferable for medium‐high carrier concentrations (higher than about 5 × 1017 cm–3). (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Designing a large scale CVD reactor for GaAs growth on Ge substrates by multi‐hierachy modeling
Authors: Moscatelli D. , Veneroni A. , Cavallotti C. , Masi M. , Bosi M. , Attolini G. , Pelosi C.
Published: September 2005

A novel large scale MOCVD reactor was designed through the use of models of different complexity and addressing the growth process at different length scales (multi‐hierarchy and multi‐scale approach). Particular care was taken in designing the gas distribution over the whole susceptor up to exhaust to avoid fluid rolls and back circulations. Moreover, a quantum chemistry based refining of GaAs deposition chemistry was performed and the usual macroscale (fluid dynamics and growth rate) simulations were used for reactor design. The reactor was then constructed, installed and placed on operation to test its real performances. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Development of InN metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy using in‐situ spectroscopic ellipsometry
Authors: Drago M. , Werner C. , Pristovsek M. , Pohl U. W. , Richter W.
Published: September 2005

Metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy of InN layers on sapphire was studied in‐situ by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), ex‐situ atomic force microscopy and optical microscopy. Surface morphology has been largely improved by using nitrogen instead of hydrogen as carrier gas during sapphire nitridation. Using the sensitivity of in‐situ SE with respect to roughness we established a new growth procedure with low V/III ratio (104) at high temperature (580 °C) and growth rates as high as 350 nm/h, leading to improved electronic layer properties and allowing for growth of comparably thick layers. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The impact of SiC substrate treatment on the heteroepitaxial growth of GaN by plasma assisted MBE
Authors: Brown A. S. , Losurdo M. , Kim T. H. , Giangregorio M. M. , Choi S. , Morse M. , Wu P. , Capezzuto P. , Bruno G.
Published: September 2005

We report on the impact of the preparation of the Si‐face 4H‐SiC(0001)Si substrate using a Ga flash‐off process on the epitaxial growth of GaN by plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy. The nucleation, as well as the resultant structural and morphological properties of GaN grown directly on 4H‐SiC(0001)Si are strongly influenced by the chemical and morphological modifications of the SiC surface induced by the Ga flash‐off process. Herein we describe the impact of the specific concentration of Ga incident on the surface (quantified in terms of monolayer (ML) coverage): of 0.5 ML, 1ML and 2ML. The residual oxygen at the SiC surface, unintentional SiC nitridation and the formation of cubic GaN grains during the initial nucleation stage, are all reduced when a 2 ML Ga flash is used. All of the above factors result in structural improvement of the GaN epitaxial layers. The correlation between the SiC surface modification, the initial nucleation stage, and the GaN epitaxial layer structural quality has been articulated using x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry data. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of precursors stoichiometry on morphology, crystallinity and electrical properties of ZnTe epilayers grown on (100)GaAs by MOVPE
Authors: Paiano P. , Prete P. , Lovergine N. , Mancini A. M.
Published: September 2005

The effect of precursors vapour stoichiometry on the morphological, structural and electrical properties of nominally undoped ZnTe grown on (100)GaAs by metalorganic vapour phase epitaxy is reported. The epilayers were grown at 350 °C using dimethylzinc (Me2Zn) and di‐isopropyltelluride, varying their molar flow rate ratios (MFRs) between 0.17 and 3.10. Growth in nearly stoichiometric (MFR = 1.03) conditions results in best surface morphology, while samples grown in Te‐rich conditions (MFR > 1.7) showed micron‐size hollow defects (with surface densities up to ∼106 cm–2) elongated in one of the 〈011〉 in‐plane directions. The defects are associated to a local structural disorder of the material, ascribed to the formation of a Ga2Te3 extrinsic phase at the ZnTe/GaAs interface. Ohmic contacts to p ‐ZnTe epilayers were prepared by tungsten evaporation and annealing at 350 °C. The RT hole concentration in the epilayers varies almost linearly with Me2Zn molar flow between 2 × 1015 cm–3 and 5 × 1016 cm–3. Temperature‐dependent Hall measurements performed on samples grown at MFR ≤ 1.03 demonstrate that the material p‐type conductivity originates from a single acceptor centre with an ionisation energy between 94.7 meV and 118 meV, its concentration being in the 1016 cm–3 range and slowly increasing with Me2Zn flow. We ascribe this acceptor to a complex formed by a substitutional carbon atom on a Te site and a donor on a nearest neighbor site (CTe‐DZn), the donor impurity being further identified as Ga diffusing from the substrate. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Hydrogen transport vapour growth and properties of thick CdTe epilayers for RT X‐ray detector applications
Authors: Lovergine N. , Prete P. , Tapfer L. , Marzo F. , Mancini A. M.
Published: September 2005

The morphological, structural, and electrical properties of thick (8 ÷ 50 µm) CdTe epilayers grown on ZnTe/(100)GaAs by H2 transport vapour phase epitaxy (H2T‐VPE) are reported. Using a CdTe powder source temperature of 827 °C and a substrate temperature of 764 °C optimised CdTe epilayers were grown at atmospheric pressure with a smooth and almost featureless surface morphology. Mapping of the high resolution X‐ray diffraction intensity in the vicinity of the CdTe (400) reciprocal lattice point demonstrates that the samples are single crystalline and have negligible mosaicity contribution, supporting the epilayer high crystalline quality. Calibrated secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) elemental depth profiles indicate that at the relatively high growth temperature of H2T‐VPE a complete interdiffusion between the thin ZnTe buffer and the overgrown CdTe crystal occur: ZnTe acts as a sacrificial layer ensuring the homogeneous (100)‐nucleation of CdTe on (100)GaAs during early growth stages. Strong diffusion of Ga and As atoms from the substrate is also observed. The RT electrical properties of epilayers thinner than ∼30 µm are determined by Ga‐related donor centres, leading to intermediate (102 ÷ 104 Ω·cm) resistivity values and electron concentrations which decrease monotonously with increasing epilayer thickness in the 1014–1011 cm–3 range. For thicker samples the material turns to p‐type conductivity with a net hole concentration ∼1013 cm–3. Finally, the unintentional incorporation of H into the epilayers at concentrations up to 6 × 1020 cm–3 is demonstrated by SIMS and ascribed to the H2T‐VPE process. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Rf‐sputtering growth of stoichiometric amorphous TeO2 thin films
Authors: Di Giulio M. , Zappettini A. , Nasi L. , Pietralunga S. M.
Published: September 2005

Amorphous stoichiometric thin films of TeO2 have been successfully grown by reactive rf‐sputtering deposition. The proper choice of deposition parameters such as the rf power, the Ar/O2 composition and pressure of the sputtering gas, the substrate temperature, enabled us to obtain TeOx films of different thickness (up to 2.4 µm) with constant and reproducible optical and structural characteristics. The x value was calculated from RBS measurements to be equal to 2.04 ± 0.08 and all films showed good optical transparency in the visible and near infrared range. The structure of the films was studied by XRD, TEM and SAD, and it was found to be amorphous with the presence of rare and small Te crystallites. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth and characterization of hybrid (CnH2n+1NH3)2CuCl4 self‐assembled films
Authors: Chiarella F. , Zappettini A. , Ferro P. , Besagni T. , Licci F. , Cassinese A. , Barra M. , Vaglio R. , Aruta C.
Published: September 2005

Films of self‐assembled (CnH2n+1NH3)2CuCl4 (1 ≤ n ≤ 4) hybrid structures were prepared and characterized with respect to the structure, the optical absorption and the transport properties. The films were deposited in‐situ, by the Single Source Thermal Ablation (SSTA) procedure on glassy, crystalline and polymeric substrates. The film structure and the morphology, thickness and roughness were almost independent on the substrate. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that the films are well crystallized and c‐axis oriented. Optical absorption measurements in the 9000‐52000 cm–1 interval confirmed the good quality of the films. They also proved that the absorption phenomena are mainly related to the inorganic CuCl64– clusters and to their geometrical configuration. Due to the high optical quality of the films novel absorption features were revealed. The electrical transport measurements indicated that the films are insulating at 300 K, with resistivity values ranging between 103 and 104 Ωcm. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Bottom cell growth aspects for triple junction InGaP/(In)GaAs/Ge solar cells
Authors: Timò G. , Flores C. , Campesato R.
Published: September 2005

The paper discusses the problems of nucleation layer and substrate specification selection for a bottom Ge cell performance. GaAs/Ge, AlGaAs/Ge and InGaP/Ge heterojuctions have been compared showing how lattice matching and dopant interdiffusion control are key aspects for improving the Ge bottom cell photovoltaic response. The influence of substrates orientation, polarity and resistivity on the electrical performances of the bottom cells are presented. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Revealing of defects in CdTe crystals by DSL etching
Authors: Bissoli F. , Weyher J. L. , Zappettini A. , Zha M. , Zanotti L.
Published: September 2005

The effect of DS(L) (Diluited Sirtl with or without Light) solution on CadmiumTelluride crystals has been studied in comparison with the actions due to Inoue and Nakagawa etching solutions. The use of chemical etching to reveal extended defects is a fast and useful technique for characterizing the crystals with the aim of improving the growth technology and better devices performance. In fact it is well known that extensive defects in CdTe crystals have a relevant role on the material properties and finally on the devices performance. DSL solution previously used on Si, GaAs and InP, here has been used for the first time on CdTe crystals. The etching solutions have been used to characterize crystals with two different characteristics: the first group shows high electrical resistivity and close to stoichiometry composition, the second one shows low resistivity behaviour and large Te deviation. We report here the preliminary results of the characterization of these crystals with the DSL etching. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth and characterization of FexMn1‐xIn2Se4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) single crystals
Authors: Attolini G. , Sagredo V. , Mogollón L. , Torres T. , Frigeri C.
Published: September 2005

Single crystals of Mn1‐xFexIn2Se4 with 0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0 were grown by chemical vapor transport technique using I2 as transporting agent. The resulting crystals appeared as brilliant black plates. X‐ray powder diffraction data could be indexed following the hexagonal structure with space group R$ \bar 3 $m for the low Fe concentration samples, while the high concentration sample is associated to the space group P63mc. Both polytypes have similar parameters, however the c parameter reduces as the Fe concentration increases, therefore the number of anion slabs decreases. The characterization of the crystals was based on morphological observations and optical absorption as a function of temperature. The obtained energy gap for the samples at different Fe concentrations suggested that they behave as direct energy gap semiconductors. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Preparation and characterization of powders and crystals of Vn‐xTixO2n‐1 Magneli oxides
Authors: Calestani D. , Licci F. , Kopnin E. , Calestani G. , Gauzzi A. , Bolzoni F. , Besagni T. , Boffa V. , Marezio M.
Published: September 2005

Vn‐xTixO2n‐1 Magnéli phases have been synthesized under vacuum in powder form (n = 4, 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) and crystals (n = 4 and 5, x = 0.5 and 1.4, respectively), grown by chemical vapour transport in closed ampoules. TeCl4 and NH4Cl were used as transporting agents. Needle‐shaped crystals as long as 200‐300 micrometers or 2‐3 mm were obtained when in presence of NH4Cl or TeCl4, respectively. The powder and crystal structures were examined by X‐ray diffraction and the transport and magnetic characteristics were measured.. The powders resulted to be single‐phase and the relevant composition was assumed to be equal to the nominal one. The overall stoichiometry of compounds, n, was determined from single crystal X‐ray diffraction data. The Ti content, x, was deduced from the elementary cell volume, by applying the Végard law. Crystals were mainly untwinned and of good quality. The elementary cell of both, powders and crystals, was triclinic (P‐1) and did not change with doping. DC electrical resistivity of the crystals was measured in a four‐points (van der Pauw) configuration. DC magnetic susceptibility of the powders was measured in a SQUID magnetometer. The Ti doping was found to progressively smooth and finally to suppress the magnetic transitions occurring in the V4O7. The metal‐insulator transitions observed in V4O7 and V5O9, at around 235 and 125 K respectively, were not observed in the doped crystals, thus indicating some significant change of the electronic structure of the V oxides. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Progressive growth rate reduction due to impurity desorption in vapor grown hexamethylenetetramine crystals
Authors: Paorici C. , Zha M. , Razzetti C. , Zanotti L. , Bassano E. , Castagnolo D.
Published: September 2005

The authors report on measurements of the growth rate of hexamethylenetetramine ( HMT ) crystalline layers, when grown by physical vapor transport ( PVT ) in closed ampoules. The measurements are done in‐situ by making use of a telemetric system, by which, at regular time intervals, photographs of the source material volume are taken as is being reduced because of mass transfer. After storing the photographs, in real time, in a pc, a suitable software allows to calculate the mass transport rate during growth. A regular and consistent decrease of the growth rate, as time increases, is always observed in the various growth runs, each of which being carried out for about 80 hours at a source temperature of 94 °C under 1 °C undercooling. Similar decreases have been previously reported for other materials and variously explained. In our case, the growth rate decrease is explained on the basis of a uni‐dimensional PVT model as mainly due to the desorption of volatile impurities which introduce diffusional barriers to the vapour mass transport in a very‐low pressure ( less than 1 mbar ) PVT system. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical evidence of grown‐in strain in solution‐grown hexamethylenetetramine
Authors: Razzetti C. , Ponzoni A. , Mignoni G. , Zha M. , Zanotti L. , Paorici C.
Published: September 2005

We report evidence of grown‐in inhomogeneous strain affecting hexa methylene tetramine (HMT) crystals grown from ethanol‐water solution. Irrespective of the excellent optical quality displayed by the samples during growth, as evaluated in‐situ by optical transmission methods, azimuth‐retardation maps of the specimens, tracked by an ad‐hoc developed polarimetric technique, show that the crystals are affected by strain‐induced inhomogeneous birefringence. This feature may provide a rationale to the erratic estimates of the electro‐optical coefficient of HMT reported in literature. We conjecture that this birefringence may originate jointly from the thermo‐elastic effect and the softness of the material, and then that it may be intrinsic to hydrogen‐ and Van der Waals‐ bonded crystals, even if grown at low temperatures. Were this true, it could justify the inhomogeneous strain indirectly observed in a variety of organic compounds. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structural and morphological modifications of hydroxyapatite‐polyaspartate composite crystals induced by heat treatment
Authors: Bigi A. , Boanini E. , Gazzano M. , Rubini K.
Published: September 2005

Hydroxyapatite ‐ poly‐L‐aspartic acid (HAPASP) composite crystals at different PASP content up to 8%wt were prepared by direct synthesis in aqueous solution. The samples were characterized by WAXS, TEM, TGA, FTIR and chemical analyses before and after heat treatment at different temperatures in the range 400‐1100 °C. PASP denaturation and combustion induced by heat treatment provoke an anisotropic increase of the coherent length of the perfect crystalline domains and of the mean crystal dimensions. The extent of these anisotropic modifications increases on increasing the heat treatment temperature. The results provide further evidence of a preferential interaction of PASP with the HA crystal faces parallel to the c‐axis direction. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Heterogeneous nucleation and growth of crystal bubbles in aqueous solutions and melts ‐ thermodynamic conditions
Authors: Aquilano D. , Costa E. , Rubbo M.
Published: September 2005

3D bubbles of calcite (CaCO3) can nucleate and grow encompassing gas cavities previously formed in supersaturated aqueous solutions on solid substrates. Bubbles are single crystals, their size depending on the cavities size (a few micrometers) and the thickness of their double‐wall being lower than a few nanometers. Chemical and mechanical equilibria controlling this heterogeneous nucleation are described in detail, along with the forbidden polynucleation around a gas cavity in aqueous solution. Further, the behaviour of gas cavities in a melt is explained: they can work as poly‐nucleation catalysers since the conditions imposed by the contact angle are fulfilled by the interplay of the interfacial tensions. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cardiovascular effects of the thiazolidinediones
Authors: Qayyum Rehan , Schulman Peter
Published: September 2005

Thiazolidinediones, used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2, modulate gene expression by binding to nuclear transcription factor, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma. Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor‐gamma is expressed in several tissues, therefore, thiazolidinediones have biological effects on multiple organ systems. Here, we describe evidence that thiazolidinediones have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system independent of their antidiabetic effect. Studies in animals have clearly shown that thiazolidinediones decrease blood pressure, left ventricular hypertrophy, development of atherosclerotic lesions, and protect myocardium from ischemia/reperfusion injury. Although relatively few studies in humans have been reported, the preponderance of available evidence suggests a beneficial effect of thiazolidinediones. Thus, by modulating gene expression, thiazolidinediones may provide a novel method for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrating sustainable development into structural funds programmes: an evaluation of the Scottish experience
Authors: Macleod Calum
Published: September 2005

This article examines the Scottish experience of integrating sustainable development as a cross cutting theme in the European Union's Structural Funds programmes between 2000 and 2006: an approach known as mainstreaming. It explains how the theme has been integrated into the current Scottish programmes and draws on findings from these programmes' mid‐term evaluations to provisionally assess the impact of the mainstreaming agenda. The paper argues that the Scottish approach to integrating the sustainable development theme is based on securing mainstreaming performance rather than more narrowly defined mainstreaming conformance. It goes on to identify and discuss factors that explain this approach. Finally, the article considers the evolving European regional policy context and suggests how sustainable development may be further embedded as the guiding principle for European regional policy programmes between 2007 and 2013. © Crown copyright 2005. Reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationary Office, Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
The environmental dimension of sustainable regional development in the English regions: reflections upon the experience of North West England
Authors: Kidd Sue
Published: September 2005

This paper explores the practice of sustainable development and the emphasis given to environmental considerations in the English regions. Part 1 provides an overview of the rise of regional governance in England and the place of sustainable development within the new regional structures. Part 2 then focuses upon the North West, and the changing emphasis given to the environmental dimension of sustainable regional development is explored with reference to a series of key regional documents. Part 3 considers the extent to which the analysis of the North West might be indicative of other English regions. This is followed by consideration of the importance of institutional structures in promoting sustainable patterns of regional development. It is concluded that an institutionalist perspective may be helpful in understanding why some regions are performing better than others in promoting sustainable patterns of development, and various avenues of future research are proposed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Environment and sustainable development in the EU structural funds: a review of Nordic performance
Authors: Clement Keith
Published: September 2005

The EU Structural Funds represent a major economic instrument with substantial resources and a history of negative environmental impacts. However, over the past decade, a culture of positive environmental integration has evolved within regional programme implementation, and the European Commission has encouraged regional partnerships to give greater consideration first to environment and latterly to sustainable development. This article reviews progress in the Nordic Structural Funds, examining environment and sustainable development integration in 26 programming documents related to Objective 1, Objective 2, Interreg 3A and Interreg 3B. A thematic comparison across programmes indicates good performance in areas such as identifying regional environmental strengths and weaknesses and ensuring continuity of environmental concerns, but tasks such as estimating environmental impact and incorporating environmental gain are under‐represented. Achievements in sustainable development integration are very limited, partly as a consequence of the strong emphasis on environment within the Nordic culture. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Synthesis of Phosphido‐Bridged Phosphinito Platinum(I) Complexes by Reaction of cis‐PtCl2(PHCy2)2 with Oxygenated Bases – Crystal Structure of [(PCy2OMe)Pt(μ‐PCy2)]2(Pt–Pt)
Authors: Gallo Vito , Latronico Mario , Mastrorilli Piero , Nobile Cosimo F. , Suranna Gian P. , Ciccarella Giuseppe , Englert Ulli
Published: September 2005

Reaction of cis‐PtCl2(PHCy2)2 (1) with oxygenated bases leads to phosphido‐bridged dinuclear complexes. The product obtained using sodium hydroxide is the asymmetric PtI complex [(Cy2PH)Pt(μ‐PCy2)(κ2P,O‐μ‐Cy2PO)Pt(Cy2PH)](Pt–Pt) (2), which represents a rare example of a complex containing a Pt–Pt–P–O cycle. The reaction products between 1 and NaOR (R = Me, Et) depend on experimental conditions: lack of base results in the formation of trans‐[Pt(PHCy2)Cl(μ‐PCy2)]2 (3) as the main product. Using an excess of base at 50 °C allowed the isolation of the symmetric PtI dimers [(PCy2OR)Pt(μ‐PCy2)]2(Pt–Pt) (5, R = Me; 7, R = Et) containing two alkyl dicyclohexylphosphinito ligands. The asymmetric compounds [(PCy2H)Pt(μ‐PCy2)2Pt(PCy2OR)](Pt–Pt) (4, R = Me; 8, R = Et) form after work‐up of the reaction of 1 with excess NaOR (8 equiv.) in toluene/methanol at room temperature. Investigations on the mechanism of formation of phosphinito PtI complexes (carried out also employing NaOtBu and NaOPh as oxygenated bases) show that the first two steps of the overall reaction are the metathesis leading to cis‐Pt(OR)2(PHCy2)2 and the subsequent formation of terminal phosphido complexes through ROH elimination. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction showed that molecules of 5 are located on crystallographic inversion centres; hence their necessarily planar Pt2P2 core contains a Pt–Pt bond. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Remembering the cell fate during cellular differentiation
Authors: Zhou Guo‐Ling , Xin Li , Liu De‐Pei , Liang Chih‐Chuan
Published: September 2005

Higher eukaryote contains several hundreds of different cell types, each with a distinctive set of property defined by a unique gene expression pattern, even though every cell (with minor exception) shares the common genome. During cellular differentiation, the committed gene expression pattern is set up and propagated through numerous cell divisions. Therefore, cells must have evolved some elegant and inherent mechanisms to remember their expression states for the requirement of the stability of differentiation and development. Here we speculate a hypothetically cellular memory mechanism. In this hypothesis, the cell–cell variation during cellular differentiation may result from the inherent stochastic gene expression. The evolution of histone and distant regulatory sequences change the parameters of expression stochasticity. S‐phase‐dependent gene activation and epigenetic marks on chromatin provide means to discriminate transcriptionally active and repressive states. Eventually, mitotic memory mechanisms have been developed through which these expression states are transmitted through numerous cell divisions. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of aging on corticosterone secretion in diestrous rats
Authors: Lo Ming‐Jae , Kau Mei‐Mei , Wang Paulus S.
Published: September 2005

The roles of age and prolactin (PRL) in regulating glucocorticoid secretion in diestrous rats were investigated. Adrenal zona fasciculata‐reticularis (ZFR) cells from young, adult, middle (mid)‐aged, and old female rats were isolated. Estrous cycle stage was determined by light microscopy after vaginal smears. Blood samples were collected from right jugular vein at 0, 30, 60, and 120 min after challenge with adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). During the diestrous phase, plasma levels of estradiol and progesterone were lower in mid‐aged and old rats than in either young or adult rats. Age‐dependent increases of the basal levels of plasma PRL and corticosterone were observed. No difference of ACTH‐increased plasma concentrations of corticosterone was observed among young, adult, mid‐aged, and old rats. Aging increased the basal, ACTH‐, PRL‐, forskolin (an adenylate cyclase activator)‐, and 3‐isobutyl‐l‐methylxanthine (IBMX, a non‐selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor)‐stimulated release of corticosterone and production of adenosine 3′, 5′‐cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) in ZFR cells. However, the 8‐Br‐cAMP (a membrane‐permeable cAMP)‐stimulated release of corticosterone was not affected by age. Taken together, these data indicated that aging increased corticosterone secretion in female rats during diestrous phase, which is in part due to an increase in cAMP accumulation. In conclusion, aging and PRL play a stimulatory role in the co‐regulation of corticosterone secretion. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence for TGF‐ß1 and bleomycin intracellular signaling through autocrine regulation of Smad 3 binding to the proximal promoter of the Smad 7 gene
Authors: Cutroneo Kenneth R.
Published: September 2005

Both Bleomycin and TGF‐β1 increase the transcription of the COL1A1 gene. Bleomycin acts through TGF‐β1. Bleomycin stimulates the COL1A1 promoter through the distal TGF‐β response element by intracellular and extracellular signaling. As demonstrated in this manuscript, Bleomycin's intracellular signaling can be explained by a decrease of Smad 3 transcription factor binding to the SBE located in the proximal promoter of the inhibitory Smad 7 gene. This would result in TGF‐β1‐induced activated SMADS, which would result in more collagen. Bleomycin's extracellular signaling results from the secretion of more latent TGF‐β produced by lung fibroblasts and cleaved to active TGF‐β extracellularly. Since the TGF‐β genes are auto‐induced in human embryonic IMR‐90 lung fibroblasts, this study indicates an autocrine mechanism to maintain homeostasis in vivo for fibroblasts and other cell types, which produce TGF‐β1 to limit the fibrogenic response to TGF‐β1 and Bleomycin. J. Cell. Biochem. 97: 933–939, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of bone sialoprotein (BSP) gene transcription by lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Kato Naoko , Nakayama Youhei , Nakajima Yu , Samoto Hiroshi , Saito Ryoichiro , Yamanouchi Fumihiko , Masunaga Hiroshi , Shimizu Emi , Ogata Yorimasa
Published: September 2005

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a major mediator of inflammatory responses in periodontal disease that inhibits bone formation and stimulates bone resorption. To determine the molecular mechanisms involved in the suppression of bone formation, we have analyzed the effects of LPS on BSP gene expression. Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is a mineralized tissue‐specific protein that appears to function in the initial mineralization of bone. Treatment of osteoblast‐like ROS 17/2.8 cells with LPS (1 µg/ml) for 12 h caused a marked reduction in BSP mRNA levels. The addition of antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine (NAC; 20 mM) 30 min prior to stimulation with LPS attenuated the inhibition of BSP mRNA levels. Transient transfection analyses, using chimeric constructs of the rat BSP gene promoter linked to a luciferase reporter gene, revealed that LPS (1 µg/ml) suppressed expression of luciferase construct, encompassing BSP promoter nucleotides −108 to +60, transfected into ROS17/2.8 cells. The effects of LPS were inhibited by protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, H89 and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, herbimycin A (HA). Introduction of 2 bp mutations in the inverted CCAAT box (ATTGG; nts −50 and −46), a cAMP response element (CRE; nts −75 to −68), a FGF response element (FRE; nts −92 to −85), and a pituitary specific transcription factor binding element (Pit‐1; nts −111 to −105) showed that the LPS effects were mediated by the CRE and FRE. Whereas the FRE and 3′‐FRE DNA‐protein complexes were decreased by LPS, CRE DNA‐protein complex did not change after LPS treatment. These studies, therefore, show that LPS suppresses BSP gene transcription through PKA and tyrosine kinase‐dependent pathways and that the LPS effects are mediated through CRE and FRE elements in the proximal BSP gene promoter. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.