bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY LEGISLATION FOR THE OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS SECTOR IN KAZAKHSTAN: A CRITICAL REVIEW
Authors: PALERM JUAN , RUDENKO INESSA , TEURLAI JEAN-LOUIS , VASSILEVSKAYA TATYANA , RENAU JOSEP
Published: December 2005

Kazakhstan has shown an increase in its offshore oil and gas (O&G) prospection and operation activities in the Caspian Sea since 1998, so far with a limited number of operators, but which is about to increase significantly. This is of concern, considering that the environmental and industrial safety regulatory framework is still inadequate for the prevention of pollution from a large number of operators in a very sensitive aquatic ecosystem. This paper reports on the results of a study undertaken for the European Commission Tacis programme aimed at enhancing the environmental and industrial safety regulatory framework in order to align it with EU and international best practice. Based on a comprehensive analysis of applicable international standards and regulations, as well as those of Kazakhstan, ten issues are identified which require urgent attention. These issues are discussed and recommendations made on how to address them in order to improve the regulatory system.
CONTEXTUALISING AND CONCEPTUALISING THE REFORM OF ENVIRONMENTALLY HARMFUL SUBSIDIES IN GERMANY
Authors: RAVE TILMANN
Published: December 2005

While the reform of environmentally harmful subsidies has often been identified as a potential means to simultaneously realise environmental, economic and fiscal benefits, little guidance is available on designing possible paths for subsidy reform. This paper aims to better conceptualise a reform process for Germany. It argues that there is room for designing a broader framework for reform moving beyond isolated and, sometimes, inefficient steps at an environmentally oriented subsidy reform. To do so, the broader policy context is described, characteristics and underlying problem structures are identified and obstacles to policy reform are mentioned. As a result, a number of critical requirements for a potentially successful reform process can be formulated. Using available impact analyses as a "tool box", we draw on experiences with Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) as a useful and sufficiently flexible organisational and procedural framework for subsidy reform. Based on SEA concepts, the paper treats various important linkages, steps and actor constellations that the reform process is likely to encounter. Finally, the critical link between assessment and decision-making is addressed and some suggestions on a follow-up for the assessment process are made.
Evaluation of Interface States in Gas Sensor with Pt–SiO2–SiC Structure under High-Temperature Conditions by AC Conductance Method
Authors: Nakagomi Shinji , Kikuchi Takahiro , Kokubun Yoshihiro
Published: December 2005

A metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) capacitor was fabricated using Pt and a 6H–SiC substrate, and the interface state was evaluated in oxygen and hydrogen ambients under high-temperature conditions by the AC conductance technique. The relationship among interface state density (D
it), time constant (τit) and energy level (E
c-E
t) was obtained. The atmosphere was repeatedly changed between hydrogen and oxygen. Some levels of a narrow region near the conduction band, levels near 0.4 eV, and levels of a wide region near the band center were observed. D
it in the deeper levels increases in O2 atmosphere and an increase in τit accompanies it. In H2 atmosphere, D
it in the deeper wide energy region near the band center decreases. This change is almost reversible. In the range of 300–500°C, the D
it near the band center in O2 atmosphere increases with temperature.
Sheet Resistance Reduction and Crystallinity Improvement in Ultrashallow n+/p Junctions by Heat-Assisted Excimer Laser Annealing
Authors: Kurobe Ken-ichi , Ishikawa Yoshinori , Shibahara Kentaro
Published: December 2005

Low-resistive ultrashallow n+/p junctions were formed with Sb as a dopant by heat-assisted laser annealing. A process window platted against laser energy density and substrate temperature was obtained in which the sheet resistance was about 500 Ω/sq. while the junction depth was maintained at about 20 nm, which was equal to that of the as implanted condition. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (XTEM) images showed that substrate heating before laser irradiation enhanced recrystallization of the amorphized layer. This causes non melt laser annealing using the complete recrystallization of the amorphized layer. From current–voltage characteristics of n+/p diodes in the reverse direction, leakage current reduction accompanying the heat-assisted annealing was confirmed.
Analysis of Asymmetry of Printed Image by Off-Axis Incident Light onto Reflective Mask in Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography
Authors: Sugawara Minoru , Nishiyama Iwao , Takai Mikio
Published: December 2005

In extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, off-axis incident light on a reflective mask causes asymmetry of contrast in the edges of patterns with the critical dimension (CD) and a shift in the center position of the printed image of a line-and-space pattern, even if the line-and-space pattern has perfect symmetry and is correctly placed on a mask. In this study, we analyzed the asymmetry of the pattern edge contrast of line-and-space patterns using light intensity distribution functions which is obtained by taking inverse Fourier transform of the diffracted rays passing through the pupil. The results showed that, when only 0th- and ±1st-order diffracted rays pass through the pupil, the printed image tends to be symmetrical, regardless of any asymmetry in the amplitude and phase of the diffracted rays; but when 0th-, ±1st-, and ±nth-order (n≧2) diffracted rays pass through the pupil, the printed image tends to be asymmetrical.
Novel Low-Power DC–DC Converter Using High-Efficiency Charge Pump Circuits for Flat Panel Displays
Authors: Shin Hong Jae , Kwack Kae Dal , Kim Tae Whan
Published: December 2005

A novel design for a low-power DC–DC converter using high-efficiency charge pump circuits for flat panel displays (FPDs) is proposed. The designed converter uses a variable voltage level shifter to decrease the conduction power loss of the charge pump circuit. The output voltage and the output current of the proposed DC–DC converter consisting of five charge pump circuits operating at 3.3 V are 17 V and 10 mA, respectively. The power efficiency and the ripple voltage of the designed charge pump circuits are 84.9% and 65 mV, respectively, which is a significant enhancement over those of Dickson charge pump circuits. These results indicate that our newly designed, low-power DC–DC converter using high-efficiency charge pump circuits holds promise for potential applications in mobile devices fabricated using FPDs operating at low voltages.
Strong Room-Temperature UV Luminescence from ZnO Grown by Metal Organic Decomposition
Authors: Guo Qixin , Kume Yusuke , Tanaka Tooru , Nishio Mitsuhiro , Ogawa Hiroshi , Yoshida Akira
Published: December 2005

ZnO films were fabricated on glass substrates by metal organic decomposition (MOD). X-ray diffraction, reflection high-energy electron diffraction, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed that the obtained ZnO films are stoichiometric polycrystalline with a wurtzite structure. Strong near-band-edge emission in the UV region without any deep-level emissions was observed from the ZnO films at room temperature. The results show that MOD is a promising growth method for obtaining high-quality ZnO films, which paves the way for the fabrication of electronic and optoelectronic devices using ZnO at low cost.
Temperature Stability of Dynamic-Threshold Mode SiGe p-Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Liao Wei-Ming , Li Pei-Wen
Published: December 2005

In this study, we have systematically investigated the thermal stability of strained silicon–germanium (SiGe) and bulk Si p-metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) in dynamic-threshold (DT) mode and standard mode operation, respectively, from 77 to 400 K. Possessing advantages of good carrier confinement and higher carrier mobility in the strained-SiGe material, SiGe DT-MOSFETs exhibit not only enhanced drive current but also better thermal stability for threshold voltage, substrate sensitivity, and low-frequency noise over the entire operating temperature range than their counterpart Si devices. That is very important for radio-frequency micropower analogue and digital integrated circuits applications.
Designing a Broadband Visible Antireflection Coating by Jumping Search Method
Authors: Liou Yeuh-Yeong
Published: December 2005

A jumping search method is applied to the design of a normal-incidence antireflection coating for the 400–750 nm spectrum regions. A search algorithm that includes jump turning and optimal elimination is successively used to optimize the visible antireflection performance and to simplify the design structure. It is shown that the average visible reflectivity of the jumping search antireflection coating designs of a two-material 40-layer system is reduced to approximately 0.064–0.079%, and the final designs are reduced to 14–16-layered structures.
Enhancement of Biocompatibility on Bioactive Titanium Surface by Low-Temperature Plasma Treatment
Authors: Lin Chia-Cheng , Cheng Hsin-Chung , Huang Chiung-Fang , Lin Che-Tong , Lee Sheng-Yang , Chen Chin-Sung , Ou Keng-Liang
Published: December 2005

The surface of implantable biomaterials directly contacts the host tissue and is critical in determining biocompatibility. To improve implant integration, interfacial reactions must be controlled to minimize nonspecific adsorption of proteins, and tissue-healing phenomena can be controlled. The purpose of this study was to develop a new method of functionalizing titanium surfaces by plasma treatment. The covalent immobilization of bioactive organic molecules and the bioactivities in vitro were assessed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force spectroscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay as indices of cellular cytotoxicity. Argon plasma removed all of the adsorbed contaminants and impurities. Plasma-cleaned titanium surfaces showed better bioactive performances than untreated titanium surfaces. The analytical results reveal that plasma-cleaned titanium surfaces provide a clean and reproducible starting condition for further plasma treatments to create well-controlled surface layers. Allylamine was ionized by plasma treatment, and acted as a medium to link albumin. Cells demonstrated a good spread, and a wide attachment was attained on the Albu-Ti plate. Cell attachment and growth were shown to be influenced by the surface properties. The plasma treatment process plays an important role in facilitating tissue healing. This process not only provides a clean titanium surface, but also leads to surface amination on plasma-treated titanium surfaces. Surface cleaning by ion bombardment and surface modification by plasma polymerization are believed to remove contamination on titanium surfaces and thus promote tissue healing.
Characteristics of Xenon Capillary Z-Pinch Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography Source Driven by Different dI/dt Discharge Current Pulses
Authors: Song Inho , Iwata Kazuhiro , Homma Yusuke , Mohanty Smruti Ranjan , Watanabe Masato , Kawamura Toru , Okino Akitoshi , Yasuoka Koichi , Horioka Kazuhiko , Hotta Eiki
Published: December 2005

Next-generation lithography will require an extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) light source that ensures high radiation intensities at a wavelength of around 13.5 nm. The characteristics of pinch dynamics and emission in this spectral range were studied experimentally for xenon capillary Z-pinch plasma driven by different d
I/d
t discharge current pulses. The pinch dynamics of the capillary Z-pinch plasma were examined by employing a high-speed camera, and the spectral emission from plasma was inspected using an EUV photodiode, a mini calorimeter and spectrometers. Our results confirm that high-d
I/d
t discharge current has better performance in comparison with the low one in terms of plasma dynamics, EUV power output and debris generation.
Lattice Orientation Imaging of C60-Fullerene Single Crystal with Microbeam-Scanning-Type X-ray Scattering Topography Using Charged-Coupled Device Detector
Authors: Suzuki Yoshifumi , Chikaura Yoshinori
Published: December 2005

The technique of X-ray scattering topography (XST) is useful for imaging imperfect single crystals that cannot be properly observed by ordinary X-ray topography and has been successfully applied to the mapping of crystal-lattice orientation. Using scanning-type XST with a finely collimated X-ray beam and a pinhole slit and applying the technique of Laue orientation imaging using a charged-coupled device (CCD) camera, gnomonic projection, and Hough transform data processing, we have taken pictures of the scattering topographs of a C60-fullerene single crystal with a CCD camera that enable the relative angular difference of the zone axis to be observed. C60-fullerene fcc single crystal samples were grown from vapour employing a double temperature gradient. The results indicate that crystal growth began at the central region and proceeded to the periphery. These observations provide valuable information about crystal growth.
Experimental Investigation of Effect of Low-Energy Pulsed Atmospheric Electron Beam on Bacterial Cells
Authors: Ghomi Hamid , Rahman Mohammad Shahedur , Chalise Priya R. , Hayashi Yasushi , Watanabe Masato , Okino Akitoshi , Ano Takashi , Shoda Makoto , Hotta Eiki
Published: December 2005

In this paper, the effect of a pulsed low-energy electron beam on bacteria has been explored. The experiment has been carried out using an electron beam with a pulse duration of 5 µs and an acceleration voltage of 80 kV. It is shown that homogeneous irradiation with an electron beam decontaminates surfaces. Completely Sterilization is achieved at a low concentration of bacteria. With increasing concentration of bacteria or for a wet target, the survivability of a microorganism increases. A spectroscopic experiment and also scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that the low-energy electron beam does not break the outer structure of a bacterial cell and that bacteria inactivation occurs through internal chemical or genetic changes.
Stochastic Model for Observation of Pulsed Signals on Digital Oscilloscope
Authors: Hayashi Shigeo , Hatanaka Shin-ichi
Published: December 2005

For pulsed periodical signals with a low duty cycle and a constant height, a carelsess use of a digital oscilloscope may lead to inaccurate waveforms. This is the case particularly when pulse timing is affected by jittering. An exemplary waveform, as previously reported [N. Harba and S. Hayashi: Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. 42 (2003) 2971], is re-examined in terms of a stochastic model using colored Gaussian noise.
Correlation between Natural Oxidation Process and Photoluminescence Properties of Hydrogenated Si Nanocrystallites Prepared by Pulsed Laser Ablation
Authors: Matsumoto Kimihisa , Inada Mitsuru , Umezu Ikurou , Sugimura Akira
Published: December 2005

Natural oxidation processes of hydrogenated Si nanocrystallites were investigated to clarify effects of surface oxidation on photoluminescence wavelength. Hydrogenated Si nanocrystallites were prepared by pulsed laser ablation in hydrogen gas ambient. The Si–H bonds on the surface of the nanocrystallites enable us to estimate the local configuration of Si–O bonds using infrared frequency shifts. The natural oxidation process was investigated by measuring the density and local configuration of Si–O bonds. The oxidation process can be classified into first and second stages. The first stage is due to the diffusion of oxygen molecules in the nanocrystallites through voids in the porous structure, and the second stage is due to the oxidation of each nanocrystallite from the top surface to the sub-surface. The configurations of Si–O bonds in the first and second stages are silicon-rich and oxygen-rich compositions, respectively. The photoluminescence wavelength was blue-shifted with increasing Si–O bond density. This PL peak shift was not continuous, but three PL peak regions at 800, 600–700, and 400–500 nm were observed. This result indicates that the origin of this PL peak shift is not due to quantum confinement because of decreased diameter of Si nanocrystallites, but is due to the existence of surface oxide. A photoluminescence peak at 800 nm was observed in fresh specimens, and those at 600–700 and 400–500 nm were observed from the first and second stages of oxidation, respectively.
Femtosecond Laser Processing Using Subwavelength Thin Metal Slit Arrays
Authors: Moroki Akifumi , Kitano Riichi , Obara Minoru , Tsuda Hiroyuki
Published: December 2005

We have studied femtosecond laser processing using subwavelength thin metal slits patterned onto Si substrates. A thin Ta film (200 nm thickness) with a periodic-structured slit array (200–1000 nm width) was formed on the Si substrates. The ablation thresholds of the Ta and Si were investigated. Near-field enhancement effects were observed at the edge of the metal slit arrays. Ridge structures were created in the slits on the Si surfaces using a single laser shot. In addition, an interesting processing effect was observed that was dependent on the polarization of the beam; only a p-polarized beam could create grooves perpendicular to the slits on the Si substrate. The grooves were formed under the metal layer. Our experimental results concerning the enhancement of the electrical field at the edge of the slits were consistent with the results from finite-difference time-domain simulations.
Oligothiophene Organic Transistors Using Poly(3-hexylthiophene) Fabricated by Spin Coating
Authors: Kajii Hirotake , Okuya Hiroshi , Sakakibara Akinori , Ohmori Yutaka
Published: December 2005

Top contact organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) based on a composite of α,ω-dihexylsexithiophene (DH-6T) using poly(3-hexylthiophene) (PAT6) with the same thiophene backbone were fabricated by spin coating using an annealing solution of PAT6 and DH-6T. The size of grains with a sphere like morphology increased with the mass percentage of DH-6T in the composite. In the case of a DH-6T composite of more than 80 weight (wt) %, the field-effect mobility of the OFET rapidly increased. An OFET with an 89 wt % DH-6T composite corresponding to two molecules of DH-6T per hexylthiophene repeating unit had a carrier mobility of 0.028 cm2/(V s). The DH-6T molecules of OFETs fabricated by spin coating were oriented in the layer with their long axis tilted to the upright direction perpendicular to the substrate plane. We demonstrated that it is possible to achieve high field-effect mobility and a high on/off ratio of the OFET using soluble DH-6T with PAT6 composites fabricated by spin coating.
A High-Salt Diet Dissociates NO Synthase-3 Expression and NO Production by the Thick Ascending Limb
Authors: Herrera Marcela , Silva Guillermo , Garvin Jeffrey L.
Published: December 2005

NO produced by endothelial NO synthase (NOS3) decreases sodium transport by the thick ascending limb (THAL). We found previously that 7 days of high salt (HS) increased THAL-NOS3 expression but not NO production. NOS3 phosphorylation regulates enzyme activity. We hypothesized that HS acutely increases NOS3 expression and NO production, and, over time, changes in NOS3 phosphorylation dissociate NO production from expression. NOS3 expression increased by 71±13%, 127±24%, and 69±16% at days 1, 3, and 7 of HS, respectively. At days 14 and 28, expression was back to normal salt. After 1 day of HS, NO production in response to 250 μmol/Ll-arginine was elevated by 146% and, by day 3, returned to normal salt. Similar increases were found in response to endothelin-1. Inhibitors of NOS1/2 did not blunt the salt-induced increase in NO. Phosphorylation at Thr495, an inhibitory site, decreased by 39±8% at day 1 of HS and then increased by 116±18% at day 3. Phosphorylation at Ser633and Ser1177(stimulatory sites) decreased by &25% at day 1 and remained depressed at day 3. Superoxide production increased by 71% at day 1, decreased by 57% at day 3, and decreased by 55% at day 7. The NOS inhibitorl-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester did not alter superoxide levels at any time point. The addition of reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate and tetrahydrobiopterin had no effect on NO release after 3 days of HS. We conclude the following: (1) HS transiently increases NO production and NOS3 expression; (2) NOS3 expression and NO production are dissociated by HS; and (3) changes in phosphorylation explain how THAL NOS3 activity and expression are dissociated by HS.
Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor γ Regulates Angiotensin II–Stimulated Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase in Blood Vessels In Vivo
Authors: Benkirane Karim , Viel Émilie C. , Amiri Farhad , Schiffrin Ernesto L.
Published: December 2005

Angiotensin (Ang) II is implicated in hypertension, vascular remodeling, and insulin resistance. Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR) γ activators increase insulin sensitivity and improve Ang II–induced vascular remodeling. We evaluated the effects of the PPAR-γ activator rosiglitazone on Ang II signaling in aorta and mesenteric arteries. Rats received Ang II by subcutaneous infusion and/or rosiglitazone per os for 7 days. Blood pressure rise in Ang II–infused rats was attenuated by rosiglitazone. Ang II significantly increased Ang II type 1 receptor expression in the mesenteric arteries (P<0.001), whereas that of the aorta was decreased (P<0.05), changes which were reversed by rosiglitazone. Akt activity was increased by Ang II and returned to basal levels under rosiglitazone in both vascular beds. However, Ang II–induced extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 activity increased in aorta but not in mesenteric vessels (P<0.001), where 4E-binding protein 1 activity was significantly increased by Ang II and inhibited by PPAR-γ activation. In response to Ang II, Src homology (SH) 2–containing inositol phosphatase 2 activity was increased (P<0.05) in both vascular beds. In conclusion, PPAR-γ activator rosiglitazone attenuated Ang II–induced blood pressure elevation and intracellular signaling on aorta and mesenteric vessels. There was differential inhibition of Ang II type 1 receptor receptors/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 in both vessels. Effects of PPAR-γ activators on these pathways could contribute to regression of vascular remodeling in models of hypertension and diabetes and, accordingly, in hypertensive diabetic patients.
Novel Integrative Approaches to the Identification of Candidate Genes in Hypertension
Authors: Hubner Norbert , Yagil Chana , Yagil Yoram
Published: December 2005

Hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are common diseases that are genetically expressed as complex traits. The clinical expression of these diseases, which run in families but have no clear pattern of inheritance, has been attributed to the interaction between multiple genes and the environment. Identifying the underlying genes, a crucial step in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of complex diseases, has had limited success so far, stressing the need for novel strategies to move this process forward. Innovative integrative genetic–genomic approaches have been proposed recently for the identification of new high-priority candidate genes. These strategies, which combine expression profiling with genetic linkage in different ways, may represent a breakthrough in the search for the genes involved in complex diseases.
Religion, Constitutional Courts, and Democracy in Former Communist Countries
Authors: Richardson James T.
Published: December 2005

This article offers two main arguments, both of which have important corollaries. First, the author argues that religion, and a specific form of religion, played a major role in the downfall of communism and the Soviet Union. Acorollary is that religious motivations furnished important impetus to the development of democracy in former communist countries (FCC). Second, the author argues that courts, and more specifically constitutional courts in FCC, played a major role in promoting democracy in those nations. A corollary to that assertion is that constitution courts in most FCC have demonstrated considerable respect for and promotion of the role of religion in FCC. These assertions and their corollaries are discussed in light of scholarly studies on the place of religion in the modern constitutionalism movement in former colonial and communist countries.
Reflecting on the Rule of Law: Its Reciprocal Relation with Rights, Legitimacy, and Other Concepts and Institutions
Authors: Donnelly Samuel J. M.
Published: December 2005

Arguments concerning law and social change call for a relationship between legitimacy, the rule of law, and respect for rights. To the extent that a government is subject to the rule of law, the human and civil rights of its citizens are advanced. When citizens can bring disputes concerning rights to court rather than fight in the streets, the rule of law is enhanced. Respect for rights and the rule of law are likely to make a government more acceptable and hence more legitimate. A basic requirement of legitimacy is that government advance everyone's share of primary social goods, their opportunity to participate in society and hence their basic rights. Rights are not only statements of ideals or entitlements but goals and tools for pursuit of those goals, means for pursuing law reform, advancing the rule of law, and enhancing society's legitimacy.
Sudan: A Nation in Turbulent Search of Itself
Authors: Deng Francis M.
Published: December 2005

Sudan has been intermittently at war with itself since independence on June 1, 1956, with only ten years of precarious peace between 1972 and 1983. At the heart of the conflict is a crisis of national identity. Those who have been in control of the country define themselves as Arabs and also Muslims, and identify more with the Middle East than with black Africa, though they are essentially Arab-Africans. Their physical features are similar to other African groups in the region, and their cultures and even Islamic practices are an amalgam of Arab and Islamic culture with indigenous belief systems and cultures. The outcome of Sudan' struggles is difficult to predict. Three questions are worth probing: What is the conflict about? To what extent does the comprehensive peace agreement address the root causes of the conflict? What are the prospects for a truly comprehensive and lasting peace in the Sudan?
Rule of Law and Lawyers in Latin America
Authors: Pérez-Perdomo Rogelio
Published: December 2005

From the nineteenth century onward, lawyers have been the leading members of Latin American political elites. Nevertheless, Latin American countries have been plagued with caudillos and dictators, and lawyers have been these strongmen's collaborators. The article explains the dissonance between the constitutionalism and legalism taught at the universities and the sordid political practices that resulted from the lack of independence of the legal profession: there was not a market for lawyers' services, so lawyers depended on those who controlled the political apparatus. The situation started changing in the late twentieth century. During this recent period, lawyers and judges have shown more independence and have become active political players, using the law as an instrument for opposing arbitrary political practices. The new trend is explained not only by the increased awareness of the rule of law values but also by the existence of a market for legal services.
Race and Gender-Disaggregated Homicide Offending Rates
Authors: Haynie Dana L. , Armstrong David P.
Published: December 2005

Although gender and race are two of the best known correlates of violent crime, surprisingly little research has examined how gender and race intersect in the etiology of violent behavior. To redress this, the authors' study integrates a communities and crime perspective within a gender inequality framework to examine the city-level correlates of homicide offending rates disaggregated by race and gender. Two questions are addressed: a) Are the contextual underpinnings for high rates of urban homicide in the United States similar or distinct across race and gender categories? b) Does the ability of city characteristics as predictors of violence vary depending upon the context of violence (i.e., by victim-offender relationship)? Consistent with expectations, findings indicate that there are differences in the relative importance of predictors of homicide across race and gender categories. In addition, the relative importance of homicide predictors depends upon the nature of the victim-offender relationship.
The course of mental health after miscarriage and induced abortion: a longitudinal, five-year follow-up study
Authors: Broen Anne Nordal , Moum Torbjørn , Bødtker Anne Sejersted , Ekeberg Øivind
Published: December 2005

Background

Miscarriage and induced abortion are life events that can potentially cause mental distress. The objective of this study was to determine whether there are differences in the patterns of normalization of mental health scores after these two pregnancy termination events.

Methods

Forty women who experienced miscarriages and 80 women who underwent abortions at the main hospital of Buskerud County in Norway were interviewed. All subjects completed the following questionnaires 10 days (T1), six months (T2), two years (T3) and five years (T4) after the pregnancy termination: Impact of Event Scale (IES), Quality of Life, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and another addressing their feelings about the pregnancy termination. Differential changes in mean scores were determined by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and inter-group differences were assessed by ordinary least squares methods.

Results

Women who had experienced a miscarriage had more mental distress at 10 days and six months after the pregnancy termination than women who had undergone an abortion. However, women who had had a miscarriage exhibited significantly quicker improvement on IES scores for avoidance, grief, loss, guilt and anger throughout the observation period. Women who experienced induced abortion had significantly greater IES scores for avoidance and for the feelings of guilt, shame and relief than the miscarriage group at two and five years after the pregnancy termination (IES avoidance means: 3.2 vs 9.3 at T3, respectively, p < 0.001; 1.5 vs 8.3 at T4, respectively, p < 0.001). Compared with the general population, women who had undergone induced abortion had significantly higher HADS anxiety scores at all four interviews (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001), while women who had had a miscarriage had significantly higher anxiety scores only at T1 (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The course of psychological responses to miscarriage and abortion differed during the five-year period after the event. Women who had undergone an abortion exhibited higher scores during the follow-up period for some outcomes. The difference in the courses of responses may partly result from the different characteristics of the two pregnancy termination events.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-D and Its Receptor VEGFR-3: Two Novel Independent Prognostic Markers in Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jüttner Stefan , Wiβmann Christoph , Jöns Thomas , Vieth Michael , Hertel Johannes , Gretschel Stephan , Schlag Peter M. , Kemmner Wolfgang , Höcker Michael
Published: December 2005

Purpose

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-D and its homolog VEGF-C influence lymphangiogenesis through activation of VEGF receptor 3 (VEGFR-3), and have been implicated in lymphatic tumor spread. Nodal dissemination of gastric adenocarcinomas critically determines clinical outcome and therapeutic options of affected patients. Therefore, we analyzed expression and prognostic significance of VEGF-D along with VEGF-C, and VEGFR-3 in gastric adenocarcinomas.

Materials and Methods

VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and VEGFR-3 were analyzed in 91 R0-resected primary gastric adenocarcinomas, corresponding noncancerous gastric mucosa, and lymph node metastases employing immunohistochemistry and/or in situ hybridization. Blood and lymph vessel densities were assessed after staining with CD31 and LYVE-1–specific antibodies.

Results

VEGF-D and VEGF-C were detected in 67.0% and 50.5% of gastric cancers, respectively. Healthy gastric mucosa was negative for VEGF-C and in 12.5% positive for VEGF-D. Presence of VEGF-D (P = .005) or VEGF-C (P = .006) was correlated with lymphatic metastases and decreased survival (VEGF-D, P < .05; VEGF-C, P < .05). VEGFR-3 was correlated with reduced carcinoma-specific survival (P < .05), and Cox multivariate regression analysis qualified VEGF-D and VEGFR-3, but not VEGF-C, as independent prognostic parameters. In lymph node–positive gastric cancers, presence of VEGF-D/VEGFR-3 was associated with poor survival, whereas absence of VEGF-D/VEGFR-3 defined a subgroup of patients with clearly favorable prognosis.

Conclusion

VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 are novel independent prognostic marker molecules aiding to identify patients with poor prognosis after curative resection of gastric adenocarcinomas. Combined analysis of the VEGF-C/VEGF-D/VEGFR-3 system can be useful to identify patients with unfavorable clinical outcome and thereby may help to refine therapeutic decisions in gastric cancer.
Synthesis of Highly Functional Nucleic Acids and Their Application to DNA Technology
Authors: Okamoto Akimitsu
Published: December 2005

We have synthesized a number of highly functional nucleic acids and have applied them to DNA technology. Unique characteristics possessed inherently by DNA have been applied to the design of highly functional nucleic acids. We spatially arranged functional bases in the nucleic acid structure, and controlled various functions of the synthetic nucleic acids by changes in sequence, microstructure, and micropolarity. The organic synthesis of such conceptually new functional nucleic acids could open up a new field of genome science and nanobiomaterial science. In this review, we describe the following: (i) rational design of highly functional DNA nanowires, (ii) the development of base-discriminating fluorescent nucleobases and their application to gene polymorphism typing, and (iii) reporter nucleobases for monitoring the change in the microenvironment around DNA and its surroundings.
Assessing the Expression of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli-specific Surface Antigens in Recombinant Strains by Transmission Electron Microscopy and Immunolabeling
Authors: Lüdi Stefan , Frey Joachim , Favre Didier , Stoffel Michael H.
Published: December 2005

Infections with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) are a major cause of travelers' diarrhea worldwide. Colonization of the small intestine mucosa is dependent on specific colonization factor antigens (CFA) and coli surface (CS) antigens. CFA/1, CS3, and CS6 are the most prevalent fimbrial antigens found in clinical isolates. The goal of our study was to visualize the morphology of CS3 and CS6 fimbriae in wild-type and recombinant E. coli strains by means of transmission electron microscopy in conjunction with negative staining and immunolabeling. Corresponding ETEC genes were cloned into E. coli K12 strain DH10B. Expression of fimbriae was dependent on culture conditions and sample handling. Specific immunolabeling of fimbriae unequivocally demonstrated the presence of all types of surface antigens investigated. Negative staining was effective in revealing CS3 but not CS6. In addition, this technique clearly demonstrated differences in the morphology of genetically and immunologically identical CS3 surface antigens in wild-type and recombinant strains. This paper provides a basis for the assessment of recombinant vaccines.
Signet Ring Cells in Gastric Carcinomas Are Derived from Neuroendocrine Cells
Authors: Bakkelund Karin , Fossmark Reidar , Nordrum Ivar , Waldum Helge
Published: December 2005

Adenocarcinomas are malignant tumors with glandular growth and/or supposed intracellular mucin as identified by periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) positivity. Gastric signet ring cell carcinomas are classified as diffuse type. A proportion of diffuse-type adenocarcinomas have previously been suggested to be of neuroendocrine origin. In the present study we examined gastric signet ring cell carcinomas for neuroendocrine differentiation. Of 11 gastric signet ring cell carcinomas, 8 contained areas with PAS-positive signet ring cells that also were immunoreactive for one or several neuroendocrine markers: synaptophysin, chromogranin A, and histidine decarboxylase, the latter an enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cell marker. Whereas PAS positivity was located in the central cytoplasm, neuroendocrine immunoreactivity was often located as a rim surrounding an otherwise non-immunoreactive cytoplasm, presumed to represent the area with PAS-positive material. These findings indicate that signet ring cell carcinomas could be of neuroendocrine origin. We propose that signet ring cell carcinomas develop by gradual dedifferentiation from ECL cells via signet ring cells with neuroendocrine immunoreactivity toward signet ring cells where the cytoplasm mainly consists of PAS-positive material. This finding could have implications for the classification and understanding of gastric carcinogenesis.
Protection Against Photoaging in the Hairless Mouse by the Isoflavone Equol
Authors: Reeve Vivienne E. , Widyarini Sitarina , Domanski Diane , Chew Elaine , Barnes Karen
Published: December 2005

Topical application of the isoflavone equol immediately following solar‐simulated UV (SSUV) radiation exposure has previously been demonstrated to have significant photo‐protective effects. Equol reduced both the inflammatory edema and the systemic suppression of the contact hypersensitivity reaction in hairless mice. Furthermore, daily topical equol application immediately following irradiation during a 10‐week chronic SSUV exposure regime also reduced photocarcinogenesis severity in the mouse. This study examines the potential for topical equol to prevent photoaging in response to chronic SSUV irradiation for up to 30 weeks. We did not find consistent expression of the characteristic markers of photoaging until 30 weeks, although moderate epidermal hyperplasia and a transient increase in dermal mast cell numbers were evident after 1 week. Daily application of 10 μM equol lotion significantly reduced these early changes. However after 30 weeks of SSUV exposure, photoaging was well developed, as shown histologically by markedly increased epidermal hyperplasia, increased dermal mast cell number, pronounced focal elastotic deposits, degraded dermal collagen and deposition of glycosaminoglycans in the lower dermis. Topical equol treatment protected significantly from each of these impairments, as demonstrated histologically and quantitatively. Additionally, equol was found to have strong antioxidant action against acute UVA (320–400 nm)–induced lipid peroxidation of mouse skin, this property accounting for its antiphotoaging mechanism. The evidence for equol's antiphotoaging activity, taken together with its anti‐inflammatory, immunoprotective and anticarcinogenic efficacy against SSUV irradiation in the mouse, suggests that equol could be developed as a helpful topical photoprotective agent for daily use by humans.
Tetrakis(4‐pyridyl)porphyrin Supramolecular Complexes with Cyclodextrins in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Cosma Pinalysa , Catucci Lucia , Fini Paola , Dentuto Pasquale L. , Agostiano Angela , Angelini Nicola , Scolaro Luigi Monsù
Published: December 2005

The formation of inclusion complexes of hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, heptakis(2,6‐di‐O‐methyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin and heptakis(2,3,6‐tri‐O‐methyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin with 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(4‐pyridyl)porphyrin (TpyP) has been studied in aqueous buffer solution (phosphate buffer pH = 7 and I = 0.01 M) to give a structural and spectroscopic characterization of a new class of potential sensitizers for photodynamic therapy. The interaction was investigated by a combination of UVNis absorption, fluorescence anisotropy, time‐resolved fluorescence and circular dichroism. The experimental results point to the presence of the pigment in water in a monomeric complexed form. The fluorescence anisotropy measurements suggest that TpyP forms 1:1 complexes with heptakis(2,3,6‐tri‐O‐methyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin and hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, while 1:2 complexes are obtained with heptakis(2,6‐di‐O‐methyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin.
Effects of Water Temperature and Flow on Adult Salmon Migration Swim Speed and Delay
Authors: Salinger David H. , Anderson James J.
Published: December 2005

The effects of temperature and flow on the migration of adult Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and steelhead O. mykiss through the Columbia River hydrosystem were determined with a novel technique that fits a broken linear model of swim speed versus temperature and flow by partitioning data into speed ranks. Using the migration times of passive integrated transponder (PIT)–tagged adult Chinook salmon upstream between Bonneville and Lower Granite dams (462 km) over the years 1998–2002, we found that a maximum swim speed of about 1 body length/s occurred at 16.3°C. Speed was less above and below this optimum temperature. For PIT‐tagged steelhead, migration speed uniformly decreased with increasing temperature, suggesting that the fish migrated at temperatures above the optimum. Migration delay was also a unimodal function of temperature, the minimum delay occurring around 16–17°C. The broken linear model was compared with seven alternative models of unimodal and monotonic speed versus temperature and flow. The unimodal models fit the data better than the monotonic models (when ranked by the Akaike information criterion), and the broken linear model fit the data best. Flow was insignificant in all of the monotonic models and only marginally significant in the unimodal models. The findings of this study have significance in evaluating the effects of hydrosystem operations and climate change on salmon and steelhead fitness.
Human Serum and Plasma Proteomics
Authors: Musselman Ian , Speicher David W.
Published: December 2005

This unit focuses on several related methods for profiling and identifying proteins in human serum or plasma. While the methods are specifically described for human serum and plasma, with the possible exception of the major protein depletion steps, they can be readily adapted to serum and plasma from other species as well as to other biological fluids. A very powerful multidimensional protein‐profiling method is described that utilizes major protein depletion coupled to two other protein separations, MicroSol IEF fractionation and SDS‐PAGE, followed by LC‐MS/MS. Other protein‐profiling strategies include the depletion of abundant proteins followed by analysis either via 2‐D gels or using offline Multidimensional Protein Identification Technology (MudPIT) or LC/LC‐MS/MS. Additional protein profiling methods and strategies are also discussed.
Anatomy of a serial killer: Differential diagnosis of tuberculosis based on rib lesions of adult individuals from the Coimbra identified skeletal collection, Portugal
Authors: Santos Ana Luísa , Roberts Charlotte Ann
Published: December 2005

The role of new bone formation on visceral surfaces of ribs in the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in past human populations has been explored by many researchers, using both skeletal remains with known causes of death and archaeological samples. This study focuses, firstly, on adult skeletons from the Coimbra Identified Skeletal Collection in Portugal and investigates the skeletal manifestations of individuals known to have died from TB; secondly, this study focuses on the role of rib lesions in the diagnostic criteria for TB. One hundred and fifty‐seven males and 106 females aged between 22–87 years were examined; causes of death were assigned as pulmonary TB, extrapulmonary TB, and pulmonary non‐TB; a control group, extrapulmonary non‐TB, was selected from the remaining individuals. Of individuals with rib lesions, 85.7% (69/81) had pulmonary or extrapulmonary TB as an assigned cause of death, while 17.8% (16/90) of individuals with rib lesions had a non‐TB cause of death. Rib lesions were significantly more common in individuals who had died from TB, although the lesions cannot be considered pathognomonic for TB. In individuals dying from pulmonary TB, ribs in the central part of the rib cage were most affected, at their vertebral ends. The lower part of the rib cage may be a marker for peritoneal TB, and “coral‐like” new bone formation on ribs may be an indicator of neoplastic disease. Further work on rib involvement in TB in clinical contexts, and the study of further documented skeletal collections, are recommended. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Twinning and heteropaternity in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Ely John J. , Frels William I. , Howell Sue , Izard M. Kay , Keeling Michale E. , Lee D. Rick
Published: December 2005

Unlike monozygotic (MZ) twins, dizygotic (DZ) twins develop from separate ova. The resulting twins can have different sires if the fertilizing sperm comes from different males. Routine paternity testing of a pair of same‐sexed chimpanzee twins born to a female housed with two males indicated that the twins were sired by two different males. DNA typing of 22 short‐tandem repeat (STR) loci demonstrated that these twins were not MZ twins but heteropaternal DZ twins. Reproductive data from 1926–2002 at five domestic chimpanzee colonies, including 52 twins and two triplets in 1,865 maternities, were used to estimate total twinning rates and the MZ and DZ components. The average chimpanzee MZ twinning rate (0.43%) equaled the average human MZ rate (0.48%). However, the chimpanzee DZ twinning rate (2.36%) was over twice the human average, and higher than all but the fertility‐enhanced human populations of Nigeria. Similarly high twinning rates among African chimpanzees indicated that these estimates were not artifacts of captivity. Log‐linear analyses of maternal and paternal effects on recurrent twinning indicated that females who twinned previously had recurrence risks five times greater than average, while evidence for a paternal twinning effect was weak. Chimpanzee twinning rates appear to be elevated relative to corresponding estimated human rates, making twinning and possibly heteropaternity more important features of chimpanzee reproductive biology than previously recognized. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.