bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐resolution infrared spectroscopy of ethane in Titan's stratosphere in the Huygens epoch
Authors: Livengood T. A. , Kostiuk T. , Sonnabend G. , Annen J. N. , Fast K. E. , Tokunaga A. , Murakawa K. , Hewagama T. , Schmülling F. , Schieder R.
Published: November 2006

High‐resolution infrared spectroscopy of ethane (C2H6) emission features formed in the stratosphere of Titan was collected on disc center at 11.74 μm wavelength (851 cm−1) on 15 January 2005 UT. The observations were obtained at the Subaru 8.2 m telescope of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, using the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Heterodyne Instrument for Planetary Winds and Composition (HIPWAC). Fully resolved rotational‐vibrational transitions of C2H6 were measured with resolving power λ/Δλ ≥ 106 by infrared heterodyne spectroscopy (IRHS). The spectrum is reproduced most effectively by vertical profiles of ethane abundance that are uniform through the stratosphere and enhanced within the mesosphere. Profiles in which there is a significant gradient within the stratosphere are not favored. The retrieved stratospheric ethane mole fraction depends weakly on the form invoked for the mesospheric enhancement. Two forms of the ethane mole fraction profile are found to reproduce the observed spectrum effectively: the best fitting results are obtained with a profile in which the mesospheric ethane concentration increases logarithmically versus decreasing pressure, retrieving a stratospheric ethane concentration of 8.2 ± 2.1 × 10−6 (1σ), increasing proportional to p−1.2 from the stratopause through the mesosphere (p is pressure). A second form of profile, in which the mesospheric ethane concentration is enhanced uniformly by a factor of 9.5, retrieves a stratospheric concentration of 9.7 ± 4.9 × 10−6 (1σ), with the enhancement discontinuity at about one scale height above the stratopause. The retrieved stratospheric mole fraction is consistent with earlier retrievals from IRHS and is somewhat less than contemporaneous retrievals from infrared spectroscopy at lower resolution by the Cassini spacecraft. The retrieved mesospheric concentration is consistent with in situ measurements in Titan's thermosphere made by the Cassini Ion Neutral Mass Spectrometer instrument during the Titan flyby (Waite et al., 2005).
Comparison of fluid tiltmeter data with long‐period seismograms: Surface waves and Earth's free oscillations
Authors: Ferreira A. M. G. , d'Oreye N. F. , Woodhouse J. H. , Zürn W.
Published: November 2006

We compare observations of long‐period seismic surface waves and free oscillations recorded by high‐resolution long‐base fluid tube tiltmeters and by nearby broadband seismometers after large earthquakes. The quality of the tiltmeter data is comparable to that of the best horizontal component seismic data, recording some of the gravest free oscillations of the Earth, as well as successive passages of seismic surface waves circling the globe. We compare the observations with theoretical seismograms and with theoretical tilt. The predicted and observed surface wave tilt waveforms are very similar provided that we take into account horizontal acceleration effects on the tiltmeter. Phase and amplitude anomalies between the waveforms are well explained by the theoretical transfer function of the instrument. Likewise, observed horizontal seismograms converted into tilt match the tiltmeter data very well. Long‐base fluid tube tiltmeters could potentially contribute to obtain high‐quality measurements of the long‐period seismic spectrum.
Planetary wave and gravity wave influence on the occurrence of polar stratospheric clouds over Davis Station, Antarctica, seen in lidar and radiosonde observations
Authors: Innis J. L. , Klekociuk A. R.
Published: November 2006

We present Rayleigh lidar observations of polar stratospheric clouds (PSC) from Davis Station (68.6°S, 78.0°E), Antarctica, from the 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004 austral winter seasons. The PSC are detected as enhanced backscatter returns at lower stratospheric heights. We use operational radiosonde balloon data to compare the PSC detections with stratospheric temperature and wave properties. As documented by others, we find that the occurrence of PSC is closely tied to average stratospheric temperatures (which, in turn, are closely related to the location of Davis with respect to the Antarctic vortex), with PSC being seen when the temperature falls to near or below the calculated formation temperature of nitric acid trihydrate. There is clear evidence in the sonde data for gravity wave and planetary wave modulation of the stratospheric temperature. We see small‐scale wavelike structure in the PSC profiles, which likely arises from gravity waves, but find little direct correlation between a given (vertical) lidar PSC profile and near‐contemporaneous sonde profile, probably because the sonde flight is not an instantaneous sounding at the exact spatial location of the lidar. The planetary‐wave‐induced temperature variations are of the order of 10 times the size of the gravity wave variations and have a greater and more direct influence in PSC occurrence over Davis.
Asay window: A new spall diagnostic
Authors: McCluskey Craig W. , Wilke Mark D. , Anderson William W. , Byers Mark E. , Holtkamp David B. , Rigg Paulo A. , Furnish Michael D. , Romero Vincent T.
Published: November 2006

By changing from the metallic foil of the Asay foil diagnostic, which can detect ejecta from a shocked surface, to a lithium fluoride (LiF) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) window, it is possible to detect multiple spall layers and interlayer rubble. Past experiments to demonstrate this diagnostic have used high explosives (HEs) to shock metals to produce multiple spall layers. Because the exact characteristics of HE-induced spall layers cannot be predetermined, two issues exist in the quantitative interpretation of the data. First, to what level of fidelity is the Asay window method capable of providing quantitative information about spall layers, possibly separated by rubble, and second, contingent on the first, can an analytic technique be developed to convert the data to a meaningful description of spall from a given experiment? In this article, we address the first issue. A layered projectile fired from a gas gun was used to test the new diagnostic’s accuracy and repeatability. We impacted a LiF or PMMA window viewed by a velocity interferometer system for any reflector (VISAR) probe with a projectile consisting of four thin stainless steel disks spaced apart 200μm with either vacuum or polyethylene. The window/surface interface velocity measured with a VISAR probe was compared with calculations. The good agreement observed between the adjusted calculation and the measured data indicates that, in principle and given enough prior information, it is possible to use the Asay window data to model a density distribution from spalled material with simple hydrodynamic models and only simple adjustments to nominal predictions.
Completing the 3d metal fluoride series: The pure rotational spectrum of ZnF (XΣ+2)
Authors: Flory M. A. , McLamarrah S. K. , Ziurys L. M.
Published: November 2006

The pure rotational spectrum of the ZnF radical has been recorded in the range of 176–527GHz using millimeter/submillimeter direct absorption techniques. This study is the first gas-phase spectroscopic investigation of this species. Between 5 and 11 transitions were measured for each of five isotopologues of this radical (Zn64F, Zn66F, Zn67F, Zn68F, and Zn70F) in the ground and several excited vibrational (v=1, 2, and 3) states. Each transition consists of spin-rotation doublets with a splitting of ∼150MHz, indicating that the electronic ground state of ZnF is Σ+2, as predicted by theory. Fluorine hyperfine splitting was observed in three isotopologues (Zn64F, Zn66F, and Zn67F), and hyperfine structure from the zinc-67 nucleus (I=5∕2) was additionally resolved in Zn67F. Rotational, fine structure, and F19 and Zn67 hyperfine constants were determined for ZnF, as well as equilibrium parameters. The bond length of the main isotopologue Zn64F was calculated to be re=1.7677Å. Evaluation of the hyperfine constants indicates that the σ orbital containing the unpaired electron is ∼80% 4s(Zn) in character with ∼10% contributions from each of the 2p(F) and 4p(Zn) orbitals. These results imply that ZnF is somewhat less ionic than CaF, as suggested by theory.
Josephson junction parameters for alternating current wave form synthesis
Authors: Karpov O. V. , Buchstaber V. M. , Sherstobitov S. V. , Tertychniy S. I. , Niemeyer J. , Kieler O.
Published: November 2006

The paper discusses the dynamics of different types of overdamped Josephson junctions biased by a sinusoidal microwave current. The results clarify the theoretical background for optimizing the single junction and the junction array parameters for their use as alternating current (ac) wave form synthesizers. The determined phase lock areas demonstrate the degree of overlap for Shapiro steps [S. Shapiro, Phys. Rev. Lett. 11, 80 (1963)] of different orders as a function of the normalized frequency μ=2πfωc−1, where f is the microwave frequency and ωc is the Josephson junction characteristic frequency. For μ⩽0.7, which is a typical operation range for superconductor-insulator-superconductor Josephson junctions in the conventional direct current (dc) voltage standard at the bias frequency range from 10to100GHz, the Shapiro steps overlap completely. For μ⩾1.4 [typical for superconductor-normal-superconductor junctions at the same frequency range], the steps do not overlap. This allows for ac voltage synthesis by means of binary arrays and pulse-driven systems. For 0.7⩽μ⩽1.4 there is a range of partially overlapping Shapiro steps, which allows a rapid switching of the Josephson dc voltages for ac synthesis by microwave power modulation. Experimentally we have achieved this range through properly designed superconductor-insulator-normal-insulator-superconductor junctions.
Critical properties of small magnetic particles of YFeO3
Authors: Murtazaev A. K. , Kamilov I. K. , Ibaev Zh. G.
Published: November 2006

Different ways of modeling small magnetic particles of yttrium orthoferrite are proposed. Monte Carlo methods are used to study the static critical properties of these models. The conventional formalism of power-law functions is used to calculate the main static critical exponents for the proposed models, and their universality classes are determined. It is shown that models of small magnetic particles of YFeO3 are described mainly by the Ising universality class of critical behavior. The results can explain the contradiction between the experimentally observed and theoretically predicted pictures of critical behavior of small magnetic particles of yttrium orthoferrite.
Effects of hydrogen bonding on current-voltage characteristics of molecular junctions
Authors: Kula Mathias , Jiang Jun , Lu Wei , Luo Yi
Published: November 2006

We present a first-principles study of hydrogen bonding effect on current-voltage characteristics of molecular junctions. Three model charge-transfer molecules, 2′-amino-4,4′-di(ethynylphenyl)-1-benzenethiolate (DEPBT-D), 4,4′-di(ethynylphenyl)-2′-nitro-1-benzenethiolate (DEPBT-A), and 2′-amino-4,4′-di(ethynylphenyl)-5′-nitro-1-benzenethiolate (DEPBT-DA), have been examined and compared with the corresponding hydrogen bonded complexes formed with different water molecules. Large differences in current-voltage characteristics are observed for DEPBT-D and DEPBT-A molecules with or without hydrogen bonded waters, while relatively small differences are found for DEPBT-DA. It is predicted that the presence of water clusters can drastically reduce the conductivities of the charge-transfer molecules. The underlying microscopic mechanism has been discussed.
Magnetic and resonance properties of the compound (NH3)2(CH2)3CoCl4—an antiferromagnet with the Dzyaloshinskii interaction
Authors: Cherny A. S. , Dergachev K. G. , Kobets M. I. , Khatsko E. N.
Published: November 2006

The static magnetic and dynamic properties of the compound (NH3)2(CH2)3CoCl4 are investigated in the temperature interval 0.5–50K. It is shown that at TN=2.05K this compound undergoes a transition to a magnetically ordered antiferromagnet state. A distinctive feature of this compound is the presence of temperature hysteresis at the transition to the ordered state (corresponding to a first-order magnetic phase transition) and of a spontaneous magnetic moment along the x axis. The paramagnetic Curie temperatures are determined. The frequency–field curves of the AFMR spectrum in the xy plane are investigated at a temperature below TN. The main magnetic parameters of the biaxial AFM — the value of the low-frequency gap and the effective magnetic anisotropy field — are determined.
Influence of the size effect in the exciton energy spectrum on exciton relaxation in rare gas clusters
Authors: Verkhovtseva É. T. , Doronin Yu. S. , Ratner A. M. , Bondarenko E. A.
Published: November 2006

The influence of the size effect in the exciton energy spectrum on exciton relaxation in argon, krypton, and xenon clusters is investigated by the method of VUV cathodoluminescence spectroscopy. It is found that as the average cluster size is decreased to a certain critical value Nc∼160–190 atoms/cluster a blocking of the usual one-phonon channel of exciton energy relaxation occurs when the increasing distance between successive excitonic levels in the band reaches the phonon Debye energy. This leads to the appearance of another channel of relaxation (suppressed in the solid) that ends in the desorption of excited atoms and molecules from rare gas clusters.
Novel method based on video tracking system for simultaneous measurement of kinematics and flow in the wake of a freely swimming fish
Authors: Wu Guanhao , Yang Yan , Zeng Lijiang
Published: November 2006

A novel method based on video tracking system for simultaneous measurement of kinematics and flow in the wake of a freely swimming fish is described. Spontaneous and continuous swimming behaviors of a variegated carp (Cyprinus carpio) are recorded by two cameras mounted on a translation stage which is controlled to track the fish. By processing the images recorded during tracking, the detailed kinematics based on calculated midlines and quantitative analysis of the flow in the wake during a low-speed turn and burst-and-coast swimming are revealed. We also draw the trajectory of the fish during a continuous swimming bout containing several moderate maneuvers. The results prove that our method is effective for studying maneuvers of fish both from kinematic and hydrodynamic viewpoints.
Tunneling motions of argon on chlorofluoromethane
Authors: Ottaviani Paolo , Caminati Walther , Grabow Jens-Uwe
Published: November 2006

The rotational supersonic jet Fourier transform microwave spectra of the Cl35 and Cl37 species of the molecular complex chlorofluoromethane-argon show that, in its equilibrium conformation, the argon atom is located out of the ClCF plane, interacting with the F and Cl atoms. All rotational transitions are split into several quadrupole components, each of them further split into two lines, due to the tunneling motion of the Ar atom between two equivalent positions, below and above the ClCF plane. The feasible low energy pathway between the structurally degenerate conformations is described, in a first approximation, by a circular motion around the C–Cl bond, with barriers estimated to be about 61 and 100cm−1.
On the importance of boundary conditions on nanomechanical bending behavior and elastic modulus determination of silver nanowires
Authors: Chen Yunxia , Dorgan Brian L. , McIlroy David N. , Eric Aston D.
Published: November 2006

Nanomechanical bending behavior and elastic modulus of silver nanowires (65–140nm∅) suspended across silicon microchannels were investigated using digital pulsed force mode (DPFM) atomic force microscopy through coincident imaging and force profiling. Deflection profiles analyzed off-line demonstrate the role of bending nanowire shape and symmetry in experimentally determining boundary conditions, eliminating the need to rely on isolated midpoint bending measurements and the usual assumptions for supported-end behavior. Elastic moduli for as-prepared silver nanowires ranged from 80.4±5.3to96.4±12.8GPa, which met or exceeded the literature values for bulk silver. The calculated moduli were based on classic modeling, both with one-dimensional analytical solutions and three-dimensional finite element analysis. Modeling results indicate that the classic models are accurate as long as the boundary conditions are not arbitrarily assumed but directly confirmed by data analysis. DPFM also facilitated the experimental determination of sample gauge lengths from images and bending profiles.
Three-dimensional direct numerical simulation for film-boiling contact of moving particle and liquid droplet
Authors: Ge Yang , Fan Liang-Shih
Published: November 2006

The hydrodynamics and heat transfer phenomena during the collision process of a liquid droplet and a hot particle, both in motion, are illustrated by direct numerical simulation in this study. The three-dimensional level-set method is used to portray the surface deformation of the droplet. The immersed boundary method is employed by means of the particle level-set function so that the particle-fluid boundary conditions are satisfied. The governing equations for the droplet and the surrounding gas phase are solved using the finite-volume method. To account for the multiscale effect due to lubrication resistance induced by the vapor layer between the droplet and solid surface or solid particle formed by the film-boiling evaporation, a vapor flow model is developed, which quantifies the pressure and velocity distributions along the vapor layer. The temperature fields in all phases and the local evaporation rate on the droplet surface are illustrated using a full-field heat transfer model. The convergence of the simulation model is analyzed and verified by using different grid sizes in the computation. The normal and oblique collisions between the droplet and the particle are simulated. It is found that the particle sizes have a significant effect on the collision dynamics in a normal collision. When the droplet size is larger than the particle size, the contact time is shorter than the droplet vibration period and is controlled by the dynamics of the particle. In an oblique collision, the increasing obliquity causes a decrease in contact area and contact time, and hence, a reduction in the heat loss of the particle during the collision process.
Broadband calibration of radio-frequency magnetic induction probes
Authors: Messer S. , Blackwell D. D. , Amatucci W. E. , Walker D. N.
Published: November 2006

We describe broadband calibration of a magnetic induction probe using a network analyzer. Our procedure uses a small driver coil and the scattering matrix associated with the coil-probe pair. This allows rapid, high-resolution measurements of the amplitude and phase of the probe’s response to oscillating magnetic fields. Our setup gives high accuracy between 100kHz and 100MHz and less accuracy outside this range. We present over 1800 sensitivity measurements between 30kHz and 1GHz. The ideal probe response is compared to calibrations done with two different driver coils. We discuss several hurdles in probe design and calibration, as well as several high-frequency effects.
Improvements in the device characteristics of random-network single-walled carbon nanotube transistors by using high-κ gate insulators
Authors: Ohishi Megumi , Shiraishi Masashi , Ochi Kenji , Kubozono Yoshihiro , Kataura Hiromichi
Published: November 2006

The authors fabricated random-network single-walled carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (FETs) with high-κ gate insulators. The gate insulator in the FETs was changed from SiO2 to Ba0.4Sr0.6Ti0.96O3 (BST, εs=100), which was fabricated by a sol-gel method. The gate-switching voltage of a FET with a BST insulator is about one-tenth of that of a FET with a SiO2 insulator, and the values of the transconductance and the on/off ratio are 0.18μS and 105, respectively. In addition, hysteresis in the operation of the FETs was dramatically decreased, probably because of improvements in the surface condition of the insulator.
Giant coercivity nanodots and fractals in CoPt films grown on (001) SrTiO3 using pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Rakshit R. K. , Bose S. K. , Sharma R. , Budhani R. C.
Published: November 2006

High coercivity nanoscale structures of CoPt are grown on (001) SiTiO3 with pulsed laser ablation. At low growth rate (≃0.4Å∕s), the film morphology changes from a self-similar fractal to nanodots as the deposition temperature is raised from 700to800°C. While the nanodots are L10 ordered phase with out-of-plane c axis and coercivity Hc⊥≃30kOe, the fractals have a nonzero, in-plane c-axis component of the L10 phase. The large lattice mismatch between (001) SrTiO3 and the ac∕bc plane of L10 imparts tensile strain to the films whose morphological manifestations can be suppressed at high growth rates.
Transition metal doping and clustering in Ge
Authors: Continenza A. , Profeta G. , Picozzi S.
Published: November 2006

Ab initio calculations of clusters in Ge, up to three-impurity atoms in substitutional and/or interstitial sites, are discussed. Interstitial defects, with usually high formation energies when isolated, are stabilized thanks to the interaction with substitutional sites nearby. Mn impurities show a tendency to cluster and magnetic alignment strongly dependent on the sites; however, the occurrence of some Mn clusters is seen not to degrade magnetism, though reducing the total magnetic moment. Cr codoping leads to large formation energy and antiferromagnetic alignment. Co codoping lowers the energy cost of Mn incorporation without disrupting ferromagnetic ordering, thus representing a possible route to help Mn incorporation in Ge.
Complexation of Fluorinated Amino Acid Derivatives by β- and γ-Cyclodextrin in Aqueous Solution. A 19F Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study
Authors: Brown SE , Easton CJ , Lincoln SF
Published: November 2006

A 19F n.m.r. study shows that the β-cyclodextrin complexes of deprotonated α-(p- fluorophenyl ) glycine, N-acetyl-α-(p- fluorophenyl ) glycine , deprotonated N-acetyl-α-(p- fluorophenyl ) glycine , and N-(p- fluorobenzoyl ) valine are characterized by stability constants KR/dm3 mol-1 and Ks/dm3 mol-1 =13�2 and 21�3, 34�1 and 35�2, 12�1 and 12� 1, and 84�2 and 93�2, respectively, where the first and second of each pair of values refers to the complex formed by the R and S enantiomers of the fluorinated amino acid derivatives, respectively, in 10% aqueous D2O solution at 295.5 K and I = 0.10 mol dm-3. A comparison of these data and the associated 19F chemical shift data with those for the analogous α- and γ- cyclodextrin complexes provides an insight into the factors affecting the stabilities and structures of these complexes.
Cellulose Acetate-Based pH Indicator Optodes
Authors: Cardwell TJ , Cattrall RW , Deady LW , Dorkos M , Kaye AJ , Papanikos A
Published: November 2006

Some pH indicators for use in optode membranes based on cellulose acetate have been prepared, and applications of membranes containing octyl bis (2,4-dinitrophenyl)acetate in static and flowing systems are discussed.
Complexation of Benzoic, 4-Methylbenzoic, and (R)- and (S)-2-Phenylpropanoic Acids and Their Conjugate Bases by 3A-Amino-3A-deoxy-(2AS,3AS)-β-cyclodextrin in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Dhillon R , Easton CJ , Lincoln SF , Papageorgiou J
Published: November 2006

A potentiometric titration study of the complexation of benzoic, 4-methylbenzoic, and (R)- and (S)-2-phenylpropanoic acids and their conjugate bases by 3A-amino-3A-deoxy-(2AS,3AS)-β- cyclodextrin, βCD3NH2, in which the amino group may be protonated to produce a singly charged species, βCD3NH3+, is reported. In aqueous solution at 298.2K and I = 0.10 mol dm-3 ( KCl ), the complexation constants for the complexes indicated have the values (in dm3 mol-1) shown in parentheses: benzoic acid.βCD3NH3+ (KHA = 110�10); benzoate.βCD3NH3+ (KA = 19�2); 4-methylbenzoic acid.βCD3NH3+ (KHA = 210�10); 4-methylbenzoate.βCD3NH3+ (KA = 21�3); (R)- and (S)-2-phenylpropanoic acid.βCD3NH3+ (KRHA = 64�8, KSHA = 57�5); (R)- and (S)-2-phenylpropanoate.βCD3NH3+ (KRA = 51�6, KSA = 32�6); and (R)- and (S)-2-phenylpropanoate.βCD3NH2 (KRA′ = 13�7; KSA′ is too small to quantify reliably). These complexation constants are substantially less than those for the host-guest complexes formed by the isomeric 6A-amino-6A-deoxy-β-cyclodextrin and also for those formed by β-cyclodextrin. The origins of these differences are discussed.
Structural Studies of the Alkali Metal Picrates
Authors: Harrowfield JM , Skelton BW , White AH
Published: November 2006

A comparative series of room-temperature, single-crystal X-ray studies of the alkali metal (and ammonium) picrate structures is presented, all being in some sense revisitations of earlier work of various vintages, except for that of the sodium salt. Lithium picrate monohydrate is triclinic, Pī, a 10.710(6), b 7.186(1), c 7.112(1) Ǻ, α 65.89(1), β 71.90(3), γ 84.45(2)°, Z = 2 f.u.; conventional R on |F| was 0.053 for No = 1792 'observed' (I > 3σ(I)) reflections. Sodium picrate monohydrate is monoclinic, C 2/m, a 13.074(6), b 20.080(6), c 3.690(3) Ǻ, β 90.67(3)°, Z = 4 f.u.; R was 0.056 for No 519. Potassium picrate (anhydrous) is orthorhombic, Ibca , a 13.316(3), b 19.107(5), c 7.138(2) Ǻ, Z = 8 f.u ., R 0.036 for No 1308; the ammonium salt is isomorphous, a 13.474(4), b 19.790(7), c 7.131 (4) Ǻ, R 0.040 for No 981. Rubidium picrate (anhydrous) is monoclinic, P 21/c, a 10.604(1), b 4.556(3), c 19.183(2) Ǻ, β 101.41(1)°, Z = 4 f.u ., R 0.039 for No 1878; the caesium salt is isomorphous, a 10.810(1), b 4.700(1), c 19.400(3) Ǻ, β 101.43(1)°, R 0.027 for No 2177. The lithium salt is binuclear, the phenolic oxygen atoms bridging the five-coordinate lithium atoms, while the sodium salt is a two-dimensional polymer parallel to the ab plane, the picrates cross-linking one-dimensional arrays of sodium atoms of two types, one eight-coordinate and linked by bridging phenolic oxygen atoms, and the other six-coordinate and linked by water molecules. The potassium and ammonium salts are also two-dimensional polymers parallel to the ab planes, linked in the second dimension by pairs of picrates opposed in polarity and linking the eight-coordinate potassium atoms by phenolic oxygen atoms on the one hand, and the 4-nitro group oxygen atoms on the other. The rubidium and caesium salts are two-dimensional polymers in the ac plane, eight-coordinate metal atoms being linked by a complex web of picrate groups; unlike the other compounds, they do not contain bridging phenolic oxygen atoms.
A New Macrocyclic γ-Pyrone From a Southern Australian Marine Red Alga
Authors: Murray L , Currie G , Capon RJ
Published: November 2006

A new macrocyclic γ- pyrone (10) and two known γ- pyrones (2) and (6) have been isolated from a Victorian collection of Phacelocarpus peperocarpos. The Z geometry about ∆17,18 in (2) has been established for the first time. All structure elucidations were supported by detailed spectroscopic analysis.
Clemmensen Reduction. XI. Fragmentation Reactions of Some 3-Acetylcycloalkanones
Authors: Bailey KE , Davis BR
Published: November 2006

Clemmensen reduction of a series of 3-acetylcycloalkanones yields, as the major product, an acyclic unsaturated ketone, the product of fragmentation. Some normal carbonyl-methylene reduction also occurs. A mechanistic rationale for the fragmentation is advanced.
A survey of partner notification practices among general practitioners and their use of an internet resource for partner notification for Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Tomnay Jane E. , Gebert Rachelle L. , Fairley Christopher K.
Published: November 2006

Objectives: To determine in which circumstances Victorian general practitioners (GPs) offer chlamydia testing to patients, the attitudes of GPs in relation to contact tracing, how often GPs use a pre-printed partner letter and patient brochure and what proportion of GPs have immediate internet access in their consulting rooms. Methods: This study involved two parts, an initial survey of a sample of GPs in Victoria and a study of GP use of a website that provided treatment guidelines, a printable client brochure and a partner letter. Results: Of 418 eligible GPs, 221 (53%, 48–58%, 95% CI) returned completed surveys. Of these, 213 (97%, 93–99%, 95% CI) GPs believed that patients were largely responsible for notifying partners. Partner letters were rarely used: 167 (76%, 70–81%, 95% CI) GPs reported they never used partner letters, 18 (8%, 5–13%, 95% CI) GPs reported rare use and 23 (10%, 7–15%, 95% CI) GPs reportedusing them sometimes. Of the GPs, 181 (82%, 77–87%, 95% CI) reported they would find a partner letter and patient brochure on a website helpful. During the study, the website was accessed by 28 GPs (25%, 17–34%, 95% CI) in Gippsland and 17 GPs (8%, 5–13%, 95% CI) in Geelong who received positive chlamydia results on 110 and 208 clients respectively. Conclusions: GPs mostly considered patients responsible for partner notification but uncommonly used partner letters or an information brochure to assist them. Importantly, GPs reported that they could improve partner notification if further support was provided. In addition, when a website was provided with useful documents on it, up to 25% of GPs used it. This indicates that simple and inexpensive interventions can support GPs with strategies that may improve the control of chlamydia.
Comparison of growth and development of the red-tailed phascogale (Phascogale calura) in three captive colonies
Authors: Foster W. K. , Bradley A. J. , Caton W. , Taggart D. A.
Published: November 2006

The red-tailed phascogale (Phascogale calura) is an endangered dasyurid species that has recently been brought into captivity in an effort to increase numbers before release back into the wild. As part of investigations into the reproductive biology of the species, information on the growth and development of young was collected throughout lactation from litters raised in three separate colonies. Growth curves for aging young throughout lactation and a timetable of developmental changes were constructed. While two colonies, with fourth- and fifth-generation captive animals, showed no significant difference in growth, animals from a third colony that had been wild caught before breeding displayed a slower rate of growth from 34 days of age. The pattern of development resembled that of other dasyurids, with young left in the nest from 44 days of age, fully furred by 78 days and weaned between 90 and 110 days. Captive phascogales invest heavily in their young, with litters weighing 380 ± 67% of maternal bodyweight at weaning.
Rapid and low-cost colorimetric method using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride for detection of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Alireza , Farnia Parisa , Ghazvini Kiarash , Behdani Mahdi , Rashed Tahereh , Ghanaat Javad
Published: November 2006

A rapid and inexpensive method for the detection of drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis is essential for the effective control of tuberculosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate a colorimetric method using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) for antibiotic susceptibility testing of M. tuberculosis isolates. Eleven multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates of M. tuberculosis and 12 isolates which were susceptible to rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) were used. The test was performed with a critical concentration of 0.2 μg ml−1 for INH and 2.0 μg ml−1 for RIF in 7H9GC broth with 0.625 μg TTC ml−1. Each isolate was inoculated under these conditions and inspected daily for colour changes; the results were obtained after a mean of 4.9 days. The sensitivity and specificity of this method were 100 % and 92 %, respectively, for both antibiotics. Considering the speed, technical ease and cost-effectiveness of this method, the TTC assay is a good alternative method for drug susceptibility testing of M. tuberculosis isolates.
Impaired immune response to Candida albicans in aged mice
Authors: Murciano Celia , Villamón Eva , Yáñez Alberto , O'Connor José-Enrique , Gozalbo Daniel , Gil M. Luisa
Published: November 2006

The prevalence of opportunistic fungal infections has increased dramatically among the aged population in recent years. This work investigated the effect of ageing on murine defences againstCandida albicans. Aged C57BL/6 mice that were experimentally infected intravenously had a significantly impaired survival and a higher tissue fungal burden compared with young mice.In vitroproduction of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-αby macrophages from aged mice in response to yeast cells and hyphae ofC. albicanswas significantly lower than production by macrophages from young mice.In vitroproduction of cytokines, such as TNF-αand gamma interferon (IFN-γ), by antigen-stimulated splenocytes from mice intravenously infected withC. albicanscells was also diminished in old mice. This decrease in production of T helper 1 cytokines in old mice correlated with a diminished frequency of IFN-γ-producing CD4+T lymphocytes, although the ability to develop an acquired resistance upon vaccination (primary sublethal infection) of mice with the low-virulence PCA2 strain was not affected in aged mice. The diversity of antigens recognized byC. albicans-specific antibodies in sera from infected aged mice was clearly diminished when compared with that from infected young mice. Taken together, these data show that aged mice develop an altered innate and adaptive immune response toC. albicansand are more susceptible to systemic primary candidiasis.
Reduced‐intensity conditioning followed by T‐cell depleted allogeneic stem cell transplantation for patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia and minimal residual disease at the time of transplant: high risk of molecular relapse
Authors: Ringhoffer Mark , Harsdorf Stephanie von , Schmitt Michael , Wiesneth Markus , Zenz Thorsten , Stilgenbauer Stephan , Greiner Jochen , Döhner Konstanze , Marx Martin , Döhner Hartmut , Bunjes Donald
Published: November 2006

A pilot trial was initiated for chronic myeloid leukaemia patients, which employed imatinib for remission induction, followed by reduced‐intensity conditioning and an in vivo T‐cell depleted graft. Out of nine patients, six experienced a molecular relapse and one patient had a haematological relapse at a median interval of 5 months after transplantation. Five relapsing patients achieved a 2nd molecular remission after treatment with either donor lymphocyte infusions (n = 4) or imatinib (n = 1). Two of nine patients died due to infectious complications. The probability of survival 2 years after transplant was 74% (95% CI 42–100%).
High‐potentiality preliminary selection criteria and transformation time‐dependent factors analysis for establishing Epstein–Barr virus transformed human lymphoblastoid cell lines
Authors: Chang I.‐C. , Wu J.‐Y. , Lu H.‐I. , Ko H.‐W. , Kuo J.‐L. , Wang C.‐Y. , Shen P.‐S. , Hwang S.‐M.
Published: November 2006

Abstract.  Infection of freshly isolated and cryopreserved lymphocytes with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) leads to the establishment of human B lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). Techniques for optimal infection of the lymphocytes are vital for the establishment of a human biobank. The present study found that more than half (58–86%) of such established LCLs had transport times of less than 48 h, cell densities exceeding 106 cells/ml and cell viabilities greater than 90%. After EBV infection, 3306 freshly isolated lymphocytes required 30.0 ± 0.1 days to become LCLs. Conversely, 1210 cryopreserved lymphocytes required 36.2 ± 0.4 days. Cell density and viability of the culture affected transformation time in freshly isolated lymphocytes. On the other hand, blood transport time, cryopreservation time and initial cell viability were major factors in cryopreserved specimens. These results contribute to general information concerning the establishment of a human biobank for EBV infected cells.
Time‐ and concentration‐dependent effects of resveratrol in HL‐60 and HepG2 cells
Authors: Stervbo U. , Vang O. , Bonnesen C.
Published: November 2006

Abstract.  Resveratrol, a phytochemical present in grapes, has been demonstrated to inhibit tumourigenesis in animal models. However, the specific mechanism by which resveratrol exerts its anticarcinogenic effect has yet to be elucidated. In the present study, the inhibitory effects of resveratrol on cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated in the human leukaemia cell line HL‐60 and the human hepatoma derived cell line HepG2. We found that after a 2 h incubation period, resveratrol inhibited DNA synthesis in a concentration‐dependent manner. The IC50 value was 15 µm in both HL‐60 and HepG2 cells. When the time of treatment was extended, an increase in IC50 value was observed; for example, at 24 h the IC50 value was 30 µm for HL‐60 cells and 60 µm for HepG2 cells. Flow cytometry revealed that cells accumulated in different phases of the cell cycle depending on the resveratrol concentration. Furthermore, an increase in nuclear size and granularity was observed in the G1 and S phases of HL‐60 treated and HepG2‐treated cells. Apoptosis was also stimulated by resveratrol in a concentration‐dependent manner in HL‐60 and HepG2 cells. In conclusion, resveratrol inhibits cell proliferation in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner by interfering with different stages of the cell cycle. Furthermore, resveratrol treatment causes stimulation of apoptosis as well as an increase in nuclear size and granularity.
Cytomics – importance of multimodal analysis of cell function and proliferation in oncology
Authors: Tárnok A. , Bocsi J. , Brockhoff G.
Published: November 2006

Abstract.  Cancer is a highly complex and heterogeneous disease involving a succession of genetic changes (frequently caused or accompanied by exogenous trauma), and resulting in a molecular phenotype that in turn results in a malignant specification. The development of malignancy has been described as a multistep process involving self‐sufficiency in growth signals, insensitivity to antigrowth signals, evasion of apoptosis, limitless replicative potential, sustained angiogenesis, and finally tissue invasion and metastasis. The quantitative analysis of networking molecules within the cells might be applied to understand native‐state tissue signalling biology, complex drug actions and dysfunctional signalling in transformed cells, that is, in cancer cells. High‐content and high‐throughput single‐cell analysis can lead to systems biology and cytomics. The application of cytomics in cancer research and diagnostics is very broad, ranging from the better understanding of the tumour cell biology to the identification of residual tumour cells after treatment, to drug discovery. The ultimate goal is to pinpoint in detail these processes on the molecular, cellular and tissue level. A comprehensive knowledge of these will require tissue analysis, which is multiplex and functional; thus, vast amounts of data are being collected from current genomic and proteomic platforms for integration and interpretation as well as for new varieties of updated cytomics technology. This overview will briefly highlight the most important aspects of this continuously developing field.
Reduced lung function predicts increased fatality in future cardiac events. A population‐based study
Authors: ENGSTRÖM G. , HEDBLAD B. , JANZON L.
Published: November 2006

Objective.  Moderately reduced lung function in apparently healthy subjects has been associated with incidence of coronary events. However, whether lung function is related to the fatality of the future events is unknown. This study explored whether reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) in initially healthy men is related to the fatality of the future coronary events.

Design.  Prospective cohort study.

Setting.  Population‐based study from Malmö, Sweden.

Subjects.  A total of 5452 healthy men, 28–61 years of age.

Main outcome measures.  Incidence of first coronary events was monitored over a mean follow‐up of 19 years. The fatality of the future events was studied in relation to FEV and FVC.

Results.  A total of 589 men suffered a coronary event during follow‐up, 165 of them were fatal during the first day. After risk factors adjustment, low FEV or FVC were associated with incidence of coronary events (fatal or nonfatal) and this relationship was most pronounced for the fatal events. Amongst men who subsequently had a coronary event, the case‐fatality rates were higher in men with low FEV or FVC. Adjusted for risk factors, the odds ratio for death during the first day was 1.00 (reference), 1.63 (95% CI: 0.9–3.1), 1.86 (1.0–3.5) and 2.06 (1.1–3.9), respectively, for men with FVC in the 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and lowest quartiles (trend: P < 0.05). FEV showed similar relationships with the fatality rates.

Conclusion.  Apparently healthy men with moderately reduced lung function have higher fatality in future coronary events, with a higher proportion of coronary heart disease deaths and less nonfatal myocardial infarction.
Genetic structure and reproductive strategy of the ant Cardiocondyla elegans: strictly monogynous nests invaded by unrelated sexuals
Authors: LENOIR J.‐C. , SCHREMPF A. , LENOIR A. , HEINZE J. , MERCIER J.‐L.
Published: November 2006

Cardiocondyla elegans is a Mediterranean ant that nests on river banks. It rears only wingless (ergatoid) males that live peacefully in the same nest as opposed to other species of the same genus, which have both peaceful, winged and mutually aggressive ‘ergatoid’ males. Using microsatellite analysis, we investigated the genetic structure of 21 colonies from three different locations as well as the parentage of sexuals of two colonies of C. elegans. We show that C. elegans is strictly monogynous, and that its nests can contain foreign sexuals. The presence of alien sexuals inside ant nests is described for the first time and probably counteracts inbreeding resulting from matings between siblings. In the laboratory, aggression tests showed that workers only allow alien males to enter their nests, while all winged female sexuals attempting to enter were attacked. Nevertheless, the presence of alien female sexuals in nests in the field seems to result from active carrying behaviour by workers during the reproductive period.
Ghrelin augments afferent response to distension in rat isolated jejunum
Authors: Murray C. D. R. , Booth C. E. , Bulmer D. C. E. , Kamm M. A. , Emmanuel A. V. , Winchester W. J.
Published: November 2006

Abstract  Ghrelin has been shown to decrease firing of gastric vagal afferents at doses comparable with circulating levels in the fasted state. This raises the possibility that ghrelin may have a hormonal action on other vagal afferent populations. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of ghrelin on jejunal afferent activity; including responses to distension, 2‐methyl‐5‐hydroxytryptamine (2‐methyl‐5‐HT) and cholecystokinin (CCK) in both naïve and vagotomized rats. Ghrelin significantly augmented the afferent response to distension. No effect was observed on baseline afferent discharge, or the response to 2‐methyl‐5‐HT and CCK. The effect of ghrelin was more pronounced at lower ramp distending pressures (0–30 mmHg). Similarly, ghrelin augmented the jejunal afferent responses to phasic distension at 10–30 mmHg, but had no effect at higher pressures. Chronic subdiaphragmatic vagotomy and administration of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS‐R) antagonist [d‐Lys3]‐GHRP‐6 prevented the augmentation of the afferent responses to distension indicating ghrelin is acting through the GHS‐R on vagal afferent fibres. Ghrelin augments the mechanosensation of jejunal vagal afferents and hence may lead to increased perception of hunger contractions.
Clinical and Para‐clinical Findings of a Recent Outbreaks of Peste des Petits Ruminants in Iran
Authors: Abdollahpour G. , Raoofi A. , Najafi J. , Sasani F. , Sakhaie E.
Published: November 2006

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious and infectious viral disease of domestic and wild small ruminants characterized by fever, erosive stomatitis, conjunctivitis, gastroenteritis and pneumonia. Goats are usually more severely affected than sheep. Peste des petits ruminants is caused by a paramyxovirus of the Morbillivirus genus. In March 2004, a flock of sheep in Tehran province with 430 deaths was visited. According to the history taken from the owner, at disease onset most of the deaths were recorded from adult sheep, 3 weeks later lambs (2 weeks to 4 months of age) showed the highest death rate. All animals from 3 months age received rinderpest vaccine 1 month after onset. Many of the lambs died just a few hours after their first sucking of the colostrum from infected mothers. Most of them showed very acute form of disease and died a few hours after onset of clinical signs. In clinical examinations most of the cases showed severe depression, high fever (41°C), anorexia, mocopulurent nasal discharge, erosive and necrotic stomatitis (dental path, hard palate and cheeks), diarrhoea and dehydration. Para‐clinical findings including histopathological, serological and haematological examinations also confirmed the presence of PPR in this flock. PPR outbreaks have been frequent in Iran in recent years. Further, we suggest that PPR is not a recent invader of Iran. The main difference in clinical signs between this outbreak and the same in other reports is that goats did not show any obvious signs of PPR. This might be due to the number of the goats (>1% of the flock) and keeping them separate from the sheep. The present article reviews the details of this outbreak in Iran.
Assessment of quality of life with the WHOQOL‐BREF in a group of Turkish psychiatric patients compared with diabetic and healthy subjects
Authors: AKVARDAR YILDIZ , AKDEDE BERNA BINNUR , ÖZERDEM AYŞEGÜL , ESER ERHAN , TOPKAYA ŞULE , ALPTEKIN KÖKSAL
Published: November 2006

Abstract  Decreased quality of life is often an important cause or consequence of psychiatric illness, and needs to be included in a comprehensive treatment plan. The authors aimed to identify how psychiatric patients characterize the quality of their lives compared to others who are suffering from a chronic physical illness (diabetes) and healthy individuals. A total of 100 psychiatric patients were recruited from Dokuz Eylül University Psychiatry Department outpatient clinic. Of these, 34 had 4th edition Diagnostic and Statistical Manual diagnosis of alcohol dependence, 38 had schizophrenia, and 28 had bipolar disorder. A total of 35 patients with diabetes and 49 healthy individuals were also included in the study. The World Health Organization’s Quality of Life Questionnaire was used to measure the quality of life. Patients with alcohol dependence, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia scored lower than healthy subjects on the physical aspects of quality of life. Patients with schizophrenia had lower scores in the psychological domain compared to patients with bipolar disorder, patients with diabetes, and healthy subjects. In the social relationship domain, patients with schizophrenia and alcohol dependence scored lower compared to healthy subjects. Patients with schizophrenia were worse with respect to social relationships than bipolar patients and diabetics. World Health Organization’s Quality of Life Questionnaire is useful for evaluating the needs and targets for interventions in psychiatric patients.