bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Negative bias in fast emotion discrimination in borderline personality disorder
Authors: Dyck M. , Habel U. , Slodczyk J. , Schlummer J. , Backes V. , Schneider F. , Reske M.
Published: August 2008

Background

The ability to decode emotional information from facial expressions is crucial for successful social interaction. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by serious problems in interpersonal relationships and emotional functioning. Empirical research on facial emotion recognition in BPD has been sparsely published and results are inconsistent. To specify emotion recognition deficits in BPD more closely, the present study implemented two emotion recognition tasks differing in response format.

Method

Nineteen patients with BPD and 19 healthy subjects were asked to evaluate the emotional content of visually presented stimuli (emotional and neutral faces). The first task, the Fear Anger Neutral (FAN) Test, required a rapid discrimination between negative or neutral facial expressions whereas in the second task, the Emotion Recognition (ER) Test, a precise decision regarding default emotions (sadness, happiness, anger, fear and neutral) had to be achieved without a time limit.

Results

In comparison to healthy subjects, BPD patients showed a deficit in emotion recognition only in the fast discrimination of negative and neutral facial expressions (FAN Test). Consistent with earlier findings, patients demonstrated a negative bias in the evaluation of neutral facial expressions. When processing time was unlimited (ER Test), BPD patients performed as well as healthy subjects in the recognition of specific emotions. In addition, an association between performance in the fast discrimination task (FAN Test) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) co-morbidity was indicated.

Conclusions

Our data suggest a selective deficit of BPD patients in rapid and direct discrimination of negative and neutral emotional expressions that may underlie difficulties in social interactions.
EMBEDDINGS IN COSET MONOIDS
Authors: EAST JAMES
Published: August 2008

A submonoid S of a monoid M is said to be cofull if it contains the group of units of M. We extract from the work of Easdown, East and FitzGerald (2002) a sufficient condition for a monoid to embed as a cofull submonoid of the coset monoid of its group of units, and show further that this condition is necessary. This yields a simple description of the class of finite monoids which embed in the coset monoids of their group of units. We apply our results to give a simple proof of the result of McAlister [D. B. McAlister, ‘Embedding inverse semigroups in coset semigroups’, Semigroup Forum20 (1980), 255–267] which states that the symmetric inverse semigroup on a finite set X does not embed in the coset monoid of the symmetric group on X. We also explore examples, which are necessarily infinite, of embeddings whose images are not cofull.
Psycho-social distress in patients with chronic somatic diseases
Authors: Helmes Almut , Krämer Lena , Bengel Jürgen
Published: August 2008

Abstract. Research activities of the Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg, mainly focus on psycho-social distress of patients with chronic somatic diseases. Examples of current or recent research projects are: 1. Meta-analysis on quality of life and health care costs in patients with somatic diseases and comorbid mental disorders: Preliminary results indicate a substantial negative effect of comorbid mental disorders on somatic and psychosocial aspects as well as health care costs. 2. Communication in cancer care from the patients’ perspective: Breast cancer patients who were more satisfied with the received information at baseline showed better psychological adjustment after three and six months. 3. Patients’ experiences as empowerment. German version of the website DIPEx with the modules diabetes and chronic pain: it is a free multimedia website with a database of patients’ experiences of their illnesses, linked with evidence-based information on these diseases, treatment options and facilities of support.
Subjective well-being, sun protection behavior, and multimethod measurement
Authors: Eid Michael , Lischetzke Tanja , Nussbeck Fridtjof , Geiser Christian , Luhmann Maike , Mallach Natalie
Published: August 2008

Abstract. Research of the Methodology Group at the Freie Universität Berlin focuses on subjective well-being, mood regulation, health psychology, and the development of new methods for the analysis of psychological data. In particular, we are interested in the role mood regulation plays for subjective well-being and the way people adapt to life events. In terms of health promotion, we study sun protection behavior and are interested in the prevention of skin cancer. In our methodological research, we are concerned with the development and application of new statistical models for analyzing longitudinal and multitrait-multimethod data.
Positive affect, self-access, and health
Authors: Quirin Markus , Kuhl Julius
Published: August 2008

Abstract. Based on the framework of Personality Systems Interactions theory, this article addresses the functional mechanisms by which positive affect influences motivational and self-regulatory determinants of health-relevant behavior on an elementary level of processing. Research encompassing experimental procedures such as the Stroop task will be presented which suggest that positive affect is necessary not only to facilitate self-regulation of negative emotions but also to facilitate self-motivation, i.e., the enactment of difficult intentions that entail the risk of procrastination. We also highlight the role of state and trait accessibility of self-referential information (”self-access”) in generating such positive affect. The relevance of the findings for health maintenance is addressed.
Health and health psychology in later life
Authors: Schüz Benjamin , Wurm Susanne , Tesch-Römer Clemens
Published: August 2008

Abstract. With increasing life expectancy in industrialised countries, more and more individuals can expect to reach high age. However, aging is often associated with increasing morbidity and decreasing quality of life (QoL). A central question therefore is, which resources determine whether these additional years are healthy years with high QoL. Data from a representative, population-wide survey (German Ageing Survey) suggest that age-related decreases in QoL are mediated by multimorbidity. Older individuals with little morbidity enjoy good QoL. To further explore these complex relations, we present a research agenda for resources fostering health and QoL despite multimorbidity. This article is an overview of research at the German Centre of Gerontology in the domain of aging and health. The German Centre of Gerontology is a multidisciplinary research institute which examines age-related phenomena from psychological and sociological perspectives. Research questions related to Health Psychology are examined in the context of representative surveys and theory-based studies.
Die deutsche Version der Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS) Psychometrische Befunde zu einem Achtsamkeitsfragebogen
Authors: Michalak Johannes , Heidenreich Thomas , Ströhle Gunnar , Nachtigall Christof
Published: August 2008

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Achtsamkeit ist eine bestimmte Form der Aufmerksamkeitslenkung, die durch drei Merkmale gekennzeichnet ist: (1) absichtsvoll (2), im gegenwärtigen Moment und (3) nicht wertend. Therapieansätze, in denen die Förderung von Achtsamkeit eine zentrale Rolle einnimmt, werden in letzter Zeit zunehmend eingesetzt. Fragestellung: Wie gut sind die Gütekriterien der deutschen Übersetzung der „Mindful Attention Awareness Scale” (MAAS)? Methode: Die 15 Items der MAAS wurden übersetzt. An einer Stichprobe von 469 studentischen Versuchspersonen wurden die dimensionale Struktur, Reliabilität und Validität der Skala überprüft. Ergebnisse: In Übereinstimmung mit den Ergebnissen zur amerikanischen Originalfassung zeigte die deutschsprachige Version der MAAS eine eindimensionale Struktur, eine interne Konsistenz von α = .83 und Zusammenhänge mit psychopathologischer Belastung und subjektivem Wohlbefinden. Schlussfolgerungen: Mit der deutschen Übersetzung der MAAS liegt ein Fragebogen vor, mit dem Achtsamkeit ökonomisch, reliabel und valide erfasst werden kann.
The Personalization of Politics
Authors: Caprara Gian Vittorio , Schwartz Shalom H. , Vecchione Michele , Barbaranelli Claudio
Published: August 2008

We examine how the traits and values of both candidates and voters contribute to political choice, using the five-factor model of traits and the Schwartz (1992 ) theory of basic personal values. 1,164 subjects reported their voting intention, their own traits and values, and those they perceived in the leader of one Italian political coalition (center-right or center-left). As hypothesized, voters simplified their personality judgments of politicians. Instead of the 5 trait factors and 10 basic values they employed in self-descriptions, they described the politicians using 2 trait factors (integrity and leadership) and 2 value dimensions (concern for others vs. self and excitement vs. caution). Logistic regressions revealed that voters own values predicted voting intention as hypothesized based on the policies advocated by the coalitions. Values trumped both own traits and demographic characteristics. The perceived traits and values of candidates accounted for additional variance in voting intention. The traits on which voters perceived a politician as weaker (Prodis leadership and Berlusconis integrity) were more decisive in orienting political preferences. We discuss explanations and implications of these findings.
Development of a Questionnaire to Evaluate Pilot Schemes Adapting Undergraduate Courses to the Requirements of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA)
Authors: Balluerka Nekane , Rodríguez Marta , Gorostiaga Arantxa , Vergara Ana Isabel
Published: August 2008

Convergence towards the European Higher Education Area involves a profound change within the university sector. The emphasis in the teaching-learning process shifts away from the teacher and onto the student. In order to deal with the major changes in the reform, the Faculty of Psychology of the University of the Basque Country, like other faculties throughout Europe, introduced a pilot scheme involving the adaptation of several undergraduate courses to the ECTS (the European Credit Transfer System). Based on data collected from a sample of 218 students – 143 belonging to the experimental group which received teaching based on ECTS credits and 75 belonging to the control group taught in accordance with the current system – the aim of this study was to develop and validate a questionnaire that assesses whether, from the students viewpoint, the courses adapted in this pilot scheme met the pedagogical requirements proposed by the new system. The results show that the instrument has a four-dimensional structure with adequate internal consistency and good validity indices.
The History of Lithuanian Psychology
Authors: Bagdonas Albinas , Pociūtė Birutė , Rimkutė Eglė , Valickas Gintautas
Published: August 2008

The history of Lithuanian psychology parallels the sociopolitical history of the country. Due to repeated occupations of the country and other unfavorable conditions, scientific thought and innovations were delayed for decades. Development of psychology in Lithuania can be divided in three periods: (1) interwar (1918–1940), (2) Soviet occupation (1940–1990), and (3) regained independence (since 1990). Institutionalization of psychology is analyzed in four aspects: research, development of studies, applied practice, and scientific communication. The beginning of the professional psychology in Lithuania is inseparable from the establishment and activity of the University of Lithuania (later Vytautas Magnus University). Major tasks and activities that the first Lithuanian psychologists undertook during the interwar period were the dissemination of scientific psychological knowledge. Scientific research was consistent with the tendencies established in European psychology, in particular German psychology. During the Soviet period one of the positive facts was an increasing number of professional psychologists due to the renewal of studies (including doctoral studies) in psychology at Vilnius University. However, Lithuania never had state-supported institutions for scientific research in psychology. Due to the restoration of independence in 1990, more educational establishments (at present five universities) provide instruction for psychologists, new curricula of studies are being launched according to the internationally confirmed standard, the relationship of psychology with various practical fields is strengthening, and numerous institutions offer a wide variety of psychological services.
Distribution and direct radiative forcing of carbonaceous and sulfate aerosols in an interactive size‐resolving aerosol–climate model
Authors: Kim Dongchul , Wang Chien , Ekman Annica M. L. , Barth Mary C. , Rasch Phil J.
Published: August 2008

A multimode, two‐moment aerosol model has been incorporated in the NCAR CAM3 to develop an interactive aerosol–climate model and to study the impact of anthropogenic aerosols on the global climate system. Currently, seven aerosol modes, namely three for external sulfate and one each for external black carbon (BC), external organic carbon (OC), sulfate/BC mixture (MBS; with BC core coated by sulfate shell), and sulfate/OC mixture (MOS; a uniform mixture of OC and sulfate) are included in the model. Both mass and number concentrations of each aerosol mode, as well as the mass of carbonaceous species in the mixed modes, are predicted by the model so that the chemical, physical, and radiative processes of various aerosols can be formulated depending on aerosol's size, chemical composition, and mixing state. Comparisons of modeled surface and vertical aerosol concentrations, as well as the optical depth of aerosols with available observations and previous model estimates, are in general agreement. However, some discrepancies do exist, likely caused by the coarse model resolution or the constant rates of anthropogenic emissions used to test the model. Comparing to the widely used mass‐only method with prescribed geometric size of particles (one‐moment scheme), the use of prognostic size distributions of aerosols based on a two‐moment scheme in our model leads to a significant reduction in optical depth and thus the radiative forcing at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) of particularly external sulfate aerosols. The inclusion of two types of mixed aerosols alters the mass partitioning of carbonaceous and sulfate aerosol constituents: about 35.5%, 48.5%, and 32.2% of BC, OC, and sulfate mass, respectively, are found in the mixed aerosols. This also brings in competing effects in aerosol radiative forcing including a reduction in atmospheric abundance of BC and OC due to the shorter lifetime of internal mixtures (cooling), a mass loss of external sulfate to mixtures (warming), and an enhancement in atmospheric heating per BC mass due to the stronger absorption extinction of the MBS than external BC (warming). The combined result of including a prognostic size distribution and the mixed aerosols in the model is a much smaller total negative TOA forcing (−0.12 W m−2) of all carbonaceous and sulfate aerosol compounds compared to the cases using one‐moment scheme either excluding or including internal mixtures (−0.42 and −0.71 W m−2, respectively). In addition, the global mean all‐sky TOA direct forcing of aerosols is significantly more positive than the clear‐sky value due to the existence of low clouds beneath the absorbing (external BC and MBS) aerosol layer, particularly over a dark surface. An emission reduction of about 44% for BC and 38% of primary OC is found to effectively change the TOA radiative forcing of the entire aerosol family by −0.14 W m−2 for clear‐sky and −0.29 W m−2 for all‐sky.
The World Avoided by the Montreal Protocol
Authors: Morgenstern Olaf , Braesicke Peter , Hurwitz Margaret M. , O'Connor Fiona M. , Bushell Andrew C. , Johnson Colin E. , Pyle John A.
Published: August 2008

The impact of increased stratospheric chlorine, averted by controls imposed by the Montreal Protocol, is studied using the UKCA chemistry‐climate model. We contrast an atmosphere with 9 ppbv Cly, which could have occurred by ∼2030, with the present‐day loading (3.5 ppbv), and consider the response of climate to resulting ozone perturbations, disregarding the radiative impact of the additional CFCs. Ozone columns decline everywhere, with climate impacts in both polar regions. The additional chlorine leads to a strengthening of the Southern Annular Mode, versus the reference, and Antarctic surface temperature differences resemble observed changes. Over Eurasia, winter surface temperature changes project on the Northern Annular Mode. These high‐latitude temperature perturbations (>1 K) are larger than the global mean temperature rises projected over the next few decades, and perhaps comparable with projected regional changes. The Montreal Protocol has not only averted further damage to the ozone layer but has helped prevent significant regional climate change.
Dependency of global mean precipitation on surface temperature
Authors: Lambert F. Hugo , Webb Mark J.
Published: August 2008

We investigate the causes of temperature dependent changes in global precipitation in contemporary General Circulation Models (GCMs) subjected to a doubling of atmospheric CO2 concentration. By analyzing the energy budget of the troposphere, we find that changes are dominated by processes robustly simulated by GCMs. Importantly, shortwave cloud feedbacks, whose uncertainty is largely responsible for the wide range of GCM temperature climate sensitivities, are shown to have little effect. This is because these mainly arise from the scattering of shortwave radiation that has little impact on the tropospheric heating that controls precipitation. Hence, we expect that the range of simulated precipitation sensitivities to temperature will not change greatly in future GCMs, despite the recent suggestion that satellite observations indicate that GCM precipitation changes are significantly in error.
Do Differences in Childhood Diet Explain the Reduced Overweight Risk in Breastfed Children?
Authors: Scholtens Salome , Brunekreef Bert , Smit Henriette A. , Gast Gerrie‐Cor M. , Hoekstra Maarten O. , De Jongste Johan C. , Postma Dirkje S. , Gerritsen Jorrit , Seidell Jaap C. , Wijga Alet H.
Published: August 2008

Breastfeeding has been associated with a reduced risk of overweight later in life. This study investigates whether differences in diet and lifestyle at 7 years of age between breastfed and formula‐fed children can explain the difference in overweight prevalence at 8 years of age. We studied 2,043 Dutch children born in 1996–1997 who participated in the Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy birth cohort study. Data on breastfeeding duration and diet and lifestyle factors at 7 years were collected using questionnaires. Weight and height were measured at 8 years. Overweight was defined according to international gender‐ and age‐specific standards. Compared to nonbreastfed children (15.5%, n = 316), children breastfed for >16 weeks (38.0%, n = 776) consumed fruit and vegetables significantly more often and meat, white bread, carbonated soft drinks, chocolate bars, and fried snacks less often. Overall, breastfed children were less likely to have an unhealthy diet (adjusted prevalence ratio: 0.77, 95% confidence interval: 0.61–0.98). The associations could only partly be explained by maternal education, maternal overweight, and smoking during pregnancy. At 8 years, 14.5% (n = 297) of the children were overweight. Breastfeeding for >16 weeks was significantly associated with a lower overweight risk at 8 years (adjusted odds ratio: 0.67, 95% confidence interval: 0.47–0.97), and the association hardly changed after adjustment for diet (adjusted odds ratio: 0.71, 95% confidence interval: 0.49–1.03). Breastfed children had a healthier diet at 7 years compared to nonbreastfed children, but this difference could not explain the lower overweight risk at 8 years in breastfed children.
The mechanism of specific binding of free cholesterol by the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein: evidence for a role of the C-terminal α-helix in the gating of the binding site
Authors: Roostaee Alireza , Barbar Élie , Lavigne Pierre , Lehoux Jean-Guy
Published: August 2008

Steroidogenesis depends on the delivery of free cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane by StAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein). Mutations in the StAR gene leads to proteins with limited cholesterol-binding capacity. This gives rise to the accumulation of cytoplasmic cholesterol, a deficit in steroid hormone production and to the medical condition of lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia. A detailed understanding of the mechanism of the specific binding of free cholesterol by StAR would be a critical asset in understanding the molecular origin of this disease. Previous studies have led to the proposal that the C-terminal α-helix 4 of StAR was undergoing a folding/unfolding transition. This transition is thought to gate the cholesterol-binding site. Moreover, a conserved salt bridge (Glu169–Arg188) in the cholesterol-binding site is also proposed to be critical to the binding process. Interestingly, some of the documented clinical mutations occur at this salt bridge (E169G, E169K and R188C) and in the C-terminal α-helix 4 (L275P). In the present study, using rationalized mutagenesis, activity assays, CD, thermodynamic studies and molecular modelling, we characterized the α-helix 4 mutations L271N and L275P, as well as the salt bridge double mutant E169M/R188M. The results provide experimental validation for the gating mechanism of the cholesterol-binding site by the C-terminal α-helix and the importance of the salt bridge in the binding mechanism. Altogether, our results offer a molecular framework for understanding the impact of clinical mutations on the reduction of the binding affinity of StAR for free cholesterol.
Sizing up plasmas using dimensionless parameters
Authors: Petty C. C.
Published: August 2008

This paper reviews the application to magnetic-confinement fusion experiments of dimensional analysis, which holds that the behavior of physical systems can be determined from the scaling of phenomena with the set of dimensionless parameters that embody the governing physics. This paper begins by explaining the two most well-known approaches to dimensional analysis, and shows that the principle of similarity has been demonstrated in high-temperature plasmas of different physical size. Next, the measured dependences of cross-magnetic-field transport and edge plasma characteristics on dimensionless parameters are examined. These dimensionless parameter scans are generally in good agreement with drift wave models of turbulent transport (i.e., microturbulence), although some discrepancies remain. Finally, the benefits of incorporating dimensional analysis into the extrapolation of plasma behavior from present-day experiments to future burning plasma devices are discussed. The experiments reviewed in this paper have greatly improved our understanding of the underlying physics of many plasma phenomena.
Experimental investigation of dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators driven by repetitive high-voltage nanosecond pulses with dc or low frequency sinusoidal bias
Authors: Opaits Dmitry F. , Likhanskii Alexandre V. , Neretti Gabriele , Zaidi Sohail , Shneider Mikhail N. , Miles Richard B. , Macheret Sergey O.
Published: August 2008

Experimental studies were conducted of a flow induced in an initially quiescent room air by a single asymmetric dielectric barrier discharge driven by voltage waveforms consisting of repetitive nanosecond high-voltage pulses superimposed on dc or alternating sinusoidal or square-wave bias voltage. To characterize the pulses and to optimize their matching to the plasma, a numerical code for short pulse calculations with an arbitrary impedance load was developed. A new approach for nonintrusive diagnostics of plasma actuator induced flows in quiescent gas was proposed, consisting of three elements coupled together: the schlieren technique, burst mode of plasma actuator operation, and two-dimensional numerical fluid modeling. The force and heating rate calculated by a plasma model was used as an input to two-dimensional viscous flow solver to predict the time-dependent dielectric barrier discharge induced flow field. This approach allowed us to restore the entire two-dimensional unsteady plasma induced flow pattern as well as characteristics of the plasma induced force. Both the experiments and computations showed the same vortex flow structures induced by the actuator. Parametric studies of the vortices at different bias voltages, pulse polarities, peak pulse voltages, and pulse repetition rates were conducted experimentally. The significance of charge buildup on the dielectric surface was demonstrated. The charge buildup decreases the effective electric field in the plasma and reduces the plasma actuator performance. The accumulated surface charge can be removed by switching the bias polarity, which leads to a newly proposed voltage waveform consisting of high-voltage nanosecond repetitive pulses superimposed on a high-voltage low frequency sinusoidal voltage. Advantages of the new voltage waveform were demonstrated experimentally.
Evolution of the electromagnetic modes of a single layer of dielectric spheres with compactness
Authors: Andueza A. , Echeverría R. , Sevilla J.
Published: August 2008

Although lattices of microspheres are considered very interesting forms of photonic crystals both from the fundamental and applied points of view, some fundamental aspects of their behavior are not well understood. Here, we present an experimental study of the frequency variations in the resonant modes of a single layer of spheres with its compactness. Transmission spectra of single layers of dielectric spheres (with a dielectric permittivity of 7.0) were measured for different compactness values, and also simulated by finite-integration time-domain method. The results were gathered in a map of resonant modes of the layer ranging from the compact case to very diluted ones and compared with the resonance values of well known phenomena as the Bragg scattering value and the isolated sphere Mie modes. This comparison allowed establishing different regions dominated by individual effects, being the clearer the tendency to the Bragg scattering limit for low compact layers.
Surface roughness influence on parametric amplification of nanoresonators in presence of thermomechanical and environmental noise
Authors: Palasantzas G.
Published: August 2008

We investigate the surface roughness influence on the gain from parametric amplification in nanoresonators in the presence of thermomechanical and momentum exchange noise. The roughness is characterized by the rms amplitude w, the correlation length ξ, and the roughness exponent 0<H<1. It is found that the gain strongly increases with increasing roughening (decreasing H and/or increasing ratio w/ξ) due to the increment in capacitive coupling, which plays a dominant role when the intrinsic quality factor Qin is comparable or lower than the quality factor Qgas due to gas collisions. However, for Qin⪢Qgas, the influence of surface roughness on the gain strongly diminishes.
Dilution effects on the photoluminescence of ZnSe quantum-dot dispersions
Authors: Mei Bing C. , Wang Jun , Qiu Qi , Heckler Tracy , Petrou Athos , Mountziaris T. J.
Published: August 2008

We report results for the photoluminescence emission intensity from ZnSe quantum-dot dispersions in liquids as a function of particle concentration. The observed emission intensity initially increases with dilution, exhibits a maximum, and then decreases. The optimal particle concentration yielding the maximum emission intensity increases as the particle size decreases. The corresponding optimal interparticle distance was estimated for three quantum-dot populations having different average particle size. The observed behavior depends on fundamental physical interactions between the exciting and emitted radiation and the quantum dots; it is expected to be valid for any quantum-dot dispersion, irrespective of material type.
X-ray scattering and diffraction from ion beam induced ripples in crystalline silicon
Authors: Biermanns Andreas , Pietsch Ullrich , Grenzer Jörg , Hanisch Antje , Facsko Stefan , Carbone Geradina , Metzger Till Hartmut
Published: August 2008

We report on periodic ripple formation on Si(001) surfaces after bombardment with Xe+ ions with energies between 5 and 35 keV under incidence angles of 65° and 70°. The sputter process leads to the formation of a rippled amorphous surface layer, followed by a rippled interface toward crystalline material. Using grazing-incidence small-angle scattering and diffraction, we show that the surface morphology is exactly reproduced at the interface. In addition, we observe that the crystal lattice close to the interface is anisotropically expanded. The lattice expansion parallel to the ripples is larger than those perpendicular to them.
Enhancement of terahertz electromagnetic wave emission from an undoped GaAs∕n-type GaAs epitaxial layer structure
Authors: Takeuchi Hideo , Yanagisawa Junichi , Hasegawa Takayuki , Nakayama Masaaki
Published: August 2008

We have investigated the emission of the terahertz electromagnetic wave from an undoped GaAs (200nm)∕n-type GaAs (3μm) epitaxial layer structure (i-GaAs∕n-GaAs structure), where the doping concentration of the n-GaAs layer is 3×1018cm−3. It is found that the first-burst amplitude of terahertz wave of the i-GaAs∕n-GaAs sample is remarkably larger than that of a n-GaAs crystal, which means that the i-GaAs layer enhances the terahertz emission intensity. The first-burst amplitude of the i-GaAs∕n-GaAs sample, by tuning the pump-beam energy to the higher energy side, exceeds that of an i-InAs crystal that is known as one of the most intense terahertz emitters. We, therefore, conclude that the i-GaAs∕n-GaAs structure is useful to obtain intense terahertz emission.
Band offsets of atomic-layer-deposited Al2O3 on GaAs and the effects of surface treatment
Authors: Nguyen N. V. , Kirillov Oleg A. , Jiang W. , Wang Wenyong , Suehle John S. , Ye P. D. , Xuan Y. , Goel N. , Choi K.-W. , Tsai Wilman , Sayan S.
Published: August 2008

The metal gate/high-k dielectric/III-V semiconductor band alignment is one of the most technologically important parameters. We report the band offsets of the Al/Al2O3/GaAs structure and the effect of GaAs surface treatment. The energy barrier at the Al2O3 and sulfur-passivated GaAs interface is found to be 3.0±0.1 eV whereas for the unpassivated or NH4OH-treated GaAs is 3.6 eV. At the Al/Al2O3 interface, all samples yield the same barrier height of 2.9±0.2 eV. With a band gap of 6.4±0.05 eV for Al2O3, the band alignments at both Al2O3 interfaces are established.
Amorphous calcium phosphate is a major component of the forming fin bones of zebrafish: Indications for an amorphous precursor phase
Authors: Mahamid Julia , Sharir Amnon , Addadi Lia , Weiner Steve
Published: August 2008

A fundamental question in biomineralization is the nature of the first-formed mineral phase. In vertebrate bone formation, this issue has been the subject of a long-standing controversy. We address this key issue using the continuously growing fin bony rays of the Tuebingen long-fin zebrafish as a model for bone mineralization. Employing high-resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopy imaging, electron diffraction, and elemental analysis, we demonstrate the presence of an abundant amorphous calcium phosphate phase in the newly formed fin bones. The extracted amorphous mineral particles crystallize with time, and mineral crystallinity increases during bone maturation. Based on these findings, we propose that this amorphous calcium phosphate phase may be a precursor phase that later transforms into the mature crystalline mineral.
Ultrasonographically guided transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy
Authors: SOBEK ALEŠ , HAMMADEH MOHAMED , VODICKA JAN , SOBEK ALEŠ
Published: August 2008

Transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy was introduced as an outpatient procedure to examine the tubo‐ovarian complex in infertile women. We evaluated ultrasonographically guided transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy (UTHL) as a modified technique for pelvic examination in 562 infertile women without overt evidence of pelvic pathology. Access to the abdominal cavity was observed by ultrasound and examination of the pelvic structures was done by hydrolaparoscopy using saline solution. Access was successful in all cases. No perforation of bowel or rectum was detected. Bilateral visualization of the tubo‐ovarian complex was successful in 96% of women. Mild asymptomatic peri‐ovarian adhesions were detected in 17% of the women, 4.9% had grade I endometriosis. There was unilateral tubal occlusion in 5%, and bilateral in 3.6%. In 13.9% elective operative laparoscopy for tubal obstruction and/or adhesions was recommended. UTHL is a safe outpatient procedure for examination of the tubo‐ovarian complex. The use of ultrasound increases the rate of successful access to the pouch of Douglas and minimizes complications.
Use of Maximal Sterile Barrier Precautions and/or Antimicrobial-Coated Catheters to Reduce the Risk of Central Venous Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection
Authors: Lee Duk-hee , Jung Koo Young , Choi Yoon-Hee
Published: August 2008

Central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection is clinically important because of its high mortality rate. This prospective study shows by multivariate analysis that the use of maximal sterile barrier precautions (odds ratio, 5.205 [95% confidence interval, 0.015-1.136]; P= .023) and the use of antimicrobial-coated catheters (odds ratio, 5.269 [95% confidence interval, 0.073-0.814]; P = .022) are independent factors associated with a lowered risk of acquiring a central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection.
Effect of Correctly Using Alcohol-Based Hand Rub in a Clinical Setting
Authors: Laustsen Sussie , Lund Elisabeth , Bibby Bo Martin , Kristensen Brian , Thulstrup Ane Marie , Møller Jens Kjølseth
Published: August 2008

We evaluated hand antisepsis in clinical practice at Aarhus University Hospital in Skejby, Denmark. The rate of compliance with the correct use of alcohol-based hand rub exceeded 55% of all routine clinical procedures observed. With the correct use of alcohol-based hand rub by hospital staff, bacterial counts were reduced by 90% before and 82% after a clinical procedure; with incorrect use, the bacterial counts were reduced by 60% before and 54% after a clinical procedure.
Use of Active Surveillance Cultures to Detect Asymptomatic Colonization With Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Calfee David , Jenkins Stephen G.
Published: August 2008

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae is emerging as a significant healthcare-associated pathogen. Clinical cultures detect only a fraction of the colonized population, and patients with asymptomatic colonization are at risk of invasive infection. Additional study of the impact of detection of asymptomatic colonization on subsequent infection and transmission is needed.
John Wyrill Christian. 9 April 1926 — 27 February 2001
Authors: Smith George D. W. , Bhadeshia Harshad K. D. H.
Published: August 2008

During a distinguished career, John Wyrill (‘Jack') Christian had a profound impact on the subject of materials science, particularly physical metallurgy. He was recognized as a world authority on martensitic transformations, and laid the foundations forthe modern understanding of this topic. His monumental two–volume work,
The theory of phase transformations in metals and alloys
, is the classic authoritative treatise on the subject, and remains one of the most important texts ever published in the area of materials science. It redefined the whole field of phase transformations, set new standards of intellectual rigour and comprehensiveness, and inspired successive generations ofscientists to follow in his footsteps. He was also a pioneer in the study of the mechanical properties of metals and alloys, particularly those having the body–centred cubic structure. He and his students played a key role in establishing that the low–temperature mechanical properties ofthis important class of metals are controlled by intrinsic dislocation–lattice interactions and not by impurity effects. He contributed tothe study of many other topics in materials science, including the structure of interfaces, the mechanism of deformation twinning, and the properties of stacking faults. He was the recipient of numerous national and international awards for his work. His researches, which were always characterized by precision and deep physical insight, have stood the test of time.
Regulation of Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase Phosphorylation by Metabolites and Abscisic Acid during the Development and Germination of Barley Seeds
Authors: Feria Ana-Belén , Alvarez Rosario , Cochereau Ludivine , Vidal Jean , García-Mauriño Sofía , Echevarría Cristina
Published: August 2008

During barley (Hordeum vulgare) seed development, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) activity increased and PEPC-specific antibodies revealed housekeeping (103-kD) and inducible (108-kD) subunits. Bacterial-type PEPC fragments were immunologically detected in denatured protein extracts from dry and imbibed conditions; however, on nondenaturing gels, the activity of the recently reported octameric PEPC (in castor [Ricinus communis] oil seeds) was not detected. The phosphorylation state of the PEPC, as judged by l-malate 50% inhibition of initial activity values, phosphoprotein chromatography, and immunodetection of the phosphorylated N terminus, was found to be high between 8 and 18 d postanthesis (DPA) and during imbibition. In contrast, the enzyme appeared to be in a low phosphorylation state from 20 DPA up to dry seed. The time course of 32/36-kD, Ca2+-independent PEPC kinase activity exhibited a substantial increase after 30 DPA that did not coincide with the PEPC phosphorylation profile. This kinase was found to be inhibited by l-malate and not by putative protein inhibitors, and the PEPC phosphorylation status correlated with high glucose-6-phosphate to malate ratios, thereby suggesting an in vivo metabolic control of the kinase. PEPC phosphorylation was also regulated by photosynthate supply at 11 DPA. In addition, when fed exogenously to imbibing seeds, abscisic acid significantly increased PEPC kinase activity. This was further enhanced by the cytosolic protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide but blocked by protease inhibitors, thereby suggesting that the phytohormone acts on the stability of the kinase. We propose that a similar abscisic acid-dependent effect may contribute to produce the increase in PEPC kinase activity during desiccation stages.
Trench‐forearc interactions reflected in the sedimentary fill of Talara basin, northwest Peru
Authors: Fildani Andrea , Hessler Angela M. , Graham Stephan A.
Published: August 2008

Exceptional exposure of the forearc region of NW Peru offers insight into evolving convergent margins. The sedimentary fill of the Talara basin spans the Cretaceous to the Eocene for an overall thickness of 9000 m and records within its stratigraphy the complicated history of plate interactions, subduction tectonics, terrane accretion, and Andean orogeny. By the early Tertiary, extensional tectonism was forming a complex horst and graben system that partitioned the basin into a series of localized depocentres. Eocene strata record temporal transitions from deltaic and fluvial to deep‐water depositional environments as a response to abrupt, tectonically controlled relative sea‐level changes across those depocentres. Stratigraphic and provenance data suggest a direct relationship between sedimentary packaging and regional tectonics, marked by changes in source terranes at major unconformities. A sharp shift is recognized at the onset of deepwater (bathyal) sedimentation of the  Talara Formation, whose sediments reflect an increased influx of mafic material to the basin, likely related to the arc region. Although the modern topography of the Amotape Mountains partially isolates the Talara basin from the Lancones basin and the Andean Cordillera to the east, provenance data suggest that the Amotape Mountains were not always an obstacle for Cordilleran sediment dispersal. The mountain belt intermittently isolated the Talara basin from Andean‐related sediment throughout the early  Tertiary, allowing arc‐related sediment to reach the basin only during periods of subsidence in the forearc region, probably related to plate rearrangement and/or seamounts colliding with the trench. Intraplate coupling and/or partial locking of subduction plates could be among the major causes behind shifts from contraction to extension (and enhanced subduction erosion) in the forearc region. Eventually, collisional tectonic and terrane accretion along the Ecuadorian margin forced a major late‐Eocene change in sediment dispersal.
Shortened intensified multi‐agent chemotherapy and non‐cross resistant maintenance therapy for advanced lymphoblastic lymphoma in children and adolescents: report from the Children’s Oncology Group
Authors: Abromowitch Minnie , Sposto Richard , Perkins Sherrie , Zwick David , Siegel Stuart , Finlay Jonathan , Cairo Mitchell S.
Published: August 2008

Pediatric lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL) has utilized treatment strategies similar to childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) with prolonged maintenance chemotherapy. We report the results of a pilot study to estimate the feasibility, toxicity and efficacy of a 12‐month aggressive multi‐agent chemotherapy regimen in children and adolescents with advanced LL. Between July 1994 and June 1997, 85 eligible children and adolescents with advanced LL (Stage III/IV) were enrolled on this pilot study. Patients achieving a complete response following induction and consolidation received six cycles of maintenance chemotherapy for a total duration of 12 months. Grade III/IV toxicities included: hematological (80%), infections (20%), stomatitis and elevated transaminases, (29%). There were a total of 19 events, 13 relapses, two secondary acute myeloid leukaemia and four toxic deaths (5%). The 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) was 78 ± 4·5% and 85 ± 3·9%, respectively. Relapsed patients had a 5‐year OS of only 33 ± 14%. Multivariate analysis failed to demonstrate age, gender, lactate dehydrogenase level, presence of marrow and/or central nervous system disease to have independent prognostic value. These results suggest that this experimental approach is safe and results in similar outcomes as more prolonged childhood ALL regimens.
Significantly shorter telomeres in T‐cells of patients with ZAP‐70+/CD38+ chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Röth Alexander , De Beer Dirk , Nückel Holger , Sellmann Ludger , Dührsen Ulrich , Dürig Jan , Baerlocher Gabriela M.
Published: August 2008

In contrast to other B‐cell neoplasias, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is characterized by increased non‐leukaemic T‐cells. In order to assess their replicative history, telomere length was analyzed in subsets of leucocytes from CLL patients. Naive and memory T‐cells from ZAP‐70+/CD38+ patients exhibited significantly shorter average telomere lengths than ZAP‐70−/CD38− patients. Compared to the age‐related percentiles of telomere length values from healthy individuals practically all values of the naive and memory T‐cells from the ZAP‐70+/CD38+ CLL patients fell below the 50th percentile. This indicated an extensive expansion and a role for T‐cells in ZAP‐70+/CD38+ CLL patients.
Non‐myeloablative allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation for relapsed diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: a multicentre experience
Authors: Rezvani Andrew R. , Norasetthada Lalitha , Gooley Ted , Sorror Mohamed , Bouvier Michelle E. , Sahebi Firoozeh , Agura Edward , Chauncey Thomas , Maziarz Richard T. , Maris Michael , Shizuru Judith , Bruno Benedetto , Bredeson Christopher , Lange Thoralf , Yeager Andrew , Sandmaier Brenda M. , Storb Rainer F. , Maloney David G.
Published: August 2008

Patients with relapsed diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who have failed or are ineligible for autologous haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) have a poor prognosis. We examined the outcomes of non‐myeloablative allogeneic HCT in this setting. Thirty‐one patients with DLBCL and one patient with Burkitt lymphoma received allogeneic HCT following 2 Gy total body irradiation with or without fludarabine. Median age was 52 years. Twenty‐four patients (75%) had undergone prior autologous HCT. Disease status at HCT was complete response (14/32, 44%), partial response (9/32, 28%), or refractory (9/32, 28%). Cumulative incidences of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) grades II–IV, grades III–IV, and chronic GVHD were 53%, 19%, and 47% respectively. With a median follow‐up of 45 months, 3‐year estimated overall (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) was 45% and 35% respectively. Three‐year cumulative incidences of relapse and non‐relapse mortality were 41% and 25% respectively. In multivariate models, chemosensitive disease and receipt of ≥4 lines of treatment before HCT were associated with better OS. Patients with chemosensitive disease had 3‐year OS and PFS of 56% and 43% respectively. Non‐myeloablative allogeneic HCT can produce long‐term disease‐free survival in patients with chemosensitive relapsed DLBCL who have failed or are ineligible for autologous HCT.
Cell‐mediated immune response to unrelated proteins and unspecific inflammation blocked by orally tolerated proteins
Authors: Ramos Gustavo C. , Rodrigues Claudiney M. , Azevedo Jr Geraldo M. , Pinho Vanessa , Carvalho Cláudia R. , Vaz Nelson M.
Published: August 2008

Oral tolerance promotes a generalized decrease in specific immune responsiveness to proteins previously encountered via the oral route. In addition, parenteral immunization with a tolerated protein also triggers a significant reduction in the primary responsiveness to a second unrelated antigen. This is generally explained by ‘innocent bystander suppression’, suggesting that the transient and episodic effects of inhibitory cytokines released by contact with the tolerated antigen would block responses to the second antigen. In disagreement with this view, we have previously shown that: (i) these inhibitory effects do not require concomitance or contiguity of the injections of the two proteins; (ii) that intravenous or intragastric exposures to the tolerated antigen are not inhibitory; and (iii) that the inhibitory effect, once triggered, persists in the absence of further contact with the tolerated protein, possibly by inhibition of secondary responsiveness (immunological memory). The present work confirms that immunological memory of the second unrelated antigen is hindered by exposure to the tolerated antigen and, in addition, shows that this exposure: (i) inhibits the inflammation triggered by an unrelated antigen through the double effect of inhibiting production of leucocytes in the bone marrow and blocking their migration to inflammed sites; and (ii) significantly blocks footpaw swelling triggered by carrageenan. Taken together, these results conclusively demonstrate that inhibitory effects of parenteral injection of tolerated antigens are much more general than suggested by the ‘innocent bystander suppression’ hypothesis.