bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Raman Spectroscopy for the Analysis of Colored Fibers: A Collaborative Study
Authors: Massonnet G , Buzzini P , Jochem G , Stauber M , Coyle T , Roux C , Thomas J , Leijenhorst H , Van Zanten Z , Wiggins K , Russell C , Chabli S , Rosengarten A
Published: August 2005

A collaborative study on Raman spectroscopy was carried out by members of the ENFSI (European Network of Forensic Science Institutes) European Fibres Group (EFG) on three dyed fibers: two red acrylics and one red wool. Raman instruments from six different manufacturers were tested as well as nine different laser wavelengths ranging from blue (λ = 458 nm) to near infrared-NIR (λ = 1064 nm). This represents the largest comparison study of Raman analytical parameters carried out on identical fiber samples. For the chosen fiber and dye samples, red lasers (λ = 633 and 685 nm) gave the poorest spectral quality whereas blue (458 nm), green (514 nm) and near infrared lasers (785, 830 and 1064 nm) provided average results. Blue (488 nm) and green lasers (532 nm) globally gave the best quality spectra. Fluorescence problems were often encountered with some of the excitation wavelengths and therefore a flexible Raman instrument equipped with different lasers can be recommended to measure forensic fiber samples. The instrument should also be equipped with a Raman microscope in order to be able to focus on a single fiber. This study shows that Raman spectroscopy usually enables the identification of the main dye present in a colored fiber; however, minor dye components are much more difficult to detect. SERRS (Surface Enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering) techniques give an improvement of the dye's spectral intensity but no spectral improvement was observed for the two red acrylic and red wool fibers tested.
Age Ranges of Epiphyseal Fusion in the Distal Tibia and Fibula of Contemporary Males and Females
Authors: Crowder C , Austin D
Published: August 2005

The range of variation in epiphyseal fusion in North American populations has not been sufficiently established. This significant oversight can lead to exclusion of persons of interest in a forensic investigation. This study evaluates epiphyseal fusion of the distal tibia and fibula in 570 European-, African-, and Mexican-American children and young adults. Radiographs of 270 females aged 9 to 17 and 300 males aged 11 to 20 were analyzed to assess the range of variation of epiphyseal fusion at each age. Results indicate that complete fusion in females occurs as early as 12 years in the distal tibia and fibula. All females demonstrated complete fusion by 16 years with no significant differences between ancestral groups. Complete fusion in males occurs as early as 14 years in both epiphyses. All males demonstrated complete fusion by 19 years. Significant differences in the earliest age of complete fusion showed that African- and Mexican-American males demonstrate complete fusion as early as 14 years in both epiphyses while European-American males do not express complete fusion until 16 years.
Autopsy Confirmation of Severe Pulmonary Interstitial Fibrosis Secondary to Munchausen Syndrome Presenting as Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Croft PR , Racz MI , Bloch JD , Palmer CH
Published: August 2005

Chronic factitious disorder with physical symptoms, or Munchausen syndrome, is a well-recognized but uncommonly diagnosed psychiatric condition characterized by the deliberate production of signs and symptoms of disease in order to receive medical attention. Clinical suspicion of this disease is rarely confirmed by autopsy, as the patients usually do not die as a consequence of feigning illness. Here we report the autopsy confirmation of a case of a suspected Munchausen syndrome patient who presented with a history of cystic fibrosis. Examination of the lungs demonstrated extensive severe interstitial fibrosis, and polariscopic examination revealed a large quantity of crystalline material throughout the tissue; X-ray diffraction identified the material as talc. Synopses of published cases of Munchausen syndrome presenting as cystic fibrosis, and cases of Munchausen syndrome with pulmonary talcosis are presented as part of the discussion.
Conditioned Microplitis croceipes Cresson (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) Detect and Respond to 2,4-DNT: Development of a Biological Sensor
Authors: Tomberlin JK , Tertuliano M , Rains G , Lewis WJ
Published: August 2005

We examined the ability of M. croceipes to learn, detect, and respond to 2,4-DNT, which is a volatile discriminator of trinitrotoluene (TNT). The percentage of conditioned wasps to detect and respond to the various concentrations of 2,4-DNT for ≥ 15 sec was measured. Significantly more of the conditioned wasps responded to the concentration of 2,4-DNT used for conditioning than other concentrations examined. Accordingly, percent conditioned wasps to respond ≥15 sec could be used as a suitable measure to screen air samples and distinguish between samples with or without the target odorant. The data recorded in this study indicate the measured behavior could be used to estimate the concentration of target odorants. Data in this study indicate M. croceipes can detect and respond to this compound, which provide further support for its development as a biological sensor.
Virtopsy: Postmortem Minimally Invasive Angiography Using Cross Section Techniques—Implementation and Preliminary Results
Authors: Jackowski C , Sonnenschein M , Thali MJ , Aghayev E , von Allmen G , Yen K , Dirnhofer R , Vock P
Published: August 2005

Postmortem investigation is increasingly supported by Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This led to the idea to implement a noninvasive or minimally invasive autopsy technique. Therefore, a minimally invasive angiography technique becomes necessary, in order to support the vascular cross section diagnostic. Preliminary experiments investigating different contrast agents for CT and MRI and their postmortem applicability have been performed using an ex-vivo porcine coronary model. MSCT and MRI angiography was performed in the porcine model. Three human corpses were investigated using minimally invasive MSCT angiography. Via the right femoral artery a plastic tube was advanced into the aortic arch. Using a flow adjustable pump the radiopaque contrast agent meglumine-ioxithalamate was injected. Subsequent MSCT scanning provided an excellent anatomic visualization of the human arterial system including intracranial and coronary arteries. Vascular pathologies such as calcification, stenosis and injury were detected. Limitations of the introduced approach are cases of major vessel injury and cases that show an advanced stage of decay.
Identification and Characterization of Variant Alleles at CODIS STR Loci
Authors: Allor C , Einum DD , Scarpetta M
Published: August 2005

Short tandem repeat (STR) profiles from 32,671 individuals generated by the ABI Profiler Plus and Cofiler systems were screened for variant alleles not represented within manufacturer-provided allelic ladders. A total of 85 distinct variants were identified at 12 of the 13 CODIS loci, most of which involve a truncated tetranucleotide repeat unit. Twelve novel alleles, identified at D3S1358, FGA, D18S51, D5S818, D7S820 and TPOX, were confirmed by nucleotide sequence analysis and include both insertions and deletions involving the repeat units themselves as well as DNA flanking the repeat regions. Population genetic data were collected for all variants and frequencies range from 0.0003 (many single observations) to 0.0042 (D7S820 ‘10.3’ in North American Hispanics). In total, the variant alleles identified in this study are carried by 1.6% of the estimated 1 million individuals tested annually in the U.S. for the purposes of parentage resolution. A paternity case involving a recombination event of paternal origin is presented and demonstrates how variant alleles can significantly strengthen the genetic evidence in troublesome cases. In such instances, increased costs and turnaround time associated with additional testing may be eliminated.
Analysis of Non-Suspect Samples Lacking Visually Identifiable Sperm Using a Y-STR 10-Plex
Authors: Johnson CL , Giles RC , Warren JH , Floyd JI , Staub RW
Published: August 2005

Y-STRs are valuable in the investigation of sexual assaults in which autosomal STR genotype interpretation is challenging. To detect male DNA from compromised sexual assault evidence, 45 non-suspect samples were differentially extracted and analyzed with 10 Y-STRs. These samples were positive for the presence of human seminal fluid, but were negative for spermatozoa by microscopic examination. Y-STR data were obtained in ∼86.2% of the epithelial or sperm fractions. On samples yielding incomplete profiles, results were obtained on an average of 5 loci per sample. The inability to obtain results may be due to insufficient amplifiable male DNA, PCR inhibition, or unfounded accusations of sexual assault. This study indicates that it is possible to obtain a male STR profile even in the absence of visually identifiable spermatozoa. Furthermore, Y-STR loci should become components of CODIS if they are to be used in solving non-suspect sexual assaults.
Autosomal STR Polymorphism in Sikh Population of Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Teck TC , Kook SC , Badruddin N , Panneerchelvam S , Norazmi MN
Published: August 2005

Buccal swabs were collected from random ethnic Sikh individuals. Sikh population is a distinct group in the Malaysian Indian population of Peninsular Malaysia. DNA was extracted by simple salting out procedure (1). Using STR multiplex primer kits, Promega Geneprint™ (CTT, FFv and STR III) and following the manufacturer's guidelines 10 ng of DNA was PCR amplified. Allele frequencies were calculated from the numbers of each genotype by gene count method. The randomness of the population was ascertained by subjecting the data to Chi-square test. No deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were observed. Heterozygosity and discrimination power were calculated as per the methods already reported (2–4). The allelic distribution in the Sikh population of Malaysia is compared with the Tamil population, which is an another sub-population group of Malaysian Indian population in peninsular Malaysia (5).
STR Data for the PowerPlex® 16 System Loci for the Malays, Chinese and Indians Groups of the Malaysian Population
Authors: Izuan M , Seah LH , Panneerchelvam S , Nor NM
Published: August 2005

A STR database for use in forensic casework was created for three major ethnic population groups in Malaysia. Blood samples were collected from unrelated individuals and DNA were extracted using Chelex method (1). PCR amplification was performed following manufactures's instructions (PowerPlex® 16 System, Promega Corporation). The amplified products were analyzed and detected using the ABIPRISM® 3100 Gene Analyzer (Applied Biosystem) with 3100 Data Collection Software (Version 1.1). The results were analyzed with GeneScan analysis software (Version 3.7.1) and genotypes were determined by comparison to allelic ladder (Promega Corporation) using Genotyper DNA fragment analysis software (Version 3.7) with the PowerTyperTM Macros (Promega Corporation).
Genetic Analysis of 15 STR Loci of Chinese Uigur Ethnic Population
Authors: Zhu B , Wang Z , Wu Q , Eli Sedike M , Zhu J , Huang P , Xu Y , Liu Y
Published: August 2005

The blood samples were obtained from 106 unrelated healthy individuals from Yili Uigur ethnic autonomous region, Xin Jiang Province of China. Genomic DNA was extracted using the Chelex100 protocol as described by Walsh et al. (1). PCR for 15 STRs was performed in multiplex reaction using AmpFLSTR Identifiler kit; 0.9 µL (2 ng/µL) genomic DNA samples were amplified in a total reaction volume of 10 µL along with 2.9 µL deionized water, 4 µL dNTP, 0.2 µL AmpliTaqGold DNA polymerase, and 2.0 µL primer set. Thermal cycling was conducted with the below conditions: 95°C for 11 min; 28 cycles of 94°C for 60 sec, 59°C for 60 sec, 72°C for 60 sec; and a final extension of 60°C for 45min. Detection and genotyping of all PCR products were accomplished using ABI3100 DNA Genetic Analyzer (Applied Biosystem). Allele designation was done using GeneScan3.7 and Genotyper3.7.
Low Proof Load Prediction of Ultimate Loads of Fiberglass/Epoxy Resin I-Beams Using Acoustic Emission
Authors: Fatzinger EC , Hill EVK
Published: August 2005

Acoustic emission (AE) nondestructive testing was used to monitor fiberglass/epoxy I-beams. The experiment consisted of loading the I-beams in cantilever fashion with a hydraulic ram. While testing, AE waveforms were collected from the onset of loading to failure. After acquisition, the AE data from each test were filtered to include only data collected up to 50 % of the theoretical ultimate load for further analysis.

A Kohonen self-organizing map (SOM) was utilized to separate individual data points into failure mechanism clusters. Then a multiple linear regression analysis was performed using the percentage of hits associated with each failure mechanism along with the epoxy type to develop a prediction equation. The results of this analysis provided a prediction to within a 36.0 % error. A second analysis was performed utilizing a back-propagation neural network. The inputs to the network included a categorical variable for the epoxy type together with the amplitude frequencies from 30–100 dB. The optimized network contained two hidden layers having nine neurons apiece. Here the ultimate load prediction was within 48 lbf for a 9.5 % error. Thus, the back-propagation neural network produced far better results than the SOM/multiple linear regression, probably because of unwanted noise and perhaps nonlinearities in the data.
Size Effect in Strain Limits of Medium Strength Steel
Authors: Kieselbach R , Krieg R
Published: August 2005

The test results of a larger research project on the strain at failure for a diversity of steel specimens and parameters were evaluated with respect to the influence of the volume of the specimens. The evaluation was based on the statistical Weibull distribution. It could be shown that a clear influence of specimen volume on limit strains is present also in steel and that the effect can be described by a Weibull two-parameter function. The results indicate that limit strains are dependent on one-dimensional parameters such as length or thickness rather than on three-dimensional volume.
Improvement to X-ray Piping Diagnostic System through Simulation (Measuring Thickness of Piping Containing Rust)
Authors: Kajiwara G
Published: August 2005

An X-ray piping diagnostic system was developed more than ten years ago. It was used to evaluate old piping in buildings and to calculate the remaining years of functional use. It was originally developed for application to corroded pipes without rust because there was no way of calculating the remaining thickness. However, by using a new simulation code EGS4 it has become possible to calculate the true thickness of steel pipes containing rust and the actual number of years of practical use remaining. Each factor of X-ray radiography was simulated and each absorbed energy was obtained. Using this result, combinations of steel and rust for the same absorbed energy were classified. Experimental measurements of steel thickness were done with about 90 % precision.
Nondestructive Testing of Concrete Pavements for Characterization of Effective Built-In Curling
Authors: Rao S , Roesler JR
Published: August 2005

Differential expansion and contraction between the top and bottom of a concrete slab results in curling. Curling affects slab stresses and deflections and is an important component of any mechanistic-empirical design procedure for concrete pavements. Although some curling is caused by temperature and moisture gradients that fluctuate daily, a significant portion of the curling can be attributed to the combined effects of nonlinear “built-in” temperature gradients, irreversible shrinkage, and creep, which can be represented by an effective built-in temperature difference (EBITD). A procedure for estimating EBITD of in situ slabs using a falling-weight deflectometer and a finite-element program is presented. This procedure was used to estimate EBITD for instrumented slabs at Palmdale and Ukiah, California. Differences in restraints (from adjacent slabs, shoulder, base friction) and variability in concrete material properties resulted in EBITDs ranging from -5°C to greater than -30°C.
Estimation of Surface Macrotexture in Hot Mix Asphalt Concrete Pavements Using Laser Texture Data
Authors: Meegoda JN , Rowe GM , Jumikis AA , Hettiarachchi CH , Bandara N , Gephart NC
Published: August 2005

This paper describes development of an automated technology to quantify surface segregation seen during construction of hot mix asphalt concrete pavements. Segregation manifested on the surface produces nonuniform surface macrotecture. A laser-based system was used for detection of nonuniform surface macrotexture caused by segregation. Two segregated test sections and a control test section were tested to evaluate the laser texture method. Laser texture data were gathered from three sites, and sand patch and nuclear density tests were performed at 25 ft (7.62 m) intervals along three sections. In addition to the above, visual surveys were performed to confirm the measurements. Based on the test results, it was found that the nuclear density test could not be used to detect surface segregation but it could be used as a confirmation test. Test results from the control section were used to establish a correlation between the sand patch tests and the laser texture data.
Medical Image Denoising Using Wavelet Thresholding
Authors: Fourati W , Kammoun F , Bouhlel MS
Published: August 2005

In medical images, noise suppression is a particularly delicate and difficult task. A tradeoff between noise reduction and the preservation of actual image features has to be made in a way that enhances the diagnostically relevant image content. The method of wavelet thresholding has been used extensively for denoising medical images. The idea is to transform the data into the wavelet basis, in which the large coefficients are mainly the signal and the smaller ones represent the noise. By suitably modifying these coefficients, the noise can be removed from the data. In this paper, we evaluate several two-dimensional denoising procedures using medical test images corrupted with additive Gaussian noise. Our results, using the peak-signal-to-noise ratio as a measure of the quality of denoising, show that the NormalShrink method outperforms the other wavelet-based techniques (VisuShrink, BayesShrink). We also demonstrate that garrote shrinkage offers advantages over both hard and soft shrinkage.
Use of the Modified Cup Method to Determine Temperature Dependency of Water Vapor Transmission Properties of Building Materials
Authors: Mukhopadhyaya P , Kumaran MK , Lackey J
Published: August 2005

This paper describes a modified cup method and its application to investigate the effects of temperature on the water vapor transmission (WVT) properties of building materials. The modified cup method is a simple and versatile technique that allows the user to vary the temperature condition of the test without altering the relative humidity. Two commonly used building materials considered in this study were fiberboard and gypsum board. The five temperature levels under consideration were between 7°C and 43°C. The WVT properties were measured at 50 % average relative humidity. The results obtained from these tests are critically analyzed and reported in this paper. These results demonstrate that there is a steady exponential increase of WVT rate, through both the materials tested, with temperature. However, water vapor permeability (WVP) through the materials shows no significant change due to the variation of temperature between 7 and 43°C. The general observations made in this study confirm that the modified cup method could be used reliably to measure WVT properties of building materials. Detailed analysis of the test results also reaffirms the fact that, for fiberboard and gypsum board, at 50 % average relative humidity condition, the WVP is not dependent on the temperature condition.
Season Length Indicators and Land‐Use Effects in Southeast Virginia Wet Flats
Authors: Burdt Amanda C. , Galbraith John M. , Daniels W. Lee
Published: August 2005

The growing season concepts used by federal agencies in defining and regulating wetland hydrology ignore land use and rely on published surrogate indicators. This study compared several growing season indicators with measured air and soil temperature and hydrology data on three land‐use types in the Great Dismal Swamp ecosystem of Southeast Virginia to determine how accurate the indicators are on each land use. Water‐table depths, 1‐m air temperatures, and soil temperature at 50‐cm depths were measured for 18 mo at plots representing forest, early successional field (field), and tilled (bare ground) land‐use treatments at two study areas. Land use affected air and soil temperature through vegetation type and soil surface properties, both of which are important for wetland restoration. Based on soil temperature at 50 cm, the growing season was continuous in forests but was interrupted in January for 1 to 7 d in some field and bare ground plots. Soil temperatures at 50 cm rose above biological zero (5°C) 90 to 128 d before the published −2.2°C growing season started. The published −2.2°C growing season was 28 to 88 d longer than the measured equivalent, and began after the water tables rose and stayed continuously in the upper 30 cm. A continuous growing season declaration is proposed for federal regulations in thermic wet flats on all land uses. Lengthening the growing season did not cause the studied wetlands to fail the minimum federal wetland hydrology requirements for identification or delineation.
Loblolly Pine Needles Retain Urea Fertilizer that Can Be Lost as Ammonia
Authors: Cabrera Miguel L. , Kissel David E. , Vaio N. , Craig J. R. , Rema J. A. , Morris L. A.
Published: August 2005

Previous work showed that simulated rainfall applied immediately after urea application to a pine forest floor decreased NH3losses to negligible levels. The same work also showed that unless rain occurs before urea is dissolved, it might not be effective at leaching urea into the forest floor and decreasing NH3losses. This study evaluated the effects of diurnal humidity cycles and rainfall amounts on the proportion of urea leached from loblolly pine (Pinus taedaL.) forest floor fractions, and on subsequent ammonia volatilization. New and old pine needles, as well as the partially decomposed (Oe) horizon, were collected from a loblolly pine forest floor in Georgia, USA. Control samples and samples treated with urea at 200 kg N ha−1were exposed to zero, two, four, or eight simulated humidity cycles, after which they were leached with nine 20‐mm increments of simulated rain. Rainfall (180 mm) applied immediately after urea application (0 humidity cycles) leached >98% of the urea from the three forest fractions. Increasing the number of simulated humidity cycles from zero to eight decreased the percentage of urea leached from new pine needles from 98 to 49%, but did not have a major effect on the amount of urea leached from old needles or partially decomposed fraction. All of the urea not leached from new pine needles by 180 mm of simulated rainfall was extractable by water when the new needles were ground. When new needles treated with urea were leached with 180 mm of simulated rainfall and then incubated at 25°C and 95% relative humidity (RH) for 15 d, NH3losses amounted to 8% of the urea applied. These results suggest that urea retained by recently dropped pine needles is found inside the needles, where it can be hydrolyzed and subsequently lost as NH3
Do Decomposing Organic Matter Residues Reduce Phosphorus Sorption in Highly Weathered Soils?
Authors: Guppy Christopher N. , Menzies Neal W. , Blamey F. P. C. , Moody Phil W.
Published: August 2005

Many studies have shown a reduction in P sorption in highly weathered soils when organic matter (OM) is applied, suggesting competition between OM decomposition products and P for sorption sites. However, such studies seldom consider the P released from the added OM. To delineate the effects of OM addition on P availability through sorption competition and P addition, water leachate from incubated soybean (SB) [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and Rhodes grass (RG) (Chloris gayana Kunth cv. Callide) was used in competitive P sorption studies both undiluted and after acidification (i.e., the fulvic acid [FA] component). Addition of two rates (0.2 and 2 mL) of SB leachate to an Oxisol significantly increased P sorption at the higher rate, while a similar trend was observed following RG leachate addition at the same rates. Extending the range of highly weathered soils examined (two Oxisols, an Ultisol, and an acidic Vertisol) resulted in no observed decrease in P sorption following addition of OM leachate. Surprisingly, SB leachate transiently increased P sorption in the two Oxisol soils. Addition of the FA component of the leachates resulted in a transient (<6 d) decrease in P sorption in three of the four soils examined and constituted the only evidence in this study that decomposing OM residues reduced P sorption. This research provides further evidence contradicting the long held assumption that inhibition of P sorption by dissolved organic compounds, derived from decomposing OM, is responsible for increased P phytoavailability when P fertilizer and OM are applied together.
Reconciling Change in Oi‐Horizon Carbon‐14 with Mass Loss for an Oak Forest
Authors: Hanson P. J. , Swanston C. W. , Garten C. T. , Todd D. E. , Trumbore S. E.
Published: August 2005

First‐year litter decomposition was estimated for an upland‐oak (Quercus spp.) forest ecosystem using enrichment or dilution of the 14C‐signature of the Oi‐horizon. These isotopically based mass‐loss estimates were contrasted with measured mass‐loss rates from past litterbag studies. Mass‐loss derived from changes in the 14C‐signature of the Oi‐horizon suggested mean mass loss over 9 mo of 45%, which was higher than the corresponding 9‐mo rate extrapolated from litterbag studies (∼35%). Greater mass loss was expected from the isotopic approach because litterbags are known to limit mass loss processes driven by soil macrofauna (e.g., fragmentation and comminution). Although the 14C‐isotope approach offers the advantage of being a non‐invasive method, it exhibited high variability that undermined its utility as an alternative to routine litterbag mass loss methods. However, the 14C approach measures the residence time of C in the leaf litter, rather than the time it takes for leaves to disappear; hence radiocarbon measures reflect C immobilization and recycling in the microbial pool, and do not necessarily replicate results from litterbag mass loss. The commonly applied two‐compartment isotopic mixing model was appropriate for estimating decomposition from isotopic enrichment of near‐background soils, but it produced divergent results for isotopic dilution of a multi‐layered system with litter cohorts having independent 14C‐signatures. This discrepancy suggests that cohort‐based models are needed to adequately capture the complex processes involved in C transport associated with litter mass‐loss. Such models will be crucial for predicting intra‐ and interannual differences in organic horizon decomposition driven by scenarios of climatic change.
Comparison of Air and Water Permeability between Disturbed and Undisturbed Soils
Authors: Tuli Atac , Hopmans Jan W. , Rolston Dennis E. , Moldrup Per
Published: August 2005

Although soil structure and pore geometry characteristics largely control flow and transport processes in soils, there is a general lack of experiments that study the effects of soil structure and pore‐space characteristics on air and water permeability. Our objective was to determine the dependency of soil permeability on fluid content for both water and air, and compare results for both disturbed (D) and undisturbed (UD) soils. For that purpose, we first measured the water permeability (kw) and air permeability (ka) for several intact UD soil samples. Subsequently, the same samples were crushed and repacked into the same soil cores to create the D equivalent for the same soil material. Measurements showed large differences between D and UD samples, confirming the enormous impact of soil structure and pore‐space characteristics on flow. The permeability of both fluid phases (air and water) was greatly reduced for the D samples, especially for soil air permeability due to its greater dependency on soil aggregation and structure. Soil water retention and permeability data were fitted to Campbell's and Mualem's pore‐size distribution model, respectively. Regardless of soil disturbance, we showed that the tortuosity–connectivity parameter, l, for the water permeability (l1) and air permeability (l2) were different. This is in contrast to the general practice of using the same parameter value for both functions. The relation between l1 and l2 was largely controlled by soil structure and associated macroporosity properties.
Mechanical Properties and Organic Carbon of Soil Aggregates in the Northern Appalachians
Authors: Blanco-Canqui Humberto , Lal R. , Owens L. B. , Post W. M. , Izaurralde R. C.
Published: August 2005

Aggregate properties determine the macroscale structural condition of the soil. Understanding of impacts of no‐till and traditional agricultural practices on the mechanical properties of aggregates is fundamental to soil management. This study assessed the tensile strength (TS), bulk density (ρagg), soil moisture retention (SMR), and soil organic C (SOC) concentration of soil aggregates and determined the interrelationships among aggregate properties under long‐term moldboard plow (MP), chisel plow (CP), disk with beef cattle manure (DM), no‐till with beef cattle manure (NTM), no‐till without beef cattle manure (NT), pasture, and forest systems in the North Appalachian region. Properties were determined on 1‐ to 8‐mm aggregates from 0‐ to 30‐cm soil depth. The TS and SMR (0 to −333 kPa) in NTM were higher than those in MP and CP (P< 0.01). The SOC concentration for NTM was higher than that for MP, CP, and NT (P< 0.01). The ρaggwas 1.35 Mg m−3in NTM and approximately 1.61 Mg m−3in MP and CP (P< 0.01). Manuring had a positive and excessive tillage negative impact on aggregate properties. Aggregates from forest had the lowest TS (63 kPa) and ρagg(0.99 Mg m−3) and the highest SOC concentration (70 g kg−1), whereas the MP and CP had the highest TS (approximately 358 kPa) and the lowest SOC concentration (14 g kg−1) in 0‐ to 10‐cm depth (P< 0.01). Mean ρaggwas significantly higher than the density of bulk soil (ρb). The log‐transformed TS (LogTS) increased with increasing ρaggand decreased with increasing aggregate size and SOC. Size, SOC concentration, and ρaggexplained 84% of the variability of LogTS. Long‐term (>35 yr) no‐till combined with manuring improved the aggregate properties contrasting with conventionally cultivated systems.
Effects of Effluent Irrigation on Seal Formation, Infiltration, and Soil Loss during Rainfall
Authors: Lado M. , Ben-Hur M. , Assouline S.
Published: August 2005

The use of effluent for irrigation could affect the chemical and hydraulic properties of soils due to its high salt and organic matter (OM) content, and, consequently, the rainfall–infiltration–runoff–erosion relationships during the subsequent rainy season. This study investigates the effects of long‐term effluent irrigation on soil chemical properties, seal formation, infiltration, and soil loss under rainfall. Simulated rainfall (85 mm) was applied to (i) air‐dried or (ii) prewetted clay and sandy soils from plots that had been irrigated with fresh water (FW) or effluent for >10 yr. Effluent irrigation increased the total OM content and the exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) of the soils. The cumulative infiltration in FW‐ and effluent‐irrigated clay soils was 6.5 and 5.6 mm, respectively, in the initially dry soils, and 52.3 and 51.5 mm, respectively, in the prewetted soils. In the FW‐ and effluent‐irrigated sandy soils, the corresponding values of cumulative infiltration were 79.5 and 44.7 mm, and 85.0 and 56.3 mm, respectively. In the sandy soil, the higher sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) values in the leachate of effluent‐irrigated soil led to greater clay dispersion, which enhanced seal formation, reduced infiltration, and increased soil loss. In the clay soil, slaking was the main process involved in seal formation, neglecting the possible deleterious effect of effluent irrigation. When slaking was prevented, the SAR values in the leachate of the effluent‐irrigated soil decreased during rainfall and were similar to those of the FW‐irrigated soil at the end of the applied rainfall amount. This was probably due to the exchange of adsorbed Na with soluble Ca, which minimized the differences in clay dispersion, infiltration, and soil loss. Therefore, in the clay soil, aggregate slaking might be the main process involved in seal formation and affecting infiltration and erosion. These results show that the effect of effluent irrigation on infiltration, runoff, and soil loss depends on the soil type (amount of clay and CaCO3) and the dominant mechanisms of seal formation. Therefore, to prevent a possible deleterious effect on soil structure, it is necessary to identify sensitive areas and soils before the application of effluents for irrigation.
Mutation analysis of the HDAC 1, 2, 8 and CDKL5 genes in Rett syndrome patients without mutations in MECP2
Authors: Huppke Peter , Ohlenbusch Andreas , Brendel Cornelia , Laccone Franco , Gärtner Jutta
Published: August 2005

Mutations in the MECP2 gene are found in only 80% of patients with Rett syndrome (RTT). Therefore other genes have to be involved in the pathogenesis of RTT. By using our defined diagnostic criteria we first re‐evaluated 50 girls with possible RTT in whom the sequencing of the MECP2 gene had not revealed any mutations. Only 15 of theses patients fulfilled all criteria for RTT and could be considered to have classical RTT. In eight of these, further molecular analyses revealed large deletions of the MECP2 gene. In the remaining seven girls we then analyzed the genes HDAC1, HDAC2, and HDAC8 that encode for the histone deacetylases 1, 2, and 8 which interact with MeCP2 and are essential for its function. Although these histone deacetylase genes have been considered as good candidate genes for RTT our molecular analysis of these genes did not detect any mutations. Because recently mutations in CDKL5 were reported in patients with RTT, we included this gene in our analysis but failed to detect any mutations. We conclude that only a subgroup of girls with possible RTT and no detectable mutation in the sequencing of the MECP2 gene do really have classical RTT. In many of those large MECP2 gene deletions can be detected by further analysis. The genes HDAC1, HDAC2, and HDAC8 do not seem to play a role in the pathogenesis of RTT and at least in our subgroup no mutations in the CDKL5 gene were detected. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Theory of corresponding colors as complementary sets
Authors: Pridmore Ralph W.
Published: August 2005

A corollary of Grassman's linearity law is formally derived, and states: If a number of colors have a corresponding color appearance A in different illuminants, then their complementary colors have a corresponding color appearance B. The informal logic is that: (1) a perceived color has only one complementary color; (2) two or more corresponding colors have the same complementary color (given the illuminant whites are a color match); so (3) the complementary colors to corresponding colors will themselves be a set of corresponding colors. A method of predicting corresponding colors is derived theoretically and shown to agree with data. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 30, 371–381, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.
Study of various interventions in the façades of a historical building—Methodology proposal, chromatic and material analysis
Authors: Feliu M. J. , Edreira M. C. , Martín J. , Calleja S. , Ortega P.
Published: August 2005

Visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) in addition to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been used for determining the color and chemical composition of the architectural elements of the façades of a historical building, which today is the seat of the Diputación Provincial of Cadiz. It dates from 1770 and was built as Custom Headquarters. It is near the port and is almost encircled by the walls of the city. The determination of the color and chemical composition of the materials that provoke this color and the determination of the layers found in the extracted samples from significant zones allow to define the various interventions over the façade and to localize the time in which they were made. This is possible by comparing with graphical registries and historical documentation. The objective is a study of the color of the different façades that the building has had in order to know the history of the building and to choose materials and colors that should be used in a restoration intervention of this historical building. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 30, 382–390, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.
Modeling and Diagnostic of the Plasma of Magnetic Field Supported Discharges
Authors: Porokhova I. A. , Holík M. , Bilyk O. , Kudrna P. , Golubovskii Y. B. , Tichý M. , Behnke J. F.
Published: August 2005

In this paper we present an experimental study of the variations of plasma parameters in both the axial as well as in radial directions in a 30 cm long cylindrical magnetron with outer cylindrically‐shaped anode (diameter 58 mm) and coaxially placed cathode with a diameter of 1.8 cm. The measurements were made using three radially movable cylindrical Langmuir probes placed at three different axial positions between the magnetic coils. From the measurements there were evaluated electron density, electron mean energy, plasma potential and floating potential in dependence of the magnetic field (10–40 mT) and the argon pressure (2–7 Pa). In order to measure the axial variations of the discharge current, one half of the cathode length is segmented into 14 isolated segments with length of about 10 mm.

The physical processes occurring in electrode regions and the positive column of a cylindrical magnetron discharge in crossed electric and magnetic fields are investigated basing on the solution of the Boltzmann kinetic equation by a multiterm decomposition of the electron phase space distribution function in terms of the spherical tensors. The influence of the distribution function anisotropy on the absolute values and radial profiles of the electron density and rates of various transport and collision processes is analyzed. The spiral lines for the directed particle and energy transport are obtained to illustrate the anisotropy effects in dependence on magnetic field. The electron equipressure surfaces are constructed in the form of ellipsoids of pressure and their transformation in the cathode and anode regions is studied. A strong anisotropy of the energy flux tensor in contrast to a weak anisotropy of the momentum flux density tensor is found. Particular results are obtained for the cylindrical magnetron discharge in argon at pressure 3 Pa, current 200 mA and magnetic fields ranging within 10–40 mT. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Characterization of a Magnetron Plasma for Deposition of Titanium Oxide and Titanium Nitride Films
Authors: Hippler R. , Wrehde S. , Straňák V. , Zhigalov O. , Steffen H. , Tichý M. , Quaas M. , Wulff H.
Published: August 2005

Experimental results for the energy distribution of electrons and plasma ions in a magnetron discharge with a titanium target and with pure argon, argon/nitrogen and argon/oxygen mixtures as working gas are reported. Typical electron temperatures measured 6.5 … 9.5 cm above the magnetron target range between 2–3.5 eV. Typical values for the plasma potential are in the 0.4–2 V range, as are mean ion energies measured with the help of energy‐resolved mass spectrometry. Deposited titanium films show some dependencies on oxygen flow and on substrate bias. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ion Molecule and Dust Particle Formation in Ar/CH4, Ar/C2H2 and Ar/C3H6 Radio‐frequency Plasmas
Authors: Do H. T. , Thieme G. , Fröhlich M. , Kersten H. , Hippler R.
Published: August 2005

Molecule and particle formation in a capacitively coupled radio‐frequency discharge has been investigated. Formation of molecular ions has been investigated by means of plasma process monitoring employing energydispersive mass spectrometry. Particle growth has been studied by recording the intensity of the transmitted and scattered laser light signal from the particle cloud. An oscillation of the transmitted laser intensity was observed which is caused by periodic formation and expansion of a central void. This behavior can be explained by multigeneration dust cloud formation. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Bound State Formation and Optical Properties of Partially Ionized Dense Plasmas
Authors: Röpke G. , Reinholz H. , Neißner C. , Omar B. , Sengebusch A.
Published: August 2005

Linear response theory is used to describe the response of a charged particle system to external electromagnetic fields. Properties such as the polarization function, the dynamical conductivity and the absorption coefficient are expressed in terms of equilibrium correlation functions. Many‐particle theory is used to treat correlations in the Coulomb system. The systematic inclusion of bound states is shown. Modifications due to the influence of a dense medium lead to the dissolution (Mott effect) of bound states, which is adequately described in terms of the single‐particle spectral function. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Metal‐Nonmetal Transition in Dense Plasmas
Authors: Juranek H. , Nettelmann N. , Kuhlbrodt S. , Schwarz V. , Holst B. , Redmer R.
Published: August 2005

We have developed a theoretical approach to the equation of state of dense plasmas which has been applied to hydrogen and deuterium, various metals and noble gases. We compare Hugoniot curves and the sound speed with shock‐wave experiments and other theoretical predictions. Especially, the nonmetal‐to‐metal transition which occurs in dense plasmas at high pressures is discussed by means of the electrical conductvity. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fetal oxygen tension promotes tenascin‐C–dependent lung branching morphogenesis
Authors: Gebb Sarah A. , Fox Keith , Vaughn Jessica , McKean David , Jones Peter Lloyd
Published: August 2005

Tenascin‐C (TN‐C) is a mesenchyme‐derived extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein required for fetal lung branching morphogenesis. Given that the low oxygen (O2) environment of the fetus is also essential for normal lung branching morphogenesis, we determined whether fetal O2 tension supports this process by promoting TN‐C expression. Initial studies showed that 15‐day fetal rat lung explants cultured for 2 days at 3% O2 not only branched well, but they also expressed higher levels of TN‐C when compared to lungs maintained at 21% O2, which branched poorly. Antisense oligonucleotide studies demonstrated that TN‐C produced in response to 3% O2 was essential for lung branching morphogenesis. As well, exogenous TN‐C protein was shown to promote branching of lung epithelial rudiments cultured at 21% O2. Because ECM‐degrading proteinases are capable of catabolizing TN‐C protein, we reasoned that 3% O2 might promote TN‐C deposition by limiting the activity of these enzymes within the fetal lung. Consistent with this idea, gelatin zymography showed that the activity of a 72‐kDa gelatinase, identified as matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2), was lower at 3% O2 vs. 21% O2. Furthermore, pharmacologic inhibition of MMP‐2 activity in fetal lung explants cultured at 21% O2 resulted in increased TN‐C deposition within the mesenchyme, as well as enhanced branching morphogenesis. Collectively, these studies indicate that fetal O2 tension promotes TN‐C–dependent lung epithelial branching morphogenesis by limiting the proteolytic turnover of this ECM component within the adjacent mesenchyme. Developmental Dynamics 234:1–10, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamics and unexpected localization of the plakin binding protein, kazrin, in mouse eggs and early embryos
Authors: Gallicano G. Ian , Foshay Kara , Pengetnze Yolande , Zhou Xuan
Published: August 2005

The cell uses the cytoskeleton in virtually every aspect of cell survival and function. One primary function of the cytoskeleton is to connect to and stabilize intercellular junctions. To accomplish this task, microtubules, actin filaments, and intermediate filaments utilize cytolinker proteins, which physically bind the cytoskeletal filament to the core proteins of the adhesion junction. The plakin family of linker proteins have been in the spotlight recently as critical components for embryo survival and, when mutated, the cause of diseases such as muscular dystrophy and cardiomyopathies. Here, we reveal the dynamics of a recently discovered plakin binding protein, kazrin (kaz), during early mouse development. Kaz was originally found in adult tissues, primarily epidermis, linking periplakin to the plasma membrane and colocalizing with desmoplakin in desmosomes. Using reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction, Western blots, and confocal microscopy, we found kaz in unfertilized eggs associated with the spindle apparatus and cytoskeletal sheets. As quickly as 5 min after egg activation, kaz relocates to a diffuse peri‐spindle position, followed 20–30 min later by clear localization to the presumptive cytokinetic ring. Before the blastocyst stage of development, kaz associates with the nuclear matrix in a cell cycle‐dependent manner, and also associates with the cytoplasmic actin cytoskeleton. After blastocyst formation, kaz localization and potential function(s) become highly complex as it is found associating with cell–cell junctions, the cytoskeleton, and nucleus. Postimplantation stages of development reveal that kaz retains a multifunctional, tissue‐specific role as it is detected at diverse locations in various embryonic tissue types. Developmental Dynamics 234:201–214, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reorganization of actin cytoskeleton by FRIED, a Frizzled‐8 associated protein tyrosine phosphatase
Authors: Itoh Keiji , Lisovsky Mikhail , Hikasa Hiroki , Sokol Sergei Y.
Published: August 2005

Frizzled receptors transduce signals from the extracellular Wnt ligands through multiple signaling pathways that affect cytoskeletal organization and regulate gene expression. Direct intracellular mediators of Frizzled signaling are largely unknown. We identified FRIED (Frizzled interaction and ectoderm defects) by its association with the C‐terminal PDZ‐binding motif of Xenopus Frizzled 8. FRIED contains an N‐terminal KIND domain, a FERM domain, six PDZ domains, and a tyrosine phosphatase domain, being similar in structure to the protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP‐BAS/PTP‐BL. We report that FRIED proteins with the FERM domain localize to the apical cortex and can inhibit Wnt8‐mediated, but not β‐catenin‐mediated, secondary axis induction in Xenopus embryos, suggesting a specific interaction with Wnt signaling. A FRIED construct containing the FERM domain induced reorganization of pigment granules and cortical actin in Xenopus ectoderm. Wnt5a suppressed the depigmentation of ectoderm triggered by FRIED, demonstrating that Wnt5a and FRIED functionally interact to regulate the cytoskeletal organization. Our data are consistent with the possibility that FRIED functions by modulating Rac1 activity. We propose that FRIED is an adaptor protein that serves as a molecular link between Wnt signaling and actin cytoskeleton. Developmental Dynamics 234:90–101, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.