bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detailed magnetic and structural properties of exchange‐biased La1‐xCaxMnO3
Authors: Gómez M. E. , Campillo G. , Ramirez J.‐G. , Hoffmann A. , Guimpel J.
Published: October 2007

We measured structural, magnetic and, magneto‐transport properties of heterostructures consisting of La1–x Cax MnO3 ferromagnetic (FM) layers (x = 0.33) and antiferromagnetic (AF) layers (x = 0.67). We grew FM/AF superlattices via a high‐pressure sputtering technique on (001) oriented SrTiO3 substrates. We systematically varied the thickness of the ferromagnetic layers, while maintaining a fixed thickness of the antiferromagnetic layers. Alternatively, we also varied the thickness of the antiferromagnetic layers, keeping a fixed ferromagnetic layer thickness. The total superlattice thickness was kept approximately constant. XRD analysis confirms the existence of the superlattice structure by the observation of multiple satellite peaks around the (00l) manganite Bragg reflections. We extracted the average lattice parameter of the superlattice and its dependence on the thicknesses of the ferro‐ and antiferromagnetic layers. We conducted field cooling (FC) and zero field cooling (ZFC), magneto‐thermal, and magneto‐resistance measurements. The existence of an exchange bias effect at temperatures below the Néel temperature of the AF layer was revealed by magnetization loops measured after FC. We studied the dependence of magnetic parameters on the thicknesses of the ferro‐ and antiferromagnetic layers. We found that the structural, magnetization, and magneto transport properties as functions of F‐layer thickness are all correlated. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Oxidation‐induced high‐Curie‐temperature ferromagnetism in CoAl(100)
Authors: Rose V. , Brüggemann K. , David R. , Franchy R.
Published: October 2007

In conventional magnetic materials, oxidation is a disagreeable effect that often lowers or destroys the magnetic capabilities of those materials. By contrast, we report on the decisive paramagnetic‐ferromagnetic phase transition in CoAl(100) at room temperature, utilizing oxidation of stoichiometric CoAl. We also discuss the control and drastic increase of the coercive field by subsequent annealing of the oxidized sample. The alumina film grown by selective oxidation protects the alloy from oxidation of Co, despite the accumulation of Al vacancies and the resulting enrichment in Co of the metallic phase underneath the oxide film. As a result, a ferromagnetic thin Co‐rich phase is formed at the interface between the insulating aluminum oxide and the paramagnetic Co50Al50 bulk. The creation via simple oxidation of a ferromagnetic thin film underneath a surface insulator demonstrates a novel path to building the majority of a magnetic tunnel junction. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mechanosynthesis of LaMnO3 from different manganese oxides
Authors: Cortés Escobedo C. A. , Sánchez de Jesús F. , Bolarín Miró A. M. , Muñoz‐Saldaña J.
Published: October 2007

We report on the synthesis of lanthanum manganese oxide (LaMnO3) by solid state reaction using high energy reactive ball milling from manganese oxides (MnO, Mn2O3, MnO2) mixed with lanthanum oxide in stoichiometric ratios. Morphology and particle size of powders were investigated by SEM and laser diffraction at different milling times. A prolonged milling time (>630 min) produces an important reduction in particle size but also powder agglomeration. Structural characterization as a function of milling time was carried out by XRD as well as by TEM for specific samples. Lanthanum manganites were successfully obtained by the simplest possible process, a single step milling at room temperature showing however different transformation kinetics respective to the manganese oxide precursors. Complete reaction of LaMnO3 using Mn2O3 and MnO2 was achieved only after 210 and 270 min of milling, respectively obtaining a mixture of rhombohedral, cubic and orthorhombic phases. From MnO, mainly rhombohedral LaMnO3 could only be obtained after a calcination process. In order to avoid iron contamination, precursor mixtures were milled in nylamid vials with zirconia balls at 360 min for Mn2O3 and MnO2 as precursors. The crystalline structure of the manganites prepared using zirconia/nylamid milling system was mainly cubic. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Wear and corrosion behavior of W/WC bilayers deposited by magnetron sputtering
Authors: de Sánchez N. A. , Jaramillo H. E. , Bejarano G. , Villamil B. E. , Teran G.
Published: October 2007

WC/W coatings were deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering using 40%, 60% and 80% methane CH4 in the gas mixture. The bilayers were grown on to AISI 420 stainless‐steel substrates in order to study the wear and corrosion behavior. Before growing the bilayers, one Ti monolayer was grown to improve the adherence of the coatings to the substrate. The wear resistance and the friction coefficient of the coatings were determined using a pin‐on‐disk tribometer. All coatings had a friction coefficient of about 0.5. The measured weight lost of the bilayers from each probe allowed the qualitative analysis of wear behavior all coatings. The bilayers grown with 80% methane showed the best abrasive wear resistance and adhesion without failure through the coating in the wear track for dry pin‐on‐disk sliding. Electrochemical corrosion test showed that the bilayers grown with 80% methane were more resistant to corrosion than the ones uncoated. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of boron on the microstructure of hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon thin films
Authors: Dussan A. , Koropecki R. R.
Published: October 2007

In this work, a series of boron doped microcrystalline silicon films (μc‐Si:H (B)) were deposited by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), using silane (SiH4) diluted in hydrogen, and diborane (B2H6) as a dopant gas. The concentration of B2H6 was varied in the range of 0–100 ppm. The microstructure and morphology of samples were analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. A trend towards increasing crystalline volume fraction and grain size were observed as boron concentration in the samples increased; while the XRD spectra show that the peak intensity at 2θ ≈ 47° decreases and becomes gradually amorphous with the increasing degree of doping. The doped microcrystalline silicon films presented a crystallographic preferential orientation in the plane (220). Correlations between structural and electric properties were also studied. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mechanical and chemical behavior of sintered 6061 powder aluminium alloy reinforced with CuAl2 particles
Authors: Vanegas O. , Castro I. J. , Barona W. , Sanchez Sthepa H.
Published: October 2007

A 75 μm 6061 powder Aluminum Alloy (A.A) plus 5, 10 and 15 wt% CuAl2 particles were prepared by mixing the powders in a small milling tumbler during 4 hours at 58 rpm. The samples were compacted at room temperature and at (210±5) °C by using a 38 mm diameter uniaxial floating die. A vacuumed chamber set with an Argon flux was adapted to sinter the samples at 555 °C, temperature that was determined by the exothermic peak of CuAl2 and sinter time was experimentally determined in 13/4 h. The sintered samples were tailored to perform the tension and hardness tests. The 10wt% reinforced Alloy exhibits the best properties: the fluency stress is higher in approximately 130% as compared with the plain alloy. Also the maximum stress, the stress at 0.1% strain and the Young modules are better. The Tafel polarization curves show that corrosion resistance increases as the reinforcement particles increase. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Study of the magnetic and structural properties of nanostructured powders of Nd2Fe14B mechanically alloyed
Authors: Oyola Lozano D. , Zamora L. E. , Pérez Alcázar G. A. , Rojas Y. A. , Bustos H. , Greneche J. M.
Published: October 2007

In this work we report the magnetic and structural properties obtained by Mössbauer spectrometry, Vibrating Sample Magnetometry and X‐ray diffraction, of powder of Nd2Fe14B prepared by mechanical alloying. The mixtures were ball milled during 48 hours and submitted to heat treatments between 500 and 900 °C under an argon atmosphere. Structural parameters were derived from high statistics X‐ray patterns. The Mössbauer spectra registered at 300 K for samples without heat treatment were fitted by means of a sextet and a hyperfine field distribution, associated to a residual pure iron phase (α‐Fe) and a disordered iron‐based phase, respectively. From the spectra at 300 K the formation of the Fe3C phase is observed for samples heat treated at 900 °C. A quenching above 900 °C accelerates the formation of the Fe3C phase. The hysteresis loops allow to conclude that these samples behave as soft ferromagnets. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Study on the pozzolanic properties of silica obtained from rice husk by chemical and thermal process
Authors: Salas A. , Ospina M. A. , Delvasto S. , Mejía de Gutierrez R.
Published: October 2007

In this study, the effect of chemical and thermal treatment on the pozzolanic properties of rice husk ash (RHA) was investigated. The rice husks were subjected to chemical and thermal treatments. After the chemical treatment, the husks were burned under controlled conditions in order to obtain amorphous silica to be used as a pozzolanic material. Finally the ash obtained was milled in a ball mill to reduce the size of the particles. All the products obtained were characterized in terms of silica content, amorphous character, particle size distribution, and pozzolanic activity. The ash produced after an acid treatment with HCl to the husks produced a high percentage of ash with amorphous silica; high fineness, purity, and pozzolanic activity. The silica obtained was incorporated to cement pastes and concretes to evaluate the mechanical, rheological and durability properties. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Pinning energy of domain walls in MnZn ferrite films
Authors: Calle V. H. , Cuéllar F. , Calle C. , Marín O. , Roa‐Rojas J. , Arias D. , Guzmán O. , Prado J. , Gómez M. E. , Volkmann U. G. , Prieto P. , Mendoza A.
Published: October 2007

Mn Zn ferrite films deposited on (100) MgO substrates by rf sputtering technique with different thicknesses ξ in the range of 30‐450 nm were studied. AFM images show grain size increase as film thickness increases. Grains with diameters between L ∼ 70 and 700 nm were observed. The mono and multidomain regime in MnZn ferrite films and their effect on the pinning energy of domain walls are observed via Magneto‐optical Kerr Effect, MOKE. At ξ ∼ 300 nm, the coercive field, Hc, reaches a maximum value of 80 Oe. This result indicates the existence of a multidomain regime associated to a critical grain size, Lc. We used the Jiles‐Atherton model (JAM) to discuss the experimental hysteresis loops. The k pinning parameter obtained from JAM shows a maximum value of k /μo = 67 Am2 for grains with Lc ∼ 529 nm. The total energy per unit area E was correlated with k and D. We found a simple phenomenological relationship given by E α kD; where D is the magnetic domain width. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetic and electrical properties of BiMnO3 thin films
Authors: Grizalez M. , Delgado E. , Gómez M. E. , Prieto P.
Published: October 2007

BiMnO3 thin films were deposited on single‐crystal (001)‐oriented SrTiO3 substrates by rf‐magnetron sputtering method. X‐ray diffraction was used to analyze the crystal structure of the thin films, indicating that the films were monoclinic with two dominant orientation relationships along the substrate. The first is (111) BiMnO3 ‖ (001) SrTiO3; the second is (222) BiMnO3 ‖ (002) SrTiO3; other peaks showed that the films were polycrystalline. The roughness of the films was characterized by AFM. R vs. T was measured from 390 K to 15 K using a Keithley Model 167 Programmable Electrometer. Magnetic characterization was carried out by using a quantum design™ magnetometer for magnetization versus temperature and for hysteresis loops at different temperatures. The saturation magnetic moment of 2.8μB per Mn ion (still fairly smaller than that of the bulk, 3.6μB) was observed at 5 K decreasing with increasing temperature. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis and characterization of Fe0.79Si0.09C0.12 by mechanical alloying
Authors: Barona Mercado W. , Cuevas Ochoa J. , Fajardo M. , Pérez Alcázar G. A. , Sánchez Sthepa H.
Published: October 2007

Iron silicon carbide Fe0.79Si0.09C0.12 was prepared by mechanical alloying from elemental powders, with a ball‐to‐powder weight ratio of 20:1. This synthesis was carried out in two stages: in the first stage cementite Fe3C was prepared from elemental iron and carbon powders, the mixed powders were milled for 30 hours. In the second stage Fe0.79Si0.09C0.12 was prepared from cementite Fe3C and Silicon elemental powder as precursors, the samples were milled for 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 hours. The alloy progress for each milling time was evaluated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and 57Fe Mössbauer spectrometry. Nanocrystalline Fe3C powders were obtained from Fe and C, with an average grain size of 15 nm. It was possible to prepare metastable iron silicon carbide such as Fe0.79Si0.09C0.12 and Fe0.81Si0.02C0.17 and their respective hyperfine parameters are reported. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Current‐voltage characteristics of capacitor structures based on PZT thin films grown on Nb‐doped SrTiO3 substrates
Authors: Cortes A. , Lopera W. , Prieto P.
Published: October 2007

Current measurements, as functions of voltage (I –V curves), at different temperatures were carried out in SrTiO3+Nb/Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3/Ag capacitor structures grown on (100) SrTiO3 Nb‐doped substrates by using a technique of high‐oxygen pressure on axis sputtering. Crystalline quality and structure were measured by X‐ray diffractometry (XRD). Surface roughness and morphology were studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Ferroelectric characterization was conducted by P –E hysteresis loops on different capacitors with electrode areas of 5.0×10–4 and 6.5×10–3 cm2. Conductance measurements revealed a hopping mechanism of conduction through 2 or 3 localized states in the range of temperatures between 130 K and 40 K. On the other hand, in the temperature range between 385 K and 180 K, our results fit very well with the variable range hopping (VRH) model. The measurements of current as a function of voltage on SrTiO3+Nb/PZT/Ag structures showed typical electronic tunneling behavior. The process of electronic tunneling through capacitive structures can be interpreted as a transition from hopping mechanisms via N localized states to variable range hopping, when temperature is increased. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Performance of new dispersion‐precipitation strengthened copper‐ceramic materials made by mechanical alloying
Authors: López M. , Corredor D. , Ramam K. , Jiménez J. A. , Ruano O.
Published: October 2007

The dispersion strengthened copper alloys obtained by mechanical alloying (MA) followed by elevated temperature treatment are attractive due to their excellent combination of thermal and electrical conductivities, strength and microstructural stability. The strengthening of pure copper is provided by mechanical milling with 0.5% of ZrB2 and 1 or 0.5 vol.% of ZrC as fine dispersants. The alloyed powders are hot consolidated by an uniaxial pressing at 923 K and rolling with a 25% of reduction at 1073 K. Microstructural characterization of consolidated samples are by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The hot consolidation process resulted in fully dense MMCs materials with an adequate tensile strength as high as 650 MPa and electrical conductivity up to 48% IACS. The effect of milling process on microstructure and mechanical properties observed has been related to the collection of iron, chromium, carbon and oxygen, with Fe‐Cr oxicarbides and cuprospinel particles of size about 5‐15 nm, which are precipitated during hot consolidation. The electron microscopy studies revealed that the strength of consolidated metal matrix composites, Copper‐Zirconium ceramics are consistent with approximations based on Orowan and Hall‐Petch strengthening mechanisms. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electrical transport properties of MoO3 thin films prepared by laser assisted evaporation
Authors: López‐Carreño L. D. , Pardo A. , Zuluaga M. , Cortés‐Bracho O. L. , Torres J. , Alfonso J. E.
Published: October 2007

In the present paper the growth of MoO3 thin films on common glass substrates are described. The films were prepared by evaporation of a MoO3 target with a CO2 laser (10.6 μm), operating in the continuous wave mode. The effect of substrate temperature on the crystallographic structure and electrical properties of MoO3 thin films was studied. The chemical composition of the different species formed on the films surface was obtained by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and the crystalline structure was studied with X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The electrical conductivity of the films was determined using the standard four‐points method. Conductivity of the films varied from de 10–9 to 10–5 (Ωcm)–1 in the 300‐600 K temperature range. Arrhenius‐type plots for the electrical conductivity indicate the presence of at least two different conduction mechanisms. The I‐V characteristic curve shows an ohmic behavior only in the 4.5‐60 V range. Outside this interval the I‐V curve has a behavior described by a power law. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Low‐temperature growth of high quality AlN films on carbon face 6H‐SiC
Authors: Kim Myunghee , Ohta Jitsuo , Kobayashi Atsushi , Fujioka Hiroshi , Oshima Masaharu
Published: October 2007

AlN films have been grown on atomically flat carbon face 6H‐SiC (000$ \bar 1 $) substrates by pulsed laser deposition and their structural properties have been investigated. In‐situ reflection high‐energy electron diffraction observations have revealed that growth of AlN at 710 °C proceeds in a Stranski–Krastanov mode, while typical layer‐by‐layer growth occurs at room temperature (RT) with atomically flat surfaces. It has been revealed that the crystalline quality of the AlN film is dramatically improved by the reduction in growth temperature down to RT and the full width at half maximum values in the X‐ray rocking curves for 0004 and 10$ \bar 1 $2 diffractions of the RT‐grown AlN film are 0.05° and 0.07°, respectively. X‐ray reciprocal space mapping has revealed that the introduction of misfit dislocations is suppressed in the case of RT growth, which is probably responsible for the improvement in crystalline quality. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Measuring metal substrate roughness with glow discharge optical emission spectrometry
Authors: Biao Xu , Meng Zhang
Published: October 2007

Although there are many methods to evaluate metal surface roughness, it is difficult to detect the substrate roughness of coated samples. Depth profile analysis (DPA) is proposed as a new method for the substrate roughness measurement, and glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (GDOES) becomes a candidate in substrate roughness measuring instruments. With this method, the typical roughness parameters Ra (arithmetic mean of the absolute deviation values of the roughness profile) and Ry (maximum value of consecutive peak and valley heights of the roughness profile along the sampling length) can be easily obtained. The principle of this method is discussed and the formulasof the principle are deducted in this paper. Electrodeposited zinc coating on copper substrate specimens is used as an example to explain the measuring process. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early loss of dopaminergic terminals in striosomes after MDMA administration to mice
Authors: Granado Noelia , Escobedo Isabel , O'Shea Esther , Colado Ma. Isabel , Moratalla Rosario
Published: October 2007

The amphetamine analogue 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or “Ecstasy”) is a popular drug of abuse which causes different neurotoxic effects in the mouse compared with the rat. In mice, MDMA produces damage to striatal dopamine terminals, having little long‐term effects on serotonin (5‐HT) containing neurons. A relevant feature of the striatum is its striosome/matrix compartmental organization; defined by different connexions, and functions. In this study we examined the long‐term effect induced by MDMA on tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine transporter (DAT) immunoreactivity in the striosomes and matrix compartments of mouse striatum. Mice given MDMA showed significant reductions in TH and DAT immunostaining in striatum compared with control animals. Interestingly, this effect was considerably more pronounced in striosomes than in the matrix. These data provide the first evidence that striosomes and matrix compartments of the mouse striatum have differential vulnerability to MDMA and that the long‐term neurotoxicity induced by MDMA in mice is primarily associated with a loss of striosomal dopamine fibres. Synapse 62:80–84, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Food restriction markedly increases dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) in a rat model of obesity as assessed with in‐vivo μPET imaging ([11C] raclopride) and in‐vitro ([3H] spiperone) autoradiography
Authors: Thanos Panayotis K. , Michaelides Michael , Piyis Yiannis K. , Wang Gene‐Jack , Volkow Nora D.
Published: October 2007

Introduction:Dopamine (DA) regulates food intake by modulating food reward and motivation but its involvement in obesity is much less understood. Recent evidence points to the involvement of leptin in the DA‐related modulation of food intake. Here we assess DA D2 receptors (D2R) in a genetic rodent obesity model characterized by leptin‐receptor deficiency and assess the influence of food restriction on these receptors.Methods:We compared D2R levels between Zucker Obese (fa/fa) and Lean (Fa/Fa) rats at 1 and 4 months of age and in two different feeding conditions (restricted and unrestricted food access) using in‐vivo μPET imaging ([11C] raclopride, which is a method sensitive to competition with endogenous DA) and in‐vitro ([3H] spiperone washed to ensure no competition with endogenous DA) autoradiography (ARG).Results:Both ARG and μPET showed that D2R were higher at 1 month than at 4 months of age and that food restricted animals had higher D2R than unrestricted animals. However there were significant differences in the results obtained at 4 months between ARG and μPET. ARG showed that at 1 month and at 4 months unrestricted lean rats (Le U) had significantly higher D2R binding than obese unrestricted rats (Ob U) but showed no differences between restricted obese (Ob R) and restricted lean rats (Le R). It also showed that D2R decline between 1 and 4 months of age was significantly attenuated in food restricted rats [both obese and lean]. In contrast, μPET showed that at 4 months of age, Ob U showed greater D2R availability than Le U rats but like ARG showed no differences between Ob R and Le R rats.Conclusion:The lower D2R binding in Ob U than Le U rats observed with ARG most likely reflects decreases in striatal D2 receptors levels whereas the increased availability observed with μPET is likely to reflect reduced DA release (resulting in decreased competition with endogenous DA). Lack of a significant difference between Ob R and Le R suggests that the differences in dopamine activity and D2R levels between Ob and Le Zucker rats are modulated by access to food. The ARG finding of an attenuation of the age‐related loss of D2R binding corroborates previous studies of the salutary effects of food restriction in the aging process. Because [11C] raclopride is sensitive to competition with endogenous DA, the higher D2R binding in obese rats with raclopride despite the lower D2R levels shown with spiperone could reflect lower extracellular DA in the Ob rats and merits further investigation. Synapse 62:50–61, 2008. Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Erratum: Student affect and conceptual understanding in learning chemistry
Authors: Nieswandt Martina
Published: October 2007

In this article (Journal of Research in Science Teaching 2007;44(7):908–937. DOI 10.1002/tea.20169 © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.), part of the author's affiliation had been inadvertently omitted.

The corrected affiliation appears above. For the reader's information, the acronym “OISE/UT” stands for “Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto.”

The author regrets any inconvenience this may have caused.
How useful is the lung‐to‐head ratio in predicting outcome in the fetus with congenital diaphragmatic hernia? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ba'ath M. E. , Jesudason E. C. , Losty P. D.
Published: October 2007

Objective

Fetal surgery to improve lung growth comprises tracheal occlusion in selected ‘high‐risk’ fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Sonographically measured fetal lung‐to‐head ratio (LHR) is utilized to recruit candidates for fetal surgery. This study provides a meta‐analysis of the evidence regarding the prognostic use of lung‐to‐head ratio measurements in fetal CDH.

Methods

MEDLINE, SCOPUS and ISI PROCEEDINGS databases were searched for MeSH terms: lung, head, hernia and ratio. References in retrieved studies were also searched. Studies were categorized as follows: Phase I studies measured normal fetal LHR; Phase II studies compared fetal LHR in CDH survivors and non‐survivors (if LHR informed therapy decisions or LHR was not measured during the window for intervention (< 32 weeks' gestation), studies were excluded); Phase III studies used LHR to guide selection for fetal surgery (non‐randomized trials were excluded); Phase IV studies measured CDH survival before and after LHR application in clinical practice.

Results

The one Phase I study showed that LHR varied substantially with gestation and technique. No complete studies met the selection criteria for Phase II: meta‐analysis of subgroups revealed similar LHR in CDH survivors and non‐survivors. A single Phase III study revealed no benefit for LHR‐directed fetal surgery. No Phase IV studies were identified.

Conclusion

The prognostic use of LHR in fetal CDH entered clinical practice prior to publication of robust normal data and is not supported by current evidence. Application of a structured approach to any ‘new’ prognostic test could improve its validity and clinical application. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deconvolution of continuous internal bremsstrahlung spectra of 32P, 85Kr and 143Pr
Authors: Almaz Ekrem , Cengiz Ahmet
Published: October 2007

An efficient method of deconvolution of the internal bremsstrahlung (IB) spectra accompanying the β‐decay in 32P, 85Kr and 143Pr is presented. Experimental data is taken from the literature. The usual experimental values are folded with the response matrix of the detector system, and the Gold iteration technique is employed to deconvolve the detector response function for the continuous IB photon spectra. The response function of the detector is calculated using the peak to total ratio and the energy resolution of the detector. The results of the deconvolved IB spectra along with the theoretical calculations are presented. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sulfur determination on stone monuments with a transportable EDXRF system
Authors: Diana M. , Gabrielli N. , Ridolfi S.
Published: October 2007

An important part of the world's cultural heritage is represented by stone monuments. A very dangerous weathering process that deteriorates stone monuments and is caused by human activity is air pollution. One of the worst pollutants for stone monuments is associated with sulfur compounds, especially with gypsum. Gypsum is a rather soluble compound that may be washed away by rain. It leaves the surface of the stone clean but eroded and open to new corrosive processes.

With transportable energy dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) instruments it is possible to conduct in situ investigations, mappings, registrations and evaluations of the stone‐degradation phenomena related to sulfate formation on stone and stone‐like materials by quantifying sulfur concentrations directly associated with the presence of gypsum.

The EDXRF instrument used in this project is a commercial system comprising a miniaturized low‐power, air‐cooled tungsten x‐ray tube and a silicon drift detector (SDD) Peltier‐cooled detector.

The EDXRF instrument was calibrated using a series of standard samples specifically developed for this project with a sulfur content ranging from 0.5 to 15%. Correlating the sulfur peak counts with sulfur concentrations, a straight calibration line (R2 = 0.9985) was obtained. Several high voltage levels of the x‐ray tube were tried to define the best operating conditions. The silicon escape peak of calcium had to be accounted for owing to its interference with the sulfur peak.

In this paper we shall discuss the working method adopted and the results achieved following the examination of a number of stone monuments such as the “Fanciulla di Anzio” and other ancient Roman statues housed in the Roman National Museum, and the Sarcophagus of Pope Boniface VIII sculpted by Arnolfo di Cambio and situated in the Crypt of the Vatican Basilica. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychiatric Disorders in Clinical Genetics I: Addressing Family Histories of Psychiatric Illness
Authors: Peay Holly L. , Veach Patricia McCarthy , Palmer Christina G. S. , Rosen‐Sheidley Beth , Gettig Elizabeth , Austin Jehannine C.
Published: October 2007

This is the first article of a two‐part professional development series addressing genetic counseling for personal and family histories of psychiatric disorders. It is based on an Educational Breakout Session presented by the Psychiatric Special Interest Group of the National Society of Genetic Counselors at the 2006 Annual Education Conference. This article examines issues that arise in addressing family histories of psychiatric illness, while the second article in the series considers the generation and provision of individualized recurrence risks for psychiatric disorders. In this article we discuss the importance of managing uncertainty for affected individuals and their close family members who have been referred to genetics for a number of different indications. We then use four simulated cases to make recommendations about the scope and timing of discussions related to the psychiatric family history.
Advantage of early seedling emergence in Fagus crenata: importance of cotyledon stage for predator escape and pathogen avoidance
Authors: Abe Midori , Honda Ayako , Hoshizaki Kazuhiko , Miguchi Hideo
Published: October 2007

To examine how early‐emerging seedlings take advantage of establishment in a deciduous forest, we explored the relationships among the emergence date, growth stage and major causes of mortality (damping‐off by fungi and predation by rodents) in seedlings of Fagus crenata. The emergence of current‐year seedlings and their survival and damage were followed at short (3–7 days in early spring) intervals for a growing season. The growth stage was divided into two stages, with only cotyledons (CT stage) and with true leaves (TL stage). The survival rate was negatively correlated with the emergence date, indicating the advantage of early seedling emergence. This advantage was largely explained by the lower occurrence of damping‐off. In contrast, seedling predation occurred independently of the emergence date, but depended strongly on the developmental stage. Rodents consumed a considerable number of seeds during the early period after emergence, and strongly preferred CT‐stage over TL‐stage seedlings throughout the growing season. Therefore, seedling predation was inferred to be concentrated in a relatively short period while the remaining seeds were depleted and CT‐stage seedlings were abundant. The seedling stage synchronously shifted from the CT to TL stage. This growth‐stage transition was independent of the emergence date and appeared to correspond with the timing of seed depletion. Delayed stage transition resulted in a disproportionately high risk of damping‐off later in the season. Our results indicate that early seedling emergence is advantageous for F. crenata for resistance to pathogens and that the timing of growth‐stage progression of seedlings appears important to escape predation because of the distinct food preference of predators.
IL‐2 withdrawal induces HTLV‐1 expression through p38 activation in ATL cell lines
Authors: Washiyama Miki , Nishigaki Kazuo , Ahmed Nursarat , Kinpara Syuichi , Ishii Yuichi , Kanzawa Noriyuki , Masuda Takao , Kannagi Mari
Published: October 2007

Expression of human T‐cell leukemia virus type‐1 (HTLV‐1) in adult T‐cell leukemia (ATL) cells is known to be marginal in vivo and inducible in short‐term culture. In this study, we demonstrated that withdrawal of interleukin (IL)‐2 from IL‐2‐dependent ATL cell lines resulted in induction of HTLV‐1 mRNA and protein expression, and that viral induction was associated with phosphorylation of the stress kinase p38 and its downstream CREB. Pharmacological inhibitors of the p38 pathway suppressed viral expression induced by IL‐2 depletion. These results indicate that the stress‐induced p38 pathway might up‐regulate HTLV‐1 gene expression through at least CREB activation.
Probing the conformation of human tRNA3Lys in solution by NMR
Authors: Puglisi Elisabetta Viani , Puglisi Joseph D.
Published: October 2007

Human
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acts as a primer for the reverse transcription of human immunodeficiency virus genomic RNA. To form an initiation complex with genomic RNA,
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must reorganize its secondary structure. To provide a starting point for mechanistic studies of the formation of the initiation complex, we here present solution NMR investigations of human
urn:x-wiley:00145793:media:feb2s0014579307010861:feb2s0014579307010861-math-si9
We use a straightforward set of NMR experiments to show that
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adopts a standard transfer ribonucleic acid tertiary structure in solution, and that Mg2+ is required for this folding. The results underscore the power of NMR to reveal rapidly the conformation of RNAs.
Breathing in India, c. 1890
Authors: GREEN NILE
Published: October 2007

This essay examines a series of ‘Hindustani’ meditation manuals from the high colonial period against a sample of etiquette and medicinal works from the same era. In doing so, the essay has two principal aims, one specific to the Indian past and one pertaining to more general historical enquiry. The first aim is to subvert a longstanding trend in the ‘history’ of religions which has understood meditational practices through a paradigm of the mystical and transcendent. In its place, the essay examines such practices—and in particular their written, and printed, formulation—within the ideological and technological contexts in which they were written. In short, meditation is historicised, and its ‘Hindu’ and ‘Muslim’ expressions, compared in the process. The second aim is more ambitious: to test the limits of historical knowledge by asking whether it is possible to recount a history of breathing. In reassembling a political economy of respiration from a range of colonial writings, the essay thus hopes to form a listening device for the intimate rhythms of corporeal history. In doing so, it may suggest ways to recount a connected and necessarily political history of the body, the spirit and the world.
Nutritional supplements and conventional medicine; what should the physician know?
Authors: Webb Geoffrey P.
Published: October 2007

Almost anything that is swallowed in pill or potion form that is not a licensed medicine is, by default, legally classified as a dietary supplement. The present paper is an overview of supplement use and is intended to provide a logical framework for their discussion. Five major supplement categories are identified: essential micronutrients; other metabolites that have vitamin-like roles; natural oils; natural plant or animal extracts; antioxidants, which span the other categories. Supplement usage is also classified into broad categories. Examples of each supplement category and usage are briefly discussed. Some potential hazards of supplement use are also outlined; many substances in supplements are either not found in normal UK diets or consumed in much greater amounts than would be found in food. Many supplements are used for pharmaceutical purposes and sold as supplements to avoid the expense of acquiring a medicinal licence and to avoid the stricter quality-control regulations that apply to medicines. The use of supplements to ensure nutritional adequacy and as possible conditionally-essential nutrients is briefly discussed, as is their essentially pharmaceutical use for the prevention and alleviation of disease. There is critical discussion of whether the use of antioxidant supplements is justified or even if it is reasonable to promote a particular food on the basis of antioxidant content alone. Much of the research on supplements is reductionist, commercially sponsored or has other weaknesses; so, despite decades of use and research there is still uncertainty about their efficacy in many cases.
Risk management of nutritional supplements in chronic illness: the implications for the care of cancer and depression
Authors: Werneke Ursula
Published: October 2007

The use of complementary medicines in patients suffering from chronic illnesses such as cancer and depression is widely documented. Current studies suggest that the prevalence of the use of complementary medicines in patients with cancer ranges from 7% to 80%. In patients suffering from severe depression the use of complementary medicines may be >40%. The aim of the present review is to systematically explore the main dimensions that clinicians have to consider when advising patients suffering from these conditions. The Medline and Cochrane databases were searched for evidence relating to the benefits and risks of supplements in the treatment of cancer and depression, including the potential interactions with pharmaco- and radiotherapy. Supplements predominantly used by patients with cancer include vitamins A, C and E, β-carotene and ubiquinone 10. Supplements predominantly used by patients with depression include S-adenosylmethionine, l-tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan and inositol. Supplements potentially used by both groups include n-3 fatty acids, Se and folic acid. Four dimensions are identified and discussed: effectiveness; safety; communication; medico-legal aspects. These dimensions have to be addressed in an illness- and case-specific context. This task can be complex given the emerging clinical evidence, patients' own preferences and expectations and current prescribing guidelines.
Malnutrition: another health inequality?
Authors: Stratton Rebecca J.
Published: October 2007

Malnutrition (undernutrition) is one of the many health inequalities facing governments in the 21st century. Malnutrition is a common condition affecting millions of individuals in the UK, particularly older adults, the sick and those cared for within the healthcare system. It costs the National Health Service >£7·3×109 annually. New data highlight marked geographical differences in the prevalence of malnutrition across England and an inter-relationship between deprivation, malnutrition and poor outcome. As malnutrition is a largely treatable condition, prompt identification and effective prevention and treatment of this costly condition is imperative. Routine screening for malnutrition in high-risk groups (e.g. the elderly and those in areas with high deprivation) and within the healthcare system should be a priority, with screening linked to appropriate plans for the management of malnutrition. Use should be made of specialised interventions, including oral nutritional supplements and artificial nutrition, to aid recovery and improve outcome, with skilled health professionals, including dietitians, involved where possible. Equity of access to nutritional services and treatments for malnutrition needs to occur across the UK and, although complex and multi-factorial, the effects of deprivation and other relevant socio-economic and geographical factors should be addressed. Ultimately, as malnutrition is a public health problem, its identification and treatment must become a priority for governments, healthcare planners and professionals.
Managing liver dysfunction in parenteral nutrition
Authors: Lloyd David A. J. , Gabe Simon M.
Published: October 2007

Parenteral nutrition is life saving in patients with intestinal failure but liver dysfunction is commonly encountered, especially in neonates. Although abnormal liver function tests associated with short-term parenteral nutrition are usually benign and transient, liver dysfunction in both children and adults receiving long-term parenteral nutrition can progress to end-stage liver disease and liver failure. The aetiology of parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease is complex and multifactorial, with a range of patient, disease and nutrition-related factors implicated. Sepsis is of particular importance, as is the lack of enteral nutrition and overfeeding with intravenous glucose and/or lipid. Deficiencies of a number of amino acids including choline and taurine have also been implicated. Management of hepatic dysfunction in parenteral nutrition should initially focus on preventing its occurrence. Sepsis should be managed appropriately, enteral nutrition should be encouraged and maximised where possible and parenteral overfeeding should be avoided. Provision of parenteral lipid should be optimised to prevent the adverse effects of both deficiency and excess, and cyclical rather than continuous parenteral feeding should be administered. There is some evidence of benefit in neonates from oral antibiotics to prevent intestinal bacterial overgrowth and from oral ursodeoxycholic acid, but less to support their use in adults. Similarly, data to support widespread use of parenteral choline or taurine supplementation are lacking at present. Ultimately, severe parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease may necessitate referral for small intestine and/or liver transplantation.
Plasmodium falciparumduring pregnancy: a puzzling parasite tissue adhesion tropism
Authors: NUNES M. C. , SCHERF A.
Published: October 2007

P. falciparummalaria severely affects pregnant women and children. Despite immunity through lifelong exposure to malaria, pregnant women become susceptible to infections causing anaemia, abortions and low birth weight. They experience massive accumulation of infected erythrocytes (IEs) in the placenta. Adhesion of IEs to host endothelial receptors is mediated by members of a large diverse protein family calledP. falciparumerythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1). Pregnancy malaria is generally associated with the emergence of a distinct subset of parasites expressing a unique PfEMP1 that binds to the host-receptor chondroitin sulfate A (CSA). Resistance to pregnancy malaria is associated with the acquisition of antibodies that block IEs binding to placental CSA. The absence (or rare occurrence) of CSA-binding parasites in malaria patients (children, men and non-pregnant women) suggests that these parasites become virulent only during pregnancy. The molecular mechanisms used byP. falciparumto achieve the timely expression of the Pf-CSA ligand in pregnant women remain puzzling. In this review we will discuss two hypothetical mechanisms by which CSA-binding parasites may arise during pregnancy. The first, a selection process by the placenta of a distinct sub-population ofP. falciparumexpressing a particular PfEMP1. The second, an induction mechanism that facilitates the expression of a particular PfEMP1 protein by specific host factor(s) present only during pregnancy.
Concord, convergence and accommodation in bilingual children
Authors: RADFORD ANDREW , KUPISCH TANJA , KÖPPE REGINA , AZZARO GABRIELE
Published: October 2007

This paper examines the syntax of GENDER CONCORD in mixed utterances where bilingual children switch between a modifier in one language and a noun in another. Particular attention is paid to how children deal with potential gender mismatches between modifier and noun, i.e., if one of the languages has grammatical gender but the other does not, or if one of the languages has a ternary gender system and the other a binary one. We show that the English–Italian and French–German bilingual children in our study accommodate the gender properties of the noun to those of its modifiers in such cases, in order to ensure convergence.
Subject realization in early Hebrew/English bilingual acquisition: The role of crosslinguistic influence
Authors: HACOHEN AVIYA , SCHAEFFER JEANNETTE
Published: October 2007

This study reports on the use of (c)overt subjects and subject–verb agreement in Hebrew in the spontaneous speech of a child, EK, acquiring Hebrew and English simultaneously from birth and of five slightly younger Hebrew monolingual controls. Analysis shows that EK's production of pragmatically inappropriate overt subjects is more than three times that of the controls, while she resembles the controls in terms of subject–verb agreement, a purely syntactic phenomenon. These results strongly suggest that influence from English is restricted to phenomena that involve the syntax/pragmatics interface, supporting Hulk and Müller's (2000) hypothesis that crosslinguistic influence in early bilingual acquisition is a predictable and systematic phenomenon.
To what extent does meaning mediate adaptation to cancer? The relationship between physical suffering, meaning in life, and connection to others in adjustment to cancer
Authors: Lethborg Carrie , Aranda Sanchia , Cox Shelley , Kissane David
Published: October 2007

Objectives:

This study builds on previous work that explored the lived experience of meaning in advanced cancer. The aims were to explore the associations of suffering (physical and existential distress) and coping (via social support) with psychological distress and global meaning using a battery of instruments among adults attending an Australian metropolitan cancer service (n= 100).

Methods:

The contribution of suffering and coping via social support to psychological distress and meaning were examined using a variety of statistical methods. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to further examine relative contributions to both psychological distress and global meaning.

Results:

Physical and existential distress were found to be positively associated with psychological distress whereas high social support and personal meaning are related to lower levels of psychological distress. Social support was the strongest correlate of global meaning whereas high levels of existential distress were related to lower levels of global meaning. On the basis of this study, it is concluded that the factors related to suffering clearly promote psychological distress, and the reverse is true for global meaning for those living with cancer.

Significance of results:

This study speaks to the clinical complexity of the dynamic experience of suffering and meaning in cancer. We need to better understand the impact of physical suffering and meaning in the lives of this population and to actively work toward the enhancement of social support and connection with others for this group. Optimal palliative and family-centered care blended with therapies that promote a sense of meaning of life lived appear crucial to ameliorate suffering.