bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of continuous exposure to 20‐kHz sawtooth magnetic fields on the litters of CD‐1 mice
Authors: Wiley M. J. , Corey P. , Kavet R. , Charry J. , Harvey S. , Agnew D. , Walsh M.
Published: June 2005

Mated CD‐1 mice were exposed to 20‐kHz sawtooth magnetic fields similar to those associated with video display terminals (VDT). Four groups of animals were continuously exposed from day 1 to day 18 of pregnancy to field strengths of 0, 3.6, 17, or 200 μT. There were no less than 185 mated dams in each exposure group. On day 18, the dams were sacrificed and assessed for weight gain and pregnancy. The litters were evaluated for numbers of implantations, fetal deaths and resorptions, gross external, visceral and skeletal malformations, and fetal weights. There were no less than 140 pregnant females in each group, and there were no significant differences between any of the exposure groups and the sham group (0 μT) for any of the end points. The results of this study do not support the hypothesis that the 20‐kHz VLF magnetic fields associated with video display terminals are teratogenic in mammals. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An unusual mosaic karyotype detected through prenatal diagnosis with duplication of 1q and 19p and associated teratoma development
Authors: Schwartz S. , Raffel L. J. , Sun C.‐C. J. , Waters E.
Published: June 2005

A 40‐year‐old white woman underwent amniocentesis for advanced maternal age at 15.4 weeks gestation. Fetal chromosome analysis demonstrated two distinct cell lines: [46,XX,t(1;19)(p11;p11)]—10%; and [47,XX, t(1;19)(p11;p11) + der(1)t(1;19)(p11;q11)]—90%. The latter karyotype was trisomic for both 1q and 19p. The mother carried the balanced translocation; the father had a normal karyotype. Amniotic fluid α‐fetoprotein level was elevated and an acetylcholinesterase band was detected. Level II ultrasonography at 17 and 24 weeks revealed several abnormalities, including a large facial cleft and a probable facial teratoma and intracranial tumor. Autopsy following pregnancy termination confirmed the presence of both. Chromosome evaluation of 172 metaphases of both the epignathus and the intracranial teratoma demonstrated a predominance of the cell line with 47 chromosomes (166/172 = 96.5%), while from nonteratoma tissue (lung, liver, skin, and brain) only the balanced karyotype was detected. These observations suggest that the chromosomal imbalance is instrumental in the etiology of the teratoma. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oral contraceptive use after conception in relation to the risk of congenital urinary tract anomalies
Authors: Li De‐Kun , Daling Janet R. , Mueller Beth A. , Hickok Durlin E. , Fantel Alan G. , Weiss Noel S.
Published: June 2005

The authors conducted a case‐control study of the relation of OC use after conception to the occurrence of congenital urinary tract anomalies (CUTAs). Singleton CUTA cases with no known chromosomal abnormality from seven counties in western Washington State born during the period January 1, 1990‐December 31, 1991 were identified through the Washington State Birth Defect Registry. Controls without birth defects were randomly selected from singleton births that occurred in the same year as the cases in five large hospitals in King County. Mothers of the 118 cases and 369 controls were interviewed to obtain their contraceptive history as well as other information. Mothers of nine cases (7.6%) and eight controls (2.2%) had taken OCs at some time during the pregnancy. After adjustment for birth year and county of maternal residence, OC use after conception was associated with an almost five‐fold increased risk of having a baby with a CUTA [odds ratio (OR) = 4.8, 95 percent confidence interval (Cl), 1.6–14.1] relative to no contraception at or after conception. Use of other contraceptive methods after conception was not related to the risk of CUTAs. OC use during the 3 or 6 months prior to the conception also was not associated with the risk of CUTAs. Further adjustment for sociodemographic factors, reproductive history, perinatal exposure to exogenous agents, and past OC use did not change the results, nor did restricting the analysis to residents of King County. Our results are compatible with the hypothesis that oral contraceptive use after conception predisposes to the development of CUTAs in offspring; this hypothesis should be tested in other epidemiological studies of congenital malformations. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Teratogenic potential of corticosteroids in humans
Authors: Fraser F. C. , Sajoo Anaar
Published: June 2005

The literature was surveyed in an attempt to assess whether corticosteroids have a detectable teratogenic effect. Reporting bias was illustrated by the fact that the frequency of malformations in offspring of women treated with corticosteroids was much higher in reports of single cases than in reports of series of cases. In the latter group there were 468 exposed women, and the frequency of malformations was 3.5%, no different from the usual population frequency. There were, however, 2 cases of cleft palate, whereas 0.2 cases would be expected; it is impossible to tell whether this is a real increase. We conclude that the teratogenic potential of corticosteroids is so low as to be undetectable from the data available. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The meshing of youth development and community building
Authors: Nitzberg Joel
Published: June 2005

Community building is the best way to improve conditions of youth, including poverty, education, justice, and relationships.
“I love ballet”: Arts incentives for adolescent health and community development
Authors: Fliegel Lisa S.
Published: June 2005

Art therapy can be a community‐linked treatment, integrating the knowledge of diagnostic categories and symptomotology with a therapeutic response grounded in theories of adolescent mental health.
Behavior in adult pairs of captive snow leopards (Panthera uncia)
Authors: Freeman Helen
Published: June 2005

Eight adult pairs of snow leopards (Panthera uncia) were observed for one to three years in the months December through March to determine the species' social and reproductive characteristics in captivity. To statistically examine the occurrence of behaviors as a function of estrus, the observation weeks were divided into three time blocks: before estrus, estrus, and after estrus. Using percentage of scan samples as an estimate of time spent in various behaviors, 16 behaviors and combined behavior categories were examined for (1) behaviors that differentiated successfully from unsuccessfully breeding pairs, (2) sex differences in behavior, (3) significant correlations between pair members, and (4) behaviors that showed time block effects. The rationale for identifying a behavioral profile of successful breeders in snow leopards was to aid zoos in their captive management programs by increasing their knowledge of the social behavior of this species. By finding correlates to breeding success, informed decisions on whether to change partners after a certain period of time, how to group the cats, and the optimum strategy for a survival plan can be made.
Propagation plans
Authors: Foose Thomas J. , Lande Russell , Flesness Nathan R. , Rabb George , Read Bruce
Published: June 2005

Optimal plans to manage captive populations for propagation depend upon the goals of the program. Two basic goals have been proposed. The first and more frequent is preservation of genetic diversity in captivity for return to natural environments. The second is adapting a wild population to propagation in the captive environment. Each goal prescribes a general strategy for demographic and genetic management: a plan for return to natural environments and a plan for adaptation to the captive environment. These plans can be considered ends of a spectrum of possible management programs. Similarities and differences in the two plans are discussed. Practical contraints limit the implementation of the basic management plans.
Considerations on the conservation of alleles and of genic heterozygosity in small managed populations
Authors: Fuerst Paul A. , Maruyama Takeo
Published: June 2005

Data has been presented on the loss of alleles from populations of small fixed size. Emphasis has been placed on the effect which the allele frequency distribution and the interlocus distribution of heterozygosity will have on the pattern of allelic loss. Rare alleles are rapidly lost during the initial sampling period, and continue to be lost for several generations following the establishment of small population size. The nonequilibrium nature of the process of loss of genetic variability is stressed. The rapid loss of rare alleles and the preservation of intermediate and high frequency alleles will result in (1) heterozygosity declining much more slowly than allele number, and (2) the establishment of genetically similar populations when sampled from the same base population.
Effects of inbreeding in the budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus (Aves: Psittacidae)
Authors: Daniell A. , Murray N. D.
Published: June 2005

Two breeding programmes carried out by budgerigar breeders have been analysed in order to detect effects of inbreeding on fitness characters. The results from the two programmes are conflicting: inbreeding has no effect on clutch sizes and a deleterious effect on fledging success in one stock, whilst in the other stock, inbreeding either did not affect, or significantly increased, values for clutch size, egg fertility and hatchability, and fledging success. Two possible interpretations of this heterogeneity are (1) that the early history of the particular genotypes in the second stock led to tolerance of inbreeding or (2) that the result from the first stock is a consequence of inbreeding a trait modified by directional selection during domestication. These possibilities can be distinguished by further observations. In general, the use of results from even recently domesticated animals to estimate the impact of inbreeding in undomesticated populations is unwise. The existence of significant information in amateur breeders' records is of importance in broadening our understanding of these problems.
Visitors excite primates in zoos
Authors: Chamove Arnold S. , Hosey Geoffrey R. , Schaetzel Peter
Published: June 2005

Fifteen species of primate were observed to assess the effects of zoo visitors on their social behavior. When visitors were present primates were less affiliative, more active, but more aggressive. These changes were particularly marked in arboreal monkeys, especially in smaller species, and were reduced by 50% by lowering the height of spectators. Detailed observations of a group of mandrills indicated that with increasing numbers of visitors the monkeys showed a linear increase in attention to visitors, in activity, and in stereotyped behavior. All of these effects are consistent with an interpretation that visitors are a source of stressful excitement rather than of enrichment.
Reproduction in a little‐known New Guinea Python, Liasis papuanus (Peters and Doria)
Authors: Tryon Bern W. , Whitehead Jon
Published: June 2005

The Papuan python Liasis papuanus, a large (exceeding 5 m) boid species inhabiting Papua New Guinea and Irian Iaya, is currently known from fewer than 20 museum specimens and is seldom seen in living zoological collections. Of an estimated 10 to 15 living specimens imported into the United States during the last two decades, seven have been housed at the Knoxville Zoological Park. In 1984–85, one pair bred successfully, resulting in the first known captive breeding of this species. We describe the husbandry of adults and hatchlings and reproductive behavior in the adult pair, as well as brooding behavior of the female that resulted in a significant increase in coil temperatures. Data on eggs and on the growth of ten hatchlings over a 2.5‐year period are given.
Longitudinal observation of attine (Atta cephalotes isthmicola) ants (Hymenoptera; Formicidae)
Authors: Weiss Burton A.
Published: June 2005

A colony of the leaf‐cutting Attine (Atta cephalotes isthmicola) ants was cultured and observed in the laboratory. During the 114 month life of the colony, a maximum garden volume of 54 L. was attained. The colony used a total of 139,902 g of substrate at a maximum rate of 2,660 g per month and occupied one hundred forty‐four 1.25 L. chambers. Observations on the colony ranged from behavior of the castes to biochemistry and the absence of cholesterol. The dramatic display quality of Attine colonies for zoological exhibit is discussed.
Proceptive calling by female lion‐tailed macaques
Authors: Lindburg Donald G.
Published: June 2005

During 6 years of monitoring breeding groups of lion‐tailed macaques, it was discovered that females regularly emitted a non‐copulatory vocalization during the follicular portion of the menstrual cycle. In the majority of cases females focused visually on a particular male when calling. Two‐thirds of all calls were directed at males living outside the group. The responses of targeted males were consistent with the evidence from its temporal pattern that calling is a behavior used by females to draw attention to their willingness to receive copulations. Given that lion‐tails are highly arboreal, it is postulated that in the wild state females use calls to attract the attention of males under conditions of limited visibility. As an unambiguous indicator of receptivity, this vocalization may facilitate the reproductive management of captive populations.
Modeling problems in conservation genetics using captive Drosophila populations: Rapid genetic adaptation to captivity
Authors: Frankham Richard , Loebel David A.
Published: June 2005

Long‐term captive breeding programs for endangered species generally aim to preserve the option of release back into the wild. However, the success of re‐release programs will be jeopardized if there is significant genetic adaptation to the captive environment. Since it is difficult to study this problem in rare and endangered species, a convenient laboratory animal model is required. The reproductive fitness of a large population of Drosophila melanogaster maintained in captivity for 12 months was compared with that of a recently caught wild population from the same locality. The competitive index measure of reproductive fitness for the captive population was twice that of the recently caught wild population, the difference being highly significant. Natural selection over approximately eight generations in captivity has caused rapid genetic adaptation.

Captive breeding strategies for endangered species should minimize adaptation to captivity in populations destined for reintroduction into the wild. A framework for predicting the impact of factors on the rate of genetic adaptation to captivity is suggested. Equalization of family sizes is predicted to approximately halve the rate of genetic adaptation. Introduction of genes from the wild, increasing the generation interval, using captive environments close to those in the wild and achieving low mortality rates are all expected to slow genetic adaptation to captivity. Many of these procedures are already recommended for other reasons. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Strategic collection planning: Theory and practice
Authors: Hutchins Michael , Willis Kevin , Wiese Robert J.
Published: June 2005

Strategic collection planning is a relatively new concept for zoos. Until recently, personal preference, availability, and competition determined which species or subspecies were acquired. In the last few years, however, there have been attempts to employ systematic criteria for taxon selection that better serve conservation objectives. Planning currently occurs at three levels: global, regional, and institutional. The current planning process is reviewed and recommendations are made for ways the process might be improved. An efficient, economical, and effective collection planning process is critical if modern, professionally managed zoological institutions are to make a significant impact on wildlife and ecosystem conservation. Rather than selecting taxa solely on the possibility of a future reintroduction, serious consideration should be given to the ability of a species or subspecies to contribute to more immediate conservation goals, including public education, fund raising to support field conservation, and scientific research. Because resources are limited, perhaps zoos should focus their long‐term breeding programs primarily on flagship species—that is, those that have the potential to excite public attention and help to protect habitat and other taxa—rather than on a broad array of species that are currently endangered. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spatial and temporal localization during embryonic and fetal human development of the transcription factor SIM2 in brain regions altered in Down syndrome
Authors: Rachidi Mohammed , Lopes Carmela , Charron Giselle , Delezoide Anne‐Lise , Paly Evelyne , Bloch Bernard , Delabar Jean‐Maurice
Published: June 2005

Human SIM2 is the ortholog of Drosophila single‐minded (sim), a master regulator of neurogenesis and transcriptional factor controlling midline cell fate determination. We previously localized SIM2 in a chromosome 21 critical region for Down syndrome (DS). Here, we studied SIM2 gene using a new approach to provide insights in understanding of its potential role in human development. For the first time, we showed SIM2 spatial and temporal expression pattern during human central nervous system (CNS) development, from embryonic to fetal stages. Additional investigations were performed using a new optic microscopy technology to compare signal intensity and cell density [M. Rachidi, C. Lopes, S. Gassanova, P.M. Sinet, M. Vekemans, T. Attie, A.L. Delezoide, J.M. Delabar, Regional and cellular specificity of the expression of TPRD, the tetratricopeptide Down syndrome gene, during human embryonic development, Mech. Dev. 93 (2000) 189–193]. In embryonic stages, SIM2 was identified predominantly in restricted regions of CNS, in ventral part of D1/D2 diencephalic neuroepithelium, along the neural tube and in a few cell subsets of dorsal root ganglia. In fetal stages, SIM2 showed differential expression in pyramidal and granular cell layers of hippocampal formation, in cortical cells and in cerebellar external granular and Purkinje cell layers. SIM2 expression in embryonic and fetal brain could suggest a potential role in human CNS development, in agreement with Drosophila and mouse Sim mutant phenotypes and with the conservation of the Sim function in CNS development from Drosophila to Human. SIM2 expression in human fetal brain regions, which correspond to key structures for cognitive processes, correlates well with the behavioral phenotypes of Drosophila Sim mutants and transgenic mice overexpressing Sim2. In addition, SIM2‐expressing brain regions correspond to the altered structures in DS patients. All together, these findings suggest a potential role of SIM2 in CNS development and indicate that SIM2 overexpression could participate to the pathogenesis of mental retardation in Down syndrome patients.
Comparison of quality of life outcomes in laryngeal cancer patients following chemoradiation vs. total laryngectomy
Authors: Lotempio Maria M. , Wang Kevin H. , Sadeghi Ahmed , Delacure Mark D. , Juillard Guy F. , Wang Marilene B.
Published: June 2005

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate quality of life issues in patients with laryngeal cancer after treatment with either chemoradiation or total laryngectomy and radiation therapy.

METHODS

Forty‐nine patients with a history of stage II‐IV laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated primarily with either chemoradiation or by total laryngectomy with postoperative radiation completed the University of Washington Quality of Life instrument, version 4. Patients were identified on a volunteer basis in an academic university head and neck clinic setting. Each patient completed the above instrument, and statistical analysis was performed by Wilcoxon and X 2, tests.

RESULTS

Instruments were completed by all 49 patients: 15 patients who underwent primary chemoradiation and 34 patients who underwent a total laryngectomy followed by radiation. Domains reported in both treatment groups without significant differences were appearance, activity, recreation, moods, taste, saliva, anxiety, and general questions. However, there were significant differences between the 2 groups in the domains of pain, swallowing, chewing, speech, and shoulder function. The laryngectomy patients reported greater impairment of speech (P = 0.001), and shoulder function (P = 0.018), whereas the chemoradiation patients suffered from greater pain, difficulty swallowing (P = 0.061), and problems chewing (P = 0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients with laryngeal cancer, whether treated primarily with chemoradiation or total laryngectomy, reported excellent functional outcomes and health‐related quality of life. Pain, swallowing, chewing, saliva, and shoulder function were recorded as significant factors affecting their daily quality of life.
Ion channel proteins in mouse and human vestibular tissue
Authors: Hotchkiss Karin , Harvey Margaret , Pacheco Mary , Sokolowski Bernd
Published: June 2005

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Electrical activity in hair cells and neurons of the inner ear is necessary for the transduction and modulation of stimuli that impinge on the cochlea and vestibular endorgans of the inner ear. The underlying basis of this activity is pore‐forming proteins in the membrane of excitable cells that allow the influx and efflux of various ions, including Na+, Ca2+, and K+, among others. These channels are critical to both electrical activity as well as the development of excitable cells because they may initiate long‐term signals that are important in the maintenance and survival of these cells. We investigated the expression of several Shaker potassium ion channel proteins and an accessory β subunit in the vestibular endorgans of mouse and human.

METHODS

Vestibular tissue consisting of cristae ampullares was harvested from adult and neonatal mice as well as from human subjects undergoing vestibular surgery. Western blot analysis and immunoprecipitation were used to identify the presence or absence, in mouse, of α subunits Kv1.2, Kv1.4, and Kv1.5 and of β subunit Kvβ1.1 in mouse. Coimmunoprecipitation was used to identify interactions between α and β subunits. Immunohistochemistry was used to localize Kv1.2 in mouse and human tissues.

RESULTS

The presence of Kvα1.2 and Kvβ1.1 was confirmed in adult mouse crista ampullaris by Western blotting. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments showed that Kv1.2 and Kvβ1.1 interact in these tissues. Immunostaining localized Kv1.2 to regions within and extraneous to the sensory epithelium of mouse and human cristae ampullares. In comparison, Kv1.4 and Kv1.5 were not found in the crista ampullaris.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe the presence, location, and interaction of various potassium ion channel α subunits and a β subunit. These data are initial descriptions of potassium ion channels in the mammalian vestibular system and begin to provide an understanding of the protein subunits that form ion channels of the mammalian inner ear. In addition, our data show that there are interactions that occur that may regulate the biophysical properties of these channels, thereby contributing to the diversity of channel function. This knowledge is critical to understanding the genes that encode these channels and finding cures for pathologies of hearing and balance.

SIGNIFICANCE

We detail initial characteristics of potassium ion channel proteins including α subunits Kv1.2, Kv1.4, and Kv1.5 and β subunit Kvβ1.1 in mammalian vestibular tissue. This knowledge is critical to understanding the processing of vestibular stimuli and the regulation of endolymphatic function. Mutations of ion channels can cause neurological pathologies including auditory and vestibular disorders in humans.
Laser myringotomy for otitis media with effusion in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
Authors: Hwang Chung‐Feng , Chien Chih‐Yen , Lin Hsin‐Ching , Peng Jyh‐Ping , Chang Hsueh‐Wen , Su Chih‐Ying
Published: June 2005

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of laser myringotomy in otitis media with effusion (OME) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Laser myringotomy was performed with a CO2 laser otoscope in 53 NPC patients (68 ears) and 32 non‐NPC patients (37 ears). All patients had a history of OME.

RESULTS

In the NPC group, 40% of ears developed persistent perforation, 37% had recurrent OME, and 23% were free of disease. In the non‐NPC group, only 3% of ears developed persistent perforation, and 43% were free of disease. Significant differences in perforation and disease‐free state were evident between the 2 groups. Tumor stage was found to be a significant determining factor for clinical outcome in NPC group.

CONCLUSION

Laser myringotomy for NPC group carries a significantly higher risk of persistent perforation and lower rate of cure. This procedure may be considered for early staging NPC patients with serious OME symptoms.
Etiologic diagnosis of sensorineural hearing loss in adults
Authors: Angeli Simon I. , Yan Denise , Telischi Fred , Balkany Thomas J. , Ouyang Xiao M. , Du Li L. , Eshraghi Adrian , Goodwin Leslie , Liu Xue Z.
Published: June 2005

OBJECTIVE

To determine the etiology of adult‐onset sensorineural hearing loss.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

This is a prospective cohort study of 60 adult subjects with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss of no obvious etiology by medical history and physical examination. These patients were evaluated at an academic medical center and underwent evaluation by high‐resolution computed tomography of the temporal bone, autoimmune panel, and DNA testing for mutations of both the GJB2 gene and the mitochondrial DNA (1555A>G and 7445A>G).

RESULTS

An etiologic diagnosis was achieved in 6 patients: cochlear otosclerosis, 1 case; dilated vestibular aqueduct, 1 case; a mitochondrial DNA 7445A>G mutation, 3 cases; and a mitochondrial DNA 1555A>G mutation, 1 case.

CONCLUSION

This result underscores the importance of a search for the etiology of a hearing deficit in adult patients. There are specific interventions now available for the management of hearing‐impaired patients with cochlear otosclerosis and mitochondrial DNA mutations.
Preoperative radiation therapy and its effects on outcomes in microsurgical head and neck reconstruction
Authors: Lin Samuel , Dutra Jose , Keni JAY , Dumanian Gregory A. , Fine Neil , Pelzer Harold
Published: June 2005

OBJECTIVE

Preoperative radiation therapy is considered a significant factor in head and neck reconstruction.

STUDY AND DESIGN AND SETTING

In our consecutive series of 114 patients, 44 patients had prior head and neck irradiation. The 2 groups were compared on the basis of age, ischemic time, and flap size and were found not to be statistically different. The average ischemic time for the irradiated group was 94.1 minutes, and the average was 102.8 minutes for the nonirradiated group. The average flap size for the irradiated group was 69.5 cm2, and was 72.0 cm2, for the nonirradiated group.

RESULTS

Using a single‐factor analysis of variance, the 2 groups did not differ statistically. The overall major flap complication rate for both irradiated and nonirradiated groups was approximately 10%.

CONCLUSION

Microvascular reconstruction was accomplished in both irradiated and nonirradiated head and neck patients, with a 99% total flap survival rate and a 10% major flap complication rate.
High-resolution last deglaciation record from the Congo fan reveals significance of mangrove pollen and biomarkers as indicators of shelf transgression
Authors: Scourse James , Marret Fabienne , Versteegh Gerard J.M. , Jansen J.H. Fred , Schefuß E. , van der Plicht Johan
Published: June 2005

High abundances of mangrove pollen have been associated with transgressive cycles on tropical margins, but the detailed relations between systems tracts and the taphonomy of the pollen are unclear. We report here the occurrence and high abundance of Rhizophora pollen, in association with taraxerol, a Rhizophora-sourced biomarker, from a high-resolution Congo fan core covering the last deglaciation. An age model based on 14C dates enables the temporal changes in taraxerol content and the percentage frequencies and flux (pollen grains (pg) cm–2 (103 yr)–1) of mangrove pollen to be compared quantitatively with the lateral rate of transgression across the flooding surface (derived from glacio-hydro-isostatic model output and the bathymetry of the margin). Rhizophora pollen concentrations and taraxerol content of the sediment are very strongly positively correlated with the lateral rate of transgression and indicate, independently of any sequence stratigraphic context, that mangrove pollen spikes are associated with the transgressive systems tract rather than the highstand systems tract or maximum flooding surface. Lower-resolution longer-term records from this margin indicate an association between taraxerol concentrations and transgressive rather than regressive phases. The flux of these materials to the Congo fan is interpreted as a function of the erosion of flooded mangrove swamp on the shelf and less importantly, changing extent of mangrove habitat, during sea-level rise. Congo River palaeoflood events also result in reworking of mangrove pollen and supply to the fan, but this mechanism is subdominant. Rhizophora pollen has been underestimated in many palynological studies undertaken on cores from the African margin because of inappropriate sieve mesh size used during laboratory preparation.
The behavior of lot‐sizing procedures in the presence of forecast errors
Authors: Wemmerlöv Urban
Published: June 2005

Executive Summary

This paper discusses lot‐sizing in time‐phased order point systems under three different conditions: with no forecast errors present, with forecast errors present but no safety stocks, and finally, with forecast errors present but with safety stocks introduced to counter the effects of the demand uncertainty. Fourteen different single stage lot‐sizing procedures have been observed during simulation experiments where each of these operating environments have been modeled. The existence of forecast errors radically affects the behavior of the lot‐sizing procedures compared to situations without forecast errors. For example, forecast errors not only lead to stockouts, they also induce larger inventories. Introduction of safety stocks, in turn, generates even larger inventories and also more orders. These environments, therefore, are so different, as are the associated lot‐sizing performances, that the relevance of previous research which has not considered stochastic environments must be questioned.

One must conclude that, despite the enormous interest in lot‐sizing research over the years, the “scientific” body of knowledge, as it can be applied in practice, remains relatively undeveloped. Few guidelines with respect to lot‐sizing can, therefore, be offered to the practitioner by the research community. More relevant, i.e., more realistic, lot‐sizing research should alleviate such a situation.
A note on “Stochastic unpaced line design: Review and further experimental results”
Authors: Karwan Kirk R. , Philipoom Patrick R.
Published: June 2005

Executive Summary

A 1985 study in this journal examined the “bowl phenomenon” and claimed to demonstrate that Hillier and Boling's original results 1967 were due to an assumption of unrealistically large variations in processing times. A closer look at these findings reveals that they are derived from a flawed experiment that cannot possibly serve to verify whether or not average task times at work stations on an assembly line should be selected in a bowl distribution. We offer further arguments in clarification of Hillier and Boling's original work based both on our own simulation experiments as well as recent studies by other authors. We also comment on the need to orient future efforts toward practical integration of the bowl phenomenon result with other findings that relate to improving the throughput of unpaced assembly lines.
Constitutional dialogue in Uganda
Authors: Bussey Erica
Published: June 2005

The paper considers several recent constitutional cases in Uganda, including Constitutional Petition No. 5 of 2003, which struck down several sections of the Political Parties and Organisations Act, aimed at suppressing opposition party activity, and Constitutional Appeal No. 1 of 2002, in which the Supreme Court held that a constitutional amendment which had enabled the 2000 Referendum on political systems was unconstitutional, as examples of an emerging constitutional dialogue in Uganda. The paper examines the history of constitutionalism in Uganda, the 1995 Constitution, and recent constitutional cases in order to analyse the tools available within the Ugandan constitutional framework that make a meaningful dialogue between the courts and the legislature possible, and the ways in which these have, or have not been used in recent decisions. The paper discusses dialogue theory with an emphasis on the use of dialogue in the comparative (and particularly Canadian) context and considers whether dialogue is possible in nondemocratic systems. The recent cases indicate that not only is there the beginnings of a process of dialogue in Uganda, but that this dialogue may in fact be more important in some senses than it is within the democratic framework, since given the lack of open debate in Parliament and other fora, the dialogue between the courts and the legislature is often the only place in which important issues can be debated. However, recent developments, such as Museveni's reaction to the court's decision in Constitutional Petition No. 3 of 2000 which nullified the results of the 2000 Referendum, show how fragile this process of dialogue may be.
Synthesis in prebiotic clay environments induced by radiation
Authors: Negron-Mendoza A. , Ramos-Bernal S. , Mosqueira F.G.
Published: June 2005

In this paper we exemplify a biased synthesis that can be relevant in primitive scenarios. We perform experiments simulating a possible prebiotic environment, in which an organic compound is adsorbed in soil and exposed to an energy source. To this end, carboxylic acids were adsorbed in a clay mineral and the systems were exposed to radiation. We observed that radiation decomposition in solution changes drastically if the system contains a clay mineral. Both solid surfaces and radiation play an important role.
Mycelial fungi in cryopegs
Authors: Ozerskaya S.M. , Ivanushkina N.E. , Kochkina G.A. , Fattakhova R.N. , Gilichinsky D.A.
Published: June 2005

Mycelial fungi from cryopegs (tundra, Kolyma lowland, Russia) have been studied. The use of media with different amounts of salt and cultivation at 4 and 25 °C allowed us to isolate filamentous fungi assigned to 11 species. The micromycetes of genus Geomyces were found most often. The total amount of fungi reached 1–4×102 CFU ml−1 of water. The extreme conditions of the cryopegs – the high salinity of the water (150–200 g l−1) and the constant low temperatures (average annual temperature is from −9 to −11 °C) – might serve as a model for the conditions of interplanetary environments.
A model‐data comparison of European temperatures in the Eemian interglacial
Authors: Kaspar Frank , Kühl Norbert , Cubasch Ulrich , Litt Thomas
Published: June 2005

We present a comparison of reconstructed and simulated January and July temperatures in Europe for a time slice (∼125 kyr BP) within the last interglacial (Eemian, ∼127–116 kyr BP). The reconstructions, based on pollen and plant macrofossils, were performed on 48 European sites using a method based on probability density functions (pdf‐method). The reconstructed most probable climate values were compared with a global climate simulation which was realized with a coupled ocean‐atmosphere general circulation model. Orbital parameters and greenhouse gas concentrations have been adapted to conditions at 125 kyr BP. Reconstructions and simulation are concordant in showing higher temperatures than today over most parts of Europe in summer and in revealing a west‐east‐gradient in winter temperature differences with increasing anomalies toward eastern Europe. The results indicate that differences in the orbital parameters are sufficient to explain the reconstructed Eemian temperature patterns.
Cavity ringdown spectrum of the forbidden ÃE″2←X̃A2′2 transition of NO3: Evidence for static Jahn–Teller distortion in the Ã state
Authors: Deev Andrei , Sommar Jonas , Okumura Mitchio
Published: June 2005

The Jahn–Teller effect in the first two excited states of the nitrate radical NO3 has yet to be experimentally elucidated. In this paper, direct evidence of strong Jahn–Teller interactions in the Ã state is presented from the first complete absorption spectrum of the ÃE″2←X̃A2′2 transition of NO3 in the gas phase in the region 5900–9000cm−1, at moderate resolution (0.15cm−1). The observed spectrum is consistent with Herzberg–Teller selection rules, and reveals strong linear and quadratic Jahn–Teller interactions in the Ã state. Several of the vibronic bands have been tentatively assigned, including ν2,ν3, an irregular progression in ν4, and combination bands involving ν1. Our assignments are consistent with the previous works of Weaver et al. [A. Weaver, D. W. Arnold, S. E. Bradforth, and D. M. Neumark, J. Chem. Phys. 94, 1740 (1991)] and Hirota et al. [E. Hirota, T. Ishiwata, K. Kawaguchi, M. Fujitake, N. Ohashi, and I. Tanaka, J. Phys. Chem. 107, 2829 (1997)] The band origin is not observed, in accord with the selection rules, but is determined to be T0=7064cm−1 from the observation of the 410 hot band at 6695.7cm−1. Rotational contour analysis of this band indicates that the upper state is an asymmetric rotor, establishing that NO3 undergoes static Jahn–Teller distortion in the ground vibrational level of the Ã state.
Semiclassical statistical mechanics of hard-body fluid mixtures
Authors: Kumar Jyotish , Dey Tarun K. , Sinha Suresh K.
Published: June 2005

The thermodynamic properties of semiclassical hard-body fluid mixtures are studied. Explicit expressions are given for the free-energy, equation of state and virial coefficients of the classical hard convex-body fluid mixtures. The numerical results are discussed under different conditions. The agreement with the exact data is good in all cases. The first-order quantum corrections are also studied. The quantum effects depend on the condition, shape parameters L11* and L22*, and concentrations x1 and x2 in general and increase with an increase of packing fraction η, in particular.
A version of diffusion Monte Carlo method based on random grids of coherent states. II. Six-dimensional simulation of electronic states of H2
Authors: Shalashilin Dmitrii V. , Child Mark S.
Published: June 2005

We report a new version of the diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC) method, based on coherent-state quantum mechanics. Randomly selected grids of coherent states in phase space are used to obtain numerical imaginary time solutions of the Schrödinger equation, with an iterative refinement technique to improve the quality of the Monte Carlo grid. Accurate results were obtained, for the appropriately symmetrized two lowest states of the hydrogen molecule, by Monte Carlo sampling and six-dimensional propagation in the full phase space.
Ionic reactions in He nanodroplets: The [LiHHe]+ complex and its possible energy pathways into products from ab initio calculations
Authors: Scifoni E. , Bodo E. , Gianturco F. A.
Published: June 2005

Ab initio calculations at the multiconfiguration self-consistent field level followed by a multireference configuration interaction were carried out along the two possible collinear approaches of the [LiHHe]+ system, while a three-dimensional calculation of the structures of that complex with LiH+ kept at its equilibrium geometry was also completed at the same level of accuracy. The interaction forces of the lowest two electronic states indicate possible reactive behavior, with the first excited potential-energy surface clearly showing a barrierless path to HeH+ product formation. The details of the reactive pathways and their possible bearing on reaction processes, which could occur at the low temperature of a He nanodroplet holding LiH+ as an impurity, are analyzed and discussed.
Calorimetric study of phase transitions in a liquid-crystal-based microemulsion
Authors: Kutnjak Zdravko , Cordoyiannis George , Nounesis George , Lebar Andrija , Zalar Boštjan , Žumer Slobodan
Published: June 2005

A lyotropic inverse micelle phase composed of water, thermotropic liquid-crystal octylcyanobiphenyl (8CB), and surfactant (DDAB) was studied by using high-resolution calorimetry on several mixtures with 3%, 8%, and 15% micelle concentration. Calorimetric results show strong depression of the isotropic to nematic (I–N) phase-transition temperature. Broad heat-capacity anomalies show the existence of a wide coexistence range of isotropic, nematic, and smectic-A phases, which mimics the behavior of a new nearly stable thermodynamic phase. An observation of the rather sharp almost bulklike nematic to smectic-A (N–A) transition at low-temperatures indicates that our heat capacity results are consistent with the phase separation scenario in which significant number of micelles is expelled during I–N conversion leaving almost pure nematic phase at lower temperatures. It was found that micelles get almost completely remixed on heating the mixture back to the isotropic phase.
Energy dispersive x-ray diffraction of charge density waves via chemical filtering
Authors: Feng Yejun , Somayazulu M. S. , Jaramillo R. , Rosenbaum T. F. , Isaacs E. D. , Hu Jingzhu , Mao Ho-kwang
Published: June 2005

Pressure tuning of phase transitions is a powerful tool in condensed matter physics, permitting high-resolution studies while preserving fundamental symmetries. At the highest pressures, energy dispersive x-ray diffraction (EDXD) has been a critical method for geometrically confined diamond anvil cell experiments. We develop a chemical filter technique complementary to EDXD that permits the study of satellite peaks as weak as 10−4 of the crystal Bragg diffraction. In particular, we map out the temperature dependence of the incommensurate charge density wave diffraction from single-crystal, elemental chromium. This technique provides the potential for future GPa pressure studies of many-body effects in a broad range of solid state systems.
Carbon-doped symmetric GaAs∕AlGaAs quantum wells with hole mobilities beyond 106cm2∕Vs
Authors: Gerl C. , Schmult S. , Tranitz H.-P. , Mitzkus C. , Wegscheider W.
Published: June 2005

Utilizing a carbon filament doping source, we prepared two-dimensional hole gases in a symmetric quantum-well structure in the GaAs∕AlGaAs heterosystem. Low-temperature hole mobilities up to 1.2×106cm2∕Vs at a density of 2.3×1011cm−2 were achieved on GaAs (001) substrates. In contrast to electron systems, the hole mobility sensitively depends on variations of the quantum-well width and the spacer thickness. In particular, an increase of the quantum-well width from an optimal value of 15 nm to 18 nm is accompanied by a 35% reduction of the hole mobility. The quality of ultrahigh-mobility electron systems is not affected by the employed carbon-doping source.
Enhancement of spin-dependent scattering and improvement of microstructure in spin valves by delayed deposition
Authors: Yang D. Z. , Wang L. , Yang X. J. , Zhou S. M. , Wu X. S. , Du J. , Hu A. , Zhang X. X.
Published: June 2005

Si ∕ Ta ∕ Co ∕ Cu ∕ Co Fe Mn (or NiO) spin valves were prepared by a delayed sputtering procedure, in which depositions of Ta and followed layers were intervened by 1h. The spin valves are found to have better coherent growth with stronger (111) preferred orientations in Co and Cu layers, compared with the traditional continuous method. At the same time, the giant magnetoresistance ratio and spin-dependent scattering are enhanced by a factor of 20%–30%. These results indicate that the coherent growth and the (111) preferred orientation can enhance the spin-dependent scattering of spin valves.
Thermoelectric properties of and devices based on free-standing GaN
Authors: Yamaguchi Shigeo , Izaki Ryohei , Kaiwa Nakaba , Yamamoto Atsushi
Published: June 2005

We have studied the thermoelectric properties of free-standing GaN and fabricated a themoelectric power device using this GaN. The electrical resistivity ρ increased and the Seebeck coefficient α slightly increased with increasing temperature in the range from 373 K to 973 K. The power factor decreased with increasing temperature, and its maximum value was 7.0×10−4W∕mK2 at 373 K. The device showed a maximum output voltage Vop and an output power Pmax of 28 mV and 3.35μW at temperature difference of 153 K, respectively. The Pmax and Vop were functions of the temperature difference (ΔT), namely,Pmax∼(ΔT)n (n=2.14) and Vop∼(ΔT)n (n=1.06).
P boutons in lamina IX of the rodent spinal cord express high levels of glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 and originate from cells in deep medial dorsal horn
Authors: Hughes D. I. , Mackie M. , Nagy G. G. , Riddell J. S. , Maxwell D. J. , Szabó G. , Erdélyi F. , Veress G. , Szűcs P. , Antal M. , Todd A. J.
Published: June 2005

Presynaptic inhibition of primary muscle spindle (group Ia) afferent terminals in motor nuclei of the spinal cord plays an important role in regulating motor output and is produced by a population of GABAergic axon terminals known as P boutons. Despite extensive investigation, the cells that mediate this control have not yet been identified. In this work, we use immunocytochemistry with confocal microscopy and EM to demonstrate that P boutons can be distinguished from other GABAergic terminals in the ventral horn of rat and mouse spinal cord by their high level of the glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) 65 isoform of GAD. By carrying out retrograde labeling from lamina IX in mice that express green fluorescent protein under the control of the GAD65 promoter, we provide evidence that the cells of origin of the P boutons are located in the medial part of laminae V and VI. Our results suggest that P boutons represent the major output of these cells within the ventral horn and are consistent with the view that presynaptic inhibition of proprioceptive afferents is mediated by specific populations of interneurons. They also provide a means of identifying P boutons that will be important in studies of the organization of presynaptic control of Ia afferents.
Academic Workers and Union Membership: An Inevitable Dilution of Solidarity?
Authors: D’ART DARYL , TURNER THOMAS
Published: June 2005

The growth of service employment and new forms of work has supposedly fostered the diffusion of individual orientations at the expense of traditional forms of union solidarity. These developments suggest that academics are likely to manifest an individualist orientation and a weak attachment to trade union membership. Based on a survey of unionized employees in a university setting, we examine whether there are differences in union attachment and solidarity between professionals and other occupational groups.
Differential activation of ABI3 and LEA genes upon plant parasitic nematode infection
Authors: DE MEUTTER JAN , ROBERTSON LEE , PARCY FRANÇOIS , MENA MONTAÑA , FENOLL CARMEN , GHEYSEN GODELIEVE
Published: June 2005

Promoter activity of ABI3 and of three LEA genes was monitored in Arabidopsis transgenics infected with Heterodera schachtii and Meloidogyne incognita. ABI3::GUS expression was induced (in four different promoter deletion constructs) during early infection stages with H. schachtii. Similar GUS expression patterns, though slightly later in time compared with ABI3, were observed for one of the LEA promoter constructs, whereas the other two were not induced by H. schachtii. Expression was mainly observed in the syncytia. In contrast, little or no reporter gene expression was observed upon infection with M. incognita. The data suggest a role for ABI3 during the formation and active growth of the syncytium and demonstrate a marked difference between syncytium and giant cell ontogenesis.