bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Seeing voices’: fused visual/auditory verbal hallucinations reported by three persons with schizophrenia‐spectrum disorder
Authors: Hoffman R. E. , Varanko M.
Published: September 2006

Objective:  The neurocognitive basis of verbal/auditory hallucinations remains uncertain. A leading hypothesis is that these hallucinations correspond to ordinary inner speech mislabeled as non‐self. However, some studies suggest pathogenic activation of receptive language neurocircuitry as the cause. A form of visualized verbal hallucinations not previously reported in the literature is described that may shed light on this controversy.

Method:  Review of three cases.

Results:  Two patients described visual hallucinations of speech‐like lip and mouth movements fused with simultaneous auditory verbal hallucinations superimposed on perceptions of faces of actual persons in their immediate environment. A third patient described similar experiences incorporated into visual hallucinations of human figures who also exhibited finger and hand movements corresponding to American Sign Language.

Conclusion:  These fused, multimodal verbal hallucinations seem unlikely to be due to inner speech mislabeled as non‐self, and instead suggest top‐down re‐shaping of activation in visual processing brain centers by pathogenically active receptive language neurocircuitry.
Procollagen 1 – a marker of fibroblastic and fibrohistiocytic skin tumors
Authors: Krustrup Dorrit , Rossen Kristian , Thomsen Henrik Klem
Published: September 2006

Background:  When dealing with tumors of presumed fibroblastic or fibrohistiocytic origin, immunohistochemistry is traditionally done to exclude a tumor of non‐fibroblastic or non‐fibrohistiocytic nature, because a reliable marker of fibroblastic or fibrohistiocytic cell origin is still to be introduced. This study investigates whether procollagen 1 is a useful marker of skin tumors composed of cells derived from fibroblasts or fibrohistiocytes.

Materials and methods:  Twenty‐nine different types of skin tumors, including tumors composed of spindle cells as well as some additional epithelial and melanocytic tumors, were stained immunohistochemically with antibodies against procollagen 1. The total number of cases tested was 154.

Results:  Tumors composed of cells of fibroblastic or fibrohistiocytic origin in general showed a high expression of procollagen 1, whereas tumors composed of non‐fibroblastic cells in general showed no expression. However, there were a few exceptions, e.g., leiomyosarcoma and desmoplastic melanoma.

Conclusions:  The study suggests that immunohistochemical staining for procollagen 1 is a valuable marker for skin tumors composed of spindle cells derived from fibroblasts or fibrohistiocytes. However, in cases of spindle cell tumors with a morphology suggesting malignancy, it is recommended to use a panel of antibodies, which besides procollagen 1 includes markers such as S100, CD68, CD34, h‐caldesmon, and pancytokeratin.
Mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome: report of an unusual case
Authors: Mehta Anurag , Dhungel Bal Makunda , Khan Mohd. Fawad Farooq
Published: September 2006

Introduction:  Sézary syndrome (SS) is an uncommon form of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) with a classical triad of lymphadenopathy, characteristic circulating lymphoma cells (Sézary cells) and erythrodermatous skin involvement with classical mycosis fungoides (MF)‐like histological picture.

Case report:  A 32‐year‐old woman presented with this classical triad; however, her skin involvement, histologically, was in the form of folliculotropic MF, rather than the usual classical form of MF.

Conclusions:  In the vast majority of cases, the cutaneous involvement in SS resembles conventional MF, histologically. One case of CD30‐positive CTCL with pilotropic MF has been reported. However, English literature does not describe any case of SS with folliculotropic MF with typical immunophenotype of SS thus far. We presume that this case represents the first report of SS with folliculotropic MF histologically, displaying the typical CD30‐negative immunophenotype.
Seborrheic keratosis with pseudorosettes and adamantinoid seborrheic keratosis: two new histopathologic variants
Authors: Requena Luis , Kutzner Heinz
Published: September 2006

Aims:  Seborrheic keratoses are the most common benign cutaneous neoplasms in adult and middle‐age patients. There are six distinctive histopathologic variants of seborrheic keratosis, namely, acanthotic or solid, reticulated or adenoid, hyperkeratotic or papillomatous, clonal or nested, irritated and inflamed.

Methods:  We report two additional histopathologic variants of seborrheic keratosis.

Results:  One lesion showed abundant intercellular mucin, closely resembling to adamantinoma, and therefore was named adamantinoid seborrheic keratosis. The other one exhibited a peculiar distribution of the basaloid keratinocytes, which were arranged radially around small central spaces, resulting in pseudorosette formation.

Discussion:  To our knowledge, these two histopathologic variants of seborrheic keratosis have been not previously described in the literature.
Is confluent and reticulated papillomatosis without papillomatosis early or late stage of confluent and reticulated papillomatosis?
Authors: Atasoy Mustafa , Aliağaoğlu Cihangir
Published: September 2006

Abstract:  The histologic findings of confluent and reticulated papillomatosis include papillomatosis, hyperkeratosis, and minimal or no acanthosis. We present a patient with the clinical findings of confluent and reticulated papillomatosis who responded dramatically to azithromycin, but histologic examination did not reveal papillomatosis. We observed invagination of basket‐weave hyperkeratosis through the epidermis. We considered this finding may give a clue for the diagnosis of confluent and reticulated papillomatosis.
Lead exposure and periodontitis in US adults
Authors: Saraiva M. C. P. , Taichman R. S. , Braun T. , Nriagu J. , Eklund S. A. , Burt B. A.
Published: September 2006

Background and Objective:  Lead is known to have significant effects on bone metabolism and the immune system. This study tested the hypothesis that lead exposure affects periodontitis in adults.

Material and Methods:  This study used the data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, 1988–94). It analyzed data from 2500 men and 2399 women, 20–56 yr old, who received complete periodontal examination. Periodontitis was defined as the presence of > 20% of mesial sites with ≥ 4 mm of attachment loss. Lead exposure was grouped into three categories: < 3; 3–7; and > 7 μg/dL. Covariates were cotinine levels, poverty ratio, race/ethnicity, education, bone mineral density, diabetes, calcium intake, dental visit, and menopause (for women). All analyses were performed separately for men and women and considering the effect design. Univariate, bivariate, and stratified analysis was followed by multivariable analysis by estimating prevalence ratios through poisson regression.

Results:  After adjustment for confounders, the prevalence ratios, comparing those with a lead blood level of > 7 μg/dL to those with a lead blood level of < 3 μg/dL was 1.70 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02, 2.85) for men and 3.80 (95% CI: 1.66, 8.73) for women.

Conclusion:  The lead blood level was positively and statistically associated with periodontitis for both men and women. Considering the public health importance of periodontitis and lead exposure, further studies are necessary to confirm this association.
Negotiating Globalization: Global Scripts and Intermediation in the Construction of Asian Insolvency Regimes
Authors: Carruthers Bruce G. , Halliday Terence C.
Published: September 2006

This article draws from a larger research project on the globalization of bankruptcy law that includes (1) a time-series analysis of all bankruptcy reforms worldwide from 1973 to 1998; (2) participation observation, several hundred interviews and documentary analysis of international financial institutions (IMF, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development), international professional associations (International Bar Association, International Federation of Insolvency Practitioners), and world governance organizations (OECD, U.N. Commission on International Trade Law); and (3) case studies of Indonesia, Korea, and China.

The globalization of law is a negotiated process. Our research on international organizations and case studies of China, Indonesia, and South Korea indicates that negotiation of the global/local relationship varies by the vulnerability of a country to global forces. Nation-states vary (1) in their balance of power vis-à-vis global actors; and (2) in their social and cultural distance from the global. Yet even where the global/local gap is wide and the asymmetry of power is pronounced, local responses to global pressures are negotiated as much as imposed. Negotiating globalization relies on direct and mediated interactions by several types of intermediaries who translate global scripts into four kinds of outcomes. The impact of intermediaries in this process varies by the phase of the reform in which they participate. Finally, globalizing law proceeds through recursive cycles of lawmaking and law implementation.
Swaying the Hand of Justice: The Internal and External Dynamics of Regime Change at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia
Authors: Hagan John , Levi Ron , Ferrales Gabrielle
Published: September 2006

This article develops a conflict approach for studying the field of international criminal law. Focusing on the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, we draw on
Burawoy's (2003

) elaboration of reflexive ethnography to determine how external political changes affect the work of an international legal institution. We explore how political frameworks of legal liberalism, ad hoc legalism, and legal exceptionalism result in internal office, organizational, and normative changes within this Tribunal, thereby linking national political transformations with the construction of the global. Drawing on rolling field interviews and a two-wave panel survey, we conclude that the claims to universals that underwrite transnational legal fields cannot be understood solely through an analysis of external political forces, but must be combined with attention to how these are refracted through internal organizational change within international institutions.
Coffee House: Habitus and Performance Among Law Students
Authors: Manderson Desmond , Turner Sarah
Published: September 2006

Drawing on the work of Pierre Bourdieu and Judith Butler, we develop a detailed ethnography of a social space in a major law school and explore its socialization of the students there. “Coffee House” is a weekly social event sponsored by Canadian law firms and offering free drink and food to the students present. We argue that this event and the actors involved profoundly change student identities and alter educational aspirations. Although the students themselves insist that “nothing is going on,” our ethnography suggests that in “Coffee House” identity is developed through performances, and in the accumulation of symbolic capital, until ultimately students come to feel their future career path is not a matter of choice, but destiny. We explore the important work of Bourdieu through this setting, but ultimately we resist his determinism, and suggest instead that, following the work of Butler, identity is a more complicated and fluid dynamic between space, repetition, and performance. It appears that a personal unconscious transformation among law students attending Coffee House is underway; yet opportunities to change the meaning of this space and these performances remain.
Well‐Being: Psychological Research for Philosophers
Authors: Tiberius Valerie
Published: September 2006

Well‐being in the broadest sense is what we have when we are living lives that are not necessarily morally good, but good for us. In philosophy, well‐being has been an important topic of inquiry for millennia. In psychology, well‐being as a topic has been gathering steam very recently and this research is now at a stage that warrants the attention of philosophers. The most popular theories of well‐being in the two fields are similar enough to suggest the possibility of interdisciplinary collaboration. In this essay I provide an overview of three of the main questions that arise from psychologists’ work on well‐being, and highlight areas that invite philosophical input. Those questions center on the nature, measurement, and moral significance of well‐being. I also argue that the life‐satisfaction theory is particularly well suited to meet the various demands on a theory of well‐being.
Comparison of
Salmonella enterica
Serovar Typhimurium LT2 and Non-LT2
Salmonella
Genomic Sequences, and Genotyping of Salmonellae by Using PCR
Authors: Kim Hyun-Joong , Park Si-Hong , Kim Hae-Yeong
Published: September 2006

Genes of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium LT2 expected to be specifically present in
Salmonella
were selected using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) program. The 152 selected genes were compared with 11 genomic sequences of
Salmonella
serovars, including
Salmonella enterica
subsp. I and IIIb and
Salmonella bongori
(V), and were clustered into 17 groups by their comparison patterns. A total of 38 primer pairs were constructed to represent each of the 17 groups, and PCR was performed with various
Salmonella
subspecies including
Salmonella enterica
subsp. I, II, IIIa, IIIb, IV, VI, and V to evaluate a comprehensive DNA-based scheme for identification of
Salmonella
subspecies and the major disease-causing
Salmonella
serovars. Analysis of PCR results showed that
Salmonella enterica
subsp. I was critically divided from other subspecies, and
Salmonella
strains belonging to
S. enterica
subsp. I were clustered based on their serovars. In addition, genotypic relationships within
S. enterica
subsp. I by PCR results were investigated. Also,
Salmonella
signature genes,
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium signature genes, and
Salmonella enterica
subsp. I signature genes were demonstrated based on their PCR results. The described PCR method suggests a rapid and convenient method for identification of
Salmonella
serovars that can be used by nonspecialized laboratories. Genome sequence comparison can be a useful tool in epidemiologic and taxonomic studies of
Salmonella
.
Transcriptional Organization and Regulation of Magnetosome Operons in
Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense
Authors: Schübbe Sabrina , Würdemann Chris , Peplies Jörg , Heyen Udo , Wawer Cathrin , Glöckner Frank Oliver , Schüler Dirk
Published: September 2006

Genes involved in magnetite biomineralization are clustered within the genomic magnetosome island of
Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense
. Their transcriptional organization and regulation were studied by several approaches. Cotranscription of genes within the
mamAB
,
mamDC
, and
mms
clusters was demonstrated by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) of intergenic regions, indicating the presence of long polycistronic transcripts extending over more than 16 kb. The transcription start points of the
mamAB
,
mamDC
, and
mms
operons were mapped at 22 bp, 52 bp, and 58 bp upstream of the first genes of the operons, respectively. Identified −10 and −35 boxes of the P

mamAB

, P

mamDC

, and P

mms

promoters showed high similarity to the canonical σ
70
recognition sequence. The transcription of magnetosome genes was further studied in response to iron and oxygen. Transcripts of magnetosome genes were detected by RT-PCR both in magnetic cells grown microaerobically under iron-sufficient conditions and in nonmagnetic cells grown either aerobically or with iron limitation. The presence of transcripts was found to be independent of the growth phase. Further results from partial RNA microarrays targeting the putative magnetosome transcriptome of
M. gryphiswaldense
and real-time RT-PCR experiments indicated differences in expression levels depending on growth conditions. The expression of the
mam
and
mms
genes was down-regulated in nonmagnetic cells under iron limitation and, to a lesser extent, during aerobic growth compared to that in magnetite-forming cells grown microaerobically under iron-sufficient conditions.
Increase in Terminal Restriction Fragments of
Bacteroidetes
-Derived 16S rRNA Genes after Administration of Short-Chain Fructooligosaccharides
Authors: Nakanishi Yusuke , Murashima Koichiro , Ohara Hiroki , Suzuki Takahisa , Hayashi Hidenori , Sakamoto Mitsuo , Fukasawa Tomoyuki , Kubota Hidetoshi , Hosono Akira , Kono Toshiaki , Kaminogawa Shuichi , Benno Yoshimi
Published: September 2006

It is well known that short chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) modify intestinal microbiota in animals as well as in humans. Since most murine intestinal bacteria are still uncultured, it is difficult for a culturing method to detect changes in intestinal microbiota after scFOS administration in a mouse model. In this study, we sought markers of positive change in murine intestinal microbiota after scFOS administration using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis, which is a culture-independent method. The T-RFLP profiles showed that six terminal restriction fragments (T-RFs) were significantly increased after scFOS administration. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA partial gene sequences of murine fecal bacteria suggested that four of six T-RFs that increased after scFOS administration were derived from the 16S rRNA genes of the class
Bacteroidetes
. Preliminary quantification of
Bacteroidetes
by real-time PCR suggests that the 16S rRNA genes derived from
Bacteroidetes
were increased by scFOS administration. Therefore, the T-RFs derived from
Bacteroidetes
are good markers of change of murine intestinal microbiota after scFOS administration.
Associations between the Ecology of Virulent
Rhodococcus equi
and the Epidemiology of
R. equi
Pneumonia on Australian Thoroughbred Farms
Authors: Muscatello G. , Anderson G. A. , Gilkerson J. R. , Browning G. F.
Published: September 2006

The ecology of virulent strains of
Rhodococcus equi
on horse farms is likely to influence the prevalence and severity of
R. equi
pneumonia in foals. This study examined the association between the ecology of virulent
R. equi
and the epidemiology of
R. equi
pneumonia by collecting air and soil samples over two breeding seasons (28 farm-year combinations) on Thoroughbred breeding farms with different reported prevalences of
R. equi
pneumonia. Colony blotting and DNA hybridization were used to detect and measure concentrations of virulent
R. equi
. The prevalence of
R. equi
pneumonia was associated with the airborne burden of virulent
R. equi
(both the concentration and the proportion of
R. equi
bacteria that were virulent) but was not associated with the burden of virulent
R. equi
in the soil. Univariable screening and multivariable model building were used to evaluate the effect of environmental and management factors on virulent
R. equi
burdens. Lower soil moisture concentrations and lower pasture heights were significantly associated with elevated airborne concentrations of virulent
R. equi
, as were the holding pens and lanes, which typically were sandy, dry, and devoid of pasture cover. Few variables appeared to influence concentrations of virulent
R. equi
in soil. Acidic soil conditions may have contributed to an elevated proportion of virulent strains within the
R. equi
population. Environmental management strategies that aim to reduce the level of exposure of susceptible foals to airborne virulent
R. equi
are most likely to reduce the impact of
R. equi
pneumonia on endemically affected farms.
Purification, Characterization, and Gene Sequence of Michiganin A, an Actagardine-Like Lantibiotic Produced by the Tomato PathogenClavibacter michiganensissubsp.michiganensis
Authors: Holtsmark I. , Mantzilas D. , Eijsink V. G. H. , Brurberg M. B.
Published: September 2006

Members of the actinomycete genusClavibacterare known to produce antimicrobial compounds, but so far none of these compounds has been purified and characterized. We have isolated an antimicrobial peptide, michiganin A, from the tomato pathogenClavibacter michiganensissubsp.michiganensis, using ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by cation-exchange and reversed-phase chromatography steps. Upon chemical derivatization of putative dehydrated amino acids and lanthionine bridges by alkaline ethanethiol, Edman degradation yielded sequence information that proved to be sufficient for cloning of the gene by a genome-walking strategy. The mature unmodified peptide consists of 21 amino acids, SSSGWLCTLTIECGTIICACR. All of the threonine residues undergo dehydration, and three of them interact with cysteines via thioether bonds to form methyllanthionine bridges. Michiganin A resembles actagardine, a type B lantibiotic with a known three-dimensional structure, produced byActinoplanes liguriae, which is a filamentous actinomycete. The DNA sequence of the gene showed that the michiganin A precursor contains an unusual putative signal peptide with no similarity to well-known secretion signals and only very limited similarity to the (only two) available leader peptides of other type B lantibiotics. Michiganin A inhibits the growth ofClavibacter michiganensissubsp.sepedonicus, the causal agent of ring rot of potatoes, with MICs in the low nanomolar range. Thus, michiganin A may have some potential in biological control of potato ring rot.
Engineering aSaccharomyces cerevisiaeWine Yeast That Exhibits Reduced Ethanol Production during Fermentation under Controlled Microoxygenation Conditions
Authors: Heux Stéphanie , Sablayrolles Jean-Marie , Cachon Rémy , Dequin Sylvie
Published: September 2006

We recently showed that expressing an H2O-NADH oxidase inSaccharomyces cerevisiaedrastically reduces the intracellular NADH concentration and substantially alters the distribution of metabolic fluxes in the cell. Although the engineered strain produces a reduced amount of ethanol, a high level of acetaldehyde accumulates early in the process (1 g/liter), impairing growth and fermentation performance. To overcome these undesirable effects, we carried out a comprehensive analysis of the impact of oxygen on the metabolic network of the same NADH oxidase-expressing strain. While reducing the oxygen transfer rate led to a gradual recovery of the growth and fermentation performance, its impact on the ethanol yield was negligible. In contrast, supplying oxygen only during the stationary phase resulted in a 7% reduction in the ethanol yield, but without affecting growth and fermentation. This approach thus represents an effective strategy for producing wine with reduced levels of alcohol. Importantly, our data also point to a significant role for NAD+reoxidation in controlling the glycolytic flux, indicating that engineered yeast strains expressing an NADH oxidase can be used as a powerful tool for gaining insight into redox metabolism in yeast.
Quorum Sensing-Disrupting Brominated Furanones Protect the Gnotobiotic Brine Shrimp
Artemia franciscana
from Pathogenic
Vibrio harveyi
,
Vibrio campbellii
, and
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Isolates
Authors: Defoirdt Tom , Crab Roselien , Wood Thomas K. , Sorgeloos Patrick , Verstraete Willy , Bossier Peter
Published: September 2006

Autoinducer 2 (AI-2) quorum sensing was shown before to regulate the virulence of
Vibrio harveyi
towards the brine shrimp
Artemia franciscana
. In this study, several different pathogenic
V. harveyi
,
Vibrio campbellii
, and
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
isolates were shown to produce AI-2. Furthermore, disruption of AI-2 quorum sensing by a natural and a synthetic brominated furanone protected gnotobiotic
Artemia
from the pathogenic isolates in in vivo challenge tests.
Lettuce for Human Consumption Collected in Costa Rica Contains Complex Communities of Culturable Oxytetracycline- and Gentamicin-Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Rodríguez César , Lang Lore , Wang Amy , Altendorf Karlheinz , García Fernando , Lipski André
Published: September 2006

The present widespread use of antimicrobials in crop farming is based upon their successful application in human medicine. However, recent evidence suggests that the massive anthropogenic release of antimicrobials into the biosphere has selected for resistant bacteria and facilitated the transfer of resistance genes among them. This work deals with the examination of iceberg lettuce collected at 10 farms from two regions in Costa Rica. Farmers from nine sampling sites regularly apply commercial formulations containing gentamicin, oxytetracycline, streptomycin, or a combination of them without being able to indicate how often and how much of these products have been sprayed onto the crops. One organic farm was also investigated for comparative purposes. Oxytetracycline- and gentamicin-resistant bacteria were abundantly detected using selective enrichment cultures. Furthermore, colony mixtures from selective plates were characterized by chemotaxonomical and molecular fingerprinting methods. Both types of resistant communities accounted for a significant fraction of all culturable bacteria and included several resistance genes as well as factors for their potential horizontal transfer. Given the fact that lettuce is eaten raw, it may contribute to the dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and/or their resistance genes from the environment to the microbial biota of the human intestine.
Seleno-
l
-Methionine Is the Predominant Organic Form of Selenium in
Cupriavidus metallidurans
CH34 Exposed to Selenite or Selenate
Authors: Avoscan Laure , Collins Richard , Carriere Marie , Gouget Barbara , Covès Jacques
Published: September 2006

The accumulated organic form of selenium previously detected by X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) analyses in
Cupriavidus metallidurans
CH34 exposed to selenite or selenate was identified as seleno-
l
-methionine by coupling high-performance liquid chromatography to inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.
Molecular Epidemiology of Echoviruses 11 and 13, Based on an Environmental Surveillance Conducted in Toyama Prefecture, 2002-2003
Authors: Iwai Masae , Yoshida Hiromu , Matsuura Kumiko , Fujimoto Tsuguto , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Takizawa Takenori , Nagai Yoshiyuki
Published: September 2006

Nineteen echovirus 11 (E11) and 12 E13 isolates were isolated from three rivers in Toyama Prefecture, Japan, during an environmental surveillance conducted from April 2002 to March 2003. The nucleotide sequences of E13 isolates were closely related to those from patients with aseptic meningitis, with less than 1.3% divergence in the VP1 region of the viral capsid gene, and belonged to the same clade responsible for a worldwide outbreak that started in 2000. In contrast, E11 isolates were clustered into three genomic groups and were not closely related to echovirus strains isolated from patients. These results suggest that the combination of both virus isolation from environmental sources and phylogenetic analysis could be complementary assessment approaches to trace prevalent and minor circulating enteroviruses in the human population.
Quantitative Determination of Free-DNA Uptake in River Bacteria at the Single-Cell Level by In Situ Rolling-Circle Amplification
Authors: Maruyama Fumito , Tani Katsuji , Kenzaka Takehiko , Yamaguchi Nobuyasu , Nasu Masao
Published: September 2006

Detection of plasmid DNA uptake in river bacteria at the single-cell level was carried out by rolling-circle amplification (RCA). Uptake of a plasmid containing the green fluorescent protein gene (gfp) by indigenous bacteria from two rivers in Osaka, Japan, was monitored for 506 h using this in situ gene amplification technique with optimized cell permeabilization conditions. Plasmid uptake determined by in situ RCA was compared to direct counts of cells expressinggfpunder fluorescence microscopy to examine differences in detection sensitivities between the two methods. Detection of DNA uptake as monitored by in situ RCA was 20 times higher at maximum than that by direct counting ofgfp-expressing cells. In situ RCA could detect bacteria taking up the plasmid in several samples in which nogfp-expressing cells were apparent, indicating that in situ gene amplification techniques can be used to determine accurate rates of extracellular DNA uptake by indigenous bacteria in aquatic environments.
TOWARD ULTRA-LOW POWER III-V QUANTUM LARGE SCALE INTEGRATED CIRCUITS FOR UBIQUITOUS NETWORK ERA
Authors: HASEGAWA HIDEKI , KASAI SEIYA , SATO TAKETOMO
Published: September 2006

In an attempt to realize tiny "knowledge vehicles" called intelligent quantum (IQ) chips for use in the coming ubiquitous network society, this paper presents the present status and future prospects of ultra-small-size and ultra-low-power III-V quantum logic large scale integrated circuits based on a novel hexagonal binary-decision diagram (BDD) quantum circuit architecture. Here, quantum transport in path switching node devices formed on III-V semiconductor-based hexagonal nanowire networks is controlled by nanometer scale Schottky wrap gates (WPGs) to realize arbitrary combinational logic function. Feasibility of the approach is shown through fabrication of basic node devices and various small-scale circuits, and approaches for higher density integration and larger scale circuits are discussed.
CURRENT INSTABILITY AND PLASMA WAVE GENERATION IN UNGATED TWO DIMENSIONAL ELECTRON LAYERS
Authors: DYAKONOV MICHEL , SHUR MICHAEL
Published: September 2006

We show that the steady state with a dc current in ungated 2D electron gas might exhibit an instability related to asymmetrical boundary conditions, which is similar to the "shallow water" instability in the gated 2D electron gas. The mathematics of the problem corresponds to "deep water" solutions for plasma waves. In the ideal case, the boundary conditions should correspond to zero ac voltage at the source and zero ac current at the drain, similar to the conditions for instability in a field effect transistor. Such boundary conditions can be realized using several different device configurations. For similar device dimensions, the plasma wave generated in an ungated 2D device will have much higher frequency compared to that in gated devices.
THE GROWTH AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ROOM TEMPERATURE FERROMAGNETIC WIDEBAND-GAP MATERIALS FOR SPINTRONIC APPLICATIONS
Authors: KANE MATTHEW H. , STRASSBURG MARTIN , FENWICK WILLIAM E. , ASGHAR ALI , FERGUSON IAN T.
Published: September 2006

Wide-bandgap dilute magnetic semiconductors (DMS), such as transition-metal doped ZnO and GaN , have gained attention for use in spintronic devices because of predictions and experimental reports of room temperature ferromagnetism which may enable their use in spintronic devices. However, there has been some debate over the source of ferromagnetism in these materials. This paper focuses on the high quality growth of wide bandgap DMS, and the characterization of Zn 1-x Mn x O produced by melt-growth techniques and Ga 1-x Mn x N grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). High resolution X-ray diffraction results revealed no second phases in either the ZnO crystals or the GaN films. Undoped as-grown, bulk crystals of Zn 1-x Mn x O and Zn 1-x Co x O crystals are shown to be paramagnetic at all temperatures. In contrast, the Ga 1-x Mn x N films showed ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature under optimum growth conditions. Experimental identification of the Mn ion charge state and the presence of bands in the bandgap of GaN are investigated by optical spectroscopy and electron spin paramagnetic resonance (EPR). It is shown that the broadening of states in the Mn 3d shell scaled with Mn concentration, and that optical transitions due to this band correlated with the strong ferromagnetism in these samples. However, this band disappeared with an increase in free electron concentration provided by either annealing or doping. Raman studies of Ga 1-x Mn x N revealed two predominant Mn -related modes featured with increasing concentration, a broad disorder related structure at 300cm-1 and a sharper peak at 669cm-1 This works show that the development of practical ferromagnetic wide bandgap DMS materials for spintronic applications will require both the lattice site introduction of Mn as well as careful control of the background defect concentration to optimize these materials.
ENHANCING POWER ELECTRONIC DEVICES WITH WIDE BANDGAP SEMICONDUCTORS
Authors: OZPINECI BURAK , CHINTHAVALI MADHU SUDHAN , TOLBERT LEON M.
Published: September 2006

Silicon carbide ( SiC ) unipolar devices have much higher breakdown voltages than silicon ( Si ) unipolar devices because of the ten times greater electric field strength of SiC compared with Si . 4H - SiC unipolar devices have higher switching speeds due to the higher bulk mobility of 4H - SiC compared to other polytypes. In this paper, four commercially available SiC Schottky diodes with different voltage and current ratings, VJFET, and MOSFET samples have been tested to characterize their performance at different temperatures ranging from -50°C to 175°C. Their forward characteristics and switching characteristics in this temperature range are presented. The characteristics of the SiC Schottky diodes are compared with those of a Si pn diode with comparable ratings.
ULTRA VIOLET DETECTION SENSORS
Authors: NERGUIZIAN Vahé , RAFAF Mustapha , PACKIRISAMY Muthukumaran , STIHARU Ion
Published: September 2006

This article presents an innovative and creative approach to detect harmful level of Ultra Violet light on human skin. Different commercial UV sensors are evaluated for comparison. The comparison is made for performance, cost and dimension. The proposed affordable UV sensor solutions are presented using chemical and MEMS/MOEMS technologies. The UV dynamic sensor detects the harmful level of UV and informs the user about the eventual UV radiation risk. The proposed two solutions consider chemical material for UV detection and different actuation mechanism to inform the UV harmful level to the user. These sensors are non disposable and are packaged for visual monitoring (without battery) and acoustic operation (using a battery).
TERAHERTZ SIGNAL TRANSMISSION IN MOLECULAR SYSTEMS
Authors: YAN LIUMING , MA YUEFEI , SEMINARIO JORGE M.
Published: September 2006

Terahertz signal transmission in DNA is simulated and analyzed using molecular dynamics and digital signal processing techniques to demonstrate that signals encoded in vibrational movements of hydrogen bonds can travel along the backbone of DNA and eventually be recovered and analyzed using digital signal processing techniques.
SIMULATING NANOSCALE SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES
Authors: LASATER M. S. , KELLEY C. T. , SALINGER A. G. , WOOLARD D. L. , ZHAO P.
Published: September 2006

The next generation of electronic devices will be developed at the nanoscale and molecular level, where quantum mechanical effects are observed. These effects must be accounted for in the design process for such small devices. One prototypical nanoscale semiconductor device under investigation is a resonant tunneling diode (RTD). Scientists are hopeful the quantum tunneling effects present in an RTD can be exploited to induce and sustain THz frequency current oscillations. To simulate the electron transport within the RTD, the Wigner-Poisson equations are used. These equations describe the time evolution of the electrons' distribution within the device. In this paper, this model and a parameter study using this model will be presented. The parameter study involves calculating the steady-state current output from the RTD as a function of an applied voltage drop across the RTD and also calculating the stability of that solution. To implement the parameter study, the computational model was connected to LOCA (Library of Continuation Algorithms), a part of Sandia National Laboratories parallel solver project, Trilinos. Numerical results will be presented.
RECENT PROGRESSES OF APPLICATION-ORIENTED MEMS THROUGH INDUSTRY-UNIVERSITY COLLABORATION
Authors: ESASHI MASAYOSHI
Published: September 2006

MEMS research has been carried out through industry-university (Tohoku) collaboration for practical applications. Sophisticated devices such as electrostatically levitated rotational gyroscope, MEMS relay for wafer level packaging, array MEMS including multi-probe data storage and multi-column electron beam lithography system, small diameter fiber optic pressure sensor and SiC micro structure or glass press molding, have been developed. Electrical feedthroughs in glass play important role in the wafer level packaging and array MEMS. Materials such as conductive polymer for recording media, carbon nanotube for electron field emitter, SiC for harsh environment are used in these MEMS because of their unique features.
MULTIPLE-FAILURE PROBABILITY PREDICTION OF EMERGENCY DIESEL GENERATOR GROUPS AND GENERAL k-OUT-OF-n SYSTEMS
Authors: XIE LIYANG , ZHOU JINYU , YANG XIAOFANG , ZHANG MINGCHUAN
Published: September 2006

Since multiple-failure event can destroy the safety policy of redundancy, accurate prediction of multiple-failure probability is of great importance. However, the statistical dependence between component failures might lead to unrealistic estimation of the conventional system failure probability model since it is valid only in the situation of independent component failures. On the other hand, the lack of multiple-failure event data makes the statistical estimation of multiple-failure probability suffer serious uncertainty. General failure event data experienced by other systems might be the only data available to estimate the system under study. In order to evaluate the target system in such a situation, an appropriate approach is highly required by which the right information can be mined from the operating experience of reference systems.

Based on the multiple-failure information contained in load-strength interference relationship, this paper presents an approach to estimate multiple-failure probability of dependent k-out-of-n system according to failure event data available. The data may come from the operating experience of the system to be evaluated or reference systems with similar load-strength interference relationships. As examples, the failure probabilities of emergency diesel generator groups are estimated according to the multiple-failure event data of reference groups of different sizes. The estimation results are consistent well with the operating records.
NONPARAMETRIC ACCELERATED LIFE TESTING BASED ON PROPORTIONAL ODDS MODEL
Authors: ZHANG HAO , ELSAYED ELSAYED A.
Published: September 2006

Accelerated life testing (ALT) is used to obtain failure time data in short duration under high stress levels in order to predict product life and performance under design conditions. The proportional hazards (PH) model, a widely used reliability prediction model, assumes constant ratio between the failure rate at high stress levels and the failure rate at the normal operating conditions. However, this assumption might be violated under some conditions and the prediction of the failure rate at normal conditions becomes inaccurate. We investigate the proportional odds (PO) model, which assumes that the odds ratio under different stress levels is constant, for accelerating life testing. In this research, we propose a nonparametric ALT approach based on the proportional odds model to predict reliability at normal operating conditions. We estimate the parameters of the proposed ALT model using the maximum likelihood estimation method. To verify the new approach, we fit the PO model with simulated failure time datasets and experimental failure data and compare its performance with the PH model. The results show that the new approach based on the PO model is a viable complement to the PH model in estimating reliability of products possessing property of converging hazard rate functions.
Role of AMPKα2 in basal, training-, and AICAR-induced GLUT4, hexokinase II, and mitochondrial protein expression in mouse muscle
Authors: Jørgensen Sebastian B. , Treebak Jonas T. , Viollet Benoit , Schjerling Peter , Vaulont Sophie , Wojtaszewski Jørgen F. P. , Richter Erik A.
Published: September 2006

We investigated the role of AMPKα2in basal, exercise training-, and AICAR-induced protein expression of GLUT4, hexokinase II (HKII), mitochondrial markers, and AMPK subunits. This was conducted in red (RG) and white gastrocnemius (WG) muscle from wild-type (WT) and α2-knockout (KO) mice after 28 days of activity wheel running or daily AICAR injection. Additional experiments were conducted to measure acute activation of AMPK by exercise and AICAR. At basal, mitochondrial markers were reduced by ∼20% in α2-KO muscles compared with WT. In both muscle types, AMPKα2 activity was increased in response to both stimuli, whereas AMPKα1 activity was increased only in response to exercise. Furthermore, AMPK signaling was estimated to be 60–70% lower in α2-KO compared with WT muscles. In WG, AICAR treatment increased HKII, GLUT4, cytochrome c, COX-1, and CS, and the α2-KO abolished the AICAR-induced increases, whereas no AICAR responses were observed in RG. Exercise training increased GLUT4, HKII, COX-1, CS, and HAD protein in WG, but the α2-KO did not affect training-induced increases. Furthermore, AMPKα1, -α2, -β1, -β2, and -γ3 subunits were reduced in RG, but not in WG, by 30–60% in response to exercise training. In conclusion, the α2-KO was associated with an ∼20% reduction in mitochondrial markers in both muscle types and abolished AICAR-induced increases in protein expression in WG. However, the α2-KO did not reduce training-induced increases in HKII, GLUT4, COX-1, HAD, or CS protein in WG, suggesting that AMPKα2 may not be essential for metabolic adaptations of skeletal muscles to exercise training.
Glucocorticoids have a role in renal cortical expression of the SNAT3 glutamine transporter during chronic metabolic acidosis
Authors: Karinch Anne M. , Lin Cheng-Mao , Meng QingHe , Pan Ming , Souba Wiley W.
Published: September 2006

Glucocorticoids are involved in many aspects of regulation of acid-base homeostasis, including the stimulation of renal ammoniagenesis during chronic metabolic acidosis. Plasma glutamine is the principal substrate for ammoniagenesis under these conditions. Expression of the System N glutamine transporter SNAT3 is increased in the renal proximal tubules during acidosis. In vivo studies in rats using 1) sham and adrenalectomized rats, 2) the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU486, and 3) dexamethasone treatment demonstrated involvement of glucocorticoids in regulation of SNAT3 expression. Adrenalectomy attenuated the acidosis-induced increase in renal cortical SNAT3 mRNA ∼40%, and treatment with dexamethasone (1 mg·kg−1·day−1sc) partially reversed this effect. RU486 also blunted the acidosis-induced increase in SNAT3 expression ∼50%. Chronic dexamethasone treatment (0.1 mg·kg−1·day−1sc, 6 days) of normal rats slightly increased SNAT3 expression. In all cases, renal glutamine arteriovenous difference mirrored SNAT3 expression and activity in the proximal tubules, suggesting that SNAT3 regulates glutamine uptake during acidosis. These studies indicate that glucocorticoids regulate acid-base homeostasis during metabolic acidosis in part by regulating expression of the System N transporter SNAT3.
Low plasma renin and reduced renin secretory responses to acute stimuli in conscious COX-2-deficient mice
Authors: Kim Soo Mi , Chen Limeng , Mizel Diane , Huang Yuning G. , Briggs Josie P. , Schnermann Jurgen
Published: September 2006

In the current experiments, we determined the response of plasma renin concentration (PRC) to acute intraperitoneal administration of furosemide (40 mg/kg), hydralazine (2 mg/kg), isoproterenol (10 mg/kg), candesartan (50 μg), or quinaprilate (50 μg) in conscious wild-type (WT) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2−/− mice on three different genetic backgrounds (mixed, C57BL/6, 129J). PRC was measured in plasma obtained by tail vein puncture. Basal PRC was significantly lower in COX-2−/− than WT mice independent of genetic background (51, 10, and 17% of WT in mixed, 129J, and C57BL/6). All five acute interventions caused significant increases of PRC in both COX-2+/+ and −/− mice, but the response was consistently less in COX-2-deficient mice (e.g., ΔPRC in ng ANG I·ml−1·h−1 caused by furosemide, isoproterenol, hydralazine, quinaprilate, or candesartan 4,699 ± 544, 3,534 ± 957, 2,522 ± 369, 9,453 ± 1,705, 66,455 ± 21,938 in 129J WT, and 201 ± 78, 869 ± 275, 140 ± 71, 902 ± 304, 2,660 ± 954 in 129J COX-2−/−). A low-NaCl diet and enalapril for 1 wk caused a 14-fold elevation of PRC in COX-2−/− mice and was associated with a greatly increased PRC response to acute furosemide (ΔPRC 201 ± 78 before and 15,984 ± 2,397 after low Na/enalapril). As measured by radiotelemetry, blood pressure and heart rate responses to furosemide, hydralazine, isoproterenol, candesartan, or quinaprilate were not different between COX-2 genotypes. In conclusion, chronic absence of COX-2 reduces renin expression, release, and PRC and is associated with a reduced ability to alter PRC during acute stimulation regardless of the nature of the stimulus. COX-2 activity does not appear to be a mandatory and specific requirement for furosemide-stimulated renin secretion.
Effects of Cholinergic Drugs and Cognitive Training on Dementia: 2-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Requena C. , Maestú F. , Campo P. , Fernández A. , Ortiz T.
Published: September 2006

Several studies have shown that pharmacological and cognitive treatments for Alzheimers’s disease improve cognitive function for short periods, but fewer studies have evaluated the efficacy of those treatments for longer (2-year) periods. An initial sample of 68 subjects with mild Alzheimer’s disease underwent clinical and cognitive evaluation. After evaluation, subjects were assigned to four different groups and participated in a 2-year follow-up study. Group 1 (n = 14) received combined drug and cognitive stimulation, group 2 (n = 20) received only drug treatment, group 3 (n = 14) received only cognitive stimulation, and group 4 (n = 30) received no treatment at all. Results confirmed previous investigation, cognitive and combined stimulation improved patients’ performance throughout the 1st year; however, all groups deteriorated gradually throughout the 2nd year of treatment. According to this evidence, it can be concluded that we cannot stop cognitive deterioration after 2 years of treatment, although deterioration is greater and its progress faster in patients not receiving any treatment at all.
Longitudinal Changes of Cerebral Glucose Metabolism in Semantic Dementia
Authors: Diehl-Schmid J. , Grimmer T. , Drzezga A. , Bornschein S. , Perneczky R. , Förstl H. , Schwaiger M. , Kurz A.
Published: September 2006

Background: Semantic dementia (SD). Objective: To identify the pattern of decline of cerebral glucose metabolism in SD using cerebral 18F-fluoro-2-desoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography scanning (18F-FDG-PET). Methods: Eight patients with SD underwent 18F-FDG-PET at baseline and at re-examination in average 15 months later. Results: Compared with healthy control subjects, patients with SD showed a significant asymmetrical (left > right) hypometabolism of the temporal lobes, particularly of the anterior poles, at baseline. At follow-up, we observed a deterioration of cognitive abilities. However, in addition to the temporal lobes no other cortical or subcortical region showed a significant reduction of glucose metabolism except the anterior cingulate cortex (pcorr < 0.05). Conclusion: Subtle functional changes suffice to produce significant neuropsycho- logical deterioration.