bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Erratum to:Mass spectrometry and natural variations of iron isotopes
Authors: Dauphas Nicolas , Rouxel Olivier
Published: June 2006

The original article to which this Erratum refers was published in Mass Spectrometry Reviews 25:515–550, 2006.

No Abstract.
Estrogenic support of motoneuron dendritic growth via the neuromuscular periphery in a sexually dimorphic motor system
Authors: Nowacek Ari S. , Sengelaub Dale R.
Published: June 2006

The lumbar spinal cord of rats contains the sexually dimorphic, steroid‐sensitive spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB). In males, the growth of SNB dendrites is steroid‐dependent: dendrites fail to grow after castration, but grow in castrates treated with androgens or estrogens. Blocking estradiol synthesis or estrogen receptors in gonadally intact males attenuates SNB dendritic growth, suggesting that estrogens are required and must be able to act at their receptors to support normal masculine dendritic growth. However, SNB motoneurons do not accumulate estrogens, suggesting that estrogens act indirectly to support SNB dendritic growth. In this experiment, we examined whether local estrogen action in the neuromuscular periphery was involved in the postnatal development of SNB motoneurons. Motoneuron morphology was assessed in gonadally intact and castrated males. Gonadally intact males were left untreated or given either blank or tamoxifen implants sutured to the target musculature, or tamoxifen interscapular implants. Castrated males were left untreated or were given estradiol by muscle or interscapular implants or systemic injection during the period of SNB dendritic growth. At postnatal day 28, when SNB dendritic length is normally maximal, SNB motoneurons were retrogradely labeled with cholera toxin‐HRP and reconstructed in three dimensions. While interscapular tamoxifen implants were ineffective, blocking estrogen receptors at the target musculature resulted in attenuation of SNB dendritic growth. In contrast, while interscapular implants of estradiol were ineffective, local treatment with estradiol at the target musculature in castrated males resulted in masculinization of dendritic growth. Thus, estrogens may act by an indirect action in the neuromuscular periphery to support SNB dendritic growth. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2006
Bound carbonyls in PMMA adsorbed on silica using transmission FTIR
Authors: Kulkeratiyut Suriyaphongse , Kulkeratiyut Suntree , Blum Frank D.
Published: June 2006

The fraction of directly‐bound carbonyls of surface‐adsorbed poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was determined using transmission Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The small size of the silica used allowed these measurements to be made directly in the transmission mode from dried casts deposited on KBr salt plates. Curve fitting of the carbonyl‐stretching region allowed the estimation of both the relative amounts and also the relative ratio of the absorption coefficients for the free and bound carbonyls. The bound‐carbonyl fractions were found to vary smoothly from 0.3 to 0.1 for adsorbed amounts from 0.5 to 1.8 mg of PMMA/m2. The bound fractions depended primarily on the adsorbed amount of polymer. Only very small, perhaps even negligible, direct effects of the solvent composition (toluene vs. benzene/acetonitrile) or molecular mass (32 to 420 kg/mol) were observed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 2071–2078, 2006
Plastic bronchitis caused by neoplastic infiltrates in a child
Authors: Kuperman Tamar , Wexler Isaiah D. , Shoseyov David , Weintraub Michael , Revel‐Vilk Shoshana , Kerem Eitan
Published: June 2006

We report on a case of a 7‐year‐old girl admitted for pneumonia not responding to oral antibiotics. During hospitalization, her pulmonary status deteriorated as a result of significant atelectasis. An extensive workup revealed an anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma with neoplastic cells, found in both a biopsied lymph node and pleural fluid aspirate. Bronchoscopic examination showed nearly complete obstruction of the left side by bronchial casts composed of tumor cells, fibrin, and necrotic material, consistent with plastic bronchitis. Neoplastic infiltration of the bronchi should be considered in the differential diagnosis of disease entities causing plastic bronchitis in children. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The guanidino‐group modifying enzymes: Structural basis for their diversity and commonality
Authors: Shirai Hiroki , Mokrab Younes , Mizuguchi Kenji
Published: June 2006

The guanidino‐group modifying enzyme (GME) superfamily contains many drug targets, including metabolic enzymes from pathogenic microorganisms as well as key regulatory proteins from higher eukaryotes. These enzymes, despite their diverse sequences, adopt the common α/β propeller fold and catalyze the modification of (methylated) guanidino groups. Our structural superposition and structure‐based alignment for the GMEs have identified key residues that are involved in the catalysis and substrate binding. We have shown that conserved guanidino–carboxyl interactions are utilized in two different ways; the acidic residues in the catalytic site form hydrogen bonds to the substrate guanidino group, and the enzyme Arg residues at several key positions recognize the carboxyl group of the substrate and fix its orientation. Based on this observation, we have proposed rules for classifying the GME sequences and predicting their molecular function from the conservation of the key acidic and Arg residues. Other novel motifs have been identified, which involve residues that are not in direct contact with the substrate but are likely to stabilize the active‐site conformation through hydrogen‐bonding networks. In addition, we have examined the domain architecture of the GMEs. Although most members consist of a single catalytic domain, fold recognition analysis has identified a likely bifunctional enzyme from a cyanobacterium. It has also revealed common immunoglobulin‐like β‐sandwich domains found in the enzymes that recognize protein substrates. These findings will be useful for predicting the precise mechanism of action for potential novel targets and designing therapeutic compounds against them. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Comparison of Patient Satisfaction with Telehealth and On‐Site Consultations: A Pilot Study for Prenatal Genetic Counseling
Authors: Abrams Debra J. , Geier Mark R.
Published: June 2006

Many different fields of medicine are now utilizing video conferencing as a means to offer consultations to individuals in rural communities. However, there is a lack of published literature regarding the use of telehealth in clinical genetics and, specifically, in genetic counseling. Those experiences that have been reported mostly centered on cancer genetic counseling, sickle cell anemia consultation and care, or pediatric/adult genetic assessment. In these studies, the patients reported an overall satisfaction with telehealth, signifying that this type of communication may play an important role in the future of medicine. This pilot study compared patient satisfaction with prenatal genetic counseling performed via video conferencing versus that performed on‐site. The results show that there was a high level of patient satisfaction when video conferencing was used to conduct prenatal genetic counseling consultations, suggesting that telehealth can be utilized as a means to offer this service to underserved populations.
Automobile Airbag Impulse Noise: Otologic Symptoms in Six Patients
Authors: Saunders James E. , Slattery William H. , Luxford William M.
Published: June 2006

Automobile airbag safety systems have successfully reduced the number of occupant injuries from motor vehicle accidents. Unfortunately, airbags are also associated with some inherent risk, including a high‐amplitude, short‐duration noise from airbag deployment. A review of the available research in the automobile industry indicates that the peak amplitude of this noise may exceed 170 dB sound pressure level. Despite the increasingly wide application of airbags in automobiles, there have been no previous reports of airbag‐related otologic injuries. We have encountered six patients with otologic symptoms that appear to be related to airbag impulse noise. Five of these patients have documented hearing loss, one patient reported persistent tinnitus, and two patients have significant dysequilibrium. Although permanent hearing loss from airbag noise appears to be rare, temporary threshold shifts are probably much more common. It is important, therefore, that the clinician be aware of the noise associated with airbag inflation and the possibility of acoustic trauma from these safety devices.
Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Terfenadine with Pseudoephedrine and Terfenadine alone in Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Panda Naresh K. , Mann S. B. S.
Published: June 2006

A randomized, double‐blind clinical trial was conducted on 41 adult patients to compare the efficacy and safety of the combination of terfenadine and pseudoephedrine with that of terfenadine alone. Efficacy of treatment evaluated by the physician and patients showed an excellent rating in 45.45% patients in the combination treatment group compared with an excellent rating in 10.53% in the single treatment group. The difference between both treatments was statistically significant, with a z value of 1.660 (p < 0.05). The combination of terfenadine and pseudoephedrine was found to result in faster relief in a greater number of patients than terfenadine alone. However, both drugs were well tolerated.
Corophium urdaibaiense (Amphipoda: Corophiidae: Corophiinae: Corophiini) a new species from the Cantabrian Sea (Bay of Biscay, north-east Atlantic)
Authors: Marquiegui M.A. , Pérez V.
Published: June 2006

A new species of the corophiidean amphipod genus Corophium (sensu stricto) from the estuary of the Oka River (Basque Country, northern Iberian Peninsula) is presented. Data on the ecology and distribution of the species are included, which is comparable to other species of the genus, but has several differences. Two amendments to the diagnosis of the genus are proposed. A key of the European species of the genus is also included.
Rückenmassage und verwandte Techniken zur Förderung des Schlafes bei älteren Menschen: Eine Literaturanalyse
Authors: Schiff Andrea
Published: June 2006

Im Alter klagen Menschen vermehrt über Schlafprobleme. Diese führen sehr häufig zur Gabe von Beruhigungs- und Schlafmitteln mit problematischen Folgen. Als Alternative zur Schlafmedikation werden in der Pflege häufig entspannende Methoden zur Förderung des Schlafes eingesetzt. Eine dieser Methoden, die Atemstimulierende Einreibung, ist bei Pflegenden besonders populär, weil ihr aufgrund der Berührung eine entspannende Wirkung zugeschrieben wird. Die vorliegende Literaturanalyse untersucht vor diesem Hintergrund insgesamt 16 Studien zur Rückenmassage und ihr verwandten Techniken in der internationalen und der deutschsprachigen Literatur bis zum Jahr 2004. Es werden Studien zur häufig angewandten Intervention Atemstimulierende Einreibung (ASE) untersucht, die im internationalen Bereich in etwa der Effleurage entspricht. Die Studien werden vorgestellt und anschließend bewertet. Die Ergebnisse deuten zwar an, dass sich diese Interventionen auf Entspannungsparameter und den Schlaf positiv auswirken und von älteren Menschen als sehr angenehm empfunden werden. Sie zeigen jedoch nicht, worauf genau diese Wirkung zurückzuführen ist und welche Rolle dabei die Berührung als Besonderheit der Massage spielt. Es zeigt sich also ein erheblicher Forschungsbedarf an kontrollierten und vergleichenden Studien, um die Wirkung von Rückenmassage und ASE auf den Schlaf genauer beurteilen zu können.
On the potential of 230Th, 231Pa, and 10Be for marine rain ratio determinations: A modeling study
Authors: Heinze C. , Gehlen M. , Land C.
Published: June 2006

The global distributions of the radionuclides 230Th, 231Pa, and 10Be are simulated with a biogeochemical ocean general circulation model. Sensitivity experiments for changes in the composition of the particle composition ratio (POC:CaCO3:BSi:clay, POC = particulate organic carbon, CaCO3 = calcium carbonate, BSi = biogenic silica) are carried out with and without biogeochemical feedback. The absolute water column concentrations of the radionuclides react significantly to changes in the particle rain composition. The radionuclide ratio in the sediment, however, is less sensitive to changes in the particle composition ratio. Still, selected areas could record composition ratio changes reliably for paleo reconstructions. Measurements of 230Th, 231Pa, and 10Be in the water column have the potential to monitor changes in the large scale CaCO3 production which may occur as a consequence of ocean acidification due to oceanic uptake of anthropogenic CO2.
Draping or overriding: The effect of horizontal stress gradients on internal layer architecture in ice sheets
Authors: Hindmarsh Richard C. A. , Leysinger Vieli Gwendolyn J.‐M. C. , Raymond Mélanie J. , Gudmundsson G. Hilmar
Published: June 2006

Internal isochronic layers in ice sheets sensed by radar show two characteristic relationships to the basal topography: Either they override it, with layers above the crests of rises lying essentially flat, or they drape over it, with the layers following rises and falls in basal topography. A mechanical theory is presented which shows that overriding is the expected behavior when topographic wavelengths are comparable with or less than the ice thickness, while draping occurs at longer wavelengths. This is shown with analytical perturbation solutions for Newtonian fluids, numerical perturbation solutions for nonlinear fluids, and finite element solutions for nonlinear fluids and large‐amplitude variations. Bed variation from topography and changes in the basal boundary condition are considered, for fixed bed and sliding beds, as well as three‐dimensional flows and thermomechanically coupled flows. In all cases, the dominant effect on draping/overriding is the wavelength of the topography or variation in basal boundary conditions. Results of these full mechanical system calculations are compared with those from the shallow ice approximation and the longitudinal stress approximation. Some calculations are carried out for zero accumulation, where the age of the ice and therefore isochrone geometry is not defined. It is shown that there is a close relationship between isochrones and streamlines, and that they behave similarly when bed wavelength divided by the ice thickness is small compared with the ratio of ice velocity and accumulation rate, which is a useful approximation. Numerical comparisons of isochrones and streamlines show them to be virtually coincident.
Testing the Cenozoic multisite composite δ18O and δ13C curves: New monospecific Eocene records from a single locality, Demerara Rise (Ocean Drilling Program Leg 207)
Authors: Sexton Philip F. , Wilson Paul A. , Norris Richard D.
Published: June 2006

Until recently, very few high‐quality deep ocean sedimentary sections of Eocene age have been available. Consequently, our understanding of Eocene paleoceanography has become heavily reliant on “composite” records patched together from multiple sites in different ocean basins and generated using multiple taxa (potential sources of “local” noise in the global signal). Here we test the reliability of the early to middle Eocene composite δ18O and δ13C stratigraphies (Zachos et al., 2001) by generating new monospecific records in benthic foraminiferal calcite from a single locality, Demerara Rise, in the tropical western Atlantic (Ocean Drilling Program Leg 207). We present new stable isotope correction factors for commonly used Eocene benthic foraminiferal species. We find that interspecies isotopic offsets are constant across the isotopic range, supporting the notion that the inconstant intertaxa offsets reported elsewhere result from mixing species within genera. In general, the δ18O stratigraphy from Demerara Rise supports the validity of the Eocene δ18O composite, while revealing a temporary warming punctuating middle Eocene cooling. This warming may correspond to the so‐called “Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum” previously documented in the Southern Ocean. The composite and Demerara Rise records for δ13C differ substantially. By removing the intersite and intertaxa sources of uncertainty in δ13C, we obtain a clearer picture of carbon cycling during the Eocene. Secular change in interocean δ13C gradients through the Eocene reveals that intervals of climatic warmth (especially the early Eocene) are associated with very small water mass ageing gradients.
Cyclic frictional‐viscous slip oscillations along the base of an advancing nappe complex: Insights into brittle‐ductile nappe emplacement mechanisms from the Naukluft Nappe Complex, central Namibia
Authors: Viola Giulio , Mancktelow Neil S. , Miller Jodie A.
Published: June 2006

The Naukluft Nappe Complex (NNC) forms a far‐traveled fold and thrust belt klippe of the Panafrican Damara Belt in central Namibia. Estimates of the SE directed displacement range between 50 and 80 km. The entire nappe stack was thrust along an out‐of‐sequence, nearly planar, horizontal structure, the “Naukluft Thrust.” The thrust zone consists of several distinct lithological components whose typical distribution, when all present, from bottom to top is (1) a massive, ochre‐yellow weathering dolomite; (2) a polymict “gritty dolomite” (called in the past “Sole Dolomite”), (3) strongly foliated and isoclinally folded calcmylonites, and (4) an upper massive dolomite. A very discrete (<50 mm thick, often <10 mm thick) planar brittle fault (component 5) can occur at any level within this sequence. Our investigations show that the gritty dolomite forms by progressive cataclasis of the massive dolomite (component 1). Moreover, clasts of gritty dolomite are observed randomly oriented within a similar gritty dolomite matrix, suggesting multiple pulses of brecciation and self‐brecciation. The gritty dolomite locally forms injection veins into the calcmylonites, and these veins are themselves boudinaged, indicating broadly coeval cataclastic and ductile deformation. The evolution of structures within the thrust zone is linked to the presence and flow of overpressured pore fluids. Field observations suggest that several pulses of fluid‐induced brittle deformation overprinted, in a cyclic fashion, ductile structures formed during the emplacement of the nappe edifice. A “fault valve” behavior is suggested for the basal detachment of the NNC, with bulk shortening being accommodated by incremental slip during a history of combined viscous and frictional flow.
Specific and nonspecific interactions in a molecule with flexible side chain: 2-phenylethanol and its 1:1 complex with argon studied by high-resolution UV spectroscopy
Authors: Chervenkov S. , Karaminkov R. , Braun J. E. , Neusser H. J. , Panja Sujit S. , Chakraborty Tapas
Published: June 2006

Using high-resolution resonance-enhanced two-photon ionization spectroscopy in combination with genetic-algorithm-based computer-aided rotational fit analysis and ab initio quantum chemistry calculations we determined the conformational structure and transition moment orientation in 2-phenylethanol and its 1:1 clusters with argon. The results clearly demonstrate that the gauche structure of 2-phenylethanol, which is stabilized by the intramolecular π-hydrogen bond between the folded side chain and the benzene ring, is the most abundant in the cold molecular beam. In this conformer the transition moment is rotated by 18° from the short axis of the aromatic ring. Two distinct 1:1 complexes of 2-phenylethanol with argon in a cis- and trans-configuration with respect to the side chain have been found. Employing the Kraitchman [Am. J. Phys. 21, 17 (1953)] analysis we have found that the structure of the 2-phenylethanol moiety and the orientation of the transition moment do not change after the complexation with argon within the experimental accuracy. From the measured band intensities we conclude that in addition to the dispersion interaction of the argon atom with the aromatic ring a hydrogen-bond-type interaction with the terminal –OH group of the side chain stabilizes the cis-structure of the 1:1 complex of 2-phenylethanol with argon.
Structural analysis of cubic boron nitride films by ultraviolet Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Leung K. M. , Li H. Q. , Zou Y. S. , Ma K. L. , Chong Y. M. , Ye Q. , Zhang W. J. , Lee S. T. , Bello I.
Published: June 2006

Cubic boron nitride (BN) films with improved crystallinity are deposited by physical vapor deposition at an extremely low substrate bias (−35V). The films are characterized by UV Raman in association with Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The influences of bias voltage and film thickness on the characterizations are investigated. UV Raman, in contrast to FTIR, is demonstrated to be a more powerful tool with high sensitivity for quantitative and/or qualitative evaluation of the phase purity and crystallinity, especially as the film thickness increases. Hexagonal BN inclusions (less than 1%), not evident in FTIR, are clearly revealed by UV Raman analysis.
Design of microlens illuminated aperture array fabricated by aligned ultraviolet imprinting process for optical read only memory card system
Authors: Kim Hongmin , Lee Jeeseung , Lim Jiseok , Kim Seok-Min , Kang Shinill , Kim Young-Joo , Busch Christopher
Published: June 2006

A microlens illuminated aperture array (MLIAA) was designed for the multiprobe optical read only memory card system. As a method to integrate the microlens array (MLA) with the aperture array containing 1000×1000 apertures, an aligned ultraviolet imprinting process was used to satisfy the system objectives of reduced focal length and reduced spot size. An analysis using diffraction theory was performed to obtain the design tolerances for both MLIAA and the imprinting process. The maximum intensity of the optical probes at the Talbot [Philos. Mag. 9, 401 (1836)] position from the fabricated MLIAA was 12 times higher than that from the aperture array without a MLA.
New device to study unimolecular cluster nucleation
Authors: Chirot F. , Zamith S. , Labastie P. , L’Hermite J.-M.
Published: June 2006

We have developed an apparatus which allows measuring the sticking cross section of a neutral atom onto a mass selected charged cluster of known temperature. The main point is to reduce the kinetic energy dispersion in the mass selected cluster beam in order to work with ions of very low (near thermal) kinetic energy. A novel device is presented which focuses in energy with only a small loss in the beam intensity. An application is shown to the sticking of sodium atoms onto sodium clusters at an energy of a few tenths of an eV in the center-of-mass frame.
N
O
2
decomposition on Rh clusters supported on single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Larciprete R. , Lizzit S. , Petaccia L. , Goldoni A.
Published: June 2006

High-resolution photoemission spectroscopy was used to study Rh decorated single-walled C nanotubes before and after the exposure to NO2. We found that the metal adatoms form ordered nanocrystallites exhibiting a surface termination close to the (111) oriented crystal. After NO2 uptake at 200K, the thermal evolution of the NOx adspecies indicates for the Rh nanocrystallites a catalytic behavior similar to the low index Rh surfaces. The Rh 3d5∕2 line shape discloses the bonding of Rh atoms to NO2 and its fragments, whereas the oxidation of the metal/nanotubes contact is monitored by the energy shift of the C 1s peak.
Large image potential effects in Si∕SrTiO3 and Si∕HfO2 two-dimensional quantum well structures
Authors: Pereira T. A. S. , Freire J. A. K. , Freire V. N. , Farias G. A. , Scolfaro L. M. R. , Leite J. R. , da Silva E. F.
Published: June 2006

Charge image effects on the confinement properties of Si∕SrTiO3 and Si∕HfO2 two-dimensional quantum wells are studied. The combination of strong dielectric mismatch and band offset of the layers gives rise to structured confinement potentials, which can trap carriers close to the interfaces in Si∕SrTiO3 but not in Si∕HfO2 two-dimensional quantum wells. The charge image blueshifts strongly (a few hundred meV) the carrier recombination energy, comparable to the shift related to the well width shortening due to actual graded interfaces.
Efficient organic light-emitting devices using an iridium complex as a phosphorescent host and a platinum complex as a red phosphorescent guest
Authors: Tsuzuki Toshimitsu , Nakayama Yuji , Nakamura Junji , Iwata Takeshi , Tokito Shizuo
Published: June 2006

We demonstrated efficient organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) using a phosphorescent host/guest system consisting of bis(2-phenylpyridinato-N,C2′)iridium(acetylacetonate) [(ppy)2Ir(acac)] as a host and a platinum complex (Pt-SA-1) as a guest. The OLED using (ppy)2Ir(acac) film doped with Pt-SA-1 (1wt%) showed an ideal red emission via efficient energy transfer from the host to the guest. The external quantum efficiency of the device was as high as 8.3%. The driving voltage was significantly reduced compared with a device using a conventional host of 4,4′-di(carbazole-9-yl)biphenyl, which resulted from the enhancement of the hole injection from the hole-transport layer to the host.
Synthesis and ferroelectric properties of epitaxial BiFeO3 thin films grown by sputtering
Authors: Das R. R. , Kim D. M. , Baek S. H. , Eom C. B. , Zavaliche F. , Yang S. Y. , Ramesh R. , Chen Y. B. , Pan X. Q. , Ke X. , Rzchowski M. S. , Streiffer S. K.
Published: June 2006

We have grown epitaxial BiFeO3 thin films with smooth surfaces on (001), (101), and (111) SrTiO3 substrates using sputtering. Four-circle x-ray diffraction and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy show that the BiFeO3 thin films have rhombohedral symmetry although small monoclinic distortions have not been ruled out. Stripe ferroelectric domains oriented perpendicular to the substrate miscut direction and free of impurity phase are observed in BiFeO3 on high miscut (4°) (001) SrTiO3, which attributes to a relatively high value of remanent polarization (∼71μC∕cm2). Films grown on low miscut (0.8°) SrTiO3 have a small amount of impure phase α-Fe2O3 which contributes to lower the polarization values (∼63μC∕cm2). The BiFeO3 films grown on (101) and (111) SrTiO3 exhibited remanent polarizations of 86 and 98μC∕cm2, respectively.
Characterizing xBa(Mg1∕3Ta2∕3)O3+(1−x)Ba(Mg1∕3Nb2∕3)O3 microwave ceramics using extended x-ray absorption fine structure method
Authors: Chang P.-J. , Chia C.-T. , Lin I.-N. , Lee J.-F. , Lin C. M. , Wu K. T.
Published: June 2006

The structures of TaO6 and NbO6 oxygen octahedra in xBa(Mg1∕3Ta2∕3)O3+(1−x)Ba(Mg1∕3Nb2∕3)O3 perovskite ceramics with x=0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.0 were investigated by the extended x-ray absorption fine structure method. The decline in the microwave dielectric constant as x increases is caused mainly by the decrease of the mean volume of the oxygen octahedra, regardless of the 1:2 ordered structure and the distortion of the oxygen octahedron. The low Qf values of the TaO6 and NbO6 mixed samples are caused by not only the degrading of the 1:2 ordered structure but also the distortion of oxygen octahedral cages.
Comparison between multilayered InAs quantum dot lasers with different dot densities
Authors: Shimizu Hitoshi , Saravanan Shanmugam , Yoshida Junji , Ibe Sayoko , Yokouchi Noriyuki
Published: June 2006

This letter describes the dependence of the dot density per layer on laser performance for 1.3-μm range multilayered InAs quantum dot (QD) lasers having 12-QD layer in order to increase the maximum modal gain of the ground state (GS). Twelve-QD lasers with almost identical photoluminescence (PL) intensities and full width at half maximum (FWHM) were prepared, with a dot density per layer in the range of (1.4–3.0)×1010cm−2. Results for the undoped 12-QD lasers reveal that the lasers with almost the same PL intensity and FWHM have an almost identical relationship between the threshold current density (Jth) and the mirror loss and have much the same maximum mirror loss from which lasers can oscillate from the GS. This is probably due to the fact that the Jth of dot lasers fabricated by the self-assembled method are strongly dominated by the gain width that is governed by the nonuniformity of QDs.
Dilemmas of Belonging: Hungarians from Romania
Authors: Culic Irina
Published: June 2006

On 5 December 2004 the citizens of Hungary were called to decide through referendum on two issues: (1) that the health system remained under full state control, and (2) that ethnic Hungarians living in the neighboring countries were granted citizenship preferentially. Sixty-five percent of the Hungarians who went to vote gave a favorable answer to the first question, and a little more than 51% gave a yes answer to the second question. Despite this, however, the referendum failed because of the low voter turnout of only 37.49% of the electorate. According to Hungarian law, for a referendum result to be valid it is required that at least 25% of the electorate endorses it. In this referendum a little less than 19% of all franchised citizens voted for granting double citizenship to ethnic Hungarians living in the neighboring countries.
Look Who's Talking! Islamic Discourse in the Chechen Wars
Authors: Radnitz Scott
Published: June 2006

In any contemporary conflict, the war of ideas may be just as important as the war on the battlefield. Throughout history, propaganda has been used as a tool of psychological warfare. The prevalence of technology makes the mass media an ever more vital tool in spreading one's message, both to combatants and throughout the world. The case of the Chechen wars demonstrates the importance both sides placed on publicity in the course of fighting. In addition to the use of print journalism, the Chechen wars witnessed the employment of television news broadcasts, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and the Internet as a means to spread messages. Given the importance of the media, the public and private discourse by the combatants has been seen as crucial to their cause. The language of Islam carries a set of widely shared symbols, many related to war, that can be used to manipulate public opinion. This article will analyze how Islamic language was used in the two Russian invasions of Chechnya in the 1990s (1994–1996, 1999–2002). It analyzes three pairs of variables: Russian and Chechen public discourse, especially regarding the language of Islam; Chechen public and Chechen private discourse; and the discourse of both sides in the first war compared to the second war.
Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase C2β Regulates Cytoskeletal Organization and Cell Migration via Rac-dependent Mechanisms
Authors: Katso Roy M. , Pardo Olivier E. , Palamidessi Andrea , Franz Clemens M. , Marinov Marin , De Laurentiis Angela , Downward Julian , Scita Giorgio , Ridley Anne J. , Waterfield Michael D. , Arcaro Alexandre
Published: June 2006

Receptor-linked class I phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) induce assembly of signal transduction complexes through protein–protein and protein–lipid interactions that mediate cell proliferation, survival, and migration. Although class II PI3Ks have the potential to make the same phosphoinositides as class I PI3Ks, their precise cellular role is currently unclear. In this report, we demonstrate that class II phosphoinositide 3-kinase C2β (PI3KC2β) associates with the Eps8/Abi1/Sos1 complex and is recruited to the EGF receptor as part of a multiprotein signaling complex also involving Shc and Grb2. Increased expression of PI3KC2β stimulated Rac activity in A-431 epidermoid carcinoma cells, resulting in enhanced membrane ruffling and migration speed of the cells. Conversely, expression of dominant negative PI3KC2β reduced Rac activity, membrane ruffling, and cell migration. Moreover, PI3KC2β-overexpressing cells were protected from anoikis and displayed enhanced proliferation, independently of Rac function. Taken together, these findings suggest that PI3KC2β regulates the migration and survival of human tumor cells by distinct molecular mechanisms.
A Case of Hereditary Inclusion Body Myopathy: 1 Patient, 2 Novel Mutations
Authors: Fisher Justin , Towfighi Javad , Darvish Daniel , Simmons Zachary
Published: June 2006

Hereditary inclusion body myopathy is an autosomal recessive disorder that presents in early adulthood with slowly progressive weakness sparing the quadriceps. Muscle histopathology reveals rimmed vacuoles without inflammation. The disorder is caused by a mutation in the gene for UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase-N-acetylmannosamine kinase (GNE), a bifunctional enzyme involved in protein glycosylation. Over 40 mutations have been described to date. We present a case of a young woman with progressive lower extremity weakness. Clinical presentation, laboratory evaluation, electrodiagnostic testing, muscle pathology, and genetic sequencing are described. The patient was found to have heterozygous mutations in the GNE gene, confirming the diagnosis of hereditary inclusion body myopathy. The mutations she carried have not been described previously. We briefly review the clinical, histopathologic, and molecular genetic findings of this disorder.
Genomic instability due to V(D)J recombination-associated transposition
Authors: Reddy Yeturu V.R. , Perkins Eric J. , Ramsden
Published: June 2006

The first step in assembling immunoglobulin and T-cell receptors by V(D)J recombination has similarities to transposon excision. The excised transposon-like element then integrates into DNA targets at random in vitro, but whether this activity significantly threatens the genomic integrity of its host has been unclear. Here, we recover examples where the putative transposon associated with V(D)J recombination integrated into the genome of a pre-B-cell line. Transposition accounted for a surprisingly high proportion (one-third) of integrations, while most of the remaining events had parallels to other aberrant V(D)J recombination pathways linked to oncogenic translocation. In total, transposition occurred approximately once every 50,000 V(D)J recombinations. Transposition may thus contribute significantly to genomic instability.
Use of major and minor tranquilizers with older patients in an acute care hospital: an exploratory study
Authors: Kwasny Penny , Hagen Brad , Armstrong‐Esther Chris
Published: June 2006

Aims.  This paper reports a study to determine how many older patients are prescribed major and/or minor tranquilizers during their hospital stay, and the perceptions of acute care nursing staff towards the use of such medications with older hospitalized patients.

Background.  While considerable research exists on the use of major and minor tranquilizers (chemical restraints) with older people in long‐term care, scant research has addressed the use of these drugs with older patients in acute care hospitals. Given the growing numbers of older people with dementia and delirium in hospitals, and the risks these drugs pose to older people, more research on the use of chemical restraints by nurses with older hospital patients is needed.

Methods.  Computerized pharmacy records were used to access data on prescriptions of major and minor tranquilizers to older patients during one month on six hospital units (total n = 498), and 140 nursing staff from these units completed the Perceptions of (Chemical) Restraint Use Questionnaire. The data were collected in 2003.

Results.  A minority of older patients (8·63%) were prescribed a major or minor tranquilizer during the one‐month data collection period. The numbers prescribed minor tranquilizers (6·22%, n = 31) were approximately double that of major tranquilizers (3·21%, n = 16). The majority of prescriptions for minor and major tranquilizers were written as pro re nata or ‘as needed’ (77% and 55·8%, respectively). Nurses’ scores on the Perceptions of (Chemical) Restraint Use Questionnaire indicated perceptions consistent with liberal use of chemical restraints, and several of the highly rated reasons for giving such medications could be considered inappropriate.

Conclusions.  While these findings suggest that only a small number of older people were prescribed chemical restraint medications in hospital, the risks these medications pose warrants ongoing prudence. More nursing research and education on the use of these medications with older people in hospital settings is needed.
The theory–practice gap: impact of professional–bureaucratic work conflict on newly‐qualified nurses
Authors: Maben Jill , Latter Sue , Clark Jill Macleod
Published: June 2006

Aim. This paper reports the findings from a naturalistic enquiry undertaken in the United Kingdom into the extent to which the ideals and values of the preregistration nursing course are adopted by individual newly educated Registered Nurses.

Background. Research in several countries provides consistent evidence of the existence of a theory–practice gap in nursing. Clear disparities have been demonstrated between the best practice ideals and values that are taught and those actually encountered in everyday practice. Nurse education ‘Project 2000’ reforms in the United Kingdom were designed, in part, to address this issue. Few studies to date have examined the impact of these reforms on newly qualified Registered Nurses’ ability to translate theory into practice.

Methods. A longitudinal study was carried out in three educational institutions in the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2000. Final year nursing students (n = 72) in three colleges of nursing completed questionnaires to elicit views on their ideals and values for practice. In‐depth interviews with a purposive subsample of 26 participants (at 4–6 and 11–15 months postqualification) indicated the extent to which these ideals and values were adopted in practice. Interviews were tape‐recorded, transcribed, and data were analysed using constant comparison and negative case analysis.

Findings. Although new nurses emerged from their programmes with a strong set of nursing values, a number of professional and organizational factors effectively sabotaged implementation. Professional sabotage includes obeying covert rules, lack of support and poor nursing role models. Organizational sabotage includes structural and organizational constraints such as time pressures, role constraints, staff shortages and work overload.

Conclusion. The disparity between nursing as taught and as practised may have profound implications for the future of the profession both in the United Kingdom and internationally, in terms of morale, job satisfaction and retention. Measures to improve resources and reduce the professional–bureaucratic work conflict are discussed.
Attitudes to spiritual care among nursing staff in a Swedish oncology clinic
Authors: Lundmark Mikael
Published: June 2006

Aims and objectives.  To identify factors which may influence attitudes to spiritual care, test the relevance of these identified influencing factors in a Swedish nursing context, and replicate a part of a previous study by Strang et al. (Journal of Clinical Nursing 2002;11:48–57) dealing with attitudes to spiritual care in a holistic perspective. A questionnaire was handed out to all nursing staff at a Swedish oncology clinic (n = 93) excluding the radiation therapy ward. Data were obtained from 68 nurses or nursing auxiliaries.

Design and methods.  (i) Literature review of international research reports concerning spiritual care in a nursing context. (ii) Construction of a questionnaire comprising 17 questions with given alternatives based on the previous literature study. (iii) Operationalization of the concept ‘attitudes to spiritual care’ into some more easily measurable questions through identification in earlier research reports of conceivable indicators of attitudes to spiritual care. (iv) Construction of a suggestion for a definition of the concept ‘spiritual care’ from the results of Strang et al. (2002) to be used in the questionnaire. (v) Statistical analysis of the data from the questionnaire and a comparison with previous studies.

Results and conclusions.  The replicating part of the study are mainly in accordance with Strang et al. (2002) and lead to the conclusions that holistic care (i) is desirable, (ii) should include spiritual needs of the patients and (iii) is not yet realized in Swedish health care. The identified influencing factors are relevant in a Swedish nursing context. The factors influencing the largest number of indicators of attitudes to spiritual care are ‘non‐organized religiousness’ and ‘degree of comfort while providing spiritual care’. Other influencing factors are: ‘belief in God’, ‘belief in life after death’, ‘organized religiousness’, ‘profession’, and ‘the perceived degree of education in spiritual care’.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Knowledge of attitudes towards spiritual care among nursing staff and factors influencing these attitudes will improve the possibilities of meeting the spiritual needs of patients.
The impact of empirical studies of spirituality and culture on nurse education
Authors: Narayanasamy Aru
Published: June 2006

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this paper is to share reflectively how my empirical studies on spirituality and culture have had an impact upon nurse education.

Background.  Spirituality and cultural dimensions of care are considered to be integral to holistic care. The healing potentials of spiritual and cultural care are well documented. The commitment to the research programme came due to the concern within early literature on nursing that the provision of spiritual care for patients is inadequate.

Methods.  The research programme used action research comprising largely qualitative approaches. As the holistic and multiperspective nature of spirituality and culture requires a multidisciplinary approach and flexibility of methodology, various research techniques were used.

Results.  The findings from the research programme led to the development of theories, models and conceptual literature on spiritual and cultural care. In particular, two models evolved from the studies: the ASSET for spiritual cares education and training and the ACCESS for transcultural care practice. The critical incident studies provide insights into nurses’ roles in spiritual care interventions. The phenomenological study highlights that chronically ill patients use spiritual strategies in coping with their illness.

Conclusion.  Overall, the paper offers a body of evidence that has an impact upon curriculum development in nurse education and nursing practice.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The ASSET model offers a framework for spiritual care education. The ACCESS model offers a framework for transcultural care practice. The critical incident studies map out nurses’ roles in spiritual and cultural care with scope for development of care intervention models for the future. The coping mechanisms study highlights how patients use spiritual coping strategies such as prayer and other resources to cope with their chronic illnesses.
The principal components model: a model for advancing spirituality and spiritual care within nursing and health care practice
Authors: Wilfred McSherry
Published: June 2006

Aim.  The aim of this study was to generate a deeper understanding of the factors and forces that may inhibit or advance the concepts of spirituality and spiritual care within both nursing and health care.

Background.  This manuscript presents a model that emerged from a qualitative study using grounded theory. Implementation and use of this model may assist all health care practitioners and organizations to advance the concepts of spirituality and spiritual care within their own sphere of practice. The model has been termed the principal components model because participants identified six components as being crucial to the advancement of spiritual health care.

Design.  Grounded theory was used meaning that there was concurrent data collection and analysis. Theoretical sampling was used to develop the emerging theory. These processes, along with data analysis, open, axial and theoretical coding led to the identification of a core category and the construction of the principal components model.

Methods.  Fifty‐three participants (24 men and 29 women) were recruited and all consented to be interviewed. The sample included nurses (n = 24), chaplains (n = 7), a social worker (n = 1), an occupational therapist (n = 1), physiotherapists (n = 2), patients (n = 14) and the public (n = 4). The investigation was conducted in three phases to substantiate the emerging theory and the development of the model.

Results.  The principal components model contained six components: individuality, inclusivity, integrated, inter/intra‐disciplinary, innate and institution.

Conclusion.  A great deal has been written on the concepts of spirituality and spiritual care. However, rhetoric alone will not remove some of the intrinsic and extrinsic barriers that are inhibiting the advancement of the spiritual dimension in terms of theory and practice.

Relevance to clinical practice.  An awareness of and adherence to the principal components model may assist nurses and health care professionals to engage with and overcome some of the structural, organizational, political and social variables that are impacting upon spiritual care.
Nutrient acquisition and physiological responses of dominant Serengeti grasses to variation in soil texture and grazing
Authors: ANDERSON T. MICHAEL , DONG YAN , McNAUGHTON SAMUEL J.
Published: June 2006

Themeda triandraandDigitaria macroblepharaare dominant grasses in the herbaceous layer of Serengeti National Park. Catena topography creates variation in soil texture and grazing that may have important physiological implications for these species. Through a combination of laboratory and field experiments, we tested whether variation in soil texture and grazing differentially affected growth, photosynthesis, leaf enzyme activities and nitrogen assimilation of the two species.

In the laboratory, simulated grazing (weekly clipping at 7 cm above soil) increased photosynthesis and enzyme activities forD. macroblephara. Clipping also increased photosynthesis forT. triandra, but did not affect enzyme activity.D. macroblepharaandT. triandrawere affected oppositely by soil texture; enzyme activities and photosynthesis were greater forD. macroblepharain sandy soils but greater forT. triandrain fine‐textured soils.

Across a natural catena gradient, species abundances ofD. macroblepharaandT. triandrawere negatively correlated with each other and related to grazing frequency in opposite ways,D. macroblepharapositively andT. triandranegatively. In a field experiment, rates ofuptake for unclipped plants ofD. macroblepharaandT. triandrawere similar and did not vary with soil texture. However, when clipped,uptake was stimulated in both species but in opposite ways across a gradient of percentage sand, positive forD. macroblepharaand negative forT. triandra.

These results suggest that species responded to defoliation and variation in water availability created by different soil textures. At sites whereD. macroblepharaandT. triandraco‐occur, catena variation in soil texture and grazing may provide spatial variation in habitat suitability. Moreover, herbivory may promote species coexistence by facilitating differential physiological responses to topographic and soil heterogeneity.

This study illustrates how interactions between a direct biotic process and an indirect environmental variable can cause different plant physiological responses that may promote species coexistence in a heterogeneous environment.