bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical aspects of high temperature MOCVD growth of AlN epilayers on 6H‐SiC substrates
Authors: Balakrishnan K. , Fujimoto N. , Kitano T. , Bandoh A. , Imura M. , Nakano K. , Iwaya M. , Kamiyama S. , Amano H. , Akasaki I. , Takagi T. , Noro T. , Shimono K. , Riemann T. , Christen J.
Published: May 2006

AlN layers have been grown on 6H‐SiC substrates at high temperatures. Single step growth of AlN did not yield high quality layers. A novel two step method involving the growth of AlN layer on already grown and relaxed AlN was found to be effective in getting better quality layers as evidenced by structural and morphological analyses. Microcracks and nano‐island surfaces of the first grown AlN acted as naturally patterned trenches and were found to help in achieving high quality AlN layers. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Radio‐frequency MBE growth of cubic GaN on BP(001)/Si(001) hetero‐structure
Authors: Kikuchi T. , Somintac A. S. , Odawara M. , Udagawa T. , Ohachi T.
Published: May 2006

Zincblende gallium nitride (c‐GaN) was grown on zincblende boron monophosphide (BP)/silicon (001) using radio‐frequency plasma‐assisted molecular‐beam epitaxy (RF‐MBE). In spite of near perfect lattice‐match coordination between c‐GaN and BP, the initial nucleation of c‐GaN was 3D island formation due to imperfect wetting. Using cross‐sectional electron backscatter diffraction pattern (x‐EBSD), it was found that dislocations were eliminated with an increase of epilayer thickness of c‐GaN, and finally 99.4% c‐GaN (001) was achieved. The (2x2) and (4x1) reconstructions of the surface of almost pure c‐GaN (001) were confirmed by reflection high‐energy electron diffraction (RHEED) under arsenic‐contamination‐free conditions. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical studies of MOCVD‐grown GaN‐based ferromagnetic semiconductor epilayers and devices
Authors: Kane M. H. , Strassburg M. , Fenwick W. E. , Asghar A. , Senawiratne J. , Azamat D. , Hu Z. , Malguth E. , Graham S. , Perera U. , Gehlhoff W. , Hoffmann A. , Dietz N. , Summers C. J. , Ferguson I. T.
Published: May 2006

Ga1–xMnxN epilayers and p‐i‐n device structures have been grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. Optical studies were found to investigate the role of Mn concentration and the role of different co‐dopants to elucidate the origin of the room temperature ferromagnetism in Ga1–xMnxN epilayers. Increasing Mn concentration was found to significantly affect long‐range lattice ordering. This observation was supported by the existence of a disorder‐induced Raman mode at 300 cm–1 and local vibrational modes (LVMs) at 669 cm–1 that has been attributed to the formation of self‐compensating nitrogen. The E1(TO) phonon frequency was found to linearly increase with Mn composition, which is expressed by (558 + 2.7x) cm–1. The intensity and the linewidth of an absorption band near 1.5 eV was found to increase with Mn concentration, and is assigned to the e to t2 transition in the split 5T2 band of Mn3+. No absorption was detected in Si co‐doped Ga1–xMnxN. In this case, a significantly increased EPR signal of Mn2+ ions confirmed the trapping of electrons provided by the shallow Si donor and reduced the available states for ferromagnetic exchange. A change in the measured magnetization is observed under ultraviolet illumination, though the nature of this phenomenon is still not understood. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
InN‐based layers grown by modified HVPE
Authors: Syrkin A. , Usikov A. , Soukhoveev V. , Kovalenkov O. , Ivantsov V. , Dmitriev V. , Collins C. , Readinger E. , Shmidt N. , Davydov V. , Nikishin S. , Kuryatkov V. , Song D. , Rosenbladt D. , Holtz Mark
Published: May 2006

This paper contains results on InN and InGaN growth by Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy (HVPE) on various substrates including sapphire and GaN/sapphire, AlGaN/sapphire, and AlN/sapphire templates. The growth processes are carried out at atmospheric pressure in a hot wall reactor in the temperature range from 500 to 750 ºC. Continuous InN layers are grown on GaN/sapphire template substrates. Textured InN layers are deposited on AlN/sapphire and AlGaN/sapphire templates. Arrays of nano‐crystalline InN rods with various shapes are grown directly on sapphire substrates. X‐ray diffraction rocking curves for the (002) InN reflection have the full width at half maximum (FWHM) as narrow as 270 arcsec for the nano‐rods and 460 arcsec for the continuous layers. InxGa1–xN layers with InN content up to 10 mol.% are grown on GaN/sapphire templates. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cytotoxicity in vitro of naphthazarin derivatives from Onosma arenaria
Authors: Kundaković Tatjana , Stanojković Tatjana , Juranić Zorica , Kovačević Nada
Published: May 2006

The cytotoxicity of naphthazarin derivatives isolated from the roots of Onosma arenaria on human cervix adenocarcinoma cells (HeLa) and leukaemia K562 cells, as well on non‐malignant peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was studied. The results show that β‐hydroxyisovalerylalkannin, acetylalkannin and the pigment fraction exhibited high cytotoxicity in vitro against the tested cell lines, as well the healthy PBMC before or after activation with phytohaemagglutinin. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Azathioprine hepatotoxicity and the protective effect of liquorice and glycyrrhizic acid
Authors: Wu Yue‐Ting , Shen Chong , Yin Jian , Yu Jin‐peng , Meng Qin
Published: May 2006

This study aimed to evaluate the responses of human hepatocytes to azathioprine hepatotoxicity in comparison with the well‐studied azathioprine hepatotoxicity in rat hepatocytes and the effects of protective agents to suppress azathioprine hepatotoxicity. Azathioprine presented its hepatotoxicity at clinically relevant concentrations (lower than 10 µm) in primary rat hepatocytes after 48 h of treatment as shown by a severe decrease in cell viability as well as intracellular GSH depletion. However, primary human hepatocytes exhibited only significant intracellular GSH depletion after treatment with azathioprine at these clinically relevant concentrations, while a reduction in cell viability by 29% was only evidenced after 48 h of treatment with azathioprine at the high concentration of 50 µm. In addition, a monolayer culture of primary rat hepatocytes was used as anin vitromodel to examine the protective effects of antihepatotoxic drugs including glutathione (GSH), N‐acetylcysteine (NAC, a GSH precursor), liquorice and glycyrrhizic acid (GA), a major bioactive component of liquorice, against hepatotoxicity of 1 µmazathioprine. It was found that both liquorice and GA showed substantial protection according to assays of cell viability and intracellular GSH, while neither GSH nor NAC had such a protective function. Similarly, GA protected human hepatocytes from intracellular GSH depletion on exposure to 1 µmazathioprine. These results implied that GA or liquorice could be considered as potent protection agents against azathioprine hepatotoxicity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formulation and process conditions for biodegradable/edible soy‐based packaging trays
Authors: Mohareb Eugene , Mittal Gauri S.
Published: May 2006

Food packaging represents a large fraction of municipal solid waste and contributes to the expansion of landfill sites. Commonly used expanded polystyrene packaging trays are difficult to biodegrade. A potential alternative to this product is biodegradable/edible soy‐based packaging trays. Soy‐based tray formulations and fabrications were examined. Mechanical properties from a three‐point flexural test were used as the basis for process/ingredient selection. Soy protein isolate, glycerol and gellan gum or κ‐carrageenan were found suitable. Regression models relating ingredient levels to mechanical properties were obtained and process conditions were optimized. The optimum process conditions for gellan gum‐based trays were a heating temperature of 60°C, a heating time of 1min and a refrigeration setting time of 20min. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality changes of treated fresh‐cut tropical fruits in rigid modified atmosphere packaging containers
Authors: Chonhenchob Vanee , Chantarasomboon Yada , Singh S. Paul
Published: May 2006

There has been increasing demand for various fresh‐cut tropical fruits. However, their short shelf‐life has limited the market increase of this product. Quality changes (firmness, colour, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), sensory quality and microbial safety) of fresh‐cut mangoes, pineapples, melons and mixes of these fruits were evaluated. Chemical treatments to reduce browning, firmness loss and decay of fresh‐cut tropical fruits were investigated. The most effective agents for fresh‐cut mangoes, pineapples and melons were 0.1m ascorbic acid, 0.2m ascorbic acid and 0.2m ascorbic acid + 0.2m calcium chloride, respectively. Fresh‐cut tropical fruits were packaged in various rigid containers (PET, OPS and OPLA). Gas composition in the package headspace and time to reach steady‐state condition varied among fresh‐cut packaging systems and affected their quality and shelf‐life. The effects of package permeability of O2 and CO2 on quality and shelf‐life of the fresh‐cut products are discussed. Extended shelf‐life was observed in fresh‐cut mangoes, pineapples and mixes packaged in PET due to reduced O2 and elevated CO2 atmosphere. A modified atmosphere of 6% O2 and 14% CO2 achieved in PET extended the shelf‐life of fresh‐cut pineapples from 6 to 13 days. Accumulation of CO2 may impart an off‐odour of fresh‐cut fruits. The results suggested that the shelf‐life of fresh‐cut fruits could be extended by using proper rigid containers. Suitable mixes to create optimal equilibrium modified atmosphere had a potential to extend shelf‐life of short shelf‐life fresh‐cut tropical fruits. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accelerated testing of on‐board diagnostics
Authors: Graves Spencer , Bisgaard Søren , Kulahci Murat , Van Gilder John , James John , Marko Ken , Zatorski Hal , Ting Tom , Wu Cuiping
Published: May 2006

Modern products frequently feature monitors designed to detect actual or impending malfunctions. False alarms (Type I errors) or excessive delays in detecting real malfunctions (Type II errors) can seriously reduce monitor utility. Sound engineering practice includes physical evaluation of error rates. Type II error rates are relatively easy to evaluate empirically. However, adequate evaluation of a low Type I error rate is difficult without using accelerated testing concepts, inducing false alarms using artificially low thresholds and then selecting production thresholds by appropriate extrapolation, as outlined here. This acceleration methodology allows for informed determination of detection thresholds and confidence in monitor performance with substantial reductions over current alternatives in time and cost required for monitor development. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Directed monitoring using Cuscore charts for seasonal time series
Authors: Nembhard Harriet Black , Changpetch Pannapa
Published: May 2006

The most commonly used statistical process control charts to detect special causes are Shewhart and Cusum charts. However, the Cuscore chart is a contemporary alternative that is especially well suited for detecting special causes that can be modeled in advance based on their characteristic effect on the system. In this paper, we develop the appropriate Cuscore statistic and the required control limits to detect a mean shift in a seasonal time series process. The work is motivated by an application involving blood platelet orders placed with the Red Cross. We also compare the performance of the Cuscore chart to the Cusum chart in this application and find that the performance of the Cuscore, in terms of time to signal the special cause, is better than the Cusum chart. We find that this result holds even when faced with the mismatch problem, which pertains to the compatibility between the actual and expected information that the Cuscore statistic is predicated on. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating the Change Point of the Process Fraction Non‐conforming with a Monotonic Change Disturbance in SPC
Authors: Perry Marcus B. , Pignatiello Joseph J. , Simpson James R.
Published: May 2006

Knowing when a process has changed would simplify the search for and identification of the special cause. In this paper, we propose a maximum‐likelihood estimator for the change point of the process fraction non‐conforming without requiring knowledge of the exact change type a priori. Instead, we assume the type of change present belongs to a family of monotonic changes. We compare the proposed change‐point estimator to the maximum‐likelihood estimator for the process change point derived under a simple step change assumption. We do this for a number of monotonic change types and following a signal from a binomial cumulative sum (CUSUM) control chart. We conclude that it is better to use the proposed change point estimator when the type of change present is only known to be monotonic. The results show that the proposed estimator provides process engineers with an accurate and useful estimate of the time of the process change regardless of the type of monotonic change that may be present. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Attribute Charts for Monitoring a Dependent Process
Authors: Shepherd Deborah K. , Champ Charles W. , Rigdon Steven E. , Fuller Howard T.
Published: May 2006

For some repetitive production processes, the quality measure taken on the output is an attribute variable. An attribute variable classifies each output item into one of a countable set of categories. One of the simplest and most commonly used attribute variables is the one which classifies an item as either ‘conforming’ or ‘non‐conforming’. A tool used with a considerable amount of success in industry for monitoring the quality of a production process is the quality control chart. Generally a control charting procedure uses a sequence,$X_1 ,X_{2,} \ldots ,X_t, \ldots$of the quality measures to make a decision about the quality of the process. How this sequence is used to make a decision defines the control chart. In order to design a control chart one must consider how the underlying sequence,$X_1 ,X_{2,} \ldots,X_t, \ldots,$is modeled. The sequence is often modeled as a sequence of independent and identically distributed random variables. For many industrial processes, this model is appropriate, but in others it may not be. In this paper, a sequence of random variables,$X_i ,\ i = 1,2,\ldots,$is used to classify an item as conforming or non‐conforming under a stationary Markov chain model and under 100% sequential sampling. Two different control charting schemes are investigated. Both schemes plot a sequence of measures on the control chart,$Y_i ,\ i = 1,2,\ldots$that count the number of conforming items before a non‐conforming item. The first scheme signals as out‐of‐control if a value of$Y_i ,\ i = 1,2,\ldots$falls below a certain lower limit. The second scheme signals as out‐of‐control if two out of two values of$Y_i ,\ i = 1,2,\ldots$fall below a certain lower limit. The efficiency of both of the control charts is evaluated by the average run length (ARL) of the chart and the power of the chart to detect a shift in the process. The two out of two scheme is shown to have high power and a large ARL given certain parameter values of the process. An example of the two out of two scheme is provided for the interested reader. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discovery Of Pyrroloimidazoles As Agents Stimulating Neurite Outgrowth
Authors: Beck Barbara , Leppert Christian A. , Mueller Bernhard K. , Dömling Alexander
Published: May 2006

A diverse library of substituted pyrroloimidazoles was assembled by a multicomponent reaction (MCR) of tosylmethyl isocyanides (TOSMIC), indole carbaldehydes and primary amines in a van Leusen reaction. A library of this scaffold was screened in a phenotypic assay for neurite outgrowth. Several members of this library where found to promote neurite outgrowth. The combinatorial synthesis of the library is presented. Such small molecules will serve as useful chemical probes to study neurite growth and may ultimately lead to a therapeutic application for axon regeneration of lesions of the human spinal cord and brain.
Why do some multinational corporations relocate their headquarters overseas?
Authors: Birkinshaw Julian , Braunerhjelm Pontus , Holm Ulf , Terjesen Siri
Published: May 2006

This paper examines the decision by a multinational corporation (MNC) to relocate its business unit and/or corporate HQ overseas. We argue that business unit HQs move overseas in response to changes in the internal configuration of their unit's activities and the demands of the product markets in which they operate, whereas corporate HQs move overseas in response to the demands of external stakeholders, in particular global financial markets and shareholders. Using data on 125 business unit HQs and 35 corporate HQs, we test and find support for these arguments. The research highlights important differences between corporate‐ and business‐level strategy, and it suggests ways in which the theory of the MNC needs to be reconsidered. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microchip Technology for Automated and Parallel Patch‐Clamp Recording
Authors: Brüggemann Andrea , Stoelzle Sonja , George Michael , Behrends Jan C. , Fertig Niels
Published: May 2006

The patch‐clamp technique is the state‐of‐the‐art technology for the study of a large class of membrane proteins called ion channels. Ion channels mediate electrical current flow, have crucial roles in cellular physiology, and are important drug targets. However, patch clamping is a laborious process requiring a skilled experimenter and is, therefore, not compatible with the high throughput needed in drug development. The solution for automated and parallel patch‐clamp measurements that is provided by microchip technology is presented here.
Cover Picture: A Simple Miniaturization Protocol to Produce Multicomponent Micro‐ and Nanostructures (Small 7/2006)
Authors: Ouyang Zhenqian , Tan Li , Liu Maozi , Judge Onkar S. , Zhang Xiaodong , Li Hai , Hu Jun , Patten Timothy E. , Liu Gang‐yu
Published: May 2006

The cover picture illustrates a new method of nanolithography, stepwise contraction and adsorption nanolithography (SCAN), that should in principle be able to extend the advantages of multicomponent microfabrication into smaller dimensions, as well as to reach the spatial precision afforded by scanning probe lithography. The left column depicts the balloon analogy of SCAN, in which the writing “small” on the balloon is miniaturized upon deflation. The right column presents a laser confocal micrograph of a two‐component array (red and green fluorescent dyes) generated after one and five SCAN cycles (top and bottom, respectively) in 2D reduction. Scale bars are 500 and 50 μm, respectively. For more information, please read the Communication “A Simple Miniaturization Protocol to Produce Multicomponent Micro‐ and Nanostructures” by G.‐y. Liu and co‐workers on page 884 ff.
Bios, a process approach to living system theory. In honour of James and Jessie Miller
Authors: Sabelli Hector , Carlson‐Sabelli Linnea
Published: May 2006

Living systems provide a model for nature because the continuity of evolution requires that the same fundamental forms must be expressed at all levels of organization. Studying heartbeat patterns, we found a new type of process—bios. Bios has now been found in a wide variety of processes including biological, meteorological, economic time series and the evolution of galactic distribution, the paradigmatic case of creation. Bios is defined by three measurable properties—diversification, novelty and nonrandom complexity—that characterize it as creative, and differentiate it from random, periodic and chaotic series. Bios seemingly resembles noise but it is generated causally rather than stochastically. Bios can be generated mathematically by bipolar feedback, a newly described process that we conjecture is a generator of creative phenomena at all levels of organization. Varying the degree of diversity and symmetry generates different types of biotic series, including homeobios that models homeostatic cardiac series and parabios that resembles nonstationary economic processes. Computer experiments also show the role of energy, symmetry and diversity in the generation of bios. This suggests ways to foster creativity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theories of viability: a comparison
Authors: Schwaninger Markus
Published: May 2006

Given the growing complexities in the environments of organizations and societies, the concept of viability has become ever more important as an orientator for those in charge. The Systems Approach has bred powerful theories of viability, which can help actors in the socio‐technical domain to cope with complexity. The two main manifestations of the Theory of Viability are Living Systems Theory (LST) by Jim & Jessie Miller on one hand, and the Viable System Model (VSM) by Stafford Beer on the other. In this paper, both are analysed and compared in terms of their relevance and potential with respect to social systems. Also, a brief overview of the state of pertinent applications is given. The paper comes to an unexpected conclusion: LST and VSM are not competitors, but most probably complementary. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The motivation complex: a tribute to James G. and Jessie L. Miller
Authors: Tracy Lane
Published: May 2006

Motivation involves needs and resources, decision making, communication and feedback, power and influence. These elements are often considered quite separately both in behavioural research and in teaching. The focus of most studies of motivation narrows towards the link between thought and action. Yet there are complex models for each of the separate elements, and all of these models interact. A more complete picture of motivation may be obtained by considering the interactions amongst these elements and between systems. This paper presents models of each of the elements and combines them into a model of the entire motivation complex, in order to emphasize the systemic character of the interactions that lead to motivated behaviour. Miller's living systems theory is employed throughout. Thus the resulting model applies not only to human individuals, but also to the behaviour of all levels of living systems. Routes for further research are suggested. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The life and work of James Grier Miller
Authors: Hammond Debora , Wilby Jennifer
Published: May 2006

In a life‐long partnership with his wife Jessie, James Grier Miller contributed substantially to the development of behavioural science and to the integration of disciplines through general systems theory, remaining actively engaged in these areas throughout his working life. From his early work on the human brain in the 1940s, Miller worked for over 60 years within influential circles to foster a wide range of new endeavours. In 1949, as Chair of the Psychology Department at the University of Chicago, he founded the new field of behavioural science, devoted to the theoretical integration of the biological and social sciences, through the establishment of the influential Committee on Behavioral Science. In 1955, he got funding from the State of Michigan to set up the Mental Health Research Institute at the University of Michigan; and in 1967, he became President of the University Louisville where he established a Systems Science Institute. His comprehensive integration of the sciences, in Living Systems (1978), remains core to the study of Living Systems and many other fields of research and practice within the systems community. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring the role of intertextuality in concept construction: Urban second graders make sense of evaporation, boiling, and condensation
Authors: Varelas Maria , Pappas Christine C. , Rife Amy
Published: May 2006

The study explores urban second graders' thinking and talking about the concepts of evaporation, boiling, and condensation that emerged in the context of intertextuality within an integrated science‐literacy unit on the topic of States of Matter, which emphasized the water cycle. In that unit, children and teacher engaged in a variety of activities (reading information books, doing hands‐on explorations, writing, drawing, discussing) in a dialogically oriented way where teacher and children shared the power and the burden of making meaning. The three qualitative interrelated analyses showed children who initiated or continued productive links to texts, broadly defined, that gave them spaces to grapple with complex ideas and ways of expressing them. Although some children showed preference for a certain way of thinking about evaporation, boiling, and condensation, the data do not point toward a definite conclusion relative to whether children subscribe or not to a particular conceptual position. Children had multiple, complex, and often speculative, tentative, and emergent ways of accessing and interpreting these phenomena, and their conceptions were contextually based—different contexts offered opportunities for students to theorize about different aspects of the phenomena (along with some similar aspects). Children also theorized about aspects of the same phenomena in different ways. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 43: 637–666, 2006
Antinutritional factors in wild yam tubers
Authors: Sahoré DA , Amani NG , Kamenan A
Published: May 2006

The contents of the antinutritional factors cyanide, oxalic acid, tannin, sapogenin and alkaloid of species of wild yam were determined. The cyanide contents were well below the FAO/WHO safety limits. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Fetal atrioventricular valve junction in normal fetuses and in fetuses with complete atrioventricular septal defect assessed by 4D volume rendering
Authors: Viñals F. , Pacheco V. , Giuliano A.
Published: May 2006

Objectives

To assess the feasibility and clinical potential of 4D volume rendering of the atrioventricular (AV) valve junction, to standardize the acquisition method, and to display the AV valve junction morphology in normal fetuses and in those with a complete atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD).

Methods

We performed sonography in 40 normal fetuses and 10 fetuses with complete AVSD, and volume datasets were acquired from apical and lateral four‐chamber views. The render box was placed systematically. First, it included the AV valves, with the reference dot at the level of the crux of the heart. Then, it included the papillary muscles, with the reference dot in the interventricular septum at the level of the distal opening of the tricuspid valve leaflet.

Results

Volume acquisition and rendering were technically possible in all cases. Volume rendering of the left ventricle showed the position of the anterolateral and posteromedial papillary muscles in 36/40 normal fetuses (90%). At the level of the right ventricle, the septal, anterior and posterior papillary muscles were visualized in 33/40 normal fetuses (82%). In cases of complete AVSD, the AV valve has five leaflets, with anterosuperior and posteroinferior bridging leaflets straddling the septa. The morphology of the anterosuperior bridging leaflets and the abnormal position of the papillary muscles could be displayed in all cases.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that some of the components of the AV junction can be reconstructed easily from sonographic volumes acquired from an apical or lateral four‐chamber view. This new technique may have a role in obtaining views that are not easily accessible by standard sonography, enabling a rapid complementary assessment of normal and abnormal intracardiac anatomy. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating the consequences of habitat fragmentation: a case study in the common forest herb Trillium camschatcense
Authors: Tomimatsu Hiroshi , Ohara Masashi
Published: May 2006

The effects of habitat fragmentation on remnant plant populations have rarely been studied extensively using a single species. We have attempted to quantify the effects of forest fragmentation (primarily that of population size) on populations of Trillium camschatcense, a representative spring herb in the Tokachi plain of Hokkaido, Japan. In this region, intensive agricultural development over the past 100 years has divided once‐large, continuous populations of this species into small, isolated fragments. Small populations generally produced fewer seeds than large populations, although this result differed between years. The level of seed production is unlikely to explain demographic structures based on life‐history stages. Instead, the stage structure was better explained by population size, seedling recruitment being limited in smaller populations. This could be associated with edge effects because the stage structure in small populations corresponded well to that observed in forest edges, where altered microclimatic conditions strongly limit seedling recruitment. Small populations also experienced stochastic loss of rare alleles at allozyme loci as well as biparental inbreeding. Although one consequence of these changes is reduced fertility, the long‐term effects on population growth can be controversial in long‐lived forest herbs, since the negative effect on fertility may vary across years, and population growth rate may not be sensitive to changes in fertility. Further studies of long‐term demography will reveal whether and how habitat fragmentation could limit population growth of remnant populations more than a century after fragmentation.
Soil nutrient status after bamboo flowering and death in a seasonal tropical forest in western Thailand
Authors: Takahashi Masamichi , Furusawa Hitomi , Limtong Pitayakon , Sunanthapongsuk Vanlada , Marod Dokrak , Panuthai Samruan
Published: May 2006

We have examined the surface (0–10 cm) soil characteristics of sites after bamboo (Cephalostachyum pergracile) mass flowering and death (DB sites) in comparison with sites with living bamboo (Bambusa tulda) (LB sites) in a seasonal tropical forest in Thailand. One year after bamboo flowering the DB sites were acidic with lower concentrations of exchangeable Ca and Mg and soil nitrogen than the LB sites. Therefore, although leaf and root litter of the dead bamboo was deposited in the DB sites after bamboo flowering, soil nutrient status decreased.
Involvement of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in chloride secretion by cultured rat epididymal epithelium
Authors: Du Jian‐Yang , Zuo Wu‐Lin , Chen Min‐Hui , Xiang Hui , Zhou Wen‐Liang
Published: May 2006

The aim of our present study was to investigate the short‐circuit current response to carbachol in cultured rat cauda epididymal epithelia and the signal transduction mechanisms involved. Carbachol added basolaterally induced a concentration‐dependent increase in short‐circuit current (Isc) across the epididymal epithelium consisting of a rapidly rising phase and a long term sustained response. The response was almost abolished by removing Cl− from the extracellular medium and blockable by pretreating the tissues with DPC, indicating a substantial contribution of Cl− secretion to the carbachol‐induced response. The muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist atropine inhibited the response, but the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors antagonist curarine had no effect, suggesting that only the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors mediated the secretory response of the basolateral side of rat cauda epididymal epithelium to carbachol. Addition of carbachol to the apical side of the tissue was found not to elicit an Isc response. These results suggested that muscarinic receptors are present in the basolateral side of rat cauda epididymal epithelium. Activation of these receptors by acetylcholine released from the nerve endings regulates epididymal transepithelial Cl− secretion. Cholinergic stimulation therefore contributes to the formation of luminal fluid microenvironment.
Pronation Contracture of the Forearm Due to Iatrogenic Scar Formation of the Distal Membranous Part of the Forearm Interosseous Membrane
Authors: OKAMOTO S. , NAKAMURA T. , YAMABE E. , TAKAYAMA S. , TOYAMA Y.
Published: May 2006

A case of successful treatment of pronation contracture of the forearm due to iatrogenic scar formation in the distal membranous part of the interosseous membrane of the forearm is presented and the management of this problem is discussed.
Arthoscopic Diagnosis of Partial Scapholunate Ligament Tears as a Cause of Radial Sided Wrist Pain in Patients with Inconclusive X-ray and Mri Findings
Authors: ABE Y. , KATSUBE K. , TSUE K. , DOI K. , HATTORI Y.
Published: May 2006

To clarify the pathology of radial-sided wrist pain with inconclusive X-ray and MRI findings, we performed arthroscopic examinations of 11 wrists in 10 patients. Physical examination and various image investigations could not identify the cause of the pain. Arthroscopy revealed partial to complete tears of the scapho-lunate interosseous ligament and synovitis and/or chondral bone defects at the scaphotrapezio-trapezoidal joint in all 11 wrists. Surgical procedures consisted of eight simple synovectomies, two ligament reconstructions and one percutaneous pinning. Pain relief was achieved in 10 wrists. One wrist which had a simple synovectomy did not recover, so underwent secondary scapho-trapezio-trapezoidal fusion. In conclusion, we found that various degrees of scapholunate interosseous ligament tear and scapho-trapezio-trapezoidal joint osteoarthritis were the main causes of radial-sided wrist pain with inconclusive X-ray and simple MRI findings.
Electrosurgical endoscopic cordectomy with microdissection electrodes: a comparative study with CO2 laser
Authors: Basterra J , Zapater E , Moreno R , Hernández R
Published: May 2006

Microdissection electrodes (MEs) have previously been used to perform endoscopic cordectomies.

We designed a prospective study in order to compare the ME with the CO2 laser technique. Over two years, 20 patients with T1 glottic carcinoma were operated on with CO2 laser and 20 with MEs. The device was chosen alternatively for each new patient. Two patients in both treatment groups had slight glottic incompetence. Three patients in each group showed web formation. The only granuloma was observed in a CO2 laser patient. Seven of the ME patients developed slight dysphonia, 10 developed medium grade dysphonia and three developed severe dysphonia. Seven of the CO2 laser patients developed slight dysphonia, seven developed medium grade dysphonia and six developed severe dysphonia. No statistically significant differences were observed on comparing the grade of dysphonia with patient age, T stage, type of cordectomy or surgical device.

We consider the ME to be a useful and inexpensive alternative to CO2 laser.
Auditory neuropathy in a patient with mitochondrial myopathy and multiple mtDNA deletions
Authors: Forli F , Mancuso M , Santoro A , Dotti M T , Siciliano G , Berrettini S
Published: May 2006

Auditory neuropathy (AN) is a hearing disorder characterized by the absence or severe distortion of the auditory brainstem responses, in the presence of preserved otoacoustic emissions. This peculiar combination suggests the presence of a defect impinging upon the functional complex formed by inner hair cells, the primary afferents (spiral ganglion neurones) and the first order synapses between hair cells and the cochlear nerve. Typically, AN patients show a severe speech perception impairment, which appears reduced out of proportion to pure tone threshold, but the clinical presentation of AN is quite complex.

Hearing loss is a common symptom associated with mitochondrial diseases; however, AN has only rarely been reported in these disorders.

Here we report a rare association, the first case observed in Italy, in a patient with autosomal recessive mitochondrial myopathy and mitochondrial DNA multiple deletions, and a hearing deficit with the audiological and electrophysiological features of AN.
Squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the external auditory canal
Authors: Shu Min-Tsan , Lin Hung-Ching , Yang Cheng-Chien , Chang Kuo-Ming
Published: May 2006

We report two cases of carcinoma in situ in the external auditory canal (EAC), presenting with symptoms such as pain, long-term itching of the ear, easy contact bleeding, canal otorrhea and hearing loss. Otoscopic examination revealed granulation tissue and a greyish-black tumour with irregular surface. The first patient had previously been diagnosed with otitis externa with persistent ear itching for the past three years. The second patient had received tympanoplasty for treatment of chronic otitis media on the right ear ten years ago. The first case was treated with wide excision, whereas the second patient received resection of the skin of the EAC together with its adjacent soft tissue, followed by skin grafting. No tumour recurrence was noted in the fourth and third post-operative year for the first and second patient respectively. We suggest that EAC carcinoma can be detected early and treated.
Reinke's oedema, hormones and hormone replacement therapy
Authors: Tsikoudas A , Kochillas X , Vernham G
Published: May 2006

Objective: To study the implications of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) treatment in the pathogenesis of Reinke's oedema (via a possible pseudo-hypothyroidism effect), and also to study why the disease affects a predominantly post-menopausal female population.

Design: Prospective case series study.

Setting: Two teaching hospitals and two district general hospitals in Scotland, UK.

Subjects: Thirty-three patients diagnosed with Reinke's oedema who presented in the out-patient department before or after treatment.

Results: Thyroid function tests were normal in all but two cases. Only three patients were receiving HRT treatment.

Conclusions: The study produced no evidence to support a relationship between HRT treatment and the pathogenesis of Reinke's oedema; this supports previous studies which concluded that thyroid function was not related to the development of Reinke's oedema. Some new ideas regarding hormonal factors in Reinke's oedema are discussed.
Loss-cone index in distribution function in a hot magnetized plasma
Authors: SINGHAL R. P. , TRIPATHI A. K.
Published: May 2006

The components of the dielectric tensor for the distribution function given by Leubner and Schupfer have been obtained. The effect of the loss-cone index appearing in the particle distribution function in a hot magnetized plasma has been studied. A case study has been performed to calculate temporal growth rates of Bernstein waves using the distribution function given by Summers and Thorne and Leubner and Schupfer. The effect of the loss-cone index on growth rates is found to be quite different for the two distribution functions.
Weakly nonlinear waves in magnetized plasma with a slightly non-Maxwellian electron distribution. Part 1. Stability of solitary waves
Authors: ALLEN M.A. , PHIBANCHON S. , ROWLANDS G.
Published: May 2006

Weakly nonlinear waves in strongly magnetized plasma with slightly non-isothermal electrons are governed by a modified Zakharov–Kuznetsov (ZK) equation, containing both quadratic and half-order nonlinear terms, which we refer to as the Schamel–Korteweg–de Vries–Zakharov–Kuznetsov (SKdVZK) equation. We present a method to obtain an approximation for the growth rate, γ, of sinusoidal perpendicular perturbations of wavenumber, k, to SKdVZK solitary waves over the entire range of instability. Unlike for (modified) ZK equations with one nonlinear term, in this method there is no analytical expression for kc, the cut-off wavenumber (at which the growth rate is zero) or its corresponding eigenfunction. We therefore obtain approximate expressions for these using an expansion parameter, a, related to the ratio of the nonlinear terms. The expressions are then used to find γ for k near kc as a function of a. The approximant derived from combining these analytical results with the ones for small k agrees very well with the values of γ obtained numerically. It is found that both kc and the maximum growth rate decrease as the electron distribution becomes progressively less peaked than the Maxwellian. We also present new algebraic and rarefactive solitary wave solutions to the equation.
Distribution of Pholeter gastrophilus (Digenea) within the stomach of four odontocete species: the role of the diet and digestive physiology of hosts
Authors: AZNAR F. J. , FOGNANI P. , BALBUENA J. A. , PIETROBELLI M. , RAGA J. A.
Published: May 2006

We compared the distribution of the digenean Pholeter gastrophilus in the stomach of 27 harbour porpoises, Phocoena phocoena, 27 striped dolphins, Stenella coeruleoalba, 18 bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, and 100 long-finned pilot whales, Globicephala melas. The stomach of these species is composed of 4 chambers of different size, structure and function. In all species, P. gastrophilus was largely restricted to the glandular region of the stomach, but the parasite tended to favour the fundic chamber in bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises, the pyloric chamber in pilot whales, and none in striped dolphins. However, predictability at infrapopulation level was generally low, suggesting a weak preference of P. gastrophilus for any of the chambers. Three hypotheses were tested to investigate a common cause for the distribution of P. gastrophilus in all host species, namely, colonization of chambers was (1) sequential, (2) dependent on chamber size, or (3) dependent on the passage time of food through the whole stomach. The latter hypothesis was indirectly tested by assuming, based on previous evidence from other vertebrates, that the greater the size of the stomach and/or the energy content of prey, the greater the delay of food passage. We found no compelling evidence that chamber colonization was sequential, or related to chamber size in any species. However, the distribution of P. gastrophilus was significantly more anteriad when the host species had larger stomachs and, particularly, when hosts fed on prey with higher caloric content. Accordingly, the stomach distribution of P. gastrophilus at this scale seems to be passively driven by features of the diet and digestive physiology of each host species. This study provides a general framework to formulate null hypotheses in future studies on microhabitat choice by parasites.
Comparison of the transmissibility ofTrypanosoma congolensestrains, isolated in a trypanosomiasis endemic area of eastern Zambia, byGlossina morsitans morsitans
Authors: MASUMU J. , MARCOTTY T. , NDELEDJE N. , KUBI C. , GEERTS S. , VERCRUYSSE J. , DORNY P. , VAN DEN BOSSCHE P.
Published: May 2006

Transmission experiments were conducted to compare the transmissibility of genetically differentTrypanosoma congolense(Savannah subgroup) strains isolated from cattle in a trypanosomiasis endemic area of eastern Zambia. A total of 17 strains were compared. Three strains were extremely virulent with a short pre-patent period, high parasitaemia and a short median survival time (between 5 and 9 days) in mice. The remainder of the strains belonged to the moderate (6 strains) or low (8 strains) virulence categories with median survival times between 10 and 30 days and >30 days, respectively. Batches of 40 teneralGlossina morsitans morsitans(Diptera: Glossinidae) were offered a single bloodmeal on mice infected with one of those strains. Flies were dissected to determine their infection status 21 days later. The proportion of flies with procyclic and metacyclic infections differed significantly between trypanosome strains and were significantly higher in flies infected with extremely virulent strains (P=0·033 andP=0·016 for the differences in the procyclic infection rate of strains with moderate and low virulence, respectively andP=0·005 andP=0·019 for the differences in the metacyclic infection rate of strains with moderate and low virulence, respectively). On the other hand, moderately virulent strains had, in general, higher procyclic and metacyclic infection rates compared to low virulent strains. But the differences were not significant (P>0·05). The outcome of those experiments shows clear differences in transmissibility of trypanosome strains associated with their virulence. This observation confirms the theory for the evolution and maintenance of virulence in a parasite population and may explain the persistence of virulent trypanosome strains in a susceptible host population.
Causes of a divided discipline: rethinking the concept of cause in International Relations theory
Authors: KURKI MILJA
Published: May 2006

During the last decades ‘causation’ has been a deeply divisive concept in International Relations (IR) theory. While the positivist mainstream has extolled the virtues of causal analysis, many post-positivist theorists have rejected the aims and methods of causal explanation in favour of ‘constitutive’ theorising. It is argued here that the debates on causation in IR have been misleading in that they have been premised on, and have helped to reify, a rather narrow empiricist understanding of causal analysis. It is suggested that in order to move IR theorising forward we need to deepen and broaden our understandings of the concept of cause. Thereby, we can radically reinterpret the causal-constitutive theory divide in IR, as well as redirect the study of world politics towards more constructive multi-causal and complexity-sensitive analyses.
The climate as political space: on the territorialisation of the global carbon cycle
Authors: LÖVBRAND EVA , STRIPPLE JOHANNES
Published: May 2006

International Relations have increasingly projected an image of the world where territoriality has lost its organising force. The global movements of people, information, capital and pollution are seen as signs of increasing deterritorialisation. Climate change is one of these issues ‘beyond borders’ that due to its global framing has been established within the international. This article is an investigation into the political geography of the carbon cycle. We approach the tension between the representations of climate space as global and deterritorial on the one hand, and political practices that reterritorialise the climate on the other. We trace the political transformation of the global carbon cycle into ‘national sinks’ and argue that the two tendencies of deterritorialisation and reterritorialisation of climate space mirror the spatial assumptions of IR; the national inside and global outside.
Does hypocrisy matter? The case of US foreign policy
Authors: GLASER DARYL
Published: May 2006

US foreign policy is hypocritical in various ways, as this article demonstrates in the course of an extensive empirical review. The question is whether such hypocrisy provides grounds for opposing US interventions abroad, in particular those which might yield locally desirable outcomes at an acceptable human cost. This article examines the question from the standpoint of a non-pacifist liberal universalism and concludes (on consequentialist grounds) that the hypocritical character of US foreign policy cannot constitute sufficient grounds for rejecting all US interventions. Nevertheless, the hypocrisy of the US remains noteworthy and deserving of criticism even in such cases because of the wider damage hypocritical behaviour can do. Moreover, US foreign policy hypocrisy sometimes sets in motion reactions that confound the benign purposes of particular interventions and so undermine the case for them. Such an effect is at work in the case of recent US intervention in the Middle East.