bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ginsenoside Rg1 Improves Male Copulatory Behavior Via Nitric Oxide/Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate Pathway
Authors: Wang Xiaoying , Chu Shifeng , Qian Tianxiu , Chen Ji , Zhang Juntian
Published: September 2009

Introduction

Ginsenoside Rg1 is the purified ingredient from ginseng, there has been little research on the effect of Rg1 on male copulatory behavior and its mechanism of action.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on copulatory behavior of male mice and the mechanism of its action.

Methods

Male mice were treated with Rg1 intraperitoneally; three elements of copulatory behavior (mounting, intromission, pelvic thrusting) were assessed. After final treatment and behavior determination, nitric oxide (NO) concentration were determined by spectrophotometry method. Plasma testosterone, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in corpus cavernosum both in vivo and in vitro were measured by radioimmunoassay. Rabbit corpus cavernosum segments were incubated with Rg1 (0.05, 0.5 and 5 µM) in the presence of exogenous NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (10 µM), and the cGMP level was measured. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Rg1 for phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors was determined by measuring the conversion of cGMP to 5′-mononucleotides. Sildenafil was set as a positive control.

Main Come Out Measures

Mounting and intromission frequency, pelvic thrusts, serum testosterone, NO level, cGMP accumulation, IC50 for PDE5.

Results

Rg1 (10 mg/kg) significantly increased mounting and pelvic thrusting frequency and numbers of intromission of male mice from d16 to d20. Rg1 increased serum testosterone concentration, enhanced NO release, and cGMP accumulation in corpus cavernosum both in vivo and in vitro. The IC50 of sildenafil and Rg1 for PDE5 were 4.24 ± 0.78 and 12.47 ± 2.31 nmol/L.

Conclusions

Ginsenoside Rg1 improved copulatory behavior of male mice and this may attribute to its actions at both testosterone level and signal transduction pathway in corpus cavernosum. NO/cGMP pathway appeared to play a key role in mediating the effect of Rg1 on male sexual function. These experimental data provide evidence that Rg1 could be a promising new drug for erectile dysfunction and low libido.
Are Sadomasochism and Hypersexuality in Autism Linked to Amygdalohippocampal Lesion?
Authors: Müller Jürgen L.
Published: September 2009

Introduction

Pathologies of the amygdala and the hippocampus have been argued to be critically involved in autism as well as in sadomasochism. In line with Kluver and Bucy syndrome, clinical observations, animal models and a few case reports emphasize that temporal brain changes are important for the etiopathogenesis of sexual deviant behaviour. In particular, the amygdalohippocampal region has been linked to hypersexuality, transvestitism and fetishism. While cases and studies are rare, the impact of amygdalohippocampal changes in criminal behaviour remains unclear so far.

Aim

To demonstrate the impact of subcortical neurobiological changes in the etiopathogenesis of autism and sadomasochism.

Methods

We report on a forensic psychiatric inpatient due to murderer with autism and sadomasochism who had amgdalohippocampal abnormalities bilaterally. Studies on the neurobiological underpinnings of autism and of sadomasochism are reviewed in particular regarding amygdalohippocampal region.

Results

In this patient, MRI scan showed hypointensities in amygdala-hippocampal complex bilaterally medial to both cornua inferiores corresponding to an amygdalo-hippocampal atrophy.

Conclusions

In line with the literature, this case report links autism and sadomasochism to amygdalohippocampal pathology emphasising its impact in the etiopathogenesis of both disorders. Further research is needed to elucidate the interaction of amygdalohippocampal changes, disturbed emotion precessing and sex offenses.
Factors Affecting Self-Reported Sexuality in Men with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Stannek Tobias , Hürny Christoph , Schoch Otto D. , Bucher Thomas , Münzer Thomas
Published: September 2009

Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is known to induce erectile dysfunction and to reduce overall sexual satisfaction in affected men. Data on the effects of disease severity and other contributing factors such as the age of the patient are missing.

Aim

To compare self-reported sexuality in men with newly diagnosed sleep apnea with a group of disease-free men, and to evaluate the impact of disease severity and age on the response pattern.

Main Outcome Measures

Self-reported erectile function, desire, and frequencies for petting, tenderness, masturbation, sexual intercourse, and overall satisfaction with sexuality over a recall period of 3 months.

Methods

A prospective survey in men admitted to a multidisciplinary sleep center using a standardized validated German questionnaire.

Results

One hundred-sixteen men 51.1 ± 11.4 years (mean ± standard deviation) with OSAS (OSAS+) and 42 men age 46.6 ± 13.7 years without OSAS (OSAS−) completed the survey. OSAS+ men were older (P = 0.01) and more often divorced (P = 0.048). OSAS was significantly associated with erection problems (P = 0.024) and decreased overall sexual satisfaction (P = 0.04). In contrast disease severity did affect masturbation frequency only (P = 0.02), whereas patient age affected erection (P = 0.001), and the desire for tenderness (P = 0.02) and intercourse (P = 0.0003).

Conclusion

Patient age might be a more important factor affecting sexuality in men with sleep apnea than the disease severity. Future studies assessing sexuality in men with OSAS should include age as an additional variable.
Correlates of Sexuality in Men and Women Aged 52–90 Years Attending a University Medical Health Service in Colombia
Authors: Arias-Castillo Liliana , Ceballos-Osorio Janeth , Ochoa Jhon Jair , Reyes-Ortiz Carlos A.
Published: September 2009

Introduction

Limited information is available regarding sexuality among Colombian adults aged 50 years and older.

Aim

To assess demographic or health characteristics associated with sexuality measures among middle- and older-aged men and women.

Methods

Cross-sectional face-to-face interviews were conducted with retired persons from a university ambulatory medical care setting. Data on sexuality were obtained along with data on their demographic, emotional intimacy, practice of religion, medical conditions, and functional health measures. There were 136 participants.

Main Outcome Measures

Appropriateness of sex, sexual desire, importance of sex, masturbation, and sexual intercourse.

Results

Fifty-seven percent of the participants were over 65 years of age, 52% were female, and 66% reported being married; 67% indicated sex is appropriate, 58% reported having sexual desire, 45% considered sex very important in their lives, 54% reported one or more instances of sexual intercourse, and 16% reported masturbating within the last year. In multivariate analyses, importance of sex and sexual intercourse decreased by age. Women had decreased odds ratios (0.20 to 0.33) for sexuality measures compared with men with the exception of appropriateness of sex. Married persons had increased odds ratios (3.06 to 9.45) for importance of sex, appropriateness of sex, and sexual intercourse compared with those of the same age who reported being unmarried. Other factors associated with some particular sexuality measures were emotional intimacy, religious practice, medical conditions, and functional health measures. There were significant mediation effects for appropriateness of sex on the relationship between sexual desire and sexual intercourse, and for importance of sex on the relationship between appropriateness of sex and sexual intercourse.

Conclusions

Men and married persons had higher rates of most sexuality measures compared with women or their unmarried counterparts. These differences were greater at older ages (≥65) for all sexuality measures except sexual intercourse.
Sexual Motivation in Women as a Function of Age
Authors: Meston Cindy M. , Hamilton Lisa Dawn , Harte Christopher B.
Published: September 2009

Introduction

Women’s motivations to engage in sex are likely influenced by their past sexual experiences, the type of relationship in which they are involved in, and numerous lifestyle factors such as career and family demands. The influences of these factors undoubtedly change as women age.

Aim

This study aimed to examine potential differences in sexual motivation between three distinct age groups of premenopausal women.

Methods

Women aged 18–22 years (N = 137), 23–30 years (N = 103), and 31–45 years (N = 87) completed an online survey that assessed the proportion with which they had engaged in sexual intercourse for each of 140 distinct reasons.

Main Outcome Measures

The YSEX? Questionnaire by Meston and Buss [1] was used to measure sexual motivation. The items of this questionnaire were composed of four primary sexual motivation factors (physical, goal attainment, emotional, insecurity), and 13 subfactors.

Results

Women aged 31–45 years reported a higher proportion of engaging in sex compared with one or both of the younger age groups of women for nine of the 13 YSEX? subfactors: stress reduction, physical desirability, experience seeking, resources, social status, revenge, expression, self-esteem boost, and mate guarding. At an item level, the top 25 reasons for having sex were virtually identical across age groups.

Conclusion

Women aged 31–45 have more motives for engaging in sex than do women aged 18–30, but the primary reasons for engaging in sex do not differ within this age range. Women aged 18–45 have sex primarily for pleasure, and love and commitment. The implications for diagnosis and treatment of women with sexual dysfunctions were discussed.
Musculoskeletal Pain and Sexual Function in Women
Authors: Rosenbaum Talli Yehuda
Published: September 2009

Introduction

Sexual pain disorders refer to conditions of genital pain that interfere with intercourse. They often have a musculoskeletal component related to the pelvic floor and are included in the DSM-IV as sexual dysfunctions. Musculoskeletal pain (MP) that is not essentially genitally based often interferes with sex as well yet is not considered a distinct sexual dysfunction. MP is generally addressed by physiatrists, orthopedists, and rheumatologists who are not traditionally trained in sexual medicine, and therefore, the sexual concerns of women with MP often go unaddressed.

Aim

The purposes of this review article were to describe how MP is perceived in the literature as affecting sexual function, illustrate how specific MP conditions prevalent in women may affect sexual function, and offer recommendations for clinical practice.

Methods

PubMed and Medline searches were performed using the keywords “musculoskeletal pain and sex,”“lower back pain and sex,”“arthritis and sex,” and “fibromyalgia and sex”.

Main Outcome Measure

Review of the peer-reviewed literature.

Results

Most studies cite fatigue, medication, and relationship adjustment as affecting sexuality much as chronic illness does. While musculoskeletal contributors to genital sexual response and pain are considered relevant to sexual function, little is understood about how MP syndromes specifically affect sexual activity.

Conclusion

Lack of mobility and MP can restrict intercourse and limit sexual activity, and gender differences are noted in response to pain. Sexual and relationship counseling should be offered as a component of rehabilitative treatment. Physical therapists are uniquely qualified to provide treatment to address functional activities of daily living, including sexual intercourse, and offer advice for modifications in positioning.
Composition and Dynamics of Functional Groups of Trees During Tropical Forest Succession in Northeastern Costa Rica
Authors: Chazdon Robin L. , Finegan Bryan , Capers Robert S. , Salgado‐Negret Beatriz , Casanoves Fernando , Boukili Vanessa , Norden Natalia
Published: September 2009

We compared the functional type composition of trees ≥10 cm dbh in eight secondary forest monitoring plots with logged and unlogged mature forest plots in lowland wet forests of Northeastern Costa Rica. Five plant functional types were delimited based on diameter growth rates and canopy height of 293 tree species. Mature forests had significantly higher relative abundance of understory trees and slow‐growing canopy/emergent trees, but lower relative abundance of fast‐growing canopy/emergent trees than secondary forests. Fast‐growing subcanopy and canopy trees reached peak densities early in succession. Density of fast‐growing canopy/emergent trees increased during the first 20 yr of succession, whereas basal area continued to increase beyond 40 yr. We also assigned canopy tree species to one of three colonization groups, based on the presence of seedlings, saplings, and trees in four secondary forest plots. Among 93 species evaluated, 68 percent were classified as regenerating pioneers (both trees and regeneration present), whereas only 6 percent were classified as nonregenerating pioneers (trees only) and 26 percent as forest colonizers (regeneration only). Slow‐growing trees composed 72 percent of the seedling and sapling regeneration for forest colonizers, whereas fast‐growing trees composed 63 percent of the seedlings and saplings of regenerating pioneers. Tree stature and growth rates capture much of the functional variation that appears to drive successional dynamics. Results further suggest strong linkages between functional types defined based on adult height and growth rates of large trees and abundance of seedling and sapling regeneration during secondary succession.
The Importance of Defining ‘Forest’: Tropical Forest Degradation, Deforestation, Long‐term Phase Shifts, and Further Transitions
Authors: Putz Francis E. , Redford Kent H.
Published: September 2009

While research continues on the causes, consequences, and rates of deforestation and forest degradation in the tropics, there is little agreement about what exactly is being lost, what we want back, and to whom the ‘we’ refers. Particularly unsettling is that many analyses and well‐intended actions are implemented in fogs of ambiguity surrounding definitions of the term ‘forest’—a problem that is not solely semantic; with development of markets for biomass carbon, vegetation classification exercises take on new relevance. For example, according to the basic implementation guidelines of the Kyoto Protocol, closed canopy natural forest could be replaced by monoclonal plantations of genetically engineered exotic tree species and no deforestation would have occurred. Following these same guidelines, carbon credits for afforestation could be available for planting trees in species‐rich savannas; these new plantations would count towards a country moving towards the ‘forest transition,’ the point at which there is no net ‘forest’ loss. Such obvious conflicts between biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration might be avoided if ‘forest’ was clearly defined and if other vegetation types and other ecosystem values were explicitly recognized. While acknowledging that no one approach to vegetation classification is likely to satisfy all users at all scales, we present an approach that recognizes the importance of species composition, reflects the utility of land‐cover characteristics that are identifiable via remote sensing, and acknowledges that many sorts of forest degradation do not reduce carbon stocks (e.g., defaunation) or canopy cover (e.g., over‐harvesting of understory nontimber forest products).
Tidal imprints of a dark subhalo on the outskirts of the Milky Way
Authors: Chakrabarti Sukanya , Blitz Leo
Published: September 2009

We present a new analysis of the observed perturbations of the H i disc of the Milky Way to infer the existence of a dark subhalo that tidally interacted with the Milky Way disc. We examine tidal interactions between perturbing dark subhaloes and the gas disc of the Milky Way using high-resolution Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics simulations. We compare our results to the observed H i map of the Milky Way to find that the Fourier amplitudes of the planar disturbances are best fit by a perturbing dark subhalo with a mass that is one-hundredth of the Milky Way with a pericentric distance of 5 kpc. This best fit to the Fourier modes occurs about a dynamical time after pericentric approach, when the perturber is 90 kpc from the Galactic Centre. Our analysis here represents a new method to indirectly characterize dark subhaloes from the tidal gravitational imprints they leave on the gaseous discs of galaxies. We also elucidate a fundamental property of parabolic orbits. We show that under certain conditions, one can break the degeneracy between the mass of the perturber and the pericentric distance in the evaluation of the tidal force – to directly determine the mass of the dark perturber that produced the observed disturbances.
The Human Cancer Antigen Mesothelin Is More Efficiently Presented to the Mouse Immune System when Targeted to the DEC‐205/CD205 Receptor on Dendritic Cells
Authors: Wang Bei , Kuroiwa Janelle M.Y. , He Li‐Zhen , Charalambous Anna , Keler Tibor , Steinman Ralph M.
Published: September 2009

To develop a tumor vaccine directly targeting tumor antigen to dendritic cells in situ, we engineered human mesothelin (MSLN) into an antibody specific for mouse DEC‐205, a receptor for antigen presentation. We then characterized both T cell and humoral responses to human MSLN and compared immunizing efficacy of DEC‐205‐targeted MSLN to nontargeted protein after a single‐dose immunization. Targeting human MSLN to DEC‐205 receptor induced stronger CD4+ T‐cell responses compared to high doses of mesothelin protein. Approximately 0.5% CD4+ T cells were primed to produce IFN‐γ, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and IL‐2 via intracellular cytokine staining, and the T cells also could proliferate rapidly. The immune response exhibited breadth because the primed CD4+ T cells responded to at least three epitopes in the H‐2b background. Targeting MSLN protein to DEC‐205 receptor also resulted in cross‐presentation to CD8+ T cells. Antibody responses against human MSLN were also detected in serum from primed mice by ELISA assays. In summary, targeting of MSLN to DEC‐205 improves the induction of CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell immunity accompanied by an antibody response. DEC‐205‐targeting could be valuable for enhancing immunity to MSLN in cancers where this nonmutated protein is expressed.
Combining Conventional Therapies with Intratumoral Injection of Autologous Dendritic Cells and Activated T Cells to Treat Patients with Advanced Cancers
Authors: Mann Dean L. , Celluzzi Christina M. , Hankey Kim G. , Harris Kristina M. , Watanabe Ryuko , Hasumi Kenichiro
Published: September 2009

Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen‐presenting cells that have been used in cancer immunotherapy. To take advantage of the ability of DCs to acquire antigenic materials from their environment and generate primary as well as recall immune responses, 37 patients with advanced cancers were enrolled in a series of protocols based on direct intratumoral injection of immature DCs. To augment antigen uptake and antitumor immune response, DC injection was combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy and/or injection of activated T cells. Treatments were well tolerated with no adverse reactions. Clinical responses were based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, with the majority of patients showing stable disease. One of two patients who also received local radiation achieved a sustained complete response at injected and metastatic sites. The clinical responses observed in cancer patients with advanced disease suggest potential effectiveness of combination strategies and establish the basis for the current treatment protocol that is underway.
Clinical Use of Anti‐CD25 Antibody Daclizumab to Enhance Immune Responses to Tumor Antigen Vaccination by Targeting Regulatory T cells
Authors: Rech Andrew J. , Vonderheide Robert H.
Published: September 2009

CD4+ regulatory T cells frustrate productive tumor immune surveillance and represent an obstacle for cancer immunotherapy. In mice, anti‐CD25 antibody is an effective method of depleting CD25+ FOXP3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) in vivo and enhancing cancer immunity. Here, we propose the use of the anti‐CD25 monoclonal antibody daclizumab for the depletion of Tregs in cancer patients. In early results from an ongoing clinical trial, a single intravenous infusion of daclizumab in patients with metastatic breast cancer is associated with a marked and prolonged elimination of CD25+ FOXP3+ Tregs in peripheral blood. When a cancer antigen peptide vaccine is administered during the daclizumab‐induced Treg nadir, effective generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes has been observed, including those specific for neo‐antigens, such as cytomegalovirus peptide used as an immunological control. If confirmed in additional patients, these observations suggest that daclizumab may be an effective and available therapeutic agent for Treg modulation in patients with cancer.
Molecular and Cell Biology of the Prototypic Arenavirus LCMV: Implications for Understanding and Combating Hemorrhagic Fever Arenaviruses
Authors: de la Torre Juan C.
Published: September 2009

Arenaviruses merit interest as experimental model systems to study virus–host interactions and as clinically important human pathogens. Several arenaviruses, chiefly Lassa virus (LASV), cause hemorrhagic fever (HF) in humans. In addition, evidence indicates that the worldwide‐distributed prototypic arenavirus lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a neglected human pathogen. Moreover, arenaviruses pose a biodefense threat. No licensed arenavirus vaccines are available, and current therapy is limited to the use of ribavirin, which is only partially effective and associated with significant side effects. The development of arenavirus reverse genetics systems has made it possible to manipulate the arenavirus genome, which is contributing to significant progress in understanding arenavirus molecular and cell biology, as well as arenavirus–host interactions underlying arenavirus‐induced HF disease in humans. This, in turn, should facilitate the development of novel both vaccines and antiviral drugs to combat the dual threats of naturally occurring and intentionally introduced arenavirus infections.
Dual Functions of Rift Valley Fever Virus NSs Protein: Inhibition of Host mRNA Transcription and Post‐transcriptional Downregulation of Protein Kinase PKR
Authors: Ikegami Tetsuro , Narayanan Krishna , Won Sungyong , Kamitani Wataru , Peters C.J. , Makino Shinji
Published: September 2009

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), which belongs to the genus Phlebovirus, family Bunyaviridae, is a negative‐stranded RNA virus carrying a single‐stranded, tripartite RNA genome. RVFV is an important zoonotic pathogen transmitted by mosquitoes and causes large outbreaks among ruminants and humans in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Human patients develop an acute febrile illness, followed by a fatal hemorrhagic fever, encephalitis, or ocular diseases. A viral nonstructural protein, NSs, is a major viral virulence factor. Past studies showed that NSs suppresses the transcription of host mRNAs, including interferon‐β mRNAs. Here we demonstrated that the NSs protein induced post‐transcriptional downregulation of dsRNA‐dependent protein kinase (PKR), to prevent phosphorylation of eIF2α and promoted viral translation in infected cells. These two biological activities of the NSs most probably have a synergistic effect in suppressing host innate immune functions and facilitate efficient viral replication in infected mammalian hosts.
Citizenship Narratives in the Absence of Good Governance: Voices of the Working Poor in Bangladesh
Authors: Kabeer Naila , Kabir Ariful Haq
Published: September 2009

The complex nature of the challenge posed by state–society relations to the realisation of citizenship rights in the poorer countries of the world reflects the incapacity or unwillingness on the part of the state to guarantee basic security of life and livelihoods to its citizens and its proneness to capture by powerful elites that perpetuate this state of affairs. Consequently, access to resources continue to be defined by position within an unequal social order that is largely constituted by the ascribed relationships of family, kinship, caste and so on. These relationships pervade all spheres of society, rendering irrelevant the idea of an impersonal public sphere which individuals enter as bearers of rights, equal in the eyes of the law. Indeed, given their reliance on patron client relations for their basic survival and security, the idea of individual rights is unlikely to have much meaning or relevance in the lives of most poor people.

This paper explores the hypothesis that the possibility of belonging to alternative associations whose membership is not ‘given’ by position in the social order holds out the greatest promise for democratising the social order. Bangladesh offers an interesting context in which to explore this hypothesis because while it embodies most the problems of bad governance outlined above, it also has a large number of civil society organisations, many of whom work primarily with the poorer sections of society. The research focused on the working poor who are most likely to belong to these associations. Analysis of their narratives about their lives and livelihood and their views about rights and social justice suggests, not surprisingly, that there is nothing inherently democratic about civil society organisations in Bangladesh, even those ostensibly oriented to the interests of poor people. What appeared to explain the extent to which organisations were able to achieve democratic outcomes appeared to depend, first of all, on the extent of their commitment to the promotion of citizenship rights among poor people and secondly, on the extent to which they were able to carry out their commitments without interference from the state. In the context of Bangladesh, the state appeared to be far more pro‐poor in rural than in urban areas.
Characterizations of Ga-doped ZnO films on Si (111) prepared by atmospheric pressure metal-organic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Huang Yen-Chin , Li Zhen-Yu , Weng Li-Wei , Uen Wu-Yih , Lan Shan-Ming , Liao Sen-Mao , Lin Tai-Yuan , Huang Yu-Hsiang , Chen Jian-Wen , Yang Tsun-Neng , Chiang Chin-Chen
Published: September 2009

Gallium-doped ZnO films were grown on p-Si(111) substrates by atmospheric pressure metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (AP-MOCVD) using diethylzinc and water as reactant gases and triethyl gallium (TEG) as a n-type dopant gas. The structural, electrical, and optical properties of ZnO:Ga films obtained by varying the flow rate of TEG from 0.56to3.35μmol∕min were examined. X-ray diffraction patterns and scanning electron microscopy images indicated that Ga doping plays a role in forming microstructures in ZnO films. A flat surface with a predominant orientation (101) was obtained for the ZnO:Ga film fabricated at a flow rate of TEG=2.79μmol∕min. This film also revealed a lowest resistivity of 4.54×10−4Ωcm, as measured using the van der Pauw method. Moreover, low temperature photoluminescence (PL) emission recorded at 12K demonstrated the Burstein Moss shift of PL line from 3.365to3.403eV and a line broadening from 100to165meV as the TEG flow rate varied from 0.56to2.79μmol∕min. This blueshift behavior of PL spectra from ZnO:Ga films features the degeneracy of semiconductor, which helps to recognize the enhancing of transparency and conductivity of ZnO films fabricated by AP-MOCVD using Ga-doping technique.
Effects of Si capping layers on the properties of ultrathin Co/Ir(111) films
Authors: Tsay J. S. , Liou Y. C. , Chen C. M. , Chan W. Y.
Published: September 2009

Surface compositions and annealing effects for ultrathin Co/Ir(111) films influenced by Si capping layers have been investigated. On the surface of Co/Ir(111) films, Si adatoms are chemically active in the formation of Co–Si interfaces. Low-energy electron diffraction observations reveal that Si–Co interfaces is disordered in the long range. From sputtering profiling measurements, alloy formations occur at the interfacial layers, while pure cobalt remains on the Ir(111). After depositing submonolayer silicon on Co/Ir(111), the relative easy axis of magnetization in the polar geometry is mainly attributed to the positive interface anisotropy of the Co/Ir interface. The formation of nonmagnetic Co–Si compounds plays a dominant role in reducing the effectiveness of magnetic layers. Below 500 K, the interdiffusion of Si into the underlying Co layer occurs. Further interaction of Si atoms with Co layers and interdiffusion at the Co–Ir interface are observed at higher temperatures. This causes no detectable magnetic hysteresis after annealing up to 800 K.
Kinetic modeling of the effect of electron beam pulse duration on abatement of carbon tetrafluoride using O2 as an additive gas
Authors: Kato Susumu , Okuda Isao , Takahashi Eiichi , Matsumoto Yuji
Published: September 2009

The abatement mechanism of carbon tetrafluoride (CF4) in atmospheric-pressured argon using O2 as an additive gas under electron beam irradiation and the effect of the pulse duration of electron beams on the abatement were studied by using a kinetic model. About 99% of 1000 ppm CF4 is abated for pulse duration from 0.1 to 10 μs and an input energy density of 0.85 J/cm3. The abatement of CF4 decreases to about 70% when the pulse duration becomes longer than 10 ms. This is because the decomposition of CF4 and other products by reaction with activated species and the composition of products by chemical reactions coexist.
The thermal regime of intertidal permafrost, George River estuary, Ungava Bay, Quebec
Authors: Allard Michel , Fortier Richard , Seguin Maurice K.
Published: September 2009

Permafrost in tidal-marsh sediments was studied along the estuary of George River, Ungava Bay, northern Quebec. In this macrotidal environment, wide tidal flats and marshes lie in bays along the shoreline. Discontinuous permafrost bodies occur in the silty sediments underlying the marshes in the upper part of the intertidal zone, where submersions by large tides and storm surges are rare and where the icefoot freezes to the ground in winter. The permafrost is about 5 m thick, saline, and ice poor. According to logged thermal data, a freezing-point depression of 0.9 °C is estimated for the intertidal sediments. Tidal submersions during the ice-free season have a transient warming effect on the soil profile due to water percolation in the active layer and delay freeze back at the beginning of winter. Observations in shallow drill holes and along a thermistor cable indicate that the intertidal permafrost degraded at the Kangiqsualujjuaq observation site from 1984 to 1987. From 1987 to 1990, observations and logged data clearly show aggradation and cooling of the permafrost. Those changes in ground thermal regime are the result of recent climatic variations.
U–Pb ages of single zircons within "Upernavik" metasedimentary rocks and regional implications for the tectonic evolution of the Archaean Nain Province, Labrador
Authors: Schiøtte L. , Nutman A. P. , Bridgwater D.
Published: September 2009

Detrital zircons and their postdepositional overgrowths from three units of the "Upernavik" supracrustal association in the northern (Saglek) block of the Archaean Nain Province have been dated with the ion microprobe SHRIMP. In one unit, from the granulite-facies area in inner Saglek Fiord, the zircon population is dominated by early Archaean grains thought to be derived from the Uivak gneisses. Recrystallization and growth of new zircon within this metasediment took place during granulite-facies metamorphism at 2761 ± 12 Ma (2σ), which is also a younger limit on the age of deposition.In a second unit, from the amphibolite-facies area in outer Saglek Fiord, detrital zircons have predominantly mid- and late Archaean ages. The mid-Archaean zircons are comparable in age to the 3235 Ma Lister gneisses. The ages of the late Archaean detrital zircons (2800–2960 Ma) do not correspond to any known rock complex in the Saglek block, but plutonic rocks associated or correlative with the ca. 2840 Ma Kanairiktok Plutonic Suite of the southern (Hopedale) block are a possible source for many of the grains. Overgrowths were dated at 2690–2730 Ma in this sample.A third metasedimentary unit from the Okak Bay area, 100 km south of Saglek Fiord, also contains detrital zircons with ages comparable to that of the Lister gneisses (3235 Ma). The age of recrystallization and zircon overgrowths was dated at ca. 2560 Ma in this sample. A single grain dated at ca. 2780 Ma is considered most likely to be detrital, which would imply an age of deposition between ca. 2780 and 2560 Ma for this unit.The results show that although late Archaean depositional ages are possible for all three units, the "Upernavik" supracrustal association is composite and sediments in different units have widely different sources and metamorphic histories. These conclusions support a new model for the Nain Province according to which separate terranes were tectonically juxtaposed in the late Archaean. In this model, the age of plutonic and supracrustal rocks and their metamorphic histories prior to juxtaposition differ from one terrane to another.
The structure of Archean–Ketilidian crust along the continental shelf of southwestern Greenland from a seismic refraction profile
Authors: Chian Deping , Louden Keith
Published: September 2009

The velocity structure of the continental crust on the outer shelf of southwestern Greenland is determined from dense wide-angle reflection–refraction data obtained with large air-gun sources and ocean bottom seismometers along a 230 km seismic line. This line crosses the geological boundary between the Archean block and the Ketilidian mobile belt. Although the data have high noise levels, P- and S-wave arrivals from within the upper, intermediate, and lower crust, and at the Moho boundary, can be consistently identified and correlated with one-dimensional WKBJ synthetic seismograms. In the Archean, P- and S-wave velocities in the upper crust are 6.0 and 3.4 km/s, while in the intermediate crust they are 6.4 and 3.6 km/s. These velocities match for the upper crust a quartz–feldspar gneiss composition and for the intermediate crust an amphibolitized pyroxene granulite. In the Ketilidian mobile belt, P- and S-wave velocities are 5.6 and 3.3 km/s for the upper crust and 6.3 and 3.6 km/s for the intermediate crust. These velocities may represent quartz granite in the upper crust and granite and granitic gneiss in the intermediate crust. The upper crust is ~5 km thick in the Archean block and the Ketilidian mobile belt, and thickens to ~9 km in the southern part of the Archean. This velocity structure supports a Precambrian collisional mechanism between the Archean block and Ketilidian mobile belt. The lower crust has a small vertical velocity gradient from 6.6 km/s at 15 km depth to 6.9 km/s at 30 km depth (Moho) along the refraction line, with a nearly constant S-wave velocity around 3.8 km/s. These velocities likely represent a gabbroic and hornblende granulite composition for the lower crust. This typical (but somewhat thin) Precambrian crustal velocity structure in southwestern Greenland shows no evidence for a high-velocity, lower crustal, underplated layer caused by the Mesozoic opening of the Labrador Sea.
Late Carboniferous and Early Permian drainage patterns in Atlantic Canada
Authors: Gibling Martin R. , Calder John H. , Ryan Robert , Poll H. Walter van de , Yeo Gary M.
Published: September 2009

Paleoflow data have been compiled for Late Carboniferous (late Westphalian A) to Early Permian alluvial deposits over a large area of Atlantic Canada. The data, which include more than 36 000 measurements of large-scale trough cross-strata, indicate a predominantly northeasterly paleoflow, and suggest that a major source area lay to the southwest of the region throughout the 30 Ma period represented. Uplands within the basin deflected paleoflow and probably formed important local drainage and sediment sources. Tectonostratigraphic analysis suggests that the drainage originated in the fold-and-thrust belt of the central Appalachians and parts of the northern Appalachians. Rivers probably followed northeast-oriented structural lineaments through the older Acadian mountains of the northern Appalachians. A considerable proportion of the rising orogen's drainage, and probably detritus, may have traversed basins along the strike of the mountain belt, a situation analogous to that of the modern Himalayas.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF BULK METALLIC GLASSES AT CRYOGENIC TEMPERATURES
Authors: FAN CANG , LIU C. T. , YAN H. G.
Published: September 2009

Metallic glasses (amorphous alloys) consist of atomic clusters, interconnecting zones and free volume. The atomic clusters are connected together, resulting in the formation of a rigid skeleton through the interconnecting zones. Some metallic glasses even contain crystalline structures at the nanoscale. Even though there is supposed to be no structural change at temperatures below the glass transition temperature, metallic glasses exhibit different mechanical behaviors at cryogenic temperatures. Contrary to crystalline materials, the strength and ductility of some metallic glasses and their composites both show a significant increase with decreasing temperature in the cryogenic temperature range. This paper briefly reviews these phenomena.
HIGH YIELD NANOPARTICLES SYNTHESIS OF EUROPIUM-DOPED YTTRIUM OXIDE RED-PHOSPHOR USING AN ORGANIC COMPOUND
Authors: PARK WOO JUNG , MASAKI TAKAKI , YOON DAE HO
Published: September 2009

This paper reports an approach for enhancing the luminescent properties of Y2O3:Eu3+ nanophosphors with cellulose, using a liquid phase precursor (LPP) process. The nanosized [Formula: see text] particles showed a powder X-ray diffraction pattern, corresponding to the reference, and were highly crystalline. The grain sizes of the samples synthesized at 600°C for 1 h were estimated to be approximately 19 nm. The particle sizes of the samples increased with increasing synthesis temperature and the morphology was cleaned and without impurities. In addition, all the samples had a smaller particle size than that of the commercial product. The PL spectrum consisted of weak bands at 581, 587, 593, and 599 nm, corresponding to the 5 D 0 → 7 F 1 transition, and sharp peaks with a maximum intensity occurring at approximately 610 nm, due to the 5 D 0 → 7 F 2 transition of Eu 3+. These results suggest that Y 2 O 3: Eu 3+ is a promising alternative red-emitting phosphor for high efficiency resolution display applications.
ARTIFICIALLY DESIGNED DNA NANOSTRUCTURES
Authors: AMIN RASHID , KIM SOYEON , PARK SUNG HA , LABEAN THOMAS HENRY
Published: September 2009

In the field of structural DNA nanotechnology, researchers create artificial DNA sequences to self-assemble into target molecular superstructures and nanostructures. The well-understood Watson–Crick base-pairing rules are used to encode assembly instructions directly into the DNA molecules. A wide variety of complex nanostructures has been created using this method. DNA directed self-assembly is now being adapted for use in the nanofabrication of functional structures for use in electronics, photonics, and medical applications.
Dichorionic Diamniotic Twin Pregnancy Discordant for Bladder Exstrophy
Authors: Tu William , Chueh Jane , Kennedy William
Published: September 2009

A 38 year-old woman presented with a dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy at gestational age of 32 weeks concerning for an abdominal wall mass in one of the twins. Initial ultrasound evaluation was suspicious for an omphalocele, but the affected twin was found to have bladder exstrophy at birth. This illustrates the difficulties of accurate prenatal diagnosis of bladder exstrophy in a twin pregnancy at a late gestation.
Nanostructure‐Enhanced Surface Acoustic Waves Biosensor and Its Computational Modeling
Authors: Zhang Guigen
Published: September 2009

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices are considered to be very promising in providing a high‐performance sensing platform with wireless and remote operational capabilities. In this review, the basic principles of SAW devices and Love‐mode SAW‐based biosensors are discussed first to illustrate the need for surface enhancement for the active area of a SAW sensor. Then some of the recent efforts made to incorporate nanostructures into SAW sensors are summarized. After that, a computational approach to elucidate the underlying mechanism for the operations of a Love‐mode SAW biosensor with nanostructured active surface is discussed. Finally, a modeling example for a Love‐mode SAW sensor with skyscraper nanopillars added to in its active surface along with some selected results is presented.
Infant Sleeping Environment in South-Eastern Nigeria (Sleeping Place and Sleeping Position): A Preliminary Survey
Authors: Ibeziako Ngozi S. , Ibekwe Roland Chidi , Ibe Bede C.
Published: September 2009

Objective. To determine infant sleeping position/place and the factors associated with them in South-eastern Nigeria.Methods. this is a cross-sectional study on infant sleeping environment. Subjects were the mother/ infant pairs that attended the well baby clinics at the Institute of Child Health of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu (ICH-UNTH), Mother of Christ Specialist Hospital (MCSH), Enugu and the Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital (EBSUTH), Abakaliki.Results. Lying on the side was the most common (51.1%) and the least stable sleeping position. Only 36.6% of infants who slept in that position were likely to be found in the same position the following morning; lying supine was the most stable (74.1%). The difference in stability of sleeping positions was statistically significant (). Twenty six point seven percent of the mothers routinely lay their infants in prone position. On logistic regression, maternal parity was the only factor that was predictive of nonprone sleeping position (). Bed sharing, though common (66.9%), was more among the experienced () and less educated mothers ().Conclusion. There is a high level of prone sleeping position and bed sharing among infants in this study site. The potential consequences of these are unclear. There is therefore a need to conduct local studies to clarify its implication.
Feedback Control Variables Have No Influence on the Permanence of a Discrete N‐Species Cooperation System
Authors: Chen Liujuan , Xie Xiangdong , Chen Lijuan
Published: September 2009

A new set of
sufficient conditions for the permanence of a
discrete N‐species
cooperation system with delays and feedback controls are obtained.
Our result shows that feedback control variables have no influence
on the persistent property of the discrete cooperative system,
thus improves and supplements the main result of F. D. Chen (2007).
On the Existence and Uniqueness of the Maximum Likelihood Estimators of Normal and Lognormal Population Parameters with Grouped Data
Authors: Xia Jin , Mi Jie , Zhou YanYan
Published: September 2009

Lognormal distribution has abundant applications in various fields. In literature,
most inferences on the two parameters of the lognormal distribution are
based on Type‐I censored sample data. However, exact measurements are not always
attainable especially when the observation is below or above the detection
limits, and only the numbers of measurements falling into predetermined intervals
can be recorded instead. This is the so‐called grouped data. In this paper, we will
show the existence and uniqueness of the maximum likelihood estimators of the two
parameters of the underlying lognormal distribution with Type‐I censored data and
grouped data. The proof was first established under the case of normal distribution
and extended to the lognormal distribution through invariance property. The
results are applied to estimate the median and mean of the lognormal population.
A Neuro-Fuzzy Controller for Collaborative Applications in Robotics Using LabVIEW
Authors: Ponce Hiram E. , Araiza Dejanira , Ponce Pedro
Published: September 2009

A neuro-fuzzy controller was designed and implemented using LabVIEW over a mobile robotic platform. The controller is based on fuzzy clusters, neural networks, and search techniques. Also, wireless communication with Bluetooth protocol was used to communicate the robot with the controller running in LabVIEW, allowing a simple collaborative task that consisted in pick and place objects, through knowing the position of the robot and measuring the distance to the objects. The neuro-fuzzy controller was split in two parts: the position controller and the evasion controller against collisions.
Differential Proteome Analysis of the Preeclamptic Placenta Using Optimized Protein Extraction
Authors: Centlow Magnus , Hansson Stefan R. , Welinder Charlotte
Published: September 2009

The human placenta is a difficult tissue to work with using proteomic technology since it contains large amounts of lipids and glycogen. Both lipids and glycogen are known to interfere with the first step in the two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE), the isoelectric focusing. In order to gain the best possible protein separation on 2D-PAGE, an optimized sample preparation protocol for placental proteins was developed. Two different buffers, urea/CHAPS and Hepes, were used for solubilization in combination with six different precipitation methods. The removal of glycogen from the samples by centrifugation was crucial for the final proteome maps. Solubilization with urea/CHAPS in combination with dichloromethane/methanol or acidified acetone proved to be the best precipitation procedures. When applied to clinical placenta samples apolipoprotein A1 was found to be accumulated in the preeclamptic placenta, where it may either have a nutritional effect or act as a modifier of signal transduction.
Retrograde Ascending Aortic Dissection During or After Thoracic Aortic Stent Graft Placement
Authors: Eggebrecht Holger , Thompson Matt , Rousseau Hervé , Czerny Martin , Lönn Lars , Mehta Rajendra H. , Erbel Raimund
Published: September 2009

Background—

Single-center reports have identified retrograde ascending aortic dissection (rAAD) as a potentially lethal complication of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR).

Methods and Results—

Between 1995 and 2008, 28 centers participating in the European Registry on Endovascular Aortic Repair Complications reported a total of 63 rAAD cases (incidence, 1.33%; 95% CI, 0.75 to 2.40). Eighty-one percent of patients underwent TEVAR for acute (n=26, 54%) or chronic type B dissection (n=13, 27%). Stent grafts with proximal bare springs were used in majority of patients (83%). Only 7 (15%) patients had intraoperative rAAD, with the remaining occurring during the index hospitalization (n=10, 21%) and during follow-up (n=31, 64%). Presenting symptoms included acute chest pain (n=16, 33%), syncope (n=12, 25%), and sudden death (n=9, 19%) whereas one fourth of patients were asymptomatic (n=12, 25%). Most patients underwent emergency (n=25) or elective (n=5) surgical repair. Outcome was fatal in 20 of 48 patients (42%). Causes of rAAD included the stent graft itself (60%), manipulation of guide wires/sheaths (15%), and progression of underlying aortic disease (15%).

Conclusions—

The incidence of rAAD was low (1.33%) in the present analysis with high mortality (42%). Patients undergoing TEVAR for type B dissection appeared to be most prone for the occurrence of rAAD. This complication occurred not only during the index hospitalization but after discharge up to 1050 days after TEVAR. Importantly, the majority of rAAD cases were associated with the use of proximal bare spring stent grafts with direct evidence of stent graft–induced injury at surgery or necropsy in half of the patients.