bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A post-Hartree-Fock model of intermolecular interactions: Inclusion of higher-order corrections
Authors: Johnson Erin R. , Becke Axel D.
Published: May 2006

We have previously demonstrated that the dipole moment of the exchange hole can be used to derive intermolecular C6 dispersion coefficients [J. Chem. Phys. 122, 154104 (2005)]. This was subsequently the basis for a novel post-Hartree-Fock model of intermolecular interactions [J. Chem. Phys. 123, 024101 (2005)]. In the present work, the model is extended to include higher-order dispersion coefficients C8 and C10. The extended model performs very well for prediction of intermonomer separations and binding energies of 45 van der Waals complexes. In particular, it performs twice as well as basis-set extrapolated MP2 theory for dispersion-bound complexes, with minimal computational cost.
A microscopic look at the reinforcement of silica-filled rubbers
Authors: Botti A. , Pyckhout-Hintzen W. , Richter D. , Urban V. , Straube E.
Published: May 2006

The deformed structure of silica-filled elastomers under uniaxial strain has been investigated using a combination of both small angle x-ray scattering and small angle neutron scattering methods. Using an extraction procedure and taking into account the two-phase nature of these polymer-based composites, the single chain scattering behavior as well as filler properties could be obtained uniquely on identical samples. For the first time the deformation of the rubbery matrix on the length scale of the network chain in a filled rubber could be determined and therewith the importance of matrix overstrain for the mechanical properties was estimated. Additionally, the determination of filler deformation and filler destruction presents microscopic details of the mechanisms of filler networking and the stress-softening Mullins effect.
Effects of adsorbed water layer structure on adhesion force of silicon oxide nanoasperity contact in humid ambient
Authors: Asay David B. , Kim Seong H.
Published: May 2006

The origin of the large relative-humidity (RH) dependence of the adhesion force in the single-asperity contact between silicon oxide surfaces is elucidated. As RH increases, the adhesion force measured with an atomic force microscopy (AFM) initially increases, reaches a maximum, and then decreases at high RH. The capillary force alone cannot explain the observed magnitude of the RH dependence. The origin of the large RH dependence is due to the presence of an icelike structured water adsorbed at the silicon oxide surface at room temperature. A solid-adsorbate-solid model is developed calculating the contributions from capillary forces, van der Waals interactions, and the rupture of an ice-ice bridge at the center of the contact region. This model illustrates how the structure, thickness, and viscoelastic behavior of the adsorbed water layer influence the adhesion force of the silicon oxide nanoasperity contact.
Transport processes of a non-neutral plasma coupled to an external rotating wave
Authors: Soga Y. , Kiwamoto Y. , Hashizume N.
Published: May 2006

Experimental investigations are carried out on radial transport phenomena of a pure electron plasma under the application of an external rotating wave that belongs to Trivelpiece-Gould (T-G) modes. Substantial radial compression of the density distribution is achieved by application of a properly controlled rotating electric field to one side of the plasma. Analyses of the observed plasma wave indicate that the efficient increase of the on-axis density entails the substantial damping of the T-G wave propagating in the plasma. The radial particle flux observed during the density compression is consistent with that of the theoretical model based on the drift-kinetic Vlasov equation [Y. Kiwamoto et al., Phys. Plasmas 12, 094501 (2005)]. This result implies that the radial compression of the plasma density distribution consists of the transverse E×B drift of particles subject to resonant wave-particle interaction in the axial dynamics.
Characteristics of CdTe∕ZnTe quantum dots grown on GaAs (100) and Si (100) substrates
Authors: Lee H. S. , Park H. L. , Kim T. W.
Published: May 2006

We have studied the growth of self-assembled CdTe∕ZnTe quantum dots (QDs) on both GaAs (100) and Si (100) substrates. The growth of self-assembled CdTe∕ZnTe QDs on substrates shows many difficulties which are not completely solved yet. In contrast, on GaAs substrates, good crystalline quality is obtained. The results of the atomic force microscopy images showed that CdTe∕ZnTe QDs were formed on GaAs (100) and Si (100) substrates. The activation energy of the electrons confined in the CdTe∕ZnTe QDs grown on GaAs (100) and Si (100) substrates was obtained from the temperature-dependent photoluminescence spectra.
Ether Aryl Sulfonic Acid Esters with Improved Antimalarial/Anticancer Activities
Authors: Betts Lynn M. , Tam Nga Chiu , Kabir S. M. Humayun , Langler Richard F. , Crandall Ian
Published: May 2006

Our previous report showed that our current benchmark agent, 4-methoxyphenyl p-toluenesulfonate, is a selective antimalarial/anticancer agent. A series of related sulfones and sulfonic acid esters is now examined. 4-Allyloxyphenyl p-toluenesulfonate is a superior antimalarial/anticancer agent. 4-Methoxyphenyl 4-nitrobenzenesulfonate is a superior antimalarial agent, but shows poorer inhibition of human skin cancer cells.
Synthesis and Ring Cyclization - Expansion - Contraction Reactions of Some New 2,2-Disubstituted Indan-1,3-diones and Related Compounds
Authors: Roxburgh Craig J. , Banting Lee
Published: May 2006

We have found that the hydrochloride of 2-phenyl-2-[2-(2-piperidyl)ethyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindan-1,3-dione 1 possesses marked analgesic activity (100% inhibition referenced to codeine) and report, as part of an extensive synthetic program, the synthesis of 38 new and structurally related compounds.
Selective catalytic hydrogenation of the pyridine ring of 2-phenyl-2-[2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl]-indan-1,3-dione 2 yields the nine-membered nitrogen-containing heterocycle 6 by a novel ring cyclization–expansion reaction. The structural and functional group parameters required for this novel ring-expansion reaction have been extensively and thoroughly investigated through the synthesis of a series of structurally related compounds; principally by modification, substitution, and replacement of the various functionality contained within 2.
In addition, we report the synthesis of a series of new 2-methyl-2-(ω-N-phthalimidoalkyl)-indan-1,3-diones 41, 45, and 53, two of which, like the parent 2-phenyl substituted indan-1,3-dione 2, also undergo a novel ring cyclization–expansion reaction to yield eight- and nine-membered nitrogen-containing rings. However, in these cases, further transannular reactions occur to produce the new 5,5- and 5,6-ring-fused nitrogen-containing heterocycles 44, 48 and 51, 52. Hydrazinolysis of the third, 2-methyl-2-(4-N-phthalimidobutyl)-indan-1,3-dione yields the new azepine-containing ring structure 56 by direct cyclization.
Furthermore, some interesting and unexpected chemical properties of the final compounds, which include selective and non-selective pyridine-ring hydrogenations and a few unexpected side reactions, are described.
{Ag(isonicotinamide)2NO3}2 — a Stable Form of Silver Nitrate
Authors: Dorn Thomas , Fromm Katharina M. , Janiak Christoph
Published: May 2006

[Ag(isonicotinamide)2NO3]2, featuring a short Ag···Ag contact and a strong hydrogen-bonding network in the solid state, is a light-stable and still readily soluble form of silver nitrate, showing little complex formation in solution but a counter-intuitive decrease in dissolution rate with decrease of pH.
Configurational Assignment and Conformational Study of Methylglyoxal Bisdimethylhydrazones Derived from the 2-Ethoxypropenal Precursor
Authors: Krivdin Leonid B. , Larina Lyudmila I. , Chernyshev Kirill A. , Keiko Natalia A.
Published: May 2006

A configurational assignment of the isomeric methylglyoxal bisdimethylhydrazones derived from the 2-ethoxypropenal precursor has been performed based on experimental measurements and high-level ab initio calculations of 1J(C,C) and 1J(C,H) couplings. The results reveal the marked stereochemical dependence upon the orientation of the lone pairs of both nitrogen atoms in different isomers. Methylglyoxal bisdimethylhydrazone is shown to exist in a mixture of the EE and ZE isomers (ca. 75:25), both of which adopt predominant s-trans conformations with minor (up to 8°) out-of-plane deviations.
Luminescence Modulation with Semiconductor Quantum Dots and Photochromic Ligands
Authors: Tomasulo Massimiliano , Yildiz Ibrahim , Raymo Françisco M.
Published: May 2006

We have attached a photochromic spiropyran to the surface of CdSe–ZnS core–shell quantum dots, relying on a dithiolane anchoring group. In the resulting assembly, the reversible interconversion of the photochromic component activates and suppresses an energy transfer pathway from the excited quantum dots to the coloured state of the ligand. As a result, the luminescence intensity decreases by 45% with the photoinduced colouration of the spiropyran and returns to the original value after the thermal reisomerization of the ligand.
A Comparison of Shuttling Mechanisms in Two Constitutionally Isomeric Bistable Rotaxane-Based Sunlight-Powered Nanomotors
Authors: Balzani Vincenzo , Clemente-León Miguel , Credi Alberto , Semeraro Monica , Venturi Margherita , Tseng Hsian-Rong , Wenger Sabine , Saha Sourav , Stoddart J. Fraser
Published: May 2006

To find out how best to optimize shuttling of the macrocycle in a particular class of photochemically driven molecular abacus, which has the molecular structure of BR-I6+ in its Mark I prototype (Ashton et al., Chem. Eur. J. 2000, 6, 3558), we have synthesized and characterized a Mark II version of this kind of two-station rotaxane comprised of six molecular modules, namely (a) a bisparaphenylene[34]crown-10 electron donor macrocycle M and its dumbbell-shaped component which contains (b) a Ru(ii)-polypyridine photoactive unit P2+ as one of its stoppers, (c) a p-terphenyl-type ring system as a rigid spacer S, (d) 4,4′-bipyridinium (A12+) and (e) 3,3′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinium (A22+) electron acceptor units that can play the role of stations for the macrocycle M, and (f) a tetraarylmethane group T as the second stopper. This Mark II version is identical with BR-I6+ in the Mark I series that works as a sunlight-powered nanomotor (Balzani et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2006, 103, 1178), except for the swapping of the two stations A12+ and A22+ along the dumbbell-shaped component, i.e. the Mark I and II bistable rotaxanes are constitutionally isomeric. We have found the closer the juxtaposition of the electron transfer photosensitizer P2+ to the better (A12+) of the two electron acceptors, namely the situation in BR-II6+ compared with that in BR-I6+ results in an increase in the rate — and hence the efficiency — of the photoinduced electron-transfer step. The rate of the back electron transfer, however, also increases. As a consequence, BR-II6+ performs better than BR-I6+ in the fuel-assisted system, but much worse when it is powered by visible light (e.g. sunlight) alone. By contrast, when shuttling is electrochemically driven, the only difference between the two bistable rotaxanes in the Mark I and Mark II series is that the macrocycle M moves in opposite directions.
Phosphate Removal from Aqueous Solutions using Neutralised Bauxite Refinery Residues (Bauxsol™)
Authors: Akhurst Darren J. , Jones Graham B. , Clark Malcolm , McConchie David
Published: May 2006

Environmental Context.Eutrophication of freshwater and marine ecosystems is a global problem, which is frequently linked to high phosphorus concentrations. The present study investigated the use of Bauxsol™, a modified bauxite refinery residue, to remove dissolved phosphate from water, and has shown that it can be used as a cost-effective adsorbent for treating phosphate-contaminated waters. The results provide water and environmental managers with a new technique for decreasing the phosphate loads in water and wastewater. Environmental benefits include improved water quality, minimisation of excessive plant growth, including potentially toxic blue green algae, and the utilisation of an industrial residue for environmental remediation.
Abstract.Phosphate (PO43–) removal by Bauxsol™, a neutralised bauxite refinery residue, was investigated as a function of time, pH, ionic strength, adsorbent dosage, competing ions, and initial phosphate concentration. The results of adsorption and desorption studies indicate that adsorption of PO43– by Bauxsol™ is based on a ligand-exchange mechanism, although the low reversibility pH-independent desorption observed in acid-treated Bauxsol™ indicates a dominance of chemisorption. It was shown that PO43– adsorption onto both Bauxsol™ and acid-treated Bauxsol™ followed a Langmuir isotherm model, with adsorption capacities of 0.21 and 0.48 mmol g−1 at pH 9.0 and 5.2 respectively. Adsorption of PO43– by Bauxsol™ increased with decreasing pH, with maximum adsorption efficiencies obtained at pH 5.2 ± 0.1 (the lowest pH investigated), higher Bauxsol™ to initial phosphate concentration ratios, and increased time. Studies of the effects of competing ions on the adsorption of PO43– by Bauxsol™ indicated that adsorption decreased in the presence of HCO3− ions, whereas SO42–and Cl− ions had little effect, and Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions increased adsorption. These findings suggest that Bauxsol™ could be used as an efficient low-cost adsorbent for treating phosphate-contaminated waters.
Coupling between the Tropospheric Photochemistry of Nitrous Acid (HONO) and Nitric Acid (HNO3)
Authors: Clemitshaw Kevin C.
Published: May 2006

Environmental Context.Nitrous acid (HONO) is formed in the troposphere in urban, rural and remote environments via several uncertain heterogeneous and photochemical processes that involve nitric acid (HNO3). A recently recognised process is initiated by the deposition and migration of HNO3 within snow-pack surfaces to form nitrate anions (NO3−). Photo-reduction of NO3− followed by acidification of the nitrite (NO2−) photo-product leads to emissions of gas-phase HONO. Seasonal observations at Halley, Antarctica are consistent with the formation of HONO via this process, which is potentially of global significance because much of the Earth’s land (and sea) surface is covered with snow and is sunlit for much of the year. Both HONO and HNO3 significantly influence the production of ozone (O3), which acts as a greenhouse gas in the troposphere, via their respective roles as a source of hydroxyl radicals (OH•) and as a sink for OH• and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
Abstract.The tropospheric photochemistry of nitrous acid (HONO) and its coupling with that of nitric acid (HNO3) in urban, rural and remote atmospheres are highlighted in terms of established and uncertain homogeneous and heterogeneous sources and sinks, together with known and potential effects and impacts. Observations made at Halley, Antarctica, via optical detection of an azo dye derivative of HONO are consistent with snow-pack photochemical production of HONO, which has potential significance for the production of hydroxyl radicals (OH•) and ozone (O3) on regional and global scales. Recent developments in measurement methods for HONO and HNO3 are also highlighted. It is now timely to conduct a formal intercomparison of the methods in order to evaluate and enhance their capabilities, and to validate the growing body of HONO and HNO3 data obtained in urban, rural and remote locations.
Statistical description of the East Australian Current low-frequency variability from the WOCE PCM3 array
Authors: Mata Mauricio M. , Wijffels Susan , Church John A. , Tomczak Matthias
Published: May 2006

The in situ dataset used in the current study consists of the Pacific Current Meter 3 (PCM3) array, which was a significant part of the Australian contribution to the World Ocean Circulation Experiment to study the variability of the East Australian Current (EAC), and was operational between September 1991 and March 1994. Area-preserving spectral analysis has been used to investigate the typical time scales observed by the current meters. As a general rule, the spectra from the top layers of the shallow (1, 2 and 3) and the deep (4, 5 and 6) moorings have a distinct peak in the temporal mesoscale band (periods between 70 and 170 days), with a general redistribution of energy towards the higher-frequencies near the ocean floor. This peak has been linked with eddy variability of the EAC system, which influences the fluctuations of the current main jet. The vertical modes of the velocity profile show that the strong surface-intensified baroclinic signal of the EAC dominated the variability at mooring 4 location. Further offshore the predominant configuration resembles more closely the barotropic mode. Ultimately, spatial empirical orthogonal functions (EOF) analysis point out the impact of the presence/absence of the EAC jet in the array.
The life history of weedy seadragons, Phyllopteryx taeniolatus (Teleostei:Syngnathidae)
Authors: Forsgren Kristy L. , Lowe Christopher G.
Published: May 2006

The aim of this study was to provide a detailed description of the life history of weedy seadragons, Phyllopteryx taeniolatus. Weedy seadragon development was described based on morphological characters and categorised into four periods: incubation, larval, juvenile and sub-adult. Hatching occurred 35–42 days post-fertilisation, most hatchlings exhibited juvenile characteristics upon hatching or shortly thereafter. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters generated from weedy seadragon length-at-age data were L
∞ = 285 ± 3 mm standard length (SL; mean ± s.e.) and k = 2.20 ± 0.05 year−1. Females possessed a higher gonosomatic index (GSI; 1.25 ± 1.18%; mean ± s.d.) than males (0.34 ± 0.20%), which increased substantially for females over 230 mm in length. Mature female weedy seadragons (290 ± 32 mm SL) ovulated 110 ± 27 eggs per female per spawning. Additionally, three females produced more than one clutch per season. Male weedy seadragons (319 ± 9 mm SL) successfully incubated 91 ± 40 eggs per spawning event. In addition to improving our understanding of the life history of weedy seadragons, this information can be used to estimate population demography and develop management strategies.
An end to all things? — plants and their names
Authors: Stevens Peter F.
Published: May 2006

Great advances in our understanding of phylogenetic relationships have been made over the last decade and a half. Major clades in many groups, including flowering plants, now show substantial stability both in terms of content and relationships. This makes possible the development of a system in which only monophyletic ( = holophyletic) entities are named, entities that represent all and only the descendants of a common ancestor. However, some argue that use of Linnaean ranked names is inappropriate in such circumstances; this argument is bolstered by appeals to history and philosophy. Those who doubt the wisdom and / or very possibility of naming only monophyletic groups also argue that their position follows from history, or that ancestors cannot be incorporated into a Linnaean-type classification and that ancestors are an integral part of monophyletic groups. However, I argue that most of the apparently more cosmic issues brought up in this debate are based on a combination of a misunderstanding of the nature and purpose of language, fallacious reasoning and dubious—and largely irrelevant—interpretations of history. A flagged hierarchy helps memory and communication. Binomials in particular simply represent the noun–adjective combinations of ordinary language in a Latinised form, and are too valuable a communication device to be discarded because rank has been demonised. However, hierarchies can be misinterpreted and cannot be made complex enough to cope with the much more detailed phylogenies being produced. Thinking of naming systems as conventions may help clarify what we should be doing, if we are not to squander both the time and the reputation of systematics. Time is in short supply and our reputation not what it might be; solving the less cosmic issues may involve a self-discipline that also seems in short supply in the systematic community.
Growth hormone promotes skeletal muscle cell fusion independent of insulin-like growth factor 1 up-regulation
Authors: Sotiropoulos Athanassia , Ohanna Mickaël , Kedzia Cécile , Menon Ram K. , Kopchick John J. , Kelly Paul A. , Pende Mario
Published: May 2006

Growth hormone (GH) participates in the postnatal regulation of skeletal muscle growth, although the mechanism of action is unclear. Here we show that the mass of skeletal muscles lacking GH receptors is reduced because of a decrease in myofiber size with normal myofiber number. GH signaling controls the size of the differentiated myotubes in a cell-autonomous manner while having no effect on size, proliferation, and differentiation of the myoblast precursor cells. The GH hypertrophic action leads to an increased myonuclear number, indicating that GH facilitates fusion of myoblasts with nascent myotubes. NFATc2, a transcription factor regulating this phase of fusion, is required for GH action because GH is unable to induce hypertrophy of
NFATc2
−/− myotubes. Finally, we provide three lines of evidence suggesting that GH facilitates cell fusion independent of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) up-regulation. First, GH does not regulate IGF-1 expression in myotubes; second, GH action is not mediated by a secreted factor in conditioned medium; third, GH and IGF-1 hypertrophic effects are additive and rely on different signaling pathways. Taken together, these data unravel a specific function of GH in the control of cell fusion, an essential process for muscle growth.
XRCC4 suppresses medulloblastomas with recurrent translocations in p53-deficient mice
Authors: Yan Catherine T. , Kaushal Dhruv , Murphy Michael , Zhang Yu , Datta Abhishek , Chen Changzhong , Monroe Brianna , Mostoslavsky Gustavo , Coakley Kristen , Gao Yijie , Mills Kevin D. , Fazeli Alex P. , Tepsuporn Suprawee , Hall Giles , Mulligan Richard , Fox Edward , Bronson Roderick , De Girolami Umberto , Lee Charles , Alt Frederick W.
Published: May 2006

Inactivation of the XRCC4 nonhomologous end-joining factor in the mouse germ line leads to embryonic lethality, in association with apoptosis of newly generated, postmitotic neurons. We now show that conditional inactivation of the
XRCC4
in nestin-expressing neuronal progenitor cells, although leading to no obvious phenotype in a WT background, leads to early onset of neuronally differentiated medulloblastomas (MBs) in a p53-deficient background. A substantial proportion of the XRCC4/p53-deficient MBs have high-level
N-myc
gene amplification, often intrachromosomally in the context of complex translocations or other alterations of chromosome 12, on which
N-myc
resides, or extrachromosomally within double minutes. In addition, most XRCC4/p53-deficient MBs harbor clonal translocations of chromosome 13, which frequently involve chromosome 6 as a partner. One copy of the
patched
gene (
Ptc
), which lies on chromosome 13, was deleted in all tested XRCC4/p53-deficient MBs in the context of translocations or interstitial deletions. In addition,
Cyclin D2
, a chromosome 6 gene, was amplified in a subset of tumors. Notably, amplification of
Myc
-family or
Cyclin D2
genes and deletion of
Ptc
also have been observed in human MBs. We therefore conclude that, in neuronal cells of mice, the nonhomologous end-joining pathway plays a critical role in suppressing genomic instability that, in a p53-deficient background, routinely contributes to genesis of MBs with recurrent chromosomal alterations.
The impact of interactive whiteboards on teacher—pupil interaction in the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies
Authors: Smith Fay , Hardman Frank , Higgins Steve
Published: May 2006

The study set out to investigate the impact of interactive whiteboards (IWBs) on teacher—pupil interaction at Key Stage 2 in the teaching of literacy and numeracy. As part of the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies, IWBs have been made widely available as a pedagogic tool for promoting interactive whole class teaching. In order to investigate their impact, the project looked specifically at the interactive styles used by a national sample of primary teachers. A total of 184 lessons were observed over a two‐year period. Using a computerised observation schedule, teachers were observed in literacy and numeracy lessons, with and without an IWB. The findings suggest that IWBs appear to be having some impact on the discourse moves used in whole class teaching, but this impact is not as extensive as that claimed by the advocates of IWBs. Lessons which used IWBs had a faster pace and less time was spent on group work. The implications of the findings for classroom pedagogy, teachers' professional development and future research priorities are considered.
Acoustical barriers in classrooms: the impact of noise on performance in the classroom
Authors: Dockrell Julie E. , Shield Bridget M.
Published: May 2006

There is general concern about the levels of noise that children are exposed to in classroom situations. The article reports the results of a study that explores the effects of typical classroom noise on the performance of primary school children on a series of literacy and speed tasks. One hundred and fifty‐eight children in six Year 3 classes participated in the study. Classes were randomly assigned to one of three noise conditions. Two noise conditions were chosen to reflect levels of exposure experienced in urban classrooms: noise by children alone, that is classroom‐babble, and babble plus environmental noise, babble and environmental Performance in these conditions were compared with performance under typical quiet classroom conditions or base All analyses controlled for ability. A differential negative effect of noise source on type of task was observed. Children in the babble and environmental noise condition performed significantly worse than those in the base and babble conditions on speed of processing tasks. In contrast, performance on the verbal tasks was significantly worse only in the babble condition. Children with special educational needs were differentially negatively affected in the babble condition. The processes underlying these effects are considered and the implications of the results for children's attainments and classroom noise levels are explored.
Risk Factors for Delirium Tremens: A Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: Wright Tara , Myrick Hugh , Henderson Scott , Peters Hamilton , Malcolm Robert
Published: May 2006

A retrospective chart review was performed within an inpatient VA hospital setting in an attempt to identify risk factors for delirium tremens (DTs). Cases of delirium tremens were compared to cases where patients' alcohol withdrawal during hospitalization did not progress to DTs. Significant differences were found in regard to prior histories of DTs and laboratory values at admission. The amount and duration of benzodiazepine use during hospitalization, antipsychotic use during hospitalization, and length of hospitalization were also statistically different between the groups. While not reaching statistical significance, there were differences in reason for admission and relapse rate upon follow‐up between the groups.
Inpatient Desire to Drink as a Predictor of Relapse to Alcohol Use Following Treatment
Authors: Gordon Susan M. , Sterling Robert , Siatkowski Candis , Raively Kerry , Weinstein Stephen , Hill Peter C.
Published: May 2006

Cravings for alcohol are identified as a trigger for relapse, though laboratory studies of cravings produce mixed results in predicting relapse. The objective of this analysis is to assess the usefulness of craving as a predictor of relapse by assessing 218 adult, alcohol‐dependent patients admitted to two separate residential addiction treatment programs. Days craving reported in the week prior to discharge predicted alcohol use at three‐month follow‐up. Admission spirituality, alcohol‐refusal self‐efficacy, and depression levels differentiated cravers from non‐cravers. Patients who crave alcohol in residential treatment may be at higher relapse risk and identified by intake assessments of self‐efficacy, depression, and spirituality.
Primacy of Functional Knowledge in Semantic Representations: The Case of Living and Nonliving Things
Authors: Phelps Fiona G. , Macken William J. , Barry Chris , Miles Chris
Published: May 2006

In 3 experiments, participants decided whether sensory and functional features were true of living and nonliving concepts. In Experiments 1 and 2, concepts were presented twice: test phase followed study phase after either 3 min (Experiment 1) or 3 s (Experiment 2). At test, concepts were paired with the same feature as that at study, or a different feature from either the same modality (within-modality priming) or another modality (cross-modality priming). In both experiments functional decisions were faster than sensory decisions for living and nonliving concepts. Whilst no semantic priming occurred between study and test in Experiment 1, the shorter study–test interval of Experiment 2 did lead to test phase semantic priming. Here there was greater within- than cross-modality priming for sensory decisions, but equivalent within- and cross-modality priming for functional decisions owing to significantly greater facilitation of functional decisions from prior sensory decisions than vice versa. Experiment 3 involved a single verification phase: For half the participants the feature name preceded the concept name, and for half the concept name preceded the feature name. The functional processing advantage persisted irrespective of presentation order. Results suggest that functional information is central to the representation of all concepts: Function is processed faster than sensory information and is activated obligatorily.
Immune challenge retards seasonal reproductive regression in rodents: evidence for terminal investment
Authors: Weil Zachary M , Martin Lynn B , Workman Joanna L , Nelson Randy J
Published: May 2006

Animals must balance investments in different physiological activities to allow them to maximize fitness in the environments they inhabit. These adjustments among reproduction, growth and survival are mandated because of the competing high costs of each process. Seasonally breeding rodents generally bias their investments towards reproduction when environmental conditions are benign, but shift these investments towards processes that promote survival, including immune activity, when environmental conditions deteriorate. Because survival probability of non-tropical small mammals is generally low in winter, under certain circumstances, these animals may not allocate resources to survival mechanisms in an effort to produce as many offspring as possible in the face of increased probability of death. Such ‘terminal investments’ have been described in passerines, but there are few examples of such phenomena in small mammals. Here, we show that male Siberian hamsters (
Phodopus sungorus
) challenged with lipopolysaccharide (a component of gram-negative bacteria that activates the immune system) induced a small, but significant, retardation of seasonal regression of the reproductive system relative to saline-injected hamsters. This delayed reproductive regression likely reflects a strategy to maintain reproductive function when survival prospects are compromised by infection.
Food imprinting, new evidence from the cuttlefishSepia officinalis
Authors: Darmaillacq Anne-Sophie , Chichery Raymond , Dickel Ludovic
Published: May 2006

Imprinting provides precocial offspring with an efficient means to optimize their subsequent behaviours. We discovered food imprinting using a sophisticated invertebrate model: the cuttlefish. We showed that early juveniles preferred the prey to which they have been visually familiarized, when the amount of information was sufficient and only if such familiarization occurred during a short sensitive period. We also demonstrated that the effects of visual food imprinting overcame those of the first food ingested. Our study shows that visual imprinting is a critical process in animals, surpassing more direct reward experiences that occur outside the critical exposure period.
Free transverse vibrations of nano-to-micron scale beams
Authors: Xu Mingtian
Published: May 2006

In the present work, the integral equation approach and the non-local elasticity theory are employed to investigate the free transverse vibrations of nano-to-micron scale beams. The frequency equation is analytically formulated into an eigenvalue problem of a matrix with an infinite order. The numerical calculation is implemented by truncating this matrix to a finite order one. It is found that the impact of the non-local effect on the natural frequencies and vibrating modes is negligible for the beams with micrometre scale length. But when the length of beams reaches the nanoscale, the non-local effect becomes important, especially for the high-order natural frequencies and vibrating modes.
Telonemia, a new protist phylum with affinity to chromist lineages
Authors: Shalchian-Tabrizi K , Eikrem W , Klaveness D , Vaulot D , Minge M.A , Le Gall F , Romari K , Throndsen J , Botnen A , Massana R , Thomsen H.A , Jakobsen K.S
Published: May 2006

Recent molecular investigations of marine samples taken from different environments, including tropical, temperate and polar areas, as well as deep thermal vents, have revealed an unexpectedly high diversity of protists, some of them forming deep-branching clades within important lineages, such as the alveolates and heterokonts. Using the same approach on coastal samples, we have identified a novel group of protist small subunit (SSU) rDNA sequences that do not correspond to any phylogenetic group previously identified. Comparison with other sequences obtained from cultures of heterotrophic protists showed that the environmental sequences grouped together withTelonema, a genus known since 1913 but of uncertain taxonomic affinity. Phylogenetic analyses using four genes (SSU,Hsp90,alpha-tubulinandbeta-tubulin), and accounting for gamma- and covarion-distributed substitution rates, revealedTelonemaas a distinct group of species branching off close to chromist lineages. Consistent with these gene trees,Telonemapossesses ultrastructures revealing both the distinctness of the group and the evolutionary affinity to chromist groups. Altogether, the data suggest thatTelonemaconstitutes a new eukaryotic phylum, here defined as Telonemia, possibly representing a key clade for the understanding of the early evolution of bikont protist groups, such as the proposed chromalveolate supergroup.
The Ferrier Lecture 1998 The molecular biology of consciousness investigated with genetically modified mice
Authors: Changeux Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2006

The question is raised of the relevance of experimental work with the mouse and some of its genetically modified individuals in the study of consciousness. Even if this species does not go far beyond the level of ‘minimal consciousness’, it may be a useful animal model to examine the elementary building blocks of consciousness using the methods of molecular biology jointly with investigations at the physiological and behavioural levels. These building blocks which are anticipated to be universally shared by higher organisms (from birds to humans) may include: (i) the access to multiple states of vigilance, like wakefulness, sleep, general anaesthesia, etc.; (ii) the capacity for global integration of several sensory and cognitive functions, together with behavioural flexibility resulting in what is referred to as exploratory behaviour, and possibly a minimal form of intentionality. In addition, the contribution of defined neuronal nicotinic receptors species to some of these processes is demonstrated and the data discussed within the framework of recent neurocomputational models for access to consciousness.
Pulmonary hypertension in patients with sickle cell disease: a longitudinal study
Authors: Ataga Kenneth I. , Moore Charity G. , Jones Susan , Olajide Oludamilola , Strayhorn Dell , Hinderliter Alan , Orringer Eugene P.
Published: May 2006

Although pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is a common complication in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), the rate of development of PHT and the factors that affect disease progression are unknown. We observed 93 patients over a median follow‐up period of 2·6 years (range 0·2–5·1 years). Data were censored at the time of death or loss to follow‐up. Pulmonary hypertension was associated with an increased risk of death (relative risk, 9·24; 95% confidence interval: 1·2–73·3; P = 0·01). There was no difference in the risk of death when patients with different degrees of PHT were compared. Lactate dehydrogenase and blood urea nitrogen were significantly associated with PHT in a logistic regression model. Higher levels of fetal haemoglobin and treatment with hydroxycarbamide were observed more frequently in patients without PHT. Thirteen per cent of patients with no previous evidence of PHT developed PHT following 3 years of observation. In conclusion: (1) PHT, regardless of severity, is associated with an increased risk of death in SCD patients; (2) haemolysis is strongly associated with PHT in SCD; (3) high levels of fetal haemoglobin and hydroxycarbamide therapy may decrease the occurrence of PHT; (4) screening for PHT is indicated for SCD patients in their non‐crisis, steady states.
Comparison of routine metabolic rates of the stygobite, Gammarus acherondytes (Amphipoda: Gammaridae) and the stygophile, Gammarus troglophilus
Authors: WILHELM FRANK M. , TAYLOR STEVEN J. , ADAMS GINNY L.
Published: May 2006

1. Reduced metabolic rate among cave organisms compared with surface species has long been suggested as an adaptation to food shortage in cave environments. However, comparisons of metabolic rates between species have not often included closely related surface and cave species. By measuring metabolic rate across three seasons and over a range of body sizes, we examined the hypothesis that the routine metabolic rate of Gammarus acherondytes, a federally listed stygobitic amphipod, is lower than that of the closely related stygophilic Gammarus troglophilus. To determine if human activities increased the supply of organic matter to caves, we also examined the relationship between residential development and bacterial contamination in water wells.

2. For G. acherondytes, the slope of the overall relationship between oxygen consumption and body dry mass did not differ from zero and did not vary seasonally, whereas for G. troglophilus it was positive and higher in summer than in winter and spring. These results provide insights into a potential novel metabolic adaptation among stygobites. Higher metabolic rate in young G. acherondytes would allow efficient use of typically transient energy sources and a low metabolic rate at larger body sizes would increase survival through periods of food scarcity.

3. The number of wells with faecal coliform contamination was weakly but positively correlated with the number of residential building permits, indicating that surface land‐use changes probably increase the availability of energy in groundwater systems inhabited by G. acherondytes. This may give stygophilic animals, with higher metabolic rates, a competitive advantage in the caves, thus reducing the abundance of stygobites such as G. acherondytes.
Factors influencing use of home care and nursing homes
Authors: Kim Eun‐Young , Cho Eunhee , June Kyung Ja
Published: May 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study comparing the characteristics of patients who use home care services and those who are cared for in nursing homes, and identifying the factors that influence the use of these care settings.

Background.  The increase in the functionally dependent older population has led to an increase in the number of nursing homes and home care agencies. It has become clear that, rather than disputing which is the better of these options, it would be better to determine the characteristics of patients who use the two long‐term care services. Gaining an understanding of the unique characteristics of patients who are cared for by home care agencies and those who are cared for in nursing homes will be imperative for reforming and developing long‐term care systems.

Method.  The research model was based on the Anderson Model of Health Services Utilization. Interviews were conducted with 99 stroke survivors from two home care agencies and four nursing homes, and their family members, between May and December 2001.

Results.  The patient characteristics that predicted greater use of home care rather than nursing home services were: being married, poor physical function, impaired cognitive function, higher rates of comorbidity, various medical complications, and/or number of catheters (e.g. urinary catheter, naso‐gastric tube).

Conclusion.  Contrary to the findings of previous studies conducted in countries with ageing populations, our findings indicate that in South Korea home care agencies, rather than nursing homes, provide care for severely impaired patients. This may be due to differences between countries in their long‐term care systems and cultural attitudes toward end‐of‐life care. Our results will contribute to the development or reformation of long‐term care systems in countries with ageing populations, and to the development of strategies for increasing access to these services.
Nutritional screening and assessment tools for older adults: literature review
Authors: Green Sue M. , Watson Roger
Published: May 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a literature review to examine the range of published tools available for use by nurses to screen or assess nutritional status of older adults, and the extent to which validity, reliability, sensitivity, specificity and acceptability of the tools has been addressed.

Background.  The incidence of malnutrition in older adults is high. One method by which malnutrition or risk of malnutrition can be detected is by the use of nutritional screening or assessment tools.

Methods.  A comprehensive literature review methodology was employed. A variety of electronic databases were searched for the period 1982–2002. Search terms incorporating nutrition, screening, validity, reliability and sensitivity and specificity were combined to retrieve relevant literature. In addition, manual searches were conducted and articles retrieved from those listed in key papers. In this paper, nutritional screening or assessment tools are described as tools which use a questionnaire‐type format containing more than one risk factor for malnutrition, and give a quantitative or categorical assessment of risk.

Results.  Seventy‐one nutritional tools were located, 21 of which were identified as designated for use with an older population. A wide variety of risk factors for malnutrition are used with the tools, ranging from objective measurements to subjective assessment. Some tools identify an action plan based on the score obtained. Many tools appear not to have been subjected to validity and/or reliability testing but are used clinically.

Conclusions.  As malnutrition is present in the older adult population, nutritional assessment and screening tools can be useful to highlight those in need of a nutritional care plan. However, many have not been subjected to evaluation and consequently may not demonstrate sensitivity and/or specificity in clinical use. The decision to use a particular tool should therefore be considered carefully.
Being reborn: the recovery process of postpartum depression in Taiwanese women
Authors: Chen Chung‐Hey , Wang Shing‐Yaw , Chung Ue‐Lin , Tseng Ying‐Fen , Chou Fan‐Hao
Published: May 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a qualitative study describing the process of recovery from postpartum depression in Taiwanese women.

Methods.  We carried out a study using grounded theory with a purposive sample of 23 postnatally depressed women in 2001–2002. The Beck Depression Inventory was used to screen for severe depression. Women with scores higher than 16 at 6 weeks after childbirth were categorized as having postpartum depression. Only two out of the 23 mothers were being treated for depression at the time. The data were analysed by constant comparative method.

Findings.  ‘Being reborn’ was the core concept that emerged from the data on the mothers’ experience of going through postnatal depression, which was a process of descent into near‐death insanity and eventual rebirth. Such postnatally depressed mothers often underwent four stages of coping with the loss of self or loss of former identity and attachment to their new lives as mothers. The four stages were: (1) shattered role identity, (2) feeling trapped and breaking down, (3) struggling for self‐integrity and (4) regaining vitality.

Conclusion.  The experience of postpartum depression should be examined within the social and cultural contexts in which it occurs. These Taiwanese data can be used to develop culturally‐sensitive health care. The nursing role is primarily that of reflective listening to help the women adjust to the process of being reborn – an internal process of painful growth represented by motherhood and striving to protect the real self in order to maintain emotional health while negotiating a developmental transition. Preventive interventions might include providing guidance for parenting, counselling of individual mothers, and facilitating the development of support groups.
Surgical hand scrubs in relation to microbial counts: systematic literature review
Authors: Hsieh Hsiu‐Fang , Chiu Hua‐Hsien , Lee Feng‐Ping
Published: May 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a systematic review whose objective was to determine the effectiveness of surgical hand scrubs in relation to bacterial growth on the hands of operating room staff members.

Background.  Despite the need for surgical hand scrubs, evidence shows that frequent and prolonged use of antiseptics and brushes may damage the skin. Consequently, lesions may appear, become more heavily colonized by microorganisms and increase the risk of transmitting infection to patients. Recommendations about surgical hand scrubs vary widely and their effectiveness in relation to microbial counts is unknown.

Method.  A variety of healthcare databases were searched covering the period between January 1990 and December 2004. Based on selection criteria, the abstracts of studies identified were checked to determine whether they fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All studies were assessed as having adequate methodological quality. Using Cochrane Review Manager 4.2 software, weighted mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

Findings.  Three studies were included in this review. Two studies compared the effectiveness of surgical hand scrubs using an alcohol‐based product and a 6‐minute scrub using 4% chlorhexidine gluconate; meta‐analysis showed a statistically significant difference (weighted mean difference = −0·63, 95% confidence intervals = −0·99 to −0·27, P = 0·0006). One study compared the effectiveness of 2‐ and 3‐minute surgical hand scrubs using 4% chlorhexidine gluconate; meta‐analysis showed no difference (weighted mean difference = 0·29, 95% confidence intervals = −0·13 to 0·71, P = 0·18).

Conclusion.  Surgical hand scrubs using an alcohol‐based product were more effective than a 6‐minute scrub using 4% chlorhexidine gluconate. There is no evidence to support a 2‐minute surgical hand scrub as being more effective than a 3‐minute one using 4% chlorhexidine gluconate.