bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organic pure-blue-light-emitting devices based on terfluorenes compounds
Authors: Zhang Yingfang , Cheng Gang , Zhao Yi , Hou Jingying , Liu Shiyong , Tang Shi , Ma Yuguang
Published: December 2005

A series of organic pure-blue-light-emitting devices based on terflurorenes (TF) compounds are reported. In these double heterojunctions (DHJ) devices, two TF compounds act as a blue emitter, alternatively. Highly efficient pure-blue emissions are obtained from these devices. The maximum luminous efficiency of 1.52cd∕A (corresponding to an external quantum efficiency of 2.7%) with 1931 Commission International De L’Eclairage coordinates of (0.165, 0.072) is obtained. It is indicated that the DHJ device structure is beneficial to the performance of blue devices by means of effective confinement of excitons and carriers in the large energy gap blue emitter.
Band gap tuning of InAs∕InP quantum sticks using low-energy ion-implantation-induced intermixing
Authors: Salem B. , Aimez V. , Morris D. , Turala A. , Regreny P. , Gendry M.
Published: December 2005

Low-energy (18 keV) phosphorus ion implantation and rapid thermal annealing at 650 °C for 120 s were used to create point defects and promote intermixing in InAs∕InP quantum stick structures grown by molecular beam epitaxy. With these soft conditions for ion-implantation-induced intermixing, photoluminescence measurements at low temperature show a very large blueshift up to 350 nm and a narrow emission linewidth (down to 30 nm for ion dose equal to 5×1013cm−2). The band gap tuning limit in this system was evaluated using implantation of phosphorus ions at various doses (1×1011–5×1014cm−2), at a temperature of 200 °C followed by rapid thermal annealing.
Temperature and compositional dependence of the energy band gap of AlGaN alloys
Authors: Nepal N. , Li J. , Nakarmi M. L. , Lin J. Y. , Jiang H. X.
Published: December 2005

Deep-ultraviolet photoluminescence spectroscopy has been employed to study the temperature and compositional dependence of the band gap of AlxGa1−xN alloys in the temperature range between 10 and 800 K. Band-edge emission peaks in AlxGa1−xN alloys were fitted by the Varshni equation to obtain Varshni coefficients, which increase nonlinearly with x. The values of Varshni coefficients obtained for GaN and AlN binary compounds in the present study are in good agreement with the previously reported values. Based on the experimental data, the compositional and temperature dependence of the band gap of AlxGa1−xN alloy has been empirically determined for the entire alloy range.
Electrical characterization of tunnel insulator in metal/insulator tunnel transistors fabricated by atomic force microscope
Authors: Chiu Fu-Chien , Fan Shih-Kai , Tai Kwang-Cheng , Lee Joseph Ya-min , Chou Ya-Chang
Published: December 2005

Metal-insulator-tunnel-transistors (MITTs) that operate by varying the gate voltage to control the current flow through a tunnel insulator were fabricated. In this work, the local Ti∕TiOx∕Ti tunnel junctions were formed by tip-induced anodic oxidation using conducting-tip atomic force microscope. Experimental results show that the dominant conduction mechanism of the Ti∕TiOx∕Ti structure at 300 K is Schottky emission at low electric field and Fowler–Nordheim tunneling at high electric field, respectively. The Ti∕TiOx barrier height and the electron effective mass in TiOx are evaluated using both the intercept of Schottky plot and the slope of Fowler–Nordheim plot. The electron effective mass in TiOx and the extracted Ti∕TiOx barrier height were determined to be 0.48m0 and 95 meV, respectively. The Ids-Vds characteristics show that the MITTs with 58.5 nm channel length can operate with a current on/off ratio of about 107.
Saturated deep blue organic electrophosphorescence using a fluorine-free emitter
Authors: Holmes R. J. , Forrest S. R. , Sajoto T. , Tamayo A. , Djurovich P. I. , Thompson M. E. , Brooks J. , Tung Y.-J. , D’Andrade B. W. , Weaver M. S. , Kwong R. C. , Brown J. J.
Published: December 2005

We demonstrate saturated, deep blue organic electrophosphorescence using the facial- and meridianal- isomers of the fluorine-free emitter tris(phenyl-methyl-benzimidazolyl)iridium(III)(f-Ir(pmb)3 and m-Ir(pmb)3, respectively) doped into the wide energy gap host, p-bis(triphenylsilyly)benzene (UGH2). The highest energy electrophosphorescent transition occurs at a wavelength of λ=389nm for the fac- isomer and λ=395nm for the mer- isomer. The emission chromaticity is characterized by Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage coordinates of (x=0.17,y=0.06) for both isomers. Peak quantum and power efficiencies of (2.6±0.3)% and (0.5±0.1)lm∕W and (5.8±0.6)% and (1.7±0.2)lm∕W are obtained using f-Ir(pmb)3 andm-Ir(pmb)3 respectively. This work represents a departure from previously explored, fluorinated blue phosphors, and demonstrates an efficient deep blue/near ultraviolet electrophosphorescent device.
Collisional particle-phase pressure in particle-fluid flows at high particle inertia
Authors: Wang Junwu , Ge Wei
Published: December 2005

Particle-phase pressure has to be considered in two-fluid models describing particle-fluid flows, and is important for the stability of such flows. However, most research so far has focused on its dependence on shear-induced particle velocity fluctuations. This Brief Communication proposes a simple model to predict collisional particle-phase pressure at high particle inertia due to microscopic particle number and velocity fluctuations in the absence of any large-scale shearing. The results are in good agreement with the experimental data of Zenit et al. [J. Fluid. Mech 353, 261 (1997)].
Direct evidence of 8:9 commensurate heterojunction formed between InN and AlN on c plane
Authors: Wu C.-L. , Shen C.-H. , Lin H.-W. , Lee H.-M. , Gwo S.
Published: December 2005

We show that, despite a large difference in lattice constants, high-quality InN∕AlN heterostructures can be formed on Si(111) due to the existence of “magic” ratios between the lattice constants of comprising material pairs: 2:1 (Si∕Si3N4), 5:4 (AlN∕Si), and 8:9 (InN∕AlN). For InN growth on AlN with nitrogen polarity, by using reflection high-energy electron diffraction and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy, we have found that the pseudomorphic to commensurate lattice transition occurs within the first monolayer of growth, resulting in an abrupt heterojunction at the atomic scale. This new route of lattice match allows the formation of commensurate and nearly strain-free interface with a common two-dimensional superlattice.
Cetacean Performance and Tourism in Kaikoura, New Zealand
Authors: Cloke Paul , Perkins Harvey C
Published: December 2005

In this paper we use research into ecotouristic activities in Kaikoura, New Zealand, to discuss how the nonhuman agency of nature is implicated in the performance and meaning of place. Kaikoura has recently boomed as an ecotourist destination, and its changing nature has been coconstituted by the networked agency of whales and dolphins, whose charismatic animal appeal is a magnet for tourists. We discuss the power of representation to conjure up anticipatory ideas about place practices, the influence of mediating and staging tourist performances, and the importance of unconsidered habits and practices in prompting distinctive performances in particular places. Some tourists leave Kaikoura disappointed because the unpredictability of nature can disrupt anticipated experience. Others, however, in partaking in whale watching and swimming with dolphins, are presented with both educational experience and opportunities for relationally achieved connections with cetaceans which can result in intense experiences of immanence and unreflexive glee. This research poses significant questions about the ability of actor networks and relational assemblages to capture fully the power of the nonhuman to evoke sublime emotional and aesthetic relations with humans.
A Period Study of the Close Binary V508 Ophiuchi
Authors: Albayrak Berahitdin
Published: December 2005

The short-period (0d.34) close binary V508 Oph was observed in 2005 and four new times of minima were derived. All of the available times of minima, including the new ones, covering 69 years were analyzed. It was shown that the period change of the system is very complex. Two possible period oscillations with periods of 24.73 and 9.91 years and amplitudes of about 0.011 and 0.002 day, respectively, were found to superimpose on upward parabolic change, indicating a secular period increase at a rate of dp/dt = 4.24 × 10−9 days yr−1. The mechanisms that could explain the period changes of the system are discussed.
Cloud Imaging from Meteorological Satellites and its Application to Robotic Observing
Authors: Phillips Andre , Ashley Michael C. B.
Published: December 2005

Satellite cloud imagery is a standard tool of meteorology, and also of ground-based observational astronomy. Fast access to cloud imagery through the Internet now permits more accurate prediction of local cloud cover than was formerly the case. This is particularly useful for automatic and remotely operated telescopes, where an observer may be at a considerable distance from the telescope itself. Since satellite imagery can now be accessed through the Internet with such ease, direct reception of radio transmissions from weather satellites may seem unnecessary. However, advances in computing power and radio receiver technology permit simple automated receipt of satellite transmissions, particularly from the NOAA series of low Earth orbit satellites. This has the advantage of more up-to-date, and higher resolution, cloud imagery than can be obtained from the Internet. We have operated such a satellite receiving station since 2003 April, and have found it particularly useful when remotely operating our telescopes at Siding Spring Observatory (SSO). By automatically publishing our cloud imagery onto the World Wide Web we have established a resource that is widely used by other local observatories and by the general public.
John Robert Philip 1927 - 1999
Authors: Smiles David
Published: December 2005

John Philip was struck by a car and killed on Saturday 26 June 1999 in Amsterdam where he was visiting the Centre for Mathematics and Information Science. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society, a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union, a Foreign Member of the All-Union (later Russian) Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and only the second Australian Foreign Associate of the US National Academy of Engineering. He was the first non-American recipient of the Robert E. Horton Medal, the highest award for hydrology of the American Geophysical Union. In 1998 he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for 'service to the science of hydrology, to scientific communication in promoting the interests of science for the community, and to Australian culture through architecture and literature'. This memoir discusses John Philip's character and his work as Australia's most distinguished environmental physicist. It explores his management of science and his role in the Australian Academy of Science as well as his poetry and his fascination with architecture.
Watch Dog over the Herbarium: Alfred Ewart, Victorian Government Botanist 1906 - 1921
Authors: Cohn Helen M.
Published: December 2005

Alfred Ewart was Government Botanist in the service of the Victorian Government from February 1906 to February 1921. He was concurrently foundation Professor of Botany at the University of Melbourne, both positions being part-time. As Government Botanist he was in charge of the National Herbarium of Victoria, which had fallen into a slump after the death of the first Government Botanist, Ferdinand von Mueller, in 1896. Ewart was determined to restore the Herbarium to its former position as a leading centre of research on the Victorian and indeed the Australian flora. In doing so he enlisted the aid of the many capable botanists who were members of the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria. The Herbarium being in the Department of Agriculture, Ewart had duties in relation to the business of that Department. These had mainly to do with weeds, impure seeds and providing advice to departmental officers. Of particular importance was his taxonomic work as Government Botanist. He published a series of papers and books on the flora of Victoria and the Northern Territory, and engaged in debates with colleagues both interstate and overseas. Ewart ceased to be Government Botanist when the professorship was made a full-time appointment in response to increased teaching loads.
Genetic dissection of theta rhythm heterogeneity in mice
Authors: Shin Jonghan , Kim Daesoo , Bianchi Riccardo , Wong Robert K. S. , Shin Hee-Sup
Published: December 2005

Rhythmic oscillatory activities at the theta frequency (4-12Hz) in the hippocampus have long-attracted attention because they have been implicated in diverse brain functions, including spatial cognition. Although studies based on pharmacology and lesion experiments suggested heterogeneity of these rhythms and their behavioral correlates, controversies are abundant on these issues. Here we show that mice harboring a phospholipase C (PLC)-β1-/-mutation (PLC-β1-/-mice) lack one subset of theta rhythms normally observed during urethane anesthesia, alert immobility, and passive whole-body rotation. In contrast, the other subset of theta rhythms observed during walking or running was intact in these mutant mice. PLC-β1-/-mice also have somewhat disrupted theta activity during paradoxical sleep but do have an atropine-resistant component of theta rhythm. In addition, carbachol-induced oscillations were obliterated in hippocampal slices of PLC-β1-/-mice. Interestingly, PLC-β1-/-mice showed deficits in a hidden platform version of the Morris water maze yet performed well in motor coordination tests and a visual platform version of the Morris water maze. The results genetically define the existence of at least two subtypes of theta rhythms and reveal their association with different behaviors.
Off-line learning of motor skill memory: A double dissociation of goal and movement
Authors: Cohen Daniel A. , Pascual-Leone Alvaro , Press Daniel Z. , Robertson Edwin M.
Published: December 2005

Acquiring a new skill requires learning multiple aspects of a task simultaneously. For example, learning a piano sonata requires learning the musical notes and being able to implement this goal by learning the appropriate sequence of finger movements. After practice, skill continues to develop off-line during a period of consolidation. Here we show that different aspects of a procedural memory are processed separately during consolidation: Only the movement sequence is enhanced over the day; whereas only the goal is enhanced over a night of sleep. This double dissociation suggests that distinct systems, enhancing different aspects of a procedural memory, support improvements during consolidation. Consolidation is not a single process; instead, there are multiple routes to off-line learning, and the engagement of these distinct mechanisms is determined by when consolidation takes place.
Iron spin transition in Earth's mantle
Authors: Speziale S. , Milner A. , Lee V. E. , Clark S. M. , Pasternak M. P. , Jeanloz R.
Published: December 2005

High-pressure Mössbauer spectroscopy on several compositions across the (Mg,Fe)O magnesiowüstite solid solution confirms that ferrous iron (Fe
2+
) undergoes a high-spin to low-spin transition at pressures and for compositions relevant to the bulk of the Earth's mantle. High-resolution x-ray diffraction measurements document a volume change of 4–5% across the pressure-induced spin transition, which is thus expected to cause seismological anomalies in the lower mantle. The spin transition can lead to dissociation of Fe-bearing phases such as magnesiowüstite, and it reveals an unexpected richness in mineral properties and phase equilibria for the Earth's deep interior.
Occupancy of the
Drosophila hsp70
promoter by a subset of basal transcription factors diminishes upon transcriptional activation
Authors: Lebedeva Lyubov A. , Nabirochkina Elena N. , Kurshakova Mariya M. , Robert Flavie , Krasnov Aleksey N. , Evgen'ev Mihail B. , Kadonaga James T. , Georgieva Sofia G. , Tora Làszlò
Published: December 2005

The presence of general transcription factors and other coactivators at the
Drosophila hsp70
gene promoter
in vivo
has been examined by polytene chromosome immunofluorescence and chromatin immunoprecipitation at endogenous heat-shock loci or at a
hsp70
promoter-containing transgene. These studies indicate that the
hsp70
promoter is already occupied by TATA-binding protein (TBP) and several TBP-associated factors (TAFs), TFIIB, TFIIF (RAP30), TFIIH (XPB), TBP-free/TAF-containg complex (GCN5 and TRRAP), and the Mediator complex subunit 13 before heat shock. After heat shock, there is a significant recruitment of the heat-shock transcription factor, RNA polymerase II, XPD, GCN5, TRRAP, or Mediator complex 13 to the
hsp70
promoter. Surprisingly, upon heat shock, there is a marked diminution in the occupancy of TBP, six different TAFs, TFIIB, and TFIIF, whereas there is no change in the occupancy of these factors at ecdysone-induced loci under the same conditions. Hence, these findings reveal a distinct mechanism of transcriptional induction at the
hsp70
promoters, and further indicate that the apparent promoter occupancy of the general transcriptional factors does not necessarily reflect the transcriptional state of a gene.
The genome of
Salinibacter ruber
: Convergence and gene exchange among hyperhalophilic bacteria and archaea
Authors: Mongodin E. F. , Nelson K. E. , Daugherty S. , DeBoy R. T. , Wister J. , Khouri H. , Weidman J. , Walsh D. A. , Papke R. T. , Sanchez Perez G. , Sharma A. K. , Nesbø C. L. , MacLeod D. , Bapteste E. , Doolittle W. F. , Charlebois R. L. , Legault B. , Rodriguez-Valera F.
Published: December 2005

Saturated thalassic brines are among the most physically demanding habitats on Earth: few microbes survive in them.
Salinibacter ruber
is among these organisms and has been found repeatedly in significant numbers in climax saltern crystallizer communities. The phenotype of this bacterium is remarkably similar to that of the hyperhalophilic Archaea (Haloarchaea). The genome sequence suggests that this resemblance has arisen through convergence at the physiological level (different genes producing similar overall phenotype) and the molecular level (independent mutations yielding similar sequences or structures). Several genes and gene clusters also derive by lateral transfer from (or may have been laterally transferred to) haloarchaea.
S. ruber
encodes four rhodopsins. One resembles bacterial proteorhodopsins and three are of the haloarchaeal type, previously uncharacterized in a bacterial genome. The impact of these modular adaptive elements on the cell biology and ecology of
S. ruber
is substantial, affecting salt adaptation, bioenergetics, and photobiology.
Modulation of renal-specific oxidoreductase/
myo
-inositol oxygenase by high-glucose ambience
Authors: Nayak Baibaswata , Xie Ping , Akagi Shigeru , Yang Qiwei , Sun Lin , Wada Jun , Thakur Arun , Danesh Farhad R. , Chugh Sumant S. , Kanwar Yashpal S.
Published: December 2005

Biological properties of renal-specific oxidoreductase (RSOR), characteristics of its promoter, and underlying mechanisms regulating its expression in diabetes were analyzed. RSOR expression, normally confined to the renal cortex, was markedly increased and extended into the outer medullary tubules in
db
/
db
mice, a model of type 2 diabetes. Exposure of LLCPK cells to
d
-glucose resulted in a dose-dependent increase in RSOR expression and its enzymatic activity. The latter was related to one of the glycolytic enzymes,
myo
-inositol oxygenase. The increase in activity was in proportion to serum glucose concentration. The RSOR expression also increased in cells treated with various organic osmolytes, e.g., sorbitol, myoinositol, and glycerolphosphoryl-choline and H
2
O
2
. Basal promoter activity was confined to –1,252 bp upstream of ATG, and it increased with the treatment of high glucose and osmolytes. EMSAs indicated an increased binding activity with osmotic-, carbohydrate-, and oxidant-response elements in cells treated with high glucose and was abolished by competitors. Supershifts, detected by anti-nuclear factor of activated T cells, and carbohydrate-response-element-binding protein established the binding specificity. Nuclear factor of activated T cells tonicity-enhancer-binding protein and carbohydrate-response-element-binding protein had increased nuclear expression in cells treated with high glucose. The activity of osmotic-response element exhibited a unique alternate binding pattern, as yet unreported in osmoregulatory genes. Data indicate that RSOR activity is modulated by diverse mechanisms, and it is endowed with dual properties to channel glucose intermediaries, characteristic of hepatic aldehyde reductases, and to maintain osmoregulation, a function of renal medullary genes, e.g., aldose reductase, in diabetes.
Lattice Transformations and Subunit Conformational Changes in Phage Capsid Maturation
Authors: Gossard David C. , King Jonathan
Published: December 2005

A general feature of the pathways for the assembly of double‐stranded DNA phages and viruses is the assembly of coat and scaffolding subunits into a precursor shell or procapsid, followed by packaging of the genomic DNA into the shell. Coupled to this DNA packaging process is the loss of the scaffolding subunits and expansion and re‐organization of the procapsid lattice to the lattice of the mature virus. Such lattice transitions have also been observed with adenoviruses and herpesviruses. In re‐organizing into the mature capsid lattice, each subunit of the precursor lattice must change its conformation, or its relationship with its neighbours, or both. We briefly review here recent structural data for phages P22 and HK97, and describe the motions and conformational changes associated with this lattice transition. Possible functions of such constrained transformations within the virus life‐cycle are discussed.
Age- and sex-specific analysis of homicide mortality as a function of economic development: A cross-national comparison
Authors: Moniruzzaman Syed , Andersson Ragnar
Published: December 2005

Aims: This study examined the association between homicide rates and GNP per capita (as a measure of economic development) among all age- and sex-specific groups in 53 countries. Methods: Cross-sectional data on homicide rates by age- and sex- specific groups were obtained for 53 countries from World Health Statistics Annual 1996. The association between homicide rates and economic development was studied by using two methods: (1) with regression analysis and (2) by categorizing the data into four income-based country groups and then comparing the differences in their mean values. Results: Results indicate that there was a negative correlation between homicide rates and economic development. The association between homicide rates and country GNP per capita became stronger with increasing age. Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient was strongest among older age groups (65+year) in both sexes (male, r=-0.77 and female, r=-0.71). The correlation was weakest and positive among 1- to 4-year-old children (males, r=0.17 and females, r=0.07). The homicide rate among females was highest for <1-year-old children in low income countries (LICs) (12.8 per 100,000). Conclusions: Lower middle-income countries are in the stage of high priority where both homicide rates and homicide as percentage of total death are high, and its impact was greatest for young males. However, infanticide as a public health problem seems highly concentrated in the poorest countries, while homicide among small children, 1—4 years old, appears to be a universal phenomenon across all nations.
Global analysis of proliferation and cell cycle gene expression in the regulation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell fates
Authors: Passegué Emmanuelle , Wagers Amy J. , Giuriato Sylvie , Anderson Wade C. , Weissman Irving L.
Published: December 2005

Knowledge of the molecular networks controlling the proliferation and fate of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) is essential to understand their function in maintaining blood cell production during normal hematopoiesis and upon clinical transplantation. Using highly purified stem and progenitor cell populations, we define the proliferation index and status of the cell cycle machinery at discrete stages of hematopoietic differentiation and during cytokine-mediated HSC mobilization. We identify distinct sets of cell cycle proteins that specifically associate with differentiation, self-renewal, and maintenance of quiescence in HSC and progenitor cells. Moreover, we describe a striking inequality of function among in vivo cycling and quiescent HSC by demonstrating that their long-term engraftment potential resides predominantly in the G0 fraction. These data provide a direct link between HSC proliferation and function and identify discrete molecular targets in regulating HSC cell fate decisions that could have implications for both the therapeutic use of HSC and the understanding of leukemic transformation.
Tyrosine phosphatase MEG2 modulates murine development and platelet and lymphocyte activation through secretory vesicle function
Authors: Wang Yingchun , Vachon Eric , Zhang Jinyi , Cherepanov Vera , Kruger Joshua , Li Jun , Saito Kan , Shannon Patrick , Bottini Nunzio , Huynh Huong , Ni Heyu , Yang Hong , McKerlie Colin , Quaggin Sue , Zhao Zhizhuang Joe , Marsden Philip A. , Mustelin Tomas , Siminovitch Katherine A. , Downey Gregory P.
Published: December 2005

MEG2, a protein tyrosine phosphatase with a unique NH2-terminal lipid-binding domain, binds to and is modulated by the polyphosphoinositides PI(4,5)P2 and PI(3,4,5)P3. Recent data implicate MEG2 in vesicle fusion events in leukocytes. Through the genesis of Meg2-deficient mice, we demonstrate that Meg2−/−embryos manifest hemorrhages, neural tube defects including exencephaly and meningomyeloceles, cerebral infarctions, abnormal bone development, and >90% late embryonic lethality. T lymphocytes and platelets isolated from recombination activating gene 2−/− mice transplanted with Meg2−/− embryonic liver–derived hematopoietic progenitor cells showed profound defects in activation that, in T lymphocytes, was attributable to impaired interleukin 2 secretion. Ultrastructural analysis of these lymphocytes revealed near complete absence of mature secretory vesicles. Taken together, these observations suggest that MEG2-mediated modulation of secretory vesicle genesis and function plays an essential role in neural tube, vascular, and bone development as well as activation of mature platelets and lymphocytes.
Towards an Alternative Perspective on Trade and Industrial Policies
Authors: Shafaeddin S. M.
Published: December 2005

Trade policy is at a crossroads, as is trade diplomacy, in the form of trade negotiations under the auspicious of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Widespread ‘traditional’ import substitution industrialization (ISI) strategies, which prevailed from the 1950s to the 1970s, failed. Across‐the‐board trade liberalization, recommended by the international financial institutions (IFIs) and neoliberal scholars in the 1980s and 1990s to promote outward‐oriented industrialization and development, fared no better. What is next? Drawing on the experiences of developing countries in trade liberalization and economic reform in recent years, as well as the history of those countries which underwent early industrialization, this article aims to develop an alternative approach to trade and industrial policy by taking a bottom‐up approach. The author presents a national policy framework (that is, a view of what is needed at the national level to catch up in the process of industrialization) and, on that basis, argues for changes in international trade rules.
Increased expression of Toll like receptor 4 on peripheral-blood mononuclear cells in patients with coronary arteriosclerosis disease
Authors: Geng H-L , Lu H-Q , Zhang L-Z , Zhang H , Zhou L , Wang H , Zhong R-Q
Published: December 2005

The family of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) initiates innate immune responses, and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) was considered to be an important player in the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic disease. The aim of the study was to investigate the expression of TLR4 on peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with coronary arteriosclerosis disease (CAD). We have examined the expression of TLR4 protein and mRNA by flow cytometry (FCM) and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In addition, the levels of plasma lipids were determined by automatic biochemistry analyzer. The results showed that the positive rates and the mean mRNA copy number of TLR4 in CAD group were significantly higher than that in controls. But no significant difference was found in the positive rate and the mean mRNA copy number of TLR4 between CAD group with normal level of plasma lipids and the CAD group with abnormal level of plasma lipids. We suggest that expression level of TLR4 on peripheral-blood mononuclear cells is increased in atherosclerotic, but the differential expression of TLR4 has no correlation with the level of plasma lipids.
Placing local plant species richness in the context of environmental drivers of metacommunity richness
Authors: STEVENS M. HENRY H.
Published: December 2005

Ecologists seem poised to reap the benefits of recent work examining the effects of energy and resources on plant taxonomic richness in local communities. My goal here is to present a qualitative model to further our understanding about the driving forces of plant taxonomic richness across spatial scales.

The model attempts to predict local plant species richness based on previous work regarding (i) correlations between temperature, precipitation and richness, (ii) correlations between soil nutrient availability and richness derived from both descriptions and experimental manipulations, and (iii) empirical demonstrations of the importance of the species pool in regulating local species richness.

The model consists of a phenomenlogical submodel of the multiplicative effects of temperature, water and mineral nutrients on plant species richness, with a spatially implicit submodel of immigration and extinction of species in local communities.

The model makes the following five testable predictions. (i) Local richness increases linearly with immigration rate of new species and curvilinearly with local extinction rate. (ii) The effects of altered local immigration and extinction rates will be most apparent in local communities embedded in species‐rich metacommunities. (iii) Local communities are not saturated, but rather increase in richness directly with increasing metacommunity richness. (iv) Unimodal or hump‐shaped productivity‐richness relations arise when low water or temperature limit diversity at low productivity and mineral nutrients limit diversity at high productivity. (v) An apparent scale‐dependence of the effect productivity on richness should arise when there exists a matching scale‐dependence of the underlying environmental drivers. These predictions do not contrast sharply with available data, but remain largely untested.

I suggest that continued attempts to synthesize the most predictive patterns emerging from the burgeoning global data bases of both taxonomic and genetic diversity will guide us toward mechanistic explanations of the determinants of species richness, suggest why special cases differ from general patterns, and provide additional novel predictions not currently apparent.
Evaluation of extracts and oils of tick‐repellent plants from Sweden
Authors: Jaenson T. G. T. , Pålsson K. , Borg‐Karlson A.‐K.
Published: December 2005

Abstract.  Leaves of Myrica gale Linnaeus (Myricaceae), Rhododendron tomentosum (Stokes) H. Harmaja (formerly Ledum palustre Linnaeus: Ericaceae) and Artemisia absinthium Linnaeus (Asteraceae) were extracted with organic solvents of different polarities and the essential oils of leaves were obtained by steam distillation. The extracts or oils were tested in the laboratory for repellency against host‐seeking nymphs of Ixodes ricinus Linnaeus (Acari: Ixodidae). Rhododendron tomentosum oil, 10%, diluted in acetone, exhibited 95% repellency; R. tomentosum and A. absinthium extracts in ethyl acetate, > 70% repellency; A. absinthium extract in hexane, ∼62% repellency; and M. gale oil, 10%, ∼50% repellency on I. ricinus nymphs. Compounds in the leaf extracts or in the oils were collected by solid phase microextraction (SPME) and identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and/or MS. Characteristic volatiles detected from oil or extract of M. gale were the monoterpenes 1,8‐cineole, α‐terpineol, 4‐terpineol and thujenol; and of R. tomentosum myrcene and palustrol. Characteristic volatiles from leaf extracts of A. absinthium were sabinene, oxygenated monoterpenes, e.g. thujenol and linalool, and geranyl acetate. Each plant species synthesized numerous volatiles known to exhibit acaricidal, insecticidal, ‘pesticidal’ and/or arthropod repellent properties. These plants may be useful sources of chemicals for the control of arthropods of medical, veterinary or agricultural importance.
Spatial and temporal variability of necrophagous Diptera from urban to rural areas
Authors: Hwang C. , Turner B. D.
Published: December 2005

Abstract.  The spatio‐temporal variability of necrophagous fly assemblages in a linear series of habitats from central London to the rural surroundings in the south‐west was studied using bottle traps between June 2001 and September 2002. A total of 3314 individuals in 20 dipteran families were identified from 127 sampling occasions. Calliphoridae accounted for 78.6% of all the dipteran specimens, with Calliphora vicina Robineau‐Desvoidy, being the most abundant species (2603 individuals, 46.9%). Using canonical correspondence analyses (CCA) on 72 fly taxa, six sampled sites and 36 environmental variables, three habitat types corresponding to three groups of flies were identified. These were an urban habitat characterized by C. vicina, Lucilia illustris (Meigen) and L. sericata (Meigen), a rural grassland habitat, characterized by L. caesar (Linnaeus) and a rural woodland habitat characterized by Calliphora vomitoria (Linnaeus), Phaonia subventa (Harris), Neuroctena anilis (Fallén) and Tephrochlamys flavipes (Zetterstedt). Intermediate species (L. ampullacea Villeneuve and P. pallida (Fabricius), located between the three habitats, were also found. Temporal abundance of the 10 most abundant species showed fluctuations between seasons, having low numbers of captured individuals during winter. Correspondence analysis showed clearly seasonal patterns at Box Hill site. The species–habitat associations suggest habitat differentiation between necrophagous guilds in this area and may be of ecological value.
Malaria transmission risk by the mosquito Anopheles baimaii (formerly known as An. dirus species D) at different hours of the night in North‐east India
Authors: Prakash A. , Bhattacharyya D. R. , Mohapatra P. K. , Mahanta J.
Published: December 2005

Abstract.  The risk of acquiring malaria transmitted by Anopheles baimaii Sallum & Peyton, 2005, formerly known as An. dirus species D (Sallum et al., 2005) (Diptera: Culicidae), at different hours of the night in a forest‐fringed village of Assam, North‐east India was assessed through all‐night mosquito landing catches during 1995–2000. An estimated overall mean biting rate of 36.1 bites/person/night (95% CI = 26.2–45.8), a sporozoite rate of 1.9% (95% CI = 1.1–2.9%) and a parous rate of 58.7% (95% CI = 55.3–62.0%) were recorded. Parous and sporozoite‐positive females tended to be caught mainly before midnight. The effective entomological inoculation rate was the highest (0.249 positive bites/person/night) from 21.00 to 24.00 hours, suggesting that the second quartile of the night is the most risky period for malaria transmission by An. baimaii. Considering that ∼21% of mean inoculations take place before 21.00 hours, it appears that there is a need for appropriate protective measures during the pre‐bed time period to supplement the impact of insecticide‐treated nets against An. baimaii in north‐east India.
First occurrences of the Phorid, Megaselia abdita, in forensic cases in Britain
Authors: Disney R. H. L. , Manlove J. D.
Published: December 2005

Abstract.  The first two cases of the occurrence of Megaselia abdita Schmitz (Diptera: Phoridae) in human corpses in Britain are reported and a further case of M. rufipes (Meigen). In all three cases the corpses experienced low temperatures.
Gouvernance Territoriale et Réseaux:  Une Illustration Par L’Accompagnement à La Création D’Entreprises En France
Authors: Richez‐Battesti Nadine , Gianfaldoni Patrick
Published: December 2005

Resume**:  L’objectif de ce papier est de mettre en évidence le caractère hybride de la gouvernance territoriale qui caractérise les réseaux d’accompagnement à la création d’entreprise. Elle oscille en effet entre une gouvernance par contrat de performance et une gouvernance partenariale, en conformité avec les deux modes de régulation, tutélaire de contrôle public pour les associations de conseil et conjointe pour les associations de financement.
PRELIMINARY STUDY ON BACTERIAL INFLUENCE IN ISCHEMIC COLITIS
Authors: Tamayama Takaaki , Kakemura Tadayoshi , Fujinuma Sumio , Sakai Yoshihiro
Published: December 2005

Background:  It is necessary to exclude infectious colitis by fecal culture for diagnosis of ischemic colitis. But even if pathogenic bacteria are excluded, it is expected that the population of normal bacterial flora of the lesion is probably changing. We have performed bacterial culture using colonoscopic sampling in order to detect more important bacteria, when we diagnose ischemic colitis on colonoscopy.

Methods:  The subject group comprised 81 patients diagnosed with ischemic colitis between January 1998 and July 2004. During initial colonoscopy, we sprayed 20 mL saline on the most severe site of the inflammatory lesion and collected the fluid by suction for culture (colonoscopic spraying wash culture). When only one species of bacteria was isolated, we registered the bacteria as the predominant organism. When two or more species of bacteria were isolated, we registered the bacteria that were isolated most superior in number.

Results:  Escherichia coli (48 patients), Klebsiella (22 patients), Enterococcus (22 patients), Enterobacter (12 patients) and others were registered. Generally, younger patients (under 50 years) had prominently E. coli, and elderly patients (above 70 years) had Klebsiella. Patients with baseline disease such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia generally had Enterococcus. Patients without baseline disease generally had E. coli. Sex and the length of period after onset were not significantly different. Colonoscopic features of the cases isolated only one species of bacteria by colonoscopic spraying wash culture that were different to each other.

Conclusion:  It is expected that age and baseline diseases contribute to the onset of ischemic colitis and to the disruption of normal flora. Meanwhile, it is supposed that the disruption of normal flora is related to the induction of various configurations of ischemic colitis.
CLINICAL AND ENDOSCOPIC HEALING AFTER INFLIXIMAB TREATMENT IN PATIENTS WITH CROHN's DISEASE
Authors: Sou Suketo , Matsui Toshiyuki , Yao Tsuneyoshi , Yorioka Makoto , Tsuda Sumio , Kikuchi Yosuke , Wada Yoko , Nagahama Takashi , Yao Kenshi
Published: December 2005

Background:  Intestinal mucosal lesions in Crohn's disease were endoscopically evaluated before and after giving infliximab, and the usefulness of this treatment was investigated.

Patients and methods:  The present study included 12 patients with active Crohn's disease who could undergo colonoscopy before and after giving infliximab. (i) The treatment assessment consisted of evaluations of short‐term and long‐term therapeutic effects. The clinical evaluation was conducted using the Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI). The results of the clinical evaluation were compared with those of the colonoscopic evaluation. (ii) The endoscopic evaluation findings were divided into polyposis, ulcer and stenosis, and the area ranging from the rectum to the terminal ileum. The scores for the findings at seven sites were totaled. In the short‐term therapeutic effect, characteristics of ulcer morphology and background factors were investigated endoscopically.

Results:  (i) The efficacy rate was 92% clinically and 67% endoscopically in the evaluation of short‐term therapeutic effects. The efficacy rate was 86% clinically and 86% endoscopically in the evaluation of long‐term therapeutic effects. (ii) On the endoscopic evaluation, the ulcer score was significantly (P = 0.03) improved after giving infliximab, while there was no remarkable change in the polyposis score and the stenosis score tended to worsen. On the evaluation of therapeutic effects based on ulcer morphology, infliximab was endoscopically effective in patients with longitudinal ulcers. On the evaluation of therapeutic effects based on background factors, the treatment was effective in patients given a combination of infliximab and immunosuppressants.

Conclusion:  The ulcerative lesions were found to be markedly improved, but the intestinal stenosis tended to worsen, after giving infliximab. It is necessary that the severity of intestinal stenosis be adequately understood before giving infliximab. Giving immunosuppressants should be used for combined treatment.
A CASE OF EARLY GASTRIC CANCER ACCOMPANIED BY DIEULAFOY ULCER IN A YOUNG WOMAN
Authors: Tsukada Kenji , Kobayashi Shigeru , Gotoh Tatsuya , Asakage Naoki , Sekine Masayuki , Sasaki Morio , Miyazaki Eiji , Suzuki Takahisa , Yamada Toshio , Hirai Shu , Yamazaki Shigetaka
Published: December 2005

A case of early gastric carcinoma accompanied by Dieulafoy ulcer is presented. The patient, a 26‐year‐old female, visited our emergency room with chief complaints of massive hematemesis and tarry stool. The initial endoscopic examination revealed a superficial depressed lesion with a faded color accompanied by a tiny ulcer with converging folds at the anterior wall of the middle gastric body. Although no active bleeding vessel was found at that time, the patient was admitted to our hospital for further check‐ups and treatment. On the 6th hospital day, she developed massive hematemesis resulting in shock. Urgent endoscopy, this time, disclosed an exposed bleeding vessel at the small ulcer floor previously mentioned, and endoscopic hemostasis was achieved. Since, however, a biopsy at initial examination from the surrounding depressed area proved carcinoma, a partial distal gastrectomy was subsequently carried out. Histological examination of the resected specimen confirmed the diagnosis of carcinoma limited to the mucosa and submucosa along with findings consistent with Dieulafoy ulcer. This is a rare case of combination of early cancer and Dieulafoy ulcer particularly in such a young patient. A review of the literature is also presented.
ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASONOGRAPHY‐GUIDED SIMULTANEOUS INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL DRAINAGE OF INFECTED PANCREATIC PSEUDOCYSTS
Authors: Itoi Takao , Tsuchiya Takayoshi , Sofuni Atsushi , Itokawa Fumihide , Kurihara Toshio , Moriyasu Fuminori , Kawai Takashi
Published: December 2005

The procedure for endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)‐guided cystodrainage of pancreatic pseudocysts has been established but, at times, we encounter difficult cases because of infected pseudocysts. We report successful simultaneous internal and external drainage performed in three patients with severely infectious pancreatic pseudocysts.
CLINICAL USE OF THE NEWLY DEVELOPED ELECTRONIC RADIAL ULTRASOUND ENDOSCOPE
Authors: Ogawa Masami , Yasuda Kenjiro , Cho Eisai , Tanaka Kiyohito , Uno Koji , Nakajima Masatsugu
Published: December 2005

Background:  Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is widely accepted as a diagnostic tool for bilio‐pancreatic and gastrointestinal tract diseases. Recently, an ultrasound endoscope with an electronic radial scan transducer has been developed. To evaluate the clinical usefulness of this system, its image quality, advantages and disadvantages were evaluated.

Materials and methods:  Ultrasound endoscope with electronic radial scan transducer and its monitor unit were used. The direction of the imaging plane was similar to that of the mechanical radial models. Color Doppler function and tissue harmonic imaging were feasible by this system. To evaluate this endoscope, we investigated the image quality and distance resolution by in‐vitro study using thin papers, and 50 patients were examined by this system.

Results:  Comparison with the mechanical radial endoscope GF‐UM2000 revealed that the image quality was almost equivalent. However, the ultrasound penetration of the electronic radial scanner was better and more satisfactory with less echoic reduction. In addition, the blood‐flow signal could be obtained by using the color Doppler function. In contrast, the diameter of the new endoscope was bigger than the advanced mechanical radial models, the monitor unit was bigger than that of the mechanical radial system, and the operation of this unit was complicated.

Conclusion:  A prototype of the ultrasound endoscope with electronic radial scan showed satisfactory results regarding the image quality, ultrasound penetration, and clinical diagnosis. The blood flow could be investigated by using the color Doppler function, which is useful to diagnose lesions and detect involvement of the blood vessels in cancers.
INDICATIONS FOR ENDOSCOPIC MUCOSAL RESECTION FOR EARLY COLORECTAL CANCER: SHOULD THEY BE STRICT OR SHOULD THEY BE EXPANDED?
Authors: Choi Hwang
Published: December 2005

Endoscopic technologies have been developed greatly. As for early gastric cancer, the indications for endoscopic mucosal resection for early colorectal cancer have been widened recently. Technological advances can support wider and deeper resections using endoscopy but the remaining problem for the endoscopic management of cancer is lymph node metastasis. I discuss here the indication for endoscopic mucosal resection for early colorectal cancer to bring into focus the risk factors for metastasis to lymph nodes.
BILIARY STENTING FOR MALIGNANT BILIARY OBSTRUCTION
Authors: Tsuyuguchi Toshio , Fukuda Yoshihiro , Tsuchiya Shin , Sakai Yuji , Ishihara Takeshi , Yamaguchi Taketo , Saisho Hiromitsu
Published: December 2005

Management of patients with malignant biliary obstruction remains controversial. We reviewed our current status of biliary stenting for malignancy. The initial step in our management is endoscopic nasobiliary drainage, which is used not only for preoperative drainage but also to decide whether or not surgery is appropriate treatment. Although a metal stent has a longer patency time than a plastic stent, it costs up to thirty‐fold more than the latter in Japan. Therefore, stent selection, metal or plastic, should be dependent on the expected prognosis of each patient with malignant biliary strictures. In the present paper, we also discuss the efficacy of the covered metal stent and stenting for malignant hilar obstruction.