bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebral infarction in incontinentia pigmenti: the first report of a case evaluated by single photon emission computed tomography
Authors: Kasai T , Kato Z , Matsui E , Sakai A , Nishida T , Kondo N , Taga T
Published: January 2008

A 2‐month‐old girl with incontinentia pigmenti presented with acute‐onset right‐handed focalized seizures and subsequent seizure generalization. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and single photon emission computed tomography results indicated that she had multiple cerebral infarctions. These findings suggest that incontinentia pigmenti should be included among the neurocutaneous syndromes associated with ischemic strokes in childhood. This is the first report of a case with incontinentia pigmenti associated with cerebral infarction evaluated by single photon emission computed tomography.
Effect of lipid emulsion on IL‐2 production by mononuclear cells of newborn infants and adults
Authors: Sirota L , Straussberg R , Notti I , Bessler H
Published: January 2008

The in vitro effect of a lipid emulsion (intralipid) on interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) production by cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC) of preterm and term newborn infants was examined and compared to that of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of adults. Intralipid, added at concentrations accepted in clinical practice, caused a dose‐dependent inhibition of IL‐2 activity tested by bioassay. IL‐2 levels, tested by radioimmunoassay (RIA), were found to be reduced only in supernatants derived from CBMC of term infants and not in those derived from MC of preterm infants or adults. The capacity of the IL‐2 dependent cell line CTLL‐2 to respond to IL‐2 was abolished in the presence of intralipid, suggesting an interference with the binding of IL‐2 to its receptor on these cells. It is conceivable that administration of intralipid to preterm infants may interfere with the binding of IL‐2 to the specific receptors on their activated lymphocytes, with a possible subsequent suppression of their immune response.
Genotypic/phenotypic heterogeneity of selective vitamin B12 malabsorption (Grasbeck‐Imerslund syndrome) in two Bedouin families
Authors: Ismail EAR , Saleh Q Al , Sabry MA , Ghanim M Al , Zaki M
Published: January 2008

We report on seven patients in two unrelated consanguineous Bedouin families with Grasbeck‐Imerslund syndrome. Pedigree analysis in Family 1 was suggestive of an X‐linked mode of inheritance. Intra‐ and interfamilial heterogeneity was elicited among the affected children in both families. Two of the affected sibs in each family had raised Hb A2 (>4%) while a third in Family 1 had a raised level of Hb F before treatment. One of the patients developed subacute combined degeneration of the cord at the age of 17 years before the correct diagnosis was made. All abnormalities were corrected following the institution of parenteral cobalamin therapy.
Ongoing challenges in pediatric hospice care
Authors: Lauer ME
Published: January 2008

Reports have begun to proliferate throughout the world which describe various models of pediatric hospice care. While encouraging, these reports identify universal obstacles that continue to compromise effective care. Challenges persist in areas of pain management, medical ethics, program administration, cost analysis, staff development and bereavement follow‐up. Cooperative efforts are encouraged to address these issues.
Interleukin 6, but not tumour necrosis factor‐α, is a good predictor of severe infection in febrile neutropenic and non‐neutropenic children with malignancy
Authors: Abrahamsson J. , Påhlman M. , Mellander L.
Published: January 2008

Objective: Interleukin‐6 (IL6), tumor necrosis factor‐a (TNF‐a) and interferon‐gamma (IFN‐7) are important mediators of the inflammatory response in human infection. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between serum levels of IL6, TNF‐α, IFN‐γ and CRP in febrile children with malignant disease, and relate these levels to aetiology of fever, presence of neutropenia and the effect of untreated malignancy. Methods: 110 febrile episodes in 70 children with malignant disease were included. Cytokine analyses were performed with sensitive immunoradiometric methods using double monoclonal antibodies. Results: IL6 had a sensitivity of 74% in detecting sepsis in children with fever and malignant disease. This sensitivity was not influenced by the presence of neutropenia or newly diagnosed malignancy. A positive correlation between IL6 and the CRP levels on the following day was observed (r= 53). TNF‐α was elevated in 22% of the episodes and mean levels were significantly higher in untreated malignancy but lower in neutropenic patients. IFN‐γ was elevated in 18% of cases and correlated strongly with mean TNF‐a levels. Conclusions: IL6 is a sensitive and early predictor of bacterial infection in both neutropenic and non‐neutropenic febrile children with malignancy. It is more sensitive than CRP in detecting sepsis, but the predictive value is too low to allow IL6 levels to influence initial treatment decisions in patients with granulocytopenia. TNF‐α production seems to be impaired in neutropenic children and serum TNF‐α cannot be employed as an indicator of bacterial infection.
CNS tumours in south‐western Finland: high location, high incidence
Authors: Äärimaa T. , Arola M. , Salmi TT
Published: January 2008

The Department of Paediatrics at the University Central Hospital of Turku, Finland has 130 000 children under 17 y of age within its catchment area. We collected all 103 cases of newly diagnosed CNS tumours from the 15‐y period of 1981–95. The incidence was 5. 3: 100 000, a figure twofold those usually presented. During the period 1981 ‐85 the incidence was lower (4) than during the subsequent 5‐y periods (5. 7 and 6. 2). There were no statistical differences between the incidences of the supra‐ vs infratentorial brain tumours. Optic glioma was unusually common (17%, CI 13. 9–20%).
Glucose metabolism and insulin secretion in children with cyanotic congenital heart disease
Authors: Lundell K‐H , Sabel K‐G , Eriksson BO , Mellgren G.
Published: January 2008

The aim of the study was to reveal differences in carbohydrate metabolism in children with cyanotic congenital heart diseases (CHD). Thirteen children with diseases of these kinds were investigated with regard to glucose tolerance and insulin secretion and comparisons were made with healthy controls of the same age. Investigations included an intravenous glucose tolerance test, insulin response to the glucose load in plasma and insulin secretion rate. The results reveal lower fasting glucose levels and signs of a higher insulin secretion rate in the relatively few patients in the CHD group where C‐peptide measurements were performed, but no differences in glucose tolerance. The reasons for the differences are unclear, but the chronic increases in circulating catecholamines in combination with the impaired nutritional status of these children with CHD are probably the most important factors. We conclude that these divergences in carbohydrate metabolism should be emphasized in the care of children with CHD.
How do they grow? A study of south‐eastern Nigerian adolescent girls
Authors: Brabin L. , Ikimalo J. , Dollimore N. , Kemp J. , Ikokwu‐Wonodi C. , Babatunde S. , Obunge O. , Briggs N.
Published: January 2008

This study assessed the nutritional status of Nigerian adolescent girls living in two areas of south‐eastern Nigeria. A cross sectional survey was undertaken in a rural village in Ogoniland, and five secondary schools in Port Harcourt, south‐eastern Nigeria. All (386) menarcheal girls aged 14–19 y living in the rural village, and a stratified cluster sample (845) of menarcheal girls aged 14–19 in the five urban schools were investigated. Mean heights and weights of rural girls were around ‐1 Z‐score below the British reference median. 10. 4% of rural and 4. 7% of urban girls were stunted (≤2nd centile, British 1990 reference values). After calculating mean body mass index‐for‐age, various cut‐off points for low body mass index were tested. At a cut‐off of ≤9th centile, 15. 6% of rural and 8. 0% of urban girls would be classified as thin. Girls with a haemoglobin < 10. 0 g/dl were significantly more likely to have a low body mass index than those with haemoglobin values a 10. 0 g/dl. More studies are needed to refine the definition and interpretation of low body mass index in adolescents.
Terminal care of the child with cancer at home
Authors: Sirkiä K. , Saarinen UM , Ahlgren B. , Hovi L.
Published: January 2008

One hundred paediatric patients with either leukaemia (36%), solid tumours (34%) or brain tumours (30%), treated at the Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, Finland, died during 1987–92; 70 of them died while in organized terminal care. They were treated at home (60%), in hospital (29%), and partly at both (11%). One or both parents stayed at home to take care of their child. Personnel of the oncologic ward coordinated home care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of a terminal care program, with special reference to terminal care at home. Evaluation included retrospective analysis of patients' records, as well as a structured interview with the two parents separately. The quality of life of the children during the terminal period was greatly influenced by their happiness at being at home. Relief of symptoms, particularly pain, was in most instances adequate. Most parents had no complaints to make afterwards. Only some of them complained of having received too little information, too little supervision and support, and insufficient preparation for the death of the child. Thus, the system of terminal care at home proved satisfactory for the child and the whole family in many different respects. For successful home care, the parents need continuous supervision, help and support by well‐trained personnel.
Sub‐clinical cerebral oedema does not occur regularly during treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis
Authors: Smedman L. , Escobar R. , Hesser U. , Persson B.
Published: January 2008

Fulminant cerebral oedema is an uncommon, fatal complication of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children. This study aimed to find out whether the sub‐clinical compression of the brain ventricles found by an earlier study, is a general phenomenon during intravenous treatment for DKA. Four boys and four girls were examined. Blood glucose values ranged from 40 to 24. 6mmol/l, base excess ‐34. 6 to ‐ 13. 6 and capillary blood pH 6. 89–7. 22. The patients received fluids containing both glucose and electrolytes, and insulin intravenously. After about lOh, blood glucose was 8. 7–21. 8mmol/l and base excess had decreased substantially (‐9. 5 to ‐2. 9) in seven of the eight cases. Computerized tomography of the brain was then performed, and again after full recovery. Only two of the patients had an initial decrease in intercaudate distance, which exceeded the variability found in a reference group. Compression of the cerebral ventricles does not occur regularly during treatment for DKA.
First‐trimester invasive procedures and congenital abnormalities*
Authors: Greenough A. , Naik S. , Yuksel B. , Thompson PJ , Nicolaides KH
Published: January 2008

A prospective study was undertaken to determine whether first‐trimester amniocentesis or chorion villus sampling was associated with an increased incidence of congenital anomalies. The infants of mothers who had undergone first‐trimester amniocentesis (EA) (n= 352), chorion villus sampling (CVS) (n = 348) or no invasive antenatal procedure (controls) (n= 264) were examined at a median age of 5 months. Both the EA and CVS groups had a higher proportion of infants with congenital anomalies (n= 18 and n= 22, respectively) than the control group (n=4) (p < 0. 01). Certain of the abnormalities, however, affected only single infants. Compression abnormalities were more common in the EA group than in the controls (p < 0. 05), but not in the CVS group. The isolated limb abnormalities which occurred were minor anomalies affecting the digits and were seen in both the CVS (n= 6) and EA (n= 3) groups. First‐trimester invasive procedures are thus associated with an excess of congenital anomalies.
Endogenous nitric oxide in the upper airways of premature and term infants
Authors: Schedin U. , Norman M. , Gustafsson LE , Jonsson B. , Frostell C.
Published: January 2008

Concentrations of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) were measured in premature (n= 18) and term infants (n= 7). Nasal gas was aspirated continuously and after timed occlusions, 15 s and 60 s, by a fast‐response chemiluminescence analyser. The sampling flow rate was 20 ml min‐1. Typical NO recordings consisted of plateaux and postocclusive peaks. In term infants peak NO concentrations (60 s occlusion) were 2. 71 ± 0. 44 parts per million (ppm) within lOmin after birth, increasing (p < 0. 05) to 3. 81 ± 0. 25 ppm at 4–7 d postnatally. Peak NO values (15 s occlusion) averaged 1. 22 ± 0. 16 ppm in premature infants (postconcep‐tional age 25–37 weeks, body weight 623–2844 g) and the NO concentrations increased significantly with postconceptional age (p < 0. 05). Nasal excretion rate, estimated from plateau NO concentrations and sampling flow rate, was 0. 10 ± 0. 01 nmol min‐1 kg‐1 in both groups. We conclude that premature and term newborn infants excrete considerable amounts of NO in the upper airways, with hitherto not fully known functions.
Systemic candidiasis with acute Epstein‐Barr virus infection
Authors: Hacimustafaoglu M. , Ener B. , Tarim Ö , Killç Ş , Tanntanir A. , Ildirim I.
Published: January 2008

Systemic Candida infections are usually encountered as opportunistic infections in a setting of immunologic depression. Sepsis or arthritis due to Candida is not expected in healthy people. Epstein‐Barr virus may infect B cells, but does not cause immunosuppression of any clinical significance. As far as we know, invasive non‐albicans Candida infection complicating Epstein‐Barr virus infection has not been reported in previously healthy children. In this report, two previously healthy children, one with sepsis due to Candida species and the other sepsis and arthritis due to Candida parapsilosis are described. Both patients were male and were aged 2 and 9 y. The diagnosis was confirmed by culture. Both children also had coincidental acute Epstein‐Barr virus infection, confirmed by Epstein‐Barr virus viral capside antigen‐IgM. They were both cured with fluconazole given for 21 days and 48 days, respectively.
Prospective study of lung volumes in young asthmatic children
Authors: Naik S. , Greenough A. , Giffin F. , Dimitriou G. , Price JF
Published: January 2008

In a 9‐y prospective study, the occurrence and duration of lung volume abnormalities in 21 young asthmatic children (median age at recruitment 4y, range 3–8 y) was determined. The median functional residual capacity (FRC) at recruitment was 135% of that predicted for height (range 79–187%) and 13 children were hyperinflated. The median FRC decreased significantly after 3 y of follow‐up and by 9 y only one child remained hyperinflated. We conclude that persistent elevation of lung volume in young asthmatic children appears to be uncommon.
Subependymal caudothalamic groove hyperechogenicity and neonatal chronic lung disease
Authors: Smets K. , Kezel Ch De , Govaert P.
Published: January 2008

Chronic lung disease is associated with several poorly defined risk factors for impaired cerebral development. Late neonatal onset of subependymal hyperechogenic areas in the caudothalamic groove has been reported in association with dexamethasone treatment and postnatal cytomegalovirus infection. We reviewed charts of 18 patients who developed subependymal hyperechogenicity beyond the first week of life, as well as charts of 79 patients belonging to a prospective surfactant study group. Thirteen of the 18 patients with subependymal hyperdensities had been treated with surfactant and were all found in the subgroup with chronic lung disease. In the surfactant‐treated patients who did not develop chronic lung disease, we could not find any patient with subependymal hyperdensities. From the remaining five patients with ultrasound lesions, but who were not treated with surfactant, three had developed chronic lung disease. There was no evident association with dexamethasone treatment or cytomegalovirus infection. Our results support the idea of an association between chronic lung disease and the described echographic lesions in the caudothalamic groove, but the nature of the link between them is still unclear.
Natural odour preferences of newborn infants change over time
Authors: Varendi H , Porter RH , Winberg J
Published: January 2008

At their first sucking contact, neonates prefer an unwashed breast to a washed one, but an amniotic fluid (AF)‐ treated breast over a “natural odour” breast. We examined the development of these neonatal olfactory preferences. On days 3–4 significantly more babies still selected their mother's unwashed breast (n= 21) than the washed alternative (n= 8). Preferences for natural breast odours were more pronounced for girls than boys. In a subsequent experiment comprising another 28 babies, the number of babies who selected a naturally scented (n= 9) vs an AP‐treated breast (n= 19) on days 2–5 were not reliably different. However, babies who selected the natural breast had longer pre‐test maternal contact and had spent more time breastfeeding. Ten babies who chose the AF breast in the latter experiment were tested in the same manner several days later; all preferred the naturally smelling breast. While preferences for AF fade after birth, responsiveness to natural breast odours may be enhanced by postnatal experience.
Cerebrospinal fluid plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1: a prognostic factor in posthaemorrhagic hydrocephalus
Authors: Hansen A , Whitelaw A , Lapp C , Brugnara C
Published: January 2008

Intraventricular fibrinolytic enhancement with plasminogen activators is an experimental treatment for posthaemorrhagic hydrocephalus, but some infants do not respond. The objectives of this study were to investigate whether plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 is detectable in normal or posthaemorrhagic neonatal cerebrospinal fluid and whether higher neonatal cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 are associated with failure of fibrinolytic therapy. Cerebrospinal fluid samples from 7 controls and 16 infants with posthaemorrhagic hydrocephalus (15 treated with exogenous fibrinolytic agents) were analysed for plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1. Plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 was not detectable in any of the control samples but was detectable in all but one of the posthaemorrhagic samples, and at significantly higher levels in the treatment failures (median 94 ng ml‐1) than in the treatment successes (median 25 ng ml‐1). High levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 in the cerebrospinal fluid are predictive of, and provide a plausible biological explanation for, failure of intraventricular fibrinolytic therapy.
Mechanisms inhibiting the forest development of historic charcoal hearths in southeastern Pennsylvania
Authors: Mikan Carl J. , Abrams Marc D.
Published: January 2008

Charcoal production associated with the iron industry had a pervasive influence on forests during the 17th and 18th centuries in the mid-Atlantic region of the eastern United States. In a recent study we reported the altered forest composition and soil properties on historic charcoal hearths in southeastern Pennsylvania. In this study, additional experimental results describe potential past and present mechanisms that may inhibit forest development. Nyssasylvatica Marsh, wood samples taken from the first 15 years of growth on hearth sites contained roughly half the amount of P and Mn and nearly double the amount of K and Na relative to wood produced on nonhearth sites in the same period, consistent with initial pH elevation following hearth abandonment in 1883. In the greenhouse, Quercusalba L. and Quercusrubra L. showed a significant growth depression in hearth soil. When the proportion of charcoal soil varied from 0 to 100%, several growth parameters of Q. rubra declined significantly with increasing charcoal soil content. In situ foliar nutrient concentrations of Vacciniumcorymbosum L. and Quercusvelutina Lam. were significantly different in P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Na, and Cu on hearth versus nonhearth plots. The present inhibition of hearth regeneration appears to be the result of persistent differences in soil nutrient availability after more than a century.
Family variation in photosynthesis of 22-year-old black spruce: a test of two models of physiological response to water stress
Authors: Major John E. , Johnsen Kurt H.
Published: January 2008

Gas exchange and water potential were measured in 22-year-old black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) BSP) trees from four full-sib families on two sites (one drier and one wetter) at the Petawawa National Forestry Institute, Ontario. Based on an observed genotype × environment interaction and earlier work with seedlings, a hypothesis was formed that at high soil moisture availability, no genetic differences in net photosynthesis (Pn) would exist and as soil moisture decreases, genetic differences in Pn would increase. From results of initial research with mature trees we formed an alternative hypothesis that genetic differences in Pn are constantly maintained under an array of soil moisture conditions. The two models were rigorously tested over a range of soil moisture conditions using two physiological measurement crews who switched sites throughout the day. Second-year foliage Pn of mature black spruce was more affected by nonstomatal limitations than by stomatal limitations. Progeny of one female had 12.5% and 7.4% higher Pn than progeny of another female on the dry and wet site, respectively. Genetic variation in Pn was consistent over a range of soil water potential. Thus, the first hypothesis was rejected in favor of the alternative hypothesis. Genetic variation in Pn appeared to be due to differential response to vapor pressure deficit. Suggestions as to how to reconcile the observed genotype × environment interaction in growth with the genetic differences in Pn are discussed.
Cold hardening and slow cooling: tools for successful cryopreservation and recovery of in vitro shoot tips of silver birch
Authors: Ryynänen Leena
Published: January 2008

Shoot tips of silver birch (Betulapendula Roth) derived from in vitro cultures originating from mature trees were used as explant material. Several pretreatments prior to cryopreservation were studied in order to enhance shoot tip recovery after storage in liquid nitrogen. Cold acclimation and the classical slow freezing procedure proved to be essential for successful survival, while both nonhardening and vitrification resulted in minimal survival. The optimum procedure was the following: Shoots were cold hardened (5 °C on a 8 h: 16 h (light:dark) cycle) for 3 weeks, and dissected shoot tips were then precultivated on woody plant medium with 5% dimethyl sulfoxide for 72 h. The material was transferred to cryotubes, and a mixture of 10% polyethylene glycol, 10% glucose, and 10% dimethyl sulfoxide was used as cryoprotectant. The cryotubes were slowly cooled to −38 °C before immersion in liquid nitrogen for 8 d. After fast thawing, axillary buds formed shoots without callus formation, but the growth of the new shoots was delayed from a few days to several weeks. Variability in regrowth was considerable as a result of genotype differences.
Influence of alternative conifer release treatments on habitat structure and small mammal populations in south central British Columbia
Authors: Runciman J. Bruce , Sullivan Thomas P.
Published: January 2008

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that conifer release treatments would simplify habitat structure and reduce small mammal populations in forest plantations. A secondary objective was to examine some important demographic characteristics, for selected small mammal species, that may be affected by changes in habitat. We examined the effects of manual cutting and cut-stump applications of glyphosate herbicide on vegetation, woody debris, and small mammal populations from 1991 to 1994 in young mixed-conifer plantations of south central British Columbia, Canada. The experimental design consisted of 9 separate and independent plantations: 3 controls, 3 manual treatments, and 3 cut-stump treatments. Total volumes of herbs, shrubs, coniferous trees, and woody debris were not affected by manual or cut-stump treatments for conifer release. Both treatments reduced total volumes of deciduous trees in the first posttreatment year. However, deciduous tree volumes on manual treatments had largely returned to pretreatment levels by the second posttreatment year. There were no significant (P > 0.05) effects of manual or cut-stump treatments on the population size of deer mice (Peromyscusmaniculatus Wagner), yellow-pine chipmunks (Tamiasamoenus J.A. Allen), southern red-backed voles (Clethrionomysgapped Vigors), or long-tailed voles (Microtuslongicaudus Merriam). The response of meadow voles (Microtuspennsylvanicus Ord) was variable. Sex ratios, body weights, reproduction, recruitment, and survival of deer mice remained similar on treatment and control plantations throughout this study. Changes in habitat structure up to 2 years posttreatment did not appear to exceed the tolerance of small mammal populations for early successional change.
FORMATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF 3C-SIC BY CARBON-ION IMPLANTATION INTO SILICON WITH A MEVVA ION SOURCE
Authors: WAN Y. Z. , XIONG G. Y. , SONG F. , LUO H. L. , HUANG Y. , HE F. , GUO L. B. , WANG Y. L
Published: January 2008

Crystalline cubic silicon carbide ( 3C - SiC ) surface layers have been prepared by carbon-ion implantation into silicon (100) using a MEVVA ion source and subsequent annealing at 1250°C for 2 h. The obtained films have been characterized by SEM, XRD, and micro-Raman analysis. The effect of carbon-ion dose on the surface morphology of the ion-implanted samples has been investigated. Rectangular patterns are observed on the surfaces of carbon-ion-implanted silicon substrates. It is found that the amount of rectangular patterns increases with ion dose, suggesting the dependence of surface morphology on ion dose. The formation of rectangular patterns has been elucidated in this paper.
ELECTROSORPTION OF FeCl3 SOLUTIONS WITH CARBON NANOTUBES AND NANOFIBERS FILM ELECTRODES GROWN ON GRAPHITE SUBSTRATES
Authors: GAO YANG , PAN LIKUN , ZHANG YANPING , CHEN YIWEI , SUN ZHUO
Published: January 2008

The cost-effective, large area Carbon Nanotubes and Nanofibers (CNTs–CNFs) film was synthesized on graphite substrate by low pressure and low temperature thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Successful removal of Fe 3+ from water by electrosorption of CNTs–CNFs films was achieved. The electrosorption capacities of CNTs–CNFs film electrodes were approximately 3.89–49.3 μmol/g at different voltages from 0.6 to 1.4 V, when the initial concentrations of ferric chloride ( FeCl 3) are kept around 89.1 μmol/L. The ion adsorption followed a Langmuir isotherm indicating monolayer adsorption.
INITIAL GROWTH PROCESS OF MAGNETRON SPUTTERING 321 STAINLESS STEEL FILMS OBSERVED BY AFM
Authors: JIN YONGZHONG , WU WEI , LIU DONGLIANG , CHEN JIAN , SUN YALI
Published: January 2008

To investigate the initial morphological evolution of 321 stainless steel (SS) films, we examined the effect of sputtering time on the morphology of 321 SS film. In this study, a group of samples were prepared at nine different sputtering times within 20 s using radio-frequency (r.f.) magnetron sputtering and characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Only globular-like grains were formed on mica substrates within 6 s, whose average grain size is ~ 21–44 nm. Meanwhile, few grains with larger size are subject to settle at the defect sites of mica substrates. At 8 s, we found large columnar crystallites with the average grain size of 61 nm. From 10 to 14 s, islands grew continuously and coalesced in order to form an interconnected structure containing irregular channels or grooves, with a depth of ~ 3.5–5 nm. Up to 16 s, a nearly continuous film was formed and some new globular-like grains were again present on the film. Study of the AFM image at 20 s suggests that the watercolor masking method designed by us is an effective method, by which we can prepare thin films with steps for the measurement of the thickness of continuous thin films. It is also found that the coverage rate of films increases with the increase in sputtering time (from 2 to 16 s). On the other hand, the increase in root mean square (RMS) roughness is much more significant from 6 to 10 s, and there is a maximum value, 2.81 nm at 10 s due to more islands during deposition. However, RMS roughness decreases with the decrease in length and width of channels or grooves from 10 to 16 s. Especially, a lower RMS roughness of 0.73 nm occurs at 16 s, because of the continuous film produced with a large coverage rate of 98.43%.
ANALYSIS OF THE (3 × 3)-H/Cu(111) SYSTEM USING EIKONAL-LEVEL HELIUM ATOM SCATTERING SIMULATIONS
Authors: SHUTTLEWORTH I. G.
Published: January 2008

The saturated (3 × 3)- H / Cu (111) system has been investigated by Eikonal-level helium atom scattering (HAS) simulations of previously reported HAS diffraction images. Basing the investigation on an unreconstructed single-domain structure with H atoms occupying three-fold hollow adsorption sites, a systematic trial of all possible structures has been performed and a series of structures has been shown to agree with the experimental images. Comparison of this fitting process to diffraction images taken at low (30°) and high (47°) angles of incidence has shown that the Eikonal approximation is a reasonable scattering algorithm for the H / Cu (111) system.
COMPUTATIONAL NMR INVESTIGATION OF RADIOSENSITIZER IN SOLUTION
Authors: RAMALHO TEODORICO C. , DA CUNHA ELAINE F. F. , PEIXOTO FERNANDO C. , FIGUEROA-VILLAR JOSÉ DANIEL
Published: January 2008

15 N and 13 C NMR chemical shifts for four radiosensitizers have been calculated and compared with experimental data. The thermal and solvent effects on NMR spectra were simulated with the polarizable continuum model and an alternative molecular dynamics/quantum mechanics methodology. Magnetic shielding tensors were evaluated at the GIAO-B3LYP and GIAO-OPBE level using II' and 6-311+(2D,P) basis sets, showing that it is essential to incorporate the dynamics and solvent effects on NMR calculations in condensed phases.
DENSITY FUNCTIONAL THEORY STUDY OF THE ENERGY TRANSFER RATES, MOLECULAR SIZE, AND ATOMIZATION ENERGIES OF SOME SECONDARY EXPLOSIVE MOLECULES
Authors: GE SU-HONG , DONG GUANG-XING , CHENG XIN-LU , SUN GUI-HUA
Published: January 2008

In this paper, we suggested a theoretical relationship between the property of molecular atomization energy and energy transfer rate in explosive detonation. According to the theory of Dlott and Fayer (J Chem Phys92(6):3798, 1990) some explosives are stable molecules with large energy barriers to chemical reaction in shock or impact initiation, so, a sizable amount of phonon energy must be converted to the molecular internal higher vibrations by multiphonon up pumping. To investigate the relationship between atomization energies and energy transfer rate, the number of doorway modes of explosives is estimated by their theory in which the rate is proportional to the number of normal mode vibrations. We evaluated frequencies of normal mode vibrations of TNB, TNAP, TNA, DATB, TATB, 2,4,6-trinitro-benzylalcohol ( C 7 H 5 N 3 O 7), and TNR by means of density functional theory (DFT) at the B3P86/6-31G(d, p) level. It is found that the number of doorway modes shows a linearly correlation to the atomization energies also calculated by means of DFT at the B3P86/6-31G(d, p) level. Besides, we studied the relation between the number of atoms and atomization energies for these molecules, and confirmed that for those secondary explosives molecules with similar molecular structure and similar molecular weight, the correlation between the atomization energy and the number of doorway modes is higher. This relationship is beneficial to the understanding of the property of explosive in detonation.
HYDROGEN SULFIDE STABILIZATION OF AN EXCESS ELECTRON ON MOLECULAR SURFACES
Authors: JALBOUT ABRAHAM F.
Published: January 2008

In the present work, a set of cyclooctane and cyclohexane molecular surfaces were used to solvate excess electrons using hydrogen sulfide ( H 2 S ). The compounds implemented have been constructed with OH groups on one side of the hydrocarbon surfaces and hydrogen atoms on the opposite side. These OH groups increased the dipole moment of systems. Simultaneously the hydrogen atoms on the opposite side of the surface for a pocket of positive charge that can attach excess electrons via dipole-bound states. The solvated anions formed between the molecular surfaces and hydrogen sulfide are stable with respect to vertical electron detachment (VDE). The effect of basis sets was also addressed in the context of VDE calculations.
A Politics of the Poor
Authors: Pithouse Richard
Published: January 2008

This article, written in response to recent arguments about whether or not shack dwellers can exercise historical agency, outlines the history of shack dwellers' struggles in the South African city of Durban. The sections looking at struggles under colonialism and apartheid and the nature of the post-apartheid deal with regard to housing draw on the extensive literature on these questions. The final section, which gives an outline of the emergence, nature and experience of the shack dwellers' movement, Abahlali baseMjondolo, is written from a first-hand engagement. The article concludes that in contemporary Durban organized shack dwellers are constituting a major challenge to technocratic conceptions of democracy.
Doctor Who and the Convergence of Media
Authors: Perryman Neil
Published: January 2008

The British science fiction series Doctor Who embraces convergence culture on an unprecedented scale, with the BBC currently using the series to trial a plethora of new technologies, including: mini-episodes on mobile phones, podcast commentaries, interactive red-button adventures, video blogs, companion programming, and `fake' metatextual websites. In 2006 the BBC launched two spin-off series, Torchwood (aimed at an exclusively adult audience) and The Sarah Jane Smith Adventures (for 11—15-year-olds), and what was once regarded as an embarrassment to the Corporation now spans the media landscape as a multi-format colossus. This article critically explores many of the transmedia strategies the BBC has employed in relaunching this property. Has it resulted in a richer and more entertaining experience, or is it merely an economic exercise in merchandising and branding? Can these media really work together to create a coherent and satisfying whole?
Semiotics of visual iconicity in Leninist `monumental' propaganda
Authors: Kruk Sergei
Published: January 2008

Leninist propaganda conveyed through artistic monuments (referred to in this article as `monumental' propaganda) — painting, sculpture, urban architecture — was intended as a way of communicating key political ideas to a largely illiterate population. The politically motivated character of the visual icon made it a helpful tool of communication and instruction, and gradually the visual icon became confused with reality itself. In the 1920s, the Association of Artists of Revolutionary Russia (AKhRR) pioneered the use of artistic images as a documental attestation of reality. Under Stalin, monumental visual signs offered an idealized vision of the Communist future as an already achieved reality. Sculptures and paintings secured the state leader's symbolic presence in every corner of the country. Therefore, the subsequent change of political leadership resulted in damnatio memoriae — the destruction of visual images of statesmen from the previous regime. Leninist monumental propaganda perpetuated the neoplatonic artistic tradition of the Russian Orthodox Church, which meant there was no clear distinction between the iconic sign and its referent.
Taking care of business
Authors: Ayling Julie , Shearing Clifford
Published: January 2008

The article examines practices in `user-pays' policing. It locates these practices historically as well established, with a lineage that stretches back to the beginnings of the police in Britain and earlier. The article identifies different forms of user-pays policing, the various practices they include and the regulatory issues raised by them. Consideration of the tension between a conception of policing as a public service and charging for police services suggests that user-pays policing can be, and often is, compatible with public interests and the provision of public goods. A case study of events policing within an Australian Police agency explains this further. The article concludes with a consideration of the risks that may be associated with user-pays policing and of possible future directions for police participation in the market-place as security vendors.
Impact of Surface Chemistry on the Removal of Indigo Carmine Dye Using Apricot Stone Active Carbon
Authors: Gad Hamdi M.H. , El-Hakim Abd. , Daifullah A.M.
Published: January 2008

A biomass agricultural waste material, i.e. apricot stone, was used as an adsorbent either as received (AP), after carbonization at 500°C (C-AP), and after chemical activation using H3PO4 (H-APC) or using KOH (K-APC) followed by carbonization at 500°C. The four adsorbents were characterized by various techniques (e.g. BET specific surface area measurements, FT-IR spectroscopy and measurements of the total pore volume, density, pH and moisture content). Preliminary investigations showed that the highest uptake was exhibited by K-APC.

Factors affecting the removal of Indigo Carmine (IC) dye using K-APC were investigated. The amounts of co-existing ions as well as those removed during the desorption process were determined quantitatively. The results obtained were examined using two-parameter equilibrium models (Langmuir and Freundlich equations). Studies of the process at 30, 50 and 70°C demonstrated that adsorption was endothermic. The effects of cations, e.g. K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Al3+, on dye removal were investigated. The monolayer capacity of K-APC was 552.5 mg/g. The proposed mechanism suggests that surface chemistry rather than the surface texture of the activated carbon plays a significant role in the process. Thus, K-APC can be considered as a novel adsorbent for the removal of IC dye from waste effluents.
Regulation of proteasome-mediated protein degradation during oxidative stress and aging
Authors: Breusing Nicolle , Grune Tilman
Published: January 2008

Protein degradation is a physiological process required to maintain cellular functions. There are distinct proteolytic systems for different physiological tasks under changing environmental and pathophysiological conditions. The proteasome is responsible for the removal of oxidatively damaged proteins in the cytosol and nucleus. It has been demonstrated that proteasomal degradation increases due to mild oxidation, whereas at higher oxidant levels proteasomal degradation decreases. Moreover, the proteasome itself is affected by oxidative stress to varying degrees. The ATP-stimulated 26S proteasome is sensitive to oxidative stress, whereas the 20S form seems to be resistant. Non-degradable protein aggregates and cross-linked proteins are able to bind to the proteasome, which makes the degradation of other misfolded and damaged proteins less efficient. Consequently, inhibition of the proteasome has dramatic effects on cellular aging processes and cell viability. It seems likely that during oxidative stress cells are able to keep the nuclear protein pool free of damage, while cytosolic proteins may accumulate. This is because of the high proteasome content in the nucleus, which protects the nucleus from the formation and accumulation of non-degradable proteins. In this review we highlight the regulation of the proteasome during oxidative stress and aging.
ATP-dependent chromatosome remodeling
Authors: Maier Verena K. , Chioda Mariacristina , Becker Peter B.
Published: January 2008

Chromatin serves to package, protect and organize the complex eukaryotic genomes to assure their stable inheritance over many cell generations. At the same time, chromatin must be dynamic to allow continued use of DNA during a cell's lifetime. One important principle that endows chromatin with flexibility involves ATP-dependent ‘remodeling’ factors, which alter DNA-histone interactions to form, disrupt or move nucleosomes. Remodeling is well documented at the nucleosomal level, but little is known about the action of remodeling factors in a more physiological chromatin environment. Recent findings suggest that some remodeling machines can reorganize even folded chromatin fibers containing the linker histone H1, extending the potential scope of remodeling reactions to the bulk of euchromatin.
Human butyrylcholinesterase components differ in aryl acylamidase activity
Authors: Montenegro María F. , Moral-Naranjo María T. , Páez de la Cadena María , Campoy Francisco J. , Muñoz-Delgado Encarnación , Vidal Cecilio J.
Published: January 2008

Apart from its esterase activity, butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) displays aryl acylamidase (AAA) activity able to hydrolyze o-nitroacetanilide (ONA) and its trifluoro-derivative (F-ONA). We report here that, despite amidase and esterase sites residing in the same protein, in human samples depleted of acetylcholinesterase the ratio of amidase to esterase activity varied depending on the source of BuChE. The much faster degradation of ONA and F-ONA by BuChE monomers (G1) of colon and kidney than by the tetramers (G4) suggests aggregation-driven differences in the AAA site between single and polymerized subunits. The similar ratio of F-ONA to butyrylthiocholine hydrolysis by serum G1 and G4 forms support structural differences in the amidase site according to the source of BuChE. The changing ratios of amidase to esterase activities in the human sources probably arise from post-translational modifications in BuChE subunits, the specific proportion of monomers and oligomers and the variable capacity of the tetramers for degrading ONA and F-ONA. The elevated amidase activity of BuChE monomers and the scant activity of the tetramers justify the occurrence of single BuChE subunits in cells as a means to sustain the AAA activity of BuChE which otherwise could be lost by tetramerization.
River flow forecasting and estimation using different artificial neural network techniques
Authors: Kişi Özgür
Published: January 2008

This paper demonstrates the application of different artificial neural network (ANN) techniques for the estimation of monthly streamflows. In the first part of the study, three different ANN techniques, namely, feed forward neural networks (FFNN), generalized regression neural networks (GRNN) and radial basis ANN (RBF) are used in one-month ahead streamflow forecasting and the results are evaluated. Monthly flow data from two stations, Gerdelli Station on Canakdere River and Isakoy Station on Goksudere River, in the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey are used in the study. Based on the results, the GRNN was found to be better than the other ANN techniques in monthly flow forecasting. The effect of periodicity on the model's forecasting performance was also investigated. In the second part of the study, the performance of the ANN techniques was tested for river flow estimation using data from the nearby river.
Changes in nutrient leaching and groundwater quality during long-term studies of an arable field on the Swedish south-west coast
Authors: Ulén Barbro , Johansson Göran , Simonsson Magnus
Published: January 2008

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term (1977–2004) effects of new agricultural practices and reduced acid rain on drainwater and groundwater chemistry for an intensely cultivated arable field with sandy soil in south-west Sweden. Trends in chemical composition of the drainwater were compared with those of atmospheric deposition and groundwater. A modified crop rotation including catch crops significantly decreased the average concentration of nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) in drainwater from 13.0 to 7.2 mg L−l. This rotation was also found to be a very effective measure against high NO3-N concentrations in shallow groundwater (1.7 m below the soil surface). The degree of phosphorus saturation (DPS) in the subsoil, calculated to be 10% and 9% by two different laboratory methods, corresponded to an average and constant concentration of dissolved reactive phosphate (DRP) in drainwater of 0.006 mg l−l. Generally lower inputs of acid deposition to the soil were confirmed by a decreasing SO4-S trend (by 3% over 24 years) in drainwater. Changes in cropping had reduced the acid load to the soil, while drainwater alkalinity showed a slow but significant positive trend amounting to 0.4% over 24 years.
Remarkable Ligand Effect in Ni‐ and Pd‐Catalyzed Bisthiolation and Bisselenation of Terminal Alkynes: Solving the Problem of Stereoselective Dialkyldichalcogenide Addition to the CC Bond
Authors: Ananikov Valentine P. , Gayduk Konstantin A. , Beletskaya Irina P. , Khrustalev Victor N. , Antipin Mikhail Yu.
Published: January 2008

We have developed two new catalytic systems based on Ni and Pd complexes to solve the challenging problem of dialkyldichalcogenide (Alk2E2; E=S, Se) addition to alkynes. A comparative study of two catalytic systems—Ni/PMe2Ph and Pd/PCy2Ph—has revealed that the Ni catalyst is superior with respect to high catalytic activity and more general scope relative to the Pd system. A novel synthetic methodology was developed for the preparation of (Z)‐bis(alkylthio)alkenes and (Z)‐bis(alkylseleno)alkenes from terminal alkynes with excellent stereoselectivity and high yields.
Utilizing Reversible Copper(II) Peptide Coordination in a Sequence‐Selective Luminescent Receptor
Authors: Stadlbauer Stefan , Riechers Alexander , Späth Andreas , König Burkhard
Published: January 2008

Although vast information about the coordination ability of amino acids and peptides to metal ions is available, little use of this has been made in the rational design of selective peptide receptors. We have combined a copper(II) nitrilotriacetato (NTA) complex with an ammonium‐ion‐sensitive and luminescent benzocrown ether. This compound revealed micromolar affinities and selectivities for glycine‐ and histidine‐containing sequences, which closely resembles those of copper(II) ion peptide binding: the two free coordination sites of the copper(II) NTA complex bind to imidazole and amido nitrogen atoms, replicating the initial coordination steps of non‐complexed copper(II) ions. The benzocrown ether recognizes the N‐terminal amino moiety intramolecularly, and the significantly increased emission intensity signals the binding event, because only if prior coordination of the peptide has taken place is the intramolecular ammonium ion–benzocrown ether interaction of sufficient strength in water to trigger an emission signal. Intermolecular ammonium ion–benzocrown ether binding is not observed. Isothermal titration calorimetry confirmed the binding constants derived from emission titrations. Thus, as deduced from peptide coordination studies, the combination of a truncated copper(II) coordination sphere and a luminescent benzocrown ether allows for the more rational design of sequence‐selective peptide receptors.