bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Berufliche Behandlungseffekte in der stationären Psychosomatik
Authors: Koch Stefan , Geissner Edgar , Hillert Andreas
Published: March 2007

Zusammenfassung. Während es eine breite Vielfalt bewährter berufsbezogener Stress-Interventionen bei berufstätigen Zielgruppen gibt, mangelt es an gezielten Evaluationen berufsbezogener Behandlungseffekte bei psychosomatisch erkrankten und in besonderer Weise von beruflichen Belastungen und Erwerbslosigkeit betroffenen Zielgruppen. Ziel der Studie bildete die Evaluation allgemeiner berufsbezogener Behandlungseffekte stationärer psychosomatischer Behandlung. Darüber hinaus wurde in einem kontrollierten prospektiven Design der spezifische Beitrag einer kognitiv-verhaltenstherapeutischen berufsbezogenen Gruppenintervention (“Stressbewältigung am Arbeitsplatz”, SBA) untersucht. Im Verlauf von zwölf Monaten nach Entlassung verloren 3.9 % beruflich hoch belasteter Patienten ihre Erwerbstätigkeit. Selbsteinschätzungen beruflicher Belastung und Bewältigung (z. B. das Wohlbefinden mit der Arbeitssituation und die berufliche Widerstandsfähigkeit) wiesen auf bedeutsame berufsbezogene Behandlungseffekte bis drei Monate nach Entlassung, in Teilbereichen bis zwölf Monate nach Entlassung, hin. Durch die Teilnahme an der berufsbezogenen Gruppenintervention (SBA) konnte eine günstigere berufliche Wiedereingliederung und eine höhere berufsbezogene Behandlungszufriedenheit erreicht werden. Ausbleibende spezifische Effekte der berufsbezogenen Intervention hinsichtlich selbsteingeschätzter Arbeitsbewältigung werden in Hinblick auf methodische Aspekte sowie Perspektiven weiterer Evaluationsstudien diskutiert.
Methyl succinate antagonises biguanide‐induced AMPK‐activation and death of pancreatic β‐cells through restoration of mitochondrial electron transfer
Authors: Hinke S A , Martens G A , Cai Y , Finsi J , Heimberg H , Pipeleers D , Van de Casteele M
Published: March 2007

Background and purpose:

Two mechanisms have been proposed to explain the insulin‐sensitising properties of metformin in peripheral tissues: (a) inhibition of electron transport chain complex I, and (b) activation of the AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK). However the relationship between these mechanisms and their contribution to β‐cell death and dysfunction in vitro, are currently unclear.

Experimental approach:

The effects of biguanides (metformin and phenformin) were tested on MIN6 β‐cells and primary FACS‐purified rat β‐cells. Cell metabolism was assessed biochemically and by FACS analysis, and correlated with AMPK phosphorylation state and cell viability, with or without fuel substrates.

Key results:

In MIN6 cells, metformin reduced mitochondrial complex I activity by up to 44% and a 25% net reduction in mitochondrial reducing potential. In rat β‐cells, metformin caused NAD(P)H accumulation above maximal glucose‐inducible levels, mimicking the effect of rotenone. Drug exposure caused phosphorylation of AMPK on Thr172 in MIN6 cell extracts, indicative of kinase activation. Methyl succinate, a complex II substrate, appeared to bypass metformin blockade of complex I. This resulted in reduced phosphorylation of AMPK, establishing a link between biguanide‐induced mitochondrial inhibition and AMPK activation. Corresponding assessment of cell death indicated that methyl succinate decreased biguanide toxicity to β‐cells in vitro.

Conclusions and implications:

AMPK activation can partly be attributed to metformin's inhibitory action on mitochondrial complex I. Anaplerotic fuel metabolism via complex II rescued β‐cells from metformin‐associated toxicity. We propose that utilisation of anaplerotic nutrients may reconcile in vitro and in vivo effects of metformin on the pancreatic β‐cell.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 1031–1043. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707189
Mode transition in radio-frequency atmospheric argon discharges with and without dielectric barriers
Authors: Shi J. J. , Kong M. G.
Published: March 2007

In this letter, basic characteristics of glow modes and their mode transition are studied for radio-frequency (rf) atmospheric argon discharges with bare and dielectrically insulated electrodes. Through input power control, large-volume rf atmospheric argon discharges with bare electrodes are achieved in the α mode via an abrupt transition from a constricted γ mode, whereas dielectrically insulated electrodes result in large argon discharges in both the α and γ modes with gradual mode transition. Current dependence of the 750nm line intensity and of the gas temperature are shown to capture clearly the signature of mode transition.
Early Tertiary mammals from North Africa reinforce the molecular Afrotheria clade
Authors: Tabuce Rodolphe , Marivaux Laurent , Adaci Mohammed , Bensalah Mustapha , Hartenberger Jean-Louis , Mahboubi Mohammed , Mebrouk Fateh , Tafforeau Paul , Jaeger Jean-Jacques
Published: March 2007

The phylogenetic pattern and timing of the radiation of mammals, especially the geographical origins of major crown clades, are areas of controversy among molecular biologists, morphologists and palaeontologists. Molecular phylogeneticists have identified an Afrotheria clade, which includes several taxa as different as tenrecs (Tenrecidae), golden moles (Chrysochloridae), elephant-shrews (Macroscelididae), aardvarks (Tubulidentata) and paenungulates (elephants, sea cows and hyracoids). Molecular data also suggest a Cretaceous African origin for Afrotheria within Placentalia followed by a long period of endemic evolution on the Afro-Arabian continent after the mid-Cretaceous Gondwanan breakup (approx. 105–25 Myr ago). However, there was no morphological support for such a natural grouping so far. Here, we report new dental and postcranial evidence of Eocene stem hyrax and macroscelidid from North Africa that, for the first time, provides a congruent phylogenetic view with the molecular Afrotheria clade. These new fossils imply, however, substantial changes regarding the historical biogeography of afrotheres. Their long period of isolation in Africa, as assumed by molecular inferences, is now to be reconsidered inasmuch as Eocene paenungulates and elephant-shrews are here found to be related to some Early Tertiary Euramerican ‘hyopsodontid condylarths’ (archaic hoofed mammals). As a result, stem members of afrotherian clades are not strictly African but also include some Early Paleogene Holarctic mammals.
Children's and parents' perspectives on open‐label use of placebos in the treatment of ADHD
Authors: Sandler A. , Glesne C. , Geller G.
Published: March 2007

Background  The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy and acceptability of an open‐label conditioned placebo dose reduction (CPDR) treatment in 70 children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This paper focuses on the qualitative data from the study.

Methods  Following a double‐blind, crossover dose finding procedure to determine each subject's optimal dose of stimulant medication, subjects were randomized to the CPDR treatment or one of two control groups. Outcome measures included parent and teacher ratings of ADHD behaviours and stimulant side effects. Qualitative assessments were based on open‐ended interviews of children and parents. Positive responders to CPDR and controls were followed for 3 months to assess persistence of treatment benefits.

Results  Children randomized to CPDR showed an excellent treatment response, well maintained over time. Parents and children were generally accepting of the treatment. Most parents reported treatment benefits and 80% of the children found the placebo to be useful. Full disclosure of the placebo to parents and children did not appear to negate the placebo's effectiveness. Participation effects and changes in caregiver behaviour may have contributed to positive treatment outcomes.

Conclusions  Open‐label use of placebos as part of CPDR treatment may represent an innovative, ethical way of harnessing the power of placebos in clinical therapeutics.
Identifying Direct and Indirect Effects in a Non-Counterfactual Framework
Authors: Geneletti Sara
Published: March 2007

Identifying direct and indirect effects is a common problem in the social science and medical literature and can be described as follows. A treatment is administered and a response is recorded. However, another variable mediates the effect of the treatment on the response, in some way channelling a part of the treatment effect. The question is how to extricate the direct and channelled (indirect) effects from one another when it is not possible to intervene on the mediating variable. The aim of the paper is to tackle this problem by using a model for direct and indirect effects based on the decision theoretic framework for causal inference.
Trading on a thalassic network: African migrations across the Indian Ocean
Authors: De Silva Jayasuriya Shihan
Published: March 2007

African migration eastwards has received far less academic attention than that across the Atlantic. While westwards migration was concentrated over a few centuries, migration across the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean has been continuing for over a millennium. Migration eastwards was both free and forced. Nevertheless, slavery and the slave trade were a major force in this phenomenon. Displaced Africans found themselves amongst people who had diverse cultural values and who spoke different languages. Within this context, the ethnicity of the slaves was not important to the slavers. Often slaves were separated from their kith and kin. This situation gave rise to cultural transformations but music and dance are among the striking cultural retentions. Creolisation resulted in some instances, while contemporary Afro‐Asian communities are marginalised. This article considers the plight of the descendants of African migrants to the Indian Ocean island of Sri Lanka.
Memory and slavery: the issues of historiography
Authors: Trabelsi Salah
Published: March 2007

In all the historical research dedicated to the Arab‐Muslim world, the study of slavery remains a little explored subject. Neither the violence of the trade nor the roles assigned to the multiple layers of the servile classes really seem to have stirred the interest of Arab historians. In fact, while the collection of data is aimed at reconstructing an object that happened in the past, the phenomenon proves to be neither truly distant in the past nor truly over, and the distinction between the levels of intelligibility of the discourse is difficult to grasp because of the contemporary echoes. In addition, the dominant representations form an obstacle to any distancing process propitious to the transformation of the phenomenon into an object of knowledge. The paucity of the sources adds to the ambiguities and inconsistencies. It obscures the prospects for understanding and explaining the forms that slavery has taken throughout history. In general, Arab sources are loathe to deal with the dull life of the amorphous and resigned serving masses. However, chroniclers do sometimes direct their attention to the despicable life of the plebeians, especially when it manifests itself dramatically in riots and revolts. It is in this way that the usurped history emerges from oblivion to take on meaning in the collective memory.
Silence and reparations
Authors: Deveau Jean‐Michel
Published: March 2007

For poorly understood reasons of guilt, the history of the slave trade has long remained hidden. This has led to an ignorance that could prove damaging for today's young people. A shared knowledge of the past is crucial if we are to train young minds to work towards a better, more peaceful world. For several years UNESCO has been working towards this goal through its International Scientific Committee of the Slave Route and network of associated schools.
Inhibition of amyloid β‐peptide production by blockage of β‐secretase cleavage site of amyloid precursor protein
Authors: Na Chan Hyun , Jeon Sang Hee , Zhang Guangtao , Olson Gary L. , Chae Chi‐Bom
Published: March 2007

Amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ) is implicated as the major causative agent in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Aβ is produced by the processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by BACE1 (β‐secretase) and γ‐secretase. Many inhibitors have been developed for the secretases. However, the inhibitors will interfere with the processing of not only APP but also of other secretase substrates. In this study, we describe the development of inhibitors that prevent production of Aβ by specific binding to the β‐cleavage site of APP. We used the hydropathic complementarity (HC) approach for the design of short peptide inhibitors. Some of the HC peptides were bound to the substrate peptide (Sub W) corresponding to the β‐cleavage site of APP and blocked its cleavage by recombinant human BACE1 (rhBACE1) in vitro. In addition, HC peptides specifically inhibited the cleavage of Sub W, and not affecting other BACE1 substrates. Chemical modification allowed an HC peptide (CIQIHF) to inhibit the processing of APP as well as the production of Aβ in the treated cells. Such novel APP‐specific inhibitors will provide opportunity for the development of drugs that can be used for the prevention and treatment of AD with minimal side effects.
Stone‐curlews Burhinus oedicnemus and recreational disturbance: developing a management tool for access
Authors: TAYLOR ELISABETH C. , GREEN RHYS E. , PERRINS JAMES
Published: March 2007

Stone‐curlews Burhinus oedicnemus have a vulnerable population status in the UK after a large population decline and range contraction since the 1930s. Much Stone‐curlew breeding habitat is open‐access land designated under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. In order to guide the conservation and habitat management for this species whilst allowing recreational access, a tool known as the Stone‐Curlew Access Response Evaluator (SCARE) has been developed. SCARE offers a method to assess the effects of scenarios for future changes in disturbance type, routes and frequency and will be valuable in making informed decisions about the management of public access to Stone‐curlew breeding sites and the deployment of habitat creation measures.
Future directions in disturbance research
Authors: SUTHERLAND WILLIAM J.
Published: March 2007

The major questions identified for future research are: what determines patterns of human disturbance; how can we determine population‐level responses to disturbance; are there general rules for predicting how important disturbance will be; how important are disturbance‐derived ecological traps; what is the interaction between predation and disturbance; when does habituation occur; how do physiological responses to disturbance affect population size; what is the evidence for changes in access impacting upon populations; what are the positive consequences of access to the countryside; how important is habitat‐specific disturbance; which measures reduce human impact and how can large‐scale planning minimize the impact of disturbance?
Do voles make agricultural habitat attractive to Montagu's HarrierCircus pygargus?
Authors: KOKS BEN J. , TRIERWEILER CHRISTIANE , VISSER ERIK G. , DIJKSTRA COR , KOMDEUR JAN
Published: March 2007

Loss and degradation of habitat threatens many bird populations. Recent rural land‐use changes in the Netherlands have led to a shift in habitat use by breeding Montagu's HarriersCircus pygargus. Since the 1990s, unprecedented numbers of this species have bred in farmland compared with numbers in natural habitat. Destruction of nests by agricultural operations, however, compromises breeding success. Between 1992 and 2005, the number of breeding pairs in the northeastern Netherlands was positively, though weakly, correlated with previous‐year estimated abundance of voles, mostlyMicrotus arvalis. In good vole years, the onset of laying was earlier and mean clutch size was larger. Vole abundance was relatively higher in set‐aside land and in high and dense vegetation. We suggest that agri‐environmental schemes aimed at increasing the availability of voles in agricultural breeding areas may be an effective management tool for the conservation of Montagu's Harriers in the northeastern Netherlands.
Prescribing in Palliative Care as Death Approaches
Authors: Currow David C. , Stevenson James P. , Abernethy Amy P. , Plummer John , Shelby‐James Tania M.
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVES: To determine how prescribing for comorbid illnesses and symptom control changes during the palliative phase of a terminal illness.

DESIGN: This prospective cohort study explores the relative contribution to prescribing of symptom‐specific medications (SSMs) and long‐term medications for comorbid medical conditions.

SETTING: Regional consultative palliative care program, Adelaide, South Australia.

PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred sixty consecutive patients, 96% of whom had cancer, who enrolled and subsequently died in a larger randomized trial exploring palliative service delivery.

MEASUREMENTS: Medication and performance data were collected monthly from referral until death (mean 107 days, median 93 days, standard deviation (SD) 103 days, range 11–752 days). Prespecified subgroup analyses of age, performance status, and the baseline use of medications for comorbid medical conditions were performed.

RESULTS: At baseline, the mean total number of medications±SD was 4.9±2.8 (range 0–16), SSMs was 2.3±1.5 (range 0–7), and medications for comorbid medical conditions was 2.6±2.4 (range 0–13). As death approached, the total number of medications increased because of SSM prescribing (2.5 more medications, 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.2–2.9; P<.001) with a decrease in medications for comorbid medical conditions (1.1 fewer medications, 95% CI=0.8–1.3; P<.001). There was an increase in the number of medications meeting Beers' criteria for high‐risk inappropriate medication use for SSMs (29% to 48%). More SSMs were prescribed in people with better performance status, and older participants took more medications for comorbid medical conditions.

CONCLUSION: Prescribing changes as life‐limiting illnesses progress, with older people taking more medications. Medications for comorbid medical conditions should be reviewed in the context of their original therapeutic goals.
Kenosha County Falls Prevention Study: A Randomized, Controlled Trial of an Intermediate‐Intensity, Community‐Based Multifactorial Falls Intervention
Authors: Mahoney Jane E. , Shea Terry A. , Przybelski Robert , Jaros LaVerne , Gangnon Ronald , Cech Sandy , Schwalbe Alice
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVES: To decrease the rate of falls in high‐risk community‐dwelling older adults.

DESIGN: Randomized, controlled trial.

SETTING: Community‐based.

PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred forty‐nine adults aged 65 and older with two falls in the previous year or one fall in the previous 2 years with injury or balance problems.

INTERVENTION: Subjects received two in‐home visits from a trained nurse or physical therapist who assessed falls risk factors using an algorithm. The intervention consisted of recommendations to the subject and their primary physician, referrals to physical therapy and other providers, 11 monthly telephone calls, and a balance exercise plan. Control subjects received a home safety assessment.

MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was rate of falls per year in the community. Secondary outcomes included all‐cause hospitalizations and nursing home admissions per year.

RESULTS: There was no difference in rate of falls between the intervention and control groups (rate ratio (RR)=0.81, P=.27). Nursing home days were fewer in the intervention group (10.3 vs 20.5 days, P=.04). Intervention subjects with a Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 27 or less had a lower rate of falls (RR=0.55; P=.05) and, if they lived with someone, had fewer hospitalizations (RR=0.44, P=.05), nursing home admissions (RR=0.15, P=.003), and nursing home days (7.5 vs 58.2, P=.008).

CONCLUSION: This multifactorial intervention did not decrease falls in at‐risk community‐living adults but did decrease nursing home utilization. There was evidence of efficacy in the subgroup who had an MMSE score of 27 or less and lived with a caregiver, but validation is required.
Psychosocial, Motivational, and Contextual Profiles of Youth Reporting Different Patterns of Substance Use During Adolescence
Authors: Bryant Ludden Alison , Eccles Jacquelynne S.
Published: March 2007

This research examined patterns of substance use and academic factors among a sample of 733 African‐American and European‐American adolescents from a metropolitan area. First, youth were classified into 11th grade high, moderate, or no substance use groups and classified as users, initiators, desistors, and nonusers based on eighth and 11th grade use. Nonusers did not differ in eighth grade from 11th grade moderate users and initiators over time. Eighth graders who reported misbehavior and having low‐achieving friends were more likely to be high 11th grade users and users at both grades. Direct achievement effects were not found; however, interactions indicated achievement was protective when paired with having fun at school, high task value, and low levels of socioeconomic status (SES); and was a risk factor when paired with positive self regard, low fun at school and high SES. Cluster analyses indicated the most prevalent group of substance users reported high grades, social reasons for going to school, and having friends who do well in school.
Immediate alteration of Macrosiphum euphorbiae host plant‐selection behaviour after biotic and abiotic damage inflicted to potato plants
Authors: Ameline Arnaud , Couty Aude , Dugravot Sébastien , Campan Erick , Dubois Françoise , Giordanengo Philippe
Published: March 2007

The effects of potato [Solanum tuberosum L. (Solanaceae)] plant damage on the host plant‐selection behaviour of the potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae Thomas (Homoptera: Aphididae), were studied. The damage inflicted to the plant was only of short duration and observations on aphid behaviour were made immediately following plant damage. The underlying questions of the study were to know how much time it takes for plant defence mechanisms to be activated and if this activation had noticeable repercussions on aphid behaviour. We considered stresses of various natures: biotic (pre‐infestation by conspecifics or by Colorado potato beetles) and abiotic (scissor cuts). Aphid responses to host plant semiochemicals were investigated using a darkened arena bioassay and the probing behaviour was assessed using the electrical penetration graph technique. Aphids were attracted to their host plant (undamaged or damaged). In a preference test (undamaged plant vs. damaged plant), plants previously infested by conspecifics were preferred to undamaged plants, but this preference was not observed for heterospecific and abiotic damage. However, aphid probing behaviour was not modified on plants previously infested by conspecifics, whereas some changes were observed subsequently to heterospecific and abiotic damages. Our data present evidence that plants can respond to biotic and abiotic stresses soon after the damage is inflicted and when the damage is of short duration. The diverse consequences of these various local plant responses on M. euphorbiae behaviour are discussed in the context of plant defence strategies against aphid colonization.
Romanticism and Taste
Authors: Gigante Denise
Published: March 2007

At the intersection of the Enlightenment concept of taste and the nineteenth‐century genre of gastronomy is the Romantic concept of gusto, in which the eye acquires a taste, or appetite, for what it sees. Romanticism may be associated with gusto, but it has hardly been recognized – at least within literary circles – as the period that saw the invention of the restaurant and a unique, comic‐philosophical genre of writing about food. Yet it was coterminous with, and in many ways emblematic of, the culture of sophistication and social positioning we associate with modern gastronomy. Just as earlier taste theorists had sought to reconcile subjective taste experience with objective forms of judgment, cultural philosophers of the post‐revolutionary era (self‐styled gastronomers) sought to base gustatory taste sensation on universal principles, and the restaurant gave physical form to the tension between private choice and shared standards that marked aesthetic taste discourse. Far from the disinterested attitude of the neoclassical art critic, the Romantic ‘Man of Taste’ called the full range of his faculties and senses into play: poets as diverse as Lord Byron and John Keats shared with essayists from Wiliam Hazlitt to Charles Lamb a predilection for this gustatory aspect of taste.
A Comparison of Gauge and Radar‐Derived Rainfall in a Land Falling Typhoon in Taiwan1
Authors: Wu Ray‐Shyan , Chen Ching‐Ho , Shih Dong‐Sin
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  Precipitation data is generally collected from rain gauge stations. However, each measurement represents only the amount of rainfall at that particular spot, not precipitation in the surrounding area. Radar approaches are considered to offer a good spatial description of precipitation, but hardly predict precipitation quantities with acceptable accuracy. To enhance our understanding of the properties of precipitation in this study, high resolution radar‐rainfall estimates are compared with ground observations for an extreme precipitation event. The Taipei City area and the Shihmen reservoir watershed, situated in northern Taiwan, were chosen as the study sites, and the passage of Typhoon Nari through these areas on September 16‐18, 2001, was taken as the case study event. It was concluded that radar reflectivity from the Wufenshan radar station can be helpful for identifying precipitation variations during the passage of a land falling tropical cyclone. Spots with extreme rainfall can be identified when radar approaches are performed, but not based on gauge approaches, although compared to the gauge approaches to the radar‐estimated rainfall over the investigated domain tended to be overestimated. The divergence between radar‐rainfall and gauge‐rainfall can be identified via subwatershed investigations.
Development of an Index of Biotic Integrity for a Southeastern Coastal Plain Watershed, USA1
Authors: Morris Charles C. , Stewart Paul M. , Simon Thomas P.
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  This study evaluated biological integrity expectations of fish assemblages in wadeable streams for the Alabama portion of the Choctawhatchee River watershed using a multimetric approach. Thirty‐four randomly selected stream sites were sampled in late spring 2001 to calibrate an index of biotic integrity (IBI). Validation data were collected during the spring 2001, and summer and fall of 2003 from disturbed and least‐impacted targeted sites (n = 20). Thirty‐five candidate metrics were evaluated for their responsiveness to environmental degradation. Twelve metrics were selected to evaluate wadeable streams and four replacement metrics were selected for headwater streams. Scores that ranged from 58 to 60 were considered to be representative of excellent biotic integrity (none found in this study), scores of 48‐52 as good integrity (31% of the sites in this study), 40‐44 as fair (43%), 28‐34 as poor (21%), and 12‐22 as very poor (5%). Of the four stream condition categories (urban, cattle, row crop, and least impacted), the IBI scores for urban and cattle sites differed significantly from least‐impacted sites. Row crop sites, although not significantly different from least‐impacted, tended to have greater variability than the other categories. Lower IBI scores at both urban and cattle sites suggest that the IBI accurately reflects stream impairment in the Choctawhatchee River drainage.
A cloverleaf detector system for in vivo bone lead measurement
Authors: Fleming David E. B. , Mills Caitlin E.
Published: March 2007

A “cloverleaf” low energy germanium detector array has been assembled for the purpose of in vivo bone lead measurement through x‐ray fluorescence. Using as an exciting source, results are reported from a leg phantom simulating measurement of lead in a human tibia. For high activity and low activity sources, measurement results are reported for both the cloverleaf system and a conventional single detector system of equivalent surface area . The mean uncertainty and reproducibility of measurement were both significantly improved for the cloverleaf system with a high activity source. When using a source activity of , measurement of the phantom resulted in an average bone lead uncertainty of and a reproducibility of . These results represent the highest precision yet reported from a bone lead x‐ray fluorescence system.
HIGH-POWER EUV SOURCE FOR LITHOGRAPHY USING A TIN TARGET
Authors: ZHANG C. H. , KATSUKI S. , KIMURA A. , HORITA H. , NAMIHIRA T. , AKIYAMA H.
Published: March 2007

Xenon capillary discharge sources are being developed for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light for next generation lithography. However, the current sources generate in-band (2%), 2π EUV emission with conversion efficiency (CE) of <1%. Here we report progress in the development of a Z-pinch EUV source using a tin target, which was found to have significant potential for high conversion efficiency with wavelength of 13.5 nm. Xenon was used as the background gas, the experiments show that the magnitude of the EUV emission depended on not only the distance between the plasma and the rod surface, but also the pulse repetition rate of the discharge. Pinhole imaging, an EUV spectrograph and an in-band EUV energy monitor were used to characterize the EUV emission from the Z-pinch discharge.
NANOSCALE SURFACE ENGINEERING OF LITHIUM NIOBATE SINGLE CRYSTALS
Authors: XUE DONGFENG , WU SIXIN , TERABE KAZUYA , KITAMURA KENJI
Published: March 2007

Surface engineering at the nanoscale level of lithium niobate crystals is performed by scanning probe microscopy and is theoretically analyzed by the structural property and the chemical bonding structure. The present work shows that -Z surface of lithium niobate crystals may be well fabricated by precisely artificial patterns, which has potential applications in future nanodevices.
IMMOBILIZATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF AN ARTIFICIALLY ASSEMBLED TRI-STRAND β-SHEET STRUCTURE ON A RIGID Au(111) SURFACE
Authors: LEE WONBAE , CHUN JUN , CHANG YOON KYUNG , LIM YOUNG KWAN , CHO CHEON-GYU , LEE HAIWON
Published: March 2007

We designed and synthesized diurea type host molecules for the recognition of the tri-peptide guest molecule through the artificial formation of three-strand β-sheet structures on a rigid surface. The immobilizations of those host molecules on Au (111) surface, and the insertion of the guest molecules into the corresponding sites of immobilized host molecules were successfully carried out. Their binding characteristics were monitored by analyzing STM images before and after the insertion of guest peptides, and the characterization of the insertion in bulk phase was accomplished by NMR study.
A NOVEL NANOFABRICATION USING MICRO DROPLET JETTING SYSTEM
Authors: LI XIAORAN , XU JUN , ZHAO LEI , GUO XIAO , HUANG WEI
Published: March 2007

This study briefly reports a newly developed nanopatterning technology utilizing a so-called micro droplet jetting system, which can be used in various applications such as nanofabrication. Compared with the conventional methods, this technology has the advantages as follows: it can be manipulated easily and patterned freely as the user requires; furthermore, it shows high-reliability and high-stability with very low cost. The typical specs of the micro droplet jetting system for fabricating nanodevice show as follows: (1) nanoparticle size: 50–60 nm; (2) characteristic wavelength: 400–450 nm; (3) volume of droplet: 6 ppl; (4) size of pixel: 70 μm. In this article, the nanopatterning technology adopting the micro droplet jetting system has been demonstrated to be useful for nanopatterning the pixels which consist of nanoparticles, organic luminescent materials. In addition, the micro topography and the luminescent property of the patterned surface have been characterized by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and fluorescence microscope, respectively. Finally, the fluorescence of the patterned nanoparticles was observed.
AN INTENSITY TESTING MODEL AND EXAMINATION OF GOLD–SILICON WAFER BONDING
Authors: WANG XIANG , WANG WEI , HE XUEFENG , ZHANG DACHENG
Published: March 2007

A bonding intensity testing method, called Press-arm model, has been successfully designed and verified by Ansys finite element analysis. The gold–silicon bonding strength [σ2] = 238 MPa has been measured by the Press-arm model. We can probably determine the [σ2] value and compare the bonding strengths by the Press-arm length l. The model can also be used in other type of bonding. The bond region is sufficiently stronger than the silicon substrate. A substrate- Si/Cr/Au/poly - Si/Au and a silicon substrate is bonded at 380–450°C. It occurs as soon as the dissolving of the SiO 2 layer by silicidation of the Cr barrier layer. To avoid gold contamination to the silicon die, an excess annealing temperature (about 20°C higher than Au – Si eutectic horizontal) is used. The bonding surface with brick pattern is in favor of Au – Si bonding.
STM STUDY OF A SELF-ASSEMBLY BEHAVIOR OF PHTHALOCYANINE AND 1-BROMOHEXADECANE ON HIGHLY ORIENTED PYROLYTIC GRAPHITE
Authors: YANG WU , LV WEILIAN , BO LILI , HE XIAOYAN , NI GANG , CHEN MIAO
Published: March 2007

In this paper, we present the results of using alkane derivatives to assist in the adsorption of planar molecules by employing 1-bromohexadecane( C 16 Br ) and phthalocyanine (Pc) as examples. Their assembly behaviors have been well resolved on the observed STM images. The observations presented in this work demonstrate that single molecular arrays of Pc can be obtained with a template of C 16 Br on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) substrate surface to allow high-resolution STM studies. Binary mixtures of different molar ratios were also observed. By adjusting the molar ratio of Pc to C 16 Br to about 1:3–1:4, uniform assembly can become dominative on the surface. The resulting high stability and the well ordered assembly are attributed to the increased adsorption barrier of alkanes. This approach could be adapted to the studies of other molecules to observe molecular features and could be helpful in obtaining two-dimensional assemblies of monodispersed molecules, especially planar molecules.
CURRENT–VOLTAGE PROPERTIES OF SELF-ASSEMBLY MONOLAYERS ON AU(111) SUBSTRATE USING SCANNING TUNNELING MICROSCOPY
Authors: LEE NAM-SUK , SHIN HOON-KYU , KWON YOUNG-SOO
Published: March 2007

This study observes the morphology of self-assembled organic thin film that is formed at room temperature using a Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) and examines its electrical properties using a Scanning Tunneling Spectroscopy (STS). The specimen used in this experiment that has a functional group for both sides and will be controlled to make self-assembled onto the Au (111) substrate. After the dilution of the specimen by 1 mM/ml and self-assembled onto the Au (111) substrate. Using a STM, the images of organic thin film can be observed. In addition, the electrical properties of organic thin film can also be examined by the junction structure of STM–organic thin film– Au (111) substrate by using a STM tip. As a result, we measured current–voltage (I–V) curve using STS, I–V curve also clearly shows several current peaks between the negative bias region (-1.42 V) and the positive bias region (1.30 V), respectively.
INTERFACE CONSTRAINED GROWTH FOR SIZE CONTROL NANOFABRICATION: MECHANISM AND EXPERIMENTS
Authors: CHEN KUNJI , CHEN KAI , HAN PEIGAO , ZHANG LIN , HUANG XINFAN
Published: March 2007

We propose a model on the interface constrained growth in a - SiN x/ a - Si:H/a - SiN x sandwich structures to make uniform nc - Si grains. Based on the classical growth thermodynamic theory, we study quantitatively the effect of the interface and shape of the nc - Si on the crystal growth in relation to the Gibbs free energy. From our model, we have theoretically determined the critical a - Si sublayer thickness of 34 nm for the interface constrained growth and interpreted the increase of the crystallization temperature in the ultra thin a - Si sublayer. In order to examine the model, a series of samples of a - SiN x/ a - Si:H/a - SiN x with a - Si sublayer thickness from 2 nm to 40 nm were fabricated and then annealed at 1000°C, for 30, 120, and 240 min, respectively. The results of microstructure characterization supported our model and indicated that the critical a - Si sublayer thickness is between 20 nm and 40 nm which is coincidence with the theoretical value estimated from our model.
THE CHANGES IN SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS AND PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVITY OF TiO2 LOADED ON ACTIVATED CARBON FIBERS AFTER UV IRRADIATION
Authors: YUAN RUSHENG , ZHENG JINGTANG , GUAN RONGBO
Published: March 2007

TiO 2 loaded on activated carbon fibers (ACF) was performed by using epoxy resin as the precursor of the link between them, followed by calcination at 460°C in N 2 atmosphere, and the changes in surface characteristics and photocatalytic activity after UV irradiation were investigated in detail. After UV irradiation, the pore structure and surface morphology of TiO 2-loaded ACF ( TiO 2/ ACF ) kept unchanged. The UV-Vis spectrum shifted toward shorter wavelengths than that before UV irradiation. XPS results showed that the hydroxyl and C – O groups increased, resulting in an increase in hydrophilicity of TiO 2/ ACF . All these changes caused the increased photocatalytic activity for methylene blue, and the activity was maintained without any decrease when it was used repeatedly. Even at the sixth cycle, its amount of MB removal was still slightly higher than suspended P25.
STUDY ON STABILITY AND RHEOLOGY OF PEG6000/NANO-Ni(OH)2 SOL
Authors: PAN QINGYI , HUANG YAN , LI YAN , CHENG ZHIXUAN , DONG XIAOWEN
Published: March 2007

The PEG6000/nano- Ni ( OH )2 sol was prepared by modified sol–gel method. The effect of Ac - on Ni ( OH )2 colloidal particles and the structure of PEG6000/nano- Ni ( OH )2 was investigated. The results show that hydrogen bonds or other weak interaction forces between PEG6000 and Ni ( OH )2 can change the zeta potential of the Ni ( OH )2 surface and enhance the colloidal stability of Ni ( OH )2. The stable region of the PEG6000/ Ni ( OH )2 sol was determined by measuring the viscosity. The ratio of PEG6000 to Ni ( OH )2 is the principal factor that influences the flow patterns of the sol. Surfaces of the thin films prepared from Newtonian sol by sol–gel spin-coating method are smooth while those from pseudoplastic sol are rough. The results establish the theoretical foundation for preparing the nano- NiO thin films by spin-coating method.
Synthesis and Properties of N-Bromosuccinimide Derivatives of Ammonium Dialkyl/Alkylene Dithiophosphates
Authors: Harkut Neelam , Nagar Padam N.
Published: March 2007

Reaction of N-bromosuccinimide with ammonium salt of alkylene (dialkyl) dithiophosphates, [OGOPS2NH4; G=–CMe2CMe2–CH2CMe2CH2–, CMe2CH2CHMe2–, CH2CH2CHMe2–; (RO)2PS2NH4; R=C2H5, n–C3H7, i–C3H7], in 1: 1 molor ratio in refluxing benzene solution yields red/brown-colored sticky liquids. These newly synthesized complexes have been characterised by physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques (MW, IR, NMR [H1andP31]). The computational semiempirical calculations (MOPAC6P/c) have also been studied for these complexes. On the basis of the above studies, the formation of P–S–N chemical linkage has been established.
On the Recursive Sequencexn=1+∑i=1kαixn−pi/∑j=1mβjxn−qj
Authors: Stevic Stevo
Published: March 2007

We give a complete picture regarding the behavior of positive solutions of the following important difference equation:xn=1+∑i=1kαixn−pi/∑j=1mβjxn−qj,n∈ℕ0, whereαi, i∈{1,…,k}, andβj, j∈{1,…,m}, are positive numbers such that∑i=1kαi=∑j=1mβj=1,andpi, i∈{1,…,k}, andqj, j∈{1,…,m}, are natural numbers such thatp1<p2<⋯<pkandq1<q2<⋯<qm. The case whengcd(p1,…,pk,q1,…,qm)=1is the most important. For the case we prove that if allpi, i∈{1,…,k}, are even and allqj, j∈{1,…,m}, are odd, then every positive solution of this equation converges to a periodic solution of period two, otherwise, every positive solution of the equation converges to a unique positive equilibrium.
On a Class of Composition Operators on Bergman Space
Authors: Das Namita , Lal R. P. , Mohapatra C. K.
Published: March 2007

Let𝔻={z∈ℂ:|z|<1}be the open unit disk in the complex planeℂ. LetA2(𝔻)be the space of analytic functions on𝔻square integrable with respect to the measuredA(z)=(1/π)dx dy. Givena∈𝔻andfany measurable function on𝔻, we define the functionCafbyCaf(z)=f(ϕa(z)), whereϕa∈Aut(𝔻). The mapCais a composition operator onL2(𝔻,dA)andA2(𝔻)for alla∈𝔻. Letℒ(A2(𝔻))be the space of all bounded linear operators fromA2(𝔻)into itself. In this article, we have shown thatCaSCa=Sfor alla∈𝔻if and only if∫𝔻S˜(ϕa(z))dA(a)=S˜(z), whereS∈ℒ(A2(𝔻))andS˜is the Berezin symbol of S.
Numerical Investigation on the Influence of Hot Streak Temperature Ratio in a High-Pressure Stage of Vaneless Counter-Rotating Turbine
Authors: Qingjun Zhao , Huishe Wang , Xiaolu Zhao , Jianzhong Xu
Published: March 2007

The results of recent studies have shown that combustor exit temperature distortion can cause excessive heat load of high-pressure turbine (HPT) rotor blades. The heating of HPT rotor blades can lead to thermal fatigue and degrade turbine performance. In order to explore the influence of hot streak temperature ratio on the temperature distributions of HPT airfoil surface, three-dimensional multiblade row unsteady Navier-Stokes simulations have been performed in a vaneless counter-rotating turbine (VCRT). The hot streak temperature ratios from 1.0 (without hot streak) to 2.4 were used in these numerical simulations, including 1.0, 1.2, 1.6, 2.0, and 2.4 temperature ratios. The hot streak is circular in shape with a diameter equal to 25%of the span. The center of the hot streak is located at 50%of span and 0%of pitch (the leading edge of the HPT stator vane). The predicted results show that the hot streak is relatively unaffected as it migrates through the HPT stator. The hot streak mixes with the vane wake and convects towards the pressure surface (PS) of the HPT rotor when it moves over the vane surface of the HPT stator. The heat load of the HPT rotor increases with the increase of the hot streak temperature ratio. The existence of the inlet temperature distortion induces a thin layer of cooler air in the HPT rotor, which separates the PS of the HPT rotor from the hotter fluid. The numerical results also indicating the migration characteristics of the hot streak in the HPT rotor are predominated by the combined effects of secondary flow and buoyancy. The combined effects that induce the high-temperature fluid migrate towards the hub on the HPT rotor. The effect of the secondary flow on the hotter fluid increases as the hot streak temperature ratio is increased. The influence of buoyancy is directly proportional to the hot streak temperature ratio. The predicted results show that the increase of the hot streak temperature ratio trends to increase the relative Mach number at the HPT rotor outlet, and decrease the relative flow angle from 25%to 75%span at the HPT rotor outlet. In the other region of the HPT outlet, the relative flow angle increases when the hot streak temperature ratio is increased. The predicted results also indicate that the isentropic efficiency of the VCRT decreases with the increase of the hot streak temperature ratio.
Ecteinascidin‐743: Evidence of Activity in Advanced, Pretreated Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma Patients
Authors: Huygh G. , Clement Paul M. J. , Dumez H. , Schöffski P. , Wildiers H. , Selleslach J. , Jimeno J. M. , De Wever I. , Sciot R. , Duck L. , Van Oosterom A. T.
Published: March 2007

Purpose. To evaluate the activity and safety of ecteinascidin (ET‐743) in pretreated patients with advanced or metastatic soft tissue and bone sarcoma. Patients or subjects. Eighty‐nine patients received ET‐743 as a 24‐hour continuous infusion at a dose of 900–1500 μg/m2 every 3 weeks. Results. We observed one complete remission, 5 partial remissions, one minimal response, and 16 patients with a disease stabilization of 6 months or more. The objective response rate was 6.7% and the clinical benefit rate at 3 and 6 months was 37.7% and 23.4%, respectively. Responses were noted in patients with lipo‐, leiomyo‐, osteo‐, and myogenic sarcoma, with a median duration of 9.85 months. Toxicity mainly involved an asymptomatic elevation of transaminases and neutropenia. Estimated 1‐ and 2‐year survival rates were 39.4% and 15.8%. Median overall survival was 8.25 months. Discussion. This retrospective analysis confirms that ET‐743 induces objective responses and progression arrest in a clinically relevant proportion of patients.
Revising Theories of Nonstate Market-Driven (NSMD) Governance: Lessons from the Finnish Forest Certification Experience
Authors: Cashore Benjamin , Egan Elizabeth , Auld Graeme , Newsom Deanna
Published: March 2007

We assess the ability of Cashore, Auld, and Newsom's theoretical framework on “Nonstate Market-Driven” (NSMD) governance to explain the emergence of and support for forest certification in Finland. In contrast to Sweden's experience, the environmental group-initiated international forest certification program, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), failed to gain significant support. Instead, the commercial forest sector created and adopted the Finnish Forest Certification Program, which domestic and international environmental groups ultimately rejected as inadequate. The NSMD framework must better incorporate two key findings. First, the dependence of international markets on the targeted country's forest products can shape domestic certification choices. We found that the largely non-substitutable qualities of Finnish paper products gave the domestic sector greater leeway in responding to international pressures. Second, whether the FSC is being championed primarily to influence a country's domestic forestry debates or indirectly as a lever with which to improve forest practices elsewhere appears to permeate the forest sector's overall receptiveness to the FSC.
Oceans of Trouble: Domestic Influence on International Fisheries Cooperation in the North Atlantic and the Barents Sea
Authors: Ásgeirsdóttir Áslaug
Published: March 2007

How do states allocate joint fish stocks that straddle international boundaries? What factors determine who gets what during international negotiations between fishing states? These questions strike at the heart of the literature on international cooperation, and thus answering them will shed light not simply on international and transboundary fisheries management but also on the general challenges of international cooperation. This paper examines how domestic groups influence negotiators and thus the ultimate terms of international agreements. The research focuses on seven agreements spanning 20 years (signed by Norway and Iceland) for managing four shared fish stocks that straddle national and international waters. The main conclusion suggests that a state with a powerful domestic interest group usually gets a more favorable agreement when negotiating with a state with weaker domestic interest groups.
Social Dynamite in Our Large Cities
Authors: Conant James B.
Published: March 2007

A study made of a slum section of 125,000 people, mostly Negro, revealed that 70 per cent of the boys and girls between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one are out of school and un employed. Many of them, impoverished and discriminated against, soon become "floaters"-without attachment to either job or home.
Labor Management in the Juvenile Institution
Authors: Morgan Gordon D.
Published: March 2007

The employment of inmates is a problem in juvenile as well as adult correctional institutions, too many of which are char acterized by unrealistic employment policies only vaguely con nected to the rehabilitative process. Very often, these policies do not reflect basic knowledge of the inmate's needs and his potential for rehabilitation. Often, too, the correctional staff and the inmate hold contradictory opinions about the purposes of employment. This article attempts to explore the genesis of these contradictions and suggests some means of resolving them.