bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular beam epitaxial growth of indium antimonide and its characterization
Authors: Pham H. T. , Yoon S. F. , Boning D. , Wicaksono S.
Published: February 2007

Indium antimonide (InSb) is a promising material for mid- and long-wavelength infrared device applications. However, because of material’s small band gap and low melting point, reproducibility of high quality epitaxial InSb is difficult to obtain. This article reports growth experimentations for determining suitable conditions for growing InSb on InSb(100) substrate using solid source molecular beam epitaxy. The effects of growth temperature and antimony/indium (Sb∕In) flux ratio on epilayer structure, surface roughness, and electronic properties were investigated. The process of oxide desorption observed from reflection high energy electron diffraction pattern is reported. A three-layer model was used to extract the electronic properties of the epilayer, taking into account the effect of parallel conduction. Process conditions for good structural and electronic properties of the InSb epilayer, which includes substrate temperature and flux ratio, have been established in this study and reported herein.
Modeling of the integrated magnetic focusing and gated field-emission device with single carbon nanotube
Authors: Chen P.-Y. , Hsu K.-H. , Cheng K.-W. , Hung C.-T. , Wu J.-S. , Cheng T.-C. , Yu J.-P.
Published: February 2007

A gated single carbon nanotube field emitter with magnetic focusing is proposed and simulated using a parallelized Poisson’s equation solver, coupled with the ray tracing of electrons, on an unstructured tetrahedral adaptive mesh. The magnetic focusing for the electrons can be achieved by a vertically downward magnetic focusing field (−Bz) through the use of either external solenoids or permanent magnets around the field-emission array. The simulation results, assuming uniform magnetic field inside a field-emission unit, are compared with those conventional tetrode-type field emitters using an electrostatic focusing structure. The results reveal that the magnetic focusing design can promise much higher emission current, while a much smaller spot size results at the anode. In addition, the magnitude of the applied gate voltage in the range of 60–120V shows little influence on the electron-beam diameter at the anode. The proposed magnetic focusing method can also possibly reduce the complexity of the fabrication without the electrostatic focusing structure. Noticeably, a distribution, similar to the Airy function, is obtained that shows the dependence of the spot size at the anode on the magnetic flux intensity. Thus, under suitable magnetic focusing conditions, it is possible to produce well-defined microelectron sources for many field-emission applications, such as novel parallel electron-beam lithography or field-emission displays.
Ni
∕
Au
contacts on homoepitaxial p-ZnSe with surface oxygen plasma treatments
Authors: Lin T. K. , Lam K. T. , Chang S. J. , Chiou Y. Z. , Chang S. P.
Published: February 2007

Contact properties of Ni∕Au on homoepitaxial p-ZnSe with oxygen plasma treatments were investigated. The authors found that Zn distribution profiles for p-ZnSe with and without treatments were almost identical. They also found that Se concentration near the surface decreased while O concentration near the surface increased after oxygen plasma treatment. They also observed hillocks, which were related to Se vacancies and/or isoelectronic oxygen impurities, on the surface of 15W oxygen plasma-treated samples. Furthermore, they found that they could achieve the lowest offset voltage from the sample treated with 15W oxygen plasma.
Grouted jetted precast concrete sheet piles: Method, experiments, and applications
Authors: Xu G H , Yue Z Q , Liu D F , He F R
Published: February 2007

This paper introduces an innovative technology—grouted jetted precast concrete piling—that increases the efficiency of piling operations in coastal regions. The technology includes the following steps: (i) casting concrete piles factory-designed especially for jetting and grouting; (ii) jetting to drive the concrete piles with a crane on a floating ship or platform into soil; and (iii) grouting to enhance the sheet pile connections and to increase the pile bearing capacity. This technology was applied to a number of piling construction projects at the mouth of the Yellow River Delta in China, and this experience demonstrated that it is a robust, fast track, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly piling method.Key words: piling technique, sheet pile, jetting, retaining walls, coastal infrastructure, Yellow River.
BOSON STARS FROM A GAUGE CONDENSATE
Authors: DZHUNUSHALIEV VLADIMIR , MYRZAKULOV KAIRAT , MYRZAKULOV RATBAY
Published: February 2007

The boson star filled with two interacting scalar fields is investigated. The scalar fields can be considered as a gauge condensate formed by SU (3) gauge field quantized in a nonperturbative manner. The corresponding solution is regular everywhere, has a finite energy and can be considered as a quantum SU (3) version of the Bartnik–McKinnon particle-like solution.
FIRST RESULTS FROM LENA
Authors: CHAMPAGNE A. E. , ILIADIS C.
Published: February 2007

We review the first results from the Laboratory for Experimental Nuclear Astrophysics (LENA), which is a dedicated accelerator facility for measuring reactions of astrophysical interest. We also briefly describe the facility itself and the detector system. The reactions that have been measured have relevance for both stellar evolution and for classical nova explosions.
SECOND-ORDER NONLINEAR OPTICAL SUSCEPTIBILITIES OF POLY[(HEXA-2,4-DIYNYLENE-1,6-DIOXY)DIBENZOATES] CONTAINING AZO CHROMOPHORE DISPERSE RED 19 BY ELECTROABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: GÓMEZ-SOSA GUSTAVO , OGAWA TAKESHI , ISOSHIMA TAKASHI , HARA MASAHIKO
Published: February 2007

The second-order nonlinear optical susceptibilities χ(2) of two isomeric polymers containing an azo dye, Disperse Red 19, were determined by the first-order electroabsorption spectroscopy (EAS), and compared with values previously obtained by SHG measurements. The para-polymer was found to have higher susceptibility than the corresponding meta-polymer. χ(2) were found to be 5–6 × 10-8 esu, which are comparable to those obtained by the Maker Fringe method.
Electroless Deposition of Cu and Ag For ULSI Interconnect Fabrication
Authors: Kim Jae Jeong , Lee Chang Hwa , Kim Ae Rim , Kim Seo Young , Kim Sangchul , Koo Hyo-Chol
Published: February 2007

This paper describes Cu and Ag electroless deposition applicable to ULSI interconnection. First, the electroless deposition of Cu and Ag seed layers for Cu and Ag electrodeposition was carried out on Ta and TiN barrier layers, respectively through the optimized pretreatment processes. Then, a direct Cu electroless filling for main conductor formation was performed on the single damascene structure based on the concentration-dependent effect of additives on blanket wafers.
Impact of Leveler Molecular Weight and Concentration on Damascene Copper Electroplating
Authors: Reid Jonathan D. , Zhou Jian
Published: February 2007

The impact of leveler molecular weight and concentration on bottom-up fill rate, leveling activity, electrolyte polarization, and copper properties of films formed during damascene copper electroplating has been studied. A model leveler, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), at molecular weights ranging from 3,500 to 1,300,000 and at concentrations from 1 to 20 mg/L was found to be effective in reducing excessive plated thickness over superfilling features, while resulting in little loss of bottom-up fill performance. Intermediate PVP molecular weights were most effective in reducing overplating, while the higher molecular weights enhanced fill performance. This behavior is explained in terms of leveler diffusion into features as a function of molecular weight, and leveler impact on electrolyte polarization. Incorporation of sulfur, carbon, and chloride in the plated films increased with increasing PVP concentration and molecular weight. This suggests leveling is accomplished by removal of adsorbed accelerator from the from the film surface during plating by co-deposition with leveler.
The Formation Of Cu Nanofilm By Electrochemical ALD
Authors: Stickney J. , Kim Jay Y. , Kim Youn-Geun
Published: February 2007

A Au(111) single crystal, cleaned by Ar ion bombardment and annealed in a UHV chamber, was used as a substrate for studies of Cu deposition by electrochemical ALD. The first Cu atomic layer was deposited at an underpotential, by UPD, of 0.050 V versus Ag/AgCl on an I modified Au(111) substrate. The subsequent layers were formed using the redox replacement of Pb UPD with Cu in what is referred to as a surface limited redox replacement (SLRR). Two potentials for Pb UPD were investigated, -0.400 V and -0.440 V, with each deposit lasting 2 minutes. Subsequent immersion in the Cu2+ solution was for 10 second, at open circuit. The resulting Cu thin films were analyzed using Auger electron spectroscopy and low energy electron diffraction (LEED). As a final step, total Cu coverages were determined for the resulting nanofilms by anodic stripping, and Cu replacement efficiencies were determined.
Nucleation and Growth Study of Nickel Nanoparticles on Silicon.
Authors: Romo Negreira Ainhoa , Vereecken Philippe M. , Whelan Caroline M. , Groeseneken Guido , Maex Karen
Published: February 2007

The electrochemical nucleation and growth of nickel on silicon from NiNO3 solution has been studied based on the Scharifker and Hills model for nucleation and diffusion limited growth of 3D hemispherical islands. The analysis of the experimental transients shows that a potentials between -1.2V and -1.3V the nucleation is progressive but becomes dominantly instantaneous at -1.4V and beyond. The deposited particle density for the different deposition potentials has been determined both by analysis of the current transients and by SEM analysis. The best result for particle size and size distribution was 25{plus minus}10nm and was obtained at a potential of -1.5V.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Modeling of a Laser-Driven Aerosol Reactor
Authors: Swihart M. T. , He Yuanqing , Talukdar Suddha S.
Published: February 2007

Here we present a detailed 3-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (3D CFD) model of a laser-driven (photothermal) reactor system used in our laboratory to produce nanoparticles of silicon and other materials. This model includes detailed descriptions of the fluid flow, heat and mass transfer, and chemical reactions leading to silane decomposition in the gas phase. Eight chemical reactions and eight chemical species were included in the reacting flow simulation. The overall characteristics of the photothermal reactor system were captured. Temperature and velocity profiles along the axis of the reactor were extracted from the simulations and used with a simple 1D aerosol dynamics model to predict particle size, concentration and size distribution.
Preparation of LiMn2O4 Cathode with Excellent Cycling Performance
Authors: Xu Youlong , Li Xifei , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2007

In order to enhance the rate capability as well as the cycleability at room temperature and elevated temperature, a special method to modify pure spinel LiMn2O4 was investigated. Both of pristine LiMn2O4 and modified-LiMn2O4 were characterized by XRD, SEM, EDAX and electrochemical techniques. XRD results showed that modified-LiMn2O4 did not change the basic LiMn2O4 structure. SEM and EDAX indicated that the thin LiNixMn2-xO4 solid solution layer was covered uniformly on the surface of modified-LiMn2O4. CV and charge- discharge tests at room temperature revealed that modified- LiMn2O4 had excellent cycle stability compared to pristine LiMn2O4, maintained 97.6% of the maximal discharge capacity after the 190 cycles, however, only 68.3% after 170 cycles for pristine LiMn2O4. In addition, modified-LiMn2O4 showed superior cycling performance at the elevated temperature and better rate capability than pristine LiMn2O4. The improving remarkably is attributed to that the solid solution layer reduces the dissolution of Mn cations and suppresses the Jahn- Teller distortion.
Electrochemical Performance of CaF2/Co(OH)2 Coated Spherical Nickel Hydroxide
Authors: He Xiangming , Li Wen , Ren Jianguo , Jiang Changyin , Wan Chunrong
Published: February 2007

CaF2 was attempted for the surface modification of spherical Ni (OH)2 to improve its high temperature performance because of the low cost of calcium salt. The CaF2 and Co(OH)2 coated Ni (OH)2 were prepared by precipitation of CaF2 on the surface of spherical Ni(OH)2, followed by precipitation of Co(OH)2 on its surface. It was shown that the discharge capacity of Ni(OH)2 at high temperature was improved by coating of CaF2 and Co(OH) 2. The high temperature performances of the sealed AA-sized Ni- MH batteries using Ca/Co coated Ni(OH)2 as positive electrodes were carried out, showing much better than those using un- coated Ni(OH)2 electrodes. The charge acceptance of battery using 2%Ca and 2%Co coated Ni(OH)2 reached 62% at 60{degree sign}C, where the charge acceptance for un-coated one was only 46%.
Stability of GaInP2 in H2SO4 Solution for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Wang Heli , Turner John
Published: February 2007

Abstract Thin film of GaInP2 has been investigated in 3 M H2SO4 solution at different light intensities and at different polarization periods. Polarizations both under chopped light and at different light intensities reveal that the photocurrent is linear to the input light intensity, indicating that the material has an efficient charge transport process. At varied light intensities, photocurrent decays with time. XPS was used to study the depth profiles of fresh sample and the polarized ones. Photocurrent decay is then related to the surface In-rich and Ga- and P-deficient layer formation. This layer thickens with the polarization time, and it is considered due to the selective dissolution of Ga. For GaInP2 film acting as a photoelectrode in photoelectrochemical water splitting, it will need protection to obtain a longer life time.
Efficiency in Photovoltaic Heteroisomeric Boron Carbide Diodes
Authors: Natta Marcus L. , Brand Jennifer I.
Published: February 2007

The photovoltaic and alphavoltaic responses of heteroisomeric diodes are reported. These diodes are composed of different closo-C2B10H12 isomers (ortho and meta carboranes) deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition on copper, silver, nickel and aluminum substrates. The electronic differences in the molecules lead to p-type and n-type materials respectively, without additional dopants. The diodes exhibit fourth quadrant conductivity, with enhanced zero-bias current when exposed to either photons or alpha particles. Although total power is low in these preliminary experiments, fill-factors of 20 to 25% are achieved with either energy source alone, with 35% achieved by an alpha source in diffuse light.
Preparation and Electrochemical Properties of Composite Electrodes of Nickel Oxide/WMNTS
Authors: Zhang Milin , Zheng Yanzhen
Published: February 2007

Nanostructured composite materials with α-Ni(OH)2 loaded on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTS) of different mass (5wt%, 10wt%, 20wt%) were synthesized by homogeneous liquid-phase process and anealed at 300°C. Power X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry (DG- DSC were applied to investigate the thermal behavior, crystalline structural. Their voltammery characteristics, galvanostatic discharge and AC impedance spectroscopy were carried out in three-electrode mode composite electrodes. A specific capacitance approximately to 229F/g could be achieved with NiO/MWNTS (10wt%) in the range of 0.27~0.5v in 2M KOH electrolyte. The NiO loaded on MWNTS was significantly improved the electrical conductivity and the active sites for redox reaction of metal oxide due to increasing its specific surface area by MWNTS.
Preparation of Pt/polypyrrole Loaded Carbon Composite in order to Improve Electrode Durability for Fuel Cells
Authors: Mizuhata Minoru , Oga Masako , Deki Shigehito
Published: February 2007

Platinum nanoparticles/polypyrrole composite was loaded on carbon utilized for catalyst layer in order to improve the electrode durability. The carbon surface was oxidized by potassium permanganate and nitrate acid. Formed acidic functional group on the carbon surface was ion-exchanged by tetraammine platinum hydroxide complex. Loaded platinum complex contributed to the one-step polymerization of pyrrole, and the thin layer of polypyrrole was formed with the thickness of ca.3 nm. The nanolayer of polypyrrole interacted with carbon surface electrostatically and hindered diffusion of the platinum particle oxidized by cathode reaction on the cyclic voltammetry. The catalytic activity was held during durability examination up to 12500 cycles between -0.2-1.0 V vs Ag/AgCl.
Preparation of Pitch Based Mesoporous Carbon as Catalyst Supporting Material for DMFC
Authors: Jung Doohwan , Nam Kidon , Kim Taejin , Kim Sangkyung , Peck Donghyun , Lee Byungrok , Shin Dongryul , Ryu Seongkon
Published: February 2007

Pore-size controlled porous carbons were prepared for the catalyst-supporting materials of direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) from the naphthalene-based mesophase pitch. Porous carbon was synthesized by etching the silica sphere from the carbon/silica mixture. The pore size of the porous carbon was controlled by the size of silica sphere. 60wt% Pt-Ru/porous carbons catalysts were prepared by using impregnation method. Physical and electrochemical properties of the catalyst were characterized by using XRD, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and unit cell test.
High Power Direct Methanol Fuel Cells Running on 15M to Neat Methanol
Authors: Liu Fuqiang , Wang C. - Y.
Published: February 2007

Recent fundamental studies have indicated the key requirement of low water crossover through the electrolyte membrane in order to enable the use of highly concentrated methanol in direct methanol fuel cells for portable electronics applications. In this paper, we shall demonstrate a single cell operated at 60oC with direct feed of methanol concentration ranging from 15M to pure methanol, while still achieving the power density of 60 mW/cm2 at 0.4V. Results of surprisingly low methanol and water crossover through a thin membrane, Nafion 112, will be reported and the interplay of water and methanol crossover will be discussed. Various components enabling such high cell performance and low crossover of water and methanol will be described, including fabrication and characterization of membrane-electrode assembly based on thin membranes (e.g. N112), methanol resistant anode structures, and cathode structures that control water crossover from the DMFC anode to the cathode.
Experimental arthritis inhibits the insulin-like growth factor-I axis and induces muscle wasting through cyclooxygenase-2 activation
Authors: Granado Miriam , Martín Ana I , Villanúa Mª Ángeles , López-Calderón Asunción
Published: February 2007

Chronic arthritis induces cachexia associated with an inhibition of the growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) system and an activation of the E3 ubiquitin-ligating enzymes muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx) and muscle Ring finger 1 (MuRF1) in the skeletal muscle. The aim of this work was to study the role of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in chronic arthritis-induced cachexia. Arthritis was induced in rats by Freund's adjuvant injection, and the effects of two COX inhibitors (indomethacin, a nonspecific inhibitor, and meloxicam, a selective COX-2 inhibitor on pituitary GH and on liver and serum IGF-I levels) were tested. Arthritis decreased body weight gain and GH and liver IGF-I gene expression. In the arthritic rats, both inhibitors, indomethacin and meloxicam, prevented the inhibitory effect of arthritis on body weight gain. Indomethacin and meloxicam administration to arthritic rats increased pituitary GH and liver IGF-I mRNA as well as serum levels of IGF-I. These data suggest that induction of COX-2 during chronic inflammation is involved in the inhibition of the GH-IGF-I axis and in the body weight loss. In the gastrocnemius muscle, arthritis increased the gene expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, the E3 ubiquitin-ligating enzymes MAFbx and MuRF1, as well as of IGF-I and IGF-binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5). Inhibition of COX-2 by meloxicam administration increased gastrocnemius weight and decreased MAFbx, MuRF1, TNF-α, and IGFBP-5 gene expression. In summary, our data indicate that chronic arthritis-induced cachexia and muscle wasting are mediated by the COX-2 pathway resulting in a decreased GH-IGF-I secretion and increased expression of MAFbx and MuRF1 mRNA.
Diet-induced ketosis increases capillary density without altered blood flow in rat brain
Authors: Puchowicz Michelle A. , Xu Kui , Sun Xiaoyan , Ivy Andre , Emancipator Doug , LaManna Joseph C.
Published: February 2007

It is recognized that ketone bodies, such as R-β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) and acetoacetate, are energy sources for the brain. As with glucose metabolism, monocarboxylate uptake by the brain is dependent on the function and regulation of its own transporter system. We concurrently investigated ketone body influx, blood flow, and regulation of monocarboxylate transporter (MCT-1) and glucose transporter (GLUT-1) in diet-induced ketotic (KG) rat brain. Regional blood-to-brain β-HB influx (μmol·g−1·min−1) increased 40-fold with ketosis (4.8 ± 1.8 plasmaβ-HB; mM) in all regions compared with the nonketotic groups (standard and no-fat diets); there were no changes in regional blood flow. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that GLUT-1 density (number/mm2) in the cortex was significantly elevated (40%) in the ketotic group compared with the standard and no-fat diet groups. MCT-1 was also markedly (3-fold) upregulated in the ketotic group compared with the standard diet group. In the standard diet group, 40% of the brain capillaries stained positive for MCT-1; this amount doubled with the ketotic diet. Western blot analysis of isolated microvessels from ketotic rat brain showed an eightfold increase in GLUT-1 and a threefold increase in MCT-1 compared with the standard diet group. These data suggest that diet-induced ketosis results in increased vascular density at the blood-brain barrier without changes in blood flow. The increase in extraction fraction and capillary density with increased plasma ketone bodies indicates a significant flux of substrates available for brain energy metabolism.
Chlorhexidine and Preservation of Sound Tooth Structure in Older Adults
Authors: Wyatt C.C.L. , Maupome G. , Hujoel P.P. , MacEntee M.I. , Persson G.R. , Persson R.E. , Kiyak H.A.
Published: February 2007

The Trial to Enhance Elderly Teeth Health (TEETH) was designed to test the impact of regular rinsing with a 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) solution on tooth loss, and the causes of tooth loss (caries, periodontal disease and trauma) were also investigated. This paper reports on the effectiveness of a 0.12% CHX solution for controlling caries using a tooth surface (coronal and root) survival analysis. A total of 1,101 low income elders in Seattle (United States) and Vancouver (Canada), aged 60–75 years, were recruited for a double-blind clinical trial and assigned to either a CHX (n = 550) or a placebo (n = 551) mouth rinse. Subjects alternated between daily rinsing for 1 month, followed by weekly rinsing for 5 months. All sound coronal and root surfaces at baseline were followed annually for up to 5 years. At each follow-up examination, those tooth surfaces with caries, restored, or extracted were scored as ‘carious’. The hazard ratio associated with CHX for a sound surface to become filled, decayed, or extracted was 0.87 for coronal surfaces (95% confidence interval: 0.71–1.14, p = 0.20) and 0.91 for root surfaces (95% confidence interval: 0.73–1.14, p = 0.41). These findings suggest that regular rinsing with CHX does not have a substantial effect on the preservation of sound tooth structure in older adults.
Association of Electrocardiographic Abnormalities with Cardiac Findings and Neuromuscular Disorders in Left Ventricular Hypertrabeculation/Non-Compaction
Authors: Stöllberger Claudia , Winkler-Dworak Maria , Blazek Gerhard , Finsterer Josef
Published: February 2007

Introduction and Objectives: Left ventricular hypertrabeculation/non-compaction (LVHT) is a cardiac abnormality characterized by prominent trabeculations and intertrabecular recesses, and frequently associated with neuromuscular disorders (NMD). The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities in LVHT and its association with clinical symptoms, left ventricular size, wall thickness, systolic function, location and extension of LVHT and presence or absence of NMD. Methods and Results: In 86 patients LVHT was diagnosed echocardiographically between June 1995 and December 2004 (21 female, 65 male, age: 14–94 years, mean age: 52 ± 14 years). All patients underwent a baseline cardiologic investigation and were invited for a neurologic investigation. A specific NMD was diagnosed in 21 (metabolic myopathy, n = 14; Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy, n = 3; myotonic dystrophy, n = 2; Becker muscular dystrophy, n = 1; Duchenne muscular dystrophy, n = 1), a NMD of unknown etiology in 32, the neurologic investigation was normal in 13, and 20 patients refused. Only 9 patients (10%) had normal ECGs. Frequent ECG abnormalities were tall QRS complexes (43%); ST/T-wave abnormalities (37%) and left bundle branch block (20%). ECG abnormalities were related with symptoms of heart failure and echocardiographic findings of systolic dysfunction and valvular abnormalities. Only atrial fibrillation (9%) was related to extension of LVHT. ECG abnormalities did not differ between patients with and without NMD. Conclusion: ECG abnormalities are frequent in LVHT. A normal ECG, however, does not exclude LVHT. No ECG pattern is typical for LVHT. ECG abnormalities occur independently of presence or absence of NMD, and thus all patients with LVHT should be referred to the neurologist.
Adjustment Disorders as Stress Response Syndromes: A New Diagnostic Concept and Its Exploration in a Medical Sample
Authors: Maercker Andreas , Einsle Franziska , Köllner Volker
Published: February 2007

Objective: Adjustment disorders (AD) are an ill-defined category in the present diagnostic nomenclature. We propose a new diagnostic model that describes AD as particular forms of stress response syndrome, in which intrusions, avoidance of reminders and failure to adapt are the central processes and symptoms. In line with the existing classification, the description of AD subtypes is included. Backgrounds on existing psychopathological models of stress response disorders are outlined. Methods: Data from a clinical sample of patients with an automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (n = 160, mean age 63 years, 90% males) are investigated. Results: The items tapping the individual symptoms meet psychometric requirements for diagnostic applications. The diagnostic algorithm chosen indicates a 17% prevalence of AD in the sample. The subtype most commonly diagnosed is AD with mixed emotional features (41%). In a subsample, diagnostic sensitivity was 0.58 and specificity 0.81 in relation to traditional AD cases diagnosed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. By applying the most strongly conservative exclusion rule analogous to the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, the AD prevalence was reduced to 9%. Conclusion: The new AD concept is theory driven and shows methodological soundness. Its application to further samples is recommended.
An Observational Study on Outgrowing Food Allergy during Non-Birch Pollen-Specific, Subcutaneous Immunotherapy
Authors: Alonso R. , Enrique E. , Pineda F. , Basagaña M. , San Miguel-Moncín M.M. , Bartra J. , Palacios R. , Cisteró-Bahíma A.
Published: February 2007

Background: Birch pollen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) decreases allergy to foods containing birch pollen-homologous allergens. Cross-reactivity was also observed between plane tree pollen and some vegetable foods. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outgrowing of food allergy by patients suffering from vegetable food allergy associated with plane tree pollinosis (rhinoconjunctivitis and/or asthma) during plane tree pollen SIT. Methods: An observational and prospective study was conducted in 16 adult patients suffering from vegetable food allergy (hazelnut, walnut, lettuce, peach and cherry) and from plane tree pollinosis receiving plane tree pollen SIT for 1 year. Open oral challenges with the implicated food were performed before and after SIT. Blood samples were drawn for measurement of pollen- and food-specific IgE and IgG4 before and after treatment. Results: Plane tree SIT resulted in a significant decrease in food allergy, since the mean food quantity provoking objective symptoms increased from 2.19 to 13.74 g (p < 0.05), and 6 of the 11 patients tolerated the highest level (25 g) of the challenged food after plane tree SIT. Laboratory data also showed a decrease in IgE levels and an increase in IgG4 levels after immunotherapy. Conclusion: SIT with plane tree pollen has a positive impact on food allergy in plane tree pollen-allergic subjects.
Primary Cultures of Human Caudate Nucleus
Authors: Silani Vincenzo , Pezzoli Gianni , Motti Enrico , Falini Andrea , Pizzuti Antonio , Ferrante Claudio , Zecchinelli Anna , Marossero Franco , Scarlato Guglielmo
Published: February 2007

It is possible to grow functional primary dissociated cultures and explants from stereotactic biopsies of human parkinsonian caudate nuclei. Two major classes of cells were identified on morphological grounds. The culture cells appear to be stimulated by an unidentified soluble factor(s) obtained from human fetal neuronal cells in vitro. Culture of primary neuronal and glial cells from human adult cerebral nuclei seems to be a useful tool for several research purposes and in particular for studying both trophic factor action and target effects on afferent neurons for prospective human brain grafting.
Effects of Spinal Cord Stimulation on Spasticity and Spasms Secondary to Myelopathy
Authors: Barolat Giancarlo , Myklebust Joel B. , Wenninger William
Published: February 2007

16 subjects with severe spasms secondary to traumatic and nontraumatic myelopathy underwent epidural spinal cord stimulation. 4 patients had a complete motor and sensory spinal cord lesion. 6 of the subjects with an incomplete spinal cord lesion were ambulatory. All patients had previously undergone extensive trials with medications and physical therapy. All 14 subjects in whom a satisfactory placement of the elec-trode could be obtained had a reduction in the severity of the spasms. In 6 patients, the spasms were almost abolished. Extremity, trunkal and abdominal spasms were affected. Clonus in the upper extremities was consistently reduced. Marked improvement in bladder and bowel function was observed in each of 2 subjects. In over 1-year follow-up, 5 subjects show persistence of the results, with less stimulation required to maintain the therapeutic effects. No neurological deterioration occurred following the procedure or after long-term spinal stimulation. 1 patient showed after several months of continuous stimulation increased voluntary motor control present only when spinal cord stimulation was activated. Complications included 1 system infection, 1 electrode migration, 1 wire breakage and skin breakdown at a connector site, development of high impedance in 1 electrode and 1 skin breakdown over the lead.
The Role of Monopolar Stimulation during Computed-Tomography-Guided Stereotactic Biopsies
Authors: Bullard Dennis E. , Makachinas Thad T. , Nashold Jr. Blaine S.
Published: February 2007

44 patients underwent intraoperative stimulation with a monopolar electrode prior to computed tomography (CT)-guided stereotactic biopsy. Stimulation at 2–100 Hz resulted in functional responses in 6/21 patients with subcortical or callosal lesions, 4/6 with basal ganglion lesions, 8/10 with thalamic and 4/4 with brainstem lesions. In all but 2 patients with mesencephalic lesions, where limited biopsy sites were available, an alternative biopsy site was used if a functional response was obtained. No morbidity was seen among these patients, although postbiopsy CT scans demonstrated small 3- to 7-mm hematomas in 5/11 patients. Retrospective review of 79 patients who underwent biopsies without stimulation demonstrated hematomas in 6/10 patients and a 3.3% transient surgical morbidity. These data indicate that postbiopsy hematomas are a relatively common occurrence, that intraoperative electrical stimulation within abnormal lesions can identify functional potential, and that avoidance of biopsies within these functional areas may be associated with reduced morbidity.
Jewish Immigrants in the Netherlands during the Nazi Occupation
Authors: Tammes Peter
Published: February 2007

In 1941, 16 percent of the Jews in the Netherlands were immigrants. Analysis of documentary evidence shows that foreign-born Jews—especially those who emigrated from Germany and Austria after Adolf Hitler's rise to power—had a better chance of surviving the Holocaust, and a longer survival time, than Dutch-born Jews. These findings indicate that the motives for emigration and the special opportunities afforded to certain groups to escape and hide were important to survival.
Pretense and Perception in the Spanish Match, or History in a Fake Beard
Authors: Cross Robert
Published: February 2007

The relationship between England and Spain in the post-Reformation period has long been portrayed as one between mutually exclusive, largely monolithic opposites. The manifold evidentiary and conceptual shortcomings of Glyn Redworth's heretofore well-received book, The Prince and the Infanta, only highlight the problems inherent in this view. Contra Redworth, the ongoing negotiations for an Anglo-Spanish match were for more than two decades the diplomatic centerpiece of a complex interchange in which cultural, political, intellectual, and commercial elements mixed and influenced one another to a surprising degree.
Inquiry as Intervention
Authors: Koliba Christopher J. , Lathrop Jean
Published: February 2007

Social science can be practiced as a decidedly action-oriented and applied phenomenon, in particular within the context of organizational change and development. These practices are often prefaced by assumptions concerning the social construction of reality, the role of the researcher as an active agent for change, and the capacity of organizations to learn. This article recounts the attempts of social science researchers to employ an action research process to promote and support organizational learning within a public school setting. Addressing concerns with regard to the methodological challenges of translating individual perceptions into organizational themes or problems, the authors discuss the use of intersubjectively constructed accounts to support organizational learning.
Political Sequences and the Stabilization of Interparty Competition
Authors: Mainwaring Scott , Zoco Edurne
Published: February 2007

This article examines why some democracies and semi-democracies develop relatively stable party systems, while others continue to be roiled by high levels of electoral volatility. It is the first broadly cross-regional analysis of electoral volatility, and it is based on the most extensive data assembled on electoral volatility. Our most original finding is that competitive regimes inaugurated in earlier periods have much lower electoral volatility than regimes inaugurated more recently, even controlling for a variety of other factors that have been hypothesized to affect electoral volatility. Parties had very different functions according to when democracy was inaugurated, and these congenital differences had longterm effects on the stabilization of party competition. What matters for the stabilization of party competition is when democracy was born, not how old it is. Our results support social science approaches that emphasize historical sequences and path dependence.
Party Mobilization and Political Participation in New and Old Democracies
Authors: Karp Jeffrey A. , Banducci Susan A.
Published: February 2007

Political parties play a pivotal role by mobilizing citizens to participate in the political process. This may be particularly important in new democracies, where party attachments are weak and voter turnout is low. Using data drawn from the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems (CSES), we examine citizens’ reported contact with political parties during a national campaign across a range of democracies. We find that rates of reported contact are lower in new democracies and that on average citizens appear to be less engaged in the political process. Nevertheless, parties in new democracies appear to be more likely to target citizens than in old democracies. Their efforts lead them to be just as successful at stimulating political participation.
The State and the Parties
Authors: van Biezen Ingrid , Kopecký Petr
Published: February 2007

This article focuses on the relationship between political parties and the state. We propose an analytical framework distinguishing between three different dimensions of the party-state linkage: the dependence of parties on the state, the management of parties by the state and the control of the state by parties. We provide a cross-national empirical analysis of the relationship between parties and the state in contemporary liberal democracies. Our analysis underscores the considerable importance of the state for political parties in general. It also highlights important differences between old and new democracies, as well as important regional differences in terms of the nature of the relationship between parties and the state in the recently established democracies. We argue that these different types of linkages are highly relevant for party system development and the nature of democracy.
Caring for a child with Juvenile Huntington’s Disease: helpful and unhelpful support
Authors: Brewer Helen M. , Smith Jonathan A. , Eatough Virginia , Stanley Cath A. , Glendinning Neil W. , Quarrell Oliver W.J.
Published: February 2007

There has been little research into the psychosocial impact of Juvenile Huntington’s Disease on the child and family. This study investigates the social and health care needs of those affected by Juvenile Huntington’s Disease. Ten semi-structured interviews with carers were analysed using the qualitative methodology interpretative phenomenological analysis. This article reports three themes on the social support that families received. The first theme describes how parents perceived the support that they received from family and friends. The second and third themes describe how parents perceived helpful and unhelpful experiences of professional support. This corresponds to the view that social support is a ‘double-edged sword’, which can both ameliorate the effects of, and be a source of, stress. This information should be useful to those supporting the family of a child with a chronic or terminal illness.
Working on person-centred planning
Authors: Dowling Sandra , Manthorpe Jill , Cowley Sarah
Published: February 2007

This article reviews the practice and policy based literature on person-centred planning in learning disability services in England. Its aim is to identify the implications for the workforce in practice.The analysis found that implementation is often described as partial or slow and characterizes reasons for this at a number of levels, including the slow pace of change in service culture and power relations, immutable funding structures, services’ inflexible infrastructures, high levels of staff turnover and lack of training, inexperience among service management, inadequate staff supervision, and ambiguity among some stakeholders. Little substantial critique exists of the model itself. Analysis of the literature further reveals that the implementation of person-centred planning in practice is assisted by policy encouragement, service development and investment, favourable case reports and personal accounts, practitioner enthusiasm and positive evaluations.This article explores these to consider what facilitates the adoption of new elements of practice.
_grau – an organic experimental film
Authors: Seidel Robert
Published: February 2007

The experimental film _grau(Robert Seidel, 10:01 min, Germany 2004) deals with personal issues on a visually abstracted level. It establishes a system of interwoven complexity born out of memories, scientific visualization and real data to create a modernized version of a tableau vivant, dealing with surreal and abstract images that come alive. The film is part of ongoing research to create organic imagery that is inspired by nature, art and technology. The ideas and inspirations of the film are partly disclosed, as the works are sometimes perceived as ‘eye candy’ or some kind of screen saver: somewhat related to the classic problem of modern art when it is often claimed that abstract paintings could just as easily be created by children. It is important to recognize that no technique is in itself predestined to capture an emotional experience, rather it is the artist’s vision that shapes the experience to become more than just pretty pictures.
Expression of the miR-17-92 polycistron in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) CD34+ cells
Authors: Venturini Letizia , Battmer Karin , Castoldi Mirco , Schultheis Beate , Hochhaus Andreas , Muckenthaler Martina U. , Ganser Arnold , Eder Matthias , Scherr Michaela
Published: February 2007

Aberrant micro RNA (miRNA) expression has been described in human malignancies including B-cell lymphomas. We here report BCR-ABL– and c-MYC–dependent regulation of miRNA expression in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) using microarray analysis (miCHIP) and miRNA-specific quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (miR-qRT-PCR). In 3 bcr-abl–positive cell lines, expression of miRNAs encoded within the polycistronic miR-17-92 cluster is specifically down-regulated (2- to 5-fold) by both imatinib treatment and anti–BCR-ABL RNA interference (RNAi). In addition, anti–c-MYC RNAi reduces miR-17-92 expression in K562 cells in which miRNAs can specifically repress reporter gene expression, as demonstrated by specific miRNA inhibition with antagomirs. Furthermore, lentivirus-mediated overexpression of polycistronic miRNAs in K562 cells confers increased proliferation, partial resistance against anti–c-MYC RNAi, and enhanced sensitivity to imatinib-induced cell death. Finally, we determined miR-17-92 expression in purified normal (n = 4), early chronic-phase (CP) (n = 24), and blast-crisis (BC) (n = 7) CML CD34+ cells and found up-regulation of polycistronic pri-miRNA transcripts in CML and mature miRNAs in CP but not in BC CML. These data are in accordance with a BCR-ABL–c-MYC–miR-17-92 pathway that mediates enhanced miRNA expression in CP but not BC CML CD34+ cells. Altered miRNA expression may contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease and may provide potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
DC-HIL is a negative regulator of T lymphocyte activation
Authors: Chung Jin-Sung , Sato Kota , Dougherty Irene I. , Cruz Ponciano D. , Ariizumi Kiyoshi
Published: February 2007

T-cell activation is the net product of competing positive and negative signals transduced by regulatory molecules on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) binding to corresponding ligands on T cells. Having previously identified DC-HIL as a receptor expressed by APCs that contains an extracellular immunoglobulin (Ig)–like domain, we postulated that it plays a role in T-cell activation. To probe this function, we created soluble recombinant DC-HIL, which we observed to bind activated (but not resting) T cells, indicating that expression of the putative ligand on T cells is induced by activation. Binding of DC-HIL to naive T cells attenuated these cells' primary response to anti-CD3 antibody, curtailing IL-2 production, and preventing entry into the cell cycle. DC-HIL also inhibited reactivation of T cells previously activated by APCs (secondary response). By contrast, addition of soluble DC-HIL to either allogeneic or ovalbumin-specific lymphocyte reactions augmented T-cell proliferation, and its injection into mice during the elicitation (but not sensitization) phase of contact hypersensitivity exacerbated ear-swelling responses. Mutant analyses showed the inhibitory function of DC-HIL to reside in its extracellular Ig-like domain. We conclude that endogenous DC-HIL is a negative regulator of T lymphocyte activation, and that this native inhibitory function can be blocked by exogenous DC-HIL, leading to enhanced immune responses.
Rev-dependent lentiviral expression vector
Authors: Wu Yuntao , Beddall Margaret H , Marsh Jon W
Published: February 2007

Background

HIV-responsive expression vectors are all based on the HIV promoter, the long terminal repeat (LTR). While responsive to an early HIV protein, Tat, the LTR is also responsive to cellular activation states and to the local chromatin activity where the integration has occurred. This can result in high HIV-independent activity, and has restricted the use of LTR-based reporter vectors to cloned cells, where aberrantly high expressing (HIV-negative) cells can be eliminated. Enhancements in specificity would increase opportunities for expression vector use in detection of HIV as well as in experimental gene expression in HIV-infected cells.

Results

We have constructed an expression vector that possesses, in addition to the Tat-responsive LTR, numerous HIV DNA sequences that include the Rev-response element and HIV splicing sites that are efficiently used in human cells. It also contains a reading frame that is removed by cellular splicing activity in the absence of HIV Rev. The vector was incorporated into a lentiviral reporter virus, permitting detection of replicating HIV in living cell populations. The activity of the vector was measured by expression of green fluorescence protein (GFP) reporter and by PCR of reporter transcript following HIV infection. The vector displayed full HIV dependency.

Conclusion

As with the earlier developed Tat-dependent expression vectors, the Rev system described here is an exploitation of an evolved HIV process. The inclusion of Rev-dependency renders the LTR-based expression vector highly dependent on the presence of replicating HIV. The application of this vector as reported here, an HIV-dependent reporter virus, offers a novel alternative approach to existing methods,in situPCR or HIV antigen staining, to identify HIV-positive cells. The vector permits examination of living cells, can express any gene for basic or clinical experimentation, and as a pseudo-typed lentivirus has access to most cell types and tissues.