bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoignition of heptanes; experiments and modeling
Authors: Smith John M. , Simmie John M. , Curran Henry J.
Published: October 2005

There is much interest in determining the influence of molecular structure on the rate of combustion of hydrocarbons; the C7H16 isomers of heptane have been selected here as they exemplify all the different structural elements present in aliphatic, noncyclic hydrocarbons.

With the exception of n‐heptane itself, no autoignition studies have been carried out to date on the other isomers of heptane at high temperatures. Therefore, ignition delay times were measured for the oxidation of four isomers—n‐heptane, 2,2‐dimethylpentane, 2,3‐dimethylpentane, and 2,2,3‐trimethylbutane—under stoichiometric conditions at a reflected shock pressure of 2 atm, within the temperature range of 1150–1650 K. Measurements under identical conditions reveal that they all have essentially the same ignition delay time; this confirms earlier theoretical predictions based purely on detailed chemical kinetic modeling.

The variation of ignition delay times for n‐heptane with changing oxygen concentrations and reflected shock pressure was determined and shown to follow expected trends. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 37: 728–736, 2005
Temperature dependences of the reactions of O(3P) atoms with selected chlorofluoroethenes between 298 and 359 K
Authors: Teruel Mariano A. , Cometto Pablo M. , Taccone Raúl A. , Lane Silvia I.
Published: October 2005

The rate constants for the gas‐phase reactions of ground‐state oxygen atoms with CF2CFCl (1), (E/Z)‐CFClCFCl (2), CFClCH2 (3), and (E/Z)‐CFHCHCl (4) have been measured directly using a discharge flow tube coupled to a chemiluminescence detection system. The experiments were carried out under pseudo‐first‐order conditions with [O3P)]0 ≪ [ethene]0. The temperature dependences of the reactions were studied for the first time in the range 298–359 K. The proposed Arrhenius expressions (in units of cm3 molecule−1 s−1) were k1 = (1.07 ± 0.32) × 10−11 exp{−(8000±1600)/RT}, k2 = (0.56 ± 0.10) × 10−11 exp{−(8700±500)/RT}, k3 = (4.23 ± 1.25) × 10−11 exp{−(12,700 ± 800)/RT}, and k4 = (1.13 ± 0.62) × 10−11 exp{−(10,500 ± 1500)/RT}. All the rate coefficients display a positive temperature dependence, which highlights the importance of the irreversibility of the addition mechanism for these reactions. Halogen substitution in the ethene is discussed in terms of reactivity with O(3P). © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 37: 763–769, 2005
Betel quid: Its tremor‐producing effects in residents of Araihazar, Bangladesh
Authors: Hafeman Danella , Ahsan Habibul , Islam Tariqul , Louis Elan
Published: October 2005

Betel quid consists of a betel nut (Areca catechu) and other additives. It is chewed throughout Asia and is the fourth most commonly used addictive substance in the world. Its stimulant properties are mediated by arecoline and other toxins. The neurological effects of betel quid use have not been studied extensively. To assess tremor, 100 residents of Araihazar, Bangladesh, were asked to draw spirals, which were rated by a blinded neurologist. The average tremor rating was 50% higher in exposed versus unexposed individuals. Betel quid use can produce clinically evident tremor. Population‐based epidemiological studies of tremor in Asia should begin to take the effect of this stimulant into account. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
Design of microstrip to waveguide transition in the W band suitable antenna or integrated circuits connections
Authors: Nguyen B. D. , Migliaccio C. , Pichot Ch. , Rolland Nathalie
Published: October 2005

This paper presents a millimeter waveguide‐to‐microstrip line transition based on E‐mode coupling. It uses a standard W‐band waveguide and a microstrip line made on alumina substrate. It has been designed for the center frequency of 94 GHz. A back‐to‐back transition has been done and measured between 90 and 100 GHz. A bandwidth of more than 12% with insertion loss of −5 dB is demonstrated for a microstrip length of about 21 mm. Complementary measurements show that the transition itself achieves 0.6‐dB losses. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 47: 518–520, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21216
Large‐scale computation for electrically small structures using surface‐integral equation method
Authors: Chu Yun‐Hui , Chew Weng Cho
Published: October 2005

A new implementation of the basis‐rearrangement procedure is presented to remove numerical errors in the previous implementation. As a result, previously unsolvable large‐scale problems with more than one million unknowns for electrically small structures can now be solved accurately. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 47: 525–530, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21219
Electromagnetic bandgap enhancement using the high‐impedance property of offset finite‐ground microstrip line
Authors: Sun Sheng , Zhu Lei
Published: October 2005

The high‐impedance property of an offset finite‐ground microstrip line is utilized to construct an improved transmission‐line electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure with enhanced bandgap width and attenuation. Using the self‐calibrated method of moments (MoM), the two effective per‐unit‐length parameters are firstly extracted to demonstrate the fundamental frequency‐dispersive characteristics of the guided wave in this EBG. Then, the transmission coefficients of the two finite‐length EBG circuits with ideal impedance matching at two ports are characterized, thus exhibiting the distinctive bandstop and bandpass behaviors as the guided‐wave propagates across this EBG with finite‐extended region. Finally, a five‐cell EBG circuit, fed with the standard 50Ω feed lines, is further modeled to give an evident verification of its enhanced EBG performance. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 47: 543–546, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21225
Experimental study of UWB antenna in the time domain
Authors: Lee Sung S. , Choi Sang S. , Park Jong K. , Cho Kyoung R.
Published: October 2005

In this paper, we experimentally investigate the time‐domain characteristics of the trapezoidal UWB antenna. The time‐domain behavior is measured by using a pulse generator and a digital‐storage oscilloscope as a function of the azimuth angle ϕ, the elevation angle θ, and the separation distance R. The signals received by UWB antenna systems are discussed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 47: 554–558, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21228
Analysis of dual‐band patch antenna for mobile communications
Authors: Shivnarayan  , Vishvakarma Babau R.
Published: October 2005

The theoretical analysis of a notch‐loaded rectangular patch for dual‐band operation, in which dual‐frequency behavior is obtained via notch loading, is proposed and experimentally verified. The theoretical analysis is based on the modal‐expansion cavity model. The resonance frequencies changes with the variation of the length and width of the notch; hence, the input impedance, VSWR, return loss, and bandwidth are calculated. The obtained resonance‐frequency ratio varies from 1.11 to 1.83 with the length and width of the notch. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 47: 558–564, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21229
LTCC‐based compact wideband antenna
Authors: Lu Albert Chee W. , Chua Kai M. , Sun M.
Published: October 2005

A novel ultra‐wideband (UWB) antenna realized using low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) technology is reported in this paper. The resultant antenna volume is only 17 × 8 × 0.8 mm3. Based on the measurements using a network‐analyzer system, a bandwidth of 6.7 GHz is achieved (with return loss S11 < 10 dB from 3.75 to 10.45 GHz). The measured antenna radiation patterns at 6.85 GHz are also presented. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 47: 608–609, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21243
Expression of stathmin family genes in the murine uterus during early pregnancy
Authors: Yoshie Mikihiro , Tamura Kazuhiro , Hara Takahiko , Kogo Hiroshi
Published: October 2005

Stathmin, a cytosolic phosphoprotein that regulates microtubule dynamics during cell‐cycle progression, is abundantly expressed at embryo implantation sites in rats. Here, we characterized the expression of stathmin and its family genes in the murine uterus during the peri‐implantation period. Stathmin protein was expressed in the glandular and luminal epithelium, blood vessels, and stromal cells on day 3 of pregnancy. On the day of implantation (day 5), stathmin was mainly localized in blood vessels in the endometrium. On day 7, intense stathmin expression was limited to capillary vessels and secondary decidual cells. Stathmin expression was higher at implantation sites than at uterine segments between implantation sites and increased during oil‐induced decidualization. Although the artificially‐induced deciduoma weights and number of implantation sites were similar between stathmin‐knockout (KO) and wild‐type (WT) mice, the stathmin‐KO mice had fewer newborn pups (reduced by 30%). The expression of alkaline phosphatase, desmin, and cyclin D3 was attenuated in decidual zones of stathmin‐KO mice. Messenger RNA level of the stathmin family gene, SCG10, was high at the time of decidualization in WT and stathmin‐KO mice. In contrast, the others of stathmin family members, SCLIP and RB3 were highly expressed in stathmin‐KO mice compared to WT mice. These results suggest that stathmin and stathmin family genes are expressed in the murine endometrium with enhanced expression in the implantation or the decidualization process. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mapping complex tissue architecture with diffusion spectrum magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Wedeen Van J. , Hagmann Patric , Tseng Wen‐Yih Isaac , Reese Timothy G. , Weisskoff Robert M.
Published: October 2005

Methods are presented to map complex fiber architectures in tissues by imaging the 3D spectra of tissue water diffusion with MR. First, theoretical considerations show why and under what conditions diffusion contrast is positive. Using this result, spin displacement spectra that are conventionally phase‐encoded can be accurately reconstructed by a Fourier transform of the measured signal's modulus. Second, studies of in vitro and in vivo samples demonstrate correspondence between the orientational maxima of the diffusion spectrum and those of the fiber orientation density at each location. In specimens with complex muscular tissue, such as the tongue, diffusion spectrum images show characteristic local heterogeneities of fiber architectures, including angular dispersion and intersection. Cerebral diffusion spectra acquired in normal human subjects resolve known white matter tracts and tract intersections. Finally, the relation between the presented model‐free imaging technique and other available diffusion MRI schemes is discussed. Magn Reson Med, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanism and kinetics of ordering in diblock copolymer thin films on chemically nanopatterned substrates
Authors: Edwards Erik W. , Stoykovich Mark P. , Müller Marcus , Solak Harun H. , de Pablo Juan J. , Nealey Paul F.
Published: October 2005

Lamellae forming diblock copolymer domains can be directed to assemble without defects and in registration with chemically nanopatterned substrates. Initially, thin films of the lamellar poly(styrene‐b‐methyl methacrylate) block copolymer form hexagonally close‐packed styrene domains when annealed on chemical nanopatterned striped surfaces. These styrene domains then coalesce to form linear styrene domains that are not fully registered with the underlying chemical surface pattern. Defects coarsen, until defect‐free directed assembly is obtained, by breaking linear styrene domains and reforming new structures until registered lamellae have been formed. At all stages in the process, two factors play an important role in the observed degree of registration of the block copolymer domains as a function of annealing time: the interfacial energy between the blocks of the copolymer and the chemically nanopatterned substrate and the commensurability of the bulk repeat period of the block copolymer and the substrate pattern period. Insight into the time‐dependent three‐dimensional behavior of the block copolymer structures is gained from single chain in mean field simulations. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 3444–3459, 2005
Effect of cation exchange capacity on the structure and dynamics of poly(ethylene oxide) in Li+ montmorillonite nanocomposites
Authors: Kuppa V. , Manias E.
Published: October 2005

Molecular dynamics computer simulations are used to study the structure and dynamics of 1‐nm wide films of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) confined between mica‐type layered silicates of different cation exchange capacities (CEC). The simulation setup mimics experimental systems formed by intercalation of PEO in montmorillonite alumino‐silicates with varied inherent charges. It is shown that the presence and population of lithium has a significant influence on the behavior of the system, in addition to the confinement‐induced effects caused by the extreme spatial restriction. The structural features of the confined PEO are strongly altered with the number of Li+, which determines the polymer/inorganic interactions. The combination of the nanoconfinement and the presence of lithium preclude regular ordered arrangements of PEO, similar to those observed in the bulk unconfined polymer. The segmental dynamics of PEO in confinement are also greatly influenced by the presence of lithium, because of the strong interaction between Li+ and the oxygen of the PEO backbone. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 3460–3477, 2005
Liquid crystalline complexes of an azo‐containing surfactomesogen with oppositely charged polyelectrolytes
Authors: Tibirna Carmen M. , Bazuin C. Geraldine
Published: October 2005

A triethyl‐ammonium functionalized 4‐nitro‐4′‐alkoxy azobenzene mesogen with a 10‐carbon spacer (azo10Q, a ‘surfactomesogen’) was complexed in equimolar proportions to a variety of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, and studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarizing optical microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The complexation generates a single‐layer smectic A mesophase over a very wide temperature range from a surfactomesogen that, alone, melts directly to the isotropic phase. The clearing temperatures, ranging from 130 to 190 °C and generally higher than the melting point of azo10Q, are dependent on the nature of the polyelectrolyte as well as its molecular weight. In contrast, a prominent glass transition near ambient temperature appears to be independent of molecular weight, but varies somewhat with the type of polyelectrolyte. A second Tg‐like transition of much lower intensity is detectable at higher temperatures (generally above 100 °C), and, with literature support, is tentatively attributed to nanophase separation involving sublayer planes in the lamellar packing structure. A series of nonequimolar complexes was also investigated, and it was found that, with decreasing azo10Q content, the clearing temperature viewed by DSC decreases rapidly in intensity (and somewhat in temperature) and then disappears although birefringence remains, whereas the lower glass transition increases rapidly in temperature to finally merge with the upper one. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 3421–3431, 2005
Porod scattering study of coarsening in immiscible polymer blends
Authors: Brinker Kristin L. , Lebovitz Andrew H. , Torkelson John M. , Burghardt Wesley R.
Published: October 2005

Studies of immiscible blend compatibilization often involve laborious microscopy methods to characterize changes in the particle size distribution with time in the melt. Here we explore a simple alternative approach based on Porod scattering from the two‐phase structure. Although micron‐sized particles in immiscible polymer blends are too large to be fully characterized by small‐angle scattering, Porod scattering measurements of the interfacial area combined with knowledge of the blend volume fraction allows determination of an average particle diameter from a single scattering measurement. This technique is illustrated in experiments monitoring coarsening of particle size in polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) blends prepared either by melt blending or solid‐state shear pulverization. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 3413–3420, 2005
The impact of the fourth disulfide bridge in scorpion toxins of the α‐KTx6 subfamily
Authors: Carrega Louis , Mosbah Amor , Ferrat Gilles , Beeton Christine , Andreotti Nicolas , Mansuelle Pascal , Darbon Hervé , De Waard Michel , Sabatier Jean‐Marc
Published: October 2005

Animal toxins are highly reticulated and structured polypeptides that adopt a limited number of folds. In scorpion species, the most represented fold is the α/β scaffold in which an helical structure is connected to an antiparallel β‐sheet by two disulfide bridges. The intimate relationship existing between peptide reticulation and folding remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of disulfide bridging on the 3D structure of HsTx1, a scorpion toxin potently active on Kv1.1 and Kv1.3 channels. This toxin folds along the classical α/β scaffold but belongs to a unique family of short‐chain, four disulfide‐bridged toxins. Removal of the fourth disulfide bridge of HsTx1 does not affect its helical structure, whereas its two‐stranded β‐sheet is altered from a twisted to a nontwisted configuration. This structural change in HsTx1 is accompanied by a marked decrease in Kv1.1 and Kv1.3 current blockage, and by alterations in the toxin to channel molecular contacts. In contrast, a similar removal of the fourth disulfide bridge of Pi1, another scorpion toxin from the same structural family, has no impact on its 3D structure, pharmacology, or channel interaction. These data highlight the importance of disulfide bridging in reaching the correct bioactive conformation of some toxins. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Survey of the geometric association of domain–domain interfaces
Authors: Kim Wan Kyu , Ison Jon C.
Published: October 2005

Considering the limited success of the most sophisticated docking methods available and the amount of computation required for systematic docking, cataloging all the known interfaces may be an alternative basis for the prediction of protein tertiary and quaternary structures. We classify domain interfaces according to the geometry of domain–domain association. By applying a simple and efficient method called “interface tag clustering,” more than 4,000 distinct types of domain interfaces are collected from Protein Quaternary Structure Server and Protein Data Bank. Given a pair of interacting domains, we define “face” as the set of interacting residues in each single domain and the pair of interacting faces as an “interface.” We investigate how the geometry of interfaces relates to a network of interacting protein families, such as how many different binding orientations are possible between two families or whether a family uses distinct surfaces or the same surface when the family has diverse interaction partners from various families. We show there are, on average, 1.2–1.9 different types of interfaces between interacting domains and a significant number of family pairs associate in multiple orientations. In general, a family tends to use distinct faces for each partner when the family has diverse interaction partners. Each face is highly specific to its interaction partner and the binding orientation. The relative positions of interface residues are generally well conserved within the same type of interface even between remote homologs. The classification result is available at http://www.biotec.tu‐dresden.de/∼wkim/supplement. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structural basis of the substrate subsite and the highly thermal stability of xylanase 10B from Thermotoga maritima MSB8
Authors: Ihsanawati  , Kumasaka Takashi , Kaneko Tomonori , Morokuma Chihiro , Yatsunami Rie , Sato Takao , Nakamura Satoshi , Tanaka Nobuo
Published: October 2005

The crystal structure of xylanase 10B from Thermotoga maritima MSB8 (TmxB), a hyperthermostable xylanase, has been solved in its native form and in complex with xylobiose or xylotriose at 1.8 Å resolution. In order to gain insight into the substrate subsite and the molecular features for thermal stability, we compared TmxB with family 10 xylanase structures from nine microorganisms. As expected, TmxB folds into a (β/α)8‐barrel structure, which is common among the glycoside hydrolase family 10. The enzyme active site and the environment surrounding the xylooligosaccharide of TmxB are highly similar to those of family 10 xylanases. However, only two xylose moieties were found in its binding pocket from the TmxB‐xylotriose complex structure. This finding suggests that TmxB could be a potential biocatalyst for the large‐scale production of xylobiose. The result of structural analyses also indicated that TmxB possesses some additional features that account for its thermostability. In particular, clusters of aromatic residues together with a lack of exposed hydrophobic residues are characteristic of the TmxB structure. TmxB has also a significant number of ion pairs on the protein surface that are not found in other thermophilic family 10 xylanases. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electrostatic potential at the retinal of three archaeal rhodopsins: Implications for their different absorption spectra
Authors: Kloppmann Edda , Becker Torsten , Ullmann G. Matthias
Published: October 2005

The color tuning mechanism of the rhodopsin protein family has been in the focus of research for decades. However, the structural basis of the tuning mechanism in general and of the absorption shift between rhodopsins in particular remains under discussion. It is clear that a major determinant for spectral shifts between different rhodopsins are electrostatic interactions between the chromophore retinal and the protein. Based on the Poisson‐Boltzmann equation, we computed and compared the electrostatic potential at the retinal of three archaeal rhodopsins: bacteriorhodopsin (BR), halorhodopsin (HR), and sensory rhodopsin II (SRII) for which high‐resolution structures are available. These proteins are an excellent test case for understanding the spectral tuning of retinal. The absorption maxima of BR and HR are very similar, whereas the spectrum of SRII is considerably blue shifted—despite the structural similarity between these three proteins. In agreement with their absorption maxima, we find that the electrostatic potential is similar in BR and HR, whereas significant differences are seen for SRII. The decomposition of the electrostatic potential into contributions of individual residues, allowed us to identify seven residues that are responsible for the differences in electrostatic potential between the proteins. Three of these residues are located in the retinal binding pocket and have in fact been shown to account for part of the absorption shift between BR and SRII by mutational studies. One residue is located close to the β‐ionone ring of retinal and the remaining three residues are more than 8 Å away from the retinal. These residues have not been discussed before, because they are, partly because of their location, no obvious candidates for the spectral shift among BR, HR, and SRII. However, their contribution to the differences in electrostatic potential is evident. The counterion of the Schiff base, which is frequently discussed to be involved in the spectral tuning, does not contribute to the dissimilarities between the electrostatic potentials. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multivariate calibrations for the SR‐TXRF determination of trace concentrations of lead and arsenic in the presence of bromine
Authors: Nagata Noemi , Peralta‐Zamora Patricio G. , Poppi Ronei J. , Perez Carlos A. , Bueno Maria Izabel M. S.
Published: October 2005

A synchrotron radiation source and total reflection x‐ray fluorescence (SR‐TXRF) spectrometry were used for the determination of lead and arsenic in aqueous samples. To overcome the serious spectral interference between the two species and the overlap of another interfering element (bromine), a partial least‐squares regression (PLSR) method was used. The calibration models PLSR2 and PLSR1 were based on the x‐ray fluorescence emission signals (9.550–13.663 keV) for a set of 26 different mixtures containing the elements of interest, lead and arsenic, as well as bromine. The results obtained by PLSR1 and PLSR2 were compared with those obtained by the conventional univariate methodology. In the latter case, the areas of the secondary emission lines (Lβ for lead and Kβ for arsenic) were used to elaborate the analytical curves. The capacity of all optimized models was verified using five synthetic samples (external validation). Subsequently the best model was used to determine lead and arsenic recovery capacities when these metals are retained on two ion‐exchange resins (Dowex 50‐X8 and Dowex 1‐X8). The best multivariate model (PLSR1) allowed the determination of lead and arsenic with root mean square errors of prediction (RMSEPs) of 0.03 and 0.24 mg l−1, respectively. The reduction of this parameter, with respect to the values obtained by conventional univariate methodology (0.26–0.03 mg l−1 for lead and 0.30–0.24 mg l−1 for arsenic), indicates that the proposed multivariate methodology really overcomes the problems associated with spectral interferences and minimizes the influence of an interfering agent (bromine). Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
X‐ray absorption and x‐ray fluorescence for the characterization of titanium oxide‐modified HPLC silicas
Authors: Goraieb Karen , Bueno Maria Izabel M. S. , Collins Carol H. , Collins Kenneth E.
Published: October 2005

Titanium oxide grafted on to the surfaces of chromatographic silica was investigated by x‐ray fluorescence (XRF) and x‐ray absorption (XAS) spectroscopy and the latter used before and after the extensive use of this material as a support for reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC). XRF indicated the formation of a complete 2:1 monolayer whereas XAS suggested the presence of more than one titanium oxide structure. These structures show some slight modification after immobilization of PMOS and use in HPLC. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting the distribution of invasive crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) in a Kusiro Moor marsh (Japan) using classification and regression trees
Authors: Usio N. , Nakajima H. , Kamiyama R. , Wakana I. , Hiruta S. , Takamura N.
Published: October 2005

Summer distributions of the invasive signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) were investigated in relation to physicochemistry in a Kusiro Moor marsh and its inflows and outflows in northern Japan. Maximum crayfish abundance and biomass were 1.04 individuals/m2 and 3.56 g dry mass (DM)/m2 in littoral marsh habitats, and 5.84 individuals/m2 and 13.48 g DM/m2 in stream habitats. Classification tree analysis was used to predict crayfish occurrence at 102 sites from all habitats (i.e. littoral marsh, pelagic marsh and stream) while regression tree analyses were used to predict crayfish abundance at littoral marsh and stream sites separately. The classification tree showed that crayfish occurrence was primarily determined by undercut bank volume regardless of habitat identity. When undercut bank volume was <0.0054 m3, crayfish were predicted to be absent at marsh sites, but expected to occur at stream sites where pH and water temperature exceeded 6.5 and 14.3°C, respectively. The regression tree using only littoral marsh sites showed that undercut bank volume, followed by dissolved oxygen level, determined the splits of the tree. Crayfish abundance was highest when undercut bank volume was >0.61 m3, and moderately high when dissolved oxygen was >9.09 mg/l and undercut bank volume was <0.61 m3. On the other hand, the regression tree using only stream sites showed that water temperature was the major predictor that determined the splits. We discuss the roles of physicochemical factors as limiting factors of the distribution pattern of the invasive crayfish.
Focal adhesion molecules as potential target of lead toxicity in NRK‐52E cell line
Authors: Giuliani Roberta , Bettoni Francesca , Leali Daria , Morandini Fausta , Apostoli Pietro , Grigolato Piergiovanni , Cesana Bruno Mario , Aleo Maria Francesca
Published: October 2005

In this study, we investigated the influence of inorganic lead (Pb(II)), an environmental pollutant having nephrotoxic action, on the focal adhesion (FA) organization of a rat kidney epithelial cell line (NRK‐52E). In particular, we evaluated the effects of the metal on the recruitment of paxillin, focal adhesion kinase, vinculin and cytoskeleton proteins at the FAs complexes. We provided evidences that, in proliferating NRK‐52E cell cultures, low concentrations of Pb(II) affect the cell adhesive ability and stimulate the disassembly of FAs, thus inhibiting the integrin‐activated signalling. These effects appeared to be strictly associated to the Pb‐induced arrest of cell cycle at G0/G1 phase also proved in this cell line.
Coexposure to benzo[a]pyrene and UVA induces phosphorylation of histone H2AX
Authors: Toyooka Tatsushi , Ibuki Yuko
Published: October 2005

Phosphorylation of histone H2AX (termed γ‐H2AX) was recently identified as an early event after induction of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). We have previously shown that coexposure to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a wide‐spread environmental carcinogen, and ultraviolet A (UVA), a major component of solar UV radiation, induced DSBs in mammalian cells. In the present study, we examined whether coexposure to BaP and UVA generates γ‐H2AX in CHO‐K1 cells. Single treatment with BaP (10−9–10−7
M) or UVA (∼2.4 J/cm2) did not result in γ‐H2AX, however, coexposure drastically induced foci of γ‐H2AX in a dose‐dependent manner. γ‐H2AX could be detected even at very low concentration of BaP (10−9
M) plus UVA (0.6 J/cm2), which did not change cell survival rates. NaN3 effectively inhibited the formation of γ‐H2AX induced by coexposure, indicating the contribution of singlet oxygen. This is the first evidence that coexposure to BaP and UVA induced DSBs, involving γ‐H2AX.
Electrosurgical bipolar vessel sealing during vaginal hysterectomy
Authors: Cronjé H.S. , de Coning E.C.
Published: October 2005

Objective

To compare electrosurgical bipolar vessel sealing (EBVS) with traditional suturing during vaginal hysterectomy.

Methods

In a randomized controlled trial involving 68 women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy for benign disease, 37 procedures were performed using EBVS and 31 using traditional suturing. The end points were procedure time, blood loss, number of ligatures used, postoperative pain score, and number of days in hospital.

Results

The procedure duration was shorter using EBVS (median duration, 32 vs. 40 min; P = .0003), with fewer ligatures (1 vs. 7; P < .0001) and less pain (median score, 4 vs. 6; P < .0001). There were no significant differences regarding blood loss (median, 100 vs. 160 mL; P = .36) and days in hospital (median, 2 vs. 2; P = .03).

Conclusion

The EBVS system provided advantages over traditional suturing with regard to procedure time, number of ligatures used, and postoperative pain score.
Automation of a Multiplexed Competitive Luminex Immunoassay for Measuring Antibodies to Human Papillomavirus Types 6, 11, 16, and 18
Authors: Kelly Sheri , Green Tina , Van Doren Jeff , Puchalski Derek , Boerckel Patricia , Chirmule Naren , Esser Mark T.
Published: October 2005

Serum specimen pipetting is a labor-intensive process that can be a source of laboratory error, ergonomic stress, and a potential source of accidental exposure to infectious pathogens. Automated solutions for sample preparation reduce time spent on sample handling, minimize exposure to infectious pathogens, reduce laboratory error, reduce ergonomic stress, and save money. A fully automated method was developed for a custom-designed competitive Luminex immunoassay (cLIA) on a TECAN Genesis Workstation that measures antibodies to human papillomavirus (HPV) virus-like particles (VLPs). The automated program generated statistically similar data to assays performed manually. Overall, HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18 antibody titers obtained from samples prepared with the automated program were 3.2%, 6.6%, 3.6%, and 2.0% higher, respectively, than antibody titers from samples prepared manually. The agreement rates between methods for HPV positive and negative samples for HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18 were 100%, 96.8%, 98.4%, and 97.3%, respectively. An overview of the basic workflow of the automated HPV cLIA used to support our HPV vaccine Phase III clinical trials is described.
XDA: Breaking the Informatics Bottleneck in R&D
Authors: Shanahan Matthew , Arnstein Lawrence
Published: October 2005

The productivity challenge for life scientists is the design, execution, and analysis of high value experiments that discover or validate drugs and therapies. Compared to the electronics industry that spends $100,000 on software/engineer/year for productivity, an average life sciences company spends less than $5000 on software/scientist/year to achieve productivity. Scientists are left with a landscape of manual or hardwired informatics for integrating the lifecycle of experimentation. With the impressive advances in lab automation, miniaturization, and systems biology information, a new bottleneck to lab productivity is the informatics to leverage experiment data. Traditional informatics solutions are expensive to develop and deploy limiting the use and potential impact that software can have on productivity. Experiment design automation is a new form of software that breaks through the existing bottleneck using model-driven informatics and a combination of experimental and computational biology. The result is improved speed and quality of experiments, accelerated research, and lower operational costs.
Development of a Liquid Handler Component for a Plasmid-Based Functional Proteomic Robotic Workcell
Authors: Hughes Stephen R. , Riedmuller Steven B. , Mertens Jeffrey A. , Li Xin-Liang , Bischoff Kenneth M. , Cotta Michael A. , Farrelly Philip J.
Published: October 2005

A Hudson Control Group, Inc. ProLink Express™ robotic workcell to conduct plasmid-based functional proteomics is being developed for optimization of protein open reading frames (ORF). The initial phase of this project is to design and assemble a Xantus liquid handler from Sias, Inc. modified by Hudson so that a workcell track component can be placed within the Xantus® gripper tool work area. The liquid handler is designed to produce plasmids using the Qiagen Turbo® plasmid preparation kit. This design allows processing of up to four 96-well plates in one run. The procedure eliminates disposable tips and provides an advanced wash system to prevent cross contamination. To evaluate liquid handler operation, a mutagenized cellulase F ORF plasmid library was prepared from wild-type cellulase F (Chen, H.; Li, X.-L.; Blum, D. L.; Ximenes, E. A.; Ljungdahl, L. G. CelF of Orpinomyces PC-2 has an intron and encodes a cellulase (CelF) containing a carbohydrate-binding module. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology 2003, 105–108, 775–785; Li, X.-L.; Chen, H.; Ljungdahl, L. G. Two cellulases, CelA and CelC, from the polycentric anaerobic fungus Orpinomyces strain PC-2 contain N-terminal docking domains for a cellulase-hemicellulase complex. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 1997, 63(12), 4721–4728) using a novel Invitrogen Gateway® cloning strategy. For the automated reproducibility run, the average yield of plasmid was 5.35 μg per well from 1.347 mL of starting culture. Four plates were processed automatically on the liquid handler in 374 min compared to at least 441 min for the same plate operations performed manually. The quality and quantity of plasmids prepared on the liquid handler made the implementation of the following workcell protocols possible: DNA sequencing, in vitro transcription/translation, and transformation of bacterial and yeast strains for protein expression.
Management of Tophaceous Gout of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint
Authors: MUDGAL C. S.
Published: October 2005

Surgical management of acute tophaceous gout of the distal interphalangeal joint is often associated with delayed wound healing. Aspiration through neighbouring uninvolved skin is a safe method of treating these tophi. For persistently symptomatic, unstable DIP joints, arthrodesis should be considered.
‘Something else to burn’: forest squatters, conservationists, and the state in modern Tanzania
Authors: Sunseri Thaddeus
Published: October 2005

In the last fifteen years, Tanzanian forest policy has embraced an agenda of biodiversity preservation coupled with privatisation that calls for the expansion of state oversight over forests and woodlands. Reflecting the hegemony of conservationist donors and international and local NGOs, and couched in a language of community conservation, this agenda decries peasant intrusion into forest reserves to burn charcoal for the urban market and to expand fields for agriculture. This agenda is a departure from over a century of state forestry that sought to exploit forests for domestic consumer and development needs, and to compete in export timber and charcoal markets. Following the Second World War, state forestry anchored peasants in selected forest reserves as licensed cultivators in the face of an ongoing labour shortage, in order to create tree plantations that replaced indigenous hardwoods with fast-growing exotic softwoods. This trend continued after independence as forestry was perceived as a means for agricultural modernisation and economic self-reliance, particularly after the Arusha Declaration. Current changes in forest policy prioritise forests more as ‘refugia’ for endemic plant and animal species, rather than as sources of timber and fuel, moving forest policy more in the direction of wildlife conservation, which has long aimed at excluding peasants and pastoralists from reserves. Recent evictions of peasants from forest reserves, and ongoing tensions between villagers, the state and conservationists, are the direct result of NGO pressure to protect forest reserves and to expand forest conservation into previously unreserved lands.
Trustees of development from conditionality to governance: poverty reduction strategy papers in Ghana
Authors: Whitfield Lindsay
Published: October 2005

The World Bank and IMF launched the Poverty Reduction Strategy Initiative in the context of longstanding criticisms of their structural adjustment programmes. This article examines the process of formulating Ghana's Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) from two perspectives. From the perspective of reforming the Bretton Woods institutions, it assesses the extent to which the PRSP approach alters the lending practices of these institutions in Ghana. From the perspective of understanding policymaking in highly indebted, aid-dependent African countries, it reveals the multiple interfaces of politics in such countries produced by relations among and within donors/creditors, the government and non-governmental actors. Its conclusions echo the growing body of literature critiquing PRSPs, and emphasise the constraints which the foreign aid regime places on democratic governance.
Sectarian Gospels for Some Christians? Intention and Mirror Reading in the Light of Extra-Canonical Texts
Authors: KAZEN THOMAS
Published: October 2005

This article introduces extra-canonical traditions into the debate about the purpose of the gospels and the risks of sociological mirror-reading. Often seen as reflecting sectarian communities, some of these texts are actually no more ‘heterodox’ than their canonical counterparts, and might just as well have been written ‘for all Christians’. However, applying similar criteria, we find that canonical as well as extra-canonical gospels are best understood as intended for a group of churches with similar outlook. Why certain gospels came to be widely distributed had more to do with power structures; intention and reception should not be confused.
The New Testament Gospels and the Gospel of Thomas: A New Direction
Authors: WOOD JOHN HALSEY
Published: October 2005

After surveying the debate over the relation of the Gospel of Thomas to the NT gospels, this essay argues that Gos. Thom. merits comparison with second-century Christian literature, in order to discern the similarity or dissimilarity with regard to the use of NT material. The second-century sources considered are found to manifest various types of literary dependence on the canonical gospels. A comparison suggests that Gos. Thom. does show many of the characteristics of this Christian literature known to depend on NT material, and, moreover, that Gos. Thom. appears to draw from all four of the canonical gospels. In fact, the significance of Gos. Thom. may not be as a witness to the historical Jesus, as some have hoped, but as one of the earliest witnesses to a four-gospel collection.
Essstörungen und Adipositas im Kindes- und Jugendalter
Authors: Tuschen-Caffier Brunna
Published: October 2005

Zusammenfassung. Essstörungen und Adipositas stellen auch und gerade im Kindes- und Jugendalter ein ernst zu nehmendes Gesundheitsproblem dar. In diesem Beitrag werden die Erscheinungsformen von Essstörungen und Adipositas bei Kindern und Jugendlichen, epidemiologische Befunde, Risikofaktoren und Entstehungsbedingungen sowie aktuelle Befunde zu psychologischen Interventions- und Präventionsmöglichkeiten vorgestellt.
Essverhalten und psychosoziale Anpassung bei Kindern mit Übergewicht
Authors: Lehrke Sonja , Laessle Reinhold Gustav
Published: October 2005

Zusammenfassung. Die Anzahl übergewichtiger Kinder ist in den vergangenen Jahren deutlich angestiegen. Aufgrund der vielfältigen medizinischen und psychosozialen Folgebelastungen des Übergewichts, der hohen Persistenzraten sowie der geringen Effektivität von Gewichtsreduktionsmaßnahmen im Erwachsenenalter besteht ein dringender Handlungsbedarf dahingehend, effektive Interventionsmethoden für übergewichtige Kinder bereitzustellen. Die vorliegende Arbeit soll hierzu einen Beitrag leisten: Über das konkrete Essverhalten der Kinder in Hinblick auf verschiedene Außenbedingungen (Stress, Familie) und die Folgebelastungen des Übergewichts im psychopathologischen und psychosozialen Bereich ist noch sehr wenig bekannt. Daher werden zunächst empirische Ergebnisse aus verschiedenen Studien zu diesen Bereichen vorgestellt. Zusammenfassend lassen sich die Ergebnisse der im Rahmen dieser Arbeit referierten Studien dahingehend interpretieren, dass sich übergewichtige Kinder in wesentlichen Punkten gar nicht so sehr von ihren normalgewichtigen Altersgenossen unterscheiden und dass hinsichtlich verschiedener Ressourcen keine qualitativen Abweichungen nach unten bestehen. Vor dem Hintergrund der Ergebnisse werden Möglichkeiten zur Optimierung von Interventionsmethoden diskutiert.
Körperbild, Diätverhalten und körperliche Aktivität bei 9- bis 10-jährigen Kindern
Authors: Vögele Claus , Woodward Heidi
Published: October 2005

Zusammenfassung. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war die Untersuchung von Figurunzufriedenheit, Diätverhalten und körperlicher Aktivität bei Jungen und Mädchen. 68 Schulkindern im Alter von 9 bis 10 Jahren (36 Jungen, 32 Mädchen) wurde eine Körperumriss-Skala mit der Bitte vorgelegt, die tatsächliche und die gewünschte Körperform zu kennzeichnen. Weitere Fragebögen erfassten das Diätverhalten und die vom Kind wahrgenommene Einstellung der Eltern zu Körperbild und Diät. Körpergröße und Körpergewicht wurden im Rahmen der vorliegenden Studie erhoben und zur Berechnung des Body Mass Index (BMI) verwendet. Körperliche Aktivität wurde mit einem über sieben Tage auszufüllenden Tagebuch erhoben. 44 % der Jungen und 34 % der Mädchen hatten den Wunsch, dünner sein zu wollen. Multiple Regressionsanalysen zeigten, dass die Figurunzufriedenheit am besten vom BMI des Kindes, dem durch das Kind wahrgenommenen Übergewicht der Mutter und Essverhaltensweisen vorhergesagt wurde, die auf einen gezügelten Essstil schließen lassen. Es ist besorgniserregend, dass der Prozentsatz von Kindern, die dünner sein wollen, weit über dem der tatsächlich übergewichtigen Kinder (13 %) liegt.
Depression und Selbstwertgefühl bei adipösen Kindern und Jugendlichen
Authors: Moens Ellen , Braet Caroline , Timbremont Benedikte
Published: October 2005

Zusammenfassung. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht, ob adipöse Kinder und Jugendliche im Vergleich zu Normalgewichtigen eine negativere Selbstbewertung und mehr depressive Symptome aufweisen. Des Weiteren wird untersucht, ob sich eine depressive Symptomatik - sofern diese innerhalb der adipösen Gruppe nachgewiesen werden kann - durch ein negatives Selbstkonzept erklären lässt. Bei insgesamt 151 Kindern und Jugendlichen im Alter von 9 bis 17 Jahren (75 adipöse, 76 normalgewichtige Kinder) und deren Eltern wurden anhand verschiedener Fragebogen depressive Symptome sowie Selbst- und Fremdeinschätzungen zu Kompetenzen und Verhaltenstendenzen der Kinder zu verschiedenen (Lebens-) Bereichen erhoben. Die statistischen Analysen ergaben signifikant negativere Selbstbewertungen der adipösen Kinder und Jugendlichen in Bezug auf den athletischen Bereich als einer speziellen Komponente des Selbstkonzeptes. Für den globalen Depressionswert fanden sich keine Unterschiede zwischen adipösen und normalgewichtigen Kindern und Jugendlichen. Jedoch berichteten die Eltern übergewichtiger Kinder und Jugendlicher signifikant häufiger über Konflikte mit ihren Kindern auf emotionaler und Verhaltensebene. Regressionsanalysen ergaben, dass 42 % der Gesamtvarianz des Children's Depression Inventory (CDI, Kovacs, 1992 ) durch eine negativere Selbstbewertung aufgeklärt werden kann.
Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-/Hyperaktivitätsstörung (ADHS): Wie valide sind die Subtypen?
Authors: Desman Christiane , Petermann Franz
Published: October 2005

Zusammenfassung. Bereits mit Erscheinen des DSM-IV wurde die Validität der dort benannten Subtypen der ADHS hinterfragt. Hinzu kommt eine abweichende Subgruppenbildung in der ICD-10. Seitdem sind die Subtypen in verschiedenen Zusammenhängen untersucht worden. Dabei festgestellte Unterschiede und Gemeinsamkeiten der Subtypen werden aus sechs Perspektiven (verhaltensbezogen, genetisch, geschlechtsspezifisch, entwicklungsbezogen, neurobiologisch, neuropsychologisch) betrachtet, um Informationen über mögliche notwendige Veränderungen im DSM-V zu erlangen. Die Befunde legen zunächst nahe, sich bei zukünftigen Klassifikationskriterien nicht auf die Verhaltensebene zu beschränken, sondern insbesondere neuropsychologische aber auch neurobiologische Aspekte einzubeziehen. So wird unter Berücksichtigung dieser Ebenen für den bisherigen vorwiegend unaufmerksamen Subtyp eine weitere Differenzierung angedeutet: in eine Gruppe mit verlangsamtem kognitiven Tempo, die eventuell sogar eine eigenständige Störung darstellt, sowie einen vorwiegend unaufmerksamen Subtyp der ADHS, der aber schwache Symptome der Hyperaktivität und Impulsivität aufweist. Des Weiteren deutet sich zwar auf einigen Ebenen ein eigenständiger Subtyp ADHS mit komorbiden Störungen des Sozialverhaltens beziehungsweise einer Hyperkinetischen Störung des Sozialverhaltens an. Jedoch sind Befunde anderer Ebenen noch nicht eindeutig und somit ist weitere Forschung notwendig. Zudem scheinen gesonderte Kriterien für die Geschlechter nicht erforderlich, vielmehr sollte stärker beachtet werden, dass auch Mädchen diese Störung aufweisen können. Abschließend werden Implikationen für zukünftige Klassifikationen und ihre Bedeutung für unterschiedliche Behandlungsverfahren diskutiert.