bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coding sequence analysis of GNRHR and GPR54 in patients with congenital and adult-onset forms of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
Authors: Cerrato Felecia , Shagoury Jenna , Kralickova Milena , Dwyer Andrew , Falardeau John , Ozata Metin , Van Vliet Guy , Bouloux Pierre , Hall Janet E , Hayes Frances J , Pitteloud Nelly , Martin Kathryn A , Welt Corrine , Seminara Stephanie B
Published: October 2006

Objective: To determine the frequency of rare nucleotide variants in GNRHR and GPR54 in a large cohort of probands (n = 166) with normosmic idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (nIHH), characterized by mode of inheritance, testicular volume, and presence or absence of endogenous LH pulsations.

Methods: Whenever possible, probands answered detailed questionnaires, underwent full physical exams, and underwent q 10-min frequent blood sampling for LH. Exons segments for GNRHR and GPR54 were screened for mutations. Nucleotide changes were identified as rare variants if they occurred at less than 1% frequency in an ethnically matched control population.

Results: Sixty-two percent of male probands were classified as sporadic, meaning that no other family members had delayed puberty or nIHH. In contrast, 61% of female probands were from familial pedigrees, with either autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive inheritance. Patients displayed a broad spectrum of disease severity based on testicular size and endogenous LH pulsations. Twenty-four rare variants were identified in GNRHR (within 15 probands) and seven rare variants in GPR54 (within five probands).

Conclusions: Rare variants in GNRHR are more common than GPR54 in a nIHH population.
Assessment and mechanism of variations in pubertal timing in internationally adopted children: a developmental hypothesis
Authors: Dominé F , Parent A-S , Rasier G , Lebrethon M-C , Bourguignon J-P
Published: October 2006

During the past decades, children migrating for international adoption have increased in number, creating an original condition of dramatic environmental change during development. In several countries, cohorts of these subjects have been shown to experience a global advancement in age at the onset of puberty, and sexual precocity is seen more frequently than in other conditions. Such early or precocious development has been assessed in relatively small cohorts or individual patients using well-defined physical indicators in comparison with updated references in the foster country. Family and adolescent evaluation of pubertal timing could allow for the study of large series of internationally adopted subjects. Also, this type of assessment integrates the physical changes of puberty with the adolescent changes in psychological and social functioning. The pathophysiological mechanisms leading to advancement of puberty in migrating children are still unclear and possibly involve several factors. In the present paper, we hypothesize that the sexual precocity in children migrating for international adoption could represent a developmentally programmed disorder resulting from cumulative anomalies in early remodeling of the central nervous system by communicational, social, nutritional, and hormonal inputs. There is some evidence that the deviations in those inputs can result in altered brain structure, particularly in the limbic system. We discuss the possible association with further disorders of developmental functions, such as cognitive, psychosocial, and sexual maturation. Along this hypothesis, some forms of idiopathic sexual precocity could result from dysfunction of one or several of the environmental programming factors, while other forms may involve predominantly genetic or familial factors.
Foetal testosterone and the child systemizing quotient
Authors: Auyeung Bonnie , Baron-Cohen Simon , Chapman Emma , Knickmeyer Rebecca , Taylor Kevin , Hackett Gerald
Published: October 2006

This study examines foetal testosterone (fT) levels (measured in amniotic fluid) as a candidate biological factor, influencing sex differences in systemizing. Systemizing is a cognitive process, defined as the drive to analyze or construct systems. A recent model of psychological sex differences suggests that this is a major dimension in which the sexes differ, with males being more drawn to systemize than females. Participants included 204 children (93 female), age 6–9 years, taking part in a long-term study on the effects of fT. The systemizing quotient – children’s version was administered to these mothers to answer on behalf of their child. Males (mean = 27.79 ± 7.64) scored significantly higher than females (mean = 22.59 ± 7.53), confirming that boys systemize to a greater extent than girls. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that fT was the only significant predictor of systemizing preference when the sexes were examined together. Sex was not included in the final regression model, suggesting that fT levels play a greater role than the child’s sex in terms of differences in systemizing preference. This study suggests that the levels of fT are a biological factor influencing cognitive sex differences and lends support to the empathizing–systemizing theory of sex differences.
An infant with chronic hypernatremia
Authors: Marcovecchio M L
Published: October 2006

A 4-month-old boy was presented with failure to thrive, refusal to feed, delayed motor development, truncal hypotonia, and head lag. His plasma osmolality and sodium were significantly high, while his urine osmolality was inappropriately low and did not increase after desmopressin administration. Despite his hyperosmolality, he presented with a lack of thirst and became clearly polyuric and polydipsic only at the age of 2 years. Initial treatment with indomethacin was ineffective, while the combination of hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride was effective and well tolerated.
The management of thyrotoxicosis in a pre-pubertal child with 18p deletion syndrome
Authors: Dharmaraj P , Grueters A
Published: October 2006

A female baby, born at term weighing 3.2 kg was noted to have bilateral ptosis and epicanthic folds. Karyotyping during infancy revealed a terminal deletion of the short arm of chromosome 18, which is known to be associated with pituitary hormone deficiency, learning difficulties, restlessness and emotional lability. At the age of 5, she was growing slowly and pituitary function testing showed satisfactory GH and cortisol responses, but TSH was below the assay threshold and free thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine were elevated. Thyrotoxicosis was confirmed and she was treated with carbimazole, which she failed to respond to, even at high doses. The drug was stopped when she became neutropenic and was rendered euthyroid with sodium iopodate prior to surgery. Total thyroidectomy was performed successfully and she has subsequently shown improvement in her cognitive symptoms and general development.
Short‐term evidence of Campylobacter in a treatment plant and drain water of a connected poultry abattoir
Authors: Koenraad Petra M.F.J. , Jacobs‐Reitsma Wilma F. , Beumer Rijkelt R. , Rombouts Frank M.
Published: October 2006

To study the prevalence of Campylobacter in a purification plant, the numbers of Campylobacter in the wastewater and the effluent of an activated sludge system and in the drain water of a poultry abattoir, connected with this plant were determined in three 24‐hour periods. To study transmission routes, the Campylobacter isolates were identified by Penner serotyping and by antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The poultry abattoir drain water was considerably contaminated with Campylobacter (average >5.1 log10 MPN/100 mL). The numbers of Campylobacter present in the wastewater and the effluent of the activated sludge system did not increase significantly during the sampling period. The purification resulted in a reduction of 1 log10 unit, but Campylobacter was still detectable in the activated sludge effluent. Patterns in the antimicrobial susceptibility and serotypes did not match for the various types of samples, and therefore, no transmission route could be deduced. This incongruity of patterns may be due to growth competition during the enrichment. Therefore, enrichment procedures are not recommendable for studies on transmission routes.
On homological classification of pomonoids by regular weak injectivity properties of S-posets
Authors: Zhang Xia , Laan Valdis
Published: October 2006

If S is a partially ordered monoid then a right S-poset is a poset A on which S acts from the right in such a way that the action is compatible both with the order of S and A. By regular weak injectivity properties we mean injectivity properties with respect to all regular monomorphisms (not all monomorphisms) from different types of right ideals of S to S. We give an alternative description of such properties which uses systems of equations. Using these properties we prove several so-called homological classification results which generalize the corresponding results for (unordered) acts over (unordered) monoids proved by Victoria Gould in the 1980’s.
Poly(ether sulfone)/activated carbon hybrid beads for creatinine adsorption
Authors: Deng Xiaopei , Wang Ting , Zhao Fan , Li Longjiang , Zhao Changsheng
Published: October 2006

Poly(ether sulfone)/activated carbon (PES–AC) hybrid beads, with various proportions of activated carbon (AC) or amounts of added propylene glycol (PG), were prepared with a liquid–liquid phase‐separation technique. The specific surface area, porosity, diameter, and pore volume of the prepared beads were characterized. The adsorption of creatinine from a Tyrode buffer solution (pH 7.4) on different PES–AC hybrid beads was investigated through batch experiments at 25°C. The experimental results suggested that creatinine adsorption was enhanced by an increase in the AC or PG proportion added during the preparation of the PES–AC hybrid beads. The mass‐transfer model was applied to the experimental data for the analysis of the kinetic results. The experimental creatinine adsorption isotherms were adequately fitted with both Langmuir and Freundlich equations. Tests of the hemolysis ratio and protein adsorption were carried out. The results showed that the hemolysis ratio of the prepared beads was lower than 5%. The adsorption of creatinine was affected by the presence of serum albumin but not significantly enough to hinder its applications in blood purification. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 1085–1092, 2007
Investigation of the MHC2TA gene, associated with rheumatoid arthritis in a Swedish population, in a UK rheumatoid arthritis cohort
Authors: Eyre Stephen , Bowes John , Spreckley Kristian , Potter Catherine , Ring Susan , Strachan David , Worthington Jane , Barton Anne
Published: October 2006

Objective

A recent study of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) showed an association with a functional single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mapping to the promoter region of the MHC2TA gene on chromosome 16p13 in a Swedish population. Interestingly, evidence for linkage to this region has been detected previously in a subgroup of UK RA families carrying 2 copies of shared epitope (SE) alleles. Therefore, we undertook this study to investigate the association of the MHC2TA gene promoter with RA in a UK Caucasian population.

Methods

Association with 5 SNPs spanning the promoter region of the MHC2TA gene was investigated in 813 UK RA patients and 532 population controls. Association with a functional putative RA‐causal polymorphism (−168*G/A [rs3087456]) was tested in a total of 1,401 UK RA patients and 2,475 controls. Genotyping was performed using a Sequenom MassArray platform. Estimated haplotype frequencies were generated using the expectation‐maximization algorithm and compared between patients and controls.

Results

All SNPs were in Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium. No evidence for association was found, either with the putative RA‐causal polymorphism (−168*G/A) or with the other SNPs tested. Haplotype analysis revealed extensive linkage disequilibrium across the promoter region but no evidence for association. Stratifying the data set by carriage of SE alleles did not alter the conclusions.

Conclusion

A functional polymorphism of the MHC2TA gene locus previously associated with RA in a European population has not been associated with RA in a UK population. These findings do not provide support for the notion that this gene plays a major role in the etiology of RA.
A role for geranylgeranylation in interleukin‐1β secretion
Authors: Mandey Saskia H. L. , Kuijk Loes M. , Frenkel Joost , Waterham Hans R.
Published: October 2006

Objective

Mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD) is an autosomal‐recessive disorder characterized by recurring episodes of inflammation. MK catalyzes the phosphorylation of mevalonic acid, which is an early step in isoprenoid biosynthesis. The goal of our study was to determine whether a temporary shortage of certain isoprenoid end products and/or the accumulation of mevalonic acid is the cause of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) secretion in MKD.

Methods

We studied the effect of the addition of intermediate metabolites and inhibitors of the isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway on IL‐1β secretion by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with MKD and healthy controls.

Results

Inhibition of enzymes involved in geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) synthesis or geranylgeranylation of proteins led to a marked increase of lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated IL‐1β secretion in PBMCs of control subjects. Furthermore, the increased IL‐1β secretion by PBMCs of patients with MKD was reversed by supplementation with GGPP as well as with mevalonic acid. IL‐1β secretion was increased only when control PBMCs were incubated with excessive amounts of mevalonic acid. Finally, a reduction in IL‐1β secretion by MKD PBMCs was also observed when sterol biosynthesis was inhibited, favoring nonsterol isoprenoid biosynthesis.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that a shortage of geranylgeranylated proteins, rather than an excess of mevalonate, is likely to cause increased IL‐1β secretion by PBMCs of patients with MKD.
Photo‐Cross‐Linked Small‐Molecule Microarrays as Chemical Genomic Tools for Dissecting Protein–Ligand Interactions
Authors: Kanoh Naoki , Asami Aya , Kawatani Makoto , Honda Kaori , Kumashiro Saori , Takayama Hiroshi , Simizu Siro , Amemiya Tomoyuki , Kondoh Yasumitsu , Hatakeyama Satoru , Tsuganezawa Keiko , Utata Rei , Tanaka Akiko , Yokoyama Shigeyuki , Tashiro Hideo , Osada Hiroyuki
Published: October 2006

We have developed a unique photo‐cross‐linking approach for immobilizing a variety of small molecules in a functional‐group‐independent manner. Our approach depends on the reactivity of the carbene species generated from trifluoromethylaryldiazirine upon UV irradiation. It was demonstrated in model experiments that the photogenerated carbenes were able to react with every small molecule tested, and they produced multiple conjugates in most cases. It was also found in on‐array immobilization experiments that various small molecules were immobilized, and the immobilized small molecules retained their ability to interact with their binding proteins. With this approach, photo‐cross‐linked microarrays of about 2000 natural products and drugs were constructed. This photo‐cross‐linked microarray format was found to be useful not merely for ligand screening but also to study the structure–activity relationship, that is, the relationship between the structural motif (or pharmacophore) found in small molecules and its binding affinity toward a protein, by taking advantage of the nonselective nature of the photo‐cross‐linking process.
A correlation between function and selected measures of T cell avidity in influenza virus‐specific CD8+ T cell responses
Authors: La Gruta Nicole L. , Doherty Peter C. , Turner Stephen J.
Published: October 2006

Activation of mature CD8+ T cells requires recognition, via the T cell receptor (TCR), of peptide + MHC (pMHC) complexes with an avidity that exceeds a designated threshold. Multiple indicators of T cell avidity have been described that provide unique information on the characteristics of T cell interactions. However, these indicators are routinely used in isolation, and, consequently, little is known about correlations between these measures or which measure, if any, correlates with the quality of the T cell response. Following influenza virus infection of C57BL/6J mice, we analyzed the relative avidities of five epitope‐specific CD8+ T cell populations using five different measures. We demonstrated that the quality of CD8+ T cell responses, in terms of cytokine profiles, correlates with TCR dissociation rate and CD8 dependence, but not with the sensitivity to tetramer binding or peptide stimulation. Thus, we propose that, despite significant differences in TCR dissociation rate, the stimulation threshold of influenza‐specific CD8+ T cell populations may be equivalent due to compensatory mechanisms largely provided by the CD8 coreceptor. Furthermore, this study shows that different indicators of avidity do not necessarily provide similar information and should be used in combination to obtain an overall picture of the characteristics of TCR binding.
An exploratory investigation of the experiences of partners living with people who have bulimia nervosa
Authors: Huke Katherine , Slade Pauline
Published: October 2006

Objective

This study aimed to explore partners' experiences of living as a couple with someone with bulimia nervosa.

Method

Transcripts of eight exploratory interviews with partners were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

Results

Five superordinate themes emerged: (1) Living with the secrecy and deception; (2) Struggling to understand and find reasons; (3) Discovering your powerlessness; (4) ‘It's like growing to live with it’; (5) Experiencing strengths and strains in the relationship.

Discussion

Living with someone with bulimia presents many challenges for partners. They struggle to understand what is happening, can find the secrecy difficult to live with, and are often left feeling powerless. However, partners also look to find ways of accepting and living with the bulimia. It is suggested that partners could be offered opportunities to access support, and that their perspectives could be a useful resource for therapeutic interventions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Revisiting a proposed kinetic model for the reaction of cysteine and hydrogen peroxide via cysteine sulfenic acid
Authors: Ashby Michael T. , Nagy Péter
Published: October 2006

A mechanism for the oxidation of cysteine by hydrogen peroxide has been proposed by Luo et al. (J Pharm Sci, 2005, 94, 304–316): rapid equilibrium to form cysteinate (CS−), followed by irreversible oxidation of CS− by H2O2 to give cysteine sulfenic acid (CSOH), and nucleophilic attack on CSOH by CS− to yield cystine (CSSC). We have argued that the data that were published by Luo et al. afford no insight into the mechanism that follows the rate‐limiting step, oxidation of CS− by H2O2 (J Pharm Sci, 2006, 95, 15–18), but Anderson and Luo contend that their model is sound (J Pharm Sci, 2006, 95, 19–24). Evidence is presented herein that discredits the model proposed by Luo et al.: (1) time‐resolved 1H NMR spectra show that no intermediate is produced, (2) time‐resolved electronic spectra exhibit multiple isosbestic points, and (3) kinetic measurements and models employ the initial rate method (which focus on that part of the kinetic traces for which the differences between the two models are most pronounced). All three experiments verify that a pseudo‐first‐order model with a single kinetic parameter completely describes the observed kinetics of the oxidation of CS− by H2O2. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 39: 32–38, 2007
Kinetics of the alkaline hydrolysis of isoproturon in CTAB and NaLS micelles
Authors: Gangwar S. K. , Rafiquee M. Z. A.
Published: October 2006

Kinetics of the alkaline hydrolysis of isoproturon has been studied in the absence and presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and sodium lauryl sulfate (NaLS) micelles. CTAB micelles were found to enhance the rate of reaction, while NaLS micelles inhibited the reaction rate. The reaction obeyed first‐order kinetics in [isoproturon] and was linearly dependent on [NaOH] at lower concentration. The rate of reaction became independent at higher [NaOH]. At lower [NaOH] the reaction proceeded via formation of hydroxide ion addition complex, while at higher [NaOH] the reaction occurred via deprotonation of NH, leading to the formation of isocyanate. The values of kw, km, and Ks were determined by considering the pseudophase ion exchange model. The activation parameters have also been reported. The effect of added salts (NaCl and KNO3) on the reaction rate has also been studied. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 39: 39–45, 2007
Multifunctional Coupling Agents: 3. Segmented Block Copolymers Based on Carboxy‐Terminated Poly(propylene oxide) and Amino‐Terminated Polyamide 12
Authors: Dung Bui T. , Jakisch Lothar , Komber Hartmut , Häußler Liane , Voit Brigitte , Nghia Nguyen D. , Böhme Frank
Published: October 2006

Summary: Segmented block copolymers were synthesized in melt by conversion of carboxy‐terminated poly(propylene oxide) and amino‐terminated PA12 with a selectively reacting bifunctional coupling agent bearing one oxazoline and one oxazinone group. The reaction was performed either in one or two steps. In the latter, it could be shown that the sequence of mixing significantly influenced the course of reaction. The structure of the linking group formed during the reaction was verified by 1H NMR spectroscopy using model compounds. DSC and TEM investigations evidenced that the block copolymers are phase separated. Domains in a size of several nanometers are found. Owing to the two phase structure, the block copolymers show ductile behavior with the tendency to elastomeric behavior. Tensile properties of the block copolymers increase with the content of PA12. Elongations at break were measured with values up to 500%.

TEM micrograph of block copolymer 6b.

magnified image

TEM micrograph of block copolymer 6b.
Cytoskeletal and nuclear organization in mouse embryos derived from nuclear transfer and ICSI: A comparison of agamogony and syngamy before and during the first cell cycle
Authors: Zhu Zi‐Yu , Jiang Man‐Xi , Yan Li‐Ying , Huang Jun‐Cheng , Lei Zi‐Li , Jiang Yan , Ouyang Ying‐Chun , Zhang Huan‐Xiang , Sun Qing‐Yuan , Chen Da‐Yuan
Published: October 2006

In this study, somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are used as models of agamogony and syngamy, respectively. In order to elucidate the reasons of low efficiency of somatic cell cloning, cytoskeletal and nuclear organization in cloned mouse embryos was monitored before and during the first cell cycle, and compared with the pattern of ICSI zygote. A metaphase‐like spindle with alignment of condensed donor chromosomes was assembled within 3 hr after NT, followed by formation of pronuclear‐like structures at 3–6 hr after activation, indicating that somatic nuclear remodeling depends on microtubular network organization. The percentage of two (pseudo‐) pronuclei in cloned embryos derived from delayed activation was greater than that in immediate activation group (68.5% vs. 30.8%, P < 0.01), but similar to that of ICSI group (68.5% vs. 65.5%, P > 0.05). The 2‐cell rate in NT embryos was significantly lower than that in zygotes produced by ICSI (64.8% vs. 82.5%, P < 0.01). Further studies testified that the cloned embryos reached the metaphase of the first mitosis 10 hr after activation, whereas this occurred at 18 hr in the ICSI zygotes. Comparision of the pattern of microfilament assembly in early NT embryos with that in syngamic zygotes suggested that abnormal microfilamental pattern in cloned embryos may threaten subsequent embryonic development. In conclusion, agamogony, in contrast to syngamy, displays some unique features in respect of cytoskeletal organization, the most remarkable of which is that the first cell cycle is initiated ahead distinctly, which probably leads to incomplete organization of the first mitotic spindle, and contributes to low efficiency of cloning. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 655–663, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exciton luminescence of ZnO fine particles
Authors: Danhara Y. , Hirai T. , Harada Y. , Ohno N.
Published: October 2006

Photoluminescence and time‐resolved photoluminescence spectra of annealed ZnO fine particles with ∼20 nm size have been investigated at 12 K. In unannealed raw ZnO particles, luminescence bands attributed to free‐exciton recombination accompanied by LO phonon emission (LO phonon replica) are dominant in the band‐edge luminescence. For annealed ZnO particles, the intensities of the LO phonon replica become weaker than that of bound exciton band, and the bandwidths of the exciton bands become narrower with the annealing temperature. The time‐resolved luminescence spectra have revealed that the decay times of bound and free excitons become longer for annealed particles. These facts suggest that ZnO particles are aggregated each other even at temperatures well below the melting point. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Coherence effects in ring molecular systems
Authors: Heřman Pavel , Barvík Ivan
Published: October 2006

The time dependence of the occupation probability decay of optically allowed states in molecular rings (resembling the B850 ring of the purple bacterium Rhodopseudomonas acidophila ‐ nonameric symmetry ‐ and Rhodopseudomonas palustris ‐ octameric symmetry) is calculated. The dipole moments are arranged tangentially in nonameric ring and radially in octameric ring. Fast fluctuations of the environment are simulated by dynamic disorder and slow fluctuations by static disorder. In the present investigation we are comparing results for the time development of the occupation probabilities of optically allowed exciton states P k =±1 (nonameric ring) and P k =±7 (octameric ring) for four models of static disorder: Gaussian disorder in the local energies (Model A), Gaussian disorder in the transfer integrals (Model B), Gaussian disorder in radial positions of molecules (Model C) and Gaussian disorder in angular positions of molecules (Model D). Both types of disorder ‐ static and dynamic ‐ are taken into account simultaneously. We have used Markovian and non‐Markovian treatment of the interaction with the bath. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Model of temperature dependent crystal relaxation
Authors: Mihóková Eva , Schulman Lawrence S.
Published: October 2006

Anomalous decay of the slow emission component in certain doped alkali halides was explained by the creation of a discrete breather in the immediate neighborhood of the impurity. It was experimentally observed that with rising temperature the decay anomaly becomes less pronounced, finally disappearing in the range 100 K to150 K (depending on the substance). In view of the breather explanation, this temperature dependence should be a consequence of the effect of temperature on breathers. We present an improved model of the dissipative effects of temperature on lattice breathers so as to compare it to the observed experimental temperature behavior. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Perylene microcrystallites embedded in polyvinyl alcohol fabricated by a precipitation method
Authors: Mizuno K. , Matsubara T. , Aoki‐Matsumoto T. , Ichida M. , Ando H. , Itoh T.
Published: October 2006

Perylene microcrystallites with a wide range of the size were fabricated by a precipitation method. The microcrystallite size distribution was well expressed by a Gaussian function. The luminescence spectra and the luminescence decay times were measured at 7∼10 K. The luminescence decay depended strongly on the power of a laser used for photo‐excitation. At weak excitation, the decay exhibited a few nano‐second delay in the rise time but at the intense excitation, a sharp rise and a sharp decay (spike) were observed. Those results suggested the presence of strong interaction among microcrystallites. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Coloration dependence in the thermoluminescence properties of the double doped NaCl single crystals under gamma irradiation
Authors: Sánchez‐Mejorada G. , Gelover‐Santiago A. L. , Frias D.
Published: October 2006

In this work the behaviour of calcium manganese doped NaCl single crystals under gamma irradiation is reported. Various single crystals of NaCl doped with Ca and Mn have been irradiated at different doses with ionising radiation. The production of defects has been correlated to the increase in the intensity of the thermo luminescent glow curve as a function of doses. The glow curves intensity as a function of doses shows the potential use of these materials as dosimeters. Optical properties of such crystals after irradiation with gamma rays have also been studied; results have shown their potentiality as a good detector and optical store memory devices. Since the creations of colour centres by photons with energy less than the band gap energy has been detected also in ns2‐ion doped alkali halides. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
First principles calculation of optical and electronic properties with inclusion of exciton effects
Authors: Ismail‐Beigi Sohrab
Published: October 2006

The cover picture of this issue of physica status solidi (c) has been taken from the article [1]. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electronic Structure and Luminescence Properties of Er Doped ZnO Nanowires
Authors: Wang J , Hark SK , Li Q
Published: October 2006

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2006
Screw Dislocations and Spriral Growth in Abalone Shell Nacre
Authors: Epstein A , Akey A , Yao N
Published: October 2006

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2006
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Sulfur Nanowires
Authors: Santiago P , Carvajal E , Mendoza D , Rendon L
Published: October 2006

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2006
Characterization of Sputtered Ge-Sn Thin Films by High Resolution Methods
Authors: Calderón HA , Vidal MA , Ladrón de Guevara H
Published: October 2006

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2006
Comparative TEM and HRXRD Analyses of Strain Relaxation in Step-Graded GaInAs Buffer-Layers for High-Efficiency Solar Cells
Authors: Schoene J , Spiecker E , Jager W , Dimroth F , Bett AW
Published: October 2006

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2005
FIB / FESEM Investigations of Polymer / Inorganic Composites
Authors: Gorman B , Sahu L , Shaito A , Nandika D , Olea-Mejia O , Brostow W
Published: October 2006

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2005
Three-dimensional Structure of the Tiny Bacterium Pelagibacter ubique Studied by Cryo-electron Tomography
Authors: Nicastro D , Schwartz C , Pierson J , Cho J-C , Giovannoni SJ , McIntosh JR
Published: October 2006

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2005
Observation of Pt Atoms, Clusters and Rafts on Oxide Supports, by Sub-Ångström Z-Contrast Imaging in an Aberration-Corrected STEM/TEM
Authors: Blom DA , Bradley SA , Sinkler W , Allard LF
Published: October 2006

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2005
Multi-technique, Multivariate Analysis Methods for Enhanced Sample Characterization
Authors: Artyushkova K , Pylypenko S , Fenton J , Archuleta K , Williams L , Fulghum J
Published: October 2006

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2005
Preface to special section on ILAS‐II: The Improved Limb Atmospheric Spectrometer–II
Authors: Nakajima Hideaki
Published: October 2006

The Improved Limb Atmospheric Spectrometer–II (ILAS‐II) was a solar‐occultation satellite sensor designed to measure minor constituents associated with polar ozone depletion. ILAS‐II was placed on board the Advanced Earth Observing Satellite–II (ADEOS‐II, “Midori‐II”), which was successfully launched on 14 December 2002 from the Tanegashima Space Center of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). After an initial check of the instruments, ILAS‐II made routine measurements for about 7 months, from 2 April 2003 to 24 October 2003, a period that included the formation and collapse of an Antarctic ozone hole in 2003, one of the largest in history. This paper introduces a special section containing papers on ILAS‐II instrumental and on‐orbit characteristics, several validation results of ILAS‐II data processed with the version 1.4 data processing algorithm, and scientific analyses of polar stratospheric chemistry and dynamics using ILAS‐II data.
Pro‐inflammatory effects of early non‐enzymatic glycated proteins in human mesothelial cells vary with cell donor's age
Authors: Rodríguez‐Mañas L , Sánchez‐Rodríguez C , Vallejo S , El‐Assar M , Peiró C , Azcutia V , Matesanz N , Sánchez‐Ferrer C F , Nevado J
Published: October 2006

Background and purpose:

Diabetes mellitus is prevalent in the elderly population. It is also a disease causing tissue damage through several different mechanisms. Some of these mechanisms are also activated by ageing and this overlap raises questions about how diabetes induces damage in the elderly. Early products of non‐enzymatic glycation of proteins (Amadori adducts), and the ageing process share the capacity to induce oxidative stress and inflammation in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs). We have evaluated the interactions between the age of the donor of the HPMCs and the pro‐inflammatory effects of Amadori adducts in those cells.

Experimental approach:

HPMCs were isolated from 20 individuals (age range 21–81 years) and grown in culture. Using different experimental approaches we determined NF‐κB dependent transcriptional activity and different NF‐κB‐related pro‐inflammatory gene and protein expressions in basal (or non‐stimulated) conditions and after stimulation with two Amadori adducts; highly‐glycated haemoglobin and glycated bovine serum albumin.

Key results:

Amadori‐induced effects on NF‐κB dependent‐transcription and on the activity of NOS, COX and several NF‐κB‐related pro‐inflammatory genes (iNOS, COX‐2, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL6) diminished as the donor's age increased, being practically absent in cells from donors more than 65 years old. Such decreased effects were inversely correlated with an increased basal expression and activity of these pro‐inflammatory markers with age.

Conclusions and implications:

Pro‐inflammatory effects of Amadori‐adducts in HPMCs were strongly dependent on cell donor's age. This may have significant implications for the mechanisms underlying diabetes‐induced tissue damage in patients of different ages.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 149, 979–987. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706864
Non‐genomic effect of testosterone on airway smooth muscle
Authors: Kouloumenta V , Hatziefthimiou A , Paraskeva E , Gourgoulianis K , Molyvdas P A
Published: October 2006

Background and purpose:

Recent studies on blood vessels have provided evidence that testosterone may exert direct effects on smooth muscle. However, an acute effect on airway reactivity has not been shown yet. The aim of this study was to assess the direct effect of testosterone on the responsiveness of male adult rabbit airway smooth muscle (ASM), precontracted with 10 μM acetylcholine, 10μM carbachol or 80 mM KCl.

Experimental approach:

Contractility studies of rabbit tracheal smooth muscle were performed.

Key results:

Testosterone at concentrations of or above 1 nM had a significant relaxant effect on ASM precontracted with acetylcholine or carbachol, but did not affect ASM precontracted with KCl. The mechanical removal of airway epithelium as well as the inhibition of NO synthetase (by 100μM L‐NAME) reduced the relaxation caused by testosterone. The effect of testosterone was not altered by impairing prostanoid synthesis (by 10μM indomethacin). The nitric oxide donor, sodium nitroprusside, had the same relaxant effect on ASM precontracted with either carbachol or KCl. Inhibitors of androgen receptors (10μM flutamide) or DNA transcription (100μM actinomycin D) did not alter the effect of testosterone. Prolonged incubation of ASM with 100 nM or 100 μM testosterone for 24 or 48 h did not alter their responsiveness to acetylcholine. BSA‐testosterone (1pM to 100nM) relaxed significantly ASM precontracted with carbachol. The mechanical removal of airway epithelium abolished the relaxant effect of BSA‐testosterone.

Conclusions and implications:

Testosterone relaxes precontracted ASM via an epithelium and NO‐mediated way. This effect is mediated via a non‐genomic pathway.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)149, 1083–1091. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706936
In vivopharmacological resultant analysis reveals noncompetitive interactions between opioid antagonists in the rat tail‐withdrawal assay
Authors: Walker E A
Published: October 2006

Background and purpose:

Pharmacological resultant analysis is a technique that can detect secondary effects of competitive antagonistsin vitro. The utility of pharmacological resultant analysis as a potential tool for the investigation of antagonist interactionsin vivowas examined in the present study using two opioid antagonists, naltrexone and CTAP.

Experimental approach:

Using the experimental design of pharmacological resultant analysis, the well‐characterized opioid antagonist naltrexone was examined in the presence of multiple doses of CTAP to block the antinociceptive effects of morphine in the rat warm‐water (55oC), tail‐withdrawal assay.

Key results:

Alone, all doses of naltrexone, CTAP, and CTOP examined blocked the antinociceptive effects of morphine. In the presence of fixed doses of 1 or 10 μg CTAP, increasing doses of naltrexone produced dose‐dependent shifts to the right in the morphine dose‐response curve. However, a lower dose of naltrexone in combination with 1 or 10 μg CTAP failed to alter the morphine dose‐response curve. In the presence of a fixed dose of 0.1 mg kg−1naltrexone, CTAP doses produced irregular shifts to the right in the morphine dose‐response curves.

Conclusions and implications:

Resultant analysis was applied and an apparent pKCvalue for CTAP was found to be one log unit higher than the apparent pA2value for CTAP, evidence that CTAP may have secondary actions or that a signal transducer function may be altered by the combinations of these antagonists. Taken together, these data suggest pharmacological resultant analysis can reveal novel interactions between antagonistsin vivo.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)149, 1071–1082. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706946
Fluid description of trains of stationary mirror structures in a magnetized plasma
Authors: Passot T. , Ruban V. , Sulem P. L.
Published: October 2006

A simple magnetohydrodynamic model is used to interpret the large-scale features of trains of steady nonlinear magnetic structures, anticorrelated with density, that are commonly observed in anisotropic space plasmas. For this purpose, an equation of state is derived in the quasi-static regime, and stable solutions are obtained, by minimizing the potential energy under the constraint of particle conservation and frozen-in magnetic field. In agreement with satellite observations, these coherent structures take the form of magnetic holes at moderate β or humps when β is larger, provided the propagation angle and the anisotropy are sufficiently large. A phenomenon of bistability is also observed, associated with the existence of stable nonlinear structures in a regime where the plasma is stable with respect to the mirror instability.
Pseudorotation-driven dynamical structure of the tropyl radical
Authors: Yi Hai-Bo , Lee Han Myoung , Suh Seung Bum , Shin Seung Koo , Kim Kwang S.
Published: October 2006

Despite intensive studies of the neutral tropyl radical, none of its structure, energetics, and vibrational modes are still clear. This system has puzzled scientists for over a decade since one vibrational mode frequency sharply varies from imaginary number 3000icm−1 to the real number 6000cm−1, depending on the calculation methods employed. We find that the origin of this peculiar mode is due to the pseudorotation (ωirot) involved in the interconversion of two nearly isoenergetic Jahn-Teller configurations (elongated structure B12 and compressed structure A22 with C2v symmetry). Here, we first report that this interconversion is not via D7h or C2v symmetry configuration but via Cs symmetry (i.e., by changing the C2v axis). This interconversion barrier is found negligibly small. Thus, the two conformers are considered to be not two different structures but a dynamically identical structure with partial quantum statistical distributions on the potential energy surface. Owing to the nearly barrierless pseudorotation, the overall structure in a short time scale (less than femtosecond) would be Cs-like between A22 and B12 configurations with small fluctuation of bond distances. However, the dynamical transitions between the B12 and A22 configurations via 14 different pseudorotation pathways would make the tropyl radical have the effective D7h structure in either a nonshort time scale (greater than femtosecond) or at nonlow temperatures, which explains the high temperature electron spin resonance experiments.
Representations of the quantum doubles of finite group algebras and spectral parameter dependent solutions of the Yang–Baxter equation
Authors: Dancer K. A. , Isac P. S. , Links J.
Published: October 2006

Quantum doubles of finite group algebras form a class of quasitriangular Hopf algebras that algebraically solve the Yang–Baxter equation. Each representation of the quantum double then gives a matrix solution of the Yang–Baxter equation. Such solutions do not depend on a spectral parameter, and to date there has been little investigation into extending these solutions such that they do depend on a spectral parameter. Here we first explicitly construct the matrix elements of the generators for all irreducible representations of quantum doubles of the dihedral groups Dn. These results may be used to determine constant solutions of the Yang–Baxter equation. We then discuss Baxterization ansätze to obtain solutions of the Yang–Baxter equation with a spectral parameter and give several examples, including a new 21-vertex model. We also describe this approach in terms of minimal-dimensional representations of the quantum doubles of the alternating group A4 and the symmetric group S4.
Investigation on the p-type formation mechanism of arsenic doped p-type ZnO thin film
Authors: Kang Hong Seong , Kim Gun Hee , Kim Dong Lim , Chang Hyun Woo , Ahn Byung Du , Lee Sang Yeol
Published: October 2006

The photoluminescence spectra of As doped p-type ZnO thin films reveal neutral acceptor bound exciton of 3.3437eV and a transition between free electrons and acceptor levels of 3.2924eV. Calculated acceptor binding energy is about 0.1455eV. Thermal activation and doping mechanism of this film have been suggested by the analysis of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. p-type formation mechanism of As doped ZnO thin film is related to the AsZn–2VZn complex model. ZnO-based p-n junction was fabricated by the deposition of an undoped n-type ZnO layer on an As doped p-type ZnO layer.
Residential Attachment and Housing Demand
Authors: Dynarski Mark
Published: October 2006

In this paper a model of housing demand behavior is proposed, in which both monetary and non-monetary adjustment costs (termed 'attachment') are allowed to affect demand levels. An empirical implication of the model is that the individual variance around the housing demand curve is likely to increase directly with total adjustment costs. A cross-section housing demand curve is estimated, with the variance specified as a linear function of variables thought to be correlated with total adjustment costs. The results provide qualified support for the assertion that adjustment costs influence housing demand behavior in the manner suggested by the theoretical model.
Real Estate Brokers, Housing Prices, and the Demand for Housing
Authors: Jud G. Donald , Frew James
Published: October 2006

This study examines the role of real estate brokers in the market for residential housing. It is shown that brokers obtain higher prices for the homes they sell and implicitly shift part of the brokerage-commission burden to the buyer. Evidence also is found to suggest that buyers who search the housing market with the assistance of a real estate broker have a higher demand for housing than buyers who shop the housing market without the help of a broker. Real estate agents thus appear to be salesmen for the housing industry and to generate effects very similar to that of advertising.
Defining Equal Standards in Local Public Services
Authors: Bramley Glen
Published: October 2006

This paper explores different interpretations of the notion of equal standards in local public services, as applied to the systematic distribution of resources between localities. After discussing the context and goals of public resource distribution between territories, a typology of standards is defined and analysed in terms of simple microeconomic theory. From this analysis are drawn some conclusions about the applicability of different standards to different kinds of service and about systematic territorial distributional effects related to income and urban-rural character. The discussion is illustrated with examples drawn from United Kingdom systems including the Rate Support Grant. In the concluding section it is argued that standards should be explicit and that consistency with key value judgements should guide the choice of standards.
Housing Market Models and the Regional Housing System
Authors: Carruthers David T.
Published: October 2006

Within the housing market modelling literature, analysis at the regional level is a relatively undeveloped area. This paper reviews the key elements of the main classes of housing models and shows how a regional level of analysis can provide a link between the urban and macro forms of analysis.
Urban Land Price: The Extraordinary Case of Honolulu, Hawaii
Authors: Rose Louis A. , La Croix Sumner J.
Published: October 2006

The price of land in Honolulu is higher than in any other major US urban area. This paper examines several determinants of the supply and demand for land and discusses their likely influence on Honolulu's land price. It utilises comparisons between demand and supply conditions in Honolulu and in the forty most populous US urban areas to ascertain the strength of the respective determinants. The regression results confirm that natural and institutional constraints restricting the supply of land play an important role in determining price in Honolulu and in the forty-city sample.
Scheduling Costs and the Value of Travel Time
Authors: Wilson Paul W.
Published: October 2006

This paper analyses costs to workers arising from off-peak work schedules. A discrete model of joint travel mode/work-start time choice is estimated using survey data from Singapore. The model indicates that the cost of adjusting one's work-start time δ time units away from the peak starting time is comparable to the cost of one's trip being extended by δ units. The results of this model indicate that transportation projects, such as increases in road capacity, which may not reduce congestion levels may be beneficial if workers are able to adjust their work-start times toward the peak starting time.