bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring the relaxation behavior of nylon/clay nanocomposites in the melt with an online dielectric sensor
Authors: Lee Yu‐Hsin , Bur Anthony J. , Roth Steven C. , Start Paul R. , Harris Richard H.
Published: February 2005

Dielectric spectrometry was used to correlate microstructure of the filler with relaxation behavior of the polymer matrix in nylon/clay nanocomposites. Agglomerated, intercalated, and exfoliated composites were fabricated by extruding nylon 6 and nylon 12 with montmorillonite clays treated by two types of amino surfactants. A new on‐line dielectric slit die sensor was used to examine the melt state properties during extrusion compounding in a frequency range from 50 to 106 Hz. Using non‐linear regression methods, the experimental data were fit with the Cole–Cole dielectric relaxation functions corrected for electrode polarization and d.c. conductivity. Characteristic frequency, relaxation strength, relaxation time distribution, as well as d.c. conductivities were extracted from curves with overlapping relaxation modes. Only one dielectric dispersion was found in the neat nylon, which was identified as α relaxation associated with molecular segmental motion. Two dielectric relaxations, α relaxation and Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars interfacial polarization (MWS), were observed in the composite melt. MWS is ascribed to conducting ions in a polymer/filler mixture and has relaxation properties that are dependent upon the microstructure of the filler. Published in 2005 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of photo and Auger electrons of the elements with high atomic numbers on formation of carbon x‐ray fluorescence intensity
Authors: Dukhanin A. Yu. , Pavlinsky G. V. , Baranov E. O. , Portnoy A. Yu. , Kujn A. V.
Published: February 2005

The x‐ray fluorescence radiation of carbon was studied in the presence of elements with high atomic numbers in the material irradiated. It was found that photo and Auger electrons of such elements originating from ionization of shells remote from nucleus (L‐, M‐ and N‐shells) effectively excite atoms of carbon. Hence, using a matrix with Z > 30, the influence of the electrons should be considered, and using a matrix with Z > 50 this influence becomes decisive. Calculations of carbon x‐ray fluorescence intensity were executed for different x‐ray tube anodes. Their correctness is confirmed by agreement with experimental results. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry in Dar es Salaam
Authors: Koleleni Y. I. A. , Kondoro J. W. A.
Published: February 2005

Energy‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis has been established at the University of Dar es Salaam, Faculty of Science, Department of Physics. Calibration was conducted using thin films from Micromatter (USA) for secondary target XRF. We report on the performance of the spectrometer including the detection limits attained, which range from 0.01 to 10 ng cm−2 using collimators of 6 and 8 mm diameter under excitation conditions of 50 kV, 35 mA. The accuracy of the measurements was checked using IAEA SOIL‐7 and NIST 3087a Certified Reference Materials. The experimental values differed by <5% from the certified values. The total reflection x‐ray fluorescence (TXRF) facility added as a module to the existing XRF system provides detection limits between 0.1 and 100 pg for most of the elements measured. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A gas‐filled electroluminescence detector for EDXRF Spectrometry
Authors: Goganov D. A. , Schultz A. A.
Published: February 2005

The design and features of a sealed‐off proportional scintillation gas‐filled detector (GSPC) are described. The use of a 50 µm Be window and an Xe‐based gas mixture provides high efficiency of registration in the range 1.5–25 keV. The energy resolution changes from 18% for Al Kα (1.49 keV) to 4.2% for Ag Kα (22.2 keV). When the count rate on the unit output is 5 × 104 s−1, the energy resolution at the Mn Kα line does not exceed 9% at an entrance window area near 3 cm2. The detector is operated at room temperature and does not require maintenance during operation. The service life of the detector is over 5 years and the radiation lifetime is practically unlimited. The detector is designed for use in EDXRF spectrometers instead of gas‐filled proportional counters. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Update of photoelectric absorption coefficients in the tables of McMaster
Authors: Shaltout Abdallah , Ebel Horst , Svagera Robert
Published: February 2005

As a result of a systematic analysis of the compilation of McMaster's x‐ray cross‐sections, the polynomial coefficients of the N range (from edges N7 to M5) of elements Z = 61–69 have to be corrected. Furthermore, no detailed information on position and jumps of M edges of elements Z > 53 and N edges of elements Z > 85 are given. Elements Z = 84, 85, 87, 88, 89, 91 and 93 are missing. We have corrected the wrong values of polynomial coefficients and added missing M‐ and N‐edge data and missing elements. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Crystal Structure of a Gatifloxacin Complex and its Fluorescent Property
Authors: Li Yong‐Hua , Tang Yun‐Zhi , Huang Xue‐Feng , Xiong Ren‐Gen
Published: February 2005

The hydrothermal reaction of Cd(ClO4)2·6H2O and Gatifloxacin(Gati) affords a binuclear complex of Gatifloxacin, [Cd(Gati)(py)3]2·(ClO4)4 (1), which is characterized by X‐ray crystallographic analysis, IR and fluorescent spectroscopy. Crystal data for 1, C34H36CdCl2FN6O12: monoclinic, P21/c, a = 18.3642(5), b = 12.8156(4), c = 16.7210(5) Å, β = 97.931(1)°, V = 3897.6(2) Å3, Z = 4. The local surrounding of the CdII ion is a slightly distorted octahedron. Solid‐state fluorescence measurements of 1 at room temperature show an emission peak at 439 nm.
Kupferkomplexe des neuen Chelatliganden 1‐Methyl‐2‐(2‐thiophenolato)‐1H‐benzimidazol (mtpb) und dessen Oxidationsprodukten
Authors: Stange Andreas , Schurr Thilo , Klein Axel , Kaim Wolfgang
Published: February 2005

Copper Complexes of the New Chelate Ligand 1‐Methyl‐2‐(2‐thiophenolato)‐1H‐benzimidazole (mtpb) and of its Oxidation Products

Anodic electrolysis of copper in acetonitrile in the presence of Hmtpb leads to formation of yellow [Cu4(mtbp)4] which was crystallized as a dichloromethane solvate with two crystallographically independent cluster molecules in the unit cell. The copper(I) atoms exhibit slightly pyramidal S2N coordination with bridging thiolate sulfur atoms. The two clusters contain the four copper atoms arranged in a more (Cu1‐Cu4) or less (Cu5‐Cu8) distorted bisphenoidal arrangement. Reaction of mtpb— with Cu(ClO4)2 under anoxic conditions also produces [Cu4(mtpb)4]. However, the admittance of O2 in the reaction of mtpb— with copper(II) acetate in methanol causes oxidation of the sulfur atoms; a square‐pyramidal configurated copper(II) complex [Cu(CH3CO2‐κ2O)(L1‐κN)(L2‐κN, O)] has been isolated and crystallographically characterized in which L1 is the neutral sulfinic methyl ester and L2— is the sulfonate derived from mtpb—.
Spectral and Structural Studies of Transition Metal Complexes of 2‐Pyridineformamide N(4)‐ethylthiosemicarbazone
Authors: Bermejo Elena , Castiñeiras Alfonso , García‐Santos Isabel , Fostiak Larissa M. , Swearingen John K. , West Douglas X.
Published: February 2005

The reduction of 2‐cyanopyridine in the presence of N(4)‐ethylthiosemicarbazide produces 2‐pyridineformamide N(4)‐ethylthiosemicarbazone, HAm4E. Complexes with cobalt(III), nickel(II), copper(II), palladium(II) and platinum(II) have been prepared and characterized by molar conductivity, magnetic susceptibility and spectroscopic techniques. In addition, the crystal structures of HAm4E, [Co(Am4E)2](ClO4), [Ni(HAm4E)2](ClO4)2, and [Ni(HAm4E)2]Cl(OAc)·AcOH·H2O have been obtained. Coordination occurs through the pyridyl nitrogen, imine nitrogen and either the thione or thiolato sulphur atom when coordinating as the neutral or anionic ligand, respectively. Extensive hydrogen bonding occurs in both HAm4E and its metal complexes, with the amide hydrogen atoms being significant contributors.
Synthese, Strukturen, EPR‐ und ENDOR‐spektroskopische Untersuchungen an Übergangsmetallkomplexen von N, N‐Diisobutyl‐N′‐(2, 6‐difluor)benzoylselenoharnstoff
Authors: Kampf Michael , Richter Rainer , Griebel Jan , Weller Anke , Kirmse Reinhard
Published: February 2005

Synthesis, Structures, EPR and ENDOR Investigations on Transition Metal Complexes of N, N‐diisobutyl‐N′‐(2, 6‐difluoro)benzoyl selenourea

The synthesis and the structures of the NiII and PdII complexes of the ligand N, N‐diisobutyl‐N′‐(2, 6‐difluoro)benzoylselenourea HBui2dfbsu are reported. The ligands coordinate bidentately forming bis‐chelates. The structure of the ligand could not be obtained, however, the structure of its O‐ethyl ester will be reported. Attempts to prepare the CuII complex result only in the formation of oily products. However, the CuII complex could be incorporated into the corresponding NiII and PdII compounds. From this diamagnetically diluted powder and single‐crystal samples were obtained being suitable for EPR‐ENDOR measurements. We report X‐ and Q‐band EPR investigations on the systems [Cu/Ni(Bui2dfbsu)2] and [Cu/Pd(Bui2dfbsu)2] as well as a single‐crystal X‐band EPR study for [Cu/Ni(Bui2dfbsu)2]. The obtained 63, 65Cu and 77Se hyperfine structure tensors allow a determination of the spin‐density distribution within the first coordination sphere. In addition, orientation selective 19F Q‐band pulse ENDOR investigations on powder‐samples of [Cu/Ni(Bui2dfbsu)2] have been performed. The hyperfine structure tensors of two intramolecular 19F atoms could be determined. According to the small 19F couplings only a vanishingly small spin‐density of < 1 % was obtained for these 19F atoms.
Mixed‐Ligand Complexes of Zinc(II) with α‐Hydroxycarboxylates and Aromatic N‐N Donor Ligands: Synthesis, Crystal Structures and Effect of Weak Interactions on their Crystal Packing
Authors: Carballo Rosa , Covelo Berta , Vázquez‐López Ezequiel M. , García‐Martínez Emilia , Castiñeiras Alfonso , Niclós Juan
Published: February 2005

Several new two‐ligand complexes of zinc(II) with the aromatic N, N‐donor ligands 2, 2′‐bipyridine or 1, 10‐phenanthroline and one of three different α‐hydroxycarboxylates (HL′) derived of the α‐hydroxycarboxylic acids (H2L′) (2‐methyllactic, H2mL; mandelic, H2M or benzilic, H2B) were prepared. The compounds of formula [Zn(HL′)2(NN)]·nH2O (HL′ = HM, HB) were isolated as white powders and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The complexes of general formula [Zn(HL′)(NN)2](HL′)·nH2O (HL′ = HmL, HM) and [Zn(HB)2(NN)2], were obtained as single crystals and were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and X‐ray diffractometry. In all cases, the zinc atom is in a distorted octahedral environment. In [Zn(HL′)(NN)2](HL′)·nH2O the α‐hydroxycarboxylato ligands behave as bidentate chelating monoanion and an α‐hydroxycarboxylate as counterion is also present. In [Zn(HB)2(NN)2], the monoanionic benzilato ligand behaves as monodentate through one oxygen atom of the carboxylate function. The effect of the classical and no‐classical hydrogen bonding and of the π‐π and C‐H…π interactions in the 3D supramolecular arrangement of these molecular complexes is analyzed.
[1‐Allylpyridinium][Cu2Cl3]: Synthesis, X‐ray Structure and the Regularity of Crystal Architecture of 1‐Allyl/(amino)‐pyridinium Copper(I) Chloride π‐Complexes
Authors: Pavlyuk O. V. , Goreshnik E. A. , Ciunik Z. , Mys'kiv M. G.
Published: February 2005

By alternating‐current electrochemical technique crystals of copper(I) π‐complex with 1‐allylpyridinium chloride of [C5H5N(C3H5)][Cu2Cl3] (1) composition have been obtained and structurally investigated. Compound 1 crystallizes in monoclinic system, space group C2/c a = 24.035(1) Å, b = 11.4870(9) Å, c = 7.8170(5) Å, β = 95.010(5)°, V = 2150.0(2) Å3 (at 100 K), Z = 8, R = 0.028, for 4836 independent reflections. In the structure 1 trigonal‐pyramidal environment of π‐coordinated copper(I) atom is formed by a lengthened to 1.376(2) Å C=C bond of allyl group and by three chlorine atoms. Other two copper atoms are tetrahedrally surrounded by chlorine atoms only. The coordination polyhedra are combined into an original infinite (Cu4Cl62—)n fragment.

Structural comparison of 1 and the recently studied copper(I) chloride π‐complexes with 3‐amino‐, 2‐amino‐, 4‐amino‐1‐allylpyridinium chlorides of respective [LCu2Cl3] (2), [L2Cu2Cl4] (3), and [LCuCl2] (4) compositions allowed us to reveal the trend of the inorganic fragment complication which depends on pKa (base) value of the corresponding initial heterocycle.
Strukturen der Alkalimetallsalze aromatischer, heterocyclischer Amide: Synthese und Struktur von Kronenether‐Addukten der Alkalimetall‐Pyrrolide
Authors: Heldt Ingo , Behrens Ulrich
Published: February 2005

Structures of Alkali Metal Salts of Aromatic, Heterocyclic Amides: Synthesis und Structure of Crown Ether Adducts of the Alkali Metal Pyrrolides

The synthesis of eight alkali metal pyrrolide crown ether complexes is reported: Lithium‐pyrrolide(12‐crown‐4) (1), sodium‐pyrrolide(15‐crown‐5) (2), potassium‐pyrrolide(18‐crown‐6) (3), rubidium‐pyrrolide(18‐crown‐6) (4), cesium‐pyrrolide(18‐crown‐6) (5), cesium‐pyrrolide(18‐crown‐6)(H2O)0.5 (6), rubidium‐pyrrolide(15‐crown‐5)2 (7), and rubidium‐hydrogendipyrrolide(15‐crown‐5)2 (8). The complexes 1 to 5 and 7 were synthesized from the alkali metal pyrrolide and the corresponding crown ether. Compound 6 was obtained from 5 and water, complex 8 from RbN(SiMe3)2, pyrrole, and 15‐crown‐5. The structures of 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8 could be determined by X‐ray diffraction. The complexes 1, 2, and 3 are mononuclear, the pyrrolide anion shows an η1(N)‐coordination to the metal cation. Complex 4 is also mononuclear, but with an unsymmetric η5‐side‐on‐coordination of the pyrrolide anion to the rubidium cation. In complex 6 two pyrrolide anions are bridged by a water molecule via hydrogen bonds and both pyrrolide anions are coordinated to cesium ions. Compounds 7 and 8 have a salt‐like structure with a sandwich‐like [Rb(15‐crown‐5)2]+ cation and an uncoordinated pyrrolide anion (7) or an uncoordinated hydrogen‐dipyrrolide anion (8).
Disilberoxotellurat(VI), Ag2TeO4
Authors: Klein Wilhelm , Curda Jan , Peters Eva‐Maria , Jansen Martin
Published: February 2005

Disilver Oxotellurate(VI), Ag2TeO4

Ag2TeO4 was synthesised by reaction of Ag2O and TeO2 applying an elevated oxygen pressure. According to a single crystal structure determination (C2/c, a = 9.0588(9), b = 9.2456(8), c = 13.623(1) Å, β = 91.758(8)°, Z = 12, 1289 independent reflections, R1 = 2.32 %, wR2 = 5.51 %), Ag2TeO4 contains a novel chain‐like polyanion with tellurium in an octahedral coordination. The TeO6 octahedra are connected via common edges and vertices in a way that the resulting polyanion represents a section of the rutile structure type. Ag2TeO4 shows diamagnetic and insulating behaviour, it decomposes at 560 °C into Ag2TeO3 and oxygen.
Pb2(OH)2[p‐O2C‐C6H4‐CO2]: Synthese und Kristallstruktur
Authors: Schuy Andrea , Ruschewitz Uwe
Published: February 2005

Pb2(OH)2[p‐O2C‐C6H4‐CO2]: Synthesis and Crystal Structure

Single crystals of Pb2(OH)2[p‐O2C‐C6H4‐CO2] (1) were obtained by hydrothermal reaction of terephthalic acid and PbCO3 at 180 °C (10 days). 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with Z = 2 (a = 1115.6(2) pm, b = 380.10(4) pm, c = 1141.3(2) pm, β = 93.39(1)°, V = 0.4831(1) nm3). The crystal structure is characterized by ladder‐type Pb(OH)3/3 double chains, which are connected to a three‐dimensional framework by terephthalate dianions.
Solvothermale Synthese und Bestimmung der Kristallstrukturen von AgBiI4 und Ag3BiI6
Authors: Oldag Thorsten , Aussieker Thomas , Keller Hans‐Lothar , Preitschaft Christian , Pfitzner Arno
Published: February 2005

Solvothermal Synthesis and Crystal Structure Determination of AgBiI4 and Ag3BiI6

AgBiI4 and Ag3BiI6 were synthesized by solvothermal reaction from AgI and BiI3 in diluted HI‐solution (20 %) at a temperature of 160 °C. The greyish‐black crystals grow as octahedra (AgBiI4) or hexagonal/trigonal platelets (Ag3BiI6). AgBiI4 crystallizes in space group Fd3¯m with a = 1222.3(1) pm (300 K) and Z = 8 whereas Ag3BiI6 shows the space group R3¯m with a = 435.37(6) pm, c = 2081.0(4) pm (300 K) and Z = 1. Both crystal structures show stacking sequence abcabc… of hexagonal layers containing Iodine. Bismuth and silver are sharing octahedral sites with different mass ratio in both structures.

The part of silver which could be localized varies with temperature. This behaviour indicates mobility of silver within the crystal structure. The ionic conductivity of AgBiI4 is explored. AgBiI4 and Ag3BiI6 show close structural relationship, with AgBiI4 as a variant with a higher degree of order.
Risk factors of major depression in the elderly
Authors: Heun Reinhard , Hein Sandra
Published: February 2005

Background

Several risk factors of depression have been identified in retrospective as well as some prospective studies in the elderly. Confirmation in independent samples is needed. The present follow-up study prospectively investigated risk factors of depression in an elderly German sample.

Methods

One thousand four hundred and thirty-one subjects from a family study were re-investigated after 4.7 ± 2.5 years. Bivariate and multivariate forward logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors of the development of new depression in the elderly.

Results

Risk factors of a new depressive episode in 1408 elderly without current depression were age, female gender, a previous depression, subjective memory impairment, previous anxiety and somatoform disorders. The presence of dementia or mild cognitive impairment were significant risk factors in bivariate, but not multivariate analysis controlling for possible confounding. Risk factors of a first geriatric depressive episode were age, gender and subjective memory impairment; age remained the only significant risk factor in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

This investigation confirms previous studies from other countries concerning the relevance of risk factors for depression in the elderly. The knowledge of risk factors might help identify subjects at increased risk of depression for early intervention approaches. Elderly with a history of previous depression carry the highest risk.
Suicide in Cyprus 1988–1999
Authors: Zacharakis CA , Hadjivassilis V. , Madianos MG , Papadimitriou GN , Stefanis CN
Published: February 2005

Suicide is a universally observed human behavior related to bio-psychological, social and cultural factors. The aim of the present study was to examine suicide in Cyprus, an island that has known many civilizations and cultures. All completed suicide cases in the Christian population of Cyprus during the years 1988–1999 were included in the study and they were analyzed according to age, gender, reported reasons for suicide and suicide methods. The main results indicate that: 1. The mean age-standardized suicide rate is the lowest in Europe, in males (3.08/100,000) and also in females (1.05/100,000). 2. Mean suicide rates increase significantly with age in males only. 3. Female suicide rates are highest in the 15–24 age group. 4. Statistically significant rising trends of male and female suicide rates in the all-ages group. 5. Suicide methods were mostly violent. Among males, the most common methods were poisoning, firearms-explosives, and hanging, while in females, jumping, hanging and poisoning. 6. Mental disorders, physical illness, interpersonal and financial problems were the main reported reasons for suicide. The epidemiological characteristics of suicide in Cyprus might be attributed to a combined effect of social and cultural factors and probably reflect influences from countries to which Cyprus is ethnically, historically or geographically related.
Tangeretin inhibits extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation
Authors: Van Slambrouck Séverine , Parmar Virinder S. , Sharma Sunil K. , Bondt Bart De , Foré Fleur , Coopman Peter , Vanhoecke Barbara W. , Boterberg Tom , Depypere Herman T. , Leclercq Guy , Bracke Marc E.
Published: February 2005

Tangeretin is a methoxyflavone from citrus fruits, which inhibits growth of human mammary cancer cells and cytolysis by natural killer cells. Attempting to unravel the flavonoid's action mechanism, we found that it inhibited extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation in a dose‐ and time‐dependent way. In human T47D mammary cancer cells this inhibition was optimally observed after priming with estradiol. The spectrum of the intracellular signalling kinase inhibition was narrow and comparison of structural congeners showed that inhibition of ERK phosphorylation was not unique for tangeretin. Our data add tangeretin to the list of small kinase inhibitors with a restricted intracellular inhibition profile.
Ca2+‐dependent K+ channels from rat olfactory cilia characterized in planar lipid bilayers
Authors: Castillo Karen , Bacigalupo Juan , Wolff Daniel
Published: February 2005

Olfactory cilia contain cyclic nucleotide‐gated and Ca2+‐dependent Cl− conductances that underlie excitatory chemotransduction, and a Ca2+‐dependent K+ (KCa) conductance, apparently involved in inhibitory transduction. Previous single‐channel patch‐clamp studies on olfactory cilia revealed four different KCas, with different conductances and kinetics. Here, we further characterized these channels in planar bilayers, where blockers could be properly tested. All four ciliary KCas were observed: The 16 pS channel, K0.5,Ca
= 40 μM and apamin‐sensitive; the 30 and 50 pS channel, K0.5,Ca
= 59 μM, clotrimazole‐sensitive and charybdotoxin‐insensitive; the 60 pS channel, clotrimazole‐sensitive and charybdotoxin‐insensitive; and the 210 pS channel, K0.5,Ca
= 63 μM, blocked by charybdotoxin and iberiotoxin. The presence of the 16 and 210 pS channels was confirmed by immunoblotting.
Both oxidative and nitrosative stress are associated with muscle wasting in tumour‐bearing rats
Authors: Barreiro Esther , de la Puente Beatriz , Busquets Sílvia , López-Soriano Francisco J. , Gea Joaquim , Argilés Josep M.
Published: February 2005

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) have been proposed as mechanisms of cancer‐induced cachexia. In this study, we assessed using Western blot analysis the levels of total protein carbonylation (2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine assay), both malondialdehyde‐ (MDA‐) and 2‐hydroxy‐4‐nonenal‐ (HNE‐) protein adducts, Mn‐superoxide dismutase (Mn‐SOD), catalase, heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and 3‐nitrotyrosine formation in gastrocnemius muscles of rats bearing the Yoshida AH‐130 hepatoma. In the muscles of the tumour‐bearing animals, protein carbonylation as measured by total levels of carbonyl group formation and both HNE and MDA‐protein adducts, and protein tyrosine nitration were significantly greater than in control muscles. Protein levels of the antioxidant enzymes Mn‐SOD, catalase, and HO‐1 were not significantly modified in the rat cachectic muscles compared to controls. The inefficiency of the antioxidant enzymes in neutralizing excessive ROS production may account for elevated markers of protein oxidation and be responsible for the development of both oxidative and nitrosative stress in cancer‐induced cachexia.
Formation of ceramide‐enriched domains in lipid particles enhances the binding of apolipoprotein E
Authors: Morita Shin-ya , Nakano Minoru , Sakurai Atsushi , Deharu Yuko , Vertut-Doï Aline , Handa Tetsurou
Published: February 2005

We investigated the interaction between apolipoprotein E (apoE) and ceramide (CER)‐enriched domains on the particles, by using lipid emulsions containing sphingomyelin (SM) or CER as model particles of lipoproteins. The sphingomyelinase (SMase)‐induced aggregation of emulsion particles was prevented by apoE. CER increased the amount of apoE bound to emulsion particles. The confocal images of CER‐containing large emulsions with two fluorescent probes showed three‐dimensional microdomains enriched in CER. SMase also induced the formation of CER‐enriched domains. We propose apoE prefers to bind on CER‐enriched domains exposed on particle surface, and thus inhibits the aggregation or fusion of the particles.
Thyroid‐hormone effects on putative biochemical pathways involved in UCP3 activation in rat skeletal muscle mitochondria
Authors: Silvestri E. , Moreno M. , Lombardi A. , Ragni M. , de Lange P. , Alexson S.E.H. , Lanni A. , Goglia F.
Published: February 2005

In vitro, uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3)‐mediated uncoupling requires cofactors [e.g., superoxides, coenzyme Q (CoQ) and fatty acids (FA)] or their derivatives, but it is not yet clear whether or how such activators interact with each other under given physiological or pathophysiological conditions. Since triiodothyronine (T3) stimulates lipid metabolism, UCP3 expression and mitochondrial uncoupling, we examined its effects on some biochemical pathways that may underlie UCP3‐mediated uncoupling. T3‐treated rats (Hyper) showed increased mitochondrial lipid‐oxidation rates, increased expression and activity of enzymes involved in lipid handling and increased mitochondrial superoxide production and CoQ levels. Despite the higher mitochondrial superoxide production in Hyper, euthyroid and hyperthyroid mitochondria showed no differences in proton‐conductance when FA were chelated by bovine serum albumin. However, mitochondria from Hyper showed a palmitoyl–carnitine‐induced and GDP‐inhibited increased proton‐conductance in the presence of carboxyatractylate. We suggest that T3 stimulates the UCP3 activity in vivo by affecting the complex network of biochemical pathways underlying the UCP3 activation.
Amino acid residues 62 and 193 play the key role in regulating the synergism of substrate binding in oyster arginine kinase
Authors: Fujimoto Naka , Tanaka Kumiko , Suzuki Tomohiko
Published: February 2005

The purpose of this study is to clarify the amino acid residues responsible for the synergism in substrate binding of arginine kinase (AK), a key enzyme in invertebrate energy metabolism. AKs contain a pair of highly conserved amino acids (D62 and R193) that form an ion pair, and replacement of these residues can cause a pronounced loss of activity. Interestingly, in the oyster Crassostrea AK, these residues are replaced by an N and a K, respectively. Despite this replacement, the enzyme retains high activity and moderate synergism in substrate binding (K
d/K
m
= 2.3). We replaced the N62 by G or D and the K193 by G or R in Crassostrea AK, and also constructed the double mutants of N62G/K193G and N62D/K193R. All of the mutants retained 50–90% of the wild‐type activity. In N62G and N62D mutants, the
urn:x-wiley:00145793:media:feb2s0014579305002280:feb2s0014579305002280-math-si7
for arginine binding was comparable to that of wild‐type enzyme, but the
urn:x-wiley:00145793:media:feb2s0014579305002280:feb2s0014579305002280-math-si8
was increased 2–5‐fold, resulting in a strong synergism (K
d/K
m
= 4.9–11.3). On the other hand, in K193G and K193R mutants, the
urn:x-wiley:00145793:media:feb2s0014579305002280:feb2s0014579305002280-math-si9
was increased 4‐fold, and synergism was lost almost completely (K
d/K
m
= 1.0–1.4). The N62G/K193G double mutant showed similar characteristics to the K193G and K193R mutants. Another double mutant, N62D/K193R, similar to the amino acid pair in the wild‐type enzyme, had characteristics similar to those of the wild‐type enzyme. These results indicate that the amino acid residues 62 and 193 play the key role in mediating the synergism in substrate binding of oyster arginine kinase.
Making and breaking serotonin neurons and autism
Authors: Scott Michael M. , Deneris Evan S.
Published: February 2005

Dysfunction of brain serotonin system development is hypothesized to contribute to autistic behaviors. The testing of this hypothesis will likely depend on a better understanding of the genes and mechanisms involved in serotonin neuron cell fate specification. In this review we summarize the main features of vertebrate serotonin neuroanatomical development and recent studies that have revealed critical steps in the molecular genetic program that controls serotonin neuron phenotype. We then discuss the potential relevance of these findings to advances in autism research and to new molecular genetic tools under development that will impact future testing of the hypothesis.
Power to the Parties: Cohesion and Competition in the European Parliament, 1979–2001
Authors: HIX SIMON , NOURY ABDUL , ROLAND GÉRARD
Published: February 2005

How cohesive are political parties in the European Parliament? What coalitions form and why? The answers to these questions are central for understanding the impact of the European Parliament on European Union policies. These questions are also central in the study of legislative behaviour in general. We collected the total population of roll-call votes in the European Parliament, from the first elections in 1979 to the end of 2001 (over 11,500 votes). The data show growing party cohesion despite growing internal national and ideological diversity within the European party groups. We also find that the distance between parties on the left-right dimension is the strongest predictor of coalition patterns. We conclude that increased power of the European Parliament has meant increased power for the transnational parties, via increased internal party cohesion and inter-party competition.
The Population Ecology of Interest Group Death: Gay and Lesbian Rights Interest Groups in the United States, 1945–98
Authors: NOWNES ANTHONY J. , LIPINSKI DANIEL
Published: February 2005

An event-history analysis of the disbandings of nationally active gay and lesbian rights advocacy groups in the United States for the period 1945–98 is presented. Specifically, the hypothesis (which comes from population-ecology theory) is tested that the survival prospects of gay and lesbian rights interest groups are related non-monotonically to the number of groups in the population (i.e., density). The statistical analyses presented support the hypothesis: as density rises from near zero to high, the death rate first decreases but eventually increases. Several other hypotheses are also tested, and among the findings is the following: the survival prospects of gay and lesbian rights interest groups are related non-monotonically to group age – as group age increases, a group's probability of death first rises but then decreases.
Targeting Public Spending in a New Democracy: Evidence from South Korea
Authors: KWON HYEOK YONG
Published: February 2005

Empirical studies of electoral competition and public policy in new democracies have been relatively underdeveloped. This article investigates the election-policy outcome link in a ‘hard case’ setting: South Korea in 1988–97. Contrary to expectations derived from the bureaucratic insulation or fiscal co-ordination argument, this study suggests a systematic impact of electoral competition on levels and distributive patterns of public spending. The analysis finds that levels of government expenditure increased according to the electoral calendar. Also, national subsidies tended to be allocated to ‘swing’ provinces in which electoral contests are competitive. The results of the analysis clearly show that fiscal policies in democratizing Korea are to a significant extent determined by electoral politics.
The Jeffords Switch and Public Support for Divided Government
Authors: NICHOLSON STEPHEN P.
Published: February 2005

On 24 May 2001, US Senator James M. Jeffords of Vermont formally announced that he intended to leave the Republican party to become an Independent. Although congressional party switches in the United States are noteworthy because of their infrequency, the Jeffords switch was especially significant because he would caucus with the Democratic party, handing the Democratic party control of the Senate by a one-vote margin. When Jeffords formally left the Republican party on 5 June 2001, it was the first time that partisan control of the US Senate changed hands mid-session. Perhaps most importantly, with the House and presidency under Republican control, the Jeffords move ushered in the return of divided government – split party control of the executive and legislative branches. Indeed, Jeffords' switch received vast amounts of media attention precisely for this reason. The scant attention given to other recent party defectors in the US Senate such as Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado or Robert (Bob) Smith of New Hampshire suggests that the Jeffords switch was much larger than a senator simply changing his party affiliation.

Over the last twenty years, split partisan control of the executive and legislative branches occurred in American government roughly two-thirds of the time. Given the frequency of divided government, especially in the post-war era, scholars have written much about its causes. The focus of much of this research concerns voting behaviour, especially ticket-splitting and voting against the president's party at the midterm (midterm voting). Some scholars advocate ‘cognitive madisonianism’ or ‘policy-balancing’ explanations, which posit that a subset of voters with moderate policy preferences intentionally, but not necessarily consciously, engage in ticket-splitting or midterm voting to bring about policy moderation or ‘balance’ among the parties. Others contend that ticket splitting and midterm voting is unintentional, a by-product of factors that shape voting behaviour such as candidates, partisanship and campaigns.
Tunku Abdul Rahman and Malaya's Relations with Indonesia, 1957–1960
Authors: Liow Joseph Chinyong
Published: February 2005

Despite popular representations of Tunku Abdul Rahman as an avuncular political personality, he was also an astute policy practitioner. This was evident in how he, in pursuit of Malayan interests, calibrated Malaya's foreign policy posture towards Jakarta in a manner that not only displayed little appreciation of Indonesian sensitivities, but also undermined its political interest and status as the major power in Southeast Asia, thus contributing to bilateral tension.
Political Assassination by Other Means: Public Protest, Sorcery and Morality in Thailand
Authors: Rajah Ananda
Published: February 2005

Since 1989 ‘rites of cursing’, derived from Northern Thai folk-religious practices, have become common in public protests and demonstrations in Thailand. This essay argues that the employment of these practices and associated beliefs as aspects of civil society and contemporary nation-state making in the Thai context can only be understood in terms of the internal logic of sorcery and embedded conceptions of morality.
Partitioning, bioavailability and effects of oestrogens and xeno-oestrogens in the aquatic environment
Authors: Langston W.J. , Burt G.R. , Chesman B.S. , Vane C.H.
Published: February 2005

This review provides insights into the distribution and impact of oestrogens and xeno-oestrogens in the aquatic environment and highlights some significant knowledge gaps in our understanding of endocrine disrupting chemicals. Key areas of uncertainty in the assessment of risk include the role of estuarine sediments in mediating the fate and bioavailability of environmental (xeno)oestrogens (notably their transfer to benthic organisms and estuarine food chains), together with evidence for endocrine disruption in invertebrate populations.

Emphasis is placed on using published information to interpret the behaviour and effects of a small number of ‘model compounds’ thought to contribute to oestrogenic effects in nature; namely, the natural steroid 17β-oestradiol (E2) and the synthetic hormone 17α-ethinyloestradiol (EE2), together with the alkylphenols octyl- and nonyl-phenol (OP, NP) as oestrogen mimics. Individual sections of the review are devoted to sources and concentrations of (xeno)oestrogens in waterways, sediment partitioning and persistence, bioaccumulation rates and routes, assays and biomarkers of oestrogenicity, and, finally, a synopsis of reproductive and ecological effects in aquatic species.
Degradation of antifouling booster biocides in water
Authors: Harino Hiroya , Kitano Masaaki , Mori Yoshiaki , Mochida Kazuhiko , Kakuno Akira , Arima Satoshi
Published: February 2005

The concentrations of booster compounds were surveyed in the port of Osaka, Japan. The concentrations of Sea-Nine 211, Diuron and Irgarol 1051 in water samples from the port of Osaka were in the ranges <0·30–0·55 ng l−1, 13–350 ng l−1, 1·3–77 ng l−1, respectively. Pyrithiones were not detected in water samples. The levels of Diuron and Irgarol 1051 in the port of Osaka were high in the mooring area for small and medium-hull vessels with poor flushing.

Susceptibility of bacterial populations in estuarine water to antifouling biocides was studied. Sea-Nine 211, Diuron, Irgarol 1051 and Copper pyrithione dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) were added to estuarine water and number of colony forming units (CFU) of bacteria in estuarine water was counted using R2A agar plate. The CFU was not decreased at the concentration less than 1·0 mg/l of Diuron, Irgarol 1051 and Copper pyrithione. However, CFU was decreased at 0·1 mg/l of Sea-Nine 211. Degradation of Sea-Nine 211, Diuron, Irgarol 1051 and Copper pyrithione by bacteria in estuarine water was studied using a die-away method. At an initial concentrations of 0·1 mg/l, observed half-lives of Sea-Nine 211 and Copper pyrithione were 10 and 20 days, respectively. In contrast, Diuron and Irgarol 1051 were degraded scarcely during 60 days of culture.

Photodegradation of these booster biocides by sunlight and UV light were studied. Under UV, all biocides were below detection limit after one day of irradiation. Under sunlight, Copper pyrithiones were also below detection limits after one day. Drastic decrease of Sea-Nine 211 concentration was observed after one day. Diuron and Irgarol 1051 scarcely decreased during 17 days of sunlight irradiation.
Survival of the endophytic sporophyte of Acrosiphonia (Codiolales, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Sussmann Andrea V. , DeWreede Robert E.
Published: February 2005

The unicellular sporophyte phase of the filamentous green alga, Acrosiphonia (Codiolales), is endophytic in the bladed red alga, Mazzaella splendens in southern British Columbia, Canada. Since endophyte maturity coincides with decreased host abundance (winter storms dislodge Mazzaella blades), many endophytes lose their host before zoospore release has occurred. We investigated whether the endophytes can reach reproductive maturity within decaying host tissue (drift blades) or as free-living entities once their host has disappeared. We demonstrate that both occur. Suspension of M. splendens blades, colonized by the endophyte phase of Acrosiphonia, in seawater tanks in winter, resulted in the germination and growth of filamentous Acrosiphonia plants (gametophytes) in spring. Net primary productivity of 132·2 g dry wt/m2/mo was estimated by harvesting total Acrosiphonia biomass after a one-month growing season. An estimate of Acrosiphonia survivorship from zoospore to macroscopic adult gametophyte (0·01–0·89%), is in close approximation with kelp spore survivorship to microscopic gametophyte (0·005–0·1%), but is 102–105 times higher than kelp survivorship from spore to macroscopic adult sporophyte. Differential survivorship in the field and in experimental tanks and among different study sites can be explained by variable mortality factors for spores and germlings and Acrosiphonia's success in colonizing highly disturbed environments.
A new species of Tortanus (Atortus) (Copepoda: Calanoida: Tortanidae) from the Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar
Authors: Ohtsuka Susumu , Conway David V.P.
Published: February 2005

A new species of the planktonic copepod Tortanus (Atortus) (Calanoida: Tortanidae), T. (A.) magnonyx is described from the Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar. This is the sixth species of the Indian Ocean recticauda species group, of the Indo-West Pacific recticauda species complex, that has been described from the western Indian Ocean. The inshore areas where these copepods are found have been poorly surveyed, so the number of species found implies a high diversity.
First detection of serotonin in the nervous system of the marine calanoid copepod Centropages typicus
Authors: Benzid D. , Morris C. , Barthélémy R.-M.
Published: February 2005

This investigation constitutes the first study of the serotoninergic nervous system in calanoid copepods (crustaceans). Serotonin (5-HT), a neurotransmitter which plays a part in many biological processes, has been detected by immunofluorescence in the brain, the circumoesophageal collar and the ventral nerve cord of the marine species Centropages typicus.
Identification of sea louse species of the genus Caligus using mtDNA
Authors: Øines Øivind , Heuch Peter Andreas
Published: February 2005

A molecular assay was designed to distinguish the common sea louse Caligus elongatus from its sympatric relatives. The method identifies the parasites at all developmental stages. Fragments of the mitochondrial Cytochrome C Oxidase 1 (COI) gene from identified adult caligids were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. Analysis of sequence data from unknown samples permitted identification by clustering of the samples with their appropriate genetic relative. Nucleotide sequences obtained were used for preliminary investigations of the population genetic structure of Caliguselongatus. Aligned sequences from the COI gene from this speciesindicate that our C. elongatus material divides into two distinct clades, possibly revealing two closely related species. The two genotypes do not appear to be associated with sample site, parasite gender, sample time or host species. Parasites from both groups were found on Atlantic salmon (Salmosalar), sea trout (Salmotrutta), pollack (Pollachiuspollachius), saithe (Pollachiusvirens), and Atlantic herring (Clupeaharengus).
Argulus sp. (Crustacea: Branchiura) on cod, Gadus morhua from Finnmark, northern Norway
Authors: Schram T.A. , Iversen L. , Heuch P.A. , Sterud E.
Published: February 2005

Six specimens of an unknown Argulus species were found on a cod caught off the coast of Finnmark in northern Norway. All six were found to be sixth stage male larvae, ∼2·6 mm long and 1·6 mm wide. Argulus has not previously been recorded from cod and this is also the first record of a marine Argulus from Norwegian waters. The Argulus sp. from cod can be easily distinguished from other marine species found in northern European waters, and also from Norwegian freshwater species of Argulus. It is believed that it represents a new species, but a complete species description must await the finding of adult stages.
A new species of Caprella (Amphipoda: Caprellidae) from the Cape Verde Islands (Atlantic), with note on Mediterranean Caprella liparotensis
Authors: Krapp-Schickel T. , Takeuchi I.
Published: February 2005

Caprella wirtzi sp. nov. from the Cape Verde Islands is described. It is close to C. liparotensis a species recorded from Portugal and along the Mediterranean coasts to the Black Sea, but distinguished from C. liparotensis by the morphology of antenna 2, gnathopod 2 and peraeonites 3, 6 and 7. Variation from C. liparotensis is also discussed.
Geomorphology induces life history changes in invertebrates of sandy beaches: the case of the mole crab Emerita analoga in Chile
Authors: Brazeiro Alejandro
Published: February 2005

The hypothesis that vital functions of one of the most successful macroinvertebrates of sandy beaches of Chile, the mole crab Emerita analoga are negatively affected by the environmental conditions of reflective beaches was tested. Twelve exposed sandy beaches distributed along 200 km of coast of central Chile, and selected to cover a wide morphodynamic spectrum were sampled every two months from April 1997 to November 1998. Significant phenotypic differences among local populations of the sand crab were detected. Important life history traits of the sand crab, linked to growth pattern, reproductive biology and burrowing capacity, were negatively affected by the environmental conditions of reflective beaches. The present results reinforce the view that environmental variations associated with beach morphodynamics, play a critical role in the life history patterns of sandy beach organisms.
Male genital defect (Dumpton Syndrome) in the dog-whelk Nucella lapillus (Neogastropoda): Mendelian inheritance inferred, based on laboratory breeding experiments
Authors: Gibbs P.E.
Published: February 2005

Laboratory breeding of the dog-whelk, Nucella lapillus, has established that the male-sterilizing Dumpton Syndrome (DS)—underdevelopment, or non-development (aphally), of the penis, incomplete formation (non-closure) of the vas deferens, resulting in a split prostate—can be readily observed in male F1 progeny. Cultivated under high ambient concentrations of the antifouling agent tributyltin (TBT), DS-carrying females can be recognized by their lesser degree of masculinization (imposex): sterilization is thereby avoided. When Dumpton females are crossed, under high ambient TBT, with individuals from a non-DS-affected population (Bude, North Cornwall) DS is absent from both sexes. Crosses of these F1 progeny result in F2 progeny exhibiting the classic DS symptoms in both sexes. A Mendelian mechanism for DS inheritance is suggested by the data.
The reproductive cycle and development of Crepipatella fecunda (Gastropoda: Calyptraeidae) from southern Chile
Authors: Chaparro O.R. , Saldivia C.L. , Pereda S.V. , Segura C.J. , Montiel Y.A. , Collin R.
Published: February 2005

Crepipatella fecunda is a benthic, primarily suspension-feeding gastropod that occurs in great abundance along the Chilean coast. It is a protandrous species whose reproduction involves brooding of an encapsulated embryonic stage followed by the release of free-living planktotrophic larvae. Because its close sister species, C. dilatata, co-occurs with C. fecunda, understanding the details of reproduction in this species might shed light on differences in reproductive features that correlate with divergences in mode of development. In southern Chile, brooding occurs throughout the year except for May and June, and each female produces 3–7 broods. The smallest brooding female was 28·2 mm in shell length and the largest was 56·3 mm. All full-grown eggs from the ovary are deposited at one time in a single brood, and only smaller oocytes remain in the gonad after the female finishes ovopositing. Those females that host pinnotherid crabs do not deposit eggs. All the eggs develop into embryos whose intracapsular development is similar to Crepidula fornicata and Crepipatella lingulata. Planktotrophic larvae hatch at a mean shell length of 329·5 μm (SD=27·09) after 4–5 weeks. During the pelagic stage the shell and velum of the larvae grow, but little other morphological development is visible externally. The pelagic stage lasts for 15–16 days at 17°C, during which the larvae grow ∼20·7 μm d−1. Observations of cultured larvae and protoconchs of field-collected juveniles show that settlement occurs when the larvae reach a shell-length of 650 μm (SD=28·3 μm).