bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Multivesicular Release and Postsynaptic Receptor Saturation on Transmission at Granule Cell to Purkinje Cell Synapses
Authors: Foster Kelly A. , Crowley John J. , Regehr Wade G.
Published: December 2005

The properties of a synapse are crucially dependent on whether an action potential can trigger the release of multiple vesicles at an individual release site [multivesicular release (MVR)] and whether fusion of a single vesicle leads to receptor saturation. MVR and receptor saturation both occur at some highpsynapses, but it is not known whether they also occur at lowpsynapses. Here we examine this issue at the lowpsynapse between parallel fibers and Purkinje cells using the low-affinity antagonist DGG (γ-d-glutamylglycine) to relieve AMPA receptor saturation. We find that the presence of MVR and receptor saturation at this synapse alters the calcium dependence of synaptic transmission and reduces the extent of facilitation. These findings establish that MVR and postsynaptic receptor saturation can influence transmission even at synapses with a low initial probability of release and suggest that these properties may be common at synapses in the mammalian brain.
Distinct Subunits in Heteromeric Kainate Receptors Mediate Ionotropic and Metabotropic Function at Hippocampal Mossy Fiber Synapses
Authors: Ruiz Arnaud , Sachidhanandam Shankar , Utvik Jo Kristian , Coussen Françoise , Mulle Christophe
Published: December 2005

Heteromeric kainate receptors (KARs) containing both glutamate receptor 6 (GluR6) and KA2 subunits are involved in KAR-mediated EPSCs at mossy fiber synapses in CA3 pyramidal cells. We report that endogenous glutamate, by activating KARs, reversibly inhibits the slow Ca2+-activated K+currentIsAHPand increases neuronal excitability through a G-protein-coupled mechanism. Using KAR knockout mice, we show that KA2 is essential for the inhibition ofIsAHPin CA3 pyramidal cells by low nanomolar concentrations of kainate, in addition to GluR6. In GluR6–/–mice, both ionotropic synaptic transmission and inhibition ofIsAHPby endogenous glutamate released from mossy fibers was lost. In contrast, inhibition ofIsAHPwas absent in KA2–/–mice despite the preservation of KAR-mediated EPSCs. These data indicate that the metabotropic action of KARs did not rely on the activation of a KAR-mediated inward current. Biochemical analysis of knock-out mice revealed that KA2 was required for the interaction of KARs with Gαq/11-proteins known to be involved inIsAHPmodulation. Finally, the ionotropic and metabotropic actions of KARs at mossy fiber synapses were differentially sensitive to the competitive glutamate receptor ligands kainate (5 nm) and kynurenate (1 mm). We propose a model in which KARs could operate in two modes at mossy fiber synapses: through a direct ionotropic action of GluR6, and through an indirect G-protein-coupled mechanism requiring the binding of glutamate to KA2.
Dysregulation of Receptor Interacting Protein-2 and Caspase Recruitment Domain Only Protein Mediates Aberrant Caspase-1 Activation in Huntington's Disease
Authors: Wang Xin , Wang Hongyan , Figueroa Bryan E. , Zhang Wen-hua , Huo Chunfeng , Guan Yingjun , Zhang Yu , Bruey Jean-Marie , Reed John C. , Friedlander Robert M.
Published: December 2005

Caspase-1 plays a role in the pathogenesis of a variety of neurological diseases. Caspase-1 activation is an early event in models of Huntington's disease (HD). However, mechanisms regulating the activation of this apical caspase in cell death are not known. Receptor interacting protein-2 (Rip2) and caspase recruitment domain (CARD) only protein (Cop) are two CARD proteins with significant homology to the caspase-1 CARD and modulate caspase-1 activation in inflammation. Rip2 is a caspase-1 activator, and Cop is a caspase-1 inhibitor. We demonstrate in models of HD that caspase-1 activation results from dysregulation of caspase-1 activation pathways. Associated with disease progression, we detect elevation of the caspase-1 activator Rip2 and reduction of the caspase-1 inhibitor Cop. Knocking down endogenous Rip2/Cop respectively results in reduced/increased sensitivity to neurotoxic stimuli. Our data provide evidence that caspase-1-mediated cell death is regulated, at least in part, by the balance of Rip2 and Cop, and alterations of this balance may contribute to aberrant caspase-1-mediated pathogenesis in Huntington's disease.
Visual Deprivation Modifies Both Presynaptic Glutamate Release and the Composition of Perisynaptic/Extrasynaptic NMDA Receptors in Adult Visual Cortex
Authors: Yashiro Koji , Corlew Rebekah , Philpot Benjamin D.
Published: December 2005

Use-dependent modifications of synapses have been well described in the developing visual cortex, but the ability for experience to modify synapses in the adult visual cortex is poorly understood. We found that 10 d of late-onset visual deprivation modifies both presynaptic and postsynaptic elements at the layer 4→2/3 connection in the visual cortex of adult mice, and these changes differ from those observed in juveniles. Although visual deprivation in juvenile mice modifies the subunit composition and increases the current duration of synaptic NMDA receptors (NMDARs), no such effect is observed at synapses between layer 4 and layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons in adult mice. Surprisingly, visual deprivation in adult mice enhances the temporal summation of NMDAR-mediated currents induced by bursts of high-frequency stimulation. The enhanced temporal summation of NMDAR-mediated currents in deprived cortex could not be explained by a reduction in the rate of synaptic depression, because our data indicate that late-onset visual deprivation actually increases the rate of synaptic depression. Biochemical and electrophysiological evidence instead suggest that the enhanced temporal summation in adult mice could be accounted for by a change in the molecular composition of NMDARs at perisynaptic/extrasynaptic sites. Our data demonstrate that the experience-dependent modifications observed in the adult visual cortex are different from those observed during development. These differences may help to explain the unique consequences of sensory deprivation on plasticity in the developing versus mature cortex.
Hochdurchsatz Analyse in den Biowissenschaften durch die Nutzung von Service Oriented Clustering (Proliferating High Throughput Analysis in Life Science by using Service Oriented Clustering)
Authors: Reinhardt Ralf , Blüggel Martin , Stephan Christian , Meyer Helmut E. , Kuhn Michael , Thiele Herbert
Published: December 2005

Obwohl man Cluster erfolgreich für Aufgaben wie Protein Identifikation und multiple alignment einsetzt, sind sie dennoch selten Teil des Laboralltags. Hauptgrund ist die schlechte Integrationsfähigkeit aktueller Lösungen in den Arbeitsablauf. Das Konzept Dienste Orientierter Cluster soll dieses Problem beheben.
Streulichtmessungen in Luft zur Strömungsvisualisierung in rotierenden Kammern (Stray Light Measurement in Air for the Visualisation of Air Flow in Rotating Cavities)
Authors: Uffrecht Wieland , Kaiser Erwin
Published: December 2005

Die Strömungsmessung in rotierenden Kammern mit hinzugefügten Teilchen der Größenordnung 1 bis 10μm wird durch die Fliehkraft erschwert, sodass Verfahren wie z.B. LDA oder PIV versagen können. Durch Beimischung von Rauch (0,01 bis 1μm) zur Luft in der Rotorkammer wird die Strömung mit Hilfe stroboskopischer Beleuchtung visualisiert. Rauchteilchen sind zu klein und in der Konzentration zu groß für LDA und PIV. Die beschriebene Methode gestattet mit Hilfe von Videotechnik und Bildverarbeitung die Auswertung hinsichtlich der Rauchkonzentration in guter örtlicher und zeitlicher Auflösung für den Rückschluss auf die Strömung in der Kammer.
Das Packaging, der Schlüssel für die praktische Nutzung des piezoresistiven Effektes (Packaging, the Key for Practical Use of Piezoresistive Effect)
Authors: Kaden Günther
Published: December 2005

Das piezoresistive Prinzip war mit seiner Entdeckung zunächst nur interessant. Mit den ersten Lösungen für den Einbau piezoresistiver Widerstandselemente in einer Weise, die in technischen Applikationen nutzbar war, entwickelte sich ein Markt. In der Folge war es das ständige Wechselspiel zwischen Anforderungen aus neuen Applikationen und Märkten sowie den Fortschritten im Packaging und der Signalverarbeitung, welches den Fortschritt und die heute erreichte Verbreitung der piezoresistiven Sensorik in den Bereichen des täglichen Lebens, der Medizin, der Industrie, der Umwelttechnik sowie der Luft-und Raumfahrt bestimmte. Auf einige Aspekte des Packaging für den Einsatz piezoresistiver Drucksensorik abseits des zum Alltag gewordenen täglichen Gebrauchs wird in diesem Artikel eingegangen.

Nach mehr als 50 Jahren der Entwicklung piezoresistiver Aufnehmer konnten sich diese in allen Bereichen des täglichen Lebens etablieren und stellen insbesondere in der Anpassung an immer extremere Umgebungsbedingungen Ingenieure noch immer vor hochinteressante Aufgaben.
Study of C60 transport in porous media and the effect of sorbed C60 on naphthalene transport
Authors: Cheng Xuekun , Kan Amy T. , Tomson Mason B.
Published: December 2005

In this study, the transport of water-stable “nano-C60 particles” (a term used to refer to underivatized C60 crystalline nanoparticles, stable in water for months) through a soil column (packed with Lula soil, 0.27% organic carbon) was investigated for the first time. Nano-C60 particle breakthrough experiments were conducted at different flow rates, while other column operating parameters remained fixed through all the experiments. Nano-C60 particles were observed to be more mobile at higher flow velocity: at the flow velocity of 0.38 m/d, the maximum percent of nano-C60 breakthrough (C/C0) was 47%; at the flow velocity of 3.8 m/d, the plateau value of nano-C60 breakthrough was 60%; and at the flow velocity of 11.4 m/d, the plateau value of nano-C60 breakthrough was almost 80%. At the low flow velocity (0.38 m/d), which is typical of groundwater flow, nano-C60 particles showed very limited mobility: after about 57 pore volumes, they deposited to the soil column so rapidly that virtually no nano-C60 was detected in the effluent. This observed “favorable deposition” (attachment efficiency α = 1) was probably due to “filter ripening.” Also the release of nano-C60 particles after flow interruption was observed. The transport of naphthalene through the same soil column containing 0.18% nano-C60 particles deposited was measured. A retardation factor of about 13 was observed, possibly suggesting that sorbed nano-C60 particles in the soil column sorbed naphthalene similar to soil organic carbon. An asymmetric naphthalene breakthrough curve was observed, which is possibly due to “sorption nonequilibrium.”
Characterization of titanium dopants in sodium alanate by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Kuba Meredith T. , Eaton Sandra S. , Morales Christine , Jensen Craig M.
Published: December 2005

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra were obtained for samples of Ti-doped NaAlH4 subjected to different numbers of cycles of dehydrogenation/re-hydrogenation. Ti is observed to evolve from its initial Ti(III) state through a series of Ti(0) species during the first 5 cycles. Although the conversion of Ti(III) to Ti(0) occurs much more readily for TiCl3-doped samples than those prepared with TiF3, in both cases the evolution of Ti follows the same sequence that involves 3 distinguishable Ti(0) species and ends in the predominance of the same single Ti(0) species. The spectrum of a sample of NaAlH4 containing 2 mol% of cubic Al3Ti is distinctly different than any of those observed for the Ti(0) species that arise during the hydrogen cycling of the hydride. The major changes in the nature of the predominant Ti species have little if any effect on the dehydrogenation kinetics, which strongly suggests that the profoundly enhanced hydrogen cycling kinetics of Ti-doped NaAlH4 are due to a Ti species present in only a relatively minor amount.
Advances in the growth and characterization of Ge quantum dots and islands
Authors: Baribeau J-M. , Rowell N.L. , Lockwood D.J.
Published: December 2005

We review recent advances in the growth of Si1−xGex islands and Ge dots on (001) Si. We first discuss the evolution of the island morphology with Si1−xGex coverage and the effect of growth parameters or post-growth annealing on the shape of the islands and dots. We outline some of the structural and optical properties of Si1−xGex islands and assess progress in the determination of their composition and strain distribution. Finally, we discuss various approaches currently being investigated to engineer Si1−xGex quantum dots and in particular to control their size, density, and spatial distribution. For example, we show how C pre-deposition on Si (001) can influence the nucleation and growth of Ge islands.
Hydrogen energy cycle: An overview
Authors: Ohi Jim
Published: December 2005

This overview will describe briefly key segments of the hydrogen energy cycle from production using various feedstocks to its end use in fuel cells to generate electrical and thermal energy. The paper will also discuss the larger societal context, the so-called “hydrogen economy,” in which such production and use of hydrogen may take place. Although most of the public attention on hydrogen has been focused on its potential as an alternative energy source to petroleum and other fossil fuels, a hydrogen economy will encompass much more than a substitution of one energy source by another. Widespread use of hydrogen as an energy carrier can transform our society in much the same way that personal computing technologies have. This transforming power arises from the unique capability of hydrogen to link renewable energy resources and zero-emission energy conversion technologies. Hydrogen can be produced from locally available renewable resources, such as solar, wind, biomass, and water, and converted to electricity or fuel at or near the point of use with only heat and water vapor as “emissions.” Hydrogen also lies at the confluence of two emerging trends that will shape our energy future during the first quarter of this century: greater reliance on renewable energy sources and the shift from large, centralized power plants to smaller, decentralized facilities located at or near the point of use. This paper describes these emerging trends and the role of hydrogen in linking them in a way that could transform our society.
In vitro mineralization on chitosan using solutions with excess of calcium and phosphate ions
Authors: Beppu Marisa Masumi , Torres Marco Antonio , Aimoli Cassiano Gomes , Goulart Gilberto Alessandre Soares , Santana Cesar Costapinto
Published: December 2005

Pseudo-simulated body fluids (SBFs) were used in in vitro experiments to promote chitosan porous membrane calcification. Common SBFs, which had concentrations of phosphate or calcium ions doubled, were so named because they do not replicate, by rigor, a genuine body fluid ion concentration. The objective of using such calcification fluids was to study the influence of phosphate and calcium excess in solution on mineralization deposit characteristics. SEM-EDS analyses showed that morphology and composition of deposits varies depending on which ion (phosphate or calcium) is in excess; x-ray diffractograms show that deposits are poorly crystalline (like biological apatites) but still show better crystallinity in deposits generated from P-rich SBF. This result, added to previous ones [such as those reported by Beppu and Santana Mater. Res.5, 47 (2002)] where a difference in the interconnectivity of the inorganic and organic (matrix) phases was stressed, suggests different deposition processes for each situation.
Resistivity–temperature behavior of dilute Cu(Ir) and Cu(W) alloy films
Authors: Barmak K. , Cabral C. , Kellock A.J. , Harper J.M.E.
Published: December 2005

The resistivities of as-deposited Cu(4.2Ir), Cu(2.0W), and Cu(2.2W) films are 32.2, 25.4, and 28.0 μΩcm, respectively. These resistivities are significantly higher thanthat for pure Cu films. After annealing the Cu(4.2Ir) film at constant heating rate to 800 °C and the two Cu(W) films to 950 °C, the resistivities reduce to 28.4, 4.3, and 5.2 μΩcm, respectively. The smaller reduction in resistivity for Cu(4.2Ir) compared with that for Cu(W) is partly a consequence of solute redissolution following precipitation. The variation of resistivity with temperature for the films and the Cu-rich end of the binary phase diagrams are used to categorize the decomposition behavior of the Cu(Ir) and Cu(W). These categories were defined by K. Barmak et al., J. Appl. Phys.87, 2204 (2000). W is placed in category III along with V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, Re, Ru, Os, B, and C. Ir most suitably belongs to Category II together with Fe and Co.
Quantitative evaluation of indentation-induced densification in glass
Authors: Yoshida Satoshi , Sanglebœuf Jean-Christophe , Rouxel Tanguy
Published: December 2005

To estimate the ratio of densification to Vickers indentation volume, three-dimensional images of Vickers indentations on several glasses, including silicate glasses and bulk metallic glass (BMG), were obtained before and after annealing using an atomic force microscope. Large volume recovery of Vickers indentation by annealing was observed for all glasses but BMG. Following previous studies, this recovered volume almost corresponded to the densified volume under a Vickers indenter, and the compositional dependence of densification was discussed. The ratios of densification to the total indentation volume for silica and soda-lime glasses were 92% and 61%, respectively. It was concluded that densification was a general property for silicate glasses and that the ratios of densification to the total indentation volume for all the glasses correlated well with Poisson’s ratios of the glasses.
Combined synchrotron x-ray diffraction and micro-Raman for following in situ the growth of solution-deposited YBa2Cu3O7 thin films
Authors: Berberich F. , Graafsma H. , Rousseau B. , Canizares A. , Ratiarison R. Ramy , Raimboux N. , Simon P. , Odier P. , Mestres N. , Puig T. , Obradors X.
Published: December 2005

A unique combination of in situ synchrotron x-ray diffraction and in situ micro-Raman spectroscopy was used to study the growth process of YBa2Cu3O6+x films obtained by metal organic decomposition using trifluoroacetate precursor on LaAlO3 substrates. The techniques give complementary information: x-ray diffraction gives insight into the structural growth, whereas micro-Raman spectroscopy gives information of the chemical composition with additional information on the texture. To perform both experiments in situ, a special high-temperature process chamber was designed.
Structure of a-C:N:H prepared from ammonia
Authors: Walters J.K. , Pickup D.M. , Newport R.J.
Published: December 2005

A range of nitrogen-doped amorphous hydrogenated carbon samples (a-C:Nx:H, where x = 3 at.% and x = 7 at.%) have been studied using neutron diffraction, inelastic neutron scattering (INS) and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy to obtain detailed information about their atomic-scale structure, particularly the bonding environment of the hydrogen. The results show that the overall atomic scale network structure of the two samples is very similar; however, the hydrogen-bonding sites alter subtly as the nitrogen content of the samples is increased.
Liquidus temperature measurements for modeling oxide glass systems relevant to nuclear waste vitrification
Authors: Hanni Jonathan B. , Pressly Eric , Crum Jarrod V. , Minister Kevin B.C. , Tran Diana , Hrma Pavel , Vienna John D.
Published: December 2005

Liquidus temperatures (TL) were measured, and primary phases were determined for 50 (from an initial test matrix of 76) compositions within the Al2O3–B2O3–CaO–Na2O–SiO2glass-forming system and its constituent ternary subsystems. Strong linear correlations have been found between composition andTLfor melts within the same primary phase fields. TheTLand primary phase data are being used to develop and refine a modified associate species model (ASM). The impacts of Fe2O3, Li2O, NiO, ZrO2, Cr2O3, ZnO, and MnO additions on theTLof two baseline glass compositions are reported. These data are intended as benchmarks for further expansion of the ASM or other silicate melt solution models of nuclear waste glasses.
Thermal and photo optical properties of azoxybenzene/alkyloxy-azobenzene–cholesterol dimesogens with alkyl diacetylene linker
Authors: Kumaresan Subramanian , Mallia V. Ajay , Kida Yoshishige , Tamaoki Nobuyuki
Published: December 2005

Thermal and photo-optical properties of azoxybenzene/alkyloxy-azobenzene containing chiral dimesogens are presented. Alkyloxyazobenzene containing dimesogenic materials exhibited two kinds of smectic A phases. Photoirradiation at temperatures exhibiting smectic phases of pure materials in azobenzene linked dimesogens resulted in formation of the isotropic phase, and this was systematically studied at different liquid crystalline temperatures. The efficacy of these compounds as a dopant in the glassy liquid crystalline material was also explored. Increasing concentration to 4 wt%/5 wt% in azobenzene/azoxy-benzene derivatives caused a dramatic red-shift in the wavelength of reflected light by the host cholesteric glassy liquid crystal. Photo-isomerization of these dopants led to a blue-shift of the reflected light, and this effect could be used to tune the light reflectivity of these mixtures over the visible region.
Effective taxonomies for database management
Authors: Wallace B. , Ross A.
Published: December 2005

The development of electronic databases allows for the creation of extremely large data sets of safety-related data. Without adequate taxonomies to categorise and order these data, safety managers run the risk of being swamped (‘death by data’). In order to function effectively, taxonomies must enable easy and effective retrieval of data. It is generally agreed in the literature that this implies that taxonomic categories within any taxonomy should be mutually exclusive and exhaustive (MEE). Databases should pass tests of ‘inter-rater reliability’: in other words, the same event should be classified in the same way by different people. This paper shows the result of an inter-rater reliability trial on an existing taxonomy. The results of this trial indicated that the taxonomy was not functioning in an optimal manner and that the main reason for this was that the ‘codes’ in the taxonomy were not MEE. In conclusion the paper argues that effective taxonomy building will lead to improved reliability in input and retrieval.
Use of a Content Analysis Procedure for the Development of a Falls Management Audit Tool
Authors: Wagner Laura M. , Clark Patricia C. , Parmelee Patricia , Capezuti Elizabeth , Ouslander Joseph
Published: December 2005

The Falls Management Audit Tool (FMAT) was developed to assess the documentation of the falls management process in nursing homes. The multistep content analysis procedure was used to guide tool development and obtain reliability and validity of the FMAT. Established fall guidelines and national experts were used for item development. Trained gerontological nurse practitioners conducted chart audits in nursing home residents with a fall history. Adequate content validity (content validity index > .88) and interrater and intrarater reliability were established (kappas > .78) in the final version of the 57-item FMAT and pilot testing demonstrated feasibility. This study provided evidence that the FMAT is a reliable and valid tool, which can be used to assess the documentation of the falls management process and for measuring the effect of research or quality improvement interventions.
Development of the Breastfeeding Personal Efficacy Beliefs Inventory: A Measure of Women’s Confidence About Breastfeeding
Authors: Cleveland Ann Pollard , McCrone Susan
Published: December 2005

The newly developed Breastfeeding Personal Efficacy Beliefs Inventory (BPEBI) was tested as a measure of breastfeeding confidence to support breastfeeding promotion research. Participants were 479 volunteers who returned the BPEBI after it was mailed to 700 randomly selected female students enrolled at a land grant university in a predominately White Appalachian state. Internal consistency reliability was .89. Five factors emerged during factor analysis (eigenvalue = 7.3 to 1.2, variance explained = 53%) consistent with the conceptual basis of the inventory. Further reliability and validity assessments were recommended with ethnically and academically heterogeneous women with different breastfeeding experience.
Re-Evaluating the NCLEX-RN® Passing Standard
Authors: O’Neill Thomas R. , Marks Casey M. , Reynolds Michelle
Published: December 2005

Setting passing standards is a critical component of the NCLEX® examination process. This research was conducted to provide sufficient information to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s (NCSBN) Board of Directors to make a decision regarding the passing standard of the NCLEX-RN. This article illustrates the standard setting process that NCSBN uses. Surveys of educators and employers, a modified Angoff procedure, the Beuk compromise, and global assessments by content experts were methods used. The Rasch model and a presumed ability distribution were used as the framework to integrate these diverse perspectives regarding minimal competence. The revised passing standard was -0.28 logits. For many of the minimal competence estimates, the author did not have authorization to release the information. In those instances, estimates and results were fabricated to be similar to the actual results, yet different enough as to not disclose confidential information. The fabricated results are clearly marked. In conclusion, a variety of approaches, sources, and perspectives are necessary for the establishment of fair and appropriate standards on the NCLEX-RN.
Characterization and Field‐Emission Properties of Vertically Aligned ZnO Nanonails and Nanopencils Fabricated by a Modified Thermal‐Evaporation Process
Authors: Shen G. Z. , Bando Y. , Liu B. D. , Golberg D. , Lee C.‐J.
Published: December 2005

Vertically aligned ZnO nanonails and nanopencils are synthesized on a silicon substrate using a modified thermal‐evaporation process, without using a catalyst or predeposited buffer layers. An adiabatic layer is used to provide an abrupt temperature decrease and high gas concentration for the nanostructures growth. The structure and morphology of the as‐synthesized ZnO nanonails and nanopencils are characterized using X‐ray diffraction, and scanning and transmission electron microscopies. Raman and photoluminescence properties are also investigated at room temperature. Field‐emission characterization shows that the turn‐on fields for the vertically aligned ZnO nanonails and nanopencils are 7.9 and 7.2 V μm–1, respectively.
Illustration of genetic syndromes in the nursery
Authors: Macnab A.J. , Langlois S.
Published: December 2005

Reading to children and storytelling has documented developmental benefits. Traditional Nursery Rhymes (Mother Goose tales in North America) encapsulate ‘snapshots’ of the people described and chronicle their customs, superstitions, and amusements. Art has long been employed to document the impact of human imperfections and diseases. We investigated whether illustrations accompanying nursery rhymes, suggest that any characters illustrated may have had or been based on recognized morphological abnormalities, and if this literature documents a role for grandmothers as storytellers. Archival materials were reviewed at the Victoria and Albert museum and Mary Evans picture library, and via the web. As early as 1695, Perrault included a frontispiece of a mature woman as storyteller in his book of fairytales. Similar scenes by various artists (Boilly, Cruikshank, Guy, Highmore, Maclise, Richter, and Smith) are found consistently from 1744 to 1908. Many illustrators (Aldin, Caldecott, Cruikshank, Doré, Dulac, Gale, Greenaway, Rackham, Tarrant, and Wood) portray infants, children, and adults who are dwarfed, giant, or whimsically grotesque. Many images certainly suggest genetic syndromes, and in some characters consistency of specific features is evident between artists. Our research confirms the wealth of children's nursery rhyme illustrations suggesting pathology; that an authoritative compilation of the morphologies depicted is lacking; and that historically, grandmothers have a central role as storytellers. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung: Review of genetics, prenatal diagnosis, and in utero treatment
Authors: Wilson R. Douglas , Hedrick Holly L. , Liechty Kenneth W. , Flake Alan W. , Johnson Mark P. , Bebbington Michael , Adzick N. Scott
Published: December 2005

Prenatal identification of lung abnormalities has increased with prenatal surveillance. Treatment usually requires serial ultrasound observation but in rare situations in utero therapy may be required for fetal survival. We review the genetics, prenatal evaluation, and treatment of lung abnormalities with congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM). Other lung lesions, bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS), hybrid lesions involving both malformations, congenital lobar emphysema (CLE), are briefly included as differential diagnosis options. Outcome of fetuses identified to have CCAM lung abnormalities resulting in fetal hydrops and having in utero therapy (thoracoamniotic shunting, fetal thoracotomy, EXIT delivery) are discussed. In the appropriate situation, this maternal fetal surgery approach for CCAM is life‐saving for the affected fetus with acceptable maternal morbidity risks in the present and future pregnancies. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical variation of Aarskog syndrome in a large family with 2189delA in the FGD1 gene
Authors: Shalev Stavit A. , Chervinski Elana , Weiner Ehud , Mazor Galia , Friez Michael J. , Schwartz Charles E.
Published: December 2005

The clinical diagnosis of ASS (Aarskog–Scott syndrome or Faciogenital Dysplasia) was made in seven individuals belonging to a large Arabic family, which was supported by molecular studies revealing a 2189delA mutation in exon 15 of the FDG1 gene. The affected individuals in this family demonstrated clinical variability particularly in their cognitive skills, raising the question whether other genetic factors might be involved in the phenotypic evolution of ASS. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Echocardiographic findings in classical and hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndromes
Authors: McDonnell Nazli B. , Gorman Beverly L. , Mandel Katherine W. , Schurman Shepherd H. , Assanah‐Carroll Alison , Mayer Susan A. , Najjar Samer S. , Francomano Clair A.
Published: December 2005

Structural cardiovascular alterations in the classical and hypermobile forms of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome(EDS) warrant investigation. We have examined a cohort of 38 patients with hypermobile and classical EDSs using two‐dimensional echocardiography. The cohort includes 7 males and 31 females, with an age range from 12–60 years. Altered echocardiographic parameters were seen in the initial cross‐sectional data analysis in 24/38 patients. Five of the 38 participants had mildly dilated aortic root (AR) or sinuses of Valsalva (SV), and an additional 7 patients had an abnormal pouching of the SV, although the absolute dimensions did not exceed the normal range. Ten patients had mild mitral, tricuspid, or aortic regurgitation, and only one patient had mitral valve prolapse (MVP). Three patients had low normal systolic function; three had evidence of mildly elevated pulmonary pressures, and two patients had mild concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Five patients had evidence of impaired left ventricular relaxation (LVR) based on mitral valve E to A velocity ratio. Interestingly, 26/38 subjects demonstrated a prominent right coronary artery (RCA) easily visualized by trans‐thoracic echocardiography, and 10/38 had an elongated cardiac silhouette on the 4‐chamber apical views. The “pouching” shape of the SV was more common in hypermobile type than in the classical type of EDS. The study is ongoing and will accrue longitudinal data on 100 subjects with classical and hypermobile EDSs at 2‐year intervals. Published 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Funktionelle flüssigkristalline Aggregate: selbstorganisierte weiche Materialien
Authors: Kato Takashi , Mizoshita Norihiro , Kishimoto Kenji
Published: December 2005

Dynamische weiche Materialien werden im 21. Jahrhundert an Bedeutung gewinnen. Zwar sind diese Funktionsmaterialien nicht so beständig wie Metalle, Keramiken oder Plastik, dafür reagieren sie aber gut auf externe Reize. Geordnete weiche Materialien können dynamische Funktionen erfüllen. Flüssigkristalle aus selbstorganisierten Molekülen sind ein Beispiel hierfür: Sie eignen sich möglicherweise zum Elektronen‐, Ionen‐ oder Stofftransport sowie als sensorisch, katalytisch, optisch oder biologisch aktive Materialien. Um diese Funktionen auszuschöpfen, benötigt man unkonventionelle Materialentwürfe. Hier beschreiben wir aktuelle Ansätze zur Funktionalisierung von Flüssigkristallen und zeigen, wie das Design von Flüssigkristallen durch supramolekulare Aggregation und Nanophasentrennung zu einer Vielfalt selbstorganisierter Funktionsmaterialien führt.
Titelbild: Retro‐Cycloaddition Reaction of Pyrrolidinofullerenes (Angew. Chem. 1/2006)
Authors: Martín Nazario , Altable Margarita , Filippone Salvatore , Martín‐Domenech Angel , Echegoyen Luis , Cardona Claudia M.
Published: December 2005

Durch Retrocycloaddition werden einfach zugängliche Pyrrolidinofullerene quantitativ in die reinen Fullerene überführt, sodass diese Reaktion sich als neue Schutzgruppenoperation in der Fullerenchemie eignet. Über dieses vielversprechende Verfahren, das bereits zur selektiven Isolierung des Ih‐Konstitutionsisomers von Sc3N@C80 geführt hat, berichten N. Martín, L. Echegoyen et al. in ihrer Zuschrift auf S. 116 ff.
Cover Picture: Retro‐Cycloaddition Reaction of Pyrrolidinofullerenes (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 1/2006)
Authors: Martín Nazario , Altable Margarita , Filippone Salvatore , Martín‐Domenech Angel , Echegoyen Luis , Cardona Claudia M.
Published: December 2005

Retro‐cycloaddition of easily prepared pyrrolidinofullerenes affords quantitatively pristine fullerenes, and thus can be used as a new protection‐deprotection protocol in the chemistry of fullerenes, as shown in the cover picture. In their Communication on page 110 ff., N. Martín, L. Echegoyen, and co‐workers report on this promising finding, which has already allowed the selective isolation of the Ih constitutional isomer of Sc3N@C80.
Synthesis and characterization of side‐chain cholesteric liquid‐crystalline polymers derived from steroid substituents
Authors: Hu Jian‐She , Zhang Bao‐Yan , Pan Wei , Li Yuan‐Hao , Ren Shi‐Chao
Published: December 2005

A series of new cholesteric liquid‐crystalline polysiloxanes derived from steroid substituents were synthesized. The chemical structures of the monomers or polymers obtained were characterized by FTIR, element analyses, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR. Their mesogenic properties and thermal stability were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, polarizing optical microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction measurements. Monomers exhibited typical cholesteric focal‐conic or spiral texture. The polymers P1P6 showed cholesteric phase and P7 displayed smectic phase. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006
Influences of metallic polymeric materials on the properties of fresh polyester and acrylic polymer concrete
Authors: Ahn Namshik
Published: December 2005

To investigate the influences of three metallic polymeric materials in polyester and acrylic fresh polymer concretes (PCs), PC‐incorporated different levels of these materials have been investigated for their properties of fresh PC. The mix design was made and optimized for workability, strength, and economy, depending on the resin viscosity, the intended use, and the additional quantities of these polymeric materials. The properties investigated include workability, working time, and curing time of fresh PC. It is concluded that these polymeric materials offer the possibility of improving properties of polyester and acrylic fresh polymer concretes. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006
New Synthetic Thiocolchicine Derivatives as Lowtoxic Anticancer Agents
Authors: Lee Sun‐Hee , Park Sun‐Kyoung , Kim Jeong‐Mi , Kim Myung‐Hwa , Kim Kwang‐Hee , Chun Kwang‐Woo , Cho Kyung‐Hea , Youn Ji‐Youn , Namgoong Sung Keon
Published: December 2005

New thiocolchicine derivatives (1–8) were designed as less toxic anticancer agents possessing the power ful anticancer activity of colchicine. The synthesis and biological evaluation of these compounds were described. As a preliminary result of biological in vitro investigation, compounds 1, 6, and 7 showed lower toxicities than that of colchicine in combination with potent anticancer activities.
Synthesis and Antiviral Evaluation of Novel 4′‐Hydroxymethyl Branched Thioapiosyl Nucleosides
Authors: Kim Jin Woo , Hong Joon Hee
Published: December 2005

In this study, we synthesized novel 4′‐hydroxymethyl branched thioapiosyl nucleosides. The thioapiosyl sugar moiety was constructed using sequential ozonolysis and reduction. The natural bases (uracil, thymine, cytosine, and adenine) were efficiently coupled using the Vorbrüggen glycosyl condensation procedure (persilyated base and TMSOTf). The antiviral activities of the synthesized compounds were evaluated against HIV‐1, HSV‐1, HSV‐2, and HCMV. Compound 19 showed moderate anti‐HIV activity (EC50 = 19.3 μg/mL) without exhibiting any cytotoxicity up to 100 μM.
Reflections on the age distribution of Japanese scientists
Authors: Asonuma Akihiro , Fang Yong , Rousseau Ronald
Published: December 2005

An Erratum has been published for this article in Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology 58(5) 2007, 762 [].

The age distribution of a country's scientists is an important element in the study of its research capacity. In this article we investigate the age distribution of Japanese scientists in order to find out whether major events such as World War II had an appreciable effect on its features. Data have been obtained from population censuses taken in Japan from 1970 to 1995. A comparison with the situation in China and the United States has been made. We find that the group of scientific researchers outside academia is dominated by the young: those younger than age 35. The personnel group in higher education, on the other hand, is dominated by the baby boomers: those who were born after World War II. Contrary to the Chinese situation we could not find any influence of major nondemographic events. The only influence we found was the increase in enrollment of university students after World War II caused by the reform of the Japanese university system. Female participation in the scientific and university systems in Japan, though still low, is increasing.
Nitric Oxide Release during Evoked Neuronal Activity in Cerebellum Slices: Detection with Platinized Carbon‐Fiber Microelectrodes
Authors: Amatore Christian , Arbault Stéphane , Bouret Yann , Cauli Bruno , Guille Manon , Rancillac Armelle , Rossier Jean
Published: December 2005

Nitric oxide is an important biological messenger that particularly induces the relaxation of smooth muscle cells surrounding vessels, and, hence, controls the flow of blood. This mechanism is essential for brain function, and its fine control, termed functional hyperemia, is supposed to be realized by certain neurons that may release bursts of NO.. The aim of the present study is to examine the advantages of platinized carbon‐fiber microelectrodes (5–7 μm tip diameter) for the direct and in situ electrochemical detection of NO. released by neurons into ex vivo cerebellum slices. After establishing the different analytical properties of the platinized carbon‐fiber microelectrodes in vitro on NO. solutions at 50 nM to 1 mM concentration, they were characterized using DEA‐NONOate solutions that chemically decompose into NO., and therefore mimic the measurement of transient variations of NO. concentration in biological samples. This validated the present approach, so that direct, in situ ex vivo measurements of nitric oxide released by neurons in a rat cerebellar slice are presented and discussed.
A Comparison of the Fluorescence Dynamics of Single Molecules of a Green Fluorescent Protein: One‐ versus Two‐Photon Excitation
Authors: Cotlet Mircea , Goodwin Peter M. , Waldo Geoffrey S. , Werner James H.
Published: December 2005

We report on the dynamics of fluorescence from individual molecules of a mutant of the wild‐type green fluorescent protein (GFP) from Aequorea victoria, super folder GFP (SFGFP). SFGFP is a novel and robust variant designed for in vivo high‐throughput screening of protein expression levels. It shows increased thermal stability and is able to retain its fluorescence when fused to poorly folding proteins. We use a recently developed single‐molecule technique which combines fluorescence‐fluctuation spectroscopy and time‐correlated single photon counting in order to characterize the photophysical properties of SFGFP under one‐ (OPE) and two‐ (TPE) photon excitation conditions. We use Rhodamine 110 as a model chromophore to validate the methodology and to explain the single‐molecule results of SFGFP. Under OPE, single SFGFP molecules undergo fluorescence flickering on the time scale of μs and tens of μs due to triplet formation and ground‐state protonation–deprotonation, respectively, as demonstrated by excitation intensity‐ and pH‐dependent experiments. OPE single‐molecule fluorescence lifetimes indicate heterogeneity in the population of SFGFP, indicating the presence of the deprotonated I and B forms of the SFGFP chromophore. TPE of single SFGFP molecules results in the photoconversion of the chromophore. TPE of single SFGFP molecules show fluorescence flickering on the time scale of μs due to triplet formation. A flicker connected with protonation–deprotonation of the SFGFP chromophore is detected only at low pH. Our results show that SFGFP is a promising fusion reporter for intracellular applications using OPE and TPE microscopy.
Cover Picture: Synthesis of Dendritic Branches with Peripheral Fullerene Subunits (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 1/2006)
Authors: Hahn Uwe , Hosomizu Kohei , Imahori Hiroshi , Nierengarten Jean‐François
Published: December 2005

The cover picture shows a display of fireworks of fullerenes! Highly soluble dendritic branches with methanofullerene subunits at the periphery have been prepared by an efficient repetitive synthetic sequence that allows the dendritic growth of up to the fifth‐generation derivative, which contains 16 peripheral fullerene subunits. Details are discussed in the article by J.‐F. Nierengarten et al. on p. 85 ff.
Increased sensitivity to mitomycin C‐induced sister chromatid exchange in lymphocytes from patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Authors: Duydu Yalçın , Üstündağ Aylin , Aydın Ahmet , Eken Ayşe , Dündar Kadir , Uzun Günal
Published: December 2005

Treatment of cells with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) results in the generation of reactive oxygen species and the induction of DNA damage. In the present study, we have evaluated the sister chromatid exchange (SCE) frequencies in lymphocytes from patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). In addition, we have determined the sensitivity of lymphocytes from those patients to SCE induction by 20 and 40 ng/ml mitomycin C (MMC). Patients undergoing HBOT for diabetic feet were exposed to 10 consecutive daily HBO treatments according to a routine therapy protocol. The study began with 12 patients; however, it was not possible to sample all of the patients at all HBOT sessions, and the number of patients gradually decreased towards the end of the HBOT. We observed a statistically significant induction in mean SCE/cell (P < 0.05; n = 11) immediately after the first session of HBOT. Relative to its frequency after the 1st treatment, the mean SCE frequency gradually decreased after the 5th and 10th HBOT sessions and reached baseline (pretherapy) levels 1 day after the last treatment in the four patients that were sampled. The mean MMC‐induced SCE frequency was highest in lymphocytes sampled immediately after the first HBOT session, and significantly higher than the MMC‐induced SCE frequency in cells sampled before HBOT. Unlike the case with untreated cells, MMC‐induced SCE frequencies remained high in lymphocytes sampled at later stages of therapy and mean MMC‐induced SCE frequencies were significantly higher (P < 0.05; n = 4) in lymphocytes sampled 1 day after the last session of HBOT than in lymphocytes sampled from these patients prior to beginning the therapy. The results indicate that HBOT induces SCE and that lymphocytes retain increased sensitivity to the genotoxicity of MMC one day after completing the HBOT. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modulatory effects of Mentha piperita on lung tumor incidence, genotoxicity, and oxidative stress in benzo[a]pyrene‐treated Swiss albino mice
Authors: Samarth R.M. , Panwar Meenakshi , Kumar Ashok
Published: December 2005

Mentha piperita or peppermint is currently used for alleviating nausea, flatulence, and vomiting. In the present investigation, we evaluated the chemopreventive, antigenotoxic, and antioxidative effects of an aqueous extract of Mentha piperita leaves. One‐day‐old Swiss albino mice were treated with a single subcutaneous injection of 0.5 mg benzo[a]pyrene (BP) and then given either water or a Mentha extract (ME; 1 g/kg body weight) by gavage starting at 3 weeks of age (weaning). The mice were killed at 9 weeks of age and tested for lung tumor incidence (chemoprevention); bone marrow micronucleus and chromosome aberration frequency (antigenotoxicity); and levels of liver and lung sulfhydral groups, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, and lipid peroxidation (LPO) (antioxidative properties). The ME treatment resulted in a significant reduction in the number of lung adenomas from an incidence of 67.92% in animals given only BP to 26.31%, an inhibition of 61.26%. Tumor multiplicity was 1.22 in the BP‐alone group and 1.15 in the BP + ME group. In addition, compared with the animals in the BP‐alone group, ME reduced the frequency of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei in bone marrow cells and decreased the levels of LPO and increased reduced glutathione content, and SOD and CAT activities in liver as well as lung. The results of this study indicate that ME is chemopreventive and antigenotoxic when given subsequent to an initiating dose of BP in newborn Swiss albino mice. The chemopreventive action and antigenotoxic effects observed in the present study may be due to the antioxidative properties of ME. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pseudogenes of the human HPRT1 gene
Authors: Nicklas Janice A.
Published: December 2005

Entrez Gene lists four HPRT1 gene pseudogenes (HPRTP1, HPRTP2, HPRTP3, and HPRTP4) mapping to chromosomes 3, 5, 11q, and 11q, respectively, as originally reported by Patel et al. in 1984 (Patel PI, et al. 1984 Somat Cell Mol Genet 10:483–493). However, the Entrez Gene reports for three of the four pseudogenes (HPRTP1, HPRTP3, and HPRTP4) are currently empty. A BLAST search of both GenBank (Homo sapiens) and the human genome found the chromosome 5 associated HPRTP2 sequence and a single chromosome 11q sequence (HPRTP3 or HPRTP4?). This chromosome 11 sequence had a unique 7.2 kb insert, which may explain why it originally appeared to be two separate pseudogenes. No evidence of a chromosome 3 associated sequence was found; however, a sequence highly homologous to HPRT1 was located on chromosome 4. All of these sequences are intronless processed pseudogenes. Lastly, a sequence highly homologous to HPRT1 exon 8 was found on chromosome 10. This homologous sequence was exactly exon 8 of a gene designated PRTFDC1, for phosphoribosyl transferase domain containing 1. This gene with unknown function is almost completely homologous to HPRT1 in exon structure (except for a 21 bp (seven amino acid) insertion in exon 1) and 68% homologous in amino acid sequence. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2006 © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.