bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field Evaluation of Six Newly Introduced Soybean Varieties in the National Pulses Program Germplasm, Kongo Central Province
Authors: Matondo A. Kufinu Dia , Kapinga K. Koy , Ngumbu-Kibanda F. , Maloluka J. Masumu , Ngombo-Nzokwani A. , Tshilenge-Lukanda L. , Muengula-Manyi M. , Kalonji-Mbuyi A.
Published: February 2024

Aim: To evaluate the behavior of soybean varieties recently introduced in germplasm of National Pulses Program of National Institute for Agricultural Study and Research.

Study Design: The study was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six treatments replicated three times.

Place and Duration of the Study: The experiment was carried out at the Lieutenant-Colonel EBEYA Military Camp, precisely in the POUDRIERE site in LOMA district from April 14 to June 17, 2023. 

Methodology: The study was conducted with six soybean varieties replicated three times. Data collected concerned percentage of seedlings emerged, vegetative development and production parameters.

Results: The emerged plants rate varies from 82.6 to 90%, collar diameter from 4.3 to 6.4mm, and plant height from 27.9 to 51.3 cm. The leaflet number per plant varies from 18.3 to 32, while their length and width varied from 6 to 9.4cm, and from 10.5 to 17.7cm, respectively. On each plant, the number of branches bearing pods varied from 3.6 to 5. The number of pods and seed per plant varied from 18 to 37, and from 34.3 to 68, respectively. Overall, soybean varieties flowered on 34.4 to 68 DAS. The 100-seed weight varied from 8 to 15.3g, and yield obtained from 572.9 to 2,203kg/ha.          

Conclusion: Overall, the results of this study indicate that vegetative development and production parameters vary among varieties. This variability in behavior results from the interactions between intrinsic properties of each soybean variety and agroenvironmental conditions of experimental field. The yields obtained were lower than the global average. However, variety TGM 0169 considered late, had high emerged plants rate (90%), and yielded more than 2t/ha, which is far higher than the average recorded in the majority of Sub-Saharan African countries. Ultimately, TGM 0162 appeared as elite variety whatever parameter considered.
The Effect of Gate‐Dielectric Surface Energy on Pentacene Morphology and Organic Field‐Effect Transistor Characteristics
Authors: Yang S. Y. , Shin K. , Park C. E.
Published: September 2005

The effects of the surface energy of polymer gate dielectrics on pentacene morphology and the electrical properties of pentacene field‐effect transistors (FETs) are reported, using surface‐energy‐controllable poly(imide‐siloxane)s as gate‐dielectric layers. The surface energy of gate dielectrics strongly influences the pentacene film morphology and growth mode, producing Stranski–Krastanov growth with large and dendritic grains at high surface energy and three‐dimensional island growth with small grains at low surface energy. In spite of the small grain size (≈ 300 nm) and decreased ordering of pentacene molecules vertical to the gate dielectric with low surface energy, the mobility of FETs with a low‐surface‐energy gate dielectric is larger by a factor of about five, compared to their high‐surface‐energy counterparts. In pentacene growth on the low‐surface‐energy gate dielectric, interconnection between grains is observed and gradual lateral growth of grains causes the vacant space between grains to be filled. Hence, the higher mobility of the FETs with low‐surface‐energy gate dielectrics can be achieved by interconnection and tight packing between pentacene grains. On the other hand, the high‐surface‐energy dielectric forms the first pentacene layer with some voids and then successive, incomplete layers over the first, which can limit the transport of charge carriers and cause lower carrier mobility, in spite of the formation of large grains (≈ 1.3 μm) in a thicker pentacene film.
Two‐Dimensionally Ordered Copper Grid Patterns Prepared via Electroless Deposition Using a Colloidal‐Crystal Film as the Template
Authors: Cong H. L. , Cao W. X.
Published: September 2005

Two‐dimensionally ordered copper grid patterns with different pore sizes and thickness have been fabricated via electroless copper deposition using a colloidal‐crystal film as the template. The pore size of the grid can be adjusted by altering the deposition time. The copper films, with thicknesses of ≈ 100–130 nm and pore sizes of ≈ 100 nm, are flexible and can be peeled off a silicon wafer and rolled up into a reel. Three‐dimensionally ordered porous copper materials have also been prepared using a similar method.
Game theoretic approach to multiobjective designs: Focus on inherent safety
Authors: Meel Anjana , Seider Warren D. , Soroush Masoud
Published: September 2005

A method for designing processes that are inherently safer—with the primary focus on disturbances having the potential for unbounded hazardous responses—is introduced. In cases where safety is not threatened (as in isothermal fermentation reactors), but product quality can rapidly degrade, this method provides designs that ensure high product quality (as in pharmaceutical processes). Using game theory, the method accounts for the trade‐offs in profitability, controllability, safety and/or product quality, and flexibility. For nonlinear processes that are hard to control; that is, have an unstable and/or nonminimum‐phase steady state, over a wide range of operating conditions, extended bifurcation diagrams are introduced. When a steady state is nonminimum phase, the process may exhibit inverse response. The steady states of processes are classified on the basis of instability and nonminimum‐phase behavior to segregate the operating regimes into distinct zones. Locally optimal designs, one corresponding to each zone, are obtained first. These are compared with other locally optimal designs at alternate operating conditions, and/or process reconfigurations, to obtain the globally optimal design using game theory. Four indices—profitability, controllability, safety and/or product quality, and flexibility—characterize the optimality of a design. A novel index for safe operation and/or product quality at a steady state is formulated as a function of the eigenvalues of the Jacobian of the process model and the Jacobian of the process zero dynamics, providing a quantitative measure of instability and nonminimum‐phase behavior. The application of the proposed method to an isothermal, continuous stirred‐tank reactor (CSTR) with van der Vusse reactions, an exothermic CSTR, and an anaerobic fermentor with substrate and product inhibition is presented. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Thermally stratified liquid turbulence with a chemical reaction
Authors: Onishi Ryo , Komori Satoru
Published: September 2005

Effects of stable and unstable thermal stratifications on turbulent mixing and chemical reaction in liquid turbulence were investigated by both laboratory experiments and numerical simulations. Instantaneous velocity and concentration were simultaneously measured using a combined technique with a two‐component laser‐Doppler velocimeter (LDV) and a laser‐induced fluorescence (LIF) method in two kinds of thermally stratified turbulent reacting flows: grid‐generated turbulence and a mixing layer. The results show that turbulent mixing in the fully developed liquid turbulence is affected mainly at large scales by buoyancy. However, the maximum value of the mean concentration of chemical product is independent of thermal stratification. In addition, a large‐eddy simulation (LES) based on a β‐pdf model was applied to the same thermally stratified reacting liquid flows as used in the experiments. The numerical results show that the stratification effects on the turbulent mixing and chemical reaction can be well predicted by the LES and the buoyancy effects are not significant in the subgrid‐scale models for the LES. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Variable hypomethylation of D4Z4 in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Authors: Van Overveld Petra G. M. , Enthoven Leo , Ricci Enzo , Rossi Monica , Felicetti Luciano , Jeanpierre Marc , Winokur Sara T. , Frants Rune R. , Padberg George W. , Van Der Maarel Silvère M.
Published: September 2005

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) progressively affects the facial, shoulder, and upper arm muscles and is associated with contractions of the polymorphic D4Z4 repeat array in 4q35. Recently, we demonstrated that FSHD alleles are hypomethylated at D4Z4. To study potential relationships between D4Z4 hypomethylation and both residual repeat size and clinical severity, we compared the clinical severity score with D4Z4 methylation in unrelated FSHD patients. Correcting the clinical severity score for age at examination improves the parameter to define clinical severity and provides further support for hypomethylation of FSHD alleles. However, a linear relationship between repeat size and clinical severity of the disease cannot be established. Interestingly, FSHD can be separated in two clinical severity classes: patients with residual repeat sizes of 10 to 20kb are severely affected and show pronounced D4Z4 hypomethylation. In contrast, patients with repeat sizes of 20 to 31kb show large interindividual variation in clinical severity and D4Z4 hypomethylation. Because the majority of familial FSHD cases are represented in this interval and considering the overt variation in clinical severity in these familial cases, it thus is imperative to develop comprehensive allele‐specific assays monitoring total D4Z4 methylation to investigate whether interindividual variation in D4Z4 methylation can be translated into a prognostic factor for clinical severity. Ann Neurol 2005;58:569–576
Novel threadlike structures (Bonghan ducts) inside lymphatic vessels of rabbits visualized with a Janus Green B staining method
Authors: Lee Byung‐Cheon , Yoo Jung Sun , Baik Ku Youn , Kim Ki Woo , Soh Kwang‐Sup
Published: September 2005

A staining method has been developed for in situ and in vivo observation of a threadlike tissue afloat inside the lymphatic vessels of rabbits without adherence to the vessel wall. The existence of this novel structure was not noticed previously because it is extremely difficult to detect it by microscopic inspection of lymphatic vessels. We have found a method that utilizes Janus Green B (JGB), which stained heavily the novel structure. The tissue was studied by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), light microscopy, and cryoscanning electron microscopy (cryo‐SEM). The CLSM image obtained by acridine orange staining of the novel tissue revealed its characteristic nuclei distribution: rod‐shaped nuclei of 10–20 μm length aligned in a broken‐line/striped fashion. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed the threadlike structure passing through a lymphatic valve as histologically distinct from lymphatic vessels and valves. The cryo‐SEM image showed the threadlike structure inside a collapsed lymphatic vessel. There were spherical globular structures observable inside sinuses in a rapidly frozen sample, which suggests liquid flowing through the longitudinal ductules in the threadlike structure. The specific staining of the JGB suggests that these threadlike structures inside lymphatic vessels have a high density of mitochondria in their cells and/or nerve‐like properties, either of which may provide important clues to their physiological function. Anat Rec (Part B: New Anat) 286B:1–7, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of mixing in a novel wavy‐walled bioreactor for tissue engineering
Authors: Bilgen Bahar , Chang‐Mateu I. Midey , Barabino Gilda A.
Published: September 2005

The wavy‐walled bioreactor (WWB) possesses a novel geometry comprised of walls with sinusoidal waves that mimic baffles in an effort to promote mixing. This geometry provides a unique hydrodynamic environment suitable for the cultivation of mammalian cells and tissues and the investigation of fluid mechanical effects on cell and tissue growth and development. In the present study, mixing in WWB was characterized and compared to that in a conventional spinner flask (SF). The key parameters included in this characterization were mixing time, residence time distribution (RTD), and dissolved oxygen concentration during engineered cartilage tissue cultivation. Factors that influenced mixing in WWB included wave amplitude, agitation rate, and the ratio of the impeller diameter to the tank diameter (D/T). Data obtained from RTD and acid base neutralization studies confirmed the presence of different mixing zones in WWB. A theoretical comparison of WWB to a baffled spinner flask (BSF) using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling predicted that while enhanced mixing was achieved in wavy‐walled and BSF bioreactors, the shear stresses applied on tissue constructs were 15% lower in WWB. Improved mixing was achieved in WWB compared to the SF at similar D/T ratios, verified by improved oxygen transport and increased dispersion. However, for lower D/T ratios mixing in WWB was not necessarily improved. This study demonstrated the importance of characterization of mixing by showing the impact of even minor changes in bioreactor geometry and operating conditions. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Randomized clinical trial of vertical or transverse laparotomy for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
Authors: Fassiadis N , Roidl M , Hennig M , South L M , Andrews S M
Published: September 2005

Background

The objective of this randomized trial was to evaluate the incidence of incisional hernia after transverse or vertical incisions for open aortic aneurysm repair.

Methods

The study group comprised 69 patients who underwent elective aneurysm repair between November 1998 and November 2000 (60 men, nine women; mean age 72·8 (range 56–95) years). Patients were randomized to a transverse (n = 32) or vertical (n = 37) incision for the procedure. Of the 42 patients who were still alive in February 2004, 37 (15 transverse, 22 vertical incisions) attended for review. Laparotomy scars were assessed both clinically and ultrasonographically by the same examiner, to look for incisional hernia.

Results

Mean follow-up was 4·4 years. A multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the type of incision was the only parameter that significantly influenced the rate of incisional hernia: six of 15 patients with a transverse laparotomy versus 20 of 22 with a vertical laparotomy (P = 0·010).

Conclusion

The incidence of incisional hernia was high after aortic aneurysm repair, but was lower in patients who had a transverse incision.
Randomized clinical trial of postoperative fondaparinux versus perioperative dalteparin for prevention of venous thromboembolism in high-risk abdominal surgery
Authors: Agnelli G , Bergqvist D , Cohen A T , Gallus A S , Gent M
Published: September 2005

Background

The aim of this study was to assess whether the synthetic factor Xa inhibitor fondaparinux reduced the risk of venous thromboembolism more efficiently than the low molecular weight heparin dalteparin in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

Methods

In a double-blind double-dummy randomized study, patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery under general anaesthesia received once-daily subcutaneous injections of fondaparinux 2·5 mg or dalteparin 5000 units for 5–9 days. Fondaparinux was started 6 h after surgery. The first two doses of dalteparin, 2500 units each, were given 2 h before surgery and 12 h after the preoperative administration. The primary outcome measure was a composite of deep vein thrombosis detected by bilateral venography and symptomatic, confirmed deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism up until day 10. The main safety outcome measure was major bleeding during treatment.

Results

Among 2048 patients evaluable for efficacy, the rate of venous thromboembolism was 4·6 per cent (47 of 1027) with fondaparinux compared with 6·1 per cent (62 of 1021) with dalteparin, a relative risk reduction of 24·6 (95 per cent confidence interval −9·0 to 47·9) per cent (P = 0·144), which met the predetermined criterion for non-inferiority of fondaparinux. Major bleeding was observed in 49 (3·4 per cent) of 1433 patients given fondaparinux and 34 (2·4 per cent) of 1425 given dalteparin (P = 0·122).

Conclusion

Postoperative fondaparinux was at least as effective as perioperative dalteparin in patients undergoing high-risk abdominal surgery.
Nanostructured Ordering of Fluorescent Markers and Single Proteins on Substrates
Authors: Groll Juergen , Albrecht Krystyna , Gasteier Peter , Riethmueller Silke , Ziener Ulrich , Moeller Martin
Published: September 2005

Highly ordered hexagonal nanopatterns of gold clusters on glass substrates were used as anchoring points for the specifc attachment of fluorescence dyes and proteins labeled with fluorescence dyes. Thiol‐ or disulfide‐containing linker molecules were used for the binding to the gold dots. In order to ensure specific binding on the gold dots only, the surface area in between the dots was protected against unspecific adsorption. For the attachment of polar low‐molecular‐weight fluorescence dyes, an octadecyltrichlorosilane self‐assembled monolayer was prepared on the surface in between the gold dots, whereas a layer prepared from star‐shaped poly(ethylene oxide‐stat‐propylene oxide) prepolymers was used to prevent unspecific adsorption of proteins between the gold dots. Fluorescence microscopy proved the specific binding of the dyes as well as of the proteins. Scanning force microscopy studies show that each gold dot is only capable of binding one protein at a time.
An Experimental and Molecular‐Modeling Study of the Binding of Linked Sulfated Tetracyclitols to FGF‐1 and FGF‐2
Authors: Cochran Siska , Li Cai Ping , Bytheway Ian
Published: September 2005

The experimental binding affinities of a series of linked sulfated tetracyclitols [Cyc2N‐R‐NCyc2, where Cyc=C6H6(OSO3Na)3 and R=(CH2)n (n=2–10), p‐xylyl or (C2H4)2‐Ncyc] for the fibroblast growth factors FGF‐1 and FGF‐2 have been measured by using a surface plasmon resonance assay. The KD values range from 7.0 nM to 1.1 μM for the alkyl‐linked ligands. The binding affinity is independent of the flexibility of the linker, as replacement of the alkyl linker with a rigid p‐xylyl group did not affect the KD. Calculations suggest that binding modes for the p‐xylyl‐linked ligand are similar to those calculated for the flexible alkyl‐linked tetracyclitols. The possible formation of cross‐linked FGF:cyclitol complexes was examined by determining KD values at increasing protein concentrations. No changes in KD were observed; this suggesting that only 1:1 complexes are formed under these assay conditions. Monte Carlo multiple‐minima calculations of low‐energy conformers of the FGF‐bound ligands showed that all of the sulfated tetracyclitol ligands can bind effectively in the heparan sulfate‐binding sites of FGF‐1 and FGF‐2. Binding affinities of these complexes were estimated by the Linear Interaction Energy (LIE) method to within a root‐mean‐square deviation of 1 kcal mol−1 of the observed values. The effect of incorporating cations to balance the overall charge of the complexes during the LIE calculations was also explored.
A Formal Total Synthesis of Eleutherobin Using the Ring‐Closing Metathesis (RCM) Reaction of a Densely Functionalized Diene as the Key Step: Investigation of the Unusual Kinetically Controlled RCM Stereochemistry
Authors: Castoldi Damiano , Caggiano Lorenzo , Panigada Laura , Sharon Ofer , Costa Anna M. , Gennari Cesare
Published: September 2005

Asymmetric oxyallylation reactions and ring‐closing metathesis have been used to synthesize compound 3, a key advanced intermediate used in the total synthesis of eleutherobin reported by Danishefsky and co‐workers. The aldehyde 6, which is readily prepared from commercially available R‐(−)‐carvone in six steps in 30 % overall yield on multigram quantities, was converted into the diene 5 utilizing two stereoselective titanium‐mediated Hafner–Duthaler oxyallylation reactions. The reactions gave the desired products (8 and 12) in high yields (73 and 83 %, respectively) as single diastereoisomers, with the allylic alcohol already protected as the p‐methoxyphenyl (PMP) ether, which previous work has demonstrated actually aids ring‐closing metathesis compared to other protective groups and the corresponding free alcohol. Cyclization under forcing conditions, using Grubbs' second‐generation catalyst 13, gave the ten‐membered carbocycle (E)‐14 in 64 % yield. This result is in sharp contrast to similar, but less functionalized, dienes, which have all undergone cyclization to give the Z stereoisomers exclusively. A detailed investigation of this unusual cyclization stereochemistry by computational methods has shown that the E isomer of the ten‐membered carbocycle is indeed less thermodynamically stable than the corresponding Z isomer. In fact, the selectivity is believed to be due to the dense functionality around the ruthenacyclobutane intermediate that favors the trans‐ruthenacycle, which ultimately leads to the less stable E isomer of the ten‐membered carbocycle under kinetic control. During the final synthetic manipulations the double bond of enedione (E)‐16 isomerized to the more thermodynamically stable enedione (Z)‐4, giving access to the advanced key‐intermediate 3, which was spectroscopically and analytically identical to the data reported by Danishefsky and co‐workers, and thereby completing the formal synthesis of eleutherobin.
Aberrant methylation of H‐cadherin (CDH13) promoter is associated with tumor progression in primary nonsmall cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Seuk Kim Jin , Han Joungho , Shim Young Mog , Park Joobae , Kim Duk‐Hwan
Published: September 2005

BACKGROUND

Abnormalities in the H‐cadherin gene have been reported in several human malignancies, including nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Aberrant methylation of the H‐cadherin promoter also has been reported in NSCLC, but its clinical significance remains to be elucidated.

METHODS

The authors studied H‐cadherin methylation in 305 patients with NSCLC to gain a further understanding of the clinicopathologic and prognostic significance of H‐cadherin methylation in patients with NSCLC. The methylation status of the H‐cadherin gene was investigated by using methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction analysis in paraffin blocks from 305 patients with NSCLC. Ki‐67 expression was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. All statistical analyses were 2‐sided with a 5% Type I error rate.

RESULTS

H‐cadherin methylation was observed in 130 of 305 tumor samples (43%). The prevalence of H‐cadherin methylation was associated significantly with pathologic stage and was observed in 44% of patients with Stage I disease, in 23% of patients with Stage II disease, in 59% of patients with Stage III, and in 88% of patients with Stage IV disease (P = 0.001). H‐cadherin methylation occurred with a 2.71 times greater prevalence (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.21–6.09; P = 0.01) T2 tumors than in T1 tumors and with a 3.78‐fold greater prevalence (95% CI, 1.05–13.59; P = 0.04) in T3 tumors than in T1 tumors. However, lymph node metastasis was related inversely with H‐cadherin methylation (odds ratio = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.28–0.95; P = 0.03), and H‐cadherin methylation was not associated with the Ki‐67 labeling index (P = 0.53) or with tumor size (P = 0.89). No relation was found between H‐cadherin methylation and survival in patients with Stage I NSCLC (P = 0.51) or in patients with Stage II NSCLC (P = 0.46).

CONCLUSIONS

The current findings suggested an association between H‐cadherin methylation and tumor progression in NSCLC but had no prognostic significance in patients with early‐stage NSCLC. In addition, H‐cadherin methylation may be a valuable candidate molecular marker for the early detection of NSCLC. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Morphological changes in the Royal College of Surgeons rat retina during photoreceptor degeneration and after cell‐based therapy
Authors: Wang Shaomei , Lu Bin , Lund Raymond D.
Published: September 2005

There are concomitant morphological and functional changes in the inner retina during the course of photoreceptor degeneration in a range of animal models of retina degeneration and in humans with eye disease. One concern that has been raised is that the changes occurring in the inner retina might compromise attempts to rescue or restore visual input by various interventional approaches. It is known that cell‐based therapy can preserve significant visual capability for many months. In this study, we examine the overall changes in the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat during degeneration and the effects of cell transplantation by means of immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy. The degenerative changes are complex, and they progress with age. They involve the neurons with which both rods and cones interconnect—retinal second‐ and third‐order neurons underwent dramatic modification, including sprouting, retraction as photoreceptor loss progressed—as well as Müller glia and secondary vascular changes, which were associated at later times with neuronal migration. The pathological vascular changes led to major disruption of inner retina. After introducing a retinal pigment epithelial cell line to the subretinal space early in the progress of photoreceptor degeneration, most inner retinal changes were held in abeyance for up to at least 10 months of age. Given the concern that has been raised regarding whether inner retinal changes might compromise any graft‐related benefit, this is an encouraging finding. J. Comp. Neurol. 491:400–417, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Branching patterns of parabrachial neurons projecting to the central extended amgydala: Single axonal reconstructions
Authors: Sarhan Maysa , Freund‐Mercier Marie‐Jose , Veinante Pierre
Published: September 2005

Electrophysiological evidence suggests that the spinoparabrachioamygdaloid pathway carries nociceptive information that may be important for the elaboration of physiological and emotional responses to noxious events. The pontine parabrachial nucleus (pPB) sends a massive projection to the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) and lateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTL), both regions belonging to a broader macrostructure, the central extended amygdala (EAc). The aim of this study was to examine whether different EAc components are targeted by a same pPB neuron, by reconstructing single axonal branching patterns after anterograde labelling. Small deposits of biotinylated dextran amine in the region of the external lateral pPB result in dense and specific labelling in the whole EAc. Reconstructed axons innervate either the lateral or the capsular part of the CeA with perisomatic or bushy terminals, respectively. A subset of axons enters the stria terminalis rostrally to follow its trajectory caudally toward the CeA. Individual axons targeting the CeA usually send collaterals to other EAc components, especially those projecting to the lateral CeA, which often coinnervate the BSTL. By contrast, only few branches were found outside the EAc. These results suggest that the noxious information travelling from the pPB to the CeA may also be transmitted to other EAc components. This pPB‐EAc pathway, which appears distinct from the parabrachiohypothalamic and parabrachiothalamic projections, would be the anatomical basis through which the EAc elaborates the autonomic, endocrine, and emotional components of pain. J. Comp. Neurol. 491:418–442, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution of contacts from vestibulospinal axons on the dendrites of splenius motoneurons
Authors: Grande Giovanbattista , Armstrong Stacey , Neuber‐Hess Monica , Rose P.K.
Published: September 2005

Current descriptions of the organization of synapses on the dendritic trees of spinal motoneurons indicate that the inputs are arranged in several patterns: some are widely distributed; some are distributed to proximal dendrites; others are distributed based on the trajectory of the dendrites. However, the principles governing the organization of synapses on spinal motoneurons remain poorly defined. Our goal was to extend the descriptions of the distribution of synapses, identified by their source, on the dendritic trees of spinal motoneurons. We combined anterograde and intracellular staining techniques in cats to determine the distribution of contacts between excitatory axons from the rostral aspect of the descending vestibular nucleus and the dendrites of motoneurons supplying a dorsal neck muscle, splenius. In five of five motoneurons, the contacts were preferentially distributed on dendrites medial to the soma. This qualitative observation was confirmed by using Monte Carlo methods. The results from this analysis showed that the distribution of contacts can be explained not by the overall distribution of the dendritic membrane area but rather by a systematic innervation of the medial regions of the dendritic trees (P < 0.02). Despite this selectivity, there was no additional bias in the distribution of contacts to proximal vs. distal dendrites. By concentrating excitatory synapses in a restricted region of the dendritic tree, the actions of vestibulospinal connections on neck motoneurons may be increased as a result of a greater probability of activating persistent inward currents on the dendrites. J. Comp. Neurol. 491:339–351, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A message delivery method for highly mobile agents based on clustering
Authors: Ohta Tomoyuki , Masuda Yasuo , Inoue Shinji , Kakuda Yoshiaki , Ito Atsushi
Published: September 2005

This paper discusses methods of sending messages from a source that created a mobile agent (MA) to the MA, which has moved. These methods include the Home‐Proxy method and Broadcast method. However, with these techniques, it is possible that the transmitted messages may not be delivered to an MA that is frequently moving around on the network. A method for resolving this problem has been proposed by Murphy and Picco (hereafter termed the Murphy method). Although the Murphy method can reliably deliver messages to the MA, it does not take into consideration the time that elapses until the messages are delivered to the MA. The authors propose a method for delivering messages in the shortest possible time (hereafter termed the clustering method) by partitioning the entire network into multiple areas (clusters) to improve this Murphy method. This paper, proposes the clustering method precisely and in detail. In addition, the validity of this method is certified by performing a logical verification. Simulation experiments are performed to compare the method and Murphy method to prove the effectiveness of the method by verifying that the time required to deliver messages to the MA decreases if the time that an MA stays at a node is not short and that the number of messages decreases if the time that an MA stays at a node is short. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 89(1): 67–80, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley. com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20184
Theoretical study on measurement accuracy of rotating element electric field vector (REV) method
Authors: Takahashi Toru , Miyashita Hiroaki , Konishi Yoshihiko , Makino Shigeru
Published: September 2005

The rotating element electric field vector (REV) method is an extremely effective measurement technique for calibration of a phased array. However, if there is any error in the excitation amplitude and phase of each element antenna, the measurements will contain an error. In this paper, the relationship between the error of the excitation amplitude and phase of each element and the measurement error of the REV method is obtained by means of probabilistic analysis theory. In the derivation of the theoretical equation, we study the error in the combined power of the array antenna (to be called the array combined power) when the excitation phase of the element is varied in accordance with the measurement principle of the REV method. Then, the error from the ideal condition without any error in the excitation amplitude and phase is expressed in terms of probability density profile. Next, the relationship between the error in the array combined power and the measurement error of the REV method is given by an approximate formula. As a result, it is clarified that the error of the excitation amplitude and phase of each element and the measurement error of the REV method can be related by a simple theoretical equation. The effectiveness of the derived theoretical formula is verified experimentally, indicating that the measurement accuracy of the REV method is amenable to analysis. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 89(1): 22–33, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20239
Methods for quantification of mass emissions from leaking process equipment when using optical imaging for leak detection
Authors: Lev‐On Miriam , Taback Hal , Epperson David , Siegell Jeffrey , Gilmer Lee , Ritter Karin
Published: September 2005

A cost‐effective fugitive emission reduction program should focus on locating and repairing the very high leakers. Although these components (such as valves, pumps, compressors, flanges, etc.) represent <1% of the total component count, they are the major contributor to overall mass emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Optical imaging technologies allow greater efficiencies in simultaneously monitoring large numbers of process piping components. Therefore, locating very high leakers can be done more frequently at reasonable costs and quicker repair of these very high leakers will result in lower overall emissions.

This new approach to leak detection and repair (LDAR), called “Smart‐LDAR,” will result in better emissions control when compared with current U.S. federal and state work practices. Under Smart LDAR, plants will have the flexibility to implement inspection and maintenance procedures that are based on combinations of leak definitions for repair, monitoring frequencies, and components included. With the adoption of a Smart LDAR emissions control strategy, new approaches for the quantification of fugitive emissions from process components are required. This paper discusses options for such mass emission quantification that could be used for reporting requirements. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2005
Analysis of a robust reputation system for self‐organised networks
Authors: Mundinger Jochen , Boudec Jean‐Yves Le
Published: September 2005

Self‐organised networks require some mechanism to ensure cooperation and fairness. A promising approach is the use of decentralised reputation systems. However, their vulnerability to liars has not yet been analysed in detail. In this paper, we provide a first step to the robustness analysis of a reputation system based on a deviation test. Users accept second‐hand information only if this does not differ too much from their reputation values. We simplify the original system in order to obtain a one‐dimensional formulation and show that it exhibits a phase transition. In the subcritical regime, the reputation system is robust. In the supercritical regime, lying has an impact. We obtain the critical values via a mean‐field approach and verify the results by explicit computation. Thus, we provide conditions for the deviation test to make the reputation system robust as well as quantitative results on what goes wrong in the supercritical regime. Copyright © 2005 AEIT.
Dietary Factors Alter Hepatic Innate Immune System in Mice With Nonalcoholic Ratty Liver Disease * #
Authors: Li Zhiping , Soloski Mark J. , Diehl Anna Mae
Published: September 2005

Dietary factors promote obesity and obesity-related disorders, such as fatty liver disease. Natural killer T (NKT) cells are components of the innate immune system that regulate proinflammatory (Th-1) and anti-inflammatory (Th-2) immune responses. Previously, we noted that NKT cells are selectively reduced in the fatty livers of obese, leptin-deficient

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/

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mice and demonstrated that this promotes proinflammatory polarization of hepatic cytokine production, exacerbating lipopolysaccharide (LPS) liver injury in these animals. In the current study, we show that hepatic NKT cells are also depleted by diets that induce obesity and fatty livers in wild-type mice, promoting Th-1 polarization of hepatic cytokine production and sensitization to LPS liver injury despite persistent leptin. Adult male C57BL6 mice fed diets containing high amounts of either fat or sucrose, or combined high-fat, high-sucrose, develop increased hepatic NKT cell apoptosis and reduced liver NKT cells. The hepatic lymphocytes are more Th-1 polarized with increased intracellular interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Mice fed high-fat diets also exhibit more liver injury, reflected by 2-fold greater serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) than control animals after receiving LPS.
In conclusion
, when otherwise normal mice are fed with high-fat or sucrose diet, they become obese, develop fatty livers, and acquire hepatic innate immune system abnormalities, including increased NKT cell apoptosis. The latter reduces liver NKT cell populations and promotes excessive hepatic production of Th-1 cytokines that promote hepatic inflammation. These diet-induced alterations in the hepatic innate immune system may contribute to obesity-related liver disease. (Hepatology 2005;42:880–885.)
Fibroblast Activation Protein Increases Apoptosis, Cell Adhesion, and Migration by the LX-2 Human Stellate Cell Line *
Authors: Wang Xin Maggie , Yu Denise Ming Tse , McCaughan Geoffrey W. , Gorrell Mark D.
Published: September 2005

Injury and repair in chronic liver disease involve cell adhesion, migration, apoptosis, proliferation, and a wound healing response. In liver, fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has both collagenase and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPIV) activities and is expressed only by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and myofibroblasts, which produce and degrade extracellular matrix (ECM). FAP was colocalized with collagen fibers, fibronectin, and collagen type I in human liver. FAP function was examined

in vitro

by expressing green fluorescent protein FAP fusion protein in cell lines cultured on collagen-I, fibronectin, and Matrigel. Glutamates at 203 and 204 as well as serine624 of FAP were essential for peptidase activity. Human embryonic kidney 293T cells overexpressing FAP showed reduced adhesion and migration. FAP overexpression in the human HSC line LX-2 caused increased cell adhesion and migration on ECM proteins as well as invasion across transwells in the absence or presence of transforming growth factor beta-1. FAP overexpression enhanced staurosporine streptomyces–stimulated apoptosis in both cell lines. Interestingly, the enzyme activity of FAP was not required for these functions. Overexpressing FAP increased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and CD44 and reduced integrin-β1 expression in 293T cells, suggesting potential pathways of FAP-mediated impairment of cell adhesion and migration in this epithelial cell line.
In conclusion
, these findings further support a pro-fibrogenic role for FAP by indicating that, in addition to its enzymatic functions, FAP has important nonenzymatic functions that in chronic liver injury may facilitate tissue remodeling through FAP-mediated enhancement of HSC cell adhesion, migration, and apoptosis.

Supplementary material for this article can be found on the Hepatology website (

http://www.interscience.wiley.com/jpages/0270-9139/suppmat/index.html
).
(Hepatology 2005;42:935–945.)
Immunohistochemical Analysis of Cytokeratin 7 Expression in Resting and Proliferating Biliary Structures of Rat Liver *
Authors: Paku Sándor , Dezső Katalin , Kopper László , Nagy Peter
Published: September 2005

Cytokeratins are the largest subfamily of intermediate filament proteins and include more than 20 different gene products, which are expressed in an epithelial tissue-specific manner. We studied by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy the distribution of cytokeratin subtypes in the biliary system of adult rat liver. A cytokeratin (CK)19+/7− cholangiocyte population was observed in the smaller branches of the biliary tree including the canals of Hering. They proliferated after 2-acetaminofluorene (AAF) administration, although later the typical oval cells expressed CK7. This observation suggests that cholangiocytes with this cytokeratin phenotype may harbor adult hepatic stem cells. The CK19+/7− cholangiocytes were not present in the rat liver at birth, but developed postnatally. Similar cell populations were not observed in human livers.
In conclusion
, we propose that the CK19+/7− phenotype may be characteristic for adult hepatic stem cells in rat liver and that these cells are generated

de novo

after birth.

Supplementary material for this article can be found on the Hepatology website (

http://www.interscience.wiley.com/jpages/0270-9139/suppmat/index.html

).

(Hepatology 2005;42:863–870.)
Comparison of Indices of Vitamin A Status in Children With Chronic Liver Disease *
Authors: Feranchak Andrew P. , Gralla Jane , King Robert , Ramirez Rebecca O. , Corkill Mary , Narkewicz Michael R. , Sokol Ronald J.
Published: September 2005

Malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins is a major complication of chronic cholestatic liver disease. The most accurate way to assess vitamin A status in children who have cholestasis is unknown. The goal of this study was to assess the accuracy of noninvasive tests to detect vitamin A deficiency. Children with chronic cholestatic liver disease (n = 23) and noncholestatic liver disease (n = 10) were studied. Ten cholestatic patients were identified as vitamin A–deficient based on the relative dose response (RDR). Compared with the RDR, the sensitivity and specificity to detect vitamin A deficiency for each test was, respectively: serum retinol, 90% and 78%; retinol-binding protein (RBP), 40% and 91%; retinol/RBP molar ratio, 60% and 74%; conjunctival impression cytology, 44% and 48%; slit-lamp examination, 20% and 66%; tear film break-up time, 40% and 69%; and Schirmer's test, 20% and 78%. We developed a modified oral RDR via oral coadministration of d-alpha tocopheryl polyethylene glycol-1000 succinate and retinyl palmitate. This test had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 100% to detect vitamin A deficiency.
In conclusion
, vitamin A deficiency is relatively common in children who have chronic cholestatic liver disease. Our data suggest that serum retinol level as an initial screen followed by confirmation with a modified oral RDR test is the most effective means of identifying vitamin A deficiency in these subjects. (Hepatology 2005;42:782–792.)
CCR5 Deficiency Exacerbates T-Cell–Mediated Hepatitis in Mice *
Authors: Moreno Christophe , Gustot Thierry , Nicaise Charles , Quertinmont Eric , Nagy Nathalie , Parmentier Marc , Le Moine Olivier , Devière Jacques , Louis Hubert
Published: September 2005

Experimental T-cell–mediated hepatitis induced by concanavalin A (Con A) involves the production of different cytokines and chemokines and is characterized by leukocyte infiltration. Because the chemokine receptor CCR5 and its ligands (CCL3, CCL4, and CCL5) regulate leukocyte chemotaxis and activation, we investigated the role of CCR5 during Con A–induced liver injury. Serum levels of CCR5 ligands and their hepatic transcript levels were significantly increased after Con A injection, whereas CCR5+ liver mononuclear cells were recruited to the liver. CCR5-deficient (CCR5−/−) mice disclosed increased mortality and liver injury following Con A administration compared with wild-type mice. CCR5−/− mice also exhibited increased production of interleukin 4, tumor necrosis factor α, CCL3, CCL4, and CCL5, and a prominent liver mononuclear cell infiltrate, among which many cells were CCR1+.

In vivo

neutralization of CCR5 ligands in CCR5−/− mice afforded a protection against hepatitis only when CCL5 was neutralized.
In conclusion
, CCR5 deficiency exacerbates T-cell–mediated hepatitis, and leads to increased levels of CCR5 ligands and a more pronounced liver mononuclear infiltrate, suggesting that CCR5 expression can modulate severity of immunomediated liver injury. (Hepatology 2005;42:854–862.)
Reduced Susceptibility to Cholesterol Gallstone Formation in Mice That Do Not Produce Apolipoprotein B48 in the Intestine *
Authors: Wang Helen H. , Wang David Q.-H.
Published: September 2005

It has been found that polymorphisms in the apolipoprotein (APO)-B gene are associated with cholesterol gallstones in humans. We hypothesized that APO-B plays a major regulatory role in the response of biliary cholesterol secretion to high dietary cholesterol and contributes to cholesterol gallstone formation. In the present study, we investigated whether lack of expression of intestinal

Apob48

or

Apob100

reduces susceptibility to cholesterol gallstones by decreasing intestinal absorption and biliary secretion of cholesterol in male mice homozygous for an “APO-B48 only” allele (

Apob

48/48

), an “APO-B100 only” allele (

Apob

100/100

), or a wild-type APO-B allele (

Apob

+/+) before and during an 8-week lithogenic diet. We found that cholesterol absorption was significantly decreased as a result of the APO-B48 deficiency in

Apob

100/100

mice compared with wild-type and

Apob

48/48

mice, regardless of whether chow or the lithogenic diet was administered. Consequently, hepatic cholesterol synthesis was significantly increased in

Apob

100/100

mice compared with wild-type and

Apob

48/48

mice. On chow, the APO-B100 deficiency in

Apob

48/48

mice with reduced plasma levels of LDL/VLDL —but not HDL cholesterol—induced relative hyposecretion of biliary bile salts and phospholipids accompanying normal biliary cholesterol secretion. Compared with

Apob

48/48

and wild-type mice, lithogenic diet–fed

Apob

100/100

mice displayed significantly lower secretion rates of biliary cholesterol, but not phospholipid or bile salts, which results in significant decreases in prevalence rates, numbers, and sizes of gallstones.
In conclusion
, absence of expression of intestinal

Apob48

, but not

Apob100

, reduces biliary cholesterol secretion and cholelithogenesis, possibly by decreasing intestinal absorption and hepatic bioavailability. (Hepatology 2005;42:894–904.)
Cholesterol Accumulation and Liver Cell Death in Mice With Niemann-Pick Type C Disease *
Authors: Beltroy Eduardo P. , Richardson James A. , Horton Jay D. , Turley Stephen D. , Dietschy John M.
Published: September 2005

Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease develops as a result of mutations in the

NPC1

gene that encodes a protein involved in the net movement of unesterified cholesterol from the late endosomal/lysosomal compartment to the metabolically active pool of sterol in the cytosol of virtually every cell in the body. Although early publications emphasized the neurodegeneration occurring in children with this mutation, more recent clinical information suggests that serious liver disease also is an important part of this syndrome. These studies, therefore, were undertaken to characterize the liver dysfunction seen in mice with this same mutation. The NPC mouse develops significant hepatomegaly that reaches 8% of body weight at 5 to 6 weeks of age. This increase in liver size is associated with a linear increase in cholesterol content and with accumulation of amorphous cellular inclusions in both hepatocytes and macrophages. During the few weeks after birth, significant elevation of the plasma alkaline phosphatase level occurs, as also is seen in the human infant with this disease. At 4 to 5 weeks of age, plasma aminotransferase levels also rise abruptly. Histologically, at this time there is apoptosis, but no excess deposition of collagen or glycogen. mRNA expression is elevated for caspase 1, caspase 6, and several enzymes associated with sterol biosynthesis and bile acid formation.
In conclusion
, the NPC mouse has liver disease similar to that seen in the NPC infant and represents a relevant model for exploring the molecular events occurring in this form of liver disease. (Hepatology 2005;42:886–893.)