bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioinorganic Chemistry of Group 12 Complexes Supported by Tetradentate Tripodal Ligands Having Internal Hydrogen‐Bond Donors
Authors: Berreau Lisa M.
Published: December 2005

Inspired by the proposed role of secondary hydrogen‐bonding interactions in modulating the chemistry of mononuclear zinc centers in metalloenzymes, zinc complexes supported by tetradentate tripodal ligands having one or more internal hydrogen‐bond donors have been prepared, characterized, and investigated for biologically relevant reactivity. Complexes of this class have been examined in terms of water activation and CO2 reactivity, alcohol/alkoxide coordination, and amide methanolysis and phosphate ester hydrolysis reactivity. The results of these studies indicate that the presence of internal hydrogen‐bond donors will lower the pKa of a zinc‐bound water molecule, stabilize zinc alkoxide species with respect to hydrolysis, and enhance the phosphate ester cleavage reactivity of mononuclear zinc complexes. In addition, use of tripodal ligands having a single internal hydrogen‐bond donor has enabled the isolation of a novel cadmium hydroxide complex and examination of its CO2 chemistry, as well as the identification of a novel amide cleavage reaction which proceeds by initial formation of a deprotonated amide intermediate. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Multivariate statistical tools applied to the characterization of the proteomic profiles of two human lymphoma cell lines by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis
Authors: Marengo Emilio , Robotti Elisa , Bobba Marco , Liparota Maria Cristina , Rustichelli Chiara , Zamò Alberto , Chilosi Marco , Righetti Pier Giorgio
Published: December 2005

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) cell lines have been difficult to generate, since only few have been described so far and even fewer have been thoroughly characterized. Among them, there is only one cell line, called GRANTA‐519, which is well established and universally adopted for most lymphoma studies. We succeeded in establishing a new MCL cell line, called MAVER‐1, from a leukemic MCL, and performed a thorough phenotypical, cytogenetical and molecular characterization of the cell line. In the present report, the phenotypic expression of GRANTA‐519 and MAVER‐1 cell lines has been compared and evaluated by a proteomic approach, exploiting 2‐D map analysis. By univariate statistical analysis (Student's t‐test, as commonly used in most commercial software packages), most of the protein spots were found to be identical between the two cell lines. Thirty spots were found to be unique for the GRANTA‐519, whereas another 11 polypeptides appeared to be expressed only by the MAVER‐1 cell line. A number of these spots could be identified by MS. These data were confirmed and expanded by multivariate statistical tools (principal component analysis and soft‐independent model of class analogy) that allowed identification of a larger number of differently expressed spots. Multivariate statistical tools have the advantage of reducing the risk of false positives and of identifying spots that are significantly altered in terms of correlated expression rather than absolute expression values. It is thus suggested that, in future work in differential proteomic profiling, both univariate and multivariate statistical tools should be adopted.
Higher education and workforce development: A strategic role for institutional research
Authors: Voorhees Richard A. , Harvey Lee
Published: December 2005

This chapter discusses how workforce development initiatives vary widely across governments and institutions, and how institutional research can help bridge the gaps between them.
Embedding and integrating employability
Authors: Harvey Lee
Published: December 2005

Who bears the responsibility for ensuring that graduates are prepared to enter the job market? This chapter explores the issues surrounding the employability of graduates.
Accountability measures in workforce training
Authors: Phillippe Kent A.
Published: December 2005

Accountability and reporting mechanisms go hand in hand with government programs that promote workforce development. This chapter describes current practice in the United States and suggests how institutional researchers can help improve the process of documenting outcomes.
Engaging institutions in workforce development: Career pathways for disadvantaged adults
Authors: Alssid Julian L. , Gruber David , Jenkins Davis , Mazzeo Christopher , Roberts Brandon , Stanback‐Stroud Regina
Published: December 2005

Disadvantaged adult students need special support and clear pathways to economic self‐sufficiency. Programs that support them require clear data and information about their success to move forward.
An action agenda for institutional researchers
Authors: Harvey Lee , Voorhees Richard A.
Published: December 2005

This chapter describes techniques and projects that most institutions need if they are to be viable in an increasingly competitive labor market. The authors assert that institutional researchers who increase their involvement in workforce development initiatives can become more valuable to their institution.
Relative sea‐level changes since 15 000 cal. yr BP in the Nanortalik area, southern Greenland
Authors: Sparrenbom C. J. , Bennike O. , Björck S. , Lambeck K.
Published: December 2005

We present new results for relative sea‐level change for southern Greenland for the interval from 9000 cal. yr BP to the present. Together with earlier work from the same region this yields a nearly complete record from the time of deglaciation to the present. Isolation and/or transgression sequences in one lake and five tidal basins have been identified using lithostratigraphic analyses, sedimentary characteristics, magnetic susceptibility, saturated induced remanent magnetisation (SIRM), organic and carbonate content, and macrofossil analyses. AMS radiocarbon dating of macrofossils and bulk sediment samples provides the timescale. Relative sea level fell rapidly and reached present‐day level at ∼9300 cal. yr BP and continued falling until at least 9000 cal. yr BP. Between 8000 and 6000 cal. yr BP sea level reached its lowest level of around ∼10 m below highest astronomical tide. At around 5000 cal. yr BP, sea level had reached above 7.8 m below highest astronomical tide and slowly continued to rise, not reaching present‐day sea level until today. The isostatic rebound caused rapid isolation of the basins that are seen as distinct isolation contacts in the sediments. In contrast, the late Holocene transgressions are less well defined and occurred over longer time intervals. The late Holocene sea‐level rise may be a consequence of isostatic reloading by advancing glaciers and/or an effect of the delayed response to isostatic rebound of the Laurentide ice sheet. One consequence of this transgression is that settlements of Palaeo‐Eskimo cultures may be missing in southern Greenland. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tephra‐linked peat humification records from Irish ombrotrophic bogs question nature of solar forcing at 850 cal. yr BC
Authors: Plunkett G.
Published: December 2005

This paper investigates evidence for palaeoclimatic changes during the period ca. 1500–500 cal. yr BC through peat humification studies on seven Irish ombrotrophic bogs. The sites are well‐correlated by the identification of three mid‐first millennium BC tephras, which enable the humification records at specific points in time to be directly compared. Phases of temporarily increased wetness are suggested at ca. 1300–1250 cal. yr BC, ca. 1150–1050 cal. yr BC, ca. 940 cal. yr BC and ca. 740 cal. yr BC. The last of these is confirmed to be synchronous at five sites, suggesting external forcing on a regional scale. The timing of this wet‐shift is constrained by two closely dated tephras and is demonstrated to be distinct from the widely reported changes to cooler/wetter conditions associated with a solar minimum at 850–760 cal. yr BC, at which time the Irish sites appear instead to experience drier conditions. The results suggest the possibility of either non‐uniform responses to solar forcing in northwest Europe at this time, or the existence of unrelated climate events in the early first millennium BC. The findings caution against the correlation of loosely dated palaeoclimate data if the effects of forcing mechanisms are to be understood. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical kinetic simulations behind reflected shock waves
Authors: Tang Weiyong , Brezinsky Kenneth
Published: December 2005

Chemical kinetic simulations that more accurately consider reaction conditions behind reflected shock waves in a high pressure shock tube have been conducted by accounting for (1) time‐dependent temperature and pressure variations in contrast to assuming constant temperature and pressure, (2) the inclusion of reactions during quenching by cooling in contrast to the assumption of zero kinetic contributions, and (3) real gas behaviors in contrast to assuming ideal gas conditions. The primary objective of the current work is to assess the degree of uncertainty associated with assuming constant temperature and pressure and that no reactions occur during the finite time of quenching and prefect gas behavior. The assessment of the subsequent effect of the uncertainty on chemical kinetic modeling is evaluated by conducting extensive comparative studies. In order to achieve this purpose, available CHEMKIN II and CHEMKIN Real Gas codes were utilized and modified to adopt the proposed approaches. From our computational experiments, it is found: (1) For shock tube experiment with less than a 15% endwall pressure increase, the conventional assumptions lead to reasonable accuracy in predicting stable species; (2) during reaction quenching, the consumption of radical species occurs efficiently and is nearly complete once the pressure drops to 50% of its highest value, but concentrations of stable species are insignificantly perturbed by reactions occurring during quenching; and (3) at elevated pressures, the real gas effects, which are a combination of nonideal P–V–T (state variables), thermodynamic, and kinetic behaviors, affect kinetics by speeding the reaction progress up slightly and do not significantly influence the development or validation of a detailed kinetic model from shock tube data that are obtained in a wide temperature range. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 75–97, 2006
Investigations on the process of dissolution and transformation of chloropinnoite in boric acid aqueous solution at 303 K by kinetics and Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Xiaoping Li , Shiyang Gao , Zhihong Liu
Published: December 2005

Kinetics of dissolution and transformation of chloropinnoite (2MgO·2B2O3· MgCl2·14H2O) in 4.5% (wt%) boric acid aqueous solution at 303 K had been studied, and the kinetic process and mechanism were investigated by the Raman spectroscopy. According to the kinetic curve, the process of dissolution and phase transformation can be divided into three stages: dissolution stage, phase transformation induction period, and crystallization stage. The experimental results showed that when chloropinnoite dissolved in boric acid aqueous solution, MgCl2 was removed and midproduct (MgB2O(OH)6·H2O) dissolved at the same time, which was different from that of in water. Kurnakovite was a final product. The experimental data of the crystallization process have been fitted with the following mathematical modification with the aid of simplex optimum method and Runge–Kutta digital solution of differential equation system: −dc/dt = 6.31(c−0.3906)2 + 0.975(c−0.3906). Based on our experimental results and the Raman spectroscopy, kinetics and mechanism of dissolution, phase transformation, and crystallization of borate in chloropinnoite–boric acid water system are discussed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 136–143, 2006
Kinetics and mechanism study of aniline addition to ethyl propiolate
Authors: Nori‐Shargh Davood , Soltani Bita , Saroogh‐Farahani Nasrin , Deyhimi Farzad
Published: December 2005

The kinetics of the addition reaction of aniline to ethyl propiolate in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) as solvent was studied. Initial rate method was used to determine the order of the reaction with respect to the reactants, and pseudo‐first‐order method was used to calculate the rate constant. This reaction was monitored by UV–Vis spectrophotometer at 399 nm by the variable time method. On the basis of the experimental results, the Arrhenius equation for this reaction was obtained as log k = 6.07 ‐ (12.96/2.303 RT). The activation parameters, Ea, ΔH#, ΔG#, and ΔS# at 300 K were 12.96, 13.55, 23.31 kcal mol−1 and −32.76 cal mol−1 K−1, respectively. The results revealed a first‐order reaction with respect to both aniline and ethyl propiolate. In addition, based on the experimental results and using also density functional theory (DFT) at B3LYP/6‐31G* level, a mechanism for this reaction was proposed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 144–151, 2006
Iterated Neumann problem for the higher order Poisson equation
Authors: Begehr H. , Vanegas C. J.
Published: December 2005

Rewriting the higher order Poisson equation Δn u = f in a plane domain as a system of Poisson equations it is immediately clear what boundary conditions may be prescribed in order to get (unique) solutions. Neumann conditions for the Poisson equation lead to higher‐order Neumann (Neumann‐n ) problems for Δn u = f . Extending the concept of Neumann functions for the Laplacian to Neumann functions for powers of the Laplacian leads to an explicit representation of the solution to the Neumann‐n problem for Δn u = f . The representation formula provides the tool to treat more general partial differential equations with leading term Δn u in reducing them into some singular integral equations. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Existence of well‐behaved ∗︁‐representations of locally convex ∗︁‐algebras
Authors: Bhatt S. J. , Fragoulopoulou M. , Inoue A.
Published: December 2005

The following problems are investigated: (1) The existence of well‐behaved ∗︁‐representations on a ∗︁‐algebra 𝒜 equipped with an unbounded m *‐seminorm p , in terms of non‐zero p ‐continuous representable (positive) linear functionals on the domain 𝔇(p ) of p . (2) The existence of well‐behaved ∗︁‐representations of a locally convex ∗︁‐algebra 𝒜, in terms of non‐zero unbounded C *‐seminorms on 𝒜 with domain the ∗︁‐subalgebra 𝒜b generated by the hermitian part of the Allan bounded set 𝒜0 of 𝒜. (3) The existence of faithful well‐behaved ∗︁‐representations of a locally convex ∗︁‐algebra 𝒜, in terms of the so‐called unbounded Gel'fand–Naĭmark C *‐seminorm on 𝒜. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On monotonic solutions of an integral equation of Volterra–Stieltjes type
Authors: Caballero J. , Rocha J. , Sadarangani K.
Published: December 2005

The aim of this paper is to obtain monotonic solutions of an integral equation of Volterra–Stieltjes type in C [0, 1]. Existence will be established with the aid of a measures of noncompactness. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Jump processes and nonlinear fractional heat equations on metric measure spaces
Authors: Hu Jiaxin , Zähle Martina
Published: December 2005

Jump processes on metric‐measure spaces are investigated by using heat kernels. It is shown that the heat kernel corresponding to a σ ‐stable type process decays at a polynomial rate rather than at an exponential rate as a Brownian motion. The domain of the Dirichlet form associated with the jump process is a Sobolev–Slobodeckij space, and the embedding theorems for this space are derived by using the heat kernel technique. As an application, we investigate nonlinear fractional heat equations of the form

with non‐negative initial values on a metric‐measure space F , and show the non‐existence of non‐negative global solution if 1 < p ≤ 1 + $ { {\sigma \beta} \over {\alpha} } $ , where α is the Hausdorff dimension of F whilst β is the walk dimension of F . (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Weighted shift operators on Köthe spaces
Authors: Maldonado M. , Prada J.
Published: December 2005

In the context of Köthe spaces we consider a weighted shift operator, the so‐called generalized integration operatorJλand the linear continuous operatorsTthat commute with it (shift‐invariant operators); under certain conditions the shift‐invariant isomorphisms are characterized, extending known results for spaces of analytic functions. Besides a sufficient condition for an operatorP, commuting with a shift‐invariant operatorT, to commute withJλis given. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On the Hodge conjecture and the Tate conjecture for the Hilbert schemes of an abelian surface
Authors: Sugiyama Ken‐ichi
Published: December 2005

We will show the Hodge conjecture and the Tate conjecture are true for the Hilbert schemes of points on an abelian surface or on a Kummer surface. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Geometric rigidity of a class of fractal sets
Authors: Käenmäki Antti
Published: December 2005

We study geometric rigidity of a class of fractals, which is slightly larger than the collection of self‐conformal sets. Namely, using a new method, we shall prove that a set of this class is contained in a smooth submanifold or is totally spread out. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
BOLD and CBV‐weighted functional magnetic resonance imaging of the rat somatosensory system
Authors: Keilholz Shella D. , Silva Afonso C. , Raman Mira , Merkle Hellmut , Koretsky Alan P.
Published: December 2005

A multislice spin echo EPI sequence was used to obtain functional MR images of the entire rat brain with blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) and cerebral blood volume (CBV) contrast at 11.7 T. Maps of activation incidence were created by warping each image to the Paxinos rat brain atlas and marking the extent of the activated area. Incidence maps for BOLD and CBV were similar, but activation in draining veins was more prominent in the BOLD images than in the CBV images. Cerebellar activation was observed along the surface in BOLD images, but in deeper regions in the CBV images. Both effects may be explained by increased signal dropout and distortion in the EPI images after administration of the ferumoxtran‐10 contrast agent for CBV fMRI. CBV‐weighted incidence maps were also created for 10, 20, and 30 mg Fe/kg doses of ferumoxtran‐10. The magnitude of the average percentage change during stimulation increased from 4.9% with the 10 mg Fe/kg dose to 8.7% with the 30‐mg Fe/kg dose. Incidence of activation followed a similar trend. Magn Reson Med, 2006. Published 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sensitivity‐enhanced 13C MR spectroscopy of the human brain at 3 Tesla
Authors: Klomp D.W.J. , Renema W.K.J. , van der Graaf M. , de Galan B.E. , Kentgens A.P.M. , Heerschap A.
Published: December 2005

A new coil design for sensitivity‐enhanced 13C MR spectroscopy (MRS) of the human brain is presented. The design includes a quadrature transmit/receive head coil optimized for 13C MR sensitivity. Loss‐less blocking circuits inside the coil conductors allow this coil to be used inside a homogeneous circularly polarized 1H B1 field for 1H decoupled 13C MRS. A quadrature 1H birdcage coil optimized for minimal local RF heating makes broadband 1H decoupling in the entire human brain possible at 3 Tesla while remaining well within international safety guidelines for RF absorption. Apart from a substantial increase in sensitivity compared to conventional small linear coils, the quadrature 13C coil combined with the quadrature 1H birdcage coil allows efficient cross polarization (CP) in the brain, resulting in an additional 3.5‐fold sensitivity improvement compared to direct 13C measurements without nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE) or polarization transfer. Combined with the gain in power efficiency, this setup allows broadband 1H to 13C CP over large areas of the brain. Clear 13C resonances from glutamate (Glu), glutamine (Gln), aspartate (Asp), lactate (Lac), and γ‐aminobutyrate (GABA) carbon spins in the human brain demonstrate the quality of 13C MR spectra obtained in vivo with this coil setup. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Single acquisition water‐fat separation: Feasibility study for dynamic imaging
Authors: Yu Huanzhou , Reeder Scott B. , McKenzie Charles A. , Brau Anja C. S. , Shimakawa Ann , Brittain Jean H. , Pelc Norbert J.
Published: December 2005

Water‐fat separation can be challenging in the presence of field inhomogeneities. Three‐point (3‐pt) water‐fat separation methods achieve robust performance by measuring and compensating for field inhomogeneities; however, they triple the scan time. The “1+‐pt” water‐fat separation method proposed in this article for dynamic or repetitive imaging situations combines 3‐pt methods' ability to correct for field inhomogeneities with the scan efficiency of a single acquisition method to achieve high temporal and spatial resolutions and robust water‐fat separation. Single‐echo data are collected with water and fat at a relative phase shift of an odd multiple of π/2. To correct for undesired phase modulation, phase maps are estimated from a 3‐pt calibration scan acquired prior to dynamic imaging. The phase maps are assumed to be slowly varying in time, so they may be used for correcting the phase of the subsequent single‐echo signals at the same imaging location. Noise performance was investigated and shown to be equivalent to a single excitation acquisition. The 1+‐pt method can also be used in conjunction with parallel imaging. In this situation, the calibration scans required by both methods can be integrated into a shared calibration scan. Promising results were obtained in breast, abdominal, and cardiac imaging applications. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mass‐dependent decline of skeletal muscle function in cancer cachexia
Authors: Gorselink Marchel , Vaessen Stefan F.C. , van der Flier Laurens G. , Leenders Inge , Kegler Diane , Caldenhoven Eric , van der Beek Eline , van Helvoort Ardy
Published: December 2005

CD2F1 mice were inoculated with C26 adenocarcinoma cells, followed by assessment of ex vivo muscular function. Muscles from tumor‐bearing mice had a significantly lower force output during a single maximal contraction and during repeated contractions than control muscles. The relative force output, however, did not differ when corrected for muscle mass. Thus, cachexia significantly reduces absolute skeletal muscle function, but muscle “quality” appears unaltered. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Novel Lamp‐2 gene mutation and successful treatment with heart transplantation in a large family with Danon disease
Authors: Echaniz‐Laguna Andoni , Mohr Michel , Epailly Eric , Nishino Ichizo , Charron Philippe , Richard Pascale , Guiraud‐Chaumeil Christophe , Tranchant Christine
Published: December 2005

Lysosome‐associated membrane protein‐2 deficiency (LAMP‐2 deficiency), or Danon disease, is a rare X‐linked lysosomal disease characterized by cardiomyopathy, vacuolar myopathy, and mental retardation. Less than 20 families with mutations of the Lamp‐2 gene have been reported. We describe a family from Sardinia with eight affected patients (4 females and 4 males) and a novel mutation in exon 2 of the Lamp‐2 gene (c.102_103delAG). Females developed isolated cardiomyopathy in adulthood, whereas males presented with cardiomyopathy, myopathy, and mental retardation before the age of 20 years. Cardiomyopathy was lethal in three females in their 40s and in three males before the age 20 years. One patient was successfully treated by heart transplantation with more than 5‐year follow‐up. This study demonstrates that Danon disease is a frequently fatal condition that is potentially treatable with heart transplantation. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Effects of temperature on vibration‐induced damage in nerves and arteries
Authors: Govindaraju Sandya R. , Curry Brian D. , Bain James L. W. , Riley Danny A.
Published: December 2005

Vasospastic episodes in hand–arm vibration syndrome are more prevalent among power‐tool workers in cold climates. To test whether cold enhances vibration‐induced damage in arteries and nerves, tails of Sprague‐Dawley rats were vibrated at room temperature (RT) or with tail cooling (<15°C). Cold vibration resulted in a colder tail than either treatment alone. Vibration at both temperatures reduced arterial lumen size. RT vibration generated more vacuoles in arteries than cold vibration. Vibration and cold induced nitration of tyrosine residues in arteries, suggesting free‐radical production. Vibration and cold generated similar percentages of myelinated axons with disrupted myelin. Cold with and without vibration caused intraneural edema and dilation of arterioles and venules with blood stasis, whereas vibration alone did not. The similarities, differences, and interactive effects of cold and vibration on nerve and artery damage indicate that temperature is involved mechanistically in the pathophysiology of hand–arm vibration syndrome. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Analysis of histopathologic and molecular pathologic findings in Czech LGMD2A patients
Authors: Hermanová Markéta , Zapletalová Eva , Sedláčková Jana , Chrobáková Táňa , Letocha Ondřej , Kroupová Iva , Zámečník Josef , Vondráček Petr , Mazanec Radim , Maříková Taťána , Voháňka Stanislav , Fajkusová Lenka
Published: December 2005

Limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A (LGMD2A) is an autosomal‐recessive disorder characterized by selective atrophy and progressive weakness of proximal girdle muscles. LGMD2A, the most prevalent form of LGMD, is caused by mutations in the CAPN3 gene that encodes the skeletal muscle–specific member of the calpain family, calpain‐3 (p94). We examined the histopathologic and molecular pathologic findings in 14 Czech LGMD2A patients. Analysis of the CAPN3 gene was performed at the mRNA level, using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and sequencing, and/or DNA level, using PCR and denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC). Our results confirm that mutation 550delA is the most frequent CAPN3 defect in Czech LGMD2A patients (9 alleles of 28). Furthermore, we established that, in a patient with the 550delA/R490W genotype, mRNA carrying frameshift mutation 550delA was not detected, probably due to its degradation by nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay. In muscle biopsies of two LGMD2A patients, a neurogenic pattern simulating a neurogenic lesion was observed. Immunoblot analysis revealed the deficiency of p94 in all genetically confirmed cases of LGMD2A, and secondary dysferlin deficiency was demonstrated on muscle membranes in 6 patients using immunofluorescence. Thus, we find a combination of DNA and mRNA mutational analysis to be useful in the diagnosis of LGMD2A. Moreover, our study expands the spectrum of calpainopathies to cases that simulate a neurogenic lesion in muscle biopsies, and the knowledge of possible secondary deficiencies of muscular proteins also contributes to a diagnosis of LGMD2A. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Aerobic exercise and muscle metabolism in patients with mitochondrial myopathy
Authors: Trenell Michael I. , Sue Carolyn M. , Kemp Graham J. , Sachinwalla Toos , Thompson Campbell H.
Published: December 2005

Exercise therapy improves mitochondrial function in patients with mitochondrial myopathy (MM). We undertook this study to determine the metabolic abnormalities that are improved by exercise therapy. This study identified metabolic pathology using 31P‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a group of patients with MM compared to a control group matched for age, gender, and physical activity. We also observed the effect of exercise therapy for 12 weeks on muscle metabolism and physical function in the MM group. During muscle activity, there was impaired responsiveness of the mitochondria to changes in cytosolic adenosine diphosphate concentration, increased dependence on anaerobic energy pathways, and an adaptive increase in proton efflux in patients with MM. Following exercise therapy, mitochondrial function and muscle mass improved without any change in proton efflux rate. These metabolic findings were accompanied by improvements in functional ability. We conclude that there are significant metabolic differences between patients with MM and a control population, independent of age, gender, and physical activity. Exercise therapy can assist in improving mitochondrial function in MM patients. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Acute hypoxia limits endurance but does not affect muscle contractile properties
Authors: Degens Hans , Horneros J. Manuel Sanchez , Hopman Maria T. E.
Published: December 2005

Acute hypoxia causes skeletal muscle dysfunction in vitro, but little is known about its effect on muscle function in vivo. In 10 healthy male subjects, isometric contractile properties and fatigue resistance of the quadriceps muscle were determined during normoxia and hypoxia using electrically evoked and voluntary contractions. The oxygen saturation (SaO2; 96.9 ± 0.7 vs. 79.9 ± 3.0%; P < 0.001) was reduced during hypoxia. The maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), force–frequency relation, and contraction and relaxation times were unaffected by hypoxia. The endurance time of a sustained 30% MVC was reduced in hypoxia (248 ± 104 vs. 217 ± 76 s; P < 0.05), but not that of a sustained 70% MVC. Fatigue induced by electrically evoked intermittent contractions was unaltered. Thus, acute hypoxia has no significant impact on contractile properties of skeletal muscle in vivo but causes reduced endurance during low‐level sustained voluntary contractions. This indicates that skeletal muscle dysfunction during conditions associated with prolonged hypoxemia, except for limited endurance, is not due to acute effects of hypoxemia. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Strength training in old age: Adaptation of antagonist muscles at the ankle joint
Authors: Simoneau Emilie , Martin Alain , Porter Michelle M. , Van Hoecke Jacques
Published: December 2005

The purpose of this study was to determine whether strength training could reduce the deficit in plantarflexion (PF) maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque observed in previous studies in older subjects relative to young adults. Accordingly, the effects of a 6‐month strength training program on the muscle and neural properties of the major muscle groups around the ankle were examined. PF and dorsiflexion (DF) isometric MVC torques were measured and surface electromyographic activity of the triceps surae and tibialis anterior muscles was recorded. The strength training program was very effective in improving strength in PF (+24.5%), and it thus reduced the DF‐to‐PF MVC torque ratio; in addition, it also induced gains in DF (+7.6%). Thus, there must be an improvement in ankle joint stability. In PF, gains were due particularly to a modification of the agonist neural drive; in DF, the gains appeared to be the consequence of a reduction in antagonist coactivation. Our findings indicate that the investigation of one muscle group should always be accompanied by examination of its antagonist muscle group. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Does the cystometric filling rate affect the afferent bladder response pattern? A study on single fibre pelvic nerve afferents in the rat urinary bladder
Authors: De Wachter Stefan , De Laet Kevin , Wyndaele Jean‐Jacques
Published: December 2005

Aims

To study the effect of physiological and supraphysiological filling rates on the response pattern of single fibre pelvic nerve afferents of the rat urinary bladder.

Materials and Methods

A total of 37 single afferent bladder units were identified electrophysiologically and their mechanosensitive properties studied. Afferent activity of 13 units was studied at filling rates of 40 and 200 µl/min. Afferent activity of the other units was studied at 200 and 400 µl/min.

Results

At the physiological filling rate of 40 µl/min two clearly different types of response pattern were noted. However, at higher supraphysiological filling rates, all units exhibited nearly the same pattern. The difference in mechanosensitive properties of the units that showed a change in response pattern at the supraphysiological filling rate, was characterized by a decrease in pressure at which afferent firing rate peaked. For all units it was found that an increase in filling rate induced an increase in the activation pressure threshold for afferent units, whereas the afferent firing rate at all pressures decreased.

Conclusions

In rats supraphysiological filling rates delay afferent activation, lower afferent firing activity and even change the characteristics of some afferents completely. These data may elucidate some of the differences between ambulatory and conventional urodynamics observed in man. Neurourol Urodynam. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
All (k;g)‐cages are edge‐superconnected
Authors: Lin Yuqing , Miller Mirka , Balbuena C. , Marcote X.
Published: December 2005

A (k;g)‐cage is a k‐regular graph with girth g and with the least possible number of vertices. In this article we prove that (k;g)‐cages are edge‐superconnected if g is even. Earlier, Marcote and Balbuena proved that (k;g)‐cages are edge‐superconnected if g is odd [Networks 43 (2004), 54–59]. Combining our results, we conclude that all (k;g)‐cages are edge‐superconnected. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 47(2), 102–110 2006
Effect of NaOH and Si69 treatments on the properties of fly ash/natural rubber composites*
Authors: Thongsang S. , Sombatsompop N.
Published: December 2005

Natural silica in fly ash (FA) particles of 30 and 60 phr were incorporated as reinforcing filler in natural rubber (NR) compounds. Improvements of cure characteristics and mechanical properties of the FA/NR composites were expected by surface treatment of the FA particles, this being carried out using various contents of bis‐(3‐triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfane (Si69), as a chemical silane coupling agent, and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution. The results suggested that the Si69 coupling agent was a satisfactory property promoter in the FA/NR composites through CS bonding with rubber molecules and siloxane linkages with FA particles. Using NaOH solution did not improve the mechanical properties of the composites. The mechanical properties of the FA/NR composites appeared to increase at low Si69 concentrations of 2.0–4.0 wt%, but decreased at high Si69 loadings of 6.0–8.0 wt%. The decrease in mechanical properties resulted from a reduction of crosslink density and a formation of flexible polysiloxane from the self‐condensation reaction of the Si69. The presence of Si69 was observed to interfere with the sulphur crosslink formation. No synergetic effect on the properties of the rubber composites was observed when using a mixture of NaOH and Si69. This article recommends concentrations of 2.0–4.0 wt% Si69 to be introduced into the FA/NR composites to achieve the optimum properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 27:30–40, 2006. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers
Alignment and statistical difference analysis of complex peptide data sets generated by multidimensional LC‐MS
Authors: America Antoine H. P. , Cordewener Jan H. G. , van Geffen Mark H. A. , Lommen Arien , Vissers Johannes P. C. , Bino Raoul J. , Hall Robert D.
Published: December 2005

A method for high‐resolution proteomics analyses of complex protein mixtures is presented using multidimensional HPLC coupled to MS (MDLC‐MS). The method was applied to identify proteins that are differentially expressed during fruit ripening of tomato. Protein extracts from red and green tomato fruits were digested by trypsin. The resulting highly complex peptide mixtures were separated by strong cation exchange chromatography (SCX), and subsequently analyzed by RP nano‐LC coupled to quadrupole‐TOF MS. For detailed quantitative comparison, triplicate RP‐LC‐MS runs were performed for each SCX fraction. The resulting data sets were analyzed using MetAlign software for noise and data reduction, multiple alignment and statistical variance analysis. For each RP‐LC‐MS chromatogram, up to 7000 mass components were detected. Peak intensity data were compared by multivariate and statistical analysis. This revealed a clear separation between the green and red tomato samples, and a clear separation of the different SCX fractions. MS/MS spectra were collected using the data‐dependent acquisition mode from a selected set of differentially detected peptide masses, enabling the identification of proteins that were differentially expressed during ripening of tomato fruits. Our approach is a highly sensitive method to analyze proteins in complex mixtures without the need of isotope labeling.
DIGE compatible labelling of surface proteins on vital cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Mayrhofer Corina , Krieger Sigurd , Allmaier Günter , Kerjaschki Dontscho
Published: December 2005

Efficient methods for profiling of the cell surface proteome are desirable to get a deeper insight in basic biological processes, to localise proteins and to uncover proteins differentially expressed in diseases. Here we present a strategy to target cell surface exposed proteins via fluorescence labelling using CyDye DIGE fluors. This method has been applied to human cell lines in vitro as well as to a complex biological system in vivo. It allows detection of fluorophore‐tagged cell surface proteins and visualisation of the accessible proteome within a single 2‐D gel, simplifying subsequent UV MALDI‐MS analysis.
Analysis of outer membrane proteome of Escherichia coli related to resistance to ampicillin and tetracycline
Authors: Xu Changxin , Lin Xiangmin , Ren Haixia , Zhang Yueling , Wang Sanying , Peng Xuanxian
Published: December 2005

The elucidation of the molecular details of antibiotic resistance will lead to improvements in extending the efficacy of current antimicrobials. In the current study, proteomic methodologies were applied to characterize functional outer membrane proteins (Omps) of E. coli K‐12 responded to tetracycline and ampicillin resistance for understanding of universal pathways that form barriers for antimicrobial agents. For this purpose, E. coli K‐12 expressional outer membrane proteome was characterized and identified with the use of 2‐DE and MALDI‐TOF/MS methods. Then, differential Omps due to tetracycline or ampcilin resistance were determined by comparison between tetracycline minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)10, ampicillin MIC10, control0 and control10, showing 9 proteins with 11 spots for tetracycline and 8 protein with 9 spots for ampicillin, showing a difference in only 1 protein (decreased LamB in tetracyclin) between the two antibiotics. Among the proteins, 3 were known as antibiotic‐resistant proteins, including TolC, OmpC and YhiU, while FimD precursor, LamB, Tsx, YfiO, OmpW, NlpB were first reported here to be antibiotic‐resistance‐related proteins. Our findings will be helpful for further understanding of antibiotic‐resistant mechanism(s). This study also shows that the combination of Omp purification methods certainly contributes the sensitivity of Omp detection.
Proteome analysis of up‐regulated proteins in the rat spinal cord induced by transection injury
Authors: Ding Qinxue , Wu Zhe , Guo Yaojun , Zhao Congjian , Jia Yufeng , Kong Fanwen , Chen Bingyao , Wang Hongxia , Xiong Shaoxiang , Que Haiping , Jing Shuqian , Liu Shaojun
Published: December 2005

The inability of the CNS to regenerate in adult mammals propels us to reveal associated proteins involved in the injured CNS. In this paper, either thoracic laminectomy (as sham control) or thoracic spinal cord transection was performed on male adult rats. Five days after surgery, the whole spinal cord tissue was dissected and fractionated into water‐soluble (dissolved in Tris buffer) and water‐insoluble (dissolved in a solution containing chaotropes and surfactants) portions for 2‐DE. Protein identification was performed by MS and further confirmed by Western blot. As a result, over 30 protein spots in the injured spinal cord were shown to be up‐regulated no less than 1.5‐fold. These identified proteins possibly play various roles during the injury and repair process and may be functionally categorized as several different groups, such as stress‐responsive and metabolic changes, lipid and protein degeneration, neural survival and regeneration. In particular, over‐expression of 11‐zinc finger protein and glypican may be responsible for the inhibition of axonal growth and regeneration. Moreover, three unknown proteins with novel sequences were found to be up‐regulated by spinal cord injury. Further characterization of these molecules may help us come closer to understanding the mechanisms that underlie the inability of the adult CNS to regenerate.
Copolymerization of vinylidene difluoride with hexafluoropropene in supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Beginn Uwe , Najjar Reza , Ellmann Jürgen , Vinokur Rostislav , Martin Roland , Möller Martin
Published: December 2005

Vinylidene difluoride and hexafluoropropene are copolymerized in supercritical carbon dioxide at 280 bar and 50 °C by means of free radical copolymerization, initiated by diethyl peroxydicarbonate. The first stages of the reaction were monitored by turbidity measurements and the time/conversion curve was followed gravimetrically to measure the initial rates of polymerization. The obtained copolymers possessed bimodal molecular weight distributions, their average comonomer composition was well described by the Lewis‐Mayo equation with the copolymerization parameters rVDF = 4.8 and rHFP = 0. The glass transition and melting temperatures of the copolymers are similar to that of the materials resulting from aqueous emulsion polymerization. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 1299–1316, 2006
Mechanical properties of high‐density polyethylene and crosslinked high‐density polyethylene in crude oil and its components
Authors: Ritums J. E. , Mattozzi A. , Gedde U. W. , Hedenqvist M. S. , Bergman G. , Palmlöf M.
Published: December 2005

The tensile and stress‐relaxation properties of an uncrosslinked and a loosely silane‐crosslinked high‐density polyethylene exposed to organic “crude‐oil” penetrants were assessed. The measurements were performed on penetrant‐saturated samples, surrounded by the organic liquid throughout the experiment. The penetrant solubilities in the two polymers were similar and in accordance with predicted values based on the solubility parameter method. The stiffness and strength of the swollen samples were significantly less than those of the dry samples, indicating a plasticization of the amorphous component. Raman spectroscopy on polyethylene exposed to deuterated n‐hexane revealed a penetrant‐induced partial melting/dissolution of the crystal surface and an intact crystal core component. The stress‐relaxation rates, within the time frame of the experiment (∼1 s to 18 h), were approximately the same, independent of silane‐crosslinks and the presence of penetrants. This indicated that the mechanical α‐relaxation, which is the main relaxation process occurring in the measured time interval, was not affected by the penetrants. Consequently, its rate seemed to be independent of the crystal surface dissolution (decrease in the content of crystal‐core interface). The shape of the “log stress–log time” curves of the swollen samples was, however, different from that of the dry samples. This was most likely attributed to a time‐dependent saturation of penetrant to a higher level associated with the stretched state of the polymer sample. The silane crosslinks affected only the elongation at break, which was less than that of the uncrosslinked material. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 641–648, 2006
The Effect of Pressing Parameters on the Mechanical Properties of Plastic Bonded Explosives
Authors: Graff Thompson Darla , Olinger Bart , DeLuca Racci
Published: December 2005

Quasi‐static, uniaxial mechanical properties were measured for a series of PBX 9501 parts that were compacted using a permutation of various pressing parameters. Results were analyzed in terms of specimen density as well as pressing parameters. These data led to a second set of tests where PBX 9501 parts were compacted using various dwell times and temperatures, all other pressing parameters being held constant. Quasi‐static tensile data for these parts indicated that for the given range of parameters and specimen densities, the compaction temperature has a larger effect on the mechanical properties than does the dwell time. Moreover, for the range of parameters used, higher compaction temperatures and lower dwell times gave the compacted part more strength and toughness. Desired mechanical characteristics may be achieved by the appropriate selection of pressing conditions.
New High‐Nitrogen Materials Based on Nitroguanyl‐Tetrazines: Explosive Properties, Thermal Decomposition and Combustion Studies
Authors: Chavez David E. , Tappan Bryce C. , Hiskey Michael A. , Son Steve F. , Harry Herbert , Montoya Dennis , Hagelberg Stephanie
Published: December 2005

This paper describes the explosive sensitivity and performance properties of two novel high‐nitrogen materials, 3,6‐bis‐nitroguanyl‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine (1, (NQ2Tz)) and its corresponding bis‐triaminoguanidinium salt (2, (TAG)2(NQ)2Tz)). These materials exhibit very low pressure dependence in burning rate. Flash pyrolysis/FTIR spectroscopy was performed, and insight into this interesting burning behavior was obtained. Our studies indicate that 1 and 2 exhibit highly promising energetic materials properties.
Ignition Characteristics of Ti/Teflon Pyrolants: Safety Igniter with Partition
Authors: Kuwahara Takuo , Tohara Chiharu , Kohno Takehiro , Shibamoto Hidefumi
Published: December 2005

By using partitions in smoke generators, luminous flame agents or other pyrotechnic agents, the vapor and sublimated materials are confined in a chamber. Titanium (Ti), polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), and Viton pyrolants (TTV), which generate high temperature products, can be used in a partition type igniter. The ignition delay time, τig, decreased with the increase of the concentration of Ti, ξ(Ti), and also the physical ignition delay time, τp, decreased with the increase of ξ(Ti). On the other hand the chemical ignition delay time, τc, remained unchanged in the range of ξ(Ti) from 0.4 to 0.7. As τp of TTV pyrolants is larger than τc, the ignition delay time is dominated by physical processes.
The Poly‐Rho Test as a Screening Tool for Explosive Performance
Authors: Harry Herbert H. , Uher Kenneth J. , Hagelberg Stephanie I. , Hartline Ernest L.
Published: December 2005

A screening test was developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory [1] that can be used to decide if a newly synthesized/formulated explosive might warrant further development. The test consists of firing a rate‐stick composed of 12.7 mm diameter by 12.7 mm high pellets of different densities ordered from lowest to highest, initiated by a detonator at the low‐density end of the stick. This poly‐rho test yields detonation velocities over a range of densities using only the small amount of the explosive typically generated by the synthetic organic chemist at an early stage of the scale‐up process. The amount of material required is far less than that required for the typical rate‐stick series. This paper presents results on poly‐rho tests that were conducted on three explosives commonly used at Los Alamos National Laboratory, namely PBX 9501, PBX 9502 and PETN. The results are compared with empirical detonation‐theory predictions and existing explosive experimental data, with good agreement in all cases.
Predominance of Shaped Charge Diameter to Performance Quality Against Special Targets
Authors: Held Manfred
Published: December 2005

Shaped charges with higher jet tip velocities result in more residual penetration behind special targets, as demonstrated by bulging and ERA sandwiches, compared to charges with lower jet tip velocities.