bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational investigation of Al/Si and Al/Mg ordering in aluminous tremolite amphiboles
Authors: Palin E. J. , Dove M. T. , Welch M. D. , Redfern S. A. T.
Published: March 2005

The [4]Al/Si and [6]Al/Mg order-disorder behaviour of minerals in the tremolite-tschermakite solid solution (namely, end-member tschermakite and the 50:50 composition, magnesiohornblende) has been investigated by Monte Carlo simulation, using a model Hamiltonian in which atomic interaction parameters Ji were derived from empirical lattice energy calculations, and chemical potential terms μj (to express the preferences of cations for particular crystallographic sites) were derived from ab initio methods. The simulations performed were increasingly complex. Firstly, ordering in one tetrahedral double chain with Al:Si = 1:3 (tschermakite) was simulated. Although the low-temperature cation distribution in this system was ordered, there was no phase transition (due to the quasi-one-dimensional nature of the system). Next, interactions between tetrahedral Al:Si = 1:3 double chains were included, and a phase transition was observed, with the cation distribution in one double chain lining up with respect to that in the next. Finally, interactions between tetrahedral and octahedral sites were incorporated, to model the whole unit cell, and compositions corresponding to tschermakite and magnesiohornblende were investigated. The whole-cell simulation results compare favourably with experimental conclusions for magnesiohornblende, in that Al at T1 is preferred over Al at T2, and Al at M2 is favoured over that at M1 and M3, but the significant amount of Al at M1 is at odds with experimental observation.
Occurrence and chemical composition of barian feldspars in a jadeitite from the Itoigawa-Ohmi district in the Renge high-P/T-type metamorphic belt, Japan
Authors: Morishita T.
Published: March 2005

Coexisting Ba-rich (Cn56–59Or40–42Ab2An0–1) and Ba-poor (Cn7–15Or83–92Ab1–3An0–1) feldspars were found in a jadeitite collected from the Itoigawa-Ohmi district in the Renge high-P/T-type metamorphic belt, Japan. There is an apparent compositional gap in these barian feldspars at Cn15–56 in the ternary system BaAl2Si2O8–KAlSi3O8–NaAlSi3O8. Barian feldspars occur as interstitial phases between subhedral to euhedral jadeite and prehnite, and sometimes cut a jadeite crystal. The occurrence of barian feldspars combined with the texture and mineral assemblages of the host jadeitite suggest that barian feldspars were formed from residual fluids after the formation of jadeite and prehnite from primary aqueous fluids at low-T conditions (<350°C) and pressure of ~0.6 GPa. The Ba content in the residual fluids would increase locally during the formation of jadeite because Ba is incompatible with clinopyroxene. This study supports the suggestion that Ba-rich minerals are not uncommon in jadeitites and albitites/metasomatized rocks that occur as tectonic blocks in serpentinite-matrix mélanges. Barium is an important minor element in metasomatizing fluids related to the formation of jadeitites and might have been derived from subducted oceanic crust at the beginning of the subduction.
Parasellar epidermoid cyst rupturing into the nasopharynx
Authors: Shaw A S , Connor S E J
Published: March 2005

Epidermoid tumours are non-neoplastic inclusion cysts representing up to 1.1 per cent of all intracranial tumours, typically presenting with symptoms related to pressure or intracranial rupture in the fourth or fifth decade of life.

The authors present a case of a parasellar epidermoid cyst which has ruptured in to the nasopharynx; to the best of their knowledge, this has not been previously reported.

The computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are presented. The pathology and radiological features of epidermoid tumours are discussed, particularly in relation to extracranial connections. The differential diagnosis of lesions eroding the central skull base is reviewed.
Course and long-term outcome of ’refractory’ secretory otitis media
Authors: Ryding Marie , White Peter , Kalm Olof
Published: March 2005

Objective: The course and the long-term outcome of ’refractory’ secretory otitis media (SOM), defined as continuous SOM for more than 6 years, were studied in 52 young patients. They had during childhood been treated for bilateral SOM on average for 12 years (range 6 to 26 years). The mean interval between resolution of SOM and examination was 7 years.

Methods: At follow up the patients’ medical records were scrutinized with regards to transmyringeal ventilation tubes, adenoidectomy, sequelae and complications, and a questionnaire was filled in to document other diseases.

Results: The onset of SOM showed two peaks, one at the age of one year and one at the age of 3.5 years. Patients whose onset of SOM was related to an episode of acute otitis media (AOM) were younger at SOM onset than those who had no such relation. Otorrhoea and AOM episodes were more frequent during the SOM periods, with blocked or expelled tubes, than during periods with patent tubes. Cholesteatoma were seen in 3 per cent and perforations in 5 per cent of patients.

Conclusions: Extremely long-standing SOM does not necessarily result in myringeal perforation or cholesteatoma to a greater extent than that seen in patients with shorter durations of SOM. However, at follow up one-third of the patients reported hearing impairment and a majority felt discomfort when flying or diving.
Vocal fold palsy due to plombage for tuberculosis
Authors: Barnett G C , Smith I E , Wells F C , Shneerson J M
Published: March 2005

A 67-year-old patient, who had previously undergone Lucite ball plombage for pulmonary tuberculosis, presented with a hoarse voice, intermittent stridor and breathlessness. Direct laryngoscopy confirmed a left vocal fold palsy. A left supraclavicular mass became apparent and a computerized tomograph (CT) scan showed that a Lucite ball had migrated into her supraclavicular fossa. Subsequently she developed left arm pain and weakness. The balls were removed surgically, following which her arm symptoms improved but her voice remained unchanged. Migration of implanted material should be considered when new symptoms appear in patients who have undergone plombage treatment.
Initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy in advanced AIDS with CD4 < 50 cells/mm3 in a resource-limited setting: efficacy and tolerability
Authors: Sungkanuparph Somnuek , Kiertiburanakul Sasisopin , Manosuthi Weerawat , Kiatatchasai Wiphawee , Vibhagool Asda
Published: March 2005

In developing countries, patients often present late with advanced AIDS and a very low CD4 cell count. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in HIV-infected patients who had been initiated into highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) with CD4 cell count <50 cells/mm3. There were 159 patients of mean age 36.6 years and 60.4% had previous major opportunistic infections. Mean CD4 was 22 cells/mm3 and 80% had HIV RNA>100,000 copies/mL. The majority of HAART regimens is non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based (81.8%). In as-treated analysis, 50, 71.2, 79.7, 79.4, and 80.1% of patients achieved undetectable HIV RNA (<50 copies/mL) at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 weeks, respectively. The corresponding mean CD4 counts were 95, 125, 166, 201, and 225 cells/mm3. Twenty two patients (13.8%) had adverse drug events and half of these had to discontinue HAART. Initiation of HAART in advanced AIDS with CD4 cell count <50 cells/mm3 is effective, safe, and well tolerated and should not be delayed.
Treatment of category III A prostatitis with zafirlukast: a randomized controlled feasibility study
Authors: Goldmeier David , Madden Peter , McKenna Michael , Tamm Norbert
Published: March 2005

The cause of category III A prostatitis, chronic prostatitis/chronic male pelvic pain syndrome category A (CP/CPPS A), is uncertain. Treatments for it are based on consensus opinion rather than on scientific data. Our aim was to examine the effect of zafirlukast, a leucotriene antagonist, on the symptoms of CP/CPPS A in our genitourinary (GU) medicine unit. CP/CPPS A was diagnosed by comparative white cell counts of split urine (Stamey) analysis or by finding an excess of polymorphs in expressed prostatic fluid. Symptom change was assessed by the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI). Patients were given zafirlukast or placebo for four weeks in a random double-blind fashion. All patients also received doxycycline. In all, 31 patients were asked to participate and 17 entered the study. No difference in outcome could be shown between the active (10) and placebo (seven) patients. Zafirlukast cannot be demonstrated to be useful in the symptomatic treatment of CP/CPPS A. The problems of recruitment into this study (in spite of a large number of patients with prostatic type pain being seen in our unit) suggest that multicentre treatment trials using non-invasive diagnostic techniques such as the CPSI (rather than single GU medicine units diagnosing CP/CPPS A by uncomfortable direct prostatic testing) are likely to be the most effective and objective methods of undertaking treatment trials in the CP/ CPPS A field in the future.
'Have a Pap smear!' – doctors, their clients, and opportunistic cervical cancer screening
Authors: Chingang L C , Bischof U , Andall-Brereton G , Razum O
Published: March 2005

In many middle-income countries with a high incidence of cervical cancer, organized screening programmes with the Pap test are being planned. We assessed the knowledge of, and attitudes towards, cervical screening among 63 doctors and 102 randomly selected community members in Trinidad where screening is still opportunistic. Doctors were well informed about cervical cancer, but not all knew the approximate specificity of the Pap test. Many did not routinely discuss the benefits and disadvantages of screening with their clients. Most women had heard of the Pap test, but only 56% knew its purpose; 25% would not participate in screening, stating reasons such as being in menopause or not having symptoms. More information about the aim of screening and the purpose of the Pap test must be communicated. Doctors need to keep their knowledge on screening up-to-date, and offer counselling that helps women to make an informed decision whether or not to participate in screening.
Teleneurology
Authors: Patterson Victor
Published: March 2005

Teleneurology enables neurology to be practised when the doctor and patient are not present in the same place, and possibly not at the same time. The two main techniques are: (1) videoconferencing, which enables communication between a doctor and a patient who are in different places at the same time (often called realtime or synchronous), and (2) email, where the consultation is carried out without the patient being present, at a time convenient to the doctors involved (asynchronous or store-and-forward teleneurology). Some problems that can be solved by teleneurology include: (1) patients admitted to hospital with acute neurological symptoms rarely see a neurologist; (2) delayed treatment for acute stroke; (3) non-optimum management of epilepsy; (4) unproductive travel time for neurologists; (5) extremely poor access to a neurologist for doctors in the developing world; (6) long waiting times to see a neurologist. Neurology is a specialty that, because of the emphasis on accurate interpretation of a history, does lend itself to telemedicine. It has been a late starter in realizing the benefits of telemedicine and most of the publications on teleneurology have been in the last five years. Its uptake within the neurological community is low but increasing. Telemedicine requires a significant change in how neurologists practise. The evidence to date is that teleneurology can narrow the gap between patients with neurological disease and the doctors who are trained to look
A New Amine-Modified Hypercrosslinked Polymeric Adsorbent for Removing Phenolic Compounds from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Li Aimin , Zhang Quanxing , Wu Haisuo , Zhai Zhicai , Liu Fuqiang , Fei Zhenghao , Long Chao , Zhu Zhaolian , Chen Jinlong
Published: March 2005

A new amine-modified hypercrosslinked polymeric resin, AH-6, for the removal of phenolic compounds from their aqueous solutions was prepared by introducing dimethylamine groups onto the matrix of the conventional hypercrosslinked polymeric adsorbent NDA100. The adsorption of four phenolic compounds, i.e. phenol, p-cresol, p-chlorophenol and p-nitrophenol, onto the NDA100 resin with or without amine modification was investigated using the commercial styrene-type weakly alkaline resin D301 as a reference. The Freundlich isotherm equation was employed to fit the adsorption process.

The aminated hypercrosslinked polymeric resin exhibited a higher adsorption capacity towards phenol and p-chlorophenol than both the unmodified hypercrosslinked polymeric resin NDA100 and the styrene-type weakly alkaline resin D301. To interpret the adsorption behaviour of the AH-6 resin, a dual function interaction mechanism involving π–π interaction between the AH-6 resin matrix and the benzene ring of the adsorbate and hydrogen-bonding interaction between the hydroxyl groups of the adsorbate and the amine group of the adsorbent was proposed. In contrast, hydrogen-bonding or donor-acceptor interaction may govern the adsorption of p-nitrophenol.
Far Field Pressure Fluctuations and Coherent Structures in a Low Mach Number Turbulent Jet Flow
Authors: Camussi R. , Felli M.
Published: March 2005

Simultaneous far field pressure/in-flow velocity fluctuations were measured in a turbulent jet flow at low Ma number. Measurements were conducted using 2 component Laser Doppler Velocimetry technique and standard microphones. The velocity signals, acquired in several positions within the flow field, were conditioned on the far field pressure peaks and signatures of ensemble averaged noise emitting events were retrieved. The results reported here definitely confirm previous outcomes obtained on the same apparatus showing that intermittent structures generated within the turbulent region of the jet, i.e. around 10 diameters downstream the jet exit, give a relevant contribution to the overall far field noise.
The management of cognitive load during complex cognitive skill acquisition by means of computer‐simulated problem solving
Authors: Kester Liesbeth , Kirschner Paul A. , van Merriënboer Jeroen J. G.
Published: March 2005

This study compared the effects of two information presentation formats on learning to solve problems in electrical circuits. In one condition, the split‐source format, information relating to procedural aspects of the functioning of an electrical circuit was not integrated in a circuit diagram, while information in the integrated format condition was integrated in the circuit diagram. It was hypothesized that learners in the integrated format would achieve better test results than the learners in the split‐source format. Equivalent‐test problem and transfer‐test problem performance were studied. Transfer‐test scores confirmed the hypothesis, though no differences were found on the equivalent‐test scores.
Teachers' emotional expression about disruptive boys
Authors: Daley D. , Renyard L. , Sonuga‐Barke E. J. S.
Published: March 2005

Objectives. To assess teachers' emotional expression about pupils using the Five Minute Speech Sample (FMSS) and coding procedures for parental expressed emotion (EE). To compare EE for disruptive and non‐disruptive pupils.

Method. Twenty‐one teachers provided speech samples for both a disruptive and a non‐disruptive pupil in their class selected using standard behaviour rating scales.

Results. Teachers' emotional expression was reliably measured using EE codings. Teachers displayed no emotional overinvolvement (EOI) and made few critical comments. High EE, characterized by criticism and a lack of positive comments, was associated with children's behavioural difficulties. Multiple regression suggested that conduct problems rather than hyperactivity were associated with high EE.

Discussion. Results support the application of certain elements of the EE construct to teachers' emotional expression about pupils. However, there was an absence of EOI and a lack of association between relationship and other EE categories. The absence of this association suggests that EE might be most usefully considered as a measure of teachers' emotional response to pupils, rather than the emotional quality of the teacher–pupil relationship.
Patterns of language impairment and behaviour in boys excluded from school
Authors: Ripley Kate , Yuill Nicola
Published: March 2005

Background. High levels of behaviour problems are found in children with language impairments, but less is known about the level and nature of language impairment in children with severe behavioural problems. In particular, previous data suggest that at primary age, receptive impairments are more closely related to behaviour problems, whereas expressive language has a closer link at a later age.

Aims. The study assessed expressive and receptive language problems in boys excluded from primary and secondary schools, to investigate the extent of impairment, the pattern of relations between age, receptive and expressive language, and relations with different aspects of behaviour.

Sample. Nineteen boys (8–16 years of age) who had been excluded from school and 19 non‐excluded controls matched for age and school participated.

Method. The sample was given assessments of: receptive language from the British Picture Vocabulary Scale (BPVS), and Wechsler Objective Language Dimensions (WOLD); expressive‐language evaluations from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC); auditory working memory evaluations from the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF); verbal reasoning (from the WISC); and non‐verbal IQ assessments Raven's matrices. Teachers completed behaviour ratings using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).

Results. Excluded boys were significantly poorer than controls on expressive measures but similar on receptive language and non‐verbal IQ. Boys excluded from primary school were poorer than controls on auditory working memory. Expressive problems were linked with high levels of emotional symptoms.

Conclusion. Many of the excluded boys had previously unidentified language problems, supporting the need for early recognition and assessment of language in boys with behaviour problems. Expressive problems in particular may be a risk factor.
Institutional decision making for increasing academic preparedness in community colleges
Authors: Perin Dolores
Published: March 2005

This chapter identifies current organizational and instructional approaches to developmental education in community colleges and recommends a process by which colleges can make institutionally appropriate decisions to improve developmental education outcomes.
Developmental learning communities at Metropolitan Community College
Authors: Raftery Susan
Published: March 2005

This case study describes steps for implementing innovative learning communities that build basic skills and foster self‐confidence in students at the developmental level.
A comprehensive approach to developmental education
Authors: Quirk Kathleen E.
Published: March 2005

Community colleges can strengthen their ability to provide academic support to both developmental and college‐level students by offering traditional remedial programs with a complementary, centralized unit of student success and retention services.
Pedagogical alignment and curricular consistency: The challenges for developmental education
Authors: Grubb W. Norton , Cox Rebecca D.
Published: March 2005

Four elements contribute to a classroom's success or failure as a learning environment: student needs, instructor approach, course content, and institutional setting. This chapter discusses the challenge of aligning these elements in the developmental classroom.
Minority student retention: Resources for practitioners
Authors: Seidman Alan
Published: March 2005

The author gives an overview of the main research findings concerning minority retention and graduation.
Student engagement at minority‐serving institutions: Emerging lessons from the BEAMS project
Authors: Bridges Brian K. , Cambridge Barbara , Kuh George D. , Leegwater Lacey Hawthorne
Published: March 2005

The authors examine the promises and prospects of using student engagement data to promote success at minority‐serving institutions.
The university college model: A learning‐centered approach to retention and remediation
Authors: Raab Lettie , Adam Anthony J.
Published: March 2005

The authors outline how the University College (UC) model can serve as an effective vehicle for others.
Retention in higher education: A selective resource guide
Authors: Adam Anthony J. , Gaither Gerald H.
Published: March 2005

This chapter concludes the volume with resources and Web sites for the interested reader and researcher.
Physical behavior of biodegradable alginate–poly(vinyl alcohol) blend films
Authors: Russo R. , Malinconico M. , Petti L. , Romano G.
Published: March 2005

Films of biodegradable blends based on sodium alginate for applications in agriculture, as films for the solarization of soils, were prepared and characterized in terms of the mechanical parameters and optical properties. The films analyzed in this study were transparent in the visible region and opaque in the infrared region. This ensured a micro greenhouse effect on the soil. One of the films was also characterized optically in the ultraviolet–visible–infrared region. The optical data were analyzed with a theoretical model, which was able to predict the temperature of the soil at different depths and at different times of the day. The susceptibility time of the film was compatible with its use in agriculture as a film for solarization. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 1205–1213, 2005
Laptops in class: What are they good for? What can you do with them?
Authors: Weaver Barbara E. , Nilson Linda B.
Published: March 2005

This chapter describes Clemson University's Laptop Faculty Development Program and its assessment, offering the program as one model for designing faculty development to successfully implement laptop mandates. The chapter also acquaints readers with the many types of in‐class, laptop‐based activities that meet best‐practice criteria for effective teaching.
Laptops in psychology: Conducting flexible in‐class research and writing laboratories
Authors: Stephens Benjamin R.
Published: March 2005

This chapter describes an undergraduate psychology research methods course in which laptops facilitated online organization, electronic portfolios, and flexible laboratories to improve student engagement, capability, and understanding.
Laptops in computer science: Creating the “Learning Studio”
Authors: Pargas Roy P. , Weaver Kenneth A.
Published: March 2005

Laptops helped two faculty members adapt a highly challenging, critical computer science course to increasing enrollment. Among the course enhancements the technology made possible were daily quizzes, animation‐based demonstrations and exercises, and more authentic assessment.
Laptops in the humanities: Classroom walls come tumbling down
Authors: Weaver Barbara E.
Published: March 2005

This chapter describes successful assignments that made creative use of laptops in writing, literature, and public speaking courses. Some activities moved the session out of the classroom to outdoor locations.
Concluding comments: Laptop learning communities
Authors: Brown David G.
Published: March 2005

A pioneering administrator of a campus laptop mandate, the author explains how increasingly sophisticated computer enhancements of the curriculum create more and more learning possibilities and potential, with universal laptop ownership in a wireless environment approaching the fullest use of the available technology.
Immunological role of neuronal receptor vanilloid receptor 1 expressed on dendritic cells
Authors: Basu Sreyashi , Srivastava Pramod
Published: March 2005

Capsaicin (CP), the pungent component of chili pepper, acts on sensory neurons to convey the sensation of pain. The CP receptor, vanilloid receptor 1 (VR1), has been shown to be highly expressed by nociceptive neurons in dorsal root and trigeminal ganglia. We demonstrate here that the dendritic cell (DC), a key cell type of the vertebrate immune system, expresses VR1. Engagement of VR1 on immature DCs such as by treatment with CP leads to maturation of DCs as measured by up-regulation of antigen-presenting and costimulatory molecules. This effect is present in DCs of VR1+/+but not VR1–/–mice. In VR1+/+mice, this effect is inhibited by the VR1 antagonist capsazepine. Further, intradermal administration of CP leads to migration of DCs to the draining lymph nodes in VR1+/+but not VR1–/–mice. These data demonstrate a powerful influence of a neuroactive ligand on a central aspect of immune function and a commonality of mechanistic pathways between neural and immune functions.
Estimating medium- and long-term trends in malaria transmission by using serological markers of malaria exposure
Authors: Drakeley C. J. , Corran P. H. , Coleman P. G. , Tongren J. E. , McDonald S. L. R. , Carneiro I. , Malima R. , Lusingu J. , Manjurano A. , Nkya W. M. M. , Lemnge M. M. , Cox J. , Reyburn H. , Riley E. M.
Published: March 2005

The implementation and evaluation of malaria control programs would be greatly facilitated by new tools for the rapid assessment of malaria transmission intensity. Because acquisition and maintenance of antimalarial antibodies depend on exposure to malaria infection, such antibodies might be used as proxy measures of transmission intensity. We have compared the prevalence of IgG antibodies with threePlasmodium falciparumasexual stage antigens in individuals of all ages living at varying altitudes encompassing a range of transmission intensities from hyper- to hypoendemic in northeastern Tanzania, with alternative measures of transmission intensity. The prevalence of antibodies to merozoite surface protein-119was significantly more closely correlated with altitude than either point-prevalence malaria parasitemia or single measures of hemoglobin concentration. Analysis of age-specific seroprevalence rates enabled differentiation of recent (seasonal) changes in transmission intensity from longer-term transmission trends and, using a mathematical model of the annual rate of seroconversion, estimation of the longevity of the antibody response. Thus, serological tools allow us to detect variations in malaria transmission over time. Such tools will be invaluable for monitoring trends in malaria endemicity and the effectiveness of malaria control programs.
Cortical, thalamic, and hypothalamic responses to cooling and warming the skin in awake humans: A positron-emission tomography study
Authors: Egan Gary F. , Johnson John , Farrell Michael , McAllen Robin , Zamarripa Frank , McKinley Michael J. , Lancaster Jack , Denton Derek , Fox Peter T.
Published: March 2005

Thermoregulatory mechanisms are remarkably efficient, ensuring minimal temperature variation within the core of the human body under physiological conditions. Diverse afferent and efferent neural pathways contribute to the monitoring of core and skin temperature, generation of heat, and control of thermal exchange with the external environment. We have investigated the cortical, thalamic, and hypothalamic responses to cooling and warming by using positron-emission tomography activation imaging of subjects clad in a water-perfused suit, which enabled rapid change of their skin-surface temperature. Human brain regions that respond to changes in skin temperature have been identified in the somatosensory cortex, insula, anterior cingulate, thalamus, and hypothalamus, with evidence that the hypothalamic response codes for the direction of temperature change. We conclude that signals from thermosensors in the skin providing crucial afferent information to the brain are integrated with signals from central thermosensors, resulting in thermoregulatory responses that maintain core temperature within a remarkably narrow range.
Sites of proteolytic processing and noncovalent association of the distal C-terminal domain of CaV1.1 channels in skeletal muscle
Authors: Hulme Joanne T. , Konoki Keiichi , Lin Teddy W.-C. , Gritsenko Marina A. , Camp David G. , Bigelow Diana J. , Catterall William A.
Published: March 2005

In skeletal muscle cells, voltage-dependent potentiation of Ca2+channel activity requires phosphorylation by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) anchored via an A-kinase anchoring protein (AKAP15), and the most rapid sites of phosphorylation are located in the C-terminal domain. Surprisingly, the site of interaction of the complex of PKA and AKAP15 with the α1-subunit of CaV1.1 channels lies in the distal C terminus, which is cleaved from the remainder of the channel byin vivoproteolytic processing. Here we report that the distal C terminus is noncovalently associated with the remainder of the channel via an interaction with a site in the proximal C-terminal domain when expressed as a separate protein in mammalian nonmuscle cells. Deletion mapping of the C terminus of the α1-subunit using the yeast two-hybrid assay revealed that a distal C-terminal peptide containing amino acids 1802–1841 specifically interacts with a region in the proximal C terminus containing amino acid residues 1556–1612. Analysis of the purified α1-subunit of CaV1.1 channels from skeletal muscle by saturation sequencing of the intracellular peptides by tandem mass spectrometry identified the site of proteolytic processing as alanine 1664. Our results support the conclusion that a noncovalently associated complex of the α1-subunit truncated at A1664 with the proteolytically cleaved distal C-terminal domain, AKAP15, and PKA is the primary physiological form of CaV1.1 channels in skeletal muscle cells.
The role of binding site cluster strength in Bicoid-dependent patterning in
Drosophila
Authors: Ochoa-Espinosa Amanda , Yucel Gozde , Kaplan Leah , Pare Adam , Pura Noel , Oberstein Adam , Papatsenko Dmitri , Small Stephen
Published: March 2005

The maternal morphogen Bicoid (Bcd) is distributed in an embryonic gradient that is critical for patterning the anterior–posterior (AP) body plan in
Drosophila
. Previous work identified several target genes that respond directly to Bcd-dependent activation. Positioning of these targets along the AP axis is thought to be controlled by cis-regulatory modules (CRMs) that contain clusters of Bcd-binding sites of different “strengths.” Here we use a combination of Bcd-site cluster analysis and evolutionary conservation to predict Bcd-dependent CRMs. We tested 14 predicted CRMs by
in vivo
reporter gene assays; 11 show Bcd-dependent activation, which brings the total number of known Bcd target elements to 21. Some CRMs drive expression patterns that are restricted to the most anterior part of the embryo, whereas others extend into middle and posterior regions. However, we do not detect a strong correlation between AP position of target gene expression and the strength of Bcd site clusters alone. Rather, we find that binding sites for other activators, including Hunchback and Caudal correlate with CRM expression in middle and posterior body regions. Also, many Bcd-dependent CRMs contain clusters of sites for the gap protein Kruppel, which may limit the posterior extent of activation by the Bcd gradient. We propose that the key design principle in AP patterning is the differential integration of positive and negative transcriptional information at the level of individual CRMs for each target gene.
Three distinct kinetic groupings of the synaptotagmin family: Candidate sensors for rapid and delayed exocytosis
Authors: Hui Enfu , Bai Jihong , Wang Ping , Sugimori Mutsuyuki , Llinas Rodolfo R. , Chapman Edwin R.
Published: March 2005

Synaptotagmins (syts) are a family of membrane proteins present on a variety of intracellular organelles. In vertebrates, 16 isoforms of syt have been identified. The most abundant isoform, syt I, appears to function as a Ca
2+
sensor that triggers the rapid exocytosis of synaptic vesicles from neurons. The functions of the remaining syt isoforms are less well understood. The cytoplasmic domain of syt I binds membranes in response to Ca
2+
, and this interaction has been proposed to play a key role in secretion. Here, we tested the Ca
2+
-triggered membrane-binding activity of the cytoplasmic domains of syts I–XII; eight isoforms tightly bound to liposomes that contained phosphatidylserine as a function of the concentration of Ca
2+
. We then compared the disassembly kinetics of Ca
2+
·syt·membrane complexes upon rapid mixing with excess Ca
2+
chelator and found that syts can be classified into three distinct kinetic groups. syts I, II, and III constitute the fast group; syts V, VI, IX, and X make up the medium group; and syt VII exhibits the slowest kinetics of disassembly. Thus, isoforms of syt, which have much slower disassembly kinetics than does syt I, might function as Ca
2+
sensors for asynchronous release, which occurs after Ca
2+
domains have collapsed. We also compared the temperature dependence of Ca
2+
·syt·membrane assembly and disassembly reactions by using squid and rat syt I. These results indicate that syts have diverged to release Ca
2+
and membranes with distinct kinetics.
Detection of chiral sum frequency generation vibrational spectra of proteins and peptides at interfaces in situ
Authors: Wang Jie , Chen Xiaoyun , Clarke Matthew L. , Chen Zhan
Published: March 2005

In this work, we demonstrate the feasibility to collect off-electronic resonance chiral sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectra from interfacial proteins and peptides at the solid/liquid interface
in situ
. It is difficult to directly detect a chiral SFG vibrational spectrum from interfacial fibrinogen molecules. By adopting an interference enhancement method, such a chiral SFG vibrational spectrum can be deduced from interference spectra between the normal achiral spectrum and the chiral spectrum. We found that the chiral SFG vibrational spectrum of interfacial fibrinogen was mainly contributed by the β-sheet structure. For a β-sheet peptide tachyplesin I, which may be quite ordered at the solid/liquid interface, chiral SFG vibrational spectra can be collected directly. We believe that these chiral signals are mainly contributed by electric dipole contributions, which can dominate the chiroptical responses of uniaxial systems. For the first time, to our knowledge, this work indicates that the off-electronic resonance SFG technique is sensitive enough to collect chiral SFG vibrational spectra of interfacial proteins and peptides, providing more structural information to elucidate interfacial protein and peptide structures.
Ectopic Expression of an Amino Acid Transporter (VfAAP1) in Seeds of Vicia narbonensis and Pea Increases Storage Proteins
Authors: Rolletschek Hardy , Hosein Felicia , Miranda Manoela , Heim Ute , Götz Klaus-Peter , Schlereth Armin , Borisjuk Ljudmilla , Saalbach Isolde , Wobus Ulrich , Weber Hans
Published: March 2005

Storage protein synthesis is dependent on available nitrogen in the seed, which may be controlled by amino acid import via specific transporters. To analyze their rate-limiting role for seed protein synthesis, a Vicia faba amino acid permease, VfAAP1, has been ectopically expressed in pea (Pisum sativum) and Vicia narbonensis seeds under the control of the legumin B4 promoter. In mature seeds, starch is unchanged but total nitrogen is 10% to 25% higher, which affects mainly globulin, vicilin, and legumin, rather than albumin synthesis. Transgenic seeds in vitro take up more [14C]-glutamine, indicating increased sink strength for amino acids. In addition, more [14C] is partitioned into proteins. Levels of total free amino acids in growing seeds are unchanged but with a shift toward higher relative abundance of asparagine, aspartate, glutamine, and glutamate. Hexoses are decreased, whereas metabolites of glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle are unchanged or slightly lower. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activity and the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase-to-pyruvate kinase ratios are higher in seeds of one and three lines, indicating increased anaplerotic fluxes. Increases of individual seed size by 20% to 30% and of vegetative biomass indicate growth responses probably due to improved nitrogen status. However, seed yield per plant was not altered. Root application of [15N] ammonia results in significantly higher label in transgenic seeds, as well as in stems and pods, and indicates stimulation of nitrogen root uptake. In summary, VfAAP1 expression increases seed sink strength for nitrogen, improves plant nitrogen status, and leads to higher seed protein. We conclude that seed protein synthesis is nitrogen limited and that seed uptake activity for nitrogen is rate limiting for storage protein synthesis.
RV filling modulates LV function by direct ventricular interaction during mechanical ventilation
Authors: Mitchell Jamie R. , Whitelaw William A. , Sas Rozsa , Smith Eldon R. , Tyberg John V. , Belenkie Israel
Published: March 2005

During mechanical ventilation, phasic changes in systemic venous return modulate right ventricular output but may also affect left ventricular function by direct ventricular interaction. In 13 anesthetized, closed-chest, normal dogs, we measured inferior vena cava flow and left and right ventricular dimensions and output during mechanical ventilation, during an inspiratory hold, and (during apnea) vena caval constriction and abdominal compression. During a single ventilation cycle preceded by apnea, positive pressure inspiration decreased caval flow and right ventricular dimension; the transseptal pressure gradient increased, the septum shifted rightward, reflecting an increased left ventricular volume (the anteroposterior diameter did not change); and stroke volume increased. The opposite occurred during expiration. Similarly, the maneuvers that decreased venous return shifted the septum rightward, and left ventricular volume and stroke volume increased. Increased venous return had opposite effects. Changes in left ventricular function caused by changes in venous return alone were similar to those during mechanical ventilation except for minor quantitative differences. We conclude that phasic changes in systemic venous return during mechanical ventilation modulate left ventricular function by direct ventricular interaction.
Protection against bleomycin-induced lung injury by IL-18 in mice
Authors: Nakatani-Okuda Akemi , Ueda Haruyasu , Kashiwamura Shin-ichiro , Sekiyama Atsuo , Kubota Akira , Fujita Yukihisa , Adachi Susumu , Tsuji Yoshiyuki , Tanizawa Takakuni , Okamura Haruki
Published: March 2005

The role of interleukin (IL)-18 in the protection from interstitial pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin (BLM) was investigated by comparing the severity of BLM-induced lung injuries between wild-type and C57BL/6 mice with a targeted knockout mutation of the IL-18 gene (IL-18−/− mice). IL-18−/− mice showed much worse lung injuries than wild-type mice, as assessed by the survival rate, histological images, and leukocyte infiltration in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and myeloperoxidase activity. In wild-type mice, administration of IL-18 before BLM instillation resulted in suppression of lung injuries, increases in the hydroxyproline content, and decreases in the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor content in the lung. Preadministration of IL-18 also resulted in prevention of the reduction of the lung IL-10 content caused by BLM-induced damage of alveolar epithelial. BLM instillation suppressed superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in IL-18−/− mice to a greater extent than in wild-type mice. Pretreatment of IL-18 augmented Mn-containing superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) messenger RNA expression and SOD activity in the lung and prevented the reduction of SOD activity caused by BLM in both wild-type and IL-18−/− mice. These results suggest that IL-18 plays a protective role against BLM-induced lung injuries by upregulating a defensive molecule, Mn-SOD.
Convention Versus Realism in the Homeric Epics
Authors: de Jong Irene
Published: March 2005

The Homeric epics are generally called realistic. The first part of this paper investigates what is meant by this label. It appears that there are in fact several forms of realism: historical, ontological, daily-life, and descriptive realism. In the second part it is shown that underneath this realistic surface many conventions lie hidden: highly stylized type-scenes form the basis of daily-life realism; the many speeches for which Homer is famous are possible because all the characters speak Greek and all the warriors on the Iliadic battle field know each other's name; the innumerable single fights of the Iliad are not the result of a special fighting method, but of the narrative convention of selective focus.
Reclaiming Children for the Nation: Germanization, National Ascription, and Democracy in the Bohemian Lands, 1990–1945
Authors: Zahra Tara
Published: March 2005

InSeptember of 1899 the Czech National Social Party issued a stern warning to parents in Prague as the school enrollment season approached: “Czech parents! Remember that your children are not only your own property, but also the property of the nation. They are the property of all of society and that society has the right to control your conduct!” Czech and German nationalists in the Bohemian lands were hardly alone in claiming that children comprised a precious form of “national property” (nationaler Besitz, národanímajetek) at the turn of the century. In an age of mass politics and nationalist demography, nationalists across Europe obsessed about the quantity and quality of the nation's children. They were, however, unique in their ability to transform this polemical claim into a legal reality. Between 1900–1945, German and Czech nationalist social workers and educational activists in the Bohemian lands attempted to create a political culture in which children belonged to national communities, and in which the nation's rights to educate children often trumped parental rights. In 1905, nationalists gained the legal right to “reclaim” children from the schools of the national enemy in Moravia, a right which they retained until 1938. By the time Ota Filip's father dragged him to the German school in Slezská Ostrava/Schlesisch Ostrau, children had become one of the most precious stakes in the nationalist battle, and a parent's choice of a German or Czech school had become a matter of unprecedented personal, political, moral, and national significance.
The Use of Questionnaires in Conflict Research
Authors: Kluwer Esther , Nauta Aukje
Published: March 2005

This article describes strengths and weaknesses of using questionnaires in studying conflict. We address five issues that we came across in our own research on organizations and close relationships. The first issue is that conflict is a sensitive topic which has consequences for the acquisition of participants and the response to surveys. Second, we deal with the validity of questionnaires that measure conflict behavior. The third issue concerns self-serving and social desirability biases in measures of conflict. The fourth issue is that conflict surveys usually entail correlational and cross-sectional designs, which prohibit conclusions about causality. Fifth, we deal with the fact that conflict data are often dyadic data, which yields practical and methodological problems. We illustrate these issues with our own research and include recommendations to overcome these limitations of using questionnaires in conflict research.
Quantitative Coding of Negotiation Behavior
Authors: Weingart Laurie , Smith Philip , Olekalns Mara
Published: March 2005

The examination of negotiation processes is seen by many researchers as an insurmountable task largely because the required methods are unfamiliar and labor-intensive. In this article, we shed light on a fundamental step in studying negotiation processes, the quantitative coding of data. Relying on videotapes as the primary source of data, we review the steps required to extract usable quantitative data and the lessons we've learned in doing so in our own research. We review our experience working with one large negotiation dataset, Towers Market II, to illustrate two steps within the larger research process: developing a coding scheme and coding the data. We then go on to discuss some of the issues that need to be resolved before data analysis begins.
The Role of Spirituality in Holistic Weight Management
Authors: Popkess-Vawter Sue , Yoder Elizabeth , Gajewski Byron
Published: March 2005

This descriptive, feasibility study was designed to determine how weight management patients defined spirituality and its connection with weight management. Relationships among spirituality assessment, spiritual well-being, selfesteem, and quality of life were explored. This study arose from clinical observations of possible relationships among patients' weight management failures, negative beliefs about self, and spiritual distress. Participants were 34 of 104 adult potential participants from a holistic weight management clinical practice. Survey data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and quantitative linear regression analyses. Participants readily defined spirituality; significant linear relationships were found: Total spiritual well-being explained approximately 47% of the variance for self-esteem and existential spiritual well-being accounted for approximately 68% of the variance for self-esteem. Similarly, existential spiritual well-being explained approximately 35% of the variance of quality of life. For this convenience sample, spiritual well-being was significantly related to self-esteem and quality of life.
Assisting Older Adults to Communicate Their Postoperative Pain
Authors: Mcdonald Deborah Dillon , Thomas Glenda J. , Livingston Karen Elin , Severson Judith Scott
Published: March 2005

An intervention assisting older adults to communicate their pain was tested in a posttest-only experiment. Thirty-eight preoperative older adults were randomly assigned to a communication group watching a videotape about communicating and managing postoperative pain or a comparison group watching a videotape about managing postoperative pain only. Pain was measured on Postoperative Days 1 and 2, and 1 and 7 days after hospital discharge by a data collector blind to the condition. The communication group reported greater pain relief and less pain interference on Postoperative Day 1. The comparison group reported greater pain relief on Postoperative Day 2 after attaining a pain interference level similar to the pain communication group. The pain communication intervention had modest effects for reducing pain interference with activities on Postoperative Day 1. Greater pain relief might be achieved when older adults and their health care providers are more knowledgeable about both pain communication and pain management.
Happiness as Related to Gender and Health in Early Adolescents
Authors: Mahon Noreen E. , Yarcheski Adela , Yarcheski Thomas J.
Published: March 2005

The purposes of this study were to examine gender differences in happiness; to examine the relationship between happiness and several health variables, such as perceived health status, clinical health, and wellness, in early adolescents; and to examine further these relationships for boys and girls separately. The final sample consisted of 151 early adolescent boys and girls who were in the seventh and eighth grades of an urban middle school. Students responded to instruments measuring happiness, perceived health status, clinical health, and wellness. Results indicated there were no gender differences in happiness between boys and girls. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between happiness and the health-related variables for the entire sample, with different patterns of relationships when boys and girls were analyzed separately. The application of findings to nursing is discussed.