bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near-Infrared Raman Spectroscopy with High Resolution Using the Scanning Multichannel Technique
Authors: Panitz J.-C. , Zimmermann F. , Fischer F. , Häfner W. , Wokaun A.
Published: January 2006

An experimental setup has been developed for the measurement of Raman spectra with NIR excitation, which combines high resolution with multichannel detection. The instrument is based on a Ti:sapphire laser for excitation, a double monochromator, and a CCD detector. The scanning multichannel technique is used for efficient acquisition of Raman spectra. Principal features of the software designed for control of the spectrometer are described, including definition of problem-adapted resolution elements and spike-removal routines. Raman spectra of several compounds are given, demonstrating the good resolution obtainable with this version of NIR Raman spectroscopy.
Characterization of Binary Uranium Oxides by Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Allen Geoffrey C. , Holmes Nigel R.
Published: January 2006

In this study transmission infrared spectra were recorded for 15 uranium oxides previously characterized by X-ray diffraction. The infrared spectra obtained demonstrated that all the uranium oxides studied could be distinguished, even for the closely similar structures of UO2 and U4O9. The infrared studies of U4O9 near the temperature of the α-U4O9 to β-U4O9 phase transition showed that an absorption at 670 cm−1 could be related to the ordering of oxygen interstitials in the fluorite lattice. A similar absorption was observed for β-U3O7 but was found to be absent in α-U3O7. The local coordination of oxygen/metal clusters in β-U4O9 and β-U3O7 appeared to be similar.
Quasi-Continuous Generation of 211-nm Excitation for Resonance Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Leonard James D. , Katagiri Gen , Gustafson Terry L.
Published: January 2006

We demonstrate the generation of 211-nm radiation using sum frequency mixing of the second and third harmonics of a cw mode-locked Nd: YLF laser operating at 76 MHz as an excitation source for resonance Raman spectroscopy. Owing to the relatively low peak power (∼4 W) but high average power (∼8 mW), we obtain good-quality spectra with relatively short collection times. In order to demonstrate the utility of this source, we have obtained the Raman spectra of several biological molecules and an inorganic molecule, ruthenium trisbipyridine, using 211-nm excitation.
Temperature-Insensitive Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Measurement of Glucose in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Hazen Kevin H. , Arnold Mark A. , Small Gary W.
Published: January 2006

A digital Fourier filter is combined with partial least-squares (PLS) regression to generate a calibration model for glucose that is insensitive to sample temperature. This model is initially created by using spectra collected over the 5000 to 4000 cm−1 spectral range with samples maintained at 37°C. The analytical utility of the model is evaluated by judging the ability to determine glucose concentrations from a set of prediction spectra. Absorption spectra in this prediction set are obtained by ratioing single-beam spectra collected from solutions at temperatures ranging from 32 to 41°C to reference spectra collected at 37°C. The temperature sensitivity of the underlying water absorption bands creates large baseline variations in prediction spectra that are effectively eliminated by the Fourier filtering step. The best model provides a mean standard error of prediction across temperatures of 0.14 mM (2.52 mg/dL). The benefits of the Fourier filtering step are established, and critical experimental parameters, such as number of PLS factors, mean and standard deviation for the Gaussian shaped Fourier filter, and spectral range, are considered.
Spectroscopic Properties of Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds. Part IV: Effect of Solvent Polarity and Nitromethane on the Fluorescence Emission Behavior of Select Bipolycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Tucker Sheryl A. , Griffin Jason M. , Acree William E. , Zander Maximilian , Mitchell Reginald H.
Published: January 2006

Fluorescence emission behavior is reported for 1,1′-binaphthalene, 2,2′-binaphthalene, 9,9′-bianthracene, 9,9′-biphenanthrene, 1,1′-methylene-bisnaphthalene, and 1,1′,2,2′-tetrahydro-5,5′-biacenaphthylene dissolved in organic nonelectrolyte solvents of varying polarity, refractive index, and dielectric constant. Fluorescence measurements are used to classify the six bipolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (bi-PAH) solutes as either solvatochromic probe or nonprobe molecules, depending upon whether measured fluorescence properties vary with solvent nature. Of the bi-PAHs studied, only 9,9′-bianthracene exhibited probe character. Possible correlations between 9,9′-bianthracene's maximum intensity emission wavelength and select functions of solvent refractive index and dielectric constant were examined. Also reported is the effect that nitromethane has on bi-PAH fluorescence emission intensities.
Simple, Inexpensive System for Controlled-Dispersion Flow Analysis in Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometry
Authors: Wu Min , Ensman Robert , Hieftje Gary M.
Published: January 2006

An inexpensive peristaltic pump has been modified for computer control and coupled to a commercial autosampler to provide completely automated sample introduction and calibration via controlled-dispersion flow injection. Precision of 4.2% RSD can be achieved with an injection volume of 10 μL or larger. With this device, controlled-dispersion flow analysis was used for computer-controlled standard calibration of Ca+2 from a single concentrated sample; a dilution of 180-fold of a 10-μg/mL Ca+2 sample was readily achieved. Intelligent control of the system was also realized through the implementation of a LabVIEW software system on a Macintosh computer. Advantages of the new system are the benefit of simplicity and low cost for flow-injection analysis, a reduction in sample consumption, and the convenience of performing single-standard calibration.
Transposition to Attenuated Total Reflection of Classical Laws Used in Transmission Spectroscopy: Application to Crystallinity Determination of Polyethylene Terephtalate Films
Authors: Belali R. , Vigoureux J. M.
Published: January 2006

We examine the problem which occurs when distinct absorption bands are compared. This problem is linked to the variation of the analyzed thickness of the sample according to the wavelength of the incident beam. Theoretical and experimental corrections are proposed to solve this problem. The theoretical correction is next used to calculate the degree of crystallinity of three polyethylene terephtalate films which cannot be determined by the usual method of transmission spectroscopy.
Detection of Biologically Important Compounds in Flowing Aqueous Streams by Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy at a Silver Electrode
Authors: Pothier Neil J. , Forcé R. Ken
Published: January 2006

Flow-injection analysis has been utilized to generate surface-enhanced Raman spectra of pyridine, adenosine, and adenosine 3′ monophosphate. These biologically important compounds have been recorded in a 10-μL spectroelectrochemical flow cell while under flowing conditions. Charge-coupled-device detection and low-power Ar+ laser excitation allowed an 1800-cm−1 region to be observed with 10-s integration times. A computer-controlled potential waveform which efficiently adsorbs and desorbs the analytes at the electrode surface is described. The effects of the quantity of anodic charge passed during the ex situ and in situ roughening of the silver electrode on the SERS intensity are discussed. The limit of detection for 50-μL injections of adenosine under true dynamic conditions is less than 800 pmol. The technique yields both quantitative data and structural fingerprinting information for analytes eluting through the cell.
Evaluation of Ethene Addition to the Nebulizer Gas in Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry for the Removal of Matrix-, Solvent-, and Support-Gas-Derived Polyatomic Ion Interferences
Authors: Ebdon Les , Ford Michael J. , Hutton Robert C. , Hill Steve J.
Published: January 2006

Ethene addition to the nebulizer gas is assessed as a means of reducing the levels of polyatomic ions in ICP-MS. It was found that, while the absolute analyte response was generally poorer with the addition of ethene, the levels of the interferences were greatly reduced, when compared to the all argon plasma. The plasma operating conditions, with the addition of ethene to the nebulizer gas, were optimized with the use of a variable-step-size Simplex procedure in order to remove or reduce the ArO+, ArCl+, ClO+, CeO+, ArNa+, SO2+/S2+, and PO2+ interferences. Complete removal of the ArCl+, ArNa+, SO2+/S2+, and PO2+ was achieved, while the levels of the remaining interferences were very much reduced. Detection limits for As, Se, and V in 10% HCl were excellent (0.27, 2.7, and 2.04 ng cm−3, respectively), as was the detection limit for Cu in 1% H3PO4 at 6.9 ng cm−3. Cu, Ni, and Zn detection limits in the presence of H2SO4 and sodium ions were also improved, and the detection limit for Fe was 0.48 ng cm−3. Levels of CeO+ were reduced to just 0.2% relative to Ce. Recovery tests and the analysis of certified reference materials further demonstrated the utility of the optimal conditions. A set of compromise ethene conditions was identified and shown to be of value in reducing the interferences simultaneously.
Correction of Fluorescence Spectra
Authors: Hofstraat J. W. , Latuhihin M. J.
Published: January 2006

Several methods that can be applied to remove wavelength-dependent instrumental effects from fluorescence emission and excitation spectra have been investigated. Removal of such artifacts is necessary for the comparison of spectra that have been obtained on different instruments. Without correction, spectral line positions and relative intensities will be instrument-determined to a great extent. Furthermore, the application of adequate correction procedures provides excitation spectra which can be directly compared to absorption spectra; comparison of corrected excitation spectra and absorption spectra can be used to interpret the efficiency and pathways of radiative processes. Finally, corrected reflection spectra can be obtained, which can be directly transformed into absorption spectra and are useful for remote sensing applications. The methods that have been studied for the correction of emission spectra are the application of a standard lamp with calibrated spectral output and the use of fluorescence standards. The standards are a series of luminescent phosphors in polymer films and a solution of quinine sulfate dihydrate in perchloric acid, all provided with certified spectral emission values. For correction of excitation spectra, a quantum counter was applied. Several quantum counters were investigated. The best results were obtained for application of a mixture of the dyes basic blue and HITC, which provided good correction for the wavelength range 250 to 820 nm. No good quantum counters have been reported thus far for this (large) wavelength range. Correction for wavelength dependence of the excitation optics was realized by measurement of the excitation light intensity at the sample position and at the reference position with a Si photodiode. Correction factors for the excitation spectra were checked with a number of reference materials. Attention has also been paid to polarization-dependent effects that may occur in fluorescence spectra. The application of correction procedures was demonstrated for phytoplankton fluorescence spectra.
Measurement of Hemoglobin in Unlysed Blood by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Kuenstner J. Todd , Norris Karl H. , McCarthy William F.
Published: January 2006

Visible and near-infrared transmittance ( T) spectra of unlysed blood samples were obtained with an NIRSystems Model 6500 spectrophotometer modified for an open cell and a vertical light path. Without rigid control of the pathlength and temperature, we were able to measure hemoglobin content within a standard error of 0.43 g/dL using a single-term second-derivative ratio of log(1/ T) data at 1740 and 1346 nm. Calibration was done on a set of 104 samples (two spectra of blood from 52 patients) having hemoglobin levels of 6.1 to 19.2 g/dL. Validation was done on an independent set of 56 samples (two spectra of blood from 28 patients) having hemoglobin levels of 7.2 to 19.0 g/dL. The reproducibility of the measurement, tested by computing the coefficient of variability of the 28 duplicated results, was 0.63% (<0.1 g/dL). The results demonstrate a rapid simple diffuse transmittance measurement of hemoglobin in unlysed blood.
Sphingomyelin Levels in the Plasma Membrane Correlate with the Activation State of Muscle Satellite Cells
Authors: Nagata Yosuke , Kobayashi Hideshi , Umeda Masato , Ohta Naoshi , Kawashima Seiichiro , Zammit Peter S. , Matsuda Ryoichi
Published: January 2006

Satellite cells are responsible for postnatal growth, hypertrophy, and regeneration of skeletal muscle. They are normally quiescent, and must be activated to fulfill these functions, yet little is known of how this is regulated. As a first step in determining the role of lipids in this process, we examined the dynamics of sphingomyelin in the plasma membrane. Sphingomyelin contributes to caveolae/lipid rafts, which act to concentrate signaling molecules, and is also a precursor of several bioactive lipids. Proliferating or differentiated C2C12 muscle cells did not bind lysenin, a sphingomyelin-specific binding protein, but noncycling reserve cells did. Quiescent satellite cells also bound lysenin, revealing high levels of sphingomyelin in their plasma membranes. On activation, however, the levels of sphingomyelin drop, so that lysenin did not label proliferating satellite cells. Although most satellite cell progeny differentiate, others stop cycling, maintain Pax7, downregulate MyoD, and escape immediate differentiation. Importantly, many of these Pax7-positive/MyoD-negative cells also regained lysenin binding on their surface, showing that the levels of sphingomyelin had again increased. Our observations show that quiescent satellite cells are characterized by high levels of sphingomyelin in their plasma membranes and that lysenin provides a novel marker of myogenic quiescence.
Effects of Progesterone on iNOS, COX-2, and Collagen Expression in the Cervix
Authors: Marx Stephen G. , Wentz Melissa J. , MacKay Lynette B. , Schlembach Dietmar , Maul Holger , Fittkow Cordula , Given Randal , Vedernikov Yurij , Saade George R. , Garfield Robert E.
Published: January 2006

This study examines the relationship between inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in the control of cervical ripening and parturition under normal (normal term pregnancy) and abnormal (preterm labor and prolongation of pregnancy) conditions by (a) measuring changes in the collagen both visually and quantitatively, (b) localizing and characterizing iNOS and COX-2 under normal conditions, and (c) characterizing the changes in iNOS and COX-2 under abnormal conditions. Cervices are obtained from estrus and timed pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats ( n=4-10 per group). Preterm labor is induced with Onapristone (3 mg/rat; progesterone antagonist) and the prolongation of pregnancy with progesterone (2.5 mg, twice daily). Collagen changes are measured and visualized with the picrosirius polarization method. RT-PCR is used to characterize the mRNA expression ( p<0.5), and immunohistochemistry is used to localize the protein expression for iNOS and COX-2. The organization and birefringence of the collagen during pregnancy decreased and is supported by changes in the luminosity ( p<0.001). The iNOS and COX-2 enzymes were localized in cervical smooth muscle, vascular smooth muscle, and epithelium. Under normal conditions, iNOS mRNA levels decreased as COX-2 mRNA levels increased demonstrating an inverse correlation (Spearman r = −0.497; p=0.00295). Onapristone stimulated preterm labor, increasing the iNOS and COX-2 mRNA ( p<0.05). The increase demonstrated a positive correlation (Spearman r = 0.456; p=0.03). Progesterone prolonged pregnancy, decreasing the iNOS and COX-2 mRNA ( p=0.036). In conclusion, there may be an interaction between the nitric oxide and prostaglandin pathways in cervical ripening and parturition.
A Method to Perform Western Blots of Microscopic Areas of Histological Sections
Authors: Krebs Bjarne , Kohlmannsperger Veronika , Nölting Svenja , Schmalzbauer Rüdiger , Kretzschmar Hans A.
Published: January 2006

Western blotting is one powerful research method to specifically detect proteins. However, it has been barely possible to investigate microscopic volumes of tissue so far because of the required minimum volumes and the pretreatment. Herein, we describe a method of performing Western blots directly from the histological section of frozen or paraffin-embedded tissue. Small histological areas of a mouse brain were lysed by section lysis buffer, subjected to a miniaturized SDS-PAGE, and detected by immunoblotting. Thereby, an area equivalent to only 15 cortical neurons of mouse cortex was detectable. This offers the possibility of correlating histological findings to biochemical investigations. In addition, enzymatic pretreatment was applied to identify the glycosylation of the major cleavage product of the prion protein. Moreover, the section lysis buffer is a sophisticated method to conserve and investigate phosphorylation sites as demonstrated here by phopsphorylated Akt and ERK. The presented technique combines histology with Western blotting techniques and will be of value for investigations of discrete tissue areas. (J Histochem Cytochem 54:559-565, 2006)
Generation and Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies against the Transcription Factor Nkx6.1
Authors: Pedersen Inger L. , Klinck Rasmus , Hecksher-Sorensen Jacob , Zahn Stefan , Madsen Ole D. , Serup Palle , Jorgensen Mette C.
Published: January 2006

We present the generation of a panel of monoclonal antibodies (F55A10, F55A12, F64A6B4, and F65A2) against the homeodomain transcription factor Nkx6.1, one of the essential transcription factors that regulates the multistep differentiation process of precursor cells into endocrine β-cells in the pancreas. Expression of Nkx6.1 can be detected in developing pancreatic epithelium and in adult insulin-producing β-cells, making this transcription factor a unique β-cell marker. For production of monoclonal antibodies, RBF mice were immunized with a GST-Nkx6.1 fusion protein containing a 66-amino acid C-terminal fragment of rat Nkx6.1. Four clones were established as stable hybridoma cell lines and the produced antibodies were of the mouse IgG1/κ subtype. When applied for immunohistochemistry on frozen sections of adult mouse pancreas, monoclonal antibodies stain specifically the β-cells in the endocrine islets of Langerhans with patterns comparable to that of a previously produced polyclonal rabbit serum. Monoclonal antibodies can be divided into two groups that appear to recognize different epitopes, as determined by competition ELISA. The presented antibodies are useful tools for the further characterization of the role and function of Nkx6.1 in pancreatic development, especially for use in double-labeling experiments with existing polyclonal rabbit antibodies. (J Histochem Cytochem 54:567-574, 2006)
Immunohistochemical Detection of Phosphorylated Rhodopsin in Light-exposed Retina of Living Mouse with In Vivo Cryotechnique
Authors: Terada Nobuo , Ohno Nobuhiko , Ohguro Hiroshi , Li Zilong , Ohno Shinichi
Published: January 2006

The purpose of this study is to analyze the time-dependent molecular states of rhodopsin (Rho) phosphorylation in the specimens originating from eyeballs cryoimmobilized in situ in living animals. Whole eyeballs of living mice under various dark- and light-exposure conditions were quickly frozen using the in vivo cryotechnique with isopentane-propane cryogen cooled down in liquid nitrogen (−196C). The frozen whole-mount eyeballs were freeze substituted in acetone containing paraformaldehyde and embedded in paraffin wax. Deparaffinized sections were immunostained with anti-phosphorylated 334Ser Rho (P-Rho334) antibody. Immunoreactivity of P-Rho334 was specifically recognized in the outer segments of mouse retinas exposed to daylight. In the 12-h dark-adapted retinas, P-Rho334 immunoreactivity was completely eliminated. Moreover, in other retinas dark adapted for 12 or 36 hr and then exposed under the safety red light for 2 min, it was still barely recognized. Even in the eyeballs exposed to strong visible light for 10 sec, it was not detected. However, after 30, 60, and 180 sec of visible light exposure, P-Rho334 immunoreactivity was definitely recovered, similar to that under daylight condition. This is a new immunohistochemical approach to visualize the time-dependent Rho phosphorylation of living mice using the in vivo cryotechnique, in which changes could be detected within seconds following exposure to light.
Protein Extraction from Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-embedded Tissue Sections: Quality Evaluation by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Shi Shan-Rong , Liu Cheng , Balgley Brian M. , Lee Cheng , Taylor Clive R.
Published: January 2006

A satisfactory protocol of protein extraction has been established based on the heat-induced antigen retrieval (AR) technique widely applied in immunohistochemistry for archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections. Based on AR, an initial serial experiment to identify an optimal protocol of heat-induced protein extraction was carried out using FFPE mouse tissues. The optimal protocol for extraction of proteins was then performed on an archival FFPE tissue of human renal carcinoma. FFPE sections were boiled in a retrieval solution of Tris-HCl containing 2% SDS, followed by incubation. Fresh tissue taken from the same case of renal carcinoma was processed for extraction of proteins by a conventional method using radioimmunoprecipitation assay solution, to compare the efficiency of protein extraction from FFPE tissue sections with extraction from fresh tissue. As a control, further sections of the same FFPE sample were processed by the same procedure without heating treatment. Evaluation of the quality of protein extracted from FFPE tissue was done using gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, showing most identified proteins extracted from FFPE tissue sections were overlapped with those extracted from fresh tissue.
LIM Kinase 2 Is Widely Expressed in All Tissues
Authors: Acevedo Karla , Moussi Nathalie , Li Rong , Soo Priscilla , Bernard Ora
Published: January 2006

The LIM kinase family includes two proteins: LIMK1 and LIMK2. These proteins have identical genomic structure and overall amino acid identity of 50%. Both proteins regulate actin polymerization via phosphorylation and inactivation of the actin depolymerizing factors ADF/cofilin. Although the function of endogenous LIMK1 is well established, little is known about the function of the endogenous LIMK2 protein. To understand the specific role of endogenous LIMK2 protein, we examined its expression in embryonic and adult mice using a rat monoclonal antibody, which recognizes specifically the PDZ domain of LIMK2 but not that of LIMK1. Immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation analyses of mouse tissues and human and mouse cell lines revealed widespread expression of the 75-kDa LIMK2 protein. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that the cellular localization of LIMK2 is different from that of LIMK1. LIMK2 protein is found in the cytoplasm localized to punctae and is not enriched within focal adhesions like LIMK1. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that LIMK2 is widely expressed in embryonic and adult mouse tissues and that its expression pattern is similar to that of LIMK1 except in the testes. We have also demonstrated that endogenous LIMK1 and LIMK2 form heterodimers, and that LIMK2 does not always interact with the same proteins as LIMK1. (J Histochem Cytochem 54:487-501, 2006)
Measuring Musical Forces
Authors: Larson Steve , Vanhandel Leigh
Published: January 2006

RECENT STUDIES CONCERNING "musical forces" suggest that listeners of tonal music may understand, experience, and create that music (in part) through a metaphorical process that maps physical motion onto musical motion. These studies argue that musical motion is shaped by a "musical gravity," a "musical magnetism," and a "musical inertia" that are analogous to their physical counterparts. The studies also found a variety of types of evidence (the distribution of patterns within compositions, improvisations, and analyses; the behavior of computer models of melodic expectation; and the responses of participants in psychological experiments). However, none of this evidence quantifies how the interaction of musical forces might account for listeners' judgments of the dynamic tendencies of notes within heard melodic patterns. This article complements and extends these studies in three ways. First, we show how a reexamination of the metaphorical bases of the forces leads to a number of hypotheses to be tested. Second, we report an experiment that tested those hypotheses by asking listeners specifically to make judgments about the experienced "strength" of presented pattern completions. Third, we report a content analysis of the distribution of the same patterns within in Schenker's Five Graphic Music Analyses.
Analyzing Temporal Dynamics in Music
Authors: Vines Bradley W. , Nuzzo Regina L. , Levitin Daniel J.
Published: January 2006

THIS ARTICLE INTRODUCES THEORETICAL and analytical tools for research involving musical emotion or musical change. We describe techniques for visualizing and analyzing data drawn from timevarying processes, such as continuous tension judgments, movement tracking, and performance tempo curves. Functional Data Analysis tools are demonstrated with real-time judgments of musical tension (a proxy for musical affect) to reveal patterns of tension and resolution in a listener's experience. The derivatives of tension judgment curves are shown to change with cycles of expectation and release in music, indexing the dynamics of musical tension. We explore notions of potential energy and kinetic energy in music and propose that affective energy is stored or released in the listener as musical tension increases and decreases. Differential calculus (and related concepts) are introduced as tools for the analysis of temporal dynamics in musical performances, and phase-plane plots are described as a means to quantify and to visualize musical change.
August Halm on Body and Spirit in Music
Authors: Rothfarb Lee
Published: January 2006

This article explores and explains August Halm's and Heinrich Schenker's differing opinions of Brahms and Bruckner based on Halm's notions of corporeality and spirituality, body and soul, in music, and on differences in symphonic style between the two composers. Corporeality manifests itself in thematic gestures whose contours trace distinctive shapes in music's imaginary space, resulting in the impression of depth, something metaphorically tangible. When the dynamic course of a passage is clearly manifest in the aural immediacy of its rhythmic and thematic gestures, Halm acknowledges its corporeality (Korperlichkeit). When a work's dynamic course is concealed or musically too subtle to be readily perceived, it exemplifies a different quality, spirituality (Geistigkeit), which resides in between the notes and occurs, so to speak, subterraneously. Schenker's Urlinie was thus for Halm a case of unnecessarily "spiritualizing the spiritual yet again."Halm's advocacy for Bruckner's symphonies as marking the beginning of "a new era and culture" was incomprehensible for Schenker, who conceded to Bruckner only a "very modest power of invention." SchenkerÕs unqualified enthusiasm for Brahms, on the other hand, the "last master of German composition," gave Halm a "painful jolt." For Halm, Bruckner is a "cosmic epicist," for Schenker "too much a foreground composer." Letters between Schenker and Halm as well as other, hitherto unknown archival materials among Halm's estate papers delineate Halm's views in contrast to those of Schenker.
"Selbst dann bin ich die Welt": On the Subjective-Musical Basis of Wagner's Gesamtkunstwelt
Authors: Knapp Raymond
Published: January 2006

In Wagner's Tristan und Isolde, the title characters conceive their union as a direct linkage between self and world, a linkage that involves a crucial short circuit, bypassing societal conventions and institutions, and echoing the nineteenth-century Germanic disdain for "Civilization" as opposed to "Culture." Facilitating this Wagnerian short circuit is a fluid musical discourse that can seem, alternately and even simultaneously, either to simulate a single consciousness, in which impressions and memory freely commingle, or to provide a deep sense of the world, bypassing surfaces to evoke a kind of world-sublime (or "world-breath," as Isolde would have it). Generally absent from Wagner's music are the correlatives of "Civilization": well-articulated forms and other markers of conventional musical types, which would disrupt the sense of musical flow essential to WagnerÕs "Gesamtkunstwelt."In this article, I trace the roots of Wagner's practice both in German Idealist thought and in Beethoven, especially as received through a totalizing mode of Beethoven reception fostered by Wagner, in which Beethoven's "voice" seems fully coextensive with his music while resonating on a deep level with the Germanic Welt. I then sketch two separately developed modes of post-Wagnerian dramatic music. I first describe how Mahler's novelistic musical discourse sometimes imposes a sense of continuity on the broken surfaces of a world through an overpowering musical "flow," a process that derives from the ways that Leitmotivs emerge from the fluid orchestral fabric of Wagner's music, but reverses the latter's sense of intrinsic embeddedness by beginning with the sounding surface of the experienced world. I then briefly lay out how and why WagnerÕs technique has proven so useful for film music and consider the ways that the overtly Wagnerian scoring of Excalibur (John Boorman, 1981) supports a particularly Wagnerian retelling of the Arthurian legends.
Pseudo-Quintilian'sMajor Declamations18 and 19: twocontroversiae figuratae
Authors: Breij Bé
Published: January 2006

Abstract This article contributes to the study of figured speech by offering an analysis of pseudo-Quintilian's Declamationes Maiores 18 and 19, two controversiaefiguratae. After an introduction of the relevant rhetorical concepts, an account is given of figured speech on all levels in both declamations. The tenor of both controversiae is determined by their declamatory law, which is examined and compared with attested Greek and Roman law. Figured speech on a smaller scale is studied with regard to color, figura, and ductus, and on the level of diction, with regard to emphasis.
HIV-1 RNA levels in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma and their correlation with opportunistic neurological diseases in a Brazilian AIDS reference hospital
Authors: Christo Paulo P. , Greco Dirceu B. , Aleixo Agdemir W. , Livramento Jose A.
Published: January 2006

BACKGROUND: Plasma HIV RNA levels reflect systemic viral replication but in CNS it may occur relatively independent of systemic infection, yet clinical application of CSF HIV-1 RNA levels is less clear. OBJECTIVE: to compare CSF and plasma HIV-1 RNA levels of patients with different opportunistic neurological diseases to those without neurological disease, as well as to correlate these levels with the outcome of the disease and use of HAART. METHOD: 97 patients who had lumbar puncture for routine work up of suspected neurological diseases, were divided in 2 groups: without neurological disease (23) and with neurological disease (74). NASBA was used for plasma and CSF HIV RNA. RESULTS: Median CSF viral load was higher in toxoplasmic encephalitis, cryptococcal meningitis, HIV dementia and neurological diseases without a defined etiology when compared to patients without neurological disease. There was no difference between plasma viral load in patients with and without neurological diseases. Median viral load was higher in plasma and CSF among patients who died when compared to those successfully treated. CSF and plasma viral load were lower in patients with opportunistic diseases on HAART than without HAART. CONCLUSION: CSF viral load was higher in patients with any neurological disease, but this difference was not present in plasma viral load, suggesting that neurological disease influences more the CSF than plasma compartments. Notwithstanding different neurological diseases were not possible to be diferentiated by the levels of CSF HIV-1.
Simultaneous detection of Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus sp. by polymerase chain reaction for the diagnosis of bacterial meningits
Authors: Failace Luciane , Wagner Mario , Chesky Marisa , Scalco Rosana , Jobim Luiz Fernando
Published: January 2006

The simultaneous detection of Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus sp. was assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis, as well as the applicability of PCR as a routine test. A cohort study was carried out with 182 children (2 months to 12 years of age) with suspicion of bacterial meningitis. Routine tests identified the etiologic agent in 65/84 children whose clinical status and laboratory findings suggested the presence of bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis was ruled out in 98 children. In 19 children, the etiologic diagnosis was not possible using standard methods; in 14 of these patients, the etiologic agent was identified by PCR (N. meningitidis=12; H. influenzae=1; Streptococcus sp.=1). The sensitivity of PCR was 88.1%; specificity, 99.0%; positive predictive value, 98.7%; and negative predictive, 90.1%. PCR is a useful complementary diagnostic technique, especially when Gram stain, culture, or antigenic detection are negative or inconclusive.
Primary headaches in obese patients
Authors: Peres Mario Fernando Prieto , Lerário Daniel Diniz Gonçalves , Garrido Arthur Belarmino , Zukerman Eliova
Published: January 2006

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Obesity is a major public health problem worldwide. Little is known about the prevalence and impact of headache disorders in obese patients. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of primary headaches in obese patients and controls. METHOD: Seventy-four consecutive obese patients from the obesity surgery service were studied, and compared to controls with body mass index less than 25. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients (75%) had a headache diagnosis, 49 migraine (66%), 7 tension-type headache (9%), 36 (48%) had incapacitating headaches. CONCLUSION: Primary headaches are more common and incapacitating in obese patients than controls, migraine is the most important diagnosis in this population. Headaches should be properly diagnosed and treated in obese patients.
The influence of gestational age and birth weight in the clinical assesment of the muscle tone of healthy term and preterm newborns
Authors: Silva Edla S. da , Nunes Magda Lahorgue
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of gestational age (GA) and birth weight (BW) in the clinical assessment of the muscle tone of healthy term and preterm newborns. METHOD: Cross sectional study. The muscle tone of healthy 42 preterm and 47 term newborns was quantified and measured with a goniometer (an instrument for measuring angles) respectively between 7th-14th day of life and 24-48 hours of life. Newborns were grouped according to GA and BW and evaluated at fixed time intervals by one examiner. Preterm newborns were matched to term at 40 weeks postconceptional age (PCA). RESULTS: The evolution of muscle tone in the preterm occurred gradually, following PCA, independent of birth weight. Preterm newborns had lower scores in all muscle tone indicators when compared to term at the first assessment. Differences were observed among preterm small for GA and adequate to GA for the indicator heel to ear (p<0.001). When compared at 40 weeks PCA, except for posture, all other indicators were significantly different (p< 0.001) among groups. CONCLUSION: Prematurity and intrauterine malnutrition are influential factors in some indicators of the newborn muscle tone state. Muscle tone assessment of preterm infants does not seem to be influenced by birth weight, however evolution is clearly related to postconceptional age. When we compared term newborns AGA and SGA it seems to have a clear influence of the birth weight on some indicators of the muscle tone. The use of devices such as the goniometer allows the performance of a more objective assessment of muscle tone and helps to quantify findings.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy: alpha-dystroglycan immunoexpression in skeletal muscle and cognitive performance
Authors: Pereira Conceição Campanario da Silva , Kiyomoto Beatriz Hitomi , Cardoso Ricardo , Oliveira Acary Souza Bulle
Published: January 2006

The Duchenne muscular systrophy (DMD) is a muscular dystrophy with cognitive impairment present in 20-30% of the cases. In the present study, in order to study the relationship between the alpha-dystroglycan (alpha-DG) immunostaining in skeletal muscle and cognitive performance in DMD patients, 19 were assessed. Twelve patients performed the intelligence quotient (IQ) below the average. Among the 19 patients, two were assessed by the Stanford-Binet test and 17 by Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III (WISC-III). Nine patients performed a verbal IQ below the average, only three patients performed an average verbal IQ. The muscle biopsies immunostained with antibodies to alpha-DG showed that 17 patients presented a low expression, below 25% of the total fibers. Two patients presented alpha-DG immunostaining above 40% and an IQ within the average. No significant statistical relationship was demonstrated among total IQ, verbal IQ and execution IQ and alpha-DG immunostaining at these patients muscle samples.
Neoplasias astrocitárias e correlação com as proteínas p53 mutada e Ki-67
Authors: Isolan Gustavo Rassier , Ribas Filho Jurandir Marcondes , Isolan Paola Maria B.S. , Giovanini Allan , Malafaia Osvaldo , Dini L.I. , Kummer Jr. Arthur , Negrão Alexandre W.
Published: January 2006

As neoplasias astrocitárias correspondem a 60% dos tumores do sistema nervoso central, sendo o estudo da biologia molecular um importante passo para a compreensão da gênese e comportamento biológico destas doenças. As proteínas Ki-67, que é um marcador de proliferação celular, e p53, que é o produto do gene supressor de tumor de mesmo nome, são importantes marcadores tumorais. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e quantificar as proteínas Ki-67 e produto do gene supressor de tumor TP53 em diferentes graus de malignidade das neoplasias astrocitárias, bem como analisar suas relações com idade e sexo. Foram estudadas por imuno-histoquímica as proteínas Ki-67 e p53 em 47 pacientes com neoplasias astrocitárias ressecadas cirurgicamente, classificadas previamente e revisadas quanto ao grau de malignidade, de acordo com o proposto pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. Os núcleos celulares imunomarcados foram quantificados no programa Imagelab-softium pela razão paramétrica absoluta entre os núcleos de células positivas e o número total de células tumorais, sendo contadas 1000 células. O delineamento utilizado foi transversal não controlado. Para análise estatística as variáveis foram divididas em grupos, que para a Ki-67 foram ausente, <5% e >5% e para a p53 foram ausente (0), <25% (1+), entre 25 e 50% (2+), entre 50 e 75% (3+) e maior que 75% (4+). Ki-67 esteve presente em 37 casos (78,72%) expressando correlação com maior grau de malignidade (p<0,001) . A p53 esteve presente em 14 casos (35,13%) tendo maior correlação com astrocitoma grau IV (p=0,59). Não houve correlação estatisticamente significativa entre p53 e Ki-67, bem com entre estas variáveis, idade e sexo. Concluiu-se que a hipótese de maior presença de Ki-67 e p53 em neoplasias astrocitárias de maior grau de malignidade, com exceção da correlação entre grau III e p53, é corroborada pelos resultados deste estudo.
Avaliação de parâmetros cardíacos em animais com epilepsia: possível causa de morte súbita?
Authors: Colugnati Diego Basile , Gomes Paulo Alberto Paes , Arida Ricardo Mario , Albuquerque Marly de , Cysneiros Roberta Monterazzo , Cavalheiro Esper Abrão , Scorza Fulvio Alexandre
Published: January 2006

Dentre as causas de morte súbita nas epilepsias (SUDEPE), as disfunções cardíacas têm sido uma área de interesse. Sendo assim, o objetivo de nosso estudo foi avaliar a freqüência cardíaca (FC) (in vivo e in vitro) e a pressão ventricular (PV) in vitro de ratos com epilepsia induzida pela pilocarpina. Ratos machos, adultos, da raça Wistar (n=6) receberam pilocarpina para a indução do status epilepticus. Ratos controles (n=6) receberam solução salina ao invés de pilocarpina. Nossos resultados mostram diferenças significantes na freqüência cardíaca in vivo entre os grupos estudados. Em contraste, não encontramos diferenças entre os grupos nos experimentos in vitro. Nossos resultados sugerem que sob a influência do sistema nervoso central, o coração pode apresentar alterações funcionais que aumentam a probabilidade de ocorrência de morte súbita nas epilepsias.
Central neurocytoma: report of two cases
Authors: Borges Guilherme , Pereira Hoyama Costa , Carelli Edmur Franco , Fernandes Yvens Barbosa , Bonilha Leonardo , Roma Maria Fernanda , Zanardi Verônica A. , Menezes Netto José R. , Schenka André A. , Queiroz Luciano S.
Published: January 2006

INTRODUCTION: Central neurocytomas are rare neuroectodermal tumors believed to arise from the subependymal matrix of the lateral ventricles. CASE REPORTS: A 26-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man each had a large, heterogeneous, contrast enhancing mass in the lateral ventricles at the foramen of Monro causing bilateral hydrocephalus. The woman died after surgery, but the man is asymptomatic after three years. HISTOPATHOLOGY: Both tumors were composed of isomorphic rounded cells positive for synaptophysin, chromogranin and NSE, while some reacted for GFAP, vimentin and S-100 protein. Electron microscopy revealed neuropil-like tissue between cells, but synapses were rare.
Crescimento, fotossíntese e composição mineral em genótipos de Coffea com potencial para utilização como porta-enxerto
Authors: Alfonsi Eduardo Lauriano , Fahl Joel Irineu , Carelli Maria Luiza Carvalho , Fazuoli Luiz Carlos
Published: January 2006

Foi estudado o desenvolvimento da parte aérea e das raízes, as trocas gasosas fotossintéticas e a composição mineral nos genótipos de Coffea, Apoatã IAC 2258 (C. canephora); Bangelan IAC col. 5 (C. congensis X C. canephora); Catuaí IAC 144 (C. arabica); Excelsa (C. liberica, var. dewevrei) e Piatã (IAC 387) (C. arabica X C. liberica, var. dewevrei), visando conhecer seus potenciais para utilização como porta-enxerto em C. arabica. Utilizaram-se plantas jovens cultivadas em terra, contida em saco plástico e em tubos de PVC sob telado, e no campo em plantas de quatro anos de idade. Em 'Bangelan' observaram-se maior comprimento da raiz pivotante e mais quantidade de raízes secundárias do que em 'Catuaí' e 'Piatã'. Os teores foliares de potássio do 'Piatã', 'Apoatã' e 'Bangelan' foram maiores aos observados para 'Catuaí' e 'Excelsa'. No campo, com baixa disponibilidade de água e nutrientes, os teores foliares de fósforo em 'Apoatã' e 'Piatã' foram maiores que em 'Catuaí' e 'Excelsa'. Em 'Catuaí,' notou-se maior eficiência na absorção de todos os micronutrientes (B, Cu, Mn e Zn), exceto ferro. A taxa fotossintética, condutância estomática e transpiração decresceram à tarde em todos os genótipos. Sob défice hídrico no solo, houve quedas significativas nas taxas fotossintéticas, condutância estomática e transpiração, sendo mais pronunciadas em 'Apoatã' e 'Excelsa', e menos em 'Catuaí' e 'Piatã', em relação aos valores observados sem restrição hídrica. A taxa fotossintética do 'Apoatã' foi menos influenciada pelo teor de água no solo em relação aos demais genótipos, que mostraram quedas acentuadas no período da tarde. Verificaram-se em 'Bangelan' e 'Apoatã' características favoráveis para a utilização como porta-enxerto em C. arabica.
Influências ambientais no rendimento intrínseco do café
Authors: Gaspari-Pezzopane Cristina de , Medina Filho Herculano Penna , Bordignon Rita , Siqueira Walter José , Ambrósio Luís Alberto , Mazzafera Paulo
Published: January 2006

Estudou-se a influência de alguns fatores ambientais no Rendimento Intrínseco (RI) do café, relação percentual entre a massa de dois grãos normais tipo chato e a do respectivo fruto que os contêm. Verificaram-se decréscimos até de 18% nos valores de RI de frutos entre os estádios de maturação de verde a passa, e em sete localidades diferentes ocorreram variações significativas até de 12%. Em dois locais diferentes no mesmo município, o RI variou até em 6%, tendo sido observadas diferenças de 2% entre quatro lotes diferentes de um mesmo local. Em um mesmo lote experimental observaram-se diferenças até em 3,7% no RI de diferentes plantas da mesma cultivar. Variações de altitude até de 330 m, na mesma localidade, correlacionaram-se positivamente com variações até em 4,4% no RI. Quanto à influência da posição dos frutos na planta, verificou-se que o RI diminui, até em 4,4% à medida que os frutos se afastam do ramo ortotrópico, em 1,5% na exposição Leste e em 0,5% nas posições superiores e medianas da planta. Pelos resultados, verifica-se considerável influência ambiental afetando essa característica. Para fins de melhoramento genético, a seleção, para a característica RI, deve ser realizada com base em amostras padronizadas quanto à maturação, posição na planta e representar pelo menos dez plantas de progênies uniformes avaliadas no mesmo lote experimental.
Teores de nutrientes e qualidade fisiológica de sementes de feijão em resposta à adubação foliar com manganês e zinco
Authors: Teixeira Itamar Rosa , Borém Aluízio , Araújo Geraldo Antônio de Andrade , Andrade Messias José Bastos de
Published: January 2006

No presente trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar os teores de nutrientes minerais e a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de feijão (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), em resposta à adubação foliar com manganês e zinco. O experimento foi desenvolvido a campo em Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico fase cerrado, em Ijaci (MG). Utilizou-se o esquema fatorial em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições, sendo os tratamentos formados pela combinação de cinco doses de Mn (0, 75, 150, 300 e 600 g ha-1) e cinco de Zn (0, 50, 100, 200 e 400 g ha-1), fracionadas em duas pulverizações foliares, sendo metade aplicada aos 25 e o restante aos 35 dias após a emergência das plântulas. Avaliaram-se os teores de nutrientes minerais presentes nas sementes e sua qualidade fisiológica pelos testes padrão de germinação e de vigor, incluindo a primeira contagem, envelhecimento acelerado e da condutividade elétrica. Com a adubação foliar com manganês e zinco foram obtidos acréscimos lineares dos teores de Mn e Zn nas sementes de feijão. Os teores de N, P, B e Cu nas sementes foram influenciados pela adubação com manganês e zinco, não ocorrendo entretanto nenhum efeito destes micronutrientes sobre os teores dos demais nutrientes determinados nas sementes (K, Ca, Mg, Fe e S). A qualidade fisiológica das sementes mostrou-se influenciada pela adubação mangânica, quando estimada pelo teste de condutividade elétrica. A qualidade fisiológica das sementes de feijão não foi afetada pela adubação com zinco.