bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinetic theory calculation of the NMR relaxation time of dilute 3He gas
Authors: Shizgal B.
Published: February 2004

The spin-lattice relaxation time T1 of 3He gas is calculated with the kinetic theory formulation due to Chen and Snider. The temperature dependence of T1 is evaluated for the Beck and the McLaughlin and Schaeffer He–He isotropic potential functions with a dipolar interaction assumed to be responsible for the relaxation of the nuclear spin. A sharp minimum in T1 near 1°K is obtained for both potentials and it appears that the minimum value of T1 is sensitive to the form of the interatomic potential, particularly to the form of the potential in the region of the well. For temperatures above approximately 2°K, T1 ρ varies approximately as T1/2. The calculated values of T1 at 4.2°K and a density of 0.7× 10−2gm/cc are 181.2 and 176.7 min for the Beck and the McLaughlin and Schaeffer potential functions, respectively. Chapman and Richards, in a preliminary set of experiments have measured T1 and the longest relaxation time for this density and temperature was found to be 113 min.
Neutron scattering investigation of the rotational dynamics and phase transitions in sodium and cesium hydrosulfides
Authors: Rush J. J. , Graaf L. A. de , Livingston R. C.
Published: February 2004

The rotational motions of the hydrosulfide ions in the trigonal and fcc phases of NaSH and in the pseudo-bcc (CsCl) phase of CsSH have been studied by quasielastic and inelastic neutron scattering. NaSH and CsSH are members of a broad group of compounds M+(XY−) which have cubic symmetry in the solid phase just below the melting point and a lower symmetry in lower temperature crystal phases. The measured inelastic neutron spectra above and below the trigonal to cubic phase transition in NaSH show that SH− ion ``librations'' about equilibrium orientations persist in passing through the transition. The maximum of the broad librational bands for both both NaSH and CsSH occurs near 400 cm−1. A temperature and momentum-transfer (Q) dependent broadening is observed, however, in the quasielastic peaks in the cubic phases of the hydrosulfides, which indicates a rapid reorientation of the SH− ions. The experimental quasielastic scattering results are compared with theoretical calculations of quasielastic scattering behavior based on the assumption of instantaneous reorientational jumps between a limited number of quasiequilibrium orientations. The widths of the measured quasielastic peaks plotted vs Q show an oscillatory behavior as predicted by the theoretical calculations. An isotropic reorientation model is ruled out, and the differences in the rotational disorder in NaSH and CsSH are discussed. Relaxation times (τ) for the SH− motions are derived from the theoretical analysis. The τ values for fcc NaSH vary from 0.4 to 0.15 psec between 103 and 212°C, while the values for pseudo-bcc CsSH vary from 2.0 to 0.75 psec between 23 and 140°C.
Effect of length on the interaction of dissolved long chain molecules
Authors: Brady George W.
Published: February 2004

The results of a study of superstructure formation in long chain alkane solutes are presented. It is found that there is little tendency towards chain aggregation until a chain length of eight atoms (C8−) is reached. A mechanism involving a swivel action around the attracting end group is postulated.
Raman characterization studies of synthetic and natural MgAl2O4 crystals
Authors: Fraas Lewis M. , Moore James E. , Salzberg José B.
Published: February 2004

Raman studies are reported for one natural and four synthetic MgAl2O4 spinel crystals and symmetry assignments for the phonon modes of the spinel crystal structure are given. Deviations in the Raman selection rules are observed for the synthetic spinel crystals in the form of additional modes over and above those theoretically predicted. Also, detailed studies of one of the synthetic crystals show a probable disordering in the Mg–Al sites. Raman linewidths and violations of selection rules, as reported here, can aid in the characterization and quality control of synthetically grown crystals.
Endothermic ion-molecule reactions in silane
Authors: Henis J. M. S. , Stewart G. W. , Gaspar P. P.
Published: February 2004

Endothermic ion-molecule reactions in silane are reported together with rate constants for the observed reactions. Si2+ is observed only from endothermic reactions of Si+ and SiH2+ with silane. Endothermic as well as exothermic channels are observed for the formation of Si2H+, Si2H2+, and Si2H3+. The kinetic energy dependence of reactions yielding Si2H+, Si2H2+, Si2H3+, and Si2H4+ products is reported and analyzed in terms of the mechanism and kinematics of fragmentation for the excited intermediate ion.
Vibrational spectra of the α-crystalline phase of hexafluoroethane
Authors: Lewis Aaron , Pace E. L.
Published: February 2004

A synthesis of spectral evidence and x-ray data has resulted in the solution of the crystal structure of the a form of hexafluoroethane. The space group is C2h2 with two molecules in the unit cell located on Ci sites. The unit-cell dimensions are a = 9.3 Å, b = 5.1 Å, and c = 4.6 Å. There is disorder in the a crystal which was determined to be of the statistical variety. The spectra of the a form verified the symmetry aspects of the theory governing solid-state vibrational spectroscopy, but the approximate dipole-dipole theory was shown to partially fail in explaining even the relative magnitudes of the splittings in the nondegenerate modes. This failure was ascribed to atom-atom interactions in the crystal.
Fluorescent cross sections and yields of CO2+ from threshold to 185 Å
Authors: Samson James A. R. , Gardner J. L.
Published: February 2004

The absolute cross sections and yields for the production of fluorescent radiation from the A 2Πu and B 2Σu+ states of CO2+ induced by photoionization of neutral CO2 are presented for the spectral range 716 Å (threshold) to 185 Å. In addition fluorescent radiation between 1040 and 1600 Å was observed in the spectral range below 400 Å. This short wavelength fluorescence is discussed in terms of dissociative processes.
Effect of charge scavengers on the scavenging of charges of opposite sign. The consequences on the steady state and pulse radiolysis of liquid hydrocarbons
Authors: Infelta Pierre P. , Rzad Stefan J.
Published: February 2004

The scavenging of positive ions and electrons in hydrocarbons is re-examined in terms of a model where the mobilities of positive and negative charges both decrease upon scavenging. The phenomenological model is applied to steady state and pulse radiolysis and explicit expressions describing such phenomena are obtained. The quantitative results obtained for cyclohexane by treating the available experimental data in this manner are discussed. Specifically the mobility of the hole is estimated to be ∼ 2 × 10−2cm2 V−1sec−1 and λ, the constant characterizing the ion recombination processes in pure cyclohexane is interpreted to be ∼ 7 × 1011sec−1, which indicates that half of the original ions recombine in ∼ 1 psec. Estimates of ∼ 7 × 1011M−1sec−1 and ∼ 1013M−1sec−1 are obtained for the rate constants for scavenging of positive ions and electrons respectively. It is shown that the presence of a hole scavenger should affect drastically the time dependent behavior of the secondary negative ions and optimum conditions for experiments of this sort are discussed.
Threshold electron-photoion coincidence mass spectrometric study of CH4, CD4, C2H6, and C2D6
Authors: Stockbauer Roger
Published: February 2004

An experiment is reported which directly determines the kinetics of dissociation of a molecular ion as a function of the internal energy of that ion. The experiment involves photoionization, followed by detection of only those mass analyzed ions which are produced in coincidence with photoelectrons of zero initial kinetic energy. Under these conditions the internal energy of a parent ion is equal to the photon energy minus the adiabatic ionization potential of the molecule. With this technique, in contrast to previously used techniques, the kinetics of dissociation can be studied independently of assumptions concerning threshold laws, i.e., variation in cross section above threshold, and autoionization. Fragmentation as a function of internal energy is reported for CH4+, CD4+, C2H6+, and C2D6+. The results are compared with previous photoionization, charge exchange and photoelectron-photoion coincidence mass spectrometry, and with fragmentation calculations based on quasiequilibrium theory of unimolecular dissociation. The major discrepancies of earlier experiments with the predictions of the quasiequilibrium theory are shown to be in error. The new experimental results are in good qualitative agreement with the predictions of the theory. Although this experiment was not designed to determine the average kinetic energy release in unimolecular reactions, it is sensitive to this energy. An analysis of the instrument and the data indicate average fragmentation energies which are of the same order as those obtained by other workers. The implications of these data on the thermochemistry of the molecules studied is discussed.
Molecular collisions. XVIII. Restricted distorted wave approximation to rotational and vibrational excitation of polyatomic molecules
Authors: Hunter L. W. , Curtiss C. F.
Published: February 2004

Perturbation expressions are obtained for a scattering matrix and four scattering cross sections describing rotational and vibrational excitation in collisions of polyatomic molecules. Computationally convenient versions of the expressions are discussed.
Consumption of brown onions (Alliumcepavar.cavalierand var.destiny) moderately modulates blood lipids, haematological and haemostatic variables in healthy pigs
Authors: Ostrowska Ewa , Gabler Nicholas K. , Sterling Sam J. , Tatham Brendan G. , Jones Rodney B. , Eagling David R. , Jois Mark , Dunshea Frank R.
Published: February 2004

Although garlic and onions have long been associated with putative cardiovascular health benefits, the effects of different commercially available onions and level of intake have not been studied. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential health benefits of raw onions using the pig as a biomedical model. Twenty-five female (Large White×Landrace) pigs were used in a (2×2)+1 factorial experiment. Pigs were fed a standard grower diet supplemented with 100 g tallow/kg with the addition ofAllium cepavar.cavalieror var.destinyat 0, 10 or 25 g/MJ digestible energy for 6 weeks. Overall, the consumption of onions resulted in significant reductions in plasma triacylglycerol; however, the reductions were most pronounced in pigs feddestinyonions (−26 %,P=0·042). Total plasma cholesterol and LDL:HDL ratios were not significantly different. Onion supplementation, regardless of the variety, resulted in dose-dependent reductions in erythrocyte counts and Hb levels, while the white blood cell concentrations, particularly lymphocytes, were increased in pigs that consumed onions. Furthermore, indices of blood clotting were largely unaffected by onion consumption. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with raw brown onions has moderate lipid-modulating and immunostimulatory properties. However, daily onion intake >25 g/MJ digestible energy could be detrimental to erythrocyte numbers.
Mental and psychomotor development in Indonesian infants of mothers supplemented with vitamin A in addition to iron during pregnancy
Authors: Schmidt Marjanka K. , Muslimatun Siti , West Clive E. , Schultink Werner , Hautvast Joseph G. A. J.
Published: February 2004

Maternal nutrition is important for fetal development, but its impact on the functional outcome of infants is still unclear. The present study investigated the effects of vitamin A and Fe supplementation during gestation on infant mental and psychomotor development. Mothers of infants from five villages in Indonesia were randomly assigned to supervised, double-blind supplementation once per week from approximately 18 weeks of pregnancy until delivery. Supplementation comprised 120 mg Fe + 500 μg folic acid with (n94) or without (n94) 4800 μg retinol in the form of retinyl acetate. Mothers of infants who participated in the national Fe+folic acid supplementation programme, but whose intake of supplements was not supervised, were recruited from four other villages (n88). The mental and psychomotor development of infants was assessed, either at 6 or 12 months of age, using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID). We found no impact of vitamin A supplementation on mental or psychomotor development of infants. In addition, infants whose mothers had received weekly Fe supplementation had similar mental and psychomotor indices as those whose mothers had participated in the governmental Fe supplementation programme. The study population was moderately Fe and vitamin A deficient. The size of the treatment groups was large enough to detect a mean difference of 10 points on the BSID, which is less than 1 sd (15 points) of the average performance of an infant on the BSID. In conclusion, the present study did not find an impact of weekly supplementation of 4800 RE vitamin A in addition to Fe during gestation on functional development of Indonesian infants. However, smaller improvements in development may be seen if studied in a larger and/or more deficient population.
Lipid atherogenic risk markers can be more favourably influenced by thecis-9,trans-11-octadecadienoate isomer than a conjugated linoleic acid mixture or fish oil in hamsters
Authors: Valeille Karine , Gripois Daniel , Blouquit Marie-France , Souidi Maamar , Riottot Michel , Bouthegourd Jean-Christophe , Sérougne Colette , Martin Jean-Charles
Published: February 2004

The aim of our present study was to compare the efficiency of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) and fish oil in modulating atherogenic risk markers. Adult male hamsters were given a cholesterol-rich diet (0·6 g/kg) for 8 weeks; the diet was supplemented with 5 gcis-9,trans-11-CLA isomer/kg, 12 g CLA mixture (CLA-mix)/kg, 12 g fish oil/kg or 12 g fish oil + 12 g CLA-mix/kg. The plasma cholesterol status was improved only with thecis-9,trans-11-CLA (HDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol:LDL-cholesterol ratio,P<0·05), but was of borderline significance for CLA-mix (HDL-cholesterol:LDL-cholesterol ratio,P=0·06), with an increase (33–40 %) in the liver lipoprotein receptors (scavenger receptor-type I and LDL ApoB/E receptor) and HDL-binding protein 2 (P<0·05). A 100 % pigment gallstones incidence and a slight insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment index) were observed in the CLA-mix-fed hamsters (P=−0·031). In comparison, fish-oil feeding alone improved merely the scavenger receptor-type I and HDL-binding protein 2 liver status and faeces sterol output. For most of our present observations, the concomitant intake of fish oil and CLA-mix gave dominant effects that were exclusive and specific to one or the other oil. In conclusion, part of the beneficial effects of CLA in the present study can be ascribed to thecis-9,trans-11-isomer, and these did not generally overlap with those of fish oil. In addition, the CLA-mix effects are clearly affected by the marine (n-3) fatty acids.
Digital reference services: a snapshot of the current practices in Scottish libraries
Authors: Chowdhury Gobinda , Margariti Simone
Published: February 2004

Discusses the current practices followed by some major libraries in Scotland for providing digital reference services (DRS). Refers to the DRSs provided by three academic libraries, namely Glasgow University Library, the University of Strathclyde Library, and Glasgow Caledonian University Library, and two other premier libraries in Scotland, the Mitchell Library in Glasgow and the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh. Concludes that digital reference services are effective forms of service delivery in Scotland’s academic, national and public libraries, but that their full potential has not yet been exploited. E‐mail is the major technology used in providing digital reference, although plans are under way to use more sophisticated Internet technologies. Notes that the majority of enquiries handled by the libraries are relatively low‐level rather than concerning specific knowledge domains, and training the users to extract information from the best digital resources still remains a challenge.
Strategic orientation and financial performance of firms implementing ISO 9000
Authors: Dimara Efthalia , Skuras Dimitris , Tsekouras Kostas , Goutsos Stavros
Published: February 2004

The ISO 9000 scheme has been reproved for being a paper driven process with little if no impact on firm performance. As international scientific literature indicates a wide range of factors leading to the adoption of the ISO 9000 schemes, the impact of this adoption should be viewed and examined in a framework of the firms’ strategic orientation. A sample of Greek businesses that adopted the ISO 9000 scheme in the early 1990s is classified into three categories of strategic orientation, namely cost leadership, market differentiation and focus strategy. If all the firms are pooled together, there is no significant difference in their financial performance indicators after a period of six years following the adoption of ISO 9000. However, if the firms are examined separately and according to their strategic orientation, those firms pursuing a cost leadership strategy present statistically significant growth of financial profitability indicators, while those firms pursuing a market differentiation strategy present statistically significant growth of their turnover and market share. Thus, strategic orientation is a moderating factor influencing the relationship between registration to a quality scheme such as the ISO 9000 scheme, and the firm's financial performance.
The qualifications and competencies held by effective workplace trainers
Authors: Gauld Darryl , Miller Peter
Published: February 2004

Are appropriately qualified trainers educating the workforce? The purpose of this study was to investigate the qualifications and competencies of workplace trainers and, determine if there is a relationship between these attributes and their effectiveness. Using a survey questionnaire, 303 trainers responded to an effective trainer model developed from the literature and validated in a Delphi study. The variables of interest were statistically tested using factor analysis, discriminant analysis, Pearson correlational analysis, and MANOVA. The results of this research show that trainers who have formal teaching qualifications and who have been in training positions for more than ten years, identify with the effective trainer model. This Australian research supports much of the previous research conducted in North America with some interesting differences.
Public privacy and politics
Authors: Curran Catharine M. , Richards Jef I.
Published: February 2004

Invasion of privacy is a serious, and sometimes frightening, concept for many people. It can evoke images of big brother, in the form of big business, knowing your most intimate secrets and even selling those secrets to others. Laws to guard against these personal violations have been slow in coming from the US government. A combination of consumer fears and sluggish federal response is nothing particularly new, but as with other such situations it has provided state and local officials a lever with which to pry public attention out of the hands of their federal counterparts.
Linking dimensions of service quality to organizational outcomes
Authors: Blose Julia E. , Tankersley William B.
Published: February 2004

While market theorists have devoted a great deal of effort to the conceptualization of service quality, the practical guidance available to service providers continues to be very limited. Utilizing the emerging role of a new marketing entity, the retail electric service provider, as an illustration, the article discusses how data envelopment analysis might be used to analyze service quality at the retail service level. Specific dimensions thought to influence consumers’ perceptions of the quality of retail electric energy services are identified, and the potential use of data envelopment analysis as a diagnostic tool for effective management of service quality by retail electric service providers is demonstrated. Generalization to different types of service providers is suggested. Empirical studies to develop practical guidance along this line of analysis are encouraged.
Managing a growth culture: How Sun manages its project portfolio
Authors: Davidson Alistair
Published: February 2004

Sun Microsystems is a high technology firm that depends upon innovation for survival. This interview of Sun’s Chief Information Officer, Bill Howard, gives insight into how this fast moving company balances the need for new development of innovations against limited resources. His goal: do more with less, but always try to produce the right quality and with good usability. With an extended enterprise that can go anywhere in the world in a virtualized connected supply chain, the demands on IT are three times greater than the resources available to do them. The solution for making the hard choices: a multidimensional matrix and governance process to evaluate the projects.
Fasting‐Induced Activation of Mitogen‐Activated Protein Kinases (ERK/p38) in the Mouse Hypothalamus
Authors: Morikawa Y. , Ueyama E. , Senba E.
Published: February 2004

Activity‐dependent changes in neuronal plasticity depend critically on gene regulation. To understand how fasting‐induced stimulation leads to gene regulation through intracellular signalling pathways, we investigated the effect of fasting on activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and the p38 MAPK (p38) in mouse hypothalamus. In the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, phosphorylation of ERK significantly increased during fasting, spatially coincident with phosphorylation of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), induction of c‐Fos, and expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY). In the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of fasted mice, activation of p38 in addition to ERK was also observed. In the arcuate nucleus of ob/ob mice, phosphorylations of ERK and CREB were decreased during fasting, whereas the expression of NPY was increased. In the PVN, increased activation of p38 was observed in spite of decreased activation of ERK. These results suggest that ERK and p38 are differentially activated by fasting in distinct regions of the hypothalamus depending on the condition of energy balance.
Responses of Cells in the Rat Supraoptic Nucleus In Vivo to Stimulation of Afferent Pathways are Different at Different Times of the Light/Dark Cycle
Authors: Saeb‐Parsy K. , Dyball R. E. J.
Published: February 2004

To determine whether the daily rhythms of spike activity in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) were accompanied by changes in the behaviour of its inputs, we used conventional extracellular single cell recordings from cells in the SON of anaesthetized rats while stimulating the contralateral optic nerve and the ipsilateral suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Neurones in the SON region were identified by antidromic activation and classified as oxytocin or vasopressin cells, on the basis of their spontaneous firing patterns. Approximately 27% of both oxytocin (29/108) and vasopressin (39/147) neurones were excited by stimulation of the optic nerve, and the majority of responses had a long latency (>20 ms). Very few oxytocin (3/108) and vasopressin cells (2/147) were inhibited by stimulation of the optic nerve. The pattern of the responses (excitatory, inhibitory or nonresponsive) of oxytocin and vasopressin cells to stimulation of the optic nerve was significantly related to the time of day (chi‐square test; P = 0.012, oxytocin cells; P = 0.006, vasopressin cells). The proportion of oxytocin cells excited by stimulation of the optic nerve was highest at ZT 4–8 and lowest at ZT 20–24. For vasopressin cells, it was highest at ZT 12–16 and lowest at ZT 20–24. The proportion of excitatory, inhibitory and complex responses seen in oxytocin and vasopressin cells following stimulation of the SCN also changed and was significantly different at different times of day (oxytocin cells: highest proportion of excitatory responses at ZT 12–16, P = 0.029; chi‐square test; vasopressin cells: highest proportion of excitatory responses at ZT 0–4, P = 0.005; chi‐square test). Thus, inputs to oxytocin and vasopressin neurones from the optic nerve and some outputs from the SCN changed during the light/dark cycle. Such changes may contribute to the generation of 24‐h rhythms in activity of oxytocin and vasopressin neurones and release of the peptides.
Effects of Ovariectomy on the Neuroendocrine Axes Regulating Reproduction and Energy Balance in Young Cynomolgus Macaques
Authors: Sandoval‐Guzmán T. , Stalcup S. T. , Krajewski S. J. , Voytko M. L. , Rance N. E.
Published: February 2004

Degeneration of the ovary in middle‐aged women results in castrate levels of ovarian steroids and increased gonadotropin secretion from the anterior pituitary gland. Ageing in women is also accompanied by significant changes in energy homeostasis. We have observed alterations in hypothalamic morphology and gene expression in older women, including hypertrophy and increased gene expression of neurokinin B (NKB) neurones, elevated levels of gonadotropin releasing‐hormone (GnRH) mRNA and decreased numbers of neurones expressing pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA. To determine if loss of ovarian steroids could produce comparable changes in gene expression in young primates, we measured the effects of ovariectomy on NKB, GnRH and POMC gene expression in young cynomolgus monkeys. We also measured serum leptin and body weight to examine the consequences of ovariectomy on energy balance. NKB neurones in the infundibular nucleus of ovariectomized monkeys were larger, more numerous and displayed increased levels of NKB mRNA compared to those of intact controls. Moreover, ovariectomy increased the number of neurones expressing GnRH gene transcripts and elevated serum luteinizing hormone. By contrast, several parameters related to energy balance, including POMC gene expression, serum leptin and body weights, were unchanged by ovariectomy. Thus, the rise in NKB and GnRH gene expression in older women was simulated by ovariectomy in monkeys, but the changes in POMC gene expression and energy balance were not. This study provides strong support for the hypothesis that ovarian failure contributes to the increased NKB and GnRH gene expression observed in postmenopausal women.
Single Chain Variants of the Glycoprotein Hormones and Their Receptors as Tools to Study Receptor Activation and for Analogue Design
Authors: Ben‐Menahem D.
Published: February 2004

One of the crucial steps in the biosynthesis of multisubunit proteins is their assembly. The glycoprotein hormone, thyroid‐stimulating hormone, and the gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone and chorionic gonadotropin, are noncovalent heterodimers. Their assembly is critical for bioactivity because the heterodimers, but not the monomeric subunits, efficiently bind to and activate the cognate heptahelical receptor. Occasionally, mutated subunits cannot combine into a functional hormone, or the bioactivity of the assembled, yet modified, heterodimer is suboptimal.
The Hypothalamic Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐1 Receptor and Its Relationship to Gonadotropin‐Releasing Hormones Neurones During Postnatal Development
Authors: Daftary S. S. , Gore A. C.
Published: February 2004

Reproduction in vertebrates is controlled by hypophysiotropic gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones. Pulsatile GnRH release increases during reproductive development, resulting in the onset and progression of puberty and, ultimately, the acquisition and maintenance of adult reproductive function. These changes in GnRH release are largely due to inputs to GnRH cells from other factors, including the neurotrophic factor, insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1). Here, molecular studies were undertaken to quantify expression of IGF‐1 receptor (IGF‐1R) mRNA in the preoptic area‐anterior hypothalamus (POA‐AH) and mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH)‐median eminence (ME), the sites of GnRH perikarya and neuroterminals, respectively. Immunocytochemical studies were also carried out to study the anatomical relationship between the IGF‐1R and GnRH neurones. Experiments were performed in a developmental context using neonatal (P5), peripubertal (∼P30) and adult (P60) male and female mice. We found that IGF‐1R mRNA levels in the POA‐AH were significantly different among all age groups, with levels higher at P60 then P5 or ∼P30. Levels of IGF‐1R mRNA in the MBH‐ME were lower at P5 than ∼P30 or P60. Qualitative observations suggested that IGF‐1R immunoreactivity in POA‐AH increased from P5 through P60. Quantitative double‐label immunocytochemistry studies showed that GnRH perikarya expressed IGF‐1R. Taken together, the results demonstrate expression of, and developmental changes in, IGF‐1R gene and protein in brain regions containing GnRH and other neuroendocrine cells. Moreover, the novel finding that the IGF‐1R is expressed on GnRH perikarya in vivo suggests a potential direct anatomical locus where IGF‐1 can regulate reproductive development and function.
Ethnicity and supra‐ethnicity in corpus planning: the hidden status agenda in corpus planning
Authors: Fishman Joshua A.
Published: February 2004

Abstract. The ideals, goals, and challenges that inspire ethno‐nationalist mobilizations also inspire their corpus planning. Nevertheless, just as even movements of self‐protective differentiation also come to ultimately various interactions with the larger world, so corpus planning efforts inspired by purism, ausbau, classicism and uniqueness also compromise in varying degrees so as to pursue contact enrichment, einbau, vernacularization and internationalization as well. Profiles of various corpus planning efforts will be presented based upon the tensions between these four bipolar dimensions by means of which opposite tendencies can be simultaneously justified and attempted.
Information needs and the related variables of Japanese family caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients
Authors: Fukui Sakiko
Published: February 2004

The present study examined the information needs of family caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients. Data were obtained by a structured interview from 66 Japanese caregivers of cancer patients institutionalized in a palliative care unit. Needs for disease‐related information (the disease, treatment and prognosis) and care‐related information (the care for the patient and family members) were investigated, and demographic and situational characteristics related to individual information needs were assessed. More than 60% of family caregivers wanted disease‐related information, and approximately half of these wanted patient and family care‐related information. These information needs had significant correlations with the family caregiver's age and with such patient‐dependent situational variables as time since diagnosis, care site before enrolling in a palliative care unit, and presence or absence of other family caregivers. The results may help health care professionals to better inform terminally ill cancer patients and their family caregivers.
Dorsal tunica albuginea plication to correct congenital and acquired penile curvature: a long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Chertin B. , Koulikov D. , Fridmans A. , Farkas A.
Published: February 2004

Authors from Jerusalem evaluated the long‐term efficacy of a tunica albuginea dorsal plication technique in the treatment of congenital and acquired curvature of the penis. They assessed their experience in 83 patients aged 1‐8 years who underwent this procedure over a 10‐year period. They found it to be a simple technique with considerable long‐term efficacy.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long‐term efficacy of a tunica albuginea dorsal plication technique for treating congenital and acquired penile curvature.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 83 patients (median age 1.8 years) who had their penile curvature corrected surgically using dorsal tunica albuginea plication between 1992 and 2002. The results were evaluated objectively using a pharmacological erection test or subsequently based either on the parents’ reports or patients’ self‐assessment. The median (range) follow‐up was 6 (0.7–10) years.

RESULTS

Seventy (84%) patients had penile plication as an integral part of hypospadias repair, while the remaining 13 (16%) with a normal urethra had dorsal plication only. Twenty‐eight (34%) of the 83 patients had an erection test during a repeat hypospadias repair or closure of a urethrocutaneous fistula; 22 of these had a straight penis, while the remaining six required additional plication for a satisfactory cosmetic outcome. Parents of 45 (54%) children reported that their child had a normal erection with no chordee during the follow‐up. Ten (12%) adult patients reported straight erections enabling satisfactory penetration and sensation during sexual intercourse. None of the patients reported penile shortening or erectile dysfunction after surgery, and none had recurrent curvature during the follow‐up. There was no difference in the results between patients with congenital or acquired penile curvature.

CONCLUSIONS

Dorsal plication of the tunica albuginea is a simple and effective method in the long term for correcting congenital and acquired penile curvature.
A low incidence of positive surgical margins in prostate cancer at high risk of extracapsular extension after a modified anterograde radical prostatectomy
Authors: Serni S. , Masieri L. , Lapini A. , Nesi G. , Carini M.
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the incidence of positive surgical margins (and associated risk factors) in patients with localized prostate cancer at high preoperative risk of extracapsular disease treated using a modified anterograde radical retropubic prostatectomy technique. Positive surgical margins are an important risk factor for disease recurrence after radical prostatectomy, particularly in patients with extracapsular disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In total, 84 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer and a preoperative prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level > 10 ng/mL and/or a biopsy Gleason score ≥ 7 were evaluated. The surgical technique allows easy, wide resection of the posterolateral prostatic pedicles, and good mobilization and exposure of the apex before the urethra transection. Prostatectomy specimens were examined for extracapsular tumour spread and positive surgical margins. Differences in putative risk factors (Gleason score, preoperative PSA level, prostate weight) between the positive‐ and negative‐margin groups were evaluated using the Mann–Whitney test.

RESULTS

Overall, 11 of the 84 (13%) patients had positive surgical margins and of these a single site was involved in six. In total, 15 positive‐margin sites were identified (five apical, four basal, three posterolateral, two anterior and one posterior). All patients with positive margins had histological extracapsular disease. The preoperative PSA level and Gleason score were significantly higher in the positive‐ than in the negative‐margin group (P = 0.025 and 0.035, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The anterograde radical prostatectomy minimizes the incidence of positive surgical margins in patients at high risk of extracapsular disease.
The Construction of Experience: A Longitudinal Study of Representation and Behavior
Authors: Carlson Elizabeth A. , Alan sroufe L. , Egeland Byron
Published: February 2004

Continuity in relationship representation and developmental links between relationship representation and behavior from infancy to late adolescence were examined using longitudinal data from a risk sample (N=185). Significant correlations were found among diverse representational assessments (e.g., interview, drawing, projective narrative) and between representational and concurrent observational measures of relationship functioning. Structural equation models were analyzed to investigate the relations among caregiving experience in infancy; relationship representation and experience in early childhood, middle childhood, and early adolescence; and socioemotional functioning in adolescence. A model representing interactive contributions of representational and behavioral experience represented the data significantly better than a model representing noninteractive contributions. Findings support an organizational developmental view that socioemotional adaptation arises from the progressive construction of mutually informing expectations and experience.
Attitudes Toward Family Obligation Among Adolescents in Contemporary Urban and Rural China
Authors: Fuligni Andrew J. , Zhang Wenxin
Published: February 2004

A sense of obligation to support, assist, and respect the family was examined among approximately 700 urban and rural 10th‐ (M=16.6 years) and 12th‐ (M=18.9 years) grade students in the People's Republic of China. Urban male adolescents reported a weaker sense of family obligation than did rural male adolescents and both urban and rural female adolescents. Only children did not differ from those with siblings in terms of their attitudes toward family support and respect. A sense of family obligation was generally associated with more positive family relationships and a higher level of academic motivation among Chinese adolescents. Discussion focuses on how the shift to a market economy may influence adolescents' identification with the family in contemporary China.
Assembly of Multiple CotC Forms into the
Bacillus subtilis
Spore Coat
Authors: Isticato Rachele , Esposito Giovanni , Zilhão Rita , Nolasco Sofia , Cangiano Giuseppina , De Felice Maurilio , Henriques Adriano O. , Ricca Ezio
Published: February 2004

We report evidence that the CotC polypeptide, a previously identified component of the
Bacillus subtilis
spore coat, is assembled into at least four distinct forms. Two of these, having molecular masses of 12 and 21 kDa, appeared 8 h after the onset of sporulation and were probably assembled on the forming spore immediately after their synthesis, since no accumulation of either of them was detected in the mother cell compartment, where their synthesis occurs. The other two components, 12.5 and 30 kDa, were generated 2 h later and were probably the products of posttranslational modifications of the two early forms occurring directly on the coat surface during spore maturation. None of the CotC forms was found either on the spore coat or in the mother cell compartment of a
cotH
mutant. This indicates that CotH serves a dual role of stabilizing the early forms of CotC and promoting the assembly of both early and late forms on the spore surface.
The
Bacillus subtilis
Extracytoplasmic-Function σ
X
Factor Regulates Modification of the Cell Envelope and Resistance to Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides
Authors: Cao Min , Helmann John D.
Published: February 2004

Bacillus subtilis
contains seven extracytoplasmic-function σ factors that activate partially overlapping regulons. We here identify four additional members of the σ
X
regulon,
pbpX
(penicillin-binding protein),
ywnJ
, the
dlt
operon (
d
-alanylation of teichoic acids), and the
pss ybfM psd
operon (phosphatidylethanolamine biosynthesis). Modification of teichoic acids by esterification with
d
-alanine and incorporation of phosphatidylethanolamine into the cell membrane have a common consequence: in both cases positively charged amino groups are introduced into the cell envelope. The resulting reduction in the net negative charge of the cell envelope has been previously implicated as a resistance mechanism specific for cationic antimicrobial peptides. Consistent with this notion, we find that both
sigX
and
dltA
mutants are more sensitive to nisin than wild-type cells. We conclude that activation of the σ
X
regulon serves to alter cell surface properties to provide protection against antimicrobial peptides.
Physical and Enzymological Interaction of
Bacillus subtilis
Proteins Required for De Novo Pyridoxal 5′-Phosphate Biosynthesis
Authors: Belitsky Boris R.
Published: February 2004

Bacillus subtilis
synthesizes pyridoxal 5′-phosphate, the active form of vitamin B
6
, by a poorly characterized pathway involving the
yaaD
and
yaaE
genes. The
pdxS
(
yaaD
) mutant was confirmed to be a strict B
6
auxotroph, but the
pdxT
(
yaaE
) mutant turned out to be a conditional auxotroph depending on the availability of ammonium in the growth medium. The PdxS and PdxT proteins copurified during affinity chromatography and apparently form a complex that has glutaminase activity. PdxS and PdxT appear to encode the synthase and glutaminase subunits, respectively, of a glutamine amidotransferase of as-yet-unknown specificity essential for B
6
biosynthesis.
A Temperature-Sensitive Mutation in the
dnaE
Gene of
Caulobacter crescentus
That Prevents Initiation of DNA Replication but Not Ongoing Elongation of DNA
Authors: Lo Teresa , van Der Schalie Ellena , Werner Theresa , Brun Yves V. , Din Neena
Published: February 2004

A genetic screen for cell division cycle mutants of
Caulobacter crescentus
identified a temperature-sensitive DNA replication mutant. Genetic complementation experiments revealed a mutation within the
dnaE
gene, encoding the α-catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase III holoenzyme. Sequencing of the temperature-sensitive
dnaE
allele indicated a single base pair substitution resulting in a change from valine to glutamic acid within the C-terminal portion of the protein. This mutation lies in a region of the DnaE protein shown in
Escherichia coli
, to be important in interactions with other essential DNA replication proteins. Using DNA replication assays and fluorescence flow cytometry, we show that the observed block in DNA synthesis in the
Caulobacter dnaE
mutant strain occurs at the initiation stage of replication and that there is also a partial block of DNA elongation.
InvB Is Required for Type III-Dependent Secretion of SopA in
Salmonella enterica
Serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Ehrbar Kristin , Hapfelmeier Siegfried , Stecher Bärbel , Hardt Wolf-Dietrich
Published: February 2004

The
Salmonella
effector protein SopA is translocated into host cells via the SPI-1 type III secretion system (TTSS) and contributes to enteric disease. We found that the chaperone InvB binds to SopA and slightly stabilizes it in the bacterial cytosol and that it is required for its transport via the SPI-1 TTSS.
Dynamics of Fruiting Body Morphogenesis
Authors: Kaiser Dale , Welch Roy
Published: February 2004

Myxobacteria build their species-specific fruiting bodies by cell movement and then differentiate spores in specific places within that multicellular structure. New steps in the developmental aggregation ofMyxococcus xanthuswere discovered through a frame-by-frame analysis of a motion picture. The formation and fate of 18 aggregates were captured in the time-lapse movie. Still photographs of 600 other aggregates were also analyzed.M. xanthushas two engines that propel the gliding of its rod-shaped cells: slime-secreting jets at the rear and retractile pili at the front. The earliest aggregates are stationary masses of cells that look like three-dimensional traffic jams. We propose a model in which both engines stall as the cells' forward progress is blocked by other cells in the traffic jam. We also propose that these blockades are eventually circumvented by the cell's capacity to turn, which is facilitated by the push of slime secretion at the rear of each cell and by the flexibility of the myxobacterial cell wall. Turning by many cells would transform a traffic jam into an elliptical mound, in which the cells are streaming in closed orbits. Pairs of adjacent mounds are observed to coalesce into single larger mounds, probably reflecting the fusion of orbits in the adjacent mounds. Although fruiting bodies are relatively large structures that contain 105cells, no long-range interactions between cells were evident. For aggregation,M. xanthusappears to use local interactions between its cells.
Inhibition of Membrane-Bound Methane Monooxygenase and Ammonia Monooxygenase by Diphenyliodonium: Implications for Electron Transfer
Authors: Shiemke Andrew K. , Arp Daniel J. , Sayavedra-Soto Luis A.
Published: February 2004

Diphenyliodonium (DPI) is known to irreversibly inactivate flavoproteins. We have found that DPI inhibits both membrane-bound methane monooxygenase (pMMO) from
Methylococcus capsulatus
and ammonia monooxygenase (AMO) of
Nitrosomonas europaea
. The effect of DPI on NADH-dependent pMMO activity in vitro is ascribed to inactivation of NDH-2, a flavoprotein which we proposed catalyzes reduction of the quinone pool by NADH. DPI is a potent inhibitor of type 2 NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (NDH-2), with 50% inhibition occurring at ≈5 μM. Inhibition of NDH-2 is irreversible and requires NADH. Inhibition of NADH-dependent pMMO activity by DPI in vitro is concomitant with inhibition of NDH-2, consistent with our proposal that NDH-2 mediates reduction of pMMO. Unexpectedly, DPI also inhibits pMMO activity driven by exogenous hydroquinols, but with ≈100 μM DPI required to achieve 50% inhibition. Similar concentrations of DPI are required to inhibit formate-, formaldehyde-, and hydroquinol-driven pMMO activities in whole cells. The pMMO activity in DPI-treated cells greatly exceeds the activity of NDH-2 or pMMO in membranes isolated from those cells, suggesting that electron transfer from formate to pMMO in vivo can occur independent of NADH and NDH-2. AMO activity, which is known to be independent of NADH, is affected by DPI in a manner analogous to pMMO in vivo: ≈100 μM is required for 50% inhibition regardless of the nature of the reducing agent. DPI does not affect hydroxylamine oxidoreductase activity and does not require AMO turnover to exert its inhibitory effect. Implications of these data for the electron transfer pathway from the quinone pool to pMMO and AMO are discussed.
Human SP-A genetic variants and bleomycin-induced cytokine production by THP-1 cells: effect of ozone-induced SP-A oxidation
Authors: Huang Weixiong , Wang Guirong , Phelps David S. , Al-Mondhiry Hamid , Floros Joanna
Published: February 2004

Surfactant protein A (SP-A) plays a role in innate host defense. Human SP-A is encoded by two functional genes (SP-A1 and SP-A2), and several alleles have been characterized for each gene. We assessed the effect of in vitro expressed human SP-A genetic variants, on TNF-α and IL-8 production by THP-1 cells in the presence of bleomycin, either before or after ozone-induced oxidation of the variants. The oligomerization of SP-A variants was also examined. We found 1) cytokine levels induced by SP-A2 (1A, 1A0) were significantly higher than those by SP-A1 (6A2, 6A4) in the presence of bleomycin. 2) In the presence of bleomycin, ozone-induced oxidation significantly decreased the ability of 1A and 1A/6A4, but not of 6A4, to stimulate TNF-α production. 3) The synergistic effect of bleomycin/SP-A, either before or after oxidation, can be inhibited to the level of bleomycin alone by surfactant lipids. 4) Differences in oligomerization were also observed between SP-A1 and SP-A2. The results indicate that differences among SP-A variants may partly explain the individual variability of pulmonary complications observed during bleomycin chemotherapy and/or in an environment that may promote protein oxidation.