bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of nicotine's pro‐angiogenesis activity and its potential impact on cancer
Authors: Mousa Sarah , Mousa Shaker A.
Published: March 2006

The present study examined the mechanisms of nicotine's effect on angiogenesis and its impact on tumor growth. Nicotine demonstrated significant (P < 0.01) stimulation of the release of endothelial cell growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor (b‐FGF) but not vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In a concentration‐dependent manner, nicotine induced endothelial cell tube formation. Additionally, in the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model of angiogenesis, nicotine effectively induced the generation of new blood vessels (P < 0.01), an effect that is mediated via b‐FGF. The pro‐angiogenesis effect of nicotine in the CAM model was maximally blocked by either anti‐integrin αvβ3or inhibitor of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK, ERK 1/2). In the CAM tumor implant model, nicotine doubled (P < 0.01) the growth rate of breast, colon, and lung cancer. These data indicated that the pro‐angiogenesis effect is mediated via b‐FGF and induced through the nicotinic receptor, αvβ3integrin, and MAPK. J. Cell. Biochem. 97: 1370–1378, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Paxillin modulates squamous cancer cell adhesion and is important in pressure‐augmented adhesion
Authors: Conway William C. , Van der Voort van Zyp Jochem , Thamilselvan Vijayalakshmi , Walsh Mary F. , Crowe David L. , Basson Marc D.
Published: March 2006

Paxillin is an adapter protein regulating signaling and focal adhesion assembly that has been linked to malignant potential in many malignancies. Overexpression of paxillin has been noted in aggressive tumors. Integrin‐mediated binding through the focal adhesion complex is important in metastatic adhesion and is upregulated by extracellular pressure in malignant colonocytes through FAK and Src activation. Neither head and neck cancers nor paxillin have been studied in this regard. We hypothesized that paxillin would play a role in modulating squamous cancer adhesion both at baseline and under conditions of increased extracellular pressure. Using SCC25 tongue squamous cancer cells stably transfected with either an empty selection vector or paxillin expression and selection vectors, we studied adhesion to collagen, paxillin, FAK, and Src expression and phosphorylation in cells maintained for 30 min under ambient or 15 mmHg increased pressure conditions. Paxillin‐overexpressing cells exhibited adhesion 121 ± 2.9% of that observed in vector‐only cells (n = 6, P < 0.001) under ambient pressure. Paxillin‐overexpression reduced FAK phosphorylation. Pressure stimulated adhesion to 118 ± 2.3% (n = 6, P < 0.001) of baseline in vector‐only cells, similar to its effect in the parental line, and induced paxillin, FAK, and Src phosphorylation. However, increased pressure did not stimulate adhesion or phosphorylate paxillin, FAK, or Src further in paxillin‐overexpressing cells. Metastasizing squamous cancer cell adhesiveness may be increased by paxillin‐overexpression or by paxillin activation by extracellular pressure during surgical manipulation or growth within a constraining compartment. Targeting paxillin in patients with malignancy and minimal tumor manipulation during surgical resection may be important therapeutic adjuncts. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Application of mass spectrometry to the discovery of biomarkers for detection of prostate cancer
Authors: Semmes O. John , Malik Gunjan , Ward Mike
Published: March 2006

There has been an impressive emergence of mass spectrometry based technologies applied toward the study of proteins. Equally notable is the rapid adaptation of these technologies to biomedical approaches in the realm of clinical proteomics. Concerted efforts toward the elucidation of the proteomes of organ sites or specific disease state are proliferating and from these efforts come the promise of better diagnostics/prognostics and therapeutic intervention. Prostate cancer has been a focus of many such studies with the promise of improved care to patients via biomarkers derived from these proteomic approaches. The newer technologies provide higher analytical capabilities, employ automated liquid handling systems, fractionation techniques and bioinformatics tools for greater sensitivity and resolving power, more robust and higher throughput sample processing, and greater confidence in analytical results. In this prospects, we summarize the proteomic technologies applied to date in prostate cancer, along with their respective advantages and disadvantages. The development of newer proteomic strategies for use in future applications is also discussed. J. Cell. Biochem. 98: 496–503, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tissue culture methods can strongly induce immediate early gene expression in retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors: Yang Huaitao , Yang Xiuying , Lang John C. , Chaum Edward
Published: March 2006

Expression and activation of AP‐1 transcription factor proteins is stimulated by diverse physiological factors including cytokines, growth factors, and various cell stressors. The studies presented here arose out of observations in our laboratory that there was rapid and significant induction of immediate early gene (IEG) transcription in “control” retinal pigment epithelial cell (RPE) cultures following media changes. To clarify whether routine in vitro manipulations have the potential to induce the expression of transcription factors and non‐transcription factor genes, we performed quantitative PCR studies on RPE cells in culture following various cell rinse conditions. Our studies showed that there is rapid and dramatic induction of FosB, JunB, and EGR‐1 transcription within 1 h following media aspiration and rinsing of confluent cells in vitro. The induction of these genes ranged from 32‐ to 256‐fold following a buffered saline or media rinse. Modifying the rinse conditions and media used can eliminate this early response; however, a significant effect is still seen for FosB and JunB, 4 h after rinsing. The response was not seen with non‐transcription factor genes and can be eliminated for most of the genes using a non‐rinsing method. These studies demonstrate that rinsing cells in culture has the potential to profoundly affect subsequent analyses of gene expression and must be carefully controlled. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inorganic phosphate inhibits growth of human osteosarcoma U2OS cells via adenylate cyclase/cAMP pathway
Authors: Naviglio Silvio , Spina Annamaria , Chiosi Emilio , Fusco Anna , Illiano Fausto , Pagano Mario , Romano Maria , Senatore Giovanna , Sorrentino Annunziata , Sorvillo Luca , Illiano Gennaro
Published: March 2006

In order to elucidate how phosphate regulates cellular functions, we investigated the effects of inorganic phosphate (Pi) on adenylate cyclase (AC)/cyclic AMP (cAMP) axis. Here we describe that Pi treatment of human osteosarcoma U2OS cells results in a decrease of both intracellular cAMP levels and AC activity, and in a cell growth inhibition. The phosphate‐triggered effects observed in U2OS cells are not a widespread phenomenon regarding all cell lines, since other cell lines screened respond differently to parallel Pi treatments. In U2OS cell line, the AC activity/cAMP downregulation is accompanied by significant variations in the levels of some membrane proteins belonging to the AC system. Remarkably, the above effects are blunted by pharmacological inhibition of sodium‐dependent phosphate transport. Moreover, 8‐Br‐cAMP and other cAMP‐elevating agents, such as IBMX and forskolin, interestingly, prevent the cell growth inhibition in response to phosphate. Our results enforce the increasing evidences of phosphate as a signaling molecule, identifying in U2OS cell line the AC/cAMP axis, as a novel‐signaling pathway modulated by phosphate to ultimately affect cell growth. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investments in ICT‐capital and economic performance of small and medium scale enterprises in East Africa
Authors: Chowdhury Shyamal K.
Published: March 2006

In this paper, we focused on whether investments in ICTs could cause any increases in a firm's performance. We constructed a data set for two East African countries—Kenya and Tanzania for small and medium scale enterprises and focused on three performance indicators—internal rate of return, labour productivity and domestic and export market expansion. Findings of this paper suggested that investments in ICT have a positive impact on general market expansion. However, it has a negative impact on labour productivity, and such investment does not have any significant impact on the firm's return nor does it determine the firm's exporter (non‐exporter) status. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A note on poverty in Kosovo
Authors: Bhaumik Sumon Kumar , Gang Ira N. , Yun Myeong‐Su
Published: March 2006

Kosovo is a war‐torn corner of the former Yugoslavia, where a civil war between ethnic Albanians and ethnic Serbs raged during most of the 1990s. We examine the incidence and depth of poverty and some of its correlates in post‐conflict Kosovo using the Living Standards Measurement Survey. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Downscaling heavy precipitation over the United Kingdom: a comparison of dynamical and statistical methods and their future scenarios
Authors: Haylock Malcolm R. , Cawley Gavin C. , Harpham Colin , Wilby Rob L. , Goodess Clare M.
Published: March 2006

Six statistical and two dynamical downscaling models were compared with regard to their ability to downscale seven seasonal indices of heavy precipitation for two station networks in northwest and southeast England. The skill among the eight downscaling models was high for those indices and seasons that had greater spatial coherence. Generally, winter showed the highest downscaling skill and summer the lowest. The rainfall indices that were indicative of rainfall occurrence were better modelled than those indicative of intensity. Models based on non‐linear artificial neural networks were found to be the best at modelling the inter‐annual variability of the indices; however, their strong negative biases implied a tendency to underestimate extremes. A novel approach used in one of the neural network models to output the rainfall probability and the gamma distribution scale and shape parameters for each day meant that resampling methods could be used to circumvent the underestimation of extremes. Six of the models were applied to the Hadley Centre global circulation model HadAM3P forced by emissions according to two SRES scenarios. This revealed that the inter‐model differences between the future changes in the downscaled precipitation indices were at least as large as the differences between the emission scenarios for a single model. This implies caution when interpreting the output from a single model or a single type of model (e.g. regional climate models) and the advantage of including as many different types of downscaling models, global models and emission scenarios as possible when developing climate‐change projections at the local scale. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society
Long‐term memory of the hydrological cycle and river runoffs in China in a high‐resolution climate model
Authors: Blender Richard , Fraedrich Klaus
Published: March 2006

The hydrological cycle in China is analysed on the basis of a 250‐years present‐day climate simulation with a high‐resolution (T63, ≈2° × 2° ) coupled atmosphere‐ocean circulation model (ECHAM5/MPI‐OM). The analysis of the annual data in the model simulation reveals long‐term memory (LTM) on decadal time scales in some components of the hydrological cycle. LTM is characterised by a scaling exponent β > 0 in the power spectrum S(f) ∼ f−β for low frequencies f and is determined by detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA). The simulated annual precipitation and atmospheric near‐surface temperature fields show, as in the observations, a white low‐frequency spectrum and, hence, no long‐term memory in East Asia. However, simulated river flows of the Yangtze and the Huang He reveal LTM with scaling exponents β = 0.3–0.4 (similar to the observations and that of the river Nile) extending beyond the decadal time scale. The model soil temperature indicates restricted memory up to time scales of approximately 30 years. In addition, the model's soil wetness, evaporation, and local runoff show memory on this time scale in a zonal belt at the latitude of Mongolia. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.
Spherical ordered mesoporous silicas and silica monoliths as stationary phases for liquid chromatography
Authors: Galarneau Anne , Iapichella Julien , Brunel Daniel , Fajula François , Bayram‐Hahn Zöfre , Unger Klaus , Puy Guillaume , Demesmay Claire , Rocca Jean‐Louis
Published: March 2006

Ordered mesoporous silicas such as micelle‐templated silicas (MTS) feature unique textural properties in addition to their high surface area (˜1000 m2/g): narrow mesopore size distributions and controlled pore connectivity. These characteristics are highly relevant to chromatographic applications for resistance to mass transfer, which has never been studied in chromatography because of the absence of model materials such as MTS. Their synthesis is based on unique self‐assembly processes between surfactants and silica. In order to take advantage of the perfectly adjustable texture of MTS in chromatographic applications, their particle morphology has to be tailored at the micrometer scale. We developed a synthesis strategy to control the particle morphology of MTS using the concept of pseudomorphic transformation. Pseudomorphism was recognized in the mineral world to gain a mineral that presents a morphology not related to its crystallographic symmetry group. Pseudomorphic transformations have been applied to amorphous spherical silica particles usually used in chromatography as stationary phases to produce MTS with the same morphology, using alkaline solution to dissolve progressively and locally silica and reprecipitate it around surfactant micelles into ordered MTS structures. Spherical beads of MTS with hexagonal and cubic symmetries have been synthesized and successfully used in HPLC in fast separation processes. MTS with a highly connected structure (cubic symmetry), uniform pores with a diameter larger than 6 nm in the form of particles of 5 μm could compete with monolithic silica columns. Monolithic columns are receiving strong interest and represent a milestone in the area of fast separation. Their synthesis is a sol‐gel process based on phase separation between silica and water, which is assisted by the presence of polymers. The control of the synthesis of monolithic silica has been systematically explored. Because of unresolved yet cladding problems to evaluate the resulting macromonoliths in HPLC, micromonoliths were synthesized into fused‐silica capillaries and evaluated by nano‐LC and CEC. Only CEC allows to gain high column efficiencies in fast separation processes. Capillary silica monolithic columns represent attractive alternatives for miniaturization processes (lab‐on‐a chip) using CEC.
Is there any convergence between the differential and integral procedures used in chemical kinetics, particularly in nonisothermal kinetics?
Authors: Segal E. , Budrugeac P.
Published: March 2006

Some contradictions concerning the classification of the methods to evaluate nonisothermal kinetic parameters into differential and integral ones are analyzed. Using the theorem of media for integrals, the equivalence between the methods that use the integration on low ranges of variables and the differential methods is shown. Concerning the magnitude of the range of change of variables on which the integration of the rate equation is performed, the applicability of the isoconversional methods that use approximate expressions of the temperature integral (Simpson's formula, formula based on the theorem of media for integrals) was analyzed. Our results were verified for simulated data (which are not affected by the experimental errors) as well as for the nonisothermal data for the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 339–344, 2006
Observation of high-order Stokes and anti-Stokes χ(3)-generation in highly transparent laser-host Lu2O3ceramics
Authors: Kaminskii A A , Bagaev S N , Eichler H J , Ueda K , Takaichi K , Shirakawa A , Yagi H , Yanagitani T , Rhee H
Published: March 2006

Efficient room-temperature steady-state high-order stimulated Raman scattering under picosecond laser pumping in ceramics based on cubic Lu2O3oxide was discovered. All registered Stokes and anti-Stokes generation components were identified and attributed to the χ(3)-promoting vibration mode ωSRS≈ 392 cm-1of this novel crystalline laser-host material.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor: A genetic risk factor for obsessive–compulsive disorder and Tourette syndrome?
Authors: Klaffke Stefanie , König Inke R. , Poustka Fritz , Ziegler Andreas , Hebebrand Johannes , Bandmann Oliver
Published: March 2006

A strong association of the G196A polymorphism of the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) has been reported. Patients with Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome (GTS) often develop OCD as well, suggesting a shared genetic susceptibility for OCD and GTS. We investigated whether BNDF is associated not only with OCD but also with GTS. The G196A polymorphism of the BNDF gene was genotyped in 88 GTS trios. The extended transmission/disequilibrium test was applied. The transmission rates for both alleles did not differ from the expected transmission rates. This finding suggests that GTS and OCD may have distinct genetic risk factors. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Effects of ovarian theca cells on granulosa cell differentiation during gonadotropin‐independent follicular growth in cattle
Authors: Orisaka Makoto , Mizutani Tetsuya , Tajima Kimihisa , Orisaka Sanae , Shukunami Ken‐ichi , Miyamoto Kaoru , Kotsuji Fumikazu
Published: March 2006

We investigated the effects of theca cells or FSH on granulosa cell differentiation and steroid production during bovine early follicular growth, using a co‐culture system in which granulosa and theca cells were cultured on opposite sides of a collagen membrane. Follicular cells were isolated from early antral follicles (2–4 mm) that were assumed to be in gonadotropin‐independent phase and just before recruitment into a follicular wave. Granulosa cells were cultured under serum‐free conditions with and without theca cells or recombinant human FSH to test their effects on granulosa cell differentiation. Messenger RNA levels for P450 aromatase (aromatase), P450 cholesterol side chain cleavage (P450scc), 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β‐HSD), LH receptor (LHr), and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) in granulosa cells were measured by real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR analysis. FSH enhanced aromatase mRNA expression in granulosa cells, but did not alter estradiol production. FSH also enhanced mRNA expression for P450scc, LHr, and StAR in granulosa cells, resulting in an increase in progesterone production. In contrast, theca cells enhanced aromatase mRNA expression in granulosa cells resulting in an increase in estradiol production. Theca cells did not alter progesterone production and mRNA expression in granulosa cells for P450scc, 3β‐HSD, LHr, and StAR. The results of the present study indicate that theca cells are involved in both rate‐limiting steps in estrogen production, i.e., androgen substrate production and aromatase regulation, and that theca cell‐derived factors regulate estradiol and progesterone production in a way that reflects steroidogenesis during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human herpesvirus 7 in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Khanani Muhammad , Al‐Ahmari Ali , Tellier Raymond , Allen Upton , Richardson Susan , Doyle John J. , Gassas Adam
Published: March 2006

Background

Little is known about the significance of human herpesvirus 7 (HHV‐7) in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Objective

To evaluate children post autologous and allogeneic HSCT, with a positive PCR or immunohistochemistry for HHV‐7 either from blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or any other pathology specimen. Clinical data for these patients were collected examining symptoms and signs, engraftment, acute infectious complications, graft versus host disease (GVHD) where applicable, and survival.

Results

Between June 1999 and June 2003, 265 HSCT were performed in The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, allogeneic (n = 163) and autologous (n = 102). Nine children were positive for HHV‐7 at a median of 21 days (range 16–27 days) post‐HSCT. All had allogeneic transplantation. The most common underlying diagnosis was acute leukemia and 7 had matched unrelated donor (MUD) transplantation. Eight of the nine patients had grade II–IV acute GVHD and all of them had multiple infectious episodes with fungal, bacterial and other viral pathogens. Although not fully attributed to HHV‐7, the clinical syndrome varied from fever, vomiting and diarrhea to septic shock. Four patients died due to GVHD and sepsis.

Conclusion

HHV‐7 was uncommon post‐HSCT. It was associated with severe GVHD and sepsis secondary to severe immunosuppression. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:567–570. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predicting and confirming the effectiveness of systems for managing low‐probability chemical process risks
Authors: Rosenthal Isadore , Kleindorfer Paul R. , Elliott Michael R.
Published: March 2006

This article addresses the role of a facility's process safety management system (PSMS) in preventing low probability–high consequence (LP–HC) accidents. We review the rationale for the hypothesis that a facility's PSMS is the central driver of accident prevention, and we discuss how this rationale has been incorporated implicitly into the OSHA Process Safety Management standard (PSM) in 1992 and explicitly into both the EU Seveso II Directive and the USA EPA Risk Management Program regulation (RMP) in 1996. We then note that the limited process accident incidence data available to date have not resolved the issue of determining or predicting characteristics of a facility's PSMS that are likely to be effective in reducing LP–HC accidents. Based on a variety of considerations, the authors propose retrospective and prospective case‐control studies on facilities with and without RMP reported process accidents using candidate survey instruments to test which survey factors appear to have the greatest predictive power for the likelihood of future LP–HC accidents. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2006
Structure and optical properties under VUV/UV excitation of Eu2+ doped Alkaline Earth Aluminate Phosphors
Authors: Nötzold D. , Wulff H. , Jilg S. , Kantz L. , Schwarz L.
Published: March 2006

Polycrystalline hexagonal alkaline earth aluminates M3Al16O27 doped by divalent europium were prepared by solid state reaction. The crystal structure and optical properties at room temperature were investigated. The structure parameters were refined using Rietveld refinement procedures. The space group of the materials is P63/mmc. Eu2+ ions occupy the 2d cation position of the large cation in the unit cell. The blue emission of the phosphors due to transitions between 4f65d and 4f7 configurations of the Eu2+ ion can be excited by UV radiation and very efficient also by VUV radiation. Spectral position and band width at half height of the emission band as well as the shape of the excitation spectrum and the luminous flux of the investigated aluminate phosphors depend on their composition. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Relaxor or classical ferroelectric behavior in A site substituted perovskite type Ba1–x(Sm0.5Na0.5)xTiO3
Authors: Abdelmoula N. , Chaabane H. , Khemakhem H. , Von der Mühll R. , Simon A.
Published: March 2006

New ferroelectric ceramics of ABO3 perovskite type were synthesized in the Ba1–x (Sm0.5Na0.5)x TiO3 system by solid state reaction technique. The effect of the replacement of barium by samarium and sodium in the A cationic site on structural and physical properties was investigated. These compounds crystallize with tetragonal or cubic symmetry. The material is classical ferroelectric for 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1 and 0.5 ≤ x ≤ 0.6, and present a relaxor behavior for 0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.4. The dielectric behavior depends upon the cationic disorder in the A site and the cell size. Small rate substitution allows a ferroelectric‐paraelectric transition. For higher rate of substitution the possible random position of the Sm–Na cations brings to a relaxor sate and when the substitution rate x becomes higher than 0.5, the material comes back to a ferroelectric state due to the reduced cell size. Some of these new compositions are of interest for applications due to their physical properties and environmentally friendly character. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effective exchange coupling in permalloy–gadolinium films
Authors: Ranchal R. , Aroca C. , Sánchez M. C. , Sánchez P. , López E.
Published: March 2006

Py/Gd/Py trilayers (Py:Fe20Ni80) have been electrical and magnetically characterized as a function of the temperature. Results show a weak Py–Gd exchange coupling probably due to the Ni interdiffusion into the Gd layer. These results have been compared with magnetic measurements in Py/Gd double bilayers ([Py/Gd/Mo]2). An enhancement of the Py–Gd exchange coupling has been obtained in these samples where the Ni concentration in the Gd layer is almost null. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A comparison between EAM interatomic potentials for Al and Ni: from bulk systems to nanowires
Authors: Peláez S. , García‐Mochales P. , Serena P. A.
Published: March 2006

Two different kinds of interatomic potentials within the Embedded Atom Method (EAM) have been used to study several properties of selected crystalline structures and nanowire configurations (ordered and helical) for Al and Ni based systems. Reliability of these potentials has been explored when describing cohesive energy and geometrical properties of the systems under consideration as the atomic coordination number decreases. Results provide a criteria for stablishing the limits of validity of EAM potentials when applied to such systems as metallic ultra‐narrow or single atom nanowires. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Two‐body potential of the Buckingham type for copper halides
Authors: Mouffok B. , Feraoun H. , Aourag H.
Published: March 2006

The ground state, and elastic properties of copper halides in their zinc blende, NaCl and intermediate structures have been calculated using a two‐body potential of the Buckingham type coupled with a molecular dynamics simulation. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Polarization of electron spin in two barrier system based on semimagnetic semiconductors
Authors: Lev S. B. , Sugakov V. I. , Vertsimakha G. V.
Published: March 2006

The spin‐dependent tunneling of electrons through a two barrier semiconductor heterostructure with a semimagnetic layer was investigated. It was shown that the resonant level splitting in the semimagnetic well under an external magnetic field allows achieving a high level of spin polarization of the current flowing through the proposed spin filter. The dependence of the polarization depth on the parameters of the sample was calculated in the two component diffusion transport model. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photoluminescence properties of ZnTeO and ZnSeO alloys with dilute O concentrations
Authors: Nabetani Y. , Okuno T. , Aoki K. , Kato T. , Matsumoto T. , Hirai T.
Published: March 2006

The photoluminescence properties of ZnTeO and ZnSeO with dilute O concentrations are studied. The exciton bound to isolated O and its phonon replicas are observed in ZnTeO. The peak energies are hardly affected by O concentration, indicating the isoelectronic feature of O. On the other hand, the free exciton peak is shifted to lower energy in ZnSeO by increasing O concentration, even when the O concentration is as low as 0.015%. No isoelectronic emissions are observed. We find the increase of binding energy of free exciton due to the increase of the effective mass of the conduction band edge. This can be interpreted as the modification of the band structure by the repulsive interaction between the O localized level and the conduction band of ZnSe with the scheme of band anticrossing model. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Determination of the ionic radii by means of the Kohn–Sham potential: Identification of the chemical potential
Authors: Barrera Mauricio , Zuloaga Fernando
Published: March 2006

Under the Kohn–Sham theory, we examine solutions for the equations δTS/δρ(r) = 0 and δTS/δρ(r) = νKS(r) that link the chemical potential of the electronic system with the effective Kohn–Sham potential through μ = νKS(r) + δTS/δρ. For single ions, we identify the chemical potential with the eigenvalue of the frontier orbital when the atom is in the limit of full ionization. For the case of cations, the chemical potential is found above −(I + A)/2 and has the property of grouping ions with the same chemical characteristics. For the anion instead, the chemical potential is fixed at the ionization energy. By solving the above equations numerically, two radial points called r− and r+ are obtained and compared with the Shannon–Prewitt ionic radius. Moreover, we found for the halide series, that r− is numerically equivalent to rm, the radii where the electrostatic potential has its minimum, but shows different behavior upon charge variation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
The use of an electronic process guide in a medium‐sized software development company
Authors: Moe Nils Brede , Dybå Tore
Published: March 2006

For process models to be useful, more and more software companies not only tailor their process models to the specific needs of the company, but also make them available on the company's intranet. In this article, we try to understand what characterizes the use of an electronic process guide (EPG) among developers in a medium‐sized software company. We describe the findings that emerged from a grounded theory study in which we interviewed 19 developers and project managers. We found that implementing an EPG is not a straightforward process, but that it depends on several organizational factors. Our findings suggest that the process guide should be anchored among the leaders, that users should be involved in creating and updating it and offered training and support during use, that efforts should be taken to keep the guide updated, that templates and checklists are seen as the most useful features, that integration with other tools make it more useful, and, finally, that it should be easy to tailor the process guide to different project types or activities. The insights gained from this study can be used as recommendations for other medium‐sized software companies when implementing electronic process guides. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A method to draw lessons from project postmortem databases
Authors: Schalken Joost , Brinkkemper Sjaak , van Vliet Hans
Published: March 2006

Postmortem project reviews often yield useful lessons learned. These project reviews are mostly recorded in plain text. This makes it difficult to derive useful overall findings from a set of such postmortem reviews, e.g. to monitor and guide a software process improvement program. We have developed a five‐step method to transform the qualitative, natural language‐type information present in those reports into quantitative information. This quantitative information can be analyzed statistically and related to other types of quantitative project‐specific information. In this article, we discuss the method, and show the results of applying it in the setting of a large industrial software process improvement initiative. Through the application of the analysis method in the case study, improved questions for a new evaluation procedure were discovered. The analysis also showed that in this organization team cooperation and the architecture of the infrastructure had a major impact on project performance. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The structural design of tall and special buildings
Authors: Hart Gary C.
Published: March 2006

This paper presents some of the oral discussion by the author and others at the 2005 Annual Meeting of the Los Angeles Tall Buildings Structural Design Council. It also includes additional opinions added by the author after the annual meeting. These opinions address the development of a new building code for tall buildings and where the non‐structural engineering decision makers can and must make contributions. It also addresses the very important topic of quality control. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural engineers and the law
Authors: Naeim Farzad
Published: March 2006

The objective of this paper is to familiarize the structural engineers practicing in the United States with the very basic concepts of liability and litigation process. The differences in the thinking processes of engineers and attorneys are explained. A few basic sources of liability for structural engineers are broadly discussed. Simple practices that may help reduce exposure to liability are explained. The litigation process is introduced and a number of techniques to be utilized during this process are explained. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A model document retention policy for structural engineers
Authors: Martin John A.
Published: March 2006

The objective of this paper is to assist structural engineering firms to develop their own document retention policies. An example policy is provided and discussed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A soybean growth model based on compensatory growth following defoliation
Authors: Kawamoto Hitoshi , Saito Takashi , Kiritani Keizi
Published: March 2006

On the basis of an artificial defoliation experiment, a new growth model of soybean was formulated through a modification of Rudd's (1980) model with regard to his equations for dry matter allocation. Compensatory growth for leaf damage was modelled by a single process in which the dry matter allocation changes dynamically according to the severity of leaf damage. The sums of squared differences between simulations and experimental soybean yields were much smaller in our modified model than in Rudd's original model. The modified model gave a better simulation of yield loss due to defoliation that varied in time and intensity. The relationship between various times and intensities of defoliation and yield loss was shown, which is essential for establishing the dynamic economic injury level in IPM.
Herbivory pattern and induced responses to simulated herbivory in Quercus mongolica var. grosseserrata
Authors: Kudo Gaku
Published: March 2006

Seasonal changes in leaf traits and the herbivory pattern of Quercus mongolica var. grosseserrata were studied, and simulated herbivory experiments were carried out in order to evaluate leaf trait responses. Leaves of Q. mongolica emerged simultaneously in spring and most were retained until autumn. Nitrogen concentration was highest when leaves first emerged and decreased rapidly with leaf age. Leaf mass per area (LMA) increased with leaf age. Herbivore attack was concentrated in the first 20 days after bud‐break, which corresponded to the high nutritional value of the leaves for herbivores at this time. Simulated herbivory experiments indicated that LMA increased with artificial leaf damage, suggesting an increase in leaf toughness, and that nitrogen concentration decreased later in the season in comparison with intact leaves. As a result, herbivore attack following artificial leaf damage decreased with increasing initial leaf damage. However, leaf longevity was not affected by initial leaf damage. These responses were considered to be a strategy to disperse herbivory damage among leaves.
Landform effects on fire behavior and post‐fire regeneration in the mixed forests of northern Japan
Authors: Takaoka Sadao , Sasa Kaichiro
Published: March 2006

This study was conducted to clarify the characteristics of landform effects on fire behavior and post‐fire regeneration and to examine regional differences in the effects of fire within a mixed‐forest area with various topographic conditions in Hokkaido, northern Japan. Fire spread was controlled by topographic barriers such as ridges and valleys, although this was not clear in the areas with serpentinite. Fire frequency was higher on windward slopes of the prevailing wind, and the size of the burned area varied with the underlying geology, which controlled the areal extent of hillside slopes. In areas with terrace deposits, Wakkanai Formation or serpentinized rock, burned areas were large and included few unburned stands. The type of vegetation that grew following the fires varied with slope aspect and topographic position. Sasa grasslands often formed at wind‐exposed sites. The grasslands were well developed in the three areas with the previously mentioned geology, where large‐scale burning had occurred. Structure of the re‐established forest stands was also affected by landforms. Canopy height and the maximum diameter at breast height varied with slope aspect, topographic position and elevation, as well as with stand age. Tree size was found to decrease at wind‐exposed sites within high‐elevation zones.
Grazing effects of a gammaridean Amphipoda,Ampithoesp., on the seagrass,Syringodium isoetifolium, and epiphytes in a tropical seagrass bed of Fiji
Authors: Mukai Hiroshi , Iijima Akiko
Published: March 2006

In the pure stand of tropical seagrass,Syringodium isoetifolium, in a small oceanic island, Fiji, grazing effects of the seagrass‐associated gammarid,Ampithoesp., on seagrass and epiphytes were assessed in October 1989, November 1991, November 1992. Density of the gammarid was estimated with two methods, mesh bag method and tuft method. During the three years surveyed the density of the gammarid increased remarkably from 1989 to 1991, with heavy epiphytism. Gut contents of the gammarid were examined. Grazing rates on seagrass leaf with and without epiphytic blue‐green algae were measured in a bottle experiment. Litter bag experiments were conducted using different mesh sizes each containing seagrass only and seagrass and gammarids. The seagrass leaf biomass in the litter bag reduced abruptly in both bags. After one week, 78–86% of seagrass biomass disappeared from the bags. Enhancement of decomposition of seagrass leaf by the gammarid grazing was observed. Oxygen consumption and ammonium excretion rates were measured simultaneously in bottle experiments. Carbon budget in the seagrass bed was estimated as follows: 0.9 gC m−2day−1in seagrass growth, gammarid grazing was about a half of it and further assimilated a half of it, about 0.1 gC m−2day−1, and more than half of it become CO2by respiration. Grazing effects on epiphyte and seagrass growth and production were discussed through the carbon budget and indirect interactions between seagrass, epiphytes and associated gammarids to explain the temporal change of seagrass and epiphyte dynamics.
Fluctuation of body temperature and cuckoo brood parasitism
Authors: Ando Shigeru
Published: March 2006

Body temperatures of 11 bird species, including cuckoos, were measured in an artificial meteorological room. Ratios of change in body temperature to that in air temperature were thereby obtained for each species. Cuckoos demonstrate a remarkably high value, indicating a particularly low ability to regulate body temperature. Viewed in this light, the cuckoo's parasitic behavior is very likely an adaptation to overcome a physiological disadvantage. This in turn might be expected to reinforce delay in evolution of temperature homeostasis.
Ecophysiological behavior of Artemisia ordosica on the process of sand dune fixation
Authors: Kobayashi Tatsuaki , Liao Ru‐Tang , Li Shu‐Qing
Published: March 2006

The population structure and water relations of Artemisia ordosica were studied at different stages of the sand dune fixation process. Vegetation coverage and biomass increased as the sand dune fixation process progressed. In contrast, individual growth rate decreased in the late fixation stage. On fixed sand dunes the modal age of A. ordosica plants was higher and seedlings or saplings were rearely observed. On active sand dunes, settlement of seedlings was regulated by sand mobility; that is, seedlings were observed only when sand mobility was below 10 cm per year. Leaf transpiration was highest in active sand dunes. Stand transpiration in fixed sand dunes was lower than in semi‐fixed sand dunes. These differences in transpiration were related to a decrease in soil water availability, which was affected by the increase in the aeolian fine soil component during the course of sand dune fixation. The reduction in soil water status and the cessation of sand movement were considered to be important factors in the decline of the Artemisia ordosica community.
Conversion of an apparent 100 kDa folate binding protein from human milk, choroid plexus and semen to a 25 kDa molecular species by phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C
Authors: Hansen Steen Ingemann , Holm Jan
Published: March 2006

Gel filtration studies in the presence of Triton X-100 showed that treatment with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C reduced the apparent molecular size of the 100 kDa folate binding protein from human milk, choroid plexus and semen to 25 kDa. Cleavage of a hydrophobic glycosly phosphatidylinositol domain (a membrane anchor) inserting the protein into Triton X-100 micelles could account for this phenomenon.
Differential proliferative response of the ventral prostate and seminal vesicle to testosterone replacement
Authors: Justulin Luis A. , Ureshino Rodrigo P. , Zanoni Michelle , Felisbino Sergio L.
Published: March 2006

We have investigated epithelial cell proliferation and the rate of glandular recovery of the ventral prostate (VP) and seminal vesicle (SV) promoted by testosterone replacement (TR) in castration‐induced regressed glands. Adult male Wistar rats were castrated and, after 21 days, they were treated with testosterone propionate (4 mg/kg/day). Intact (CT) and castrated rats without TR (CS) were also analysed. VP and SV were processed for histochemistry, morphometric—stereological analysis and immunocytochemistry to determine the PCNA index (PI). After 10 days of TR, the VP weight reached ∼72% of the CT values, while the SV weight exceeded ∼17% of the CT values. By the third day of TR, VP and SV presented a mean PI of 34% and 94% for distal region and 14% and 22% for proximal region, respectively. SV also had more luminal cells PCNA‐positive than VP, mainly in the distal region. The PI values fell on days 5, 7 and 10, but were still higher than CT. These findings indicate that epithelial cells from involuted SV are more responsive to TR than those from VP when stimulated to proliferate and replace the luminal cell population, suggesting a different mechanism regulating cell proliferation in response to androgenic stimuli.
Changes in vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) expression following lingual nerve injury
Authors: Biggs James E. , Yates Julian M. , Loescher Alison R. , Clayton Nick M. , Boissonade Fiona M. , Robinson Peter P.
Published: March 2006

We have investigated a possible role for vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1), a transducer of noxious stimuli, in the development of neuropathic pain following injury to a peripheral branch of the trigeminal nerve. In nine adult ferrets the left lingual nerve was sectioned and recovery permitted for 3 days, 3 weeks or 3 months (3 ferrets per group). A retrograde tracer, fluorogold, was injected into the damaged nerve to identify associated cell bodies in the trigeminal ganglion. Three further ferrets, receiving only tracer injection, served as uninjured controls. Indirect immunofluorescence for TRPV1 and image analysis was used to quantify the percentage area of staining (PAS) of TRPV1 in the left and right lingual nerves. Additionally, the proportion of fluorogold positive and fluorogold negative cells expressing TRPV1 in the ganglion was determined. TRPV1 expression increased significantly at the injury site of damaged nerves 3 days after injury and this was matched by a reduction in the proportion of fluorogold positive cells expressing TRPV1 in the ganglion. At 3 weeks TRPV1 expression at the injury site was still high, while in the ganglion was significantly greater than in the controls. In the 3‐month recovery group TRPV1 expression in both nerve fibres and ganglion cells, was not significantly different from controls and there were no changes in expression in the fluorogold negative cells in the ganglion at any time point studied. These data suggest that after injury there is an increase in the axonal transport of TRPV1 from the cell bodies to the damaged axons and this is followed by an increase in synthesis in the ganglion. These changes in expression may be involved in development of sensory disturbances or dysaesthesia after injury.
The effects of the steroid androstadienone and pleasant odorants on the mood and pain perception of men and women
Authors: Villemure Chantal , Bushnell M. Catherine
Published: March 2006

Background and purpose. We previously found that for both men and women odors influence mood, which in turn influences pain unpleasantness perception. Others showed that the steroid androstadienone modulates mood differently in men and women, improving mood in women and worsening it or leaving it unchanged in men. Based on its dissociable effect on mood, we hypothesized that women exposed to androstadienone would report lower pain unpleasantness than when exposed to the vehicle, while men would show no change or the reverse pattern. Because of the expected beneficial effect of pleasant odors on mood in both men and women, all subjects should report lower pain unpleasantness when exposed to the pleasant odor compared to the unscented air.

Methods. In one session subjects were exposed to: (1) androstadienone diluted in a vehicle while breathing unscented air and (2) androstadienone in vehicle while breathing a pleasant odorant. In another session they were exposed to: (1) vehicle and unscented air and (2) vehicle and a pleasant odorant. Phasic contact heat was used to induce pain.

Results and conclusions. Planned comparisons confirmed that, in the absence of pain, androstadienone improved mood only in women, while the pleasant odorants improved mood for all subjects. However, these positive mood changes did not persist with the introduction of pain. Consistent with the absence of positive mood changes, pain unpleasantness was not modulated. Unexpectedly, the presence of androstadienone increased perceived pain intensity especially in women, suggesting an effect of androstadienone on pain perception, independent of mood changes. Heightened attentional state may be responsible.