bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular and Biochemical Evidence for Phenylpropanoid Synthesis and Presence of Wall‐linked Phenolics in Cotton Fibers
Authors: Fan Ling , Shi Wei‐Jun , Hu Wen‐Ran , Hao Xiao‐Yan , Wang Dong‐Mei , Yuan Hui , Yan Hong‐Ying
Published: June 2009

The mature cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fiber is a single cell with a typically thickened secondary cell wall. The aim of this research was to use molecular, spectroscopic and chemical techniques to investigate the possible occurrence of previously overlooked accumulation of phenolics during secondary cell wall formation in cotton fibers. Relative quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that GhCAD6 and GhCAD1 were predominantly expressed among seven gene homologs, only GhCAD6 was up‐regulated during secondary wall formation in cotton fibers. Phylogenic analysis revealed that GhCAD6 belonged to Class I and was proposed to have a major role in monolignol biosynthesis, and GhCAD1 belonged to Class III and was proposed to have a compensatory mechanism for monolignol biosynthesis. Amino acid sequence comparison showed that the cofactor binding sites of GhCADs were highly conserved with high similarity and identity to bona fide cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenases. The substrate binding site of GhCAD1 is different from GhCAD6. This difference was confirmed by the different catalytic activities observed with the enzymes. Cell wall auto‐fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and chemical analyses confirmed that phenolic compounds were bound to the cell walls of mature cotton fibers. Our findings may suggest a potential for genetic manipulation of cotton fiber properties, which are of central importance to agricultural, cotton processing and textile industries.
Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging Enzymes and Down‐Adjustment of Metabolism Level in Mitochondria Associated with Desiccation‐Tolerance Acquisition of Maize Embryo
Authors: Wu Jing‐Hua , Wang Wei‐Qing , Song Song‐Quan , Cheng Hong‐Yan
Published: June 2009

It is a well‐known fact that a mature seed can survive losing most of its water, yet how seeds acquire desiccation‐tolerance is not well understood. Through sampling maize embryos of different developmental stages and comparatively studying the integrity, oxygen consumption rate and activities of antioxidant enzymes in the mitochondria, the main origin site of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in seed cells, we found that before an embryo achieves desiccation‐tolerance, its mitochondria shows a more active metabolism, and might produce more ROS and therefore need a more effective ROS scavenging system. However, embryo dehydration in this developmental stage declined the activities of most main antioxidant enzymes and accumulated thiobarbituric acid‐reactive products in mitochondria, and then destroyed the structure and functional integrity of mitochondria. In physiologically‐matured embryos (dehydration‐tolerant), mitochondria showed lower metabolism levels, and no decline in ROS scavenging enzyme activities and less accumulation of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive products after embryo dehydration. These data indicate that seed desiccation‐tolerance acquisition might be associated with down‐adjustment of the metabolism level in the late development stage, resulting in less ROS production, and ROS scavenging enzymes becoming desiccation‐tolerant and then ensuring the structure and functional integrity of mitochondria.
Growth, Nitrogen Uptake and Flow in Maize Plants Affected by Root Growth Restriction
Authors: Xu Liangzheng , Niu Junfang , Li Chunjian , Zhang Fusuo
Published: June 2009

The objective of the present study was to investigate the influence of a reduced maize root‐system size on root growth and nitrogen (N) uptake and flow within plants. Restriction of shoot‐borne root growth caused a strong decrease in the absorption of root: shoot dry weight ratio and a reduction in shoot growth. On the other hand, compensatory growth and an increased N uptake rate in the remaining roots were observed. Despite the limited long‐distance transport pathway in the mesocotyl with restriction of shoot‐borne root growth, N cycling within these plants was higher than those in control plants, implying that xylem and phloem flow velocities via the mesocotyl were considerably higher than in plants with an intact root system. The removal of the seminal roots in addition to restricting shoot‐borne root development did not affect whole plant growth and N uptake, except for the stronger compensatory growth of the primary roots. Our results suggest that an adequate N supply to maize plant is maintained by compensatory growth of the remaining roots, increased N uptake rate and flow velocities within the xylem and phloem via the mesocotyl, and reduction in the shoot growth rate.
Involvement of Protein Phosphorylation in Water Stress‐induced Antioxidant Defense in Maize Leaves
Authors: Xu Shucheng , Ding Haidong , Su Fengxia , Zhang Aying , Jiang Mingyi
Published: June 2009

Using pharmacological and biochemical approaches, the role of protein phosphorylation and the interrelationship between water stress‐enhanced kinase activity, antioxidant enzyme activity, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation and endogenous abscisic acid in maize (Zea mays L.) leaves were investigated. Water‐stress upregulated the activities of total protein phosphorylation and Ca2+‐dependent protein kinase, and the upregulation was blocked in abscisic acid‐deficient vp5 mutant. Furthermore, pretreatments with a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase inhibitor and a scavenger of H2O2 significantly reduced the increased activities of total protein kinase and Ca2+‐dependent protein kinase in maize leaves exposed to water stress. Pretreatments with different protein kinase inhibitors also reduced the water stress‐induced H2O2 production and the water stress‐enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase. The data suggest that protein phosphorylation and H2O2 generation are required for water stress‐induced antioxidant defense in maize leaves and that crosstalk between protein phosphorylation and H2O2 generation may occur.
SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY OF THE UPPER PERMIAN ZECHSTEIN MAIN DOLOMITE CARBONATES IN WESTERN POLAND: A NEW APPROACH
Authors: Slowakiewicz M. , Mikolajewski Z.
Published: June 2009

The Upper Permian Main Dolomite in the Zechstein 2 cyclothem in the Gorzów Block (part of the Zechstein Basin in western Poland) contains both hydrocarbon source and reservoir rocks, and is sealed both above and below by evaporites. In this paper we propose a new sequence stratigraphic model for the development of potential reservoir rocks in toe‐of‐slope locations. Data came from detailed analyses of 35 cores from wells in and at the margins of the Wielkopolska platform, a palaeogeographic element composed of Main Dolomite carbonates.

In basinal areas, the Main Dolomite carbonates begin with a transgressive interval overlain by laminated dolomudstones interpreted as transgressive facies. The TST begins in the upper part of the underlying Alg anhydrites. The dolostones are underlain by a ravinement surface on the platform, and by a maximum regressive surface in toe‐of‐slope and basinal locations. In well Gorzów Wielkopolski‐2, a hardground marks the maximum flooding surface. Overlying the TST deposits are thick intervals of intraclast‐oolitic grainstones and floatstones which are interpreted as highstand deposits and indicate “highstand shedding”. Toe‐of‐slope facies are composed of alternating laminated dolomudstones, intraclast‐oolitic grainstones, packstones and floatstones which make up submarine fans (prisms) interpreted as falling stage facies which are capped by dolomudstones. A subaerial unconformity was recognized on the platform, and a slope onlap surface on the slope and toe‐of‐slope, respectively.

In platform areas, the Main Dolomite begins with thin intervals containing microbial complexes deposited during the early HST, which pass into thick oolitic grainstones (HST to late HST) and terminate as microbial‐to‐oolitic wackestone and mudstone complexes interpreted as falling stage facies. Thrombolitic bioherms constitute a reference horizon which can be correlated between wells in the study area. The beginning of the LST occurs in the upper part of the Main Dolomite. The boundary between lowstand and transgressive deposits was identified in the lower part of the Basal Anhydrite and is marked by sabkha and salina facies, respectively, where an erosional ravinement surface and maximum regressive surface were identified. Thus, the upper part of the underlying Upper Anhydrite and the upper part of the Main Dolomite deposits form a second depositional sequence in the study area.

The depositional environment of the Main Dolomite platform carbonates was variable, and was influenced by the topography of the pre‐existing evaporitic platform. The newly proposed sequence stratigraphic model emphasises the role of forced regressive submarine fans as potential hydrocarbon accumulations and traps in the toe‐of‐slope area.
FACIES ANALYSIS AND DEPOSITIONAL SEQUENCES OF THE UPPER JURASSIC MOZDURAN FORMATION, A CARBONATE RESERVOIR IN THE KOPET DAGH BASIN, NE IRAN
Authors: Kavoosi M.A. , Lasemi Y. , Sherkati S. , Moussavi‐Harami R.
Published: June 2009

Upper Jurassic carbonates of the Mozduran Formation constitute the principal reservoir intervals at the giant Khangiran and Gonbadli gasfields in the Kopet Dagh Basin, NE Iran. These carbonates were investigated using detailed field studies and petrographic and wireline log analyses in order to clarify their depositional facies and sequence stratigraphy. Facies were interpreted to reflect deep basin, fore‐shoal, shelf margin, lagoon, tidal flat and coastal plain depositional systems.

The Mozduran Formation is composed of six depositional sequences. Thickness variations were controlled by differential subsidence. Aggradation on the platform margin and reduced carbonate production in the deep basin together with differential subsidence resulted in the creation of a narrow seaway during the late Oxfordian. Petrographic studies suggest that Mozduran Formation carbonates had a low‐Mg calcite mineralogy during the Oxfordian, and an aragonite to high‐Mg calcite mineralogy during the Kimmeridgian. Reservoir pay zones are located in highstand systems tracts within the lower and middle Kimmeridgian depositional sequences. The rapid lateral thickness variations of these sequences were controlled by tectonic factors, leading to compartmentalization of the Mozduran Formation reservoir with the possible creation of stratigraphic traps, especially at the Khangiran field.
LOWER SILURIAN “HOT SHALES” IN JORDAN: A NEW DEPOSITIONAL MODEL
Authors: Loydell D. K. , Butcher A. , Frýda J. , Lüning S. , Fowler M.
Published: June 2009

Data are presented from the Batra Formation (also known as the Mudawwara Shale Formation) of a core from well BG‐14 in the Batna el Ghoul area, southern Jordan, which enable a new depositional model to be proposed for the middle Rhuddanian (lower Llandovery, Silurian) “hot shale” which may be applicable to other Arabian and North African “hot shales” of similar stratigraphical age. This “hot shale” probably results from rapid early burial of organic carbon associated with a minor regression during which anoxic bottom conditions were maintained for most, but not all, of the time.

Evidence for regression comes from (1) increased sediment grain size within the “hot shale” by comparison with underlying shales; (2) palynological changes including a decrease in acritarch species diversity; an increase in the relative abundance of sphaeromorphs, veryhachiids with three processes and acritarchs with short, simple processes; and a decrease in the relative abundance of acanthomorphs; (3) a positive δ13Corg excursion (other Late Ordovician and Silurian positive δ13Corg excursions occur during regressions); and (4) very brief intervals of oxygenation (associated with sediment influx) reflected in the preservation of graptolites as three‐dimensional pyrite internal moulds, rather than as flattened periderm.

The minor regression reflects a eustatic sea‐level fall, evidence for which has recently been presented from several regions, including Arctic Canada, Bohemia and Scotland. The BG‐14 “hot shale” is shown to be thicker than estimated in previous studies. Previous TOC measurements from the upper part of the “hot shale” were affected by the weathering of overlying strata in the BG‐14 core. ICP‐MS measurements show that uranium content is high in these weathered levels, extending the stratigraphical extent of the “hot shale” interval into the middle Rhuddanian.

Depositional models such as that presented here rely on a robust biostratigraphical framework; in the Ordovician and Silurian of Arabia and North Africa, this can be provided by graptolites and chitinozoans.
DOLOMITIZATION AND RELATED FLUID EVOLUTION IN THE OLIGOCENE – MIOCENE ASMARI FORMATION, GACHSARAN AREA, SW IRAN: PETROGRAPHIC AND ISOTOPIC EVIDENCE
Authors: Al‐Aasm I. S. , Ghazban F. , Ranjbaran M.
Published: June 2009

Petrographic and stable isotope investigations of Oligocene‐Miocene carbonates in the Asmari Formation from the Gachsaran oilfield and surrounding area in SW Iran indicate that the carbonates have been subjected to extensive diagenesis including calcite cementation and dolomitization. Diagenetic modification occurred in different diagenetic realms ranging from marine, meteoric and finally burial.

Asmari carbonates were in general deposited in a ramp setting and are represented by intertidal to subtidal deposits together with lagoonal, shoal and low‐energy deposits formed below normal wave base. Lithofacies include bioclastic grainstones, ooidal and bioclastic, foraminiferal and intraclastic packstones, and mudstones. Multiple episodes of calcite cementation, dolomitization and fracturing have affected these rocks to varying degrees and control porosity. Four types of dolomites have been identified: microcrystalline matrix replacement dolomite (D1); fine to medium crystalline matrix replacement dolomite (D2); coarse crystalline saddle‐like dolomite cement (D3); and coarse crystalline zoned dolomite cement (D4).

Microcrystalline dolomites (D1) (6–12 μm) replacing micrite, allochems and calcite cements in the mud‐supported facies prior to early compaction show δ18O and δ13C values of −4.01 to +1.02‰ VPDB and −0.30 to +4.08‰ VPDB, respectively. These values are slightly depleted with respect to postulated Oligocene‐Miocene marine carbonate values, suggesting their precipitation from seawater, partly altered by later fluids. The association of this type of dolomite with primary anhydrite in intertidal facies supports dolomitization by evaporative brines.

Fine to medium crystalline matrix dolomites (D2) (20–60μm) occur mostly in grainstone facies and have relatively high porosities. These dolomites formed during early burial and could be considered as recrystallized forms of D1 dolomite. Their isotopic values overlap those of D1 dolomites, implying precipitation from similar early fluids, possibly altered by meteoric fluids.

Coarse crystalline saddle‐like dolomites (D3) (200–300 μm) partially or completely occlude fractures and vugs. The vugs developed through the dissolution of carbonate components and rarely matrix carbonates, while fractures developed during Zagros folding in late Oligocene to early Miocene times.

A final diagenetic episode is represented by the precipitation of coarse crystalline planar e‐s zoned dolomite (D4) (80–250 μm) that occurs in fractures and vugs and also replaces earlier dolomite and post‐dates stylolitization. Fluids responsible for the formation of D3 and D4 dolomites are affected by brine enrichment and increasing temperatures due to increasing burial.

Reservoir porosity is dominated by microcrystalline pore spaces in muddy, dolomitized matrix and mouldic and vuggy porosity in grainstone. Porosity was significantly enhanced by the formation of multiple fracture systems.
EFFECT OF VISIBLE LIGHT ON AMINO ACIDS—I. TRYPTOPHAN
Authors: Gurnani Shantoo , Arifuddin M. , Augusti K. T.
Published: June 2009

Abstract— Seven chromatographically separable products were shown to be formed when an aqueous solution of tryptophan was exposed to the light of a 100‐W bulb at pH 9 in the presence of methylene blue and oxygen. Some of these products were detected, though in much smaller quantities, even when tryptophan was irradiated in the absence of methylene blue and/or oxygen. Contrary to reports in the literature, none of the common derivatives of tryptophan, such as tryptamine, indole acetic acid, indole aldehyde, anthranilic acid or kynurenine, were detected on irradiation of the amino acid by visible light. Such irradiation of tryptamine and indole acetic acid gave 1–2 components which were chromatographically identical with those obtained from tryptophan; irradiation of indole aldehyde gave no detectable breakdown products. Exposure of tryptophan to ultraviolet light or when treated with hydrogen peroxide did not result in the formation of any of the products obtained with visible light. The results presented here suggest that during exposure of tryptophan to visible light, the indole ring is first oxygenated resulting in the formation of dioxindole derivatives. One of the products of irradiation of tryptophan with visible light was tentatively identified as dioxin‐dolylalanine.
SPECTROSCOPIC PROPERTIES OF THE LOWEST‐LYING EXCITED STATES OF 2‐AMINOPYRIMIDINE, CYTOSINE, URACIL AND THEIR DERIVATIVES*
Authors: Kleinwachter Vladimir , Drobnik Jaroslav , Augenstein Leroy
Published: June 2009

Abstract— The absorption and emission spectra of pyrimidine derivatives show that sub‐stituting an amino or hydroxyl group at the 2nd and 4th positions of the pyrimidine ring (to give the derivatives found in biological systems) creates excitation patterns quite different from those for pyrimidine itself: the lowest singlet and triplet states are of (?,π*) and not (n,π*).

The relative intensities of fluorescence and phosphorescence depend upon at least two factors: (a) the extent of intersystem crossing which depends mostly on the relative energies of the lowest (π,π*) singlet and lowest (n,π*) triplet states, where the energy of the latter is influenced strongly by the environment; and (b) the extent of mixing of (π,π*) and (n,π*) triplet states, which depends initially upon the closeness of the energies of the two states. The measured and inferred energies for these various states are summarized. In most cases the intensity of luminescence is lower than that found in purines, presumably much of the excitation energy is dissipated in photochemical changes. Also the lifetime of phosphorescence is shorter than in purines. Substitution at the 5th carbon increases the luminescence yield. When a bromine atom is substituted on the 5th carbon of uracil no effect on intersystem crossing is found—presumably the electron density of the π* orbital is minimal in the vicinity of the bromine. Polarization measurements show that the two lowest π‐π* transition moments in 2‐aminopyrimidine are oriented almost perpendicular to each other in the molecular plane whereas phosphorescence is polarized out of plane.
Myelodysplastic syndromes: the role of flow cytometry in diagnosis and prognosis
Authors: STETLER‐STEVENSON M. , YUAN C. M.
Published: June 2009

Flow cytometric immunophenotypic analysis is a well‐recognized and widely accepted adjuvant test to increase the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis in potential myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) cases. In addition, flow cytometric analysis provides prognostic information in MDS that is not available from other sources. The flow cytometric findings indicative of MDS and its value is a diagnostic adjunct are discussed.
UNTERSUCHUNGEN ÜBER DIE WIRKUNG DER TRÄNENDRÜSENEXSTIRPATION AUF DIE HORNHAUT DES KANINCHENS
Authors: Nover Arno
Published: June 2009

Als Fortsetzung früherer Untersuchungen über die Regenerationsfähigkeit der Tränendrüse wurden am Kaninchen Teilexstirpationen derselben ausgeführt. Danach kam es in allen Fällen klinisch zu flüchtigen und meist umschriebenen oberflächlichen Hornhauttrübungen.

Zu dieser Zeit stehenhistologischdegenerative Erscheinungen an der Drüsenstruktur im Vordergrund, die denen von Sjögren bei der Keratokonjunctivitis sieea des Menscehen gesehenen sehr ähnlich sind. Gleichzeitig mit dem Versehwinden der Hornhauttrüungen treten am Drüsenparenchym Neubildungserscheinungen auf, wobie sich sowohl Gangsystem als auch die eigentlichen Acini als teilungs‐und proliferationsfähig erweisen und im Laufe der Zeit endgültige sekretions fähige Drüsenzellen gebildet werden.

InfunktionellerHinsicht bestätigen Messungen der Tränensekretion an diesen Tieren (Schirmer'sche Probe, Fluorescien‐Verdünnungs‐Test nach Nover und Jaeger) den kausalen Zusammenhand Zwischen Hornhautbefund und Hypofunktion der Tränendrüse.
JUDICIA DE NOVIS LIBRIS
Authors: Brændstrup Poul
Published: June 2009

Straub, W.: Toxoplasmose des Auges (toxoplasmosis of the eye). Biblioteca Ophthalmologica, fasc. 41, supplementum ad Ophthalmologica. Karger. Basel and New York. 1955. Pp. 80. Price: S. Fr. 11,85.
Acute conjunctivitis
Authors: Hørven Ivar
Published: June 2009

Abstract Fucidic acid viscous eye drops 1% given twice daily was compared with chloramphenicol eye drops 0.5% given 6 times daily in patients with acute conjunctivitis. Patients were recruited from 38 general practitioners in Norway. The mean duration of treatment was 6.6 days for Fucidic acid, 6.2 days for chloramphenicol. There was no major differences between the two groups in the bacteriological findings, and there was no significant difference in response to treatment. The use of fusidic acid in a carbomer vehicle as in Fucithalmic, has proved to give a long‐lasting antibiotic concentration in the tear fluid, which allows the preferable twice daily application.
Correlation of corneal thickness with blood glucose control in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Pierro L. , Brancato R. , Zaganelli E.
Published: June 2009

Abstract The aim of this study was to prove the existence of a correlation between corneal thickness and glycaemic control in insulin‐dependent patients. Ultrasound pachometry and blood glucose measurements were taken in 87 patients three times a day: fasting, two, and four hours after lunch. The sample was divided into three groups of patients: 30 of them did not have retinopathy, 30 presented background retinopathy and 27 proliferative retinopathy. Thirty normal age‐matched subjects were the control group. No correlation was found between pachometry values, blood glucose and duration of diabetes in the three groups (p > 0.05). A significant increase in corneal thickness was found in patients with background and proliferative retinopathy compared to the others (p < 0.01). No corneal thickness differences resulted between background and proliferative reinopathy (p = 0.74).
Exfoliation syndrome and the effect of phenylephrine and pilocarpine on pupil size
Authors: Lundvall Anna , Zetterström Charlotta
Published: June 2009

Abstract The horizontal diameter of the pupil was measured on 20 eyes with exfoliation syndrome and 20 control eyes before and after the instillation of 10% phenylephrine and 4% pilocarpine eye drops. Pupil dilation induced by topical application of the alpha, adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine was significantly smaller in eyes with exfoliation syndrome compared to controls. The cholinergic agonist pilocarpine decreased pupil diameter and this effect was significantly less in cases with exfoliation syndrome. We conclude from these data that the pharmacological response to both adrenergic and cholinergic stimulation is weaker in eyes with exfoliation syndrome compared to controls.
An analysis of the relationship between high‐pass resolution perimetry and neuroretinal rim area in normal‐tension glaucoma
Authors: Tomita Goji , Maeda Mihoko , Sogano Shigeyo , Kitazawa Yoshiaki
Published: June 2009

Abstract We evaluated the reproducibility of measurements of the visual function index, ‘functional channels’, of high‐pass resolution perimetry and the correlation between functional channels and topographic changes of the optic nerve head, particularly on the neuroretinal rim area. The median coefficient of variation for the six intra‐individual measurements of functional channels with high‐pass resolution perimetry was 9.5%. In 26 eyes of 18 normal‐tension glaucoma patients, functional channels showed statistically significant correlation with the neuroretinal rim area (rim area) of the optic disc measured by a Rodenstock Optic Nerve Head Analyzer. These results suggested that functional channels of high‐pass resolution perimetry may be a useful new parameter for evaluating visual function of glaucoma patients.
The Middle‐Norway eye‐screening study
Authors: Ringvold A. , Blika S. , Elsås T. , Guldahl J. , Juel E. , Brevik T. , Hesstvedt P. , Hoff K. , Høisen H. , Kjørsvik S. , Rossvoll I.
Published: June 2009

Abstract The association between blood groups (ABO, Rh, Kell, Duffy) and pseudo‐exfoliation syndrome, simple, and capsular glaucoma have been evaluated. The findings were: 1). No statistically significant abnormalities regarding blood group distribution in persons with pseudo‐exfoliation syndrome. 2). In contrast to simple glaucoma, capsular glaucoma showed an abnormal distribution in the ABO‐ and the Kell‐system. There was less glaucoma prevalence in the capsular A1‐group compared to the O‐group (p = 0.013), and less in the K1 negative group compared to the K1 positive one (p = 0.005). This trend was even escalated when combining the two systems: Among the K1 negative persons the glaucoma prevalence was lower in the A1‐group compared to the O‐group (p = 0.003). In the K1 negative group only 9 of 61 A1‐persons developed glaucoma, in contrast to the K1 positive group where 4 of 4 A1‐persons had glaucoma. This difference gave p = 0.00038, whereas the corresponding difference for the O‐groups showed p = 0.65. It is concluded that once a person with blood group A1 has developed pseudo‐exfoliation syndrome, the risk that capsular glaucoma will occur is about 7 times higher when that person is K1 positive compared to K1 negative. Perhaps this observation may be used as a prognostic factor for non‐glaucomatous PE positive persons.
Antioxidant enzymes in RBCs as a biological index of age related macular degeneration
Authors: Prashar Savita , Pandav Surinder Singh , Gupta Amod , Nath Ravindra
Published: June 2009

Abstract The present study was undertaken to assess the levels of antioxidant enzymes in red blood cells of subjects with age‐related macular degeneration and age‐matched controls. The results obtained show a significant decrease in activities of superoxide dismutase (p < 0.001) and glutathione peroxidase (p < 0.001) as compared to the controls. A good correlation (r = ‐0.99) was also observed between age and decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes in controls, and also correlated well with age‐related macular degeneration. In conclusion, oxidative stress as assessed by antioxidant enzymes is more pronounced in subjects with age‐related macular degeneration as compared to age‐matched controls.
Thalidomide embryopathy: Revisited 27 years later
Authors: Strömland Kerstin , Miller Marilyn T.
Published: June 2009

Abstract A prospective ophthalmological study was done in 86 out of a total of 100 Swedes with established thalidomide embryopathy. Forty‐six (54%) of all examined individuals had eye findings, which made the eye the second most commonly affected organ in thalidomide embryopathy only surpassed by upper limbs (81%). Forty‐three patients (50%) had ocular motility defects, mostly incomitant strabismus. Facial palsy and abnormal lacrimation each occurred in 17 (20%) individuals. One patient had coloboma of the uvea and optic disc and another two had coloboma of the optic disc. Infrequent anomalies were microphthalmos, congenital glaucoma, lipodermoid, and large refractive errors. The observed ocular motility defects, facial palsy and abnormal lacrimation occurred with early induced defects in thalidomide embryopathy, but not with isolated late occurring anomalies. This suggests that thalidomide exerts its effects on the development of these structures early in the teratogenic period, probably mainly during the fourth week of development.
Retinal cone dysfunction of supernormal rod ERG type
Authors: Rosenberg Thomas , Simonsen Svend Erik
Published: June 2009

Abstract Five patients, not related to each other, showed clinical signs, including electroretinograms, of a retinal dysfunction which mainly affected die cone system, but also involved the rod responses in a peculiar way. ERG b‐wave threshold under dark adapted conditions was elevated. In contrast, rod b‐wave sensitivity was enhanced with medium to high intensity flash stimulation. Furthermore, all patients had a severe reduction of the oscillatory potentials. The findings are discussed with special emphasis on a hypothetical disturbance in the cyclic guanosine monophosphate metabolism, involving both photoreceptors and cells of the inner plexiform layer responsible for retinal feedback mechanisms.
A rare case of bilateral congenital corneal malformations
Authors: Redbrake C. , Salla S. , Becker J. , Reim M.
Published: June 2009

Abstract We report the case of a now 6‐year‐old girl who was born with different abnormalities in each eye. The right eye showed a total sclerocornea. At the age of 4 years we performed a perforating keratoplasty. On the left eye a large staphyloma developed. The staphyloma was excised and a cornea with a scleral rim was fixed in. This transplant became cloudy under a conjunctival flap and blepharoplasty. In addition to the clinical follow‐up, histological and immun‐histochemical examinations of the corneas were carried out.
Microradiographical Determination of the Dry Mass Density in the Rat Retina1
Authors: Chen Enping , Chung Jang‐Hyun , Söderberg Per G. , Lindström Bo
Published: June 2009

Abstract. A method for the quantitative measurement of the dry mass density in retinal tissue is presented. Cryosections of rat retinas were freeze‐dried and exposed to soft X‐rays together with a reference system. The section thickness was measured optically. The X‐ray energy absorbed by the retinal tissue was recorded photographically and the microradiographs were evaluated photometrically. These measurements were used to estimate the dry mass density for each retinal layer. Sources of variation were evaluated. The precision was found adequate. The present method allows a localized determination of the dry mass density and of the hydration in the retina at a microscopic resolution.
REFRACTIVE INDICES OF THE RAT RETINAL LAYERS
Authors: Chen Enping
Published: June 2009

Abstract. The refractive indices in various rat retinal layers, based on the total dry mass concentration, ranged from 1.369 to 1.385. The ratios of the refractive indices of neighboring retinal layers were near unity. This finding suggests that light passes through the rat retina without much refraction.
Cytochrome oxidase activity in rat retina after exposure to 404 nm blue light*
Authors: Chen Enping , Söderberg Per G. , Lindström Bo
Published: June 2009

Cytochrome oxidase (CYO), a key enzyme in the respiratory chain, was observed as an indicator of retinal metabolism after an in vivo blue light exposure.

Thirty Sprague—Dawley rats were exposed to optic radiation of 404 nm with a retinal dose of 110kJ/m2. Immediately after exposure, the CYO activity in the pigment epithelium, in the outer and inner segments of photoreceptors, and in the outer plexiform layer of the exposed retina, was reduced to one—third—to—half of the control level. However, there was an increase in CYO activity in the exposed retina one day after exposure. One week after exposure, the CYO activity in the inner segment and the outer plexiform layer was higher, while the activity in the other two layers was lower, than that at one day, although still higher than in the control. Two weeks after exposure, the CYO activity in the four retinal layers returned to the level of the control retina, as did the activity four weeks after. After exposure, no ophthalmoscopically visible retinal change and no light‐microscopically evident morphological alterations were found. There was no retinal edema or loss of photoreceptor cells.

The observed alteration in CYO activity after blue light exposure may represent an inhibition of retinal metabolism. The inhibition was reversible. If this compensation mechanism is overwhelmed, retinal damage may occur.
NUCLEAR MICROPROBE ANALYSIS OF CHLORINE AND POTASSIUM DISTRIBUTION IN BLUE‐LIGHT‐EXPOSED RAT RETINAS
Authors: Chen Enping , Pallon Jan , Yang Changyi , Knox John , Forslind Bo
Published: June 2009

Purpose: To investigate the distribution of chlorine and potassium in the inner and outer segments of control and blue‐light‐exposed rat retinas.

Methods: Rats were exposed to blue light at a retinal dose of 380 kJ/m2. The chlorine and potassium distributions were estimated with a nuclear microprobe.

Results: The control retina had a high concentration of potassium and a low concentration of chlorine in the inner segments and a high concentration of chlorine and low concentration of potassium in the outer segments. After light exposure, these elements were redistributed.

Conclusion: The redistribution of chlorine and potassium indicated an inactivation of Na/K‐ATPase in the inner segments during blue‐light exposure.
Nonea palmyrensis (Boraginaceae): morphology and phylogenetic affinities of a rare endemic of the Syro–Iraqi desert
Authors: Cecchi Lorenzo , Coppi Andrea , Selvi Federico
Published: June 2009

Based on collections by the authors from the Syrian desert, the morphology and phylogenetic affinities of the rare species Nonea palmyrensis were investigated. An original description and iconography of the species are given, and a lectotype is designated. Micro‐characters were examined by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Clear palynological affinities with the Irano–Turanian species N. longiflora were found. The two taxa share five‐aperturate pollen grains and a micro‐reticulate ornamentation of the tectum. Phylogenetic relationships were analysed using ITS1 sequences of nuclear DNA obtained from 26 species of Nonea. Bayesian and Parsimony analyses retrieved N. palmyrensis as sister to the Mediterranean N. echioides. Together with the Irano–Turanian species N. melanocarpa, they form a moderately supported clade with unresolved relationships. No clear synapomorphies between the three species could be detected in terms of pollen or nutlet morphology. The possibly adaptive nature of some morphological traits peculiar to N. palmyrensis are discussed.
Confessing Faith Together in the Economy: The Accra Confession and Covenanting for Justice Movement
Authors: Sheerattan‐Bisnauth Patricia
Published: June 2009

The world is in dire need of prophetic movements for justice and peace. A major challenge for the ecumenical movement is how to live faithfully in times of economic injustice, ecological degradation and empire. Spirituality and mission must be renewed and re‐energized with the perspectives of those who cry out for justice and those who live in the hope of Jesus, who promises fullness of life for all people. It is within this context that the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) Accra general council in 2004 rejected neoliberal economic globalization as a death‐dealing system and declared, “The integrity of our faith is at stake if we remain silent or refuse to act in the face of the current system of neoliberal economic globalization.” Reformed churches worldwide are working to build a confessing movement to respond to the Accra Confession. A theology of life is being developed from the perspectives of those who struggle with the undergirding principles of the sovereignty of God and the imperative to do justice.
Oikotree: Putting Justice at the Heart of Faith
Authors: Woods Philip
Published: June 2009

Oikotree is an ecumenical space in which a movement of those seeking to live faithfully in the midst of economic injustice and ecological destruction can take shape. Sponsored by the Council for World Mission (CWM), the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) and the World Council of Churches (WCC), Oikotree is open to individuals, local churches, peoples' movements and all who share a concern for justice and the healing of the nations. This article describes Oikotree's foundations and hopes and how transformative mission must challenge the church as well as the world.
Experimental Study of Liquid Slosh Dynamics in a Partially-Filled Tank
Authors: Yan Guorong , Rakheja Subhash , Siddiqui Kamran
Published: June 2009

This article reports on an experimental study conducted to investigate slosh forces and moments caused by fluid slosh within a partly-filled tank subjected to lateral and longitudinal excitations applied independently. The experiments were performed on a scale model cleanbore and a baffled tank with laterally placed single- and multiple-orifice baffles. The experiments were conducted for three different fill volumes and different types of excitations: continuous harmonic and single-cycle sinusoidal excitations of different amplitudes and discrete frequencies. The dynamic forces and moments caused by fluid slosh with the baffled and cleanbore tank configurations were measured for different fill volumes and excitations using three-axis dynamometers. It is shown that the resulting forces and moments comprise many spectral components that can be associated with the excitation, resonance, and vibration and beat frequencies. Modulation of excitation frequency with the resonant frequency was also evident for all fill conditions and tank configurations when the two were in close proximity. The results also showed that the peak amplifications of forces and moments occur in the vicinity of the resonant frequency. At higher frequencies, the peak magnitudes of the forces, however, reduced significantly to values lower than the inertial forces developed by an equivalent rigid mass. At a given excitation condition, the slosh force amplitude increased with a decrease in the fill volume. It was also observed that the presence of baffles has negligible effect on the lateral slosh force and the corresponding resonant frequency. However, it caused a significant increase in the longitudinal mode resonant frequency. The baffles greatly reduced the amplifications in longitudinal force and pitch moment under longitudinal acceleration excitations.
Extension of Stress and Strength Interference Theory for Conceptual Design-for-Reliability
Authors: Huang Zhaofeng , Jin Yan
Published: June 2009

It has been recognized that design-for-reliability (DFR) during the conceptual design stage is very challenging. There are several gaps and deficiencies hindering the DFR implementation. The first gap is due to the disconnection between the output of the conceptual design and reliability parameters needed for the reliability modeling. The second gap is between the knowledge available during the conceptual design and the information needed for reliability analysis. The state of the art design-for-reliability research and implementation are primarily based on the traditional reliability stress and strength interference theory. The research to date has mainly focused on the embodiment design-for-reliability, since they take embodiment design data as inputs and derive reliability measures of the product as results. On the other hand, the conceptual design, in general, and functional design in specific are usually nonanalytical and nonquantitative and result in little information immediately useful for a detailed reliability analysis. Our research aims to address these gaps and deficiencies and to build a bridge between the reliability research and the conceptual design research in order to realize conceptual design-for-reliability. In this paper, we first review the state of research and practice in the fields of reliability and conceptual design. Building on the previous research, we extend the traditional reliability stress and strength interference theory and develop a conceptual stress and conceptual strength interference theory (CSCSIT) that parametrizes the conceptual design space by introducing reliability related parameters into functional design. Based on CSCSIT, a practical analysis framework is proposed to support functional design-for-reliability. A functional design example is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of CSCSIT and the proposed framework.
Optimal Product Design Under Price Competition
Authors: Shiau Ching-Shin Norman , Michalek Jeremy J.
Published: June 2009

Engineering optimization methods for new product development model consumer demand as a function of product attributes and price in order to identify designs that maximize expected profit. However, prior approaches have ignored the ability of competitors to react to a new product entrant. We pose an approach to new product design accounting for competitor pricing reactions by imposing Nash and Stackelberg conditions as constraints, and we test the method on three product design case studies from the marketing and engineering design literature. We find that new product design under Stackelberg and Nash equilibrium cases are superior to ignoring competitor reactions. In our case studies, ignoring price competition results in suboptimal design and overestimation of profits by 12–79%, and we find that a product that would perform well in today’s market may perform poorly in the market that the new product will create. The efficiency, convergence stability, and ease of implementation of the proposed approach enable practical implementation for new product design problems in competitive market systems.
Consistent Derivations of Spring Rates for Helical Springs
Authors: Dym Clive L.
Published: June 2009

The spring rates of a coiled helical spring under an axial force and an axially directed torque are derived by a consistent application of Castigliano’s second theorem, and it is shown that the coupling between the two loads may not always be neglected. The spring rate of an extensional spring is derived for the first time through the use of the displacement based principle of minimum total potential energy. The present results are also compared with available derivations of and expressions for the stiffness of a coiled spring.
Gripper Design With Spherical Parallelogram Mechanism
Authors: Kocabas Hikmet
Published: June 2009

A novel spherical gripper mechanism with one degree of freedom was designed. This gripper consists of a network of spherical parallelogram mechanisms. Design limits, work space formulas, and required grasping forces were derived. Parallelogram mechanisms with unequal circular and spiral linkages were also investigated. It was shown that the spherical parallelogram mechanisms with spiral linkages may be used for grasping objects.
Synthesis of Planar Rigid-Body Mechanisms Approximating Shape Changes Defined by Closed Curves
Authors: Persinger Justin A. , Schmiedeler James P. , Murray Andrew P.
Published: June 2009

This paper presents a procedure to synthesize planar linkages, composed of rigid links and revolute joints, that are capable of approximating a shape change defined by a set of closed curves possessing similar arc lengths. The synthesis approach is more rigorous and more broadly applicable to dramatic changes between larger numbers of shapes than existing techniques that employ graphical methods. It specifically addresses the challenges of approximating closed curves, but the methodology is equally applicable to open curves. Link geometry is determined through an existing procedure, and those links are then joined together in a chain using numerical optimization to minimize the error in approximating the shape change. Binary links are added to this chain via a search of the design space, forming a single-degree-of-freedom mechanism in which an actuated link can be driven monotonically to exact the shape change. The procedure is applied to synthesize an example mechanism that changes between circular, elliptical, and teardrop shapes as inspired by an aerodynamic flow field modification application.
Optimal Experimental Design of Human Appraisals for Modeling Consumer Preferences in Engineering Design
Authors: Hoyle Christopher , Chen Wei , Ankenman Bruce , Wang Nanxin
Published: June 2009

Human appraisals are becoming increasingly important in the design of engineering systems to link engineering design attributes to customer preferences. Human appraisals are used to assess consumers’ opinions of a given product design, and are unique in that the experiment response is a function of both the product attributes and the respondents’ human attributes. The design of a human appraisal is characterized as a split-plot design, in which the respondents’ human attributes form the whole-plot factors while the product attributes form the split-plot factors. The experiments are also characterized by random block effects, in which the design configurations evaluated by a single respondent form a block. An experimental design algorithm is needed for human appraisal experiments because standard experimental designs often do not meet the needs of these experiments. In this work, an algorithmic approach to identify the optimal design for a human appraisal experiment is developed, which considers the effects of respondent fatigue and the blocked and split-plot structures of such a design. The developed algorithm seeks to identify the experimental design, which maximizes the determinant of the Fisher information matrix. The algorithm is derived assuming an ordered logit model will be used to model the rating responses. The advantages of this approach over competing approaches for minimizing the number of appraisal experiments and model-building efficiency are demonstrated using an automotive interior package human appraisal as an example.
A Multicolumn Envelope Meshing Pair for Single Screw Compressors
Authors: Wu Weifeng , Feng Quanke
Published: June 2009

This paper introduces a new meshing pair profile envelope by multicolumn in single screw compressors. The screw groove flank of the new meshing pair is a multisegment surface, and the star-wheel tooth flank consisted of multicylindrical surfaces. When the compressor is operating, the position of the contact line on the tooth flank with the screw groove flank uniformly moves in one revolution, which is rather different from the stationary contact position of existing meshing pair profiles. The new meshing pair will result in the improved wear-resistance and longer operation life, lower gas leakage, and higher efficiency of the compressor.
Geometric Design Investigation of Single Screw Compressor Rotor Grooves Produced by Cylindrical Milling
Authors: Wu Weifeng , Feng Quanke , Yu Xiaoling
Published: June 2009

Cylindrical milling of a screw rotor groove in a single screw compressor has higher machining efficiency than turning. However, the screw groove bottom produced by the flat end of the milling cutter fails to mesh hermetically with the flat tooth tip due to the oversized clearance between them. The clearance forms two leakage paths leading to a compressed gas leakage. The shape of the path is roughly the same as that of two parallel oblate divergent nozzles in an inverse orientation. A mathematical simulation is presented for the surface profile of the screw groove bottom for a single screw compressor generated using several cylindrical milling cutters. The results contribute to improving the design of the meshing pairs in the single screw compressor.