bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Bovine Pituitary Extract and Polyglycolide/Poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) Scaffold to the Cultivation of Bovine Knee Chondrocytes
Authors: Kuo Yung‐Chih , Chung Chiu‐Yen
Published: December 2005

In vitro cultivation of primary bovine knee chondrocytes (BKCs), using bovine pituitary extract (BPE) and porous scaffolds composed of polyglycolide (PGA) and 85/15 poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA), was investigated. Here, BPE was prepared from fresh bovine pituitaries, and cylindrical PGA/PLGA scaffolds with various chemical compositions were fabricated by solvent merging/particulate leaching method. Experimental results showed that in microcarrier systems, the rate of BKC growth on PGA surfaces is faster than that on PLGA surfaces, and the decrease in the medium pH value of BKCs‐adsorbed PGA particles is faster than that of BKCs‐adsorbed PLGA particles. After 28‐day construct cultivation, the BKC amount and the content of glycosaminoglycans and collagen per construct increased with BPE protein concentration. For a constant BPE protein concentration, a higher PGA percentage in scaffold leads to a better biological environment for the growth of BKCs and the synthesis of extracellar matrices.
Model of a variable radio period for Saturn
Authors: Cecconi B. , Zarka P.
Published: December 2005

We propose an explanation for the variations at the 1% level of Saturn's radio rotation period measured at kilometer wavelengths. Because Saturn's kilometric radiation (SKR) is strongly controlled by the solar wind, we suggest that nonrandom variations of solar wind characteristics, especially its velocity, at Saturn may result in systematic displacement of the auroral sources in local time and finally in modifications of the apparent radio period. Alternatively, it may result in the superposition of two apparent periods, as also observed in Voyager data. We develop two simple models of local time variations of the SKR sources and analyze the conditions under which the measured radio period may be shifted by up to a few percent from the planet's sidereal period. Our results provide a possible explanation for the 1% variation observed and suggest that the dominant peak in the harmonic analysis of SKR variations seen by Voyager may be different from Saturn's sidereal rotation period. We relate the limitation in the accuracy of planetary rotation period determination to long‐term variations of “control” parameters (like the solar wind velocity). One and a half to three years of continuous SKR observations with Cassini will be required to reliably and accurately derive Saturn's true sidereal period.
Characteristics of ion velocity structure at high latitudes during steady southward interplanetary magnetic field conditions
Authors: Johnson E. S. , Heelis R. A.
Published: December 2005

Variability or structure in the ion velocity at high latitudes in the F region is an important consideration when calculating an accurate Joule heating rate. Velocity structure in time and space may contribute significantly to heating of the F region and its inclusion could help improve our understanding of the energy budget of the atmosphere. In this paper we neglect temporal changes over periods less than 16 s and discuss the characteristic spatial structure in the ion drift in the F region ionosphere and how it relates to the bulk ion flow, the gradient on the bulk ion flow, and the ion temperature in the polar cap and auroral zone. This investigation uses data from the Dynamics Explorer 2 satellite and is limited to times of stable southward interplanetary magnetic field. Under these conditions time averaged enhancements in the Joule heating rate from the presence of spatial structure in the auroral zones have minimum values ranging from 4% to 13% depending on season.
Quantitative FRET imaging of leptin receptor oligomerization kinetics in single cells
Authors: Biener Eva , Charlier Madia , Ramanujan V. Krishnan , Daniel Nathalie , Eisenberg Avital , Bjørbaek Christian , Herman Brian , Gertler Arieh , Djiane Jean
Published: December 2005

Background Information. Leptin, an adipocyte‐secreted hormone, signals through activation of its membrane‐embedded receptor (LEPR). To study the leptin‐induced events occurring in short (LEPRa) and long (LEPRb) LEPRs in the cell membrane, by FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) methodology, the respective receptors, tagged at their C‐terminal with CFP (cyan fluorescent protein) or YFP (yellow fluorescent protein), were prepared.

Results. The constructs encoding mLEPRa (mouse LEPRa)–YFP and mLEPRa—CFP, mLEPRb—YFP and mLEPRb—CFP were tested for biological activity in transiently transfected CHO cells (Chinese‐hamster ovary cells) and HEK‐293T cells (human embryonic kidney 293 T cells) for activation of STAT3 (signal transduction and activators of transcription 3)‐mediated LUC (luciferase) activity and binding of radiolabelled leptin. All four constructs were biologically active and were as potent as their untagged counterparts. The localization pattern of the fused protein appeared to be confined almost entirely to the cell membrane. The leptin‐dependent interaction between various types of receptors in fixed cells were studied by measuring FRET, using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy and acceptor photobleaching methods.

Conclusions. Both methods yielded similar results, indicating that (1) leptin receptors expressed in the cell membrane exist mostly as preformed LEPRa/LEPRa or LEPRb/LEPRb homo‐oligomers but not as LEPRb/LEPRa hetero‐oligomers; (2) the appearance of transient leptin‐induced FRET in cells transfected with LEPRb/LEPRb reflects both a conformational change that leads to closer interaction in the cytosolic part and a higher FRET signal, as well as de novo homo‐oligomerization; (3) in LEPRa/LEPRa, exposure to leptin does not lead to any increase in FRET signalling as the proximity of CFP and YFP fluorophores in space already gives maximal FRET efficiency of the preoligomerized receptors.
Ferroelectric properties and leakage current characteristics of Bi3.25La0.75Ti3O12 thin films prepared by the polymeric precursor method
Authors: Simões A. Z. , Ramírez M. A. , Riccardi C. S. , Longo E. , Varela J. A.
Published: December 2005

The ferroelectric properties and leakage current mechanisms of preferred oriented Bi3.25La0.75Ti3O12 (BLT) thin films deposited on La0.5Sr0.5CoO3 by the polymeric precursor method were investigated. These films showed excellent ferroelectric properties in terms of large remnant polarization (2Pr) of 47.6μC∕cm2 and (2Ec) of 55kV∕cm, fatigue-free characteristics up to 1010 switching cycles, and a current density of 0.7μA∕cm2 at 10kV∕cm. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope investigations indicate that the deposited films exhibit a dense, well-crystallized microstructure having random orientations and with a rather smooth surface morphology. The improved ferroelectric and leakage current characteristics can be ascribed to the platelike grains of the BLT films, which make the domain walls easier to be switched under external field.
Effect of sputtering rate and ion irradiation on the microstructure and magnetic properties of Ni∕Si3N4 multilayers
Authors: Vila M. , Prieto C. , Traverse A. , Ramírez R.
Published: December 2005

In order to prepare Ni clusters embedded in amorphous Si3N4, Ni and Si3N4 layers have been alternatively deposited using sputtering techniques. The nominal Ni layer thickness ranged from 2 to 60 Å and the number of layers was varied accordingly so as to keep the total amount of Ni constant. Extended x-ray-absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy has been used to study the Ni clustering as well as the isolated Ni ions in the silicon nitride matrix. For small Ni layer thickness, the Ni layer becomes discontinuous and the average size of Ni clusters can be determined. Aiming to modify the Ni surrounding, samples with the thinnest Ni layers have been irradiated with He and P. The EXAFS results show that the main effect is the removal of the isolated Ni in the Si3N4 matrix. The size evolution of the Ni clusters depends on the type of the irradiating ion. A complete magnetic characterization is presented in order to correlate Ni surrounding with the magnetic properties of Ni clusters.
High-temperature (1−x)BiSc1∕2Fe1∕2O3-xPbTiO3 piezoelectric ceramics
Authors: Sterianou I. , Reaney I. M. , Sinclair D. C. , Woodward D. I. , Hall D. A. , Bell A. J. , Comyn T. P.
Published: December 2005

Perovskite-structured ceramics in the (1−x)BiSc1∕2Fe1∕2O3-xPbTiO3 (BSF-PT) system were fabricated for x⩾0.45 in which a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) occurred between rhombohedral and tetragonal phases at x≈0.50(TC=440°C). Samples close to the MPB gave piezoelectric and electromechanical coupling coefficients of ∼300pC∕N and 0.5, respectively. The low cost of BSF-PT in comparison to (1−x)BiScO3-xPbTiO3 (BS-PT) coupled with its high TC and usable piezoelectric properties suggests future commercial exploitation.
Homogenization of the melting depth in SiC on Si structures during flash lamp irradiation
Authors: Voelskow Matthias , Skorupa Wolfgang , Smith Mark P. , McMahon Richard A.
Published: December 2005

Flash lamp annealing of heteroepitaxial silicon carbide on silicon structures involves melting the silicon below the SiC layer but the faceted nature of the liquid-solid interface leads to unacceptable surface roughness. This letter describes a method of controlling melting by using a melt stop created at a controlled depth below the Si∕SiC interface by implanting a high dose of carbon, which significantly increases the silicon melting temperature. Results confirm the effectiveness of this approach for increasing surface uniformity, making liquid phase processing compatible with standard device fabrication techniques.
Exohedral doping of single-walled boron nitride nanotube by atomic chemisorption
Authors: Zhang Jia , Loh Kian Ping , Yang Shuo Wang , Wu Ping
Published: December 2005

The adsorption of atoms on the tube walls of (8,0) boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) has been studied using the density functional theory. Adsorption of either H or F (exohedral doping) on the B site imparts hole carrier conduction characteristics on the BNNT; however, co-adsorption on both of the B and N dimer pairs results in compensation.
Comparison of the protein-unfolding pathways between mitochondrial protein import and atomic-force microscopy measurements
Authors: Sato Takehiro , Esaki Masatoshi , Fernandez Julio M. , Endo Toshiya
Published: December 2005

Many newly synthesized proteins have to become unfolded during translocation across biological membranes. We have analyzed the effects of various stabilization/destabilization mutations in the Ig-like module of the muscle protein titin upon its import from the N terminus or C terminus into mitochondria. The effects of mutations on the import of the titin module from the C terminus correlate well with those on forced mechanical unfolding in atomic-force microscopy (AFM) measurements. On the other hand, as long as turnover of the mitochondrial Hsp70 system is not rate-limiting for the import, import of the titin module from the N terminus is sensitive to mutations in the N-terminal region but not the ones in the C-terminal region that affect resistance to global unfolding in AFM experiments. We propose that the mitochondrial-import system can catalyze precursor-unfolding by reducing the stability of unfolding intermediates.
FGF-2 promotes neurogenesis and neuroprotection and prolongs survival in a transgenic mouse model of Huntington's disease
Authors: Jin Kunlin , LaFevre-Bernt Michelle , Sun Yunjuan , Chen Sylvia , Gafni Juliette , Crippen Danielle , Logvinova Anna , Ross Christopher A. , Greenberg David A. , Ellerby Lisa M.
Published: December 2005

There is no satisfactory treatment for Huntington's disease (HD), a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder that produces chorea, dementia, and death. One potential treatment strategy involves the replacement of dead neurons by stimulating the proliferation of endogenous neuronal precursors (neurogenesis) and their migration into damaged regions of the brain. Because growth factors are neuroprotective in some settings and can also stimulate neurogenesis, we treated HD transgenic R6/2 mice from 8 weeks of age until death by s.c. administration of FGF-2. FGF-2 increased the number of proliferating cells in the subventricular zone by ≈30% in wild-type mice, and by ≈150% in HD transgenic R6/2 mice. FGF-2 also induced the recruitment of new neurons from the subventricular zone into the neostriatum and cerebral cortex of HD transgenic R6/2 mice. In the striatum, these neurons were DARPP-32-expressing medium spiny neurons, consistent with the phenotype of neurons lost in HD. FGF-2 was neuroprotective as well, because it blocked cell death induced by mutant expanded Htt in primary striatal cultures. FGF-2 also reduced polyglutamine aggregates, improved motor performance, and extended lifespan by ≈20%. We conclude that FGF-2 improves neurological deficits and longevity in a transgenic mouse model of HD, and that its neuroprotective and neuroproliferative effects may contribute to this improvement.
Chemokines direct endothelial progenitors into tumor neovessels
Authors: Spring Herbert , Schüler Thomas , Arnold Bernd , Hämmerling Günter J. , Ganss Ruth
Published: December 2005

Tumor neovasculature substantially derives from sprouting of existing vessels, whereas the functional contribution of bone marrow-derived progenitors to neovessels remains controversial. We used transgenic mouse models of multistep carcinogenesis to monitor incorporation of bone marrow-derived cells into the neovasculature and to elucidate mechanisms of endothelial precursor cell (EPC) recruitment into the tumor microenvironment. We unequivocally demonstrate integration of bone marrow cells into the tumor vasculature as a late event in carcinogenesis that temporally correlates with VEGF release by the tumor and mobilization of circulating EPC in the periphery. Moreover, we demonstrate a chemokine-dependent mechanism of EPC homing into tumor, whereby neovessels of late-stage tumors release a battery of CC chemokines, which direct CCR2+and CCR5+progenitors into the vasculature. Thus, we show that tumor vessels promote their own growth and development in a self-amplifying fashion.
Fat storage in adipocytes requires inactivation of leptin's paracrine activity: Implications for treatment of human obesity
Authors: Wang May-yun , Orci Lelio , Ravazzola Mariella , Unger Roger H.
Published: December 2005

Hyperleptinemia rapidly depletes adipocyte fat in lean rats, whereas comparable hyperleptinemia produced by adipocytes in diet-induced obesity does not, implying a leptinergic blockade in adipocytes during overnutrition. Indeed, activated STAT-3 in white adipose tissue (WAT) of normal rats was less on a 60% high fat diet (HFD) than on 4% fat, despite a 10-fold higher plasma leptin. In 6 days of a HFD, mRNA of the postreceptor leptin inhibitor, suppressor of cytokine signaling-3, increased 22-fold in WAT, while leptin receptor (Lepr-b) mRNA gradually disappeared, implying leptinergic blockade at both postreceptor and receptor levels. Adipocyte-specific Lepr-b overexpression of a Lepr-b transgene completely prevented the adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia and the increase in body fat induced in wild-type mice by HFD. Activated STAT-3 and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and the mRNA of lipooxidative enzymes, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ-coactivator-1α, and uncoupling protein-1 and -2 were increased in WAT. Body temperature was elevated in the transgenic mice, suggesting uncoupled fatty acid oxidation of surplus fatty acids. In conclusion, storage of surplus calories in WAT and the development of diet-induced obesity require the blockade of a latent leptin-stimulated caloric sump in white adipocytes.
Effects of temperature and humidity on the development of eggs of Toxocara canis under laboratory conditions
Authors: Gamboa M.I.
Published: December 2005

The influence of temperature and humidity on the survival and development of Toxocara canis eggs in an in vitro model system was investigated. Two soil samples were inoculated with T. canis eggs and maintained at 3% and 50% humidity and temperatures of 19–24°C. Nine soil samples were inoculated with T. canis eggs of which three samples were kept at 4°C with humidities at 3%, 15%, and 30%; three were maintained at 21°C and three more were incubated at 34°C, and at the same three humidity levels. Samples were monitored every 7 days for a total of 2 months, for the presence and development of eggs. With increasing temperature, the number of eggs undergoing development increased (P<0.01); the number of deformed eggs decreased, the number of infective eggs increased (P<0.01), and egg maturation was accelerated. A decrease in the survival of infective eggs occurred at 34°C. An increase in humidity produced a rise in the number of developed eggs at all three temperatures (P<0.01). This study suggests that elevated temperatures accelerated the development as well as the degradation of eggs of T. canis, whereas the range in humidity was directly correlated with egg development.
Helminths of the exotic lizardHemidactylus mabouiafrom a rock outcrop area in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Anjos L.A. , Rocha C.F.D. , Vrcibradic D. , Vicente J.J.
Published: December 2005

The helminth fauna of 291Hemidactylus mabouia(Lacertilia: Gekkonidae) from a rock outcrop area in the state of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, was studied. Five species were recovered, namely one unidentified species of centrorhynchid acanthocephalan (present only as cystacanths) and the nematodesParapharyngodon sceleratus,P.largitor(Oxyuroidea: Pharingodonidae),Physalopterasp. (Spiruroidea: Physalopteridae) and one indeterminate species of Acuariidae (Acuaroidea), with the latter two forms present only as larvae. Infection rates tended to increase with host size, but appeared to be unaffected by season.Hemidactylus mabouiashared most of its helminth fauna with two other sympatric lizard hosts,Mabuya frenataandTropidurus itambere. The helminth assemblage of theH.mabouiapopulation appears to have been entirely acquired by this exotic gecko from the local helminth species pool, rather than possessing any species from the parasite faunas of the original African populations.
Storage and incubation of Echinostoma revolutum eggs recovered from wild Branta canadensis, and their infectivity to Lymnaea tomentosa snails
Authors: Davis N.E.
Published: December 2005

Echinostoma revolutum eggs recovered from naturally infected wild Canada geese (Branta canadensis) were cold stored (4–6°C) for up to 72 weeks. Successful hatching followed incubation for from 6 to 8 days at an optimum temperature of between 25 and 30°C. A partial life cycle from adult worm to metacercarial encystment in Lymnaea tomentosa snails was completed in the laboratory. Snails were infected both by free miracidia and by ingestment of unhatched embryonated eggs. Infection was equally successful in environmental temperature ranges from 10 to 25°C, and at challenge levels of 2, 5 or 10 embryonated eggs per snail. Exposure to 10 eggs was lethal. Ingestion by snails of embryonated eggs with successful infection at 10°C suggests that embryonated eggs may be used to infect wild snails when the environmental water temperature has reached 10°C.
Helminth fauna of the yellow-legged gullLarus cachinnansin Galicia, north-west Spain
Authors: Sanmartín M.L. , Cordeiro J.A. , Álvarez M.F. , Leiro J.
Published: December 2005

Thirty-six helminth species were found in 324 gulls examined during June 1994 to February 1996 from different localities of Galicia: 25 trematodes (Brachylaimasp.,Brachylecithum microtesticulatum,Cardiocephaloides longicollis,Cryptocotyle lingua,Cryptocotyle concavum,Diplostomum spathaceum,Echinostephilla virgula,Galactosomum phalacrocoracis,Gigantobilharzia acotylea,Gymnophallus deliciosus,Gynaecotyla longiintestinata,Himasthla elongata,Himasthla quissetensis,Knipowitschiatrema nicolai,Levinseniella(Levinseniella)propinqua,Maritrema gratiosum,Maritrema linguilla,Microphallus primas,Microphallus similis,Ornithobilharzia canaliculata,Parorchis acanthus,Phagicola minuta,Psilostomum brevicolle,Renicolasp. andStephanoprora denticulata), four cestodes (Alcataenia micracantha,Microsomacanthus ductilis,Tetrabothrius(Oriana)erostrisandWardium cirrosa), six nematodes (Anisakis simplex,Contracaecum rudolphii,Cosmocephalus obvelatus),Eucoleus contortus,Paracuaria aduncaandTetrameres(Tetrameres)skrjabini) and one acanthocephalan (Arhythmorhynchus longicollis).Tetrabothrius erostriswas the most prevalent species (79.6%), followed byC. obvelatus(47.8%),C. lingua(37.4%),G deliciosus(30.9%),G. longiintestinata(22.8%),P. adunca(21.9%),B. microtesticulatum(17.6%),E. contortus(14.5%) andM. similis(9.3%).Microphallus similiswas the dominant species, with a Berger-Parker index (BP) of 0.32, followed byT. erostris(BP=0.10). All species presented an aggregated dispersion exceptG. acotyleaandG. phalacrocoracis, which showed a random dispersion. Species that seem to have the greatest predilection for specific sites along the intestine are:C. longicollisandA. micracantha(first third),Brachylaimasp.,M. similisandG. longiintestinata(last third) andA. longicollis(second half). Eight species are known to be pathogenic to commercially important fish or molluscan species and several are pathogenic to humans.
Manipulating achievement motivation in physical education by manipulating the motivational climate
Authors: Weigand Daniel , Burton Shane
Published: December 2005

This study examined the effect of manipulating the motivational climate on achievement goal orientations, satisfaction/boredom, and perceived competence in physical education (PE). Participants were 40 English students (M age = 15.9, SD = 0.51) participating either in an experimental group that included a series of highly task involving lessons, based on the manipulation of Epstein's (18, 19) TARGET structures, or a group receiving the school's existing style of PE lessons. Results of MANOVA and 2 × 2 (Group × Time) mixed factor ANOVAs on the pre‐ and post‐intervention data indicated that students in the mastery climate experienced significantly (all p <. 05) higher levels of task orientationand perceptions of competence, and were more satisfied and less bored, post‐intervention compared to pre‐intervention and compared to the other group at either time. The mastery climate group's ego orientation also significantly decreased from pre‐ to postintervention, but did not significantly differ from the other group. The findings are discussed with regard to the implications of manipulating the task structure in PE and organized youth sport.
Development of a taxonomy of performance for national sport organizations
Authors: Bayle Emmanuel , Madella Alberto
Published: December 2005

The measurement of performance of a voluntary organization challenges man‐agement theorists and practitioners. What are the effectiveness and efficiency criteria to evaluate performance of these organizations? To overcome the limi‐tations of current methods of performance measurement, we propose a new performance measurement technique in a taxonomic perspective that associ‐ates qualitative and quantitative indicators thanks to a contractual approach. This approach establishes a typology of 6 performance profiles of 40 NSO. Statistical correlations between performance dimensions are also analyzed. Statistical analysis shows that dimensions of performance are significantly correlated. Economic and financial performance is correlated more with pro‐motional performance than with the number of members.
The Effects of two disparate instructional approaches on student Self‐perceptions in Elementary physical education
Authors: Chatoupis Constantine , Emmanuel Constantine
Published: December 2005

Using competence motivation theory, this study examined the effects of Mosston's practice style (B) and inclusion style (E) on perceived athletic competence of 111 fifth‐grade students (62 boys, 49 girls). Teaching styles were systematically applied for 12 weeks. Harter's Self Perception Profile for Children was used to measure perceived athletic competence prior to and after the instructional intervention. Factorial analysis of covariance (Gender × Treatment) on the posttest scores showed that there were no significant differences between the two teaching style groups in perceived athletic competence and no significant gender effect (p)
Effects of a cognitive behavioral treatment package on exercise attendance and drop out in fitness centers
Authors: Annesi James
Published: December 2005

New and returning adult exercisers were tracked to evaluate the effect of a multiple component, behavior change treatment “package” on exercise atten‐dance and drop out, within fitness facility settings in the United States, United Kingdom, and Italy. After assessing treatment participants' propensity for early drop out, various behavioral and cognitive behavioral treatments (e.g., goal setting, relapse prevention, self‐reinforcement, contracting), exercise plans tai‐lored to produce desirable affective change, and social support recruitment methods were administered by exercise leaders. Control group participants received typical exercise counseling that centered around amounts, types, and physiological results. Exercise leader‐participant contact time over the 36‐week studies were matched across treatment and control groups. Results of all 3 studies demonstrated significantly (p <. 05) higher attendance (13–30%)and less drop out (30–39%) for the treatment groups, compared to their respective controls. Discussion included future possibilities for the use of behavior change treatments for supporting ongoing exercise and promoting positive physiological and emotional well‐being.
Dietary Habits and Fluid Intake of a Group of Elite Spanish Basketball Players: A Need for Professional Advice?
Authors: Schröder Helmut , Navarro Estanis , Mora Jorge , Seco Jesus , Torregrosa Jose Maria , Tramullas Antonio
Published: December 2005

The aim of the present study was to analyse dietary habits and fluid intake of professional basketball players with consideration of dietary guidelines and sport nutrition recommendations. A dietary habit questionnaire including a 24 h recall was recorded by 55 elite basketball players of the first Spanish Basketball League. Energy consumption among these athletes was high 17.7 ±0.9 MJ · day–1 in comparison to other elite team sport athletes. Furthermore intakes of protein, fat, saturated fatty acids mineral and most vitamins exceed the current Daily Recommended Intakes (DRI's) for these macronutrients whereas, intakes of carbohydrate and vitamin E failed to meet the guidelines. Daily fluid intake was 3126 ±1226ml. Water was the preferred beverage (1688±1032 ml), followed by milk (445 ±521 ml), commercial sport drinks (377 ±520 ml), carbonated beverages (307 ±492 ml), juices (150 ±208 ml), beer (67 ±189 ml), non‐alcoholic (beer 49 ±158 ml) and wine (43 ±218 ml). Sixty‐six percent of the participants reported to consume particular foods before competition and 10% stated to do this after competition. On average athletes consumed 646 ±352 ml · h–1 and 882 ±486 ml of liquids during training and competition session, respectively. Furthermore, 44 % of the participants recorded not to drink before getting thirsty and 3 athletes stated never to drink during training and 2 did so during competition. Results of the present study underline the need for professional advice from sport nutritionists for elite basketball players.
Functional Diversification of the Two C-Class MADS Box GenesOSMADS3andOSMADS58inOryza sativa
Authors: Yamaguchi Takahiro , Lee Dong Yeon , Miyao Akio , Hirochika Hikohiko , An Gynheung , Hirano Hiro-Yuki
Published: December 2005

The C-class MADS box gene AGAMOUS (AG) plays crucial roles in Arabidopsis thaliana development by regulating the organ identity of stamens and carpels, the repression of A-class genes, and floral meristem determinacy. To examine the conservation and diversification of C-class gene function in monocots, we analyzed two C-class genes in rice (Oryza sativa), OSMADS3 and OSMADS58, which may have arisen by gene duplication before divergence of rice and maize (Zea mays). A knockout line of OSMADS3, in which the gene is disrupted by T-DNA insertion, shows homeotic transformation of stamens into lodicules and ectopic development of lodicules in the second whorl near the palea where lodicules do not form in the wild type but carpels develop almost normally. By contrast, RNA-silenced lines of OSMADS58 develop astonishing flowers that reiterate a set of floral organs, including lodicules, stamens, and carpel-like organs, suggesting that determinacy of the floral meristem is severely affected. These results suggest that the two C-class genes have been partially subfunctionalized during rice evolution (i.e., the functions regulated by AG have been partially partitioned into two paralogous genes, OSMADS3 and OSMADS58, which were produced by a recent gene duplication event in plant evolution).
ROR1/RPA2A, a Putative Replication Protein A2, Functions in Epigenetic Gene Silencing and in Regulation of Meristem Development inArabidopsis
Authors: Xia Ran , Wang Junguo , Liu Chunyan , Wang Yu , Wang Youqun , Zhai Jixian , Liu Jun , Hong Xuhui , Cao Xiaofeng , Zhu Jian-Kang , Gong Zhizhong
Published: December 2005

We screened for suppressors of repressor of silencing1 (ros1) using the silenced 35S promoter-neomycin phosphotransferase II (Pro35S:NPTII) gene as a marker and identified two allelic mutants, ror1-1 and ror1-2 (for suppressor of ros1). Map-based cloning revealed that ROR1 encodes a 31-kD protein similar to DNA replication protein A2 (RPA2A). Mutations in ROR1 reactivate the silenced Pro35S:NPTII gene but not RD29A promoter-luciferase in the ros1 mutant. DNA methylation in rDNA, centromeric DNA, and RD29A promoter regions is not affected by ror1. However, chromatin immunoprecipitation data suggest that histone H3 acetylation is increased and histone H3K9 dimethylation is decreased in the 35S promoter in the ror1 ros1 mutant compared with ros1. These results indicate that release of silenced Pro35S:NPTII by ror1 mutations is independent of DNA methylation. ROR1/RPA2A is strongly expressed in shoot and root meristems. Mutations in ROR1/RPA2A affect cell division in meristems but not final cell sizes. Our work suggests important roles of ROR1/RPA2A in epigenetic gene silencing and in the regulation of plant development.
Arabidopsis Response Regulators ARR3 and ARR4 Play Cytokinin-Independent Roles in the Control of Circadian Period
Authors: Salomé Patrice A. , To Jennifer P.C. , Kieber Joseph J. , McClung C. Robertson
Published: December 2005

Light and temperature are potent environmental signals used to synchronize the circadian oscillator with external time and photoperiod. Phytochrome and cryptochrome photoreceptors integrate light quantity and quality to modulate the pace and phase of the clock. PHYTOCHROME B (phyB) controls period length in red light as well as the phase of the clock in white light. phyB interacts with ARABIDOPSIS RESPONSE REGULATOR4 (ARR4) in a light-dependent manner. Accordingly, we tested ARR4 and other members of the type-A ARR family for roles in clock function and show that ARR4 and its closest relative, ARR3, act redundantly in the Arabidopsis thaliana circadian system. Loss of ARR3 and ARR4 lengthens the period of the clock even in the absence of light, demonstrating that they do so independently of active phyB. In addition, in white light, arr3,4 mutants show a leading phase similar to phyB mutants, suggesting that circadian light input is modulated by the interaction of phyB with ARR4. Although type-A ARRs are involved in cytokinin signaling, the circadian defects appear to be independent of cytokinin, as exogenous cytokinin affects the phase but not the period of the clock. Therefore, ARR3 and ARR4 are critical for proper circadian period and define an additional level of regulation of the circadian clock in Arabidopsis.
Improved detection of obstructive events in childhood sleep apnoea with the use of the nasal cannula and the differentiated sum signal
Authors: GRIFFITHS AMANDA , MAUL JENNIFER , WILSON ANDREW , STICK STEPHEN
Published: December 2005

The efficacy of the nasobuccal thermistor (NT) was compared with the nasal pressure cannula (NC) and the calibrated, time‐differentiated respiratory inductance plethysmography sum signal (DS) in the detection of obstructive events in children during polysomnography (PSG). The overnight PSG of 20 consecutive referrals were selected for analysis. Obstructive events were scored in each study three times by one operator using a blinded procedure whereby either the NT, the NC or the DS was visible. The standard PSG channels were also visible. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. Twenty patients aged 5 weeks to 16 years were studied. Agreement in obstructive apnoea–hypopnoea index (OAHI) was highest between the NT and NC, and the NC and DS. The NC signal was significantly more likely to be uninterpretable than the NT (P = 0.02) and this did not correlate with age. Event detection by the NT was significantly improved by the addition of either the NC (P = 0.01) or the DS (P = 0.001), while the NC stood alone unless the DS was added (P = 0.02). There was no significant difference in OAHI by the NC versus the DS. The NC detected significantly more OA than the NT or the DS (P = 0.04), while the DS trended towards detecting more OH. There was no significant difference in OAHI between any combination pair. The nasal cannula and differentiated sum signal perform better as measures of paediatric airflow than the NT. To optimize the detection of obstructive events in children we recommend using at least one, if not both these methods in paediatric sleep laboratories.
Variability and predictability in sleep patterns of chronic insomniacs
Authors: VALLIÈRES ANNIE , IVERS HANS , BASTIEN CÉLYNE H. , BEAULIEU‐BONNEAU SIMON , MORIN CHARLES M.
Published: December 2005

Sleep of chronic insomniacs is often characterized by extensive night‐to‐night variability. To date, no study has examined this variability with long series of daily sleep data. The present study examined night‐to‐night variability with a sample of 106 participants meeting DSM‐IV diagnostic criteria for persistent primary insomnia. Participants completed daily sleep diaries for an average of 31 days (range: 18–56). Sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency and wake after sleep onset were derived from this measure. Despite evidence of extensive night variability, results showed that sleep patterns could be classified in three clusters. The first one was characterized by a high probability of having poor sleep, the second one by a low and decreasing probability, and the third one by a constant median probability of having a poor sleep, which is an unpredictable sleep pattern. In the first cluster, poor sleep was expected each night for patients with a predominance mixed insomnia including the three insomnia subtypes. In the second cluster, patients presented moderate insomnia, sleep‐onset latency below the threshold level and a predominance of sleep‐maintenance insomnia. In the third pattern, poor nights seemed unpredictable for patients with moderate to severe insomnia associated with the lowest proportion of sleep‐maintenance insomnia. Overall, sleep was predictable for about two‐thirds of individuals, whereas it was unpredictable for about one‐third. These findings confirm the presence of extensive variability in the sleep of chronic insomniacs and that poor sleep may be predictable for some of them. Additional research is needed to characterize those sleep patterns in terms of clinical features and temporal course.
Seroprevalence of Brucellosis, Tularemia, and Yersiniosis in Wild Boars (Sus scrofa) from North‐Eastern Germany
Authors: Al Dahouk S. , Nöckler K. , Tomaso H. , Splettstoesser W. D. , Jungersen G. , Riber U. , Petry T. , Hoffmann D. , Scholz H. C. , Hensel A. , Neubauer H.
Published: December 2005

Brucellosis and tularemia are classical zoonotic diseases transmitted from an animal reservoir to humans. Both, wildlife and domestic animals, contribute to the spreading of these zoonoses. The surveillance of the animal health status is strictly regulated for domestic animals, whereas systematic disease monitoring in wildlife does not exist. The aim of the present study was to provide data on the prevalence of anti‐Brucella, anti‐Francisella and anti‐Yersinia antibodies in wild boars from North‐Eastern Germany to assess public health risks. A total of 763 sera of wild boars from Mecklenburg‐Western Pomerania hunted in 1995/1996 were tested using a commercially available Brucella suis ELISA, an in‐house lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐based Francisella ELISA, and commercially available Western blot kits for the detection of anti‐Francisella and anti‐Yersinia antibodies. The Yersinia enterocolitica O:9 LPS is able to induce serological cross‐reactions indistinguishable from brucellosis due to a similar immunodominant epitope in the Brucella O‐polysaccharide. The Yersinia Western blot assay was, therefore, based on five recombinant Yersinia outer proteins which have been proved to be specific for the serodiagnosis of yersiniosis. Anti‐Brucella, anti‐Francisella and anti‐Yersinia antibodies were detected in 22.0%, 3.1%, and 62.6% of the wild boars, respectively. The high seroprevalence of tularemia and brucellosis in wild boars indicates that natural foci of these zoonoses are present in wildlife in Germany. However, the impact of transmission of zoonotic pathogens from wildlife to livestock is unknown. Only careful and systematic monitoring will help to prevent the (re)emergence of these zoonotic diseases in domestic animals and consequently human infection.
Advanced abdominal pregnancy: still an occurrence in modern medicine
Authors: ROBERTS Rae V. , DICKINSON Jan E. , LEUNG Yee , CHARLES Adrian K.
Published: December 2005

In a world bewildered by spectacular advances in imaging technology, the early detection of an abdominal pregnancy should be a feasible objective.

A case of an advanced abdominal pregnancy is presented. Although the pregnancy was the result of in vitro fertilisation technology, the diagnosis was not suspected until 35 weeks gestation. Both ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to achieve a diagnosis prior to delivery. The placenta was left within the peritoneal cavity but removal was necessitated for maternal symptomatology 4 months postdelivery.

This case illustrates that despite the almost ubiquitous usage of prenatal ultrasound, extrauterine pregnancies may not be detected in a timely manner unless attention to basic ultrasound techniques is followed.
Boehmite Nanoparticles by the Two‐Reverse Emulsion Technique
Authors: Naskar Milan Kanti , Chatterjee Minati
Published: December 2005

Boehmite (γ‐AlOOH) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by the two‐reverse emulsion technique at 90°±1°C under constant agitation with varying Al3+ concentrations in the aqueous solution. A mixture of cyclohexane and the surfactant, sorbitan monooleate (Span 80), constituted the support solvent in the reverse emulsions. The synthesized particles were characterized by thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), particle size analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD and FTIR results confirmed crystalline boehmite formation at 90°±1°C. The average particle size of boehmite was found to be 10 nm. The spherical morphology of the boehmite nanoparticles was confirmed by TEM.
The Wulff Shape of Alumina: IV. Ti4+‐Doped Alumina
Authors: Kitayama Mikito , Glaeser Andreas M.
Published: December 2005

Controlled‐geometry cavities, initially ≈20 μm × 20 μm × 0.5 μm, were introduced into

‐plane titanium‐doped (≈210 ppma;≈500 wt. ppm) sapphire substrates using photolithographic methods, and subsequently internalized by diffusion bonding. The samples were annealed in air for prolonged periods at 1600° and 1800°C to convert the titanium to the 4+ state and to allow the pore shapes to adjust. Pores with an equivalent spherical radius of ≈3.6 μm reached a quasi‐equilibrium shape within 160 h at 1600°C and within 48 h at 1800°C. The Wulff shape was determined using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The Wulff shape of Ti4+‐doped alumina includes well‐defined c(0001),

, and

facets and smoothly curved sections. The

and a

facets, which are components of the Wulff shape of undoped sapphire, are not discernable. In contrast to undoped alumina, for which the r‐plane has the lowest energy, the c‐plane is the lowest energy plane in Ti4+‐doped alumina. The surface energy sequence of the stable c, r, and p surfaces differs from that in undoped alumina. The Wulff shape varies with temperature. Samples equilibrated at 1800°C were re‐annealed at 1600°C. Pore shape changes were reversible, indicating that the observed pore shapes were close to the equilibrium (Wulff) shape.
Synthesis of Rhodamine B‐Doped and Monodispersed Spherical Particles of Polyorganosiloxane Using a W/O Emulsion
Authors: Matsumoto Taichi , Takayama Yasushi , Onoda Hiroaki , Kojima Kazuo , Wada Noriyuki
Published: December 2005

Rhodamine B (RB)‐doped and monodispersed spherical particles of polyorganosiloxane were synthesized by a sol–gel method from methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) using a reaction field of W/O emulsion that was formed from a hydrophobic solution of sorbitantrioleate (SPAN85) plus n‐octane, and an aqueous solution of RB. Three different methods of introducing MTMS into the solution were examined. In the first method, MTMS was added only to the hydrophobic solution of SPAN85 and n‐octane. Although monodispersed spherical particles were synthesized by this method, RB was hardly doped in the spherical particles. In the second method, RB could be doped in spherical particles by introducing MTMS only into the aqueous solution of RB. However, the particle was not monodispersed, and several of pores were present in the particles, which was probably because of a deficiency of silanols in the water droplets in the emulsion. In the third method, above two methods were used together to obtain RB‐doped and monodispersed spherical particles. Moreover, the pores in the particles were remarkably decreased. This is probably because sufficient amounts of silanols were supplied to the water droplets from the oil phase. The content of RB in the particles was different among the three methods. To incorporate RB into the spherical particle, the interaction between RB and silanol was found to play an important role. The RB‐doped spherical particles were heat treated up to 600°C, and the thermal stability of RB was determined. In RB‐doped spherical particles, transformation of T2 into T3 at 200°C was prevented and Si–OH still remained. Fluorescence was still observed in the RB‐doped spherical particles heat treated at a high temperature of 350°C. Therefore, RB was considered to be incorporated tightly into the silica matrix containing Si–CH3. From the above results, we discussed the formation mechanism of RB‐doped spherical particles.
HIGH PRESSURE–HIGH TEMPERATURE STERILIZATION: FROM KINETIC ANALYSIS TO PROCESS VERIFICATION†
Authors: KOUTCHMA TATIANA , GUO BIAO , PATAZCA EDUARDO , PARISI BRIAN
Published: December 2005

The inactivation of Clostridium sporogenes PA 3679 spores by high pressure at high temperatures (HP–HT) in phosphate buffer was investigated in a lab‐scale temperature‐controlled HP system (QFP‐6) with an internal heater to maintain the sample temperature. Some inactivation of spores occurred during the pressurization come‐up time (CUT) and depressurization time. The inactivation of PA 3679 was found to be exponential during the adiabatic holding period of the HP cycle at constant pressures and temperatures. The inactivation rate increased with both pressure and temperature. The kinetic parameters – such as D‐values at tested temperatures and pressures that are necessary for the design of process parameters of HP sterilization process – were determined. Within the pressure range of 600–800 MPa, the calculated D‐values ranged from 270.3 to 357.4 and 49.0 to 67.6 s at 91 and 108C, respectively. These studies provided basic data on the effects of pressure and temperature on the inactivation of PA 3679 spores under conditions applicable to the development of preservation specifications for commercial HP–HT processing of low acid foods. The spore strips of C. sporogenes were used as indicators for microbiological verification of delivered lethality of HP–HT sterilization process at different processing conditions in a pilot scale HP vessel.
Non‐uniform olivocerebellar conduction time in the vermis of the rat cerebellum
Authors: Baker M. R. , Edgley S. A.
Published: December 2005

It has been proposed that the conduction velocities of cerebellar climbing fibre (olivocerebellar) axons are tuned according to length, in order to precisely fix the conduction time between the inferior olive and cerebellar cortex. Some data conflict with this view. We have re‐evaluated this issue using the climbing fibre reflex. The white matter of the tip of one folium in lobule VI or VII was stimulated electrically 0.5–1 mm below the surface and recordings were made from Purkinje cells in lobules VIII and IX. Reflex evoked climbing fibre (CF) responses (33 units) were recorded at different depths from Purkinje cells found in a narrow sagittal zone of cortex as complex spikes. The responses had latencies ranging from 4.3 ms to 11.3 ms. A consistent trend was that Purkinje cell responses recorded at greater depth had shorter CF reflex latencies than those recorded more superficially, both in individual experiments and in grouped data. These data show that the CF reflex latency is not constant, but is directly proportional to the distance an action potential has to travel along a CF. These data are not consistent with tuning of CF conduction velocities to normalize olivocerebellar conduction time, but are consistent with a CF conduction velocity in the cortex of approximately 0.6 m s−1. This suggests that climbing fibres projecting to different parts of the cerebellar cortex may have differences in spike conduction time of a few milliseconds, and that submillisecond precision is not an important element of the climbing fibre signal.
Impact of Nonequilibrium Between Electrons and Phonons on Heat Transfer in Metallic Nanoparticles Suspended in Dielectric Media
Authors: Ju Y. Sungtaek
Published: December 2005

Controlled heating of nanoparticles is a key enabling technology for various nanomanufacturing and biomedical applications. A theoretical study of energy transport in nanoparticles is conducted to elucidate the role of electron-phonon spatial nonequilibrium in heat conduction across metal-dielectric interfaces. The continuum two-temperature heat conduction model is shown to capture the apparent size dependence of the thermal interface resistance of Au nanoparticle suspensions. Consideration of coupling between electrons and atomic vibrations is important in understanding energy transport in nanoscale metallic structures suspended in a dielectric medium.
A Numerical Investigation of Mixing Processes in a Novel Combustor Application
Authors: Levy Yeshayahou , Fan Hui-Yuan , Sherbaum Valery
Published: December 2005

A mixing process in a staggered toothed-indented shaped channel was investigated. It was studied in two steps: (1) numerical simulations for different sizes of the boundary-contour were performed by using a CFD code; (2) these results were used for simulation-data modeling for prediction of mixing performances across the whole field of changing geometric and the aerodynamic stream parameters. Support vector machine (SVM) technique, known as a new type of self learning machine, was selected to carry out this stage. The suitability of this application method was demonstrated in comparison with a neural network (NN) method. The established modeling system was then applied to some further studies of the prototype mixer, including observations of the mixing performance in three special cases and performing optimizations of the mixing processes for two conflicting objectives and hereby obtaining the Pareto optimum sets.