bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HLA‐G levels in serum and plasma
Authors: Rudstein‐Svetlicky N. , Loewenthal R. , Horejsi V. , Gazit E.
Published: January 2006

HLA‐G belongs to the non‐classical HLA class‐I family of genes presently designated as class‐Ib genes. There are four membrane‐bound (HLA‐G1 to ‐G4) and three soluble forms (HLA‐G5 to ‐G7) generated by alternative splicing of the primary transcript. HLA‐G in the soluble form is found in the plasma, amniotic fluid, and cord blood of healthy individuals. Quantitative determination suggested that HLA‐G levels are genetically controlled. While quantifying soluble HLA‐G by ELISA, we observed that when plasma and serum levels were measured for the same individual, HLA‐G plasma values were almost invariably higher than those from serum. Our results suggest that HLA‐G is trapped and/or consumed during clot formation. The amount trapped within the clot is variable and inconsistent. To obtain values which reflect the true biological levels, it is therefore recommended that HLA‐G should be determined in the plasma. If serum levels are determined, they should be compared with matched control sera. It should always be borne in mind that conclusions concerning sera levels might be erroneous, because the true plasma level of the protein can be significantly higher.
Calmodulin/Ca2+‐ATPase interaction at the Arabidopsis thaliana plasma membrane is dependent on calmodulin isoform showing isoform‐specific Ca2+ dependencies
Authors: Luoni Laura , Bonza Maria Cristina , De Michelis Maria Ida
Published: January 2006

Arabidopsis thaliana plasma membrane (PM) Ca2+‐ATPase is a type IIB P‐type ATPase, which binds calmodulin (CaM) to an autoinhibitory N‐terminal domain. Here, we took advantage of the fact that PM isolated from cultured cells mainly contains At‐ACA8, the first cloned A. thaliana PM Ca2+‐ATPase, to analyse its interaction with CaM in detail. Analysis of the ability of different peptides designed from At‐ACA8 N‐terminus to compete with the native protein for binding of bovine brain CaM (bbCaM) showed that peptide 41I‐T63 had the same affinity of the native protein [apparent dissociation constant (KD) at 10 µM free Ca2+ about 25 nM], thus localizing At‐ACA8 CaM‐binding site within this sequence. The interaction of At‐ACA8 N‐terminus with bbCaM, as determined by surface plasmon resonance, was rapid, and slowly but was fully reversible. Analysis of Ca2+‐ATPase activation as a function of the concentration of different isoforms of A. thaliana CaM showed that Ca2+‐ATPase is activated to similar extent by bbCaM and by different isoforms of homologous CaM. However, the affinity for the divergent A. thaliana isoform CaM8 was lower than that for canonical CaM isoforms such as A. thaliana CaM2, CaM4 and CaM6 or bbCaM. The apparent KD for CaM isoforms of the native enzyme increased with the decrease of free Ca2+ concentration, suggesting that enzyme conformation is affected by Ca2+. Binding of CaM isoforms to At‐ACA8 N‐terminus was affected differently by free Ca2+ concentration, suggesting that plant CaMs may have different affinities for Ca2+.
Freezing and high temperature thresholds of photosystem 2 compared to ice nucleation, frost and heat damage in evergreen subalpine plants
Authors: Neuner Gilbert , Pramsohler Manuel
Published: January 2006

Freezing and high temperature thresholds of photosystem 2 (PS2), ice formation and frost and heat damage were measured in leaves of evergreen subalpine plants under conditions of naturally low (winter) to high (summer) PS2 efficiencies (FV/FM). The temperature‐dependent change in basic Chl fluorescence (F0) (T‐F0) technique that is usually used to assess the high temperature threshold of PS2 in a new approach was applied to test freezing temperature thresholds of PS2. T‐F0 curves (+5 °C to −10 °C at 2 K h−1) revealed a significant, sudden increase in F0 on extracellular ice formation (−4.0 or −5.5 °C). The rise in F0 was recorded 0.3–0.6 K below ice nucleation (10–20 min later) and was produced by freeze dehydration of cells. The rise in F0 was not caused by frost damage, as during winter LT50 was lower than −27 °C and not by formation of ice on the leaf surface. Hence, F0 measurements during freezing are a useful tool to distinguish between surface ice and extracellular ice inside the leaf tissue which cannot be differentiated by other ice‐detecting methods. PS2 efficiency significantly affected the shape of the high temperature T‐F0 curves (20–65 °C at 1 K min−1). Under FV/FM >0.6, two F0 maxima were recorded. The fast rise phase to the first F0 maximum corresponded with tissue heat damage (LT50: 46.9–54.3 °C). The second F0 maximum occurred at leaf temperatures between 55 and 60 °C. Under FV/FM <0.2 only, the second F0 maximum was detectable. Lack of awareness of the missing F0 maximum would lead to an overestimation of the PS2 high temperature threshold by >10 K; hence, under low FV/FM, it cannot be determined by the T‐F0 technique.
Effects of Constant Lightness, Darkness and Parachlorophenylalanine Treatment on Tail Regeneration in the Lizard Ophisops elegans macrodactylus: Macroscopic, Biochemical and Histological Changes
Authors: Turgut M. , Kaplan S. , Metin K. , Koca Y. B. , Soylu E. , ŞAhin B. , Ateşlier Z. B. B. , Başaloğlu H. K.
Published: January 2006

A better understanding of regenerative growth is very important for the development of new potential strategies. Recently, the pineal secretory product melatonin was shown to stimulate the regeneration process. In this study, we carried out an experimental investigation of tail regeneration in young adult lizards, Ophisops elegans macrodactylus Berthold, 1842, addressing the role of melatonin on the regeneration process. Lizards were divided into three groups: constant light‐exposed control group (n = 13), constant dark‐exposed group (n = 15) and parachlorophenylalanine (p‐CPA) treatment group exposed to constant light (n = 15). Using a tail autotomy procedure, the effects of p‐CPA treatment on connective tissue together with neural tissue and vascular tissue in regenerating tail in lizards were investigated. p‐CPA (400 μg/kg body mass) was injected from day 0 to 30 days after autotomy. p‐CPA treatment produced a significant increase in the length of the regenerated tail compared with light‐exposed control and dark‐exposed lizards. Total collagen content was found to be higher in p‐CPA‐treated animals in comparison with other groups. Histologically, a higher percentage of connective tissue and vascular tissue and a lower percentage of neural tissue were found in the regenerated tails of the p‐CPA‐treated lizards. Importantly, the percentage of neural tissue in lizards in the dark‐exposed animals was higher than that in animals of both light‐exposed and p‐CPA treatment groups. Thus, it is clear that p‐CPA has a stimulatory influence on fibroblast collagen production and vascularization of the regenerated tail in the lizards. Furthermore, it seems that the neural regeneration process was markedly enhanced in lizards exposed to continuous darkness. Based on the results of our study, it is suggested that melatonin may be an active factor that speeds up the rate of tail regeneration in lacertilians.
Characterization and Pathogenicity of Rhizoctonia spp. from Onion in Amasya, Turkey
Authors: Erper I. , Karaca G. H. , Turkkan M. , Ozkoc I.
Published: January 2006

Forty‐two isolates of Rhizoctonia spp. were obtained from onion in Amasya, Turkey. Of these, 29% were Rhizoctonia solani (AG‐4), 69% were Waitea circinata var. zeae (Rhizoctonia zeae) and 2% were binucleate Rhizoctonia (AG‐B). Most of the isolates were recovered from rhizosphere soil. In pathogenicity tests on onion, R. solani AG‐4 caused the greatest disease severity, those of W. circinata var. zeae were moderately virulent but binucleate Rhizoctonia isolates were of low virulence. This is the first report of binucleate Rhizoctonia AG‐B and W. circinata var. zeae occurring on onion in Turkey.
Formation and Development of Pseudothecia of Venturia nashicola
Authors: Lian S. , Li B.‐H. , Xu X.‐M.
Published: January 2006

Conidia are believed to be the main source of primary inoculum for pear scab, caused by Venturia nashicola, in northern China. Experiments were conducted to investigate the development and potential role of V. nashicola ascospores in northern China. Leaves with pear scab lesions were collected from commercial orchards in November 2003 and 2004 to monitor pseudothecia formation under various environments. Pseudothecium production was shown to occur readily in northern China. The key requirement for pseudothecium production is the occurrence of rain during the winter and early spring, although the exact timing of these rain events appeared not to affect their development. Excess water may lead to the accelerated leaf decay and hence lead to production of fewer pseudothecia. More than 80% scabbed leaves, placed in a pear orchard, produced pseudothecia. Leaves with only non‐sporulating scab lesions in autumn were also able to produce a large number of pseudothecia. Both airborne ascospores and conidia of V. nashicola were caught in a pear orchard. Most ascospores were released by late‐May, a month after pear blossom. These results suggest that ascospores may play an important role in the early stage of pear scab epidemics in spring in northern China.
Signal Transduction and Transcriptional Regulation of Plant Defence Responses
Authors: Jalali B. L. , Bhargava S. , Kamble A.
Published: January 2006

Plant defence responses are regulated by a complex network of signal molecules and transcriptional regulators. Resistance (R) genes play a role in specific recognition of a pathogen and initiate defence responses. Three key signal molecules, namely salicylic acid (SA), jasmonate (JA) and ethylene (ET) mediate expression of both specific (R gene‐mediated) as well as basal defence responses. The signalling pathways involving these molecules have been studied using mutants showing enhanced susceptibility or resistance to pathogens, or those showing insensitivity to exogenously applied SA, JA or ET. Crosstalk between the different signalling pathways leads to fine‐tuning of the expression of defence‐related genes. Complex regulatory networks modulated by at least eight different families of transcription factors play a role in defence gene expression. The transcription factors bind to cis‐elements present in the promoters of the defence genes and are specific for different transcription factors. Several cis‐elements often lie within the same promoter indicating that different transcription factors may lead to induction of the same defence gene. The redundancy observed in defence signalling and gene expression enables a plant to successfully combat a wide range of pathogens.
Characterization of different cytoplasmic male sterility systems in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss)
Authors: Singh K. H. , Srivastava K. K.
Published: January 2006

Six cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) systems, viz. moricandia, ogura, oxyrrhina, siifolia, tournefortii and trachystoma of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) were characterized for agronomic and floral characteristics. Introgression of alien cytoplasm caused alterations in different floral traits in ogura, siifolia, tournefortii and trachystoma CMS systems. Varied response to different genetic backgrounds of CMS lines indicated the presence of cytoplasmic–nuclear interaction in alteration of floral traits. On the basis of floral characteristics, CMS systems could be grouped into distinct classes. Siifolia, tournefortii and trachystoma CMS lines had narrow petals, while moricandia, ogura and oxyrrhina had wider petals, which were distinguishable on the basis of visual observations. The ratio between length and width of petals were >2.0 in wide petal group but <2.0 in narrow petal group. Further, the relative position of anther and stigma, which was estimated as the ratio between stamen and style length could differentiate the CMS systems. Stamens were longer than styles in oxyrrhina, equal in moricandia and shorter in ogura, siifolia, tournefortii and trachystoma male sterile lines. Non‐viable pollen grains were present in moricandia and oxyrrhina systems, but absent in other systems. In tournefortii and trachystoma, few flowers showed petaloid corolla. All male sterile lines, except trachystoma, which showed crooked siliqua formation were at par with their respective maintainers for flower initiation, plant height, primary branches, seeds per siliqua, seed yield, harvest index, oil and protein content. In general, flower senescence and maturity occurred earlier in male sterile lines than in their respective maintainer lines.
Identification of molecular markers associated with oleic and linolenic acid in spring oilseed rape (Brassica napus)
Authors: Javidfar F. , Ripley V. L. , Roslinsky V. , Zeinali H. , Abdmishani C.
Published: January 2006

The quality of the oil derived from oilseed rape is determined by its fatty acid composition. Breeding oilseed rape for enhanced oil quality includes the development of cultivars with high oleic and low linolenic acid. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) techniques were investigated for the development of molecular markers for genes controlling oleic and/or linolenic acid. Markers that were identified were converted to sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers for use in breeding. Molecular markers associated with these two fatty acids were identified in a doubled haploid population derived from a cross between the oilseed rape lines TO99‐5318‐20, very high oleic (>79%) and very low linolenic acid (<2%) × DH12075, high oleic (68%) and higher linolenic acid (>7%). Eight RAPD markers were associated with oleic and linolenic acid contents. The RAPD marker UBC 2830 accounted for 43% and 13% of the genetic variation for oleic and linolenic acid levels, respectively. The RAPD marker UBC 153550 accounted for 19% of the genetic variation for linolenic acid. The UBC 2830 fragment was converted to a SCAR marker. The markers identified in this study should be useful tools for the early generation selection of high oleic and low linolenic acid genotypes in oilseed rape breeding programmes.
Parathyroid hormone‐related protein as a potential tumor marker: A case report of ovarian clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Suwaki Naoko , Masuyama Hisashi , Mizutani Yasushi , Kodama Junichi , Hiramatsu Yuji
Published: January 2006

Hypercalcemia is one of the important paraneoplastic syndromes, mostly occurring in patients with advanced cancer. Clear cell carcinoma is known to be one of the most common histological subtypes of ovarian tumor associated with hypercalcemia. We present a case of ovarian clear cell carcinoma with hypercalcemia caused by elevated serum parathyroid hormone‐related protein (PTHrP). PTHrP mRNA and protein were detected by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analysis in the primary and metastasis lesions. Serum calcium and PTHrP levels returned to normal after antihypercalcemic treatment and a radical operation, but they elevated along with the recurrence. Because tumor markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen (CA)125 and CA19‐9 were unstable owing to the patient's liver cirrhosis and were not reliable data for management, serum calcium and PTHrP levels are shown to have been a potential indicator of the recurrence in this case.
Studies of compounds that enhance sphingolipid metabolism in human keratinocytes1
Authors: Popa I. , Bennaceur K. , Abdul‐Malak N. , Perrier E. , Schmitt D. , Portoukalian J.
Published: January 2006

Synopsis

Several products are known to inhibit the biosynthesis of ceramides and glucosylceramides, but very few stimulate this process. We studied the influence of a hydrolysate of potato proteins (Lipidessence®) in vitro on the sphingolipid metabolism of normal human epidermal keratinocytes. By measuring growth with the thymidine uptake assay, it was seen that Lipidessence®, added in the culture medium up to an 8% concentration, did not change significantly the proliferation rate of keratinocytes, but beyond this concentration a progressive dose‐dependent inhibition of growth was noticeable. Following incubation of cells with the product at 5% and 10% concentrations for 2 days, the lipids were extracted. The different lipid classes were separated by fractionation on columns of aminopropyl silica gel and analyzed by high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography. When keratinocytes were cultivated in the presence of Lipidessence®, the biosynthesis of cholesterol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine and gangliosides was stimulated, and a major increase was noticeable in the biosynthesis of free fatty acids, free ceramides, glucosylceramide and sphingomyelin. Radioactive [14C]‐serine was used as a precursor of sphingoid bases to study sphingolipid biosynthesis. After migration of lipid fractions on thin‐layer plates, autoradiography showed that free ceramides and glucosylceramide were labeled, thus suggesting that de novo biosynthesis was accounting for the increased cellular content in sphingolipids.
Development of a Hybrid Powder That Is Coated with Nano‐Fiber Type‐ZnO and Can Yield Excellent Optical and Physical Characteristics, and Its Application
Authors: Ogawa K. , Joichi K. , Kanemaru T. , Sakurai O. , Machida A.
Published: January 2006

Young ladies in their 20s, as the representative age group, have a strong wish for a foundation that can provide a beautiful finish with natural skin‐transparency and can allow the finish to last longer. In response to this wish, we have attempted to develop an ideal powder material that can yield the dual function described above. Based on the fundamental knowledge of the physiological and optical characteristics of human bare skin, we designed an optimal microstructure for powder with an ideal optical character. A hybrid powder, which is an interference‐pearl type TiO2/mica powder covered with a fiber‐type ZnO by a morphologically controlled technology, was synthesized. The powder has a dual function. As a physico‐chemical function, the powder can absorb and solidify sebum with its nano‐scale fiber‐type ZnO (diameter:approximately 50 nm) of which the microstructure is controlled at the crystalline level. As an optical character, the powder can reflect a diffuse interference red light wich is generated from the microstructure of the powder surface. A foundation containing the powder (8w/w%) can maintain the initial natural finishing with a beautiful transparency and give a dry‐refreshing feeling for a significant period of time through its physico‐chemical ability to absorb and solidify sebum on the skin. Since this new hybrid powder provides an optical character and a useful physico‐chemical character, it has proven to be a valuable cosmetic ingredient of base‐makeup products.
Effect of systemic hormonal cyclicity on skin
Authors: Muizzuddin N. , Marenus K. D. , Schnittger S. F. , Sullivan M. , Maes D. H.
Published: January 2006

Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle can cause changes in body systems other than the reproductive system. We conducted several studies to determine a possible correlation between phases of the menstrual cycle and specific skin properties. Healthy Caucasian women (ages 21–48), who had a typical 26–29 day menstrual cycle, participated in the studies. Measurements of skin barrier strength, dryness, response to lactic acid stinging, skin surface lipids, and microflora were obtained every week for 2 to 3 months. Ultraviolet B (UV‐B) susceptibility in terms of minimal erythemal dose was also studied. The skin barrier was the weakest between days 22 and 26 of the cycle. Elevated neuronal response (lactic acid sting) was not observed to vary much with the cycle. Skin was driest between day 1 and day 6, while skin surface lipid secretion appeared to be highest on days 16–20 of the hormonal cycle. The highest microbial count was around days 16–22, and there was a high UV‐B susceptibility between days 20 and 28 of the menstrual cycle.
Investigation of penetration abilities of various oils into human hair fibers
Authors: Keis K. , Persaud D. , Kamath Y. K. , Rele A. S.
Published: January 2006

In this work we have explored capillary adhesion between hair fibers treated with different types of oils. With coconut, olive, and sunflower oils the capillary adhesion was found to decrease with time, but not with mineral oil. Application of heat reduced the capillary adhesion further for coconut and sunflower oils. Again, this was not observed with mineral oil. Based on an earlier study, where coconut oil was found to penetrate hair while mineral oil was unable to do so, it was hypothesized that the reduction in capillary adhesion resulted from the penetration of oil into the fiber, leaving a thinner oil film on the surface. Such a reduction in capillary adhesion can be explained by changes in Laplace pressure and in the areas of liquid bridges formed between the fibers. The thinning of oil films on the surface of hair has been confirmed independently by goniophotometric measurements on single hair fibers treated with coconut, sunflower, and mineral oils. Thick films of oil (thicker than approximately 0.5 μm) are known to mask the scale structure. As the oil is absorbed into the hair, the film thins with time and application of heat, and the scale structure reappears. This change can be conveniently determined by measuring the scale angle, using the well‐established goniophotometric protocol. The agreement between the two methods supports the concept that the reduction in capillary adhesion between hair fibers is most likely because of thinning of oil films by absorption of oil into the hair.
Teratology: “Monsters” and the Professionalization of Obstetrics
Authors: COSTELLO CARRIE YANG
Published: January 2006

Abstract This article examines obstetricians’ professionalization efforts, focusing on the “gradient argument” employed: that those who have jurisdiction over the margins of professional territory should control the entirety. That margin was the birth of “monstrous” infants with atypical bodies, studied under the rubric of teratology. An analysis of 235 teratological articles published in theJournal of Obstetrics and Gynæcology of the British Empirefrom 1902–1925 reveals that they enhanced obstetricians’ professional status but ignored health outcomes for mothers and infants. The normalizing, eugenic framework employed by obstetricians had negative implications for people with disabilities, some of which persist today.
A Critique of Occidental Geist: Embedded Historical Culturalism in the Works of Hegel, Weber and Huntington
Authors: AÇIKEL FETHI
Published: January 2006

Abstract  The comparative studies of world religions have been a distinctive part of Western thought. Hegel's contribution to the philosophy of history is most clearly seen where he introduces a theory of historical development based on the secularisation of Christian cosmology. With Hegel, the Spirit (Geist), previously theologically understood, gradually becomes the embodiment of historical development. In the Hegelian vocabulary, the phenomenology of religion is formulated along with the theory of historical progress. In this article, I will argue that the question of historical development has been continuously elaborated in a culturalist fashion in works of Friedrich Hegel, Max Weber and Samuel Huntington as those scholars, through different intellectual traditions, essentialises the spiritual backgrounds of world religions and ties the phenomenology of religion with the philosophy of history in their historical analyses. This paper will argue that these scholars, by relying on the idealised images of religions and particularly of the Occidental Spirit, subtly elaborate the historical culturalist notion of development within Western thought. By arguing for an inherent link between religion and development, these scholars implicitly institutionalize a Eurocentric understanding of Western Christianity and the Occidental path of development within mainstream social theory. Be they philosophical (Hegel), sociological (Weber) or political (Huntington), the historical culturalism of these approaches shape our understanding of historical change, and ironically, instead of countering the excesses of crude materialism, they lead social theory into a form of Eurocentic historical culturalism.
Gendering the Holy Cross School Dispute: Women and Nationalism in Northern Ireland
Authors: Ashe Fidelma
Published: January 2006

This article explores the Holy Cross school dispute in Northern Ireland from a feminist perspective. This ethnic quarrel produced a situation whereby women and young schoolgirls became the focal point of a sectarian protest from September 2001 to early 2002. Throughout the conflict, issues of gender were sidelined from the analysis of the dispute. The article attempts to remedy this omission by moving the category of gender to the forefront of the analysis. It examines the relationship between nationalist discourses of gender identity and representations of the nationalist women's agency during the dispute. While exposing these dimensions of the conflict, the article also considers the impact of women's ethno-nationalist agency on their role and positioning within nationalist cultures. It concludes that the Holy Cross conflict exposes the potentially disruptive aspects of women's ethno-nationalist agency and highlights the political significance of that agency for nationalist cultures pursuing ideals of gender equality.
Thick Cosmopolitanism
Authors: Dobson Andrew
Published: January 2006

This paper analyses the account of political obligation given by cosmopolitans and concludes that this account, which depends on a weak or thin connection between members of common humanity, leaves a motivational vacuum at the heart of cosmopolitanism. An alternative view, according to which material ties that bind prompt obligations of justice in a globalising world, is offered. This is ‘thick cosmopolitanism’.
Perceptions of African American Male Junior Faculty on Promotion and Tenure: Implications for Community Building and Social Capital
Authors: Williams Brian N. , Williams Sheneka M.
Published: January 2006

A qualitative online individual interviewing approach was used to explore the perceptions of 32 African American male junior faculty at predominantly White institutions (PWIs) on how to improve support systems and structures to navigate promotion and tenure. The findings from this study revealed that, beyond the political and financial capital needed to build, support, and maintain institutions of higher education, social (campus) capital is needed to further develop gemeinschaft campus communities and the development of all its members. Hence, an approach more centered on (academic) community building is suggested to better foster the sense of ownership and belonging for African American male junior faculty and other faculty of color.
African American Male Teachers in Public Schools: An Examination of Three Urban School Districts
Authors: Lewis Chance W.
Published: January 2006

Currently, African American students constitute approximately 20% of the public school population, while African American male teachers constitute 1% of the teaching force. In this article, the author presents the findings of a study that examined the disproportionate number of African American male teachers in America's K-12 public schools. More specifically, the researcher surveyed 147 African American male teachers in three urban school districts in Louisiana to better understand what strategies school districts could implement to increase the presence of African American male teachers. The recommendations are presented in this article.
Effects of Attending a 2-Year Institution on African American Males’ Academic and Social Integration in the First Year of College
Authors: Flowers Lamonta
Published: January 2006

This study explored the impact of attending a 2-year (vs. a 4-year) institution on African American male students’ academic and social integration experiences in the first year of college. Descriptive and multivariate analyses of the 1996/1998 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study showed that African American males attending 4-year institutions were more likely to report higher levels of academic and social integration in the first year of college. These findings suggest that student affairs professionals at 2-year institutions should seek to develop appropriate interventions to ensure that African American males are engaging in academic and social integration experiences during their first year of college.
A Qualitative Investigation of African American Males’ Career Trajectory in Engineering: Implications for Teachers, School Counselors, and Parents
Authors: Moore James L.
Published: January 2006

Using the grounded theory approach, this research investigation, drawing on a larger study, examined the factors that were most instrumental in influencing African American males’ decisions to pursue engineering as an academic major and career choice. Using open-ended biographical questionnaires, individual interviews, and focus groups, numerous themes emerged from these data. More specifically, the central themes that had major impact on African American males’ career trajectory were (a) strong interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; (b) strong familial influence and encouragement; (c) strong aptitudes in science and mathematics; (d) meaningful academic experiences and relationships with school personnel; and (e) meaningful enrichment programs, opportunities, and academic experiences. Implications, based on the findings of this research, are provided for teachers, school counselors, and parents.
Long-Run Links among Money, Prices and Output: Worldwide Evidence
Authors: Herwartz Helmut , Reimers Hans-Eggert
Published: January 2006

Starting from the quantity theory of money we analyse the dynamic relationships between money, real output and prices for an unbalanced panel of 110 economies. Complementary to trivariate analyses we also adopt a P-star model explaining inflation via an equilibrium price level ( P-star), which in turn depends on potential output and money. A key issue of the paper is the cross-sectional stability of estimation and inference results. We find cointegration among the considered variables. Particularly for high inflation countries homogeneity between prices and money cannot be rejected. Given homogeneity we find evidence for an error-correction mechanism linking current price changes and the lagged price gap. Parameter estimates indicating the adjustment towards the price equilibrium are larger in absolute value for high inflation countries. The latter results indicate that central banks, even in high inflation countries, can improve price stability by controlling monetary growth.
Possible role of dermoscopy in the detection of a primary cutaneous melanoma of unknown origin
Authors: Stante M , De Giorgi V , Carli P
Published: January 2006

For 2–8% of patients with metastatic melanoma, cutaneous and mucosal clinical examination does not lead to diagnosis of the primary tumour, which remains unknown. We report the case of a 41‐year‐old male patient who had received a diagnosis of metastatic melanoma after histological examination of an enlarged axillary lymph node, without previous detection of the primary lesion at his first dermatological examination. No pigmented skin lesions located in the anatomical area potentially drained by the affected axillary basin showed clinical features suggestive of a melanoma. Neither did the so‐called ‘ugly duckling’ sign help us to identify the melanoma, because of the presence of a large number of clinically similar, common or slightly atypical melanocytic lesions located in that area. After dermoscopic examination we were able to narrow the field of possible candidates for excision to four lesions, selected on the basis of their dermoscopic features. Histological examination revealed the primary melanoma (superficial spreading melanoma (SSM), level III, thickness 0.5 mm) – located on the back – and three naevi with atypia. Preoperative distinction of the melanoma from the other three lesions was not possible because of the lack of well‐established features of malignancy, even at dermoscopic analysis (‘featureless’ melanoma). Dermoscopy may thus play a role in the detection of a clinically unknown primary melanoma by narrowing the field of lesions to be removed for histological examination, saving many unnecessary excisions that would otherwise be inevitable.
Basal cell carcinoma of the vulva
Authors: Pisani C , Poggiali S , De Padova La , Andreassi A , Bilenchi R
Published: January 2006

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common human malignancy, accounting for 75% of all non‐melanoma skin cancer, is uncommon on unexposed skin such as the perianal and genital regions. We describe a woman with BCC of the vulva treated with local resection. All margins of excision were free of disease. The patient recovered without complication and there have been no recurrences after 2 years of follow‐up. Approximately 200 cases of BCC on perianal and genital skin have been reported in the literature. Although the aetiology of vulvar BCC is not known, early diagnosis is important. Because BCC in these sites sometimes seems innocuous, biopsy of all suspect lesions is advisable.
Thymocyte depletion affects neurotrophin receptor expression in thymic stromal cells
Authors: Pérez‐Piñera P. , García‐Suarez O. , Prieto J. G. , Germana A. , Ciriaco E. , del Valle M. E. , Vega J. A.
Published: January 2006

Thymocytes and thymic stromal cells cross‐talk in a bidirectional manner within the thymus, thus contributing to the generation of mature T‐cells. The thymic stromal cells in the rat express the high‐ (TrkA, TrkB) and low‐affinity (p75NTR) receptors for neurotrophins. In this study we analysed the regulation of TrkA, TrkB and p75NTR expression in the rat thymus by thymocytes. We induced thymocyte apoptosis by administration of corticoids in rats, and then analysed the expression and distribution of these receptors 1, 4 and 10 days later. Thymocyte death was assessed by the activation of caspase‐3 in cells undergoing apoptosis. We observed massive thymocyte apoptosis 1 day after injection and, to a lesser extent, after 4 days, which was parallel with a reduction in the density of thymic epithelial cells normally expressing TrkA and p75NTR. Furthermore, TrkA expression was found in cortical thymic epithelial cells, which normally lack this receptor. The expression of TrkB was restricted to a subset of macrophage‐dendritic cells, and remained unchanged with treatment. The normal pattern of neurotrophin receptor expression was almost completely restored by day 10. The results demonstrate that the expression of neurotrophin receptors by thymic epithelial cells, but not by macrophage‐dendritic cells, is regulated by thymocytes.
Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in the early development of the vascular system
Authors: Ribatti Domenico
Published: January 2006

The cardiovascular system plays a critical role in vertebrate development and homeostasis. Vascular development is a highly organized sequence of events that requires the correct spatial and temporal expression of specific sets of genes leading to the development of a primary vascular network. There have been intensive efforts to determine the molecular mechanisms regulating vascular growth and development, and much of the rationale for this has stemmed from the increasing clinical importance and therapeutic potential of modulating vascular formation during various disease states.
Muscles of facial expression in the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes): descriptive, comparative and phylogenetic contexts
Authors: Burrows Anne M. , Waller Bridget M. , Parr Lisa A. , Bonar Christopher J.
Published: January 2006

Facial expressions are a critical mode of non‐vocal communication for many mammals, particularly non‐human primates. Although chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) have an elaborate repertoire of facial signals, little is known about the facial expression (i.e. mimetic) musculature underlying these movements, especially when compared with some other catarrhines. Here we present a detailed description of the facial muscles of the chimpanzee, framed in comparative and phylogenetic contexts, through the dissection of preserved faces using a novel approach. The arrangement and appearance of muscles were noted and compared with previous studies of chimpanzees and with prosimians, cercopithecoids and humans. The results showed 23 mimetic muscles in P. troglodytes, including a thin sphincter colli muscle, reported previously only in adult prosimians, a bi‐layered zygomaticus major muscle and a distinct risorius muscle. The presence of these muscles in such definition supports previous studies that describe an elaborate and highly graded facial communication system in this species that remains qualitatively different from that reported for other non‐human primate species. In addition, there are minimal anatomical differences between chimpanzees and humans, contrary to conclusions from previous studies. These results amplify the importance of understanding facial musculature in primate taxa, which may hold great taxonomic value.
Morphogenesis of the second pharyngeal arch cartilage (Reichert's cartilage) in human embryos
Authors: Rodríguez‐Vázquez J. F. , Mérida‐Velasco J. R. , Verdugo‐López S. , Sánchez‐Montesinos I. , Mérida‐Velasco J. A.
Published: January 2006

This study was performed on 50 human embryos and fetuses between 7 and 17 weeks of development. Reichert's cartilage is formed in the second pharyngeal arch in two segments. The longer cranial or styloid segment is continuous with the otic capsule; its inferior end is angulated and is situated very close to the oropharynx. The smaller caudal segment is in contact with the body and greater horn of the hyoid cartilaginous structure. No cartilage forms between these segments. The persistent angulation of the inferior end of the cranial or styloid segment of Reichert's cartilage and its important neurovascular relationships may help explain the symptomatology of Eagle's syndrome.
Expression of arginine decarboxylase in brain regions and neuronal cells
Authors: Iyo Abiye H. , Zhu Meng‐Yang , Ordway Gregory A. , Regunathan Soundar
Published: January 2006

After our initial report of a mammalian gene for arginine decarboxylase, an enzyme for the synthesis of agmatine from arginine, we have determined the regional expression of ADC in rat. We have analyzed the expression of ADC in rat brain regions by activity, protein and mRNA levels, and the regulation of expression in neuronal cells by RNA interference. In rat brain, ADC was widely expressed in major brain regions, with a substantial amount in hypothalamus, followed by cortex, and with least amounts in locus coeruleus and medulla. ADC mRNA was detected in primary astrocytes and C6 glioma cells. While no ADC message was detected in fresh neurons (3 days old), significant message appeared in differentiated neurons (3 weeks old). PC12 cells, treated with nerve growth factor, had higher ADC mRNA compared with naive cells. The siRNA mixture directed towards the N‐terminal regions of ADC cDNA down‐regulated the levels of mRNA and protein in cultured neurons/C6 glioma cells and these cells produced lower agmatine. Thus, this study demonstrates that ADC message is expressed in rat brain regions, that it is regulated in neuronal cells and that the down‐regulation of ADC activity by specific siRNA leads to lower agmatine production.
Involvement of organic anion transporters in the efflux of uremic toxins across the blood–brain barrier
Authors: Deguchi Tsuneo , Isozaki Kouya , Yousuke Kouno , Terasaki Tetsuya , Otagiri Masaki
Published: January 2006

Renal failure causes multiple physiological changes involving CNS dysfunction. In cases of uremia, there is close correlation between plasma levels of uremic toxins [e.g. 3‐carboxy‐4‐methyl‐5‐propyl‐2‐furanpropionate (CMPF), hippurate (HA) and indoleacetate (IA)] and the degree of uremic encephalopathy, suggesting that uremic toxins are involved in uremic encephalopathy. In order to evaluate the relevance of uremic toxins to CNS dysfunction, we investigated directional transport of uremic toxins across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) usingin vivointegration plot analysis and the brain efflux index method. We observed saturable efflux transport of [3H]CMPF, [14C]HA and [3H]IA, which was inhibited by probenecid. For all uremic toxins evaluated, apparent efflux clearance across the BBB was greater than apparent influx clearance, suggesting that these toxins are predominantly transported from the brain to blood across the BBB. Saturable efflux transport of [3H]CMPF, [14C]HA and [3H]IA was completely inhibited by benzylpenicillin, which is a substrate of rat organic anion transporter 3 (rOat3). Taurocholate and digoxin, which are common substrates of rat organic anion transporting polypeptide (rOatp), partially inhibited the efflux of [3H]CMPF. Transport experiments using aXenopus laevisoocyte expression system revealed that CMPF, HA and IA are substrates of rOat3, and that CMPF (but not HA or IA) is a substrate of rOap2. These results suggest that rOat3 mediates brain‐to‐blood transport of uremic toxins, and that rOatp2 is involved in efflux of CMPF. Thus, conditions typical of uremia can cause inhibition of brain‐to‐blood transport involving rOat3 and/or rOatp2, leading to accumulation of endogenous metabolites and drugs in the brain.
Imagining the State and Building the Nation: The Case of Nineteenth‐Century Argentina
Authors: Szuchman Mark D.
Published: January 2006

This work analyzes the interplay between the development of the state in nineteenth‐century Argentina and the attempts to forge a sense of nation within a significant portion of the population. By distinguishing between the two concepts – state‐building and nation‐building – the study follows their different developmental paths. The historical literature is reviewed revealing two themes: a record of great economic and cultural development made possible by an elite inspired by liberal ideas derived principally from Europe, as contrasted with a conservative and nationalist view that celebrated the rural and native cultural norms. Regardless of their ideological perspectives, however, both sides shared a great deal of authoritarian traits and implemented measures aimed at establishing and maintaining social control through force.
Death and Memory in Early America
Authors: Dennis Matthew
Published: January 2006

Death is a historical phenomenon – although pervasive and unavoidable, it has not been understood or experienced in a uniform fashion over time. Death has visited some times and places more heavily than others; ideas about death, rites surrounding it, and the memorials and monuments commemorating it have varied over time and place. This article emphasizes the omnipresence of death in early America, an historical reality of great importance that we are peculiarly conditioned today to miss or avoid, both because of the nationalist biases of American history and because American culture is so insulated from actual physical death and mortal remains. Finally, the essay suggests why death mattered and how Americans made sense – and made use – of death and mortal remains in early America.
Steady‐diffusion modelling of a reaction zone between a metamorphosed basic dyke and a marble from Hirao‐dai, Fukuoka, Japan
Authors: FUKUYAMA M. , NISHIYAMA T. , URATA K. , MORI Y.
Published: January 2006

A reaction zone between a metamorphosed basic dyke and marble at Hirao‐dai, north Kyushu, Japan, consists of well‐organized sequential zones of diopside, garnet and wollastonite; textures are characteristic of diffusion‐controlled structures. The reaction zone formed during contact metamorphism associated with intrusion of a Cretaceous granodiorite at ∼300 MPa and 700 °C. The metamorphosed basic dyke consists of diopside, biotite and plagioclase (XAb = 0.4–0.8), whereas the marble is almost pure calcite. The initial boundary between the dyke and the marble is probably located within the current diopside zone, as calcite occurs as remnants among diopside grains in areas close to the boundary with the garnet zone. This observation provides a criterion to judge the stability of the zonal sequence in our modelling. The formation of the reaction zone is attributed to a single‐stage steady‐state process with five overstepping reactions. CaO, MgO, FeO, SiO2 and AlO3/2 are the reaction‐controlling components that are necessary to describe the growth of the reaction zone. An isochemical steady‐diffusion model cannot reproduce the measured phase ratios of product minerals; this indicates open‐system behaviour of the reaction zone. The choice of closure components is an essential task in the treatment of open‐system modelling, together with determination of phase ratios (Ashworth & Birdi model) or estimation of boundary fluxes (Johnson & Carlson model). Of all the possible combinations of closure components, closure conditions for CaO and MgO provide the best results for both models. The stability of the zonal sequence is limited at relatively large values of LSiSi/LCaCa. Similar results from the two models confirm their consistency under the same closure conditions.