bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppression of alpha adrenergic agonist-induced catalepsy in mice by potentized Agaricus muscarius
Authors: Ghosh Souvik , Babu Sinha , Sukul N.C.
Published: September 2006

Agaricus muscarius 30c, a potentized homoeopathic drug prepared by successive dilution with 90% ethanol followed by sonication in 30 steps, suppressed catalepsy induced by alpha adrenergic agonists in Swiss albino mice. Agaricus produced anticataleptic effect when it was administered orally and no such effect when administered intraperitoneally. The alpha 1 agonist phenylephrine and alpha 2 agonist clonidine were administered intraperitoneally to mice at a dose of 2 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg, respectively. Mice were pretreated orally with Agaricus muscarius 30c. The action of Agaricus is thought to be mediated through ororeceptors.
Toxicology of Androctonus scorpion
Authors: Bonnet M.S.
Published: September 2006

The following paper is a summary of studies of the biology of the Androctonus scorpion and its toxicology. A materia medica based on human envenomation by Androctonus is also provided.
Changes in medical education
Authors: Gibbs Trevor
Published: September 2006

Over the last few years, apparent dissatisfaction with undergraduate medical education has stimulated some medical schools to change their curricula to varying degrees, both in content and philosophy. In line with Government thinking on a primary care led National Health Service, the change has stimulated use of general practice and the community as an educational resource. This paper describes the curriculum changes in one medical school and the opportunities that have arisen, allowing homoeopathy to be taught at an early stage of student development.
Toxicology of Ixodes ricinus, the European tick
Authors: Bonnet M.S.
Published: September 2006

The following paper is a summary of studies of Ixodes ricinus, the European castor bean tick, and its toxicology. A materia medica based on human envenomation by I. ricinus is also provided.
Promises of Peace and Reconciliation: Previewing the Legacy of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda
Authors: BYRNE ROSEMARY
Published: September 2006

Predictions of the legacies of the ad hoc International Criminal Tribunals reflect far greater expectations for the impact of justice than earlier historical war crimes prosecutions. The most ambitious of these is the promise of peace and reconciliation. Its formal inclusion in the Security Council's mandate for the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda converged with a modern discourse on war crimes prosecutions that infuses the ideals of Nuremberg with the revolutionary aspirations of the human rights movement in a new world order. Contemporary trends invest international justice with powerful assumptions about its capacity to transform post-conflict societies, as is reflected in the Tribunal's own presentation of its role for the future of Rwanda. Alongside the general assumptions regarding the political powers of international justice, are contesting perspectives that make specific allegations of the effects of its failings. Neither rigorously address causality, highlighting the absence of empirical research on international prosecutions and their impact on national communities. It is argued that ambitious expectations have generated ambiguous-and unrealistic- benchmarks for effectively assessing the record of a nascent international justice system. Viable benchmarks are necessary to ground external expectations, and to strengthen and focus institutional performance. To achieve this, expectations should adjust to the modest realities of delivering international justice.
The Difference between Legal Proof and Historical Evidence. The Trial of Slobodan Milosevic and the Case of Srebrenica
Authors: DE GRAAFF BOB
Published: September 2006

On 11 March 2006 the former Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic was found dead in his prison cell in The Hague, where the case against him at the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia (ICTY) was nearing its end. Many people voiced their disappointment about the fact that Milosevic would never receive his verdict. Although this disillusionment is understandable, Milosevic's death also saved the prosecutors and the Tribunal from delivering a judgment that would probably have contributed little to reconciliation in former Yugoslavia. This was particularly so in relation to that part of the indictment that concerned Milosevic's alleged responsibility for the massacre by the Bosnian Serb army of 7500 Bosnian Muslim men and boys following the fall of Srebrenica in July 2005.
Time for a Tea Party? Why Tax Regimes beyond the Nation State Matter, and Why Citizens Should Care
Authors: UHL SUSANNE
Published: September 2006

‘No taxation without representation!’ It was the British Crown's attempt to tax tea that laid the groundwork for the American Revolution in the 18th century and, ultimately, the Declaration of Independence. This was neither the first nor the last example in history, but perhaps the most famous one to demonstrate the close connection between tax sovereignty and the civil nation state. Today, sovereignty in matters of taxation is still regarded as one of the core functions of the nation state. But is it still the nation state's own domain? This essay argues that, at least with respect to the European Union, the answer is no. It shows that the EU tax regime influences national policies in important ways, and imposes significant constraints on national tax sovereignty. It will also show that the lost sovereignty at the national level can be found again at the European level. Is it time to advocate a European Declaration of Dependence?
Self-generated learning in people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: BASSO MICHAEL R. , LOWERY NATASHA , GHORMLEY COURTNEY , COMBS DENNIS , JOHNSON JAY
Published: September 2006

Memory impairment is among the most common cognitive deficits in
people with multiple sclerosis (MS). To remediate this problem, recent
research has evaluated the benefits of self-generated encoding. These
nascent investigations reveal that people with MS who have mild memory
impairment demonstrate a significant memory benefit from self-generated
encoding compared with didactic learning. To extend prior research, the
present experiment included MS patients with moderate–severe, rather
than just mild, memory impairment. Additionally, the experiment evaluated
whether self-generated encoding improves memory for activities of daily
living instead of abstract words. Specifically, the experiment determined
whether self-generated encoding enhanced memory for names, appointments,
and object locations. In agreement with and extending prior research, MS
patients remembered more information if it was self-generated rather than
didactically presented, and this finding occurred despite
moderate–severe memory impairment. Furthermore, compared with
didactic encoding, self-generation enhanced recall of activities of daily
living. Implications of these findings for cognitive rehabilitation and
the nature of memory impairment in MS are discussed (JINS, 2006,
12, 640–648.)
Motor persistence and inhibition in autism and ADHD
Authors: MAHONE E. MARK , POWELL STEPHANIE K. , LOFTIS CHRISTOPHER W. , GOLDBERG MELISSA C. , DENCKLA MARTHA B. , MOSTOFSKY STEWART H.
Published: September 2006

The present study compared performance of children with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and high functioning
autism (HFA) with that of controls on 4 tasks assessing 2 components of
motor control: motor response inhibition and motor persistence. A total of
136 children (52 ADHD, 24 HFA, 60 controls) ages 7 to 13 years completed 2
measures of motor inhibition (Conflicting Motor Response and Contralateral
Motor Response Tasks) and 2 measures of motor persistence (Lateral Gaze
Fixation and NEPSY Statue). After controlling for age, IQ, gender, and
basic motor speed, children with ADHD performed significantly more poorly
than controls on the Conflicting Motor Response and Contralateral Motor
Response Tasks, as well as on Statue. In contrast, children with HFA
achieved lower scores than controls only on measures of motor persistence,
with no concomitant impairment on either motor inhibition task. These
results are consistent with prior research that has demonstrated
relatively spared motor inhibition in autism. The findings highlight the
utility of brief assessments of motor control in delineating the unique
neurobehavioral phenotypes of ADHD and HFA. (JINS, 2006,
12, 622–631.)
Working memory deficits in multiple sclerosis: Comparison between then-back task and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test
Authors: PARMENTER BRETT A. , SHUCARD JANET L. , BENEDICT RALPH H.B. , SHUCARD DAVID W.
Published: September 2006

Working memory (WM) deficits are common in multiple sclerosis (MS). The Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) is used frequently to measure WM in clinical settings. Then-back paradigm is used often in experimental studies of WM. One unique component of then-back task is that it provides a measure of reaction time (RT), an additional behavioral index of processing speed and task difficulty. Despite the use of both tasks to measure WM, their common variance has not been documented. We tested 32 MS patients and 20 controls; performance measures were obtained for both tasks. Compared with controls, MS patients generally had poorer performance on both the PASAT andn-back task. MS patients also had slower RTs on then-back than controls and showed more slowing than controls as a function of WM load. Correlational analyses showed a high correspondence between performance measures on the PASAT andn-back. Principal components analysis pointed to a common feature of the PASAT,n-back, and specific other neuropsychological measures, that is, processing speed. Although the PASAT andn-back were shown to have a significant amount of shared variance, each test has specific advantages and disadvantages for use in clinical populations (JINS, 2006,12, 677–687.)
Body side of motor symptom onset in Parkinson's disease is
associated with memory performance
Authors: AMICK M.M. , GRACE J. , CHOU K.L.
Published: September 2006

The relation of body side of motor symptom onset in Parkinson's
disease (PD) to memory measures associated with hemispheric dominance was
examined. Fourteen patients with right body side motor symptom onset (RPD,
inferred left hemisphere dysfunction) and 16 patients with left side onset
(LPD, right hemisphere dysfunction) were administered measures of verbal
(Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised) and visual memory (Brief Visual
Memory Test-Revised), that require similar task demands and are associated
with left or right hemisphere dominance, respectively. The LPD group
demonstrated poorer visual than verbal memory, both within group and in
comparison to the RPD group. By contrast, the RPD group showed poorer
verbal than visual memory within group. These findings suggest that side
of motor symptom onset is associated with asymmetrical memory dysfunction
(JINS, 2006, 12, 736–740.)
Impairment of memory organization in patients with schizophrenia or
schizotypal disorder
Authors: MATSUI MIÉ , YUUKI HIROMI , KATO KANADE , KURACHI MASAYOSHI
Published: September 2006

Verbal learning and the organization of memory in patients with
schizophrenia or schizotypal disorder were compared with normal subjects.
Three indices of memory organization (semantic clustering, serial
clustering, and subjective clustering) were calculated from
participants' responses on the Japanese Verbal Learning Test.
Schizophrenic and schizotypal patients showed similar decrements in
semantic organization compared with normal subjects. Neither patient group
showed any effect of learning on their use of semantic organization,
although both groups recalled more items as the number of trials
increased. These results suggest that impairment of memory organization is
a common characteristic of schizophrenia spectrum disorders
(JINS, 2006, 12, 750–754.)
The effect of cataract surgery on neuropsychological test
performance: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: ANSTEY KAARIN J. , LORD STEPHEN R. , HENNESSY MICHAEL , MITCHELL PAUL , MILL KATHERINE , VON SANDEN CHWEE
Published: September 2006

Recent cross-sectional studies have reported strong associations
between visual and cognitive function, and longitudinal studies have shown
relationships between visual and cognitive decline in late life.
Improvement in cognitive performance after cataract surgery has been
reported in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment. We investigated
whether improving visual function with cataract surgery would improve
neuropsychological performance in healthy older adults. A randomized
clinical trial of cataract surgery performed at acute hospitals was
conducted on 56 patients (mean age 73) with bilateral cataract, after
excluding a total of 54 patients at the screening stage, of whom 53 did
not meet visual acuity criteria and one did not have cataract. In-home
assessments included visual and neuropsychological function, computerized
cognitive testing and health questionnaires. Results showed no cognitive
benefits of cataract surgery in cognitively normal adults. We conclude
that visual improvement following cataract surgery is not strongly
associated with an improvement in neuropsychological test performance in
otherwise healthy adults. Joint associations between visual and cognitive
function in late life are likely to be due to central factors, and
unlikely to be strongly related to eye disease. Short-term increased
neural stimulation from improved visual function does not appear to affect
cognitive performance. (JINS, 2006, 12,
632–639.)
Fatigue in Neurological, Psychiatric, and Medical Conditions
Authors: Swanson Sara J.
Published: September 2006

Fatigue as a Window to the Brain, John DeLuca (Ed.). 2005.
Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press, 336 pp., $55.00 (HB).

Fatigue is ubiquitous and falls within the purview of several
specialties, including neurology, psychiatry, neuropsychology,
endocrinology, rheumatology, and immunology. As Simon Wessely points out
in the Foreword of Fatigue as a Window to the Brain, fatigue has
been virtually overlooked as an area of scientific study, because it is
difficult to measure and, as a symptom, rarely aids in differential
diagnosis. John DeLuca's edited book is part of the Issues in
Clinical and Cognitive Neuropsychology series edited by Jordan
Grafman. This is an ambitious book that examines the multidimensional and
multifactorial nature of the neurobiology of central fatigue. This book
advances the reader's understanding of the neural mechanisms of
fatigue through review and integration of empirical data on fatigue and
its cognitive correlates in neurological, medical, and psychiatric
disorders.
Disorders of Epileptic Origin From A Developmental Perspective
Authors: Westerveld Michael
Published: September 2006

Cognitive and Behavioral Disorders of Epileptic Origin in
Children. Thierry Deonna and Eliane Roulet-Perez. (Eds.). 2005.
MacKeith Press, distributed by Cambridge University Press, 256 pp.,
£50.00; $90.00 HB.

Understanding the effects of epilepsy, a neurological disorder
frequently beginning in childhood, is particularly important because it
may disrupt the development of foundations for later cognitive and
psychological functions. Despite the prevalence of seizure disorders and
the importance of the developmental period in which seizures frequently
begin, surprisingly little information about the effects of seizures with
respect to cognitive and behavioral functioning is available. Moreover,
understanding of the complex interactions between the pathological
processes (bioelectric disturbance, neuropathology) and developmental,
environmental, and psychological variables that contribute to the overall
clinical picture is limited. In Cognitive and Behavioral Disorders of
Epileptic Origin in Children, Thierry Deonna and Eliane Roulet-Perez
take a unique approach to beginning to untangle these variables, drawing
on their extensive clinical experience to present a series of cases that
illustrate how seizures influence development.
Comparing CO2 retrieved from Atmospheric Infrared Sounder with model predictions: Implications for constraining surface fluxes and lower‐to‐upper troposphere transport
Authors: Tiwari Yogesh K. , Gloor Manuel , Engelen Richard J. , Chevallier Frederic , Rödenbeck Christian , Körner Stefan , Peylin Philippe , Braswell Bobby H. , Heimann Martin
Published: September 2006

Large‐scale carbon sources and sinks can be estimated by combining atmospheric CO2 concentration data with atmospheric transport inverse modeling. This approach has been limited by sparse spatiotemporal tropospheric sampling. CO2 estimates from space using observations on recently launched satellites (Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS)), or platforms to be launched (Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI), Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO)) have the potential to fill some of these gaps. Here we assess the realism of initial AIRS‐based mid‐to‐upper troposphere CO2 estimates from European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts by comparing them with simulations of two transport models (TM3 and Laboratoire Meteorologie Dynamique Zoom (LMDZ)) forced with one data‐based set of surface fluxes. The simulations agree closer with one another than with the retrievals. Nevertheless, there is good overall agreement between all estimates of seasonal cycles and north‐south gradients within the latitudinal band extending from 30°S to 30°N, but not outside this region. At smaller spatial scales, there is a contrast in the satellite‐based retrievals above continents versus above oceans that is absent in the model predictions. Hovmoeller diagrams indicate that in the models, high Northern Hemisphere winter CO2 concentrations propagate toward the tropical upper troposphere via Northern Hemisphere high latitudes, while in retrievals, elevated winter CO2 appears instantaneously throughout the Northern Hemisphere. This raises questions about lower‐to‐upper troposphere transport pathways. Prerequisites for use of retrievals to provide an improved constraint on surface fluxes are therefore further improvements in retrievals and better understanding/validation of lower‐to‐upper troposphere transport and its modeling. This calls for more independent upper troposphere transport tracer data like SF6 and CO2.
Meltwater and ice rafting in the southern Norwegian Sea between 20 and 40 calendar kyr B.P.: Implications for Fennoscandian Heinrich events
Authors: Lekens W. A. H. , Sejrup H. P. , Haflidason H. , Knies J. , Richter T.
Published: September 2006

The timing of meltwater release in the southern Norwegian Sea in relation to millennial‐scale climate variability is studied from core MD99‐2283 based on down‐core analysis of stable oxygen and carbon isotopes, calcium carbonate and ice‐rafted debris (IRD). Between 20 and 40 calendar (cal) kyr B.P., strong Dansgaard‐Oeschger cyclicity is expressed in increased carbonate content and reduced total organic carbon during warm interstadials and IRD marking the end of cold stadials. The planktonic δ18O record of core MD99‐2283 compared to available isotopic records in the region confirms the existence of multisourced, synchronized meltwater anomalies during Heinrich (H) events 2 to 4. It was found that the sudden release of meltwater occurs near major ice streams and that no significant increase in IRD was associated with the peaks of the meltwater events in the southern Norwegian Sea, suggesting meltwater discharges from ice‐dammed lakes. Significant meltwater events not related to the H events were also observed between 33 and 35 cal kyr B.P., indicating that the release of meltwater is not necessarily connected with major cooling and enhanced IRD delivery. The simultaneous release of fresh water during H events in the Nordic Seas, through icebergs and ice‐dammed lakes, is thought to be the result of sea level increase. The meltwater input to the Nordic Seas provides a significant additional contribution to global sea level rise associated with H3 and H4.
Sensitivity of Arctic ozone loss to polar stratospheric cloud volume and chlorine and bromine loading in a chemistry and transport model
Authors: Douglass A. R. , Stolarski R. S. , Strahan S. E. , Polansky B. C.
Published: September 2006

The sensitivity of Arctic ozone loss to polar stratospheric cloud volume (VPSC) and chlorine and bromine loading is explored using chemistry and transport models (CTMs). One simulation uses multi‐decadal winds and temperatures from a general circulation model (GCM). Winter polar ozone loss depends on both equivalent effective stratospheric chlorine (EESC) and polar vortex characteristics (temperatures, descent, isolation, polar stratospheric cloud amount). The simulation reproduces a linear relationship between ozone loss and VPSC in agreement with that derived from observations for 1992–2003. The relationship holds for EESC within ∼85% of its maximum (∼1990–2020). For lower EESC the ozone loss varies linearly with EESC unless VPSC ∼ 0. A second simulation recycles a single year's winds and temperatures from the GCM so that polar ozone loss depends only on changes in EESC. This simulation shows that ozone loss varies linearly with EESC for the entire EESC range for constant, high VPSC.
Mapping woody plant cover in desert grasslands using canopy reflectance modeling and MISR data
Authors: Chopping Mark J. , Su Lihong , Laliberte Andrea , Rango Albert , Peters Debra P. C. , Martonchik John V.
Published: September 2006

A simplified geometric‐optical model (SGM) was inverted using red band reflectance data acquired at 275 m in nine viewing angles from the Multiangle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) flown on NASA's Terra satellite, to provide estimates of fractional woody plant cover for large areas (over 3519 km2) in parts of the Chihuahuan Desert in New Mexico, USA. The use of the model in these semi‐arid environments was enabled by the derivation of a priori estimates of the soil/understory background reflectance response. This was made possible by determining relationships between the kernel weights from a LiSparse‐RossThin model adjusted against the same MISR data – together with spectral reflectance data derived from MISR's nadir‐viewing camera – and the parameters of the Walthall model used to represent the background. Spatial distributions of retrieved fractional woody plant cover match those of % tree cover in the global MODIS Vegetation Continuous Fields product but also include shrubs. Good relationships were obtained with fractional shrub cover measured in pastures in the USDA, ARS Jornada Experimental Range but tree cover in higher elevation and riparian zones was dramatically over‐estimated as a result of the fixing of crown height and shape parameters.
Analysis of urban gas phase ammonia measurements from the 2002 Atlanta Aerosol Nucleation and Real‐Time Characterization Experiment (ANARChE)
Authors: Nowak J. B. , Huey L. G. , Russell A. G. , Tian D. , Neuman J. A. , Orsini D. , Sjostedt S. J. , Sullivan A. P. , Tanner D. J. , Weber R. J. , Nenes A. , Edgerton E. , Fehsenfeld F. C.
Published: September 2006

Gas phase ammonia (NH3) measurements were made in July and August 2002 during the Atlanta Aerosol Nucleation and Real‐Time Characterization Experiment with two different chemical ionization mass spectrometry techniques. Correlations between the 1 min data from both instruments yielded a slope of 1.17 and an intercept of −0.295 ppbv, with a linear correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.71. Ambient NH3 mixing ratios ranged from 0.4 to 13 ppbv. NH3 observations were compared to the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling system as well as a thermodynamic equilibrium model, ISORROPIA, used by CMAQ to predict NH3 partitioning. A morning rise in both observed and modeled NH3 mixing ratios strongly suggests a regional influence due to automobile emissions. However, at midday the predicted NH3 decreased to less than 0.5 ppbv, while the observations remained around 3 ppbv. Both observed and modeled ammonium nitrate levels were too low to support the observed midday NH3 mixing ratios. ISORROPIA calculations of NH3 constrained by the total measured ammonia mass (NH3 + ammonium (NH4+)) agreed well with the observations (slope of 1.25 and r2 of 0.75). For times when the net aerosol charge was near zero the agreement was excellent (slope of 1.22 and r2 of 0.88). These results indicate that for most of the observed conditions, ISORROPIA could accurately predict NH3 partitioning. The observations suggest that local sunlight‐ or temperature‐driven NH3 sources, such as soil emissions, may be responsible for the discrepancy between the model results and measured values.
Ab initio calculations on SCl2 and low-lying cationic states of SCl2+: Franck-Condon simulation of the UV photoelectron spectrum of SCl2
Authors: Mok Daniel K. W. , Chau Foo-tim , Lee Edmond P. F. , Dyke John M.
Published: September 2006

Geometry optimization calculations were carried out on the X̃A11 state of SCl2 and the X̃B12, ÃB22, B̃A12, C̃A12, D̃A22, and ẼB22 states of SCl2+ at the restricted-spin coupled-cluster single-double plus perturbative triple excitation [RCCSD(T)] level with basis sets of up to the augmented correlation-consistent polarized quintuple-zeta [aug-cc-pV(5+d)Z] quality. Effects of core electron correlation, basis set extension to the complete basis set limit, and relativistic contributions on computed minimum-energy geometrical parameters and/or relative electronic energies were also investigated. RCCSD(T) potential energy functions (PEFs) were calculated for the X̃A11 state of SCl2 and the low-lying states of SCl2+ listed above employing the aug-cc-pV(5+d)Z basis set. Anharmonic vibrational wave functions of these neutral and cationic states of SCl2, and Franck-Condon (FC) factors of the lowest four one-electron allowed neutral photoionizations were computed employing the RCCSD(T)∕aug-cc-pV(5+d)Z PEFs. Calculated FC factors with allowance for the Duschinsky rotation and anharmonicity were used to simulate the first four photoelectron (PE) bands of SCl2. The agreement between simulated and observed HeI PE spectra reported by Colton et al. [J. Electron Spectrosc. Relat. Phenom. 3, 345 (1974)] and Solouki et al. [Chem. Phys. Lett. 26, 20 (1974)] is excellent. However, our FC spectral simulations indicate that the first observed vibrational component in the first PE band of SCl2 is a “hot” band arising from the SCl2+X̃B12(0,0,0)←SCl2X̃A11(1,0,0) ionization. Consequently, the experimental adiabatic ionization energy of SCl2 is revised to 9.55±0.01eV, in excellent agreement with results obtained from state-of-the-art ab initio calculations in this work.
Atmospheric reactions Cl+CH3–(CH2)n–OH (n=–4): A kinetic and theoretical study
Authors: Garzón Andrés , Cuevas Carlos A. , Ceacero Antonio A. , Notario Alberto , Albaladejo José , Fernández-Gómez Manuel
Published: September 2006

The reactions of Cl with a series of linear alcohols: methanol (k1), ethanol (k2), 1-propanol (k3), 1-butanol (k4), and 1-pentanol (k5) were investigated as a function of temperature in the range of 264–382K by laser photolysis-resonance fluorescence. The obtained kinetic data were used to derive the following Arrhenius expressions: k1=(3.55±0.22)×10−10exp[−(559±40)∕T], k2=(5.25±0.52)×10−11exp[(190±68)∕T], k3=(2.63±0.21)×10−11exp[(525±51)∕T], k4=(3.12±0.31)×10−11exp[(548±65)∕T], and k5=(3.97±0.48)×10−11exp[(533±77)∕T] (in units of cm3molecule−1s−1). To our knowledge, these are the first absolute kinetic data reported for 1-butanol and 1-pentanol and also the first kinetic study as a function of temperature for these two compounds. Results, mechanism, and tropospheric implications are discussed and compared with the reported reactivity with OH radicals. Moreover, a theoretical insight into the mechanisms of these reactions has also been pursued through ab initio Möller-Plesset second-order perturbation treatment calculations with 6-311G** basis sets. Optimized geometries and vibrational frequencies have been obtained for transition states and molecular complexes appearing along the different reaction pathways. Furthermore, molecular energies have been calculated at quadratic configuration interaction with single, double, and triple excitations level in order to get an estimation of the activation energies.
Force gradient detection under vacuum on the basis of a double pass method
Authors: Portes L. , Girard P. , Arinero R. , Ramonda M.
Published: September 2006

The feasibility of detecting electrostatic gradients in the linear regime is shown under vacuum by combining intermittent contact atomic force microscopy and a double pass method. To achieve our goal, different flexure mode orders were employed. We show that the sensitivity of the frequency or phase shifts to a given gradient was reduced when the order was increased. This behavior is theoretically explained in quantitative agreement with the experiments. Thus, on the basis of different flexure mode orders, gradient detection can now be extended to other forces plus various environments, i.e., under vacuum or controlled atmosphere.
A laboratory produced extremely large beta plasma
Authors: Banerjee S. P. , Anitha V. P. , Ravi G. , Mattoo S. K.
Published: September 2006

This paper discusses laboratory production of an extremely large-beta (β∼103) plasma, termed ELB plasma, over an extended volume of 0.5m3. The plasma β can be varied from <1 to values as large as 103, thereby allowing us to study physical processes through a large range of β. Desired β values are achieved by tailoring the ambient magnetic field by compensating fields over time scales far less than the plasma confinement time. We observe that during this compensation, the magnetic field penetration from the wall to the plasma occurs at Whistler speed. The Whistler mode is accompanied by excitation of electrostatic ion wave. We have shown that the diamagnetism of the ELB plasma is considerably modified essentially through the effect of finiteness of electron Larmor radius (rLe) in the force equilibrium. Application of these results to the space plasma is pointed out.
Simple method enabling pulse on command from high power, high frequency lasers
Authors: Baer David J. , Marshall Graham D. , Coutts David W. , Mildren Richard P. , Withford Michael J.
Published: September 2006

A method for addressing individual laser pulses in high repetition frequency systems using an intracavity optical chopper and novel electronic timing system is reported. This “pulse on command” capability is shown to enable free running and both subharmonic pulse rate and burst mode operation of a high power, high pulse frequency copper vapor laser while maintaining a fixed output pulse energy. We demonstrate that this technique can be used to improve feature finish when laser micromachining metal.
Ethanol vapor detection in saline solution using piezoresistive microcantilevers
Authors: Cheney C. Parks , Wig A. , Hedden D. L. , Gehl A. , Lereu A. L. , Farahi R. H. , Hunter S. R. , Ferrell T. L.
Published: September 2006

We report detection of ethanol in a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution using a low-power piezoresistive microcantilever-based system that has the potential to be used in the human body. PBS was used to simulate interstitial fluid and a permeable hydrophobic membrane was employed to transport ethanol vapor to the sensor while blocking the liquid and ions of the PBS. Commercial gold-coated cantilevers were functionalized with polymers for optimal ethanol response. Advantages of this device are its low-power consumption, its high sensitivity, and its capabilities for miniaturization into an implantable capsule. The limit of detection for ethanol in PBS was found to be less than 100ppm or 8mg∕dl.
Pointwise analysis of scalar fields: A nonstandard approach
Authors: Yamashita Hideyasu
Published: September 2006

A new nonstandard-analytical approach to quantum fields is presented, which gives a mathematical foundation for manipulating pointwise-defined quantum fields. In our approach, a field operator ϕ(x) is not a standard operator-valued distribution, but a nonstandard operator-valued function. Then formal expressions containing, e.g., ϕ(x)2 can be understood literally, and shown to be well defined. In the free field cases, we show that the Wightman functions are explicitly calculated with the pointwise field, without any regularization, e.g., Wick product. Our notion of pointwise fields is applied also to the path integral formalisms of scalar fields. We show that some of physicists’ naive expressions of Lagrangian path integral formulas can be rigorously justified.
First-principles theoretical analysis of silyl radical diffusion on silicon surfaces
Authors: Bakos Tamas , Valipa Mayur S. , Maroudas Dimitrios
Published: September 2006

We report results from a detailed analysis of the fundamental radical precursor diffusion processes on silicon surfaces and discuss their implications for the surface smoothness of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin films. The analysis is based on a synergistic combination of first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations of SiH3 radical migration on the hydrogen-terminated Si(001)-(2×1) surface with molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations of SiH3 radical precursor migration on surfaces of a-Si:H films. Our DFT calculations yield activation energies for SiH3 migration that range from 0.18to0.89eV depending on the local electronic environment on the Si(001)-(2×1):H surface. In particular, when no substantial surface relaxation (Si–Si bond breaking or formation) accompanies the hopping of the SiH3 radical the activation barriers are highest, whereas hopping between nearest-neighbor overcoordinated surface Si atoms results in the lowest radical diffusion barrier of 0.18eV; this low barrier is consistent with the activation barrier for SiH3 migration through overcoordinated sites on the a-Si:H surface. Specifically, the analysis of the MD simulations of SiH3 radical migration on a-Si:H surfaces yields an effective diffusion barrier of 0.16eV, allowing for the rapid migration of the SiH3 radical prior to its incorporation in surface valleys; rapid migration and subsequent incorporation constitute the two-step mechanism responsible for the smoothness of plasma deposited a-Si:H thin films.
On the Mechanism of Radical Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate with Dithiobenzoic Acid as Mediator
Authors: Nguyen Duc Hung , Vana Philipp
Published: September 2006

Dithiobenzoic acid (DTBA) induces controlled polymerization behaviour in methyl methacrylate polymerization at 60°C, accompanied by a pronounced induction period of several hours. DTBA is partially transformed during this induction period into a dithioester with a tertiary ester group moiety, which constitutes an efficient reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agent. The transformation reaction is proposed to proceed via a hydrogen abstraction from DTBA by radicals and subsequent termination of the formed phenylcarbonothioylsulfanyl radical with propagating radicals. The proposed reaction scheme was implemented into a computer model, by which the rate coefficient of the hydrogen abstraction from DTBA and of the reinitiation of the intermediate phenylcarbonothioylsulfanyl radical was estimated. The model is in agreement with all of the species observable by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, with the extent of the experimental induction periods, and with the absolute concentrations of dithioesters that act as efficient RAFT agents during the polymerization. A protocol that uses a cocktail of initiators is introduced, by which the induction period in DTBA-mediated polymerization is effectively eliminated.
AFM Studies of β-Sheet Block Copolymers at Solid Surfaces: High-Resolution Structures and Aggregation Dynamics
Authors: Schön Peter , Smeenk Jurgen M. , Speller Sylvia , Heus Hans A. , van Hest Jan C. M.
Published: September 2006

Supramolecular fibre-like aggregates of different poly(ethylene glycol) modified β-sheet block copolymers have been adsorbed on a highly ordered pyrolytic graphite surface, and studied by tapping-mode atomic force microscopy. High-resolution images provided detailed information on stability, adaptability, and internal structure of the fibres. Dynamic processes observed in real space and time included fibre rearrangement, and even unprecedented fibre growth.
A bio-chemo-mechanical model for cell contractility
Authors: Deshpande Vikram S. , McMeeking Robert M. , Evans Anthony G.
Published: September 2006

A general model for the contractility of cells is presented that accounts for the dynamic reorganization of the cytoskeleton. The model is motivated by three key biochemical processes: (
i
) an activation signal that triggers actin polymerization and myosin phosphorylation, (
ii
) the tension-dependent assembly of the actin and myosin into stress fibers, and (
iii
) the cross-bridge cycling between the actin and myosin filaments that generates the tension. Simple relations are proposed to model these coupled phenomena and a continuum model developed for simulating cell contractility. The model is capable of predicting key experimentally established characteristics including: (
i
) the decrease in the forces generated by the cell with increasing substrate compliance, (
ii
) the influence of cell shape and boundary conditions on the development of structural anisotropy, and (
iii
) the high concentration of the stress fibers at the focal adhesions. We present numerical examples of a square cell on four supports to demonstrate these capabilities.
Lifelong learning to labour: apprenticeship, masculinity and communities of practice
Authors: Parker Andrew
Published: September 2006

This article presents an analysis of gender identity within the context of lifelong learning. Constructed specifically around individual experiences of occupational apprenticeship in English professional football, it draws on a re‐reading of data collected in the early 1990s to depict the way in which a group of young men were socialised into their new‐found occupational culture and how their identities were shaped by the heavily gendered routines of workplace practice. Framing apprenticeship as a holistic ‘learning’ experience, the article looks at how the legitimate peripheral participation of trainees in an established community of practice facilitated their adaptation to and assimilation of various skills, procedures and institutional norms via informal learning processes. Set against the historical development of apprenticeship in England, the article uses qualitative research findings to determine the extent to which apprenticeship within professional sport might facilitate the reproduction of stereotypical gender norms and values.
Neurotropism of herpes simplex virus type 1 in brain organ cultures
Authors: Braun Efrat , Zimmerman Tal , Hur Tamir Ben , Reinhartz Etti , Fellig Yakov , Panet Amos , Steiner Israel
Published: September 2006

The mechanism of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) penetration into the brain and its predilection to infect certain neuronal regions is unknown. In order to study HSV-1 neurotropism, an ex vivo system of mice organotypic brain slices was established and the tissue was infected with HSV-1 vectors. Neonate tissues showed restricted infection confined to leptomeningeal, periventricular and cortical brain regions. The hippocampus was the primary parenchymatous structure that was also infected. Infection was localized to early progenitor and ependymal cells. Increasing viral inoculum increased the intensity and enlarged the infected territory, but the distinctive pattern of infection was maintained and differed from that observed with adenovirus and Vaccinia virus. Neonate brain tissues were much more permissive for HSV-1 infection than adult mouse brain tissues. Taken together, these results indicate a complex interaction of HSV-1 with different brain-cell types and provide a useful vehicle to elucidate the mechanisms of viral neurotropism.
Human cytomegalovirus-induced reduction of extracellular matrix proteins in vascular smooth muscle cell cultures: a pathomechanism in vasculopathies?
Authors: Reinhardt Barbara , Winkler Michael , Schaarschmidt Peter , Pretsch Robert , Zhou Shaoxia , Vaida Bianca , Schmid-Kotsas Alexandra , Michel Detlef , Walther Paul , Bachem Max , Mertens Thomas
Published: September 2006

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection appears to be linked to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. An association between HCMV infection and an enhanced restenosis rate as well as the induction of vasculopathies after solid organ transplantation has been documented. Knowledge of the cellular and molecular basis of these findings is limited, however. By Northern blot and RT-PCR analysis of human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) and human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (SMC), we identified extracellular matrix (ECM) genes that were downregulated after HCMV infection, including collagen type I and fibronectin. Quantitative immunoassays showed a significant reduction of soluble collagen type I and fibronectin proteins in supernatants of both cell types. This was shown to be a direct effect of HCMV infection and not due to a response to interferons released from infected cells, since neutralization of alpha and beta interferon activity could not block virus-induced downregulation of matrix proteins. As the amount of ECM depends on both synthesis and degradation, we also assessed the influence of HCMV on the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). Interestingly, a significant difference in virus-induced matrix degradation could be shown between the two cell types. HCMV upregulated MMP-2 protein and activity in SMC but not in HFF. Thus, HCMV infection of SMC reduces ECM dramatically by inducing two independent mechanisms that influence synthesis as well as degradation of ECM. These may represent molecular mechanisms for HCMV-induced pathogenesis of inflammatory vasculopathies and may facilitate dissemination of HCMV by promoting the detachment of infected cells in vivo.
Phylogenetic analysis of human parvovirus B19, indicating two subgroups of genotype 1 in Vietnamese patients
Authors: Toan Nguyen L. , Duechting Anja , Kremsner Peter G. , Song Le H. , Ebinger Martin , Aberle Susanne , Binh Vu Q. , Duy Dinh Ng , Torresi Joseph , Kandolf Reinhard , Bock C.-Thomas
Published: September 2006

Recently, three distinct genotypes (1, 2 and 3) of human parvovirus B19 (B19) have been identified. However, the characteristics and distribution of B19 genotypes in Vietnam have not been investigated. Phylogenetic analysis using 49 subgenomic NS1/VP1u regions and two coding NS1–VP1/VP2 regions has been applied to investigate the prevalence of B19 genotypes in Vietnamese patients co-infected with Hepatitis B virus. Genetic analysis of the subgenomic NS1/VP1u region of B19 revealed that two genotypes of B19 were identified in these populations, with predominance of genotype 1 (47/49, 96 %) followed by genotype 2 (2/49, 4 %), but not genotype 3. Further, phylogenetic analysis of subgenomic B19 genomes revealed two major subgroups within genotype 1 (B19-1A and B19-1B) with an estimated nucleotide difference of >5 % between each subgroup, forming different branches. The mean percentage of amino acid variation between subgroup B19-1A and B19-1B was >2 % of the NS1, VP1 and VP2 proteins. Our results indicated that two of the three known genotypes of B19 were present in Vietnamese patients, with genotype 1 predominating, and that this genotype can be classified into at least two subgroups, B19-1A and B19-1B.
Generation of a novel replication-incompetent adenoviral vector derived from human adenovirus type 49: manufacture on PER.C6 cells, tropism and immunogenicity
Authors: Lemckert Angelique A. C. , Grimbergen Jos , Smits Shirley , Hartkoorn Eric , Holterman Lennart , Berkhout Ben , Barouch Dan H. , Vogels Ronald , Quax Paul , Goudsmit Jaap , Havenga Menzo J. E.
Published: September 2006

Recombinant adenoviral vectors based on type 5 (rAd5) show great promise as a vaccine carrier. However, neutralizing activity against Ad5 is prevalent and high-titred among human populations, and significantly dampens Ad5-based vaccine modalities. The generation of alternative adenoviral vectors with low seroprevalence thus receives much research attention. Here, it is shown that a member from human adenovirus subgroup D, i.e. Ad49, does not cross-react with Ad5 neutralizing activity, making it a candidate serotype for vector development. Therefore, a plasmid system that allows formation of replication-incompetent adenovirus serotype 49 vaccine vectors (rAd49) was constructed and it was demonstrated that rAd49 can be successfully propagated to high titres on existing Ad5.E1-complementing cell lines such as PER.C6. Using an rAd49 vector carrying the luciferase marker gene, detailed seroprevalence studies were performed, demonstrating that rAd49 has low seroprevalence and neutralizing antibody titres worldwide. Also, we have initiated rAd49 vector receptor usage suggesting that rAd49 utilizes hCD46 as a cellular receptor. Finally, the immunogenicity of the rAd49 vector was assessed and it was shown that an rAd49.SIVGag vaccine induces strong anti-SIVGag CD8+ T-lymphocytes in naïve mice, albeit less than an rAd5.SIVGag vaccine. However, in mice with high anti-Ad5 immunity the rAd5.SIVGag vaccine was severely blunted, whereas the anti-SIVGag response was not significantly suppressed using the rAd49.SIVGag vaccine. These data demonstrate the potential of a replication deficient human group D adenoviral vector for vaccination purposes.
Anti-neoplastic effect of chicken anemia virus VP3 protein (apoptin) in Rous sarcoma virus-induced tumours in chicken
Authors: Natesan Senthilkumar , Kataria J. M. , Dhama K. , Bhardwaj N. , Sylvester A.
Published: September 2006

The anti-neoplastic effect of chicken anemia virus VP3 protein (apoptin) was investigated in vitro in Rous sarcoma virus (RSV)-transformed chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cells and in RSV-induced tumours of specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chicks in vivo. The apoptin gene was cloned in the pVAX expression vector and in vitro expression of the recombinant vector pVAX-CAV-VP3 was confirmed. Two groups of SPF chicks, each containing ten chicks, were used. Chicks in groups I and II were inoculated with RSV at 1 day old. Group I served as the control, receiving pVAX vector without insert, and group II received recombinant vector pVAX-CAV-VP3 containing the apoptin gene, on day 10. An in vitro study confirmed that apoptin induced apoptosis in RSV-transformed CEF cells, which was demonstrated by observation of the characteristic changes of apoptosis using the indirect immunofluorescence technique and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. In vivo study also indicated that apoptin induced apoptosis and caused tumour regression by an intratumoral-delivery method. Apoptotic changes, such as nuclear condensation, fragmentation of the chromatin and formation of apoptic bodies in the tumour cells, were demonstrated by histopathology and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. No apoptotic changes were seen in the tumours of the control group. The results of the present study showed that apoptin had an anti-neoplastic effect in vivo and in vitro in RSV-induced tumours. The anti-neoplastic effect is due to apoptin-induced apoptosis. Further improvements in the dose, delivery method and delivery frequency of the apoptin-expressing recombinant vector could help to develop apoptin as an anti-neoplastic drug.
Vegetative Growth of Tetrahymena
Authors: Sweet Melody T. , Allis C. David
Published: September 2006

INTRODUCTION

This protocol describes initiating and maintaining cultures for vegetative growth of Tetrahymena.
Induction of Conjugation in Tetrahymena
Authors: Sweet Melody T. , Allis C. David
Published: September 2006

INTRODUCTION

The method to induce Tetrahymena conjugation described below is modified from that of Martindale et al. (1982). Mature Tetrahymena cells of opposite mating types are starved under appropriate salt conditions. The mating types are then combined to costimulate through cell-cell interaction. Loose pairs and then firm, irreversible pairs of cells of opposite mating types form. This method consistently results in a high percentage of pairing (usually greater than 80%) and good synchrony.