bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X-Ray Observation of Dislocations in Mn-Zn Ferrite
Authors: Kawado Seiji
Published: November 2005

Mn-Zn ferrite single crystals were examined by X-ray transmission topography. Burgers vectors of dislocations lie along <110>. The separation of coupled pairs of partials having a/4<110> Burgers vectors is too narrow to be resolved by X-ray topography and etching technique. Most of sub-grain boundaries lie on {110} plane and are composed of edge type of dislocations with Burgers vector normal to the plane. One-to-one correspondence exists between etch pits and dislocations which intersect with the surface in the range of 40°–90°.
The Effect of Bonding Materials on the Characteristics of Ultrasonic Delay Lines with Piezoelectric Transducers
Authors: Inamura Takahiro
Published: November 2005

In order to analyze the effect of bonding materials on the transmission characteristics of an ultrasonic delay line composed of piezoelectric transducers and glass delay medium, its transfer admittance and -3 dB bandwidth were calculated on the basis of an equivalent circuit and material constants. They were compared with observed values obtained from test specimens and fine agreement on the frequency of maximum transfer admittance and -3 dB bandwidth was confirmed.
Contact Properties of Metal-Silicon Schottky Barriers
Authors: Hirose Masataka , Altaf Naseem , Arizumi Tetsuya
Published: November 2005

Barrier heights of Schottky diodes prepared by vacuum depositions of metals onto chemically etched silicon surfaces were investigated by measuring the current-voltage and capacitance-voltage characteristics. The barrier height varied remarkably with the work function of metal and the sum of the barrier heights measured on n-type and p-type silicon was nearly equal to the energy gap of silicon. The results were well explained by applying the theory of Cowley and Sze, leading to the conclusion that the Fermi level is not always pinned at the semiconductor surface.
Galvanomagnetic Effects in Nitrate-Doped Graphite
Authors: Hishiyama Y. , Ono A. , Tsuzuku T.
Published: November 2005

Investigations of galvanomagnetic properties at liquid nitrogen temperature have been made of the 3600°C-annealed pyrolytic graphite doped with a small amount of nitrates ranging from 4×10-7 to 2×10-5 per C-atom. Through an analysis based on the so-called simple two-band model, the behavior of specimens containing nitrate ions less than 5×10-6 per C-atom has appropriately been decribed in connection with the Fermi-level depression into the lower π-band of the host graphite crystal. Further nitration beyond it, however, seems to cause a change in the band structure.
Electrical and Photovoltaic Properties of CdS-Si Junctions
Authors: Okimura Hiroshi , Kondo Ryuji
Published: November 2005

CdS-p·Si and CdS-n·Si junctions are prepared by vacuum evaporation of CdS on Si crystals, and their electrical and photovoltaic properties are studied. The junction prepared on hot Si substrate (substrate temperature; 150°–250°C) has properties of hetero-junction, while the one on cold substrate (50°–80°C) shows properties resembling those of Schottky barrier. CdS-p·Si junctions are generally superior to CdS–n·Si junctions in rectifying properties. CdS–p·Si cell on cold substrate shows excellent photovoltaic effect which is comparable to that of Si solar cell. The maximum solar conversion efficiency of CdS-p·Si cells is about 5.5%. Here, the CdS layer is supposed to act as a semi-transparent electrode.
A Theoretical Study of the Flow of Blood in a Capillary with Permeable Wall
Authors: Oka Syoten , Murata Tadayoshi
Published: November 2005

A hydrodynamical theory of the steady slow motion of blood through a capillary with a permeable wall is presented. It is assumed that the exchange of fluid across the capillary wall obeys Starling's hypothesis, that is, the rate of flow per unit area of the wall surface is proportional to the difference between the pressure of the fluid within and outside of the capillary. It is further assumed that the rate of flow across the capillary wall is very small. Blood is regarded as a homogeneous Newtonian fluid. The expressions for the velocity and pressure distributions within the tube and the volume of the fluid flowing per unit time across a cross section of the tube are obtained. In order to see the motion of the fluid particles, the streamlines are also obtained. Discussions are made from physiological point of view.
Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering Investigation of Ludox HS
Authors: Tamagusuku Susumu , Shuin Takashi
Published: November 2005

A study has been made of the X-ray scattering at small angles from DuPont Ludox type HS, a colloidal dispersion of silica spheres in water. The data furnish the radius of a spherical silica particle and the interparticle potential. The radius of 115 A for Ludox HS is obtained. The interparticle potential of Ludox HS is similar to that of hard spheres having radii of 150 A.
Distribution and Character of Misfit Dislocations in Homoepitaxial Silicon Crystals
Authors: Tamura Masao , Sugita Yoshimitsu
Published: November 2005

Misfit dislocations generated by the lattice mismatch between the epitaxially grown film and the (111) silicon substrate have been studied mainly through transmission electron microscopy to reveal their distribution, character and interaction. The dislocations were found only in the thin layer of a few microns near the interface. Their maximum density was located at depth near the maximum concentration gradient in the boron distribution caused by interdiffusion from the substrate to the film. The dislocations extended from one edge of the crystal to the other in the samples with the film thickness close to the critical value required to generate misfit dislocations. With increasing film thickness they reacted each other to form networks, curved and inclined ones. The structure of dislocation networks resulting from the interaction between intersecting dislocations was examined.
Effect of Heat Treatment on Gallium Arsenide Crystals III. Electrical Properties of Thermally Converted p-Type Crystals
Authors: Ikoma Hideaki , Toyama Masaharu
Published: November 2005

Electrical properties were measured from 77° to 400°K forp-GaAs crystals obtained by heat treatment of melt-grown undopedn-GaAs crystals in arsenic vapor. Temperature dependence of hole concentration was best explained with a double acceptor level scheme, in which the first and the second ionization energies are about 0.13 eV and 0.25 eV, respectively. This double acceptor is a newly revealed one probably related to some native defects, and differs from the acceptors present before heat treatment, which seem to be more shallow single acceptors. Analysis of Hall mobility showed that the most dominant scattering mechanism for holes is the polar optical scattering, next the non-polar scattering, and then the deformation potential scattering. The scatterings by ionized impurities and space charge regions are not important inp-GaAs.
Untersuchung der Ionisation in Gasen im Nachglimmen beim Durchschlag durch Laserstrahlen
Authors: Tsuboi Takao , Terao Kunio
Published: November 2005

Using the double probe method with a high frequency multistep pulse voltage, ionized gas was found to be formed in the after-glow generated by a giant pulse laser. The experimental results suggest that the gas becomes an isothermal plasma a few micro-seconds after breakdown. The atomic number of the gas seems to play an important role by the ionization by coherent light from the laser, and the higher the atomic number the more the gas can be ionized easily.
Single Crystal Growth of Paratellurite TeO2
Authors: Miyazawa Shintaro , Iwasaki Hiroshi
Published: November 2005

Relations between the growth conditions and macroscopic defects have been investigated for paratellurite (TeO2) crystals. Formation of gas bubbles, which are often found in the crystals, is due to the effect of the melt-flow and can be prevented by the slow pulling rate (about 1.5 mm/hr) combined with proper rate of the seed rotation. Subgrain structure (lineage) can be eliminated by selecting the [110] axis as the pulling direction.
Electrical Properties of Metal-GaAs Schottky Barrier Contacts
Authors: Ohura Jun-ichi , Takeishi Yoshiyuki
Published: November 2005

Experimental studies are reported concerning surface states and current transport properties of the Schottky barrier diodes prepared by evaporation of various metals under high vacuum on chemically etched n-type GaAs (111) surfaces. Surface state density, determined from a relation of the barrier height and vacuum work function of metals, amounts to 7×1013 cm-2 eV-1 and the effective thickness of interfacial layer is estimated to be 3∼8 Å from an analysis of various diode characteristics. Density distribution of the surface states in the lower half of the band gap is derived. Dependences of current-voltage characteristics on donor concentration in the range 2×1015 to 5×1017 cm-3 and on temperature, 4.2 to 400°K, are accounted for in terms of thermionic-field emission and field emission theories. Effects of deep-lying donors on reverse characteristics and others are discussed. Changes in barrier properties by heat treatment at temperatures up to 400°C are presented.
Correction Devisors for the Four-Point Probe Resistivity Measurement on Cylindrical Semiconductors
Authors: Murashima Sadayuki , Kanamori Hitoshi , Ishibashi Fumio
Published: November 2005

Using the Neumann function, this paper gives the expressions of the correction devisors for the equally spaced and linearly arrayed four-point probes on the same generating line of a circular cylinder of infinite length. Also for the cylinder of semi-infinite and finite length, the effects of the non-conducting and conducting edges are considered. The correction devisors are given as the function of the ratio of the radius of the cylinder to the probe spacing with the parameter of the edge effect. Several special cases obtained using our idea coincide with other results already calculated by the method of images hitherto used.
Structual Changes of Arsenic Silicate Glasses with Heat Treatments
Authors: Arai Eisuke , Terunuma Yukio
Published: November 2005

Silicate glass containing arsenic as a diffusant into silicon was studied. The glass was deposited on a heated silicon substrate in the atmosphere of mixture of tetra-ethyl ortho-silicate vapor, arsenic trichloride vapor and oxygen gas between 500–700°C.
The structure of the glass and its changes with heat treatments in the atmosphere of oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen gas and in vacuum were studied by infra-red spectroscopy, electron diffraction analysis and so on.
Density, mole percentage of As2O3 and refractive index were also measured.
By the heat treatment in hydrogen gas, As2O3 in glass is easily reduced to As and after its treatment, As is oxidized again to As2O3 by the heat treatment in oxygen gas.
During a long time heat treatment in oxygen gas, the surface of the glass is crystallized. The damage of the glass by the heat treatment in oxygen gas may be explained by the low softening point and large thermal expansion coefficient of this glass.
Dielectric Properties of Y2O3 Thin Films Prepared by Vacuum Evaporation
Authors: Tsutsumi Tadashi
Published: November 2005

The dielectric films formed by evaporating Y2O3 in vacuum have been identified with sesquioxide by infrared transmission, electron and X-ray diffraction studies. Thin film capacitors using this dielectric material exhibit excellent electric stability in high termperature and can be reproduced easily in a closed-cycle process with electron beam equipment. The dielectric constant is 13 and dissipation factor, tan
δ, is 0.003 at room temperature with a breakdown field strength of 3×106 V/cm. The temperature coefficient of Y2O3 film capacitor is about 300 ppm/°C.
Structure Analysis of Thermal Oxide Films of Silicon by Electron Diffraction and Infrared Absorption
Authors: Nagasima Naoyuki
Published: November 2005

Electron diffraction data have been used to obtain the radial distribution functions of thermal oxide films of silicon. Influence of multiple scattering of electrons on the intensity was taken into consideration, and a method of correcting for this effect was proposed. The Si–O, O–O, and Si–Si distances were determined to be 1.62, 2.60, and 3.1 Å, respectively. The angle of Si–O–Si bond was estimated to be 147±10°. The shape of an infrared absorption spectrum of the oxide film in a wave number range between 400 and 1,300 cm-1 was similar to that of fused silica. The atomic arrangement in the film is a three-dimensional random network consisting of SiO4 tetrahedra. Such an atomic arrangement is compared with that of fused silica.
Focusing Anisotropy of Kikuchi Lines Obtained by Selected Area Diffraction of Electron Microscopy
Authors: Sahashi Toshio
Published: November 2005

In the course of the observation of diffraction patterns by the method of selected area diffraction, it was often found that Kikuchi lines crossing to each other did not appear sharply at the same time. When the incident and Bragg spots were focused sharply, some Kikuchi lines were diffuse or disappeared. The latter Kikuchi lines became sharp when the intermediate lens current was changed a certain amount. Under this condition, the incident spot was defocused showing the shape of the selector aperture and the formerly appearing Kikuchi lines disappeared. This phenomenon is inferpreted as due to the curving of the specimen crystal and it is shown that the radius of curvature can be estimated from experimental data.
Phenomenological Theory on Liquid Phase Epitaxy
Authors: Mitsuhata Teruhisa
Published: November 2005

Epitaxial growth of semiconductor crystal from metal-semiconductor solution, particularly the growth of GaAs from Sn-GaAs solution, was analysed on the basis of some simplified assumptions. Formulae were derived for the depth of initial etch back and for the thickness of the grown layer. It was assumed that the dissolution rate of the substrate was determined by the degree of unsaturation of the solution, and that the epitaxial growth took place in solution equilibrium. Comparisons were made between theoretical and experimental values. Fairly good agreement was found for both the depth of the initial etch back and the thickness of the grown layer.
Fluorescence Properties of Anthracene-Polyvinyltoluene System. Effects of the Copolymerization of Anthracene
Authors: Ikezaki Kazuo
Published: November 2005

Fluorescence properties of anthracene-polyvinyltoluene system in which the incorporation of anthracene molecule in polymer chain is possible by copolymerization have been studied under various conditions. It was found that the fluorescence spectra of this system changed remarkably depending on the anthracene concentration, excitation wavelength and temperature. Most of these spectral changes may be attributed to the effect of the copolymerization of anthracene in polymer chain and not to a trivial reabsorption effect. Influence of this effect on the nonradiative energy transfer has also been examined by spectral shape analysis. It seems to decrease transfer efficiency slightly rather than to improve it in this system.
Recombination Kinetics in GaP Red-Emitting Diodes Determined by Photocurrent and Decay Characteristics
Authors: Kasami Akinobu
Published: November 2005

The photocurrent characteristic of GaP red light-emitting diodes excited in the band centered at 5900 Å below the band edge at room temperature was studied in a temperature range of 170–500°K. The characteristic band is explained in accordance with the thermal release of electrons from optically excited excitons bound to the Zn–O nearest neighbor pairs to the conduction band. The Zn–O pair concentration in the light-emitting region is determined accurately by analysing the results, The time-decay characteristics of the red electroluminescence were also measured to obtain the transition rates of electrons trapped at the Zn–O centers. At room temperature, the thermal release rate of electrons W
II is 1.8±0.2×106 sec-1 and the electron capture cross section of the Zn–O center is deduced to be 5.9±1.5×10-16 cm2 by using the observed binding energy of the center 300±10 meV. The radiative recombination rate W
I and the non-radiative recombination rate W
III are estimated to be 1.6×106 and 2.4–3.4×106 sec-1, respectively. W
III seems to be determined by Auger process and depends largely on the free hole concentration in the active p region.
Chlorinated solvents in the Birmingham aquifer, UK: 1986–2001
Authors: Rivett M.O. , Shepherd K.A. , Keeys L.L. , Brennan A.E.
Published: November 2005

The value of using an abstraction well-based monitoring approach to diagnose an aquifer's chlorinated solvent condition is successfully demonstrated for the urbanized Birmingham aquifer, UK. Data from surveys conducted a decade apart (1986–89 and 1998–2001) were compared. Trichloroethylene (TCE) was the principal solvent detected at 78% of abstraction sites in 1987. This reduced to 56% of sites by 1998. The decline in percent occurrence is attributed to closure of abstractions associated with former solvent-user industries rather than signifying an improvement in aquifer quality. Indeed, comparison of abstractions common to both surveys indicated greater contamination in the more recent survey that was attributed to the persistency of historical dense nonaqueous-phase liquid (DNAPL) source zones. Persistence of perchloroethylene (PCE) relative to TCE was observed and ascribed to its lower solubility and greater sorption. Biodegradation was evident, but insufficient to prevent parent solvents from being detected at half of the non-solvent user sites sampled in 1998. Nevertheless solvent-free water can still be abstracted. This may, however, become increasingly difficult as industrial recession has caused closure of many solvent-user industry abstractions previously thought to have been undertaking inadvertent pump-and-treat of plumes. Such plumes are now able to more freely migrate throughout the aquifer. The observed persistency of solvent contamination spanning a decade suggests that the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) requirement to obtain good chemical status is unlikely to be achieved within the required timescales for solvent-contaminated urban aquifers.
Predicting the frost resistance of building stone
Authors: Ingham J.P.
Published: November 2005

Frost attack is a major cause of building stone decay whose mechanisms are not yet entirely understood. Direct accelerated frost tests were developed locally to match regional environmental conditions and there have been considerable difficulties correlating between the results of different national standards. The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) introduced a direct test in 2001, however little guidance for the interpretation of the test has been made available to date.

In this investigation, a trial was conducted to compare a direct accelerated frost test to indirect methods of stone durability assessment, for building stones of known historical performance. The frost test proved to be unsuitable for the assessment of porous limestone, with durable stones failing the test while less durable stones passed the test and modes of deterioration observed bore little relation to those seen on stone buildings. It was concluded that direct accelerated frost tests were unlikely to adequately reflect natural processes to accurately predict durability.

Certain indirect methods of stone durability assessment that investigated the pore properties of the stone were found to be a more reliable predictor of frost resistance. Petrographic examination was found to be of value in the determination of intrinsic rock properties and for observation of changes caused by frost action.
The Comparative Study of Criminal Punishment
Authors: Whitman James Q.
Published: November 2005

▪ Abstract  This article reviews some of the literature on comparative criminal punishment and suggests possible directions for future research. It focuses on four topics. First is the sociology of modernity found in such authors as Foucault, Durkheim, Garland, Feeley and Simon, and others. While studies of modernity tend to downplay differences in modern societies, the work of these sociologists offer many starting points for valuable research. Second, the article discusses possible approaches to explaining differing degrees of harshness in criminal punishment. Third, the article surveys some of the approaches to the problem of explaining differing rates of violence in different cultures. Fourth, it explores some issues in the intersection between comparative criminal law and the comparative sociology of punishment. The article is intended to be suggestive rather than exhaustive.
Synergistic effect of angiotensin II and nitric oxide synthase inhibitor in increasing aortic stiffness in mice
Authors: Fitch Richard M. , Rutledge John C. , Wang Yi-Xin , Powers Andrew F. , Tseng Jih-Lie , Clary Taegan , Rubanyi Gabor M.
Published: November 2005

Although they are implicated on their own as risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the potential link between nitric oxide (NO) deficiency, ANG II, and vascular stiffening has not been tested before. We evaluated the role of chronic ANG II treatment and NO deficiency, alone and in combination, on aortic stiffness in mice and tested parameters contributing to increases in active or passive components of vascular stiffness, including blood pressure, vascular smooth muscle contractility, and extracellular matrix components. Untreated (control) mice and mice treated with a NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor [ Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), 0.5 g/l] were implanted with osmotic minipumps delivering ANG II (500 ng·kg−1·min−1) for 28 days. Aortic stiffness was then measured in vivo by pulse wave velocity (PWV) and ex vivo by load-strain analysis to obtain values of maximal passive stiffness (MPS). Blood pressure and aortic contractility ex vivo were measured. ANG II treatment or NOS inhibition with l-NAME did not independently increase vascular stiffness; however, the combined treatments worked synergistically to increase PWV and MPS. The combined treatments of ANG II + l-NAME also significantly increased aortic wall collagen content while decreasing elastin. These novel results suggest that NO deficiency and ANG II act synergistically to increase aortic stiffness in mice predominantly via changes in aortic wall collagen/elastin ratio.
Excretion of fetal biliverdin by the rat placenta-maternal liver tandem
Authors: Briz Oscar , Macias Rocio I. R. , Perez Maria J. , Serrano Maria A. , Marin Jose J. G.
Published: November 2005

Fetal liver immaturity is accompanied by active heme catabolism. Thus fetal biliary pigments must be excreted toward the mother by the placenta. To investigate biliverdin handling by the placenta-maternal liver tandem, biliverdin-IXα was administered to 21-day pregnant rats through the jugular vein or the umbilical artery of an in situ perfused placenta. Jugular administration resulted in the secretion into maternal bile of both bilirubin and biliverdin (3:1). However, when biliverdin was administered to the placenta, most of it was transformed into bilirubin before being transferred to the maternal blood. Injecting Xenopus laevis oocytes with mRNA from rat liver or placenta enhanced their ability to take up biliverdin, which was inhibited by estradiol 17β-d-glucuronide. The expression of three OATP isoforms in this system revealed that they have a varying degrees of ability to transport biliverdin (Oatp1/1a1 > Oatp2/1a4 > Oatp4/1b2). The abundance of their mRNA in rat trophoblast was Oatp1/1a1 >> Oatp4/1b2 > Oatp2/1a4. The expression of biliverdin-IXα reductase in rat placenta was detected by RT-PCR/sequencing and Western blot analysis. The relative abundance of biliverdin-IXα reductase mRNA (determined by real-time quantitative RT-PCR) was fetal liver > placenta > maternal liver. Common bile duct ligation in the last week of pregnancy induced an upregulation of biliverdin-IXα reductase in maternal liver but had no effect on fetal liver and placenta. In conclusion, several members of the OATP family may contribute to the uptake of fetal biliverdin by the rat placenta. Before being transferred to the mother, biliverdin is extensively converted into bilirubin by biliverdin-IXα reductase, whose expression is maintained even though bilirubin excretion into maternal bile is impaired.
Differential effect of imipenem treatment on wild-type and NK cell-deficient CD8 knockout mice during acute intra-abdominal injury
Authors: Enoh Victor T. , Fairchild Chad D. , Lin Cheng Y. , Varma Tushar K. , Sherwood Edward R.
Published: November 2005

CD8 knockout mice depleted of natural killer (NK) cells by treatment with anti-asialoGM1 (CD8KO/αAsGM1 mice) are resistant to injury caused by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). However, CLP-induced injury is complex. Potential sources of injury include bacterial dissemination, cecal ischemia, and translocation of bacterial toxins. We treated wild-type and CD8KO/αAsGM1 mice with imipenem after CLP to decrease bacterial dissemination. Additional mice were subjected to cecal ligation without puncture of the cecal wall or cecal ligation and removal of cecal contents. Imipenem treatment decreased bacterial counts by at least two orders of magnitude. However, all wild-type mice, whether treated with saline or imipenem, died by 42 h after CLP and exhibited significant hypothermia, metabolic acidosis, and high plasma cytokine concentrations. Wild-type mice subjected to cecal ligation without puncture also died, despite very low bacterial counts in blood, but wild-type mice subjected to cecal ligation and washout of cecal contents survived. In CD8KO/αAsGM1 mice subjected to CLP, imipenem treatment increased survival from 50% to 100%. After cecal ligation without puncture, long-term survival was 80–90% in CD8KO/αAsGM1 mice. Hypothermia, metabolic acidosis, and cytokine production were attenuated in CD8KO/αAsGM1 mice compared with wild-type controls. These results indicate that bacterial dissemination is not a major source of injury in wild-type mice after CLP, but the presence of gut flora in the cecal lumen is required for induction of systemic inflammation after cecal injury. CD8KO/αAsGM1 mice are resistant to the systemic manifestations of cecal injury.
Predisposition for venoconstriction in the equine laminar dermis: implications in equine laminitis
Authors: Peroni John F. , Moore James N. , Noschka Erik , Grafton Megan E. , Aceves-Avila Maria , Lewis Stephen J. , Robertson Tom P.
Published: November 2005

Equine laminitis is a crippling condition associated with a variety of systemic diseases. Although it is apparent that the prodromal stages of laminitis involve microvascular dysfunction, little is known regarding the physiology of this vasculature. The aim of the present study was to determine the relative responses of equine laminar arteries and veins to the vasoconstrictor agonists phenylephrine (1 nM–10 μM), 5-HT (1 nM–10 μM), PGF2α(1 nM–100 μM), and endothelin-1 (1 pM–1 μM). We have determined that laminar veins were more sensitive, with respect to the concentration of agonist required to initiate a contractile response and to achieve EC50, for all agonists tested. EC50values, for veins and arteries, respectively, were 84 ± 7 vs. 688 ± 42 nM for phenylephrine, 35 ± 6 vs. 224 ± 13 nM for 5-HT, 496 ± 43 nM vs. 3.0 ± 0.6 μM for PGF2α, and 467 ± 38 pM vs. 70.6 ± 6.4 nM for endothelin-1. Moreover, when expressed as a percentage of the response to a depolarizing stimulus (80 mM potassium), the maximal contractile response of laminar veins exceeded that for the laminar arteries for each agonist. These results indicate that there may be a predisposition for venoconstriction within the vasculature of the equine digit. While this physiological predisposition for venoconstriction may be important in the regulation of blood flow during exercise, it also may help to explain why laminitis can result from a variety of pathological systemic conditions.
Physical stresses at the air-wall interface of the human nasal cavity during breathing
Authors: Elad David , Naftali Sara , Rosenfeld Moshe , Wolf Michael
Published: November 2005

The nose is the front line defender of the respiratory system and is rich with mechanoreceptors, thermoreceptors, and nerve endings. A time-dependent computational model of transport through nasal models of a healthy human has been used to analyze the fields of physical stresses that may develop at the air-wall interface of the nasal mucosa. Simulations during quiet breathing revealed wall shear stresses as high as 0.3 Pa in the noselike model and 1.5 Pa in the anatomical model. These values are of the same order of those known to exist in uniform large arteries. The distribution of temperature near the nasal wall at peak inspiration is similar to that of wall shear stresses. The lowest temperatures occur in the vicinity of high stresses due to the narrow passageway in these locations. Time and spatial gradients of these stresses may have functional effects on nasal sensation of airflow and may play a role in the well-being of nasal breathing.
C21orf5, a human candidate gene for brain abnormalities and mental retardation in Down syndrome
Authors: Rachidi M. , Lopes C. , Delezoide A.-L. , Delabar J.M.
Published: November 2005

Mental retardation represents the more invalidating pathological aspect of trisomy 21 and has a hard impact on public health. The dosage imbalance of chromosome 21 genes could be the cause of neurological alterations and mental retardation seen in Down syndrome. We studied C21orf5 that we have demonstrated to be overexpressed in Down syndrome tissues, as a candidate gene for trisomy 21. A new optical technology (Rachidi et al., 2000) was used to compare signal intensity and cell density in presumptive embryonic brain compartments, at their boundaries and in higher specialized brain centres during fetal lifespan. We showed a developmentally regulated transcriptional activity of C21orf5 and a regional and cellular specific distribution of gene transcripts during human embryonic and fetal development. A wide but differential expression was detected in the nervous system during embryogenesis with a relatively lower level in the forebrain than in the midbrain and hindbrain and the highest transcription intensity in the future cerebellum. This developmentally regulated expression is maintained during post-embryogenesis and evolves selectively in fetal cerebral, hippocampal and cerebellar areas. Differential and cellular specificity were detected in hippocampus with higher C21orf5 mRNA level in the pyramidal cells compared to granular cells of the dentate gyrus. The expression pattern detected in cortical and cerebellar structures correlates well to the altered cortical lamination and to the lower size of the cerebellum observed in Down syndrome patients. In addition, the patterned differential expression detected in the medial temporal-lobe system, including hippocampal formation and perirhinal cortex, working as control centres of the memory circuits and involved in cognitive processes and memory storage, also corresponds to abnormal brain regions seen in Down syndrome patients. The C21orf5 selective expression in the key brain structures for learning and memory suggests that C21orf5 overexpression could participate in mental retardation pathogenesis in Down syndrome patients.
Truncation and fusion of HMGA2 in lipomas with rearrangements of 5q32→q33 and 12q14→q15
Authors: Nilsson M. , Mertens F. , Höglund M. , Mandahl N. , Panagopoulos I.
Published: November 2005

Chromosome segment 12q13→q15 recombines with many different chromosome bands in lipomas and at least ten recurrent translocations have been identified. The HMGA2 gene is often rearranged, but little is known about the molecular consequences at other breakpoints. Fusion genes between HMGA2 (12q14→q15) and LPP (3q27→q28), LHFP (13q12) and CMKOR1 (2q37) have been reported. In the present study, eight lipomas with rearrangements involving chromosome bands 12q14→q15 and 5q32→q33 were analyzed. In chromosome 5, five of the cases had a breakpoint in the 5′ part of EBF in 5q33, while three cases had breakpoints located about 200 kb 3′ of EBF. In chromosome 12, the breakpoints clustered to the region of HMGA2. Four cases had breaks within the gene and four had breaks 5′ to HMGA2 where the gene BC058822 is located. Two versions of an HMGA2/EBF fusion transcript were detected in one case; one transcript was in frame and the other out of frame. Identical EBF/BC058822 fusion transcripts, seen in two cases, one of which also had the HMGA2/EBF transcript, were out of frame and resulted in truncation of EBF. Since EBF and HMGA2 have different orientations, the findings must be explained by complex aberrations including multiple breaks. The combined data indicate that the pathogenetically significant event is fusion, truncation or transcriptional activation of HMGA2, but it can not be excluded that EBF, which has been implicated in adipogenesis, contributes to the tumor development.
Genomic structure and an alternative transcript of bovine mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase gene (GPAM)
Authors: Roy R. , Ordovas L. , Taourit S. , Zaragoza P. , Eggen A. , Rodellar C.
Published: November 2005

GPAM maps in BTA26q22, where several QTLs affecting milk production, milk fat and protein content have been mapped. On the basis of the QTL location, the GPAM gene could be considered a good candidate gene for the mentioned traits. Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase mitochondrial (GPAM) is the enzyme that catalyses the initial and committed step of glycerolipid synthesis and, therefore, it is a potential site for triacylglycerol synthesis regulation. In this study, the structure of the cDNA and the genomic DNA of the bovine GPAM gene were determined and the expression of its mRNA was studied. The cDNA of the gene was cloned by RT-PCR, 5′ and 3′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The GPAM mRNA sequence contains a 2,475-bp coding region and a 3,689-bp 3′ UTR. Its ORF encoded for an 825-amino acid protein and has an 89% homology with the coding regions of previously characterized mouse and human GPAM genes. The predicted amino acid sequence had an 89 and 93% similarity with mouse and human GPAM proteins, respectively. Using a 5′ RACE strategy, two different 5′ UTRs were cloned. Northern blot analysis confirmed the presence of two different transcripts. Adipose tissues and lung had the highest levels of GPAM mRNA expression, whereas it was barely detectable in liver. This expression pattern differs with those of non-ruminant animals where liver is one of the tissues with higher GPAM mRNA expression level.
Comparative mapping of bovine chromosome 27 with human chromosome 8 near a dairy form QTL in cattle
Authors: Connor E.E. , Ashwell M.S. , Schnabel R. , Williams J.L.
Published: November 2005

In the absence of a complete and annotated bovine genome sequence, detailed human-bovine comparative maps are one of the most effective tools for identification of positional candidate genes contributing to quantitative trait loci (QTL) in cattle. In the present study, eight genes from human chromosome 8 were selected for mapping in cattle to improve breakpoint resolution and confirm gene order on the comparative map near the 40 cM region of the BTA27 linkage map where a QTL affecting dairy form had previously been identified. The resulting map identified ADRB3 as a positional candidate gene for the QTL contributing to the dairy form trait based on its estimated position between 40 and 45 cM on the linkage map. It is also a functional candidate gene due to its role in fat metabolism, and polymorphisms in the ADRB3 gene associated with obesity and metabolic disease in humans, as well as, carcass fat in sheep. Further studies are underway to investigate the existence of polymorphisms in the bovine ADRB3 gene and their association with traits related to fat deposition in cattle.
Comparative FISH mapping of mucin 1, transmembrane (MUC1) among cattle, river buffalo, sheep and goat chromosomes: comparison between bovine chromosome 3 and human chromosome 1
Authors: Perucatti A. , Floriot S. , Di Meo G.P. , Soglia D. , Rullo R. , Maione S. , Incarnato D. , Eggen A. , Sacchi P. , Rasero R. , Iannuzzi L.
Published: November 2005

Four bovine BAC clones (0494F01, 0069D07, 0060B06, and 0306A12) containing MUC1, as confirmed by mapping MUC1 on a RH3000 radiation hybrid panel, were hybridised on R-banded chromosomes of cattle (BTA), river buffalo (BBU), sheep (OAR) and goat (CHI). MUC1 was FISH-mapped on BTA3q13, BBU6q13, OAR1p13 and CHI3q13 and both chromosomes and chromosome bands were homoeologous confirming the high degree of chromosome homoeologies among bovids and adding more information on the pericentromeric regions of these species’ chromosomes. Indeed, MUC1 was more precisely assigned to BTA3 and assigned for the first time to BBU6, OAR1p and CHI3. Moreover, detailed and improved cytogenetic maps of BTA3, CHI3, OAR1p and BBU6 are shown and compared with HSA1.
cDNA cloning, genomic structure, chromosomal mapping and expression analysis of ADIPOQ (adiponectin) in chicken
Authors: Yuan J. , Liu W. , Liu Z.L. , Li N.
Published: November 2005

We report sequence, tissue expression and map position data for the adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) in chicken. This gene is involved in adipocyte differentiation in mammals and may play similar roles in chicken. The complete coding sequence of chicken ADIPOQ encodes a 244 amino acid protein. The coding region of the chicken ADIPOQ is organized in two exons and spans an approximately 2.1 kb genomic region. Domain/motif structures of the adiponectin protein among chicken and mammalian homologs are highly conserved. Reverse transcription-PCR revealed chicken ADIPOQ mRNA displayed high expression levels in fat tissue, heart, stomach and skin and weak expression in muscle. Analysis of a radiation hybrid panel indicated that ADIPOQ showed the most significant linkage to FOXL2 (LOD = 12.63, 12 cR) and ATSV (LOD = 7.53, 3 cR) both of which are located on chicken chromosome 9. Information provided in this study will be useful in further studies to determine the role the adiponectin gene plays in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism and body weight in chicken.
Value of Endocervical Ureaplasma Species Colonization as a Marker of Preterm Delivery
Authors: González Bosquet Eduardo , Gené Amadeu , Ferrer Imma , Borrás Miquel , Lailla Josep M.
Published: November 2005

Aims: To study the predictive value for preterm delivery of colonization of the cervix and vagina by ureaplasmas and other potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Methods: Prospective analysis of a study group of 200 pregnant women with preterm labor and intact membranes, and a control group of 50 pregnant women. The subjects in both groups were between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation. Ureaplasma spp. and Mycoplasma hominis endocervical cultures were performed for both groups. Results: In the study group, 70 of the women delivered preterm, and all women in the control group carried their pregnancies to full term. Cervical cultures for Ureaplasma spp. were positive in 119 women, and were isolated more frequently in the study group (51.5%) than in the control group (32%), and more frequently in subjects in the study group who delivered preterm (65%) than in those who had a full-term delivery (45%), differences that were statistically significant. Conclusion: Detection of Ureaplasma spp. in the endocervix has a statistically significant relationship to preterm labor (p = 0.03) and preterm delivery (p = 0.02) in pregnant women with preterm labor and intact membranes.
Tissue Electric Properties in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Authors: de Luis D.A. , Aller R. , Izaola O. , Terroba M.C. , Cabezas G. , Cuellar L.
Published: November 2005

Background: The phase angle of the impedance vector was lower because of a decreased Xc component in hemodialysis patients with poorer prognosis, patients with hemodynamic instability, and in critically ill patients. The phase angle is easy to obtain. The aim of our study was to investigate in a case-control study the utility of phase angle and other impedance parameters in a population of male patients with head and neck cancer. Material and Methods: A case-control study was designed. A population of 67 ambulatory post-surgical male patients was enrolled with the following inclusion criteria: oral and/or laryngeal cancer confirmed by biopsy, without a recent loss weight (<5% during previous 3 months) and signed informed consent. As reference group, we selected 70 male subjects from the same geographic region and matched by age, which were selected from a database of healthy people of our hospital. Basal blood sampling was performed for determinations of blood chemistry. Weight, height, body mass index and tetrapolar body electrical bioimpedance were performed in both groups. Results: A total of 67 head and neck cancer male patients were enrolled, mean age was 58.49 ± 14.54 years, weight 73.32 ± 11.4 kg and BMI 28.53 ± 3.5. A total of 70 controls subjects were studied, mean age was 62.33 ± 12.4 years. Weight 64.31 ± 8.38 kg and BMI 24.33 ± 3.2 were significantly lower than in cancer patients (p < 0.05). Renal function and blood sodium levels were similar in both groups. Anthropometric evaluation in cancer patients showed a mean fat mass lower than control patients (13.9 ± 6.1 vs. 12.1 ± 6.1 kg; p < 0.05). In control patients, fat-free mass was higher than in cancer patients (58.7 ± 8.2 vs. 51.23 ± 8.4 kg; p < 0.05). In cancer patients, reactance (62.3 ± 17.2 vs. 56.6 ± 15.1 ohm; p < 0.05) and phase angle (8.02 ± 1.3 vs. 6.9 ± 1.5°; p < 0.05) were lower than in control patients. Conclusion: Impedance in male head and neck cancer patients were characterized by a reduced reactance and phase angle. These early altered tissue electric properties appeared with a normal weight and body mass index.
Psychological and Physiological Effects of 24-Style Taijiquan
Authors: Liu Yunfa , Mimura Kanichi , Wang Lixin , Ikuta Komei
Published: November 2005

This study was conducted to determine whether 24-style Taijiquan (24TJQ) exhibits measurable psychological and physiologicaleffects. Twenty-two middle-aged female subjects performed 24TJQ and cycle ergometry exercises at the same intensity determined by the same heart rate during 2 exercises. Electroencephalography and Profile of Mood State (POMS) were monitored before and after 2 exercises. The responses to 24TJQ exercise were different from those to cycle ergometry exercise when the heart rate returned to the resting level: (1) α increased and Θ decreased significantly in the frontal region, while Θ decreased significantly in the central and occipital regions; (2) in the POMS test, an improved positive mood was found following 2 exercises, while negative mood was suppressed following 24TJQ exercise; (3) significant correlations were found between the increased α in the frontal region, the decreased Θ in the central or occipital region and the vigor of the POMS test. These results suggest that 24TJQ exercise induced a resting awakening state and exhibited a relaxing effect on both mind and body.
Phosphatidylinositide 3-Kinase Is Important in Late-Stage Fibroblast Growth Factor-1-Mediated Angiogenesis in vivo
Authors: Weylie Brian , Zhu James , Singh Ugra , Ambrus Sandy , Forough Reza
Published: November 2005

We previously reported that overexpression of a secreted version of fibroblast growth factor-1 (sp-FGF-1) has the ability to induce angiogenesis in the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). In our current study, we examine the effects of sp-FGF-1 through a time course analysis of angiogenesis in the chicken CAM on days 3, 4, and 5 after gene transfection. Significant angiogenesis was observed on days 4 and 5 after gene transfection in the CAM assay. To evaluate the role of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling in sp-FGF-1-induced angiogenesis, we analyzed mRNA expression levels of PI3K and protein activity through its immediate downstream target, AKT-1. We found upregulation of both PI3K and AKT mRNA expression levels in day 5 sp-FGF-1 versus day 5 vector control-transfected CAMs. Furthermore, by blocking PI3K phosphorylation using the specific inhibitor, LY294002, we found that downstream phosphorylation of AKT-1 was inhibited. More importantly, the blockade of the PI3K pathway via LY294002 in sp-FGF-1-transfected CAMs significantly inhibited angiogenesis. These results further elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the sp-FGF-1 signaling pathway and it underscores the importance of PI3K signaling in FGF-1-stimulated angiogenesis in vivo. It also provides a basis for the role of sp-FGF-1 in the development of therapeutic treatments to combat vascular insufficiencies and angiogenesis-dependent cancers.
Differential Effects of Short-Acting β2-Agonists on Human Granulocyte Functions
Authors: Yasui Kozo , Kobayashi Norimoto , Yamazaki Takashi , Agematsu Kazunaga , Matsuzaki Satoshi , Nakata Setsuko , Baba Atsushi
Published: November 2005

Background: β2-Adrenergic agonists play a pivotal role in the management of bronchial asthma. Although the major effect of short-acting β2-agonists on the airway is relaxation of smooth muscles, they may also have several effects on surrounding immunomodulatory cells. Methods: We examined whether widely used short-acting β2-agonists differ in their ability to modulate granulocyte functions, such as superoxide anion (O2–) production and degranulation. Results: Procaterol (PC), a full agonist, significantly inhibited both O2– production by granulocytes (neutrophils and eosinophils) and their degranulation at the clinically relevant concentrations, whereas salbutamol and tulobuterol (partial agonists) showed smaller effects. PC inhibited N-formyl methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-induced O2– production and peroxidase release, but failed to inhibit responses induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and/or opsonized zymosan. Exposure to 5 × 10–8M PC for 120 min resulted in approximately 50% inhibition of O2– production and degranulation of neutrophils. The effects of β2-agonists were more obvious in neutrophils than in eosinophils. A selective β2-receptor antagonist, ICI-118551, reversed the inhibitory effect of β2-agonists (PC, salbutamol, tulobuterol B) on N-formyl methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-induced O2– production. Conclusions: These results suggest that β2-agonists had an inhibitory effect on granulocyte functions, mainly mediated viareceptors and their efficacy. Our observations support that β2-agonists with a rapid onset of action and high intrinsic efficacy (short-acting and full agonists) may be optimal for the rescue therapy against acute asthma attack and sedation of its airway inflammation in an early phase.