bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Images of the public in the debates about risk: Consequences for participation
Authors: Pedroso de Lima Maria Luísa
Published: October 2005

This paper focuses on the difficulties of risk management, specially when the results from risk perception (the views of the risk by the general public) do not overlap the results of risk assessment (the results of technical expert analysis). Two strategies are identified to overcome
these differences: information and partnership, the former being clearly promoted by the EU values. However, the implementation of this strategy depends on a image of the public as a partner in these complex societal negotiations. Three images of the public are identified as particularly negative
to this debate: the image of a emotional public, the idea of a selfish public and the idea of a biased public. In different ways all of them convey the idea that the members of the general public should not be taken seriously, undermining the success of a participatory decision process.
Breaking with the authoritarian past in Portugal: continuities and discontinuities of international linkages and their impact on the political system
Authors: Magone José M.
Published: October 2005

This article

This article is derived from a paper that was presented to the CPHRC's Second International Conference, The Estado Novo: the final years', Paris, 27–28 September 2002. seeks to delineate the interactive relationship between the European Union and the establishment of a Portuguese democracy that was itself shaped by processes that had already begun during the 1960s. In the first section we will discuss the relationship between the authoritarian regime and the European Union. The second section discusses how the European Union shaped the outcome of the revolutionary process. The third section explains why it took so long for Portugal to become a member of the European Community. The fourth section discusses Portugal's integration into the European Union and how it gained the self-confidence with which to shape European policy-making.
Representative government and the investment development path: Macao's colonial legacy
Authors: Putten Frans-Paul van der
Published: October 2005

According to John H. Dunning's model of the investment development path, governments play a crucial role in the early phases of a country's participation in international investment flows. This article explores the relevance of Macao's colonial legacy for the territory's current position
in the investment development path. The main focus is on the system of government that existed before 1999 and that was characterized by a lack of representation of the long-term economic interests of Macao's inhabitants.
Moving into adulthood in a southern European country: transitions in Portugal
Authors: das Dores Guerreiro Maria , Abrantes Pedro
Published: October 2005

This article analyses how young people progress to adult life in Portuguese society. It is based on the main conclusions of sociological research into transitions to adulthood in Portugal, a society that is itself passing through far-reaching and rapid transition, both economically
and culturally. In this article, analysis of transitions to adulthood focuses on four central dimensions - education, work, family, and gender. After that, an attempt to create a typology of modes of transition to adult life is done on a final section. The typology is presented as a way of
analysing the complex forms through which those different dimensions are articulated and intertwined along the young people's pathway to adulthood.
The Architectures of Iannis Xenakis
Authors: Sikiaridi Elizabeth
Published: October 2005

Iannis Xenakis (1922–2001), composer, architect, engineer and media artist, designed together with Le Corbusier the Philips-pavilion for the 1958 Brussels World Fair. This pavilion is an early example of (“hybrid”) combined media and architectural space as it contained
a Poème Électronique, an electronic synthesis of visual projections (conceived by Le Corbusier ) and acoustic events (composed by Varèse). The pavilion's architecture with its hyperbolic-paraboloid shells had a dynamic expression. Xenakis continued this research
into complex material architectural forms. He also worked on the complex ephemeral architectures of light and sound events. What is specific to Xenakis is the way he used forms in different fields and transferred them from one field to another, from engineering to music, from music to architecture
and visual events. This experience of working simultaneously and applying the same (mental) structures in different fields opened him the way (partly supported by the universal computer instrument) for the practice of transferring mathematical-scientific structures into artistic production.
In this context Xenakis pleads for the development of a “General Morphology”, a research concerned with the understanding of form and its generation. Xenakis's ‘material’ architectural work is to be seen in continuity with his architectures of music and light.
From simulations to hybrid space: how nomadic technologies change the real
Authors: de Souza e Silva Adriana
Published: October 2005

This paper states that the concept of real is modified by the emergence of nomadic technology devices, which are responsible for creating a hybrid reality that merges physical and digital spaces. The concept of virtual space is analysed from the perspective of arts and science fiction.
The first section shows how the concept of virtual space as a mindspace has been developed. The idea of cyberspace as a place for the mind emphasizes the traditional Cartesian doubt, that is, does the mental image correspond to the real? In the second section, the paper argues that
the concept of virtual changes, since it can no longer be considered a disjoint from physical space; rather, it belongs to it. Finally, the movies The Thirteenth Floor (Rusnak 1999) and The Matrix (Wachowski and Wachowski 1999) are case studies that illustrate how the idea of
inhabiting a virtual space has changed from the traditional notion of virtual space as a place for the mind to a hybrid space that is part of our lives. As a result, it amplifies the notion of what the real can be.
Hot to bot: Pygmalion's lust, the Maharal's fear, and the cyborg future of art
Authors: Shanken Edward A.
Published: October 2005

This paper explores the deeply interwound histories of art and robots from their roots in the Greek myth of the sculptor-king Pygmalion to the work of contemporary artists, such as Norman White. By analyzing the myths of Pygmalion, the Golem, Frankenstein's monster, and other notable
automata of legend, a framework emerges for understanding how various cultures have expressed desires and fears about technology and the future and defined values with respect to human. This context offers insight into the role of artists in creating metaphors and working models of a posthuman,
cyborgian future.
The NEXUS vision: an alternative to the reference value concept
Authors: Goldschmidt Henk M. J.
Published: October 2005

In Lundberg's brain-to-brain turnaround time loop, the postanalytical phase is undoubtedly one of the most difficult phases. Of course, error prolongation can cause serious problems when quality is not sufficiently assessed and assured in the preanalytical and analytical phases. However, in the postanalytical phase following reporting, interpretation and action are at stake; and with this the wellbeing of the patient. Here exists a grey area of responsibility between the laboratory and physician. The laboratory should correctly report the measurement as data. But to place this in the correct context requires additional information on (specific) reference values, specificity, sensitivity and possible interpretation of the data. Here is where the ultimate interaction between the laboratory and the physician (representing the patient) occurs. What happens when errors occur in this phase? Do errors occurring in the previous phases effect this phase? What types of errors occur in the postanalytical phase? Postanalytical quality is the ultimate check on the coherence of the preanalytical, analytical and postanalytical quality; it is a check on the overall quality. It ties together the quality of the question to be answered, the analytical quality that is achieved and the usefulness of the answer obtained. In addition, it also checks quality in the context of the patient and physician interaction. Can errors be avoided and can a predictable quality level be assessed and be assured? A model, called NEXUS vision is described.
Stoichiometric valence versus structural valence: Conclusions drawn from a study of the influence of polyhedron distortion on bond valence sums
Authors: Liebau Friedrich , Wang Xiqu
Published: October 2005

From studies of the influence of polyhedron distortions on bond valence sums (BVS), it is concluded that larger deviations of the BVS values from corresponding values of their classical valence are due to the fact that so far no distinction has been made between the stoichiometric valence derived from chemical analysis and the structural valence derived from structure data.
The structure of multiple twinned CsMgInF6and its relationship to other pyrochlore derived fluorides
Authors: Friese Karen , Gesland Jean-Yves , Grzechnik Andrzej
Published: October 2005

The pyrochlore derived fluoride structures with general composition AM2+M3+F6crystallize in space groups which are in group-subgroup relationship toFd-3m, the space group of the archetype pyrochlore structure. All orthorhombic representatives investigated so far show an ordered M2+/M3+distribution over two symmetrically independent octahedral sites. CsMgInF6crystallizes in space groupPnmawith lattice parametersa= 7.5285(1),b= 7.5285(1) andc= 10.6459(1) Å. The investigated crystal was a second degree twin, where the independent twin elements are a combination of the three- and fourfold rotation axes of the archetype cubic lattice. The pseudosymmetry of the compound with respect to space groupImmais extremely high and a reliable decision about the correct symmetry was only possible when inspecting partial agreement factors for the weak reflectionsh+k+l= 2n+ 1 only. With respect to the other orthorhombic pyrochlore derived ter nary fluorides, the present compound differs in the fact that the M2+/M3+ions are completely disordered in CsMgInF6.
Structural phase transitions in two-dimensional systems: Pb/Ge(111) and Sn/Ge(111)
Authors: Cano Andrés , Levanyuk Arkadi P. , Michel Enrique G.
Published: October 2005

The adsorption systems Pb/Ge(111) and Sn/Ge(111) exhibit temperature induced structural phase transitions. We report here a phenomenological analysis of these phase transitions starting from Landau theory. On the basis of symmetry arguments, we show that essential differences are expected theoretically for the critical behav ior of the two interfaces. The influence of hopping defects in these systems is treated using a Landau-like approach. This approach gives us a consistent and general manner to interpret the existing experimental data for these interfaces.
Theoretical approach to reconstructive and morphotropic phase transitions
Authors: Tolédano Pierre
Published: October 2005

The basic concepts of the phenomenological approach to reconstructive transitions are illustrated by a working example, and their specific properties are outlined. A theoretical approach to morphotropic transformations, which are transitions between phases with different stoichiometries, is introduced through the description of the vanadium-oxide system.
Revised prediction of B1 to B2 phase transition pressures in YbN, YbP and YbAs
Authors: Winkler Björn , Milman Victor
Published: October 2005

Quantum mechanical calculations based on density functional theory and a generalized gradient approx imation have been used to study the pressure-induced B1 to B2 structural phase transition in YbN, YbP and YbAs. The phase transitions are predicted to occur at 137 GPa in YbN, at 25 GPa in YbP, and at 20 GPa in YbAs. These values are significantly lower than those predicted by empirical poten tial model calculations. Bulk moduli are predicted to be 136, 70 and 63 GPa for YbN, YbP and YbAs, respectively.
CaZrGeO5 and the triclinic instability of the titanite structure type
Authors: Malcherek Thomas , Elleman-Olesen Rikke
Published: October 2005

CaZrOGeO4 has been synthesized and its structure has been refined from X-ray powder diffraction data as triclinic, A1̅ (P1̅). A displacive structural phase transition to a monoclinic structure of the titanite aristotype with space group symmetry A2/a (C2/c) is observed near 488 K. The non-symmetry breaking spontaneous strain below the phase transition corresponds to a contraction of the structure normal to the octahedral chain direction. The coordination of Ca changes from 7-fold in the high temperature phase to 8-fold in the triclinic low temperature phase. A limiting monoclinic-angle is postulated below which compounds of the titanite topology and general stoichiometry CaMOXO4 distort to triclinic symmetry.
Nanoscale phase transformations in relaxor-ferroelectric lead scandium tantalate and lead scandium niobate
Authors: Mihailova Boriana , Bismayer Ulrich , Güttler Bernd , Gospodinov Marin , Boris Alexander , Berndhard Christian , Aroyo Mois
Published: October 2005

Structural transformations that take place on cooling down in Pb-based relaxor ferroelectrics are investigated on the basis of polarized Raman spectroscopy and far infrared ellipsometry applied on single-crystal samples of PbSc0.5Ta0.5O3 (PST) and PbSc0.5Nb0.5O3 (PSN). The temperature evolution of phonon anomalies reveals different preferred ferroic species in PST and PSN. Near the dielectric constant maximum cooperative shifts of Pb atoms in respect to the oxygen sheets perpendicular to the cubic body diagonal occur in larger spatial regions for PST than for PSN. On cooling down this structural modification becomes preferential for PST, thus giving rise to highly anisotropic ferroelectric domains. In PSN the temperature decrease favours B-cation deviations from the BO6-octahedral centres, which leads to formation of small-sized polar clusters distributed in the isotropic matrix. Near 180 K PST undergoes an additional phase transition that involves reduction of the rotation symmetry. The nanoscale phase transformations in PST are affected by the presence of point defects rather than by the degree of long-range B-site ordering. The spectroscopic data give some evidence that in PSN additional multiplication of the unit cell takes place, besides the common perovskite-structure doubling Pm3̅m – Fm3̅m.
Decomposition of Tertiary Alkoxy Radicals
Authors: Buback Michael , Kling Matthias , Schmatz Stefan
Published: October 2005

Rate coefficients of β-scission reactions in tertiary alkoxy radicals, R(CH3)2CO (R = methyl, ethyl, tert-butyl and neo-pentyl) have been estimated via density functional theory (DFT) calculations in conjunction with statistical unimolecular rate theory. For tert-butoxy, results obtained by employing different basis sets are compared with experimental values, indicating that UB3LYP/6-31G(d,p) excellently predicts kinetic data. Rate coefficients for inter- and intramolecular hydrogen abstraction are also reported. Depending on R, the β-scission rate may vary by orders of magnitude. The predicted temperature dependence of the alcohol-to-ketone product ratios for alkoxy radical decomposition in a hydrocarbon environment is in remarkably close agreement with the corresponding ratios measured on the product mixtures from decomposition of tert-butyl and tert-amyl peroxyacetates in solution of n-heptane.
Solute Diffusion in Supercritical Solvents – Diffusion Coefficients D
12
∞ and Diffusion–Viscosity Relationship for the Aromatic Model Solute Biphenyl in Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Weingärtner Hermann , Klask Ulrich , Schneider Gerhard M.
Published: October 2005

The temperature and density dependence of the mutual diffusion coefficient D
12
∞ of biphenyl at infinite dilution in supercritical carbon dioxide has been measured by the Taylor dispersion method at several temperatures from 309 K to 331 K and at pressures between about 8 MPa and 20 MPa, corresponding to densities from about 500 kg m−3 to 850 kg m−3. The observed diffusion coefficients are of the order of 10−8 m2 s−1. They decrease about linearly with increasing density and increase slightly with increasing temperature. The experimental data show a density and temperature dependence of the quantity D
12
∞η/T, indicating a breakdown of the Stokes–Einstein relation. The use of empirical fractional power laws for describing the self-diffusion–viscosity relationship is discussed.
Closed Solubility Loops in Liquid Mixtures
Authors: Wang Jingtao , Anisimov Mikhail A. , Sengers Jan V.
Published: October 2005

Based on the principle of isomorphic critical behavior of fluid mixtures we derive a simple equation for closed solubility loops in a temperature–concentration diagram at constant pressure. The validity of the simple equation is tested by comparisons with experimental solubility data for liquid mixtures at atmospheric pressure and at elevated pressures. We also elucidate the nature of liquid–liquid phase separation in the vicinity of a double critical point. Specifically, we show how from an expansion around the critical double point one can develop a description of solubility loops as a function of pressure.
Thermodynamic Properties of the Binary Mixture of Methane and Hydrogen Sulfide
Authors: Sakoda Naoya , Uematsu Masahiko
Published: October 2005

From the interest of the thermodynamic properties for natural gas system, we have developed the thermodynamic property model for the binary mixture of methane and hydrogen sulfide system by the Helmholtz free energy function. Our model represents divergence of the critical curve and vapor–liquid–liquid equilibrium of this system as well as thermodynamic properties with high accuracy. The behavior of critical curve and phase equilibrium is discussed in detail with comparison of that for the mixture of methane and ethane system. Thermodynamic properties of methane and hydrogen sulfide system have been calculated using our model and their behavior as a function of composition is also reported.
IR Spectroscopic Investigation of Heteropolymolybdate Catalysts: Acidic Properties and Reactivity towards Propene
Authors: Jentoft Friederike C. , Kröhnert Jutta , Schlögl Robert
Published: October 2005

Compounds of the general type CsxH3+y−xPVyMo12−yO40 (x = 0, 2–4 with y = 1, or x = 0, 2 with y = 0) were investigated by IR spectroscopy. After thermal treatment at 473–773 K in vacuum or N2, the probe molecules CO (at 77 K, in transmission) or CO2 (at 298 K, in diffuse reflectance) were adsorbed. On the surface of Cs2H2PVMo11O40 and Cs2HPMo12O40, Brønsted acid sites were indicated by a CO band at 2162 cm−1. All Cs containing compounds produced CO bands at 2152 cm−1 or CO2 bands at 2341 cm−1. Additional weak Lewis acid sites of Mo or V in at least two oxidation states were detected after treatment at 673 K. The fraction of the reduced species decreased in the order H4PVMo11O40 > Cs2H2PVMo11O40 > Cs3HPVMo11O40. In situ DRIFT spectra of these three compounds taken during interaction with propene at up to 673 K revealed that the pattern of IR bands typical of the Keggin anion was unaffected at x = 3, altered severely for the acid and to an intermediate extent for x = 2. The changes are consistent with a diminishing of the splitting of the P–O frequency. The Keggin structure represents the initial oxidized state of the heteropoly compound catalysts. Reduction affects but does not destroy the local structure as probed by IR spectroscopy. The more easily reducible H4PVMo11O40 is active for propene oxidation at 513 K, Cs2H2PVMo11O40 only at 617 K.
Dry-Gel Synthesis of Mesoporous MCM-41 Materials with Modified Pore Structure
Authors: Xu Mingcan , Wang Wei , Weitkamp Jens , Hunger Michael
Published: October 2005

For the first time, the dry-gel conversion method was applied for the preparation of MCM-41 materials with partially crystalline framework. The X-ray diffraction pattern of the material obtained after a dry-gel conversion time of 36 h consists of reflections of both long-range ordered MCM-41 material and zeolite ZSM-5. The nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm confirms the presence of micropores and uniform mesopores with a narrow pore size distribution. By 29Si MAS NMR spectroscopy it was evidenced that a significant portion of the amorphous MCM-41 framework was transformed into a partially crystalline framework. TEM and SEM images indicate the occurrence of mesopores with disturbed arrangements, but no formation of separate zeolite ZSM-5 crystals occurred. By 1H MAS NMR spectroscopy of the above-mentioned material, the formation of hydroxyl groups with a chemical shift of ca. 4 ppm and a concentration of ca. 0.1 mmol/g was observed. The acid strength of these hydroxyl groups, as studied by adsorption of the 13C MAS NMR probe molecule 13C-2-acetone, was found to agree with that of bridging OH groups in zeolite H-ZSM-5. After conversion times of 48 h and 72 h, an extensive to total transformation of the dry gel into zeolite ZSM-5 occurred.
Ti-Oxo Radicals and Product Selectivity in Olefin Oxidations over Titanosilicate Molecular Sieves
Authors: Shetti Vasudev N. , Srinivas D. , Ratnasamy P.
Published: October 2005

The O–O bond of Ti-oxo species (Ti-peroxo, Ti-hydroperoxo or Ti-superoxo) generated on titanosilicate molecular sieves contacted with H2O2 cleaves either heterolytically or homolytically. While the former type of O–O cleavage (generating non-radical reactive oxygen intermediates) leads to selective epoxide products, the latter (generating reactive oxygen radical intermediates, O2
−• and HOO•) results in non-selective, allylic oxidation products in cyclohexene oxidation. These radicals were detected using EPR spin trapping techniques; 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) was used as the spin trap. Radical quenchers like hydroquinone suppressed their concentration and enhanced epoxide selectivity.
The Effect of Rh Particle Size on the Catalytic Performance of Porous Silica supported Rhodium Catalysts for CO Hydrogenation
Authors: Zhou Shutian , Zhao Hong , Ma Ding , Miao Shaojun , Cheng Mojie , Bao Xinhe
Published: October 2005

Silica-supported Rh catalysts with different Rh particle dimensions were investigated for CO hydrogenation. The catalysts were characterized by various techniques such as TEM, H2-TPR and N2 adsorption to study the catalyst morphology, the size distributions of Rh particles and the silica pores. It was found that the distribution and the size of Rh particles were affected by the silica pores, and the metal grains were enclosed in the pores of the support, and thereby their growth was limited. The catalytic activity and selectivity to C2-oxygenates for CO hydrogenation were found to be significantly controlled by the Rh particle sizes, and the higher activity and selectivity to C2-oxygenates were obtained over bigger Rh particles, within the range of the reported particle sizes.
Preparation of Co2+/ZSM5 Catalysts by Solid-State Reaction: Influence of the Precursor on Cobalt Speciation
Authors: Mhamdi M. , Marceau E. , Khaddar-Zine S. , Ghorbel A. , Che M. , Taarit Y. Ben , Villain F.
Published: October 2005

Co2+/ZSM5 catalysts (Co/Al = 1, overstoichiometric ratio) have been prepared by solid-state reaction at 500 °C in argon from H-ZSM5 and four Co(II) precursors: formate, nitrate, chloride and acetate. Co3O4 particles supported by the zeolite grains are the only cobalt-containing phases detected when formate is used. When cobalt nitrate is the precursor, Co3O4 particles appear to be independent from the grains. A fraction of cobalt has nevertheless migrated into the zeolite; this is linked with [Co(H2O)6](NO3)2 low melting point and wetting of the zeolite grains by the molten salt at the beginning of the thermal treatment. Catalysts prepared from cobalt chloride contain both nanometric Co3O4 particles on the support grains and cobalt ions inside the zeolitic channels. Ion exchange is possible, at least partly, due to the fact that unlike nitrate and formate, cobalt chloride has not decomposed before reaching the temperature at which the exchange process is activated. This process is chemically driven by the release of HCl in the gas phase. Finally, the major phase detected when cobalt acetate is the precursor is a poorly organized cobalt phyllosilicate surrounding zeolite grains. Acetate ions attack the zeolitic framework from outside during the solid-state reaction; cobalt ions are inserted in the silicate matrix and progressively migrate deeper in the grains upon thermal activation.
Active Sites at Finite Coverages – an STM Investigation of the Dissociation of NO on Ru(0001)
Authors: Wintterlin J. , Zambelli T.
Published: October 2005

We have investigated the role of active sites on a partially adsorbate covered surface. The decomposition of NO molecules on a Ru surface served as model reaction. Experiments were performed in an ultra-high vacuum chamber, by dosing NO on a Ru(0001) single crystal surface at 300 K. The distributions of N and O atoms resulting from the NO decomposition were investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy. We find massive changes compared to the zero-coverage limit that has been studied before. Whereas atomic steps are active sites for the decomposition of the NO molecules at low coverages, the flat terraces also become active at higher coverages. Mobile O atoms on the terraces, formed by the initial dissociation of the NO molecules, are responsible for this effect. Furthermore, narrow terraces fill with N and O atoms at a higher rate than wide terraces, also contrasting the low coverage result. The effect can be understood by the blocked surface diffusion of NO precursors to the steps by N atoms accumulating at the steps. On the approximately half covered surface striking mesoscopic concentration patterns are observed, connected with a demixing of the N and O atoms. Here two effects contribute, the different surface diffusion rates of N and O atoms away from the steps, and the different interactions between the two types of atoms. At saturation NO forms a molecular state, with one NO molecule per unit cell of the (2×2) mixed structure of N and O atoms.
Deconjugation of Bile Acids with Immobilized Genetically Engineered Lactobacillus plantarum 80(pCBH1)
Authors: Jones M. L. , Martoni C. , Chen H. , Ouyang W. , Metz T. , Prakash S.
Published: October 2005

Bile acids are important to normal human physiology. However, bile acids can be toxic when produced in pathologically high concentrations in hepatobileary and other diseases. This study shows that immobilized genetically engineered Lactobacillus plantarum 80 (pCBH1) (LP80 (pCBH1)) can efficiently hydrolyze bile acids and establishes a basis for their use. Results show that immobilized LP80 (pCBH1) is able to effectively break down the conjugated bile acids into glycodeoxycholic acid (GDCA) and taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA) with bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activities of 0.17 and 0.07 μmol DCA/mg CDW/h, respectively. The deconjugation product, deoxycholic acid (DCA), was diminished by LP80 (pCBH1) within 4 h of initial BSH activity. This in-vitro study suggests that immobilized genetically engineered bacterial cells have important potential for deconjugation of bile acids for lowering of high levels of bile acids for therapy.
Durability of Marker-Quantitative Trait Loci Haplotypes in Structured Populations
Authors: Miller Judith R , Hawthorne David
Published: October 2005

Given the relative ease of identifying genetic markers linked to QTL (compared to finding the loci themselves), it is natural to ask whether linked markers can be used to address questions concerning the contemporary dynamics and recent history of the QTL. In particular, can a marker allele found associated with a QTL allele in a QTL mapping study be used to track population dynamics or the history of the QTL allele? For this strategy to succeed, the marker-QTL haplotype must persist in the face of recombination over the relevant time frame. Here we investigate the dynamics of marker-QTL haplotype frequencies under recombination, population structure, and divergent selection to assess the potential utility of linked markers for a population genetic study of QTL. For two scenarios, described as “secondary contact” and “novel allele,” we use both deterministic and stochastic methods to describe the influence of gene flow between habitats, the strength of divergent selection, and the genetic distance between a marker and the QTL on the persistence of marker-QTL haplotypes. We find that for most reasonable values of selection on a locus (s ≤ 0.5) and migration (m > 1%) between differentially selected populations, haplotypes of typically spaced markers (5 cM) and QTL do not persist long enough (>100 generations) to provide accurate inference of the allelic state at the QTL.
Under Sail Alone at Sea
Authors: Hutch Richard
Published: October 2005

What makes sport spiritual practice? How is sport a means of spiritual insight and character formation? A cue is taken from ethicist and moralist, Hans Jonas, who links together the nature of modern technology and its implications for future generations. In this study, elements of sport as spiritual practice are identified and illustrated by yachting people who venture on long, offshore passages alone, including ‘solo’ circumnavigators of the globe. Personal accounts of their voyages of self-discovery are analysed. The argument is that although a person may be self-reliant technically at sea or elsewhere engaging in their sport, there are limits to such extensions of human will. Once those limits are reached in any lone sport, then a person’s lived relationship to the world may undergo basic change. One can then ask: How is technical failure paradoxically moral success, a result of spiritual insight? A phenomenology of sport as spiritual practice is presented (sport as technical finesse, cosmic quest, personal test). The insight to which such practice leads is called moral presence, or an inner realisation about the importance of the moment and limiting action to be taken amid uncontrollable events. Such a realisation contributes to the formation of human character and marks an exercise of wisdom in life.
Global Gene Expression Profile of Human Cord Blood–Derived CD133+ Cells
Authors: Jaatinen Taina , Hemmoranta Heidi , Hautaniemi Sampsa , Niemi Jari , Nicorici Daniel , Laine Jarmo , Yli-Harja Olli , Partanen Jukka
Published: October 2005

Human cord blood (CB)–derived CD133+ cells carry characteristics of primitive hematopoietic cells and proffer an alternative for CD34+ cells in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation. To characterize the CD133+ cell population on a genetic level, a global expression analysis of CD133+ cells was performed using oligonucleotide microarrays. CD133+ cells were purified from four fresh CB units by immunomagnetic selection. All four CD133+ samples showed significant similarity in their gene expression pattern, whereas they differed clearly from the CD133+ control samples. In all, 690 transcripts were differentially expressed between CD133+ and CD133+ cells. Of these, 393 were increased and 297 were decreased in CD133+ cells. The highest overexpression was noted in genes associated with metabolism, cellular physiological processes, cell communication, and development. A set of 257 transcripts expressed solely in the CD133+ cell population was identified. Colony-forming unit (CFU) assay was used to detect the clonal progeny of precursors present in the studied cell populations. The results demonstrate that CD133+ cells express primitive markers and possess clonogenic progenitor capacity. This study provides a gene expression profile for human CD133+ cells. It presents a set of genes that may be used to unravel the properties of the CD133+ cell population, assumed to be highly enriched in HSCs.
The Caudal-Related Protein Cdx2 Promotes Trophoblast Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Tolkunova Elena , Cavaleri Fatima , Eckardt Sigrid , Reinbold Rolland , Christenson Lane K. , Schöler Hans R. , Tomilin Alexey
Published: October 2005

Besides holding great promise in clinics, embryonic stem (ES) cells represent a valuable tool for studying regulation of early developmental processes, such as cell differentiation in preimplantation embryos. The caudal-related homeobox protein Cdx2 is a transcriptional regulator essential for trophoblast lineage, functioning as early as implantation. Using an inducible system, we show that gain of Cdx2 function in ES cells triggers trophoblast-like morphological differentiation, accompanied by ploidy increase, onset of expression of trophoblast-specific markers, and loss of pluripotency-associated gene expression. These data provide an insight into the genetic network that controls lineage specification and functioning in early mammalian development.
Persistent Production of Neurons from Adult Brain Stem Cells During Recovery after Stroke
Authors: Thored Pär , Arvidsson Andreas , Cacci Emanuele , Ahlenius Henrik , Kallur Therése , Darsalia Vladimer , Ekdahl Christine T. , Kokaia Zaal , Lindvall Olle
Published: October 2005

Neural stem cells in the subventricular zone of adult rodents produce new striatal neurons that may replace those that have died after stroke; however, the neurogenic response has been considered acute and transient, yielding only small numbers of neurons. In contrast, we show herein that striatal neuroblasts are generated without decline at least for 4 months after stroke in adult rats. Neuroblasts formed early or late after stroke either differentiate into mature neurons, which survive for several months, or die through caspase-mediated apoptosis. The directed migration of the new neurons toward the ischemic damage is regulated by stromal cell-derived factor-1α and its receptor CXCR4. These results show that endogenous neural stem cells continuously supply the injured adult brain with new neurons, which suggests novel self-repair strategies to improve recovery after stroke.
Human Embryonic Stem Cells Reprogram Myeloid Precursors Following Cell–Cell Fusion
Authors: Yu Junying , Vodyanik Maxim A. , He Ping , Slukvin Igor I. , Thomson James A.
Published: October 2005

Here, we examine the ability of undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to reprogram the nuclei of hESC-derived myeloid precursors following cell–cell fusion. Using an OP9 coculture system, we produced CD45+ CD33+ myeloperoxidase+ myeloid precursors from an Oct4–enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) knock-in hESC line and demonstrated that Oct4-EGFP expression was extinguished in these precursors. Upon fusion with undifferentiated hESCs, EGFP expression from the endogenous Oct4 promoter/regulatory region was re-established, ESC-specific surface antigens and marker genes were expressed, and myeloid precursor-specific antigens were no longer detectable. When the hybrid cells were formed into embryoid bodies, upregulation of genes characteristic of the three germ layers and extraembryonic tissues occurred, indicating that the hybrid cells had the potential to differentiate into multiple lineages. Interestingly, the hybrid cells were capable of redifferentiating into myeloid precursors with efficiency comparable with that of diploid hESCs despite their neartetraploid chromosome complement. These results indicate that hESCs are capable of reprogramming nuclei from differentiated cells and that hESC hybrid cells provide a new model system for studying the mechanisms of nuclear reprogramming.
Autoinduction of tumor necrosis factor-α in FRTL-5 rat thyroid cells
Authors: Mori Kouki , Yoshida Katsumi , Komatsu Ayumi , Tani Jun-ichi , Nakagawa Yoshinori , Hoshikawa Saeko , Ito Sadayoshi
Published: October 2005

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) may play a role in the development of autoimmune thyroiditis such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In the present study, we examined whether TNFα induced its own expression in FRTL-5 rat thyroid cells. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) markedly increased TNFα mRNA levels in FRTL-5 cells as assessed by semiquantitative RT-PCR. In addition, LPS-stimulated cells released TNFα protein into the culture medium. Similarly, TNFα induced its own gene and protein expression in FRTL-5 cells as assessed by RT-PCR and metabolic labeling and immunoprecipitation of TNFα. The autoinduction of TNFα gene was also observed in TNFα-stimulated human thyroid epithelial cells. TNFα induction was specific to LPS and TNFα since interferon-α or amiodarone failed to increase TNFα mRNA levels in FRTL-5 cells. Human TNFα induced rat TNFα gene expression, indicating that type 1 TNF receptor (TNF-R) is involved in the autoinduction. TNFα did not increase either type 1 or type 2 TNF-R mRNA levels, suggesting that upregulation of TNF receptors is not involved in the autoinduction of TNFα. Although the biological significance of autoinduction of TNFα remains unclear, our results suggest that thyroid epithelial cells may participate in the development of autoimmune thyroiditis through production of TNFα. Furthermore, inhibition of TNFα production in the thyroid may represent a novel approach to mitigating inflammation in autoimmune thyroiditis.
Influence of long-term dietary administration of procymidone, a fungicide with anti-androgenic effects, or the phytoestrogen genistein to rats on the pituitary–gonadal axis and Leydig cell steroidogenesis
Authors: Svechnikov K , Supornsilchai V , Strand M-L , Wahlgren A , Seidlova-Wuttke D , Wuttke W , Söder O
Published: October 2005

Procymidone is a fungicide with anti-androgenic properties, widely used to protect fruits from fungal infection. Thereby it contaminates fruit products prepared for human consumption. Genistein-containing soy products are increasingly used as food additives with health-promoting properties. Therefore we examined the effects of long-term dietary administration (3 months) of the anti-androgen procymidone (26.4 mg/animal per day) or the phytoestrogen genistein (21.1 mg/animal per day) to rats on the pituitary-gonadal axis in vivo, as well as on Leydig cell steroidogenesis and on spermatogenesis ex vivo. The procymidone-containing diet elevated serum levels of LH and testosterone and, furthermore, Leydig cells isolated from procymidone-treated animals displayed an enhanced capacity for producing testosterone in response to stimulation by hCG or dibutyryl cAMP, as well as elevated expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage (P450 scc) and cytochrome P450 17α (P450c17). In contrast, the rate of DNA synthesis during stages VIII and IX of spermatogenesis in segments of seminiferous tubules isolated from genistein-treated rats was decreased without accompanying changes in the serum level of either LH or testosterone. Nonetheless, genistein did suppress the ex vivo steroidogenic response of Leydig cells to hCG or dibutyryl cAMP by down-regulating their expression of P450 scc. Considered together, our present findings demonstrate that long-term dietary administration of procymidone or genistein to rats exerts different effects on the pituitary–gonadal axis in vivo and on Leydig cell steroidogenesis ex vivo. Possibly as a result of disruption of hormonal feedback control due to its anti-androgenic action, procymidone activates this endocrine axis, thereby causing hyper-gonadotropic activation of testicular steroidogenesis. In contrast, genistein influences spermatogenesis and significantly inhibits Leydig cell steroidogenesis ex vivo without altering the serum level of either LH or testosterone.
Nuclear factor-κB and advanced glycation end-products expression in lacrimal glands of aging rats
Authors: Alves M , Cunha D Andrade , Calegari V Cristine , Saad M J A , Boschero A Carlos , Velloso L Augusto , Rocha E Melani
Published: October 2005

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) increase with aging and induce signaling alterations that lead to inflammation and dysfunction in several tissues. Aging reduces function and insulin signaling in lacrimal glands (LGs). To evaluate whether AGE signaling and insulin secretion in LGs are altered in aging, 24- and 2-month-old male Wistar rats were compared. Immunohistochemistry with confocal microscopy was used to evaluate AGE, AGE receptor (RAGE) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression in LGs. Basal tear secretion volume, insulin, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in tears and LGs and peroxidase activity in LG tissue were measured. Insulin secretion from isolated LGs and pancreatic β-cells was compared in the supernatant of aging and control rats in vitro by RIA after stimulation with 2.8–16.7 mM glucose, carbachol and KCl. AGE, RAGE and NF-κB expression was higher in LGs of aging compared with young rats. Basal tear secretion and peroxidase activity were significantly lower in the aging group (P=0.016 for both assays). IL-1β and TNF-α levels were higher in tears of aging rats compared with young rats (P=0.007 and 0.05 respectively); however, even though aging rats were insulin-resistant (as confirmed by the insulin-tolerance test), the insulin levels in the tear film of aging and control rats were similar in vivo and in vitro. The higher expression of AGEs, RAGE and NF-κB in LGs of aging rats is accompanied by systemic insulin resistance and may be involved in LG and tear film alterations but does not affect insulin secretion in the tear film. These observations indicate that metabolic events may be related to LG and tear film dysfunctions in aging.
Nutritional status affects 20-hydroxyecdysone concentration and progression of oogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Terashima J , Takaki K , Sakurai S , Bownes M
Published: October 2005

Drosophila egg production depends upon the nutritional available to females. When food is in short supply, oogenesis is arrested and apoptosis of the nurse cells is induced at mid-oogenesis via a mechanism that is probably controlled by ecdysteroid hormone. We have shown that expression of some ecdysone-response genes is correlated with apoptosis of egg chambers. Moreover, ecdysteroid injection and application of juvenile hormone induces and suppresses the apoptosis, respectively. In this study, we investigated which tissues show increases in the concentration of ecdysteroids under nutritional shortage to begin to link together nutrient intake, hormone regulation and the choice between egg development or apoptosis made within egg chambers. We measured ecdysteroid levels in the whole body, ovaries and haemolymph samples by RIA and found that the concentration of ecdysteroid increased in all samples. This contributes to the idea that nutritional shortage leads to a rapid high ecdysteroid concentration within the fly and that the high concentration induces apoptosis. Low concentrations of ecdysteroid are essential for normal oogenesis. We suggest there is threshold concentration in the egg chambers and that apoptosis at mid-oogenesis is induced when the ecdysteroid levels exceed the threshold. Starvation causes the ovary to retain the ecdysteroid it produces, thus enabling individual egg chambers to undergo apoptosis and thus control the number of eggs produced in relation to food intake.
Tissue-specific effects of leptin administration on the abundance of mitochondrial proteins during neonatal development
Authors: Gnanalingham M G , Mostyn A , Wang J , Webb R , Keisler D H , Raver N , Alves-Guerra M C , Pecqueur C , Miroux B , Stephenson T , Symonds M E
Published: October 2005

Many tissues undergo a rapid transition after birth, accompanied by dramatic changes in mitochondrial protein function. In particular, uncoupling protein (UCP) abundance increases at birth in the lung and adipose tissue, to then gradually decline, an adaptation that is important in enabling normal tissue function. Leptin potentially mediates some of these changes and is known to promote the loss of UCP1 from brown fat but its effects on UCP2 and related mitochondrial proteins (i.e. voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) and cytochrome c) in other tissues are unknown. We therefore determined the effects of once-daily jugular venous administration of ovine recombinant leptin on mitochondrial protein abundance as determined by immunoblotting in tissues that do (i.e. the brain and pancreas) and do not (i.e. liver and skeletal muscle) express UCP2. Eight pairs of 1-day-old lambs received either 100 μg leptin or vehicle daily for 6 days, before tissue sampling on day 7. Administration of leptin diminished UCP2 abundance in the pancreas, but not the brain. Leptin administration had no affect on the abundance of VDAC or cytochrome c in any tissue examined. In leptin-administered animals, but not controls, UCP2 abundance in the pancreas was positively correlated with VDAC and cytochrome c content, and UCP2 abundance in the brain with colonic temperature. In conclusion, leptin administration to neonatal lambs causes a tissue-specific loss of UCP2 from the pancreas. These effects may be important in the regulation of neonatal tissue development and potentially for optimising metabolic control mechanisms in later life.
Regulation of activin A and inhibin B secretion by inflammatory mediators in adult rat Sertoli cell cultures
Authors: Okuma Y , O’Connor A E , Muir J A , Stanton P G , de Kretser D M , Hedger M P
Published: October 2005

The regulation of Sertoli cell activin A and inhibin B secretion during inflammation was investigated in vitro. Adult rat Sertoli cells were incubated with the inflammatory mediators, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6 and the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) over 48 h in culture. Activin A, inhibin B and IL-1α were measured in the culture medium by specific two-site ELISAs. Both IL-1β- and LPS-stimulated activin A and inhibited inhibin B secretion. LPS also stimulated the production of IL-1α in the cultures. In contrast to IL-1β, IL-6 had no effect on activin A, although it did have a significant inhibitory effect on inhibin B secretion. Ovine follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and the cAMP analogue dibutyryl cAMP opposed the actions of IL-1 and LPS by suppressing activin A and IL-1α secretion and by stimulating inhibin B. Blocking IL-1 activity in the cultures by addition of an excess of IL-1ra completely prevented the response of activin A to exogenous IL-1β, and reduced the response to LPS by 50%. In the presence of IL-1ra, basal secretion of inhibin B was increased, but IL-1ra was unable to reverse the suppression of inhibin B by LPS. These data indicate the importance of both IL-1 isoforms in regulating secretion of activin A and inhibin B by mature Sertoli cells during inflammation. The data also establish that inflammation exerts its effects on activin A and inhibin B secretion via other pathways in addition to those mediated by IL-1, and that hormonal stimulation by FSH and cAMP moderates the Sertoli cell response to inflammation. Interference with the complex interactions between these cytokines and hormones may contribute to the disruption of reproductive function that can accompany infection and illness in men.