bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological Evidence that Xenon Neuroprotects against N‐Methyl‐dl‐Aspartic Acid‐Induced Damage in the Rat Arcuate Nucleus
Authors: NATALE GIANFRANCO , CATTANO DAVIDE , ABRAMO ANTONIO , FORFORI FRANCESCO , FULCERI FEDERICA , FORNAI FRANCESCO , PAPARELLI ANTONIO , GIUNTA FRANCESCO
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  The hyperactivation of glutamate receptors, especially those of the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate subtype (NMDA), can induce excess calcium entry into cells, leading to neuronal death. Since the anesthetic gas xenon behaves as an NMDA antagonist, the present article investigated, by distinct morphological approaches and after different times, the possible neuroprotectant effects of this gas in a model of neuronal damage induced by N‐methyl‐dl‐aspartic acid (NMA) on rat arcuate nucleus. Rats were assigned to the following groups: controls; xenon exposure; NMA treatment; or xenon exposure + NMA treatment. Animals were placed in an experimental cage and after 10 min a mixture of xenon (or nitrogen) 70% and oxygen 30% was delivered. After 3 h, 1, 2, 5, or 7 days from gas exposure, rats were euthanized and the whole brain was removed and processed for either transmission electron microscopy or light microscopy. In the arcuate nucleus from NMA‐treated animals only 40–60% of cell population survived in all times with several degenerating neurons giving the typical appearance of a “bull's eye.” At ultrastructural level, chromatin margination, nuclear shrinkage, mitochondria with matrix dilution, dilated endoplasmic cisternae, and electrondense cytoplasm were detected. Xenon alone did not induce changes, but reduced of about 50% NMA‐induced cell loss as well as degenerating neurons, with the maximal neuroprotection at 7 days. These results confirm that in the rat arcuate nucleus NMA can induce a severe neuronal damage that is already marked after 3 h. Xenon significantly reduced the neuronal damage at all times and can be then regarded as a promising neuroprotectant agent.
Targeted ablation of Arnt in mouse epidermis results in profound defects in desquamation and epidermal barrier function
Authors: Geng Songmei , Mezentsev Alexandre , Kalachikov Sergey , Raith Klaus , Roop Dennis R. , Panteleyev Andrey A.
Published: November 2006

The molecular mechanisms of skin adaptation to the environmental stress are poorly understood. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (Arnt) lies at the intersection of several crucial adaptive pathways. Nevertheless, its role in adaptation of the skin to environmental stress has just begun to be unraveled. Here we show that Arnt is expressed in human and mouse skin in a developmentally dependent manner. Targeted K14-driven deletion of Arnt in the mouse epidermis resulted in early postnatal death, associated with a failure of epidermal barrier function. Gene expression profiling of Arnt-null mouse epidermis revealed upregulation of genes of the epidermal differentiation complex on mouse chromosome 3, including S100a genes (S100a8, S100a9, S100a10) and genes coding for small proline-rich proteins (Sprr1a, Sprr2i, Sprr2j, Sprrl1). HPTLC analysis showed significant accumulation of Cer[NS] and Cer[NH] ceramide species in Arnt-null epidermis, suggesting alterations in lipid metabolism. Continuous retention of corneosomes in Arnt-null epidermis that resulted in an abnormally dense corny layer and impaired desquamation was associated with upregulation of Slpi, an inhibitor of stratum corneum chymotryptic enzyme (SCCE) that plays a key role in corneosome degradation. The functional defects in Arnt-null mouse epidermis underscore the crucial role of Arnt in the maintenance of epidermal homeostasis, especially during the perinatal transition to the ex utero environment.
The RNA-binding protein Rrm4 is essential for polarity inUstilago maydisand shuttles along microtubules
Authors: Becht Philip , König Julian , Feldbrügge Michael
Published: November 2006

Formation of polar-growing hyphae is essential for infection by the plant pathogen Ustilago maydis. Here we observe that loss of RNA-recognition motif protein Rrm4 caused formation of abnormal hyphae. The insertion of septa at the distal pole was abolished and a significantly increased number of hyphae grew bipolarly. UV-crosslinking experiments revealed that Rrm4 bound RNA via its N-terminal RRMs and that its RNA-binding activity was substantially increased during filamentation. Rrm4 assembled into particles that shuttled bidirectionally along microtubules to both poles. Recruitment of Rrm4 into particles increased during filamentation, and mutations in the peptide-binding pocket of its PABC domain caused abnormal particle formation as well as polarity defects. Shuttling was mediated by active transport because loss of conventional kinesin, which interferes with the balance of microtubule-dependent motors, caused accumulation of particles at the poles resulting in disturbed polarity. Thus, constant transport of the RNA-binding protein towards the poles is needed to orchestrate hyphal growth. Since a mutation of the N-terminal RRM that leads to reduced RNA binding in vivo also affected polarity, Rrm4 might regulate polarity of the infectious hyphae by transporting RNA from the nucleus to cell poles.
Relationship between immune complex and total hemolytic complement in endolymphatic hydrops
Authors: Gutierrez F. , Moreno P. M. , Sainz M.
Published: November 2006

Recently there has been considerable investigation into the relationship of the immune system and immune disorder to Meniere's disease. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody and complement are both present in endolymphatic fluid and it is possible that endolymphatic hydrops is due to immune complex. The authors' results show that patients with endolymphatic hydrops had elevated levels of circulating immune complex (CIC) of IgG (24.80 μg/mL). The levels of functional complement activity (CH50) were significantly lower in patients (249.7 HU) than in controls. Circulating levels of CIC and CH50 were positively correlated. Immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M (IgM), and subpopulation of B lymphocytes were elevated, but there was no alteration in subpopulations of T‐helper, T‐suppressor, and natural killer (NK) cells in peripheral blood.
Effect of microchannel structure on droplet size during crossflow microchannel emulsification
Authors: Kawakatsu Takahiro , Trägårdh Gun , Kikuchi Yuji , Nakajima Mitsutoshi , Komori Hideaki , Yonemoto Toshikuni
Published: November 2006

A monodispersed oil‐in‐water emulsion was continuously produced using a crossflow‐type silicon microchannel plate in which a liquid flow path for the continuous phase was made, and on each side of the wall of the path, an array of regular‐sized slits (microchannels) was precisely fabricated on a micrometer scale by photolithography. A flat glass plate was tightly attached to the microchannel plate to cover the top of the microchannels. Regular‐sized oil (triolein) droplets were generated by pressing the oil through the microchannels into a continuous phase of 0.3 wt% aqueous sodium lauryl sulfate. The average size of the oil droplets was regulated within a range of 11.3 to 28.2 μm by changing the microchannel structural features such as the shape of the cross section and outlet, the equivalent diameter, and the length of the terrace, which is a flat area fabricated at the outlet of the microchannels. In every case, the droplet size distribution was narrow, and the geometric standard deviation was 1.03 or less.
Novel hydrolyzable and biodegradable cationic gemini surfactants: Bis(ester‐ammonium) dichloride having a butenylene or a butynylene spacer
Authors: Tatsumi Taiga , Zhang Wanbin , Kida Toshiyuki , Nakatsuji Yohji , Ono Daisuke , Takeda Tokuji , Ikeda Isao
Published: November 2006

Novel cationic gemini surfactants, bis(ester‐ammonium) dichlorides having a butenylene or a butynylene spacer and an oxycarbonyl group in the lipophilic part, were prepared conveniently and almost quantitatively by the reaction of the corresponding mono(ester‐amine) with a highly reactive allylic‐ or propargylic dichloride. Most of these surfactants showed excellent surface‐active properties and good biodegradability. The effects of the structure of spacer, the position of the oxycarbonyl group in the lipophilic part, the alkylene length between the oxycarbonyl and the ammonio groups, and the acyl chain length of the surfactants on their surface‐active properties were examined.
Different strategies for selective monoacylation of hexoaldoses in acetone
Authors: Arcos Jose A. , Bernabé Manuel , Otero Cristina
Published: November 2006

Experimental protocols for the selective production of 6‐O‐acylhexoaldose emulsifiers from precursor sugars (mannose, glucose, and galactose) and corresponding fatty acids are compared. The protocols employ an immobilized Candida antarctica lipase in a solvent (acetone) which is both easily eliminated and accepted by the European Economic Community for use as an extraction solvent in the manufacture of foods and/or food additives. This comparative study provides guidelines for selection of appropriate conditions for quantitative monoacylation of aldoses in acetone, on the basis of the solubilities of the precursor sugar and the monoester in acetone at different temperatures. Although relatively low temperatures (<40°C) favor precipitation of glucose monoesters, higher temperatures (e.g., 55°C) should be used to increase solubility of mannose and thus selectivity of the reaction leading to the mannose ester. Galactose is transformed with poor selectivity to the desired monoester by these procedures. Factors affecting the viability of these synthetic reactions in acetone are also discussed.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids, inflammation, and immunity
Authors: Calder Philip C.
Published: November 2006

The fatty acid composition of inflammatory and immune cells is sensitive to change according to the fatty acid composition of the diet. In particular, the proportion of different types of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in these cells is readily changed, and this provides a link between dietary PUFA intake, inflammation, and immunity. The n−6 PUFA arachidonic acid (AA) is the precursor of prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and related compounds, which have important roles in inflammation and in the regulation of immunity. Fish oil contains the n−3 PUFA eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Feeding fish oil results in partial replacement of AA in cell membranes by EPA. This leads to decreased production of AA‐derived mediators. In addition, EPA is a substrate for cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase and gives rise to mediators that often have different biological actions or potencies than those formed from AA. Animal studies have shown that dietary fish oil results in altered lymphocyte function and in suppressed production of proinflammatory cytokines by macrophages. Supplementation of the diet of healthy human volunteers with fish oil‐derived n−3 PUFA results in decreased monocyte and neutrophil chemotaxis and decreased production of proinflammatory cytokines. Fish oil feeding has been shown to ameliorate the symptoms of some animal models of autoimmune disease. Clinical studies have reported that fish oil supplementation has beneficial effects in rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and among some asthmatics, supporting the idea that the n−3 PUFA in fish oil are antiinflammatory and immunomodulatory.
Fully flexible unit cell simulation with recursive thermostat chains
Authors: Choi Kwangseok , Cho Maenghyo
Published: November 2006

The recursive thermostat chained fully flexible cell molecular dynamic simulation (NσT ensemble) is performed. The ensemble is based on the metric tensor, whose components are used as extended variables. These variables are combined with Nosé-Poincaré recursive thermostat chains. This extended Hamiltonian approach preserves Hamiltonian in structure, and the partition function satisfies the NσT ensemble state in phase space. In the present study, the generalized leap frog method was employed for time integration. The resulting molecular dynamics simulation was performed for bulk and thin film solid materials in the face-centered-cubic crystal structure. Uniaxial tension test and simple shear test are performed to predict the behaviors of a solid material in the bulk state and nanoscale thin film state. The proposed flexible cell method should serve as a powerful tool for the prediction of mechanical and thermal properties of solid materials including nanoscale behavior.
Organic light-emitting devices based on a highly robust osmium(II) complex
Authors: Liu Tswen-Hsin , Chen Chin H.
Published: November 2006

An osmium(II) complex, Os(fptz)2(PPh2Me)2 [fptz=3-trifluoromethyl-5-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole, PPh2Me=methyl-diphenyl-phosphan], when doped in a 4,4′-N,N′-dicarbazolebiphenyl host as a phosphorescent red emitter in organic light-emitting devices, has the unusual property of resisting concentration quenching and sustaining its external quantum efficiency (EQE) (8%–9%) over a wide range of doping concentration (20%–40%). Single-crystal x-ray diffraction evidence is presented that the difference in doping behaviors can be linked to the octahedral configuration of Os(fptz)2(PPh2Me)2, which could prevent the undesirable molecular aggregation from occurring at high concentration, thus delaying the onset of quenching. Accordingly, the high doping concentration of Os(fptz)2(PPh2Me)2 leads to a significant suppression of luminescence quenching at high brightness/current and achieves a “flat” EQE versus brightness response owing to the increase in the emission sites in the emission layer.
The dynamical properties of the aromatic hydrogen bond in NH4(C6H5)4B from quasielastic neutron scattering
Authors: Jalarvo Niina , Desmedt Arnaud , Lechner Ruep E. , Mezei Ferenc
Published: November 2006

N H 4 ( C 6 H 5 ) 4 B represents a prototypical system for understanding aromatic H bonds. In NH4(C6H5)4B an ammonium cation is trapped in an aromatic cage of four phenyl rings and each phenyl ring serves as a hydrogen bond acceptor for the ammonium ion as donor. Here the dynamical properties of the aromatic hydrogen bond in NH4(C6H5)4B were studied by quasielastic incoherent neutron scattering in a broad temperature range (20⩽T⩽350K). We show that in the temperature range from 67to350K the ammonium ions perform rotational jumps around C3 axes. The correlation time for this motion is the lifetime of the “transient” H bonds. It varies from 1.5ps at T=350K to 150ps at T=67K. The activation energy was found to be 3.14kJ∕mol, which means only 1.05kJ∕mol per single H bond for reorientations around the C3 symmetry axis of the ammonium group. This result shows that the ammonium ions have to overcome an exceptionally low barrier to rotate and thereby break their H bonds. In addition, at temperatures above 200K local diffusive reorientational motions of the phenyl rings, probably caused by interaction with ammonium-group reorientations, were found within the experimental observation time window. At room temperature a reorientation angle of 8.4°±2° and a correlation time of 22±8ps were determined for the latter. The aromatic H bonds are extremely short lived due to the low potential barriers allowing for molecular motions with a reorientational character of the donors. The alternating rupture and formation of H bonds causes very strong damping of the librational motion of the acceptors, making the transient H bond appear rather flexible.
Comparison of free energy methods for molecular systems
Authors: Ytreberg F. Marty , Swendsen Robert H. , Zuckerman Daniel M.
Published: November 2006

We present a detailed comparison of computational efficiency and precision for several free energy difference (ΔF) methods. The analysis includes both equilibrium and nonequilibrium approaches, and distinguishes between unidirectional and bidirectional methodologies. We are primarily interested in comparing two recently proposed approaches, adaptive integration, and single-ensemble path sampling to more established methodologies. As test cases, we study relative solvation free energies of large changes to the size or charge of a Lennard-Jones particle in explicit water. The results show that, for the systems used in this study, both adaptive integration and path sampling offer unique advantages over the more traditional approaches. Specifically, adaptive integration is found to provide very precise long-simulation ΔF estimates as compared to other methods used in this report, while also offering rapid estimation of ΔF. The results demonstrate that the adaptive integration approach is the best overall method for the systems studied here. The single-ensemble path sampling approach is found to be superior to ordinary Jarzynski averaging for the unidirectional, “fast-growth” nonequilibrium case. Closer examination of the path sampling approach on a two-dimensional system suggests it may be the overall method of choice when conformational sampling barriers are high. However, it appears that the free energy landscapes for the systems used in this study have rather modest configurational sampling barriers.
Organic-Inorganic Nanocomposites Based on Iron Containing Clusters and Biomolecules
Authors: Chan P , Chuaanusorn W , Nesterova M , Sipos P , Stpierre TG , Ward J , Webb J
Published: November 2006

Biopolymers, such as the protein ferritin and the polysaccharides chondroitin sulfate and chitosan, have been used to control the nucleation and growth of nanoscale iron(III) hydroxide clusters. The biopolymers can provide nucleation sites, that in some cases are spatially defined by the shape of the polymer, and/or defined volumes within which crystal growth of the iron(III) hydroxide can proceed. The product inorganic clusters are bound to the organic polymers which both keep them in solution and prevent aggregation. The morphology of the clusters (spheres or rods) and the uniformity of their dimensions are determined by the biopolymer chosen. The temperature of formation is shown to have an effect on the structure of the clusters, a higher temperature resulting in larger inorganic clusters with a higher degree of structural order. Iron(III) hydroxide clusters in ferritin cages can be partially transformed to iron sulfide by reaction with H2S gas while remaining in the protein cage.
The Synthesis and Structure of a Cyclobutane Analog of Glutamic Acid With an Acetic Acid Side Chain
Authors: Allan RD , Apostopoulos C , Hambley TW
Published: November 2006

A synthetic route involving a hydantoin derivative of bicyclo [3.2.0]hept-2-ene has been investigated for the preparation of neurotransmitter analogues containing an additional acetic acid substituent on the cyclobutane ring of the potent NMDA receptor agonist trans-1-aminocyclobutane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid. X-Ray analysis showed that the major cyclobutane amino acid produced had the 2-acetic acid and 3-carboxylic acid substituents in the trans orientation as a result of epimerization during hydantoin hydrolysis.
Associating Behavior of Mixed Liquids: Dielectric Properties of the Ethane-1,2-Diol+1,4-Dioxan Solvent System From -10 to +80°C
Authors: Corradini F , Marchetti A , Tagliazucchi M , Tassi L , Tosi G
Published: November 2006

The associating behaviour of ethane-1,2-diol (component 1)+1,4-dioxan (component 2) in their binary mixtures has been investigated through their dielectric properties. The experimental measurements of the relative permittivity (є) in the temperature range -10 ≤ X1 ≤ 80 for nine binary mixtures covering the whole miscibility field 0 ≤ X1 ≤ 1 have been utilized to test empirical equations representing the functions є = є(T), є = є (X1) and є = є(T,X1). Furthermore, the excess mixing function, єE, has been evaluated to obtain qualitative and quantitative information about the possibility of 'solvent- cosolvent ' complex formation.
Simulation of 13C N.M.R. Spectra of Nitrogen-Containing Aromatic Compounds
Authors: Jalaliheravi M , Moosavi M
Published: November 2006

The 13C n.m.r. spectra of a series of nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds have been simulated by using parametric techniques. The observed chemical shifts were related to numerically encoded structural parameters, called descriptors. The electronic and geometric descriptors were calculated after optimization of the molecular structures by using the MNDO semiempirical method. Subsequently, the method of stepwise, multiple linear regression was used to calculate coefficients relating the descriptors to the observed chemical shifts. This study involves 32 compounds such as pyridine, pyrimidine, triazine, pyridazine, and their methyl derivatives. Plotting of experimental against calculated chemical shifts for 23 carbon centres in the prediction set of five compounds shows a standard deviation of 1.41 ppm and a correlation coefficient of 0.999.
Changes in the distribution and abundance of saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in the upstream, freshwater reaches of rivers in the Northern Territory, Australia
Authors: Letnic Mike , Connors Greg
Published: November 2006

Since they were declared a protected species in 1971, populations of saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) have increased in the tidal rivers, freshwater swamps and marine waters of the Northern Territory. The recovery of the C. porosus population has been accompanied by an increase in the incidence of ‘problem crocodiles’ that represent a threat to people in freshwater and marine habitats. Despite the implications for human safety, little is known about C. porosus populations in the freshwater reaches of rivers, well upstream of tidal influence. In this study, we examined the density and body-size structure of C. porosus populations in three freshwater rivers using a combination of data from spotlight and helicopter surveys conducted between the 1980s and 2005, and the inland extent of C. porosus using distribution records in the Northern Territory. Since the 1980s, the density of C. porosus in upstream, freshwater reaches of the Daly and Roper rivers has increased, as has the inland extent of C. porosus on the Daly River. Although C. porosus was not detected in spotlight surveys of the Victoria River, helicopter survey and anecdotal records indicate that C. porosus was present after 1989. In all, 52.1% of the crocodiles sighted in spotlight surveys were 2.1–3.4 m long. Distribution records show that C. porosus occurs up to 235 km inland and at elevations of up to 126 m above sea level. The potential distribution of C. porosus is likely to be similar to that of barramundi (Lates calcarifer), a readily identifiable diadromous fish that must spawn in estuarine waters and occurs at elevations of up to 178 m above sea level. Because the density and inland extent of C. porosus in freshwater rivers is likely to increase, it is recommended that: (1) programs communicating crocodile awareness use the linkage between the presence of barramundi and the potential presence of C. porosus; (2) that crocodile warning signs be erected in upstream areas within the potential range of C. porosus; (3) that research be conducted on developing techniques to detect and exclude C. porosus from swimming areas; and (4) that widespread systematic surveys be undertaken to document the inland extent of C. porosus.
Evaluation of a surgical procedure to measure drug biliary excretion of rats in regulatory safety studies
Authors: Faure Laurence , Vignand Philippe , Raynard Alain , Pasello‐Legrand Flavia , Descotes Jacques
Published: November 2006

A surgical procedure was evaluated to allow bile collection from the freely moving male Sprague–Dawley rats for the assessment of drug biliary excretion during regulatory safety studies. A catheter was implanted into the bile duct to divert the bile flow via an exteriorized loop. Following recovery from the surgery and verification of normal hepatic function, the exteriorized catheter was sectioned to allow collection of the bile and replacement with a commercial bile salt solution. Approximately 80% of the catheterized animals (10 females and 10 males) had normal serum liver enzyme levels 2 days after surgery. Then, the effect of acute or repeated administrations of the immunosuppressant tacrolimus on the biliary excretion of 14C diazepam was studied to validate the technique. A first group of 12 rats received an intravenous injection of 10 mg/kg 14C‐diazepam and the total and sequential amounts of diazepam excreted in the bile were measured over 72 h. Biliary excretion accounted for 80% of diazepam elimination. These rats were then given an oral administration of 3 mg/kg tacrolimus on days 7 and 8 followed by the same intravenous dose of 14C‐diazepam. Another group of 10 catheterized rats was given 21 daily oral doses of 3 mg/kg tacrolimus followed by a single intravenous administration of 14C‐diazepam. No significant changes in diazepam biliary excretion were observed following either acute or repeated administration of tacrolimus. This study demonstrates the feasibility of drug biliary excretion investigations under Good Laboratory Practices conditions as a complement to regulatory acute or repeated dose safety studies.
RACIALIZATION AND RESISTANCE IN FRANCE: POSTCOLONIAL MIGRANTS, BESIEGED CITYSCAPES, AND EMERGENT SOLIDARITIES
Authors: De Laforcade Geoffroy
Published: November 2006

This article assesses the historical trajectory of legal and political campaigns to regulate the flow of newcomers to France. A republican‐nationalist consensus against cultural expressions of ethnicity or difference has progressed in unison with the devastation of the urban and industrial landscape that characterized postwar French society for three decades. The stigmatization of African and Southwest Asian immigrants is often cast in a neocolonial rhetoric of integration or assimilation; the historical defense of France's civilizing mission, and its reified national past, are employed as exclusionary, racialized representations of “barbarians at the gates.” It is argued here that the political economy of immigration in recent decades belies the assumptions upon which such views rest. The growing resistance of youths in the banlieues (working‐class suburbs) and sans‐papiers (undocumented foreigners) illustrates that nativism, xenophobia, and their underlying economic rationalizations, while hegemonic, have not gone unchallenged.
A NEW PROOF OF THE FAITHFULNESS OF BRAUER'S REPRESENTATION OF TEMPERLEY–LIEB ALGEBRAS
Authors: DOŠEN KOSTA , KOVIJANIĆ ŽANA , PETRIĆ ZORAN
Published: November 2006

The faithfulness of the orthogonal group case of Brauer's representation of the Brauer centralizer algebras restricted to their Temperley–Lieb subalgebras, which was established by Vaughan Jones, is here proved in a new, elementary and self-contained, manner.
Aristotle Physics I 8
Authors: Kelsey Sean
Published: November 2006

Aristotle's thesis in Physics I 8 is that a certain old and familiar problem about coming to be can only be solved with the help of the new account of the "principles" he has developed in Physics I 7. This is a strong thesis and the literature on the chapter does not quite do it justice; specifically, as things now stand we are left wondering why Aristotle should have found this problem so compelling in the first place. In this paper I develop an interpretation which (I hope) will help to remedy this.I believe that Aristotle's problem about coming to be depends on a certain principle to the effect that "nothing can become what it already is" (it is this that is supposed to explain why τò óν cannot come to be εξ Óντoς – cf. 191a30). The main innovation of the interpretation developed here is its suggestion that we understand this principle as a principle about kinds. So understood, the principle does not make the comparatively trivial point that nothing can become any individual it already is, but rather the more powerful and substantive point that nothing can become any kind of thing it already is. I argue that this is a point which Aristotle himself accepts and that this is why the problem about coming to be raises serious difficulties for him. I also discuss Aristotle's proposed solutions to this problem, explaining how each draws on his new account of the principles and why each is required for any full resolution of the difficulties the problem raises. In this way I hope to show how the interpretation developed here does justice to the very strong thesis with which Aristotle begins Physics I 8. I conclude brie fly and somewhat speculatively with a suggestion as to why Aristotle might accept the principle on which I have suggested the problem turns.
Existential-Phenomenological Psychotherapy in the Trenches: A Collaborative Approach to Serving the Underserved
Authors: HallingMcNabbRowe SteenMarieJan O.
Published: November 2006

This article describes the origin and the work of a volunteer run nonprofit agency designed to provide low cost psychotherapy. The agency was developed by psychotherapists connected with the Seattle University graduate program guided by the vision of psychotherapy as a healing relationship and in response to a growing crisis in the mental health system. We address the benefits and the challenges of this collaborative effort, and especially the difficulty involved in successfully running an agency while staying true to a particular vision of therapy, collaboration, and community.
PathogenMIPer: a tool for the design of molecular inversion probes to detect multiple pathogens
Authors: Thiyagarajan Sreedevi , Karhanek Miloslav , Akhras Michael , Davis Ronald W , Pourmand Nader
Published: November 2006

Background

Here we describe PathogenMIPer, a software program for designing molecular inversion probe (MIP) oligonucleotides for use in pathogen identification and detection. The software designs unique and specific oligonucleotide probes targeting microbial or other genomes. The tool tailors all probe sequence components (including target-specific sequences, barcode sequences, universal primers and restriction sites) and combines these components into ready-to-order probes for use in a MIP assay. The system can harness the genetic variability available in an entire genome in designing specific probes for the detection of multiple co-infections in a single tube using a MIP assay.

Results

PathogenMIPer can accept sequence data in FASTA file format, and other parameter inputs from the user through a graphical user interface. It can design MIPs not only for pathogens, but for any genome for use in parallel genomic analyses. The software was validated experimentally by applying it to the detection of human papilloma virus (HPV) as a model system, which is associated with various human malignancies including cervical and skin cancers. Initial tests of laboratory samples using the MIPs developed by the PathogenMIPer to recognize 24 different types of HPVs gave very promising results, detecting even a small viral load of single as well as multiple infections (Akhras et al, personal communication).

Conclusion

PathogenMIPer is a software for designing molecular inversion probes for detection of multiple target DNAs in a sample using MIP assays. It enables broader use of MIP technology in the detection through genotyping of pathogens that are complex, difficult-to-amplify, or present in multiple subtypes in a sample.
Overexpression of α‐Synuclein following Methamphetamine
Authors: MAUCELI GIUSEPPE , BUSCETI CARLA I. , PELLEGRINI ANTONIO , SOLDANI PAOLA , LENZI PAOLA , PAPARELLI ANTONIO , FORNAI FRANCESCO
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  α‐Synuclein is a presynaptic protein involved in various degenerative disorders now defined as synucleinopathies. These include neurological diseases that share a few pathological features consisting of aggregates of both normal and altered α‐synuclein within specific neuronal populations and/or glial cells. The prototype of synucleinopathies is represented by Parkinson's disease (PD) in which α‐synuclein is identified as a constant component of neuronal pale eosinophilic inclusions: “the Lewy Bodies.” In the present article, we discuss the potential significance of amphetamine‐induced overexpression of α‐synuclein in light of clinical findings showing neurodegeneration following overexpression of α‐synuclein and recent experimental studies that measured increased expression of α‐synuclein following amphetamine derivatives.
MDMA and Seizures: A Dangerous Liaison?
Authors: GIORGI FILIPPO S. , LAZZERI GLORIA , NATALE GIANFRANCO , IUDICE ALFONSO , RUGGIERI STEFANO , PAPARELLI ANTONIO , MURRI LUIGI , FORNAI FRANCESCO
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  In the past decades, there was a massive increase in the abuse of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in the Western countries. Seizure onset after MDMA is considered to be related mainly to its acute systemic effects (e.g., hyponatremia and hyperthermia). However, additional mechanisms might concur to it as well. Experiments aimed at disclosing the basis for such an acute effect have the advantage of profiting of controlled conditions and the “pure” compounds, as opposed to the limits of clinical data which are biased by several confounding factors. Amphetamines exert profound effect on different monoaminergic systems, which might participate to lowering of seizure threshold. Chronic effects of MDMA abuse on seizure threshold have not been explored in detail so far. Recent data showed that in mice receiving small, repeated doses of MDMA, a persisting pro‐convulsant effect toward limbic seizures and metabolic hyperexcitability can be observed. In the present article, we reviewed these studies and we report our preliminary experimental data documenting the lack of mossy fiber sprouting at short time intervals following MDMA, when seizure susceptibility is already present.
Prenatal Exposure to Cocaine and Enriched Environment
Authors: MAGALHÃES ANA , SUMMAVIELLE TERESA , MELO PEDRO , ROSA RUI , TAVARES MARIA AMÉLIA , DE SOUSA LILIANA
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Exposure to cocaine throughout gestation may produce several deleterious outcomes in the offspring that include effects on neurotransmitter systems and structure of the central nervous system. Such changes are most likely correlated with behavioral alterations. Environmental enrichment (EE) in early stages is a factor that affects structural and behavioral development. This article examines the effects, upon social interactions, of EE during the first month of life in rats prenatally exposed to cocaine. Wistar dams were subcutaneously exposed to 60 mg/kg of cocaine divided in two daily doses from gestational day (GD)8 to GD22. Pair‐fed controls were given saline vehicle in the same protocol. Offspring were distributed to the different environments in four experimental groups. Group 1: offspring from dams prenatally exposed to cocaine as previously described and reared in EE from postnatal day (PND)1 to PND28; Group 2: pups from cocaine‐exposed dams and reared in a standard environment (SE); Group 3: pups from pair‐fed saline‐exposed dams and reared in EE; Group 4: offspring from saline‐exposed dams and reared in SE. On PND21, 24, and 28, rats were examined in several social behavioral categories (play fighting, social investigation, comfort behaviors, and solicitation to play) for 10 min. Animals reared in SE do not display any differences due to treatment in the behavioral categories analyzed. Control offspring reared in EE presented decreased play fighting, decreased solicitation to play, and decreased social investigation compared to the control SE group, while cocaine‐exposed animals reared in EE did not present these variations. These results suggest that EE rearing may unmask hidden effects of prenatal cocaine exposure.
New observations on Micropleura australiensis (Nematoda, Dracunculoidea), a parasite of crocodiles in Australia
Authors: Moravec František , Spratt David , Kay Winston
Published: November 2006

Scanning electron microscopy examination of male and female specimens of Micropleura australiensis Moravec, Kay et Hobbs, 2004 (Nematoda, Dracunculoidea) from the peritoneal cavity of the freshwater crocodile Crocodylus johnsoni of the Ord River in Western Australia revealed some previously unreported morphological features. The male, first studied by SEM, possesses the same number (14) of cephalic papillae as the gravid female, but these are comparatively larger and somewhat differently arranged; four slit-like depressions located near the inner base of male dorsolateral and ventrolateral cephalic papillae of the external circle are present. The inner margin of the female oral aperture is smooth, without papilla-like formations. The male caudal end is provided with a right-side ventral ala. The transverse cuticular striae on the male ventral surface bear minute ornamentations (rows of papilla-like formations) in the pre-and postcloacal region. For the first time, M. australiensis is reported from wild and farmed Crocodylus johnsoni and saltwater crocodile C. porosus (new host record) from four localities in the Northern Territory, Australia.
Interference competition between ladybird beetle adults (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): effects on growth and reproductive capacity
Authors: Soares António O. , Serpa André
Published: November 2006

Cage experiments were used to determine the minimum number of Aphis fabae Scopoli that females of the Azorean native ladybird beetle Coccinella undecimpunctata L. require per day to achieve maximum fecundity and to assess the effects of interference competition from conspecific and heterospecific [Harmonia axyridis (Pallas)] adult ladybirds on its growth and reproduction. The number of A. fabae at which females of C. undecimpunctata ate most aphids, achieved maximum reproduction and maintained their body weight, was 200. The presence of H. axyridis adults, unlike the presence of C. undecimpunctata, significantly affected the reproductive numerical response of C. undecimpunctata even though the resource was not in short supply. The results suggest that interference competition with heterospecifics may adversely affect the reproductive capacity of C. undecimpunctata. Based on previous results and those reported here, we suggest that the introduction of H. axyridis could endanger the population abundance and/or result in the competitive displacement of C. undecimpunctata from the Azorean ecosystem.
Test of Inseparability Criteria for Squeezed Number States of the Radiation Field
Authors: Dell'Anno Fabio , De Siena Silvio , Illuminati Fabrizio
Published: November 2006

We investigate the efficiency of inseparability criteria in detecting the entanglement properties of two-mode non-Gaussian states of the electromagnetic field. We focus our study on the relevant class of two-mode squeezed number states. These states combine the entangling capability of two-mode squeezers with the non-Gaussian character (nonclassicality) of number states. They allow for some exact analytical treatments, and include as a particular case the two-mode Gaussian squeezed vacuum. We show that the generalized PPT criterion recently proposed by Shchukin and Vogel, based on higher order statistical moments, is very efficient in detecting the entanglement for this class of non-Gaussian states.
About Weyl and Wigner Tomography in Finite-Dimensional Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Durt Thomas
Published: November 2006

We study different techniques that allow us to gain complete knowledge about an unknown quantum state, e.g. to perform full tomography of this state. In a first time, we focus on two simple cases, full tomography of one- and two-qubit systems. We analyze and compare those techniques according to two criteria. Our first criterion is the minimisation of the redundancy of the data acquired during the tomographic process. In the case of two-qubits tomography, we also analyze this process from the point of view of factorisability, so to say we analyze the possibility to realise the tomographic process through local operations and classical communications between local observers. Finally, we present new results that concern the extension of the one- and two-qubit cases to higher dimensions.
Lipid/surfactant compounds as a new tool to optimize skin‐care properties of personal‐cleansing products
Authors: Förster Th. , Issberner U. , Hensen H.
Published: November 2006

Surfactants are commonly used in personal‐care products to increase cleansing performance and to create pleasing foam. However, surfactants can also damage the skin by removing skin lipids and causing corneocytes to swell, resulting in increased skin roughness and transepidermal water loss. Newly established methods help to quantify these effects in controlled consumer studies. In addition, in vitro experiments with skin cell cultures show the potential inflammatory action of surfactants, which in the in vivo situation may provoke skin irritation. These detrimental effects are even enhanced by frequent treatment with surfactant‐based personal‐care products. Together with the use of mild surfactant combinations, the addition of surfactant‐compatible lipid compounds has proved a convenient way of not only counteracting the negative side effects of surfactants but also exerting positive skin effects. In a controlled consumer study, analysis of skin lipids after skin cleansing revealed the lipid‐layer strengthening efficacy of lipid/surfactant mixtures that can be solubilized in the personal‐care formulation or disperses as waxy particles. As a result, skin roughness after cleansing treatment, as measured by fast optical in vivo topometry of the skin, is improved, and consumers perceive that their skin is smooth and cared for.
Silicone emulsions and surfactants
Authors: O'Lenick Anthony J.
Published: November 2006

This review is intended to supply the practicing chemist with a working knowledge of the chemistry of silicone compounds. It has been divided into two parts, the first dealing with basic chemistry of silicones [O'Lenic, A.J., JSD 2, 229 (2000)] and the second with silicone‐based surfactants, specifically dimethicone copolyols and their derivatives. This is the second part of the review. Although silicone compounds have been known for over 50 yr, the chemistry of these materials remains elusive to the average formulating chemist. This is indeed unfortunate, since the chemistry of the silicon atom and silicone compounds is every bit as wide in scope and rich in content as the chemistry of the carbon atom and the surfactant chemistry upon which it is based. This article will deal with the various methods of delivering silicone from aqueous systems. The two approaches are (i) to make emultions that contain silicone oil and a surfactant pair and the (ii) to make modify the molecule chemically to make the product more water‐compatible. Both approaches find applications in a variety of industrial applications, with different challenges to the formulator.
Guerbet chemistry
Authors: O'Lenick Anthony J.
Published: November 2006

Although the chemistry named after Marcel Guerbet was developed over 100 yr ago, Guerbet alcohols, Guerbet acids, and derivatives based upon them remain a topic of continued interest because of their (i) unique branching pattern, both in terms of size of the branch group and purity of the compounds, (ii) oxidative stability, and (iii) liquidity of the products. This review article is offered to demonstrate the diversity of chemistry possible using these materials and the large variety of applications for which these compounds are useful.
Chemistry and kinetics of LAS acid thermal decomposition
Authors: Roberts David W. , Lejeune Séverine
Published: November 2006

The emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2) from linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) acid (LASH) at high temperatures has been studied. Rate constants and Arrhenius parameters have been determined, enabling estimation of the amount of SO2 evolved under any time/temperature combination for risk assessment purposes. Further analysis of the kinetic data and comparison with earlier molecular modeling work on the mechanism of sulfonation of linear alkyl benzene (LAB) to make LASH provide insight into the reaction pathway of SO2 formation by thermal decomposition of LASH. For risk assessment purposes, the calculation is as follows: Estimate k from k=3.9×107·e−13,000/(273+T), where T is in degrees C and k is in s−1. Estimate N(SO2,t), the number of moles of SO2 evolved when N(LASH0) moles of LASH are heated for t s at ToC, from: N(SO2,t)=N(LASH0)×(1−e−kt).
Role of the functional group position in producing viscoelasticity in micellar solutions: A 1H NMR study
Authors: Kabir‐ud‐Din  , Kumar Sanjeev , Sharma Damyanti
Published: November 2006

1H NMR spectra of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) micellar solutions in the absence and presence of sodium anthranilate (NaAn) have been recorded. Studies were performed at a fixed CTAB concentration in the presence of different NaAn concentrations. The specificity of the functional group attached to the salt in producing changes (i.e., viscoelasticity) in CTAB micellar solutions was explored. It was concluded that the nature of the salt counterion together with its intercalation/adsorption in the head group region is the principal cause of viscoelasticity.
Synthesis and characterization of dehydroabietic acid derivatives suitable for surfactant synthesis
Authors: Piispanen Peter S. , Hedman Björn , Norin Torbjörn
Published: November 2006

The syntheses of derivatives of dehydroabietic acid suitable for further manipulation into surfactants are presented. The compounds are produced at very high yields and purity. They contain several different functional groups, e.g., carboxylic acid, amine, ester, alcohol, and an aromatic group. The functional groups are useful as the linking unit to the hydrophilic part in synthesizing surfactants.
Aldonamide‐type gemini surfactants: Synthesis, structural analysis, and biological properties
Authors: Wilk Kazimiera A. , Syper Ludwik , Domagalska Beata W. , Komorek Urszula , Maliszewska Irena , Gancarz Roman
Published: November 2006

A new group of nonionics, so‐called sugar surfactants having a gemini structure, N,N′‐bisalkyl‐N,N′‐bis[(3‐gluconylamido)propyl]ethylenediamines [bis(CnGA): Cn=n‐C8H17, n‐C12H25], N,N′‐bisdodecyl‐N,N′‐bis[(3‐glucoheptonylamido)propyl]ethylenediamine [bis(C12GH)], and N,N′‐bisalkyl‐N,N′‐bis[(3‐lactobionylamido)propyl]ethylenediamines [bis(CnLA): Cn=n‐C8H17, n‐C12H25], were prepared in a convenient four‐step procedure from easily accessible reagents. Their structure and purity were confirmed by means of elemental analysis, electrospray ionization MS (ESI‐MS), and NMR spectra—1H, 13C, 1H−13C COSY, and distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer. All tested surfactants were practically nontoxic to gram‐negative bacteria and fungi, but they inhibited the growth of some gram‐positive bacteria. From the results of the Closed Bottle test (OECD Guideline 301D) for biodegradability measurements, it was concluded that the tested aldonamide gemini structures are biodegraded by environmental microorganisms to 16–55% of the initial levels by day 28, the extent depending on both the aldonamide type and the alkyl chain length. Consequently, N,N′‐bisalkyl‐N,N′‐bis[(3‐aldonylamido)propyl]ethylenediamines are a surfactant class having low ecotoxicity and fulfilling requirements desired from an ecological standpoint.