bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electron crystallography of linear polysaccharides
Authors: Pérez Serge , Chanzy Henri
Published: April 2005

The present article illustrates how the use of electron diffraction data coupled with realistic molecular modeling can yield to unambiguous structural elucidation of linear polysaccharides in the crystalline state. The series of the original ab initio quantitative crystal structure analyses is presented, along with a description of the methods. Pertinent examples showing the unique ability and utility of electron crystallography to yield new structural insights for biologically interesting macromolecules are given.
Lymphocyte positions in the dome epithelium of the rabbit appendix
Authors: Schmedtje John F.
Published: April 2005

The apico‐basal distribution of lymphocytes within the epithelium covering the domes of lymphatic tissue in the wall of the rabbit appendix was investigated in single and serial sections stained either for general histology, for cytoplasmic basophilia and acidophilia, or for nonspecific esterase activity. From the base to the summit of a dome, four zones numbered proximo‐distally 1‐4 were distinguished. Epithelial cells migrate from base to summit, as indicated by mitotic figures in zone 1, the gradual change from cytoplasmic basophilia to acidophilia in zones 2 to 4, and visible extrusion of cells from zone 4 at the summit. Zone 1 was free of lymphocytes. Most of the lymphocytes in zone 2 were intercellular and randomly arranged, but a few in this zone were within tapered epithelial cells modified by a process extending basally to the basement membrane. Small numbers of these tapered epithelial cells also occurred in zone 3. The large clusters of ten to 12 lymphocytes that characterized zone 3 were intercellular and impinged the apical regions of epithelial cells. Serial sections at the level of the distal cluster of zone 3 showed lymphocytes located also more basally, and some of these lymphocytes appeared to be passing through the basement membrane back into the lymphoid tissue of the dome. Epithelium of zone 4 over the distal surface of a dome was largely free of lymphocytes. Apparently most infiltrating lymphocytes form intercellular clusters and then return to the subepithelial lymphatic tissue.
Role of Ser50 phosphorylation in SCG10 regulation of microtubule depolymerization
Authors: Togano Tetsuya , Kurachi Masashi , Watanabe Michitoshi , Grenningloh Gabriele , Igarashi Michihiro
Published: April 2005

Members of the stathmin‐like protein family depolymerize microtubules (MTs), probably due to the ability of each stathmin monomer to bind two tubulin heterodimers in a complex (T2S complex). SCG10, a member of this family, is localized in the growth cone of neurons. It has four identified sites of serine phosphorylation (S50, S63, S73, and S97). Of these, S50 and S97 are phosphorylated by cAMP‐dependent protein kinase, an enzyme involved in growth cone guidance. When the equivalent sites in stathmins are phosphorylated, they lose their ability to depolymerize MTs. We investigated the specific role of the two cAMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKA) phosphorylation sites in SCG10. A mutant of SCG10 phosphorylated only on S50 retained the ability to depolymerize MTs, but SCG10 phosphorylated on S97 or on both S50 and S97 lost MT‐depolymerizing activity. Surface plasmon resonance studies revealed that the phosphorylation of SCG10 at these sites reduced the tubulin heterodimer binding, mainly due to a reduced rate of association. In particular, compared to the two other phosphorylated forms, SCG10 phosphorylated at S50 had a significantly smaller dissociation constant for the binding of the first tubulin heterodimer and larger association and dissociation rate constants for the binding of the second heterodimer. This indicates that the phosphorylation of S50 compensates for the effect of phosphorylation at other sites by modulating T2S complex formation. Furthermore, these results suggest that S50‐P maintains MT‐depolymerizing activity, which indicates that the biological functions of phosphorylation at S50 and S97 are different. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coregistration of quantitative proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging with neuropathological and neurophysiological analyses defines the extent of neuronal impairments in murine human immunodeficiency virus type‐1 encephalitis
Authors: Nelson J.A. , Dou H. , Ellison B. , Uberti M. , Xiong H. , Anderson E. , Mellon M. , Gelbard H.A. , Boska M. , Gendelman H.E.
Published: April 2005

Relatively few immune‐activated and virus‐infected mononuclear phagocytes (MP; perivascular macrophages and microglia) may affect widespread neuronal dysfunction during human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1)‐associated dementia (HAD). Indeed, histopathological evidence of neuronal dropout often belies the extent of cognitive impairment. To define relationships between neuronal function and histopathology, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (1H MRSI) and hippocampal long‐term potentiation (LTP) were compared with neuronal and glial immunohistology in a murine model of HIV‐1 encephalitis (HIVE). HIV‐1ADA‐infected human monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDM) were stereotactically injected into the subcortex of severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. Sham‐operated and unmanipulated mice served as controls. Seven days after cell injection, brain histological analyses revealed a focal giant cell encephalitis, with reactive astrocytes, microgliosis, and neuronal dropout. Strikingly, significant reductions in N‐acetyl aspartate concentration ([NAA]) and LTP levels in HIVE mice were in both injected and contralateral hemispheres and in brain subregions, including the hippocampus, where neuropathology was limited or absent. The data support the importance of 1H MRSI as a tool for assessing neuronal function for HAD. The data also demonstrate that a highly focal encephalitis can produce global deficits for neuronal function and metabolism. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optical wireless communications utilizing a dicode PPM PIN‐BJT receiver
Authors: Menon M. , Cryan R. A.
Published: April 2005

Original results are presented for an optical wireless system employing dicode pulse position modulation (DiPPM) and a PIN‐BJT receiver. When operating at λ = 0.85 μm and a bit rate of 10 Mb/s, a sensitivity of −51 dBm (Pe= 10−9) is achieved, which represents a 10.3‐dB improvement, as compared to an equivalent PCM system. The work also demonstrates that DiPPM achieves comparable sensitivities to those of the digital PPM format, but at significantly reduced line rates, thus making it a credible candidate for mobile devices using optical wireless technology. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 45: 273–277, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20794
SAR of internal antenna in mobile‐phone applications
Authors: Chan K. H. , Chow K. M. , Fung L. C. , Leung S. W.
Published: April 2005

This paper presents an investigation of the effect of the internal antenna on the specific absorption rate (SAR), and the effect of the presence of a human head at close proximity to a mobile phone upon the antenna performance in mobile‐phone applications. Both the experimental measurement and numerical simulation of the SAR values and the antenna performance parameters of a typical internal antenna are presented. The results indicate that the far‐field radiations of the internal antenna can be reduced by 3 dB with the presence of human head. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 45:286–290, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20797
Order of accuracy analysis for multiresolution time‐domain using Daubechies bases
Authors: Kovvali Narayan , Lin Wenbin , Carin Lawrence
Published: April 2005

In this paper, the spatial order of accuracy of multiresolution time‐domain methods using basis functions from the Daubechies family are studied. It is observed that MRTD methods using scaling functions from the Daubechies N‐vanishing‐moment orthonormal family have a spatial order of accuracy equal to 2N. For MRTD methods using scaling functions from the CDF (2, N2) biorthogonal family, the spatial order of accuracy is 2 + N2. We also find that the order of accuracy is the same for both staggered and nonstaggered spatial grids. The simulation results are presented which confirm analytical predictions. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 45: 290–293, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20798
A new printed G‐shaped monopole antenna for dual‐band WLAN applications
Authors: Pan Chien‐Yuan , Huang Chien‐Hsiang , Horng Tzyy‐Sheng
Published: April 2005

A novel dual‐band printed G‐shaped monopole antenna is proposed. The antenna provides two resonant paths of different lengths (forming into a G‐shaped profile) in order to achieve 2.4‐ and 5.2‐GHz dual‐band operation for WLAN applications. Reasonably large impedance‐matching bandwidth and good radiation patterns have been observed. The measured impedance bandwidth for 10‐dB return loss in the 2.4‐ and 5.2‐GHz bands reaches 0.37 GHz (2.25–2.62 GHz) and 1.06 GHz (4.94–6 GHz), respectively. In addition, the proposed antenna has a small size of 13.6 × 9.3 mm2. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 45: 295–297, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20800
Tunable fiber laser based on an etched fiber Bragg grating
Authors: Tu Po‐Jen , Liu Wen‐Fung , Chen Tzu‐Chiang
Published: April 2005

This study describes a wavelength‐tunable fiber laser based on a broadband fiber mirror and an etched fiber Bragg grating (FBG) with a tuning range exceeding 15 nm. The experimental results indicate that this configuration provides a simple and economical method of implementing a wavelength‐tunable fiber laser for applications in fiber optics or fiber‐communication systems. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 45: 297–300, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20801
Optically activated novel force sensor calibrated as weighing balance
Authors: Kulkarni Atul , Karekar R. N. , Aiyer R. C.
Published: April 2005

This paper presents the use of plastic optical fibers (POFs) as a weighing balance. A force sensor with a critically adjusted pair of deforming plates and weighing 1 g to 3 kg is constructed, having an accuracy of 1% over the range of ±0.5% linearity with regard to response and a recovery time of 250 msec with no observable hysteresis. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 45: 300–303, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20802
Characterization of InP semiconductor waveguides coupled to disk microcavity optical resonators via opto‐microwave technique
Authors: Miska P. , Beaugeois M. , Lethien C. , Beaurain A. , Li H.‐W. , Vilcot J.‐P. , Decoster D. , Chazelas J. , Bouazaoui M. , Dobrzynski L. , Akjouj A. , Djafari‐Rouhani B. , Vasseur J.‐O.
Published: April 2005

We report on the opto‐microwave characterization of InP waveguide‐coupled to microcavity disk resonators. The lateral waveguide confinement is obtained by deep inductively‐coupled plasma reactive‐ion etching (ICP‐RIE) through the guiding layer. We demonstrate the propagation of microwaves on an optical carrier in this resonant structure, which behaves as an opto‐microwave filter or demultiplexer. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 45: 315–317, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20808
Dual‐spiral microstrip bandpass filter with two transmission zeros
Authors: Li JiaLin , Chen JianXin , Wang JianPeng , Xue Quan , Xue LiangJin
Published: April 2005

A microstrip bandpass filter using a dual‐spiral configuration is proposed. Unlike conventional filter topology, this filter is integrated directly within 50Ω microstrip lines. The filter has a simple configuration, and compact size, and is easy to fabricate. Two transmission zeros close to the passband improve the selectivity of the filter. A demonstration filter is designed and examined, and the theoretical and experimental results are presented. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 45: 331–332, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20814
Percolation study by infrared thermography
Authors: Henry F. , Costa L. C.
Published: April 2005

In two‐phase materials, where the electrical conductivity of the disperse phase is significantly different than that of the host phase, the conductivity versus concentration of the dispersed phase shows percolation behaviour. In order to control the percolation threshold, we prepare a new composite polymer, based on polystyrene (PS) and polypyrrole (PPy) particles, to be used as electromagnetic shielding material. The critical concentration of the percolation was controlled, thus changing the ratio of the size of those particles. In this work, we present a study of the percolation behaviour using infrared thermography stimulated by microwave radiation at 12 GHz and the results are compared with the dc and ac electrical properties. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 45: 335–337, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20816
Design of a radiated‐mode multislot leaky coaxial cable
Authors: Ahn Chi‐Hyung , Yi Dong‐Woo , Park Wee Sang
Published: April 2005

In this paper, we propose a closed‐form equation and a novel design procedure for suppressing the space harmonics and coupling loss of a radiated‐mode leaky coaxial cable (LCX). The LCX with periodic principal slots is analyzed using Floquet theory, and its radiation usually contains higher radiation harmonics that may cause an uneven coupling loss. A closed‐form equation is derived to determine the orders of the harmonics being suppressed. Consideration of the resonant points makes it possible to choose the operating‐frequency range of the antenna from the passband region, where the level of the resonant points is low. The proposed design procedure, which leads to the suppression of the higher radiation harmonics and longitudinal loss, features the use of additional slots with unequal pitches. A sample LCX antenna is designed, fabricated, and tested at 1800 MHz using the proposed procedure. The measurement results for the coupling loss agree well with the simulation results. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 45: 338–342, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20817
Analytical study of printed dipoles with closed‐form impedance formulas
Authors: Kazemipour Alireza , Begaud Xavier
Published: April 2005

Printed dipoles are studied analytically and simple closed‐form formulas for the real and imaginary impedances are presented. The formulas explain the printed‐dipole impedance as a function of the substrate thickness and permitivity. The analytical results show good agreement with the numerical and experimental ones. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 45: 345–347, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20819
Isolation between GSM/DCS and WLAN antennas in a PDA phone
Authors: Wong Kin‐Lu , Chou Jui‐Hung , Su Saou‐Wen , Su Chih‐Ming
Published: April 2005

The isolation performances of GSM/DCS and WLAN antennas embedded in a PDA phone for cellular/WLAN dual‐network operations are studied. The two (GSM/DCS and WLAN) antennas are printed PIFAs with compact sizes and are mounted perpendicularly along the boundary of the system circuit board in order to perform as internal antennas for the PDA phone. It is found that the isolation between the two antennas is greatly dependent on their relative position inside the PDA phone. The measured and simulated results are presented, and the isolation performances are analyzed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 45: 347–352, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20820
Preparation and thermal properties of bismaleimide blends based on hydroxyphenyl maleimide
Authors: Rao BS , Sireesha R , Pasala AR
Published: April 2005

N‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)maleimide was melt‐blended with the glycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A and various mole percentages of 4, 4′‐(diaminodiphenylsulfone) bismaleimide. The cure behaviour of the resins was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The blends showed distinct reductions in the onset of cure (To) and peak exothermic (Texo) temperatures. The blends cured at low temperatures exhibited glass transition temperatures (Tgs) higher than the cure temperatures. The cured blends showed high moduli, glass transition temperatures in excess of 250 °C and good thermal stabilities up to 400 °C. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Ab initio study of guanine tautomers in the S0 and D0 states
Authors: Elshakre Mohamed
Published: April 2005

The electronic and stabilization energies of the guanine six most stable tautomers were calculated in the neutral ground electronic, S0, and the cationic ground, D0, states. Calculations using ab initio MP2 method shows that guanine 9‐H keto is the most stable tautomer in the S0 state. It was found that upon ionization to the D0 state, guanine 9‐H‐enol‐trans is the most stable form. The ionization energy of the six tautomers of guanine was calculated and found to agree well with the values reported from experiments and with theoretically predicted ionization energies. The molecular structures in the S0 and D0 states were predicted and the results from geometry optimization show that all tautomers are nonplanar in the S0 state. It was predicted that the ionization of all guanine forms to the D0 state may originate from the removal of one of the electron pairs on the terminal NH2 group of the pyrimidine ring, and the other electron enhances the interaction between nitrogen atoms of the NH2 and the immediate carbon atom neighbors via hyperconjugation. These interactions force the molecule to become planar in the D0 state. The planar geometry is justified by the electron delocalization in and outside both rings. The calculations of atomic charges and dipole moments support the findings of electrons delocalization around the ring causing the geometrical changes in the S0 and D0 states of all tautomers. The calculations of the rotational constants show that the geometries are different for all tautomers, in both the S0 and D0 states, verifying the findings from atomic charge and dipole moment analysis that these tautomers suffer large geometrical changes upon ionization. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Recent Developments in Nanofabrication Using Ion Projection Lithography
Authors: Tseng Ampere A.
Published: April 2005

Ion projection lithography (IPL) is an emerging technology and a major candidate for the next‐generation lithography (NGL) designed to complement and supplement current optical lithographic techniques for future chip manufacturing. In this Review, the recent developments of IPL technology are examined with an emphasis on its ability to fabricate a wide variety of nanostructures for the semiconductor industry. Following an introduction of the uniqueness and strength of the technology, the basics of ion‐source development and ion–target interactions with and without chemical enhancement are presented. The developments in equipment systems, masks, and resists are subsequently studied. The resolution of printed nanostructures and the corresponding throughput of the current system are assessed for NGL. Finally, concluding remarks are presented to summarize the strengths and weaknesses of the current technology and to suggest the scope for future improvement.
The location of GABAB receptor binding sites in mammalian spinal cord
Authors: Price G. W. , Kelly J. S. , Bowery N. G.
Published: April 2005

GABAB binding sites in rat spinal cord have been detected by receptor autoradiography using 3H‐GABA in the presence of isoguvacine. The sites could be demonstrated throughout the spinal cord grey matter.

The maximum concentration of GABAB sites occurred in lamina II with substantial amounts in other laminae of the dorsal horn. Much lower levels were detected in the ventral horn. Unilateral rhizotomy reduced the number of GABAB sites in the dorsal horn without affecting levels in the ventral horn. The greatest reduction occurred in lamina II with 18% loss 2 days after surgery, 23% after 4 days, 25% after 6 days, and 48% after 15 days. The change after 15 days was comparable to that produced 4 months after neonatal capsaicin administration (50 mg/kg). The only apparent difference between rhizotomy and capsaicin treatment occurred in lamina IV, where rhizotomy produced a greater reduction than capsaicin.

3H‐Neurotensin binding in sections from the same animals was unaltered after rhizotomy, indicating a lack of change in the populations of neurons containing neurotensinbinding sites. This would support the view that up to 50% of GABAB binding sites are located on nerve terminals.

The greater reduction in lamina IV after rhizotomy would suggest that GABAB sites may be present on large‐diameter afferent fibres that terminate in this region as well as on smaller‐diameter C and A δ fibres.
Glutamic acid decarboxylase‐ and peptide‐immunoreactive neurons in cortex cerebri following development in isolation: Evidence of homotypic and disturbed patterns in intraocular grafts
Authors: Erikdotter‐Nilsson Maria , Meister Bjöurn , Höukfelt Tomas , Elde Robert , Fahrenkrug Jan , Frey Peter , Oertel Wolfgang , Rehfeld Jens F. , Terenius Lars , Olson Lars
Published: April 2005

Fetal parietal cerebral cortex was transplanted to the anterior eye chamber of adult Sprague‐Dawley rats. After two to three months the grafts, with or without colchicine treatment, were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis using antibodies against cholecystokinin (CCK), somatostatin (SOM), neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI) and the GABA‐synthesizing enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). Cerebral cortex in situ of untreated and colchicine‐treated rats was always analyzed in parallel.

A dense plexus of CCK‐immunoreactive fibers was distributed in all parts of the transplants, and after colchicine treatment a large number of CCK‐positive cells was observed. These cells were markedly increased in number as compared to normal cortical tissue in colchicine‐pretreated rats. The amount of NPY‐immunoreactive cells was also markedly increased, whereas somatostatin‐positive cells were found in numbers similar to those seen in cortex in situ. In the grafts only a few VIP‐ and PHI‐positive fibers were seen with a few VIP‐positive cell bodies, but no clearly discernible PHI‐positive cells. A very dense plexus of GAD‐positive fibers with an even distribution throughout the grafts was observed. Cortex in situ exhibited a lower density of GAD‐immunoreactive fibers. Even after colchicine treatment the number of GAD‐positive cells in the grafts was low. Using double‐staining techniques, it was found that most of the few GAD‐positive cells in the grafts were also NPY‐positive, SOM‐positive or, to a minor extent, CCK‐positive.

The present results demonstrate that several peptides and transmitter markers are expressed in cortical grafts in oculo, but marked differences in their expression can be observed in cortical tissue that has developed in isolation. Thus, the intraocular cortex graft, alone and in combination with other brain areas, should provide a useful model in which to study factors that regulate brain development.
Substructure in the postsynaptic density of purkinje cell dendritic spines revealed by rapid freezing and etching
Authors: Landis Dennis M. D. , Weinstein L. A. , Reese Thomas S.
Published: April 2005

In tissue prepared by rapid freezing, freeze fracture, and shallow etching, the postsynaptic density of Purkinje cell dendritic spines has a substructure consisting of fine filaments and irregular, globular adherent proteins. The number and packing density of the globular proteins vary from region within a single density and are even more variable when different junctions are compared. Whereas actinlike microfilaments and spectrinlike filaments are juxtaposed to the postsynaptic density, they do not appear to be continuous with the constituent filaments of the density. We suggest that the postsynaptic density at this class of synapse is composed of fine filamentous proteins that insert on the postsynaptic membrane and serve as a supporting framework for a variety of globular proteins. The globular proteins may vary qualitatively and quantitatively from junction to junction, and are positioned in the region of the spine that has the greatest concentration of ionized calcium entering with the synaptic current, and the greatest extent of postsynaptic depolarization.
Characterization and autoradiographic localization of LHRH receptors in the rat brain
Authors: Badr M. , Pelletier G.
Published: April 2005

Luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LHRH) is distributed in several extrahypothalamic areas, suggesting that it might act as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator in the central nervous system. This study was undertaken to characterize and localize LHRH receptors in the rat brain by using slide‐mounted frozen sections. The radioligand used was an iodinated stable LHRH agonist, [D‐Ser(TBU)6, des‐Gly‐NH210]LHRH ethylamide. It was clearly established that LHRH receptors with characteristics similar to those of pituitary LHRH receptors were present in the brain. They were found in high concentrations in the dorsal hippocampus, amygdala, septum, and subiculum and in very low amounts in the hypothalamus. Generally, a good correlation could be observerd between receptor distribution and immunohistologically localized LHRH. These results strongly suggest that LHRH has multiple sites of action in the rat brain and reinforce the hypothesis that the peptide could act as a neurotransmitter/neuromodulator in the central nervous system.
Polarized light out‐coupling from lightguides for LCDs
Authors: van Heesch C. M. , Jagt H. , Sánchez C. , Cornelissen H. J. , Broer D. J. , Bastiaansen C. W. M.
Published: April 2005

New designs of lightguide systems, which emit linear polarized light with a high efficiency for transmissive and transflective LCD applications, are presented. These systems are equipped with nano‐ and/or micro‐structured films or coatings, which emit highly collimated or diffuse linearly polarized light with a high efficiency. The films are based on polarization‐selective scattering, reflection, or diffraction of light and their properties can be tuned to a large extent dependent on their envisioned application. For instance, edge‐lit lightguide systems are discussed, which combine a range of desirable features such as a high transparency in direct view, a direct emission of light at normal angles to the plane of the lightguide, and a purely unidirectional out‐coupling of light towards the LCD‐side. © 2005 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 5: 59–69; 2005: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20034
A retrospective survey of community based utilization of Tay Sachs screening in Eight New Jersey counties
Authors: Wallerstein Robert , Seshadri Kapila , Brady‐Yasbin Sheila , Shih Ling‐yu , Wallerstein Donna Fleming
Published: April 2005

The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of utilization of Tay Sachs disease screening by the Ashkenazi Jewish population. Pregnant women who were referred to one of three genetic centers in New Jersey for amniocentesis unrelated to Tay Sachs screening were the study population. 4490 charts were reviewed retrospectively to determine the at risk population for Tay Sachs disease (Ashkenazi Jews) and whether or not patients and their spouses had elected Tay Sachs screening prior to referral. A group of 25 patients who did not elect screening were questioned as to their specific reason for declining Tay Sachs screening. Overall community utilization was 90%. Of the couples who did not elect screening, 64% felt that their risk to have an affected child was too small, 16% could not recall Tay Sachs screening being offered to them, 8% felt that screening was inconvenient. Tay Sachs screening as a voluntary preventive health care program has a high utilization rate in our study group.
Training Genetic Counselors to provide teratogen counseling
Authors: Stein Amy K. , Fine Beth A. , Pergament Eugene
Published: April 2005

Provision of teratogen counseling requires acquisition of knowledge and skills from several disciplines. Traditionally, training in teratogen counseling has occurred “on the job.” We describe a formal, didactic and experiential curriculum for teratogen counseling as an integral part of the Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling leading to the master of science degree at Northwestern University. All students complete a 5‐week rotation with the Coordinator of the Illinois Teratogen Information Service (TIS). This provides them with an opportunity to evaluate a spectrum of teratogen exposures, to interpret teratogen studies in a manner useful for patients, and to develop skills in assessing and addressing psychosocial issues associated with fetal exposure to potential teratogens. Students also learn first hand about how a TIS functions and when and how to refer to TIS specialists. The goal of the program is to provide genetic counseling students with the opportunity to gain experience in accessing and interpreting teratology research and in communicating teratogen information to patients and health professionals in a sensitive, effective manner.
Nondirectiveness and genetic counseling
Authors: Wolff Gerhard , Jung Christine
Published: April 2005

Nondirectiveness is the generally required and professed standard for genetic counseling. However, studies are lacking in the field of human genetics and in other disciplines which address either the theory or practice of this type of therapeutic procedure in the context of genetic counseling. Moreover, there is no indication the further development this concept has undergone in client‐centered therapy has been acknowledged in human genetics. This could be due tot he historical development of genetic counseling, its inherent conflicts and often undefined goals, and the latent need of human geneticists to defend themselves against being accused of eugenic tendencies. Nondirectiveness and directiveness, however, can neither adequately describe what takes place in genetic counseling, nor can they — according to their original meaning — be used to define an ethical standard of genetic counseling. Starting with the writings by Carl Rogers (1942), an experiential approach is described, in which counseling is seen as a process of influence, which is wished by all the persons involved, during which activities are oriented toward the experience of the client, and which allows the counselor to communicate openly and directly with the client. The present study illustrates the use of the experiential approach in genetic counseling and shows that it can uphold the principle of ethics, which nondirectiveness demands and, at the same time, prevent the inevitable and unresolvable contradictions. This means that in their training genetic counselors must learn to recognize and constantly reflect on the influence they can and want to exert. In order to be able to use this influence in a responsible manner, genetic counselors must also learn to have a certain degree of flexibility so that they are able to check at any time how their client responds to this influence.
A generalization of the minimum variance analysis method
Authors: Kawano H. , Higuchi T.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. In order to determine the normal direction of the magnetopause, the minimum variance analysis technique is frequently used: it is applied to the magnetic field data of a magnetopause crossing observed by a satellite, and provides the direction along which the magnetic field variation is minimum. In this study we propose a method to extend naturally the framework of the minimum variance analysis so that it includes all continuity conditions across a planar magnetopause, so that we could use all physical quantities observed by the spacecraft. We first extend it to the electric field: we discuss how to determine the normal direction and the speed of the magnetopause along the normal by using both the magnetic and electric field data. We next discuss the full extension to all continuity conditions across the magnetopause. Finally, we discuss how to extend our method further so that it can deal with the magnetopause which is accelerating. A discussion of application to observations will appear separately.
Travelling convection vortices in the ionosphere map to the central plasma sheet
Authors: Yahnin A. , Moretto T.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. We investigate the magnetospheric domain responsible for the generation of ionospheric travelling convection vortices (TCV) by comparing the location of the TCV to the locations of the low-altitude particle-precipitation boundaries deduced from the DMSP satellite measurements. For three very well documented TCV events we are able to identify suitable satellite passes, in the sense that for each event we can identify two to three passes occurring close to the TCV observation in both time and space. In all three cases the comparisons place the TCV centres at or equatorward of the central plasma sheet/boundary plasma sheet precipitation boundary. Thus our results indicate that the field-aligned currents related to the TCV originate in the plasma sheet rather than at the magnetopause or in the low-latitude boundary layer, as previous studies suggest.
Influence of different wind directions in relation to topography on the outbreak of convection in Northern England
Authors: Thielen J. , Gadian A.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. The influence of different wind directions on the outbreak of convection in Northern England, was investigated with a high-resolution numerical model. The Clark model, a 3D finite-difference, non-hydrostatic model was used in this study. It was initialised with the topography of Northern England, a representation of surface characteristics, and used a routinely available meteorological sounding, typical of the unstable conditions. Results showed that convective cells were initially triggered in the lee of the elevated terrain, and that only after the convection had developed, were cells upwind of the elevated terrain produced. The windward slopes themselves seemed sheltered from convection. Under most wind directions, the central Pennines (the Forest of Trawden and the Forest of Rossendale) seemed particularly affected by convective rainfall.
Homelessness and drug abuse among young men who have sex with men in New York city: A preliminary epidemiological trajectory
Authors: Clatts Michael C. , Goldsamt Lloyd , Yi Huso , Viorst Gwadz Marya
Published: April 2005

The objective of this paper is to profile the role of homelessness in drug and sexual risk in a population of young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Data are from a cross‐sectional survey collected between 2000 and 2001 in New York City (). With the goal of examining the import of homelessness in increased risk for the onset of drug and sexual risk, we compare and contrast three subgroups: (1) YMSM with no history of homelessness, (2) YMSM with a past history of homelessness but who were not homeless at the time of the interview, and (3) YMSM who were currently homeless. For each group, we describe the prevalence of a broad range of stressful life events (including foster care and runaway episodes, involvement in the criminal justice system, etc.), as well as selected mental health problems (including past suicide attempts, current depression, and selected help‐seeking variables). Additionally, we examine the prevalence of selected drug and sexual risk, including exposure to a broad range of illegal substances, current use of illegal drugs, and prevalence of lifetime exposure to sex work. Finally, we use an event history analysis approach (time–event displays and paired t‐test analysis) to examine the timing of negative life experiences and homelessness relative to the onset of drug and sexual risk. High levels of background negative life experiences and manifest mental health distress are seen in all three groups. Both a prior experience of homelessness and currently being homeless are both strongly associated with both higher levels of lifetime exposure to drug and sexual risk as well as higher levels of current drug and sexual risk. Onset of these risks occur earlier in both groups that have had an experience of housing instability (e.g., runaway, foster care, etc.) but are delayed or not present among YMSM with no history of housing instability. Few YMSM had used drug prior to becoming homeless. While causal inferences are subject to the limitations of a cross‐sectional design, the findings pose an empirical challenge to the prevailing assumption that prior drug use is a dominant causal factor in YMSM becoming homeless. More broadly, the data illustrate the complexity of factors that must be accounted for, both in advancing our epidemiological understanding of the complexity of homelessness and its relationship to the onset of drug and sexual risk among high risk youth populations.
Proteolytic mechanisms in necrotic cell death and neurodegeneration
Authors: Artal-Sanz Marta , Tavernarakis Nektarios
Published: April 2005

Programmed neuronal cell death is required during development to achieve the accurate wiring of the nervous system. However, genetic or accidental factors can lead to the premature, non‐programmed death of neurons during adult life. Inappropriate death of cells in the nervous system is the cause of multiple neurodegenerative disorders. Pathological neuronal death can occur by apoptosis, by necrosis or by a combination of both. Necrotic cell death underlies the pathology of devastating neurological diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, stroke or trauma. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that bring about necrotic cell death. Proteases play crucial roles in neuron degeneration by exerting both regulatory and catabolic functions. Elevated intracellular calcium is the most ubiquitous feature of neuronal death with the concomitant activation of cysteine calcium‐dependent proteases, calpains. Calpains and lysosomal, catabolic aspartyl proteases, play key roles in the necrotic death of neurons. In this review, we survey the recent literature on the role of cysteine and aspartyl proteases in necrosis and neurodegeneration, aiming to delineate common proteolytic mechanisms mediating cellular destruction.
Prediction of preeclampsia with maternal mid‐trimester placental growth factor, activin A, fibronectin and uterine artery Doppler velocimetry
Authors: Madazli R. , Kuseyrioglu B. , Uzun H. , Uludag S. , Ocak V.
Published: April 2005

Objective

To assess whether alterations in the serum levels of placental growth factor, activin A and fibronectin could be detected in patients before they become preeclamptic. And to evaluate and compare the clinical utility of these markers and uterine artery Doppler velocimetry in predicting preeclampsia.

Methods

One hundred and twenty‐two normotensive women were prospectively included in the study. Peripheral venous blood samples were obtained and Doppler examination of the uterine arteries was performed between 21 and 26 weeks' gestation. Serum levels of placental growth factor, activin A and fibronectin were measured by enzyme‐linked immunoassay and radial immundiffusion technic.

Results

Mid‐trimester maternal serum activin A and fibronectin levels and average S / D ratios were significantly higher whereas placental growth factor levels were significantly lower in women who subsequently developed preeclampsia than remained normotensive (p < 0.001). The best cut‐off values for predicting preeclampsia of placental growth factor, activin A and fibronectin based on ROC curve analysis were 90 pg/ml, 14 ng/ml and 370 mg/l respectively. The areas under the curve equal to 0.993, 0.972, 0.872 and 0.813 for placental growth factor, activin A, fibronectin and uterine artery Doppler respectively were determined for the prediction of preeclampsia.

Conclusion

Placental growth factor, activin A, fibronectin and uterine artery Doppler are all potentially useful as predictors of preeclampsia. Maternal serum midtrimester PGF has the highest predictive value and activin A with a compatible accuracy for early identification of preeclampsia.
Intravaginal misoprostol versus Foley catheter for cervical ripening and induction of labor
Authors: Afolabi B.B. , Oyeneyin O.L. , Ogedengbe O.K.
Published: April 2005

Objective

To compare the efficacy and safety of 100 μg of intravaginal misoprostol with intracervical Foley catheter for cervical ripening and induction of labor.

Method

One hundred women being induced in the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, were randomized to receive a single 100 μg dose of misoprostol intravaginally or intracervical insertion of Foley catheter. Data analyses were by the Student's t‐test and chi‐square test.

Result

Misoprostol was more effective in terms of induction to delivery interval (11.84 ± 5.43 versus 20.03 ± 4.68 h, P < 0.05), change in Bishop score, and number delivered within 24 h, in patients with a one‐time successful induction. Uterine hyperactivity and rupture were more frequent in the misoprostol group.

Conclusion

A single 100 μg dose of intravaginal misoprostol is more efficacious than intracervical insertion of Foley catheter for cervical ripening and induction of labor. Further studies using lower doses are needed to determine the safest dose.
Fingertip Skin Wrinkling – the Effect of Varying Tonicity
Authors: TSAI N. , KIRKHAM S.
Published: April 2005

Fingertip skin wrinkling after prolonged immersion in water is a well-recognized phenomenon, whereas a denervated digit does not exhibit normal skin wrinkling while a finger with a regenerated or repaired nerve shows at least partial reappearance of wrinkling. This is the basis for the bedside immersion-wrinkling test of autonomic digital nerve function. The exact mechanism of fingertip skin wrinkling is still subject to controversy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the tonicity of a solution and the time elapsed to skin wrinkling. Fourteen healthy volunteers (28 hands) were recruited for investigation. We submerged all 28 hands in solutions of varying tonicity while maintaining all other parameters constant. We found that increased tonicity significantly slowed the time to wrinkling (TTW). Hypotonic solutions such as water should be used when performing clinical bedside testing for autonomic digital nerve function.
Shear wave splitting observations in the Chinese Tianshan orogenic belt
Authors: Chen Yun‐Ping , Wang Liang‐Shu , Mi Ning , Li Hua , Yu Da‐Yong , Xu Ming‐Jie , Liu Shao‐Wen , Li Cheng , Xu Zhen
Published: April 2005

A linear array of 26 3‐component broadband digital stations across the Chinese Tianshan Orogenic Belt (CTOB) was deployed for 13 months to measure the shear wave splitting. Fast direction of teleseismic shear waves beneath the southern CTOB is NWW‐SEE and gradually turns into NEE‐SWW in the north. Delay times are 0.65∼1.48s with average value of 0.97 ± 0.15s and the maximum delay time is observed in the middle mountain and decrease in the south and the north. Fast directions are generally parallel to the strike of the orogenic belt, indicating that more than one hundred kilometers of upper mantle is involved in collisional deformation. Compared to other stations, change in fast direction for stations in the south and north ends of the array is probably resulted from subduction of the Tarim block and the Junggar block into the Tianshan range, respectively.
Organic carbon burial rate and the molybdenum proxy: Theoretical framework and application to Cenomanian‐Turonian oceanic anoxic event 2
Authors: Meyers Stephen R. , Sageman Bradley B. , Lyons Timothy W.
Published: April 2005

In this study the controls on organic carbon burial and molybdenum accumulation in ancient strata are investigated through an integration of biogeochemical modeling and data analysis. Critical aspects of the study are employment of a biogeochemical model for organic matter degradation to explore the controls on pore water sulfide generation and authigenic molybdenum accumulation and use of accumulation rate data for Mo, OC, CaCO3, Fe, and Ti to reconstruct organic matter remineralization processes. The model results form a conceptual framework for the interpretation of primary production estimates and geochemical burial fluxes (calculated on the basis of a high‐resolution orbital timescale) for the Cenomanian‐Turonian (C‐T) oceanic anoxic event 2 interval in the Western Interior basin. The results of this study suggest that the strong correlation between source rock development and intervals of transgression in the geologic record (such as the C‐T) could reflect a confluence of biogeochemical processes within sediments that obviates the need for large‐magnitude changes in primary production levels or oceanographic conditions (such as prolonged periods of stable water column stratification).
Neuroprotective activity of the mGluR5 antagonists MPEP and MTEP against acute excitotoxicity differs and does not reflect actions at mGluR5 receptors
Authors: Lea Paul M , Movsesyan Vilen A , Faden Alan I
Published: April 2005

Neuroprotection has been reported after either activation or blockade of the group I metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5). However, some recent evidence suggests that protection provided by mGluR5 antagonists may reflect their ability to inhibit N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor activity.

Here, in both rat and mouse cortical neurons, we compare the neuroprotective actions of two mGluR5 antagonists: 2‐methyl‐6‐(phenylethynyl)‐pyridine (MPEP), which has been commonly used and 3‐[(2‐methyl‐1,3‐thiazol‐4‐yl)ethynyl]pyridine (MTEP), a more recently developed compound believed to have greater mGluR5 selectivity. We have previously shown that MPEP directly reduces single‐channel NMDA receptor open time at the same concentrations (20 μM or greater) that show neuroprotection, whereas MPEP antagonizes mGluR5 agonist ((RS)‐2‐chloro‐5‐hydroxyphenylglycine (CHPG))‐induced changes in inositol phosphates (IP) at concentrations as low as 0.2 μM.

In the present studies, MTEP significantly inhibited CHPG‐mediated IP hydrolysis at concentrations as low as 0.02 μM. In contrast to MPEP, which significantly reduced glutamate‐ or NMDA‐mediated cell death in primary rat neuronal cultures at a concentration of 20 μM, small neuroprotective effects were observed with MTEP only at a concentration of 200 μM. Neither MPEP‐ nor MTEP‐mediated mGluR5 inhibition had any effect on etoposide‐induced apoptotic cell death. In rat cortical neurons, the neuroprotective effects of MTEP at very high concentrations, like those of MPEP, reflect ability to directly reduce NMDA receptor peak and steady‐state currents.

We also compared the effects of MPEP and MTEP in primary cortical neuronal cultures from parental and mGluR5 knockout mice. Both agents were neuroprotective, at high concentrations in normal as well as in the knockout cultures. In contrast to rat cortical neurons, neither MPEP nor MTEP appears to directly alter NMDA receptor activity.

Combined, these studies support the conclusion that MTEP has greater mGluR5 selectivity than MPEP, and that neuroprotection provided by either antagonist in neuronal cultures does not reflect inhibition of mGluR5 receptors.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 145, 527–534. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706219