bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesd binds to mature LDL-receptor-related protein-6 and antagonizes ligand binding
Authors: Li Yonghe , Chen Jianglei , Lu Wenyan , McCormick Lynn M. , Wang Jianjun , Bu Guojun
Published: November 2005

Wnt co-receptors LRP5 and LRP6 are two members of the low-density lipoprotein receptor family. Receptor-associated protein is not only a specialized chaperone but also a universal antagonist for members of the low-density lipoprotein receptor family. Here we test whether Mesd, a newly identified chaperone for members of the low-density lipoprotein receptor family, also binds to mature receptors at the cell surface and antagonizes ligand binding. We found that Mesd binds to cell surface LRP5 and LRP6, but not to other members of the low-density lipoprotein receptor family. Scatchard analysis revealed that Mesd binds cell surface LRP6 with high affinity (Kd ∼3.3 nM). Interestingly, the C-terminal region of Mesd, which is absent in sequences from invertebrates, is necessary and sufficient for binding to mature LRP6, and is required for LRP6 folding. We also found that LRP6 is not a constitutively active endocytosis receptor and binding of the receptor-associated protein to LRP6 partially competes for Mesd binding. Finally, we demonstrated that Mesd antagonizes ligand binding to LRP6 at the cell surface. Together our results show that in addition to serving as a folding chaperone, Mesd can function as a receptor antagonist by inhibiting ligand binding to mature LRP6.
Role of Botulinum Toxin Type A in the Prophylactic Treatment of Migraine Headaches
Authors: Chilson Crystal N , Brown Sherrill J
Published: November 2005

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of botulinum toxin type A in the prophylaxis of migraine headaches.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE (1966–July 2005), Iowa Drug Information Service (1966–July 2005), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–July 2005) searches were performed. Key search terms included botulinum and migraine.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Patients who received botulinum toxin type A injections for treatment of hyperfunctional facial lines also experienced relief of migraine symptoms, leading to further investigation. Four clinical trials and 2 retrospective chart reviews evaluating the use of botulinum toxin type A injections for the prophylactic treatment of migraines are discussed. Limitations of these trials include problems with blinding, use of different injection sites, and inconsistent dosing.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, 2 retrospective chart reviews, and an open-label study indicate that botulinum toxin type A may be a safe and efficacious prophylactic treatment for migraine headaches.
Effects of Mometasone Furoate Given Once Daily in the Evening on Lung Function and Symptom Control in Persistent Asthma
Authors: Karpel Jill P , Busse William W , Noonan Michael J , Monahan Mary Ellen , Lutsky Barry , Staudinger Heribert
Published: November 2005

BACKGROUND

The chronobiology of asthma suggests that, for once-daily dosing, an evening dose may be the most effective treatment paradigm.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of mometasone furoate dry powder inhaler (MF-DPI) administered once daily in the evening or twice daily in patients with asthma previously maintained on twice-daily regimens of inhaled corticosteroids.

METHODS

In this 12-week, multicenter, placebo-controlled trial, 268 subjects ≥12 years of age with inhaled corticosteroid–dependent asthma and baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) between 50% and 85% of predicted were randomized to receive treatment with MF-DPI 400 μg once daily in the evening, MF-DPI 200 μg twice daily, or placebo. The primary efficacy variable was mean change in FEV1 from baseline to endpoint. Other lung function measures, asthma symptoms, quality of life, and rescue medication use also were assessed.

RESULTS

At endpoint, mean FEV1 was significantly improved with both MF-DPI doses compared with placebo (p < 0.001). The 2 active treatment groups were statistically indistinguishable from each other. Secondary efficacy variables, including nocturnal awakenings, asthma worsenings, quality of life, and rescue medication use, were also significantly improved for both MF-DPI treatments compared with placebo. Both dosages were well tolerated; no clinically meaningful changes in laboratory values or vital signs were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

MF-DPI 400 μg once daily in the evening was as effective as MF-DPI 200 μg twice daily in improving pulmonary function, asthma symptoms, and quality of life compared with placebo in subjects previously using twice-daily regimens of an inhaled corticosteroid.
Spectrochemistry of Boron in Ferrous Metals
Authors: Steinberg Ralph H.
Published: November 2005

This paper briefly discusses the analytical methods for the boron determination in steel. It covers in detail the analytical conditions for use with the various types of commercial spectrographic equipment.
Application of an Exposure-Transmittance Table to Rapid Quantitative Spectroscopic Analysis
Authors: Anderson James W.
Published: November 2005

A table has been prepared to describe log exposure times a constant directly from transmittance values. This expression of exposure may be used to prepare working curves or corrected to relative log exposure by first determining the γ of the photographic emulsion. A method for determining γ from the table is also described.
An RF Linear Decelerator Mass Spectrometer
Authors: Donner Walter
Published: November 2005

An RF Linear Decelerator Mass Spectrometer is described, featuring resolution to mass 100.

Ions are formed by electron impact in a somewhat conventional ion chamber, utilizing an electron beam at right angles to the ion beam, temperature regulation and pressure differential for high signal to back ground ratio. All of the ions are then accelerated through 2500 volts, collimated, and then passed through a series of 24 RF gaps, spaced such that the preferred (or resonant) particles are decelerated by an amount equal to the RMS value of the RF voltage at each gap, all other particles emitting from the RF analyzer with correspondingly higher energies. The resultant “energy dispersed” beam is then separated in an electrostatic deflection system, the preferred (lowest energy) beam being collected in a Faraday bucket, and observed on a vibrating reed electrometer. A linear mass scan is achieved by varying the frequency applied to the gaps.
Evaluating GraysNet: an online PDP tool for use in an art and design context
Authors: Malins Julian , McKillop Chris
Published: November 2005

Personal development planning (PDP) is a phrase that encompasses a number of activities including reflecting on learning, recording of achievement and career planning. Embedding these activities is a goal widely shared across higher education, but strategies for achieving it vary widely.
This article provides an overview of some of these strategies including online web-based tools developed to facilitate the PDP process. The article describes an ADC-LTSN1-funded research project which evaluated a PDP system embedded within a managed learning environment (GraysNet) specifically
developed to support teaching and learning in an art and design context at Gray's School of Art, the Robert Gordon University. Assessment of the PDP process has led to the conclusion that a more discursive approach may be more appropriate in an art and design context. The evaluation has resulted
in a reappraisal of the way in which PDP can be supported online and makes recommendations for future developments in this rapidly developing field.
Understanding vernacular experiences of film in an academic environment
Authors: Barker Martin , Mathijs Ernest
Published: November 2005

It is widely recognized that students' vernacular engagements with a subject such as films can interfere with their willingness to make them an object of academic study. This essay reports the findings of a small action research project, funded by the Art, Design and Communication LTSN
(now known as ADMHEA subject centre), which sought to test the effectiveness of an intervention in which students' own personal responses became part of the process of study. Using the controversial film A Clockwork Orange (1971), students' responses to the film and to the issues involved
in studying it were measured at the beginning and the end of a year-long module. The research revealed some complicated patterns and differences in how students responded to the film itself, which make problematic any simple account of the relationship between personal and social significance
in the film. It also indicated some important relationships between kinds of personal response to the film, and the willingness to allow these responses to be the topic of critical evaluation.
The writing of A Woman Unknown
Authors: Graves Lucia
Published: November 2005

Lucia Graves discusses the process of writing A Woman Unknown, her memoir about the years she lived in Spain from 1946 to the 1990s and the social changes she witnessed during that time. In this article she discusses the structure of her book, the link between memory and emotion,
and how she selected her memories to fit into the various themes covered, or vice versa. She writes about her use of poetry and song to give support to her recollections, the need for research for accuracy, and how various real-life characters are used as prototypes to represent different
types of Spanish women, illustrating events that have taken place over the years. The article also touches on the subjects of bicultural upbringing, identity and translation, on her own personal attachment to Spain - and Catalonia - and her view of Spain both as an ‘outsider’ and
an ‘insider’.
Self‐Mutilation and Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Andover Margaret S. , Pepper Carolyn M. , Ryabchenko Karen A. , Orrico Elizabeth G. , Gibb Brandon E.
Published: November 2005

The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between self‐mutilation and symptoms of depression and anxiety in a nonclinical population. Self‐mutilators reported significantly more symptoms of depression and anxiety than did the control group. When the group of self‐mutilators was divided into individuals who cut themselves and individuals who harm themselves in other ways, we found that the between‐group differences were primarily due to individuals with a history of cutting. Yet when symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) were statistically controlled, all significant between‐group differences in depressive and anxious symptoms were reduced to nonsignificant. These findings highlight the importance of assessing symptoms of BPD in self‐mutilators, regardless of diagnosis.
Olig Transcription Factors Are Expressed in Oligodendrocyte and Neuronal Cells in Human Fetal CNS
Authors: Jakovcevski Igor , Zecevic Nada
Published: November 2005

The transcription factors Olig1 and Olig2 are closely associated with the development of oligodendrocyte (OL) lineage in the vertebrate nervous system, but little is known about their role in the human developing CNS. To test the hypothesis that they contribute to initial OL specification in humans, we studied the expression of Olig1 and Olig2 in human fetuses at 5-24 gestational weeks (GW). Both transcription factors were present in well outlined regions of the ventral neuroepithelium at 5 GW, several weeks before oligodendrogenesis. Spatial differences in the expression of Olig1 and Olig2 along the neuronal axis suggest that they specify different subpopulations of progenitor cells. Olig1 was distributed rostrally, from the basal forebrain to the hindbrain, whereas Olig2 was also found in the ventral spinal cord. Furthermore, at 5 GW, Olig1 was coexpressed with vimentin, and Olig2 was coexpressed with a neuronal marker, microtubule-associated protein 2. With the progression of development at 15 GW, both proteins were present throughout the spinal cord and the ventricular-subventricular zone of the ganglionic eminences, whereas at midgestation (20 GW), they were also expressed in the telencephalic proliferative zones and the emerging white matter. Double-labeling studies revealed that early OL progenitor cells and radial glia expressed Olig1, whereas Olig2 was localized predominantly in mature OLs and a subset of neural progenitor cells and mature neurons. Thus, Olig1 and Olig2 transcription factors in the human CNS are important not only for differentiation of the OL lineage, but they may also have a role in neural cell specification.
Functional Specialization in the Human Medial Temporal Lobe
Authors: Barense Morgan D. , Bussey Timothy J. , Lee Andy C. H. , Rogers Timothy T. , Davies R. Rhys , Saksida Lisa M. , Murray Elisabeth A. , Graham Kim S.
Published: November 2005

Investigations of memory in rats and nonhuman primates have demonstrated functional specialization within the medial temporal lobe (MTL), a set of heavily interconnected structures including the hippocampal formation and underlying entorhinal, perirhinal, and parahippocampal cortices. Most studies in humans, however, especially in patients with brain damage, suggest that the human MTL is a unitary memory system supporting all types of declarative memory, our conscious memory for facts and events. To resolve this discrepancy, amnesic patients with either selective hippocampal damage or more extensive MTL damage were tested on variations of an object discrimination task adapted from the nonhuman primate literature. Although both groups were equally impaired on standard recall-based memory tasks, they exhibited different profiles of performance on the object discrimination test, arguing against a unitary view of MTL function. Cases with selective hippocampal damage performed normally, whereas individuals with broader MTL lesions were impaired. Furthermore, deficits in this latter group were related not to the number of discriminations to be learned and remembered, but to the degree of “feature ambiguity,” a property of visual discriminations that can emerge when features are part of both rewarded and unrewarded stimuli. These findings resolve contradictions between published studies in humans and animals and introduce a new way of characterizing the impairments that arise after damage to the MTL.
Nigrostriatal Dysfunction in Familial Alzheimer's Disease-Linked APPswe/PS1ΔE9 Transgenic Mice
Authors: Perez Sylvia E. , Lazarov Orly , Koprich James B. , Chen Er-Yun , Rodriguez-Menendez Virginia , Lipton Jack W. , Sisodia Sangram S. , Mufson Elliott J.
Published: November 2005

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is often accompanied by extrapyramidal signs attributed to nigrostriatal dysfunction. The association between amyloid deposition and nigrostriatal degeneration is essentially unknown. We showed previously that the striatum and the substantia nigra of transgenic mice harboring familial AD (FAD)-linked APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mutants exhibit morphological alterations accompanied by amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition (Perez et al., 2004). In the present study, we further investigated the interaction between Aβ deposition and dopaminergic nigrostriatal dysfunction, by correlating morphological and biochemical changes in the nigrostriatal pathway with amyloid deposition pathology in the brains of 3- to 17-month-old APPswe/PS1ΔE9 transgenic mice and age-matched wild-type controls. We show that Aβ deposition is pronounced in the striatum of APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mice at 6 months of age, and the extent of deposition increases in an age-dependent manner. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive dystrophic neurites with rosette or grape-like cluster disposition are observed adjacent to Aβ plaques and display multilaminar, multivesicular, and dense-core bodies as well as mitochondria. In addition, an age-dependent increase of TH protein levels are shown in nigral cells in these mutant mice. Using HPLC analysis, we found a reduction in the dopamine metabolite DOPAC in the striatum of these mice. These findings show a close association between amyloid deposition and nigrostriatal pathology and suggest that altered FAD-linked amyloid metabolism impairs, at least in part, the function of dopaminergic neurons.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-Like Weak Inducer of Apoptosis Increases the Permeability of the Neurovascular Unit through Nuclear Factor-κB Pathway Activation
Authors: Polavarapu Rohini , Gongora Maria Carolina , Winkles Jeffrey A. , Yepes Manuel
Published: November 2005

Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily. TWEAK acts on responsive cells via binding to a small cell-surface receptor named fibroblast growth factor-inducible-14 (Fn14). TWEAK can stimulate numerous cellular responses including cell proliferation, migration, and proinflammatory molecule production. The present study investigated whether TWEAK plays a role in the regulation of the permeability of the neurovascular unit (NVU). We found that intracerebral injection of TWEAK in wild-type mice induces activation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression in the brain with resultant disruption in the structure of the NVU and increase in the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). TWEAK did not increase MMP-9 activity or BBB permeability when injected into mice genetically deficient in the NF-κB family member p50. Furthermore, we report that inhibition of TWEAK activity during cerebral ischemia with an Fn14-Fc decoy receptor results in significant preservation of the integrity of the NVU with attenuation of cerebral ischemia-induced increase in the permeability of the BBB. We conclude that the cytokine TWEAK plays a role in the disruption of the structure and permeability of the NVU during physiological and pathological conditions.
Function of Atypical Protein Kinase C λ in Differentiating Photoreceptors Is Required for Proper Lamination of Mouse Retina
Authors: Koike Chieko , Nishida Akihiro , Akimoto Kazunori , Nakaya Masa-aki , Noda Tetsuo , Ohno Shigeo , Furukawa Takahisa
Published: November 2005

The photoreceptor is a highly polarized neuron and also has epithelial characteristics such as adherens junctions. To investigate the mechanisms of polarity formation of the photoreceptor cells, we conditionally knocked out atypical protein kinase Cλ (aPKCλ), which has been proposed to play a critical role in the establishment of epithelial and neuronal polarity, in differentiating photoreceptor cells using the Cre-loxP system. InaPKCλ conditional knock-out (CKO) mice, the photoreceptor cells displayed morphological defects and failed to form ribbon synapses. Intriguingly, lack ofaPKCλ in differentiating photoreceptors led to severe laminar disorganization not only in the photoreceptor layer but also in the entire retina. Cell fate determination was not affected by total laminar disorganization. After Cre recombinase began to be expressed in the developing photoreceptors at embryonic day 12.5, both the immature photoreceptors and mitotic progenitors were dispersed throughout the CKO retina. We detected that adherens junction formation between the immature photoreceptors and the progenitors was lost in the CKO retina, whereas it was maintained between the progenitors themselves. These results indicate that the expression of aPKCλ in differentiating photoreceptors is required for total retinal lamination. Our data suggest that properly polarized photoreceptors anchor progenitors at the apical edge of the neural retina, which may be essential for building correct laminar organization of the retina.
A Small-Molecule-Inducible Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant Response Provides Effective Prophylaxis against Cerebral IschemiaIn Vivo
Authors: Shih Andy Y. , Li Ping , Murphy Timothy H.
Published: November 2005

The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) coordinates expression of genes required for free radical scavenging, detoxification of xenobiotics, and maintenance of redox potential. Previously, activation of this pleiotropic response was neuroprotective in cell culture models that simulate components of stroke damage. However, the role of Nrf2 in limiting stroke damagein vivoremained unclear. We report that Nrf2 activation protects the brain from cerebral ischemiain vivo. Acute (1-3 d) intracerebroventricular or intraperitoneal pretreatment withtert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), an Nrf2 activity inducer, reduced cortical damage and sensorimotor deficit at 24 h and even 1 month after ischemia-reperfusion in rats. Cortical glutathione levels robustly increased with tBHQ administration to rats and Nrf2-expressing mice, but not Nrf2-/-mice. Basal and inducible activities of antioxidant/detoxification enzymes in Nrf2-/-mice were reduced when compared with Nrf2+/+controls. Interestingly, larger infarcts were observed in Nrf2-/-mice at 7 d after stroke, but not at 24 h, suggesting that Nrf2 may play a role in shaping the penumbra well after the onset of ischemia. Neuronal death caused by a “penumbral” model of stroke, using intracortical endothelin-1 microinjection, was attenuated by tBHQ administration to Nrf2+/+, but not to Nrf2-/-mice, confirming the Nrf2-specific action of tBHQin vivo. We conclude that Nrf2 plays a role in modulating ischemic injuryin vivo. Accordingly, Nrf2 activation by small molecule inducers may be a practical preventative treatment for stroke-prone patients.
Transport methods as complementary tools for speciation purposes
Authors: Fourest B. , Sladkov V.
Published: November 2005

Transport methods, and especially capillary electrophoresis, are shown to bring with a high simplicity and efficiency useful complementary data to solve some speciation problems. Their application in this aim is particularly interesting in the case of actinides or solutions resulting from the radioactive waste management. In the present article, three examples are proposed to illustrate this point. In the first one, the open-end capillary method is applied to point out the hydrolyzed species of Pa(V) over a wide pH range. The difficulties overcome in this case are related to the very low concentration and specific properties of the element under consideration. The second illustration concerns the complexation of uranyl by the anionic forms of some long-lived fission products (MOx
n−, with M = I and Se). For the study of these systems, capillary electrophoresis appears to be a method particularly simple and efficient. The last example deals with the quantification of selenate and selenite ions in the presence of nitrate. Capillary electrophoresis is found to be especially appropriate to the simultaneous determination of these two anionic species in such media.
Preliminary speciation study of Co(II)-citrate system by ion pairing-reversed phase chromatography coupled to UV detector
Authors: Bresson C. , Bion Lionel , Moulin Christophe , Lamouroux C.
Published: November 2005

This paper describes the ability of ion pairing-reversed phase chromatography coupled to UV detector to determine an experimental speciation of cobalt in the binary Co(II)-citrate system. A method has been developed to investigate aqueous Co(II)-citrate samples at physiological pH as a function of time, by varying metal-to-ligand ratios, concentration and temperature. Solid 1:1 dimeric and 1:2 monomeric Co(II)-citrate complexes previously described have been synthesised and their analysis by IP-RPC-UV allowed the assignation of the solution state separated species. In solution state and at Co(II) concentration of 5×10-2M, 1:2 Co(II)-citrate monomeric species are predominant forms, while 1:1 mono and dimeric complexes are the minor species. At Co(II) concentration lower than 5 mM, only species of 1:1 stoichiometry are involved in the aqueous cobalt distribution. The monitoring of the formed species as a function of time allows highlighting the high inertness of this system. At low concentration ranges, electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry experiments were carried out to support the chromatographic data. This study is the first one establishing a link among synthetic cobalt-citrate complexes and species existing in solution.
Plutonium speciation affected by environmental bacteria
Authors: Neu Mary P. , Icopini Gary A. , Boukhalfa Hakim
Published: November 2005

Plutonium has no known biological utility, yet it has the potential to interact with bacterial cellular and extracellular structures that contain metal-binding groups, to interfere with the uptake and utilization of essential elements, and to alter cell metabolism. These interactions can transform plutonium from its most common forms, solid, mineral-adsorbed, or colloidal Pu(IV), to a variety of biogeochemical species that have much different physico-chemical properties. Organic acids that are extruded products of cell metabolism can solubilize plutonium and then enhance its environmental mobility, or in some cases facilitate plutonium transfer into cells. Phosphate- and carboxylate-rich polymers associated with cell walls can bind plutonium to form mobile biocolloids or Pu-laden biofilm/mineral solids. Bacterial membranes, proteins or redox agents can produce strongly reducing electrochemical zones and generate molecular Pu(III/IV) species or oxide particles. Alternatively, they can oxidize plutonium to form soluble Pu(V) or Pu(VI) complexes. This paper reviews research on plutonium-bacteria interactions and closely related studies on the biotransformation of uranium and other metals.
Target dependence of beryllium fragment production in neutron- and alpha-induced nuclear reactions at intermediate energies
Authors: Matsumura Hiroshi , Sanami Toshiya , Masumoto Kazuyoshi , Nakao Noriaki , Toyoda Akihiro , Kawai Masayoshi , Aze Takahiro , Nagai Hisao , Takada Masashi , Matsuzaki Hiroyuki
Published: November 2005

The yields of7Be fromnatC,27Al,natCu,natAg and197Au targets and10Be fromnatCu,natAg and197Au targets in alpha- (400 MeV) and neutron- (maximum end-point energy,E0= 500 MeV) induced reactions were measured in order to compare them with the photonuclear-reaction yields atE0= 1000 MeV. The target-mass dependences of the yields of7Be and10Be showed very similar trends among alpha-, neutron-, and photon-induced reactions. The fragmentation yields of7Be decreased more slowly, and those of10Be increased gradually with an increase in the target mass; both yields intersected at an approximate target mass of 125. The exponential increase in the fragmentation-yield ratios of10Be to7Be with an increase in the neutron-to-proton ratio of the targets suggests that pre-formation of the fragments inside the excited nuclei is strongly influenced by the target properties, such asN/Z. Furthermore, the effect of the incident particle was clearly observed in the yield ratios of10Be to7Be from the Cu and Ag targets.
Highly-pure radioisotopes for life science researches produced at the FLNR JINR accelerators
Authors: Dmitriev S. N. , Zaitseva N. G.
Published: November 2005

A short review of recent data concerning development of production methods of some radioisotopes at FLNR JINR (Dubna) is presented. Nuclear reactions, targets, yields and radiochemical separation procedures for production of highly-pure radionuclides are given.
Synthesis of 18F-labeled acyclic purine and pyrimidine nucleosides intended for monitoring gene expression
Authors: Grote M. , Noll Bernhard , Noll St.
Published: November 2005

Non-invasive imaging of genes which are introduced into cells is a useful method for gene therapy monitoring. The labeling of acyclic purine and pyrimidine nucleoside derivatives with fluorine-18 required for the HSV-1 tk imaging approach with positron emission tomography (PET) is described. The methoxytritylated and tosylated precursors were radiolabeled using a K[18F]F/kryptofix 2.2.2™ complex, followed by removal of the protecting groups under acidic conditions and HPLC purification. The radiochemical yields of the 18F-tracers amount to 5–15% (decay corrected) after a synthesis time of 85–95 min; the radiochemical purity was >98% with an average specific activity of 19 GBq/μmol at the end of synthesis.
Tumor cell and tumor vasculature targeted liposomes for neutron capture therapy
Authors: Krijger Gerard C. , Fretz Marjan M. , Woroniecka Ula D. , Steinebach Olav M. , Jiskoot Wim , Storm Gert , Koning Gerben A.
Published: November 2005

Treatment of cancer using boron neutron capture therapy requires the specific accumulation of a relatively high concentration of10B into tumor cells or tumor vasculature. In this paper, targeted liposomes were evaluated as carriers of10B for this purpose. Na210B12H12was successfully encapsulated into liposomes and relatively high amounts of10B could be targeted to ovarian carcinoma cells (OVCAR-3) and endothelial cells (HUVEC). This was achieved by coupling a monoclonal antibody or an RGD peptide to the liposomes. The results suggest that targeted liposomes could meet the requirements of successful neutron capture therapy in the near future.
Sorption of99MoO42-ions on commercial hydrotalcites
Authors: Serrano J. , González H. , López H. , Aranda N. , Granados F. , Bulbulian S.
Published: November 2005

99MoO42-sorption behavior on 3 commercial hydrotalcites, produced by Sasol Chemie, was studied through batch experiments. Only one of them showed high sorption capacity. This product, the MG70 was identified by XRD diffraction analysis as hydrotalcite (Mg6Al2(OH)16CO3·4H2O), while the other two, MG50 and MG30, were identified mainly as magnesium aluminum hydroxide hydrate, MgAl2(OH)14·3H2O. Calcined MG70 (CMG70) was used to retain about 298.17±8.3 mg of99MoMoO42-(MG70-99MoO4). When this material was packed in a glass column, the generated99mTc was eluted by using NaCl or HNO3aqueous solutions. Saline solutions eluted99mTc with considerable amounts of99Mo while 0.1 M HNO3eluted99mTc together with a such small amount of99Mo that the99Mo μCi/99mTc mCi ratios are close to the value recommended by the American Pharmacopeia.
Liquid–liquid distribution studies on moderately labile metal chelates. Kinetics of hydrolysis of tris(thenoyltrifluoroacetonate)thallium(III)
Authors: Narbutt Jerzy , Krejzler Jadwiga
Published: November 2005

Kinetics of hydrolysis of tris(thenoyltrifluoroacetonate)thallium(III) in water was studied by back extraction of this moderately labile metal chelate, labelled with 204Tl, from a water-immiscible organic solvent to aqueous solutions. A function of the distribution ratio of the metal was derived, which linearly depended on time after reaching quasi-equilibrium of chelate partition. Its extrapolation to zero time made it possible to evaluate the partition constant of the chelate. The rate constant of its hydrolysis was determined from the slope. The dependence of the rate constant on pH and on the ligand concentration shows that both acid and base hydrolysis of the chelate studied took place. The approach used can be helpful for determining partition constants of moderately labile metal complexes and the lability of the complexes in aqueous solutions.
Determination of heavy metals in aerosol fractions of different particle sizes from the healing gallery of Badgastein (Austria)
Authors: Wallner Gabriele , Berner Axel
Published: November 2005

In the Badgastein healing gallery aerosol fractions were collected with an 8-stage cascade impactor device. The Fe, Cr, Zn, Co and Sc concentrations were measured by INAA. The values found for Fe, Cr and Co and especially their increase with particle size in the coarse aerosol mode indicated their origin by mechanical grinding of the gallery train tracks or old metal wall brackets. Metal ratios derived from irradiation of a gallery rock sample as well as from wipe tests from the tracks and floor supported these findings. Fe2O3 contents in the particles >1 μm were 19% (1–2 μm) and 70% (2–4 μm); however, also in the impactor stages covering the accumulation mode the rust content was between 1.7 and 5.1%. As these numbers clearly succeeded the Fe content of the rock sample, the Fe origin (as well as the origin of Cr and Co) presumably was again in the tracks and wall brackets; for the metal loads of the smaller aerosol fractions chemical weathering in the mine atmosphere might be the predominant process. Zn was mainly found in the fine particles; it probably had corroded from the zinc coatings of the gallery train.
Effects of Temperature, Photoperiod, and Myxobolus cerebralis Infection on Growth, Reproduction, and Survival of Tubifex tubifex Lineages
Authors: DuBey Robert , Caldwell Colleen , Gould William R.
Published: November 2005

Tubifex tubifex is the definitive host for Myxobolus cerebralis, the causative agent of whirling disease in salmonid fish. Several mitochondrial lineages of T. tubifex exhibit resistance to M. cerebralis infection. Release of the triactinomyxon form of the parasite from T. tubifex varies with water temperature; however, little is known about the interactive effects of temperature and photoperiod on the susceptibility of T. tubifex lineages to M. cerebralis infection. In addition, the environmental effects on the growth, reproduction, and survival of T. tubifex lineages are unknown. Monocultures of lineages III and VI were subjected to infection (0 and 500 myxospores per worm), a range of temperatures (5, 17, and 27°C), and various diurnal photoperiods (12:12, 14:10, and 16:8 dark: light) over a 70-d period by using a split–split plot experimental design. Lineage VI resisted infection by M. cerebralis at all temperatures, whereas lineage III exhibited infection levels of 4.3% at 5°C, 3.3% at 17°C, and 0% at 27°C. Lineage VI exhibited significantly higher adult survival, weighed more initially, gained more weight, and had higher natality (production of immature tubificids) than did lineage III regardless of temperature, photoperiod, or infection treatment. There was no detectable effect of lineage, infection, or photoperiod on cysting. Both lineages III and VI cysted at 5°C but not at 17°C or 27°C. Competition between lineage VI and other lineages for resources may serve to decrease the overall infection levels among T. tubifex populations, thereby reducing both triactinomyxon production and the occurrence of whirling disease among susceptible salmonids.
Interdam Movements and Passage Attraction of American Shad in the Lower Merrimack River Main Stem
Authors: Sprankle Kenneth
Published: November 2005

In May and June of 2002, 72 adult American shad Alosa sapidissima were internally radio-tagged on four dates and were monitored in the Merrimack River, Massachusetts, between Essex Dam (first main-stem dam above the Atlantic Ocean) and Pawtucket Dam (second main-stem dam), a distance of 22 kilometers. From 1989 to 2001, the number of American shad that passed Pawtucket Dam via the Boott Station fish lift and fish ladder averaged 17% of the number that passed Essex Dam. The objectives of the study were to (1) determine the number of tagged American shad that pass Essex Dam and reach the Boott Station tailrace and (2) monitor American shad movements between Essex and Pawtucket dams. Three stationary receivers and one mobile receiver were used to track fish over a 2-month period. Sixty-five tagged fish were deemed healthy after release from the Essex Dam fish lift. From this group, 43 fish (66%) reached the pool immediately downstream of the Boott Station tailrace and 36 fish (55%) entered the tailrace. The median travel time for tagged fish that reached the tailrace was 41.5 h (range = 14.5–365.0 h). Four radio-tagged American shad (6% of 65 fish) versus an estimated 5,283 untagged American shad (10% of 54,450 fish that passed Essex Dam) passed through the Boott Station fish lift in 2002. These results indicate that American shad passage efficiency at the Boott Station fish lift needs improvement to achieve full American shad restoration upstream of the Pawtucket Dam. The extent of structural or operational measures necessary to improve American shad passage rates should be examined and evaluated.
Stock Identification of Walleye via Otolith Chemistry in the Eleven Point River, Arkansas
Authors: Bickford Nate , Hannigan Robyn
Published: November 2005

Otolith chemistry was used to identify two hatchery stocks (Missouri State Hatchery and Arkansas Federal Hatchery) and a possible wild stock of walleye Sander vitreus in the Eleven Point River in northeastern Arkansas. Previous population estimates by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission using traditional tag-and-release techniques failed to identify the relative survival of these stocks or their spatial and temporal persistence. Using chemical analysis of otoliths combined with a priori knowledge of the hatchery source, we identified otolith chemical signatures unique to each stock. We collected 51 walleyes that bore the physical tag of a known hatchery, along with 46 nontagged walleyes. The efficacy of otolith chemistry in classifying walleyes to known stocks was assessed by analyzing unknowns via discriminant function analysis. Fish were classified to their respective stocks based on otolith chemistry, and 92% were assigned to known stocks. Fishery managers can assess the persistence of individual stocks and the success rates of stocking practices in riverine systems using this technique.
Understanding the Significance of Redd Counts: A Comparison between Two Methods for Estimating the Abundance of and Monitoring Bull Trout Populations
Authors: Al-Chokhachy Robert , Budy Phaedra , Schaller Howard
Published: November 2005

For salmonids that exhibit multiple life history forms within a single population, it may be necessary to evaluate the inconsistencies associated with population monitoring techniques. We compared mark– resight population estimates with those based on annual redd counts for bull trout Salvelinus confluentus in eastern Oregon. Our data suggest that across years, the trends in population estimates based on expanded redd count data and those based on the mark–resight method may be similar within basins. Across basins, however, there appear to be inconsistencies between mark–resight population estimates for different size-classes of bull trout and the expanded redd count data. In some systems, only the larger, potentially migratory fish are represented in redd counts, whereas in others some combination of small resident and large, potentially migratory fish is represented. The disparity between redd counts and population estimates for the reproductive population suggests that caution be invoked when choosing the monitoring techniques used to set recovery or monitoring goals for bull trout populations.
Clinical Tools to Facilitate Treatment of Childhood Traumatic Grief
Authors: Crenshaw David A.
Published: November 2005

Cohen and Mannarino (2004) define childhood traumatic grief (CTG) as “a condition in which trauma symptoms impinge on children's ability to negotiate the normal grieving process” (p. 819). Brown and Goodman (2005) add further clarification, “According to our current understanding of CTG and normal grief, thoughts and images of a traumatic nature are so terrifying, horrific, and anxiety provoking that they cause the child to avoid and shut out these thoughts and images that would be comforting reminders of the person who died. In contrast, a child who does not have intrusive reminders, or who did not experience the death as traumatic, is able to access the person in memory in a manner that is positive and beneficial to integrating the death in his or her total life experience” (pp. 255, 257). The distressing and intrusive images, reminders, and thoughts of the traumatic circumstances of the death, along with the physiological hyperarousal associated with such re-experiencing, prevent the child from proceeding in a healthy way with the grieving process. In addition, while such children are ordinarily excluded from studies of empirically validated treatment studies because of severity and co-morbidity of their conditions, clinicians often see youngsters where traumatic death has been superimposed on a history of multiple losses and in some cases socio-cultural trauma and/or major psychiatric disorders in the child or family. The projective drawing and storytelling strategies and the evocative technique described in this article are intended to offer clinicians additional tools to deal with such seriously impacted youth so that the trauma work can be approached in the relative safety of symbolism and metaphor prior to directly confronting the trauma events.
The Effect of Bereavement Due to Suicide on Survivors' Depression: A Study of Chinese Samples
Authors: Zhang Jie , Tong Hui Qi , Zhou Li
Published: November 2005

The affective effect of suicide on people around is assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and some correlates are examined to identify characteristics of the bereaved individuals who score high on depression. We used the informants of 66 suicides as subjects for study and the informants of 66 living people as the control group. For each suicide and living person, we interviewed two informants: one family member and one friend. Data collection was accomplished in China in the summer of 2003. Results indicate that the bereaved people (informants of the suicides) are more likely to experience depression than those people in the control group. The closer the relationship to the suicide, the higher the degree of depression. While the survivor's education and income are negatively correlated with his or her depression level, neither age nor gender is a predictor of depression in the sample. Given the strong relationship between suicide and depression, the bereaved survivors of suicide could be a high risk group of suicide. Further and larger study is warranted to investigate more details of the high risk group so as to recommend prevention measures.
Life Regrets and Death Attitudes in College Students
Authors: Tomer Adrian , Eliason Grafton
Published: November 2005

The relationship between death attitudes and life regret was examined in college students. Two types of regret, past-related regret and future-related regret, were defined and measured. The results confirmed the hypothesis, based on a comprehensive model of death anxiety, that both types of regret independently predict fear and avoidance of death. Other background and self variables may affect death anxiety, usually indirectly, by influencing the two types of regret. Death acceptance, on the other hand, was found to be influenced directly by intrinsic religious motivation and indirectly by other background and self variables.
Formation, Thermal Stability and Deformation Behavior of High‐Strength Cu‐Based Bulk Glassy and Nanostructured Alloys
Authors: Calin M. , Eckert J.
Published: November 2005

Cu47Ti33Zr11Ni8X1 (X = Fe, Si, Sn) bulk glass‐forming alloys were prepared using arc melting and copper mold casting. Thermal analysis reveals an obvious glass transition and large supercooled liquid regions (ΔTx = 50 – 57 K) for all alloys. The bulk glassy alloys possess good mechanical properties, including high yield stress (1818 – 2102 MPa) and fracture (1943 – 2186 MPa) strengths, Young's moduli of 67 – 109 GPa and large elastic strains of about 2.0 – 2.7 %. Only the Si‐containing alloy exhibits distinct strain hardening and plasticity (fracture strain of 4.4. %). This is due to a unique nanocomposite microstructure consisting of a uniform distribution of Cu‐rich nanoparticles embedded in the bulk amorphous matrix. The nanocomposite microstructure facilitates the formation of multiple shear bands that make the bulk glassy alloy resistant to crack propagation.
Fatigue In Bulk Lead Zirconate Titanate Actuator Materials
Authors: Lupascu D. , Rödel J.
Published: November 2005

Fatigue in ferroelectric ceramics is the gradual change of material properties with cyclic loading. It is caused by microscopic material modifications of mechanical or electrical origin. Due to the electromechanical coupling, both mechanisms can yield similar or even identical changes in properties. Macroscopically, a reduction of switchable polarization is anticipated and asymmetries in the macroscopic hysteresis curves arise due to charge carrier migration. This review elaborates on the multiple loading scenarios that lead to asymmetries in material response and loss in performance. The disparities between unipolar, bipolar, and mixed electromechanical loading are displayed. Possible microscopic origins are categorized. The strong similarities in the roles of microcracks, dielectric layers, and grain boundaries are worked out.
Structural Characterization of Automotive Catalysts
Authors: Haaß F. , Fuess H.
Published: November 2005

Scarcely any other technology is of such a global interest due to economical and ecological reasons like automotive catalysis, and world wide efforts are exerted to improve and optimize automotive emission control systems enclosing new engine concepts, better fuel quality, and novel exhaust catalysts. Especially the continuous improvement of the exhaust catalysts over the last 30 years brought major advances in saving ressources and fulfilling present and future emission directives. This paper deals with current developments in automotive exhaust catalysts. After an introductorily overview, the principles of spark ignition engines and diesel engines will be described, followed by selected fields of recent research of our and others groups. The focus is brought upon Pd‐only catalysts and new oxygen storage systems for three‐way catalysis, as well as on new concepts and characteristics of diesel oxidation catalysts based on platinum and palladium.
High Melting Pb‐Free Solder Alloys for Die‐Attach Applications
Authors: Rettenmayr M. , Lambracht P. , Kempf B. , Graff M.
Published: November 2005

Bi‐Ag alloys with Ag contents of up to 12 wt.% Ag are potential substitutes for Pb‐containing alloys in the high temperature range (T > 260 °C) of soft solders. Bi solders were produced in form of wires and can therefore be used in the same kind of soldering equipment as conventional Pb‐rich solder wires. Bi‐Ag alloys were characterized in terms of melting range and microstructure, mechanical properties (yield strength and elongation to fracture), wetting behavior, thermal fatigue behavior and thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity is lower than that of the conventional Pb‐containing solder alloys, but all other properties tested are comparable or superior to those of Pb‐rich conventional solder alloys. It thus appears to be possible to use Bi‐Ag alloys as ‘drop‐in‐replacement' for Pb‐rich alloys.
In‐Situ Preparation and Analysis of Functional Oxides
Authors: Ensling D. , Thißen A. , Gassenbauer Y. , Klein A. , Jaegermann W.
Published: November 2005

Performance degradation of functional oxide materials and interfaces is – besides structural changes – caused by changes of the chemical composition, the electronic structure and the surface and interface potentials. In‐situ preparation and analysis for LiCoO2 thin films and for ITO/ZnPc interfaces are presented in this work. Sample stoichiometries, electronic structure and surface and interface potentials with photoelectron spectroscopy are analysed under well defined conditions.
Advances in Gallium Oxonitride Ceramics: A New Class of Materials in the System Ga‐O‐N
Authors: Kinski I. , Scheiba F. , Riedel R.
Published: November 2005

This research news highlights the history, synthesis and new developments of gallium oxonitride phases. Many practical applications are expected of this class of materials because of its analogy to aluminium oxonitride phases. A new approach to gallium oxonitride ceramics is a synthesis pathway starting from a precursor that provides gallium simultaneously bonded to nitrogen and oxygen on a molecular level. One suitable precursor is the dimethylamine adduct of gallium tris‐(t‐butoxide), Ga(OtBu)3·HNMe2. The optimization of the pyrolysis process was controlled by analyzing the nitrogen to oxygen content and the reduction of carbon content in the ceramic. The samples were investigated using FTIR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The degree of crystallinity was determined by transmission electron microscopy in combination with an electron energy loss spectrometer. The precursor‐derived gallium oxonitride ceramic remains nanocrystalline up to 600 °C and reacts to GaN with the wurtzite type structure by loss of all oxygen in an ammonia atmosphere at temperatures above 600 °C.