bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic structure and migration from mainland to island populations inAbies proceraRehd
Authors: Yeh Francis C , Hu Xin-Sheng
Published: August 2005

Noble fir (Abies procera Rehd) is a narrowly distributed conifer with a typical mainland-island structure of natural distribution. Here, we examined the genetic structure of populations native to the Pacific coast from Oregon to Washington (5 island and 16 mainland populations) with 14 polymorphic allozyme loci. A general method for estimating the number of unidirectional migrants from the mainland to island populations is presented in terms of the relation of average heterozygosity between the mainland and island populations. The results indicated that there were substantial islandmainland population differentiations (Fst = 0.107±0.029~0.154±0.039) but small differentiation within the mainland/submainland populations (0.037±0.008~0.054±0.010). Significant isolation by distance existed among the islandmainland populations and among the populations in Washington submainland. Four islands investigated received different numbers of migrants from the mainland/submainland. The southern island populations received a smaller number of migrants from the mainland but had greater genetic diversity, implying that there could be introgression with A. magnifica and (or) they represented possible glacial refuges and had expanded northwards after the last glaciations. The island populations close to the Pacific coast were more likely mainland-dependent.Key words: Abies procera Rehd, gene flow, island, mainland, genetic structure.
Resistance gene analogues in sugarcane and sorghum and their association with quantitative trait loci for rust resistance
Authors: McIntyre C L , Casu R E , Drenth J , Knight D , Whan V A , Croft B J , Jordan D R , Manners J M
Published: August 2005

Fifty-four different sugarcane resistance gene analogue (RGA) sequences were isolated, characterized, and used to identify molecular markers linked to major disease-resistance loci in sugarcane. Ten RGAs were identified from a sugarcane stem expressed sequence tag (EST) library; the remaining 44 were isolated from sugarcane stem, leaf, and root tissue using primers designed to conserved RGA motifs. The map location of 31 of the RGAs was determined in sugarcane and compared with the location of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for brown rust resistance. After 2 years of phenotyping, 3 RGAs were shown to generate markers that were significantly associated with resistance to this disease. To assist in the understanding of the complex genetic structure of sugarcane, 17 of the 31 RGAs were also mapped in sorghum. Comparative mapping between sugarcane and sorghum revealed syntenic localization of several RGA clusters. The 3 brown rust associated RGAs were shown to map to the same linkage group (LG) in sorghum with 2 mapping to one region and the third to a region previously shown to contain a major rust-resistance QTL in sorghum. These results illustrate the value of using RGAs for the identification of markers linked to disease resistance loci and the value of simultaneous mapping in sugarcane and sorghum.Key words: resistance gene analogue, RGA, sorghum, sugarcane, rust.
EQUIVALENCE BETWEEN VARIOUS VERSIONS OF THE SELF-DUAL ACTION OF THE ASHTEKAR FORMALISM
Authors: NIETO J. A.
Published: August 2005

Different aspects of the self-dual (anti-self-dual) action of the Ashtekar canonical formalism are discussed. In particular, we study the equivalences and differences between the various versions of such an action. Our analysis may be useful for the development of Ashtekar formalism in eight dimensions.
Search for non-SM Light Higgs Boson in the h → γγ Channel at DØ in Run II
Authors: MELNITCHOUK ALEX
Published: August 2005

A search for non-SM light Higgs boson with an enhanced branching fraction into photons in [Formula: see text] collisions at the Fermilab Tevatron is presented using Run II DØ data taken between April 2002 and September 2003. We set 95% CL limits on the diphoton branching fraction as a function of Higgs msss for Fermiophobic and Topcolor Higgs scenarios.
Search for MSSM Higgs Decaying to Tau Pairs
Authors:   for the CDF Collaboration., JANG DONGWOOK
Published: August 2005

We present the results of a search for a neutral MSSM Higgs boson decaying to a pair of tau leptons. The analyzed data sample corresponds to integrated luminosity of approximately 200 pb-1 of [Formula: see text] collisions at [Formula: see text]. It was collected by the CDF detector during Run 2 of the Fermilab Tevatron. We select tau pairs in which one of the taus decays hadronically and the other to e or μ and neutrinos. We see no evidence of signal and perform a fit to the (partially) reconstructed di-tau mass to set limits on the product of Higgs production cross-section and its branching fraction to taus.
Higgs Boson Production with Bottom Quarks at Hadron Colliders
Authors: DAWSON S. , JACKSON C. B. , REINA L. , WACKEROTH D.
Published: August 2005

We present results for the production cross section of a Higgs boson with a pair of [Formula: see text] quarks, including next-to-leading order (NLO) QCD corrections.
EVOLUTION OF THE STRUCTURE FACTORS IN PURE SU(N) LATTICE GAUGE THEORY AND EFFECTIVE SPIN MODELS
Authors: BAZAVOV ALEXEI , BERG BERND A. , VELYTSKY ALEXANDER
Published: August 2005

We consider model A dynamics for a quench from the disordered into the ordered phase of SU (3) lattice gauge theory and the analogue 3d 3-state Potts model. For the gauge model this corresponds to a rapid heating from the confined to the deconfined phase. The exponential growth factors of low-lying structure function modes are numerically calculated. The linear theory of spinodal decomposition is used to determine the critical modes. This allows for the Debye screening mass estimation in an effective phenomeno-logical model. The quench leads to competing vacuum domains, which make the equilibration of the QCD vacuum after the heating non-trivial. The influence of such domains on the gluonic energy density is studied.
STUDY OF A CARRIER DEPENDENT INFECTIOUS DISEASE — CHOLERA
Authors: DAS PRASENJIT , MUKHERJEE DEBASIS , SARKAR A. K.
Published: August 2005

This paper analyzes an epidemic model for carrier dependent infectious disease — cholera. Existence criteria of carrier-free equilibrium point and endemic equilibrium point (unique or multiple) are discussed. Some threshold conditions are derived for which disease-free, carrier-free as well as endemic equilibrium become locally stable. Further global stability criteria of the carrier-free equilibrium and endemic equilibrium are achieved. Conditions for survival of all populations are also determined. Lastly numerical simulations are performed to validate the results obtained.
REGULATION OF DRUG-METABOLIZING ENZYMES AND TRANSPORTERS IN INFLAMMATION
Authors: Aitken Alison E. , Richardson Terrilyn A. , Morgan Edward T.
Published: August 2005

▪ Abstract  Inflammation and infection have long been known to downregulate the activity and expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes involved in hepatic drug clearance. This can result in elevated plasma drug levels and increased adverse effects. Recent information on regulation of human CYP enzymes is presented, as are new developments in our understanding of the mechanisms of regulation. Experiments to study the effects of modulating CYP activities on the inflammatory response have yielded possible insights into the physiological consequences, if not the purpose, of the downregulation. Regulation of hepatic flavin monooxygenases, UDP-glucuronosyltransferases, sulfotransferases, glutathione S-transferases, as well as of hepatic transporters during the inflammatory response, exhibits similarities and differences with regulation of CYPs.
Altered expression of junctional adhesion molecule 4 in injured podocytes
Authors: Harita Yutaka , Miyauchi Naoko , Karasawa Tamaki , Suzuki Koichi , Han Gi Dong , Koike Hiroko , Igarashi Takashi , Shimizu Fujio , Kawachi Hiroshi
Published: August 2005

Recent investigations have revealed the importance of glomerular podocytes with its diaphragm as the major filtration barrier. Junctional adhesion molecule 4 (JAM4) has been identified as a protein that interacts with membrane-associated guanyl kinase inverted (MAGI)-1 and is reported to be expressed on podocytes. To elucidate the role of JAM4 on podocytes, we examined the expression of JAM4 and MAGI-1 in normal and two different proteinuric rat models: puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) nephropathy and anti-nephrin antibody-induced (ANA) nephropathy, one model with and one without effacement of podocyte foot processes. JAM4 was detected by immunomicroscopy at the apical membrane of normal podocytes. JAM4 immunostaining was focally increased in the podocytes in PAN nephropathy but not in ANA nephropathy. In proteinuric podocytes, the expression of JAM4 was distinct from that of MAGI-1 or other slit diaphragm molecules such as nephrin and ZO-1. Close colocalization of JAM4 and ezrin was maintained in PAN nephropathy. By immunoelectron microscopy, the signals for JAM4 were detected at the free apical membrane of the podocytes with effaced foot processes. Studies with selective detergent extract revealed that the subcellular localization of JAM4 was altered in PAN nephropathy. Thus the altered expression of JAM4 appears to be associated with morphological changes in podocytes and can be a useful marker of injured podocytes. JAM4 may have a different role at the apical membrane besides the role as a junctional molecule and is likely associated with the unique structure of this epithelium.
Notch signaling is a potent inducer of growth arrest and apoptosis in a wide range of B-cell malignancies
Authors: Zweidler-McKay Patrick A. , He Yiping , Xu Lanwei , Rodriguez Carlos G. , Karnell Fredrick G. , Carpenter Andrea C. , Aster Jon C. , Allman David , Pear Warren S.
Published: August 2005

Although Notch receptor expression on malignant B cells is widespread, the effect of Notch signaling in these cells is poorly understood. To investigate Notch signaling in B-cell malignancy, we assayed the effect of Notch activation in multiple murine and human B-cell tumors, representing both immature and mature subtypes. Expression of constitutively active, truncated forms of the 4 mammalian Notch receptors (ICN1-4) inhibited growth and induced apoptosis in both murine and human B-cell lines but not T-cell lines. Similar results were obtained in human precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia lines when Notch activation was achieved by coculture with fibroblasts expressing the Notch ligands Jagged1 or Jagged2. All 4 truncated Notch receptors, as well as the Jagged ligands, induced Hes1 transcription. Retroviral expression of Hairy/Enhancer of Split-1 (Hes1) recapitulated the Notch effects, suggesting that Hes1 is an important mediator of Notch-induced growth arrest and apoptosis in B cells. Among the B-cell malignancies that were susceptible to Notch-mediated growth inhibition/apoptosis were mature B-cell and therapy-resistant B-cell malignancies, including Hodgkin, myeloma, and mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL)–translocated cell lines. These results suggest that therapies capable of activating Notch/Hes1 signaling may have therapeutic potential in a wide range of human B-cell malignancies.
Bone marrow dysfunction in mice lacking the cytokine receptor gp130 in endothelial cells
Authors: Yao Longbiao , Yokota Takafumi , Xia Lijun , Kincade Paul W. , McEver Rodger P.
Published: August 2005

In vitro studies suggest that bone marrow endothelial cells contribute to multilineage hematopoiesis, but this function has not been studied in vivo. We used a Cre/loxP-mediated recombination to produce mice that lacked the cytokine receptor subunit gp130 in hematopoietic and endothelial cells. Although normal at birth, the mice developed bone marrow dysfunction that was accompanied by splenomegaly caused by extramedullary hematopoiesis. The hypocellular marrow contained myeloerythroid progenitors and functional repopulating stem cells. However, long-term bone marrow cultures produced few hematopoietic cells despite continued expression of gp130 in most stromal cells. Transplanting gp130-deficient bone marrow into irradiated wild-type mice conferred normal hematopoiesis, whereas transplanting wild-type bone marrow into irradiated gp130-deficient mice did not cure the hematopoietic defects. These data provide evidence that gp130 expression in the bone marrow microenvironment, most likely in endothelial cells, makes an important contribution to hematopoiesis.
Evaluation of the Total Design Method in a survey of Japanese dentists
Authors: Nakai Yukie , Milgrom Peter , Yoshida Toshiko , Ishihara Chikako , Shimono Tsutomu
Published: August 2005

Background

This study assessed the application of the Total Design Method (TDM) in a mail survey of Japanese dentists. The TDM was chosen because survey response rates in Japan are unacceptably low and the TDM had previously been used in a general population survey.

Methods

Four hundred and seventy eight dentist members of the Okayama Medical and Dental Practitioner's Association were surveyed. The nine-page, 27-item questionnaire covered dentist job satisfaction, physical practice, and dentist and patient characteristics. Respondents to the first mailing or the one-week follow-up postcard were defined as early responders; others who responded were late responders. Responder bias was assessed by examining age, gender and training.

Results

The overall response rate was 46.7% (223/478). The response rates by follow-up mailing were, 18% after the first mailing, 35.4% after the follow-up postcard, 42.3% after the second mailing, and 46.7% after the third mailing. Respondents did not differ from non-respondents in age or gender, nor were there differences between early and late responders.

Conclusion

The application of TDM in this survey of Japanese dentists produced lower rates of response than expected from previous Japanese and US studies.
Hodgkin's disease as unusual presentation of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder after autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation for malignant glioma
Authors: Zambelli Alberto , Lilleri Daniele , Baldanti Fausto , Scelsi Mario , Villani Laura , Da Prada Gian Antonio
Published: August 2005

Background

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a complication of solid organ and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT); following autologous HSCT only rare cases of PTLD have been reported.

Here, a case of Hodgkin's disease (HD), as unusual presentation of PTLD after autologous HSCT for malignant glioma is described.

Case presentation

60-years old man affected by cerebral anaplastic astrocytoma underwent subtotal neurosurgical excision and subsequent high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous HSCT. During the post HSCT course, cranial irradiation and corticosteroids were administered as completion of therapeutic program.

At day +105 after HSCT, the patient developed HD, nodular sclerosis type, with polymorphic HD-like skin infiltration.

Conclusion

The clinical and pathological findings were consistent with the diagnosis of PTLD.
Effectiveness of different methods of health education: A comparative assessment in a scientific conference
Authors: Saha Asim , Poddar Era , Mankad Minal
Published: August 2005

Background

Every individual mode of health education has its own merits, drawbacks as well as their own sphere of effectiveness. A specific mode of communication is more useful in a specific setting on a specific group than others. To search for optimum mode of communication for a specific audience is a major area of research in health education. The issue of imparting health education to a gathering of educated people, representing different fields of knowledge has remained a relatively less lighted aspect of health education research. In this backdrop this study was initiated for making a comparative assessment of different methods of dissemination of health education among educated people.

Methods

A cross-sectional interviewer administered questionnaire survey was conducted involving 142 randomly selected subjects during the last session of a five-day conference having health as main theme when the opinion of the delegates regarding different communication methods was asked for. Collected data was analyzed not only to find out the optimum mode of education dissemination in such a setting but also to find the contribution of different factors in the preferences of the study subjects.

Results

The participants opted more (60%) for focused programs of smaller audience (sectional program). In both broad area (main program) and focused area programs (sectional), the participants preferred lectures (62% and 65.7% respectively). Specific topics were preferred both in lectures (67.6%) and symposia (57.7%). In the exhibition, exhibits seemed to be more attractive (62%) than the posters. Qualification has emerged to be a contributing factor in peoples' choice towards sectional programme and also in their affinity to symposia. Increased age was a significant contributor in participants' preference towards specific topics. Physical barriers of communication appeared to be a problem in the main program as well as in the exhibition. Lack of coherence among the speakers was reported (69%) to be a major reason for which symposia was not preferred.

Conclusion

This study concluded that while planning for health education dissemination in an educated group a focused programme should be formulated in small groups preferably in the form of lectures on specific topics, more so while dealing with participants of higher age group having higher educational qualification.
Replicative homeostasis II: Influence of polymerase fidelity on RNA virus quasispecies biology: Implications for immune recognition, viral autoimmunity and other "virus receptor" diseases
Authors: Sallie Richard
Published: August 2005

Much of the worlds' population is in active or imminent danger from established infectious pathogens, while sporadic and pandemic infections by these and emerging agents threaten everyone. RNA polymerases (RNApol) generate enormous genetic and consequent antigenic heterogeneity permitting both viruses and cellular pathogens to evade host defences. Thus, RNApolcauses more morbidity and premature mortality than any other molecule. The extraordinary genetic heterogeneity defining viral quasispecies results from RNApolinfidelity causing rapid cumulative genomic RNA mutation a process that, if uncontrolled, would cause catastrophic loss of sequence integrity and inexorable quasispecies extinction. Selective replication and replicative homeostasis, an epicyclical regulatory mechanism dynamically linking RNApol fidelity and processivity with quasispecies phenotypic diversity, modulating polymerase fidelity and, hence, controlling quasispecies behaviour, prevents this happening and also mediates immune escape. Perhaps more importantly, ineluctable generation of broad phenotypic diversity after viral RNA is translated to protein quasispecies suggests a mechanism of disease that specifically targets, and functionally disrupts, the host cell surface molecules – including hormone, lipid, cell signalling or neurotransmitter receptors – that viruses co-opt for cell entry. This mechanism – "Viral Receptor Disease (VRD)" – may explain so-called "viral autoimmunity", some classical autoimmune disorders and other diseases, including type II diabetes mellitus, and some forms of obesity. Viral receptor disease is a unifying hypothesis that may also explain some diseases with well-established, but multi-factorial and apparently unrelated aetiologies – like coronary artery and other vascular diseases – in addition to diseases like schizophrenia that are poorly understood and lack plausible, coherent, pathogenic explanations.
Evidence for selection on synonymous mutations affecting stability of mRNA secondary structure in mammals
Authors: Chamary JV , Hurst Laurence D
Published: August 2005

Background

In mammals, contrary to what is usually assumed, recent evidence suggests that synonymous mutations may not be selectively neutral. This position has proven contentious, not least because of the absence of a viable mechanism. Here we test whether synonymous mutations might be under selection owing to their effects on the thermodynamic stability of mRNA, mediated by changes in secondary structure.

Results

We provide numerous lines of evidence that are all consistent with the above hypothesis. Most notably, by simulating evolution and reallocating the substitutions observed in the mouse lineage, we show that the location of synonymous mutations is non-random with respect to stability. Importantly, the preference for cytosine at 4-fold degenerate sites, diagnostic of selection, can be explained by its effect on mRNA stability. Likewise, by interchanging synonymous codons, we find naturally occurring mRNAs to be more stable than simulant transcripts. Housekeeping genes, whose proteins are under strong purifying selection, are also under the greatest pressure to maintain stability.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results provide evidence that, in mammals, synonymous sites do not evolve neutrally, at least in part owing to selection on mRNA stability. This has implications for the application of synonymous divergence in estimating the mutation rate.
A One-Dimensional Theoretical Prediction of the Effect of Reduced End-Plate Permeability on the Mechanics of the Intervertebral Disc
Authors: Riches P E , McNally D S
Published: August 2005

The permeability of the cartilage end-plate (CEP) may play an important role in intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration by controlling the convective and diffusive transport of metabolites into the nucleus pulposus. A one-dimensional poroelastic model was used to predict the effect of a CEP of lower permeability than the disc tissue on the convective transfer into and out of the IVD. With decreasing CEP permeability, associated with degeneration, the model predicted that the change in disc height with time became more linear; the disc could not rehydrate as quickly; and internal fluid movement was slowed. This study has shown that CEP permeability will only markedly have an effect on fluid movement, and hence convective nutrition, if the permeability of the CEP is reduced to less than that of the disc tissue.
Proton Pump Inhibitor Formulary Considerations in the Acutely III: Part 1: Pharmacology, Pharmacodynamics, and Available Formulations
Authors: Devlin John W , Welage Lynda S , Olsen Keith M
Published: August 2005

Objective:

To review important proton pump inhibitor (PPI) pharmacologic, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic principles in acutely ill patients, compare PPI formulation options for patients unable to swallow a tablet or capsule, and provide clinicians with guidance when making hospital formulary decisions with this class of agents.

Data Sources:

MEDLINE (1966–May 2005) and the Cochrane Library databases were searched using the key words proton pump inhibitor, acid suppression, peptic ulcer disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, stress ulcer prophylaxis, and critical illness. Bibliographies of cited references were reviewed, and a manual search of abstracts from recent gastroenterology, critical care, and surgery scientific meetings was completed.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

All articles identified from the data sources were evaluated, and all information deemed relevant was included for this review.

Data Synthesis:

PPIs have become a mainstay for acute acid suppression in hospitalized patients over other therapeutic options. Various commercially available PPI products are available for administration, either enterally or parenterally, to patients unable to swallow a tablet or capsule. Newer oral PPI formulations offer numerous advantages over older products. The results of studies comparing the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of different PPI dosage forms and routes of administration are among the factors to consider when making formulary decisions.

CONCLUSIONS:

While the introduction of new PPI products has expanded the therapeutic options for acid suppression in acutely ill patients, a number of unresolved questions remain surrounding the interchangeability of these products, the clinical significance of one PPI formulation over the other, and how oral/enteral PPI therapy should be used as step-down therapy after parenteral PPI therapy.
Molecular Vibration Frequency Assignment of Dimethylsilanediol
Authors: Ho Thien D.
Published: August 2005

The fundamental molecular vibration frequencies of dimethylsilanediol were studied and assigned based upon data collected by infrared and Raman spectroscopy, and upon the literature of analogous compounds. Dimethylsilanediol and dimethylsilane-d2-diol were prepared by the hydrolysis of dimethoxydimethylsilane with water and deuterium oxide, respectively. The purity of dimethylsilanediol was verified by a gas chromatographic technique. This research found the SiOH deformations of dimethylsilanediol to absorb at 1175 cm−1 and 1060 cm−1.
Carbide-Treated Graphite Cuvettes for Electrothermal Atomization Prepared by Impregnation with Metal Chlorides
Authors: Almeida Manuel C. , Seitz W. Rudolf
Published: August 2005

In order that carbide coatings could be prepared, graphite cuvettes were (1) placed in liquid TiCl4, MoCl5, or WCl6 under reduced pressure to fill the void space in the graphite with metal chloride; (2) allowed to soak for 24 h in water to hydrolyze the metal chloride; (3) heated for 1200 s at 120°C and 10 s at 500°C in an electrothermal atomizer to dry the metal hydroxide and form the oxide; and (4) heated to 1800°C for 30 s to form the carbide. The formation of metal carbide was confirmed by gravimetry and x-ray diffraction. X-ray diffraction also indicated the presence of oxide on Ti- and W-treated cuvettes and of multiple metal carbide species on Mo- and W-treated cuvettes. Scanning electron microscopy of Ti-treated cuvettes showed the presence of small particles of a discrete carbide phase. The carbide-treated cuvettes last longer than conventional graphite and show enhanced sensitivities for carbide-forming elements determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption. Their analytical characteristics do not differ significantly from carbide-treated cuvettes prepared by other procedures. It is hypothesized that the primary effect of the metal carbide is to seal the graphite, causing it to be less porous.
Förderung und Unterstützung wissenschaftlicher Communities (Cultivating and Supporting Scientific Communities)
Authors: Kienle Andrea , Wessner Martin
Published: August 2005

Wissenschaftliche Communities können als spezifischer Typ einer Community of Practice (CoP) aufgefasst werden. Für CoPs entwickelte Modelle und Designprinzipien lassen sich dementsprechend auch auf wissenschaftliche Communities übertragen. Dieser Beitrag skizziert, wie eine Community-Plattform für wissenschaftliche Communities über die traditionellen Funktionen hinausgehend die Entwicklung der Community durch die Unterstützung von Designprinzipien fördern kann. Für die Übertragung der Modelle und Designprinzipien ziehen wir exemplarisch die Analyse der CSCL Community (CSCL = Computer Supported Collaborative Learning) in ihren ersten zehn Jahren (1995-2005) heran. Als Datenbasis dienen die Konferenzbände sowie die Listen der Programmkomiteemitglieder und Konferenzteilnehmer.
FrameDrops: Ein System zur Unterstützung von virtuellen Gemeinschaften in mobilen VideoBlogs (FrameDrops: A System Supporting Virtual Communities in Mobile VideoBlogs)
Authors: Gross Tom , Kleppe Martin
Published: August 2005

In diesem Papier werden das Konzept und die Implementation von FrameDrops, welches virtuelle Gemeinschaften beim Aufbau und der Pflege und beim Stöbern in gemeinsamen Multimedia-Archiven unterstützt, präsentiert. FrameDrops ist ein mobiles VideoBlog-System: es erlaubt BenutzerInnen, mit Hilfe von modernen Mobiltelefonen vor Ort Videos oder Bilder aufzuzeichnen und diese dann inklusive eines Kommentars und mit Angaben zur aktuellen geographischen Position an den FrameDrops-Server zu senden. Der FrameDrops-Server pflegt die Daten automatisch ein, verwaltet diese und stellt sie interessierten BenutzerInnen in einer homogenen, interaktiven Web-Oberfläche zur Verfügung.
Selbstorganisationseffekte und Prinzipien der Informationsverarbeitung im Gehirn (Effects of Self-Organization and Principles of Information Processing in the Brain)
Authors: Roth Gerhard
Published: August 2005

Das menschliche Gehirn ist außerordentlich komplex, insbesondere was seine interne Verknüpfungsstruktur betrifft, die bei 5 × 1014 Verknüpfungspunkten (Synapsen) liegt. Andere große tierische Gehirne (Wale, Elefant) liegen aber nur geringfügig darunter. Die Gehirnentwicklung wird bestimmt durch (1) genetische Faktoren, (2) selbstorganisierend-epigenetische Prozesse, (3) früh-ontogenetische “prägende” Erfahrungen und (4) spätere Umwelterfahrungen, wobei (2) und (3) die größte Rolle spielen. Im Unterschied zu herkömmlichen Computern erfolgt die Informationsverarbeitung von Gehirnen zum großen Teil auf chemischer Grundlage; sie ist in ihrer Organisation parallel-konvergent-divergent und durch massive Rückkopplungen gekennzeichnet. Gehirne sind selbstbewertend und selbststeuernd; diese Funktion übernimmt das limbische System; die hohe Binnen-Verdrahtung ist die Grundlage der hohen Selbst-Referentialität, die wiederum die Grundlage von internen Repräsentationen und Bewusstseinszuständen ist. Da nach gegenwärtigem Wissen alle genannten Funktionen des Gehirns untrennbar mit physikalisch-chemisch-physiologischen Prozessen verbunden sind, muss es im Grundsatz möglich sein, Computer zu bauen, die auf der Grundlage der Organisationsprinzipien des Gehirns solche Funktionen einschließlich Selbstbewertung, Selbststeuerung und Bewusstsein besitzen.
Removal of cesium from alkaline waste solution: Part I – Batch ion exchange study
Authors: Adu-Wusu Kofi , Hassan Neguib M. , Nash Charles A. , Marra James C.
Published: August 2005

Batch ion exchange tests have been employed to evaluate the ability of SuperLig® 644 resin to remove 137Cs from highly alkaline nuclear waste solution. The batch sorption data indicated the SuperLig® 644 resin has a relatively high sorption affinity for cesium with a predicted number of bed volumes required to reach 50% breakthrough in a column operation (generally known as λ value) of ∼400 based on an initial total cesium concentration of 12.1 μg/mL. The sorption data also obey the Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherms.
Seismic displacement charts for the performance-based assessment of reinforced soil walls
Authors: Huang C. C. , Wang W. C.
Published: August 2005

This paper presents a pseudo-static-based approach for evaluating the mechanical effects of facing components on the seismic displacement of reinforced soil walls backfilled with cohesionless soils. The proposed method is used to examine some factors that may influence the seismic stability and/or displacement of a 5 m high idealized wall, such as the connection strength at the facing–soil interface, the shear strength of the facing, the shear strength of the backfill soils, and the length of the reinforcement. Seismic displacement charts are established for a 5 m high idealized reinforced wall with various types of facing subjected to four different ground excitations. These charts are then verified using wall displacements measured after a major earthquake, and can be used to facilitate preliminary performance-based seismic designs of reinforced soil walls. Analytical results show that a conventional ‘two-wedge’ analysis greatly underestimates the seismic stability of a wall with a structural facing component because the interaction between the facing and the retained soils is ignored. The connection strength between the facing and the reinforcement may significantly increase the seismic stability and/or reduce the seismic displacement of the investigated wall provided that a specially designed facing–geogrid connection is used, which enables very high connection strength to be developed. The interblock shear strength of discrete-type facing affects the seismic stability of the wall only in a secondary way, because higher interblock shear strength may cause a failure mechanism that passes through the bottom of the wall. The unit weight of the facing plays a moderate role in the increase of the seismic stability of the 5 m high wall with vertical facing. It is also shown that the advantage of using a structural facing may vary according to changes in the internal friction angle of the backfill and the length of reinforcing material.
CARDIFRC® – Development and mechanical properties. Part I: Development and workability
Authors: Benson S. D. P. , Karihaloo B. L.
Published: August 2005

Part I of this three-part paper describes the various steps that led to the development of a class of high performance short steel fibre-reinforced cementitious composites (HPFRCCs) which has been patented under the trade name CARDIFRC®. This class of materials generally contains no coarse aggregates and is characterised by high tensile/flexural strength and high toughness. A method is proposed for quantifying the workability of such a mix without fibres in terms of its fracture toughness.
The capacity of antioxidant protection during modulated ageing of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cotyledons. 2. The low‐molecular weight antioxidants
Authors: Procházková D. , Wilhelmová N.
Published: August 2005

The aim of the present work was to evaluate non‐enzymic antioxidants during natural and artificially modulated senescence. Senescence of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Jantar) cotyledons was modulated by UV C irradiation or by the decapitation of plants apices. The content of β‐carotene and zeaxanthin decreased in control and decapitated plants but in UV C irradiated plants these contents increased. The degree of de‐epoxidation increased in all cultivations with age. The content of total glutathione (sum of reduced and oxidized) sharply decreased in bean cotyledons grown in all conditions. Interestingly, the content of total ascorbate increased at the end of cotyledon life span of control and decapitated plants but decreased in UV plants. Decrease of reduced/oxidized ratio of ascorbate and glutathione during cotyledon ageing confirmed increasing oxidative stress during senescence in all cultivations. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and Optical Investigation of Monodisperse Oligo(9,9‐dioctylfluorene)s Containing One Fluorenone Unit
Authors: Li Jing , Li Ming , Bo Zhishan
Published: August 2005

A set of monodisperse oligo(9,9‐dioctylfuorene)s, each containing only one fluorenone unit, was synthesized by using iterative Suzuki cross‐coupling and iododesilylation reactions. Their optical properties were also investigated.
Ligand‐Gated Synthetic Ion Channels
Authors: Talukdar Pinaki , Bollot Guillaume , Mareda Jiri , Sakai Naomi , Matile Stefan
Published: August 2005

Supramolecular π‐stack architecture is fundamental in DNA chemistry but absent in biological and synthetic ion channels and pores. Here, a novel rigid‐rod π‐stack architecture is introduced to create synthetic ion channels with characteristics that are at the forefront of rational design, that is, ligand gating by a conformational change of the functional supramolecule. Namely, the intercalation of electron‐rich aromatics is designed to untwist inactive electron‐poor helical π‐stacks without internal space into open barrel‐stave ion channels. Conductance experiments in planar lipid bilayers corroborate results from spherical bilayers and molecular modeling: Highly cooperative and highly selective ligand gating produces small, long‐lived, weakly anion selective, ohmic ion channels. Structural studies conducted under conditions relevant for function provide experimental support for helix–barrel transition as origin of ligand gating. Control experiments demonstrate that minor structural changes leading to internal decrowding suffice to cleanly annihilate chiral self‐organization and function.
Reactivity of the [η2‐Bis(tert‐butylsulfonyl)acetylene](carbonyl)(η5‐cyclopentadienyl)cobalt Complex Towards Electron‐Rich and ‐Poor Acetylenes
Authors: Goswami Avijit , Staeb Tobias H. , Rominger Frank , Gleiter Rolf , Siebert Walter
Published: August 2005

The electron‐rich aminoacetylenes Et2NC2R (2a–c, R = SPh, PPh2, and Ph, respectively) react smoothly with [η2‐bis(tert‐butylsulfonyl)acetylene](carbonyl)(η5‐cyclopentadienyl)co‐balt (1) to form the donor–acceptor stabilized (η4‐cyclobutadiene)cobalt complexes 3a–c in good yields. However, treatment of the electron‐poor borylacetylenes 2d–f with the cobalt complex 1 does not lead to the expected (η4‐cyclobutadiene)cobalt complexes. Analogously, the reaction of bis(1‐phenylethynyl)sulfide (2g) with two equivalents of 1 gives rise to the sulfur‐bridged bis[η4‐(cyclobutadiene)cobalt] complex 3g. The new cobalt complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and by X‐ray structure analysis for 3a, which reveals almost equal C–C bond lengths within the cyclobutadiene ring. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Genome‐wide identity‐by‐descent sharing among CEPH siblings
Authors: Gagnon Alain , Beise Jan , Vaupel J. W.
Published: August 2005

The concept of genetic identity‐by‐descent (IBD) has markedly advanced our understanding of the genetic similarity among relatives and triggered a number of developments in epidemiological genetics. However, no empirical measure of this relatedness throughout the whole human genome has yet been published. Analyzing highly polymorphic genetic variations from the Centre d'études du polymorphisme humain (CEPH) database, we report the first genome‐wide estimation of the mean and variation in IBD sharing among siblings. From 1,522 microsatellite markers spaced at an average of 2.3 cM on 498 sibling pairs, we estimated a mean of 0.4994 and a standard deviation of 0.0395. In order to account for the impact of varying chromosomal lengths and recombination rates, the analysis was also performed at the chromosomal and marker levels and for paternal and maternal DNA separately. Based on the variation, we estimate an “effective number of segregating loci” of around 80 for sibling pairs over the whole genome (i.e., the number of loci that would yield the same standard deviation in IBD sharing if all loci were segregating independently). Finally, we briefly assess the impact of genotyping errors on IBD estimations, compare our results to published theoretical and simulated expectations, and discuss some implications of our findings. Genet. Epidemiol. 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Skeletal morphology of the forefoot in shrews (Mammalia: Soricidae) of the genus Cryptotis, as revealed by digital X‐rays
Authors: Woodman Neal , Morgan James J.P.
Published: August 2005

Variation in the forefoot skeleton of small‐eared shrews (family Soricidae, genus Cryptotis) has been previously documented, but the paucity of available skeletons for most taxa makes assessment of the degrees of intraspecific and interspecific variation difficult. We used a digital X‐ray system to extract images of the forefoot skeleton from 101 dried skins of eight taxa (seven species, including two subspecies of one species) of these shrews. Lengths and widths of each of the four bones of digit III were measured directly from the digital images, and we used these data to quantify variation within and among taxa. Analysis of the images and measurements showed that interspecific variation exceeds intraspecific variation. In fact, most taxa could be distinguished in multivariate and some bivariate plots. Our quantitative data helped us define a number of specific forefoot characters that we subsequently used to hypothesize evolutionary relationships among the taxa using the exhaustive search option in PAUP, a computer program for phylogenetic analysis. The resulting trees generally concur with previously published evolutionary hypotheses for small‐eared shrews. Cryptotis meridensis, a taxon not previously examined in recent phylogenies, is rooted at the base of the branch leading to the C. mexicana group of species. The position of this species suggests that the mostly South American C. thomasi group shares an early ancestor with the C. mexicana group. J. Morphol. Published 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Design and synthesis of a solid‐phase fluorescent mass tag
Authors: Shi Yang , Xiang Rong , Horváth Csaba , Wilkins James A.
Published: August 2005

In this study, we demonstrate the design of a new solid‐phase fluorescent mass tag (FMT) that contains the following features: (1) the FMT is synthesized using Fmoc chemistry which is simple, rapid, and cost‐effective; (2) lysine is used as a uniformly labeled amino acid (using stable isotopes) to allow 8 Da difference between “heavy” and “light” tags; (3) a fluorescent molecule is coupled to the isotope tag that allows a tagged peptide to be detected by online fluorescence; and (4) an iodoacetyl reactive group provides cysteine reactivity. Using MALDI‐TOF MS and HPLC, we show that the FMT reagent can be used to label standard cysteine‐containing peptides as well as cysteine‐containing peptides from a BSA tryptic digest.
A taxometric investigation of dissociation in Vietnam veterans
Authors: Waelde Lynn C. , Silvern Louise , Fairbank John A.
Published: August 2005

There is long‐standing debate about whether elevated dissociative symptoms are common in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or whether there is a distinct subtype of cases with elevated dissociation. The current investigation examined the latent structure of dissociative symptoms in a sample of 316 male, trauma‐exposed Vietnam veterans, 76 of whom were diagnosed with current PTSD. Three taxometric procedures (MAMBAC, MAXEIG, and MAXCOV) were performed on three indicator sets drawn from the Dissociative Experiences Scale. Taxometric analyses consistently revealed a taxon (subtype) of highly dissociative individuals. The taxon members had significantly more severe posttraumatic symptoms and were more often diagnosed with current PTSD than were non‐taxon members. Among participants with a current PTSD diagnoses, only 32% belonged to the dissociative taxon, suggesting that there is a subtype of severe PTSD with elevated dissociation.
Gas‐Phase Assisted Surface Polymerization of Vinyl Monomers with Fe‐Based Initiating Systems
Authors: Andou Yoshito , Yasutake Mikio , Jeong Jae‐Mun , Nishida Haruo , Endo Takeshi
Published: August 2005

Summary: Gas‐phase assisted surface polymerization (GASP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and styrene (St) was investigated with Fe‐based radical initiating systems, FeCl2/2,2′‐bipyridine (Bpy)/methyl α‐bromophenylacetate (MBPA), etc. GASP with these initiating systems proceeded to produce corresponding polymers on substrate surfaces. The resulting PMMA had very high PDI values, suggesting an uncontrolled reaction. In an attempt to control the GASP, polymerization with a simple initiating system, Fe(0)/MBPA, was examined on Fe(0)‐metal surfaces, resulting in significant polymerization activity to produce high‐molecular‐weight PMMA. The results of time‐course tests on GASP of MMA and St suggested that a change had taken place to produce physically controlled propagation sites on the Fe(0) powder surfaces.

GASP schemes with a simple initiating system Fe(0)/MBPA.

magnified image

GASP schemes with a simple initiating system Fe(0)/MBPA.
From regulationism to the ‘Scandinavian Sonderweg’: legislating to prevent venereal diseases in Denmark during the long nineteenth century
Authors: BLOM IDA
Published: August 2005

In this article I discuss the dilemma between coercion and respect for civil liberties that characterized policies for the prevention of venereal diseases during the nineteenth century. Placing Danish legislation in an international perspective, the gradual change from control of prostitution to the so-called Scandinavian Sonderweg is analysed. Special emphasis is given to parliamentary discussions on the law of 1906, with a view to disentangling the survival of traditional attitudes to sexual morality from burgeoning conceptions of universal welfare policies.
Pore selectivity analysis of an aquaglyceroporin by stopped‐flow spectrophotometry on bacterial cell suspensions
Authors: Hubert Jean‐François , Duchesne Laurence , Delamarche Christian , Vaysse Amaury , Gueuné Hervé , Raguénès‐Nicol Céline
Published: August 2005

Background information. Transport of water and small neutral solutes across plasma membranes is facilitated by AQP (aquaporin) and aquaglyceroporin channels, which belong to the MIP (major intrinsic protein) family. So far, more than 800 MIP proteins have been identified on the basis of sequence homology, but only less than 10% of them have been functionally characterized. In most studies, the channel properties of MIP proteins have been determined by using Xenopus oocyte swelling assays or stopped‐flow spectrophotometry on proteoliposomes. As both methods sometimes present disadvantages, we developed an alternative method for analysing MIP function.

Results. The kinetics of plasmolysis or deplasmolysis of Escherichia coli cells in suspension, in response to osmotic challenges, was analysed by stopped‐flow spectrophotometry. Cytoplasmic volume variations were monitored either by GFP (green fluorescent protein) fluorescence quenching or by 90° scattered light. The single exponential response to up‐shocks in the impermeant solute mannitol was strongly accelerated when the cells expressed the native E. coli AQP AqpZ (rate constant 37.24 versus 3.05 s−1 for control cells). The responses to hyperosmotic shocks realized with glycerol were biphasic. First, a light‐scattering increase corresponded to cell plasmolysis. Secondly, deplasmolysis occurred when glycerol entered into the cell. Both phases were accelerated when the aquaglyceroporin GlpF was present in cell membranes. We concluded that the behaviour of MIP‐expressing bacteria in the stopped‐flow system was qualitatively identical with that reported for MIP‐expressing oocytes or MIP‐containing proteoliposomes. We then used this system to analyse the effects of mutations in the pore constriction of GlaLlac, the aquaglyceroporin from Lactococcus lactis. In the present study, we show that GlaLlac loses its ability to transport glycerol but retains its ability to transport water when Val223 was replaced by a histidine, the residue at the equivalent position in strict AQPs.

Conclusions. These results show that stopped‐flow spectrophotometry performed on E. coli cell suspensions is a useful experimental system to analyse the selectivity of wild‐type or mutant MIP proteins and that a bifunctional aquaglyceroporin switches to an AQP by a single amino acid mutation in the pore constriction.
Mitochondrial DNA: an advance in eukaryotic cell biology in the 1960s
Authors: Mounolou Jean‐Claude , Lacroute François
Published: August 2005

Between 1950 and 1960 mitochondria were recognized as well‐characterized organelles of animal and fungal cells. They shared more functional autonomy than other cellular structures. The transmission of some mitochondrial characteristics did not obey Mendelian rules and followed cytoplasmic inheritance patterns. Was this situation a consequence of still unknown complexities? We present a personal account on how approaches were set up to test very different hypotheses. In the end, it was shown that mitochondria had their own DNA, mitochondrial DNA, and that this molecule carried information specific to these organelles.