bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel mutation in the accessory DNA-binding domain of human steroidogenic factor 1 causes XY gonadal dysgenesis without adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Reuter Anne L , Goji Katsumi , Bingham Nathan C , Matsuo Masafumi , Parker Keith L
Published: July 2007

Objective: Steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1), officially designated NR5A1, is a nuclear receptor that plays key roles in endocrine development and function. Previous reports of human SF1 mutations revealed a spectrum of phenotypes affecting adrenal function and/or gonadal development and sex differentiation. We present the clinical phenotype and functional effects of a novel SF1 mutation.

Patient: The patient is a 22-year-old 46, XY Japanese patient who presented with dysgenetic testes, atrophic vasa deferentia and epididymides, lack of Müllerian structures, and clitoromegaly. Endocrine studies revealed normal adrenal function.

Results: Analysis of theSF1gene revealed compound heterozygosity for a previously described p.G146A polymorphism and a novel missense mutation (p.R84C) in the accessory DNA-binding domain. The father carried the p.G146A polymorphism and the mother had the p.R84C mutation; both were clinically and reproductively normal. Functional studies demonstrated that the p.R84C SF1 had normal nuclear localization but decreased DNA-binding affinity and transcriptional activity compared with wild-type SF1; it did not exhibit any dominant negative activity.

Conclusions: These results describe the human phenotype that results from compound heterozygosity of the p.G146A polymorphism and a novel p.R84C mutation of SF1, thereby extending the spectrum of human SF1 mutations that impair testis development and sex differentiation in a sex-limited manner while preserving normal adrenal function.
Aluminium migration through a geosynthetic clay liner
Authors: Lake C. B. , Cardenas G. , Goreham V. , Gagnon G. A.
Published: July 2007

Water treatment plants produce significant amounts of aluminium-rich residual solids (i.e. sludge) as a result of various processes to treat raw source water. Monofilling of these alum-based residual solids or other alum-rich sludge or leachates can be performed cost-effectively with geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs). However, there is currently a paucity of literature related to aluminium migration through GCLs and the influence of this aluminium migration on the engineering behaviour of GCLs. This paper presents results of GCL hydraulic conductivity, diffusion, and batch testing performed with aluminium sulfate solutions. Hydraulic conductivity test results show that modest increases in hydraulic conductivity with the aluminium solutions are observed after hydration with distilled water (k < 5 × 10−11 m/s). Diffusion testing with the same GCL has established an aluminium diffusion coefficient, Dt, of 1.5 × 10−10 m2/s and a linear distribution coefficient, Kd, of 30 ml/g. Batch testing performed confirms an initial high rate of aluminium uptake to the sodium bentonite, as well as non-linear behaviour. Adsorbed cation distributions on the bentonite and differential thermal analysis after 22 pore volumes of permeation with the aluminium solutions suggest that cation exchange and precipitation are mechanisms responsible for the attenuation observed as well as changes in hydraulic conductivity. An illustrative example is provided in the text to provide some perspective on the possible use of results presented herein for alum residual monofills.
External stability of reinforced soil walls under seismic conditions
Authors: Choudhury D. , Nimbalkar S. S. , Mandal J. N.
Published: July 2007

Determination of the external stability of reinforced soil walls under earthquake condition is an important topic of research for geotechnical engineers. In the present paper, a pseudo-dynamic method, which considers the effect of phase difference in both the shear and primary waves travelling through the backfill due to seismic excitation, is considered to obtain the minimum length of the geosynthetic reinforcement to resist direct sliding and overturning failure of the reinforced soil wall. A two-part wedge mechanism is used for determining the external stability of the reinforced soil wall against direct sliding. Reinforced soil walls with cohesionless backfill soil are considered in the present analysis. Results are presented in both graphical and tabular form to show the required length of the geosynthetic reinforcement to maintain the external stability of the reinforced soil wall under seismic conditions. The effects of variation of parameters such as soil friction angle, horizontal and vertical seismic accelerations on the external stability of the reinforced soil wall have been studied. With increase of seismic accelerations in both the horizontal and vertical directions, the external stability of the reinforced soil wall decreases significantly and a greater length of geosynthetic reinforcement is needed to maintain the external stability of the wall. For most practical cases, the minimum length required to resist direct sliding failure is found to govern the design rather than overturning failure under seismic conditions. Comparisons of the present results with available pseudo-static results found in the literature are shown, and the improvements using the proposed pseudo-dynamic approach are highlighted.
Phase inversion of polyacrylamide based inverse‐emulsions: Effect of the surfactant and monomer on postinversion equilibrium properties
Authors: Armanet Luc , Hunkeler David
Published: July 2007

The influence of the interfacial chemistry on the phase inversion of polymerized water‐in‐oil emulsions has been investigated. For copolymerizations of acrylamide with cationic monomers, the effect of substituting of fatty acid esters and ethoxylated fatty acid esters with ABA block type stabilizers, on the kinetics and extent of phase inversion, were examined. It was determined that the solution viscosity was a valid metric to identify the mechanism by which inversion occurs, while conductivity provided a means to quantify inversion efficiency, Therefore, the interfacial chemistry was found to influence not only the plateau value of the viscosity of the polymer solution but also its kinetics. The most suitable inversion was observed with a polymer emulsion stabilized with low block copolymer stabilizer levels in the blend (8 wt %), relative to traditional fatty acid esters and ethoxylated fatty acid esters. This provided an ultimate solution viscosity 30% higher than for a polymer synthesized under identical conditions though with higher levels of the ABA block stabilizer. Overall, the optimal formulation (8% ABA) was found to liberate 88% of the latent viscosity. Given that the options in regards to inverting surfactants can be, legislatively, limited, the present work makes a case for the selection of the interfacial composition not only for its stability during reaction, and the molecular weight of the synthesized polymer, but also for the extent and rapidity of inversion. The formulation‐composition map approach provided an understanding of phase inversion applied to polymer emulsion and was a useful fingerprint to qualitatively describe the catastrophic mechanism of inversion. The surfactant affinity difference applied to a blend of surfactant was found to be a convenient formulation parameter which allowed us to locate the representative point on the map of the polymer emulsion stabilized with different surfactant blend composition. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
The synthesis, characterization, and DC electrical conductivity of poly[di(2,5‐dimercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole)‐metal] complexes
Authors: El‐Shekeil Ali G. , Al‐Maydama Hussein M. , Al‐Shuja'a Omar M.
Published: July 2007

Poly[di(2,5‐dimercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole)]‐metal complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) were synthesized by the reaction of 2,5‐dimercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole (6.6 mmol) with anhydrous cobalt, nickel, copper, and zinc chlorides (3.3 mmol) in absolute ethanol under reflux for 24 h. The products were characterized by elemental analyses, electronic spectra, FTIR spectroscopy, as well as thermal analyses (TGA and DTA), and X‐ray diffraction. The DC electrical conductivity variation of the poly[di(2,5‐dimercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole)‐metal] complexes were studied in the temperature range 300–500 K as annealed for 24 h at 100°C and after doping with 5% I2 for comparison. An attempt is made to interpret the DC electrical conductivity behavior and thermal properties to doping, annealing, structure, and metal used. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Effects of the minor groove pyrimidine nucleobase functional groups on the stability of duplex DNA: The impact of uncompensated minor groove amino groups
Authors: Sun Zhenhua , McLaughlin Larry W.
Published: July 2007

DNA sequences containing four types of analog nucleosides are described. All four are pyridine derivatives constructed as C‐nucleosides so that they mimic the pyrimidine derivatives 2′‐deoxyuridine, thymidine or 2′‐deoxycytidine, but in all cases the analogs lack the corresponding O2‐carbonyls that in duplex DNA are located in the minor groove. In place of the O2‐carbonyl is a hydrogen atom, a polar fluorine atom, or a nonpolar methyl group. The described C‐nucleosides have native‐like bidentate Watson–Crick hydrogen‐bonding faces and can form essentially normal W‐C base pairs of varying stability with A or G. In each modified base pair, two inter‐residue hydrogen bonds should be present. In spite of a common number of interstrand hydrogen bonds, the thermodynamic stabilities of the prepared duplexes, each containing two analog base pairs, vary dramatically. Most notably, base pairs containing uncompensated purine amino groups (those lacking a hydrogen‐bonding partner) in the minor groove exhibit the most dramatic reductions in thermodynamic stability. Removal of such uncompensated amino groups results in increased duplex stability. Base pairs containing fluorine in the minor groove positioned adjacent to an amino group seem to enhance duplex stability marginally (relative to H or CH3), but there is little evidence to suggest that fluorine is an effective hydrogen‐bonding partner in these systems. The presence of minor groove methyl groups results in the least stable duplexes in each series of sequences. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 87: 183–195, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Selection and initial characterization of novel peptide ligands that bind specifically to human blood outgrowth endothelial cells
Authors: Veleva Anka N. , Cooper Stuart L. , Patterson Cam
Published: July 2007

Using phage display technology, we have isolated 12‐mer peptide ligands that bind to human blood outgrowth endothelial cells (HBOEC). To avoid non‐specific binding we apply negative–positive selection approach by pre‐incubating the library with non‐HBOEC. The selected phage clones bind to their target cell population with high recovery. Moreover, the isolated clones display outstanding cell specificity as no significant binding is observed on a panel of other cell types. We anticipate the findings from this work to be exploited in the development of future cell‐based therapeutic revascularization approaches to ischemic disease and endothelial injury or in combination with biomedical devices. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007; 98: 306–312. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adipocytokine profile of type 2 diabetics in metabolic syndrome as defined by various criteria
Authors: Al‐Daghri Nasser M. , Al‐Attas Omar S. , Al‐Rubeaan Khalid , Sallam Reem
Published: July 2007

Background

This study aims to identify which among the metabolic syndrome (MS) definitions are closely associated with pathological levels of leptin, adiponectin, resistin, tumour necrosis alpha (TNF‐α) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) among type 2 diabetics.

Materials and Methods

Three hundred and five (160 males; 145 females) adult type 2 diabetic Saudis participated in this cross‐sectional study. Leptin, adiponectin, resistin, TNF‐α and CRP were analysed, using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Each participant was screened for MS based on the definitions of WHO, AHA/NHLBI and IDF.

Results

IDF holds the most identified patients [190 (62.3%)] in both, males [107 (66.9%)], and females [83 (57.2%)]. In males, hyperleptinemia, hypoadiponectinemia and hyperresistinemia were strongest in the AHA/NHLBI‐defined MS [odds ratio (95% confidence interval ‘CI’) of 2.03 (1.05–3.93); 1.31 (0.55–3.1); 1.63 (0.42–6.4) respectively]. The risk of elevated CRP was highest on the WHO definition [odds ratio (95% CI) of 2.04 (0.46–9.04)]. In females, the IDF‐defined MS has the strongest association in all four parameters: odds ratio (95% CI), as follows: leptin [2.09 (0.14–30.71)]; adiponectin [6.00 (0.47–76.17)]; resistin [0.47 (0.18–1.23)] and CRP [3.07 (0.21–45.10)].

Conclusion

Gender differences exist in assessing the risk of various adipocytokine abnormalities in relation to the various criteria. This study supports the use of IDF definition among females and AHA/NHLBI in males in studies involving MS and obesity, since these definitions hold stronger predicting powers in detecting pathological levels of key adipocytokines. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Review of aqueous chiral electrokinetic chromatography (EKC) with an emphasis on chiral microemulsion EKC
Authors: Kahle Kimberly A. , Foley Joe P.
Published: July 2007

The separation of enantiomers using electrokinetic chromatography (EKC) with chiral microemulsions is comprehensively reviewed through December 1, 2006. Aqueous chiral EKC separations based on other pseudostationary phases such as micelles and vesicles or on other chiral selectors such as CDs, crown ethers, glycopeptides, ligand exchange moeities are also reviewed from both mechanistic and applications perspective for the period of January 2005 to December 1, 2006.
Synthesis of mono‐6‐deoxy‐6‐N,N,N′,N′,N′‐pentamethylethylenediammonio‐cyclomaltoheptaose, a single‐isomer, monosubstituted, permanently dicationic β‐CD and its use for enantiomer separations by CE
Authors: Nzeadibe Kingsley , Vigh Gyula
Published: July 2007

The dichloride salt of mono‐6‐deoxy‐6‐N,N,N′,N′,N′‐pentamethylethylenediammonio‐cyclomaltoheptaose (PEMEDA‐BCD), the first single‐isomer, monosubstituted, permanently dicationic β‐CD has been synthesized, analytically characterized, and used for the capillary electrophoretic separation of the enantiomers of a group of analytes in acidic and basic BGEs. When the concentration of PEMEDA‐BCD was changed in the BGEs, the resulting effective mobilities of the analytes and the respective separation selectivities followed the predictions of the ionic strength‐corrected charged resolving agent migration model. Good separation selectivities and favorable normalized EOF mobilities allowed for the rapid, efficient separation of the enantiomers of anionic, weak acid and nonionic analytes in the low‐ and/or high‐pH BGEs.
Toxicity of two cisplatin‐based radiochemotherapy regimens for the treatment of patients with stage III/IV head and neck cancer
Authors: Rades Dirk , Fehlauer Fabian , Sheikh‐Sarraf Mashid , Kazic Nadja , Basic Hiba , Poorter Robert , Hakim Samer G. , Schild Steven E. , Dunst Juergen
Published: July 2007

Background.

This nonrandomized study compared 2 radiochemotherapy regimens for toxicity in 128 patients with stage III/IV head and neck cancer.

Methods.

Patients received conventionally fractionated radiotherapy. The total dose to primary tumor and involved lymph nodes did depend on preceding surgery. Patients received 66 to 70 Gy if surgery was not performed, 60 to 66 Gy after R0 resection, 66 Gy after R1 resection, and 70 to 72 Gy after R2 resection. Concurrent chemotherapy consisted of 3 courses cisplatin (100 mg/m2/d1,22,43) (group A, N = 61) or 2 courses cisplatin (20 mg/m2/d1–5 + 29–33)/5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) (600 mg/m2/d1–5 + 29–33) (group B, N = 67).

Results.

Acute toxicity was more severe in group A, especially nausea/vomiting (p = .002), nephrotoxicity (p = .001), ototoxicity (p = .034), and hematotoxicity (p = .049). Forty‐eight percent of group A and 10% of group B patients could not complete chemotherapy due to toxicity (p = .018). Late toxicity was similar (p = .99).

Conclusion.

Two courses of fractionated cisplatin (20 mg/m2/d) and 5‐FU were associated with significantly less acute toxicity than were 3 courses cisplatin (100 mg/m2/d). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2008
Partitions of finite vector spaces into subspaces
Authors: El‐Zanati S. I. , Seelinger G. F. , Sissokho P. A. , Spence L. E. , Vanden Eynden C.
Published: July 2007

Let Vn(q) denote a vector space of dimension n over the field with q elements. A set ${\cal P}$ of subspaces of Vn(q) is a partition of Vn(q) if every nonzero element of Vn(q) is contained in exactly one element of ${\cal P}$. Suppose there exists a partition of Vn(q) into xi subspaces of dimension ni, 1 ≤  i ≤  k. Then x1, …, xk satisfy the Diophantine equation $\sum_{i=1}^{k}{(q^{n_i}-1)x_i}=q^n-1$. However, not every solution of the Diophantine equation corresponds to a partition of Vn(q). In this article, we show that there exists a partition of Vn(2) into x subspaces of dimension 3 and y subspaces of dimension 2 if and only if 7x + 3y = 2n − 1 and y ≠  1. In doing so, we introduce techniques useful in constructing further partitions. We also show that partitions of Vn(q) induce uniformly resolvable designs on qn points. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 16: 329–341, 2008
Encapsulation of proteins by Electro Hydro Dynamic Atomization
Authors: Ciach Tomasz
Published: July 2007

Summary: Aerosol reactor for Electro Hydro Dynamic Atomization has been used to encapsulate water soluble proteins in poly(ε‐caprolactone). As a raw material w/o emulsion of BSA water solution emulsified in the organic solution of polymer was applied. Stability of the spraying process itself for particles production was investigated. Also raw material emulsion stability has been examined and emulsion stabiliser has been found. Protein release rate from produced particles was determined.
Surface‐Modified Metallic Biomaterials in Contact with Blood and Endothelial Cells
Authors: Walkowiak Bogdan
Published: July 2007

Summary: The experimental procedures were undertaken in order to characterize of surface‐modified metallic substrates. Results revealed that carbon layers coating the substrates made metallic surface generally more biocompatible and more resistant to biofilm formation. Titanium‐nitride or titanium carbo‐nitride layers on the titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) allow for modulation of thrombogenity degree of the surface. Our investigations employed several methods: fluorescence and electron microscopy techniques, SPR‐biosensor technology, 2D‐electrophoresis and flow cytofluorymetry.
Dispersion or concentration for the 1.5 generation? Destination choices of the children of immigrants in the US
Authors: Goodwin‐White Jamie
Published: July 2007

This paper examines the determinants of intermetropolitan destination choice between 1995 and 2000 for foreign‐born and 1.5 generation adult children of immigrants in the US. In addition to distance and labour‐force variables, metro‐level measures of immigrant–native wage inequality and immigrant concentration are considered. A competing‐destinations accessibility parameter is included in order to assess the spatial structure of destination choice. Although assimilation theories, especially in their spatial assimilation variant, might suggest that intergenerational social mobility should be connected with spatial dispersion, these models reveal the continuing importance of metro‐ and regional‐scale immigrant concentration for the children of immigrants. When the destination concentration variable is added to reduced‐form models, the positive effect of employment growth declines significantly, indicating that ethnic concentration may continue to be more important for the children of immigrants than more simply framed economic conditions. A comparative origin–destination immigrant–native wage gap measure is also a strongly positive determinant of destination choice, indicating the importance of relative wages in destination choice. Furthermore, the increased model strength and parameter estimates associated with immigrant concentration and a concentration‐weighted accessibility measure suggest that the spatial structure of destination choice has much to do with immigrant concentration at multiple scales – from metro areas to immigrant states and regions. The paper thus suggests more attention to theorising the geographical contexts within which intergenerational immigrant incorporation occurs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Size and charge effects on the deposition of Na on Ar clusters
Authors: Dinh P. M. , Fehrer F. , Reinhard P.‐G. , Suraud E.
Published: July 2007

We discuss the dynamical deposition of the Na atom, the Na+ ion and the Na6 cluster on finite Ar clusters mocking up an infinite Ar surface. We analyze the scenario as a function of the projectile initial kinetic energy and of the target cluster size. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
Tocopherol and fluorescence levels in deep‐frying oil and their measurement for oil assessment
Authors: Miyagawa Kuniko , Hirai Kazuko , Takezoe Reiko
Published: July 2007

This study examined how tocopherol retention is affected by the presence or absence of food coatings, and also tested the measurement of fluorescent substance levels in cooking oil to evaluate oil deterioration. Potato slices were tempura‐fried (with a coating) or french‐fried (without a coating). The three tocopherol isomers decreased with heating time, and better retention was found in the tempura process. The decomposition rates of tocopherol were in the order γ> δ ≥α for the three isomers for both processes over repeated fryings. The fluorescence of frying oil increased 15‐and 17‐fold after tempura‐and french‐frying, respectively, for 32 consecutive times. Changes in the amounts of tocopherol and the fluorescence correlated well with the changes found by the chemiluminescent intensity and five conventional methods of oil quality measurement. These results indicated that tocopherol retention is affected by the food coating, and that measurements of vitamin E loss and fluorescence increase in oil should be useful for assessing the progressive deterioration of frying oil with its repeated usage.
Carbohydrase hydrolysis of canola to enhance oil extraction with hexane
Authors: Sosulski K. , Sosulski F. W. , Coxworth E.
Published: July 2007

Hydrolysis of three canola cultivars with carbohydrase reduced oil extraction time and increased oil yield. The optimum pretreatment before hexane extraction of oil was flaking, autoclaving, adjustment to 30% seed moisture including 0.12% enzyme concentration (g enzyme protein/100 g flakes), and incubation for 12 hr at 50 C, followed by drying to 4% moisture. Hexane extraction was enhanced by grinding the flakes. The relative order of enzyme efficiency in enhancement of oil extraction was mixed activity enzyme >β‐glucanase>pectinase>hemicellulase>cellulase.
Genetik der Psoriasis
Authors: Reis A. , Hüffmeier U.
Published: July 2007

Psoriasis ist eine chronische, entzündliche Hauterkrankung mit einer multifaktoriellen Vererbung. Als wichtigster Risikofaktor gilt derzeit das HLA-CW0602-Allel [bzw. ein Faktor in starkem LD („linkage disequilibrium“)], das insbesondere für die frühere Manifestationsform (< 40. Lebensjahr) prädisponiert und u. a. einen Einfluss auf die Schwere des Verlaufs hat. Durch genomweite Kopplungsanalysen konnten bisher 11 weitere Suszeptibilitätsloci, jedoch nur wenige Kandidatengene identifiziert werden, alle mit vergleichsweise geringem relativem Risiko (Odds-Ratio, OR). Weitere Aspekte der komplexen Ätiopathogenese dieser Erkrankung konnten in immunologischen Ansätzen, aufgrund von Therapieerfolgen mit Antikörpern gegen immunrelevante Moleküle und bei kandidatengenorientierten Assoziationsstudien aufgeklärt werden. Die pathophysiologischen und genetischen Befunde konvergieren zunehmend und zeichnen die Psoriasis als Erkrankung eines fehlgesteuerten immunologischen Regulationsprozesses zwischen Keratinozyten und Zellen des angeborenen und erworbenen Immunsystems aus.
Cloning and characterization of an isoform of interleukin‐21
Authors: Rahman Mizanur , Nara Hidetoshi , Onoda Tadashi , Araki Akemi , Li Jun , Hoshino Tomoaki , Asao Hironobu
Published: July 2007

Interleukin‐21 (IL‐21) has pleiotropic functions on the cells, which play roles in both innate and acquired immunity, such as T cells, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells and dendritic cells. In this study we identified a novel isoform of IL‐21, IL‐21iso in human and mouse. IL‐21iso might be an alternative splicing variant form and the C‐terminal region of predicted IL‐21iso amino acid sequences were different from original IL‐21 in both human and mouse. In spite of the differences in C‐terminal amino acid sequences, both human IL‐21 and IL‐21iso showed comparable proliferative effect on anti‐CD40 Ab‐activated primary B cells, anti‐CD3 Ab‐activated primary T cells and human NK cell line, NK0, and upregulated IFN‐γ production from NK0. Furthermore IL‐21 and IL‐21iso similarly activated STAT1 and STAT3. IL‐21iso mRNA was expressed in activated T cells as well as IL‐21 mRNA. However, cycloheximide treatment partially blocked the upregulation of IL‐21iso mRNA in activated T cells while little affected the IL‐21 mRNA expression suggesting that de novo protein synthesis is required for the full expression of IL‐21iso transcript. We also show that the secretion efficiency of hIL‐21iso is much lower than that of hIL‐21. These results may suggest there are some different regulatory mechanisms to produce IL‐21 or IL‐21iso in transcriptional and secretory steps.
Effects of cysteine-containing compounds on biosynthesis of triacylglycerol and cholesterol and anti-oxidative protection in liver from mice consuming a high-fat diet
Authors: Lin Chun-che , Yin Mei-chin
Published: July 2007

Effects ofn-acetyl cysteine (NAC),s-ethyl cysteine (SEC),s-propyl cysteine (SPC) and cysteine on enzymes participating in biosynthesis of TAG and cholesterol, and antioxidant protection in liver from mice consuming a high-saturated fat diet was examined. The high-fat diet provided 70 % fat energy, in which saturated fat was 55 % of total fat. NAC, SEC, SPC or cysteine, each agent at 1 g/l, was directly added into the drinking water as a supplement for 4 weeks. Results showed high saturated fat significantly increased hepatic TAG and total cholesterol contents (P < 0·05)viaenhancing the activity and mRNA expression of malic enzyme, fatty acid synthase and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (P < 0·05). The intake of NAC, SEC or SPC significantly decreased TAG and total cholesterol levels (P < 0·05)vialowering the activity and mRNA expression of these three lipogenic-related enzymes (P < 0·05). NAC, SEC or SPC treatment also significantly suppressed high saturated fat-induced hepatic mRNA expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1c and SREBP-2 (P < 0·05). High saturated fat decreased hepatic content of glutathione, and the activity of catalase and glutathione peroxidase (P < 0·05). The intake of NAC, SEC or SPC significantly increased hepatic glutathione content (P < 0·05), restored the activity and mRNA expression of glutathione peroxidase, and alleviated the high saturated fat-induced oxidative stress (P < 0·05). These results support that NAC, SEC and SPC are potent agents for affecting hepatic biosynthesis of TAG and cholesterol, and protecting liver against high saturated fat-associated oxidative damage.
Bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) inhibits adipocyte hypertrophy and down regulates lipogenic gene expression in adipose tissue of diet-induced obese rats
Authors: Huang Hui-Ling , Hong Ya-Wen , Wong You-Hong , Chen Ying-Nien , Chyuan Jong-Ho , Huang Ching-Jang , Chao Pei-Min
Published: July 2007

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia; BM) has been shown to ameliorate diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. To examine the effect of BM supplementation on cell size and lipid metabolism in adipose tissues, three groups of rats were respectively fed a high-fat diet supplemented without (HF group) or with 5 % lyophilised BM powder (HFB group), or with 0·01 % thiazolidinedione (TZD) (HFT group). A group of rats fed a low-fat diet was also included as a normal control. Hyperinsulinaemia and glucose intolerance were observed in the HF group but not in HFT and HFB groups. Although the number of large adipocytes (>180 μm) of both the HFB and HFT groups was significantly lower than that of the HF group, the adipose tissue mass, TAG content and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity of the HFB group were significantly lower than those of the HFT group, implying that BM might reduce lipogenesis in adipose tissue. Experiment 2 was then conducted to examine the expression of lipogenic genes in adipose tissues of rats fed low-fat, HF or HFB diets. The HFB group showed significantly lower mRNA levels of fatty acid synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase-1, lipoprotein lipase and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein than the HF group (P < 0·05). These results indicate BM can reduce insulin resistance as effective as the anti-diabetic drug TZD. Furthermore, BM can suppress the visceral fat accumulation and inhibit adipocyte hypertrophy, which may be associated with markedly down regulated expressions of lipogenic genes in the adipose.
Imagining Mexico in 1910: Visions of thePatriain the Centennial Celebration in Mexico City
Authors: GONZALES MICHAEl J.
Published: July 2007

Mexico's 1910Centenarioreflected a popular trend in Western Europe and its former colonies to use centenaries of important historical events to promote political programmes and philosophies through the construction of historical memory. Centennial organisers in Mexico linked Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla and José Maria Morelos to President Porfirio Díaz in words and symbols, and associated state formation and civic culture with Liberal leaders and policies, such as public education, material progress and secularism. The planners also promoted Morelos as a mestizo icon and symbol for national identity and integration, while they simultaneously celebrated Mexico's pre-Columbian cultures and criticised contemporary natives as impediments to progress. The Centennial's audience included hundreds of thousands of Mexicans as well as foreigners from around the globe, who came away with different impressions based on their cultural perspectives, political philosophies and material interests. Following the overthrow of Díaz in 1911, Mexico's revolutionary governments continued to use Independence Day celebrations to promote their programmes, including some whose origins lay in thePorfiriato. As we approach the bicentenary of Latin American independence, competing visions ofpatriaswill likely surface and provide insights into the construction of historical memory and contemporary political discourse.
P-FIT: A major contribution to theories of intelligence
Authors: Hunt Earl
Published: July 2007

The P-FIT model is a major step forward in understanding biological causes of intelligence. It is consistent with evidence on the influence of working memory and speediness upon intelligence, and with models that emphasize the role of interaction between modules to produce intelligence. The contribution to understanding genetic contributions is problematical, due to the difficulty of isolating the genes involved.
Integrative action in the fronto-parietal network: A cure for a scattered mind
Authors: Naghavi Hamid Reza , Nyberg Lars
Published: July 2007

A large body of evidence supports the idea that a common fronto-parietal network is activated across a range of diverse cognitive functions. Jung & Haier's (J&H's) review demonstrates a very similar pattern of activity, which correlates with individual differences in intelligence. We propose that these converging lines of evidence are best interpreted as a general role of the fronto-parietal network in integration and control.
Intelligence, hormones, sex, brain size, and biochemistry: It all needs to have equal causal standing before integration is possible
Authors: Nyborg Helmuth
Published: July 2007

Recent brain imaging points to differences in brain structure that relate to intelligence, but how do we model their causal relationship within a coherent framework that circumvents classic dualist traps? A bottom-level nonlinear, dynamic, multifactor, multiplicative, multidimensional, molecular (ND4M) trait-covariance time-space model may accomplish this better than traditional approaches.
Plasticity in high-order cognition: Evidence of dissociation in aphasia
Authors: Varley Rosemary
Published: July 2007

High-order constructs such as intelligence result from the interaction of numerous processing systems, one of which is language. However, in determining the role of language in intelligence, attention must be paid to evidence from lesion studies and, in particular, evidence of dissociation of functions where high-order cognition can be demonstrated in face of profound aphasia.
The neuronal basis of intelligence: A riddle, wrapped in a mystery?
Authors: Wilke Marko
Published: July 2007

“Where in the brain is intelligence?” is an intriguing question, and Jung & Haier (J&H) resist the temptation to provide a simple answer. Their concept tries to integrate and transcend previous findings, and, while omitting the contributions from complementary methods, results seem to converge. Whether similarities or differences in such networks are more important, though, is still open for discussion.
A roadmap for integrating the brain with mind maps
Authors: Demetriou Andreas , Mouyi Antigoni
Published: July 2007

This commentary compares the P-FIT model with psychometric and developmental models of intelligence and shows that there are isomorphisms and divergences between them. All three models involve some common dimensions, but the P-FIT model lacks many of the dimensions of the other models. Then we point to research that can lead to the integration of brain models with cognitive-developmental models.
Realization of a time-compensated monochromator exploiting conical diffraction for few-femtosecond XUV pulses
Authors: Poletto L. , Villoresi P.
Published: July 2007

The general issue of the spectral selection of a portion of the wide extreme-ultraviolet spectrum obtained via extreme nonlinear processes as high order harmonic generation includes the problem of maintaining the ultrafast temporal duration of the pulses. In this paper, we present an instrument in which the pulse selection is operated in the wide wavelength range from 17 nm to above 60 nm, which is the central portion of the high-harmonics spectrum, with an instrumental function of about three femtoseconds. The design of the monochromator is based on the conical diffraction, which realizes very high diffraction efficiency by exploiting the specular reflection on the grating facets long-wise illuminated. The optical layout makes use of two gratings in the compensated-monochromator scheme already presented by the authors. The discussion of the residual aberration is also presented, with the aims to investigate the ultimate temporal resolution obtainable by this scheme.
Variation of eye-lens distribution in a new late Devonian phacopid trilobite
Authors: Crônier Catherine , Clarkson Euan N. K.
Published: July 2007

Distribution patterns of eye-lenses are compared from forty-two preserved visual surfaces of the new phacopine trilobite Phacops (Phacops) tafilaltensis n. sp. from the Late Devonian of Tafilalt, Morocco. In this species, variation in the lens pattern is most common on the ventral and posterior parts of the visual surface. Post-larval specimens typically have seventeen or eighteen files of lenses, but the number present is not correlated with specimen size. Several individuals display seventeen files in one eye and eighteen in the other. The smaller number of files in one eye may reflect incomplete development of that visual surface. The length of the active section of the generative zone and its pattern of growth control the number of dorso-ventral files of lenses and their relative height. Cases of asymmetry in lens distribution are observed in six individuals. The capacity of these organisms to correct both environmental or genetic stresses appears to be weak for this character. The existence of individuals with eyes exhibiting a different number of files confirms that file number is the result of a genetically controlled developmental program. In Phacops (Phacops) tafilaltensis n. sp., the lenses are normally arranged in a regular pattern of hexagonal close packing, their size varies within the visual surface of individual specimens and their number increases during ontogeny. Variation in the timing of lens emplacement accounts for the observed irregularities in lens distribution, i.e. in ventral and posterior parts of the visual surface. Characteristic patterns of the lens arrangement on the visual surface relate to systematic categories and probably reflect evolutionary relationships.
Holocene changes in the physiography and vegetation of the Atlantic littoral of the Uists, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
Authors: Ritchie William , Whittington Graeme , Edwards Kevin J.
Published: July 2007

Immediately W of the islands of Uist in the Outer Hebrides is a wide, low-gradient submarine shelf on which glacifluvial deposits of Devensian age and calcareous sand accumulated. Following moulding by Devensian ice, the Lateglacial landscape of the littoral zone of the Uists became a series of low-lying bedrock ridges and basins. The analysis of sub-tidal organic deposits has shown that in the early Holocene this landscape supported water bodies, marshes and a vegetation mosaic of Betula-Corylus woodland and Calluna vulgaris-herbaceous taxa open ground. The submergence of this littoral area during the Holocene Marine Transgression, together with wave action typical of the position on the Atlantic margin, led to the transfer onshore of submarine shelf deposits, so creating machair (sand plain) landscapes. This brought about vegetational changes, eventually creating calcareous grasslands. The timing of these events was asynchronous, being location- and site-specific due to variations in the configuration of the littoral zone. Although the date of the initial transfer of sand is unknown, evidence from the sub-tidal deposits indicates that a major incursion of sand, in North Uist, occurred c. 7600 BP (8450–8340 cal BP). The same source also suggests that a further major sand movement took place during the period 5800–4200 cal BP, a period of widespread sand drift in NW Europe. The analyses of the sub-tidal deposits have also reinforced the current theory of machair evolution.
Towards a physics of dowsing: inverse effects in the northern and southern hemispheres
Authors: Dodd R. J. , Harris J. W. , Humphries C. M. , Reddish V. C.
Published: July 2007

It has been known for some years that parallel horizontal structures separated in a vertical plane produce patterns of equally spaced parallel lines that can be detected and mapped by dowsing detector rods, indicating that the patterns are produced by interaction between the structures and the dowsing field, whatever that is. Consequently the arrangement is called a dowsing interferometer and the lines are referred to as interference fringes. The patterns are produced equally well by electrical insulators as by electrical conductors, and the inference that the field is not electromagnetic was confirmed by experiments carried out in an electromagnetically shielded laboratory. Measurements of interferometer fringe spacings made irregularly from 1991 to 1996, analysed retrospectively, were found to be dependent on time of year, decreasing relatively suddenly by a factor of about three in November and increasing again in April. An isolated rise and fall in early March was also found. These results were confirmed by more frequent measurements in 1997 and published the following year. This paper reports a co-operative programme of interferometry between Scotland and New Zealand from 1997 to 2001. The annual pattern of the fringe spacing is clearly defined, with rapid changes between 2m and 6m in November and in April, and an isolated event in early March; but remarkably the pattern in the southern hemisphere is inverted with respect to that in the north. There are differences of a few days in the timings of the events in the north and south, and the amplitude of the March event is increasing.

This paper is a continuation of the work described in Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh: Earth Sciences89 (1998) 1–9.
Ontogeny, structure and functional morphology of some spiny Ctenopyge species (Trilobita) from the upper Cambrian of Västergötland, Sweden
Authors: Clarkson Euan N. K. , Ahlgren John , Taylor Cecilia M.
Published: July 2007

This paper completes the description of intact and three-dimensional Ctenopyge species from the upper Cambrian Peltura minor Zone in Västergötland, central Sweden. All these species are present together, on the same bedding planes. The most abundant species, Ctenopyge (Eoctenopyge) angusta Westergård, 1922 has previously been described, and an almost complete ontogeny worked out. C. (Ctenopyge) gracilis Henningsmoen, 1957 is a small trilobite with nine thoracic segments and very long, thin curving and subparallel thoracic spines; the genal spines partially encircle the body. Two axial spines at the rear are of considerable length. When reconstructed in side view, the posterior thoracic spines rise upwards as an inclined fan, but when relaxed the tips of all the thoracic and axial spines come to lie in the same plane as the horizontal genal spines. An almost complete ontogeny is described for this species, and individuals show an evident spinosity from an early stage, but the body size at which thoracic segments are liberated is highly variable. C. (Ctenopyge) ahlbergi n. sp. is a larger, robust and broad species distinguished by long, stout genal spines, ten thoracic segments, and a very spiny body with the first three to four spines expanded into lateral flanges. A degree 6 meraspis shows these flanges already developing. C. (Ctenopyge) rushtoni n. sp has likewise ten thoracic segments, and has stout, broad-based and tapering spines. Incomplete meraspides 6 and 7 are known for this species. In both C. (Ctenopyge) ahlbergi and C. (Ctenopyge) rushtoni there are also two axial spines at the rear, and the extended body would have had a similar rising tail fan to that of C. (Ctenopyge) gracilis. C. (Mesoctenopyge) tumida is also present as a single large adult and several smaller holaspides. In this species the first thoracic segment is confirmed as bearing a pair of long curving spines, somewhat smaller than the encircling genal spines. The remaining thoracic spines are straight and sharp, and evidently longer in young holaspides. There is a single long axial spine on the last segment. No adult pygidium has been found.

Some comments on the diversity of the fauna as a whole and the range of functional types are appended.
The phylogenetic position of the extinct arachnid order Phalangiotarbida Haase, 1890, with reference to the fauna from the Writhlington Geological Nature Reserve (Somerset, UK)
Authors: Pollitt Jessica R. , Braddy Simon J. , Dunlop Jason A.
Published: July 2007

Study of abundant phalangiotarbid (Arachnida: Phalangiotarbida) material – provisionally assigned here to Bornatarbus mayasii (Haupt in Nindel 1955) – from the Upper Carboniferous of Writhlington, UK, has revealed new information about some previously equivocal characters. The present authors report a trifurcate apotele, possible spiracles on sternite 5, and confirm the presence of 10 opisthosomal tergites plus a dorsal anal operculum. The affinities of phalangiotarbids are obscure, with most authors favouring affinities with Opiliones (harvestmen) and/or Acari (mites and ticks). Phalangiotarbida is scored for characters used in previous studies of arachnid relationships. A cladistic analysis based on 63 characters using 13 terminal arachnid taxa (plus a hypothetical outgroup), resolves Phalangiotarbida as sister group to (Palpigradi + Tetrapulmonata): the taxon Megoperculata sensu Shultz (1990). Even under cladistic analysis, the position of the Phalangiotarbida remains hard to resolve, but a prosomal sternite with distinct sclerites potentially groups them with the Megoperculata.
A review of the palaeoenvironments and biota of the Windyfield chert
Authors: Fayers Stephen R. , Trewin Nigel H.
Published: July 2007

The Windyfield chert site is located 700 m NE of the original Rhynie chert locality at Rhynie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Originally identified by concentrations of surface float material, a drilling and trenching programme of the area in 1997 revealed a chert ‘pod’ in situ interbedded with fluvial/lacustrine sandstones and hydrothermally altered shales. Chert morphologies identified from float blocks and trench material range from tabular beds to lenticular pods displaying massive, nodular, laminated and brecciated fabrics, and geyserite splash textures. A suite of floral and faunal associations, when combined with distinctive macro- and microscopic chert textures, has been used to interpret depositional conditions. Palaeoenvironments ranged from terrestrial laminated, brecciated and vegetated sinter sheets to low-temperature pools and marginal aquatic settings. The flora comprises six higher land plant species, nematophytes, charophytes, various fungi and probable cyanobacteria. Arthropods include branchiopod crustaceans, a euthycarcinoid, trigonotarbid arachnids, centipedes, eoarthropleurids and a possible hexapod. The biota of the Windyfield chert is closely comparable to that found in the Rhynie chert. Together, the Windyfield and Rhynie cherts contain the most diverse associated fossil arthropod fauna of terrestrial and freshwater origin from rocks of comparable age anywhere in the world.
Late Ordovician brachiopod faunas from Pomeroy, Northern Ireland: a palaeoenvironmental synthesis
Authors: Candela Yves
Published: July 2007

Comparisons of the Caradoc assemblages with North American biofacies indicate that the Bardahessiagh Formation was deposited during a transgressive regime, which peaked with the presence of a typical Sericoidea association (member (II)). These diverse and exceptionally preserved faunas lived below the storm-wave base. The assemblages also contained a shallower water brachiopod component typical of transition zone environments or above, which may have been transported during periods of instability. A deep-water regime (BAs 4 to 4–5) through the Rawtheyan occurs with the deposition of the Killey Bridge Formation, which yielded a diverse brachiopod fauna including Bimuria, Chonetoidea and Christiania. The Rawtheyan assemblage also contains a shallower water component. Representatives of the deep-water Proboscisambon assemblage occur in middle parts of the Tirnaskea Formation. This distinctive low-diversity assemblage yields small, thin-shelled brachiopods including Dedzetina, Sericoidea, Protozyga and Proboscisambon. The upper parts of the Tirnaskea Formation yielded the low diversity, shallow water (BA 3) Hirnantia fauna, which is characterised by the presence of Eostropheodonta, which is a key form of the fauna, Dysprosorthis and the absence of Hirnantia. As a whole the changing brachiopod biofacies monitor environmental fluctuations, on part of the Laurentian margin, driven mainly by eustatic and tectonic events.