bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tunable pseudogaps in electrochromic WO3 inverted opal photonic crystals
Authors: Khalack Julia , Ashrit P. V.
Published: November 2006

The numerical investigation of the optical properties of electrochromic WO3 inverted opal structure has been carried out with the help of plane wave expansion and finite difference time domain simulation methods. Electrochromic effect is incorporated through the tunable parameters of the frequency-dependent Drude dielectric function. Dependence of photonic bands on free electron density and radius of air spheres is investigated. Five kinds of partial band gaps in (111) direction are found to appear with the change of the sphere radius. The photonic band gaps tend to be upshifted in frequency with insertion of free electrons or with increase of the sphere radius.
Highly efficient green phosphorescent single-layered organic light-emitting devices
Authors: Kim Sun Woong , Park Jin Ho , Oh Seung Seok , Kim Doo Youp , Choi Eun Ha , Cho Guang Sup , Seo Yoon Ho , Kang Seung Oun , Park Byoungchoo , Saito Yuki , Watanabe Nobuhiro , Takezoe Hideo , Watanabe Junji
Published: November 2006

The authors studied the highly efficient green electrophosphorescent light-emission from single-layered organic light-emitting devices made by a simple wet process with a composite solution. The solution was prepared by predissolving organic charge transport, host compounds with green phosphorescent guest iridium complex, and a copolymer of oxadiazole units. The fabricated devices show excellent performances, i.e., operation at relatively low voltages, resulting in a high peak current efficiency (ηc) of 48cd∕A and power efficiency (ηp) of 45lm∕W at a current density of 0.02mA∕cm2. Even at 1000cd∕m2 (2mA∕cm2), high ηc of 50cd∕A and ηp of 22lm∕W were obtained.
Epitaxial growth and optical properties of semipolar (112¯2) GaN and InGaN∕GaN quantum wells on GaN bulk substrates
Authors: Ueda M. , Kojima K. , Funato M. , Kawakami Y. , Narukawa Y. , Mukai T.
Published: November 2006

GaN and InGaN∕GaN multiple quantum well (MQW) were grown on semipolar (112¯2) GaN bulk substrates by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy. The GaN homoepitaxial layer has an atomically flat surface. Optical reflection measurements reveal polarization anisotropy for the A, B, and C excitons. Free A excitons dominate the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum at 10K and are accompanied by a weaker, sharp doublet emission due to neutral donor-bound excitons. The InGaN∕GaN MQW grown on a GaN homoepitaxial layer involves fast radiative recombination processes. The PL decay monitored at 428nm can be fitted with a double exponential curve, which has lifetimes of 46 and 142ps at 10K. These values are two orders of magnitude shorter than those in conventional c-oriented QWs and are attributed to the weakened internal electric field. The emissions from GaN and MQW polarize along the [11¯00] direction with polarization degrees of 0.46 and 0.69, respectively, due to the low crystal symmetry.
Improvements to the Synthesis of Isofagomine, Noeuromycin, Azafagomine, and Isofagomine Lactam, and a Synthesis of Azanoeuromycin and 'Guanidine' Isofagomine
Authors: Meloncelli Peter J. , Stick Robert V.
Published: November 2006

Improvements in the preparation of a key imidazylate and the reduction of the derived nitrile have led to more efficient syntheses of isofagomine, noeuromycin, azafagomine, and isofagomine lactam. As well, a precursor of azafagomine has been converted into azanoeuromycin, and the nitrogen atom of isofagomine has been incorporated into a guanidine residue.
Chemistry of the Podocarpaceae. XLIII. Utilization of 8α,13-Epoxylabd-14-ene and related compounds for the preparation of ambergris-type compounds
Authors: Cambie RC , Joblin KN , Preston AF
Published: November 2006

Attempts to use manoyl oxide [8α,l3-epoxylabd-14-ene (5)] and related compounds for the formation
of compounds with ambergris-type odours are
described. The acetal(34) possesses an
ambergris-type odour of strength comparable to that
of the highly odoriferous acetal(27). Attempts to convert 2-oxomanoyl oxide (6)
and manoyl oxide into the ethers (9) and (10), while
still retaining the original cyclic ether groups, are reported.
Chromatin, microtubule and microfilament configurations in the canine oocyte
Authors: Jin Yong-Xun , Lee Hyo-Sang , Yin Xi-Jun , Cui Xiang-Shun , Kong Il-Keun , Kim Nam-Hyung
Published: November 2006

In the present study, we observed chromatin, microtubule and microfilament distribution in canine oocytes. The germinal vesicle (GV) chromatin of canine oocytes was classified into four configurations (GV-I, -II, -III and -IV) based on the degree of chromatin separation and condensation. Oocytes recovered from follicular phase ovaries had a greater amount (68%, P < 0.05) of GV-III or GV-IV chromatin than did those from non-follicular phase ovaries (35%). The majority (86.7%) of in vivo ovulated oocytes were at GV-IV. The rates of development to GV breakdown/metaphase I/metaphase II were higher in oocytes recovered from follicular ovaries than from non-follicular ovaries. Immunostaining results revealed cytoplasmic microtubules present in all GV-stage oocytes. Following GV breakdown, microtubular asters were produced from condensed chromatin. The asters appeared to be elongated, and encompassed condensed chromatin particles to form meiotic metaphase chromatin. Microfilaments were located in the cortex and around the GV. During meiotic maturation, a microfilament-rich area, in which the chromatin is allocated, was observed in the oocyte. Our results indicate that oocytes recovered from follicular ovaries were in an advanced stage of GV, and were more competent to complete maturation compared to those from non-follicular phase ovaries. Both microtubules and microfilaments are closely associated with reconstruction of chromatin during meiotic maturation in canine oocytes.
Inhibition of sperm - egg binding and fertilisation in mice by a monoclonal antibody reactive to 57-kDa human sperm surface antigen
Authors: Reddy K. V. R. , Vijayalaxmi G. , Rajeev K. S. , Aranha C.
Published: November 2006

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against spermatozoa are a popular approach to define sperm antigens involved in the process of fertilisation. The identification and characterisation of a 57-kDa fertility asssociated sperm antigen (FASA-57) from human spermatozoa was reported in an earlier paper by the authors. In the present report, studies to develop mAbs against partially purified FASA-57 are extended. From a panel of mAbs raised, one clone designated as 3H4B9 was selected and characterised because it recognised native FASA-57. Indirect immunofluorescence studies revealed that FASA-57 localised on the acrosome of non-acrosome-reacted human spermatozoa and on the equatorial region after the acrosome reaction. Spermatozoa from several other mammalian species were also found to express this antigen, suggesting its evolutionary conservation across the species. The antigen localised specifically in spermatogonial cells and luminal spermatozoa of the testis and epididymis. Western blot studies showed the presence of a FASA-57-like protein in the mouse brain also, indicating that testis and brain share antigenic similarities. Further, the role of FASA-57 in sperm–egg interaction was investigated using a mouse model. The mAb 3H4B9 inhibited sperm–egg binding and fusion in a dose-dependent manner with half-maximal inhibition at 2 µg mL–1. In conclusion, FASA-57 appears to play an important role in sperm–egg recognition, fusion and fertilisation. Therefore, FASA-57 could be used as a diagnostic marker in the evaluation of male infertility.
Australia’s Anti‐Terrorism Legislation: The National Security State and the Community Legal Sector
Authors: Rix Mark
Published: November 2006

This paper considers the implications for the community legal sector of the Australian Government’s recent national security and anti‐terrorism legislation. Critics of the legislation have deep concerns that, by giving the police and intelligence services considerable new powers in the areas of arbitrary arrest and detention, it will lead to the significant erosion of rights and freedoms that Australians have long been able to take for granted. Other concerns with the legislation relate to the use of force, sedition, and legal representation for those held in preventative detention. In addition, the legislation has no adequate protection against the intelligence services and police misusing or abusing their new, extended powers. Community legal centres (CLCs), that comprise the community legal sector, have the important role of informing citizens of their basic rights and assisting them in exercising these rights in their dealings with government and its agencies. This paper will consider what effects the anti‐terrorism legislation will have on the community legal sector’s effectiveness in playing this role. The sector, which the Australian Government relies on and funds to provide legal services to some of the most disadvantaged members of the Australian community, has as its raison d’être improving access to justice and equality before the law for all Australians. The paper will also consider the impact of the anti‐terrorism legislation on the relationship between the Government and the sector.
Multiple phytohormones influence distinct parameters of the plant circadian clock
Authors: Hanano Shigeru , Domagalska Malgorzata A. , Nagy Ferenc , Davis Seth J.
Published: November 2006

Circadian systems coordinate endogenous events with external signals. In mammals, hormone‐clock feedbacks are a well‐known integration system. Here, we investigated phytohormone effects on plant‐circadian rhythms via the promoter:luciferase system. We report that many hormones control specific features of the plant‐circadian system, and do so in distinct ways. In particular, cytokinins delay circadian phase, auxins regulate circadian amplitude and clock precision, and brassinosteroid and abscisic acid modulate circadian periodicity. We confirmed the pharmacology in hormone synthesis and perception mutants, as rhythmic expression is predictably altered in an array of hormone‐related mutants. We genetically dissected one mechanism that integrates hormone signals into the clock, and showed that the hormone‐activated ARABIDOPSIS RESPONSE REGULATOR 4 and the photoreceptor phytochrome B are elements in the input of the cytokinin signal to circadian phase. Furthermore, molecular‐expression targets of this signal were found. Collectively, we found that plants have multiple input/output feedbacks, implying that many hormones can function on the circadian system to adjust the clock to external signals to properly maintain the clock system.
Crop domestication creates a refuge from parasitism for a native moth
Authors: CHEN YOLANDA H. , WELTER STEPHEN C.
Published: November 2006

Insect herbivores are generally more abundant in agro‐ecosystems than in natural ecosystems. One possible cause is that artificial selection of crop plants may have disrupted parasitoid–herbivore interactions. We studied a native tritrophic system to determine if crop domestication has created a refuge for the sunflower mothHomoeosoma electellumfrom its major parasitoidDolichogenidea homoeosomae.

Parasitoid foraging behaviour on infested wild and agricultural sunflowers was studied using event‐recording software. We used detailed observations on larval feeding location and parasitoid probing behaviour to determine if the lower parasitism on agricultural sunflowers was the result of a structural refuge or a change in parasitoid foraging behaviour.

Greater than 20 times more larvae fed on seeds of agricultural sunflowers than on seeds of wild sunflowers. Seed‐feeding enabled larvae to escape parasitoids because their ovipositors were too weak to penetrate the seed. As a consequence, larvae were more likely to be parasitized on wild sunflowers than on agricultural sunflowers, and floret‐feeding larvae were more likely to be parasitized than seed‐feeding larvae.

Parasitoids were more stimulated to probe for larvae on wild sunflowers than on agricultural sunflowers. However, they responded to larval feeding location rather than plant genotype. Thus lower parasitism on agricultural sunflowers was due to a structural refuge for larvae rather than a change in parasitoid foraging behaviour.

Synthesis and applications. Crop domestication has created a structural refuge from parasitism. The presence of refuges on agricultural plants helps explain why some insects are difficult to regulate using biological control. Studying parasitoid activity on wild relatives of agricultural plants can identify how plant variation contributes to the creation of a refuge. Beneficial plant traits can then potentially be bred back into the crop germplasm in order to enhance the biological control of insect pests in agroecosystems.
Dehydroascorbate reduction in plant mitochondria is coupled to the respiratory electron transfer chain
Authors: Szarka András , Horemans Nele , Kovács Zita , Gróf Pál , Mayer Miklós , Bánhegyi Gábor
Published: November 2006

The reduction of dehydroascorbate (DHA) was investigated in plant mitochondria. Mitochondria isolated from Bright Yellow‐2 tobacco cells were incubated with 1 mM of DHA, and the ascorbate generation was followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Mitochondria showed clear ability to reduce DHA and to maintain a significant level of ascorbate. Ascorbate generation could be stimulated by the respiratory substrate succinate. The complex I substrate malate and the complex I inhibitor rotenone had no effect on the ascorbate generation from DHA. Similarly, the complex III inhibitor antimycin A, the alternative oxidase inhibitor salicylhydroxamic acid, and the uncoupling agent 2,4‐dinitrophenol were ineffective on mitochondrial ascorbate generation both in the absence and in the presence of succinate. However, the competitive succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor malonate almost completely abolished the succinate‐dependent increase in ascorbate production. The complex IV inhibitor KCN strongly stimulated ascorbate accumulation. These results together suggest that the mitochondrial respiratory chain of plant cells – presumably complex II – plays important role in the regeneration of ascorbate from its oxidized form, DHA.
Temperature‐dependent changes in respiration rates and redox poise of the ubiquinone pool in protoplasts and isolated mitochondria of potato leaves
Authors: Covey‐Crump Elizabeth M. , Bykova Natalia V. , Affourtit Charles , Hoefnagel Marcel H. N. , Gardeström Per , Atkin Owen K.
Published: November 2006

In many environments, leaves experience large diurnal variations in temperature. Such short‐term changes in temperature are likely to have important implications for respiratory metabolism in leaves. Here, we used intact leaf, protoplasts and isolated mitochondria to determine the impact of short‐term changes in temperature on respiration rates (R), adenylate concentrations and the redox poise of the ubiquinone (UQ) pool in mitochondria of potato leaves. The Q10 (i.e. proportional change in R for each 10°C rise in temperature) of respiration was 1.8, both for intact leaves and protoplasts. In protoplasts, the redox poise of the extracted UQ pool (UQR/UQT) increased from 0.33 at 22°C, to 0.76 at 15°C. Further decreases in temperature (from 15 to 5°C) resulted in UQR/UQT decreasing to 0.40. Adenylate ratios in protoplasts were also temperature dependent. At high adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP) adenosine 5′‐diphosphate (ADP) ratios (i.e. low ADP concentrations), UQR/UQT values were low, suggesting that adenylates restricted flux via the UQ‐reducing pathways more than they restricted flux via pathways that oxidized UQH2. To assess whether high rates of alternative oxidase (AOX) activity could have uncoupled respiratory flux (and thus UQR/UQT) from adenylate restriction of the cytochrome (Cyt) pathway, we constructed kinetic curves of O2 uptake (via the two pathways) vs UQR/UQT in isolated mitochondria, measured at two temperatures (15 and 25°C); measurements were made for mitochondria operating under state 3 (i.e. +ADP) and state 4 (i.e. −ADP) conditions. In contrast to the Cyt pathway, flux via the AOX was temperature insensitive, with maximal rates of AOX activity representing 21–57% of total O2 uptake in isolated mitochondria. We conclude that temperature‐dependent variations in UQR/UQT are largely dependent on temperature‐dependent changes in adenylate ratios, and that flux via the AOX could in some circumstances help reduce maximal UQ values.
Direct vs. inclusive fitness in the evolution of aphid cornicle length
Authors: MONDOR E. B. , MESSING R. H.
Published: November 2006

By comparing the relative sizes of anatomical structures among phenotypes, selective pressures that shape species’ morphologies can be evaluated. Aphids emit droplets containing an alarm pheromone/defensive secretion from unique anatomical structures called cornicles, upon being attacked. As aphids live in colonies of high relatedness, it is uncertain whether direct or inclusive fitness benefits have chiefly promoted cornicle evolution. Morphological measurements for apterous parthenogen, alate parthenogen, female sexual and male sexual morphs of 43 species (21 genera, one subfamily) were assessed to distinguish between the hypotheses that: (1) cornicles evolved for mechanical defence against natural enemies (direct fitness); (2) cornicles evolved for alarm signalling (inclusive fitness); or (3) cornicle length has been largely constrained by flight aerodynamics. Our results generally support the inclusive fitness hypothesis; cornicle length decreases as the relative number and relatedness of offspring decreases. As cornicle length is greatest in apterous parthenogenetic morphs, inclusive fitness benefits of protecting highly related kin may have been a key factor selecting for cornicles, and increased cornicle length, in aphids.
Seizures associated with poisoning in children: tricyclic antidepressant intoxication
Authors: ÇITAK AGOP , SOYSAL DEMET DEMIRKOL , ÜÇSEL RAIF , KARABÖCÜOGLU METIN , UZEL NEDRET
Published: November 2006

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics of seizure due to poisoning.

Methods: This was a retrospective analysis, throughout 4 years of hospital admissions for poisoning. Data of patients with seizures due to poisoning were evaluated with respect to the causes, frequencies and complications of seizures.

Results: Among the 1561 admissions due to intoxication during the review period, seizures developed in 26 cases (1.6%). Tricyclic antidepressant overdose (n = 11, 42%) was the leading cause of seizure due to poisoning. Generalized tonic‐clonic seizures were observed in 24 patients. Status epilepticus developed in six patients (23%). Mechanical ventilation was applied in 12 (46%) patients. Cardiac complications were observed in 11 (42%) patients with seizures. Two patients who had cardiac arrest due to acepromazin maleat and imipramine intoxication died.

Conclusion: One of the causes of seizures in pediatric age group is intoxication. Seizures due to intoxications may cause serious clinical conditions. Intoxications should be thought when a patient is admitted with the diagnosis of afebrile seizure even if there is no history of drug intake.
Histomorphometric study of the spinal growth plates in idiopathic scoliosis and congenital scoliosis
Authors: ZHU FENG , QIU YONG , YEUNG HIU YAN , LEE KWONG MAN , CHENG JACK CHUN‐YIU
Published: November 2006

Background: Previous studies have suggested that the relative anterior spinal overgrowth may play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of spinal deformity in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Little is known about the histomorphometry of the anterior and posterior spinal growth plates.

Methods: In the present study, the growth plates from the anterior and posterior column of the spine of the AIS (n = 9) and the congenital scoliosis (CS; n = 9) were harvested intraoperatively. The growth plates were harvested from apical area in AIS patients and from normal region in CS patients. The biopsies were prepared with routine histological methods for quantitative histomorphometric analysis. Apoptosis and cell proliferation of the growth plate chondrocytes were examined by triphosphate‐biotin nick end labeling assay and immunohistochemistry of proliferating cell nuclear antigen antibody.

Results: The growth plates of AIS and CS were shown to have normal architectures as the normal growth plate. However, it is shown that the proliferative and hypertrophic chondrocytes in the anterior column of AIS patients was more active in terms of the zonal area and height, proliferative chondrocytes, and apoptotic chondrocytes than that of the posterior column (P < 0.05). The difference found in AIS patients was not observed in CS patients.

Conclusion: The difference in histomorphometry and cellular activity between the anterior and posterior column in AIS and CS patients indicated that these two groups of patients have different growth kinetics which may affect the curve development.
Oral and dental manifestations of young asthmatics related to medication, severity and duration of condition
Authors: ERSIN NAZAN KOCATAS¸ , GÜLEN FIGEN , ERONAT NESRIN , COGULU DILSAH , DEMIR ESEN , TANAÇ REMZIYE , AYDEMIR S¸ÖHRET
Published: November 2006

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the caries risk of asthmatics in relation to dental plaque indices, salivary flow rate, pH and buffer capacity, saliva composition and salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans compared with healthy subjects and also to evaluate these parameters within different groups of asthmatics according to their medication, duration and severity of the disease.

Methods: The study group composed of 106 asthmatics and 100 healthy controls with the same age and social background aged between 6 and 19‐years‐old. For dental examinations, World Health Organization criteria and for plaque indices the Silness and Löe plaque index was used. All data were analyzed using t‐test, χ2‐test, Spearman rank correlation, Kruskal– Wallis, Mann–Whitney U‐tests and Logistic Regression Anaylsis with Forward Stepwise Likelihood ratio method.

Results: A statistically significant decrease in the salivary flow rate and pH were found in the asthmatic group. The children in the asthmatic group aged between 6 and 10 years had significantly higher caries prevalence compared with the control group at the same age. There was a negative correlation between the duration of medication and the salivary pH and a positive correlation between duration of illness and the salivary levels of S. mutans in the asthmatics.

Conclusion: It was found that asthma, through its disease status and its pharmacotherapy, carries some risk factors including decreased salivary flow rate and pH for caries development. It was also demonstrated that the duration of medication and illness had significant influences on the risk of caries in asthmatics.
Religion and HIV Risk Behaviors Among Married Men: Initial Results from a Study in Rural Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: TRINITAPOLI JENNY , REGNERUS MARK D.
Published: November 2006

Although some scholars have identified religion as a possible protective factor in the AIDS pandemic in sub‐Saharan Africa, evidence concerning the relationship between religion and AIDS behavior there remains sparse. Using a sample of married men from rural Malawi, we examine whether AIDS risk behavior and perceived risk are associated with religious affiliation or with religious involvement. Our analyses of data from the Malawi Diffusion and Ideational Change Project (2001) reveal substantial variation according to religious affiliation and religious involvement. Men belonging to Pentecostal churches consistently report lower levels of both HIV risk behavior and perceived risk. Regular attendance at religious services is associated both with reduced odds of reporting extramarital partners and with lower levels of perceived risk of infection.
Evaluating the uncertainty in estimates of the economic impacts of Bovine‐Leukosis virus in U.S. dairy cows
Authors: Losinger Willard C.
Published: November 2006

An examination of the economic impacts of Bovine‐Leukosis virus indicated that reduced milk production, attributed to the presence of Bovine‐Leukosis virus in dairy cows, reduced consumer surplus by 2.7 ± 2.3 billion US$ (bUS$), and resulted in a total partial equilibrium loss of 720 ± 560 million US$ (mUS$) to the U.S. economy in 1996. Most of the economic surplus lost by consumers was transferred to producers, whose economic surplus increased by 2.0 ± 1.8 bUS$ as a result of reduced milk production attributed to the presence of Bovine‐Leukosis virus in dairy cattle. Uncertainty analysis showed that an estimate of the milk‐production decline per percent increase in the prevalence of Bovine‐Leukosis virus in dairy cows accounted for most of the uncertainty in the economic‐impact estimates. If Bovine‐Leukosis virus had not been present in U.S. dairy cows, then milk production would have increased by 2.0 billion ± 1.5 billion kg, the price would have fallen by 3.8 ± 3.2 cents/kg, and the value of the milk produced would have decreased by 2.1 ± 1.9 bUS$. Guidelines delineated by the International Organization for Standardization, for evaluating and expressing uncertainty in measurement, are discussed and proposed for use in the context of broad national estimates, for which the economic impacts of Bovine‐Leukosis virus serve as an example. The principal advantages of the methodology are the clarity and transparency of results, and the ability clearly to identify major uncertainty contributors.
The complex dynamics of smallholder technology adoption: the case of SRI in Madagascar
Authors: Moser Christine M. , Barrett Christopher B.
Published: November 2006

This article explores the dynamics of smallholder technology adoption, with particular reference to a high‐yielding, low external input rice production method in Madagascar. We present a simple model of technology adoption by farm households in an environment of incomplete financial and land markets. We then use a probit model and symmetrically censored least squares estimation of a dynamic tobit model to analyze the decisions to adopt, expand, and disadopt the method. We find that seasonal liquidity constraints discourage adoption by poorer farmers. Learning effects—both from extension agents and from other farmers—exert significant influence over adoption decisions.
Visual acuity in a population with regular screening for type 2 diabetes mellitus and eye disease
Authors: Olafsdottir Eydis , Andersson Dan K. , Stefánsson Einar
Published: November 2006

Purpose:  Regular screening for both diabetes mellitus and diabetic eye disease should be the gold standard in preventing diabetic blindness. In the community of Laxå, County of Örebro, Sweden, such screening has been carried out since 1983. We evaluate visual impairment and blindness in this population.

Methods:  All persons in the community of Laxå with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 276) participated in the study. An age‐ and gender‐matched control group (n = 259) was assembled. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was tested in all participants, and a detailed eye examination performed by an ophthalmologist.

Results:  No significant statistical differences were seen between the diabetes and control groups regarding visual acuity (VA). In all, 2.9% of the diabetes patients and 1.2% of the controls had BCVA ≤ 0.1. Only one person in the diabetes group was blind as a result of diabetic retinopathy. In both groups the leading cause of blindness was age‐related macular degeneration. In a logistic regression analysis we found that in both the diabetes and the control populations, increasing age was related to worsening BCVA (odds ratio [OR] 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10–1.16 versus OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.13–1.19), as was female gender in the diabetes group only (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.69–4.40).

Conclusions:  In a population that is carefully screened for diabetes mellitus and provided with regular screening for diabetic retinopathy, the loss of vision from diabetic retinopathy is uncommon.
Ophthalmic and adnexal complications of radiotherapy
Authors: Durkin Shane R. , Roos Daniel , Higgs Braden , Casson Robert J. , Selva Dinesh
Published: November 2006

The role of radiotherapy in ophthalmic practice continues to grow. This growth has seen an expansion of indications for radiotherapy, a refinement of the modalities that can be used and a reduction in the ocular and adnexal complications that result from this form of therapy. The compendium of indications for radiotherapy in ophthalmology continues to grow and now includes many conditions such as the treatment of lid and adnexal disease, ocular surface disorders and both benign and malignant disease of the posterior segment and optic pathways. The radiotherapeutic modalities employed to manage these conditions are numerous and include both radioactive plaques (brachytherapy) and external beam radiation techniques. New techniques such as stereotactic radiosurgery are delivering benefits in the management of conditions such as optic nerve sheath meningioma, where the treatment of this blinding and occasionally life‐threatening intracranial neoplasm now results in fewer adverse affects. The purpose of this review is to give a brief overview of the indications and treatment modalities, and a more in‐depth discussion of the potential side‐effects when radiotherapy is used for ocular and periorbital disease.
ENZYMATIC HYDROLYSIS PRETREATMENT TO SOLVENT EXTRACTION OF SOYBROKENS FOR ENHANCED OIL AVAILABILITY AND EXTRACTABILITY
Authors: KASHYAP MAM C. , AGRAWAL YOGESH C. , GHOSH PRABAL K. , JAYAS DIGVIR S. , SARKAR BHABESH C. , SINGH BIRESHWARI P.N.
Published: November 2006

Response surface analysis of enzymatic hydrolysis of soybrokens was conducted and the parameters were optimized to enhance both the oil availability and the oil extractability. The parameters, with their levels investigated, were: moisture content during hydrolysis (18.1–27.9% wet mass basis), enzyme concentration (7.1–16.9% volume/weight of sample) and hydrolysis period (2.1–21.9 h). For soybrokens, the enzymatic hydrolysis pretreatment increased both the oil availability by 1–2 percentage points and the oil extractability by 1.3–4 percentage points. The effect of enzymatic concentration was insignificant. The recommended parameter values are: 24–25% w.b. moisture during hydrolysis, 7.1% v/w enzyme concentration and 13.5–14.5 h hydrolysis period.
On the efficiency of the golf swing
Authors: White Rod
Published: November 2006

A non-driven double pendulum model is used to explain the principle underlying the surprising efficiency of the golf swing. The principle can be described as a parametric energy transfer between the arms and the club head due to the changing moment of inertia of the club. The transfer is a consequence of conservation of energy and angular momentum. Because the pendulum is not driven by an external force, it shows that the golfer need do little more than accelerate the arms with the wrists cocked and let the double pendulum transfer kinetic energy to the club head. A driven double pendulum model is used to study factors affecting the efficiency of a real golf swing. It is concluded that the wrist-cock angle is the most significant efficiency-determining parameter under the golfer’s control and that improvements in golf technology have had a significant impact on driving distance.
Gravitational orbits in one dimension
Authors: McCall Martin
Published: November 2006

The analytic solution of a body falling an arbitrary distance toward a gravitational source is presented. This problem has apparently received little attention in textbooks. The solution can be extended smoothly through the singularity at the origin to form a class of trajectories that we call singular orbits. Trajectories in phase space have singular branches, yet cycle in a finite time. We calculate the period of oscillation about the singularity confirming that the singular orbits obey Kepler’s third law. Viewed as geodesics in a Newtonian 1+1 spacetime, the geodesic deviation equation is derived and solved analytically, providing an excellent example of curvature physics in Newtonian spacetime. The results are used to estimate the duration during which a freely falling local frame can be considered inertial. A numerical investigation with damping included shows that a final state is reached in which the particle is confined to the origin, but acquires infinite speed during each pass. We show via some examples, the pedagogical applications of the solution.
Molecular Epidemiology of VIM-4 Metallo-β-Lactamase-Producing
Pseudomonas
sp. Isolates in Hungary
Authors: Libisch Balázs , Muzslay Mónika , Gacs Mária , Minárovits János , Knausz Márta , Watine Joseph , Ternák Gábor , Kenéz Éva , Kustos Ildikó , Rókusz László , Széles Klára , Balogh Boglárka , Füzi Miklós
Published: November 2006

VIM metallo-β-lactamase-producing serotype O11 or O12
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates infecting or colonizing 19 patients from seven hospitals in Hungary were characterized between October 2003 and November 2005. Macrorestriction analysis revealed the involvement of hospitals from three different towns in northwest Hungary in an outbreak caused by VIM-4-producing
P. aeruginosa
.
Modification of Enrofloxacin Treatment Regimens for Poultry Experimentally Infected withSalmonella entericaSerovar Typhimurium DT104 To Minimize Selection of Resistance
Authors: Randall Luke P. , Cooles Sue W. , Coldham Nick C. , Stapleton Ken S. , Piddock Laura J. V. , Woodward Martin J.
Published: November 2006

We hypothesized that higher doses of fluoroquinolones for a shorter duration could maintain efficacy (as measured by reduction in bacterial count) while reducing selection in chickens of bacteria with reduced susceptibility. Chicks were infected withSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium DT104 and treated 1 week later with enrofloxacin at the recommended dose for 5 days (water dose adjusted to give 10 mg/kg of body weight of birds or equivalence, i.e., water at 50 ppm) or at 2.5 or 5 times the recommended dose for 2 days or 1 day, respectively. The dose was delivered continuously (ppm) or pulsed in the water (mg/kg) or by gavage (mg/kg). In vitro in sera, increasing concentrations of 0.5 to 8 μg/ml enrofloxacin correlated with increased activity. In vivo, the efficacy of the 1-day treatment was significantly less than that of the 2- and 5-day treatments. The 2-day treatments showed efficacy similar to that of the 5-day treatment in all but one repeat treatment group and significantly (P< 0.01) reduced theSalmonellacounts. Dosing at 2.5× the recommended dose and pulsed dosing both increased the peak antibiotic concentrations in cecal contents, liver, lung, and sera as determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography. There was limited evidence that shorter treatment regimens (in particular the 1-day regimen) selected for fewer strains with reduced susceptibility. In conclusion, the 2-day treatment would overall require a shorter withholding time than the 5-day treatment and, in view of the increased peak antibiotic concentrations, may give rise to improved efficacy, in particular for treating respiratory and systemic infections. However, it would be necessary to validate the 2-day regimen in a field situation and in particular against respiratory and systemic infections to validate or refute this hypothesis.
Emergence of Multidrug-Resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Isolates Producing VIM-4 Metallo-β-Lactamase, CTX-M-15 Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase, and CMY-4 AmpC β-Lactamase in a Tunisian University Hospital
Authors: Ktari Sonia , Arlet Guillaume , Mnif Basma , Gautier Valérie , Mahjoubi Fouzia , Ben Jmeaa Mounir , Bouaziz Mounir , Hammami Adnane
Published: November 2006

Klebsiella pneumoniae
clinical isolates resistant to carbapenems were recovered from 11 patients in the hospital of Sfax, Tunisia. The isolates were closely related as shown by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and they produced VIM-4 metallo-enzyme, CTX-M-15 extended-spectrum β-lactamase, and CMY-4 AmpC enzyme. The
bla
VIM-4
gene is part of a class 1 integron.
Role of Asp104 in the SHV β-Lactamase
Authors: Bethel Christopher R. , Hujer Andrea M. , Hujer Kristine M. , Thomson Jodi M. , Ruszczycky Mark W. , Anderson Vernon E. , Pusztai-Carey Marianne , Taracila Magdalena , Helfand Marion S. , Bonomo Robert A.
Published: November 2006

Among the TEM-type extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), an amino acid change at Ambler position 104 (Glu to Lys) results in increased resistance to ceftazidime and cefotaxime when found with other substitutions (e.g., Gly238Ser and Arg164Ser). To examine the role of Asp104 in SHV β-lactamases, site saturation mutagenesis was performed. Our goal was to investigate the properties of amino acid residues at this position that affect resistance to penicillins and oxyimino-cephalosporins. Unexpectedly, 58% of amino acid variants at position 104 in SHV expressed in
Escherichia coli
DH10B resulted in β-lactamases with lowered resistance to ampicillin. In contrast, increased resistance to cefotaxime was demonstrated only for the Asp104Arg and Asp104Lys β-lactamases. When all 19 substitutions were introduced into the SHV-2 (Gly238Ser) ESBL, the most significant increases in cefotaxime and ceftazidime resistance were noted for both the doubly substituted Asp104Lys Gly238Ser and the doubly substituted Asp104Arg Gly238Ser β-lactamases. Correspondingly, the overall catalytic efficiency (
k
cat
/

K
m

) of hydrolysis for cefotaxime was increased from 0.60 ± 0.07 μM
−1
s
−1
(mean ± standard deviation) for Gly238Ser to 1.70 ± 0.01 μM
−1
s
−1
for the Asp104Lys and Gly238Ser β-lactamase (threefold increase). We also showed that (i)
k
3
was the rate-limiting step for the hydrolysis of cefotaxime by Asp104Lys, (ii) the

K
m

for cefotaxime of the doubly substituted Asp104Lys Gly238Ser variant approached that of the Gly238Ser β-lactamase as pH increased, and (iii) Lys at position 104 functions in an energetically additive manner with the Gly238Ser substitution to enhance catalysis of cephalothin. Based on this analysis, we propose that the amino acid at Ambler position 104 in SHV-1 β-lactamase plays a major role in substrate binding and recognition of oxyimino-cephalosporins and influences the interactions of Tyr105 with penicillins.
High school rugby players’ understanding of concussion and return to play guidelines
Authors: Sye Garry , Sullivan S John , McCrory Paul
Published: November 2006

Objective:To document high school players’ understanding and attitudes towards concussion return to play guidelines.

Methods:A questionnaire based survey was performed of national high school rugby players as to their knowledge of existing concussion return to play guidelines.

Results:A total of 600 male players were surveyed, and 477 responded (response rate 80%). Half (237/477) were aware of concussion guidelines, and 60% (288/477) identified the mandated stand down period that is part of the regulations governing rugby football. Players obtained their information primarily from: teachers/coaches (239 responses), medical personnel (200), and other players (116). Of those players who suspected that they had been concussed (296/477, 62%), only 66 returned to play after medical clearance.

Conclusions and implications:This sample of high school players showed a limited knowledge of the concussion guidelines covering their sport, and even when concussed did not follow recommended protocols. This indicates the need for an increased focus on player education.
Downregulation of NADPH oxidase, antioxidant enzymes, and inflammatory markers in the heart of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by N-acetyl-l-cysteine
Authors: Guo Zhixin , Xia Zhengyuan , Jiang Jihong , McNeill John H.
Published: November 2006

We investigated the effect of N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) on the expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, antioxidant enzymes, and inflammatory markers in diabetic rat hearts. Metabolic parameters, free 15-F2t-isoprostane level, protein expression of NADPH oxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), heme oxygenase (HO-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were analyzed in control and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats treated with or without NAC in drinking water for 8 wk. The cardiac protein expression of p67phox and p22phox was increased in diabetic rats, accompanied by increased NADPH-dependent superoxide production. As a compensatory response to the increased NADPH oxidase, the protein expression of Cu-Zn-SOD and HO-1 and the total SOD activity were also increased in diabetic rat hearts. Consequently, cardiac free 15-F2t-isoprostane, an index of oxidative stress, was increased in diabetic rats, indicating that the production of reactive oxygen species becomes excessive in diabetic rat hearts. Cardiac inflammatory markers IL-6 and COX-2 were also increased in diabetic rats. NAC treatment prevented the increased expression of p22phox and translocation of p67phox to the membrane in diabetic rat hearts. Subsequently, the levels of cardiac free 15-F2t-isoprostane, HO-1, Cu-Zn-SOD, total SOD, IL-6, and COX-2 in diabetic rats were decreased by NAC. Consequently, cardiac hypertrophy was attenuated in diabetic rats treated with NAC. The protective effects of NAC on diabetic rat hearts may be attributable to its protection of hearts against oxidative damage induced by the increased NADPH oxidase and to its reduction in cardiac inflammatory mediators IL-6 and COX-2.
Glutathione availability modulates alveolar macrophage function in the chronic ethanol-fed rat
Authors: Brown Lou Ann S. , Ping Xiao-Du , Harris Frank L. , Gauthier Theresa W.
Published: November 2006

We have previously demonstrated that chronic alcohol exposure decreases glutathione in the alveolar space. Although alcohol use is associated with decreased alveolar macrophage function, the mechanism by which alcohol impairs macrophage phagocytosis is unknown. In the current study, we examined the possibility that ethanol-induced alveolar macrophage dysfunction was secondary to decreased glutathione and subsequent chronic oxidative stress in the alveolar space. After 6 wk of ethanol ingestion, oxidant stress in the alveolar macrophages was evidenced by a 30-mV oxidation of the GSH/GSSG redox potential ( P ≤ 0.05). For control macrophages, ∼80% internalized fluorescent Staphylococcus aureus were added in vitro. In contrast, only 20% of the macrophages from the ethanol-fed rats were able to bind and internalize fluorescent S. aureus. This ethanol-induced decreased capacity for phagocytosis was paralleled by increased apoptosis. When added to the ethanol diet, the glutathione precursors procysteine or N-acetyl cysteine normalized glutathione and oxidant stress in the epithelial lining fluid as well as the alveolar macrophages to control values. This attenuation of oxidant stress was associated with normalization of macrophage phagocytosis and viability. These results suggested that decreased glutathione availability in the alcoholic lung contribute to alveolar macrophage dysfunction via oxidative stress, resulting in not only decreased function but decreased viability.
Dual Diffusion Model for Single-Cell Recording Data From the Superior Colliculus in a Brightness-Discrimination Task
Authors: Ratcliff Roger , Hasegawa Yukako T. , Hasegawa Ryohei P. , Smith Philip L. , Segraves Mark A.
Published: November 2006

Monkeys made saccades to one of two peripheral targets based on the brightness of a central stimulus. Task difficulty was manipulated by varying the ratio of stimulus black-and-white pixels. Correct response probability for two monkeys varied directly with difficulty. Deep layer SC neurons exhibited robust presaccadic activity the magnitude of which was unaffected by task difficulty when the stimulus specified a saccade toward a target within the neuron's response field. Activity after stimuli specifying saccades to targets outside the response field was affected by task difficulty, increasing as the task became more difficult. A quantitative model derived from studies of human decision-making was fit to the behavioral data. The model assumes that information from the stimulus drives two independent diffusion processes. Simulated paths from the model were compared with neuron activity, assuming that firing rate is linearly related to position in the accumulation process. The firing rate data show delayed availability of discriminative information for fast, intermediate, and slow decisions when activity is aligned on the stimulus and very small differences in discriminative information when aligned on the saccade. The model produces exactly these patterns of results. The accumulation process is highly variable, allowing the process both to make errors, as is the case for the behavioral performance, and also to account for the firing rate results. Thus the dual diffusion model provides a quantitative account for both the behavior in a simple decision-making task as well as the patterns of activity in competing populations of neurons.
Peptides Targeting Protein Kinases: Strategies and Implications
Authors: Kaidanovich-Beilin Oksana , Eldar-Finkelman Hagit
Published: November 2006

Protein kinases are important key regulators in most, if not all, biological processes and are linked with many human diseases. Protein kinases thus became attractive targets for drug design. Intracellularly active peptides that selectively interfere with kinase function and or kinase-mediated signaling pathways are potential drug compounds with therapeutic implications.
Dominant-Negative Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Expression Enhances Antitumoral Potency of Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus in Neural Tumors
Authors: Liu Ta-Chiang , Zhang Tingguo , Fukuhara Hiroshi , Kuroda Toshihiko , Todo Tomoki , Canron Xavier , Bikfalvi Andreas , Martuza Robert L. , Kurtz Andreas , Rabkin Samuel D.
Published: November 2006

Purpose: Oncolytic herpes simplex viruses (HSV) appear to be a promising platform for cancer therapy. However, efficacy as single agents has thus far been unsatisfactory. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is important for the growth and migration of endothelial and tumor cells. Here, we examine the strategy of arming oncolytic HSV with a dominant-negative FGF receptor (dnFGFR) that targets the FGF signaling pathway.

Experimental Design: A mouse Nf1:p53 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) cell line expressing dnFGFR was generated by transfection. The effects of dnFGFR expression on cell growth and migration in vitro and tumor formation in vivo were determined. The dnFGFR transgene was then inserted into oncolytic HSV G47Δ using a bacterial artificial chromosome construction system. Antitumoral and antiangiogenic activities of bG47Δ-dnFGFR were examined.

Results: MPNST 61E4 cells expressing dnFGFR grew less well than parental control cells. bG47Δ-dnFGFR showed enhanced killing of both tumor (human U87 glioma and F5 malignant meningioma cells and murine MPNST 61E4 and 37-3-18-4 cells) and proliferating endothelial cells (human umbilical vascular endothelial cell and Py-4-1) in vitro compared with the control vector bG47Δ-empty without inhibiting viral replication. In vivo, bG47Δ-dnFGFR was more efficacious than its nonexpressing parent bG47Δ-empty at inhibiting tumor growth and angiogenesis in both human U87 glioma and mouse 37-3-18-4 MPNST tumors in nude mice.

Conclusions: By using multiple therapeutic mechanisms, including destruction of both tumor cells and tumor endothelial cells, an oncolytic HSV encoding dnFGFR enhances antitumor efficacy. This strategy can be applied to other oncolytic viruses and for clinical translation.