bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RIGHT-WING AUTHORITARIANISM AND ATTITUDES TOWARD VIOLENCE: FURTHER VALIDATION OF THE ATTITUDES TOWARD VIOLENCE SCALE
Authors: Benjamin Arlin James
Published: September 2006

In this study the relationship is examined between attitudes toward violence and rightwing authoritarianism. One hundred and fifty participants completed the Attitudes Toward Violence Scale (ATVS; Anderson, Benjamin, Wood, & Bonacci, 2006) and the Right Wing Authoritarianism Scale
(RWA; Attemeyer, 1996). Three of the ATVS subscales (war, penal code violence, and corporal punishment) correlated significantly with the RWA. The findings suggest that the ATVS is linked to authoritarianism and that its subscales tap into attitudes regarding authoritarian aggression.
BODY IMAGE AND PERSONALITY TRAITS OF MALE-TO-FEMALE TRANSSEXUALS AND HOMOSEXUALS
Authors: Bozkurt Ali , Isikli Hasmet , Demir Fusun , Ozmenler K. Nahit , Gulcat Zeynep , Karlidere Tunay , Aydin Hamdullah
Published: September 2006

The aim of this study is to identify the body image and personality traits of male-to-female transsexual and homosexual persons in Turkey: 36 homosexuals and 52 male-to-female transsexuals were evaluated. According to the Body Cathexis Scale (Secord & Jourard, 1953) transsexuals
compared with controls are statistically more satisfied with their waist, height, eyes, hips, legs, body posture and weight; dissatisfied with their body hair distribution, shoulder width and genitals. Homosexuals compared with controls are statistically more satisfied in height, sharpness
of senses, hips, legs, sexual activity and body posture; dissatisfied in body hair distribution and genitals. It may be interpreted that transsexuals are identified with female body. The Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (Eysenck & Eysenck, 1978) revealed that transsexual participants
have statistically higher mean neuroticism (N) scores than do controls.
PERCEIVED PERSONAL CHANGES IN CHINESE EX-MENTAL PATIENTS ATTENDING A HOLISTIC PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION PROGRAM
Authors: Luk Andrew L. , Shek Daniel
Published: September 2006

This study was an investigation into perceived personal changes in ex-mental patients attending a psychiatric rehabilitation program in Hong Kong. The program used a self-help group approach with holistic care elements emphasizing the physical, psychological, social and spiritual functioning
of the participants. Nineteen participants were invited to complete a repertory grid based on the personal construct theory to measure self-identity changes after joining the program. Results showed that participants perceived positive changes in physical, psychological, social and spiritual
dimensions after joining the program, which indicates the value of adopting a holistic psychiatric rehabilitation approach and provides initial support for the use of the repertory grid method in measuring changes in ex-mental patients in the Chinese context.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN HEALTH PROBLEMS AMONG KUWAIT UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATES
Authors: Alansari Bader Mohammed
Published: September 2006

This study examined the health status of Kuwait University undergraduates. The Health Problems Checklist (Schinka, 1989) was administered to determine the prevalence and the gender differences in health problems among 945 subjects (343 males and 602 females). The frequency percentage to test the prevalence rates of variables andt-test analysis were performed using SPSS to test the differences between the means of variables. These were high rates of health problems among males in the variables of dermatology, audio/olfactory, general, endocrine/hematological, genitourinary, neurological and gastrointestinal; while high rates for females were in the variables of genitourinary, dermatology, endocrine/hematological, neurological, gastrointestinal, cardio/pulmonary heart/lung and orthopedics/bones. Furthermore, the examination of gender variables showed that males had higher rates in the variables of gastrointestinal and health habits, while females had higher rates in genitourinary, general, endocrine/hematological, and stomach-related health problems.
THE EFFECT OF BALLET DANCE AT IRE ON BODY AND SELF-PERCEPTIONS OF FEMALE DANCERS
Authors: Price Brena R. , Pettijohn Terry F.
Published: September 2006

Body and self-perceptions of female ballet dancers (N = 38) were assessed in a repeated measures design experiment investigating the effects of dance attire. Participants were randomly assigned to complete a ballet class dressed in a black leotard with pink tights or dressed
in their choice of loose-fitting clothing referred to by dancers as “junk.” The next day, participants completed a ballet class in the other clothing condition. After completing the ballet class each day, dancers completed surveys regarding self-perceived body image and performance
level. Results revealed that participants reported significantly lower self- and body-perception ratings in the leotard with tights attire condition compared to the loose-fitting clothing condition. These results have implications for the effects of required dance attire on female dancer perceptions.
POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS SYMPTOMS IN COLLEGE STUDENTS WITH A CHRONIC ILLNESS
Authors: Barakat Lamia P. , Wodka Ericka L.
Published: September 2006

To examine posttraumatic stress symptoms in college students with a chronic illness, volunteers who endorsed having a chronic illness (N= 61) were administered the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PTDS: Foa, Cashman, Jaycox, & Perry, 1997). Over 50% met criteria for reexperiencing symptoms and interference with functioning; however, few participants met criteria for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Higher threat appraisals (endorsement of A criteria, general appraisal/level of pessimism) explained a significant portion of the variance in total PTSD symptoms beyond the significant contributions of anxiety, life events, and illness interference with daily functioning. Findings document the presence of posttraumatic stress symptoms among college students with chronic illness and highlight the role of anxiety and perceived threat in the development of symptoms. College students face a number of demands from chronic illness and stressors not related to their health indicating the need for services targeted at responses to stress.
Clinical evaluation of dietary modification for treatment of spontaneous chronic kidney disease in cats
Authors: Ross Sheri J. , Osborne Carl A. , Kirk Claudia A. , Lowry Stephen R. , Koehler Lori A. , Polzin David J.
Published: September 2006

Objective—To determine whether a renal diet modified in protein, phosphorus, sodium, and lipid content was superior to an adult maintenance diet in minimizing uremic episodes and mortality rate in cats with stage 2 or 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Design—Double-masked, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Animals—45 client-owned cats with spontaneous stage 2 or 3 CKD.

Procedures—Cats were randomly assigned to an adult maintenance diet (n = 23 cats) or a renal diet (22) and evaluated trimonthly for up to 24 months. Efficacy of the renal diet, compared with the maintenance diet, in minimizing uremia, renal-related deaths, and all causes of death was evaluated.

Results—Serum urea nitrogen concentrations were significantly lower and blood bicarbonate concentrations were significantly higher in the renal diet group at baseline and during the 12- and 24-month intervals. Significant differences were not detected in body weight; Hct; urine protein-to-creatinine ratio; and serum creatinine, potassium, calcium, and parathyroid hormone concentrations. A significantly greater percentage of cats fed the maintenance diet had uremic episodes (26%), compared with cats fed the renal diet (0%). A significant reduction in renal-related deaths but not all causes of death was detected in cats fed the renal diet.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The renal diet evaluated in this study was superior to an adult maintenance diet in minimizing uremic episodes and renalrelated deaths in cats with spontaneous stage 2 or 3 CKD.
Aromatherapy for travel-induced excitement in dogs
Authors: Wells Deborah L.
Published: September 2006

Objective—To evaluate the efficacy of the ambient odor of lavender as a treatment for travel-induced excitement in dogs.

Design—Clinical trial.

Animals—32 dogs with a history of travel-induced excitement in owners' cars.

Procedures—Each dog was studied during travel in the owner's car to a familiar walking site during 2 conditions of olfactory stimulation. The first condition was a control condition, during which dogs were exposed to no odor other than that arising naturally from the environment. The second condition was an experimental condition during which dogs were exposed to the ambient odor of lavender. Dogs' behavior was recorded during the car journey for 3 consecutive days under the control condition and for 3 consecutive days under the experimental condition. The percentage of time spent moving, standing, sitting, resting, and vocalizing in each condition of olfactory stimulation was quantified for each dog.

Results—Dogs spent significantly more time resting and sitting and less time moving and vocalizing during the experimental condition. There was no significant relationship between dogs' behavior and sex, castration status, day, or the order of exposure to each olfactory condition.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Traditional treatments for travel-induced excitement in dogs may be time-consuming, expensive, or associated with adverse effects. Aromatherapy in the form of diffused lavender odor may offer a practical alternative treatment for travel-induced excitement in this species.
Drug distribution and stability in extemporaneous preparations of meloxicam and carprofen after dilution and suspension at two storage temperatures
Authors: Hawkins Michelle G. , Karriker Margo J. , Wiebe Valerie , Taylor Ian T. , Kass Philip H.
Published: September 2006

Objective—To determine dispersion uniformity and stability of meloxicam and carprofen in extemporaneous preparations stored for 28 days.

Design—Prospective study.

Sample Population—Meloxicam and carprofen (commercial formulations) were compounded (day 0) with deionized water (DW), 1% methylcellulose gel (MCG), MCG and simple syrup (SS; 1:1 mixture), or a suspending and flavoring vehicle combination (SFVC; 1:1 mixture) to nominal drug concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 mg/mL and 1.25, 2.5, or 5.0 mg/mL, respectively.

Procedures—Preparations were stored at approximately 4°C (39.2°F) or 22°C (71.6°F). For each preparation, drug concentrations were determined and drug stability was evaluated at intervals during storage; on days 0 and 28, pH values were measured and bacterial cultures were initiated.

Results—In meloxicam-DW, meloxicam-MCG (0.25 mg/mL), and meloxicam-MCG (0.5 mg/mL) preparations, drug distribution was uniform (coefficient of variation < 10%); > 90% of the original drug concentration was maintained for 28 days. Despite uniform drug distribution of the carprofen-SFVC preparations, most retained ≥ 90% of the original drug concentration for only 21 days. Use of the MCG-SS combination resulted in foamy preparations of unacceptable variability. After 28 days, pH decreased slightly in meloxicam-DW and meloxicam-MCG preparations (0.17 ± 0.04 and 0.21 ± 0.04, respectively). Carprofen-SFVC (2.5 mg/mL) and carprofen-MCG-SS (5.0 mg/mL) preparations stored at 22°C for 28 days yielded bacterial growth.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—DW, MCG, and the SFVC can be used successfully for extemporaneous preparation of meloxicam and carprofen for administration to small exotic animals. Refrigeration is recommended for preparations of meloxicam-DW and carprofen-SFVC.
Diagnosis and surgical management of vascular ectasia in a dog
Authors: Daugherty Megen A. , Leib Michael S. , Lanz Otto I. , Duncan Robert B.
Published: September 2006

Case Description—An 8-year-old male Golden Retriever was evaluated because of an 8-week history of intermittent diarrhea with melena and hematochezia that were not responsive to medical treatment and resulted in severe anemia.

Clinical Findings—Exploratory celiotomy with intestinal and colonic biopsy revealed mild enterocolitis but did not result in diagnosis of the cause of melena and hematochezia. Endoscopy of the upper portion of the gastrointestinal tract and colonoscopy were performed. Multifocal areas of coalescing, tortuous mucosal blood vessels were observed in the cecum and all regions of the colon. A diagnosis of vascular ectasia (VE) was made on the basis of the endoscopic and histologic appearance of the lesions.

Treatment and Outcome—An ileorectal anastamosis was performed. Melena and hematochezia resolved within 3 days after surgery, and the anemia resolved within 6 weeks after surgery. Surgical resection of the cecum and colon and feeding of a highly digestible diet resulted in long-term (22 months) resolution of clinical signs.

Clinical Relevance—Initial exploratory celiotomy with intestinal and colonic biopsy failed to reveal the VE lesions responsible for the melena, hematochezia, and anemia. Endoscopic evaluation was necessary for detection of the colonic VE lesions. Surgical resection of the cecum and colon and feeding of a highly digestible diet may result in a favorable outcome in affected dogs.
Portal site metastasis of invasive mesothelioma after diagnostic thoracoscopy in a dog
Authors: Brisson Brigitte A. , Reggeti Felipe , Bienzle Dorothee
Published: September 2006

Case Description—A 10-year-old Golden Retriever evaluated because of recurrent pericardial and pleural effusion underwent thoracoscopy with biopsy of the pleura and mediastinum.

Clinical Findings—Before thoracoscopy, 5 L of serosanguinous fluid was removed from the pleural cavity via thoracocentesis. During thoracoscopic exploration, it was observed that the parietal pleura and mediastinum were covered by miliary white to tan nodules 1 to 3 mm in diameter. Biopsy specimens were obtained, and partial pericardiectomy was performed. Portal sites were closed routinely. Cytologic evaluation of the pleural fluid revealed high protein concentration and cellularity, with cellular changes consistent with an exfoliating carcinoma. Results of bacterial culture were negative.

Treatment and Outcome—Carboplatin was administered via intracavitary instillation, and prednisone was administered orally. Twenty-one days later, 1 firm, irregularly shaped 6.5 × 3-cm mass and 4 smaller masses were detected in the area of the left thoracic wall where the cannula had been inserted during thoracoscopy. Histologic analysis of tissue from the masses collected at necropsy confirmed that they were malignant tumors with similar appearance to the pleural mesothelioma and immunohistochemical staining properties identical to those of the primary tumor.

Clinical Relevance—Although thoracoscopy is associated with less postoperative pain, shorter hospitalization times, and faster patient recovery than sternotomy procedures, complications are also possible with minimally invasive endoscopic surgery. Portal site metastasis can develop from contamination of portal sites with cells on instruments or cannulas or via leakage of effusion fluid. Although rare, this potential complication should be discussed with owners prior to performing the procedure.
Control of selection bias in parallel-group controlled clinical trials in dogs and cats: 97 trials (2000–2005)
Authors: Brown Dorothy Cimino
Published: September 2006

Objective—To determine how selection bias (allocation bias) was controlled in published clinical trials.

Design—Retrospective study.

Sample Population—97 parallel-group controlled clinical trials published from January 2000 through December 2005 in 12 peer-reviewed journals.

Procedures—Journals were hand searched to identify eligible reports. Details concerning allocation of animals to study groups, baseline characteristics of the groups, and the number of animals allocated to each group were recorded.

Results—Randomization was the stated method of allocating animals to groups in 87% of the reports, yet in only 11% of reports were both randomization of the group allocation process and concealment of the allocation sequence described. Studies reported as randomized were more likely to report baseline characteristics of the study groups for comparison than studies that did not report randomization (88% vs 54%). Studies in which baseline group characteristics were reported had more subjects allocated to each study group (median, 16) than those that did not (median, 11).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Randomization was reported as the method of allocating study animals to groups in most publications, indicating that the potential power of randomization in controlling selection bias is appreciated by clinical investigators seeking to determine the efficacy of an intervention. However, in most reports, little corroborating information was included to support the claim. The absence of this information makes it difficult for practitioners to critically review the impact of bias on study results and make informed decisions regarding patients.
From the Hamiltonian to the Lagrangean formalism for 1-reducible theories. The Freedman-Townsend model
Authors: Constantinescu Radu , Ionescu Carmen
Published: September 2006

The paper presents a possible path to the sp(3) BRST Lagrangean formalism for a 1-reducible gauge field theory starting from the Hamiltonian one. This appears to be not at all a trivial attempt and will allow explanation of the structure of generators and the form of the master equations in the Lagrangean sp(3) theories. The Freedman-Townsend model, for which a Lagrangean (covariant) sp(3) theory is important, is presented.
Field and dipole squeezing in a driven degenerate Λ quantum-beat system
Authors: Zhou Qing-Chun
Published: September 2006

The properties of field squeezing and atomic dipole squeezing in a coherent-microwave field driven degenerate Λ quantum-beat system were theoretically investigated. Numerical calculations indicate that the driving microwave may enhance or suppress both dipole squeezing and cavity-field squeezing, depending on the atomic energy level splitting and the microwave Rabi frequency.
The application of practical Kedem-Katchalsky equations in membrane transport
Authors: Jarzyńska Maria
Published: September 2006

Kedem-Katchalsky (K-K) equations, commonly used to describe the volume and solute flows of nonelectrolyte solutions across membranes, assume that the solutions on both sides are mixed. This paper presents a new contribution to the description of solute and solvent transfer through a membrane within the Kedem-Katchalsky formalism. The modified K-K equation obtained here, which expresses the volume flow (J
v), includes the effect of boundary layers of varied concentrations that form in the vicinity of the membrane in the case of poorly-mixed solutions. This equation is dependent on the following: membrane parameters (σ, L
p, ω), complex h/M/l parameters (σ
s-reflection, L
ps-hydraulic permeability, ω
s-solute permeability coefficients, δ
h, δ
l-thicknesses of concentration boundary layers), and solution parameters (c-concentration, ρ-density, v-kinematic viscosity, D-diffusion coefficient). In order to verify the elaborated equation concerning J
v, we calculated the following functions:
$$J_v = f(\Delta c)_{\Delta p,R_C = const} $$
,
$$J_v = f(R_C )_{\Delta p,\Delta c = const} $$
, and
$$J_v = f(\Delta p)_{\Delta c,R_C = const} $$
. The J
v equation was derived by means of two methods.
A comparative gene-expression analysis of CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells grown in static and stirred culture systems
Authors: Li Qunliang , Liu Qiwei , Cai Haibo , Tan Wen-Song
Published: September 2006

Static and stirred culture systems are widely used to expand hematopoietic cells, but differential culture performances are observed between these systems. We hypothesize that these differential culture outcomes are caused by the physiological responses of CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) to the different physical microenvironments created in these culture devices. To understand the genetic changes provoked by culture microenvironments, the gene expression profiling of CD34+ HSPCs grown in static and stirred culture systems was compared using SMART-PCR and cDNA arrays. The results revealed that 103 and 99 genes were significantly expressed in CD34+ cells from static and stirred systems, respectively. Of those, 91 have similar levels of expression, while 12 show differential transcription levels. These differentially expressed genes are mainly involved in anti-oxidation, DNA repair, apoptosis, and chemotactic activity. A quantitative molecular understanding of the influences of growth microenvironments on transcriptional events in CD34+ HSPCs should give new insights into optimizing culture strategies to produce hematopoietic cells.
Is a genetic defect in Fkbp6 a common cause of azoospermia in humans?
Authors: Miyamato Toshinobu , Sato Hisashi , Yogev Leah , Kleiman Sandra , Namiki Mikio , Koh Eitetsu , Sakugawa Naoko , Hayashi Hiroaki , Ishikawa Mutsuo , Lamb Dolores , Sengoku Kazuo
Published: September 2006

FK506-binding protein 6 (Fkbp6) is a member of a gene family containing a prolyl isomerase/FK506-binding domain and tetratricopeptide protein-protein interaction domains. Recently, the targeted inactivation of Fkbp6 in mice has been observed to result in aspermic males and the absence of normal pachytene spermatocytes. The loss of Fkbp6 results in abnormal pairing and a misalignment of the homologous chromosomes, and in non-homologous partner switches and autosynapsis of the X chromosome cores in meiotic spermatocytes. In this study, we analyzed whether human FKBP6 gene defects might be associated with human azoospermia. We performed a mutation analysis in all the coding regions of the human FKBP6 gene in 19 patients with azoospermia resulting from meiotic arrest. The expression of the human FKBP6 gene was specific to the testis, and a novel polymorphism site, 245C → G (Y60X) could be found in exon 3. Our findings suggest that the human FKBP6 gene might be imprinted in the testis based on an analysis using two polymorphism sites.
Plant dehydrins — Tissue location, structure and function
Authors: Rorat Tadeusz
Published: September 2006

Dehydrins (DHNs) are part of a large group of highly hydrophilic proteins known as LEA (Late Embryogenesis Abundant). They were originally identified as group II of the LEA proteins. The distinctive feature of all DHNs is a conserved, lysine-rich 15-amino acid domain, EKKGIMDKIKEKLPG, named the K-segment. It is usually present near the C-terminus. Other typical dehydrin features are: a track of Ser residues (the S-segment); a consensus motif, T/VDEYGNP (the Y-segment), located near the N-terminus; and less conserved regions, usually rich in polar amino acids (the Φ-segments). They do not display a well-defined secondary structure. The number and order of the Y-, S-and K-segments define different DHN sub-classes: YnSKn, YnKn, SKn, Kn and KnS. Dehydrins are distributed in a wide range of organisms including the higher plants, algae, yeast and cyanobacteria. They accumulate late in embryogenesis, and in nearly all the vegetative tissues during normal growth conditions and in response to stress leading to cellular dehydration (e.g. drought, low temperature and salinity). DHNs are localized in different cell compartments, such as the cytosol, nucleus, mitochondria, vacuole, and the vicinity of the plasma membrane; however, they are primarily localized to the cytoplasm and nucleus. The precise function of dehydrins has not been established yet, but in vitro experiments revealed that some DHNs (YSKn-type) bind to lipid vesicles that contain acidic phospholipids, and others (KnS) were shown to bind metals and have the ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals [Asghar, R. et al. Protoplasma 177 (1994) 87–94], protect lipid membranes against peroxidation or display cryoprotective activity towards freezing-sensitive enzymes. The SKn-and K-type seem to be directly involved in cold acclimation processes. The main question arising from the in vitro findings is whether each DHN structural type could possess a specific function and tissue distribution. Much recent in vitro data clearly indicates that dehydrins belonging to different subclasses exhibit distinct functions.
Photography and Imagery
Authors: Tree Wesley F.
Published: September 2006

Photography

Classification of Emulsions

Cameras and Optical Systems

Electronic Imagery

Relating Color to Physical/Chemical Properties of Materials

Radar Imagery

Medical and Biochemical Imaging
Forces between Surfactant‐Coated ZnS Nanoparticles in Dodecane: Effect of Water
Authors: Godfrey Alig A. R. , Akbulut M. , Golan Y. , Israelachvili J.
Published: September 2006

The forces between mica surfaces confining solutions of spherical and rod‐shaped ZnS nanoparticles (diameter ca. 5 nm) coated with hexadecylamine or octadecylamine surfactant in dodecane have been measured in the absence and after the introduction of trace amounts of water. Initially, or at very low water content, the water molecules cause the nanoparticles to aggregate and adsorb on the hydrophilic mica surfaces, resulting in a long‐range exponentially decaying repulsive force between the surfaces. After longer times (> 20 h), water bridges nucleate and grow between the nanoparticles and mica surfaces, and attractive capillary forces then cause a long‐range attraction and a strong (short‐range) adhesion. It is found, as has previously been observed in nonaqueous bulk colloidal systems, that even trace amounts of water have a profound effect on the interactions and structure of nanoparticle assemblies in thin films, which in turn affect their physical properties. These effects should be considered in the design of thin‐film processing methodologies.
Efficient Polymer Electrophosphorescent Devices with Interfacial Layers
Authors: Yang X. H. , Jaiser F. , Stiller B. , Neher D. , Galbrecht F. , Scherf U.
Published: September 2006

It is shown that several polymers can form insoluble interfacial layers on a poly(ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) layer after annealing of the double‐layer structure. The thickness of the interlayer is dependent on the characteristics of the underlying PEDOT:PSS and the molecular weight of the polymers. It is further shown that the electronic structures of the interlayer polymers have a significant effect on the properties of red‐light‐emitting polymer‐based electrophosphorescent devices. Upon increasing the highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital positions, a significant increase in current density and device efficiency is observed. This is attributed to efficient blocking of electrons in combination with direct injection of holes from the interlayer to the phosphorescent dye. Upon proper choice of the interlayer polymer, efficient red, polymer‐based electrophosphorescent devices with a peak luminance efficiency of 5.5 cd A–1 (external quantum efficiency = 6 %) and a maximum power‐conversion efficiency of 5 lm W–1 can be realized.
Theoretical Design of Catalysts for the Heterolytic Splitting of H2
Authors: Maj Ł. , Grochala W.
Published: September 2006

Here, we briefly review recent advances in H2 storage technologies relying on mixed proton–hydride and destabilized hydride materials. We establish a general relationship across different materials: the higher the effective H content, the higher the temperatures needed to completely desorb H2. Nevertheless, several systems show promising thermodynamics for H2 desorption; however, the desorption kinetics still needs to be improved by the use of appropriate catalysts. Prompted by the importance of heterolytically splitting stable dihydrogen molecules for proton–hydride technologies, we attempt to theoretically design novel H2 transfer catalysts. We focus mainly on M4Nm4H8 catalysts (M = V, Ti, Zr, Hf, and Nm = Si, C, B, N), which should be able to preserve their functionality in the strongly reducing environment of a H2 storage system. We are able to determine the energy of H2 detachment from these molecules, as well as the associated energy barriers. In order to optimize the properties of the catalysts, we use isoelectronic atom‐by‐atom substitutions, vary the valence electron count, and borrow the concept of near‐surface alloys from extended solids and apply it to molecular systems. We are able to obtain control over the enthalpy and electronic barriers for H2 detachment. Molecules with the coordinatively unsaturated > TiSi < unit exhibit particularly favorable thermodynamics and show unusually small electronic barriers for H2 detachment (> 0.27 eV) and attachment (> 0.07 eV). These and homologous ZrSi frameworks may serve as novel H2 transfer catalysts for use with emerging lightweight hydrogen storage materials holding 5.0–10.4 wt % hydrogen, such as Li2NH, Li2Mg(NH)2, Mg2Si, and LiH/MgB2 (discharged forms). Catalytic properties are also anticipated for appropriate defects on the surfaces and crystal edges of solid Ti and Zr silicides, and for TiSi ad‐units chemisorbed on other support materials.
Estimating radiant fields in flat heterogeneous photoreactors by the six‐flux model
Authors: Brucato A. , Cassano A. E. , Grisafi F. , Montante G. , Rizzuti L. , Vella G.
Published: September 2006

Heterogeneous photoreactor modeling is a task complicated by the integro‐differential nature of the Radiation Transfer Equation (RTE) when scattering phenomena are important. In the present work, a novel “Six Flux Model” (SFM) is proposed, which may be regarded as a step forward with respect to the previously proposed “Two Flux Model” (TFM). In order to validate the newly proposed model, Monte Carlo simulations of an indefinite plane‐slab photoreactor have been performed. As no simplifying assumptions are involved in this case, the information obtained may be regarded as “pseudo‐experimental,” and therefore compared with the predictions of both TFM and SFM models. Results show that the novel SFM is able to closely match the exact solution of the RTE better than the TFM, still retaining the TFM advantage of a simple closed‐form solution, that is, ease of use, clearer effect of model parameters, and so forth. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Downside financial loss of sensor networks in the presence of gross errors
Authors: NguyenThanh Duy Quang , Siemanond Kitipat , Bagajewicz M.
Published: September 2006

Theoretical expressions for assessing the expected financial loss associated with the accuracy of the instrumentation and the associated probability in the presence of two and more gross errors have been developed in previous work. However, these expressions were given in a form of integrals without closed‐form solutions. This article presents a generalized method to calculate the expected financial loss and the associated probability when two or more gross errors are present in a system. The application of financial loss calculation in the design and retrofit of a sensor network is illustrated in a simple example. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Testing for Ordered Group Effects in Binary and Continuous Outcomes
Authors: Farrell Patrick J. , Park Chul Gyu
Published: September 2006

A likelihood ratio test is proposed for the detection of an ordered group effect on bivariate responses where one response is binary and the other is continuous. The procedure is based on a conditional logistic model for the binary response given the continuous outcome. We also develop a likelihood ratio test for simultaneously determining the goodness of fit of the ordering assumption on both responses. Our approach is motivated by a particular toxicity study application involving laboratory animals that focused on the effect of a food color additive on the development of reticuloendothelial (RE) tumors. A brief discussion on extensions to the methodology introduced here is also given, along with a comparison of the approach with a marginal strategy where the presence of an ordered group effect is assessed independently for each of the two responses. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Condensation of nonstochiometric DNA/polycation complexes by divalent cations
Authors: Budker Vladimir , Trubetskoy Vladimir , Wolff Jon A.
Published: September 2006

This study found that divalent cations induced the further condensation of partially condensed DNA within nonstochiometric polycation complexes. The addition of a few mmol of a divalent cation such as calcium reduced by half the inflection point at which DNA became fully condensed by poly‐L‐lysine (PLL) and a variety of other polycations. The effect on DNA condensation was initially observed using a new method, which is based on the concentration‐dependent self‐quenching of fluorescent moieties (e.g., rhodamine) covalently linked to the DNA backbone at relatively high densities. Additional analyses, which employed ultracentrifugation, dynamic light scattering, agarose gel electrophoresis, and atomic force microscopy, confirmed the effect of divalent cations. These results provide an additional accounting of the process by which divalent cations induce greater chromatin compaction that is based on the representation of chromatin fibers as a nonstoichiometric polyelectrolyte complex. They also offer a new approach to assemble nonviral vectors for gene therapy.© 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 83: 646–657, 2006

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
Fibrin gel improved the spatial uniformity and phenotype of human chondrocytes seeded on collagen scaffolds
Authors: Malicev Elvira , Radosavljevic Damjan , Velikonja Nevenka Kregar
Published: September 2006

A scaffold made of equine collagen type I based material has been assessed for its use in the preparation of tissue‐engineered cartilage implants with human articular chondrocytes. Improvements of cell‐seeding efficiency and specific gene expression were studied by combining solid scaffold with fibrin glue or human blood plasma. Following 3 weeks of static culture, mRNA expression levels of collagen type I, collagen type II, aggrecan and versican were analyzed by real‐time quantitative PCR and compared to those in native cartilage and monolayer cell cultures.

Constructs prepared with fibrin glue or plasma showed higher cell seeding efficiencies than those prepared without gel. Chondrocytes seeded directly onto a collagen scaffold appeared fibroblastic in shape while those encapsulated in fibrin gel were spherical. The presence of fibrin glue positively influences on mRNA levels of collagen type II and aggrecan, while blood plasma enhanced only the level of collagen type II expression. Levels of collagen type I and versican decreased in presence of fibrin glue.

In orthopaedics, the combination of solid collagen fleece with fibrin gel for implant preparation is seen to be preferred over solid material or even cells in a suspension, since fibrin gel improves seeding capacity of the scaffold, supports equal distribution of cells and stimulates higher chondrogenic phenotype expression. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;96: 364–370. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Approach for a Synthesis of Asparagine‐Linked Sialylglycopeptides Having Intact and Homogeneous Complex‐Type Undecadisialyloligosaccharides
Authors: Yamamoto Naoki , Takayanagi Ayumi , Yoshino Ayako , Sakakibara Tohru , Kajihara Yasuhiro
Published: September 2006

This paper describes synthesis of asparagine‐linked sialylglycopeptides. The typical feature of our strategy for the synthesis of a sialylglycopeptide is to employ undecadisialyloligosaccharyl Fmoc‐asparagine (Fmoc‐Asn(CHO)‐OH) 1 without protecting groups on its hydroxyl groups except for the benzyl ester of the NeuAc residues. Our synthetic methodology solved the problem of esterification toward sugar hydroxyl groups by activated amino acids during the elongation of a peptide chain. When employing high concentrations of the Fmoc‐amino acid, esterification markedly occurred, but the esterification scarcely occurred when employing low concentrations of reactants. Taking advantage of these findings, we examined the synthesis of a high molecular sialylglycopeptide, CTLA‐4 fragment (113–150) 13 having two complex‐type sialyloligosaccharides by use of native chemical ligation (NCL). As a result, we succeeded in the synthesis of a sialylglycopeptide having a cysteine residue at the N‐terminus (CTLA‐4: 129–150 fragment) 11 and a sialylglycopeptide‐thioester (CTLA‐4: 113–128 fragment) 12. Finally, the sialylglycopeptides synthesized were applied to NCL reactions. The reaction successfully afforded the desired product, CTLA‐4 (113–150) 13 containing mature and pure complex‐type sialyloligosaccharides in excellent purity.
Antibiotic prophylaxis in neutropenic patients
Authors: Leibovici Leonard , Paul Mical , Cullen Michael , Bucaneve Giampaolo , Gafter‐Gvili Anat , Fraser Abigail , Kern Winfried V.
Published: September 2006

New evidence shows that antibiotic prophylaxis in neutropenic patients reduces mortality, febrile episodes, and bacterial infections. For patients with acute leukemia or those who undergo bone marrow transplantation, prophylaxis with fluoroquinolones diminished the risk of death from any cause by 33% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2–54%). Thus, 55 patients who have acute leukemia or who undergo bone marrow transplantation must receive prophylaxis to prevent 1 death. In 4 studies that included patients with solid tumors or lymphoma, prophylaxis reduced the rate of death during the first month (relative risk, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.27–0.97), and 82 patients had to receive prophylaxis to prevent 1 death. The main argument brought against prophylaxis is the induction of resistance. Patients who received prophylaxis did not experience more infections caused by resistant strains than patients in the control group. The recent GIMEMA study was conducted in a population with a nearly 50% resistance to fluoroquinolones in all pathogens and 20% resistance in gram‐negative isolates, thus indicating that prophylaxis should be offered in settings with similar or less resistance. Prophylaxis with fluoroquinolones was efficacious in reducing infections caused by gram‐positive bacteria. Patients who are treated for acute leukemia should be offered prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin. Prophylaxis to cover the expected period of neutropenia may be considered for the first cycle of treatment in patients with solid tumors or lymphoma who regularly receive regimens that cause severe neutropenia. Excessive local levels of resistance to fluoroquinolones or high local incidence of infections caused by Clostridium difficile and related to fluoroquinolones should prompt a reconsideration of this policy. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Severe alcohol‐induced neuronal deficits in the hippocampus and neocortex of neonatal mice genetically deficient for neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)
Authors: Bonthius Daniel J. , MCkim Ross A. , Koele Lindsey , Harb Harb , Kehrberg Ana Hutton , Mahoney Jo , Karacay Bahri , Pantazis Nicholas J.
Published: September 2006

Alcohol can severely damage the developing brain, and neuronal loss is a critical component of this injury. Thus, identification of molecular factors that ameliorate alcohol‐induced neuronal loss is of great importance. Previous in vitro work has demonstrated that nitric oxide (NO) protects neurons against alcohol toxicity. We tested the hypothesis that neonatal mice carrying a null mutation for neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), the enzyme that synthesizes NO in neurons, have an increased vulnerability to alcohol‐induced neuronal loss in the neocortex and hippocampus. Wildtype mice and nNOS−/−mice received ethanol (0.0, 2.2, 3.3, or 4.4 g/kg) daily over postnatal days (P) 4–9 and were sacrificed on P10. The number of hippocampal CA1 and CA3 pyramidal cells, dentate gyrus granule cells, and neocortical neurons were determined using stereological methods. Alcohol pharmacokinetics did not differ between wildtype and nNOS−/−strains. Alcohol induced dose‐dependent reductions in all four neuronal populations, and the losses were substantially more severe in the nNOS−/−mice than in wildtype. Furthermore, the threshold dose of alcohol to induce cell death was lower in the nNOS−/−mice than in the wildtype mice for all neuronal populations. While nNOS deficiency worsened alcohol‐induced neuronal losses, the magnitude of this exacerbation varied among brain regions and depended on alcohol dose. These results demonstrate that nNOS deficiency decreases the ability of developing neurons in vivo to survive the toxic effects of alcohol and strengthen the hypothesis that NO exerts a neuroprotective effect against alcohol toxicity in the developing brain. J. Comp. Neurol. 499:290–305, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Binding and complementary expression patterns of semaphorin 3E and plexin D1 in the mature neocortices of mice and monkeys
Authors: Watakabe Akiya , Ohsawa Sonoko , Hashikawa Tsutomu , Yamamori Tetsuo
Published: September 2006

Although axon guidance molecules play critical roles in neural circuit formation during development, their roles in the adult circuit are not well understood. In this study we examined the expression patterns of Semaphorin 3E (Sema3E), a member of the semaphorin family, in the mature neocortices of monkeys and mice by in situ hybridization (ISH). We found that Sema3E mRNA is highly specific to layer VI throughout the macaque monkey neocortex. We further examined the ratio of Sema3E+ cells among the layer VI excitatory neurons in areas M1, S1, TE, and V1 by fluorescence double ISH, using the vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGluT1) gene as a specific marker for excitatory neurons. Among these areas, 34–63% of the VGluT1+ neurons expressed Sema3E mRNA. In the mouse cortex, two significant differences were observed in the pattern of Sema3E mRNA distribution. 1) Sema3E mRNA was expressed in layer Vb, in addition to layer VI in mice. 2) A subset of GABAergic interneurons expressed Sema3E mRNA in mice. By an in vitro binding experiment, we provide evidence that Plexin D1 is the specific receptor for Sema3E. Plexin D1 mRNA was preferentially expressed in layers II–V in both monkey and mouse cortices. The detailed lamina analysis by double ISH, however, revealed that Plexin D1 mRNA is expressed in layers II–Va, but not in layer Vb in the mouse cortex. Thus, the Plexin D1 and Sema3E mRNAs exhibit conserved complementary lamina patterns in mice and monkeys, despite the species differences in the pattern of each gene. J. Comp. Neurol. 499:258–273, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrastructural synaptic features differ between α‐ and γ‐motoneurons innervating the tibialis anterior muscle in the rat
Authors: Ichiyama Ronaldo M. , Broman Jonas , Edgerton V. Reggie , Havton Leif A.
Published: September 2006

We investigated the synaptology of retrogradely labeled spinal motoneurons after injection of horseradish peroxidase into the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of adult rat. In total, 32 TA motoneurons were investigated in the electron microscope and demonstrated a bimodal size distribution with cell diameter peaks at 40 μm and 20 μm, likely representing α‐ and γ‐motoneurons, respectively. Both α‐ and γ‐motoneurons were apposed by S‐ and F‐type synaptic boutons, whereas only α‐motoneurons demonstrated inputs by the large M‐ and C‐type boutons. The proportion of cell body membrane covered by synaptic inputs was surprisingly indistinguishable between α‐motoneurons (72.2%) and γ‐motoneurons (63.5%). The ratio between the number of F‐ and S‐type boutons in apposition with the motoneuron cell body (F/S ratio) and the ratio between the soma membrane coverage provided by F‐ and S‐type boutons were both significantly higher in α‐ than in γ‐motoneurons. When comparing our data with previous findings in other species, we conclude that rat TA α‐motoneurons are similar to cat and primate α‐motoneurons with regard to synaptic terminal morphology, frequency, and distribution. However, rat γ‐motoneurons show a markedly higher total synaptic coverage and frequency than cat γ‐motoneurons, although both species exhibit appositions made by the same synaptic types and similar ratios between inhibitory and excitatory inputs. J. Comp. Neurol. 499:306–315, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An energy‐efficient multipath routing protocol for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Ming Lu Ye , W. S. Wong Vincent
Published: September 2006

The energy consumption is a key design criterion for the routing protocols in wireless sensor networks. Some of the conventional single path routing schemes may not be optimal to maximize the network lifetime and connectivity. In this paper, we propose a distributed, scalable and localized multipath search protocol to discover multiple node‐disjoint paths between the sink and source nodes. We also propose a load balancing algorithm to distribute the traffic over the multiple paths discovered. We compare our proposed scheme with the directed diffusion, directed transmission,N‐to‐1 multipath routing, and the energy‐aware routing protocols. Simulation results show that our proposed scheme has a higher node energy efficiency, lower average delay and control overhead than those protocols. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
γδ T cells condition dendritic cells in vivo for priming pulmonary CD8 T cell responses against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Caccamo Nadia , Sireci Guido , Meraviglia Serena , Dieli Francesco , Ivanyi Juraj , Salerno Alfredo
Published: September 2006

γδ T cells and dendritic cells are quickly recruited to the lungs shortly after intranasal vaccination with BCG, but the functional in vivo interplay between these two cell populations and its role in the induction of adaptive immune responses is unclear. Using TCR‐deficient mice and bone marrow chimeras, we show here that γδ T cells provide a non‐redundant early source of IFN‐γ in vivo, which enhances IL‐12 production by lung dendritic cells. The in vivo‐conditioned dendritic cells, in turn, prime a more efficient lung CD8 T cell response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Thus, strategies exploiting γδ T cell function and IFN‐γ production could be valuable for the design and testing of mucosal vaccines.
Molecular Assembly with Axial Cyanato Ligands and Paddlewheel Tetracarboxylatodiruthenium(II,III) Fragments
Authors: Barral M. Carmen , González‐Prieto Rodrigo , Jiménez‐Aparicio Reyes , Priego J. Luis , Torres M. Rosario , Urbanos Francisco A.
Published: September 2006

Homo and heteropolymetallic chains constructed with [Ru2(μ‐O2CR)4]+ building blocks and OCN– and [Ag(OCN)2]– connectors are described. In the complexes [Ru2{μ‐O2CC(Me)=CHEt}4(OCN)]n (1) and {[Ru2(μ‐O2CMe)4][Ag(OCN)2]}n (2) an infrequent μ1,1‐O coordination mode of the OCN– ligand is observed. In addition, the formation of a Ag–OCN bond instead of the Ag–NCO coordination mode, which is more usual, is noteworthy in complex 2. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)