bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of a Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft to Treat an Area Pigmented With Graphite
Authors: Phillips Gregory E. , John Vanchit
Published: September 2005

Background: Pigmentations of the oral cavity are commonly noted in clinical practice and may have physiologic, non‐physiologic, or pathologic etiologies. The most common non‐physiologic localized pigmentation is the amalgam tattoo; another, less common, non‐physiologic pigmentation is the graphite tattoo. Graphite tattoos may easily be confused with amalgam tattoos but have only infrequently been reported in the literature.

Methods: This case report discusses a patient with a localized pigmented lesion involving the free gingiva, attached gingiva, and alveolar mucosa. The patient was referred for esthetic enhancement of the area in question. Dental history revealed trauma to the area involving falling on a pencil as a child. The lesion was excised and submitted for histologic examination; a subepithelial connective tissue graft was harvested and utilized to prevent an esthetic defect.

Results: Histologic evaluation confirmed graphite within the soft tissue as the etiology of the discoloration. At the 2‐month postoperative appointment, a highly esthetic outcome was obtained utilizing a connective tissue graft.

Conclusions: Although less common than the amalgam tattoo, the graphite tattoo may be encountered in the course of routine dental examinations and should be included in a differential diagnosis of any localized pigmented lesion. Although histologic evaluation is necessary to rule out pathology, if the dental history is consistent with the clinical impression of a nonpathologic lesion, such as the graphite tattoo in this case report, treatment with an autogenous connective tissue graft at the time of excision can produce a highly esthetic result and avoid additional surgical procedures in the future. J Periodontol 2005;76:1572‐1575.
Effect of Vitamin D and Calcium on Periodontitis
Authors: Hildebolt Charles F.
Published: September 2005

The anthropological record indicates that we are exposed to considerably less ultraviolet radiation (required for the synthesis of vitamin D) and consume considerably less calcium than did our early ancestors. Most U.S. citizens have calcium intakes and serum levels of vitamin D far below recommended values. This is despite there having been extensive evidence that optimal calcium and vitamin D intakes not only benefit our postcranial bone health but also have many other health benefits. Numerous articles indicate that vitamin D and calcium deficiencies result in bone loss and increased inflammation, which are well recognized symptoms of periodontal disease. For more than 40 years, investigators have suggested that calcium intake may be associated with alveolar bone resorption, and more recently there have been a number of studies in which investigators have suggested that calcium and vitamin D may benefit periodontal health, and it has been suggested that calcium deficiency may be a risk factor for periodontal disease. There has not, however, been a vitamin‐D‐calcium‐periodontitis clinical trial in which randomization and masking were carefully controlled, the periodontal disease status of patients known, periodontal disease measures were the primary outcomes, and levels of intake optimized to produce maximal effects. Such research might demonstrate that calcium and vitamin D are important adjuncts to standard treatments for preventing and treating periodontal disease. J Periodontol 2005;76:1576‐1587.
Tiller Persistence of Eight Intermediate Wheatgrass Entries Grazed at Three Morphological Stages
Authors: Hendrickson John R. , Berdahl John D. , Liebig Mark A. , Karn James F.
Published: September 2005

Intermediate wheatgrass [Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkw. & D.R. Dewey subsp. intermedium] provides high quality forage for hay and pasture in the Great Plains of North America but lacks persistence under grazing. We investigated the effect of grazing at early vegetative, mid‐culm elongation, and boot stages on tiller persistence of three cultivars and five experimental lines of intermediate and pubescent wheatgrass [T. intermedium subsp. barbulatum (Schur) Barkw. & D.R. Dewey]. The study, located near Mandan, ND was seeded in 1997, hayed in 1998 and 1999, and grazed from 2000 to 2002. Four tillers were marked on one plant per plot in May 2000. Number of newly emerged tillers (tiller recruitment) and tiller mortality were recorded on the four original tillers and subsequently recruited tillers in mi‐May, July, and September. Tiller replacement ratios, which incorporated cumulative recruitment and mortality, were greatest on plots grazed during early vegetative and mid‐culm elongation. Tiller recruitment, tiller mortality, and tiller replacement ratio had a year × treatment interaction. In 2000, grazing during the early vegetative stage resulted in significantly higher tiller replacement ratios than grazing during late boot or no grazing, and grazing during mid‐culm elongation and late boot had greater tiller recruitment but also greater tiller mortality than the other two treatments. Tiller replacement ratio had a grazing treatment × entry interaction in 2001. ‘Mandan 1871’ had the greatest tiller replacement ratio and tiller recruitment among entries. The results indicate time of grazing and cultivar selection influence the persistence of tillers of intermediate wheatgrass primarily through their effect on tiller recruitment.
Considerations Related to Richardson's Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus richardsonii) Control in Montana
Authors: Johnson‐Nistler C. M. , Knight J. E. , Cash S. D.
Published: September 2005

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) production is limited in Montana due to activities associated with Richardson's ground squirrels (Spermophilus richardsonii), and control is often considered to be cost prohibitive. This study was conducted to document the economic impact of ground squirrel activities on alfalfa yield and demonstrate field efficacy of available toxicants. Montana alfalfa producers completed a survey to determine perceived severity and losses due to ground squirrels. Actual first‐harvest forage yield losses were determined at two locations in southwest Montana in 2003 and 2004 using cage exclosures. Chlorophacinone (Rozol), diphacinone (Ramik‐Green), and zinc phosphide were administered at two locations to determine the efficacy of each treatment. Survey results across Montana indicate alfalfa producers estimate a 24% average reduction in forage yield in areas known to be infested with ground squirrels. First‐cut forage yields were reduced by 31% in southwest Montana. Rozol was the most effective control agent (84% efficacy) while Ramik‐Green was the least effective control agent in our trials (29% efficacy). Landowner perceptions of ground squirrel damage are similar to actual yield reduction and possibly underestimated. The costs associated with the control of ground squirrels can be quite high, and caution must be exercised when implementing a new control program to assure these costs are offset by forage gained.
Modification of the GRAMI Model for Cotton
Authors: Ko Jonghan , Maas Stephan J. , Lascano Robert J. , Wanjura Donald
Published: September 2005

A new version of the GRAMI crop model capable of being calibrated within season was developed and tested for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production in semiarid regions. The model was first verified using field data obtained at Halfway, TX, USA in 2002. The model was then validated using data sets obtained at Lamesa, TX in 1999 and 2001 and at Lubbock, TX in 2002 and 2004. Simulated values of cotton growth and lint yield showed reasonable agreement with corresponding measurements under irrigated conditions. The new model not only has simple input requirements but is also easy to use. Thus, it promises to have applicability to be expanded to other semiarid regions for irrigated cotton production and to have applicability to regional cotton growth monitoring and lint yield mapping projects.
N‐Tester Use in Soft Winter Wheat: Evaluation of Nitrogen Status and Grain Yield Prediction
Authors: Ortuzar‐Iragorri M. A. , Alonso A. , Castellón A. , Besga G. , Estavillo J. M. , Aizpurua A.
Published: September 2005

Chlorophyll meters can be an alternative to traditional tissue analysis as plant N nutritional diagnostic tools. In the present study, the relationships among chlorophyll meter N‐Tester measurements, plant N concentration, N uptake at different growth stages (GS‐32, GS‐37), and grain yield were studied to evaluate the N‐Tester as a tool to diagnose the N status of soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Soissons) and predict yield. Ten experiments were conducted in the years 2001, 2002, and 2003 where 0, 100, 140, 180, and 220 kg N ha−1 were applied. N‐Tester values ranged between average values of 382 and 608 at GS‐32 for 0 and 220 kg N ha−1, respectively, and between 408 and 649 at GS‐37 for 0 and 220 kg N ha−1 correspondingly. The normalization of N‐Tester values in relation to a non‐N‐limited plot (i.e., ≥220 kg N ha−1) enabled the prediction of plant N concentration (R2 = 0.64) of Soissons soft red winter wheat at GS‐32 and N uptake at both at GS‐32 and GS‐37 (R2 > 0.6) in contrast to absolute N‐Tester values (R2 < 0.4). However, when excluding the N‐Tester values corresponding to control treatments (0 kg N ha−1), the robust correlations diminished as to invalidate comparison of normalized N‐Tester readings for N concentration and N uptake across different sites and years for rates in the 100 to 220 kg N ha−1 range. Normalized N‐Tester values could discriminate between grain yields from non‐N‐fertilized and fertilized plots but could not distinguish grain yields among plots fertilized in the 100 to 220 kg N ha−1 range.
Combining Field and Simulation Studies to Improve Fertilizer Recommendations for Irrigated Rice in Burkina Faso
Authors: Segda Z. , Haefele S. M. , Wopereis M. C. S. , Sedogo M. P. , Guinko S.
Published: September 2005

Development of improved fertilizer recommendations entirely based on field experiments is time‐consuming and costly. We employed a combination of two simulation models and selected field data to develop alternative fertilizer recommendations (AFR) for irrigated rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Bagré, Burkina Faso. Existing fertilizer recommendations are 82 kg N ha−1 (wet season) or 105 kg N ha−1 (dry season), 31 kg P ha−1, and 30 kg K ha−1. The model RIDEV was used to improve timing of sowing date to avoid cold‐induced sterility and timing of N fertilizer applications. The model FERRIZ was used to determine AFR, based on estimations of indigenous nutrient supply for N, P, and K; yield potential (Ypot); internal N, P, and K efficiency of rice; fertilizer N, P, and K recovery fractions; and fertilizer and rice prices. Simulations suggested decreasing P and K doses to 21 kg P ha−1 and 20 kg K ha−1 but increasing the N dose to 116 kg N ha−1 in the wet season (Ypot = 8 t ha−1) and to 139 kg N ha−1 in the dry season (Ypot = 9 t ha−1). Alternative fertilizer recommendations keep the P balance neutral, but a negative K balance was tolerated based on the high soil K supply. Compared with existing recommendations, yield gains of up to 0.5 t ha−1 were simulated at equal costs. These yield gains were more than confirmed in farmers' fields during four consecutive growing seasons. Alternative fertilizer recommendations increased gross returns above fertilizer costs by an average of about US$ 160 per season compared with both farmers' practice and existing recommendations.
Effects of Misting and Subsurface Air Movement on Bentgrass Putting Greens
Authors: Rodriguez Ian R. , McCarty Lambert B. , Toler Joe E.
Published: September 2005

Preferential use of creeping bentgrass [Agrostis stoloniferous L. var. palustris (Huds.)] on golf putting greens has expanded into the hotter, more environmentally stressful regions of the southeastern United States where turfgrass decline is problematic during summer months. Methods of reducing temperatures in the putting green microclimate would enhance bentgrass survival under heat stress conditions. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the bentgrass putting green microclimate under combined misting and/or subsurface fan systems with surface fans. Field studies were conducted in the summers of 2001 and 2002 on a ‘Crenshaw’ creeping bentgrass putting green located in Clemson, SC. Treatments consisted of surface fan only, surface fan plus misting, surface fan plus subsurface fan, and surface fan plus misting and subsurface fan. Fan treatments were applied from 1100 to 1500 h on days when temperatures were ≥29.5°C, there was no visible cloud cover, and wind speed < 1.0 m s−1. Surface fan plus misting treatments reduced putting green canopy, soil surface, and soil temperatures by as much as 9, 7, and 6°C, respectively, while increasing canopy relative humidity and soil moisture content. Benefits were generally observed over a range of 5 m from the fan. These treatments demonstrate great potential for improving canopy and soil microclimate conditions influencing bentgrass survival in a heat stress environment. Surprisingly, the use of subsurface fans did not enhance the cooling effect provided by surface fans. Fan/mist systems should be investigated further to determine possible disease occurrence during extended use periods.
Aerial Color Infrared Photography for Determining Late‐Season Nitrogen Requirements in Corn
Authors: Sripada Ravi P. , Heiniger Ronnie W. , White Jeffrey G. , Weisz Randy
Published: September 2005

Fast and accurate methods of determining in‐season corn (Zea mays L.) N requirements are needed to provide more precise and economical management and potentially decrease groundwater N contamination. The objectives of this study were (i) to determine if there is a response to late‐season N applied to corn at pretassel (VT) under irrigated and nonirrigated conditions, and (ii) to develop a methodology for predicting in‐season N requirement for corn at the VT stage using aerial color infrared (CIR) photography. Field studies were conducted for 3 yr over a wide range of soil conditions and water regimes in the North Carolina Coastal Plain. Different fertilizer N rates were applied (i) at planting (NPL) to create a range of N supply, corn color, and near‐infrared (NIR) radiance; and (ii) at VT (NVT) to measure yield response to NVT. Aerial CIR photographs were obtained for each site at VT before N application. Significant grain yield responses to NPL and NVT were observed. Economic optimum NVT rates ranged from 0 to 224 kg ha−1 with a mean of 104 kg ha−1. Better prediction of economic optimum NVT rates was obtained with spectral band combinations rather than individual bands, and improved when calculated relative to high‐N reference strips measured at VT. The best predictor of economic optimum NVT (R
2 = 0.67) was a linear‐plateau model based on corn color and NIR radiance expressed using the Green Difference Vegetation Index (GDVI) relative to high‐N reference strips (Relative GDVI, RGDVI).
Rye Cover Crop Management for Corn Production in the Northern Mid‐Atlantic Region
Authors: Duiker Sjoerd W. , Curran William S.
Published: September 2005

A late‐killed rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop has many environmental benefits. However, rye can reduce following corn (Zea mays L.) yield and compromise pre‐emergence herbicide activity. Our hypotheses were (i) rye reduces corn yields, especially if killed at late‐boot stage; (ii) in‐row tillage helps alleviate yield reductions; and (iii) postemergence weed control will be more effective than pre‐emergence weed control in the presence of rye mulch. Corn was planted 7 to 10 d after rye was killed at early‐ and late‐boot stage with no‐till or zone‐till. A no‐rye control was included for comparison. Herbicide programs included half rate of pre‐emergence herbicide, full rate of pre‐emergence herbicide, and a postemergence herbicide. Rye biomass, soil bulk density, corn yield and population, and weed biomass were determined. Average rye biomass was 1400 kg ha−1 dry matter (DM) at early‐boot stage and 4200 kg ha−1 DM at late‐boot stage. In 2001, bulk density was reduced 0.08 Mg m−3 in the 0‐ to10‐cm depth in the late‐killed rye plots compared with no rye or early killed rye. Rye never reduced no‐till corn yields. Allelopathic effects of rye on corn were absent, calling for a better understanding of its underlying principles. Zone‐till did not improve corn yields. Good weed control resulted from all herbicide programs due to low weed severity. The results suggest that rye cover crops will not reduce corn yields if rye is killed 7 to 10 d before corn planting and if adequate N is applied.
Slope Position, Nitrogen Fertilizer, and Fungicide Effects on Diseases and Productivity of Wheat on a Hummocky Landscape
Authors: Kutcher H. R. , Malhi S. S. , Gill K. S.
Published: September 2005

Precision agriculture technology allows growers to selectively apply inputs to different management units within a single field. A 4‐yr study consisting of a split‐split block experiment was conducted in the northern prairies to determine the effects of foliar fungicide (FU) and N fertilizer application to slope (SL) position based management units across a hummocky landscape on leaf spot and root diseases, biomass and seed yield, and seed quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Fertilizer rates (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg N ha−1) were applied in strips across two SL positions (upper and lower) as main plots with FU application (treated and untreated) as subplots. Leaf spot diseases were consistently more severe on the upper than lower SL and reduced by FU treatment but varied inconsistently with changes in N rate. Biomass and seed yield in the two dry years were greater on the lower than upper SL. They were increased by FU treatment in 3 of 4 yr and N rate in 1 yr. Thousand‐kernel weight (TKW) and grain test weight (TW) were usually greater on the upper than lower SL, and TKW was increased by FU application in 2 yr. Protein content usually increased with increasing N rate, but the effect of SL and FU varied among years. The paucity of interactions among treatment factors indicated that selective application of FU and N fertilizer to SL position based management units for improvement of yield and seed quality was not warranted.
Corn Growth and Yield Response to Subsurface Drain Spacing on Clermont Silt Loam Soil
Authors: Kladivko E. J. , Willoughby G. L. , Santini J. B.
Published: September 2005

Subsurface drainage is an important water management practice on naturally poorly drained soils, and recommendations for appropriate drain spacings for particular soils continue to evolve. The objective of this long‐term study was to measure corn (Zea mays L.) growth and yield as affected by subsurface drain spacing on a soil that was traditionally not tile drained. Three drain spacings (5, 10, and 20 m) were compared with a nondrained “control” (40 m) for plant population, grain yield, and moisture content over a 10‐yr period on a low‐organic‐matter silt loam soil. In addition, corn populations, heights at 4 and 8 wk, yield, and moisture were measured with distance from the drain for the 5‐, 10‐, and 20‐m spacings. Significant distance effects occurred more frequently for the 20‐m spacing than for the 10‐ and 5‐m spacings, especially for grain yield and moisture. The 10‐yr average corn yields were 9.8, 9.7, 9.5, and 9.2 Mg ha−1 for the 5‐, 10‐, and 20‐m plots and the nondrained control plots, respectively. Grain yield was 1.3 to 1.7 Mg ha−1 lower in the nondrained control than in the 5‐m spacing in 3 of the 10 yr and was likely due to both planting date delays and wetter soil conditions after planting. The smaller‐than‐expected yield differences among treatments may reflect the excellent surface drainage in this field as well as optimal planting dates in 7 of the 10 years. The results demonstrate that drainage improvements are a long‐term investment and may not provide yield benefit in every year.
Geruch und Empfindung: eine molekulare Logik der olfaktorischen Wahrnehmung (Nobel‐Vortrag)
Authors: Axel Richard
Published: September 2005

Den richtigen Riecher hatten die Autoren bei ihren Annahmen über Geruchsrezeptoren. Rund 20 Jahre nach dem Beginn ihrer bahnbrechenden Untersuchungen über die Abläufe in Nase und Gehirn bei der Geruchswahrnehmung wurde ihnen 2004 der Nobelpreis für Medizin oder Physiologie verliehen. Das Bild zeigt schematisch die Codierung unterschiedlicher Gerüche in Riechepithel (OE) und Riechhirn (OB).
Titelbild: Real‐Time Observation of Ionization‐Induced Hydrophobic→Hydrophilic Switching (Angew. Chem. 38/2005)
Authors: Ishiuchi Shun‐ichi , Sakai Makoto , Tsuchida Yuji , Takeda Akihiro , Kawashima Yasutake , Fujii Masaaki , Dopfer Otto , Müller‐Dethlefs Klaus
Published: September 2005

Das intermolekulare Bindungsverhalten des Argonatoms in einem Phenol⋅⋅⋅Ar‐Dimer wurde durch zeitaufgelöste UV‐UV(Pump)‐IR(Probe)‐Ionisations‐Depletions‐Spektroskopie auf der 10‐ps‐Zeitskala untersucht. Das Titelbild zeigt den dynamischen Prozess, bei dem sich das anfänglich π‐gebundene Ar‐Atom an eine hydrophile Wasserstoffbrückenposition verschiebt. Eine detaillierte Beschreibung liefert die Zuschrift von M. Fujii, K. Müller‐Dethlefs und Mitarbeitern auf S. 6305 ff.
Mapping the Chinese Science Citation Database in terms of aggregated journal–journal citation relations
Authors: Leydesdorff Loet , Bihui Jin
Published: September 2005

Methods developed for mapping the journal structure contained in aggregated journal–journal citations in the Science Citation Index (SCI; Thomson ISI, 2002) are applied to the Chinese Science Citation Database of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This database covered 991 journals in 2001, of which only 37 originally had English titles; only 31 of which were covered by the SCI. Using factor‐analytical and graph‐analytical techniques, the authors show that the journal relations are dually structured. The main structure is the intellectual organization of the journals in journal groups (as in the international SCI), but the university‐based journals provide an institutional layer that orients this structure towards practical ends (e.g., agriculture). This mechanism of integration is further distinguished from the role of general science journals. The Chinese Science Citation Database thus exhibits the characteristics of “Mode 2” or transdisciplinary science in the production of scientific knowledge more than its Western counterpart does. The contexts of application lead to correlation among the components.
Randomized clinical trial of routine preoperative duplex imaging before varicose vein surgery (Br J Surg 2005; 92: 688–694)
Authors: Kent P
Published: September 2005

The Editors welcome topical correspondence from readers relating to articles published in the Journal. Responses can be sent electronically via the BJS website (http://www.bjs.co.uk) or by post. All letters will be reviewed and, if approved, appear on the website. A selection of these will be edited and published in the Journal. Letters must be no more than 250 words in length. Letters submitted by post should be typed on A4-sized paper in double spacing and should be accompanied by a disk.
Adsorption of Amyloid β (1–40) Peptide at Phospholipid Monolayers
Authors: Maltseva Elena , Kerth Andreas , Blume Alfred , Möhwald Helmuth , Brezesinski Gerald
Published: September 2005

The folding of amyloid β (1–40) peptide into β‐sheet‐containing fibrils is thought to play a causative role in Alzheimer's disease. Because of its amphiphilic character, the peptide can interact with phospholipid membranes. Langmuir monolayers of negatively charged DPPS, DPPG, and DMPG, and also of zwitterionic DPPC and DMPC, have been used to study the influence of the peptide on the lipid packing and, vice versa, the influence of phospholipid monolayers on the peptide secondary structure by infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy and grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction. The peptide adsorbs at the air/water (buffer) interface, and also inserts into uncompressed phospholipid monolayers. When adsorbed at the interface, the peptide adopts a β‐sheet conformation, with the long axis of these β‐sheets oriented almost parallel to the surface. If the lipid exhibits a condensed monolayer phase, then compression of the complex monolayer with the inserted peptide leads to the squeezing out of the peptide at higher surface pressures (above 30 mN m−1). The peptide desorbs completely from zwitterionic monolayers and negatively charged DPPG and DPPS monolayers on buffer, but remains adsorbed in the β‐sheet conformation at negatively charged monolayers on water. This can be explained in terms of electrostatic interactions with the lipid head groups. It also remains adsorbed at, or penetrating into, disordered anionic monolayers on buffer. Additionally, the peptide does not influence the condensed monolayer structure at physiological pH and modest ionic strength.
Intramolecular Interactions in the Triplet Excited States of Benzophenone–Thymine Dyads
Authors: Belmadoui Noureddine , Encinas Susana , Climent Maria J. , Gil Salvador , Miranda Miguel A.
Published: September 2005

Time‐resolved and product studies on the synthesized dyads 1 and 2 have provided evidence that the benzophenone‐to‐thymine orientation strongly influences intramolecular photophysical and photochemical processes. The prevailing reaction mechanism has been established as a Paterno–Büchi cycloaddition to give oxetanes 3–6; however, the ability of benzophenone to achieve a formal hydrogen abstraction from the methyl group of thymidine has also been evidenced by the formation of photoproducts 7 and 8. These processes have been observed only in the case of the cisoid dyad 1. Adiabatic photochemical cycloreversion of the oxetane ring is achieved upon direct photolysis to give the starting dyad 1 in its excited triplet state. The photobiological implications of the above results are discussed with respect to benzophenone‐photosensitized damage of thymidine.
Intramolecular Energy Transfer in Pyrene–Bodipy Molecular Dyads and Triads
Authors: Ziessel Raymond , Goze Christine , Ulrich Gilles , Césario Michèle , Retailleau Pascal , Harriman Anthony , Rostron James P.
Published: September 2005

Molecules bearing a 4,4‐difluoro‐8‐(aryl)‐1,3,5,7‐tetramethyl‐2,6‐diethyl‐4‐bora‐3a,4a‐diaza‐s‐indacene (bodipy) core and 1‐pyrenyl‐1‐phenyl‐4‐(1‐ethynylpyrene), or 1‐phenyl‐4‐[1‐ethynyl‐(6‐ethynylpyrene)pyrene] units were constructed in a step‐by‐step procedure based on palladium(0)‐promoted cross‐coupling reactions with the required preconstructed modules. X‐ray structures of single crystals reveal a twisted arrangement of the two chromophores. In one case, an almost perfect orthogonal arrangement is found. These dyes are strongly luminescent in solution and display rich electrochemistry in which all redox processes of the bodipy and pyrene fragments are clearly resolved. The absorption spectra indicate that the bodipy and pyrene chromophores are spectrally isolated, thereby inducing a large “virtual” Stokes shift. The latter is realised by efficient transfer of intramolecular excitation energy by the Förster dipole–dipole mechanism. The rate of energy transfer depends on the structure of the dual‐dye system and decreases as the centre‐to‐centre separation increases. The energy transfer efficiency, however, exceeds 90 % in all cases. The linkage of two pyrene residues by an ethyne group leads to a decrease in the energy‐transfer efficiency, with the two polycycles acting as a single chromophore. The directly linked bodipy–pyrene dual dye binds to DNA and operates as an efficient solar concentrator when dispersed in plastic.
Consistent organization of glomeruli in the antennal lobes of related species of heliothine moths
Authors: Skiri Hanne Therese , Rø Helge , Berg Bente G. , Mustaparta Hanna
Published: September 2005

The glomeruli of the antennal lobes in insects reflect the organization of the olfactory system, which is important for species‐specific behaviors in response to insect‐ and plant‐produced odorants. We studied the antennal lobes of the polyphagous moth Helicoverpa armigera and the oligophagous H. assulta (Heliothinae; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae) in order to see whether there are any anatomical differences that might elucidate how information about odorants is analyzed. Three‐dimensional models of the antennal lobes were made, based on synaptic antibody staining combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy. These showed 65 glomeruli in each sex of H. armigera and 66 glomeruli in females of H. assulta. Sixty‐two of the glomeruli were identified in both sexes and species and were given the same numbers. The sex‐specific glomeruli included three macroglomerular units in H. armigera males, as well as three and four female‐specific glomeruli in H. armigera and H. assulta, respectively. The species specificity of H. assulta females also appeared by the particular large size of two ordinary glomeruli. The accumulating knowledge on how biologically relevant information is encoded in receptor and antennal lobe neurons in heliothines makes these moths particularly interesting for studying the functional organization of the glomeruli. The anatomical atlases of the antennal lobes, as presented here, are prerequisites for identifying glomeruli ascribed to particular functions across sexes and species. J. Comp. Neurol. 491:367–380, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stereological estimation of the number of neurons in the human amygdaloid complex
Authors: Schumann Cynthia Mills , Amaral David G.
Published: September 2005

Pathological changes in neuronal density in the amygdaloid complex have been associated with various neurological disorders. However, due to variable shrinkage during tissue processing, the only way to determine changes in neuron number unambiguously is to estimate absolute counts, rather than neuronal density. As the first stage in evaluating potential neuropathology of the amygdala in autism, the total number of neurons was estimated in the control human amygdaloid complex by using stereological sampling. The intact amygdaloid complex from one hemisphere of 10 brains was frozen and sectioned. One 100‐μm section was selected every 500 μm and stained by the standard Nissl method. The entire amygdaloid complex was outlined and then further partitioned into five reliably defined subdivisions: 1) the lateral nucleus, 2) the basal nucleus, 3) the accessory basal nucleus, 4) the central nucleus, and 5) the remaining nuclei (including anterior cortical, anterior amygdaloid area, periamygdaloid cortex, medial, posterior cortical, nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract, amygdalohippocampal area, and intercalated nuclei). The number of neurons was measured by using an optical fractionator with Stereoinvestigator software. The mean number of neurons (× 106) for each region was as follows: lateral nucleus 4.00, basal nucleus 3.24, accessory basal nucleus 1.28, central nucleus 0.36, remaining nuclei 3.33, and total amygdaloid complex 12.21. The stereological assessment of neuron number in the human amygdala provides an essential baseline for comparison of patient populations, such as autism, in which the amygdala may develop abnormally. To facilitate these types of analyses, this paper provides a detailed anatomical description of the methods used to define subdivisions of the human amygdaloid complex. J. Comp. Neurol. 491:320–329, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synaptic connections between pigment‐dispersing factor‐immunoreactive neurons and neurons in the pars lateralis of the blow fly Protophormia terraenovae
Authors: Hamanaka Yoshitaka , Yasuyama Kouji , Numata Hideharu , Shiga Sakiko
Published: September 2005

In females of the blow fly Protophormia terraenovae, neurons with cell bodies in the pars lateralis (PL) projecting to the retrocerebral complex (designated as PL neurons) are necessary for the induction of reproductive diapause under short‐day and low‐temperature conditions. In the present study, neural connections between PL neurons and pigment‐dispersing factor (PDF)‐immunoreactive neurons were examined via immunolight microscopy and immunoelectron microscopy combined with backfills through the cardiac‐recurrent nerve. Immunolight microscopy showed that fibers of PL neurons overlapped with PDF‐immunoreactive fibers in the dorsolateral region of the superior protocerebral neuropil. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that PDF‐immunoreactive fibers formed output synapses with fibers of PL neurons and unlabeled neurons in a region dorsoanteriorly located with respect to the calyx of the mushroom body. The distribution of synaptic connections between PDF‐immunoreactive fibers and the fibers of PL neurons was sparse. According to the projection patterns, PDF‐immunoreactive fibers with synaptic connections with PL neurons appeared to originate from PDF‐immunoreactive neurons with cell bodies at the base of the medulla of the optic lobe (medulla PDF neurons), which are putative circadian clock neurons in P. terraenovae. PDF immunoreactivity was restrictively detected in dense‐core vesicles but not in clear synaptic vesicles. The present results suggest that medulla PDF neurons convey time or photoperiodic information to PL neurons for diapause induction through direct synaptic connections. J. Comp. Neurol. 491:390–399, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Histochemical differences between motoneurons supplying multiply and singly innervated extraocular muscle fibers
Authors: Eberhorn Andreas C. , Ardeleanu Patricia , Büttner‐Ennever Jean A. , Horn Anja K.E.
Published: September 2005

The extraocular muscle fibers of vertebrates can be classified into two categories: singly innervated fibers (SIFs) and multiply innervated fibers (MIFs). In monkeys, the motoneurons of SIFs lie within the oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens nucleus, whereas the motoneurons of MIFs appear in separate subgroups in the periphery of the classical nuclei borders. In the present study, we investigated the histochemical properties of SIF and MIF motoneurons by using combined tract‐tracing and immunofluorescence techniques. In monkeys, SIF and MIF motoneurons of extraocular muscles were identified by tracer injections into the belly or the distal myotendinous junction of the medial or lateral rectus muscle. Alternatively, the motoneurons were identified by choline acetyltransferase immunostaining. These techniques were combined with the detection of histochemical markers for perineuronal nets, nonphosphorylated neurofilaments, parvalbumin, or cytochrome oxidase. The experiments revealed that the MIF motoneurons in the periphery of the motonuclei do not contain nonphosphorylated neurofilaments or parvalbumin and lack perineuronal nets. In contrast, SIF motoneurons express all markers at high intensity. Cytochrome oxidase immunostaining was found in both motoneuron populations. An additional population of motoneurons with “MIF properties” was identified within the boundaries of the abducens nucleus, which could represent the motoneurons innervating MIFs in the orbital layer of lateral rectus muscle. Our data provide evidence that SIF and MIF motoneurons, which can be correlated with twitch motoneurons and presumed non‐twitch motoneurons, differ in their histochemical properties. The absence of perineuronal nets, nonphosphorylated neurofilaments, and parvalbumin may help to identify the homologous MIF motoneurons in other species, including humans. J. Comp. Neurol. 491:352–366, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimation of system parameters applicable to waveform‐distorted signals within a framework of square‐law detection model
Authors: Norimatsu Seiji , Kamezawa Hiroyuki
Published: September 2005

The Q method and the modified Q method considering the waveform distortion have been proposed as methods of estimating the transmission performance based on the measured bit error rate (BER) in an optical fiber communication system. In these estimation methods, it is assumed that the noise after detection follows a Gaussian distribution. Since square‐law detection in the optical receiver is not considered, the estimation error is increased. Consequently, this paper proposes a method for estimation of the system parameters, considering the noise after optical square‐law detection and waveform distortion in the received signal. The system parameters for determining the BER are estimated in two steps. The transmission performance is estimated from the system parameters determined by the proposed estimation method, and its accuracy is examined. It is shown that the proposed method can estimate the transmission performance more accurately than the conventional estimation methods. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 89(1): 54–66, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20230
Performance evaluation of minimum S/N loss pulse compression filter with zero range sidelobe
Authors: Shinonaga Mitsuyoshi , Yajima Shinichi , Nishimoto Shinkichi
Published: September 2005

For pulse compression processing, a range sidelobe suppression method previously reported for the derivation of a pulse compression filter window function realizes a zero range sidelobe on the time constraint points and simultaneously minimizes the S/N loss corresponding to the signal loss. The present paper presents an evaluation by simulation of the pulse compression processing performance based on this design method. It is found that filter design by about fourfold oversampling is adequate and that characteristics better than those achieved by the conventional window function scheme can be obtained in terms of the peak sidelobe level, S/N loss, and compressed pulse width, indicating that the present design procedure is effective. The performance deterioration due to the Doppler shift is similar to that in the conventional method and thus is acceptable for practical purposes. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 89(1): 45–53, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20233
Sequence analysis of the protein kinase gene family in human testicular germ‐cell tumors of adolescents and adults
Authors: Bignell Graham , Smith Raffaella , Hunter Chris , Stephens Philip , Davies Helen , Greenman Chris , Teague Jon , Butler Adam , Edkins Sarah , Stevens Claire , O'Meara Sarah , Parker Adrian , Avis Tim , Barthorpe Syd , Brackenbury Lisa , Buck Gemma , Clements Jody , Cole Jennifer , Dicks Ed , Edwards Ken , Forbes Simon , Gorton Matthew , Gray Kristian , Halliday Kelly , Harrison Rachel , Hills Katy , Hinton Jonathon , Jones David , Kosmidou Vivienne , Laman Ross , Lugg Richard , Menzies Andrew , Perry Janet , Petty Robert , Raine Keiran , Shepherd Rebecca , Small Alexandra , Solomon Helen , Stephens Yvonne , Tofts Calli , Varian Jennifer , Webb Anthony , West Sofie , Widaa Sara , Yates Andy , Gillis Ad J. M. , Stoop Hans J. , van Gurp Ruud J. H. L. M. , Oosterhuis J. Wolter , Looijenga Leendert H. J. , Futreal P. Andrew , Wooster Richard , Stratton Michael R.
Published: September 2005

The protein kinase gene family is the most frequently mutated in human cancer. Previous work has documented activating mutations in the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase in testicular germ‐cell tumors (TGCT). To investigate further the potential role of mutated protein kinases in the development of TGCT and to characterize the prevalence and patterns of point mutations in these tumors, we have sequenced the coding exons and splice junctions of the annotated protein kinase family of 518 genes in a series of seven seminomas and six nonseminomas. Our results show a remarkably low mutation frequency, with only a single somatic point mutation, a K277E mutation in the STK10 gene, being identified in a total of more than 15 megabases of sequence analyzed. Sequencing of STK10 in an additional 40 TGCTs revealed no further mutations. Comparative genomic hybridization and LOH analysis using SNP arrays demonstrated that the 13 TGCTs mutationally screened through the 518 protein kinase genes were uniformly aneuploid with consistent chromosomal gains on 12p, 8q, 7, and X and losses on 13q, 18q, 11q, and 4q. Our results do not provide evidence for a mutated protein kinase implicated in the development of TGCT other than KIT. Moreover, they demonstrate that the general prevalence of point mutations in TGCT is low, in contrast to the high frequency of copy number changes. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Disruption of Smooth Pursuit Eye Movements in Cirrhosis: Relationship to Hepatic Encephalopathy and its Treatment *
Authors: Montagnese Sara , Gordon Harriet M. , Jackson Clive , Smith Justine , Tognella Patrizia , Jethwa Nutan , Sherratt Michael R. , Morgan Marsha Y.
Published: September 2005

Smooth pursuit eye movements (SPEM) are the conjugate movements used to track the smooth trajectory of small dots. Jerky or ‘saccadic’ ocular pursuit has been reported in patients with cirrhosis, but no formal assessment of SPEM has ever been undertaken. The aim of this study was to evaluate SPEM in patients with cirrhosis and varying degrees of hepatic encephalopathy. The patient population comprised 56 individuals (31 men, 25 women) of mean age 51.1 (range, 25–70) years, with biopsy-proven cirrhosis, classified, using clinical, electroencephalographic, and psychometric variables, as either neuropsychiatrically unimpaired or as having minimal or overt hepatic encephalopathy; patients were further categorized in relation to their treatment status. The reference population comprised 28 healthy volunteers (12 men, 16 women) of mean age 47.3 (range, 26–65) years. SPEM was assessed using an electro-oculographic technique. Visual inspection of the SPEM recordings showed clear disruption of smooth pursuit in the patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy, and more pronounced disruption, if not complete loss, of smooth pursuit in patients with overt hepatic encephalopathy. The differences observed in quantifiable SPEM indices between the healthy volunteers/unimpaired patients and those with overt hepatic encephalopathy were significant (

P

< .05).
In conclusion
, SPEM performance is impaired in patients with hepatic encephalopathy in parallel with the degree of neuropsychiatric disturbance: the pathophysiology of these changes is unknown, but retinal, extrapyramidal, and attentional abnormalities are likely to play a role. Treatment status confounds the classification of neuropsychiatric status and should be taken into account when categorizing these patients. (Hepatology 2005;42:772–781.)
Mechanisms of digoxin and digitoxin on the production of corticosterone in zona fasciculata‐reticularis cells of ovariectomized rats
Authors: Pu Hsiao‐Fung , Wang Shyi‐Wu , Tseng Chiung‐I , Huang Hsin‐Lei , Lin Chia‐Wen , Hsu Jong‐Ming , Chen Ming‐Jen , Chow Yung‐Chiong , Wang Paulus S.
Published: September 2005

Previous studies have indicated that digoxin (DG) inhibits testosterone production by rat testicular interstitial cells through both in vivo and in vitro experiments. DG and digitoxin (DT), but not ouabain, inhibit the progesterone, pregnenolone, and corticosterone secretion by rat granulosa cells, luteal cells, and zona fasciculata‐reticularis (ZFR) cells, respectively. However, the effect of DG and DT on the enzyme kinetics of cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), the protein expression of P450scc and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and mRNA expression of StAR are unclear. ZFR cells were prepared from adrenocortical tissues of ovariectomized rats, and then challenged with adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), 8‐Br‐cAMP, forskolin, A23187, cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP), trilostane, 25‐OH‐Cholesterol, progesterone, or deoxycorticosterone in the presence of DG, DT, or ouabain for 1 h. Enzyme kinetics of P450scc, protein expression of acute regulatory protein (StAR) and P450scc, and mRNA expression of StAR were investigated. DG and DT but not ouabain suppressed basal and other evoked‐corticosterone release significantly. DG and DT also inhibited pregnenolone production. The Vmax of the DG and DT group was the same as the control group, but the Km was higher in DG‐ and DT‐treated group than in control group. DT and ouabain significant suppressed mRNA expression of StAR. DG and DT had no effect on the P450scc and StAR protein expression at basal state, but diminished ACTH‐induced StAR protein expression to basal level. These results indicated that DG and DT have an inhibitory effect on corticosterone production via a Na+, K+‐ATPase‐independent mechanism by diminishing actions on cAMP‐, Ca2+‐pathway, competitive inhibition of P450scc enzyme and reduction of StAR mRNA expression. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Decline in titin content in rat skeletal muscle after denervation
Authors: Chen Sy‐Ping , Sheu Joen‐Rong , Lin Aming Chor‐Ming , Hsiao George , Fong Tsorng‐Harn
Published: September 2005

Titin, an elastic and giant myofibrillar protein, is responsible for generating passive tension and maintaining sarcomere structure in striated muscles. Several studies have reported attenuation of passive tension and disorganization of sarcomere in atrophic muscles, but the changes of titin have not been investigated after denervation. For this purpose, we used sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and immunofluorescent staining to examine titin in innervated and denervated tibialis anterior (TA) muscles of the rat. With increasing denervation time, we found a greater loss of titin than myosin heavy chain (MHC) and actin contents in atrophic TA muscle. The ratios of titin/MHC and titin/actin gradually decreased following denervation. In contrast, ratios of MHC/actin in the denervated groups showed no significant differences with the controls even at 56 days postdenervation. The ultrastructure of myofibrils also showed disturbed arrangements of myofilaments and a disorganized contractile apparatus in denervated muscle. Immunofluorescent staining displayed translocation of the titin epitope from the Z‐line to the I‐band, suggesting that the apparent cleavage of titin occurred near the Z‐line region during the atrophying process. Our study provides evidence that titin is more sensitive to degradation than MHC and actin after denervation. Moreover, the titin decline results in the loss of titin‐based sarcomeric integrity in atrophic muscle. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Surface‐modified hydroxyapatite linked by L‐lactic acid oligomer in the absence of catalyst
Authors: Qiu Xueyu , Chen Li , Hu Junli , Sun Jingru , Hong Zhongkui , Liu Aixue , Chen Xuesi , Jing Xiabin
Published: September 2005

A new surface modification method of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (n‐HA) by surface grafting reaction of L‐lactic acid oligomer with carboxyl terminal (LAc oligomer) in the absence of any catalyst was developed. The LAc oligomer with a certain molecular weight was directly synthesized by condensation of L‐lactic acid. Surface‐modified HA nanoparticles (p‐HA) were attested by Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, 31P MAS‐NMR, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that LAc oligomer could be grafted onto the n‐HA surface by forming a Ca carboxylate bond. The grafting amount of LAc oligomer was about 13.3 wt %. The p‐HA/PLLA composites showed good mechanical properties and uniform microstructure. The tensile strength and modulus of the p‐HA/PLLA composite containing 15 wt % of p‐HA were 68.7 MPa and 2.1 GPa, respectively, while those of the n‐HA/PLLA composites were 43 MPa and 1.6 GPa, respectively. The p‐HA/PLLA composites had better thermal stability than n‐HA/PLLA composites and neat PLLA had, as determined by isothermal TGA. The hydrolytic degradation behavior of the composites in phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4) was investigated. The p‐HA/PLLA composites lost their mechanical properties more slowly than did n‐HA/PLLA composites in PBS because of their reinforced adhesion between the HA filler and PLLA matrix. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 5177–5185, 2005