bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical trials of intracellular signal transductions inhibitors for breast cancer — a strategy to overcome endocrine resistance
Authors: Johnston S R D
Published: August 2005

Acquired resistance to endocrine therapy in breast cancer is associated with an increase in peptide growth factor signaling that results in cross-talk activation of the estrogen receptor (ER). Small molecule signal transduction inhibitors (STIs) can target components of these intracellular pathways, and may prove effective in anticancer therapy. However, early phase II clinical trials with various STIs as monotherapy in advanced breast cancer have shown only a modest level of efficacy for these intracellular inhibitors. Preclinical data suggest that combinations of tamoxifen with STIs may provide significantly greater growth inhibition than either therapy alone, and, furthermore, may delay the emergence of endocrine resistance. There are now several trials assessing the efficacy of combinations of small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as gefitinib and lapatinib, with either tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors both in the second-line, endocrine-resistant and first-line, hormone-sensitive setting. Similar trials continue with both farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) and mTOR antagonists, where there are strong preclinical data to suggest additive or synergistic effects for either of these agents in combination with endocrine therapies. Biomarker studies in the presurgical setting are also being utilized as an alternative approach to investigate whether combined endocrine/STI therapy is an effective clinical strategy. This article reviews some of the preclinical evidence supporting this strategy, together with the current status of clinical trials in this area.
Auriculo‐condylar syndrome is associated with highly variable ear and mandibular defects in multiple kindreds
Authors: Storm Andrea L. , Johnson Jason M. , Lammer Edward , Green Glenn E. , Cunniff Christopher
Published: August 2005

We report on 20 individuals in 4 kindreds with auriculo‐condylar syndrome (ACS), an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by congenital auricular clefts, mandibular condyle hypoplasia, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) abnormalities, micrognathia, microstomia, and a round facial appearance with prominent cheeks. Affected individuals have varying degrees of glossoptosis, respiratory distress, masticatory abnormalities, and malocclusion. Data from these families and those previously described suggest that this is a unique disorder with widely variable expression, including lack of obvious external anomalies in some individuals and severe ear malformations, condyle agenesis, and characteristic facial features in others. Early recognition of this condition should permit appropriate counseling and anticipatory guidance, including evaluation for reconstructive surgery and orthodontia and intervention for upper airway obstruction and sleep apnea. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DiGeorge anomaly in a patient with isochromosome 18p born to a diabetic mother
Authors: DeBerardinis Ralph J. , Medne Livija , Spinner Nancy B. , Zackai Elaine H.
Published: August 2005

The DiGeorge anomaly (DGA) is an etiologically heterogeneous developmental field defect in which cardiovascular malformations, hypocalcemia, thymic hypoplasia, and characteristic dysmorphisms are major clinical features. The 22q11.2 deletion is the most common single etiology of DGA, although a number of other chromosomal abnormalities and teratogens, including maternal diabetes, have been implicated as well. We present a patient, born to a diabetic mother, with interrupted aortic arch type B (IAA‐B), neonatal hypocalcemia, thymic hypoplasia, and dysmorphic features including microcephaly, thick, overfolded helices, and anteriorly‐placed anus. Cytogenetic studies showed the presence of a marker chromosome, identified by fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH) as an isochromosome 18p [i(18p)]. We did not detect a 22q11.2 deletion by FISH using a cosmid probe corresponding to locus D22S75. The patient is the first example of either DGA or IAA‐B in a patient with i(18p). We review the genetic abnormalities associated with DGA, and discuss the potential contributions of maternal diabetes and i(18p) in our patient. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of the articular cavity in the rat temporomandibular joint with special reference to the behavior of endothelial cells and macrophages
Authors: Suzuki Akiko , Nozawa‐Inoue Kayoko , Ikeda Nobuyuki , Amizuka Norio , Ono Kazuhiro , Takagi Ritsuo , Maeda Takeyasu
Published: August 2005

Previous developmental studies on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) have proposed several hypotheses on the formation of its articular cavity. However, detailed information is meager. The present study examined the formation process of the articular cavity in the rat TMJ by immunocytochemistry for CD31, RECA‐1, and ED1, which are useful cellular markers for endothelial cells and monocyte/macrophage lineages, respectively. The upper articular cavity formation had begun by embryonic day 21 (E21) and was completed at postnatal day 1 (P1) in advance of the lower cavitation; the latter took place from P1 to P3. The occurrence and distribution pattern of the CD31‐, RECA‐1‐, and ED1‐positive cells differed between the upper and lower articular cavity‐forming areas: the ED1‐positive cells exclusively occurred in the area of the prospective upper articular cavity prior to its formation, while no ED1‐positive cell appeared in the lower cavity‐forming area. In contrast, the CD31‐ and RECA‐1‐positive endothelial cells were restricted to the lower cavity‐forming area (never the prospective upper cavity) at E19 and diminished thereafter. Throughout the cavity formation, we failed to find any apoptotic cells in the cavity formation area, indicating no involvement of apoptosis in the cavity formation in TMJ. The present findings on the behaviors of endothelial cells and ED1‐positive cells show a possibility of different mechanism in the cavity formation between the upper and lower articular cavities in the rat TMJ. The appearance of ED1‐reactive cells and temporal vascularization may play crucial roles in the upper and lower articular cavity formation, respectively. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of enzyme‐aided pressing on anthocyanin yield and profiles in bilberry and blackcurrant juices
Authors: Buchert Johanna , Koponen Jani M , Suutarinen Marjaana , Mustranta Annikka , Lille Martina , Törrönen Riitta , Poutanen Kaisa
Published: August 2005

Bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) and blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum) were treated with extensive dosages of commercial cell wall degrading enzyme preparations, i.e. Econase CE, Pectinex Ultra SP‐L, Pectinex Smash, Pectinex BE 3‐L and Biopectinase CCM. The enzymes were dosed based on the polygalacturonase activity. The juice yield was improved in both berries as a result of the enzymatic treatment. The improvement was more pronounced with blackcurrants owing to their thicker cell walls. The impact of the enzymatic treatment on anthocyanins present in the juices was investigated using HPLC‐DAD. The enzyme preparations affected the contents and composition of anthocyanins in the juices. Pectinex Ultra SP‐L, Pectinex Smash, Pectinex BE 3‐L and Biopectinase CCM increased the total content of anthocyanins by 13–41% in the bilberry juices and by 18–29% in the blackcurrant juices. Econase CE, however, produced a dramatic decrease in the total anthocyanin content in the bilberry juice due to its enzyme profile, whereas no such effect was observed with the blackcurrant juice. All the enzyme mixtures tested produced a total or extensive loss of anthocyanidin galactosides in bilberry juice. Commercial enzyme preparations used in the production of berry juices can improve extraction of anthocyanins into the juice. However, they may effectively hydrolyse certain glycosides and thus affect the profile of extracted anthocyanins. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Postharvest response of ‘Brown Turkey’ figs (Ficus carica L.) to the inhibition of ethylene perception
Authors: Sozzi Gabriel O , Abraján‐Villaseñor Myrna A , Trinchero Gustavo D , Fraschina Adela A
Published: August 2005

The potential use of 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) alone or as a supplement to cold storage to delay the softening of ‘Brown Turkey’ figs (Ficus carica L.) was studied. Figs were treated with 0, 0.25, 0.5 or 5 µl l−1 1‐MCP at 25 °C for 8 h and stored at 20 °C until evaluated. Figs treated with 0.5 or 5 µl l−1 1‐MCP had higher ethylene production and respiration rates but slower softening than untreated fruit and those treated with 0.25 µl l−1 1‐MCP. Early‐harvested firm figs and late‐harvested soft figs were untreated or treated with 0.5 or 5 µl l−1 1‐MCP at 25 °C and stored at 0 °C for 19 days. Firm figs treated with 1‐MCP showed an early peak in ethylene synthesis, higher respiration rate and were firmer than control fruit. In contrast, soft figs did not respond to 1‐MCP except for a late increase in respiration rates of fruit treated with 5 µl l−1 1‐MCP. 1‐MCP appeared to have a relatively limited effect on slowing ripening of ‘Brown Turkey’ figs and its effect was influenced by ripening stage. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Field performance and nutritive value of a new forage sorghum variety ‘Pnina’ recently developed in Israel
Authors: Carmi Avner , Umiel Nakdimon , Hagiladi Amir , Yosef Edith , Ben‐Ghedalia Daniel , Miron Joshua
Published: August 2005

A new forage sorghum entitled Pnina was developed in Israel. Pnina, harvested at early milk (EM) and hard dough (HD) stages of maturity, was compared with commercial sorghum variety FS‐5 and a sorghum BMR/Sudan hybrid Nutriplus. Plants grew during summer and were irrigated with 190 mm water. Pnina was semi‐dwarf (1.35 m height) and absolutely resistant to lodging. The tall varieties FS‐5 and Nutriplus suffered at HD from high lodging. Pnina was more leafy than Nutriplus and FS‐5. The dry matter (DM) content of FS‐5 and Nutriplus were at EM below the level recommended for ensilage and elevated slightly at HD, whereas DM content of Pnina was higher. Crop yields of all varieties at HD were similar and ranged between 13.3 and 14.7 t ha−1 DM. Dry matter losses during ensilage and silage pH were similar in the three varieties at HD. In vitro DM digestibility of HD silages ranged between 62.5 and 67.1%. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content was higher in Pnina silages. Yields of digestible silage per hectare, were similar in the three varieties harvested at HD (8.4 to 8.8 t ha−1 DM); however, yield of digestible NDF per hectare was higher in Pnina. Data suggest that the new variety Pnina may have field advantage over the other varieties of this study. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Quality of dried white salted noodles affected by microbial transglutaminase
Authors: Wu Jianping , Corke Harold
Published: August 2005

To examine the potential application of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) in oriental noodle making, the effects of various MTGase addition levels on the rheological, textural and structural properties of noodles were investigated using good quality (‘Red Bicycle’) and poor quality (‘Sandow’) wheat flours. Addition of MTGase at 5–20 g kg−1 levels, but not at 1 g kg−1 level, to the two different wheat flours decreased rapid visco‐analyser (RVA) parameters of hot paste viscosity and final viscosity while increasing breakdown. For fresh white salted noodle dough sheets, the storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) increased significantly at 1 g kg−1 MTGase addition for both types of flour, but there was no clear trend with higher levels of MTGase. For dried white salted noodles, textural parameters (tensile force, hardness and gumminess) generally increased, cooking loss was little affected and the yield of the cooked noodle was significantly decreased by MTGase. Color was slightly adversely affected. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results indicated that physical properties of dry noodles were improved through the formation of cross‐links [ε‐(γ‐glutamyl)lysine] by MTGase. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Integrated control of postharvest diseases of pear fruits using antagonistic yeasts in combination with ammonium molybdate
Authors: Wan Yakun , Tian Shiping
Published: August 2005

The effect of ammonium molybdate (NH4Mo) as an additive to improve biocontrol efficacy of antagonistic yeasts Rhodotorula glutinis and Trichosporon sp. against blue mold and Alternaria rot of pear fruits caused by Penicillium expansum and Alternaria alternata, respectively, was evaluated. Biocontrol activity of R. glutinis was enhanced in combination with NH4Mo, whereas the efficacy of Trichosporon sp. was not improved. Combining R. glutinis with 1 mmol l−1 NH4Mo provided a more effective control on P. expansum and A. alternata than applying the yeast or NH4Mo alone. Addition of 1 mmol l−1 NH4Mo significantly affected the growth of R. glutinis and Trichosporon sp. in nutrient yeast dextrose broth medium, but did not affect the growth of R. glutinis and Trichosporon sp. in pear wounds. Thus, it appears that the use of NH4Mo is a useful approach to improve the efficacy of R. glutinis for postharvest disease control. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Improved Pharmacokinetics Properties for Catalase by Site‐Specific Glycosidation with Aminated Dextran
Authors: Pérez Yunel , Valdivia Aymara , Ramírez Hector L. , Villalonga Reynaldo
Published: August 2005

Summary: Catalase was chemically modified with an end‐group aminated dextran derivative via a carbodiimide catalyzed reaction. The enzymatic activity of catalase was increased after glycosidation with 4 mol of polymer. This modification improved the pharmacokinetic behavior of catalase, increasing by 7.8‐ and 20‐fold the plasma half‐life times for the α and β phases, and reducing by 176‐fold the total clearance after intravenous administration in rats.

Schematic of the catalase dextran conjugate synthesized here.

image

Schematic of the catalase dextran conjugate synthesized here.
Cover Picture: Macromol. Rapid Commun. 16/2005
Authors: Krajnc Peter , Štefanec Dejan , Pulko Irena
Published: August 2005

Cover: Monolithic porous poly(acrylic acid) crosslinked with N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide was prepared by using an oil‐in‐water high internal phase emulsion as a precursor. The SEM image reveals the open cellular structure characteristic for Poly‐(HIPE)s. The size of voids and pores can be controlled by using various initiators. Further details can be found in the Communication by P. Krajnc,* D. Štefanec, and I. Pulko on page 1289.
Substantia nigra hyperechogenicity as a marker of predisposition and slower progression in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Schweitzer Katherine J. , Hilker Rüdiger , Walter Uwe , Burghaus Lothar , Berg Daniela
Published: August 2005

Increased echogenic size (hyperechogenicity) of the substantia nigra (SN) is a characteristic transcranial sonography finding in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The SN echogenic size does not change in the course of the disease. In order to see whether this stable ultrasound marker may give any implications for the rate of PD progression, we sonographically investigated 16 PD patients in whom the rate of progression had been determined by serial 18‐fluorodopa positron emission tomography over a follow‐up period of 65.7 ± 26.7 months. We found a significant negative correlation between the right‐to‐left averaged SN echogenic size and the rate of disease progression in the caudate nucleus and in the putamen. There was a tendency towards a younger age at symptom onset in patients with SN hyperechogenicity. It may therefore be hypothesized that a differing influence of factors determining SN echogenicity early in life and impairing forces occurring later in life may account for different pathogenetic subgroups of idiopathic PD. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
An assessment of the accuracy of methods for predicting hydrogen positions in protein structures
Authors: Forrest Lucy R. , Honig Barry
Published: August 2005

The addition of hydrogen atoms to models or experimental structures of proteins that contain only non‐hydrogen atoms is a common step in crystallographic structure refinement, in theoretical studies of proteins, and in protein structure prediction. Accurate prediction of the hydrogen positions is essential, since they constitute around half of the atoms in proteins and hence contribute significantly to their energetics. Many computational tools exist for predicting hydrogen positions, although to date no quantitative comparison has been made of their accuracy or efficiency. Here we take advantage of the recent increase in ultra‐high‐resolution X‐ray crystal structures (< 0.9 Å resolution), as well as of a number of relatively high‐resolution neutron diffraction structures (< 1.8 Å resolution), to compare the quality of the predictions generated by a large set of commonly used methods. These include CHARMM, CNS, GROMACS, MCCE, MolProbity, WHAT IF, and X‐PLOR. The hydrogen atoms that lack a rotational degree of freedom are mostly, but not always, accurately predicted. For hydrogens with a rotational degree of freedom, all the methods give much less accurate predictions. The predictions for the hydroxyl hydrogens are analyzed in detail, particularly those buried within the protein, and some explanation is provided for the errors observed. The results provide a means to make informed decisions regarding the choice and implementation of methodologies for placing hydrogens on structures of proteins. They also point to shortcomings in current force fields and suggest the need for improved descriptions of hydrogen bonding energetics. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Follicle stimulating hormone as a predictor of ovarian response in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF
Authors: Ashrafi M. , Madani T. , Tehranian A. Seirafi , Malekzadeh F.
Published: August 2005

Objective: To evaluate the effect of basal follicle stimulating hormone (FHS) level on ovarian response in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization. Methods: A descriptive and analytic study of 212 cycles of IVF chosen from about 2200 files of women treated at Royan Institute, Tehran, Iran, from 1991 to 1999. Treatment was started with intranasal or subcutaneous buserlin (0.5 cm3), on day 21 (long protocol). On day 2 of the next cycle, stimulation with human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) was initiated. When the number and size of follicles were suitable, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was given intramuscularly for ovulation induction, followed by oocyte retrieval 36 to 40 h later. Embryos were transferred about 48 to 72 h after oocyte retrieval. The women were assigned to 2 groups on the basis of day 3 serum FSH levels (≥ 15 IU/mL, group 1 and < 15 IU/mL, group 2). Results: There were statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in number of follicles, number of oocytes retrieved and embryos transferred (lower in group 1), and level of serum luteinizing hormone and number of canceled cycles (higher in group 1). There were no statistical differences in number of ampoules of hMG used or age of patients. Conclusion: Day‐3 serum FSH level was a predictor of ovarian response and IVF outcome in this study.
Another Look at the Great Area-Coverage Controversy of the 1950's
Authors: Blanchard Walter
Published: August 2005

In the immediate aftermath of WW2 there sprang up an international argument over the relative merits for aerial navigation of area-coverage radio navaids versus point-source systems. The United States was in favour of point-source whereas the UK proposed area-coverage, systems for which had successfully been demonstrated under very adverse conditions during the war. It rumbled on for many years, not being finally settled until the ICAO Montreal Conference of 1959 decided for point-source. Since then, VOR/DME/ADF/ILS have been the standard aviation radio navaids and there seems little likelihood of any change in the near future, GNSS notwithstanding, if one discounts the phasing-out of ADF. It now seems sufficiently in the past to perhaps allow a dispassionate evaluation of the technical arguments used at the time–the political ones can be left to another place and time.
The Effect of Helicopter Rotors on GPS Signal Reception
Authors: Brodin Gary , Cooper John , Walsh David , Stevens Jeff
Published: August 2005

This paper presents the results of an experiment to investigate the impact of helicopter rotor blades on GPS signal reception. An offshore transport helicopter was equipped with a measurement system including a TSO-C129 compliant receiver and a custom research receiver. GPS signals passing through rotor discs of this aircraft were found to suffer a reduction in received signal strength, leading to potential navigation and RAIM availability concerns. The phenomenon will vary between installations and receiver types. Test procedures to identify the occurrence of the phenomenon in operational GPS installations are presented, together with possible in-service monitoring programs to assess the impact on the navigation function.
Bacteria-free endoscopy rinse water – a realistic aim?
Authors: WILLIS C.
Published: August 2005

A number of outbreaks and pseudo-outbreaks have been associated with contaminated rinse water in endoscope washer-disinfectors. Health Technical Memorandum 2030 specifies that final rinse water should be ‘bacteria-free’. In this study, results of rinse-water testing from 20 endoscopy units were reviewed over a 4-month period. Over 60% of samples were of an unsatisfactory quality (i.e. not bacteria-free) and none of the endoscopy units consistently achieved sterile water throughout the study period. Poor microbiology results caused anxiety to endoscopy staff and infection control teams who had to decide whether or not to take washer-disinfectors out of use, possibly resulting in delays to medical procedures. There was no common policy on how to react to poor results, with staff at each unit developing their own action levels. Here, it is suggested that future guidelines would be of more practical use if they specified a series of action levels of increasing severity based on the bacterial count in a water sample.
Ozone depletion during the solar proton events of October/November 2003 as seen by SCIAMACHY
Authors: Rohen G. , von Savigny C. , Sinnhuber M. , Llewellyn E. J. , Kaiser J. W. , Jackman C. H. , Kallenrode M.‐B. , Schröter J. , Eichmann K.‐U. , Bovensmann H. , Burrows J. P.
Published: August 2005

We use atmospheric ozone density profiles between 35 and 65 km altitude derived from SCIAMACHY limb measurements to quantify the ozone changes caused by the solar proton events from 26 October to 6 November 2003, known as the “Halloween storm.” Detailed maps and daily resolved time series up to 5 weeks after the first event are compared with the results from a chemistry, transport, and photolysis model of the middle atmosphere that includes NOx and HOx production due to energetic particle precipitation. The general features of the ozone loss are captured by the model fairly well. A strong ozone depletion of more than 50% even deep into the stratosphere is observed at high geomagnetic latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, whereas the observed ozone depletion in the more sunlit Southern Hemisphere is much weaker. Reasons for these interhemispheric differences are given. Two regimes can be distinguished, one above about 50 km dominated by HOx (H, OH, HO2) driven ozone loss, one below about 50 km, dominated by NOx (NO, NO2) driven ozone loss. The regimes display a different temporal evolution of ozone depletion and recovery. We observe for the first time an establishment of two contemporaneous maxima of ozone depletion at different altitudes, which solely can be explained by these regimes.
Fingerprints of climate change in North Pacific oxygen
Authors: Deutsch Curtis , Emerson Steven , Thompson LuAnne
Published: August 2005

Oxygen gas dissolved in seawater has been studied as a tracer of physical and biological processes in the ocean for nearly half a century. Analysis of historical oxygen data has revealed widespread changes in subsurface oxygen concentrations over the past few decades, providing important constraints on the impact of late 20th century climate change on the circulation and biological productivity of the ocean. We report results from a hind cast ocean circulation/biogeochemical model that reproduces the spatial patterns of observed subsurface O2 variability in the North Pacific, where inferred O2 trends are strongest. We find that decadal North Pacific O2 variations in the lower ventilated thermocline primarily reflect changes in the basin's large‐scale circulation. A southward expansion of the model subtropical gyre explains the observed subtropical O2 increase from the 1980s to the 1990s, while the simultaneous O2 decreases seen throughout the midlatitude Pacific are driven largely by reduced communication between the atmosphere and the ocean interior. Similar O2 decreases are pervasive among mid‐ and high‐latitude water masses, but further research is needed to determine whether these changes reflect a global response to 20th century climate change.
The small chemical vacuolin‐1 alters the morphology of lysosomes without inhibiting Ca2+‐regulated exocytosis
Authors: Huynh Chau , Andrews Norma W
Published: August 2005

Ca2+‐regulated exocytosis of lysosomes was previously shown to be required for the repair of plasma membrane wounds. The small chemical vacuolin‐1 alters the morphology of lysosomes without affecting the ability of cells to reseal their plasma membrane after injury. On the basis of a failure to detect Ca2+‐triggered lysosomal exocytosis in vacuolin‐1‐treated cells, a recent study proposed that lysosomes are dispensable for resealing. Here, we show that vacuolin‐1, despite altering lysosome morphology, does not inhibit the exocytosis of lysosomes induced by exposure to a Ca2+ ionophore, or by plasma membrane wounding. Thus, lysosomes cannot be excluded as agents of membrane repair in vacuolin‐1‐treated cells.
Transcriptional activation by bidirectional RNA polymerase II elongation over a silent promoter
Authors: Leupin Olivier , Attanasio Catia , Marguerat Samuel , Tapernoux Myriam , Antonarakis Stylianos E , Conrad Bernard
Published: August 2005

Transcriptional interference denotes negative cis effects between promoters. Here, we show that promoters can also interact positively. Bidirectional RNA polymerase II (Pol II) elongation over the silent human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)‐K18 promoter (representative of 2.5 × 103 similar promoters genomewide) activates transcription. In tandem constructs, an upstream promoter activates HERV‐K18 transcription. This is abolished by inversion of the upstream promoter, or by insertion of a poly(A) signal between the promoters; transcription is restored by poly(A) signal mutants. TATA‐box mutants in the upstream promoter reduce HERV‐K18 transcription. Experiments with the same promoters in a convergent orientation produce similar effects. A small promoter deletion partially restores HERV‐K18 activity, consistent with activation resulting from repressor repulsion by the elongating Pol II. Transcriptional elongation over this class of intragenic promoters will generate co‐regulated sense–antisense transcripts, or, alternatively initiating transcripts, thus expanding the diversity and complexity of the human transcriptome.
Ab initio calculation of (2+1) resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization spectra and lifetimes of the (D,3)Σ−2 states of OH and OD
Authors: van der Loo Mark P. J. , Groenenboom Gerrit C.
Published: August 2005

High-level ab initio potential-energy curves and transition dipole moments for the OH XΠ2, 2Π2, 1Σ−2, DΣ−2, 3Σ−2, AΣ+2, BΣ+2, 1Δ2, 1Σ−4, and 1Π4 states are computed. The results are used to estimate the (2+1) resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization spectrum for the (D,3)Σ−2(υ′)←2hνXΠ2(υ″) transitions, which are compared with experiments by Greenslade et al. [see M. E. Greenslade, M. I. Lester, D. C. Radenovic, J. A. van Roij, and D. H. Parker, J. Chem. Phys. 123, 074309 (2005), preceeding paper]. We use the discrete variable representation-absorbing boundary condition method to incorporate the effect of the dissociative intermediate 1Σ−2 state. We obtain qualitative agreement with experiment for the line strengths. Radiative and predissociative decay rates of the Rydberg (D,3)Σ−2 states of OH and OD were computed, including spin-orbit coupling effects and the effect of spin-electronic and gyroscopic coupling. We show that the lifetime of the Rydberg Σ−2 states for rotationally cold molecules is limited mainly by predissociation caused by spin-orbit coupling.
Orthogonal fields: A path to long-range three-dimensional order in block copolymers
Authors: Zvelindovsky A. V. , Sevink G. J. A.
Published: August 2005

Large-scale computer simulations show that two orthogonal external fields can control the orientation of lamellar microdomains in diblock copolymers in three dimensions and lead to an enhanced long-range ordering.
Spin-orbit coupling in O2(υ)+O2 collisions: I. Electronic structure calculations on dimer states involving the XΣg−3, aΔg1, and bΣg+1 states of O2
Authors: Dayou Fabrice , Hernández Marta I. , Campos-Martínez José , Hernández-Lamoneda Ramón
Published: August 2005

The importance of vibrational-to-electronic (V-E) energy transfer mediated by spin-orbit coupling in the collisional removal of O2(XΣg−3,υ⩾26) by O2 has been reported in a recent communication [F. Dayou, J. Campos-Martínez, M. I. Hernández, and R. Hernández-Lamoneda, J. Chem. Phys. 120, 10355 (2004)]. The present work provides details on the electronic properties of the dimer (O2)2 relevant to the self-relaxation of O2(XΣg−3,υ⪢0) where V-E energy transfer involving the O2(aΔg1) and O2(bΣg+1) states is incorporated. Two-dimensional electronic structure calculations based on highly correlated ab initio methods have been carried out for the potential-energy and spin-orbit coupling surfaces associated with the ground singlet and two low-lying excited triplet states of the dimer dissociating into O2(XΣg−3)+O2(XΣg−3), O2(aΔg1)+O2(XΣg−3), and O2(bΣg+1)+O2(XΣg−3). The resulting interaction potentials for the two excited triplet states display very similar features along the intermolecular separation, whereas differences arise with the ground singlet state for which the spin-exchange interaction produces a shorter equilibrium distance and higher binding energy. The vibrational dependence is qualitatively similar for the three studied interaction potentials. The spin-orbit coupling between the ground and second excited states is already nonzero in the O2+O2 dissociation limit and keeps its asymptotic value up to relatively short intermolecular separations, where the coupling increases for intramolecular distances close to the equilibrium of the isolated diatom. On the other hand, state mixing between the two excited triplet states leads to a noticeable collision-induced spin-orbit coupling between the ground and first excited states. The results are discussed in terms of specific features of the dimer electronic structure (including a simple four-electron model) and compared with existing theoretical and experimental data. This work gives theoretical insight into the origin of electronic energy-transfer mechanisms in O2+O2 collisions.
Controlled formation and size-selected deposition of indium nanoparticles from a microwave flow reactor on semiconductor surfaces
Authors: Hitzbleck Klemens , Wiggers Hartmut , Roth Paul
Published: August 2005

Indium nanoparticles were synthesized in a microwave flow reactor by thermal decomposition of trimethylindium. The particles were extracted from the gas phase by molecular beam sampling, deflected in an electric field, and deposited on a semiconductor surface. The size of the deposited particles was selected by adjusting the deflection voltage. The geometric standard deviation of the size-selected particles was found to be smaller than 10%. The deposition method is compatible with epitaxial growth methods and enhances their potentials with nanoparticle technology.
An efficient illumination system for liquid crystal displays incorporating an anisotropic hologram
Authors: Sánchez C. , Escuti M. J. , van Heesch C. , Bastiaansen C. W. M. , Broer D. J.
Published: August 2005

An anisotropic hologram is combined with an edge-lit planar waveguide to produce an improved liquid crystal display (LCD) backlight. A holographic-polymer dispersed liquid crystal material is exposed to a slanted one-dimensional interference pattern to produce an anisotropic Bragg transmission grating with strong diffraction for P-polarized light and very low diffraction for S-polarized light. While the hologram is recorded at a UV wavelength (351 nm), light at visible wavelengths propagating from the waveguide edge is redirected toward the normal direction. The emission is collimated, polarized, and unidirectional, effectively integrating several functions that are typically embodied in separate optical films in a conventional LCD.
Cell-specific deletion of glucosylceramide synthase in brain leads to severe neural defects after birth
Authors: Jennemann Richard , Sandhoff Roger , Wang Shijun , Kiss Eva , Gretz Norbert , Zuliani Cecilia , Martin-Villalba Ana , Jäger Richard , Schorle Hubert , Kenzelmann Marc , Bonrouhi Mahnaz , Wiegandt Herbert , Gröne Hermann-Josef
Published: August 2005

Sialic acid-containing glycosphingolipids, i.e., gangliosides, constitute a major component of neuronal cells and are thought to be essential for brain function. UDP-glucose:ceramide glucosyltransferase (Ugcg) catalyzes the initial step of glycosphingolipid (GSL) biosynthesis. To gain insight into the role of GSLs in brain development and function, a cell-specific disruption of Ugcg was performed as indicated by the absence of virtually all glucosylceramide-based GSLs. Shortly after birth, mice showed dysfunction of cerebellum and peripheral nerves, associated with structural defects. Axon branching of Purkinje cells was significantly reduced. In primary cultures of neurons, dendritic complexity was clearly diminished, and pruning occurred early. Myelin sheaths of peripheral nerves were broadened and focally severely disorganized. GSL deficiency also led to a down-regulation of gene expression sets involved in brain development and homeostasis. Mice died ≈3 weeks after birth. These results imply that GSLs are essential for brain maturation.
Molecular path control in zeolite membranes
Authors: Dubbeldam D. , Beerdsen E. , Calero S. , Smit B.
Published: August 2005

We report molecular simulations of diffusion in confinement showing a phenomenon that we denote as molecular path control (MPC); depending on loading, molecules follow a preferred pathway. MPC raises the important question to which extent the loading may affect the molecular trajectories in nanoporous materials. Through MPC one is able to manually adjust the ratio of the diffusivities through different types of pores, and as an application one can direct the flow of diffusing particles in membranes forward or sideward by simply adjusting the pressure, without the need for mechanical parts like valves. We show that the key ingredient of MPC is the anisotropic nature of the nanoporous material that results in a complex interplay between different diffusion paths as a function of loading. These paths may be controlled by changing the loading, either through a change in pressure or temperature.
Mystery
Authors: Crenshaw James L.
Published: August 2005

Although the Bible frequently depicts God as eminently knowable, it also zealously protects divine secrecy. The deus revelatus is at the same time deus absconditus. Recognition that all knowledge of God is partial derives from this intrinsic nature of deity: the more God discloses the more the divine essence hides. The author of Ecclesiastes exposes a view of an unknown creator, one who doles out favors without rhyme or reason and condemns humans to abysmal ignorance. The apocalypses of Fourth Esdras and Second Baruch reveal the agony generated by a mysterious God whose ways are beyond understanding.
Conclusion
Authors: Crenshaw James L.
Published: August 2005

The Bible lays itself open to charges of divine injustice in the way it treats election, divine zeal, and prolonged inaction while evil blossoms and bears fruit, the dark side of God, divine pathos, and monotheism. Theodicy was therefore inevitable, although profoundly problematic. Neither the abandoning of the quest through an atheistic viewpoint nor spreading the blame to many gods or a demon gave much solace. The effort to define God so that the problem of evil would vanish came at the expense of a viable concept of deity, for it postulates a weak, ignorant, and vulnerable God. Shifting the blame to humans heightened the mystery surrounding theodicy, even when entrusting them with a noble task of working to establish justice in the absence of divine success in that endeavor.
Theology in Stone
Authors: Kieckhefer Richard
Published: August 2005

Four questions can be asked appropriately about any church. First, what are its spatial dynamics and how do they promote the dynamism of worship? Second, what (if anything) is the centering focus that clarifies what is most important to worship? Third, what aesthetic impact is the building meant to promote? Fourth, in what way does the building convey a sense of symbolic resonance, linking the immediate experience of the worshiper with the broader experience of this community and of the Church through history? These matters are all approached differently in different traditions of church-building. A “classic sacramental church” uses longitudinal space to promote the kinetic dynamism of processions, has an altar as its centering focus, is designed to create a sense of interplay between the immanence of God and the transcendence of ordinary experience, and is rich in symbolic resonance. A “classic evangelical” church uses some form of auditorium space to promote the verbal dynamism of proclamation and response, has a pulpit as its centering focus, is designed as a dignified space for edification, and is economical in its symbolic resonance. A “modern communal” church juxtaposes a gathering space and a worship space so people may be formed as a community before acting as a worshiping community, takes the congregation itself as the focus of attention, is designed to promote a sense of hospitality, and tends toward moderation in symbolic resonance.
The Rapture in America
Authors: Frykholm Amy Johnson
Published: August 2005

Examines the history of the idea of the rapture in American Protestantism and argues that belief in the rapture, although it has fundamentalist origins, needs to be understood as a much broader social movement and a much more integrated part of American culture. Looks briefly at the apocalyptic context of American culture and then at the more specific history of rapture belief and dispensationalism in the United States. Argues that readers of the Left Behind series no longer see themselves as intimately connected to fundamentalist belief but instead seek to integrate the rapture into a broader religious context. Similarly, the texts of the novels themselves do not so much condemn and dismiss contemporary culture as they seek negotiation with it, particularly in the roles of technology, consumer culture, and gender in society. The formulation of evangelicalism represented in the books is a significant departure from previous religious apocalyptic fiction.
Networks of Readers, Networks of Meaning
Authors: Frykholm Amy Johnson
Published: August 2005

Argues that especially with religious fiction, reading cannot be understood as a private act but must be placed into a social context. Readers engage in reading Left Behind through a series of networks that contribute to the meaning they give the text. This chapter examines two contexts in which the reading of Left Behind occurs: the church “home” and the usually religiously divided family. Within these contexts, readers find that their beliefs and practices are contested by the dissent of other believers, by the disdain of clergy, and by family members who resist the Left Behind series’ call to faith. Readers use the books to build narratives of identity and belonging, but only in divided and complex contexts.
Making Prophecy Live
Authors: Frykholm Amy Johnson
Published: August 2005

Focuses on ways that readers use the texts to make prophecy—what they saw as biblical truth—come alive for them. Readers repeatedly report that the novels make difficult or obscure biblical texts, especially those in Revelation, come alive through mental pictures or visual images. Fiction opens up a road into truth because it frees the imagination to participate in the creation of truth. Readers vary greatly in how much fiction they allow into their making of the “truth,” but nearly all see fiction as a potential, but not absolute, vehicle of truth. Oddly, however, this securing of biblical truth through fiction is combined with an anxiety about individual salvation and whether or not the reader will be left behind. The story of the rapture provides readers with both tools and fears they use to construct religious meaning.
Employee Stock Ownership Plans and Company Stock
Authors: Baker August , Logue Dennis E. , Rader Jack S.
Published: August 2005

Employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) are a special form of defined contribution (DC) plan available to corporate sponsors in which the investments are not employee directed. There are essentially two types of ESOPs: ESOPs that borrow money to buy stock in the sponsoring employer, and ESOPs that do not borrow money. This chapter begins by describing ESOPs, then discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using company stock in a DC plan. It shows that the costs associated with using company stock are greater than many people realize — for plan participants and shareholders.
Evaluating Investment Performance
Authors: Baker August , Logue Dennis E. , Rader Jack S.
Published: August 2005

Pension plan sponsors, administrators, managers, trustees, and others must periodically evaluate the investment performance of the fund’s asset pool. Performance evaluation has several components: the alternative computations used in measuring returns, the correct ways to measure and adjust for risk, how benchmarks should be chosen or constructed, and attribution analysis — decomposing investment performance into the exposure of the fund to various market segments, the quality of the selection of assets, and the timing of movements of capital among asset classes. This chapter describes how each of these issues should be handled and what each contributes to understanding performance and decision-making.
Managing Pension Fund Risk
Authors: Baker August , Logue Dennis E. , Rader Jack S.
Published: August 2005

This chapter discusses the basics of risk management, the major risks a pension fund faces, and how these risks may be managed. The principles of hedging and return enhancement are explained, and the conditions under which they are sensible are examined. Effective techniques are presented for managing the three major types of risks that pension funds face: investment risks, surplus risk, and sponsor/plan risk.
More Than the “Integration” of Faith and Learning
Authors: Jacobsen Douglas , Jacobsen Rhonda Hustedt
Published: August 2005

An approach to Christian scholarship called “the integration of faith and learning” has been popular for several decades within evangelical Protestant academic circles. Originally developed by Arthur Holmes and Nicholas Wolterstorff, it has recently been championed in the larger academy by people like George Marsden. With roots in Reformed theology, it stresses the importance of articulating a Christian “worldview.” This approach has many strengths, but it is not the only way of defining Christian scholarship and other models need to be developed.
Scholarship and the Varieties of Christian Faith
Authors: Jacobsen Douglas , Jacobsen Rhonda Hustedt
Published: August 2005

Christian scholars live in a world rich with traditions of both faith and learning that shape the way they see the world and formulate their scholarly projects. Different traditions of faith (Anabaptist, Anglican, Catholic, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Wesleyan, etc.) and different spiritualities (as described by Richard J. Foster) will provoke different questions to pursue, different notions of where relevant information may be found, and different sentiments regarding which answers seem most satisfactory. Self-awareness about how particular religious and spiritual traditions have informed one’s own thinking is a necessary element in mature Christian scholarship.
Instinctive Response as a Tool for the Scholar
Authors: Bede Caroselli Susanna
Published: August 2005

The disciplinary focus of Caroselli’s essay is the visual arts and art history. She examines how two styles of scholarship, the “considered response” and the “instinctive response,” come into play in her own work. The essay focuses especially on the Italian Renaissance painting Christ on the Cross with Saints Vincent Ferrer, John the Baptist, Mark, and Antoninus.
Reason and Authority in the Middle Ages
Authors: Grant Edward
Published: August 2005

Scientific values embodied in Aristotle’s natural philosophy and the civic virtues embedded in his practical sciences (ethics and politics), were used to improve the quality of government in the 14th century by King Charles V of France. This was readily feasible because of the separation of church and state, the favorable attitude toward natural philosophy by medieval theologians, and the institutionalization of the study of Aristotle’s theoretical and practical sciences in the medieval universities, which relied heavily on reasoned argumentation and a rejection of arguments from authority, as exemplified by Nicole Oresme. The intellectual habits developed in this process shaped a “scientific temperament” that ushered in early modern science. In stark contrast, Islam was a theocracy with no separation of church and state. Natural philosophy was viewed as a potential threat to religious faith and was marginalized, leading eventually to a gradual deterioration in the study of the exact sciences, which had previously attained the highest level in the civilized world.
Introduction
Authors: Nord David Paul
Published: August 2005

This introductory chapter discusses the origins of religious publishing in America. Religious publishing can be traced back to 1815, through the efforts of missionary and religious tract societies to distribute the Bible and religious tracts. By the first half of the 19th century, scattered local societies had coalesced into national organizations, leading America into the modern era of mass publication and the systematic distribution of printed material. An overview of the chapters in this volume is presented.
How Readers Should Read
Authors: Nord David Paul
Published: August 2005

This chapter explores religious publishers’ understanding of readers and reading. Managers at the American Bible Society, American Tract Society, American Sunday School Union, and denominational publishing houses felt that they lived amidst a dangerous reading revolution. They viewed much of the publications of the commercial press as Devil’s fare, and vowed to defeat the Devil at his own game. To do this, they needed to produce tracts and books as cheaply as possible, and teach readers how to read them properly. To win their battle against secular print culture, religious publishers sought to reproduce the traditional texts of English nonconforming Protestantism, and the traditional reading habits of the New England Puritan family.