bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The song of the Brazilian population of Humpback Whale Megaptera novaeangliae, in the year 2000: individual song variations and possible implications
Authors: Arraut Eduardo M. , Vielliard Jacques M.E.
Published: April 2005

The song of the Brazilian population of the Humpback Whale Megaptera novaeangliae was studied in its breeding and calving ground, the Abrolhos Bank, Bahia, Brazil, from July to November 2000. Aural and spectral analyses of digital recordings were completed for approximately 20 song cycles, totaling 5 hours of song from 10 different recording events. We identified 24 note types, organized in five themes. All songs presented the same themes and the order in which they were sung did not vary. We registered the appearance of a note type and the disappearance of a phrase ending, which indicate that the song changed as the season progressed. Moreover, we detected individual variation in the way singers performed certain complex note types. As songs are transmitted culturally, it is likely that singers have different abilities to compose and/or learn new notes. If, as it has been previously suggested, 'new' songs are preferred to 'old' ones, these more able singers will be sending out information about their learning abilities that could be used by other whales to decide whether or not to interact with them.
Compact and user-friendly ultrasound acquisition systems optimized for field recording
Authors: Specht Raimund
Published: April 2005

A compact and rugged hardware interface for laptop-based ultrasound recording in the field has been developed. The versatile devices overcome the limitations and drawbacks of previously available solutions. The accompanying recording software enables flexible hard disk recording for both manual and automated operation.
Natural sound archives: past, present and future
Authors: Ranft Richard
Published: April 2005

Recordings of wild animals were first made in the Palearctic in 1900, in the Nearctic in 1929, in Antarctica in 1934, in Asia in 1937, and in the Neotropics in the 1940s. However, systematic collecting did not begin until the 1950s. Collections of animal sound recordings serve many uses in education, entertainment, science and nature conservation. In recent years, technological developments have transformed the ways in which sounds can be sampled, stored and accessed. Now the largest collections between them hold altogether around 0.5 million recordings with their associated data. The functioning of a major archive will be described with reference to the British Library Sound Archive. Preserving large collections for the long term is a primary concern in the digital age. While digitization and digital preservation has many advantages over analogue methods, the rate of technology change and lack of standardization are a serious problem for theworld's major audio archives. Another challenge is to make collections more easily and widely accessible via electronic networks. On-line catalogues and access to the actual sounds via the internet are already available for some collections. Case studies describing the establishment and functioning of sound libraries inMexico, Colombia and Brazil are given in individually authored sections in an Appendix.
Plumbagin quantification in roots of Plumbago scandens L. obtained by different extraction techniques
Authors: Paiva Selma R. de , Lima Lucilene A. , Figueiredo Maria Raquel , Kaplan Maria Auxiliadora C.
Published: April 2005

The Plumbago genus belongs to the Plumbaginaceae family and it is known due to its variety of biological uses, most of them attributed to the presence of naphthoquinones. Plumbagin is a naturally occurring naphthoquinone that can be obtained from roots of Plumbago scandens L. In order to find out the better technique for plumbagin extraction, were applied: static maceration, dynamic maceration, with assistance of ultrasonic waves and in Soxhlet apparatus. Four compounds were qualitatively detected in all extracts: the naphthoquinones plumbagin and epi-isoshinanolone, palmitic acid and sitosterol. Plumbagin was always the major component in all analyzed extracts and it was quantitatively determined by gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometer. Soxhlet was the most efficient extraction technique however, prolonged heating time promoted plumbagin degradation.
Glycosynapses: microdomains controlling carbohydrate-dependent cell adhesion and signaling
Authors: Hakomori Senitiroh
Published: April 2005

The concept of microdomains in plasma membranes was developed over two decades, following observation of polarity of membrane based on clustering of specific membrane components. Microdomains involved in carbohydrate-dependent cell adhesion with concurrent signal transduction that affect cellular phenotype are termed "glycosynapse". Three types of glycosynapse have been distinguished: "type 1" having glycosphingolipid associated with signal transducers (small G-proteins, cSrc, Src family kinases) and proteolipids; "type 2" having O-linked mucin-type glycoprotein associated with Src family kinases; and "type 3" having N-linked integrin receptor complexed with tetraspanin and ganglioside. Different cell types are characterized by presence of specific types of glycosynapse or their combinations, whose adhesion induces signal transduction to either facilitate or inhibit signaling. E.g., signaling through type 3 glycosynapse inhibits cell motility and differentiation. Glycosynapses are distinct from classically-known microdomains termed "caveolae", "caveolar membrane", or more recently "lipid raft", which are not involved in carbohydrate-dependent cell adhesion. Type 1 and type 3 glycosynapses are resistant to cholesterol-binding reagents, whereas structure and function of "caveolar membrane" or "lipid raft" are disrupted by these reagents. Various data indicate a functional role of glycosynapses during differentiation, development, and oncogenic transformation.
Numbers for reducible cubic scrolls
Authors: Vainsencher Israel , Xavier Fernando
Published: April 2005

We show how to compute the number of reducible cubic scrolls of codimension 2 in (math blackboard symbol P)n incident to the appropriate number of linear spaces.
The southern Araçuaí belt and the Dom Silvério Group: geologic architecture and tectonic significance
Authors: Peres Guilherme G. , Alkimim Fernando F. , Jordt-Evangelista Hanna
Published: April 2005

The Araçuaí belt corresponds to the external portion of the western half of the Araçuaí-West Congo Neopro-terozoic orogen. TheAraçuaí belt fringes the São Francisco craton to east and is separated from the crystalline core of the orogen by the Abre Campo geophysical discontinuity. The southern Araçuaí belt involves four major lithologic units: the Archean and Paleoproterozoic gneisses of the Mantiqueira Complex, the Pedra Dourada Charnockite, the Paleoproterozoic Borrachudos Granitoid, and the metavolcanosedimentary rocks of the Dom Silvério Group. The Dom Silvério Group occurs in a NNE-SSW striking belt and consists of a thick package of metapelitic rocks with intercalations of quartzites, amphibolites, meta-ultramafics, banded iron formations, gondites and marbles. All units of the southern Araçuaí belt underwent four syn-metamorphic phases of deformation in the course of the Brasiliano event. The first phase, synchronous to a regional amphibolite facies metamorphism, was associated to a general tectonic transport towards north along the left-lateral Dom Silvério shear zone and its low angle segment. The second and third phases represent progressive stages of a west directed shortening, which led to the development of local thrusts and pervasive folds in several scales. The fourth phase is extensional and reflects the collapse of the orogen.
Facies analysis of the Codó Formation (Late Aptian) in the Grajaú Area, Southern São Luís-Grajaú Basin
Authors: Rossetti Dilce F. , Paz Jackson D.S. , Góes Ana M.
Published: April 2005

Facies descriptions of the Codó Formation in the Grajaú area are provided for the first time, and its sedimentary characteristics compared to those from the Codó area to allow paleoenvironmental reconstructions. Deposits in the Grajaú area include evaporites, limestones and argillites bearing features indicative of a shallow, low energy, subaqueous, saline environment exposed to meteoric and/or capillary conditions. Flooding-evaporative concentration-desiccation cycles suggest a saline pan complex surrounded by extensive evaporitic mudflats. The location of the system, whether coastal or inland, is a matter open for debate. However, the later hypothesis is favored considering: 1. Sr isotopic data, with values higher than those expected for Late Aptian marine waters; 2. calcitic composition of limestones (instead of dolomitic and/or magnesitic as expected in coastal settings); and 3. presence of continental ostracods and lack of marine fauna. This interpretation is consistent with that proposed for UpperAptian deposits of the Codó area, but the depositional system there was one dominated by more stable, well-stratified, anoxic waters and evaporite precipitation in central lacustrine areas, while in the Grajaú area the salt pan was more oxygenated and ephemeral, with salt precipitation mainly in marginal areas or along surrounding mudflats.
Invariants of germs of analytic differential equations in the complex plane
Authors: Câmara Leonardo M.
Published: April 2005

We study the classification of germs of differential equations in the complex plane giving a complete set of analytic invariants determining the analytic type of the underlying foliation. In particular we answer in affirmative a conjecture of S. Voronin, and generalize some previous results about dicritical singularities in a straightforward manner. Such problem has its origins in a conjecture proposed by R. Thom in the mid-1970s.
Screening for CLCN5 mutation in renal calcium stone formers patients
Authors: Rebelo Maria Alice P. , Tostes Vera , Araújo Nordeval C. , Martini Sabrina V. , Botelho Bruno F. , Guggino William B. , Morales Marcelo M.
Published: April 2005

Thirty-five patients (23 males and 12 females), age 35 ± 13 years old, presenting either idiopathic calcium nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis or mild renal failure with idiopathic calcium nephrolithiasis were selected for the analysis of low molecular weight proteinuria and the possible mutations occurrence in the chloride channel gene CLCN5. The urinary ratio of beta2-microglobulin and creatinine (beta2M/Cr) was very high in a transplanted woman with nephrocalcinosis (>3.23 mg/mmol) and slightly high in five patients (>0.052 or < 1.0 mg/mmol) with multiple urological manipulations. Other studied patients showed beta2M/Cr ratio at normal range (0.003-0.052 mg/mmol) without gender difference (p > 0.05). Mutation analysis of CLCN5 gene was performed in 26 patients of 35 selected (11 with idiopathic hypercalciuria; 6 men with normal calciuria; 3 with mild renal insufficiency and 6 with nephrocalcinosis) and was normal in all subjects even in those with abnormal molecular weight proteinuria. Conclusion: CLCN5 gene mutation is not a common cause of kidney stone disease or nephrocalcinosis in a group of Brazilian patients studied.
C- and Sr-isotope stratigraphy of the São Caetano complex, Northeastern Brazil: a contribution to the study of the Meso-Neoproterozoic seawater geochemistry
Authors: Silva Juan C. , Sial Alcides N. , Ferreira Valderez P. , Pimentel Márcio M.
Published: April 2005

C-isotope and 87Sr/86Sr values for five carbonate successions from the São Caetano Complex, northeastern Brazil, were used to constrain their depositional age and to determine large variations in the C- and Sr-isotopic composition of seawater under the framework of global tectonic events. Three C-isotope stages were identified from base to top in a composed chemostratigraphic section: (1) stage in which delta13C values vary from +2 to +3.7‰ PDB and average 3‰ PDB, (2) stage with delta13C values displaying stronger oscillations (from -2‰ to +‰ PDB), and (3) stage with an isotopic plateau with values around +3.7‰ PDB. Constant 87Sr/86Sr values (~ 0.70600) characterize C-isotope stage 1, whereas slightly fluctuating values (from 0.70600 to 0.70700) characterize C-isotope stage 2. Finally, 87Sr/86Sr values averaging 0.70600 characterize C-isotope stage 3. The C- and Sr- chemostratigraphic pathways permit to state: (a) the C- and Sr-isotope secular curves registered primary fluctuations of the isotope composition of seawater during late Mesoproterozoic- early Neoproterozoic transition in the Borborema Province, and (b) onset of the Cariris Velhos/Greenville cycle, widespread oceanic rifting, continental magmatic arc formation and onset of the agglutination of Rodinia supercontinent, mostly controlled the C- and Sr-isotope composition of seawater during the C-isotope stages 1, 2 and 3.
Partial Oxidation of Propane to Oxygenates in Dense CO2 Phase Using (VO)2P2O7 as Catalyst
Authors: Kerler B. , Martin A. , Baerns M.
Published: April 2005

The heterogeneously catalyzed, direct partial oxidation of propane to acrylic acid seems a promising alternative to the conventional two‐step synthesis using propene as starting material, yet until now, the industrial application of the direct oxidation of propane to its oxygenates has been limited by poor product yields. The objective of this work, therefore, was to investigate the application of (VO)2P2O7 catalysts for the oxidation of propane to acrylic acid in dense CO2 phase.
Kinetic Modeling of the Conversion of Complex Hydrocarbon Feedstocks by Acid Catalysts
Authors: Thybaut J.W. , Marin G.B.
Published: April 2005

Petroleum feedstocks in refinery processes are complex mixtures of various types of hydrocarbon species. Innumerable reactions occur between species of the same or a different nature. A detailed kinetic description accounting for all individual reactions with separate rate parameters is an insurmountable task and, hence, appropriate assumptions have to be made in order to come to a manageable kinetic model.
A New Pyridine‐2,6‐bis(oxazoline) for Efficient and Flexible Lanthanide‐Based Catalysts of Enantioselective Reactions with 3‐Alkenoyl‐2‐oxazolidinones
Authors: Desimoni Giovanni , Faita Giuseppe , Guala Matilde , Laurenti Anna , Mella Mariella
Published: April 2005

A new pyridine‐2,6‐bis(oxazoline) (4) has been easily synthesised from the reaction of (1S,2S)‐2‐amino‐1‐phenylpropane‐1,3‐diol (1) and dimethyl pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboximidate (2), followed by TIPS (TIPS=triisopropylsilyl) protection of the 4′‐CH2OH group. The catalysts derived from 4 and eight lanthanide(III) triflates have been tested over three reactions involving 3‐acryloyl‐ and 3‐crotonoyloxazolidinones (5 a,b): the Diels–Alder (DA) reaction with cyclopentadiene, the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition with diphenyl nitrone and the Mukaiyama–Michael reaction with 2‐trimethylsilyloxyfuran. Several reactions exhibit very good enantioselectivity (ee>90 %), and the opposite enantiomers can be easily obtained simply by changing the cation. This specific feature of the ligand can be appreciated in the DA reaction of 5 a, since the catalyst [ScIII(4)] gives the adduct (2′S)‐9 a with 99 % ee, whereas the catalyst [YIII(4)] gives the opposite enantiomer with 95 % ee. A rationale of the enantioselectivity is proposed on the basis of the NMR spectra of La‐based complexes involving 4 and 5 as ligands.
Versatile Glycoblotting Nanoparticles for High‐Throughput Protein Glycomics
Authors: Niikura Kenichi , Kamitani Ryosuke , Kurogochi Masaki , Uematsu Rie , Shinohara Yasuro , Nakagawa Hiroaki , Deguchi Kisaburo , Monde Kenji , Kondo Hirosato , Nishimura Shin‐Ichiro
Published: April 2005

We have developed an effective and practical trap‐and‐release method based on chemoselective ligation of carbohydrates with reactive aminooxyl groups attached to the surface of nanoparticles (referred to as glycoblotting nanoparticles). These glycoblotting nanoparticles were synthesized by UV irradiation of diacetylene‐functionalized lipids that contain the aminooxyl group. The glycoblotting nanoparticles captured carbohydrates in aqueous solution under mild conditions and were collected by simple centrifugation. The trapped carbohydrates were effectively released from the nanoparticles under acidic conditions to give pure oligosaccharides. This glycoblotting process reduced the time required for the purification process of carbohydrates to less than 6 h, compared to the several days needed for conventional chromatographic techniques. The oligosaccharides (N‐glycan) were released from ovalbumin (glycoprotein) by PNGase F after tryptic digestion. MALDI‐TOF mass spectra before purification did not show any significant signals corresponding to N‐glycans because these signals were hidden by the large signals of the abundant peptides. However, after purification with the glycoblotting nanoparticles, only signals corresponding to oligosaccharides appeared. We also demonstrated a clear analysis of the oligosaccharides contained in the mice dermis by means of glycoblotting.
Excitation‐Energy Migration in Self‐Assembled Cyclic Zinc(II)–Porphyrin Arrays: A Close Mimicry of a Natural Light‐Harvesting System
Authors: Hwang In‐Wook , Park Mira , Ahn Tae Kyu , Yoon Zin Seok , Ko Dah Mee , Kim Dongho , Ito Fuyuki , Ishibashi Yukihide , Khan Sazzadur R. , Nagasawa Yutaka , Miyasaka Hiroshi , Ikeda Chusaku , Takahashi Ryoichi , Ogawa Kazuya , Satake Akiharu , Kobuke Yoshiaki
Published: April 2005

The excitation‐energy‐hopping (EEH) times within two‐dimensional cyclic zinc(II)–porphyrin arrays 5 and 6, which were prepared by intermolecular coordination and ring‐closing metathesis reaction of olefins, were deduced by modeling the EEH process based on the anisotropy depolarization as well as the exciton–exciton annihilation dynamics. Assuming the number of energy‐hopping sites N=5 and 6, the two different experimental observables, that is, anisotropy depolarization and exciton–excition annihilation times, consistently give the EEH times of 8.0±0.5 and 5.3±0.6 ps through the 1,3‐phenylene linkages of 5 and 6, respectively. Accordingly, the self‐assembled cyclic porphyrin arrays have proven to be well‐defined two‐dimensional models for natural light‐harvesting complexes.
Synthesis of enantiopure phthalides including 3‐butylphthalide, a fragrance component of celery oil, and determination of their absolute configurations
Authors: Kosaka Masashi , Sekiguchi Satoshi , Naito Junpei , Uemura Makoto , Kuwahara Shunsuke , Watanabe Masataka , Harada Nobuyuki , Hiroi Kunio
Published: April 2005

Enantiopure phthalides 2 and 5–8 were synthesized via enantioresolution of the corresponding alcohols with a chiral auxiliary of camphorsultam dichlorophthalic acid, (1S,2R,4R)‐(−)‐CSDP acid 3, followed by solvolysis with KOH in MeOH and the catalytic oxidation of chiral glycols with iridium complex 28. The absolute configurations of phthalides 2 and 5–8 were determined by applying the 1H‐NMR anisotropy method of MαNP acid (4), 2‐methoxy‐2‐(1‐naphthyl)propionic acid, to the chiral synthetic precursory alcohols. In the case of 3‐phenylphthalide (R)‐(−)‐7, the absolute configuration determined by the 1H‐NMR anisotropy method using MαNP acid 4 agreed with that by the X‐ray crystallographic method. By applying these methods, 3‐butylphthalide (S)‐(−)‐2, a fragrance component of essential oil of celery, has been synthesized in an enantiopure form, and its absolute configuration was unambiguously determined. Chirality 17:218–232, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Management of suspicious or indeterminate calcifications and impact on local control
Authors: Lally Brian E. , Haffty Bruce G. , Moran Meena S. , Colasanto Joseph M. , Higgins Susan A.
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND

The current study was undertaken to determine the potential advantage associated with complete removal of suspicious or indeterminate calcifications (SIC) before the initiation of irradiation as part of breast conservation therapy (BCT).

METHODS

Of 2045 patients treated with BCT at Yale University School of Medicine (New Haven, Connecticut) and satellite facilities before 2002, 111 women, included 3 patients with bilateral disease, had a postexcision preirradiation mammogram (PREMAMMO) to evaluate residual SIC. Thus, 114 breasts were at risk for local disease recurrence. Seventy‐five breasts at risk had no residual SIC and proceeded to undergo radiotherapy (XRT) without further surgery or mammography. Of the remaining 39 breasts at risk, only 3 underwent a PREMAMMO with documented removal of all calcifications (DRC). Thirty‐six breasts at risk proceeded to XRT with either known SIC or with nondocumented removal of calcifications (NDRC) after another excision.

RESULTS

Of the 78 breasts at risk with DRC via PREMAMMO, there were 7 local failures (LF) and 1 distant failure. Of the 36 breasts with NDRC via PREMAMMO, there were 7 LF and 1 regional failure. Of the 34 breasts who underwent reexcision after detection of SIC by PREMAMMO, 20 (59%) were found to have residual disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with DRC were found to have better local control than patients with NDRC. In addition, the presence of SIC on a PREMAMMO was associated with a high probability of detecting residual disease. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Factors affecting bone mineral density in patients with prostate carcinoma before and after orchidectomy
Authors: Agarwal Mayank M. , Khandelwal Niranjan , Mandal Arup K. , Rana Satyawati V. , Gupta Vivek , Chandra Mohan Vaddi , Kishore Gottapu V. M. K.
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND

Orchidectomy is an accepted form of androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate carcinoma. Osteoporosis is common in elderly individuals and is accelerated by ADT. The authors studied changes in bone mineral density (BMD) after ADT and factors that affected those changes.

METHODS

Fifty patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma who opted to undergo orchidectomy were studied prospectively. All patients completed 6 months of follow‐up, and 20 of those patients completed 12 months of follow‐up. Patients' age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, addiction (smoking, alcohol), dietary calcium intake, and lactose tolerance status were noted. Lumbar spinal (L1–L3) trabecular BMD was measured with quantitative computed tomography (QCT) at baseline and every 6 months for 1 year and was compared with preoperative values. The effects of various patient characteristics on preoperative BMD and changes in BMD also were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of the patients was 69.5 ± 8.1 years, BMI was 23.5 ± 3.9 kg/m2, dietary calcium intake was 1066.1 ± 443.3 mg per day. Thirty‐eight percent of patients were lactose intolerant. Sixty‐two percent of patients were in the light weight‐bearing activity group. The mean ± SD preoperative BMD was 119.2 ± 34.9 mg/cc, with T‐scores of − 1.77 ± 1.22 and Z‐scores of 0.43 ± 1.27. A decrease in BMD during the first 6 months (≈ 13%) was statistically significant (P = 0.0001) and continued further during next 6 months (BMD loss of ≈ 18% at 12 months). Patients with osteoporosis, as defined by T‐scores ≤ − 2.5, increased from 24% at baseline to 48% at 6 months. Nonsmokers, nonalcoholics, patients with higher physical activity, and patients with a BMI > 25 kg/m2 had statistically significant higher BMD compared with their counterparts (P < 0.05). Body weight < 60 kg and BMI < 25 kg/m2 were significant risk factors for loss of BMD (P < 0.05). Dietary calcium had a discernible but statistically insignificant effect on BMD (P = 0.16). Lactose intolerance had no significant effect on BMD or bone loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Osteoporosis was common in the population affected by prostate carcinoma. Orchidectomy led to accelerated bone loss. Periodic measurement of BMD after ADT would help in the early detection of osteoporosis. Maintenance of high BMI, weight‐bearing physical activity, avoidance of alcohol and smoking, and possibly high dietary calcium intake help in maintaining bone mass. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Myosin heavy chain expression in zebrafish and slow muscle composition
Authors: Bryson‐Richardson R.J. , Daggett D.F. , Cortes F. , Neyt C. , Keenan D.G. , Currie P.D.
Published: April 2005

In the zebrafish embryo, two distinct classes of muscle fibers have been described in the forming myotome that arise from topographically separable precursor populations. Based entirely on cross‐reactivity with antibodies raised against mammalian and chick myosin heavy chain isoforms slow twitch muscle has been shown to arise exclusively from “adaxial” myoblasts, which migrate from their origin flanking the notochord to form a single layer of subcutaneous differentiated muscle cells. The remainder of the myotome differentiates behind this migration as muscle fibers recognized by anti‐fast myosin heavy chain (MyHC) antibodies. To identify unambiguous molecular markers of cell fate in the myotome, we have characterized genes encoding zebrafish fast and slow MyHC. Using phylogenetic and expression analysis, we demonstrate that these genes are definitive molecular markers of slow and fast twitch fates. We also demonstrate that zebrafish embryonic slow twitch muscle co‐expresses both slow and fast twitch MyHC isoforms, a property that they share with primary fibers of the amniote myotome. Developmental Dynamics 233:1018–1022, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression pattern of glypican‐4 suggests multiple roles during mouse development
Authors: Ybot‐Gonzalez Patricia , Copp Andrew J. , Greene Nicholas D.E.
Published: April 2005

Glypicans are glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored heparan sulphate proteoglycans, which are thought to modulate signalling by growth factors, including fibroblast growth factors and Wnts. Studies in Xenopus have implicated glypicans, in particular glypican‐4, in the process of convergent extension, which is essential for neural tube closure in Xenopus and mouse. Expression of glypican‐4 has been reported in the mouse brain at embryonic day 10 and later stages, whereas expression during the developmental stages encompassing initiation and progression of neural tube closure has not been reported. Analysis by in situ hybridization reveals a complex pattern of glypican‐4 mRNA localization at embryonic days 7–10.5, including sites in the anterior forebrain neuroepithelium, branchial arches, optic and otic vesicles, limb buds and somites. Glypican‐4 expression is not detected in the midline of the embryo at the stage of initiation of neural tube closure, suggesting that glypican‐4 is unlikely to play an essential role in convergent extension in the mouse. Developmental Dynamics 233:1013–1017, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Site‐specific expression of CD11b and SIRPα (CD172a) on dendritic cells: implications for their migration patterns in the gut immune system
Authors: Bimczok Diane , Sowa Eveline N. , Faber‐Zuschratter Heidrun , Pabst Reinhard , Rothkötter Hermann‐Josef
Published: April 2005

Dendritic cells (DC) in the intestinal tract play a major role in directing the mucosal immune system towards tolerance or immunity. We analyzed whether different mucosal DC subsets in pigs have specific functions, localizations, or migration patterns in vivo. Therefore, we collected physiologically migrating DC by pseudo‐afferent cannulation of the intestinal duct in eight Göttingen minipigs. Lymph DC were phenotypically and functionally characterized and compared to DC found on histological sections of porcine small intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN). Four different DC subpopulations were detected. Lamina propria (LP) DC were mainly CD11b+ signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα)+, DC in Peyer's patches were mainly CD11b–/SIRPα+ in subepithelial domes and CD11b–/SIRPα– in interfollicular regions, whereas MLN DC were largely CD11b+/SIRPα–. Of these four subsets, only the CD11b+/SIRPα+ DC and the CD11b+/SIRPα– DC were present in lymph. This suggests that DC migration to MLN largely originates from the LP. Lymph DC expressed high levels of MHC class II and costimulatory molecules and had a low capacity for FITC‐dextran uptake, indicating a mature phenotype. However, lymph DC did not induce PBMC proliferation in MLR, and migration was not significantly influenced by mucosal antigen application.
Regulation of mast cells’ secretory response by co‐clustering the Type 1 Fcϵ receptor with the mast cell function‐associated antigen
Authors: Licht Arieh , Pecht Israel , Schweitzer‐Stenner Reinhard
Published: April 2005

The mast cell function‐associated antigen (MAFA) is a type II membrane glycoprotein first identified on rat mast cells and basophils. Clustering MAFA inhibits these cells’ secretory response to the type 1 Fcϵ receptor (FcϵRI) stimulus. To quantitatively characterize this inhibition and its dependence on MAFA‐FcϵRI co‐clustering, we investigated the secretory response of rat mucosal‐type mast cells of the RBL 2H3 line carrying an IgE class, 2,4 dinitrophenyl (DNP) specific monoclonal antibody to DNP‐conjugated Fab and F(ab′)2 fragments of (1) mouse IgG, and (2) of the MAFA‐specific, monoclonal antibody G63. The first reagent clusters FcϵRI‐IgE complexes into oligomers by reacting with the DNP residues. The DNP conjugated G63 Fab and F(ab′)2 fragments, additionally aggregate MAFA and form FcϵRI‐IgE‐MAFA co‐clusters. All experiments using these ligands were performed in the absence or presence of an excess of intact mAb G63, which clusters MAFA molecules. Empirical Hill functions were used to relate the secretory response of mast cells to the equilibrium concentrations of FcϵRI‐IgE or MAFA clusters and co‐clusters calculated as function of the employed ligands concentrations. This analysis of the experimental results indicates that co‐clustered MAFA molecules have a markedly higher inhibitory capacity than MAFA‐clusters alone. The molecular basis of the enhanced inhibition observed upon co‐clustering MAFA with the FcϵRI is most probably the increased concentration of the inhibitory cell components in the immediate proximity of the activation coupling elements.
Screening for and validated quantification of phenethylamine‐type designer drugs and mescaline in human blood plasma by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Habrdova Vilma , Peters Frank T. , Theobald Denis S. , Maurer Hans H.
Published: April 2005

In recent years, several newer designer drugs of the so‐called 2C series such as 2C‐D, 2C‐E, 2C‐P, 2C‐B, 2C‐I, 2C‐T‐2, and 2C‐T‐7 have entered the illicit drug market as recreational drugs. Some fatal intoxications involving 2C‐T‐7 have been reported. Only scarce data have been published about analyses of these substances in human blood and/or plasma. This paper describes a method for screening and simultaneous quantification of the above‐mentioned compounds and their analog mescaline in human blood plasma. The analytes were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in the selected‐ion monitoring mode, after mixed‐mode solid‐phase extraction (HCX) and derivatization with heptafluorobutyric anhydride. The method was fully validated according to international guidelines. Validation data for 2C‐T‐2 and 2C‐T‐7 were unacceptable. For all other analytes, the method was linear from 5 to 500 µg/L and the data for accuracy (bias) and precision (coefficient of variation) were within the acceptance limits of ±15% and <15%, respectively (within ±20% and <20% near the limit of quantification of 5 µg/L). Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiscale Porosity from Thermoreversible Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Gels in Diethyl Azelate
Authors: Dasgupta Debarshi , Nandi Arun K.
Published: April 2005

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVF2) produces thermoreversible gels in a series of diesters. The polymer‐solvent complexation occurred for intermittent number of carbon atoms n ⩾ 2 and the enthalpy of complexation increased with increasing n. The gels were dried by replacing the diesters with low boiling solvent like cyclohexane (bp. 80 °C) and methylcyclohexane (bp. 99 °C). The porosity of the dried gels was measured using Poremaster‐60. For PVF2‐DEAZ gel meso and macro porosity have been observed. The former pore dimensions have been attributed for polymer‐solvent complexation while the macroporosity has been attributed for caging of solvent between the PVF2 fibrils The porosity measured from nitrogen adsorption isotherms using BJH method indicate presence of minimum pore diameter of 3.8 nm for the 10% dried gel of PVF2.
Polyacrylamide‐Grafted Silica as Special Type of Polymer‐Colloid Complex
Authors: Demchenko Olga , Zheltonozhskaya Tatyana , Filipchenko Svetlana , Syromyatnikov Vladimir
Published: April 2005

Structure and properties of polyacrylamide‐grafted silica have been investigated with the help of thermal analysis methods, NMR spectroscopy and by measuring the ability solubilization in benzene when compared with homopolymer polyacrylamide (PAA). More homogeneous structure, low rigidity and density of packing have been revealed for the polymer shell. PAA form a dense polymer shell, which interact with silica surface through H‐bonds. 1H NMR spectroscopy suggests no influence of silica particles on PAA stereoregularity. PAA‐grafted silica considered as a special type of polymer‐colloid complex where polymer chains are covalently bound to silica with one end and polymer segments along the chain are hydrogen bound to the particle surface.
Gelation of Misfolded Proteins
Authors: Miller Aline F.
Published: April 2005

Insulin protein was exposed to mildly denaturing conditions (heat and low pH) to encourage the formation of beta‐sheet rich amyloid fibrils. This resulted in an increase in viscosity of our protein samples and the morphology and thermodynamics of the resulting hydrogel were monitored using environmental scanning electron microscopy and micro differential scanning calorimetry respectively. It was found that the beta‐sheet fibrils aggregated further to form macrofibrils, 2 μm in diameter and several microns in length. These long, flexible macrofibrils became entangled to form hydrogels with controllable mesh size: the higher the incubation temperature the higher the number of entanglements, and consequently the smaller the mesh size.
Identification of Gel‐Like Behaviour in Side‐Chain Liquid Crystal Polymer Melts
Authors: Mendil Hakima , Noirez Laurence
Published: April 2005

We show through extensive rheological studies that Side‐Chain Liquid Crystalline Polymer melts reveal an unexpected and surprising strong elasticity instead of a classical flow behaviour. Neutron Scattering experiments demonstrate that this elastic plateau cannot be correlated to the long range order of the nematic phase.
Structure of Hydrogen and Hydrophobically Bonded Amphiphilic Copolymer with Poly(methacrylic acid) Complexes as Revealed by Small Angle Neutron Scattering
Authors: Zeghal Mehdi , Auvray Loïc , Jebbari Mondher , Gharbi Abdelhafidh
Published: April 2005

We study by SANS the structure of intermolecular complexes formed through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions between poly(methacrylic acid) (PMA) and a neutral copolymer surfactant (PEO‐PPO‐PEO). The contrast variation method enables us to probe the structure factor of each polymer in the complex and their cross structure factor. The number of copolymer chains, which results from the cooperative action of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions increases as the charge of the polyacid decreases. The aggregation preserves the micellar core‐corona organization of the copolymer and shrinks the polyacid chains which adopt a similar compact structure. Finally, the structure of the aggregates is compared to that of PEO‐PMA homopolymer complex observed by SANS.
Dynamics and Crystallization in Polydimethylsiloxane Nanocomposites
Authors: Beigbeder Alexandre , Bruzaud Stéphane , Spěváček Jiri , Brus Jiri , Grohens Yves
Published: April 2005

Several routes were used to achieve silicon nanocomposites. The first and second one are the melt intercalation of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which is a mechanical blending of the polymer in the molten state with the untreated inorganic filler or intercalated nanoparticles. The last one is an in situ polymerization, which previously requires the intercalation of hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane (D3) followed by a subsequent polymerization step. We used synthetic mineral oxide HTiNbO5 as nanofiller. These systems were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and solid state NMR in order to better understand the relation between the nanocomposites dynamics, and crystallisation. The efficiency of grafting reactions was studied by 29Si CP/MAS NMR. The nature of the interfacial interactions seems to play the major role. Indeed, the nanocomposites 1 and 2 for which only physical interactions are expected do not exhibit any Tg deviation whereas the nanocomposite 3, for which chemical grafting is achieved, increases strongly the Tg. Crystallization is more sensitive to density and strength of interfacial interactions which are maximum for the pristine filler.
Characterization of Interdiffusion between PVDF and Stereoregular PMMA by Using ATR‐FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Lorec Gildas , Baley Christophe , Sire Olivier , Grohens Yves
Published: April 2005

In this study we investigated the interdiffusion between PVDF and PMMA below the melting temperature of PVDF by ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy. The influence of the stereoregularity of different PMMA samples was studied. The PMMA tacticity showed a significant influence on the kinetics of the diffusion. Syndiotactic PMMA diffuses faster than isotactic and atactic PMMA which can be explained from the difference of chains stiffness between the two stereoisomers.
Smart Poly(styrene)/Carbon Black Conductive Polymer Composites Films for Styrene Vapour Sensing
Authors: Feller Jean‐François , Guézénoc Hervé , Bellégou Hervé , Grohens Yves
Published: April 2005

Conductive Polymer Composites (CPC) can be used to elaborate sensing elements able to detect solvent vapours at very low concentrations (some ppm). Our experiments have shown that combining atactic PS or syndiotactic PS to five carbon black of different specific surfaces, allows obtaining a wide range of electrical resistances and surface morphologies. The CPC films have been elaborated from solutions by spraying and spin coating, the former being more adequate to design sensitive films with tuneable electrical properties. The larger electrical responses were obtained with an initial resistance close to 104 Ω. Our sensors gave a response for very low styrene concentration (some ppm) increasing as a function of vapour concentration.
Construction of a Low Cost Photoacoustic Spectrometer for Characterization of Materials
Authors: Rajan M.A. Jothi , Thaddeus Arockiam , Mathavan T. , Vivekanandam T.S. , Umapathy S.
Published: April 2005

During the past few years, another optical technique has been developed to study those materials, which cannot be studied, by the conventional transmission or reflection techniques. The present technique called Photoacoustic spectroscopy or PAS is different from the conventional techniques chiefly in that the interaction of the incident energy of the photons with the materials under investigation is studied not through subsequent detection and analysis of some of the photons, but rather through a direct measure of the energy absorbed by the material. The aim of this presentation is to highlight the construction of a simple Photoacoustic spectrometer which can easily be constructed even in high school and college laboratories with the available low cost but efficient components and use it for characterization of solid (opaque or transparent), liquid and gas samples under investigations. The essential parts of the photoacoustic spectrometer designed in the laboratory (MADURAI – PA SPECTROMETER), consists of three main components.The total cost comes around 900 Euros. It is an affordable cost for researchers working with paucity of funds and facilities and many constraints especially in the developing countries. In the next few years we aim to study material characterization using MADURAI –PA SPECTROMETER.
Sweat‐testing: A review of current technical requirements
Authors: Beauchamp M. , Lands L.C.
Published: April 2005

Sweat‐testing remains a key component of the diagnostic workup for cystic fibrosis. However, it is technically challenging, especially in young children. This review covers technical aspects related to the devices and protocols associated with conducting successful tests. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Skin‐prick testing as a diagnostic aid for childhood asthma
Authors: Chan E.Y. , Dundas I. , Bridge P.D. , Healy M.J.R. , McKenzie S.A.
Published: April 2005

Diagnosing asthma is problematic when based solely on reported symptoms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate skin‐prick testing as a diagnostic aid for asthma in children. Skin‐prick testing (SPT) was undertaken in children aged 2–10 years with either no history of wheeze (n = 149) or recent doctor‐observed wheeze which responded to treatment with a bronchodilator, the “gold standard” (n = 164). Children with moderate or severe asthma were excluded. SPT positivity increased sharply at age 5 years in wheezers. Data were therefore divided into two age groups: 2–<5 years (57 controls, 97 wheezers) and 5–10 years (92 controls, 67 wheezers). The sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios of SPT positivity for wheeze were 32%, 89%, and 2.9, respectively, in the younger children, and 82%, 85%, and 5.5, respectively, in the older children. For a prevalence of 30% for asthma, the positive predictive values of a positive SPT were 55% and 70% for the younger and older age groups, respectively. The test characteristics of SPT for helping diagnose asthma in schoolchildren are good. The prevalence of wheeze in preschool children is high, and so SPT should be helpful even in this group. We suggest that clinicians consider skin‐prick testing as a diagnostic aid for asthma. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analyzing norm emergence in communal sharing via agent‐based simulation
Authors: Kurahashi Setsuya , Terano Takao
Published: April 2005

This paper analyzes how the communal sharing norms of the community function in the information society, by using an agent‐based simulation of an artificial society. Our simulator TRURL consists of a set of agents provided with individual functions of decision‐making and communication. Furthermore, the mechanisms for social evolution by genetic algorithm and a solution search function are prepared. Studies of the emergence and functions of the communal sharing norm have been presented in sociopsychology, using evolutionary game simulations. Interesting phenomena such as the collapse or persistence of norm have been reported. According to the analysis of the net news society in this paper, considering information as property, it is concluded that the appearance of free riders does not lead to the collapse of norms. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 36(6): 102–112, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10111
Blurred character recognition by complementing features of blurred regions
Authors: Shiku Osamu , Nakamura Akira , Miyahara Sueharu , Ohyama Terumitsu
Published: April 2005

This paper presents a method for recognizing printed characters with accuracy and speed. It is difficult to recognize blurred characters because a feature extracted from a blurred region is very different from that from a clean image. In particular, contour features which show the character line direction are highly effective in character recognition, but in blurred characters the contour is lost, and the performance of blurred character recognition by contour features becomes worse. The basic idea of our method is to complement the lost contour by using prepared contour images for each character category. In addition, by applying our blurred character recognition method, we construct a recognition system which is effective for characters of various quality. Experiments were conducted using photocopied 6‐point characters with numerous blurs. We confirmed that our method recognized blurred characters with much higher accuracy than the existing method of contour features, and that our system could be applied to characters of various quality. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 36(6): 59–68, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20253
A compactness theorem of n-harmonic maps
Authors: Wang Changyou
Published: April 2005

For

n⩾3

, let

\Omega \subset \mathbf{R}^{n}

be a bounded domain and

N \subset \mathbf{R}^{L}

be a compact smooth Riemannian submanifold without boundary. Suppose that

\{u_{n}\} \subset W^{1,n}(\Omega ,N)

are weak solutions to the (perturbed)

n

-harmonic map equation (1.2), satisfying (1.3), and

u_{k}\rightarrow u

weakly in

W^{1,n}(\Omega ,N)

. Then

u

is an

n

-harmonic map. In particular, the space of

n

-harmonic maps is sequentially compact for the weak-

W^{1,n}

topology.

Pour

n⩾3

, soit

\Omega \subset \mathbf{R}^{n}

un domaine borné et soit

N \subset \mathbf{R}^{L}

une sous-variété compacte sans bord. Soient

\{u_{n}\} \subset W^{1,n}(\Omega ,N)

des solutions de l'équation (perturbée) (1.2) pour les applications

n

-harmoniques, telles que

u_{k}\rightarrow u

faiblement dans

W^{1,n}(\Omega ,N)

. Alors

u

est une application

n

-harmonique. En particulier, l'espace des applications

n

-harmoniques est sequentiellement compact dans la topologie

W^{1,n}

faible.
Measurements of sound-speed and density contrasts of zooplankton in Antarctic waters
Authors: Chu D. , Wiebe P.H.
Published: April 2005

Sound-speed and density contrasts (h and g, respectively), two important acoustic material properties, of live zooplankton were measured off the western Antarctic Peninsula during a Southern Ocean GLOBEC cruise conducted from 9 April to 21 May 2002. The work included in situ sound-speed contrast and shipboard density-contrast measurements. The temperature and pressure (depth) dependence of the sound-speed contrast of Euphausia superba and E. crystallorophias as well as that of some other zooplankton species were investigated. The size range of E. superba used in the measurements varied from about 20 mm to 57 mm, with mean length of 36.7 mm and standard deviation of 9.8 mm, which covered life stages from juvenile to adult. For E. superba, there was no statistically significant depth dependence, but there was a moderate dependence of sound-speed and density contrasts on the size of the animals. The measured sound-speed contrast varied between 1.018 and 1.044, with mean value 1.0279 and standard deviation 0.0084, while the measured density contrast varied between 1.007 and 1.036, with mean value 1.0241 and standard deviation 0.0082. For E. crystallorophias and Calanus there was a measurable depth dependence in sound-speed contrast. The in situ sound-speed contrasts for E. crystallorophias were 1.025 ± 0.004 to 1.029 ± 0.009. For Calanus, they were variable, with one set giving a value of 0.949 ± 0.001 and the other giving 1.013 ± 0.002. Shipboard measurements of other taxa/species also showed substantial variation in g and h.

In general, values of g ranged from 0.9402 to 1.051 and h ranged from 0.949 to 1.096. The variation of the material properties is related to species, type, size, stage, and in some cases depth of occurrence. The uncertainty of the estimates of zooplankton biomass attributable to these variations in g and h can be quite large (more than 100 fold). Improvements in making biological inferences from acoustic data depend strongly on increased information about the material properties of zooplankton and the biological causes for their variation, as well as a knowledge of the species composition and abundance.