bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Instrumental development for measuring sorption properties of porous materials
Authors: Navas Francisco Javier , Gallardo Juan Jesús , Edreira MaCarmen , Martín Joaquín
Published: June 2006

An instrumental system for the continuous measuring of sorption properties in porous materials is described. This system constitutes a qualitative and quantitative improvement over the referenced methodologies applicable to this type of measurement. In this work, the function of the main components of the system is described, placing special emphasis on the electronics used for controlling the transducer and actuator devices. The system has been fully computerized with specific software whereby variables such as the weight, the temperature, the relative humidity, the aqueous levels, etc. can be continuously controlled. Finally, a set of representative experiments undertaken with this instrumentation is presented, highlighting the main experimental characteristics.
Formation of electrostatic structures by wakefield acceleration in ultrarelativistic plasma flows: Electron acceleration to cosmic ray energies
Authors: Dieckmann M. E. , Shukla P. K. , Eliasson B.
Published: June 2006

The ever increasing performance of supercomputers is now enabling kinetic simulations of extreme astrophysical and laser produced plasmas. Three-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations of relativistic shocks have revealed highly filamented spatial structures and their ability to accelerate particles to ultrarelativistic speeds. However, these PIC simulations have not yet revealed mechanisms that could produce particles with tera-electron volt energies and beyond. In this work, PIC simulations in one dimension (1D) of the foreshock region of an internal shock in a gamma ray burst are performed to address this issue. The large spatiotemporal range accessible to a 1D simulation enables the self-consistent evolution of proton phase space structures that can accelerate particles to giga-electron volt energies in the jet frame of reference, and to tens of tera-electron volt in the Earth’s frame of reference. One potential source of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays may thus be the thermalization of relativistically moving plasma.
Simple automatic device for real time sampling of gas production by a reactor
Authors: Frattolillo A.
Published: June 2006

An innovative automatic device, allowing periodically drawing samples of the gases produced by a generic reactor, is presented. The gases evolving during the reaction are collected in a storage manifold, equipped with a variable volume consisting of a stainless steel bellow, whose expansion or contraction is driven by a linear step motor. A capacitive gauge monitors the pressure inside the storage manifold, while a feedback control loop reacts to any pressure change adjusting the variable volume (by means of the step motor) in such a way to keep the pressure at a desired set point P0. As long as the reaction proceeds, the gas production results in a progressive expansion of the variable volume, whose instantaneous value is constantly monitored by means of a slide potentiometer, whose lever is rigidly connected to the bellow’s moving extremity. Once the bellow’s expansion has reached a predetermined volume increment ΔV, which means that an amount of gas P0ΔV has been produced and collected in the storage circuit, a quantity P0VS⩽P0ΔV of gas is released to the analysis system. A set of electropneumatic valves, automatically operated by the control system, allows for gas delivery to the analysis equipment and retrieval of the set point pressure, by compression of the variable volume, with no influence on the reaction. All relevant parameters are monitored and logged on a personal computer. The control and data acquisition software, made out using National Instrument LABVIEW™, also provides control of the analysis equipment. The ability of the proposed setup to not affect the ongoing process allows real time monitoring (by drawing samples at regular time intervals during the reaction) of the gas production. Moreover, since the amount of gas P0VS drawn at each sampling is always the same, it is possible to establish at a glance whether or not there are changes in the concentration of any component, by directly comparing the results of the analysis of successive samples.
Performance of the MLL-IonCatcher
Authors: Neumayr J. B. , Thirolf P. G. , Habs D. , Heinz S. , Kolhinen V. S. , Sewtz M. , Szerypo J.
Published: June 2006

The MLL-IonCatcher is a new setup for the thermalization of fusion-evaporation reaction products in highly pure helium with subsequent extraction of the stopped, singly charged ions. The setup consists of a buffer-gas stopping cell and a radio frequency quadrupole (RFQ)-based extraction system and is placed at the Tandem accelerator facility of the MLL in Garching. Test experiments were performed using the α emitter Er152 with total kinetic energies of around 180keV∕u, produced via the reaction Sb121(Cl35,4n). During the on-line measurements the number of ions entering the stopping chamber through the entrance window was determined via the detection of their specific α-decay energy. After being thermalized in the helium buffer gas at 40–140mbar the ions were guided by a combination of electric rf and dc fields towards the extraction nozzle where the ion transport was taken over by the gas flow. Subsequent to the extraction by a supersonic gas jet the ions were separated from the buffer gas and guided by the extraction RFQ towards a Si detector, where the specific α-decay energy was detected. Depending on the electric field strength and the pressure of the buffer gas an overall efficiency including stopping and extraction between 10% and 16% has been achieved.
Platinum/multiwalled carbon nanotubes-platinum/carbon composites as electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in proton exchange membrane fuel cell
Authors: Shaijumon M. M. , Ramaprabhu S , Rajalakshmi N.
Published: June 2006

Pt-loaded multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Pt/MWCNTs) have been prepared by chemical reduction method using functionalized MWCNT synthesized by pyrolysis of acetylene over MmNi2 (Mm denotes misch metal) hydride catalyst. Composites of Pt/MWCNT and commercial Pt-loaded carbon black (Pt∕C) have been used as electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Cathode catalyst with 50% Pt/MWCNT and 50% Pt∕C showed best performance due to better dispersion and good accessibility of MWCNT support and Pt electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in PEMFC. A maximum performance of 540mV at a current density of around 535mAcm−2 has been obtained.
Room temperature near-field microwave imaging with an YBa2Cu3O7 Josephson cantilever
Authors: Schilling M. , Kaestner A. , Stewing F.
Published: June 2006

Josephson junctions from the high-temperature superconductor YBa2Cu3O7 operated in a temperature range of 40–80K cooled by a cryocooler can be deployed on a cantilever to detect microwave radiation. The spatial scanning step width used here is 15μm with operating distance of the cooled Josephson cantilever to the surface of the device under test (DUT) of about 150μm. The DUT is operated at room temperature. Due to the realization as an active cantilever a topographic image of the DUT as well as the microwave power distribution can be obtained.
Electrically switchable, polarization-independent diffraction grating based on negative dielectric anisotropy liquid crystal
Authors: Zhu Minhua , Carbone Giovanni , Rosenblatt Charles
Published: June 2006

An atomic force microscope is used to scribe polymer-coated substrates to create an electrically controlled liquid crystal-based polarization grating. The grating is nondiffracting in the voltage-off state and diffracting in the voltage-on state. Based upon an optical phase difference of approximately π between adjacent pixels, the grating’s efficiency is independent of optical polarization and can be prepared for diffraction in either one or two dimensions.
Fabrication of two-dimensional metallodielectric quasicrystals by single-beam holography
Authors: Yang Yi , Zhang Suhuai , Wang Guo Ping
Published: June 2006

We experimentally demonstrate a single-beam holography for creating Ag nanoparticle-embedded eight-fold quasicrystals. By adjusting the phase relation of interference beams through an optical mask, we obtain eight-fold symmetry structures with three different profiles. The structure of quasicrystals is confirmed through scanning electron microscopy and optical diffraction pattern, respectively. Furthermore, we also numerically demonstrate that the method can encode even higher symmetric structures such as the most complex 14- and 18-fold quasicrystals as well by computer simulations.
Ultrasensitive mass sensing using mode localization in coupled microcantilevers
Authors: Spletzer Matthew , Raman Arvind , Wu Alexander Q. , Xu Xianfan , Reifenberger Ron
Published: June 2006

We use Anderson or vibration localization in coupled microcantilevers as an extremely sensitive method to detect the added mass of a target analyte. We focus on the resonance frequencies and eigenstates of two nearly identical coupled gold-foil microcantilevers. Theoretical and experimental results indicate that the relative changes in the eigenstates due to the added mass can be orders of magnitude greater than the relative changes in resonance frequencies. Moreover this sensing paradigm possesses intrinsic common mode rejection characteristics thus providing an alternate way to achieve ultrasensitive mass detection under ambient conditions.
A Lleyn Sweep for Local Sheep? Breed Societies and the Geographies of Welsh Livestock
Authors: Yarwood Richard , Evans Nick
Published: June 2006

In this paper we use Bourdieu's concept of habitus to examine human–animal relationships within capitalist agricultural systems. In the first part of the paper we examine how Bourdieu's ideas have been used by academics to provide insights into the ways that livestock affect and are affected by farming practice. In the second part we build on these conceptual, empirical, and policy insights by examining some of the national and international social networks that contribute to human–animal relationships in capitalistic farming. We focus on a case study of Welsh livestock and, in particular, the historic and contemporary roles that breed societies play in the imagination of farm animals and the creation of capitals in agriculture.
Describing effects of genetic selection, nutrition, and their interplay in prime lambs using growth and efficiency functions
Authors: Lewis R. M. , Emmans G. C. , Simm G.
Published: June 2006

A general problem of animal production is that of predicting the growth rate, body composition, and feed intake of any kind of animal, in any state treated in any way. The solution to this problem depends, in part, on devising a sufficient description of the animal. Firstly, we considered the ability of the Gompertz form to describe the potential growth of an animal when conditions are not limiting. Experimental results from 2 lines of Suffolk sheep, one selected for lean growth rate and the other its control, were used to quantify and test the function. The Gompertz function fitted the data well, with no pattern in the residuals; thus, it is useful for describing potential growth. Secondly, in practice, growth may be limited by level of feeding or dietary protein, or many other things. Thus, we considered several approaches to describing growth when conditions were limiting. The functional form relating weight to cumulative food intake proposed by Spillman did not provide a satisfactory description of the data either on controlled or ad libitum feeding. In the Suffolk experiment, we found a higher sensitivity of the selected line in growth rate and feed efficiency to reductions in both the amount given and food protein content. A reduction in level of feeding reduced fatness, whereas a reduction in the protein content of the food increased it; effects on lean content were in the opposite direction. Importantly, the advantages in lean and fat contents in the carcass strongly persisted in the selected line regardless of the nutritional environment. This suggests that genetic selection to improve carcass lean growth rate will yield leaner carcasses across a wide range of finishing systems, even though these finishing systems themselves may affect the fatness of the carcass. Therefore, consumers are always likely to see benefits of selection in terms of reduced carcass fatness. However, since the benefit of improved genotypes may not be expressed in terms of live performance, grading and pricing systems are needed which reward producers for using superior sires.
Genetic and nutritional regulation of lamb growth and muscle characteristics
Authors: Hegarty R. S. , Warner R. D. , Pethick D. W.
Published: June 2006

Combined actions of nutrition and genetic regulation of the growth rate of lambs as well as the physical, biochemical, and eating quality characteristics of their skeletal muscle were assessed in a major field experiment. Data arising were collated and integrated to consolidate findings made at the farm, animal, tissue, cellular, and gene expression levels. At the farm level, increased nutrient availability significantly increased the growth rate of crossbred lambs and increased the growth advantage resulting from the use of sires with high estimated breeding values (EBV) for growth. In contrast, the extra depth of the M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (EMD) arising from sires with a higher EBV for this trait was constant irrespective of nutrition. Ewe liveweight and body condition were critical in determining the pre-weaning nutrition and growth of lambs, with the LOW plane of nutrition causing stunting of forelimb bones and changes to the allometric growth coefficients for carcass lean and fat. The EBV of the sire for muscling (PEMD) influenced several non-muscling traits, and interactions with nutrition suggested that on HIGH nutrition, absorbed nutrients were partitioned away from wool and fat accretion and towards protein accretion in lambs having superior muscling genetics. Expression levels of known myogenic factors in muscle, together with a suite of peptides and proteins whose identity and levels were determined by proteomic screening, contributed to improved understanding of the mechanisms underpinning nutritional and genetic regulation of skeletal muscle development. The study revealed the need for caution in the use of indirect markers of growth or composition, with their usefulness being constrained if the localisation of the response to selection is specific to parts of the carcass where the selection had initially been concentrated. As well, the possibility that much of the variation explained by potential physiological markers can be accounted for by non-invasive measures of growth and fatness currently used by Australian farmers must be considered.
Nonvisual light responses in the
Rpe65
knockout mouse: Rod loss restores sensitivity to the melanopsin system
Authors: Doyle Susan E. , Castrucci Ana Maria , McCall Maureen , Provencio Ignacio , Menaker Michael
Published: June 2006

Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) expressing the photopigment melanopsin (OPN4), together with rods and cones, provide light information driving nonvisual light responses. We examined nonvisual photoreception in mice lacking RPE65, a protein that is required for regeneration of visual chromophore in rods and cones. Although
Rpe65
knockouts retain a small degree of rod function, we show here that circadian phase shifting responses in
Rpe65
−/−
mice are attenuated far beyond what has been reported for rodless/coneless mice. Furthermore, the number of melanopsin-immunoreactive perikarya and the extent of dendritic arborizations were decreased in
Rpe65
knockout mice compared with controls. To assess the nature of the photoreceptive defect in
Rpe65
null mice, we eliminated either rods or melanopsin from
Rpe65
−/−
retinas by generating (
i
)
Rpe65
−/−
mice carrying a transgene (
rdta
) that results in selective elimination of rods and (
ii
) double knockout
Rpe65
−/−
;Opn4
−/−
mice. Surprisingly, rod loss in
Rpe65
knockout mice resulted in restoration of circadian photosensitivity. Normal photoentrainment was lost in
Rpe65
−/−
;Opn4
−/−
mice, and, instead, a diurnal phenotype was observed. Our findings demonstrate that RPE65 is not required for ipRGC function but reveal the existence of a mechanism whereby rods may influence the function of ipRGCs.
Molecular basis for PKR activation by PACT or dsRNA
Authors: Li Shoudong , Peters Gregory A. , Ding Keyang , Zhang Xiaolun , Qin Jun , Sen Ganes C.
Published: June 2006

The mammalian protein kinase PKR is a critical component of the innate immune response against virus infection. Its cellular actions are mediated by modulating cell signaling and translational regulation. To be enzymatically active, latent PKR needs to be activated by binding to one of its activators, dsRNA or PACT protein. Although the structures of the N-terminal dsRNA-binding domain and the C-terminal kinase domain of PKR have been separately determined, the mode of activation of the enzyme remains unknown. To address this problem, we used biochemical, genetic, and NMR analyses to identify the PACT-binding motif (PBM) located in the kinase domain and demonstrated an intramolecular interaction between PBM and dsRNA-binding domain. This interaction is responsible for keeping PKR in an inactive conformation, because its disruption by point mutations of appropriate residues produced constitutively active PKR. Furthermore, a short decoy peptide, representing PBM, was able to activate PKR by interfering with the intramolecular interaction. These observations suggest a model for PKR activation upon binding of dsRNA or PACT.
Extensive outcrossing and androdioecy in a vertebrate species that otherwise reproduces as a self-fertilizing hermaphrodite
Authors: Mackiewicz Mark , Tatarenkov Andrey , Taylor D. Scott , Turner Bruce J. , Avise John C.
Published: June 2006

The mangrove killifish (
Kryptolebias marmoratus
) is the only vertebrate known to be capable of self-fertilization. Its gonad is typically an ovotestis that simultaneously produces eggs and sperm, and fertilization is internal. Although most populations of this species consist primarily or exclusively of hermaphroditic individuals, gonochoristic males occur at ≈20% frequency in a natural population at Twin Cays, Belize. Here we use a battery of 36 microsatellite loci to document a striking genetic pattern (high intraspecimen heterozygosities and low within-population linkage disequilibria) that differs qualitatively from the highly homozygous (or “clonal”) genetic architecture characteristic of killifish populations previously studied in Florida, where males are much rarer. These findings document that outcrossing (probably between gonochoristic males and hermaphrodites) is common at the Belize site, and, more importantly, they demonstrate the dramatic impact that functional androdioecy can have on the population genetic architecture of this reproductively unique vertebrate species.
Diluting the founder effect: cryptic invasions expand a marine invader's range
Authors: Roman Joe
Published: June 2006

Most invasion histories include an estimated arrival time, followed by range expansion. Yet, such linear progression may not tell the entire story. The European green crab (
Carcinus maenas
) was first recorded in the US in 1817, followed by an episodic expansion of range to the north. Its population has recently exploded in the Canadian Maritimes. Although it has been suggested that this northern expansion is the result of warming sea temperatures or cold-water adaptation, Canadian populations have higher genetic diversity than southern populations, indicating that multiple introductions have occurred in the Maritimes since the 1980s. These new genetic lineages, probably from the northern end of the green crab's native range in Europe, persist in areas that were once thought to be too cold for the original southern invasion front. It is well established that ballast water can contain a wide array of nonindigenous species. Ballast discharge can also deliver genetic variation on a level comparable to that of native populations. Such gene flow not only increases the likelihood of persistence of invasive species, but it can also rapidly expand the range of long-established nonindigenous species.
Testing domains of danger in the selfish herd: sparrowhawks target widely spaced redshanks in flocks
Authors: Quinn John L , Cresswell Will
Published: June 2006

The main tenet of Hamilton's ‘selfish herd theory’ for the evolution of group living is that individual risk of being killed upon attack by a predator is greater when relatively far from conspecifics. Here we examine the role of spacing using video analysis of encounters between redshanks,Tringa totanus, in flocks on saltmarsh, and sparrowhawks,Accipiter nisus, surprise hunting from adjacent woodland. Targeted redshanks were 35% (approx. 5 body lengths) more widely spaced than their nearest non-targeted neighbours, controlling for proximity to the hawk. Although targeted redshanks were also twice as slow to escape, the effect dropped out of a model containing spacing, which alone accounted for twice as much variation as escape delay. Redshanks were more tightly spaced on the riskiest side of the flock, suggesting they attempted to compensate for the greater risk, while birds on the edges of flocks were more widely spaced than those in the centre. Our analysis controls for most of the confounding effects associated with the edge–centre comparisons that are normally used in similar studies and provides strong support for spacing-dependent differential predation risk in the wild. In general, we suggest that positive selection for tight spacing when prey are stationary is largely due to domains of danger, but that this also leads to positive selection when prey are mobile because of predator confusion.
Pancreatic signals controlling food intake; insulin, glucagon and amylin
Authors: Woods Stephen C , Lutz Thomas A , Geary Nori , Langhans Wolfgang
Published: June 2006

The control of food intake and body weight by the brain relies upon the detection and integration of signals reflecting energy stores and fluxes, and their interaction with many different inputs related to food palatability and gastrointestinal handling as well as social, emotional, circadian, habitual and other situational factors. This review focuses upon the role of hormones secreted by the endocrine pancreas: hormones, which individually and collectively influence food intake, with an emphasis upon insulin, glucagon and amylin. Insulin and amylin are co-secreted by B-cells and provide a signal that reflects both circulating energy in the form of glucose and stored energy in the form of visceral adipose tissue. Insulin acts directly at the liver to suppress the synthesis and secretion of glucose, and some plasma insulin is transported into the brain and especially the mediobasal hypothalamus where it elicits a net catabolic response, particularly reduced food intake and loss of body weight. Amylin reduces meal size by stimulating neurons in the hindbrain, and there is evidence that amylin additionally functions as an adiposity signal controlling body weight as well as meal size. Glucagon is secreted from A-cells and increases glucose secretion from the liver. Glucagon acts in the liver to reduce meal size, the signal being relayed to the brain via the vagus nerves. To summarize, hormones of the endocrine pancreas are collectively at the crossroads of many aspects of energy homeostasis. Glucagon and amylin act in the short term to reduce meal size, and insulin sensitizes the brain to short-term meal-generated satiety signals; and insulin and perhaps amylin as well act over longer intervals to modulate the amount of fat maintained and defended by the brain. Hormones of the endocrine pancreas interact with receptors at many points along the gut–brain axis, from the liver to the sensory vagus nerve to the hindbrain to the hypothalamus; and their signals are conveyed both neurally and humorally. Finally, their actions include gastrointestinal and metabolic as well as behavioural effects.
A complication of transtracheal jet ventilation and use of the Aintree intubation catheter® during airway resuscitation
Authors: Cook T. M. , Bigwood B. , Cranshaw J.
Published: June 2006

We report the management of a patient requiring surgical laryngoscopy with a view to laser resection of an epiglottic recurrence of laryngeal cancer. Previous attempts at tracheal intubation and awake nasal fibreoptic intubation had failed. During a previous anaesthetic the patient had been both ‘impossible to intubate and to ventilate’. Neck scarring potentially complicated access for transtracheal jet ventilation. Nevertheless, a cricothyroid catheter was placed and surgery performed during low frequency ‘volume’ jet ventilation. Upper airway obstruction developed during the procedure, preventing exhalation, which led to raised intrathoracic pressure, cardiovascular collapse and barotrauma. The airway was re‐established by insertion of an LMA Proseal™. Fibreoptic placement of an Aintree intubation catheter® through this allowed re‐oxygenation and exchange for a cuffed tracheal tube. Some hours after the procedure, re‐intubation was necessary. This was achieved using the Aintree intubation catheter as an aid to nasal fibreoptic intubation and as a tube exchanger. Novel roles of the Aintree intubation catheter and LMA Proseal in this case are discussed. Complications of transtracheal jet ventilation as well as possible methods for avoiding them are also reviewed.
Hypocretin‐1 Dose‐Dependently Modulates Maternal Behaviour in Mice
Authors: D'Anna K. L. , Gammie S. C.
Published: June 2006

Increases in neuronal activity of hypocretin (HCRT), a peptide involved in arousal, and in HCRT‐1 receptor mRNA expression have recently been identified in association with lactation. HCRT is released within brain regions regulating maternal behaviour and it is possible that increased HCRT neurotransmission during lactation supports maternal care. The present study examined for the first time the behavioural effects of HCRT on lactating mice. At intermediate doses, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of HCRT‐1 (0.06 and 0.1 µg) elevated levels of licking and grooming of pups (but not self‐grooming) and number of nursing bouts without affecting other behaviours. At the highest dose, HCRT‐1 (0.3 µg, i.c.v) delayed latency to nurse, decreased nursing, increased time off nest, and decreased maternal aggression. Intraperitoneal injections of the HCRT‐1 receptor antagonist, SB‐334867, exhibited a general trend towards increasing time spent low‐arched back nursing (P = 0.053) and decreasing licking and grooming of pups while high‐arched back nursing (P = 0.052). This suggests that the endogenous release of HCRT, working independently or dependently with other neuromodulators, may be necessary for full maternal behaviour expression. Possible sites of HCRT action in enhancing and impairing maternal care were identified via examinations of c–Fos immunoreactivity in association with i.c.v. HCRT injections. Together, these finding support the idea of HCRT modulating maternal behaviour, with intermediate levels (0.06 and 0.1 µg) supporting (even augmenting) some behaviours, but with levels that are too high (0.3 µg HCRT, i.c.v.), maternal behaviour and aggression are suppressed.
Brief Treatment With the Glucocorticoid Receptor Antagonist Mifepristone Normalises the Corticosterone‐Induced Reduction of Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis
Authors: Mayer J. L. , Klumpers L. , Maslam S. , De Kloet E. R. , Joëls M. , Lucassen P. J.
Published: June 2006

The glucocorticoid receptor antagonist mifepristone has been shown to rapidly and effectively ameliorate symptoms of psychotic major depression. To better understand its mechanism, we investigated mifepristone's cellular effects, and found that it rapidly reversed a chronic corticosterone‐induced reduction of adult neurogenesis in rats. Unlike other antidepressants, mifepristone is particularly potent in a high corticosterone environment. These data indicate that similarly to its clinical efficacy, mifepristone's effects on adult neurogenesis are rapid and positive, and may therefore be important for its mechanism of action.
Spatial distribution pattern of oviposition in the mosquito Aedes aegypti in relation to urbanization in Buenos Aires: southern fringe bionomics of an introduced vector
Authors: CARBAJO A. E. , CURTO S. I. , SCHWEIGMANN N. J.
Published: June 2006

Abstract The distribution of Aedes aegypti (L) (Diptera: Culicidae) oviposition in Buenos Aires City is spatially heterogeneous. Oviposition activity was monitored for a year with a grid of 279 traps at 850‐m intervals that were serviced weekly. Geostatistics were used for the spatial analysis and generalized linear regression to model oviposition as a function of demographic and environmental variables. The proportion of weeks infested and the total number of eggs showed spatial continuity and were higher in areas that had higher densities of houses and were closer to industrial sites; they were lower in areas with higher human populations or higher densities of flats. When all sites were considered, the spatial structure showed a strong trend, but after regression, the residuals presented lower spatial dependence. When only infested sites were considered, the oviposition variables were spatially autocorrelated and the regression residuals showed little or no spatial dependence. The spatial pattern of Ae. aegypti oviposition in a highly urbanized city such as Buenos Aires seems to be related to the urbanization gradient. These urban environments might present different resource availability or continuity between patches of resources.
Expression of serine threonine kinase 15 is associated with poor differentiation in lung squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xu Hong‐Tao , Ma Lin , Qi Feng‐Jie , Liu Yang , Yu Juan‐Han , Dai Shun‐Dong , Zhu Ji‐Jiang , Wang En‐Hua
Published: June 2006

Serine threonine kinase 15 (STK15, also named BTAK, Aurora‐A, aurora‐2, or AIKI) is a type of mitotic kinase. The overexpression of STK15 is significantly associated with carcinogenesis in many tumors. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the expression of STK15 in lung squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma and analyze the correlation between STK15 expression and clinicopathological factors. The expression patterns of STK15 were examined by immunohistochemistry in 80 lung squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas and 20 normal lung tissues. The protein and mRNA expression of STK15 were evaluated by western blot and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in 40 lung cancer samples and corresponding normal lung tissues. Immunohistochemically, the positivity of STK15 expression was 68.75% (55/80). The STK15 expression was significantly higher in poorly differentiated lung cancers than in well‐differentiated or moderately differentiated lung cancers (P = 0.011). Western blot and RT‐PCR showed that the protein and mRNA expression of STK15 were correlated (P = 0.044) and significantly higher in tumors than in corresponding normal lung tissues (P < 0.05). These results indicate that the overexpression of STK15 contributes to the carcinogenesis and de‐differentiation of lung cancers.
English county populations in the later eighteenth century1
Authors: WRIGLEY E. A.
Published: June 2006

When directing the first English census John Rickman was intent not only on discovering the size of the population in 1801 but also on tracing past trends both nationally and for individual counties. He returned to the latter investigation on several later occasions, notably in the 1830s. There have been many subsequent attempts to improve upon his national estimates, but his estimates of county totals have continued to be used extensively, either unchanged or slightly modified. Rickman was aware that his estimates were subject to wide margins of error. For the later eighteenth century it is possible to produce new estimates which are probably substantially more accurate, taking advantage of the fact that after Hardwicke’s Act (1753) the registration of marriages in Anglican parish registers, unlike that of baptisms and burials, was virtually complete. They show that the contrast between population growth rates in ‘industrial’ counties and those in which agriculture continued to predominate were significantly more marked than suggested by Rickman’s estimates. The same exercise that produces county estimates also yields hundredal totals, which will in future allow a more refined account of relative growth and stagnation to be made.
An immunohistological study of anhydrous topical ascorbic acid compositions on ex vivo human skin
Authors: Heber Geoffrey K , Markovic Boban , Hayes Amanda
Published: June 2006

Background  Ascorbic acid has numerous essential and beneficial functions in normal and photoaged skin. Ionisation of ascorbic acid in aqueous topical formulations leads to oxidative degradation. Ascorbic acid in an anhydrous vehicle would inherently have greater stability.

Objective  The objective of this study was to observe the effects of two anhydrous formulations containing microfine particles of ascorbic acid on neocollagenesis and cytokeratin production in ex vivo human skin.

Methods  Vitamin C preparations were applied topically onto the surface of freshly excised human abdominal skin. Following an exposure time of 48 h with appropriate controls, skin discs were cut into sections, placed on slides and assessed using immunohistochemical (antibodies: collagen type I, III, cytokeratin) staining. Analysis was performed using microscopy and descriptive rating.

Results  Both formulations resulted in increased production of collagen types I and III and cytokeratin.

Conclusion  The application of anhydrous formulations containing microfine particles of ascorbic acid to ex vivo human skin in this study resulted in neocollagenesis and increased production of cytokeratin. This approach appears to enable biological effects of ascorbic acid in the skin using a vehicle which would provide it greater stability than an aqueous vehicle.
Skin rejuvenation without a scalpel. I. Fillers
Authors: Haneke Eckart
Published: June 2006

Fillers are an important tool in the armamentarium of the physician combating aging phenomena. A wide variety of filler substances are now available that meet many, but by far not all, needs in aesthetic medicine. The most commonly used substances now are hyaluronic acid and collagen preparations that have slightly different indications, but collagen requires pre‐use testing to rule out inflammatory complications. Poly‐L‐lactic acid has gained its place in the filling of adipose tissue wasting in HIV‐infected patients. Autologous fat is easy to harvest and inject and has virtually no risk of adverse side effects. Permanent fillers may be of advantage but carry the risk of permanent adverse reactions. Skillful combination of different fillers as well as with botulinum toxin injections and other cosmetic procedures may give optimal results.
Dynamic wettability of pHEMA‐based hydrogel contact lenses
Authors: Maldonado‐Codina Carole , Efron Nathan
Published: June 2006

Standard methods of contact angle analysis include sessile drop, captive bubble and Wilhelmy plate techniques; however, these methodologies are not particularly well suited for assessing the wettability of the surfaces of formed hydrogel contact lenses. This paper describes two methodologies that are adaptations of previously described techniques. The maximum adherent force method is an adaptation of the dynamic Wilhelmy plate technique that allows the assessment of whole, finished contact lenses. The dynamic photographic method allows the simultaneous assessment of the front and back surfaces of strip samples for the assessment of advancing and receding contact angles. Lenses investigated were made from polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate/methacrylic acid and hydroxyethyl methacrylate/glycerol methacrylate. The lenses were manufactured by lathing, spin‐casting or cast‐moulding techniques. Overall, both techniques demonstrated few differences between the wettability of different lens materials and no differences between materials of the ‘same’ lens type but manufactured by different methods. These findings are consistent with the results of clinical studies, which have shown little difference between contact lens surface wettability in vivo, which may be due to the apparent natural surface wettability‐enhancing properties of the pre‐lens tear film.
Histiocytic sarcomas in flat‐coated retrievers: a summary of 37 cases (November 1998–March 2005)
Authors: Fidel J. , Schiller I. , Hauser B. , Jausi Y. , Rohrer‐Bley C. , Roos M. , Kaser‐Hotz B.
Published: June 2006

Thirty‐seven cases of histiocytic‐like sarcomas (HLSs) in flat‐coated retriever dogs were evaluated retrospectively. This tumour accounted for 36% of the malignant tumours seen in this breed during the study period. The median age at presentation was 8.2 years. Thirty‐four dogs presented with a swelling or mass in a muscle group or surrounding a joint. The remaining three presented for rib (1), cutaneous (1) or primary splenic origin (1). A high rate of metastasis to local lymph nodes (45%), thorax (20%) and abdominal organs (20% confirmed) was seen. Overall metastastic rate by the time of death was 70%. The median survival for all dogs was 123 days. The most significant prognostic indicator was presence of distant metastasis at the time of diagnosis with median survival of 68 or 200 days, with or without metastasis, respectively. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy significantly improved survival. Dogs given chemotherapy survived a median of 185 versus 34 days for dogs that were not (P = 0.0008). Dogs treated with radiation survived a median of 182 versus 60 days for those that were not (P = 0.0282). Dogs receiving only palliative therapy survived a median of 17 versus 167 days in dogs receiving any kind of radiation, chemotherapy, surgery or combinations. A set protocol of radiation and CCNU (RTCCNU) induced minimal toxicity and provided a median survival of 208 versus 68 days for all other dogs. While this tumour carries a poor long‐term prognosis in flat‐coated retrievers, it is reasonable to treat these dogs for palliation of signs and extension of life.
Surveillant Science: Challenges for the Management of Rural Environments Emerging from the New Generation Diffuse Pollution Models
Authors: Lane Stuart N. , Brookes Chris J. , Louise Heathwaite A. , Reaney Sim
Published: June 2006

Current models of diffuse pollution are characterised by a progressive engagement with remotely‐sensed data coupled with more elegant modelling approaches. Central to these new models is the concept of connectivity, which leads to the identification and prioritisation of those landscape units (e.g., fields) where the consequences of land management activities are most readily transmitted to watercourses. The practice of diffuse pollution modelling using such models encounters certain problems. Following Brewer (1999) we argue that interdisciplinarity offers the opportunity to overcome these problems through: (1) its explicit recognition of the framing implicit in model development; (2) an emphasis on context in problem‐solving; (3) methodological pluralism; and (4) following from these other factors, the possibility of a different sort of engagement between land managers and modellers. Hence, the case for developing interdisciplinary approaches goes beyond the conventional dictates of problem‐led research and points to very different ways of conducting diffuse pollution research, taking on board the full dimensions of interdisciplinarity, with its emphasis on reflexivity, contextuality, substance and engagement.
What Affects the Quality of Economic Analysis for Life‐Saving Investments?‡
Authors: Hahn Robert W. , Kosec Katrina , Neumann Peter J. , Wallsten Scott
Published: June 2006

Economic analysis of life‐saving investments in both the public and private sectors has the potential to dramatically improve longevity and the quality of life, but only if the analyses on which decisions are based are done well. In this article, we analyze a data set that provides information on the content and quality of journal articles that measure the cost‐effectiveness of life‐saving investments. Our study is the first to provide a detailed multivariate analysis of factors affecting objective measures of quality. We also explore whether a series of recommendations by an expert panel convened by the U.S. Public Health Service affect the way analyses of specific life‐saving investments are done. Our results suggest that four factors are positively correlated with an index we construct to measure analytical quality: (1) having at least one author affiliated with a university, (2) publication in a journal that has experience in publishing these analyses, (3) if the life‐saving investment is located in the United States, and (4) if the analysis considers a measure of social costs or benefits. Somewhat surprisingly, a study's funding source and whether it is affiliated with industry are not significantly correlated with the quality index. Finally, neither time nor the panel guidelines had an impact on the index.
Examining Consumer Behavior Toward Genetically Modified (GM) Food in Britain
Authors: Spence Alexa , Townsend Ellen
Published: June 2006

This study examined behavior toward genetically modified (GM) food in a British community‐based sample. We used an equivalent gain task in which participants actually received the options they chose to encourage truthful responding. In conjunction with this, theory of planned behavior (TPB) components were evaluated so as to examine the relative importance of behavioral influences in this domain. Here, the TPB was extended to include additional components to measure self‐identity, moral norms, and emotional involvement. Results indicated that the monetary amounts participants accepted in preference to GM food were significantly lower than those accepted in preference to non‐GM food. However, the vast majority of participants were indifferent between GM and non‐GM food options. All TPB components significantly predicted behavioral intentions to try GM food, with attitudes toward GM being the strongest predictor. Self‐identity and emotional involvement were also found to be significant predictors of behavioral intentions but moral norms were not. In addition, behavioral intentions significantly predicted behavior; however, PBC did not. An additional measure of participants' propensity to respond in a socially desirable manner indicated that our results were not influenced by self‐presentation issues, giving confidence to our findings. Overall, it appears that the majority of participants (74.5%) would purchase GM food at some price.
Are Niche Parties Fundamentally Different from Mainstream Parties? The Causes and the Electoral Consequences of Western European Parties' Policy Shifts, 1976–1998
Authors: Adams James , Clark Michael , Ezrow Lawrence , Glasgow Garrett
Published: June 2006

Do “niche” parties—such as Communist, Green, and extreme nationalist parties—adjust their policies in response to shifts in public opinion? Would such policy responsiveness enhance these parties' electoral support? We report the results of statistical analyses of the relationship between parties' policy positions, voters' policy preferences, and election outcomes in eight Western European democracies from 1976 to 1998 that suggest that the answer to both questions isno. Specifically, we find no evidence that niche parties responded to shifts in public opinion, while mainstream parties displayed consistent tendencies to respond to public opinion shifts. Furthermore, we find that in situations where niche parties moderated their policy positions they were systematically punished at the polls (a result consistent with the hypothesis that such parties represent extreme or noncentrist ideological clienteles), while mainstream parties did not pay similar electoral penalties. Our findings have important implications for political representation, for spatial models of elections, and for political parties' election strategies.
Reconciling Pluralism and Consensus as Political Ideals
Authors: Dryzek John S. , Niemeyer Simon
Published: June 2006

While consensus is often taken to be the ideal way to secure political legitimacy, a more robust pluralism has many defenders too. We attempt to reconcile arguments for pluralism and consensus. Pluralism ought to be accepted and valued at the simple level of values, beliefs, and preferences. Pluralism at this level can nevertheless coexist with normative, epistemic, and/or preference meta‐consensus, all of which have qualities that should attract even pluralists. However, close attention must be paid to the content of meta‐consensus and the conditions of its production or discovery.
Woman‐Thought, Social Capital, and the Generative State: Mary Austin and the Integrative Civic Ideal in Progressive Thought
Authors: Gabrielson Teena
Published: June 2006

This essay explicates Mary Austin's theory of citizenship and demonstrates her contribution to the larger literature on social democratic citizenship emerging in the early twentieth century. The primary text considered is her monograph,The Young Woman Citizen (1918).In this piece, Austin reimagines the spatial and gender ordering of the polity to create an integrative and inclusive civic ideal. She employs the concepts of society and mind as a means of blurring the boundaries between the public and private and integrating the polity, while she turns to woman‐thought, social capital, and the generative state to secure women's inclusion. Austin's work combines a unique form of the gender‐difference argument for suffrage with progressive political philosophies in an effort to construct a model of the polity in which women share sovereignty with men, socially, culturally, and institutionally.
The Electoral Relevance of Political Talk: Examining Disagreement and Expertise Effects in Social Networks on Political Participation
Authors: McClurg Scott D.
Published: June 2006

Although people with larger, more politicized social networks are more likely to participate in elections, we know very little about what drives this relationship. I argue that the electoral relevance of political talk depends heavily on the political expertise imbedded in discussion networks. Using data gathered during the 1996 presidential election, I demonstrate that the level of political sophistication in a person's social network exerts a positive influence on participation. Importantly, this effect is greater than the impact of political preferences in the network, the factor that is implicitly considered to be the main link between networks and involvement. This evidence makes two contributions to research on networks and participation. First, it provides support for a theoretical model that better accounts for research on the relationship between political talk, political disagreement, and involvement. Second, it changes the normative implications associated with political talk by suggesting that networks can encourage both higher levels of involvement and increased consideration of differing viewpoints.