bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sphingosine 1-phosphate induces cytoskeletal reorganization in C2C12 myoblasts: physiological relevance for stress fibres in the modulation of ion current through stretch-activated channels
Authors: Formigli Lucia , Meacci Elisabetta , Sassoli Chiasa , Chellini Flaminia , Giannini Rosalba , Quercioli Franco , Tiribilli Bruno , Squecco Roberta , Bruni Paola , Francini Fabio , Zecchi-Orlandini Sandra
Published: February 2005

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid that is abundantly present in the serum and mediates multiple biological responses. With the aim of extending our knowledge on the role played by S1P in the regulation of cytoskeletal reorganization, native as well as C2C12 myoblasts stably transfected with green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged α- and β-actin constructs were stimulated with S1P (1 μM) and observed under confocal and multiphoton microscopes. The addition of S1P induced the appearance of actin stress fibres and focal adhesions through Rho- and phospholipase D (PLD)-mediated pathways. The cytoskeletal response was dependent on the extracellular action of S1P through its specific surface receptors, since the intracellular delivery of the sphingolipid by microinjection was unable to modify the actin cytoskeletal assembly. Interestingly, it was revealed by whole-cell patch-clamp that S1P-induced stress fibre formation was associated with increased ion currents and conductance through stretch-activated channels (SACs), thereby suggesting a possible regulatory role for organized actin in channel sensitivity. Experiments aimed at stretching the plasma membrane of C2C12 cells, using the cantilever of an atomic force microscope, indicated that there was a Ca2+ influx through putative SACs. In conclusion, the present data suggest novel mechanisms of S1P signalling involving actin cytoskeletal reorganization and Ca2+ elevation through SACs that might influence myoblastic functions.
Proteasome inhibition activates the transport and the ectodomain shedding of TNF-α receptors in human endothelial cells
Authors: Peiretti Franck , Canault Matthias , Bernot Denis , Bonardo Bernadette , Deprez-Beauclair Paule , Juhan-Vague Irène , Nalbone Gilles
Published: February 2005

Binding of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) to its transmembrane receptors (TNFRs) mediates proinflammatory, apoptotic and survival responses in several cell types including vascular endothelial cells. Because ectodomain shedding of cell surface molecules can be modified by proteasome activity, we studied in human endothelial cells whether the TNF-α–TNFRs axis can be regulated by the cleavage of their transmembrane forms in a proteasome-dependent manner. We show that proteasome inhibition increases the release of TNF-α and TNFRs from human endothelial cells and decreases their cellular and cell surface expression. This phenomenon involves the transient activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase p42/p44 that triggers the dispersion of TNF-α and TNFRs from their intracellular Golgi-complex-associated pool towards the plasma membrane. This results in their enhanced cleavage by TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE) because it is reduced by synthetic metalloprotease inhibitors, recombinant TIMP-3 and by a dominant negative form of TACE. In the presence of TACE inhibitor, proteasome inhibition increases the cell surface expression of TNFRs and enhances the sensitivity of these cells to the proapoptotic effect of recombinant TNF-α.

In conclusion, our data provide evidence that proteasome inhibitors increase TACE-dependent TNFR-shedding in endothelial cells, supporting the use of these molecules in inflammatory disorders. In association with TACE inhibitor, proteasome inhibitors increase the amount of TNFRs at the cell surface and enhance the sensitivity to the proapoptotic effect of TNF-α, which might be of interest in the antitumor therapy.
Mammalian Bet3 functions as a cytosolic factor participating in transport from the ER to the Golgi apparatus
Authors: Loh Eva , Peter Frank , Subramaniam V. Nathan , Hong Wanjin
Published: February 2005

The TRAPP complex identified in yeast regulates vesicular transport in the early secretory pathway. Although some components of the TRAPP complex are structurally conserved in mammalian cells, the function of the mammalian components has not been examined. We describe our biochemical and functional analysis of mammalian Bet3, the most conserved component of the TRAPP complex. Bet3 mRNA is ubiquitously expressed in all tissues. Antibodies raised against recombinant Bet3 specifically recognize a protein of 22 kDa. In contrast to yeast Bet3p, the majority of Bet3 is present in the cytosol. To investigate the possible involvement of Bet3 in transport events in mammalian cells, we utilized a semi-intact cell system that reconstitutes the transport of the envelope glycoprotein of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV-G) from the ER to the Golgi apparatus. In this system, antibodies against Bet3 inhibit transport in a dose-dependent manner, and cytosol that is immunodepleted of Bet3 is also defective in this transport. This defect can be rescued by supplementing the Bet3-depleted cytosol with recombinant GST-Bet3. We also show that Bet3 acts after COPII but before Rab1, α-SNAP and the EGTA-sensitive stage during ER-Golgi transport. Gel filtration analysis demonstrates that Bet3 exists in two distinct pools in the cytosol, the high-molecular-weight pool may represent the TRAPP complex, whereas the other probably represents the monomeric Bet3.
Effect of the braiding angle on the energy absorption properties of a hybrid braided FRP tube
Authors: Okano M , Sugimoto K , Saito H , Nakai A , Hamada H
Published: February 2005

Energy absorption is achieved by the combination of various fracture mechanisms such as fibre fracture, delamination, and central crack. However, serious problems would arise if this energy absorption ability were compromised by brittle crack propagation of the cross-sectional central part. In a previous study, the use of flexible resin with lower stiffness and higher toughness than the resin generally used was suggested as a method to restrain brittle crack propagation. In this study, hybrid braided fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) tubes were fabricated according to the previous study involving FRP rods. In this case, the flexible resin was applied to middle-end-fibre. The energy absorption characteristics and crushing mechanisms based on precise cross-sectional observation of the crush zone of the braided FRP tubes with or without the presence of flexible resin in middle-end-fibre were investigated. It was found that braided FRP tubes with or without the presence of flexible resin in middle-end-fibre were investigated. It was found that braided FRP tube with a 30° braiding angle, together with the presence of flexible resins, shows significant improvement in terms of energy absorption ability. The added flexibility of the tubes owing to the addition of flexible resin in turn causes short cracks, more fibre breakage, and consequently enhanced energy absorption properties.
Child Labor in the Global Economy
Authors: Edmonds Eric V , Pavcnik Nina
Published: February 2005

Few issues in developing countries draw as much popular attention as child labor. This paper begins by quantifying the extent and main characteristics of child labor. It then considers the evidence on a range of issues about child labor. Fundamentally, child labor is a symptom of poverty. Low income and poor institutions are driving forces behind the prevalence of child labor worldwide. This study concludes by assessing the policy options to reduce worldwide child labor.
Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Villeneuve Eric , Sunderji Rubina
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPIs) are effective and safe as adjunctive therapy for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

DATA SOURCES:

MEDLINE (1966–June 2004), EMBASE (1980–June 2004), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–June 2004) were searched, in addition to a manual bibliographic search.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Even though GPIs have an established role as adjunctive therapy in PCI, little is known about their use in patients with ESRD. We found 3 reports describing experience with abciximab in this population. Based on the limited information from registries and a retrospective chart review, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the utility of GPIs in ESRD. The decision to use abciximab in this population must be made on an individual case basis.

CONCLUSIONS:

Studies are needed to evaluate the benefit versus risk of GPI therapy in ESRD.
Study of the oxygen effect on mechanical pulp lignin using an improved lignin isolation method
Authors: Marlin Nathalie , Lachenal Dominique , Magnin Laurence , Brochier-Salon Marie-Christine
Published: February 2005

Lignins from kraft and mechanical pulps were isolated before and after oxygen treatment with conventional methods (acidolysis and enzymatic isolation) and with a novel two-step method combining an enzymatic treatment and acidolysis. Results showed that the combined enzymatic hydrolysis-acidolysis made it possible to extract lignin from pulp with a better yield than acidolysis alone and with a higher degree of purity than after enzymatic hydrolysis alone. The lignin samples isolated with the two-step method were analysed by 13C NMR, 19F NMR and by gel permeation chromatography. It was shown that the behaviour of mechanical pulp lignin during oxygen treatment was different from that of kraft pulp lignin. Most of these differences could be explained by the lower phenolic content and larger molecular size of the mechanical pulp lignin. As a consequence, oxygen had a poor delignifying effect. Finally, 19F NMR spectroscopy showed that oxygen could destroy some quinones induced by the alkaline conditions of the O stage.
Dislocations in Norway spruce fibres and their effect on properties of pulp and paper
Authors: Terziev Nasko , Daniel Geoffrey , Marklund Ann
Published: February 2005

Wood “cell-wall deformation” is a comprehensive term describing any physical dislocation in the wall caused by mechanical forces. The development and effect of fibre dislocations on wood fibres, and their ultimate impact on the mechanical properties of paper remain rather obscure and controversial. Dislocations are difficult to quantify through a lack of defined measurable features, and research is aggravated by the inherent difficulties of applying statistical tools. A direct approach for studying the effect of dislocations on the mechanical properties of paper was used in this study. Dislocations in fibre cell walls were introduced by exposing whole wood fibres in mature and juvenile wood samples to compression stress. Sapwood samples of Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst.) were loaded by compression to their ultimate strength using an Alwetron-50 universal testing machine. Failure of samples conditioned to a moisture content of 9–15% always occurred in an oblique (relative to the fibre axis) plane and all fibres in the plane were deformed. When samples were loaded in a wet condition (i.e., moisture content close to the fibre saturation point), failure occurred at one end of the samples, resulting in highly disorganised fibres. Pulp and paper from the compressed fibres were produced and the mechanical properties of the paper were tested. Results of the mechanical tests were compared statistically to results derived from paper made from matched non-compressed control samples. Morphological features of fibres and dislocations after compression failure were characterised using microscopy (scanning electron microscopy, polarised light) on the whole wood and macerated fibres before and after paper testing. The above experimental approach showed that paper made from control samples had significantly better mechanical properties than paper made from samples loaded by compression under dry or wet conditions. At a tensile index of 90 N m/g, the tear index was measured as 23.6 mN m2/g for controls, while the corresponding values for compressed wet wood samples was 12.6 and 16.3 mN m2/g for samples at 9–15% moisture content. Paper made from juvenile wood also showed lower mechanical properties compared to controls. The results prove the negative effect of dislocations on the mechanical properties of paper in the worst case scenario and are of practical importance.
Detection of failures of adhesively bonded joints using the acoustic emission method
Authors: Gozdecki Cezary , Smardzewski Jerzy
Published: February 2005

Wooden glued constructions require touch-free monitoring of destructive processes, especially in adhesive bonds that are most exposed to failure. The objective of the investigations was to describe failure processes in the adhesive bond of wood joints, in particular to determine their initiation, propagation, and destruction. The acoustic emission (AE) method was employed as the carrier of information about changes occurring in glued joints, whereas the numerical method was applied to determine values of distribution of tangential stresses generated in adhesive bonds. The acoustic phenomena examined were described using the AE cumulative counts. The authors analysed acoustic signals generated in loaded wooden and plastic overlap samples glued together using polyethyl methacrylate glue as well as in solid samples. On the basis of the acoustic emissions obtained, it was possible to establish characteristic places and stages of escalating structural defects generated from bonds of adhesive joints. This was utilised later on, in conjunction with results of numerical calculations, to determine correlations occurring between the AE cumulative counts and generated tangential stresses. Dependencies established in this way were used to determine characteristic points during the propagation of destructive phenomena of wood adhesive joints. The results obtained proved that it was possible to predict the development of the destruction of wood adhesive joints on the basis of observations of the increasing AE cumulative counts of acoustic signals in combination with tangential stresses determined using the finite elements method.
The HVC Microcircuit: The Synaptic Basis for Interactions between Song Motor and Vocal Plasticity Pathways
Authors: Mooney Richard , Prather Jonathan F.
Published: February 2005

Synaptic interactions between telencephalic neurons innervating descending motor or basal ganglia pathways are essential in the learning, planning, and execution of complex movements. Synaptic interactions within the songbird telencephalic nucleus HVC are implicated in motor and auditory activity associated with learned vocalizations. HVC contains projection neurons (PNs) (HVCRA) that innervate song premotor areas, other PNs (HVCX) that innervate a basal ganglia pathway necessary for vocal plasticity, and interneurons (HVCINT). During singing, HVCRAfire in temporally sparse bursts, possibly because of HVCINT-HVCRAinteractions, and a corollary discharge can be detected in the basal ganglia pathway, likely because of synaptic transmission from HVCRAto HVCXcells. During song playback, local interactions, including inhibition onto HVCXcells, shape highly selective responses that distinguish HVC from its auditory afferents. To better understand the synaptic substrate for the motor and auditory properties of HVC, we made intracellular recordings from pairs of HVC neurons in adult male zebra finch brain slices and used spike-triggered averages to assess synaptic connectivity. A major synaptic interaction between the PNs was a disynaptic inhibition from HVCRAto HVCX, which could link song motor signals in the two outputs of HVC and account for some of the song playback-evoked inhibition in HVCXcells. Furthermore, single interneurons made divergent connections onto PNs of both types, and either PN type could form reciprocal connections with interneurons. In these two regards, the synaptic architecture of HVC resembles that described in some pattern-generating networks, underscoring features likely to be important to singing and song learning.
Metabotropic P2Y Purinoceptor-Mediated Presynaptic and Postsynaptic Enhancement of Cerebellar GABAergic Transmission
Authors: Saitow Fumihito , Murakoshi Takayuki , Suzuki Hidenori , Konishi Shiro
Published: February 2005

Cerebellar GABAergic inhibitory transmission is under heterosynaptic control mediated by diverse chemical messengers. Here, we investigated roles of metabotropic P2Y purinoceptors (P2YRs) on GABAergic synapses between cerebellar interneurons and Purkinje cells (PCs). Activation of P2Y purinoceptors by two selective agonists, ADP and 2-methylthio-ADP (2MeSADP), elicited two distinct forms of synaptic plasticity of GABAergic transmission in the cerebellar cortex. First, the two agonists induced long-lasting enhancement of stimulation-evoked GABAergic IPSCs as well as GABAAreceptor currents in PCs. This effect was completely abolished by intracellular infusion of the Ca2+-chelating agent BAPTA. Measurements of intracellular Ca2+([Ca2+]i) dynamics showed that puff application of 2MeSADP produced an increase in [Ca2+]iof PCs and that this increase persisted in an external Ca2+-deficient medium. These results suggest that P2Y activation postsynaptically elicits long-term enhancement of GABAAreceptor sensitivity of PCs through a Gq-mediated increase in [Ca2+]i. The other action of P2YR agonists on cerebellar GABAergic synapses was that they produced a short-term increase in the frequency and the amplitude of spontaneous GABAAreceptor-mediated IPSCs in PCs in a manner sensitive to a P2Y1R antagonist,N6-methyl 2′-deoxyadenosine 3′,5′-bisphosphate. This action appeared to be attributable to an excitability increase in presynaptic GABAergic interneurons, because ADP excited all Lugaro cells examined and some of interneurons in the molecular layer. These results suggest that activation of cerebellar P2Y purinoceptors leads to modulation of GABAergic transmission in different spatial and temporal domains, namely short-term and long-term plasticity through presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms at interneuron→PC inhibitory synapses in the rat cerebellar cortex.
Tonotopic Specialization of Auditory Coincidence Detection in Nucleus Laminaris of the Chick
Authors: Kuba Hiroshi , Yamada Rei , Fukui Iwao , Ohmori Harunori
Published: February 2005

The interaural time difference (ITD) is a cue for localizing a sound source along the horizontal plane and is first determined in the nucleus laminaris (NL) in birds. Neurons in NL are tonotopically organized, such that ITDs are processed separately at each characteristic frequency (CF). Here, we investigated the excitability and coincidence detection of neurons along the tonotopic axis in NL, using a chick brainstem slice preparation. Systematic changes with CF were observed in morphological and electrophysiological properties of NL neurons. These properties included the length of dendrites, the input capacitance, the conductance of hyperpolarization-activated current, and the EPSC time course. In contrast to these gradients, the conductance of low-threshold K+current and the expression of Kv1.2 channel protein were maximal in the central (middle-CF) region of NL. As a result, the middle-CF neuron had the smallest input resistance and membrane time constant, and consequently the fastest EPSP, and exhibited the most accurate coincidence detection. The specialization of middle-CF neurons as coincidence detectors may account for the high resolution of sound-source localization in the middle-frequency range observed in avians.
Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease Pathology by Cannabinoids: Neuroprotection Mediated by Blockade of Microglial Activation
Authors: Ramírez Belén G. , Blázquez Cristina , del Pulgar Teresa Gómez , Guzmán Manuel , de Ceballos María L.
Published: February 2005

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by enhanced β-amyloid peptide (βA) deposition along with glial activation in senile plaques, selective neuronal loss, and cognitive deficits. Cannabinoids are neuroprotective agents against excitotoxicityin vitroand acute brain damagein vivo. This background prompted us to study the localization, expression, and function of cannabinoid receptors in AD and the possible protective role of cannabinoids after βA treatment, bothin vivoandin vitro. Here, we show that senile plaques in AD patients express cannabinoid receptors CB1and CB2, together with markers of microglial activation, and that CB1-positive neurons, present in high numbers in control cases, are greatly reduced in areas of microglial activation. In pharmacological experiments, we found that G-protein coupling and CB1receptor protein expression are markedly decreased in AD brains. Additionally, in AD brains, protein nitration is increased, and, more specifically, CB1and CB2proteins show enhanced nitration. Intracerebroventricular administration of the synthetic cannabinoid WIN55,212-2 to rats prevent βA-induced microglial activation, cognitive impairment, and loss of neuronal markers. Cannabinoids (HU-210, WIN55,212-2, and JWH-133) block βA-induced activation of cultured microglial cells, as judged by mitochondrial activity, cell morphology, and tumor necrosis factor-α release; these effects are independent of the antioxidant action of cannabinoid compounds and are also exerted by a CB2-selective agonist. Moreover, cannabinoids abrogate microglia-mediated neurotoxicity after βA addition to rat cortical cocultures. Our results indicate that cannabinoid receptors are important in the pathology of AD and that cannabinoids succeed in preventing the neurodegenerative process occurring in the disease.
Control of Synaptic Connection by Glutamate Receptor δ2 in the Adult Cerebellum
Authors: Takeuchi Tomonori , Miyazaki Taisuke , Watanabe Masahiko , Mori Hisashi , Sakimura Kenji , Mishina Masayoshi
Published: February 2005

Precise topological matching of presynaptic and postsynaptic specializations is essential for efficient synaptic transmission. Furthermore, synaptic connections are subjected to rearrangements throughout life. Here we examined the role of glutamate receptor (GluR) δ2 in the adult brain by inducible and cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC)-specific gene targeting under the pure C57BL/6 genetic background. Concomitant with the decrease of postsynaptic GluRδ2 proteins, presynaptic active zones shrank progressively and postsynaptic density (PSD) expanded, resulting in mismatching between presynaptic and postsynaptic specializations at parallel fiber-PC synapses. Furthermore, GluRδ2 and PSD-93 proteins were concentrated at the contacted portion of mismatched synapses, whereas AMPA receptors were distributed in both the contacted and dissociated portions. When GluRδ2 proteins were diminished, PC spines lost their synaptic contacts. We thus identified postsynaptic GluRδ2 as a key regulator of the presynaptic active zone and PSD organization at parallel fiber-PC synapses in the adult brain.
Identification of a Dopamine Transporter Ligand That Blocks the Stimulant Effects of Cocaine
Authors: Desai Rajeev I. , Kopajtic Theresa A. , Koffarnus Mikhail , Newman Amy Hauck , Katz Jonathan L.
Published: February 2005

There is a large unmet medical need for cocaine addiction treatments. Studies have indicated that the dopamine transporter (DAT) is the primary biological target of cocaine, and most drugs that have DAT affinity have behavioral effects like those of cocaine. However, analogs of benztropine have high DAT affinity and behavioral effects that show varying degrees of similarity to cocaine. We now report the discovery that a benztropine analog, JHW007, with high affinity for the DAT does not have cocaine-like behavioral effects and antagonizes the effects of cocaine. JHW007 occupied the DATin vivomore slowly than did cocaine and had not reached an apparent plateau up to 270 min after injection. Thein vivobinding of cocaine to the DAT suggested rate of DAT occupancy as an important contributor to its behavioral effects, and the slow association with the DAT may provide an explanation for JHW007 being relatively devoid of cocaine-like behavioral effects. The antagonism of cocaine suggests that DAT ligands with reduced cocaine-like activity can function as cocaine antagonists and suggests JHW007 as a lead for discovery of cocaine-abuse pharmacotherapeutics.
Involvement of Sensorimotor, Limbic, and Associative Basal Ganglia Domains in L-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine-Induced Dyskinesia
Authors: Guigoni Céline , Li Qin , Aubert Incarnation , Dovero Sandra , Bioulac Bernard H. , Bloch Bertrand , Crossman Alan R. , Gross Christian E. , Bezard Erwan
Published: February 2005

Dyskinesia represents a debilitating complication ofl-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-dopa) therapy for Parkinson's disease. Such motor manifestations are attributed to pathological activity in the motor parts of basal ganglia. However, because consistent funneling of information takes place between the sensorimotor, limbic, and associative basal ganglia domains, we hypothesized that nonmotor domains play a role in these manifestations. Here we report the changes in 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) accumulation in the sensorimotor, limbic, and associative domains of basal ganglia and thalamic nuclei of four groups of nonhuman primates: normal, parkinsonian, parkinsonian chronically treated withl-dopa without exhibiting dyskinesia, and parkinsonian chronically treated withl-dopa and exhibiting overt dyskinesia. Although nondyskinetic animals display a rather normalized metabolic activity, dyskinetic animals are distinguished by significant changes in 2-DG accumulation in limbic- and associative-related structures and not simply in sensorimotor-related ones, suggesting that dyskinesia is linked to a pathological processing of limbic and cognitive information. We propose that these metabolic changes reflect the underlying neural mechanisms of not simply motor dyskinesias but also affective, motivational, and cognitive disorders associated with long-term exposure tol-dopa.
Role for Runx1 in the Proliferation and Neuronal Differentiation of Selected Progenitor Cells in the Mammalian Nervous System
Authors: Theriault Francesca M. , Nuthall Hugh N. , Dong Zhifeng , Lo Rita , Barnabe-Heider Fanie , Miller Freda D. , Stifani Stefano
Published: February 2005

Neurogenesis requires factors that regulate the decision of dividing progenitors to leave the cell cycle and activate the neuronal differentiation program. It is shown here that the murinerunt-related geneRunx1is expressed in proliferating cells on the basal side of the olfactory epithelium. These include both Mash1+ olfactory receptor neuron (ORN) progenitors and NeuroD+ ORN precursors. Disruption ofRunx1functionin vivodoes not cause a change in Mash1 expression but leads to a decrease in the number of NeuroD+ neuronal precursors and an increase in differentiated ORNs. These effects result in premature and ectopic ORN differentiation. It is shown further that exogenous Runx1 expression in cultured olfactory neural progenitors causes an expansion of the mitotic cell population. In agreement with these findings, exogenous Runx1 expression also promotes cortical neural progenitor cell proliferation without inhibiting neuronal differentiation. These effects are phenocopied by a chimeric protein containing ETO, the eight twenty one transcriptional repressor, fused to the Runx1 DNA-binding domain, which suggests the involvement of transcription repression mechanisms. Consistent with this possibility, Runx1 represses transcription driven by the promoter of the cell cycle inhibitorp21Cip1in cortical progenitors. Together, these findings suggest a previously unrecognized role for Runx1 in coordinating the proliferation and neuronal differentiation of selected populations of neural progenitors.
Thermochemistry of selected trivalent lanthanide and americium compounds: orthorhombic and hexagonal hydroxycarbonates
Authors: Rorif Fabian , Fuger Jean , Desreux Jean F.
Published: February 2005

The molar enthalpies of dissolution of a number of well-characterized hexagonal hydroxycarbonates Ln(OH)CO3(hex) (Ln = La, Nd, Sm, Eu) in 6.00 mol dm-3 HCl were measured at 298.15 K. A new sealed solution micro-calorimeter was developed for this purpose. It was made of an 18-carat gold alloy in order to improve the performances of a calorimeter previously built in our laboratory. The following standard molar enthalpies of formation, Δf
H°m [Ln(OH)CO3, hex], in kJ mol-1, were calculated: -(1627.8±1.6), -(1614.8±1.9), -(1613.4±1.6), and -(1523.0±3.0), for the La, Nd, Sm, and Eu compounds, respectively. These results allowed an extrapolation to Δf
H°m [Eu(OH)CO3·0.5H2O, orth]=-(1653.4±3.6)kJ mol-1 and to Δf
H°m [Am(OH)CO3, hex]=-(1552.5±3.3)kJ mol-1. Using auxiliary data and estimated entropies, the solubility products of the hexagonal hydroxycarbonates were calculated. They are compared here with values deduced from solubility and calorimetric measurements for the corresponding orthorhombic hydroxycarbonates. Our approach generally leads to values similar to those deduced from solubility studies. The orthorhombic form is found to be metastable with respect to the hexagonal form.
Comparison of techniques for measuring ion exchange selectivities in zeolites
Authors: Kuronen Markku , Harjula Risto , Lehto Jukka
Published: February 2005

Two methods for measuring the selectivities of ion exchange reactions in zeolites were compared. Three zeolites (NaA, mordenite and ZSM-5) of differing ion exchange capacity were studied for uni-univalent (Rb+/Na+) and for uni-divalent (Sr2+/2Na+) exchanges. The first method involved rigorous chemical analysis of exchanged ions (Na+ and Rb+ or Na+ and Sr2+) in the solid and solution phases at equilibrium. The second method was based on the use of 86Rb and 85Sr tracers, which were measured in the solution phase after equilibrium, and the remaining concentrations were calculated by difference. The corrected selectivity coefficient (K
G
A/B) was calculated from the equilibrium data. Both methods gave reasonable accuracy (10–15%) when the metal loading in the zeolite was low to medium. The radioactive tracer method, however, resulted errors larger than 100% at high metal ion loading (>80%).
Virtuoso Codes of Violin Performance: Power, Military Heroism, and Gender (1789-1830)
Authors: Kawabata Maiko
Published: February 2005

Beyond its glossy surface of virtuosity and lyricism, a violin concerto is replete with a vocabulary of hidden and (on second glance) not so hidden gestures. From Beethoven's timpani strokes to Paganini's marches and fanfares, the genre employs a host of "heroic" elements and gestures borrowed from military band music. In the period 1789-1830 these borrowings were hardly restricted to a purely musical level. Rather, I argue, military themes and ideas permeated virtually every aspect of a violin concerto's composition, performance, and reception. In the famous concertos as with countless now-forgotten works (of Viotti, Kreutzer, Rode, Baillot, Spohr, Alday, De Beriot, Lipinski, and Prume), the combination of military topoi with the soloist's leading role characterized the violinist as a military hero. Simultaneously, the tendency to compare violinists to mythological or historical figures became increasingly focused on the image of military leaders (Scipio, Alexander, and Napoleon). All the while, the act of performance exuded masculine codes of power, partly through the symbolism of the bow as a weapon. Taken together, it is these codes of military heroism and gendered power that shaped the culture of violin virtuosity, itself an outgrowth of a larger cultural trend stemming from NapolŽonÕs own military heroism.
Relational Troubles and Semiofficial Suspicion: Educators and the Medicalization of “Unruly” Children
Authors: Rafalovich Adam
Published: February 2005

Using an interview‐based analysis of the accounts of interactions between educators, parents, and clinicians, this study explores educators' roles in interpreting childhood troubles as the medical phenomenon of attention deficit‐hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The analysis of interviews shows how children's “personal” troubles become understood as “relational” ones, prompting increasingly sophisticated social responses. I argue that the institution of education, operating in a clinical capacity but lacking the legitimate authority to assign ADHD diagnoses, plays a hybridized, semiofficial role in the medicalization process. This assertion informs a critique of the “informal/official” dichotomy found in the sociology of deviance lexicon, and furthers previous positions in the sociology of mental health that have implicated school representatives in the social construction of behavior disorders.
Thermal Conductivities of Platinum Alloys at High Temperatures
Authors: Terada By Yoshihiro , Ohkubo Kenji , Mohri Tetsuo
Published: February 2005

The thermal conductivity of platinum alloys with a f.c.c. single phase was comprehensively surveyed by the laser flash method. Thermal conductivity is predominantly determined by alloy composition and temperature and is little affected by work hardening. An addition of solute clearly decreases the thermal conductivity of Pt, and the conductivity-composition relationship is characterised by a sharp maximum at pure Pt. The Wiedemann-Franz relationship that holds for Pt alloys suggests that the electron is the dominant carrier of thermal conduction. An empirical rule is proposed that the thermal conductivity of a Pt alloy decreases significantly as the position in the Periodic Table of the solute element becomes horizontally more distant from Pt (for the B-subgroup). The thermal conductivity of Pt alloys increases with increasing temperature in the range 300 to 1100 K. The temperature coefficient of thermal conductivity was found to be inversely correlated with the thermal conductivity.
The Comparative Efficacy of Stabilized Stannous Fluoride/Sodium Hexametaphosphate Dentifrice and Sodium Fluoride/Triclosan/Copolymer Dentifrice for the Control of Gingivitis: A 6‐Month Randomized Clinical Study
Authors: Archila Luis , Bartizek Robert D. , Winston J. Leslie , Biesbrock Aaron R. , McClanahan Stephen F. , He Tao
Published: February 2005

Background: Antimicrobial agents such as stannous fluoride and triclosan have been incorporated into dentifrice formulations and have been shown to be effective in reducing gingivitis. The objective of this study was to compare the anti‐gingivitis efficacy of a 0.454% stannous fluoride/sodium hexametaphosphate dentifrice to a positive control triclosan/copolymer dentifrice.

Methods: This was a 6‐month, randomized, double‐masked, parallel‐group study conducted according to the American Dental Association guidelines for evaluating chemotherapeutic products for the control of gingivitis. A 0.454% stannous fluoride/sodium hexametaphosphate dentifrice was tested against a commercially available positive control dentifrice (0.30% triclosan/2.0% Gantrez copolymer). Following baseline measurements, subjects received a dental prophylaxis. Subjects were then instructed to brush twice daily for 60 seconds using their assigned product. Tooth brushing was supervised for 3 days of each week. Clinical examinations using a gingival index were performed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months.

Results: A total of 199 subjects were enrolled and 186 completed the 6‐month study. Average baseline gingivitis and bleeding scores were similar for the two treatment groups. After 6 months, the experimental group had statistically significantly less gingivitis (25.8%) and statistically significantly less bleeding (27.4%) on average compared to the control group. Neither adverse oral soft tissue effects nor tooth staining were reported.

Conclusion: Within the limits of the study protocol, the results demonstrated superior therapeutic benefits for the stabilized 0.454% stannous fluoride/sodium hexametaphosphate dentifrice in reducing gingivitis compared to the triclosan/copolymer control in this partially supervised study. J Periodontol 2004;75:1592‐1599.
Malformations of the axial skeleton in Museum Vrolik I: Homeotic transformations and numerical anomalies
Authors: Oostra Roelof‐Jan , Hennekam Raoul C.M. , de Rooij Laurens , Moorman Antoon F.M.
Published: February 2005

The Museum Vrolik collection of anatomical specimens in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, comprises over 5,000 specimens of human and animal anatomy, embryology, pathology, and congenital anomalies. Recently, we rediagnosed a subset of the collection comprising dried human trunk skeletons and cranial base preparations presenting with homeotic transformations (vertebral phenotypic shifts) and numerical vertebral anomalies. We identified 11 trunk skeletons with either anterior or posterior homeotic transformations (AHT or PHT), 5 trunk skeletons with either less or more than the normal number of vertebrae, and well over a hundred cranial base preparations with either AHT (atlas‐assimilation) or PHT (occipital vertebra). We found that, although homeotic transformations and numerical anomalies are distinct conditions, both can be described in terms of mismatch between homeotic patterning and morphological segmentation of the paraxial mesoderm. Therefore these two processes are perhaps not as tightly linked as they may seem on the basis of recent molecular studies. In homeotic transformations there is a constant mismatch between homeotic patterning and morphological segmentation throughout the affected region of the vertebral column. In numerical anomalies there is a variable mismatch between homeotic patterning and morphological segmentation, either because of stretching or squeezing of the homeotic pattern or because of oligo‐ or polysegmentation of the presomitic mesoderm (PSM). Homeotic transformations of the axial skeleton have an incidence of about 1%–5%, apart from their occurrence in malformation syndromes. Of the various etiological possibilities, explaining their frequent but mostly sporadic occurrence, maternal hyperthermia seems an attractive candidate. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effective gene therapy for an inherited CNS disease in a large animal model
Authors: Vite Charles H. , McGowan Joseph C. , Niogi Sumit N. , Passini Marco A. , Drobatz Kenneth J. , Haskins Mark E. , Wolfe John H.
Published: February 2005

Genetic diseases affecting the brain typically have widespread lesions that require global correction. Lysosomal storage diseases are good candidates for central nervous system gene therapy, because active enzyme from genetically corrected cells can be secreted and taken up by surrounding diseased cells, and only small amounts of enzyme (<5% of normal) are required to reverse storage lesions. Injection of gene transfer vectors into multiple sites in the mouse brain has been shown to mediate widespread reversal of storage lesions in several disease models. To study a brain closer in size to the human brain, we evaluated the extent of storage correction mediated by a limited number of adeno‐associated virus vector injections in the cat model of human α‐mannosidosis. The treated cats showed remarkable improvements in clinical neurological signs and in brain myelination assessed by quantitative magnetic resonance imaging. Postmortem examination showed that storage lesions were greatly reduced throughout the brain, even though gene transfer was limited to the areas surrounding the injection tracks. The data demonstrate that widespread improvement of neuropathology in a large mammalian brain can be achieved using multiple injection sites during one operation and suggest that this could be an effective treatment for the central nervous system component of human lysosomal enzyme deficiencies. Ann Neurol 2005;57:355–364
Phenotypes of the N88S Berardinelli–Seip congenital lipodystrophy 2 mutation
Authors: Auer‐Grumbach Michaela , Schlotter‐Weigel Beate , Lochmüller Hanns , Strobl‐Wildemann Gertrud , Auer‐Grumbach Piet , Fischer Renate , Offenbacher Hans , Zwick Ernst Bernhard , Robl Tanja , Hartl Gerald , Hartung Hans‐Peter , Wagner Klaus , Windpassinger Christian ,   the Austrian Peripheral Neuropathy Study Group
Published: February 2005

Recently, two missense mutations (N88S, S90L) in the Berardinelli–Seip congenital lipodystrophy gene have been identified in autosomal dominant distal hereditary motor neuropathy and Silver syndrome. We report the phenotypic consequences of the N88S mutation in 90 patients of 1 large Austrian family and two unrelated German families. Variation in the clinical and electrophysiological phenotype enabled us to distinguish six subtypes. In 4.4%, the disorder was not penetrant. Twenty percent of the patients were subclinically affected; some of these patients could only be detected by pathological nerve conduction studies. A distal hereditary motor neuropathy type V phenotype characterized by predominant hand muscle involvement was found in 31.1%, whereas 14.5% showed typical Silver syndrome with amyotrophy of the small hand muscles and spasticity of the lower extremities. Moreover, the phenotype present in 20% was compatible with Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease. In 10%, the clinical diagnosis of pure or complicated hereditary spastic paraparesis was made. Electrophysiological studies showed an axonal neuropathy but also chronodispersion of compound motor action potentials and conduction blocks. Sensory nerve conduction studies were rarely pathological. Our study indicates that the dominant N88S mutation in the Berardinelli–Seip congenital lipodystrophy gene 2 leads to a broad spectrum of motor neuron disorders. Ann Neurol 2005;57:415–424
Synthesis and practicability of novel additives for copper electroplating with semiconductor packaging
Authors: Sugimoto Masaharu , Yamaguchi Kazuki , Kouzai Hiroaki , Honma Hideo
Published: February 2005

Connection reliability between Large Scale Integrated circuit (LSI) and electronic devices is increasingly important with the miniaturization of electronic devices. For the formation of fine conductors on wiring in electronic devices, copper electroplating is generally applied and is controlled with various organic additives. In this study, for the purpose of developing additives capable of working on a finer conductive copper circuit, we focused our attention on the synthesis of organic additives with inhibition action for the plating. Generally, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was used as an inhibitor. We synthesized the PEG derivatives, which were α‐(2‐chloroethyl)‐ω‐chloropoly(oxyethylene) (PEG‐Cl) and α‐(2‐sulfoethyl)‐ω‐sulfopoly(oxyethylene)disodium, and evaluated them for their Via‐filling properties. Good filling properties were achieved by the addition of these synthesized materials to a normal copper‐plating bath. Furthermore, with PEG‐Cl, good filling properties were achieved without chlorine ions, which were usually added to the bath. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 837–840, 2005
Cold forging behavior of semicrystalline polymers
Authors: Nagarajan Pratapkumar , Yao Donggang
Published: February 2005

Compared with molding processes, polymer solid‐phase forming has several advantages. Particularly, polymer forging is able to reduce cycle time for thick parts, process difficult‐to‐mold materials, and enhance mechanical performance through self‐reinforcment. Although much research has been carried out in the past on solid‐phase forming, little has been done on polymer forging. This can be partially attributed to the lack of fundamental understanding of the process, e.g., lack of understanding on instantaneous recovery and viscoelastic recovery and lack of a modeling and simulation capability. In the present study, upsetting experiments were conducted to study the forging behavior of nylon. The instantaneous elastic recovery and the time‐dependent postrecovery were found to be significantly affected by upsetting speed and dwell time. The dimensional recovery behavior of upset samples was interpreted using the Burgers model. The stress–strain data from the upsetting experiment was used in a viscoplastic simulation of forging a cylindrical hole. The simulation result about load versus forging displacement agrees well with that from the forging experiment. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 764–771, 2005
Neutral sterols of representatives of two groups of hemiptera and their correlation to ecdysteroid content
Authors: Svoboda J. A. , Lusby W. R. , Aldrich J. R.
Published: February 2005

The sterols of four species of Pentatomomorpha—Oncopeltus fasciatus (Dallas), Nezara viridula (L.), Dysdercus cingulatus (F.), and Podisus maculiventris (Say)—and threé species of Cimicomorpha—Rhodnius prolixus Stal, Arilus cristatus (L), and Cimex lectularius (L.)—were isolated and examined in order to compare neutral sterol utilization and content with the known ecdysteroids of these species. In the phytophagous Pentatomomorpha, O. fasciatus, N. viridula, and D. cingulatus, the low content of cholesterol and the high content of C28 and C29 phytosterols (< 1% and > 99% of the tissue sterols, respectively) indicated that these species are unable to dealkylate the C‐24 position of sterols. These insects appear to have adapted to the challenge of both insufficient dietary cholesterol and inability to dealkylate phytosterols by evolving the ability to produce a C28 ecdysteroid (makisterone A). The secondarily predacious P. maculiventris has adequate cholesterol available for C27 ecdysteroid production, but appears to have retained the ecdysteroid biosynthetic pathways of its phytophagous ancestors because it produces a C28 ecdysteroid. Cholesterol was the major sterol of each of the three species of Cimicomorpha, and these insects are only able to produce C27 ecdysteroids.
Phospholipid fatty acids from exocrine and reproductive tissues of male american cockroaches, Periplaneta americana (L.)
Authors: Stanley‐Samuelson David W. , Pipa Rudolph L.
Published: February 2005

We present the phospholipid fatty acid compositions, determined by GLC,* of four individual tissues (testes, mushroom glands, conglobate glands, and salivary glands) from adult male cockroaches, P. americana. The testes phospholipids contained higher proportions of palmitic acid than did the exocrine tissues (16% vs about 8%). This was also true for palmitoleic (2.3% vs 0.4–1.3%), oleic (49% vs 30–35%), and linolenic acids (7% vs 0.5–2.8%). Testicular extracts were lower in linoleic acid (16%) than were the exocrine gland extracts (at 40–45%). All four tissues also contained low proportions of several long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids of both omega‐3 and omega‐6 metabolic families, including C20:3n6, C20:4n6, and C20:5n3. The data suggest that the phospholipid fatty acid profiles of specific tissues differ from each other and from those obtained from whole‐insect extracts. The presence of several polyenoics from the n3 and n6 metabolic families is interpreted in the context of complex fatty acid requirements at the tissue level.