bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expressed sequence tag analysis of the diapausing queen of the bumblebee Bombus ignitus
Authors: KIM Yeon‐Ju , HWANG Jae‐Sam , YOON Hyung‐Joo , YUN Eun‐Young , LEE Sang Beom , AHN Mi‐Young , KIM Nam‐Soon , KIM Iksoo , JEON Jae‐Pil , HWANG Seok‐Jo
Published: November 2006

We constructed a full‐length cDNA library from diapausing queens of the bumblebee Bombus ignitus. A total of 480 randomly selected clones was sequenced by single‐run 5′‐end sequencing. Of these, there were 437 high quality clones, 23 poor quality clones and 20 read‐fail clones. Each high quality clone sequence was searched against a public protein database. The most frequently found matching genes were ribosomal proteins (12.5%), p10 (3.58%), cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (3.13%) and sensory appendage protein (2.9%). Sequence similarity analysis between bumblebees and other insect species showed that 72 out of 437 (16.5%) bumblebee expressed sequence tags (EST) matched sequences of Apis mellifera, with matches to Drosophila melanogaster (6.6%), Caenorhabditis briggsae (6.2%), Lysiphlebus testaceipes (4.8%), Periplaneta americana (3.7%) and Anopheles gambiae (3.4%) following, suggesting that sequence similarity of bumblebee EST is closest to that of A. mellifera. Functional classification of EST based on Gene Ontology showed that most genes found by sequencing are associated with physiological processes in the bumblebee. The results of sequencing and analysis of our 437 cDNA demonstrated that high‐throughput EST sequencing and data analysis are powerful means for identifying novel genes and for expression profiling. Our bumblebee EST collection could be a useful platform for further studies of gene expression in diapausing bumblebees.
Determination of Shakedown Limit Load for a 90-Degree Pipe Bend Using a Simplified Technique
Authors: Abdalla Hany F. , Megahed Mohammad M. , Younan Maher Y. A.
Published: November 2006

In this paper a simplified technique is presented to determine the shakedown limit load of a 90-degree pipe bend subjected to constant internal pressure and cyclic in-plane closing bending moment using the finite element method. The simplified technique determines the shakedown limit load without performing time consuming full elastic-plastic cyclic loading simulations or conventional iterative elastic techniques. Instead, the shakedown limit load is determined by performing two finite element analyses namely; an elastic analysis and an elastic-plastic analysis. By extracting the results of the two analyses, the shakedown limit load is determined through the calculation of the residual stresses developed in the pipe bend. In order to gain confidence in the simplified technique, the output shakedown limit moments are used to perform full elastic-plastic cyclic loading simulations to check for shakedown behavior of the pipe bend. The shakedown limit moments output by the simplified technique are used to generate the shakedown diagram of the pipe bend for a range of constant internal pressure magnitudes. The maximum moment carrying capacity (limit moment) the pipe bend can withstand and the elastic limit are also determined and imposed on the shakedown diagram of the pipe bend. In order to get acquainted with the simplified technique, it is applied beforehand to a bench mark shakedown problem namely, the Bree cylinder (Bree, J., 1967, J. Strain Anal., 3, pp. 226–238) problem. The Bree cylinder is subjected to constant internal pressure and cyclic high heat fluxes across its wall. The results of the simplified technique showed very good correlation with the analytically determined Bree diagram of the cylinder.
Thermal-Fluid MEMS Devices: A Decade of Progress and Challenges Ahead
Authors: Hassan I.
Published: November 2006

Microdevices are becoming more prevalent and important in current and future technologies. Over the past decade, countless studies have been conducted in developing thermal microdevices. This paper focuses on the progress of research made during the last decade regarding heat transfer and fluid flow in microheat sinks, micropumps, microturbines, microengines, micromixers, as well as microsensors. Recent experimental techniques in the thermal microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) field have also been presented. Although some thermal MEMS devices have penetrated the commercial market, the mass implementation of thermal MEMS devices in future technology is still quite far, and is highly desirable. During the next decade, vast amounts of research need to be conducted before other microdevices can infiltrate the mainstream. Possible future directions of research have also been provided.
Heat trapping for fast pumping of very hot gases
Authors: Petit E. J.
Published: November 2006

Industrial treatments of surfaces can take advantage of process switching between high pressure and low pressure (or vacuum), both at high temperatures. For the optimization of the industrial throughput, as well as for surface quality and thermal efficiency, it may be practical to avoid a delay in cooling the gas before pumping. Now, safety requires precaution in order to avoid ignition of oil-sealed mechanical pumps when very hot gas must be pumped close to atmospheric pressure. This article searches for a mechanism to achieve fast cooling before gases enter the pumping system. The author suggests that heat can be trapped momentarily during pumping at high pressure, and that the stored heat can be dissipated over a longer period of time after pumping. This concept is simple and practical; it provides a low cost solution for many cases. It is relevant when gases are pumped transiently. Reliability of this solution depends on scaling the heat trap to the maximum temperature and volume of gases, as well as to the pumping speed to be achieved. Design considerations are of the utmost importance. In particular, mass and exchange area of the heat sink are essential parameters. This article proposes simple mathematical tools for safe dimensioning. Model exploitation is illustrated on an example considering pumping a 2m3 chamber filled to atmospheric pressure by a gas at 500 or 800°C. The author assumes the vessel is pumped in ∼2–10min by a “roots” type pump connected in series with an oil-sealed mechanical pump (60–350m3∕h). Model predictions indicate that a spiral rolled stainless steel sheet is more efficient than a collection of tubes as a heat sink although a trap made of tubes provides a cheaper apparatus.
Interface broadening due to ion mixing during thin film growth at the radio-frequency-biased electrode in a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition environment
Authors: Amassian A. , Svec M. , Desjardins P. , Martinu L.
Published: November 2006

The authors show that ion bombardment in the range of tens to a few hundreds of eV, used in ion- and plasma-assisted deposition processes, can lead to thin film growth dominated by subsurface deposition due to subplantation (shallow implantation). This can cause significant interface broadening during the initial stages of film deposition as a result of ion mixing. First, by studying the modifications of a c-Si(100) target exposed to an O2 plasma at the radio-frequency (rf)-biased electrode using in situ real-time spectroscopic ellipsometry (RTSE), the authors detect implantation, damage, and oxidation to a depth of up to ∼10nm. They validate these results using high resolution transmission electron microscopy and simulate the effects of ion-surface interactions at the rf-biased electrode by using Monte Carlo TRIDYN simulations. The simulation code, which was modified specifically to consider a broadband ion energy source, enabled the authors to reproduce depth and time relevant experimental results with good agreement. In situ RTSE was then used to monitor TiO2 deposition on SiO2 under similar ion bombardment conditions. The authors observed the formation of a 2-to4-nm-thick interfacial layer, depending on the ion-to-neutral flux ratio (ϕi∕ϕn), which was controlled by varying the deposition rate. TRIDYN simulations revealed that oxygen subplantation causes interfacial broadening during the growth through ballistic mixing of Ti and Si atoms at the interface; the interface width scales as ∼(ϕi∕ϕn)1∕2. Intensive ion mixing at ϕi∕ϕn>1 is also shown to be responsible for the ballistic displacement of the majority of surface-deposited Ti atoms into the bulk, so that the growth appears to be dominated by subsurface deposition under conditions of intense ion bombardment.
On the sound field of a circular membrane in free space and an infinite baffle
Authors: Mellow Tim , Kärkkäinen Leo
Published: November 2006

An enhanced method for calculating the radiation characteristics of a tensioned circular membrane in free space is presented using an analytical solution to the infinite integral in the free-space Green’s function in cylindrical coordinates. This enables direct calculation of the surface pressure series coefficients by equating the coefficients of the resulting Bessel series in a set of simultaneous equations. Eliminating both numerical integration and least-squares minimization improves calculation speed and accuracy. An infinite baffle is introduced to provide an indication of what the theoretical limit of the bass performance would be using a very large enclosure. Furthermore, analytical solutions to the pressure field integrals are presented. A force transmission coefficient is introduced, which is the ratio of the total radiation impedance to the motional impedance. The motional, radiation, and diaphragm impedances of the damped membrane are calculated, together with the near- and far-field pressure responses and efficiency. A comparison is made between the on-axis response (without damping) calculated using this method and using a finite element model. It is demonstrated that good correlation between the two calculation methods can be achieved provided the elements are small enough and a sufficiently large model is used at the frequency extremes.
Modeling coupled aerodynamics and vocal fold dynamics using immersed boundary methods
Authors: Duncan Comer , Zhai Guangnian , Scherer Ronald
Published: November 2006

The penalty immersed boundary (PIB) method, originally introduced by Peskin (1972) to model the function of the mammalian heart, is tested as a fluid-structure interaction model of the closely coupled dynamics of the vocal folds and aerodynamics in phonation. Two-dimensional vocal folds are simulated with material properties chosen to result in self-oscillation and volume flows in physiological frequency ranges. Properties of the glottal flow field, including vorticity, are studied in conjunction with the dynamic vocal fold motion. The results of using the PIB method to model self-oscillating vocal folds for the case of 8cm H2O as the transglottal pressure gradient are described. The volume flow at 8cm H2O, the transglottal pressure, and vortex dynamics associated with the self-oscillating model are shown. Volume flow is also given for 2, 4, and 12cm H2O, illustrating the robustness of the model to a range of transglottal pressures. The results indicate that the PIB method applied to modeling phonation has good potential for the study of the interdependence of aerodynamics and vocal fold motion.
Abortive Initiation and Productive Initiation by RNA Polymerase Involve DNA Scrunching
Authors: Revyakin Andrey , Liu Chenyu , Ebright Richard H. , Strick Terence R.
Published: November 2006

Using single-molecule DNA nanomanipulation, we show that abortive initiation involves DNA “scrunching”—in which RNA polymerase (RNAP) remains stationary and unwinds and pulls downstream DNA into itself—and that scrunching requires RNA synthesis and depends on RNA length. We show further that promoter escape involves scrunching, and that scrunching occurs in most or all instances of promoter escape. Our results support the existence of an obligatory stressed intermediate, with approximately one turn of additional DNA unwinding, in escape and are consistent with the proposal that stress in this intermediate provides the driving force to break RNAP-promoter and RNAP-initiation-factor interactions in escape.
Characterization of 2-Bromoethanesulfonate as a Selective Inhibitor of the Coenzyme M-Dependent Pathway and Enzymes of Bacterial Aliphatic Epoxide Metabolism
Authors: Boyd Jeffrey M. , Ellsworth Ashley , Ensign Scott A.
Published: November 2006

Bacterial growth with short-chain aliphatic alkenes requires coenzyme M (CoM) (2-mercaptoethanesulfonic acid), which serves as the nucleophile for activation and conversion of epoxide products formed from alkene oxidation to central metabolites. In the present work the CoM analog 2-bromoethanesulfonate (BES) was shown to be a specific inhibitor of propylene-dependent growth of and epoxypropane metabolism by
Xanthobacter autotrophicus
strain Py2. BES (at low [millimolar] concentrations) completely prevented growth with propylene but had no effect on growth with acetone or
n
-propanol. Propylene consumption by cells was largely unaffected by the presence of BES, but epoxypropane accumulated in the medium in a time-dependent fashion with BES present. The addition of BES to cells resulted in time-dependent loss of epoxypropane degradation activity that was restored upon removal of BES and addition of CoM. Exposure of cells to BES resulted in a loss of epoxypropane-dependent CO
2
fixation activity that was restored only upon synthesis of new protein. Addition of BES to cell extracts resulted in an irreversible loss of epoxide carboxylase activity that was restored by addition of purified 2-ketopropyl-CoM carboxylase/oxidoreductase (2-KPCC), the terminal enzyme of epoxide carboxylation, but not by addition of epoxyalkane:CoM transferase or 2-hydroxypropyl-CoM dehydrogenase, the enzymes which catalyze the first two reactions of epoxide carboxylation. Comparative studies of the propylene-oxidizing actinomycete
Rhodococcus rhodochrous
strain B276 showed that BES is an inhibitor of propylene-dependent growth in this organism as well but is not an inhibitor of CoM-independent growth with propane. These results suggest that BES inhibits propylene-dependent growth and epoxide metabolism via irreversible inactivation of the key CO
2
-fixing enzyme 2-KPCC.
Surface Protein IsdC and Sortase B Are Required for Heme-Iron Scavenging ofBacillus anthracis
Authors: Maresso Anthony W. , Chapa Travis J. , Schneewind Olaf
Published: November 2006

Bacillus anthracis, the spore-forming agent of anthrax, requires iron for growth and is capable of scavenging heme-iron during infection. We show here that theB. anthracis iron-regulatedsurfacedeterminants (isd) locus encompassesisdC, specifying a heme-iron binding surface protein. Anchoring of IsdC to the cell wall envelopes of vegetative bacilli requiressrtB, which encodes sortase B. Purified sortase B cleaves IsdC between the threonine and the glycine of its NPKTG motif sorting signal.B. anthracisvariants lacking eitherisdCorsrtBdisplay defects in heme-iron scavenging, suggesting that IsdC binding to heme-iron in the cell wall envelope contributes to bacterial uptake of heme.
Biosynthetic Pathways of Inositol and Glycerol Phosphodiesters Used by the HyperthermophileArchaeoglobus fulgidusin Stress Adaptation
Authors: Borges Nuno , Gonçalves Luís G. , Rodrigues Marta V. , Siopa Filipa , Ventura Rita , Maycock Christopher , Lamosa Pedro , Santos Helena
Published: November 2006

Archaeoglobus fulgidusaccumulates di-myo-inositol phosphate (DIP) and diglycerol phosphate (DGP) in response to heat and osmotic stresses, respectively, and the level of glycero-phospho-myo-inositol (GPI) increases primarily when the two stresses are combined. In this work, the pathways for the biosynthesis of these three compatible solutes were established based on the detection of the relevant enzymatic activities and characterization of the intermediate metabolites by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. The synthesis of DIP proceeds from glucose-6-phosphate via four steps: (i) glucose-6-phosphate was converted intol-myo-inositol 1-phosphate byl-myo-inositol 1-phosphate synthase; (ii)l-myo-inositol 1-phosphate was activated to CDP-inositol at the expense of CTP; this is the first demonstration of CDP-inositol synthesis in a biological system; (iii) CDP-inositol was coupled withl-myo-inositol 1-phosphate to yield a phosphorylated intermediate, 1,1′-di-myo-inosityl phosphate 3-phosphate (DIPP); (iv) finally, DIPP was dephosphorylated into DIP by the action of a phosphatase. The synthesis of the two other polyol-phosphodiesters, DGP and GPI, proceeds via the condensation of CDP-glycerol with the respective phosphorylated polyol, glycerol 3-phosphate for DGP andl-myo-inositol 1-phosphate for GPI, yielding the respective phosphorylated intermediates, 1X,1′X-diglyceryl phosphate 3-phosphate (DGPP) and 1-(1X-glyceryl)myo-inosityl phosphate 3-phosphate (GPIP), which are subsequently dephosphorylated to form the final products. The results disclosed here represent an important step toward the elucidation of the regulatory mechanisms underlying the differential accumulation of these compounds in response to heat and osmotic stresses.
Genetic relationships within and among Iberian fescues (Festuca L.) based on PCR-amplified markers
Authors: de Nova Pedro J.G. , de la Cruz Marcelino , Monte Juan V. , Soler Consuelo
Published: November 2006

The genus Festuca comprises approximately 450 species and is widely distributed around the world. The Iberian Penninsula, with more than 100 taxa colonizing very diverse habitats, is one of its main centers of diversification. This study was conducted to assess molecular genetic variation and genetic relatedness among 91 populations of 31 taxa of Iberian fescues, based on several molecular markers (random amplified polymorphic DNA, amplified fragment length polymorphisms, and trnL sequences). The analyses showed the paraphyletic origin of the broad-leaved (subgenus Festuca , sections Scariosae and Subbulbosae, and subgenus Schedonorus ) and the fine-leaved fescues (subgenus Festuca, sections Aulaxyper, Eskia, and Festuca). Schedonorus showed a weak relationship with Lolium rigidum and appeared to be the most recent of the broad-leaved clade. Section Eskia was the most ancient and Festuca the most recent of the fine-leaved clade. Festuca and Aulaxyper were the most related sections, in concordance with their taxonomic affinities. All taxa grouped into their sections, except F. ampla and F. capillifolia (section Festuca), which appeared to be more closely related to Aulaxyper and to a new independent section, respectively. Most populations clustered at the species level, but some subspecies and varieties mixed their populations. This study demonstrated the value in combining different molecular markers to uncover hidden genetic relationships between populations of Festuca.
Maximum effort breath-hold times for males and females of similar pulmonary capacities during sudden face-only immersion at water temperatures from 0 to 33 °C
Authors: Jay Ollie , White Matthew D.
Published: November 2006

For non breath-hold-trained males and females matched for pulmonary capacity and body size, the effects of sex, water temperature, and end-tidal gas tensions were studied for their potential influences on breath-holding ability. Maximum breath-hold time (BHTmax) was measured a total of 546 times in 13 males and 13 females, each repeating 3 trials of sudden face immersion (i.e., no prior hyperventilation) in water at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 33 °C and in an air control condition (AIR). End-tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO2) and oxygen (PETO2) gas tensions were measured before and after breath-holding in a subset of 11 males and 11 females. For BHTmax there was no main effect of sex (p = 0.20), but there was a main effect of immersion condition (p < 0.001). Relative to pre-immersion rest values, end-tidal gas tensions were significantly higher in males than in females (p ≤ 0.05) and significantly lower at decreased water temperatures relative to AIR (p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, for these matched groups (i) sex did not influence BHTmax; (ii) irrespective of sex, decreases in water temperature at 0, 5, 10, and 15 °C gave proportionate decreases of BHTmax; (iii) significantly greater deviations in both PETCO2 and PETO2 following breath-holding were evident in males relative to females; and (iv) irrespective of sex, there were significantly smaller changes in both PETCO2 and PETO2 at lower water temperatures relative to AIR, with or without removing the variance due to breath holding.
Hexavalent chromium removal in vitro and from industrial wastes, using chromate-resistant strains of filamentous fungi indigenous to contaminated wastes
Authors: Acevedo-Aguilar Francisco Javier , Espino-Saldaña Angeles Edith , Leon-Rodriguez Ireri Lizzuli , Rivera-Cano Ma. Elena , Avila-Rodriguez Mario , Wrobel Kazimierz , Wrobel Katarzyna , Lappe Patricia , Ulloa Miguel , Gutiérrez-Corona J. Felix
Published: November 2006

Two chromate-resistant filamentous fungi, strains H13 and Ed8, were selected from seven independent fungal isolates indigenous to Cr(VI)-contaminated soil because of their ability to decrease hexavalent chromium levels in the growth medium. Morphophysiological studies identified strain H13 as a Penicillium sp. isolate and Ed8 as an Aspergillus sp. isolate. When incubated in minimal medium with glucose as a carbon source and in the presence of 50 µg/mL Cr(VI), these strains caused complete disappearance of Cr(VI) in the growth medium after about 72 h of incubation. Total chromium concentration in growth medium was constant during culture growth, and no accumulation of chromium in fungal biomass was observed. Quantitative determinations of oxidized and reduced chromium species during the reduction process revealed stoichiometric conversion of Cr(VI) to Cr(III). A decrease in Cr(VI) levels from industrial wastes was also induced by Ed8 or H13 biomass. These results indicate that chromate-resistant filamentous fungi with Cr(VI)-reducing capability could be useful for the removal of Cr(VI) contamination.Key words: Cr(VI) reduction, Cr(VI) resistance, filamentous fungi, Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., industrial wastes.
Effect of acidic electrolyzed water on the viability of bacterial and fungal plant pathogens and on bacterial spot disease of tomato
Authors: Abbasi P A , Lazarovits G
Published: November 2006

Acidic electrolyzed water (AEW), known to have germicidal activity, was obtained after electrolysis of 0.045% aqueous solution of sodium chloride. Freshly prepared AEW (pH 2.3–2.6, oxidation–reduction potential 1007–1025 mV, and free active chlorine concentration 27–35 ppm) was tested in vitro and (or) on tomato foliage and seed surfaces for its effects on the viability of plant pathogen propagules that could be potential seed contaminants. Foliar sprays of AEW were tested against bacterial spot disease of tomato under greenhouse and field conditions. The viability of propagules of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (bacterial spot pathogen), Streptomyces scabies (potato scab pathogen), and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici (root rot pathogen) was significantly reduced 4–8 log units within 2 min of exposure to AEW. Immersion of tomato seed from infected fruit in AEW for 1 and 3 min significantly reduced the populations of X. campestris pv. vesicatoria from the surface of the seed without affecting seed germination. Foliar sprays of AEW reduced X. campestris pv. vesicatoria populations and leaf spot severity on tomato foliage in the greenhouse. In the field, multiple sprays of AEW consistently reduced bacterial spot severity on tomato foliage. Disease incidence and severity was also reduced on fruit, but only in 2003. Fruit yield was either enhanced or not affected by the AEW sprays. These results indicate a potential use of AEW as a seed surface disinfectant or contact bactericide.Key words: electrolyzed oxidizing water, seed disinfectant, foliar sprays, bacterial spot control.
TPS-LAS MODEL USING PROCESS LAYOUT CAE SYSTEM AT TOYOTA: ADVANCED TPS, KEY TO GLOBAL PRODUCTION STRATEGY NEW JIT
Authors: SAKAI HIROHISA , AMASAKA KAKURO
Published: November 2006

Recently, Japanese enterprises have been promoting global production to realize uniform quality worldwide and production at optimal locations for severe competition. The authors attempt to propose New JIT (Just in Time) as a new management technology principle for manufacturing in the 21st century. Therefore, this paper concentrates on verifying the effectiveness of the authors' proposed Advanced TPS to success in global production by excellent manufacturing technology as the key to New JIT at Toyota. So far, the authors have established strategic manufacturing technology for the Lean Production called TPS-LAS (Toyota Production System - Process Layout Analysis Simulation) by using Process Layout CAE System. TPS-LAS model contains the three-core system with logistics investigation simulation, digital factory simulation and workability investigation simulation.
Promoting self-directed learning using a menu of assessment options: the investment model
Authors: Rangachari P. K.
Published: November 2006

Undergraduate science students took an Inquiry course in their second (sophomore) year. The course was designed to explore the social life of scientific knowledge. They were given a set of eight assessment options: personal logs, targeted oral examinations, commentaries, mini-lectures, individual explorations, research proposals, book reviews, and problem-solving exercises. Each option had a specific maximum mark (percentage or grade point) associated with it. Students were permitted to select any set of options to obtain their total grade for the course. From the student’s perspective, the course provided a valuable learning experience and enabled them to recognize the complexities involved in the process of generating scientific information and making it useful and relevant to the public. The opportunity given to select their own assessment options enhanced their learning. For me, as the sole instructor managing 51 students, the experience was rewarding.
Use of modified SOAP notes and peer-led small-group discussion in a Medical Physiology course: addressing the hidden curriculum
Authors: Kibble Jonathan , Hansen Penelope A. , Nelson Loren
Published: November 2006

Peer leading of small-group discussion of cases; use of modified subjective, objective, assessment of physiology (SOAP) notes; and opportunities for self-assessment were introduced into a Medical Physiology course to increase students' awareness and practice of professional behaviors. These changes arose from faculty members' understanding of the hidden curriculum and their efforts to reveal it to take increased advantage of its educationally beneficial aspects. Faculty members and students observed that the requirement for students to submit SOAP notes before their discussions meant that they were well prepared to participate. Student satisfaction with the protocol was high, with >95% of the students agreeing that discussants were well prepared and that the overall performance of their discussion group was good. A comparison of students' performance on selected exam questions showed that peer leading was equally as effective as a previously used teacher-centered approach. Students agreed that their ability to analyze a clinical case had improved using this protocol, an effect that persisted at least one semester after the end of the course. These approaches were time and cost efficient from a faculty perspective while serving the needs of the students. The use of SOAP notes and peer-led discussion were effective forms of instruction, in which students succeeded in learning medical physiology and in practicing professional behaviors.
Serotonin-type 3 receptors mediate intestinal lipid-induced satiation and Fos-like immunoreactivity in the dorsal hindbrain
Authors: Savastano David M. , Hayes Matthew R. , Covasa Mihai
Published: November 2006

Several gastrointestinal stimuli, including some intestinal nutrients, have been shown to exert their satiating effect via activation of serotonin type-3 (5-HT3) receptors. The presence of lipids in the small intestine potently suppresses food intake; however, whether 5-HT3 receptors play a role in this response has not been directly examined. Therefore, using the selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron, we tested the hypothesis that duodenal infusion of lipid suppresses intake of both sucrose solution and chow through 5-HT3 receptor activation. Rats duodenally infused with 72 and 130 mM Intralipid suppressed 1-h 15% sucrose intake by 33 and 67%, respectively. Suppression of sucrose intake by 72 mM Intralipid was significantly attenuated by ondansetron at all doses tested (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 5.0 mg/kg ip), whereas the lowest effective dose of ondansetron to attenuate suppression of intake by 130 mM Intralipid was 1.0 mg/kg. Furthermore, infusion of 130 mM Intralipid suppressed 1- and 4-h chow intake by 35 and 20%, respectively. Ondansetron administered as low as 0.5 mg/kg significantly attenuated 1-h Intralipid-induced suppression of chow intake and completely reversed the suppression by 4 h. Administration of ondansetron alone did not alter sucrose or chow intake compared with vehicle injection at any time. Finally, to test whether Intralipid-induced neuronal activation of the dorsal vagal complex is mediated by 5-HT3 receptors, Fos-like immunoreactivity (Fos-LI) was quantified in ondansetron-pretreated rats following intestinal lipid infusion. Ondansetron (1 mg/kg) significantly attenuated duodenal intralipid-induced Fos-LI in the dorsal hindbrain. These data support the hypothesis that 5-HT3 receptors mediate both satiation, as well as hindbrain neuronal responses evoked by intestinal lipids.
Peripheral neuropathy does not alter the fractal dynamics of stride intervals of gait
Authors: Gates Deanna H. , Dingwell Jonathan B.
Published: November 2006

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect (if any) of significant sensory loss on the long-range correlations normally observed in the stride intervals of human gait. Fourteen patients with severe peripheral neuropathy and 12 gender-, age-, height-, and weight-matched nondiabetic controls participated. Subjects walked around an ∼200-m open-level walkway for 10 min at their comfortable pace. Continuous knee joint kinematics were recorded and used to calculate a stride interval time series for each subject. Power spectral density and detrended fluctuation analyses were used to determine whether these stride intervals exhibited long-range correlations. If the loss of long-range correlations indicates deterioration of the central control of gait, then changes in peripheral sensation should have no effect. If instead the loss of long-range correlations is a consequence of a general inability to regulate gait cycle timing, then a similar loss should occur in patients with peripheral locomotor disorders. Both power spectral density analyses and detrended fluctuation analyses showed that temporal correlations in the stride times of neuropathic and control subjects were statistically identical ( P = 0.954 and P = 0.974, respectively), despite slower gait speeds ( P = 0.008) and increased stride time variability ( P = 0.036) among the neuropathy patients. All subjects in both groups exhibited long-range correlations. These findings demonstrate that the normal long-range correlation structure of stride intervals is unaltered by significant peripheral sensory loss. This further supports the hypothesis that the central nervous system is involved in the regulation of long-range correlations.
Pelvic Actynomyces Infection: Report of Two Cases Occurred in the Hospital of San José
Authors: Urbina Sergio , Ruiz Hernando , Parejas Sofia
Published: November 2006

The actynomyces infection is a rare cause of chronic pelvic
inflammation, which can be manifested in multiple ways. It is
caused by the actynomyces bacteria, usually by the
israelii type, which can be a part of the normal flora of
the genital tract in patients who use intrauterine device (IUD).
There is a discussion about the importance of considering this
infection disease as part of the differential diagnosis in
patients using the IUD, with atypical manifestations and bizarre
presentation of infections of the genital tract, severe pelvic
adherent syndromes, tubo‐ovarian complexes (abscesses) barely
symptomatic, and in the case of intraoperatory suspicion of pelvic
carcinomatosis among others.
A Table‐Based Random Sampling Simulation for Bioluminescence Tomography
Authors: Zhang Xiaomeng , Bai Jing
Published: November 2006

As a popular simulation of photon propagation in turbid media, the main problem of Monte Carlo (MC) method is its cumbersome computation. In this work a table‐based random sampling simulation (TBRS) is proposed. The key idea of TBRS is to simplify multisteps of scattering to a single‐step process, through randomly table querying, thus greatly reducing the computing complexity of the conventional MC algorithm and expediting the computation. The TBRS simulation is a fast algorithm of the conventional MC simulation of photon propagation. It retained the merits of flexibility and accuracy of conventional MC method and adapted well to complex geometric media and various source shapes. Both MC simulations were conducted in a homogeneous medium in our work. Also, we present a reconstructing approach to estimate the position of the fluorescent source based on the trial‐and‐error theory as a validation of the TBRS algorithm. Good agreement is found between the conventional MC simulation and the TBRS simulation.
Synthesis of self‐aggregative zinc chlorophylls possessing polymerizable esters as a atable model compound for main light‐harvesting antennas of green photosynthetic bacteria
Authors: Tamiaki Hitoshi , Nishihara Kazuya , Shibata Reiko
Published: November 2006

Zinc bacteriochlorophyll‐d derivatives possessing a polymerizable moiety at the
17‐propionate were prepared as model compounds of natural occurring chlorophylls
in the main peripheral antennas of green photosynthetic bacteria (chlorosomes).
The synthetic compounds self‐aggregated in nonpolar organic solvents as well as
in the solid state to give large oligomers similar to chlorosomal J‐aggregates.
Such introduction of the polymerizable groups in the ester did not suppress the ability of
self‐aggregation.
Synthesis and Characterization of Photocatalytic TiO2‐ZnFe2O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Srinivasan Sesha S. , Wade Jeremy , Stefanakos Elias K.
Published: November 2006

A new coprecipitation/hydrolysis synthesis route is used to create a TiO2‐ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite that is directed towards extending the photoresponse of TiO2 from UV to visible wavelengths (>400 nm). The effect of TiO2′s accelerated anatase‐rutile phase transformation due to the presence of the coupled ZnFe2O4 narrow‐bandgap semiconductor is evaluated. The transformation′s dependence on pH, calcinations temperature, particle size, and ZnFe2O4 concentration has been analyzed using XRD, SEM, and UV‐visible spectrometry. The requirements for retaining the highly photoactive anatase phase present in a ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite are outlined. The visible‐light‐activated photocatalytic activity of the TiO2‐ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites has been compared to an Aldrich TiO2 reference catalyst, using a solar‐simulated photoreactor for the degradation of phenol.
Detection of Erythropoietin in Exhaled Breath Condensate of Nonhypoxic Subjects Using a Multiplex Bead Array
Authors: Schumann Christian , Triantafilou Kathy , Krueger Stefan , Hombach Vinzenz , Triantafilou Martha , Becher Gunther , Lepper Philipp M.
Published: November 2006

As a noninvasive method, exhaled breath condensate (EBC) has gained importance to improve monitoring of lung diseases and to detect biomarkers. The aim of the study was to investigate, whether erythropoietin (EPO) is detectable in EBC. EBC was collected from 22 consecutive patients as well as from healthy individuals. Using a multiplex fluorescent bead
immunoassay, we detected EPO in EBC, as well as tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in 13 out of 22 patients simultaneously (EPO 0.21 ± 0.03 in U/mL and TNF‐α 34.6 ± 4.2 in pg/mL, mean ± SEM). No significant differences for EPO levels or correlation between EPO and
TNF‐α were found but TNF‐α was significantly higher in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than in non‐COPD (obstructive sleep apnoea, OSA, and lung healthy patients). This is the first report of detection of EPO in EBC. Due to the small study size more data is needed to clarify the role of EPO in EBC.
Serum Adipokine and Ghrelin Levels in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Yalniz Mehmet , Bahcecioglu Ibrahim Halil , Ataseven Huseyin , Ustundag Bilal , Ilhan Fulya , Poyrazoglu Orhan K. , Erensoy Ahmet
Published: November 2006

Adipokines and ghrelin play role in insulin resistance, the key pathophysiological abnormality in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases. In the present study, relationship between nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and serum adipokine and ghrelin levels was investigated. Thirty seven patients with biopsy‐proven NASH and 25 age‐ and sex‐matched controls were enrolled. Ten of NASH patients (27%) had diabetes mellitus (n = 5) or impaired glucose tolerance (n = 5). Body mass index (BMI) was less than 30 kg/m2 in 67.6% of patients, while in the remaining 32.4% it was more than 30 kg/m2. Serum adiponectin, leptin, TNF‐α, and ghrelin were determined. Serum leptin (15.49 ± 4.84 vs 10.31 ± 2.53) and TNF‐α (12.1 ± 2.7 vs 10.31 ± 2.56) levels were significantly higher in the NASH group compared to in the control group (P < .001 for each). Nevertheless, adiponectin (11.1 ± 2.1 vs 17.3 ± 2.8) and ghrelin (6.46 ± 1.1 vs 7.8 ± 1.1) levels were lower in the NASH group than in the control group (P < .001 for each). Serum levels of the adipokines and ghrelin, however, were comparable in the subgroups of patients regardless of whether BMI was
<30 or >30 or glucose tolerance was impaired or not (P > .05). Additionally, neither adipokines nor ghrelin was correlated with histopathological grade and stage (P > .05). In conclusion; there is a significant relationship between NASH and adipokines and ghrelin independent from BMI and status of the glucose metabolism. These cytokines that appear to have role in the pathogenesis of NASH, however, do not have any effect upon the severity of the histopathology.
Modification of Cɛ mRNA Expression by EBV‐Encoded Latent Membrane Protein 1
Authors: Hanashiro Kazuhiko , Ohta Shigeto , Sunagawa Masanori , Nakamura Mariko , Suzuki Mikio , Kosugi Tadayoshi
Published: November 2006

To evaluate the effect of expression of latent membrane protein (LMP) 1 encoded by
Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) on Cɛ mRNA expression,
mRNA levels were examined by RT‐PCR
or Northern blot analysis upon transient transfection of LMP1 in the splenocytes derived from
Brown‐Norway rats with or without immunization with 2,4‐dinitrophenyl‐conjugated Ascaris
suum antigen. Splenocytes were transfected with LMP1 expression vector, pSG5‐LMP1,
using lipofection method. Cɛ mRNA levels were
considerably increased by transfection with pSG5‐LMP1 in the splenocytes derived from
the nonimmunized rats; however, Cɛ mRNA levels were
decreased in the splenocytes derived from the immunized rats. Cɛ
mRNA expression in IgE‐producing cells are modulated by LMP1, which might depend on
the differentiation status of B cells upon exposure to allergen.
Chronic Protein Kinase B (PKB/c-akt) Activation Leads to Apoptosis Induced by Oxidative Stress–Mediated Foxo3a Transcriptional Up-regulation
Authors: van Gorp Ankie G.M. , Pomeranz Karen M. , Birkenkamp Kim U. , Hui Rosaline C-Y. , Lam Eric W-F. , Coffer Paul J.
Published: November 2006

Increased protein kinase B (PKB; c-Akt) activation is a hallmark of diverse neoplasias providing both proliferative and antiapoptotic survival signals. In this study, we investigated the effect of chronic PKB activation on cellular survival and proliferation using cytokine-dependent bone marrow–derived Ba/F3 cells, in which PKBα activation can be directly, and specifically, induced by addition of 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT). Direct activation of PKB rescued Ba/F3 cells from cytokine withdrawal–induced apoptosis; however, surprisingly, these antiapoptotic effects were short lived, cells only being protected for up to 48 hours. We observed that activation of PKB in survival factor–deprived cells led to a dramatic increase of Foxo3a on both the transcriptional and protein level leading to expression of its transcriptional targets Bim and p27kip1. High levels of PKB activity result in increased aerobic glycolysis and mitochondrial activity resulting in overproduction of reactive oxygen species. To determine whether oxidative stress might itself be responsible for Foxo3a up-regulation, we utilized hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as an artificial inducer of oxidative stress and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a thiol-containing radical oxygen scavenger. Addition of NAC to the culture medium prolonged the life span of cells treated with 4-OHT and prevented the up-regulation of Foxo3a protein levels caused by PKB activation. Conversely, treatment of Ba/F3 cells with H2O2 caused an increase of Foxo3a on both transcriptional and protein levels, suggesting that deregulated PKB activation leads to oxidative stress resulting in Foxo3a up-regulation and subsequently cell death. Taken together, our data provide novel insights into the molecular consequences of uncontrolled PKB activation. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 10760-9)
Persistent Human Papillomavirus Infection Is Associated with a Generalized Decrease in Immune Responsiveness in Older Women
Authors: García-Piñeres Alfonso J. , Hildesheim Allan , Herrero Rolando , Trivett Matthew , Williams Marcus , Atmetlla Ivannia , Ramírez Margarita , Villegas Maricela , Schiffman Mark , Rodríguez Ana Cecilia , Burk Robert D. , Hildesheim Mariana , Freer Enrique , Bonilla José , Bratti Concepción , Berzofsky Jay A. , Pinto Ligia A.
Published: November 2006

The development of cervical cancer and its precursors are linked to persistent infection with oncogenic types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Host immune responses seem to be determinants of risk for this disease. However, little is known about the immunologic determinants of HPV persistence. Here, we examined the association between lymphoproliferative responses to antigens/mitogens and persistent HPV infection in women older than 45 years. Women included in this study were participants in a 10,000-woman population-based cohort study of cervical neoplasia in Costa Rica. Women older than 45 years and HPV DNA positive at a screening visit were selected as cases (n = 283). We selected a comparably sized control group of HPV DNA–negative women, matched to cases on age and time since enrollment (n = 261). At an additional clinical visit, women were cytologically and virologically rescreened, and cervical and blood specimens were collected. Proliferative responses to phytohemagglutinin (PHA), influenza virus (Flu), and HPV16 virus-like particle (VLP) were lower among women with persistent HPV infection [median counts per minute (cpm): 72,849 for PHA, 1,241 for Flu, and 727 for VLP] than for the control group (median cpm: 107,049 for PHA, 2,111 for Flu, and 2,068 for VLP). The decreases were most profound in women with long-term persistence and were only observed for the oldest age group (≥65 years). Our results indicate that an impairment in host immunologic responses is associated to persistent HPV infection. The fact that effects were evident for all studied stimuli is suggestive of a generalized effect. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 11070-6)
Phonological Profile of Spanish-Catalan Children with Specific Language Impairment at Age 4: Are There Any Changes over Time?
Authors: Aguilar-Mediavilla Eva , Serra-Raventós Miquel
Published: November 2006

The phonology of a group of Spanish-Catalan children with specific language impairment (SLI, n = 5), who had been analysed at age 3;10, is now analysed at age 4;09 and compared with two control groups: an age-matched control (n = 5) and a language level control (measured using the mean length of utterance by words; n = 5). The children with SLI continue to show a delay in the acquisition of segments, syllabic structures and in the use of the simplification processes, but not in word structures, compared with their age-matched controls. Children with SLI also display significant differences compared with their language level controls, but not in the same areas as observed at age 3: the differences are now in nasals and liquids at the segmental level, and in CCV, CVC and other complex structures at the syllabic level. There are also some simplification processes that seem to be more prevalent in these children than in their language level controls: absence of trill, cluster reductions and consonant deletions. The results enable us to interpret SLI as more than a delayed development and to show the differences in the profiles over time.
Analyse von Stimmparametern nach konservativer Behandlung von Larynxparesen mit konventioneller Stimmübung oder neuromuskulärer elektrophonatorischer Stimulation
Authors: Dahl Rüdiger , Witt Gabriele
Published: November 2006

Two groups of patients with unilateral or bilateral paresis of the nervus laryngeus inferior were treated with conventional voice therapy or neuromuscular electrophonatory stimulation (NMEPS). A few had additional paresis of the nervus laryngeus superior. After therapy pareses resolved or were compensated for. Successful therapy outcome can be verified on the basis of voice quality parameters. Significant improvements for both therapy groups were observed in case of parameters indicating frequency irregularities and noise-to-harmonic ratio. Only the patients treated with NMEPS reached significantly better results in case of soft phonation index after resolution of paresis.
Preliminary Findings on the Classical Singer’s Use of the Pectoralis Major Muscle
Authors: Pettersen Viggo
Published: November 2006

Objective: This study aims to further characterize the muscle activity that influences the posture and breathing utilized for classical singing. The activity in the pectoralis major (PC) muscle and the phasing of PC activity to sternocleidomastoideus (STM) activity and upper thorax (UTX) movement were investigated. Material and Methods: Seven professional classical singers (3 sopranos, 1 mezzo, 1 tenor and 2 baritones) and 8 advanced classical singing students (4 sopranos, 1 mezzo, 1 tenor and 2 baritones) participated. Electromyographic activity was recorded from the PC and STM muscles on the right side. UTX movement was traced with a strain gauge sensor placed around the upper thorax. Different arias, freely chosen by the singers from their professional repertoire, served as singing tasks. All subjects performed their task 3 times with variation in vocal loudness (normal, forte, piano). Results: It was observed that a majority of the singers activated the PC during inhalation and that >50% of the singers activated it during parts of phonation. In general, however, the activity of the PC was relatively low during phonation. Conclusion: This study shows that the PC, in idiosyncratic patterns, could be involved in the inspiratory effort recruited when positioning the UTX during inhalation and phonation.
Infrared study of goethites of varying crystallinity and particle size: II. Crystallographic and morphological changes in series of synthetic goethites
Authors: Cambier P.
Published: November 2006

Low crystallinity of unsubstituted goethites is characterized by a small coherently diffracting domain, which may be accompanied by another type of disorder revealed by broader IR half-absorbance band widths. Inside the unit cell, the H-bond is weaker, which increases the OH stretching frequency and lowers the bending frequencies. Also, an increase in parameter a and a change in Fe-O bonds, which might correspond to a minor tilting of octahedra, occur along with a lowering of the frequency of the 630 cm−1 band.