bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytological properties of stromal cells derived from giant cell tumor of bone (GCTSC) which can induce osteoclast formation of human blood monocytes without cell to cell contact
Authors: Nishimura Makoto , Yuasa Kimitaka , Mori Kouki , Miyamoto Noriki , Ito Morihiro , Tsurudome Masato , Nishio Machiko , Kawano Mitsuo , Komada Hiroshi , Uchida Atsumasa , Ito Yasuhiko
Published: July 2005

When human blood monocytes were cocultured with stromal cells derived from human giant cell tumor of bone (GCTSC) and a Millipore filter (0.4 μm) was interposed between monocytes and GCTSC, multinucleated giant cell formation of monocytes was induced. The multinucleated giant cells have characters as osteoclast‐like cells, indicating that a soluble osteoclast‐inducing factor(s) is secreted from GCTSC expressing RANK, RANKL/ODF/OPGL and TACE mRNA. Furthermore, OCIF/OPG inhibited GCTSC‐induced osteoclastogenesis, showing that the RANK–RANKL system is involved in GCTSC‐induced osteoclastogenesis and that soluble form of ODF/RANKL induces osteoclasts from monocytes. GCTSC expressed the cytokine mRNAs such as M‐CSF, GM‐CSF, IL‐3, IL‐4, IL‐6, and IFN‐γ mRNAs. None of IL‐1rα, IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐10, IL‐18, TNF‐α, GCSF and IFN‐γ could be detected in all culture media. A significant amount of IL‐6 could be detected in the culture media of all GCTSC. IL‐8 was found in the culture media of two GCTSC and two osteosarcoma‐derived cells. M‐CSF was detected in all culture media. GCTSC express CaSR, and stimulation of GCTSC with either extracellular Ca2+ or neomycin, agonist of CaSR, augumented the expression of RANKL. Some lines of GCTSC expressed alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and Cbfa1, suggesting that GCTSC are intimately related to osteoblastic lineage. © 2005 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Induction of Heat Shock Protein 70 Inhibits NF‐kappa‐B in Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: King Timothy A. , Ghazaleh Raed Abu , Juhn Steven K. , Adams George L. , Ondrey Frank G.
Published: July 2005

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the relationship between heat shock proteins (HSPs) and the proinflammatory, anti‐apoptosis mediator NF‐kappa‐B in squamous cell carcinoma.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING:

CA‐9‐22 cells were exposed to heat stress to induce the production of HSPs. Immunoblot and reporter gene experiments determined the inducibility of HSP production and the activation of cytokine‐induced NF‐kappa‐B. Immunoblot experiments determined the presence of the inhibitor‐k‐B‐α (IkBα).

RESULTS:

CA‐9‐22 cells can be induced by heat stress to produce HSPs at 100‐fold above baseline levels. The induction of HSPs prevents the activation and nuclear translocation of NF‐kappa‐B despite stimulation with IL‐1β and TNF‐α.

CONCLUSIONS:

Constitutive activation of NF‐kappa‐B is prevented by HSP induction through an increase in IkBα synthesis.

SIGNIFICANCE:

The induction of HSP70 alters the inflammatory milieu associated with squamous cell carcinoma progression through the inhibition of NF‐kappa‐B and may ultimately promote apoptosis in head and neck carcinoma.
Air and Bone Conduction Change after Stapedotomy and Partial Stapedectomy for Otosclerosis
Authors: Quaranta Nicola , Besozzi Gaspare , Fallacara Rosa Anna , Quaranta Antonio
Published: July 2005

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the results obtained in otosclerosis patient undergoing stapedotomy and partial stapedectomy.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGS:

Retrospective review of surgical series. The guidelines of the American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery for the evaluation of results of treatment of conductive hearing loss were used.

RESULTS:

Pure tone average (0.5 to 3 kHz) air‐bone gap was 6.1 dB in the partial stapedectomy and 6 dB in the stapedotomy group. The air‐bone gap (ABG) closure rate did not differ between the 2 groups, except at 4 kHz, where stapedotomy group showed greater closure (P 0.003). Mean postoperative ABG gain was significantly (P <0.05) higher in the stapedotomy group at 2, 3, and 4 kHz. Mean postoperative air‐conduction gain did not differ significantly. Mean postoperative bone conduction (BC) change (1, 2, and 4 kHz) was 3.68 dB in partial stapedectomy and −0.02 dB in stapedotomy group, the difference being significant (P 0.007). Differences in BC change between the 2 groups were significant at each frequency.

CONCLUSIONS:

Similar good results can be obtained in experienced hands using either partial stapedectomy or stapedotomy technique. ABG closure rates were analogous in the 2 techniques as well as the complication rate. Although stapedotomy obtain better results at high frequencies, partial stapedectomy is associated with increased BC threshold at all frequencies.
Auditory Brainstem Implant (ABI): New Frontiers in Adults and Children
Authors: Colletti Vittorio , Carner Marco , Miorelli Veronica , Guida Maurizio , Colletti Liliana , Fiorino Francesco
Published: July 2005

Previous studies have considered only patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) older than 12 years as candidates for an auditory brainstem implant (ABI). Our study expands the potential criteria to include both children and adult subjects with other cochlear or cochlear nerve malfunctions who either would not benefit at all from a cochlear implant (eg, cochlear nerve aplasia or avulsion) or whose benefit was or would be severely compromised (eg, cochlear ossification, cochlear fracture).

STUDY DESIGN:

In our department, over the period from April 1997 to September 2002, 29 patients, 20 adults and 9 children, were fitted with ABIs. Their ages ranged from 14 months to 70 years. Thirteen subjects had tumors, 10 NF2 and 3 solitary vestibular schwannoma, and 16 patients had a variety of nontumor (NT) cochlear or cochlear nerve diseases. A retrosigmoid‐transmeatal approach was used in T and a retrosigmoid approach in NT patients. The electrode array was inserted into the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle and correct electrode positioning was monitored with the aid of electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses (EABRs).

RESULTS:

Correct implantation was achieved in all patients. No complications were observed due to implantation surgery or related to ABI activation or long‐term use. Auditory sensations were induced in all patients with various numbers of electrodes (from 5 to 15). Different pitch sensations were identifiable with different electrode stimulation. Closed‐set word recognition, open‐set sentence recognition, and speech tracking scores achieved by the patients are reported in detail. The auditory performance of the patients showed significantly better outcomes than controls (Multicentric European clinical investigations on ABI with NF2).

CONCLUSION:

We have shown that the indications for the ABI can be extended to include NT patients with severe cochlear and/or cochlear nerve abnormalities. The degree of auditory benefit varies as a function of the underlying pathological conditions, with NT subjects exhibiting significantly better outcomes than the T patients.
BPPV and Variants: Improved Treatment Results with Automated, Nystagmus‐Based Repositioning
Authors: Nakayama Meiho , Epley John M.
Published: July 2005

OBJECTIVE:

Although classical benign paroxysmal positional vertigo has generally been resolvable by routine manual repositioning maneuvers, nevertheless resistant cases and variants remain a significant problem. We investigated the efficacy of analyzing and treating positional vertigo with a system that provides unlimited, automated maneuverability of the patient while maintaining constant electronic monitoring of nystagmus.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING:

A power‐driven, multi‐axial positioning chair combined with ongoing infrared video‐oculography was used to manage 986 subjects in a tertiary clinical setting with complaints of positional vertigo. A nystagmus‐based strategy and condition‐specific protocols were used.

RESULTS:

Significantly enhanced treatment outcomes were achieved, especially regarding intransigent and variant forms. Pertinent correlations were noted.

CONCLUSION:

This multi‐axial positioning chair combination provided enhanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities for managing positional vertigo, apparently due to improved analytical capability, precision repeatability, and unlimited 360‐degree maneuverability.

SIGNIFICANCE:

This advancement should be considered for tertiary management of complicated labyrinthine lithiasis.
Prevalence of Allergic Fungal Sinusitis in Refractory Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Adult Malaysians
Authors: Goh Bee‐See , Gendeh Balwant Singh , Rose Isa Mohamed , Pit Sabiha , Samad Shamim Abdul
Published: July 2005

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the prevalence of allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) in refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in adult Malaysians.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING:

This cross‐sectional study involved 30 immunocompetent CRS patients who underwent surgery. Specimens were sent for mycology and histopathologic analysis for identification of fungi. Clinical and immunological workup was performed for atopy in all patients and controls.

RESULTS:

Fungal cultures were positive in 5 (16.7%) and 11 (36.7%) of 30 patients from nasal secretions and surgical specimens, respectively. Allergic mucin was found in 8 surgical specimens (26.7%). Hence, prevalence of AFS was 26.7%. The most common causative agent was Aspergillus sp. (54.5%). In 3 (37.5%) of 8 patients, AFS was found to be associated with asthma. Twenty‐five percent (2/8 patients) had aspirin intolerance, and 62.5% (5/8 patients) had elevated total immunoglobulin E levels. All patients had positive skin test reactivity to fungal allergen.

CONCLUSIONS:

This preliminary study suggests that AFS does exist in Malaysia. Proper handling of surgical specimens and accurate diagnosis by the pathologist and mycologist are essential.
Dermatophytosis of the Ear
Authors: Morinaka Setsuko
Published: July 2005

OBJECTIVES:

The prevalence and characteristics of patients with and without dermatophytosis of the ear were investigated.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING:

Prospective clinical study. In 54 patients who complained of slight itching or accumulation of cerumen, and/or who had erythema and scales in the ears, the presence of dermatophytosis was examined by potassium hydroxide and dimethyl sulfoxide (KOH‐DMSO test).

RESULTS:

Nineteen patients had dermatophytosis of the ear. Dermatophytosis was more frequent in May and June. Other clinical characteristics did not differ markedly from those without dermatophytosis.

CONCLUSION:

About one third of patients had dermatophytosis and their characteristics were similar to those of patients without dermatophytosis except for seasonal variation.

SIGNIFICANCE:

Dermatophytosis of the ear may be increased. Its diagnosis is difficult without the KOH‐DMSO test.
Endoscopic Transpterygoid Approach to the Lateral Sphenoid Recess: Surgical Approach and Clinical Experience
Authors: Bolger William E.
Published: July 2005

OBJECTIVE:

Pathology within a lateral recess of a widely pneumatized sphenoid sinus is difficult to access with the use of traditional open and current endoscopic surgical approaches. A new surgical procedure, the endoscopic transpterygoid approach, directly accesses this region. A clinical experience over several year with this approach is reported as well as a refined and updated description of the technique.

SETTING:

Tertiary care center.

METHODS:

Retrospective review of medical records of patients treated with the endoscopic transpterygoid approach to the lateral sphenoid recess.

RESULTS:

An endoscopic transpterygoid approach was performed in 9 patients, 6 to resect a middle fossa meningoencephalocele and repair the CSF leak and associated skull base defect, 2 for possible invasive fungal sinusitis, and 1 to marsupialize a symptomatic epidermoid cyst. Patients tolerated the approach well and no significant complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE:

In selected cases, the endoscopic transpterygoid approach enables the otolaryngologist to meet modern demands to treat conditions in the lateral sphenoid using minimally invasive techniques that are well‐tolerated by patients. The surgical approach and the initial experience described herein is presented in the hopes that it can aid fellow otolaryngologists to help patients with challenging conditions in this region of the body.
Sinonasal Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder in Pediatric Lung Transplant Patients
Authors: Herrmann Brian W. , Sweet Stuart C. , Molter David W.
Published: July 2005

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate sinonasal manifestations of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) in the pediatric lung transplant population.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:

Case series of children less than 18 years presenting with PTLD after pulmonary transplantation at St Louis Children's Hospital between Jan 1, 1990 and Dec 31, 2003.

RESULTS:

Two hundred eighty‐two lung transplants were performed in 246 children. Thirty‐two cases of histopathologically confirmed PTLD were identified with 8 (25%) presenting in the head and neck. Sinonasal PTLD was the most common site of head and neck involvement (63%), with 40% of patients presenting with occult disease. All patients with sinonasal PTLD had longstanding nasal polyposis related to cystic fibrosis (P = 0.07).

CONCLUSIONS:

This is, to our knowledge, the first report identifying an increased frequency of sinonasal PTLD after pediatric pulmonary transplantation, particularly in children with cystic fibrosis and associated nasal polyposis. Because sinonasal PTLD may be asymptomatic, this region should receive close scrutiny on surveillance evaluations.
Capitalism without contracts versus capitalists without capitalism: Comparing the influence of Chinese guanxi and Russian blat on marketization
Authors: Hsu Carolyn L.
Published: July 2005

This paper explores the role of favor exchange practices—Chinese guanxi and Russian blat—on investment and entrepreneurship. In both societies policies which supported marketization were undermined by actual institutions, including an insufficient legal structure for enforcing contracts. But cultural resources armed Chinese and Russians differently to react to these circumstances. Guanxi practice allowed people to create networks, to build trust, and to reach out. It was a tool which could be used to build enough trust to allow business transactions to succeed—capitalism without contracts. In contrast, Russian blat devolved into corruption, and faded in importance for ordinary citizens. Without a way to build trust or extend networks, Russians retreated into defensive involution, and engaged in predatory behavior against those outside their small circles of friends. Instead of capitalism without contracts, Russia suffered the depredations of capitalists without capitalism.
Late Pleistocene and Holocene depositional systems and the palaeogeography of the Dogger Bank, North Sea
Authors: Fitch Simon , Thomson Ken , Gaffney Vince
Published: July 2005

3D seismic data from the Dogger Bank, North Sea, allow the mapping of Late Pleistocene and Holocene depositional systems in unprecedented detail. The data demonstrate that glacial processes resulted in the development of incised tunnel valley systems during the Weichselian and that these were subsequently modified by fluvial processes in a pro-glacial setting. Subsequently, the Dogger Bank formed an emergent plain during the Holocene with a complex meandering river system, associated tributary or distributary channels and lakes, dominating the region. Prior to the sea level rising sufficiently to submerge the Dogger Bank around 7500 yr ago, the meandering river system was replaced by a dendritic channel network of potential fluvial, estuarine or intertidal origin. As the Holocene depositional features bear no systematic relationship to the bathymetry this study demonstrates that previously published bathymetry-based models for the Holocene palaeogeographic development of the North Sea require modification.
Nation and Contestation in Malaysia: Diaspora and Myths of Belonging in the Narratives of K. S. Maniam
Authors: Gabriel Sharmani Patricia
Published: July 2005

In Malaysia, the influence of the hegemonic or ‘authority-defined’ discourse on nation appears so pervasive that it obscures the fact that ‘national’ and ‘ethnic’ identities are in fact highly contested concepts or categories. There is a need, therefore, to examine alternative constructions of ethnic and national identity where dominant notions are challenged, reconstituted and problematized. In keeping with recent developments in critical and literary theory, this article examines selected works of a leading Malaysian novelist, K. S. Maniam, to argue that it is his commitment to the cultural politics of diaspora that problematizes state constructions of a coherent or homogeneous Malaysian identity.
The Desacralization of Puppetry: a Case History from Rajasthan
Authors: Plowright Poh Sim
Published: July 2005

In the autumn of 2003, Poh Sim Plowright went to Rajasthan—the cradle of string puppetry, where the Creator is perceived as the Arch Puppeteer controlling humans through strings—in search of the provenance of its famed string-puppet tradition (kathputli). She found an ancient collection of thirty-two stories—Sinhasan Battisi—(hitherto unknown in the West), focusing on a golden throne and female puppet power, which provides eloquent testimony to the original importance of the puppet art in that part of India. Yet in the streets of Udaipur today, that art seems to have been reduced to gaudy souvenirs and variety acts aimed at the foreign tourist. The old stories with their nourishing narrative frameworks are gone, and the town of Bassi, once famous for its wood-carvers and specialist puppet-makers, has abandoned its traditional rituals and techniques in the face of commercialism. In this article, the author considers the current state of string puppetry in Rajasthan in the absence of these rituals and stories, and looks at the possible future of the art. Poh Sim Plowright is Senior Lecturer in Oriental Drama and the Director of the Noh Centre at Royal Holloway, University of London.
A Generous and Pervasive Presence
Authors: Trussler Simon
Published: July 2005

Clive somehow was always there. One of the first plays I ever saw in London, in my first year at UCL—from the vertiginous upper circle at the Royal Court, on Friday 13 January 1961, a tattered diary tells me,—was his production of Shelagh Delaney's The Lion in Love. Then, just a month or so later, he directed a revival of Brendan Behan's The Hostage, which I saw twice, the second time having persuaded a couple of friends who had stayed on in the sixth form that this was the best way of rounding off their day in town. We sang ‘The bells of hell go ting-aling-a-ling’ on the tube afterwards with the same gusto as on a previous visit we had giggled over our variations on Alan Bennett's sermon from Beyond the Fringe.
National environmental performance: an empirical analysis of policy results and determinants
Authors: ESTY DANIEL C. , PORTER MICHAEL E.
Published: July 2005

Efforts to identify the determinants of environmental policy success have largely been anecdotal and case study based. This article seeks to shift environmental policy analysis on to more analytically rigorous and empirical foundations. Using statistical analysis, we identify a set of factors that drive environmental performance as measured by levels of urban particulates, sulfur dioxide, and energy use per unit of GDP. Although the data are imperfect and causal linkages cannot be definitively established, the statistical analysis presented suggests that environmental results vary not only with income levels as suggested by the environmental Kuznet's curve literature but also with both the sophistication of a nation's regulatory regime and perhaps more notably, its broader economic and social circumstances.
Missing markets and crop diversity: evidence from Mexico
Authors: VAN DUSEN M. ERIC , TAYLOR J. EDWARD
Published: July 2005

Recent micro-economic studies of in situ conservation of crop diversity focus on competition between modern and traditional varieties of major food crops. Our paper offers a different, crop system, approach and a limited-dependent variable econometric technique to model in situ conservation of both intra- and infra-species crop diversity in a context of heterogeneous ecological and market environments, using unique household-farm data from Mexico. Our findings reject separability and indicate that market integration significantly reduces crop diversity. They underline the importance of studying diversity in the context of larger cropping systems and economic environments.
Analytic models for a rapidly spinning spherical satellite charging in sunlight
Authors: Tautz Maurice , Lai Shu T.
Published: July 2005

We present elementary analytic models for a fast‐spinning, dielectric‐coated, spherical spacecraft charging in sunlight. The models are based on a multipole expansion of Laplacian potentials external to the spacecraft surface. We assume azimuthal symmetry about the spin axis, and the spin period must be short compared with surface differential charging times. There are three parameters in the models: the monopole potential, the relative strength of the dipole/quadrupole components with respect to the monopole, and a mixing angle. The combination of monopole potentials along with the dipole or quadrupole contributions produce potential barriers which form at the satellite surface. These barriers can act to block escaping photoelectrons and lead to current balance, allowing sunlight charging to high negative levels. The sunlit side charges less (negatively) than the shade side and the ratio of Sun to shade potentials is near its threshold value for high‐level charging. We have calculated more general cases with various values of Sun angle relative to the spin axis by combining the dipole and quadrupole components. The potential barrier shape and area vary for different cases and the maximum barrier approximately follows the Sun angle. We stress that for physical interpretation of data obtained on board, one should take into account the potential distribution and where the instrument is located.
Comparison of two cyclostationary detectors for radio frequency interference mitigation in radio astronomy
Authors: Bretteil S. , Weber R.
Published: July 2005

Radio frequency interference (RFI) mitigation has become a significant issue for current and future radio telescopes. This paper presents a new scheme for removing radio frequency interference from astronomical data. It exploits a priori knowledge of the transmitters, namely, their cyclostationary statistical properties. Two real‐time cyclostationary detectors are proposed and compared. Results on both synthetic and real data demonstrate the efficiency of this concept.
Relationships between precipitation and surface temperature
Authors: Trenberth Kevin E. , Shea Dennis J.
Published: July 2005

The co‐variability of monthly mean surface temperature and precipitation is determined globally for 1979–2002 from observationally‐based analyses (ERA‐40) for surface air temperature and the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) version 2 for precipitation and compared with results from the NCAR Community Atmospheric Model version 3 (CAM3) and Community Climate System Model version 3 (CCSM3). Results are combined for the 5 months for northern winter (November to March) and summer (May to September). Over land, negative correlations dominate, as dry conditions favor more sunshine and less evaporative cooling, while wet summers are cool. At high latitudes in winter, positive correlations dominate as warm moist advection in extratropical cyclones favors precipitation and the water holding capacity of the atmosphere limits precipitation amounts in cold conditions. Where ocean conditions drive the atmosphere, higher surface air temperatures are associated with precipitation, as in El Niño, but some areas, such as the western Pacific in northern summer, feature negative correlations indicating that the atmosphere determines the surface temperatures. In the CAM driven with observed sea surface temperatures and the CCSM in fully coupled mode the latter mechanism is largely absent, and correlations are generally much stronger than observed, indicating more local control. Neither temperature nor precipitation records should be interpreted without considering the strong covariability that exists.
A prognostic scheme of sea surface skin temperature for modeling and data assimilation
Authors: Zeng Xubin , Beljaars Anton
Published: July 2005

A prognostic scheme is derived for the computation of sea surface skin temperature in weather forecasting, four‐dimensional data assimilation, and ocean‐atmosphere coupled modeling. This scheme is then tested using the in situ data over tropical and midlatitude oceans. By implementing this scheme into the ECMWF model, the diurnal variation of sea surface temperature as measured by the geostationary satellite can also be reproduced.
Fluvial sedimentary deposits on Mars: Ancient deltas in a crater lake in the Nili Fossae region
Authors: Fassett Caleb I. , Head James W.
Published: July 2005

New spacecraft observations in the Nili Fossae region of Mars reveal two valley networks (∼80 and ∼200 km long) that each formed distributary fans as they entered an ancient 40‐km diameter impact crater. An outlet channel on the eastern crater rim, lying at an elevation above the fans, suggests these fans formed as subaqueous deltas in a crater lake. Water flowing in the valley networks entered the crater and deposited the fans, and ponded to a maximum depth of about 450 m. The lake then overtopped and breached the crater rim, incising it and dropping the lake level by ∼100 m. Geological evidence, combined with the volume of water necessary to fill the crater, suggests the duration of flow through this system was prolonged. The existence of the deposits described here implies that the early Martian environment supported overland flow and ponding of water for an extended period of time.
Some structural determinants of the antiproliferative effect of heparin‐like molecules on human airway smooth muscle
Authors: Kanabar Varsha , Hirst Stuart J , O'Connor Brian J , Page Clive P
Published: July 2005

Accumulation of airway smooth muscle (ASM) and its infiltration by mast cells are key pathological features of airway remodelling in asthma. Heparin, a major component of mast cell granules, inhibits ASM proliferation by an unknown mechanism. Here, unfractionated heparins and related glycosaminoglycans having structurally heterogeneous polysaccharide side chains that varied in molecular weight, sulphation and anionic charge were used to identify features of the heparin molecule that were required for its antiproliferative activity in cultured human ASM cells.

Proliferation induced by 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) was abrogated by two unfractionated commercial heparin preparations (Sigma and Multiparin) and this effect was reproduced with each of three low‐molecular weight heparin preparations (3, 5 and 6 kDa, respectively), demonstrating that antiproliferative activity resided in at least a 3 kDa heparin fraction.

N‐desulphated 20% re‐acetylated (N‐de) heparin (anticoagulant) and O‐desulphated heparin (O‐de) (non‐anticoagulant) fractions also inhibited FBS‐dependent proliferation (rank potency: Sigma heparin>O‐de>N‐de) suggesting that the antiproliferative action of heparin involved N‐sulphation but was independent of its anticoagulant activity.

Other sulphated molecules with variable anionic charge (dextran sulphate, fucoidan, chondroitin sulphates A or B, heparan sulphate) inhibited proliferation to varying degrees, as did the non‐sulphated molecules hyaluronic acid and poly‐L‐glutamic acid. However, nonsulphated dextran had no effect.

In summary, attenuation of FBS‐dependent proliferation of human ASM by heparin involves but does not depend upon sulphation, although loss of N‐sulphation reduces antiproliferative activity. This antiproliferative effect is independent of anionic charge and the anticoagulant actions of heparin.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 146, 370–377. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706333
Oregonin inhibits lipopolysaccharide‐induced iNOS gene transcription and upregulates HO‐1 expression in macrophages and microglia
Authors: Lee Cheng‐Jui , Lee Shoei‐Sheng , Chen Su‐Chung , Ho Feng‐Ming , Lin Wan‐Wan
Published: July 2005

Oregonin isolated from Alnus formosana is a diarylheptanoid derivative, which appears to have antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory activities. In this study, our data demonstrated inhibitory actions of oregonin on the LPS‐induced iNOS protein in RAW264.7 macrophages and BV‐2 microglial cells. We also suggested that HO‐1 induction by oregonin might contribute to this action.

Oregonin is able to dose‐dependently reduce NO production, iNOS protein and iNOS promoter activity stimulated by LPS in RAW264.7 and BV‐2 cells.

Oregonin also showed inhibition of LPS‐mediated NF‐κB promoter activity and DNA‐binding ability, as well as p65 nuclear translocation and phosphorylation. However, oregonin had no effect on IKK activity. AP‐1 promoter activity and p38 MAPK activation but not PKC, ERK and JNK activation induced by LPS were attenuated by oregonin.

Accompanying with iNOS protein reduction, moreover, we found that oregonin was able to induce HO‐1 protein level. Results using a CO donor, [Ru(CO)3Cl2]2 further showed the ability of CO in reduction of iNOS protein level induced by LPS through the blockade of NF‐κB and AP‐1.

Taken together, these results provide new evidences into the anti‐inflammatory actions of oregonin, which include the inhibition of iNOS gene transcription via suppressing transcriptional activity of NF‐κB and AP‐1, as well as the upregulation of anti‐inflammatory molecule HO‐1. The HO‐1‐derived CO may also be involved in the suppressive effect on iNOS gene regulation.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 146, 378–388. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706336
Climate Change Reverses the Competitive Balance of Ash and Beech Seedlings under Simulated Forest Conditions
Authors: Saxe H. , Kerstiens G.
Published: July 2005

Abstract: This study identifies the important role of climate change and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) in the regenerative competence of ash and beech seedlings in 12 inter‐ and intra‐specific competition designs in simulated mixed ash‐beech forest gaps under conditions of non‐limiting soil volume, water and nutrient supply. The growth conditions simulated natural forest conditions as closely as possible. Simulations were performed by growing interacting seedling canopies for one season in temperature‐regulated closed‐top chambers (CTCs). Eight CTCs were used in a factorial design with replicate treatments of [CO2] × temperature × PPFD × competition design. [CO2] tracked ambient levels or was 360 μmol mol‐1 higher. Temperature tracked ambient levels or was 2.8 °C higher. PPFD on two plant tables inside each CTC was 16 % and 5 % of open‐field levels, respectively, representative of typical light flux levels in a natural forest gap. In several of the competition designs, climate change made the ash seedlings grow taller than the beech seedlings and, at the same time, attain a larger leaf area and a larger total biomass. Advantages of this type for ash were found particularly at lower PPFD. There was a positive synergistic interaction of elevated temperature × [CO2] for both species, but more so for ash. There are many uncertainties when a study of chambered seedlings is to be projected to real changes in natural forests. Nevertheless, this study supports a possible future shift towards ash in north European, unmanaged, mixed ash‐beech forests in response to the predicted climate change.
Genetic Structure in Populations of an Ancient Woodland Sedge, Carex sylvatica Hudson, at a Regional and Local Scale
Authors: Arens P. , Bijlsma R.‐J. , van Westende W. , van Os B. , Smulders M. J. M. , Vosman B.
Published: July 2005

Abstract: Wood sedge (Carex sylvatica) is a well‐known ancient woodland species with a long‐term persistent seed bank and a caespitose growth habit. All thirteen isolated Carex sylvatica populations in the Dutch Rhine floodplain (including the river branches Waal and IJssel) were mapped in detail and analysed for genetic variation at a large number of AFLP loci and one microsatellite locus. Across all populations, only 40 % of the sampled individuals (n = 216) represented a unique genotype. A high number of the studied patches (spatial clusters of tussocks, 2 ‐ 10 m in diameter) within populations contained only one or a few genotypes. Identical plants (tussocks) were also found 20 ‐ 500 m apart and in one case even 1000 m apart. Observed heterozygosity levels (HO= 0.029) were low, indicating low levels of gene flow, which is in agreement with the selfing nature of other caespitose sedges. Although the number of genotypes in populations is low, these genotypes are genetically very distinct and variation within populations accounted for 55 % of the total variation. The absence of a correlation between genetic and geographic distances among populations, and the scattered distribution of genotypes among patches within woodlands, support our hypothesis of rare establishments and subsequent local dispersal within woodlands in this forest floor species, which may benefit from and partly depend on human land use and forest management activities.
Meiosis: Inducing Variation by Reduction
Authors: Cnudde F. , Gerats T.
Published: July 2005

Abstract: A brief introduction is presented with some thought on the origin of meiosis. Subsequently, a sequential overview of the diverse processes that take place during meiosis is provided, with an eye to similarities and differences between the different eukaryotic systems. In the final part, we try to summarize the available core meiotic mutants and make a comprehensive comparison for orthologous genes between fungal, plant, and animal systems.
IUPAC Critical Evaluation of Thermochemical Properties of Selected Radicals. Part I
Authors: Ruscic Branko , Boggs James E. , Burcat Alexander , Császár Attila G. , Demaison Jean , Janoschek Rudolf , Martin Jan M. L. , Morton Melita L. , Rossi Michel J. , Stanton John F. , Szalay Péter G. , Westmoreland Phillip R. , Zabel Friedhelm , Bérces Tibor
Published: July 2005

This is the first part of a series of articles reporting critically evaluated thermochemical properties of selected free radicals. The present article contains datasheets for 11 radicals: CH, CH2(triplet), CH2(singlet), CH3, CH2OH, CH3O, CH3CO, C2H5O, C6H5CH2, OH, and NH2. The thermochemical properties discussed are the enthalpy of formation, as well as the heat capacity, integrated heat capacity, and entropy of the radicals. One distinguishing feature of the present evaluation is the systematic utilization of available kinetic, spectroscopic and ion thermochemical data as well as high-level theoretical results.
IUPAC-NIST Solubility Data Series. 81. Hydrocarbons with Water and Seawater—Revised and Updated. Part 2. Benzene with Water and Heavy Water
Authors: Goral Marian , Wisniewska-Goclowska Barbara , Skrzecz Adam , Owczarek Iwona , Blazej Krystyna , Haulait-Pirson Marie-Claire , Hefter Glenn T. , Maczynska Zofia , Szafranski Andrzej , Tsonopoulos Costa , Young Colin L.
Published: July 2005

The mutual solubilities and related liquid-liquid equilibria of benzene with water and heavy water are exhaustively and critically reviewed. Reports of experimental determination of solubility in these two chemically distinct binary systems that appeared in the primary literature prior to end of 2002 are compiled. For the system benzene-water sufficient data are available to allow critical evaluation. All data are expressed as mass percent and mole fraction as well as the originally reported units. In addition to the standard evaluation criteria used throughout the Solubility Data Series, a new method based on the evaluation of all experimental data for a homologous series of aromatic hydrocarbons was used.
IUPAC-NIST Solubility Data Series. 81. Hydrocarbons with Water and Seawater—Revised and Updated. Part 3. C6H8–C6H12 Hydrocarbons with Water and Heavy Water
Authors: Goral Marian , Wisniewska-Goclowska Barbara , Skrzecz Adam , Owczarek Iwona , Blazej Krystyna , Haulait-Pirson Marie-Claire , Hefter Glenn T. , Maczynska Zofia , Szafranski Andrzej , Young Colin L.
Published: July 2005

The mutual solubilities and related liquid–liquid equilibria of C6H8–C6H12 hydrocarbons with water and heavy water are exhaustively and critically reviewed. Reports of experimental determination of solubility in 11 chemically distinct binary systems that appeared in the primary literature prior to end of 2002 are compiled. For seven systems sufficient data are available to allow critical evaluation. All data are expressed as mass percent and mole fraction as well as the originally reported units. In addition to the standard evaluation criteria used throughout the Solubility Data Series, a new method based on the evaluation of the all experimental data for a given homologous series of saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons was used.
Subfemtosecond, coherent, relativistic, and ballistic electron bunches generated at ω and 2ω in high intensity laser-matter interaction
Authors: Popescu H. , Baton S. D. , Amiranoff F. , Rousseaux C. , Le Gloahec M. Rabec , Santos J. J. , Gremillet L. , Koenig M. , Martinolli E. , Hall T. , Adam J. C. , Heron A. , Batani D.
Published: July 2005

Harmonics of the laser light have been observed from the rear side of solid targets irradiated by a laser beam at relativistic intensities. This emission evidences the acceleration of subfemtosecond electron bunches by the laser pulse in front of the target. These bunches emit coherent transition radiation (CTR) when passing through the back surface of the target. The spectral features of the signal recorded for targets of thicknesses up to several hundred microns are consistent with the electrons being accelerated by both the laser electric field—via vacuum heating and/or resonance absorption,—and the v×B component of the Lorentz force. The spatial study of the radiation shows that the relativistic electrons causing the CTR radiation are coherent and propagate ballistically through the target, originating from a source with a size of the order of the laser focal spot.
Amphoteric doping of carbon nanotubes by encapsulation of organic molecules: Electronic properties and quantum conductance
Authors: Meunier Vincent , Sumpter Bobby G.
Published: July 2005

In order to investigate and optimize the electronic transport processes in carbon nanotubes doped with organic molecules, we have performed large-scale quantum electronic structure calculations coupled with a Green’s function formulation for determining the quantum conductance. Our approach is based on an original scheme where quantum chemistry calculations on finite systems are recast to infinite, nonperiodic (i.e., open) systems, therefore mimicking actual working devices. Results from these calculations clearly suggest that the electronic structure of a carbon nanotube can be easily manipulated by encapsulating appropriate organic molecules. Charge transfer processes induced by encapsulated organic molecules lead to efficient n- and p-type doping of the carbon nanotube. Even though a molecule can induce p and n doping, it is shown to have a minor effect on the transport properties of the nanotube as compared to a pristine tube. This type of doping therefore preserves the intrinsic properties of the pristine tube as a ballistic conductor. In addition, the efficient process of charge transfer between the organic molecules and the nanotube is shown to substantially reduce the susceptibility of the π electrons of the nanotube to modification by oxygen while maintaining stable doping (i.e., no dedoping) at room temperature.
Anisotropy of thermal expansion in YAlO3 and NdGaO3
Authors: Chaix-Pluchery O. , Chenevier B. , Robles J. J.
Published: July 2005

YAlO 3 and NdGaO3 thermal expansion coefficients were measured using in situ powder x-ray diffraction in the temperature range of 28–650 °C. They exhibit a clear anisotropy: The expansion, quite similar along the [100] and [001] directions, is much lower along the [010] direction. The formation of cracks observed in YBa2Cu3O7−δ thin films deposited on YAlO3 and NdGaO3 substrates is likely related to the anisotropy. Stress value calculations have been performed in both systems. They indicate that the intrinsic components are specifically high in YAlO3.
Near threshold expansion of Feynman diagrams
Authors: Mendels E.
Published: July 2005

The near threshold expansion of Feynman diagrams is derived from their configuration space representation, by performing all x integrations. The general scalar Feynman diagram is considered, with an arbitrary number of external momenta, an arbitrary number of internal lines and an arbitrary number of loops, in n dimensions and all masses may be different. The expansions are considered both below and above threshold. Rules, giving real and imaginary part, are derived. Unitarity of a sunset diagram with I internal lines is checked in a direct way by showing that its imaginary part is equal to the phase space integral of I particles.
Spectroscopy and carrier dynamics in CdSe self-assembled quantum dots embedded in ZnxCdyMg1−x−ySe
Authors: Comanescu G. , Wang W. B. , Gundry S. , Das B. , Alfano R. R. , Perez-Paz M. N. , Tamargo M. C. , Muñoz M. , Popov I. , Isaacs L. L.
Published: July 2005

Time-resolved and steady-state photoluminescence, reflectivity, and absorption experiments were performed on CdSe quantum dots in ZnxCdyMg1−x−ySe barriers. Studies of the capture times of the photoexcited carriers into the quantum dots and of electron-hole recombination times inside the dots were performed. Photoluminescence rise time yielded capture times from 20 ps to 30 ps. All samples exhibit fast and slow photoluminescence decays, consistent with observing two independent but energetically overlapping decays. The faster relaxation times for the sample emitting in the blue range is 90 ps, whereas for the two samples emitting in the green it is 345 ps and 480 ps. The slower relaxation times for the sample emitting in blue is 310 ps, whereas for the samples emitting in green is 7.5 ns. These results are explained on the basis of the structural differences among the quantum-dot samples.
Monte Carlo simulations of a polyelectrolyte chain with added salt: Effect of temperature and salt valence
Authors: Kłos J. , Pakula T.
Published: July 2005

Using the cooperative motion algorithm, the effect of salt valence zs and of the reduced temperature T* on a single polyelectrolyte chain as well as on counterions and salt ions themselves is studied. The calculations show that both parameters strongly influence the polymer, causing it to undergo conformational changes. For a given number of the added salt cations (anions) ns and temperature T*, the chain takes more and more compact forms as zs increases (zs>0). For fixed zs, in turn, the polymer size reduces sharply as T* drops down from intermediate to low. For high T* configurational the entropy dominates the chain statistics and the mean-square radius of gyration ⟨s2⟩1∕2(T*,ns,zs) approaches its athermal value. The low-temperature polymer collapse is also accompanied by a drop in the effective mean charge per monomer q*(T*,ns,zs) (condensation of ions onto the chain) and the total inner energy e*(T*,ns,zs). Furthermore, the local structure of the system is analyzed by means of pair-correlation functions gab(r,T*,ns,zs). At lower T* they possess sharp local maxima at small interparticle distances r that disappear as T* grows. The former observation indicates that at lower T* the ions tend to group themselves close to each other. In particular, it is concluded that the condensation is dominated by the multivalent salt ions carrying charges of opposite sign to that of monomers.
High-resolution neutron-scattering study of slow dynamics of surface water molecules in zirconium oxide
Authors: Mamontov E.
Published: July 2005

We have performed a quasielastic neutron-scattering experiment on backscattering spectrometer with sub-μeV resolution to investigate the slow dynamics of surface water in zirconium oxide using the sample studied previously with a time-of-flight neutron spectrometer [E. Mamontov, J. Chem. Phys. 121, 9087 (2004)]. The backscattering measurements in the temperature range of 240–300 K have revealed a translational dynamics slower by another order of magnitude compared to the translational dynamics of the outer hydration layer observed in the time-of-flight experiment. The relaxation function of this slow motion is described by a stretched exponential with the stretch factors between 0.8 and 0.9, indicating a distribution of the relaxation times. The temperature dependence of the average residence time is non-Arrhenius, suggesting that the translational motion studied in this work is more complex than surface jump diffusion previously observed for the molecules of the outer hydration layer. The observed slow dynamics is ascribed to the molecules of the inner hydration layer that form more hydrogen bonds compared to the molecules of the outer hydration layer. Despite being slower by two orders of magnitude, the translational motion of the molecules of the inner hydration layer may have more in common with bulk water compared to the outer hydration layer, the dynamics of which is slower than that of bulk water by just one order of magnitude.
Cation-disorder-enhanced magnetization in pulsed-laser-deposited CuFe2O4 films
Authors: Yang Aria , Chen Z. , Zuo Xu , Arena Dario , Kirkland J. , Vittoria C. , Harris V. G.
Published: July 2005

Copper ferrite films have been deposited on (100) MgO substrates by pulsed-laser deposition. The oxygen pressure used in deposition was varied from 1to120mTorr with the substrate temperature fixed at 700°C. Magnetization values are measured to increase with oxygen pressure, reaching a maximum value of 2480G, which is a 42% increase over the bulk equilibrium value. Extended x-ray absorption spectroscopy shows that the Cu cation inversion δ [defined as (Cu1−δFeδ)tet[CuδFe2−δ]octO4] decreases monotonically from 0.72 to 0.55 with increasing saturation magnetization.
Simulations of vapor water clusters at vapor–liquid equilibrium
Authors: Johansson Erik , Bolton Kim , Ahlström Peter
Published: July 2005

The Gibbs-ensemble Monte Carlo methods based on the extended single point charge [H. J. C. Berendsen, J. R. Grigera, and T. P. Straatsma, J. Phys. Chem. 91, 6269 (1987)] potential-energy surface have been used to study the clustering of vapor phase water under vapor–liquid equilibrium conditions between 300 and 600K. It is seen that the number of clusters, as well as the cluster size, increase with temperature. This is primarily due to the increase in vapor density that accompanies the temperature increase at equilibrium. In addition, due to entropic effects, the percentage of clusters that have linear (or open) topologies increases with temperature and dominates over the minimum-energy cyclic topologies at the temperatures studied here. These results are insensitive to the number of molecules used in the simulations and the criterion used to define a water cluster.
Study of interdiffusion in GaAsSbN∕GaAs quantum well structure by ten-band k∙p method
Authors: Dang Y. X. , Fan W. J. , Ng S. T. , Wicaksono S. , Yoon S. F. , Zhang D. H.
Published: July 2005

The effect of annealing on the photoluminescence (PL) in GaAsSbN∕GaAs quantum wells (QWs) grown by solid-source molecular-beam epitaxy has been investigated. The annealing time and temperature are 5min and 650–750°C, respectively. Low-temperature (4K) PL peaks shift to higher energies with the annealing temperatures. An As–Sb atomic interdiffusion at the heterointerface is proposed to model this effect. The compositional profile of the QW after interdiffusion is described by an error function distribution and calculated by a ten-band k∙p method. The estimated interdiffusion constants D are ∼10−17–10−16cm2∕s in the above temperature range and an activation energy of 1±0.4eV is obtained.