bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical analysis of flow and transport from a multiple‐source system in a partially saturated heterogeneous soil under cropped conditions
Authors: Russo David , Zaidel Jacob , Fiori Aldo , Laufer Asher
Published: June 2006

Field‐scale solute transport in a three‐dimensional, heterogeneous, variably saturated soil, originating from multiple planar sources (MS) is analyzed and compared with its counterpart originating from a single planar source (SS). The case under consideration is a citrus grove planted on a Hamra Red Mediterranean soil (Rhodoxeralf) in the central part of the coastal region of Israel, with a distinct rainy period during the winter and irrigations during the rest of the year. Results of the analyses show that for both the MS and the SS cases, solute transport during the irrigation season is characterized by a restricted downward movement and spread and by a considerable increase in concentration, while the opposite situation occurs during the rain season. In addition, results of the analyses suggest that as compared with the SS case, the MS case is characterized by a larger uncertainty in the concentration point values, by a slower solute convection and a smaller longitudinal solute spread, by a larger transverse solute spread, and by larger skewness and uncertainty in the solute breakthrough curve (BTC). Regarding the solute sampling design problem, our findings suggest that for both cases a pair of sampling points located in the horizontal plane of the field may be sufficient in order to provide relatively accurate estimates of characteristics of the transport (i.e., displacement and spread of the solute plume in the direction of the mean flow and mean solute BTC) for the entire spatially heterogeneous domain. To achieve these desirable results, in the MS case the first sampling point must be located within the wetted area in the vicinity of one of the planar sources, while in the SS case these results are independent of the location of the first sampling point. For both cases, however, an effort to quantify the uncertainty in the mean solute BTC requires few additional sampling points.
Introduction to special issue on Rain, Rivers, and Turbulence: A view from hydrology
Authors: Rinaldo Andrea
Published: June 2006

This paper introduces the special issue by first reviewing the cultural climate and the scientific ancestors that suggested title and contents. These are aimed at the core of the dynamic origins of natural form and function (or, as in often abused words, “how nature works”), seen through the perspective of hydrologic research. An overview of the invited contributions follows, which includes a subjective explanation for the conceptual thread that joins them. Key to the contents of the invited papers is the future role of hydrology within the geosciences. Such a role is argued to be of growing importance owing, on one side, to the objective social and economic relevance of hydrologic matters (a fair distribution of water resources, flood and droughts among them) and, on the other, to the quality and the spatial/temporal extent of hydrologic data, which have been indeed instrumental in the radical change we recently experienced in the way we perceive and measure natural phenomena.
Scientific and Technological Thinking
Authors: Gorman Michael E.
Published: June 2006

Studies of scientific and technological thinking can be organized via a taxonomy of methodological approaches that reveal areas for further study. Dunbar provides such a taxonomy, using biological methods like in vivo and in vitro as examples. In vitro corresponds to laboratory simulations of scientific thinking; In Vivo corresponds to field studies of actual scientists and inventors. Dunbar expands this taxonomy to incorporate historical studies of scientists and inventors, computer simulation and the possibility of neurological studies. These methods can and should be combined: Computational simulations are frequently based on historical case-studies, for example. In this article, a wide range of studies are classified according to this taxonomy, and their main points summarized. Consideration is also given to studies of scientific and technological thinking in collaborative dyads and teams. The article concludes with suggestions for future research.
Scientists Are Not Deficient in Mental Imagery: Galton Revised
Authors: Brewer William F. , Schommer-Aikins Marlene
Published: June 2006

In 1880, Galton carried out an investigation of imagery in a sample of distinguished men and a sample of nonscientists (adolescent male students). He concluded that scientists were either totally lacking in visual imagery or had “feeble” powers of mental imagery. This finding has been widely accepted in the secondary literature in psychology. A replication of Galton's study with modern scientists and modern university undergraduates found no scientists totally lacking in visual imagery and very few with feeble visual imagery. Examination of Galton's published data shows that his own published data do not support his claims about deficient visual imagery in scientists. The modern data for scientists and nonscientists and the 1880 data for scientists and nonscientists are in agreement in showing that all groups report substantial imagery on recollective memory tasks such as Galton's breakfast questionnaire. We conclude that Galton's conclusions were an example of theory-laden interpretation of data based on the initial responses from several very salient scientists who reported little or no visual imagery on Galton's imagery questionnaire.
The Past and Future of the Psychology of Science
Authors: Feist Gregory J.
Published: June 2006

As the British statesman Edmund Burke once wrote, “Those who do not know history are destined to repeat it.” (Not to be confused with George Santana's comment: “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”). The fact is that the history of the psychology of science has been a struggle for existence. If we wish to move away from struggle and toward a comfortable existence, then we need to learn lessons from the other disciplines that successfully have made the transition from fledgling field to fully established scientific discipline. The history, philosophy, and sociology of science are just such established disciplines.
Scientific Status of Disciplines, Individuals, and Ideas: Empirical Analyses of the Potential Impact of Theory
Authors: Simonton Dean Keith
Published: June 2006

The place of theory in scientific research can be subjected to empirical investigation. This possibility is illustrated by examining three issues. First, what determines a scientific discipline's placement in a hypothesized hierarchy of the sciences? This was addressed in an analysis of the characteristics that distinguish various disciplines, including attributes bearing an explicit connection to the role of theory. Second, what individual research programs are most likely to have a long-term impact on a scientific discipline? This was examined by looking at how thematic organization and theoretical orientation influence a scientist's disciplinary visibility. Third, what are the features of scientific publications that render some more successful in terms of long-term influence? This question was addressed by examining how theoretical content determines the impact of journal articles.
The MLCK‐mediated α1‐adrenergic inotropic effect in atrial myocardium is negatively modulated by PKCɛ signaling
Authors: Grimm Michael , Mahnecke Nina , Soja Friederike , El‐Armouche Ali , Haas Pascal , Treede Hendrik , Reichenspurner Hermann , Eschenhagen Thomas
Published: June 2006

The present study examined the role of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), PKC isozymes, and inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) receptor in the positive inotropic effect of α1‐adrenergic stimulation in atrial myocardium.

We measured inotropic effects of phenylephrine (0.3–300 μM) in isolated left atrial preparations (1 Hz, 37°C, 1.8 mM Ca2+, 0.3 μM nadolol) from male 8‐week FVB mice (n=200). Phenylephrine concentration‐dependently increased force of contraction from 1.5±0.1 to 2.8±0.1 mN (mean±s.e.m., n=42), which was associated with increased MLC‐2a phosphorylation at serine 21 and 22 by 67% and translocation of PKCɛ but not PKCα to membrane (+30%) and myofilament (+50%) fractions.

MLCK inhibition using ML‐7 or wortmannin right‐shifted the concentration–response curve of phenylephrine, reducing its inotropic effect at 10 μM by 73% and 81%, respectively.

The compound KIE1‐1 (500 nM), an intracellularly acting PKCɛ translocation inhibitor peptide, prevented PKCɛ translocation and augmented the maximal inotropic effect of phenylephrine by 40%. In contrast, inhibition of Ca2+‐dependent PKC translocation (KIC1‐1, 500 nM) had no effect. Chelerythrine, a PKC inhibitor, decreased basal force without changing the inotropic effect of phenylephrine.

The IP3 receptor blocker 2‐APB (2 and 20 μM) concentration‐dependently decreased basal force, but did not affect the concentration–response curve of phenylephrine.

These results indicate that activation of MLCK is required for the positive inotropic effect of α1‐adrenergic stimulation, that the Ca2+‐independent PKCɛ negatively modulates this effect, and that PKCα and IP3 receptor activation is not involved.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 148, 991–1000. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706803
Chronic 5‐HT6receptor modulation by E‐6837 induces hypophagia and sustained weight loss in diet‐induced obese rats
Authors: Fisas Angels , Codony Xavier , Romero Gonzalo , Dordal Alberto , Giraldo Jesus , Mercé Ramon , Holenz Jörg , Heal David , Buschmann Helmut , Pauwels Petrus Johan
Published: June 2006

E‐6837 is a novel, selective and high‐affinity 5‐HT6receptor ligand (pKi: 9.13) whichin vitrodemonstrates partial agonism at a presumably silent rat 5‐HT6receptor and full agonism at a constitutively active human 5‐HT6receptor by monitoring the cAMP signaling pathway.

The effects of chronic treatment with E‐6837 were determined in diet‐induced obese (DIO)‐rats on changes in body weight, food and water intake, plasma indices of comorbid risk factors, and weight regain on compound withdrawal. The centrally acting antiobesity drug, sibutramine, was used as the reference comparator.

Sustained body weight loss and decreased cumulative food intake of DIO‐rats was observed with E‐6837 (30 mg kg−1, p.o., twice a day) during the 4‐week treatment period. The onset of the E‐6837 effect on body weight was slower than that of sibutramine (5 mg kg−1, p.o.), while its maximal effect was greater, that is −15.7 versus −11.0%.

E‐6837‐induced weight loss was exclusively mediated by a decrease (31.7%) in fat mass, with a concomitant reduction (49.6%) in plasma leptin. Reduced obesity was also reflected in improved glycemic control.

Although weight regain occurred after withdrawal from either compound, the body weights after E‐6837 (−6.6%) remained lower than after sibutramine (−3.8%) indicating that the greater efficacy of the former did not result in profound rebound hyperphagia/weight gain.

These results show that the 5‐HT6receptor partial agonist, E‐6837, is a promising new approach to the management of obesity with the potential to produce greater sustained weight loss than sibutramine.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)148, 973–983. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706807
Bioreactor systems for the production of biopharmaceuticals from animal cells
Authors: Warnock James N. , Al‐Rubeai Mohamed
Published: June 2006

The demand for biopharmaceutical products is set to see a significant increase over the next few years. As a consequence, the processes used to produce these products must be able to meet market requirements. The present paper reviews the current technologies available for animal cell culture and highlights the advantages and disadvantages of each method, while also providing details of recent case studies. Processes are described for both suspension and anchorage‐dependent cell lines.
Simulation studies of the protein-water interface. I. Properties at the molecular resolution
Authors: Schröder C. , Rudas T. , Boresch S. , Steinhauser O.
Published: June 2006

We report molecular dynamics simulations of three globular proteins: ubiquitin, apo-calbindin D9K, and the C-terminal SH2 domain of phospholipase C-γ1 in explicit water. The proteins differ in their overall charge and fold type and were chosen to represent to some degree the structural variability found in medium-sized proteins. The length of each simulation was at least 15ns, and larger than usual solvent boxes were used. We computed radial distribution functions, as well as orientational correlation functions about the surface residues. Two solvent shells could be clearly discerned about charged and polar amino acids. Near apolar amino acids the water density near such residues was almost devoid of structure. The mean residence time of water molecules was determined for water shells about the full protein, as well as for water layers about individual amino acids. In the dynamic properties, two solvent shells could be characterized as well. However, by comparison to simulations of pure water it could be shown that the influence of the protein reaches beyond 6Å, i.e., beyond the first two shells. In the first shell (r⩽3.5Å), the structural and dynamical properties of solvent waters varied considerably and depended primarily on the physicochemical properties of the closest amino acid side chain, with which the waters interact. By contrast, the solvent properties seem not to depend on the specifics of the protein studied (such as the net charge) or on the secondary structure element in which an amino acid is located. While differing considerably from the neat liquid, the properties of waters in the second solvation shell (3.5<r⩽6Å) are rather uniform; a direct influence from surface amino acids are already mostly shielded.
A convenient decontraction procedure of internally contracted state-specific multireference algorithms
Authors: Angeli Celestino , Calzado Carmen J. , Cimiraglia Renzo , Malrieu Jean-Paul
Published: June 2006

Internally contracted state-specific multireference (MR) algorithms, either perturbative such as CASPT2 or NEVPT2, or nonperturbative such as contracted MR configuration interaction or MR coupled cluster, are computationally efficient but they may suffer from the internal contraction of the wave function in the reference space. The use of a low dimensional multistate model space only offers limited flexibility and is not always practicable. The present paper suggests a convenient state-specific procedure to decontract the reference part of the wave function from a series of state-specific calculations using slightly perturbed zero-order wave functions. The method provides an orthogonal valence bond reading of the ground state and an effective valence Hamiltonian, the excited roots of which are shown to be relevant. The orthogonal valence bond functions can be considered quasidiabatic states and the effective valence Hamiltonian gives therefore the quasidiabatic energies and the electronic coupling among the quasidiabatic states. The efficiency of the method is illustrated in two case problems where the dynamical correlation plays a crucial role, namely, the LiF neutral/ionic avoided crossing and the F2 ground state wave function.
Symplectic splitting operator methods for the time-dependent Schrödinger equation
Authors: Blanes Sergio , Casas Fernando , Murua Ander
Published: June 2006

We present a family of symplectic splitting methods especially tailored to solve numerically the time-dependent Schrödinger equation. When discretized in time, this equation can be recast in the form of a classical Hamiltonian system with a Hamiltonian function corresponding to a generalized high-dimensional separable harmonic oscillator. The structure of the system allows us to build highly efficient symplectic integrators at any order. The new methods are accurate, easy to implement, and very stable in comparison with other standard symplectic integrators.
Fabrication and characterization of an indium tin oxide-octadecanethiol-aluminum junction for molecular electronics
Authors: Kolipaka Shailender , Aithal Rajendra K. , Kuila Debasish
Published: June 2006

In order to create a different avenue for molecular electronics, metal-molecule-metal junctions are reported for 1-octadecanethiol (ODT) self-assembled monolayers on indium tin oxide surface using thermal/electron beam evaporated aluminum as top contact. The bottom electrode is patterned to 10μm dumbbell patterns followed by self-assembly of the molecule and evaporation of Al through a 270μm dumbbell patterned shadow mask to form a 230μm Al top contact. Current-voltage measurements show that the junction is resistive with ODT resistance estimated to be ∼2×1013Ω∕molecule.
Infrared spectra of the CF3I dimer: A concurrent application of matrix-isolation spectroscopy and cavity ring-down spectroscopy
Authors: Ito Fumiyuki , Hirabayashi Shinichi
Published: June 2006

We have observed infrared spectra of the CF3I dimer produced in a supersonic jet by matrix-isolation Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and infrared cavity ring-down (IR-CRD) spectroscopy. In the matrix-isolation experiments, the dimer was isolated in an Ar matrix by the pulse-deposition method. The recorded spectral range covers the symmetric (ν1) and doubly degenerate (ν4) C–F stretching regions. From the concentration dependence of the matrix-isolation spectra we have assigned one dimer band for each fundamental region. It was not easy to identify the dimer band for the ν4 band because of the multiplet feature of the monomeric ν4 band caused by the site symmetry breaking. The spectra of (CF3I)2 in the ν4 band region were thus also measured in the gas phase by IR-CRD spectroscopy, where we detected two dimer bands. Comparing the observed band positions with the results of quantum chemical calculations, we have assigned the observed dimer bands to the head-to-head isomer. The structure of (CF3I)2 and its photochemical implications are discussed, in comparison with methyl iodide dimer reported previously [Ito et al., Chem. Phys. Lett. 343, 185 (2001)].
Interface resistance switching at a few nanometer thick perovskite manganite active layers
Authors: Sawa A. , Fujii T. , Kawasaki M. , Tokura Y.
Published: June 2006

We have studied the transport and resistance switching properties of Ti∕Sm0.7Ca0.3MnO3 (n unit cells)/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 [Ti∕SCMO(n)∕LSMO] layered structures. The metal-to-metal contact of the Ti/LSMO junction (n=0) does not exhibit resistance switching effect, while the insertion of a very thin insulating SCMO layer (n⩾1) induces resistance switching effect. As the SCMO layer thickness (n) increases, the resistance switching amplitude grows and the response gets faster. This indicates that the SCMO layer as thin as several u.c. adjacent to the interface works as an active source for the resistance switching effect.
Flexoelectricity of barium titanate
Authors: Ma Wenhui , Cross L. Eric
Published: June 2006

Flexoelectricity was investigated as a function of temperature in paraelectric and ferroelectric phases of barium titanate ceramic. The flexoelectric coefficient μ12 was measured dynamically at small level of strain gradients. μ12 is around 5μC∕m in orthorhombic phase, rises to about 10μC∕m at room temperature, and peaks at ∼50μC∕m near tetragonal-cubic phase transition point. The coupling effect between mechanical strain gradient and electric polarization is found to be nonlinearly enhanced by high dielectric permittivity and domain contribution in barium titanate. In inhomogeneously strained ferroelectrics, mechanical gradient field may impact electric polarization in a way analogous to electric field.
Quantum regulation of Ge nanodot state by controlling barrier of the interface layer
Authors: Nakayama Yasuo , Matsuda Iwao , Hasegawa Shuji , Ichikawa Masakazu
Published: June 2006

Quantized energy in Ge nanodots aligned over oxidized Si surfaces could be regulated by modifying an interface atomic layer. The confining potential was evaluated from dot-size dependent energy shift of the ground state of confined holes, which revealed that epitaxial nanodots showed a lower confining potential barrier than nonepitaxial ones. The present results provide a new way to tune quantized energy levels of Ge nanodots not only by their size but also by interface condition.
Strong circular Bragg phenomena in self-ordered porous helical nanorod arrays of Alq3
Authors: Hrudey Peter C. P. , Szeto Bryan , Brett Michael J.
Published: June 2006

Porous chiral thin films composed of a nearly hexagonal-close-packed array of helical nanorods of tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3) are fabricated using glancing angle deposition and exhibit a one-dimensional polarization-dependent photonic stop band. These chiral thin films transmit only one handedness of circularly polarized light and emit highly circularly polarized photoluminescence. The strong circular Bragg phenomena exhibited by these films suggest potential for use of these films in low-threshold mirrorless lasing and circularly polarized emission applications, while the porosity of the films allows for infiltration by dyes or liquid crystals to enable the formation of unique hybrid materials.
Lamb myofibre characteristics are influenced by sire estimated breeding values and pastoral nutritional system
Authors: Greenwood P. L. , Gardner G. E. , Hegarty R. S.
Published: June 2006

The objective of this study was to establish the extent to which lamb myofibre characteristics at ~8 months of age were influenced by sire (n = 9) estimated breeding values (EBVs) and pasture-based nutritional systems (low and high quality and availability, LOW and HIGH) from birth to slaughter (n = 56). Immunostaining of myosin heavy chain isoforms in longissimus muscle fibres revealed that as the post-weaning eye muscle depth EBV (PEMD) increased, the percentage of type 2B/X myofibres increased and the percentage of type 2A myofibres decreased. The percentage of type 2B/X myofibres also increased with increasing PEMD in the semimembranosus muscle, but not in the semitendinosus muscle. Post-weaning fat depth (PFAT) EBV was negatively related with the percentage of type 2B/X myofibres in longissimus and semitendinosus muscles and with the relative area of more glycolytic to more oxidative fibre types, although there was an interaction with nutritional system in the semitendinosus muscle, with this ratio increasing with the PFAT EBV among the LOW nutrition lambs. Overall, post-weaning weight (PWWT) EBV had less effect on myofibre characteristics than PEMD and PFAT EBVs. Average cross-sectional area of myofibres was more affected by the LOW than HIGH nutritional system in longissimus muscle (–25%) compared with semitendinosus (–21%) and semimembranosus (–15%) muscles. LOW nutrition resulted in a significantly smaller cross-sectional area of all myofibre types in longissimus muscle and of types 2A, 2AB/X, and 2B/X in semimembranosus and semitendinosus muscles. Overall, the relative area of glycolytic myofibres increased and/or more oxidative myofibre types decreased in LOW compared with HIGH nutritional system lambs in longissimus and semimembranosus, but not in semitendinosus muscle. The results demonstrate significant influences of sire EBVs on myofibre characteristics of lambs, the extent of which depends upon muscle type and nutritional regimen. More specifically, they suggest continued selection for increased muscling and reduced fatness in lambs are associated with shifts in the proportions of myofibre types, with potential for adverse effects on eating quality. They also show that the direction and magnitude of the effects of chronic, moderate postnatal nutritional restriction at pasture on myofibre characteristics vary between muscles with different contractile, metabolic, and/or functional characteristics.
Genotypic and nutritional regulation of gene expression in two sheep hindlimb muscles with distinct myofibre and metabolic characteristics
Authors: Nattrass G. S. , Quigley S. P. , Gardner G. E. , Bawden C. S. , McLaughlan C. J. , Hegarty R. S. , Greenwood P. L.
Published: June 2006

This study investigated whether the expression profile of GDF8 (myostatin), myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs: MYF5, MYOD1, MYOG (myogenin), and MYF6), and IGF-system (IGF1, IGF2, IGF1R) genes are correlated with anatomical muscle, nutrition level, and estimated breeding values (EBVs) for muscling, growth, and/or fatness. Real-time PCR was employed to quantitatively measure the mRNA levels of these genes in the semimembranosus (SM) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles of growing lambs. The lambs were sired by Poll Dorset rams with differing EBVs for growth, muscling, and fatness, and were fed either high or low quality and availability pasture from birth to ~8 months of age. With the exception of MYOD1, the mRNA levels of all genes examined in this study showed varying degrees of nutritional regulation. All the MRF mRNA levels were higher in the SM muscle than the ST muscle, whereas myostatin mRNA was higher in the ST muscle than the SM muscle. Interactions between muscle type and nutrition were detected for IGF2, MYF6, and myogenin, while positive correlations between IGF2 and IGF1R and between MYOD1 and myogenin mRNA levels were apparent in both muscles. At the genotypic level, subtle differences in mRNA levels suggested interactions between nutrition and sire EBV. The findings of this study confirm that the MRFs, IGFs, and myostatin genes are differentially affected by a variety of factors that include nutrition, muscle type, and sire EBVs. Together, these data suggest that this suite of genes has important roles during postnatal muscle growth, even at quite late stages of growth and development.
Forelimb bone growth and mineral maturation as potential indices of skeletal maturity in sheep
Authors: Cake M. A. , Gardner G. E. , Boyce M. D. , Loader D. , Pethick D. W.
Published: June 2006

The aim of this study was to characterise the allometric growth and bone mineral maturation of forelimb bones in sheep throughout the growth phase. Forelimb bones (scapula to proximal phalanx) were measured in 84 Merino sheep from similar genetic stock of approximately 12, 32, 64, 84, 116, and 168 weeks of age, with approximately equal numbers of wethers and ewes in each age cohort (n = 14). Sheep were selected for divergence of size, body weight, and condition, in order that the effects of age and body size could be assessed independently. Bone magnesium was measured in the metacarpal and humerus. Results demonstrate the highly coordinated, allometric nature of linear bone growth within the ovine forelimb, though allometric growth patterns differed from those previously published for bone weights. We propose that estimates of maturity proportion (M) based on relative limb bone length or limb proportions may present significant advantages over weight- or composition-based maturity indices, or qualitative variables such as dental eruption or USDA-type maturity scores. Sex differences in growth gradients were minimal, although the higher variability and greater gender divergence of metacarpal bone length casts doubt on the use of its growth plate (breakjoint) to indicate maturity. Bone magnesium content was found to decrease rapidly during the growth period and may represent a useful independent estimate of physiological maturity.
The effect of genotype and plane of nutrition on the rate of pH decline in lamb carcasses and the expression of metabolic enzymatic markers
Authors: Gardner G. E. , Pethick D. W. , Greenwood P. L. , Hegarty R. S.
Published: June 2006

The objective of this study was to establish the effect of sire (n = 9) estimated breeding values (EBVs) and pasture-based nutritional systems (low and high quality and availability) from birth to slaughter on the metabolic characteristics and post-mortem pH changes in muscle of ~8-month-old lambs (n = 56). Nutritional restriction resulted in a general decrease in glycolytic capacity as indicated by the enzymes phosphofructokinase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), suggesting greater metabolic efficiency. Alternatively, it also depressed oxidative capacity as indicated by myoglobin and isocitrate dehydrogenase, which aligns with the histological results suggesting a fast glycolytic fibre type characteristic of less mature animals. Increasing PEMD EBV resulted in a marked shift towards a metabolically more glycolytic muscle type as demonstrated by LDH, although this did not correspond strongly with an increase in the proportion of type 2B fibres based on histological assessment of myofibre type using immunostaining of myosin heavy chain isoforms. Myoglobin concentration aligned with this trend, decreasing in all muscles as PEMD EBV increased, suggesting that selection for muscling will lead to a whiter muscle appearance. Rate of pH decline was increased in the low nutrition lambs, and through selection for PEMD EBV, this response aligning with the metabolically more glycolytic muscle type.
Gas gain and characteristic gas constants for various neutron proportional counter gas mixtures
Authors: Desai S.S. , Shaikh A.M.
Published: June 2006

The gas amplification factors (gas gains) for BF3, 3He + Kr, 3He + Ar + CO2 and 3He + CF4 filled neutron proportional counters in cylindrical geometry, as a function of the applied potential, are experimentally determined. The data obtained are analysed using the Diethorn and Bateman expressions and values for gas constants ΔV, K, W and λ calculated. The variation of W and λ with gas pressure is also studied.
Prospects for neutron research in magnetism with a pulsed magnetic field at powerful pulsed neutron sources
Authors: Nietz V.V. , Stavisski Y.Y.
Published: June 2006

The possibilities of neutron investigations of the magnetic structure of crystals at powerful pulsed neutron sources, JSNS (Japan), TIRAN (Snezhinsk, Russia) and LHC (CERN), with the use of pulsed magnetic fields are considered. An opportunity for diffraction measurements of magnetic phases induced by magnetic fields up to 800–1000 kOe at the TIRAN reactor and the spallation source at the LHC accelerator is shown.
HIV/AIDS and HCV in prisons: A select annotated bibliography (part 1)
Authors: Jürgens Ralf
Published: June 2006

There is a huge amount of literature on HIV/AIDS and HCV in prisons, but some of it is difficult to access. Work on an annotated bibliography started in March 2005 and was completed in November 2005. Its goal is to promote effective responses, based on scientific evidence and respect for human rights, to the issues raised by HIV/AIDS and HCV in prisons. This issue contains part 1 of a selection of ‘essential resources’ taken from the bibliography. Documents were included if they were: recent (or still unique); brief (or comprehensive); readable; published by a reputable organization; published as a paper in a high impact factor journal; scientifically rigorous; focused on and relevant to developing or transitional nations; relevant to the selection criteria; and the overall impression of the author was
strongly favourable. Part 1 contains overview documents, policies, and guidelines; documents on legal, ethical, and human rights issues related to HIV/AIDS in prison; as well as websites and periodicals.
Perception of mutual violence in incarcerated women’s intimate partner relationships in Mexico City
Authors: Saldívar Hern´ndez Gabriela J. , Romero Mendoza Martha P. , Rodríguez Ruiz Eva M. , Durand‐Smith Ana L. , Colmenares Bermúdez Eduardo
Published: June 2006

The purpose of this article is to determine the degree of physical violence received and inflicted over the past two years by a sample of women in prison in their relationships with their partners (N=/213). Over half of the women report having suffered some form of violence at the hands of their partners at some time in their lives. As for physical violence experienced over the past two years, one out of every four women has experienced violence at the hands of her partner. The women in this study rated the act of physical violence they had experienced in the past two years as severe, a term they also used to describe the degree of disturbance, anger and fear they felt after the violent incident. As for the
violence the women inflicted on their partners, one out of every four women has inflicted violence on her partner (26.8%) although they rate the most aggressive event during these past two years as slight. After the event, over half the women felt severely disturbed as well as slightly angry and scared.
Keuskamp and the Amsterdam Infant Ventilator
Authors: Hofland J. , Leendertse‐Verloop K. , Rupreht J.
Published: June 2006

At the First International Symposium on the History of Modern Anaesthesia (1982), Professor Keuskamp mentioned that the introduction of breathing machines for lung ventilation during operations had taken over ‘the tiresome handwork of ventilation’. This paper traces some aspects of Keuskamp's professional career and his role in the development of the Amsterdam Infant Ventilator. In 1974, Urban and Weitzner from the State University of New York reported that the ventilator was a reliable and effective constant‐volume paediatric ventilator. Other clinicians from the United States and Europe echoed this satisfactory clinical evaluation. At present, this paediatric ventilator is still in use for the initial ventilation of small infants and for the mechanical ventilation of different animal species in a variety of experimental settings.
Paraesthesia during the needle‐through‐needle and the double segment technique for combined spinal epidural anaesthesia*
Authors: Ahn H. J. , Choi D. H. , Kim C. S.
Published: June 2006

Paraesthesia during regional anaesthesia is an unpleasant sensation for patients and, more importantly, in some cases it is related to neurological injury. Relatively few studies have been conducted on the frequency of paraesthesia during combined spinal epidural anaesthesia. We compared two combined spinal epidural anaesthesia techniques: the needle‐through‐needle technique and the double segment technique in this respect. We randomly allocated 116 parturients undergoing elective Caesarean section to receive anaesthesia using one of these techniques. Both techniques were performed using a 27G pencil point needle, an 18G Tuohy needle, and a 20G multiport epidural catheter from the same manufacturer. The overall frequency of paraesthesia was higher in the needle‐through‐needle technique group (56.9% vs. 31.6%, p = 0.011). The frequency of paraesthesia at spinal needle insertion was 20.7% in the needle‐through‐needle technique group and 8.8% in the double segment technique group; whereas the frequency of paraesthesia at epidural catheter insertion was 46.6% in the needle‐through‐needle technique group and 24.6% in the double segment technique group.
Parent participation in paediatric rehabilitation treatment centres in the Netherlands: a parents’ viewpoint
Authors: Siebes R. C. , Wijnroks L. , Ketelaar M. , Van Schie P. E. M. , Gorter J. W. , Vermeer A.
Published: June 2006

Aim  The importance of family‐centred care and services has been increasingly emphasized in paediatric rehabilitation. One aspect of family‐centred care is parent involvement in their child’s treatment. The aims of this study were (1) to describe how, and to what extent parents are involved in the paediatric rehabilitation treatment process in the Netherlands; (2) to determine the level of parents’ satisfaction about the services they and their child have received; and (3) to describe what ideas parents have to enhance their involvement in the treatment process.

Methods  A total of 679 parents of children aged 1–20 years who participated in our longitudinal study on family centred care in the Netherlands. The children had various diagnoses and were treated in nine out of 23 Dutch paediatric rehabilitation centres. A random sample of 75 parents was interviewed within 4 weeks after completion of the Measure of Processes of Care and the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire. A Quality of Care cycle with six stages was used to structure the evaluation.

Results  The data showed that parents are involved in all stages of their child’s rehabilitation process in various ways. The average level of parent satisfaction about the services received was high. According to the interviewed parents, the communication between professionals and parents, parents’ involvement in goal setting, and parents’ involvement in treatment could be improved upon.

Conclusion  Parents are to a large extent involved in all stages of the treatment process in Dutch paediatric rehabilitation settings. Although parents valued the services received, they suggested various ways to enhance parent participation.
Characterization of cells of the B lineage in the human adult greater omentum
Authors: Boursier Laurent , Montalto Stephen Attard , Raju Shanti , Culora Giuseppe , Spencer Jo
Published: June 2006

Peritoneal B cells and their omental precursors play an important role in the immune response of the peritoneal cavity and mucosal surfaces in mice. We have previously shown that peritoneal and mucosal B lineage cells are unlikely to be significantly linked in humans. However, the status of the omentum remains unknown. Here, using immunohistochemistry, we observed that sparse, quiescent B cells and occasional clusters of B cells were present in the omentum and that plasma cells, predominantly with cytoplasmic immunoglobulin G (IgG), were present. We analysed sequences of immunoglobulin genes amplified using reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) from the normal human greater omentum, and describe the characteristics of variable region genes used by IgG, IgA and IgM. We focused on the properties of IgVH4 and IgVH5 families to allow comparisons of like with like between different Ig isotypes and cells from different immune compartments. We observed that the IgM genes were derived from a mixed population with mutated and unmutated immunoglobulin sequences. All IgVH4 and IgVH5 genes used by IgA and IgG from omental cells showed evidence of somatic hypermutation but the load of mutations was not significantly different to that seen in either the systemic or the mucosal compartments. The trends observed, including the dominance of IgG plasma cells, the IgA1/IgA2 ratio being biased towards IgA1, JH1 usage, and a moderate level of somatic mutations, link omental B lineage cells with the systemic compartment. These observations reinforce previous studies highlighting the difference between human and murine B‐cell compartments and their relationship to the mucosal immune system.
Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: insiders' perspectives
Authors: Fraser Danielle D. , Kee Carolyn C. , Minick Ptlene
Published: June 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study of the experiences of older adults with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with the aim of gaining an understanding of how the disease had affected their lives.

Background.  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a major personal and public health burden and is the fifth cause of mortality worldwide. The brief encounters that healthcare professionals have with patients in hospitals, physicians’ offices and other outpatient settings are insufficient to be able to truly understand the challenges that people face in the attempt to integrate a chronic illness into their lives. Previous qualitative studies on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have tended to focus on specific problems associated with the disease, such as fatigue and social isolation.

Method.  A hermeneutic phenomenological study was carried out with 10 older adults who participated in a local hospital's case management or pulmonary rehabilitation programme. Data were collected by interviews in 2003.

Findings.  Three major themes were identified: Knowing What Works, Hanging On…Barely, and Losing Control–Gaining Control. The changes associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were described as increasingly challenging and even threatening to participants’ current lifestyles. The impact of dyspnoea was great and invaded almost every aspect of their lives. Participants identified the most effective methods to resolve shortness of breath.

Conclusion.  People with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have had extensive experience of managing their disease and are familiar with techniques that have helped them integrate the illness and symptoms into their lives. Nurses can synthesize patient knowledge with nursing knowledge to assist patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to achieve their maximum quality of life.
Long-term V-band monitoring of the bright stars of M33 at the Wise Observatory
Authors: Shporer A. , Mazeh T.
Published: June 2006

We have conducted a long-term V-band photometric monitoring of M33 on 95 nights during four observing seasons (2000–2003). A total number of 6418 light curves of bright objects in the range of 14–21 mag have been obtained. All measurements are publicly available. A total of 127 new variables were detected, of which 28 are periodic. 10 previously known non-periodic variables were identified as periodic, three of which are Cepheids, and another previously known periodic variable was identified as an eclipsing binary. Our derived periods range from 2.11 to almost 300 d. For 50 variables we have combined our observations with those of the DIRECT project, obtaining light curves of up to 500 measurements, with a time-span of ∼7 yr. We have detected a few interesting variables, including a 99.3 d periodic variable with a 0.04 mag amplitude, at the position of supernova remnant (SNR) 19.
Facultative ‘secondary’ bacterial symbionts and the nutrition of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum
Authors: DOUGLAS A. E. , FRANÇOIS C. L. M. J. , MINTO L. B.
Published: June 2006

Abstract Facultative ‘secondary’ bacterial symbionts influence various traits of aphids, including plant utilization patterns and resistance to parasitoids. The present study is designed to test the hypothesis that these multiple effects are underlain by symbiont‐mediated changes to the aphid requirement for the dominant dietary nutrients, sucrose and amino acids. The performance of pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) on chemically defined diets of systematically altered sucrose and amino acid content varies among eight parthenogenetic clones, with a pattern that does not match the aphid complements of secondary symbionts, Hamiltonella defensa, Regiella insecticola and Serratia symbiotica. Aphid performance is reduced, increased and unaffected by elimination of S. symbiotica, R. insecticola and H. defensa, respectively, but with no significant effect on the range of diets on which aphids performed well. It is concluded that the impact of secondary symbionts on aphid traits is most unlikely to have a purely nutritional basis.
The effects of presynaptic calcium channel modulation by roscovitine on transmitter release at the adult frog neuromuscular junction
Authors: Cho Soyoun , Meriney Stephen D.
Published: June 2006

Calcium (Ca2+) influx through presynaptic calcium channels triggers transmitter release, and any alterations in the gating of these calcium channels results in changes in the magnitude of transmitter released. We used (R)‐roscovitine, a cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor that also appears to act directly on calcium channels, as a tool to modulate presynaptic calcium influx and study effects on transmitter release. We show that this compound increased the quantal content of acetylcholine released from the Rana frog motor nerve terminal (by 149%) without changing paired‐pulse facilitation (under low calcium conditions). In contrast, exposure to 3,4‐diaminopyridine (DAP; which similarly affects transmitter release by partially blocking potassium channels, altering the shape of the presynaptic action potential, and indirectly increasing calcium entry) increased paired‐pulse facilitation (by 23%). In addition, we show that (R)‐roscovitine predominately slowed deactivation kinetics of calcium current (by 427%) recorded from Xenopus frog motoneurons, and as a result, increased the integral of calcium channel current evoked by a physiological action potential waveform (by 44%). Because we did not observe any significant effects of structurally related cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors [(S)‐roscovitine or olomoucine] on evoked transmitter release or calcium current kinetics, it appears that these effects of (R)‐roscovitine are independent of cyclin‐dependent kinases (cdks). In summary, we hypothesize that (R)‐roscovitine effects on transmitter release at the adult frog neuromuscular junction (NMJ) are mediated by its effects on calcium channel gating, and these effects increase our understanding of calcium triggered secretion at this synapse.
Motherhood‐induced memory improvement persists across lifespan in rats but is abolished by a gestational stress
Authors: Lemaire V. , Billard J.‐M. , Dutar P. , George O. , Piazza P. V. , Epelbaum J. , Le Moal M. , Mayo W.
Published: June 2006

Motherhood modifies the biology and behavior of the female, a process which prepares the mother's cognitive systems that are needed for nurturance. It has recently been shown that motherhood enhances hippocampal‐mediated spatial learning and synaptic plasticity. Deleterious and long‐term effects of a stress experienced during gestation have been demonstrated on progeny. Surprisingly little is known about the effect of such stress on mothers. Here, we investigated the effect of gestational stress on the adaptive changes due to motherhood. Female rats were mated and stressed during the last week of gestation. Two weeks after weaning, they were submitted to behavioral tests or electrophysiological study. A group of females were then kept for 16 months after motherhood experience to study the long‐term effect of gestational stress and motherhood on memory when they were 22 months old. We confirm that a single motherhood experience selectively increases hippocampal‐mediated spatial memory during the entire lifespan of female rats and protects them from age‐associated memory impairments. However, we demonstrate that a stressful experience during gestation totally abolishes the positive effects of motherhood both on spatial memory and on hippocampal synaptic plasticity (long‐term potentiation). Environmental factors that induce biological vulnerability have negative effects even for fundamental biological behaviors.