bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mice with mutations in Mahogunin ring finger‐1 (Mgrn1) exhibit abnormal patterning of the left–right axis
Authors: Cota Christina D. , Bagher Pooneh , Pelc Piotr , Smith C. Owen , Bodner Christina R. , Gunn Teresa M.
Published: October 2006

Mahogunin Ring Finger 1 (Mgrn1) encodes a RING‐containing protein with ubiquitin ligase activity that has been implicated in pigment‐type switching. In addition to having dark fur, mice lacking MGRN1 develop adult‐onset spongy degeneration of the central nervous system and have reduced embryonic viability. Observation of complete situs inversus in a small proportion of adult Mgrn1 mutant mice suggested that embryonic lethality resulted from congenital heart defects due to defective establishment and/or maintenance of the left–right (LR) axis. Here we report that Mgrn1 is expressed in a pattern consistent with a role in LR patterning during early development and that many Mgrn1 mutant embryos show abnormal expression of asymmetrically expressed genes involved in LR patterning. A range of complex heart defects was observed in 20–25% of mid‐to‐late gestation Mgrn1 mutant embryos and another 20% were dead. This finding was consistent with 46–60% mortality of mutants by weaning age. Our results indicate that Mgrn1 acts early in the LR signaling cascade and is likely to provide new insight into this developmental process as Nodal expression was uncoupled from expression of other Nodal‐responsive genes in Mgrn1 mutant embryos. Our work identifies a novel role for MGRN1 in embryonic patterning and suggests that the ubiquitination of MGRN1 target genes is essential for the proper establishment and/or maintenance of the LR axis. Developmental Dynamics 235:3438–3447, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Start the clock! Circadian rhythms and development
Authors: Vallone Daniela , Lahiri Kajori , Dickmeis Thomas , Foulkes Nicholas S.
Published: October 2006

The contribution of timing cues from the environment to the coordination of early developmental processes is poorly understood. The day–night cycle represents one of the most important, regular environmental changes that animals are exposed to. A key adaptation that allows animals to anticipate daily environmental changes is the circadian clock. In this review, we aim to address when a light‐regulated circadian clock first emerges during development and what its functions are at this early stage. In particular, do circadian clocks regulate early developmental processes? We will focus on results obtained withDrosophilaand vertebrates, where both circadian clock and developmental control mechanisms have been intensively studied. Developmental Dynamics 236:142–155, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Design and Performance of a New Thin‐Layer Radial‐Flow Holder for a Quartz Crystal Resonator of an Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance
Authors: Kochman Agnieszka , Krupka Andrzej , Grissbach Jerzy , Kutner Włodzimierz , Gniewińska Barbara , Nafalski Lucjan
Published: October 2006

A new compact holder for either 5‐ or 10‐MHz AT‐cut quartz crystal resonator of an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance was designed, fabricated and characterized. The holder is a hydrodynamically controlled thin‐layer radial‐flow microelectrochemical cell. Its unique feature consists of (i) a micrometer‐screw adjustable distance between the movable coaxial assembly of the Ag/Ag+ pseudoreference electrode and the inlet capillary nozzle with respect to the metal‐film working electrode of the quartz crystal resonator, and (ii) a U‐clamp mountable resonator, easily accessible for change without using any tools. The inlet solution stream is centered axially against the working electrode. The holder performance was tested under different flow conditions. These include hydrodynamic voltammetry measurements on the Fe(CN)$\rm{ {_{6}^{4-}}}$/Fe(CN)$\rm{ {_{6}^{3-}}}$ couple, i.e., a redox system with no mass transfer across the solution–electrode interface, as well as simultaneous chronoamperometry and chronoelectrogravimetry measurements under flow injection analysis (FIA) conditions on the Ag/Ag+ couple, i.e., a system with electrodeposition of a rigid metallic film. Moreover, simultaneous changes of resonant frequency and dynamic resistance were measured under FIA conditions for a glycerol solution, i.e., an electroinactive viscous medium. For the 30<Fm<180 μL min−1 volume flow rate of solution and 50<d<250 μm nozzle‐to‐resonator distance, the holder operates in a thin‐layer radial‐flow regime at a fully developed laminar flow. For Fm=30 μL min−1 and d=100 μm, both mass and charge conversion accompanying silver electrodeposition is appreciably high and close to 35%. Simultaneous measurements of the resonant frequency change and current‐potential or current‐time transients allowed investigations of electrochemical processes involving mass changes of rigid deposits while those of the frequency change and dynamic resistance change involve changes of viscoelastic properties of medium.
Permselective and Preconcentration Properties of a Surfactant‐Intercalated Clay Modified Electrode
Authors: Ngameni E. , Tonlé I. K. , Apohkeng J. T. , Bouwé R. G. B. , Jieumboué A. T. , Walcarius A.
Published: October 2006

This work is focused on the voltammetric examination of the ion exchange properties of a smectite type clay, before and after its modification by the replacement of its native interlamellar cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+) by hexadecyltrimethylammonium cations (HDTMA+). The raw clay and its organically modified form were first characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms (BET method) that confirmed the modification via an intercalation process. These materials were subsequently coated onto glassy carbon surfaces, and the resulting modified electrodes were evaluated for the uptake of [Ru(NH3)6]3+ and [Fe(CN)6]3− ions used as redox probes. Some experimental parameters affecting the incorporation of the probes within the film, including the ionic strength, the surfactant loading and the solution pH are thoroughly examined, in order to highlight the mechanism of the process. The possibility of using the surfactant‐intercalated clay modified electrode as an electrochemical sensor for [Fe(CN)6]3− is also evaluated.
Psychometric properties of the Attitudes Towards Body Figure Questionnaire in Mexican female students and patients with eating disorders
Authors: Santoncini Claudia Unikel , García Francisco Juárez , Peresmitré Gilda Gómez
Published: October 2006

The aim of this article was to determine the psychometric characteristics of the Attitudes Towards Body Figure Questionnaire in a sample of Mexican female students and to compare them with a sample of patients with eating disorders. A self‐applicable questionnaire with 15 questions on the importance of one's weight, and figure was given to a sample of students with an average age of 18 years in Mexico City (N = 408) and a sample of patients under treatment (N = 87). The results showed adequate values of internal consistency and a factorial structure in two highly correlated factors that was corroborated in a confirmatory factorial analysis. The questionnaire yielded data with adequate concurrent and predictive validity as well as appropriate values of sensitivity and specificity. This questionnaire constitutes a significant contribution to the field of research on eating disorders and body image in adolescents in Mexico that is why its use is recommended for research and prevention work in the area. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Intracranial therapy of glioblastoma with the fusion protein DTAT in immunodeficient mice
Authors: Rustamzadeh Edward , Hall Walter A. , Todhunter Deborah A. , Vallera Vincent D. , Low Walter C. , Liu Haiying , Panoskaltsis‐Mortari Angela , Vallera Daniel A.
Published: October 2006

A gene splicing technique was used to create a hybrid fusion protein DTAT encoding the 390 amino acid portion of diphtheria toxin (DT390), a linker, and the downstream 135‐amino terminal fragment portion of human urokinase plasminogen activator. DTAT was assembled to target human glioblastoma cell lines in a murine intracranial model. Previously published in vitro studies demonstrated that DTAT was highly selective and toxic to human glioblastoma cell lines in a flank tumor model. The purpose of this study was to determine the toxicity, specificity and possible therapeutic efficacy of DTAT in an intracranial model. Convection enhanced delivery of DTAT resulted in about a 16‐fold increase in maximum tolerated dose. Intracranial administration of DTAT on an every‐other‐day basis in nude mice with established U87 MG brain tumors resulted in significant reductions in tumor volume and significantly prolonged survival (p < 0.0001). Magnetic resonance imaging proved to be a powerful tool in mice and rats for demonstrating tumor growth in a xenograft intracranial model, assessing the efficacy of DTAT in tumor volume reduction and detecting DTAT‐associated intracranial toxicity and vascular damage. These results suggest that the DTAT recombinant fusion protein is highly effective in an intracranial model and DTAT might be an effective treatment for glioblastoma. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On invertible terraces for non‐abelian groups
Authors: Ollis M. A. , Whitaker Roger M.
Published: October 2006

We give several constructions for invertible terraces and invertible directed terraces. These enable us to give the first known infinite families of invertible terrraces, both directed and undirected, for non‐abelian groups. In particular, we show that all generalized dicyclic groups of orders 24k + 4 and 24k + 20 have an invertible directed terrace and that all groups of the form A × G have an invertible terrace, where A is an (possibly trivial) abelian group of odd order and G is any one of: (i) a generalized dihedral group of order 12k + 2 or 12k + 10; (ii) a generalized dicyclic group of order 24k + 4 or 24k + 20; (iii) a non‐abelian group of order n with 10 ≤ n ≤ 21; (iv) a non‐abelian binary group of order n with 24 ≤ n ≤ 42. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 15: 437–447, 2007
Neocortical and cerebellar developmental abnormalities in conditions of selective elimination of peroxisomes from brain or from liver
Authors: Krysko Olga , Hulshagen Leen , Janssen Anneleen , Schütz Günter , Klein Rüdiger , De Bruycker Melina , Espeel Marc , Gressens Pierre , Baes Myriam
Published: October 2006

Defects in the formation of the cerebral cortex and the cerebellum are a prominent feature of the peroxisome biogenesis disorder Zellweger syndrome and in mouse models for this disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of liver and brain peroxisomes on neurodevelopment by analyzing mice with tissue‐selective elimination of peroxisomes. To this end, Pex5‐loxP mice were bred with albumin/α‐fetoprotein (Alfp)‐Cre and nestin (Nes)‐Cre mice. Local elimination of peroxisomes from the brain in Nes‐Pex5 knockout mice caused a delay of cortical neuronal migration and of the formation of cerebellar folia and fissures. Migration of granule cells from the external granular layer was retarded, as was the polarization and branching of Purkinje cells, resulting in a less complex branching pattern and a smaller dendritic tree at P21. The Alfp‐Pex5 knockout mice were affected differently, displaying a partial arrest of neuronal migration in the cerebral neopallium in the postnatal period despite of the incomplete elimination of peroxisomes from liver during embryonic development. Major abnormalities were seen in the formation of the cerebellum of these liver knockout mice, including hypotrophy, impaired foliation, a delay of granule cell migration, increased cell death, and stunted Purkinje cell arborization. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that absence of peroxisomal function both from liver and brain impairs cortical neuronal migration and maturation of the cerebellum, but different pathogenic mechanisms might be involved. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Presenilin 1 is involved in the maturation of β‐site amyloid precursor protein‐cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1)
Authors: Kuzuya Akira , Uemura Kengo , Kitagawa Naoyuki , Aoyagi Nobuhisa , Kihara Takeshi , Ninomiya Haruaki , Ishiura Shoichi , Takahashi Ryosuke , Shimohama Shun
Published: October 2006

One of the pathologic hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease is the excessive deposition of β‐amyloid peptides (Aβ) in senile plaques. Aβ is generated when β‐amyloid precursor protein (APP) is cleaved sequentially by β‐secretase, identified as β‐site APP‐cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), and γ‐secretase, a putative enzymatic complex containing presenilin 1 (PS1). However, functional interaction between PS1 and BACE1 has never been known. In addition to this classical role in the generation of Aβ peptides, it has also been proposed that PS1 affects the intracellular trafficking and maturation of selected membrane proteins. We show that the levels of exogenous and endogenous mature BACE1 expressed in presenilin‐deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts (PS−/−MEFs) were reduced significantly compared to those in wild‐type MEFs. Moreover, the levels of mature BACE1 were increased in human neuroblastoma cell line, SH‐SY5Y, stably expressing wild‐type PS1, compared to native cells. Conversely, the maturation of BACE1 was compromised under the stable expression of dominant–negative mutant PS1 overexpression. Immunoprecipitation assay showed that PS1 preferably interacts with proBACE1 rather than mature BACE1, indicating that PS1 can be directly involved in the maturation process of BACE1. Further, endogenous PS1 was immunoprecipitated with endogenous BACE1 in SH‐SY5Y cells and mouse brain tissue. We conclude that PS1 is directly involved in the maturation of BACE1, thus possibly functioning as a regulator of both β‐ and γ‐secretase in Aβ generation. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mitochondrial isocitrate dehydrogenase protects human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells against oxidative stress
Authors: Kim Sun J. , Yune Tae Y. , Han Ching T. , Kim Young C. , Oh Young J. , Markelonis George J. , Oh Tae H.
Published: October 2006

The neuroprotective effect of mitochondrial isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDPm), an enzyme involved in the reduction of NADP+ to NADPH and the supply of glutathione (GSH) in mitochondria, was examined using SH‐SY5Y cells overexpressing IDPm (S1). S1 cells showed higher NADPH and GSH levels than vector transfectant (V) cells and were more resistant to staurosporine‐induced cell death than controls. Staurosporine‐induced cytochrome c release, caspase‐3 activation, and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were significantly attenuated in S1 cells as compared to V cells and reduced by antioxidants, trolox and GSH‐ethyl ester (GSH‐EE). Staurosporine‐induced the release of Mcl‐1 from mitochondria that formed a complex with Bim. Mcl‐1 was then cleaved to a shortened form in a caspase‐3 dependent manner; its release was attenuated far more in S1 than in V cells after staurosporine treatment. Finally, the staurosporine‐induced decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) was correlated with the time of mitochondrial Mcl‐1 release; the loss of Δψm was attenuated significantly in S1 cells as compared to that in V cells. These results suggest that the neuroprotective effect of IDPm may result from increases in NADPH and GSH levels in the mitochondria. This, in turn, inhibits mitochondrial ROS production after cytochrome c release, which seems to be mediated through Mcl‐1 release. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of two widely used PTSD‐screening instruments: Implications for public mental health planning
Authors: Ruggiero Kenneth J. , Rheingold Alyssa A. , Resnick Heidi S. , Kilpatrick Dean G. , Galea Sandro
Published: October 2006

Epidemiological research serves a critical role in public mental health planning in the aftermath of disasters, particularly via estimation of the mental health burden and potential needs of affected communities. However, different measures are used across studies to assess mental health response, making cross‐study comparison difficult. The National Women's Study Posttraumatic Stress Disorder module (NWS‐PTSD) and PTSD Checklist (PCL) have been among the most widely used measures of PTSD in postdisaster research. Here, the authors used a sample of 233 New York City‐area residents who were administered both the NWS‐PTSD and PCL 4 months after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The PCL yielded higher prevalence estimates at the symptom, cluster, and diagnostic levels. Implications for the interpretation of epidemiological data are discussed.
Dissemination of evidence‐based mental health interventions: Importance to the trauma field
Authors: Katon Wayne J. , Zatzick Doug , Bond Gary , Williams John
Published: October 2006

Randomized controlled trials have established the efficacy of psychotherapy and medication treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite these advancements, many individuals do not receive guideline‐concordant PTSD care. In an effort to advance dissemination of evidence‐based PTSD treatments, the authors review several examples of dissemination efforts of mental health interventions. The first examples describe the dissemination of multifaceted collaborative care interventions for patients with depressive disorders and evidence‐based interventions for patients with severe mental illness. The final example explores evolving efforts to adapt and disseminate interventions to acutely injured trauma survivors. For each example, the authors describe the problem with prior clinical approaches, the program to be disseminated, the barriers and levers to implementation and the progress in overcoming these barriers.
Augmentation of sertraline with prolonged exposure in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Rothbaum Barbara O. , Cahill Shawn P. , Foa Edna B. , Davidson Jonathan R. T. , Compton Jill , Connor Kathryn M. , Astin Millie C. , Hahn Chang‐Gyu
Published: October 2006

The present study was designed to determine whether augmenting sertraline with prolonged exposure (PE) would result in greater improvement than continuation with sertraline alone. Outpatient men and women with chronic PTSD completed 10 weeks of open label sertraline and then were randomly assigned to five additional weeks of sertraline alone (n = 31) or sertraline plus 10 sessions of twice‐weekly PE (n = 34). Results indicated that sertraline led to a significant reduction in PTSD severity after 10 weeks but was associated with no further reductions after five more weeks. Participants who received PE showed further reduction in PTSD severity. This augmentation effect was observed only for participants who showed a partial response to medication.
Disseminating early interventions following trauma
Authors: Bisson Jonathan I. , Cohen Judith A.
Published: October 2006

Dissemination of effective early interventions following trauma is necessary to ensure the provision of the best possible care in a timely manner. To achieve this, agreement from all key stakeholders is required regarding the messages to be disseminated and the means of dissemination. This article is based on a National Institute of Mental Health sponsored symposium on the dissemination of early interventions at the 21st annual meeting of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies in Toronto in 2005. The current knowledge base regarding the effectiveness and dissemination of early interventions (defined here as those that are begun within the first 3 months after exposure) following trauma for children, adolescents, and adults is considered.
Kinetics of the bromate–bromide reaction at high bromide concentrations
Authors: Schmitz Guy
Published: October 2006

At bromide concentrations higher than 0.1 M, a second term must be added to the classical rate law of the bromate–bromide reaction that becomes −d[BrO3−]/dt = [BrO3−][H+]2(k1[Br−] + k2[Br−]2). In perchloric solutions at 25°C, k1 = 2.18 dm3 mol−3 s−1 and k2 = 0.65 dm4 mol−4 s−1 at 1 M ionic strength and k1 = 2.60 dm3 mol3 s−1and k2 = 1.05 dm4 mol−4 s−1 at 2 M ionic strength. A mechanism explaining this rate law, with Br2O2 as key intermediate species, is proposed. Errors that may occur when using the Guggenheim method are discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 39: 17–21, 2007
Syntheses and Specific Interactions of Poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐block‐poly(vinyl phenol) Copolymers Obtained via a Combination of Ring‐Opening and Atom‐Transfer Radical Polymerizations
Authors: Kuo Shiao‐Wei , Huang Chih‐Feng , Lu Chu‐Hua , Lin Ho‐May , Jeong Kwang‐Un , Chang Feng‐Chih
Published: October 2006

Summary: A series of PCL‐b‐PVPh diblock copolymers were prepared through combinations of ring‐opening and atom‐transfer radical polymerizations of ε‐caprolactone and 4‐acetoxystyrene, and subsequent selective hydrolysis of the acetyl protective group. This PCL‐b‐PVPh diblock copolymer shows a single glass transition temperature over the entire composition range, indicating that this copolymer is able to form a miscible amorphous phase due to the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the hydroxyl of PVPh and the carbonyl of PCL. In addition, DSC analyses also indicated that the PCL‐b‐PVPh diblock copolymers have higher glass transition temperatures than their corresponding PCL/PVPh blends. FT‐IR was used to study the hydrogen‐bonding interaction between the PVPh hydroxyl group and the PCL carbonyl group at various compositions.

FT‐IR spectra in the 1 680–1 780 cm−1 for PCL‐b‐PVPh copolymers with various PVPh contents.

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FT‐IR spectra in the 1 680–1 780 cm−1 for PCL‐b‐PVPh copolymers with various PVPh contents.
Blends of Immiscible Polystyrene/Polyamide 6 via Successive In‐Situ Polymerizations
Authors: Pei Aihua , Liu Andong , Xie Tingxiu , Yang Guisheng
Published: October 2006

Summary: A novel method has been successfully developed to prepare binary blends of PS and MCPA6. The blends are formed by the radical polymerization of styrene in CL, followed by the in‐situ anionic ring‐opening polymerization of CL in the presence of PS. The phase morphology investigated using SEM reveals that PS/MCPA6 blends with a PS content of 10 wt.‐% or lower consists of a MCPA6 matrix and a dispersed PS minor phase. Remarkably, phase inversion occurs in blends that have a PS content of 15 wt.‐% or higher, in which MCPA6 is no longer continuous but finely dispersed in the PS continuous phase. The phase inversion occurs at an extremely low PS content, and this phenomenon is unusual for traditional polymer blends prepared by melt blending. The probable reason for the particular phase morphology development is explained. The stability of the phase morphologies of the PS/MCPA6 blends after annealing at 250 °C is also investigated by SEM.

SEM micrograph of the fractured surface of a PS/MCPA6 blend with a PS content of 20 wt.‐%, in which MCPA6, as spherical particles, is dispersed in the PS continuous phase.

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SEM micrograph of the fractured surface of a PS/MCPA6 blend with a PS content of 20 wt.‐%, in which MCPA6, as spherical particles, is dispersed in the PS continuous phase.
Poly[(para‐halogenated)phenylacetylene]s Prepared with a [Rh(norbornadiene)Cl]2 Catalyst: Syntheses and Structure Elucidation
Authors: Miyasaka Atsushi , Sone Takeyuki , Mawatari Yasuteru , Setayesh Sepas , Müllen Klaus , Tabata Masayoshi
Published: October 2006

Summary: pXPAs were stereospecifically polymerized using [Rh(nbd)Cl]2 as catalyst in the presence of a mixed solvent, i.e., ethanol and triethylamine, at 20 °C. The resulting PpXPAs were characterized in detail in order to predict geometrical structures concerning cis and trans configurations in the main‐chain CC bonds using 1H NMR, laser Raman, XRD, and ESR methods. The data showed that the PpXPAs have an extremely high content of the cis‐transoid form. Immobile unpaired electrons, ca. 1.2–3.1 × 1017 spins · g−1, called the cis radicals, were found to be stabilized even in the pristine cis PpXPAs. The observed g values of the pristine PpXPAs could be correlated with the spin‐orbit coupling constant ζ of the halogen atom at the para position of the phenyl.

Second derivative ESR spectra of PpIPA observed (a) before and (b) after compression, and the suggested respective structures.

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Second derivative ESR spectra of PpIPA observed (a) before and (b) after compression, and the suggested respective structures.
The embedded discontinuous Galerkin method: application to linear shell problems
Authors: Güzey S. , Cockburn B. , Stolarski H. K.
Published: October 2006

A new discontinuous Galerkin method for elliptic problems which is capable of rendering the same set of unknowns in the final system of equations as for the continuous displacement‐based Galerkin method is presented. Those equations are obtained by the assembly of element matrices whose structure in particular cases is also identical to that of the continuous displacement approach. This makes the present formulation easily implementable within the existing commercial computer codes. The proposed approach is named the embedded discontinuous Galerkin method. It is applicable to any system of linear partial differential equations but it is presented here in the context of linear elasticity. An application of the method to linear shell problems is then outlined and numerical results are presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical solution of non‐linear Klein–Gordon equations by variational iteration method
Authors: Abbasbandy Saeid
Published: October 2006

In this paper, numerical solution of non‐linear Klein–Gordon equations with power law non‐linearities are obtained by the new application of He's variational iteration method. Numerical illustrations that include non‐linear Klein–Gordon equations and non‐linear partial differential equations are investigated to show the pertinent features of the technique. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative assessment of small intraosseous prostate cancer burden in SCID mice using fluorescence imaging
Authors: Yamamoto Hamilto , Bonfil R. Daniel , Wiesner Christoph , Nabha Sanaa , Dong Zhong , Meng Hong , Saliganan Allen , Sabbota Aaron , Chinni Sreenivasa R. , Cher Michael L.
Published: October 2006

BACKGROUND

Experimental bone metastases are typically analyzed when the skeletal tumor burden is large enough to be detected by imaging or histology. By this time, the bone microenvironment is usually destroyed, preventing useful analysis of tumor–bone interactions.

METHODS

Small intraosseous tumors generated by intratibial injection of C4‐2B prostate cancer cells transfected with green fluorescent protein (GFP) were assessed using in vivo and ex vivo fluorescence imaging, radiography, histology, and fluorometric analysis of bone lysates.

RESULTS

Ex vivo fluorescence imaging and fluorometric analysis were capable of detecting tiny bone tumors as early as 10 days after injection. Ex vivo fluorescence imaging allowed simple quantification of small skeletal tumor burden and was useful in measuring the effect of systemic therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Ex vivo fluorescence imaging is a sensitive and easy method to quantify small skeletal tumor burden. This technique allows investigation of tumor–bone interactions while the bone microanatomy is still intact. Prostate 67:107–114, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The phase diagrams of the mixed spin‐3/2 and spin‐5/2 Ising system on the Bethe lattice
Authors: Albayrak Erhan , Yigit Ali
Published: October 2006

In this paper we study the critical behaviors of the half‐integer mixed spin‐3/2 and spin‐5/2 Blume–Capel Ising ferrimagnetic system by using the exact recursion relations on the Bethe lattice for q = 4 and 6, whose real lattice correspondences are square and simple cubic lattices, respectively. We have obtained the phase diagrams in the (kTc/|J |, DA /|J |) planes for constant values of DB /|J |, the reduced crystal field of the sublattice with spin‐5/2, and in the (kTc/|J |, DB /|J |) planes for constant values of DA /|J |, the reduced crystal field of the sublattice with spin‐3/2. Even if the system presents both second‐ and first‐order phase transitions, their lines never connect to each other and end at critical points; thus, no tricritical points are observed. We have also found the existence of one or two compensation temperatures for appropriate values of the crystal fields, therefore observing reentrant behavior for some of the compensation lines. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photoelectric emission from a finite barrier quantum well formed in a GaAs film sandwiched between (Al,Ga)As layers
Authors: Kar A. , Sinha M. , Bose C.
Published: October 2006

In this communication an attempt is made to estimate the photoelectric current density from a finite barrier quantum well (QW) formed in an ultrathin film of semiconductor. The variation of electron effective mass in various energy levels of the conduction band has been considered in the present estimation. For computational purposes, the QW with rectangular potential of finite barrier has been modeled by a thin film of GaAs sandwiched between barrier layers of (Al,Ga)As, and the well depth has been varied by varying the Al concentration. Results have been compared with standard established results for photoelectric emission from ultrathin films of GaAs, where the rectangular QW was assumed to be infinitely deep. The quantized nature of the photoelectric current density provides a description of energy level structures in QWs of varying widths and depths – both finite and infinite. The results indicate that to make an electron participate in the emission process, higher incident photon energy is required in case of a finite QW with respect to that of an infinite QW. An enhanced photoelectric current density is also obtained in the former case. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nanopositioning of colloidal nanocrystal emitters by means of photolithography and e‐beam lithography
Authors: Martiradonna L. , Stomeo T. , Carbone L. , Morello G. , Salhi A. , De Giorgi M. , Cingolani R. , De Vittorio M.
Published: October 2006

We propose a new technique for the localization of colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) by directly exposing a polymer/NCs blend to a lithographic process. Our approach relies on the dispersion of CdSe/ZnS core/shell NCs into a layer of photo‐ or electro‐sensitive resist, which is subsequently patterned by means of photolithography or electron beam lithography (EBL), respectively. We have characterized the behaviour of both positive (polymethil‐methacrylate, PMMA) and negative (SU‐8 epoxy resin) resists as polymeric hosts for colloidal nanoemitters. The morphological and optical analysis of the processed samples showed the successful localization of the colloidal NCs. This technique enables the fabrication of two or three dimensional active photonic crystals devices or distributed feed‐back lasers based on colloidal nanocrystal emitters with sub‐micron resolution, without recurring to etching processes. Moreover, by decreasing the concentration of nanocrystals in the blend and by isolating very small regions of the layer, realization of single NC/photon emitters can be enabled. As a further advantage, the possibility to re‐align subsequent lithographic steps enables the localization of different colloidal nanoemitters with micron‐ and nanometer resolution, thus merging red, green and blue emission on the same substrate. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ab initio modeling of electron‐phonon coupling in high‐k dielectrics
Authors: Gavartin Jacob , Shluger Alexander
Published: October 2006

We apply density functional Born‐Oppenheimer molecular dynamics simulations to investigate adiabatic electron polaron in materials with high dielectric constant. In order to quantify electron‐phonon coupling, we introduce single‐particle autocorrelation and evaluate them for a polaron in the monoclinic HfO2. The analysis shows that the coupling of the conductivity electron to the atomic vibrations is strongly frequency selective with a dominant contribution from the infrared blind phonon band at –120 cm–1. Contrary to the expectation, no significant coupling to the longitudinal optical mode (∼770 cm–1) has been observed. Modelling implies the possibility of existence of self‐trapped small electron polaron trapped to a short‐range elastic rather than to a long‐range polarisation field. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ultrafast photoluminescence dynamics of biexcitons in a CuCl thin film grown by vacuum deposition
Authors: Nakayama M. , Wakaiki S. , Mizoguchi K. , Kim D. , Ichida H. , Kanematsu Y.
Published: October 2006

We have investigated the ultrafast dynamics of the biexciton photoluminescence (PL) in a 500‐nm thick CuCl thin film at 10 K using an optical Kerr gating method with a time resolution of ∼1 ps. The CuCl thin film was grown by vacuum deposition. It is found that the biexciton‐PL intensity has an excitation‐power dependent rise time, which reflects the formation process of biexcitons, while its decay time is independent of the excitation power: 6.0 ps that is dominated by the transit time of the exciton polaritons travelling through the thin film. Furthermore, from the time‐resolved PL spectra of the biexciton, we have observed a peak shift as a function of time, which is connected with the heating and cooling processes of the effective temperature in the excitonic system. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Amorphous IZO TTFTs with saturation mobilities exceeding 100 cm2/Vs
Authors: Fortunato E. , Barquinha P. , Pimentel A. , Pereira L. , Gonçalves G. , Martins R.
Published: October 2006

In this paper we demonstrate the use of amorphous binary In2O3–ZnO oxides simultaneously as active channel layer and as source/drain regions in transparent thin film transistor (TTFT), processed at room temperature by rf sputtering. The TTFTs operate in the enhancement mode and their performances are thickness dependent. The best TTFTs exhibit saturation mobilities higher than 102 cm2/Vs, threshold voltages lower than 6 V, gate voltage swing of 0.8 V/dec and an on/off current ratio of 107. This mobility is at least two orders of magnitude higher than that of conventional amorphous silicon TFTs and comparable to or even better than other polycrystalline semiconductors. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Numerical algorithms for polynomial plus/minus factorization
Authors: Hromčík M. , Šebek M.
Published: October 2006

Two new algorithms are presented in the paper for the plus/minus factorization of a scalar discrete‐time polynomial. The first method is based on the discrete Fourier transform theory (DFT) and its relationship to the Z‐transform. Involving DFT computational techniques and the famous fast Fourier transform routine brings high computational efficiency and reliability. The method is applied in the case study ofH2‐optimal inverse dynamic filter to an audio equipment. The second numerical procedure originates in a symmetric spectral factorization routine, namely the Bauer's method of the 1950s. As a by‐product, a recursiveLUfactorization procedure for Toeplitz matrices is devised that is of more general impact and can be of use in other areas of applied mathematics as well. Performance of the method is demonstrated by anl1optimal controller design example. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interior point solutions of variational problems and global inverse function theorems
Authors: Byrnes Christopher I. , Lindquist Anders
Published: October 2006

Variational problems and the solvability of certain nonlinear equations have a long and rich history beginning with calculus and extending through the calculus of variations. In this paper, we are interested in ‘well‐connected’ pairs of such problems which are not necessarily related by critical point considerations. We also study constrained problems of the kind which arise in mathematical programming. We are also interested in interior minimizing points for the variational problem and in the well‐posedness (in the sense of Hadamard) of solvability of the related systems of equations. We first prove a general result which implies the existence of interior points and which also leads to the development of certain generalization of the Hadamard‐type global inverse function theorem, along the theme that uniqueness quite often implies existence. This result is illustrated by proving the non‐existence of shock waves for certain initial data for the vector Burgers' equation. The global inverse function theorem is also illustrated by a derivation of the existence of positive definite solutions of matrix Riccati equations without first analysing the nonlinear matrix Riccati differential equation. The main results on the existence of solutions to geometrically constrained well‐connected pairs are then presented and illustrated by a geometric analysis of the existence of interior points for linear programming problems. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of Rho GTPases and Rho‐GEFs in the regulation of cell shape and integrity in fission yeast
Authors: García Patricia , Tajadura Virginia , García Ignacio , Sánchez Yolanda
Published: October 2006

The Rho family of GTPases are highly conserved molecular switches that control some of the most fundamental processes of cell biology, including morphogenesis, vesicular transport, cell division and motility. Guanine nucleotide‐exchange factors (GEFs) are directly responsible for the activation of Rho‐family GTPases in response to extracellular stimuli. In fission yeast, there are seven Dbl‐related GEFs and they activate six Rho‐type GTPases within a particular spatio‐temporal context. The failure to do so might have consequences reflected in aberrant phenotypes and in some cases lead to cell death. In this review, we briefly summarize the role of Rho GTPases and Rho‐GEFs in the establishment and maintenance of cell polarity and cell integrity inSchizosaccharomyces pombe. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth arrest and chromosome instability in aneuploid yeast
Authors: Niwa Osami , Tange Yoshie , Kurabayashi Atsushi
Published: October 2006

Aneuploid generation and stability are biologically important. In the present study, we investigated fission yeast aneuploids, focusing on the process through which aneuploidy is resolved into stable euploidy. The viability and growth patterns of aneuploid spores were greatly influenced by culture conditions, including nutrition and temperature. Germ tube formation and DNA synthesis in a major portion of aneuploids were greatly delayed or arrested. Observation of individual spores and their growth profiles revealed that a certain type(s) of aneuploid resolved its aneuploidy into normal euploids through anomalous cell divisions, which in many cases produced dead cells. Another type of aneuploid, disomy of chromosome 3, the only maintainable aneuploid between n and 2n, showed a peculiar cell division arrest phenotype under a certain growth condition. Microcolonies that formed from this type of aneuploid often contained a population of cells that became incompetent for cell division. This cell division arrest was not due to a nutritional limitation. During this peculiar process of colony formation, stable haploids or diploids were frequently produced. All other types of aneuploids are usually inviable, at least under our experimental conditions. To examine the aneuploid issue more systematically, we constructed a system to select for disomy of chromosome 1 or 2 using intragenic complementation of ade6‐M210 and ‐M216 alleles. This genetic selection system revealed that fission yeast aneuploids can be stabilized through structural chromosome changes, including partial duplication and circular mini‐chromosomes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative analysis of regulatory transcription factors in Schizosaccharomyces pombe and budding yeasts
Authors: Beskow Anne , Wright Anthony P. H.
Published: October 2006

Regulatory transcription factors (rTFs), which bind specific DNA sequences in the regulatory regions of genes and subsequently activate or repress transcription, play a central role in programming genomic expression. The number of rTFs in a species might therefore reflect its functional complexity. For simple organisms like yeast, a relatively small number of rTFs might be expected that is fairly constant between yeast species. We show that the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, contains 201 rTfs, which is one of the largest rTF numbers found in yeast species for which genome sequences are available. This is a much higher number than the 129 rTFs found in the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, which is currently the yeast with the lowest number of rTFs. Comparative analysis of several different budding yeast species shows that most of the ‘extra’ rTFs found in S. cerevisiae were probably acquired as a result of a whole genome duplication (WGD) event that occurred in an ancestor of a subset of budding yeast species. However, we also show that budding yeast species that have not been affected by the WGD contain a greater number of rTFs than S. pombe (mean = 145). Thus, two or more mechanisms have led to the 60% increase in rTFs in S. cerevisiae compared to S. pombe. This difference may correlate with a more extensive functional divergence in budding yeasts compared to fission yeasts. The relatively small number of rTFs in S. pombe make this organism an attractive model for global studies of mechanisms that programme gene expression. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simplified primer design for PCR‐based gene targeting and microarray primer database: two web tools for fission yeast
Authors: Penkett Christopher J. , Birtle Zoë E. , Bähler Jürg
Published: October 2006

PCR‐based gene targeting is a popular method for manipulating yeast genes in their normal chromosomal locations. The manual design of primers, however, can be cumbersome and error‐prone. We have developed a straightforward web‐based tool that applies user‐specified inputs to automate and simplify the task of primer selection for deletion, tagging and/or regulated expression of genes in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This tool, named PPPP (for Pombe PCR Primer Programs), is available at http://www.sanger.ac.uk/PostGenomics/S_pombe/software/. We also present a searchable Microarray Primer Database to retrieve the sequences and accompanying information for primers and PCR products used to build our in‐house Sz. pombe microarrays. This database contains information on both coding and intergenic regions to provide context for the microarray data, and it should be useful also for other applications, such as quantitative PCR. The database can be accessed at http://www.sanger.ac.uk/PostGenomics/S_pombe/microarray/. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intergovernmental Fiscal Relations, ‘Argentine Style’
Authors: GORDIN JORGE P.
Published: October 2006

This study assesses the explanatory power of two competing views about intergovernmental fiscal transfers; one emphasizing the traditional neoclassical approach to federal-subnational fiscal relations and the other suggesting that transfers are contingent on the political fortunes and current political vulnerability of each level of government. These models are tested using data from Argentina, a federation exhibiting one of the most decentralised fiscal systems in the world and severe imbalances in the territorial distribution of legislative and economic resources. Over-represented provinces ruled by governors who belong to parties different to that controlling the national executive can bring into play their representational advantages to attract shares of federal transfers beyond social welfare criteria. This finding suggests that decision makers in federal countries must pay close heed to the need to synchronize institutional reforms and fiscal adjustment.
Ex-Situ TEM Sulfidation Study of Supported Copper Particles
Authors: Kliewer CE , Soled SL , Miseo S , Kliewer WR
Published: October 2006

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2006
Ultrastructure Study of the Spermiogenesis in the Aphanius dispar (Rüppell 1828) (Pisces: Cyprinodontidae)
Authors: Ba-Omar TA
Published: October 2006

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2006
Incipient Plasticity in Thin Films: An In-Situ TEM Indentation Study
Authors: Hosson J De , Soer W , Minor A , Shan Z , Asif SA Syed , Warren OL
Published: October 2006

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2006
Annealing Effects on the Phase and Electronic Structure Evolutions of SiO Film by Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy
Authors: Wang J , Wang XF , Meldrum A , Li Q
Published: October 2006

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2006
Transmission Electron Microscopy for Pharmaceutical Problem Solving in a Consulting Laboratory
Authors: Schumacher E
Published: October 2006

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2006
Methods in Polarized Light Microscopy: An Overview and Historical Perspective
Authors: Kile D
Published: October 2006

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2006
Validity of IWFR to Reconstruct an Exit Surface Wave
Authors: Ishizuka K
Published: October 2006

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2006
High Pressure Freezing: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Authors: McDonald K
Published: October 2006

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2006
The History and Future of the SEM – A Personal View.
Authors: Wells OC
Published: October 2006

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2006
Mechanical Behavior of the Patterned Copper Lines
Authors: Verdyan A , Soifer Y , Karpovski M , Tzukernik A , Kazakevich M , Rabkin E
Published: October 2006

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2006
SEM and TEM Characterization of Inorganic Atmospheric Particles in Air Quality Program
Authors: Leal R Ramírez , Ponce HE Esparza , Moller JA Duarte
Published: October 2006

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2006
Spin-Polarized STM: Imaging Magnetic Nanostructures with Atomic Resolution
Authors: Bode M
Published: October 2006

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2006
A Comparative Study of Two Procedures of Tissue Processing for TEM: With and Without the Use of Propylene Oxide
Authors: Al-Siyabi S , Al-Amri IS , Ba-Omar TA
Published: October 2006

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2006
New Measurements of Deconvoluted EDS Spectra of Elemental Standards as a Function of Atomic Number and Electron Beam Energy
Authors: Hatzistergos M , Lifshin E
Published: October 2006

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2006
Microstructure Investigation of Hydrous Ruthenium Oxides Coatings with Carbon-Nanotube Additive by Cathodic Deposition Method
Authors: Lin Y , Hwang H-S
Published: October 2006

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2006
Controlled Growth and Spectroscopy Study of Oxide Nanobelts
Authors: Wang ZL , Ding Y
Published: October 2006

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 30 – August 3, 2006