bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EAACI/GA2LEN/EDF guideline: definition, classification and diagnosis of urticaria
Authors: Zuberbier T. , Bindslev‐Jensen C. , Canonica W. , Grattan C. E. H. , Greaves M. W. , Henz B. M. , Kapp A. , Kozel M. M. A. , Maurer M. , Merk H. F. , Schäfer T. , Simon D. , Vena G. A. , Wedi B.
Published: November 2005

This guideline is the result of a consensus reached during a panel discussion at the 2nd International Consensus Meeting on Urticaria, Urticaria 2004, a joint initiative of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology Dermatology Section and the European Union (EU)‐funded network of excellence, GA2LEN. It covers the definition and classification of urticaria, taking into account the recent progress in identifying causes, eliciting factors and pathomechanisms of this disease. We have outlined useful diagnostic approaches for different subtypes of urticaria. This guideline was, in addition, accepted by the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) and was formally approved by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS).
Comparative analysis of nasal and oral mucosa dendritic cells
Authors: Allam J.‐P. , Niederhagen B. , Bücheler M. , Appel T. , Betten H. , Bieber T. , Bergé S. , Novak N.
Published: November 2005

Background:  Mucosal dendritic cells (DC) play a crucial role in tolerance induction as seen in mucosal immunotherapy of atopic diseases. Nevertheless little is known about the phenotypical differences of oral and nasal mucosal DC (nmDC). Recently, we could show that oral mucosal myeloid CD1a+ DC (omDC) differ from their skin counterparts especially by the expression of high affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E (IgE; FcɛRI). However, expression pattern of FcɛRI and phenotypical characteristics of CD1a+ nmDC have not been elucidated in detailed yet.

Methods:  We performed detailed phenotypical comparison of nmDC and omDC of atopic and nonatopic individuals.

Results:  As reported for omDC, FcɛRI on nmDC of atopic donors was elevated and mostly occupied by IgE while FcɛRI was present only in low amounts on nmDC of nonatopic donors. Nevertheless, the highest FcɛRI expression has been observed on omDC. Furthermore, significant amounts of costimulatory molecules CD40, CD80 and CD86 could be detected on nmDC that expressed more CD80 compared with omDC. Moreover, nmDC displayed less major histocompatability complex (MHC) class I and II molecules than omDC. In addition, nmDC expressed more C‐type lectins CD205, CD206 as well as myeloid marker CD11b while omDC displayed increased expression of CD207 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) receptor CD14.

Conclusion:  Together these data imply that nmDC phenotypical differ from omDC which might result in diverse functional properties and might be of relevance for selecting routes for immunotherapy of atopic diseases. Moreover these data provide a basis for further studies investigating immunological mechanisms underlying mucosal immunotherapy.
Pollination ecology, genetic diversity and selection on nectar spur length inPlatanthera lacera(Orchidaceae)
Authors: LITTLE KAREN J. , DIERINGER GREGG , ROMANO MICHAEL
Published: November 2005

Platanthera lacera(Orchidaceae) is a moth‐pollinated, loess prairie orchid producing a raceme of one to many whitish‐green flowers. Field studies on a western Illinois population found the crepuscular visiting noctuid moth,Anagrapha falcifera(Noctuidae), to be the most frequent pollinator with occasional visits fromAllagrapha aerea(Noctuidae). Visitation rates, assessed by removal of at least one pollinium, were relatively high (84.9%) and fruit production on experimentally outcrossed flowers (94.4%) was higher than open‐pollinated plants (71.4%). Experimental pollination showedP. lacerato be highly self‐compatible (94.1%) with a low level of autogamy (8.2%). Measurements taken from 598 spurs on 44 plants indicated that nectar spur length varied significantly among plants (10.9–17.1 mm, mean 14.3 mm), but was not under selective pressure from visitation byAn. falcifera(mean proboscis length 11.1 mm). The absence of selective pressure on nectar spur length is likely to be explained by occasional pollinating visits fromAl. aerea(proboscis length 18 mm) and a limited amount of autogamy. Electrophoretic analysis of 12 enzymes revealed seven polymorphic loci. Mean levels of heterozygosity were He = 0.3384, Ho = 0.3229 and F = 0.0458, indicating thatP. lacerais primarily an outcrossing species dependent on noctuid moth pollination.
Pollination of Alocasia cucullata (Araceae) by two Colocasiomyia flies known to be specific pollinators for Alocasia odora
Authors: MIYAKE TAKASHI , YAFUSO MASAKO
Published: November 2005

Two aroid congeners, Alocasia odora and Alocasia cucullata, grow on Okinawa Island, Japan. Two floricolous species of Colocasiomyia alocasiae and Colocasiomyia xenalocasiae (Diptera: Drosophilidae), previously known to be specific pollinators for A. odora, were found pollinating A. cucullata. We collected the floral volatiles of A. odora and A. cucullata and compared them using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry because floral volatiles act as attractive signals for these pollinators. The volatile compositions detected were similar and dominated by methyl salicylate, 4,8‐dimethyl‐1,3,7‐nonatriene, β‐caryophyllene, bicyclogermacrene, methyl benzoate and α‐humulene, which means it is likely that the flies cannot discriminate between the two plant species when they search for hosts. Interspecific hybridization did not occur when A. odora was hand pollinated with A. cucullata pollen, suggesting that the movement of flies from one host species to another will result in wastage of pollen. Adults of both Colocasiomyia flies emerged from A. cucullata inflorescences collected in the field, suggesting that their larvae can also develop on A. cucullata. We did not find any difference in larval performance of C. alocasiae on A. cucullata or A. odora. C. alocasiae does not appear to suffer any ill effects when using A. cucullata as a host plant. The partnership between A. cucullata and the two Colocasiomyia flies may be an example of exaptation, although other possibilities cannot be excluded.
Population and genetic status of Primula kisoana var. kisoana, a local endemic of the northern Kanto region, Japan
Authors: OHTANI MASATO , TERAUCHI HIROSHI , NISHIHIRO JUN , UENO SANEYOSHI , TSUMURA YOSHIHIKO , WASHITANI IZUMI
Published: November 2005

Primula kisoana var. kisoana is a clonal distylous herb restricted to the Mount Narukami area of Japan. In recent years, its population has severely declined and no seed set has been observed in the natural habitat. The current status of P. k. var. kisoana was investigated to develop an effective management plan for the species. Only seven local populations, comprising less than 600 ramets, were found. The large distances between compatible pairs of genets suggest that pollen limitation may be a major cause of regeneration failure. Only 10 multilocus genotypes were found for five microsatellite loci, each of which was likely to represent a unique genet. High levels of genetic heterozygosity and no significant deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were detected, indicating that random mating has occurred until recently. Microsatellite and chloroplast DNA polymorphism suggest that genetic differentiation has occurred between populations in different valleys. Measures to conserve the species, including the preservation of all local populations and the improvement of seed reproduction, should be applied immediately.
Life‐history monographs of Japanese plants. 4: Allium victorialis L. ssp. platyphyllum (Makino) Hultén (Alliaceae) Syn. Allium victorialis L. var. platyphyllum Makino; A. latissimum Prokh.
Authors: KAWANO SHOICHI , NAGAI YUKIO
Published: November 2005

The life‐history characteristics of Allium victorialis ssp. platyphyllum (Alliaceae), a representative circumboreal element, are described here. This plant is a typical polycarpic perennial of lowland deciduous forests, extending its range to lower subalpine forests. It flashes in early to late April (and in May to early June at higher elevations) on the deciduous forest floor in the lowlands to lower montane zone in Hokkaido and Honshu (north of Nara Prefecture). Flowering individuals bear a single head with numerous whitish or pale purplish flowers on the top of the scape. This plant is a typical insect‐pollinated outbreeder, and representative pollinators include small flies (Diptera) and horse flies (Hymenoptera). The number of pollen grains per flower is 4.8–6 × 104, and in the 3‐locular ovary only a single ovule is produced for each locule. Pollen/ovule ratios are 1.8–2 × 104. Black ovoid seeds, measuring approximately 3 mm, are dispersed onto the soil layer in late summer. Seed germination occurs in late autumn and germinated seeds overwinter as a radicle. Seedlings with a narrow lanceolate leaf 4–5 cm long begin to appear above ground in early March of the succeeding season. In general, individuals take several years to become sexually mature, but mature individuals with two to three radical leaves will flower continuously and produce seeds.
Single‐dose dexmedetomidine reduces agitation and provides smooth extubation after pediatric adenotonsillectomy
Authors: GULER GULEN , AKIN AYNUR , TOSUN ZEYNEP , ORS SEVGI , ESMAOGLU ALIYE , BOYACI ADEM
Published: November 2005

Background: Dexmedetomidine has shown sedative, analgesic, and anxiolytic effects after intravenous (IV) administration. Sevoflurane is associated with a high incidence of emergence agitation in preschool children. In this placebo‐controlled study, we examined the effect of single dose dexmedetomidine on emergence agitation in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy.

Methods: In a double‐blinded trial, 60 children (age 3–7 years) were randomly assigned to receive dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg·kg−1IV or placebo, 5 min before the end of surgery. All patients received a standardized anesthetic regimen. For induction and maintenance of anesthesia we used sevoflurane. After surgery, the incidence and severity of agitation was measured 2 h postoperatively. The incidence of untoward airway events after extubation, such as breath holding, severe coughing, or straining were recorded. After surgery, the children's behavior and pain were assessed with a 5‐point scale.

Results: The agitation and pain scores in the dexmedetomidine group were better than those in the placebo group (P < 0.05). The incidence of severe agitation (a score of 4 or more), and severe pain (a score of 3 or more) were significantly less in the dexmedetomidine group (P < 0.05). The number of severe coughs per patient in the dexmedetomidine group was significantly decreased compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Postoperative vomiting was similar in both groups. Times to emergence and extubation were significantly longer in the dexmedetomidine group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: We conclude that 0.5 μg·kg−1dexmedetomidine reduces agitation after sevoflurane anesthesia in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy.
Determinants of Organizational Flexibility: A Study in an Emerging Economy
Authors: Hatum Andrés , Pettigrew Andrew M.
Published: November 2005

This paper examines the processes of organizational adaptation and competitiveness of firms in an emerging economy. The study is set in the Argentinian context of the 1990s when a combination of economic and political change triggered a massive change in the competitive context of indigenous firms. Two highly flexible firms and two less‐flexible firms are studied from the pharmaceutical and edible oil industries and longitudinal data are supplied to explore the determinants of organizational flexibility in those organizations.
Some Notes on Mutual Information Between Past and Future
Authors: Li Lei M.
Published: November 2005

Abstract.  We present some new results on the mutual information between past and future for Gaussian stationary sequences. We provide several formulae to calculate this quantity. As a by‐product, we establish the so‐called reflectrum identity that links partial autocorrelation coefficients and cepstrum coefficients. So as to obtain these results, we provide an account of several regularity conditions for Gaussian stationary processes in terms of properties of the associated Toeplitz and Hankel operators. We discuss conditions under which the mutual information is finite. These results lead us to an interesting perspective towards the definition of long‐memory processes. Our result implies that zeros on the unit circle can cause mutual information to be infinite. Examples include fractional autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models. In addition, we consider a finite sample from a Gaussian stationary sequence. In the expansion of the determinant of its covariance matrix, the Toeplitz matrix, the first and second term are, entropy and mutual information respectively. A form of approximation to the likelihood using entropy and mutual information is presented.
Impact of the Sampling Rate on the Estimation of the Parameters of Fractional Brownian Motion
Authors: Zhu Zhengyuan , Taqqu Murad S.
Published: November 2005

Abstract.  Fractional Brownian motion is a mean‐zero self‐similar Gaussian process with stationary increments. Its covariance depends on two parameters, the self‐similar parameter H and the variance C. Suppose that one wants to estimate optimally these parameters by using n equally spaced observations. How should these observations be distributed? We show that the spacing of the observations does not affect the estimation of H (this is due to the self‐similarity of the process), but the spacing does affect the estimation of the variance C. For example, if the observations are equally spaced on [0, n] (unit‐spacing), the rate of convergence of the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) of the variance C is . However, if the observations are equally spaced on [0, 1] (1/n‐spacing), or on [0, n2] (n‐spacing), the rate is slower, . We also determine the optimal choice of the spacing Δ when it is constant, independent of the sample size n. While the rate of convergence of the MLE of C is in this case, irrespective of the value of Δ, the value of the optimal spacing depends on H. It is 1 (unit‐spacing) if H = 1/2 but is very large if H is close to 1.
Local Asymptotic Distributions of Stationarity Tests
Authors: Cappuccio Nunzio , Lubian Diego
Published: November 2005

Abstract. In this paper, we study the asymptotic behaviour of several test statistics of the null hypothesis of stationarity under a sequence of local alternatives. The sequence of local alternatives is modelled as a nearly stationary process, i.e. a non‐stationary process in any finite sample which converges to a stationary process asT ↑ ∞. From the asymptotic distributions, we find that the stationarity tests have non‐trivial power under the above sequence of local alternatives. Our results complement those of Wright [Econometric Theory(1999) Vol. 15, pp. 704–709] who found that the Kwiatkowski, Phillips, Schmidt and Shin (KPSS) and the modified range statistics (MRS) tests have power equal to their size under a sequence of fractional alternatives. Finally, a simulation study investigates the power properties of the stationarity tests in finite samples.
A Low-Cost Sounding Balloon Experiment
Authors: Saba Marcelo M. F. , Mirisola Luiz G. B. , Iguchi Marcio
Published: November 2005

Watching the meteorological balloons customarily launched from our city, we wondered how we could develop an experiment to allow our students to effectively gather data about the low atmosphere and at the same time ke6ep our limited financial budget. When you hear about atmospheric balloons, you usually think about balloons with large envelopes of nylon or mylar with payloads between 1 or 10 kg. They ascend to very high altitudes, have a data radio transmitter, and are not recoverable. This setup would be too expensive for us. In order to keep the cost low, the payload containing the data recorded had to be recovered, and therefore, the balloon must not go tens of kilometers away. We ruled out tethered balloons, which would not have recovery problems but can hardly go beyond 100 m high because of the weight of the tether and of lateral winds. Based on some estimates of ascension speed for small balloons and probable horizontal wind intensities, we decided that in order to easily recover the payload we had to limit its ascension to about 2 km high. At this altitude, the payload would have to be released from the balloon by means of a timer.
Teaching Physics with Physlet®-Based Ranking Task Exercises
Authors: Cox Anne J. , Belloni Mario , Christian Wolfgang
Published: November 2005

In this paper, we describe how we use a pedagogical tool, Physlets®, in combination with a complementary pedagogical method, Ranking Task (RT) exercises, to enhance students' interactive engagement in introductory physics.
Integrating Web-Based Teaching Tools into Large University Physics Courses
Authors: Toback David , Mershin Andreas , Novikova Irina
Published: November 2005

Teaching students in our large, introductory, calculus-based physics courses1 to be good problem-solvers is a difficult task. Not only must students be taught to understand and use the physics concepts in a problem, they must become adept at turning the physical quantities into symbolic variables, translating the problem into equations, and “turning the crank” on the mathematics to find both a closed-form solution and a numerical answer. Physics education research has shown that students' poor math skills and instructors' lack of pen-and-paper homework grading resources, two problems we face at our institution, can have a significant impact on problem-solving skill development.2–4 While Interactive Engagement methods appear to be the preferred mode of instruction,5 for practical reasons we have not been able to widely implement them. In this paper, we describe three Internet-based “teaching-while-quizzing” tools we have developed and how they have been integrated into our traditional lecture course in powerful but easy to incorporate ways.6 These are designed to remediate students' math deficiencies, automate homework grading, and guide study time toward problem solving. Our intent is for instructors who face similar obstacles to adopt these tools, which are available upon request.7
Early NYC High School Physics and Development of the Science Magnet School
Authors: Hellman Walter
Published: November 2005

The Bronx High School of Science opened in 1938 and is often considered the premier science magnet school in the country. While Bronx High may be one of the most successful science magnet schools, it was not the first such school even in New York City. It owes its existence almost entirely to the development of the science magnet program in an earlier New York City school, Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan, and in particular to one of its early principals, physicist Dr. Ernest R. von Nardroff (1864–1938).
The von Nardroff Color Mixing Apparatus
Authors: Greenslade Thomas B.
Published: November 2005

Ernest von Nardroff gave his name to the color mixing apparatus shown in Fig. 1. The basic idea behind this demonstration is to produce three beams of colored light that may be projected onto a white surface. If beams of red, blue, and green are overlapped to produce a figure like a three leaf clover or a Venn diagram, the region of complete overlap will appear white, and the three regions of overlap of two colors produce the three false primaries: yellow, magenta, and cyan. A straightforward technique is to use three slide projectors, each with a colored filter. Von Nardroff's apparatus, displayed at the educational exhibit of Erasmus Hall High School at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis in 1904, permits the use of only one projector.
School Architecture and Physics Education
Authors: Božić Mirjana , Pantelić Dejan , Vušković Leposava , Nikolić Slavica , Majić Vigor
Published: November 2005

With the rise of consciousness about the importance of education, ideas and attempts to entangle architecture with education have appeared. The new engineering building at Utah State University was designed1 to be a learning tool for the structural engineers who will study in it. “Education by Design” and the “Use of Metaphors for Teaching” are principles advocated by Bernal in designing2 the building for the Design and Architecture High School in Washington, D.C.
PSSC Turbo Ring Flinger
Authors: McAlexander Aaron
Published: November 2005

This is a description of an inexpensive version of the Thompson's jumping ring demonstration apparatus, which provides for a spectacular demonstration of Lenz's law. The device has the additional capability of being used to demonstrate the opposing nature of inductive and capacitive reactance.
GRAVITATIONAL UNCERTAINTY AND BLACK HOLE REMNANTS
Authors: NOZARI KOUROSH , HAMID MEHDIPOUR S.
Published: November 2005

Possible existence of black holes remnants provides a suitable candidates for dark matter. In this paper we study the possibility of existence for such remnants. We consider quantum gravitational induced corrections of black hole's entropy and temperature to investigate the possibility of such relics. Observational scheme for detection of these remnants and their cosmological constraints are discussed.
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF CVD DIAMOND DETECTOR AND DETECTION FOR ALPHA PARTICLE
Authors: SU QINGFENG , XIA YIBEN , WANG LINJUN , LIU JIANMIN , RUAN JIANFENG , SHI WEIMIN
Published: November 2005

The outstanding properties of diamond make it an ideal material for radiation detectors especially in the high temperature, high radiation and corrosion environments. For this purpose, electrical and irradiation properties of high quality CVD diamond detector were investigated at room temperature under irradiation conditions. For freestanding diamond films, dark current was in the order of 10-10 A and photocurrent was in the order of 10-8 A by 5.9 keV X-ray irradiation from a 55 Fe source with the applied voltage of 40 V. Pulse height spectrum acquired using a 241 Am alpha particle source show a full-energy peak at 820 channel which corresponded to an average charge collection efficiency of approximately 40.5%. However, a good signal-to-noise ratio and an energy resolution of 1.33% for alpha particles detecting were also obtained.
THE FORWARD–BACKWARD ASYMMETRY IN THE B→πℓ+ℓ- DECAY
Authors: ARDA ALTUG
Published: November 2005

Using the most general effective Hamiltonian comprising scalar, vector and tensor type interactions, we have computed the branching ratio, the forward–backward (FB) asymmetry and the normalized FB asymmetry as functions of the new Wilson coefficients. It is found that the branching ratio depends on all new coefficients, but the asymmetries can be analyzed in terms of only one Wilson coefficient.
NONLINEAR REALIZATIONS OF SUPERSYMMETRY AND OTHER SYMMETRIES
Authors: LOVE S. T.
Published: November 2005

Simultaneous nonlinear realizations of spontaneously broken supersymmetry in conjunction with other spontaneous and/or explicitly broken symmetries including R symmetry, global chiral symmetry, dilatations and the superconformal symmetries is reviewed.
PROBING VECTORLIKE FAMILIES IN ESSM/SO(10) THROUGH NEUTRINO COUNTING, HIGGS MASS AND ν–N SCATTERING
Authors: BABU K. S. , PATI JOGESH C.
Published: November 2005

The Extended Supersymmetric Standard Model (ESSM), motivated on several grounds, introduces two vectorlike families [[Formula: see text] of SO (10)] with masses of order 1 TeV. In an earlier work, a successful pattern for fermion masses and mixings (to be called pattern I) has been proposed within a unified SO (10)-framework, based on MSSM, which makes seven predictions, in good accord with observations, including Vcb ≈ 0.04, and sin 2 2θνμντ ≈ 1. Extension of this framework to ESSM, preserving the successes of pattern I, has recently been proposed, where it was noted that ESSM can provide a simple explanation of a possible anomaly in (g-2)μ. To exhibit new phenomenological possibilities which may arise within ESSM, we present here a variant pattern (to be called pattern II) for fermion masses and mixings, within the SO (10)/ESSM framework, which possesses the same degree of success as pattern I as regards the masses and mixings of all fermions including neutrinos. We first note that either one of these two patterns, embedded in ESSM, would lead to a reduction in the LEP neutrino-counting from Nν = 3 (in good agreement with the data) and also provide a simple explanation of a possible (g-2)μ-anomaly. They can, however, be distinguished from each other by (a) a sharpening of our understanding of the true magnitude of the anomaly in νμ-nucleon scattering recently reported by the NuTeV group, (b) improved measurements of mt, mH and mW, (c) improved tests of e–μ lepton-universality in charged current processes, and (d) improvements in the measurements of Vud and Vus. Both patterns would predict some departure from the SM as regards tau lifetime. The probes listed above, and, of course, direct searches for the vectorlike families at the LHC and a future NLC can clearly test ESSM, and even distinguish between certain variants.
MASS SPECTRA OF HEAVY QUARKONIA AND Bc DECAY CONSTANT FOR STATIC SCALAR-VECTOR INTERACTIONS WITH RELATIVISTIC KINEMATICS
Authors: IKHDAIR SAMEER M. , SEVER RAMAZAN
Published: November 2005

We reproduce masses of the self-conjugate and non-self-conjugate mesons in the context of the spinless Salpeter equation taking into account the relativistic kinematics and the quark spins. The hyperfine splittings for the 2S charmonium and 1S bottomonium are also calculated. Further, the pseudoscalar and vector decay constants of the Bc meson and the unperturbed radial wave function at the origin are also calculated. We have obtained a local equation with a complete relativistic corrections to a class of three attractive static interaction potentials of the general form V(r) = -Ar-β + κrβ + V0, with β = 1, 1/2, 3/4 decomposed into scalar and vector parts in the form VV(r) = -Ar-β + (1-∊)κrβ and VS(r) = ∊κrβ + V0; where 0≤∊≤1. We have used the shifted large-N-expansion technique (SLNET) to solve the reduced equation for the scalar (∊ = 1), equal mixture of scalar-vector (∊ = 1/2), and vector (∊ = 0) confinement interaction kernels. The energy eigenvalues are carried out up to the third order approximation.
EXPLICIT TWO-COMPONENT SPINOR COMMUTATORS FOR QUANTIZED ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
Authors: CARDOSO J. G.
Published: November 2005

The quantum version of Maxwell's theory in real Minkowski space is utilized for building up a complete set of explicit two-component spinor commutators for electromagnetic fields. It is particularly pointed out that the relevant procedures may be of significance as regards the formulation of twistorial quantum field theories.
OPERATOR QUANTUM ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY I: THE INADEQUACY OF OPERATOR-VALUED VECTOR POTENTIAL IN QED AND ALTERNATIVE
Authors: GOLDMAN JOSEPH ILYA
Published: November 2005

The problem of quantum description of fields is discussed in the framework of operator theory of electromagnetic field. Equations for noncommutative operators are established for a system under consideration immersed in the gravitational background space–time. Consistency of the theory is checked using Jacobi identities. The vector-potential appears in the theory only as a c-number function. It is planned to write a series of papers, of which this is the first. In the second paper, solution of the problem of vacuum zero-point energy divergency is to discuss.
RELATING CALCULATIONS AND RENORMALIZATION IN AXIAL AND LORENTZ GAUGES AND GAUGE-INDEPENDENCE
Authors: JOGLEKAR SATISH D.
Published: November 2005

We study further the recently developed formalism for the axial gauges toward the comparison of calculations and of the renormalization procedure in the axial and the Lorentz gauges. We do this in the one-loop approximation for the wave function renormalization and the identity of the β-functions in the two gauges. We take as the starting point the relation between the Green's functions in the two gauges obtained earlier. We obtain the relation between the one-loop propagators in the two gauges and locate those diagrams that contribute to the difference between the wave function renormalizations in the two gauges. We further employ this relation between the Green's functions to the case of the 3-point function and prove the identity of the β-functions in the two gauges.
BONNOR-TYPE BLACK DIHOLE SOLUTION IN BRANS–DICKE–MAXWELL THEORY
Authors: KIM HONGSU , LEE HYUNG MOK
Published: November 2005

It was originally thought that Bonnor's solution in Einstein–Maxwell theory describes a singular point-like magnetic dipole. Lately, however, it has been demonstrated that indeed it may describe a black dihole, i.e. a pair of static, oppositely-charged extremal black holes with regular horizons. Motivated particularly by this new interpretation, in the present work, the construction and extensive analysis of a solution in the context of the Brans–Dicke–Maxwell theory representing a black dihole are attempted. It has been known for some time that the solution-generating algorithm of Singh and Rai produces stationary, axisymmetric, charged solutions in Brans–Dicke–Maxwell theory from the known such solutions in Einstein–Maxwell theory. Thus this algorithm of Singh and Rai's is employed in order to construct a Bonnor-type magnetic black dihole solution in Brans–Dicke–Maxwell theory from the known Bonnor solution in Einstein–Maxwell theory. The peculiar features of the new solution including internal infinity nature of the symmetry axis and its stability issue have been discussed in full detail.
A model for understanding membrane potential using springs
Authors: Cardozo David L.
Published: November 2005

In this report, I present a simple model using springs to conceptualize the relationship between ionic conductances across a cellular membrane and their effect on membrane potential. The equation describing the relationships linking membrane potential, ionic equilibrium potential, and ionic conductance is of similar form to that describing the force generated by a spring as a function of its displacement. The spring analogy is especially useful in helping students to conceptualize the effects of multiple conductances on membrane potential.
Mechanical load-dependent regulation of satellite cell and fiber size in rat soleus muscle
Authors: Wang X. D. , Kawano F. , Matsuoka Y. , Fukunaga K. , Terada M. , Sudoh M. , Ishihara A. , Ohira Y.
Published: November 2005

The effects of mechanical unloading and reloading on the properties of rat soleus muscle fibers were investigated in male Wistar Hannover rats. Satellite cells in the fibers of control rats were distributed evenly throughout the fiber length. After 16 days of hindlimb unloading, the number of satellite cells in the central, but not the proximal or distal, region of the fiber was decreased. The number of satellite cells in the central region gradually increased during the 16-day period of reloading. The mean sarcomere length in the central region of the fibers was passively shortened during unloading due to the plantarflexed position at the ankle joint: sarcomere length was maintained at <2.1 μm, which is a critical length for tension development. Myonuclear number and domain size, fiber cross-sectional area, and the total number of mitotically active and quiescent satellite cells of whole muscle fibers were lower than control fibers after 16 days of unloading. These values then returned to control values after 16 days of reloading. These results suggest that satellite cells play an important role in the regulation of muscle fiber properties. The data also indicate that the satellite cell-related regulation of muscle fiber properties is dependent on the level of mechanical loading, which, in turn, is influenced by the mean sarcomere length. However, it is still unclear why the region-specific responses, which were obvious in satellite cells, were not induced in myonuclear number and fiber cross-sectional area.
Overexpression of inducible 70-kDa heat shock protein in mouse attenuates skeletal muscle damage induced by cryolesioning
Authors: Miyabara Elen H. , Martin Jody L. , Griffin Tina M. , Moriscot Anselmo S. , Mestril Ruben
Published: November 2005

Heat shock protein expression is elevated upon exposure to a variety of stresses and limits the extent of stress-induced damage. To investigate the putative role of inducible 70-kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) in skeletal muscle damage and regeneration, soleus and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles from HSP70-overexpressing transgenic mice were subjected to cryolesioning and analyzed after 1, 10, and 21 days. Histological analysis showed that the muscles from both HSP70 and wild-type mice treated with radicicol (a HSP inducer) had decreased necrosis after cryolesioning compared with controls. The decrease in muscle fiber cross-sectional area in both soleus and TA muscles in 10 days postlesioning was attenuated in HSP70 mice compared with wild-type mice. Glutathione peroxidase activity was increased 1 day after cryolesioning in both HSP70 and control mice and remained elevated for up to 21 days. Immunodetection of neuronal cell adhesion molecule (a satellite cell marker) and developmental/neonatal MHC were significantly lower in cryolesioned HSP70-overexpressing mice than in cryolesioned controls. These results suggest that HSP70 protects skeletal muscle against injury and radicicol might be useful as a skeletal muscle protective agent.
Role of plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase in contraction-relaxation processes of the bladder: evidence from PMCA gene-ablated mice
Authors: Liu Li , Ishida Yukisato , Okunade Gbolahan , Shull Gary E. , Paul Richard J.
Published: November 2005

We investigated the roles and relationships of plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA), sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA)2, and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) in bladder smooth muscle contractility in Pmca-ablated mice: Pmca4-null mutant ( Pmca4 −/−) and heterozygous Pmca1 and homozygous Pmca4 double gene-targeted ( Pmca1 +/− Pmca4 −/−) mice. Gene manipulation did not alter the amounts of PMCA1, SERCA2, and NCX. To study the role of each Ca2+ transport system, contraction of circular ring preparations was elicited with KCl (80 mM) plus atropine, and then the muscle was relaxed with Ca2+-free physiological salt solution containing EGTA. We measured the contributions of Ca2+ clearance components by inhibiting SERCA2 (with 10 μM cyclopiazonic acid) and/or NCX (by replacing NaCl with N-methyl-d-glucamine/HCl plus 10 μM KB-R7943). Contraction half-time (time to 50% of maximum tension) was prolonged in the gene-targeted muscles but marginally shortened when SERCA2 or NCX was inhibited. The inhibition of NCX significantly inhibited this prolongation, suggesting that NCX activity might be augmented to compensate for PMCA4 function in the gene-targeted muscles under nonstimulated conditions. Inhibition of SERCA2 and NCX as well as gene targeting all prolonged the relaxation half-time. The contribution of PMCA to relaxation was calculated to be ∼25–30%, with that of SERCA2 being 20% and that of NCX being 70%. PMCA and SERCA2 appeared to function additively, but the function of NCX might overlap with those of other components. In summary, gene manipulation of PMCA indicates that PMCA, in addition to SERCA2 and NCX, plays a significant role in both excitation-contraction coupling and the Ca2+ extrusion-relaxation relationship, i.e., Ca2+ homeostasis, of bladder smooth muscle.
P2X receptors in mouse Leydig cells
Authors: Chaves Luiz Artur Poletto , Pontelli Endrigo Piva , Varanda Wamberto Antonio
Published: November 2005

ATP-activated currents were studied in Leydig cells of mice with the patch-clamp technique. Whole cell currents were rapidly activating and slowly desensitizing (55% decrement from the peak value on exposure to 100 μM ATP for 60 s), requiring 3 min of washout to recover 100% of the response. The concentration-response relationships for ATP, adenosine 5′- O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (ATPγS), and 2-methylthio-ATP (2-MeS-ATP) were described by the Hill equation with a concentration evoking 50% of maximal ATP response ( Kd) of 44, 110, and 637 μM, respectively, and a Hill coefficient of 2. The order of efficacy of agonists was ATP ≥ ATPγS > 2-MeS-ATP > 2′,3′- O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP (BzATP). αβ-Methylene-ATP (αβ-MeATP), GTP, UTP, cAMP, and adenosine were ineffective. Suramin and pyridoxal phosphate-6-azophenyl-2′,4′-disulfonic acid (PPADS) blocked the responses in a concentration-dependent manner. The ATP-activated currents were dependent on extracellular pH, being maximal at pH 6.5 and decreasing with both acidification and alkalinization (apparent dissociation constant (p Ka) of 5.9 and 7.4, respectively). The whole cell current-voltage relationship showed inward rectification and reversed near 0 mV. Experiments performed in bi-ionic conditions for measurement of reversal potentials showed that this channel is highly permeable to calcium [permeability ( P)Ca/ PNa= 5.32], but not to chloride ( PCl/ PNa= 0.03) or N-methyl-d-glucamine (NMDG) ( PNMDG/ PNa= 0.09). Unitary currents recorded in outside-out patches had a chord conductance of 27 pS (between −90 and −50 mV) and were inward rectifying. The average current passing through the excised patch decreased with time [time constant (τ) = 13 s], resembling desensitization of the macroscopic current. These findings indicate that the ATP receptor present in Leydig cells shows properties most similar to those of cloned homomeric P2X2.
Mechanosensory properties in the human gastric antrum evaluated using B-mode ultrasonography during volume-controlled antral distension
Authors: Gregersen H. , Hausken T. , Yang J. , Ødegaard S. , Gilja O. H.
Published: November 2005

The aims of this study were to evaluate gastric antral mechanical behavior and distension-induced sensorimotor responses in the human gastric antrum using transabdominal ultrasound scanning. Ten healthy volunteers underwent volume-controlled ramp inflation of a bag located in the antrum with volumes up to 125 ml. The active and passive circumferential tensions and stresses were calculated from measurements of pressure, diameter, and wall thickness before and during the administration of the anticholinergic drug butylscopolamine. The bag distensions elicited contractions in the antrum and sensory responses below the pain threshold. Butylscopolamine abolished the contractions and significantly reduced the sensory response. The length-tension diagram known from in vitro studies of smooth muscle strips could be reproduced as tension-volume diagrams in the human gastric antrum. The number of induced contractions and the contraction pressure amplitude (afterload) showed a parabolic behavior as function of the distension volume (preload), with maximum approximately at 70 ml. At the sensation threshold, the luminal circumference showed the lowest variation coefficient (13–25%), whereas the variation coefficient was more than 100% for the pressure, tensions, and stresses. We conclude that the muscle length-tension diagram and typical preload-afterload curves ad modem the Frank-Starling cardiac law can be obtained in the human gastric antrum. The sensory responses were most closely associated with the luminal circumference, indicating that the sensation during antral distension depends on deformation rather than on tension.
Protocol for measurement of liver fat by computed tomography
Authors: Davidson Lance E. , Kuk Jennifer L. , Church Timothy S. , Ross Robert
Published: November 2005

To develop a protocol for measurement of liver fat using computed tomography (CT), we conducted a preliminary study with 118 men and 76 women to determine a readily identifiable vertebral landmark at which the CT image displayed both liver and spleen. Analysis of five landmarks revealed that the CT image obtained at the T12–L1 level simultaneously displayed the liver and spleen in 90% of the men and women. The T12–L1 protocol was cross-validated on a sample of 130 men and 113 women. In this sample, we also assessed the regional characteristics of liver and spleen tissue attenuation at the T12–L1 level by subdividing each image into quartiles from anterior to posterior, each of which were further divided into medial and lateral regions. A similar analysis was performed on images located 12 mm above and below T12–L1. The T12–L1 image displayed both liver and spleen in 92% (403 of 437) of the combined study sample. There was a significant ( P < 0.005) stepwise increase in attenuation values [Hounsfield units (HU)] from the inferior to superior image. Although some significant ( P < 0.05) differences were observed between the eight regions by comparison to the whole liver or spleen, the average magnitude of the difference was <2.0 HU for liver and <3.5 HU for spleen. Acquisition of a single CT image at the T12–L1 level is a practical and reliable method for routine measurement of liver fat in research and clinical settings.
Spatial Updating in Area LIP Is Independent of Saccade Direction
Authors: Heiser Laura M. , Colby Carol L.
Published: November 2005

We explore the world around us by making rapid eye movements to objects of interest. Remarkably, these eye movements go unnoticed, and we perceive the world as stable. Spatial updating is one of the neural mechanisms that contributes to this perception of spatial constancy. Previous studies in macaque lateral intraparietal cortex (area LIP) have shown that individual neurons update, or “remap,” the locations of salient visual stimuli at the time of an eye movement. The existence of remapping implies that neurons have access to visual information from regions far beyond the classically defined receptive field. We hypothesized that neurons have access to information located anywhere in the visual field. We tested this by recording the activity of LIP neurons while systematically varying the direction in which a stimulus location must be updated. Our primary finding is that individual neurons remap stimulus traces in multiple directions, indicating that LIP neurons have access to information throughout the visual field. At the population level, stimulus traces are updated in conjunction with all saccade directions, even when we consider direction as a function of receptive field location. These results show that spatial updating in LIP is effectively independent of saccade direction. Our findings support the hypothesis that the activity of LIP neurons contributes to the maintenance of spatial constancy throughout the visual field.
Signal Propagation in Oblique Dendrites of CA1 Pyramidal Cells
Authors: Migliore Michele , Ferrante Michele , Ascoli Giorgio A.
Published: November 2005

The electrophysiological properties of the oblique branches of CA1 pyramidal neurons are largely unknown and very difficult to investigate experimentally. These relatively thin dendrites make up the majority of the apical tree surface area and constitute the main target of Schaffer collateral axons from CA3. Their electrogenic properties might have an important role in defining the computational functions of CA1 neurons. It is thus important to determine if and to what extent the back- and forward propagation of action potentials (AP) in these dendrites could be modulated by local properties such as morphology or active conductances. In the first detailed study of signal propagation in the full extent of CA1 oblique dendrites, we used 27 reconstructed three-dimensional morphologies and different distributions of the A-type K+ conductance ( KA), to investigate their electrophysiological properties by computational modeling. We found that the local KA distribution had a major role in modulating action potential back propagation, whereas the forward propagation of dendritic spikes originating in the obliques was mainly affected by local morphological properties. In both cases, signal processing in any given oblique was effectively independent of the rest of the neuron and, by and large, of the distance from the soma. Moreover, the density of KA in oblique dendrites affected spike conduction in the main shaft. Thus the anatomical variability of CA1 pyramidal cells and their local distribution of voltage-gated channels may suit a powerful functional compartmentalization of the apical tree.
Bistable Behavior Originating in the Axon of a Crustacean Motor Neuron
Authors: Le Thuc , Verley Derek R. , Goaillard Jean-Marc , Messinger Daniel I. , Christie Andrew E. , Birmingham John T.
Published: November 2005

Both vertebrate and invertebrate motor neurons can display bistable behavior in which self-sustained tonic firing results from a brief excitatory stimulus. Induction of the bistability is usually dependent on activation of intrinsic conductances located in the somatodendritic area and is commonly sensitive to action of neuromodulators. We have observed bistable behavior in a neuromuscular preparation from the foregut of the crab Cancer borealis that consists of the gastric mill 4 (gm4) muscle and the nerve that innervates it, the dorsal gastric nerve ( dgn). Nerve-evoked contractions of enhanced amplitude and long duration (>30 s) were induced by extracellular stimulation when the stimulus voltage was above a certain threshold. Intracellular and extracellular recordings showed that the large contractions were accompanied by persistent firing of the dorsal gastric (DG) motor neuron that innervates gm4. The persistent firing could be induced only by stimulating a specific region of the axon and could not be triggered by depolarizing the soma, even at current amplitudes that induced high-frequency firing of the neuron. The bistable behavior was abolished in low-Ca2+saline or when nicardipine or flufenamic acid, blockers of L-type Ca2+and Ca2+-activated nonselective cation currents, respectively, was applied to the axonal stimulation region of the dgn. Negative immunostaining for synapsin and synaptotagmin argued against the presence of synaptic/modulatory neuropil in the dgn. Collectively, our results suggest that bistable behavior in a motor neuron can originate in the axon and may not require the action of a locally released neuromodulator.
The Optimal Synapse for Sparse, Binary Signals in the Rod Pathway
Authors: Clark Paul T. , Rossum Mark C. W. van
Published: November 2005

The sparsity of photons at very low light levels necessitates a nonlinear synaptic transfer function between the rod photoreceptors and the rod-bipolar cells. We examine different ways to characterize the performance of the pathway: the error rate, two variants of the mutual information, and the signal-to-noise ratio. Simulation of the pathway shows that these approaches yield substantially different performance at very low light levels and that maximizing the signal-to-noise ratio yields the best performance when judged from simulated images. The results are compared to recent data.
Sensory Memory for Odors Is Encoded in Spontaneous Correlated Activity Between Olfactory Glomeruli
Authors: Galán Roberto F. , Weidert Marcel , Menzel Randolf , Herz Andreas V. M. , Galizia C. Giovanni
Published: November 2005

Sensory memory is a short-lived persistence of a sensory stimulus in the nervous system, such as iconic memory in the visual system. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying olfactory sensory memory. We have therefore analyzed the effect of odor stimuli on the first odor-processing network in the honeybee brain, the antennal lobe, which corresponds to the vertebrate olfactory bulb. We stained output neurons with a calcium-sensitive dye and measured across-glomerular patterns of spontaneous activity before and after a stimulus. Such a single-odor presentation changed the relative timing of spontaneous activity across glomeruli in accordance with Hebb's theory of learning. Moreover, during the first few minutes after odor presentation, correlations between the spontaneous activity fluctuations suffice to reconstruct the stimulus. As spontaneous activity is ubiquitous in the brain, modifiable fluctuations could provide an ideal substrate for Hebbian reverberations and sensory memory in other neural systems.