bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microwave‐Assisted Reaction Sintering of Bismuth Titanate‐Based Ceramics
Authors: Azurmendi Naiara , Caro Iñaki , Caballero Amador C. , Jardiel Teresa , Villegas Marina
Published: February 2006

Bismuth titanate‐based ceramics, pure and doped with 5 mol% WO3, were prepared by reaction‐sintering using a microwave oven. High densities, ≥96% of theoretical density were achieved with very short thermal treatments, with soaking time ranging from 5 to 15 min. Relatively small platelet‐like grains were formed, and microstructure seemed not to be strongly affected by doping nor soaking time. Electrical measurements were performed and, as expected, a decrease of electrical conductivity was observed in WO3‐doped materials. The results of reaction‐sintered samples, both conventional as well as microwave sintered, are compared with those of samples prepared with previously calcined powders and sintered using microwaves as well as a conventional electric furnace.
Intrasinusoidal bone marrow infiltration and splenic marginal zone lymphoma: a quantitative study
Authors: Pich Achille , Fraire Flavio , Fornari Alessandro , Bonino Laura Davico , Godio Laura , Bortolin Paola , Chiusa Luigi , Palestro Giorgio
Published: February 2006

Abstract:  Intrasinusoidal infiltration (ISI) is a pattern of invasion that is rarely found on bone marrow (BM) biopsies, and is considered as a hallmark of splenic marginal zone cell lymphoma (SMZL). We analysed BM biopsies showing intrasinusoidal infiltration from 54 consecutive patients with different types of lymphoma to verify if ISI quantity was a diagnostic criterion for SMZL. There were 35 primary splenic lymphoma (PSL) and 19 non‐PSL; 28 SMZL, three non‐splenic MZL, six mantle cell, six small lymphocytic, four follicular, four diffuse large B cell, one peripheral T cell, one lymphoplasmacytic and one anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma. The quantity of BM infiltrate was assessed on CD45, CD20 and CD3 stained sections. The mean percentage of total (TI) and intrasinusoidal (ISI) lymphocytes was calculated in 10 areas for each case. TI quantity was 21.57 in PSL and 35.05 in non‐PSL (P = 0.04). ISI quantity was 5.23 in PSL and 7.62 in non‐PSL (P = 0.08), 5.83 in SMZL and 2.83 in other types of PSL (P = 0.12), 4.46 in non‐splenic MZL and 8.21 in other types of non‐PSL (P = 0.28). No difference in ISI quantity was found among the lymphoma subtypes, either in PSL (P = 0.74) or non‐PSL (P = 0.3). The data demonstrate that ISI quantity in BM biopsies is not a reliable diagnostic parameter for SMZL.
Pegfilgrastim effectively mobilizes PBSC in a poor mobilizer multiple myeloma patient
Authors: Malerba Lara , Mele Anna , Leopardi Giuliana , Stramigioli Stefania , Politi Patrizia , Visani Giuseppe
Published: February 2006

Abstract:  Studies performed on mice and healthy human volunteers have shown that a single dose of pegfilgrastim (Peg‐GCSF) is effective in stimulating peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) mobilization. This prompted us to try the stimulation with pegfilgrastim in a patient previously non‐mobilizing with a combination of chemotherapy and filgrastim. In December 2003, a 65‐yr‐old man was diagnosed as having stage III A IgG/k multiple myeloma. He received three courses of polichemotherapy (DC‐IE) obtaining a stable response. Afterwards, the patient was treated with high‐dose cyclophosphamide (CPM; 7 g/sqm) plus daily 10 mcg/kg filgrastim in order to mobilize PBSC, without success. After 2 months off therapy, the disease progressed and the patient received alternate cycles VAD (vincristine, dexamethasone, adriblastine)/high‐dose dexamethasone. A second attempt to mobilize PBSC, using daily 10 mcg/kg filgrastim after the second and third VAD cycle, failed. In a further attempt to mobilize PBSC, we administered a single dose of 12 mg pegfilgrastim on day 5 after a fourth VAD course. Daily evaluation of circulatory CD34+ cells was started from day 8 after the end of chemotherapy. On day +10 postchemotherapy the CD34+ cell count was 24/μL and two aphaeresis were performed, harvesting 1.6 × 106 and 0.89 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg respectively (total 2.49 × 106 cells/kg). The only side effect was moderate skeletal pain. The patient underwent successful transplantation. The median times necessary to recover 0.5 × 109 PMN/L and 20 × 109 platelets/L after PBSC reinfusion were 9 and 12 d respectively. The patient did not need red blood cell or platelet transfusions. He experienced a sustained engraftment and maintains complete remission 9 months after the reinfusion. In conclusion, a single dose of pegfilgrastim was able to mobilize a sufficient number of CD34+ in a multiple myeloma patient not responsive to two previous attempts with high or standard dose chemotherapy followed by filgrastim. This approach, if confirmed on larger series and other diseases, could open new opportunities in stem cell mobilization for poor or non‐mobilizers.
Involvement of IL‐31 on scratching behavior in NC/Nga mice with atopic‐like dermatitis
Authors: Takaoka A. , Arai I. , Sugimoto M. , Honma Y. , Futaki N. , Nakamura A. , Nakaike S.
Published: February 2006

Abstract:  Pruritus is an important symptom in atopic dermatitis (AD), but the major pruritogen have not been identified. NC/Nga mice, spontaneously develop an eczematous AD‐like skin lesion when kept under conventional conditions, but not under specific pathogen‐free (SPF) conditions, have been thought to be an animal model for AD. In this study, to determine whether newly identified cytokine, IL‐31, may be involved in pruritus of AD, we examined the IL‐31 expression in spontaneous dermatitis model which showed itch‐associated long‐lasting (over 1.5 s duration) scratching behavior and compared with that of hapten‐induced contact dermatitis model without itch‐associated long‐lasting scratching behavior, using NC/Nga mice. In NC/Nga mice cohabited with NC/Nga mice which developed severe dermatitis for 2 weeks (conventional NC/Nga mice), the numbers of long‐lasting scratching counts were significantly increased. Yet in 2,4,6‐trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB)‐sensitized and challenged mice (TNCB‐applied NC/Nga mice), no significant increase in long‐lasting scratching counts was observed. In conventional NC/Nga mice with long‐lasting scratching behavior, expression of IL‐31 mRNA was increased, while in TNCB‐applied NC/Nga mice without long‐lasting scratching behavior, the expression of IL‐31 mRNA were unchanged. There was a good correlation between the scratching counts and expression of IL‐31 mRNA in conventional NC/Nga mice, but not so in TNCB‐applied NC/Nga mice. These results suggest that IL‐31 causes the itch‐associated scratching behavior in conventional NC/Nga mice, an experimental animal model for AD.
Dental therapists’ experience in the immediate management of traumatized teeth
Authors: Loh Teresa , Sae‐Lim Varawan , Yian Tan Bee , Liang Shen
Published: February 2006

Abstract –  The optimal immediate management of traumatized teeth is known to be important for long‐term success. One hundred and sixty‐seven school dental therapists with General Certificate of Education ‘Ordinary’ (GCE ‘O’) level qualification were surveyed on their knowledge and experience on immediate management of dental trauma. The results showed only 41.2% felt comfortable with their present knowledge on the subject. A high proportion of the respondents (94.6%) indicated a need for more knowledge. All therapists concurred on the need to replant a permanent tooth and most (85.1%) agreed that this should be done within 30 min. More than half (54.8%) were not sure of the optimal storage medium for avulsed teeth. Their attitude towards acquiring knowledge in this aspect was good (80.5%) and all would take immediate action to settle appointments for trauma cases.
Physician and emergency medical technicians’ knowledge and experience regarding dental trauma
Authors: Lin Shaul , Levin Liran , Emodi Omri , Fuss Zvi , Peled Micha
Published: February 2006

Abstract –  The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge of physicians and emergency medical technicians (EMT) regarding primary treatment for dental trauma and to assess the experience they have in treating dental injuries. The study population consisted of 70 military physicians and EMT during their military service. A questionnaire was distributed relating to demographic data, such as age, gender, position, and type of military service, as well as the following issues: past experience in treating or witnessing dental trauma, former education regarding diagnosis and treatment of dental trauma, assessment of knowledge regarding dental trauma, etc. Of all participants, only 4 (5.9%), all physicians, received education regarding dental trauma. Nevertheless, 42 (61.8%) reported they witnessed such an injury during their military service. Dental injuries were first seen by the EMT in 41.2% of the cases, by the physician in 25%, and by a dentist in only 7.3%. Overall, 58 (85.3%) of the physicians and EMT stated that it was important to educate the primary health care providers regarding diagnosis and treatment of dental trauma. Special emphasis should be given to providing primary caregivers with the relevant education to improve their knowledge and ability of dealing with diagnosis and treatment of dental trauma.
Effect of Chronic Tadalafil Administration on Penile Hypoxia Induced by Cavernous Neurotomy in the Rat
Authors: Vignozzi Linda , Filippi Sandra , Morelli Annamaria , Ambrosini Stefano , Luconi Michaela , Vannelli Gabriella Barbara , Donati Silvia , Crescioli Clara , Zhang Xin-Hua , Mirone Vincenzo , Forti Gianni , Maggi Mario
Published: February 2006

Background

Numerous men develop postprostatectomy erectile dysfunction (PPED), due to surgery-related nervous damage. PPED is often refractory to phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors therapy.

Aim

To verify whether chronic tadalafil (CT) preserves bilateral cavernous neurotomy (BCN)-induced penile damage and hypo-oxygenation.

Methods

In a rat model of BCN we evaluated in vitro and ex vivo effect of CT treatment (2 mg/kg, daily for 3 months).

Results

Bilateral cavernous neurotomy induced massive hypoxia and decreased muscle/fiber ratio, completely restored by CT. Hypersensitivity of hypoxic tissues to the relaxant effect of the endothelin type B receptor (ETB) agonist IRL-1620 was observed, along with ETB mRNA and protein overexpression. CT restored sensitivity to IRL-1620, and normalized ETB expression. Hypoxic penis showed increased sensitivity to the relaxant effect of the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP), while acute tadalafil (100 nM) did not amplify the SNP effect. Accordingly, PDE5 mRNA and protein were reduced in BCN penile tissues. By restoring PDE5, CT decreased SNP-induced relaxation and rescued sensitivity to acute tadalafil. However, in hypoxic penis, CT normalizes neither acetylcholine hyporesponsiveness nor neuronal nitric oxide synthase-endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression.

Conclusion

Chronic tadalafil restores some of the investigated BCN-induced alterations, including PDE5 and tadalafil efficacy.
Increased Intracavernosal Pressure Response in Hypertensive Rats After Chronic Hemin Treatment
Authors: Shamloul Rany , Wang Rui
Published: February 2006

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is increased in prevalence in patients with arterial hypertension. Whether upregulation of heme oxygenase (HO) expression could improve penile erection has been unknown.

Aims

To correlate altered expression profiles of HO-1 and soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) in penile tissues with low intracavernosal pressure (ICP) in adult spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR); and to investigate therapeutic effect of hemin-induced upregulation of HO-1 in penile tissues on ED developed in adult SHR.

Methods and Main Outcome Measures

Intracavernosal pressure changes after electrical stimulation were monitored in adult SHR and age-matched normotensive Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats after chronic administration of either hemin or hydralazine. Expression levels of HO-1, HO-2, sGC, and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) were examined with Western blot.

Results

Frequency-dependent ICP changes were reduced in adult SHR. Three weeks after hemin treatment, high blood pressure of SHR was normalized and ICP responses to electrical stimulations in SHR were significantly increased to the level of normotensive rats. Hydralazine-treated SHR had normalized blood pressure but unaltered low ICP response. Expression of HO-1 and sGC was upregulated and that of PDE5 downregulated in hemin-treated, but not hydralazine-treated, SHR.

Conclusions

Decreased erectile responses in adult SHR can be improved through chronic hemin treatment. Prolonged upregulation of HO-1 and sGC as well as lowered expression of PDE5 may at least partially explain the effect of hemin treatment on ICP. Upregulation of HO-1 may represent a novel therapeutic approach to treat ED.
Development and Evaluation of the Arabic Index of Premature Ejaculation (AIPE)
Authors: Arafa Mohamed , Shamloul Rany
Published: February 2006

Objectives

Our report describes the construction and evaluation of the Arabic Index Premature Ejaculation (AIPE) as a diagnostic tool for premature ejaculation (PE) and presents data supporting its validity.

Methods and Main Outcome Measures

Seventy-one men complaining of PE and 73 healthy subjects were asked to complete the seven-question AIPE. Diagnosis of PE was based on the criteria set by the second consultation on sexual dysfunctions. The seven items selected were based on assessment of erectile function, sexual desire, ejaculation latency, ejaculation control, patient satisfaction, partner satisfaction, and psychological distress. The AIPE was examined for sensitivity, specificity, and construct validity.

Results

A receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that the AIPE is an excellent diagnostic test. A cutoff score of 30 (range of scores 7–35) discriminated best (sensitivity=0.98, specificity=0.88). Severity of PE ranged from none (31–35) to severe (7–13). A high kappa value (0.85) indicated existence of significant agreement existed between the predicted and “true” PE classes.

Conclusions

AIPE shows a potential to be a reliable aid to decrease the number of misdiagnosed cases of PE.
The composition of Jupiter: sign of a (relatively) late formation in a chemically evolved protosolar disc
Authors: Guillot Tristan , Hueso Ricardo
Published: February 2006

It has been proposed that the enrichment in noble gases found by Galileo in the atmosphere of Jupiter can be explained by their delivery inside cold planetesimals. We propose instead that this is a sign that the planet formed in a chemically evolved disc and that noble gases were acquired mostly in gaseous form during the envelope capture phase of the planet.

We show that the combined settling of grains to the disc mid-plane in the cold outer layers, the condensation of noble gases on to these grains at temperatures below 20–30 K, and the evaporation from high disc altitudes effectively lead to a progressive, moderate enrichment of the disc. The fact that noble gases are vaporized from the grains in the hot inner disc regions (e.g. Jupiter formation region) is not a concern because a negative temperature gradient prevents convection from carrying the species into the evaporating region. We show that the ∼2 times solar enrichment of Ar, Kr and Xe in Jupiter is hence naturally explained by a continuous growth of the planet governed by viscous diffusion in the protosolar disc in conjunction with an evaporation of the disc and its progressive enrichment on a million-year time-scale.
MICROMECHANICS: SIMULATING THE ELASTIC BEHAVIOR OF ONION EPIDERMIS TISSUE
Authors: LOODTS JIMMY , TIJSKENS ENGELBERT , WEI CHUNFANG , VANSTREELS ELS , NICOLAÏ BART , RAMON HERMAN
Published: February 2006

A generic modeling approach is introduced that allows for dynamical simulations of cellular biological tissue. It is derived from the discrete element approach in the sense that the tissue is discretized such that histological aspects like cell geometry and the cellular arrangement within the tissue can be fully incorporated into the model. This makes dynamical simulations of arbitrarily shaped cellular tissues feasible in an elegant and a robust way. The validity of this simulation technique is demonstrated by a case study on the unicellular epidermis layer of onion (Allium cepa). The parameters of a two‐dimensional model are determined using published stress–strain data from a tension test on longitudinal strips. The model is then validated quantitatively against the data for transversal strips.
CHARACTERIZATION OF AGGLOMERATION PROCESS AS A FUNCTION OF MOISTURE CONTENT USING A MODEL FOOD POWDER
Authors: MUKHERJEE S. , BHATTACHARYA S.
Published: February 2006

A model food‐powder system using rice flour of different moisture contents (11 to 22%) was used to study rheological behavior by employing a powder rheometer to obtain maximum force, energy for compression and decompression. The latter parameters were sensitive at moisture contents of ≥18%. The compacted mass, obtained using a rotary punch‐tableting machine, was subjected to compression testing to determine the maximum force and firmness of the compressed tablets. These two parameters increased markedly above the 17% moisture content. A significant (P ≤ 0.01) relationship between energy for compression for powder and firmness of compacted mass indicated that an adequate integrity of the product could be achieved when a powder requires high energy for compression but low energy for decompression. A modified version of the Hausner ratio, often used to characterize the extent of compactness, was proposed that included a correction factor for loss of moisture during compaction.
Survey of priority substances entering thirty English wastewater treatment works
Authors: Rule K.L. , Comber S.D.W. , Ross D. , Thornton A. , Makropoulos C.K. , Rautiu R.
Published: February 2006

Crude influent sewages were collected from 30 English wastewater treatment works representing rural, urban and industrial catchments as part of a screening study to assess the significance of the concentrations of substances from the Water Framework Directive priority pollutants list in crude sewage. Composite samples were analysed for a range of determinands including metals and organic compounds. Of the determinands quantified, the pesticides were almost exclusively below the limit of detection. Most trace metals (with the exception of mercury) were detectable in all wastewaters, reflecting their ubiquitous nature. Organic determinands detected in the influent at μg/L levels included surfactants (linear alkylbenzene sulphonates and nonylphenol ethoxylates), phthalates (diethylhexyl phthalate), polynuclear hydrocarbons and solvents. Trace concentrations of trichlorobenzene, tributyltin and polychlorinated biphenyl 153 were detected in a limited number of works. Little correlation was observed between runoff or trade effluent inputs entering the works and determinand concentration (chromium being the only exception).
The Electric Fields Experiment: A New Way Using Conductive Tape
Authors: Benimoff Alan I.
Published: February 2006

This paper describes a new, relatively inexpensive, safe method for doing electric field mapping experiments using a Cu-foil tape with a conductive adhesive backing fastened onto conductive paper.
A Rolling Sphere Experiment
Authors: Niculescu Adam
Published: February 2006

The motion on an incline provides an effective means for the discussion of the conservation of mechanical energy and transformation of potential into kinetic energy. Below are several comments resulting from practical situations involving demonstrations of the accelerated motion on an incline with the use of a rolling sphere.
Jeff and the Raccoon
Authors: Ramlo Susan
Published: February 2006

Leamnson1 suggests that storytelling is a way to get students interested in learning. About a week before my first-semester introductory college physics class started a unit on linear momentum, one of my students, Jeff, struck a raccoon on the highway. His colorful telling of this story before class got the interest of most of the room. A body shop then gave Jeff a repair cost of $1472 for the damage sustained from hitting the raccoon. Jeff wanted to know how his car could sustain so much damage just by hitting a raccoon. A teaching moment had arrived.
Hands-on Synchronization: An Adaptive Clockwork Universe
Authors: Euler Manfred
Published: February 2006

Clockworks are considered as the paradigm of regularity and predictability. The term “clockwork universe” is normally used in a negative way to show the limitations of this mechanistic metaphor to account for change, evolution, and complex adaptive behavior. However, there is more to such mechanisms than one naively anticipates. We present a series of experiments that demonstrate the surprising properties of mechanical clocks. In a suitable environment, they can develop coherent behavior via self-organization. The experiments offer an intriguing potential to develop conceptual insights into adaptive processes that extend from the material realm to the workings of our brains.
Developmental Control of aparABPromoter Leads to Formation of Sporulation-Associated ParB Complexes inStreptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Jakimowicz Dagmara , Mouz Sebastien , Zakrzewska-Czerwińska Jolanta , Chater Keith F.
Published: February 2006

TheStreptomyces coelicolorpartitioning protein ParB binds to numerousparSsites in theoriC-proximal part of the linear chromosome. ParB binding results in the formation of large complexes, which behave differentially during the complex life cycle (D. Jakimowicz, B. Gust, J. Zakrzewska-Czerwinska, and K. F. Chater, J. Bacteriol. 187:3572-3580, 2005). Here we have analyzed the transcriptional regulation that underpins this developmentally specific behavior. Analysis of promoter mutations showed that the irregularly spaced complexes present in vegetative hyphae are dependent on the constitutiveparABp1promoter, while sporulation-specific induction of the promoterparABp2is required for the assembly of arrays of ParB complexes in aerial hyphae and thus is necessary for efficient chromosome segregation. Expression fromparABp2depended absolutely on two sporulation regulatory genes,whiAandwhiB, and partially on two others,whiHandwhiI, all four of which are needed for sporulation septation. Because of this pattern of dependence, we investigated the transcription of these fourwhigenes inwhiAandwhiBmutants, revealing significant regulatory interplay betweenwhiAandwhiB. A strain in which sporulation septation (but not vegetative septation) was blocked by mutation of a sporulation-specific promoter offtsZshowed close to wild-type induction ofparABp2and formed fairly regular ParB-enhanced green fluorescent protein foci in aerial hyphae, ruling out strong morphological coupling or checkpoint regulation between septation and DNA partitioning during sporulation. A model for developmental regulation ofparABp2expression is presented.
Localization of theBacillus subtilis murBGene within thedcwCluster Is Important for Growth and Sporulation
Authors: Real Gonçalo , Henriques Adriano O.
Published: February 2006

TheBacillus subtilis murBgene, encoding UDP-N-acetylenolpyruvoylglucosamine reductase, a key enzyme in the peptidoglycan (PG) biosynthetic pathway, is embedded in thedcw(for “division and cell wall”) cluster immediately upstream ofdivIB. Previous attempts to inactivatemurBwere unsuccessful, suggesting its essentiality. Here we show that the cell morphology, growth rate, and resistance to cell wall-active antibiotics ofmurBconditional mutants is a function of the expression level ofmurB. In one mutant, in whichmurBwas insertionally inactivated in a merodiploid bearing a second xylose-inducible PxylA-murBallele, DivIB levels were reduced and a normal growth rate was achieved only if MurB levels were threefold that of the wild-type strain. However, expression of an extra copy ofdivIBrestored normal growth at wild-type levels of MurB. In contrast, DivIB levels were normal in a second mutant containing an in-frame deletion ofmurB(ΔmurB) in the presence of the PxylA-murBgene. Furthermore, this strain grew normally with wild-type levels of MurB. During sporulation, the levels of MurB were highest at the time of synthesis of the spore cortex PG. Interestingly, the ΔmurBPxylA-murBmutant did not sporulate efficiently even at high concentrations of inducer. Since high levels of inducer did not interfere with sporulation of amurB+PxylA-murBstrain, it appears that ectopic expression ofmurBfails to support efficient sporulation. These data suggest that coordinate expression ofdivIBandmurBis important for growth and sporulation. The genetic context of themurBgene within thedcwcluster is unique to theBacillusgroup and, taken together with our data, suggests that in these species it contributes to the optimal expression of cell division and PG biosynthetic functions during both vegetative growth and spore development.
Glycosylation of the Self-RecognizingEscherichia coliAg43 Autotransporter Protein
Authors: Sherlock Orla , Dobrindt Ulrich , Jensen Jeppe B. , Munk Vejborg Rebecca , Klemm Per
Published: February 2006

Glycosylation is a common modulation of protein function in eukaryotes and is biologically important. However, in bacteria protein glycosylation is rare, and relatively few bacterial glycoproteins are known. InEscherichia colionly two glycoproteins have been described to date. Here we introduce a novel member to this exclusive group, namely, antigen 43 (Ag43), a self-recognizing autotransporter protein. By mass spectrometry Ag43 was demonstrated to be glycosylated by addition of heptose residues at several positions in the passenger domain. Glycosylation of Ag43 by the action of the Aah and TibC glycosyltransferases was observed in laboratory strains. Importantly, Ag43 was also found to be glycosylated in a wild-type strain, suggesting that Ag43-glycosylation may be a widespread phenomenon. Glycosylation of Ag43 does not seem to interfere with its self-associating properties. However, the glycosylated form of Ag43 enhances bacterial binding to human cell lines, whereas the nonglycosylated version of Ag43 does not to confer this property.
The CiaRH System ofStreptococcus pneumoniaePrevents Lysis during Stress Induced by Treatment with Cell Wall Inhibitors and by Mutations inpbp2xInvolved in β-Lactam Resistance
Authors: Mascher Thorsten , Heintz Manuel , Zähner Dorothea , Merai Michelle , Hakenbeck Regine
Published: February 2006

The two-component signal-transducing system CiaRH ofStreptococcus pneumoniaeplays an important role during the development of beta-lactam resistance in laboratory mutants. We show here that a functional CiaRH system is required for survival under many different lysis-inducing conditions. Mutants with an activated CiaRH system were highly resistant to lysis induced by a wide variety of early and late cell wall inhibitors, such as cycloserine, bacitracin, and vancomycin, and were also less susceptible to these drugs. In contrast, loss-of-function CiaRH mutants were hypersusceptible to these drugs and were apparently unable to maintain a stationary growth phase in normal growth medium and under choline deprivation as well. Moreover, disruption of CiaR in penicillin-resistant mutants with an alteredpbp2xgene encoding low-affinity PBP2x resulted in severe growth defects and rapid lysis. This phenotype was observed withpbp2xgenes containing point mutations selected in the laboratory and with highly altered mosaicpbp2xgenes from penicillin-resistant clinical isolates as well. This documents for the first time that PBP2x mutations required for development of beta-lactam resistance are functionally not neutral and are tolerated only in the presence of the CiaRH system. This might explain whyciamutations have not been observed in penicillin-resistant clinical isolates. The results document that the CiaRH system is required for maintenance of the stationary growth phase and for prevention of autolysis triggered under many different conditions, suggesting a major role for this system in ensuring cell wall integrity.
INTERSECTION COHOMOLOGY OF REPRESENTATION SPACES OF SURFACE GROUPS
Authors: KIEM YOUNG-HOON
Published: February 2006

The representation space X(G) = Hom (π, G)/G of the fundamental group π of a Riemann surface Σ of genus g ≥ 2 is the symplectic reduction of the extended moduli space defined in [6]. Using this description, we study the local structure of X(G) and show that the assumptions of the splitting theorem [11, Theorem 7.7] are satisfied. Hence the middle perversity intersection cohomology is canonically isomorphic to a subspace of the equivariant cohomology [Formula: see text] which can be computed quite explicitly. The case when G = SU(2) is discussed in detail.
SOME REMARKS ON TOPOLOGICAL FULL GROUPS OF CANTOR MINIMAL SYSTEMS
Authors: MATUI HIROKI
Published: February 2006

Giordano, Putnam and Skau showed that topological full groups of Cantor minimal systems are complete invariants for flip conjugacy. We will completely determine the structure of normal subgroups of the topological full group. Moreover, a necessary and sufficient condition for the topological full group to be finitely generated will be given.
A NEW COMPUTATIONAL WAY TO MONTE CARLO GLOBAL ILLUMINATION
Authors: XU QING , WANG WEI , BAO SHIQIANG
Published: February 2006

In this paper, we present a new Monte Carlo computational way for solving the global illumination problem whereby plenty of unbiased estimators can be employed to enrich the solutions leading to simple error control and faster estimation. Especially so, the zero variance importance sampling procedure can be exploited to calculate the global illumination optimally. Based on the new scheme, a new Monte Carlo global illumination algorithm and its importance driven version have been developed and carried out. Results, which have been obtained by rendering test scenes, show that this new framework is promising.
VISIBILITY PREPROCESSING FOR COMPLEX 3D SCENES USING HARDWARE-VISIBILITY QUERIES
Authors: KIM JAEHO , KIM HYUNGSEOK , WOHN KWANGYUN
Published: February 2006

In cases of densely occluded urban scenes, it is useful to determine the visibility of scenes, since only small parts of the scene are visible from a given cell. In this paper, we introduce a new visibility preprocessing method that efficiently computes potentially visible objects for volumetric cells. The proposed method deals with general 3D polygonal models and invisible objects jointly blocked by multiple occluders. The proposed approach decomposes volume visibility into a set of point visibilities, and then computes point visibility using hardware-visibility queries. We carry out experiments on various large-scale scenes, and show the performance of our algorithm. Our performance analysis approach estimates the exact solution of volume visibility. From differences between the estimated solution and the proposed algorithms solution, we show that our algorithm seeks a tight overestimate of the potentially visible set (PVS).
CHEMICAL ROUTES TO NANOCRYSTALS, NANOWIRES AND NANOTUBES
Authors: RAO C. N. R.
Published: February 2006

Soft chemical routes are employed effectively for the synthesis of nanocrystals of semiconductor materials. Several methods have been developed for the synthesis of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and specially noteworthy are the precursor route and nebulized spray pyrolysis for the synthesis of MWNTs and junction nanotubes. Nanotubes of inorganic layered materials are obtained by ingenious chemical methods. Nanowires of inorganic materials can be synthesized not only by high-temperature methods such as the carbon-assisted route but also by soft chemical routes.
"BIOINSPIRED" INORGANIC FILM GROWTH AT ORGANIC TEMPLATES
Authors: KMETKO JAN , KEWALRAMANI SUMIT , EVMENENKO GUENNADY , YU CHUNGJONG , DUTTA PULAK
Published: February 2006

Many living organisms grow crystalline inorganic components (usually to add mechanical strength, but also for sensing and other applications). These organisms exert a high degree of control not just over the crystal orientation but also over the structure and composition of the crystals. They do this in wet environments, without the use of ultrahigh vacuum. There have been efforts to mimic this process in the laboratory by growing minerals under floating (Langmuir) monolayers, which serve as ordered organic templates. We have studied such processes using grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction to determine the structure of both organic and inorganic films during deposition. These studies illustrate that some of the same phenomena familiar to surface scientists working in UHV occur also in "real world" environments.
TIME-RESOLVED IN SITU GISAXS EXPERIMENT OF EVAPORATION-INDUCED SELF-ASSEMBLY OF CTAB TEMPLATED SILICA THIN FILMS UNDER CONTROLLED HUMIDITY
Authors: DOURDAIN S. , COLAS M. , BARDEAU J. F. , GANG O. , OCKO B. , GIBAUD A.
Published: February 2006

The influence of controlled humidity on the phase transformation of CTAB templated silica thin films is studied by time-resolved in situ GISAXS measurements. It is shown that during a short period of time the silica matrix is flexible enough to follow the morphologic changes of the cylindrical micelles into spherical ones. During this time water can be uptaken and outtaken from the film. The evolution of the lattice parameters upon cycling dry and humid air is presented and discussed.
GENERALLY APPLICABLE SELF-MASKING TECHNIQUE FOR NANOTIPS ARRAY FABRICATION
Authors: CHEN KUEI-HSIEN , HSU CHIH-HSUN , LO HUNG-CHUN , CHATTOPADHYAY SUROJIT , WU CHIEN TING , HWANG JIH-SHANG , YANG YING-JAY , CHEN LI-CHYONG
Published: February 2006

Well-aligned nanotip arrays were fabricated via a self-masking dry etching technique in an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma process. Nanotip arrays of Si , poly silicon, GaN , GaP , sapphire, and Al were fabricated. Simultaneous etching of the substrate and formation of silicon carbide ( SiC ) protecting caps are attributed to the nanotip formation. The ultra-low turn-on field for electron field emission as well as the surface enhanced Raman Spectroscopic study of Si nanotips is also demonstrated.
FORMATION OF NANOCRYSTALS IN ZIRCONIUM-BASED ALLOYS
Authors: DEY G. K. , SAVALIA R. T. , NEOGY S. , TEWARI R. , SRIVASTAVA D. , BANERJEE S.
Published: February 2006

The formation of nanocrystals in Zr -based alloys through three different routes, viz by rapid solidification of alloys, by crystallization of rapidly solidified metallic glasses and by crystallization of bulk metallic glasses has been described. The nanocrystal forming behaviors of rapidly solidified metallic glasses and bulk metallic glasses have been compared and contrasted. The rapidly solidified alloys, which have been examined for this purpose, are Zr 76 Fe 24-x Ni x (x = 0,4,8,12,16,24) and Zr 69.5 Cu 12 Ni 11 Al 7.5. In the Zr 69.5 Cu 12 Ni 11 Al 7.5 alloy, formation of a quasicrystalline phase was observed on crystallization. Bulk glass having the composition Zr 52 Ti 6 Al 10 Cu 18 Ni 14 has been produced by copper mould casting. This has been crystallized in order to obtain nanocrystalline phases having Zr 2 Ni and Zr 2 Cu structures. The nanocrystalline and the nanoquasicrystalline microstructures have been examined in considerable detail in order to find out the nature of the various types of interfaces in them. Particularly the nanograin boundaries were examined by high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HREM) and their structure has been compared with that of the grain boundary in large grained material. The change in nature of these interfaces and their number with coarsening of the nanocrystal is also investigated.
CAPPED METAL CLUSTERS IN THE GAS PHASE
Authors: CYRIAC JOBIN , KUMAR V. R. RAJEEV , PRADEEP T.
Published: February 2006

Alkanethiol protected gold clusters of 29 kDa were prepared and separated by column chromatography. Laser desorption mass spectra of these clusters have been investigated. In the gas phase, monolayer–monolayer interaction leads to clustering of the protected clusters. Role of different matrices and effect of alkanethiol chain length on this process have been investigated.
EFFECTS OF INTERACTIONS AND JUNCTIONS ON CONDUCTANCES OF QUANTUM WIRES
Authors: DAS SOURIN , RAO SUMATHI , SEN DIPTIMAN
Published: February 2006

We examine the effect of interactions between the electrons on the conductance of a system of quantum wires containing a ring. The electrons are taken to be weakly interacting, and scattering matrices are introduced at the junctions present in the system. Using a renormalization group method, we compute the conductances of these systems as functions of the temperature. Our results show that the conductance depends on the temperature as a result of the interactions.
FABRICATION OF METAL NANOWIRE AND NANOPARTICLE IN MESOPOROUS SILICA TEMPLATES AND THEIR CATALYTIC PERFORMANCES
Authors: FUKUOKA ATSUSHI , ICHIKAWA MASARU
Published: February 2006

Mono- and bimetallic nanowires and particles were selectively synthesized in mesoporous silica templates, in which siliceous FSM-16 and organic–inorganic hybrid HMM-1 were used as templates. The metal nanowires and particles were characterized by several physicochemical methods. The mechanism for formation of Pt wires was studied, and migration of precursor Pt ions in the mesoporous channels is the key to the formation of the wires. The Pt wires can be isolated by dissolving silicate matrix in a good yield, and STM and HRTEM demonstrate that the wires extracted from HMM-1 has a nanonecklace structure, but the wire from FSM-16 shows a nanorod structure. The extracted Pt wires are stabilized by PPh3. The nanowire composites show unique properties in magnetism and high catalytic performances in CO oxidation reaction.
ION TRACK-BASED NANOELECTRONICS
Authors: FINK D. , PETROV A.V. , FAHRNER W. R. , HOPPE K. , PAPALEO R. M. , BERDINSKY A. S. , CHANDRA A. , ZRINEH A. , CHADDERTON L. T.
Published: February 2006

In the last years, concepts have been developed to use etched ion tracks in insulators, such as polymer foils or silicon oxide layers as hosts for nano- and microelectronic structures. Depending on their etching procedure and the thickness of the insulating layer in which they are embedded, such tracks have typical diameters between some 10 nm and a few μm and lengths between some 100 nm and some 10 μm. Due to their extremely high aspect ratios, and due to the possibility to cover very large sample areas, they exceed the potential of nanolithography.

In this paper, the strategies of etched ion track manipulation are briefly outlined, that lead to the formation of nanotubules, nanowires, or tubular arrangements of nanoclusters. Examples where nanoelectronic structures are based on single ion tracks, are nanocondensors or sensors for temperature, light, pressure, humidity and/or alcohol vapor. By combination of ion track metallization and conducting track-to-track connections on the foil surface, micromagnets, microtransformers and microcondensors could be formed within polymer foils.

Finally, we present our new "TEMPOS" (Tunable Electronic Material with Pores in Oxide on Silicon) concept where nanometric pores, produced by etching of tracks in silicon oxide on silicon wafers, are used as charge extraction (or injection) channels. In comparison with the metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOS-FETs), the TEMPOS structures have a number of additional parameters (such as the track diameter, density, and shape, and the material embedded therein and its spatial distribution) which makes these novel structures much more complex. This eventually leads to higher compactation of the TEMPOS circuits and to unexpected electronic properties. TEMPOS structures can overtake the function of tunable resistors, condensors, photocells, hygrocells, diodes, sensors, and other elements. As an example, some corresponding current/voltage relations and TEMPOS circuits are presented. In this work we concentrate on TEMPOS structures with fullerene and phthalocyanine. Though not yet verified, TEMPOS structures could, in principle, be scaled down to nanometer sizes.
MAGNETISM AND LATTICE DYNAMICS OF NANOSCALE STRUCTURES STUDIED BY NUCLEAR RESONANT SCATTERING OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION
Authors: RÖHLSBERGER RALF
Published: February 2006

Nuclear resonant scattering of synchrotron radiation is applied to investigate the magnetic structure and the lattice dynamics of nanoscale systems. The outstanding brilliance of modern synchrotron radiation sources allows for sensitivities to smallest amounts of material. Due to the isotopic sensitivity of the scattering process, ultrathin probe layers of Mössbauer isotopes can be used to map out the magnetic and vibrational structure of thin films with sub-nm spatial resolution. Elastic nuclear resonant scattering is applied to determine the magnetic spin structure of an exchange-coupled bilayer system. Inelastic nuclear resonant scattering was used to determine the vibrational density of states in Fe islands on the W(110) surface.
ACTIONS, CHARGES AND OFF-SHELL FIELDS IN THE UNFOLDED DYNAMICS APPROACH
Authors: VASILIEV M. A.
Published: February 2006

Within unfolded dynamics approach, we represent actions and conserved charges as elements of cohomology of the L∞ algebra underlying the unfolded formulation of a given dynamical system. The unfolded off-shell constraints for symmetric fields of all spins in Minkowski space are shown to have the form of zero curvature and covariant constancy conditions for 1-forms and 0-forms taking values in an appropriate star product algebra. Unfolded formulation of Yang–Mills and Einstein equations is presented in a closed form.
LONG STRINGS IN TWO-DIMENSIONAL STRING THEORY AND NON-SINGLETS IN THE MATRIX MODEL
Authors: MALDACENA JUAN
Published: February 2006

We consider two-dimensional string backgrounds. We discuss the physics of long strings that come from infinity. These are related to non-singlets in the dual matrix model description.
GEOMETRY OF CLASSICAL HIGGS FIELDS
Authors: SARDANASHVILY G.
Published: February 2006

In gauge theory, Higgs fields are responsible for spontaneous symmetry breaking. In classical gauge theory on a principal bundle P, a symmetry breaking is defined as the reduction of a structure group of this principal bundle to a subgroup H of exact symmetries. This reduction takes place if and only if there exists a global section of the quotient bundle P/H. It is a classical Higgs field. A metric gravitational field exemplifies such a Higgs field. We summarize the basic facts on the reduction in principal bundles and geometry of Higgs fields. Our goal is the particular covariant differential in the presence of a Higgs field.
Quantification and Modeling of Crop Losses: A Review of Purposes
Authors: Savary Serge , Teng Paul S. , Willocquet Laetitia , Nutter Forrest W.
Published: February 2006

Abstract  This review considers the cascade of events that link injuries caused by plant pathogens on crop stands to possible (quantitative and qualitative) crop losses (damage), and to the resulting economic losses. To date, much research has focused on injury control to prevent this cascade of events from occurring. However, this cascade involves a complex succession of components and processes whereby knowledge on crop loss generates entry points for management. Proposed here is a framework linking different types of knowledge on crop loss to a range of decision categories, from tactical to strategic short- or long-term. Important advances in this field are now under way, including a probabilistic treatment of the injury-damage relationship, or analyses of the sources of uncertainty attached to some components of the decision process. Management of injury profiles, rather than individual injuries, and shifts in dimensionality of crop losses are anticipated to contribute to the design of sustainable agricultural systems, and address global issues concerning food security and food safety.
Resorption of gas trapped in body cavities: comparison of alveolar and pleural space with inner ear and paranasal sinuses
Authors: Ivezić Zdravko , Kurbel Sven , Škrinjarić-Cincar Sanda , Radić Radivoje
Published: February 2006

This paper describes our attempt to devise a short text aimed at improving students' understanding of gas resorption in body cavities. Students are expected to understand the mechanisms behind paranasal sinusitis, otitis media, closed pneumothorax, and atelectasis of collapsed lung tissue, all used as examples. On the basis of the interpretation that during pneumothorax resorption, gas diffuses down pressure gradients into the blood, students are encouraged to calculate tables of pressure gradients for the above-mentioned pathological conditions. After answering a few questions, students need to analyze and eventually accept the following conclusion: in cases of air trapping in collapsible body cavities, all gases will be fully reabsorbed without pain. Air trapping in bone cavities leads only to partial reabsorption of gases and results in subatmospheric intracavity pressure. Partial vacuum causes painful mucosal edema and free fluid secretion.
Too much teaching, not enough learning: what is the solution?
Authors: Lujan Heidi L. , DiCarlo Stephen E.
Published: February 2006

The curriculum is packed with so much content that teachers resort to telling students what they know and students simply commit facts to memory. The packed curriculum leaves little time for students to acquire a deep understanding of the subject or to develop life-long skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and communication. However, learning is not committing a set of facts to memory, but the ability to use resources to find, evaluate, and apply information. This paper addresses these concerns by discussing “how we learn” and reviewing the literature on what works to improve learning. It is clear that active processing of information, not passive reception of information, leads to learning. That is, students must construct their own understanding of concepts, relationships, and procedures. Teachers can encourage this process by carefully considering the type and organization of information as well as instructional strategies. Specifically, teachers should reduce the total amount of factual information students are expected to memorize, reduce our use of the passive lecture format, and devote much more effort to helping students become active, independent learners and problem solvers. Collaborative learning activities, interactive models, educational games, and establishing a culture of inquiry/scholarship are critical for achieving these goals.
Regulation of Dishevelled and β-catenin in rat skeletal muscle: an alternative exercise-induced GSK-3β signaling pathway
Authors: Aschenbach William G. , Ho Richard C. , Sakamoto Kei , Fujii Nobuharu , Li Yangfeng , Kim Young-Bum , Hirshman Michael F. , Goodyear Laurie J.
Published: February 2006

β-catenin is a multifunctional protein involved in cell-cell adhesion and the Wnt signaling pathway. β-Catenin is activated upon its dephosphorylation, an event triggered by Dishevelled (Dvl)-mediated phosphorylation and deactivation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β). In skeletal muscle, both insulin and exercise decrease GSK-3β activity, and we tested the hypothesis that these two stimuli regulate β-catenin. Immunoblotting demonstrated that Dvl, Axin, GSK-3β, and β-catenin proteins are expressed in rat red and white gastrocnemius muscles. Treadmill running exercise in vivo significantly decreased β-catenin phosphorylation in both muscle types, with complete dephosphorylation being elicited by maximal exercise. β-Catenin dephosphorylation was intensity dependent, as dephosphorylation was highly correlated with muscle glycogen depletion during exercise ( r2= 0.84, P < 0.001). β-Catenin dephosphorylation was accompanied by increases in GSK-3β Ser9phosphorylation and Dvl-GSK-3β association. In contrast to exercise, maximal insulin treatment (1 U/kg body wt) had no effect on skeletal muscle β-catenin phosphorylation or Dvl-GSK-3β interaction. In conclusion, exercise in vivo, but not insulin, increases the association between Dvl and GSK-3β in skeletal muscle, an event paralleled by β-catenin dephosphorylation.