bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Algal diversity and assemblages in arid zone rivers of the Lake Eyre Basin, Australia
Authors: Costelloe Justin F. , Powling Joan , Reid Julian R. W. , Shiel Russel J. , Hudson Peter
Published: March 2005

The responses of algal assemblages in arid zone rivers to flow events, drying and water quality changes are fundamental to our understanding of these unregulated rivers. We studied planktonic and other algae, identified to genus, in three rivers in the Lake Eyre Basin, where summer‐autumn floods typically occur on an annual basis. A moderately diverse algal flora was discovered with a total of 118 genera, containing at least 237 taxa, in seven phyla. Algal diversity was found to be highest during, or soon after flood events of varying sizes and in the summer following a large flood in the previous flood season. We suggest that the combination of germination of algae from channel and floodplain sediments and the transport of algae from aquatic refuges during flood events resulted in the observed increases in diversity. In addition, nutrient influxes associated with previous large floods, interact with the increase in temperature in the subsequent summer to provide optimum conditions for high algal production and, in some sites, high diversity. Multivariate analyses found that salinity was a significant driver of assemblage composition but only explained a small portion of the variance in generic richness. Within phyla, assemblage richness within the Chlorophyta and Euglenophyta showed a weak, but significant, negative correlation with increasing salinity, while in the Cyanophyta and Bacillariophyta richness was not significantly correlated because both latter groups contained salt‐tolerant taxa. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Where we have been: A history of Native American higher education
Authors: Tippeconnic Fox (Comanche) Mary Jo , Lowe (Navajo) Shelly C. , McClellan George S.
Published: March 2005

This chapter provides an overview of the three eras in the history of Native American higher education in the United States: the colonial, federal, and self‐determination eras.
From discussion to action
Authors: McClellan George S. , Tippeconnic Fox (Comanche) Mary Jo , Lowe (Navajo) Shelly C.
Published: March 2005

This chapter describes nine of this volume's themes and offers summary recommendations stemming from those themes.
Chemical state analysis employing sub‐natural linewidth resolution PIXE measurements of Kα diagram lines
Authors: Kavčič M. , Karydas A. G. , Zarkadas Ch.
Published: March 2005

A high‐energy resolution crystal spectrometer in Johansson geometry, which allows energy resolution below the natural linewidth of the Kα diagram lines, was employed in the measurements of proton‐induced Kα x‐ray emission spectra of titanium and sulfur pure and compound targets. The results demonstrate a clear dependence of the Kα energy shifts on the chemical state of the element in the sample. This dependence permits the chemical state speciation of low‐Z elements in an unknown sample by employing high‐resolution PIXE measurements of the Kα line. The potential of the technique in speciation studies is demonstrated in the case of an aerosol sample. The analysis of the Kα line obtained from the high‐energy resolution proton‐induced S Kα x‐ray spectrum allowed the identification of sulfur in the aerosol sample as sulfate ([SO4]2−). Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PIXE determination of element distribution in Fomes fomentarius
Authors: Král J. , Voltr J. , Proška J. , Gabriel J. , Baldrian P. , Černý J. , Švejda J.
Published: March 2005

The element distribution in the fruit body of a wood‐rotting fungus was studied. Samples of Fomes fomentarius were collected in nature, together with bark and a piece of substrate wood. For PIXE analysis, slices were cut from the fruit body. The slices were analyzed using a proton beam at many points from the fruit body surface to the core, or across the fruit–substrate interface. The analysis was performed with an external proton beam in a low‐pressure nitrogen atmosphere; 9–12 elements heavier than silicon were found above the limit of quantitation. Manganese showed interesting systematic behavior. The suitability and usefulness of PIXE analysis for studying the distribution of heavy elements in fruit bodies of wood‐rotting fungi are discussed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indexing the health of the environment for breeding seabirds in the Benguela ecosystem
Authors: Underhill L.G. , Crawford R.J.M.
Published: March 2005

Time-series of the sizes of breeding populations of 10 species of seabird were used to develop indices of the health of the Western Cape seabird community of South Africa. For each species, a target range was defined running from some minimum value to infinity or to some maximum value for species that may cause harm to other species or be a nuisance to humans. If populations were within the target range, their individual health index was set at 1, whereas outside the range, this index decreased linearly with population size. These individual indices were integrated into one for the total community, also running from 0 to 1 and therefore allowing representation as a percentage of the overall management target (=1). Three indices were developed, weighting each species equally and using different weighting methods to account for the IUCN conservation status of the species. All indices increased between the 1950s and 1970s and then decreased again, the lowest values being observed in the late 1990s.
Construction and Validation of the Death Anxiety Inventory (DAI)
Authors: Tomás-Sábado Joaquín , Gómez-Benito Juana
Published: March 2005

Abstract. Background. Over the last 40 years the study of human attitudes toward death has attracted much scientific interest and a significant amount of research has been carried out in the English-speaking world. However, among Spanish-speaking researchers the subject has been practically ignored, as has the issue of related psychometric instruments. The aim of this study was to develop the Death Anxiety Inventory (DAI) and thus provide a valid and reliable assessment instrument for measuring death anxiety among Spanish-speaking subjects. Methods: This study examined the psychometric properties of the DAI. The DAI is a self-administered questionnaire of 20 items that can be used in either a dichotomous true/false format or on a six-point Likert scale. The properties of both scales were investigated by means of six empirical studies and several samples. Results: The scale has an α coefficient of internal consistency of 0.90 and test-retest correlation, at 4 weeks, of 0.94. The correlation with Templer's Death Anxiety Scale was 0.79. Factor analysis of the DAI identified five significant factors. Taken together these factors explained 54.60% of the total variance and were labeled as: (1) Externally generated death anxiety, (2) Meaning and acceptance of death, (3) Thoughts about death, (4) Life after death, and (5) Brevity of life. The English form of the DAI is also presented in the study in order to enable cross-cultural comparisons to be made. Conclusion: Results of this study suggest that the DAI has adequate psychometric properties that make it a valid and reliable instrument to assess death anxiety in Spanish-speaking individuals.
A New Scale for Measuring Adults' Prosocialness
Authors: Caprara Gian Vittorio , Steca Patrizia , Zelli Arnaldo , Capanna Cristina
Published: March 2005

Abstract. In the present study, the authors proposed a novel self-report 16-item scale for assessing individual differences in adult prosocialness and tested its measurement properties by employing an item response theory (IRT) analysis of data collected from a sample of 2,574 Italian adults. Prior work employing classical psychometric methods of analysis had already established the reliability and validity of the instrument. The present study furthered this scrutiny by examining whether the different prosocialness items were equally effective in discriminating people and equally informative; it also examined gender differences in the functioning of the items. The results of IRT analyses strongly supported the measurement effectiveness and sensitivity of the 16 prosocialness items, and findings are discussed for their implications in behavioral assessment research on prosocialness.
Lotononis bainesii Baker — a legume for sub-tropical pastures
Authors: Bryan WW
Published: March 2005

Lotononis bainesii is a prostrate, fine stemmed, small leaved, stoloniferous perennial legume, suitable for pasture mixtures in parts of the sub-tropics and tropics. It prefers moist, friable soils, on which it withstands heavy graying. It is highly palatable and non-toxic to stock and is frost tolerant but virus susceptible. Heavy grazing in late summer reduces virus attack and ensures green growth through the winter. Reproduction is by seed or by vegetative means. The species combines well with a number of pasture grasses. Yields of L. bainesii exceeding one ton of dry matter per acre have been obtained in mid-summer on grazed grass-legume mixtures, and yields of 1/4 ton per acre are common. The mean nitrogen content is approximately 2.9 per cent.
Ability to select diet in Merino sheep fed in pens
Authors: Moore RW , Dolling CHS
Published: March 2005

The crude protein contents have been determined of rations containing lucerne chaff and oaten chaff, and of residues left by sheep when offered these rations ad lib. Variation from sheep to sheep in ability to select a higher protein diet than that offered was significant for a ration of lucerne chaff, but not for a ration of oaten chaff-lucerne chaff in the ratio of ten to one. Approximately 10 per cent of the variation in residue of the lucerne chaff ration could be accounted for by the selectivity of individual sheep. A difference in ability to select against unchaffed lucerne stems could explain these results. The data presented support the need to determine nitrogen contents of residues when using heterogeneous non-pelletted food, if accurate measures of the protein intake of individual sheep are required.
Classification of Australian wheat varieties based on the granularity of their wholemeal
Authors: Symes KJ
Published: March 2005

A simple and accurate test for determining the granularity of wheat wholemeal is described. Ten grams of wheat are ground, sieved for five minutes and the amount passing through the sieve is expressed as a percentage of the original sample and recorded as the particle size index. Particle size index is shown to be a varietal character that divides Australian varieties into two distinct groups. As all typical hard varieties fall into one of these groups and all typical soft varieties into the other group, particle size index is suggested as the most satisfactory criterion for designating these categories. Variations in protein level and moisture content do influence the particle size index, without in any way invalidating the test. The effect of changes in these environmental factors, on particle size index, varies from variety to variety both in degree and direction.
Relationships between riverine fish and woody debris: implications for lowland rivers
Authors: Crook D. A. , Robertson A. I.
Published: March 2005

This paper reviews studies of relationships between riverine fish and woody
debris at micro- and meso-habitat scales, and discusses the potential
functions of instream structure for lowland river fish. Experimental research,
mainly in North America, has identified three main functions of woody debris
as microhabitat for fish in upland streams: overhead cover that decreases
predation risk both vertically and horizontally; horizontal visual isolation
that reduces contact between fish; and velocity refuge which minimizes
energetic costs. As with habitat features in other aquatic environments,
increasing spatial complexity of woody debris may modify predator–prey
interactions and provide greater surface areas for the growth of prey items.
Woody debris may also provide spatial reference points for riverine fish to
assist them in orienting within their surroundings. Lowland rivers differ from
upland streams in terms of a number of physical variables, including
turbidity, depth and water turbulence. Relationships between fish and woody
debris in lowland rivers are likely to rely on mechanisms different to those
in upland streams. Recent initiatives involving the reintroduction of woody
debris into previously cleared lowland rivers to replace lost fish habitat are
a positive development for lowland river restoration. However, if woody debris
reintroduction is to maximally benefit lowland river fisheries, there is a
requirement for better understanding of the ecological functions of woody
debris in lowland rivers.
Global wetland inventory - current status and future priorities
Authors: Finlayson C. M. , Davidson N. C. , Spiers A. G. , Stevenson N. J.
Published: March 2005

This assessment is based on reviews of the extent of wetland inventory in
seven regions of the world. A key conclusion is that little is still known
about the extent and condition of the global wetland resource. It was not
possible to make reliable overall estimates of the size of the wetland
resource globally or regionally. Previous estimates range from 5.3 to 9.7
million km2 but present analyses now suggest a tentative
minimum of 12.8 km2. Recommendations focus on the need
for national inventory programmes and the inclusion of basic information on
the location and extent of each wetland and its major ecological features as a
forerunner to collecting further management-oriented information. Thus, the
following core data should be collected: area and boundary, location,
geomorphic setting, general description, soil characteristics, water regime,
water quality, and biotic characteristics. Further, the development of
standardized methods for data collection, collation and storage are called
for. These should address the use of remotely sensed data and storage of
information in electronic formats, including Geographic Information Systems
and recording key information in a meta-database. Habitats of priority for
future inventory are seagrasses, coral reefs, salt marshes and coastal flats,
mangroves, arid-zone wetlands, peatlands, rivers and streams, and artificial
wetlands.
Copper and haemocyanin dynamics in aquatic invertebrates
Authors: Taylor H. H. , Anstiss Julie M.
Published: March 2005

Mechanisms of copper accumulation and detoxification, and of haemocyanin
biosynthesis and catabolism, in aquatic arthropods and molluscs are reviewed.
Crustacean haemocyanin transports copper in the blood by sequestering
additional copper outside the oxygen-binding centre. Large changes in
haemocyanin concentration in crustacean blood during moulting and hyposaline
exposure generally reflect extracellular volume adjustments rather than
biosynthesis and catabolism. Haemocyanin synthesis in decapod crustaceans is
stimulated by hypoxia and, in an amphipod, by parasitization. Starvation
causes breakdown of haemocyanin. Haemocyanin synthesis occurs principally in
the midgut gland of crustaceans and in fixed blood cells (cyanocytes) that are
located in certain tissues. It is hypothesized that cyanocytes provide a local
oxygen reserve during circulatory arrest. Haemocyanin synthesis occurs
primarily in the branchial glands of dibranchiate cephalopods but in the
midgut gland of tetrabranchiates. Connective tissue pore cells are proposed as
the site of haemocyanin synthesis in gastropods, although similar cells in
cephalopod branchial hearts probably catabolize haemocyanin. Crustacean midgut
glands contain copper-metallothioneins and glutathione, which donate Cu(I) to
apohaemocyanin and function in detoxification and mineralization of excess
copper. The physiological significance of high concentrations of
quasi-crystalline haemocyanin within vascular spaces of the prosobranch left
kidney, opisthobranch blood gland and cephalopod branchial heart appendage is
discussed.
Segmental trisomy of chromosome 17: A mouse model of human aneuploidy syndromes
Authors: Vacík Tomáš , Ort Michael , Gregorová Soňa , Strnad Petr , Blatný Radek , Conte Nathalie , Bradley Allan , Bureš Jan , Forejt Jiří
Published: March 2005

Triplication of whole autosomes or large autosomal segments is detrimental to the development of a mammalian embryo. The trisomy of human chromosome (Chr) 21, known as Down's syndrome, is regularly associated with mental retardation and a variable set of other developmental anomalies. Several mouse models of Down's syndrome, triplicating 33–104 genes of Chr16, were designed in an attempt to analyze the contribution of specific orthologous genes to particular developmental features. However, a recent study challenged the concept of dosage-sensitive genes as a primary cause of an abnormal phenotype. To distinguish between the specific effects of dosage-sensitive genes and nonspecific effects of a large number of arbitrary genes, we revisited the mouse Ts43H/Ph segmental trisomy. It encompasses >310 known genes triplicated within the proximal 30 megabases (Mb) of Chr17. We refined the distal border of the trisomic segment to the interval bounded by bacterial artificial chromosomes RP23-277B13 (location 29.0 Mb) and
Cbs
gene (location 30.2 Mb). The Ts43H mice, viable on a mixed genetic background, exhibited spatial learning deficits analogous to those observed in Ts65Dn mice with unrelated trisomy. Quantitative analysis of the brain expression of 20 genes inside the trisomic interval and 12 genes lying outside on Chr17 revealed 1.2-fold average increase of mRNA steady-state levels of triplicated genes and 0.9-fold average down-regulation of genes beyond the border of trisomy. We propose that systemic comparisons of unrelated segmental trisomies, such as Ts65Dn and Ts43H, will elucidate the pathways leading from the triplicated sequences to the complex developmental traits.
Mugabe, Mbeki & the politics of anti-imperialism
Authors: Phimister Ian , Raftopoulos Brian
Published: March 2005

There can be little doubt that one of the most significant aspects of the current crisis in Zimbabwe, especially the events of the past two or three years, has been its international character. At the heart of President Robert Mugabe's offensive against the array of forces opposed to his rule are repeated attempts to place the Zimbabwe problem at the centre of a larger anti-imperialist and Pan-African position. These tactics have been crucial to the process of legitimising the recent actions of ZANU-PF, in power since independence in 1980. The land question in particular has been located within a discourse of legitimate redress for colonial injustice, language which has resonated on the African continent, and within the Third World more generally. Knowing that his authoritarian rule would be confronted with a widespread national and international critique centred on property rights, human rights and the rule of law, Mugabe and his advisors constructed alternative discourses around the need for renewed liberation struggle solidarity, the continuing effects of African marginalisation attendant on the globalisation process, and the presumptions of liberal imperialism. Behind this rhetorical shield, the ZANU-PF government has effectively suspended the rule of law as it attempts to bludgeon its opponents into silence. In doing so, it has enjoyed the support provided by the so-called ‘quiet diplomacy’ and ‘constructive engagement’ of other Southern and Central African governments.
US trade with Africa: African growth & opportunity?
Authors: Thompson Carol B.
Published: March 2005

This paper analyses the ‘USA Trade and Development Act’ (aka African Growth and Opportunity Act-AGOA) in the context of the WTO promotion for free trade. First, it briefly reviews ‘free trade’ relations for the African continent. It then analyses the trade relations of the US with Africa, as well as the performance of the US in following its own doctrine of open markets. The core of the paper addresses the trade agreement itself, discussing the conditionalities for eligibility for African countries to enlist the agreement, as well as analysing the provisions for the trade; it gives empirical findings about the impact of the act in its first years.
Investigating NEPAD's Development Assumptions
Authors: Matthews Sally
Published: March 2005

The New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) proposes a new strategy to bring about the development of the African continent. In order to assess NEPAD, it is necessary to reveal what NEPAD takes development to be. This article suggests that development, however it is understood, includes three aspects: a characterisation of the current situation which shows this situation to be undesirable, the envisaging of a desirable future, and the positing of a strategy that should be followed in order to bring about the desirable future. The article assesses NEPAD by examining the assumptions it makes with regard to these three aspects of development; and through such an examination reveals NEPAD to be an ambiguous and unimaginative project. While Africans thus have reason to feel discouraged by the emergence of NEPAD, the critical responses to NEPAD made by African academics and civil society groups are encouraging. These responses give rise to the hope that the African continent may yet see the emergence of alternative visions of a better future, and alternative paths to realise such visions.
The Niger delta: ‘petro violence’ and ‘partnership development’1
Authors: Zalik Anna
Published: March 2005

This article examines the globalisation of corporate strategic philanthropy as played out in the Niger Delta of Nigeria — a region that has been marked by a history of state and petroleum industry collusion both in social repression and environmental destruction. Social control of the Delta has rested largely on what Watts (2001) conceptualises as ‘petro violence’, the joint security imposed by the Nigerian military and oil companies to police their installations and the environment of social unrest that surrounds petroleum extraction. In examining the extractive industry's response to social dislocation, this study focuses on the adoption of a model of partnership and participatory development by Shell Nigeria. The implementation of the social stabilisation project promoted by Shell's partnership model and facilitated by international donors and state institutions (understood in corporate strategy as a ‘leveraged buy in’), exemplifies the reciprocal formation of the corporate social governance projects and development assistance in the Nigerian context. Yet this new model's attempt to achieve social consent is partially contradicted by the corporate requirement of profit maximisation served by rising prices associated with perceived and real threats to oil supplies. The oil companies’ pursuit of a social ‘licence to operate’ thus rests uneasily with an industry whose underlying logic profits from the upward movement of oil prices, dependent on instability and violence.

Her dissertation project, concerning social welfare interventions associated with the oil industry in the Mexican Gulf and the Niger Delta, is based on 16 months of field research funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Mario Einaudi Center for International Studies and the Latin American Studies Program at Cornell University
Evidence of Increased Homocysteine Levels in Alcoholism: The Franconian Alcoholism Research Studies (FARS)
Authors: Bleich Stefan , Carl Marco , Bayerlein Kristina , Reulbach Udo , Biermann Teresa , Hillemacher Thomas , Bönsch Dominikus , Kornhuber Johannes
Published: March 2005

Background:

A limited number of investigations have studied clearly defined patients with alcoholism and blood alcohol concentrations with their correlation to plasma homocysteine values and differentiated actively drinking patients from those with early abstinence. Therefore, this power analysis–based study was undertaken to determine whether plasma homocysteine levels are evidently altered in actively drinking alcoholic patients and patients with early abstinence.

Methods:

Two groups of patients with an established diagnosis of alcohol dependence. For both groups, a power of 90% (α= 0.05) was applied. Group A comprised 144 consecutively admitted actively drinking patients with alcoholism. Group B consisted of 56 patients with alcoholism who had abstained from alcohol for 24 to 72 hr before admission to the hospital.

Results:

Plasma homocysteine levels were significantly (t test: df= 198, t=−8.6, p < 0.0001) higher at admission when comparing group A with group B. The highly increased homocysteine levels in actively drinking patients with alcoholism were based on a strong significant positive correlation with the blood alcohol concentration (multiple regression analysis, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

Plasma homocysteine levels are evidently altered in actively drinking patients with alcoholism. Even though it has been described, the authors found no evidence for an increase of homocysteine levels in alcoholic patients with early abstinence. The current results emphasize the proposed pathogenetic role of increased plasma homocysteine levels in alcohol‐related disorders (i.e., brain atrophy, alcohol withdrawal seizures).
Deletion of the α7 Nicotinic Receptor Subunit Gene Results in Increased Sensitivity to Several Behavioral Effects Produced by Alcohol
Authors: Bowers Barbara J. , McClure‐Begley Tristan D. , Keller Jason J. , Paylor Richard , Collins Allan C. , Wehner Jeanne M.
Published: March 2005

Background:

The finding that most people with alcoholism are also heavy smokers prompted several research groups to evaluate the effects of ethanol on neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) function. Data collected in vitro indicate that physiologically relevant concentrations of ethanol inhibit the functional activation of homomeric α7 nAChRs, which are one of the most abundant nAChR subtypes expressed in the mammalian brain. The studies outlined here used α7 gene knockout (null mutant) mice to evaluate the potential role of α7 nAChRs in modulating selected behavioral and physiological effects produced by ethanol.

Methods:

Current evidence indicates that many responses to ethanol are not genetically correlated. Therefore, the authors measured the effects of acute administration of ethanol on several behaviors that are altered by both ethanol and nicotine: two tests of locomotor activity, acoustic startle, prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle, and body temperature. Ethanol‐induced durations of loss of righting reflex and ethanol elimination rates were also determined. These studies used null mutant (α7−/−) and wild‐type (α7+/+) mice.

Results:

Relative to α7+/+ mice, α7−/− mice were more sensitive to the activating effects of ethanol on open‐field activity, ethanol‐induced hypothermia, and duration of loss of the righting response. Deletion of the α7 gene did not influence the effects of ethanol on Y‐maze crossing or rearing activities, acoustic startle, or prepulse inhibition of startle. Gene deletion did not alter ethanol metabolism.

Conclusions:

These results indicate that some but not all of the behavioral effects of ethanol are mediated in part by effects on nAChRs that include the α7 subunit and may help to explain the robust association between alcohol consumption and the use of tobacco.
Developmental Differences in Childhood Motor Coordination Predict Adult Alcohol Dependence: Proposed Role for the Cerebellum in Alcoholism
Authors: Manzardo Ann M. , Penick Elizabeth C. , Knop Joachim , Nickel Elizabeth J. , Hall Sandra , Jensen Per , Gabrielli William F.
Published: March 2005

Background:

The Danish Longitudinal Study of Alcoholism has identified a number of early biological indicators that predicted alcohol dependence 30 years later. In light of recent evidence linking deficits of the cerebellum to certain neuropsychiatric disorders often comorbid with alcoholism, we hypothesized that developmental deficits in the cerebellar vermis may also play a role in the initiation of adult alcohol dependence. The present study evaluated whether measures of motor development in the first year of life predict alcohol dependence three decades later.

Methods:

A total of 241 subjects of the original 330 infants who were entered into this study completed the 30‐year follow‐up (12 had died). The subjects were men who were drawn from a large birth cohort born in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 1959 to 1961. A comprehensive series of measures were obtained on each subject before, during, and shortly after birth as well as at 1 year of age. Muscle tone at birth and day 5 as well as 1‐year measures of motor coordination—age to sitting, standing, and walking—were examined. A DSM‐III‐R diagnosis of alcohol dependence and a measure of lifetime problem drinking served as the 30‐year outcome variables.

Results:

Several measures of childhood motor development significantly predicted alcohol dependence at 30 years of age. These included deficits in muscle tone 5 days after birth, delays in the age to sitting, and delays in the age to walking.

Conclusions:

Relationships found between adult alcoholism and early delays in motor development offer support for the theory that cerebellar deficits may play a causal role in the addiction process.
Interactive Effect of Alcohol and Nicotine on Developing Cerebellum: An Investigation of the Temporal Pattern of Alcohol and Nicotine Administration
Authors: Chen Wei‐Jung A. , Harle Lindsey K.
Published: March 2005

Background:

Among individuals who use alcohol and tobacco products, pregnant women represent a unique subpopulation that generates a greater concern because of the toxic effects of alcohol and nicotine (from cigarettes and tobacco products) on the health of both the pregnant woman and her fetus. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the interactive effects of these two substances on the fetus. Previously, we found that concurrent exposure to alcohol and nicotine did not result in the loss of greater numbers of Purkinje cells compared with each drug treatment alone, possibly as a result of a nicotine‐mediated decline in peak blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The present study tested the validity of this hypothesis.

Methods:

On postnatal day (PD) 4, Sprague‐Dawley rat pups were assigned to five groups, GC (no alcohol ALC, no nicotine NIC), ALC (4 g/kg/day), NIC (6 mg/kg/day), ALC/NIC (ALC and NIC given concurrently), or ALC‐NIC (NIC administered 6 hr after ALC exposure). These rat pups were reared in an artificial‐rearing apparatus from PDs 4 to 9, and the cerebellar tissues were obtained on PD 10. The total number of cerebellar Purkinje cells in the vermis was estimated using stereological methods.

Results:

The results showed that alcohol significantly reduced Purkinje cell numbers. The coexposure of alcohol and nicotine did not lead to further reduction in Purkinje cell number regardless of administration method, concurrent or sequential. However, alcohol and nicotine administered concurrently but not sequentially significantly lowered the BAC.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that the lack of increased Purkinje cell loss after the coexposure of alcohol and nicotine is independent of nicotine's ability to lower the BAC. An alternative hypothesis might be that alcohol and nicotine target the same subpopulation of Purkinje cells; therefore, no additional Purkinje cells were lost from the coexposure of these two drugs.
Binge Drinking, Cognitive Performance and Mood in a Population of Young Social Drinkers
Authors: Townshend Julia M. , Duka Theodora
Published: March 2005

Background:

Binge drinking may lead to brain damage and have implications for the development of alcohol dependence. The aims of the present study were to determine individual characteristics as well as to compare mood states and cognitive function between binge and nonbinge drinkers and thus further validate the new tool used to identify these populations among social drinkers.

Methods:

The lowest and the highest 33.3% from a database of 245 social drinkers’ binge scores derived from the Alcohol Use Questionnaire (AUQ) were used as cutoff points to identify nonbinge drinkers and binge drinkers in a further population of 100 young healthy volunteers. Personality characteristics, expectations of the effects of alcohol and current mood were evaluated. Cognitive performance was tested with a Matching to Sample Visual Search task (MTS) and a Spatial Working Memory task (SWM) both from the CANTAB battery, and a Vigilance task from the Gordon Diagnostic System.

Results:

The binge drinkers had less positive mood than the nonbinge drinkers. In the MTS choice time on an 8‐pattern condition and movement time on an 8‐ and 4‐pattern condition was found to be faster in the binge drinkers compared to nonbinge drinkers. A gender by binge drinking interaction in the SWM and the Gordon Diagnostic System task revealed that female binge drinkers were worse on both these tasks than the female nonbinge drinkers.

Conclusions:

These results confirm previous findings in binge drinkers and suggest that in a nondependent alcohol‐drinking group, differences can be seen in mood and cognitive performance between those that binge drink and those that do not.
A shunt active power filter: development of properties
Authors: Szromba Andrzej
Published: March 2005

Numerous types of shunt active power filters have been proposed in many papers. The classification of these filters depends on various points of view. However, every type of a shunt active filter, which compensates non‐active component of load current, irrespective of the method used to detect this component and control strategies of the filter, should keep supply source current equal to active current of a load‐and‐filter circuit. This goal can be achieved in many ways, using various structures of active filters. But different realizations of filters cause differences in their properties. This paper, which is meant to serve as a review and synthesis of earlier work, shows some possibilities of forming of single‐phase shunt active filter behaviour. The following active filter properties are discussed: operation with an immediate reaction in the supplying source branch to a load current change, and with the reaction only once in each supplying source cycle; regulation by the filter of the non‐active current component of fundamental frequency; active filtering and simultaneous feeding of DC load with stabilizing DC voltage; operation with stabilization of supplying source current amplitude; reducing filter switching frequency; and reducing current distortions in the supplying source branch. All the waveforms presented were produced using a computer simulation method.
Comparison of 3D magnetodynamic formulations in terms of potentials with imposed electric global quantities
Authors: Henneron T. , Clénet S. , Piriou F.
Published: March 2005

Methods to impose a voltage or a current in massive conductors in dual magnetodynamic potential formulations (A‐φ and T‐KI‐Ω) are presented. In the A‐φ formulation, a supply voltage can be naturally imposed at the terminals of a conductor, but not a supply current. An equation must be added. This is the opposite for the T‐KI‐Ω formulation. In the paper all methods are described and compared on the basis of an example.
Wavelet's application in electrostatic and their computing aspects
Authors: Artur Belardi Aldo , Roberto Cardoso José , França Sartori Carlos Antonio
Published: March 2005

This paper presents the mathematical basis, and some results, concerning the application of the Haar's Wavelets as the expansion function in the method of moments. Some computational optimization techniques are used, and their main aspects are stressed in the paper. As an example, the surface charge density on a finite and thin plane plate calculation is presented, in which the main computational performance aspects are evaluated.
Comparisons of finite element and Rayleigh methods for the study of conical Bloch waves in arrays of metallic cylinders
Authors: Guenneau S. , Nicolet A. , Geuzaine C. , Zolla F. , Movchan A.B.
Published: March 2005

This paper investigates new technological devices to be utilised in future optical communications, by means of variational method (FEM) and multipole scattering approach (Rayleigh method). This last one provides interesting asymptotic results in the long‐wavelength limit. The so‐called photonic crystal fibres (PCF) possess radically different guiding properties due to photonic band gap guidance: removing a hole within a macro‐cell leads to a defect state within the gap. In the case of multi‐core PCF, the localised modes start talking to each other which possibly leads to a new generation of multiplexer/demultiplexers.
Complementary two‐dimensional finite element formulations with inclusion of a vectorized Jiles‐Atherton model
Authors: Gyselinck J. , Vandevelde L. , Melkebeek J. , Dular P.
Published: March 2005

This paper deals with the magnetic vector and scalar potential formulation for two‐dimensional (2D) finite element (FE) calculations including a vector hysteresis model, namely a vectorized Jiles‐Atherton model. The particular case of a current‐free FE model with imposed fluxes and magnetomotive forces is studied. The non‐linear equations are solved by means of the Newton‐Raphson method, which leads to the use of the differential reluctivity and permeability tensor. The proposed method is applied to a simple 2D model exhibiting rotational flux, viz the T‐joint of a three‐phase transformer.
Field‐circuit model of the dynamics of electromechanical device supplied by electronic power converters
Authors: Nowak Lech , Mikołajewicz Jacek
Published: March 2005

This paper presents a coupled field‐circuit simulation of transients in a non‐linear electromagnetic device supplied by electronic power converters (inverters, PWM systems). The eddy currents induced in solid cores are considered. The mathematical model of transients includes: equation of electromagnetic field, equations of the electric circuits and equation of motion. Numerical implementation of the algorithm is based on the finite element method. For time‐stepping the Cranck‐Nicholson scheme has been applied.
Field‐circuit transient analysis of a magnetorheological fluid brake
Authors: Szeląg W. , Sujka P. , Walendowski R.
Published: March 2005

This paper deals with coupled electromagnetic, hydrodynamic and mechanical motion phenomena in magnetorheological fluid brakes. The governing equations of these phenomena are presented. The numerical implementation of the mathematical model is based on the finite element method and a step‐by‐step algorithm. A computer program based on this algorithm was used to simulate the transients in a prototype of magnetorheological brake. The results of the calculations and measurements are presented.
Optimal design of induction heating equipment for high‐speed processing of a semiconductor
Authors: Okamoto Yoshifumi , Imai Toshio , Miyagi Daisuke , Takahashi Norio , Ozaki Kazuhiro , Ono Hiroshi , Uchida Naoki
Published: March 2005

Induction heating is widely used in the industry due to high efficiency, precise control, rapid heating and low pollution properties. To process a semiconductor of high quality, uniform heating is necessary, but it is not easy to heat uniformly by using the conventional induction heating equipment. For this purpose, the zone control induction heating equipment is jointly developed with Mitsui Engineering Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. In this paper, the optimization of current in each coil is carried out using the finite element method and the optimization method in order to obtain a uniform eddy current loss distribution on graphite.
Optimal characterization of LF magnetic field using multipoles
Authors: Scorretti R. , Takahashi R. , Nicolas L. , Burais N.
Published: March 2005

The LF magnetic field (50 Hz‐100 kHz) generated in the air by electrical appliances is characterised using multipoles. The maximum likelihood estimation of an equivalent multipolar source is computed using a genetic algorithm. The choice of the position and the number of measurement points are discussed.
Towards a cognitive foundation for knowledge representation
Authors: Evermann Joerg
Published: March 2005

Abstract.Knowledge engineering, knowledge management and conceptual modelling are concerned with representing knowledge of business and organizational domains. These research areas use ontologies for knowledge representation. Ontologies are understood either in the philosophical sense as firm metaphysical commitments or in the looser sense of dictionaries or taxonomies.

This paper critically examines the understanding and use of ontologies and knowledge representation languages in information systems (IS) research and application. As ontologies are intended to be conceptualizations of a perceived reality, they should reflect the empirically observed reality. This motivates proposing psychology of language as a reference discipline for knowledge engineering and knowledge management. Natural language is argued to reflect the cognitive concepts we use to think about and perceive the world around us. These cognitive concepts are the relevant terms with which to structure and represent knowledge about the world.

Psychology of language can provide empirical justification for a particular set of concepts to represent knowledge. This paper draws on psycho‐linguistic research to develop a proposal for a system of cognitive structures. This is argued to provide the relevant concepts on which to found knowledge representation schemata for knowledge engineering, knowledge management and conceptual modelling.
Molecular characterization of the safracin biosynthetic pathway from Pseudomonas fluorescens A2‐2: designing new cytotoxic compounds
Authors: Velasco Ana , Acebo Paloma , Gomez Alicia , Schleissner Carmen , Rodríguez Pilar , Aparicio Tomas , Conde Susana , Muñoz Rosario , De La Calle Fernando , Garcia Jose Luis , Sánchez‐Puelles Jose M
Published: March 2005

Safracin is an antibiotic with anti‐tumour activity produced by Pseudomonas fluorescens A2‐2. The entire safracin synthetic gene cluster spanning 17.5 kb has been identified, cloned and sequenced. The safracin cluster comprises 10 open reading frames (ORFs) encoding proteins for three non‐ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS), three safracin precursor biosynthetic enzymes, two safracin tailoring enzymes, a safracin resistance protein and a small hypothetical protein of unknown function. These genes are organized in two divergent operons of eight and two genes respectively. This pathway exhibits unusual features when compared with other NRPS systems. We have demonstrated by heterologous expression of the cluster that it is able to direct the synthesis of safracin in other strains. Cross‐feeding experiments have confirmed that 3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐O‐methyltyrosine is the precursor of two amino acids of the molecule. Genetic analyses have allowed us to demonstrate that the bicistronic operon encodes the hydroxylation and N‐methylation activities of the pathway. The cloning and expression of the safracin cluster has settled the basis for the in vivo and in vitro production of a wide variety of compounds, such as the promising ecteinascidins anti‐cancer compounds.
Frameshifting by transcriptional slippage is involved in production of MxiE, the transcription activator regulated by the activity of the type III secretion apparatus in Shigella flexneri
Authors: Penno Christophe , Sansonetti Philippe , Parsot Claude
Published: March 2005

Bacteria of Shigella spp. are responsible for shigellosis in humans. They use a type III secretion (TTS) system encoded by a 200 kb virulence plasmid to enter epithelial cells and trigger apoptosis in macrophages. This TTS system comprises a secretion apparatus, translocators and effectors that transit through this apparatus, cytoplasmic chaperones and specific transcription regulators. The TTS apparatus assembled during growth of Shigella flexneri in broth is activated upon contact with epithelial cells. Transcription of ≈ 15 genes encoding effectors, including IpaH proteins, is regulated by the TTS apparatus activity and controlled by MxiE, a transcription activator of the AraC family, and IpgC, the chaperone of the translocators IpaB and IpaC. We present evidence that MxiE is produced by a frameshift between a 59‐codon open reading frame (ORF) (mxiEa) containing the translation start site and a 214‐codon ORF (mxiEb) encoding the DNA binding domain of the protein. The mxiEa encoded N‐terminal part of MxiE is required for MxiE function. Frameshifting efficiency was ≈ 30% during growth in broth and was not modulated by the activity of secretion or the coactivator IpgC. Frameshifting involves slippage of RNA polymerase during transcription of mxiE, which results in the incorporation of one additional nucleotide in the mRNA and places mxiEa and mxiEb in the same reading frame. Frameshifting might represent an additional means of controlling gene expression under specific environmental conditions.
Human fibrinogen bound to Streptococcus pyogenes M protein inhibits complement deposition via the classical pathway
Authors: Carlsson Fredric , Sandin Charlotta , Lindahl Gunnar
Published: March 2005

Human fibrinogen (Fg) binds to surface proteins expressed by many pathogenic bacteria and has been implicated in different host–pathogen interactions, but the role of bound Fg remains unclear. Here, we analyse the role of Fg bound to Streptococcus pyogenes M protein, a major virulence factor that confers resistance to phagocytosis. Studies of the M5 system showed that a chromosomal mutant lacking the Fg‐binding region was completely unable to resist phagocytosis, indicating that bound Fg plays a key role in virulence. Deposition of complement on S. pyogenes occurred via the classical pathway even under non‐immune conditions, but was blocked by M5‐bound Fg, which reduced the amount of classical pathway C3 convertase on the bacterial surface. This property of M protein‐bound Fg may explain its role in phagocytosis resistance. Previous studies have shown that many M proteins do not bind Fg, but interfere with complement deposition and phagocytosis by recruiting human C4b‐binding protein (C4BP), an inhibitor of the classical pathway. Thus, all M proteins may share ability to recruit a human plasma protein, Fg or C4BP, which inhibits complement deposition via the classical pathway. Our data identify a novel function for surface‐bound Fg and allow us to propose a unifying mechanism by which M proteins interfere with innate immunity.
Characterization of a Type III secretion substrate specificity switch (T3S4) domain in YscP from Yersinia enterocolitica
Authors: Agrain Céline , Callebaut Isabelle , Journet Laure , Sorg Isabel , Paroz Cécile , Mota Luís Jaime , Cornelis Guy R.
Published: March 2005

The length of the needle ending the Yersinia Ysc injectisome is determined by YscP, a protein acting as a molecular ruler. In addition, YscP is required for Yop secretion. In the present paper, by a systematic deletion analysis, we localized accurately the region required for Yop secretion between residues 405 and 500. As this C‐terminal region of YscP has also been shown to control needle length it probably represents the substrate specificity switch of the machinery. By a bioinformatics analysis, we show that this region has a globular structure, an original α/β fold, a P‐x‐L‐G signature and presumably no catalytic activity. In spite of very limited sequence similarities, this structure is conserved among the proteins that are presumed to control the needle length in many different injectisomes and also among members of the FliK family, which control the flagellar hook length. This region thus represents a new protein domain that we called T3S4 for Type III secretion substrate specificity switch. The T3S4 domain of YscP can be replaced by the T3S4 domain of AscP (Aeromonas salmonicida) or PscP (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) but not by the one from FliK, indicating that in spite of a common global structure, these domains need to fit their partner proteins in the secretion apparatus.