bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical cytometry for monitoring metabolism of a Ras‐mimicking substrate in single cells
Authors: Arkhipov Sergey N. , Berezovski Maxim , Jitkova Julia , Krylov Sergey N.
Published: December 2004

Background

Chemical cytometry is an emerging technology that analyzes chemical contents of single cells by means of capillary electrophoresis or capillary chromatography. It has a potential to become an indispensable tool in analyses of heterogeneous cell populations such as those in tumors. Ras oncogenes are found in 30% of human cancers. To become fully functional products, oncogenic Ras proteins require at least three posttranslational modifications: farnesylation, endoproteolysis, and carboxyl‐methylation. Therefore, enzymes that catalyze the three reactions, farnesyltransferase (FTase), endoprotease (EPase), and methyltransferase (MTase), are considered highly attractive therapeutic targets. In this work, we used chemical cytometry to study the metabolism of a pentapeptide substrate that can mimic Ras proteins with respect to their posttranslational modifications in solution.

Methods

Mouse mammary gland tumor cells (4T1) and mouse embryo fibroblasts (NIH3T3) were incubated with a fluorescently labeled pentapeptide substrate, 2′,7′‐difluorofluorescein‐5‐carboxyl‐Gly‐Cys‐Val‐Ilu‐Ala. Cells were washed from the substrate and resuspended in phosphate buffered saline. Uptake of the substrate by the cells was monitored by laser scanning confocal microscopy. Single cells were injected into the capillary, lysed, and subjected to capillary electrophoresis. Fluorescent metabolic products were detected by laser‐induced fluorescence and compared with products obtained by the conversion of the substrate by FTase, EPase, and MTase in solution. Co‐sampling of single cells with the in‐vitro products was used for such comparison.

Results

Confocal microscopy data showed that the substrate permeated the plasma membrane and clustered in the cytoplasm. Further capillary electrophoresis and chemical cytometry analyses showed that the substrate was converted into three fluorescently labeled products, two of which were secreted in the culture medium and one remained in the cells. The intracellular product was present at approximately 100,000 molecules per cell. The three metabolic products of the substrate were found to be different from the products of its processing by FTase, EPase, and MTase in solution.

Conclusions

This is the first report of chemical cytometry in the context of Ras‐signaling studies. The chemical cytometry method used in this work will find applications in the development of suitable peptide substrates for monitoring enzyme activities in single cells. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Risk of type 1 diabetes in childhood and maternal age at delivery, interaction with ACPI and sex
Authors: Bottini N. , Meloni G. F. , Lucarelli P. , Amante A. , Saccucci P. , Gloria‐Bottini F. , Bottini E.
Published: December 2004

Background

We have investigated the possible role of ACP1 (also known as cLMWPTP: cytosolic low molecular weight phosphotyrosine phosphatase), a highly polymorphic enzyme involved in signal transduction of T‐cell receptor, insulin receptor and other growth factors in the relationship between maternal age at delivery and risk of type 1 diabetes in the offspring.

Methods

One hundred and eighty‐nine consecutive children with type 1 diabetes (TIDM) diagnosed at the Department of Pediatrics of the University of Sassari (Sardinia) were studied. A control sample of 5460 consecutive newborns from the same population was also studied.

Results

Maternal age at birth of children with type 1 diabetes has shifted towards high values. There is also an effect of birth order on the susceptibility to type 1 diabetes, which is independent of that due to maternal age. The proportion of low activity ACPl genotypes is much higher among children born from older mothers than among diabetic children born from relatively young mothers. There is a significant effect of sex, maternal age, sex–ACPl two‐way interaction and sex–ACP1–maternal age three‐way interaction on the age at diagnosis of diabetes.

Conclusions

The present data confirm the strong association between maternal age at delivery and risk of type 1 diabetes in the child. In addition, our analysis suggests a complex interaction among maternal age, sex of infant and ACP1 concerning age at diagnosis of diabetes. Thus, risk and clinical course of type 1 diabetes seem to be dependent on both maternal environment during intrauterine development and foetal genetic factors. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and development of a scale measuring fear of complications in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Taylor Emily P. , Crawford John R. , Gold Ann E.
Published: December 2004

Background

There are many determinants of glycaemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes. Patients with type 1 diabetes and poor glycaemic control have been reported as being more likely to have a greater fear of hypoglycaemia. The relationship between fear of diabetes‐related complications and glycaemic control is unclear, and therefore a brief measure of fear of diabetes complications was developed.

Methods

A questionnaire was designed, comprising items relating to general fears, specific fears (e.g. blindness, kidney problems, heart disease), lifestyle fears, fear of hypoglycaemia and weight gain. The questionnaire was piloted on 147 outpatients with type 1 diabetes, along with other measures such as the Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales, the Coping with Health, Injuries and Problems Scale and the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire.

Results

Factor analysis was carried out on the 30 items and, after rotation, 15 emerged as loading heavily on the first factor. Factor analysis was rerun on these 15 items and the first factor accounted for 56% of the total variance. This factor remained invariant when the scale was split randomly and by age and gender. The reliability of the scale (α) was 0.94. The scale did not correlate with any demographic variables but did with measures of negative affectivity (HADS anxiety = 0.34, p < 0.001; Depression = 0.24, p < 0.004), the Hypoglycaemia fear survey worry Scale (0.44, p < 0.001), presence of complications (0.17, p < 0.04) and number of complications (0.28, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

These results indicate that the scale identifies a fear that is moderately related to the presence of complications and general negative affectivity but which is a uniquely diabetes‐related emotion. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alkaline Fuel Cells
Authors: Gülzow E.
Published: December 2004

Alkaline fuel cells may become an important element in pollution free energy conversion. In the literature most papers in the field of low temperature fuel cells are concerned with polymer electrolyte fuel cells. However, there are still a lot of research groups and companies working on alkaline fuel cells.

The advantages and disadvantages of AFCs are presented. The main technical problems are solved. It can be concluded, due to work carried out at DLR, that carbon dioxide poisoning of electrodes from rolled DLR electrodes does not take place. These investigations demonstrate that AFCs are highly efficient cells for portable and stationary applications.
A Two‐Phase Non‐Isothermal PEFC Model: Theory and Validation
Authors: Noponen M. , Birgersson E. , Ihonen J. , Vynnycky M. , Lundblad A. , Lindbergh G.
Published: December 2004

A two‐dimensional, non‐isothermal, two‐phase model of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) is presented. The model is developed for conditions where variations in the streamwise direction are negligible. In addition, experiments were conducted with a segmented cell comprised of net flow fields. The, experimentally obtained, current distributions were used to validate the PEFC model developed. The PEFC model includes species transport and the phase change of water, coupled with conservation of momentum and mass, in the porous backing of the cathode, and conservation of charge and heat throughout the fuel cell. The current density in the active layer at the cathode is modelled with an agglomerate model, and the contact resistance for heat transfer over the material boundaries is taken into account. Good agreement was obtained between the modelled and experimental polarization curves. A temperature difference of 6 °C between the bipolar plate and active layer on the cathode, and a liquid saturation of 6% at the active layer in the cathode were observed at 1 A cm–2.
Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cells with 600 mA cm–2 at 0.4 V and 22 °C
Authors: Ha S. , Larsen R. , Zhu Y. , Masel R. I.
Published: December 2004

A demonstration of direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs) generating very high power density at ambient temperature is reported. In particular, the performance of the Pd black as an anode catalyst for DFAFCs with different formic acid feed concentrations at different operating temperatures has been evaluated. The Pd black based DFAFCs with dry air and zero backpressure can generate a maximum power density of 248 and 271 mW cm–2 at 22 °C and 30 °C respectively. The open cell potential is 0.90 V. These results show that DFAFCs are potentially excellent alternative power sources for small portable electronic devices.
PEFC Stack Operating in Anodic Dead End Mode
Authors: Dumercy L. , Péra M.‐C. , Glises R. , Hissel D. , Hamandi S. , Badin F. , Kauffmann J.‐M.
Published: December 2004

The polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) system is considered as an alternative power source and is particularly promising for mobile applications. This paper reports some experimental results performed on a PEFC stack, operating in anodic dead end mode. The flush frequency of the anode is investigated. In order to reduce hydrogen consumption in an embedded application, the flush frequency could be calculated from system modelling, according to the operating conditions. The first step of such a model is presented. It simulates the water exchanges between the anode and cathode channels in the anode dead end case. It has been implemented in a MATLAB® environment.
Organization and delivery of primary health care services in Petrópolis, Brazil
Authors: Macinko James , Almeida Celia , Oliveira Eliane dos Santos , Klingelhoefer de Sá Paulo
Published: December 2004

The objective of the study was to adapt and apply an instrument to measure the organizational features of the primary care system in the municipality of Petrópolis. The study compared the performance of the new Family Health Program (Programa Saúde da Família or PSF) with traditional primary care facilities using data from facility surveys and key informant interviews. The main results include: (a) the methodology was capable of distinguishing between the two types of primary care services in the municipality; (b) the PSF clinics scored higher on most dimensions of primary care, although in some areas the traditional health units had equivalent scores; and (c) data obtained from interviewing key informants was generally compatible with that obtained by conducting facility surveys. The results suggests that in spite of making important advances in primary care, the municipality of Petrópolis continues to face several challenges including the need to improve access, enforce the gatekeeper role of primary care, and improve the coordination and community orientation of both types of primary care services. The methodology could be used to set objectives and monitor progress towards improving the organization and delivery of primary care in Petrópolis and elsewhere. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A realistic approach to the evaluation of the quality management movement in health care systems: a comparison between European and African contexts based on Mintzberg's organizational models
Authors: Blaise P. , Kegels G.
Published: December 2004

The quality movement is gaining momentum worldwide in the field of health care. Initiated in industrialized countries, it steadily grows in Africa. However, there is no evidence that approaches designed to address issues in a given organizational context have the same effect in another one where issues present differently.

Along the epistemological paradigm of realistic evaluation proposed by Pawson and Tilley, we use Mintzberg's organizational models to compare the configurations of European and African health care organizations and the trends followed by the quality management movement in both contexts. We illustrate how European health systems traditionally emphasize professional autonomy while African health systems are structured as command and control hierarchical systems. We illustrate how the quality movement in Europe emphasizes standardization of procedures, a characteristic of a mechanistic organization, while excessive standardization is part of the quality problem in Africa.

We suggest that instilling professionalism may be a way forward for the quality movement in Africa to improve patient focus and responsiveness of responsible professionals. We also suggest that our interpretation of broad trends and contrasts may be used as a useful departure point to study the wide contextual diversity of the African experience with quality management. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of the radiopacifier in an acrylic bone cement on its mechanical, thermal, and physical properties: Barium sulfate‐containing cement versus iodine‐containing cement
Authors: Lewis Gladius , van Hooy‐Corstjens Catharina S.J. , Bhattaram Anuradha , Koole Leo H.
Published: December 2004

In all acrylic bone cement formulations in clinical use today, radiopacity is provided by micron‐sized particles (typical mean diameter of between about 1 and 2 μm) of either BaSO4 or ZrO2. However, a number of research reports have highlighted the fact that these particles have deleterious effects on various properties of the cured cement. Thus, there is interest in alternative radiopacifiers. The present study focuses on one such alternative. Specifically, a cement that contains covalently bound iodine in the powder (herein designated the I‐cement) was compared with a commercially available cement of comparable composition (C‐ment®3), in which radiopacity is provided by BaSO4 particles (this cement is herein designated the B‐cement), on the basis of the strength (σb), modulus (Eb), and work‐to‐fracture (Ub), under four‐point bending, plane‐strain fracture toughness (KIC), Weibull mean fatigue life, NWM (fatigue conditions: ±15 MPa; 2 Hz), activation energy (Q), and frequency factor (ln Z) for the cement polymerization process (both determined by using differential scanning calorimetry at heating rates of 5, 10, 15, and 20 K min−1), and the diffusion coefficient for the absorption of phosphate‐buffered saline at 37°C (D). For the B‐cement, the values of σb, Eb, Ub, KIC, NWM, Q, ln Z, and D were 53 ± 3 MPa, 3000 ± 120 MPa, 108 ± 15 kJ m−3, 1.67 ± 0.02 MPa✓m, 7197 cycles, 243 ± 17 kJ mol−1, 87 ± 6, and (3.15 ± 0.94) × 10−12 m2 s−1, respectively. For the I‐cement, the corresponding values were 58 ± 5 MPa, 2790 ± 140 MPa, 118 ± 45 kJ m−3, 1.73 ± 0.11 MPa✓m, 5520 cycles, 267 ± 19 kJ mol−1, 95 ± 9, and (3.83 ± 0.25) × 10−12 m2 s−1. For each of the properties of the fully cured cement, except for the rate constant of the polymerization reaction, at 37°C (k′), as estimated from the Q and ln Z results, there is no statistically significant difference between the two cements. k′ for the I‐cement was about a third that for the B‐cement, suggesting that the former cement has a higher thermal stability. The influence of various characteristics of the starting powder (mean particle size, particle size distribution, and morphology) on the properties of the cured cements appears to be complex. When all the present results are considered, there is a clear indication that the I‐cement is a viable candidate cement for use in cemented arthroplasties in place of the B‐cement. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 73B: 77–87, 2005
Sheath liquid interface for the coupling of normal‐phase liquid chromatography with electrospray mass spectrometry and its application to the analysis of neoflavonoids
Authors: Charles Laurence , Laure Frédéric , Raharivelomanana Phila , Bianchini Jean‐Pierre
Published: December 2004

A novel interface that allows normal‐phase liquid chromatography to be coupled with electrospray ionization (ESI) is reported. A make‐up solution of 60 mM ammonium acetate in methanol, infused at a 5 µl min−1 flow‐rate at the tip of the electrospray probe, provides a sheath liquid which is poorly miscible with the chromatographic effluent, but promotes efficient ionization of the targeted analytes. Protonated molecules generated in the ESI source were subjected to tandem mass spectrometric experiments in a triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometer. The main fragmentation reactions were characterized for each analyte and specific mass spectral transitions were used to acquire chromatographic data in the multiple reaction monitoring detection mode. Results obtained during optimization of the sheath liquid composition and flow‐rate suggest that the electrospray process was mainly under the control of the make‐up solution, and that it forms an external charged layer around a neutral chromatographic mobile phase core. This sheath liquid interface was implemented for the analysis of some neoflavonoid compounds and its performance was evaluated. Limits of detection were established for calophillolide, inophyllum B, inophyllum P and inophyllum C at 100, 25, 15 and 100 ng ml−1, respectively. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation and Characterization of Inclusion Complexes of Poly(butylene succinate) with α‐ and γ‐Cyclodextrins
Authors: Dong Tungalag , He Yong , Shin Kyung‐moo , Inoue Yoshio
Published: December 2004

Summary: The inclusion complexes (ICs) of α‐ and γ‐cyclodextrins (CDs) with high‐molecular‐weight poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) were prepared and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, solid‐state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and solution 1H NMR spectroscopy. The resultant ICs were found to have channel structures. FT‐IR data suggested that the ICs were stabilized by hydrogen bonds between the host CD molecules and the guest PBS chains. Through the formation of ICs, the PBS chain possibly adopts the kink conformation in the included state, as indicated by NMR analysis.

Experimental and curve‐fitting FT‐IR spectrum of α‐CD‐PBS IC in the carbonyl region (s, νCO).

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Experimental and curve‐fitting FT‐IR spectrum of α‐CD‐PBS IC in the carbonyl region (s, νCO).
Enhanced Thermal and Mechanical Properties in Polyurethane/Au Nanocomposites
Authors: Hsu Shan‐hui , Chou Chih‐Wei , Tseng Sheng‐Mao
Published: December 2004

Summary: We have prepared waterborne polyurethane (WBPU) thin films containing gold nanoparticles by casting WBPU/Au solutions. The effect of the Au nanoparticle contents on the microstructure and properties of the composite films was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmittance electron microscopy (TEM), FTIR spectroscopy (FTIR) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The Au nanoparticles initially in the WBPU solution were well dispersed in the WBPU films cast and dried at 60 °C. The thermostability and mechanical properties of the polymer increased with Au contents up to 4.35 × 10−2 wt.‐%, which was believed to be a result of induced crystallization in the presence of Au nanoparticles. The Au/WBPU nanocomposite containing with 6.5 × 10−2 wt.‐% of Au resulted in the aggregation of Au particles, which leads to a worsening of the thermal and mechanical properties.

TEM micrograph of nanocomposites filled with 4.35 × 10−2 wt.‐% of Au nanoparticles.

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TEM micrograph of nanocomposites filled with 4.35 × 10−2 wt.‐% of Au nanoparticles.
High‐Throughput Method for Determining Modulus of Polymer Blends
Authors: Simon Carl G. , Eidelman Naomi , Deng Yan , Washburn Newell R.
Published: December 2004

Summary: A method for rapidly determining the modulus of polymer blends was developed. A polymer blend gradient library of poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(D,L‐lactic acid) (PDLLA) was created in the form of a strip‐shaped film and characterized with FTIR microspectroscopy. Nanoindentation measurements were made along the gradients to obtain modulus data over a wide range of PLLA‐PDLLA blend compositions. This novel, high‐throughput approach to material characterization provides engineers with a technique to accelerate the development of materials.

Deposition of the polymer composition gradient.

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Deposition of the polymer composition gradient.
F‐bar‐based linear triangles and tetrahedra for finite strain analysis of nearly incompressible solids. Part I: formulation and benchmarking
Authors: Neto E. A.de Souza , Pires F. M. Andrade , Owen D. R. J.
Published: December 2004

This paper proposes a new technique which allows the use of simplex finite elements (linear triangles in 2D and linear tetrahedra in 3D) in the large strain analysis of nearly incompressible solids. The new technique extends the F‐bar method proposed by de Souza Neto et al. (Int. J. Solids and Struct. 1996; 33: 3277–3296) and is conceptually very simple: It relies on the enforcement of (near‐) incompressibility over a patch of simplex elements (rather than the point‐wise enforcement of conventional displacement‐based finite elements). Within the framework of the F‐bar method, this is achieved by assuming, for each element of a mesh, a modified (F‐bar) deformation gradient whose volumetric component is defined as the volume change ratio of a pre‐defined patch of elements. The resulting constraint relaxation effectively overcomes volumetric locking and allows the successful use of simplex elements under finite strain near‐incompressibility. As the original F‐bar procedure, the present methodology preserves the displacement‐based structure of the finite element equations as well as the strain‐driven format of standard algorithms for numerical integration of path‐dependent constitutive equations and can be used regardless of the constitutive model adopted. The new elements are implemented within an implicit quasi‐static environment. In this context, a closed form expression for the exact tangent stiffness of the new elements is derived. This allows the use of the full Newton–Raphson scheme for equilibrium iterations. The performance of the proposed elements is assessed by means of a comprehensive set of benchmarking two‐ and three‐dimensional numerical examples. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy: a review of the most efficacious pharmacological treatments
Authors: Rogers LC , Alam U , Tesfaye S , Malik RA
Published: December 2004

Painful diabetic neuropathy is a common and troubling complication of diabetes. Many current treatments are based on anecdotal reports or relatively small clinical trials in which the efficacy of the agents is questionable, reflecting the fact that none is specifically licensed for the management of painful diabetic neuropathy. Despite these limitations the authors provide a practical algorithm based on a number needed to treat analysis together with an assessment of drug safety. We advocate an improvement in overall glycaemic control together with a reduction in glucose flux, coupled with a stepwise approach starting with a tricyclic, followed by gabapentin, tramadol and carbamazepine. We do not recommend combination treatment. Copyright ©2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combination treatment of insulin with oral hypoglycaemic agents in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Dixon AN
Published: December 2004

The recently published guidelines from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) on the management of blood glucose in type 2 diabetes and the NICE guidelines on the use of the long‐acting insulin analogue, glargine, have brought to the fore the use of combination therapy of insulin with oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHAs). The NICE guidelines recommend that when a patient with type 2 diabetes is failing to achieve satisfactory glycaemic control with OHAs alone, insulin should be initiated in combination with OHAs. However, evidence for this approach is less than robust and combination treatment of OHAs with insulin remains a controversial area. This article presents the evidence for different insulin regimens in patients who have secondary failure to OHAs, including combination therapy with basal insulin. The evidence and potential drawbacks of such regimens are discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of oxalic acid on the rheological properties of dope solution of poly[acrylonitrile‐co‐(methyl acrylate)‐co‐(itaconic acid)]
Authors: Devasia Renjith , Reghunadhan Nair CP , Ninan KN
Published: December 2004

The very high dope viscosity of concentrated dope of poly[acrylonitrile‐co‐(methyl acrylate)‐co‐(itaconic acid)] (with M̄v = 10.67 × 105g mol−1) in DMF could be diminished significantly by the addition of oxalic acid (OXA). The change in steady shear rheological behaviour caused by OXA has been analysed for the dope using a rheometer working in the viscosity mode. The temperature dependence of η0 conformed to the Arrhenius‐Frenkel‐Eyring equation. ΔGv decreased marginally with OXA concentration, and the least value was observed at an OXA concentration of 0.63 % by weight. Shear thinning behaviour was observed under higher shear rates for the terpolymer solutions in the presence and absence of OXA. The pseudoplasticity index (n) showed an abrupt initial increase on addition of OXA. The OXA concentration of 0.63 % by weight was advantageous for decreasing the viscosity of the polymer dope. The reduction in viscosity is attributed to the disturbed polymer‐polymer interactions by way of H‐bonding of OXA with the polymer. OXA‐containing dope at higher shear rate could achieve very low viscosities. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and characterization of monosubstituted and disubstituted poly(3,4‐propylenedioxythiophene) derivatives with high electrochromic contrast in the visible region
Authors: Mishra Sarada P. , Krishnamoorthy K. , Sahoo Rabindra , Kumar Anil
Published: December 2004

Monosubstituted and disubstituted 3,4‐propylenedioxythiophenes were synthesized and polymerized by both chemical and electrochemical methods. All the monomers were characterized for their molecular structures, and the polymers were characterized for their electrochemical properties. The disubstituted derivatives showed higher contrast than the corresponding monoalkyl derivatives. The highest electrochromic contrast of 89% was exhibited by a dibenzyl derivative, but the derivative was insoluble. On the other hand, the electrochemically polymerized dihexyl‐ and didodecyl‐substituted poly(3,4‐propylenedioxythiophene)s exhibited 74 and 77% electrochromic contrast, respectively, and were soluble. The molecular weights of the chemically and electrochemically synthesized polymers were analyzed by gel permeation chromatography. The chemically synthesized polymers showed higher molecular weights. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 419–428, 2005
Prenatal ultrasound findings of lissencephaly associated with Miller–Dieker syndrome and comparison with pre‐ and postnatal magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Fong K. W. , Ghai S. , Toi A. , Blaser S. , Winsor E. J. T. , Chitayat D.
Published: December 2004

Objective

To report on the prenatal ultrasound findings in fetuses with lissencephaly associated with Miller–Dieker syndrome (MDS) and to compare these findings with those of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

Cases of MDS confirmed by postnatal chromosome microdeletion analysis were identified through review of patient records. Prenatal ultrasound scans were reviewed retrospectively by two radiologists. For cerebral cortical development, the Sylvian, parieto‐occipital and calcarine fissures, and the cingulate sulcus and sulci over the cerebral convexity were evaluated. If one or more of these fissures or sulci were not visualized at the expected gestational age or their appearance was abnormal for gestational age, cortical development was considered delayed. Prenatal and postnatal MRI examinations were reviewed by a pediatric neuroradiologist.

Results

There were seven cases of MDS. In three cases, the prenatal diagnosis of agyria/lissencephaly was prospectively suspected by ultrasound at 23, 26 and 30 weeks, and subsequently confirmed by prenatal MRI. When we retrospectively reviewed the prenatal ultrasound scans of all fetuses, all had delayed cortical development identified on ultrasound performed after 23 weeks' gestation. In all cases the Sylvian fissure was abnormal on both ultrasound and MRI. In one fetus, a normal cortical appearance for gestational age was seen at the initial 20‐week ultrasound examination, but delayed cortical development was identified at a 24‐week scan. Mild ventriculomegaly was seen in six fetuses and dysgenesis of the corpus callosum in one. Extracranial abnormalities were detected in five fetuses. Delayed cortical development was seen in two fetuses with mild ventriculomegaly, but no other fetal anomalies.

Conclusions

In fetuses with MDS, delayed cortical development can be suspected on ultrasound as early as 23 weeks' gestation. This finding warrants further investigations including MRI and FISH analysis for chromosome 17p13.3 deletion. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sexual behavior in a one‐male unit of Rhinopithecus bieti in captivity
Authors: Cui Liang‐Wei , Xiao Wen
Published: December 2004

Data regarding the sexual behavior of black‐and‐white snub‐nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti) were collected in 1998 in a one‐male unit in captivity by all‐occurrences sampling during the mating season. Before the present study, little was known about the sexual behavior of this species. This study showed that female solicitation is mainly expressed as “prostration plus glancing laterally” (PG) or “sitting plus head moving up and down” (HM), and male solicitation is exhibited by the “grunt bared‐teeth display.” The mount‐to‐ejaculation ratio was 5.2 on average, and single‐mount ejaculations (SMEs) were observed in only 4.4% of mounts on days with at least one ejaculation. Therefore, the main copulatory pattern of this species is multiple‐mount ejaculation (MME). Females initiated 72% of 18 ejaculatory mounts. Females initiated more ejaculatory mounts than non‐ejaculatory ones. In general, the patterns of sexual behavior in this species are similar to those reported for other Colobines. Zoo Biol 23:545–550, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Light interception and utilization of four grain legumes sown at different plant populations and depths
Authors: AYAZ S. , McKENZIE B. A. , McNEIL D. L. , HILL G. D.
Published: December 2004

Canopy development, radiation absorption and its utilization for yield was studied in four grain legume species Cicer arietinum, Lens culinaris, Lupinus angustifolius and Pisum sativum. The grain legumes were grown at different plant populations and sowing depths over two seasons in Canterbury, New Zealand. The green area index (GAI), intercepted radiation, radiation use efficiency (RUE) and total intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) increased significantly (P<0·001) with increased plant population. Narrow-leafed lupin produced the highest maximum biomass (878 and 972 g/m2, averaged over all populations during 1998/99 and 1999/2000, respectively) and intercepted more radiation (600 and 714 MJ/m2, averaged over all populations during 1998/99 and 1999/2000, respectively) than the other three legumes. In all four species, in both trials, the highest plant populations reached their peak GAI about 7–10 days earlier than legumes sown at low populations. Cumulative intercepted PAR was strongly associated with seed yield and crop harvest index (CHI).

The RUE increased (from 1·10 to 1·46 and from 1·04 to 1·34 g/MJ during 1998/99 and 1999/2000, respectively) as plant population increased and was highest in the highest yielding species (e.g. 146 and 1·36 g/MJ for narrow-leafed lupin in both experiments). The larger leaf canopies produced at the higher plant populations reduced the extinction coefficient (k).

The results suggest that in the subhumid temperate environment of Canterbury, grain legume species should be selected for the development of a large GAI. This should maximize PAR interception, DM production and, consequently, seed yield.
Effects of integrating host plant resistance with time of planting or fungicides on anthracnose and grain mould and yield of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) in the Nigerian northern Guinea Savanna
Authors: MARLEY P. S.
Published: December 2004

Two field trials were conducted in the 1999 and 2000 cropping seasons to determine the effect of planting date and host plant resistance on grain mould and anthracnose, and host plant resistance with fungicides on anthracnose of sorghum in the Nigerian northern Guinea Savanna. Three sorghum varieties were used [SAMSORG 40 (ICSV 111), SAMSORG 4 (KSV 4) (both early maturing and susceptible to anthracnose) and SAMSORG 14 (KSV 8) (medium maturing and resistant to anthracnose)]. Results show that early planting in June and the first 2 weeks of July predisposed susceptible varieties to high level of anthracnose while planting in June predisposed SAMSORG 40 and SAMSORG 4 to high levels of grain mould but gave highest grain yield for the three varieties. The resistant variety SAMSORG 14 was resistant to both anthracnose and grain mould irrespective of planting date. Foliar application with benomyl controlled anthracnose and gave highest yields when combined with seed treatment using metalaxyl+carboxin+furathiocarb (MCF). However, seed treatment alone with MCF did not control anthracnose.
An evaluation of selected perennial ryegrass growth models for development and integration into a pasture management decision support system
Authors: BARRETT P. D. , LAIDLAW A. S. , MAYNE C. S.
Published: December 2004

Four perennial ryegrass growth models were evaluated for their suitability to form the basis of a herbage growth model (HGM) for a decision support system (DSS). The successful candidate had to be suitable for further development to meet the specification of the DSS and following redevelopment it would then be integrated into a pasture management decision support system for dairy production. The models selected for evaluation were the Irish produced Brereton model (Brereton et al. 1996), the LINGRA model (Schapendonk et al. 1998), produced in the Netherlands, and a version of the English Johnson & Thornley (1985) model, developed for field use at the Northern Ireland Plant Testing Station (Laidlaw & Gilliland 2000). The fourth model was a version of the LINGRA model, simplistically adapted by the authors to take account of reproductive growth (LINGRARep). The performance of the models was tested using the mean squared prediction error (MSPE) against a total of 28 seasons' growth data, collected from two sites; i.e. at the former Grassland Research Institute at Hurley, England and the Northern Ireland Plant Testing Station at Crossnacreevy. The Brereton model, when validated against the Hurley dataset, had the lowest MSPE of the four models, but had the highest MSPE against Crossnacreevy data. The PTS model did not perform as well as expected considering its mechanistic basis. Equally, the performance of the LINGRA model was poor at both sites. However, the LINGRARep performed well, having the lowest MSPE at Crossnacreevy and second lowest at Hurley. The LINGRA model was selected for development as the final HGM given that it proved suitable for adaptation and by making even simple adaptations, as in LINGRARep, its performance could be substantially improved. Therefore, it was considered that it possessed the greatest potential for further development.
Determination of potentially mineralizable nitrogen and nitrogen in particulate organic matter fractions in soil by visible and near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: MORON A. , COZZOLINO D.
Published: December 2004

Visible (VIS) and near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with multivariate data analysis was used to predict potentially mineralizable nitrogen (PMN) and nitrogen in particulate organic matter fractions (PSOM-N). Soil samples from a long-term experiment (n=24) as well as soils under commercial management (n=160) in Uruguay (South America) were analysed. Samples were scanned in a NIRS 6500 monochromator instrument by reflectance (400–2500 nm). Modified partial least square regression (MPLS) and cross validation were used to develop the calibration models between NIRS data and reference values. NIRS calibration models gave a coefficient of determination for the calibration (R2CAL)>0·80 and the standard deviation of reference data to standard error in cross validation (RPD) ratio ranging from 2 to 5·5 for the variables evaluated. The results obtained in the study showed that NIRS could have the potential to determine PMN and PSOM-N fractions in soils under different agronomic conditions. However, the relatively limited number of samples led us to be cautious in terms of conclusions and to extend the results of this work to similar conditions.
Contribution of new varieties to cereal yields in Finland between 1973 and 2003
Authors: ÖFVERSTEN J. , JAUHIAINEN L. , KANGAS A.
Published: December 2004

On the basis of Finnish statutory variety trial data, the contribution of new varieties to cereal yields has been investigated. Such data have been collected since 1973. The data used contained the results of 2037 field trials testing 224 new barley cultivars, 163 new oat cultivars, 154 new spring wheat cultivars, 48 new winter wheat cultivars and 52 new winter rye cultivars. The data indicated a continuous increase in the annual yield of all the cereal species. The increase could be attributed in part to the genetic improvement of varieties and in part to changes in farming practices and environmental conditions. By using modern mixed model techniques it was possible to separate the effects due to genetic improvement from those due to the other factors. The main results show that in 1973–2003, new varieties contributed to an increase of 0·64, 0·41, 1·01, 0·63 and 0·97%, respectively, in the mean annual yield of barley, oats, spring wheat, winter wheat and winter rye. The research approach was based solely on existing data; new field experiments were not needed.
Effects of vitamin E and selenium on the performance and immune status of ewes and lambs
Authors: ROOKE J. A. , ROBINSON J. J. , ARTHUR J. R.
Published: December 2004

Inclusion in the diet of concentrations of vitamin E and selenium (Se) above requirement is associated with variable improvements in animal performance and immune function. At the cellular and molecular level, research in the last decade has produced a clearer understanding of the mechanisms underlying the multiple functions of vitamin E and Se and it is apparent that these functions extend beyond antioxidant protection. This paper reviews recent research relating to the functionality of vitamin E and Se in relation to the ewe and her lambs and attempts to relate this understanding to the whole animal level. Important aspects of this improved understanding are descriptions of three groups of seleno-proteins and the appreciation that there is a hierarchy in both the distribution of selenium between tissues and in the synthesis of different enzymes within tissues. In addition, there is diversity in the effects of vitamin E and Se derivatives on immune cell function. Given this heterogeneity in function it is not surprising that published responses for the production and health of ewes and lambs to supplementary vitamin E and selenium are variable and not always positive. Coupled with information on factors influencing variability in supply of vitamin E and Se from fresh and conserved forages and concentrate supplements, this review highlights the need for greater awareness of the importance of adequate supplementation of ewe and lamb diets with vitamin E and Se.
Winter marine atmospheric conditions over the Japan Sea
Authors: Dorman C. E. , Beardsley R. C. , Dashko N. A. , Friehe C. A. , Kheilf D. , Cho K. , Limeburner R. , Varlamov S. M.
Published: December 2004

Four basic types of synoptic‐scale conditions describe the atmospheric structure and variability observed over the Japan Sea during the 1999/2000 winter season: (1) flow of cold Asian air from the northwest, (2) an outbreak of very cold Siberian air from the north and northeast, (3) passage of a weak cyclone over the southern Japan Sea with a cold air outbreak on the backside of the low, and (4) passage of a moderate cyclone along the northwestern side of the Japan Sea. In winter, the Russian coastal mountains and a surface‐air temperature inversion typically block cold surface continental air from the Japan Sea. Instead, the adiabatic warming of coastal mountain lee‐side air results in small air‐sea temperature differences. Occasional outbreaks of very cold Siberian air eliminate the continental surface‐based inversion and stability, allowing very cold air to push out over the Japan Sea for 1–3 days. During these outbreaks, the 0°C surface air isotherm extends well southward of 40°N, the surface heat losses in the center of the Japan Sea can exceed 600 W m−2, and sheet clouds cover most of the Japan Sea, with individual roll clouds extending from near the Russian coast to Honshu. During December through February, 1991–2002, these strong cold‐air outbreak conditions occur 39% of the time and contribute 43% of the net heat loss from the Japan Sea. The average number of strong cold‐air events per winter (November–March) season is 13 (ranging from 5 to 19); the 1999/2000 winter season covered in our measurements was normal.
N2O emission and CH4 uptake in arable fields managed under conventional and reduced tillage cropping systems in northern Japan
Authors: Koga Nobuhisa , Tsuruta Haruo , Sawamoto Takuji , Nishimura Seiichi , Yagi Kazuyuki
Published: December 2004

Nitrous oxide (N2O) emission and methane (CH4) uptake were measured in an experimental long‐term tillage field (Andosol) in Hokkaido, northern Japan, to assess their contributions to net global warming, associated with arable crop production. From May 2001 to August 2002, the field was cultivated with winter wheat, adzuki bean, sugar beet, potato, and cabbage, where the total N applied was 110, 40, 150, 60, and 220 kg N ha−1 yr−1, respectively. Under conventional tillage (CT) cropping systems, basal N fertilization and plowing for residue incorporation had little effect on N2O fluxes, but vigorous N2O emission was observed when rotary harrowing was used for incorporating N‐rich cabbage residues into soil in summer. Also, high N2O emissions occurred when there was heavy rainfall after a large amount of N fertilizer had been applied to sugar beet and also when there was thawing of frozen soil and snow in the winter wheat treatment. Despite the differing N2O flux patterns among the crops, the annual N2O emissions from each crop were positively correlated with the total N applied as fertilizer. Under CT systems, across all five crops, the mean N2O emission factor (the percent ratio of N2O‐N emitted out of total N applied as fertilizer) was 0.36%. Under reduced tillage (RT) cropping systems, where crop residues were left on the ground over winter, large quantities of N2O were emitted from adzuki bean and sugar beet residues when the frozen soil and snow thawed. Therefore, total N2O emissions from adzuki bean and sugar beet cultivated under RT systems were much greater than under CT systems. The rates of CH4 uptake by arable soils were less sensitive to crop type, field management practices, and fertilizer application rates, but the rates were strongly influenced by long‐term tillage management. For fallow, winter wheat, adzuki bean, and sugar beet treatments, the CH4 uptake rates in the CT soils (1.36 kg CH4 ha−1 yr−1), which had a 20‐year history of intensive plowing, were lower than those in the RT soils (2.40 kg CH4 ha−1 yr−1). Thus RT production systems improved CH4 uptake by arable soils, although they adversely affected N2O emissions for adzuki bean and sugar beet production.
Nitrogen isotopes in thermal fluids of a forearc region (Jalisco Block, Mexico): Evidence for heavy nitrogen from continental crust
Authors: Inguaggiato S. , Taran Y. , Grassa F. , Capasso G. , Favara R. , Varley N. , Faber E.
Published: December 2004

The Jalisco Block (JB) is a geologically and tectonically complex part of northwestern Mexico characterized by active subduction‐type volcanism, rifting, and old stable structures. Thermal springs and groups of springs are widely distributed over JB. Bubbling gas from seven thermal springs located within different tectonic environments of the JB was analyzed for He,20Ne, and N2concentrations and δ15N ratios. All gases are N2‐dominant (>84%) with the exception of one sample (Rió Purificación), which has a significant CH4content (about 50%). All collected gas samples are relatively high in He, up to 1500 ppm vol and with3He/4He values ranging from 0.6 to 4.5 Ra. All measured nitrogen isotope ratios are heavier than air with δ15N values ranging from 0.5 to 5.0‰. The relative N2excess with respect to air‐saturated water computed on the basis of N2and20Ne contents indicates the contribution of a nonatmospheric N2source. All the samples show a good correlation between δ15N and the relative excess of N2with δ15N ∼ +5.3‰ for the maximum N2excess of 100%. Due to a presumed lack of seafloor sediment involved in the subduction process, such a δ15N positive value seems to reflect the addition to the fluids of a heavy nitrogen originating from metamorphism processes of rocks occurring within the overlying continental crust.
Fluid and chemical cycling at Bush Hill: Implications for gas‐ and hydrate‐rich environments
Authors: Tryon Michael D. , Brown Kevin M.
Published: December 2004

The results of a deployment of aqueous flux meters at the Bush Hill hydrate mound show that persistent hydrologic instability is a primary feature of the globally abundant gas‐ and hydrate‐rich cold seep environment. Seven flux meters were deployed for 14 weeks in the area of the Bush Hill hydrate mound. Instruments were deployed on microbial mats, bivalves, adjacent to the surface hydrate mound, and a site without visible fauna. Flow rates were observed to range from downflow of 0.01 mm/day to upflow of >15 mm/day. Temporal variability and a major hydrological event were observed to occur on all instruments. There is evidence that this event was related to a gas expulsion episode. The two instruments which exhibited downflow during the event were near surface hydrates and bubbling vents. Nearby instruments recorded a rapid increase in flow rates at the time of the event with a subsequent decrease in rates to the previous background values. Two instruments showed significant output of seawater‐like fluids, while the others output typical methane seep‐type pore fluids. These results at a passive margin site, along with our previously published convergent margin results at gas‐rich northeast Pacific cold seeps (Hydrate Ridge, Eel River margin), illustrate the hydrologic complexity of these environments. We now propose that these and our earlier results are characteristic of seafloor environments which have abundant free gas and hydrates. These mechanisms have major consequences for the near‐surface geochemical and microbial environment and for the way we interpret measurements made in these areas.