bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A corpus-based validation study of the universal processing hypothesis in English relative clause formation
Authors: Ito Akihiro , Yamashita Junko
Published: December 2005

The present study focuses on spoken and written data in the British National Corpus (BNC). Based on a review of recent studies on English relative clauses, we formulated a Universal Processing Hypothesis (OS >OO>SS> SO) as target hypothesis to be validated using a corpus data approach. A computer program was designed to calculate the frequency of appearance of the four types of relative clauses (OS, OO, SS, and SO). The results indicated this hypothesis to be a valid predictor of frequency of appearance of relative clauses in the domain for written corpus texts. However, it is not supported in context-governed spoken material. Limitations of the present investigation and the direction of future research are also discussed.
Variations in diagnostic criteria for carpal tunnel syndrome among Ontario specialists
Authors: Graham Brent , Dvali Linda , Regehr Glenn , Wright James G.
Published: December 2005

Background

Variations in diagnostic criteria for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) may result in differing reports of disease prevalence, errors in diagnosis, and variable results of treatment. The objective of this study was to determine how consistent specialists are in their ratings of the importance of clinical criteria for the diagnosis of CTS.

Methods

Three hundred specialist physicians and surgeons received a questionnaire containing 57 clinical criteria for the diagnosis of CTS. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to rate the importance of each criterion in the diagnosis of CTS.

Results

The overall consistency both across and within specialties was poor (intraclass correlation coefficient across specialties (ICC) = 0.28; ICC range within specialties 0.27–0.37).

Conclusions

Specialists are relatively inconsistent in the importance they assign to clinical criteria for the diagnosis of CTS. This inconsistency may be an important source of variation in the reported prevalence and treatment of CTS. Am. J. Ind. Med. 49:8–13, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The BeLPT: Algorithms and implications
Authors: Middleton D.C. , Lewin M.D. , Kowalski P.J. , Cox S.S. , Kleinbaum D.
Published: December 2005

Background

The beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT) is used to identify persons with beryllium sensitization. The variability of laboratory results and lack of a “gold standard” have led to questions about the test's performance. Fortunately, a recently published study has credibly estimated standard epidemiologic parameters for the BeLPT.

Methods

Information from this recent study was used to assess the performance of two common algorithms for BeLPT testing. Standard epidemiologic parameters were determined for two common algorithms and then compared.

Results

One of the two algorithms was more sensitive than the other (86% vs. 66%). The specificity of both algorithms (99.8% or greater) was high. At an estimated 2% prevalence, the positive predictive value of both algorithms for beryllium sensitization remained high (90% or higher).

Conclusions

A priori characterization of the testing algorithm under consideration can enhance public health decision‐making. Am. J. Ind. Med. 49:36–44, 2006. © Published 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis, characterization, and application of PVP/PAM copolymer
Authors: Huang K. S. , Hsiao C. N. , Nien Y. H. , Lin J. M.
Published: December 2005

The aim of this study was to synthesize copolymers from N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone (NVP) and acrylamide (AM) at different molar ratios and investigate the influence of the different ratios on copolymers' properties. How copolymers affect the washing and stain‐repelling effects of carbon black, PET, Nylon, or cotton fabrics was also evaluated. Results show that as the AM content increased, the copolymers decomposed more slowly by heat, indicating better heat stability. In addition, copolymers were characterized as lowering surface tension and having excellent dispersing ability, low foaming properties, and excellent acid and alkaline resistance. The addition of copolymer can produce stain‐repelling effects against carbon black, PET, or Nylon‐colored fabrics. It was also determined that fabrics' stain‐repelling effects have no significant relationship to the NVP/AM molar ratio in copolymer synthesis. However, carbon black has better stain repellence as the AM monomer content increased. Two types of stain repellence gave better results when a higher concentration of copolymer was added. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2006
The use of wood pulp and radiation‐modified starch in wastewater treatment
Authors: Abdel‐Aal S. E. , Gad Y. H. , Dessouki A. M.
Published: December 2005

Radiation‐induced graft copolymerization of maize starch/acrylic acid has been performed. Also, natural byproduct wood pulp was used after chemical treatment for the removal of metal ions from the investigated wastewater. The surface and structure morphology of the wood pulp and starch/acrylic acid were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The physical parameters, such as swelling, gel percentage, and grafting efficiency (%) of starch/acrylic acid copolymer, were studied. The factors affecting the abilities of the prepared materials for removing heavy metal ions and dyes from aqueous solutions were studied. It was found that the maximum metal uptake is in the following sequence: Fe3+ > Cr3+ > Pb2+ > Cd2+. The adsorption capacity of such investigated metal ions increases with the increase of pH values. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006
Effect of thermal annealing in atmosphere on photoluminescence of BTEO–PPV films
Authors: Kong F. , Ou C. G. , Zheng Y. , Zhang S. Y. , Yang C. Z. , Wu X. L. , Yuan R. K.
Published: December 2005

The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of poly[2,5‐bis‐(tri‐ethoxy)‐1,4‐phenylene vinylene] (BTEO–PPV) films are blue‐shifted with increasing thermal annealing temperature. It is known from the UV–vis absorption spectra that thermal annealing decreases the conjugation length of the polymer. For BTEO–PPV films, unlike with MEH–PPV films, the symmetric triethoxy side groups further block aggregation of the polymer chains. The absorption Fourier transfer infrared spectra showed that thermal annealing in atmosphere destroyed the chain structure of BTEO–PPV film by thermal oxidation to form aldehyde groups, which resulted in low PL efficiency of the annealed films. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006
Ca2+‐dependent in vitro contractility of a precipitate isolated from an extract of the heliozoon Actinophrys sol
Authors: Arikawa Mikihiko , Saito Akira , Omura Gen , Khan S. M. Mostafa Kamal , Suetomo Yasutaka , Kakuta Soichiro , Suzaki Toshinobu
Published: December 2005

Contraction of axopodia in actinophrid heliozoons (protozoa) is induced by a unique contractile structure, the “contractile tubules structure (CTS)”. We have previously shown that a cell homogenate of the heliozoon Actinophrys sol yields a precipitate on addition of Ca2+ that is mainly composed of filamentous structures morphologically identical to the CTS. In this study, to further characterize the nature of the CTS in vitro, biochemical and physiological properties of the precipitate were examined. SDS‐PAGE analysis showed that the Ca2+‐induced precipitate was composed of many proteins, and that no proteins in the precipitate showed any detectable changes in electrophoretic mobility on addition of Ca2+. Addition of extraneous proteins such as bovine serum albumin to the cell homogenate resulted in cosedimentation of the proteins with the Ca2+‐induced precipitate, suggesting that the CTS has a high affinity for other proteins that are not related to precipitate formation. Appearance and disappearance of the precipitate were repeatedly induced by alternating addition of Ca2+ and EGTA, and its protein composition remained unchanged even after repeated cycles. When adhered to a glass surface, the precipitate showed Ca2+‐dependent contractility with a threshold of 10–100 nM, and this contractility was not inhibited by colchicine or cytochalasin B. The precipitate repeatedly contracted and relaxed with successive addition and removal of Ca2+, indicating that the contraction was controlled by Ca2+ alone with no need for any other energy supply. From our characterization of the precipitate, we concluded that its Ca2+‐dependent formation and contraction are associated with the unique contractile organelle, the “contractile tubules structure”. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of microtubule dynamics in 3T3 fibroblasts by Rho family GTPases
Authors: Grigoriev Ilya , Borisy Gary , Vorobjev Ivan
Published: December 2005

To get insight into the action of Rho GTPases on the microtubule system we investigated the effects of Cdc42, Rac1, and RhoA on the dynamics of microtubules in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts. In control cells microtubule ends were dynamic: plus ends frequently switched between growth, shortening and pauses; the growth phase predominated over shortening. Free minus ends of microtubules depolymerized rapidly and never grew. Free microtubules were short‐lived, and the microtubule network was organized into a radial array. In serum‐starved cells microtubule ends became more stable: although plus ends still transited between growth and shortening, polymerization and depolymerization excursions became shorter and balanced each other. Microtubule minus ends were also stabilized. Consequently lifespan of free microtubules increased and microtubule array changed its radial pattern into a random one. Activation of Cdc42 and Rac1 in serum‐starved cells promoted dynamic behavior of microtubule plus and minus ends, while inhibition of these GTPases in serum‐grown cells suppressed microtubule dynamics and mimicked all effects of serum starvation. Activation of RhoA in serum‐grown cells had effects similar to Cdc42 /Rac1 inactivation: it suppressed the dynamics of plus and minus ends, reduced the length of growth and shrinking episodes, and disrupted the radial organization of microtubules. However, in contrast to Cdc42 and Rac1 inactivation, active RhoA had no effect on the balance between microtubule growth and shortening. We conclude that Cdc42 and Rac1 have similar stimulating effects on microtubule dynamics while RhoA acts in an opposite way. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thermal analysis, powder diffraction and spectroscopic investigation of the solid phases of 1‐chloro‐2,2‐dimethylpropane
Authors: Buhrmester C. , Miehe G. , Ehrenberg H. , Fuess H.
Published: December 2005

By the substitution of one methyl group in Neopentane C(CH3)4with a methylchlorid group the globular sphere is expanded in 1‐chloro‐2,2‐dimethylpropane (CH3)3C(CH2Cl). With the aid of DSC measurements, X‐ray powder diffraction,1H NMR and35Cl NQR measurements two orientationally disordered (plastic) phases were established. The low temperature structure was solved and a structural model of phase II is proposed. A mechanism to describe the reorientation in the different phases is given as well as a connectivity scheme between the phases is discussed. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
IL‐23 leads to diabetes induction after subdiabetogenic treatment with multiple low doses of streptozotocin
Authors: Mensah‐Brown Eric P. K. , Shahin Allen , Al‐Shamisi Mariam , Wei Xiaoging , Lukic Miodrag L.
Published: December 2005

IL‐23, a proximal regulator of IL‐17, may be a major driving force in the induction of autoimmune inflammation. We have used a model of subdiabetogenic treatment with multiple low doses of streptozotocin (MLD‐STZ; 4 × 40 mg/kg body weight) in male C57BL/6 mice to study the effect of IL‐23 on immune‐mediated β cell damage and the development of diabetes, as evaluated by blood glucose, quantitative histology, immunohistochemistry and expression of relevant cytokines in the islets. Ten daily injections of 400 ng IL‐23, starting on the first day of MLD‐STZ administration led to significant and sustained hyperglycemia along with weight loss compared with controls (no IL‐23), and a significant increase in the number of infiltrating cells, a lower insulin content, enhanced apoptosis, expression of IFN‐γ and IL‐17 (not seen in the controls) and a significant increase in the expression of TNF‐α and IL‐18 in the pancreatic islets. IL‐23 treatment started 5 days prior to MLD‐STZ administration had no effect on diabetogenesis or cytokines expression in the pancreatic islets. We provide the first evidence in an animal model that IL‐23 is involved in the development of type‐1 diabetes, by inducing IL‐17 and possibly IFN‐γ production in the target tissue.
Regulatory T cells induce a privileged tolerant microenvironment at the fetal‐maternal interface
Authors: Zenclussen Ana C. , Gerlof Katrin , Zenclussen Maria L. , Ritschel Stefanie , Zambon Bertoja Annarosa , Fest Stefan , Hontsu Shigeto , Ueha Satoshi , Matsushima Kouji , Leber Joachim , Volk Hans‐Dieter
Published: December 2005

The mechanisms underlying immune tolerance during pregnancy are poorly understood. In this regard, Treg seem to play an important role in mediating maternal tolerance to the fetus. We proposed a crucial role of T regulatory cells (Treg) in avoiding immunological rejection of the fetus after observing diminished number and function of Treg in abortion‐prone mice. We further confirmed the protective role of Treg during pregnancy by transferring pregnancy‐induced Treg into abortion‐prone mice, which prevented rejection. Here, we analyzed the mechanisms involved in Treg‐mediated protection. As expected, Treg therapy prevented abortion, while expanding the peripheral and thymic Treg population. Surprisingly, the decidual levels of the Th1 cytokines IFN‐γ and TNF‐α were not diminished after therapy. Interestingly, the mRNA levels of leukemia inhibitory factor, TGF‐β and heme oxygenase‐1 at the fetal‐maternal interface were dramatically up‐regulated after Treg transfer, while the levels of indolamine 2,3‐dioxygenase remained unchanged. Our data suggest that Treg treatment can not prevent T cell infiltration or high Th1 levels but is able to create a privileged tolerant microenvironment at the fetal‐maternal interface, further shedding light onto the molecular mechanisms involved in pregnancy tolerance.
PD‐L1 and PD‐L2 have distinct roles in regulating host immunity to cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Liang Spencer C. , Greenwald Rebecca J. , Latchman Yvette E. , Rosas Lucia , Satoskar Abhay , Freeman Gordon J. , Sharpe Arlene H.
Published: December 2005

To compare the roles of programmed death 1 ligand 1 (PD‐L1) and PD‐L2 in regulating immunity to infection, we investigated responses of mice lacking PD‐L1 or PD‐L2 to infection with Leishmania mexicana. PD‐L1–/– and PD‐L2–/– mice exhibited distinct disease outcomes following infection with L. mexicana. In comparison to susceptible WT mice, PD‐L1–/– mice showed resistance to L. mexicana, as demonstrated by reduced growth of cutaneous lesions and parasite burden. In contrast, PD‐L2–/– mice developed exacerbated disease with increased parasite burden. Host resistance to L. mexicana is partly associated with the development of a Th1 response and down‐regulation of the Th2 response. Both PD‐L1–/– and PD‐L2–/– mice produced levels of IFN‐γ similar to WT mice. However, the development of IL‐4‐producing cells was reduced in PD‐L1–/– mice, demonstrating a role for PD‐L1 in regulating Th cell differentiation. This inadequate Th2 response may explain the increased resistance of PD‐L1–/– mice. Although no alterations in Th1/Th2 skewing were observed in PD‐L2–/– mice, PD‐L2–/– mice exhibited a marked increase in L. mexicana‐specific antibody production. Increased Leishmania‐specific IgG production may suppress the healing response through FcγR ligation on macrophages. Taken together, our results demonstrate that PD‐L1 and PD‐L2 have distinct roles in regulating the immune response to L. mexicana.
Inclusion of Metal Complexes into Cavities of 2D Coordination Networks Built from p‐Sulfonatothiacalix[4]arene Tetranuclear Clusters
Authors: Wu Mingyan , Yuan Daqiang , Han Lei , Wu Benlai , Xu Yanqing , Hong Maochun
Published: December 2005

Reactions of the p‐sulfonatothiacalix[4]arene salt (Na4H4TCAS) and MSO4 (M = Co, Cu) in the presence of 2,2′‐bipyrazine (2,2′‐bpz) generated 2D coordination networks formed by tetranuclear cluster subunits, namely{[Co(2,2′‐bpz)(H2O)4]2+[Co4(TCAS)(μ4‐SO4)(H2O)4]2–·10.75H2O}n (1) and {[Cu(2,2′‐bpz)(H2O)3]2+[Cu4(TCAS)(μ4‐SO4)(H2O)4]2–·16H2O}n (2). X‐ray diffraction analyses reveal that both these complexes include metal–2,2′‐bipyrazine complexes into the hydrophobic cavities of p‐sulfonatothiacalix[4]arenes as guests through supramolecular interactions. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Optical fiber light‐emitting diode‐induced fluorescence detection for capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Zhao Shulin , Yuan Hongyan , Xiao Dan
Published: December 2005

A highly sensitive optical fiber light‐emitting diode (LED)‐induced fluorescence detector for CE has been constructed and evaluated. In this detector, a violet or blue LED was used as the excitation source and an optical fiber with 40 μm OD was used to transmit the excitation light. The upper end of the fiber was inserted into the separation capillary and was situated right at the detection window. Fluorescence emission was collected by a 40× microscope objective, focused on a spatial filter, and passed through a cutoff filter before reaching the photomultiplier tube. Output signals were recorded and processed with a computer using in‐house written software. The present CE/fluorescence detector deploys a simple and inexpensive optical system that requires only an LED as the light source. Its utility was successfully demonstrated by the separation and determination of amino acids (AAs) labeled with naphthalene‐2,3‐dicarboxaldehyde (NDA) and FITC. Low detection limits were obtained ranging from 17 to 23 nM for NDA‐tagged AAs and 8 to 12 nM for FITC‐labeled AAs (S/N = 3). By virtue of such valuable features as low cost, convenience, and miniaturization, the presented detection scheme was proven to be attractive for sensitive fluorescence detection in CE.
Dynamics of Arabidopsis thaliana soluble proteome in response to different nutrient culture conditions
Authors: Sarry Jean‐Emmanuel , Kuhn Lauriane , Le Lay Pascaline , Garin Jérôme , Bourguignon Jacques
Published: December 2005

In an effort to determine the best extraction procedure compatible with the high‐reproducible 2‐DE, different methods of soluble protein extraction from Arabidopsis cell culture suspensions grown in Gamborg B5 medium were tested. A reference 2‐DE map was established for this soluble extract revealing 1184 spots. The most abundant protein spots were excised, trypsin‐digested, and mass spectra obtained via MALDI‐TOF and/or LC coupled to ESI‐MS. Three hundred and thirty one proteins were identified and their functions were defined based on sequence comparisons and classified in different protein families. In order to analyze the impact of culture medium on the Arabidopsis proteome, we performed the 2‐DE map from Arabidopsis cell suspensions cultured in another growth medium Murashige and Skoog (M‐S) and 327 major spots were identified. Using PDQuest imaging analysis, significant increases in the amount of several housekeeping enzymes, stress/defense proteins, and heat shock proteins were found in M‐S medium. Modified expression of certain proteins and detection of new isoforms involved in nitrate assimilation, nitrogen, and sulfur metabolism were also observed in the M‐S medium. This study provides the first 2‐DE maps of the soluble proteome of Arabidopsis cell suspensions. The comparative analysis of the Arabidopsis proteome in respect to different nutrient supplies shows that the culture medium may significantly influence the expression pattern of major soluble proteins in Arabidopsis cells. This work also constitutes an important step for further proteomic analysis concerning cell responses to abiotic or biotic stresses.
Gene regulation by IL‐1β independent of IL‐1R1 in the mouse brain
Authors: Andre Ralph , Moggs Jonathan G. , Kimber Ian , Rothwell Nancy J. , Pinteaux Emmanuel
Published: December 2005

Interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) is a key pro‐inflammatory cytokine that has diverse actions in the brain as a regulator of host defense responses and a mediator of inflammation. Two major agonists, IL‐1α and IL‐1β, bind to a single known functional type‐1 IL‐1 receptor (IL‐1RI) that associates with the accessory protein (IL‐1RAcP), resulting in signal transduction. However, recent evidence suggests that some actions of IL‐1 in the brain may be independent of IL‐1R1 and the classical IL‐1 signaling pathways, pointing to an as‐yet unidentified functional receptor for IL‐1. In this study, we have used cDNA microarray‐based gene expression profiling to identify the possible genes induced by IL‐1β independently of IL‐1R1. IL‐1β induced potential changes (greater than 2‐fold vs. vehicle‐treated) in the expression of up to 1285 candidate genes in wild‐type primary mixed glia, and 404 candidate genes in IL‐1R1−/− cells of the same type. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on selected genes revealed that pentraxin‐3, was upregulated by IL‐1β in wild‐type, but not in IL‐1R1−/− mixed glia. Amongst the other genes for which expression was modified by IL‐1β in IL‐1R1−/− cells, we selected α‐syntrophin and demonstrated by real‐time quantitative PCR that expression of this gene is significantly downregulated by IL‐1β in primary mixed glia prepared from wild‐type, IL‐1R1−/−, IL‐1RAcP−/− or MyD88−/− mice. In contrast, IL‐1α fails to downregulate α‐syntrophin expression in wild‐type or IL‐1R1−/− mixed glia. These results show that IL‐1β exclusively downregulates α‐syntrophin expression independently of IL‐1R1, and suggest the expression of additional functional IL‐1 receptors in the CNS. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Healing pattern of bone defects covered by different membrane types—A histologic study in the porcine mandible
Authors: Strietzel Frank P. , Khongkhunthian Pathawee , Khattiya Rutch , Patchanee Prapas , Reichart Peter A.
Published: December 2005

Few investigations on guided bone regeneration (GBR) focus on the behaviour of tissues adjacent to barrier membranes. This study was conducted to (1) evaluate the barrier function potential of different resorbable and nonresorbable membranes for GBR, (2) investigate their structural changes after different intervals, and (3) characterize tissue composition and reaction adjacent to the barrier by qualitative histologic evaluation. Seven barriers for GBR were used per animal (made of dense or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (d/ePTFE), titanium, polyetherurethane, collagen and two polylactide‐polyglycolide‐/‐trimethylenecarbonate‐co‐polymers (PLPG, LPGTC) in standardized defects not exceeding the critical size) without using bone substitution material or autogenous bone at the right inferior margin of the mandibles of six domestic pigs. Samples of the defect areas with membranes were harvested after 2 days (one animal), 4 and 8 (two animals, each) and 12 weeks (one animal), respectively. The healing of bone defects was completed in all animals after 12 weeks. Nonresorbable barriers prevented the soft tissue in‐growth into standardized defects. Thinner layers of fibrous tissue were seen underneath the dense and rigid barriers (dPTFE, titanium) when compared with collagen and PLPG/LPGTC, in which soft‐tissue plugs occupied the crestal defect portion. PLPG‐/LPGTC‐barriers underwent structural changes after 4 weeks and revealed blistered central layers, whereas structural changes were not evident in nonresorbable barriers. The degradation of PLPG‐/LPGTC‐membranes was present with in‐growth of fibres, vessels, and cells. Using collagen or synthetic polymer barriers for GBR, the application of bone or bone substitutes to prevent membrane prolapse into the defect is suggested. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Comparison of two radio‐frequency plasma sterilization processes using microspot evaluation of microbial inactivation
Authors: Lassen Klaus S. , Johansen Jens E. , Grün Reinar
Published: December 2005

In this study, we evaluated gas plasma surface sterilization methods in a specific sterilizer. We have introduced a new monitoring method using 0.4 μm pore size membranes, which in this study gave the information corresponding to 3000 exposed biological indicators per treatment cycle. This enabled us to compare the fraction of inoculates that showed no growth after exposure for 30 different locations in the chamber, and hereby identify weak and strong spots in the chamber with regard to sporicidal effect. Membranes were also used to expose a broad spectrum of soil bacteria for plasma treatment at four different conditions. The organisms were identified using PCR and sequencing. The test showed that Bacillus stearothermophilus spores were inactivated at the slowest rate among the tested microorganisms. Further α‐proteobacteria (Gram negative) seemed more sensitive than the rest of the tested organisms. The microspot evaluation approach has been a most useful tool in the assessment of sterilization performance in sterilizers that do not have clear measurable parameters related to the sterilization. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Preliminary β‐tricalcium phosphate coating prepared by discharging in a modified body fluid enhances collagen immobilization onto titanium
Authors: Hosaka Mizuyo , Shibata Yo , Miyazaki Takashi
Published: December 2005

Because of its excellent scaffold properties toward bone cells, collagen has been recognized as a promising extracellular matrix protein for surface modification of titanium implants. Hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings have been investigated as a preliminary coating for collagen immobilization on titanium implants. However, the composition of HA‐collagen is recognized as being difficult, and while many studies have suggested that biodegradable β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) has better osteoconductivity than HA, the efficiency of preliminary β‐TCP coating for collagen immobilization on titanium surfaces has yet to be evaluated. This investigation aimed to evaluate the applicability of HA and β‐TCP coatings, prepared by discharging in modified body fluids, as preliminary collagen coatings. To increase collagen induction on preliminary HA and β‐TCP coatings, we used a new cathodic polarization method. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the bonding strength between the collagen NH+ amino groups of collagen and phosphate (PO43−) was greater on the β‐TCP coating than the HA coating. The preliminary β‐TCP coating was tightly crosslinked with RCOO− carboxyl groups of the collagen molecules and showed high cellular responses, even in the early stage of cell cultivation. Thus, this coating was found to be more effective than HA as a preliminary coating for collagen immobilization on titanium implants. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
An improved hydrophilicity via electrospinning for enhanced cell attachment and proliferation
Authors: Kim Chi Hun , Khil Myung Seob , Kim Hak Yong , Lee Hyun Uk , Jahng Kwang Yeop
Published: December 2005

The wettability of electrospun poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) mats was improved by co‐electrospinning with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), by double‐spinneret electrospinning method. The improved hydrophilicity of the hybrid PCL/PVA mats was confirmed by water contact angle measurement. The in vitro cell attachment on the hydrophobic PCL and hydrophilically modified PCL/PVA mats was compared by culture studies using human prostate epithelial cells (HPECs). The stability of water‐soluble PVA component in the electrospun PCL/PVA mats was checked by thermogravimetric analysis and intensity of fluorescence material after immersion in water for 7 days. The images from scanning electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and optical microscopy showed that the attachment and proliferation rate of HPECs were improved by introducing PVA into the electrospun PCL mats. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Neurodegenerative actions of interleukin‐1 in the rat brain are mediated through increases in seizure activity
Authors: Patel H.C. , Ross F.M. , Heenan L.E. , Davies R.E. , Rothwell N.J. , Allan S.M.
Published: December 2005

The cytokine interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) is an established and important mediator of diverse forms of neuronal injury in experimental animals. However, its mechanisms of action remain largely unknown. We have reported previously that IL‐1 markedly enhances excitotoxic injury induced in the rat by striatal administration of the excitotoxin α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionate (AMPA), leading to widespread neuronal loss throughout the ipsilateral cortex. Here we tested the hypothesis that IL‐1 causes this injury through induction and/or enhancement of seizure activity in the rat. Consistently with this hypothesis, intrastriatal injection of AMPA or AMPA with IL‐1 in the rat brain increased c‐Fos expression in regions similar to those in which c‐Fos has been reported previously in response to seizures. A significant increase in cortical neuronal activity (number of c‐Fos positive cells) was observed in response to AMPA with IL‐1 compared with AMPA (8 hr after injection). Increased seizure duration [3,522 ± 660 sec (SEM) vs. 1,415 ± 301 sec; P < 0.001] and cell death volume (140 ± 20 mm3 vs. 52 ± 6 mm3; P < 0.001) were seen in response to coinfusion of AMPA with IL‐1 vs. AMPA alone. In addition, the anticonvulsant diazepam (intraperitoneal) significantly reduced cell death (P < 0.001) and seizure duration (P < 0.001) induced by AMPA with IL‐1, and a significant correlation was found between seizure duration and cell death volume. These findings support our hypothesis that IL‐1 enhances excitotoxic injury by enhancement of seizures, which may be of relevance to IL‐1 actions in other forms of neuronal injury, including cerebral ischemia. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Economic and environmental symbiosis in a tourism attraction: an example from Hainan, China
Authors: Hu Wei , Wall Geoffrey
Published: December 2005

The private sector in tourism is frequently criticised for exploiting environmental resources for maximisation of short‐term profits. Even when some environmental initiatives are taken, they are often judged to be superficial or simply public relations exercises. This paper, through application of principles and guidelines for environmentally responsible tourism, examines the development process, from an environmental perspective, of Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone, a privately owned tourist attraction located in Hainan, China. It is demonstrated that with wise guidance and strict supervision, tourism development undertaken by the private sector can be both economically viable and developed and operated in an environmentally sensitive manner. The pursuit of short‐term economic benefits may be a motive, rather than a stumbling block, in the implementation of environmentally responsible tourism practices. © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relationship between cultural values and individual work values in the hospitality industry
Authors: White Christopher
Published: December 2005

This paper examines the relationship between cultural values and individual work values. Two‐hundred and seventy‐six hospitality management students from mainland China and western Europe were surveyed and grouped according to their value orientations and multiple discriminate analysis was used to identify differences in work value preferences between the groups. The results indicated that a group consisting of mainly Chinese participants valued characteristics that have been associated with developed Western nations, and unlike previous studies, both groups viewed intrinsic as well as extrinsic work values as being important. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Government, public health, and physical activity
Authors: Jackson‐Elmoore Cynthia
Published: December 2005

This work was conducted as part of a project with the Urban Research Interest Group, an initiative sponsored by the Urban Affairs Programs, Center for Global Change and Earth Observations, the Institute of Public Policy and Social Research, and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at Michigan State University. Related work was completed in partnership with Jodi Summers Holtrop and Sissi Burch.
Cp2TiCl‐catalyzed living radical polymerization of styrene initiated from peroxides
Authors: Asandei Alexandru D. , Saha Gobinda
Published: December 2005

The effects of the reaction conditions and nature of the initiator were investigated in the Cp2Ti(III)Cl‐catalyzed living radical polymerization of styrene initiated by benzoyl peroxide (BPO), tert‐butyl peroxide (TBPO), tert‐butyl peroxybenzoate (TBPOB), dicumyl peroxide (CPO), and tert‐butylperoxy 2‐ethylhexyl carbonate (TBPOEHC). The reversible termination of the growing chains with Cp2Ti(III)Cl affords a linear dependence of molecular weight on conversion over a wide range of temperatures (60–120 °C) with an optimum in polydispersity (Mw/Mn < 1.2) for St/BPO/Cp2TiCl2/Zn = 100/1/3/6 at 60–90 °C. The similarity of the kinetic parameters from polymerizations initiated by peroxides with vastly different half‐life times (t = 1 h, t = 543 h) and the minimum peroxide/Ti = 1/2 ratio required for a living process indicate that initiation occurs primarily by the redox reaction of the peroxide with Cp2Ti(III)Cl rather than peroxide thermal decomposition. This is consistent with one Ti equivalent consumed in the redox initiation and the second one utilized in the reversible termination of the growing chains. Qualitatively, based on the livingness of the process, these initiators ranked as BPO > TBPOB ∼ TBPO > CPO > TBPOEHC. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 1106–1116, 2006
Synthesis and characterization of poly(phenylacetylene)s carrying oligo(ethylene oxide) pendants
Authors: Chen Junwu , Cheuk Kevin Ka‐Leung , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: December 2005

A group of new amphiphilic poly(phenylacetylene)s bearing polar oligo(ethylene oxide) pendants, poly{4‐[2‐(2‐hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]phenylacetylene} (1), poly(4‐{2‐[2‐(2‐hydroxyethoxy)‐ethoxy]ethoxy}phenylacetylene) (2p), poly(3‐{2‐[2‐(2‐hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy}phenylacetylene) (2m), poly(4‐{2‐[2‐(2‐methanesulfonyloxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy}phenylacetylene) (3), poly(4‐{2‐[2‐(p‐toluenesulfonyloxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy}phenylacetylene) (4), poly(4‐{2‐[2‐(2‐trimethylsilyloxy‐ethoxy)ethoxy] ethoxy}phenylacetylene) (5), and poly(4‐{2‐[2‐(2‐chloroethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy}phenylacetylene) (6), were synthesized with organorhodium complexes as the polymerization catalysts. The structures and properties of the polymers were characterized with IR, UV, NMR, and thermogravimetric analysis. 1, 2p, and 2m, the three polymers containing pendants with hydroxyl groups, were oligomeric or insoluble. The organorhodium complexes worked well for the polymerization of the monomers without hydroxyl groups, giving soluble polymers 3–6 with a weight‐average molecular weight up to ∼160 × 103 and a yield up to 99%. Z‐rich polymers 3–6 could be prepared by judicious selections of the catalyst under optimal conditions. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 1153–1167, 2006
Individuals Charts and Additional Tests for Changes in Spread
Authors: Trip Albert , Wieringa Jaap E.
Published: December 2005

A number of authors have indicated that it is not a good idea to use the moving range chart (MR‐chart) with an individuals chart to detect shifts in the spread. However, the combination of these charts is still used in practice and even presented as ‘best practice’ in some cases. In addition, some more recent articles present arguments that justify the use of the additional MR‐chart in specific situations. In this paper we investigate these arguments and add to the literature by providing two more reasons not to use the MR‐chart. First, the merit of using an MR‐chart has never been evaluated before in the context of runs rules. Earlier papers investigated the change in performance as a result of adding a MR‐chart to a bare individuals chart. We show that relative to existing well‐known runs rules, there is no advantage in using a close alternative to the MR‐chart. Secondly, we investigate the suggestion of some of the proponents of the MR‐chart that its weak performance is due to a bad design. We show that this is not the case. We evaluate the average run length performance of the combination of an individuals chart and a MR‐chart under the most favorable circumstances for several out‐of‐control situations by optimizing the design of the two charts for each situation. Our results show that even this ‘best‐case’ performance of the combination is hardly better than that of the individuals chart alone. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proportional Intensity Models Robustness with Overhaul Intervals
Authors: Jiang Shwu‐Tzy , Landers Thomas L. , Reed Rhoads Teri
Published: December 2005

The class of semi‐parametric proportional intensity (PI) models applies to recurrent failure event modeling for a repairable system with explanatory variables (covariates). Certain repairable systems (e.g. aircraft and electrical power generating plants) experience a substantial period of downtime due to performing maintenance (i.e. major overhaul) at scheduled intervals or following a major failure. Other systems (e.g. emergency power units) experience extended periods of non‐operating dormancy. These discontinuities in observation time have potential effects on the accuracy of estimation for covariate effects, particularly where calendar time is the life metric. This paper examines the robustness of two PI methods (Prentice–Williams–Peterson gap time (PWP‐GT) and Andersen–Gill (AG)) as a function of the overhaul or dormancy duration. The PWP‐GT model proves to perform well for sample size of 60 (30 per level of a class covariate), constant or moderately decreasing/increasing rate of occurrence of failures, and relative overhaul (dormancy) durations less than half of the immediately preceding interval between failures. The AG model performs consistently well for a small sample size of 20 (10 per level of a class covariate) for homogeneous Poisson processes, regardless of the relative overhaul (dormancy) duration. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Who is driving the changing landscape in student affairs?
Authors: Kleinglass Nessa
Published: December 2005

Technology increasingly has become a driving force in the evolution of the student affairs profession. Student affairs professionals must have a baseline of technology skills to advance the student affairs profession.
Assessing the needs of distance learners: A student affairs perspective
Authors: Dare Leslie A. , Zapata Lisa P. , Thomas Amanda G.
Published: December 2005

In order to understand and meet the needs of the distance learning population, student affairs administrators must partner with our colleagues in the fields of technology and distance education. A study of distance learners at North Carolina State University provides information and opportunities for strengthening those partnerships.
Electronic co‐curricular student portfolios—putting them into practice
Authors: Bresciani Marilee J.
Published: December 2005

Electronic portfolios are becoming more prevalent on colleges and universities and can be a valuable tool in assessment efforts on campus.
What we know and the difference it makes
Authors: Kruger Kevin
Published: December 2005

In this summary chapter, the author presents a series of key issues that should be addressed by student affairs professionals in their planning and work with students.
Lower serotonin transporter binding in caudate in alcoholics
Authors: Storvik Markus , Tiihonen Jari , Haukijärvi Tuija , Tupala Erkki
Published: December 2005

Dorsal striatum is regulated by the serotonergic system, and it is a brain area with a role in the development of obsessive thought patterns, which may be related to addiction. In this study, possible alterations of [3H]citalopram binding to serotonin transporter (SERT) were evaluated in the dorsal striatum of Cloninger type 1 and 2 alcoholics, and nonalcoholic control subjects by postmortem whole‐hemisphere autoradiography in humans. The SERT binding was significantly lower (−26%, effect size 1.74) in the caudate body of alcoholics. The SERT binding tended to be lower also in the other parts of the dorsal striatum in alcoholics, but the results did not reach significance. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation, especially in type 1 alcoholics, between the SERT binding in the body of the caudate and in the perigenual anterior cingulate cortex, an area in which the SERT binding has been shown to be lower among alcoholics. These results give preliminary evidence to suggest that the SERT binding in the dorsal striatum may be lower in alcoholics, and that the serotonergic system may be affected in cortical and striatal areas simultaneously. The cortico‐striatal‐thalamic axis may have an important role in fully developed addictions and the characterization of these correlations within the serotonergic system may lead to a better understanding of the anatomical dynamics underlying the neurochemistry of alcoholism. Synapse 59:144–151, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brachialis Muscle Transfer to the Forearm Muscles in Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy
Authors: BERTELLI J. A.
Published: December 2005

Tendon transfers are frequently needed to improve hand function in obstetric brachial plexus injuries. The reconstruction cannot always be achieved using local donor transfers in the forearm as these are not always available. In such cases, we propose the use of the brachialis muscle as a useful donor for transfer. Five adolescents with obstetric brachial plexus palsy were operated on to reconstruct wrist extension and/or pronation using the brachialis muscle transfer to the pronator teres ( n = 1) extensor carpi radialis brevis ( n = 1) and extensor carpi radialis longus ( n = 3). Twelve months after surgery, average active motion recovery was 20° for wrist extension and 14° for pronation. Active and passive range of motion was similar.
Effects of simplicity and discipline on operational flexibility: An empirical reexamination of the rigid flexibility model
Authors: da Silveira Giovani J.C.
Published: December 2005

This study empirically tests the rigid flexibility model proposed by Collins and Schmenner [Collins, R.S., Schmenner, R.W., 1993. Achieving rigid flexibility: factory focus for the 1990s. European Management Journal 11 (4), 443–447]. It investigates relationships between flexibility performance and adoption of simplicity and discipline programs in manufacturing. The research replicates the study by Collins et al. [Collins, R.S., Cordon, C., Julien, D., 1998. An empirical test of the rigid flexibility model. Journal of Operations Management 16 (2–3), 133–146] with some modifications, including the use of a broader international database, the assessment of both technology and organizational programs, and the testing of the moderating role of dedicated line layout on the relationships between simplicity, discipline and flexibility. Analysis of data from 285 manufacturers of fabricated metal products, machinery, and equipment from 14 countries indicates that simplicity and discipline related positively to performance in product customization, volume flexibility, mix flexibility, and time to market, and that some of these relationships were more positive in high volume processes than in low volume processes. The results provide empirical validation to the rigid flexibility model in an international manufacturing context.
Verification and value of the Australian Bureau of Meteorology township seasonal rainfall forecasts in Australia, 1997–2005
Authors: Vizard A. L. , Anderson G. A. , Buckley D.J.
Published: December 2005

We verified the Bureau of Meteorology's seasonal rainfall forecasts for 262 townships throughout Australia, from its inception in June 1997 to May 2005. The results indicate that the forecasting system had low skill. Brier Skill Score and the receiver operating characteristic values were uniformly close to the no skill value. Forecast variances were consistently small. The overall observed variance was 0.0048, 2.1% of the variance of a perfect system. The estimate of the gradient of the outcome against forecast was 0.42 and was imprecise. Definitive statements about bias cannot be made. The value of the forecasts for decision‐makers was estimated using value score curves, calculated for six forecast scenarios. All curves indicated that no economic benefit could have been reliably derived by users of the seasonal rainfall forecasts, with the exception of users with decisions triggered by a small shift in the forecast from climatology, in which case small economic gains may have occurred. Small value scores were associated with the observed forecast variance, not the observed bias. We examined the expected change in value scores associated with any future increase in forecast variance. This showed that a moderate increase from the observed variance would bring limited benefits. Substantial value to a broad range of users will only occur with a large increase in forecast variance. To deliver this, new lead indicators with markedly better predictive characteristics may need to be developed for the seasonal rainfall forecasting system. Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society
The influence of traffic on road surface temperatures: implications for thermal mapping studies
Authors: Chapman Lee , Thornes John E.
Published: December 2005

Used to predict icy stretches of road during winter nights, thermal mapping is the measurement and visualisation of road surface temperatures for road ice prediction. From its development in the 1970s, the accuracy of thermal mapping has been subject to numerous systematic and random errors. One source of error is the effect of traffic, which is known to have a considerable influence on road surface temperatures. However, as the effects have never been fully quantified, the full implications for thermal mapping are unknown. In this study, consistent temperature differences of around 1.5°C were found across the different lanes and carriageways of a multi‐laned road. The thermal differences are significant and can be directly attributed to traffic heat fluxes. Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society
Reshaping neuron–glial communication at hippocampal synapses
Authors: HABER MICHAEL , MURAI KEITH K.
Published: December 2005

Neuron–glial interactions in the nervous system are of fundamental importance to many processes including neural migration, axon guidance, myelination and synaptic transmission. At synapses in the CNS, the physiological and structural relationship between neurons and astrocytes is particularly complex. The juxtaposition of astrocytic membranes with presynaptic and postsynaptic elements is important for regulating synaptic transmission and plasticity. Recent investigations demonstrate that the morphology of both neuronal and glial components show rapid, continuous structural remodeling in the hippocampus. These physical modifications are likely to have a significant functional impact upon neurotransmission and indicate that the remodeling of astrocytic morphology might be crucial for the dynamic regulation of the synapse and its microenvironment. In this review, we focus on the structural complexities of astrocyte–synapse interactions in the hippocampus and their implications for understanding synaptic physiology, behavior and disease.