bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microviscosity and Micropolarity Effects of Imidazolium Based Ionic Liquids Investigated by Spin Probes Their Diffusion and Spin Exchange
Authors: Stoesser R. , Herrmann W. , Zehl A. , Laschewsky A. , Strehmel V.
Published: January 2007

Different polar common spin probes (TEMPO, TEMPOL, and CAT-1) as well as 15N spin probes (15N-TEMPO and 15N-TEMPOL-D17) were investigated to get information about microviscosity and micropolarity of ionic liquids. Rotational correlation times and hyperfine coupling constants of the spin probes were obtained by complete simulation of the ESR spectra. Microviscosity effects as shown by the Gierer–Wirtz theory may explain the spin probe behavior. Investigation of spin exchange of TEMPO, TEMPOL, and CAT-1 dissolved in ionic liquids shows an increased tendency of aggregation in the case of the nonpolar spin probe TEMPO. Two different kinds of species (isolated and aggregated species) were observed in the case of the more polar spin probes TEMPOL and CAT-1. ESR tomographic investigation of lateral diffusion of selected spin probes in an ionic liquid corresponds to the results obtained in rotational diffusion experiments. Furthermore, the strongly decreased mobility of radicals in ionic liquids makes detection of a polymer radical possible that was observed during thermal induced free radical polymerization of a methacrylate substituted by a sulfobetaine structure.
Surface Studies on the Ionic Liquid 1-Ethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Ethylsulfate Using X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)
Authors: Gottfried J. M. , Maier F. , Rossa J. , Gerhard D. , Schulz P. S. , Wasserscheid P. , Steinrück H.-P.
Published: January 2007

Surface studies of ionic liquids are particularly important for all kinds of multiphasic operations employing ionic liquids, e.g. biphasic homogeneous catalysis or supported ionic liquid phase catalysis. Using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), the surface composition of the model system 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate [EMIM][EtOSO3] was investigated. By comparing two different samples of this ionic liquid from two different origins, we observed a decisive influence of silicon containing impurities on composition and structure of the surface. For the case of the impurities containing ionic liquid, our angle-dependent XPS data are in agreement with a model of a surface layer consisting of highly oriented ionic liquid molecules. From a fundamental point of view, our study may be of general relevance for the understanding of the chemistry of liquid surfaces in general.
Effect of integrated use of Azotobacter and nitrogen fertilizer on yield and quality of onion (Allium cepa L.)
Authors: Balemi T.
Published: January 2007

A field experiment was
conducted during the summerseason of 2000-2001 at IARI, New Delhi using
the onion cultivar Pusa Madhvi to identify a suitable Azotobacter strain
and nitrogen level combination(s) for better yield and quality of onion. The
treatments consisted of factorial combinations of four levels of nitrogen (0,
25, 50 and 75% recommended doses) and three Azotobacter strains (CBD-15,
AS-4 and M-4) with two uninoculated controls, one with the full dose of N and
the other without NPK. The results revealed that the application of 75%
recommended N dose along with inoculation with CBD-15 or M-4 significantly
increased the marketable yield and the nitrogen content in both leaves and
bulbs, over the control with the full dose of nitrogen, whereas only 75%
recommended N + CBD-15 led to a significantly increased total yield. Total
soluble solids (TSS) and neck thickness were significantly reduced by the
application of 50% recommended N dose along with inoculation with CBD-15 or M-4
compared with the uninoculated control with the full N dose. Inoculation with
any of the Azotobacter strains along with 50 or 75% recommended N dose
significantly reduced the sprouting loss during storage, while inoculation
significantly reduced rotting and total losses when combined with 50 or 25%
recommended N doses.
Hormone and phenol levels during germination and osmopriming of tomato seeds, and associated variations in protein patterns and anatomical seed features
Authors: El-Araby M. M. , Moustafa S. M. A. , Ismail and A. I. , Hegazi A. Z. A.
Published: January 2007

Seeds of tomato (Lycopersicon
esculentum Mill., variety Castle rock)
were osmoprimed in polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG; 20%) or K2HPO4
(200 mM) solution for 8 hours, 3 days or 7 days, while another group of
seeds were left in water for the same periods. The GA3/ABA ratio was
the most important hormone factor, which promoted germination in seeds soaked
in H2O and led to improved germination performance. This ratio
showed slight variations between hydroprimed and osmoprimed seeds after 8
hours, but afterwards, from 3 to 7 days, it was gradually increased in the
osmoprimed seeds and was substantially elevated in seeds germinating in H2O.
Changes in the concentrations of phenolic compounds suggested their possible
role in germination silencing in the osmoprimed seeds, but at relatively low
concentrations. Protein patterns showed no marked variations in hydroprimed and
osmoprimed seeds after 8 hours, but different types were observed, particularly
after 7 days. A comparison of the protein banding patterns of seeds after 1 day
and 7 days in the osmoconditioning solutions (PEG or K2HPO4),
H2O, GA3 or ABA showed certain treatment-specific protein
bands, particularly in PEG and ABA solutions. Longitudinal sections of seeds
(after 3 days) showed lysis of the micropylar endosperm and radicle protrusion
in H2O or GA3, whereas in PEG or K2HPO4
solution the radicle expanded inside the seed and the micropylar endosperm was
completely intact. In ABA solution, the whole endosperm was compact and the
seed became extensively desiccated.
Cross‐Sectional Evaluation of the Presence of Gingival Recession in Individuals With Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Almeida Ana Lúcia Pompéia Fraga de , Madeira Ludmila Cardoso , Freitas Kelly Cristina de , Greghi Sebastião Luiz Aguiar , Pegoraro Luiz Fernando
Published: January 2007

Background: In dentistry, investigations in the field of periodontics in individuals with cleft lip and palate are scarce, with few studies on the prevalence, incidence, extension, and severity of periodontal alterations and their treatment in adults.

Methods: This study analyzed the prevalence, extension, and severity of recessions and the relationship with some etiologic factors in 200 individuals with cleft lip and palate aged 13 to 56 years. Examination comprised measurements of gingival recession, amount of keratinized mucosa, frenum insertions, and tooth positioning in the dental arch.

Results: Analysis of the results revealed that the prevalence of recession was high, because 75% of individuals in the sample had at least one tooth with gingival recession; 100% of individuals aged >43 years presented at least one recession, and most recessions were Miller Class I. The multiple linear regression demonstrated that recession is directly proportional to age (i.e., it increases with age); concerning the amount of keratinized mucosa, the proportion is inverse (i.e., the larger the recession, the smaller the amount of mucosa); and gingival inflammation also presented a positive correlation.

Conclusions: Gingival recessions are caused by many etiologic factors, which usually act in combination. Thus, all factors causing recession should be analyzed so that planning and treatment of this clinical condition may be established, for achievement of optimal outcomes.
Clinical Significance of Incision Location on Guided Bone Regeneration: Human Study
Authors: Park Sang‐Hoon , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: January 2007

Background: Membrane exposure has been associated with poor clinical outcomes in guided bone regeneration. This prospective human study examined the effect of incision locations on flap survival and membrane exposure.

Methods: Twenty‐nine implant‐associated buccal dehiscence defects in 25 patients were augmented using particulate mineralized human allograft. Ten sites received a collagen bioabsorbable membrane, 10 sites received acellular dermal matrix, and nine sites were treated with bone graft alone. All implants achieved primary stability and passive flap tension at the time of flap closure. Incision location was measured as the distance from the initial incision line to the mucogingival junction. The same measurements were made at 2 weeks and 1 month to represent the length of the flap that survived. The length of the flap that survived at 2 weeks was compared to the mean width of buccal keratinized gingiva (KG) of adjacent teeth. Other clinical parameters recorded included incidence of early membrane exposure and gingival thickness at mid‐crest and 6 mm buccal and lingual to the mid‐crest at baseline.

Results: At 2 weeks, 10 sites experienced early exposure. Exposed sites that were not covered by 1 month remained exposed. Membrane‐treated groups showed no significant difference between the width of adjacent buccal KG and the length of the flap that survived at 2 weeks. The length of the flap that survived beyond the mean width of adjacent KG was significantly greater for the graft alone group (1.6 ± 0.4 mm; P = 0.002). When the gingival thicknesses of exposed and non‐exposed cases were compared, only palatal/lingual gingival thickness showed a significant difference (P = 0.002).

Conclusions: Within the limits of the study, it was concluded that the location of the crestal incision might be a significant factor in reducing the incidence of membrane exposure by minimizing flap necrosis. The mean KG width of adjacent teeth may be used as a guide to determine the initial incision location. However, this effect may be less significant in palatal/lingual gingiva >3.0 mm.
Optical Bandgaps of π‐Conjugated Organic Materials at the Polymer Limit: Experiment and Theory
Authors: Gierschner J. , Cornil J. , Egelhaaf H.‐J.
Published: January 2007

In this Review, the extreme care that must be taken when predicting the optical properties of conjugated polymers via the oligomer approach, and when comparing theoretical and experimental data, is illustrated. In the first part, conceptual strategies for the correct determination of optical transitions from experimental spectra and relevant extrapolation procedures at the polymer limit are introduced. The impact of conformational, substitution, solvent, and solid‐state effects on the optical properties is discussed in light of experimental data reported for molecular backbones based on phenylene, phenylenevinylene, and thiophene repeat units. A comparison is then made between experimental results and those provided by standard quantum‐chemical methods, to assess their reliability.
Gefitinib and chemotherapy combination studies in five novel human non small cell lung cancer xenografts. Evidence linking EGFR signaling to gefitinib antitumor response
Authors: Judde Jean‐Gabriel , Rebucci Magali , Vogt Nicolas , de Cremoux Patricia , Livartowski Alain , Chapelier Alain , Tran‐Perennou Carine , Boye Karine , Defrance Rémy , Poupon Marie‐France , Bras‐Gonçalves Rui‐Alberto
Published: January 2007

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway is often activated in NSCLC, and thus represents a promising therapeutic target. We studied the antitumor activity of gefitinib (Iressa™), an orally active EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor, alone and in combination with standard chemotherapy in 5 recently established human NSCLC xenografts with wild‐type EGFR. Mice were treated with 2 protocols of chemotherapy based on cisplatin (CDDP) combined with either gemcitabine (GEM) or vinorelbine (VNR). Gefitinib alone significantly inhibited tumor growth (TGI) in 4 of the 5 tumor xenografts (mean TGI of 58%, range: 25–70%). CDDP+VNR alone failed to achieve any significant responses, while CDDP+GEM achieved significant responses in 2 xenografts (TGI of 93 and 47%). Addition of gefitinib to CDDP+GEM potentialized chemotherapy in the 3 CDDP+GEM‐resistant xenografts, but did not potentialize the CDDP+VNR combination. The effect of gefitinib treatment on the activity of extra cellular‐regulated kinase (Erk), Akt, JNK and p38 kinases was assessed in IC9LC11 and IC1LC131, two NSCLC xenografts selected for their sensitivity and resistance to gefitinib, respectively. In IC9LC11, gefitinib strongly inhibited Erk, Akt and Jnk phosphorylation, but P38 remained active. Inversely, in IC1LC131, Erk and Akt pathways remained active, while Jnk and P38 pathways were inhibited by gefitinib. The data indicate that the antitumor activity of gefitinib in NSCLC, alone or in combination with chemotherapy, is tumor‐dependent and is influenced by downstream signaling events independent of EGFR status. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mismatch repair polymorphisms and the risk of colorectal cancer
Authors: Berndt Sonja I. , Platz Elizabeth A. , Fallin M. Daniele , Thuita Lucy W. , Hoffman Sandra C. , Helzlsouer Kathy J.
Published: January 2007

Rare germline variants in mismatch repair genes have been linked to hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer; however, it is unknown whether common polymorphisms in these genes alter the risk of colorectal cancer. To examine the association between common variants in mismatch repair genes and colorectal cancer, we conducted a case‐cohort study within the CLUE II cohort. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms in 3 mismatch repair genes (MSH3 R940Q, MSH3 T1036A, MSH6 G39E and MLH1 I219V) were genotyped in 237 colorectal cancer cases and a subcohort of 2,189 participants. Incidence rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for each polymorphism were estimated. The MSH3 1036A variant was found to be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (RR = 1.28, 95% CI: 0.94–1.74 and RR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.01–2.70 for the AT and TT genotypes, respectively, with ptrend = 0.02), particularly proximal colon cancer. Although the MSH3 940Q variant was only weakly associated with colorectal cancer overall (ptrend = 0.07), it was associated with a significant increased risk of proximal colon cancer (RR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.10–2.61 and RR = 2.68, 95% CI: 0.96–7.47 for the RQ and QQ genotypes, respectively with ptrend = 0.005). Processed meat intake appeared to modify the association between the MSH3 polymorphisms and colorectal cancer (pinteraction < 0.10 for both). No association was observed with the MSH6 and MLH1 polymorphisms overall. This study suggests that common polymorphisms in the mismatch repair gene, MSH3, may increase the risk of colorectal cancer, especially proximal colon cancer. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Methods for additive hydration allowing observation of fully hydrated state of wet samples in environmental SEM
Authors: Neděla Vilém
Published: January 2007

Methods for additive hydration are presented that enable longtime observation of very wet biological specimens in an environmental scanning electron microscope. The changes of structure due to dehydration for specimens placed on a Peltier‐cooled holder, put on a special agar base or embedded in it or blown over by water vapor are compared. The degree of dehydration damage of the observed specimen structures is evaluated and compared with the structure of a nondestructively dried specimen, prepared by the critical point drying method. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Schizophrenia as split personality/Jekyll and Hyde: The origins of the informal usage in the English language
Authors: McNally Kieran
Published: January 2007

The entry into the English language of the informal usage of schizophrenia as split per‐sonality/Jekyll and Hyde is traced and commented upon. The metaphor of split personality is followed from Eugene Bleuler via his translators and the wider psychiatric community into the present day. It, and to a lesser extent the Jekyll‐Hyde personality, is found to be as much a product of the psychological professions as a product of lay misinterpretation. The informal definition of schizophrenia as split personality has outlived the scientific theory with which it was initially associated. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of shared vision: Lessons from a science education community collaborative
Authors: Robertson Amy
Published: January 2007

This is a qualitative case study of a collaboration among multiple stakeholders in science education who came together in order to create environmental field trips and the surrounding classroom curriculum. The collaboration involves 4 major facets of science education: formal education at the elementary and university levels, informal education, and educational research. The data were collected by means of observation, semi‐structured interviews, and written document review. This study examines how shared vision developed within the collaboration, the roles the participants played in its evolution, and how this process benefited both the collaboration and each individual collaborator. Several factors significantly affected the progress towards a shared vision and a successful collaboration including time, communication, understanding others' perspectives, dedication and ownership, as well as the collaborative environment. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 44: 681–705, 2007
Mass spectra of the picolinyl ester derivatives of some non‐methylene‐interrupted octadecadienoic acids
Authors: Christie W. W. , Brechany E. Y. , Gunstone F. D. , Lie Ken Jie M. S. F. , Holman R. T.
Published: January 2007

The electron‐impact mass spectra of the picolinyl ester derivatives of 5,12‐, 6,12‐, 7,12‐, 8,12‐, 6,10‐ and 6,11‐octadecadienoic acids were obtained. There are features in each that are diagnostic of the position of the terminal double bond, although doubt could exist, with unknown compounds, about the position of the proximal double bond if authentic spectra were not available for comparison purposes. There appear to be features in the spectra of isomers with two and three methylene groups between double bonds that are of value for characterization purposes.
The activity and properties of a hepatic acid cholesteryl ester hydrolase obtained from rats of different age groups
Authors: Tanaka Mitsuo , Iio Toshihiro , Tabata Toshikazu
Published: January 2007

The activity of lysosomal acid cholesteryl ester hydrolase (acid CEH, EC 3.1.1.13) in rat liver was determined at 3, 5, 7, 10 and 20 wk following birth. The levels of acid CEH activity showed a marked decrease as rats grew older, whereas those of other lysosomal marker enzymes, such as acid phosphatase, β‐glucuronidase and cathepsin B and D, showed only a slight decrease. On the other hand, acid CEH activity was detected in all subcellular fractions obtained from rat liver, but the enzyme activity in these fractions did not show the age‐related decrease observed in the lysosomal fraction. The results presented here suggest that the marked alteration of lysosomal acid CEH activity that accompanies aging may be related to its possible involvement in the regulation of cholesterol concentration in rat liver.
Effect of dietary lipids on the lipid composition and phospholipid deacylating enzyme activities of rat heart
Authors: Leonardi Jeannie , Termine Elise , Morand Florence , Lafont Raymond , Portugal Henri , Lafont Huguette , Nalbone Gilles
Published: January 2007

Rats were fed lard‐enriched (17%) or corn oil‐enriched (17%) diets and were compared with rats fed a low fat (4.5%) diet. Cardiac protein, DNA, phospholipid (PL) and fatty acid (FA) compositions were analyzed. Neutral phospholipase A, lysophospholipase and creatine kinase activities in the membrane and cytosolic compartments were also investigated.

No significant modification of cardiac protein, DNA nor PL was observed among the three groups. Some alterations appeared in the FA composition. A lard‐enriched diet induced a significant increase of 22∶5n−3 and 22∶6n−3 in heart phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), whereas a linoleic acid‐rich diet induced a specific increase of 22∶4n−6 and 22∶5n−6 in these two major PL.

Compared to rats fed the low fat diet, membrane‐associated phospholipase A activity, measured by endogenous hydrolysis of membrane PC and PE, showed a significant increase (+45%) for both PL in rats fed corn oil. However, the activity of membrane‐associated phospholipases, measured with exogenous [1‐14C]dioleoyl PC, was not different among the three groups of rats. Cytoplasmic activity was decreased in rats fed corn oil, and lysophospholipase and creatine phosphate kinase activities were not significantly affected by diet.

FA modification of the long chain n−6 FA induced by corn oil may be responsible for the observed increase in phospholipase activity. Physiological implications are suggested in terms of membrane degradation and prostaglandin production.
Sterol synthesis in the liver intestine, and lung of the guinea pig
Authors: Turley S. D. , West C. E. , Horton B. J.
Published: January 2007

The relative rates of sterol synthesis in the liver, ileum, and lung of the guinea pig have been studied by measuring the incorporation by tissue slices of14C‐labeled acetate into digitonin‐precipitable sterols. The liver showed maximum incorporation of acetate at pH 6.5, the ileum at pH 7.5, and the lung at pH 6.0. The incorporation of acetate approached the maximum rate at a concentration of 10 mM with the liver and lung and 5 mM with the ileum. Using these conditions of assay, sterol synthesis was measured in the liver, ileum, and lung of four groups of guinea pigs killed at 6‐hourly intervals. Depending on the time of day, the rate of sterol synthesis in the ileum was from 6 to 14 times that in the liver, while in the lung the rate was up to 3 times that shown by the liver. Additional studies showed that all regions of the small intestine synthesized sterol at a higher rate than the liver, with the highest rate of synthesis occurring in the ileum. The rates observed in the adrenal, testis, muscle, adipose tissue, and skin indicated that these tissues are not quantitatively important sites of sterol synthesis in the guinea pig.
Some nutrient interrelations during total intravenous alimentation in adult man—A review
Authors: Wixom Robert L. , Sheng Yung‐Boo , Anderson Helen L. , Yamanaka William K. , Terry Boyd E.
Published: January 2007

Selected aspects of total parenteral nutrition in man are reviewed with emphasis on carbohydrate, lipid, and hormonal interactions. In an experiment to test for the essentiality of a specific amino acid, a normal adult man received all major and minor nutrients, except lipids, by intravenous alimentation for 48 days. A chemical deficiency of essential fatty acids without clinical symptoms was promptly observed in four plasma lipid fractions and the phospholipid fraction of erythrocytes. With the glucose providing 2,600 kcal/day, blood glucose remained normal, but a hypertrigly ceridemia was observed. Plasma insulin rose and cortisol fell. To meet the essential fatty acid and energy requirements of man, critical experiments are needed to define the safe utilization of lipid emulsions during prolonged intravenous nutrition.
Nutritional effects of the cyclic monomers of methyl linolenate in the rat
Authors: Iwaoka Wayne T. , Perkins E. G.
Published: January 2007

Low levels (0.0075, 0.0225, and 0.15%) of cyclic fatty acid methyl esters (>98% pure) were incorporated into diets of weanling rats fed different levels of protein. Animals on low protein diets (8–10% casein) exhibited decreased wt gains and feed consumption with increasing levels of cyclic esters in their diets after 6 weeks. Liver enlargements due to a significant (P<0.01) accumulation of liver lipid were noted in animals receiving 0.15% cyclic fatty acid esters in their diets.
Preparation of deuterated methyl 6,9,12‐octadecatrienoates and methyl 6,9,12,15‐octadecatetraenoates
Authors: Rakoff Henry
Published: January 2007

Methyl 6,9,12‐octadecatrienoate‐15,15,16,16‐d4 was obtained by Wittig coupling between 6,6,7,7‐tetradeutero‐3‐nonenyltriphenylphosphonium iodide, 8, and the aldehyde ester, methyl 9‐oxo‐6‐nonenoate. Methyl 6‐oxohexanoate, obtained by ozonolysis of cyclohexene, was coupled in a Wittig reaction with [2‐(1,3‐dioxan‐2‐yl)ethyl]triphenylphosphonium bromide to give methyl 8‐dioxanyl‐6‐octenoate. This compound was transacetalized to methyl 9,9‐dimethoxy‐6‐nonenoate, which was then hydrolyzed to the aldehyde ester. For the preparation of compound 8, the tetrahydropyranyl ether of 2‐pentynol was deuterated with deuterium gas and tris‐(triphenylphosphine)chlororhodium. The tetradeuterated tetrahydropyranyl ether was converted to the bromide with triphenylphosphine dibromide, and the bromide was coupled with 3‐butynol by means of lithium amide in liquid ammonia to give 3‐nonynol‐6,6,7,7‐d4. Hydrogenation over Lindlar's catalyst converted the deuterated alkynol to 3‐nonenol‐6,6,7,7‐d4. This deuterated alkenol was converted to the bromide with triphenylphosphine dibromide, then to the iodide with sodium iodide in acetone, and finally to 8 with triphenylphosphine in acetonitrile. Methyl 6,9,12,15‐octadecatetraenoate‐12,13,15,16‐d4 was obtained by Wittig coupling between methyl 9‐oxo‐6‐nonenoate and 3,4,6,7‐tetradeutero‐3,6‐nonadienyltriphenylphosphonium iodide, 15. For the preparation of compound 15, the bromide obtained from the reaction of 2‐pentynol with triphenylphosphine dibromide was coupled with 3‐butynol with lithium amide in liquid ammonia. The resulting 3,6‐nonadiynol was deuterated with deuterium gas in the presence of P‐2 nickel, and the resultant deuterated nonadienol was converted to 15 through the bromide and iodide. The final products were separated from isomers formed during the synthetic sequences by silver resin chromatography.
Oxysterol mediated changes in fatty acid distribution and lipid synthesis in cultured bovine aortic smooth muscle cells
Authors: Seillan Christine
Published: January 2007

We studied the actions of oxysterols on fatty acid distribution and lipid synthesis in cultured bovine aortic smooth muscle cells. Cultures were labeled with [1‐14C] arachidonate or [1‐14C]oleate. During a 24‐hr incubation, 25‐or 22R‐hydroxycholesterol enhanced the incorporation of label into triglycerides, concomitant with a reduction in the labeling of phospholipids. Cholestantriol or 20‐hydroxycholesterol had the opposite effects. They caused a higher incorporation of radiolabel into phospholipids and a reduction of labeling of triacylglycerols. Similar changes were seen in cells labeled with [1‐14C]acetate. Therefore, we conclude that oxysterols can promote changes in the distribution of fatty acids between neutral lipids and phospholipids through mechanisms that still need to be clarified.
Detergent induced changes in serum lipid composition in rats
Authors: Miura Yoshiro , Hisaki Harumi , Fukushima Benzo , Nagai Tatsuo , Ikeda Tohru
Published: January 2007

The influence ofin vivo administration of detergents on serum lipid composition was studied in rats. Male Wistar rats received 50 mg Emulgen 913 (polyoxyethylene nonylphenylether, a nonionic detergent) or SDS (sodium dodecylsulfate, an anionic detergent) per kg of body weight intraperitoneally for 3 consecutive days. Emulgen 913 and SDS administration increased the level of cholesterol esters and phospholipids, respectively. But Emulgen 913 administration reduced the level of triglycerides in the Serum, and SDS administration reduced also the levels of triglycerides and cholesterol esters. In spite of the changes in serum lipid composition, the administration of these detergents did not affect the amount of total lipids in rat serum. The proportion of palmitic, oleic, and docosahexaenoic acids in phospholipids was decreased by the administration of Emulgen 913 while the level of arachidonic acid was raised. However, the level SDS administration had no effect on the fatty acid composition of the serum phospholipids. On the other hand, both Emulgen 913 and SDS administration showed an effect on the fatty acid composition of triglycerides. It is postulated that liver damage due to administration of detergents is responsible for the changes in serum lipid and fatty acid composition in detergent‐treated rats.
Fatty acid and β‐amino acid syntheses in strains ofBacillus subtilis producing iturinic antibiotics
Authors: Hourdou Marie‐Laure , Besson Francoise , Tenoux Isabelle , Michel Georges
Published: January 2007

Iturinic antibiotics, produced by different strains ofBacillus subtilis, contain long‐chain β‐amino acids (β‐AA). The regulation of the synthesis of fatty acids (FA) and β‐AA was studied by modifying the culture medium. Addition of possible precursors, branched‐chain α‐amino acids, to the medium affected the FA and β‐AA compositions. According to this, theB. subtilis strains can be divided into two groups. The first contains the producers of mycosubtilin and bacillomycin F which synthesize a high level ofiso C16 chains; the second contains the producers of bacillomycin D, bacillomycin L and iturin which synthesize a high level ofn carbon chains.

The incorporation of radioactive sodium acetate into FA and β‐AA showed rapid FA synthesis followed by a second synthetic step. Although the detailed mechanism has not yet been elucidated, this second step, corresponding to the β‐AA synthesis, seemed to be a key step in determining the alkyl chain of β‐AA.
Effect of eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester on proteinuria of streptozotocin‐induced diabetes mellitus in rats
Authors: Fujikawa Mariko , Yamazaki Katsuya , Sawazaki Shigeki , Taki Hirofumi , Kaneda Mariko , Urakaze Mesaharu , Hamazaki Tomohito , Yano Saburo , Fujita Takao
Published: January 2007

Streptozotocin (45 mg/kg) was intravenously administered to 7‐week‐old Wistar rats through their tail veins. After 11 days, the rats were divided into two groups. One group was fed a lipid‐free diet (90%, w/w) plus lard (8%) and safflower oil (2%) for four weeks (Diet 1 group, n=12). The other group was fed in the same way, except that safflower oil was replaced by 90% pure eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ethyl ester (Diet 2 group, n=13). Twenty‐four‐hour urine was collected just before the diets started and during the experiment at 7‐day intervals. In the second and third week, the levels of proteinuria were significantly lower in the Diet 2 group than they were in the Diet 1 group. There was no significant difference in the levels of creatinine, urea nitrogen, or lipids in plasma or in body weights between the two groups after four weeks on the diets. Because Diet 2 reduced proteinuria of diabetic rats compared to Diet 1, an EPA‐rich diet may retard the development of diabetic nephropathy.
Anatomical study for an update comprehension of clubfoot. Part I: Bones and joints
Authors: Windisch Gunther , Anderhuber Friedrich , Haldi-Brändle Verena , Exner Gerhard Ulrich
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The aim of our study was to elucidate the gross anatomical changes of bones and joints in idiopathic clubfeet.

Methods

Gross dissection was carried out on seven idiopathic clubfeet of fetuses aborted between the 25th and 37th week of gestation and compared to two normal feet (27th and 36th week of gestation). Particular attention was paid to the articular surfaces, shapes and angles of all bones and their skeletal relationships.

Results

The talar neck–trochlea angle in clubfeet ranged from 37° to 41°, in normal feet from 27° to 33°. In clubfeet the deviation of the neck of the talus relative to the body was between 28° and 43°, in normal feet between 22° and 24°. The posterior joint surface was in an anterolateral position and even flat transversely. The head of the clubfeet tali was turned along a longitudinal axis in the opposite direction compared to the normal ones. Instead of a typically saddle-shaped posterior talar surface of the calcaneus, it was triangular and flat transversely, and a bony stability in the subtalar joint was not achieved. The angle of torsion of the calcaneus showed no significant difference between normal and clubfeet. The anterior surface was flat, medially twisted and orientated upwards.

Conclusions

We presume that the calcaneus is the primary fault, which might be explained by pathologic biomechanical forces during development.
Role of three-dimensional computed tomography reconstruction in the management of elongated styloid process: a preliminary study
Authors: Nayak D R , Pujary K , Aggarwal M , Punnoose S E , Chaly V A
Published: January 2007

Elongated styloid process is a relatively common cause of facial and neck pain, but it is often misdiagnosed due to its varied clinical presentation. Since an elongated styloid process is often confirmed by radiological means, it would be helpful to find a more accurate mode of depicting the styloid process.

In this prospective study, 39 cases were evaluated. A three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) reconstruction of the styloid process was performed in 18 cases. In these patients, we compared the length and medial angulation of the symptomatic styloid process as viewed on an orthopantomogram and a 3D CT reconstruction.

It was noted that a 3D CT reconstruction was more accurate in depicting the styloid process. This investigation can be considered as the ‘gold standard’ in the radiological diagnosis of an elongated styloid process.
A review of retraction pockets: past, present and future management
Authors: Ramakrishnan Y , Kotecha A , Bowdler D A
Published: January 2007

Retraction pockets can lead to hearing loss and cholesteatoma. Distinguishing stable from progressive disease is challenging to any otologist. The management of retraction pockets is a contentious issue with present treatment options often plagued with recurrence. The purpose of this article is to summarize recent developments in the aetiology of retraction pockets of the pars tensa, its diagnostic and management problems and to define possible future therapeutic options.
RNA interference in parasitic helminths: current situation, potential pitfalls and future prospects
Authors: GELDHOF P. , VISSER A. , CLARK D. , SAUNDERS G. , BRITTON C. , GILLEARD J. , BERRIMAN M. , KNOX D.
Published: January 2007

RNA interference (RNAi) has become an invaluable tool for the functional analysis of genes in a wide variety of organisms including the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Recently, attempts have been made to apply this technology to parasitic helminths of animals and plants with variable success. Gene knockdown has been reported for Schistosoma mansoni by soaking or electroporating different life-stages in dsRNA. Similar approaches have been tested on parasitic nematodes which clearly showed that, under certain conditions, it was possible to interfere with gene expression. However, despite these successes, the current utility of this technology in parasite research is questionable. First, problems have arisen with the specificity of RNAi. Treatment of the parasites with dsRNA resulted, in many cases, in non-specific effects. Second, the current RNAi methods have a limited efficiency and effects are sometimes difficult to reproduce. This was especially the case in strongylid parasites where only a small number of genes were susceptible to RNAi-mediated gene knockdown. The future application of RNAi in parasite functional genomics will greatly depend on how we can overcome these difficulties. Optimization of the dsRNA delivery methods and in vitro culture conditions will be the major challenges.
Can we predict suicide and non-fatal self-harm with the Beck Hopelessness Scale? A meta-analysis
Authors: McMILLAN DEAN , GILBODY SIMON , BERESFORD EMMA , NEILLY LIZ
Published: January 2007

Background. Hopelessness is considered a pre-eminent risk factor for suicide and non-fatal self-harm. We aimed to quantify the ability of the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) to predict these two outcomes.

Method. Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and Cinahl were searched to January 2006. We included cohort studies in which the BHS was applied and patients were followed-up to establish subsequent suicide or non-fatal self-harm. Four studies provided usable data on suicide, and six studies provided data on non-fatal self-harm. Summary sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios and diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) were calculated for each study. Random effects meta-analytic pooling across studies at the standard cut-off point ([ges ]9) was undertaken and summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves constructed.

Results. For suicide, pooled sensitivity was 0·80 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·68–0·90], pooled specificity was 0·42 (95% CI 0·41–0·44), and the pooled DOR was 3·39 (95% CI 1·29–8·88). For non-fatal self-harm, pooled sensitivity was 0·78 (95% CI 0·74–0·82), pooled specificity was 0·42 (95% CI 0·38–0·45), and the pooled DOR was 2·27 (95% CI 1·53–3·37).

Conclusion. The standard cut-off point on the BHS identifies a high-risk group for potential suicide, but the magnitude of the risk is lower than previously reported estimates. The standard cut-off point is also capable of identifying those who are at risk of future self-harm, but the low specificity rate means it is unlikely to be of use in targeting treatment designed to lower the rate of repetition.
Introduction
Authors: Horn David
Published: January 2007

This issue of Popular Music is produced in honour of Paul Oliver, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to popular music scholarship.

Paul was a member of the original Editorial Board for Popular Music when it was set up in 1980 and continued to serve as a member of that body, and subsequently of the Editorial Group, until 1990. He was also a founding member of the International Association for the Study of Popular Music and has maintained a keen interest in the organisation, continuing to attend, and speak at, its international conferences. His vision of both the potential and the needs of the Association as a global network lay behind his proposal in 1985 that a project be undertaken to compile a worldwide encyclopedia of popular music, an idea which subsequently bore fruit in EPMOW (The Encyclopedia of Popular Music of the World). All these achievements are worth celebrating in themselves, but it is Paul's outstanding contribution to scholarship in the area of vernacular – particularly African-American vernacular – music that we wish to honour with this issue.
Description, diagnosis, prescription: a critique of the application of co-evolutionary models to natural resource management
Authors: JEFFREY PAUL , MCINTOSH BRIAN S.
Published: January 2007

To support moves towards more sustainable modes of natural resource management, the research community has been engaged in an evaluation of paradigms, theories and methods which might provide useful and usable insights into such a complex problem set. A particularly influential family of theoretical models concerned with the processes and dynamics of species evolution has been adopted from the fields of biology and ecology. This paper scrutinizes the relevance of biological evolutionary theory to sustainable natural resource management beyond identification of the core analogy, namely that both natural resource management and ecological systems are characterized by multiple interacting elements requiring systemic interpretation. A review of the workings of co-evolutionary theory within its intellectual homeland of biology and ecology leads to a critical evaluation of its use as a descriptive model outside of these domains. Findings from this assessment identify a number of fractures in meaning as the co-evolutionary model is transferred between disciplinary fields, suggesting that the transposition has been conducted without sufficient rigour or consistency. A measured reinterpretation of the applicability of the co-evolutionary model to natural resources management is thereby undertaken. Using water management as a context, the paper posits a series of phenomena which might provide a focus for the application of the co-evolutionary model outside of biology and ecology. In conclusion, the paper argues that the research community needs to move beyond a consideration of the complex implications of co-evolutionary processes to the establishment of a firm, process-based definition of co-evolution as a type of change.
The Equality Chameleon: Reflections on Social Identity, Passing, and Groupism
Authors: McLaughlin Eithne
Published: January 2007

This paper explores issues of social and multiple identity and their implications for equality law and practice. The paper considers three principal dilemmas – passing, groupism and the limitations of participatory justice as a political strategy for the achievement of equality. The objective is to contribute a ‘thick’ understanding of issues of identity and identification with which to inform and situate the development of the UK's ‘single equality approach’. The paper argues that the negotiations of identity required of members of minority groups is a form of work.
Composite ground deformation pattern forerunning the 2004–2005 Mount Etna eruption
Authors: Bonaccorso Alessandro , Bonforte Alessandro , Guglielmino Francesco , Palano Mimmo , Puglisi Giuseppe
Published: January 2007

After the end of the 2002–2003 eruption, Mount Etna activity was characterized only by gentle degassing at the summit craters and some earthquake swarms. Suddenly, an eruption started on 7 September 2004 in complete absence of summit crater volcanic activity, seismicity or seismic tremor, and ground deformation. This is the first time that magma poured out passively without preeruptive and coeruptive volcanic and/or geophysical phenomena. The primary key to understanding this event is represented by the ground deformation pattern recorded through GPS measurements during the year before the eruption. The ground deformation shows inflation superimposed by a predominant eastward movement of the eastern sector at a rate never observed before in a noneruptive period. The images from satellite radar interferometry confirmed this pattern. The deformation field clearly shows that the maximum tension in the eastern sector of the volcano caused the opening of the eruptive fracture which favored the silent pouring out of already resident magma.
High temporal resolution GOES sounder single field of view ozone improvements
Authors: Li Jinlong , Li Jun , Schmidt Christopher C. , Nelson James P. , Schmit Timothy J.
Published: January 2007

A new total column ozone (TCO) algorithm for Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) Sounder data has been evaluated with the collocated 17 months (May 1998 through September 1999) Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) measurements and GOES‐8 Sounder ozone retrievals. The new GOES ozone algorithm retrieves hourly TCO over the Continental United States (CONUS) to an accuracy of about 4.6% root mean square error (RMSE) as compared with previous algorithm accuracy of about 5.8%. The GOES TCO bias adjustment is also investigated and applied; both seasonal and latitudinal variations were found in the bias. Results show that bias correction is effective when applied to GOES TCO retrievals. OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument) data from the Earth Observing System Aura platform were used to validate the new algorithm. Good agreement was found between OMI and GOES‐12 single field‐of‐view (SFOV) TCO. The improved GOES TCO product is now available in real‐time for various applications.
Fracture propagation as means of rapidly transferring surface meltwater to the base of glaciers
Authors: van der Veen C. J.
Published: January 2007

Propagation of water‐filled crevasses through glaciers is investigated based on the linear elastic fracture mechanics approach. A crevasse will penetrate to the depth where the stress intensity factor at the crevasse tip equals the fracture toughness of glacier ice. A crevasse subjected to inflow of water will continue to propagate downward with the propagation speed controlled primarily by the rate of water injection. While the far‐field tensile stress and fracture toughness determine where crevasses can form, once initiated, the rate of water‐driven crevasse propagation is nearly independent of these two parameters. Thus, rapid transfer of surface meltwater to the bed of a cold glacier requires abundant ponding at the surface to initiate and sustain full thickness fracturing before refreezing occurs.
A comparison of radiative transfer models for simulating Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) radiances
Authors: Saunders R. , Rayer P. , Brunel P. , von Engeln A. , Bormann N. , Strow L. , Hannon S. , Heilliette S. , Liu Xu , Miskolczi F. , Han Y. , Masiello G. , Moncet J.‐L. , Uymin Gennady , Sherlock V. , Turner D. S.
Published: January 2007

A comparison of radiative transfer models for simulating radiances from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS), has been undertaken. Results from 14 line‐by‐line and fast parameterized infrared models were submitted. Several aspects of the models were compared. First, the forward model calculations for all 2378 AIRS channels for 52 diverse atmospheric profiles and one tropical Pacific profile coincident with AIRS data were performed for three local zenith viewing angles: nadir, 45, and 60 degrees. Second, for a subset of the models and only 20 AIRS channels the transmittances from each layer to space were provided. Finally, for some models the Jacobians with respect to temperature, water vapor, and ozone were also computed. For the forward model calculations, most models agree to within 0.02 K when compared to a reference line‐by‐line model averaged over a subset of profiles, with the exception of a few spectral regions. When compared with AIRS observations, however, the mean differences increase to 0.2 K, and for a few models even greater differences are seen. The transmittance differences highlighted regions of the spectrum where the spectroscopy of the models differs, particularly in the carbon dioxide absorption bands at 667 cm−1 and 2386 cm−1. For the Jacobians all models have some profiles/channels that do not fit the reference well, and the main problems are documented here. The model differences only increase slightly for off‐nadir viewing angles for both forward and Jacobian calculations.
Peptidyl‐prolyl cis/trans isomerases and transcription: is there a twist in the tail?
Authors: Shaw Peter E
Published: January 2007

Eukaryotic transcription is regulated predominantly by the post‐translational modification of the participating components. One such modification is the cis–trans isomerization of peptidyl‐prolyl bonds, which results in a conformational change in the protein involved. Enzymes that carry out this reaction include the yeast peptidyl‐prolyl cis/trans isomerase Ess1 and its human counterpart Pin1, both of which recognize phosphorylated target motifs exclusively. Consequently, they operate together with proline‐directed serine–threonine kinases and phosphatases. High‐profile client proteins involved in transcription include steroid hormone receptors, cell‐cycle regulators and immune mediators. Other key targets are elements of the transcription machinery, including the multiply phosphorylated carboxy‐terminal domain of RNA polymerase II. Changes in isomerase activity have been shown to alter the transactivation potential, protein stability or intracellular localization of these client proteins. The resulting disruption to developmental processes and cell proliferation has been linked, in some cases, to human cancers.
Nanoporous leaky waveguide based chemical and biological sensors with broadband spectroscopy
Authors: Qi Zhi-Mei , Honma Itaru , Zhou Haoshen
Published: January 2007

Here the authors demonstrate spectral optical chemical and biological sensors based on a nanoporous thin-film leaky waveguide that were fabricated by dip coating the gold-layer-covered glass substrate from the colloidal TiO2 solution. The sensor operates by interrogating the resonance wavelengths for the leaky modes in a broad bandwidth using the Kretschmann configuration. Sensitivities of the sensor to refractive index of liquid and protein adsorption were investigated and compared with the spectral surface plasmon resonance sensors. The best fitting to the experimental data was carried out with the Fresnel equations, and thickness and porosity of the nanoporous waveguiding layer were determined.