bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frontiers of Transient Phenomena in X-ray Binaries and Cataclysmic Variables Investigated by a High-Speed CCD Camera and an Automated Monitor Telescope
Authors: Nogami D. , Mineshige S.
Published: August 2007

We are developing two new systems of a high-speed CCD camera, and an automated monitor telescope. This camera using a frame transfer-type CCD that enables us to take images each 27.3 msec at the highest speed. We wish to investigate accretion and eruption phenomena around compact stars by optical light. The system we have developed for automated monitoring of X-ray binaries and cataclysmic variables consists of a 30-cm reflector, a CCD camera, and a computer. It is a cheap system, but can monitor more than 150 systems each night. It will reveal long-term light curves of programmed stars of those transient systems, and catch sudden outbursts/decays. We will be able to start follow-up observations to clarify the mechanism of these activities as early as possible. We here report the current status of these projects, the target physics, and the future development.
Astronomy development in Thailand: the role of NARIT
Authors: Soonthornthum Boonrucksar , Kramer Busaba , Poshyachinda Saran
Published: August 2007

Astronomy development in Thailand has improved significantly during the last few years. The government has approved the establishment of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT). Roles of NARIT in the development astronomical research and astronomy education in Thailand includes a national framework, national facilities, collaborative research networks, teacher training and public outreach programmes. The new 2.4-metre reflecting telescope will serve not only astronomy community in Thailand but also in Southeast Asia.
Globalizing space and Earth science–the International Heliophysical Year Education and Outreach Programme
Authors: Rabello-Soares M. Cristina , Morrow Cherilynn , Thompson Barbara , Webb David
Published: August 2007

The International Heliophysical Year (IHY) in 2007 & 2008 will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year (IGY) and, following its tradition of international research collaboration, will focus on the cross-disciplinary studies of universal processes in the heliosphere.

The main goal of the IHY Education and Outreach Programme is to create more global access to exemplary resources in space and Earth science education and public outreach. By taking advantage of the IHY organization with representatives in every nation and in the partnership with the United Nations Basic Space Science Initiative (UNBSSI), we aim to promote new international partnerships. Our goal is to assist in increasing the visibility and accessibility of exemplary programmes and in the identification of formal or informal educational products that would be beneficial to improve space and Earth science knowledge in a given country; leaving a legacy of enhanced global access to resources and of world-wide connectivity between those engaged in education and public outreach efforts that are related to IHY science.

Here we describe how to participate in the IHY Education and Outreach Programme and the benefits in doing so. Emphasis will be given to the role played by developing countries; not only in selecting useful resources and helping in their translation and adaptation, but also in providing different approaches and techniques in teaching.
Impact of circulation on export production, dissolved organic matter, and dissolved oxygen in the ocean: Results from Phase II of the Ocean Carbon‐cycle Model Intercomparison Project (OCMIP‐2)
Authors: Najjar R. G. , Jin X. , Louanchi F. , Aumont O. , Caldeira K. , Doney S. C. , Dutay J.‐C. , Follows M. , Gruber N. , Joos F. , Lindsay K. , Maier‐Reimer E. , Matear R. J. , Matsumoto K. , Monfray P. , Mouchet A. , Orr J. C. , Plattner G.‐K. , Sarmiento J. L. , Schlitzer R. , Slater R. D. , Weirig M.‐F. , Yamanaka Y. , Yool A.
Published: August 2007

Results are presented of export production, dissolved organic matter (DOM) and dissolved oxygen simulated by 12 global ocean models participating in the second phase of the Ocean Carbon‐cycle Model Intercomparison Project. A common, simple biogeochemical model is utilized in different coarse‐resolution ocean circulation models. The model mean (±1σ) downward flux of organic matter across 75 m depth is 17 ± 6 Pg C yr−1. Model means of globally averaged particle export, the fraction of total export in dissolved form, surface semilabile dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and seasonal net outgassing (SNO) of oxygen are in good agreement with observation‐based estimates, but particle export and surface DOC are too high in the tropics. There is a high sensitivity of the results to circulation, as evidenced by (1) the correlation of surface DOC and export with circulation metrics, including chlorofluorocarbon inventory and deep‐ocean radiocarbon, (2) very large intermodel differences in Southern Ocean export, and (3) greater export production, fraction of export as DOM, and SNO in models with explicit mixed layer physics. However, deep‐ocean oxygen, which varies widely among the models, is poorly correlated with other model indices. Cross‐model means of several biogeochemical metrics show better agreement with observation‐based estimates when restricted to those models that best simulate deep‐ocean radiocarbon. Overall, the results emphasize the importance of physical processes in marine biogeochemical modeling and suggest that the development of circulation models can be accelerated by evaluating them with marine biogeochemical metrics.
EFFECT OF ANDROGEN ON THE EXPRESSION OF THE SEX DIFFERENCE IN SUSCEPTIBILITY TO INFECTION WITH STRONGYLOIDES RATTI IN C57BL/6 MICE
Authors: Kiyota M , Korenaga M , Nawa Y , Kotani M
Published: August 2007

The possible site of expression of the sex difference in susceptibility to infection with Strongyloides ratti was studied in C57BL/6 mice. The intensity of infection, measured by daily larval output in faeces or by intestinal worm burden, was significantly higher in males than in females. This sex difference was already expressed during the migration of larvae from the site of subcutaneous inoculation to the cranial cavity or lung as early as 24 h after infection. Conversely, there was no significant difference in the larval output in faeces or in the worm burden of male or female recipients after implantation of adult worms using a stomach tube. When the susceptibility to infection with S. ratti of gonadectomized animals was examined, the daily larval output in faeces of orchidectomized males was significantly reduced to the level of intact females, while ovariectomy had no effect, suggesting that androgen is one of the important regulatory factors for the expression of sex difference. In fact, testosterone treatment of orchidectomized males or normal females could increase their susceptibility to or above the level of intact males. These results strongly suggest that sex difference in the susceptibility to infection with S. ratti in C57BL/6 mice is mediated by ‘natural defence mechanisms’ which are under the regulation of testosterone.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE VARIETY OF MECHANISMS OF ALLOGRAFT TOLERANCE
Authors: McCullagh Peter
Published: August 2007

The influence of variations in protocol on the induction and early stages of maintenance of allograft tolerance in neonatal rats was studied. Allogeneic bone marrow cells, the anti‐recipient activity of which was specifically reduced because of their origin from immunologically tolerant donors, possessed diminished tolerogenic capacity. This was commonly manifested by development of an unreactive state in only one of the two parameters of reactivity‐allograft rejection and graft‐versus‐host reactivity‐that were monitored. A similar deviation from the occurrence of unreactivity in both forms that characterizes tolerant rats was observed in animals which had been inoculated with syngeneic thymus cells at the time of induction of tolerance. Attempts to demonstrate a requirement for an extended period of exposure of young rats to semi‐allogeneic bone marrow cells before specific unreactivity on the part of host cells became irreversible were unsuccessful.
ANTIBODY RESPONSE TO THE HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS TYPE 2 AG‐4 ANTIGEN IN GUINEA PIGS WITH GENITAL HERPES INFECTIONS
Authors: Maragos Constantina , Miller Anetta , May John T
Published: August 2007

Female guinea pigs, inoculated intravaginally with a herpes simplex virus‐type 2 (HSV‐2) strain M1, developed typical symptoms of a primary and recurrent genital herpes infection. Sera from HSV‐2 infected guinea pigs taken during the primary or recurrent stages of the genital infection contained complement (C)‐fixing antibody which reacted with an apparent type specificity to an early 4 h HSV‐2 infected cell extract (AG‐4) when compared to a 4 h HSV‐1 infected cell extract. This C‐fixing anti‐AG‐4 activity was shown to be associated with the IgG2 subclass and directed primarily against HSV‐2 infected cell polypeptide (ICP)6 and ICP8. Furthermore, C‐fixing anti‐AG‐4 levels remained constant after the primary infection and during recurrences for over 6 months. Thus, while the anti‐AG‐4 response in guinea pigs was of the IgG type, it varied from that found previously in human genital HSV‐2 sufferers which was of the IgM type. Also, while an IgG anti‐AG‐4 response in human genital HSV‐2 sufferers is associated with a reduction in the number of recurrences, this reduction is not apparent in the guinea pig model.
SEASONAL ACTIVITY AND ABUNDANCE OF THE ARBOVIRUS VECTOR CULEX ANNULIROSTRIS SKUSE NEAR ECHUCA, VICTORIA, IN THE MURRAY VALLEY OF SOUTHEASTERN AUSTRALIA 1979‐1985
Authors: Russell Richard C
Published: August 2007

Abundance of Culex annulirostris in a state forest near Echuca, northern Victoria, was sampled with a dry ice‐baited EVS trap from 1979 to 1985, generally on a fortnightly basis. The species regularly became active from October, the population reached peak abundance in mid summer and then declined to become undetectable from late May. Abundance varied between years, related to availability of larval habitats. The results confirm a pattern of seasonal activity in the Murray Valley that is relevant to arbovirus epidemiology and to vector control.
Fc RECEPTOR‐INDEPENDENT PHAGOCYTOSIS BY MOUSE MACROPHAGES OF ERYTHROCYTES SENSITIZED WITH A LECTIN FROM A MARINE INVERTEBRATE
Authors: Coombe DR , Ey PL , Jenkin CR
Published: August 2007

A'lactose‐specific lectin present in the haemolymph of the colonial ascidian Botrylloides leachii was tested for its ability to act as an opsonin for the phagocytosis of erythrocytes by mouse macrophages. Sensitization of sheep or mouse erythrocytes with one agglutinating dose of the invertebrate agglutinin enhanced significantly the clearance of these cells from the circulation of mice, as did treatment with specific antibody. By measuring the adhesion and phagocytosis of 51Cr‐labelled erythrocytes by monolayers of macrophages in vitro, it was shown that the B. leachii agglutinin was highly opsonic, promoting the ingestion of erythrocytes by the macrophages with an initial efficiency similar to that of specific antibody. The adherence and ingestion of antibody‐coated erythrocytes was severely inhibited by blocking Fc receptors on the macrophages with soluble immune complexes, whereas the binding and ingestion of lectin‐coated erythrocytes was unaffected by this treatment. The results demonstrate that invertebrate lectins can act as efficient opsonins for the uptake of particles by vertebrate phagocytes and that it is not necessary for particles to bind to Fc receptors for phagocytosis to be induced.
ANGIOTENSIN‐CONVERTING ENZYME (ACE) MEASUREMENT IN HUMAN SERUM USING RADIOINHIBITOR LIGAND BINDING
Authors: Jackson B , Cubela R , Johnston CI
Published: August 2007

MK315A, a tyrosyl analogue of enalaprilic acid (MK422) is a potent inhibitor of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE). MK351A was radioiodinated with 125I and used to develop a radioinhibitor binding assay for human serum ACE.

125I MK351A associated rapidly and reversibly with human serum ACE (T½ = ½ h). Bound 125I MK351A was displaced by an excess of cold MK351A, to give non‐specific binding of <1%. Scatchard analysis of binding was linear (r= −0·99, n=6, p<0·001), indicating a single class of binding site.

ACE was estimated in serum from normal patients and patients with sarcoid by the radio inhibitor binding assay and by enzyme kinetic assay using Hip‐His‐Leu as substrate. The two methods for ACE estimation correlated closely (r = 0·87, n=82, p<0·001).

The radioinhibitor binding assay for human serum ACE is a simple, sensitive and specific assay which utilizes novel assay methodology.
LYMPHOID AGGREGATES IN THE GUINEA PIG LARGE BOWEL: DEVELOPMENT OF QUANTITATION TECHNIQUES FOR NUMBER, VOLUME AND DISTRIBUTION
Authors: Langman JM , Fazzalari NL , Rowland R , Vernon‐roberts B
Published: August 2007

A technique for assessing the number, distribution and volume of the lymphoid aggregates (LA) in the guinea pig large bowel is described. Aggregates could be visualised macroscopically after immersion of the bowel in 10% acetic acid and their number and distribution recorded by tracing on plastic sheets. Serial sections through a sample of 13 LA showed that they were ellipsoidal and this was confirmed by mathematical comparison with hypothetical ellipsoids. In practice, only the length and width of each LA could be measured but, using the sample of 13 LA, it was established that regression analysis enabled the volumes of all except the smallest LA to be predicted accurately from the knowledge of length and width alone.
GENETIC ANALYSIS OF KUNJIN VIRUS ISOLATES USING HAEIII AND TAQI RESTRICTION DIGESTS OF SINGLE‐STRANDED cDNA TO VIRION RNA
Authors: Lobigs M , Weir RC , Dalgarno L
Published: August 2007

The genotypic relatedness of 15 Kunjin (KUN) virus isolates from widely separated geographic regions in Australia was examined at the molecular level. Haelll and TaqI restriction digest profiles of cDNA transcribed from virion RNA revealed a close genetic similarity between all isolates. We estimate that the nucleotide sequence divergence between any pair of KUN isolates is probably less than 1%. We conclude that a single KUN genetic type has existed in enzootic and epizootic areas of virus activity over an extended time span. The epidemiological implications of these results are discussed.
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE POTENTIAL OF AEDES CAMPTORHYNCHUS (THOM.) AS A VECTOR OF ROSS RIVER VIRUS
Authors: Ballard JWO , Marshall Ian D
Published: August 2007

Aedes camptorhynchus (Thom.) collected on the mid‐south coast of New South Wales during the winter of 1982 were highly susceptible to infection (ID5O=102·4 VERO pfu/mosquito) when fed on rat tail skins containing blood and serial dilutions of the T48 strain of Ross River (RR) virus. After 2 d, when no virus was detectable, rapid proliferation allowed transmission from 5 d post ingestion. A maximum transmission rate occurred 9 d post‐feeding when 4 of 4 infected mosquitoes transmitted virus. The susceptibility of Ae camptorhynchus to RR virus infection was compared with that of a laboratory colony of Ae aegypti (L.) (ID50=103·8 VERO pfu/mosquito).
BLOOD GROUPING WITH MONOCLONAL ANTI‐N ANTIBODIES
Authors: Fletcher A , Harbour C , Matthews M , de Zwart R , Ford D
Published: August 2007

Four monoclonal antibodies (N1, N3, N4 and N5) with specificity for the N blood group have been produced from fusions in which human erythrocytes were used as the immunizing stimulus. N1 and N3 differed from N4 and N5 with regard to their serological specificities and pH optima. Antibody N3 has been assessed for its suitability as a blood grouping reagent by testing 10,767 blood donors in parallel with Vicia graminea anti‐N lectin or rabbit anti‐N. There was complete correlation between the results obtained with the monoclonal and conventional reagents providing strong evidence that N3 is a reliable and potent blood grouping reagent.
INFLUENCE OF MALARIAL INFECTION ON THE MATERNAL‐FOETAL RELATIONSHIP IN PREGNANT MICE
Authors: Vinayak VK , Pathak Geeta , Asnani PJ , Jain Shashi , Malik AK
Published: August 2007

Pregnant mice infected on gestation day (GD) 6 with Plasmodium berghei showed a more rapid rate of increase in parasitaemia than mice infected later in pregnancy or non‐pregnant controls. All mice infected on GD 6 were dead by the 7th post‐infection day. Pregnant mice infected on GD 13, in contrast, had similar rates of parasitaemia and mortality as non‐pregnant controls and 50% delivered normally, the foetuses were absorbed in 20% and 30% died before parturition, the pups born to mice infected on GD 13 were smaller. This compromised foetal development was likely to be the result of maternal anaemia, hyperplasia of placental trophoblast and plugging of placental sinusoids with parasitized red cells.
CHARACTERISATION OF THE HOST RESPONSE TO PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM INFECTION IN ACUTE NON‐COMPLICATED MALARIA
Authors: Cowen NL , Clancy RL , Stace J , Cripps AW , Alpers MP
Published: August 2007

In this study we have examined serum from patients with Plasmodium falciparum malaria, collected at the time of acute attack and 14 days later. We have also examined sequential samples of sera taken from children living in Madang Province, Papua New Guinea, an area endemic for malaria. The total amount of antibody directed against P. falciparum in acute phase sera was less than that found in matched controls. An in vitro assay measuring inhibition of penetration of uninfected erythrocytes by merozoites of P. falciparum revealed less inhibitory activity in acute phase sera than in matched controls. The longitudinal study of sera from village children demonstrated that non‐specific inhibition of intracellular parasite growth was fairly stable, while merozoite inhibiting activity was unstable and varied with time. A cloned P falciparum species has been used to directly demonstrate the specific growth enhancement by serum in vitro.
INTRINSIC RATES AND ADRENERGIC RESPONSES OF ATRIA FROM RATS ON SPRINTING, ENDURANCE AND WALKING EXERCISE PROGRAMMES
Authors: Bolter CP , Banister EW , Singh AK
Published: August 2007

The effects of three different physical training programmes on the control of sinoatrial rate in the young male rat were investigated. After training for 8 weeks, 5 d/week, the intrinsic rate and chronotropic response to cumulatively applied norepinephrine (NEp) were examined using isolated atrial preparations. Preparations from animals trained by walking for 60 min/d at 16.1m/min possessed the same intrinsic atrial rate as sedentary controls, while preparations from an endurance–trained group running for 60 min at 32.2m/min at 15% grade, and from a sprint–trained group running 50, 10–s efforts at 80–5 m/min, 15% grade with a 30–s rest interval, possessed lower intrinsic atrial rates. Atrial preparations from all groups demonstrated similar maximum rates after application of NEp. For all groups there was no statistically significant difference between the EC50 values for the chronotropic effect of NEp. Training induced a modification in intrinsic atrial rate without influencing NEp chronotropic responses.
A SINGLE α‐GLOBIN GENE DELETION IN AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINES
Authors: Yenchitsomanus Pa‐Thal , Summers Kim M , Bhatia Kuldeep K , Board Philip G
Published: August 2007

α‐ and β‐thalassaemias and other haemoglobinopathies have not so far been reported in Australian Aborigines. Using a DNA mapping technique, we tested groups of Aborigines for a deletion form of α ‐thalassaemia and found that there was a single α ‐globin gene deletion (‐α/αα) in some populations. The α ‐globin gene deletion was detected in Aboriginal DNA samples collected from Kalumburu in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It was found also in one sample from Mowanjum, near Derby in Western Australia, and in one from Mornington Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria. It was not observed in Aboriginal DNA samples from the central desert. Further analysis of the α ‐globin gene deletion revealed that it was of the 3·7 kilobase (Kb) (−α 3·7) type. However, the −α 3·7 deletion in the Aborigines is apparently different from that found in southern Papua New Guinea as it is linked to a different ζ‐globin gene polymorphism. The presence of this silent α ‐thalassaemia in several populations of Aborigines may be explained in several ways. The most likely is through contact with Macassans or other voyagers from the Indonesian and Southeast Asian areas.
PROTECTIVE ANTIGENS IN FRACTIONS OF ADULT NEMATOSPIROIDES DUBIUS
Authors: Monroy FG , Dobson Colin
Published: August 2007

Adult Nematospiroides dubius crude soluble homogenate consistently produced five fractions (Fl‐5) after filtration through Sephadex G‐200 with molecular weights of >300,000, 240,000, 83,000, 31,000 and < 10,000. The high molecular weight Fl and F2 reacted strongly with serum from previously infected mice in ELISA. Protective immunity was associated with Fl N. dubius immunogens (molecular weight > 300,000). Immunization with smaller molecular weight fractions also reduced worm recoveries following challenge infections but to a lesser extent.
RESISTANCE OF 129/J MICE TO SCHISTOSOMA MANSONI INFECTION
Authors: Tiu WU , Ehl A , Walker JC , Garcia EG , Smith DB , Mitchell GF
Published: August 2007

Mice of the strain 129/J bred at this Institute (WEHI 129/J) were exposed once or repeatedly to cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni and worm burdens determined. In keeping with reports of S. japonicum infection in these mice, a high level of resistance was recorded. Radio‐labelled extracted antigens of S. mansoni adult worms were reacted with sera from exposed 129/J mice and infected BALB/c mice. Immunoprecipitated antigens preferentially recognized by antibodies in 129/J mice include proteins of Mr 99,000 and 21,000. Whether responses to these antigens are a cause or a consequence of resistance remains to be established.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TRANSPLANT SITES FOR ENDOCRINE TISSUE TRANSPLANTATION IN THE PIG
Authors: Simeonovic Charmaine J , Dhall D Pal , Wilson J Dennis , Lafferty Kevin J
Published: August 2007

Thyroid and thymus tissue autografts were used to examine the suitability of different transplant sites in the pig for endocrine tissue transplantation. The omental pouch, gall bladder fossa and renal subcapsular space showed optimal implantation, preservation and vascularisation of graft tissue. Marked dissemination of graft tissue was observed at intramuscular sites and graft viability at subcutaneous sites in the ear was poor. The omental pouch represents a potentially suitable site for pancreatic islet tissue transplantation studies in the pig.
RELATIVE LEVELS OF THECAL BLOOD FLOW IN ATRETIC AND NON‐ATRETIC OVARIAN FOLLICLES OF THE CONSCIOUS SHEEP
Authors: Carson Ronald , Findlay Jock , Mattner Phillip , Brown Bruce
Published: August 2007

The relative level of blood flow through thecal capillaries (RTF) in individual atretic and non‐atretic follicles >1 mm was measured in conscious ewes by injecting 15 μm radioactive microspheres into the aorta near the origin of the ovarian artery, and determining the ratio of radioactivity per mg protein in theca of individual follicles to that in the non‐luteal portion (stroma plus follicles <1 mm diameter) of the corresponding ovary.

In follicles >1 mm diameter, RTF in those showing advanced stages of atresia (stages IV and V) was significantly less than that in non‐atretic (stage I) follicles. RTF values in non‐atretic (stage I), early atretic (stage II) and moderately atretic (stage III) follicles did not differ significantly. There was no effect of follicular diameter (P>0·05) on the relative level of blood flow within individual thecae or of atresia on thecal protein content.

These data indicate that reduced thecal blood flow is associated with advanced atresia of antral follicles and are in accordance with the findings of previous histological studies. Whether thecal ischaemia is a factor involved in the onset of atresia, or occurs as a consequence of the degenerative process, remains uncertain.
CHANGES IN VENTILATION, BREATHING PATTERN AND ACID‐BASE BALANCE OF CONSCIOUS RABBITS FOLLOWING INTRAVENOUS ALMITRINE
Authors: Maskrey M
Published: August 2007

Five conscious rabbits each received a single injection of almitrine bismesylate via a marginal ear vein. Measurements were made of ventilation and breathing pattern using a barometric method, and blood gases, pH and lactate concentration ([Lac]) were measured from arterial blood samples throughout the hour following the injection. Almitrine caused an immediate increase in ventilation through an increase in tidal volume (VT), frequency (f) showing a small decline. After 15 min f increased to above control level and VT declined. Slower, deeper breathing was reinstated by 40 min post‐injection. Large changes in blood gases occurred in the first 15 min, with raised by 30 Torr and lowered by 20 Torr. These recovered to be within 10 and 7·5 Torr of control at the end of 1 h. [Lac] increased steeply at first, then declined towards control levels. The acid‐base situation was mixed, comprising a respiratory alkalosis, resulting from CO2 washout, and a metabolic acidosis from high [Lac]. These results are discussed in the context of assessing the primary and secondary effects of almitrine and recognition of the possibility that the drug may act at more than one site to alter respiration.
IMMUNOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF INTESTINAL HELMINTH INFECTIONS: ANTIGEN PRESENTATION AND IMMUNOSUPPRESSION BY PERITONEAL CELLS
Authors: Price Patricia , Holt PG
Published: August 2007

The functional characteristics of peritoneal cells (PC's) acquired in response to infection with Nematospiroides dubius were studied to identify changes which could be associated with the high level, long‐term survival of this parasite or explain its transient immunosuppressive properties. The number of cells in the peritoneal cavity increased steadily during the infection, and the population displayed a transient hyperreponsiveness to inflammatory stimulation. N. dubius did not affect the ability of antigen‐pulsed PC's to induce humoral responses or delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) in primed recipients, but lymphoproliferative responses induced in vitro were depressed by PC's from infected donors. In addition, unpulsed PC's from N. dubius‐infected mice depressed proliferative responses to parasite antigens by autologous mesenteric lymph node cells. These effects are attributable to increased lymphocytostatic activity in the PC's, which peaked one week after infection and correlated with the expansion of a population of large plastic‐adherent vacuolated cells with elevated acid phosphatase activity (activated macrophages). Comparable inhibitory cells did not develop in the same period of time during a short‐lived infection with Nippostrongylus brasitiensis.
ULTRASTRUCTURAL AND CYTOPHOTOMETRIC STUDIES OF LECTIN BINDING BY HUMAN PULMONARY MACROPHAGES FROM ASTHMATIC AND NORMAL SUBJECTS
Authors: Warton A , Phillips MJ , Papadimitriou JM
Published: August 2007

Pulmonary macrophages from normal subjects and asthmatic patients were examined for the presence of sugar residues on their surface. The technique of bronchoalveolar lavage was employed to obtain cell samples. Ultrastructural and cytophotometric methods were used for studying the patterns of lectin binding by these two groups of macrophages. Three lectins, Concanavalin A (Con A), Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA), were used in this investigation. Pulmonary macrophages from both normal and asthmatic persons revealed a high level of Con A, WGA and RCA binding. The distribution of the electron dense reaction product on the macrophage surfaces was relatively uniform. Quantitative cytophotometric studies showed that the level of binding of Con A by macrophages from both groups was approximately the same. Similar results were obtained with WGA — the difference between macrophages from normal and asthmatic persons was not statistically significant. In the case of RCA, macrophages from asthmatic patients showed a higher level of lectin binding than macrophages from normal persons. The conclusion is made that macrophages from asthmatic persons have more D‐galactose residues on their surface.
SOME STUDIES OF THE OEDEMATOGENIC ACTION OF THE VENOM OF FUNNEL‐WEB SPIDERS (ATRAX SPECIES)
Authors: Atkinson RK
Published: August 2007

The ability of the venoms of Atrax infensus and two other funnel‐web spider species to induce oedema in rats was investigated and it was found that all Atrax venoms tested caused strong Evans blue leakage from adjacent blood vessels when injected subcutaneously. This dye leakage did not diminish significantly either when the neurotoxin in the venom was first neutralized by pre‐mixing with a rat serum protein preparation or when the sensory nerves supplying an area of skin were severed 4 days prior to its envenomation. The pattern and speed of Evans blue extravasation caused by female A. infensus venom resembled that for histamine and for 5‐hydroxytryptamine, and pretreatment with an antihistamine‐antiserotonin mixture caused essentially complete blockade of the oedematogenic action of this venom, although neither inhibitory drug was very effective when used individually. It was concluded that this venom induces local oedema in rats mainly by causing mast cell degranulation. In confirmation of this, the mast cells in the rat skull periosteal membranes were found to be extensively degranulated by exposure to the venom. Surprisingly, whole‐rat envenomation, using very large doses of venom, produced little dye leakage even though obvious symptoms of neurotoxic action were observed.
A COMPARISON OF THE MACROPHAGE MIGRATION INHIBITION (MMI) ASSAY AND THE SEMI‐AUTOMATED LEUCOCYTE ADHERENCE INHIBITION (SALAI) ASSAY
Authors: Isbister William H , McLeod DK
Published: August 2007

The present study was undertaken in order to compare simultaneously the semi‐automated leucocyte adherence inhibition (SALAI) assay with the two‐stage macrophage migration inhibition (MMI) assay in patients with colorectal disease. Eighty‐six patients were assayed simultaneously in the MMI assay and the SALAI assays using patients' leucocytes and 83 patients were assayed simultaneously in the MMI assay and the SALAI assay using patients' serum. The SALAI assay using patients' leucocytes was more sensitive (70% vs 40%) and more specific (87% vs 73.3%) than the MMI assay. The SALAI assay was simple to perform, allowed many replicate samples and was more specific and sensitive in relation to the detection of colorectal cancer than other more commonly advocated tests. It may be useful as a screening test for colorectal cancer and it is suggested that further studies should be undertaken in this area.
ROLE OF SYMPATHETIC NERVES IN THE METABOLISM OF EXOGENOUS NORADRENALINE IN RABBIT GINGIVAL TISSUE AND EAR ARTERY
Authors: Parker I , Parker DAS , Lande IS , Thompson JA , Proctor C , Marino V
Published: August 2007

Uptake and metabolism of 3H‐noradrenaline 0·18 μmol/l was examined in rabbit gingival slices and ear artery segments. The tissues were ineubated with the 3H‐amine for 30 min.

The artery accumulated approximately ten times more of the 3H‐amine and generated four times more 3H‐metabolites than the gingiva.

In both tissues, chronic sympathetic denervation resulted in marked decreases in 3H‐noradrenaline accumulation and deamination., An inhibitor of sympathetic neuronal uptake, cocaine 30 μmol/l, strongly inhibited the firmly‐bound component of 3H‐noradrenaline accumulation by the tissues and strongly decreased the accumulation of deaminated metabolites in the incubating medium.

It is concluded that the sympathetic nerve terminals play an important role in the accumulation and deamination of noradrenaline in the gingiva and in the artery.

Chronic sympathetic denervation resulted in increased 3H‐normetanephrine (NMN) formation by the gingiva and the artery, indicating that in both tissues the noradrenaline was O‐methylated at sites extraneuronal to the sympathetic nerves.

Differences between the effects of cocaine in the gingiva and artery, with respect to 3H‐NMN accumulation in the incubating medium, are interpreted as evidence that in the gingiva, but not in the artery, cocaine inhibits extraneuronal O‐methyiation, as well as neuronal uptake, of noradrenaline.
ACCUMULATION OF CHLORPROMAZINE AND THIOURACIL BY HUMAN MELANOMA CELLS IN CULTURE
Authors: Parsons PG , Allen BJ
Published: August 2007

The uptake (total radioactivity in intact cells) and incorporation (radioactivity bound to acid‐precipitable material) of 14C‐chlorpromazine (CPZ) and 14C‐thiouracil (TU) were studied using a library of 3 human fibroblast strains and 13 tumour cell lines. In contrast to previous studies using rodent melanomas in vivo, the melanoma lines, including lines with high tyrosinase and melanin contents, did not take up more CPZ and TU than non‐melanoma cells (fibroblasts, HeLa cells). Incorporation of CPZ was also broadly similar in all cell types studied. TU was selectively incorporated into the melanoma line having a high tyrosinase and melanin content but not into lines with high tyrosinase activity and low melanin content. While supporting the possibility of selective therapy for heavily‐pigmented melanomas using labelled TU derivatives, these results suggest that the action of potentially melanoma‐affined compounds should be further evaluated in human cells. Unlabelled CPZ or TU was not selectively toxic to melanoma cells. Unexpectedly, methylation‐sensitive tumour cells (Mer‐ phenotype) were highly resistant to TU, thus providing a new experimental tool for understanding the genesis of this phenotype in vivo.
THE MATRIX COMPONENTS OF THE EPIPHYSEAL GROWTH PLATE AND ARTICULAR CARTILAGES FROM DOGS TREATED WITH AMMONIUM TETRATHIOMOLYBDATE, A COPPER ANTAGONIST
Authors: Read Richard , Sutherland Joan , Ghosh Peter
Published: August 2007

As part of a project to study the effect of copper deficiency (CD) on bone development in young dogs, the composition and metabolism of proteoglycans (PGs) and extractability of collagens in the epiphyseal growth plate cartilage (EGPC) and articular cartilages (AC) were investigated. Copper deficiency was induced by feeding ammonium tetra‐thiomolybdate (TTM) a copper antagonist. The collagen of cartilages from TTM‐treated animals was significantly more soluble in 0‐5 M saline than control tissues. While no distinction between TTM‐treated and control cartilages was evident in terms of PG content or extractability under associative (0‐5 M‐GuHCl) or dissociative (4‐0 M‐GuHCl) conditions, the sedimentation behaviour of the PG aggregates following CsCl density gradient ultracentrifugation suggested less polydispersity of PGs in preparations from the TTM‐treated animals. Moreover, analysis of the PG monomers from EGPC of TTM animals showed galactosamine/glucosamine ratios higher than control preparations, suggesting a reduced keratan sulphate content in these preparations. Organ culture of EGPC showed a significant reduction in the incorporation of 35S into PGs and of 3H‐thymidine into DNA in the tissues of TTM‐treated animals relative to controls. From these findings we deduce that the catabolism of PGs and the extent of collagen cross‐linking in EGPC of TTM‐treated animals may be reduced relative to age‐matched control tissues.
HAEMAGGLUTINATION PATTERNS OF AEROMONAS SPP. RELATED TO SPECIES AND SOURCE OF STRAINS
Authors: Burke V , Cooper M , Robinson J
Published: August 2007

The study included 138 A. sobria and 182 A. hydrophila isolated in Perth from samples of diarrhoeal or non‐diarrhoeal faeces or from domestic water. Strains were grouped i n relation to agglutination of human, horse, rat and guinea pig erythrocytes and the effect of sugars on haemagglutination. Agglutination of red cells of all four species (primary group 1) was most commonly associated with A. sobria, particularly those strains isolated from faeces of patients with diarrhoea. Most A. hydrophila associated with diarrhoea also belonged to group 1 but A. hydrophila from non‐diarrhoeal stools or from water most commonly agglutinated human and guinea pig cells but not horse erythrocytes (primary groups 2 and 3). Fucose‐resistant haemagglutination (FRHA) of strains in primary group 1 occurred with about 68% of the strains of A. sobria associated with diarrhoea. Mannose‐resistant haemagglutination (MRHA) was limited to 29% of strains of A. sobria associated with diarrhoea. The predominance of primary group 1 among strains of Aeromonas spp. associated with diarrhoea and the proportion of these strains showing FRHA suggest that haemagglutination of cells from human, horse, rat and guinea pig, particularly if fucose‐resistant, should be considered in a search for characteristics, which possibly contribute to virulence of Aeromonas spp.
POPULATION AGE COMPOSITION AND FEMALE LONGEVITY OF THE ARBOVIRUS VECTOR CULEX ANNULIROSTRIS SKUSE NEAR ECHUCA, VICTORIA, IN THE MURRAY VALLEY OF SOUTHEASTERN AUSTRALIA 1979‐1985
Authors: Russell Richard C
Published: August 2007

A population of Cx annulirostris in a state forest near Echuca, Vic, was sampled with a dry ice‐baited encephalitis virus surveillance (EVS) trap from 1979 to 1985, generally on a fortnightly basis. These collections were combined for monthly samples which were dissected for parity and population age composition. The proportion parous varied between months and between years; for mid‐summer (February) proportion parous ranged from 0·54 t o 0·83. There was no evidence that the population was autogenous.

Monthly average duration of the gonotrophic cycle was estimated for October to May, and ranged from 4 days to 12 days. The probability of survival through one day in summer, taken from the proportion surviving from 1‐parous to 2‐parous, averaged 0·75 over 3 years. This average was higher (0·89) if calculated from the proportion parous. Females old enough t o transmit Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE) virus were recorded from October to May, and represented up to 15·8% of the total collection in one season (1979‐80).
EFFECT OF ADMINISTRATION OF CARNITINE ON THE SEVERITY OF MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION INDUCED BY ISOPROTERENOL IN RATS
Authors: Mathew Saleena , Menon PVG , Kurup PA
Published: August 2007

The effect of administration of carnitine on the severity of myocardial infarction in rats induced by isoproterenol was studied by following histopathological and biochemical parameters. Carnitine afforded partial protection against myocardial infarction. Serum aspartate amino transferase (GOT) and creative phospho kinase (CPK) values, serum, heart and aortic lipids, serum protein‐bound hexose and sialic acid and glyco‐saminoglycans in the heart were lower in the carnitine‐treated rats. Histopathological examination showed very little necrosis in the carnitine‐treated rats when compared to the extensive necrosis in the untreated controls.
Stable-isotope probing implicates Methylophaga spp and novel Gammaproteobacteria in marine methanol and methylamine metabolism
Authors: Neufeld Josh D , Schäfer Hendrik , Cox Michael J , Boden Rich , McDonald Ian R , Murrell J Colin
Published: August 2007

The metabolism of one-carbon (C1) compounds in the marine environment affects global warming, seawater ecology and atmospheric chemistry. Despite their global significance, marine microorganisms that consume C1 compounds in situ remain poorly characterized. Stable-isotope probing (SIP) is an ideal tool for linking the function and phylogeny of methylotrophic organisms by the metabolism and incorporation of stable-isotope-labelled substrates into nucleic acids. By combining DNA-SIP and time-series sampling, we characterized the organisms involved in the assimilation of methanol and methylamine in coastal sea water (Plymouth, UK). Labelled nucleic acids were analysed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and clone libraries of 16S rRNA genes. In addition, we characterized the functional gene complement of labelled nucleic acids with an improved primer set targeting methanol dehydrogenase (mxaF) and newly designed primers for methylamine dehydrogenase (mauA). Predominant DGGE phylotypes, 16S rRNA, methanol and methylamine dehydrogenase gene sequences, and cultured isolates all implicated Methylophaga spp, moderately halophilic marine methylotrophs, in the consumption of both methanol and methylamine. Additionally, an mxaF sequence obtained from DNA extracted from sea water clustered with those detected in 13C-DNA, suggesting a predominance of Methylophaga spp among marine methylotrophs. Unexpectedly, most predominant 16S rRNA and functional gene sequences from 13C-DNA were clustered in distinct substrate-specific clades, with 16S rRNA genes clustering with sequences from the Gammaproteobacteria. These clades have no cultured representatives and reveal an ecological adaptation of particular uncultured methylotrophs to specific C1 compounds in the coastal marine environment.
Diesel exhaust particulate matter induces multinucleate cells and zinc transporter‐dependent apoptosis in human airway cells
Authors: Ackland Margaret Leigh , Zou Linda , Freestone David , van de Waasenburg Simone , Michalczyk Agnes A
Published: August 2007

The cellular effects of biodiesel emissions particulate matter (BDEP) and petroleum diesel emissions particulate matter (PDEP) were compared using a human airway cell line, A549. At concentrations of 25 μg/ml, diesel particulate matter induced the formation of multinucleate cells. In cells treated with a mixture of 80% PDEP:20% BDEP, 52% of cells were multinucleate cells compared with only 16% of cells treated with 20% PDEP:80% BDEP with a background multinucleate rate of 7%. These results demonstrate a causal relation between the formation of multinucleate cells and exposure to exhaust particulate matter, in particular diesel exhaust. Exposure of A549 cells to PDEP induced apoptosis, seen by active caspase‐3 expression and the presence of cleaved pancytokeratin. PDEP exhaust was a much stronger inducer of cellular death through apoptosis than BDEP. There was an eightfold increase in the expression of SLC30A3 (zinc transporter‐3 or ZnT3) in cells exposed to 80% PDEP:20% BDEP compared to untreated cells. The increase in ZnT3 expression seen in apoptotic cells following PDEP suggests a role for this zinc transporter in the apoptotic pathway, possibly through controlling zinc fluxes. As exposure to diesel exhaust particles is associated with asthma and apoptosis in airway cells, diesel exhaust particles may directly contribute to asthma by inducing epithelial cell death through apoptotic pathway.
Adsorption of Janus particles to curved interfaces
Authors: Hirose Y. , Komura S. , Nonomura Y.
Published: August 2007

We investigate the adsorption of a spherical Janus particle to a spherically curved liquid-liquid interface. We show that the equilibrium contact angle is determined by the geometry of the particle, its wettability, and also the interfacial curvature. In contrast with a homogeneous particle, there is a preferred interfacial curvature (spontaneous curvature) due to the Janus particle when the particle satisfies certain conditions.
Pure gauge SU(2) Seiberg-Witten theory and modular forms
Authors: Vogeler Kirsten , Flohr Michael
Published: August 2007

We identify the spectral curve of pure gauge SU(2) Seiberg-Witten theory with the Weierstrass curve C∕L∍z↦(1,℘(z),℘(z)′) and thereby obtain explicitely a modular form from which the moduli space parameter u and lattice parameters a and aD can be derived in terms of modular, respectively, theta functions. We further discuss its relationship with the c=−2 triplet model conformal field theory.
Eigenfunctions of the curl in annular cylindrical and rectangular geometry
Authors: Morse Edward C.
Published: August 2007

A method for determining the eigenfunctions of the equation ∇⃗×B⃗=λB⃗ for finite cylindrical geometry with normal boundary condition B⃗∙n̂=0 and nonaxisymmetric modes ∼eimθ,m≠0 was given by Morse [J. Math. Phys. 46, 113511 (2005)] This method uses series solution of a Chandrasekhar-Kendall [Astrophys. J. 126, 157 (1957)] function. Here this method is generalized to include annular (coaxial) cylindrical geometry of finite length. The method is also applied to the case of rectangular duct geometry with periodic z-dependence. For slender aspect ratios in the annular cylinder, the eigenfunctions and eigenfields correspond to the rectangular duct. The eigenfunctions for finite-length rectangular boxes can also be obtained from the rectangular duct case. The robust convergence properties (an∼1∕n4) and simple eigenvalue equations from Morse are retained in these other geometries.
Local bonding analysis of the valence and conduction band features of TiO2
Authors: Fleming L. , Fulton C. C. , Lucovsky G. , Rowe J. E. , Ulrich M. D. , Lüning J.
Published: August 2007

An analysis of the valence and conduction band electronic structure of TiO2 as studied by ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS) and x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) using synchrotron radiation is reported. Valence band spectra from UPS have been deconvolved using a five-peak model. The spectra are interpreted based on the peak assignments to the XAS data and the symmetries of the valence band states. The interpretation is consistent with theoretical calculations of molecular orbitals found in the literature. The removal of the d-state degeneracies that arise from a collective Jahn–Teller splitting of the crystal field split t2g and eg states is observed and scales with the conduction band results from the absorption data. These Jahn–Teller derived energy separations are present in the O K1 and Ti L3 spectra but are not resolved in the photoemission valence band spectra. Two defect states are clearly observed ∼0.7 and 2.0 eV above the valence band edge and are attributed to the presence of oxygen atom vacancies that are described in terms of Ti3+ states.
Fabrication of ultrathin and highly uniform silicon on insulator by numerically controlled plasma chemical vaporization machining
Authors: Sano Yasuhisa , Yamamura Kazuya , Mimura Hidekazu , Yamauchi Kazuto , Mori Yuzo
Published: August 2007

Metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors fabricated on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer operate faster and at a lower power than those fabricated on a bulk silicon wafer. Scaling down, which improves their performances, demands thinner SOI wafers. In this article, improvement on the thinning of SOI wafers by numerically controlled plasma chemical vaporization machining (PCVM) is described. PCVM is a gas-phase chemical etching method in which reactive species generated in atmospheric-pressure plasma are used. Some factors affecting uniformity are investigated and methods for improvements are presented. As a result of thinning a commercial 8in. SOI wafer, the initial SOI layer thickness of 97.5±4.7nm was successfully thinned and made uniform at 7.5±1.5nm.
Thermodynamics of losses in photovoltaic conversion
Authors: Markvart Tom
Published: August 2007

This letter presents a thermodynamic analysis of losses in an ideal solar cell. It is shown that the maximum voltage—corresponding to the voltage produced by a hot-carrier solar cell—is equal to the energy of the incident solar photon multiplied by the appropriate Carnot factor. Voltage generated by the usual p-n junction cell is lower on account of entropy generation through kinetic losses, photon cooling, and étendue expansion of the incident beam. Simple expressions can be obtained by an approximation where the energy and entropy changes are modeled by the corresponding expressions for a two-dimensional ideal photon gas.