bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental techniques for the determination of thermophysical properties to enhance chemical processes
Authors: Richon Dominique
Published: September 2009

It is of utmost importance to have accurate experimental data available in order to develop accurate modeling for scientific and engineering purposes as it is emphasized through several herein-reported discussions with reknown scientists and engineers. Many methods are used to determine phase equilibria. Classification of the methods is not straightforward as several basic principles can be mixed in several different ways. In this paper, we have selected some techniques, developed in our laboratory, to illustrate one type of classification. Several apparatuses are described. The techniques where all phases are analyzed are very often preferred to those relying on partial determinations requiring data treatment through models. The internal analyses by means of spectroscopic or other in situ analysis techniques are not applicable every time. Then, sampling devices are necessary. Sampling devices must be reliable and lead to extract sample amounts small enough not to disturb the equilibrium under study. The ROLSI™ sampler developed at MINES ParisTech is a very powerful device allowing one to work up to 100 MPa, 850 K, with corrosive components and with samples from 1 μg to some mg. Applications of this sampler are described for fundamental research (phase equilibrium measurements) and industrial purposes (process control and monitoring).
Proposed Procedure for Determination of Precision of Committee D-19 Methods
Authors: Committee D-19
Published: September 2009

Each method of analysis, determination, or measurement requires a statement of the precision attainable by the method. For Committee D-19 methods, this statement must conform with the definition of precision in the Definitions of Terms Relating to Industrial Water and Industrial Waste Water (ASTM Designation: D 1129). This means that the task group proposing a new or revised method must carry out suitably planned trials from which the precision (over-all, estimated standard deviation) of the method can be calculated. This method provides general guidance to task groups in planning and conducting such a determination of precision. Distribution of identical, stable samples is essential for this general plan; suggestions for methods for which such samples are impossible are given at the end of this procedure.
D 514 - 47 Standard Method of Test for Hydroxide ion in Industrial Water and Industrial Waste Water
Authors: Committee D-19
Published: September 2009

This method covers the volumetric, differential titration of hydroxide ion. It is intended primarily for alkaline industrial waters, like boiler feedwaters and boiler waters, but is also applicable to industrial waste waters where interferences are not excessive.
D 1126 - 57 Standard Methods of Test for Hardness in Industrial Water
Authors: Committee D-19
Published: September 2009

(a) These methods cover the determination of hardness in industrial water. The following three methods are included: Sections Referee Method (Gravimetric) 5 to 10, Non-Referee Method A (Volumetric Titration) 11 to 17, Non-Referee Method B (Soap Titration) 18 to 23. (b) The referee method is the most dependable for industrial water of unknown composition. The non-referee methods are simpler but less accurate in the presence of interferences. When interferences do not exceed the specified limits in concentration, non-referee method A is as accurate as the referee method. Non-referee method B is preferable if the soap-consuming power of the sample is the principal consideration.
D 1128 - 58 T Tentative Method for Identification of Types of Microorganisms and Microscopic Matter in Industrial Water and Industrial Waste Water
Authors: Committee D-19
Published: September 2009

This method covers the identification by microscopic examination of bacterial cells, mold filaments, algae, protozoa and other small animals, and such particles of inert material as may be found in industrial water and industrial waste water.
D 1179 - 58 Standard Methods of Test for Fluoride Ion in Industrial Water and Industrial Waste Water
Authors: Committee D-19
Published: September 2009

(a) These methods cover the determination of fluoride ion in industrial water and industrial waste water. Three methods are given as follows: Sections Referee Method 5 to 10, Non-Referee Method A (Zirconium-Alizarin) 11 to 18 Sections Non-Referee Method B (Zirconium-Eriochrome Cyanine) 19 to 27 (b) The Referee Method covers the accurate measurement of fluoride ion in water through isolation of the fluoride by distillation. The Non-Referee Methods provide more convenient and faster means of determining fluoride ion when interfering substances are not present or when they are within tolerable limits.
D 1253 - 57 Standard Methods of Test for Residual Chlorine in Industrial Water
Authors: Committee D-19
Published: September 2009

(a) These methods cover procedures for the determination of residual chlorine in industrial water. Provision is made for the determination of total chlorine, free available chlorine, and combined available chlorine in the presence of the amount of color, turbidity, iron, manganese, chromium, nitrites, and organic matter normally present. Three methods are given, as follows: Sections Referee Method (Amperometric Titration Method) 5 to 15, Non-Referee Method A (Colorimetric Method) 16 to 24, Non-Referee Method B (Dilution — Colorimetric Method) 25 to 31. (b) The referee method is amperometric, and is not subject to commonly encountered interferences. This method is applicable to all types of industrial water having a residual chlorine content of not more than 5 ppm. Non-referee method A is colorimetric, and is subject to interferences by certain ions and by elevated temperatures. This method is not applicable to highly colored or turbid water. Non-referee method B is a dilution-colorimetric method subject to interferences similar to non-referee method A, but is applicable to water containing high amounts of residual chlorine. (c) Methods for the determination of residual chlorine in water containing appreciable amounts of industrial waste are given in the Methods of Test for Residual Chlorine in Industrial Waste Water (ASTM Designation: D 1427).
D 1254 - 57 T Tentative Method of Test for Nitrite Ion in Industrial Water
Authors: Committee D-19
Published: September 2009

This method covers a colorimetric procedure for the determination of nitrite ion. The method is applicable to industrial waters, except those highly polluted, that contain not more than approximately 0.5 ppm nitrite.
D 1340 - 56 Standard Method of Test for Oily Matter in Industrial Waste Water
Authors: Committee D-19
Published: September 2009

This method covers the determination of oily matter content of industrial waste water.
D 1426 - 58 Standard Methods of Test for Ammonia in Industrial Water and Industrial Waste Water
Authors: Committee D-19
Published: September 2009

(a) These methods cover the determination of ammonia and ammonium ions present in industrial water and industrial waste water. Two methods are given, as follows: Section Referee Method (Distillation Method) 6 to 12 Non-Referee Method (Direct Nesslerization Method) 13 to 21 (b) The Referee Method is applicable to all types of industrial water, including industrial waste water, for the determination of ammonia concentrations usually encountered in such waters. The Non-Referee Method may be used for the rapid routine determination of ammonia in such waters. In both methods, all determinations should be carried out at room temperature (25 to 30 C).
D 1427 - 58 Standard Methods of Test for Residual Chlorine in Industrial Waste Water
Authors: Committee D-19
Published: September 2009

(a) These methods cover nonreferee procedures for the determination of residual chlorine in industrial waste water. A referee method and two nonreferee methods for the determination of residual chlorine in industrial water other than that containing waste are given in the Methods of Test for Residual Chlorine in Industrial Water (ASTM Designation: D 1253). Provision is made in these methods for the determination of total chlorine and free available chlorine. Provision is also made for the determination of the total chlorine in the presence of most of the interfering constituents found in industrial waste water, either through choice of the method employed or by a modification of the same. Two methods are given, as follows: Sections Non-Referee Method A (Starch-Iodide Titration Method) 6 to 11 Non-Referee Method B (Amperometric Titration Method) 12 to 20 (b) Both methods are applicable to the determination of total chlorine in industrial waste water. Only non-referee method B is applicable to the determination of free available chlorine in industrial waste water. (c) The type of residual chlorine to be determined depends on the objective of chlorination. When a free chlorine residual is not required, a determination of the total chlorine normally suffices regardless of the composition of the chlorine residual. (d) Modifications of these methods are provided to eliminate one or more interferences present either initially in the industrial waste water or present subsequent to chlorination. The methods are most dependable when used with industrial waste water of known composition.
D 1588 - 58 T Tentative Methods of Test for Dissolved and Gaseous Hydrogen in Industrial Water
Authors: Committee D-19
Published: September 2009

(a) These methods cover procedures for collection and measurement of dissolved and gaseous hydrogen in industrial water. Two methods are given, as follows: Sections Referee Method (Thermal Conductivity Methods) 4 to 9 Non-Referee Method (Volumetric Method) 10 to 16 (c) The referee method entails the separation of hydrogen and its measurement by thermal conductivity. The non-referee method entails the separation of hydrogen and its measurement volumetrically.
D 1687 - 59 T Tentative Methods of Test for Total Chromium in Industrial Water and Industrial Waste Water
Authors: Committee D-19
Published: September 2009

These methods cover the determination of total chromium in industrial water and in industrial waste water. Under certain conditions the methods can be adapted for the determination of hexavalent chromium. Two methods are included: Sections Method A. Permanganate Oxidation 7 to 13 Method B. Hypobromite Oxidation 14 to 20
D 1689 - 59 T Tentative Method of Test for Silica in High-Purity Water
Authors: Committee D-19
Published: September 2009

This method covers the photometric determination of soluble silica in high-purity water, such as steam condensate, effluent from silica-removing ion-exchange beds, or any other high-purity water whose silica content does not exceed 1000 ppb. Note. 1.—Samples containing more than 1000 ppb silica should be analyzed by one of the procedures described in the Methods of Test for Silica in Industrial Water and Industrial Waste Water (ASTM Designation: D 859).
Abbreviated Method of Test for Acidity and Alkalinity in Water Supplies in the Evaporative Industry
Authors: Committee D-19
Published: September 2009

Committee D-19 recommends to the Society the publication as information only of the following abbreviated method of test for acidity and alkalinity. The method has been prepared at the request of the chairman of the Chemical Section, Subcommittee on the Care of Pressure Vessels in Service, of the Boiler Code Committee of The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, for inclusion in a subsequent revision of Section 7 on the Care of Power Boilers, of the ASME Boiler Test Code.
Proposed Methods of Test for Appearance Properties of Industrial Water
Authors: Committee D-19
Published: September 2009

(a) Methods are presented herein for measuring the following optical properties of industrial water: Sections Light Transmittance, T 4 to 8 Absorbance (Optical Density) log b/T. 9 to 12 Turbidity: Jackson Candle Turbidity 13 to 15 Nephelometric Turbidity 16 to 18 Absolute Turbidity 19 to 22 Geometric Light-Scattering Pattern 23 to 25 (b) The optical properties of a liquid are interrelated and, wherever possible, the interrelationship is indicated.
Influence of Stress Concentrations at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Sachs G. , Sessler J. G. , Brown W. F.
Published: September 2009

The adverse effects of stress concentrations on the high temperature strength appear to have been first noticed in the brittle failure of bolts and flanges used in steam generating and chemical processing equipment (Bailey, 1928; Buchmann, 1937; Houdremont, 1937; Kaissling, 1937; Reincke, 1937; Ruttmann, 1937; Wellinger and Keil, 1941, 1943; Schaub, 1946). Such parts were generally designed to operate at large factors of safety based on laboratory determined properties of smooth specimens. Specimens cut from failed bolts exhibited a loss in notched impact strength but no change in tensile strength or unnotched bend properties (Reincke, 1937). The first systematic investigations of this problem clearly revealed that the creep rupture strength of certain, otherwise ductile, steels was greatly reduced by notching a specimen, and by testing it under certain combinations of temperature and stress (Scherer and Kiessler, 1939; Siebel and Wellinger, 1940; Siegfried, 1943, 1945, 1947, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1955). Steels exhibiting such notch weakening, also had their room temperature impact properties greatly reduced, if first subjected to creep. This deterioration of the metal has been called creep damage (Thum and Richard, 1949; Brown and Sachs, 1951, 1952; Richard, 1952, 1953). The preceding phenomena led to an extensive program of creep rupture tests in Germany, before World War II. The tests conducted at 932 F (500 C), for durations up to 100,000 hr, included a variety of heat resisting boiler and bolting steels (Thum and Richard, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1949; summarized Thum and Richard, 1953). Since the war, interest in long time notch tests has resumed in Germany. Results have been reported on a series of heat resisting steels, tested at 1012 F (550 C) (Theis, 1951, 1953); and a large cooperative program is now under way to obtain data at temperatures between 932 and 1300 F (500 to 700 C) up to 100,000 hr (Richard, 1955).
Overexpression of Type I Adenylyl Cyclase in the Forebrain Impairs Spatial Memory in Aged But Not Young Mice
Authors: Garelick Michael G. , Chan Guy C. K. , DiRocco Derek P. , Storm Daniel R.
Published: September 2009

Hippocampus-dependent memory requires a cAMP signal that is generated by Ca2+-stimulated adenylyl cyclases (AC1, AC8). Young transgenic mice overexpressing AC1 in the forebrain (AC1+mice) have enhanced hippocampal long-term potentiation, superior memory for novel object recognition and more persistent remote contextual memory. To determine whether increasing AC1 expression improves memory when older mice are trained, we analyzed fear, recognition, and spatial memory in mice aged to 25 months. Here we report that young adult AC1+mice have enhanced social recognition memory, and normal fear and spatial memory. Surprisingly, aged AC1+mice had poorer spatial memory than age-matched wild-type littermates. These data suggest that the decrease in Ca2+-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity during aging of wild-type mice may be an adaptive mechanism required to maintain spatial memory function.
Adapting to Dynamic Stimulus-Response Values: Differential Contributions of Inferior Frontal, Dorsomedial, and Dorsolateral Regions of Prefrontal Cortex to Decision Making
Authors: Mitchell Derek G. V. , Luo Qian , Avny Shelley B. , Kasprzycki Tomasz , Gupta Karanvir , Chen Gang , Finger Elizabeth C. , Blair R. James R.
Published: September 2009

Dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), and inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) have all been implicated in resolving decision conflict whether this conflict is generated by having to select between responses of similar value or by making selections following a reversal in reinforcement contingencies. However, work distinguishing their individual functional contributions remains preliminary. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to delineate the functional role of these systems with regard to both forms of decision conflict. Within dmPFC and dlPFC, blood oxygen level-dependent responses increased in response to decision conflict regardless of whether the conflict occurred in the context of a reduction in the difference in relative value between objects, or an error following a reversal of reinforcement contingencies. Conjunction analysis confirmed that overlapping regions of dmPFC and dlPFC were activated by both forms of decision conflict. Unlike these regions, however, activity in IFG was not modulated by reductions in the relative value of available options. Moreover, although all three regions of prefrontal cortex showed enhanced activity to reversal errors, only dmPFC and dlPFC were also modulated by the magnitude of value change during the reversal. These data are interpreted with reference to models of dmPFC, dlPFC, and IFG functioning.
The Functional Val158Met Polymorphism ofCOMTPredicts Interindividual Differences in Brain α Oscillations in Young Men
Authors: Bodenmann Sereina , Rusterholz Thomas , Dürr Roland , Stoll Claudia , Bachmann Valérie , Geissler Eva , Jaggi-Schwarz Karin , Landolt Hans-Peter
Published: September 2009

Individual patterns of the electroencephalogram (EEG) in wakefulness and sleep are among the most heritable traits in humans, yet distinct genetic and neurochemical mechanisms underlying EEG phenotypes are largely unknown. A functional polymorphism in the gene encoding catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), an enzyme playing an important role in cortical dopamine metabolism, causes a common substitution of methionine (Met) for valine (Val) at codon 158 of COMT protein. Val allele homozygotes exhibit higher COMT activity and lower dopaminergic signaling in prefrontal cortex than Met/Met homozygotes. Evidence suggests that this polymorphism affects executive functions in healthy individuals. We hypothesized that it also modulates functional aspects of EEG in wakefulness and sleep. EEG recordings were conducted twice on separate occasions in 10 Val/Val and 12 Met/Met allele carriers (all men) in wakefulness, and in baseline and recovery sleep before and after 40 h prolonged waking. During sleep deprivation, subjects received placebo and modafinil in randomized, cross-over manner. We show that the Val158Met polymorphism predicts stable and frequency-specific, interindividual variation in brain α oscillations. α peak frequency in wakefulness was 1.4 Hz slower in Val/Val genotype than in Met/Met genotype. Moreover, Val/Val allele carriers exhibited less 11–13 Hz activity than Met/Met homozygotes in wakefulness, rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep, and non-REM sleep. This difference was resistant against the effects of sleep deprivation and modafinil. The data demonstrate that mechanisms involving COMT contribute to interindividual differences in brain α oscillations, which are functionally related to executive performance such as counting tendency on a random number generation task in young adults.
The Effects of Caffeine on Sleep inDrosophilaRequire PKA Activity, But Not the Adenosine Receptor
Authors: Wu Mark N. , Ho Karen , Crocker Amanda , Yue Zhifeng , Koh Kyunghee , Sehgal Amita
Published: September 2009

Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed stimulants in the world and has been proposed to promote wakefulness by antagonizing function of the adenosine A2Areceptor. Here, we show that chronic administration of caffeine reduces and fragments sleep inDrosophilaand also lengthens circadian period. To identify the mechanisms underlying these effects of caffeine, we first generated mutants of the only known adenosine receptor in flies (dAdoR), which by sequence is most similar to the mammalian A2Areceptor. Mutants lacking dAdoR have normal amounts of baseline sleep, as well as normal homeostatic responses to sleep deprivation. Surprisingly, these mutants respond normally to caffeine. On the other hand, the effects of caffeine on sleep and circadian rhythms are mimicked by a potent phosphodiesterase inhibitor, IBMX (3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine). Usingin vivofluorescence resonance energy transfer imaging, we find that caffeine induces widespread increase in cAMP levels throughout the brain. Finally, the effects of caffeine on sleep are blocked in flies that have reduced neuronal PKA activity. We suggest that chronic administration of caffeine promotes wakefulness inDrosophila, at least in part, by inhibiting cAMP phosphodiesterase activity.
Presynaptic and Postsynaptic Interaction of the Amyloid Precursor Protein Promotes Peripheral and Central Synaptogenesis
Authors: Wang Zilai , Wang Baiping , Yang Li , Guo Qinxi , Aithmitti Nadia , Songyang Zhou , Zheng Hui
Published: September 2009

A critical role of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis has been well established. However, the physiological function of APP remains elusive and much debated. We reported previously that the APP family of proteins is essential in mediating the developing neuromuscular synapse. In the current study, we created a conditional allele ofAPPand deletedAPPin presynaptic motor neuron or postsynaptic muscle. Crossing these alleles onto theAPP-like protein 2-null background reveals that, unexpectedly, inactivatingAPPin either compartment results in neuromuscular synapse defects similar to the germline deletion and that postsynaptic APP is obligatory for presynaptic targeting of the high-affinity choline transporter and synaptic transmission. Using a HEK293 and primary hippocampus mixed-culture assay, we report that expression of APP in HEK293 cells potently promotes synaptogenesis in contacting axons. This activity is dependent on neuronal APP and requires both the extracellular and intracellular domains; the latter forms a complex with Mint1 and Cask and is replaceable by the corresponding SynCAM (synaptic cell adhesion molecule) sequences. Thesein vitroandin vivostudies identify APP as a novel synaptic adhesion molecule. We postulate that transsynaptic APP interaction modulates its synaptic function and that perturbed APP synaptic adhesion activity may contribute to synaptic dysfunction and AD pathogenesis.
Rapid Endocytosis Does Not Recycle Vesicles within the Readily Releasable Pool
Authors: Wu Xin-Sheng , Wu Ling-Gang
Published: September 2009

Endocytosis is essential in maintaining exocytosis at secretory cells. Rapid endocytosis with a time course less than a few seconds is widely observed at nerve terminals and non-neuronal secretory cells. It is generally assumed that rapid endocytosis recycles vesicles within the readily releasable pool (RRP) via a kiss-and-run mechanism that involves rapid opening and closure of a fusion pore at the release site. The present work suggests that both rapid (τ less than ∼2 s) and slow (τ = ∼10–20 s) endocytosis do not recycle vesicles to the RRP but to a recycling pool at least a few times larger than the RRP at a nerve terminal, the calyx of Held in rat brainstem. Challenging the long-held view that rapid endocytosis offers a rapid, local vesicle recycling within the RRP, our finding calls for reconsideration of the function and the underlying mechanism of rapid endocytosis. We suggest that rapid endocytosis provides the nerve terminal the ability to recycle vesicles rapidly via the recycling pool and to maintain the normal morphology of the nerve terminal, including the release site, by rapidly clearing the fused vesicle membrane from the release site during intense firing.
Interaction of Postsynaptic Density Protein-95 with NMDA Receptors Influences Excitotoxicity in the Yeast Artificial Chromosome Mouse Model of Huntington's Disease
Authors: Fan Jing , Cowan Catherine M. , Zhang Lily Y. J. , Hayden Michael R. , Raymond Lynn A.
Published: September 2009

Evidence suggests that NMDA-type glutamate receptors contribute to degeneration of striatal medium-sized spiny neurons (MSNs) in Huntington's disease (HD). Previously, we demonstrated that NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-mediated current and/or toxicity is increased in MSNs from the yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) transgenic mouse model expressing polyglutamine (polyQ)-expanded (mutant) full-length human huntingtin (htt). Others have shown that membrane-associated guanylate kinases (MAGUKs), such as PSD-95 and SAP102, modulate NMDAR surface expression and excitotoxicity in hippocampal and cortical neurons and that htt interacts with PSD-95. Here, we tested the hypothesis that an altered association between MAGUKs and NMDARs in mutant huntingtin-expressing cells contributes to increased susceptibility to excitotoxicity. We show that htt coimmunoprecipitated with SAP102 in HEK293T cells and striatal tissue from wild-type and YAC transgenic mice; however, the association of SAP102 with htt or the NMDAR NR2B subunit was unaffected by htt polyQ length, whereas association of PSD-95 with NR2B in striatal tissue was enhanced by increased htt polyQ length. Treatment of cultured MSNs with Tat–NR2B9c peptide blocked binding of NR2B with SAP102 and PSD-95 and reduced NMDAR surface expression by 20% in both YAC transgenic and wild-type MSNs, and also restored susceptibility to NMDAR excitoxicity in YAC HD MSNs to levels observed in wild-type MSNs; a similar effect on excitotoxicity was observed after knockdown of PSD-95 by small interfering RNA. Unlike previous findings in cortical and hippocampal neurons, rescue of NMDA toxicity by Tat–NR2B9c occurred independently of any effect on neuronal nitric oxide synthase activity. Our results elucidate further the mechanisms underlying enhanced excitotoxicity in HD.
The Proteasome-Associated Deubiquitinating Enzyme Usp14 Is Essential for the Maintenance of Synaptic Ubiquitin Levels and the Development of Neuromuscular Junctions
Authors: Chen Ping-Chung , Qin Lu-Ning , Li Xiao-Ming , Walters Brandon J. , Wilson Julie A. , Mei Lin , Wilson Scott M.
Published: September 2009

Dysfunction of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's, spinocerebellar ataxia, and several motor neuron diseases. Recent research indicates that changes in synaptic transmission may play a critical role in the progression of neurological disease; however, the mechanisms by which the UPS regulates synaptic structure and function have not been well characterized. In this report, we show that Usp14 is indispensable for synaptic development and function at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). Usp14-deficientaxJmice display a resting tremor, a reduction in muscle mass, and notable hindlimb rigidity without any detectable loss of motor neurons. Instead, loss of Usp14 causes developmental defects at motor neuron endplates. Presynaptic defects include phosphorylated neurofilament accumulations, nerve terminal sprouting, and poor arborization of the motor nerve terminals, whereas postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors display immature plaque-like morphology. These structural changes in the NMJ correlated with ubiquitin loss in the spinal cord and sciatic nerve. Further studies demonstrated that the greatest loss of ubiquitin was found in synaptosomal fractions, suggesting that the endplate swellings may be caused by decreased protein turnover at the synapse. Transgenic restoration of Usp14 in the nervous system corrected the levels of monomeric ubiquitin in the motor neuron circuit and the defects that were observed in the motor endplates and muscles of theaxJmice. These data define a critical role for Usp14 at mammalian synapses and suggest a requirement for local ubiquitin recycling by the proteasome to control the development and function of NMJs.
GABAergic Excitation of Spider Mechanoreceptors Increases Information Capacity by Increasing Entropy Rather than Decreasing Jitter
Authors: Pfeiffer Keram , French Andrew S.
Published: September 2009

Neurotransmitter chemicals excite or inhibit a range of sensory afferents and sensory pathways. These changes in firing rate or static sensitivity can also be associated with changes in dynamic sensitivity or membrane noise and thus action potential timing. We measured action potential firing produced by random mechanical stimulation of spider mechanoreceptor neurons during long-duration excitation by the GABAAagonist muscimol. Information capacity was estimated from signal-to-noise ratio by averaging responses to repeated identical stimulation sequences. Information capacity was also estimated from the coherence function between input and output signals. Entropy rate was estimated by a data compression algorithm and maximum entropy rate from the firing rate. Action potential timing variability, or jitter, was measured as normalized interspike interval distance. Muscimol increased firing rate, information capacity, and entropy rate, but jitter was unchanged. We compared these data with the effects of increasing firing rate by current injection. Our results indicate that the major increase in information capacity by neurotransmitter action arose from the increased entropy rate produced by increased firing rate, not from reduction in membrane noise and action potential jitter.
Dissociating β-Amyloid from α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor by a Novel Therapeutic Agent, S 24795, Normalizes α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine and NMDA Receptor Function in Alzheimer's Disease Brain
Authors: Wang Hoau-Yan , Stucky Andres , Liu JingJing , Shen Changpeng , Trocme-Thibierge Caryn , Morain Philippe
Published: September 2009

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by synaptic dysfunction and cardinal neuropathological features including amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Soluble amyloid-β (Aβ) can suppress synaptic activities by interacting with α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs). Here, we show that α7nAChR and NMDA glutamatergic receptor (NMDAR) activities are severely compromised in synaptosomes prepared from AD and Aβ1-42(Aβ42)-exposed control frontal cortex slices from postmortem tissue. Whereas Aβ12-28prevents Aβ42from binding to α7nAChRs, 2-[2-(4-bromophenyl)-2-oxoethyl]-1-methyl pyridinium (S 24795), a novel α7nAChR partial agonist, facilitates release of Aβ42from Aβ42–α7nAChR and –Aβ42complexes. S 24795 interacts with α7nAChR and Aβ15-20region of the Aβ42to enable partial recovery of the α7nAChR and NMDAR channel function. These findings suggest that the Aβ–α7nAChR interaction may be an upstream pathogenic event in AD and demonstrate that some recovery of neuronal channel activities may be achieved in AD brains by removing Aβ from α7nAChRs.
A Handful of World: The Films of Peter Thompson — An Introduction and Interview
Authors: Rosenbaum Jonathan
Published: September 2009

Chicago-based essay filmmaker Peter Thompson's filmography to date comprises Two Portraits (1982), Universal Hotel and Universal Citizen (both 1986), El moviemento (2003), and Lowlands (2009)—which, as Jonathan Rosenbaum discusses, treat subjects ranging from Nazi rewarming experiments, Yucatan, and Vermeer's wife Catharina Bolnes.
L.A.'s Hipster Cinema
Authors: James David E.
Published: September 2009

Contrary to postmodernist cliché, avant-garde moving image culture is not dead; rather it is ubiquitous, although in intertwined utopian and dystopian forms. A plethora of independent exhibition venues in Los Angeles and indeed the urban fabric of the city sustain unprecedentedly vibrant and complex forms of popular cinema, according to this survey of 2008 events.
The Declaimer's One-man Show. Playing with Roles and Rules in the Pseudo-Quintilian Declamationes maiores
Authors: Hömke Nicola
Published: September 2009

Der rhetorische Fundus eines römischen Schaudeklamators ist, verglichen mit dem eines Gerichtsredners oder Schuldeklamators, um ein effektvolles Instrument reicher: In bewusster Abkehr von der 〟lehrbuchgemäßen” Affektenlehre kann er das Publikum gerade dadurch gewinnen, dass er die Figuren, die er (narrativ und ethopoietisch) in seiner Rede vorstellt, rollenuntypisch 〟agieren” lässt. Das zeigt sich beispielhaft in den pseudo-quintilianischen Declamationes maiores 10, 12, 14 und 15. Das kreative Potential dieses Genres wird insbesondere an Declamatio maior 15 deutlich, in der der Deklamator sogar seine eigene Rolle spielerisch in Frage stellt: Die Rede wird so zum Ein-Mann-Theaterstück, in dem auch die Deklamatorenrolle nur eine unter mehreren personae ist.
Controle da requeima em batata cv. 'Asterix' como base para modelos de previsão da doença
Authors: Trentin Gustavo , Heldwein Arno Bernado , Streck Luciano , Maass Guilherme Fabiano , Radons Sidinei Zwick , Trentin Roberto
Published: September 2009

O controle da requeima da batata requer aplicação freqüente de fungicidas, o que encarece a produção, impactando de modo desnecessário o ambiente. A utilização de modelos de previsão dessa doença permitiria reduzir as aplicações sem afetar a produção. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar os modelos "Blitecast e Prophy" como referência para o controle da requeima por fungicidas. Os experimentos foram conduzidos na primavera de 2004 e no outono de 2005, em Santa Maria, RS. Os dados meteorológicos foram medidos no centro da área experimental, a 0,10 e a 1,50 m acima da superfície do solo. Utilizaram-se diferentes valores de severidade (VS) acumulada, calculada pelos modelos "Blitecast" (VS= 18, 24, 30, 36 e 42) e "Prophy" (VS= 15, 20, 25, 30 e 35) que se constituíram os tratamentos, adicionando-se o tratamento com aplicação semanal e a testemunha, sem aplicação. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições, sendo cada parcela composta de quatro fileiras de plantas com 5 m de comprimento. Avaliou-se a severidade da requeima por parcela a cada três a cinco dias. Verificou-se que o uso do modelo "Blitecast" com 18 valores de severidade acumulados, incrementou, em pelo menos, 42,6% a produtividade de tubérculos comerciais em relação às áreas sem aplicação de fungicida e reduziu o número de aplicações em 25% nos períodos úmidos e, em 70% nos períodos secos, em relação às aplicações semanais. A eficiência de controle da requeima foi similar à obtida com aplicações semanais de fungicida nos tratamentos Bli18 e Pro15. O uso do modelo "Prophy" requer maior número de aplicações do que o "Blitecast" e não resultou em melhor controle.
The Parental Craniofacial Morphological Features in Chinese Patients with Sporadic Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip with or without Palate
Authors: Lu Da-wei , Shi Bing , Chen Huai-qing , Li Yu , Meng Tian , He Xing , Zheng Qian
Published: September 2009

Objective:

To evaluate the parental craniofacial morphology in Chinese patients with sporadic nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without palate.

Methods:

A total of 98 parental pairs of nonsyndromic unilateral incomplete cleft lip children, 207 parental pairs of nonsyndromic complete cleft lip and palate children, and 206 normal persons from Sichuan University were involved in this study. A conventional cephalometric analysis was used to measure angles, linear distances, and their ratios. Two-sample Student's t tests and a multivariate discriminant analysis were applied to the data.

Results:

Data indicate that the unaffected parents of nonsyndromic cleft lip children had on average significantly more acute cranial base angle (Angle N-S-Ba) and larger nasal width (NC-NC′) (p < .01). The healthy parents of nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate children consistently displayed a more acute cranial base angle (Angle N-S-Ba), shorter palatal length (A- PNS) and maxillary length (PNS-ANS), a more obtuse gonial angle (Angle Me-Go-Ar), and a larger y-axis length (S-Gn) and nasal width (NC-NC′) (p < .01).

Conclusions:

All these results indicate that the healthy parents of patients with nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without palate show distinct characteristics in craniofacial morphology. These parental craniofacial features are more obvious in patients with cleft lip with palate than those with cleft lip only. In general, the characteristics seem to be more distinct in the fathers than in the mothers of cleft patients.
Prevalence of Upper Cervical Vertebrae Anomalies in Patients with Cleft Lip and/or Palate and Noncleft Patients
Authors: Lima Marta Cunha , Franco Eduardo Jacomino , Janson Guilherme , Carvalho Izabel Maria Marchi , Santos Carlos Ferreira , Capelozza Ana Lúcia Alvares
Published: September 2009

Objectives:

To investigate the prevalence of upper cervical vertebrae anomalies in patients with isolated cleft lip, isolated cleft palate, and complete cleft lip and palate, as well as to compare the prevalence of these anomalies between groups, between genders, and with noncleft patients.

Design:

Retrospective cross-sectional study of randomly selected patients.

Setting:

Radiology Section, Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies and Department of Orthodontics, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.

Participants:

The sample comprised 300 lateral cephalograms of cleft patients, aged 12 to 13 years, of both genders, from the files of the Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies–University of São Paulo and 300 lateral cephalograms from noncleft patients of the Department of Orthodontics, Bauru School of Dentistry. Cephalograms of patients with syndromes were not included.

Method:

Radiographs were interpreted on a film viewer by a single examiner; the profiles of vertebrae were traced on acetate paper, and cervical vertebrae anomalies were registered and categorized into posterior arch deficiencies, fusion, and association of both.

Main Outcome Measures:

Statistical comparison of groups using the chi-square test.

Results:

In the cleft group, 38.67% of the patients had cervical vertebrae anomalies. Of those in the noncleft sample, 31% showed anomalies of the cervical spine. This difference was statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference when the types of clefts were compared with each other or when both genders were compared in both samples.

Conclusions:

This study confirms the association between clefts and cervical anomalies. Additional research on this topic is necessary.
Treatment of Velopharyngeal Inadequacy in a Patient with Submucous Cleft Palate and Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Rikihisa Naoaki , Udagawa Akikazu , Yoshimoto Shinya , Ichinose Masaharu , Kimura Tomoe , Shimizu Sara
Published: September 2009

Objective:

To describe the clinical course and management of a patient with submucous cleft palate who developed myasthenia gravis (MG) as an adult and suffered recurrent hypernasality. Few reports have described MG patients undergoing pharyngeal flap surgery for velopharyngeal incompetence, and these have described only slight speech improvement in such patients.

Design:

Case report.

Patient:

The patient underwent primary pushback palatoplasty and superiorly based pharyngeal flap surgery for submucous cleft and short palate at age 7. Hypernasality showed major improvement after initial surgery. At age 19, the patient developed MG that triggered the recurrence of velopharyngeal incompetence.

Intervention:

After MG was treated, revision pushback palatoplasty was performed for velopharyngeal incompetence when the patient was 24 years old. Preoperatively and postoperatively, the patient was evaluated by the same speech-language-hearing therapists, each with at least 5 years of clinical experience in cleft palate speech.

Results:

After the second pushback palatoplasty, hypernasality and audible nasal air emission during speech decreased to mild.

Conclusion:

Primary pushback palatoplasty and pharyngeal flap surgery were performed for the submucous cleft palate. Revision pushback palatoplasty improved velopharyngeal inadequacy induced by MG. Decreased perceived nasality positively influenced the patient's quality of life. Combined pushback palatoplasty and pharyngeal flap surgery is thus an option in surgical treatment for velopharyngeal inadequacy to close the cleft and the velopharyngeal orifice in cases of cleft palate and MG.
Video Recording Study of Infants Undergoing Primary Cheiloplasty: Are Arm Restraints Really Needed?
Authors: Tokioka Kazuyuki , Park Susam , Sugawara Yasushi , Nakatsuka Takashi
Published: September 2009

Objective:

Arm restraints are traditionally used during the perioperative period for cleft surgery to prevent the affected infant from damaging the wound, but the benefits of this standard practice have been controversial. To investigate whether the use of arm restraints provides any benefit to the patient, a video recording study of infants undergoing primary cheiloplasty was conducted.

Design:

Analysis of video recordings of infants undergoing cheiloplasty.

Setting:

Shizuoka Children's Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan.

Patients and Methods:

Eight patients who underwent primary cheiloplasty were recorded for 24 hours on the day before the operation, the day of the operation, and the fourth postoperative day. All recordings were examined by the first author, and the frequency and manner of lip touching were evaluated.

Results:

Although the frequency of touching varied considerably from 2 to 136 times per 24 hours, it was not statistically different among the 3 recording days (Friedman test, p > .05). All infants touched their lips softly and never attempted to manipulate or scratch their wound. None of the patients pinched the stitches or adhesive tape on the wound with their hands.

Conclusions:

Although the examined infants touched their lips, they never touched them in a manner that would be harmful to the wound. We concluded that arm restraints are unnecessary after primary cheiloplasty if the procedure is performed before the age of 3 or 4 months.
Immunolocalization of Proteoglycans in Meckel’s Cartilage of the Rat
Authors: Ababneh Khansa Taha , Al-Khateeb Taiseer Hussain
Published: September 2009

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and distribution of proteoglycans within Meckel’s cartilage of rat embryos. A standard indirect immunoperoxidase technique was used on paraffin sections of rat heads. Sections were incubated with monoclonal antibodies recognising core protein epitopes in the proteoglycans versican and CD44. Polyclonal antibodies localized the proteoglycans decorin, biglycan and lumican. Versican was expressed by chondrocytes, but very weekly by the extracellular matrix. Decorin was strongly expressed by both of chondrocytes and the ECM. Both of biglycan and lumican were moderately expressed by chondrocytes, but weakly by the extracellular matrix. CD44 was weakly expressed by chondrocytes only, without staining of the ECM. It is concluded that Meckel’s cartilage chondrocytes express the proteoglycans versican, decorin, biglycan, lumican and CD44 at variable levels during development in the rat. Such data are important for a greater understanding of the changes that take place during mandibular development. Further studies are needed to elucidate the exact role of proteoglycans during Meckel’s cartilage and mandibular organogenesis.
Complete Avulsion of the Extensor Mechanism of a Finger with Simultaneous Dislocation of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint
Authors: Xarchas K.C , Tilkeridis K , Kitsikidou G , Pelekas S.I , Verettas D.A
Published: September 2009

We report a rare case of open dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, associated with simultaneous avulsion of the central band and distal insertion of the extensor mechanism, rapture of the proximal volar plate, and rapture of the ulnar collateral ligament of the PIP joint.

Although isolated IP joint injuries are common, they rarely occur simultaneously in a single finger. Even more rarely are they accompanied by a complete avulsion of the extensor mechanism. Operative restoration of the injured structures is a necessity in order to achieve a good functional outcome.

An initial forceful flexion of the finger resulting to rapture of the extensor apparatus and then followed by finger hyperextension and PIP joint dislocation is our perception of the possible mechanism of this extremely rare injury.
Herpes Zoster Associated Hospital Admissions in Italy: Review of the Hospital Discharge Forms
Authors: Gabutti Giovanni , Serenelli Carlotta , Cavallaro Alessandra , Ragni Pietro
Published: September 2009

In Italy a specific surveillance system for zoster does not exist, and thus updated and complete epidemiological data are lacking. The objective of this study was to retrospectively review the national hospital discharge forms database for the period 1999-2005 using the code ICD9-CM053. In the period 1999-2005, 35,328 hospital admissions have been registered with annual means of 4,503 hospitalizations and 543 day-hospital admissions. The great part of hospitalizations (61.9%) involved subjects older than 65 years; the mean duration of stay was 8 days. These data, even if restricted to hospitalizations registered at national level, confirm the epidemiological impact of shingles and of its complications.
Trehalose Metabolism: From Osmoprotection to Signaling
Authors: Iturriaga Gabriel , Suárez Ramón , Nova-Franco Barbara
Published: September 2009

Trehalose is a non-reducing disaccharide formed by two glucose molecules. It is widely distributed in Nature and has been isolated from certain species of bacteria, fungi, invertebrates and plants, which are capable of surviving in a dehydrated state for months or years and subsequently being revived after a few hours of being in contact with water. This disaccharide has many biotechnological applications, as its physicochemical properties allow it to be used to preserve foods, enzymes, vaccines, cells etc., in a dehydrated state at room temperature. One of the most striking findings a decade ago was the discovery of the genes involved in trehalose biosynthesis, present in a great number of organisms that do not accumulate trehalose to significant levels. In plants, this disaccharide has diverse functions and plays an essential role in various stages of development, for example in the formation of the embryo and in flowering. Trehalose also appears to be involved in the regulation of carbon metabolism and photosynthesis. Recently it has been discovered that this sugar plays an important role in plant-microorganism interactions.
Variations in IC50 Values with Purity of Mushroom Tyrosinase
Authors: Neeley Elizabeth , Fritch George , Fuller Autumn , Wolfe Jordan , Wright Jessica , Flurkey William
Published: September 2009

The effects of various inhibitors on crude, commercial and partially purified commercial mushroom tyrosinase were examined by comparing IC50 values. Kojic acid, salicylhydroxamic acid, tropolone, methimazole, and ammonium tetrathiomolybdate had relatively similar IC50 values for the crude, commercial and partially purified enzyme. 4-Hexylresorcinol seemed to have a somewhat higher IC50 value using crude extracts, compared to commercial or purified tyrosinase. Some inhibitors (NaCl, esculetin, biphenol, phloridzin) showed variations in IC50 values between the enzyme samples. In contrast, hydroquinone, lysozyme, Zn2+, and anisaldehyde showed little or no inhibition in concentration ranges reported to be effective inhibitors. Organic solvents (DMSO and ethanol) had IC50 values that were similar for some of the tyrosinase samples. Depending of the source of tyrosinase and choice of inhibitor, variations in IC50 values were observed.
Squalene Emulsions for Parenteral Vaccine and Drug Delivery
Authors: Fox Christopher B.
Published: September 2009

Squalene is a linear triterpene that is extensively utilized as a principal component of parenteral emulsions for drug and vaccine delivery. In this review, the chemical structure and sources of squalene are presented. Moreover, the physicochemical and biological properties of squalene-containing emulsions are evaluated in the context of parenteral formulations. Historical and current parenteral emulsion products containing squalene or squalane are discussed. The safety of squalene-based products is also addressed. Finally, analytica techniques for characterization of squalene emulsions are examined.