bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classical vibrational modes in phononic lattices: theory and experiment
Authors: Sigalas Mihail , Kushwaha Manvir S. , Economou Eleftherios N. , Kafesaki Maria , Psarobas Ioannis E. , Steurer Walter
Published: August 2005

We present a review, through selected illustrative examples, of the physics of classical vibrational modes in phononic lattices, which elaborates on the theory, the formalism, the methods, and mainly on the numerical and experimental results related to phononic crystals. Most of the topics addressed here, are written in a self-consistent way and they can be read as independent individual parts.
Large enhancement of phononic gap in periodic and quasiperiodic elastic composites by using air inclusions
Authors: Lai Yun , Zhang Zhao-Qing
Published: August 2005

We find that a phononic gap in a periodic or quasiperiodic elastic composite can be significantly enhanced by inserting air inclusions into the systems. The positions of the insertion are chosen to suppress the shear potential energy of the acoustical branches and lower their frequencies. This is demonstrated in two dimensions. Gap positions and sizes as functions of the radii of the air cylinders for systems of aluminum cylinders in epoxy and steel cylinders in epoxy are presented for both triangular and 12-fold quasiperiodic lattices.
ENHANCING COMMUNITY‐BASED TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION IN THE WESTERN CARIBBEAN
Authors: STONICH SUSAN C.
Published: August 2005

The principal goal of this article is to make specific suggestions regarding how to enhance community‐based tourism development and conservation in tourist destinations with heterogeneous social and cultural contexts and fragile environments. The article uses the example of the Bay Islands, Honduras, to demonstrate the obstacles and opportunities for integrated community‐based tourism and conservation. These recommendations stem directly from almost twenty years of research efforts in the region and are among the major conclusions of my recent book, The Other Side of Paradise: Tourism, Conservation, and Development in the Bay Islands (Stonich 2000).
BETWEEN PURE AND APPLIED RESEARCH: EXPERIMENTAL ETHNOGRAPHY IN A TRANSCULTURAL TOURIST ART WORLD
Authors: CASTAñEDA QUETZIL E.
Published: August 2005

This article reports on an ethnographic project designed and conducted as an experimental fieldwork practice. The research was a study of the modern Maya artwork of Pisté, Yucatán, that developed in the context of archaeological heritage tourism at the Maya site of Chichén Itzá, México. The article discusses how the research was designed to explore experimental fieldwork as an alternative path between pure and applied research paradigms. The use of art exhibition and installation was developed as a method of studying tourism phenomena in ways that positively contributed to community life. The research included exhibitions of art conducted as fieldwork encounters. Further, the experimental methodologies allowed the research to be designed and conducted so that the historical and ongoing involvement of anthropology in the art tradition was also studied and formulated as part of the object of study. Concepts of research positioning and transculturation are used to elaborate these principles of research design and practice.
Changes in semen quality and morphology of the reproductive tract of the male tammar wallaby parallel seasonal breeding activity in the female
Authors: Paris D B B P , Taggart D A , Shaw G , Temple-Smith P D , Renfree M B
Published: August 2005

Changes in semen quality and morphology of the male reproductive tract were studied throughout the year in the highly promiscuous tammar wallaby. Body size, semen quality and gross morphology of the reproductive organs were assessed in adult males each month from January to November. The mean weight of males was similar in most periods sampled, but males were slightly heavier in the minor (P< 0.05) than the non-breeding season. Since body weight was correlated with weights of the testes, epididymides and accessory sex glands, organ weights were adjusted for body weight in subsequent analyses. In the major breeding season (late January/early February), when most females go through a brief, highly synchronized oestrus, the testes, prostate, Cowper’s glands, crus penis and urethral bulb were heaviest, volume and coagulation of ejaculates were greatest, and sperm motility had increased. Semen samples collected by electroejaculation at this time contained low numbers of spermatozoa, possibly as a result of dilution and entrapment by the seminal coagulum or depletion of epididymal stores during intense multiple mating activity. In the non-breeding season (late May–July), when mating does not normally occur in the wild, there was a significant decrease in the relative weight of nearly all male reproductive organs and a decline in most semen parameters. In the minor breeding season (September–November), when pubertal females undergo their first oestrus and mating, the weights of testes, epididymides and most accessory sex glands had significantly increased similar to those of males in the major breeding season. The total number and motility of ejaculated spermatozoa were highest during this period, but the volume and coagulation of ejaculates and weight of the prostate had only increased to levels that were intermediate between the major and non-breeding seasons. Ejaculate volume was strongly correlated with prostate weight, and % motile spermatozoa was strongly correlated with epididymis weight. Semen quality thus varied seasonally with changes in androgen-dependent reproductive organs in the male tammar wallaby and appeared to be influenced by the seasonal timing of oestrus in females. Semen quality may also improve in response to an increase in the number of available oestrous females.
Expression of fibroblast growth factor-8 and regulation of cognate receptors, fibroblast growth factor receptor-3c and -4, in bovine antral follicles
Authors: Buratini J , Teixeira A B , Costa I B , Glapinski V F , Pinto M G L , Giometti I C , Barros C M , Cao M , Nicola E S , Price C A
Published: August 2005

Paracrine cell signaling is believed to be important for ovarian follicle development, and a role for some members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family has been suggested. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that FGF-8 and its cognate receptors (FGFR3c and FGFR4) are expressed in bovine antral follicles. RT-PCR was used to analyze bovineFgf8,Fgfr3candFgfr4mRNA levels in oocytes, and granulosa and theca cells.Fgf8expression was detected in oocytes and in granulosa and theca cells; this expression pattern differs from that reported in rodents. Granulosa and theca cells, but not oocytes, expressedFgfr3c, and expression in granulosa cells increased significantly with follicle estradiol content, a major indicator of follicle health.Fgfr4expression was restricted to theca cells in the follicle, and decreased significantly with increasing follicle size. To investigate the potential regulation ofFgfr3cexpression in the bovine granulosa, cells were cultured in serum-free medium with FSH or IGF-I; gene expression was upregulated by FSH but not by IGF-I. The FSH-responsive and developmentally regulated patterns ofFgfr3cmRNA expression suggest that this receptor is a potential mediator of paracrine signaling to granulosa cells during antral follicle growth in cattle.
Caffeine promotes premature chromosome condensation formation and in vitro development in porcine reconstructed embryos via a high level of maturation promoting factor activity during nuclear transfer
Authors: Kawahara Manabu , Wakai Takuya , Yamanaka Ken-Ichi , Kobayashi Jin , Sugimura Satoshi , Shimizu Takashi , Matsumoto Hiromichi , Kim Jin-Hoi , Sasada Hiroshi , Sato Eimei
Published: August 2005

When the nucleus in G0/G1 phase is transferred to an enucleated oocyte by nuclear transfer (NT), its nuclear envelope is broken, followed by condensation of chromosome structure by maturation promoting factor (MPF). This morphological remodeling of the transferred interphase nucleus seems to be essential for subsequent development of NT embryos. In this study, we treated porcine NT embryos with caffeine, which has been reported to increase MPF activity, to keep their MPF level high during NT. When 2.5 mM caffeine was added to the handling medium, the proportion of NT embryos showing condensed chromosome increased significantly (P < 0.05). In NT embryos treated with caffeine, the activity of p34cdc2 kinase was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in those without caffeine at 3 h post-injection. In addition, the rate of development to the blastocyst stage after activation was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in NT embryos treated with caffeine. These results indicate that caffeine treatment can increase not only the rate of chromosome condensation but also the developmental rate to the blastocyst stage of porcine NT embryos. This action is most likely due to the support/increase of MPF activity throughout the process of NT.
Specificity and promiscuity of gonadotropin receptors
Authors: Costagliola Sabine , Urizar Eneko , Mendive Fernando , Vassart Gilbert
Published: August 2005

The dichotomy between hormone recognition by the ectodomain and activation of the G protein by the rhodopsin-like serpentine portion is a well established property of glycoprotein hormone receptors. The specificity barrier avoiding promiscuous activation of the FSH receptor by the high concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) prevailing during human pregnancy was thus believed to lie in the ectodomain. In the past two years, mutations responsible for rare spontaneous cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndromes have partially modified this simple view. Five naturally occurring mutations have been identified which cause an increase in the sensitivity of the FSH receptor to hCG. Surprisingly, these mutations are all located in the serpentine portion of the receptor. In addition to their effect on sensitivity to hCG, they increase sensitivity of the FSH receptor to TSH, and are responsible for activating the receptor constitutively. Together, the available information indicates that the ectodomain and the serpentine domain of the FSH receptor each contribute to the specificity barrier preventing its spurious activation by hCG. While the former is responsible for establishment of binding specificity, the latter introduces a novel notion of functional specificity.

Recent data demonstrate that LH and FSH receptors can constitute functional homo- and heterodimers. This suggests the possibility that in cells co-expressing the two receptors, such as granulosa cells, the heterodimers might be endowed with functional characteristics different from those of each homodimer.
Expression of Col1a1, Col1a2 and procollagen I in germ cells of immature and adult mouse testis
Authors: He Zuping , Feng Lixin , Zhang Xiaodong , Geng Yixun , Parodi Daniela A , Suarez-Quian Carlos , Dym Martin
Published: August 2005

The objective of this study was to compare the expression of Col1a1, Col1a2, and procollagen I in the seminiferous tubules of immature and adult mice and to characterize the cellular expression pattern of procollagen I in germ cells during spermatogenesis in order to provide necessary groundwork for further functional studies in the process of spermatogenesis. Microarray analysis demonstrated that Col1a1 and Col1a2 were abundantly expressed in the seminiferous tubules of 6-day-old mice compared with 60-day-old mice, and the expression levels of Col1a1 and Col1a2 mRNA were validated using a semi-quantitative RT-PCR assay. Western blot analysis further confirmed that procollagen I was expressed at a higher level in the seminiferous tubules of 6-day-old mice compared with 60-day-old mice. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that type A spermatogonia were positive for procollagen I in the testis of 6-day-old mice, whereas Sertoli cells were negative for this protein. Thein vivoprocollagen I staining in type A spermatogonia was corroborated in spermatogonia exhibiting a high potential for proliferation and the ability to form germ cell colonies inin vitroculture. Moreover, procollagen I was also detected in type A spermatogonia, intermediate spermatogonia, type B spermatogonia, and preleptotene spermatocytes in the adult mouse testes, but positive staining disappeared in more differentiated germ cell lineages detaching from the basement membrane, including leptotene spermatocytes, pachytene spermatocytes, round spermatids and elongated spermatids. These data suggest that Col1a1, Col1a2 and procollagen I are associated with type A spermatogonia and play a potential role in mediating the detachment and migration of germ cells during spermatogenesis.
Effective flood alleviation design and construction
Authors: Bradley W. T.
Published: August 2005

Innovation and best practice designs can be encouraged through an effective design process. The award-winning Harbertonford Flood Defence Scheme was described as ‘the future of flood defence schemes’ by Sir John Harman, Chairman of the Environment Agency, and delivered a combination of in-village river channel improvement and upstream flood attenuation to alleviate regular flooding and the misery it caused. This paper focuses on how the design was developed and implemented to demonstrate the benefits that can be delivered through good teamwork and effective management of the civil engineering process.
A systematic approach to rights of way improvement planning
Authors: Parkin J. , Christensen J. , Krause JP J. , Moores D.
Published: August 2005

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 created the legal basis for rights of way improvement plans (ROWIPs). A systematic approach to the development of these plans has been developed through work on a pilot in Cheshire. A topic reviewed more closely was the way in which a ROWIP might encourage use of sustainable modes of transport. The pilot project comprised extensive user surveys, the results of which were then reviewed in the light of a walkover survey. Generic classes of improvement have been identified which could assist other highways authorities in ROWIP production. In this paper the genesis of the systematic approach is discussed and comments made on its validity and applicability, particularly differentiating between deeply rural and semi-urban areas. Survey and assessment techniques and the appropriate level of detail for user surveys are discussed together with the evaluation of benefits that might arise for different classes of user and journey purposes.
Primary school travel behaviour in Midlothian, UK
Authors: Gilhooly P. , Low D. J.
Published: August 2005

In the United Kingdom the proportion of children being driven to school, rather than walking, has almost doubled since 1985. This adds significantly to existing peak period traffic problems and may have a negative influence on children's future travel habits. If the reliance on private cars for children's travel to and from primary schools is to be reduced it is vital to understand and learn from current travel habits in a bid to formulate future transport policies. The authors’ surveys of 1008 primary school children and 776 of their parents, in Midlothian, Scotland, have facilitated the identification of patterns of transport behaviour related to primary school travel and some of the reasons motivating these travel choices. This suggests ways of encouraging more sustainable travel habits. The results show that travel behaviour is influenced significantly by both age and distance from school, but additional differences between schools are also evident.
Smoke-reduction technologies in developing countries
Authors: Bates L.
Published: August 2005

Around half the world uses biomass for cooking—such as twigs, agricultural residues and dung. These fuels are mainly burnt on ‘three-stone fires’ or rudimentary stoves resulting in poor combustion efficiency and high levels of indoor air pollution in the kitchens in which they are burnt. Due to these practices, over 1·6 million people die annually, of whom 56% are children under five years. In terms of health, the most damaging biomass combustion products are believed to be respirable particulates and carbon monoxide. This paper draws on lessons learnt from a completed project in two rural areas of Kenya and from two ongoing international research projects in Kenya, Nepal and Sudan.
Municipal engineering in the coming years
Authors: Thomassen R.
Published: August 2005

Although we cannot predict the shape of things to come for municipal engineering, recommendations can be made to help municipal engineers progress successfully in the future. This paper describes the challenges that municipal engineers face in the twenty-first century and makes suggestions for meeting these challenges in ways that benefit society and the environment, not only locally but also on a global scale. The author uses the experiences of his own municipality in Norway to illustrate the problems and possible solutions.
Job Safety and Health Law
Authors: Harris Robert J.
Published: August 2005

The principal legislation relating to job safety and health is the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA). However, certain industries and/or portions of industries are subject to regulation by federal statutes other than OSHA. In addition, OSHA does not entirely preclude regulation of job safety and health by the states or their political subdivisions. Nevertheless, OSHA is clearly the most comprehensive legislative directive relating to workplace safety and health; accordingly, this chapter and the next focus primarily on developments and requirements pursuant to this act.
Ecogenetics: The Study of Gene–Environment Interactions
Authors: Nebert Daniel W. , Roe Amy L.
Published: August 2005

What is “an environmental disease?” Why are some individuals and some families affected more easily than others? Indeed, even within families, why are some members affected whereas others are not? When taking the same dose of a prescribed medication, why do some patients—but not others—experience side effects? Why do only 7 out of every 100 cigarette smokers die of lung cancer? The answer to each of these questions involvesinterindividual genetic variationandthe environment.

We begin this chapter with brief descriptions of the reasons for environmental illnesses. Next, genetic terminology and a definition of “susceptibility genes” are covered—followed by our current understanding of the drug‐metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) and the receptors that regulate DME genes. Subsequently, we provide a number of examples and brief summaries of the present‐day knowledge of many of these polymorphisms. Last, we speculate as to why these human polymorphisms might exist in the first place. Many of the references cited include reviews in which the reader will find numerous additional studies cited and details described.
Bilateral asymmetry in the limb bones of the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Sarringhaus L.A. , Stock J.T. , Marchant L.F. , McGrew W.C.
Published: August 2005

There is much debate in behavioral primatology on the existence of population‐level handedness in chimpanzees. The presence or absence of functional laterality in great apes may shed light on the origins of human handedness and on the evolution of cerebral asymmetry. The plasticity of long bone diaphyses in response to mechanical loading allows the functional interpretation of differences in cross‐sectional geometric. While left‐right asymmetry in upper limb diaphyseal morphology is a known property in human populations, it remains relatively unexplored in apes. We studied bilateral asymmetry in 64 skeletons of wild‐caught chimpanzee using the humerus, second metacarpal, and femur. The total subperiosteal area (TA) of the diaphyses was measured at 40% of maximum humeral length and at the midshaft of the metacarpals and femora using external silicone molds. Overall, the TA values of the left humeri were significantly greater than the right, indicating directional asymmetry. This effect was even greater when the magnitude of difference in TA between each pair of humeri was compared. The right second metacarpals showed a tendency toward greater area than did the left, but this did not reach statistical significance. The lack of asymmetry in the femur serves as a lower limb control, and suggests that the upper limb results are not a product of fluctuating asymmetry. These findings imply behavioral laterality in upper limb function in chimpanzees, and suggest a complementary relationship between precision and power. Am J Phys Anthropol 2005., © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Empirical preprocessing methods and their impact on NIR calibrations: a simulation study
Authors: Thennadil S. N. , Martin E. B.
Published: August 2005

The extraction of chemical information from dense particulate suspensions, such as industrial slurries and biological suspensions, using near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopic measurements is complicated by sample‐to‐sample path length variations due to light scattering. Empirical preprocessing techniques such as multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), extended MSC and derivatives have been applied to remove these effects and in some cases have shown promise. While the performance of these techniques and other related approaches is known to depend on the nature and extent of the variations and on the measurement configuration, detailed investigations into the efficacy of these approaches under various conditions have not been previously undertaken. The main obstacle to carrying out such investigations has been the lack of, and the difficulty in obtaining, an accurate and comprehensive experimental data set. In this work, simulations that generate ‘actual’ measurements were carried out to obtain ‘experimental’ spectroscopic data on particulate systems. This was achieved by solving the exact transport equation for light propagation. A model system comprising four chemical components with one consisting of spherical submicron particles was considered. Total diffuse transmittance and reflectance data generated through simulations for moderate particle concentrations were used as the basis for examining the effect of particle size variations and measurement configurations on the efficacy of a number of preprocessing techniques in enhancing the performance of partial least squares (PLS) models for predicting the concentration of one of the non‐scattering chemical species. Additionally, a form of extended multiplicative signal correction based on considerations arising from fundamental light scattering theory is proposed and found to perform better than the other techniques for the cases considered in the study. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MCT‐4, A511/basigin and EF5 expression patterns during early chick cardiomyogenesis indicate cardiac cell differentiation occurs in a hypoxic environment
Authors: Han Mingda , Trotta Patrizia , Coleman Carl , Linask Kersti K.
Published: August 2005

We have identified the presence of the hypoxia marker EF5 in the stage 4/5 chick heart fields. This suggests that cardiac cell differentiation occurs in a relatively anaerobic environment. Monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) studies in adult cardiac myocytes have demonstrated that MCTs catalyze proton‐linked pyruvate and lactate transport activity. 5A11/Basigin is an ancillary protein that targets MCTs to the plasma membrane for their function. MCT‐4 expression is most evident in cells with a high glycolytic rate associated with hypoxic energy production. Subsequent to the immunohistochemical localization of EF5 in the early heart field, we continued in our analysis during stages 5 to 12 for the expression of indicators of cellular glycolytic metabolism in the developing heart, such as MCT‐4, MCT‐1, and 5A11 (Basigin/CD147). Our observations indicate that MCT‐4 and 5A11/Basigin are expressed early, in a differential left‐right pattern, in the bi‐lateral plate mesoderm, as the cardiac compartment is forming. At stage 11, MCT‐4/5A11 continues to be highly expressed in the myocardial wall of the looping heart, but not in the dorsal mesocardium. RT‐PCR analyses for MCT‐1, ‐4, and 5A11 indicate that MCT‐4 and 5A11 are expressed throughout precardiac, embryonic, and fetal stages in the heart. MCT‐1 is first detected in the heart on embryonic day 3 and then remains expressed throughout development to hatching. These results indicate that cardiac precursor cells are equipped for differentiating in a hypoxic environment using anaerobic metabolism for energy production. Developmental Dynamics 235:124–131, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Indoloquinolines, Indolobenzoxazines and Quinazolophthalazines Prepared from Norbornane/eneamino Acids and Hydrazides
Authors: Stájer Géza , Szabó Angela E. , Túrós György , Sohár Pál , Sillanpää Reijo
Published: August 2005

The reactions of di‐endo‐ and di‐exo‐aminonorbornane/enecarboxylic acids 1–4 with ethyl 2‐(2‐oxocyclohexyl)acetate afforded methanoindoloquinolines 5, 6, 8, and 9, the oxo ester participating as a two‐membered sp2 building block. In the cases of di‐exo‐ and di‐endo‐aminonorbornenecarboxylic acids 2 and 4, methanoindolobenzoxazinediones 7 and 10 were also formed; compound 7 was also isolated from the mother liquor of 10. The reactions of ethyl 2‐(2‐oxocyclohexyl)acetate with aminonorbornane/enecarbohydrazides 11–14 result in the methanoquinazolophthalazines 15–18. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by NMR spectroscopy, and for 6, 7, 8, and 10 also by X‐ray crystallography. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Deletion at chromosome band 20p12.1 in colorectal cancer revealed by high resolution array comparative genomic hybridization
Authors: Davison Eleanor J. , Tarpey Patrick S. , Fiegler Heike , Tomlinson Ian P. M. , Carter Nigel P.
Published: August 2005

Array comparative genomic hybridization (Array CGH) with tiling path resolution for a ∼4.61 Mb region of chromosome band 20p12.1 has been used to investigate copy number loss in 48 colorectal cancer cell lines and 37 primary colorectal cancers. A recurrent deletion was detected in 55% of cell lines and 23% of primary cancers and the consensus minimum region of loss was identified as a ∼190kb section from 14.85 Mb to 15.04 Mb of chromosome 20. Two noncoding RNA genes located in the region, BA318C17.1 and DJ974N19.1, were investigated by mutation analysis and real‐time PCR in colorectal cancer cell lines. Sequence changes in BA318C17.1 and reduced expression of both genes was detected, suggesting that the abrogation of these genes may play a role in colorectal tumorigenesis. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A multimodal fusion system for people detection and tracking
Authors: Yang Mau‐Tsuen , Wang Shih‐Chun , Lin Yong‐Yuan
Published: August 2005

Because a people detection system that considers only a single feature tends to be unstable, many people detection systems have been proposed to extract multiple features simultaneously. These detection systems usually integrate features using a heuristic method based on the designers' observations and induction. Whenever the number of features to be considered is changed, the designer must change and adjust the integration mechanism accordingly. To avoid this tedious process, we propose a multimodal fusion system that can detect and track people in a scalable, accurate, robust, and flexible manner. Each module considers a single feature and all modules operate independently at the same time. A depth module is constructed to detect people based on the depth‐from‐stereo method, and a novel approach is proposed to extract people by analyzing the vertical projection in each layer. A color module that detects the human face, and a motion module that detects human movement are also developed. The outputs from these individual modules are fused together and tracked over time, using a Kalman filter. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 15, 131–142, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ima.20046
Myostatin negatively regulates the expression of the steroid receptor co‐factor ARA70
Authors: Siriett Victoria , Nicholas Gina , Berry Carole , Watson Trevor , Hennebry Alex , Thomas Mark , Ling Nicholas , Sharma Mridula , Kambadur Ravi
Published: August 2005

Myostatin is a transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) superfamily member and a key negative regulator of embryonic and postnatal muscle growth. In order to identify downstream target genes regulated by Myostatin, we performed suppressive subtraction hybridization (SSH) on cDNA generated from the biceps femoris muscle of wild‐type and myostatin‐null mice. Sequence analysis identified several known and unknown genes as Myostatin downstream target genes. Here, we have investigated the regulation of gene expression of an androgen receptor (AR) binding co‐factor, androgen receptor associated protein‐70 (ARA70), by Myostatin. We show that in mouse there are two isoforms of ARA70 with high homology (79%) to human ARA70; an α‐isoform which is a canonical ARA70 and a β‐isoform which has a 9 consecutive amino acid deletion and 6 amino acid substitutions in the carboxyl‐terminal portion. Reverse Northern analysis on the differentially expressed cDNA library indicated that there is increased expression of ARA70 in the muscles of myostatin‐null mice. In addition, Northern blot, together with semi‐quantitative PCR analysis, confirmed that there is increased expression of ARA70 in myostatin‐null biceps femoris muscle when compared to wild‐type muscle. In corroboration of these results, addition of exogenous Myostatin results in down‐regulation of ARA70 expression confirming that Myostatin is a negative regulator of ARA70 gene expression. Expression analysis further confirmed that ARA70 is up‐regulated during myogenesis and that peak expression of ARA70 is observed following the peak expression of MyoD in differentiating myoblasts. Given that lack of Myostatin and increased expression of AR leads to hypertrophy, we propose that absence of Myostatin, at least in part, induces the hypertrophy phenotype by increasing the activity of AR by up‐regulating the expression of ARA70, a known stimulating co‐factor of AR. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Leptin and cancer
Authors: Garofalo Cecilia , Surmacz Eva
Published: August 2005

The prevalence of obesity has markedly increased over the past two decades, especially in the industrialized countries. While the impact of excess body weight on the development of cardiac disease and diabetes has been well documented, the link between obesity and carcinogenesis is just being recognized. This review will focus on the link between leptin, a cytokine that is elevated in obese individuals, and cancer development. First, we briefly discuss the biological functions of leptin and its signaling pathways. Then, we summarize the effects of leptin on different cancer types in experimental cellular and animal models. Next, we analyze epidemiological data on the relationship between obesity and the presence of cancer or cancer risk in patients. Finally, leptin as a target for cancer treatment and prevention will be discussed. J. Cell. Physiol. 207: 12–22, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of cyclic‐AMP responsive element binding (CREB) proteins in cell proliferation in a rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kovach Stephen J. , Price Julie A. , Shaw Carolyn M. , Theodorakis Nicholas G. , McKillop Iain H.
Published: August 2005

The role of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is poorly understood in the regulation of normal and abnormal hepatic cell growth. In this study, we examined the regulation of intracellular cAMP levels and its effect on nuclear cAMP responsive elements (CREs) in a rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Tumorigenic liver cells were cultured from an in vivo model of HCC and the role of cAMP in cell mitogenesis determined. These data demonstrated agents that elevate intracellular cAMP ([cAMP]i) levels caused significant dose‐dependent inhibition of serum‐stimulated mitogenesis in HCC cells. Cells were next analyzed for transcription factor expression and activity following increased [cAMP]i. These data demonstrated time‐ and dose‐dependent increases in CRE binding protein (pCREB) activity, a maximal response occurring after 10–20 min before returning to basal levels within 60 min. In contrast, increased [cAMP]i levels led to sustained inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER) II/IIγ mRNA and protein induction. To understand these data in relation to the in vivo setting, HCC tumors were analyzed and compared to pair‐matched normal liver (NL) samples. These studies demonstrated significantly elevated Gsα‐protein expression in HCC versus NL in the absence of significant changes in basal cAMP levels. Analysis of total and active CREB demonstrated significantly increased total CREB/pCREB in HCC versus NL. Further analysis of CRE expression demonstrated significantly increased expression of ICER mRNA and protein in HCC versus sham operated (Sh). These data demonstrate cAMP, while capable of stimulating promitogenic CREB activation inhibits cell mitogenesis in HCC possibly via ICER induction. J. Cell. Physiol. 206: 411–419, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
p53 and the malignant progression of Barrett's esophagus
Authors: Merola Elettra , Claudio Pier Paolo , Giordano Antonio
Published: August 2005

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a metaplastic disorder in which specialized columnar epithelium replaces healthy squamous epithelium (intestinal metaplasia). Even though its pathophysiology and the steps of its neoplastic progression are not completely understood, BE can be considered as a complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Given that esophageal adenocarcinoma, which is continually increasing in the Western world, still has a poor prognosis and suffers from late diagnosis, and because BE is a precancerous lesion, there is a strong need for good molecular markers of malignant progression in Barrett's metaplasia (BM). The aim of this review is to examine the published data regarding the role that assessment of p53 may play in the management of BE, trying to understand if it may be a useful marker to early diagnose BE malignant transformation. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer After Liver Transplantation. Study of Risk Factors
Authors: Herrero Ignacio J. , España Agustín , Quiroga Jorge , Sangro Bruno , Pardo Fernando , Alvárez-Cienfuegos Javier , Prieto Jesús
Published: August 2005

Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is a frequent complication after liver transplantation, but the risk factors of posttransplant NMSC have not been well defined. In a prospectively followed series of 170 liver transplant recipients, we assessed the incidence of NMSC, compared it with the expected incidence in the general population, and investigated which risk factors were related to NMSC. After a median follow-up of 62 months, 27 patients developed 43 NMSC. The relative risk of NMSC was 20.26 (95% confidence interval: 14.66-27.29) as compared with sex- and age-matched population. In univariate analysis, older age, male sex, Child-Turcotte-Pugh A or B at transplantation, treatment with mycophenolate mofetil, skin type, and total pretransplant sun burden were associated to the development of NMSC. In multivariate analysis, only skin type and total sun burden were independently related to NMSC. In conclusion, risk of posttransplant NMSC may be estimated combining skin type and an easy estimation of total sun burden. No individual immunosuppression regimen seems to be related to a higher risk of NMSC.
Survival after recurrence of osteosarcoma: A 20‐year experience at a single institution
Authors: Crompton Brian D. , Goldsby Robert E. , Weinberg Vivian K. , Feren Robert , O'Donnell Richard J. , Ablin Arthur R.
Published: August 2005

Background

Approximately one‐third of patients with osteosarcoma who have a complete response to their initial treatment can be expected to relapse. It is important to define what host, tumor, or treatment characteristics determine outcome after relapse. We present findings in 59 patients treated at our institution from 1974 to 1996 who have relapsed one or more times after their initial response.

Methods

Host and tumor characteristics at diagnosis and relapse, therapeutic interventions and survival outcomes were determined from examination of medical records and a follow‐up questionnaire.

Results

Of the 59 patients, 37 initially presented with localized disease of the extremity, 11 with localized non‐extremity disease, and 11 with metastatic disease. This report focuses on those with localized disease of the extremity. For these patients, median time from original diagnosis to first recurrence was 14 months. Median survival after first recurrence was 31 months. The median post initial relapse survival was the same for patients whose first relapse occurred before or after 14 months from original diagnosis. Seventeen of 29 patients with systemic metastasis at first recurrence had complete removal of their disease and had a median post‐op survival of 2.5 years, while the remaining 12 patients with no surgery, had a median survival of 2 years. Of the 37 patients who presented with primary disease only in the extremities and relapsed: 31 died (2 more than 6 years from first recurrence) and 6 are alive from 6 to 24 years from first recurrence (5 without disease and 1 with disease). Three of the five disease‐free survivors had three or more relapses.

Conclusion

With a long follow‐up time, we found 15% of patients with relapsed osteosarcoma who originally presented with localized disease in the extremity are alive with no evidence of disease at 10 years from first recurrence (Kaplan–Meier estimate). Even patients with multiple relapses may have long‐term disease‐free survival after salvage therapy. Chemotherapy and time to first recurrence were unrelated to survival after relapse in this study. Complete surgical removal of metastatic disease may be important for long‐term survival. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2006;47:255–259. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome in children undergoing induction therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Norman Jennifer K. , Parke Julie T. , Wilson Don A. , McNall‐Knapp René Y.
Published: August 2005

We present three cases of children with acute neurologic changes while undergoing induction chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). These cases fall into the spectrum of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS), including abrupt alterations in mental status, headache, seizures, visual changes, hypertension, and characteristic findings on magnetic resonance imaging. Although the underlying mechanism of RPLS is still under investigation, the appropriate treatment and management of the acute event is becoming clearer. Early treatment of hypertension, control of seizure activity, and withdrawal of inciting agents can lead to rapid reversal of symptoms and return to baseline functioning. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:198–203. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Movement, moisture and thermal conditions at a turf‐banked solifluction lobe, Kluane Range, Yukon Territory, Canada
Authors: Kinnard Christophe , Lewkowicz Antoni G.
Published: August 2005

A turf‐banked solifluction lobe was instrumented for the continuous recording of surface and internal movement, thaw settlement, soil volumetric moisture content and thermal conditions during the spring and summer of 2002. Strain probe measurements showed that gelifluction occurred as a series of discrete and abrupt displacements near the thaw plane, followed by retrograde movement. Most gelifluction events took place when thaw rates were high and the soil was saturated almost to the surface, but rain was also capable of inducing gelifluction at depth. The rapid and localized character of the observed displacements suggests that gelifluction results from micro‐shearing of the soil, possibly along the interface of thawing ice lenses. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature‐dependent stimulated emission cross section and concentration quenching in highly doped Nd3+:YAG crystals
Authors: Dong Jun , Rapaport A. , Bass M. , Szipocs F. , Ueda Ken‐ichi
Published: August 2005

Measurements are reported of the spectroscopic properties (absorption and emission spectra, stimulated emission cross section, and radiative lifetime) of Nd:YAG crystals doped with 1, 2 and 3 at% Nd3+ in the temperature range between 70 and 300 K. The stimulated emission cross sections for these crystals were determined using the Füchtbauer–Ladenburg (F–L) formula at each different temperature. The absorption spectra at room temperature were used to calculate the 4F3/2 → 4I11/2 stimulated‐emission cross section and the 4F3/2 radiative lifetime according to Judd–Ofelt theory. As the temperature decreases the emission cross section increases, while the emission lifetime remains constant for all the samples. The temperature dependences of the stimulated emission cross sections for the differently doped crystals are in good agreement with earlier predictions. The concentration quenching effect in highly doped Nd:YAG was also addressed. Although there is concentration quenching in the highly doped Nd:YAG crystals, they are still promising efficient laser materials for high‐power microchip solid‐state lasers. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetic permeability enhancement effect in the Fe86–xNbxB14 (x = 5, 6) amorphous alloys
Authors: Haneczok G. , Frąckowiak J. E. , Chrobak A. , Kwapuliński P. , Rasek J.
Published: August 2005

The magnetic permeability enhancement effect in the Fe86–xNbxB14 (x = 5, 6) amorphous alloys was studied by making use of magnetic measurements (permeability, coercive field, magnetization) and Mössbauer spectroscopy. It was shown that annealing for 1 h at elevated temperatures causes a significant increase of magnetic permeability and a reduction of material instabilities. The observed effect takes place in the so‐called relaxed amorphous phase without forming any nanocrystallites and may be attributed to annealing out of free volume leading to formation of small iron clusters with different magnetic structures. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
MBE growth of high finesse microcavities
Authors: Oesterle U. , Stanley R. P. , Houdré R.
Published: August 2005

High finesse microcavities can consist of hundreds of different layers and can be several microns thick, with the absolute thickness of each layer and the smoothness of each interface having an impact on the optical quality of the structure. Mirocavity structures with Fabry–Pérot linewidths of 0.84 Å at 930 nm were grown using MBE. A combination of characterization techniques show that (i) growth rates are stable to 0.25% over 10 hours, (ii) DBR reflectivity as high as 99.82% is attainable, and (iii) internal losses are less than 1 cm–1. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Guided Growth of Large‐Scale, Horizontally Aligned Arrays of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Their Use in Thin‐Film Transistors
Authors: Kocabas Coskun , Hur Seung‐Hyun , Gaur Anshu , Meitl Matthew A. , Shim Moonsub , Rogers John A.
Published: August 2005

A convenient process for generating large‐scale, horizontally aligned arrays of pristine, single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) is described. The approach uses guided growth, by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), of SWNTs on miscut single‐crystal quartz substrates. Studies of the growth reveal important relationships between the density and alignment of the tubes, the CVD conditions, and the morphology of the quartz. Electrodes and dielectrics patterned on top of these arrays yield thin‐film transistors that use the SWNTs as effective thin‐film semiconductors. The ability to build high‐performance devices of this type suggests significant promise for large‐scale aligned arrays of SWNTs in electronics, sensors, and other applications.
Ways toward an early diagnosis in Alzheimer's disease: The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)
Authors: Mueller Susanne G. , Weiner Michael W. , Thal Leon J. , Petersen Ronald C. , Jack Clifford R. , Jagust William , Trojanowski John Q. , Toga Arthur W. , Beckett Laurel
Published: August 2005

With the increasing life expectancy in developed countries, the incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and thus its socioeconomic impact are growing. Increasing knowledge over the last years about the pathomechanisms involved in AD allow for the development of specific treatment strategies aimed at slowing down or even preventing neuronal death in AD. However, this requires also that (1) AD can be diagnosed with high accuracy, because non‐AD dementias would not benefit from an AD‐specific treatment; (2) AD can be diagnosed in very early stages when any intervention would be most effective; and (3) treatment efficacy can be reliably and meaningfully monitored. Although there currently is no ideal biomarker that would fulfill all these requirements, there is increasing evidence that a combination of currently existing neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood biomarkers can provide important complementary information and thus contribute to a more accurate and earlier diagnosis of AD. The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) is exploring which combinations of these biomarkers are the most powerful for diagnosis of AD and monitoring of treatment effects.
An Irish Dimension to a British Kulturkampf?
Authors: BARR COLIN
Published: August 2005

In the second half of the nineteenth century, most European nations experienced a period of state-sponsored anti-Catholic legislation that has come to be known by the German term Kulturkampf. The question that this article seeks to address is whether or not the United Kingdom, and specifically Ireland, can be said to have experienced such a phenomenon. By examining the case of Robert O'Keeffe, a Roman Catholic parish priest who sued the cardinal archbishop of Dublin in the civil courts, it is possible to determine both whether Britain experienced a Kulturkampf, and to offer some suggestions as to why the United Kingdom appears to have been different in this regard from its European neighbours.
Method for characterization of the equatorial anomaly using image subspace analysis of Global Ultraviolet Imager data
Authors: Henderson S. B. , Swenson C. M. , Gunther J. H. , Christensen A. B. , Paxton L. J.
Published: August 2005

We present a method for measuring equatorial anomaly (EA) morphology using nighttime 135.6 nm radiance observed by the Global Ultraviolet Imager (GUVI) on board the Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) spacecraft. The method uses the singular value decomposition to estimate an along‐track intensity profile as TIMED passes over the EA. The method is unique in that it removes intensity depletions due to equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) from the estimated intensity profile. Thus the profiles reflect plasma distribution in response to equatorial E × B drifts and neutral winds. A set of metrics including crest maximum intensity and its latitude are extracted from the intensity profiles. EPBs are also detected. Preliminary results from this method using GUVI equinox data from 2002 are compared with results from a ground‐based ionosonde EA morphology study by Whalen (2001) in the western American sector. EPB occurrence rates are also compared with results from Huang et al. (2001), who used DMSP in situ density measurements to detect EPBs. General agreement was found in both studies with some localized differences. These results indicate that this method provides a valuable means of simultaneously studying EA morphology and EPB occurrence rates. Since the TIMED spacecraft precesses through all local times in 60 days, this method can be used to extend ground‐based measurements to study the global relationship between E × B drifts and plasma distribution in the EA and how these relate to the occurrence of large‐scale EPBs.