bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of the Gas Phase on the Water Vapor Barrier Properties of SiOx Films Deposited from RF and Dual‐Mode Plasmas
Authors: Sonnenfeld Axel , Bieder Andrea , Rudolf von Rohr Philipp 
Published: September 2006

AbstractSummary: The influence of different gas phase species and the positive ion density on the water vapor barrier performance of SiOx thin films is investigated in this study. A reactor equipped with a remote 2.45 GHz slot antenna plasma source and a 13.56 MHz‐biased substrate holder was used to deposit films from gas mixtures of oxygen and HMDSO. Besides determining the WVTR of films, different excited gas phase species were monitored by means of OES and the positive ion density in pure oxygen was measured by LP. The dependencies of the positive ion density and of the actinometric trends of species on the oxygen flow rate as well as on the power input by RF and MW source were investigated. Both gas‐phase diagnosis techniques reveal a higher excitation of the gas‐phase in dual mode than in pure RF plasma. Production of atomic species seems to be enhanced under such conditions, which however leads to enhanced oxidation of HMDSO and its fragments by atomic oxygen. Hence, at oxygen flow rates above 200 sccm, enough atomic oxygen seems to be obtained so that the film growth mechanism is dominated by homogeneous combustion reactions, overriding the beneficial effect of the substrate self bias. Thus, a complete loss of the water vapor diffusion barrier is observed. Apart from these defective deposits, typical films revealed low WTVR for the entire variation range in RF mode and below 200 sccm of oxygen flow also in dual mode. Here, a decrease of the WVTR with RF power (i.e. DC self bias) and the oxygen flow rate was obtained, while WVTR could be reduced to 0.1 g · m−2 · d−1 corresponding to a barrier improvement by a factor of 150 if compared to uncoated substrate polymers.
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Pollen population, viscosity and density of locally produced honey
Authors: Ayodele MS , Folarin OM , Oluwalana SA 
Published: September 2006

AbstractEight samples of honey, purchased locally, all contained pollen grains of different sizes and shapes. There was a correlation between the pollen population and pollen size, but not between the population and either density or viscosity of the honey. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
G2 checkpoint‐dependent DNA repair and its response to catalase in Down syndrome and control lymphocyte cultures
Authors: Pincheira Juana , Romero Pablo , Marcelain Katherine , Salazar Lorena , de la Torre Consuelo 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe amount of DNA lesions repaired in G2 and also G2 timing are controlled by the DNA damage‐dependent checkpoint. Down syndrome (DS) lymphocytes showed twice as much constitutive DNA damage in G2 than control ones, when recording it as chromosomal aberrations in metaphase, after caffeine‐induced checkpoint abrogation. During G2, DS lymphocytes repaired 1.5 times more DNA lesions than control ones. However the DS cells displayed a decreased threshold for checkpoint adaptation, as the spontaneous override of the G2 to mitosis transition block induced by the checkpoint took place in the DS cells when they had three times more DNA lesions than controls. Catalase addition to cultures scavenges hydrogen peroxide diffused from cells, resulting in subsequent intracellular depletion (Antunes and Cadenas, 2000). The intracellular H2O2 level seemed to regulate the G2 checkpoint. Thus, in controls, H2O2 depletion (induced by 3.2–50 μg/mL catalase) prevented its functioning: chromosomal damage increased while G2 shortened. Conversely, in the DS lymphocytes, 12.5 μg/mL catalase lengthened G2 and decreased chromosomal damage, in spite that the amount of DNA repaired in G2 was half of that repaired in the catalase‐free DS lymphocytes.
Ornithine decarboxylase overexpression enhances ERK and p38 phosphorylation and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 expression
Authors: Nemoto Takahiro , Kubota Shunichiro 
Published: September 2006

AbstractIn the present study, we investigated the relationship between ornithine decarboxylase, MAP kinase, and MMP‐2 expression in vitro. Overexpression of ornithine decarboxylase cDNA induced MMP‐2 expression both at mRNA and protein levels. Promoter analysis and gel shift assay showed that p53 and Ets‐1 were involved in MMP‐2 expression in ornithine decarboxylase overexpressing transfectants. Erk and p38 MAP kinase were significantly activated. Using specific inhibitors of MEK and p38, we clarified that MMP‐2 expression was induced via both Erk and p38 MAP kinase signaling pathways. This is the first report showing the existence of a causal relationship between ornithine decarboxylase expression, Erk and p38 MAP kinase activation, and MMP‐2 expression.
A portfolio balance approach to the Canadian–U.S. exchange rate
Authors: Cushman David O. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAn empirical portfolio balance model based on Branson and Henderson [Branson, W. H., & Henderson, D. W. (1985). The specification and influence of assets markets. In: Jones R. W., Kenen, P. B. (Eds.), Handbook of International Economics, Volume 2, Elsevier, Amsterdam] is specified for the Canadian–U.S. exchange rate over the floating exchange rate period. Empirical implementation reveals two cointegrating vectors that closely, although not perfectly, match the home and foreign asset demands of the theoretical model. Furthermore, the exchange rate is important in the error correction process. Finally, although the significance is quantitatively and statistically modest, a simplified version of the empirical model resulting from general‐to‐specific procedures is able to beat a random walk at some out‐of‐sample forecast horizons.
Hereditary Neuropathy With Liability to Pressure Palsies Manifesting By Recurrent Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Barroso Fabio A , Leiguarda Ramón , Nogués Martín A. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract

Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies is an autosomal dominant disease that presents with focal neurological deficits in the territory of peripheral nerves. The usual cause is a deletion of 1.5 Mb at chromosome 17p11.2.
It has been clear from several clinical series that other phenotypes, such as isolated sensory deficits, chronic mononeuropathies, motor sensory neuropathies like CMT1A, polyneuropathy like CIDP, and Davidenkow's syndrome, may also occur in affected families.
In this report, the authors present a new family with hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) in which one of the members suffered recurrent episodes of pain in the territory of peripheral nerve trunks along with generalized conduction nerve abnormalities and the common deletion of 1.5 Mb at 17p12.1.
On this basis, the authors propose that HNPP should be considered in the differential diagnosis of painful multiple mononeuropathy.
Linking growth to environmental histories in central Baltic young‐of‐the‐year sprat, Sprattus sprattus: an approach based on otolith microstructure analysis and hydrodynamic modelling
Authors: BAUMANN HANNES , HINRICHSEN HANS‐HARALD , VOSS RUDI , STEPPUTTIS DANIEL , GRYGIEL WLODZIMIERZ , CLAUSEN LOTTE W. , TEMMING AXEL 
Published: September 2006

AbstractOtolith microstructure analysis and hydrodynamic modelling were combined to study growth patterns in young‐of‐the‐year (YoY) sprat, Sprattus sprattus, which were sampled in October 2002 in the central Baltic Sea. The observed ‘window of survival’, approximated by the distribution of back‐calculated days of first feeding (DFF), was narrow compared to the extended spawning season of sprat in the Baltic Sea (mean± SD = 22 June ± 14.1 days) and indicated that only individuals born in summer survived until October 2002. Within the group of survivors, individuals born later in the season exhibited faster larval, but more rapidly decreasing juvenile growth rates than earlier born conspecifics. Back‐calculated larval growth rates of survivors (0.48–0.69 mm day−1) were notably higher than those previously reported for average larval sprat populations, suggesting that the YoY population was predominantly comprised of individuals which grew faster during the larval stage. Daily mean temperatures, experienced across the entire YoY population, were derived from Lagrangian particle simulations and correlated with (1) detrended otolith growth and (2) back‐calculated, daily somatic growth rates of survivors. The results showed that abrupt changes in ambient temperature can be detected in the seasonal pattern of otolith growth, and that higher temperatures led to significantly faster growth throughout the entire age range of YoY sprat.
Recovery of rat submandibular salivary gland function following removal of obstruction: a sialometrical and sialochemical study
Authors: Osailan Samira M. , Proctor Gordon B. , Carpenter Guy H. , Paterson Katherine L. , McGurk Mark 
Published: September 2006

SummaryFunctional recovery of the rat submandibular gland following ligation of the main excretory duct was examined. Rat submandibular glands were ligated for 1, 4 and 8 weeks using a micro‐clip with a plastic tube. Micro‐clips were removed and glands were allowed to recover for periods of 8, 16 and 24 weeks. Submandibular glands were stimulated with autonomimetic drugs (methacholine and isoprenaline) and salivas were collected from atrophic or de‐ligated and contralateral control glands. Glands recovered almost full size (92% of control gland) following 24 weeks of de‐ligation. Saliva volume secreted by ligated/de‐ligated (RSM) and control (LSM) glands were similar with different doses of agonists. Protein output expressed per gram of tissue wet weight was similar from both ligated/de‐ligated and control glands with all doses of agonist. Sodium and chloride levels were higher from de‐ligated glands than contralateral control glands. Protein electrophoresis showed similar profiles of salivary proteins in all samples with some minor differences. Acinar cells in de‐ligated glands showed a normal morphology, as indicated by light microscopy, whilst granular ductal cells were fewer and contained fewer secretory granules. Sodium potassium ATPase staining of striated ducts in de‐ligated glands was similar to that of control glands. It can be concluded that rat submandibular glands can regenerate following severe atrophy and secrete normal amounts of saliva containing broadly a full profile of secretory proteins. In contrast to acinar cells, ductal cells appear not to recover full function.
Dental health and oral mutans streptococci in 2–4‐year‐old Estonian children
Authors: OLAK JANA , MÄNDAR REET , KARJALAINEN SARA , SÖDERLING EVA , SAAG MARE 
Published: September 2006

Objective.  The aim of this study was to assess the dental health and presence of mutans streptococci (MS) in 2–4‐year‐old Estonian children.Methods.  The dental health of 472 2–4‐year‐old children was examined using a mirror and a penlight in 14 daycare centres representing seven communities around Estonia. The mean (± SD) age of the children was 41.4 ± 4.1 months (n = 222). Plaque samples of 222 children were employed to determine the presence of MS using the Dentocult® SM Strip mutans test.Results.  Caries was diagnosed in 42% of the children, and the average (± SD) dmft index was 1.6 ± 2.5, ranging from 1.1 ± 1.2 in Tartu to 2.4 ± 3.1 in Võru. The proportion of caries‐free children decreased from 82% in the younger to 63% in the older group (P = 0.001). Among the tested subjects, 58% were colonized with MS, and those with caries were colonized more often than children with no visible caries (80% and 51%, respectively; P = 0.001).Conclusions.  The prevalence of dental caries in Estonian 2–4‐year‐olds is higher than in the Nordic countries, but similar to other Baltic nations. Colonization by MS was associated with dental caries.
Multiple Synapse Formation: A Possible Compensatory Mechanism for Increased Cell Size in Rat Supraoptic Nucleus
Authors: Modney B. K. , Hatton G. I. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractMagnocellular neuroendocrine cells of the rat supraoptic nucleus undergo numerous morphological changes during chronic dehydration of the animal. These changes include increases in cell size, the percentage of neuronal membrane in direct apposition and formation of new multiple synapses (i.e. terminals which form more than one synapse with adjacent somata and/or dendrites). Previous studies of multiple synapse formation in the supraoptic nucleus did not include adjustments for changes in somatic size, thus the full extent of synapse formation relative to increases in cell size was not known. That multiple synapse formation is a compensatory mechanism for increased somatic size was investigated by comparing animals that were either chronically dehydrated (by drinking 2% saline) or were well hydrated. Using morphometric techniques the percentage of somatic membrane contacted by single and multiple synapses was obtained. Estimates of somatic surface area were used together with stereologically derived estimates of the number of synapses per μm2 to calculate the number of single and multiple axo‐somatic synapses per neuron. Measures of soma‐somatic and soma‐dendritic membrane apposition and glial coverage were made to confirm earlier estimates of these parameters. Somatic surface area increased by more than 70% in dehydrated animals. Percentage of somatic membrane contacted by single synapses was lower (by 41%) and that contacted by multiple synapses was higher (by 100%) in dehydrated as compared to control animals. The number of single synapses was not different between the two groups but dehydrated animals had more multiple synapses per soma (23) than controls (6). With dehydration, there was an eight‐fold increase in the percentage of somatic membrane contacted by adjacent somatic/dendritic membrane. The surface area per somain such direct apposition was fifteen‐fold higher in dehydrates compared to controls. Glial processes covered the same proportion of somatic membrane in the two groups, while the actual area covered by glial processes per soma was higher in dehydrated animals. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that multiple synapse formation at least partially compensates for probable relative decreases in synaptic efficacy as synaptic density decreases when cells increase in size due to dehydration. This altered synaptic input as well as the increased direct apposition between adjacent neurons probably contribute to their enhanced activation during periods of increased hormone demand.
Effects of Bovine Follicular Fluid on Pulsatile Secretion of Gonadotrophin‐Releasing Hormone and Gonadotrophins in Ovariectomized Ewes
Authors: Li Jiang‐yuan , Francis Heather , Clarke Lain J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractOvariectomized ewes were injected with charcoal‐extracted bovine follicular fluid (n = 5) or with hypophysectomized ewe serum (n = 5) after which hypophyseal portal blood samples were taken to monitor the release of gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH). Peripheral blood samples were also taken to monitor plasma luteinizing hormone and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations. Bovine follicular fluid treatment caused a 50% decrease in plasma FSH concentrations whereas hypophysectomized ewe serum did not significantly alter plasma FSH levels. The frequency and amplitude of luteinizing hormone and GnRH pulses was similar in both experimental groups. It is concluded that inhibin activity in bovine follicular fluid selectively suppresses the release of FSH by direct action on the pituitary gland, with no effect on GnRH secretion.
Dissociation of ACTH‐Secretory Mechanisms in Rat Pituitary Cells: Evidence that Basal and Vasopressin‐Stimulated Secretion Act via a Mechanism Distinct from that of Corticotrophin‐Releasing Factor
Authors: Schwartz J. , Familari M. , Wallace C. , Funder J. W. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractTo study the relationship between basal, corticotrophin‐releasing factor‐ (CRF) and vasopressin‐stimulated adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) secretion by rat anterior pituitary cells, dissociated anterior pituitary cells were seeded into tissue culture dishes and treated overnight with a cytotoxic conjugate specific for CRF‐target cells. Immediately after extensive washing, or 1, 3, 6, 9 or 12 days later, cellular ACTH content, basal secretion and secretion in response to CRF or vasopressin were measured. ACTH content and basal secretion rate increased over time in both cytotoxic conjugate‐pretreated and vehicle‐pretreated cell populations. Compared with vehicle‐pretreated cells, basal ACTH secretion was higher in cytotoxic conjugate‐pretreated populations by Day 3 and reached an apparent maximum by Day 6. In such cells, net ACTH secretion post‐vasopressin decreased as basal secretion increased; by Day 6 no vasopressin‐stimulated secretion was seen. In cytotoxic conjugate‐pretreated cells, the response to CRF was initially completely eliminated; however, as ACTH content and secretion increased with time, a small recovery of the response to CRF was observed on Days 3 and 6. In vehicle‐pretreated cells, ACTH secretion in response to vasopressin increased in parallel with basal secretion. The response to CRF increased progressively over Days 1 to 6 as well; this response was more closely related to the increases observed in ACTH content. The shift in responsiveness of the cytotoxic conjugate‐pretreated cells over time, from vasopressin‐responsive to CRF‐responsive, further demonstrates the dissociation of the mechanisms of the ACTH secretory responses to CRF and vasopressin. In addition, the increase in unstimulated secretion at the expense of the response to vasopressin in cytotoxic conjugate‐treated cells is consistent with a common pathway for vasopressin‐stimulated and basal release of ACTH.
An Ultrastructural Analysis of the Distribution of Angiotensin II in the Rat Brain
Authors: Oldfield Brian J. , Ganten Detlev , McKinley Michael J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractImmunopositive angiotensin II nerve fibres and terminals are widely distributed throughout the rat brain, including areas of the brain with and without a blood‐brain barrier. Ultrastructural examination indicates that in the circumventricular organs (areas which lack a blood‐brain barrier), many angiotensin ll‐positive nerve terminals are closely aligned with fenestrated blood vessels and do not have synaptic specializations. This appearance is in contrast to that of angiotensin II terminals in regions with a blood‐brain barrier where there exists a more typical synaptic configuration. In both cases, angiotensin II is contained within large (100 to 125 nm) vesicles which coexist with smaller, lucent, non‐immunoreactive vesicles. These observations suggest a possible duality of function such that angiotensin II in circumventricular organs may be secreted into the circulation, whereas angiotensin II in the remainder of the brain is more likely to be acting as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator.
The Cholesterol Side‐Chain Cleavage Complex in Human Brain White Matter
Authors: Le Goascogne C. , Gouézou M. , Robel P. , Defaye G. , Chambaz E. , Waterman M. R. , Baulieu E. E. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractSpecific antibodies obtained in rabbits after injection of bovine cholesterol side‐chain cleavage enzymes cytochrome P‐450scc, adrenodoxin and adrenodoxin‐reductase were used for immunohistochemical studies in human brain. The three enzymes were co‐localized in the white matter of the cerebellum. This observation strongly suggests the existence of steroidogenic activity in human oligodendrocytes, as previously reported in the rat, and suggests that the concept of ‘neurosteroids’ can be applied to Δ5–3ß‐hydroxysteroid metabolites of cholesterol that accumulate in human brain.
Neuroendocrine Regulation of Canine Gastric Secretion, Emptying and Blood Flow
Authors: Lenz H. Jürgen 
Published: September 2006

AbstractSeveral peptides have been implicated as central nervous system transmitters regulating various peripheral organ systems. This study examined the central nervous system effects of rat corticotrophin‐releasing factor (CRF), salmon calcitonin (CT), β‐endorphin (β‐End), neurotensin (NT), rat calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) and bombesin (BOM) on gastric acid secretion, gastric emptying and left gastric artery flow in conscious dogs. All of these peptides, injected into the third cerebral ventricle, significantly inhibited gastric acid secretion but not plasma gastrin concentrations stimulated by a liquid protein meal. Ganglionic blockade with chlorisondamine abolished the gastric inhibitory action of CRF, CT, β‐End and NT but not of CGRP and BOM. Truncal, subdiaphragmatic vagotomy prevented the gastric inhibitory actions of β‐End and NT only, while bilateral adrenalectomy did not affect gastric acid inhibition induced by any of the six peptides. Cerebroventricular administration of CRF, NT and BOM significantly delayed gastric emptying of the protein meal while β‐End, CT and CGRP were not effective. Only BOM significantly increased left gastric artery flow. These results indicate that various neuropeptides alter gastric functions in a differentiated fashion and via distinct pathways. CRF and CT inhibit meal‐stimulated gastric acid secretion by activation of sympathetic efferents. β‐End and NT inhibit meal‐stimulated acid secretion by inhibition of vagal efferents while the pathways that mediate CT‐ and CGRP‐induced gastric acid inhibition in the dog are unknown. Gastrin, the adrenal glands and changes in gastric emptying or blood flow do not play a role in mediating gastric acid inhibition produced by Cerebroventricular administration of CRF, CT, β‐End, NT, CGRP and BOM.
The Pineal Gland Mediates the Inhibition of Proestrous Luteinizing Hormone Surge and Ovulation in Rats Resulting from Stimulation of the Medial Raphe Nucleus or Injection of 5‐HT into the Third Ventricle
Authors: Morello Héctor , Caligaris Laura , Haymal Beatriz , Taleisnik Samuel 
Published: September 2006

AbstractIn cycling rats, electrochemical stimulation of the medial raphe nucleus or injection of 5‐HT into the third ventricle on the day of proestrus blocked the preovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone and inhibited ovulation. The inhibitory effect of these procedures on gonadotropin secretion failed to occur in rats that had been pinealectomized a few weeks earlier. In contrast, sham‐pinealectomized rats exhibited a response similar to that of intact rats. Luteinizing hormone release and ovulation in pinealectomized rats were not different from that in the controls. The results of the present work indicate that inhibition of gonadotropin secretion induced by activation of the serotonergic system requires the presence of the pineal gland.
Effects of Gonadotrophin‐Releasing Hormone Variants on Reproductive Organs and Plasma Testosterone in the Male Lizard, Podarcis s. sicula
Authors: Ciarcia G. , Paolucci M. , Botte V. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe effects of various gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) forms (mammalian GnRH (mGnRH), chicken I GnRH (cGnRH‐I), chicken II GnRH (cGnRH‐II) and salmon GnRH (sGnRH)) on the genital apparatus and plasma testosterone level in the male lizard, Podarcis s. sicula, have been investigated.In short duration experiments (20 min to 76 h) GnRH forms did not affect testicular and epididymal morphology. A single dose (0.05 μg) of mGnRH, cGnRH‐II and sGnRH, however, induced a rise in plasma testosterone after 20 to 40 min. Variable results were obtained in the animals given GnRH variants every 12 h for 3 days since mGnRH and cGnRH‐I caused a decrease of circulating hormone; cGnRH‐II and sGnRH a slight increase.Daily peptide administration, for 15 to 30 days, caused severe inhibition of both testicular and epididymal activity and a significant drop of circulating testosterone.In Podarcis s. sicula, species specificity of pituitary sensitivity to GnRH variants appeared to be low. On the other hand, this gland seemed to show some desensitization after chronic peptide administration.