bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel photoinimer for the polymerization of acrylates and methacrylates
Authors: Nayak Bishwa R. , Mathias Lon J. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractA new class of multifunctional photoinitiating system based on 3‐(acryloyloxy)‐2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate (AHM), N,N,N′‐trimethylethylenediamine (TMED) and 3‐benzoylbenzoyl chloride present in the same molecule has been synthesized and characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. This self‐contained photoinitiator‐monomer (photoinimer) was used to efficiently initiate polymerization of acrylates and methacrylates. Both rate of polymerization and percentage conversion increased with increase in initiator concentration. An increment in rate of polymerization observed when the benzophenone moiety was directly attached to the parent molecule (obtained from the Michael addition reaction between AHM and TMED) appears to be due to proximity effect: chemical bonding provides a high local concentration of both components of the photo‐activated system involving benzophenone and a hydrogen atom source from an electron‐rich tertiary amine. For the three initiating systems investigated, lowering the initiator concentration plays an important role; i.e., the polymerization rate for the chemically linked system was about two times faster than the mixed initiating system. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 5661–5670, 2005
MOVPE growth and surface reconstructions of GaAsN(001) surfaces
Authors: Ehlert R. , Poser F. , Esser N. , Vogt P. , Richter W. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractIn this study we present comparative in‐situ Reflectance Anisotropy Spectroscopy (RAS) studies of GaAs1–xNx under MOVPE conditions and in UHV for samples with a nitrogen content of up to 5%. The samples were grown by MOVPE and after growth capped with an amorphous As‐layer, transferred to UHV and decapped by annealing. Three different surface reconstructions (c(4 × 4), (2 × 4), (4 × 2)) were obtained after decapping and prolonged annealing at different temperatures. These reconstructions, though similar to those found on the GaAs(001) surface show clear nitrogen‐related features in the RAS line shape. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Rashba spin–orbit effect on shot noise in ferromagnetic/semiconductor/ferromagnetic heterojunctions
Authors: Zhang Ying‐Tao , Guo Yong , Li You‐Cheng 
Published: October 2005

AbstractUsing the scattering approach, shot noise in ferromagnetic/semiconductor/ferromagnetic heterjunctions in the presence of Rashba spin–orbit interaction has been studied theoretically. The quantum size effect, degree of spin‐polarization, and Rashba spin–orbit interaction are considered simultaneously. The results indicate that the Fano factors for spin‐polarized electrons oscillate strongly due to the influence not only of the Rashba spin–orbit coupling but also of the length of the semiconductor layer. For a certain length of semiconductor, the Fano factors can be determined by the strength of the Rashba spin–orbit coupling. Further, it is found that the higher the degree of spin‐polarization, the larger the Fano factors. These results may be useful in the measurement of Rashba spin–orbit coupling via shot noise. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Bio‐mimetic trajectory generation using a neural time‐base generator
Authors: Tanaka Yoshiyuki , Tsuji Toshio , Sanguineti Vittorio , Morasso Pietro G. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThis paper presents a neural time‐base generator (TBG) that can generate a family of neural control signals with a controllable finite duration and bell‐shaped velocity profile. Then, a bio‐mimetic trajectory generation method using the neural TBG model is explained. Using the proposed model, the generation ability of human‐like trajectories is examined through comparisons between computer simulations and human arm trajectories during reaching movements according to the curvature of constrained trajectories. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
From task parameters to motor synergies: A hierarchical framework for approximately optimal control of redundant manipulators
Authors: Todorov Emanuel , Li Weiwei , Pan Xiuchuan 
Published: October 2005

AbstractWe present a hierarchical framework for approximately optimal control of redundant manipulators. The plant is augmented with a low‐level feedback controller, designed to yield input‐output behavior that captures the task‐relevant aspects of plant dynamics but has reduced dimensionality. This makes it possible to reformulate the optimal control problem in terms of the augmented dynamics, and optimize a high‐level feedback controller without running into the curse of dimensionality. The resulting control hierarchy compares favorably to existing methods in robotics. Furthermore, we demonstrate a number of similarities to (nonhierarchical) optimal feedback control. Besides its engineering applications, the new framework addresses a key unresolved problem in the neural control of movement. It has long been hypothesized that coordination involves selective control of task parameters via muscle synergies, but the link between these parameters and the synergies capable of controlling them has remained elusive. Our framework provides this missing link. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modeling population dynamics of a tea pest with temperature‐dependent development: predicting emergence timing and potential damage
Authors: Satake Akiko , Ohgushi Takayuki , Urano Satoru , Uchimura Koichiro 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe tea leaf roller, Caloptilia theivora Walsingham (Lepidoptera: Gracillariinae), is one of the serious pests of tea plants in Japan. To understand the mechanism of seasonal occurrence of this insect pest, we developed a population dynamics model that explicitly incorporates the temperature‐dependent development of the pest. The model predictions were compared with observed captures in pheromone traps at the experimental site of the Kagoshima Tea Experiment Research Station in Japan. The results showed that the emergence timing of the insect pest observed in the field was determined primarily by temperature. The relationship between the timing of adult emergence and the leaf damage level was also studied using a logistic regression model. The infestation level decreased as the interval between the adult peak emergence date and the date of tea plucking increased, implying that asynchrony between plant phenology and emergence of the insect pest is a critical factor reducing damage level. We examined how the damage level changes according to global warming. Increased temperature made the timing of insect appearance forward and enhance asynchrony of plant–pest phenology. Therefore, reduction of damage level by the insect pest is expected under global warming.
Reversal of myocardial injury using genetically modulated human skeletal myoblasts in a rodent cryoinjured heart model☆
Authors: Ye Lei , Haider Husnain Kh. , Jiang Shujia , Ling Lieng H. , Ge Ruowen , Law Peter K. , Sim Eugene K.W. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractBackground:We hypothesized that combination therapy using human myoblasts and VEGF165 will lead to better prognosis in a failing heart.Methods:Forty‐eight female Wistar rats with cryoinjured hearts were randomized into non‐treated normal (group‐1, n=12), DMEM injected (group‐2, n=10), myoblast‐transplanted (group‐3, n=12) and myoblast–hVEGF165 (group‐4, n=14). Ten days after cryoinjury, 200 μl DMEM containing 3 × 106 cells or without cells was injected into the injured myocardium. Animals were maintained on cyclosporine for 6 weeks post cell transplantation. Heart function was assessed by echocardiography. Animals were sacrificed and hearts were processed for histochemical and immunohistochemical studies.Results:Histological examination showed survival of the donor myoblasts expressing lac‐z and hVEGF165 in rat cardiac tissue. Fluorescent immunostaining for vWillebrand Factor‐VIII and smooth muscle actin expression at low power microscope (× 100) showed significantly higher blood vessel density in group‐4 (31.25±1.82; 24.63±0.92) as compared to group‐2 (13.29±1.0; p<0.001; 9.71±0.81, p<0.001) and group‐3 (16.50±1.43, p<0.001; 14.5±1.34, p<0.001). Echocardiography showed that ejection fraction and fractional shortening of group‐3 (93.36±1.52%, p=0.005; 75±3.75%, p=0.024) and group‐4 (94.8±1.62%, p=0.003; 76.13±2.15%, p=0.011) significantly improved as compared to group‐2 (81.8±3.3%, 55.1±7.18%).Conclusion:Myoblasts carrying of hVEGF165 are potential therapeutic transgene carriers for cardiac repair.
Pre‐pregnancy and pregnancy‐related factors and the risk of excessive or inadequate gestational weight gain
Authors: Brawarsky P. , Stotland N.E. , Jackson R.A. , Fuentes‐Afflick E. , Escobar G.J. , Rubashkin N. , Haas J.S. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractObjective: Gestational weight gain consistent with the Institute of Medicine's recommendations is associated with better maternal and infant outcomes. The objective was to quantify the effect of pre‐pregnancy factors, pregnancy‐related health conditions, and modifiable pregnancy factors on the risks of inadequate and excessive gestational weight gain. Method: A longitudinal cohort of pregnant women (N = 1100) who completed questions about diet and weight gain during pregnancy and delivered a singleton, full‐term infant. Results: Gestational weight gain was inadequate for 14% and excessive for 53%. Pre‐pregnancy factors contributed 74% to excessive gain, substantially more than pregnancy‐related health conditions (15%) and modifiable pregnancy factors (11%). Pre‐pregnancy factors, pregnancy‐related health conditions, and modifiable pregnancy factors contributed fairly equally to the risk of inadequate gain. Conclusion: Interventions to prevent excessive gestational gain may need to start before pregnancy. Women at risk for inadequate gain would also benefit from interventions directed toward modifiable factors during pregnancy.
Fatty Acids in Early Human Milk after Preterm and Full‐Term Delivery
Authors: Kovács Andrea , Funke Simone , Marosvölgyi Tamás , Burus István , Decsi Tamás 
Published: October 2005

ABSTRACTBackground:It has been much debated whether fatty acid composition of human milk differs after preterm as compared to full‐term delivery.Subjects and Methods:Human milk samples were obtained from mothers of preterm (n = 8, gestational age: 28.0 [4.2] weeks, birthweight: 1,235 [420] g, median [interquartile range]) and full‐term (n = 10, gestational age: 38.5 [2.7] weeks, birthweight: 3375 [282] g) infants every day during the first week and thereafter on the 14th, 21st, and 28th day of lactation. Fatty acid composition was measured by high‐resolution capillary gas‐liquid chromatography.Results:Maternal age and body mass index did not differ, and food frequency questionnaire did not reveal significant differences in diet between the two groups. Fat contents of human milk did not differ between the two groups. Values of linoleic acid (C18:2n‐6) and alpha‐linolenic acid (C18:3n‐3) did not differ throughout the study. Values of the metabolites C18:3n‐6 and C20:3n‐6 as well as C18:4n‐3 and C20:3n‐3 were significantly higher after preterm as compared with full‐term delivery. Values of arachidonic acid (C20:4n‐6; e.g., day 4: 0.82 [0.4] vs. 0.44 [0.28]; day 7: 0.61 [0.25] vs. 0.34 [0.25]; day 21: 0.33 [0.18] vs. 0.44 [0.44]; in weight percent, preterm versus full‐term, P < 0.05) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n‐3; e.g., day 4: 0.33 [0.23] vs. 0.15 [0.14]; day 7: 0.26 [0.16] vs. 0.13 [0.15]; day 21: 0.11 [0.08] vs. 0.21 [0.17]; P < 0.05) were significantly higher in human milk samples of mothers of preterm as compared with full‐term infants.Conclusion:In this study, percentage contributions of arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids as well as the those of the intermediary metabolites of essential fatty acid metabolism were all significantly higher in early human milk samples of mothers giving birth to very low birth weight preterm as compared with full‐term infants.
Tolerance and Reliability of Wireless pH Monitoring in Children
Authors: Hochman Jay A , Favaloro‐Sabatier Jennifer 
Published: October 2005

ABSTRACTObjectives:The purpose of this study was to determine whether the placement of a wireless capsule pH monitoring system improved the reproducibility and patient comfort of pH probe studies in children.Methods:The records of 50 children who underwent wireless pH monitoring were retrospectively reviewed. Among this group, 44 children (27 males and 17 females) met inclusion criteria. The average age was 11.8 years, with a range from 6 years to 19 years. Each of these patients had a capsule placed 6 cm above the squamocolumnar junction and underwent pH telemetry for 2 days. In addition, 38 of the 44 families were contacted for follow‐up to determine the tolerability of the catheter‐free monitoring.Results:Data analysis revealed that the overall reproducibility of a single 24 hour period was 77%. Studies were considered reproducible if the reflux index was normal (pH <4 for less than 5% of study period) or abnormal on both study days. Using McNemar's exact test, we found no significant difference between the two days (P = 0.11). Ten of 44 patients had conflicting results on day 1 compared with results on day 2. The majority (68%) of patients reported some degree of discomfort during the study; however, this pain was generally mild. Ninety‐five percent of parents would be willing to have their child undergo pH monitoring in the future with the wireless pH monitoring.Conclusions:Catheter‐free prolonged esophageal pH monitoring is feasible in children older than 6 years of age. A lack of consistent reproducibility in sequential 24 hour recordings with this technique concurs with findings using the conventional catheter methodologies. The catheter‐free system is often associated with discomfort during the study, but these symptoms were generally well tolerated.
Decreased Prevalence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Black Obese Children
Authors: Louthan Miriam V , Theriot Judy A , Zimmerman Ellen , Stutts John T , McClain Craig J 
Published: October 2005

ABSTRACTObjectives:Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common cause of pediatric liver disease. Studies suggest decreased prevalence in blacks, females, and younger children. However, the proportion of black subjects in these studies was small, and children under 12 were not included. We propose that abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is more common in whites than blacks, males than females, and children over 12 compared with younger children in a prospective study.Methods:We enrolled 181 consecutive asymptomatic obese children attending general pediatric clinics who denied recent fever or known liver disease. Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI)zscore of greater than 1.64 (95th percentile for age and sex). Elevated ALT was defined as greater than 40 U/L. BMIzscore, race, sex, age, and parental obesity were compared using the chi‐square test and Fisher's exact test.Results:The population included 81 males and 100 females, 147 nonHispanic black, 33 nonHispanic white, and 1 Hispanic white. Elevated ALT occurred in 14 (8%) subjects. White children were significantly more likely to have abnormal ALT (odds ratio [OR] = 4.0,P< .02). Very obese children (BMIzscore >2.3) were more likely to have abnormal ALT compared with mildly obese children (OR = 4.0,P< 0.05). Sex, age, hepatomegaly, acanthosis nigricans, and parental obesity did not significantly predict elevated ALT.Conclusion:Eight percent of asymptomatic, obese children had an elevated ALT suggestive of NAFLD. White and very obese children are more likely to be affected. Sex and age are not good clinical predictors of NAFLD. We suggest that all obese children be screened for NAFLD.
A Continent of Plant Defense Peptide Diversity: Cyclotides in AustralianHybanthus(Violaceae)
Authors: Simonsen Shane M. , Sando Lillian , Ireland David C. , Colgrave Michelle L. , Bharathi Rekha , Göransson Ulf , Craik David J. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractCyclotides are plant-derived miniproteins that have the unusual features of a head-to-tail cyclized peptide backbone and a knotted arrangement of disulfide bonds. It had been postulated that they might be an especially large family of host defense agents, but this had not yet been tested by field data on cyclotide variation in wild plant populations. In this study, we sampled Australian Hybanthus (Violaceae) to gain an insight into the level of variation within populations, within species, and between species. A wealth of cyclotide diversity was discovered: at least 246 new cyclotides are present in the 11 species sampled, and 26 novel sequences were characterized. A new approach to the discovery of cyclotide sequences was developed based on the identification of a conserved sequence within a signal sequence in cyclotide precursors. The number of cyclotides in the Violaceae is now estimated to be &gt;9000. Cyclotide physicochemical profiles were shown to be a useful taxonomic feature that reflected species and their morphological relationships. The novel sequences provided substantial insight into the tolerance of the cystine knot framework in cyclotides to amino acid substitutions and will facilitate protein engineering applications of this framework.
Auxin Response Factors MediateArabidopsisOrgan Asymmetry via Modulation of KANADI Activity
Authors: Pekker Irena , Alvarez John Paul , Eshed Yuval 
Published: October 2005

AbstractMembers of the KANADI gene family in Arabidopsis thaliana regulate abaxial identity and laminar growth of lateral organs. Promoter APETALA3-mediated ectopic expression of KANADI restricts petal expansion and was used in a genetic screen for factors involved in KANADI-mediated signaling. Through this screen, mutations in ETTIN (ETT; also known as Auxin Response Factor3 [ARF3]) were isolated as second site suppressors and found to ameliorate ectopic KANADI activity throughout the plant as well. Mutant phenotypes of ett are restricted to flowers; however, double mutants with a closely related gene ARF4 exhibit transformation of abaxial tissues into adaxial ones in all aerial parts, resembling mutations in KANADI. Accordingly, the common RNA expression domain of both ARFs was found to be on the abaxial side of all lateral organs. Truncated, negatively acting gene products of strong ett alleles map to an ARF-specific, N-terminal domain of ETT. Such gene products strongly enhance abaxial tissue loss only when ARF activities are compromised. As KANADI is not required for either ETT or ARF4 transcription, and their overexpression cannot rescue kanadi mutants, cooperative activity is implied. ARF proteins are pivotal in mediating auxin responses; thus, we present a model linking transient local auxin gradients and gradual partitioning of lateral organs along the abaxial/adaxial axis.
RNA Interference Identifies a Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase Involved inMedicago truncatulaRoot Development
Authors: Ivashuta Sergey , Liu Jinyuan , Liu Junqi , Lohar Dasharath P. , Haridas Sajeet , Bucciarelli Bruna , VandenBosch Kathryn A. , Vance Carroll P. , Harrison Maria J. , Gantt J. Stephen 
Published: October 2005

AbstractChanges in cellular or subcellular Ca2+ concentrations play essential roles in plant development and in the responses of plants to their environment. However, the mechanisms through which Ca2+ acts, the downstream signaling components, as well as the relationships among the various Ca2+-dependent processes remain largely unknown. Using an RNA interference–based screen for gene function in Medicago truncatula, we identified a gene that is involved in root development. Silencing Ca2+-dependent protein kinase1 (CDPK1), which is predicted to encode a Ca2+-dependent protein kinase, resulted in significantly reduced root hair and root cell lengths. Inactivation of CDPK1 is also associated with significant diminution of both rhizobial and mycorrhizal symbiotic colonization. Additionally, microarray analysis revealed that silencing CDPK1 alters cell wall and defense-related gene expression. We propose that M. truncatula CDPK1 is a key component of one or more signaling pathways that directly or indirectly modulates cell expansion or cell wall synthesis, possibly altering defense gene expression and symbiotic interactions.
Mutation of the TGD1 Chloroplast Envelope Protein Affects Phosphatidate Metabolism inArabidopsis
Authors: Xu Changcheng , Fan Jilian , Froehlich John E. , Awai Koichiro , Benning Christoph 
Published: October 2005

AbstractPhosphatidate (PA) is a central metabolite of lipid metabolism and a signaling molecule in many eukaryotes, including plants. Mutations in a permease-like protein, TRIGALACTOSYLDIACYLGLYCEROL1 (TGD1), in Arabidopsis thaliana caused the accumulation of triacylglycerols, oligogalactolipids, and PA. Chloroplast lipids were altered in their fatty acid composition consistent with an impairment of lipid trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the chloroplast and a disruption of thylakoid lipid biosynthesis from ER-derived precursors. The process mediated by TGD1 appears to be essential as mutation of the protein caused a high incidence of embryo abortion. Isolated tgd1 mutant chloroplasts showed a decreased ability to incorporate PA into galactolipids. The TGD1 protein was localized to the inner chloroplast envelope and appears to be a component of a lipid transporter. As even partial disruption of TGD1 function has drastic consequences on central lipid metabolism, the tgd1 mutant provides a tool to explore regulatory mechanisms governing lipid homeostasis and lipid trafficking in plants.
Novel surfactant mixtures for NMR spectroscopy of encapsulated proteins dissolved in low‐viscosity fluids
Authors: Peterson Ronald W. , Pometun Maxim S. , Shi Zhengshuang , Wand A. Joshua 
Published: October 2005

AbstractNMR spectroscopy of encapsulated proteins dissolved in low‐viscosity fluids is emerging as a tool for biophysical studies of proteins in atomic detail in a variety of otherwise inaccessible contexts. The central element of the approach is the encapsulation of the protein of interest within the aqueous core of a reverse micelle with high structural fidelity. The process of encapsulation is highly dependent upon the nature of the surfactant(s) employed. Here we describe novel mixtures of surfactants that are capable of successfully encapsulating a range of types of proteins under a variety of conditions.
Thermodynamic analysis of the aggregation propensity of oxidized Alzheimer's β‐amyloid variants
Authors: Hortschansky Peter , Christopeit Tony , Schroeckh Volker , Fändrich Marcus 
Published: October 2005

AbstractWe have determined the critical concentrations of a set of 18 variants of Alzheimer's Aβ(1–40) peptide, each carrying a different residue at position 18. We find that the critical concentrations depend on the hydrophobicity and β‐sheet propensity of residue 18, and therefore on properties that we identified previously to affect also the kinetics by which these peptides aggregate. Since the critical concentrations can be related to the Gibbs free energy of aggregation (ΔG), these data imply a link between the thermodynamics and the kinetics of aggregation in that sequences that form very stable aggregates are also those that form such aggregates very rapidly.