bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Venture State
Authors: MACDONNELL MICHAEL
Published: February 2008

The Blair governments deployed several public service reform strategies. Although many have been effective, they have had limited traction at the ‘hard end’ of disadvantage: entrenched deprivation remains a stubborn feature of the social landscape. Reforms have had limited impact on this deprivation because they expect users to behave either as eager recipients or as informed consumers. But disadvantaged groups rarely emulate the active middle class; instead, they are distrustful of public institutions—even hostile. We need a different reform strategy that does not presuppose these behaviours and which generates new ideas. This ‘venture state’ approach would go beyond commissioning and invest in services that demonstrate the greatest social returns with disadvantaged groups. Like the eponymous capitalist, it would identify a portfolio of high‐impact providers that can be scaled or sustained; and it would provide the resources required to do so. Rather than seeking to target its own services with ever greater precision, the venture state would focus on structuring innovation in those services most important for the hard end of disadvantage.
Who are the Kuchi? Nomad self‐identities in Afghanistan
Authors: Tapper Richard
Published: February 2008

‘Kuchi’, an Afghan Persian word meaning ‘those who go on migrations’, is the common generic term, used by both Afghans and foreigners, for the nomads of Afghanistan, as it has been for many decades. Most if not all the nomads, and indeed many long‐settled former nomads, now acknowledge this name, yet in the 1960s and 1970s few of those so labelled used the term for themselves. This article examines the usage of both ‘Kuchi’ and ‘nomad’, and locates them in the wider contexts of ethnic labelling practices in Afghanistan, anthropological debates about pastoral nomadism, and government‐nomad relations in both Afghanistan and neighbouring Iran.

« Kuchi », un mot farsi d’Afghanistan désignant « ceux qui migrent », est le nom générique donné depuis des dizaines d’années par les Afghans, aussi bien que par les étrangers, aux nomades d’Afghanistan. Alors qu’aujourd’hui, la plupart de ces nomades, sinon tous, ainsi d’ailleurs que beaucoup d’anciens nomades sédentarisés depuis longtemps, se réclament de ce nom, ils étaient peu nombreux à se désigner ainsi dans les années 1960 et 1970. L’auteur examine ici l’usage des mots « Kuchi » et « nomades » et les resitue dans le contexte plus large des pratiques de dénomination ethniques en Afghanistan, des débats anthropologiques sur le nomadisme pastoral et des relations entre gouvernement et nomades en Afghanistan et dans l’Iran voisin.
Every Missingness not at Random Model Has a Missingness at Random Counterpart with Equal Fit
Authors: Molenberghs Geert , Beunckens Caroline , Sotto Cristina , Kenward Michael G.
Published: February 2008

Over the last decade a variety of models to analyse incomplete multivariate and longitudinal data have been proposed, many of which allowing for the missingness to be not at random, in the sense that the unobserved measurements influence the process governing missingness, in addition to influences coming from observed measurements and/or covariates. The fundamental problems that are implied by such models, to which we refer as sensitivity to unverifiable modelling assumptions, has, in turn, sparked off various strands of research in what is now termed sensitivity analysis. The nature of sensitivity originates from the fact that a missingness not at random (MNAR) model is not fully verifiable from the data, rendering the empirical distinction between MNAR and missingness at random (MAR), where only covariates and observed outcomes influence missingness, difficult or even impossible, unless we are willing to accept the posited MNAR model in an unquestioning way. We show that the empirical distinction between MAR and MNAR is not possible, in the sense that each MNAR model fit to a set of observed data can be reproduced exactly by an MAR counterpart. Of course, such a pair of models will produce different predictions of the unobserved outcomes, given the observed outcomes. Theoretical considerations are supplemented with an illustration that is based on the Slovenian public opinion survey, which has been analysed before in the context of sensitivity analysis.
Practical Filtering with Sequential Parameter Learning
Authors: Polson Nicholas G. , Stroud Jonathan R. , Müller Peter
Published: February 2008

The paper develops a simulation-based approach to sequential parameter learning and filtering in general state space models. Our approach is based on approximating the target posterior by a mixture of fixed lag smoothing distributions. Parameter inference exploits a sufficient statistic structure and the methodology can be easily implemented by modifying state space smoothing algorithms. We avoid reweighting particles and hence sample degeneracy problems that plague particle filters that use sequential importance sampling. The method is illustrated by using two examples: a benchmark auto-regressive model with observation error and a high dimensional dynamic spatiotemporal model. We show that the method provides accurate inference in the presence of outliers, model misspecification and high dimensionality.
Effects of verbal working memory and cumulative linguistic knowledge on reading comprehension1
Authors: JINCHO NOBUYUKI , NAMIKI HIROSHI , MAZUKA REIKO
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  In the present study, the effects of verbal working memory (VWM) and cumulative linguistic knowledge (CLK) on reading comprehension were investigated using an individual difference approach. We examined whether VWM and CLK are distinct verbal factors and whether each has independent influences on reading comprehension. VWM was tested using the Japanese Reading Span Test (RST). CLK was assessed using information, vocabulary, and similarity subtests of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale‐Revised (WAIS‐R), as well as with the Hyakurakan kanji reading test. The differences between VWM and CLK were examined using correlation analyses between reading comprehension scores, and digit forward and backward span scores. The results showed that VWM and CLK were independent of each other, and that VWM and CLK independently contributed to reading comprehension. The obtained correlations also showed that CLK was independent of any type of short‐term memory, and that the VWM measured using the RST had little correlation with digit span.
Dietary restriction inhibits spatial learning ability and hippocampal cell proliferation in rats1
Authors: YANAI SHUICHI , OKAICHI HIROSHIGE , SUGIOKA KOZO
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  We investigated the effect of dietary restriction on spatial learning ability and hippocampal cell proliferation in adult rats using two spatial learning tasks and immunohistochemical staining with 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU). Sixteen rats were divided into restricted or ad lib feeding groups at 70 days of age, and were trained in the delayed‐matching‐to‐place (DMTP) task (a working memory task) from 93 days of age, and then the Morris water maze task (a reference memory task). Dietary restriction had no effect on the DMTP task with 30 s delay and on the water maze task. However, in the DMTP task with 30 min delay, restricted rats performed significantly more poorly than ad lib rats. Quantitative analysis of hippocampal cell proliferation revealed that the density of newborn cells in restricted rats was significantly lower than that in ad lib rats. These results suggest that a loss of proliferating capacity in the hippocampus may be a candidate for an anatomical and biological basis for the cognitive decline caused by dietary restriction.
Studies of Photokilling of Bacteria Using Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Tsuang Yang‐Hwei , Sun Jui‐Sheng , Huang Yu‐Chen , Lu Chung‐Hsin , Chang Walter Hong‐Shong , Wang Chien‐Che
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Metal pins used to apply skeletal traction or external fixation devices protruding through skin are susceptible to the increased incidence of pin site infection. In this work, we tried to establish the photokilling effects of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on an orthopedic implant with an in vitro study. In these photocatalytic experiments, aqueous TiO2 was added to the tested microorganism. The time effect of TiO2 photoactivation was evaluated, and the loss of viability of five different bacteria suspensions (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococus aureus, Enterococcus hirae, and Bacteroides fragilis) was examined by the viable count procedure. The bactericidal effect of TiO2 nanoparticle‐coated metal plates was also tested. The ultraviolet (UV) dosage used in this experiment did not affect the viability of bacteria, and all bacteria survived well in the absence of TiO2 nanoparticles. The survival curve of microorganisms in the presence of TiO2 nanoparticles showed that nearly complete killing was achieved after 50 min of UV illumination. The formation of bacterial colonies above the TiO2 nanoparticle‐coated metal plates also decreased significantly. In this study, we clearly demonstrated the bactericidal effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles. In the presence of UV light, the titanium dioxide nanoparticles can be applicable to medical facilities where the potential for infection should be controlled.
A Review of the Epidemiology of Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Postherpetic Neuralgia, and Less Commonly Studied Neuropathic Pain Conditions
Authors: Sadosky Alesia , McDermott Anne M. , Brandenburg Nancy A. , Strauss Marcie
Published: February 2008

▪ Abstract:  Although the burden of neuropathic pain is well‐recognized, the descriptive epidemiology of specific neuropathic pain conditions has not been well‐described. While painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia have been widely evaluated, many other peripheral and central neuropathic pain syndromes have been less frequently studied. This review summarizes incidence and/or prevalence information about two relatively frequent neuropathic pain conditions—painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia—and similarly summarizes the more limited epidemiologic information available for other peripheral and central neuropathic pain conditions. The data suggest that while our knowledge is still incomplete, the high frequency of several of these conditions in specific populations should be considered an important impetus for further studies designed to evaluate their contribution to the overall burden of neuropathic pain. ▪
Intervertebral Disc: Anatomy‐Physiology‐Pathophysiology‐Treatment
Authors: Raj P. Prithvi
Published: February 2008

▪ Abstract:  This review article describes anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and treatment of intervertebral disc. The intervertebral discs lie between the vertebral bodies, linking them together. The components of the disc are nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus and cartilagenous end‐plates. The blood supply to the disc is only to the cartilagenous end‐plates. The nerve supply is basically through the sinovertebral nerve. Biochemically, the important constituents of the disc are collagen fibers, elastin fibers and aggrecan. As the disc ages, degeneration occurs, osmotic pressure is lost in the nucleus, dehydration occurs, and the disc loses its height. During these changes, nociceptive nuclear material tracks and leaks through the outer rim of the annulus. This is the main source of discogenic pain. While this is occurring, the degenerative disc, having lost its height, effects the structures close by, such as ligamentum flavum, facet joints, and the shape of the neural foramina. This is the main cause of spinal stenosis and radicular pain due to the disc degeneration in the aged populations.

Diagnosis is done by a strict protocol and treatment options are described in this review. The rationale for new therapies are to substitute the biochemical constituents, or augment nucleus pulposus or regenerate cartilaginous end‐plate or finally artificial disc implantation. ▪.
Quality of Life in Atrial Fibrillation: Measurement Tools and Impact of Interventions
Authors: REYNOLDS MATTHEW R. , ELLIS ETHAN , ZIMETBAUM PETER
Published: February 2008

Quality of life (QoL) is of central importance in atrial fibrillation as both a treatment goal and an endpoint in the evaluation of new therapies. QoL appears to be impaired in the majority of patients with AF. A number of interventions for AF have been shown to improve QoL, including pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic rate control, antiarrhythmic drugs, and nonpharmacologic rhythm control strategies. This paper will review the rationale, design, strengths, and limitations of the questionnaires most commonly used to assess QoL in AF studies, and present QoL outcomes from major studies of AF interventions.
Dialysis adequacy and nutritional status of hemodialysis patients
Authors: TEIXEIRA NUNES Fernanda , De CAMPOS Gianine , XAVIER de PAULA Sandra M. , MERHI Vânia A. LEANDRO , PORTERO‐MCLELLAN Kátia C. , Da MOTTA Denise G. , De OLIVEIRA Maria R. M.
Published: February 2008

To characterize the nutritional status of renal failure patients and its relationship with hemodialysis adequacy measured by Kt/V, a study was carried out with a population of 44 adult patients with renal failure and mean age 51±15 years. Anthropometric data, such as dry weight, height, arm circumference, triceps skinfold thickness, mid‐arm muscle circumference, and body mass index were assessed, and biochemical tests were conducted for urea, potassium, creatinine, serum albumin, and phosphorus levels, in addition to hemogram and quarterly urea reduction rate average (Kt/V). In order to evaluate calorie intake, a dietary questionnaire on habitual daily food ingestion was administered, taking into consideration the hemodialysis date. The patients were divided into 2 separate groups for the statistical analysis, with 50% of the patients in each group: A (Kt/V<1.2) and B (Kt/V>1.2). The data were tabulated as mean and standard deviation, with differences tested by Student's t test. The correlations between variables were established by the coefficient p of Pearson. Most of the patients (43%) were considered eutrophic, based on the BMI, and presented inadequate calorie intake, corresponding to 88.5±24% (30.8 kcal/kg actual weight) of the total energy required and adequate protein intake, reaching 109.9±40% of the recommended daily allowance (1.24 g/kg of actual weight). There was a correlation of Kt/V with anthropometric parameters such as body mass index, arm circumference, and mid‐arm muscle circumference. The biochemical parameters related to dialysis adequacy were albumin, ferritin, and urea (predialysis). Well‐dialyzed patients presented better levels of serum albumin. There was an influence of gender and age on correlations of the analyzed variables. Female and younger patients presented better dialysis adequacy. The dialysis adequacy was related to the nutritional status and influenced by the protein intake and body composition. Gender and age had an important influence in the dialysis adequacy, as men presented lower dialysis adequacy and younger adults presented better dialysis adequacy. Further research is necessary to understand better how to facilitate effective and efficient techniques for the nutritional status assessment of hemodialysis patients.
Effect of hepatitis C infection on anemia in hemodialysis patients
Authors: KHURANA Anand , NICKEL Allan E. , NARAYANAN Mohanram , FOULKS Charles J.
Published: February 2008

Hepatitis C (HCV) infection is commonly seen in dialysis patients, but its long‐term deleterious effects in these patients are unknown. We evaluated the effect of HCV infection on anemia in our hemodialysis population. This retrospective case control study was carried out from January 1999 to February 2007. The HCV positive patients were assessed for a 12‐month period by quarterly lab results for the prevalence of anemia, iron stores, dialysis adequacy, and alanine aminotranferase levels. Their requirements of erythropoietin (EPO) and intravenous (IV) iron were assessed during these months of clinical stability. A control group of age‐matched, race‐matched, and gender‐matched hemodialysis patients with no history of HCV was similarly assessed for anemia, iron stores, and EPO and IV‐iron requirements. Twenty‐two HCV‐positive patients were included for comparison analysis with 44 control patients for 1:2 matching. The mean EPO requirement for the hepatitis group was 17,307 ± 14,708 U/month in comparison with the control group, which required 49,134 ± 49,375 U/month (p value <0.01). The mean dose of IV‐iron was 120 ± 143 mg/month for hepatitis patients and 163 ± 112 mg/month in the control group (p=0.07). The patients with HCV have lower requirement of exogenous EPO replacement compared with their age‐matched, gender‐matched, and race‐matched dialysis counterparts. The IV‐iron requirement was not significantly different between the 2 groups but had a suggestive lower trend in the hepatitis group. This needs to be further studied in larger trials.
Mineralogical Characterizations and Reaction Path Modeling of the Pozzolanic Reaction of Fly Ash–Lime Systems
Authors: Lu Peng , Li Qin , Zhai Jianping
Published: February 2008

Mineralogical studies show that fly ash–lime systems without NaOH produced Al‐rich calcium silicate hydrates and a small amount of ettringite. The presence of NaOH accelerates the pozzolanic reaction of fly ash. Fly ash–lime systems with NaOH produced Al‐rich calcium silicate hydrates, calcite, meixnerite, and NaX‐type zeolite (or zeolite precursor) after 28 days of reaction time. Carbonation of alkali‐activated fly ash–lime systems call for specific studies. The experimental work was supplemented with reaction path modeling, which provided a quantitative procedure to decipher the chemical nature of fly ash hydration and cementitious system formation.
Acrolein: unwanted side product or contribution to antiangiogenic properties of metronomic cyclophosphamide therapy?
Authors: Günther M. , Wagner E. , Ogris M.
Published: February 2008

Tumour therapy with cyclophosphamide (CPA), an alkylating chemotherapeutic agent, has been associated with reduced tumour blood supply and antiangiogenic effects when applied in a continuous, low‐dose metronomic schedule. Compared to conventional high‐dose scheduling, metronomic CPA therapy exhibits antitumoural activity with reduced side effects. We have studied potential antiangiogenic properties of acrolein which is released from CPA after hydroxylation. Acrolein adducts were found in tumour cells and tumour endothelial cells of CPA‐treated mice, suggesting anin vivorelevance of acrolein.In vitro, acrolein inhibited endothelial cell proliferation, endothelial cell migration and tube formation. Moreover, acrolein caused disassembly of the F‐actin cytoskeleton and inhibition of αvβ3 integrin clustering at focal adhesions points in endothelial cells. Acrolein treatment modulated expression of thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1), an endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis known to be linked to antiangiogenic effects of metronomic CPA therapy. Further on, acrolein treatment of primary endothelial cells modified NF‐κB activity levels. This is the first study that points at an antiangiogenic activity of acrolein in metronomically scheduled CPA therapy.
The potential contribution of vegetation ecology to biodiversity research
Authors: Austin M. P.
Published: February 2008

The contribution of vegetation ecology to the study of biodiversity depends on better communication between the different research paradigms in ecology. Recent developments in vegetation theory and associated statistical modelling techniques are reviewed for their relevance to biodiversity. Species composition and collective properties such as species richness vary as a continuum in a multi‐dimensional environmental space; a concept which needs to be incorporated into biodiversity studies. Different kinds of environmental gradients can be recognised and species responses to them vary. Species response curves of eucalypts to an environmental gradient of mean annual temperature have been shown to exhibit a particular pattern of skewed response curves. Generalised linear modelling (GLM) and generalised additive modelling (GAM) techniques are important tools for biodiversity studies. They have successfully distinguished the contribution of environmental (climatic) and spatial (history and species dispersal ability) variables in determining forest tree composition in New Zealand.

Species richness studies are examined at global, regional and local scales. At all scales, direct and resource environmental gradients need to be incorporated into the analysis rather than indirect gradients e.g. latitude which have no direct physiological influence on biota. Evidence indicates that species richness at the regional scale is sensitive to environment, confounding current studies on local/regional species richness relationships. Plant community experiments require designs based on environmental gradients rather than dependent biological properties such as productivity or species richness to avoid confounding the biotic components. Neglect of climatic and other environmental gradients and the concentration on the collective properties of species assemblages has limited recent biodiversity studies. Conservation evaluation could benefit from greater use of the continuum concepts and statistical modelling techniques of vegetation ecology. The future development of ecology will depend on testing the different assumptions of competing research paradigms and a more inclusive synthesis of ecological theory.
The peninsula effect on species diversity: a reassessment of the avifauna of Baja California
Authors: Wiggins David A.
Published: February 2008

The peninsula effect, a decrease in species diversity from the base to the tip of peninsulas, has been proposed to explain the relatively poor species diversity of mammals on North American peninsulas. Subsequent work has questioned both the existence of peninsular declines in diversity, as well as the proposed cause (immigration‐extinction dynamics). Previous studies of the Baja California avifauna have shown a gradual decrease in the diversity of breeding birds from the base to the tip of the peninsula. Using newly published data on the breeding land birds, I found a decrease only from the base to the middle of the peninsula, with a slight increase in diversity from the middle to the tip. This result is similar to that for other highly vagile taxa (e.g., Chiroptera. Lepidoptera) and is largely due to the coneave diversity gradient of montane species along the peninsula. Habitat associations of the Baja avifauna and the location of potential source populations suggest that: 1) local habitat heterogeneity is likely the single most important factor influencing the avian diversity gradient along the peninsula; and 2) limited immigration of Neotropical species from mainland areas, and of Nearctic species from the base of the peninsula to the montane southern tip is partly responsible for the form of the diversity gradient along the southern half of the peninsula. My results along with those from previous studies, suggest that rather than colonization/extinction dynamics, habitat heterogeneity and the vagility of the taxa considered have the greatest impact on the observed patterns of species diversity along peninsulas,
EMPLOYEE COPING WITH ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE: AN EXAMINATION OF ALTERNATIVE THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES AND MODELS
Authors: FUGATE MEL , KINICKI ANGELO J. , PRUSSIA GREGORY E.
Published: February 2008

This longitudinal study seeks to determine the appropriate theoretical structure for how employees cope with organizational change. A model based on the appraisal theory of emotion is compared to competing theoretical structures of coping found in the literature: stimulus–response, partial mediation, and moderated. Structural equation model results showed that coping with organizational change is a completely mediated process best represented by the stimulus–response theoretical structure, whereby negative appraisal is associated with reduced control and increased escape coping, which are positively related to positive and negative emotions, respectively. Negative emotions predicted sick time used and intentions to quit, which then predicted voluntary turnover. Implications for coping theory and organizational change management are discussed.
UNRAVELING THE FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN: STRATEGIC INSIGHTS FROM CHINA AND THE 2007 RECALLS*
Authors: ROTH ALEDA V. , TSAY ANDY A. , PULLMAN MADELEINE E. , GRAY JOHN V.
Published: February 2008

The March 2007 pet food recall and a rapid progression of comparable incidents have exposed the real potential for food supply chain contamination and disruptions. When organizations source via multilayered supply chains with poor visibility they are particularly vulnerable. In this paper, we develop a conceptual framework called the “Six Ts” of supply chain quality management — traceability, transparency, testability, time, trust and training — which are relevant for any product but are especially critical to the preservation of public welfare through a safe food supply. We describe the globalization of food supply chains and present data on the trends of U.S. food import volumes, both in aggregate and specifically from China. We also highlight the inherent difficulties and risks posed by global food supply chains, using those originating in China as an example. Finally, we provide a research agenda and questions to be addressed regarding the application of the six Ts in global food supply chain management.
TIMING AND EXTENT OF SUPPLIER INTEGRATION IN NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT: A CONTINGENCY APPROACH
Authors: PARKER DELVON B. , ZSIDISIN GEORGE A. , RAGATZ GARY L.
Published: February 2008

While research on internal integration in new product development (NPD) has progressed to the examination of contingency factors that assess adequate levels of integration, contingency models examining the appropriate timing and level of integration with suppliers in NPD have yet to be empirically tested. The purpose of this study is to explore how contingency factors affect the timing and level of supplier integration into NPD, and how varying levels of integration affect project performance. The study uses structural equation modeling to analyze data on 116 NPD projects employing supplier integration sampled from international organizations representing a wide variety of industries. Results suggest that newer products signify the need for earlier supplier integration, while positive prior experience with the supplier and the procurement of highly strategic items indicate the need for tighter integration. When employed, these patterns of activity result in high levels of perceived NPD performance.
Production of n‐3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Concentrate from Sardine Oil by Immobilized Candida rugosa Lipase
Authors: Okada T. , Morrissey M.T.
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT:  This study was conducted to develop an immobilized‐enzyme system to entrap lipase in chitosan‐alginate‐CaCl2 beads for the purpose of concentrating n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFAs) from sardine oil. Lipase was immobilized by an ionotropic gelatin method analyzed for characteristics. Optimum pH of immobilized lipase shifted from pH 7.0 to 6.0 and immobilized lipase showed higher stability against pH and temperature changes. Original sardine oil contained 38.1% n‐3 PUFAs (25.2% 20:5n3 and 7.20% 22:6n3), and the concentration was significantly increased to 65.3% (40.2% 20:5n3 and 15.5% 22:6n3) with free lipase and to 64.8% (39.6% 20:5n3 and 15.3% 22:6n3) with immobilized lipase after 90 min of repeated hydrolysis. Fatty acid content of the free fatty acid (FFA) fraction of hydrolyzed oil showed that lipase preferably hydrolyzed 16:0, 16:1n7 and 18:0 accounting for 76.6% and 69.5% of total FFAs (after 1st and 2nd hydrolysis, respectively). This study shows that use of immobilized lipase systems for increasing n‐3 PUFA concentration in sardine oil provides new processing opportunities for the industry.
Gastrointestinal parasites of feral cats from Christmas Island
Authors: Adams PJ , Elliot AD , Algar D , Brazell RI
Published: February 2008

Objective  To investigate the gastrointestinal parasites present in feral cats on Christmas Island, with particular interest in the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

Procedure  Faecal and serum samples were collected from 28 and 25 cats respectively that were trapped as part of an ongoing eradication program being run on Christmas Island by the Department of Environment and Conservation. Faecal samples were screened microscopically for helminth and protozoan parasites. Serum samples were screened for antibodies to T gondii using a commercial indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and a latex agglutination test (LAT).

Results  The most common helminth parasites detected were Toxocara cati (present in 15 of 28 faecal samples), Strongyloides sp (13/28), Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, (7/28), an unidentified capillarid (6/28) and Ancylostoma sp (4/28). Based on serology, T gondii was the most common parasite detected (protozoan or otherwise) with antibodies detected in 24 serum samples by IFA and 23 serum samples by LAT.

Conclusion  Cats on Christmas Island harbour many of the helminth and protozoan parasites reported from feral cats elsewhere in Australia. The high seroprevalence of T gondii in these cats indicates a high level of exposure to the parasite in this environment.
TWO DIFFERENT MANIFESTATIONS OF ENHANCEMENT IN THE PHOTOSYNTHESIS OF PORPHYRIDIUM CRUENTUM IN FLASHING MONOCHROMATIC LIGHT*
Authors: Govindjee Rajni
Published: February 2008

Abstract— Oxygen evolution from Porphyridium cruentum exposed to monochromatic light flashes with background light of different wavelengths and intensities was measured. Two different manifestations of the enhancement effect were found: (1) Type I (also referred as EH): an increase in the rate of O2 evolution and (2) Type II (also referred as Et): a prolongation of O2 evolution in time. Exposure of algae to red flashes with green background light revealed both types of enhancement whereas green flashes with red background light revealed only the first type of enhancement. Similar results were observed under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions except that in the latter, complications arise due to S‐shape of the curve of rate of photosynthesis versus light intensitity in a nitrogen atmosphere.

The results presented in this paper and those presented in the earlier papers of French have been interpreted in terms of the ‘spill‐over’ and the ‘separate package’ model for the distribution of light energy into the two pigment systems. In both the models, we incorporate the idea that the product of light reaction I is long‐lived (half‐life of the order of seconds). No assumption is needed about the life time of the photoproduct of reaction II in the spillover model; in the separate package model, however, we have to incorporate an additional assumption that photoproduct II is short‐lived (half‐life less than 4 msec) to explain all the results.
THE POSSIBLE FORMATION OF DITHYMINE PEROXIDE IN IRRADIATED DNA*
Authors: Wang Shih Yi , Alcántara Raúl
Published: February 2008

Abstract— The observation of the photo‐oxidation of the 5‐methyl group of thymine derivatives in aqueous solution led to the suggestion of the formation of dithymine peroxide (TOOT) as the common initial intermediate. The mechanisms for converting TOOT into various oxidation products were discussed. Stereochemically, TOOT can be considered as an outstanding intermediate for the irradiation of DNA. Also, the identification of 5‐formyluracil as a photoproduct may provide a chemical explanation for the crosslinking of DNA to protein.
Effects of Cooled EGR on a Small Displacement Diesel Engine: A Reduced-Order Dynamic Model and Experimental Study
Authors: Simoson Christopher , Wagner John
Published: February 2008

Diesel engines are critical in fulfilling transportation and mechanical/electrical power generation needs throughout the world. The engine’s combustion by-products spawn health and environmental concerns, so there is a responsibility to develop emission reduction strategies. However, difficulties arise since the minimization of one pollutant often bears undesirable side effects. Although legislated standards have promoted successful emission reduction strategies for larger engines, developments in smaller displacement engines has not progressed in a similar fashion. In this paper, a reduced-order dynamic model is presented and experimentally validated to demonstrate the use of cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to alleviate the tradeoff between oxides of nitrogen reduction and performance preservation in a small displacement diesel engine. EGR is an effective method for internal combustion engine oxides of nitrogen (NOx) reduction, but its thermal throttling diminishes power efficiency. The capacity to cool exhaust gases prior to merging with intake air may achieve the desired pollutant effect while minimizing engine performance losses. Representative numerical results were validated with experimental data for a variety of speed, load, and EGR testing scenarios using a 0.697l three-cylinder diesel engine equipped with cooled EGR. Simulation and experimental results showed a 16% drop in NOx emissions using EGR, but experienced a 7% loss in engine torque. However, the use of cooled EGR realized a 23% NOx reduction while maintaining a smaller performance compromise. The concurrence between simulated and experimental trends establishes the simplified model as a predictive tool for diesel engine performance and emission studies. Further, the presented model may be considered in future control algorithms to optimize engine performance and thermal and emission characteristics.
Genetic variation of wood shrinkage in a progeny test of coastal Douglas-fir
Authors: Koshy Mathew P. , Lester Donald T.
Published: February 2008

Directional (longitudinal, tangential, and radial) and volumetric wood shrinkage were analyzed in 413 trees belonging to 48 full-sib families (four pollen and 12 seed parents) from an 18-year-old coastal Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii var. menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) progeny test. Six samples per ring position (ring positions 1–5 from pith along stem radii), with two rings in each ring position, were examined in a bolt taken at breast height from the tree. Genetic effects were minimal for shrinkage, except for longitudinal shrinkage at ring positions 1 and 2. High variability was expressed among trees within plots and among samples within trees (circumferential variation). The lack of statistically significant family variance eliminates the possibility of improving the shrinkage traits by genetic means, except for longitudinal shrinkage in the first few rings. However, the high amount of variability expressed between trees within plots and between samples within trees warrants special attention for achieving uniformity of wood. Much of this variability can be reduced by silvicultural methods.
Structural variability of mature lodgepole pine stands on gently sloping terrain in Taylor Park Basin, Colorado
Authors: Parker Albert J. , Parker Kathleen C.
Published: February 2008

Diameter structures, diameter–age relationships, and spatial pattern of canopy and understory layers in seven stands representative of mature lodgepole pine (Pinusconforta Dougl. ex Loud. ssp. latifolia) forests on gentle (≤5°) slopes in the Taylor Park Basin of Colorado were documented. All stands originated following crown fires 120–140 years ago, during the period of initial Euro-American presence. Two distinct structures were evident among these stands. Four stands had closed canopies (cover >70%), relatively high basal areas and tree densities, low sapling and large seedling densities, numerous standing dead trees, and even-aged diameter distributions. The other three stands had more open canopies (cover <65%), lower basal areas and tree densities, higher densities of saplings and large seedlings, and more even representation across diameter classes. Regeneration tended to occur in small patches in both types of stands. DBH showed a moderate to strong relationship to age in all stands, although suppression of bole-diameter growth was more evident in the closed stands. Structure of the closed stands exemplifies forests that have developed rapidly after canopy fire. Structure of the open stands suggests either low stocking densities following stand-originating crown fires or repetitive surface fires, perhaps reinforced by dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobiumamericanum Nutt. ex Engelm.) infestation, that have allowed more or less continuous recruitment over the past 120–140 years.
Mitral Valvular Interstitial Cells Demonstrate Regional, Adhesional, and Synthetic Heterogeneity
Authors: Blevins Tracy L. , Peterson Sherket B. , Lee Elaine L. , Bailey Annie M. , Frederick Jonathan D. , Huynh Thanh N. , Gupta Vishal , Grande-Allen K. Jane
Published: February 2008

Background/Aims: Because various regions of the mitral valve contain distinctive extracellular matrix enabling the tissues to withstand diverse mechanical environments, we investigated phenotype and matrix production of porcine valvular interstitial cells (VICs) from different regions. Methods: VICswere isolated from the chordae (MCh), the center of the anterior leaflet (AlCtr), and the posterior leaflet free edge (PlFree), then assayed for metabolic, growth, and adhesion rates; collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production, and phenotype using biochemical assays, flow cytometry, and immunocytochemistry. Results: The AlCtr VICs exhibited the fastest metabolism but slowest growth. PlFree cells grew the fastest, but demonstrated the least smooth muscle α-actin, vimentin, and internal complexity. AlCtr VICs secreted less collagen into the culture medium but more 4-sulfated GAGs than other cells. Adhesion-based separation resulted in altered secretion of sulfated GAGs by MCh and AlCtr cells but not by the PlFree cells. Conclusions: VICs isolated from various regions of the mitral valve demonstrate phenotypic differences in culture, corresponding to the ability of the mitral valve to accommodate the physical stresses or altered hemodynamics that occur with injury or disease. Further understanding of VIC and valve mechanobiology could lead to novel medical or tissue engineering approaches to treat valve diseases.
Dentin Sialophosphoprotein-Promoted Mineralization and Expression of Odontogenic Genes in Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells
Authors: Wu Ling , Zhu Feng , Wu Yao , Lin Yunfeng , Nie Xin , Jing Wei , Qiao Ju , Liu Lei , Tang Wei , Zheng Xiaohui , Tian Weidong
Published: February 2008

Dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) is an extracellular matrix, typically dentin- and bone-specific gene, which plays an important role in dentin mineralization and tooth development. Adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) are considered to contain a group of pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells which are capable of mineralization either in vitro or in vivo. In the present study, we hypothesized that overexpression of DSPP would promote mineralization in ADSCs. Our results showed that infection of DSPP-expressing adenovirus (Ad-DSPP) enhanced expression of genes related to mineralization, such as Cbfa1,Osx,BSP, OCN and DMP1 in ADSCs. Alkaline phosphatase activity was also confirmed in Ad-DSPP-infected ADSCs by cytochemistry and alkaline phosphatase activity assay. Mineralization assay indicated that Ad-DSPP-infected ADSCs were able to form mineralized nodules. Another finding in this study is that early odontogenic marker genes such as Msx1, Msx2, Lhx7 and Pax9 were expressed in DSPP-overexpressed ADSCs. Thus, our results suggested that overexpression of DSPP promoted mineralization of ADSCs, and together with the expression of early odontogenic marker genes, implied that these cells may differentiate into functional odontoblast-like cells.
Anatomy and Surgical Relevance of the Hepatocaval Ligament
Authors: Morjane Abdelwaheb , Dahmane Raja , Ravnik Dean , Hribernik Marija
Published: February 2008

Background: There are nearly no data on the hepatocaval ligament (HCL) in the anatomical literature, though it is of high importance during surgery of the right hemiliver. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of the HCL, its description and its relations to the inferior vena cava (IVC) and the right hepatic vein (RHV) as well as the evaluation of the surgical relevance of the data obtained. Materials and Methods: The dissection of the livers of 43 cadavers of both sexes was performed and the presence of the HCL was established. The ligament was measured and dissected to expose the IVC and the extrahepatic part of the RHV from its inflow to the liver parenchyma. Results: The ligament was present in 77% of the cases. It was 12–35 mm long and 3–18 mm wide. The extrahepatic part of the RHV was 2–12 mm long. Conclusion: Dissection of the HCL revealed the terminal extrahepatic part of the RHV in all cases. Anatomically, resection of the right hemiliver with elective vascular control would be possible in 85% of the cases in which the length of the extrahepatic part of the RHV was ≧3 mm.
Is Fiber-Type Composition Related to Daily Jaw Muscle Activity during Postnatal Development?
Authors: Langenbach G.E.J. , van Wessel T. , Brugman P. , Korfage J.A.M. , van Eijden T.M.G.J.
Published: February 2008

Aim: Muscles containing large numbers of slow-contracting fibers are generally more active than muscles largely composed of fast fibers. This relationship between muscle activity and phenotype suggests that (1) changes in fiber-type composition during postnatal development are accompanied by changes in daily activity and (2) individual variations in fiber-type composition are related to similar variations in daily muscle activity. Methods: The masseter and digastric muscles of 23 New Zealand White rabbits (young, juvenile and adult) were examined for their phenotype (myosin heavy chain content) and their daily activity (total daily number of activity bursts). Results: During development, the masseter showed a strong increase in the number of fast-type fibers compared to the number of slow-type fibers. During development, also the number of powerful bursts in the masseter increased. The digastric showed no significant changes in fiber types or burst numbers. Within each muscle, across individual animals, no significant correlations (R < 0.70) were found between any of the fiber types and daily burst numbers in any of the age groups. Conclusions: The results suggest that activity-related influences are of relatively minor importance during development and that other factors are dominant in determining fiber-type composition.
Adhesion of Human Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells to Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Involves CD44
Authors: Wagner Wolfgang , Wein Frederik , Roderburg Christoph , Saffrich Rainer , Diehlmann Anke , Eckstein Volker , Ho Anthony D.
Published: February 2008

Background: Direct cell-cell contact between hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) and their cellular microenvironment is essential for maintenance of ‘stemness’. We have previously demonstrated that a feeder layer of human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) could provide a surrogate model as a niche for human HPC. Maintenance of long-term culture-initiating cells was significantly lower on fibroblasts. Methods: Adhesion of HPC to MSC was further analyzed using our recently described adhesion assay based on gravitational force upon inversion and in combination with specific antibodies against CD44. Results: Adhesion of KG1a and CD34+ cells was significantly reduced by administration of a monoclonal CD44 antibody and for KG1a to a greater extent than for CD34+ cells. Interaction of HPC and MSC was further analyzed by laser scanning confocal microscopy. CD44 was located on the uropod of CD34+ cells at the site of contact with MSC and both cell types were interwoven by a network of fibronectin. Conclusion: Various adhesion proteins, including CD44, are involved in the contact of human HPC and human MSC and further analysis of the relative significance and interaction of these proteins will be crucial for the understanding of the mechanism of this specific cell-cell interaction.
The Transcription Factor Repertoire of Flt3+ Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Hieronymus Thomas , Ruau David , Ober-Blöbaum Julia , Baek Jea-Hyun , Rolletschek Alexandra , Rose-John Stefan , Wobus Anna M. , Müller Albrecht M. , Zenke Martin
Published: February 2008

Hematopoietic stem cells maintain the development of all mature blood cells throughout life due to their sustained self-renewal capacity and multilineage differentiation potential. During development into specific cell lineages, the options of stem cells and multipotent progenitor cells become increasingly restricted concomitant with a successive decline in self-renewal potential. Here we describe an Flt3+CD11b+ multipotent progenitor that can be amplified in vitro with a specific combination of cytokines to yield homogeneous populations in high cell numbers. By employing gene expression profiling with DNA microarrays, we studied the transcription factor repertoire of Flt3+CD11b+ progenitors and related it to the transcription factor repertoire of hematopoietic stem cells and embryonic stem cells. We report here on overlapping and nonoverlapping expression patterns of transcription factors in these cells and thus provide novel insights into the dynamic networks of transcriptional regulators in embryonic and adult stem cells. Additionally, the results obtained open the perspective for elucidating lineage and ‘stemness’ determinants in hematopoiesis.
New Insights into the Cell Biology of Hematopoietic Progenitors by Studying Prominin-1 (CD133)
Authors: Bauer Nicola , Fonseca Ana-Violeta , Florek Mareike , Freund Daniel , Jászai József , Bornhäuser Martin , Fargeas Christine A. , Corbeil Denis
Published: February 2008

Prominin-1 (alias CD133) has received considerable interest because of its expression by several stem and progenitor cells originating from various sources, including the neural and hematopoietic systems. As a cell surface marker, prominin-1 is now used for somatic stem cell isolation. Its expression in cancer stem cells has broadened its clinical value, as it might be useful to outline new prospects for more effective cancer therapies by targeting tumor-initiating cells. Cell biological studies of this molecule have demonstrated that it is specifically concentrated in various membrane structures that protrude from the planar areas of the plasmalemma. Prominin-1 binds to the plasma membrane cholesterol and is associated with a particular membrane microdomain in a cholesterol-dependent manner. Although its physiological function is not yet determined, it is becoming clear that this cell surface protein, as a unique marker of both plasma membrane protrusions and membrane microdomains, might reveal new aspects of the cell biology of rare stem and cancer stem cells. The aim of this review is to outline the recent discoveries regarding the dynamic reorganization of the plasma membrane of rare CD133+ hematopoietic progenitor cells during cell migration and division.