bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Extravasation of Macromolecules in Skeletal Muscles of the Zucker Rat Model
Authors: St‐Pierre Philippe , Bouffard Lucie , Papirakis Marie‐Eve , Maheux Pierre
Published: April 2008

Objective: Assess whether changes in permeability of the muscle regional microcirculation occur in the obese Zucker rat model.

Research Methods and Procedures: Capillary permeability to albumin was assessed in vivo in Zucker rats (n = 15) and lean controls (n = 15) by quantifying the extravasation of albumin‐bound Evans Blue (EB) in different organs. Unanaesthetized animals were injected with EB 20 mg/kg in the caudal vein, and EB was extracted by formamide from selected organs collected after exsanguination.

Results: Relative to control animals, Zucker rats had higher body weight (Δ = +33%; p < 0.001), plasma triglycerides (Δ = +244%; p < 0.001), and insulin (Δ = +240%; p < 0.001) concentrations. Plasma glucose concentrations were not different between the two groups (p = not significant). Using the EB technique, we showed a 30% to 50% (p < 0.01) increase in the extravasation of EB in the obese rats, regardless of the skeletal muscle group studied. This increase in skeletal muscle vasopermeability was not paralleled by any increase in the expression of the muscle endothelium—nitric oxide (NO) system because the total NO synthase (NOS) activity in skeletal muscle of the obese Zucker rat was significantly lower (p < 0.001), as was the endothelial NOS immunoreactive mass (p < 0.001), compared with lean controls.

Discussion: In conclusion, there seems to be dissociation between capillary permeability and local regulation of microcirculation in skeletal muscles of the obese Zucker rat. It is suggested that the increase in skeletal muscle vasopermeability (extravasation of macromolecules) is a compensation for the loss of NO‐dependent vasodilation and capillary recruitment noted in this model of obesity and insulin resistance.
Elevated Serum Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein‐4 and Chronic Inflammation in Overweight Subjects
Authors: Hashimoto Izumi , Wada Jun , Hida Aya , Baba Masako , Miyatake Nobuyuki , Eguchi Jun , Shikata Kenichi , Makino Hirofumi
Published: April 2008

Objective: Chronic inflammation observed in obesity has been reported to be implicated in the development of atherosclerosis. We screened candidate chemokines that link chronic inflammation and obesity.

Research Methods and Procedures: Japanese overweight (n = 39, BMI 28.7 ± 0.65 kg/m2) and normal‐weight (n = 24, BMI 22.3 ± 0.45 kg/m2) subjects were enrolled. Using antibody‐based protein microarray, spot intensities of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐4, eotaxin, and eotaxin‐2 correlated with anthropometric parameters. We further measured serum concentration of these chemokines and mRNA levels in adipose tissues obtained from volunteers.

Results: Serum MCP‐4 levels showed positive correlation with BMI (r = 0.318, p = 0.014), waist (r = 0.316, p = 0.018), and waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) (r = 0.264, p = 0.049). Furthermore, MCP‐4 correlated with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (r = 0.392, p = 0.002), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) (r = 0.350, p = 0.006). In step‐wise multiple regression analyses, hsCRP independently correlated with MCP‐4 levels. The expression of MCP‐4 mRNA in visceral adipose tissue positively correlates with BMI. Serum eotaxin levels correlate with BMI (r = 0.262, p = 0.045) and WHR (r = 0.383, p = 0.003). Serum eotaxin‐2 levels correlated with BMI (r = 0.464, p < 0.001), waist (r = 0.333, p = 0.017), and WHR (r = 0.278, p = 0.048). However, eotaxin and eotaxin‐2 levels did not show significant correlation with hsCRP.

Discussion: Serum levels of MCP‐4, eotaxin, and eotaxin‐2, which belong to CC chemokine family and share CC chemokine receptor 3, correlated with BMI. These chemokines, especially MCP‐4, may be critical molecules that link obesity and chronic inflammation.
Body Mass Effects of a Physical Activity and Healthy Food Intervention in Middle Schools
Authors: Haerens Leen , Deforche Benedicte , Maes Lea , Stevens Veerle , Cardon Greet , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse
Published: April 2008

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a 2‐year middle school physical activity and healthy food intervention, including an environmental and computer‐tailored component on BMI and BMI z‐score in boys and girls.

Research Methods and Procedures: A random sample of 15 schools with seventh and eighth graders was randomly assigned to three conditions: an intervention with parental support group, an intervention‐alone group, and a control group. Weight and height were measured at the beginning and end of each school year to assess BMI and BMI z‐score. A physical activity and healthy food program was implemented over 2 school years.

Results: In girls, BMI and BMI z‐score increased significantly less in the intervention with parental support group compared with the control group (p < 0.05) or the intervention‐alone group (p = 0.05). In boys, no significant positive intervention effects were found.

Discussion: This was the first study evaluating the effectiveness of an intervention combining environmental changes with personal computer‐tailored feedback on BMI and BMI z‐score in middle school children. After 2 school years, BMI and BMI z‐score changed in a more positive direction in girls as a result of the intervention with parental support.
Eightfold way from dynamical first principles in strongly coupled lattice quantum chromodynamics
Authors: Faria da Veiga Paulo A. , O’Carroll Michael
Published: April 2008

We obtain from first principles, i.e., from the quark-gluon dynamics, the Gell’Mann-Ne’eman baryonic eightfold way energy momentum spectrum exactly in an imaginary-time functional integral formulation of strongly coupled lattice quantum chromodynamics in 3+1 dimensions, with local SU(3)c gauge and global SU(3)f flavor symmetries. We take the hopping parameter κ and the pure gauge coupling β satisfying the strong coupling regime condition 0⩽β⪡κ⪡1. The form of the 56 baryon fields emerges naturally from the dynamics and is unveiled using the hyperplane decoupling method. There is no a priori guesswork. In the associated physical quantum mechanical Hilbert space H, spectral representations are derived for the two-baryon functions, which are used to rigorously detect the particles in the energy-momentum spectrum. Using the SU(3)f symmetry, the 56 baryon states admit a decomposition into 8×2 states associated with a spin 1∕2 octet and 10×4 states associated with a spin 3∕2 decuplet. The states are labeled by the quantum numbers of total hypercharge Y, total isospin I, its third component I3, and the value of the quadratic Casimir of SU(3)f; they also carry a label of total spin J and its z component Jz. The total spin operators are defined using π∕2 rotations about the spatial coordinate axes and for improper zero momentum baryon states agree with the infinitesimal generators of the continuum. We show there is a partial restoration of continuous rotational symmetry which implies that all the octet (decuplet) masses are the same. For β=0, the masses of the 56 baryon states have the form M=−3lnκ−3κ3∕4+κ6r(κ), with r(κ) analytic. There is no mass splitting within the octet (decuplet). However, we find an octet-decuplet mass splitting given by 3κ6∕4+O(κ7). For β=0,[M(κ,β)−(−3lnκ)], the non-singular part of the masses, is analytic in κ and β and the mass splitting persists for β≠0. For spatial momentum p≠0, p=(p1,p2,p3)∊(−π,π]3, the 56 baryon dispersion curves have the form w(κ,p)=−3lnκ−3κ3∕4+κ3∑j=1,2,3(1−cospj)∕4+r(κ,p), where r(κ,p) is of O(κ6). For the octet, r(κ,p) is jointly analytic in κ and in each pj for small ∣Impj∣. For each baryon, there is an antibaryon related to it by charge conjugation and with identical spectral properties. It is shown that the spectrum associated with baryons and antibaryons is the only spectrum in the subspace of H with an odd number of quarks, up to near the meson-baryon energy threshold of ≈−5lnκ. A new time reflection is found which is used to define a local spin flip symmetry. The spin flip symmetry, together with the usual parity, time reversal, and spatial π∕2 rotation symmetries and analytic implicit function arguments, are used to obtain these results. Our method extends to the SU(N)f case to uncover (2N+2)!∕[3!(2N−1)!] baryon states and also to treat mesons. Coupling our baryon results with our similar results for the eightfold mesons (of asymptotic mass −2lnκ) shows that the model exhibits confinement up to near the two-meson threshold.
The influence of lattice oxygen on the initial growth behavior of heteroepitaxial Ge layers on single crystalline PrO2(111)∕Si(111) support systems
Authors: Giussani A. , Seifarth O. , Rodenbach P. , Müssig H.-J. , Zaumseil P. , Weisemöller T. , Deiter C. , Wollschläger J. , Storck P. , Schroeder T.
Published: April 2008

A combined structure and stoichiometry study on the growth behavior of single crystalline Ge(111) layers on PrO2(111)∕Si(111) heterostructures is presented. Ex situ x-ray diffraction techniques indicate that the interaction between Ge and PrO2(111) results in a complete reduction of the buffer oxide to a cubic Pr2O3(111) film structure. In situ reflection high energy electron diffraction, x-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy studies demonstrate that this chemical reduction of the oxide support occurs during the initial Ge growth stage. The interaction of PrO2 with Ge results in the formation of an amorphous Ge oxide layer by the diffusion of lattice oxygen from the dielectric to the forming semiconductor deposit. After the complete conversion of PrO2 to cubic Pr2O3, the supply of reactive lattice oxygen is exhausted and the continuous Ge deposition reduces the initially formed amorphous GeO2-like film to GeO. The sublimation of volatile GeO uncovers the single crystalline cubic Pr2O3(111) film surface which provides a thermodynamically stable template for elemental Ge heteroepitaxy. A Volmer–Weber growth mode is observed which results after island coalescence in the formation of atomically smooth, single crystalline Ge(111) layers.
A quasiclassical trajectory study of the time-delayed forward scattering in the hydrogen exchange reaction
Authors: Greaves Stuart J. , Murdock Daniel , Wrede Eckart
Published: April 2008

The time-delayed forward scattering mechanism recently identified by Althorpe et al. [Nature (London) 416, 67 (2002)] for the H+D2(v=0,j=0)→HD(v′=3,j′=0)+D reaction was analyzed by using quasiclassical trajectory (QCT) methodology. The QCT results were found to match the quantum wavepacket snapshots of Althorpe et al., albeit without the quantum scattering effects. Trajectories were analyzed on the fly to investigate the dynamics of the atoms during the reaction. The dominant reaction mechanism progresses from hard collinear impacts, leading to direct recoil, toward glancing impacts. The increased time required for forward scattered trajectories is due to the rotation of the transient HDD complex. Forward scattered trajectories display symmetric stretch vibrations of the transient HDD complex, a signature of the presence of a resonance, or a quantum bottleneck state.
Structures and heats of formation of the neutral and ionic PNO, NOP, and NPO systems from electronic structure calculations
Authors: Grant Daniel J. , Dixon David A. , Kemeny Andre E. , Francisco Joseph S.
Published: April 2008

High level ab initio electronic structure calculations using the coupled cluster CCSD(T) method with augmented correlation-consistent basis sets extrapolated to the complete basis set limit have been performed on the PNO, NOP, and NPO isomers and their corresponding anions and cations. Geometries for all species were optimized up through the aug-cc-pV(Q+d)Z level and vibrational frequencies were calculated with the aug-cc-pV(T+d)Z basis set. The most stable of the three isomers is NPO and it is predicted to have a heat of formation of 23.3kcal∕mol. PNO is predicted to be only 1.7kcal∕mol higher in energy. The calculated adiabatic ionization potential of NPO is 12.07eV and the calculated adiabatic electron affinity is 2.34eV. The calculated adiabatic ionization potential of PNO is 10.27eV and the calculated adiabatic electron affinity is only 0.24eV. NOP is predicted to be much higher in energy by 29.9kcal∕mol. The calculated rotational constants for PNO and NPO should allow for these species to be spectroscopically distinguished. The adiabatic bond dissociation energies for the PN, PO, and NO bonds in NPO and PNO are the same within ∼10kcal∕mol and fall in the range of 72–83kcal∕mol.
Influence of InGaAs cap layers with different In concentration on the properties of InGaAs quantum dots
Authors: Litvinov D. , Blank H. , Schneider R. , Gerthsen D. , Vallaitis T. , Leuthold J. , Passow T. , Grau A. , Kalt H. , Klingshirn C. , Hetterich M.
Published: April 2008

InAs quantum dot (QD) layers grown by molecular-beam epitaxy were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. To achieve the highest possible In concentration in the QDs, InGaAs (instead of GaAs) cap layers with different In concentrations were deposited after the growth of the InAs QD layer. We combine different TEM techniques to determine the shape, size, and composition of the QDs. By applying a post-processing procedure, we are able to reconstruct the In concentration in the QDs which is measured too low in TEM due to the embedding of the QDs in material with lower In concentration and averaging along the finite TEM sample thickness. The determination of the composition of the layers on an atomic scale shows that the In concentration in the QDs increases in growth direction and reaches values up to 90%. Redistribution of indium during the InGaAs cap layer growth leads to a decrease of the In concentration in the cap layer with respect to the nominal In concentration. The observed redshift of the PL peak with increasing In concentration in the cap layer is attributed to the enlargement of island size and the change of the strain in the QD layers.
Measuring the deformation of a ferrogel sphere in a homogeneous magnetic field
Authors: Gollwitzer Christian , Turanov Alexander , Krekhova Marina , Lattermann Günter , Rehberg Ingo , Richter Reinhard
Published: April 2008

A sphere of a ferrogel is exposed to a homogeneous magnetic field. In accordance to theoretical predictions, it gets elongated along the field lines. The time dependence of the elastic shear modulus causes the elongation to increase with time, similar to mechanic creep experiments, and the rapid excitation causes the sphere to vibrate. Both phenomena can be well described by a damped harmonic oscillator model. By comparing the elongation along the field to the contraction perpendicular to it, we can calculate Poisson’s ratio of the gel. The magnitude of the elongation is compared to the theoretical predictions for elastic spheres in homogeneous fields.
Hysteresis and mode transition in terms of electron energy distribution function for an inductively coupled argon discharge
Authors: Singh S. V.
Published: April 2008

The electron energy distribution function (EEDF) with respect to the hysteresis loop of an inductively coupled argon discharge has been studied experimentally. Contrary to H mode, knowledge of EEDF in E mode is still limited, and an elaborate EEDF measurement with regard to power and pressure for this mode is presented. The Langmuir probe measurements reveal two regions with distinct EEDFs in E mode, which might be a critical missing factor in explaining the unresolved hysteresis and mode transition phenomenon of inductive discharges. Furthermore, a Poynting vector representation has been used to explain the power coupling in an inductive discharge, where (azimuthal) eθ component is proposed to be dominant in the “hybrid mode” region.
Monochromatic microwave radiation from the system of strongly excited magnons
Authors: Dzyapko O. , Demidov V. E. , Demokritov S. O. , Melkov G. A. , Safonov V. L.
Published: April 2008

A conversion of a broadband microwave energy accumulated by a system of strongly excited magnons into a monochromatic microwave is demonstrated. The mechanism is based on recently discovered room-temperature Bose–Einstein condensation of nonequilibrium magnons. A realization of an electronically tunable microwave generator pumped by an incoherent broadband sources and the achievable linewidth of the monochromatic radiation are discussed.
Influence of interlayer magnetostatic coupling on the ferromagnetic resonance properties of lithographically patterned ferromagnetic trilayers
Authors: Nozaki Y. , Tateishi K. , Taharazako S. , Yoshimura S. , Matsuyama K.
Published: April 2008

The influence of magnetostatic coupling in a Ni81Fe19∕Cu∕Ni81Fe19 elliptical element on the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) properties was experimentally and numerically investigated. Discontinuous variations in the FMR frequencies were observed when the relative orientation of magnetization was switched between parallel and antiparallel. Furthermore, the trilayer element exhibits field-insensitive FMR properties for magnetization of antiparallel orientation. This is attributable to the conflicted magnetic field dependence of the FMR frequency in the top and bottom Ni81Fe19 layers with antiparallel magnetization.
P
-type doping of GaAs nanowires
Authors: Stichtenoth D. , Wegener K. , Gutsche C. , Regolin I. , Tegude F. J. , Prost W. , Seibt M. , Ronning C.
Published: April 2008

Gallium arsenide (GaAs) nanowires with diameters of 150nm have been grown via metal-organic vapor deposition and were subsequently implanted with Zn64 ions. The amorphized nanowires were annealed at 800°C under arsenic overpressure resulting into a full recrystallization of the nanowires as well as an activation of the implanted acceptors. Consequently, we observe a strong increase in conductivity of the GaAs:Zn nanowires, where a simple estimation of the activated acceptors matches the implantation concentration.
Incompressible and compressible limits of two-component Gross–Pitaevskii equations with rotating fields and trap potentials
Authors: Lee Chiun-Chang , Lin Tai-Chia
Published: April 2008

The relaxation of turbulence is crucial for the formation of vortex lattices and vortex sheets separated by an interface in rapidly rotating two-component Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs) depicted by two-component systems of Gross–Pitaevskii equations (GPEs). To see the relaxation, we study the incompressible limit of two-component systems of GPEs with initial data having a large number of vortices and an interface. The incompressible limit may provide the relaxation of turbulence such that the turbulent flow can be self-organized into vortex crystals. Recently, a rich variety of dynamical phenomena ranging from shock-wave formation to anisotropic sound propagation has been observed in rotating BECs. To see the dynamical phenomena of rotating two-component BECs, we study the compressible limit of two-component systems of GPEs. The compressible limit may describe geostrophic flow and provide rich dynamical phenomena in rotating two-component BECs.
Research note: Micropropagation of Eucalyptus polybractea selected for key essential oil traits
Authors: Goodger Jason Q. D. , Heskes Allison M. , King Drew J. , Gleadow Roslyn M. , Woodrow Ian E.
Published: April 2008

A protocol for the micropropagation of Eucalyptus polybractea R.T. Baker (blue mallee) using axillary bud proliferation from lignotuber-derived explants is described. Three different ages of plants were used as explant sources: glasshouse-grown seedlings, field-grown saplings, and coppice of field-grown mature lignotubers. Explants from each source initiated successfully and no significant difference was observed for shoot proliferation, rooting success or hardening success between explant sources. Leaf oil quantity and quality for hardened clones transplanted to a field plantation were assessed after 3 months of growth. Ramets of all clones contained high quality oil with over 80% 1,8-cineole. For seedling-derived clones, foliar oil concentrations of ramets were higher than those of the ortets from which they were derived. For sapling and mature lignotuber derived clones the opposite was the case. This suggests that ontogenetic and physiological constraints may be influencing yield in the young ramets. The age of the explant source did not appear to influence the success of micropropagation, and as a result older plants (for which key oil traits are known) can be selected as elite plants for multiplying selected genotypes via micropropagation.
Cell death in grape berries: varietal differences linked to xylem pressure and berry weight loss
Authors: Tilbrook Joanne , Tyerman Stephen D.
Published: April 2008

Some varieties of Vitis vinifera L. can undergo berry weight loss during later stages of ripening. This defines a third phase of development in addition to berry formation and berry expansion. Berry weight loss is due to net water loss, but the component water flows through different pathways have remained obscure. Because of the very negative osmotic potential of the cell sap, the maintenance of semipermeable membranes in the berry is required for the berry to counter xylem and apoplast tensions that may be transferred from the vine. The transfer of tension is determined by the hydraulic connection through the xylem from the berry to the vine, which changes during development. Here we assess the membrane integrity of three varieties of V. vinifera berries (cvv. Shiraz, Chardonnay and Thompson seedless) throughout development using the vitality stains, fluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide, on fresh longitudinal sections of whole berries. We also measured the xylem pressure using a pressure probe connected to the pedicel of detached berries. The wine grapes, Chardonnay and Shiraz, maintained fully vital cells after veraison and during berry expansion, but began to show cell death in the mesocarp and endocarp at or near the time that the berries attain maximum weight. This corresponded to a change in rate of accumulation of solutes in the berry and the beginning of weight loss in Shiraz, but not in Chardonnay. Continuous decline in mesocarp and endocarp cell vitality occurred for both varieties until normal harvest dates. Shiraz grapes classified as high quality and sourced from a different vineyard also showed the same death response at the same time after anthesis, but they displayed a more consistent pattern of pericarp cell death. The table grape, Thompson seedless, showed near to 100% vitality for all cells throughout development and well past normal harvest date, except for berries with noticeable berry collapse that were treated with giberellic acid. The high cell vitality in Thompson seedless berries corresponded to negative xylem pressures that contrasted to the slightly positive pressures for Shiraz and Chardonnay. We hypothesise that two variety dependent strategies exist for grapevine berries late in development: (1) programmed cell death in the pericarp and loss of osmotically competent membranes that requires concomitant reduction in the hydraulic conductance via the xylem to the vine; (2) continued cell vitality and osmotically competent membranes that can allow high hydraulic conductance to the vine.
Growth, nutrition, and soil respiration of a mycorrhiza-defective tomato mutant and its mycorrhizal wild-type progenitor
Authors: Cavagnaro Timothy R. , Langley Adam J. , Jackson Louise E. , Smukler Sean M. , Koch George W.
Published: April 2008

The effects of colonisation of roots by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on soil respiration, plant growth, nutrition, and soil microbial communities were assessed using a mycorrhiza-defective tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) mutant and its mycorrhizal wild-type progenitor. Plants were grown in rhizocosms in an automated respiration monitoring system over the course of the experiment (79 days). Soil respiration was similar in the two tomato genotypes, and between P treatments with plants. Mycorrhizal colonisation increased P and Zn content and decreased root biomass, but did not affect aboveground plant biomass. Soil microbial biomass C and soil microbial communities based on phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis were similar across all treatments, suggesting that the two genotypes differed little in their effect on soil activity. Although approximately similar amounts of C may have been expended belowground in both genotypes, they may have differed in the relative C allocation to root construction v. respiration. Further, net soil respiration did not differ between the two tomato genotypes, but root dry weight was lower in mycorrhizal roots, and respiration of mycorrhizal roots per unit dry weight was higher than nonmycorrhizal roots. This indicates that the AM contribution to soil respiration may indeed be significant, and nutrient uptake per unit C expenditure belowground in this experiment appeared to be higher in mycorrhizal plants.
On the effect of heavy water (D2O) on carbon isotope fractionation in photosynthesis
Authors: Tcherkez Guillaume , Farquhar Graham D.
Published: April 2008

Internal conductance to carbon dioxide is a key aspect of leaf photosynthesis although is still not well understood. It is thought that it comprises two components, namely, a gas phase component (diffusion from intercellular spaces to cell walls) and a liquid phase component (dissolution, diffusion in water, hydration equilibrium). Here we use heavy water (D2O), which is known to slow down CO2 hydration by a factor of nearly three. Using 12C/13C stable isotope techniques and Xanthium strumarium L. leaves, we show that the on-line carbon isotope discrimination (Δ13C, or Δobs) associated with photosynthesis is not significantly decreased by heavy water, and that the internal conductance, estimated with relationships involving the deviation of Δ13C, decreased by 8–40% in 21% O2. It is concluded that in typical conditions, the CO2-hydration equilibrium does not exert an effect on CO2 assimilation larger than 9%. The carbon isotope discrimination associated with CO2 addition to ribulose-1,5,bisphosphate by Rubisco is slightly decreased by heavy water. This effect is proposed to originate from the use of solvent-derived proton/deuteron during the last step of the catalytic cycle of the enzyme (hydration/cleavage).
Role of epsin 1 in synaptic vesicle endocytosis
Authors: Jakobsson Joel , Gad Helge , Andersson Fredrik , Löw Peter , Shupliakov Oleg , Brodin Lennart
Published: April 2008

Epsin has been suggested to act as an alternate adaptor in several endocytic pathways. Its role in synaptic vesicle recycling remains, however, unclear. Here, we examined the role of epsin in this process by using the lamprey reticulospinal synapse as a model system. We characterized a lamprey ortholog of epsin 1 and showed that it is accumulated at release sites at rest and also at clathrin-coated pits in the periactive zone during synaptic activity. Disruption of epsin interactions, by presynaptic microinjection of antibodies to either the epsin-N-terminal homology domain (ENTH) or the clathrin/AP2 binding region (CLAP), caused profound loss of vesicles in stimulated synapses. CLAP antibody-injected synapses displayed a massive accumulation of distorted coated structures, including coated vacuoles, whereas in synapses perturbed with ENTH antibodies, very few coated structures were found. In both cases coated pits on the plasma membrane showed a shift to early intermediates (shallow coated pits) and an increase in size. Moreover, in CLAP antibody-injected synapses flat clathrin-coated patches occurred on the plasma membrane. We conclude that epsin is involved in clathrin-mediated synaptic vesicle endocytosis. Our results support a model, based on
in vitro
studies, suggesting that epsin coordinates curvature generation with coat assembly and further indicating that epsin limits clathrin coat assembly to the size of newly formed vesicles. We propose that these functions of epsin 1 provide an additional mechanism for generation of uniformly sized synaptic vesicles.
Glutamic acid 242 is a valve in the proton pump of cytochrome
c
oxidase
Authors: Kaila Ville R. I. , Verkhovsky Michael I. , Hummer Gerhard , Wikström Mårten
Published: April 2008

Aerobic life is based on a molecular machinery that utilizes oxygen as a terminal electron sink. The membrane-bound cytochrome
c
oxidase (CcO) catalyzes the reduction of oxygen to water in mitochondria and many bacteria. The energy released in this reaction is conserved by pumping protons across the mitochondrial or bacterial membrane, creating an electrochemical proton gradient that drives production of ATP. A crucial question is how the protons pumped by CcO are prevented from flowing backwards during the process. Here, we show by molecular dynamics simulations that the conserved glutamic acid 242 near the active site of CcO undergoes a protonation state-dependent conformational change, which provides a valve in the pumping mechanism. The valve ensures that at any point in time, the proton pathway across the membrane is effectively discontinuous, thereby preventing thermodynamically favorable proton back-leakage while maintaining an overall high efficiency of proton translocation. Suppression of proton leakage is particularly important in mitochondria under physiological conditions, where production of ATP takes place in the presence of a high electrochemical proton gradient.
Labouring and Learning towards Competitiveness: The Future of Local Labour Markets after Harker, Leitch and Freud
Authors: Nunn Alex , Johnson Steve
Published: April 2008

In 1999 Geddes and Newman highlighted five key tensions in New Labour's adoption of the ‘new centrist’ approach to Local Economic Development (LED). This article reflects on the continuing relevance of these tensions in relation local labour markets and in the light of the publication of three major independent reviews of policy in relation to child poverty, skills provision and welfare reform and the Government's response to these. It suggests that in the main the tensions identified by Geddes and Newman remain relevant, especially within the emerging national policy framework. However, it also ends optimistically, by suggesting that there is scope for LED actors to piece together an approach which can begin to move toward a resolution of the tensions through bringing together employment and skills policies at the local level, developing more effective models of partnership working (including with employers), and taking the sustainability agenda more seriously.
A New Policy for Britain's Cities: Choices, Challenges, Contradictions
Authors: Turok Ivan
Published: April 2008

The general perception of cities has been transformed over the last decade. The purpose of the article is to consider the idea and reality of urban revitalisation and to examine whether the government's emerging spatial policy will help to strengthen and sustain the revival. Evidence shows that there has been a significant improvement in urban economic conditions in recent years, but the short-term outlook is less favourable. While the government has taken some useful steps along the road to a more effective policy for cities, there is further to go. There are also important dilemmas to be addressed that go beyond a simple spatial fix.
Synthetic Versus Tissue‐Engineered Implants for Joint Replacement
Authors: Shepherd Duncan E. T. , Azangwe Godfrey
Published: April 2008

Human synovial joints are remarkable as they can last for a lifetime. However, they can be affected by disease that may lead to destruction of the joint surface. The most common treatment in the advanced stages of joint disease is artificial joint replacement, where the diseased synovial joint is replaced with an artificial implant made from synthetic materials, such as metals and polymers. A new technique for repairing diseased synovial joints is tissue engineering where cells are used to grow replacement tissue. This paper explores the relative merits of synthetic and tissue‐engineered implants, using joint replacement as an example. Synthetic joint replacement is a well‐established procedure with the advantages of early mobilisation, pain relief and high patient satisfaction. However, synthetic implants are not natural tissues; they can cause adverse reactions to the body and there could be a mismatch in mechanical properties compared to natural tissues. Tissue‐engineered implants offer great potential and have major advantages over synthetic implants as they are natural tissue, which should ensure that they are totally biocompatible, have the correct mechanical properties and integrate well with the existing tissue. However, there are still many limitations to be addressed in tissue engineering such as scaling up for production, bioreactor design, appropriate regulation and the potential for disease to attack the new tissue‐engineered implant.
Oscillatory Adaptive Yaw‐Plane Control of Biorobotic Autonomous Underwater Vehicles Using Pectoral‐Like Fins
Authors: Naik Mugdha S. , Singh Sahjendra N.
Published: April 2008

This article considers the control of a biorobotic autonomous underwater vehicle (BAUV) in the yaw plane using biologically inspired oscillatory pectoral‐like fins of marine animals. The fins are assumed to be oscillating harmonically with a combined linear (sway) and angular (yaw) motion producing unsteady forces, which are used for fish‐like control of BAUVs. Manoeuvring of the BAUV in the yaw plane is accomplished by altering the bias (mean) angle of the angular motion of the fin. For the derivation of the adaptive control system, it is assumed that the physical parameters, the hydrodynamic coefficients, and the fin force and moment are not known. A direct adaptive sampled‐data control system for the trajectory control of the yaw‐angle using only yaw‐angle measurement is derived. The parameter adaptation law is based on the normalised gradient scheme. Simulation results for the set point control, sinusoidal trajectory tracking and turning manoeuvres are presented, which show that the control system accomplishes precise trajectory control in spite of the parameter uncertainties.
Exposed and embedded corrections in aphasia therapy: issues of voice and identity
Authors: Simmons‐Mackie Nina , Damico Jack S.
Published: April 2008

Background:Because communication after the onset of aphasia can be fraught with errors, therapist corrections are pervasive in therapy for aphasia. Although corrections are designed to improve the accuracy of communication, some corrections can have social and emotional consequences during interactions. That is, exposure of errors can potentially silence the ‘voice’ of a speaker by orienting to an utterance as unacceptable. Although corrections can marginalize speakers with aphasia, the practice has not been widely investigated.

Aims:A qualitative study of corrections during aphasia therapy was undertaken to describe corrections in therapy, identify patterns of occurrence, and develop hypotheses regarding the potential effects of corrections.

Methods & Procedures:Videotapes of six individual and five group aphasia therapy sessions were analysed. Sequences consistent with a definition of a therapist ‘correction’ were identified. Corrections were defined as instances when the therapist offered a ‘fix’ for a perceived error in the client's talk even though the intent was apparent.

Outcomes & Results:Two categories of correction were identified and were consistent with Jefferson's (1987) descriptions of exposed and embedded corrections. Exposed corrections involved explicit correcting by the therapist, while embedded corrections occurred implicitly within the ongoing talk. Patterns of occurrence appeared consistent with philosophical orientations of therapy sessions. Exposed corrections were more prevalent in sessions focusing on repairing deficits, while embedded corrections were prevalent in sessions focusing on natural communication events (e.g. conversation). In addition, exposed corrections were sometimes used when client offerings were plausible or appropriate, but were inconsistent with therapist expectations.

Conclusions:The observation that some instances of exposed corrections effectively silenced the voice or self‐expression of the person with aphasia has significant implications for outcomes from aphasia therapy. By focusing on accurate productions versus communicative intents, therapy runs the risk of reducing self‐esteem and communicative confidence, as well as reinforcing a sense of ‘helplessness’ and disempowerment among people with aphasia. The results suggest that clinicians should carefully calibrate the use of exposed and embedded corrections to balance linguistic and psychosocial goals.
Multiple voices in clinical discourse and as clinical intervention
Authors: Hengst Julie A. , Duff Melissa C. , Prior Paul A.
Published: April 2008

Background: Grounded in sociocultural theories of language development and use, this paper explores the concept of dialogic voice. Building on the term ‘dialogue’, dialogic voice points to the fundamentally social nature of language‐in‐use. From this perspective, language emerges from specific histories and thus carries the multiple voices of previous speakers. People draw on these voices to think about and represent the world, communicate with others, construct their own identities, and engage in play. Prior (2001) identified three key dimensions of dialogic voicing: typified social voices, re‐envoicing others' words and acts, and personalized voice.

Aims: To present a theoretical framing for dialogic voice; to detail the dimensions of dialogic voice; and to offer a preliminary analysis of dialogic voicing in clinical discourse.

Methods & Procedures: Data consisted of ten treatment sessions for a 67‐year‐old man with amnesia and aphasia, using a collaborative barrier task protocol. Discourse analysis and selective coding were used to identify the three dimensions of dialogic voice in both clinician and client utterances.

Outcomes & Results: During this collaborative task, the client and clinician produced an array of voices, including: (1) typified social voices to display professional expertise, family identities, and shared interests; (2) re‐envoicing others' words and acts in both task and non‐task interactions; and (3) personalized voicing, displayed mostly in the client's discourse.

Conclusions: Attention to dialogic voicing offers a way to see and reflect on the heterogeneity of discourse and the multiple identities that clinicians and clients alike can, and do, display in clinical settings. Tracing the complex interplay of multiple voices provides us with insights into rich communicative environments that, from a sociocultural perspective, provide opportunities for initiating change in the communicative practices of clients, their communicative partners, and ultimately clinical practice itself.
Multiple voices in Charles Van Riper's desensitization therapy
Authors: Leahy Margaret M.
Published: April 2008

Background: Charles Van Riper (1905–94) author, researcher and practitioner, was one of the major contributors to the field of stuttering in the 20th century. His series of Action Therapy videotapes provide a useful model of how therapy was implemented by a master clinician.

Aims: Van Riper's session with a client is analysed to reveal how voices are used by these two participants during desensitization therapy, and to demonstrate how Van Riper's expertise manifests itself during the session.

Methods & Procedures: Interaction between Van Riper and a client during the desensitization stage of therapy was transcribed, annotated, and analysed using Goffman's (1974) frame analysis. Elements in the extensive discourse (about 4800 words exchanged) were chosen to illustrate a range of distinctive voices used by Van Riper and the client during this ‘crucial’ stage of therapy.

Outcomes & Results: Van Riper shifts his voice throughout the session. His comments are sometimes directed to the viewing audience, at which times he tends to use the voice of an exegeter. When directing his comments to the client, he uses two voices: an authoritative one and one that aligns with the person's feelings. The voice of the client is often silenced, especially when Van Riper is being authoritative. Sometimes Van Riper uses his expertise by speaking through the voice of the client. This is especially true when summarizing what the client might be feeling. The true voice of the client emerges only occasionally. Detailed discourse analysis focusing on the roles played by participants as revealed through footings taken by speakers show complexity in the interaction that is not obvious at surface level.

Conclusions: By using discourse analysis, the multiple voices that Van Riper uses to achieve the complex tasks involved in desensitization can be specified.
Scaling of rotation and momentum confinement in JET plasmas
Authors: de Vries P.C. , Hua M.-D. , McDonald D.C. , Giroud C. , Janvier M. , Johnson M.F. , Tala T. , Zastrow K.-D.
Published: April 2008

An extensive database to study the scaling of rotation and momentum transport has been constructed at JET. The database contains information from various operational scenarios, amongst them H-mode discharges, and parameters that characterize the rotation, as well as those that describe the general plasma conditions. JET plasmas are predominantly heated by neutral beam injection which is also the main source for the observed toroidal rotation. Dimensionless Mach numbers are introduced to quantify rotation. The scaling of plasma rotation and the Mach numbers in particular has been studied. The thermal and Alfvén Mach numbers were found to scale inversely withqand with the ratio of torque and additional heating power. Although the momentum and energy confinement times were found to be of the same magnitude, the ratio was found to vary. Regression analyses showed a dependence of both the energy and momentum confinement times on plasma rotation. If rotation was included in the scaling model of energy and momentum confinement the quality of the fits substantially improved. Detailed analysis of the core and edge (pedestal) confinement showed that momentum confinement was improved in the core of the plasma compared with the energy confinement. However, the pedestal proved to be less confining for the momentum than for the energy.
Efficacy of Nodal Dissection for Treatment of Persistent/Recurrent Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Schuff Kathryn G. , Weber Stephen M. , Givi Babak , Samuels Mary H. , Andersen Peter E. , Cohen James I.
Published: April 2008

Context: Although commonly performed, data are lacking regarding efficacy and safety of lymph node dissection (LND) for recurrent/persistent papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).

Objective: Evaluate the efficacy and morbidity of LND in recurrent/persistent PTC.

Design: Retrospective review of central or lateral LND performed for persistent/recurrent PTC between January 2004 and March 2006.

Setting: Multidisciplinary thyroid cancer clinic with a single surgeon at an academic medical center.

Participants: Seventy‐five patients who underwent 79 LND for persistent/residual PTC. Safety analysis included all 79 resections. Exclusion criteria for the efficacy analysis were factors prohibiting evaluation of thyroglobulin (Tg) response. Forty‐one resections were included in the efficacy analysis.

Intervention: Selective LND per standard of care.

Main Outcome Measure: Primary outcome was the Tg response to LND. Secondary outcomes were surgical complications.

Results: Thirty‐nine of the 41 evaluable resections also had Tg data allowing classification of Tg response. Of 39 classifiable resections, 16 (41%) resulted in undetectable postoperative stimulated Tg levels. An additional 12 resections resulted in significant (≥50%) reductions in suppressed or stimulated Tg levels for an overall improvement rate of 72%. Of all 79 resections, 25 (32%) resulted in minor and 7 (9%) resulted in major complications.

Conclusions: LND for persistent/recurrent PTC is a relatively safe procedure in experienced hands. It can lead to an undetectable Tg in 41% of cases and produce a major Tg reduction in an additional 31%. Its efficacy in short‐term follow‐up is comparable with that reported for I‐131, and it should be considered in the management of persistent/recurrent PTC.
Safety and Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin Therapy in Otorhinolaryngology: Experience From 1,000 Treatments
Authors: Helmstaedter Victor , Wittekindt Claus , Huttenbrink Karl‐Bernd , Guntinas‐Lichius Orlando
Published: April 2008

Objectives: The objective of this study was to analyze the safety and efficacy of botulinum toxin (BTX) therapy in a series of 1,000 treatments on 261 consecutive patients at the University Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Cologne, Germany.

Study Design/Methods: A prospective computer database was analyzed, and all patient charts were reviewed retrospectively. In doing so, the main focus was put on patient characteristics, treatment methods, efficacy, unwanted side effects, and reinjection rate.

Results: A total of 16 different indications were treated with BTX belonging to the categories of focal dystonias, focal hyperhidrotic syndromes, and cosmetic dermatology. The overall morbidity was 1.3%, exclusively consisting of minor side effects. These were all reversible and mostly caused by paralysis of adjacent musculature. We did not observe any severe complications. Three (1.2%) patients developed a secondary nonresponse to BTX type A (BTX‐A). Their treatment was continued with BTX type B. In 2.8% of treatments, patients thought the clinical effect was weak and returned for reinjection within 4 weeks after the first treatment.

Conclusion: The experience from the largest patient series known confirms that BTX‐A injections are the therapy of choice for many forms of focal hyperhidrotic syndromes, focal dystonia, and hyperfunctional lines. It is an effective and safe treatment with only minor side effects. For optimal individual results, a thorough documentation of each treatment is necessary. Dosages should be as low as possible to reduce the probability of a patient developing a secondary nonresponse.
Computer‐Assisted Quantitative Evaluation of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Using Digitalized Endoscopic Imaging with Muller Maneuver
Authors: Ko Ming‐Tse , Su Chih‐Ying
Published: April 2008

Objective: To validate the technique of the Muller maneuver (MM) using videoendoscopy and to quantify the correlation between its clinical results and variables of polysomnography.

Study Design: Prospective, controlled study.

Methods: Videoendoscopy with MM was performed in 70 patients who were categorized into two groups, with 35 patients giving a history suggestive of snoring and 35 patients without such history. The snoring group underwent further examination with polysomnography. Cross‐sectional areas at the retropalatal (RP) and retrolingual (RL) levels during quiet respiration (RP0 or RL0) and the maximal effort of MM (RP1 or RL1) were calculated with the digital measurement software “Image J.” One hundred forty pairs of data were acquired. The collapsing ratio (CR) was defined as the difference of RP0 (or RL0) between RP1 (or RL1) divided by RP0 (or RL0) to compare the difference between the two phases. These results were compared with each other and correlated to the variables obtained from polysomnographic studies.

Results: There were significant differences in the CR of RP (CRRP), the CR of RL (CRRL), and body mass index (BMI) when comparing the two groups. In snoring patients, BMI was positively related to the respiratory disturbance index (RDI) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) staging but not to CRRP and CRRL. CRRP had a significant positive relationship with RDI and OSA rather than CRRL.

Conclusion: MM with videoendoscopy can be a simple, cost‐effective, quantitative, and even predictable technique. This method allows us to examine the dynamic upper airway for more precise preoperative planning.