bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural and traumatic sports-related fatalities: A 10 year retrospective study.
Authors: Turk Elisabeth Elena
Published: August 2007

Objective:to identify the most frequent causes of death during sports activity and to elucidate which groups of sportsmen and sportswomen are particularly in danger of dying during sports and to find out in which types of sport the majority of fatalities occur.

Design and setting:we performed a 10 year autopsy-based retrospective study of all 48335 fatalities in Hamburg and the surrounding areas that were subjected to police investigations between 1997 and 2006 and screened for sports-related deaths.

Main outcome measures:cause of death depending on form of sport, age and risk factors.

Results:The vast majority of the deceased were male. In natural deaths, cardiac causes were the most common, with running and football being the most frequent forms of sport. In some of the cases, sports medical examinations had been performed, certifying eligibility for the respective activity. Traumatic deaths were found in all age groups, preferring younger age groups than natural deaths, and expectedly occurred more frequently in “risky” outdoor activities.

Conclusions:Although exercise can have beneficial effects on health, fatalities occur related to sports activity. Cardiac disease is the major cause of sudden death from natural causes. In patients with pre-existing coronary heart disease, left ventricular hypertrophy seems to be a risk factor for exercise-related sudden death. Traumatic deaths often happen on holidays outside the country and are most frequently attributable to drowning and blunt trauma. Preparticipation medical screening can not always prevent fatal incidents during sports activity. Postmortem macroscopic and histologic examination can clarify the cause of death and legal issues.
Apoptosis is a major cause of so-called “caseous necrosis” in mycobacterial granulomas in HIV-infected patients
Authors: Leong A S-Y , Wannakrairot P , Leong T Y-M
Published: August 2007

Aim:

To demonstrate that so-called “caseous necrosis” is the result of apoptosis and investigate the association of B and T cells, and macrophages with the granulomas and their relationship to some apoptosis-related proteins.

Methods:

Cervical lymph node biopsy specimens from 55 HIV-infected Thai patients with caseating granulomas, confluent caseating granulomas, sarcoid-like granulomas, foamy macrophage response, pseudo-inflammatory tumour response or non-specific lymphoid hyperplasia were examined histologically and for apoptosis by immunostaining for caspase 3 and TUNEL. Classic tuberculoid caseating granulomas in cervical lymph node and lungs from non-HIV-infected patients were also stained with caspase 3.

Results:

All areas of caseous necrosis frequently displayed extensive apoptosis that readily accounted for the so-called “necrosis”. Small foci of apoptosis were present in the other reaction patterns and fibrotic granulomas often showed residual apoptosis. The extent of apoptosis was inversely related to the numbers of identifiable acid-fast bacilli; all epithelioid macrophages revealed strong immunoexpression of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Fas, whereas the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was not present. Apoptosis occurred in CD68+ macrophages and CD3+ CD8+ T cells; all nodes were deficient of CD4+ cells. CD8+ T cells were intimately related to the apoptotic foci, suggesting a role in the process, particularly in the absence of CD4+ cells. In non-HIV-infected cases, similar extensive apoptosis was confirmed with caspase 3.

Conclusions:

So-called “caseous necrosis” is shown for the first time to be the result of apoptosis. In the absence of CD4+ cells the findings negate many of the postulated mechanisms of apoptosis in the murine model and have implications for the treatment of mycobacterial infections.
European and US publications in the 50 highest ranking pathology journals from 2000 to 2006
Authors: Fritzsche F R , Oelrich B , Dietel M , Jung K , Kristiansen G
Published: August 2007

Aims:

To analyse the contributions of the 15 primary member states of the European Union and selected non-European countries to pathological research between 2000 and 2006.

Methods:

Pathological journals were screened using ISI Web of Knowledge database. The number of publications and related impact factors were determined for each country. Relevant socioeconomic indicators were related to the scientific output. Subsequently, results were compared to publications in 10 of the leading biomedical journals.

Results:

The research output remained generally stable. In Europe, the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain ranked top concerning contributions to publications and impact factors in the pathological and leading general biomedical journals. With regard to socioeconomic data, smaller, mainly northern European countries showed a relatively higher efficiency. Of the lager countries, the UK is the most efficient in that respect. The rising economic powers of China and India were consistently in the rear.

Conclusions:

Results mirror the leading role of the USA in pathology research but also show the relevance of European scientists. The scientometric approach in this study provides a new fundamental and comparative overview of pathology research in the European Union and the USA which could help to benchmark scientific output among countries.
CAMBIAL BEHAVIOR WITH REFERENCE TO CELL LENGTH AND RING WIDTH IN PICEA
Authors: Bannan M. W.
Published: September 2007

This study deals with the relationships between length of wood cells, width of annual rings, and frequency of multiplicative (pseudotransverse) divisions in fusiform cambial cells of Picea. Species investigated were P. engelmanni, P. glauca, P. mariana, and P. sitchensis. Observations were based on the recent growth of trees 10–20 in. in diameter, and in the case of P. sitchensis included trees up to 7 ft in diameter. In general, maximum cell length was associated with a ring width of 1–2 mm. Cell length declined with increase in ring width, and also decreased slightly when ring width fell below the optimum level. The frequency of pseudotransverse divisions in the cambium remained at a more or less uniform rate in trees with rings 2–8 mm wide, but rose sharply as ring width dropped below 1 mm. The slight reduction in cell length in narrow rings was apparently associated with the rise in frequency of multiplicative divisions in the cambium. Maximum cell length was observed in P. sitchensis. The shortest cells and lowest frequency of multiplicative divisions were noted in P. engelmanni. As ring width decreased a higher proportion of the pseudotransverse divisions occurred during the late seasonal growth. The orientation of the partition in pseudotransverse division tended to be unidirectional, but reversals in direction of tilt occurred after varied intervals.
VERNALIZATION OF TRITICUM VULGARE (VAR. RIDEAU): MORPHOLOGICAL STUDIES
Authors: Weinberger Pearl , Godin C.
Published: September 2007

Leaf length and dry weight measurements indicated that vernalization accelerated all stages of leaf development although the maximum leaf size was unaffected. Vernalization caused a great increase in meristematic activity of the root tip.
THE EFFECTS OF SHORT DAYS ON FRUITSET AS DISTINCT FROM FLOWER FORMATION IN SOYBEANS
Authors: Fisher J. E.
Published: September 2007

Certain soybean varieties flowered, but did not set fruit under 20-hour photoperiods. Three short (12-hour) photoperiods applied 1 or more weeks after the beginning of flowering induced fruitset which continued throughout the flowering period. One short day was not sufficient. Three short days given to vegetative plants before flowering induced earlier flowering but not fruitset. Short-day treatments applied at the first sign of flowering were also ineffective. Flowering but non-fruiting long-day plants did not produce normal anthers of viable pollen. Individual flowers set fruit if fertilized with viable pollen from plants grown continuously under short days.
OBSERVATIONS ON SOME NEW AND UNUSUAL ENTEROPHILOUS PHYCOMYCETES
Authors: Whisler Howard C.
Published: September 2007

Representatives from the three trichomycete orders: the Amoebidiales, Eccrinales, and Harpellales were found in various arthropods from Western North America. Amoebidium parasilicum Cienk. was noted on Cladocera and Phyllopoda. Paramoebidum sp. was found in the hindgut of mayfly larvae collected from four localities in California. A bifurcate eccrinid, Enterobryus bifurcatus sp. nov. with a median holdfast and two sporulating thallus arms was taken from the hindgut of the milliped, Californiobolus uncigerus Wood. The marine eccrinid Enterobryus hyalophilus Cronin and Johnson was found as an abundant commensal in the digestive tract of Emerita anatoga Stimpson. A new harpellid, Pteromaklron protrudens, is described as a commensal in, and protruding out of, the hindgut of the mayfly, Calibaetis pacificus Seemann. Genistella ramosa Léger and Gauthier was also found in mayfly larvae, and a possible germination mechanism for the zygospore is discussed. Attempts to culture the intestinal trichomycetes were unsuccessful. Speculations on the homogeneity of the class Trichomycetes, with special reference to the character of the cell wall, are included.
ON THE ECOLOGY AND PARASITISM OF THE COSTA RICAN TREE MISTLETOE, GAIADENDRON PUNCTATUM (RUIZ & PAVON) G. DON.
Authors: Kuijt Job
Published: September 2007

The ecological setting and distribution of Gaiadendron pundatum (Ruiz & Pavon) G. Don in Costa Rica are described. The species occurs in a variety of epiphytic and terrestrial habitats, the latter probably being a result of man's interference in the structure of the forest.The plant is a stoloniferous parasite. The gross morphology of haustoria is described; self-parasitism is common. Two ferns and an ericaceous shrub were positively identified as hosts.An account is given of germination and the early development of seedlings.
Correlation of physical surfaces, bentonites, and biozones in the Cretaceous Colorado Group from the Alberta Foothills to southwest Saskatchewan, and a revision of the Belle Fourche - Second White Specks formational boundary
Authors: Tyagi Aditya , Plint A Guy , McNeil David H
Published: August 2007

New allostratigraphic correlations in west-central Alberta show that flooding surfaces in the Sunkay and basal Vimy members of the Blackstone Formation can be traced eastward from Burnt Timber Creek for >500 km to western Saskatchewan, and for 350 km northward into the Dunvegan and Kaskapau formations. At Burnt Timber Creek, a Miliammina manitobensis microfauna in the lowest 1 m of the Sunkay Member indicates equivalence to the Westgate Formation, and an overlying 70 cm conglomerate is correlative with the Fish Scales Formation. Overlying mudstones contain foraminifera of the Verneuilinoides perplexus Zone, indicative of the middle Cenomanian Belle Fourche Formation. The base of the Second White Specks Formation, as currently defined in core in eastern Alberta, equates in outcrop with the lower part of the Sunkay, rather than the base of the Vimy Member as previously thought. The base of the Second White Specks Formation should be placed about 35 m higher in the stratotype core. A bentonite located 9.3 m above the base of the Sunkay Member at Burnt Timber Creek lies near the highest occurrence of Evolutinella sp. aff. E. apricarius, indicating proximity to the "X" bentonite, recognized across the prairies and traceable north into allomember C of the Dunvegan alloformation. A thick bentonite 93.2 m above the base of the Burnt Timber Creek section lies 4 m above the base of the Vimy Member; this bentonite, traceable from northern British Columbia to New Mexico, lies a few metres below the Cenomanian–Turonian boundary and is here formally named the Bighorn River Bentonite.
NOVEL TOPOLOGICAL INVARIANT IN THE U(1) GAUGE FIELD THEORY
Authors: DUAN YISHI , ZHANG XINHUI , ZHAO LI
Published: August 2007

Based on the decomposition of U(1) gauge potential theory and the ϕ-mapping topological current theory, the three-dimensional knot invariant and a four-dimensional new topological invariant are discussed in the U(1) gauge field.
HYBRIDGEN: A MODEL FOR THE STUDY OF QCD HYBRID STATES
Authors: BRISUDOVA BARNAS M. , GOLDMAN T.
Published: August 2007

We study the mixing of excited states of a hydrogen atom in a cavity with de-excited states plus a confined photon as a model for the coupling of quark–antiquark and quark–antiquark–gluon hybrid states in QCD. For an interesting range of parameters, the results are analytic. We find a case for which wave functions (and hence decay patterns) may be at odds with mass with respect to identification of a state as hybrid or not.
MICROCANONICAL MONTE CARLO STUDY OF FIRST-ORDER TRANSITION IN A 2D CLASSICAL XY-MODEL
Authors: OTA SMITA , OTA SNEHADRI BIHARI
Published: September 2007

The microcanonical ensemble given by Boltzmann is used in the computer Monte Carlo simulation of 2D classical XY-model with the modified nearest neighbour interaction potential suggested by Domany, Schick and Swendsen. A relatively simple method to identify first-order transition in computer simulations of a statistical system is described. The critical value of p2 in this XY-model is determined using this method; which is found to increase with system size obeying a power law.
CONVOLUTION THEOREM OF THE COMPLEX FRACTIONAL FOURIER TRANSFORMATION DERIVED BY TRANSFORMATION OF ENTANGLED STATES
Authors: FAN HONG-YI , LU HAI-LIANG , REN HAO
Published: September 2007

Based on our previous paper [H.-Y. Fan and H.-L. Lu, Int. J. Mod. Phys.19, 799 (2005)] and the two mutually-conjugate entangled state representations, we derive the convolution theorem of complex fractional Fourier transformation in the context of quantum mechanics. This approach seems convenient and neat.
SNAP-BACK REPELLERS AND CHAOTIC TRAVELING WAVES IN ONE-DIMENSIONAL CELLULAR NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: CHANG YA-WEN , JUANG JONQ , LI CHIN-LUNG
Published: September 2007

In 1998, Chen et al. [1998] found an error in Marotto's paper [1978]. It was pointed out by them that the existence of an expanding fixed point z of a map F in Br( z ), the ball of radius r with center at z does not necessarily imply that F is expanding in Br( z ). Subsequent efforts (see e.g. [Chen et al., 1998; Lin et al., 2002; Li & Chen, 2003]) in fixing the problems have some discrepancies since they only give conditions for which F is expanding "locally". In this paper, we give sufficient conditions so that F is "globally" expanding. This, in turn, gives more satisfying definitions of a snap-back repeller. We then use those results to show the existence of chaotic backward traveling waves in a discrete time analogy of one-dimensional Cellular Neural Networks (CNNs). Some computer evidence of chaotic traveling waves is also given.
IDENTIFICATION OF BINARY CELLULAR AUTOMATA FROM SPATIO-TEMPORAL BINARY PATTERNS USING A FOURIER REPRESENTATION
Authors: GUO L. Z. , BILLINGS S. A.
Published: September 2007

The identification of binary cellular automata from spatio-temporal binary patterns is investigated in this paper. Instead of using the usual Boolean or multilinear polynomial representation, the Fourier transform representation of Boolean functions is employed in terms of a Fourier basis. In this way, the orthogonal forward regression least-squares algorithm can be applied directly to detect the significant terms and to estimate the associated parameters. Compared with conventional methods, the new approach is much more robust to noise. Examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
ON HOMOCLINIC CHAOS AND A CONTROL CHAOS STRATEGY APPLIED TO A FREE-JOINT NONHOLONOMIC MANIPULATOR
Authors: CASSIANO JEFFERSON , BALTHAZAR JOSÉ MANOEL
Published: September 2007

In this work, the occurrence of chaos (homoclinic scene) is verified in a robotic system with two degrees of freedom by using Poincaré–Mel'nikov method. The studied problem was based on experimental results of a two-joint planar manipulator — first joint actuated and the second joint free — that resides in a horizontal plane. This is the simplest model of nonholonomic free-joint manipulators. The purpose of the present study is to verify analytically those results and to suggest a control strategy.
STABILIZATION OF CHAOTIC SYSTEMS USING LINEAR SAMPLED-DATA CONTROLLER
Authors: LAM H. K. , LEUNG F. H. F.
Published: September 2007

This paper proposes a linear sampled-data controller for the stabilization of chaotic system. The system stabilization and performance issues will be investigated. Stability conditions will be derived based on the Lyapunov approach. The findings of the maximum sampling period and the feedback gain of controller, and the optimization of system performance will be formulated as a generalized eigenvalue minimization problem. Based on the analysis result, a stable linear sampled-data controller can be realized systematically to stabilize a chaotic system. An example of stabilizing a Lorenz system will be given to illustrate the design procedure and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
ON THE NUMBER OF LIMIT CYCLES IN NEAR-HAMILTONIAN POLYNOMIAL SYSTEMS
Authors: HAN MAOAN , CHEN GUANRONG , SUN CHENGJUN
Published: September 2007

In this paper we study a general near-Hamiltonian polynomial system on the plane. We suppose the unperturbed system has a family of periodic orbits surrounding a center point and obtain some sufficient conditions to find the cyclicity of the perturbed system at the center or a periodic orbit. In particular, we prove that for almost all polynomial Hamiltonian systems the perturbed systems with polynomial perturbations of degree n have at most n(n + 1)/2 - 1 limit cycles near a center point. We also obtain some new results for Lienard systems by applying our main theorems.
IMPULSIVE EFFECT OF CONTINUOUS-TIME NEURAL NETWORKS UNDER PURE STRUCTURAL VARIATIONS
Authors: GUI ZHANJI , GE WEIGAO
Published: September 2007

By using the continuation theorem of coincidence degree theory and constructing suitable Lyapunov functions, we study the existence, uniqueness and global exponential stability of periodic solution for continuous-time neural networks under pure structural variations with impulsive perturbations: [Formula: see text] The results extend earlier ones where impulses are absent. Further, using numerical simulation method the influences of the impulsive perturbations on the inherent oscillation are investigated.
r-CONSECUTIVE-k-OUT-OF-n: F SYSTEMS WITH DEPENDENT COMPONENTS
Authors: GHORAF NAMIR
Published: August 2007

An "r-consecutive-k-out-of-n: F system" consists of n linearly ordered components. The system fails if and only if at least r non-overlapping sequences of k consecutive components fail. In this paper we examine this system in the case where the failure probability of a given component depends upon the state (good or failed) of the preceding one i.e. the states of the components form a Markov chain. First we give a recursive formula of the failure probability of such a system when the transition probabilities qi,0,qi,1 are not identical where qi,0 (respectively qi,1) is the probability that component i fails given that the preceding one fails (respectively works), for i = 1, 2, …, n. Secondly we treat a special case of the same system where qj,0 = qi,0 and qj,1 = qi,1 for j = mk + i (1 ≤ i ≤ k), and we call such a system an r-consecutive-k-out-of-n: F system with cycle (or period) k with Markov-dependent components, and in this case also we give a formula of the failure probability of the system.
A SYSTEM TO SUPPORT TEAM CREATION
Authors: LI XINMIAO , ZHANG PENGZHU , XIE LUNING , GE RUYI
Published: September 2007

Creation has been regarded as the most valuable advantage of corporations since the 1990s. However, team creation generally lacks effective support methods and support tools at present. It is important to research how to support team creation. In this paper, we design a system to support team creation, the main functions of which are team information record, knowledge visualization, and information relationship recognition.
META-SYNTHESIS SYSTEM APPROACH TO KNOWLEDGE SCIENCE
Authors: GU JIFA , TANG XIJIN
Published: September 2007

Meta-synthesis system approach (MSA) is proposed to tackle with open complex giant systems (OCGS) problems by Chinese system scientists since the late 1980s. Its essential idea can be simplified as from confident qualitative hypothesis to vigorous quantitative validation. To apply this approach, the synthesis of human expert opinions and emergent knowing, machines' powerful computing capacity and the available knowledge and cases are specifically emphasized from the perspective of systems engineering practice. Then the MSA practice may bring new understandings, knowledge and even paradigms about messy and unknown issues, which are under exploration in knowledge science research. In this paper, MSA to knowledge science is addressed. After brief introduction of meta-synthesis approach, a working flow of MSA during problem solving process is addressed and leads to meta-synthetic view toward knowledge science, especially on knowledge creation. Next comes brief introduction to a test for demonstrating the MSA to a macroeconomic problem, which shows a new paradigm to macroeconomic problem solving, a kind of knowledge creation which is different from general macroeconomic problem solving.
STRUCTURAL AND ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF Sr(N3)2 UNDER PRESSURE
Authors: DONG FANGFANG , CHENG XINLU , GE SUHONG
Published: September 2007

Structural and electronic properties of Sr ( N 3)2 under pressure up to 120 GPa are studied by means of SIESTA calculation. The pressure–angle as well as the cell parameters relation respect to pressure is employed to study the structural changes under pressure. The obtained N–N bond length at zero pressure is in agreement with the other works. The energy band gap takes on the trend of decreasing below 20 GPa and this trend could result in the reduction of the stability for Sr ( N 3)2 crystal, but at 30 GPa it increases suddenly. And polymorphic transformation is observed. The ionic configuration for Sr ( N 3)2 in the fundamental state is estimated to be Sr +1.200 N -0.200. The charge density of N atom is more sensitive to pressure variation than that of Sr atom.
THEORETICAL CALCULATION OF BOND DISSOCIATION ENERGIES AND HEATS OF FORMATION FOR ALKYL NITRATE AND NITRITE COMPOUNDS WITH DENSITY FUNCTIONAL THEORY AND COMPLETE BASIS SET METHOD
Authors: LI XIAO-HONG , ZHANG RUI-ZHOU , CHENG XIN-LU , YANG XIANG-DONG
Published: September 2007

The N – O bond dissociation energies (BDEs) and the heats of formation (HOFs) of alkyl nitrate and nitrite compounds in gas phase at 298.15 K were theoretically calculated. Density functional theory (B3LYP and PBE1PBE) with 6-311+g** and 6-311g** basis sets was employed. It is found that PBE1PBE functional has an average increased BDE of 4.03 kcal/mol from B3LYP functional. What is more, we find the reverse trend in ab initio approach, which is slightly smaller than PBE1PBE. The B3LYP functional is found to be sufficiently reliable to compute the BDEs of alkyl nitrate compounds without the presence of diffusion functions. The BDEs of alkyl nitrite compounds appear to be a constant. The functionals (B3LYP and PBE1PBE) with 6-311g** and 6-311+g** basis sets and CBS-4M ab initio method can all yield good results with respect to the experimental HOFs with the deviation less than 2.0 kcal/mol. As the number of methylene group increases, the HOFs of alkyl nitrate and nitrite compounds increase. In addition, the conclusion of Ventural et al. (J Phys Chem A105:9912, 2001 and Phys Lett245:488, 1995) is confirmed again by our computational results.
STRUCTURE AND VIBRATIONAL FREQUENCIES OF Ph3PCl2 WITH DISCRETE SOLVENT MOLECULES AND IN GAS PHASE
Authors: WANG CHUN-FANG , ZHENG HUI-QIN , WEI HUA-CHUN , ZHANG RUI , CHEN HAI-FENG , WEI DONG-QING
Published: September 2007

Triphenyldichlorophosphorane ( Ph 3 PCl 2) in solution was studied with cluster model of discrete water molecules and the Onsager reaction field model. The geometry of Ph 3 PCl 2– H 2 O cluster is optimized with DFT-PW91 and DZVP basis sets. A weak hydrogen bond is formed between Cl and H atom of the water molecule. The geometry data of Ph 3 PCl 2 molecule is altered due to the presence of water molecule. The bond length of P – Cl 2 increases from 2.501 Å to 2.832 Å, and the P – Cl 1 bond length decreases from 2.113 Å to 2.064 Å. Three C – P bonds have slightly changed. The geometrical parameters of the three benzene rings do not change much upon clustering. To compare with solution structure, gas structure of Ph 3 PCl 2 also was investigated. Four stationary structures were found. The trigonal bipyramidal structure C is a penta-coordinated structure and the most stable one. This is in agreement with the previous research. The trigonal bipyramidal structure C and the ionic structure A has no imaginary frequency. The structure B and structure D have an imaginary frequency of -41.9 cm-1 and -7.4 cm-1, respectively.
MOLECULAR DOCKING STUDY OF THE AFFINITY OF CYP2C9 AND CYP2D6 FOR IMRECOXIB
Authors: YAO YUAN , HAN WEI-WEI , ZHOU YI-HAN , LI ZE-SHENG , LI QIANG , ZHONG DA-FANG
Published: September 2007

With the aid of the automatic molecular docking, the affinity of CYP2C9 and CYP2D6 for imrecoxib was studied by InsightII/Affinity program. The results indicate that CYP2C9–imrecoxib complex has higher stability and stronger affinity because CYP2C9 has more favorable interaction energy (-62.72 kcal/mol) and higher Ludi score (610) with imrecoxib than CYP2D6 (-50.22 kcal/mol and 551) and this is consistent with the results of the kinetic experiments by Li et al. By analyzing the theoretical results combined with the experimental ones, we suggest that the affinity difference is caused by the difference of the structure between CYP2C9 and CYP2D6, and the most important residues for enzyme–substrate complexes, such as Phe476, Asn204, Phe100, Leu366 and Arg108 of CYP2C9 and Phe120, Glu216, and Phe483 of CYP2D6 were also identified.
COMPUTATION OF THREE-CENTER OVERLAP INTEGRALS OVER NONINTEGER n SLATER TYPE ORBITALS USING Ψα-ETO
Authors: GUSEINOV I. I. , MAMEDOV B. A.
Published: September 2007

Using complete orthonormal sets of Ψα-exponential type orbitals (Ψα- ETO , α = 1, 0, -1, -2,…), the three-center overlap integrals over noninteger n STO (NISTO) appearing in the evaluation of multicenter–multielectron integrals of central and noncentral interaction potentials are calculated. The final results are expressed in terms of one- or two-center overlap integrals between NISTO and integer n STO (ISTO). The formulas obtained are valid for arbitrary noninteger principal quantum numbers, screening parameters, and location of NSTO.
THE INVESTIGATION ON ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE AND SECOND-ORDER NONLINEAR OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF II–VI SEMICONDUCTOR CLUSTERS BY TIME-DEPENDENT DENSITY FUNCTIONAL THEORY
Authors: QIU YONGQING , WANG XIAOHONG , LIU YICHUN , YANG GUOCHUN , CHEN HUI
Published: September 2007

Time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) formalism is employed to calculate the electronic spectra of A 3 B 3 II–VI semiconductor clusters based on the geometrical structures optimized at DFT-B3LYP level. Moreover, their second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties are performed by TD-B3LYP combined with sum-over-states (SOS) formula. The calculation results indicate that it is necessary to consider the effective core potential and electron correlation effects when the basis sets are chosen for the heavy atoms. In addition, the results show that the transition energies and HOMO–LUMO gaps of the A 3 B 3 II–VI semiconductor clusters decrease, while the second-order nonlinear optical responses increase with the increasing of VI-group ionic radius. As a result, the SOS formula is valuable to calculate the βμ in the summation of 120 states. Meanwhile, charge transfers from the π bonding to π anti-bonding orbitals between II and VI group atoms significantly contribute to the second-order NLO properties.
DOES P-YLIDIC RADICAL FEATURE THE YLIDIC OR RADICAL CHARACTER TOWARD FORMALDEHYDE?
Authors: XIE HONG-BIN , DING YI-HONG
Published: September 2007

Theoretical investigations are preformed on the model reaction of PH 3 CH + H 2 CO to unravel reactivity of PH 3 CH , so-called Ylide-like radical, at G3MP2 and CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVDZ//MP2/6-311++G(d,p) level. The results indicate that P -Ylidic radical behaves differently from the P -Ylide or usual unsaturated radical toward formaldehyde. For the entrance channels, [2+2] cycloaddition to form oxaphosphetane radical INT1 is more favorable, which is an analogical process to Witting reaction of P -Ylide. So PH 3 CH shows P -Ylide character in entrance channel, which has found the support from the dual one-center frontier–orbital interaction based on Fukui's frontier–orbital theory. However, due to the radical character of INT1, it can competitively give P2 PH 3 CHCHO + H and INT2, but not Witting-type products of alkene and phosphine oxide. At last, INT2 almost can barrierlessly fragmentate to Corey-type products of ethene oxide radical and phosphine. The present study shows that PH 3 CH , Ylide-like radical, has duplicate reactivity of both P-Ylide and radical, and title reaction presents a completely new reaction mechanism, compared with previous well-known H -abstract or addition–elimination mechanism for radical- H 2 CO reactions.
A CONSTRUCTION OF CONVERGENT CASCADE ALGORITHMS IN SOBOLEV SPACES
Authors: CHEN DI-RONG
Published: September 2007

Cascade algorithms play an important role in wavelet analysis and computer graphics. The paper considers the convergence of cascade algorithms in Sobolev spaces. With the help of the factorization of matrix masks, we give a sufficient condition for the convergence. The condition is expressed in the time domain. More importantly, an algorithm for the construction of convergent cascade algorithms in Sobolev space starting from any matrix mask satisfying a mild condition is presented. Examples are given to illustrate our theorems.
Foundation construction at the Bristol Royal Infirmary—Phase 1
Authors: Phillips Lionel , Knill John Lawrence
Published: September 2007

The Bristol Royal Infirmary is located on the south-easterly face of Kingsdown Hill overlooking the centre of Bristol. A series of extensions to the Infirmary have been constructed since 1966 and are planned for the future. The hill is underlain by alternating hard sandstones and mudstones of the Quartzitic Sandstone Group which dip towards the south-east at a steeper angle than the ground slope. The Carboniferous rocks are overlain by the Triassic Dolomitic Conglomerate in the upper part of the site, and by Triassic marls and fill at lower elevations. The hillside has a past record of instability both in superficial materials and in bedrock. The stability of the site had to be judged both overall and in relation to the design and construction of individual structures. The design of the foundations for each of these structures was based upon drilling coupled with a programme of laboratory and
in situ
tests. The largest building is the Outpatients Department which required major basements involving deep excavation into the hillside undercutting the bedding. The foundations for this structure were primarily created by buttresses formed in trench and combined with cross walls so ensuring total stability at all stages of excavation. In contrast, the Radiotherapy Centre is mainly founded on isolated bases carried down to bedrock and appropriately stepped in level. The thick walls between the treatment rooms in the basement were keyed into the quartzitic sandstone or very firm mudstone. The Maternity Hospital, located at the top of the site on thick Triassic deposits, has been founded on large diameter bored piles drilled into the Dolomitic Conglomerate. Attention is drawn to the special problems which arose during construction including the need for controlled blasting for excavation and the control of water, partly in relation to a medieval tunnel system.
Toward Understanding Massive Star Formation
Authors: Zinnecker Hans , Yorke Harold W.
Published: September 2007

Although fundamental for astrophysics, the processes that produce massive stars are not well understood. Large distances, high extinction, and short timescales of critical evolutionary phases make observations of these processes challenging. Lacking good observational guidance, theoretical models have remained controversial. This review offers a basic description of the collapse of a massive molecular core and a critical discussion of the three competing concepts of massive star formation:

▪  monolithic collapse in isolated cores ▪  competitive accretion in a protocluster environment ▪  stellar collisions and mergers in very dense systems

We also review the observed outflows, multiplicity, and clustering properties of massive stars, the upper initial mass function and the upper mass limit. We conclude that high-mass star formation is not merely a scaled-up version of low-mass star formation with higher accretion rates, but partly a mechanism of its own, primarily owing to the role of stellar mass and radiation pressure in controlling the dynamics.
The regulation of the lymphatic secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) by intestinal absorption of fat and carbohydrate
Authors: Lu Wendell J. , Yang Qing , Sun William , Woods Stephen C. , D'Alessio David , Tso Patrick
Published: August 2007

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an important incretin produced in the L cells of the intestine. It is essential in the regulation of insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis. Systemic GLP-1 concentrations are typically low in rodents, so it can be difficult to assay physiological levels or detect changes in response to nutrients. We have established a method of assaying GLP-1 in response to nutrients using the intestinal lymph fistula model. Intraduodenal infusion of Intralipid (4.43 kcal/3 ml) induced a significant increase of lymphatic GLP-1 concentration compared with saline control at the peak of 30 min. ( P < 0.001). Isocaloric and isovolumetric treatment with dextrin, a glucose polymer, also caused a significant fourfold increase in peak concentration at 60 min ( P = 0.001). These findings indicate that intestinal lymph contains high concentrations of postprandial GLP-1. Second, they reveal that GLP-1 secretion into lymph occurs in response to both enteral carbohydrate and fat, but the response to dextrin occurs later than to Intralipid with peak times at 60 and 30 min, respectively. Third, the combination of Intralipid plus dextrin demonstrated an additive effect in the stimulation of GLP-1 with peak at 30 min. These results indicate that assessment of levels in lymph is a novel and powerful means of studying the secretion of GLP-1 and potentially other gastrointestinal hormones in vivo. Furthermore, the lymph fistula rat model provides insight into the gut hormone concentrations to which the neurons and cells in the lamina propria of the gut are likely exposed.
Individual and combined effects of shear stress magnitude and spatial gradient on endothelial cell gene expression
Authors: LaMack Jeffrey A. , Friedman Morton H.
Published: August 2007

The apparent tendency of atherosclerotic lesions to form in complex blood flow environments has led to many theories regarding the importance of hemodynamic forces in endothelium-mediated atherosusceptibility. The effects of shear stress magnitude and spatial shear stress gradient on endothelial cell gene expression in vitro were examined in this study. Converging-width flow channels were designed to impose physiological ranges of shear stress gradient and magnitude on porcine aortic endothelial cells, and real-time quantitative PCR was performed to evaluate their expression of five genes of interest. Although vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression was insensitive to either variable, each of the remaining genes exhibited a unique dependence on shear stress magnitude and gradient. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase showed a strong positive dependence on magnitude but was insensitive to gradient. The expression of c-jun was weakly correlated with magnitude and gradient, without an interaction effect. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression varied inversely with gradient and also depended on the interaction of gradient with magnitude. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression also exhibited an interaction effect, and increased with shear magnitude. These results support the notion that vascular endothelial cells are able to sense shear gradient and magnitude independently.
Exercise improves glucose homeostasis that has been impaired by a high-fat diet by potentiating pancreatic β-cell function and mass through IRS2 in diabetic rats
Authors: Park Sunmin , Hong Sang Mee , Lee Ji Eun , Sung So Ra
Published: August 2007

In this study, we investigated the effects of a high-fat diet and exercise on pancreatic β-cell function and mass and its molecular mechanism in 90% pancreatectomized male rats. The pancreatectomized diabetic rats were given control diets (20% energy) or a high-fat (HF) diet (45% energy) for 12 wk. Half of each group was given regular exercise on an uphill treadmill at 20 m/min for 30 min 5 days/wk. HF diet lowered first-phase insulin secretion with glucose loading, whereas exercise training reversed this decrease. However, second-phase insulin secretion did not differ among the groups. Exercise increased pancreatic β-cell mass. This resulted from stimulated β-cell proliferation and reduced apoptosis, which is associated with potentiated insulin or IGF-I signaling through insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS2) induction. Although the HF diet resulted in decreased proliferation and accelerated apoptosis by weakened insulin and IGF-I signaling from reduction of IRS2 protein, β-cell mass was maintained in HF rats just as much as in control rats via increased individual β-cell size and neogenesis from precursor cells. Consistent with the results of β-cell proliferation, pancreas duodenal homeobox-1 expression increased in the islets of rats in the exercise groups, and it was reduced the most in rats fed the HF diet. In conclusion, exercise combined with a moderate fat diet is a good way to maximize β-cell function and mass through IRS2 induction to alleviate the diabetic condition. This study suggests that dietary fat contents and exercise modulate β-cell function and mass to overcome insulin resistance in two different pathways.
Melanoma Cells Exhibit Variable Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 1 Phosphorylation and a Reduced Response to IFN-α Compared with Immune Effector Cells
Authors: Lesinski Gregory B. , Trefry John , Brasdovich Melanie , Kondadasula Sri Vidya , Sackey Korkor , Zimmerer Jason M. , Chaudhury Abhik Ray , Yu Lianbo , Zhang Xiaoli , Crespin Tim R. , Walker Michael J. , Carson William E.
Published: September 2007

Purpose: IFN-α is administered to melanoma patients and its endogenous production is essential for immune-mediated tumor recognition. We hypothesized that a reduced capacity for signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 1 activation allows melanoma cells to evade the direct actions of IFN-α.

Experimental Design: Tyr701-phosphorylated STAT1 (P-STAT1) was measured by flow cytometry in IFN-α–stimulated human melanoma cell lines, melanoma cells derived from patient tumors, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Expression of other Janus-activated kinase (Jak)-STAT intermediates (STAT1, STAT2, Jak1, tyrosine kinase 2, IFN-α receptor, STAT3, and STAT5) was evaluated by flow cytometry, immunoblot, or immunohistochemistry.

Results: Significant variability in P-STAT1 was observed in human melanoma cell lines following IFN-α treatment (P < 0.05) and IFN-α–induced P-STAT1 correlated with the antiproliferative effects of IFN-α (P = 0.042). Reduced formation of P-STAT1 was not explained by loss of Jak-STAT proteins or enhanced STAT5 signaling as reported previously. Basal levels of P-STAT3 were inversely correlated with IFN-α–induced P-STAT1 in cell lines (P = 0.013). IFN-α–induced formation of P-STAT1 was also variable in melanoma cells derived from patient tumors; however, no relationship between P-STAT3 and IFN-α–induced P-STAT1 was evident. Because IFN-α acts on both tumor and immune cells, we examined the ability of IFN-α to induce P-STAT1 in patient-derived melanoma cells and PBMCs. IFN-α induced significantly lower levels of P-STAT1 in melanoma cells compared with matched PBMCs (P = 0.046). Melanoma cells and human melanocytes required 10-fold higher IFN-α doses to exert P-STAT1 levels comparable with PBMCs.

Conclusions: Melanoma cells are variable in their IFN-α responsiveness, and cells of the melanocytic lineage exhibit a lower capacity for IFN-α–induced Jak-STAT signaling compared with immune cells.
Inherited Variation in Hormone-Regulating Genes and Prostate Cancer Survival
Authors: Lindström Sara , Adami Hans-Olov , Bälter Katarina Augustsson , Xu Jianfeng , Zheng S. Lilly , Stattin Pär , Grönberg Henrik , Wiklund Fredrik
Published: September 2007

Purpose: Hormonal manipulation is the mainstay treatment of prostate cancer, notably in advanced stages. Despite initial favorably response, the cancer eventually develops hormone resistance resulting in disease progression and death. However, little is known about genetic determinants of disease progression and prostate cancer–specific death.

Experimental Design: We analyzed a population-based cohort comprising 2,761 men diagnosed with prostate cancer from March 2001 to October 2003 and with complete follow-up through July 2006. During a median follow-up time of 3.8 years, a total of 300 men had died from prostate cancer. We genotyped 23 haplotype tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms in the genes AR, CYP17, and SRD5A2 and used Cox proportional hazards analyses to quantify associations between genotype and risk of dying from prostate cancer.

Results: The variant ‘A’ allele of an AR promoter single nucleotide polymorphism, rs17302090, was borderline associated with a 50% increased risk of dying from prostate cancer (95% confidence interval, 1.0-2.3; P = 0.07). This finding was more pronounced in patients who received hormonal therapy as primary treatment at diagnosis (hazard ratio, 1.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-2.9; P = 0.007). We did not identify any associations between CYP17 or SRD5A2 variation and prostate cancer–specific death.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that inherited genetic variation in the androgen receptor gene affects hormonal treatment response and ultimately prostate cancer death.
Phase I Study of SS1P, a Recombinant Anti-Mesothelin Immunotoxin Given as a Bolus I.V. Infusion to Patients with Mesothelin-Expressing Mesothelioma, Ovarian, and Pancreatic Cancers
Authors: Hassan Raffit , Bullock Susie , Premkumar Ahalya , Kreitman Robert J. , Kindler Hedy , Willingham Mark C. , Pastan Ira
Published: September 2007

Purpose: To determine the toxicities, maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and pharmacokinetics of the recombinant immunotoxin SS1P (anti-mesothelin dsFv-PE38) in patients with mesothelin-expressing cancers.

Experimental Design: SS1P given as a 30-min i.v. infusion every other day (QOD) for six or three doses was administered to 34 patients with advanced mesothelioma (n = 20), ovarian (n = 12), and pancreatic (n = 2) cancer.

Results: The initial cohort of 17 patients received SS1P QOD × 6 doses and the MTD was 18 μg/kg/dose. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) included grade 3 uticaria (one patient) and grade 3 vascular leak syndrome (two patients). To allow further SS1P dose escalation, 17 patients were treated on the QOD × 3 schedule and the MTD was 45 μg/kg/dose. The DLT was grade 3 pleuritis and was seen in two of two patients treated at a dose of 60 μg/kg and in one of nine patients treated at a dose of 45 μg/kg. At the MTD of 45 μg/kg, the mean Cmax of SS1P was 483 ng/mL and half-life was 466 min. Of the 33 evaluable patients treated, 4 had minor responses, 19 had stable disease (including 2 with resolution of ascites), and 10 had progressive disease.

Conclusions: SS1P is well tolerated with pleuritis as the DLT at the highest dose level. Evidence of clinical activity was noted in a group of heavily pretreated patients. Phase II clinical trials of SS1P are being planned for malignant mesothelioma and other mesothelin-expressing malignancies.
Chemoprevention of Carcinogenic Progression to Esophageal Adenocarcinoma by the Manganese Superoxide Dismutase Supplementation
Authors: Martin Robert C.G. , Liu Qiaohong , Wo John M. , Ray Mukunda B. , Li Yan
Published: September 2007

Purpose: Oxidative stress is related to the carcinogenic pathway of reflux esophagitis to Barrett's metaplasia to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Recent studies have shown that a decreased manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) level is associated with the increased incidences of Barrett's esophagus (BE) and EAC. The aim of this study was to investigate MnSOD supplementation as a chemopreventive agent to prevent oxidative injury and subsequent BE and EAC formation.

Experimental Design: Our esophagoduodenal anastomotic (EDA) model was done on rats according to our established procedure and treated with Mn(III)tetrakis(4-benzoic acid) porphyrin (MnTBAP; 10 mg/kg, i.p. every 3 days). Histologic changes were determined after the EDA model at 1, 3, and 6 months. Lipid peroxidation and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine for DNA oxidative damage were determined by thiobarbituric acid–reactive substance assay and immunohistochemical staining. Enzymatic activities of MnSOD and Cu/ZnSOD were evaluated, and the rate of proliferation was determined by proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining.

Results: Severe esophagitis was seen in 100% of the EDA rats, and morphologic transformation within the esophageal epithelium was observed with intestinal metaplasia (40% of animals) and cancer (40% of animals) identified after 3 months. Decreased oxidative damage, along with the decreased degree of esophagitis and incidence of BE (20%) and EAC (0%), was found in MnTBAP-treated EDA rats comparing with the saline-treated EDA control. Decreased proliferation (46%) and increased SOD enzymatic activities (25%) were also found in the EDA rats treated with MnTBAP.

Conclusion: MnTBAP protected rat esophageal epithelium from oxidative injury induced by EDA, and it could prevent the transformation of esophageal epithelial cell to BE to EAC by preservation of antioxidants.
17-Beta-Estradiol Directly Regulates the Expression of Adrenergic Receptors and Kisspeptin/GPR54 System in GT1-7 GnRH Neurons
Authors: Jacobi Jessica S. , Martin Cecilia , Nava Gabriel , Jeziorski Michael C. , Clapp Carmen , Martínez de la Escalera Gonzalo
Published: August 2007

Estradiol plays a critical role in the feedback regulation of reproduction, in part by modulating the neurosecretory activity of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. While indirect effects of estradiol on GnRH neurons have been clearly demonstrated, direct actions are still controversial. In the current study, we examined direct effects of 17β-estradiol upon the expression of receptors for afferent signals at the level of the GnRH neuron, using immortalized GT1-7 cells. Using RT-PCR, we confirmed the expression of mRNA for the adrenergic receptors (AR) α1A-, α1B-, α1D-, α2A-, α2C-, and β1-AR, and showed for the first time that mRNAs for α2B-, β2- and β3-AR, for kisspeptin and its receptor GPR54 and for the novel estrogenic receptor GPR30 are expressed in GT1-7 cells. After treatment with 10 nM 17β-estradiol, α1B-AR mRNA was significantly increased (14-fold) after 6 h as determined by real-time PCR, while α1B- and α1D-AR mRNA were significantly increased (19- and 23-fold, respectively) after 24 h. The expression of KiSS-1 and GPR54 mRNAs were also significantly increased (8- and 6-fold, respectively) after 24 h treatment of GT1-7 cells with estradiol. GPR30 mRNA expression was not affected by estradiol. Our data also showed that kisspeptin-10 (1–10 nM) can significantly stimulate GnRH release and GnRH mRNA expression in GT1-7 cells. These results suggest that the complex physiologic effects of estradiol on the function of the reproductive axis could be mediated partly through direct modulation of the expression of receptors for afferent signals in GnRH neurons.