bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Erdős-Rado without choice
Authors: Forster Thomas
Published: December 2007

A version of the Erdős-Rado theorem on partitions of the unordered n-tuples from uncountable sets is proved, without using the axiom of choice. The case with exponent 1 is just the Sierpinski-Hartogs' result that .
DMP in strongly minimal sets
Authors: Hasson Assaf , Hrushovski Ehud
Published: December 2007

We construct a strongly minimal set which is not a finite cover of one with DMP. We also show that for a strongly minimal theory T, generic automorphisms exist iff T has DMP, thus proving a conjecture of Kikyo and Pillay.
Applications of Kolmogorov complexity to computable model theory
Authors: Khoussainov Bakhadyr , Semukhin Pavel , Stephan Frank
Published: December 2007

In this paper we answer the following well-known open question in computable model theory. Does there exist a computable not ℵ0-categorical saturated structure with a unique computable isomor-phism type? Our answer is affirmative and uses a construction based on Kolmogorov complexity. With a variation of this construction, we also provide an example of an ℵ1-categorical but not ℵ0-categorical saturated -structure with a unique computable isomorphism type. In addition, using the construction we give an example of an ℵ1-categorical but not ℵ0-categorical theory whose only non-computable model is the prime one.
The settling-time reducibility ordering
Authors: Csima Barbara F. , Shore Richard A.
Published: December 2007

To each computable enumerable (c.e.) setAwith a particular enumeration {As}s∈ωthere is associated a settling functionmA(x), wheremA(x) is the last stage when a number less than or equal toxwas enumerated intoA. One c.e. setAis settling time dominated by another setB(B>stA) if for every computable functionf, for all but finitely manyx, mB(x) >f(mA(x)). This settling-time ordering, which is a natural extension to an ordering of the idea of domination, was first introduced by Nabutovsky and Weinberger in [3] and Soare [6]. They desired a sequence of sets descending in this relationship to give results in differential geometry. In this paper we examine properties of the <stordering. We show that it is not invariant under computable isomorphism, that any countable partial ordering embeds into it. that there are maximal and minimal sets, and that two c.e. sets need not have an inf or sup in the ordering. We also examine a related ordering, the strong settling-time ordering where we require for all computablefandg, for almost allx, mB(x) >f(mA(g(x))).
Human Genome Epidemiology: Reviewing the Stakes
Authors: Grace Victoria M.
Published: December 2007

Social science analysis of developments associated with the “new genetics,” as the science moves from the laboratory into the policy arena, has focused primarily on the implications of numerous potential interventions and the introduction of data banks. The field continues to burgeon. This article interrogates the key assumptions of a newly emerging field, that of human genome epidemiology—a field that is yet to receive sustained attention from critical social theorists. Genome epidemiology, however, is the field of knowledge that is considered to be centrally important to mapping out the new directions for policy initiatives. The concern of this article is to “review the stakes.” This involves pointing to and exploring the gap that has opened up between the advocates of an unproblematized rendition of a geneticized future and those critical of the basic problems accompanying its foundational concepts and dynamics. The work of Oyama is used to interrogate how this chasm is manifest when considering the domain of human genome epidemiology. The article explores the implications of such a critique at the level of the onto-epistemological assumptions of the accepted science of genetics, and the sociological concerns that emerge when these assumptions are extrapolated into the social research arena of epidemiology.
The Independence of International Civil Servants during the Neoliberal Decades: Implications of the Work Stoppage Involving 700 Staff of the World Health Organization in November 2005
Authors: Katz Alison
Published: December 2007

The independence of international civil servants is critical to the fulfillment of their organizations' mandates, but it has been seriously undermined during 25 years of neoliberal influence in U.N. agencies, including the World Health Organization. In November 2005, 700 staff at WHO headquarters participated in a one-hour work stoppage—the first industrial action in the organization's history. Hierarchical and arbitrary management, abuse of rules and procedures, nepotism and harassment, and undue influence of international financial institutions, powerful member states, and transnational corporations have exhausted morale and motivation, creating a conformist environment and interfering with technical health work. In the neoliberal era, WHO staff confront conflicting duties of loyalty to a handful of member states and their private interests and loyalty to WHO's constitutional mandate. International civil servants need support from governing bodies and from the world's people in finding the correct balance. A first essential step would be respect for international labor standards within the U.N. family and, in particular, negotiation status and collective bargaining—human rights in the workplace and prerequisites for staff independence, integrity, and competence, qualities required to serve the world's people.
Is the Unemployment Rate in Sweden Really 17 Percent?
Authors: Schmitt John
Published: December 2007

In 2006 the McKinsey Global Institute published an analysis of the Swedish economy, with the finding that the “de facto” unemployment rate in 2004 was 15 to 17 percent, about three times higher than the official unemployment rate of 5.4 percent. These estimates were cited in the media as part of critiques of recent Swedish economic performance. To arrive at the 15 to 17 percent “de facto” unemployment rate, McKinsey included “people who don't work, even though they should be able to” in the pool of the unemployed. The analysis reported here accepts the McKinsey methodology and applies it to the United States. The resulting “de facto” unemployment rate for the United States is 13.8 percent, compared with the 5.5 percent official U.S. unemployment rate, and the estimated 15.5 percent “de facto” Swedish unemployment rate. If the two countries' prison and jail populations are also included in the “de facto” unemployment rate, the U.S. rate rises to 15.2 percent, just 0.5 percentage points lower than what McKinsey's equivalent figure would be for Sweden—15.7 percent.
Diagnosis: Michael Moore—Media Paint Filmmaker to be Health Care System's Main Problem
Authors: Kao Caroline
Published: December 2007

The media reporting on Sicko, Michael Moore's documentary about the failures of the U.S. health care system, provides an example of how corporate media continue to twist and restrict the much-needed debate on health care reform. Aside from an occasional concession that having 46 million uninsured Americans is indeed problematic, the media's hype-filled conversation on health care avoids the issues and echoes old myths about the dangers of “government-run” and “socialized” health care. But in the face of the media demonization, universal health care is remarkably popular among the public.
The Effect of “Parental Loss” under 18 on Developing “MDD” in Adult Age
Authors: Noorikhajavi Morteza , Afghah Susan , Dadkhah Asghar , Holakoyie Kourosh , Motamedi Seyyed Hadi
Published: December 2007

Objective:

The aim of the study has been to search for the relations between Parental Loss in Childhood and Adolescence, and developing Major Depressive Disorder in Adulthood.

Method:

The Study had chosen the “Retrospective Case Control” method carried out over 64 patients admitted in University Hospitals of Tehran, who were suffering from MDD (matching DSM-IV-TR criteria), as the “Case Group” and 68 non-depressive admitted patients as the “Control Group.”

Results:

The study found that 19 out of 64 members of the “case group” (29.7%), and 7 out of 68 members of the “control group” (10.3%), has lost at least one parent under the age of 18. In other words, the prevalence of “parental loss” under 18 shows a meaningful increase in MDD among the “case group” in comparison with the “control group.”

Conclusion:

The study concludes that there is a noticeable statistical relationship between the variants of “parental loss during childhood and adolescence” and the “MDD during adult age.”
Status of exploited Baltic flounder stocks in the southern Baltic area (ICES SD 26)
Authors: Draganik B. , Ivanow S. , Tomczak Maciej , Maksimov B. , Psuty-Lipska I.
Published: December 2007

Flounder is the target of directed fisheries in coastal waters and is a bycatch of cod fishing. Flounder were fished in the Baltic region ICES Subdivision 26 (SD 26) by Polish and Soviet fleets until 1991. Since that time political and economic changes have altered the exploitation structure of that area, leading to increased fishing effort and flounder catches. This report, which is based on Polish, Russian and Lithuanian data, presents a review of long term changes in flounder fisheries in SD 26, and describes the current status of flounder exploitation there. The eXtended Survival Analysis (XSA) method was used to assess the stock. The results indicate that the flounder stock in SD 26 is in good condition and that the spawning stock biomass (SSB) is at a consistently high level. However, the estimated mean fishing mortality (Fbar), with reference to Biological Reference Points, indicates that the stock is being exploited too intensely to be sustainable.
Seasonal variability of hydrodynamics in the Vistula Estuary in 1994
Authors: Robakiewicz Małgorzata
Published: December 2007

The Vistula Estuary is a coastal water body boasting free connection with the open sea, where mixing processes of marine and fluvial waters are maintained by local conditions. Based on results from a hydrodynamic model, applied to represent conditions in the year 1994, and using salinity as a tracer, it was found that fluvial water has a tendency to spread westward from the river mouth. This is in contradiction with the dominant wind direction in the region. Model results confirmed field observations of specific hydrological and meteorological conditions required to transport fluvial water northward, towards the Hel Peninsula.
Ice deformation in the vicinity of the ice-core site at Taylor Dome, Antarctica, and a derived accumulation rate history
Authors: Morse David L. , Waddington Edwin D. , Rasmussen L.A.
Published: December 2007

Knowledge of ice flow and strain rate in the vicinity of the Taylor Dome (East Antarctica) ice-core site enhances interpretation of the paleoclimate information from the ice core. We measured surface ice motion by repeated optical and GPS surveys of a network of 253 markers. We developed a robust data reduction method that uses least squares based on singular value decomposition, to simultaneously calculate positions and velocities of these markers in a geocentric coordinate system. Constrained by these surface velocities, we used a finite-element model to compute the modern ice velocity field at depth. As the geometry of Taylor Dome appears to have been steady through the Holocene, we used particle paths from a steady-state model to track ice particles to the ice core from their points of origin on the surface. By removing the effects of path-dependent vertical strain, we derived past accumulation rates at the origin points of those particle paths from measured layer thicknesses in the ice core. Comparison with accumulation rates estimated from concentrations of10Be and SO4in the core suggests that significant amounts of snow were lost by wind scouring during the Last Glacial Maximum and at ~50kyr BP.
Deal or No Deal? Or Perhaps a Better Deal? The Impact of Improved Information
Authors: Philbin Donald R.
Published: December 2007

Taking a lesson from a popular network television show, Donald R. Philbin Jr., of San Antonio, discusses closing a deal. He pinpoints issues when analyzing options and shows how to use a decision tree, as well as maximize the mediation experience
Bulk chemicals from biomass
Authors: Haveren Jacco van , Scott Elinor L. , Sanders Johan
Published: December 2007

Given the current robust forces driving sustainable production, and available biomass conversion technologies, biomass‐based routes are expected to make a significant impact on the production of bulk chemicals within 10 years, and a huge impact within 20–30 years. In the Port of Rotterdam there is a clear short‐term (0–10 year) substitution potential of 10–15 % of fossil oil‐based bulk chemicals by bio‐based bulk chemicals, especially for oxygenated bulk chemicals, such as ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, iso‐propanol and acetone, butylene and methylethylketone and for the replacement of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) by ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE). Glycerin, as a byproduct of biodiesel production, is a very favorable short‐term option for the production of ethylene and propy‐lene glycols in the Port of Rotterdam. In the mid‐term (10–20 years) there is clear potential for a bio‐based production of ethylene, acrylic acid and N‐containing bulk chemicals such as acrylonitrile, acrylamide and ε‐caprolactam. Technologies involving direct isolation of aromatic building blocks from biomass, or the conversion of sugars or lignin to aromatics are still in their infancy. Biorefineries that are being started up today will form the stepping stones toward the chemicals mentioned above if we learn to upgrade their side streams. For main ports like the Port of Rotterdam, these developments imply that it has to consider in much closer detail those facilities it has to offer for a more bio‐based chemistry and economy. © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
The new forestry biofuels sector
Authors: Pu Yunqiao , Zhang Dongcheng , Singh Preet M. , Ragauskas Arthur J.
Published: December 2007

Society's increasing demand for transportation fuels has assured a viable future for the development of renewable fuels. Although first‐generation biofuels are dependent on starches, sugars and vegetable oils, the need to generate higher volumes of biofuels at lower cost has shifted the research focus to cellulosic ethanol. The utilization of lignocellulosics for the sustainable manufacturing of biofuels is critically dependent on the chemical constituents of the starting biomass and the desired fuel properties. This review examines the major chemical constituents of biomass and the recent advances in their conversion to biofuels, with a special emphasis on the forest residues and woody‐energy crops to bioethanol. © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Olfactory sensory neuron‐specific and sexually dimorphic expression of protocadherin 20
Authors: Lee Wooje , Cheng Ting‐Wen , Gong Qizhi
Published: December 2007

Olfactory sensory axons navigate from the nasal cavity to the olfactory bulb and sort from among 1,000 different odorant receptor‐expressing types to converge upon the same two or three glomeruli. To achieve this task during development, it is likely that multiple classes of regulatory molecules, including cell adhesion molecules, are involved. Cell adhesion molecules have been shown to be important in controlling axon guidance, fasciculation, and synapse formation. To gain further understanding of the involvement of adhesion molecules in olfactory circuitry development, we examined the dynamic and cell type specific expression of a novel protocadherin, PCDH20, in the olfactory system. PCDH20 is specifically expressed in newly differentiated olfactory sensory neurons and their axons during development. PCDH20 expression is down‐regulated in the adult olfactory system, except in a small olfactory sensory neuron population. These small, discrete numbers of PCDH20‐positive glomeruli in the adult olfactory bulb are consistently clustered in the ventral‐caudal region in both male and female mice. However, adult males have higher numbers of PCDH20‐positive glomeruli with a broader distribution, whereas adult females have fewer PCDH20‐positive glomeruli with a more restricted distribution. The gender difference in PCDH20 expression may reflect olfactory receptor expression differences for gender‐specific social discrimination. J. Comp. Neurol. 507:1076–1086, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurons controlling jumping in froghopper insects
Authors: Bräunig Peter , Burrows Malcolm
Published: December 2007

The neurons innervating muscles that deliver the enormous power enabling froghopper insects to excel at jumping were revealed by backfilling the nerves from those muscles. The huge trochanteral depressor muscle (M133) of a hind leg consists of four parts. The two largest parts (M133b,c) occupy most of the metathorax and are innervated by the same two motor neurons that have small, laterally placed somata in the metathoracic ganglion and axons in nerve N3C2. They are also supplied by three dorsal unpaired median (DUM) neurons with the largest diameter somata in the central nervous system. A small metathoracic part of the muscle (M133d) is supplied by two motor neurons with lateral somata and by common inhibitory motor neuron CI1, all with axons in nerve N3C3 The motor neuron with the larger soma has a thick primary neurite that projects across the midline of the ganglion so that its branches overlap those of its symmetrical counterpart,innervating the same muscle of the other hind leg. The fourth coxal part of the muscle (M133a) is innervated by two motor neurons (one with a ventral and the other with a dorsal and lateral soma), by CI1, and by a DUM neuron with a small soma. All have axons in nerve N5A. The two trochanteral levator muscles of a hind leg are contained within the coxa and are separately innervated by nerves N3B and N4, respectively. The properties of the different motor neurons are discussed in the context of the neural patterns that generate jumping. J. Comp. Neurol. 507:1065–1075, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Angle differential‐QAM scheme for resolving phase ambiguity in continuous transmission system
Authors: Hwang Jeng‐Kuang , Chiu Yu‐Lun , Liao Chia‐Shu
Published: December 2007

An angle differential quadrature amplitude modulation (ADQAM) scheme is proposed to solve phase ambiguity problem in non‐data‐aided continuous transmission system with square QAM constellation. Starting from the 16‐ADQAM case, we derive differential encoding and decoding schemes in terms of two differential angles and use a solar system analogy for explanation. The 16‐ADQAM system incurs only about 0.5‐dB performance degradation compared with the coherent 16‐QAM system under AWGN channel. Generalization of flat fading channel and higher‐level ADQAM is straightforward. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How hypoglycaemia can affect the life of a person with diabetes
Authors: Frier Brian M.
Published: December 2007

Hypoglycaemia is the commonest side‐effect of insulin treatment for diabetes, and is the single greatest barrier to achieving and maintaining good glycaemic control. Severe hypoglycaemia (requiring assistance for recovery) is associated with significant morbidity and is feared by most people with type 1 diabetes and their families. It causes stress and anxiety and may influence self‐management and glycaemic control. The annual prevalence of severe hypoglycaemia is around 30% in people with type 1 diabetes, and is higher in those with risk factors such as strict glycaemic control, impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia and increasing duration of diabetes. It is also common during sleep (nocturnal hypoglycaemia). Neurological manifestations include coma, convulsions, transient hemiparesis and stroke, while reduced consciousness and cognitive dysfunction may cause accidents and injuries. Cardiac events may be precipitated such as arrhythmias, myocardial ischaemia and cardiac failure. Hypoglycaemia can affect all aspects of life, including employment, driving, recreational activities involving exercise, and travel, and measures should be taken in all of these situations to avoid this potentially dangerous side‐effect of insulin therapy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Moderate hypoglycaemia after learning does not affect memory consolidation and brain activation during recognition in non‐diabetic adults
Authors: Warren Roderick E. , Sommerfield Andrew J. , Greve Andrea , Allen Kate V. , Deary Ian J. , Frier Brian M.
Published: December 2007

Introduction

Some aspects of memory performance are impaired during acute hypoglycaemia. The hippocampus is critical to formation of long‐term memory, and may be particularly sensitive to hypoglycaemia. This study examined whether moderate hypoglycaemia occurring after learning would disrupt the consolidation process, and used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to identify accompanying changes in brain activation.

Methods

Sixteen non‐diabetic subjects each underwent two glucose clamp studies. During euglycaemia (4.5 mmol/L), subjects tried to memorize a series of words and a series of pictures of faces. Then, either hypoglycaemia (2.5 mmol/L) was induced for one hour, or euglycaemia was maintained. During subsequent uncontrolled euglycaemia, subjects' recognition of the word and face stimuli was tested, with simultaneous fMRI to measure brain activation during recognition.

Results

Face identification scores were 67.2% after euglycaemia and 66.9% after hypoglycaemia (p = 0.895). Word identification scores were 78.0 and 77.1% respectively (p = 0.701). Analysis of the fMRI identified two foci where activation was altered after hypoglycaemia compared with euglycaemia, but these were not in regions associated with memory, and were probably statistical artefacts.

Conclusions

One hour of hypoglycaemia at 2.5 mmol/L induced 20–40 min after learning did not disrupt memory consolidation. fMRI did not show evidence of altered brain activation after hypoglycaemia. Consolidation may be relatively resistant to hypoglycaemia, or may have been complete before hypoglycaemia was induced. The study was powered to detect a large effect, and provides some reassurance that moderate hypoglycaemia does not cause major disruption of previously learned memories in people with insulin‐treated diabetes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural Diversity and Modulation of Coordination Architectures with Flexible Dithioether or Disulfoxide Ligands (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 1/2008)
Authors: Li Jian‐Rong , Bu Xian‐He
Published: December 2007

The cover picture shows the complex constructions of flexible dithioether and disulfoxide ligands and the structural diversity of these complexes. Recent investigations from our and other laboratories have given compelling experimental evidence that flexible dithioether and disulfoxide ligands exhibit rich coordination chemistry towards metal ions and have great potential in constructing metal complexes with various interesting structures. Such results are reviewed, with the attempt to elucidate: (1) the coordination chemistry of the two types of ligands, (2) the structural diversities of these complexes, (3) structural modulation by finely modifying the ligands, selecting metal ions, and controlling other factors such as the solvents, reagent ratios, counterions. Details are presented in the Microreview by J.‐R. Li and X.‐H. Bu on p. 27 ff.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Rigid 1,4‐Benzodiazepine‐2,5‐dione Chimeric Scaffolds
Authors: Araújo Ana C. , Nicotra Francesco , Airoldi Cristina , Costa Barbara , Giagnoni Gabriella , Fumagalli Pietro , Cipolla Laura
Published: December 2007

Novel, conformationally constrained 1,4‐benzodiazepine‐2,5‐diones containing both a monosaccharide, fructose, and a proline moiety have been synthesized as chimeric scaffolds; preliminary biological evaluation as GABAA receptor ligands is reported. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Application of a Square‐Wave Potential Program for Time‐Dependent Amperometric Detection in Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Hooper Stephanie E. , Roach David , Anderson Mark R.
Published: December 2007

Use of a square‐wave potential program for time‐dependent amperometric detection of analyte zones in capillary electrophoresis (CE) is described. Electrochemical detection for CE requires that the separation field be isolated from that of the electrochemical detection. This is generally done by physically separating the CE separation field from that of the detection. By applying a time variant potential program to the detection electrode, the detector current has a time dependence that can be used to help isolate the electrochemical detection current from that of the separation. When using a 20 μm inner‐diameter capillary, we find that a square‐wave potential program decreases the RMS baseline current from 4.5×10−10 A, found with a constant potential amperometric detection, to 1.1×10−10 A when using a square‐wave potential program. With a 75 μm inner‐diameter capillary, the improvement is even more dramatic, from 2.3×10−9 A with amperometric detection to 2.06×10−10 A when using a 1 Hz square‐wave potential program. When not using the time‐dependent detection with the 75 μm capillary, the analyte zones were beneath the S/N for the system and not detected. With the square‐wave potential program and time‐dependent detection, however, the analyte zones for an electrokinetic injection of 200 μM solution of 2,3‐dihydroxybenzoic acid were observed with the 75 μm inner‐diameter capillary. The improvement in the ability to discriminate the analytical signal from the background found experimentally is consistent with modeling studies.
Characteristics of the adaptive response in cultured salmon cells exposed to ionizing radiation
Authors: Kilemade Michael , Lemon Jennifer , Boreham Douglas
Published: December 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of “priming” doses of ionizing irradiation on salmon cell survival in vitro prior to being challenged with subsequent higher doses. A radiation‐induced adaptive response (AR) was examined in the Chinook salmon embryo cell line (CHSE‐214). Cells were initially irradiated with a range of priming (conditioning) doses of 60Co γ (gamma) rays (0.25–0.75 Gy), followed by a challenge dose of 7.50 Gy at intervals of 24, 48, and 72 hr. The AR was assessed using a colony‐forming assay. Cell survival was determined by counting the number of colonies (viable clones) after 40 days of culture. This study revealed that cells that received a priming dose of 0.50 Gy before delivering the higher challenge dose became more radiation resistant with an increase in cell survival of 29% over cells receiving the challenge dose alone. The cells showed maximum resistance to ionizing radiation when the priming dose was given 72 hr prior to the higher challenge dose. This study is one of the first to demonstrate an AR using an in vitro piscine system, and is generally consistent with other studies of both in vitro and in vivo systems across the taxa. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The social environment and the epigenome
Authors: Szyf Moshe , McGowan Patrick , Meaney Michael J.
Published: December 2007

The genome is programmed by the epigenome. Two of the fundamental components of the epigenome are chromatin structure and covalent modification of the DNA molecule itself by methylation. DNA methylation patterns are sculpted during development and it has been a long held belief that they remain stable after birth in somatic tissues. Recent data suggest that DNA methylation is dynamic later in life in postmitotic cells such as neurons and thus potentially responsive to different environmental stimuli throughout life. We hypothesize a mechanism linking the social environment early in life and long‐term epigenetic programming of behavior and responsiveness to stress and health status later in life. We will also discuss the prospect that the epigenetic equilibrium remains responsive throughout life and that therefore environmental triggers could play a role in generating interindividual differences in human behavior later in life. We speculate that exposures to different environmental toxins alters long‐established epigenetic programs in the brain as well as other tissues leading to late‐onset disease. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Experimental study of a hybrid platform for high‐tech equipment protection against earthquake and microvibration
Authors: Xu Y. L. , Yu Z. F. , Zhan S.
Published: December 2007

This paper presents an experimental study to explore the possibility of using a hybrid platform to ensure the functionality of high‐tech equipment against microvibration and to protect high‐tech equipment from damage when an earthquake occurs. A three‐storey building model and a hybrid platform model were designed and manufactured. The two‐layer hybrid platform, on which the high‐tech equipment is placed, was installed on the first floor of the building to work as a passive platform aiming at abating acceleration response of the equipment during an earthquake and functioning as an actively controlled platform that intends to reduce velocity response of the equipment under a normal working condition. For the hybrid platform working as a passive platform, it was designed in such a way that its stiffness and damping ratio could be changed, whereas for the hybrid platform functioning as an active platform, a piezoelectric actuator with a sub‐optimal velocity feedback control algorithm was used. A series of shaking table tests, traffic‐induced vibration tests and impact tests were performed on the building with and without the platform to examine the performance of the hybrid platform. The experimental results demonstrate that the hybrid platform is feasible and effective for high‐tech equipment protection against earthquake and microvibration. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Collapse of Gran Dolina cave, Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain: Site formation processes of layer TD10‐1
Authors: Mallol Carolina , Roura Eudald Carbonell i
Published: December 2007

The last hominin occupations of Gran Dolina cave at Atapuerca are represented by layer TD10‐1. This layer has yielded high densities of anthropogenic bone and lithic remains that suggest the existence of a referential hominin campsite. Micromorphological analysis was carried out in order to reconstruct site formation processes and to find traces of hominin activity in the sediments. Results show that TD10‐1 is an autochthonous deposit whose components are derived from a local, degraded cave entrance environment. The base of TD10‐1 represents a moist, semi‐sheltered environment associated with anthropogenic input and low sedimentary rates, while the rest of the deposit represents a non‐anthropogenic, more open environment with higher rates of sedimentation. The TD10‐1 archaeological assemblages have not undergone long transport or strong postdepositional disturbance. Further interdisciplinary analyses are needed to characterize the types and intensity of the hominin activities recorded in TD10‐1. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation—Proposal of an intensified apheresis strategy for patients with high initial isoagglutinine titers
Authors: Wilpert Jochen , Geyer Marcel , Teschner Sven , Schaefer Tobias , Pisarski Przemyslaw , Schulz‐Huotari Christian , Gropp Anette , Wisniewski Ursula , Goebel Heike , Gerke Peter , Walz Gerd , Donauer Johannes
Published: December 2007

Since Tydén's description of ABO‐incompatible (ABOi) kidney transplantations based on antigen‐specific immunoadsorption (IA) and rituximab (Tydén et al., Am J Transplant 2005;5:145–148), this technique has been successfully adopted by many transplant centers worldwide. The majority of centers strictly adhere to the Swedish protocol and perform IAs with a target volume of 1.5–2 plasma volumes on preoperative days −6, −5, −2, and −1, and postoperative days +3, +6, and +9, respectively. Patients who initially present with an IgG anti‐A/B titer higher than 1:128 are not considered suitable candidates for ABOi transplantation by the Swedish protocol. Our center has gone beyond these suggestions and follows a slightly different strategy: We do not exclude patients with initial IgG anti‐A/B titers higher than 1:128 and we perform as many preoperative antigen‐specific extracorporeal treatments as needed to reach a threshold isoagglutinine titer of 1:4 or less. To intensify isoagglutinine clearance preoperatively, the total target volume per treatment was increased to 2.5–3 plasma volumes. Preconditioning IAs are performed every other day, instead of daily. Postoperatively we perform IAs only, if titers mandate us to do so (Wilpert et al., Nephrol Dial Transplant 2007;22:3048‐3051). We report on 11 “high‐titer patients” who entered our ABOi kidney transplant program with initial titers of 1:256 or above. Seven of 11 patients (64%) could successfully be transplanted with our modified ABO‐apheresis protocol. Four of 11 high‐titer patients did not reach target isoagglutinine titers of 1:4 or less and therefore did not undergo transplantation. We conclude that intensified preoperative IA renders a majority of high‐titer patients suitable candidates for ABOi kidney transplantation. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recruitment of immature neutrophils in peripheral blood following leukocytapheresis therapy for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Okawa‐Takatsuji Masako , Nagatani Katsuya , Nakajima Kyoichi , Itoh Kenji , Kano Toshikazu , Nagashio Chiaki , Takahashi Yuko , Aotsuka Shinichi , Mimori Akio
Published: December 2007

The objective of this study is to evaluate the cellular mechanism underlying filtration leukocytapheresis (LCAP) therapy for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Thirteen patients with refractory RA each underwent three sessions of LCAP. Before (pre‐) and after (post‐) the completion of the first LCAP session, peripheral blood was sampled and analyzed for neutrophil surface markers using flow cytometry. The surface antigens of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and neutrophils obtained at pre‐ and post‐LCAP were then analyzed using a fluorescence‐activated cell sorter. The American College of Rheumatology's criterion of a 20% improvement was achieved in six patients, but not in the other seven patients, after LCAP therapy. The post‐LCAP number of blood band form neutrophils with a bone marrow phenotype (CD49ddim+, low density) was higher among the responders than among the nonresponders, suggesting an association between the clinical response and the recruitment of bone‐marrow‐derived neutrophils. After the nonspecific absorption of WBCs during a 1‐h Cellsorba procedure, the number of PBMCs was consistently decreased, although the number of neutrophils that were affected by removal plus recruitment varied in a manner that was independent of efficacy. In contrast, the emergence of immature neutrophils in the peripheral blood was characteristic of the effective therapies. These cells were found after the 1st session of responders and also found following sessions of LCAPs. Immature neutrophils, which may be recruited from the bone marrow in the peripheral blood after the first session of LCAP, can predict the clinical efficacy of subsequent LCAP sessions. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of body condition in hinds of iberian red deer during gestation and its effects on calf birth weight and milk production
Authors: Carrión Déborah , García Andrés José , Gaspar‐López Enrique , Landete‐Castillejos Tomás , Gallego Laureano
Published: December 2007

Reproductive effort affects body reserves and subsequent ability to reproduce. In fact, the energy costs of gestation and lactation in hinds of red deer have a marked effect on maternal condition. The objectives of this study were to examine the development of hind monthly body condition during gestation in relation to reproductive rest, age and age class, just as its effects on total milk yield and calf birth weight. Eighty hinds of Iberian red deer were used as subjects during 2 years of study. They had ad libitum access to food and water. Animals were weighed weekly, and body condition was individually assessed. Milking was carried out under anesthesia with a milking machine followed by hand milking to collect the remaining milk.

Age and reproductive rest influenced body condition, improving with age (coefficient: 0.10±0.01; P<0.001) and reproductive rest (mean±SEM, 3.75±0.05 vs. 3.25±0.02, with and without rest respectively; P<0.001). Hind age correlated positively with her body condition (R=0.62, P<0.001), however, when age class was included in the model, age was not significant. The greater the age class (up to age class 4) the greater the body condition; however, hinds of age class 5 had a lower body condition, but no significant differences were observed. Development of the body condition during gestation was different to age class 1 with respect to the others, just as between hinds that rested the preceding year and those that did not. J. Exp. Zool. 309:1–10, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Retroviral‐based gene therapy with cyclooxygenase‐2 promotes the union of bony callus tissues and accelerates fracture healing in the rat
Authors: Rundle Charles H. , Strong Donna D. , Chen Shin‐Tai , Linkhart Thomas A. , Sheng Matilda H.‐C. , Wergedal Jon E. , Lau K.‐H. William , Baylink David J.
Published: December 2007

Background

An in vivo gene therapy strategy was developed to accelerate bone fracture repair.

Methods

Direct injection of a murine leukemia virus‐based vector targeted transgene expression to the proliferating periosteal cells arising shortly after fracture. Cyclooxygenase‐2 (Cox‐2) was selected because the transgene for its prostaglandin products that promote angiogenesis, bone formation and bone resorption, are all required for fracture healing. The human (h) Cox‐2 transgene was modified to remove AU‐rich elements in the 3′‐untranslated region and to improve protein translation.

Results

In vitro studies revealed robust and sustained Cox‐2 protein expression, prostaglandin E2 and alkaline phosphatase production in rat bone marrow stromal cells and osteoblasts transgenic for the hCox‐2 gene. In vivo studies in the rat femur fracture revealed that Cox‐2 transgene expression produced bony union of the fracture by 21 days post‐fracture, a time when cartilage persisted within the fracture tissues of control animals and approximately 1 week earlier than the healing normally observed in this model. None of the ectopic bone formation associated with bone morphogenetic protein gene therapy was observed.

Conclusions

This study represents the first demonstration that a single local application of a retroviral vector expressing a single osteoinductive transgene consistently accelerated fracture repair. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laparoscopic pancreas‐ and spleen‐preserving D2 lymph node dissection in advanced (cT2) upper‐third gastric cancer
Authors: Hur Hoon , Jeon Hae Myung , Kim Wook
Published: December 2007

Background and Objectives

Although the laparoscopic assisted total gastrectomy (LATG) has been performed in upper gastric cancer, dissection of lymph nodes No. 10 and 11d without resection of the distal pancreas and the spleen has been hard to accomplish, because of the possibilities of injury to splenic vessels and parenchyma of the spleen or pancreas. Herein, we present successful results in laparoscopic pancreas‐ and spleen‐preserving D2 lymph node dissection in advanced upper gastric cancer.

Methods

Between March 2004 and May 2007, 18 clinical T2 patients who underwent LATG with D2 lymph node dissection for upper gastric cancer were enrolled.

Results

We used the technique of encircling and pulling the splenic artery with umbilical tape and that helped us complete dissection of lymph nodes No. 10 and 11d without distal pancreatectomy or splenectomy. The mean operative time was 370 min without any perioperative complications or conversion to an open procedure.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic extended lymph node dissection without pancreatectomy or splenectomy can be adapted to the patients with clinical T2 upper gastric cancer. The techniques like taping of the splenic artery can be a useful tip for surgeons who wish to perform laparoscopic complete D2 lymph node dissection in advanced upper gastric cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:169–172. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
“Spontaneous,” delayed colon and rectal anastomotic complications associated with bevacizumab therapy
Authors: August David A. , Serrano Denise , Poplin Elizabeth
Published: December 2007

Bevacizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody used to treat recurrent and metastatic colorectal cancer, targets the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) molecule. It is hypothesized that bevacizumab works by both depriving tumors of the neovascularity they require to grow, and by improving local delivery of chemotherapy through alterations of tumor vasculature permeability and Starling forces. Complications of bevacizumab treatment include bowel ischemia and perforation, but to date, these complications have only rarely been described as occurring at the site of presumably healed anastomoses following surgery. We report two cases of delayed, “spontaneous” low anterior colorectal anastomotic dehiscence and one right colon anastomotic colocutaneous fistula associated with bevacizumab therapy. After seeing three patients with complications arising from apparently healed low anterior colorectal or right colon anastomoses following initiation of bevacizumab therapy for treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, we reviewed the experience of The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) with use of bevacizumab in approximately 50 patients between April 2004 and December 2006. The three index cases had been treated surgically at CINJ but received chemotherapy elsewhere. None of the 50 patients receiving bevacizumab at CINJ who had previous colon or rectal anastomoses were identified as having this complication. The medical records of the three index cases were reviewed and analyzed. Additionally, a Medline search was performed to identify other reports documenting similar cases. Two reports of related cases were found in the literature. In two of our index cases who underwent low anterior anastomoses, the patients had received preoperative pelvic irradiation before their initial low anterior resection. In one of the two cases, the initial resection was complicated by an anastomotic leak requiring proximal diversion and then subsequent stoma takedown. In both cases, the dehiscence occurred more than 1 year after anastomosis, and became evident 1–10 months following initiation of bevacizumab treatment. In the third index case, a colocutaneous fistula arising from the anastomotic site presented 5 months following right colon resection and 3 months after starting adjuvant systemic therapy with FOLFOX (5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), leucovorin, and oxaliplatin) and bevacizumab. Delayed colorectal anastomotic complications may occur in association with bevacizumab therapy. Contributing factors may include anastomotic leak at the time of the original operation and history of anastomotic irradiation. Clinicians treating patients who receive bevacizumab following colectomy for colorectal cancer should be aware of this possible life‐threatening complication. These findings may also be relevant to the design of trials of the use of bevacizumab for the postoperative adjuvant treatment of patients with colorectal cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:180–185. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Capillary high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for rapid analysis of pinane monoterpene glycosides in Cortex Moutan
Authors: Song Yue , He Qing , Li Ping , Cheng Yi‐Yu
Published: December 2007

In this study, a rapid and reliable assay has been developed for quantification of pinane monoterpene glycosides in Cortex Moutan; it is based on capillary high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (capillary HPLC–ESI MS). This method utilizes capillary HPLC for the separation of seven pinane monoterpene glycosides in a methanol extract of the botanical sample followed by negative ion electrospray ionization and single ion monitoring (SIM). The compounds of interest in the sample were unambiguously identified on the basis of information about retention time and quasi‐molecular ions ([M–H]–) or adduct ions ([M+HCOO]–). Validation parameters of the method were established. The linearity range was 1.01–105.5 μg/mL with the square of correlation coefficients lying in the range of 0.9965–0.9997, limits of detection were on the fmol level, the average recoveries varied between 91.8 and 101.0%, and good precision values (RSD, 1.2–4.91%) for peak area were obtained. After validation, the applicability of the method for determination of these pinane monoterpene glycosides in Cortex Moutan has been demonstrated.
O2‐consumption, blood flow and PO2 in bone
Authors: Bingmann D. , Wiemann M.
Published: December 2007

Osteocytes are bone cells encapsulated in a mineralized matrix. Since they are connected to nutrient blood vessels via narrow canaliculii which provide narrow, tortuous and often long diffusion pathways, the question arises as to how osteocytes are sufficiently supplied with O2 and metabolites. Furthermore, different oxygen partial pressures (PO2) ‐ resulting from O2 supply and local oxygen consumption ‐ may influence cellular proliferation and differentiation. In this context, O2 consumption rates of bone cells were measured and results were related to published blood flow values. This should allow to estimate mean venous PO2 and PO2 distribution in bone. O2 consumption of bone cells inside spongious calvarial fragments of neonatal rats and adult guinea pigs were measured polarographically in a thermostabilized recording chamber containing Hepes‐buffered saline. PO2 declined linearly as long as the PO2 ranged above 20 mmHg. At 27°C and 37°C, the O2 consumption rate of calvarial fragments from adult animals amounted to 0.06 and 0.1 ml/100 g✶min, respectively. Calvaria from newborn rats showed 5‐fold higher values. At 45 °C, oxygen consumption was irreversibly abolished. The blood flow to bones amounts to 5–6 ml/100 g✶min being equivalent to an oxygen delivery of about 1 ml/100 g✶min. Based on the hemoglobin‐oxygen binding curve and on an O2 consumption of 0.1 ml/100 g ✶ min, venous PO2 calculates to ca. 60 mmHg. This appears to be a luxurious oxygen supply in bone. With respect to the long diffusion pathways, however, high PO2 values appear necessary to ensure sufficiently steep PO2 gradients for the the supply of cells remote from nutrient vessels. The resulting local oxygen gradients may orchestrate proliferation and differentiation of bone cells via oxygen‐dependent gene expression. Based on these considerations a model is proposed which comprises known factors influencing blood flow and oxygen tension in bone.