bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FOREIGN NETWORKS AND EXPORTS: RESULTS FROM INDONESIAN PANEL DATA
Authors: SJÖHOLM Fredrik , TAKII Sadayuki
Published: November 2008

Most firms and plants in developing countries produce only for the domestic market and few are able to export. One plausible hypothesis is that foreign networks decrease export costs and that plants with large amounts of such networks will be relatively likely to start exporting. We focus on two types of foreign networks: foreign ownership and imports of intermediate products. Our results suggest that plants in Indonesian manufacturing with any foreign ownership are substantially more likely to start exporting than wholly domestically owned plants. The results remain robust to alternative model specifications and after controlling for other plant characteristics. There is no effect on exports of imports of intermediate products.
The foundations of Elitestone
Authors: Luther Peter
Published: November 2008

The decision of the House of Lords in Elitestone v Morris [1997] 2 All ER 513 added an extra element to the traditional classification of objects brought onto land. The traditional classification divides such objects into chattels and fixtures. In Elitestone, Lord Lloyd of Berwick suggested, borrowing words from Woodfall on Landlord and Tenant, that it might be better to apply a threefold classification: chattels, fixtures and items which are ‘part and parcel of the land itself’. This paper explores the origins of this threefold classification, and suggests that there may be little, if any, historical basis for the new third category; it may owe its origins to the confusion which has surrounded the various meanings of the word ‘fixture’. The paper also investigates how the decision in Elitestone has been applied by later courts, and suggests that it is unlikely that it has made the judges' task any easier.
Everything is dislocated: reading (dis)connections in Joseph Conrad and theories of justice and violence
Authors: Skinner Stephen
Published: November 2008

The relationship between law and justice has long been a concern of legal theory, but the gap of uncertainty, or aporia, between them has been a particular focus of recent jurisprudence. Some theorists, such as Costas Douzinas and Ronnie Warrington, have focused on the cleavage between judgment and the aspiration to ethical justice to the Other, while others, such as Robert Cover, Austin Sarat and Thomas Kearns, have worked on the gulf between law and justice in the face of violence and pain, within, caused by and before the law. This paper suggests that such theories are primarily concerned with problematised dislocation, as a critical technique and an observed state, which is also to be found in modernist fiction, especially in Joseph Conrad's Weltanschauung and literary style. It is argued that examining the disconnections that characterise Conrad's fiction, through engagement with his stories and secondary commentaries thereon, and combining that analysis with the study of dislocation in legal theory, permit the development of a richer picture of these shared concerns. On this basis, the paper constructs a distinct concept of ‘dislocation’ and suggests how it can supplement jurisprudential discussion.
A study of nurses’ knowledge of a palliative approach in residential aged care facilities
Authors: Ronaldson Susan , Hayes Lillian , Carey Michele , Aggar Christina
Published: November 2008

Aim.  To identify residential aged care nurses’ current knowledge of palliative care for older residents in need of end‐of‐life care.

Background.  Recently, there has been a growing interest in the delivery of palliative care in residential aged care facilities. While it is recognized that aged care nurses do possess palliative care knowledge the actual level of their knowledge has not been well documented.

Design/method.  An analytical study using a validated questionnaire tool – Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing, developed by Ross et al. [Journal of Advanced Nursing23 (1996) 126–137], combined with a demographic survey of Registered Nurses and assistants in nursing working in five high care residential aged care facilities in inner city region of Sydney, Australia.

Results.  The total Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing score possible was 20. The mean score for Registered Nurses was 11.7 (SD 3.1) and for AINs 5.8 (SD 3.3), the difference between scores being significant (t = 8.7, df 95, P = 0.000). Misconceptions in palliative care were identified for both the groups of carers.

Conclusion.  This research has highlighted the need for ongoing palliative care education for both the groups of primary carers.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings of this research highlight the existing palliative care knowledge of residential aged care nurses and provides evidence for education programmes.
New polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Greek smooth newt, Lissotriton vulgaris graecus, and their utility in the nominotypical subspecies
Authors: SOTIROPOULOS K. , ELEFTHERAKOS K. , TSAPARIS D. , KASAPIDIS P. , MAGOULAS A. , LEGAKIS A.
Published: November 2008

Eight polymorphic microsatellites were isolated from the Greek smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris graecus) using a microsatellite enrichment protocol and selective hybridization with a biotinylated (AC)11 probe. The loci showed different variation patterns in a single breeding population (32 individuals) with mean number of alleles at 5.0 and mean observed heterozygosity at 0.520. The amplification success also in the nominotypical subspecies favours the use of these microsatellite loci in population genetic analyses as well as in the study of contact zones between smooth newt subspecies.
Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers in the brine shrimp Artemia (Branchiopoda, Anostraca)
Authors: MUÑOZ J. , GREEN A. J. , FIGUEROLA J. , AMAT F. , RICO C.
Published: November 2008

The brine shrimp Artemia is a complex genus containing sexual species and parthenogenetic lineages. Artemia franciscana is native to America and its cysts (diapausing eggs) are used worldwide as a food source in aquaculture. As a consequence, this anostracan has become an invasive species in many hypersaline aquatic ecosystems of other continents. Parthenogenetic Artemia lineages occur only in the Old World. Ten and five microsatellite markers were developed to characterize two populations for A. franciscana and two populations for diploid parthenogenetic Artemia, respectively. For A. franciscana the number of alleles ranged from 11 to 58 per locus, while for parthenogens the number of alleles ranged from three to 10. The levels of heterozygosity in A. franciscana and in parthenogens ranged from 0.115 to 0.976 and from 0.000 to 0.971, respectively. These microsatellite loci showed a high population assignment power, which will be useful for future studies of population genetics and invasive processes in Artemia.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from the woolly apple aphid Eriosoma lanigerum (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Eriosomatinae)
Authors: LAVANDERO BLAS , FIGUEROA CHRISTIAN C. , RAMIREZ CLAUDIO C. , CALIGARI PETER D. S. , FUENTES‐CONTRERAS EDUARDO
Published: November 2008

Eight novel microsatellite primer pairs are presented for Eriosoma lanigerum, representing the first microsatellite markers available for this genus. Loci were characterized for 27 individuals from one single orchard in Central Chile. All loci were polymorphic within E. lanigerum (three to 11 alleles per locus; observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.41 to 0.93), and are therefore useful for population genetic studies within the species.
Allopurinol Treatment Reduces Arterial Wave Reflection in Stroke Survivors
Authors: Khan Faisel , George Jacob , Wong Kenneth , McSwiggan Stephen , Struthers Allan D. , Belch Jill JF
Published: November 2008

The importance of xanthine oxidase and its products is being increasingly recognized in cardiovascular medicine. Patients who have had a stroke are at high risk of future cardiovascular events and this risk is higher in those with high urate levels. The aim of this pilot study was to see if inhibiting xanthine oxidase altered arterial wave reflection, determined from the augmentation index (AIx). In a double‐blind study, 30 patients with high urate (≥0.38 mmol/L) were randomized to 300 mg allopurinol or placebo for 8 weeks. AIx measurements were made before and after treatment using the validated SphygmoCor pulse waveform analysis system. For patients treated with allopurinol, there was a reduction in AIx from 26.08 ± 3.31% to 20.15 ± 2.23% compared with an increase in the placebo group from 23.57 ± 3.13% to 27.64 ± 3.44% (P= 0.031, ANOVA). The vascular benefits of allopurinol are rapidly emerging. We have demonstrated that allopurinol has beneficial effects on AIx, a validated measure of vascular function. A further larger study is warranted to look at whether a therapeutic intervention with allopurinol will impact positively on mortality and morbidity in stroke survivors.
Effects of Resveratrol on the Pharmacokinetics of Diltiazem and Its Major Metabolite, Desacetyldiltiazem, in Rats
Authors: Hong Soon‐Pyo , Choi Dong‐Hyun , Choi Jun‐Shik
Published: November 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol, an antioxidant, on the pharmacokinetics of diltiazem and its active metabolite, desacetyldiltiazem, in rats. The pharmacokinetic parameters of diltiazem and desacetyldiltiazem were determined after an oral administration of diltiazem (15 mg/kg) to rats in the presence and absence of resveratrol (0.5, 2.5, and 10 mg/kg). Compared to the control group, the presence of resveratrol significantly (P< 0.05) increased the area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) of diltiazem, except for resveratrol 0.5 mg/kg. Consequently, the absolute bioavailability (AB) of diltiazem in the presence of resveratrol (2.5 and 10 mg/kg) was significantly (P< 0.05) higher (10.2–11.1%) than that of the control (6.9%). The relative bioavailability (RB) of diltiazem in the presence of resveratrol (2.5 and 10 mg/kg) was increased by 1.48‐ to 1.60‐fold. Resveratrol did not alter absorption rate constant (Ka) and the time to reach the peak concentration (Tmax) of diltiazem. The AUC of desacetyldiltiazem was increased significantly (P< 0.05) in the presence of 10 mg/kg of resveratrol. The metabolite–parent AUC ratio (MR) in the presence of resveratrol was decreased but did not show significant change. In conclusion, resveratrol significantly increased the bioavailability of diltiazem due to the inhibition of both the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4‐mediated metabolism and the efflux pump P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) in the intestine and/or liver. Based on these results, if these results would be confirmed in clinical experiments, the dosage of diltiazem should be readjusted when diltiazem is used concomitantly with resveratrol.
Liver X Receptors (LXR) as Therapeutic Targets in Dyslipidemia
Authors: Bełtowski Jerzy
Published: November 2008

Liver X receptors (LXR) α and β belong to a family of nuclear receptors which form heterodimers with the retinoid X receptor (RXR) and, upon ligand binding, stimulate the expression of target genes. LXR were initially described as orphan receptors and later oxidized cholesterol derivatives (oxysterols) were identified as their natural ligands. In addition, several synthetic LXR agonists such as T0901317 and GW3965 were synthesized. Oxysterols are formed in amounts proportional to cholesterol content in the cell and therefore LXR operate as cholesterol sensors which protect from cholesterol overload by inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption, stimulating cholesterol efflux from cells to high‐density lipoproteins (HDL), its transport to the liver, conversion to bile acids, and biliary excretion. In addition, LXR agonists activate fatty acid synthesis by stimulating the expression of a lipogenic transcription factor, sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1c (SREBP‐1c), leading to the elevation of plasma triglycerides and liver steatosis. Lipogenic effect seems is the most important negative feature of LXR agonists considered as potential hypolidemic drugs. Some of currently used drugs also affect LXR signaling. For example, statins may impair LXR signaling by inhibiting oxysterol synthesis, whereas fibrates and thiazolidinediones increase LXR expression and activity.
Ang II and Ang IV: Unraveling the Mechanism of Action on Synaptic Plasticity, Memory, and Epilepsy
Authors: De Bundel Dimitri , Smolders Ilse , Vanderheyden Patrick , Michotte Yvette
Published: November 2008

The central angiotensin system plays a crucial role in cardiovascular regulation. More recently, angiotensin peptides have been implicated in stress, anxiety, depression, cognition, and epilepsy. Angiotensin II (Ang II) exerts its actions through AT1and AT2receptors, while most actions of its metabolite Ang IV were believed to be independent of AT1or AT2receptor activation. A specific binding site with high affinity for Ang IV was discovered and denominated “AT4receptor”. The beneficiary effects of AT4ligands in animal models for cognitive impairment and epileptic seizures initiated the search for their mechanism of action. This proved to be a challenging task, and after 20 years of research, the nature of the “AT4receptor” remains controversial. Insulin‐regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) was first identified as the high‐affinity binding site for AT4ligands. Recently, the hepatocyte growth factor receptor c‐MET was also proposed as a receptor for AT4ligands. The present review focuses on the effects of Ang II and Ang IV on synaptic transmission and plasticity, learning, memory, and epileptic seizure activity. Possible interactions of Ang IV with the classical AT1and AT2receptor subtypes are evaluated, and other potential mechanisms by which AT4ligands may exert their effects are discussed. Identification of these mechanisms may provide a valuable target in the development in novel drugs for the treatment of cognitive disorders and epilepsy.
Prediction of Response to Antidepressants: Is Quantitative EEG (QEEG) an Alternative?
Authors: Iosifescu Dan V.
Published: November 2008

Selecting the most effective antidepressant for depressed subjects having failed previous treatments is difficult; the rates of success are relatively low. There is a clear need for objective biomarkers which could assist and optimize such treatment selection. We review here the current literature and recent developments on the role of quantitative EEG (QEEG) predictors of treatment outcome in major depressive disorder.
Vitamin D deficiency and osteoporosis
Authors: XIA Wei‐Bo , XU Ling , SU Hua
Published: November 2008

Osteoporosis is a disease of disequilibrium between bone formation and bone loss, and vitamin D is one of the key hormones in the regulation of bone metabolism, the major role of which is to provide the proper micro‐environment for bone mineralization. Vitamin D deficiency which has been defined by most experts as circulating 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels of less than 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L) is widespread all over the world. As shown by the results of recent studies, vitamin D deficiency could increase the risk of low bone mineral density or osteoporosis, muscle disorders, falls, and as a matter of course, fractures due to both osteoporosis and falls. Long‐term supplementation of vitamin D and calcium are good prevention measures for osteoporosis, falls and fractures. At the same time, they are essential components of osteoporosis management. Many studies show that sufficient vitamin D intake could increase bone mass, and decrease the risk of falls and fractures.
Quantitative ultrasound of bone and calcium intake in suburban males in Sri Lanka
Authors: SIRIBADDANA S.H. , KOVAS Y. , FERNANDO D.J.S.
Published: November 2008

Background:   While only 30% of all hip fractures occurred in Asia in 1990, more than 50% will occur by the year 2050. We investigated the relationship between the Stiffness Index (SI), assessed with quantitative ultrasound, and calcium intake in a cross‐sectional survey of suburban males of different ages.

Methods:   From 496 people who were invited, 274 participated (55%). A single operator performed quantitative ultrasound measurements at the right calcaneus using Lunar Achilles. We derived the Sri Lankan T‐score values for SI. Calcium intake was measured using semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire to measure the previous 7 days intake.

Results:   There was gradual decrease in mean SI from the age of 30 years. Eighty percent of the men between 21–40 years had normal T‐scores. This percentage value fell to high 60s in men between 41–70 years. After 71 years, 35% had normal T‐scores and 30% had T‐scores less than –2.5. The mean calcium intake was 197 mg/day (95% CI 187–287 mg).

Conclusions:   This is the first population‐based study done in Sri Lanka regarding calcium intake and SI in males. Although few men had low T‐scores according to SI after 40 years, bone health of elderly (after 71 years) is at risk levels. The overall prevalence of low SI was negligible (4%) even with low calcium intake. Age is the only factor that influenced SI.
Genetics of osteoporosis in Chinese
Authors: XIAO Sumei , HUANG Qingyang , KUNG Annie W.C.
Published: November 2008

Osteoporosis is a common skeletal disease characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) and deterioration in bone microarchitecture, resulting in increased bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures. As a complex disease, it is determined by both genetic and environmental factors, as well as their interactive effects. Studies have suggested that different genetic determinants may be involved in different ethnic groups. In this paper, we reviewed the genetic studies of osteoporosis in A Chinese population, focusing on the genes affecting BMD, a surrogate phenotype of osteoporosis.
Epac mediates PACAP‐dependent long‐term depression in the hippocampus
Authors: Ster Jeanne , De Bock Frédéric , Bertaso Federica , Abitbol Karine , Daniel Hervé , Bockaert Joël , Fagni Laurent
Published: November 2008

Extensive work has shown that activation of the cAMP‐dependent protein kinase A (PKA) is crucial for long‐term depression (LTD) of synaptic transmission in the hippocampus, a phenomenon that is thought to be involved in memory formation. Here we studied the role of an alternative target of cAMP, the exchange protein factor directly activated by cyclic AMP (Epac). We show that pharmacological activation of Epac by the selective agonist 8‐(4‐chlorophenylthio)‐2′‐O‐methyl‐cAMP (8‐pCPT) induces LTD in the CA1 region. Paired‐pulse facilitation of synaptic responses remained unchanged after induction of this LTD, suggesting that it depended on postsynaptic mechanisms. The 8‐pCPT‐induced LTD was blocked by the Epac signalling inhibitor brefeldin‐A (BFA), Rap‐1 antagonist geranylgeranyltransferase inhibitor (GGTI) and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (P38‐MAPK) inhibitor SB203580. This indicated a direct involvement of Epac in this form of LTD. As for other forms of LTD, a mimetic peptide of the PSD‐95/Disc‐large/ZO‐1 homology (PDZ) ligand motif of the AMPA receptor subunit GluR2 blocked the Epac‐LTD, suggesting involvement of PDZ protein interaction. The Epac‐LTD also depended on mobilization of intracellular Ca2+, proteasome activity and mRNA translation, but not transcription, as it was inhibited by thapsigargin, lactacystin and anisomycin, but not actinomycin‐D, respectively. Finally, we found that the pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) can induce an LTD that was mutually occluded by the Epac‐LTD and blocked by BFA or SB203580, suggesting that the Epac‐LTD could be mobilized by stimulation of PACAP receptors. Altogether these results provided evidence for a new form of hippocampal LTD.
Maternal renal dysfunction in sheep is associated with salt insensitivity in female offspring
Authors: Brandon A. E. , Boyce A. C. , Lumbers E. R. , Gibson K. J.
Published: November 2008

To examine the programming effects of maternal renal dysfunction (created by subtotal nephrectomy in ewes prior to mating; STNx), renal and cardiovascular function were studied in 6‐month‐old male and female offspring of STNx and control pregnancies. After studies were conducted on a low salt diet (LSD) some female offspring underwent salt loading (0.17 m NaCl in the drinking water for 5–7 days; HSD). On LSD both male and female offspring of STNx had similar mean arterial pressures (MAP), heart rates, cardiac outputs and renal function to those measured in offspring of control ewes. In female STNx offspring on a HSD, plasma sodium levels increased and haematocrits fell, indicating volume expansion (P < 0.05). Plasma renin levels were not suppressed despite the increases in plasma sodium concentrations, but aldosterone levels were reduced. In control animals plasma renin levels fell (P < 0.05) but there was no change in plasma aldosterone concentrations. There was a positive relationship between GFR and MAP which was present only in female STNx offspring. In conclusion, in STNx offspring there was an impaired ability to regulate glomerular filtration independent of arterial pressure, renin release was insensitive to a high salt intake and control of aldosterone secretion was abnormal. This study provides evidence of abnormal programming of the renin–angiotensin system and glomerular function in offspring of pregnancies in which there is impaired maternal renal function.
The role of endocytosis in regulating the strength of hippocampal synapses
Authors: Granseth Björn , Lagnado Leon
Published: November 2008

The readily releasable pool of vesicles (RRP) varies in size during synaptic activity and is replenished by recruitment from the reserve pool as well as vesicle retrieval after fusion. To investigate which of these steps is rate limiting in supplying vesicles to the RRP, we measured the effects of changes in temperature in cultured hippocampal neurons, where higher average rates of release can be maintained as the temperature is increased. Using a pHluorin‐based reporter of exocytosis and endocytosis (sypHy), we find that changes in temperature between 25°C and 35°C do not significantly alter the rate of recruitment from the reserve pool. In contrast, the time constant of endocytosis fell from ∼17 s at 25°C to ∼10 s at 35°C (Q10= 1.7), while the time constant of vesicle reacidification fell from ∼5.5 s to ∼1 s (Q10= 5.5). A kinetic model of the vesicle cycle constructed using measured parameters was found to describe variations in vesicle release rate observed during long trains of spikes as well as recovery from synaptic depression after bursts of activity. These results indicate that endocytosis operating with time constants of 10–15 s is the rate‐limiting process determining replenishment of the RRP during long‐term activity. A fast mode of vesicle retrieval could not be detected at any temperature, nor was it necessary to invoke such a mechanism to account for use‐dependent changes in synaptic release probability.
Acute regulation of metabolic genes and insulin receptor substrates in the liver of mice by one single bout of treadmill exercise
Authors: Hoene Miriam , Lehmann Rainer , Hennige Anita M. , Pohl Ann Kathrin , Häring Hans U. , Schleicher Erwin D. , Weigert Cora
Published: November 2008

Acute exercise performance represents a major metabolic challenge for the skeletal muscle, but also for the liver as the most important source of energy. However the molecular adaptation of the liver to one single bout of exercise is largely unknown. C57BL/6 mice performed a 60 min treadmill run at high aerobic intensity. Liver, soleus and white gastrocnemius muscle were removed immediately after exercise. The single bout of exercise resulted in a very rapid and pronounced induction of hepatic metabolic enzymes and regulators of metabolism or transcription: glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6Pase; 3‐fold), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase‐4 (PDK4; 4.8‐fold), angiopoietin‐like 4 (2.1‐fold), insulin receptor substrate (IRS)‐2 (5.1‐fold), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor‐γ coactivator 1α (PGC‐1α; 3‐fold). In soleus and white gastrocnemius muscle the up‐regulation of IRS‐2 and PDK4 was less pronounced compared with the liver and no significant induction of PGC‐1α could be detected at this early time point. Activation of AMPK was found in both liver and white gastrocnemius muscle as phosphorylation of Thr‐172. The induction of endogenous insulin secretion by a glucose load directly after the exercise bout resulted in a significantly higher PKB/Akt phosphorylation in the liver of exercised mice. The markedly enhanced IRS‐2 protein amount, and presumably reduced serine/threonine phosphorylation of the IRS proteins induced by the acute exercise could be responsible for this enhanced action of insulin. In conclusion, acute exercise induced a rapid and pronounced transcriptional adaptation in the liver, and regulated hepatic IRS proteins leading to improved cellular insulin signal transduction.
PPARδ agonism inhibits skeletal muscle PDC activity, mitochondrial ATP production and force generation during prolonged contraction
Authors: Constantin‐Teodosiu Dumitru , Baker David J. , Constantin Despina , Greenhaff Paul L.
Published: November 2008

We have recently shown that PPARδ agonism, used clinically to treat insulin resistance, increases fat oxidation and up‐regulates mitochondrial PDK4 mRNA and protein expression in resting skeletal muscle. We hypothesized that PDK4 up‐regulation, which inhibits pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC)‐dependent carbohydrate (CHO) oxidation, would negatively affect muscle function during sustained contraction where the demand on CHO is markedly increased. Three groups of eight male Wistar rats each received either vehicle or a PPARδ agonist (GW610742X) at two doses (5 and 100 mg (kg body mass (bm))−1 orally for 6 days. On the seventh day, the gastrocnemius–soleus–plantaris muscle group was isolated and snap frozen, or underwent 30 min of electrically evoked submaximal intensity isometric contraction using a perfused hindlimb model. During contraction, the rate of muscle PDC activation was significantly lower at 100 mg (kg bm)−1 compared with control (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the rates of muscle PCr hydrolysis and lactate accumulation were significantly increased at 100 mg (kg bm)−1 compared with control, reflecting lower mitochondrial ATP generation. Muscle tension development during contraction was significantly lower at 100 mg (kg bm)−1 compared with control (25%; P < 0.05). The present data demonstrate that PPARδ agonism inhibits muscle CHO oxidation at the level of PDC during prolonged contraction, and is paralleled by the activation of anaerobic metabolism, which collectively impair contractile function.
Development and Validation of a System for the Growth of Cells and Tissues Under Intermittent Hydrostatic Pressure
Authors: Eggum Troy J. , Hunter Christopher J.
Published: November 2008

Various cell populations have been shown to respond to hydrostatic pressure; however, many of the culture systems suffer from shortcomings in design or methodology. Of particular interest to us is the potential role of pressure and other environmental factors in modulating stem cell behavior in intervertebral disk repair. A system was developed for the growth of cells and tissues under intermittent hydrostatic pressure. The system was validated with NIH 3T3 fibroblasts for sterilizability and cytotoxicity. Further experiments were conducted with canine mesenchymal stem cells under various levels of pressure, oxygen, glucose, and conditioned medium. The culture system showed no cytotoxicity and was able to demonstrate that the proliferation and metabolism of mesenchymal stem cells are sensitive to medium glucose and oxygen concentration and hydrostatic pressure. The cells exposed to hydrostatic pressure differed in their morphology from nonexposed cells. The system is capable of supporting long-term cell culture and examining the role of mechanical and environmental stimulation in vivo.
Constitutive Models for Constrained Compression of Unimpacted and Impacted Human Morselized Bone Grafts
Authors: Lunde Knut B. , Foss Olav A. , Fosse Lars , Skallerud Bjørn
Published: November 2008

Morselized corticocancellous bone (MCB) is widely used in revision surgery with and without impaction. In the current study material parameters for the nonlinear viscoelastic and plastic responses of impacted and unimpacted human MCBs were determined during constrained compression. These models may be useful in finite element analyses of surgical constructs involving impacted and unimpacted MCBs. MCB is impacted layer by layer in the femoral canal during revision surgery. The influence of different layers on the mechanical properties was therefore also examined by comparing the relaxation strength and elastic and plastic strains for bone pellets impacted in one and two layers during constrained compression of human MCB. The relaxation strength was found to increase significantly by 14% for two layer pellets compared to one layer pellets, and the plastic strains decreased significantly by 15%, while the elastic strains were similar.
Diversity of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome
mec
Structures in Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus epidermidis
and
Staphylococcus haemolyticus
Strains among Outpatients from Four Countries
Authors: Ruppé Etienne , Barbier François , Mesli Yasmine , Maiga Aminata , Cojocaru Radu , Benkhalfat Mokhtar , Benchouk Samia , Hassaine Hafida , Maiga Ibrahim , Diallo Amadou , Koumaré Abdel Karim , Ouattara Kalilou , Soumaré Sambou , Dufourcq Jean-Baptiste , Nareth Chhor , Sarthou Jean-Louis , Andremont Antoine , Ruimy Raymond
Published: November 2008

In staphylococci, methicillin (meticillin) resistance (MR) is mediated by the acquisition of the
mecA
gene, which is carried on the size and composition variable staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
(SCC
mec
). MR has been extensively studied in
Staphylococcus aureus
, but little is known about MR coagulase-negative staphylococci (MR-CoNS). Here, we describe the diversity of SCC
mec
structures in MR-CoNS from outpatients living in countries with contrasting environments: Algeria, Mali, Moldova, and Cambodia. Their MR-CoNS nasal carriage rates were 29, 17, 11, and 31%, respectively. Ninety-six MR-CoNS strains, comprising 75 (78%)
Staphylococcus epidermidis
strains, 19 (20%)
Staphylococcus haemolyticus
strains, 1 (1%)
Staphylococcus hominis
strain, and 1 (1%)
Staphylococcus cohnii
strain, were analyzed. Eighteen different SCC
mec
types were observed, with 28 identified as type IV (29%), 25 as type V (26%), and 1 as type III (1%). Fifteen strains (44%) were untypeable for their SCC
mec
. Thirty-four percent of MR-CoNS strains contained multiple
ccr
copies. Type IV and V SCC
mec
were preferentially associated with
S. epidermidis
and
S. haemolyticus
, respectively. MR-CoNS constitute a widespread and highly diversified MR reservoir in the community.
Absence of CD4+T Lymphocytes, CD8+T Lymphocytes, or B Lymphocytes Has Different Effects on the Efficacy of Posaconazole and Benznidazole in Treatment of Experimental AcuteTrypanosoma cruziInfection
Authors: Ferraz Marcela L. , Gazzinelli Ricardo T. , Alves Rosana O. , Urbina Julio A. , Romanha Alvaro J.
Published: November 2008

We investigated the influence of CD4+T lymphocytes, CD8+T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes on the efficacy of posaconazole (POS) and the reference drug benznidazole (BZ) during treatment of acuteTrypanosoma cruziinfection in a murine model. Wild-type mice infected withT. cruziand treated with POS or BZ presented no parasitemia, 100% survival, and 86 to 89% cure rates, defined as the percentages of animals with negative hemocultures at the end of the observation period. CD4+-T-lymphocyte-knockout (KO) mice infected withT. cruziand treated with BZ or POS controlled parasitemia during treatment, although circulating parasites reappeared after drug pressure cessation, leading to only a 6% survival rate and no cure. CD8+-T-lymphocyte-KO mice infected withT. cruziand treated with POS or BZ had intermediate results, displaying discrete parasitemia after the treatment was ended, 81 and 86% survival, and cure rates of 31 and 66%, respectively. B-lymphocyte-KO mice infected withT. cruziand treated with BZ relapsed with parasitemia 1 week after the end of treatment and had a 67% survival rate and only a 22% cure rate. In contrast, the activity of POS was much less affected in these animals, with permanent suppression of parasitemia, 100% survival, and a 71% cure rate. Our results demonstrate that abrogation of different lymphocytes’ activities has distinct effects on the efficacy of POS and BZ in this experimental model, probably reflecting different parasite stages preferentially targeted by the two drugs and distinct cooperation patterns with the host immune system.
Antibody to the Type 3 Capsule Facilitates Immune Adherence of Pneumococci to Erythrocytes and Augments Their Transfer to Macrophages
Authors: Li Jie , Szalai Alexander J. , Hollingshead Susan K. , Nahm Moon H. , Briles David E.
Published: November 2008

Streptococcus pneumoniaehas been shown to bind to erythrocytes via a process called immune adherence. This adherence and the subsequent transfer of pneumococci from erythrocytes to macrophages are both dependent on complement C3 deposition onto the pneumococcal surface. The observation that anti-capsule antibody increases C3 deposition on the pneumococcal capsule indicated that anti-capsule antibody may also facilitate the clearance of pneumococci through immune adherence. Using pneumococcal strain WU2 (capsule type 3) and its nonencapsulated mutant JD908, we found that monoclonal antibody (MAb) to type 3 capsule increases complement C3, C1q, and C4 deposition on WU2 and enhanced the immune adherence of WU2 to erythrocytes. The MAb to type 3 capsule also enhanced the transfer of WU2 from erythrocytes to macrophages. Moreover, the transfer reaction was inhibited by preincubating macrophages with anti-CR3 or anti-FcγRIII/II MAb, indicating that CR3 and FcγRIII/II on macrophages mediate this process. The transfer reactions of JD908 (opsonized with complement) and WU2 (opsonized with complement plus MAb to type 3 capsule) were similarly inhibited by anti-CR3 MAb, but only the latter was inhibited by anti-FcγRIII/II MAb. This finding indicates that although complement and the macrophage receptor CR3 are essential for the transfer reaction, if antibody is present it can further enhance the transfer reaction through a process dependent on FcγRIII/II. Using pre- and postvaccination sera of people immunized with the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, we confirmed that human anti-capsule antibodies are also able to increase the immune adherence of pneumococci and their transfer to macrophages.
Liver Transcriptome Profiles Associated with Strain-SpecificEhrlichia chaffeensis-Induced Hepatitis in SCID Mice
Authors: Miura Koshiro , Rikihisa Yasuko
Published: November 2008

Infection of humans withEhrlichia chaffeensis, the etiologic agent of human monocytic ehrlichiosis, can cause hepatitis of various levels of severity. When the three human isolates ofE. chaffeensis, each belonging to a different genogroup, are inoculated into severe combined immunodeficiency mice, the order of severity of clinical signs and bacterial burden detected in the liver is as follows (from greatest to least severity and highest to lowest burden): strain Wakulla, followed by strain Liberty, followed by strain Arkansas. In this article, we used microarray analysis to define transcriptional profiles characteristic of the histopathological features in the mouse liver. Cytokine and chemokine profiles and their receptor profiles were strikingly different among the three strains ofE. chaffeensis: gamma interferon, CCL5, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL7, CXCL9, interleukin 2 receptor gamma (IL2Rγ), IL21R, CCR2, and CXCR6 were highly upregulated with strain Arkansas; and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CCL6, CCL12, CCL20, CXCL2, CXCL7, CXCL9, CXCL13, TNF receptor superfamily 9 (TNFRSF9), TNFRSF13β, IL1R2, IL2Rγ, IL20Rβ, IL21R, CCR1, CCR2, and CXCR4 were highly upregulated with strain Wakulla. With strain Liberty, only CXCL13 was highly upregulated, and IL13Rα2 was downregulated. In livers infected with the Arkansas strain, monocytes/macrophages and NK cells were enriched in the granulomas and an increase in NK cell marker mRNAs was detected. Livers infected with the Wakulla strain displayed infiltration of significantly more neutrophils and an increase in neutrophil marker mRNAs. Genes commonly upregulated in liver tissue infected with the three strains are other host innate immune and inflammatory response genes, including those encoding several acute-phase proteins. Genes downregulated commonly are related to host physiologic functions. The results suggest that marked modulation of host cytokine and chemokine profiles byE. chaffeensisstrains underlies the distinct host liver disease.
MANY-BOSON DYNAMIC CORRELATIONS
Authors: CAMPBELL C. E. , KROTSCHECK E.
Published: November 2008

In this paper we present an overview of a systematic development of the linear equations of motion for a dynamically correlated wave function that moves beyond the previous theories that include time-dependent pair correlations at most. We argue that these time-dependent pair correlations are insufficient to describe important physical effects in the energy/momentum regime of the 4 He roton; minimally, time-dependent three-body correlations are necessary to capture the relevant physics. For simplicity we illustrate this on the problem of atomic impurities in 4 He .
AN EFFICIENT DENSITY FUNCTIONAL ALGORITHM IN A STRONG MAGNETIC FIELD
Authors: JANECEK S. , KROTSCHECK E.
Published: November 2008

We describe the implementation of a manifestly gauge invariant configuration space method for ab initio electronic structure calculations in an arbitrarily strong external magnetic field. To be able to reproduce empirical data for realistic systems, we will also formulate our real-space algorithm in magnetic fields for non-local ionic pseudo-potentials. Numerical applications focus on two issues, namely a careful assessment of the convergence properties of our algorithm and in particular the implications of our gauge invariant formulation, and the calculation of NMR shifts for a number of typical molecules.
STRONGLY CORRELATED BOSONS AT NONZERO TEMPERATURES
Authors: GERNOTH K. A. , SERHAN M. , RISTIG M. L.
Published: November 2008

We investigate the structure of strongly correlated normal Bose liquids and fluids by employing correlated density-matrix (CDM) theory, a generalization of correlated basis functions (CBF) theory to nonzero temperatures. The formalism is applied in a study of structural properties of various correlation functions that characterize the one-body and two-body reduced density matrix elements of a boson system and the associated Fourier transforms such as the static structure function, the exchange structure function, the momentum distribution, and related thermodynamic quantities. We perform a numerical analysis for liquid para-hydrogen, close to the triple point, supercritical 4 He gas at temperatures T ≥ 12 K , and fluid and liquid 4 He in the normal phase below T = 12 K . The results reveal that H 2 and 4 He , at T > 12 K , are typical quantum Boltz-mann systems following classical statistics. In contrast, liquid 4 He exhibits non-classical effects of particle exchange correlations, when the temperature is lowered toward the Bose-Einstein transition regime.
COLLECTIVE MODES OF TRAPPED INTERACTING BOSONS
Authors: GNANAPRAGASAM G. , DAS M. P.
Published: November 2008

The derivation for collective modes of an interacting Bose gas trapped by an isotropic harmonic oscillator potential is presented using field-theoretic method. The presence of the two-body scattering term beyond the mean-field is seen to appear inevitably in the calculations, even in the simplest approximation. As a result we see the occurrence of a small number of non-condensate atoms in the ground state density fluctuations.
p-WAVE PAIRING IN FERMI SYSTEMS WITH UNEQUAL POPULATION NEAR FESHBACH RESONANCE
Authors: QUADER KHANDKER F. , LIAO RENYUAN , POPESCU FLORENTIN
Published: November 2008

We explore p-wave pairing in a single-channel two-component Fermi system with unequal population near Feshbach resonance. Our analytical and numerical study reveal a rich superfluid (SF) ground state structure as a function of imbalance. In addition to the state Δ±1 ∝ Y1±1, a multitude of “mixed” SF states formed of linear combinations of Y1m's give global energy minimum under a phase stability condition; these states exhibit variation in energy with the relative phase between the constituent gap amplitudes. States with local energy minimum are also obtained. We provide a geometric representation of the states. A T = 0 polarization vs. p-wave coupling phase diagram is constructed across the BEC-BCS regimes. With increased polarization, the global minimum SF state may undergo a quantum phase transition to the local minimum SF state.
THE SAWTOOTH CHAIN: FROM HEISENBERG SPINS TO HUBBARD ELECTRONS
Authors: RICHTER J. , DERZHKO O. , HONECKER A.
Published: November 2008

We report on recent studies of the spin-half Heisenberg and the Hubbard model on the sawtooth chain. For both models we construct a class of exact eigenstates which are localized due to the frustrating geometry of the lattice for a certain relation of the exchange (hopping) integrals. Although these eigenstates differ in details for the two models because of the different statistics, they share some characteristic features. The localized eigenstates are highly degenerate and become ground states in high magnetic fields (Heisenberg model) or at certain electron fillings (Hubbard model), respectively. They may dominate the low-temperature thermodynamics and lead to an extra low-temperature maximum in the specific heat. The ground-state degeneracy can be calculated exactly by a mapping of the manifold of localized ground states onto a classical hard-dimer problem, and explicit expressions for thermodynamic quantities can be derived which are valid at low temperatures near the saturation field for the Heisenberg model or around a certain value of the chemical potential for the Hubbard model, respectively.
THE EFFECTIVE MASS OF A CHARGED CARRIER IN A NONPOLAR LIQUID: APPLICATIONS TO SUPERFLUID HELIUM
Authors: VARLAMOV ANDREI , CHIKINA IOULIA , SHIKIN VALERIY
Published: November 2008

The problem of a correct definition of the charged carrier effective mass in superfluid helium is revised. It is shown that the effective mass of such a quasi-particle can be introduced without Atkins's idea about the solidification of liquid He4 in the close vicinity of an ion (the so-called “snowball” model). Moreover, in addition to generalization of the Atkins's model, the charged carrier effective mass formation is considered within the framework of the two-fluid scenario. The physical reasons of the normal fluid contribution divergency and the way of corresponding regularization procedure are discussed. Agreement between the theory and the available experimental data is found in a wide range of temperatures.
NANOLAYERED MAX PHASES FROM ab initio CALCULATIONS
Authors: LUO W. , FANG C. M. , AHUJA R.
Published: November 2008

The advancement in new materials processing and fabrication techniques has made it possible to better control the atomistic level of structures in a way, which was not feasible only a decade ago. If one can couple this atomic control with a good understanding of the relationship between structure and properties, this will in the future lead to a significant contribution to the synthesizing of tailor-made materials. In this paper we have focused on, the structurally related nanolayered ternary compounds M N+1 AX N, (MAX) where N = 1, 2 or 3, M is an early transition metal, A is an A-group (mostly IIIA and IVA) element, and X is either C and/or N, which has attracted increasing interest owing to their unique properties. The general relations between the electronic structure and materials properties of MAX phases have been elaborated based on ab initio calculations.
PROGRESS IN THE DESCRIPTION OF NUCLEAR PHYSICS FROM LATTICE QCD
Authors: TARIQ A. S. B.
Published: November 2008

It has been a natural desire for a long time to be able to describe nuclear physics in terms of the fundamental strong interaction. Recently some significant progress has been made in this area in terms of lattice QCD calculations of simple nuclear physics processes such as nucleon nucleon scattering. An attempt is made to introduce the progress made in this area, to an audience composed mainly of many-body theorists (non-lattice QCD and even non-particle/nuclear physics) interested in inter-disciplinary approaches.
BIRKHOFF THEOREM AND ERGOMETER: MEETING OF TWO CULTURES
Authors: HOWARD LEE M.
Published: November 2008

There are two approaches to understanding Boltzmann's ergodic hypothesis in statistical mechanics. The first one, purely mathematical, goes by way of theorems while the second one relies on physical measurements. By its own nature the former is universal whereas the latter is specific to a system. By all account they seem orthogonal to each other. But should not they meet at the end? If, for example, both conclude that the hypothesis is not valid in a given system, should not their conclusions be compatible? We illustrate in this work how the two cultures meet in the physics of ergodicity.
TOWARDS BALLISTIC TRANSPORT IN GRAPHENE
Authors: DU XU , SKACHKO IVAN , ANDREI EVA Y.
Published: November 2008

Graphene is a fascinating material for exploring fundamental science questions as well as a potential building block for novel electronic applications. In order to realize the full potential of this material the fabrication techniques of graphene devices, still in their infancy, need to be refined to better isolate the graphene layer from the environment. We present results from a study on the influence of extrinsic factors on the quality of graphene devices including material defects, lithography, doping by metallic leads and the substrate. The main finding is that trapped Coulomb scatterers associated with the substrate are the primary factor reducing the quality of graphene devices. A fabrication scheme is proposed to produce high quality graphene devices dependably and reproducibly. In these devices, the transport properties approach theoretical predictions of ballistic transport.
EMPIRICAL ASPECTS OF STATISTICAL MECHANICS' AXIOMATICS
Authors: PLASTINO A. , CURADO E. M. F.
Published: November 2008

It is here shown how to use pieces of macroscopic thermodynamics to generate microscopic probability distributions for generalized ensembles, thereby directly connecting macro-state-axiomatics with microscopic results.
KIDNEY-BOOJUM-LIKE SOLUTIONS AND EXACT SHAPE EQUATION OF SOLID-LIKE DOMAINS IN LIPID MONOLAYER
Authors: TONG HUAN , LIU FEI , IWAMOTO MITSUMASA , OU-YANG ZHONG-CAN
Published: November 2008

The shape of solid lipid monolayer domain surrounded by a fluid phase is of considerable interest from physical and mathematical points of view. Here we report two new results about this topic. First, we obtain an exact analytical solution to an approximated shape equation that was derived by us recently [Phys. Rev. Lett. 93, 206101 (2004)]. This solution can well describe the kidney- and boojum-like domains that abound in lipid monolayer. Second, we derive an exact domain shape equation by a direct variation of domain energy without any artificial cutoff. We find that no continuous solutions satisfies this shape equation due to the divergence of its coefficients, which is rooted in the continuous description of electrostatic dipoles.
EXCITED STATE PROCESSES IN PHOTOSYNTHESIS MOLECULES
Authors: BOHR HENRIK , GREISEN PER , MALIC BARRY
Published: November 2008

A study of electronic processes in the chlorophyll and carothenoid molecules of the photo-reaction center II is presented with the focus on the electronic excitations and charge transfer in the photosynthetic process. Several novel ideas are mentioned especially concerning the electron replenishment and nuclear vibrational excitations. The study is build mainly on numerical quantum calculations of electronic structures of molecules in the photo-reaction center.