bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystallization and morphology of poly(ethylene oxide‐b‐lactide) crystalline–crystalline diblock copolymers
Authors: Huang Shaoyong , Jiang Shichun , An Lijia , Chen Xuesi
Published: May 2008

The crystallization behaviors and morphology of asymmetric crystalline–crystalline diblock copolymers poly(ethylene oxide‐lactide) (PEO‐b‐PLLA) were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), and microscopic techniques (polarized optical microscopy (POM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM)). Both blocks of PEO5‐b‐PLLA16 can be crystallized, which was confirmed by WAXD, while PEO block in PEO5‐b‐PLLA30 is difficult to crystallize because of the confinement induced by the high glass transition temperature and crystallization of PLLA block with the microphase separation of the block copolymer. Comparing with the crystallization and morphology of PLLA homopolymer and differences between the two copolymers, we studied the influence of PEO block and microphase separation on the crystallization and morphology of PLLA block. The boundary temperature (Tb) was observed, which distinguishes the crystallization into high‐ and low‐temperature ranges, the growth rate and morphology were quite different between the ranges. Crystalline morphologies including banded spherulite, dendritic crystal, and dense branching in PEO5‐b‐PLLA16 copolymer were formed. The typical morphology of dendritic crystals including two different sectors were observed in PEO5‐b‐PLLA30 copolymer, which can be explained by secondary nucleation, chain growth direction, and phase separation between the two blocks during the crystallization process. Lozenge‐shaped crystals of PLLA with screw dislocation were also observed employing AFM, but the crystalline morphology of PEO block was not observed using microscopy techniques because of its small size. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1400–1411, 2008
A compact spin‐free combinatoric open‐shell coupled cluster theory applied to single‐reference doublets
Authors: Datta Dipayan , Mukherjee Debashis
Published: May 2008

In this article, we present an explicitly spin‐free compact coupled cluster (CC) theory for simple open‐shell systems, e.g., doublets, biradicals, which can be described either by a single open‐shell determinant or by a configuration state function (CSF) which corresponds to a single spatial configuration but is a linear combination of determinants with different spin allocations. A new cluster expansion Ansatz for the wave‐operator is introduced, in which the spin‐free cluster operators are either of the form of closed‐shell‐like n hole‐n particle excitations or contain valence excitations, which may involve exchange spectator scatterings. These latter type of operators are allowed to contract among themselves through the spectator orbitals. The novelty of the Ansatz is in the choice of a suitable automorphic factor accompanying each composite of noncommuting operators, ensuring that each such composite appears only once. The resulting CC equations consist of two types of terms: one is direct and the other is folded and the latter involves the effective Hamiltonian operator. We emphasize that while the direct term terminates exactly at the quartic power of the cluster amplitudes, termination of the folded term is dictated by the valence rank of the effective Hamiltonian operator, just as in the spin‐free open‐shell CC theory with a normal ordered exponential Ansatz. Example applications are presented by computing the core and valence‐ionized state energies of H2O molecule and comparing the results with benchmark full CI results. The results show the efficacy of the method. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Carbohydrate‐binding modules from family 11: Understanding the binding mode of polysaccharides
Authors: Brás N. F. , Cerqueira N. M. F. S. A. , Fernandes P. A. , Ramos M. J.
Published: May 2008

This article focuses on the molecular determinants that drive the binding and recognition of polysaccharides to the carbohydrate‐binding modules (CBMs) from family 11. The CBMs are noncatalytic modules of a high‐hierarchy multisubunit complex called cellulosome, which are known to be crucial for the efficient degradation of polysaccharides. Their function and behavior has not yet been fully clarified, and taking into account the bioeconomical interest in this subject it has become a challenging research problem. Our computational results point to the fact that the binding interface of the CBM11 can bind only one single polysaccharide chain, which is in agreement with other CBMs from type B. The central binding site has affinity for polysaccharides with more than four subunits, and there are four main residues that have a central role in this interaction: Asp99, Arg126, Asp128, and Asp146. Furthermore, there are three tyrosine residues, Tyr22, Tyr53, and Tyr129 that are crucial for the guiding and packing of the polysaccharide to the charged regions. In this article, we have also compared the structure of the CBM11 with other CBMs families from type B and found many similarities, which suggest similar binding activities and functions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Detection of carbonyl groups in triterpenoids by hydroxylamine hydrochloride derivatization using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhou Yan , Chen Haibin , Peng Shulin , Gu Yucheng , Ding Lisheng
Published: May 2008

A rapid, simple electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) sensitivity enhancement method for detecting carbonyl groups in triterpenoids has been developed by using hydroxylamine hydrochloride (NH2OH · HCl) as a derivatization reagent. We use the oxime formed during the derivatization reactions and its Beckmann rearrangement intermediates as a means of detecting the carbonyl groups originally present in these triterpenoids. In comparison with other derivatization methods reported in the literature, this method is simple, specific and can be used to detect carbonyl groups in triterpenoids which have low polarity and are poorly or non‐ionizable. Moreover, it can also be used to detect hydroxyl groups by using the Dess‐Martin periodinane (DMP) to convert primary and secondary hydroxyls into carbonyl groups. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Restrained ion population transfer: a novel ion transfer method for mass spectrometry
Authors: Kaiser Nathan K. , Skulason Gunnar E. , Weisbrod Chad R. , Wu Si , Zhang Kai , Prior David C. , Buschbach Michael A. , Anderson Gordon A. , Bruce James E.
Published: May 2008

Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometers function such that the ion accumulation event takes place in a region of higher pressure outside the magnetic field which allows ions to be thermally cooled before being accelerated toward the ICR cell where they are decelerated and re‐trapped. This transfer process suffers from mass discrimination due to time‐of‐flight effects. Also, trapping ions with substantial axial kinetic energy can decrease the performance of the FTICR instrument compared with the analysis of thermally cooled ions located at the trap center. Therefore, it is desirable to limit the energy imparted to the ions which results in lower applied trap plate potentials and reduces the spread in axial kinetic energy. The approach presented here for ion transfer, called restrained ion population transfer or RIPT, is designed to provide complete axial and radial containment of an ion population throughout the entire transfer process from the accumulation region to the ICR cell, eliminating mass discrimination associated with time‐of‐flight separation. This was accomplished by use of a number of quadrupole segments arranged in series with independent control of the direct current (DC) bias voltage applied to each segment of the quadrupole ion guide. The DC bias voltage is applied in such a way as to minimize the energy imparted to the ions allowing transfer of ions with low kinetic energy from the ion accumulation region to the ICR cell. Initial FTICR mass spectral data are presented that illustrate the feasibility of RIPT. A larger m/z range for a mixture of peptides is demonstrated compared with gated trapping. The increase in ion transfer time (3 ms to 130 ms) resulted in an ∼11% decrease in the duty cycle; however this can be improved by simultaneously transferring multiple ion populations with RIPT. The technique was also modeled with SIMION 7.0 and simulation results that support our feasibility studies of the ion transfer process are presented. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distributed Decision‐Tree Induction in Peer‐to‐Peer Systems
Authors: Bhaduri Kanishka , Wolff Ran , Giannella Chris , Kargupta Hillol
Published: May 2008

This paper offers a scalable and robust distributed algorithm for decision‐tree induction in large peer‐to‐peer (P2P) environments. Computing a decision tree in such large distributed systems using standard centralized algorithms can be very communication‐expensive and impractical because of the synchronization requirements. The problem becomes even more challenging in the distributed stream monitoring scenario where the decision tree needs to be updated in response to changes in the data distribution. This paper presents an alternate solution that works in a completely asynchronous manner in distributed environments and offers low communication overhead, a necessity for scalability. It also seamlessly handles changes in data and peer failures. The paper presents extensive experimental results to corroborate the theoretical claims. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company Statistical Analy Data Mining 1: 000‐000, 2008
Edmondson‐Steiner Grading Increases the Predictive Efficiency of TNM Staging for Long‐term Survival of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Curative Resection
Authors: Zhou Li , Rui Jing‐An , Ye Da‐Xiong , Wang Shao‐Bin , Chen Shu‐Guang , Qu Qiang
Published: May 2008

Background

The 6th edition TNM staging (TNM‐6) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been recommended. However, its superiority, in contrast to the previous 5th edition (TNM‐5), has not been fully recognized. Besides, tumor differentiation was not included. The current study was designed to compare the value of these two staging systems and, more importantly, to elucidate whether Edmondson‐Steiner grading, a well‐acknowledged histological classification, is helpful in further discriminating different prognosis of HCC.

Methods

Prospectively collected clinicopathological and follow‐up data of consecutive 171 patients with HCC undergoing curative hepatic resection (CHR) were reviewed retrospectively. The impacts of variables on survival were determined by univariate and multivariate statistical analyses.

Results

The differences of survival between stages of the TNM‐6 and TNM‐5 were almost significant, except for disease‐free survival for TNM‐5. Moreover, TNM‐6 might be a more powerful prognostic predictor compared with TNM‐5, although their impacts on survival were all not independent, unlike Edmondson‐Steiner grading. For patients with each stage of TNM‐6, Edmondson‐Steiner grade was the sole significant variable in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Finally, a novel scoring criteria (prognostic scoring for CHR, PSCHR) integrating Edmondson‐Steiner grading and TNM‐6 was attempted and statistically shown to be of independent significance and stronger predicting value for prognosis of curatively resected HCC.

Conclusion

TNM‐6 revealed to be more significantly prognostic than TNM‐5 in patients with HCC after curative hepatic resection. Edmondson‐Steiner grading could raise the predictive efficiency of TNM‐6 for postresectional survival of patients with HCC. Therefore, PSCHR containing Edmondson‐Steiner grading was preliminarily proposed.
Stabilization of the Proximal Ulnar Stump after the Darrach or Sauvé-Kapandji Procedure by Using the Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Tendon
Authors: Chu Po-Jung , Lee Hung-Maan , Hung Sheng-Tsai , Shih Jui-Tien
Published: May 2008

The Darrach and Sauvé-Kapandji procedures are considered to be useful treatment options for distal radioulnar joint disorders. Postoperative instability of the proximal ulnar stump and radioulnar convergence, however, may cause further symptoms. From October 1999 to May 2002, a total of 19 wrists in 15 men and four women, with an average age of 48.3 years, were treated by stabilizing the proximal ulnar stump with a half-slip of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon using modified Darrach and Sauvé-Kapandji procedures. The average follow-up period was 77 months (range, 62 to 91 months). No patient complained of symptoms due to instability of the proximal ulnar stump. Grip strength improved in all wrists after surgery. Postoperative X-rays, including loading X-rays, showed improved alignment in both coronal and lateral planes. We concluded that stabilization of the proximal ulnar stump with ECU tenodesis is an effective procedure for treating distal radioulnar joint disorder after the Darrach and Sauvé-Kapandji procedures.
Fabrication and Properties of Porphyrin Nano- and Micro-particles with Novel Morphology
Authors: Li Xiangqing , Zhang Line , Mu Jin , Qiu Jinlong
Published: May 2008

New types of porphyrin nano- and micro-particles composed of J- and H-heteroaggregates were prepared by electrostatic self-assembly of two oppositely charged porphyrins, tetrakis(4-trimethylammoniophenyl)porphyrin (H2TAPP4+) and tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin cobalt(II) (CoTPPS4−), in aqueous solutions. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed novel morphology and size distribution of porphyrin particles fabricated under different experimental conditions. The assembly process of the nano- and micro-particles was monitored by UV–Vis spectra. Fluorescence spectra and UV–Vis spectra provided optical information on the formation of the nano- and micro-particles. Cyclic voltammograms of the porphyrin particles indicated that the electron gain and loss of the H2TAPP4+ion were restrained, and the electron transfer of the CoTPPS4−ion was promoted in the J- and H-type porphyrin heteroaggregates within the particles. The stability and constitution of the nano- and micro-particles were confirmed by UV-light irradiation, heat-treatment, and pH and ionic strength changes. Photoelectrochemical measurements showed that the photoelectron transfer of TiO2modified with the particles was more efficient than that of TiO2sensitized by either monomers. The photoelectronic and photocatalytic properties of the products indicated that the pyramidal or spherical configuration of the nano- and micro-particles was favorable for the absorption and transfer of the energy. It can be found that TiO2sensitized by the porphyrin nano- and micro-particles exhibits significant improvement in energy conversion and photocatalytic activity with reference to pure TiO2.
Human angiogenic cell precursors restore function in the infarcted rat heart: A comparison of cell delivery routes
Authors: Sun Zhuo , Wu Jun , Fujii Hiroko , Wu Jiang , Li Shu‐Hong , Porozov Svetlana , Belleli Adina , Fulga Valentin , Porat Yael , Li Ren‐Ke
Published: May 2008

Background

We recently isolated angiogenic cell precursors (ACPs) from human blood, which can induce angiogenesis in vitro.

Aims

In the present study, we used a nude rat model of ischaemic cardiomyopathy to compare the efficacy of intramyocardial and intracoronary ACP implantation, and to evaluate effects on cardiac function, scar size and angiogenesis.

Methods and results

Adult nude rats underwent coronary artery ligation. Six days later, ACPs (characterized in vitro prior to implantation) or culture media were injected directly into the ischaemic myocardial region or into the coronary artery via the aorta. Cardiac function was measured by echocardiography prior to and at 2 and 4 weeks after implantation. Scar morphology, cell engraftment, and myocardial angiogenesis were evaluated at 4 weeks. Two and four weeks after implantation, cardiac function declined in both of the control groups but improved in both the intramyocardial and intracoronary ACP groups. Significant reductions in myocardial scar area were only observed in the intramyocardial ACP group, while increases in blood vessel density, which were observed in all ACP recipients, were greatest in the intracoronary ACP group.

Conclusions

Human ACPs, delivered via intramyocardial or intracoronary injection, engrafted into damaged cardiac tissue and improved cardiac function within 4 weeks through effects on scar morphology and blood vessel formation.
The wheat germ cell‐free based screening of protein substrates of calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II delta
Authors: Masaoka Takashi , Nishi Mayuko , Ryo Akihide , Endo Yaeta , Sawasaki Tatsuya
Published: May 2008

MINT‐6538664: CAMK2D (uniprotkb:Q13557) phosphorylates (MI:0217) STIP1 (uniprotkb:P31948) by protein kinase assay (MI:0424)

MINT‐6538652: CAMK2D (uniprotkb:Q13557) phosphorylates (MI:0217) EIF4B (uniprotkb:P23588) by protein kinase assay (MI:0424)
Globin‐coupled sensors and protoglobins share a common signaling mechanism
Authors: Saito Jennifer A. , Wan Xuehua , Lee Kit Shan , Hou Shaobin , Alam Maqsudul
Published: May 2008

The globin‐coupled sensors (GCSs) and protoglobins (Pgbs) form one lineage of the globin superfamily. The GCSs are multidomain sensory proteins involved in aerotaxis or gene regulation, while the Pgbs are single‐domain globins of yet unknown function. We postulate that the GCSs and Pgbs share a common signaling mechanism to modulate diverse physiological functions. To elucidate the signaling properties of individual globin domains, we constructed and expressed chimeric receptors in Escherichia coli. We demonstrate that all the chimeric receptors reversibly bind oxygen in vitro and trigger aerotactic responses in vivo. Thus, oxygen binding to the globin domains of diverse GCSs and Pgbs form a common signaling state that can trigger aerotactic responses.
Human but not rat amylin shares neurotoxic properties with Aβ42 in long‐term hippocampal and cortical cultures
Authors: Lim Yun-An , Ittner Lars M. , Lim Yun Li , Götz Jürgen
Published: May 2008

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) share epidemiological and biochemical features. Both are characterized by insoluble protein aggregates with a fibrillar conformation – amylin in Type 2 DM pancreatic islets, and Aβ in AD brain. To determine whether amylin shares neurotoxic properties with Aβ, we incubated hippocampal and cortical neurons with Aβ42 and human amylin. Different from non‐amyloidogenic rat amylin, both caused a dose‐, time‐ and cell type‐specific neurotoxicity supporting the notion of a similar toxic mechanism. Depending on the cell type, this finding is also supported by co‐incubation of human amylin and Aβ.
Effects of chronic proline administration on lipid contents of rat brain
Authors: Vianna Luciene P. , Delwing Daniela , Kurek Andréa G. , Breier Ana C. , Kreutz Fernando , Chiarani Fábria , Stefanello Francieli M. , Wyse Angela T.S. , Trindade Vera M. Treis
Published: May 2008

In the present work we investigated the effects of chronic proline administration on ganglioside, cholesterol and phospholipid total contents, as well as on ganglioside profile in cerebral cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus and cerebellum of rats. We also evaluated the ganglioside content and profile in detergent‐soluble and resistant microdomains isolated from synaptic membranes obtained from cerebral cortex. Proline solution (hyperprolinemic) or saline (control) were subcutaneously administered to rats from 6th to 28th post‐natal day, according to body weight. Twelve hours after the last injection, the animals were sacrificed by decapitation without anaesthesia. Brain structures were homogenized with chloroform:methanol for lipid extraction. Synaptic membranes were obtained by differential centrifugation and detergent‐soluble and resistant microdomains were isolated by cold Triton X‐100 treatment. Results showed that rats subjected to chronic proline treatment presented a significant increase of ganglioside content in cortex and hippocampus, while this membrane lipid content was not altered in hypothalamus and cerebellum. Besides, phospholipid and cholesterol contents were not modified in all structures studied. On the other hand, ganglioside content decreased in detergent‐soluble and resistant microdomains isolated from synaptic membrane obtained from hyperprolinemic cortex. Although ganglioside profiles were apparently not modified, the individual absolute quantities were altered in cortex and hippocampus total lipid extract and membrane microdomains. Our findings suggest that chronic proline treatment affects in a distinct manner different cerebral regions concerning the lipid composition of the cell membranes, reflecting on its distribution in the cortex membrane microdomains. Among these phenomena consequences, distinct modulations in synaptic transmission may be suggested which might contribute to the impairment in cognition and/or other neurological dysfunctions found in hyperprolinemia type II patients.
AUTOMORPHISMS OF METABELIAN PRIME POWER ORDER GROUPS OF MAXIMAL CLASS
Authors: FOULADI S. , ORFI R.
Published: May 2008

LetGbe ap-group of maximal class of orderpn. It is shown that the order of the group of all automorphisms ofGcentralizing the Frattini quotient takes the maximum valuep2n−4if and only ifGis metabelian. A structure theorem is proved for the Sylowp-subgroup,Autp(G), of the automorphism group ofGwhenGis metabelian. Forp=2,Aut2(G) is the full automorphism group ofG. Forp=3, we prove a structure theorem for the full automorphism group of G.
Maternal undernutrition leads to endothelial dysfunction in adult male rat offspring independent of postnatal diet
Authors: Torrens Christopher , Hanson Mark A. , Gluckman Peter D. , Vickers Mark H.
Published: May 2008

Increasing evidence suggests a role for prenatal environment in the onset of cardiovascular and metabolic disease in later life. In the rat, undernutritionin uteroand a postnatal high-fat diet gives rise to a phenotype similar to the metabolic syndrome. As endothelial dysfunction is a feature of both CVD and the metabolic syndrome we investigated the impact of maternal undernutrition and/or postnatal high-fat on endothelial function. Virgin Wistar rats were mated and randomly assigned to groups to receive food eitherad libitum(control) or at 30 % ofad libitumintake throughout gestation. At postnatal day 250, a cohort from each group was challenged with a high-fat diet (D12451, 45 % energy from fat; Research Diets, Inc., New Brunswick, NJ, USA) for the remainder of the study. At 1 year of age, small mesenteric arteries were dissected and mounted on a wire myograph and responses to phenylephrine, endothelin, acetylcholine, leptin and sodium nitroprusside assessed. Vasoconstriction to endothelin was significantly enhanced in all groups compared with controls (-log effective concentration equal to 50 % of the maximal response (pEC50);P < 0·001). Endothelium-dependent vasodilatation to acetylcholine was significantly blunted in all groups compared with controls (% maximum response;P < 0·01), while dilatation to leptin and sodium nitroprusside was similar in all groups. These data demonstrate that both maternal undernutrition and postnatal high fat lead to vascular alterations and suggest that maternal undernutrition alone is at least as detrimental to offspring endothelial function as a long-term exposure to a high-fat diet in the offspring.
Bioactive dietary long-chain fatty acids: emerging mechanisms of action
Authors: Chapkin Robert S. , McMurray David N. , Davidson Laurie A. , Patil Bhimanagouda S. , Fan Yang-Yi , Lupton Joanne R.
Published: May 2008

The plasma membranes of all eukaryotic cells contain heterogeneous self-organising intrinsically unstable liquid ordered domains or lipid assemblies in which key signal transduction proteins are localised. These assemblies are classified as ‘lipid rafts’ (10–200 nm), which are composed mostly of cholesterol and sphingolipid microdomains and therefore do not integrate well into the fluid phospholipid bilayers. In addition, caveolae represent a subtype of lipid raft macrodomain that form flask-shaped membrane invaginations containing structural proteins, i.e. caveolins. With respect to the diverse biological effects of long-chain PUFA, increasing evidence suggests thatn-3 PUFA and perhaps conjugated fatty acids uniquely alter the basic properties of cell membranes. Because of its polyunsaturation, DHA and possibly conjugated linoleic acid are sterically incompatible with sphingolipid and cholesterol and, therefore, appear to alter lipid raft behaviour and protein function. The present review examines the evidence indicating that dietary sources ofn-3 PUFA can profoundly alter the biochemical make up of lipid rafts/caveolae microdomains, thereby influencing cell signalling, protein trafficking and cell cytokinetics.
Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in breast milk and early weight gain in breast-fed infants
Authors: Scholtens Salome , Wijga Alet H. , Smit Henriette A. , Brunekreef Bert , de Jongste Johan C. , Gerritsen Jorrit , Seidell Jaap C.
Published: May 2008

The long-chain PUFA (LCPUFA) content of an infant's diet might affect early weight gain. In early trials on supplementation of formula feedingn-3 LCPUFA affected weight gain adversely.n-6 LCPUFA are thought to promote adipose tissue development and might be associated with higher weight gain. We studied the association between the naturaln-3 andn-6 LCPUFA content of breast milk of Dutch women and weight and BMI gain of their breast-fed infants in the first year of life. The children in this study were enrolled in the Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy (PIAMA) birth cohort study and were born in 1996–1997 in the Netherlands. Parents reported their child's weight and length in a questionnaire. Of a subgroup of the total population breast-milk samples were collected (n244). The fatty acid composition of breast milk was determined by GLC and expressed as weight percentages. Linear regression was used for data analysis. Mean gain in weight, length and BMI per week from birth to 1 year of age was 119·5 (sd16·1) g, 0·48 (sd0·05) cm and 0·06 (sd0·03) kg/m2, respectively. The associations betweenn-6 andn-3 LCPUFA in breast milk, and infant weight, length and BMI gain were weak and inconsistent. Then-3 andn-6 LCPUFA content in breast milk did not affect weight or BMI gain in the first year of life in breast-fed term infants.
A moderate excess of dietary lysine lowers plasma and tissue carnitine concentrations in pigs
Authors: Fischer Maren , Hirche Frank , Kluge Holger , Eder Klaus
Published: May 2008

This study was performed to investigate whether dietary lysine concentration influences the carnitine status of pigs. Therefore, an experiment with twenty young pigs with an average body weight of 21 kg was performed which were fed either a control diet (9·7 g lysine/kg) or a diet with a moderate excess of lysine (16·8 g lysine/kg). Concentrations of all the other amino acids did not differ between the diets. Pigs fed the high-lysine diet had lower concentrations of free and total carnitine in plasma, liver, kidney and skeletal muscle than control pigs (P < 0·05). Pigs fed the high-lysine diet moreover had an increased concentration of trimethyllysine (TML), a reduced mRNA abundance of TML dioxygenase and reduced concentrations of γ-butyrobetaine (BB) in muscle, indicating that the conversion of TML into BB in muscle was impaired. Concentrations of BB, the metabolic precursor of carnitine, in plasma, liver and kidney were also reduced in pigs fed the high-lysine diet while the activity of BB dioxygenase in kidney was not different and that in liver was even increased compared to control pigs (P < 0·05). In conclusion, this study shows that a moderate dietary excess of lysine lowers plasma and tissue carnitine concentrations in pigs. Reduced concentrations of BB in liver and kidney suggest that the depressed carnitine status was likely caused by a decreased rate of carnitine synthesis due to a diminished availability of carnitine precursor, probably mainly as a result of an impaired BB formation in muscle.
A new species of the genus Spiroxys (Nematoda: Gnathostomatidae) from Madagascan pleurodiran turtles (Pelomedusidae)
Authors: Roca V. , García G.
Published: May 2008

Spiroxys ankarafantsika, sp. nov. is described from Madagascar in two species of freshwater turtles, Pelusios castanoides and Pelomedusa subrufa. Spiroxys ankarafantsika differs from other species of the genus in having pseudolabial teeth only on the median lobes and no other cuticular prominences, a smooth cuticular collar, deirides as cervical minute spine-like projections, and a gubernaculum without tubes. This is the first record of a nominal species of the genus Spiroxys from the Ethiopian region.
Bilateral, isolated, lateral semicircular canal malformation without hearing loss
Authors: Dallan I , Berrettini S , Neri E , Casani A P
Published: May 2008

Hypothesis:

Inner-ear malformations are frequently found in patients with sensorineural hearing loss. However, isolated anomalies of the vestibular part of the inner ear are seldom described, and for this reason their impact on balance is poorly understood.

Care report:

We present the case of a 38-year-old Caucasian man with recurrent vestibular complaints, with a sensation of linear tilting, but no hearing impairment. Clinical and neuro-otological examinations showed peripheral involvement of the vestibular system, while audiological investigation was within normal limits. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of the inner ear, with three-dimensional reconstruction, demonstrated isolated vestibular anomalies involving both the lateral semicircular canal and the utricle.

Conclusions:

Bearing in mind this case, we speculate that isolated vestibular malformation may not be as rare as previously thought, and should be investigated with the aid of sophisticated imaging techniques. A review of the relative literature, focussing attention on the molecular aspects, is also reported.
Uniform convergence in the mapping class group
Authors: KENT IV RICHARD P. , LEININGER CHRISTOPHER J.
Published: May 2008

We characterize convex cocompact subgroups of the mapping class group of a surface in terms of uniform convergence actions on the zero locus of the limit set. We also construct subgroups that act as uniform convergence groups on their limit sets, but are not convex cocompact.
Renormalization of vector fields and Diophantine invariant tori
Authors: KOCH HANS , KOCIĆ SAŠA
Published: May 2008

We extend the renormalization group techniques that were developed originally for Hamiltonian flows to more general vector fields on 𝕋d×ℝℓ. Each Diophantine vector ω∈ℝd determines an analytic manifold 𝒲 of infinitely renormalizable vector fields, and each vector field on 𝒲 is shown to have an elliptic invariant d-torus with frequencies ω1,ω2,…,ωd. Analogous manifolds for particular classes of vector fields (Hamiltonian, divergence-free, symmetric, reversible) are obtained simply by restricting 𝒲 to the corresponding subspace. We also discuss non-degeneracy conditions, and the resulting reduction in the number of parameters needed in parametrized families to guarantee the existence of invariant tori.
The existence of measures of a given cocycle, I: atomless, ergodic σ-finite measures
Authors: MILLER BENJAMIN
Published: May 2008

Given a Polish space X, a countable Borel equivalence relation E on X, and a Borel cocycle $\rho : E \rightarrow (0, \infty )$, we characterize the circumstances under which there is a suitably non-trivial σ-finite measure μ on X such that, for every Borel injection ϕ whose graph is contained in E, ρ(ϕ−1(x),x)=[d(ϕ*μ)/dμ](x) μ-almost everywhere.
Minding the Gap: the Performer in the Wings
Authors: Filmer Andrew
Published: May 2008

In this article Andrew Filmer examines performers' experiences in the areas of backstage space known as the wings. Opening with architectural and experiential definitions of the wings, he describes the dangers performers encounter in these spaces, and the various compensatory tactics they employ in response. While the backstage spaces of theatres have traditionally been of little academic interest, Filmer argues that performers' perceptions of the wings are vital in informing their own understandings of what it is to be a professional performer. Andrew Filmer was awarded his PhD by the University of Sydney in 2007 and is currently a lecturer in Drama, Theatre and Performance at Aberystwyth University.
Status of the East Asian population of the Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus: the need for urgent conservation action
Authors: Shi H. Q. , Liu N. F. , Cao L. , Barter M. A.
Published: May 2008

The Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus is a globally threatened species with three distinct populations, the smallest of which is the almost extinct eastern race with an estimated population size of 50 birds breeding in Mongolia and migrating to south-east China during the winter. We analysed recent survey information and published records to construct a picture of the annual life cycle of the Dalmatian Pelican and how it has changed over the years. We were able to obtain a total of 196 records from 82 sites in China and Mongolia dating back to 1862. Seasonal information was available for 168 records. The pelicans breed in western Mongolia and migrate in a south-easterly direction to the Bo Sea and then southwards along the coasts of Shandong and Jiangsu to the wintering area in south-east China. Return migration to the breeding grounds follows the same general path. There is some evidence that part of the population uses an inland migration route linking the wetlands along the Yellow and Huai Rivers and the middle reaches of the Yangtze River; this route was probably more important historically. The pelicans are encountering serious problems at all stages of their annual life cycle: destruction of nesting habitat and hunting in the breeding area, loss of important wetland habitats along the inland migration routes, and land claim, human disturbance and overexploitation of fisheries resources on the coast. It is highly desirable that a simultaneous count be conducted of the key wintering sites so that an accurate population estimate can be obtained. Use of satellite telemetry would provide very useful information on migration strategies and home ranges in the wintering grounds, and assist greatly in identifying key habitats for conservation action at different stages of the annual life cycle.
Spanning the River
Authors: van Middelaar Luuk
Published: May 2008

Crisis of '65–'66, Europe's first constitutional crisis – transition to majority – Hallstein's convictions and comportment – De Gaulle's Europe of States – Commission agricultural package – Debate in the Council 28–30 June 1965 – Hallstein overplays his hand – De Gaulle seeks out a confrontation with the Five – Founding treaty not to be changed – De Gaulle faces farmers – Crisis ends in a draw – Interpretations of outcome – Europe stronger for it – Consecration of founding pact – Disdain for the compromise – Interest, time, authority
Prochain Arrêt: La Belgique!
Authors: Vandamme Thomas
Published: May 2008

Belgian Constitutional Court beats all in referrals to EU Court – How come? – Origin and evolution of Belgian federalism – Permanent reform – Modest origins of present constitutional court – Use of Belgian and EC law to widen its channels – Identification of Belgian constitutional rules with EC rules – Statutory extension of Court's powers – Use of techniques in referral of Advocaten voor de Wereld – Translation of national constitutional issue into a European one – EC law-driven constitutional evolution in Belgium – Eventual undermining of Belgian constitutional principles
Poland: Constitutional Tribunal on the Preliminary Ruling Procedure and the Division of Competences Between National Courts and the Court of Justice
Authors: Łazowski Adam
Published: May 2008

On 19 December 2006 the Polish Constitutional Tribunal delivered an interesting ruling on the division of powers between national courts and the Court of Justice in the interpretation of EU law. The Tribunal declined jurisdiction to answer a question on the conformity of the Polish law on excise duty with Article 90 EC and ruled that the issue at stake was the interpretation of EC law, thus falling within the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice. At the same time, however, the Constitutional Tribunal reserved its jurisdiction to handle EU-related matters with constitutional implications. This development fits nicely into the growing list of the Tribunal's decisions touching upon important legal issues linked to Poland's membership in the European Union.
Search for magnetic minerals in Martian rocks: Overview of the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) magnet investigation on Spirit and Opportunity
Authors: Goetz Walter , Leer Kristoffer , Gunnlaugsson Haraldur P. , Bartlett Paul , Basso Brandon , Bell Jim , Bertelsen Preben , Binau Charlotte S. , Chu Phillip C. , Gorevan S. , Hansen Mikkel F. , Hviid Stubbe F. , Kinch Kjartan M. , Klingelhöfer Göstar , Kusack Alastair , Madsen Morten B. , Ming Douglas W. , Morris Richard V. , Mumm Erik , Myrick Tom , Olsen Malte , Squyres Steven W. , Wilson Jack , Yen Albert
Published: May 2008

The Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) on board the Mars Exploration Rovers (MER) is a grinding tool designed to remove dust coatings and/or weathering rinds from rocks and expose fresh rock material. Four magnets of different strengths that are built into the structure of the RAT have been attracting substantial amounts of magnetic material during RAT activities from rocks throughout both rover missions. The RAT magnet experiment as performed on Spirit demonstrates the presence of a strongly ferrimagnetic phase in Gusev crater rocks, which based on Mössbauer and visible/near‐infrared reflectance spectra is interpreted as magnetite. The amount of abraded rock material adhering to the magnets varied strongly during the mission and is correlated in a consistent way to the amount of magnetite inferred from Mössbauer spectra for the corresponding rock. The RAT magnet experiment as performed on Opportunity also indicates the presence of a strongly ferrimagnetic phase in outcrops, such as magnetite or an altered version of magnetite. However, the evidence is weaker than in the case of Spirit. According to data from the α particle X‐ray spectrometer (APXS) and the Mössbauer spectrometer (MB), the Eagle crater outcrops should not contain magnetite and their magnetization should not exceed 0.03 A m2 kg−1. However, this assertion seems to be in contradiction with the results of the RAT magnet experiment. The evidence for a strongly ferrimagnetic phase at low abundance in the Meridiani outcrops is discussed.
Back‐arc strain in subduction zones: Statistical observations versus numerical modeling
Authors: Arcay D. , Lallemand S. , Doin M.‐P.
Published: May 2008

Recent statistical analysis by Lallemand et al. (2008) of subduction zone parameters revealed that the back‐arc deformation mode depends on the combination between the subducting (vsub) and upper (vup) plate velocities. No significant strain is recorded in the arc area if plate kinematics verifies vup = 0.5 vsub − 2.3 (cm/a) in the HS3 reference frame. Arc spreading (shortening) occurs if vup is greater (lower) than the preceding relationship. We test this statistical law with numerical models of subduction, by applying constant plate velocities far away from the subduction zone. The subducting lithosphere is free to deform at all depths. We quantify the force applied on the two converging plates to sustain constant surface velocities. The simulated rheology combined viscous (non‐Newtonian) and brittle behaviors, and depends on water content. The influence of subduction rate vs is first studied for a fixed upper plate. After 950 km of convergence (steady state slab pull), the transition from extensional to compressive stresses in the upper plate occurs for vs ∼ 1.4 cm/a. The effect of upper plate velocity is then tested at constant subduction rate. Upper plate retreat (advance) with respect to the trench increases extension (compression) in the arc lithosphere and increases (decreases) the subducting plate dip. Our modeling confirms the statistical kinematic relationship between vsub and vup that describes the transition from extensional to compressive stresses in the arc lithosphere, even if the modeled law is shifted toward higher rates of upper plate retreat, using our set of physical parameters (e.g., 100 km thick subducting oceanic plate) and short‐term simulations. Our results make valid the choice of the HS3 reference frame for assessing plate velocity influence on arc tectonic regime. The subduction model suggests that friction along the interplate contact and the mantle Stokes reaction could be the two main forces competing against slab pull for upper mantle subductions. Besides, our simulations show that the arc deformation mode is strongly time dependent.
α2A‐Adrenoceptor antagonism increases insulin secretion and synergistically augments the insulinotropic effect of glibenclamide in mice
Authors: Fagerholm V , Scheinin M , Haaparanta M
Published: May 2008

Background and purpose:

The imidazoline‐type α2‐adrenoceptor antagonists (±)‐efaroxan and phentolamine increase insulin secretion and reduce blood glucose levels. It is not known whether they act by antagonizing pancreatic β‐cell α2‐adrenoceptors or by α2‐adrenoceptor‐independent mechanisms. Many imidazolines inhibit the pancreatic β‐cell KATP channel, which is the molecular target of sulphonylurea drugs used in the treatment of type II diabetes. To investigate the mechanisms of action of (±)‐efaroxan and phentolamine, α2A‐adrenoceptor knockout (α2A‐KO) mice were used.

Experimental approach:

Effects of (±)‐efaroxan, 5 mg kg−1, and phentolamine, 1 mg kg−1, on blood glucose and insulin levels were compared with those of the non‐imidazoline α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist [8aR,12aS,13aS]‐5,8,8a,9,10,11,12,12a,13,13a‐decahydro‐3‐methoxy‐ 12‐(ethylsulphonyl)‐6H‐isoquino[2,1‐g][1,6]naphthyridine (RS79948‐197), 1 mg kg−1, and the sulphonylurea glibenclamide, in α2A‐KO and control (wild type (WT)) mice.

Key results:

In fed WT mice, (±)‐efaroxan, phentolamine and RS79948‐197 reduced blood glucose and increased insulin levels. Fasting abolished these effects. In fed α2A‐KO mice, (±)‐efaroxan, phentolamine and RS79948‐197 did not alter blood glucose or insulin levels, and in fasted α2A‐KO mice, blood glucose levels were increased. Glibenclamide, at a dose only moderately efficacious in WT mice (5 mg kg−1), caused severe hyperinsulinaemia and hypoglycaemia in α2A‐KO mice. This was mimicked in WT mice by co‐administration of RS79948‐197 with glibenclamide.

Conclusions and implications:

These results suggest that (±)‐efaroxan and phentolamine increase insulin secretion by inhibition of β‐cell α2A‐adrenoceptors, and demonstrate a critical role for α2A‐adrenoceptors in limiting sulphonylurea‐induced hyperinsulinaemia and hypoglycaemia.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 154, 1287–1296; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.186; published online 19 May 2008
Evaluating Community Pharmacists' Perceptions and Practices on Generic Medicines: A Pilot Study from Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Babar Zaheer-Ud-Din , Awaisu Ahmed
Published: May 2008

The objective of this paper was to study the perception and practices of community pharmacists on generic medicines in relation to dispensing and substitution trends. A cross-sectional survey of randomly selected community pharmacies across West Malaysia was conducted. A total of 40 pharmacies were surveyed in four geographical regions of West Malaysia by using a questionnaire. About 41 per cent of the respondents had 41–60 per cent of their stocks as generics and more than half of the community pharmacists agreed that high profit margin is one of the reasons for their practice of generic substitution. The majority of the pharmacists (62 per cent) did not favour the concept of compulsory generic substitution. When asked about their views on ‘government-initiated mass campaign’ to the public on generic medicines in lieu of ‘more concerted contribution by the pharmacists on educating consumers’, only 73 per cent agreed with this point. In conclusion branded drugs were widely available at community pharmacies and are actively dispensed by pharmacists even for chronic diseases. The practice of generic substitution/dispensing was more driven by consumer demand than it was influenced by pharmacists. The use of generic medicines can be enhanced by improving their quality, instituting proper generic medicine-substituting policies as well as by educating consumers.
Selective formation of turbulent structures in magnetized cylindrical plasmas
Authors: Kasuya Naohiro , Yagi Masatoshi , Itoh Kimitaka , Itoh Sanae-I
Published: May 2008

The mechanism of nonlinear structural formation has been studied with a three-field reduced fluid model, which is extended to describe the resistive drift wave turbulence in magnetized cylindrical plasmas. In this model, ion-neutral collisions strongly stabilize the resistive drift wave, and the formed structure depends on the collision frequency. If the collision frequency is small, modulational coupling of unstable modes generates a zonal flow. On the other hand, if the collision frequency is large, a streamer, which is a localized vortex in the azimuthal direction, is formed. The structure is generated by nonlinear wave coupling and is sustained for a much longer duration than the drift wave oscillation period. This is a minimal model for analyzing the turbulent structural formation mechanism by mode coupling in cylindrical plasmas, and the competitive nature of structural formation is revealed. These turbulent structures affect particle transport.
Synthesis and analysis of hollow SnO2 nanoislands
Authors: Gaiduk P. I. , Lundsgaard Hansen J. , Nylandsted Larsen A.
Published: May 2008

We report on the synthesis of hollow tin dioxide nanoislands by molecular-beam deposition of Sn on Si∕SiO2 substrates followed by thermal oxidation. Their microstructure and phase composition were studied by transmission electron microscopy. The appearance of small (2–5nm) initial voids and their evolution into large (10–30nm) holes in the SnO2 nanoislands correlates with the temperature of oxidation and content of oxygen in the atmosphere. This correlation is discussed on the basis of the Kirkendall effect with the additional assumption that absorption of oxygen atoms on the oxide surface creates an electric field that promotes the diffusion of metal ions.
Dependence of magnetic properties on micro- to nanostructure of CoNiFe films
Authors: Rhen Fernando M. F. , Roy Saibal
Published: May 2008

The magnetic properties of electrodeposited CoNiFe films with thicknesses varying from 0.20 to 10 μm were studied. The films show a single face-centered-cubic CoNiFe phase with grain sizes ranging from 23 to 29 nm. The coercivity is controlled by a combination of the morphology and nanocrystalline structure of the deposits. The nanocrystalline grain size determines the intrinsic coercivity associated with crystalline anisotropy as in the random anisotropy model, whereas an additional morphology term of coercivity is controlled by the thickness inhomogeneity on a submicron scale. The thin films show considerable roughness and a higher coercivity, up to a level of 560 A m−1 (7.0 Oe) in 250 nm films. The thick films show coercivity values of as low as 16 A m−1 (0.2 Oe). The coercivity dependence on thickness was fitted using a simple model combining a morphology dependent additional contribution term to the random anisotropy model as Hc=Hcmorph+Hcanis. Good agreement between the model and the experimental results was obtained.