bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Donner des instructions en langue maternelle et en langue étrangère
Authors: Arditty Jo , Prodeau Mireille
Published: November 2007

This article proposes an interactional re-analysis of an experiment whose purpose was to study instructions produced by fluent (native) and less fluent speakers of a language. After describing the general characteristics of the experimental procedure, we compare the instructional discourse of a French speaker and of a semi-beginner in French, first in interaction with a partner supposed to perform the instructions, then alone in front of a tape-recorder. Linguistic and rhetorical variation is found in each text and related to the tension due to the combination of cognitive difficulties and face-work. The second situation shows a sophistication in both subjects' strategies to overcome these difficulties as well as experimentation of new linguistic devices on the part of the second language learner.
La représentation des verbes dans le réseau sémantique WordNet
Authors: Fellbaum Christiane
Published: November 2007

Semantic nets are one of several ways of representing concepts and the words that lexicalize them. I outline here the design of WordNet, a lexical database for English. The article will focus on the treatment of verbs, whose lexical semantics tend to be highly complex. In examining a number of particular cases, I discuss the conceptual and lexical relations that link verbs in WordNet and draw comparisons with other lexical semantic approaches to the verb lexicon and specific verb classes.
Partition et localisation spatiale : les noms de localisation interne
Authors: Borillo Andrée
Published: November 2007

The « topological part / object » relation is one of the five or six large part / whole relations expressed in language. In French, it is expressed through a number of nouns called « Noms de localisation interne » . These NLI have many syntactic and semantic properties in common with nouns referring to object components, Ncomp, involved in another kind of part-whole relation, but a closer study shows that the NLI / Nobject relation is to be analysed both as a partition and a localisation relation. As a partitive relation, it is quite comparable to a Ncomp / Nobject relation, at the same time, it is to be considered as a spatial relation. An explanation can be found for this mixed status if we accept the hypothesis of an evolutionary path leading from Npc (body-part nouns) to Ncomp, then on to NLI and from there eventually to spatial relational markers (prepositions and adverbs). The transition from one stage to the other is marked by an increasing effect of grammaticalization and abstraction.
Esquisse d'une grammaire du sublime chez Longin
Authors: Zilberberg Claude
Published: November 2007

The study has three objectives:

(i) to reinforce the still fledgling hypothesis of the schematism of tension. This hypothesis proposes to accentuate the orientation of the interval which is considered to be more dynamic than opposition; the sublime according to Longinus' description is characterized by suddenness, hence speed, by which he forces the enunciatee to bridge the semantic gap;

(ii) establish that the principal distinctions of rhetoric, in this case restricted if one relates it to the works of Aristotle, are already those that tensive semiotics is labouring to specify; (iii) finally, from the perspective of future generalization, the point of view adopted here is indirect as it is not presented as the ordinary relation of a commenting texte [D2] to a commented text [Dl], but as a commentary [D3] of a commentary [D2], such that the point of view has for its formula: [D3 - D2 - Dl]. The possibility of grammaticality, that is , the constraining recurrence of certain semantic categories , is related to the stabilization of the relation [D3 - D2].
Verbes statifs et adjectifs en tayo
Authors: Corne Chris
Published: November 2007

Chris Corne : Stative verbs and adjectives in Tayo

The lexicon of tayo is French-based whereas its syntax is principally influenced by Kanak languages. In Tayo, there is a small number of pre-posed adjectives, coming distinctly from French since the Kanak languages do not allow such a word-order. Post-posed adjectives are rare. The alternative is a relative clause containing a stative verb, a Kanak pattern. The paper analyzes stative verbs found in the following

context le + verb + subject and causative derivation through the use of prefix fe-+ stative verb, another Kanak pattern. Present-day bilingualism (Kanak languages-French) in the Tayo speech community determines a French or a Kanak reading of attributive (pre- and post-posed) and predicative adjectives, and stative verbs. Transfer and retention of lexifier language features are assumed to be the motor processes in the creation and evolution of new vernaculars.
Approche sémiolinguistique des représentations de l'ego dans la Communication Médiée par Ordinateur
Authors: Anis Jacques
Published: November 2007

Written language through now can be used for real time interchanges. Users want to convey their feelings and their personality on screen, without physical contact with the partner. To compensate the lack of paraverbal signals and personal features such as voice or handwriting, servers provide a wide panel of expressive resources: pseudonyms, avatars, font customisation, emoticons, spelling variation. The paper, based on French and English corpora of several kinds - chat, instant messenger dialogs and instant messenger profiles -, describes these resources and analyses some aspects of self-centred discourse.
Pour une re/présentation des connaissances a posteriori
Authors: Manes Gallo Maria Caterina
Published: November 2007

The present paper focussed on knowledge representation for (written) natural language processing systems built for man /machine communication. Why and how this type of verbal interaction may favour an alternative conception of the cognitive dimension of human verbal activity is discussed. According to the perspective adopted, the meaning of a message or of a discourse does not preexist in a mental representation. It is constructed by combinative relationship between the linguistic forms occurring. The cognitive dimension of discourse depends on its linguistic expression. To support this thesis a model of the semantics of predicative constructions is synthetically described. Several examples, stemming from an oral and a written corpora, give account of its psycholinguistics relevance.
Émergence des systèmes phonologiques.
Authors: Carré René
Published: November 2007

In this paper, it is shown that the speech production system can be explained from deforming an acoustic tube with the objective of producing sounds with both ieconomy of effortî and maximum acoustic contrast between one another. This deductive approach automatically infers standard places of articulation for vowels and consonants, thereby identifying physical bases for phonological distinctions. A brief discussion of the implications of the findings concludes the paper.
La fonction shannonienne du langage : un indice de son évolution.
Authors: Dessalles Jean-Louis
Published: November 2007

The observation of our spontaneous communicative behaviour should offer some clues about the reason why the ability to communicate through language emerged in our species. This observation reveals that human beings universally communicate about salient events, what we call the shannonian function of language. Shannonian communication seems specific to homo sapiens and can be modelled in the frame of probability theory. We hypothesize that (proto)language, in a previous stage of our evolution to language, may have been used for the only purpose of signalling salient events.
Effects of presentation speed of a dynamic visualization on the understanding of a mechanical system
Authors: Fischer Sebastian , Lowe Richard K. , Schwan Stephan
Published: November 2007

An experimental study examined temporal manipulation of presentation speed as instructional design strategy. In a between subject design, an animation of a mechanical system, a pendulum clock, was presented at either normal speed or as highly sped up version. Presentation speed was found to affect distribution of attention and understanding of the clock's functioning. Think aloud protocols were analysed for mentions of clock parts as an attention indicator, and for statements about the functions of crucial clock parts. Verbal reports from the fast condition contained more statements about the weight, which is a central part of the clocks' driving mechanism. Written descriptions of the clock produced after presentation included more correct concepts about the key components in the fast condition. For complex dynamic subject matter at least, temporal manipulation of presentation speed seems to provide instructional designers with a way to increase attention to relevant parts and thereby facilitate understanding. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sulfonated poly(ether imide) and poly(ether sulfone) blends for direct methanol fuel cells. I. Sulfonation of PEI and characterization of the products
Authors: Shu Yao‐Chi , Chuang Fu‐Sheng , Tsen Wen‐Chin , Chow Jing‐Dong , Gong Chunli , Wen Sheng
Published: November 2007

This investigation examines characteristics of sulfonated polyether imides (SPEI) with various ion exchange capacity values (IEC) and completes previous work to enable its blends to be adopted as polyelectrolyte in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). Polyether imides (PEI) were sulfonated by using chlorosulfonic acid as the sulfonating agent and chloroform as the solvent. The structure of SPEI was observed by FTIR and 1H NMR. The sulfonate or sulfonic acid content of the polymers, expressed as a number per repeat unit of the polymer, was accurately determined by elemental analysis and conductometric titration. Physical properties such as solubility, intrinsic viscosities, thermal stability, and glass transition temperature (Tg) were studied for both PEI and SPEI. TGA‐FTIR verified that sulfonic groups, attached to the aromatic ring in the PEI backbone, are split at 230–350°C, but the main‐chain splitting temperature of SPEI is similar to that of pure polymer. The sulfonated samples exhibited good solubilities and increased glass transition temperatures (Tg values) as degree of sulfonation (DS) increased; two Tg values were detected when IEC was sufficiently high. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Structural and thermodynamic encoding in the sequence of rat microsomal cytochrome b5
Authors: Lecomte Juliette T. J. , Mukhopadhyay Kunal , Pond Matthew P.
Published: November 2007

The water‐soluble domain of rat microsomal cytochrome b5 is a convenient protein with which to inspect the connection between amino acid sequence and thermodynamic properties. In the absence of its single heme cofactor, cytochrome b5 contains a partially folded stretch of ˜30 residues. This region is recognized as prone to disorder by programs that analyze primary structures for such intrinsic features. The cytochrome was subjected to amino acid replacements in the folded core (I12A), in the portion that refolds only when in contact with the heme group (N57P), and in both (F35H/H39A/L46Y). Despite the difficulties associated with measuring thermodynamic quantities for the heme‐bound species, it was possible to rationalize the energetic consequences of both types of replacements and test a simple equation relating apoprotein and holoprotein stability. In addition, a phenomenological relationship between the change in Tm (the temperature at the midpoint of the thermal transition) and the change in thermodynamic stability determined by chemical denaturation was observed that could be used to extend the interpretation of incomplete holoprotein stability data. Structural information was obtained by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy toward an atomic‐level analysis of the effects. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 89: 428–442, 2008.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
T cell adhesion mechanisms revealed by receptor lateral mobility
Authors: Cairo Christopher W. , Golan David E.
Published: November 2007

Cell surface receptors mediate the exchange of information between cells and their environment. In the case of adhesion receptors, the spatial distribution and molecular associations of the receptors are critical to their function. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms regulating the distribution and binding associations of these molecules is necessary to understand their functional regulation. Experiments characterizing the lateral mobility of adhesion receptors have revealed a set of common mechanisms that control receptor function and thus cellular behavior. The T cell provides one of the most dynamic examples of cellular adhesion. An individual T cell makes innumerable intercellular contacts with antigen presenting cells, the vascular endothelium, and many other cell types. We review here the mechanisms that regulate T cell adhesion receptor lateral mobility as a window into the molecular regulation of these systems, and we present a general framework for understanding the principles and mechanisms that are likely to be common among these and other cellular adhesion systems. We suggest that receptor lateral mobility is regulated via four major mechanisms—reorganization, recruitment, dispersion, and anchoring—and we review specific examples of T cell adhesion receptor systems that utilize one or more of these mechanisms. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 89: 409–419, 2008.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Colorectal liver metastases contract centripetally with a response to chemotherapy
Authors: Ng Jennica K.S. , Urbanski Stefan J. , Mangat Naurang , McKay Andrew , Sutherland Francis R. , Dixon Elijah , Dowden Scot , Ernst Scott , Bathe Oliver F.
Published: November 2007

BACKGROUND.

Recently, there has been considerable interest in neoadjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases. However, there is little information that defines how much liver should be removed after a favorable response.

METHODS.

Liver metastases from 2 groups of patients were analyzed: 25 metastases were evaluated from a group that did not receive chemotherapy and 26 lesions were studied from patients who had received systemic chemotherapy before resection. All patients except for 1 had 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), leucovorin (LV), and irinotecan (CPT‐11); 1 had 5‐FU and LV alone. The average duration of chemotherapy was 2.9 ± 0.7 months. Separate assessments of the histopathologic features of the central and peripheral portions of each tumor were made. The pathologist was blinded to all clinical information.

RESULTS.

All of the untreated metastases had well‐circumscribed borders. Irregular borders were seen in 6 of the postchemotherapy lesions (26%), which was particularly prominent in lesions that had significantly contracted. After chemotherapy, discrete islands of viable tumor cells outside of the main tumor mass were seen in 4 patients, but all were close to the peripheral margin of the tumor mass. Viable tumor cells were more frequent in the periphery of metastases, regardless of chemotherapy exposure. Central necrosis was prominent in untreated metastases, but disappeared after chemotherapy. In lesions treated with chemotherapy, central fibrosis was greater compared with untreated lesions.

CONCLUSIONS.

After a partial response to chemotherapy, liver metastases shrank in a generally concentric fashion. These findings support the practice of removing less liver after downsizing with chemotherapy. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Optical and mechanical properties of a new second order nonlinear optical crystal urea l‐threonine
Authors: Jaikumar D. , Kalainathan S.
Published: November 2007

A new second order non‐linear optical organic crystal Urea L‐threonine has been grown by aqueous solution slow cooling technique. The grown crystal is non hygroscopic and transparent in the visible region. The solubility of the grown crystal was found. The crystal structure and perfection were determined using powder XRD and High resolution XRD. The molecular structure was confirmed by 1H‐NMR spectrum. Thermal properties of the crystal have been studied using thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The dielectric response of the crystal with varying frequencies at different temperatures was studied. UV‐Visible spectrum was recorded to study the optical transparency of the grown crystals. The second order non linear optical property was examined by Kurtz powder technique and found that the second order susceptibilities is 1.2 KDP at wavelength 1064 nm. The mechanical behaviour was studied by Vickers Microhardness test. The results are discussed in detail. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis and characterization of a new nonlinear optical single crystal: L‐Lysinium trifluoroacetate
Authors: Mathivanan V. , Raghavalu T. , Kovendhan M. , Suriya Kumar K. , Gokul Raj S. , Ramesh Kumar G. , Mohan R.
Published: November 2007

Single crystals of a new L‐Lysine salt: L‐Lysinium trifluoroacetate {abbreviated as LLyTFA; [(NH2)‐(CH2)4‐CH‐(NH3)‐(COOH)]+ CF3COO‐} were grown by slow evaporation of an aqueous solution at room temperature. The grown crystals were subjected to single crystal X‐ray diffraction, FTIR and UV‐Vis‐NIR spectrum analyses. The UV‐Vis‐NIR spectrum shows that the absorption is very less in the whole of the region from ultraviolet to near IR. The Kurtz‐Perry powder SHG measurement using a Nd:YAG laser of wavelength 1064nm confirms the frequency doubling of the crystal and its powder SHG efficiency was measured as deff = 0.96 deff (KDP). (© 2007 WILEY ‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study of Anion–π Interactions in Bis(pyr­imidine) Salts (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 35/2007)
Authors: Garcia‐Raso Angel , Albertí Francisca M. , Fiol Juan J. , Tasada Andrés , Barceló‐Oliver Miquel , Molins Elies , Escudero Daniel , Frontera Antonio , Quiñonero David , Deyà Pere M.
Published: November 2007

The cover picture shows the X‐ray structure of the N,N′‐tetramethylenebis(2‐aminopyrimidinium) tetrafluoroborate salt, which exhibits interesting anion–π interactions that are responsible for the crystal packing. The anion forms a sandwich complex with two pyrimidine rings. A schematic representation of the interaction is depicted in the upper left‐hand corner, which corresponds to the thermal ellipsoid plot. In the manuscript we include a theoretical study of the anion–π interaction involving charged pyrimidine rings, which is in good agreement with the findings of the experimental study. Details are discussed in the article by A. Garcia‐Raso, A. Frontera, P. M. Deyá et al. on p. 5821 ff.
Recent advances in the analysis of antibiotics by CE and CEC
Authors: Castro‐Puyana María , Crego Antonio L. , Marina María L.
Published: November 2007

This article reviews the most recent developments concerning the determination of antibiotics by CE and CEC. The most employed CE separation modes were CZE and MEKC although microemulsion electrokinetic capillary chromatoghraphy was also employed. For the first time, CE was coupled to MS that was applied as a specific and confirmatory detection technique for the analysis of antibiotics. The analytical characteristics of the developed methodologies as well as the different applications reported in the literature on this subject from June 2005 until May 2007 are included in this article. To give the most relevant information on this topic, the experimental conditions employed to achieve the analysis of antibiotics by CE and CEC are provided together with the main applications performed in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, biological, food, and environmental fields, emphazising sample preparation requirements needed in each case.
The relationship between social norm consensus, perceived similarity, and observer reactions to coworker theft
Authors: Schmidtke James M.
Published: November 2007

This research examines observers' reactions to coworker theft in a restaurant chain. This study focuses on the role of social information, such as the social norm consensus regarding the specific type of theft behavior, and on the perceived similarity between the observer and the perpetrator. In general, observers are less likely to label coworkers' behavior as theft when social norm consensus is low and when they perceive the perpetrator as similar to themselves. Also, observers are less likely to report and more likely to imitate the theft behavior of similar coworkers as the amount of consensus regarding the type of theft decreases. Analyses indicate that the relationship between similarity, reporting, and imitation of theft behavior is not mediated by the labeling of an event as theft. Implications for employee theft research and human resource management practice are discussed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cellular chromosome DNA interferes with fluorescence quantitative real‐time PCR detection of HBV DNA in culture medium
Authors: Pan Xiao‐Ben , Wei Lai , Han Jin‐Chao , Gao Yan
Published: November 2007

Fluorescence quantitative real‐time PCR (FQ‐PCR) is a recently developed technique increasingly used for clinical diagnosis by detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in serum. FQ‐PCR is also used in scientific research for detection of HBV DNA in cell culture. Understanding potential FQ‐PCR interference factors can improve the accuracy of HBV DNA quantification in cell culture medium. HBV positive serum was diluted with culture medium to produce three test groups with HBV DNA levels of 5 × 107 copies/ml (high), 5 × 105 copies/ml (medium), and 5 × 103 copies/ml (low). Chromosome DNA was extracted from HepG2 cells and then added to high, medium, and low group samples at final concentrations of 0, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 µg/ml. The samples were quantified by FQ‐PCR and data were evaluated using statistical software. No marked changes were seen in the quantitative curves for high level HBV DNA samples when the samples were supplemented with 0–100 µg/ml of chromosome DNA. Interference was observed in medium level samples when 50 and 100 µg/ml of chromosome DNA was added. Interference was also observed in low level HBV DNA samples when the concentration of added chromosome DNA was greater than 25 µg/ml. The interference was eliminated when samples were digested by DNase I prior to PCR detection. In Conclusions, the presence of cellular chromosome DNA can interfere with the detection of HBV DNA by FQ‐PCR. Removal of cellular chromosome DNA from culture media prior to FQ‐PCR is necessary for reliable HBV DNA quantitative detection. J. Med. Virol. 80:47–52, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of hepatitis B and C serological markers among first‐time blood donors in Brazil: A multi‐center serosurvey
Authors: Nascimento Maria Claudia , Mayaud Philippe , Sabino Ester Cerdeira , Torres Katia Luz , Franceschi Silvia
Published: November 2007

Little data are available on the seroprevalence of, and risk factors for hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) infection in Latin American countries. A multi‐center serosurvey was conducted among 3,598 first‐time blood donors (65% men) from Sao Paulo, Salvador and Manaus in Brazil. The gender‐specific seroprevalences of antibodies against hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc) and of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in anti‐HBc‐positive sera were measured, and risk factors analyzed by gender. The gender‐specific seroprevalences of antibodies against HCV (anti‐HCV) were measured, but risk factors for HCV were not determined. Anti‐HBc and HBsAg seroprevalences were not significantly different in men [101/2,341 (4.31%) and 4/2,229 (0.18%), respectively] and women [65/1,237 (5.25%) and 8/1,169 (0.68%), respectively], whereas the seroprevalence of anti‐HCV was higher in women (12/1,238 [0.97%] vs. 9/2,353 [0.38%]; odds ratio [OR] = 2.49; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–6.0). No significant difference for HBV infection was found across the three study sites or by ethnic group. The seroprevalence of anti‐HBc increased with age, but decreased with education level in both genders. Lifetime number of sexual partners was associated with anti‐HBc prevalence among men (OR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.2–3.1), but not women. The seroprevalence of HBV and HCV was low among Brazilian blood donors, and exposure increased with age in both genders. J. Med. Virol. 80:53–57, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of HIV‐1 genetic diversity in China on the measurement of viral load
Authors: Wang Youchun , Song Aijing , Xu Sihong , Li Xiuhua , Chong Huihui , Zhao Chenyan , Nie Jianhui , Zhang Chuntao
Published: November 2007

In this study, 190 HIV‐positive samples were collected from different regions of China. The HIV clades of 153 samples were determined successfully based on env sequencing. Specifically, 48, 5, 87, and 13 isolates belonged to clades B′, B, BC, and AE, respectively. The viral loads in all samples were measured using three commercial assays, Amplicor HIV‐1 monitor v1.5, Nuclisens HIV‐1 QT and NucliSens EasyQ HIV‐1 assays. The differences and linear correlations for individual assays were compared, with expected 1:1 relationships. Significant differences were found for the following viral loads: clade BC measured by any two assays (P < 0.001); clade AE between Amplicor 1.5 and Easy Q (P = 0.005); clade B′ between Amplicor 1.5 and Nuclisens QT (P = 0.002); clade AE between Amplicor 1.5 and Nuclisens QT (P = 0.025); and clade B′ between Amplicor 1.5 and EasyQ (P = 0.04). The largest mean difference in the log10 values was 0.9518, which was found between Amplicor 1.5 and Nuclisens QT. However, the viral loads for clades AE and B′ measured by EasyQ and Nuclisens QT, and those for clade B measured by any two assays did not differ significantly. The degrees of correlation for clades B and B′ between any two assays (R > 0.8) were higher that those for clades AE and BC between any two assays (R < 0.7), except for clade AE between Amplicor 1.5 and Easy Q. Thus, the clade types, especially clades BC and AE, are most likely to impact on the quantitation of viral load using differentassays. J. Med. Virol. 80:1–8, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Raman and infrared investigations at room temperature of the internal modes behaviour in solid nitromethane‐h3 and ‐d3 up to 45 GPa
Authors: Ouillon R. , Pinan‐Lucarré J.‐P. , Canny B. , Pruzan P. , Ranson P.
Published: November 2007

Raman and infrared spectra of internal phonons in solid nitromethane‐h3 and ‐d3 were measured as a function of pressure in the range 0–40 GPa at room temperature. Experiments were performed in diamond anvil cells. The evolution of the splitting of the various modes in condition of nearly hydrostatic compression supports the maintenance of the P212121 crystal structure until the material chemically transforms into an amorphous phase. The observed pressure‐induced shifts of vibrational wavenumbers are consistent with computations recently reported in the literature. Infrared and Raman spectroscopies deliver complementary information on the internal modes behaviour. The continuous evolution of the infrared band shapes suggests a weak molecular distortion during the compression process. The strong modifications that are observed in the Raman bands of the nitro group are attributed to polarization effects arising from a rearrangement of the molecules inside the unit cell in the pressure range 10–12 GPa, a consequence of a close intermolecular O…H approach. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bifidobacterium carbohydrases‐their role in breakdown and synthesis of (potential) prebiotics
Authors: van den Broek Lambertus A. M. , Hinz Sandra W. A. , Beldman Gerrit , Vincken Jean‐Paul , Voragen Alphons G. J.
Published: November 2007

There is an increasing interest to positively influence the human intestinal microbiota through the diet by the use of prebiotics and/or probiotics. It is anticipated that this will balance the microbial composition in the gastrointestinal tract in favor of health promoting genera such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Carbohydrates like non‐digestible oligosaccharides are potential prebiotics. To understand how these bacteria can grow on these carbon sources, knowledge of the carbohydrate‐modifying enzymes is needed. Little is known about the carbohydrate‐modifying enzymes of bifidobacteria. The genome sequence of Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Bifidobacterium longum biotype longum has been completed and it was observed that for B. longum biotype longum more than 8% of the annotated genes were involved in carbohydrate metabolism. In addition more sequence data of individual carbohydrases from other Bifidobacterium spp. became available. Besides the degradation of (potential) prebiotics by bifidobacterial glycoside hydrolases, we will focus in this review on the possibilities to produce new classes of non‐digestible oligosaccharides by showing the presence and (transglycosylation) activity of the most important carbohydrate modifying enzymes in bifidobacteria. Approaches to use and improve carbohydrate‐modifying enzymes in prebiotic design will be discussed.
Accuracy of progress ratios determined from experience curves: the case of crystalline silicon photovoltaic module technology development
Authors: van Sark W. G. J. H. M. , Alsema E. A. , Junginger H. M. , de Moor H. H. C. , Schaeffer G. J.
Published: November 2007

Learning curves are extensively used in policy and scenario studies. Progress ratios (PRs) are derived from historical data and are used for forecasting cost development of many technologies, including photovoltaics (PV). Forecasts are highly sensitive to uncertainties in the PR. A PR usually is determined together with the coefficient of determination R2, which should approach unity for a good fit of the available data. Although the R2 is instructive, we recommend using the error in the PR determined from the fit because it is a direct measure of the range in PR values that is recommended to be used in sensitivity analyses within scenario studies. We present a simple equation to calculate the error in PR from the fit parameters. In the case of crystalline PV module technology development we find a PR = 0·794 ± 0·003 by fitting price data of the period 1976–2006. A moving average approach with a 10‐year time window shows that PR varies from 0·818 ± 0·017 up to a starting year of 1987, and is reduced considerably to a minimum value of 0·704 ± 0·014 for the starting year 1991. For the most recent starting year 1997, the average PR is considerably higher at 0·884 ± 0·022, highlighting the recent silicon feedstock supply problem. When available, error in individual data points can be used to perform weighted fits in order to decrease fitting errors. To illustrate this approach, an analysis of Dutch PV system price development over the period 1992–2002 shows that PR is 0·876 ± 0·010, where the error is decreased with respect to unweighted fitting. The PR = 0·794 has been used to analyze the cost targets stated in the Strategic Research Agenda as formulated by the European PV Technology Platform for the years 2013, 2020 and 2030. Assuming that such a PR is maintained, it is concluded that these targets may be attained at sustained annual growth rates of 21–42%, which seems feasible. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applying the ‘Limitation of effects’ inherently safer processing strategy when siting and designing facilities
Authors: Clark David G.
Published: November 2007

Minimize, Substitute, Moderate, and Simplify are four primary Inherently Safer Processing (ISP) strategies. The Moderate strategy is primarily Attenuation, a strategy that emphasizes the use of materials under less hazardous conditions. Limitation of Effects is also an ISP term bantered about as being included within the purview of this Moderate strategy, although it is at times presented as a separate, unique ISP strategy. Regardless of the taxonomy, the application of such a strategy can significantly lower overall process safety risk. This study discusses the author's understanding of the meaning of the term Limitation of Effects and presents examples of the application of this strategy to the siting of plants, processes, and buildings. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2008
Progression towards pharmacist independent prescribing
Authors: Prater Sandra
Published: November 2007

Our series Nonmedical prescribing gives an overview of the work that can be done by nonmedical prescribers and what can be achieved. Here, the author gives an account of her roles as a supplementary prescriber and highlights the advantages of pharmacist independent prescribing. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd
Recommended management of nausea and vomiting
Authors: Fallon Rachael , Fraser Christopher , Moriarty Kieran
Published: November 2007

The underlying cause of nausea and vomiting is usually elicited by taking a careful history; treatment can then be initiated in combination with a suitable antiemetic. This Drug Review considers the properties and roles of the drugs currently used to treat nausea and vomiting, followed by sources of further information and the Datafile. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd
Synthesis of peptide substrates for mammalian thioredoxin reductase
Authors: Flemer Jr Stevenson , Lacey Brian M. , Hondal Robert J.
Published: November 2007

Mammalian thioredoxin reductase (TR) catalyzes the reduction of the redox‐active disulfide bond of thioredoxin (Trx) and is similar in structure and mechanism to glutathione reductase except for a C‐terminal 16‐amino acid extension containing a rare vicinal selenylsulfide bond. This vicinal selenylsulfide bond is essentially a substrate for the enzyme's N‐terminal redox center. Here we report the synthesis of peptide substrates for the truncated enzyme missing the C‐terminal redox center. We developed a procedure for the synthesis of peptides containing cyclic vicinal disulfide/selenylsulfide bonds as well as their corresponding acyclic heterodimers. Vicinal disulfide bonds form eight‐membered ring structures and are difficult to synthesize owing to their propensity to dimerize during oxidation. Our procedure makes use of two key improvements for on‐resin disulfide bond formation presented previously by Galande and coworkers (Galande AK, Weissleder R, Tung C‐H. An effective method of on‐resin disulfide bond formation in peptides. J. Comb. Chem. 2005; 7: 174–177). First, the addition of an amine base to the deprotection solution allows the complete removal of the StBu group, allowing it to be replaced with a 5‐Npys group. The second enhancement is the direct use of a Cys(Mob) or Sec(Mob) derivative as the nucleophilic partner instead of utilizing a naked sulfhydryl or selenol. These improvements result in the formation of a vicinal disulfide (or selenylsulfide) bond in high purity and yield. A direct comparison with the Galande procedure is presented. We also present a novel strategy for the formation of an acyclic, interchain selenylsulfide‐linked peptide (linking H‐PTVTGC‐OH and H‐UG‐OH). Cysteine analogs of the cyclic and acyclic peptides were also synthesized. The results show that the ring structure contributes a factor of 52 to the rate, but the presence of selenium in the peptide is more important to catalysis than the presence of the ring. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlled patterning of peptide nanotubes and nanospheres using inkjet printing technology
Authors: Adler‐Abramovich Lihi , Gazit Ehud
Published: November 2007

Peptide nanostructures are expected to serve as a major tool in future nanotechnological applications owing to their excellent self‐assembly properties, biological and chemical flexibility and structural simplicity. Yet one of the limiting factors for the integration of peptide assemblies into functional electro‐organic hybrid devices is the controlled patterning of their assemblies. Here we report the use of inkjet technology for the application of peptide nanostructures on nonbiological surfaces. The aromatic dipeptides nanotubes (ADNT) which readily self‐assemble in solution were used as an ‘ink’ and patterned on transparency foil and ITO plastic surfaces using a commercial inkjet printer. While inkjet technology was used in the past for the patterning of carbon nanotubes, it was not used for the deposition of biomolecular nanostructures. Furthermore, during the development of the application we were able to produce two types of nanostructures, i.e. nanotubes and nanospheres by the self‐assembly of the same aromatic dipeptide, tertbutoxycarbonyl‐Phe‐Phe‐OH (Boc‐Phe‐Phe‐OH), under different conditions. Both spherical and tubular structures could be efficiently patterned on surfaces into predesigned patterns. The applications of such technology are discussed. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiple augmentation for interval‐censored data with measurement error
Authors: Song Xiao , Ma Shuangge
Published: November 2007

There has been substantial effort devoted to the analysis of censored failure time with covariates that are subject to measurement error. Previous studies have focused on right‐censored survival data, but interval‐censored survival data with covariate measurement error are yet to be investigated. Our study is partly motivated by analysis of the HIV clinical trial AIDS Clinical Trial Group (ACTG) 175 data, where the occurrence time of AIDS is interval censored and the covariate CD4 count is subject to measurement error. We assume that the data are realized from a proportional hazards model. A multiple augmentation approach is proposed to convert interval‐censored data to right‐censored data, and the conditional score approach is then employed to account for measurement error. The proposed approach is easy to implement and can be readily extended to other semiparametric models. Extensive simulations show that the proposed approach has satisfactory finite‐sample performance. The ACTG 175 data are then analyzed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry, an analytical tool in neurochemical research
Authors: Szczerbowska‐Boruchowska Magdalena
Published: November 2007

The central nervous system (CNS) is undoubtedly the most complex structure in the human body. Metal ions play an important role in the normal functioning of this organ. Disturbances of metal ion homeostasis may lead to serious diseases of CNS. On the other hand, the abnormal accumulation of selected elements may be a result of pathological processes. The application of different analytical techniques to the determination of the normal and pathological accumulation of trace elements in human CNS tissue has proved to be popular in recent years. A review of current analytical activity for human CNS tissue is presented. Special attention is paid to the remarkable opportunities provided by using synchrotron radiation in elemental analysis. The results of application of synchrotron radiation x‐ray fluorescence (SRXRF) as well as x‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy to investigate Parkinson's disease, amiotrophic lateral sclerosis and brain gliomas are shown. Topographic and quantitative analysis with the use of SRXRF allows the determination of minor and trace elements in thin tissue samples of human CNS at the single‐cell level. The comparison between these pathological cases and control group pointed out differences in elemental composition of the tissues. Moreover, application of XANES spectroscopy made it possible to determine oxidation states of Fe and S in Parkinson‐diseased tissue and brain gliomas. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Green's functions for semi‐infinite transversely isotropic thermoelastic materials
Authors: Hou P.‐F. , Leung A.Y.T. , Chen C.‐P.
Published: November 2007

We use the compact mono‐harmonic general solutions of transversely isotropic thermoelastic materials to construct the three‐dimensional Green's function of a steady point heat source in a semi‐infinite transversely isotropic thermoelastic material by three newly introduced mono‐harmonic functions. All components of coupled field are expressed in terms of elementary functions and are convenient to use. Numerical results for hexagonal zinc are given graphically by contours.
Auxin and cytoskeletal organization in algae
Authors: Jin Qiaojun , Scherp Peter , Heimann Kirsten , Hasenstein Karl H.
Published: November 2007

Hormones affect growth and alter the cytoskeleton suggesting that hormones and the cytoskeleton interact with each other. The cytoskeleton of ancestral algae such as Chara showed similar sensitivity to auxin as higher plants, even in generative structures but the sensitivity differed between IAA and α‐NAA and presumably other auxins. The ability of cells to elongate depends on microtubule organization during the transition from disorganized to perpendicular to longitudinal organization of the cytoskeleton. Because of the many functions of the cytoskeleton it is possible that its composition is influenced by selective gene expression and adaptation to growth regulators. Co‐localization of microtubules and F‐actin change at a high temporal and spatial scale. High resolution measurements of mRNA expression indicate rapid turnover that may affect the composition of the cytoskeleton.
Sepsis is associated with an upregulation of functional β3 adrenoceptors in the myocardium
Authors: Moniotte S. , Belge C. , Sekkali B. , Massion P.B. , Rozec B. , Dessy C. , Balligand J.‐L.
Published: November 2007

Objective

To analyze the implication of the β3‐adrenoceptor (β3‐AR) pathway in human septic myocardium and a murine model of sepsis, a condition associated with myocardial depression.

Methods and results

β3‐AR and eNOS protein abundance were increased (332±66.4% and 218±39.3; P<0.05) in hearts from septic patients. The effect of BRL37344, a β3‐AR‐preferential agonist, was analyzed by videomicroscopy on the contractility of neonatal mouse ventricular myocytes (NMVM) incubated with conditioned medium from LPS‐stimulated cultured macrophages (Mc‐LPS+ medium). Stimulation of untreated NMVM with BRL37344 dose‐dependently decreased the amplitude of contractile shortening (P<0.05). This response was abolished by L‐NAME (NOS inhibitor). Incubation in Mc‐LPS+ medium potentiated the depressing effect of BRL37344 (P<0.05) as well as of SR58611A (P<0.05) in wild‐type myocytes. Importantly, the contractile depression was abrogated in cardiomyocytes from β3‐AR KO mice.

Conclusions

β3‐AR are upregulated during sepsis in the human myocardium and by cytokines in murine cardiomyocytes, where they mediate an increased negative inotropic response to β3 agonists. Activation of the β3‐AR pathway by catecholamines may contribute to the myocardial dysfunction in sepsis.
Parathyroid hormone‐related protein (PTHrP) signal cascade modulates myocardial dysfunction in the pressure overloaded heart
Authors: Meyer Rainer , Schreckenberg Rolf , Kretschmer Frank , Bittig Anne , Conzelmann Charlotte , Grohé Christian , Schlüter Klaus‐Dieter
Published: November 2007

Background

Pressure overload induces the cardiac expression of parathyroid hormone‐related protein (PTHrP). Plasma levels are elevated in patients with heart disease. It is unknown whether this represents an epiphenomenon or suggests involvement in hypertrophy.

Aim

To identify a potential role of PTHrP in pressure induced hypertrophy and heart failure.

Methods and results

Pressure load was produced via thoracic aortic constriction (TAC) and application of a PTHrP antagonist (PTHrP(7–34)) via osmotic minipumps in mice. Main findings were confirmed in vitro by exposing isolated adult ventricular mice cardiomyocytes to PTHrP(1–34) (100 nmol/l). TAC treated animals developed myocardial hypertrophy within 2 weeks. The heart weight to body weight ratio increased from 5.02±0.14 mg/g (sham/vehicle) and 5.16±0.19 mg/g (sham/antagonist) to 6.59±0.85 mg/g (TAC/vehicle) and 7.07±0.80 mg/g (TAC/antagonist) (each n=6–8; p<0.05 for TAC vs. sham; not significantly different between TAC groups). In parallel, the expression of atrial natriuretic factor increased. Cardiac dysfunction (+dP/dt, −dP/dt), however, was significantly lower in TAC mice receiving the antagonist, and SERCA2 expression was higher. Isolated cardiomyocytes exposed to PTHrP(1–34) developed reduced cell shortening. This reduction in cell function was abolished in the co‐presence of the antagonist.

Conclusion

PTHrP contributes to the progression of cardiac dysfunction in the pressure overloaded heart.
Modern at last? Variety of weak states in the post-Soviet world
Authors: Tsygankov Andrei P.
Published: November 2007

Scholarly interest has recently shifted from issues of democratic transition to those of state formation and state viability. The paper reviews scholarly contributions to understanding state weakness and suggests criteria and indicators to capture stateness in the former Soviet region. It suggests a preliminary ranking of the post-Soviet states along dimensions of national order, economic efficiency and political viability. The paper hypothesizes a causal mechanism through which state development in the region may occur by incorporating both structural and policy-related factors. It concludes that most states in the region can only be characterized as weak, and their urge to become modern is therefore yet to materialize.
Fine gold particles and gold dust in alluvial autochthonous placers in southern West Siberia
Authors: Nesterenko G.V. , Kolpakov V.V.
Published: November 2007

This paper deals with the behavior of fine gold particles (0.25–0.1 mm) and gold dust (<0.1 mm) during the formation of alluvial placers in denudation areas in southern West Siberia. Native gold particles with a low settling velocity, <5–10 cm/s, such as dust (<0.1 mm) and fine flat particles, are transported with a river stream beyond denudation areas. This easily migrating gold participates in the formation of lithochemical flows, which are an important indicator of gold mineralization. It occurs in the upper beds of alluvial section. Heavier fine gold particles are partly retained at the site of river activity, and the rest are partly redeposited in cooler parts of placers, being graded according to their settling velocity, as evidenced from the direct relationship between the flatness and size of gold particles. Fine gold particles do not form large accumulations in alluvial autochthonous placers. The main typomorphic features of fine gold particles and gold dust are their abundance in ore sources, compositional similarity to larger gold fractions, and high migration ability. In contrast to morphological features of gold, these ones remain stable during the river drift.
Resistivity logging in a multi-scale medium with lognormal conductivity
Authors: Kurochkina E.P. , Soboleva O.N. , Epov M.I.
Published: November 2007

We derived equations of effective conductivity coefficients to estimate mean current density and its variance in resistivity logging problems for isotropic multi-scale porous media with lognormal conductivity distribution. The equations have quite a simple form if the medium parameters satisfy refined Kolmogorov’s similarity hypothesis. The results of the refined perturbation theory obtained using subgrid modeling are compared with the results of numerical simulation and the conventional perturbation theory.