bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LUMINESCENCE DATING OF SEDIMENTS—THE DETECTION OF HIGH EQUIVALENT DOSE GRAINS USING AN IMAGING PHOTON DETECTOR*
Authors: McFEE C. J. , TITE M. S.
Published: September 2007

In this paper we describe quantitative measurements on the thermoluminescence of many single grains, made with an imaging photon detector. In several of the sediments examined a few bright grains were found which had a high equivalent dose (ED). Physical measurements made on these grains using binocular microscopy and analytical scanning microscopy enabled several possible explanations for the causes of the high ED grains to be rejected. Insufficient bleaching at deposition or the intrusion of grains from an older sediment were identified as the most probable explanation for these grains.
PALAEOCLIMATIC IDENTIFICATION BASED ON AN ISOTOPE STUDY OF TRAVERTINE FROM THE COPPER AGE SITE AT LOS MILLARES, SOUTH‐EASTERN SPAIN*
Authors: CAPEL J. , REYES E. , DELGADO A. , NUÑEZ R. , MOLINA F.
Published: September 2007

Remains of an aqueduct from the Copper Age settlement of Los Millares have been studied. The isotope results (—7‰ < δ18O — 5.3‰) show that the aqueduct was used to transport fresh water at room temperature. The results are inconsistent with the aqueduct being used for hot water transport or as a container for water exposed to evaporation processes. Both isotopic and mineralogical results were useful in identifying the origin and use of building materials and also in determining climatic conditions during the time of the settlement occupation.
AMPHORAE FROM LYONS: PETROGRAPHIC AND CHEMICAL ARGUMENTS*
Authors: SCHMITT A.
Published: September 2007

This paper briefly presents a method for the interpretation of quantitative petrographic data and chemical composition data from amphorae found in Lyons with the aim of determining whether or not the amphorae are of local production. We will try to define the exact place of each argument in our reasoning about the attribution of the origin of these ceramics, while insisting on the zones of uncertainty for each method. It is important to emphasize here that in assigning the origin of the Lyons amphorae all the arguments must be used conjointly. The presence of rhyolite in the temper is not enough to determine the Lyons origin of an amphora, and the geochemical arguments are often insufficient to make a decision. It is a reasoned application of petrographic, geochemical and archaeological arguments which enables us to pronounce an attribution.
ANALYTICAL INVESTIGATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL POWDERS FROM GÖLTEPE (TURKEY)*
Authors: ADRIAENS A. , VENY P. , ADAMS F. , SPORKEN R. , LOUETTE P. , EARL B. , ÖZBAL H. , YENER K. A.
Published: September 2007

Nine powder samples originating from the archaeometallurgical she in Göltepe, southern central Turkey, have been analysed. Bulk analyses, using X‐ray fluorescence and X‐ruy photoelectron spectroscopy, and single particle analyses, using electron probe X‐ray microanalysis, were carried out. The analyses were focused on determining the inorganic elemental composition of the samples and the distribution of particle types in the nine powder samples. In addition, the powder samples were classified on the basis of their elemental composition using multivariate techniques. The objective of this study was to characterize the powder samples and to establish an association with archaeological data from the site
STABLE CARBON ISOTOPE MEASUREMENTS OF THE CARBOXYL CARBONS IN BONE COLLAGEN*
Authors: KEELING C. I. , NELSON E. , SLESSOR K. N.
Published: September 2007

In order to explore the possibility that intramolecular differences in the δ13C value of bone collagen can provide useful infomation for isotopic dietary analysis, a method for reliably measuring the δ13C value of the peptide‐bonded carboxyl carbons in collagen was developed and applied to a wide range of modem and ancient species, including humans. Carboxyl carbons were selectively removed as CO2 by decarboxylation of collagen hydrolysates with ninhydrin (2,2‐dihydroxy‐l,3‐indanedione). Carboxyl carbons were usually isotopically heavier than the total carbon in the collagen, with differences ranging from ‐0.9 to 4.0%c. Animals at higher trophic levels and with more positive δ15N values usually had smaller differences than the lower animals while humans had the largest range, reflecting their larger range of diets.
PROVENANCE STUDIES OF KOREAN CELADONS OF THE KORYǑ PERIOD BY NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS*
Authors: HUGHES M. J. , MATTHEWS K. J. , PORTAL J.
Published: September 2007

Neutron activation analyses of the body fabric of celadons from the main production sites of the Koryǒ period have shown differences in composition between kilns. Comparison of over 50 celadon objects in the collections of the British Museum with this data base from the production sites has permitted the assignment of over 40 of the pieces to their kiln of origin The majority show the trace element pattern of the Sadangri kilns, a smaller proportion are assigned to Yuchǒnri, while others are assigned to the kilns at Chinsanri (underglaze iron) and Kyǒngsǒ‐dong (unglazed). A representative group of Chinese Yue wares arc clearly different from Koryǒ celadons in trace element composition.
OPTICAL DATING OF SINGLE AND MULTIPLE GRAINS OF QUARTZ FROM JINMIUM ROCK SHELTER, NORTHERN AUSTRALIA: PART II, RESULTS AND IMPLICATIONS*
Authors: ROBERTS R. G. , GALBRAITH R. F. , OLLEY J. M. , YOSHIDA H. , LASLETT G. M.
Published: September 2007

Quartz sediments from the floor deposit at Jinmium rock shelter have been investigated using the multiple‐grain and single‐grain optical dating methods described by Galbraith et al. (1999, this volume). Here we present the results of this dating programme and argue that the artefact‐bearing sediments were deposited within the last 10000 years. This time interval is consistent with the radiocarbon chronology but is much younger than previous claims for initial human occupation during the Pleistocene. Analysis of individual grains revealed also that the characteristic saturation doses of some grains are unusually high, which may permit dating of deposits older than a few hundred thousand years. Such grain‐to‐grain differences raise doubts, however, about the validity of using multiple‐grain samples to investigate the phenomenology of quartz luminescence.
OPTICAL DATING OF ANTHROPOGENIC SEDIMENTS AT THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF HERRENBRUNNENBUCKEL, BRETTEN‐BAUERBACH (GERMANY)*
Authors: LANG A. , KADEREIT A. , BEHRENDS R.‐H , WAGNER G. A.
Published: September 2007

Optical dating was applied to natural and anthropogenic silts at an Iron Age settlement in southern Germany. The natural sediments were dated accurately and allowed study of the human impact on the landscape. The studied anthropogenic sediments were infills of cellars and ditches. Again, deposits derived from soil erosion proved to be datable using infrared‐optically stimulated luminescence. However, optical dating of fine grained sediments was at its limits when sediments consisted of a mixture of bleached and unbleached grains. This is shown on sediments of known age originating from cellar infills. Improvements were obtained when using the 560 nm emission and a partial bleach approach. Experimental evidence shows that the DEversus shine‐time plot discloses insufficient bleaching only in cases in which all grains are insufficiently bleached to the same degree.
AN ARCHAEOMAGNETIC STUDY OF POTTERY KILNS FROM BRÜHL‐PINGSDORF (GERMANY)*
Authors: REINDERS J. , HAMBACH U. , KRUMSIEK K. , SANKE M. , STRACK N.
Published: September 2007

Four pottery kilns from Brühl‐Pingsdorf (Germany) were dated by comparing their characteristic remanent magnetization with a curve of the palaeo‐secular variation of the geomagnetic field. Archaeomagnetic results suggest last heating events between AD 775 and 1020. The archaeological evidence generally supports the relative temporal succession and the duration of use, but indicates that the kilns are about 150 years younger on average. Hence, a systematic offset between these independently developed chronologies must be considered. Rock magnetic parameters display radial variations through the kiln walls. These variations are controlled by the maximum temperature the rock was exposed to. These parameters were used to identify specimen which acquired a thermoremanent magnetization.
IDENTIFYING HANDS ON ANCIENT ATHENIAN INSCRIPTIONS: FIRST STEPS TOWARDS A DIGITAL APPROACH*
Authors: TRACY S. V. , PAPAODYSSEUS C. , ROUSSOPOULOS P. , PANAGOPOULOS M. , FRAGOULIS D. , DAFI D. , PANAGOPOULOS TH.
Published: September 2007

In this paper, a novel methodology is introduced for the identification of the workmen (hands) that carved ancient inscriptions. This methodology employs specific geometric characteristics of each letter and computes the mean value and variance of these characteristics for each one of the available inscriptions separately. Subsequently, we define original decision thresholds that make use of the statistical distribution of the difference of these values in order to attribute an inscription to a given hand. The inscriptions of the hands under consideration have been properly processed and all information extracted, both visual and statistical, is stored in a suitable database. Application of this methodology to nine Athenian inscriptions, some of which contain very similar letters, offered correct, clear‐cut hand identification.
DIGITAL CEMENTUM LUMINANCE ANALYSIS AND THE HAUA FTEAH HOMININS: HOW SEASONALITY AND SEASON OF USE CHANGED THROUGH TIME*
Authors: WALL‐SCHEFFLER C. M.
Published: September 2007

The importance of environmental seasonality and the seasonal cycling of resources to human populations make studies of human responses to seasonality useful to test hypotheses about short‐ and long‐term changes in human behaviour. This paper utilizes digital dental cementum luminance analysis in order to better understand patterns of the seasons of death of Ammotragus lervia at Haua Fteah, Cyrenaica, and to test whether long‐term climatic changes can be detected in dental cement. The overall pattern of the season of death of A. lervia at Haua Fteah is that of year‐round utilization, with a slight increase over time in A. lervia use during the growth period/summer time. The use of digital cementum luminance analysis (DCLA) to detect changes in the seasonal differences between temperatures indicates a trend for increased seasonality in temperature over the past 40 000 years at Haua Fteah. Furthermore, DCLA patterns in the more recent assemblages indicate a shift to a warmer climate from Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 to MIS 1.
REMOVING GOLD COATING FROM SEM SAMPLES
Authors: LESLIE STEPHEN A. , MITCHELL JOHN C.
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  An essential tool in micropalaeontological studies is analysis and imaging using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). It is commonly necessary to coat the sample with a thin layer of gold or gold‐palladium alloy in order to prevent charging of the surface, to promote the emission of secondary electrons so that the specimen conducts evenly, and to provide a homogeneous surface for analysis and imaging. However, coating a specimen with gold is a semi‐destructive process that masks the surface of specimens, and a common curatorial practice is to prohibit coating of important specimens. We describe a non‐destructive, simple and inexpensive technique that uses KCN (or NaCN), a glass jar, paper towels, cardboard and a fume hood for the removal of gold coatings from SEM samples. This technique requires little additional handling of the specimen, and there is no need to place the specimen in a solution.
Significance of morphological alteration by portal vein branch ligation in endotoxin‐induced liver injury after partial hepatectomy
Authors: Ota Shigeyasu , Suzuki Shohachi , Sakaguchi Takanori , Baba Satoshi , Mitsuoka Hiroshi , Nakamura Satoshi , Konno Hiroyuki
Published: September 2007

Background: Regenerating liver after partial hepatectomy (PH) is susceptible to endotoxin. This study was conducted to investigate how morphological alteration by preoperative portal vein branch ligation (PVL) affects endotoxin‐induced liver injury after PH.

Methods: Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into a PVL group undergoing left PVL and into a non‐PVL group receiving a sham operation. Seven days later, animals in both groups were subjected to PH (the left lateral, median and caudate lobes). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was intravenously administered to both groups 2 days after PH.

Results: A significant increase in hepatocyte and sinusoidal endothelial cell proliferation assessed by Ki‐67 immunostaining reached a peak at day 2 and 3 after PVL, respectively, in accordance with the changes in plasma interleukin‐6 concentrations after PVL. The proliferation response of these cells after PH was observed in both groups, showing a significantly weaker response in the PVL group. The sinusoidal width after PH was significantly reduced in the non‐PVL group when compared with that in the PVL group. LPS administration induced a marked elevation of plasma tumour necrosis factor‐α levels in the non‐PVL group compared with the PVL group. PVL before PH significantly attenuated endotoxin‐induced functional and structural liver damage with greater hepatic polymorphonuclear leucocyte infiltration and microcirculatory derangement, resulting in an improvement in the 7‐day survival rate.

Conclusions: Morphological alteration by PVL is of great advantage in preventing the development of endotoxin‐induced liver injury in the regeneration process after PH.
Recipient cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen‐4 +49 G/G genotype is associated with reduced incidence of hepatitis B virus recurrence after liver transplantation among Chinese patients
Authors: Jiang Zhijun , Feng Xiaoning , Zhang Wu , Gao Feng , Ling Qi , Zhou Lin , Xie Haiyang , Chen Qixing , Zheng Shusen
Published: September 2007

Background:Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of two‐gene locus cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) +49 and CD86 +1057 were previously reported to influence the outcome of liver transplantation (LT) with respect to allograft acceptance. SNP at CTLA‐4 +49 was also suggested to be associated with the individual difference in the clearance of hepatitis B virus (HBV). However, their influence on the incidence of post‐LT HBV reinfection was not clear. With the increasing knowledge of costimulatory mechanisms on LT and host immune response, we designed this study to investigate the relationship between different alleles as well as genotypes at these two locations and HBV reinfection after LT.

Methods:Genomic DNA from 167 LT recipients with HBV‐related diseases was genotyped for CTLA‐4 +49 and CD86 +1057 genomic polymorphisms using a sequence‐specific primer‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR‐SSP). HBV recurrence was diagnosed based on the serological and pathological finding of HBV DNA and HBsAg.

Results:The present study indicated that the recipients with CTLA‐4 +49 GG genotype had a reduced risk (6.67%) of HBV recurrence compared with non‐CTLA‐4 +49 GG‐carrying individuals (20.7%) (relative risk 3.098) (P=0.032). The allelic frequency of CTLA‐4 +49 G was also significantly lower in patients with HBV recurrence, compared with that in patients without HBV recurrence (P=0.013, odds ratio 2.176, 95% confidence interval 1.170–4.046). However, no significant association was found between CD86 +1057 and HBV recurrence.

Conclusion:Our result on CTLA‐4 +49 A/G polymorphism indicated that the CTLA‐4 +49 GG genotype was related to a reduced risk in the incidence of HBV recurrence.
Outcome of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma referred to a tertiary centre with availability of multiple treatment options including cadaveric liver transplantation
Authors: Perry John F. , Charlton Barbara , Koorey David J. , Waugh Richard C. , Gallagher P. James , Crawford Michael D. , Verran Deborah J. , McCaughan Geoffrey W. , Strasser Simone I.
Published: September 2007

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary cancer of the liver with an established causal link to viral hepatitis and other forms of chronic liver disease.

Aims: The aim of this study was to analyse the determinants of outcome in patients with HCC referred to a tertiary centre for management.

Method: Two hundred and thirty‐five prospective patients with HCC and minimum 12‐month follow‐up were studied.

Results: The cohort was heterogeneous, with 52% Caucasian, 40% Asian and 5% of Middle‐Eastern origin. Independent predictors of outcome included tumour size and number, the presence of ascites or portal vein thrombosis, α‐foetoprotein >50 U/L and an impaired performance status. Treatment was determined on an individual case basis by a multidisciplinary tumour team. Surgical resection was primary treatment in 43 patients, liver transplantation in 40 patients, local ablation (percutaneous radiofrequency ablation or alcohol injection) in 33 patients, transarterial chemoembolisation in 33 patients, chemotherapy or other systemic therapy in 30 patients and no treatment in 56 patients. After adjustment for significant covariates, both liver transplantation (P<0.001) and surgical resection (P=0.029) had a significant effect on patient survival compared with no treatment, but local ablation (P=0.410) and chemoembolisation (P=0.831) did not. Liver transplantation resulted in superior overall and, in particular, disease‐free survival compared with surgical resection (disease‐free survival 84 vs 15% at 5 years).

Conclusion: In conclusion, both surgical resection and liver transplantation significantly improve the survival of patients with HCC, but improvements need to be made to the delivery of loco‐regional therapy to enhance its effectiveness.
The surface polymerising of fluoromonomer and the shade‐darkening effect on dyed polyester microfibre fabric
Authors: Xie Kongliang , Hou Aiqin , Shi Yaqi , Yu Jibin
Published: September 2007

The surface polymerising of fluoromonomer on dyed polyester microfibre fabric is investigated. The shade‐darkening effect of perfluoropolyester acrylate polymer is discussed by colour yield, reflectance spectrum and the colour differences. The surface polymerising of fluoromonomer on dyed polyester microfibre fabric had an excellent shade‐darkening effect. After surface polymerising, the dyed fabrics had no significant effect on washing and wet rubbing fastness.
Dyeing cotton with reactive dyes under neutral conditions
Authors: Lewis David M , Vo Loan T T
Published: September 2007

This paper describes a new method to dye cotton with selected reactive dyes by long‐liquor – or so‐called ‘exhaustion’– processes under neutral conditions. Particularly promising results were obtained with reactive dyes containing free vinyl sulphone residues. Although there are dyes on the market that contain free vinyl sulphone groups, for example, the Novacron C (Huntsman) range of dyes, many of this class contain ‘blocked’ vinyl sulphone residues; examples include sulphatoethylsulphone or chloroethylsulphone precursor groups, and these may be preactivated to the highly reactive vinyl sulphone form simply by a mild alkali treatment. After this activation, neutral, long‐liquor dyeings can be carried out at the boil in the presence of electrolyte. This new dyeing method gave very good results in terms of overall fixation efficiency values, without the need for alkali additions.
Support for families with a family member suffering a cognitive disorder
Authors: ROKKAKU Ryoko
Published: September 2007

The management of the care giving of a family member with dementia is an important issues these days. In the present article, I discuss the stages families go through on their way to finding out that a family member has a cognitive disorder. Stage I is a stage of bewilderment in which negative care is given. In Stage II, the relatives find out or realize that the person has a cognitive disorder and they try to extricate themselves from the negative care. In Stage III, the family members express hope that the person will recover, whereas in Stage IV they resign themselves to the fact that their loved one has a cognitive disorder and will never recover. The last stage, Stage V, is when the family members try new types of care. The family vacillates between the different stages and, after a long period of time, they accept the fact that the person has a cognitive disorder and finally create an environment in which the patient can live peacefully. It is a long process, and perhaps a very hard one for the family. Each member of the family has his or her own history and role withing the family; this cannot be forgotten and it is very common for family members to be unable to accept the situation. Even still, the family persists. Because they persist, they sometimes become angry; they also lament and ignore the situation. It is important to thoroughly observe the stage at which the family comes to accept the situation and to be mindful of caring for the family.
Port‐Wine‐Stain–Associated Dermatitis: Implications for Cutaneous Vascular Laser Therapy
Authors: Fonder Margaret A. , Mamelak Adam J. , Kazin Rebecca A. , Cohen Bernard A.
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  Port‐wine stains are congenital vascular malformations affecting 0.3% to 0.5% of infants. Dermatitis occurring exclusively or most severely within port‐wine stains has been described in the literature. Traditionally, topical corticosteroid therapy has been used for the treatment of dermatitis, while pulseddye laser treatment is considered a safe and effective means of lightening the appearance of congenital port‐wine stains. To describe the development of port‐wine stain‐associated dermatitis as well as a rational treatment approach to these patients, we studied three children with facial, limb, or truncal port‐wine stains who developed dermatitis within the congenital vascular malformation either prior to or during treatment with pulseddye laser. Laser therapy of dermatitis‐affected areas was subsequently deferred pending resolution of the dermatitis with topical corticosteroid or topical calcineurin inhibitor treatment. While pulseddye laser therapy is an effective means of lightening port‐wine stains and achieving lasting resolution of any associated dermatitis, this therapy to dermatitis‐affected areas should be postponed until the inflammation resolves to minimize the risk of laser‐associated adverse effects.
Subfield‐specific Loss of Hippocampal N‐acetyl Aspartate in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Vielhaber Stefan , Niessen Heiko G. , Debska‐Vielhaber Grazyna , Kudin Alexei P. , Wellmer Jörg , Kaufmann Jörn , Schönfeld Mircea Ariel , Fendrich Robert , Willker Wieland , Leibfritz Dieter , Schramm Johannes , Elger Christian E. , Heinze Hans‐Jochen , Kunz Wolfram S.
Published: September 2007

Summary

Purpose: In patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) it remains an unresolved issue whether the interictal decrease in N‐acetyl aspartate (NAA) detected by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) reflects the epilepsy‐associated loss of hippocampal pyramidal neurons or metabolic dysfunction.

Methods: To address this problem, we applied high‐resolution 1H‐MRS at 14.1 Tesla to measure metabolite concentrations in ex vivo tissue slices from three hippocampal subfields (CA1, CA3, dentate gyrus) as well as from the parahippocampal region of 12 patients with MTLE.

Results: In contrast to four patients with lesion‐caused MTLE, we found a large variance of NAA concentrations in the individual hippocampal regions of patients with Ammon's horn sclerosis (AHS). Specifically, in subfield CA3 of AHS patients despite of a moderate preservation of neuronal cell densities the concentration of NAA was significantly lowered, while the concentrations of lactate, glucose, and succinate were elevated. We suggest that these subfield‐specific alterations of metabolite concentrations in AHS are very likely caused by impairment of mitochondrial function and not related to neuronal cell loss.

Conclusions: A subfield‐specific impairment of energy metabolism is the probable cause for lowered NAA concentrations in sclerotic hippocampi of MTLE patients.
Photosynthetic activity of intertidal microphytobenthic communities during emersion: in situ measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence (PAM) and CO2 flux (IRGA)1
Authors: Migné Aline , Gévaert François , Créach Anne , Spilmont Nicolas , Chevalier Emilie , Davoult Dominique
Published: September 2007

Photosynthetic microphytobenthic activity has increasingly been examined using pulse‐amplitude‐modulated (PAM) fluorescence techniques. Nevertheless, estimating carbon production rates from fluorescence measurements implies the establishment of reliable relationships. The aim of this study was to determine such a relationship from field measurements of both PAM fluorescence and CO2 fluxes. Three study sites of varying sedimentary features were investigated in different seasons. Both linear and with plateau relationships were obtained between the fluorescence parameter (relative electron transport rate [rETR]) and the community‐level carbon‐fixation rate (gross community primary production rate [GCP] in mg C · m−2 · h−1). The correlation calculated from the whole data set (i.e., all sites and all seasons) was very strong (n = 106; r = 0.928). Significant correlations were also obtained for light‐curve parameters assessed with the two methods: Pm (n = 8; r = 0.920) and Ik (n = 8; r = 0.818). Total community‐level carbon fixation for the emersion period was calculated from fluorescence measurements according to the relationship established between GCP and rETR, and between light‐curve parameters, and the results were compared to the estimation obtained directly from GCP measurements. The agreement between the two estimations was quite good for both ways of calculation (with a mean discrepancy of 30% for the first one and −2% for the second one). These results suggest the potential application of PAM measurements to calculate carbon‐fixation rates at large spatial and temporal scales, provided that a set of experiments coupled with CO2‐flux measurements are performed.
Ps in the (Channel) Pod Are Not Alike …
Authors: Noam Yoav , Baram Tallie Z.
Published: September 2007

Bidirectional Activity-Dependent Regulation of Neuronal Ion Channel Phosphorylation. Misonou H, Menegola M, Mohapatra DP, Guy LK, Park KS, Trimmer JS. J Neurosci 2006;26(52):13505–13514. Activity-dependent dephosphorylation of neuronal Kv2.1 channels yields hyperpolarizing shifts in their voltage-dependent activation and homoeostatic suppression of neuronal excitability. We recently identified 16 phosphorylation sites that modulate Kv2.1 function. Here, we show that in mammalian neurons, compared with other regulated sites, such as serine (S)563, phosphorylation at S603 is supersensitive to calcineurin-mediated dephosphorylation in response to kainate-induced seizures in vivo, and brief glutamate stimulation of cultured hippocampal neurons. In vitro calcineurin digestion shows that supersensitivity of S603 dephosphorylation is an inherent property of Kv2.1. Conversely, suppression of neuronal activity by anesthetic in vivo causes hyperphosphorylation at S603 but not S563. Distinct regulation of individual phosphorylation sites allows for graded and bidirectional homeostatic regulation of Kv2.1 function. S603 phosphorylation represents a sensitive bidirectional biosensor of neuronal activity.
Substantia(ting) Ketone Body Effects on Neuronal Excitability
Authors: Rho Jong M.
Published: September 2007

Ketogenic Diet Metabolites Reduce Firing in Central Neurons by Opening KATP Channels Ma W, Berg J, Yellen G. J Neurosci 2007;27(14):3618–3625. A low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet remains one of the most effective (but mysterious) treatments for severe pharmacoresistant epilepsy. We have tested for an acute effect of physiological ketone bodies on neuronal firing rates and excitability, to discover possible therapeutic mechanisms of the ketogenic diet. Physiological concentrations of ketone bodies ( β-hydroxybutyrate or acetoacetate) reduced the spontaneous firing rate of neurons in slices from rat or mouse substantia nigra pars reticulata. This region is thought to act as a “seizure gate,” controlling seizure generalization. Consistent with an anticonvulsant role, the ketone body effect is larger for cells that fire more rapidly. The effect of ketone bodies was abolished by eliminating the metabolically sensitive KATP channels pharmacologically or by gene knock-out. We propose that ketone bodies or glycolytic restriction treat epilepsy by augmenting a natural activity-limiting function served by KATP channels in neurons.
Short‐Sales Constraints and Price Discovery: Evidence from the Hong Kong Market
Authors: CHANG ERIC C. , CHENG JOSEPH W. , YU YINGHUI
Published: September 2007

Short‐sales practices in the Hong Kong stock market are unique in that only stocks on a list of designated securities can be sold short. By analyzing the price effects following the addition of individual stocks to the list, we find that short‐sales constraints tend to cause stock overvaluation and that the overvaluation effect is more dramatic for individual stocks for which wider dispersion of investor opinions exists. These findings are consistent with Miller's (1977) intuition and other optimism models. We also document higher volatility and less positive skewness of individual stock returns when short sales are allowed.
Analyst Disagreement, Mispricing, and Liquidity*
Authors: SADKA RONNIE , SCHERBINA ANNA
Published: September 2007

This paper documents a close link between mispricing and liquidity by investigating stocks with high analyst disagreement. Previous research finds that these stocks tend to be overpriced, but that prices correct downwards as uncertainty about earnings is resolved. Our analysis suggests that one reason mispricing has persisted through the years is that analyst disagreement coincides with high trading costs. We also show that in the cross‐section, the less liquid stocks tend to be more severely overpriced. Additionally, increases in aggregate market liquidity accelerate the convergence of prices to fundamentals. As a result, returns of the initially overpriced stocks are negatively correlated with the time series of innovations in aggregate market liquidity.
Taking a View: Corporate Speculation, Governance, and Compensation
Authors: GÉCZY CHRISTOPHER C. , MINTON BERNADETTE A. , SCHRAND CATHERINE M.
Published: September 2007

Using responses to a well‐known confidential survey, we study corporations' use of derivatives to “take a view” on interest rate and currency movements. Characteristics of speculators suggest that perceived information and cost advantages lead them to take positions actively; that is, they do not speculate to increase risk by “betting the ranch.” Speculating firms encourage managers to speculate through incentive‐aligning compensation arrangements and bonding contracts, and they use derivatives‐specific internal controls to manage potential abuse. Finally, we examine whether investors reading public corporate disclosures are able to identify firms that indicate speculating in the confidential survey; they are not.
Financial Constraints, Competition, and Hedging in Industry Equilibrium
Authors: ADAM TIM , DASGUPTA SUDIPTO , TITMAN SHERIDAN
Published: September 2007

We analyze the hedging decisions of firms, within an equilibrium setting that allows us to examine how a firm's hedging choice depends on the hedging choices of its competitors. Within this equilibrium some firms hedge while others do not, even though all firms are ex ante identical. The fraction of firms that hedge depends on industry characteristics, such as the number of firms in the industry, the elasticity of demand, and the convexity of production costs. Consistent with prior empirical findings, the model predicts that there is more heterogeneity in the decision to hedge in the most competitive industries.
Statistical Indentation Techniques for Hydrated Nanocomposites: Concrete, Bone, and Shale
Authors: Ulm Franz‐Josef , Vandamme Matthieu , Bobko Chris , Alberto Ortega Jose , Tai Kuangshin , Ortiz Christine
Published: September 2007

Concrete, bone and shale have one thing in common: their load‐bearing mineral phase is a hydrated nanocomposite. Yet the link between material genesis, microstructure, and mechanical performance for these materials is still an enigma that has deceived many decoding attempts. In this article, we advance statistical indentation analysis techniques that make it possible to assess, in situ, the nanomechanical properties, packing density distributions, and morphology of hydrated nanocomposites. These techniques are applied to identify intrinsic and structural sources of anisotropy of hydrated nanoparticles: calcium–silicate–hydrate (C–S–H), apatite, and clay. It is shown that C–S–H and apatite, the binding phase in, respectively, cement‐based materials and bone, are intrinsically isotropic; this is most probably due to a random precipitation and growth process of particles in calcium oversaturated pore solutions, which can also explain the nonnegligible internanoparticle friction. In contrast, the load‐bearing clay phase in shale, the sealing formation of most hydrocarbon reservoirs, is found to be intrinsically anisotropic and frictionless. This is indicative of a ‘smooth’ deposition and compaction history, which, in contrast to mineral growth in confined spaces, minimizes nanoparticle interlocking. In all cases, the nanomechanical behavior is governed by packing density distributions of elementary particles delimitating macroscopic diversity.
Six‐year follow up of atraumatic restorative treatment restorations placed in Chinese school children
Authors: Lo Edward C. M. , Holmgren Christopher J. , Hu Deyu , Van Palenstein Helderman Wim
Published: September 2007

Abstract –  Objectives:  This study aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) restorations placed in school children in China over a 6‐year period.

Methods:  This study was implemented in 1996 and 294 ART restorations were placed in 197 children aged 12–13 years by five assistant dentists in four schools. Standard ART procedures and instruments were used combined with a high‐strength glass–ionomer restorative material. One examiner evaluated the restorations annually using the ART criteria while at 5 years an independent external examiner used US Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria.

Results:  Fifty‐eight per cent of the restorations were followed for 6 years. At the 6‐year evaluation examination, 76% and 59% of the small and large restorations respectively were present and were without major wear or defect (P < 0.01). Similar results were obtained when using the USPHS criteria. Results of a multilevel survival analysis show that the correlation between restoration failure and operator was small but failure of restorations placed in the same child was substantial. Net wear of the small and large restorations after 6 years were 176 and 172 μm respectively (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:  The 6‐year survival rate of the class I ART restorations in this study, especially the smaller ones, was satisfactory. This suggests that the ART approach can be used in the school setting to improve the oral health of large populations of underserved children.
Mesothelin, a possible target for immunotherapy, is expressed in primary AML cells
Authors: Steinbach Daniel , Onda Masanori , Voigt Astrid , Dawczynski Kristin , Wittig Susan , Hassan Raffit , Gruhn Bernd , Pastan Ira
Published: September 2007

Background:  Mesothelin is a promising candidate for tumor‐specific therapy because of its limited expression in normal tissues and high expression in several cancers. The expression of the protein mesothelin in hematological malignancies has not yet been analyzed. SS1(dsFv)PE38 is a recombinant anti‐mesothelin immunotoxin which is undergoing clinical evaluation in patients with mesothelin‐expressing tumors.

Methods and Results:  In this study we show that the mesothelin protein is expressed in leukemic cells from children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This finding was confirmed by western blot, immunocytochemistry and real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Despite the expression of mesothelin, the patient samples were not sensitive to immunotoxin SS1(dsFv)PE38 in MTT assays.

Conclusions:  Primary AML cells express mesothelin but SS1(dsFv)PE38 is not active in killing these cells. Other approaches that utilize mesothelin as a target might be more effective and should be tested against AML cells.
Signal transduction pathways involved in protective effects of melatonin in C6 glioma cells
Authors: Esposito Emanuela , Iacono Anna , Muià Carmelo , Crisafulli Concetta , Mattace Raso Giuseppina , Bramanti Placido , Meli Rosaria , Cuzzocrea Salvatore
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  Melatonin (N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine), an indole hormone, is the chief secretory product of the pineal gland and is an efficient free radical scavenger and antioxidant, both in vitro and in vivo. The role of melatonin as an immunomodulator is, in some cases, contradictory. Although melatonin is reported to influence a variety of inflammatory and immune responses, evidence supporting its effects on important glioma cells‐derived mediators is incomplete. We studied, in rat glioma cell line (C6), the role of melatonin (100 μm‐1 mm) in the regulation of the expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) caused by incubation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interferon (IFN)‐γ (1 μg/mL and 100 U/mL, respectively) and defined the mode of melatonin’s action. Treatment with LPS/IFN‐γ for 24 hr elicited the induction of inducible (iNOS) activity as determined by nitrite and nitrate (NOx) accumulation in the culture medium. Preincubation with melatonin abrogated the mixed cytokines‐mediated induction of iNOS. The effect of melatonin was concentration‐dependent. Moreover, Western blot analysis showed that melatonin inhibited LPS/IFN‐γ‐induced expression of COX‐2 protein, but not that of constitutive cyclooxygenase. Inhibition of iNOS and COX‐2 expression was associated with inhibition of activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB). The ability of melatonin to inhibit NF‐κB activation was further confirmed by studies on the degradation of the inhibitor of NF‐κB, IκB‐α. Increased production of lipid peroxidation products using thiobarbituric acid assay were found in cellular contents from activated cultures. Lipid peroxidation was decreased by melatonin treatment in a concentration‐dependent manner. Moreover, several genes having roles in heat‐shock response were downregulated in melatonin‐treated cells, such as 70 proteins, reflecting the reduced oxidative stress in these cells. The mechanisms underlying in vitro the neuroprotective properties of melatonin involve modulation of transcription factors and consequent altered gene expression, resulting in downregulation of inflammation.
Melatonin modulates the expression of VEGF and HIF‐1α induced by CoCl2 in cultured cancer cells
Authors: Dai Min , Cui Peilin , Yu Minghua , Han Jianqun , Li Hongwei , Xiu Ruijuan
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  Melatonin is an important natural oncostatic agent. At present there are no data available as to its possible influence on tumor angiogenesis, which is a major biological mechanism responsible for tumor growth and dissemination. It is well known that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is crucial to a solid tumor’s higher vascularization and development. To investigate the possible influence of melatonin on angiogenesis, we studied the effect of melatonin on endogenous VEGF expression in three human cancer cell lines (PANC‐1, HeLa and A549 cells). In this study, we report that physiologic concentrations of melatonin have no obvious impact on the VEGF expression, whereas pharmacologic concentrations of melatonin suppress the VEGF mRNA and protein levels induced by hypoxia mimetic cobalt chloride (CoCl2). Melatonin also decreases hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α protein levels, suggesting a role for transcription factor HIF‐1 in the suppression of VEGF expression. The effect of pharmacologic concentrations of melatonin on VEGF and HIF‐1α under normoxia is uncertain, which indicates that the regulatory mechanisms of VEGF in the absence or presence of CoCl2 are different and other or additional transcription factors may be involved. Taken together, our data show that melatonin in high concentrations markedly reduces the expression of endogenous VEGF and HIF‐1α induced by CoCl2 in cultured cancer cells.
Traffic of Proteins and Peptides across Membranes for Immunosurveillance by CD8+ T Lymphocytes: A Topological Challenge
Authors: Johnstone Carolina , Del Val Margarita
Published: September 2007

Cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes kill infected cells that display major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules presenting peptides processed from pathogen proteins. In general, the peptides are proteolytically processed from newly made endogenous antigens in the cytosol and require translocation to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) for MHC class I loading. This last task is performed by the transporters associated with antigen processing (TAP). Sampling of suspicious pathogen‐derived proteins reaches beyond the cytosol, and MHC class I loading can occur in other secretory or endosomal compartments besides the ER. Peptides processed from exogenous antigens can also be presented by MHC class I molecules to CD8+ T lymphocytes, in this case requiring delivery from the extracellular medium to the processing and MHC class I loading compartments. The endogenous or exogenous antigen can be processed before or after its transport to the site of MHC class I loading. Therefore, mechanisms that allow the full‐length protein or processed peptides to cross several subcellular membranes are essential. This review deals with the different intracellular pathways that allow the traffic of antigens to compartments proficient in processing and loading of MHC class I molecules for presentation to CD8+ T lymphocytes and highlights the need to molecularly identify the transporters involved.
Aggregate Formation by ERp57‐Deficient MHC Class I Peptide‐Loading Complexes
Authors: Stepensky David , Bangia Naveen , Cresswell Peter
Published: September 2007

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐resident proteins TAP, tapasin and ERp57 are the core components of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I peptide‐loading complex and play an important role in peptide loading by MHC class I‐β2microglobulin dimers. ERp57 and tapasin form a stable disulfide‐linked heterodimer within the peptide‐loading complex. We demonstrate that ERp57‐deficient loading complexes, obtained by expression in a tapasin‐negative cell line of a tapasin mutant (C95A) that is not able to form a disulfide bond with ERp57, are prone to aggregation. We studied the assembly, stability and aggregation of the core loading complex using cell lines stably expressing fluorescently tagged tapasin (wild type or C95A mutant) and TAP1. Part of the loading complexes containing the tagged C95A tapasin and TAP1 were sequestered in the ER, without change of their ER transmembrane topology, and were surrounded by a mesh of filaments at the cytosolic side, resulting in formation of protein aggregates with characteristic morphology. Protein aggregates were associated with changes in ER protein turnover but did not affect the cell viability and did not induce the unfolded protein response. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis of the aggregate‐free ER fraction revealed that lack of ERp57 did not affect the stoichiometry or stability of tapasin–TAP1 interactions in the assembled ‘soluble’ core loading complexes. We conclude that the presence of ERp57 is important for the stability of core loading complexes, and that in its absence, the core loading complexes may form stable aggregates within the ER.
Change in supporting tissue following loss of a permanent maxillary incisor in children
Authors: Rodd Helen D. , Malhotra Raakhee , O'Brien Catherine H. , Elcock Claire , Davidson Lesley E. , North Sarah
Published: September 2007

Abstract –  Alveolar bone resorption is an inevitable consequence of tooth loss and may be detrimental to long‐term dental aesthetics and function. The aim of the present study was to quantify the degree of tissue resorption following the loss of a permanent incisor in a young population. The study group comprised 11 boys and five girls who all required the extraction of a permanent maxillary central incisor due to trauma‐related sequelae. Mean age at tooth loss was 10.8 years. Upper alginate impressions were taken at regular intervals following tooth loss and were cast in yellow dental stone. Study models were sectioned longitudinally through the mid‐point of both the maxillary incisor socket and the contra‐lateral incisor to provide a thin plaster section. Digital photographs were acquired of the edentulous (A1) and dentate (A2) surfaces of this section and image analysis software was employed to quantify the surface area of both A1 and A2. At 3 months postextraction, mean A1 was 15.7% less than mean A2. By 6 months mean A1 had further reduced and was 25.3% less than that of the corresponding dentate alveolus. However, at subsequent time intervals following tooth extraction (>6 months), tissue loss appeared to stabilise with an overall reduction in tissue area remaining at 22%. This reduction in supporting tissue area was found to be highly statistically significant (P = 0.002, anova). Furthermore, girls appeared to have an overall greater degree of tissue loss than boys (P = 0.015). Further research is indicated to explore factors influencing the degree of tissue loss following incisor extraction and the benefit of therapeutic interventions in limiting this resorption.
Nutrition, oral health and the young child
Authors: Naidoo Sudeshni , Myburgh Neil
Published: September 2007

Oral health is integral to general health and essential to well‐being and quality of life. Socio‐behavioural and environmental factors play a significant role in oral disease and oral health. Dental caries is a global disease with few populations exempt from its effects. In developing countries, as development increases so does dental caries and children are at the forefront of the disease disadvantage. There is a growing need to identify high caries risk groups accurately to commence prevention from a young age. The effect of early intervention in childhood on general and dental health with both population and high‐risk approaches also needs examining. As an educational tool, the paediatric food‐based dietary guidelines may play a significant role in nutrition and oral health interventions. This paper provides information on nutrition, including access to fluoride and use of sugar. Oral health concerns, such as early childhood caries, which are important for the young child, are also discussed.