bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community Structure Analyses Are More Sensitive to Differences in Soil Bacterial Communities than Anonymous Diversity Indices
Authors: Hartmann Martin , Widmer Franco
Published: December 2006

Changes in the diversity and structure of soil microbial communities may offer a key to understanding the impact of environmental factors on soil quality in agriculturally managed systems. Twenty-five years of biodynamic, bio-organic, or conventional management in the DOK long-term experiment in Switzerland significantly altered soil bacterial community structures, as assessed by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis. To evaluate these results, the relation between bacterial diversity and bacterial community structures and their discrimination potential were investigated by sequence and T-RFLP analyses of 1,904 bacterial 16S rRNA gene clones derived from the DOK soils. Standard anonymous diversity indices such as Shannon, Chao1, and ACE or rarefaction analysis did not allow detection of management-dependent influences on the soil bacterial community. Bacterial community structures determined by sequence and T-RFLP analyses of the three gene libraries substantiated changes previously observed by soil bacterial community level T-RFLP profiling. This supported the value of high-throughput monitoring tools such as T-RFLP analysis for assessment of differences in soil microbial communities. The gene library approach also allowed identification of potential management-specific indicator taxa, which were derived from nine different bacterial phyla. These results clearly demonstrate the advantages of community structure analyses over those based on anonymous diversity indices when analyzing complex soil microbial communities.
Reconstitution of the Myxothiazol Biosynthetic Gene Cluster by Red/ET Recombination and Heterologous Expression in
Myxococcus xanthus
Authors: Perlova Olena , Fu Jun , Kuhlmann Silvia , Krug Daniel , Stewart A. Francis , Zhang Youming , Müller Rolf
Published: December 2006

Although many secondary metabolites exhibiting important pharmaceutical and agrochemical activities have been isolated from myxobacteria, most of these microorganisms remain difficult to handle genetically. To utilize their metabolic potential, heterologous expression methodologies are currently being developed. Here, the Red/ET recombination technology was used to perform all required gene cluster engineering steps in
Escherichia coli
prior to the transfer into the chromosome of the heterologous host. We describe the integration of the complete 57-kbp myxothiazol biosynthetic gene cluster reconstituted from two cosmids from a cosmid library of the myxobacterium
Stigmatella aurantiaca
DW4-3/1 into the chromosome of the thus far best-characterized myxobacterium,
Myxococcus xanthus
, in one step. The successful integration and expression of the myxothiazol biosynthetic genes in
M. xanthus
results in the production of myxothiazol in yields comparable to the natural producer strain.
Synergistic Inhibition of Microbial Sulfide Production by Combinations of the Metabolic Inhibitor Nitrite and Biocides
Authors: Greene E. Anne , Brunelle Veronique , Jenneman Gary E. , Voordouw Gerrit
Published: December 2006

MICs of six broad-spectrum biocides and two specific metabolic inhibitors and fractional inhibitory concentration indexes (FICIs) for controlling a sulfide-producing consortium were determined. Nitrite was synergistic (FICI < 1) with all but one biocide due to its specific inhibition of dissimilatory sulfite reductase. Hence, combining nitrite with biocides allows more efficient and cost-effective control of sulfate-reducing bacteria.
Studies of the Extracellular Glycocalyx of the Anaerobic Cellulolytic Bacterium
Ruminococcus albus
7
Authors: Weimer Paul J. , Price Neil P. J. , Kroukamp Otini , Joubert Lydia-Marie , Wolfaardt Gideon M. , Van Zyl Willem H.
Published: December 2006

Anaerobic cellulolytic bacteria are thought to adhere to cellulose via several mechanisms, including production of a glycocalyx containing extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). As the compositions and structures of these glycocalyces have not been elucidated, variable-pressure scanning electron microscopy (VP-SEM) and chemical analysis were used to characterize the glycocalyx of the ruminal bacterium
Ruminococcus albus
strain 7. VP-SEM revealed that growth of this strain was accompanied by the formation of thin cellular extensions that allowed the bacterium to adhere to cellulose, followed by formation of a ramifying network that interconnected individual cells to one another and to the unraveling cellulose microfibrils. Extraction of 48-h-old whole-culture pellets (bacterial cells plus glycocalyx [G] plus residual cellulose [C]) with 0.1 N NaOH released carbohydrate and protein in a ratio of 1:5. Boiling of the cellulose fermentation residue in a neutral detergent solution removed almost all of the adherent cells and protein while retaining a residual network of adhering noncellular material. Trifluoroacetic acid hydrolysis of this residue (G plus C) released primarily glucose, along with substantial amounts of xylose and mannose, but only traces of galactose, the most abundant sugar in most characterized bacterial exopolysaccharides. Linkage analysis and characterization by nuclear magnetic resonance suggested that most of the glucosyl units were not present as partially degraded cellulose. Calculations suggested that the energy demand for synthesis of the nonprotein fraction of EPS by this organism represents only a small fraction (<4%) of the anabolic ATP expenditure of the bacterium.
Bestowing Inducibility on the Cloned Methanol Dehydrogenase Promoter (P

mxaF

) of
Methylobacterium extorquens
by Applying Regulatory Elements of
Pseudomonas putida
F1
Authors: Choi Young J. , Morel Lyne , Bourque Denis , Mullick Alaka , Massie Bernard , Míguez Carlos B.
Published: December 2006

P

mxaF

is a strong methanol-inducible promoter in
Methylobacterium extorquens
. When this promoter is cloned in expression vectors and used to drive heterologous gene expression, methanol inducibility is either greatly reduced or entirely lost. In order to bestow inducibility upon the cloned P

mxaF

promoter in expression vectors, we adopted combinational methods (regulatory elements of the
Pseudomonas putida
F1
cym
and
cmt
operons and Tn
7
transposon system) to control reporter gene expression at the transcriptional level in
M. extorquens
. An operator fragment (26 nucleotides) of the
cmt
operon was inserted downstream of the cloned P

mxaF

promoter in the broad-host-range expression vector (pCHOI3). The repressor gene (
cymR
) located upstream of the
cym
operon in
P. putida
F1 was amplified by PCR. To avoid cellular toxicity for
M. extorquens
caused by the overexpression of CymR, single and/or double copies of
cymR
were integrated into the chromosome of
M. extorquens
using the mini-Tn
7
transposon system. Cultures containing the chromosomally integrated
cymR
gene were subsequently transformed with pCHOI3 containing modified P

mxaF

(i.e., P

mxaF

plus operator). In this construct, inducibility is afforded by cumate (
p
-isopropylbenzoate). In this report, we describe the inducible and tightly regulated expression of heterologous genes (
bgl
[for β-galactosidase],
est
[for esterase], and
gfp
[for green fluorescent protein]) in
M. extorquens
. This is the first documented example of an inducible/regulated heterologous gene expression system in
M. extorquens
.
Glycoprotein Hypersecretion Alters the Cell Wall in
Trichoderma reesei
Strains Expressing the
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Dolichylphosphate Mannose Synthase Gene
Authors: Perlińska-Lenart Urszula , Orłowski Jacek , Laudy Agnieszka E. , Zdebska Ewa , Palamarczyk Grażyna , Kruszewska Joanna S.
Published: December 2006

Expression of the
Saccharomyces cerevisiae DPM1
gene (coding for dolichylphosphate mannose synthase) in
Trichoderma reesei (Hypocrea jecorina
) increases the intensity of protein glycosylation and secretion and causes ultrastructural changes in the fungal cell wall. In the present work, we undertook further biochemical and morphological characterization of the
DPM1-
expressing
T. reesei
strains. We established that the carbohydrate composition of the fungal cell wall was altered with an increased amount of
N
-acetylglucosamine, suggesting an increase in chitin content. Calcofluor white staining followed by fluorescence microscopy indicated changes in chitin distribution. Moreover, we also observed a decreased concentration of mannose and alkali-soluble β-(1,6) glucan. A comparison of protein secretion from protoplasts with that from mycelia showed that the cell wall created a barrier for secretion in the
DPM1
transformants. We also discuss the relationships between the observed changes in the cell wall, increased protein glycosylation, and the greater secretory capacity of
T. reesei
strains expressing the yeast
DPM1
gene.
Destruction of Spores on Building Decontamination Residue in a Commercial Autoclave
Authors: Lemieux P. , Sieber R. , Osborne A. , Woodard A.
Published: December 2006

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conducted an experiment to evaluate the effectiveness of a commercial autoclave for treating simulated building decontamination residue (BDR). The BDR was intended to simulate porous materials removed from a building deliberately contaminated with biological agents such as
Bacillus anthracis
(anthrax) in a terrorist attack. The purpose of the tests was to assess whether the standard operating procedure for a commercial autoclave provided sufficiently robust conditions to adequately destroy bacterial spores bound to the BDR. In this study we investigated the effects of several variables related to autoclaving BDR, including time, temperature, pressure, item type, moisture content, packing density, packing orientation, autoclave bag integrity, and autoclave process sequence. The test team created simulated BDR from wallboard, ceiling tiles, carpet, and upholstered furniture, and embedded in the BDR were
Geobacillus stearothermophilus
biological indicator (BI) strips containing 10
6
spores and thermocouples to obtain time and temperature profile data associated with each BI strip. The results indicated that a single standard autoclave cycle did not effectively decontaminate the BDR. Autoclave cycles consisting of 120 min at 31.5 lb/in
2
and 275°F and 75 min at 45 lb/in
2
and 292°F effectively decontaminated the BDR material. Two sequential standard autoclave cycles consisting of 40 min at 31.5 lb/in
2
and 275°F proved to be particularly effective, probably because the second cycle's evacuation step pulled the condensed water out of the pores of the materials, allowing better steam penetration. The results also indicated that the packing density and material type of the BDR in the autoclave could have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the decontamination process.
Involvement of aSalmonellaGenomic Island 1 Gene in the Rumen Protozoan-Mediated Enhancement of Invasion for Multiple-Antibiotic-ResistantSalmonella entericaSerovar Typhimurium
Authors: Carlson Steve A. , Sharma Vijay K. , McCuddin Zoe P. , Rasmussen Mark A. , Franklin Sharon K.
Published: December 2006

Multiple-antibiotic-resistantSalmonella entericaserotype Typhimurium is a food-borne pathogen that may be more virulent than related strains lacking the multiresistance phenotype.Salmonella entericaserotype Typhimurium phage type DT104 is the most prevalent of these multiresistant/hypervirulent strains. Multiresistance in DT104 is conferred by an integron structure, designatedSalmonellagenomic island 1 (SGI1), while we recently demonstrated DT104 hyperinvasion mediated by rumen protozoa (RPz) that are normal flora of cattle. Hyperinvasion was also observed in otherSalmonellastrains, i.e., otherS. entericaserovar Typhimurium phage types and otherS. entericaserovars, likeS. entericaserovar Infantis, possessing SGI1, while DT104 strains lacking SGI1 were not hyperinvasive. Herein we attempted to identify SGI1 genes involved in the RPz-mediated hyperinvasion ofSalmonellastrains bearing SGI1. Transposon mutagenesis, coupled with a novel reporter system, revealed the involvement of an SGI1 gene previously designated SO13. Disruption of SO13 expression led to an abrogation of hyperinvasion as assessed by tissue culture invasion assays and by bovine challenge experiments. However, hyperinvasion was not observed in non-SGI1-bearing strains ofSalmonellaengineered to express SO13. That is, SO13 and another SGI1 gene(s) may coordinately upregulate invasion in DT104 exposed to RPz.
Evidence for an Intramacrophage Growth Phase ofMycobacterium ulcerans
Authors: Torrado Egídio , Fraga Alexandra G. , Castro António G. , Stragier Pieter , Meyers Wayne M. , Portaels Françoise , Silva Manuel T. , Pedrosa Jorge
Published: December 2006

Mycobacterium ulceransis the etiologic agent of Buruli ulcer (BU), an emerging tropical skin disease. VirulentM. ulceranssecretes mycolactone, a cytotoxic exotoxin with a key pathogenic role.M. ulceransin biopsy specimens has been described as an extracellular bacillus. In vitro assays have suggested a mycolactone-induced inhibition ofM. ulceransuptake by macrophages in which its proliferation has not been demonstrated. Therefore, and uniquely for a mycobacterium,M. ulceranshas been classified as an extracellular pathogen. In specimens from patients and in mouse footpad lesions, extracellular bacilli were concentrated in central necrotic acellular areas; however, we found bacilli within macrophages in surrounding inflammatory infiltrates. We demonstrated that mycolactone-producingM. ulceransisolates are efficiently phagocytosed by murine macrophages, indicating that the extracellular location ofM. ulceransis not a result of inhibition of phagocytosis. Additionally, we found thatM. ulceransmultiplies inside cultured mouse macrophages when low multiplicities of infection are used to prevent early mycolactone-associated cytotoxicity. Following the proliferation phase within macrophages,M. ulceransinduces the lysis of the infected host cells, becoming extracellular. Our data show thatM. ulcerans, likeM. tuberculosis, is an intracellular parasite with phases of intramacrophage and extracellular multiplication. The occurrence of an intramacrophage phase is in accordance with the development of cell-mediated and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses in BU patients.
Socioeconomic provisions for specialist training in Italy and the UK: integrating the differences
Authors: Fusar-Poli Paolo , McLoughlin Sean , Mongelli Alexis , Cortesi Mariachiara , Politi Pierluigi
Published: December 2006

Despite new insights on objectives, programmes, standards, curriculums and assessment of European postgraduate medical education being published all the time, few papers deal with the social situation of doctors in training across all European countries. By comparing the socioeconomic provisions for specialist training in Italy and the UK, this work identified several determinants negatively influencing the environment in which junior doctors practise. Modernisation of European postgraduate medical education can be taken forward, provided some regulation and some consistency in socioeconomic provisions for specialist training can be promoted by competent authorities across all European countries.
Prevention of venous thromboembolism in medically ill patients: a clinical update
Authors: Turpie Alexander G G , Leizorovicz Alain
Published: December 2006

The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in hospitalised medically ill patients is often underestimated, despite the fact that it remains a major cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in this group. It is not well recognised that the risk of VTE in many hospitalised medically ill patients is at least as high as in populations after surgery. This may partly be attributed to the clinically silent nature of VTE in many patients, and the difficulty in predicting which patients might develop symptoms or fatal pulmonary embolism. Two large studies, Prospective Evaluation of Dalteparin Efficacy for Prevention of VTE in Immobilized Patients Trial and prophylaxis in MEDical patients with ENOXaparin, have shown that low-molecular-weight heparins provide effective thromboprophylaxis in medically ill patients, without increasing bleeding risk. Recent guidelines from the American College of Chest Physicians recommend that acutely medically ill patients admitted with congestive heart failure or severe respiratory disease, or those who are confined to bed and have at least one additional risk factor for VTE, should receive thromboprophylaxis.
Exploring the views of second-year Foundation Programme doctors and their educational supervisors during a deanery-wide pilot Foundation Programme
Authors: O'Brien M , Brown J , Ryland I , Shaw N , Chapman T , Gillies R , Graham D
Published: December 2006

Aim

To explore the views of second-year Foundation Programme doctors (F2s) and their educational supervisors taking part in a deanery-wide pilot Foundation Programme, in order to gain an understanding of their perceptions of the available learning experiences, support and supervision.

Methods

20 semi-structured interviews were undertaken with randomly selected F2 doctors and educational supervisors participating in the deanery-wide pilot Foundation Programme.

Results

F2 trainees received appropriate and sufficient support and supervision from a variety of sources during their placements; however, it was believed that additional training of educational supervisors was required. Trainees reported some problems with the perception of the role of an F2; further understanding of the purpose and role of the F2 programme is required at trust level. The portfolio was viewed positively as a record and a learning tool, but was thought to be too bureaucratic. Trainees believed that it was more beneficial to their careers to take part in a foundation programme as opposed to a traditional senior house officer post, but both trainees and educational supervisors expressed some concerns about the generic nature of some skills F2s were expected to acquire.

Conclusions

This evaluation has highlighted successful aspects of the Foundation Programme, particularly with regard to the level of support and range of experiences provided for trainees. Issues of concern to both trainees and educational supervisors have been identified, which require additional understanding.
Serosal appendicitis: incidence, causes and clinical significancePart of this study was presented as a poster at the Tripartite Coloproctology Meeting, Dublin, Ireland, July 2005, and published in abstract form in Colorect Dis 2005:7(Suppl 1): poster 289, p 140.
Authors: Pranesh Nagarajan , Sathya Venkitaraman , Mainprize Karl S
Published: December 2006

Background

Serosal appendicitis is a histopathological diagnosis of an inflammatory reaction on the surface of the appendix caused by an extra appendiceal source of inflammation.

Objective and methods

A retrospective review of a pathology database in a district general hospital identified patients with serosal appendicitis and a preoperative diagnosis of appendicitis. Two groups emerged: patients with serosal appendicitis secondary to a known cause of intra-abdominal inflammation and those in whom the cause remained unknown. The groups were compared with respect to postoperative complications, referral to outpatient clinics, admissions and procedures by case-note analysis.

Results

The incidence of serosal appendicitis was 0.01% (19/1379); 17 women; mean age 31.63 (10.49) years. Lanz incision was used in 16 patients, midline laparotomy in two and laparoscopy in one. A preoperative ultrasound scan was carried out in 5 of 19 patients. The cause of serosal appendicitis was confirmed in eight patients (intraoperatively or postoperatively) and remained unknown in 11 patients. The groups were comparable with respect to age, sex and mean follow-up. No significant difference was observed between them with respect to the above parameters.

Conclusions

No further investigation is necessary in patients who undergo an appendicectomy but in whom the pathological diagnosis is serosal appendicitis. However, considering the patient demographics and the fact that patients with serosal appendicitis have probably undergone an unnecessary appendicectomy, the proportion of patients who underwent ultrasound scanning and diagnostic laparoscopy was small.
Stress, emotion and the heart: tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy
Authors: Iqbal M Bilal , Moon James C , Guttmann Oliver P , Shanahan Paul , Goadsby Peter J , Holdright Diana R
Published: December 2006

Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy is a cardiac syndrome precipitated by profound emotional stress and anxiety, particularly in middle-aged women. It presents as a mimic of acute myocardial infarction, but coronary angiography shows normal coronary arteries and a characteristic left ventriculogram resembling an “octopus pot”. The condition seems to have a favourable prognosis. Initially described in Japan, and with many names in the literature, it is being increasingly recognised in the West owing to early coronary angiography and primary coronary intervention, accounting for up to 1 in 30 primary cases of angioplasty in some institutions. A typical case is described, and the clinical features, pathophysiology and management reviewed.
AN APPROACH TO PERMUTATION SYMMETRY FOR THE ELECTROWEAK THEORY
Authors: JORA RENATA , NASRI SALAH , SCHECHTER JOSEPH
Published: December 2006

The form of the leptonic mixing matrix emerging from experiment has, in the last few years, generated a lot of interest in the so-called tribimaximal type. This form may be naturally associated with the possibility of a discrete permutation symmetry (S3) among the three generations. However, trying to implement this attractive symmetry has resulted in some problems and it seems to have fallen out of favor. We suggest an approach in which the S3 holds to first approximation, somewhat in the manner of the old SU (3) flavor symmetry of the three flavor quark model. It is shown that in the case of the neutrino sector, a presently large experimentally allowed region can be fairly well described in this first approximation. We briefly discuss the nature of the perturbations which are the analogs of the Gell-Mann–Okubo perturbations but confine our attention for the most part to the S3 invariant model. We postulate that the S3 invariant mass spectrum consists of nonzero masses for the (τ,b,t) and zero masses for the other charged fermions but approximately degenerate masses for the three neutrinos. The mixing matrices are assumed to be trivial for the charged fermions but of tribimaximal type for the neutrinos in the first approximation. It is shown that this can be implemented by allowing complex entries for the mass matrix and spontaneous breakdown of the S3 invariance of the Lagrangian.
GLUON PROPAGATOR IN DIFFRACTIVE SCATTERING
Authors: GAY DUCATI M. B. , SAUTER W. K.
Published: December 2006

In this work, we perform a comparison of the use of distinct gluon propagators with the experimental data in diffractive processes, pp elastic scattering and light meson photo-production. The gluon propagators are calculated through nonperturbative methods, being justified their use in this class of events, due to the smallness of the momentum transfer. Our results are not able to select the best choice for the modified gluon propagator among the analyzed ones. This shows that the application of this procedure in this class of high energy processes, although giving a reasonable fit to the experimental data, should be taken with same caution.
DOMAIN WALL SOLUTION OF THE SKYRME MODEL
Authors: SHI CHANG-GUANG , HIRAYAMA MINORU
Published: December 2006

A class of domain-wall-like solutions of the Skyrme model is obtained analytically. They are described by the tangent hyperbolic function, which is a special limit of the Weierstrass ℘ function. The behavior of one of the two terms in the static energy density is like that of a domain wall. The other term in the static energy density does not vanish but becomes constant at the points far apart from the wall.
BRANE SOLUTIONS WITH A QUADRATIC POTENTIAL IN STRING FRAME
Authors: OH JAE-HYUK , YOON YONGSUNG
Published: December 2006

We have examined brane world solutions for the low energy effective string gravity action coupled with a quadratic dilaton potential in string frame. For a negative bulk cosmological constant, static 3-brane solutions exist. Their properties are analyzed depending on the quadratic potential parameters. It is found that a brane solution in a curved bulk space in Einstein frame corresponds to a dilaton solution in flat space in string frame.
OBSERVATION OF THE NMR SPIN–SPIN RELAXATION OF SOME POLYBUTADIENE-C7D8 SOLUTIONS
Authors: TODICA M.
Published: December 2006

The NMR relaxation of the transverse magnetization of the protons attached to the polymeric chains was observed for the molten polybutadiene and for some polybutadiene–toluene solutions in a large temperature domain. The superposition properties of the relaxation curves, the linear temperature dependence of the experimental parameter t0.6(T) and the observation of the pseudo-solid echoes were correlated to the existence of the temporary junctions between the polymeric chains.
HUGE ANTIFERROMAGNETIC EXCHANGE INTERACTIONS IN NEWLY REPORTED COPPER(II) COMPLEX OF THE ANTIPRINE SCHIFF BASE OF 3-FORMYLSALICYLIC ACID
Authors: BAYRI ALI
Published: December 2006

This study reports the magnetic properties of newly reported copper(II) complex of the antiprine Schiff base of 3-formylsalicylic acid. Although the separation of Cu centers and the bridge angle is not known, from the magnetic analysis it is suggested that there are strong antiferromagnetic interactions between the metal centers in dimeric units. It is also suggested that the system becomes demagnetized below a certain temperature.
CONSTRUCTION OF ANISOTYPE CdS/Si HETEROJUNCTION AND LINEUP USING I–V AND C–V MEASUREMENTS
Authors: ISMAIL RAID A. , AL-SAMARAI ABDUL-MAJEED E. , ABDULRAZAQ OMAR A.
Published: December 2006

Near-ideal p-CdS/n-Si heterojunction (HJ) band edge lineup has been investigated for the first time with the aid of I–V and C–V measurements. The heterojunction was obtained by the deposition of CdS films prepared by chemical spray pyrolysis technique (CSP), on the monocrystalline n-type silicon. The experimental data of the conduction band offset, ΔEc and the valence band offset, ΔEc were compared with theoretical values. The band offsets ΔEc=530 meV and ΔEv=770 meV were obtained at 300 K. The energy band diagram of p-CdS/n-Si HJ was constructed. The C–V measurements depicted that the junction was an abrupt type and the built-in voltage was determined from the C-2–V plot.
SYNTHESIS MECHANISM OF TITANIUM CARBIDE NANO-FIBERS AND TUBES DURING SHS PROCESS
Authors: CHOI YONG
Published: December 2006

Fibrous and tubular titanium carbides were synthesized by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) method. TEM and observation revealed that the fibrous titanium carbide was about 20 nm in outer diameter and the tubular titanium carbide has a hole of about 3 μm in diameter. Neutron diffraction analysis showed that non-stoichiometric numbers of the fibrous and tubular titanium carbides are 0.87 and 0.90 respectively. The Rietveld refinement of each pattern converged to good agreement (χ2=0.53, 0.34). The formation mechanism of the carbide is related to a liquid-solid reaction including the preferential diffusion process of carbon atom into liquid titanium.
HYPERSTRUCTURES AS ABSTRACT MATTER
Authors: BAAS NILS A.
Published: December 2006

We give a new introduction to hyperstructures and higher order structures in general. A specific implementation of a hyperstructure we call Abstract Matter, and we argue that this is a suitable model for studying and simulating various kinds of both organic and inorganic matter — even cognitive matter.
ANALYSIS OF A MODEL OF PLASMID-BEARING, PLASMID-FREE COMPETITION IN A PULSED CHEMOSTAT
Authors: SHI XIANGYUN , SONG XINYU , ZHOU XUEYONG
Published: December 2006

We introduce and study a chemostat model with plasmid-bearing, plasmid-free competition and impulsive effect. According to the stability analysis of the boundary periodic solution, we obtain the invasion threshold of the plasmid-free organism and plasmid-bearing organism. Furthermore, by using standard techniques of bifurcation theory, we prove the system has a positive τ-periodic solution, which shows that the impulsive effect destroys the equilibria of the unforced continuous system and initiates the periodic solution. Our results can be applied to control bioreactors aimed at producing commercial products through genetically altered organisms.
MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF THE PROGRAMING FIELD IN A NEURAL SWITCH USING THE SEMI-INFINITE COPLANAR ELECTRODE APPROXIMATION
Authors: ISKANDARANI MAHMOUD Z.
Published: December 2006

The design and mathematical modeling of the programing electric field in a neural switch is carried out. The specified function for the switch is to operate as a synaptic processor behaving in an adaptive manner and suitable to be used as a compact programable device with other artificial neural network hardware. Modeling of the switch is carried out by means of complex mathematical analysis employing the Schwarz–Christoffel transform. The effect of inter-electrode separation on the field strength is analyzed in two dimensions. The realized power law function of the programing field is discussed and explained.
Angiotensinogen M235T and T174M Gene Polymorphisms in Combination Doubles the Risk of Mortality in Heart Failure
Authors: Pilbrow Anna P. , Palmer Barry R. , Frampton Chris M. , Yandle Tim G. , Troughton Richard W. , Campbell Elizabeth , Skelton Lorraine , Lainchbury John G. , Richards A. Mark , Cameron Vicky A.
Published: December 2006

Angiotensinogen M235T and T174M polymorphisms have individually been associated with elevated levels of plasma angiotensinogen, hypertension, and left ventricular hypertrophy. In this study, heart failure patients (n=451) were genotyped for the angiotensinogen M235T and T174M polymorphisms to investigate association with survival (recorded over 4 years of follow-up) and prognostic hormone markers. Patients carrying the 235TT genotype (n=86) were 3 years younger at admission (
P
=0.011), and, in those with hypertension, diagnosis was made ≈10 years earlier than other patients. Patients carrying ≥1 174M allele (n=94) were more likely to have a previous history of heart failure (
P
=0.044) and increased mortality during follow-up (risk ratio: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.03 to 2.79;
P
=0.038) compared with 174TT homozygotes (n=355), despite having a higher left ventricular ejection fraction (
P
=0.009). “High-risk” genotype combinations (defined a priori as 235TT and/or ≥1 174M allele; n=144; 32%) were independently predictive of mortality, conferring a 2-fold greater risk of dying during the follow-up period (odds ratio: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.3 to 3.0;
P
=0.001). This study suggested that angiotensinogen gene variants M235T and T174M may provide prognostic information for long-term survival in heart failure patients.
Low-Energy Shock Wave for Enhancing Recruitment of Endothelial Progenitor Cells
Authors: Aicher Alexandra , Heeschen Christopher , Sasaki Ken-ichiro , Urbich Carmen , Zeiher Andreas M. , Dimmeler Stefanie
Published: December 2006

Background—

Stem and progenitor cell therapy is a novel approach to improve neovascularization and function of ischemic tissue. Enhanced tissue expression of chemoattractant factors such as stromal cell–derived factor 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor is crucial for the recruitment of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) during acute ischemia. In chronic ischemia, however, expression of these chemoattractants is less pronounced, which results in insufficient EPC recruitment into the target tissue. Therefore, we investigated the effect of targeted extracorporeal shock wave (SW) application in order to facilitate EPC recruitment into nonischemic and chronic ischemic tissue.

Methods and Results—

Hind limb adductor muscles of nude rats were treated with 500, 1000, and 2000 impulses of focused low-energy SW (flux density level: 0.05 mJ/mm
2
). Twenty-four hours later, mRNA expression of the chemoattractant stromal cell–derived factor 1 was significantly increased with 1000 impulses (stromal cell–derived factor 1/GAPDH: 0.95±0.09) and 2000 impulses (stromal cell–derived factor 1/GAPDH: 1.17±0.24; both
P
<0.05 versus untreated). Histologically, the number of vascular endothelial growth factor–positive endothelial cells per myocyte was significantly increased with 2000 impulses (0.24±0.05 versus 0.09±0.02;
P
<0.01). This preconditioning effect resulted in significantly enhanced recruitment and homing of EPCs that were intravenously infused 24 hours after SW treatment (
P
<0.05). In a rat model of chronic hind limb ischemia, SW-facilitated EPC treatment resulted in a significant increase in relative blood flow recovery as assessed by laser Doppler imaging (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

Preconditioning of both nonischemic and chronic ischemic tissue with low-energy SW improves recruitment of circulating EPCs via enhanced expression of chemoattractant factors. Thus, SW-facilitated cell therapy may improve the efficacy of EPC treatment in patients with chronic ischemia.
Earth Community in Joel 1-2: A Call to Identify with the Rest of Creation
Authors: Braaten Laurie
Published: December 2006

Earth is the major participant in the events depicted in Joel 1-2 [Eng. 1:1-2:27], calling for a geocentric interpretation of this material. A locust plague (and drought) is wreaking havoc on the Earth. God and Earth are mourning the affliction of the soil, animals, and plants brought on by human sin and a concomitant divine judgment. As members of the Earth Community, humans are expected to join with, comfort, and mourn with the rest of Creation. While the nonhuman members of Earth Community are quick to mourn the crisis, the human members are the last to respond. This is troublesome, since human sin and God's judgment have brought about the demise of creation, and human repentance is expected to effect a restoration. Once humans begin to respond to the calls to mourn with creation, however, God repents of the divine judgment and intervenes to restore Earth Community.
The Formation of Chinese Maritime Networks to Southern Asia, 1200-1450
Authors: Sen Tansen
Published: December 2006

The period between the thirteenth and mid-fifteenth centuries marked a distinct and important phase in the history of India-China relations. This new phase was triggered by the formation of Chinese maritime networks to southern Asia. While the Song period witnessed the formation of private trade and shipping networks, the aggressive foreign policy of the Yuan court led to the establishment of a government maritime network. The maritime networking to southern Asia culminated in the increased numbers of Ming emissaries, including the fleets of the admiral Zheng He, who visited Indian ports in the fifteenth century and intervened in the diplomatic affairs of several strategic Indian commercial zones. La période qui s'étend du treizième jusqu'au milieu du quinzième siècles présente une phase distincte et importante des relations indo-chinoises. Cette nouvelle phase résulta de la création des réseaux maritimes chinois vers l' Asie du Sud. La période Song est marquée par la formation d'un commerce privatiséet des réseaux maritimes; or, l'agressive politique extérieure de la dynastie Yuan eut comme conséquence la création d'un réseau maritime officiel. Les voies maritimes qui s'ouvraient vers le sud d'Asie ont fait augmenter le nombre d'émissaires, dont la flotte de Zheng He;celui-ci visita les côtes indiennes au XVe siècle et intervint dans les affaires diplomatiques de plusieurs stratégiques zones commerciales des Indes.
Maritime Diasporas in Asia before da Gama: An Introductory Commentary
Authors: Clark Hugh
Published: December 2006

This preface introduces the five essays that comprise this special issue of JESHO. The author provides a synoptic overview of western scholarship on the Indian Ocean and on trade diasporas in order to situate the papers. This scholarship has only recently begun to recognize the important role of the Indian Ocean in early modern history, a change that the author traces to the work of K.N. Chaudhuri, Janet Abu-Lughod, and Philip Curtin. He concludes that the five papers in this special issue collectively mark an important step forward in the historiography of the Indian Ocean. Les cinq articles qui font partie du numéro du JESHO sont précedés d'une préface ou l'auteur donne une vue d'ensemble du travail scientifique occidental qui parle de l'océan Indien et des diasporas mercantiles. D'après l'auteur, le role capital de l'océan Indien au début de l'époque moderne commence à être mieux connu grace aux publications de K.N. Chaudhuri, de Janet Abu-Lughod et de Philip Curtin. Les cinq articles ci-compris représentent, donc, un pas en avant pour l'historiographie de l'océan Indien, selon cet auteur.
"Diasporic Identities in the Historical Development of the Maritime Muslim Communities of Song-yuan China"
Authors: Chaffee John
Published: December 2006

The Muslim communities that flourished in the ports of southeastern China c. 10th-14th centuries AD were part of a trade diaspora that played a central role in the commercial life of maritime Asia. In contrast to past treatments which portray these communities as essentially static entities, this paper proposes a tripartite periodization. In the first (c. 907-1020), trade and merchants were concentrated in Guangzhou, with frequent tribute missions playing a major role. In the second (1020-1279), maritime trade involved multiple ports and free trade under the supervision of the maritime trade superintendencies, and the Muslim communities became increasingly integrated into the society of southeastern China. In the third period (1279-1368), preferential Mongol policies towards Muslims significantly altered the nature of the communities and their diasporic identity. Les communautés musulmanes qui se sont épanouies dans les ports de la Chine du sud-est des 10th-14th siècles faisaient partie d'une diaspora commerciale qui a joué un rôle central dans la vie commerciale de l'Asie maritime. Contrairement aux traitements passés qui dépeignent ces communautés en tant qu'essentiellement entités statiques, cet article propose un periodization triple. Dans la premiere période (c. 907-1020), le commerce et les n eacute;gociants ont été concentrés dans Guangzhou, avec des missions fréquentes d'hommage jouant un rôle important. Dans la deuxième period (1020-1279), le commerce maritime a impliquéles ports multiples et le libre échange, quoique sous la surveillance des surintendances du commerce maritime, et les communautés musulmanes est devenu de plus en plus intégré dans la société de la Chine du sud-est. Dans la troisième période (1279-1368), les politiques mongoliennes préférentielles envers des musulmans ont changéde manière signi fi cative la nature des communautés et de leur identité diasporic.
All about Money: Maritime Trade in Makassar and West Java, around 1775
Authors: Knaap Gerrit
Published: December 2006

In the last few decades the debate about the characteristics of early modern maritime trade in Southeast Asia has received extra impetus through the provision of new empirical substance. Amongst others the use of eighteenth-century shipping lists from the archives of the Dutch East India Company has brought the analysis to a higher level. For Makassar, Batavia, Banten and Cirebon this article connects the statistics on ships' volume and commodities exchanged to scattered information about prices of products in order to establish the total value of trade for these ports. By doing so, more light is shed on the leading commodities and the dominant participants in the commerce. Finally, this study addresses whether the eighteenth century in insular Southeast Asia was either a 'Chinese century' or already a 'European century.' Ces dernières décennies, la disponibilité de nouvelles données empiriques a fortement stimulé le débat sur les traits caractéristiques du commerce maritime prémoderne. C'est entre autres en utilisant des inventaires maritimes de la Compagnie hollandaise des Indes orientales du dix-huitième siècle que l'on a pu porter l'analyse à un niveau plus élevé. Pour les villes de Makassar, Batavia, Banten et Cirebon, les statistiques du volume de navigation et des produits échangés seront dans cet article mis en rapport avec des informations éparses sur les prix des produits a fin de pouvoir déterminer la valeur totale du commerce dans ces ports. Cette approche nous permet de mieux comprendre quels étaient les principaux produits échangés et qui étaient les principaux participants au commerce maritime. Finalement, nous nous poserons la question de savoir si en Asie du Sud-Est insulaire le dix-huitième siècle doit être considéré comme un 'siècle chinois' ou bien déjà comme un 'siècle européen.'
"Multi-Dimensional Networking: Fifteenth-Century Indian Ocean Maritime Diaspora in Southeast Asian Perspective"
Authors: Hall Kenneth
Published: December 2006

This study addresses the different types of diasporic spread in the island world on the eve of European contact, in a shifting optic that raises issues of ethnicity and urbanism, and how the two are linked. By examining the wider patterns of sojourners moving through the Southeast Asia region this study emphasizes that developing urbanisms were predicated and dependent on shifting population flows, and not on the agglomeration of people in one place at one time to produce settlements of any size. The fifteenth century was the critical era, in which political embassies, trade missions, and emigration all intersected and interacted to create a world that had not existed previously. Cette étude adresse les différents types d'étendre diasporic dans le monde d'î le la veille du contact européen, dans un décalage optique qui soulève des questions d'appartenance ethnique et d'urbanism, et la façon dont les deux sont liés. En examinant les modèles plus larges des sojourners se déplaçant par la région de Sud-est asiatique cetteétude souligne cela des urbanisms se développants ont été affirmées et personne à charge sur des écoulements de décalage de population, et pas sur l'agglomération des personnes dans un endroit en même temps pour produire des règlements de n'importe quelle taille. Le quinzième siècle était l'ère critique, l'où les ambassades politiques, les missions commerciales, et l'émigration ont tout intersecté et ont agi l'un sur l'autre pour créer un monde qui n'avait pas existéprécédemment.
Stop Grumbling and Start Eating: Gospel Meal Meets Scriptural Spice in the Bread of Life Discourse
Authors: Burroughs Presian
Published: December 2006

Narrating Jesus' feeding of the five thousand and his subsequent discourse on the bread of life, John creates a literary entrée with such complex flavors that the inattentive palate may fail to appreciate its more subtle seasonings. Yet, as readers develop their taste for detecting the Old Testament (OT) imagery generously sprinkled throughout John 6, they can come to savor John's unique blend of scriptural spice. Like a master chef, John de ly uses the Hebrew Scriptures to add subtle yet significant seasoning to this gospel meal. For example, in discussing the bread of life, Jesus reminds his audience of a significant OT event occurring in Numbers, the death of the Israelites who ate manna in the wilderness. The bitter flavor of this statement contrasts with Jesus' sweet promise that those who eat the true bread from heaven will have eternal life. Those in the audience with ears to hear and palates to taste apprehend that the manna and the true bread are substantially different, for only the true bread can impart eternal life.
The Theological Function of Repetition in the Old Testament Canon
Authors: Briggs Richard
Published: December 2006

It is notable feature of the Old Testament that several accounts or passages occur more than once, often in similar but not identical fashion. Such repetitions have o en been a key feature leading to source-critical analyses of Old Testament texts, but several different types of examples of repetition are discussed in order to demonstrate that there is a bigger question to hand: why should the Old Testament canon be so marked by repetitions of material large and small? It is suggested that such repetition is not an unforeseen by-product of the editing and collation process, nor is it simply an editorial desire to include all tried and tested texts regardless of overlap. Rather repetition serves a theological function, which comes into focus when we consider Old Testament texts as a form of testimony. In the light of Deuteronomy 19:15 and questions of trustworthy testimony, it is suggested that textual repetition in the Old Testament serves to foreground a claim to the nature of these texts as reliable witness to the God of Israel. Some hermeneutical implications are explored briefly.
Quality of life in patients with advanced gastric cancer: a randomized trial comparing docetaxel, cisplatin, 5-FU (TCF) with epirubicin, cisplatin, 5-FU (ECF)
Authors: Sadighi Sanambar , Mohagheghi Mohammad Ali , Montazeri Ali , Sadighi Zahra
Published: December 2006

Background

Health related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important outcome after treatment for upper gastrointestinal carcinoma. This study aimed to compare HRQOL in patients with advanced gastric cancer (GC) receiving either a standard or an experimental treatment.

Methods

Seventy-one patients have been treated in Cancer Institute (Tehran, Iran) with docetaxel, cisplatin, 5 FU (TCF) or epirubicin, cisplatin, 5-FU (ECF) and were followed from Jan 2002 to Jan 2005. End points were response rate, HRQOL and survival. HRQOL was assessed using the EORCT QLQ-C30 at baseline and after the third cycle of chemotherapy.

Results

The baseline HRQOL scores were comparable between two groups. After treatment improvement was seen in a number of items and domains except for cognitive functioning, and diarrhoea. Pain decreased and physical functioning improved in both groups. However, only the TCF group showed statistically and clinically meaningful improvement in global QOL (P = 0.001). Surgical and pathologic response was better with TCF but there was no difference in survival rate between two groups.

Conclusion

Docetaxel based treatment (TCF) showed better palliation and improvement of global QOL as compared with epirubicin based treatment (ECF). However, it seems that regardless of treatment offered, effective chemotherapy was the most important factor affecting QOL in these patients.