bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of TBX20 in human hearts and its regulation by TFAP2
Authors: Hammer Stefanie , Toenjes Martje , Lange Martin , Fischer Jenny J. , Dunkel Ilona , Mebus Siegrun , Grimm Christina H. , Hetzer Roland , Berger Felix , Sperling Silke
Published: February 2008

The T‐box family of transcription factors has been shown to have major impact on human development and disease. In animal studies Tbx20 is essential for the development of the atrioventricular channel, the outflow tract and valves, suggesting its potential causative role for the development of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) in humans. In the presented study, we analyzed TBX20 in cardiac biopsies derived from patients with TOF, ventricular septal defects (VSDs) and normal hearts. Mutation analysis did not reveal any disease causing sequence variation, however, TBX20 is significantly upregulated in tissue samples of patients with TOF, but not VSD. In depth analysis of TBX20 transcripts lead to the identification of two new exons 3′ to the known TBX20 message resembling the mouse variant Tbx20a, as well as an extended 5′UTR. Functional analysis of the human TBX20 promoter revealed a 100 bp region that contains strong activating elements. Within this core promoter region we recognized functional binding sites for TFAP2 transcription factors and identified TFAP2 as repressors of the TBX20 gene in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, decreased TFAP2C levels in cardiac biopsies of TOF patients underline the biological significance of the pathway described. In summary, we provide first insights into the regulation of TBX20 and show its potential for human congenital heart diseases. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 1022–1033, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A chromatin immunoprecipitation screen in mouse keratinocytes reveals Runx1 as a direct transcriptional target of ΔNp63
Authors: Ortt Kori , Raveh Eli , Gat Uri , Sinha Satrajit
Published: February 2008

Development of the skin epidermis and appendages such as hair follicles involves coordinated processes of keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation. The transcription factor p63 plays a critical role in these steps as evident by a complete lack of these structures in p63 null mice. The p63 gene encodes for two proteins TAp63 and ΔNp63, the latter being the more prevalent and dominant isoform expressed in keratinocytes. Although numerous p63 target genes have been identified, these studies have been limited to transformed human keratinocyte cell lines. Here, we have employed a genomic screening approach of chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) coupled with an enrichment strategy to identify ΔNp63 response elements in primary mouse keratinocytes. Analysis of p63‐ChIP‐derived DNA segments has revealed more than 100 potential target genes including novel as well as mouse counterparts of established human p63 targets. Among these is Runx1, a transcription factor important for hair follicle development. We demonstrate that ΔNp63 binds to a p63‐response element located within a well‐conserved enhancer of the Runx1 gene. Furthermore, siRNA mediated reduction of ΔNp63 in mouse keratinocytes reduces Runx1 expression. Consistent with this, endogenous Runx1 levels are lower in the skin of p63+/− animals as compared to wild type animals. Lastly, we demonstrate that ΔNp63 and Runx1 are co‐expressed in specific compartments of the hair follicle in a dynamic fashion. Taken together our data demonstrate that p63 directly regulates Runx1 gene expression through a novel enhancer element and suggests a role for these two transcription factors in dictating skin keratinocyte and appendage development. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 1204–1219, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pathway crosstalk between Ras/Raf and PI3K in promotion of M‐CSF‐induced MEK/ERK‐mediated osteoclast survival
Authors: Bradley Elizabeth W. , Ruan Ming M. , Vrable Anne , Oursler Merry Jo
Published: February 2008

While M‐CSF‐mediated MEK/ERK activation promotes osteoclast survival, the signaling pathway by which M‐CSF activates MEK/ERK is unresolved. Functions for PI3K, Ras, and Raf have been implicated in support of osteoclast survival, although interaction between these signaling components has not been examined. Therefore, the interplay between PI3K, Ras and Raf in M‐CSF‐promoted MEK/ERK activation and osteoclast survival was investigated. M‐CSF activates Ras to coordinate activation of PI3K and Raf/MEK/ERK, since Ras inhibition decreased PI3K activation and PI3K inhibition did not block M‐CSF‐mediated Ras activation. As further support for Ras‐mediated signaling, constitutively active (ca) Ras promoted MEK/ERK activation and osteoclast survival, which was blocked by inhibition of PI3K or Raf. Moreover, PI3K‐selective or Raf‐selective caRas were only partially able to promote osteoclast survival when compared to parental caRas. We then examined whether PI3K and Raf function linearly or in parallel downstream of Ras. Expression of caPI3K increased MEK/ERK activation and promoted osteoclast survival downstream of M‐CSF, supporting this hypothesis. Blocking Raf did not decrease osteoclast survival and MEK/ERK activation promoted by caPI3K. In addition, PI3K‐selective Ras‐mediated survival was not blocked by Raf inhibition. Taken together, our data support that Raf signaling is separate from Ras/PI3K signaling and PI3K signaling is separate from Ras/Raf signaling. These data therefore support a role for Ras in coordinate activation of PI3K and Raf acting in parallel to mediate MEK/ERK‐promoted osteoclast survival induced by M‐CSF. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 1439–1451, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Passively mode-locked fiber laser based on symmetrical nonlinear optical loop mirror
Authors: Zhang Z X , Ye Z Q , Sang M H , Nie Y Y
Published: February 2008

We propose and demonstrate a passively mode-locked Erbium-doped fiber laser based on symmetrical nonlinear optical loop mirror. The nonlinear optical loop mirror with intensity-depended transmission can act as an equivalent saturable absorber, which results in passively mode-locking of fiber laser. Pulse trains with fundamental cavity frequency and its various harmonic frequencies have been obtained.
Raman spectroscopy for rapid discrimination of Staphylococcus epidermidis clones related to medical device-associated infections
Authors: Samek O , Telle H H , Harris L G , Bloomfield M , Mack D
Published: February 2008

We report on the potential application of Raman spectroscopy for the fast typing of Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) strains related to medical device-associated infections. In this study bacterial colonies were directly probed on culture plates and Raman spectra were recorded from volumes containing approximately 10 bacteria. The spectra contain information on the molecular composition of the whole bacteria, such as fatty acids, carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acids, DNA as well as RNA. We demonstrate the potential to discriminate different S. epidermidis clones, even after only short Raman exposure/collection times.
Study of vitamin A distribution in rats by laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Akhmeteli K T , Ekaladze E N , Jaliashvli Z V , Medoidze T D , Melikishvili Z G , Merkviladze N Z , Papava M B , Tushurashvili P R
Published: February 2008

We applied the laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy (LIFS) to investigate intestinal and liver tissues of normal male Wistar rats fed with vitamin A. The special procedure based on intensity spectral functions fitting was developed for the recognition of vitamin A in different tissues. Based on this procedure it is demonstrated that the LIFS can be used to monitor vitamin A deposition and distribution in the body of rat, which is essential for understanding the mechanism of formation of the vitamin A rich droplets, as the mechanism of vitamin A mobilization.
Tribological aspect of lubrication in form tapping of high‐strength steel
Authors: Bierla A. , Fromentin G. , Martin J‐M. , Le Mogne T. , Genet N.
Published: February 2008

This study aims at analysing the tribochemical mechanisms of lubrication during the process of form tapping and consequently optimising the formulation of the lubricant. In order to correlate the tribochemical reactions with the performance of a lubricant, we measure the alteration of the tapping torque according to the American Society for Testing and Materials D5619 standard.

The objective of the study also relates to the identification of the additives and the association of their properties to the performance of the lubrication. The goal is to characterise the nature of the tribofilm created at the bottom of the threads, which is the zone that is most severely affected by the working tool. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used to characterise the surface of formed threads.

This study demonstrates a link between the sulphur reactions on the metallic surface and the friction‐reducing performance of the lubricant during form tapping. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catalytic Synthesis of a Monodisperse Olefin Block Copolymer Using a Living Polymerization System
Authors: Cai Zhengguo , Nakayama Yuushou , Shiono Takeshi
Published: February 2008

Polymerization of norbornene has been conducted with [t‐BuNSiMe2(3,6‐t‐Bu2Flu)]TiMe2 (1) in toluene at 20 °C using modified methylaluminoxane that contained 0.4 mol‐% of triisobutylaluminium (TIBA) (dMMAO(0.4)) or 1.8 mol‐% of TIBA (dMMAO(1.8)). The 1‐dMMAO(0.4) catalytic system undergoes a living polymerization of norbornene. The catalysis of norbornene and propylene with the 1‐dMMAO(1.8) catalytic system gives markedly different results because of differences in transfer times of the polymers from Ti to TIBA. The successive addition of norbornene and propylene before the complete consumption of the norbornene in the 1‐dMMAO(1.8) system gives monodisperse PNB‐block‐poly(propylene‐ran‐norbornene)‐block‐PP terminated with a Ti–PP bond, which is exchanged with TIBA. Hence the repeated addition of the same amount of norbornene and propylene realizes the catalytic synthesis of monodisperse block copolymer in this system.

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Biotin α‐End‐Functionalized Gradient Glycopolymers Synthesized by RAFT Copolymerization
Authors: Gody Guillaume , Boullanger Paul , Ladavière Catherine , Charreyre Marie‐Thérèse , Delair Thierry
Published: February 2008

Biotinylated gradient glycopolymers have been synthesized via RAFT copolymerization of an acrylamide derivative of galactose with N‐acryloylmorpholine in the presence of a biotin CTA. The polymerization was controlled with a linear increase in molecular weights up to 80% conversion. Copolymer chains have a gradient microstructure with an increasing proportion of galactose units towards the ω chain end. The presence of the biotin ligand at the α end of the chains was confirmed by 1H NMR and MALDI‐ToF MS. This strategy based on the use of a biotin‐CTA instead of a post‐polymerization labelling of the chains resulted in a high percentage of α‐functionalized chains (92–95%). Such α‐end‐functionalized glycopolymer chains may interact with streptavidin‐modified surfaces.

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Light‐Controlled On‐Off Switch of a Fluorescent Nanoparticle
Authors: Furukawa Hidemitsu , Misu Manami , Ando Kazuhiro , Kawaguchi Haruma
Published: February 2008

A novel fluorescent nanoparticle with reversible on‐off switching properties has been synthesized. Three different wavelengths of light are used for switching‐on light, switching‐off light and excitation light, respectively. Thus, when this particle is used as a fluorescent probe by irradiation of the excitation light, the on‐off status can be maintained. We also showed that the on‐off status of the fluorescent particle even embedded in hydrogels can be remotely controlled by using two different wavelengths of light. These results promise that this kind of fluorescent particles will introduce a new concept and it will possibly be applied as a novel fluorescent probe, a photo memory, and a switching devise for photonics.

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Supply contracts in manufacturer‐retailer interactions with manufacturer‐quality and retailer effort‐induced demand
Authors: Gurnani Haresh , Erkoc Murat
Published: February 2008

We consider a decentralized distribution channel where demand depends on the manufacturer‐chosen quality of the product and the selling effort chosen by the retailer. The cost of selling effort is private information for the retailer. We consider three different types of supply contracts in this article: price‐only contract where the manufacturer sets a wholesale price; fixed‐fee contract where manufacturer sells at marginal cost but charges a fixed (transfer) fee; and, general franchise contract where manufacturer sets a wholesale price and charges a fixed fee as well. The fixed‐fee and general franchise contracts are referred to as two‐part tariff contracts. For each contract type, we study different contract forms including individual, menu, and pooling contracts. In the analysis of the different types and forms of contracts, we show that the price only contract is dominated by the general franchise menu contract. However, the manufacturer may prefer to offer the fixed‐fee individual contract as compared to the general franchise contract when the retailer's reservation utility and degree of information asymmetry in costs are high. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2008
Simulation and implementation of a porous silicon reflector for epitaxial silicon solar cells
Authors: Duerinckx Filip , Kuzma‐Filipek Izabela , Van Nieuwenhuysen Kris , Beaucarne Guy , Poortmans Jef
Published: February 2008

One of the main challenges in the ongoing development of thin film crystalline silicon solar cells on a supporting silicon substrate is the implementation of a long‐wavelength reflector at the interface between the epitaxial layer and the substrate. IMEC has developed such a reflector based on electrochemical anodization of silicon to create a multi‐layer porous silicon stack with alternating high and low porosity layers. This innovation results in a 1–2% absolute increase in efficiency for screenprinted epitaxial cells with a record of 13·8%. To reach a better understanding of the reflector and to aid in its continued optimization, several extensive optical simulations have been performed using an in‐house‐developed optical software programme. This software is written as a Microsoft Excel workbook to make use of its user‐friendliness and modular structure. It can handle up to 15 individual dielectric layers and is used to determine the influence of the number and the sequence of the layers on the internal reflection. A sensitivity analysis is also presented. A study of the angle at which the light strikes the reflector shows separate regions in the physical working of the reflector which include a region where the Bragg effect is dominant as well as a region where total internal reflection plays the largest role. The existence of these regions is proved using reflection measurements. Based on these findings, an estimate is made for the achievable current gain with an ideal reflector and the potential of epitaxial silicon solar cells is determined. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbon Nanowalls Growth by Radiofrequency Plasma‐Beam‐Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Vizireanu Sorin , Nistor Leona , Haupt Michael , Katzenmaier Verena , Oehr Christian , Dinescu Gheorghe
Published: February 2008

We report the remote growth of carbon nanowalls in a plasma beam sustained by an expanding argon radiofrequency discharge and injected with a small amount of acetylene in the presence of hydrogen as active gas. The growth process was investigated by varying the mass flow rates, ratio and nature of gases (argon, ammonia/hydrogen, and acetylene), the substrate temperature, and the radiofrequency power. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and electron diffraction methods were used for the investigation of the deposited material. We found that although materials with various morphologies can be generally obtained, nanostructured carbon material with a 2D morphology is obtained within a specific range of parameter values.

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Study of TATP: Spontaneous Transformation of TATP to DADP
Authors: Matyas Robert , Pachman Jiri , Ang How‐Ghee
Published: February 2008

TATP, prepared in the presence of catalysts methanesulfonic, perchloric, or sulfuric acid, has been found to undergo transformation to DADP. However, no transformation occurs if TATP is purified or prepared involving catalysts such as hydrochloric acid, tin(IV) chloride, and nitric acid. The transformation has been monitored by the methods of DTA and HPLC.
Induced fit in liver X receptor beta: A molecular dynamics‐based investigation
Authors: Beautrait Alexandre , Karaboga Arnaud S. , Souchet Michel , Maigret Bernard
Published: February 2008

Ligand induced fit phenomenon occurring at the ligand binding domain of the liver X receptor beta (LXRβ) was investigated by means of molecular dynamics. Reliability of a 4‐ns trajectory was tested from two distinct LXRβ crystal complexes 1PQ6B/GW and 1PQ9B/T09 characterized by an open and a closed state of the pocket, respectively. Crossed complexes 1PQ6B/T09 and 1PQ9B/GW were then submitted to the same molecular dynamic conditions, which were able to recover LXRβ conformations similar to the original crystallography data. Analysis of “open to closed” and “closed to open” conformational transitions pointed out the dynamic role of critical residues lining the ligand binding pocket involved in the local remodeling upon ligand binding (e.g., Phe271, Phe329, Phe340, Arg319, Glu281). Altogether, the present study indicates that the molecular dynamic protocol is a consistent approach for managing LXRβ‐related induced fit process. This protocol could therefore be used for refining ligand docking solutions of a structure‐based design strategy. Proteins 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Correlated mutations at gp120 positions 322 and 440: Implications for gp120 structure
Authors: Rosen Osnat , Samson Avraham O. , Anglister Jacob
Published: February 2008

Analysis of V3 and C4 sequences of HIV‐1 reveals correlated mutations at gp120 positions 322 and 440, and a very strong preference for a positively charged residue at position 440 when position 322 is negatively charged. This observation suggests that these two residues are close to each other and interact electrostatically in R5 viruses. This interaction was used to model V3 in the context of gp120 using NMR data for the V3 loop and the crystal structure of the gp120‐core. The interaction between residues 322 and 440 may serve as part of the molecular switch for HIV‐1 phenotype conversion. Proteins 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Compact dimension of denatured states of staphylococcal nuclease
Authors: Chow C.‐Y. , Wu Ming‐Chya , Fang Huey‐Jen , Hu Chin‐Kun , Chen Hueih‐Min , Tsong Tian‐Yow
Published: February 2008

Fluorescence and circular dichroism stopped‐flow have been widely used to determine the kinetics of protein folding including folding rates and possible folding pathways. Yet, these measurements are not able to provide spatial information of protein folding/unfolding. Especially, conformations of denatured states cannot be elaborated in detail. In this study, we apply the method of fluorescence energy transfer with a stopped‐flow technique to study global structural changes of the staphylococcal nuclease (SNase) mutant K45C, where lysine 45 is replaced by cysteine, during folding and unfolding. By labeling the thiol group of cysteine with TNB (5,5′‐dithiobis‐2‐nitrobenzoic acid) as an energy acceptor and the tryptophan at position 140 as a donor, distance changes between the acceptor and the donor during folding and unfolding are measured from the efficiency of energy transfer. Results indicate that the denatured states of SNase are highly compact regardless of how the denatured states (pH‐induced or GdmCl‐induced) are induced. The range of distance changes between two probes is between 25.6 and 25.4 Å while it is 20.4 Å for the native state. Furthermore, the folding process consists of three kinetic phases while the unfolding process is a single phase. These observations agree with our previous sequential model: N0 ⇆ D1 ⇆ D2 ⇆ D3 (Chen et al., J Mol Biol 1991;220:771–778). The efficiency of protein folding may be attributed to initiating the folding process from these compact denatured structures. Proteins 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
QED theory for excitons with microscopic nonlocality
Authors: Bamba Motoaki , Ishihara Hajime
Published: February 2008

We have constructed QED theory for excitons with microscopic nonlocality or nonlocal susceptibility originating from their center‐of‐mass motion. The nonlocality must be properly considered in excitons' weak (center‐of‐mass) confinement regime where the long wavelength approximation is breakdown. This theory keeps good correspondences with its underlying theories, the QED theory for dispersive and absorptive local dielectrics and the microscopic nonlocal theory developed in the semiclassical framework. Our theory provides correlation functions of excitons, which renormalize radiative shift, transition between exciton states via electromagnetic fields, radiative and nonradiative relaxation processes. By using these functions, we can systematically study various nonlinear, dephasing, and emission processes of excitons in weak‐confinement to bulk‐like systems
Purcell effect in micropillars with oxidized Bragg mirrors
Authors: Cavigli L. , Lunghi L. , Abbarchi M. , Vinattieri A. , Alloing B. , Zinoni C. , Fiore A. , Gerardino A. , Frigeri P. , Seravalli L. , Franchi S. , Gurioli M.
Published: February 2008

Here we report the growth and the characterization of pillar microcavities, constituted by Bragg mirrors, which are composed by alternate layers of GaAs and aluminum oxide. The selective oxidation of the AlAs layers allowed to increase the refraction index mismatch between the GaAs and AlAs. As a consequence we obtained high reflectivity Bragg mirrors even with only three layers, a factor three less than usually necessary in the more common GaAs/AlAs Bragg reflectors.

This not only simplifies the growth process, but also gives a reduction of the cavity mode volume. We have examined several MESAs with pillar diameter ranging from 1 to 10 mm, containing a system of InAs quantum dots. The quality factors of the cavities range from Q = 600–2000. Enhancement of the spontaneous emission rate of QDs was observed when the emission is on resonance with cavity modes. Purcell factors up to 2 were measured. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Resonant nonlinear studies of trapped 0D‐microcavity polaritons
Authors: Nardin Gaël , Daïf Ounsi El , Paraïso Taofiq K. , Baas Augustin , Richard Maxime , Morier‐Genoud Francois , Deveaud Benoit
Published: February 2008

We performed studies on microcavity polaritons trapped along the three dimensions of space, under resonant excitation on a confined lower polariton state.We observed various nonlinear behaviors as a function of the pump power, without any apparent loss of the strong‐coupling. That may be understood as effects of Coulomb interaction. Indications of bistable behaviors in the system are observed and discussed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Exciton‐polaritonic effects in the optical absorption by regular and disordered arrays of quantum wells
Authors: Kosobukin V. A. , Poddubny A. N.
Published: February 2008

Exciton‐polaritonic transfer and absorption are theoretically studied in short‐period, Bragg‐type and disordered quantum‐well (QW) arrays. In all cases, the integral absorptivity is shown to increase monotonously with the nonradiative decay rate of quasi‐2D excitons and the number of QWs. The scale and growth rate of integral absorptivity depend essentially on the above type of multiple‐QW structure under consideration. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Vibrational polaritons in thin oxide and nitride films
Authors: Yakovlev V. A. , Vinogradov E. A. , Novikova N. N. , Mattei G. , Godinho V. , Fernández‐Ramos C. , Fernández A. , Delplancke‐Ogletree M. P.
Published: February 2008

Angular dependencies of infrared reflectivity spectra of thin silicon oxinitride amorphous films on silicon and porous aluminum oxide films on aluminum had been measured. These spectra show vibrational bands and strong interference bands allowing film thickness and dielectric function calculation and providing useful information on the bonding structure of the coatings. Angular dependencies of these bands give the dispersion of vibrational and interference polariton modes in the films. The intersection of vibrational and interference polaritons has been observed for silicon oxinitride film. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Carrier dynamics of straininduced quantum dots and THz radiation‐induced exciton cooling
Authors: Boxberg Fredrik , Tulkki Jukka
Published: February 2008

We have modeled strain‐induced quantum dots and analyzed previous anomalous experimental observations of a cooling of radiative quantum dot (QD) excitons by THz radiation. We have made three‐dimensional (3D) modeling of the elastic strain and piezoelectric fields. The 3D electronic structure was simulated using multiband envelope function techniques and used as a basis for Monte‐Carlo simulations of the carrier dynamics.

We have found that the THz radiation‐induced QD exciton cooling is due to an electron‐hole separation and a related THz radiation excitation of holes within the quantum dot. This phenomenon is maintained by an effective relaxation of holes into states which are well separated from the confined electrons. The relaxation of holes is attributed to acoustic phonon emission and, at high carrier densities, to Auger processes. The electron and hole populations of the quantum dot tend towards a highly polarized state that cannot be broken without external excitations of the holes (by e.g. THz radiation or a thermal bath). (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Hierarchical spatial hashing‐based collision detection and hybrid collision response in a haptic surgery simulator
Authors: Li X. , Gu L. , Zhang S. , Zhang J. , Zheng G. , Huang P. , Xu J.
Published: February 2008

Background

Collision detection and response are two crucial aspects in a virtual surgery simulator, which significantly affect the output in real‐time response and simulation realism.

Methods

We propose a collision detection algorithm which employs a novel hierarchical spatial hashing to effectively achieve appropriate parameters. Thereafter we present a hybrid collision response scheme which takes the advantages of three traditional methods and introduces a ‘force filter’ to obtain more realistic feedback force.

Results

The average performance of our proposed collision detection has been improved by 15.65% against the traditional method. After collision response processing the smoothness of feedback force has been greatly enhanced, and this indicates a more realistic feedback force without restricting the range of force inputs.

Conclusions

The experimental results reveal that the proposed approaches can achieve the real‐time response and simulation realism required by a haptic surgery simulator. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Post‐sustainable development
Authors: Morse Stephen
Published: February 2008

The past 15 years have witnessed the rise of post‐development theory as a means of understanding the development discourse since the 1940s. Post‐development argues that intentional development (as distinct from immanent development – what people are doing anyway) is a construct of Western hegemony. Sustainable development, they argue, is no different and indeed is perhaps worse, given that most of the global environmental degradation has been driven by consumerism and industrialization in the West. Critics of post‐development counter by stating that it only provides destruction by tearing apart what is currently practiced in ‘development’ without providing an alternative. When post‐developmentalists do offer an alternative it typically amouints to little more than a call for more grassroots involvement in development and disengagement from a Western agenda. Post‐sustainable development analysis and counter‐analysis has received remarkably little attention within the sustainable development literature, yet this paper argues that it can make a positive contributrion by calling for an analysis of discourse rather than a hiding of power differentials and an assumption that consensus must exist within a community. A case is made for a post‐sustainable development that acknowledges that diversity will exist and consensus may not be achievable, but at the same time participation can help with learning. The role of the expert within sustainable development is also discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Conditioned semantic slicing for abstraction; industrial experiment
Authors: Ward Martin , Zedan Hussein , Ladkau Matthias , Natelberg Stefan
Published: February 2008

One of the most challenging tasks a programmer can face is attempting to analyse and understand a legacy assembler system. Many features of assembler make analysis difficult, and these are the same features that make migration from assembler to a high‐level language difficult. In this paper, we discuss the application of program transformation technology to assist with analysing and understanding legacy assembler systems. We briefly introduce the fundamentals of our program transformation theory and program slicing, which generalizes to conditional semantic slicing. These transformations are applied to a large commercial assembler system to automatically generate high‐level abstract descriptions of the behaviour of each assembler module, with error handling code sliced away. The assembler system was then migrated to C. The result is a dramatic improvement in the understandability of the programs; on average a 6000‐line assembler listing is condensed down to a 132‐line high‐level language abstraction. A second case study, involving over one million lines of source code from many different assembler systems, showed equally dramatic results. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Asymptomatic dipstick haematuria
Authors: Rees Jonathan , Patel Biral , Persad Raj
Published: February 2008

Although routine urinalysis for haematuria is not recommended, patients may have a dipstick test for other reasons. The authors provide guidance to help GPs in the management of these incidental findings, as, once found, dipstick haematuria is difficult to ignore. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd.
Intradetrusor botulinum toxin injections for overactive bladder
Authors: Roux J.W.T. , Shah S.S. , Khan M.S. , Sahai A.
Published: February 2008

Over the past few years, the potential therapeutic benefits of botulinum toxin in the urinary tract have been exploited, although on an ‘off‐licence’ basis. The authors demonstrate a typical case of the use of botulinum toxin type A in a patient with idiopathic detrusor overactivity. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd.
Ratioed power and rate control for CDMA wireless networks
Authors: Wang Jui Teng
Published: February 2008

We propose in this paper the ratioed power and rate control (RPRC) algorithm to satisfy the requirements of both the data rate and the signal quality. During the execution of the RPRC algorithm, only the representative user in each cell adjusts its power level according to certain distributed power control algorithm, and the ratio of the power level for the non‐representative user to that for the representative user is kept constant. When the RPRC algorithm is finished, the power levels for all users remain unchanged and the transmission rate is determined by the available rate. We show that the RPRC algorithm can be used for allocating the bandwidth of each cell and achieving the required rate of each user. Furthermore, simulation results reveal that the RPRC algorithm results in larger throughput and finds a feasible power set faster than the other algorithm. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective consumption of acorns by the Japanese wood mouse according to tannin content: a behavioral countermeasure against plant secondary metabolites
Authors: Takahashi Akiko , Shimada Takuya
Published: February 2008

We examined the presence of selective consumption against tannins in acorns as a pre‐ingestive countermeasure to plant secondary metabolites by using the Japanese wood mouse (Apodemus speciosus) and acorns of Quercus serrata, which contained ca. 6.4% tannins on a dry weight basis. In addition, the presence of selective consumption against proteins was also examined. In the acorn‐feeding experiment, 18 wood mice were allocated to two groups: the experienced group (N = 9), which had previous experience in feeding on acorns, and the inexperienced group (N = 9), which had no experience. Mice of both groups were fed only acorns for 3 nights. Selectivity against tannins (an index estimated from the tannin content in control, remaining, and ingested acorns) was significantly positive in the experienced group, indicating the presence of selective consumption against tannins. In contrast, mice in the inexperienced group did not show significant selectivity against tannins. Comparing the selectivity indices directly between two groups, however, they did not differ significantly. Selective consumption against proteins rather than that for proteins also occurred in the experienced group, but it was thought to be a byproduct resulted from the selectivity against tannins. Selective consumption against tannins can mitigate the negative effects of tannins by decreasing tannin intake.
Names and words in the philosophy of Zhuangzi
Authors: Guorong YANG
Published: February 2008

The examination of names and words constitutes an important aspect of the philosophy of Zhuangzi. With the debate over the relationship between name and reality as its background, this examination not only involves the connection between form and meaning, but also targets at the connection between concepts and objects. The debate over the relationship between name and reality correlates with the discussion of the connection between words and meanings or ideas. For Zhuangzi, the function of names and words is first and foremost embodied as the classification and distinction of being, while the Dao, as the universal principle of being, is characterized by equality and throughness. This leads to an inherent disparity and tension between names, words and the Dao. Zhuangzi’s thinking and argument concern the connections between name and reality, words and ideas, and the Dao and words. This displays multiple theoretical perspectives and the complexity of its thought.
New insight into Mencius’ theory of the original goodness in human nature
Authors: Pengwei ZHANG , Qiyong GUO
Published: February 2008

In Mencius’ theory of the original goodness in human nature, fate is the original source of xing (nature). Heart is the appearance of nature. There are two aspects to nature and heart: ti (form) and yong (function). From the perspective of form, nature is liangzhi (the goodness in conscience) and liangneng (the inborn ability to be good) in human beings and heart is human’s conscience and original heart. From the perspective of function, nature is the four things of benevolence, righteousness, propriety and wisdom, and heart consists in compassion, shame, respect, right and wrong. As the foundation for the theory of the original goodness in human nature, conscience and heart are a combination of human moral instinct, moral rationality and moral volition, whereas moral instinct gradually rises to moral volition and passes through moral rationality. Mencius’ theory of the original goodness in human nature is not a theory of future goodness, but a theory of original goodness.
Theory on the cultivation of cognitive subjects in Chinese philosophy
Authors: Quanxing XU
Published: February 2008

The epistemology in Chinese philosophy remarkably emphasizes the cultivation of cognitive subjects. According to such epistemology, intelligence arises from benevolence, and thus morality should be valued to gain knowledge. In this way, epistemology is integrated with theories of values and cultivation. The cultivation of cognitive subjects in Chinese philosophy mainly involves a stance, attitudes, ways of thinking and feelings of a cognitive subject. To expatiate and develop the theory of the cultivation of cognitive subjects in Chinese philosophy has much meaning for the construction of a modern Chinese-style Marxist philosophy system.
The empirical foundation and justification of knowledge
Authors: Jiaming CHEN
Published: February 2008

Whether empirical givenness has the reliability that foundationalists expect is a point about which some philosophers are highly skeptical. Sellars took the doctrine of givenness as a “myth,” denying the existence of immediate perceptual experience. The arguments in contemporary Western epistemology are concentrated on whether sensory experience has conceptual contents, and whether there is any logical relationship between perceptions and beliefs. In fact, once the elements of words and conceptions in empirical perception are affirmed, the logical relationship between perceptual experience and empirical belief is also affirmed. This relationship takes place through perceptual experience acting as evidence for beliefs. The real problem lies in how one should distinguish between the different relationships with perception of singular beliefs and of universal beliefs, and in how singular beliefs can provide justification for universal beliefs.
Theories of meaning
Authors: Lu WANG
Published: February 2008

Research into logical syntax provides us the knowledge of the structure of sentences, while logical semantics provides a window into uncovering the truth of sentences. Therefore, it is natural to make sentences and truth the central concern when one deals with the theory of meaning logically. Although their theories of meaning differ greatly, both Michael Dummett’s theory and Donald Davidson’s theory are concerned with sentences and truth and developed in terms of truth. Logical theories and methods first introduced by G. Frege underwent great developments during the past century and have played an important role in expanding these two scholars’ theories of meaning.
The limit of charity and agreement
Authors: Chuang YE
Published: February 2008

Radical interpretation is used by Davison in his linguistic theory not only as an interesting thought experiment but also a general pattern that is believed to be able to give an essential and general account of linguistic interpretation. If the principle of charity is absolutely necessary to radical interpretation, it becomes, in this sense, a general methodological principle. However, radical interpretation is a local pattern that is proper only for exploring certain interpretation in a specific case, and consequently the principle of charity is an applicable principle in the limited scope. It is neither the case that every linguistic interpretation is in nature radical nor that the principle of charity is the primary and fundamental principle for all linguistic interpretation as Davidson believes.
A critique of social radicalism: The debate between the Neo-Left and Liberalism
Authors: Weidong CAO
Published: February 2008

Compared with another founder of philosophical anthropology Max Scheler, Plessner is desolated by Chinese academe. His works have not been translated into Chinese systematically, and there are few articles about his life and thoughts. The reasons for this are complicated, but the most important point of these is that Plessner has paid most of his attention to the German problems. However, Plessner’s thought, especially his critique of social radicalism, enlightens us a lot. Plessner’s critique of modernity stimulates us to think about the controversy which broke out between New Left-wingers and Liberalists in the late 20th century and to discern the common ground between the two parties: Radicalism.
Vesper bells and penumbra awaiting shadow: Heidegger and Zhuangzi’s hermeneutics of words
Authors: Wei NA
Published: February 2008

In Heidegger’s thinking, a language is neither words nor expressions. The discussion of a language brings not the language itself but rather us into its essence, and makes us gather unto “the genesis of the very language itself.” With snows and vesper bells, Heidegger summoned both heaven and earth and gods and men, making them merge into a single world. Likewise, Zhuangzi used the words of Qixie to summon the fleeting clouds in an endless sky and a dusky earth populated by living beings and dust.
Gender related differences in patients presenting with acute heart failure. Results from EuroHeart Failure Survey II
Authors: Nieminen Markku S. , Harjola Veli‐Pekka , Hochadel Matthias , Drexler Helmut , Komajda Michel , Brutsaert Dirk , Dickstein Kenneth , Ponikowski Piotr , Tavazzi Luigi , Follath Ferenc , Lopez‐Sendon Jose Luis
Published: February 2008

Aims:

This analysis evaluates the gender differences in patients hospitalised for acute heart failure (AHF) in the EuroHeart Failure Survey II (EHFS).

Results:

Of the 3580 patients included in EHFS II, 1384 (39%) were women, mean age 73 years. 2196 (61%) were men, mean age 68 years. Women more frequently had new‐onset AHF, hypertension and valvular disease and less frequently coronary heart disease or dilated cardiomyopathy compared with men. Smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, peripheral arterial disease and renal failure were less common, but diabetes and anaemia significantly more frequent in women. Atrial fibrillation and preserved left ventricular function were more common in women. Men were more often non‐compliant with medication. After adjustment for indications and age, there were no significant gender differences in prescription of HF medication.

All‐cause readmission rate during the one‐year follow‐up was lower in women. However, the proportion of HF hospitalisation and one‐year mortality after discharge (20%) were similar in both genders.

Conclusion:

Women frequently present with new‐onset AHF. A significant gender difference exists in aetiology, ventricular function and co‐morbidities. Women's use of HF medication has improved. These findings emphasize the importance of individualised management and need for more comprehensive recruitment of women in clinical trials.
Fluid overload in acute heart failure — Re‐distribution and other mechanisms beyond fluid accumulation
Authors: Cotter Gad , Metra Marco , Milo‐Cotter Olga , Dittrich Howard C. , Gheorghiade Mihai
Published: February 2008

Although fluid overload is one of the most prominent features of acute heart failure (AHF), its mechanism remains challenging, due to the lack of consistent data from prospective studies. Traditionally, fluid overload was thought to be mainly the result of either increased intake of fluid and salt or non‐adherence with diuretic therapy. However, recent data showed little weight change before or during an AHF event suggesting that in many cases fluid overload is caused by other mechanisms such as fluid redistribution and neurohormonal or inflammatory activation. Redistribution may be the result of a combined vascular and cardiac process reducing capacitance in the venous system (and hence increasing preload) and increasing arterial stiffness and resistance (and hence afterload). When these vascular processes occur acutely and are superimposed on reduced cardiac function; fluid is redistributed to the lungs instigating pulmonary congestion. In this paper we elaborate on this possible pathophysiological mechanism and review its potential causes and amplifiers.
Worsening renal function in patients hospitalised for acute heart failure: Clinical implications and prognostic significance
Authors: Metra Marco , Nodari Savina , Parrinello Giovanni , Bordonali Tania , Bugatti Silvia , Danesi Rossella , Fontanella Benedetta , Lombardi Carlo , Milani Patrizia , Verzura Giulia , Cotter Gadi , Dittrich Howard , Massie Barry M. , Cas Livio Dei
Published: February 2008

Background:

Renal function is a powerful prognostic variable in patients with heart failure (HF). Hospitalisations for acute HF (AHF) may be associated with further worsening of renal function (WRF).

Methods and results:

We analysed the clinical significance of WRF in 318 consecutive patients admitted at our institute for AHF. WRF was defined as the occurrence, at any time during the hospitalisation, of both a ≥25% and a ≥0.3 mg/dL increase in serum creatinine (s‐Cr) from admission (WRF‐Abs‐%).

Results:

Patients were followed for 480±363 days. Fifty‐three patients (17%) died and 132 (41%) were rehospitalised for HF. WRF‐Abs‐% occurred in 107 (34%) patients. At multivariable survival analysis, WRF‐Abs‐% was an independent predictor of death or HF rehospitalisation (adjusted HR, 1.47; 95%CI, 1.13–1.81; p=0.024). The independent predictors of WRF‐Abs‐%, evaluated using multivariable logistic regression, were history of chronic kidney disease (p=0.002), LV ejection fraction (p=0.012), furosemide daily dose (p=0.03) and NYHA class (p=0.05) on admission.

Conclusion:

WRF is a frequent finding in patients hospitalised for AHF and is associated with a poor prognosis. Severity of HF and daily furosemide dose are the most important predictors of the occurrence of WRF.
Prescribing patterns of antidepressants in Europe: Results from the Factors Influencing Depression Endpoints Research (FINDER) study
Authors: Bauer Michael , Monz Brigitta U. , Montejo Angel L. , Quail Deborah , Dantchev Nicolas , Demyttenaere Koen , Garcia-Cebrian Ana , Grassi Luigi , Perahia David G.S. , Reed Catherine , Tylee Andre
Published: February 2008

Antidepressant prescribing patterns and factors influencing the choice of antidepressant for the treatment of depression were examined in the Factors Influencing Depression Endpoints Research (FINDER) study, a prospective, observational study in 12 European countries of 3468 adults about to start antidepressant medication for their first episode of depression or a new episode of recurrent depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were the most commonly prescribed antidepressant (63.3% patients), followed by serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs, 13.6%), but there was considerable variation across countries. Notably, tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) were prescribed for 26.5% patients in Germany. The choice of the antidepressant prescribed was strongly influenced by the previous use of antidepressants, which was significantly associated with the prescription of a SSRI (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.54, 0.76), a SNRI (OR 1.49; 95% CI 1.18, 1.88) or a combination of antidepressants (OR 2.78; 95% CI 1.96, 3.96). Physician factors (age, gender, speciality) and patient factors (severity of depression, age, education, smoking, number of current physical conditions and functional syndromes) were associated with initial antidepressant choice in some models. In conclusion, the prescribing of antidepressants varies by country, and the type of antidepressant chosen is influenced by physician- as well as patient-related factors.
High mobility group A1 protein mediates human nitric oxide synthase 2 gene expression
Authors: Takamiya Rina , Baron Rebecca M. , Yet Shaw-Fang , Layne Matthew D. , Perrella Mark A.
Published: February 2008

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS)2, an inducible enzyme that produces NO during inflammation, is transcriptionally regulated. Our goal was to determine whether high mobility group (HMG)A1 contributes to human (h)NOS2 gene regulation. Using a small molecule inhibitor of HMGA1 binding to DNA, or a dominant‐negative form of HMGA1, we blunted the induction of hNOS2 by pro‐inflammatory stimuli. Binding of HMGA1 in the region −3506 to −3375 of the hNOS2 promoter, a region not previously known to be involved in hNOS2 regulation, contributed to the induction of hNOS2 promoter in conjunction with upstream enhancer regions. We demonstrate a previously unknown role for HMGA1 in the regulation of hNOS2.