bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase overexpression upon D-glucose metabolism in insulin-producing BRIN-BD11 cells
Authors: Kamagate Adama , Sener Abdullah , Courtois Philippe , Malaisse Willy J. , Herchuelz André
Published: July 2008

In order to investigate the possible link between PMCA (plasma-membrane Ca2+-ATPase) activity and D-glucose catabolism in insulin-producing cells, BRIN-BD11 cells were transfected with two isoforms of PMCA2. Transfection of insulin-producing BRIN-BD11 cells with PMCA2yb and PMCA2wb was documented by RT-PCR (reverse transcription-PCR), Western blot analysis, indirect immunofluorescence microscopy and 45Ca2+ uptake by microsomes. In the transfected cells, the overexpression of PMCA coincided with three major anomalies of D-glucose metabolism, namely a lower rate of D-[5-3H]glucose utilization prevailing at a low extracellular concentration of D-glucose (1.1 mM), a low ratio between D-[U-14C]oxidation and D-[5-3H]glucose utilization prevailing at a high extracellular glucose concentration (16.7 mM), and a high ratio between the net generation of 14C-labelled acidic metabolites and amino acids and that of 3H2O from D-[5-3H]glucose. These anomalies resulted in a decreased estimated rate of ATP generation (linked to the catabolism of the hexose) and a lowered ATP cell content, whether at low or high extracellular D-glucose concentrations. The net uptake of 45Ca2+ by intact cells was also decreased in the transfected cells, but to a greater extent than can apparently be attributed to the change in the ATP-generation rate. These findings document the relevance of PMCA activity to both D-glucose metabolism and Ca2+ handling in insulin-producing cells, with emphasis on the key role of both cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca2+ concentrations in the regulation of D-glucose catabolism. They also reveal that overexpression of PMCA leads, in insulin-producing cells, to an imbalance between ATP generation and consumption.
Subcellular localization of mRNA and factors involved in translation initiation
Authors: Hoyle Nathaniel P. , Ashe Mark P.
Published: July 2008

Both the process and synthesis of factors required for protein synthesis (or translation) account for a large proportion of cellular activity. In eukaryotes, the most complex and highly regulated phase of protein synthesis is that of initiation. For instance, across eukaryotes, at least 12 factors containing 22 or more proteins are involved, and there are several regulated steps. Recently, the localization of mRNA and factors involved in translation has received increased attention. The present review provides a general background to the subcellular localization of mRNA and translation initiation factors, and focuses on the potential functions of localized translation initiation factors. That is, as genuine sites for translation initiation, as repositories for factors and mRNA, and as sites of regulation.
Lentiviral RNAs can use different mechanisms for translation initiation
Authors: Ricci Emiliano P. , Rifo Ricardo Soto , Herbreteau Cécile H. , Decimo Didier , Ohlmann Théophile
Published: July 2008

The full-length genomic RNA of lentiviruses can be translated to produce proteins and incorporated as genomic RNA in the viral particle. Interestingly, both functions are driven by the genomic 5′-UTR (5′-untranslated region), which harbours structural RNA motifs for the replication cycle of the virus. Recent work has shown that this RNA architecture also functions as an IRES (internal ribosome entry site) in HIV-1 and -2, and in SIV (simian immunodeficiency virus). In addition, the IRES extends to the gag coding region for all these viruses and this leads to the synthesis of shorter isoforms of the Gag polyprotein from downstream initiation codons. In the present study, we have investigated how different members of the lentivirus family (namely HIV-1 and -2, and SIV) can initiate protein synthesis by distinct mechanisms. For this, we have used the competitive reticulocyte lysate that we have recently described. Our results show that HIV-1 is able to drive the synthesis of the Gag polyprotein both by a classical cap-dependent mechanism and an IRES, whereas HIV-2 and SIV appear to use exclusively an IRES mechanism.
UPF1 P-body localization
Authors: Brogna Saverio , Ramanathan Preethi , Wen Jikai
Published: July 2008

NMD (nonsense-mediated mRNA decay) is a mechanism that degrades transcripts containing PTCs (premature translation termination codons). NMD is a translation-associated process that is expected to take place throughout the cytoplasm. However, recent studies have indicated that the core NMD factors UPF1 (up-frameshift-1), UPF2 and UPF3 can associate with P-bodies (processing bodies), which are large cytoplasmic granules replete with proteins involved in general mRNA decay and related processes. It has been proposed that UPF1 directs PTC-containing mRNAs to P-bodies and triggers decay. Here, we discuss the link between P-bodies and NMD in view of recent studies that suggest that P-bodies are not required for NMD in Drosophila.
Benefits of a Timed Snack Protocol for Geriatric Patients With Dementia and Dysphagia
Authors: Boczko Faerella
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of snack recommendations in promoting weight gain among residents diagnosed with dysphagia and dementia (mild/moderate). A two-part comparison study was performed with residents for whom snack recommendations were made at the time of their dysphagia evaluations: The first part of this pilot study utilized a time-specific medication protocol enforced by interdisciplinary team members, while the second portion of the study intentionally followed no specific model beyond initial recommendation by the speech-language pathologist (SLP). All subjects were residents at a long-term care facility. Initial dysphagia evaluations were conducted because of weight loss.

The pilot data support the following conclusions: An interdisciplinary team must ensure complete follow-through of recommendations. In approaching the concept of snacks as “medication,” intake can be prescribed by medical personnel to ensure delivery as well as to encourage the resident who refuses meals. Hand-held snacks of the resident's preference remain a condition of the “medication.” Medical and nursing staff must be educated regarding nutritional benefits. While self-feeding as an aspect of ADL independence represents an ideal scenario, creative methods must be explored to encourage food intake. A need exists for future research to determine appropriate intervention measures that will provide assessment of measurable outcomes regarding improvement in self-feeding ability.
Percutaneous Tracheostomy: A Multidisciplinary Approach
Authors: Pandian Vinciya , Nguyen Thai Tran , Mirski Marek , Bhatti Nasir Islam
Published: July 2008

The techniques of performing a tracheostomy has transformed over time. Percutaneous tracheostomy is gaining popularity over open tracheostomy given its advantages and as a result the number of bedside tracheostomies has increased necessitating the need for a Percutaneous Tracheostomy Program. The Percutaneous Tracheostomy Program at the Johns Hopkins Hospital is a comprehensive service that provides care to patients before, during, and after a tracheostomy with a multidisciplinary approach aimed at decreasing complications. Education is provided to patients, families, and health-care professionals who are involved in the management of a tracheostomy. Ongoing prospective data collection serves as a tool for Quality Assurance.
The Effects of Chloroquine on Bleeding Time and Disappearance of Platelet 5-Hydroxytryptamine in Rabbits
Authors: Osim Eme , Mbajiorgu Felix , Nkomo Ishie , Coutts Allison , Munjeri Owen , Vaz Requel , Arthur Samuel , Musabayane Cephas
Published: July 2008

Background: Chloroquine inhibits platelet aggregation in vitro and in vivo. Because inhibi tion of platelet aggregation may prolong bleeding time, the effect of chloroquine adminis tration on bleeding time and disappearance of platelet serotonin, which may affect bleeding time, were studied.

Methods and Results: Platelets were harvested from 12 rabbits. They were labelled with 111In to tag individual platelets and 14C-labelled 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) or serotonin. Doubly labelled platelets from the rabbits were returned to their donors. At timed intervals, from 2 to 66 hours, blood samples were drawn and platelets collected. 111In and 14C were separately counted. In 6 experiments, the animals served as control and received normal saline intra peritoneally (IP) daily for 4 days; the other 6 rabbits served as test and were given a therapeutic dose of chloroquine phosphate (10 mg/kg, IP) daily for 4 days. Indium disap peared in an exponential fashion in both control and test groups. The fraction of indium disappearing per hour was significantly less in chloroquine-treated rabbits than in control rabbits (P < .001). Ninety-nine percent of the indium-labelled platelets disappeared in 7.0 days in chloroquine-treated rabbits and 5.8 days in control rabbits (P < .001). Bleeding times in chloroquine-treated and control rabbits were not significantly different (64.8 ± 2.2 vs. 62.3 ± 4.0 sec, respectively). However, the labelled platelet serotonin disappeared more slowly in chloroquine-treated rabbits than in control rabbits. (K for chloroquine-treated and control rabbits was 0.0096 ± 0.0064 and 0.0254 ± 0.0016; respectively, P < .001).

Conclusion: Chloroquine prolongs platelet survival but does not affect bleeding time in rabbits. Chloroquine also slows down the disappearance of labelled platelet serotonin. We propose that chloroquine increases the recycling of platelet 5HT, passing it on from platelet to platelet in rabbits and this may have a role in the maintenance of hemostasis.
Stochastic surrogate Hamiltonian
Authors: Katz Gil , Gelman David , Ratner Mark A. , Kosloff Ronnie
Published: July 2008

The surrogate Hamiltonian is a general scheme to simulate the many body quantum dynamics composed of a primary system coupled to a bath. The method has been based on a representative bath Hamiltonian composed of two-level systems that is able to mimic the true system-bath dynamics up to a prespecified time. The original surrogate Hamiltonian method is limited to short time dynamics since the size of the Hilbert space required to obtain convergence grows exponentially with time. By randomly swapping bath modes with a secondary thermal reservoir, the method can simulate quantum dynamics of the primary system from short times to thermal equilibrium. By averaging a small number of realizations converged values of the system observables are obtained avoiding the exponential increase in resources. The method is demonstrated for the equilibration of a molecular oscillator with a thermal bath.
Atomistic simulation on charge mobility of amorphous tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3): Origin of Poole–Frenkel–type behavior
Authors: Nagata Yuki , Lennartz Christian
Published: July 2008

The atomistic simulation of charge transfer process for an amorphous Alq3 system is reported. By employing electrostatic potential charges, we calculate site energies and find that the standard deviation of site energy distribution is about twice as large as predicted in previous research. The charge mobility is calculated via the Miller–Abrahams formalism and the master equation approach. We find that the wide site energy distribution governs Poole–Frenkel–type behavior of charge mobility against electric field, while the spatially correlated site energy is not a dominant mechanism of Poole–Frenkel behavior in the range from 2×105 to 1.4×106 V/cm. Also we reveal that randomly meshed connectivities are, in principle, required to account for the Poole–Frenkel mechanism. Charge carriers find a zigzag pathway at low electric field, while they find a straight pathway along electric field when a high electric field is applied. In the space-charge-limited current scheme, the charge-carrier density increases with electric field strength so that the nonlinear behavior of charge mobility is enhanced through the strong charge-carrier density dependence of charge mobility.
Topological effect in ring polymers investigated with Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Suzuki Jiro , Takano Atsushi , Matsushita Yushu
Published: July 2008

We studied equilibrium conformations of ring polymers in the melt over the wide range of segment number up to 1000 by the Monte Carlo simulations and the bond fluctuation model, and estimated Flory’s scaling exponent ν. The radial distribution function of segments for the ring polymers in the melt is obtained. We have found that ν for ring polymers is decreased with increasing segment number N, and ν goes down to 0.365 when N reaches 1000, whose value is apparently smaller than the theoretically predicted one, i.e., 2∕5. Those values are in contrast to the well established ν value of 0.5 for linear polymers in the melt. This is because ring polymer chains in the melt are squeezed both by their own topological effect and the compression effect by the neighboring ring polymer coils which are also squeezed at bulk state. The difference in our result and the theory may be due to the fact that the estimation of topological entropy loss was ignored in the theoretical prediction, while it has been taken into consideration in the present study. If polymer coils repel each other in melt at N→∞, we have the limiting ν value of 1∕3, so we conclude that ν is in the range of 1∕3⩽ν⪡0.365 when the molecular weight of a ring polymer is high enough.
A general theoretical model of magnetostrictive constitutive relationships for soft ferromagnetic material rods
Authors: Zhou Hao-Miao , Zhou You-He , Zheng Xiao-Jing
Published: July 2008

This paper presents a general theoretical model of constitutive relationships for the soft ferromagnetic and/or the giant magnetostrictive rods under a prestress and a bias magnetic field on the basis of Gibbs’ free energy function. After Gibbs’ free energy function is expanded by Taylor’s series expansion with the stress and the magnetization in the materials as the independent variables, a transcendental function is appropriately selected to replace the first terms with higher order up to six on the basis of the meaning of mechanics and physical theory of magnetic domains, from which a set of closed and analytical expressions of the constitutive relationships for the soft ferromagnetic material rods are obtained, and the parameters appearing in the relationships are determined by those measurable experiments in mechanics and physics. It is found that the predictions from this model are in good accordance with the experimental data given by Kuruzar and Cullity [Int. J. Magn. 1, 323 (1971)] and Jiles and Atherton [J. Phys. D 17, 1265 (1995)] and that this model can be degenerated into the relevant constitutive relationships for the giant magnetostrictive materials obtained by Zheng and Liu [J. Appl. Phys. 97, 053901 (2005)]. Comparing this model with other existing models in this field, the quantitative results exhibit that the relationships obtained here are more effective to describe the effect of the prestress on the magnetostrictive strain and the magnetization, and the effect of the stress and the magnetic field on Young’s modulus.
Bipolar switching characteristics of nonvolatile memory devices based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) thin film
Authors: Ha Heonjun , Kim Ohyun
Published: July 2008

This letter describes the fabrication and electric characteristics of nonvolatile memory devices from a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) thin film sandwiched between Al and indium tin oxide electrodes. These devices have bipolar switching characteristics. The on and off voltages are 0.67 and −1.65V, respectively. The on/off current ratio of the device is up to 103. These characteristics were caused by the formation and destruction of current paths by the reduction and oxidation of PEDOT chains in a PEDOT:PSS thin film. Also, the write-read-erase-read cycle test was operated over 104 times and the retention time was up to 16h.
Microtransplantation of neurotransmitter receptors from postmortem autistic brains to
Xenopus
oocytes
Authors: Limon Agenor , Reyes-Ruiz Jorge Mauricio , Miledi Ricardo
Published: July 2008

Autism is a complex disorder that arises from the pervasive action of genetic and epigenetic factors that alter synaptic connectivity of the brain. Although GABA and glutamate receptors seem to be two of those factors, very little is known about the functional properties of the autistic receptors. Autistic tissue samples stored in brain banks usually have relatively long postmortem times, and it is highly desirable to know whether neurotransmitter receptors in such tissues are still functional. Here we demonstrate that native receptors microtransplanted from autistic brains, as well as
de novo
mRNA-expressed receptors, are still functional and susceptible to detailed electrophysiological characterization even after long postmortem intervals. The opportunity to study the properties of human receptors present in diseased brains not only opens new avenues toward understanding autism and other neurological disorders, but it also makes the microtransplantation method a useful translational system to evaluate and develop novel medicinal drugs.
A Computational Model of Early Argument Structure Acquisition
Authors: Alishahi Afra , Stevenson Suzanne
Published: July 2008

How children go about learning the general regularities that govern language, as well as keeping track of the exceptions to them, remains one of the challenging open questions in the cognitive science of language. Computational modeling is an important methodology in research aimed at addressing this issue. We must determine appropriate learning mechanisms that can grasp generalizations from examples of specific usages, and that exhibit patterns of behavior over the course of learning similar to those in children. Early learning of verb argument structure is an area of language acquisition that provides an interesting testbed for such approaches due to the complexity of verb usages. A range of linguistic factors interact in determining the felicitous use of a verb in various constructions—associations between syntactic forms and properties of meaning that form the basis for a number of linguistic and psycholinguistic theories of language. This article presents a computational model for the representation, acquisition, and use of verbs and constructions. The Bayesian framework is founded on a novel view of constructions as a probabilistic association between syntactic and semantic features. The computational experiments reported here demonstrate the feasibility of learning general constructions, and their exceptions, from individual usages of verbs. The behavior of the model over the timecourse of acquisition mimics, in relevant aspects, the stages of learning exhibited by children. Therefore, this proposal sheds light on the possible mechanisms at work in forming linguistic generalizations and maintaining knowledge of exceptions.
Strategy Generalization Across Orientation Tasks: Testing a Computational Cognitive Model
Authors: Gunzelmann Glenn
Published: July 2008

Humans use their spatial information processing abilities flexibly to facilitate problem solving and decision making in a variety of tasks. This article explores the question of whether a general strategy can be adapted for performing two different spatial orientation tasks by testing the predictions of a computational cognitive model. Human performance was measured on an orientation task requiring participants to identify the location of a target either on a map (find‐on‐map) or within an egocentric view of a space (find‐in‐scene). A general strategy instantiated in a computational cognitive model of the find‐on‐map task, based on the results from , was adapted to perform both tasks and used to generate performance predictions for a new study. The qualitative fit of the model to the human data supports the view that participants were able to tailor a general strategy to the requirements of particular spatial tasks. The quantitative differences between the predictions of the model and the performance of human participants in the new experiment expose individual differences in sample populations. The model provides a means of accounting for those differences and a framework for understanding how human spatial abilities are applied to naturalistic spatial tasks that involve reasoning with maps.
Modeling How, When, and What Is Learned in a Simple Fault‐Finding Task
Authors: Ritter Frank E. , Bibby Peter A.
Published: July 2008

We have developed a process model that learns in multiple ways while finding faults in a simple control panel device. The model predicts human participants' learning through its own learning. The model's performance was systematically compared to human learning data, including the time course and specific sequence of learned behaviors. These comparisons show that the model accounts very well for measures such as problem‐solving strategy, the relative difficulty of faults, and average fault‐finding time. More important, because the model learns and transfers its learning across problems, it also accounts for the faster problem‐solving times due to learning when examined across participants, across faults, and across the series of 20 trials on an individual participant basis. The model shows how learning while problem solving can lead to more recognition‐based performance, and helps explain how the shape of the learning curve can arise through learning and be modified by differential transfer. Overall, the quality of the correspondence appears to have arisen from procedural, declarative, and episodic learning all taking place within individual problem‐solving episodes.
The Deep Versus the Shallow: Effects of Co‐Speech Gestures in Learning From Discourse
Authors: Cutica Ilaria , Bucciarelli Monica
Published: July 2008

This study concerned the role of gestures that accompany discourse in deep learning processes. We assumed that co‐speech gestures favor the construction of a complete mental representation of the discourse content, and we tested the predictions that a discourse accompanied by gestures, as compared with a discourse not accompanied by gestures, should result in better recollection of conceptual information, a greater number of discourse‐based inferences drawn from the information explicitly stated in the discourse, and poorer recognition of verbatim of the discourse. The results of three experiments confirmed these predictions.
Pilot Trial of N-acetylcysteine and Tigecycline as a Catheter-Lock Solution for Treatment of Hemodialysis Catheter–Associated Bacteremia
Authors: Aslam Saima , Trautner Barbara W. , Ramanathan Venkat , Darouiche Rabih O.
Published: July 2008

We evaluated a catheter-lock solution consisting of N-acetylcysteine, tigecycline, and heparin for catheter salvage in patients with hemodialysis catheter-associated bacteremia. Eighteen case patients received the catheter-lock solution for 14 days plus systemic antibiotic therapy. Treatment was successful for 15 (83%) of the 18 case patients within 90 days of follow-up, with a median catheter retention interval of 64.5 days.

Trial registration. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00614679.
Diophantine equations and congruences over function fields
Authors: Yudovina Elena
Published: July 2008

We generalize the methods of Pierce for counting solutions to the congruence

X
a

≡

Y
b

mod
D

X^a \equiv Y^b \bmod D

and the square sieve method for counting squares in the sequence

f
(
X
)
+
g
(
Y
)

f(X) + g(Y)

to the function field setting.
On foliations with Morse singularities
Authors: Camacho César , Scardua Bruno
Published: July 2008

We study codimension one smooth foliations with Morse type singularities on closed manifolds. We obtain a description of the manifold if there are more centers than saddles. This result relies on and extends previous results of Reeb for foliations having only centers, results of Wagneur for foliations with Morse singularities and results of Eells and Kuiper for manifolds admitting Morse functions with three singularities.
Boundary 𝐶*-algebras for acylindrical groups
Authors: Robertson Guyan
Published: July 2008

Let

Δ
\Delta

be an infinite, locally finite tree with more than two ends. Let

Γ
>
Aut
⁡
(
Δ
)

\Gamma >\operatorname {Aut}(\Delta )

be an acylindrical uniform lattice. Then the boundary algebra

A

Γ

=
C
(
∂
Δ
)
⋊
Γ

\mathcal {A}_\Gamma = C(\partial \Delta )\rtimes \Gamma

is a simple Cuntz-Krieger algebra whose K-theory is determined explicitly.
Nested set complexes for posets and the Bier construction
Authors: Lehmann Juliane
Published: July 2008

We generalize the concept of combinatorial nested set complexes to posets and exhibit the topological relationship between the arising nested set complexes and the order complex of the underlying poset. In particular, a sufficient condition is given so that this relationship is actually a subdivision.

We use the results to generalize the proof method of Čukić and Delucchi, so far restricted to semilattices, for a result of Björner, Paffenholz, Sjöstrand and Ziegler on the Bier construction on posets.
First eigenvalues of geometric operators under the Ricci flow
Authors: Cao Xiaodong
Published: July 2008

In this paper, we prove that the first eigenvalues of

−
Δ
+
c
R

-\Delta + cR

(

c
≥

1
4

c\geq \frac 14

) are nondecreasing under the Ricci flow. We also prove the monotonicity under the normalized Ricci flow for the cases

c
=
1

/

4

c= 1/4

and

r
≤
0

r\le 0

.
A Banach-Stone theorem for Riesz isomorphisms of Banach lattices
Authors: Chen Jin , Chen Zi , Wong Ngai-Ching
Published: July 2008

Let

X
X

and

Y
Y

be compact Hausdorff spaces, and

E
E

,

F
F

be Banach lattices. Let

C
(
X
,
E
)

C(X,E)

denote the Banach lattice of all continuous

E
E

-valued functions on

X
X

equipped with the pointwise ordering and the sup norm. We prove that if there exists a Riesz isomorphism

Φ
:
C
(
X
,
E
)
→
C
(
Y
,
F
)

\Phi : C(X,E)\rightarrow C(Y,F)

such that

Φ
f

\Phi f

is non-vanishing on

Y
Y

if and only if

f
f

is non-vanishing on

X
X

, then

X
X

is homeomorphic to

Y
Y

, and

E
E

is Riesz isomorphic to

F
F

. In this case,

Φ
\Phi

can be written as a weighted composition operator:

Φ
f
(
y
)
=
Π
(
y
)
(
f
(
φ
(
y
)
)
)

\Phi f(y)=\Pi (y)(f(\varphi (y)))

, where

φ
\varphi

is a homeomorphism from

Y
Y

onto

X
X

, and

Π
(
y
)

\Pi (y)

is a Riesz isomorphism from

E
E

onto

F
F

for every

y
y

in

Y
Y

. This generalizes some known results obtained recently.
Role of the MexXY multidrug efflux pump in moderate aminoglycoside resistance inPseudomonas aeruginosaisolates fromPseudomonasmastitis
Authors: Chuanchuen Rungtip , Wannaprasat Wechsiri , Ajariyakhajorn Kittisak , Schweizer Herbert P.
Published: July 2008

The contribution of the MexXY multidrug efflux system to aminoglycoside resistance was investigated in 18 clinical isolates ofPseudomonas aeruginosaobtained from dairy cows withPseudomonasmastitis. All of the isolates expressed MexXY as determined by reverse transcription‐PCR. The loss ofmexXYresulted in increased susceptibility (two‐ to 16‐fold decline in MIC) to aminoglycosides, confirming the contribution of this system in aminoglycoside resistance in these strains. As the impact of ΔmexXYvaried, overexpression of MexXY alone is not sufficient for aminoglycoside resistance. Expression ofmexXYalso varied and did not strictly correlate with aminoglycoside insusceptibility. Transcription levels ofmexYwere independent on mutations inmexZ, suggesting the existence of additional regulatory mechanisms other thanmexZ.
Incorporation of β‐amyloid protein through the bovine ileal epithelium before and after weaning: Model for orally transmitted amyloidoses
Authors: Ano Yasuhisa , Nakayama Hiroyuki , Sakai Yusuke , Sakudo Akikazu , Endo Maiko , Ebisu Shogo , Li JunYou , Uetsuka Koji , Manabe Noboru , Onodera Takashi
Published: July 2008

To determine the mechanism of bovine intestinal incorporation of the pathogen, and the pathogenesis of prion protein in the early stage, cows suckling and weaning were orally given a fusion protein of Aβ‐EGFP. Aβ‐EGFP was incorporated through the villous columnar epithelial cells and accumulated in crypt patches in the ileum of suckling cows. The sites of the uptake and accumulation of Aβ‐EGFP are very close to the peripheral nervous system; however, such uptake of Aβ‐EGFP was not observed in 6‐month‐old post‐weaning cows. The present study, therefore, suggests that the weaning period is very important for the risk of transmission.
Adenosine receptor subtypes in the airways responses to 5′‐adenosine monophosphate inhalation of sensitized guinea‐pigs
Authors: Smith N. , Broadley K. J.
Published: July 2008

BackgroundEndogenous adenosine levels are raised in the lungs during asthma attacks. 5′‐adenosine monophosphate (5′‐AMP) inhalation in asthmatics causes bronchoconstriction and in sensitized guinea‐pigs induces early (EAR) and late asthmatic responses (LAR), airway hyper‐reactivity (AHR) and inflammatory cell recruitment to the lungs.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the roles of A1, A2A, A2Band A3adenosine receptors in these responses to inhaled 5′‐AMP in sensitized guinea‐pigs. Comparisons were made with the effect of dexamethasone treatment on 5′‐AMP‐induced responses.

MethodsFunctional airways responses to inhaled 5′‐AMP (3 and 300 mm) of actively sensitized, conscious guinea‐pigs were determined by whole‐body plethysmography following administration of selective adenosine receptor antagonists or their vehicles. AHR to inhaled histamine (1 mm) and inflammatory cell influx in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were determined.

Results5′‐AMP at 3 mmcaused an immediate bronchoconstriction (EAR), whereas 300 mmcaused bronchodilatation. Both responses were followed at 6 h by a LAR, together with inflammatory cell influx and AHR to histamine. The A2Areceptor antagonist, ZM241385, further enhanced cell influx after 5′‐AMP inhalation (3 and 300 mm), and blocked the immediate bronchodilator response to 300 mm5′‐AMP, exposing an EAR. The A2Breceptor antagonist, MRS1706 (in the presence of ZM241385), inhibited the LAR, AHR and cell influx, following inhalation of 5′‐AMP (300 mm). The A3receptor antagonist, MRS1220, inhibited 5′‐AMP‐induced inflammatory cell influx. The A1receptor antagonist, DPCPX (in the presence of ZM241385), inhibited the EAR following 5′‐AMP inhalation (300 mm). Dexamethasone inhibited the LAR, AHR and cell influx following inhalation of 5′‐AMP (300 mm).

ConclusionAll four adenosine receptor subtypes play various roles in the airways responses to inhaled 5′‐AMP in sensitized guinea‐pigs.
Rhinovirus infection and house dust mite exposure synergize in inducing bronchial epithelial cell interleukin‐8 release
Authors: Bossios A. , Gourgiotis D. , Skevaki C. L. , Saxoni‐Papageorgiou P. , Lötvall J. , Psarras S. , Karpathios T. , Constandopoulos A. G. , Johnston S. L. , Papadopoulos N. G.
Published: July 2008

Background
Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) and house dust mites (HDMs) are among the most common environmental factors able to induce airway inflammation in asthma. Although epidemiological studies suggest that they also synergize in inducing asthma exacerbations, there is no experimental evidence to support this, nor any information on the possible mechanisms involved.

Objective
To investigate their interaction on the induction of airway epithelial inflammatory responses in vitro.

Methods
BEAS‐2B cells were exposed to activated HDM Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus major allergen I (Der p I), HRVs (HRV1b or HRV16) or both in different sequences. IL‐8/CXCL8 release, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)‐1 surface expression and nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) translocation were evaluated. Complementary, primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) exposed to both Der p I and RVs and IL‐8, IL‐6, IFN‐γ‐induced protein (IP)‐10/CXCL10, IFN‐λ1/IL‐29, regulated upon activation normal T lymphocyte expressed and secreted (RANTES)/CCL5 release were measured.

Results
RV and Der p I up‐regulated IL‐8 release, ICAM‐1 expression and NF‐κB translocation in BEAS‐2B cells. Simultaneous exposure to both factors, as well as when cells were initially exposed to HRV and then to Der p I, resulted in further induction of IL‐8 in a synergistic manner. Synergism was not observed when cells were initially exposed to Der p I and then to HRV. This was the pattern in ICAM‐1 induction although the phenomenon was not synergistic. Concurrent exposure induced an early synergistic NF‐κB translocation induction, differentiating with time, partly explaining the above observation. In HBECs, both HRV and Der p I induced IL‐8, IL‐6, IL‐29 and IP‐10, while RANTES was induced only by HRV. Synergistic induction was observed only in IL‐8.

Conclusion
HRV and enzymatically active Der p I can act synergistically in the induction of bronchial epithelial IL‐8 release, when HRV infection precedes or is concurrent with Der p I exposure. Such a synergy may represent an important mechanism in virus‐induced asthma exacerbations.
SlrR/SlrA controls the initiation of biofilm formation in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuo
Published: July 2008

Undomesticated strains of Bacillus subtilis can form pellicle biofilms in standing culture. Pellicle formation is initiated by repression of flagellar genes and activation of the eps and yqxM operons, which are involved in biofilm–matrix synthesis. SinI is thought to induce the eps and yqxM operons by antagonizing their repressor SinR. Here, we show that mutations in late‐flagellar genes prevent pellicle formation at an initiation step. These mutations reduce the activity of SlrR/SlrA. SlrR (formerly Slr) and SlrA are homologues of SinR and SinI respectively, and SlrR/SlrA represses σD‐dependent flagellar genes and activate the eps and yqxM operons. Contrary to previous reports, a sinI mutation does not prevent pellicle formation in B. subtilis strain ATCC 6051. ATCC 6051 has a frameshift mutation in the ywcC gene, which encodes a TetR‐type transcriptional repressor. The ywcC mutation depresses slrA transcription, thereby increasing SlrR/SlrA activity. In the ywcC mutant, SlrR/SlrA rather than SinI activates the eps and yqxM operons by antagonizing SinR. The roles of SlrR/SlrA and flagella in the initiation of pellicle formation are discussed.
Tsr–GFP accumulates linearly with time at cell poles, and can be used to differentiate ‘old’ versus ‘new’ poles, in Escherichia coli
Authors: Ping Liyan , Weiner Beth , Kleckner Nancy
Published: July 2008

In Escherichia coli, the chemotaxis receptor protein Tsr localizes abundantly to cell poles. The current study, utilizing a Tsr–GFP fusion protein and time‐lapse fluorescence microscopy of individual cell lineages, demonstrates that Tsr accumulates approximately linearly with time at the cell poles and that, in consequence, more Tsr is present at the old pole of each cell than at its newborn pole. The rate of pole‐localized Tsr accumulation is large enough that old and new poles can always be reliably distinguished, even for cells whose old poles have had only one generation to accumulate signal. Correspondingly, Tsr–GFP can be reliably used to assign new and old poles to any cell without use of information regarding pole heritage, thus providing a useful tool to analyse cells whose prior history is not available. The absolute level of Tsr–GFP at the old pole of a cell also provides a rough estimate of pole (and thus cell) age.
Muramyldipeptide Modulates CXCL‐8 Release of BEAS‐2B Cells via NOD2
Authors: Farkas L. , Stoelcker B. , Jentsch N. , Heitzer S. , Pfeifer M. , Schulz C.
Published: July 2008

Chronic inflammation and acute exacerbations are pathophysiological features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). An impaired immune response to bacterial pathogens can contribute to both of them. Nucleotide oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) is an intracellular receptor of innate immunity for muramyldipeptide (MDP). Mutations of the NOD2 gene followed by decreased recognition of MDP are associated with chronic intestinal inflammation and pulmonary complications of patients with allogenic stem cell transplant and sepsis. Our study provides evidence that NOD2, toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and the adapter protein receptor‐interacting protein 2 (RIP2) are induced by tumor‐necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) in the bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS‐2B. We also demonstrate that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can further increase NOD2 transcription in a TNF‐α and IFN‐γ‐induced activation state. In addition, we show that, while MDP fails to enhance CXCL‐8 release from otherwise unstimulated BEAS‐2B cells, a 12 h prestimulation period with TNF‐α and IFN‐γ primes the cells for an additional increase of CXCL‐8 secretion via induction of NOD2 and RIP2. LPS itself significantly augments CXCL‐8 production and co‐administration of MDP further increases cytokine secretion. Finally, overexpression of an SNP13 mutant decreased MDP‐induced chemokine production in BEAS‐2B cells compared with NOD2 wild type overexpression. Taken together, our work indicates that MDP and NOD2 play an important role for CXCL‐8 release of BEAS‐2B cells following LPS‐challenge via synergistic interactions between MDP and LPS.
Comparison of fesoterodine and tolterodine in patients with overactive bladder
Authors: Chapple Christopher R. , Van Kerrebroeck Philip E. , Jünemann Klaus‐Peter , Wang Joseph T. , Brodsky Marina
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE

To compare, in a post hoc analysis of a phase III trial, the maximum recommended doses of fesoterodine (8 mg) and tolterodine (4 mg) for improving overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), as fesoterodine effectively reduces OAB symptoms vs placebo.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible patients with frequency (≥eight voids/24 h) and either urgency (≥six episodes over 3 days) or urgency urinary incontinence (UUI; ≥three episodes over 3 days) were randomized to placebo, fesoterodine 4 or 8 mg, or tolterodine extended‐release (ER) 4 mg for 12 weeks; fesoterodine 4 mg data were published elsewhere. Patients completed a 3‐day bladder diary in which they recorded the time of each void, voided volume (VV), and the severity of urgency. A post hoc inferential analysis was conducted on the primary endpoint (voids/24 h), the two co‐primary endpoints (UUI episodes/24 h and treatment response), several secondary endpoints (severe urgency plus UUI per 24 h, mean VV (MVV)/void, and continent days/week), HRQoL, using the King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ) and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form (ICIQ‐SF), and self‐reported bladder‐related problems. A subanalysis also assessed all endpoints for patients who were incontinent at baseline. Tolerability and safety were assessed by evaluating adverse events, residual urine volume, laboratory variables and treatment withdrawals.

RESULTS

By week 12, patients with OAB in both active‐treatment groups showed significant improvements in most bladder diary variables and treatment response rates compared with placebo. Fesoterodine 8 mg was statistically significantly better than tolterodine ER 4 mg for improving UUI episodes, severe urgency plus UUI, mean VV, and number of continent days/week. In addition, the fesoterodine and tolterodine ER groups showed significantly greater improvements in HRQoL than the placebo group, with positive changes in most domains of the KHQ and an improvement in ICIQ‐SF score. The fesoterodine 8‐mg group had statistically significant improvements over placebo in eight of nine KHQ domains. A major improvement in the severity of bladder‐related problems was reported by 39% of the fesoterodine 8 mg and 34% of the tolterodine ER groups vs 25% of those on placebo (P ≤ 0.01). Results for the subgroup of incontinent patients at baseline were similar to the overall results. Adverse events reported most commonly with active treatment included dry mouth, constipation, dry eye, dry throat, and nausea.

CONCLUSIONS

Both fesoterodine and tolterodine ER significantly improved OAB symptoms and HRQoL, with statistically significant advantages for fesoterodine 8 mg compared with tolterodine ER on several important endpoints.
Inequity Aversion and Team Incentives
Authors: Rey‐Biel Pedro
Published: July 2008

We study optimal contracts in a simple model where employees are averse to inequity, as modeled byFehr and Schmidt (1999). A “selfish” employer can profitably exploitenvyorguiltby offering contracts which create inequity off‐equilibrium, i.e., when employees do not meet his demands. Such contracts resembleteamandrelative performancecontracts. We derive conditions for inequity aversion to be in itself a reason to form work teams of distributionally concerned employees, even in situations in which effort is contractible.
The Threat Effect of Active Labour Market Programmes*
Authors: Rosholm Michael , Svarer Michael
Published: July 2008

In this paper, we estimate the threat effect of active labour market programmes (ALMPs) for a sample of unemployed men in Denmark. Threat effects of such programmes capture the impacts of a system of ALMPs prior to actual participation. Rational economic agents make search decisions based on the expected discounted value of unemployment, and the perceived risk of future participation in programmes may affect job‐search behaviour early in the unemployment spell. We find a strong and significant threat effect, which is shown to reduce average unemployment duration by two and a half weeks.
Gibbsian and non‐Gibbsian states at Eurandom
Authors: Van Enter Aernout C. D. , Redig Frank , Verbitskiy Evgeny
Published: July 2008

We review some of the work on non‐Gibbsian states of the last 10 years, emphasizing the developments in which Eurandom played a role.
Practical Considerations for Choosing Between Tobit and SCLS or CLAD Estimators for Censored Regression Models with an Application to Charitable Giving*
Authors: Wilhelm Mark Ottoni
Published: July 2008

Practical considerations for choosing between Tobit, symmetrically censored least squares (SCLS) and censored least absolute deviations (CLAD) estimators are offered. Practical considerations deal with when a Hausman test is better than a conditional moment test for judging the severity of a misspecification, the need to bootstrap the sampling distributions of the Hausman tests, what to look for in a graphical examination of the residuals and the limited value of SCLS. The practical considerations are applied to a model of the intergenerational transmission of charitable giving using new data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID). The paper shows how to use relative distribution methods to calculate CLAD‐based marginal effects on the observable dependent variable.
CHARACTERIZING THE EVOLUTION OF VISUAL LANDSCAPES IN THE LATE PREHISTORY OF SOUTH‐WEST MORBIHAN (BRITTANY, FRANCE)
Authors: LOPEZ‐ROMERO GONZALEZ DE LA ALEJA ELIAS
Published: July 2008

Summary.  In the context of territorial analyses in archaeology, the visual attributes of sites play a key role in the definition of location strategies. This paper studies the Neolithic evidence from the south‐western Morbihan area in Brittany (France) from a visual point of view, integrating the previous Mesolithic and the later Bronze Age occupation of the region in order to understand the diachronic evolution of the visual settlement patterns. The role played by the sea seems to be significant throughout the entire occupation of the area, but differences in both intervisibility of sites and the extension of visual areas allow us to make particular observations regarding different cultural uses of the landscape through time.
ROMAN AMPHORA TRADE ACROSS THE STRAITS OF GIBRALTAR: AN ANCIENT ‘ANTI‐ECONOMIC PRACTICE’?
Authors: TEICHNER FELIX , PUJOL LLUÍS PONS
Published: July 2008

Summary.  Olive oil and fish products from the south of Hispania and North Africa played an important role in the Roman economy. The authors call attention to the asymmetrical distribution of archaeological data available on this subject, in particular the location of amphora kilns, and try to give an explanation, based on the evolution of European archaeology in the twentieth century.
Transplanted bone marrow stromal cells migrate, differentiate and improve motor function in rats with experimentally induced cerebral stroke
Authors: Chen Jeng‐Rung , Cheng Guang‐Yan , Sheu Ching‐Chung , Tseng Guo‐Fang , Wang Tsyr‐Jiuan , Huang Yong‐San
Published: July 2008

Bone marrow stromal cells are multipotential cells that can be induced to differentiate into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, myocytes and adipocytes in different microenvironments. Recent studies revealed that bone marrow stromal cells could improve neurological deficits of various damages or diseases of the central nervous system such as Parkinson's disease, brain trauma, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis, and promote glia‐axonal remodeling in animal brain subjected to an experimentally induced stroke. In the present study, bone marrow stromal cells were intracerebrally transplanted into the cerebrum following a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Our aim was to find out whether the bone marrow stromal cells could survive and express neural phenotypic proteins and, in addition, whether they could restore the behavioral and functional deficits of the cerebral ischemic rats. Our results demonstrated that transplanted bone marrow stromal cells survived and migrated to areas around the lesion site. Some of them exhibited marker proteins of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Bone marrow stromal cell implantation significantly reduced the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion‐induced cortical loss and thinning of the white matter and enhanced cortical β‐III‐tubulin immunoreactivity. Rats implanted with bone marrow stromal cells showed significant improvement in their performance of elevated body swing test and forelimb footprint analysis and only transient recovery of the adhesive‐removal test. Our data support bone marrow stromal cells as a valuable source of autologous or allogenic donor cells for transplantation to improve the outcome following cerebral ischemia.
Winter activity of Australian tree‐roosting bats: influence of temperature and climatic patterns
Authors: Turbill C.
Published: July 2008

Many bats hibernate to overcome a critical energy shortage in winter. However, unlike strictly seasonal hibernators, bats sometimes alternate prolonged torpor bouts with increased activity coinciding with periods of mild weather. Winter activity may be especially common in hibernating tree‐roosting bats because they are less insulated from external conditions than cave‐roosting species and must also leave their roosts to drink, socialize or mate. To test this hypothesis, I measured the activity of a community of tree‐roosting bats by recording echolocation calls at four sites on 18 nights throughout winter in south‐eastern Australia. I also measured insect activity using light traps at each site. I recorded some bat activity on most nights, typically at dusk. Greater bat and insect activity occurred on nights of warmer temperatures, moderate wind speeds and falling barometric pressure, indicating the approach of low‐pressure cold fronts. Thus, winter activity of tree‐roosting bats is linked to short‐term mild conditions caused by a specific, reoccurring weather pattern. Climatic shifts that reduce the frequency of such weather events, such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation phenomenon and future human‐induced climate change, may also reduce winter activity and/or increase the cost of necessary arousal periods by hibernating tree‐roosting bats.