bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Religion and capitalism
Authors: Forte Juan Manuel
Published: April 2008

The main concern of this article is Weber's antagonism with respect to materialism and the distance or affinity between Marx's and Weber's standpoints. It focuses on two interconnected issues: the social and political role of religion and the emergence of modern capitalism. These two points are justified because of their strategic importance and because, with them, Weber's distance with respect to materialism apparently reaches its zenith. Through them, this text attempts to expose the main features of the controversy between Marxism and Weberianism, evaluating the alternatives on the matter offered by different perspectives.
Effects of an expanded cardiac rehabilitation programme in patients treated for an acute myocardial infarction or a coronary artery by-pass graft operation
Authors: Plüss C Edström , Karlsson M Rydell , Wallen NH , Billing E. , Held C.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To investigate the effects of expanded cardiac rehabilitation with multifactorial interventions on metabolic and inflammatory markers, exercise performance and on established cardiovascular risk factors.

Design: Single-centre prospective randomized controlled trial.

Setting: A university hospital.

Subjects: Two hundred and twenty-four patients with an acute myocardial infarction or patients undergoing coronary artery by-pass grafting.

Intervention: Patients were randomized to expanded cardiac rehabilitation including stress management, increased physical training, staying at a 'patient hotel' and cooking sessions, or to usual cardiac rehabilitation

Main measures: Biochemical risk markers and exercise performance; follow-up was one year.

Results: There were no significant differences between the two treatment groups in the changes of biochemical risk markers or in exercise performance. Thus, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels decreased from 3.00 (0.97) to 2.54 (0.66) mmol/L in the intervention group and from 3.20 (0.85) to 2.54 (0.63) mmol/L in the control group, fibrinogen levels decreased from 5.30 (2.00) to 4.25 (1.01) g/L in the intervention group and from 5.29 (1.89) to 4.33 (0.83) g/L in the control group and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels decreased from 3.04 (2.79) to 2.09 (2.13) mg/L in the intervention group and from 4.01 (3.49) to 2.39 (2.49) mg/L in the control group. Total workload (W) improved from 118 (35) to 136 (34) in the intervention group and from 117 (36) to 133 (39) in the control group.

Conclusion: There was no further significant benefit in biochemical risk markers or in exercise performance among patients undergoing the expanded rehabilitation as compared to the control group which received usual cardiac rehabilitation.
Mice deficient in the CXCR2 ligand, CXCL1 (KC/GRO-α), exhibit increased susceptibility to dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis
Authors: Shea-Donohue Terez , Thomas Karen , Cody M. Joshua , Aiping Zhao  , DeTolla Louis J. , Kopydlowski Karen M. , Fukata Masayuki , Lira Sergio A. , Vogel Stefanie N.
Published: April 2008

The role of TLRs and MyD88 in the maintenance of gut integrity in response to dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis was demonstrated recently and led to the conclusion that the innate immune response to luminal commensal flora provides necessary signals that facilitate epithelial repair and permits a return to homeostasis after colonic injury. In this report, we demonstrate that a deficit in a single neutrophil chemokine, CXCL1/KC, also results in a greatly exaggerated response to DSS. Mice with a targeted mutation in the gene that encodes this chemokine responded to 2.5% DSS in their drinking water with significant weight loss, bloody stools, and a complete loss of gut integrity in the proximal and distal colon, accompanied by a predominantly mononuclear infiltrate, with few detectable neutrophils. In contrast, CXCL1/KC— /— and wild-type C57BL/6J mice provided water showed no signs of inflammation and, at this concentration of DSS, wild-type mice showed only minimal histopathology, but significantly more infiltrating neutrophils. This finding implies that neutrophil infiltration induced by CXCL1/KC is an essential component of the intestinal response to inflammatory stimuli as well as the ability of the intestine to restore mucosal barrier integrity.
In-vivo evaluation in rats of colon-specific microspheres containing 5-fluorouracil
Authors: Rahman Ziyaur , Kohli Kanchan , Zhang Shuang-Qing , Khar Roop K , Ali Mushir , Charoo Naseem A , Tauseef Mohammad , Shamsher Areeg A A , Mohammed Noorullah N , Repka Michael A
Published: April 2008

The aims of this investigation were to determine the distribution in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of Eudragit S-100 encapsulated colon-specific sodium alginate microspheres containing 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in rats, and to perform pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies. Comparisons were with a control immediate-release (IR) formulation of 5-FU. 5-FU was distributed predominantly in the upper GI tract from the IR formulation but was distributed primarily to the lower part of the GI tract from the microsphere formulation. No drug was released in the stomach and intestinal regions from the colon-specific microspheres. Significantly, a high concentration of the active drug was achieved in colonic tissues from the colon-specific microspheres (P < 0.001), which was higher than the IC50 required to halt the growth of and/or kill colon cancer cells. Colon cancer was induced in rats by subcutaneous injection of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (40 mg kg−1) for 10 weeks. The tumours induced were non-invasive adenocarcinomas and were in Duke's stage A. The 5-FU formulations were administered for 4 weeks after tumour induction. Non-significant reductions in tumour volume and multiplicity were observed in animals given the colon-specific microspheres. Enhanced levels of liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and alkaline phosphatase) were found in animals given the IR formulation of 5-FU, and values differed significantly (P < 0.001) from those in animals treated with the colon-specific microspheres. Elevated levels of serum albumin and creatinine, and leucocytopenia and thrombocytopenia were observed in the animals given the IR formulation. In summary, Eudragit S-100 coated alginate microspheres delivered 5-FU to colonic tissues, with reduced systemic side-effects. A long-term dosing study is required to ascertain the therapeutic benefits.
Synthesis, pharmacological activity and nitric oxide generation by nitrate derivatives of theophylline
Authors: Korzycka Lucyna , Górska Dorota
Published: April 2008

Nitrates of theophylline derivatives — potential nitric oxide (NO) donors — were synthesized by esterification of 7-hydroxyalkyl theophylline derivatives with fuming nitric acid. The nitrates obtained were tested in-vitro in reactions with sulfydryl compounds at appropriately adjusted pH and temperature. Under the applied conditions, the synthesized compounds underwent decomposition to release NO, quantified using a polarographic method using a selective isolated (ISO-NO) sensor. The effects of dyphylline and proxyphylline and their new synthesized nitrates on arterial blood pressure (BP) were measured in spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats. BP was measured in conscious SH rats using the tail-cuff method. Both short- and long-term administration of the xanthines tested significantly decreased systolic, diastolic and mean BP. The hypotensive effect of a single dose of nitrate dyphylline on mean BP was greater than that of the parent compound (P = 0.000012; P = 0.000472 at 30 and 60 min post-dose, respectively), whereas proxyphylline and its nitrate derivative had similar activity. In rats treated with the tested compounds for 9 days twice daily, the decrease in BP persisted for at least 16 h after the last dose. Proxyphylline produced the most marked decrease in diastolic and mean BP. Among the xanthines examined, proxyphylline nitrate had the strongest hypotensive effect when administered in a single dose to animals pretreated with the same compound for 9 days. These results indicate that insertion of a nitrate group weakly modifies the hypotensive action of the studied xanthines in SH rats.
The pharmacokinetics of antofloxacin in renally impaired rats
Authors: Pang X Y , Liu L , Zhang D M , Wang G J , Xie L , Liu X D
Published: April 2008

Our aim was to investigate whether renal impairment induced by cisplatin altered the pharmacokinetics of antofloxacin. Antofloxacin (7.5 mg kg−1, i.v.) was given to normal or renally impaired rats (induced by cisplatin). Concentrations of antofloxacin in plasma and urine were measured using HPLC. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated. The plasma concentrations of antofloxacin in the renally impaired rats were significantly higher than those in the normal rats, accompanied by significant increase of the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) (968.78 ± 259.39 μg min mL−1 versus 509.84 ± 46.19 μg min mL−1 in normal rats P < 0.05). The system clearance (CL) and renal clearance (CLR) of antofloxacin decreased from 12.66 ± 1.15 mL kg−1 min−1 and 3.21 ± 1.80 mLkg−1 min−1 in normal rats, to 6.63 ± 2.82 mLkg−1 min−1 and 0.31 ± 0.15 mLkg−1 min−1, respectively. No differences between two treatments in half-life and mean residence time were found. We concluded that renal impairment induced by cisplatin significantly altered the pharmacokinetics of antofloxacin and resulted in decrease of the renal elimination.
IS THE NEUTRAL CONDITION RELEVANT TO STUDY MUSICAL EMOTION IN PATIENTS?
Authors: DELLACHERIE DELPHINE , EHRLÉ NATHALIE , SAMSON SÉVERINE
Published: April 2008

STUDIES CARRIED OUT IN NONMUSICAL DOMAINS provide evidence that abnormal responses to emotionally neutral stimuli are associated with medial temporal lobe (MTL) dysfunction at the level of the amygdala. In this investigation,we propose that music will be an adequate candidate to examine the role of MTL structures in judging emotional neutrality. By testing 43 patients with temporal lobe lesions and 19 controls in a task involving classification of neutral, happy, sad, and distressing music, we found that the identification of neutral stimuli was selectively impaired in patients with MTL dysfunction. This finding suggests the implication of the amygdala in classifying emotionally neutral stimuli, supporting previous neuroimaging studies.We discuss the present data in relation to facial expressions and present an intriguing case of affective disturbance resulting from a head injury to emphasize the relevance of using music to assess the ability to detect neutrality in neurological and psychiatric patients.
FROM SINGING TO SPEAKING: WHY SINGING MAY LEAD TO RECOVERY OF EXPRESSIVE LANGUAGE FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH BROCA'S APHASIA
Authors: SCHLAUG GOTTFRIED , MARCHINA SARAH , NORTON ANDREA
Published: April 2008

IT HAS BEEN REPORTED THAT PATIENTS WITH SEVERELY nonfluent aphasia are better at singing lyrics than speaking the same words. This observation inspired the development of Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT), a treatment whose effects have been shown, but whose efficacy is unproven and neural correlates remain unidentified. Because of its potential to engage/unmask language-capable regions in the unaffected right hemisphere, MIT is particularly well suited for patients with large left-hemisphere lesions. Using two patients with similar impairments and stroke size/location, we show the effects of MIT and a control intervention. Both interventions' post-treatment outcomes revealed significant improvement in propositional speech that generalized to unpracticed words and phrases; however, the MITtreated patient's gains surpassed those of the controltreated patient. Treatment-associated imaging changes indicate that MIT's unique engagement of the right hemisphere, both through singing and tapping with the left hand to prime the sensorimotor and premotor cortices for articulation, accounts for its effect over nonintoned speech therapy.
Electrical characterization of low defect density nonpolar (11¯20) a-plane GaN grown with sidewall lateral epitaxial overgrowth (SLEO)
Authors: Imer Bilge , Haskell Benjamin , Rajan Siddharth , Keller Stacia , Mishra Umesh K. , Nakamura Shuji , Speck James S. , DenBaars Steven P.
Published: April 2008

We studied the effect of extended defects on electrical characteristics of Si doped n-type nonpolar a-plane GaN films. The n-type GaN layers were grown on co-loaded reduced defect density sidewall lateral epitaxial overgrowth (SLEO) a-plane GaN templates and high defect density planar a-plane GaN templates by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The highest conductivity value was observed at the carrier concentration of 1.05 × 1019 cm−3 as 261.12 cm2/Vs for SLEO a-GaN and 106.77 cm2/Vs for the planar a-plane GaN samples. At the same doping level, the carrier compensation for SLEO samples was ∼12% less than planar samples.
A weight-of-evidence approach for the integration of environmental “triad” data to assess ecological risk and biological vulnerability
Authors: Dagnino Alessandro , Sforzini Susanna , Dondero Francesco , Fenoglio Stefano , Bona Elisa , Jensen John , Viarengo Aldo
Published: April 2008

A new Expert Decision Support System (EDSS) that can integrate Triad data for assessing environmental risk and biological vulnerability at contaminated sites has been developed. Starting with ecosystem relevance, the EDSS assigns different weights to the results obtained from Triad disciplines. The following parameters have been employed: 1) chemical soil analyses (revealing the presence of potentially dangerous substances), 2) ecotoxicological bioassays (utilizing classical endpoints such as survival and reproduction rates), 3) biomarkers (showing sublethal pollutant effects), and 4) ecological parameters (assessing changes in community structure and functions). For each Triad discipline, the EDSS compares the data obtained at the studied field sites with reference values and calculates different 0–1 indexes (e.g., Chemical Risk Index, Ecotoxicological Risk Index, and Ecological Risk Index). The EDSS output consists of 3 indexes: 1) Environmental Risk Index (EnvRI), quantifying the level of biological damage at population–community level, 2) Biological Vulnerability Index (BVI), assessing the potential threats to biological equilibriums, and 3) Genotoxicity Index (GTI), screening genotoxicity effects. The EDSS has been applied in the integration of a battery of Triad data obtained during the European Union-funded Life Intervention in the Fraschetta Area (LINFA) project, which has been carried out in order to estimate the potential risk from soils of a highly anthropized area (Alessandria, Italy) mainly impacted by deposition of atmospheric pollutants. Results obtained during 4 seasonal sampling campaigns (2004–2005) show maximum values of EnvRI in sites A and B (characterized by industrial releases) and lower levels in site D (affected by vehicular traffic emissions). All 3 potentially polluted sites have shown high levels of BVI and GTI, suggesting a general change from reference conditions (site C).
Synthesis and Purification of Highly Hydrophobic Peptides Derived from the C-Terminus of Amyloid β-Protein
Authors: Condron M.M. , Monien B.H. , Bitan G.
Published: April 2008

Some biotechnological inventions involve expensive, sophisticated machines. Others are relatively simple innovations
that nevertheless address, and solve difficult problems. Synthesis and purification of highly hydrophobic peptides
can be a difficult and challenging task, particularly when these peptides have low solubility in both aqueous and organic
solvents. Here we describe the synthesis and purification of a series of peptides derived from the hydrophobic Cterminus
of the 42-residue form of amyloid β-protein (Aβ42), a peptide believed to be the primary cause for Alzheimer’s
disease (AD). The series of C-terminal fragments (CTFs) had the general formula Aβ(x-42), x=28-39, which potentially
can be used as inhibitors of Aβ42 assembly and neurotoxicity. Synthesis and purification of peptides containing 8-residues
or less were straightforward. However, HPLC purification of longer peptides was problematic and provided <1% yield in
particularly difficult cases due to very poor solubility in the solvent systems used both in reverse- and in normal phase
chromatography. Modification of the purification protocol using water precipitation followed by removal of scavengers by
washing with diethyl ether circumvented the need for HPLC purification and provided these peptides with purity as high
as HPLC-purified peptides and substantially increased yield.
The Prevalence of Incidental Findings at Cardiac MRI
Authors: McKenna David A , Laxpati Monish , Colletti Patrick M
Published: April 2008

Object or purpose of study:

As the field of view of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) includes the thorax and upper abdomen, it is not surprising that these studies can reveal incidental extra-cardiac abnormalities. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of these incidental findings.

Materials, Methods and Procedures:

132 volunteer participants with a mean age of 74.2 years (range, 61-89 years; 127 males and 5 females) had CMR with 7 sequences. All images were retrospectively reviewed by a radiologist, specifically assessing for non-cardiac findings. Visualized abnormalities were noted and categorized according to significance. Clinically significant findings were defined as those requiring further clinical or radiological work-up, with moderately significant findings defined as those that may affect patient care depending on medical history or symptoms. Remaining findings were considered clinically insignificant.

Results:

Within the group, 107 participants (81%) had extra-cardiac findings, with 63 (48%) having multiple findings. A total of 224 incidental findings were visualized, with at least one clinically significant and moderately significant finding found in 23 (17%) and 43 (33 %) of the subjects, respectively. Potentially clinically significant findings included pulmonary nodules, solid or complex lesions of the solid abdominal viscera and thyroid, and aortic pathology including aneurysm. The most prevalent incidental findings were however benign appearing, including renal and hepatic cysts, hemangiomas, and atelectasis. The SSFP coronal localizer, SSFP axial localizer, and short axis SSFP cine oblique sequences were most sensitive at detecting incidental findings (p = 0.013 vs four other sequences) with 47%, 46%, and 41% detection respectively, with no significant difference between these three multislice sequences (p = 0.369).

Significance of the conclusions:

In total, 81% of our volunteers had extra-cardiac findings, of which 17% were potentially clinically significant, necessitating further work up. We believe that these numbers appear high compared to prior similar studies performed at Cardiac CT. This may be related to the relatively older cohort examined here. In conclusion it is important to look beyond the heart when reviewing cardiac MRI studies and carefully assess the entire field of view for abnormalities.
The occurrence of Pneumocystis jirovecii in people from three different age groups of Warsaw (Poland) community
Authors: Gołąb Elżbieta , Sadkowska-Todys Małgorzata , Szkoda Marek , Dzbeński Tadeusz
Published: April 2008

The three age groups of people from Warsaw: children, young adults and elderly people were examined for the prevalence of infection with Pneumocystis jirovecii. Nested PCR was used to amplify fragment of mitochondrial large subunit rRNA of the fungus in samples of oropharyngeal swabs. Nineteen (12.8%) of the 148 examined samples were positive for DNA of P. jirovecii. The samples collected from children were more often positive than the samples from young adults (p = 0.003) or from both groups of adults (p = 0.0029). Moreover, among adults (n = 99) proportion of infected women (n = 6; 12.5%) was significantly higher than men (n = 1; 2%). Results of the research confirm the high prevalence of Pneumocystis infection in children and indirectly point out to children as a possible source of infection for older people.
Redescription of the tapeworm Monticellia amazonica de Chambrier et Vaucher, 1997 (Cestoda, Proteocephalidea), a parasite of Calophysus macropterus (Siluriformes, Pimelodidae) from the Amazon River
Authors: Scholz Tomáš , Chambrier Alain , Kuchta Roman
Published: April 2008

The proteocephalidean cestode Monticellia amazonica de Chambrier et Vaucher, 1997 (nom. nov. for Nomimoscolex piracatinga Woodland, 1935), a parasite of Calophysus macmpterus (Lichtenstein, 1819) (Siluriformes, Pimelodidae), is redescribed on the basis of type specimens and recently collected material from the Amazon River near the type localities in Brazil, and from Peru. This insufficiently known taxon is most similar to M. ventrei de Chambrier et Vaucher, 1999 from Pinirampus spp. from Paraguay and Brazil in having almost indistinguishable internal longitudinal musculature formed by a very few (5–15) tiny bundles of muscle fibres. Monticellia amazonica differs from M. ventrei in the shape of proglottids (much more elongate in the former taxon), absence of medially situated vitelline follicles at the ovarian level (present in M. ventrei) and the number of testes (175–233 in M amazonica vs. 222–325 in M ventrei).
Spermiogenesis and sperm ultrastructure of Carmyerius endopapillatus (Digenea, Gastrothylacidae), a parasite of Bos taurus in Senegal
Authors: Seck Momar , Marchand Bernard , Bâ Cheikh
Published: April 2008

Ultrastructural study of spermiogenesis and of the spermatozoon of Carmyerius endopapillatus has enabled to describe some characteristics of this digenea. The intercentriolar body situated between the two striated roots and the two centrioles, presents a symmetric organization. Both external bands of this intercentriolar body are made up of a row of granules. During spermiogenesis, a flagellar rotation of 90° is described. The old spermatid does not present external ornamentations. The spermatozoon is characterized, in its anterior region, by the presence of a lateral expansion exhibiting one spinelike body. In C. endopapillatus, external ornamentations are localized only at the level where the lateral expansion appears. The posterior extremity of spermatozoon exhibits a nucleus surrounded by a plasmic membrane lacking microtubules, but presenting a small lateral expansion. This is the first species of Gastrothylacidae family studied by transmission electron microscopy.
Systematic revision of the feather mite genera Apexolichus Gaud et Atyeo and Titanolichus Gaud et Atyeo (Astigmata, Pterolichidae), parasites of parrots of the Old World (Psittaciformes, Psittacidae)
Authors: Dabert Jacek , Mironov Serge , Ehrnsberger Rainer
Published: April 2008

We present a systematic revision and phylogenetic analysis of feather mites of the closely related genera Apexolichus Gaud et Atyeo, 1996 and Titanolichus Gaud et Atyeo, 1996 (Pterolichidae, Pterolichinae). New diagnoses for Apexolichus and Titanolichus and keys to all known species are provided. We redescribe all species of the genus Protolichus Mégnin et Trouessart, 1884, described by E. Trouessart over a century ago, and which have been transferred to these genera. Two new species are described: Apexolichus psephoti sp. nov. from Psephotus varius Clark A.H., 1910 (type host) and P. haematonotus (Gould, 1838); and Titanolichus triangulifer sp. nov. from Barnardius zonaris (Shaw, 1805) (type host) and Northiella haematogaster (Gould, 1838). New synonymies are proposed: Apexolichus splendens (Favette et Trouessart, 1904) syn. nov. is a junior synonym of A. velifer (Trouessart, 1899); A. distensis (Favette et Trouessart, 1904) syn. nov. is a junior synonym of A. affinis (Mégnin et Trouessart, 1884). Apexolichus platycerci (Mironov, Dabert et Proctor, 2003) comb. nov. is a new combination for this species, which was formerly placed in the genus Titanolichus. Phylogenetic analysis (MP) confirms the monophyly of the genera Apexolichus and Titanolichus. Both of these genera, together with the monotypic genus Sideroferus Gaud et Atyeo, 1996 (being a sister group of Titanolichus), form a clade within the Protolichus generic group and are restricted in their host associations to parrots of the tribe Platycercini (Psittacidae, Psittacinae), members of which occur in the Australia and Indo-Malayan region. Representatives of each genus are restricted to a particular genus or a few genera of Platycercini. Host associations of these genera are briefly discussed.
Gender, Culture, and Conflict Resolution in Palestine
Authors: Richter-Devroe Sophie
Published: April 2008

Conflict resolution theory and praxis have been criticized for being insensitive to local cultures and, particularly, for not considering culturally specific gender roles carefully enough. Yet, on the other hand, culturally sensitive and gender-friendly approaches have also been found to be incompatible with each other—so what are we to make of these overlapping and contradictory criticisms of the relatively new scholarly discipline of conflict resolution? Can community-based peace-building indeed be either gender-friendly or sensitive to culture only? Tracing Palestinian women’s different forms of political activism in the national struggle and/or peace-building initiatives, this paper critically discusses a variety of gendered conflict resolution approaches and concludes that, contrary to such charges, contextualized culturally specific gender norms might in fact prove conducive to both gender empowerment and conflict resolution.
Subjectivity and Imperial Masculinity
Authors: Kaiksow Sarah A.
Published: April 2008

This paper explores imperial masculinity from the perspective of a British soldier who fought against the Dhofar revolution from 1968 to 1970 while serving in the British-led Army of the Sultan of Oman. Previous writings on masculinity in the context of empire have largely focused on cultural narratives, representational ideals, and intellectual debates. This paper shift s the emphasis to the subjectivity of imperial masculinity in order to identify how a notion of “superior” manhood is sustained and negotiated amidst the demands of everyday life. Interrogating a military memoir, this paper finds that the soldier justified British imperialism in Dhofar through his implicit assumptions of “knowing more” and “knowing better” than the Dhofaris/Arabs, even concerning their own nature, desires, and interests. Using these assumptions, the soldier was able to imagine himself as an “imperial adventure hero,” allowing gendered relations of power to recoup in the face of challenges to imperial masculinity.
'Nucleating’ succession in recovering neotropical wet forests: The legacy of remnant trees
Authors: Schlawin Justin R. , Zahawi R.A.
Published: April 2008

Question: What is the influence of remnant trees on secondary forest structure and composition in tropical pastures many years after abandonment?

Location: Neotropical lowland wet forest, La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica.

Methods: Tree and sapling density, basal area, and species richness were quantified at three distances from remnant trees, 0–10 m (inner), 20–30 m (intermediate), and ca. 50 m (distal) zones. A total of 15 remnant trees were sampled in pastures ~23 years after abandonment.

Results: Tree density decreased along a gradient from inner (1117 ± 377 individuals/ha) to distal (592 ± 282 individuals/ha) zones, and the number of large‐seeded individuals (seeds > 1 cm diameter) was significantly greater in the inner zone. Basal area of tree individuals was greater in the inner (25.6 ± 12 m2/ha) and intermediate (28.3 ± 15.6 m2/ha) zones than the distal zone (14.7 ± 7.2 m2/ha), but there were no differences between inner and intermediate zones. Similar patterns are reported for species richness. Additionally, saplings (1 ‐ 5 cm DBH) had higher density directly beneath and adjacent to remnants, suggesting that remnant trees can affect recruitment even many years after pasture abandonment and the formation of a surrounding secondary forest.

Conclusions: Results indicate that remnant trees facilitate forest recovery over a broad temporal range, and appear to ‘nucleate’ forest regeneration by expanding their sphere of influence outward over time.
Responses of a California annual grassland to litter manipulation
Authors: Amatangelo Kathryn L. , Dukes Jeffrey S. , Field Christopher B.
Published: April 2008

Question:

What are the physical and chemical effects of plant litter on annual grassland community composition, above‐ground net primary production (ANPP), and density?

Location:

California annual grassland.

Methods:

We manipulated litter and light levels independently and in concert. Litter removal and litter addition treatments tested both the physical and chemical impacts of litter's presence. We additionally simulated the effect of litter physical shading by using shade cloth, and added powdered litter to test for the chemical impacts of decomposing litter.

Results:

Increased whole litter and shading decreased grass germination and establishment, but not that of forbs or legumes. Species shifts occurred within all groups across treatments, including a transition from small‐seeded to large‐seeded grass and legume species with increased shading. ANPP was highest in control plots (473 ± 59 g/m2), and species richness was highest in litter removal plots. While the physical effects of litter via shading were significant, the chemical effects of adding powdered litter were negligible.

Conclusions:

This work suggests that over one growing season, the physical impacts of litter are more important than chemical impacts in shaping community structure and ANPP in annual grasslands. Changes in light availability with altered litter inputs drive shifts in species and functional group composition. Litter feedbacks to ANPP and species composition of local patches may help maintain diversity and stabilize ANPP in this grassland.
Electronically controlled multiphase sinusoidal oscillators using current amplifiers
Authors: Souliotis George , Psychalinos Costas
Published: April 2008

A novel current‐mode multiphase oscillator topology is introduced in this letter. This is realized by employing current amplifiers and only grounded capacitors. Attractive characteristics offered by the new topology are the electronic adjustment of the oscillation frequency, the absence of passive resistors, and the requirement of only grounded capacitors. Comparison with the corresponding already published current follower based structure shows that the proposed topology has better performance in terms of the number of required active elements, the employment of passive resistors, and the ability for electronic adjustment of the oscillation frequency. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immunologic features of HIV‐1‐infected women on HAART at delivery
Authors: Ono Erika , dos Santos Amélia M. N. , Machado Daisy M. , Succi Regina C. de M. , Amed Abes M. , Salomão Reinaldo , Kallás Esper G. , de Moraes‐Pinto M. Isabel
Published: April 2008

Background:

The conjoint effect of HIV infection and pregnancy on the immune system of women submitted to the prophylactic antiretroviral therapy presently recommended is still poorly understood.

Methods:

We evaluated 44 HIV‐infected women (HIV) and 45 HIV‐negative women (CT) at parturition and we compared them to 20 healthy nonpregnant women (NP). Immunophenotyping of lymphocytes was done by four‐color flow cytometry.

Results:

All HIV‐infected women received HAART during pregnancy and 56.8% had viral load <50 copies/mL at delivery. CD4+T cells/mm3 were lower in HIV (447) than CT (593) and NP (738) (P < 0.05). CD8+T cells/mm3 were higher in HIV (799) than CT (384) and NP (395) (P < 0.05). NK cells/mm3 were lower in HIV (146) than in CT (253) and NP (198) (P < 0.05). CD38 expression on CD4+T and on CD8+T cells was higher in HIV (CD4:12.1; CD8:14.9) than in CT(CD4:9.2; CD8:10.2) and NP(CD4:8.6; CD8:6.0) (P < 0.05). However, CD56 expression on CD8+T cells (a marker of cytolytic effector function) was lower in HIV(7%) than in CT(12%) and NP(9%) (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Even with low levels of viremia, HIV‐infected women at delivery showed a different immunologic profile from both healthy non‐HIV‐infected women in the puerperium and nonpregnant women, with lower CD4+T and higher CD8+T cells, high levels of CD38 expression, but low CD56 expression on CD8+T cells and low NK cell numbers. © 2008 Clinical Cytometry Society
The genetics of essential metal homeostasis during development
Authors: Kambe Taiho , Weaver Benjamin P. , Andrews Glen K.
Published: April 2008

The essential metals copper, zinc, and iron play key roles in embryonic, fetal, and postnatal development in higher eukaryotes. Recent advances in our understanding of the molecules involved in the intricate control of the homeostasis of these metals and the availability of natural mutations and targeted mutations in many of the genes involved have allowed for elucidation of the diverse roles of these metals during development. Evidence suggests that the ability of the embryo to control the homeostasis of these metals becomes essential at the blastocyst stage and during early morphogenesis. However, these metals play unique roles throughout development and exert pleiotropic, metal‐specific, and often cell‐specific effects on morphogenesis, growth, and differentiation. Herein, we briefly review the major players known to be involved in the homeostasis of each of these essential metals and their known roles in development. genesis 46:214–228, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On‐line cell lysis and DNA extraction on a microfluidic biochip fabricated by microelectromechanical system technology
Authors: Chen Xing , Cui Da Fu , Liu Chang Chun
Published: April 2008

Integrating cell lysis and DNA purification process into a micrototal analytical system (μTAS) is one critical step for the analysis of nucleic acids. On‐chip cell lysis based on a chemical method is realized by sufficient blend of blood sample and the lyzing reagent. In this paper two mixing models, T‐type mixing model and sandwich‐type mixing model, are proposed and simulation of those models is conducted. Result of simulation shows that the sandwich‐type mixing model with coiled channel performs best and this model is further used to construct the microfluidic biochip for on‐line cell lysis and DNA extraction. The result of simulation is further verified by experiments. It asserts that more than 80% mixing of blood sample and lyzing reagent which guarantees that completed cell lysis can be achieved near the inlet location when the cell/buffer velocity ratio is less than 1:5. After cell lysis, DNA extraction by means of a solid‐phase method is implemented by using porous silicon matrix which is integrated in the biochip. During continuous flow process in the microchip, rapid cell lysis and PCR‐amplifiable genomic DNA purification can be achieved within 20 min. The potential of this microfluidic biochip is illustrated by pretreating a whole blood sample, which shows the possibility of integration of sample preparation, PCR, and separation on a single device to work as portable point‐of‐care medical diagnostic system.
Numerical analysis of thermal lens effect for sensitive detection on microchips
Authors: Anraku Ryo , Mawatari Kazuma , Tokeshi Manabu , Nara Masatoshi , Asai Takahiro , Hattori Akihiko , Kitamori Takehiko
Published: April 2008

Thermal lens microscope (TLM) is a sensitive detection method for nonfluorescent molecules and widely applied to detection in a capillary or on a microchip. In this paper, we developed a flexible design tool for TLM systems to meet various applications utilizing a microspace. The TL effect was modeled, including signal processing, and calculated by combining fluidic dynamics and wave optics software. The coincidence of the calculations and experiments was investigated by measuring the effects of optical path length or focus positions of the excitation beams on TL signals which are quite difficult to calculate by a conventional method. Good agreement was shown and the applicability of the TLM design tool was verified.
Study of a novel sample injection method (floating electrokinetic supercharging) for high‐performance microchip electrophoresis of DNA fragments
Authors: Hirokawa Takeshi , Takayama Yoichi , Arai Akihiro , Xu Zhongqi
Published: April 2008

Aiming to achieve high‐performance analysis of DNA fragments using microchip electrophoresis, we developed a novel sample injection method, which was given the name of floating electrokinetic supercharging (FEKS). In the method, electrokinetic injection (EKI) and ITP preconcentration of samples was performed in a separation channel, connecting two reservoir ports (P3 and P4) on a cross‐geometry microchip. At these two stages, side channels, crossing the separation channel, and their ports (P1 and P2) were electrically floated. After the ITP‐stacked zones passed the cross‐part, they were eluted for detection by using leading ions from P1 and P2 that enabled electrophoresis mode changing rapidly from ITP to zone electrophoresis (ZE). Possible sample leakage at the cross‐part toward P1 and P2 was studied in detail on the basis of computer simulation using a CFD‐ACE+ software and real experiments, through which it was validated that the analyte recovery to the separation channel was almost complete. The FEKS method successfully contributed to higher resolution and shorter analysis time of DNA fragments on the cross‐microchip owing to more rapid switching from ITP status to ZE separation in comparison with our previous EKS procedure realized on a single‐channel microchip. Without any degradation of resolution, the achieved LODs were on average ten times better than using conventional pinched injection.
Mitochondrial dysfunction by complex II inhibition delays overall cell cycle progression via reactive oxygen species production
Authors: Byun Hae‐Ok , Kim Hee Young , Lim Jin J. , Seo Yong‐Hak , Yoon Gyesoon
Published: April 2008

Mitochondrial complex II defect has recently been implicated in cellular senescence and in the ageing process of which a critical phenotype is retardation and arrest of cellular growth. However, the underlying mechanisms of how complex II defect affects cellular growth, remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of complex II inhibition using a subcytotoxic dose (400 µM) of 2‐thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTFA), a conventional complex II inhibitor, on cell cycle progression. TTFA (400 µM) directly decreased KCN‐sensitive cellular respiration rate to 67% of control and disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential. In contrast to other respiratory inhibitors such as rotenone, antimycin A, and oligomycin, TTFA prolonged the duration of each phase of the cell cycle (G1, S, and G2/M) equally, thereby delaying overall cell cycle progression. This delay was accompanied by a biphasic increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and concurrent glutathione oxidation, in addition to a slight decrease in the cellular ATP level. Finally, the delay in cell cycle progression caused by TTFA was proved to be mainly due to ROS overproduction and subsequent oxidative stress, as evidenced by its reversal following pretreatment with antioxidants. Taken together, these results suggest that an overall delay in cell cycle progression due to complex II defects may contribute to ageing and degenerative diseases via inhibition of cellular growth and proliferation without arrest at any specific phase of the cell cycle. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 1747–1759, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
c‐Myc represses FOXO3a‐mediated transcription of the gene encoding the p27Kip1 cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor
Authors: Chandramohan Vidyalakshmi , Mineva Nora D. , Burke Brian , Jeay Sébastien , Wu Min , Shen Jian , Yang William , Hann Stephen R. , Sonenshein Gail E.
Published: April 2008

The p27Kip1 (p27) cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor and c‐Myc oncoprotein play essential roles in control of cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Induction of p27 (CDKN1B) gene transcription by Forkhead box O proteins such as FOXO3a leads to growth arrest and apoptosis. Previously, we observed that B cell receptor (surface IgM) engagement of WEHI 231 immature B lymphoma cells with an anti‐IgM antibody results in activation of FOXO3a, growth arrest and apoptosis. As ectopic c‐Myc expression in these cells prevented anti‐IgM induction of p27 and cell death, we hypothesized that c‐Myc represses FOXO3a‐mediated transcription. Here we show that c‐Myc inhibits FOXO3a‐mediated activation of the p27 promoter in multiple cell lines. The mechanism of this repression was explored using a combination of co‐immunoprecipitation, oligonucleotide precipitation, and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments. The studies demonstrate a functional association of FOXO3a and c‐Myc on a proximal Forkhead binding element in the p27 promoter. This association involves the Myc box II domain of c‐Myc and the N‐terminal DNA‐binding portion of FOXO3a. Analysis of publicly available microarray datasets showed an inverse pattern of c‐MYC and p27 RNA expression in primary acute myeloid leukemia, prostate cancer and tongue squamous cell carcinoma samples. The inhibition of FOXO3a‐mediated activation of the p27 gene by the high aberrant expression of c‐Myc in many tumor cells likely contributes to their uncontrolled proliferation and invasive phenotype. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 2091–2106, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel butyrolactone derivative inhibited smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation and maintained endothelial cell functions through selectively affecting Na, K‐ATPase activity and mitochondria membrane potential during in vitro angiogenesis
Authors: Meng Ning , Zhao Jing , Zhao BaoXiang , Cheng Yizhe , Wang Weiwei , Zhang Yun , Zhang ShangLi , Miao JunYing
Published: April 2008

We have found that 3‐benzyl‐5‐((2‐nitrophenoxy) methyl)–dihydrofuran ‐2(3H)‐one (3BDO), could effectively suppress human umbilical vascular endothelial cell (HUVEC) apoptosis induced by deprivation of fibroblast growth factor‐2 and serum. Here, our purpose was to investigate whether 3BDO could modulate angiogenesis and its possible acting mechanism. The effect of 3BDO on angiogenesis was investigated by capillary‐like tubule formation and rat aortic ring assay. Proliferation and migration of cells were detected by counting living cell number and scraping cell monolayer, respectively. Na, K‐ATPase activity was measured spectrophotometrically. Mitochondrial membrane potential was analyzed using tetramethylrhodamine methylester fluorescence by confocal microscopy. Our results showed that 3BDO inhibited migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), but maintained migration and tubule formation of HUVECs. In HUVECs, 3BDO inhibited Na, K‐ATPase activity, but had no effect on mitochondria membrane potential. In VSMCs, it did not affect Na, K‐ATPase activity, but depressed mitochondria membrane potential obviously. The data showed that 3BDO had selective effects on HUVECs and VSMCs, it might perform its role through the selective effects on the activity of Na, K‐ATPase and the mitochondria membrane potential in HUVECs and VSMCs. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 2123–2130, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Process regulation via genealogical decision trees
Authors: Ikonen E. , Gomez‐Ramirez E. , Najim K.
Published: April 2008

This paper deals with regulation control on the basis of genealogical decision trees (GDTs). GDTs are a population‐based random search technique for solving sequential multimodal and multivariable trajectory tracking problems, when gradient information is not available or does not exist. A direct application of GDT results in an open‐loop control. In this paper, feedback regulation based on GDT is considered. In the proposed scheme, GDTs are used for solving off‐line a number of predictive control problems; a finite set of initial states is then constructed from these simulations, for each of which an optimal control sequence has been computed. Natural handling of missing state vector measurements is provided. Numerical examples dealing with the van der Vusse CSTR illustrate the feasibility and the efficiency of this feedback control algorithm. A discussion on alternative approaches and a numerical comparison with the Markov‐decision‐process‐based optimal policy are provided. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of six widely‐used dense gas dispersion models for three recent chlorine railcar accidents
Authors: Hanna Steven , Dharmavaram Seshu , Zhang John , Sykes Ian , Witlox Henk , Khajehnajafi Shah , Koslan Kay
Published: April 2008

Six widely‐used dense gas dispersion models (ALOHA, HGSYSTEM, SLAB, SCIPUFF, PHAST, and TRACE) were used to calculated downwind chlorine gas concentrations following three railcar accidents. The accidents, where as much as 60 tons of chlorine were released, were located at Festus, MO (release from a ruptured 1‐in. line while offloading), and Macdona, TX, and Graniteville, SC (release from a large hole due to an accident). Public sources such as National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reports were used to develop input data. Source emissions rates were refined based on source modeling with PHAST and TRACE and derivations using fundamental thermodynamic equations. No chlorine removal mechanisms, such as photolysis, chemical reactions, or deposition were accounted for. Given the same source emissions rates, the models' simulations of 10‐min averaged cloud centerline concentration, at downwind distances ranging from 0.1 to 10 km, agree with each other within plus and minus a factor of two most of the time. For a very large release (Graniteville), the 2,000, 400, and 20 ppm contours are predicted to extend downwind about 1.3, 3.1, and 14 km, respectively, from the source. There is also agreement among the models simulations of the plume widths and heights to the 2,000, 400, and 20 ppm contours. A major conclusion of the study is that estimation of the source or release term is important for reliable results, since the calculated chlorine concentrations are approximately proportional to the mass release rate. It must also be stressed that observed concentrations would be expected to be less than those calculated here, because removal by dry deposition at the surface and by chemical reactions in the plume have not been accounted for. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2008
The confirmation of accurate combination of functional and basis set for transition‐metal dimers: Fe2, Co2, Ni2, Ru2, Rh2, Pd2, Os2, Ir2, and Pt2
Authors: Du Jiguang , Sun Xiyuan , Wang Hongyan
Published: April 2008

Eight kinds of density functionals named B3LYP, PBE1PBE, B1B95, BLYP, BP86, G96PW91, mPWPW91, and SVWN along with two different valence basis sets (LANL2DZ and CEP‐121g) are employed to study the transition‐metal dimers for the elements of group VIII. By comparing the equilibrium bond distances, vibrational frequencies, and dissociation energies of the ground state of these dimers with the available experimental values and theoretical data, we show that the “pure” DFT methods (G96PW91, BLYP, and BP86) with great‐gradient approximation always give better results relative to the hybrid HF/DFT schemes (B3LYP, PBE1PBE, and B1B95). The striking case found by us is that the G96PW91 functional, which is not tested in previous systemic studies, always predicts the dissociation energy to be well. The Ru2 and Os2 dimers are sensitive to not only the functionals employed but also the valence basis sets adopted. The natural bond orbital population is analyzed, and the molecular orbitals of the unpaired electrons are determined. Furthermore, our results indicate that the s and d orbitals of these dimers always hybridize with each other except for Rh2 and Pt2 molecules. And by analyzing the electron configuration of the bonding atom, the dissociation limit of the ground state is obtained. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008