bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Evaluation of a Real-Time PCR Assay for Detection of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Carbapenemase Genes
Authors: Cole Justin M. , Schuetz Audrey N. , Hill Charles E. , Nolte Frederick S.
Published: November 2008

We developed a novel real-time PCR assay to detect
Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemases (KPCs) and used this assay to screen clinical isolates of
K. pneumoniae
and
Klebsiella oxytoca
for the presence of
bla
KPC
genes. The TaqMan real-time PCR assay amplified a 399-bp product from the
bla
KPC
gene. The amplicon was designed so that the genes for isoenzymes KPC-1, -2, and -3 could be easily distinguished by subsequent restriction digestion of the amplicon with the enzymes BstNI and RsaI. The assay was validated with reference strains obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that contained each of the three described isoenzymes and 69 extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing clinical isolates (39
K. pneumoniae
and 30
K. oxytoca
isolates). Subsequently, the
bla
KPC
PCR assay was used to confirm the presence of
bla
KPC
genes in any meropenem-resistant
Klebsiella
spp. The PCR assay detected
bla
KPC
in all of the reference strains, in 6 of 7 meropenem-resistant isolates, and in 0 of 62 meropenem-susceptible clinical isolates. The PCR assay was then used to confirm the presence of
bla
KPC
in an additional 20 meropenem-resistant isolates from 16 patients. Restriction digestion of the PCR amplicons identified two
bla
KPC
gene variants in our patient population: 9 isolates with C and 17 with T at nucleotide 944, consistent with
bla
KPC-2
and
bla
KPC-3
, respectively. The real-time PCR assay is a rapid and accurate method to detect all KPC isoenzymes and was useful in documenting the presence and dissemination of KPC-producing strains in our patient population.
Predominance of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
EAI and Beijing Lineages in Yangon, Myanmar
Authors: Phyu Sabai , Stavrum Ruth , Lwin Thandar , Svendsen Øyvind S. , Ti Ti , Grewal Harleen M. S.
Published: November 2008

Isolates of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Beijing lineage are associated with high rates of transmission, hypervirulence and drug resistance. The Beijing lineage has been shown to dominate the tuberculosis (TB) epidemic in East Asia; however, the diversity and frequency of
M. tuberculosis
genotypes from Myanmar are unknown. We present the first comprehensive study describing the
M. tuberculosis
isolates circulating in Yangon, Myanmar. Thus, 310 isolates from pulmonary TB patients from Yangon, Myanmar, were genotyped by spoligotyping and IS
6110
-based restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (IS
6110
RFLP). The most frequent lineages observed were the East African-Indian (EAI; 48.4%;
n
= 150) and Beijing (31.9%;
n
= 99) lineages. Isolates belonging to the most frequent shared types (STs), ST1 (
n
= 98; Beijing), ST292 (
n
= 28; EAI), and ST89 (
n
= 11; EAI), had ≥75% similarity in their IS
6110
patterns. Five of 11 Beijing isolates comprising five clusters with identical IS
6110
RFLP patterns could be discriminated by mycobacterial interspersed repetitive-unit-variable-number tandem-repeat (MIRU-VNTR) analysis. Of the 150 EAI isolates, 40 isolates (26.7%) had only one IS
6110
copy, and 17 of these isolates could be discriminated by MIRU-VNTR analysis. The findings from this study suggest that although there is a predominance of the ancient EAI lineage in Yangon, the TB epidemic in Yangon is driven by clonal expansion of the ST1 genotype. The Beijing lineage isolates (21.4%) were more likely (
P
= 0.009) than EAI lineage isolates to be multidrug resistant (MDR) (1.3%; odds ratio, 3.2, adjusted for the patients' history of exposure to anti-TB drugs), suggesting that the spread of MDR Beijing isolates is a major problem in Yangon.
Rotavirus Architecture at Subnanometer Resolution
Authors: Li Zongli , Baker Matthew L. , Jiang Wen , Estes Mary K. , Prasad B. V. Venkataram
Published: November 2008

Rotavirus, a nonturreted member of theReoviridae, is the causative agent of severe infantile diarrhea. The double-stranded RNA genome encodes six structural proteins that make up the triple-layer particle. X-ray crystallography has elucidated the structure of one of these capsid proteins, VP6, and two domains from VP4, the spike protein. Complementing this work, electron cryomicroscopy (cryoEM) has provided relatively low-resolution structures for the triple-layer capsid in several biochemical states. However, a complete, high-resolution structural model of rotavirus remains unresolved. Combining new structural analysis techniques with the subnanometer-resolution cryoEM structure of rotavirus, we now provide a more detailed structural model for the major capsid proteins and their interactions within the triple-layer particle. Through a series of intersubunit interactions, the spike protein (VP4) adopts a dimeric appearance above the capsid surface, while forming a trimeric base anchored inside one of the three types of aqueous channels between VP7 and VP6 capsid layers. While the trimeric base suggests the presence of three VP4 molecules in one spike, only hints of the third molecule are observed above the capsid surface. Beyond their interactions with VP4, the interactions between VP6 and VP7 subunits could also be readily identified. In the innermost T=1 layer composed of VP2, visualization of the secondary structure elements allowed us to identify the polypeptide fold for VP2 and examine the complex network of interactions between this layer and the T=13 VP6 layer. This integrated structural approach has resulted in a relatively high-resolution structural model for the complete, infectious structure of rotavirus, as well as revealing the subtle nuances required for maintaining interactions in such a large macromolecular assembly.
Quantum Chemical Benchmark Energy and Geometry Database for Molecular Clusters and Complex Molecular Systems (www.begdb.com): A Users Manual and Examples
Authors: Řezáč Jan , Jurečka Petr , Riley Kevin E. , Černý Jiří , Valdes Haydee , Pluháčková Kristýna , Berka Karel , Řezáč Tomáš , Pitoňák Michal , Vondrášek Jiří , Hobza Pavel
Published: November 2008

Our previous benchmark CCSD(T)/ complete basis set limit calculations were collected into a database named begdb - Benchmark Energy and Geometry DataBase. Web-based interface to this database was prepared and is available at www.begdb.com. Users can browse, search and plot the data online or download structures and energy tables.
Morphological, Meristic, and Genetic Analysis of Stock Structure in Juvenile Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) from the Newfoundland Shelf
Authors: Pepin Pierre , Carr Steven M.
Published: November 2008

We examined joint patterns of variation among 11 morphological variables, vertebral counts, and DNA sequence variation in the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene among juvenile (0-group) Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) from the northeast Newfoundland shelf and the Grand Banks. Canonical discriminant analysis shows that the group centroids of fish on and off the Grand Banks are significantly different and that fish from the most southerly region (3O) have a significantly smaller mean vertebral count than fish from the more northerly regions (3K, 3L); however, there is substantial overlap of individuals, and reclassification of fish into their region of origin is successful in less than 50% of cases. Analysis of the distribution of 10 DNA sequence genotypes indicates substantial homogeneity of genotypes within localities and little or no genetic subdivision among regions. The pattern of genetic differentiation is consistent with a model of recent origin of most genetic variation following a bottleneck in population numbers. The combination of morphological, meristic, and genetic analysis of juvenile cod in NAFO Divisions 3K, 3L, and 3O does not support the hypothesis of stock separation among these areas. In particular, our data do not support the use of vertebral counts to define stock separation during early life history.
Taking Refuge from Bycatch Issues: Red King Crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) and Trawl Fisheries in the Eastern Bering Sea
Authors: Armstrong David A. , Wainwright Thomas C. , Jensen Gregory C. , Dinnel Paul A. , Andersen Helle B.
Published: November 2008

Concerns about possibly heavy impacts of bottom trawl fisheries on red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) pot fisheries in the eastern Bering Sea led in 1987 to an emergency closure of trawling in an area of adult and juvenile crab habitat. We examine the effectiveness of this bycatch refuge in protecting and possibly enhancing the crab resource using three approaches. First, bycatch of crab in trawl fisheries is a small proportion of total estimated abundance throughout the southeastern Bering Sea but may be high relative to stock abundance within the closed area and relative to annual crab landings; recent regulations have diminished this apparent effect. Effects of direct bycatch on the stock are obscured by lack of evidence on indirect effects of trawling, including crushing of crab and degredation of juvenile habitat. Second, surveys inside and outside the refuge before and after closure show no significant changes in abundance of female and prerecruit male crab. Third, important breeding and hatching grounds and juvenile habitat are not protected by the refuge, leaving long-term stock renewal subject to trawl impacts. We suggest that full consideration of the needs of all life history stages could lead to a more effective refuge design.
"LIGHT FROM CHAOS" IN TWO DIMENSIONS
Authors: POPPITZ ERICH , SHANG YANWEN
Published: November 2008

We perform a Monte Carlo study of the lattice two-dimensional gauged XY-model. Our results confirm the strong-coupling expansion arguments that for sufficiently small values of the spin–spin coupling the "gauge symmetry breaking" terms decouple and the long-distance physics is that of the unbroken pure gauge theory. We find no evidence for the existence, conjectured earlier, of massless states near a critical value of the spin–spin coupling. We comment on recent remarks in the literature on the use of gauged XY-models in proposed constructions of chiral lattice gauge theories.
THE VON NEUMANN ENTROPY OF EPR SPIN CORRELATION FOR THE RELATIVISTIC PAIRS
Authors: NISHIKAWA YOSHIHISA
Published: November 2008

Variation of the von Neumann entropy by the Lorentz transformation is discussed. Taking the spin-singlet state in the center-of-mass frame, the von Neumann entropy in the laboratory frame is calculated from the reduced density matrix obtained by taking the trace over 4-momentum after the Lorentz transformation. As the model to discuss the EPR spin correlation, it is supposed that one parent particle splits into a superposition state of various pair states in various directions. Computing the von Neumann entropy and the Shannon entropy, we have shown a global behavior of the entropy to see a relativistic effect. We discuss also the superrelativistic limit, distinguishability between the two particles of the pair and so on.
H∞LOOP-SHAPING CONTROLLER FOR A BOOST CONVERTER WITH HARMONIC REDUCTION
Authors: PATNAIK S. K. , UMAMAHESWARI B.
Published: November 2008

This paper presents a simple and systematic approach to the design of an H∞loop-shaping controller for a boost converter operating in continuous conduction mode. Using an averaged linear model of the converter, a robust controller is developed, guaranteeing stability, and the desired closed-loop dynamic response. A controller exists if and only if the unique stabilizing solutions to two algebric Riccati equations are positive definite and the spectral radius of their product is less than [Formula: see text]. Under these conditions, a compact control structure is obtained and the controller is parameterized. The main contribution of the tuning rules is that the controller parameters can be obtained using one design parameter which reflects the trade-off between stability robustness and time domain performance. Various aspects of the design, including the associated practical problems and the proposed solutions, are detailed. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the design procedure.
POWER LAW COSMOLOGICAL SOLUTION DERIVED FROM THE DGP BRANE WITH A BRANE TACHYON FIELD
Authors: PING YONGLI , XU LIXIN , LIU HONGYA , SHAO YING
Published: November 2008

By studying a tachyon field on the DGP brane model, in order to embed the 4D standard Friedmann equation with a brane tachyon field in the 5D bulk, we present the metric of the 5D space–time. Then, adopting the inverse square potential of the tachyon field, we obtain an expanding universe with a power law on the brane and an exact 5D solution.
4D STATIC SOLUTIONS WITH INTERACTING PHANTOM FIELDS
Authors: DZHUNUSHALIEV VLADIMIR , FOLOMEEV VLADIMIR
Published: November 2008

Three static models with two interacting phantom and ghost scalar fields are considered: a model of a traversable wormhole, a branelike model and a spherically symmetric problem. It is shown numerically that regular solutions exist for all three cases.
FORM INVARIANT TRANSFORMATIONS BETWEEN n- AND m-DIMENSIONAL FLAT FRIEDMANN–ROBERTSON–WALKER COSMOLOGIES
Authors: CATALDO MAURICIO , CHIMENTO LUIS P.
Published: November 2008

We illustrate how a group of symmetry transformations, which preserve the form of the n-dimensional flat Friedmann–Robertson–Walker cosmologies satisfying Einstein's equations, act in any dimension. This group relates the energy density and the isotropic pressure of the cosmic fluid to the expansion rate. The freedom associated with the dimension of the space–time yields assisted inflation even when the energy density of the fluid is a dimensional invariant and enriches the set of duality transformations leading to phantom cosmologies.
MOTION SYNTHESIS FROM THE SEMANTIC SIGNALS
Authors: ZHU DENGMING , WANG ZHAOQI , ZHANG YINGPING
Published: November 2008

It is still an open problem to reuse the motion capture data in an intuitive way. In this paper, we present a novel technology to synthesize animations from the low-dimensional semantic signals. The semantic signals are defined as the meanings which are visible to the animators, such as the angles of joints rotation around axis, the trajectories of joints, or other intuitive motion signals. A linear time-invariant system is used to model the relationship between the input semantic signals and the output human motions. Once the model parameters are estimated, the outputs of system can be effectively controlled by the inputs. Because the semantic signals can be intuitively sketched or modified by animators according to the general knowledge in everyday life, this may provide an intuitive tool for animators to create new animations from the existing data. Furthermore, a novel algorithm is also proposed to edit the semantic signals for creating the full body motions while considering the correlations among joints. This is different from the traditional methods which consider human joints as independent from each other.
LAYERED IMAGE TRANSMISSION WITH QUALITY PRE-SPECIFIABLE JPEG2000
Authors: OU CHIEN-MIN , LI HUI-YA , HWANG WEN-JYI , LIU MEI-HWA
Published: November 2008

A novel JPEG2000-based algorithm, termed quality pre-specifiable layered JPEG2000 (QPSL-JPEG2000), for realizing a layered image transmission (LIT) system is presented in this paper. In the QPSL-JPEG2000 algorithm, the resolution and rate associated with each layer of the LIT system can be pre-specified. It encodes an image one layer at a time using the modified JPEG2000 technique. The encoding process at each layer only covers the subbands having resolution level lower than the designated resolution at that layer subject to the pre-specified incremental rate budget. The encoding results at the previous layers will be used in the current layer to accelerate the encoding process. Numerical results show that the QPSL-JPEG2000 algorithm outperforms its counterparts for constructing the rate and resolution pre-specified LIT systems.
THEORETICAL STUDIES ON BOND DISSOCIATION ENERGIES FOR SOME THIOL COMPOUNDS BY DENSITRY FUNCTIONAL THEORY AND CBS-Q METHOD
Authors: LI XIAO-HONG , TANG ZHENG-XIN , JALBOUT ABRAHAM F. , ZHANG XIAN-ZHOU , CHENG XIN-LU
Published: November 2008

Quantum chemical calculations are used to estimate the bond dissociation energies (BDEs) for 15 thiol compounds. These compounds are studied by employing the hybrid density functional theory (B3LYP, B3PW91, B3P86, PBE0) methods and the complete basis set (CBS-Q) method together with 6-311G** basis set. It is demonstrated that B3P86 and CBS-Q methods are accurate for computing the reliable BDEs for thiol compounds. In order to test whether the non-local BLYP method suggested by Fu et al.19 is general for our study and whether B3P86 method has a low basis set sensitivity, the BDEs for seven thiol compounds are also calculated using BLYP/6-31+G* and B3P86 method with 6-31+G*, 6-31+G**, and 6-311+G** basis sets for comparison. The obtained results are compared with the available experimental results. It is noted that B3P86 method is not sensitive to the basis set. Considering the inevitable computational cost of CBS-Q method and the reliability of the B3P86 calculations, B3P86 method with a moderate or a larger basis set may be more suitable to calculate the BDEs of the C–SH bond for thiol compounds.
AB INITIO POTENTIAL ENERGY SURFACE AND PREDICTED ROVIBRATIONAL SPECTRA FOR THE Kr–N2O COMPLEX
Authors: CHEN RONG , ZHU HUA
Published: November 2008

The potential energy surface for the Kr – N 2 O complex is calculated using the coupled-cluster singles and doubles with noniterative inclusion of connected triples [CCSD(T)] with a large basis set including midpoint bond functions. The interaction energies are obtained by the supermolecular approach with the full counterpoise correction for the basis set superposition error. The CCSD(T) potential is found to have two minima corresponding to the T-shaped and linear Kr – ONN structures. The geometry for the T-shaped configuration is very close to the experimental results. The two-dimensional discrete variable representation method is applied to calculate the rovibrational energy levels with N 2 O at its ground and ν3 excited states. The calculated transition frequencies and spectroscopic constants are in good agreement with the observed values.
TRACING COLLATERAL CIRCULATION AFTER ISCHEMIA IN RAT CORTEX BY LASER SPECKLE IMAGING
Authors: LUO WEIHUA , LI PENGCHENG , WANG ZHEN , ZENG SHAOQUN , LUO QINGMING
Published: November 2008

The collateral circulation is crucial for the pathophysiology and outcome of acute cortical ischemia. Current understanding of collateral circulation still remains sparse, largely due to prior limitations of spatial or/and temporal resolution in methods to evaluate these diminutive redistributive routes of cerebral blood flow (CBF) especially in leptomeningeal anastomoses that connected cortical arteries. In the study, based on a mini-stroke model, laser speckle imaging with high spatiotemporal resolution was used to assess the dynamic evolution of the collateral circulation around a mini-ischemia in the rat cortex. We found that the blood flow and diameter in the intra-arterial anastomoses were enhanced immediately after the ligation of one branch of middle cerebral artery and recovered to baseline level as arterial recirculation was performed. Whereas the communicative flow-through of the posterior cerebral artery and the middle cerebral artery anastomoses was not significant enough to be determined. This is the evidence that intra-arterial anastomoses were the primary routes to restore blood flow into the ischemic territory during the acute phase of ischemia, and laser speckle imaging method was proven as a powerful tool to be potential for subserving further investigation of the collateral circulation.
Vulnerability to oxidative stress and different patterns of senescence in human peritoneal mesothelial cell strains
Authors: Ksiazek Krzysztof , Mikula-Pietrasik Justyna , Olijslagers Sharon , Jörres Achim , von Zglinicki Thomas , Witowski Janusz
Published: November 2008

Both the ascites fluid-derived mesothelial cell line LP-9 and primary cultures of human omentum-derived mesothelial cells (HOMCs) are commonly used in experimental studies. However, they seem to have a different replicative potential in vitro. In the present study, we have attempted to determine the causes of this discrepancy. HOMCs were found to divide fewer times and enter senescence earlier than LP-9 cells. This effect was coupled with earlier increases in the expression of senescence-associated-β-galactosidase and cell cycle inhibitors p16INK4aand p21WAF1. Moreover, almost 3 times as many early-passage HOMCs as LP-9 cells bore senescence-associated DNA damage foci. In sharp contrast to LP-9 cells, the foci present in HOMCs localized predominantly outside the telomeres, and the HOMC telomere length did not significantly shorten during senescence. Compared with LP-9 cells, HOMCs were found to enter senescence with significantly lower levels of lipofuscin and damaged DNA, and markedly decreased glutathione contents. In addition, early-passage HOMCs generated significantly more reactive oxygen species either spontaneously or in response to exogenous oxidants. These results indicate that compared with LP-9 cells, HOMCs undergo stress-induced telomere-independent premature senescence, which may result from increased vulnerability to oxidative DNA injury.
Coingestion of protein with carbohydrate during recovery from endurance exercise stimulates skeletal muscle protein synthesis in humans
Authors: Howarth Krista R. , Moreau Natalie A. , Phillips Stuart M. , Gibala Martin J.
Published: November 2008

Coingestion of protein with carbohydrate (CHO) during recovery from exercise can affect muscle glycogen synthesis, particularly if CHO intake is suboptimal. Another potential benefit of protein feeding is an increased synthesis rate of muscle proteins, as is well documented after resistance exercise. In contrast, the effect of nutrient manipulation on muscle protein kinetics after aerobic exercise remains largely unexplored. We tested the hypothesis that ingesting protein with CHO after a standardized 2-h bout of cycle exercise would increase mixed muscle fractional synthetic rate (FSR) and whole body net protein balance (WBNB) vs. trials matched for total CHO or total energy intake. We also examined whether postexercise glycogen synthesis could be enhanced by adding protein or additional CHO to a feeding protocol that provided 1.2 g CHO·kg−1·h−1, which is the rate generally recommended to maximize this process. Six active men ingested drinks during the first 3 h of recovery that provided either 1.2 g CHO·kg−1·h−1 (L-CHO), 1.2 g CHO + 0.4 g protein·kg−1·h−1 (PRO-CHO), or 1.6 g CHO·kg−1·h−1 (H-CHO) in random order. Based on a primed constant infusion of l-[ ring-2H5]phenylalanine, analysis of biopsies (vastus lateralis) obtained at 0 and 4 h of recovery showed that muscle FSR was higher ( P < 0.05) in PRO-CHO (0.09 ± 0.01%/h) vs. both L-CHO (0.07 ± 0.01%/h) and H-CHO (0.06 ± 0.01%/h). WBNB assessed using [1-13C]leucine was positive only during PRO-CHO, and this was mainly attributable to a reduced rate of protein breakdown. Glycogen synthesis rate was not different between trials. We conclude that ingesting protein with CHO during recovery from aerobic exercise increased muscle FSR and improved WBNB, compared with feeding strategies that provided CHO only and were matched for total CHO or total energy intake. However, adding protein or additional CHO to a feeding strategy that provided 1.2 g CHO·kg−1·h−1 did not further enhance glycogen resynthesis during recovery.
NKCC1 and AE3 Appear to Accumulate Chloride in Embryonic Motoneurons
Authors: Gonzalez-Islas Carlos , Chub Nikolai , Wenner Peter
Published: November 2008

During early development, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) depolarizes and excites neurons, contrary to its typical function in the mature nervous system. As a result, developing networks are hyperexcitable and experience a spontaneous network activity that is important for several aspects of development. GABA is depolarizing because chloride is accumulated beyond its passive distribution in these developing cells. Identifying all of the transporters that accumulate chloride in immature neurons has been elusive and it is unknown whether chloride levels are different at synaptic and extrasynaptic locations. We have therefore assessed intracellular chloride levels specifically at synaptic locations in embryonic motoneurons by measuring the GABAergic reversal potential ( EGABA) for GABAAminiature postsynaptic currents. When whole cell patch solutions contained 17–52 mM chloride, we found that synaptic EGABAwas around −30 mV. Because of the low HCO3−permeability of the GABAAreceptor, this value of EGABAcorresponds to approximately 50 mM intracellular chloride. It is likely that synaptic chloride is maintained at levels higher than the patch solution by chloride accumulators. We show that the Na+-K+-2Cl−cotransporter, NKCC1, is clearly involved in the accumulation of chloride in motoneurons because blocking this transporter hyperpolarized EGABAand reduced nerve potentials evoked by local application of a GABAAagonist. However, chloride accumulation following NKCC1 block was still clearly present. We find physiological evidence of chloride accumulation that is dependent on HCO3−and sensitive to an anion exchanger blocker. These results suggest that the anion exchanger, AE3, is also likely to contribute to chloride accumulation in embryonic motoneurons.
Size–Weight Illusion, Anticipation, and Adaptation of Fingertip Forces in Patients With Cerebellar Degeneration
Authors: Rabe K. , Brandauer B. , Li Y. , Gizewski E. R. , Timmann D. , Hermsdörfer J.
Published: November 2008

The smaller of two equally weighted objects is judged to be heavier when lifted (size–weight illusion [SWI]). In contrast, fingertip forces show an initial size effect but adapt to the true object weights within a few trials. The aim of this study was to investigate possible contributions of the cerebellum to SWI, force anticipation, and adaptation based on object size and weight. Eighteen participants with isolated cerebellar degeneration and 18 age- and gender-matched controls alternately lifted objects of equal weight but different size in 40 trials. All participants perceived the small object to be heavier after lifting (perceptive SWI). Fingertip forces were significantly higher during the first lift of the large object compared with the small object in the control and cerebellar groups. For the load-force rate and lifting acceleration, effects of anticipation were significantly less in the cerebellar compared with the control group. Grip and load forces were adapted to object weight during repeated lifts in both groups. Preserved perceptive SWI in cerebellar patients supports the hypothesis that perceptive SWI depends on the function of the ventral visual path that receives no or few efferents from the cerebellum. The findings of preserved anticipation and adaptation of grip forces in cerebellar patients, however, were unexpected. Reduced anticipation of load forces suggests that the neural presentation of predictive grip- and load-force control may be different. Findings show that representation and adaptation of internal models of object characteristics are not exclusively located in the cerebellum.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Silver Citrate Complexes
Authors: Djokić Stojan
Published: November 2008

Formation of silver citrate/citric acid complexed solutions was investigated. Although, silver citrate is minimally soluble in water, it can successfully be dissolved in citric acid solutions. The maximum concentration of Ag(I) in solution is estimated at 23 to 25 g/L if the concentration of citric acid is at least 4 mol/L or higher. The dissolution of silver citrate in citric acid solutions was attributed to the formation of silver citrate complexes of a general formula . The silver citrate/citric acid solutions, containing more than about 13 g/L Ag+ ion, have exhibited a decrease in Ag(I) concentration in solution over time, due to crystallization. The crystallization product was attributed to the formation of . Importantly, the diluted silver citrate/citric acid complexed solutions have exhibited very strong bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities.
The Generalizations of Hilbert′s Inequality
Authors: Hua Liubin , Ke Huazhong , Li Yongjin
Published: November 2008

By introducing some parameters and estimating
the weight functions, we establish a new Hilbert‐type inequalities with best
constant factors. The equivalent inequalities are also considered.
Torcetrapib Differentially Modulates the Biological Activities of HDL2 and HDL3 Particles in the Reverse Cholesterol Transport Pathway
Authors: Catalano Giovanna , Julia Zélie , Frisdal Eric , Vedie Benoit , Fournier Natalie , Le Goff Wilfried , Chapman M. John , Guerin Maryse
Published: November 2008

Objective—

Therapeutic strategies to raise low plasma HDL-cholesterol levels, with concomitant normalization of the intravascular metabolism, physicochemical properties, and antiatherogenic function of HDL particles, are a major focus in atherosclerosis prevention.

Methods and Results—

Patients displaying Type IIB hyperlipidemia (n=14) and healthy controls (n=11) were recruited. After drug washout, dyslipidemic patients first received atorvastatin (10 mg/d) for 6 weeks and subsequently torcetrapib/atorvastatin (60/10 mg/d) for the same period. Partial CETP inhibition markedly reduced supranormal CE transfer rates to normal levels from HDL3 (−58%;
P
<0.0001) to apoB-lipoproteins; endogenous CE transfer rates from HDL2 to apoB-lipoproteins were markedly subnormal as compared to those in control subjects (10.7±0.9 versus 29.3±4.8 μgCE/h/mL plasma, respectively). Torcetrapib enhanced the subnormal capacity of HDL2 particles from dyslipidemic patients to mediate free cholesterol efflux via both SR-BI and ABCG1 pathways (+38%;
P
<0.003 and +35%;
P
<0.03, respectively) as compared to baseline. In vitro observations and in vivo studies in mice demonstrated that CETP inhibition was associated with an enhanced selective hepatic uptake of CE from HDL particles (1.7-fold;
P
<0.0003).

Conclusion—

CETP inhibition partially corrected the abnormal physicochemical and functional properties of HDL2 and HDL3 particles in type IIB hyperlipidemia. Enhanced hepatic selective uptake of HDL-CE may compensate for attenuated indirect CE transfer to apoB-containing lipoproteins via CETP attributable to torcetrapib.
Oxidative Stress–Induced Afterdepolarizations and Calmodulin Kinase II Signaling
Authors: Xie Lai-Hua , Chen Fuhua , Karagueuzian Hrayr S. , Weiss James N.
Published: November 2008

In the heart, oxidative stress caused by exogenous H2O2has been shown to induce early afterdepolarizations (EADs) and triggered activity by impairing Na current (INa) inactivation. Because H2O2activates Ca2+/calmodulin kinase (CaMK)II, which also impairsINainactivation and promotes EADs, we hypothesized that CaMKII activation may be an important factor in EADs caused by oxidative stress. Using the patch-clamp and intracellular Ca (Cai) imaging in Fluo-4 AM–loaded rabbit ventricular myocytes, we found that exposure to H2O2(0.2 to 1 mmol/L) for 5 to 15 minutes consistently induced EADs that were suppressed by theINablocker tetrodotoxin (10 μmol/L), as well as theICa,Lblocker nifedipine. H2O2enhanced both peak and lateICa,L, consistent with CaMKII-mediated facilitation. By prolonging the action potential plateau and increasing Ca influx viaICa,L, H2O2-induced EADs were also frequently followed by DADs in response to spontaneous (ie, non–ICa,L-gated) sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca release after repolarization. The CaMKII inhibitor KN-93 (1 μmol/L; n=4), but not its inactive analog KN-92 (1 μmol/L, n=5), prevented H2O2-induced EADs and DADs, and the selective CaMKII peptide inhibitor AIP (autocamtide-2–related inhibitory peptide) (2 μmol/L) significantly delayed their onset. In conclusion, H2O2-induced afterdepolarizations depend on both impairedINainactivation to reduce repolarization reserve and enhancement ofICa,Lto reverse repolarization, which are both facilitated by CaMKII activation. Our observations support a link between increased oxidative stress, CaMKII activation, and afterdepolarizations as triggers of lethal ventricular arrhythmias in diseased hearts.
Motor Recovery and Axonal Plasticity With Short-Term Amphetamine After Stroke
Authors: Papadopoulos Catherine M. , Tsai Shih-Yen , Guillen Veronica , Ortega Juan , Kartje Gwendolyn L. , Wolf William A.
Published: November 2008

Background and Purpose—There is considerable debate regarding the efficacy of amphetamine to facilitate motor recovery after stroke or experimental brain injury. Different drug dosing and timing schedules and differing physical rehabilitation strategies may contribute to outcome variability. The present study was designed to ascertain (1) whether short-term amphetamine could induce long-term functional motor recovery in rats after an ischemic lesion modeling stroke in humans; (2) how different levels of physical rehabilitation interact with amphetamine to enhance forelimb-related functional outcome; and (3) whether motor improvement was associated with axonal sprouting from intact corticoefferent pathways originating in the contralesional forelimb motor cortex.

Methods—After permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion, rats received vehicle or amphetamine during the first postoperative week (2 mg/kg, subcutaneously on Postoperative Days 2, 5, and 8). In both treatment groups, separate cohorts of rats were exposed to different levels of “physical rehabilitation” represented by a control environment, enriched environment, or enriched environment with additional sessions of focused activity. Skilled forelimb performance was assessed using the forelimb reaching task and ladder rung walk test. Anterograde tracing with biotinylated dextran amine was used to assess new fiber outgrowth to denervated motor areas.

Results—All treatment groups showed significant motor improvement as compared with control-housed, vehicle-treated animals. However, animals housed in an enriched environment that received amphetamine paired with focused activity sessions performed significantly better than any other treatment group and was the only group to achieve complete motor recovery (ie, reached preoperative performance) by 8 weeks. This recovery was associated with axonal sprouting into deafferentated subcortical areas from contralesional projection neurons.

Conclusions—This study suggests that, after stroke, short-term pairing of amphetamine with sufficiently focused activity is an effective means of inducing long-term improvement in forelimb motor function. The anatomic data suggests that corticoefferent plasticity in the form of axonal sprouting contributes to the maintenance of motor recovery.
Wind erosion of waste impoundments in arid climates and mitigation of dust pollution
Authors: Blight G.E.
Published: November 2008

Wind can erode and disperse fine-grained material from an impoundment of mining, industrial or municipal waste that stands above the level of its surroundings. Such dust dispersion can be a serious nuisance as well as a health hazard to inhabitants and animals in nearby settlements. It can also degrade crops, making them less marketable, and pollute soil, surface water and ground water. Wind can seasonally erode waste impoundments in all types of climate, but the erosion intensifies and persists for more of each year as regional aridity increases. As clouds of dust are often observed billowing across the top surfaces of waste impoundments in dry windy weather, there is a common misconception that dust arises from erosion of the top surface of an impoundment, resulting in much effort and money being misspent on top treatments when in fact the sloped sides of the impoundments are the true source of blown dust. This paper offers a brief review of general waste impoundment wind erosion issues and then focuses in more detail on the mechanics of how wind erodes surfaces of waste impoundments. Recommendations are offered for mitigating the effects of wind-eroded dust.
Oil palm waste and synthetic zeolite: an alternative soil-less growth substrate for lettuce production as a waste management practice
Authors: Jayasinghe Guttila Y. , Tokashiki Yoshihiro , Kitou Makato , Kinjo Kazutoshi
Published: November 2008

A study was conducted to assess the characteristics and the prospective utilization of oil palm waste (OP) and synthetic zeolite (SZ) developed by coal fly ash, as an alternative substrate to peat and commercial perlite for lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.) production. The SZ, OP, sphagnum peat (PE), perlite (PL) and two different SZ—OP mixtures (v/v) at the ratio of 1 : 3 and 1 : 10 were utilized as the substrates under this study. The substrates formulated by mixing SZ with OP at the ratio of 1 : 3 and 1 : 10 showed improved substrate physical and chemical properties such as air space, bulk density, particle density, water-holding capacity, pH and electrical conductivity (EC), which were in the ideal substrate range when compared with PL. Furthermore, the water-holding capacity of the substrate having a 1 : 10 mixing ratio of SZ with OP was higher than that of the PL by 28.23%, whereas the bulk density was lower than that of PL by 35%. A greenhouse experiment was carried out to assess the influence of the substrates on the growth and development of lettuce. The shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight and number of leaves per plant of the lettuce grown in the 1 : 10 mixing ratio of SZ and OP were the highest, which showed increased values compared with that of PL by 11.56, 9.77, 3.48, 17.35 and 16.53%, respectively. The shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight and number of leaves per plant of the lettuce grown in the 1 : 10 mixing ratio of SZ and OP showed increased percentages compared with that of PE by 12.12, 11.37, 3.74, 23.66 and 17.50%, respectively. In addition, the growth and yield parameters of lettuce grown in the 1 : 3 mixing ratio and the OP did not show any significant difference with PL and PE but differed from the 1 : 10 mixing ratio. The results of the study suggest that the SZ—OP-based substrates and OP can be successfully utilized as alternatives to the commercial perlite and to substitute the conventional peat substrate for lettuce cultivation. In addition, this can be proposed as an alternative waste management practice.
Socially Responsible Consumer Behavior?
Authors: Ha-Brookshire Jung E. , Hodges Nancy N.
Published: November 2008

Most research on socially responsible consumer behavior has focused on consumer purchasing behavior; therefore, little is known about it during the product disposal stage. This study seeks an in-depth understanding of consumer disposal behavior in a used clothing donation setting. An interpretive analysis revealed that the primary motivation for participants' used clothing donation behavior is the need to create space in the closet for something new. The threat of feelings of guilt played a significant role throughout the process prior to donation, specifically in the decision whether to discard or donate a clothing item. Participants experienced both utilitarian and hedonic values regarding their donation behavior, and these values in turn affected future donation intentions. A conceptual model based on the study findings that integrates a theory of reasoned action framework with a consumer values perspective is proposed. Study implications and future research avenues are also discussed.
Cosmogenic 10Be and 26Al ages of Holocene moraines in southern Norway II: evidence for individualistic responses of high-altitude glaciers to millennial-scale climatic fluctuations
Authors: Shakesby Richard A. , Matthews John A. , Schnabel Christoph
Published: November 2008

Abstract:10Be and 26Al exposure ages are reported for boulder moraine ridges in front of two high-altitude cirque glaciers (Austanbotnbreen, Jotunheimen and Østre Tundradalskyrkjabre, Breheimen) in southern Norway. Ages and 1σ external uncertainties for Austanbotnbreen moraines range from 7.4 ± 0.75 ka to 8.7 ± 0.9 ka when no adjustment for snow shielding is made. With the maximum conceivable snow cover effect (2 m thick, a density of 0.2 g/cm3 , 6 months duration) at the exposed site, the resulting adjusted (7.7 ± 0.8 to 10.9 ± 1.3 ka) as well as unadjusted ages suggest moraine formation possibly during both the 8.2 ka event (Finse Event in southern Norway) and the Erdalen Event ( c. 10.0 ka). In contrast, ages obtained for the outer ridges of the large moraine complex in front of Østre Tundradalskyrkjabre range from 1.1 ± 0.3 ka to 1.9 ± 0.4 ka assuming no snow shielding. Assuming extreme snow-lie conditions (4 m thick, 0.2 g/cm3 density, 6 months duration) at this more sheltered site, the adjusted ages (1.4 ± 0.4 to 2.4 ± 0.5 ka) still indicate late-Holocene, pre-`Little Ice Age' ridge formation. Less likely alternative explanations of the late-Holocene ages, including avalanching of debris onto the moraine, inventories of inherited nuclides in the samples and possible episodic `push-deformation' disturbance of the ice-cored moraine complex, are discussed. The results point to the potential of surface exposure dating in reconstructing Holocene glacier variation chronologies, particularly with respect to high-altitude glaciers and to individualistic responses of these glaciers to Holocene millennial-scale climatic fluctuations. Difficulties with dating moraines in front of small high-altitude glaciers using cosmogenic nuclides, including uncertain snow shielding effect, short glacial transport distance, possibly not `zeroing' an inherited cosmogenic signal and repeated disturbance of a moraine complex, are discussed.
An evidence synthesis approach to estimating Hepatitis C Prevalence in England and Wales
Authors: De Angelis D. , Sweeting M. , Ades AE , Hickman M. , Hope V. , Ramsay M.
Published: November 2008

In England and Wales, routine monitoring has been consistently showing an increase in mortality and morbidity due to infection with the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). However, the magnitude of the underlying epidemic is still the subject of debate. In this paper we present estimates of the number of individuals aged 15—59 chronically infected with HCV in 2003, derived from a Bayesian synthesis of information available from multiple sources on the size of the groups at risk for HCV and the risk specific anti-HCV prevalence. Results show that the number of chronic infections is of the order of 142,000 (95% CrI: 90,000, 231,000), with the majority (85%, 95% CrI: 74%, 93%) in injecting drug users and about 80% (95% CrI: 74%, 84%) in the age group 15—44.
Estimating dose-response effects in psychological treatment trials: the role of instrumental variables
Authors: Maracy Mohammad , Dunn Graham
Published: November 2008

We present a relatively non-technical and practically orientated review of statistical methods that can be used to estimate dose—response relationships in randomised controlled psychotherapy trials in which participants fail to attend all of the planned sessions of therapy. Here we are investigating the effects on treatment outcome of the number of sessions attended when the latter is possibly subject to hidden selection effects (hidden confounding). The aim is to estimate the parameters of a structural mean model (SMM) using randomisation, and possibly randomisation by covariate interactions, as instrumental variables. We describe, compare and illustrate the equivalence of the use of a simple G-estimation algorithm and two two-stage least squares procedures that are traditionally used in economics.
Teacher flexibility and judgment: A multidynamic literacy theory
Authors: Hassett Dawnene D.
Published: November 2008

In an age of restrictive standards and accountability measures, teachers often find themselves in a position where they have to struggle to keep play with language and literature as a focus of their early literacy instruction, as `scientifically based' reading programs, phonics, or scripted instruction take center stage. In order to counter this trend, this article offers a `multidynamic' theory for early literacy instruction that combines researched foundations of early reading success with sociocultural theories of language and literacy. Combining these two fields of thought creates a theoretical stance where reading skills and methods cannot stand on their own, but instead must be dynamically reinvented to fit specific sociocultural contexts. The study analyzes the texts of `scientifically based' reading programs as compared to examples of children's literature as a way to explore three basic tenets of a multidynamic literacy theory: (1) that literacy is multifaceted; (2) that literacy is socially constructed; and (3) that literacy skills must be relevant within the lived worlds of children. The analysis overall (re)situates talk, play, and the instructional use of children's literature as essential components of early literacy programming. More importantly, a multidynamic literacy theory offers teachers the pedagogical basis to insist upon a great deal of flexibility and judgment in choosing the best materials and approaches to meet their students' early literacy needs as well as their sociocultural contexts for learning.
Spinning the proverbial wheel? Social class and marketing
Authors: Henry Paul , Caldwell Marylouise
Published: November 2008

Social class is one of the most fundamental dimensions of social organization, influencing almost every aspect of our lives, including market-mediated consumption. Despite this situation, the topic has a chequered history in marketing and consumer research. Significantly, a research program initiated by W. L. Warner in the 1930s in the United States, which emphasized the multifaceted nature of social class and highlighted concepts such as status, social networks, social comparison and class distinctive attitudes, was abandoned for over 30 years. Only relatively recently, consumer researchers (Allen and Anderson, 1994; Holt, 1998) revitalized this type of approach by highlighting the usefulness of Bourdieu's (1984) theory of social class and taste in explaining consumer behaviour. Strong parallels exist between the old and newer research programs, including similar conceptual underpinnings, matters of emphasis, and empirical findings. An intriguing question arises: `Why the hiatus in the study of social class in the consumer research field?' To answer this question, we examine the history of social class in marketing and consumer research.
Review: The pros and cons of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy in the paediatric population and practical considerations when choosing and initiating CSII in children
Authors: Campbell Fiona
Published: November 2008

CSII (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion), has the potential to improve long-term glycaemic control in many patients with type 1 diabetes. CSII may also reduce the incidence of hypoglycaemic episodes, especially in patients prone to hypoglycaemia, and may reduce glycaemic variability. A pivotal advantage of CSII over MDIs (multiple daily injection), especially in children, is its superior convenience and flexibility. Programmable basal rates are delivered automatically and with unprecedented precision, while bolus doses can easily be used to titrate insulin exposure around meals and activities and to correct hyperglycaemia. The subcutaneous cannula needs to be re-sited only once every 2—3 days. In light of these advantages, CSII is generally preferred by children and parents. Careful patient selection is crucial, however, as CSII users and their carers must be willing and able to use the equipment correctly, as well as to perform general aspects of intensive self-care. Accordingly, CSII should be initiated only by a specialist, multidisciplinary team and in conjunction with a structured, ongoing educational and monitoring programme. Factors affecting the selection of a particular pump include the size and weight of the device, ease of use, range of dose modes and increments, cost, warranty and customer services.