bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FOCAL INCREASED RADIOPHARMACEUTICAL UPTAKE IN THE DORSOPROXIMAL DIAPHYSEAL REGION OF THE EQUINE PROXIMAL PHALANX
Authors: BAILEY RACHAEL E. A. , DYSON SUE J. , PARKIN TIM D. H.
Published: August 2007

The aims of this study were to establish the frequency of occurrence, intensity and symmetry of focal increased radiopharmaceutical uptake in the dorsoproximal aspect of the diaphysis of the proximal phalanx; to determine if this focal increased radiopharmaceutical uptake was related to age, height, gender, breed, bodyweight, or discipline of the horse, and if there was any relationship with lameness. Scintigraphic images from 690 horses were analyzed subjectively and objectively. Age, breed, discipline, height, weight, gender, and lame limb(s) or reasons for presentation were recorded for all horses. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify associations between available variables and focal increased radiopharmaceutical uptake. Focal increased radiopharmaceutical uptake was present in 17% of forelimbs and 7% of hindlimbs. It occurred most frequently in the forelimbs of older, taller, and heavier warmblood and warmblood cross dressage horses, and the hindlimbs of older, taller, and heavier showjumpers and dressage horses. It was usually bilaterally symmetrical and was not associated with lameness.
DECREASED RADIOPHARMACEUTICAL UPTAKE (PHOTOPENIA) IN DELAYED PHASE SCINTIGRAPHIC IMAGES IN THREE HORSES
Authors: LEVINE DAVID G. , ROSS BETH M. , ROSS MICHAEL W. , RICHARDSON DEAN W. , MARTIN BENSON B.
Published: August 2007

Decreased radiopharmaceutical uptake, photopenia, in delayed phase scintigraphic images is recognized in people but has only been reported rarely in horses. We describe three horses with septic osteitis, bone sequestrum formation, or distal limb thrombosis that had photopenia of the affected extremity. Photopenia may indicate the presence of ischemia and can be used to facilitate clinical decision making and prognosis assessment in horses.
Preparation of Tartary Buckwheat Protein Product and Its Improving Effect on Cholesterol Metabolism in Rats and Mice Fed Cholesterol‐Enriched Diet
Authors: Tomotake H. , Yamamoto N. , Kitabayashi H. , Kawakami A. , Kayashita J. , Ohinata H. , Karasawa H. , Kato N.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT:  Tartary buckwheat protein product (TBP) was prepared from buckwheat flour by alkali extraction and isoelectric precipitation. The protein content of TBP was 45.8%, and its amino acid composition of TBP was similar to that of common buckwheat protein product (BWP). SDS‐PAGE analysis showed that the protein profile of TBP was partially different from that of BWP. TBP contained more quercetin (1710 mg/100 g) than BWP (5.4 mg/100 g), while there was a small difference in the contents of rutin between them. In experiment 1, the consumption of BWP and TBP at 20% net protein level for 13 d caused 32% and 25% reductions in serum cholesterol of rats fed cholesterol, respectively, when compared to the consumption of casein (P < 0.05). The reduction of serum cholesterol by BWP and TBP was associated with enhanced excretion of fecal neutral sterols. In experiment 2, the consumption of BWP and TBP for 27 d caused 62% and 43% reductions in the lithogenic index in mice fed cholesterol, respectively (P < 0.05). The reduction in lithogenic index was associated with enhanced excretion of fecal bile acids. Taken together, these results suggest a potential source of TBP as a functional food ingredient as well as BWP.
CFD Analysis of Compressible Flow Across a Complex Geometry Venturi
Authors: Arias Diego A. , Shedd Timothy A.
Published: August 2007

A commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) package was used to develop a three-dimensional, fully turbulent model of the compressible flow across a complex-geometry venturi, such as those typically found in small engine carburetors. The results of the CFD simulations were used to understand the effect of the different obstacles in the flow on the overall discharge coefficient and the static pressure at the tip of the fuel tube. It was found that the obstacles located at the converging nozzle of the venturi do not cause significant pressure losses, while those obstacles that create wakes in the flow, such as the fuel tube and throttle plate, are responsible for most of the pressure losses. This result indicated that an overall discharge coefficient can be used to correct the mass flow rate, while a localized correction factor can be determined from three-dimensional CFD simulations in order to estimate the static pressure at locations of interest within complex venturis.
Analysis of Thermodynamic Effects on Cavitation Instabilities
Authors: Watanabe Satoshi , Hidaka Tatsuya , Horiguchi Hironori , Furukawa Akinori , Tsujimoto Yoshinobu
Published: August 2007

The suction performance of turbopumps in cryogenic fluids is basically much better than that in cold water because of the thermodynamic effect of cavitation. However, it is not still clear how the thermodynamic effect works on cavitation instabilities, such as rotating cavitation and cavitation surge. In the present study, the unsteady heat exchange between the cavity and the surrounding liquid is taken into account in a stability analysis using a singularity method. The results are qualitatively compared to existing experiments to clarify the research needs for deeper understanding.
The Experimental Induction of Out-of-Body Experiences
Authors: Ehrsson H. Henrik
Published: August 2007

I report an illusion in which individuals experience that they are located outside their physical bodies and looking at their bodies from this perspective. This demonstrates that the experience of being localized within the physical body can be determined by the visual perspective in conjunction with correlated multisensory information from the body.
Response to Comments by Timpson
et al
. and Yu
et al
.
Authors: Mekel-Bobrov Nitzan , Lahn Bruce T.
Published: August 2007

The lack of association of the
abnormal spindle-like microcephaly associated
(
ASPM
) and
Microcephalin
(
MCPH1
) genes with brain size or intelligence described by Timpson
et al
. has been reported previously, including by our own group. Moreover, as in most studies of selection, our analyses were entirely independent of phenotypic association. We also respond to the previously published comment by Yu
et al
., which argued that
ASPM
has not undergone positive selection.
The Southern Ocean Biological Response to Aeolian Iron Deposition
Authors: Cassar Nicolas , Bender Michael L. , Barnett Bruce A. , Fan Songmiao , Moxim Walter J. , Levy Hiram , Tilbrook Bronte
Published: August 2007

Biogeochemical rate processes in the Southern Ocean have an important impact on the global environment. Here, we summarize an extensive set of published and new data that establishes the pattern of gross primary production and net community production over large areas of the Southern Ocean. We compare these rates with model estimates of dissolved iron that is added to surface waters by aerosols. This comparison shows that net community production, which is comparable to export production, is proportional to modeled input of soluble iron in aerosols. Our results strengthen the evidence that the addition of aerosol iron fertilizes export production in the Southern Ocean. The data also show that aerosol iron input particularly enhances gross primary production over the large area of the Southern Ocean downwind of dry continental areas.
Astrocytes Potentiate Transmitter Release at Single Hippocampal Synapses
Authors: Perea Gertrudis , Araque Alfonso
Published: August 2007

Astrocytes play active roles in brain physiology. They respond to neurotransmitters and modulate neuronal excitability and synaptic function. However, the influence of astrocytes on synaptic transmission and plasticity at the single synapse level is unknown. Ca
2+
elevation in astrocytes transiently increased the probability of transmitter release at hippocampal area CA3-CA1 synapses, without affecting the amplitude of synaptic events. This form of short-term plasticity was due to the release of glutamate from astrocytes, a process that depended on Ca
2+
and soluble
N
-ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) protein and that activated metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). The transient potentiation of transmitter release became persistent when the astrocytic signal was temporally coincident with postsynaptic depolarization. This persistent plasticity was mGluR-mediated but
N
-methyl-
d
-aspartate receptor–independent. These results indicate that astrocytes are actively involved in the transfer and storage of synaptic information.
Electron-Induced Oxygen Desorption from the TiO
2
(011)-2×1 Surface Leads to Self-Organized Vacancies
Authors: Dulub Olga , Batzilln Matthias , Solovev Sergey , Loginova Elena , Alchagirov Alim , Madey Theodore E. , Diebold Ulrike
Published: August 2007

When low-energy electrons strike a titanium dioxide surface, they may cause the desorption of surface oxygen. Oxygen vacancies that result from irradiating a TiO
2
(011)-2×1 surface with electrons with an energy of 300 electron volts were analyzed by scanning tunneling microscopy. The cross section for desorbing oxygen from the pristine surface was found to be 9 (±6) × 10
–17
square centimeters, which means that the initial electronic excitation was converted into atomic motion with a probability near unity. Once an O vacancy had formed, the desorption cross sections for its nearest and next-nearest oxygen neighbors were reduced by factors of 100 and 10, respectively. This site-specific desorption probability resulted in one-dimensional arrays of oxygen vacancies.
Molecular Characterization of Clinical Isolates ofMycobacterium tuberculosisand Their Association with Phenotypic Virulence in Human Macrophages
Authors: Wong K. C. , Leong W. M. , Law H. K. W. , Ip K. F. , Lam J. T. H. , Yuen K. Y. , Ho P. L. , Tse W. S. , Weng X. H. , Zhang W. H. , Chen S. , Yam W. C.
Published: August 2007

Among 125 clinical isolates ofMycobacterium tuberculosiscollected in Hong Kong and Shanghai, China, between 2002 and 2004, IS6110typing revealed that 71 strains (57%) belonged to the Beijing family. The intracellular growth of the strains in human peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages was measured ex vivo on days 0, 3, 6, and 10. Among all tested strains, three hypervirulent strains showed significant increases in intracellular growth after 10 days of incubation. With an initial bacterial load of 104CFU, most of the clinical isolates and H37Ra (an avirulent strain) exhibited no intracellular survival on day 10, while the three hypervirulent strains together with H37Rv (a virulent strain) showed on average a two- to fourfold rise in CFU count. These three hypervirulent strains belonging to a non-Beijing family were isolated from patients suffering from tuberculosis meningitis. Cytokines secreted by gamma interferon-activated macrophages were measured daily after challenge with selected strains ofM. tuberculosis. The levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha were elevated after 24 h of infection among all strains, but the levels were significantly lower among the three hypervirulent strains, whereas interleukin 10 (IL-10) and IL-12 were not detected. Results were concordant with the differential expression of the corresponding cytokine genes in activated macrophages, as monitored by real-time PCR. Our findings highlighted that these three hypervirulent strains may possess an innate mechanism for escaping host immunity, which accounts for their characteristic virulence in patients presenting with a more severe form of disease.
Characterization of Metacaspases with Trypsin-Like Activity and Their Putative Role in Programmed Cell Death in the Protozoan Parasite
Leishmania
Authors: Lee Nancy , Gannavaram Sreenivas , Selvapandiyan Angamuthu , Debrabant Alain
Published: August 2007

In this report, we have characterized two metacaspases of
Leishmania donovani
,
L. donovani
metacaspase-1 (LdMC1) and LdMC2. These two proteins show 98% homology with each other, and both contain a characteristic C-terminal proline-rich domain. Both genes are transcribed in promastigotes and axenic amastigotes of
L. donovani
; however, LdMC1 shows increased mRNA levels in axenic amastigotes. An anti-LdMC antibody was obtained and showed reactivity with a single ∼42-kDa protein band in both promastigote and axenic amastigote parasite whole-cell lysates by Western blotting. Pulse-chase experiments suggest that LdMCs are not synthesized as proenzymes, and immunofluorescence studies show that LdMCs are associated with the acidocalcisome compartments of
L. donovani
. Enzymatic assays of immunoprecipitated LdMCs show that native LdMCs efficiently cleave trypsin substrates and are unable to cleave caspase-specific substrates. Consistently, LdMC activity is insensitive to caspase inhibitors and is efficiently inhibited by trypsin inhibitors, such as leupeptin, antipain, and
N
α
-tosyl-
l
-lysine-chloromethyl ketone (TLCK). In addition, our results show that LdMC activity was induced in parasites treated with hydrogen peroxide, a known trigger of programmed cell death (PCD) in
Leishmania
and that parasites overexpressing metacaspases are more sensitive to hydrogen peroxide-induced PCD. These findings suggest that
Leishmania
metacaspases are not responsible for the caspase-like activities reported in this organism and suggest a possible role for LdMCs as effector molecules in
Leishmania
PCD.
Role of Actin Cytoskeletal Dynamics in Activation of the Cyclic AMP Pathway and
HWP1
Gene Expression in
Candida albicans
Authors: Wolyniak Michael J. , Sundstrom Paula
Published: August 2007

Changes in gene expression during reversible bud-hypha transitions of the opportunistic fungal pathogen
Candida albicans
permit adaptation to environmental conditions that are critical for proliferation in host tissues. Our previous work has shown that the hypha-specific adhesin gene
HWP1
is up-regulated by the cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling pathway. However, little is known about the potential influences of determinants of cell morphology on
HWP1
gene expression. We found that blocking hypha formation with cytochalasin A, which destabilizes actin filaments, and with latrunculin A, which sequesters actin monomers, led to a loss of
HWP1
gene expression. In contrast, high levels of
HWP1
gene expression were observed when the F-actin stabilizer jasplakinolide was used to block hypha formation, suggesting that
HWP1
expression could be regulated by actin structures. Mutants defective in formin-mediated nucleation of F-actin were reduced in
HWP1
gene expression, providing genetic support for the importance of actin structures. Kinetic experiments with wild-type and actin-deficient cells revealed two distinct phases of
HWP1
gene expression, with a slow, actin-independent phase preceding a fast, actin-dependent phase. Low levels of
HWP1
gene expression that appeared to be independent of stabilized actin and cAMP signaling were detected using indirect immunofluorescence. A connection between actin structures and the cAMP signaling pathway was shown using hyper- and hypomorphic cAMP mutants, providing a possible mechanism for up-regulation of
HWP1
gene expression by stabilized actin. The results reveal a new role for F-actin as a regulatory agent of hypha-specific gene expression at the bud-hypha transition.
Tudor Nuclease Genes and Programmed DNA Rearrangements in
Tetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Howard-Till Rachel A. , Yao Meng-Chao
Published: August 2007

Proteins containing a Tudor domain and domains homologous to staphylococcal nucleases are found in a number of eukaryotes. These “Tudor nucleases” have been found to be associated with the RNA-induced silencing complex (A. A. Caudy, R. F. Ketting, S. M. Hammond, A. M. Denli, A. M. Bathoorn, B. B. Tops, J. M. Silva, M. M. Myers, G. J. Hannon, and R. H. Plasterk, Nature
425
:411-414, 2003). We have identified two Tudor nuclease gene homologs,
TTN1
and
TTN2
, in the ciliate
Tetrahymena thermophila
, which has two distinct small-RNA pathways. Characterization of single and double KOs of
TTN1
and
TTN2
shows that neither of these genes is essential for growth or sexual reproduction. Progeny of
TTN2
KOs and double knockouts occasionally show minor defects in the small-RNA-guided process of DNA deletion but appear to be normal in hairpin RNA-induced gene silencing, suggesting that Tudor nucleases play only a minor role in RNA interference in
Tetrahymena
. Previous studies of
Tetrahymena
have shown that inserted copies of the
neo
gene from
Escherichia coli
are often deleted from the developing macronucleus during sexual reproduction (Y. Liu, X. Song, M. A. Gorovsky, and K. M. Karrer, Eukaryot. Cell
4:
421-431, 2005; M. C. Yao, P. Fuller, and X. Xi, Science
300:
1581-1584, 2003). This transgene deletion phenomenon is hypothesized to be a form of genome defense. Analysis of the Tudor nuclease mutants revealed exceptionally high rates of deletion of the
neo
transgene at the
TTN2
locus but no deletion at the
TTN1
locus. When present in the same genome, however, the
neo
gene is deleted at high rates even at the
TTN1
locus, further supporting a role for
trans
-acting RNA in this process. This deletion is not affected by the presence of the same sequence in the macronucleus, thus providing a counterargument for the role of the macronuclear genome in specifying all sequences for deletion.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) Plasma Load Discrepancies between the Roche COBAS AMPLICOR HIV-1 MONITOR Version 1.5 and the Roche COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HIV-1 Assays
Authors: Damond F. , Roquebert B. , Bénard A. , Collin G. , Miceli M. , Yéni P. , Brun-Vezinet F. , Descamps D.
Published: August 2007

We compared plasma viral load values obtained with COBAS AMPLICOR human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) MONITOR version 1.5 and with COBAS TaqMan HIV-1 assays. Mean values were 4.2 and 2.9 log
10
copies/ml, respectively, showing the lack of agreement between the two assays.
Functional Genomic and Serological Analysis of the Protective Immune Response Resulting from Vaccination of Macaques with an NS1-Truncated Influenza Virus
Authors: Baskin C. R. , Bielefeldt-Ohmann H. , García-Sastre A. , Tumpey T. M. , Van Hoeven N. , Carter V. S. , Thomas M. J. , Proll S. , Solórzano A. , Billharz R. , Fornek J. L. , Thomas S. , Chen C.-H. , Clark E. A. , Murali-Krishna Kaja , Katze M. G.
Published: August 2007

We are still inadequately prepared for an influenza pandemic due to the lack of a vaccine effective for subtypes to which the majority of the human population has no prior immunity and which could be produced rapidly in sufficient quantities. There is therefore an urgent need to investigate novel vaccination approaches. Using a combination of genomic and traditional tools, this study compares the protective efficacy in macaques of an intrarespiratory live influenza virus vaccine produced by truncating NS1 in the human influenza A/Texas/36/91 (H1N1) virus with that of a conventional vaccine based on formalin-killed whole virus. After homologous challenge, animals in the live-vaccine group had greatly reduced viral replication and pathology in lungs and reduced upper respiratory inflammation. They also had lesser induction of innate immune pathways in lungs and of interferon-sensitive genes in bronchial epithelium. This postchallenge response contrasted with that shortly after vaccination, when more expression of interferon-sensitive genes was observed in bronchial cells from the live-vaccine group. This suggested induction of a strong innate immune response shortly after vaccination with the NS1-truncated virus, followed by greater maturity of the postchallenge immune response, as demonstrated with robust influenza virus-specific CD4
+
T-cell proliferation, immunoglobulin G production, and transcriptional induction of T- and B-cell pathways in lung tissue. In conclusion, a single respiratory tract inoculation with an NS1-truncated influenza virus was effective in protecting nonhuman primates from homologous challenge. This protection was achieved in the absence of significant or long-lasting adverse effects and through induction of a robust adaptive immune response.
Immunization of Primates with a Newcastle Disease Virus-Vectored Vaccine via the Respiratory Tract Induces a High Titer of Serum Neutralizing Antibodies against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus
Authors: DiNapoli Joshua M. , Yang Lijuan , Suguitan Amorsolo , Elankumaran Subbiah , Dorward David W. , Murphy Brian R. , Samal Siba K. , Collins Peter L. , Bukreyev Alexander
Published: August 2007

The ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) in birds, the incidence of transmission to humans with a resulting high mortality rate, and the possibility of a human pandemic warrant the development of effective human vaccines against HPAIV. We developed an experimental live-attenuated vaccine for direct inoculation of the respiratory tract based on recombinant avian Newcastle disease virus (NDV) expressing the hemagglutinin (HA) glycoprotein of H5N1 HPAIV (NDV-HA). Expression of the HPAIV HA gene slightly reduced NDV virulence, as evidenced by the increased mean embryo death time and reduced replication in chickens. NDV-HA was administered to African green monkeys in two doses of 2 × 10
7
infectious units each with a 28-day interval to evaluate the systemic and local antibody responses specific to H5N1 HPAIV. The virus was shed only at low titers from the monkeys, indicative of safety. Two doses of NDV-HA induced a high titer of H5N1 HPAIV-neutralizing serum antibodies in all of the immunized monkeys. Moreover, a substantial mucosal immunoglobulin A response was induced in the respiratory tract after one and two doses. The titers of neutralizing antibodies achieved in this study suggest that the vaccine would be likely to prevent mortality and reduce morbidity caused by the H5N1 HPAIV. In addition, induction of a local immune response in the respiratory tract is an important advantage that is likely to reduce or prevent transmission of the virus during an outbreak or a pandemic. This vaccine is a candidate for clinical evaluation in humans.
Protection of Rabbits against Challenge with Rabbit Papillomaviruses by Immunization with the N Terminus of Human Papillomavirus Type 16 Minor Capsid Antigen L2
Authors: Gambhira Ratish , Jagu Subhashini , Karanam Balasubramanyam , Gravitt Patti E. , Culp Timothy D. , Christensen Neil D. , Roden Richard B. S.
Published: August 2007

Current L1 virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines provide type-restricted protection against a small subset of the human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes associated with cervical cancer, necessitating continued cytologic screening of vaccinees. Cervical cancer is most problematic in countries that lack the resources for screening or highly multivalent HPV VLP vaccines, suggesting the need for a low-cost, broadly protective vaccinogen. Here, N-terminal L2 polypeptides comprising residues 1 to 88 or 11 to 200 derived from HPV16, bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV1), or cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV) were produced in bacteria. Rabbits were immunized with these N-terminal L2 polypeptides and concurrently challenged with CRPV and rabbit oral papillomavirus (ROPV). Vaccination with either N-terminal L2 polypeptides of CRPV effectively protected rabbits from CRPV challenge but not from papillomas induced by cutaneous challenge with CRPV genomic DNA. Furthermore, papillomas induced by CRPV genomic DNA deficient for L2 expression grew at the same rate as those induced by wild-type CRPV genomic DNA, further suggesting that the L2 polypeptide vaccines lack therapeutic activity. Neutralizing serum antibody titers of >15 correlated with protection (P< 0.001), a finding consistent with neutralizing antibody-mediated protection. Surprisingly, a remarkable degree of protection against heterologous papillomavirus types was observed after vaccination with N-terminal L2 polypeptides. Notably, vaccination with HPV16 L2 11-200 protected against cutaneous and mucosal challenge with CRPV and ROPV, respectively, papillomaviruses that are evolutionarily divergent from HPV16. Further, vaccination with HPV16 L2 11-200 generates broadly cross-neutralizing serum antibody, suggesting the potential of L2 as a second-generation preventive HPV vaccine antigen.
PERMUTATION AND ITS PARTIAL TRANSPOSE
Authors: ZHANG YONG , KAUFFMAN LOUIS H. , WERNER REINHARD F.
Published: August 2007

Permutation and its partial transpose play important roles in quantum information theory. The Werner state is recognized as a rational solution of the Yang–Baxter equation, and the isotropic state with an adjustable parameter is found to form a braid representation. The set of permutation's partial transposes is an algebra called the PPT algebra, which guides the construction of multipartite symmetric states. The virtual knot theory, having permutation as a virtual crossing, provides a topological language describing quantum computation as having permutation as a swap gate. In this paper, permutation's partial transpose is identified with an idempotent of the Temperley–Lieb algebra. The algebra generated by permutation and its partial transpose is found to be the Brauer algebra. The linear combinations of identity, permutation and its partial transpose can form various projectors describing tangles; braid representations; virtual braid representations underlying common solutions of the braid relation and Yang–Baxter equations; and virtual Temperley–Lieb algebra which is articulated from the graphical viewpoint. They lead to our drawing a picture called the ABPK diagram describing knot theory in terms of its corresponding algebra, braid group and polynomial invariant. The paper also identifies non-trivial unitary braid representations with universal quantum gates, derives a Hamiltonian to determine the evolution of a universal quantum gate, and further computes the Markov trace in terms of a universal quantum gate for a link invariant to detect linking numbers.
INVESTIGATION OF CONTINUOUS-TIME QUANTUM WALKS VIA SPECTRAL ANALYSIS AND LAPLACE TRANSFORM
Authors: JAFARIZADEH M. A. , SUFIANI R.
Published: August 2007

Continuous-time quantum walk (CTQW) on a given graph is investigated using the techniques of the spectral analysis and inverse Laplace transform of the Stieltjes function (Stieltjes transform of the spectral distribution) associated with the graph. It is shown that the probability amplitude of observing the CTQW at a given site at time t is related to the inverse Laplace transformation of the Stieltjes function, namely, one can calculate the probability amplitudes only by taking the inverse laplace transform of the function iGμ(is), where Gμ(x) is the Stieltjes function of the graph. The preference of this procedure is that there is no need to know the spectrum of the graph.
Metal-Nonmetal Transitions in Expanded Fluids
Authors: Yonezawa Fumiko , Ogawa Tohru
Published: August 2007

The main purpose of the present paper is to study the relationship between the electronic and thermodynamic properties of expanded metallic fluids in the vicinity of the liquid-gas critical point. In particular, it is shown that a theoretical analysis naturally predicts the possible existence of two different kinds of thermodynamic phase transitions—first the atomic gas-to-liquid condensation for which electrons play no explicit role, and secondly the electron-induced first-order phase transition accompanying a metal-nonmetal transition. The thermodynamic behaviours of fluids in the supercritical region are discussed in connection with these two transitions.
Fire-Ball Model and High Transverse Momentum Pion and Jet Productions at ISR Energies
Authors: Hama Mitsuru , Nagasaki Masayuki
Published: August 2007

The high transverse momentum pion and jet productions in proton-proton collisions are investigated based on the large and small fire-balls presented by the analyses of cosmic ray experiments. Using the hypothesis of the large fire-ball decaying into pions via the small fire-balls we can show satisfactory fits to the ISR data on the two pion correlations and jet structures, as well as the inclusive one pion cross sections, for pT≲6 GeV/c.
P2Y receptor regulation of sodium transport in human mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Lee So Yeong , Palmer Melissa L. , Maniak Peter J. , Jang Soo Hwa , Ryu Pan Dong , O'Grady Scott M.
Published: August 2007

Primary human mammary epithelial (HME) cells were immortalized by stable, constitutive expression of the catalytic subunit of human telomerase. Purinergic receptors were identified by RT-PCR and quantitative RT-PCR from mRNA isolated from primary and immortalized cells grown to confluence on membrane filters. Several subtypes of P2Y receptor mRNA were identified including P2Y1, P2Y2, P2Y4, and P2Y6 receptors. RT-PCR experiments also revealed expression of A2b adenosine receptor mRNA in primary and immortalized cells. Confluent monolayers of HME cells exhibited a basal short-circuit current ( Isc) that was abolished by amiloride and benzamil. When monolayers were cultured in the presence of hydrocortisone, mRNA expression of Na+ channel (ENaC) α-, β-, and γ-subunits increased approximately threefold compared with that in cells grown without hydrocortisone. In addition, basal benzamil-sensitive Na+ transport was nearly twofold greater in hydrocortisone-treated monolayers. Stimulation with UTP, UDP, or adenosine 5′- O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (ATPγS) produced increases in intracellular calcium concentration that were significantly reduced following pretreatment with the calcium-chelating agent BAPTA-AM. Concentration-response relationships indicated that the rank order of potency for these agonists was UTP > UDP > ATPγS. Basolateral stimulation with UTP produced a rapid but transient increase in Isc that was significantly reduced if cells were pretreated with BAPTA-AM or benzamil. Moreover, basolateral treatment with either charybdotoxin or clotrimazole significantly inhibited the initial UTP-dependent increase in Isc and eliminated the sustained current response. These results indicate that human mammary epithelial cells express multiple P2 receptor subtypes and that Ca2+ mobilization evoked by P2Y receptor agonists stimulates Na+ absorption by increasing the activity of Ca2+-activated K+ channels located in the basolateral membrane.
Inspiratory muscle work in acute hypoxia influences locomotor muscle fatigue and exercise performance of healthy humans
Authors: Amann Markus , Pegelow David F. , Jacques Anthony J. , Dempsey Jerome A.
Published: August 2007

Our aim was to isolate the independent effects of 1) inspiratory muscle work (Wb) and 2) arterial hypoxemia during heavy-intensity exercise in acute hypoxia on locomotor muscle fatigue. Eight cyclists exercised to exhaustion in hypoxia [inspired O2 fraction (FiO2) = 0.15, arterial hemoglobin saturation (SaO2) = 81 ± 1%; 8.6 ± 0.5 min, 273 ± 6 W; Hypoxia-control (Ctrl)] and at the same work rate and duration in normoxia (SaO2 = 95 ± 1%; Normoxia-Ctrl). These trials were repeated, but with a 35–80% reduction in Wb achieved via proportional assist ventilation (PAV). Quadriceps twitch force was assessed via magnetic femoral nerve stimulation before and 2 min after exercise. The isolated effects of Wb in hypoxia on quadriceps fatigue, independent of reductions in SaO2, were revealed by comparing Hypoxia-Ctrl and Hypoxia-PAV at equal levels of SaO2 ( P = 0.10). Immediately after hypoxic exercise potentiated twitch force of the quadriceps (Qtw,pot) decreased by 30 ± 3% below preexercise baseline, and this reduction was attenuated by about one-third after PAV exercise (21 ± 4%; P = 0.0007). This effect of Wb on quadriceps fatigue occurred at exercise work rates during which, in normoxia, reducing Wb had no significant effect on fatigue. The isolated effects of reduced SaO2 on quadriceps fatigue, independent of changes in Wb, were revealed by comparing Hypoxia-PAV and Normoxia-PAV at equal levels of Wb. Qtw,pot decreased by 15 ± 2% below preexercise baseline after Normoxia-PAV, and this reduction was exacerbated by about one-third after Hypoxia-PAV (−22 ± 3%; P = 0.034). We conclude that both arterial hypoxemia and Wb contribute significantly to the rate of development of locomotor muscle fatigue during exercise in acute hypoxia; this occurs at work rates during which, in normoxia, Wb has no effect on peripheral fatigue.
Effect of Addition of Citric Acid and Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate to a Sugar-Free Chewing Gum on Enamel Remineralization in situ
Authors: Cai F. , Manton D.J. , Shen P. , Walker G.D. , Cross K.J. , Yuan Y. , Reynolds C. , Reynolds E.C.
Published: August 2007

Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) has been shown to remineralize enamel subsurface lesions in situ. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CPP-ACP in a fruit-flavoured sugar-free chewing gum containing citric acid on enamel remineralization, and acid resistance of the remineralized enamel, using an in situ remineralization model. The study utilized a double-blind, randomized, crossover design with three treatments: (i) sugar-free gum (2 pellets) containing 20 mg citric acid and 18.8 mg CPP-ACP, (ii) sugar-free gum containing 20 mg citric acid alone, (iii) sugar-free gum not containing CPP-ACP or citric acid. Ten subjects were instructed to wear removable palatal appliances, with 4 half-slab insets of human enamel containing demineralized subsurface lesions and to chew gum (2 pellets) for 20 min 4 times per day for 14 days. At the completion of each treatment the enamel half-slabs were removed and half of the remineralized lesion treated with demineralization buffer for 16 h in vitro. The enamel slabs (remineralized, acid-challenged and control) were then embedded, sectioned and subjected to microradiography to determine the level of remineralization. Chewing with gum containing citric acid and CPP-ACP resulted in significantly higher remineralization (13.0 ± 2.2%) than chewing with either gum containing no CPP-ACP or citric acid (9.4 ± 1.2%) or gum containing citric acid alone (2.6 ± 1.3%). The acid challenge of the remineralized lesions showed that the level of mineral after acid challenge was significantly greater for the lesions exposed to the gum containing CPP-ACP.
Prevalence of Approximal Caries in Posterior Teeth in 15-Year-Old Swedish Teenagers in Relation to Their Caries Experience at 3 Years of Age
Authors: Alm A. , Wendt L.K. , Koch G. , Birkhed D.
Published: August 2007

The aim of the present investigation was to study the prevalence of approximal caries lesions and fillings in posterior teeth at 15 years of age in a prospectively followed Swedish population (n = 568), with special reference to their caries experience at the age of 3 years. Only approximal surfaces were recorded, since all children in the Community of Jönköping have had fissure sealing performed on all caries-free permanent molars. At 15 years of age, the mean number of approximal tooth surfaces with initial caries lesions (Dia), manifest caries lesions and fillings (DmFa) and total caries experience and fillings (Di + mFa) – recorded on bitewing radiographs – was 2.78 , 0.45 and 3.23, respectively. One third of the adolescents had no approximal caries or fillings; the Dia constituted 86% of the Di + mFa. Children with manifest caries at 3 years of age had a higher risk of developing approximal caries in their permanent teeth than caries-free children at the same age (41 vs. 17%). Furthermore, children who were caries-free at 3 years of age were more likely to remain caries-free at 15 years of age compared to children with manifest caries (37 vs. 17%). All these differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Additionally, early childhood caries experience (developed before 3 years of age) had a greater predictive value than late childhood caries experience (developed between 3 and 6 years of age) concerning approximal caries at 15 years of age.
Outer- and Middle-Ear Contributions to Presbycusis in the Brown Norway Rat
Authors: Gratton Michael Anne , Bateman Kristin , Cannuscio Joseph F. , Saunders James C.
Published: August 2007

This paper examines the contribution of the outer and middle ears to the hearing loss associated with presbycusis in Brown Norway rats. Animals were formed into two groups; young adults (2–3 months old) and aged animals (approximately 34 months old). Auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds were obtained with the outer ear intact or surgically removed. Tympanic membrane (TM) velocity transfer functions were measured from the umbo with the outer ear removed. The length of the auditory meatus, TM surface area, and TM thickness were quantified. The ABR thresholds were 17–26 dB less sensitive in the aged animals between 8.0 and 40.0 kHz when the outer ear was intact. A significant and reliable reduction in the aged rat velocity transfer function of 5–8 dB occurred between 10.0 and 32.0 kHz, while the low frequency velocity response was only a few decibels greater in the younger animals. The ABR threshold differences between young adult and aged ears were compensated by removing the outer/middle ear effects of aging to reveal a purely sensorineural component of presbycusis. The outer and middle ear effects were calculated directly when the ABR and TM velocity data were obtained with the outer ear removed. The outer ear intact condition was modeled in order to compare the ABR data obtained with the outer ear intact with the TM velocity data obtained with the outer removed. With either procedure, removal of the age-related contributions of the outer and middle ear to the ABR threshold resulted in similar age-related ABR threshold shifts between the two age groups. The pure sensorineural threshold shift component of the ABR response was restricted to frequencies between 5.0 and 20.0 kHz and reached a maximum of approximately 15 dB. These results support the conclusion that there is an outer- and middle-ear contribution to the threshold loss defining presbycusis.
Mini-Incision for Pediatric Cochlear Implantation with a MED-EL Device
Authors: Bayazıt Yıldırım A. , Goksu Nebil , Ozbilen Suat
Published: August 2007

Objective: Minimal invasive approaches have been described for cochlear implantation. However, the number of reports about minimal invasive approaches for MED-EL devices is sparse. In this technical note, we describe our pediatric cochlear implantation and incision techniques for MED-EL devices. Methods: Among 92 cochlear implantations performed between November 2002 and November 2006, there were 32 consecutive pediatric cochlear implantations with MED-EL devices which were performed between July 2005 and October 2006. In our technique, standard posterior tympanotomy and cochleostomy were performed after 4- to 5-cm mini-incisions in the postauricular region. However, suture fixations were not used for the implant receiver nor its electrode. Results: There were 14 girls and 18 boys with a mean age of 3.9 years. The mean follow-up duration was 5.8 months. No flap necrosis, hematoma or infection, nor implant migration, extrusion or breakdown were encountered. Revision surgery was performed in 3 patients due to cochlear ossification, perilymph leakage and extracochlear implantation. Conclusion: MED-EL implantation can be performed using small incisions without suture fixation of the receiver and its electrode.
Life Cycle of a Minimal Protocell—A Dissipative Particle Dynamics Study
Authors: Fellermann Harold , Rasmussen Steen , Ziock Hans-Joachim , Solé Ricard V.
Published: August 2007

Cross-reactions and other systematic difficulties generated by the coupling of functional chemical subsystems pose the largest challenge for assembling a viable protocell in the laboratory. Our current work seeks to identify and clarify such key issues as we represent and analyze in simulation a full implementation of a minimal protocell. Using a 3D dissipative particle dynamics simulation method, we are able to address the coupled diffusion, self-assembly, and chemical reaction processes required to model a full life cycle of a protocell composed of coupled genetic, metabolic, and container subsystems. Utilizing this minimal structural and functional representation of the constituent molecules, their interactions, and their reactions, we identify and explore the nature of the many linked processes for the full protocellular system. Obviously the simplicity of this simulation method combined with the inherent system complexity prevents us from expecting quantitative simulation predictions from these investigations. However, we report important findings on systemic processes, some previously predicted and some newly discovered, as we couple the protocellular self-assembly processes and chemical reactions.
Self-Description for Construction and Computation on Graph-Rewriting Automata
Authors: Tomita Kohji , Murata Satoshi , Kurokawa Haruhisa
Published: August 2007

This article shows how self-description can be realized for construction and computation in a single framework of a variant of graph-rewriting systems called graph-rewriting automata. Graph-rewriting automata define symbol dynamics on graphs, in contrast to cellular automata on lattice space. Structural change is possible along with state transition. Self-replication based on a self-description is shown as an example of self-description for construction. This process is performed using a construction arm, which is realized as a subgraph, that executes a program described in the graph structure. In addition, a metanode structure is introduced to embed rule sets in the graph structure as self-description for computation. These are regarded as universal graph-rewriting automata that can serve as a model of systems that maintain themselves through replication and modification.
Exact Simulation of Integrate-and-Fire Models with Exponential Currents
Authors: Brette Romain
Published: August 2007

Neural networks can be simulated exactly using event-driven strategies, in which the algorithm advances directly from one spike to the next spike. It applies to neuron models for which we have (1) an explicit expression for the evolution of the state variables between spikes and (2) an explicit test on the state variables that predicts whether and when a spike will be emitted. In a previous work, we proposed a method that allows exact simulation of an integrate-and-fire model with exponential conductances, with the constraint of a single synaptic time constant. In this note, we propose a method, based on polynomial root finding, that applies to integrate-and-fire models with exponential currents, with possibly many different synaptic time constants. Models can include biexponential synaptic currents and spike-triggered adaptation currents.
The Deaths of God in Hegel and Nietzsche and the Crisis of Values in Secular Modernity and Post-secular Postmodernity
Authors: Franke William
Published: August 2007

Although declarations of the death of God seem to be provocations announcing the end of the era of theology, this announcement is actually central to the Christian revelation in its most classic forms, as well as to its reworkings in contemporary religious thought. Indeed provocative new possibilities for thinking theologically open up precisely in the wake of the death of God. Already Hegel envisaged a revolutionary new realization of divinity emerging in and with the secular world through its establishment of a total order of immanence. However, in postmodern times this comprehensive order aspired to by modern secularism implodes or cracks open towards the wholly Other. A hitherto repressed demand for the absolute diff erence of the religious, or for "transcendence," returns with a vengeance. is difference is what could not be stated in terms of the Hegelian System, for reasons that post-structuralist writers particularly have insisted on: all representations of God are indeed dead. Yet this does not mean that they cannot still be powerful, but only that they cannot assign God any stable identity. Nietzsche's sense of foreboding concerning the death of God is coupled with his intimations of the demise of representation and “grammar” as epistemologically bankrupt, but also with his vision of a positive potential for creating value in the wake of this collapse of all linguistically articulated culture. He points the way towards the emergence of a post-secular religious thinking of what exceeds thought and representation.
Prisoner Behavior and Social System in the Nazi Concentration Camps
Authors: Luchterhand Elmer
Published: August 2007

Until recently, American theory and discussion on prisoner behavior in the Nazi concentration camps differed in important ways from most European work. The American peculiarities stem from two main sources. First, there were gross reporting errors which added to the common difficulties in making sense of the camp system and genocide. Second, before the end of World War II and after, there was quick publication of poorly-grounded theories, reflecting concern with narrowly psychodynamic processes, rather than social processes.

The present paper reviews study findings on the importance of human groups in the struggle for survival. Particular attention is given to the emergence of a prisoner social system and to the normative aspects of such a system. Along with references to the relevant work of others, the author deals at some length with his own early research, involving intensive interviews with fifty-two camp sur vivors who emigrated to the United States. In that study, data were gathered on changes with time in the camps in (1) patterns of interpersonal relations, (2) sharing with other prisoners and assisting them, and (3) thefts from other prisoners.

The paper considers several propositions on human behavior in extreme situations. These include the proposition by Bruno Bettelheim that the longer prisoners were confined, the more they identified with the SS; that a prisoner had reached the final stage of adjustment to the camp situation when he had changed his personality so as to accept as his own the values11 of his captors.

The paper summarizes the author's findings on prisoner behavior in especially extreme situations such as prolonged punishment assemblies and winter- time transports of Auschwitz evacuees; on the attitudes of respondents toward "old" prisoners and toward members of prisoner underground organizations; and on the length of imprisonment of members of various national and inter national camp committees.

Evidence is offered which suggests that stable pairing was the most common type of interpersonal relationship pattern and that most survivors had a sharing relationship of mutuality with one or more persons; that the pair was the basic unit of survival.

Respondents showing decline in sharing behavior were in the camps sub stantially less time than those showing no change. Those respondents who showed greater and more stable general social participation were in the camps con siderably longer than those whose participation declined. Respondents showing decline in thefts (taking from other prisoners only) or consideration of theft, were in the camps longer than those showing increasing theft behavior.

The study findings offered conflict at many points with narrowly psycho dynamic interpretations of prisoner behavior. It is concluded that in the camps the human group and social change system emerge as the most fruitful foci for scientific analysis.