bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Luminescence Properties of Orange–Red‐Emitting M2Si5N8:Eu2+ (M=Ca, Sr, Ba) Light‐Emitting Diode Conversion Phosphors by a Simple Nitridation of MSi2
Authors: Li Hui‐Li , Xie Rong‐Jun , Hirosaki Naoto , Takeda Takashi , Zhou Guo‐Hong
Published: March 2009

Eu2+‐doped M2Si5N8 (M=Ca, Sr, Ba) orange–red phosphors were successfully prepared by a simple, direct, and efficient solid‐state reaction using air‐stable MSi2, Eu2O3, and α‐Si3N4 as the starting materials under N2–H2 (5%) atmosphere. The influence of the type of the alkaline‐earth ion on the phase structure and luminescence properties has been investigated. The results show that the synthesized powders have a single‐phase crystal structure of M2Si5N8 for M=Ca, Sr, and a little amount of BaSi7N10 impurity phase for M=Ba. Under the blue light excitation, M2Si5N8:Eu2+ shows a typical broad band emission of Eu2+ ranging from orange to red (585–620 nm) depending on the type of M ion. The emission intensity, conversion efficiency, and thermal stability increase with the sequence of Ca<Ba<Sr, which suggests that Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+ has the highest application potential as a red conversion phosphor for white light‐emitting diodes.
CO interferometry of gas-rich spiral galaxies in the outskirts of an intermediate redshift cluster
Authors: Geach James E. , Smail Ian , Coppin Kristen , Moran Sean M. , Edge Alastair C. , Ellis Richard S.
Published: March 2009

We present IRAM Plateau de Bure Interferometer 3-mm observations of CO J(1 → 0) emission in two 24-μm selected starburst galaxies in the outskirts (∼2–3Rvirial) of the rich cluster Cl 0024+16 (z = 0.395). The galaxies' inferred far-infrared luminosities place them in the luminous infrared galaxy (LIRG) class (LFIR > 1011 L⊙), with star formation rates of ∼60 M⊙ yr−1. Strong CO J(1 → 0) emission is detected in both galaxies, and we use the CO line luminosity to estimate the mass of cold molecular gas, M(H2). Assuming M(H2)/L′CO = 0.8 M⊙ (K km−1 pc2)−1, we estimate M(H2) = (5.4–9.1) × 109 M⊙ for the two galaxies. We estimate the galaxies' dynamical masses from their CO line widths, Mdyn∼ 1–3 × 1010 M⊙, implying large cold gas fractions in the galaxies' central regions. At their current rates, they will complete the assembly of M★∼ 1010 M⊙ and double their stellar mass within as little as ∼150 Myr. If these galaxies are destined to evolve into S0s, then the short time-scale for stellar mass assembly implies that their major episode of bulge growth occurs while they are still in the cluster outskirts, long before they reach the core regions. Subsequent fading of the disc component relative to the stellar bulge after the gas reservoirs have been exhausted could complete the transformation of spiral-to-S0.
Local Adverbs in Hittite: Synchrony and Diachrony
Authors: Melchert H. Craig
Published: March 2009

Words expressing spatial relationships in Hittite are synchronically adverbs, not case forms of nouns as sometimes alleged. They are attested in three distinct syntactic roles: postpositions, preverbs, and freestanding adverbs. Some of these local adverbs are inherited from Proto‐Indo‐European, while others reflect petrified case forms of nouns. Postpositions from inherited local adverbs originally were construed with the dative‐locative, while those from nouns took the genitive. The agreement patterns of enclitic possessive pronouns with postpositions show that the nominal postpositions developed variously from dative‐locative, ablative, and accusative case forms. By attested Hittite, the postpositions from inherited adverbs and those from nominal case forms have mutually influenced each other's syntax, and both sets can be construed either with the dative‐locative or with the genitive (including enclitic possessives).
Wound drainage with or without blood salvage? An open, prospective, randomized and single‐center comparison of blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin levels and allogeneic blood transfusions after major hip surgery
Authors: SLAPPENDEL ROBERT , HORSTMANN WIEGER , DIRKSEN RIS , VAN HELLEMONDT GIJS G.
Published: March 2009

The objectives of the study were to compare an autologous blood salvage low‐vacuum drainage system with a high‐vacuum drainage system with regard to blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin levels and need for allogeneic transfusion. The study was an open, randomized, prospective and single‐center trial. Two hundred patients scheduled for revision total hip surgery were randomized to either the Bellovac ABT (autologous blood salvage, low vacuum) or the Medinorm AG (high vacuum) drainage system. Blood loss, transfusion volumes and hemoglobin levels were measured during the whole postoperative period. No statistically significant differences were detected between the two drainage systems with regard to transfusion rate, blood loss and adverse events. The hemoglobin decrease during the first postoperative day was statistically significantly less in the Bellovac ABT group (P = 0.0111). Postoperative hemoglobin concentrations were found to be higher in the Bellovac ABT group compared with the Medinorm group at day 1. In addition, the Bellovac ABT system offers a possibility of transfusion of postoperatively salvaged blood that may decrease the need for allogeneic blood transfusion.
Hydrodynamic Evaluation of a Minimally Invasive Heart Valve in an Isolated Aortic Root Using a Modified In Vitro Model
Authors: Wang Qiang , Jaramillo Fernando , Kato Yasushi , Pinchuk Leonard , Schoephoerster Richard T.
Published: March 2009

Implantation methods for commercially available heart valve prostheses require open-chest access to the heart to perform the suturing process. In order to alleviate this complicated surgical implant technique, a “stent-valve” design was developed that will provide a less cumbersome implantation method and therefore a less invasive access to the heart. The purpose of this study is to verify its hydrodynamic performance and migration characteristics to assess its feasibility for use as a replacement heart valve. Hydrodynamic evaluation of the novel stent-valve combination device was carried out using a Vivitro left heart simulator and by setting up a comparison with the same 19 mm trileaflet valve under a traditional implantation (suture) method. To assess implantation ability under normal physiological conditions, porcine aortic root tissue was mounted into the left heart simulator to replace the original glass sinus. A comparison experiment was conducted to study the change in the total compliance and resistance of the testing system using the modified Windkessel model. For the range of test conditions investigated, the stent-valve combination device produced an average pressure gradient of 41.2 mm Hg(±19.6 mm Hg), an average effective orifice area (EOA) of 1.06 cm2(±0.08 cm2), and an average regurgitation percentage of 4.5% (±3.3%), while the sutured valve produced an average pressure gradient of 48.7 mm Hg(±17.4 mm Hg), an average EOA of 0.88 cm2(±0.14 cm2), and an average regurgitation percentage of 0.8% (±0.4%). The total compliance and resistance of the system was 0.37 ml/mm Hg(±0.01 ml/mm Hg) and 1.1 mm Hg/ml/s(±0.29 mm Hg/ml/s), with the original Windkessel model, and 0.33 ml/mm Hg(±0.01 ml/mm Hg) and 1.1 mm Hg/ml/s(±0.24 mm Hg/ml/s) for the system with the aortic tissue. The stent-valve combination device has demonstrated favorable hydrodynamic performance when compared with the same trileaflet valve under the traditional suturing method, and the arterial stent makes it possible to secure the valve at its required position without migration.
Improving Maneuverability and Tactile Feedback in Medical Catheters by Optimizing the Valve Toward Minimal Friction
Authors: Ravensbergen S. K. , Rosielle P. C. J. N. , Steinbuch M.
Published: March 2009

A new extended hemostasis valve for sheaths is presented, with minimized stick-slip behavior to be used in (heart) catheterization procedures during long interventions (3–6 h). The invented extension to this existing sheath bypasses the silicone rubber sealing (hemostasis valve) and replaces it with a dedicated seal with the two functions separated: (1) sealing around the catheter being used and (2) closing the sheath when the catheter is removed (valve function). Measurements have been performed on the current and the invented seals, showing that the axial friction force is reduced, with a factor of 6.4, from 1.4 N to 0.22 N.
Optimization of Plasma Treatment, Manipulative Variables and Coating Composition for the Controlled Filling and Coating of a Microstructured Reservoir Stent
Authors: Mekki Mustapha , Durual Stéphane , Scherrer Susanne S. , Lammers Johannes , Wiskott H. W. Anselm
Published: March 2009

The object of the study was to fill and coat the microcavities of a drug eluting stent using a batch dipping process. 316L coronary stents, which were coated with a 0.25 μm layer of TiNOx were used as substrates. The stents’ surface was dimpled with 0.21 μl microcavities separated by distances of 17–28 μm depending on location. The experiment consisted of (1) optimizing the procedures to fill the microcavities with a solution of therapeutic agent and (2) covering the filled microcavities with a protective “lid” that shielded the solution during stent insertion in the arteries and then controlled its release into the surrounding tissue. The filling solution was a water-propanol mix containing 20% L-arginine. The coating solution was comprised of poly-ethylene-glycol (PEG-8000) and dexamethasone. The filling quality was investigated after altering the following variables: plasma surface activation (type of gas, pressure, power, and duration), water-propanol percentage ratio of the filling solution, lifting speed from the bath, and effect of ultrasonic vibration (monofrequency versus multifrequency). The surface coating was evaluated by altering the PEG-8000-dexamethasone percentage ratio and recording the effects on coating thickness and structure, on elution rate, and on wear resistance. The optimized process is presented in detail.
Design of an Underactuated Compliant Gripper for Surgery Using Nitinol
Authors: Doria Mario , Birglen Lionel
Published: March 2009

This paper presents the development of an underactuated compliant gripper using a biocompatible superelastic alloy, namely, nitinol. This gripper has two fingers with five phalanges each and can be used as the end-effector of an endoscopic instrument. Optimization procedures are required to obtain the geometry of the transmission mechanism because of its underactuated nature and its underlying complexity. A driving mechanism further incorporated in the gripper to distribute actuation to both fingers and accomplish the grasping of asymmetrical objects without requiring supplementary inputs is also discussed. Finally, the results of numerical simulations with different materials and different grasped objects are presented and discussed.
Activities of Ceftobiprole and Other Cephalosporins against Extracellular and Intracellular (THP-1 Macrophages and Keratinocytes) Forms of Methicillin-Susceptible and Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Lemaire Sandrine , Glupczynski Youri , Duval Valérie , Joris Bernard , Tulkens Paul M. , Van Bambeke Françoise
Published: March 2009

Staphylococcus aureusis an opportunistic intracellular organism. Although they poorly accumulate in eukaryotic cells, β-lactams show activity against intracellular methicillin (meticillin)-susceptibleS. aureus(MSSA) if the exposure times and the drug concentrations are sufficient. Intraphagocytic methicillin-resistantS. aureus(MRSA) strains are susceptible to penicillins and carbapenems because the acidic pH favors the acylation of PBP 2a by these β-lactams through pH-induced conformational changes. The intracellular activity (THP-1 macrophages and keratinocytes) of ceftobiprole, which shows almost similar in vitro activities against MRSA and MSSA in broth, was examined against a panel of hospital-acquired and community-acquired MRSA strains (MICs, 0.5 to 2.0 mg/liter at pH 7.4 and 0.25 to 1.0 mg/liter at pH 5.5) and was compared with its activity against MSSA isolates. The key pharmacological descriptors {relative maximal efficacy (Emax), relative potency (the concentration causing a reduction of the inoculum halfway betweenE0andEmax[EC50]), and static concentration (Cs)} were measured. All strains showed sigmoidal dose-responses, withEmaxbeing about a 1 log10CFU decrease from the postphagocytosis inoculum, and EC50andCsbeing 0.2 to 0.3× and 0.6 to 0.9× the MIC, respectively. Ceftobiprole effectively competed with Bocillin FL (a fluorescent derivative of penicillin V) for binding to PBP 2a at both pH 5.5 and pH 7.4. In contrast, cephalexin, cefuroxime, cefoxitin, or ceftriaxone (i) were less potent in PBP 2a competitive binding assays, (ii) showed only partial restoration of the activity against MRSA in broth at acidic pH, and (iii) were collectively less effective against MRSA in THP-1 macrophages and were ineffective in keratinocytes. The improved activity of ceftobiprole toward intracellular MRSA compared with the activities of conventional cephalosporins can be explained, at least in part, by its greater ability to bind to PBP 2a not only at neutral but also at acidic pH.
Impact of
sarA
on Antibiotic Susceptibility of
Staphylococcus aureus
in a Catheter-Associated In Vitro Model of Biofilm Formation
Authors: Weiss Elizabeth C. , Spencer Horace J. , Daily Sonja J. , Weiss Brian D. , Smeltzer Mark S.
Published: March 2009

Mutation of the staphylococcal accessory regulator (
sarA
) in
Staphylococcus aureus
limits but does not abolish the capacity of the organism to form a biofilm. As a first step toward determining whether this limitation is therapeutically relevant, we carried out in vitro studies comparing the relative susceptibility of an
S. aureus
clinical isolate (UAMS-1) and its isogenic
sarA
mutant (UAMS-929) in the specific context of a catheter-associated biofilm. The antibiotics tested were daptomycin, linezolid, and vancomycin, all of which were evaluated by using concentrations based on the MIC defined as the breakpoint for a susceptible strain of
S. aureus
(≤1.0, ≤2.0, and ≤4.0 μg/ml for daptomycin, vancomycin, and linezolid, respectively). Mutation of
sarA
had no significant impact on the MIC of UAMS-1 for any of the targeted antibiotics, as defined by Etest antimicrobial susceptibility testing. However, mutation of
sarA
did result in a significant increase in antimicrobial susceptibility to all targeted antibiotics when they were tested in the specific context of a biofilm. Additionally, whether susceptibility was assessed by using UAMS-1 or its
sarA
mutant, daptomycin was found to be more effective against established
S. aureus
biofilms than either linezolid or vancomycin.
Prevalence of
aac(6′)-Ib-cr
Encoding a Ciprofloxacin-Modifying Enzyme among
Enterobacteriaceae
Blood Isolates in Korea
Authors: Kim Eun Sil , Jeong Jin-Yong , Jun Jae-Bum , Choi Sang-Ho , Lee Sang-Oh , Kim Mi-Na , Woo Jun Hee , Kim Yang Soo
Published: March 2009

The
aac(6′)-Ib
gene was detected in 86 of 555 (15.5%)
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates. Among these 86
aac(6′)-Ib
-positive isolates, 19 (22.0%) were positive for
aac(6′)-Ib-cr
: 4 of 31 (12.9%)
Enterobacter
spp., 7 of 13 (53.8%)
Escherichia coli
isolates, and 8 of 42 (19.0%)
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolates. There was a strong association between
aac(6′)-Ib-cr
and OXA-1 and CTX-M-1 group β-lactamase genes. One
aac(6′)-Ib
-positive
K. pneumoniae
isolate carried both
aac(6′)-Ib-cr
and
qnrS
.
Identification of Cross-Reactive Epitopes on the Conserved 47-Kilodalton Antigen ofOrientia tsutsugamushiand Human Serine Protease
Authors: Chen Hua-Wei , Zhang Zhiwen , Huber Erin , Chao Chien-Chung , Wang Hui , Dasch Gregory A. , Ching Wei-Mei
Published: March 2009

Orientia tsutsugamushiis the causative agent of scrub typhus. One of the protein antigens of this species, the conserved 47-kDa protein (HtrA), has been shown to induce an antibody response in patients and can provide protective immunity against live challenge byOrientiain mice. Pepscan experiments identified many peptide epitope clusters in different parts of this protein. The majority of the most reactive epitopes are located at the C terminus of the protein (from amino acid 333 to amino acid 430). Protein sequence analysis revealed that the 47-kDa protein contains a trypsin domain and has sequence homology to human serine protease HtrA1 (hHtrA1). As the 47-kDa protein is a potential vaccine candidate and its ability to induce autoimmunity is a concern, the reactivity of scrub typhus patient sera with purified recombinant 47-kDa and hHtrA1 proteins was tested. A significant percentage (>20%) of scrub typhus patient sera reacted strongly with recombinant hHTRA1 and two of the antigenic polypeptide epitopes in hHtrA1. These findings suggest that the safety of the full-length 47-kDa antigen as a vaccine candidate is a significant issue due to its cross-reactivity with a human protein, which may also contribute to autoimmune responses or enhanced pathology in some scrub typhus patients.
Interaction and micellar solubilization of diclofenac with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide: A spectrophotometric study
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Reza , Gheshlagi Mohammad
Published: March 2009

In this study, the interaction of diclofenac (Dic) with cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was investigated. The effect of cationic micelles on solubilization of diclofenac in aqueous micellar solution was studied at pH 6.8, 29 °C and various drug concentrations. The binding of diclofenac to CTAB micelles was accompanied by a batochromic shift in the drug absorption spectra. The solubility of diclofenac increased with increasing surfactant concentration as a consequence of the association between the drug and micelles. From the results, the binding constants Kb, was obtained. By using the pseudo-phase model, the partition coefficient between the bulk water and CTAB micelles, Kx, and the Gibbs energy of binding were calculated. The value of binding constant and partition coefficient are increased by increasing of diclofenac concentration.
Synthesis of novel carbocyclic nucleoside analogues derived from 7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-methanol
Authors: Hřebabecký Hubert , Dračínský Martin , De Palma Armando M. , Neyts Johan , Holý Antonín
Published: March 2009

Hydroboration of [(1R*,2R*,4R*)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-2-yl]methyl benzoate (5), which was prepared by Diels–Alder reaction of furan with acrolein and subsequent reduction and benzoylation of the Diels–Alder product, afforded [(1R*,2S*,4S*,6S*)-6-hydroxy-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl]methyl benzoate (6) and [(1R*,2R*,4R*,5S*)-5-hydroxy-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl]methyl benzoate (7). The key intermediates, [(1R*,2S*,4S*,6R*)-6-hydroxy-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl]methyl benzoate (10) and [(1R*,2R*,4R*,5R*)-5-hydroxy-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl]methyl benzoate (11), were prepared from6and7, respectively, by oxidation with pyridinium dichromate and subsequent reduction of the thus obtained ketones. The Mitsunobu reaction of10and11with 6-chloropurine and subsequent reductive deprotection with diisobutylaluminium hydride afforded 6-chloropurine derivatives, which were converted to other purine analogues. Thymine analogues were prepared by Mitsunobu reaction of10and11with 3-benzoyl-5-methylpyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione and subsequent methanolysis. The target compounds were tested for the activity againstCoxsackievirus.
Can loud noise cause acoustic neuroma? Analysis of the INTERPHONE study in France
Authors: Hours M , Bernard M , Arslan M , Montestrucq L , Richardson L , Deltour I , Cardis E
Published: March 2009

Objectives:

To investigate possible associations between risk of acoustic neuroma and exposure to loud noise in leisure and occupational settings.

Methods:

A case-control study was conducted in France within the international INTERPHONE study. The cases were the 108 subjects diagnosed with acoustic neuroma between 1 June 2000 and 31 August 2003. Two controls per case were selected from the electoral rolls and individually matched for gender, age (5 years) and area (local authority district) of residence at the time of the case diagnosis. Multivariate analyses were conducted using conditional logistic regression. Adjustment was made for socioeconomic status.

Results:

Acoustic neuroma was found to be associated with loud noise exposure (odds ratio (OR) = 2.55; 95% CI 1.35 to 4.82), both in leisure settings, particularly when listening to loud music (OR = 3.88; 95% CI 1.48 to 10.17) and at work (OR = 2.26; 95% CI 1.08 to 4.72). This risk increased with exposure duration (>6 years’ leisure exposure: OR = 3.15; 95% CI 1.07 to 9.24). Risk varied according to the type of noise (continuous or explosive vs intermittent).

Conclusion:

The present results agree with other recent reports implicating loud noise in the risk of acoustic neuroma.
Improved cure of bacterial vaginosis with single dose of tinidazole (2 g),Lactobacillus rhamnosusGR-1, andLactobacillus reuteriRC-14: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Martinez Rafael C. R. , Franceschini Sílvio A. , Patta Maristela C. , Quintana Silvana M. , Gomes Bruna C. , De Martinis Elaine C. P. , Reid Gregor
Published: March 2009

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most prevalent vaginal infection worldwide and is characterized by depletion of the indigenous lactobacilli. Antimicrobial therapy is often ineffective. We hypothesized that probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 might provide an adjunct to antimicrobial treatment and improve cure rates. Sixty-four Brazilian women diagnosed with BV were randomly assigned to receive a single dose of tinidazole (2 g) supplemented with either 2 placebo capsules or 2 capsules containing L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 every morning for the following 4 weeks. At the end of treatment (day 28), the probiotic group had a significantly higher cure rate of BV (87.5%) than the placebo group (50.0%) (p = 0.001). In addition, according to the Gram-stain Nugent score, more women were assessed with “normal” vaginal microbiota in the probiotic group (75.0% vs. 34.4% in the placebo group; p = 0.011). This study shows that probiotic lactobacilli can provide benefits to women being treated with antibiotics for an infectious condition.
Whole-cell protein and ITS rDNA profiles as diagnostic tools to discriminateFusarium avenaceumintraspecific variability and associated virulence
Authors: Vujanovic V. , Vidovic S. , Fernandez M. R. , Daida P. , Korber D.
Published: March 2009

A total of 91 isolates of Fusarium avenaceum were regrouped into 15 phenotypes and 10 vegetative compatibility groups showing specific one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (1-D SDS–PAGE) protein profiles and less-specific internal transcribed spacer rDNA profiles. Each isolate possessed reproducible signature protein bands. Indeed, the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic averages clustering revealed that the protein profile of each group of isolates correlated with fungus virulence. The use of SDS–PAGE offers a simple and sensitive technique for routine differentiation between pathogenic and nonpathogenic isolates within unknown F. avenaceum populations. The discovery has significant implications for risk assessment of cereal yield to ensure food and feed safety. This low-cost approach has the potential to be optimized and extended to a broad spectrum of Fusarium head blight pathogens.
Ecological correlates of trophic polyphenism in spadefoot tadpoles inhabiting playas
Authors: Ghioca-Robrecht D. M. , Smith L. M. , Densmore L. D.
Published: March 2009

Polyphenism in larval amphibians has been related to several factors, including wetland hydroperiod, food availability, competition, and predation. Spadefoot toads (genus Spea Cope, 1866) often exhibit a trophic polyphenism by developing distinct carnivore and omnivore larval morphotypes. Using a multimodel selection approach, we investigated the influence of land use (cropland vs. grassland type) and differences in annual precipitation on morphotype expression in Plains spadefoot ( Spea bombifrons (Cope, 1863)) and New Mexico spadefoot ( Spea multiplicata (Cope, 1863)) toads in playas. We also examined the relative importance of tadpole density, tadpole age, water-loss stress, wetland size, density of larval mole salamanders (genus Ambystoma Tschudi, 1838; a predator on Spea tadpoles), and food resources on morph occurrence. The carnivore morphotype developed almost exclusively in S. bombifrons and rarely in S. multiplicata regardless of land use. Habitat availability measured by water-loss rate, as well as predation risk and tadpole age, were the most important factors influencing carnivore proportions. Ambystoma density was positively associated, whereas water-depth loss and tadpole age were negatively associated with the proportion of carnivores. The greatest proportion of carnivores was observed in grassland playas, which had the highest density of Ambystoma predators, longest hydroperiods, and experienced water-depth gain. Fairy shrimp density was not correlated with the proportion of carnivores. Upland land use through cultivation-associated erosion is altering wetland trophic structure, which further influences morphotype expression in Spea tadpoles and playa amphibian community structure.
KALUZA–KLEIN DIMENSIONAL REDUCTION AND GAUSS–CODAZZI–RICCI EQUATIONS
Authors: WANG PEI
Published: March 2009

In this paper we imitate the traditional method which is used customarily in the general relativity and some mathematical literatures to derive the Gauss–Codazzi–Ricci equations for dimensional reduction. It would be more distinct concerning geometric meaning than the vielbein method. Especially, if the lower-dimensional metric is independent of reduced dimensions the counterpart of the symmetric extrinsic curvature is proportional to the antisymmetric Kaluza–Klein gauge field strength. For isometry group of internal space, the SO (n) symmetry and SU (n) symmetry are discussed. And the Kaluza–Klein instanton is also enquired.
FINITE-WIDTH EFFECTS IN THE MODEL OF UNSTABLE PARTICLES WITH A SMEARED MASS
Authors: KUKSA V. I.
Published: March 2009

The quantum field model of unstable particles with a smeared mass is suggested to describe the finite-width effects. Within the framework of this model, we derive the convolution formula for a width and factorized formula for a cross-section. The phenomenological consequences of the mass smearing is discussed in the various fields of particle physics.
ASYMMETRY OF IN-MEDIUM ρ-MESONS AS A SIGNATURE OF CHERENKOV EFFECTS
Authors: DREMIN I. M. , NECHITAILO V. A.
Published: March 2009

Cherenkov gluons may be responsible for the asymmetry of dilepton mass spectra near ρ-meson observed in experiment. They can be in charge only for dileptons in the low-mass wing of the resonance. Therefore the dilepton mass spectra are flattened there and their peak is slightly shifted to lower masses compared with the in-vacuum ρ-meson mass. This feature must be common for all resonances.
TOPOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF SPECIFIC SPATIAL COMPLEX NETWORKS
Authors: WANG JUN , PROVAN GREGORY
Published: March 2009

Based on analyses of specific spatial networks, we compare the accuracy of three models in capturing topologies of two types of spatial networks: electronic circuits and brain networks. The models analyzed are an optimization model trading off multiple-objective constraints, an extended preferential attachment model with spatial constraints, and the generalized random graph model. First, we find that the optimization model and the spatial preferential attachment model can generate similar topological structures under appropriate parameters. Second, our experiments surprisingly show that the simple generalized random graph model outperforms the two proposed models. Third, we find that a series of spatial networks under global optimization of wire length, including the electronic circuits, brain networks, neuronal networks and transportation networks, have high s-metric values close to those of the corresponding generalized random graph models. These s-metric observations explain why the generalized random graph model can match the electronic circuits and the brain networks well from a probabilistic viewpoint, and distinguish their structures from self-organized spatial networks, such as the Internet.
MODEL-BASED IDENTIFICATION AND ADAPTIVE CONTROL OF THE CORE MODULE IN A TYPICAL CELL CYCLE PATHWAY VIA NETWORK AND SYSTEM CONTROL THEORIES
Authors: TANG BINHUA , HE LI , JING QING , SHEN BAIRONG
Published: March 2009

The loss of cell cycle control is often associated with cancers and other different diseases. With the accumulation of omics data, the network for molecule interactions in the cell cycle process will become much clearer. The identification of the crucial modules in a giant network and investigation of inherent control relations are very important to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of diseases for new drug design. The paper proposes novel techniques in analyzing such core regulatory modules based on network and system control theories. We initially define the degree of participation (DOP) and the rate of activity (ROA) for indentifying core module components, and then the diverse contribution elasticity functions for quantifying pairwise regulatory or control activities between those components, thus facilitating the decomposition of expanded core modules and the formation of feedback loops within the control schema. Motivated by the inherent regulatory mechanisms, we expound a kind of multiphase nonlinear adaptive control algorithm in repelling abnormal genetic mutations, which directly and indirectly impact cancer development in biological cells and organs. Experimental predictions are also elucidated within the work, helping those in vivo design, verification and performance evaluation.
EMERGENCE OF SCALE-FREE NETWORKS IN MARKETS
Authors: TSENG JIE-JUN , LI SAI-PING , CHEN SHU-HENG , WANG SUN-CHONG
Published: March 2009

Financial markets are complex systems; all the information scattered around the market is fairly and dynamically reflected in the current prices. It is difficult to understand the dynamics of markets merely by traditional analyzing methods. We propose here a new concept inspired by complex networks to study the trading behavior and the dynamics of markets. A web-based platform for prediction market which trades the political futures contracts is built to monitor the trading behavior among the human players. Two experiments are conducted on this platform in parallel for 30 days. From the accumulated transaction data, we reconstruct the so-called cash-flow networks. By examining the degree distributions of these networks, we observe that the network structure is scale-free with a power-law exponent of 1.15, which means that there must be a non-trivial mechanism governing the network growth in our markets. Through carrying out a post-simulation modelling by a continuous double auction market with "zero-intelligence" traders, we demonstrate that such a simple model is capable of generating scale-free networks. We thus suggest that the scale-free nature of the cash-flow networks should rely on the institutional design and the structure of markets rather than on the traders' strategies.
WORLD-CLASS OR GOOD ENOUGH — THE CHOICE OF PARTNER WHEN OUTSOURCING NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT IN MEDIUM-SIZED FIRMS
Authors: RUNDQUIST JONAS
Published: March 2009

Research on outsourcing normally focuses on outsourcing of production and often uses large firms as samples. Only a few studies address the outsourcing of services or knowledge-intensive activities such as new product development (NPD), and especially in the context of medium-sized firms. Our earlier research in medium-sized firms indicates that outsourcing of NPD is frequent in medium-sized firms, and that there is a lack of knowledge about the phenomenon.

This article offers a theoretical framework to study the outsourcing of NPD, and includes the results from a longitudinal case study carried out in six Swedish medium-sized firms to help understand the rationales behind outsourcing of NPD. Results from the present study indicate that 'good enough' is the keyword for medium-sized firms with limited resources. This means that it is considered more important with proximity and trust than world class competence, since close and frequent contacts are crucial, when outsourcing knowledge-intensive activities such as NPD. A conceptual model and a definition of the good enough concept are also presented.
TECHNOLOGY ENABLING INNOVATION IN ONLINE GRADUATE MANAGEMENT EDUCATION
Authors: MILLSON MURRAY R. , WILEMON DAVID
Published: March 2009

It has been approximately twenty-five years since the Internet became available for public use and slightly over ten years since the World Wide Web became readily accessible. In this paper, we examine innovations in graduate management educational delivery methods that have increased the quality of distance education by investigating the literature surrounding distance education with a focus on four major concepts and their association with modern education technologies. Our exploration involves a comparison of an innovative, parsimonious, online educational model with other methods of graduate management education especially for adult management students. Through this model, we focus on four major concepts that can have a significant impact on management education quality. The first two concepts include dialogue and structure that have been used to describe and assess the quality of distance education programs. The second two concepts comprise students' ability to access courses and the flexibility that students have relative to their participation in courses. We note that these four factors can impact the delivery, content, innovativeness, and quality of graduate management education programs. We review existing models of distance education and note how each model relates to each of these four factors. We then suggest how the design and delivery of online education programs can be improved with a greater understanding of these four concepts in addition to their relationship with recently developed web-based technologies. Finally, we discuss several issues surrounding the administration of web-based education programs and identify several questions that call for further investigation.
COARSE EMBEDDINGS INTO A HILBERT SPACE, HAAGERUP PROPERTY AND POINCARÉ INEQUALITIES
Authors: TESSERA ROMAIN
Published: March 2009

We prove that a metric space does not coarsely embed into a Hilbert space if and only if it satisfies a sequence of Poincaré inequalities, which can be formulated in terms of (generalized) expanders. We also give quantitative statements, relative to the compression. In the equivariant context, our result says that a group does not have the Haagerup Property if and only if it has relative property T with respect to a family of probabilities whose supports go to infinity. We give versions of this result both in terms of unitary representations, and in terms of affine isometric actions on Hilbert spaces.
THE BURNSIDE RING-VALUED MORSE FORMULA FOR VECTOR FIELDS ON MANIFOLDS WITH BOUNDARY
Authors: KATZ GABRIEL
Published: March 2009

Let G be a compact Lie group and A(G) its Burnside Ring. For a compact smooth n-dimensional G-manifold X equipped with a generic G-invariant vector field v, we prove an equivariant analog of the Morse formula [Formula: see text] which takes its values in A(G). Here Ind G(v) denotes the equivariant index of the field v, [Formula: see text] the v-induced Morse stratification (see [10]) of the boundary ∂X, and [Formula: see text] the class of the (n - k)-manifold [Formula: see text] in A(G).

We examine some applications of this formula to the equivariant real algebraic fields v in compact domains X ⊂ ℝn defined via a generic polynomial inequality. Next, we link the above formula with the equivariant degrees of certain Gauss maps. This link is an equivariant generalization of Gottlieb's formulas ([3, 4]).
Characterization of a preclinical model of chronic ischemic wound
Authors: Roy Sashwati , Biswas Sabyasachi , Khanna Savita , Gordillo Gayle , Bergdall Valerie , Green Jeanne , Marsh Clay B. , Gould Lisa J. , Sen Chandan K.
Published: March 2009

Chronic ischemic wounds presenting at wound clinics are heterogeneous with respect to etiology, age of the wound, and other factors complicating wound healing. In addition, there are ethical challenges associated with collecting repeated biopsies from a patient to develop an understanding of the temporal dynamics of the mechanisms underlying chronic wounds. The need for a preclinical model of ischemic wound is therefore compelling. The porcine model is widely accepted as an excellent preclinical model for human wounds. A full-thickness bipedicle flap approach was adopted to cause skin ischemia. Closure of excisional wounds placed on ischemic tissue was severely impaired resulting in chronic wounds. Histologically, ischemic wounds suffered from impaired re-epithelialization, delayed macrophage recruitment and poorer endothelial cell abundance and organization. Compared with the pair-matched nonischemic wound, unique aspects of the ischemic wound biology were examined on days 3, 7, 14, and 28 by systematic screening of the wound tissue transcriptome using high-density porcine GeneChips. Ischemia markedly potentiated the expression of arginase-1, a cytosolic enzyme that metabolizes the precursor of nitric oxide l-arginine. Ischemia also induced the SOD2 in the wound tissue perhaps as survival response of the challenged tissue. Human chronic wounds also demonstrated elevated expression of SOD2 and arginase-1. This study provides a thorough database that may serve as a valuable reference tool to develop novel hypotheses aiming to elucidate the biology of ischemic chronic wounds in a preclinical setting.
Effects of Different Types of Exercise Training Followed by Detraining on Endothelium-Dependent Dilation in Patients With Recent Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Vona M. , Codeluppi G.M. , Iannino T. , Ferrari E. , Bogousslavsky J. , von Segesser L.K.
Published: March 2009

Background—

In coronary artery disease, exercise training (ET) is associated with an improvement in endothelial function, but little is known about the relative effect of different types of training. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the effect of different types of ET on endothelial function in 209 patients after a first recent acute myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results—

Endothelial function was evaluated before and after 4 weeks of different types of ET and after 1 month of detraining by measuring flow-mediated dilation and von Willebrand factor levels at baseline and after ET. Patients were randomized into 4 groups: group 1, aerobic ET (n=52); group 2, resistance training (n=54); group 3, resistance plus aerobic training (n=53); and group 4, no training (n=50). At baseline, flow-mediated dilation was 4.5±2.6% in group 1, 4.01±1.6% in group 2, 4.4±4% in group 3, and 4.3±2.3% in group 4 (
P
=NS). After ET, flow-mediated dilation increased to 9.9±2.5% in group 1, 10.1±2.6% in group 2, and 10.8±3% in group 3 (
P
<0.01 versus baseline for all groups); it also increased in group 4 but to a much lesser extent (to 5.1±2.5%;
P
<0.01 versus trained groups). The von Willebrand factor level after ET decreased by 16% (
P
<0.01) similarly in groups 1, 2, and 3 but remained unchanged in group 4. Detraining returned flow-mediated dilation to baseline levels (
P
<0.01 versus posttraining).

Conclusion—

In patients with recent acute myocardial infarction, ET was associated with improved endothelial function independently of the type of training, but this effect disappeared after 1 month of detraining.
Generalization of the Event-Based Carnevale-Hines Integration Scheme for Integrate-and-Fire Models
Authors: van Elburg Ronald A. J. , van Ooyen Arjen
Published: March 2009

An event-based integration scheme for an integrate-and-fire neuron model with exponentially decaying excitatory synaptic currents and double exponential inhibitory synaptic currents has been introduced by Carnevale and Hines. However, the integration scheme imposes nonphysiological constraints on the time constants of the synaptic currents, which hamper its general applicability. This letter addresses this problem in two ways. First, we provide physical arguments demonstrating why these constraints on the time constants can be relaxed. Second, we give a formal proof showing which constraints can be abolished. As part of our formal proof, we introduce the generalized Carnevale-Hines lemma, a new tool for comparing double exponentials as they naturally occur in many cascaded decay systems, including receptor-neurotransmitter dissociation followed by channel closing. Through repeated application of the generalized lemma, we lift most of the original constraints on the time constants. Thus, we show that the Carnevale-Hines integration scheme for the integrate-and-fire model can be employed for simulating a much wider range of neuron and synapse types than was previously thought.
Combining Feature- and Correspondence-Based Methods for Visual Object Recognition
Authors: Westphal Günter , Würtz Rolf P.
Published: March 2009

We present an object recognition system built on a combination of feature- and correspondence-based pattern recognizers. The feature-based part, called preselection network, is a single-layer feedforward network weighted with the amount of information contributed by each feature to the decision at hand. For processing arbitrary objects, we employ small, regular graphs whose nodes are attributed with Gabor amplitudes, termed parquet graphs. The preselection network can quickly rule out most irrelevant matches and leaves only the ambiguous cases, so-called model candidates, to be verified by a rudimentary version of elastic graph matching, a standard correspondence-based technique for face and object recognition. According to the model, graphs are constructed that describe the object in the input image well. We report the results of experiments on standard databases for object recognition. The method achieved high recognition rates on identity and pose. Unlike many other models, it can also cope with varying background, multiple objects, and partial occlusion.
Peer acceptance and social behavior during childhood and adolescence: How important are appearance, athleticism, and academic competence?
Authors: Vannatta Kathryn , Gartstein Maria A. , Zeller Meg , Noll Robert B.
Published: March 2009

Efforts to identify factors associated with peer acceptance have historically focused on behavioral and social cognitive processes, whereas less empirical attention has focused on the impact of children's other personal attributes and competencies that are not inherently a component of social competence. The current study examined the association of three such nonsocial attributes — physical attractiveness, athleticism, and academic competence — with peer acceptance and whether these associations vary as a function of gender and development. In addition, we examined the extent to which peer perceptions of these attributes were associated with positive and negative patterns of social behavior and whether child attributes accounted for unique variance in peer acceptance above and beyond indices of social behavior. Use of a large ( N = 3183) sample of students in grades 2—10 allowed examination of whether the associations of child attributes, social behavior, and peer acceptance varied as a function of development or gender. All three attributes consistently accounted for unique variance in social acceptance and behavior, although their relative importance varied. Child gender and grade level were significant, but not universal, moderators of these associations.
Epistemic Beliefs and Achievement Motivation in Early Adolescence
Authors: Ricco Robert , Schuyten Pierce Sara , Medinilla Connie
Published: March 2009

This study seeks to establish the relevance of middle school students’ naïve beliefs about knowledge and learning in science to their achievement motivation in this domain. A predominantly Hispanic and lower-income sample of 459 middle school students (sixth through eighth grades) completed measures of epistemic beliefs along with several measures of motivation. Results indicated that a belief that scientific knowledge develops and that justification is necessary to valid knowledge in science were positively related to mastery goals, task value, and self-efficacy. Epistemic beliefs were also found to predict science grades over and above the contributions of motivational factors. Surprisingly, an uncritical acceptance of authority figures and a belief in scientific knowledge as certain were more typical of students who adopted motivational states (e.g., mastery goals) previously found to be supportive of learning. The latter findings may be unique to early adolescence within the ethnic and socioeconomic status parameters of the present sample.
From Mephistopheles to Isaiah
Authors: Fangerau Heiner
Published: March 2009

In 1917, the German-American scientist Jacques Loeb (1859—1924) published a short essay, entitled `Biology and War', that summarized his disagreement with World War I. He was deeply saddened by the break-up of the international scientific community as a consequence of the actions of bellicose politicians. These actions were in direct opposition to his efforts to promote social reform, mechanistic biology and scientific internationalism. The aim of this paper is to examine Loeb's activities aimed at these efforts before, during and after the war. It attempts to explain how Loeb's scientific work was formed, what was special about it and why it was both successful and attacked. Particular emphasis is placed on how Loeb reacted to the War and the subsequent forced disintegration of his international scientific network. Loeb's attempts to integrate his interpretation of biology into post-war Europe's approach to the life sciences is analysed in connection with his social commitment. It is argued that his emigration to the USA, the circumstances of World War I, the reaction of his German colleagues to it and the demolition of the international scientific community changed: (1) Loeb's feelings towards his old home; (2) the direction of his scientific endeavours; and (3) his engagement in science politics. His correspondence with eminent scientists from all over the world serves as a key to Loeb's efforts in the context of the social elements of scientific networks and perceptions.
Early Signs of Visual Perception and Evoked Potentials in Radiologically Asymptomatic Boys With X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Furushima Wakana , Inagaki Masumi , Gunji Atsuko , Inoue Yuki , Kaga Makiko , Mizutani Shuki
Published: March 2009

The aim was to identify the electrophysiological and psychological signs at a very early stage in asymptomatic boys with childhood cerebral X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. Flash visual evoked potentials, pattern reversal, and visual event-related potentials were recorded in 6 radiologically asymptomatic boys with adrenoleukodystrophy and 22 control boys. The latency and amplitude of P100 of visual evoked potentials and P1 of event-related potentials were evaluated. Though all patients had normal intelligence quotient, performance intelligence quotient was significantly lower than verbal intelligence quotient in 2 patients. Both P100 and P1 amplitudes were significantly greater in adrenoleukodystrophy than in controls. The difference between performance intelligence quotient and verbal intelligence quotient exhibited significant correlation with P100 amplitude. Enlargement of visual evoked potentials might be a sign of cerebral involvement preceding the appearance of abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging. Follow-up of asymptomatic boys with both electrophysiological and neuropsychological tests may serve as an aid for deciding the timing of therapeutic intervention.