bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basic characteristics of duplexsonographyin the assessment of lower limb arterial circulation
Authors: Vucaj-Cirilovic Viktorija , Nikolic Olivera , Petrovic Kosta , Govorcin Mira , Hadnadjev Dusan , Stojanovic Sanja
Published: March 2009

Introduction. Dulpex and color duplex ultrasonography of lower limb arteries are valuable non-invasive diagnostic methods in the pathology of vascular diseases and a major step in diagnostics and in follow-up of hemodynamic and morphologic characteristics. Color Duplex Sonography. The method consists of image analysis and analysis of Doppler information. Real-time-B mode is used to visualize the anatomy of blood vessels and other pathological lesions. Doppler information based on the Doppler effect determine the pulse wave i.e. the shape of flow velocity - hemodynamic characteristics. Spectral analysis is the most important element ofDoppler examination of the lower limb peripheral arteries. Based on the spectral analysis, there are four stages of lower limb arterial disease: normal findings - 1%-19% diameter reduction; medium stenosis - artery diameter reduction of 20%-49%; high level stenosis - artery diameter reduction of 50%-100%; occlusion - no flow detected within the imaged arterial segment. In the first place, both iliac arteries are examined, which is followed with femoral, popliteal and crural arteries. The examination of iliac arteries is carried out with a 3.5 MHz transducer, and other peripheral arteries of the lower limbs are examined with a 7,5 or 5 MHz transducer. Conclusion. Color Doppler is an extremely valuable diagnostic method in detecting pathology of the lower limb arteries. With high reliability level arterial insufficiency and pathological arterial segments are diagnosed by a duplex-Doppler. .
Die Prinzipien des naturnahen Waldbaus sind auch bei Klimawandel gültig (Essay) | The principles of ecoforestry are also valid in a changing climate (essay)
Authors: Schütz Jean-Philippe
Published: March 2009

Since the present climate in Switzerland includes abundant rainfall, the climatic changes should not present any serious danger of the ground drying out. In fact, higher precipitation levels are predicted. So it would seem that climate is likely to become more luxuriant rather than more dry. These conditions – together with the entry of nutrients with the rainfall – favour the growth of ash and maple but not of oak. Even with an increase in stressful dry summer periods, a consideration of the broad areas of distribution of indigenous species shows they possess a sufficiently great adaptability. Research into the effects of physiological stress on fir trees from different provenances shows in particular that those with local origins are better adapted to the habitat than those from elsewhere. The danger of an increase in storms should be countered by strategies aimed at increased resistance – through mixed plantation regulation and thinning out – rather than avoidance strategies. Ecoforestry is basically well armed for this task. It should be even more orientated towards the adaptability and resilience of forests.
Trace Water‐Promoted Oxidation of Benzylic Alcohols with Molecular Oxygen Catalyzed by Vanadyl Sulfate and Sodium Nitrite under Mild Conditions
Authors: Du Zhongtian , Miao Hong , Ma Hong , Sun Zhiqiang , Ma Jiping , Xu Jie
Published: March 2009

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An inexpensive catalytic system consisting of vanadyl sulfate and sodium nitrite was developed for the oxidation of benzylic alcohols with molecular oxygen under mild conditions. Benzyl alcohols with various substitutions were efficiently converted to their corresponding aldehydes with high conversion and selectivity under 80 °C (e.g., 4‐nitrobenzyl alcohol was smoothly oxidized to 4‐nitrobenzyl aldehyde with 94% yield under 0.5 MPa of molecular oxygen). Halogen, noble metals, extra base or complicated ligands were avoided. Addition of a trace of water to this system before the reaction was crucial for the high efficiency.
Assessment of Relevant Factors Influencing Lipolytic Enzyme Production by Thermus thermophilus HB27 in Laboratory‐Scale Bioreactors
Authors: Deive F. J. , Carvalho E. , Pastrana L. , Rúa M. L. , Longo M. A. , Sanroman M. A.
Published: March 2009

Nowadays, there is not much information on the large‐scale production of thermostable lipolytic enzymes by thermophilic organisms. Therefore, in this study the lipolytic enzyme production by Thermus thermophilus HB27 in laboratory‐scale bioreactors was undertaken. In order to determine the most suitable bioreactor, two configurations were investigated: stirred‐tank and airlift bioreactor. It was demonstrated that the stirred‐tank configuration led to the highest lipolytic extracellular activities, about 2.3‐fold higher than those found in the corresponding cultivation in the airlift bioreactor. On the other hand, the influence of several factors such as culture nutrients concentration, aeration, and agitation rate on the production of thermophilic lipolytic enzymes in a 5‐L stirred‐tank bioreactor was assayed. At reduced nutrients concentration (50 % with respect to the basal medium), a higher product/biomass yield was attained, without any operational problems. From the relationship between mass transfer coefficient (KLa), aeration, and agitation rates it was concluded that there is a lesser dependence on the aeration than the agitation rate. In addition, the mechanical stirring of the bioreactor could tear the membranes that contain the rotund bodies often found in cultures of thermophilic microorganisms, thus increasing the extracellular enzyme production.
The Intramolecular Edge‐to‐Face Interactions of an Aryl CH Bond and of a Pyridine Nitrogen Lone‐Pair with Aromatic and Fluoroaromatic Systems in Some [3,3]Metaparacyclophanes: A Combined Computational and NMR Study
Authors: Annunziata Rita , Benaglia Maurizio , Cozzi Franco , Mazzanti Andrea
Published: March 2009

Having the edge on aromatic–aromatic interactions: Model systems containing aromatic, fluoroaromatic, and heteroaromatic residues arranged in an edge‐to‐face disposition have been synthesized (see figure). Investigation of their structures and stereodynamic behavior shows a favorable interaction between an “edge” ring featuring a pyridine nitrogen lone pair and a perfluorinated “face” ring.

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Simple model systems based on the [3,3]metaparacyclophane skeleton have been designed to study the effect of fluorination of the “face” ring on the edge‐to–face (EtF) interactions with the CArH bond of a phenyl ring or the nitrogen lone‐pair of pyridine. Calculations established that in their more stable conformation the model systems adopt a tilted EtF disposition with the rim of the meta‐substituted ring pointing towards the face of the para‐substituted ring. Topomerization occurs by flipping of the meta‐substituted ring, a process that involves the formation of an intermediate featuring an orthogonal EtF disposition of the arenes, which is less stable than the tilted arrangement. The energy barriers to the isomerization were determined by variable‐temperature NMR spectroscopy and were well reproduced by DFT calculations. The variation in the energy barrier as a function of the substitution of the para‐substituted ring could be rationalized well by a polar interpretation of the EtF interaction in the cases of model systems presenting the PyN̈⋅⋅⋅π interaction but not in the cases of models featuring the CArH⋅⋅⋅π interaction.
Kneading Ball‐Milling and Stoichiometric Melts for the Quantitative Derivatization of Carbonyl Compounds with Gas–Solid Recovery
Authors: Mokhtari Javad , Naimi‐Jamal Mohammad R. , Hamzeali Hamideh , Dekamin Mohammad G. , Kaupp Gerd
Published: March 2009

A ray of hope for the environment is sustainable and green synthesis without the production of (toxic) waste. Solvent‐free stoichiometric melting or kneading ball‐milling reactions of aldehydes or ketones with carbonyl reagents yields arylhydrazones and oximes in quantitative yield. The carbonyl compounds can be quantitatively recovered from the imino derivatives by using gaseous NO2.

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An effective methodology of kneading with a ball mill under temperature control was used for the stoichiometric quantitative preparation of synthetically versatile oximes and 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazones from low‐melting aldehydes and ketones. Also, a large number of phenylhydrazones are obtained by safe stoichiometric quantitative melt reactions. Advantages of this technique are short reaction times, eco‐friendliness, and ease of handling under solvent‐free conditions, as no waste‐producing purifying workup is necessary. The different reactivities of aldehydes and ketones allow for easy separation of mixtures containing aldehydes and ketones. Furthermore, a new effective, gas–solid deprotection methodology for oximes was developed, using nitrogen dioxide as the reagent under solvent‐free conditions to recover the aldehydes or ketones. The corresponding aldehydes were obtained free of overoxidized acids in quantitative yields.
Structural requirements for the interaction of human IgM and IgA with the human Fcα/μ receptor
Authors: Ghumra Ashfaq , Shi Jianguo , Mcintosh Richard S. , Rasmussen Ingunn B. , Braathen Ranveig , Johansen Finn‐Eirik , Sandlie Inger , Mongini Patricia K. , Areschoug Thomas , Lindahl Gunnar , Lewis Melanie J. , Woof Jenny M. , Pleass Richard J.
Published: March 2009

Here we unravel the structural features of human IgM and IgA that govern their interaction with the human Fcα/μ receptor (hFcα/μR). Ligand polymerization status was crucial for the interaction, because hFcα/μR binding did not occur with monomeric Ab of either class. hFcα/μR bound IgM with an affinity in the nanomolar range, whereas the affinity for dimeric IgA (dIgA) was tenfold lower. Panels of mutant IgM and dIgA were used to identify regions critical for hFcα/μR binding. IgM binding required contributions from both Cμ3 and Cμ4 Fc domains, whereas for dIgA, an exposed loop in the Cα3 domain was crucial. This loop, comprising residues Pro440–Phe443, lies at the Fc domain interface and has been implicated in the binding of host receptors FcαRI and polymeric Ig receptor (pIgR), as well as IgA‐binding proteins produced by certain pathogenic bacteria. Substitutions within the Pro440–Phe443 loop resulted in loss of hFcα/μR binding. Furthermore, secretory component (SC, the extracellular portion of pIgR) and bacterial IgA‐binding proteins were shown to inhibit the dIgA–hFcα/μR interaction. Therefore, we have identified a motif in the IgA–Fc inter‐domain region critical for hFcα/μR interaction, and highlighted the multi‐functional nature of a key site for protein–protein interaction at the IgA Fc domain interface.
Setting up a 2D‐LC/MS/MS method for the rapid quantitation of the prostanoid metabolites 6‐oxo‐PGF1α and TXB2 as markers for hemostasis assessment
Authors: Casetta Bruno , Vecchione Gennaro , Tomaiuolo Michela , Margaglione Maurizio , Grandone Elvira
Published: March 2009

6‐oxo‐PGF1α and TXB2 are the metabolites of the prostanglandin PGI2 and of the thromboxane TXA2, respectively. PGI2 and TXA2 are arachidonic acid‐derived compounds which regulate the blood hemostasis. Their quick metabolism leads to the 6‐oxo‐PGF1α and TXB2 metabolites in plasma. In order to study on a large base the external factors influencing the hemostatic conditions, there is a need for a fast and reliable assay for quantitating these metabolites. Some methods have been published for the analysis of the arachidonic acid‐derived compounds and some are dealing with mass spectrometry but nonspecifically centered on these specific compounds with a fast and cheap protocol, amenable for large‐scale studies. Here we describe an analytical strategy that incorporates a two‐dimensional chromatography running coupled to tandem mass spectrometry that minimizes the sample preparation and addresses the presence of the TXB2 anomers for a robust quantitation measurement. After a protein precipitation, 100 µl of the supernatant (corresponding to 50 µl of the original plasma) was injected in a two‐dimensional chromatographic system which operates an on‐line clean‐up and a subsequent chromatographic separation of the targeted analytes with a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 22 pg/ml for 6‐oxo‐PGF1α, and and a LOQ of 25 pg/ml for TXB2. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the use of non‐linear transformations for the evaluation of anisotropic rotationally symmetric directional integrals. Application to the stress analysis in fibred soft tissues
Authors: Alastrué V. , Martínez M. A. , Menzel A. , Doblaré M.
Published: March 2009

Microsphere‐based constitutive models are a helpful tool in the modelling of materials with a micro‐structure composed of contributing elements directionally arranged. This is the case, for instance, for fibred soft tissues. In these models, the macroscopic mechanical behaviour is obtained from the integration of the micro‐structural contribution of each component (e.g. each fibre) over the surface of an underlying microsphere, which allows incorporating the mechanical features of the micro‐constituents to the macroscopic response. The combination of this sort of models and the associated numerical techniques constitutes a powerful modelling tool for which an efficient integration scheme is required. In this regard, the unit sphere discretizations proposed by Bažant and Oh (ZAMM—J Appl Math Mech Z Angew Math Mech 1986; 66(1):37–49) have been used for the integration of the microscopic contributions in isotropic materials. Nevertheless, the inclusion of anisotropy has important implications with regard to the integration scheme, since very fine discretizations are needed to perform the integration accurately, causing the integration process to be very costly. In addition, the storage of internal variables at each integration direction of every integration point is required for constitutive models based on the use of internal variables at the micro‐structural level, which renders this approach rather complex and memory demanding. In order to reduce the number of necessary integration directions, several non‐linear transformations for the integration of rotationally symmetric functions over the surface of the unit sphere are here presented. Their accuracy in the integration of the von Mises orientation distribution function is evaluated. Furthermore, a hyperelastic microsphere‐based constitutive law for the modelling of soft biological tissues is used in order to check the accuracy and computational efficiency of the proposed transformations within a Finite Element context in inhomogeneous deformation problems. Simulation results show the suitability of the proposed methodology in order to accurately approximate the value of the integrals within reasonable computational costs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A finite element formulation for the analysis of interlaminar shear stresses in layered composite plates
Authors: Schürg Marco , Gruttmann Friedrich
Published: March 2009

Fiber reinforced composite plates are often highly stressed structures. For an efficient design of such plates interlaminar stresses have to be evaluated as precisely as possible. In this paper we propose a finite element formulation for the analysis of transverse shear stresses in layered composite plates. For this purpose the equilibrium equations are exploited with appropriate shape functions in weak form which leads to a local discrete boundary value problem. Two different models to compute the derivatives of the strains are considered. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Some Damping Characteristics of a Chain Structured Vibration System
Authors: Weber Wolfgang , Anders Bernd , Zastrau Bernd W.
Published: March 2009

The optimal positioning of a single damping element in a chain structured vibration system of Mikota–type [1] is being analyzed by means of LYAPUNOV optimization. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photocrosslinking of EVA/inorganic filler blends and characteristics of related properties
Authors: Hu Yuewen , Wu Qianghua , Qu Baojun
Published: March 2009

The blends of EVA filled with talc, calcium carbonate, and glass ball (GB) have been photocrosslinked by UV irradiation in the presence of benzophenone (BP) as a photoinitiator and triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) as a crosslinker. The various factors affecting the crosslinking process and the related properties have been studied by gel determination, heat extension test, mechanical and thermal aging test, UV spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the EVA/talc, EVA/CaCO3, and EVA/GB samples of 1 mm thickness filled with 25 phr inorganic filler can be photocrosslinked to gel content of above 70 wt% by 5 sec UV‐irradiation under optimum conditions, which is sufficient for some applications of EVA blend materials. The crosslinking rate and final gel content level are in the order of EVA/GB > EVA/talc > EVA/CaCO3. The data from mechanical and thermal aging tests give evidence that the photocrosslinked EVA/talc, EVA/CaCO3, and EVA/GB samples are of much better tensile strength and thermal aging properties than those of the unphotocrosslinked ones. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
met oncogene activation qualifies spontaneous canine osteosarcoma as a suitable pre‐clinical model of human osteosarcoma
Authors: De Maria Raffaella , Miretti Silvia , Iussich Selina , Olivero Martina , Morello Emanuela , Bertotti Andrea , Christensen James G , Biolatti Bartolomeo , Levine Roy A , Buracco Paolo , Di Renzo Maria Flavia
Published: March 2009

The Met receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) is aberrantly expressed in human osteosarcoma and is an attractive molecular target for cancer therapy. We studied spontaneous canine osteosarcoma (OSA) as a potential pre‐clinical model for evaluation of Met‐targeted therapies. The canine MET oncogene exhibits 90% homology compared with human MET, indicating that cross‐species functional studies are a viable strategy. Expression and activation of the canine Met receptor were studied utilizing immunohistochemical techniques in 39 samples of canine osteosarcoma, including 35 primary tumours and four metastases. Although the Met RTK is barely detectable in primary culture of canine osteoblasts, high expression of Met protein was observed in 80% of canine osteosarcoma samples acquired from various breeds. Met protein overexpression was also concordant with its activation as indicated by phosphorylation of critical tyrosine residues. In addition, Met was expressed and constitutively activated in canine osteosarcoma cell lines. OSA cells expressing high levels of Met demonstrated activation of downstream transducers, elevated spontaneous motility, and invasiveness which were impaired by both a small molecule inhibitor of Met catalytic activity (PHA‐665752) and met‐specific, stable RNA interference obtained by means of lentiviral vector. Similar to observations in human OSA, these data suggest that Met is commonly overexpressed and activated in canine OSA and that inhibition of Met impairs the invasive and motogenic properties of canine OSA cells. These data implicate Met as a potentially important factor for canine OSA progression and indicate that it represents a viable model to study Met‐targeted therapies. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of the selective and non‐peptide CXCR2 receptor antagonist SB225002 on acute and long‐lasting models of nociception in mice
Authors: Manjavachi Marianne N. , Quintão Nara L.M. , Campos Maria Martha , Deschamps Isa K. , Yunes Rosendo A. , Nunes Ricardo J. , Leal Paulo C. , Calixto João B.
Published: March 2009

This study evaluated the antinociceptive effects of the selective and non‐peptide CXCR2 antagonist SB225002 in mouse models of pain. As assessed in different tests of spontaneous nociception, intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of SB225002 caused consistent and dose‐related reduction of acetic acid‐induced abdominal constrictions, whereas it did not significantly affect the nociception evoked by formalin, capsaicin, glutamate or phorbol ester acetate (PMA). Systemic treatment with SB225002 strikingly reduced the spontaneous nociception induced by 8‐bromo‐cAMP (8‐Br‐cAMP), or mechanical hypernociception induced by prostaglandin E2(PGE2), epinephrine, or the keratinocyte‐derived chemokine (KC). In the carrageenan model, SB225002 markedly reduced mechanical hypernociception when administered by i.p., intrathecal (i.t.) or intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) routes, or even when co‐administered with carrageenan into the mouse paw, indicating peripheral and central sites of action for SB225002. In addition, i.p. treatment with SB225002 significantly attenuated the increase in MPO activity or the elevation of IL‐1β, TNFα or KC levels following carrageenan injection. In the persistent models of pain evoked by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) or by the partial ligation of the sciatic nerve (PLSN), the repeated administration of SB225002 displayed prominent and long‐lasting antinociceptive effects. Notably, SB225002 did not evoke unspecific central effects, as evaluated in the open‐field and rota‐rod tests, or even in the latency responses for thermal stimuli. Our data confirm the previous notion on the critical role exerted by chemokines in pain, indicating that selective CXCR2 antagonists, such as SB225002, might well represent interesting and innovative alternatives for the management of both acute and chronic pain.
The effect of infection history on the fitness of the gastrointestinal nematode Strongyloides ratti
Authors: BLEAY C. , WILKES C. P. , PATERSON S. , VINEY M. E.
Published: March 2009

Hosts in nature will often acquire infections by different helminth species over their lifetime. This presents the potential for new infections to be affected (particularly via the host immune response) by a host's history of previous con- or hetero-specific infection. Here we have used an experimental rat model to investigate the consequences of a history of primary infection with either Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, Strongyloides venezuelensis or S. ratti on the fitness of, and immunological response to, secondary infections of S. ratti. We found that a history of con-specific, but not hetero-specific, infection reduced the survivorship of S. ratti; the fecundity of S. ratti was not affected by a history of either con- or hetero-specific infections. We also found that a history of con-specific infection promoted Th2-type responses, as shown by increased concentrations of total IgE, S. ratti-specific IgG1, rat mast cell protease II (RMCPII), IL4 (but decreased concentrations of IFNγ) produced by mesenteric lymph node cells in response to S. ratti antigen. Additionally, S. ratti-specific IgG1 was positively related to the intensity of both primary and secondary infections of S. ratti. Hetero-specific primary infections were only observed to affect the concentration of total IgE and RMCPII. The overall conclusion of these experiments is that the major immunological effect acting against an infection is induced by the infection itself and that there is little effect of prior infections of the host.
The health and relationship dynamics of late-life couples: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: WALKER RUTH B. , LUSZCZ MARY A.
Published: March 2009

Late-life husband and wife relationships are increasingly recognised as an important factor in promoting wellbeing, particularly in terms of the health, social, emotional, financial and practical needs of older people. Knowledge of marital dynamics and how they affect both members of a couple remains scarce. This systematic review aimed to identify and appraise research that has focused explicitly on the dynamics of the relationship, as evinced by data frombothspouses. Implementing rigorous identification strategies, 45 articles were identified and reviewed. These studies were grouped into three broad thematic areas: marital relations and satisfaction; concordance in emotional state or physical health; and the interplay between marital quality and wellbeing. The issues found to affect marital relations and satisfaction in late life included equality of roles, having adequate communication, and transitions to living apart. There is strong evidence for couple concordance in depression, that marital relationships affect ill-health, longevity and recovery from illness, and reciprocally that ill-health impacts on the marriage itself. The research also suggests important gender differences in the impact of marital dynamics on health. It has led to the conclusion that there is a need for more diverse studies of late-life marriages, particularly ones that examine the dynamics of non-traditional elderly couples and that extend beyond a predominant focus on the Caucasian population of the United States.
Availability of activity-related resources in senior apartments: does it differ by neighbourhood socio-economic status?
Authors: MENEC VERENA H. , VESELYUK DAWN M. , BLANDFORD AUDREY A. , NOWICKI SCOTT
Published: March 2009

Research has shown that the level of activity of the residents of a city's neighbourhood is related to the availability of activity-related resources. This study aimed to characterise the housing environment in which many older adults live by exploring what activity-related resources were available in senior apartment buildings in one Canadian city, Winnipeg. Of 195 senior apartment buildings in the city, 190 were surveyed to examine whether variation in the buildings' activity resources was related to neighbourhood characteristics, particularly socio-economic status. Resources were classified as those for physical activities (e.g. exercise classes), social activities (e.g. card games), and services (e.g. a grocery-store shuttle). The neighbourhood characteristics were taken from census data and included socio-economic and socio-demographic measures. The apartment buildings varied considerably in the resources available, and a positive relationship was found between neighbourhood income and physical and social activity programmes and services. Lower residential stability and a higher percentage of residents living alone were also related to the buildings' resource-richness, and senior apartment buildings with limited activity-related resources clustered in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. How senior apartments are resourced should be examined in relation to the neighbourhood in which they are located.
FOXA1 in breast cancer
Authors: Nakshatri Harikrishna , Badve Sunil
Published: March 2009

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease and classification is important for clinical management. At least five subtypes can be identified based on unique gene expression patterns; this subtype classification is distinct from the histopathological classification. The transcription factor network(s) required for the specific gene expression signature in each of these subtypes is currently being elucidated. The transcription factor network composed of the oestrogen (estrogen) receptor α (ERα), FOXA1 and GATA3 may control the gene expression pattern in luminal subtype A breast cancers. Breast cancers that are dependent on this network correspond to well-differentiated and hormone-therapy-responsive tumours with good prognosis. In this review, we discuss the interplay between these transcription factors with a particular emphasis on FOXA1 structure and function, and its ability to control ERα function. Additionally, we discuss modulators of FOXA1 function, ERα–FOXA1–GATA3 downstream targets, and potential therapeutic agents that may increase differentiation through FOXA1.
HABERMAS'S POLITICAL THOUGHT, 1984–1996: A HISTORICAL INTERPRETATION
Authors: SPECTER MATTHEW
Published: March 2009

Jürgen Habermas (b. 1929) has for decades been recognized as a leading European philosopher and public intellectual. But his global visibility has obscured his rootedness in German political culture and debate. The most successful historical accounts of the transformation of political culture in West Germany have turned on the concept of German statism and its decline. Viewing Habermas through this lens, I treat Habermas as a radical critic of German statism and an innovative theorist of democratic constitutionalism. Based on personal interviews with Habermas and his German colleagues, and by setting the major work alongside his occasion-specific political writings from 1984 to 1996, I interpret Habermas's political thought as an evolving response to two distinct moments in German history: first, the mid-1980s, and second, the revolutions of 1989 and German reunification in 1990. This essay challenges the dominant interpretations of Habermas's mature statement of his political theory.Between Facts and Norms: Contributions to a Discourse Theory of Democracy(1992), which have described it as marking a distinct break with, and reversal of, the commitments of his earlier work. By contrast, I describe the work as an intellectualsumma, consistent with Habermas's previous thought and career, and containing remarkable historical interpretations of two intertwined phenomena: the intellectual and institutional dimensions of the Bonn Republic and Habermas's own biography.
Disk Galaxies at High Redshift?
Authors: Pettini Max
Published: March 2009

The successful implementation of integral field near-infrared spectrographs fed by adaptive optics is providing unprecedented views of gas motions within galaxies at redshifts z = 2 − 3, when the universe was forming stars at its peak rate. A complex picture of galaxy kinematics is emerging, with inflows, rotation within sometimes extended and nearly always thick disks, mergers, and galaxy-wide outflows all contributing to the variety of patterns seen. On the computational side, simulations of galaxy formation have reached a level of sophistication which can not only reproduce many of the properties of today's galaxies, but also throws new light on high redshift galaxies which are too faint to be detected directly, such as those giving rise to quasar absorption lines. In this brief review, I summarise recent progress in these areas.
New evidence for halo gas accretion onto disk galaxies
Authors: Fraternali Filippo
Published: March 2009

Studies of the halo gas in the Milky Way and in nearby spiral galaxies show the presence of gas complexes that cannot be reconciled with an internal (galactic fountain) origin and are direct evidence of gas accretion. Estimating gas accretion rates from these features consistently gives values, which are one order of magnitude lower than what is needed to feed the star formation. I show that this problem can be overcome if most of the accretion is in fact “hidden” as it mixes with the galactic fountain material coming from the disk. This model not only provides an explanation for the missing gas accretion but also reproduces the peculiar kinematics of the halo gas in particular the vertical rotation gradient. In this view this gradient becomes indirect evidence for gas accretion.
The First Galaxies
Authors: Bromm Volker
Published: March 2009

An important open frontier in astrophysics is to understand how the first sources of light, the first stars and galaxies, ended the cosmic dark ages at redshifts z ≃ 15 − 20. Their formation signaled the transition from the simple initial state of the universe to one of ever increasing complexity. We here review recent progress in understanding the assembly process of the first galaxies with numerical simulations, starting with cosmological initial conditions and modelling the detailed physics of star formation. The key drivers in building up the primordial galaxies are the feedback effects from the first stars, due to their input of radiation and of heavy chemical elements in the wake of supernova explosions. In addition, the conditions inside the first galaxies are governed by the gravitationally-driven turbulence generated during the virialization of the dark matter host halo. Our theoretical predictions will be tested with upcoming near-infrared observatories, such as the James Webb Space Telecope, in the decade ahead.
Chemical enrichment in the early Galaxy
Authors: Karlsson Torgny
Published: March 2009

The chemical enrichment by the first sources of light in the universe ultimately set the stage for the subsequent evolution of the Milky Way system. The oldest and, usually, the most-metal poor stars are our ‘near-field’ link to this ancient epoch as they, apart from tracing the chemical enrichment itself, also indirectly hold information on, e.g., the conditions for star formation and feed-back effects in the early universe. In particular, I will discuss the possible origins of the relatively large number of carbon enhanced metal-poor stars in the Galactic halo. Furthermore, I will argue that the apparent absence of the chemical signature of so-called pair-instability supernovae (PISNe), which are a natural consequence of current theoretical models for primordial star formation at the highest masses, may arise from a subtle observational selection effect. Whereas most surveys traditionally focus on the most metal-poor stars, early PISN enrichment is predicted to ‘overshoot’, reaching enrichment levels of [Ca/H] ~ −2.5 that would be missed by current searches.
Formation and evolution of disk galaxies
Authors: Silk Joseph
Published: March 2009

Global star formation is the key to understanding galaxy disk formation. This in turn depends on gravitational instability of disks and continuing gas accretion as well as minor merging. A key component is feedback from supernovae. Primary observational constraints on disk galaxy formation and evolution include the Schmidt-Kennicutt law, the Tully-Fisher relation and the galaxy luminosity function. I will review how theory confronts phenomenology, and discuss future prospects for refining our understanding of disk formation.
Disk Sizes in a ΛCDM Universe
Authors: Guo Qi , White Simon
Published: March 2009

We introduce a model which uses semi-analytic techniques to trace formation and evolution of galaxy disks in their cosmological context. For the first time we model the growth of gas and stellar disks separately. In contrast to previous work we follow in detail the angular momentum accumulation history through the gas cooling, merging and star formation processes. Our model successfully reproduces the stellar mass–radius distribution and gas-to-stellar disk size ratio distribution observed locally. We also investigate the dependence of clustering on galaxy size and find qualitative agreement with observation. There is still some discrepancy at small scale for less massive galaxies, indicating that our treatment of satellite galaxies needs to be improved.
What will Gaia tell us about the Galactic disk?
Authors: Bailer-Jones Coryn A. L.
Published: March 2009

Gaia will provide parallaxes and proper motions with accuracy ranging from 10 to 1000 microarcsecond on up to one billion stars. Most of these will be disk stars: for an unreddened K giant at 6 kpc, it will measure the distance accurate to 2% and the transverse velocity to an accuracy of about 1 km/s. Gaia will observe tracers of Galactic structure, kinematics, star formation and chemical evolution across the whole HR diagram, including Cepheids, RR Lyrae, white dwarfs, F dwarfs and HB stars. Onboard low resolution spectrophotometry will permit – in addition to an effective temperature estimate – dwarf/giant discrimination, metallicity measurement and extinction determination. For the first time, then, Gaia will provide us with a three-dimensional spatial/properties map and at least a two-dimensional velocity map of these tracers. (3D velocities will be obatined for the brighter sources from the onboard RV spectrograph). This will be a goldmine of information from which to learn about the origin and evolution of the Galactic disk. I briefly review the Gaia mission, and then show how the expected astrometric accuracies translate into distance and velocity accuracies and statistics. I then briefly examine the impact Gaia should have on a few scientific areas relevant to the Galactic disk, specifically disk structure and formation, the age–metallicity–velocity relation, the mass–luminosity relation, stellar clusters and spiral structure. Concerning spiral arms, I note how a better determination of their locations and pattern speed from their OB star population, plus a better reconstruction of the Sun's orbit over the past billion years (from integration through the Gaia-measured gravitational potential) will allow us to assess the possible role of spiral arm crossings in ice ages and mass extinctions on the Earth.
The Science of Galaxy Formation
Authors: Gilmore Gerard
Published: March 2009

Our knowledge of the Universe remains discovery-led: in the absence of adequate physics-based theory, interpretation of new results requires a scientific methodology. Commonly, scientific progress in astrophysics is motivated by the empirical success of the “Copernican Principle”, that the simplest and most objective analysis of observation leads to progress. A complementary approach tests the prediction of models against observation. In practise, astrophysics has few real theories, and has little control over what we can observe. Compromise is unavoidable. Advances in understanding complex non-linear situations, such as galaxy formation, require that models attempt to isolate key physical properties, rather than trying to reproduce complexity. A specific example is discussed, where substantial progress in fundamental physics could be made with an ambitious approach to modelling: simulating the spectrum of perturbations on small scales.
New mechanisms for international coordination of large observing projects
Authors: Andersen Johannes
Published: March 2009

Progress on many fronts in the study of the Milky Way requires major new imaging and/or spectroscopic surveys as well as coordinated ground-based programmes in support of space missions. The present uncoordinated planning and operation of the 2-4m (and some of the larger) telescopes across the world are an impediment to the efficient conduct of such programmes and the overall cost-effectiveness of the investments in astronomy. We briefly report on recent initiatives to improve the situation, notably the part played by the ASTRONET consortium in setting up a comprehensive long-term plan for the development of European astronomy.
Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
Authors: Wyse Rosemary F. G.
Published: March 2009

Studying the disk of the Milky Way in its cosmological context, as reflected in the title of this conference, was pioneered by Bengt Strömgren, in whose honour we are gathered here. A significant legacy of his is the understanding that advances are achieved by making connections among fields that are tenuously related on initial inspection. When the tools to achieve this were not available, Bengt Strömgren developed the necessary techniques, such as Strömgren photometry to quantify the local stellar population.
Low loss Z-type barium ferrite (Co2Z) for terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting antenna application
Authors: Bae S. , Hong Y. K. , Lee J. J. , Jalli J. , Abo G. S. , Lyle A. , Seong W. M. , Kum J. S.
Published: March 2009

Magnetic properties of sol-gel and conventional ceramic processed Ba3Co2Fe2O41 hexaferrite were investigated and compared for terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting (T-DMB) antenna application. All of the synthesized powder and sintered body showed almost single Z-phase. The loss tan δ of sol-gel processed and sintered Co2Z hexaferrite was 0.010 at 200 MHz, while conventional ceramic processed and sintered Co2Z showed 0.068. The ωd (resonance frequency of domain wall) and ωs (resonance frequency of spin components) of sol-gel and ceramic processed hexaferrites were estimated to be 10 and 1160 MHz and 17 and 1025 MHz, respectively. The frequency difference between ωd and ωs (1150 MHz) for the sol-gel processed hexaferrite is wider than that (1008 MHz) for the ceramic processed hexaferrite. The permeabilities of sol-gel and ceramic processed hexaferrites were 6.91 and 9.23 at 200 MHz, respectively. Both permeabilities are higher than 6.88 and 7.64 of corresponding permittivities at the same frequency, respectively. It is found that the sol-gel processed and sintered Z-type hexaferrite meet desired low-loss tan δ and broadband for T-DMB antenna.
Fabrication of Fe nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 30 to 170 nm by gas flow sputtering
Authors: Aoshima Hikaru , Suzuki Hironobu , Sakuma Hiroshi , Ishii Kiyoshi
Published: March 2009

Fe nanoparticles were prepared by gas flow sputtering (GFS), and their sizes and size distributions were investigated as functions of the preparation parameters. The mean diameter of the particles increased with the sputtering pressure and substrate-to-target separation; the size distribution of the particles was well fitted by a log-normal function. By varying the sputtering pressure and substrate-to-target separation, Fe particles with diameters ranging from 30 to 170 nm were obtained. On the other hand, the value of S(D)/E(D), where E(D) and S(D) are the mean diameter and standard deviation of the log-normal particle size distribution, respectively, remained constant at approximately 0.2 and did not vary significantly when the sputtering pressure and substrate-to-target separation were changed, indicating that a narrow size distribution is achieved by GFS.
The effect of magnetic nanoparticles on the morphology, ferroelectric, and magnetoelectric behaviors of CFO/P(VDF-TrFE) 0–3 nanocomposites
Authors: Zhang J. X. , Dai J. Y. , So L. C. , Sun C. L. , Lo C. Y. , Or S. W. , Chan H. L. W.
Published: March 2009

Multiferroic nanocomposite films composed of P(VDF-TrFE) copolymer and CoFe2O4 (CFO) nanoparticles have been prepared by a modified polymeric processing. Structural characterizations reveal that CFO nanoparticles with 80–100 nm diameters are well distributed in the P(VDF-TrFE) matrix. The crystalline and microstructure of P(VDF-TrFE) are strongly dependent on the volume fraction of CFO nanoparticles, which are further analyzed by Raman spectra. Consequently, the ferroelectric and magnetoelectric responses are strongly influenced by the concentration of CFO nanoparticles. A significant magnetoelectric coupling effect of around 40 mV/cm Oe is obtained from the nanocomposites. A relatively simple model has been adopted to calculate the magnetoelectric coefficient, which is also in agreement with the experimental results.
Small twist angle measurement in homogeneously aligned liquid crystal cells
Authors: Lee Chang-Hun , Elston S. J. , Raynes E. P.
Published: March 2009

During the liquid crystal display manufacture a small twist angle is usually generated. This causes light leakage in the black state and degrades the electro-optical properties of the cells. Therefore, an accurate twist angle measurement is necessary to improve the manufacturing process and the cell properties. In this paper, a simple and accurate method for the homogeneously aligned cells is described. Interestingly, peak-shaped unique voltage-transmission curves are obtained for twisted cells in both simulated and experimental studies. Comparison of the curves shows that small twist angles of less than 1° can be measured with an accuracy of about ±0.02°.
The left-handed property of the composite structure of metallic wires in an anisotropy medium host
Authors: Bai Yang , Xu Fang , Qiao Lijie
Published: March 2009

The electromagnetic character of the composite structure composed of metallic wires in a homogeneous mu-negative medium was studied using the method of finite difference time domain. Under the condition of transverse electromagnetic or transverse electric wave, left-handed material (LHM) can be made if the medium has proper anisotropic negative permeability. Negative permeability along H⃗ of wave is the necessary and sufficient condition for LHM. Permeability along E⃗ of wave plays no role in realizing LHM, while negative permeability along k⃗ destroys the left-handed property. It gives a clear direction to produce LHM using uniaxial or gyrotropic medium.
Sessile hemocytes as a hematopoietic compartment in
Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Márkus Róbert , Laurinyecz Barbara , Kurucz Éva , Honti Viktor , Bajusz Izabella , Sipos Botond , Somogyi Kálmán , Kronhamn Jesper , Hultmark Dan , Andó István
Published: March 2009

The blood cells, or hemocytes, in
Drosophila
participate in the immune response through the production of antimicrobial peptides, the phagocytosis of bacteria, and the encapsulation of larger foreign particles such as parasitic eggs; these immune reactions are mediated by phylogenetically conserved mechanisms. The encapsulation reaction is analogous to the formation of granuloma in vertebrates, and is mediated by large specialized cells, the lamellocytes. The origin of the lamellocytes has not been formally established, although it has been suggested that they are derived from the lymph gland, which is generally considered to be the main hematopoietic organ in the
Drosophila
larva. However, it was recently observed that a subepidermal population of sessile blood cells is released into the circulation in response to a parasitoid wasp infection. We set out to analyze this phenomenon systematically. As a result, we define the sessile hemocytes as a novel hematopoietic compartment, and the main source of lamellocytes.
Demonstration of the ethylmalonyl-CoA pathway by using
13
C metabolomics
Authors: Peyraud Rémi , Kiefer Patrick , Christen Philipp , Massou Stephane , Portais Jean-Charles , Vorholt Julia A.
Published: March 2009

The assimilation of one-carbon (C1) compounds, such as methanol, by serine cycle methylotrophs requires the continuous regeneration of glyoxylate. Instead of the glyoxylate cycle, this process is achieved by a not yet established pathway where CoA thioesters are known to play a key role. We applied state-of-the-art metabolomics and
13
C metabolomics strategies to demonstrate how glyoxylate is generated during methylotrophic growth in the isocitrate lyase-negative methylotroph
Methylobacterium extorquens
AM1. High-resolution mass spectrometry showed the presence of CoA thioesters specific to the recently proposed ethylmalonyl-CoA pathway. The operation of this pathway was demonstrated by short-term
13
C-labeling experiments, which allowed determination of the sequence of reactions from the order of label incorporation into the different CoA derivatives. Analysis of
13
C positional enrichment in glycine by NMR was consistent with the predicted labeling pattern as a result of the operation of the ethylmalonyl-CoA pathway and the unique operation of the latter for glyoxylate generation during growth on methanol. The results also revealed that 2 molecules of glyoxylate were regenerated in this process. This work provides a complete pathway for methanol assimilation in the model methylotroph
M. extorquens
AM1 and represents an important step toward the determination of the overall topology of its metabolic network. The operation of the ethylmalonyl-CoA pathway in
M. extorquens
AM1 has major implications for the physiology of these methylotrophs and their role in nature, and it also provides a common ground for C1 and C2 compound assimilation in isocitrate lyase-negative bacteria.