bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is the Relationship between Adipose Tissue and Waist Girth Altered by Weight Loss in Obese Men?
Authors: Paré Alfred , Dumont Martine , Lemieux Isabelle , Brochu Martin , Alméras Natalie , Lemieux Simone , Prud'homme Denis , Després Jean‐Pierre
Published: April 2008

Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine whether the association of waist girth to visceral adipose tissue (AT) accumulation was altered by weight loss in abdominally obese men.

Research Methods and Procedures: We studied 45 dyslipidemic abdominally obese men (45.4 ± 6.2 years of age; body mass index [BMI], 31.3 ± 3.0 kg/m2; waist circumference, 103.4 ± 7.6 cm; total cholesterol, <6.72 mM; triglycerides, ≥1.7 mM but ≤5.65 mM; high density lipoprotein cholesterol, ≤1.2 mM). Each of them followed nutritional recommendations combined with a prescription of gemfibrozil (1200 mg/d) or a placebo for 1 year. After 6 months, a training exercise program was added at a frequency of four sessions of 60 minutes per week at 50% of maximal oxygen uptake.

Results: In response to the 1‐year intervention program, men showed significant reductions in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and in the partial volume of visceral and abdominal subcutaneous AT measured from two abdominal computed tomography scans performed at lumbar vertebra (L)2 to L3 and L4 to L5 levels. No change in waist‐to‐hip ratio was observed. Changes in visceral AT were strongly correlated with changes in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference (0.83 < r < 0.85; p < 0.001). However, a weak association was noted between waist‐to‐hip ratio and changes in visceral AT (r = 0.40; p < 0.05). There was no change in slopes or in intercepts before and after treatment in the relationships between volume or area of abdominal AT and anthropometric markers.

Discussion: Despite a greater level of the partial volume of subcutaneous AT than of the partial volume of visceral AT at baseline (p < 0.001), the greater relative reduction in the visceral AT volume in comparison with the subcutaneous AT volume suggested a preferential mobilization of visceral AT with weight loss in these abdominally obese men. The close relationship between changes in the partial volume of visceral AT and changes in cross‐sectional areas of visceral AT measured at L2 to L3 (r = 0.94; p < 0.001) or L4 to L5 (r = 0.88; p < 0.001) suggests that a single computed tomography scan performed at L2 to L3 or L4 to L5 could predict changes in the partial volume of visceral AT secondary to weight loss.
The Expression of Cyclin D1 during Adipogenesis in Pig Primary Stromal–Vascular Cultures
Authors: Kim Hyunsook S. , Hausman Gary J. , Hausman Dorothy B. , Martin Roy J. , Dean Roger G.
Published: April 2008

Objective: Our objective in this study was to measure the expression of cyclin D1 in pig primary stromal‐vascular (S‐V) cells as they differentiate into adipose cells and to identify which factors may alter cyclin D1 expression.

Research Methods and Procedures: Western blot analysis was performed on cultured S‐V cells using 8% sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gels, mouse monoclonal cyclin D1 antibody, and anti‐mouse IgG secondary labeled with horseradish peroxidase. For immunocytochemistry, cultures were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde and incubated with anti‐CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBPα) and anti‐cyclin D1 together. Cyclin D1 expression was evaluated in 105‐day fetal dorsal subcutaneous tissues using paraffin sections.

Results: Our results with Western blot analysis showed that cyclin D1 was found in freshly isolated S‐V cells and continued to be expressed during the first 3 days of adipose cell development with a significant increase in late development at day 9. Elevated cyclin D1 levels were colocalized with C/EBPα beginning at day 3 and remained colocalized with C/EBPα through day 9. Removing insulin from cultures resulted in a reduction in differentially elevated levels of cyclin D1.

Discussion: The elevated level of cyclin D1 expression colocalized with C/EBPα expression is unexpected because differentiated adipocytes would be expected to have reduced proliferative potential. The elevated levels of cyclin D1 expression we observed in mature adipocytes depend on insulin. In addition, cyclin D1 is absent from lipid‐filled fetal adipose cells in vivo, where insulin levels are very low. The activity of cyclin D1 in differentiated adipocytes may be directed toward proteins outside of the cell cycle.
Stages of Change and Weight Loss Among Rural African American Women
Authors: Hawkins Dawn S. , Hornsby Paige P. , Schorling John B.
Published: April 2008

Objective: Obesity is a prevalent public health problem in the United States, especially for rural African American women, and causes increased morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this analysis was to determine whether the transtheoretical stages of change model was generalizable to weight loss intention among overweight and obese rural African American women and to identify important predictors of the stages of change.

Research Methods and Procedures: The study was conducted in two rural counties in central Virginia. A population‐based sample of 200 women under the age of 40 completed questionnaires concerning weight loss behavior and beliefs about weight. Ordinal logistic regression was used to predict stage of change.

Results: A total of 142 of the 200 women (71%) were overweight or obese (body mass index of ≥25) and were classified into a stage of change. Overall, 30% of respondents were in the precontemplation stage, 15% in the contemplation stage, 48% in the preparation stage, 4% in the action stage, and 3% in the maintenance stage. Education, what friends think about weight, body mass index, and a scale of the positive aspects of weight loss were significant predictors of the stage of change (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Several predictors of stage were the same as those found in studies of other health behaviors, and this research provides support for applying a stages of change model for weight loss intention among rural African American women. Two predictors in particular, significance of what friends think about weight and a scale of the positive aspects of weight loss, have implications for health education initiatives and social support in weight loss interventions.
Cardiac Parasympathetic Activity Is Increased by Weight Loss in Healthy Obese Women
Authors: Rissanen Päivi , Franssila‐Kallunki Anja , Rissanen Aila
Published: April 2008

Objective: We studied the effect of weight reduction on cardiac parasympathetic activity (PSA) in obese women. We also studied the relationship between the changes of PSA, resting energy expenditure (REE), and major cardiovascular risk factors.

Research Methods and Procedures: Changes of cardiac vagal tone, an index of PSA, REE, and major cardiovascular risk factors, were measured in 52 healthy obese women after a 6‐month weight reduction. Ten of the women were remeasured at 12 and 24 months. Cardiac vagal tone was assessed by a vagal tone monitor and REE by indirect calorimeter.

Results: Cardiac vagal tone increased significantly (p = 0.046), averaging a 9.5% weight loss in 6 months. The vagal tone increased further with weight loss during the following 6 months, and thereafter, it declined with weight regain. The increase of cardiac vagal tone correlated significantly with decreases of body weight, fat mass, waist circumference, serum insulin, and heart rate. REE adjusted for fat‐free mass and age did not change with weight loss and was not related to cardiac vagal tone at any time‐point.

Discussion: Cardiac PSA activity increases with weight loss in obese women. This increase may not be maintained long‐term if body weight is regained. The rise of cardiac PSA is correlated with decreases of body fat mass, abdominal fat, serum insulin, and heart rate. Cardiac PSA is not related to REE.
Role of class IA phosphoinositide 3-kinase in B lymphocyte development and functions
Authors: Koyasu S.
Published: April 2008

PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) family members control a variety of cellular responses, such as cell growth, survival, cytoskeletal remodelling and the trafficking of intracellular organelles, in many cell types, including lymphocytes. It has been difficult to evaluate the roles of distinct PI3Ks in immune responses, because specific inhibitors for each PI3K are lacking and most stimuli activate multiple PI3Ks. The development of gene-targeted mice has now allowed the elucidation of roles played in vivo by PI3K species in the immune system. Studies on mice deficient in catalytic as well as regulatory subunits of class IA PI3Ks have shown the importance of this class of PI3K in B lineage cells. Here I discuss the role of class IA PI3Ks in B lymphocyte development and B cell antigen receptor-mediated signal transduction.
Benchmark calculations on the adiabatic ionization potentials of M–NH3 (M=Na,Al,Ga,In,Cu,Ag)
Authors: Li Shenggang , Peterson Kirk A. , Dixon David A.
Published: April 2008

The ground states of the M–NH3 (M=Na,Al,Ga,In,Cu,Ag) complexes and their cations have been studied with density functional theory and coupled cluster [CCSD(T)] methods. The adiabatic ionization potentials (AIPs) of these complexes are calculated, and these are compared to results from high-resolution zero-electron kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy. By extrapolating the CCSD(T) energies to the complete basis set (CBS) limit and including the core-valence, scalar relativistic, spin-orbit, and zero-point corrections, the CCSD(T) method is shown to be able to predict the AIPs of these complexes to better than 6meV or 0.15kcal∕mol. 27 exchange-correlation functionals, including one in the local density approximation, 13 in the generalized gradient approximation (GGA), and 13 with hybrid GGAs, were benchmarked in the calculations of the AIPs. The B1B95, mPW1PW91, B98, B97-1, PBE1PBE, O3LYP, TPSSh, and HCTH93 functionals give an average error of 0.1eV for all the complexes studied, with the B98 functional alone yielding a maximum error of 0.1eV. In addition, the calculated metal-ammonia harmonic stretching frequencies with the CCSD(T) method are in excellent agreement with their experimental values, whereas the B3LYP method tends to underestimate these stretching frequencies. The metal-ammonia binding energies were also calculated at the CCSD(T)/CBS level, and are in excellent agreement with the available experimental values considering the error limits, except for Ag–NH3 and Ag+–NH3, where the calculations predict stronger bond energies than measured by about 4kcal∕mol, just outside the experimental error bars of ±3kcal∕mol.
η
z
∕
κ
: A transverse relaxation optimized spectroscopy NMR experiment measuring longitudinal relaxation interference
Authors: Weaver Daniel S. , Zuiderweg Erik R. P.
Published: April 2008

NMR spin relaxation experiments provide a powerful tool for the measurement of global and local biomolecular rotational dynamics at subnanosecond time scales. Technical limitations restrict most spin relaxation studies to biomolecules weighing less than 10kDa, considerably smaller than the average protein molecular weight of 30kDa. In particular, experiments measuring ηz, the longitudinal HN1–N15 dipole-dipole (DD)∕N15 chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) cross-correlated relaxation rate, are among those least suitable for use with larger biosystems. This is unfortunate because these experiments yield valuable insight into the variability of the N15 CSA tensor over the polypeptide backbone, and this knowledge is critical to the correct interpretation of most N15-NMR backbone relaxation experiments, including R2 and R1. In order to remedy this situation, we present a new HN1–N15 transverse relaxation optimized spectroscopy experiment measuring ηz suitable for applications with larger proteins (up to at least 30kDa). The presented experiment also yields κ, the site-specific rate of longitudinal HN1–H′1 DD cross relaxation. We describe the ηz∕κ experiment’s performance in protonated human ubiquitin at 30.0°C and in protonated calcium-saturated calmodulin/peptide complex at 20.0°C, and demonstrate preliminary experimental results for a deuterated E. coli DnaK ATPase domain construct at 34°C.
Gravitational solitons and C vacuum metrics in five-dimensional Lovelock gravity
Authors: Garraffo C. , Giribet G. , Gravanis E. , Willison S.
Published: April 2008

Junction conditions for vacuum solutions in five-dimensional Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity are studied. We focus on those cases where two spherically symmetric regions of space-time are joined in such a way that the induced stress tensor on the junction surface vanishes. So a spherical vacuum shell, containing no matter, arises as a boundary between two regions of the space-time. A general analysis is given of solutions that can be constructed by this method of geometric surgery. Such solutions are a generalized kind of spherically symmetric empty space solutions, described by metric functions of the class C0. New global structures arise with surprising features. In particular, we show that vacuum spherically symmetric wormholes do exist in this theory. These can be regarded as gravitational solitons, which connect two asymptotically (anti-)de Sitter spaces with different masses and/or different effective cosmological constants. We prove the existence of both static and dynamical solutions and discuss their (in)stability under perturbations that preserve the symmetry. This leads us to discuss a new type of instability that arises in five-dimensional Lovelock theory of gravity for certain values of the coupling of the Gauss–Bonnet term. The issues of existence and uniqueness of solutions and determinism in the dynamical evolution are also discussed.
Theoretical investigation of the vibronic spectrum in the XΠu2 electronic state of C6+
Authors: Ranković Radomir , Jerosimić Stanka , Perić Miljenko
Published: April 2008

In this study we employ the recently developed model for handling the Renner–Teller effect in Π electronic states of six-atomic molecules with linear equilibrium geometry to calculate the vibronic spectrum in the XΠu2 electronic state of the C6+ ion. The applied model Hamiltonian excludes the stretching vibrations and end-over-end rotations. On the other hand, it considers the interplay between the vibronic and spin-orbit couplings. The parameters determining the shape of the bending potential energy surfaces are computed by means of a Density functional theory, and the spin-orbit coupling constant by the Multireference CI program using state-averaged complete active space self-consistent field (SA-CASSCF) wavefunctions. The results of the present study are expected to motivate and help future experimental investigations on C6+.
Flexible and conductive bilayer membranes of nanoporous gold and silicone: Synthesis and characterization
Authors: Seker Erkin , Reed Michael , Utz Marcel , Begley Matthew R.
Published: April 2008

This work describes a simple fabrication process to produce a highly flexible bilayer membrane, consisting of a nanoporous gold layer embedded into the surface of a thin elastomer film. The nanoporous gold film shows excellent adhesion due to mechanical interlocking with the elastomer substrate, which penetrates its nanoscale pores. As the bilayer is stretched, the nanoporous gold layer cracks and the resulting bilayer has an effective elastic modulus that is only slightly higher than the elastomer (E∼1.35MPa). The film also exhibits low resistivity, which smoothly varies from ∼1×10−6to∼3×10−5Ωm as elongated to ∼25% strain. The advantages and limitations of the bilayer with respect to sensing and actuation are briefly outlined.
Evaluation of translational friction coefficients of macroscopic probes in nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Carlotto Silvia , Polimeno Antonino
Published: April 2008

We present a study of the translational friction coefficients of spherical and ellipsoidal probes in nematic liquid crystalline fluids, based on the numerical treatment of Leslie-Ericksen equations [Q. J. Mech. Appl. Math. 19, 357 (1966); Adv. Liq. Cryst. 4, (1979); Trans. Soc. Rheol. 5, 23 (1961); Adv. Liq. Cryst. 2, 233 (1976)] for incompressible nematic fluids. Simulations of director dynamics in a local environment surrounding the moving probe are presented, and the dependence of translational diffusion on liquid crystal viscoelastic parameters is discussed. The time evolution of the director field is studied in the presence of an orienting magnetic field in two characteristic situations: Directors of motion parallel and perpendicular with respect to the field. In the particular case under investigation, a detailed analysis is given for the case of spherical, prolate, and oblate ellipsoidal probes in rectilinear motion in nematic (4-methoxibenzylidene-4′-n-butylaniline), together with a comparison with other nematogens, namely, 4,4′-dimethoxuazoxy benzene and (4′-n-pentyl-4-cyanobiphenil). A discussion of the general methodology presented in this work is given for the case of colloidal dispersions in nematic liquid crystals, which are considered as model systems of dispersions of particles in host media with anisotropic physical properties.
Coherent transfer of hyperpolarization in coupled spin systems at variable magnetic field
Authors: Ivanov Konstantin L. , Yurkovskaya Alexandra V. , Vieth Hans-Martin
Published: April 2008

A general theoretical approach to coherent transfer of hyperpolarization (HP) among coupled spins is suggested and applied to field-cycling experiments where the polarized spin system is prepared at low magnetic field while observation is performed at high field. The formalism works for an arbitrary mechanism of HP formation and takes into account finite periods of HP preparation, free evolution at the polarization field, and field variation, which was considered in the two limiting regimes of sudden and adiabatic field jump. The polarization transfer is of a coherent nature and proceeds due to strong coupling of spins at low field, where the difference of their Zeeman interaction with the field is less than or comparable to their scalar spin-spin coupling. The case of three nonequivalent coupled spins is studied in detail including the calculation of HP transfer efficiency in the range from zero to high field. Characteristic transfer times are found. New features in the field dependence of polarization are predicted that are due to avoided crossings of the nuclear spin eigenstates of the molecule. The feasibility of HP transfer via spacer spins among spins that have no direct coupling is explored. Another application is the description of para-hydrogen induced polarization in a three-spin system over a wide field range.
Simulating Coulomb collisions in a magnetized plasma
Authors: Hinton Fred L.
Published: April 2008

The problem of simulating ion-ion Coulomb collisions in a plasma in a strong magnetic field is considered. No assumption is made about the ion distribution function except that it is independent of the gyrophase angle, consistent with the assumption that the ion gyrofrequency is much larger than the ion-ion collision frequency. A Langevin method is presented which time-advances the components of a particle’s velocity parallel and perpendicular to the magnetic field, without following the rapidly changing gyrophase. Although the standard Monte Carlo procedure, which uses random sampling, can be used, it is also possible to use a deterministic sampling procedure, where the samples are determined by the points which would be used in a numerical quadrature formula for moments of the Fokker–Planck Green’s function. This should reduce the sampling noise compared with the Monte Carlo collision method.
Refinement of the gyrokinetic equations for edge plasmas with large flow shears
Authors: Kawamura G. , Fukuyama A.
Published: April 2008

A refined formulation of the gyrokinetic equations for large-flow shears caused by an equilibrium electric field has been presented. It is achieved by choosing more suitable equilibrium drift velocity for the reference frame of a charged particle instead of the previous one [H. Qin, Contrib. Plasma Phys., 46, 477 (2006)]. This modification yields improvements in the accuracy of the gyrokinetic equations even in the case of considerably large flow. The equations of motion and Maxwell’s equations are obtained using the Lie perturbation analysis and the pullback technique. From the numerical comparisons of the gyrokinetic equations given by Qin and the one derived here, the advantage of the present formulation is confirmed for both uniform and nonuniform large electric fields. Parameter dependence of the error in the energy expression is also numerically evaluated.
Investigating hydration dependence of dynamics of confined water: Monolayer, hydration water and Maxwell–Wagner processes
Authors: Sjöström Johan , Swenson Jan , Bergman Rikard , Kittaka Shigeharu
Published: April 2008

The dynamics of water confined in silica matrices MCM-41 C10 and C18, with pore diameter of 21 and 36Å, respectively, is examined by broadband dielectric spectroscopy (10−2–109Hz) and differential scanning calorimetry for a wide temperature interval (110–340K). The dynamics from capillary condensed hydration water and surface monolayer of water are separated in the analysis. Contrary to previous reports, the rotational dynamics are shown to be virtually independent on the hydration level and pore size. Moreover, a third process, also reported for other systems, and exhibiting a saddlelike temperature dependence is investigated. We argue that this process is due to a Maxwell–Wagner process and not to strongly bound surface water as previously suggested in the literature. The dynamics of this process is strongly dependent on the amount of hydration water in the pores. The anomalous temperature dependence can then easily be explained by a loss of hydration water at high temperatures in contradiction to previous explanations.
A new stereolithography experimental porous flow device
Authors: Crandall Dustin , Ahmadi Goodarz , Leonard Douglas , Ferer Martin , Smith Duane H.
Published: April 2008

A new method for constructing laboratory-scale porous media with increased pore-level variabilities for two-phase flow experiments is presented here. These devices have been created with stereolithography directly on glass, thus improving the stability of the model created with this precision rapid construction technique. The method of construction and improved parameters are discussed in detail, followed by a brief comparison of two-phase drainage results for air invasion into the water-saturated porous medium. Flow through the model porous medium is shown to substantiate theoretical fractal predictions.
On the vertex operators of the elliptic quantum algebra Uq,p(sl2̂)k
Authors: Chang Wen-Jing , Ding Xiang-Mao
Published: April 2008

A realization of the elliptic quantum algebra Uq,p(sl2̂) for any given level k is constructed in terms of three free boson fields and their accompanying twisted partners. It can be viewed as the elliptic deformation of the Wakimoto realization. Two screening currents are constructed; they commute or anticommute with Uq,p(sl2̂) modulo total q-differences. The free field realization for two types of vertex operators nominated as the type I and the type II vertex operators is presented. The twisted version of the two types of vertex operators are also obtained. They all play crucial roles in calculating correlation functions.
A subsystem density-functional theory approach for the quantum chemical treatment of proteins
Authors: Jacob Christoph R. , Visscher Lucas
Published: April 2008

We present an extension of the frozen-density embedding (FDE) scheme within density-functional theory [T. A. Wesolowski and A. Warshel, J. Phys. Chem. 97, 8050 (1993)] that can be applied to subsystems connected by covalent bonds, as well as a practical implementation of such an extended FDE scheme. We show how the proposed scheme can be employed for quantum chemical calculations of proteins by treating each constituting amino acid as a separate subsystem. To assess the accuracy of the extended FDE scheme, we present calculations for several dipeptides and for the protein ubiquitin.
A fluid handling system with finger-tightened connectors for biological studies at kiloatmosphere pressures
Authors: Urayama Paul , Frey Eric W. , Eldridge Michael J.
Published: April 2008

We present a high-pressure fluid handling system based around a simple-to-construct seal for applications in the biologically relevant kiloatmosphere range. Connectors are compact and finger tightened, as compared to the wrench tightening required of cone-type seals commonly used. The seal relies on an O-ring compression, and the system has been tested up to 2000atm. While the system was designed for biological studies, it should be versatile enough for a wide range of applications, thus contributing finger-tightened convenience to the kiloatmosphere range.
A modification of the commercial ESR900 cryostat to enable three-dimensional electron-paramagnetic-resonance studies of crystals
Authors: Milikisyants Sergey , Sottini Silvia , Disselhorst Jos A. J. M. , van der Meer Harmen , Groenen Edgar J. J.
Published: April 2008

Complete orientation studies of X-band electron-paramagnetic-resonance spectra of crystals largely benefit from the possibility to measure the spectrum for any orientation of the magnetic field with respect to the crystal without the need to remount the crystal. We report on a modification of a commercial cryostat to allow such experiments down to liquid helium temperatures and demonstrate its performance.
ZnO nanowire network transistor fabrication on a polymer substrate by low-temperature, all-inorganic nanoparticle solution process
Authors: Ko Seung H. , Park Inkyu , Pan Heng , Misra Nipun , Rogers Matthew S. , Grigoropoulos Costas P. , Pisano Albert P.
Published: April 2008

All-solution processed, low-temperature zinc oxide nanowire network transistor fabrication on a polymer substrate was demonstrated. This simple process can produce high resolution metal electrode transistors with inorganic semiconductor nanowire active material in a fully maskless sequence, eliminating the need for lithographic and vacuum processes. The temperature throughout the processing was under 140°C, which will enable further applications to electronics on low-cost, large-area flexible polymer substrates.
A low-vacuum ionization gauge with HfC-modified carbon nanotube field emitters
Authors: Yang YuanChao , Qian Li , Tang Jie , Liu Liang , Fan ShouShan
Published: April 2008

We have developed an ionization gauge with a carbon nanotube (CNT) cold cathode for low-vacuum applications. The gauge features a small grid-collector gap for low sensitivity factor and a HfC-coated CNT field-emission cathode. The vacuum is indicated by the ratio of the ion current to the electron-emission current, and good linearity is obtained in He, Ar, N2, and air throughout the vacuum range from 10−7to1Torr. A 20nm layer of polycrystalline HfC sputtered on CNT cathode improves the emission stability and the lifetime in low vacuum.
Midinfrared InAs∕GaSb type-II superlattice interband tunneling photodetectors
Authors: Mou Shin , Petschke Adam , Lou Qi , Chuang Shun Lien , Li Jian V. , Hill Cory J.
Published: April 2008

A photovoltaic InAs∕GaSb superlattice photodetector based on electron transfer using quantum energy levels and interband tunneling is presented: an interband tunneling detector. The quantum efficiency is about 7%, which is improved by ten times compared to the previous published interband cascade detectors. The R0A product is 0.03Ωcm2 at 200K and is comparable to that of state-of-the-art InAs∕GaSb superlattice photodiodes. Since the interband tunneling detector works without an applied bias, it is promising for small-pixel focal plane array applications.
Electronic properties of H and D doped ZnO epitaxial films
Authors: Li Y. J. , Kaspar T. C. , Droubay T. C. , Zhu Z. , Shutthanandan V. , Nachimuthu P. , Chambers S. A.
Published: April 2008

ZnO epitaxial films grown by pulsed laser deposition in an ambient of H2 or D2 exhibit qualitatively different electronic properties compared to films grown in vacuum or O2 or bulk single crystals annealed in H2. These include temperature-independent resistivities of ∼0.1Ωcm, carrier (electron) concentrations in the 1018cm−3 range, mobilities of 20–40cm2∕Vs, and negligible (a few meV) activation energies for conduction. These transport properties are consistent with H (D) forming an ultrashallow donor or conduction band states not achievable by postgrowth annealing in H2.
Field evolution of magnetic correlation lengths in ϵ-Co nanoparticle assemblies
Authors: Sachan M. , Bonnoit C. , Majetich S. A. , Ijiri Y. , Mensah-Bonsu P. O. , Borchers J. A. , Rhyne J. J.
Published: April 2008

Small-angle neutron scattering measurements of Co nanoparticle assemblies reveal three characteristic length scales associated with the interparticle and intraparticle magnetic orders. The first length scale stemming from particle size and separation does not vary with applied field. In contrast, the magnetic correlation length increases from 71±9nm in zero field at 5K to greater than 1000nm in fields larger than 0.2T. The random-field length scale decreases from 37±8nm when H=0to9.1±0.3nm in H=0.2T, and the contribution of this term is less significant in large fields.
The ventricular-arterial coupling system can be analyzed by the eigenwave modes of the whole arterial system
Authors: Lin Wang Yuh-Ying , Sze Wah-Keung , Bau Jian-Guo , Wang Sheng-Hung , Jan Ming-Yie , Hsu Tse-Lin , Wang Wei-Kung
Published: April 2008

In response to harmonic forces generated by the heart, the arterial system executes strong coupled distributed oscillatory motions. These oscillations are described by a pressure-area wave equation, which is solvable subject to appropriate Sturm–Liouville boundary conditions. The response pressure can be represented as a sum of stationary waves which are the eigenmodes of the whole arterial system. Natural frequencies of the system are related to the eigenvalues and the phase velocity. Matching of these natural frequencies with heart rate or its harmonics is important in ventricular-arterial coupling. Transfer functions for the pressure can be constructed from the corresponding eigenfunctions.
Cost-effective global conservation spending is robust to taxonomic group
Authors: Bode Michael , Wilson Kerrie A. , Brooks Thomas M. , Turner Will R. , Mittermeier Russell A. , McBride Marissa F. , Underwood Emma C. , Possingham Hugh P.
Published: April 2008

Priorities for conservation investment at a global scale that are based on a single taxon have been criticized because geographic richness patterns vary taxonomically. However, these concerns focused only on biodiversity patterns and did not consider the importance of socioeconomic factors, which must also be included if conservation funding is to be allocated efficiently. In this article, we create efficient global funding schedules that use information about conservation costs, predicted habitat loss rates, and the endemicity of seven different taxonomic groups. We discover that these funding allocation schedules are less sensitive to variation in taxon assessed than to variation in cost and threat. Two-thirds of funding is allocated to the same regions regardless of the taxon, compared with only one-fifth if threat and cost are not included in allocation decisions. Hence, if socioeconomic factors are considered, we can be more confident about global-scale decisions guided by single taxonomic groups.
The evolutionarily conserved G protein-coupled receptor SREB2/GPR85 influences brain size, behavior, and vulnerability to schizophrenia
Authors: Matsumoto Mitsuyuki , Straub Richard E. , Marenco Stefano , Nicodemus Kristin K. , Matsumoto Shun-ichiro , Fujikawa Akihiko , Miyoshi Sosuke , Shobo Miwako , Takahashi Shinji , Yarimizu Junko , Yuri Masatoshi , Hiramoto Masashi , Morita Shuji , Yokota Hiroyuki , Sasayama Takeshi , Terai Kazuhiro , Yoshino Masayasu , Miyake Akira , Callicott Joseph H. , Egan Michael F. , Meyer-Lindenberg Andreas , Kempf Lucas , Honea Robyn , Vakkalanka Radha Krishna , Takasaki Jun , Kamohara Masazumi , Soga Takatoshi , Hiyama Hideki , Ishii Hiroyuki , Matsuo Ayako , Nishimura Shintaro , Matsuoka Nobuya , Kobori Masato , Matsushime Hitoshi , Katoh Masao , Furuichi Kiyoshi , Weinberger Daniel R.
Published: April 2008

The G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family is highly diversified and involved in many forms of information processing. SREB2 (GPR85) is the most conserved GPCR throughout vertebrate evolution and is expressed abundantly in brain structures exhibiting high levels of plasticity, e.g., the hippocampal dentate gyrus. Here, we show that SREB2 is involved in determining brain size, modulating diverse behaviors, and potentially in vulnerability to schizophrenia. Mild overexpression of SREB2 caused significant brain weight reduction and ventricular enlargement in transgenic (Tg) mice as well as behavioral abnormalities mirroring psychiatric disorders, e.g., decreased social interaction, abnormal sensorimotor gating, and impaired memory. SREB2 KO mice showed a reciprocal phenotype, a significant increase in brain weight accompanying a trend toward enhanced memory without apparent other behavioral abnormalities. In both Tg and KO mice, no gross malformation of brain structures was observed. Because of phenotypic overlap between SREB2 Tg mice and schizophrenia, we sought a possible link between the two. Minor alleles of two SREB2 SNPs, located in intron 2 and in the 3′ UTR, were overtransmitted to schizophrenia patients in a family-based sample and showed an allele load association with reduced hippocampal gray matter volume in patients. Our data implicate SREB2 as a potential risk factor for psychiatric disorders and its pathway as a target for psychiatric therapy.
Activation of the lifespan regulator p66
Shc
through reversible disulfide bond formation
Authors: Gertz Melanie , Fischer Frank , Wolters Dirk , Steegborn Clemens
Published: April 2008

Cell fate and organismal lifespan are controlled by a complex signaling network whose dysfunction can cause a variety of aging-related diseases. An important protection against these failures is cellular apoptosis, which can be induced by p66
Shc
in response to cellular stress. The precise mechanisms of p66
Shc
action and regulation and the function of the p66
Shc
-specific N terminus remain to be identified. Here, we show that the p66
Shc
N terminus forms a redox module responsible for apoptosis initiation, and that this module can be activated through reversible tetramerization by forming two disulfide bonds. Glutathione and thioredoxins can reduce and inactivate p66
Shc
, resulting in a thiol-based redox sensor system that initiates apoptosis once cellular protection systems cannot cope anymore with cellular stress.
Combinatorial antibody libraries from survivors of the Turkish H5N1 avian influenza outbreak reveal virus neutralization strategies
Authors: Kashyap Arun K. , Steel John , Oner Ahmet F. , Dillon Michael A. , Swale Ryann E. , Wall Katherine M. , Perry Kimberly J. , Faynboym Aleksandr , Ilhan Mahmut , Horowitz Michael , Horowitz Lawrence , Palese Peter , Bhatt Ramesh R. , Lerner Richard A.
Published: April 2008

The widespread incidence of H5N1 influenza viruses in bird populations poses risks to human health. Although the virus has not yet adapted for facile transmission between humans, it can cause severe disease and often death. Here we report the generation of combinatorial antibody libraries from the bone marrow of five survivors of the recent H5N1 avian influenza outbreak in Turkey. To date, these libraries have yielded >300 unique antibodies against H5N1 viral antigens. Among these antibodies, we have identified several broadly reactive neutralizing antibodies that could be used for passive immunization against H5N1 virus or as guides for vaccine design. The large number of antibodies obtained from these survivors provide a detailed immunochemical analysis of individual human solutions to virus neutralization in the setting of an actual virulent influenza outbreak. Remarkably, three of these antibodies neutralized both H1 and H5 subtype influenza viruses.
TNF receptor I sensitizes neurons to erythropoietin- and VEGF-mediated neuroprotection after ischemic and excitotoxic injury
Authors: Taoufik Era , Petit Edwige , Divoux Didier , Tseveleki Vivian , Mengozzi Manuela , Roberts Michael L. , Valable Samuel , Ghezzi Pietro , Quackenbush John , Brines Michael , Cerami Anthony , Probert Lesley
Published: April 2008

CNS neurons use robust cytoprotective mechanisms to ensure survival and functioning under conditions of injury. These involve pathways induced by endogenous neuroprotective cytokines such as erythropoietin (EPO). Recently, in contrast to its well known deleterious roles, TNF has also been shown to exhibit neuroprotective properties. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which TNF receptor (TNFR)I mediates neuroprotection by comparing the gene expression profiles of lesioned cortex from WT and TNFRI KO mice after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. Several known neuroprotective molecules were identified as TNFRI targets, notably members of the Bcl-2 family, DNA repair machinery and cell cycle, developmental, and differentiation factors, neurotransmitters and growth factors, as well as their receptors, including EPO receptor (EPOR), VEGF, colony-stimulating factor receptor 1, insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and nerve growth factor (NGF). Further analysis showed that induction of EPOR and VEGF expression in primary cortical neurons after glucose deprivation (GD) largely depended on TNFRI and was further up-regulated by TNF. Also, EPO- and VEGF-induced neuroprotection against GD, oxygen-glucose deprivation, and NMDA excitotoxicity depended significantly on TNFRI presence. Finally, EPO prevented neuronal damage induced by kainic acid in WT but not TNFRI KO mice. Our results identify cross-talk between tissue protective cytokines, specifically that TNFRI is necessary for constitutive and GD-induced expression of EPOR and VEGF and for EPO-mediated neuroprotection.
Identification and evolution of fungal mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases with group I intron splicing activity
Authors: Paukstelis Paul J. , Lambowitz Alan M.
Published: April 2008

The bifunctional
Neurospora crassa
mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (CYT-18 protein) both aminoacylates mitochondrial tRNA
Tyr
and acts as a structure-stabilizing splicing cofactor for group I introns. Previous studies showed that CYT-18 has distinct tRNA
Tyr
and group I intron-binding sites, with the latter formed by three small “insertions” in the nucleotide-binding fold and other structural adaptations compared with nonsplicing bacterial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases. Here, analysis of genomic sequences shows that mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases with structural adaptations similar to CYT-18's are uniquely characteristic of fungi belonging to the subphylum Pezizomycotina, and biochemical assays confirm group I intron splicing activity for the enzymes from several of these organisms, including
Aspergillus nidulans
and the human pathogens
Coccidioides posadasii
and
Histoplasma capsulatum
. By combining multiple sequence alignments with a previously determined cocrystal structure of a CYT-18/group I intron RNA complex, we identify conserved features of the Pezizomycotina enzymes related to group I intron and tRNA interactions. Our results suggest that mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases with group I intron splicing activity evolved during or after the divergence of the fungal subphyla Pezizomycotina and Saccharomycotina by a mechanism involving the concerted differentiation of preexisting protein loop regions. The unique group I intron splicing activity of these fungal enzymes may provide a new target for antifungal drugs.
Global metabolic responses of mice to
Trypanosoma brucei brucei
infection
Authors: Wang Yulan , Utzinger Jürg , Saric Jasmina , Li Jia V. , Burckhardt Jean , Dirnhofer Stephan , Nicholson Jeremy K. , Singer Burton H. , Brun Reto , Holmes Elaine
Published: April 2008

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is transmitted by tsetse flies and, if untreated, is fatal. Treatment depends on infection stage, and early diagnosis is crucial for effective disease management. The systemic host biochemical changes induced by HAT that enable biomarker discovery or relate to therapeutic outcome are largely unknown. We have characterized the multivariate temporal responses of mice to
Trypanosoma brucei brucei
infection, using
1
H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic metabolic phenotyping of urine and plasma. Marked alterations in plasma metabolic profiles were detected already 1 day postinfection. Elevated plasma concentrations of lactate, branched chain amino acids, and acetylglycoprotein fragments were noted.
T. brucei brucei
-infected mice also had an imbalance of plasma alanine and valine, consistent with differential gluconeogenesis (parasite)-ketogenesis (host) pathway counterflux, involving stimulated host glycolysis, ketogenesis, and enhanced lipid oxidation in the host. Histopathologic evidence of
T. brucei brucei
-induced extramedullary hepatic hemopoiesis, renal interstitial nephritis, and a provoked inflammatory response was also noted. Metabolic disturbance of gut microbiotal activity was associated with infection, as indicated by changes in the urinary concentrations of the microbial co-metabolites, including hippurate. Concluding, parasite infection results in multiple systemic biochemical effects in the host and disturbance of the symbiotic gut microbial metabolic interactions. Investigation of these transgenomic metabolic alterations may underpin the development of new diagnostic criteria and metrics of therapeutic efficacy.
The evaluation of status in multi-modal texts
Authors: Hunston Susan
Published: April 2008

This paper reconsiders the concept of ‘evaluation of status’ and applies it to visual as well as to verbal texts. The paper explores the relationship between ‘status’ and other related concepts such as epistemic modality. It is argued that a conceptual notion of status is useful in analysing texts, particularly those which construe knowledge. Examples of texts where the status of propositions has high social significance are discussed. The paper then demonstrates how notions of status may be applied to visual images, taking as an example a television documentary film. The status of the various images in the film, and how those images interact with the concurrent verbal text, is then explored.
Changing stories
Authors: Johnson Alison J.
Published: April 2008

Evaluation is central to Labov and Waletzky’s (1997) narrative model; without it stories lack any ‘point’. But in narratives elicited from witnesses and suspects at the start of police interviews, evaluation is markedly sparse or absent. This paper examines the presence of three kinds of evaluation in the interview’s questioning phase: interviewer evaluation, elicited evaluation and interviewee evaluation, focusing on discourse markers and evaluative patterns and frameworks that reveal how evaluation is carried out in a range of question and response speech acts (Stenström 1984) and looking at the marking of stance by interviewers in relation to the evidential value of the elicited detail. It shows how interviewers and interviewees change their stance and footing, moving from interrogator to therapist and from cooperation to non-cooperation. Drawing on pragmatic principles from conversational analysis of institutional interaction (Drew and Heritage 1992) and from appraisal theory (Martin 2000), analysis reveals features of contested and collaborative evaluation, marked in turns that reveal concessive and adversative positions. Conclusions point to the function of evaluative frames as important features of interviewer activity, suggesting that these function to achieve a change of state in suspect and witness knowledge and in the evidential value of information.
The metapragmatics of remediated text design
Authors: Eisenlauer Volker , Hoffmann Christian R.
Published: April 2008

As discourse increasingly depends on digital technologies, this article proposes an integrative view of text and the digital medium. As will be shown, authors and users of hypertexts constantly reflect on the appropriateness of manifold structural bonds holding between text composition and text design. In metapragmatic reflections, the users/readers relate a text’s audio-visual information to their previous knowledge of text design conventions. To describe the intermedial dimension of our metapragmatic analysis, we shall draw on Bolter and Grusin’s theory of Remediation (1999). Defining four elemental phases of remediation will then help to ascertain the full metapragmatic potential of text design for meaningmaking processes in both new and old media.
User centred information design practices and processes at the Australian Taxation Office
Authors: Martin Nigel , Gregor Shirley , Rice John
Published: April 2008

This paper discusses results from a research study in the design and implementation of information documents and products in the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). It presents a composite ethnographic and case study analysis of user-centred information design practices at the ATO from 2001-2005, and shows that the ATO has been an active proponent of user centred design practices in developing business information documents and products for an extended period of time, while also identifying potential opportunities to improve business simulation, design and product construction. The article highlights that user-centred design principles may have broad based application in both the public and private sectors.
Esperanto as language and idea in China and Japan
Authors: Lins Ulrich
Published: April 2008

For the past hundred years Esperanto has found adepts in China and Japan. Outside Europe and the Americas, nowhere has Esperanto spread as much as it has in East Asia. The Chinese and Japanese were drawn to it through their desire to learn from the west; they hoped to use Esperanto as a bridge between east and west or they found in it a link to anarchism and communism. Often the Esperantists used their language for campaign purposes, for example in the battle against the Japanese invasion of China beginning in the 1930s (“For the liberation of China through Esperanto”) or for the popularization of pacifism in postwar Japan. As in the west, many Esperantists in China and Japan based their connection with Esperanto on the idea of the harmony of all humankind. The movement progressed thanks primarily to those who avoided too much missionary zeal and preferred to recruit on the basis of Esperanto as a neutral device. Given the lack of opportunity to use the language in practical ways, for more than half of the past hundred years the Esperantists of East Asia tended to emphasize Esperanto as an idea; but the economic prosperity of Japan and the opening of China, by allowing greater contact with the outside world, have given Esperanto the opportunity to demonstrate more strongly its usefulness as an easily learned means of communication, also for direct contact between Chinese and Japanese.