bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Successor-Related Factors on the Succession Process in Small and Medium-Sized Family Businesses
Authors: Venter E. , Boshoff C. , Maas G.
Published: November 2005

In this study, successor-related factors that can influence the succession process in small and medium-sized family businesses are empirically investigated. This study was undertaken in South Africa among 2,458 owner-managers and successors in 1,038 family businesses. These respondents were identified via a snowball-sampling technique. A total of 332 usable questionnaires were returned. The dependent variable in this study, namely, the perceived success of the succession process, is measured by two underlying dimensions: satisfaction with the process and continued profitability of the business. The empirical results indicate that the successor-related factors that influence satisfaction with the process are, on the one hand, the willingness of the successor to take over and the relationship between the owner-manager and successor, on the other hand. The continued profitability of the business is influenced by the willingness of the successor to take over the business, the preparation level of the successor, and the relationship between the successor and owner-manager. The relationship between the owner-manager and successor is in turn influenced by the extent to which interpersonal relationships in the family can be described as harmonious. Based on these findings recommendations for successful succession are offered.
Organization of Transfers of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Within the Family: Tax Law Considerations
Authors: Bjuggren Per-Olof , Sund Lars-Göran
Published: November 2005

The succession process of small to medium enterprises (SMEs) creates lifelong dilemmas for entrepreneurs. Who would like to be reminded of his or her imminent mortality by the children's claim on the family company? One way to enhance the value of an enterprise is to ensure that family ownership remains, since this will preserve idiosyncratic knowledge. However, there are several important considerations of a transaction-cost character that hamper the transfer of ownership of the firm. Especially, considerations of tax consequences can make it very complicated to plan a transfer of the ownership of a SME during the lifetime of the owner. Sweden serves as an interesting illustration of the implications of different tax laws on the choice of succession arrangement since it recently decided to abolish the gift and inheritance tax starting January 1, 2005. This article reports on the tax-induced contractual difficulties. These difficulties are compared with the relatively less complicated situation that occurs when a country such as Sweden abolishes taxes on inheritance and gifts. Case vignettes are used to illustrate the legal dimension of transfer of ownership. A number of recommendations are provided for how to enhance the family succession process of SMEs. A case study supports these findings.
How resident committees function in low‐level residential aged care facilities
Authors: Wilson Leah , Kirby Neil
Published: November 2005

Objective:  To investigate factors affecting the functioning of resident committees in South Australian low‐level residential aged care facilities (RACFs).

Methods:  Observation of two consecutive resident committee meetings in 18 low‐level RACFs.

Results:  Most meetings were informal. Only one‐third had an agenda, and although all had minutes, only half provided them to residents. Most meetings were scheduled monthly, but because of postponements, meetings were held on average every 7 weeks. Many meeting rooms did not allow residents to see and hear comfortably. Most chairpersons were staff and only one chairperson had formal training in conducting meetings. Only 21% of first meeting topics, which mostly focused on resident complaints, resulted in solutions at the second meeting. Resident dissatisfaction was evident with meeting environments, procedures and outcomes.

Conclusion:  There is considerable scope for improving a number of environmental and procedural factors affecting the functioning of resident committees.
Purification and structural analysis of the novel glycoprotein allergen Cyn d 24, a pathogenesis‐related protein PR‐1, from Bermuda grass pollen
Authors: Chow Lu‐Ping , Chiu Li‐Li , Khoo Kay‐Hooi , Peng Ho‐Jen , Yang Sue‐Yee , Huang Shih‐Wen , Su Song‐Nan
Published: November 2005

Bermuda grass pollen (BGP) contains a very complex mixture of allergens, but only a few have been characterized. One of the allergens, with an apparent molecular mass of 21 kDa, has been shown to bind serum IgE from 29% of patients with BGP allergy. A combination of chromatographic techniques (ion exchange and reverse phase HPLC) was used to purify the 21 kDa allergen. Immunoblotting was performed to investigate its IgE binding and lectin‐binding activities, and the Lysyl‐C endopeptidase digested peptides were determined by N‐terminal sequencing. The cDNA sequence was analyzed by RACE PCR‐based cloning. The protein mass and the putative glycan structure were further elucidated using MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. The purified 21 kDa allergen was designated Cyn d 24 according to the protocol of International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS). It has a molecular mass of 18 411 Da by MALDI‐TOF analysis and a pI of 5.9. The cDNA encoding Cyn d 24 was predicted to produce a 153 amino acid mature protein containing tow conserved sequences seen in the pathogen‐related protein family. Carbohydrate analysis showed that the most abundant N‐linked glycan is a α(3)‐fucosylated pauci‐mannose (Man3GlcNAc2) structure, without a Xyl β‐(1,2)‐linked to the branching β‐Man. Thus, Cyn d 24 is a glycoprotein and the results of the sequence alignment indicate that this novel allergen is a pathogenesis‐related protein 1. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify any grass pollen allergen as a pathogenesis‐related protein 1.
Pyruvate metabolism in rat liver mitochondria
Authors: Stucki Jörg W. , Urbanczik Robert
Published: November 2005

A representative model of mitochondrial pyruvate metabolism was broken down into its extremal independent currents and compared with experimental data obtained from liver mitochondria incubated with pyruvate as a substrate but in the absence of added adenosine diphosphate. Assuming no regulation of enzymatic activities, the free‐flow prediction for the output of the model shows large discrepancies with the experimental data. To study the objective of the incubated mitochondria, we calculate the conversion cone of the model, which describes the possible input/output behaviour of the network. We demonstrate the consistency of the experimental data with the model because all measured data are within this cone. Because they are close to the boundary of the cone, we deduce that pyruvate is converted very efficiently (93%) to produce the measured extramitochondrial metabolites. We find that the main function of the incubated mitochondria is the production of malate and citrate, supporting the anaplerotic pathways in the cytosol, notably gluconeogenesis and fatty acid synthesis. Finally, we show that the major flow through the enzymatic steps of the mitochondrial pyruvate metabolism can be reliably predicted based on the stoichiometric model plus the measured extramitochondrial products. A major advantage of this method is that neither kinetic simulations nor radioactive tracers are needed.
Unique proteasome subunit Xrpn10c is a specific receptor for the antiapoptotic ubiquitin‐like protein Scythe
Authors: Kikukawa Yuhsuke , Minami Ryosuke , Shimada Masumi , Kobayashi Masami , Tanaka Keiji , Yokosawa Hideyoshi , Kawahara Hiroyuki
Published: November 2005

The Rpn10 subunit of the 26S proteasome can bind to polyubiquitinoylated and/or ubiquitin‐like proteins via ubiquitin‐interacting motifs (UIMs). Vertebrate Rpn10 consists of five distinct spliced isoforms, but the specific functions of these variants remain largely unknown. We report here that one of the alternative products of Xenopus Rpn10, named Xrpn10c, functions as a specific receptor for Scythe/BAG‐6, which has been reported to regulate Reaper‐induced apoptosis. Deletional analyses revealed that Scythe has at least two distinct domains responsible for its binding to Xrpn10c. Conversely, an Xrpn10c has a UIM‐independent Scythe‐binding site. The forced expression of a Scythe mutant protein lacking Xrpn10c‐binding domains in Xenopus embryos induces inappropriate embryonic death, whereas the wild‐type Scythe did not show any abnormality. The results indicate that Xrpn10c‐binding sites of Scythe act as an essential segment linking the ubiquitin/proteasome machinery to the control of proper embryonic development.
Species richness patterns and metapopulation processes – evidence from epiphyte communities in boreo‐nemoral forests
Authors: Löbel Swantje , Snäll Tord , Rydin Håkan
Published: November 2005

For several epiphyte species, dispersal limitation and metapopulation dynamics have been suggested. We studied the relative importance of local environmental conditions and spatial aggregation of species richness of facultative and obligate epiphytic bryophytes and lichens within two old‐growth forests in eastern Sweden. The effect of the local environment was analyzed using generalized linear models (GLM). We tested whether species richness was spatially structured by fitting variogram models to the residuals of the GLM. In addition, we analyzed the species‐area relationship (area=tree diameter). Different environmental variables explained the richness of different species groups (bryophytes vs lichens, specialists vs generalists, sexual vs asexual dispersal). In most groups, the total variation explained by environmental variables was higher than the variation explained by the spatial model. Spatial aggregation was more pronounced in asexually than in sexually dispersed species. Bryophyte species richness was only poorly predicted by area, and lichen species richness was not explained by area at all.

Spatial aggregation may indicate effects of dispersal limitation and metapopulation dynamics on community species richness. Our results suggest that species groups differ in habitat requirements and dispersal abilities; there were indications that presence of species with different dispersal strategies is linked to the age of the host tree. Separate analyses of the species richness of species groups that differ in the degree of habitat specialization and dispersal ability give insights into the processes determining community species richness. The poor species‐area relationship, especially in lichens, may indicate species turnover rather than accumulation during the lifetime of the host tree. Epiphyte species extinctions may be mainly caused by deterministic processes, e.g. changes in habitat conditions as the host tree grows, ages and dies, rather than by stochastic population processes.
Effects of Gingko biloba Extract on Gap Junction Changes Induced by Reperfusion/Reoxygenation After Ischemia/Hypoxia in Rat Brain
Authors: Li Zhen , Lin Xian-Ming , Gong Pei-Li , Zeng Fan-Dian , Du Guan-Hua
Published: November 2005

Gap junction communication between astrocytes plays an important role in the brain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Gingko biloba extract (GBE) on the changes of connexin 43 (Cx43) mRNA and protein expression levels of rat cortex and hippocampus induced by ischemia-reperfusion and astrocyte gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) induced by hypoxia-reoxygenation. After 2 hours of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by 24 hours of reperfusion, there was obvious neurological deficit in rats. Cx43 mRNA and protein expression levels of rat cortex and hippocampus in the ischemia hemisphere were decreased significantly. When GBE at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight was administrated by p.o. daily for 7 days, the neurological deficit was improved, and lower Cx43 mRNA and protein expression levels induced by ischemia-reperfusion were recovered to normal. The i.p. injection of nimodipine (0.7 mg/kg weight body) also showed improvement on neurological deficit and Cx43 expression levels. Astrocyte GJIC was measured by the fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). Hypoxia-reoxygenation induced a significant decrease in GJIC. Pretreatment with GBE (100 mg/l) and nimodipine (1.6 mg/l) significantly prevented the hypoxia-reoxygenation inhibition of GJIC. These results suggest that GBE could exert its neuroprotective effects by improvement of Cx43 expression and GJIC induced by hypoxia/ischemia-reoxygenation/ reperfusion injury.
Comparison of Body Composition Methods During Weight Loss in Obese Women Using Herbal Formula
Authors: Kim Ho-Jun , Gallagher Dympna , Song Mi-Yeon
Published: November 2005

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), a device that analyzes the current conduction differences between the fat and water components is widely used for reasons that include convenience of use, non-invasiveness, safety, and low cost. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) allows for the assessment of total body and regional lean and fat tissues and bone mineral content (BMC). The objective of this study was to compare body composition assessments by BIA and DXA before and after a 6-week herbal diet intervention program in 50 pre-menopausal women [mean ± SD: age 30.58 ± 6.15, body mass index (BMI) 31.72 ± 3.78]. Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was measured by BIA and anthropometry. Lean body mass (LBM), body fat (BF), BMC and percent body fat (%BF) were measured by BIA and DXA. Highly significant correlations were observed between BIA and DXA measurements for LBM, BF, BMC and %BF (r = 0.73, 0.93, 0.53, 0.79, respectively) before the intervention. Differences between BIA and DXA measurements were observed in LBM, BF, %BF and BMC before intervention ( p < 0.01) where WHR by BIA was significantly higher compared to anthropometry before ( p < 0.01) and after the intervention ( p < 0.01). BIA underestimated LBM by 1.85 kg and overestimated BF by 2.54 kg compared to DXA before the intervention. Although BIA and DXA showed highly significant correlations for LBM, BF, BMC and %BF before the intervention, they did not produce statistically comparable results in pre-menopausal Korean women and therefore should not be used interchangeably when measuring body composition.
Computerized Diagnosis from Tongue Appearance Using Quantitative Feature Classification
Authors: Zhang David , Pang Bo , Li Naimin , Wang Kuanquan , Zhang Hongzhi
Published: November 2005

This study investigates relationships between diseases and the appearance of the human tongue in terms of quantitative features. The experimental samples are digital tongue images captured from three groups of candidates: one group in normal health, one suffering with appendicitis, and a third suffering with pancreatitis. For the purposes of diagnostic classification, we first extract chromatic and textural measurements from original tongue images. A feature selection procedure then identifies the measures most relevant to the classifications, based on which of the three tongue image categories are clearly separated. This study validates the use of tongue inspection by means of quantitative feature classification in medical diagnosis.
A Birdcage Model for the Chinese Meridian System Part V: Applications to Animals and Plants
Authors: Yung Kaung-Ti
Published: November 2005

Since we all belong to the Kingdom Animalia, it is not surprising that animals in general benefit from the healing art of acupuncture that helps humans. Consequently, any proposed mechanism of Qi and acupuncture for humans based on animal physiology is probably applicable to animals as well, yet none is capable of explaining most of the complicated physiological effects observed. Not much attention was paid to the effects of Qi and acupuncture on plants (Kingdom Plantae) and on enoki mushrooms (Kingdom Fungi) by the TCM community, probably because they cannot be explained in terms of neurochemistry or connective tissue structures. However, our transmission and birdcage model is in principle applicable across Kingdom boundaries, because it is based on physical properties underlying the biological structure, thus its explanatory power is not restricted by categories of biology. We estimate several possible parameters of the birdcage model for animals and plants and give a possible interpretation for the sound fertilization phenomenon.
Pharmacokinetic of Rhein in Healthy Male Volunteers Following Oral and Retention Enema Administration of Rhubarb Extract: A Single Dose Study
Authors: Zhu Wei , Wang Xue-Mei , Zhang Li , Li Xiao-Ye , Wang Bao-Xiu
Published: November 2005

Rhubarb is a common herb used in traditional Chinese medicine. However, few publications exist about its pharmacokinetic profiles in animals or healthy volunteers. Whether retention enema administration of rhubarb extract affects its pharmacokinetics as well as its tolerability is unknown. Therefore, we set out to compare the pharmacokinetic parameters of rhein administered by retention enemas with those of conventional oral dosing of rhubarb extract. Eight healthy male volunteers were enrolled in a prospective crossover study. All subjects received a single dose of rhubarb extract (50 mg·kg-1) on two separate occasions, once orally, once by a retention enema. Rhein plasma concentration was measured by HPLC. The C max , AUC 0-∞, AUMC were significantly higher in oral administration than those in retention enema administration ( p < 0.05), while V d of rhein after oral administration of rhubarb extract was significantly lower ( p < 0.05) than that after retention enema administration. However, no statistically significant differences between the two treatments were observed for any of the other pharmacokinetic parameters ( T max , t 1/2, MRT 0-∞, CL ). Dosage adjustment is advisable for retention enema administration of rhubarb extract in patients.
Relationship Between Bone Mineral Density and Syndrome Types Described in Traditional Chinese Medicine in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Preliminary Clinical Observation
Authors: Wang Gang , Li Ting-Qian , Mao Bing , Wang Lei , Wang Lin , Wang Zeng-Li , Chang Jing , Xiong Ze-Yu , Yang Ding-Zhuo
Published: November 2005

Osteoporosis is a common finding following chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but there are few reports on the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and the syndrome types described in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in patients with COPD. A cross-sectional medical survey was used in this study. Twenty-six male patients with COPD and 26 age-matched male healthy subjects were recruited. The symptom questionnaire survey of TCM was implemented, and thereafter the COPD patients were divided into two subgroups: type of deficiency of the lung and spleen (TDLS) and type of deficiency of the lung, spleen and kidney (TDLSK). BMD of lumbar spine (L2-4), non-dominant femoral neck (Neck), Ward's triangle (Ward's), and great trochanter (Troch) were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. In addition, the other bone turnover markers were also examined. The results showed that BMD was much more decreased in TDLSK than that in TDLS patients ( p < 0.05), and BMD in the patients of the TDLS subgroup without symptoms of kidney-vacuity has showed the decreased trend from healthy subjects to TDLS patients. Furthermore, there was a higher incidence of osteoporosis in patients with TDLSK compared with that in TDLS ( p < 0.05, OR > 2.0). Therefore, the data suggest that: (1) BMD might be a marker more sensitive than the symptom for the diagnosis of kidney-vacuity in COPD patients; (2) the deficiency of kidney would be the key factor of bone mineral loss; and (3) that invigorating the kidney should be performed in the phase of TDLS in COPD patients in advance.
Building a Bridge for Integrating Chinese Medicine into Conventional Healthcare: Observations Drawn from the Development of the Chinese Quality of Life Instrument
Authors: Zhao Li , Chan Kelvin
Published: November 2005

This paper describes the methods and theories of patient-reported outcomes, in particular to the health-related quality of life recently applied in Chinese medicine research. It begins with an investigation of the reasons for a patient-reported outcomes measure for Chinese medicine and the development of a new health-related quality of life instrument based on Chinese culture and Chinese medicine. Discussions on the importance and application of patient-reported outcomes as well as the relationship between quality of life and Chinese medicine are at the focus of this paper. Through a description of the Chinese Quality of Life Instrument and its development, the present work demonstrates an evidence-based approach using patient-reported outcomes or health-related quality of life measures to evaluate treatment efficacy of Chinese medicine, and thereby build a bridge for the integration of Chinese medicine into mainstream health care.
Pharmacokinetics of Berberine in Rat Thalamus After Intravenous Administration of Coptidis Rhizoma Extract
Authors: Wang Xueli , Xing Dongming , Wang Wei , Su Hui , Tao Jialin , Du Lijun
Published: November 2005

A rapid and simple high-performance liquid chromatographic method for determination of berberine in rat thalamus was described in this study. Thalamus samples were pretreated by protein precipitation with methanol and acetonitrile. Berberine was determined using a Hypersil C 18 column with an isocratic mobile phase of acetonitrile — 0.05 M potassium dihydrogen phosphate (containing 0.5% triethylamine, pH 3.0) (30:70 v/v) and with UV detection at 265 nm. The lower limit of quantification for berberine in thalamus was 24 ng/ml, and the lowest concentration of berberine determined in rat thalamus samples was 47.5 ng/ml at 48 hours. The calibration curve for berberine was linear ( r 2 = 0.9994) over the concentration range 24–6000 ng/ml. At this concentration range, the overall recoveries (91.20%–93.24%) for berberine were determined and the accuracy of the intra- and inter-day assays from rat thalamus were less than 6% RSD. Following intravenous administration of 10.2 mg/kg of Coptidis Rhizoma (CR) extract containing 3 mg/kg berberine into rats, the thalamus level of berberine increased rapidly ( t 1/2α = 1.93 hours ), peaked at 2.48 hours with a concentration of 271 ng/g, and had a slow elimination rate ( t 1/2β = 14.6 hours ), which suggested that berberine might directly act on certain regions of the thalamus, have pharmacological effects on some cerebral dysfunctions, and be an active ingredient of Huang Lian Jie Du Tang for the treatment of cerebral disease.
Electropharmacological Actions of the Constituents of Sinomeni Caulis et Rhizome and Mokuboi-to in Guinea Pig Heart
Authors: Satoh Hiroyasu
Published: November 2005

Cardiac actions of the constituents of Sinomeni Caulis et Rhizome (SCR) and Mokuboi-to, a traditional herbal drug, were investigated. In voltage-clamp experiments, sinomenine (1 mM) and tetrandrine (100 μM) inhibited the ionic currents concentration-dependently. The constituents affected the action potential configurations. In multicellular preparations, SCR (1 mg/ml) decreased the maximum rate of depolarization. Tetrandrine (30 μM) and sinomenine (300 μM) also had similar effects, but magnoflorine (1 mM) had less or no effect. Dysrhythmias were abolished under Ca 2+ overload conditions by sinomenine. These results indicate that at even acute administrations, these drugs exert the active electropharmacological actions and cardioprotections.
Antioxidative Effects of Tetramethylpyrazine on Acute Ethanol-Induced Lipid Peroxidation
Authors: Liu Chi-Feng , Lin Chia-Hsien , Chen Chin-Fa , Huang Tian-Chyuan , Lin Song-Chow
Published: November 2005

Acute p.o. administration of 99.5% ethanol (0.1 ml) to fasted mice produced heart toxicity. Pretreatment with p.o. administration of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) could prevent such toxicity effectively and dose-dependently. The maximal antioxidative effect against 99.5% ethanol-induced heart toxicity could be observed at 1 hour after TMP administration. In order to further investigate the heart protective mechanism of TMP, both lipid peroxidation level in vivo and superoxide scavenging activity were conducted. TMP exhibited a dose-dependently anti-lipid peroxidation effect in mice heart homogenate, and results indicated that 99.5% ethanol-induced intoxicated mice hearts have higher malonic dialdehyde (MDA) levels compared with those in TMP administrated mice hearts. These results suggest that the potentially heart protective mechanism of TMP could be contributed, at least in part, to its prominent anti-lipid peroxidation and anti-free radical formation effects, hence it could protect the heart from lipid peroxidation-induced heart toxicity.
FERMIONIC ZERO MODES IN SELF-DUAL VORTEX BACKGROUND
Authors: WANG YONGQIANG , SI TIEYAN , LIU YUXIAO , DUAN YISHI
Published: November 2005

We study fermionic zero modes in the background of self-dual vortex on a two-dimensional non-compact extra space in 5+1 dimensions. In the Abelian Higgs model, we present a unified description of the topological and non-topological self-dual vortex on the extra two dimensions. Based on it, we study the localization of bulk fermions on a brane with the inclusion of Yang–Mills and gravity backgrounds in six dimensions. Through two simple cases, it is shown that the vortex background contributes a phase shift to the fermionic zero mode, this phase is actually origin from the Aharonov–Bohm effect.
A PERTURBATIVE TREATMENT OF A GENERALIZED $\mathcal{PT}$-SYMMETRIC QUARTIC ANHARMONIC OSCILLATOR
Authors: BANERJEE ABHIJIT
Published: November 2005

We examine a generalized [Formula: see text]-symmetric quartic anharmonic oscillator model to determine the various physical variables perturbatively in powers of a small quantity ε. We make use of the Bender–Dunne operator basis elements and exploit the properties of the totally symmetric operator Tm,n.
SPECIAL SOLUTIONS FOR RICCI FLOW EQUATION IN 2D USING THE LINEARIZATION APPROACH
Authors: CARSTEA STEFAN ADRIAN , VISINESCU MIHAI
Published: November 2005

The 2D Ricci flow equation in the conformal gauge is studied using the linearization approach. Using a nonlinear substitution of logarithmic type, the emergent quadratic equation is split in various ways. New special solutions involving arbitrary functions are presented. Some special reductions are also discussed.
MIRROR SYMMETRY IN THE UPPER fp SHELL
Authors: EKMAN JÖRGEN , FAHLANDER CLAES , RUDOLPH DIRK
Published: November 2005

A detailed investigation of the contribution from Coulomb effects to the observed mirror energy difference diagrams in nuclei in the lower part of the upper fp shell is presented by means of large-scale shell-model calculations.
FERMIONIC DECAYS OF SCALAR LEPTOQUARKS AND SCALAR GLUONS IN THE MINIMAL FOUR-COLOR SYMMETRY MODEL
Authors: YU POPOV P. , POVAROV A. V. , SMIRNOV A. D.
Published: November 2005

Fermionic decays of the scalar leptoquarks [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], Sm and of the scalar gluons F=F1, F2 predicted by the four-color symmetry model with the Higgs mechanism of the quark–lepton mass splitting are investigated. Widths and branching ratios of these decays are calculated and analyzed in dependence on coupling constants and on masses of the decaying particles. It is shown that the decays [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] are dominant with the widths of order of a few GeV for mS, mF< 1 TeV and with the total branching ratios close to 1. In the case of mS<mt the dominant scalar leptoquark decays are [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] with the total branching ratios [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. A search for such decays at the LHC and Tevatron may be of interest.
AVOIDING THE GAUGE HIERARCHY PROBLEM WITH SEESAWED NEUTRINO MASSES
Authors: FOOT R.
Published: November 2005

We show that the seesaw neutrino mass mechanism can coexist naturally with an extended gauge symmetry (i.e. without any gauge hierarchy problem) provided that the gauge symmetry contains gauged lepton number differences. The simplest such "natural" seesaw models are constructed and their implications for neutrino anomalies discussed.
STATISTICAL MECHANICS OF EQUILIBRIUM AND NONEQUILIBRIUM PHASE TRANSITIONS: THE YANG–LEE FORMALISM
Authors: BENA IOANA , DROZ MICHEL , LIPOWSKI ADAM
Published: November 2005

Showing that the location of the zeros of the partition function can be used to study phase transitions, Yang and Lee initiated an ambitious and very fruitful approach. We give an overview of the results obtained using this approach. After an elementary introduction to the Yang–Lee formalism, we summarize results concerning equilibrium phase transitions. We also describe recent attempts and breakthroughs in extending this theory to nonequilibrium phase transitions.
PATH-INTEGRAL APPROACH TO A POLYMER CHAIN IN RANDOM MEDIA WITH LONG-RANGE DISORDER CORRELATIONS
Authors: KUNSOMBAT CHERDSAK , SA-YAKANIT VIRULH
Published: November 2005

In this paper we consider the model of a flexible polymer chain embedded in a quenched random medium with long-range disorder correlations. Using the Feynman path integral approach we show that for the case of long-range quadratic correlations, we obtain an analytical result. The result is [Formula: see text], where 〈R2〉 is the mean square end-to-end distance of the polymer chain, ξ is the correlation length of disorder, Δ is an unknown parameter, b is the Kuhn step length, ρ is the density of random obstacles and N is the number of links. It is shown that for a polymer chain in a random media with long-range quadratic correlations, where ρ is not too high, the behavior of the polymer chain is like that of a free chain. This result agrees with the calculation using the replica method. However, in a medium where ρ is very high, the variation of the mean square end-to-end distance with disorder and its distance depending on ρ are found in our approach.
OBSERVER-BASED SYNCHRONIZATION FOR PIECEWISE-LINEAR DISCRETE CHAOTIC SYSTEMS BASED ON PIECEWISE QUADRATIC LYAPUNOV FUNCTIONS
Authors: ZHANG HONGBIN , LI CHUNGUANG , LIAO XIAOFENG
Published: November 2005

In this paper, we propose an observer-based synchronization scheme for piecewise-linear discrete chaotic systems based on piecewise quadratic Lyapunov functions. Firstly, due to the properties of piecewise-linear discrete chaotic systems, we use a switching observer for state synchronization. Then, we derive a sufficient condition represented by linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) for global asymptotic synchronization. Finally, we give some numerical simulations to demonstrate the effectiveness of our theoretical results.
COMPLEX PERMEABILITY OF SiO2-COATED Fe–Ni PARTICLES REDUCED AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES
Authors: JIANG H. Y. , ZHONG W. , TANG N. J. , WU X. L. , LIU W. , DU Y. W.
Published: November 2005

We have prepared Fe – Ni particles coated with 3 wt% SiO 2 by chemical synthesis. The precursor compounds have been reduced in hydrogen gas at different temperatures. The dependence of complex permeability μ on different reduction temperatures is studied by using an impedance analyzer. The experiment results indicate that the domain wall pinning strength, the average domain thickness and the resistivity depend on different heat treatment conditions. The magnetization process is mostly contributed by the domain wall bulging and displacement.
NONLINEAR TE SURFACE WAVES ON MAGNETIC (LANS) SUPERLATTICES
Authors: MOUSA H. M. , SHABAT M. M.
Published: November 2005

The propagation characteristics of nonlinear TE surface waves at a lateral antiferromagnetic/nonmagnetic superlattices (LANS) substrate and a nonlinear magnetic cover have been investigated. LANS which are linear frequency-dependent gyromagnetic media, are described with an effective medium theory. It is found that the dispersion of the TE waves show the optical bistability behavior. The optical bistability is affected by the magnetic fraction f1. We also calculate and illustrate the variation of the wave index with the power flow for various values of f1. We found that the decrease in f1 makes the power threshold of nonlinear TE surface waves decrease.
EVEN AND ODD DISPLACED NUMBER STATE
Authors: DE OLIVEIRA GUILHERME C. , MELO PAULO S. , DANTAS CELIA M. A. , DE S. LEITE ELIAS
Published: November 2005

In this paper we will study the statistical properties of a generalized superposition of two displaced number states of the form, [Formula: see text] with a phase difference of φ between them. A particular case of this state is obtained when we consider n1=n2=n and α1=-α2=α, which we will call even and odd displaced number state. It will be shown that they are the generalization of the even and odd coherent states. The generation of this states, based on the dispersive interaction with a two-level atom, will also be discussed.
QUARTZ CRYSTAL RESONATOR BASED SCANNING PROBE MICROSCOPY
Authors: SEO YONGHO , HONG SEUNGBUM
Published: November 2005

The piezoelectric quartz crystal resonator is a common electronic device used for a reference clock which has high Q-valued resonance. In this paper, a general description on the quartz crystal resonator based scanning probe microscopy is presented. Most well-known type of the quartz crystal resonator is the tuning fork which has been employed as a force sensor in many different types of the scanning probe microscopy. The most important advantage of the quartz crystal resonator based scanning probe microscopy is high resolution imaging. Furthermore, it has potential to be used at low temperature due to its low power dissipation, compactness, and non-optical detection.
Ag ADSORPTION ON W(110) PLANE
Authors: CHOI D. S. , KIM D. H. , YU B. D. , PARK J. Y. , SEO J. H. , WHANG C. N.
Published: November 2005

The growth mode of Ag atoms on the W (110) plane has been studied using LEED and Low Energy Ion Scattering Spectroscopy (ISS). We find that Ag atoms grow in SK mode after annealing at 700°C for the coverage ~ 3.0 ML. The grown three-dimensional Ag islands have the (111) plane surface. The [Formula: see text] direction of the Ag islands is rotated 4.4° from (001) direction of the W (110) surface. Using the ISS technique the surface structure of the two-dimensional Ag islands is investigated. The Ag adsorption height measured from the first layer of the W (110) surface is found to be 2.79 Å.
DEGREE OF DIFFUSED PHASE TRANSITION AND NON-DEBYE DIELECTRIC RELAXATION INBa(NdxTi1-2xNbx)O3CERAMICS
Authors: MAHBOOB SYED , PRASAD G. , KUMAR G. S. , JAMES A. R. , PRAKASH CHANDRA
Published: November 2005

Dielectric measurements were made over the temperature range 80–300 K at different frequencies (10 kHz, 50 kHz, 100 kHz, 500 kHz and 1 MHz). The degree of relaxor behavior and diffuseness of phase transition were correlated to the cationic disorder at lattice site B. Non-Debye dielectric behavior was observed in the present samples and a modified Arrhenius relation proposed by Chen et al. was found to best describe the frequency dependent dielectric maxima temperature.
DERIVING VIBRATING MODES OF SOME MULTIATOM MOLECULES BY VIRTUE OF THE INVARIANT EIGENOPERATOR METHOD
Authors: FAN HONG-YI , WU HAO
Published: November 2005

For some multiatom molecules, which are composed of three types of atoms alternating regularly located, we introduce the quantum mechanical Hamiltonian operator and then search for its vibrating modes by employing the "invariant eigenoperator" method. This method is simpler than the usual diagonalization method in many cases, and may have wider applications in solving some quantum mechanical lattice Hamiltonian models.
Soluble factors from Lactobacillus GG activate MAPKs and induce cytoprotective heat shock proteins in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Tao Yun , Drabik Kenneth A. , Waypa Tonya S. , Musch Mark W. , Alverdy John C. , Schneewind Olaf , Chang Eugene B. , Petrof Elaine O.
Published: November 2005

Conditioned media from the probiotic Lactobacillus GG (LGG-CM) induce heat shock protein (Hsp) expression in intestinal epithelial cells. LGG-CM induces both Hsp25 and Hsp72 in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. These effects are mediated by a low-molecular-weight peptide that is acid and heat stable. DNA microarray experiments demonstrate that Hsp72 is one of the most highly upregulated genes in response to LGG-CM treatment. Real-time PCR and electrophoretic mobility shift assay confirm that regulation of Hsp induction is at least in part transcriptional in nature, involving heat shock factor-1. Although Hsps are not induced for hours after exposure, transient exposure to LGG-CM is sufficient to initiate the signal for Hsp induction, suggesting that signal transduction pathways may be involved. Experiments confirm that LGG-CM modulates the activity of certain signaling pathways in intestinal epithelial cells by activating MAP kinases. Inhibitors of p38 and JNK block the expression of Hsp72 normally induced by LGG-CM. Functional studies indicate that LGG-CM treatment of gut epithelial cells protects them from oxidant stress, perhaps by preserving cytoskeletal integrity. By inducing the expression of cytoprotective Hsps in gut epithelial cells, and by activating signal transduction pathways, the peptide product(s) secreted by LGG may contribute to the beneficial clinical effects attributed to this probiotic.
Defective thyroglobulin storage in LDL receptor-associated protein-deficient mice
Authors: Lisi Simonetta , Botta Roberta , Pinchera Aldo , Collins A. Bernard , Refetoff Samuel , Arvan Peter , Bu Guojun , Grasso Lucia , Marshansky Vladimir , Bechoua Shaliha , Hurtado-Lorenzo Andres , Marcocci Claudio , Brown Dennis , McCluskey Robert T. , Marinò Michele
Published: November 2005

The molecular chaperone receptor-associated protein (RAP) is required for biosynthesis of megalin, an endocytic receptor for follicular thyroglobulin (Tg), the thyroid hormone precursor. RAP also binds to Tg itself, suggesting that it may affect Tg trafficking in various manners. To elucidate RAP function, we have studied the thyroid phenotype in RAP-knockout (RAP-KO) mice and found a reduction of Tg aggregates into thyroid follicles. Serum Tg levels were significantly increased compared with those of wild-type (WT) mice, suggesting a directional alteration of Tg secretion. In spite of these abnormalities, hormone secretion was maintained as indicated by normal serum thyroxine levels. Because Tg in thyroid extracts from RAP-KO mice contained thyroxine residues as in WT mice, we concluded that in RAP-KO mice, follicular Tg, although reduced, was nevertheless sufficient to provide normal hormone secretion. Serum TSH was increased in RAP-KO mice, and although no thyroid enlargement was observed, some histological features resembling early goiter were present. Megalin was decreased in RAP-KO mice, but this did not affect thyroid function, probably because of the concomitant reduction of follicular Tg. In conclusion, RAP is required for the establishment of Tg reservoirs, but its absence does not affect hormone secretion.
Altered gating and regulation of a carboxy-terminal ClC channel mutant expressed in the Caenorhabditis elegans oocyte
Authors: Denton Jerod , Nehrke Keith , Yin Xiaoyan , Beld Andrew M. , Strange Kevin
Published: November 2005

CLH-3a and CLH-3b are swelling-activated, alternatively spliced Caenorhabditis elegans ClC anion channels that have identical membrane domains but exhibit marked differences in their cytoplasmic NH2 and COOH termini. The major differences include a 71-amino acid CLH-3a NH2-terminal extension and a 270-amino acid extension of the CLH-3b COOH terminus. Splice variation gives rise to channels with striking differences in voltage, pH, and Cl− sensitivity. On the basis of structural and functional insights gained from crystal structures of bacterial ClCs, we suggested previously that these functional differences are due to alternative splicing of the COOH terminus that may change the accessibility and/or function of pore-associated ion-binding sites. We recently identified a mutant worm strain harboring a COOH-terminal deletion mutation in the clh-3 gene. This mutation removes 101 COOH-terminal amino acids unique to CLH-3b and an additional 64 upstream amino acids shared by both channels. CLH-3b is expressed in the worm oocyte, which allowed us to characterize the mutant channel, CLH-3bΔC, in its native cellular environment. CLH-3bΔC exhibits altered voltage-dependent gating as well as pH and Cl− sensitivity that resemble those of CLH-3a. This mutation also alters channel inhibition by Zn2+, prevents ATP depletion-induced activation, and dramatically reduces volume sensitivity. These results suggest that the deleted COOH-terminal region of CLH-3bΔC functions to modulate channel sensitivity to voltage and extracellular ions. This region also likely plays a role in channel regulation and cell volume sensitivity. Our findings contribute to a growing body of evidence indicating that cytoplasmic domains play key roles in the gating and regulation of eukaryotic ClCs.
Long-lasting muscle fatigue: partial disruption of excitation-contraction coupling by elevated cytosolic Ca2+ concentration during contractions
Authors: Verburg Esther , Dutka Travis L. , Lamb Graham D.
Published: November 2005

The repeated elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) above resting levels during contractile activity has been associated with long-lasting muscle fatigue. The mechanism underlying this fatigue appears to involve elevated [Ca2+]i levels that induce disruption of the excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling process at the triad junction. Unclear, however, are which aspects of the activity-related [Ca2+]i changes are responsible for the deleterious effects, in particular whether they depend primarily on the peak [Ca2+]i reached locally at particular sites or on the temporal summation of the increased [Ca2+] in the cytoplasm as a whole. In this study, we used mechanically skinned fibers from rat extensor digitorum longus muscle, in which the normal E-C coupling process remains intact. The [Ca2+]i was raised either by applying a set elevated [Ca2+] throughout the fiber or by using action potential stimulation to induce the release of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ by the normal E-C coupling system with or without augmentation by caffeine or buffering with BAPTA. Herein we show that elevating [Ca2+]i in the physiological range of 2–20 μM irreversibly disrupts E-C coupling in a concentration-dependent manner but requires exposure for a relatively long time (1–3 min) to cause substantial uncoupling. The effectiveness of Ca2+ released via the endogenous system in disrupting E-C coupling indicates that the relatively high [Ca2+]i attained close to the release site at the triad junction is a more important factor than the increase in bulk [Ca2+]i. Our results suggest that during prolonged vigorous activity, the many repeated episodes of relatively high triadic [Ca2+] can disrupt E-C coupling and lead to long-lasting fatigue.
Intermittent hypoxia protects cardiomyocytes against ischemia-reperfusion injury-induced alterations in Ca2+ homeostasis and contraction via the sarcoplasmic reticulum and Na+/Ca2+ exchange mechanisms
Authors: Chen Le , Lu Xi-Yuan , Li Jun , Fu Ji-Dong , Zhou Zhao-Nian , Yang Huang-Tian
Published: November 2005

We have previously demonstrated that intermittent high-altitude (IHA) hypoxia significantly attenuates ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury-induced excessive increase in resting intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i). Because the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) play crucial roles in regulating [Ca2+]i and both are dysfunctional during I/R, we tested the hypothesis that IHA hypoxia may prevent I/R-induced Ca2+ overload by maintaining Ca2+ homeostasis via SR and NCX mechanisms. We thus determined the dynamics of Ca2+ transients and cell shortening during preischemia and I/R injury in ventricular cardiomyocytes from normoxic and IHA hypoxic rats. IHA hypoxia did not affect the preischemic dynamics of Ca2+ transients and cell shortening, but it significantly suppressed the I/R-induced increase in resting [Ca2+]i levels and attenuated the depression of the Ca2+ transients and cell shortening during reperfusion. Moreover, IHA hypoxia significantly attenuated I/R-induced depression of the protein contents of SR Ca2+ release channels and/or ryanodine receptors (RyRs) and SR Ca2+ pump ATPase (SERCA2) and SR Ca2+ release and uptake. In addition, a delayed decay rate time constant of Ca2+ transients and cell shortening of Ca2+ transients observed during ischemia was accompanied by markedly inhibited NCX currents, which were prevented by IHA hypoxia. These findings indicate that IHA hypoxia may preserve Ca2+ homeostasis and contraction by preserving RyRs and SERCA2 proteins as well as NCX activity during I/R.
Roles of epidermal growth factor and Na+/H+exchanger-1 in esophageal epithelial defense against acid-induced injury
Authors: Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Higuchi Kazuhide , Takashima Takashi , Hamaguchi Masaki , Hayakawa Tsuyoshi , Tominaga Kazunari , Watanabe Toshio , Oshitani Nobuhide , Shimada Yutaka , Arakawa Tetsuo
Published: November 2005

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is predominantly secreted by salivary glands and activates Na+/H+exchanger-1 (NHE-1), which regulates intracellular pH (pHi). We investigated the roles of EGF and NHE-1 in esophageal epithelial defense against acid using human esophageal epithelial cell lines and a rat chronic esophagitis model. Esophageal epithelial cells were incubated with acidified medium in the absence or presence of EGF. Cell viability and changes in pHiwere measured. Chronic acid reflux esophagitis was induced in rats with and without sialoadenectomy. Esophageal lesion index, epithelial proliferation, and expression of EGF receptors and NHE-1 were examined. EGF protected esophageal epithelial cells against acid in a dose-dependent manner, and the cytoprotective effect of EGF was completely blocked by treatment with NHE-1 inhibitors. Tyrosine kinase, calmodulin, and PKC inhibitors significantly inhibited cytoprotection by EGF, whereas MEK, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and PKA inhibitors had no effect. EGF significantly increased pHirecovery after NH4Cl pulse acidification, and this increase in pHirecovery was significantly blocked by inhibitors of calmodulin and PKC. Sialoadenectomy led to an increase in the severity of chronic esophagitis but affected neither epithelial proliferation nor expression of EGF receptors. Expression of NHE-1 mRNA was increased in esophagitis and upregulated in rats with sialoadenectomy. The increasing severity of esophagitis in rats with sialoadenectomy was prevented by exogenous administration of EGF. In conclusion, EGF protects esophageal epithelial cells against acid through NHE activation via Ca2+/calmodulin and the PKC pathway. Deficiency in endogenous EGF is associated with increased severity of esophagitis. EGF and NHE-1 play crucial roles in esophageal epithelial defense against acid.