bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A PUZZLING PHENOMENON IN SEMIPARAMETRIC ESTIMATION PROBLEMS WITH INFINITE-DIMENSIONAL NUISANCE PARAMETERS
Authors: Hitomi Kohtaro , Nishiyama Yoshihiko , Okui Ryo
Published: July 2008

This note considers a puzzling phenomenon that is observed in some semiparametric estimation problems. In some cases, using estimated values of the nuisance parameters provides a more efficient estimator for the parameters of interest than does using the true values. This phenomenon takes place even in cases of semi-nonparametric models in which the nuisance parameters are infinite-dimensional and cannot be estimated at the parametric rate. We examine the structure and present the necessary and sufficient condition for the occurrence of this puzzle. We also provide a simple sufficient condition. It shows that the puzzle occurs when the term accounting for the effect of estimation of nuisance parameters is included in the tangent space. This condition is often satisfied when the estimating equation does not bring any restriction on the form of the nuisance parameters. Our simple sufficient condition can be applied to many important estimators.
Murder for Pleasure
Authors: Knobloch-Westerwick Silvia , Keplinger Caterina
Published: July 2008

This experiment investigated how complexity of the presented clues and need-for-cognition affect crime fiction enjoyment. A short murder story, divided into four segments, was presented to 154 participants. Complexity was manipulated as three-step factor through combinations of clues hinting toward either suspect A or B in the first three segments, while the last segment revealed the culprit. Readers indicated suspicions and enjoyment after each segment. Finally, respondents reported overall enjoyment and affective responses before completing the need-for-cognition scale. Results for enjoyment of the entire mystery and during reception show that higher complexity was generally enjoyed less. Furthermore, need-for-cognition affected enjoyment in curvilinear fashion overall, with medium need-for-cognition resulting in greater enjoyment. Respondents with high need-for-cognition were an exception in that they enjoyed medium complexity during mystery exposure the most.
The Role of Gender and Sensation Seeking in Film Choice
Authors: Banerjee Smita C. , Greene Kathryn , Krcmar Marina , Bagdasarov Zhanna , Ruginyte Dovile
Published: July 2008

This study demonstrates the significance of individual difference factors, particularly gender and sensation seeking, in predicting media choice (examined through hypothetical descriptions of films that participants anticipated they would view). This study used a 2 (Positive mood/negative mood) × 2 (High arousal/low arousal) within-subject design with 544 undergraduate students recruited from a large northeastern university in the United States. Results showed that happy films and high arousal films were preferred over sad films and low-arousal films, respectively. In terms of gender differences, female viewers reported a greater preference than male viewers for happy-mood films. Also, male viewers reported a greater preference for high-arousal films compared to female viewers, and female viewers reported a greater preference for low-arousal films compared to male viewers. Finally, high sensation seekers reported a preference for high-arousal films. Implications for research design and importance of exploring media characteristics are discussed.
Total ion pressure changes with L shell in the nightside inner magnetosphere
Authors: Kozelova T. V. , Lazutin L. L. , Kozelov B. V.
Published: July 2008

The total ion plasma pressure has been estimated in the equatorial plane of the magnetosphere from the CRRES measurements when the satellite crossed the magnetic shells from L ∼ 2.3 to L ∼ 6.6 in the night sector of ∼20–24 MLT. The data of the LEPA and the EPAS particle detectors as well as the magnetic field data on the CRRES satellite have been used for two events with the AE < 300 nT before the substorm onset. It is found that the gross radial structure of the plasma pressure constructed along the CRRES orbit exhibits a maximum at L ∼ 3 and then a gradual decrease with distance from the Earth. Along with these usual features of the plasma pressure profile, we revealed an additional maximum of the total ion pressure, which appears at L ∼ 4.6–4.9. It is located earthward of the Alfvén boundaries of low‐energy electrons. From the analysis of the energy composition of plasma pressure we conclude that this additional maximum is a result of enhancement of the pressure of ions with energies <30 keV which was observed ∼20 min after a small enhancement of magnetic activity. We suppose that dynamical changes in the electric field and particle density in the plasma sheet are the dominant processes that form the observed peculiarity in the radial profile of the total ion pressure. These dynamical changes lead to a shift of convection boundaries and to acceleration of ion flux which was formed by preexisting quasi‐steady convection.
Open‐Source Software Framework Integrates Data Analysis
Authors: Morozov Igor
Published: July 2008

An open‐source software framework suitable for integrating many research tasks could be advantageous in various areas of geophysics. Two examples of the most successful and broadly used of such frameworks are the Seismic Un*x, which is used in seismic reflection data processing (SU) [Stockwell, 1999], and Generic Mapping Tools (GMT), used to produce various map projections in PostScript [Wessel and Smith, 1995]. Such large, shared projects bring clear benefits of versatile and uniform software support to the research community yet require decades of consistent development effort. However, SU and GMT are still limited to their respective application areas, and their interactive visualization capabilities are limited.
Explaining the global distribution of peak‐spectrum variability of sea surface height
Authors: Lin Xiaopei , Yang Jiayan , Wu Dexing , Zhai Ping
Published: July 2008

A 14‐year satellite observation of sea surface height (SSH) reveals an interesting pattern. Along any latitude, there is a frequency at which the SSH power spectrum peaks, regardless of which hemisphere or oceanic basin. This peak‐spectrum frequency is nearly identical to the critical frequency at which the zonal energy propagation of Rossby waves becomes stagnant. The interior ocean adjusts to atmospheric forcing by radiating energy away through Rossby waves. There are two distinct groups of Rossby waves, long ones carry the energy to the west while short ones send the energy to the east. At the critical frequency, these two waves merge and their zonal energy propagation becomes stagnant. Consequently, the energy from atmospheric forcing may accumulate in the ocean interior, and thus result in a spectrum peak.
Previously unreported optical emissions generated during ionospheric heating
Authors: Mutiso C. K. , Hughes J. M. , Sivjee G. G. , Pedersen T. , Gustavsson B. , Kosch M. J.
Published: July 2008

Several radio‐induced optical emissions were generated during an ionospheric heating experiment performed at the High Power Auroral Stimulation (HIPAS) facility near Two Rivers, Alaska. The O+ 732–733 nm and O(3Do) 799.0 nm emissions, previously unreported from ionospheric heating experiments, were detected, in addition to the already documented O(3P) 844.6 nm and O(5P) 777.4 nm emissions. Maximum emission intensity was observed in the magnetic zenith, when the heater was transmitting continuous wave O‐mode, at a frequency of 2.85 MHz. A modified Czerny‐Turner grating spectrometer was used to acquire high resolution optical spectra of the induced emissions, which were synchronized to the heater duty cycle. Candidate mechanisms for the production of the radio‐induced emissions, which occurred before the “double resonance” condition, are presented.
Linking the Late Cretaceous to Paleogene Pacific plate and the Atlantic bordering continents using plate circuits and paleomagnetic data
Authors: Doubrovine Pavel V. , Tarduno John A.
Published: July 2008

Late Cretaceous to Paleogene paleomagnetic data from the Pacific plate (the Emperor Seamounts) can be compared with data from the Atlantic bordering continents through the use of plate circuit reconstructions. Here we summarize the uncertainties in all data sets and present formal tests. We report agreement between Late Cretaceous Pacific paleomagnetic data and predictions based on the estimates of non‐Pacific pole positions from synthetic apparent polar wander paths. This congruency points to the veracity of the plate circuits and the accuracy of the paleomagnetic estimates. In contrast to the agreement seen for the Late Cretaceous, small discrepancies are observed in the comparisons of the Pacific Paleogene data and predictions from synthetic apparent polar wander paths. Such a disparity in a younger time interval is unexpected, given the agreement of the Late Cretaceous data. The possibility that minor, temporally variable nondipole field components contribute to the discrepancy cannot be completely discounted. However, an alternative and more straightforward explanation is suggested by further comparisons of the mean non‐Pacific paleomagnetic data and the highest‐quality poles that contribute to the means. In particular, we note that (1) the Pacific Paleogene data are in full agreement with coeval poles from North America meeting strict reliability criteria and (2) the non‐Pacific Paleogene poles of synthetic apparent polar wander paths are dominated by results from the North Atlantic Igneous Province (NAIP), but taken as a whole, the NAIP data fail a paleomagnetic reversal test. Hence, minor discrepancies between Paleocene paleomagnetic data from the Pacific and Atlantic hemispheres may point to limitations of the latter, which incorporate a relatively large number of older, lower‐quality data. These findings call for renewed data collections utilizing comprehensive rock magnetic and paleomagnetic (demagnetization) procedures to improve resolution of Paleocene non‐Pacific data. The uncertainties of the Pacific paleolatitude data and the non‐Pacific reference poles are larger than the differences related to the use of the two alternative plate circuits (through East to West Antarctica and through Australia to the Lord Howe Rise) that link the Atlantic and Pacific hemispheres. While no preference can thus be given to either plate circuit, their overall consistency with paleomagnetic data suggests that they can be used to investigate long‐term motion of the Pacific plate since Late Cretaceous times.
Dengue‐4 envelope domain III fused twice within the meningococcal P64k protein carrier induces partial protection in mice
Authors: Lazo Laura , Zulueta Aída , Hermida Lisset , Blanco Aracelys , Sánchez Jorge , Valdés Iris , Gil Lázaro , López Carlos , Romero Yaremis , Guzmán María G. , Guillén Gerardo
Published: July 2008

A vaccine against dengue virus must be able to induce an effective and equivalent immune response to the four viral serotypes; however, some studies have revealed that DEN4 (dengue‐virus serotype 4) induces a weaker immune response than the others in quadrivalent (tetravalent’) formulations. We have previously reported the protective capacity, in a viral encephalitis murine model, of fusion protein P64k–envelope domain III of DEN1, DEN2 and DEN3. We also reported that the P64k protein can be used as a carrier in two different positions: the insertion following the first 45 amino acids and the fusion at the C‐terminus. Considering the low immunogenicity described for DEN4, in the present study we obtained a novel chimaeric protein by inserting two dengue‐4 envelope domains III in both sites of P64k (PD24), and hence increasing the presence of the virus in the final construct. After expression in Escherichia coli and semipurification, the protein exhibited a pattern of high molecular mass and was well recognized by human and murine polyclonal antibodies. The protein was finally evaluated in mice, Al(OH)3 being employed as the adjuvant. Even though the animals exhibited low levels of antiviral antibodies, the recombinant protein induced significant protection against lethal challenge with dengue‐4 virus.
Architectural factor HMGA induces promoter bending and recruits C/EBP and GATA during silkmoth chorion gene regulation
Authors: Papantonis Argyris , Vanden Broeck Josef , Lecanidou Rena
Published: July 2008

A protein displaying significant similarity to mammalian HMGA (high-mobility group A) proteins, but also bearing unique structural features, was isolated from silkmoth (Bombyx mori) follicular cells. This factor, named BmHMGA, exhibits specific binding preference for chorion gene promoter elements and induces DNA bending thereon. BmHMGA deploys temporal-specific interaction with transcription factors BmC/EBP (C/EBP is CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein) and BmGATAβ during follicle maturation. The respective protein complexes can be detected on chorion gene promoters in vivo, with different developmental profiles each time. Analogous interaction takes place on the putative promoter of the BmC/EBP gene, hinting towards a transcriptional circuit that is responsible for the progress of choriogenesis as a whole. Finally, transient suppression of BmHMGA expression led to down-regulation of chorion genes and the BmC/EBP gene, and revealed recruitment of BmC/EBP, BmGATAβ and TFIID (transcription factor IID)/TBP (TATA-box-binding protein) by BmHMGA. A revised model for chorion gene regulation is discussed in view of these findings.
Enhanced light extraction efficiency in flip-chip GaN light-emitting diodes with diffuse Ag reflector on nanotextured indium-tin oxide
Authors: Kim Ja-Yeon , Kwon Min-Ki , Park Il-Kyu , Cho Chu-Young , Park Seong-Ju , Jeon Dong-Min , Kim Je Won , Kim Yong Chun
Published: July 2008

We investigated a flip-chip light emitting diode (FCLED) with a diffuse reflector fabricated by depositing a Ag film on a nanotextured indium-tin oxide (ITO) layer. The FCLED with a diffuse Ag reflector showed remarkably good adhesion and high reflectance than that with a specular Ag reflector deposited on the planar ITO layer. The optical output power of FCLED with the diffuse Ag reflector was enhanced by 161.3% at 300mA compared to that with the specular Ag reflector.
Inference of the solvation energy parameters of amino acids using maximum entropy approach
Authors: Hoang Trinh X. , Seno Flavio , Trovato Antonio , Banavar Jayanth R. , Maritan Amos
Published: July 2008

We present a novel technique, based on the principle of maximum entropy, for deriving the solvation energy parameters of amino acids from the knowledge of the solvent accessible areas in experimentally determined native state structures as well as high quality decoys of proteins. We present the results of detailed studies and analyze the correlations of the solvation energy parameters with the standard hydrophobic scale. We study the ability of the inferred parameters to discriminate between the native state structures of proteins and their decoy conformations.
Parallel scanning tunneling microscopy imaging of low dimensional nanostructures
Authors: Janta-Polczynski Barnim A. , Cerdá Jorge I. , Éthier-Majcher Gabriel , Piyakis Konstantinos , Rochefort Alain
Published: July 2008

A first generation of parallel scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) simulator has been developed to accelerate the production of high quality STM images. An efficient master-slave parallel scheme has been constructed specially suited for large scale problems in which the amount of data communications remains a small fraction of the entire calculation. We apply the new parallel scheme to two examples, benzene adsorption on a metal surface and standing wave patterns on the Cu(111) surface, highlighting the efficiency of our approach.
Effect of an auxiliary electrode on the crystalline morphology of electrospun nanofibers
Authors: Kim Geun Hyung , Yoon Hyeon
Published: July 2008

The mechanical properties of electrospun fibers are influenced by crystallinity and molecular orientation, and their crystal structure is controlled by the processing parameters and the electrical and rheological properties of the polymer solution. The auxiliary electrode has been widely used as a stabilizing tool in the electrospinning process, and in this study, the effect of the auxiliary electrode on the crystalline morphology or molecular orientation of spun fibers was investigated with respect to structural formation in the elongational region of the initial spun solution.
Nonvolatile electrical bistability and operating mechanism of memory devices based on CdSe/ZnS nanoparticle/polymer hybrid composites
Authors: Li Fushan , Son Dong Ick , Kim Bong Jun , Kim Tae Whan
Published: July 2008

Current-voltage (I-V) measurements on Al/(core/shell-type CdSe∕ZnS nanoparticles embedded in polymer/indium tin oxide)/glass devices showed a nonvolatile electrical bistability behavior. Capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements on the devices showed a counterclockwise hysteresis with a flatband voltage shift due to the existence of the CdSe∕ZnS nanoparticles. The on/off ratio of the electrical bistability for memory devices with a hybrid [poly-N-vinylcarbazole (PVK) and polystyrene (PS)] matrix layer was larger than those for memory devices with a PVK or a PS layer. Possible operating mechanisms for the devices are described on the basis of the I-V and the C-V results.
Optical properties of (GeTe, Sb2Te3) pseudobinary thin films studied with spectroscopic ellipsometry
Authors: Park Jun-Woo , Baek Seoung Ho , Kang Tae Dong , Lee Hosun , Kang Youn-Seon , Lee Tae-Yon , Suh Dong-Seok , Kim Ki Joon , Kim Cheol Kyu , Khang Yoon Ho , Da Silva Juarez L. F. , Wei Su-Huai
Published: July 2008

The authors measure the dielectric functions of (GeTe, Sb2Te3) pseudobinary thin films by using spectroscopic ellipsometry. By using standard critical point model, they obtained the optical transition (critical point) energies of the amorphous (crystalline) thin films. The optical (indirect band) gap energies of the amorphous (crystalline) phase are estimated from the linear extrapolation of the absorption coefficients. The band structure calculations show that GeTe, Ge2Sb2Te5, and Ge1Sb2Te4 have indirect gap whereas Ge1Sb4Te7 and Sb2Te3 have direct gap. The measured indirect band gap energies match well with electronic band structure calculations.
The Representation of Applied Psychology Areas in Introductory Psychology Textbooks
Authors: Haselhuhn Charlotte W. , Clopton Kerri L.
Published: July 2008

Many psychology majors indicate helping others as a reason for majoring in psychology, yet many enter positions not closely related to the field. This discrepancy may be due to a lack of student knowledge of the applied areas of psychology. The purpose of this study was to investigate the coverage of clinical, counseling, industrial/organizational, and school psychology in a sample of current, full-length introductory psychology textbooks. This study explores the extent and accuracy of coverage of applied areas in 32 full-length textbooks published between 2001 and 2006. Industrial/organizational psychology had the most extensive coverage, followed by clinical, counseling, and school psychology. Counseling psychology had the lowest rate of accuracy in coverage.
Increasing Student Participation in Undergraduate Research Benefits Students, Faculty, and Department
Authors: Wayment Heidi A. , Dickson K. Laurie
Published: July 2008

Little information is available about how departments might improve undergraduate students' access to research experience. At a midsized psychology department (550 majors, 21 full-time faculty), we identified 5 barriers in our existing program (lack of student awareness, unequal student access, poor curricular timing, lack of publicity, and uneven access/incentives for faculty) and implemented 5 changes (application procedures, advertisement, assessment and communication with majors, establishment of a departmental newsletter, and restructured faculty teaching assignments). Following implementation, the number of involved students increased from 40 (11-year average) to 87 (Year 1) and to 117 (Year 2) and number of involved faculty increased from 60% to 94%. Our findings suggest that implementing systematic and programmatic changes may help to increase undergraduate involvement in research.
Rising Economic Impact of Clostridium difficile-Associated Disease in Adult Hospitalized Patient Population
Authors: Song Xiaoyan , Bartlett John G , Speck Kathleen , Naegeli April , Carroll Karen , Perl Trish M.
Published: July 2008

Background.

Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) is responsible for increased morbidity and a substantial economic burden. Incidences of CDAD, including those with a severe course of illness, have been increasing rapidly.

Objective.

To evaluate the excess mortality, increased length of stay (LOS) in the hospital, and additional costs associated with CDAD.

Design.

A retrospective matched cohort study.

Patients.

Adult patients admitted to a large tertiary care hospital between January 2000 and October 2005.

Methods.

Adult patients were tested with a C. difficile laboratory assay at admission or 72 hours after admission. Infected patients had lor more positive assay results and were individually matched to 1 uninfected patient who had negative assay results, by exposure time, age, ward, and at least 2 measurements for comorbidity and severity of illness.

Results.

The incidence rate of CDAD among adult patients increased from 0.57 cases per 1,000 patient-days at risk before 2004 to 0.88 cases per 1,000 patient-days at risk after 2004 (P < .001). The 630 infected patients had a mortality rate of 11.9%; the 630 uninfected patients had a mortality rate of 15.1% (P = .02). After adjustment in the multivariate analysis, we found that the LOS for infected patients was 4 days longer than that for uninfected patients (P < .001). If CDAD occurred after 2004, the additional LOS increased to 5.5 days. The direct cost associated with CDAD was $306 per case; after year 2004, it increased to $6,326 per case.

Conclusions.

There may be no excess mortality among patients with CDAD, compared with patients without it, but the economic burden of CDAD is increasing. By 2004, CDAD-associated medical expenditures approached $1,000,000 per year at our institution alone.
Development of a two-dimensional agent-based model for chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy after stem cell transplantation
Authors: Galvão Viviane , Miranda José Garcia Vivas , Ribeiro-dos-Santos Ricardo
Published: July 2008

Motivation: A significant issue in stem cell therapy is to understand the role of this type of cell in the tissue regeneration. To explain this mechanism, an experimental study has quantified that the bone marrow cell transplantation decreases the number of inflammatory cells and reduces the fibrosis area in chagasic mice. Using this experimental data, we have developed an agent-based computational model to investigate the regeneration of the chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy after bone marrow stem cell transplantation.

Results: Our model includes six different types of agents: inflammatory cell, fibrosis area, cardiomyocyte, proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α, Trypanosoma cruzi parasite and bone marrow stem cell. This latter promotes apoptosis in inflammatory cells, reduction in the fibrosis area and can differentiate into cardiomyocyte. Proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α can increase the fibrosis area and T.cruzi can increase the number of inflammatory cells. Our results for both apoptosis of inflammatory cells and reduction in the fibrosis area were compared with experimental data. They suggest that the concentration pattern is the most important factor to characterize the kinetics of cardiac tissue regeneration after bone marrow stem cell transplantation.

Availability: The source code of our software is available online at www.vivas.ufba.br/bone/bone.zip

Contact:  vivianegalvao@uefs.br

Supplementaty information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Taiwanese nursing students’ knowledge, application and confidence with standard and additional precautions in infection control
Authors: Wu Chia‐Jung , Gardner Glenn E , Chang Anne M
Published: July 2008

Aim.  This study reports on nursing students’ current capacity to handle standard and additional infection‐control precautions in terms of their knowledge, application skills and confidence.

Background.  These precautions are recommended as the guidelines for preventing infections and ensuring occupational safety. As nursing students undertake patient care during clinical practice, their knowledge of and ability to apply these precautions with confidence should be examined before they enter the clinical field.

Method.  A specific tool, the Infection Control Evaluation, was developed and distributed.

Design.  A cross‐sectional survey involving a sample of preservice nursing students was conducted in southern Taiwan.

Results.  The results were based on an 88% response rate and indicated that the level of knowledge concerning standard and additional precautions was low among Taiwanese nursing students. Their ability in applying these precautions in clinical practice also appeared to be inadequate.

Conclusions.  Such findings indicate that Taiwanese preservice nursing students require a comprehensive foundation course in infection‐control precautions before they enter the clinical environment. This will help to ensure their protection and that of their patients.

Relevance to clinical practice.  As the findings highlight the importance of providing such education for students before they undertake any clinical work, the information provided here can help nursing educators and academics to develop a specific program.
Meristem aging is not responsible for age‐related changes in growth and abscisic acid levels in the Mediterranean shrub, Cistus clusii
Authors: Oñate M. , Munné‐Bosch S.
Published: July 2008

To obtain new insights into the mechanisms underlying aging in perennials, we measured abscisic acid levels, growth and other stress indicators in leaves of Cistus clusii Dunal plants of different ages grown under Mediterranean field conditions. Recently emerged leaves from 9‐year‐old plants were compared to those of 1‐year‐old plants (obtained from cuttings from 9‐year‐old plants) to evaluate the effects of meristem aging on plant aging. Rooting and successful establishment of the cuttings allowed us to compare the physiology of plants with old meristems, but of different size. Plants obtained from cuttings were rejuvenated, with new leaves displaying a higher leaf area and chlorophyll content, but smaller leaf mass per unit area ratios and endogenous abscisic acid levels than those of 9‐year‐old plants. A comparative study in 1‐, 4‐ and 9‐year‐old plants revealed that abscisic acid levels increase during the early stages of plant life (with increases of 90% between 1‐ and 4‐year‐old plants), but then remain constant at advanced developmental stages (between 4‐ and 9‐year‐old plants). Although leaf biomass was 53% smaller in 9‐year‐old compared to 4‐year‐old plants, the dry matter produced per shoot apical meristem was equivalent in both plant groups due to an increased number of leaves per shoot in the former. It is concluded that (i) C. clusii plants maintain the capacity to rejuvenate for several years; (ii) newly emerged leaves accumulate higher amounts of abscisic acid during early stages of plant life, but the levels of this phytohormone later remain constant; and (iii) although plant aging leads to the production of smaller leaves, the amount of biomass produced per shoot apical meristem remains constant at advanced developmental stages.
The UKPDS and its global impact
Authors: Genuth S.
Published: July 2008

Aim  To review the world‐wide impact of the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) on diabetes health care since publication of the main study results in 1998.

Methods  The major papers published by the UKPDS were reviewed, e‐mails and faxes were sent to diabetes associations in various regions of the world seeking information on trends in HbA1c over the past decade and similar information was obtained from a major USA laboratory.

Results  The UKPDS extended to type 2 diabetes and brought to completion the case for linking the microvascular vascular complications of diabetes to control of blood glucose initially demonstrated by the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT). This helped set the standard of care for diabetes to seek an HbA1c goal of at least < 7.0% with intensive glycemic treatment and formed a fundamental part of continuing medical education. This also helped stimulate new hypoglycemic drug development and the preferential use of metformin as first line therapy was supported by UKPDS results. In many areas of the world, including the United Kingdom and the USA, a national trend to lower HbA1c levels has been seen.

 Economic analyses have shown UKPDS intensive treatment to be cost‐effective at 6028 Ibs. per quality life year gained, imposing a reasonable burden on the British National health care budget.

Conclusions  The UKPDS was a landmark study in the treatment of type 2 diabetes from the time of diagnosis that has influenced standards of care and treatment guidelines throughout the world.
Microvascular disease: what does the UKPDS tell us about diabetic retinopathy?
Authors: Kohner E. M.
Published: July 2008

Background  The UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) was a randomised controlled clinical study which looked at the effect of improved blood glucose and blood pressure control on macro‐ and microvascular complications in Type 2 diabetes. Retinopathy was the commonest microvascular outcome and this paper looks at this complication.

Methods  Newly diagnosed diabetic patients were randomised to intensive or conventional glycaemic control and a subset of hypertensive patients to tight or less tight blood pressure control. Patients were seen every 3 months in study clinics and retinopathy was assessed by adjudicated grading of triennial colour retinal photographs. Photocoagulation treatment, vitreous haemorrhage and cataract extraction were predefined UKPDS endpoints. Observational analyses of the data were used to examine the relationship of updated mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and mean blood pressure levels to retinopathy outcomes.

Results  The UKPDS showed that both improved glucose control and improved blood pressure control reduced the risk of retinopathy, with a linear relationship between the log hazard ratio for retinopathy and both updated mean HbA1c and updated mean blood pressure. A 1% decrement in HbA1c equated to a 31% reduction in retinopathy and a 10 mmHg decrement in systolic blood pressure equated to an 11% reduction in photocoagulation or vitreous haemorrhage. Evidence of retinopathy at diagnosis, including the presence of microaneurysms only, increased significantly the risk of progression to photocoagulation.

Conclusions  The UKPDS stands out as a landmark study in Type 2 diabetes, emphasising the crucial importance of controlling both blood glucose and blood pressure in order to minimise the risk of developing sight‐threatening retinopathy.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: CD52 Is Synthesized in Cumulus Cells and Secreted into the Cumulus Matrix During Ovulation
Authors: Hasegawa Akiko , Takenobu Takashi , Kasumi Hiroyuki , Komori Shinji , Koyama Koji
Published: July 2008

Problem  Early studies have shown that an antibody to male reproductive tissue CD52 is a pathogenic factor of infertility. The molecule contains a unique carbohydrate antigen that induces antibodies interfering with sperm function. However, the characteristic properties of CD52 in female reproductive tissues are not known. We examined the expression and localization of CD52 in mature expanded cumulus masses.

Method of study  Mouse cumulus oocyte complexes were collected from [C57B1/6; DBA/2] F1 female mice having a superovulation treatment. Human cumulus cells were obtained from infertile patients taking in vitro fertilization‐embryo transfer treatment under informed consent. CD52 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein were detected using RT‐PCR, quantitative PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemical methods.

Results  CD52 mRNA was found both in the human and mouse cumulus cells. Mouse CD52 mRNA was detected in cumulus cells but not oocytes and significantly increased after ovulation. The expression of the molecule was also confirmed at the protein level. Immunostaining with anti CD52 peptide antibody revealed that CD52 is present in cumulus cells and the extracellular matrix.

Conclusion  We first showed the expression of CD52 in human cumulus cells. CD52 has some functional roles around fertilization in females as well as in males.
Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptor δ‐Agonist, GW501516, Ameliorates Insulin Resistance, Improves Dyslipidaemia in Monosodium l‐Glutamate Metabolic Syndrome Mice
Authors: Chen Wei , Wang Li‐Li , Liu Hong‐Ying , Long Long , Li Song
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  We evaluated the effects of GW501516, a specific peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor β/δ (PPARδ) agonist in metabolic syndrome mice, obtained by perinatal injection of monosodium l‐glutamate, to investigate the efficacy of GW501516 against metabolic syndrome and the effectiveness of PPARδ activation as therapeutic target for metabolic syndrome. After 14 days treatment, GW501516 effectively improved the glucose intolerance, normalized the fasted blood glucose, and increased the serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) level. Postprandial blood glucose, serum insulin, leptin, free fatty acid (FFA) levels, and total cholesterol/HDL‐C ratio were also significantly decreased. Moreover, semiquantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction results indicated that the above phenotypes might be due to (i) enhancement of fatty acid oxidation in muscle, adipose tissue and the liver; (ii) improvement of insulin‐stimulated glucose transportation in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue; and (iii) reduced local glucocorticoid synthesis. Therefore, GW501516 could significantly ameliorate dyslipidaemia and insulin resistance in monosodium l‐glutamate mice and activation of PPARδ could be envisioned as a useful strategy against human metabolic syndrome and related diseases.
Gallstone ileus: Surgical strategies and clinical outcome
Authors: MUTHUKUMARASAMY Girivasan , VENKATA Siva P , SHAIKH Irshad A , SOMANI Bhaskar K , RAVINDRAN Rajan
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE:  Gallstone ileus is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction affecting mainly the elderly. This study aimed to analyze the surgical treatments and outcome of the disease.

METHODS:  We present a retrospective study of 13 patients diagnosed with gallstone ileus from January 2000 to December 2005 in our hospital and a review of the published literature.

RESULTS:  Three men and 10 women participated in the study, with a mean age of 74.3 (range: 63–85). The mean duration of symptoms was 6 days (range 2–14). A pre operative diagnosis was made in 10 patients. The mean delay in diagnosis was 3.5 days (range 1–10). Ten patients had an enterolithotomy (E) and three patients had a one‐stage procedure comprising enterolithotomy, cholecystectomy and fistula repair (EC). There was no postoperative mortality in either group. The mean postoperative hospital stay for group E was 14 (range 6–31) days and for group EC was 19 (range: 5–28) days. Twelve patients were alive at the time of review. One patient from group E died of unrelated causes after three years. One patient in group E developed cholangitis but no surgical intervention was required on case note review over a mean postoperative period of 3.4 years.

CONCLUSION:  E alone is best suited in all elderly gallstone ileus patients with significant comorbidities. A one‐stage procedure (EC) should be reserved for young, fit and low risk patients.
Isolation and characterization of nine microsatellite loci from the pike‐perch, Sander lucioperca (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: KOHLMANN KLAUS , KERSTEN PETRA
Published: July 2008

In order to facilitate studies on the genetic structure of wild populations as well as to monitor genetic changes in cultured stocks, nine polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from pike‐perch (Sander lucioperca). Single loci allele numbers varied between two (loci MSL‐3 and MSL‐7) and six (loci MSL‐1 and MSL‐2), and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.36 (locus MSL‐2) to 1.00 (locus MSL‐9) in a test panel of 25 individuals. Only one pair of loci (MSL‐5 and MSL‐8) displayed significant linkage disequilibrium after sequential Bonferroni corrections. Hardy–Weinberg tests revealed significant excesses of heterozygotes at three loci (MSL‐1, MSL‐7, and MSL‐9).
Somatic Ca2+ transients do not contribute to inspiratory drive in preBötzinger Complex neurons
Authors: Morgado‐Valle Consuelo , Beltran‐Parrazal Luis , DiFranco Marino , Vergara Julio L. , Feldman Jack L.
Published: July 2008

PreBötzinger Complex (preBötC) neurons are postulated to underlie respiratory rhythm generation. The inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle in vitro results from preBötC neurons firing synchronous bursts of action potentials (APs) on top of 10–20 mV, 0.3–0.8 s inspiratory drive potentials. Is the inspiratory drive in individual neurons simply the result of the passive integration of inspiratory‐modulated synaptic currents or do active processes modulate these currents? As somatic Ca2+ is known to increase during inspiration, we hypothesized that it affects inspiratory drive. We combined whole cell recording in an in vitro slice preparation with Ca2+ microfluorometry to detect single inspiratory neuron somatic Ca2+ transients with high temporal resolution (∼μs). In neurons loaded with either Fluo‐4 or Oregon Green BAPTA 5 N, we observed Ca2+ transients associated with each AP. During inspiration, significant somatic Ca2+ influx was a direct consequence of activation of voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels by APs. However, when we isolated the inspiratory drive potential in active preBötC neurons (by blocking APs with intracellular QX‐314 or by hyperpolarization), we did not detect somatic Ca2+ transients; yet, the parameters of inspiratory drive were the same with or without APs. We conclude that, in the absence of APs, somatic Ca2+ transients do not shape the somatic inspiratory drive potential. This suggests that in preBötC neurons, substantial and widespread somatic Ca2+ influx is a consequence of APs during the inspiratory phase and does not contribute substantively to the inspiratory drive potential. Given evidence that the Ca2+ buffer BAPTA can significantly reduce inspiratory drive, we hypothesize that dendritic Ca2+ transients amplify inspiratory‐modulated synaptic currents.
A NOTE ON EPQ MODEL FOR SEASONAL PERISHABLE PRODUCTS WITH STOCK DEPENDENT DEMAND
Authors: PANDA S. , SAHA S. , BASU M.
Published: July 2008

A single item, single cycle economic production quantity model for perishable products is proposed where the demand is two-component and stock dependent. The production inventory scenario of products like cake, bread, fast foods, fishes, garments, cosmetics etc in the festival season is considered. The profit function is formulated under the assumption that the time period of the festival seasons is fixed and the display capacity of the produced item is limited. In the formulation process, to introduce more flexibility, a goal programming technique is incorporated to achieve the producer's desired profit and stock of as much inventory as possible below the display capacity level. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the proposed model. A sensitivity analysis of the model is also carried out.
DYNAMICAL THEORY OF PHASE TRANSITIONS AND COSMOLOGICAL EW AND QCD PHASE TRANSITIONS
Authors: KIM SANG PYO
Published: July 2008

We critically review the cosmological EW and QCD phase transitions. The EW and QCD phase transitions would have proceeded dynamically since the expansion of the universe determines the quench rate and critical behaviors at the onset of phase transition slow down the phase transition. We introduce a real-time quench model for dynamical phase transitions and describe the evolution using a canonical real-time formalism. We find the correlation function, the correlation length and time and then discuss the cosmological implications of dynamical phase transitions on EW and QCD phase transitions in the early universe.
SIGNATURES ON THE INTERACTION BETWEEN DARK ENERGY AND DARK MATTER
Authors: WANG BIN , LIN CHI-YONG
Published: July 2008

In this review article, we go over some of the consequences that the interactions between dark energy and dark matter may have for the dynamics of the Universe and its observational signatures.
CAN FIELD EXCITATIONS PLAY THE ROLE OF DARK ENERGY?
Authors: GU JE-AN
Published: July 2008

How the field excitations play the role of dark energy is explored. There has been the suggestion by Sahni and Wang (1999) that quintessence with rapidly oscillating modes can provide repulsive gravity and drive the cosmic acceleration. A specific model of oscillating quintessence in this scenario with less fine tuning is presented by Gu in arXiv:0711.3606. This natural model not only provides a working example, but also largely increases the feasibility of the oscillating quintessence scenario.
PRELIMINARY RESULT FROM ANITA EXPERIMENT
Authors:   ANITA Collaboration, NAM JIWOO , Gorham P. W. , Barwick S. W. , Beatty J. J. , Besson D. Z. , Binns W. R. , Chen C. , Chen P. , Clem J. M. , Connolly A. , Dowkontt P. F. , DuVernois M. A. , Field R. C. , Goldstein D. J. , Goodhue A. , Hast C. , Hebert C. L. , Hoover S. , Israel M. H. , Javaid A. , Kowalski J. , Learned J. G. , Liewer K. M. , Link J. T. , Lusczek E. , Matsuno S. , Mercurio B. C. , Miki C. , Miočinović P. , Naudet C. J. , Ng J. , Nichol R. J. , Palladino K. J. , Reil K. , Romero-Wolf A. , Rosen M. , Saltzberg D. , Seckel D. , Varner G. S. , Walz D. , Wu F.
Published: July 2008

The ANITA (ANtarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna) experiment is a balloon-borne neutrino telescope which consists of an array of 32 broad-band horn antennas. It successfully completed a 35 day flight over Antarctica during the 2006-2007 austral summer. The primary goal of ANITA is to search for astrophysical neutrinos with energies E > 1019eV by detecting radio Cherenkov signals from neutrino induced showers in the Antarctic ice. We present preliminary results from ongoing analyses of ANITA data.
MUON CHARGE RATIO OF ULTRAHIGH ENERGY COSMIC RAYS
Authors: MA BO-QIANG
Published: July 2008

The muon charge ratio of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays may provide information to detect the composition of the primary cosmic rays. We propose to extract the charge information of high energy muons in very inclined extensive air showers by analyzing their relative lateral positions in the shower transverse plane.
REALISTIC DOMAIN-WALL-BRANE MODELS?
Authors: VOLKAS RAYMOND R.
Published: July 2008

We discuss how various mechanisms, including type-2 Randall-Sundrum and Dvali-Shifman, may be combined to create possibly realistic domain-wall-brane models with one extra infinite dimension.
TECHNICOLOR ON D BRANES
Authors: HIRAYAMA TAKAYUKI
Published: July 2008

We construct a dual description of technicolor theory based on the D4/D8 brane configuration. From the gauge/gravity correspondence, we explore the oblique correction (STU) parameters. The fermion fields are introduced at the intersections of D-branes and their masses are generated via massive gauge bosons from open strings stretching between D-branes. This talk is based on our paper Ref. 1.
TRANS-PLANCKIAN PHYSICS AND NON-COMMUTATIVE INFLATION
Authors: KOH SEOKTAE
Published: July 2008

Non-commutativity of spacetime at the Planck scale may deform the usual dispersion relations. And these deformed dispersion relations could lead to the accelerating phase without a scalar field. In this paper, we have calculated the spectral index and the running of spectral index in a non-commutative inflation model. Non-commutative inflation with thermal radiation gives a scale invariant spectrum in the limit w → −1 and negative running spectral index which are consistent with the WMAP 3-year results.
LAPLACIAN DCT COEFFICIENT MODELS
Authors: NADARAJAH SARALEES
Published: July 2008

It is well known that the distribution of the discrete cosine transform (DCT) coefficients of most natural images follow a Laplace distribution. In this note, a collection of formulas is derived for the distribution of the actual DCT coefficient. The corresponding estimation procedures are derived by the method of moments and the method of maximum likelihood. Finally, the superior performance of the derived distributions over the standard Laplace model is illustrated. It is expected that this work could serve as a useful reference and lead to improved modeling with respect to image analysis and image coding.
A NEW DISCRETE WAVELET TRANSFORM FAST ALGORITHM WITH RATIONAL DILATION FACTOR
Authors: LI HUI-GUANG , LI YAN , SUN CHANG-PIN , LI XIAO-LI
Published: July 2008

While in the process of decomposition of the Mallat discrete wavelet transform (DWT) fast algorithm, the algorithm has a drawback, that is, there is frequency distortion in the high frequency subband. In this paper, a new algorithm of decomposition and reconstruction in the discrete wavelet is presented. The algorithm can solve the frequency distortion in the high frequency subband in the process of decimation in each level. The simulation of numerical value example tests the validity of the algorithm.
REVERSIBLE WATERMARKING ALGORITHM BASED ON WAVELET LIFTING SCHEME
Authors: GAO TIEGANG , GU QIAOLUN
Published: July 2008

Nowadays, digital watermarking algorithms are widely applied to ownership protection and tampering detection of digital images. In this paper, a new reversible watermarking algorithm based on wavelet lifting scheme is proposed. In the algorithm, the image is firstly divided into some no-overlapping blocks, and then the wavelet lifting scheme where on every block, is performed watermarking data is embedded into the image according to the attribute of the subband of every block. In order to guarantee the security of algorithm, chaotic system is used to shuffle the position of blocks. The interesting point and usefulness of the algorithm lies in the fact that the watermarked image can be exactly restored into the original image, and the watermarking is robust to cropping. The experimental results show the effectiveness of this scheme.
Chronic peripheral administration of corticotropin-releasing factor causes colonic barrier dysfunction similar to psychological stress
Authors: Teitelbaum Aaron A. , Gareau Mélanie G. , Jury Jennifer , Yang Ping Chang , Perdue Mary H.
Published: July 2008

Chronic psychological stress causes intestinal barrier dysfunction and impairs host defense mechanisms mediated by corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) and mast cells; however, the exact pathways involved are unclear. Here we investigated the effect of chronic CRF administration on colonic permeability and ion transport functions in rats and the role of mast cells in maintaining the abnormalities. CRF was delivered over 12 days via osmotic minipumps implanted subcutaneously in wild-type (+/+) and mast cell-deficient (Ws/Ws) rats. Colonic segments were excised for ex vivo functional studies in Ussing chambers [short-circuit current ( Isc), conductance ( G), and macromolecular permeability (horseradish peroxidase flux)], and analysis of morphological changes (mast cell numbers and bacterial host-interactions) was determined by light and electron microscopy. Chronic CRF treatment resulted in colonic mucosal dysfunction with increased Isc, G, and horseradish peroxidase flux in +/+ but not in Ws/Ws rats. Furthermore, CRF administration caused mast cell hyperplasia and abnormal bacterial attachment and/or penetration into the mucosa only in +/+ rats. Finally, selective CRF agonist/antagonist studies revealed that stimulation of CRF-R1 and CRF-R2 receptors induced the elevated secretory state and permeability dysfunction, respectively. Chronic CRF causes colonic barrier dysfunction in rats, which is mediated, at least in part, via mast cells. This information may be useful in designing novel treatment strategies for stress-related gastrointestinal disorders.