bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Living Poor to Die Rich’? Or ‘Spending the Kids' Inheritance’? Attitudes to Assets and Inheritance in Later Life
Authors: ROWLINGSON KAREN
Published: October 2007

A significant, and probably increasing, proportion of older people are ‘asset rich, income poor’. This raises a number of social policy issues around poverty and living standards in later life. For example, perhaps older people are ‘living poor to die rich’ because they wish to pass on their assets to future generations or because they feel they have an ‘inalienable right’ to their property. Or perhaps they would like to use up their assets but find this difficult, for example, because of concerns around equity release products. This article focuses on attitudes to assets and inheritance, drawing on findings from in-depth interviews and focus groups. The data suggest that people generally take a balanced and pragmatic attitude to their resources. They do not wish to ‘live poor to die rich’ but nor are they keen to spend their resources recklessly as they wish to leave something to their families, while also maintaining a reasonable standard of living in later life. It concludes by suggesting that the current ‘asset-based welfare’ debate should broaden its focus on asset accumulation to consider issues around asset use.
Non-State Care Homes for Older People as Third Sector Organisations in China's Transitional Welfare Economy
Authors: WONG LINDA , JUN TANG
Published: October 2007

The rise of the third sector has been a global welfare phenomenon. In China, the growth of social organisations has been a remarkable feature of the transitional society after the adoption of market reforms and political liberalisation. In its emergent welfare economy, the third sector has been hailed as a new growth point in social care as the state retreats from direct provision of welfare services. This article examines non-state care homes for older people in urban China based on a survey of 137 homes in three cities. It begins with a brief review of the theory of the third sector, non-governmental organisations and private markets in the production of welfare. This is followed by a discussion of third-sector organisations, markets and the state in the special context of China. The next section appraises the factors that contribute to the surge of non-state residential provision for the elderly. The final part of the article presents empirical findings on the development, key features and authority relations of 137 non-state care homes for older people. It is argued that their uniqueness marks them out as a special form of third-sector organisation in China's welfare economy.
Sedimentological signatures of the sub-Amery Ice Shelf circulation
Authors: Hemer M.A. , Post A.L. , O'Brien P.E. , Craven M. , Truswell E.M. , Roberts D. , Harris P.T.
Published: October 2007

Two sediment cores collected from beneath the Amery Ice Shelf, East Antarctica describe the physical sedimentation patterns beneath an existing major embayed ice shelf. Core AM01b was collected from a site of basal freezing, contrasting with core AM02, collected from a site of basal melting. Both cores comprise Holocene siliceous muddy ooze (SMO), however, AM01b also recovered interbedded siliciclastic mud, sand and gravel with inclined bedding in its lower 27 cm. This interval indicates an episode of variable but strong current activity before SMO sedimentation became dominant. 14C ages corrected for old surface ages are consistent with previous dating of marine sediments in Prydz Bay. However, the basal age of AM01b of 28250 ± 230 14C yr bp probably results from greater contamination by recycled organic matter. Lithology, 14C surface ages, absolute diatom abundance, and the diatom assemblage are used as indicators of sediment transport pathways beneath the ice shelf. The transport pathways suggested from these indicators do not correspond to previous models of the basal melt/freeze pattern. This indicates that the overturning baroclinic circulation beneath the Amery Ice Shelf (near-bed inflow–surface outflow) is a more important influence on basal melt/freeze and sediment distributions than the barotropic circulation that produces inflow in the east and outflow in the west of the ice front. Localized topographic (ice draft and bed elevation) variations are likely to play a dominant role in the resulting sub-ice shelf melt and sediment distribution.
A mathematical model for variation in water-retention curves among sandy soils
Authors: Hunt H.W. , Treonis A.M. , Wall D.H. , Virginia R.A.
Published: October 2007

Equations were developed to predict soil matric potential as a function of soil water content, texture and bulk density in sandy soils. The equations were based on the additivity hypothesis - that water-retention of a whole soil depends on the proportions of several particle size fractions, each with fixed water-retention characteristics. The new model is an advancement over previously published models in that it embodies three basic properties of water-retention curves: a) matric potential is zero at saturation water content, b) matric potential approaches -∞ as water content approaches zero, and c) volumetric water content in dry soil is proportional to bulk density. Values of model parameters were taken from the literature, or estimated by fitting model predictions to data for sandy soils with low organic matter content. Most of the variation in water-release curves in the calibration data was explained by texture, with negligible effects of bulk density and sand particle size. The model predicted that variation in clay content among soils within the sand and loamy sand textural classes had substantial effects on water-retention curves. An understanding of how variation in texture among sandy soils contributes to matric potential is necessary for interpreting biological activity in arid environments.
Treatment Response in Child Anxiety is Differentially Related to the Form of Maternal Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Cooper Peter J. , Gallop Catherine , Willetts Lucy , Creswell Cathy
Published: October 2007

An examination was made of the extent to which maternal anxiety predicted response to treatment of children presenting with an anxiety disorder. In a sample of 55 children referred to a local NHS CAMH service for treatment of an anxiety disorder, systematic mental state interview assessment was made of both mothers and children, and both completed self-report questionnaires to assess aspects of anxiety, both immediately before the children received treatment and following treatment. Children of mothers with anxiety disorder overall responded less well to treatment than children of mothers with no anxiety disorder. There was some diagnostic specificity in this in that children of mothers with GAD did as well in treatment as children whose mothers had no anxiety, whereas children of mothers with social phobia did poorly. The outcome for children with anxiety appears to be related to the presence and nature of maternal anxiety. It would seem prudent that treatment of children with anxiety involves assessment of maternal anxiety. It is important to establish in systematic investigation whether treatment of maternal anxiety improves the outcome for child anxiety.
Infectious disease, development, and climate change: a scenario analysis
Authors: TOL RICHARD S.J. , EBI KRISTIE L. , YOHE GARY W.
Published: October 2007

We study the effects of development and climate change on infectious diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa. Infant mortality and infectious disease are closely related, but there are better data for the former. In an international cross-section, per capita income, literacy, and absolute poverty significantly affect infant mortality. We use scenarios of these three determinants and of climate change to project the future incidence of malaria, assuming it to change proportionally to infant mortality. Malaria deaths will first increase, because of population growth and climate change, but then fall, because of development. This pattern is robust to the choice of scenario, parameters, and starting conditions; and it holds for diarrhoea, schistosomiasis, and dengue fever as well. However, the timing and level of the mortality peak is very sensitive to assumptions. Climate change is important in the medium term, but dominated in the long term by development. As climate can only be changed with a substantial delay, development is the preferred strategy to reduce infectious diseases even if they are exacerbated by climate change. Development can, in particular, support the needed strengthening of disease control programs in the short run and thereby increase the capacity to cope with projected increases in infectious diseases over the medium to long term. This conclusion must, however, be viewed with caution, because development, even of the sort envisioned in the underlying socio-economic scenarios, is by no means certain.
TECHNOLOGY, PREFERENCE STRUCTURE, AND THE GROWTH EFFECT OF MONEY SUPPLY
Authors: ITAYA JUN-ICHI , MINO KAZUO
Published: October 2007

This paper studies the growth effect of money supply in the presence of increasing returns and endogenous labor supply. By using a simple model of endogenous growth with a cash-in-advance constraint, it is shown that the growth effect of money supply depends on the specifications of preference structures as well as of the production technology. Either if the production technology exhibits strong nonconvexity or if the utility function has a high elasticity of intertemporal substitution, then there may exist dual balanced-growth equilibria and the impact of a change in money growth depends on which steady state is realized in the long run. It is also shown that there is no systematic relationship between the growth effect of money supply and local determinacy of the balanced growth path.
INCREASING RETURNS AND THE DESIGN OF INTEREST RATE RULES
Authors: XIAO WEI
Published: October 2007

We introduce increasing returns to scale into an otherwise standard New Keynesian model with capital, and study the determinacy and E-stability of equilibrium under Taylor-type interest rate rules. With very mild increasing returns supported by empirical research, the conventional wisdom regarding the design of interest rate rules can be overturned. In particular, the “Taylor principle” no longer guarantees either determinacy or E-stability of the rational expectations equilibrium.
ASSET PRICING IN DYNAMIC STOCHASTIC GENERAL EQUILIBRIUM MODELS WITH INDETERMINACY
Authors: GERSHUN NATALIA , HARRISON SHARON G.
Published: October 2007

We explore asset pricing in the context of the one-sector Benhabib-Farmer-Guo (BFG) model with increasing returns to scale in production and compare our results with financial implications of the standard dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model. Our main goal is to determine the effects of local indeterminacy and the presence of sunspot shocks on asset pricing. We find that the BFG model does not adequately represent key stylized facts of U.S. capital markets and does not improve on the asset-pricing results obtained in the standard DSGE model.
Supplementation of dietary long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids high in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) increases plasma DHA concentration and may increase trot stride lengths in horses
Authors: Woodward A D , Nielsen B D , O'Connor C I , Skelly C D , Webel S K , Orth M W
Published: October 2007

Twelve mature and six 2-year-old Arabian horses were used to determine the effect of dietary long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on plasma fatty acids and lameness. Lameness scores and stride lengths were measured on day 0. Horses were striated and pair-matched according to age, gender, stride length and, for mature horses, lameness score, and each horse was fed either a treatment diet containing 5.95 g of stabilized omega-3 fatty acids plus a fat carrier (FA), for a total of 19.4 g fat, or a control diet containing 49 g of corn oil (CO) for 75 days. Horses were exercised 5 d week− 1, and blood samples were drawn and body weights recorded on days 0, 25, 50 and 75. Lameness scores and stride lengths were recorded again on day 75. Total plasma omega-3 fatty acid concentrations were higher on all days in FA horses than in CO horses. Total plasma omega-6 fatty acids increased from days 0 to 25, remained elevated through day 50 and returned to baseline on day 75 in all horses. The ratio of plasma omega-6:omega-3 fatty acids was lower in FA horses. Horses on FA had increased plasma docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on days 25, 50 and 75. No difference in walk stride length was noted; however, FA horses tended to have a longer trot stride after supplementation when compared with CO horses. No differences were seen in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) metabolite or tumour necrosis factor-α as measured in blood serum. In summary, supplementing omega-3 fatty acids increases plasma DHA, although there was no overall increase in omega-3 in FA horses. While a trend to increase trot stride length was seen, no differences in lameness scores between treatments were noted.
Effects of endurance training on VO2maxand submaximal blood lactate concentrations of untrained sled dogs
Authors: Banse Heidi E , Sides Raymond H , Ruby Brent C , Bayly Warwick M
Published: October 2007

Five previously untrained yearling sled dogs were evaluated for endurance training-induced changes in maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) and submaximal blood lactate concentrations. Following 3 weeks of light training followed by 4 weeks of moderate training, VO2maxincreased by 10%, from 180.2 ± 9.9 to 198.7 ± 19.2 ml kg min− 1(P = 0.046). Light training was not associated with any increase in VO2max. Blood lactate concentrations at the same absolute intensity decreased by 215%, from 9.2 ± 4.7 to 4.3 ± 2.4 mmol l− 1(P = 0.022). Speeds associated with oxygen consumptions of 70% VO2maxincreased by 12%, from 4.8 ± 0.4 to 5.4 ± 0.5 m s− 1(P = 0.008) and speeds associated with VO2maxincreased by 21%, from 6.7 ± 0.3 to 8.2 ± 0.7 m s− 1(P = 0.012).
«Welche Interventionen bewirken eine Verbesserung der Adhärenz von HIV-Patienten unter ART?»
Authors: Bigler Sabine , Nicca Dunja , Spirig Rebecca
Published: October 2007

Durch die Entwicklung einer hochwirksamen antiretroviralen Kombinationstherapie der HIV Infektion konnte die Lebenserwartung und die Lebensqualität vieler HIV positiver Menschen im Vergleich zu vor 10 Jahren maßgeblich verbessert werden. Diese positive Entwicklung wird dadurch beeinträchtigt, dass viele Betroffene nicht bestmöglich von der Therapie profitieren können, da eine Vielzahl von Faktoren dazu beitragen, dass ihre Adhärenzrate nicht im optimalen Bereich liegt. Dies kann unter anderem zu therapieresistenten Mutationen des Virus führen. Sowohl Ärzte und Ärztinnen, wie auch das Pflegefachpersonal sind deshalb gefordert, den Patienten eine angepasste und wirkungsvolle Unterstützung mit dem Ziel einer Adhärenzverbesserung zu bieten. Diese Literaturzusammenfassung geht ausgehend von randomisierten kontrollierten Studien der Frage nach, wie Interventionsprogramme aufgebaut und welche Elemente darin enthalten sein sollen, damit die Adhärenz der Patienten bestmöglich unterstützt und gesteigert werden kann. Es zeigt sich, dass Interventionsprogramme wirkungsvoller sind, wenn sie verschiedene methodische Ansätze kombinieren und theoriebasiert sind. Für die Praxis kann empfohlen werden, den Patienten zusätzlich zu generalisierten Kurzinterventionen eine kontinuierliche und auf ihre jeweilige individuelle Situation angepasste Betreuung zukommen zu lassen.
Nursing Unit: Pflegende koordinieren die Spitalbetreuung – eine Antwort auf neue Herausforderungen in der Akutmedizin
Authors: Bodin Geiser Brigitte , Geschwindner Heike , Stauffer Yvonne , Spichiger Elisabeth
Published: October 2007

Im Universitätsspital gibt es immer wieder Patienten, die keine engmaschige ärztliche Behandlung mehr brauchen, sondern primär auf eine komplexe, professionelle pflegerische Betreuung angewiesen sind. Auf Erfahrungen mit Nursing Development Units in Großbritannien aufbauend, wurde eine Nursing Unit mit sechs Betten im Inselspital, Universitätsspital Bern, als Pilotprojekt betrieben. Das spezifisch entwickelte Betreuungskonzept basierte auf einer Definition von professioneller Pflege, einem Evidence based Practice-Ansatz, einem ressourcenorientierten Selbstmanagement und Caring. Die Patientenbetreuung erfolgte nach Primary Nursing, sie wurde durch die Bezugspflegepersonen koordiniert und gesteuert. Das Projekt wurde prospektiv evaluiert. Während der Pilotphase wurden 37 Patienten betreut, die durchschnittliche Bettenbelegung betrug 85%, die Patienten waren durchschnittlich 21.5 Tage hospitalisiert und mit 68.9 Jahren durchschnittlich älter als die Patienten im Inselspital. Die Fälle waren komplexer als der durchschnittliche Fall im Inselspital. Die Erfahrungen der Pflegenden waren mehrheitlich positiv. Sie erlebten die größere Verantwortung und den strukturierten Betreuungsprozess als Herausforderung, die ihnen ermöglichte, ihre Fähigkeiten zu erweitern. Mit dem Projekt wurde im Universitätsspital eine innovative Dienstleistung aufgebaut für Patienten mit komplexen, pflegerischen Problemen. Das Projekt zeigte, dass gut ausgebildete Pflegende für diese Patientengruppe eine größere Verantwortung im Betreuungsprozess übernehmen können, als dies im Rahmen konventioneller Konzepte üblich ist.
Facial Affect and Temporal Order Judgments
Authors: Fecica Agnieszka M. , Stolz Jennifer A.
Published: October 2007

Abstract. The influence of facial affect on the perception of temporal order was examined in the context of the temporal order judgment (TOJ) paradigm. Two schematic faces were presented either simultaneously, or separated by varying stimulus onset asynchronies (SOAs; -100 ms, -34 ms, -17 ms, 17 ms, 34 ms, 100 ms), and participants had to judge which face appeared first. Each schematic face displayed one of three emotions; happy, neutral, or angry. Facial affect was found to influence judgments of temporal order at short SOAs (-17 ms, 0 ms, and 17 ms) but not at the longest SOAs (-100 ms and 100 ms), consistent with the hypothesis that facial affect influences relative onset judgments when they are difficult to make.
When Learning Order Affects Sensitivity to Base Rates
Authors: Reips Ulf-Dietrich , Waldmann Michael R.
Published: October 2007

Abstract. In three experiments we investigated whether two procedures of acquiring knowledge about the same causal structure, predictive learning (from causes to effects) versus diagnostic learning (from effects to causes), would lead to different base-rate use in diagnostic judgments. Results showed that learners are capable of incorporating base-rate information in their judgments regardless of the direction in which the causal structure is learned. However, this only holds true for relatively simple scenarios. When complexity was increased, base rates were only used after diagnostic learning, but were largely neglected after predictive learning. It could be shown that this asymmetry is not due to a failure of encoding base rates in predictive learning because participants in all conditions were fairly good at reporting them. The findings present challenges for all theories of causal learning.
Two‐dimensional distinct element modeling of the structure and growth of normal faults in multilayer sequences: 1. Model calibration, boundary conditions, and selected results
Authors: Schöpfer Martin P. J. , Childs Conrad , Walsh John J.
Published: October 2007

The distinct element method is used for modeling the growth of normal faults in layered sequences. The models consist of circular particles that can be bonded together with breakable cement. Size effects of the model mechanical properties were studied for a constant average particle size and various sample widths. The study revealed that the bulk strength of the model material decreases with increasing sample size. Consequently, numerical lab tests and the associated construction of failure envelopes were performed for the specific layer width to particle diameter ratios used in the multilayer models. The normal faulting models are composed of strong layers (bonded particles) and weak layers (nonbonded particles) that are deformed in response to movement on a predefined fault at the base of the sequence. The modeling reproduces many of the geometries observed in natural faults, including (1) changes in fault dip due to different modes of failure in the strong and weak layers, (2) fault bifurcation (splaying), (3) the flexure of strong layers and the rotation of associated blocks to form normal drag, and (4) the progressive linkage of fault segments. The model fault zone geometries and their growth are compared to natural faults from Kilve foreshore (Somerset, United Kingdom). Both the model and natural faults provide support for the well‐known general trend that fault zone width increases with increasing displacement.
Solar energetic particles in near‐Mars space
Authors: Luhmann J. G. , Zeitlin C. , Turner R. , Brain D. A. , Delory G. , Lyon J. G. , Boynton W.
Published: October 2007

The space radiation environment near Mars has taken on new interest due to the resurrection of plans to send humans to explore the red planet. In addition, solar energetic particles represent a possibly significant input of energy to the atmosphere of Mars during major events, with consequences for atmospheric ionization, chemistry, and possibly escape. Measurements of solar events by the MARIE and GRS experiments on Mars Odyssey illustrate how Mars affects the low‐Mars‐orbit fluxes of these particles, apparently blocking some particles' access to the spacecraft. The extent to which the presence of Mars reduces the fluxes in Mars orbit from their interplanetary values, and the circumstances and geometry of those reductions, is examined using a simple model and some observationally inspired assumptions about the nature of solar energetic particle events. The results suggest how Mars orbiter SEP results can be interpreted, and also how near‐Mars fluxes for a particular interplanetary event can be predicted.
Strike‐slip kinematics in Central and Eastern Iran: Estimating fault slip‐rates averaged over the Holocene
Authors: Meyer Bertrand , Le Dortz Kristell
Published: October 2007

According to GPS measurements, the right‐lateral shear between Central Iran and Afghan blocks amounts to 16 mm/yr. A model based on very long‐term estimates of fault‐rates suggests the current shear originated about 5 Ma ago and has been accommodated by strike‐slip faulting limited to the western (∼2 mm/yr, Gowk‐Nayband fault) and eastern (∼14 mm/yr, Sistan system fault) edges of the Lut block. We have used high‐resolution SPOT5 (pixel size 2.5 m) images to measure recent cumulative offsets and estimate slip‐rates over shorter time periods that average several seismic cycles only. Recent offsets, a few tens of meters, have been found along the Anar fault inside the Central Iran plateau and along the Sistan faults east of the Lut. The offset‐morphologies postdate the last incision of the network and are most probably of Holocene age (12 ± 2 ka). The corresponding slip‐rates range between ∼0.5–0.75 mm/yr, ∼1.75–2.5 mm/yr, ∼1–5 mm/yr, ∼1–2.5 mm/yr for the Anar, East Neh, West Neh, and Asagie fault, respectively. These estimates suggest the GPS shear‐rate across the Lut may not extrapolate over the Holocene. They also indicate strike‐slip faulting is not confined to the Lut edges, but also occurs in Central Iran, suggesting the ongoing strike‐slip tectonics might have originated between 8 and 22 Ma ago, earlier than considered previously and consistent with observations in NE Iran.
Reach scale and evaluation methods as limitations for transient storage properties in streams and rivers
Authors: Wörman Anders , Wachniew Przemysław
Published: October 2007

The value of stream tracer tests depends on appropriate experimental design, accurate evaluation methods and careful generalization of results with account taken to relevant limitations. This paper examines six calibration methods for transient storage models and effects of parameter errors on model generalizations. The residence time of transient storage and retardation factor varied a factor of 8 and 27, respectively, with the choice of method. Methods that emphasize the tail of the tracer breakthrough, such as optimization of log‐concentrations, are required to provide accurate estimates of transient storage parameters, whereas optimization using normal values can lead to substantial errors. Moment matching techniques require a solute mass‐recovery higher than about 70% for a reliable estimate of the storage capacity. The pumping model provided good estimates of the storage in the hyporheic zone under different stream discharges at two tracer test events with tritiated water in the Hobøl River, Norway. The accuracy of the evaluation of the transient storage parameters decreases with distance in the stream caused primarily by decreasing precision in the measurements and insufficient mass‐recovery. With distance, more and more time‐scales representing the hyporheic zone flow are also manifested as signatures of the tracer breakthrough. In a stream‐landscape groundwater system that is characterized by multiple residence time‐scales, stream tracer results are limited to specific reach distances and need to be supported by theory or other data when generalized to longer distances.
Multiple cross‐gradient joint inversion for geospectral imaging
Authors: Gallardo Luis A.
Published: October 2007

Accurate characterization and monitoring of complex subsurface environments require the integration of all the available geophysical, geochemical and geological information. I developed a generalized cross‐gradient procedure that seeks multiple geometrically similar images that simplify the integration of cross‐property subsurface information. I jointly invert near‐surface P‐wave, S‐wave, DC resistivity and magnetic data sets recorded at a field site and compound an integrated subsurface (geospectral) image based on the multiple property images found. It is shown that, by analogy to applications in satellite imagery, the geospectral image assembles the multiple subsurface parameter values under a common structural framework that facilitates their visualization and analysis.
Reorientation of icy satellites by impact basins
Authors: Nimmo F. , Matsuyama I.
Published: October 2007

Large impact basins are present on many of the icy satellites of the outer solar system. Assuming that their present‐day topography is uncompensated, such basins can cause significant poleward reorientations for slow‐rotating satellites. This reorientation may have been accompanied by transient large‐amplitude wobble. The largest basins on Tethys, Rhea and Titania are predicted to have caused reorientations of roughly 4°, 7° and 12°, respectively, resulting in global tectonic stresses up to ∼0.5 MPa. The potential anomalies associated with the basins can be up to one‐third of those expected for a hydrostatic, tidally‐ and rotationally‐deformed body, and may complicate interpretation of the satellite interior structure. Pluto and Charon, because of their slow rotation, are also likely to have undergone reorientation of 10–20° if they possess impact basins of comparable sizes to those of the Saturnian satellites.
Generation and propagation of nonlinear internal waves in Massachusetts Bay
Authors: Scotti A. , Beardsley R. C. , Butman B.
Published: October 2007

During the summer, nonlinear internal waves (NLIWs) are commonly observed propagating in Massachusetts Bay. The topography of the area is unique in the sense that the generation area (over Stellwagen Bank) is only 25 km away from the shoaling area, and thus it represents an excellent natural laboratory to study the life cycle of NLIWs. To assist in the interpretation of the data collected during the 1998 Massachusetts Bay Internal Wave Experiment (MBIWE98), a fully nonlinear and nonhydrostatic model covering the generation/shoaling region was developed, to investigate the response of the system to the range of background and driving conditions observed. Simplified models were also used to elucidate the role of nonlinearity and dispersion in shaping the NLIW field. This paper concentrates on the generation process and the subsequent evolution in the basin. The model was found to reproduce well the range of propagation characteristics observed (arrival time, propagation speed, amplitude), and provided a coherent framework to interpret the observations. Comparison with a fully nonlinear hydrostatic model shows that during the generation and initial evolution of the waves as they move away from Stellwagen Bank, dispersive effects play a negligible role. Thus the problem can be well understood considering the geometry of the characteristics along which the Riemann invariants of the hydrostatic problem propagate. Dispersion plays a role only during the evolution of the undular bore in the middle of Stellwagen Basin. The consequences for modeling NLIWs within hydrostatic models are briefly discussed at the end.
Leakage and ohmic losses investigation in substrate‐integrated waveguide
Authors: Che Wenquan , Wang Dapeng , Deng Kuan , Chow Y. L.
Published: October 2007

Rectangular waveguide (RW) with sidewalls of vertical conducting cylinders (i.e., substrate‐integrated waveguide, SIW) becomes popular with the advent of low‐temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) structure. The formula of leakage loss through the SIW with small cylinders has been found, based on the surface impedance of cylinder walls derived from an analytical MoM. To complete the study of loss, the ohmic loss in the SIW is investigated also in this paper. The theoretical formulas show good agreements with numerical HFSS simulations and the measured data from hardware experiments, demonstrating potential applications to the research and design of some interesting devices such as leaky antennas, etc.
Efficacy of small‐molecule glycogen synthase kinase‐3 inhibitors in the postnatal rat model of tau hyperphosphorylation
Authors: Selenica M‐L , Jensen H S , Larsen A K , Pedersen M L , Helboe L , Leist M , Lotharius J
Published: October 2007

Background and purpose:

Glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3) affects neuropathological events associated with Alzheimeŕs disease (AD) such as hyperphosphorylation of the protein, tau. GSK‐3β expression, enzyme activity and tau phosphorylated at AD‐relevant epitopes are elevated in juvenile rodent brains. Here, we assess five GSK‐3β inhibitors and lithium in lowering phosphorylated tau (p‐tau) and GSK‐3β enzyme activity levels in 12‐day old postnatal rats.

Experimental approach:

Brain levels of inhibitors following treatment in vivo were optimized based on pharmacokinetic data. At optimal doses, p‐tau (Ser396) levels in brain tissue was measured by immunoblotting and correlated with GSK‐3β enzyme activities in the same tissues. Effects of GSK inhibitors on p‐tau, GSK‐3β activities and cell death were measured in a human neuronal cell line (LUHMES).

Key results:

Lithium and CHIR98014 reduced tau phosphorylation (Ser396) in the cortex and hippocampus of postnatal rats, while Alsterpaullone and SB216763 were effective only in hippocampus. AR‐A014418 and Indirubin‐3′‐monoxime were ineffective in either brain region. Inhibition of p‐tau in brain required several‐fold higher levels of GSK inhibitors than the IC50 values obtained in recombinant or cell‐based GSK‐3β enzyme activity assays. The inhibitory effect on GSK‐3β activity ex vivo correlated with protection against cell death and decrease of p‐tau‐ in LUHMES cells, using low μM inhibitor concentrations.

Conclusions and Implications:

Selective small‐molecule inhibitors of GSK‐3 reduce tau phosphorylation in vivo. These findings corroborate earlier suggestions that GSK‐3β may be an attractive target for disease‐modification in AD and related conditions where tau phosphorylation is believed to contribute to disease pathogenesis.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 152, 959–979; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707471; published online 1 October 2007
Characterization of the non‐adrenergic/non‐cholinergic response to perivascular nerve stimulation in the double‐perfused mesenteric bed of the mouse
Authors: Legros E , Tirapelli C R , Carrier E , Brochu I , Fournier A , D'Orléans‐Juste P
Published: October 2007

Background and purpose:

Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), a capsaicin‐sensitive neuromodulator of splanchnic vascular tone in several animal species, remains poorly investigated in mouse models. We therefore assessed whether endogenous CGRP is a non‐adrenergic/non‐cholinergic (NANC) neuromodulator in the mesenteric vascular bed of the mouse.

Experimental approach:

Arterial and venous changes in perfusion pressure in response to perivascular nerve stimulation (PNS) were monitored in the mouse mesenteric bed under basal conditions or precontracted with KCl (artery) or U46619 (vein) in circuits pretreated with guanethidine, atropine, indomethacin and prazosin. Arterial responses to NANC were also characterized with a CGRP1 antagonist, hαCGRP8−37.Finally, the PNS‐induced release of arterial CGRP was measured by enzyme immunoassay.

Key results:

HαCGRP8−37enhanced PNS‐induced arterial increases in perfusion pressure under basal tone. PNS‐induced stimulation of NANC triggered an hαCGRP8−37or capsaicin‐ sensitive reduction in perfusion pressure of the pre‐contracted arterial bed only. Chemical removal of the endothelium inhibited PNS‐ and hαCGRP‐ induced reduction in perfusion pressure in the arterial mesenteric bed. Responses to NANC nerves were reduced by guanylate and adenylate cyclase inhibitors (1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazole[4,3‐a] quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ)) and [9‐(tetrahydro‐2‐furanyl)‐9H‐purin‐6‐amine] (SQ 22 536), respectively. A neuronal NOS inhibitor (7‐nitroindazole; 7‐NI) also enhanced the response to NANC in vessels from wild‐type, eNOS KO but not iNOS KO mice. Finally, PNS enhanced the release of immunoreactive CGRP from the perfused arterial mesenteric bed.

Conclusions and implications:

Our study demonstrates a role for CGRP in the NANC‐dependent reduction in perfusion pressure of the arterial but not venous mesenteric bed of the mouse.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)152, 1049–1059; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707475; published online 1 October 2007
Mycobacterium tuberculosis secretory proteins CFP‐10, ESAT‐6 and the CFP10:ESAT6 complex inhibit lipopolysaccharide‐induced NF‐κB transactivation by downregulation of reactive oxidative species (ROS) production
Authors: Ganguly Niladri , Giang Pham H , Gupta Chitra , Basu Sandip K , Siddiqui Imran , Salunke Dinakar M , Sharma Pawan
Published: October 2007

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) causes death of 2–3 million people annually and is considered one of the most successful intracellular pathogens to persist inside the host macrophage. Recent studies have implicated the role of RD‐1 region of Mtb genome in the mycobacterial pathogenesis. The role of RD‐1‐encoded secretory proteins of Mtb in modulation of macrophage function has not been investigated in detail. Here we show that RD‐1 encoded two major secretory proteins, namely, culture filtrate protein‐10 kDa (CFP‐10) and early secreted antigenic target‐6 kDa (ESAT‐6), and their 1:1 CFP‐10:ESAT6 complex inhibit production of reactive oxidative species (ROS) in RAW264.7 cells. These proteins also downregulated the bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced ROS production, which, in turn, downregulated LPS‐induced nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) p65 DNA‐binding activity, as well as inhibited the NF‐κB‐dependent reporter gene (chloramphenicol acetyl transferase) expression in the treated macrophages. Moreover, addition of N‐acetyl cysteine, which is a scavenger of ROS, also inhibited LPS‐induced reporter gene expression by scavenging the ROS, thereby preventing NF‐κB transactivation. These studies indicate that the secretory proteins CFP‐10, ESAT‐6 and the CFP10:ESAT6 complex of Mtb can inhibit LPS‐induced NF‐κB‐dependent gene expression via downregulation of ROS production.
Five-year follow-up of waist circumference, insulin and ALT levels in familial combined hyperlipidaemia
Authors: Brouwers Martijn C. G. J. , van Greevenbroek Marleen M. J. , Vermeulen Vicky M. M.-J. , van Lin Josephine M. J. P. , van der Kallen Carla J. H. , de Bruin Tjerk W. A.
Published: October 2007

FCHL (familial combined hyperlipidaemia), an entity with many features of the metabolic syndrome, is characterized by changes in cholesterol and triacylglycerol (triglyceride) phenotype over time. The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship of ALT (alanine aminotransferase) levels, used as a surrogate marker for the amount of hepatic fat, with the switch in triacylglycerol phenotype and the increased susceptibility to develop hypertriglyceridaemia in FCHL. BMI (body mass index), waist circumference and plasma triacylglycerols, insulin and ALT levels were measured in 145 FCHL family members and 54 spouses at baseline and after a 5-year follow-up. A switch from normotriglyceridaemia to hypertriglyceridaemia or vice versa, as observed in 22 of 145 FCHL family members, was associated with changes in plasma ALT levels (P=0.001), but not with insulin levels or waist circumference. At 5 years of follow-up, an intra-individual relationship was observed between waist circumference and plasma triacylglycerols, insulin and ALT levels. For each waist circumference, FCHL patients, but not their NL (normolipidaemic) relatives, exhibited higher triacylglycerol and insulin levels than spouses (P<0.001). Remarkably, both FCHL patients and the NL relatives had higher ALT levels for each waist circumference compared with spouses (P<0.001 for FCHL patients, and P=0.035 for NL relatives). In conclusion, the present study shows that the longitudinal relationship of abdominal obesity–ALT is more specific for all FCHL family members, i.e. patients and their NL relatives, than the relationship of abdominal obesity–triacylglycerols. Additionally, the association of ALT with the switch in triacylglycerol phenotype suggests a central role of the liver in the pathogenesis of FCHL.
Interventional Nephrology and Dialysis: Three Purse‐String Sutures Allow Immediate Start of Peritoneal Dialysis with a Low Incidence of Leakage
Authors: Stegmayr Bernd G.
Published: October 2007

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) depends to a great extent on a well‐functioning dialysis catheter. The number of patients choosing PD also depends on the possibility of starting dialysis with this technique without needing to use hemodialysis (HD) intermediate or in the beginning of the procedure. This review describes various insertion techniques focusing on a surgical insertion technique using purse‐string sutures to fix the peritoneum around the catheter with the inner cuff of a Tenckhoff catheter invaginated between purse‐string sutures of the peritoneal membrane and the inner rectus muscle fascia. A third purse‐string suture is used to fix the catheter and to tighten the hole in the external rectus fascia. This technique enables immediate start of PD with only a limited risk for early and late leakage. Similar fixation sutures could be considered when inserting catheters, using other insertion modes, to tighten the hole and the position of the cuff and the catheter.
Electron impact ionization of water-doped superfluid helium nanodroplets: Observation of He(H2O)n+ clusters
Authors: Yang Shengfu , Brereton Scott M. , Nandhra Satvinder , Ellis Andrew M. , Shang Bo , Yuan Lan-Feng , Yang Jinlong
Published: October 2007

Electron impact mass spectra have been recorded for helium nanodroplets containing water clusters. In addition to identification of both H+(H2O)n and (H2O)n+ ions in the gas phase, additional peaks are observed which are assigned to He(H2O)n+ clusters for up to n=27. No clusters are detected with more than one helium atom attached. The interpretation of these findings is that quenching of (H2O)n+ by the surrounding helium can cool the cluster to the point where not only is fragmentation to H+(H2O)m (where m⩽n−1) avoided, but also, in some cases, a helium atom can remain attached to the cluster ion as it escapes into the gas phase. Ab initio calculations suggest that the first step after ionization is the rapid formation of distinct H3O+ and OH units within the (H2O)n+ cluster. To explain the formation and survival of He(H2O)n+ clusters through to detection, the H3O+ is assumed to be located at the surface of the cluster with a dangling O–H bond to which a single helium atom can attach via a charge-induced dipole interaction. This study suggests that, like H+(H2O)n ions, the preferential location for the positive charge in large (H2O)n+ clusters is on the surface rather than as a solvated ion in the interior of the cluster.
Static and flowing regions in granular collapses down channels: Insights from a sedimenting shallow water model
Authors: Doyle Emma E. , Huppert Herbert E. , Lube Gert , Mader Heidy M. , Sparks R. Stephen J.
Published: October 2007

A two layer model for the collapse and spreading of a granular column is presented. This model builds upon that of Larrieu et al. [J. Fluid Mech. 554, 669 (2006)] where the free fall collapse of the column and subsequent flow of material onto a plane is represented by a “raining” mass source term into a thin flowing layer of constant density. These modified shallow water equations with Coulomb friction capture the free surface of the flows and key scaling laws for initial sand columns of aspect ratios up to a<10. However, unrealistically high coefficients of friction of μ=0.9 are required to reproduce run-outs observed. Key scaling laws for high aspect ratio columns are also not captured. We thus extend the model of Larrieu (2006) to include an estimation for the interface between the static and flowing regions observed within granular collapses in the laboratory by Lube et al. [Phys. Fluids 19, 043301 (2007)]. An empirical sedimentation term Ls and the instantaneous removal of a static deposit wedge, seen in the laboratory, are incorporated into the “raining” shallow water model. The growing static deposit surface provides a basal topography for the flowing layer. For a constant empirical sedimentation rate of Ls=0.20m∕s, a coefficient of friction of μ=0.4 simulates comparable run-outs to laboratory observations. The correct run-out dependence of a2∕3 for columns of aspect ratio a>3 is also captured. Simulating this behavior for values of a above 10 has not been possible with previous continuum models. In addition, this model captures the correct dependence of final run-out time upon a0.5. The application of this extends beyond observed and simulated collapses, to sedimenting highly concentrated debris flows, useful in the development of large mechanistic numerical models utilized in hazard assessment.
Low energy electron diffraction and low energy electron microscopy microspot I∕V analysis of the (4×4)O structure on Ag(111): Surface oxide or reconstruction?
Authors: Reichelt R. , Günther S. , Wintterlin J. , Moritz W. , Aballe L. , Mentes T. O.
Published: October 2007

A low energy electron diffraction (LEED) I∕V analysis was performed of the (4×4) oxygen structure on Ag(111). Two data sets were used, one recorded with a conventional LEED system and a second with a low energy electron microscope (LEEM). The data sets agree well with each other, demonstrating that I∕V structure analyses can be performed with the same quality with LEEM as with conventional LEED. The structure obtained confirms the recently proposed model that involves a reconstruction of the Ag(111) surface. Previous models based on a thin layer of Ag2O that had been accepted for more than 30years are disproved. The reconstruction model contains two units of six triangularly arranged Ag atoms and a stacking fault in one half of the unit cell. The six O atoms per unit cell occupy sites in the trenches between the Ag6 triangles. Small lateral displacements of the Ag atoms lift the mirror symmetry of the structure, leading to two nonequivalent groups of O atoms. The atoms of both groups are located approximately 0.5Å below the top Ag layer, on fourfold positions with respect to the top layer Ag atoms. Ag–O distances between 2.05 and 2.3Å are found. The oxygen atoms exhibit large static or dynamic displacements of up to 0.3Å at 300K.
A single particle model to simulate the dynamics of entangled polymer melts
Authors: Kindt P. , Briels W. J.
Published: October 2007

We present a computer simulation model of polymer melts representing each chain as one single particle. Besides the position coordinate of each particle, we introduce a parameter nij for each pair of particles i and j within a specified distance from each other. These numbers, called entanglement numbers, describe the deviation of the system of ignored coordinates from its equilibrium state for the given configuration of the centers of mass of the polymers. The deviations of the entanglement numbers from their equilibrium values give rise to transient forces, which, together with the conservative forces derived from the potential of mean force, govern the displacements of the particles. We have applied our model to a melt of C800H1602 chains at 450K and have found good agreement with experiments and more detailed simulations. Properties addressed in this paper are radial distribution functions, dynamic structure factors, and linear as well as nonlinear rheological properties.
Tuning ferroelectricity of niobium clusters by oxygen chemisorption
Authors: Fa Wei , Dong Jinming
Published: October 2007

The chemisorption of atomic oxygen on NbN (N=2–16) has been investigated by the scalar relativistic all-electron density-functional calculations with emphasis on its effect on the ferroelectricity of NbN. We have shown that the binding of O atom to niobium clusters is site- and size-dependent, for which the bridge-site doping is preferred in the smaller size range from N=2 to 8 and the threefold hollow site one for the larger NbN with 9⩽N⩽16. Though the geometrical structures of NbN are modified slightly when doped with an oxygen atom, their ferroelectric properties vary considerably, depending on cluster size and the O adsorption sites, which is mainly caused by the charge transfer between the oxygen atom and niobium clusters. The addition of oxygen can enhance the ferroelectricity of NbN with moderate and essentially zero moments while induce only small dipole change for those NbN with large moments. Thus, the big fluctuation of the NbN’s dipole moments with size is greatly suppressed by the O doping, indicating that one might expect to tune the size-dependent ferroelectricity of NbN by the chemical decoration.
Formation characteristics of shape-engineered InAs/InAlGaAs quantum dots grown on InP substrates
Authors: Kim Jin Soo , Lee Cheul-Ro , Lee In Hwan , Leem Jae-Young , Kim Jong Su , Ryu Mee-Yi
Published: October 2007

This article reports the structural and optical properties of shape-engineered InAs/InAlGaAs quantum dots (QDs) on InP substrates formed using an alternate growth method (AGQDs), where a thin InAs layer (0.8 or 1 monolayer) and a thin InAlGaAs layer (1 monolayer) were deposited alternately. For five-stacked AGQD layers, a double-peak feature was observed in the photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The two peaks were related to two different QD branches as confirmed by excitation-power-dependent PL. Observation of a double-peak feature in the PL spectra indicated that the growth conditions for the AGQD layers were not optimized. A slight increase in growth temperature resulted in the merging of the double-peak feature to a single peak with a relatively narrow PL linewidth.