bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endovascular treatment for chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency: is the procedure safe?
Authors: Ludyga T , Kazibudzki M , Simka M , Hartel M , Świerad M , Piegza J , Latacz P , Sedlak L , Tochowicz M 
Published: November 2010

Objectives The aim of this report is to assess the safety of endovascular treatment for chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI). Although balloon angioplasty and stenting seem to be safe procedures, there are currently no data on the treatment of a large group of patients with this vascular pathology. Methods A total of 564 endovascular procedures (balloon angioplasty or, if this procedure failed, stenting) were performed during 344 interventions in 331 CCSVI patients with associated multiple sclerosis. Results Balloon angioplasty alone was performed in 192 cases (55.8%), whereas the stenting of at least one vein was required in the remaining 152 cases (44.2%). There were no major complications (severe bleeding, venous thrombosis, stent migration or injury to the nerves) related to the procedure, except for thrombotic occlusion of the stent in two cases (1.2% of stenting procedures) and surgical opening of femoral vein to remove angioplastic balloon in one case (0.3% of procedures). Minor complications included occasional technical problems (2.4% of procedures): difficulty removing the angioplastic balloon or problems with proper placement of stent, and other medical events (2.1% of procedures): local bleeding from the groin, minor gastrointestinal bleeding or cardiac arrhythmia. Conclusions The procedures appeared to be safe and well tolerated by the patients, regardless of the actual impact of the endovascular treatments for venous pathology on the clinical course of multiple sclerosis, which warrants long-term follow-up.
Liver X receptors and immune regulation
Authors: Nunomura Satoshi , Makishima Makoto , Ra Chisei 
Published: November 2010

AbstractRecent studies suggest that homeostasis of lipid metabolism is crucial for the function of various immune cells. Oxygenated derivatives of cholesterol (oxysterols) are well-known regulators of lipid metabolism and have diverse functions, such as inhibition of cholesterol synthesis, efflux of intracellular cholesterol, synthesis of cholesterol esters, and activation of liver X receptors (LXRs). In this review, we introduce novel roles of the oxysterol receptors LXRs in the immune system, including regulation of inflammatory responses, T cell expansion, immunoglobulin production, and antitumor responses. We also discuss lipid-mediated signaling as a potential target for treatment of immune diseases.
Infinite injective transformations whose centralizers have simple structure
Authors: Konieczny Janusz 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
For an infinite set X, denote by Γ(X) the semigroup of all injective mappings from X to X under function composition. For α ∈ Γ(X), let C(α) = {β ∈ g/g(X): αβ = βα} be the centralizer of α in Γ(X). The aim of this paper is to determine those elements of Γ(X) whose centralizers have simple structure. We find α ∈ (X) such that various Green's relations in C(α) coincide, characterize α ∈ Γ(X) such that the $$
\mathcal{J}
$$-classes of C(α) form a chain, and describe Green's relations in C(α) for α with so-called finite ray-cycle decomposition. If α is a permutation, we also find the structure of C(α) in terms of direct and wreath products of familiar semigroups.
Optical and microstructural properties of self-assembled InAs quantum structures in silicon
Authors: Prucnal Sławomir , Turek Marcin , Drozdziel Andrzej , Pyszniak Krzysztof , Wójtowicz Artur , Zhou Sheng-Qiang , Kanjilal Alohe , Shalimov Artem , Skorupa Wolfgang , Zuk Jerzy 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
The InAs quantum structures were formed in silicon by sequential ion implantation and subsequent thermal annealing. Two kinds of crystalline InAs nanostructures were successfully synthesized: nanodots (NDs) and nanopyramids (NPs). The peaks at 215 and 235 cm−1, corresponding to the transverse optical (TO) and longitudinal optical (LO) InAs single-phonon modes, respectively, are clearly visible in the Raman spectra. Moreover, the PL band at around 1.3 µm, due to light emission from InAs NDs with an average diameter 7±2 nm, was observed. The InAs NPs were found only in samples annealed for 20 ms at temperatures ranging from 1000 up to 1200°C. The crystallinity and pyramidal shape of InAs quantum structures were confirmed by HRTEM and XRD techniques. The average size of the NPs is 50 nm base and 50 nm height, and they are oriented parallel to the Si (001) planes. The lattice parameter of the NPs increases from 6.051 to 6.055 Å with the annealing temperature increasing from 1100 to 1200°C, due to lattice relaxation. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) shows almost stoichiometric composition of the InAs NPs.
Structure and physical properties of biomembranes and model membranes
Authors: Hianik T. 
Published: November 2010

Structure and physical properties of biomembranes and model membranesBiomembranes belong to the most important structures of the cell and the cell organels. They play not only structural role of the barrier separating the external and internal part of the membrane but contain also various functional molecules, like receptors, ionic channels, carriers and enzymes. The cell membrane also preserves non-equillibrium state in a cell which is crucial for maintaining its excitability and other signaling functions. The growing interest to the biomembranes is also due to their unique physical properties. From physical point of view the biomembranes, that are composed of lipid bilayer into which are incorporated integral proteins and on their surface are anchored peripheral proteins and polysaccharides, represent liquid scrystal of smectic type. The biomembranes are characterized by anisotropy of structural and physical properties. The complex structure of biomembranes makes the study of their physical properties rather difficult. Therefore several model systems that mimic the structure of biomembranes were developed. Among them the lipid monolayers at an air-water interphase, bilayer lipid membranes (BLM), supported bilayer lipid membranes (sBLM) and liposomes are most known. This work is focused on the introduction into the "physical word" of the biomembranes and their models. After introduction to the membrane structure and the history of its establishment, the physical properties of the biomembranes and their models areare stepwise presented. The most focus is on the properties of lipid monolayers, BLM, sBLM and liposomes that were most detailed studied. This contribution has tutorial character that may be usefull for undergraduate and graduate students in the area of biophysics, biochemistry, molecular biology and bioengineering, however it contains also original work of the author and his co-worker and PhD students, that may be usefull also for specialists working in the field of biomembranes and model membranes.
Semiconductor spintronics
Authors: Fabian Jaroslav , Matos-Abiague Alex , Ertler Christian , Stano Peter , Žutić Igor 
Published: November 2010

Semiconductor spintronicsSpintronics refers commonly to phenomena in which the spin of electrons in a solid state environment plays the determining role. In a more narrow sense spintronics is an emerging research field of electronics: spintronics devices are based on a spin control of electronics, or on an electrical and optical control of spin or magnetism. While metal spintronics has already found its niche in the computer industry—giant magnetoresistance systems are used as hard disk read heads—semiconductor spintronics is yet to demonstrate its full potential. This review presents selected themes of semiconductor spintronics, introducing important concepts in spin transport, spin injection, Silsbee-Johnson spin-charge coupling, and spin-dependent tunneling, as well as spin relaxation and spin dynamics. The most fundamental spin-dependent interaction in nonmagnetic semiconductors is spin-orbit coupling. Depending on the crystal symmetries of the material, as well as on the structural properties of semiconductor based heterostructures, the spin-orbit coupling takes on different functional forms, giving a nice playground of effective spin-orbit Hamiltonians. The effective Hamiltonians for the most relevant classes of materials and heterostructures are derived here from realistic electronic band structure descriptions. Most semiconductor device systems are still theoretical concepts, waiting for experimental demonstrations. A review of selected proposed, and a few demonstrated devices is presented, with detailed description of two important classes: magnetic resonant tunnel structures and bipolar magnetic diodes and transistors. In view of the importance of ferromagnetic semiconductor materials, a brief discussion of diluted magnetic semiconductors is included. In most cases the presentation is of tutorial style, introducing the essential theoretical formalism at an accessible level, with case-study-like illustrations of actual experimental results, as well as with brief reviews of relevant recent achievements in the field.
New isotope technologies in environmental physics
Authors: Povinec P. , Betti M. , Jull A. , Vojtyla P. 
Published: November 2010

New isotope technologies in environmental physicsAs the levels of radionuclides observed at present in the environment are very low, high sensitive analytical systems are required for carrying out environmental investigations. We review recent progress which has been done in low-level counting techniques in both radiometrics and mass spectrometry sectors, with emphasis on underground laboratories, Monte Carlo (GEANT) simulation of background of HPGe detectors operating in various configurations, secondary ionisation mass spectrometry, and accelerator mass spectrometry. Applications of radiometrics and mass spectrometry techniques in radioecology and climate change studies are presented and discussed as well. The review should help readers in better orientation on recent developments in the field of low-level counting and spectrometry, and to advice on construction principles of underground laboratories, as well as on criteria how to choose low or high energy mass spectrometers for environmental investigations.
Top quark properties
Authors: Antoš Jaroslav 
Published: November 2010

Top quark propertiesThere is tremendous progress in the study of top quark properties from time when the top quark was discovered by CDF and D0 collaboration in 1995 at TEVATRON collider. In this review we try to summarize results and methods how these results have been achieved. Aim is to emphasize problems and how these problems have been solved. We stay in the Standard model framework and demonstrate how the experimental results give support to this framework.
Coherent manipulations of atoms using laser light
Authors: Shore Bruce 
Published: November 2010

Coherent manipulations of atoms using laser lightThe internal structure of a particle - an atom or other quantum system in which the excitation energies are discrete - undergoes change when exposed to pulses of near-resonant laser light. This tutorial review presents basic concepts of quantum states, of laser radiation and of the Hilbert-space statevector that provides the theoretical portrait of probability amplitudes - the tools for quantifying quantum properties not only of individual atoms and molecules but also of artificial atoms and other quantum systems. It discusses the equations of motion that describe the laser-induced changes (coherent excitation), and gives examples of laser-pulse effects, with particular emphasis on two-state and three-state adiabatic time evolution within the rotating-wave approximation. It provides pictorial descriptions of excitation based on the Bloch equations that allow visualization of two-state excitation as motion of a three-dimensional vector (the Bloch vector). Other visualization techniques allow portrayal of more elaborate systems, particularly the Hilbert-space motion of adiabatic states subject to various pulse sequences. Various more general multilevel systems receive treatment that includes degeneracies, chains and loop linkages. The concluding sections discuss techniques for creating arbitrary pre-assigned quantum states, for manipulating them into alternative coherent superpositions and for analyzing an unknown superposition. Appendices review some basic mathematical concepts and provide further details of the theoretical formalism, including photons, pulse propagation, statistical averages, analytic solutions to the equations of motion, exact solutions of periodic Hamiltonians, and population-trapping "dark" states.
On energetic particles in space
Authors: Kudela K. 
Published: November 2010

On energetic particles in spaceParticles energized above the Earth's atmosphere provide unique informations about specific physical processes in the outer space. This is an attempt to present a short review of the knowledge of the characteristics of the cosmic energetic particles in wide energy range as observed on the ground, in the atmosphere, on Earth's satellites and on space probes. However, the review is related only to selected problems of cosmic ray physics and space physics. The bias is especially towards lower energies. After the historical introduction the features of primary cosmic rays is described. The heliosphere, in which the direct measurements of cosmic energetic particles takes place, is modulating the primary flux by magnetic fields controlled by the processes on solar surface and, is contributing to the low energy population by acceleration via transient processes as well as by solar flares. Important processes occur near the heliospheric outer boundary from where recently the space probes provided new information. Heliospheric influence is summarized in the third chapter. Another important object, the magnetosphere, is changing trajectories of incoming charged particles by "magnetospheric optics". Magnetosphere iself by the acceleration, transport, trapping as well as losses of lower energy particles alternates significantly the radiation environment near the Earth. The knowledge of particle population for which the condition of trapping are suitable in magnetospheres of giant planets of solar system, have increased thanks to space probes and planetary orbiters. Chapter four summarizes few important points of the magnetospheric influence on energetic particles. The measurements of temporal variability of the flux, energy spectra and angular distribution of cosmic ray particles influenced by solar-terrestrial effects, provides a unique tool for monitoring and eventual prediction of space weather effects, in addition to the investigations of the photon flux of various wavelength from the Sun, solar wind plasma and the magnetic field in interplanetary space. This is the main part of the chapter five.
Pharmacokinetics and acceptability of once- versus twice-daily lamivudine and abacavir in HIV type-1-infected Ugandan children in the ARROW Trial
Authors:   the ARROW Trial team, Musiime Victor , Kendall Lindsay , Bakeera-Kitaka Sabrina , Snowden Wendy B , Odongo Florence , Thomason Margaret , Musoke Philippa , Adkison Kimberly , Burger David , Mugyenyi Peter , Kekitiinwa Adeodata , Gibb Diana M , Walker A Sarah 
Published: November 2010

Background No data on once-daily dosing of nucleoside analogues in African children currently exist. We compared the pharmacokinetics (PK) of once- versus twice-daily lamivudine and abacavir treatment using the World Health Organization recommended weight band dosing of scored adult tablets. Methods HIV type-1 (HIV-1)-infected Ugandan children aged 3–12 years receiving antiretroviral therapy that included lamivudine and abacavir twice daily (total 150+300 mg, 225+450 mg and 225/300+600 mg daily for 12–<20, 20–<25 and ≥25 kg, respectively) were enrolled in a crossover study. Plasma PK sampling (at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 h after observed morning intake) was performed for the twice-daily regimen at steady-state. Children were then switched to once-daily treatment with PK sampling repeated 4 weeks later (with an additional 24 h sample). Acceptability questionnaires were completed at both time points. Daily area under the curve (AUC0–24) and maximum concentrations (Cmax) were compared by geometric mean ratios (GMRs). Results A total of 41 HIV-1-infected children (median age of 7 years) and n=23, n=14 and n=4 in 12–<20, 20–<25 and ≥25 kg weight bands, respectively, were enrolled. Mean AUC0–24 was 13.0 and 12.0 mg•h/l for once- and twice-daily lamivudine (GMR 1.09, 90% confidence intervals [CI] 0.98–1.20) and 15.3 and 15.6 mg•h/l for once- and twice-daily abacavir (GMR 0.98, 90% CI 0.89–1.08), respectively, with no difference in 3–6 versus 7–12 year olds. Cmax was 76% (lamivudine) and 64% (abacavir) higher on once-daily regimens. For both children and caregivers, once-daily dosing of lamivudine plus abacavir was highly acceptable and strongly preferred over twice-daily. Conclusions In children aged 3–12 years, AUC0–24 of lamivudine and abacavir were bioequivalent on once-and twice-daily regimens. Once-daily dosing of abacavir and lamivudine could provide an alternative dosing strategy for HIV-1-infected children, with high acceptability and strong preference suggesting the potential for improved adherence.
Direct drug susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis against primary anti-TB drugs in northern India
Authors: Gupta Anamika , Anupurba Shampa 
Published: November 2010

Introduction: The present study aimed to evaluate a rapid and inexpensive colorimetric nitrate reductase assay (NRA) performed directly on sputum specimens for detection of drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Methodology: A total of 55 sputum samples were decontaminated and processed by modified Petroff's method. A part of the resulting suspension was used to perform direct NRA (DNRA) and direct proportion method (DPM) analysis. Of the 55 samples, 45 could be used to compare the two methods. Indirect drug sensitivity testing (DST) was also done for 14 MTB strains. Results: Excellent agreement was found between DNRA and DPM testing with κ values of 1, 0.91, 0.91, and 1 for RIF, INH, STR and EMB respectively. The sensitivities and specificities of DNRA compared to that of DPM were observed to be 100 and 100%, 100 and 93%, 95 and 96%, 100 and 100 % for RIF, INH, STR, and EMB respectively. Comparing the results of DNRA, DPM and indirect NRA with those of the gold standard indirect PM for 14 MTB strains showed that sensitivities, specificities and percent agreements were 100, 100 and 100% for all four tested drugs. Results for most of the specimens (55.6%) were available in 21 days with DNRA. Conclusions: We have saved valuable time by omitting the pre-isolation step and conclude that DNRA is a rapid, accurate and inexpensive method for direct DST of MTB and may become an appropriate alternative method for the resource limited settings.
Local geophysical investigation in the surroundings of the new German Regional Seismic Network station Heukewalde in Thuringia, Germany
Authors: Jahr T. , Naujoks M. 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTIn 2008, the Institute of Geosciences Jena installed a new seismic station about 20 km south‐east of Gera, close to Heukewalde in Thuringia, Germany. This station is embedded in the Thuringia Seismological Network (TSN) and in the German Regional Seismic Network (GRSN). The area around Heukewalde (approximately 1 km2) was investigated by local geophysical measurements. The priority objective of these studies was to answer the question about the quality of the new seismic station location regarding the geophysical and geological situation. The Bouguer anomaly shows amplitudes of 1.25 mGal (= 1.25·10‐5 m/s2) at maximum, the magnetic total intensity yields approximately 50 nT and the electromagnetic investigation shows a conductivity up to 85 mS/m. The local anomaly patterns and their interpretation are strongly correlated and in high agreement with geological information. According to this the station Heukewalde is placed directly at a north‐south striking fault zone. The area west of this zone consists of Silurian grapholite and siliceous schist, covered by drift clay. The eastern part is characterized by Rotliegend conglomerates. Additionally, Devonian titanic iron ore diabases are outcropped at the fault zone, which is also reflected by significant signatures in the anomaly fields. The resulting anomalies of the different geophysical methods and additional results of geoelectrical investigations confirm the main statements of the existing but very old geological map. Here we show that the location of the new station should be discussed critically from a seismological point of view, because the geological situation close to the station is very heterogeneous.
Chemoattractant-Induced Signaling via the Ras–ERK and PI3K–Akt Networks, along with Leukotriene C4 Release, Is Dependent on the Tyrosine Kinase Lyn in IL-5– and IL-3–Primed Human Blood Eosinophils
Authors: Zhu Yiming , Bertics Paul J. 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
Human blood eosinophils exhibit a hyperactive phenotype in response to chemotactic factors after cell “priming” with IL-5 family cytokines. Earlier work has identified ERK1/2 as molecular markers for IL-5 priming, and in this article, we show that IL-3, a member of the IL-5 family, also augments fMLP-stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation in primary eosinophils. Besides ERK1/2, we also observed an enhancement of chemotactic factor-induced Akt phosphorylation after IL-5 priming of human blood eosinophils. Administration of a peptide antagonist that targets the Src family member Lyn before cytokine (IL-5/IL-3) priming of blood eosinophils inhibited the synergistic increase of fMLP-induced activation of Ras, ERK1/2 and Akt, as well as the release of the proinflammatory factor leukotriene C4. In this study, we also examined a human eosinophil-like cell line HL-60 clone-15 and observed that these cells exhibited significant surface expression of IL-3Rs and GM-CSFRs, as well as ERK1/2 phosphorylation in response to the addition of IL-5 family cytokines or the chemotactic factors fMLP, CCL5, and CCL11. Consistent with the surface profile of IL-5 family receptors, HL-60 clone-15 recapitulated the enhanced fMLP-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation observed in primary blood eosinophils after priming with IL-3/GM-CSF, and small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of Lyn expression completely abolished the synergistic effects of IL-3 priming on fMLP-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Altogether, our data demonstrate a central role for Lyn in the mechanisms of IL-5 family priming and suggest that Lyn contributes to the upregulation of the Ras–ERK1/2 and PI3K–Akt cascades, as well as the increased leukotriene C4 release observed in response to fMLP in “primed” eosinophils.