bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electron acceleration in a rectangular waveguide filled with unmagnetized inhomogeneous cold plasma
Authors: Malik H.K. , Kumar S. , Singh K.P. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis paper deals with the study of propagation of electromagnetic wave in a rectangular waveguide filled with an inhomogeneous plasma in which electron density varies linearly in a transverse direction to the mode propagation. A transcendental equation in ω (microwave frequency) is obtained that governs the mode propagation. In addition, an attempt is made to examine the effect of density inhomogeneity on the energy gain acquired by the electron (electron bunch) when it is injected in the waveguide along the direction of the mode propagation. On the basis of angle of deflection of the electron motion we optimize the microwave parameters so that the electron does not strike with the waveguide walls. Conditions have been discussed for achieving larger energy gain. The plasma density inhomogeneity is found to play a crucial role on the cutoff frequency, fields and dispersion relation of the TE10 mode as well as on the acceleration gradient in the waveguide.
Low-energy nuclear transitions in subrelativistic laser-generated plasmas
Authors: Renner O. , Juha L. , Krasa J. , Krousky E. , Pfeifer M. , Velyhan A. , Granja C. , Jakubek J. , Linhart V. , Slavicek T. , Vykydal Z. , Pospisil S. , Kravarik J. , Ullschmied J. , Andreev A.A. , Kämpfer T. , Uschmann I. , Förster E. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe aim of the reported research is to contribute to investigation of new processes and methods interlinking nuclear and laser-plasma physics. With respect to requirements of nuclear experiments at medium-size high-power lasers, the selection of proper candidates for studying the excitation and decay of low-lying nuclear states is reviewed. An experimental approach to the identification of low-energy nuclear transitions is discussed, simple estimates of the 181Ta excitation yield in the laser-generated plasma provide a theoretical basis for planning future work. First tests and results of the experiments at the laser facility PALS are presented.
China's Foreign Policy in Sport: The Primacy of National Security and Territorial Integrity Concerning the Taiwan Question
Authors: Yu Junwei 
Published: June 2008

AbstractTraditionally, research that examines foreign policy in sport often revolves around the prestige, status, welfare and protection of ethnic or human kin. However, this article argues that from the outset, China's foreign policy on sport vis-à-vis Taiwan has placed national security and territorial integrity as its number one priority. Chinese leaders have developed a carrot-and-stick policy. On the one hand, an “Olympic formula” has been devised enabling Taiwan to participate in non-governmental international organizations such as the Olympics. On the other hand, a “one China principle” has been imposed, to treat Taiwan as a local province that ceases to be a sovereign state. The 2008 Beijing Olympics is a perfect arena for China to use the two doctrines interchangeably.
Learning to Co-operate: China's Multilateral Approach to Asian Financial Co-operation
Authors: Sohn Injoo 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis study explains the ideational sources of China's proactive multilateral diplomacy towards Asian financial co-operation by employing a learning thesis. Challenging prominent materialist explanations (power-transition thesis, realist balancing thesis and economic utility thesis), this study argues that the collective learning of Chinese policy elites through cognitive dissonance, feedback effects and transnational persuasion explains much of the change in China's relational identity and philosophical beliefs regarding regional co-operation. These prior ideational shifts helped to determine China's behaviour change from its muted opposition to Asian financial co-operation in the 1990s to its active support of regional financial co-operation in the early 2000s, as evidenced in the emergence of the Chiang Mai Initiative, Chinese–Japanese–South Korean trilateral financial co-operation and the Asian Bond Fund Initiative. Chinese learning also suggests that more fundamental changes in China's national preference may make its support for Asian financial co-operation more consistent and stable in the foreseeable future than sceptics might anticipate.
Feminization of Agriculture in China? Myths Surrounding Women's Participation in Farming
Authors: de Brauw Alan , Li Qiang , Liu Chengfang , Rozelle Scott , Zhang Linxiu 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe goals of this article are to help build a clear picture of the role of women in China's agriculture, to assess whether or not agricultural feminization has been occurring, and if so, to measure its impact on labour use, productivity and welfare. The article uses two high quality data sets to explore who is working on China's farms and the effects of the labour allocation decisions of rural households on labour use, productivity and welfare. It makes three main contributions. First, we establish a conceptual framework within which to define the different dimensions of agricultural feminization and its expected consequences. Second, as a contribution to the China literature and contrary to popular perceptions, we believe we have mostly debunked the myth that China's agriculture is becoming feminized; it is not. We also find that even if women were taking over farms, the consequences in China would be mostly positive – from a labour supply, productivity and income point of view. Finally, there may be some lessons for the rest of the world on what policies and institutions help make women productive when they work on and manage a nation's agricultural sector. Policies that ensure equal access to land, regulations that dictate open access to credit, and economic development strategies that encourage competitive and efficient markets all contribute to an environment in which women farmers can succeed.
Message in a Bottle: Lyrical Laments and Emotional Expression in Mandopop
Authors: Moskowitz Marc L. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis article explores the ubiquitous themes of loneliness, isolation and anomie in Mandopop (Mandarin Chinese language pop music). This is not to imply that people in the PRC and Taiwan are lonelier than people from other countries but, rather, that being human they experience these emotions. What is distinctive here is that Mandopop becomes a primary conduit to express feelings that are sanctioned in daily speech. The article addresses these concerns and uses in-depth interviews in Shanghai and Taipei to find out why Mandopop's themes of loneliness and isolation are so resonant to its fans.
Japanese Occupation, Shanghai Exiles, and Postwar Hong Kong Cinema
Authors: Fu Poshek 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis article explores a little-explored subject in a critical period of the history of Hong Kong and China. Shortly after the surrender of Japan in 1945, China was in the throes of civil war between the Nationalists and Communists while British colonial rule was restored in Hong Kong, The communist victory in 1949 deepened the Cold War in Asia. In this chaotic and highly volatile context, the flows and linkages between Shanghai and Hong Kong intensified as many Chinese sought refuge in the British colony. This Shanghai–Hong Kong nexus played a significant role in the rebuilding of the post-war Hong Kong film industry and paved the way for its transformation into the capital of a global pan-Chinese cinema in the 1960s and 1970s. Focusing on a study of the cultural, political and business history of post-war Hong Kong cinema, this article aims to open up new avenues to understand 20th-century Chinese history and culture through the translocal and regional perspective of the Shanghai–Hong Kong nexus.
Status and habitat changes in the endangered Spanish Imperial Eagle Aquila adalberti population during 1974–2004: implications for its recovery
Authors: Mariano González Luis , Oria Javier , Sánchez Roberto , Margalida Antoni , Aranda Antonio , Prada Luis , Caldera Javier , Ignacio Molina José 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe distribution and abundance of Spanish Imperial Eagle Aquila adalberti populations between 1974 and 2004 were determined using information from national censuses. Its breeding area occupies the south-western quadrant of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) and is composed of 13 nuclei and 5 subpopulations. Since 1974, population levels in all nuclei, except the one in Doñana, have expanded. The non-breeding dispersion area, according to sightings of juvenile and immature individuals in quadrants of 10 x 10 km, coincided with that of the breeding area. Bibliographical information showed that halfway through the 19th century the Spanish Imperial Eagle was considered abundant, at least locally; and most cited breeding areas were in relatively human-occupied plains. Towards the end of the 19th century the population became scarce; remaining so for most of the 20th century, with remote mountain ranges being the most cited breeding habitats. The comparison between the data from the first census, in 1974, that located 38 territorial pairs, and the 2004 census that located 198 pairs, shows that: 1) percentages of pairs in plains have increased, while those in mountains have decreased; 2) the trophic quality of the habitat, based on rabbit abundance, has decreased, and 3) numbers of nests in both protected areas and on private ground have increased significantly. The type of land ownership did not seem to affect breeding performance. Populations have increased more outside protected areas than within, despite the availability of potential habitat. In the past century, legal protection and attitude changes towards this eagle seem to have been influential in preventing its extinction. At present, habitat management seems also to be an important factor in its continuing recovery.
Arachidonic acid and ion channels: an update
Authors: Meves H 
Published: June 2008

Arachidonic acid (AA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid with four double bonds, has multiple actions on living cells. Many of these effects are mediated by an action of AA or its metabolites on ion channels. During the last 10 years, new types of ion channels, transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, store‐operated calcium entry (SOCE) channels and non‐SOCE channels have been studied. This review summarizes our current knowledge about the effects of AA on TRP and non‐SOCE channels as well as classical ion channels. It aims to distinguish between effects of AA itself and effects of AA metabolites. Lipid mediators are of clinical interest because some of them (for example, leukotrienes) play a role in various diseases, others (such as prostaglandins) are targets for pharmacological therapeutic intervention.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 155, 4–16; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.216; published online 16 June 2008
Brivaracetam: a rational drug discovery success story
Authors: Rogawski M A 
Published: June 2008

Levetiracetam, the α‐ethyl analogue of the nootropic piracetam, is a widely used antiepileptic drug (AED) that provides protection against partial seizures and is also effective in the treatment of primary generalized seizure syndromes including juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Levetiracetam was discovered in 1992 through screening in audiogenic seizure susceptible mice and, 3 years later, was reported to exhibit saturable, stereospecific binding in brain to a ∼90 kDa protein, later identified as the ubiquitous synaptic vesicle glycoprotein SV2A. A large‐scale screening effort to optimize binding affinity identified the 4‐n‐propyl analogue, brivaracetam, as having greater potency and a broadened spectrum of activity in animal seizure models. Recent phase II clinical trials demonstrating that brivaracetam is efficacious and well tolerated in the treatment of partial onset seizures have validated the strategy of the discovery programme. Brivaracetam is among the first clinically effective AEDs to be discovered by optimization of pharmacodynamic activity at a molecular target.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 154, 1555–1557; doi:fn1; published online 16 June 2008
Vitamin D and glucocorticoids differentially modulate chemokine expression in human airway smooth muscle cells
Authors: Banerjee A , Damera G , Bhandare R , Gu S , Lopez‐Boado Y S , Panettieri R A , Tliba O 
Published: June 2008

Background and purpose:Chemokines play a critical role in the pathogenesis of asthma and facilitate the recruitment of inflammatory cells in the airways. Evidence now suggests that airway smooth muscle (ASM) may serve as a source of chemokines in inflamed airways. Although vitamin D has potent anti‐inflammatory propertiesin vitroin some cell types, its effects on ASM cells remain unclear. Here, we investigated whether 1α, 25‐dihydroxy vitamin D3(calcitriol) modulated chemokine production in ASM.Experimental approach:Human ASM cell cultures were derived from tracheal samples taken during surgery. ASM cells were treated with tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and/or interferon gamma (IFNγ) for 24 h in the presence of calcitriol and/or the glucocorticoid fluticasone added 2 h before. RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T‐cell expressed and secreted), interferon‐inducible protein 10 (IP‐10) and fractalkine (FKN) levels in cell supernatants were measured by ELISA.Key results:In TNFα‐treated cells, calcitriol inhibited RANTES and IP‐10 secretion in a concentration‐dependent manner. FKN levels were negligible. In TNFα/IFNγ‐treated cells, whereas fluticasone or calcitriol alone partially inhibited RANTES secretion (by 38 and 20%, respectively), the combination of both drugs additively inhibited RANTES secretion (by 60%). No effect was observed on IP‐10 secretion. Whereas fluticasone enhanced FKN secretion (by 50%), calcitriol significantly decreased FKN levels (by 50%). Interestingly, calcitriol blocked the stimulatory effect of fluticasone on FKN secretion, which was inhibited by 60% with the combination of calcitriol and fluticasone.Conclusions and implications:These findings suggest that vitamin D uniquely modulates human ASM expression of chemokines and may exert some beneficial effects in the treatment of steroid‐resistant patients with asthma.British Journal of Pharmacology(2008)155, 84–92; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.232; published online 16 June 2008
Interactions between CB1receptors and TRPV1 channels mediated by 12‐HPETE are cytotoxic to mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Kim S R , Bok E , Chung Y C , Chung E S , Jin B K 
Published: June 2008

Background and purposes:We recently proposed the existence of neurotoxic interactions between the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels in rat mesencephalic cultures. This study seeks evidence for the mediator(s) and mechanisms underlying the neurotoxic interactions between CB1receptors and TRPV1in vitroandin vivo.Experimental approach:The mediator(s) and mechanism(s) for the interactions between CB1receptors and TRPV1 were evaluated by cell viability assays, immunocytochemistry, Fura‐2 calcium imaging, mitochondrial morphology assay, ELISA and Western blot assayin vitroin neuron‐enriched mesencephalic cultures. Injections into the substantia nigra and subsequent cell counts were also used to confirm these interactionsin vivo.Key results:The neurotoxic interactions were mediated by 12(S)‐hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12(S)‐HPETE), an endogenous TRPV1 agonist. CB1receptor agonists (HU210 and WIN55,212‐2) increased the level of 12(S)‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12(S)‐HETE), a downstream metabolite of 12(S)‐HPETE, which stimulates TRPV1‐mediated death of mesencephalic neurons, bothin vitroandin vivo. The neurotoxicity was mediated by increased intracellular Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i) through TRPV1, consequently leading to mitochondrial damage and was attenuated by baicalein, a 12‐lipoxygenase inhibitor.Conclusion and implications:Activation of CB1receptors in rat mesencephalic neurons was associated with biosynthesis of 12(S)‐HPETE, which in turn stimulated TRPV1 activity, leading to increased [Ca2+]i, mitochondrial damage and neuronal death.British Journal of Pharmacology(2008)155, 253–264; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.246; published online 16 June 2008
A single bout of whole-body resistance exercise augments basal VLDL-triacylglycerol removal from plasma in healthy untrained men
Authors: Tsekouras Yiannis E. , Magkos Faidon , Prentzas Konstantinos I. , Basioukas Konstantinos N. , Matsama Stergoula G. , Yanni Amalia E. , Kavouras Stavros A. , Sidossis Labros S. 
Published: June 2008

A single bout of prolonged aerobic exercise lowers plasma TAG (triacylglycerol) concentrations the next day by increasing the efficiency of VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein)-TAG removal from the circulation. The effect of resistance exercise on VLDL-TAG metabolism is not known. Therefore we evaluated VLDL-TAG kinetics by using stable isotope-labelled tracers in eight healthy untrained men (age, 25.3±0.8 years; body mass index, 24.5±0.6 kg/m2) in the post-absorptive state in the morning on two separate occasions: once after performing a single 90-min bout of strenuous isokinetic resistance exercise (three sets×ten repetitions, 12 exercises at 80% of maximum peak torque production, with a 2-min rest interval between exercises) on the preceding afternoon and once after an equivalent period of rest. Fasting plasma VLDL-TAG concentrations in the morning after exercise were significantly lower than in the morning after rest (0.23±0.04 compared with 0.33±0.06 mmol/l respectively; P=0.001). Hepatic VLDL-TAG secretion rate was not different (P=0.31), but plasma clearance rate of VLDL-TAG was significantly higher (by 26±8%) after exercise than rest (31±3 compared with 25±3 ml/min respectively; P=0.004), and the mean residence time of VLDL-TAG in the circulation was significantly shorter (113±10 compared with 144±18 min respectively; P=0.02). Fasting plasma NEFA (non-esterified fatty acid; ‘free’ fatty acid) and serum β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations were both significantly higher after exercise than rest (P&lt;0.05), whereas plasma glucose and serum insulin concentrations were not different (P&gt;0.30). We conclude that, in healthy untrained men, a single bout of whole-body resistance exercise lowers fasting plasma VLDL-TAG concentrations by augmenting VLDL-TAG removal from plasma. The effect appears to be qualitatively and quantitatively similar to that reported previously for aerobic exercise.
Primary hyperparathyroidism and the skeleton
Authors: Mosekilde Leif 
Published: June 2008

SummaryToday, primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in the developed countries is typically a disease with few or no obvious clinical symptoms. However, even in the asymptomatic cases the endogenous excess of PTH increases bone turnover leading to an insidious reversible loss of cortical and trabecular bone because of an expansion of the remodelling space and an irreversible loss of cortical bone due to increased endocortical resorption. In contrast trabecular bone structure and integrity to a large extent is maintained and there may be a slight periosteal expansion. Most studies have reported decreased bone mineral density (BMD) in PHPT mainly located at cortical sites, whereas sites rich in trabecular bone only show a modest reduction or even a slight increase in BMD. The frequent occurrence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in PHPT and increased plasma FGF23 levels may also contribute to the decrease in BMD. The effect of smoking is unsolved. Epidemiological studies have shown that the relative risk of spine and nonspine fractures is increased in untreated PHPT starting up to 10 years before the diagnosis is made. Successful surgery for PHPT normalizes bone turnover, increases BMD and decreases fracture risk based on larger epidemiological studies. However, 10 years after surgery fracture risk appears to increase again due to an increase in forearm fractures.There are no randomized controlled studies (RCTs) demonstrating a protective effect of medical treatment on fracture risk in PHPT. Less conclusive studies suggest that vitamin D supplementation may have a beneficial effect on plasma PTH and BMD in vitamin D deficient PHPT patients. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and maybe SERM appear to reduce bone turnover and increase BMD. However, their nonskeletal side‐effects preclude their use for this purpose. Bisphosphonates reduce bone turnover and increase BMD in PHPT as in osteoporosis and may be a therapeutical option in selected patients with low BMD. Obviously, there is a need for larger RCTs with fractures as end‐points that appraise this possibility. Calcimimetics reduce plasma calcium and PTH in PHPT but has no beneficial effect on bone turnover or BMD. In symptomatic hypercalcaemic PHPT with low BMD where curative surgery is impossible or contraindicated a combination of a calcimimetic and a bisphosphonate may be an undocumented therapeutical option that needs further evaluation.
Facial and pituitary morphology are related in Dutch patients with GH deficiency
Authors: De Graaff L. C. G. , Baan J. , Govaerts L. C. P. , Hokken‐Koelega A. C. S. 
Published: June 2008

SummaryObjective  Classical GH deficiency (GHD) is associated with typical phenotypic features. We have analysed standardized photographs of 137 Caucasian patients with GHD, in order to examine the relations between auxological, biochemical, pituitary and facial morphometric features.Patients and measurements  We analysed pictures of 137 patients: 73 (55 Males/18 Females) with Isolated GHD and 64 (48 M/16 F) with multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD). Of each patient, standardized frontal and lateral digital pictures were taken and analysed using Adobe Photoshop 5·0.Results  Canthal index (CI), the relative distance between the eyes, was related to pituitary morphology. Patients with an ectopic posterior pituitary (EPP) had significantly higher CI values than patients without EPP. We found CI > 39 to be a good cut‐off value to select children with highest probability of having EPP. The combination of CI > 39 with the presence of hormonal deficiencies additional to GHD strongly predicted EPP: 93% of the patients with a CI > 39 and additional hormonal deficiencies had EPP, in contrast to 77% of the patients with additional hormonal deficiencies but a CI < 39, and 29% of the patients with none of these criteria (P = 0·0001).Conclusion  CI, measured on digital pictures, is associated with ectopia of the posterior pituitary and this might be caused by an altered midline development, affecting both the pituitary and the facial structures of GHD patients.