bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Pleasures and Pains of Studying the Two-Type Richardson Model
Authors: Deijfen Maria , Häggström Olle 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis chapter provides a survey of known results and open problems for the two-type Richardson model, which is a stochastic model for competition on a lattice. In its simplest formulation, the Richardson model describes the evolution of a single infectious entity on the lattice, but more recently the dynamics have been extended to comprise two competing growing entities. For this version of the model, the main question is whether there is a positive probability for both entities to simultaneously grow to occupy infinite parts of the lattice, the conjecture being that the answer is yes if and only if the entities have the same intensity. In this paper attention focuses on the two-type model, but the most important results for the one-type version are also described.
Validity and Non-Validity of Propagation of Chaos
Authors: Matthies Karsten , Theil Florian 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
In this chapter a novel, rigorous approach to analyse the validity of continuum approximations for deterministic interacting particle systems is discussed. The focus is on the Boltzmann–Grad limit of ballistic annihilation, a topic which has has received considerable attention in the physics literature. In this situation, due to the deterministic nature of the evolution, it is possible that correlations build up and the mean–field approximation by the Boltzmann equation breaks down. A sharp condition on the initial distribution, which ensures the validity of the Boltzmann equation is given, together with an example demonstrating the failure of the mean-field theory if the condition is violated.
A Short Introduction to Anderson Localization
Authors: Hundertmark Dirk 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAnderson localization is another physical problem that has spurred much mathematical research. The issue here is how disorder, such as random changes in the spacing of a crystal, influences the movement of electrons and thus the crystal's conductivity. In 1977, Anderson was awarded the Nobel prize for his investigations on this subject. This chapter introduces the physical model, based on a random Schrodinger operator, and carefully reviews different notions of localization as well as rigorous proofs of localization. A very readable introduction to finite-volume criteria for localization via percolation arguments is followed by an elegant proof of localization for large disorder.
Delegated Governance and the British State
Authors: Flinders Matthew 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
The delegation of functions and responsibilities to quasi-autonomous bodies operating with a significant degree of autonomy arguably empowers governments to address a wide range of social issues simultaneously without having to be involved with the minutiae of day-to-day socio-political interactions. Delegation therefore provides a structural and esoteric capacity beyond the cognitive and physical limits of politicians. There is nothing wrong with delegation as such. The problem relates to the failure to manage delegation in Britain. And yet we actually know very little about how the state beyond the core actually operates, how many bodies exist, what they do, how they are recruited, or why they were created. These gaps in our knowledge are all the more problematic in light of recent pronouncements by politicians at the national and European levels that ‘depoliticization’ is a central strand of their approach to governing. This book seeks to fill these gaps in our knowledge while at the same time cultivating a more balanced or sophisticated approach to the study of delegation. Delegated public bodies as they have been used as a tool of governance in the past should not be confused with how they might be used in the future. This book draws upon research conducted within the very core of the British political system during a Whitehall Fellowship within the Cabinet Office. It argues that the British state is ‘walking without order’ due to a general acceptance of the logic of delegation without any detailed or principled consideration of the administrative of democratic consequences of this process.
Functional Analysis of the Cellulose Synthase-Like Genes CSLD1, CSLD2, and CSLD4 in Tip-Growing Arabidopsis Cells
Authors: Bernal Adriana J. , Yoo Cheol-Min , Mutwil Marek , Jensen Jakob Krüger , Hou Guichuan , Blaukopf Claudia , Sørensen Iben , Blancaflor Elison B. , Scheller Henrik Vibe , Willats William G.T. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
A reverse genetic approach was used to investigate the functions of three members of the cellulose synthase superfamily in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), CELLULOSE SYNTHASE-LIKE D1 (CSLD1), CSLD2, and CSLD4. CSLD2 is required for normal root hair growth but has a different role from that previously described for CSLD3 (KOJAK). CSLD2 is required during a later stage of hair development than CSLD3, and CSLD2 mutants produce root hairs with a range of abnormalities, with many root hairs rupturing late in development. Remarkably, though, it was often the case that in CSLD2 mutants, tip growth would resume after rupturing of root hairs. In silico, semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and promoter-reporter construct analyses indicated that the expression of both CSLD2 and CSLD3 is elevated at reduced temperatures, and the phenotypes of mutants homozygous for insertions in these genes were partially rescued by reduced temperature growth. However, this was not the case for a double mutant homozygous for insertions in both CSLD2 and CSLD3, suggesting that there may be partial redundancy in the functions of these genes. Mutants in CSLD1 and CSLD4 had a defect in male transmission, and plants heterozygous for insertions in CSLD1 or CSLD4 were defective in their ability to produce pollen tubes, although the number and morphology of pollen grains was normal. We propose that the CSLD family of putative glycosyltransferases synthesize a polysaccharide that has a specialized structural role in the cell walls of tip-growing cells.
Aγ-Glutamyl Transpeptidase-Independent Pathway of Glutathione Catabolism to Glutamate via 5-Oxoproline in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ohkama-Ohtsu Naoko , Oikawa Akira , Zhao Ping , Xiang Chengbin , Saito Kazuki , Oliver David J. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe degradation pathway of glutathione (GSH) in plants is not well understood. In mammals, GSH is predominantly metabolized through the γ-glutamyl cycle, where GSH is degraded by the sequential reaction of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), γ-glutamyl cyclotransferase, and 5-oxoprolinase to yield glutamate (Glu) and dipeptides that are subject to peptidase action. In this study, we examined if GSH is degraded through the same pathway in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) as occurs in mammals. In Arabidopsis, the oxoprolinase knockout mutants (oxp1-1 and oxp1-2) accumulate more 5-oxoproline (5OP) and less Glu than wild-type plants, suggesting substantial metabolite flux though 5OP and that 5OP is a major contributor to Glu steady-state levels. In the ggt1-1/ggt4-1/oxp1-1 triple mutant with no GGT activity in any organs except young siliques, the 5OP concentration in leaves was not different from that in oxp1-1, suggesting that GGTs are not major contributors to 5OP production in Arabidopsis. 5OP formation strongly tracked the level of GSH in Arabidopsis plants, suggesting that GSH is the precursor of 5OP in a GGT-independent reaction. Kinetics analysis suggests that γ-glutamyl cyclotransferase is the major source of GSH degradation and 5OP formation in Arabidopsis. This discovery led us to propose a new pathway for GSH turnover in plants where GSH is converted to 5OP and then to Glu by the combined action of γ-glutamyl cyclotransferase and 5-oxoprolinase in the cytoplasm.
Inhibition of phosphoantigen‐mediated γδ T‐cell proliferation by CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Kunzmann Volker , Kimmel Brigitte , Herrmann Thomas , Einsele Hermann , Wilhelm Martin 
Published: September 2008

SummaryTumour growth promotes the expansion of CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) which suppress various arms of immune responses and might therefore contribute to tumour immunosurveillance. In this study, we found an inverse correlation between circulating Treg frequencies and phosphoantigen‐induced γδ T‐cell proliferation in cancer patients, which prompted us to address the role of Tregs in controlling the γδ T‐cell arm of innate immune responses. In vitro, human Treg–peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) co‐cultures strongly inhibited phosphoantigen‐induced proliferation of γδ T cells and depletion of Tregs restored the impaired phosphoantigen‐induced γδ T‐cell proliferation of cancer patients. Tregs did not suppress other effector functions of γδ T cells such as cytokine production or cytotoxicity. Our experiments indicate that Tregs do not mediate their suppressive activity via a cell–cell contact‐dependent mechanism, but rather secrete a soluble non‐proteinaceous factor, which is independent of known soluble factors interacting with amino acid depletion (e.g. arginase‐diminished arginine and indolamine 2,3‐dioxygenase‐diminished tryptophan) or nitric oxide (NO) production. However, the proliferative activity of αβ T cells was not affected by this cell–cell contact‐independent suppressive activity induced by Tregs. In conclusion, these findings indicate a potential new mechanism by which Tregs can specifically suppress γδ T cells and highlight the strategy of combining Treg inhibition with subsequent γδ T‐cell activation to enhance γδ T cell‐mediated immunotherapy.
Adverse effect of the anabolic–androgenic steroid mesterolone on cardiac remodelling and lipoprotein profile is attenuated by aerobicz exercise training
Authors: Fontana Karina , Oliveira Helena Coutinho Franco , Leonardo Marta Beatriz , Mandarim‐de‐Lacerda Carlos Alberto , Da Cruz‐Höfling Maria Alice 
Published: September 2008

SummaryAbuse of anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) for improving physical performance is associated with serious, sometimes fatal, adverse effects. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effects of AAS on the cardiac structure and the plasma lipoprotein profile isolated and in combination with exercise. Transgenic mice with a human lipaemic phenotype (expressing cholesteryl ester transfer protein on the LDL receptor knockout background) were used in this study. Sedentary and exercised mice (treadmill running, five times per week for 6 weeks) were treated with mesterolone (2 μg/g body weight) or vehicle (control‐C) in the last 3 weeks. Four groups were compared: (i) exercise + mesterolone (Ex‐M), (ii) exercise + vehicle (Ex‐C), (iii) sedentary + mesterolone (Sed‐M) and (iv) sedentary + vehicle (Sed‐C). Arterial blood pressure and body mass increased in all groups along time, but Sed‐M reached the highest values and Ex‐C the lowest. Treatment with mesterolone increased total cholesterol, triglyceride, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐c) and very LDL‐c (VLDL‐c) plasma levels. However, exercise blunted some of these deleterious effects by increasing high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and decreasing LDL‐c, VLDL‐c and triglycerides. Exercise training induced beneficial effects, such as physiological cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, increase in myocardial circulation and decrease in cardiac interstitium. However, mesterolone impaired such physiological gains and in addition increased troponin T plasma levels both in sedentary and exercised mice. Thus, while mesterolone induced pro‐atherogenic lipoprotein profile and pathogenic cardiac hypertrophy, exercise counteracted these effects and modified favourably both the lipoprotein profile and the cardiac remodelling induced by mesterolone.
Isoproterenol induces primary loss of dystrophin in rat hearts: correlation with myocardial injury
Authors: Campos Erica C. , Romano Minna M. D. , Prado Cibele M. , Rossi Marcos A. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryThe mechanism of isoproterenol‐induced myocardial damage is unknown, but a mismatch of oxygen supply vs. demand following coronary hypotension and myocardial hyperactivity is the best explanation for the complex morphological alterations observed. Severe alterations in the structural integrity of the sarcolemma of cardiomyocytes have been demonstrated to be caused by isoproterenol. Taking into account that the sarcolemmal integrity is stabilized by the dystrophin‐glycoprotein complex (DGC) that connects actin and laminin in contractile machinery and extracellular matrix and by integrins, this study tests the hypothesis that isoproterenol affects sarcolemmal stability through changes in the DGC and integrins. We found different sensitivity of the DGC and integrin to isoproterenol subcutaneous administration. Immunofluorescent staining revealed that dystrophin is the most sensitive among the structures connecting the actin in the cardiomyocyte cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix. The sarcomeric actin dissolution occurred after the reduction or loss of dystrophin. Subsequently, after lysis of myofilaments, γ‐sarcoglycan, β‐dystroglycan, β1‐integrin, and laminin α‐2 expressions were reduced followed by their breakdown, as epiphenomena of the myocytolytic process. In conclusion, administration of isoproterenol to rats results in primary loss of dystrophin, the most sensitive among the structural proteins that form the DGC that connects the extracellular matrix and the cytoskeleton in cardiomyocyte. These changes, related to ischaemic injury, explain the severe alterations in the structural integrity of the sarcolemma of cardiomyocytes and hence severe and irreversible injury induced by isoproterenol.
Role of inflammation in right ventricular damage and repair following experimental pulmonary embolism in rats
Authors: Watts John Albert , Gellar Michael Aaron , Obraztsova Maria , Kline Jeffrey Allen , Zagorski John 
Published: September 2008

SummaryRight ventricular (RV) dysfunction is associated with poor clinical outcome following pulmonary embolism (PE). Previous studies in our laboratory show that influx of neutrophils contributes to acute RV damage seen in an 18 h rat model of PE. The present study describes the further progression of inflammation over 6 weeks and compares the neutrophil and monocyte responses. The RV outflow tract became white in colour by day 1 with influx of neutrophils (tissue myeloperoxidase activity increased 17‐fold) and mononuclear cells with characteristics of M1 phenotype (high in Ccl20, Cxcl10, CcR2, MHCII, DNA microarray analysis). Matrix metalloproteinase activities were increased and tissue was thinned to produce a translucent appearance in weeks 1 through 6 in 40% of hearts. RV contractile function was significantly reduced at 6 weeks of PE. In this later phase, there was accumulation of myofibroblasts, the presence of mononuclear cells with M2 characteristics (high in scavenger mannose receptors, macrophage galactose lectin 1, PDGFR1, PDGFRβ), enrichment of the subendocardial region of the RV outflow tract with neovesels (α‐smooth muscle immunohistochemistry) and deposition of collagen fibres (picrosirius red staining) beginning scar formation. Thus, while neutrophil response is associated with the early, acute inflammatory events, macrophage cells continue to be present during the proliferative phase and initial deposition of collagen in this model, changing from the M1 to the M2 phenotype. This suggests that the macrophage cell response is biphasic.
Intratubular transplantation as a strategy for establishing animal models of testicular germ cell tumours
Authors: Li Yunmin , Kido Tatsuo , Luo Jinping , Fukuda Michiko , Dobrinski Ina , Lau Yun‐Fai Chris 
Published: September 2008

SummaryTesticular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) are prevalent cancers among young men. Currently, there is no reliable animal model for TGCTs. To establish such animal models, we have explored the possibility of intratubular testicular transplantation as means to deliver tumour cells into the seminiferous tubules of host animals. Our results demonstrated that transplanted cells could effectively populate the testis of a recipient mouse and develop into TGCTs. In addition, the donor cells could be transfected with a specific transgene before transplantation, thereby providing an approach to evaluate the specific effects of gene functions in the oncogenic processes. Hence, depending on selection of specific donor cells or mixtures of donor cells, transplantation models of TGCTs could be significant for studies on the pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapies of such a prevalent and important cancer in men.
Cellular expression of Bcl‐2 and Bax in atrophic submandibular glands of rats
Authors: Takahashi Shigeru , Yoshimura Yoshitaka , Yamamoto Tsuneyuki , Wakita Minoru 
Published: September 2008

SummaryIn submandibular gland atrophy, most acinar cells disappear by apoptosis, while many duct cells remain. The present study aimed to establish whether Bcl‐2 and Bax, members of the Bcl‐2 gene family, regulating the signalling pathway of apoptosis were involved in duct cell survival and acinar cell death in atrophic submandibular glands. The excretory duct of rat submandibular gland was doubly ligated with metal clips from 1 to 14 days to induce atrophy to the gland. The expressions of Bcl‐2 and Bax in the atrophic submandibular gland were examined using immunohistochemistry and reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Immunohistochemically, Bcl‐2 expression was identified in duct cells in the experimental glands at all time points. Some acinar cells showed Bax positivity 1 day after excretory duct ligation, and there were more Bax‐positive acinar cells on days 3 and 5 when many apoptotic acinar cells were observed. Analysis by RT‐PCR showed that the expression of mRNA for Bcl‐2 became stronger as the glandular atrophy progressed and that Bax mRNA strongly expressed on days 1 and 3. These observations suggest that Bcl‐2 inhibits duct cell apoptosis and Bax promotes apoptosis of acinar cells during atrophy of submandibular glands.
Laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children: Long‐term outcome
Authors: Ansari Mohd S , Mandhani Anil , Singh Partipal , Srivastava Aneesh , Kumar Anant , Kapoor Rakesh 
Published: September 2008

Objectives:  To asses the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic pyeloplasty in pediatric patients.Methods:  Data of pediatric patients under the age of 14 years, who had undergone laparoscopic pyeloplasty from January 2000 to December 2005, were prospectively analyzed. The various parameters recorded were: operative time, blood loss, need for analgesics, intra/postoperative complications, hospital stay and postoperative outcome. Success was defined as either symptomatic improvement and/or better drainage on postoperative isotope renographyResults:  There were 53 patients with a mean age of 9.12 years (1–14 years) and a male to female ratio of 4.3:1. Dismembered pyeloplasty was done in 41 patients and Foley Y‐V plasty in 12 patients via a transperitoneal approach using 3 ports in 50 children or 4 ports in 3 children. Mean operative time was 181 min (78–369); mean blood loss was 118.01 mL (50–250) with a mean hospital stay of 5.05 days (2–11). Conversion to open surgery was required in 4 (7.54%) patients. Follow‐up renograms were available in 49 patients, which showed improvement in drainage in 44 patients and an obstructed pattern in five; of these, two patients had significant deterioration in split function. Two patients among the obstructed group underwent redo pyeloplasty by open technique while the other three elected for a conservative approach. Thus at a mean follow up of 24.58 months (4–45) the overall success rate was 89.75%.Conclusions:  Laparoscopic pyeloplasty is a safe and effective, minimally invasive procedure in pediatric patients with a good intermediate term success rate and minimal morbidity.
Balloon occlusion and hypothermic perfusion of the renal artery in laparoscopic partial nephectomy
Authors: Shen Heng‐Li , Chueh Shih‐Chieh , Lai Ming‐Kuen , Wu Chen‐Han Welfred , Huang Chun‐Chieh , Tsang Yuk‐Ming , Chuang Chiu‐Chen , Lai Ming‐Chih , Yu Hong‐Jeng 
Published: September 2008

Objectives:  We describe our initial experience with renal arterial catheterization for temporary balloon occlusion of renal artery and hypothermic perfusion during laparoscopic partial nephectomy and compare the preoperative and postoperative nephron function.Methods:  Fifteen patients received laparoscopic partial nephrectomy from September 2005 to December 2006. During the operations, the balloons of the arterial catheters were filled with distilled water to achieve pedicle control. Chilled Ringers lactate was continuously infused into the catheters for renal hypothermia. Postoperative Tc‐99m diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) renal scintigraphies were carried out to estimate differential renal function. The volumes of the renal tumors, tumor‐bearing and contralateral kidneys from CT scans were measured using commercial software. Estimated creatinine clearance was calculated with Cockroft Gault formula.Results:  All procedures were successfully completed. Mean tumor size was 18.4 mL (range 2.14 to 59.0). Estimated mean intraoperative blood loss was 287 mL (range minimal to 1200). Mean estimated creatinine clearance per unit volume of functional renal parenchyma did not change statistically after the operation. Multiple regression analysis revealed that ischemic time was a significant variable which correlated with the value of lost total estimated creatinine clearance of the tumor bearing kidney.Conclusions:  The initial experience shows that renal arterial catheterization for temporary balloon occlusion and hypothermic perfusion of the renal artery in laparoscopic partial nephectomy is safe, feasible and effective. The postoperative kidney function measured by mean estimated creatinine clearance per unit of functional renal volume was similar to the preoperative measurement.
Combination chemotherapy of ifosfamide, 5‐fluorouracil, etoposide and cisplatin as perioperative treatment in lymph node positive bladder carcinoma patients treated by radical cystectomy
Authors: Komai Yoshinobu , Fujii Yasuhisa , Okubo Yuhei , Yamamoto Shinya , Kawakami Satoru , Yonese Junji , Fukui Iwao 
Published: September 2008

Objectives:  To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of perioperative combination chemotherapy with ifosfamide, 5‐fluorouracil, etoposide and cisplatin (IFEP) in bladder cancer patients with regional lymph node metastases treated by radical cystectomy.Methods:  We reviewed the medical records of 183 consecutive patients who underwent radical cystectomy for invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. Of those, 26 patients with regional lymph node metastasis who were regarded as being rendered surgically disease‐free (pT1‐4, N1‐2, cM0) and treated with perioperative IFEP chemotherapy were the subjects of the present study.Results:  Median follow‐up of 26 patients was 49 months (range 4–150). Grade 3 and 4 bone marrow toxicities were seen in 15 and four patients, respectively. Neither chemotherapy‐related death nor febrile neutropenia occurred. The 5‐year overall and cancer‐specific survival rate was 60% and 68%, respectively. The overall survival rate of the patients with pT4 disease was significantly worse than that of patients with pT1‐3. There were four N2 patients who survived for over 5 years free of disease.Conclusions:  Perioperative IFEP therapy appeared to be effective in the treatment of lymph node positive bladder cancer patients who underwent radical cystectomy. Further study may be warranted.