Optical absorption of small silver clusters: Agn, (n=4–22)

We present a joint theoretical and experimental investigation of the absorption spectra of silver clusters Agn (4<=n<=22). The experimental spectra of clusters isolated in an Ar matrix are compared with the calculated ones in the framework of the time-dependent density functional theory. The analysis of the molecular transitions indicates that the s-electrons are responsible for the optical response of small clusters (n<=8) while the d-electrons play a crucial role in the optical excitations for larger n values

Measurement of electroweak parameters from hadronic and leptonic decays of the Z 0

We have studied the reactions e + e − →hadrons, e + e − , μ + μ − and τ + τ − , in the energy range 88.2 GeV. A total luminosity of 5.5 pb −1 , corresponding to approximately 115000 hadronic and 10000 leptonic Z 0 decays, has been recorded with the L3 detector. From a simultaneous fit to all of our measured cross section data, we obtain assuming lepton universality:Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/47890/1/10052_2005_Article_BF01475788.pd

The role of RNase Y in rpoS transcript processing in B. burgdorferi

Lyme disease affects an estimated 300,000 Americans yearly, and, if untreated, can be deadly. Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, is likely transmitted to hosts in a process involving rpoS messenger RNA (mRNA) processing via ribonucleases (RNases). RNases are enzymes that degrade the nucleic acid RNA and are involved in many molecular processes in cells. B. burgdorferi requires a change in gene expression to transmit from its tick vector to a mammalian host. Transmission depends on a complicated cascade of regulatory factors, including the alternative sigma factor, RpoS. Sigma factors are a component of RNA polymerase, the enzyme that transcribes genes. RpoS production requires the translation of a processed rpoS mRNA; however, the mechanism by which this rpoS mRNA is processed is unknown. I am investigating whether the rpoS mRNA is cleaved by RNase Y in B. burgdorferi. Previous research in Bacillus subtilis shows that this enzyme appears to be responsible for both global mRNA stability and degradation. To this end, I am attempting to obtain RNase Y by overexpression of recombinant RNase Y with a truncated transmembrane domain and subsequent purification using the IMPACT system. I am using this purified protein to characterize the potential processing site of the rpoS mRNA by using various artificial rpoS mRNA substrates through an in vitro cleavage assay. This research will contribute to a better understanding of the transmission mechanism of B. burgdorferi and of the function of RNase Y. Additionally, this project has the potential to provide the basis for developing new antimicrobial therapies against Lyme disease. If identified as crucial to transmission of Lyme disease to hosts, the thorough characterization of RNase Y activity in processing mRNA will reveal specific targets for drug and therapy development

Accélération de la guérison fracturaire par le tériparatide: série de 22 cas et revue de la littérature [Improvement of fracture healing with teriparatide: series of 22 cases and review of the literature].

La pseudarthrose est définie comme une fracture qui ne guérit pas sans intervention additionnelle neuf mois après le traumatisme et en l'absence de progression radiologique pendant les trois derniers mois. Les fractures ostéoporotiques sont à plus grand risque de complications chirurgicales. On se pose de plus en plus souvent la question d'ajouter un traitement médicamenteux pour accélérer le processus de guérison fracturaire. Il existe des données montrant que le tériparatide (anabolisant osseux issu de l'hormone parathyroïdienne) accélère la guérison osseuse et améliore le devenir fonctionnel, avec ou sans chirurgie, dans des situations de fractures typiques ou atypiques. Les risques liés à ce traitement sont faibles, mais la prescription nécessite l'accord de l'assurance-maladie dans cette indication. Nous rapportons notre expérience sur l'utilisation de cette molécule, hors indication officielle, dans des cas complexes de non-guérison fracturaire. Pseudoarthrosis is defined as a non healing fracture 9 months after trauma and without radiological progression within the last three months. Osteoporotic fractures have a greater risk of chirurgical complications. The question of giving a medical treatment in the purpose of accelerating fracture healing is an increasing concern. There are data showing that with teriparatide (bone anabolic treatment derived from the parathyroid hormone) bone healing and functional status are improved, with or without surgery, in the case of either typical or atypical fractures. The risks of this treatment are low but health insurance agreement is needed in this indication. We report our experience with the use of this molecule, out of the official indication, in complex situations of non healing fractures