bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PdhR (Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Regulator) Controls the Respiratory Electron Transport System in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Ogasawara Hiroshi , Ishida Yuji , Yamada Kayoko , Yamamoto Kaneyoshi , Ishihama Akira
Published: May 2007

The pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) multienzyme complex plays a key role in the metabolic interconnection between glycolysis and the citric acid cycle. Transcription of the
Escherichia coli
genes for all three components of the PDH complex in the
pdhR-aceEF-lpdA
operon is repressed by the pyruvate-sensing PdhR, a GntR family transcription regulator, and derepressed by pyruvate. After a systematic search for the regulation targets of PdhR using genomic systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), we have identified two novel targets,
ndh
, encoding NADH dehydrogenase II, and
cyoABCDE
, encoding the cytochrome
bo
-type oxidase, both together forming the pathway of respiratory electron transport downstream from the PDH cycle. PDH generates NADH, while Ndh and CyoABCDE together transport electrons from NADH to oxygen. Using gel shift and DNase I footprinting assays, the PdhR-binding site (PdhR box) was defined, which includes a palindromic consensus sequence, ATTGGTNNNACCAAT. The binding in vitro of PdhR to the PdhR box decreased in the presence of pyruvate. Promoter assays in vivo using a two-fluorescent-protein vector also indicated that the newly identified operons are repressed by PdhR and derepressed by the addition of pyruvate. Taken together, we propose that PdhR is a master regulator for controlling the formation of not only the PDH complex but also the respiratory electron transport system.
Shoulder joint loading in the high performance flat and kick tennis serves
Authors: Reid Machar , Elliott Bruce , Alderson Jacque
Published: May 2007

Objective:

To quantify and compare the full body kinematics and shoulder joint kinetics during the high-performance tennis flat (FS) and kick serves (KS).

Methods:

A 12-camera 250 Hz, Vicon motion analysis system recorded the three-dimensional FS and KS of 12 high-performance male players. A total of 22 paired Student’s t tests, with an accompanying partial Bonferroni correction (p<0.01), determined statistically significant differences between the variables of interest in both serves.

Results:

Higher peak horizontal, vertical and absolute racquet velocities were developed during the FS, while higher lateral velocities characterised the KS. Similar shoulder joint kinematics and kinetics punctuated both serves, but with some variation in trunk and lower limb mechanics.

Conclusions:

Similar shoulder joint kinetics assisted the development of varying three-dimensional racquet velocities in the FS and KS. The comparable shoulder joint loading conditions point to the repetitive, long-term performance of either serve as relevant in shoulder joint injury pathologies.
Contact events in rugby union and their propensity to cause injury
Authors: Fuller Colin W , Brooks John H M , Cancea Rebecca J , Hall John , Kemp Simon P T
Published: May 2007

Objective:

The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of contact events in professional rugby union matches and to assess their propensity to cause injury.

Design:

The study was a two-season (2003/2004 and 2005/2006) prospective cohort design. It included 645 professional rugby union players from 13 English Premiership rugby union clubs. The main outcome measures were: incidence of match contact events (events per game); incidence (injuries per 1000 player-hours and per 1000 contact events), risk (days lost per 1000 player-hours and per 1000 contact events) and diagnosis of injury; referee’s decision. Risk factors were player–player contact, position on pitch and period of play.

Results:

Tackles (221.0 events/game) and rucks (142.5 events/game) were the most common events and mauls (13.6%) and scrums (12.6%) the most penalised. Tackles (701.6 days/1000 player-hours) were responsible for the greatest loss of time but scrums (213.2 days lost/1000 events) and collisions (199.8 days lost/1000 events) presented the highest risk per event.

Conclusions:

Tackles were the game event responsible for the highest number of injuries and the greatest loss of time in rugby union because they were by far the most common contact event. Collisions were 70% more likely to result in an injury than a tackle and scrums carried a 60% greater risk of injury than a tackle. The relative propensities for contact events to cause injury were rated as: lineout – very low; ruck – low; maul and tackle – average; collision and scrum – high.
Molecular pathology of familial gastric cancer, with an emphasis on hereditary diffuse gastric cancer
Authors: Carneiro F , Oliveira C , Suriano G , Seruca R
Published: May 2007

Gastric cancer is one of the major causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Familial clustering is observed in about 10% of cases; 1–3% of cases are hereditary. In the latter group, a syndrome which has been well characterised is hereditary diffuse gastric cancer; this is specifically associated withCDH1(E-cadherin) germline mutations in about 30% of families. In this article, the state of the art of familial gastric cancer regarding the clinical, molecular and pathology features is reviewed, as well as the practical aspects for a correct diagnosis and clinical management.
The distribution and incidence of white pine blister rust in central and southeastern Wyoming and northern Colorado
Authors: Kearns Holly S.J. , Jacobi William R.
Published: May 2007

A survey of limber pine ( Pinus flexilis James) to determine the geographic distribution, incidence, and severity of white pine blister rust (WPBR) throughout 13 study areas in central and southeastern Wyoming and northern Colorado was conducted from 2002 to 2004. The majority (81.1%) of the 18 719 surveyed limber pines >1.37 m tall were classified as healthy, 13.5% were declining or dying from various causes, and 5.4% were dead. WPBR was present on 278 (55%) of the 504 survey plots. Incidence of the disease ranged from 0% to 100% and averaged 15.5% over all the plots and 28.0% on the infested plots. Likelihood of infection by WPBR was significantly greater for limber pines in larger diameter classes. Incidence was negatively correlated with elevation and positively correlated with geographic position, with more northerly and easterly plots having higher incidences of WPBR. Incidence varied by slope position and did not vary by aspect, slope configuration, or degree of canopy closure. The current level of infestation in central and southeastern Wyoming and northern Colorado has been attained within the past two to four decades. With time, the pathogen may spread to currently uninfested white pine populations and intensify throughout its current distribution impacting valuable ecosystems.
The regeneration decision: a sequential two-option approach
Authors: Jacobsen Jette  Bredahl
Published: May 2007

Real option theory has for some decades been used in forest economics to analyse problems that involve irreversible and stochastic decisions. One of these problems is when to harvest a stand and with what species to regenerate. This problem is analysed here, assuming that the value development of both the present and the next stand is stochastic and that the regeneration species must be chosen. The latter decision is assumed asymmetric, as natural regeneration can be exchanged for a planted regeneration but not vice versa. Consequently, the decision can be postponed for some time if natural regeneration is foreseen, making a species change possible if favoured by the value development or if regeneration of the present species proves unsuccessful. This is an extension of the traditional two-option problem, by involving several stochastic elements that are nested in another option problem: when to harvest a stand. Thus the decision on when to harvest a stand depends on its present value as well as on the value of the future stand, both values evolving stochastically. The problem is formulated as a sequential two-option problem and solved numerically.
Effects of density control and fertilization on growth and yield of young Douglas-fir plantations in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Li Yuzhen , Turnblom Eric C. , Briggs David G.
Published: May 2007

To examine the effects of density control and fertilization on stand growth and yield of young Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) plantations, seven treatment regimes were applied in sixty-three 9-year-old plots from nine installations across western Washington and Oregon. Fertilizer was applied at the rate of 220 kg N·ha–1 (as urea) at stand establishment and every 4 years thereafter. Results after 12 years showed that widely spaced stands exhibited significantly larger quadratic mean diameter than did narrowly spaced stands. The densest stands initially had the greatest overall stand basal area and volume, but accumulation rate in the dense stands had been declining with time. After 12 years, the less dense stands had met or exceeded the basal area periodic annual increment of dense stands. Across all densities, the periodic annual increments of quadratic mean diameter, basal area, and volume in fertilized plots were significantly greater than in unfertilized plots following the first and second urea applications. However, the first fertilization was insufficient to produce a significant increase in stand yield and the significant fertilization increases in yield were found following the second and the third urea applications. This study showed neither significant fertilization effect nor density effect on dominant height. In addition, no significant interactions were found for any stand growth and yield variables considered, but fertilization responses showed different trends among density treatments over time.
MASS RENORMALIZATION IN NON-RELATIVISTIC QUANTUM ELECTRODYNAMICS WITH SPIN ½
Authors: HIROSHIMA F. , ITO K. R.
Published: May 2007

The effective mass m eff of the Pauli–Fierz Hamiltonian with ultraviolet cutoff Λ and the bare mass m in non-relativistic quantum electrodynamics (QED) with spin ½ is investigated. Analytic properties of m eff in coupling constant e are shown. Let us set [Formula: see text]. The explicit form of constant a2(Λ/m) depending on Λ/m is given. It is shown that the spin interaction enhances the effective mass and that there exist strictly positive constants c1 and c2 such that [Formula: see text] In particular though it is known that a1(Λ/m) diverge log (Λ/m) as Λ → ∞, a2(Λ/m) does not diverge as ± [ log (Λ/m)]2 but -(Λ/m)2.
ON LOCALIZATION AND POSITION OPERATORS IN MÖBIUS-COVARIANT THEORIES
Authors: PINAMONTI NICOLA
Published: May 2007

Some years ago it was shown that, in some cases, a notion of locality can arise from the symmetry group of the theory [1–3], i.e. in an intrinsic way. In particular, when the Möbius covariance is present, it is possible to associate some particular transformations with the Tomita–Takesaki modular operator and conjugation of a specific interval of an abstract circle. In this context we propose a way to define an operator representing the coordinate conjugated to the modular transformations. Remarkably this coordinate turns out to be compatible with the abstract notion of locality. Finally a concrete example concerning a quantum particle on a line is given.
INELASTIC COLLISIONS OF POSITRONS WITH BERYLLIUM AND MAGNESIUM IONS
Authors: EL-BAKRY SALAH-YASEEN
Published: May 2007

The collision of positrons with beryllium and magnesium positive ions is treated for the first time as a three-channel problem with the assumption that the elastic, ground-positronium and excited-positronium formation channels are open. A one-valence-electron model for the targets, based on the Clementi–Roetti Slater basis functions, as well as an improved coupled-static approach allowing for the polarization of the excited positronium, are used for calculating the partial cross-sections of eight partial waves (corresponding to 0≤ℓ≤7, where ℓ is the total angular momentum of the scattering problem considered). The calculations are carried out, in each case, at 19 values of the incident energy lying above the excited positronium formation threshold (i.e. above 16.42 eV in e+– Be+scattering and above 13.02 eV in e+– Mg+scattering). The total elastic cross-sections of e+– Mg+scattering show a peak around the ionization threshold of Mg+(at 14.723 eV) but for e+– Be+scattering, display a peak at 90 eV (remember that the ionization threshold of Be+is 18.2 eV). Although the resulting total collisional positronium formation cross-sections are smaller than the elastic ones, their relatively large values should draw the attention of experimental and theoretical physicists to the field of positron–ion collisions.
PARTONIC EQUATION OF STATE IN HIGH-ENERGY NUCLEAR COLLISIONS
Authors: XU NU
Published: May 2007

After a brief introduction to the physics of high-energy nuclear collisions, we will present recent experimental results that are closely connected to the properties of the matter produced in Au + Au collisions at RHIC. Collective motion with parton degrees of freedom is called partonic collectivity. We will focus on collective observables such as transverse radial flow and elliptic flow. With experimental observations, we will demonstrate that collectivity is developed prior to the hadronic stage in heavy ion collisions at RHIC.
THREE DECADES OF COLLECTIVE FLOW
Authors: CSERNAI LÁSZLÓ P.
Published: May 2007

In high energy heavy ion reactions the study of collective flow phenomena was one of the basic research directions from the beginning, following the first ideas of Greiner and his colleagues in the early 1970s. In this talk some important developments of the field will be reviewed up to the most recent developments.
STRONG FIELDS: FROM HIGH Z ATOMS TO THE COLOR GLASS CONDENSATE
Authors: MCLERRAN L.
Published: May 2007

I review various strong field problems in field theory. I start with one of the earliest examples, a high Z Coulomb field. I discuss tunneling and thermally activated transitions in field theory. The latter problem may have applications to electroweak baryogenesis. Finally, I discuss the Color Glass Condensate, a form of high energy density gluonic matter which controls the high energy limit of QCD, and the Glasma which it makes in the collision of high energy nuclei.
THE PHASE DIAGRAM OF STRONGLY INTERACTING MATTER
Authors: WAMBACH JOCHEN
Published: May 2007

I review pertinent aspects of our understanding of the phase structure of strongly interacting matter under extreme conditions in temperature and density. Special attention is paid to the critical endpoint in the phase diagram as well as the pairing properties of dense quark matter in the physically relevant region of density.
STRANGE HADRONS BRIDGE BETWEEN QUARKS AND STARS
Authors: POCHODZALLA JOSEF
Published: May 2007

Future experimental opportunities for the hypernuclear physics at GSI/FAIR are presented. The HYPHI experiment will investigate exotic hypernuclei which are produced by nuclear collision with stable heavy ion beams and rare isotope beams (RI-beams) at GSI. Thanks to the use of [Formula: see text] beams and the skilful combination of experimental techniques, copious production of double Λ hypernuclei is expected at the PANDA experiment which will enable high precision γ spectroscopy for the first time. Finally a novel method to explore the interaction of antibaryons in nuclei by baryon-antibaryon pair production in antiproton nucleus interactions is outlined.
MAGNETIC MICROTRAPS FOR QUANTUM CONTROL
Authors: HERRERA IVAN , D'ARRIGO GIUSEPPE , DE CUMIS MARIO SICILIANI , CATALIOTTI FRANCESCO SAVERIO
Published: May 2007

We will review the realization of magnetic microtraps for ultracold atoms. Such devices combine experimental simplicity with unsurpassed versatility in designing confining potentials. We will show how combining magnetic microtraps with optical lattices one can realize many possible quantum systems of interest in many fields ranging from solid state physics to condensed matter. We will also illustrate new possibilities in the quantum simulation of different physical systems.
HOMODYNE CHARACTERIZATION OF CONTINUOUS VARIABLE BIPARTITE STATES
Authors: PORZIO ALBERTO , D'AURIA VIRGINIA , SOLIMENO SALVATORE , OLIVARES STEFANO , PARIS MATTEO G. A.
Published: May 2007

We suggest a scheme to reconstruct the covariance matrix of continuous variable two-mode states using a single homodyne detector and a few polarization elements. Our method can be used to fully characterize the bipartite Gaussian entangled states obtained at the output of a (nondegenerate) optical parametric amplifier driven below threshold, as well as to extract relevant informations on generic bipartite states made of two frequency degenerate but orthogonally polarized modes.
GENERATION OF ENTANGLED STATES OF TWO DISTANT CAVITY MODES VIA JOSEPHSON JUNCTION BASED DEVICES
Authors: MIGLIORE ROSANNA , MESSINA ANTONINO
Published: May 2007

We present a simple scheme for the preparation of entangled states of the e.m. modes of two spatially separated microwave cavities exploiting their interaction with two superconducting SQUID rings embedded within them. The scheme requires that the two SQUID qubits are initially prepared in an entangled state and the possibility of controlling both the coupling strengths and the interaction times. We also briefly discuss the importance of such a theoretical scheme in view of possible applications in the context of quantum computing and its experimental feasibility.
The role of nitric oxide synthase-derived reactive oxygen species in the altered relaxation of pulmonary arteries from lambs with increased pulmonary blood flow
Authors: Lakshminrusimha Satyan , Wiseman Dean , Black Stephen M. , Russell James A. , Gugino Sylvia F. , Oishi Peter , Steinhorn Robin H. , Fineman Jeffrey R.
Published: May 2007

Congenital cardiac defects associated with increased pulmonary blood flow (Qp) produce pulmonary hypertension. We have previously reported attenuated endothelium-dependent relaxations in pulmonary arteries (PA) isolated from lambs with increased Qpand pulmonary hypertension. To better characterize the vascular alterations in the nitric oxide-superoxide system, 12 fetal lambs underwent in utero placement of an aortopulmonary vascular graft (shunt). Twin lambs served as controls. PA were isolated from these lambs at 4–6 wk of age. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy on fourth-generation PA showed significantly increased superoxide anion generation in shunt PA that were decreased to control levels following inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) with 2-ethyl-2-thiopseudourea. Preconstricted fifth-generation PA rings were relaxed with a NOS agonist (A-23187), a nitric oxide donor [ S-nitrosyl amino penicillamine (SNAP)], polyethylene glycol-conjugated superoxide dismutase (PEG-SOD), or H2O2. A-23187-, PEG-SOD-, and H2O2-mediated relaxations were impaired in shunt PA compared with controls. Pretreatment with PEG-SOD significantly enhanced the relaxation response to A-23187 and SNAP in shunt but not control PA. Inhibition of NOS with nitro-l-arginine or scavenging superoxide anions with tiron enhanced relaxation to SNAP and inhibited relaxation to PEG-SOD in shunt PA. Pretreatment with catalase inhibited relaxation of shunt PA to A-23187, SOD, and H2O2. We conclude that NOS catalyzes the production of superoxide anions in shunt PA. PEG-SOD relaxes shunt PA by converting these anions to H2O2, a pulmonary vasodilator. The redox environment, influenced by the balance between production and scavenging of ROS, may have important consequences on pulmonary vascular reactivity in the setting of increased Qp.
A method to collect isolated myocytes and whole tissue from the same heart
Authors: Chen Yue-Feng , Said Suleman , Campbell Scott E. , Gerdes A. Martin
Published: May 2007

A technique for isolation of cardiac myocytes and collection of whole heart tissue from individual hearts of adult rats is described in this study. After excision of the apical half of the left ventricle (LV) and cauterization of the cut edge, aortas were cannulated and high-quality isolated cardiac myocytes were collected after collagenase perfusion of the basal portion. Myocyte dimensions from the basal portion of cauterized and noncauterized hearts from matching rats were identical. Additionally, myocyte dimensions from the basal and apical halves of the LV were compared with the use of whole heart-isolated myocyte preps. No regional differences between basal and apical LV myocyte size were found. Therefore, this cauterization method can be used to collect isolated myocytes from the basal half and whole heart tissue from the apical half, with each half being representative of the other with respect to myocyte dimensions.
δ-Opioid receptor activation before ischemia reduces gap junction permeability in ischemic myocardium by PKC-ε-mediated phosphorylation of connexin 43
Authors: Miura Tetsuji , Yano Toshiyuki , Naitoh Kazuyuki , Nishihara Masahiro , Miki Takayuki , Tanno Masaya , Shimamoto Kazuaki
Published: May 2007

The aim of this study was to examine the hypothesis that δ-opioid receptor activation before ischemia suppresses gap junction (GJ) permeability by PKC-mediated connexin 43 (Cx43) modulation, which contributes to infarct size limitation afforded by the δ-opioid receptor activation. A δ-opioid receptor agonist, [d-Ala2,d-Leu5]-enkephalin acetate (DADLE, 300 nM), was used in place of preconditioning (PC) ischemia to trigger PC mechanisms in rat hearts. GJ permeability during ischemia, which was assessed by Lucifer yellow, was reduced by DADLE to 47% of the control level, and this effect of DADLE was almost abolished by a PKC-ε inhibitor [PKC-ε translocation inhibitory peptide (PKC-ε-TIP)] but was not affected by a PKC-δ inhibitor (rottlerin). After DADLE infusion, PKC-ε, but not PKC-δ, was coimmunoprecipitated with Cx43, and the level of phosphorylation of Cx43 at a PKC-dependent site (Ser368) was significantly elevated during ischemia. DADLE reduced infarct size after 35 min of ischemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion by 69%, and PKC-ε-TIP and rottlerin eliminated 48% and 63%, respectively, of the infarct size-limiting effect of DADLE. Infusion of a GJ blocker, heptanol, before reperfusion reduced infarct size by 36%, and this protection was not enhanced by preischemic infusion of rottlerin + DADLE, which allows PKC-ε activation by DADLE. These results suggest that phosphorylation of Cx43 by PKC-ε plays a crucial role in δ-opioid-induced suppression of GJ permeability in ischemic myocardium and that this modulation of the GJ is possibly an adjunct mechanism of infarct size limitation afforded by preischemic δ-opioid receptor activation.
Paxillin-β-catenin interactions are involved in Rac/Cdc42-mediated endothelial barrier-protective response to oxidized phospholipids
Authors: Birukova Anna A. , Malyukova Irina , Poroyko Valery , Birukov Konstantin G.
Published: May 2007

Oxidized phospholipids may appear in the pulmonary circulation as a result of acute lung injury or inflammation. We have previously described barrier-protective effects of oxidized 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl- sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (OxPAPC) on human pulmonary endothelial cells (EC) mediated by small GTPases Rac and Cdc42. This work examined OxPAPC-induced focal adhesion (FA) and adherens junction (AJ) remodeling and potential interactions between FA and AJ protein complexes involved in OxPAPC-induced EC barrier enhancement. Immunofluorescence analysis, subcellular fractionation, and coimmunoprecipitation assays have shown that OxPAPC induced translocation and peripheral accumulation of FA complexes containing paxillin, focal adhesion kinase, vinculin, GIT1, and GIT2, increased association of AJ proteins vascular endothelial-cadherin, p120-catenin, α-, β-, and γ-catenins, and dramatically enhanced cell junction areas covered by AJ. Coimmunoprecipitation, pulldown assays, and confocal microscopy studies have demonstrated that OxPAPC promoted novel interactions between FA and AJ complexes via paxillin and β-catenin association, which was critically dependent on Rac and Cdc42 activities and was abolished by pharmacological or small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated inhibition of Rac and Cdc42. Depletion of β-catenin using the siRNA approach attenuated OxPAPC-induced paxillin translocation to the cell periphery, but also significantly decreased interaction of paxillin with AJ protein complex. In turn, paxillin knockdown by specific siRNA attenuated AJ enhancement in response to OxPAPC. These results show for the first time the novel interactions between FA and AJ protein complexes critical for EC barrier regulation by OxPAPC.
Glycosylation and annexin II cell surface translocation mediate airway epithelial wound repair
Authors: Patchell Benjamin J. , Wojcik Kimberly R. , Yang Ting-Lin , White Steven R. , Dorscheid Delbert R.
Published: May 2007

Glycosylation of cell surface proteins can regulate multiple cellular functions. We hypothesized that glycosylation and expression of glycoproteins after epithelial injury is important in mediating repair. We report the use of an in vitro culture model of human airway epithelial cells (1HAEo−) to identify mediators of epithelial repair. We characterized carbohydrate moieties associated with repair by their interaction with the lectin from Cicer arietinum, chickpea agglutinin (CPA). Using CPA, we identified changes in cell surface glycosylation during wound repair. Following mechanical wounding of confluent monolayers of 1HAEo−cells, CPA staining increases on the cell surface of groups of cells in proximity to the wound edge. Blocking the CPA carbohydrate ligand inhibited wound repair highlighting the role of the CPA carbohydrate ligand in epithelial repair. Annexin II (AII), a calcium-dependent, membrane-associated protein, was identified as a protein associated with the CPA ligand. By membrane protein biotinylation and immunodetection, we have shown that following mechanical wounding, the presentation of AII on the cell surface increases coordinate with repair. Cell surface AII accumulates in proximity to the wound. Furthermore, translocation of AII to the cell surface is N-glycosylation dependent. We are the first to demonstrate that following injury, N-glycosylation events and AII presentation on the cell surface of airway epithelial cells are important mediators in repair.
Field Results from a Second-Generation Ocean/Lake Surface Contact Heat Flux, Solar Irradiance, and Temperature Measurement Instrument—The Multisensor Float
Authors: Boyle J. P.
Published: May 2007

This paper describes results from two field programs that support development of a wave-following surface contact multisensor float (MSF) designed to simultaneously measure net surface heat flux, net solar irradiance, and water temperature. The results reported herein compare measurements from a second-generation design (circa 1998) against directly measured radiative fluxes as well as turbulent fluxes derived using both eddy correlation and bulk aerodynamic methods. The reference flux data are collected using instrumented towers, buoys, and research vessels. Comparisons show that MSF net surface fluxes and net solar irradiance are in generally good agreement with values that are measured or derived using standard instruments and methods, having root-mean-square differences less than approximately 15%. MSF near-surface bulk water temperature measurement shows good agreement with similar measurements from a drifting buoy. MSF measurement of water surface temperature is not definitively determined, although results suggest it may be a good measure of skin temperature at night.

MSF flux measurement occurs from within the aqueous conductive sublayer and so does not use turbulence models or parameterizations. At this time, results are most reliable in low wind conditions (2 m s−1 ≤ U10 ≤ 7 m s−1) and relatively calm seas. In higher winds and more active seas, the imperfect surface drifting and wave-following characteristics of the second-generation system limit its performance. More fundamentally, perturbation to the aqueous conductive sublayer and modification of near-surface turbulence structure by the MSF may also limit flux measurement accuracy under certain conditions.
Estimating Eddy Heat Flux from Float Data in the North Atlantic: The Impact of Temporal Sampling Interval
Authors: Chinn Brian S. , Gille Sarah T.
Published: May 2007

Acoustically tracked float data from 16 experiments carried out in the North Atlantic are used to evaluate the feasibility of estimating eddy heat fluxes from floats. Daily float observations were bin averaged in 2° by 2° by 200-db-deep geographic bins, and eddy heat fluxes were estimated for each bin. Results suggest that eddy heat fluxes can be highly variable, with substantial outliers that mean that fluxes do not converge quickly. If 100 statistically independent observations are available in each bin (corresponding to 500–1000 float days of data), then results predict that 80% of bins will have eddy heat fluxes that are statistically different from zero. Pop-up floats, such as Autonomous Lagrangian Circulation Explorer (ALACE) and Argo floats, do not provide daily sampling and therefore underestimate eddy heat flux. The fraction of eddy heat flux resolved using pop-up float sampling patterns decreases linearly with increasing intervals between float mapping and can be modeled analytically. This implies that flux estimates from pop-up floats may be correctable to represent true eddy heat flux.
Improvement of Interfacial Adhesion between UHMWPE Fiber and Epoxy Matrix Using Functionalized Graphitic Nanofibers
Authors: Salehi-Khojin Amin , Stone James J. , Zhong Wei-Hong
Published: May 2007

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber has advanced mechanical properties and excellent physical properties that include high effectiveness for cosmic radiation shielding, which is valuable for outer space missions. Unfortunately, poor interface in UHMWPE fiber—polymer composites hinders the structural integrity and safety, and restricts its effectiveness for the radiation shielding. In this study, we focus on the improvement of the adhesion property between the UHMWPE fiber and resin matrix by developing a nano-epoxy matrix through making a modification on the matrix with reactive graphitic nanofibers (r-GNFs). The interfacial adhesion between UHMWPE fiber and the nano-epoxy matrix with low concentrations of r-GNFs (0.15, 0.30, and 0.50 wt% ) is characterized by analyzing load—displacement curves from microbond tests. Study results show that crack initiation force, debonding force, debonding energy, and friction energy from the microbond tests increase considerably, due to the effective improvement of interfacial adhesion property by the nano-epoxy matrix. One-dimensional shear-lag analysis is applied for theoretical calculations. Calculated results on ultimate adhesive strength and external stress show agreement with the experimental results. Study results reveal that the nano-matrix with 0.30 wt% of r-GNFs is the most effective to improve adhesion properties between UHMWPE fiber and the epoxy.
Cyclic Water Absorption Behavior of Glass—Vinylester and Glass—Epoxy Composites
Authors: Alvarez V. , Vazquez A. , De La Osa O.
Published: May 2007

The cyclic water absorption behavior of vinylester (VE) and epoxy matrices and their composites with mat glass fiber is studied. The water absorption increases with the cycle. Degradation of the matrix occurs during fast drying and this leads to a very different behavior of the materials in both cycles. Epoxy-based materials absorb more water than VE-based ones due to their different hydrophilicity. The diffusion coefficient increases with temperature and it is higher in the second cycle than in the first one. The diffusion coefficients of VE composites are similar to that of the matrix, but the epoxy composites absorb water at a higher rate than the matrix. The mechanical properties decrease with immersion but the change in strength is higher than the modulus loss. The fiber—matrix interface presents good adhesion at low temperature but it decreases as temperature increases and there are more voids with the worst interface for the last cycle.
Viewpoint -wise
Authors: Lindquist Hans
Published: May 2007

In the second half of the twentieth century, a new type of adverb, viewpoint adverbs formed with the suffix - wise, appeared in English. This article traces the diffusion and development of viewpoint - wise adverbs using American and British newspaper corpora, the spoken component of the British National Corpus, and the Longman Spoken American Corpus. It is shown that the adverbs are at least twice as frequent in the spoken corpora as in the written, that they are increasing in both American and British English, and that the originally American adverb type is now more frequent in British English. Its spread seems to be motivated by both functional and social factors. In newspapers, a high proportion occurs in represented speech, and the major domains are sports, art and entertainment, and “living.” It has extended its range of bases from nouns to noun phrases and, to some extent, generalized to adjectives and adverbs.
Citizenship as Inherited Property
Authors: Shachar Ayelet , Hirschl Ran
Published: May 2007

The global distributive implications of automatically allocating political membership according to territoriality ( jus soli) and parentage ( jus sanguinis) principles have largely escaped critical scrutiny. This article begins to address this considerable gap. Securing membership status in a given state or region— with its specific level of wealth, degree of stability, and human rights record— is a crucial factor in the determination of life chances. However, birthright entitlements still dominate both our imagination and our laws in the allotment of political membership to a given state. In this article we explore the striking conceptual and legal similarities between intergenerational transfers of citizenship and property. The analogy between inherited citizenship and the intergenerational transfer of property allows us to use existing qualifications found in the realm of inheritance as a model for imposing restrictions on the unlimited and perpetual transmission of membership—with the aim of ameliorating its most glaring opportunity inequalities.
Homicides Exceptionally Cleared and Cleared by Arrest
Authors: Riedel Marc , Boulahanis John G.
Published: May 2007

This is an exploratory study of exceptional clearances using homicide data from Chicago from 1988 through 1995. The focus of the analysis is on homicide cases in which the offender is detained by police, but later released because the prosecution refuses to prosecute. On the basis of a bivariate and logit analysis, it appears that cases barred to prosecution predominately involve either domestic altercations or other types of altercations.
The Contextual Effects of Gender Norms, Communication, and Social Capital on Family Planning Behaviors in Uganda: A Multilevel Approach
Authors: Paek Hye-Jin , Lee Byoungkwan , Salmon Charles T. , Witte Kim
Published: May 2007

This study hypothesized a multilevel model to examine the contextual effects of gender norms, exposure to health-related radio programs, interpersonal communication, and social capital on family planning behavior in Uganda. The results of hierarchical linear modeling showed that all of the four variables were significant predictors of family planning behavior. The authors found that gender norms as a contextual factor significantly interacted with the individual-level perceived benefit. The significant cross-level interaction effect was also observed between individuals' interpersonal communication and contextual variation in listening to a health-related radio program. Practical implications for family planning communication campaigns are discussed.
The Integration of Crime Analysis Into Law Enforcement Agencies
Authors: Taylor Bruce , Kowalyk Apollo , Boba Rachel
Published: May 2007

The purpose of this article is exploratory and it seeks to depict how crime analysts perceive patrol officers' and other sworn police officers' attitudes about the crime analysis function and its “organizational fit” as well as their own attitudes about sworn personnel. These issues were explored with data collected through an online survey of crime/intelligence analysts. The main findings are that most analysts felt that management was fairly supportive of their work, but that their perceptions of what patrol officers thought of them was middle of the road, at best. This is contrary to the much more positive attitudes they expressed about patrol officers. The results raise concerns about whether analysts are being accepted within the police culture and whether patrol officers understand what analysts do, which in turn leads to additional concerns about whether the skills and training of analysts are being used to their fullest capacities.
Law Enforcement Mission Statements Post-September 11
Authors: DeLone Gregory J.
Published: May 2007

Mission statements are instruments of organization communication. They have the ability to shape the attitudes and behavior of individuals in the organization. They also have the ability to shape the perceptions of the public. Changes in organizational activity and responsibility are often accompanied by changes in the written mission of the organization. At times these changes are brought about by conflict or crisis. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, are presented here as the impetus for change in law enforcement mission statements. This research examines the extent to which law enforcement agencies have incorporated references to terrorism in their mission statements. The research also examines the ease with which citizens are able to locate these mission statements through accessing agency Web sites. The content of law enforcement mission statements is also examined in respect to five key dimensions.
Influences of different developmental periods of taurine supplements on synaptic plasticity in hippocampal CA1 area of rats following prenatal and perinatal lead exposure
Authors: Yu Shan-Shan , Wang Ming , Li Xin-Mei , Chen Wei-Heng , Chen Ju-Tao , Wang Hui-Li , Ruan Di-Yun
Published: May 2007

Background

Previous study has demonstrated that dietary taurine supplement protected rats from impairments of synaptic plasticity induced by postnatal lead exposure. However, little is known about the role of taurine in the presence of prenatal and perinatal lead exposure. We investigated the possible effect of taurine supplement on prenatal and perinatal lead-induced synaptic plasticity deficit and determined developmental periods critical for the effect of taurine.

Results

In the present study, taurine was administrated to prenatal and perinatal lead-exposed rats in different developmental periods: from prenatal to weaning (Lead+PW-Tau), from weaning to life (Lead+WL-Tau), and from prenatal to life (Lead+PL-Tau). We examined the input-output (I/O) function, paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) and the long-term potentiation (LTP) of field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) in the hippocampal CA1 area of rats on postnatal days 18–25 (P18–25) or days 60–75 (P60–75). We found that (1) on P18–25, taurine had no evident effect on I/O functions and PPF ratios of lead-exposed rats but caused a 12.0% increase in the LTP amplitudes of these animals; (2) on P60–75, taurine significantly elevated lead depressed I/O functions and PPF ratios in Lead+PW-Tau and Lead+PL-Tau rats, but failed in Lead+WL-Tau rats. The amplitudes of LTP of lead-exposed rats were all significantly increased by additional taurine supplement in any developmental period compared with untreated rats. Thus, taurine appeared to have the most effect during the prenatal and lactation periods and its effects on younger rats would not be manifest until the adult life; and (3) the level of lead deposition in hippocampus was evidently reduced by additional treatment of taurine in lead-exposed rats, compared with untreated rats.

Conclusion

Taurine supplement can protect the adult rats from synaptic plasticity deficits following prenatal and perinatal lead exposure, and the protective effects are critical for the prenatal and lactation periods of lead-exposed rats.
The median non-prostate cancer survival is more than 10 years for men up to age 80 years who are selected and receive curative radiation treatment for prostate cancer
Authors: Blood Paul A , Pickles Tom
Published: May 2007

Treatment guidelines recommend that curative radiation treatment of prostate cancer be offered only to men whose life expectancy is greater than 10 years. The average life expectancy of North American males is less than 10 years after age 75, yet many men older than 75 years receive curative radiation treatment for prostate cancer. This study used the provincial cancer registry in British Columbia, Canada, to determine median non-prostate cancer survival for men who were aged 75 to 82 years at start of radiation treatment. Median survival was found to be greater than 10 years in men aged up to 80 years at the start of their radiation treatment. This finding suggests that radiation oncologists are able to appropriately select elderly men with greater than average life expectancy to receive curative radiation treatment.
HER2gene status in primary breast cancers and matched distant metastases
Authors: Tapia Coya , Savic Spasenija , Wagner Urs , Schönegg René , Novotny Hedvika , Grilli Bruno , Herzog Michelle , Barascud Audrey DeVito , Zlobec Inti , Cathomas Gieri , Terracciano Luigi , Feichter Georg , Bubendorf Lukas
Published: May 2007

Introduction

The status of the gene encoding human EGF-like receptor 2 (HER2) is an important prognostic and predictive marker in breast cancer. Only breast cancers with HER2 amplification respond to the targeted therapy with trastuzumab. It is controversial to what degree the primary tumour is representative of distant metastases in terms of HER2 status. Discrepancies in HER2 status between primary tumours and distant metastases have been described, but their reasons remain unclear. Here, we compared HER2 status on cytological specimens of distant metastases with the result from the primary carcinomas, and explored the prevalence of and the reasons for discrepant results.

Methods

HER2 status was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridisation. HER2 gene amplification was defined as a HER2/chromosome 17 signal ratio of 2 or more. HER2 results from cytological specimens of matched distant metastases were compared with the results from the corresponding primary tumours (n = 105 patients). In addition, lymph node metastases were analysed in 31 of these patients.

Results

HER2 amplification was found in 20% of distant metastases. HER2 status was discordant between the primary tumour and distant metastasis in 7.6% of the 105 patients. Re-evaluation revealed that in five patients (4.7%), discrepancies were due to interpretational difficulties. In two of these patients, focal amplification had initially been overlooked as a result of heterogeneity in the primary tumours or in the metastases, respectively. A further three patients had borderline amplification with a ratio close to 2. Discrepancy remained unexplained in three patients (2.9%).

Conclusion

HER2 gene status remains highly conserved as breast cancers metastasise. However, discrepant results do occur because of interpretational difficulties and heterogeneity of HER2 amplification. Cytological specimens from distant metastases are well suited for HER2 fluorescence in situ hybridisation analysis.
Microsatellite Instability and Epigenetic Inactivation of MLH1 and Outcome of Patients With Endometrial Carcinomas of the Endometrioid Type
Authors: Zighelboim Israel , Goodfellow Paul J. , Gao Feng , Gibb Randall K. , Powell Matthew A. , Rader Janet S. , Mutch David G.
Published: May 2007

Purpose

Most studies of microsatellite instability (MSI) and outcomes in endometrial cancer patients have included varied histologic subtypes. Nonetheless, MSI occurs almost exclusively in endometrioid tumors. The impact of MSI on outcomes in patients with endometrial cancer is controversial. We sought to determine whether MSI and MLH1 methylation are associated with clinicopathologic variables and survival outcomes in a large series of patients with endometrial carcinomas of the endometrioid type.

Patients and Methods

Tumor samples, blood, and clinicopathologic data were prospectively collected and analyzed for 446 patients with endometrioid carcinomas. MSI was determined using five National Cancer Institute (NCI) consensus panel markers, and the methylation status of the MLH1 promoter was determined by combined bisulfite restriction analysis (COBRA). Associations with clinicopathologic variables and survival outcomes were evaluated.

Results

MSI was identified in 147 cases (33%). MSI was associated with higher International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) grade (P < .0001). MSI+ tumors without MLH1 methylation were associated with younger age (P < .001). MSI was not associated with overall survival (OS; hazard ratio [HR], 1.011; 95% CI, 0.688 to 1.484; P = .96) or disease-free survival (DFS; HR 0.951; 95% CI, 0.554 to 1.635; P = .86). The combined MSI/MLH1 methylation status (treating MSI− as the reference) did not predict OS (MSI+/MLH1-U: HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.27 to 1.44; P = .26; MSI+/MLH1-M: HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.62 to 1.46; P = .82) or DFS (MSI+/MLH1-U: HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.22 to 1.19; P = .12; MSI+/MLH1-M: HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.62 to 1.40; P = .72).

Conclusion

MSI is not associated with survival in patients with endometrioid endometrial cancer.
Proposal for the Use of Progression-Free Survival in Unblinded Randomized Trials
Authors: Freidlin Boris , Korn Edward L. , Hunsberger Sally , Gray Robert , Saxman Scott , Zujewski Jo Anne
Published: May 2007

Progression-free survival is an attractive end point for clinical trials when an overall survival end point may be confounded by additional treatments administered after progression. When a trial is performed in an unblinded manner, however, there is the potential for bias between the treatment arms because of the subjective aspects of the progression end point. We discuss the magnitude of this potential bias and suggest methods for lessening it. We propose the carrying forward of any progression information to two designated time points for the statistical analysis for trials that are not blinded. This proposal, possibly combined with central review of progression scans for these two time points, essentially eliminates any bias, with little risk of major efficiency loss compared with using the reported progression times.
Private sector participation in the Shanghai water sector
Authors: Lee Seungho
Published: May 2007

This paper explores the extent to which private sector participation has had an impact on Shanghai's water policy since the late 1990s. This study focuses on the private sphere where private companies in the Shanghai water sector have adapted to new changes in political and economic circumstances. Recent findings based on fieldwork and data from 2000 to 2004 disclose that the Shanghai government has been committed to implementing reforms for private sector participation in the water sector. In response, private companies have actively participated in the process of privatisation. Such private sector participation, however, is unlikely to continue on a smooth path unless the Shanghai government establishes adequate legal and regulatory frameworks for private companies. The study concludes that privatisation in the Shanghai water sector will be an unavoidable process for the rationalisation of water services stimulated by the programme of economic reforms initiated in the late 1970s. But this process has been and will continue to be, balanced first by the government's role in regulating privatised water services, second by the contribution of private companies in service provision and third by the continuous interaction between the government and private companies to achieve provision of high quality water in Shanghai.