bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relaxin Reverses Cardiac and Renal Fibrosis in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Lekgabe Edna D. , Kiriazis Helen , Zhao Chongxin , Xu Qi , Moore Xiao Lei , Su Yidan , Bathgate Ross A.D. , Du Xiao-Jun , Samuel Chrishan S.
Published: June 2005

The antifibrotic effects of the peptide hormone relaxin on cardiac and renal fibrosis were studied in 9- to 10-month-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Rats (n=8 to 9 per group) were allocated into 3 groups: WKY controls, vehicle-treated SHR (SHR-V), and relaxin-treated SHR (SHR-R). Relaxin (0.5 mg/kg per day) was administered via subcutaneously implanted osmotic mini-pumps over 2 weeks before hearts and kidneys were harvested for analysis. Collagen content was analyzed by hydroxyproline assay, gel electrophoresis, and quantitative histology. Zymography was used to determine matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression and Western blotting to determine proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)/myofibroblast expression, whereas cardiac hypertrophy was assessed by myocyte size and real-time polymerase chain reaction of associated genes. The left ventricular (LV) myocardium of SHR-V contained increased collagen levels (by 25±1%,
P
<0.01 using biochemical analysis and 3-fold;
P
<0.01 using quantitative histology), enhanced expression of PCNA (by 70±8%;
P
<0.01), α-SMA (by 32±2%;
P
<0.05), and the collagen-degrading enzyme MMP-9 (by 70±6%;
P
<0.05) versus respective levels measured in WKY controls. The kidneys of SHR-V also contained increased collagen (25±2%,
P
<0.05 using biochemical analysis and 2.4-fold;
P
<0.01 using quantitative histology). Relaxin treatment significantly normalized collagen content in the LV (
P
<0.01) and kidney (
P
<0.05), completely inhibited cell proliferation (
P
<0.01) and fibroblast differentiation (
P
<0.05) in the LV, and increased MMP-2 expression (by 25±1%;
P
<0.05) without affecting MMP-9 in the LV compared with that measured in SHR-V. Thus, relaxin is a potent antifibrotic hormone with a rapid-occurring efficacy that may have therapeutic potential for hypertensive disease.
Tyramine-Induced Vasodilation Mediated by Dopamine Contamination
Authors: Jacob Giris , Gamboa Alfredo , Diedrich André , Shibao Cyndya , Robertson David , Biaggioni Italo
Published: June 2005

We reported previously that intravenous administration of tyramine induced a paradoxical forearm vasodilation and an increase in plasma dopamine, raising the possibility that dopamine is released by or converted from tyramine in vivo. Alternatively, tyramine can be nonenzymatically oxidized into dopamine in vitro, and this contamination may be responsible for the increase in plasma dopamine and forearm vasodilation. To distinguish between these possibilities, we measured the hemodynamic and neurohumoral effects of an intravenous infusion of a specially prepared dopamine-free tyramine solution in 8 normal volunteers at a dose that increased systolic blood pressure by ≈25 mm Hg (from 107±5 to 133±5 mm Hg;
P
<0.001) and compared it with an equivalent dose of norepinephrine. Tyramine increased plasma norepinephrine (139±18 to 226±30 pg/mL;
P
<0.02), its intraneuronal metabolite dihydroxyphenylglycol (980±73 to 2245±206 pg/mL;
P
<0.001), and systemic vascular resistance, but not plasma dopamine or its intraneuronal metabolite dihydroxyphenylacetic acid. Tyramine and norepinephrine produced nonsignificant increases in forearm vascular resistance. We conclude that tyramine-induced forearm vasodilation reported in previous studies is explained by the presence of dopamine contamination in tyramine preparations. Intravenous administration of dopamine-free tyramine and norepinephrine produced equivalent systemic vasoconstriction. The forearm vasculature was not useful in monitoring the vasoconstrictive effects of either agent. The possibility of dopamine contamination needs to be considered when interpreting previously published studies using tyramine as a pharmacological tool to assess sympathetic function, and it must be avoided in future studies.
Randomized Comparison of Prasugrel (CS-747, LY640315), a Novel Thienopyridine P2Y
12
Antagonist, With Clopidogrel in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Wiviott Stephen D. , Antman Elliott M. , Winters Kenneth J. , Weerakkody Govinda , Murphy Sabina A. , Behounek Bruce D. , Carney Robert J. , Lazzam Charles , McKay Raymond G. , McCabe Carolyn H. , Braunwald Eugene
Published: June 2005

Background—

Despite the current standard antiplatelet regimen of aspirin and clopidogrel (with or without glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors) in percutaneous coronary intervention patients, periprocedural and postprocedural ischemic events continue to occur. Prasugrel (CS-747, LY640315), a novel potent thienopyridine P2Y
12
receptor antagonist, has the potential to achieve higher levels of inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation than currently approved doses of clopidogrel.

Methods and Results—

Joint Utilization of Medications to Block Platelets Optimally–Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 26 (JUMBO-TIMI 26) was a phase 2, randomized, dose-ranging, double-blind safety trial of prasugrel versus clopidogrel in 904 patients undergoing elective or urgent percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients were randomized to either standard dosing with clopidogrel or 1 of 3 prasugrel regimens. Subjects were monitored for 30 days for bleeding and clinical events. The primary end point of the trial was clinically significant (TIMI major plus minor) non–CABG-related bleeding events in prasugrel- versus clopidogrel-treated patients. Hemorrhagic complications were infrequent, with no significant difference between patients treated with prasugrel or clopidogrel in the rate of significant bleeding (1.7% versus 1.2%; hazard ratio, 1.42; 95% CI, 0.40, 5.08). In prasugrel-treated patients, there were numerically lower incidences of the primary efficacy composite end point (30-day major adverse cardiac events) and of the secondary end points myocardial infarction, recurrent ischemia, and clinical target vessel thrombosis.

Conclusions—

In this phase 2 study, which was designed to assess safety when administered at the time of percutaneous coronary intervention, prasugrel and clopidogrel both resulted in low rates of bleeding. The results of this trial serve as a foundation for the large phase 3 clinical trial designed to assess both efficacy and safety.
Improved Myocardial β-Adrenergic Responsiveness and Signaling With Exercise Training in Hypertension
Authors: MacDonnell Scott M. , Kubo Hajime , Crabbe Deborah L. , Renna Brian F. , Reger Patricia O. , Mohara Jun , Smithwick L. Ashley , Koch Walter J. , Houser Steven R. , Libonati Joseph R.
Published: June 2005

Background—

Cardiac responses to β-adrenergic receptor stimulation are depressed with pressure overload–induced cardiac hypertrophy. We investigated whether exercise training could modify β-adrenergic receptor responsiveness in a model of spontaneous hypertension by modifying the β-adrenergic receptor desensitizing kinase GRK2 and the abundance and phosphorylation of some key Ca
2+
cycling proteins.

Methods and Results—

Female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR; age, 4 months) were placed into a treadmill running (SHR-TRD; 20 m/min, 1 h/d, 5 d/wk, 12 weeks) or sedentary group (SHR-SED). Age-matched Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were controls. Mean blood pressure was higher in SHR versus WKY (
P
<0.01) and unaltered with exercise. Left ventricular (LV) diastolic anterior and posterior wall thicknesses were greater in SHR than WKY (
P
<0.001) and augmented with training (
P
<0.01). Langendorff LV performance was examined during isoproterenol (ISO) infusions (1×10
−10
to 1×10
−7
mol/L) and pacing stress (8.5 Hz). The peak LV developed pressure/ISO dose response was shifted rightward 100-fold in SHR relative to WKY. The peak ISO LV developed pressure response was similar between WKY and SHR-SED and increased in SHR-TRD (
P
<0.05). SHR-TRD showed the greatest lusitropic response to ISO (
P
<0.05) and offset the pacing-induced increase in LV end-diastolic pressure and the time constant of isovolumic relaxation (τ) observed in WKY and SHR-SED. Improved cardiac responses to ISO in SHR-TRD were associated with normalized myocardial levels of GRK2 (
P
<0.05). SHR displayed increased L-type Ca
2+
channel and sodium calcium exchanger abundance compared with WKY (
P
<0.001). Training increased ryanodine receptor phosphorylation and phospholamban phosphorylation at both the Ser
16
and Thr
17
residues (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

Exercise training in hypertension improves the inotropic and lusitropic responsiveness to β-adrenergic receptor stimulation despite augmenting LV wall thickness. A lower GRK2 abundance and an increased phosphorylation of key Ca
2+
cycling proteins may be responsible for the above putative effects.
Diet-Induced Occlusive Coronary Atherosclerosis, Myocardial Infarction, Cardiac Dysfunction, and Premature Death in Scavenger Receptor Class B Type I-Deficient, Hypomorphic Apolipoprotein ER61 Mice
Authors: Zhang Songwen , Picard Michael H. , Vasile Eliza , Zhu Yu , Raffai Robert L. , Weisgraber Karl H. , Krieger Monty
Published: June 2005

Background—

Normal chow (low fat)–fed mice deficient in both the HDL receptor SR-BI and apolipoprotein E (SR-BI/apoE dKO) provide a distinctive model of coronary heart disease (CHD). They exhibit early-onset hypercholesterolemia characterized by unesterified cholesterol-rich abnormal lipoproteins (lamellar/vesicular and stacked discoidal particles), occlusive coronary atherosclerosis, spontaneous myocardial infarction, cardiac dysfunction, and premature death (≈6 weeks of age). Mice in which similar features of CHD could be induced with a lipid-rich diet would represent a powerful tool to study CHD.

Methods and Results—

To generate a diet-inducible model of CHD, we bred SR-BI-deficient (SR-BI KO) mice with hypomorphic apolipoprotein E mice (
ApoeR61
h/h
) that express reduced levels of an apoE4-like murine apoE isoform and exhibit diet-induced hypercholesterolemia. When fed a normal chow diet, SR-BI KO/
ApoeR61
h/h
mice did not exhibit early-onset atherosclerosis or CHD; the low expression level of the apoE4-like murine apoE was atheroprotective and cardioprotective. However, when fed an atherogenic diet rich in fat, cholesterol, and cholate, they rapidly developed hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, and CHD, a response strikingly similar to that of SR-BI/apoE dKO mice fed a chow diet, and they died 32±6 days (50% mortality) after initiation of the high-fat feeding.

Conclusions—

The SR-BI KO/
ApoeR61
h/h
mouse is a new model of diet-induced occlusive coronary atherosclerosis and CHD (myocardial infarction, cardiac dysfunction and premature death), allowing control of the age of onset, duration, severity, and possibly regression of disease. Thus, SR-BI KO/
ApoeR61
h/h
mice have the potential to contribute to our understanding of CHD and its prevention and treatment.
High Incidence of Sudden Cardiac Death With Conduction Disturbances and Atrial Cardiomyopathy Caused by a Nonsense Mutation in the
STA
Gene
Authors: Sakata Kenji , Shimizu Masami , Ino Hidekazu , Yamaguchi Masato , Terai Hidenobu , Fujino Noboru , Hayashi Kenshi , Kaneda Tomoya , Inoue Masaru , Oda Yoshio , Fujita Takashi , Kaku Bunji , Kanaya Hounin , Mabuchi Hiroshi
Published: June 2005

Background—

The
STA
gene encodes emerin and is one of the genes that is affected in Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD). Although it has been reported that EDMD caused by the
STA
gene mutation is associated with X-linked recessive inheritance, the genotype-phenotype correlations, with special reference to cardiac manifestations, are not well defined.

Methods and Results—

We identified 16 carriers (7 male and 9 female) with a nonsense mutation in exon 6 of the
STA
gene in 2 EDMD families. Pacemakers were required for treatment of bradyarrhythmias in all 7 male carriers and in 2 of the 9 female carriers. In addition, 2 of the 9 female carriers displayed atrial fibrillation. In these 2 families, 3 males without pacemaker implantation, who were not tested genetically, had died suddenly. In these family members, the majority of carriers with the mutation had not been clinically diagnosed as having EDMD before genetic testing because of extremely mild or nonexistent skeletal myopathy.

Conclusions—

EDMD caused by this mutation is characterized by atypical clinical features and incomplete penetrance of the clinical phenotype and may result in serious cardiac complications, including sudden death. Approaches to preventing possible sudden death in carriers with the
STA
gene mutation require further study.
The Interaction of a Baroclinic Mean Flow with Long Rossby Waves
Authors: Colin de Verdière A. , Tailleux R.
Published: June 2005

The effect of a baroclinic mean flow on long oceanic Rossby waves is studied using a combination of analytical and numerical solutions of the eigenvalue problem. The effect is summarized by the value of the nondimensional numberwhen the mean flow shear keeps a constant sign throughout the water column. Because previous studies have shown that no interaction occurs if the mean flow has the shape of the first unperturbed mode (the non–Doppler shift effect), an implicit assumption in the application of the present work to the real ocean is that the relative projections of the mean flow on the second and higher modes remain approximately constant. Because R2 is large at low latitudes between 10° and 30° (the southern branches of subtropical gyres or the regions of surface westward shear), the phase speed of the first mode is very slightly decreased from the no mean flow standard theory case. Between 30° and 40° latitudes (the northern branches of the subtropical gyres or the regions of surface eastward shear), R2 is O(10) and the westward phase speed can increase significantly (up to a factor of 2). At still higher latitudes when R2 is O(1) a critical transition occurs below which no discrete Rossby waves are found that might explain the absence of observations of zonal propagations at latitudes higher than 50°. Our case studies, chosen to represent the top-trapped and constant-sign shear profiles of observed mean flows, all show the importance of three main effects on the value of the first baroclinic mode Rossby wave speed: 1) the meridional gradient of the quantity N2/f (where N is the buoyancy frequency) rather than that of the potential vorticity fN2; 2) the curvature of the mean flow in the vertical direction, which appears particularly important to predict the sign of the phase speed correction to the no-mean-flow standard theory case: increase (decrease) of the westward phase speed when the surface-intensified mean flow is eastward (westward); and 3) a weighted vertical average of the mean flow velocity, acting as a Doppler-shift term, which is small in general but important to determine the precise value of the phase speed.
The Demography of Conflict and Violence: An Introduction
Authors: Brunborg Helge , Urdal Henrik
Published: June 2005

The demography of armed conflict is an emerging field among demographers and peace researchers alike. The articles in this special issue treat demography as both a cause and a consequence of armed conflict, and they carry important policy implications. A study of German-allied countries during World War II addresses the role of refugees and territorial loss in paving the way for genocide. Other articles focusing on the demographic causes of conflict discuss highly contentious issues of whether economic and social inequality, high population pressure on natural resources, and youth bulges and limited migration opportunities can lead to different forms of armed conflict and state failure. The articles on demographic responses to armed conflict analyze the destructiveness of pre-industrial warfare, differences in short- and long-term mortality trends after armed conflict, and migratory responses in war. Another set of articles on demographic responses to war is published simultaneously in the European Journal of Population.
Demography, Migration and Conflict in the Pacific
Authors: Ware Helen
Published: June 2005

This article explores the relationships between demography and internal conflict in the Pacific Island countries, focusing on the three subregions Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia. These countries confront distinctive challenges and opportunities because of their unique cultures and non-militarized status, combined with very small size and remote locations. The use of the MIRAB model of island economies based on migration, remittances, aid and bureaucracy is extended to examine its impact on social cohesion and the avoidance of internal conflict. For Polynesia, MIRAB is found to be a sustainable development strategy. Continuous emigration from Polynesia serves to reduce population pressure and communal tensions. Further, remittance income supports the Polynesian economies, and this also reduces the potential for conflict. For Micronesia, except Kiribati and Nauru, migration access to the USA is assured. In contrast, for the Melanesian countries, there is minimal emigration, rapid population growth and considerable intercommunal tension, which has resulted in several coups and one 'failed state'. Demographic pressure created by rapid population growth results in a lack of employment opportunities for youths (who provide the majority of participators in civil unrest and conflicts) rather than in direct pressure on land and other natural resources.
Social Determinants of Preventive Service Utilization
Authors: Benjamins Maureen Reindl
Published: June 2005

Utilization of preventive services may be influenced by social factors, such as religion, that can create barriers or facilitate use. The purpose of this study is to determine how religious beliefs and activities affect the use of cholesterol screenings. Specifically, data from the Health and Retirement Survey (HRS) are used to examine the influence of religious attendance, salience, and affiliation on cholesterol screenings among older adults. The findings show that adults who attend religious services more frequently and those belonging to mainline Protestant denominations report more screenings. In contrast, utilization levels do not vary by level of religious salience, after controlling for demographic and socioeconomic factors. The current study is valuable because it identifies significant relationships between religion and cholesterol screening utilization and also adds an important dimension to the burgeoning religion and health literature.
Religion and Health Among African Americans
Authors: Marks Loren , Nesteruk Olena , Swanson Mandy , Garrison Betsy , Davis Tanya
Published: June 2005

Hummer, Rogers, Nam, and Ellison found a 13.7-year advantage in longevity for African Americans who attend worship services more than once a week compared with those who never attend. This article subsequently responds to the question, Why do highly religious African Americans live significantly longer? A purposive sample of highly religious, African American adults were interviewed using an in-depth, qualitative approach to examine the religion-health-longevity interface. Six themes relating to the research question are reported: active faith involvement and the aged, avoiding negative coping, evading violence, the absence of hope, social support, and the power of prayer. The six themes are discussed in detail, and directions for future research are recommended.
WHY MUSIC? Essays on the importance of music education and advocacy
Authors: Mark Michael L.
Published: June 2005

Advocacy for music education has become a major professional activity that is not always understood by music educators. Education decision makers - boards of education, legislators, government policy makers - must appreciate why music education is important to society so they can make informed decisions about any number of issues that affect music in schools. The principal voice for music education advocacy in the USA is the MENC: The National Association for Music Education, which provides a model for professional advocacy at the national level. Other countries have different models. It will be healthy for music educators to become familiar with models of successful advocacy in other countries.
Music in education is education for life
Authors: Yick-Ming Rosanna Wong
Published: June 2005

Education is more than rote learning or vocational training. It should also be about art, sports and music if it seriously wishes to be called holistic, and if it seriously wishes to produce well-rounded and balanced young adults who can contribute to the community. Music education is an enjoyable experience and fills students with enthusiasm, nurtures their creativity and encourages their participation. Four factors - enjoyment, enthusiasm, creativity and participation - form the bedrock on which educational development should take place. Children need every exposure to music, and lack of financial resources or emphasis on examinations in subjects other than music should not be used as an excuse for omitting music education from school curricula.
The danger of music education advocacy
Authors: Reimer Bennett
Published: June 2005

Why has music education needed to argue for its worth as part of schooling? Several answers have existed, attempting to demonstrate that music is more than ‘what comes naturally’, that it deserves to be studied as all other school subjects are, and that its benefits require clear and thoughtful explanation. While valid, these answers focus attention outward, to persuade others that our existing programs can and do accomplish the often grandiose claims we make. What is required, if we are ever to get over our needs to advocate desperately, is to examine ourselves and what we do: whether we are in fact offering the most relevant programs for all students rather than for the few in whom we are interested. To the degree we fulfill our cultures’ musical needs, rather than our own special interests, we will be relieved of the necessity to advocate as we do.
HOW TO ADVOCATE FOR MUSIC: Personal stories of music education advocacy
Authors: Hallam Susan
Published: June 2005

This article provides a short description of a web-based review of the literature relating to the impact of music on our emotions and behaviour and the practical uses to which music has been put in our everyday lives. The research report can be found on the website 
World sounds through universal fellowship: linking African sounds through collaborative networking
Authors: Klopper Christopher
Published: June 2005

The Pan African Society of Musical Arts Education (PASMAE) initiated the concept of Music Action Research Teams (MAT cells) at the grass-roots level for the collaborative sharing and learning of educators throughout Africa. The current number of 27 cells in Africa is a modest realization of the society’s aims. However, it is strongly felt that if these cells execute the planned intervention strategies, then the number of cells and country representation will grow. This MAT cell concept is linking African sounds through collaborative networking.
A Simplified Model for Smoke Filling Time Calculation with Sprinkler Effects
Authors: Chung Kee-Chiang , Tung Hsing-Sheng
Published: June 2005

Recently, many computational methods for determining the position of a smoke layer height in a confined space have been reported for fire safety design purposes. Most of the existing smoke layer height prediction models were developed without considering the sprinkler effect. However, most buildings are required to install sprinkler systems under the local fire regulations in many countries. Hence, most of the smoke filling time calculation models were not able to reflect the smoke layer height in a real fire.

A modified smoke filling time calculation method with sprinkler effect is presented in this paper. In addition to the theoretical analysis, a full-scale experimental program is conducted to evaluate the feasibility of the application of the model. The experimental results show that the smoke filling time of a sprinklered fire test may have a 10-20% faster smoke filling time than an unsprinklered fire test in a confined space. Besides, a new algorithm for applied light beam detectors is developed to measure the smoke layer height precisely, in this study.
Bakhtin on Teaching Style
Authors: Williams Joseph M.
Published: June 2005

Bakhtin claims that students must learn to write lively prose, but they will not until teachers have a grammar of style that links syntax to stylistic qualities such as “lively” and “creative.” It is, however, unlikely that such a grammar could be written, because particular rhetorical effects too often depend on context, perceived intention, and so on. Moreover, such a grammar will not be written until language describing a writer or a writer’s style can be translated into language describing a reader’s response. Even so, some stylistic effects can be linked to some syntactic structures, and parataxis is one of them. Bakhtin’s method of teaching—showing how the same content expressed in different ways can have contrasting rhetorical effects—is sound. Although he focuses on pedagogy, his own language suggests a larger aim: the replacement of bureaucratic language with the language of the people, perhaps even the liberalization of Soviet society.
Exothermal Characteristics and Release of Residual Monomers from Fiber-reinforced Oligomer-modified Acrylic Bone Cement
Authors: Puska Mervi A. , Lassila Lippo V.J. , Aho Allan J. , Yli-Urpo Antti , Vallittu Pekka K. , Kangasniemi Ilkka
Published: June 2005

The aim of this study is to determine the peak temperature of polymerization, the setting time and the release of residual monomers of a modified acrylic bone cement. Palacos®R, a commercial bone cement, is used as the main component. The cement is modified by adding short glass fibers and resorbable oligomer fillers, and an additional cross-linking monomer. The test specimens are classified according to the composition of the bone cement matrix (i.e., oligomer-filler, glass-fiber reinforcement, and/or cross-linking monomer). The exothermal characteristics during autopolymerization are analyzed using a transducer connected with a computer. The quantities of residual monomers were analyzed from different test groups using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The Δ T value for the oligomer filler and the glass-fiber-containing acrylic bone cement is lower than that for the unmodified bone cement (2.1±0.8 vs. 23.5±4.2°C). The addition of a cross-linking monomer, EGDMA, shortens the setting time of the autopolymerization of the unmodified bone cement (7.1±0.9min vs. 3.3 ±0.3min). The quantity of the residual monomers released is higher in the modified bone cement than that in the unmodified cement. The cement that contains glass fibers and oligomer fillers has a considerably lower exothermal peak, whereas the total quantity of residual monomers released is increased.
Review paper: Surface Modification for Bioimplants: The Role of Laser Surface Engineering
Authors: Kurella Anil , Dahotre Narendra B.
Published: June 2005

Often hard implants undergo detachment from the host tissue due to inadequate biocompatibility and poor osteointegration. Changing surface chemistry and physical topography of the surface influences biocompatibility. At present, the understanding of biocompatibility of both virgin and modified surfaces of bioimplant materials is limited and a great deal of research is being dedicated to this aspect. In view of this, the current review casts new light on research related to the surface modification of biomaterials, especially materials for prosthetic applications. A brief overview of the major surface modification techniques has been presented, followed by an in-depth discussion on laser surface modifications that have been explored so far along with those that hold tremendous potential for bioimplant applications.
Problems of Acoustic Sources Location in 3D Medium
Authors: Nesvijski Edouard
Published: June 2005

Acoustic methods have a great potential for material characterization in industries because they can evaluate fatigue and fracture of thermoplastic materials without destroying them by using special signatures of dissipated energy as active or passive acoustic signals, which are generated from materials during the service period of time or testing procedure. The most applicable acoustic methods such as acoustic emission, impact-echo, and phased-array techniques are applied to locate voids, defects or growing cracks and microcracks in structures. However, this task for three-dimensional (3D) volume structures has some specific difficulties connected with 3D source locations and has been based on different techniques of calculations. There are two main techniques, using the geometric acoustics approach, which can provide calculations of sources coordinates: the direct geometric arrays algorithm and the maximum-likelihood method. This work is devoted exclusively to the analysis of mathematic algorithms of 3D acoustic source locations using direct geometric arrays algorithm techniques.
Flow-Coupled Vibrations of Rotor and Seal
Authors: Akhmetkhanov R. , Banakh L. , Nikiforov A.
Published: June 2005

We study the flow-coupled vibrations of an unbalanced rotor and a floating sealing ring. The rotor is high speed; its operating regimes are above second critical velocity. The ring is subjected to Coulomb friction force, which prevents its motion about the casing. At rotor rotation, the intensive vibrations of rotor and floating ring take place and the hydrodynamic forces in clearance between them are dominated. Non-impact and impact regimes are revealed and the latter are very dangerous for safety. In the stationary case, the analytical solutions for impact regimes are obtained; these show that synchronous oscillations of rotor and floating ring may occur. The non-stationary oscillations during startup and shutdown are also considered. Domains for the trouble-free non-impact regimes by various rotor velocities are determined. Rotor trajectories with impacts are submitted.
Analytical and Experimental Studies on the Large Amplitude Free Vibrations of Variable-Arc-Length Beams
Authors: Pulngern T. , Chucheepsakul S. , Halling M. W.
Published: June 2005

Using the finite element method, we investigate large amplitude vibrations of horizontal variable-arc-length beams, considering the effect of large initial static sag deflections due to self-weight. The variability in beam arc-length arises from one end being pinned, and the other end being supported by a frictionless roller at a fixed distance from the pinned end. Using Lagrange’s equation of motion, the large amplitude free vibration equation of motion is derived based on the variational formulation. Included in the formulation are the energy dissipation due to large bending using the exact non-linear expression of curvature and the non-linearity arising from axial force. The non-linear eigenvalue problem is solved by the direct iteration method to obtain the beam’s non-linear frequencies and corresponding mode shapes for specified vibration amplitudes. We also present changes in the frequency of vibration as a function of amplitude, demonstrating the beam non-linearity. A more accurate solution analyzed in the frequency domain of the direct numerical integration method is adopted as an alternative solution. Large amplitude vibration experimental modal analysis was also conducted to complement the analytical results. The measured results were found to be in good agreement with those obtained from two analytical solutions.
Not Elective but Selective Affinities
Authors: Runciman W. G.
Published: June 2005

Max Weber’s ambivalent attitude to the application of the concepts of selection and adaptation to the study of cultural and social evolution is readily understandable in view of his scepticism about the reducibility of sociology to biology and his suspicion that selectionist explanations will turn out on close inspection to be either value-laden or circular. His concerns can be dispelled with the help of developments in evolutionary theory which he could not have anticipated in his lifetime but which enable the basic agenda of his sociology of religion to be reformulated in more rather than less persuasive terms. That, however, requires his metaphor of ‘elective affinities’ between religious ideas and the behaviour of ideal-typical agents to be replaced by empirically testable hypotheses linking the adaptiveness of specific religious memes to the adaptiveness of specific economic practices.
The genesis of touristic imagery
Authors: Adams Kathleen M.
Published: June 2005

Although the construction and amplification of touristically celebrated peoples’ Otherness on global mediascapes has been well documented, the genesis of touristic imagery in out of the way locales, where tourism is embryonic at best, has yet to be examined. This article explores the emergent construction of touristic imagery on the small, sporadically visited Eastern Indonesian island of Alor during the 1990s. In examining the ways in which competing images of Alorese people are sculpted by both insiders and outsiders, this article illustrates the politics and power dynamics embedded in the genesis of touristic imagery. Ultimately, I argue that even in remote locales where tourism is barely incipient, ideas and fantasies about tourism can color local politics, flavor discussions of identity and channel local actions.
‘Destinations in change’
Authors: Saarinen Jarkko
Published: June 2005

Tourism studies have for a long time been interested in tourist destinations, their identity and the changes occurring in them. In view of the ‘spatialization of social theory’ and the past discussions on locality studies in human geography, this article seeks to contribute to our understanding of research into tourist destinations and their changes. The article focuses on the conceptual nature of tourist destination and especially the processes transforming the idea of a destination, its representations and physical character as a subject of research. Tourist destinations are seen as dynamic, historical units with specific identities characterized by hegemonic and other discourses, which all produce a notion of what the destination is and represents at the time. However, there is not just one idea or discourse of destination at the time but several, possibly even conflicting ones, which emphasizes the need to consider the ethical aspects of tourism development in research.
How Far Does the United Kingdom Have a Market-Based System of Corporate Governance? A Review and Evaluation of Recent Developments in the United Kingdom
Authors: Pendleton Andrew
Published: June 2005

This article questions the extent to which UK corporate governance fits the stereotypical market model. It is argued that the UK system displays features that sit uneasily with an emphasis on markets as the primary form of governance. A web of social relationships between investors and managers complements and to some extent substitutes for market-based discipline. Thus the United Kingdom possesses characteristics of relationship or network systems as well as those of market systems. Furthermore, it is argued that, contrary to the usual inferences from an apparently dispersed structure of ownership in the United Kingdom, investors are able to exert strong control of managers. This arises from a similarity of interests between investors, and involves some explicit forms of investor co-ordination. The article concludes with some observations on the utility of the two-systems model.
The Internationalization of Corporate Healthcare: Extent and Emerging Trends
Authors: Holden Chris
Published: June 2005

This article presents the results of an investigation into the extent of internationalization among large corporations engaged in significant health-related activities. Companies included in Fortune magazine's ‘G500’ list of the world's 500 largest corporations (by sales) were analyzed for health-related activities. Those with significant health-related activities were allocated to categories within a typology of health-related businesses. This typology is composed of five key categories: providers of services to the end consumer; producers of goods; suppliers of services to state or private providers; insurance and managed care companies; and firms involved in the construction, maintenance or ownership of premises. Direct providers of health services were the least internationalized category of health-related business, whilst producers of goods and suppliers of services were the most internationalized. The article discusses the reasons why this is the case, and concludes that internationalization among direct providers of health services is likely to increase over time.
Global Corporate Citizenship: What Does it Mean?
Authors: Thompson Grahame F.
Published: June 2005

This article investigates the relationship between corporate social responsibility and a phrase that is fast becoming a preferred description of much the same thing but now set in an international context, namely global corporate citizenship. It is argued that the distinction between these two has not been clearly enough made in the literature. In clarifying the difference, the political nature of the idea of citizenship is focused upon and the politics of introducing triple-line considerations into the activity of transnational corporations is explored. An engagement with a wide range of civil society actors by corporations to further the ‘ethical’ agenda, a reconsideration of ‘corporate democracy’ in an international context, and the idea of a ‘progressive capitalist’ group of companies that might spear-head genuine corporate citizenship are concentrated upon in this assessment. Finally, the politics of an alliance for global corporate citizenship is broached that would take companies well beyond the limited agenda of just noting and attending to their social and environmental responsibilities.
Discovery of the photosynthetic relatives of the "Maltese mushroom" Cynomorium
Authors: Nickrent Daniel L , Der Joshua P , Anderson Frank E
Published: June 2005

Background

Although recent molecular phylogenetic studies have identified the photosynthetic relatives of several enigmatic holoparasitic angiosperms, uncertainty remains for the last parasitic plant order, Balanophorales, often considered to include two families, Balanophoraceae and Cynomoriaceae. The nonphotosynthetic (holoparasitic) flowering plantCynomorium coccineumhas long been known to the Muslim world as "tarthuth" and to Europeans as the "Maltese mushroom";C. songaricumis known in Chinese medicine as "suo yang." Interest in these plants is increasing and they are being extensively collected from wild populations for use in herbal medicines.

Results

Here we report molecular phylogenetic analyses of nuclear ribosomal DNA and mitochondrialmatRsequence data that strongly support the independent origin of Balanophoraceae and Cynomoriaceae. Analyses of single gene and combined gene data sets placeCynomoriumin Saxifragales, possibly near Crassulaceae (stonecrop family). Balanophoraceae appear related to Santalales (sandalwood order), a position previously suggested from morphological characters that are often assumed to be convergent.

Conclusion

Our work shows thatCynomoriumand Balanophoraceae are not closely related as indicated in all past and present classifications. Thus, morphological features, such as inflorescences bearing numerous highly reduced flowers, are convergent and were attained independently by these two holoparasite lineages. Given the widespread harvest of wildCynomoriumspecies for herbal medicines, we here raise conservation concerns and suggest that further molecular phylogenetic work is needed to identify its photosynthetic relatives. These relatives, which will be easier to cultivate, should then be examined for phytochemical activity purported to be present in the more sensitiveCynomorium.
Inbred mouse strains C57BL/6J and DBA/2J vary in sensitivity to a subset of bitter stimuli
Authors: Boughter John D , Raghow Sandeep , Nelson Theodore M , Munger Steven D
Published: June 2005

Background

Common inbred mouse strains are genotypically diverse, but it is still poorly understood how this diversity relates to specific differences in behavior. To identify quantitative trait genes that influence taste behavior differences, it is critical to utilize assays that exclusively measure the contribution of orosensory cues. With a few exceptions, previous characterizations of behavioral taste sensitivity in inbred mouse strains have generally measured consumption, which can be confounded by post-ingestive effects. Here, we used a taste-salient brief-access procedure to measure taste sensitivity to eight stimuli characterized as bitter or aversive in C57BL/6J (B6) and DBA/2J (D2) mice.

Results

B6 mice were more sensitive than D2 mice to a subset of bitter stimuli, including quinine hydrochloride (QHCl), 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP), and MgCl2. D2 mice were more sensitive than B6 mice to the bitter stimulus raffinose undecaacetate (RUA). These strains did not differ in sensitivity to cycloheximide (CYX), denatonium benzoate (DB), KCl or HCl.

Conclusion

B6-D2 taste sensitivity differences indicate that differences in consumption of QHCl, PROP, MgCl2 and RUA are based on immediate orosensory cues, not post-ingestive effects. The absence of a strain difference for CYX suggests that polymorphisms in a T2R-type taste receptor shown to be differentially sensitive to CYX in vitro are unlikely to differentially contribute to the CYX behavioral response in vivo. The results of these studies point to the utility of these common mouse strains and their associated resources for investigation into the genetic mechanisms of taste.
Modulation of p53 activity by IκBα: Evidence suggesting a common phylogeny between NF-κB and p53 transcription factors
Authors: Dreyfus David H , Nagasawa Masayuki , Gelfand Erwin W , Ghoda Lucy Y
Published: June 2005

Background

In this work we present evidence that the p53 tumor suppressor protein and NF-κB transcription factors could be related through common descent from a family of ancestral transcription factors regulating cellular proliferation and apoptosis. P53 is a homotetrameric transcription factor known to interact with the ankyrin protein 53BP2 (a fragment of the ASPP2 protein). NF-κB is also regulated by ankyrin proteins, the prototype of which is the IκB family. The DNA binding sequences of the two transcription factors are similar, sharing 8 out of 10 nucleotides. Interactions between the two proteins, both direct and indirect, have been noted previously and the two proteins play central roles in the control of proliferation and apoptosis.

Results

Using previously published structure data, we noted a significant degree of structural alignment between p53 and NF-κB p65. We also determined that IκBα and p53 bind in vitro through a specific interaction in part involving the DNA binding region of p53, or a region proximal to it, and the amino terminus of IκBα independently or cooperatively with the ankyrin 3 domain of IκBα In cotransfection experiments, κBα could significantly inhibit the transcriptional activity of p53. Inhibition of p53-mediated transcription was increased by deletion of the ankyrin 2, 4, or 5 domains of IκBα Co-precipitation experiments using the stably transfected ankyrin 5 deletion mutant of κBα and endogenous wild-type p53 further support the hypothesis that p53 and IκBα can physically interact in vivo.

Conclusion

The aggregate results obtained using bacterially produced IκBα and p53 as well as reticulocyte lysate produced proteins suggest a correlation between in vitro co-precipitation in at least one of the systems and in vivo p53 inhibitory activity. These observations argue for a mechanism involving direct binding of IκBα to p53 in the inhibition of p53 transcriptional activity, analogous to the inhibition of NF-κB by κBα and p53 by 53BP2/ASPP2. These data furthermore suggest a role for ankyrin proteins in the regulation of p53 activity. Taken together, the NFκB and p53 proteins share similarities in structure, DNA binding sites and binding and regulation by ankyrin proteins in support of our hypothesis that the two proteins share common descent from an ancestral transcriptional factor.
The presence of the proteolysis-inducing factor in urine does not predict the malignancy of a pancreatic tumour
Authors: Teich Niels , Kleeff Jörg , Lochs Herbert , Mössner Joachim , Keim Volker , Friess Helmut , Ockenga Johann
Published: June 2005

Background

The proteolysis-inducing factor (PIF) was identified as a tumour product in various gastrointestinal cancers. A previous study in pancreatic cancer patients suggested PIF expression as a tumour marker, which is not related to tumour size. We hypothesized that PIF could be a useful marker to exclude benign pancreatic tumors, as chronic pancreatitis with a pancreatic mass.

Methods

Urine of patients with a pancreatic mass of uncertain malignancy was investigated for PIF expression by Western blot. Sufficient urine protein for analysis was available in 59 patients. The diagnosis was established by histology in 54 patients and by follow up in five patients with chronic pancreatitis. In addition, serum CA19-9 was measured.

Results

The sensitivity (specifity) for the detection of a malignant pancreatic tumour was 90% (75%) and 54% (71%) for CA19-9 and PIF, respectively. The sensitivity (specifity) for the distinction of pancreatic cancer from chronic pancreatitis was 89% (80%) and 57% (63%) for CA19-9 and PIF, respectively.

Conclusion

Evaluation of PIF in urine is of no diagnostic value in patients with a pancreatic mass of unknown malignancy.
Insufficient neutralization in testing a chlorhexidine-containing ethanol-based hand rub can result in a false positive efficacy assessment
Authors: Kampf Günter , Shaffer Marc , Hunte Corrine
Published: June 2005

Background

Effective neutralization in testing hand hygiene preparations is considered to be a crucial element to ensure validity of the test results, especially with the difficulty to neutralize chlorhexidine gluconate. Aim of the study was to measure the effect of chemical neutralization under practical test conditions according to EN 1500.

Methods

We have investigated two ethanol-based hand rubs (product A, based on 61% ethanol and 1% chlorhexidine gluconate; product B, based on 85% ethanol). The efficacy of products (application of 3 ml for 30 s) was compared to 2-propanol 60% (v/v) (two 3 ml rubs of 30 s each) on hands artificially contaminated with Escherichia coli using a cross-over design with 15 volunteers. Pre-values were obtained by rubbing fingertips for 1 minute in liquid broth. Post-values were determined by sampling immediately after disinfection in liquid broth with and without neutralizers (0.5% lecithin, 4% polysorbate 20).

Results

The neutralizers were found to be effective and non-toxic. Without neutralization in the sampling fluid, the reference disinfection reduced the test bacteria by 3.7 log10, product B by 3.3 log10 and product A by 4.8 log10 (P = 0.001; ANOVA). With neutralization the reference disinfection reduced the test bacteria by 3.5 log10, product B by 3.3 log10 and product A by 2.7 log10 (P = 0.011; ANOVA). In comparison to the reference treatment Product B lead to a lower mean reduction than the reference disinfection but the difference was not significant (P > 0.1; Wilcoxon-Wilcox test). Without neutralizing agents in the sampling fluid, product A yielded a significantly higher reduction of test bacteria (4.8; P = 0.02) as compared to the situation with neutralizing agents (2.7; P = 0.033).

Conclusion

The crucial step of neutralization lies in the sampling fluid itself in order to stop any residual bacteriostatic or bactericidal activity immediately after the application of the preparation, especially with chlorhexidine gluconate-containing preparations. This is particularly important at short application times such as the 30 s.