bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of antioxidant and radical scavenging activity of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L. Family Lamiaceae) assayed by different methodologies
Authors: Gülçin İlhami , Elmastaş Mahfuz , Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y.
Published: January 2007

The antioxidant properties of plants have been investigated, in the light of recent scientific developments, throughout the world due to their potent pharmacological activities and food viability. Basil (Ocimum basilicum L. Family Lamiaceae) is used as a kitchen herb and as an ornamental plant in house gardens. In the present study, the possible radical scavenging and antioxidant activity of the water (WEB) and ethanol extracts (EEB) of basil was investigated using different antioxidant methodologies: 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, scavenging of superoxide anion radical‐generated non‐enzymatic system, ferric thiocyanate method, reducing power, hydrogen peroxide scavenging and metal chelating activities. Experiments revealed that WEB and EEB have an antioxidant effects which are concentration‐dependent. The total antioxidant activity was performed according to the ferric thiocyanate method. At the 50 µg/mL concentration, the inhibition effects of WEB and EEB on peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion were found to be 94.8% and 97.5%, respectively. On the other hand, the percentage inhibition of a 50 µg/mL concentration of BHA, BHT and α‐tocopherol was found to be 97.1%, 98.5% and 70.4% inhibition of peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion, respectively. In addition, WEB and EEB had effective DPPH radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, reducing power and metal chelating activities. Additionally, these various antioxidant activities were compared with BHA, BHT and α‐tocopherol as reference antioxidants. The additional total phenolic content of these basil extracts was determined as the gallic acid equivalent and were found to be equivalent. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid protein identification using a disposable on‐line clean‐up/concentrating device and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Tsai Chu‐Yun , Pai Pei‐Jing , Ho Yi‐Hsin , Lu Jyh‐Feng , Wang Jinn‐Shyan , Lin Wann‐Yin , Her Guor‐Rong
Published: January 2007

A simple, low‐cost, expedient method has been developed for identification of proteins isolated from two‐dimensional (2D) gels. The method described uses a disposable on‐line clean‐up device, a syringe infusion pump and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS). The on‐line clean‐up and concentrating device is a tapered capillary column filled with 1.5 cm of 5 µm C18 particles. The short column was easily prepared and was connected directly to the ESI source through a low‐flow ESI sprayer. Peptides resulting from enzymatic digestion of proteins were eluted from the short column isocratically using a syringe infusion pump and analyzed by ESI‐MS. This simple set‐up was found useful in the analysis of proteins isolated from 2D gels. Compared to the more conventional micro‐liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (µLC/MS/MS), this method can identify proteins rapidly without the need for an HPLC pump and removes the problem of cross‐contamination caused by system carryover. These advantages make the method described competitive with conventional LC/MS even though the latter method gives slightly expanded sequence coverage. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A rapid method for quantitatively estimating metabolites in human plasma in the absence of synthetic standards using a combination of liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and radiometric detection
Authors: Yu ChungPing , Chen Cathy L. , Gorycki Frances L. , Neiss Thomas G.
Published: January 2007

An approach to estimating the levels of drug‐related metabolites in human plasma in the absence of synthesized chemical standards has been developed. High‐performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) in combination with radiometric detection was used in this method. Biologically derived [14C] metabolites from preclinical in vitro and in vivo matrices are used as [14C] metabolite standards and their concentrations in matrices are calculated based on the corresponding radioactivity. The amount of drug‐related metabolites in human plasma samples can be estimated by determining relative MS responses of metabolites between plasma and [14C] metabolite standards, and using the calculated concentrations of metabolite standards as calibrants. An example for the estimation of metabolites in human plasma was used to demonstrate the utility of this methodology. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Issues in applied statistics for public health bioterrorism surveillance using multiple data streams: research needs
Authors: Rolka Henry , Burkom Howard , Cooper Gregory F. , Kulldorff Martin , Madigan David , Wong Weng‐Keen
Published: January 2007

The objective of this report is to provide a basis to inform decisions about priorities for developing statistical research initiatives in the field of public health surveillance for emerging threats. Rapid information system advances have created a vast opportunity of secondary data sources for information to enhance the situational and health status awareness of populations. While the field of medical informatics and initiatives to standardize healthcare‐seeking encounter records continue accelerating, it is necessary to adapt analytic and statistical methodologies to mature in sync with sibling information science technologies. One major right‐of‐passage for statistical inference is to advance the optimal application of analytic methodologies for using multiple data streams in detecting and characterizing public health population events of importance. This report first describes the problem in general and the data context, then delineates more specifically the practical nature of the problem and the related issues. Approaches currently applied to data with time‐series, statistical process control and traditional inference concepts are described with examples in the section on Statistics and the Role of the Analytic Surveillance Data Monitor. These are the techniques that are providing substance to surveillance professionals and enabling use of multiple data streams. The next section describes use of a more complex approach that takes temporal as well as spatial dimensions into consideration for detection and situational awareness regarding event distributions. The space–time statistic has successfully been used to detect and track public health events of interest. Important research questions which are summarized at the end of this report are described in more detail with respect to the methodological application in the respective sections. This was thought to help elucidate the research requirements as summarized later in the report. Following the description of the space–time scan statistical application; this report extends to a less traditional area of promise given what has been observed in recent application of analytic methods. Bayesian networks (BNs) represent a conceptual step with advantages of flexibility for the public health surveillance community. Progression from traditional to the more extending statistical concepts in the context of the dynamic status quo of responsibility and challenge, leads to a conclusion consisting of categorical research needs. The report is structured by design to inform judgment about how to build on practical systems to achieve better analytic outcomes for public health surveillance. There are references to research issues throughout the sections with a summarization at the end, which also includes items previously unmentioned in the report. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stem‐cutting size of kola (Cola indica)
Authors: Famaye AO , Oloyede AA , Adeyemi EA
Published: January 2007

Propagation success of stem cuttings of kola (Cola indica) was assessed with four node levels, with or without hormone treatment. Hormone treatment was not beneficial. The three‐node cuttings (without hormone) gave the highest rooting success. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
OEIS complex: prenatal ultrasound and autopsy findings
Authors: Ben‐Neriah Z. , Withers S. , Thomas M. , Toi A. , Chong K. , Pai A. , Velscher L. , Vero S. , Keating S. , Taylor G. , Chitayat D.
Published: January 2007

Objective

To describe prenatal ultrasound and autopsy findings in fetuses with OEIS (omphalocele, bladder exstrophy, imperforate anus, spina bifida) complex.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of the nine cases with OEIS complex diagnosed at our center using detailed fetal ultrasound during the last 10 years. We summarized the fetal ultrasound findings that led to the diagnosis and compared them with the autopsy results.

Results

All affected fetuses were diagnosed using detailed fetal ultrasound after 16 weeks' gestation. The main prenatal findings were omphalocele, skin‐covered lumbosacral neural tube defect, non‐visualized bladder and limb defects. Prenatal sonography failed to detect the abnormal genitalia, bladder exstrophy and anal atresia. All cases had abnormalities in a ‘diaper distribution’, which helped in making the prenatal diagnosis. Eight of the nine couples chose to terminate the pregnancies following multidisciplinary counseling. The pregnancy that was continued was a case with dizygotic twins discordant for OEIS, and the affected fetus died in utero.

Conclusions

The combination of the following ultrasound findings: ventral wall defect, spinal defect and a non‐visualized bladder with or without limb defects, are characteristic of OEIS complex. Diagnosis can be made with confidence as early as 16 weeks' gestation, although earlier diagnosis may be possible. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of lysozyme on plasma membranes of liver and heart cells: Lectin binding assay
Authors: Mikaelyan M.V. , Poghosyan G.G. , Stepanyan I.E. , Gasparyan V.K.
Published: January 2007

Lectin binding assay was applied to polyacrylamide slices to study the effects of lysozyme on carbohydrate profile of plasma membranes from liver and heart tissues. The investigations were carried out on polyacrylamide slices immobilized with wheat germ agglutinin or Concanavalin A. It was shown that lysozyme changes the carbohydrate profile of plasma membranes of liver and heart cells.
Effects of taxol treatment on the microtubular system and mitochondria of Tetrahymena
Authors: Kovács P. , Csaba G. , Pállinger Éva , Czaker Renate
Published: January 2007

Complex investigation was done using immunocytochemical confocal microscopy, electron microscopy and flow cytometry on the effect of taxol to the microtubular arrangement and dynamics. The most interesting phenomenon was the rapid disappearance of transversal microtubule bands, while longitudinal microtubule bands remained and were submitted to the known effects of taxol. There was a broad variation in mitochondrial effect, some of them remained normal, while others swollen, desintegrated and their tubules disoriented. Treatment with 50 nM taxol significantly reduced the binding of anti α‐tubulin antibody and a lesser degree anti‐acetylated tubulin antibody. The difference between the transversal and longitudinal microtubules is emphasized by the results and the paper discusses the possibilities of indirect effects of taxol to the transversal microtubules (tubulin‐GTP interaction, faster turnover, mitochondrial interaction). Polyglutamylation of tubulin has not a role in this difference.
Must a cause be really related to its effect? The analogy between divine and libertarian agent causality
Authors: GRANT W. MATTHEWS
Published: January 2007

According to a classical teaching, God is not really related to creatures even by virtue of creating them. Some have objected that this teaching makes unintelligible the claim that God causally accounts for the universe, since God would be the same whether the universe existed or not. I defend the classical teaching, showing how the doctrine is implied by a popular cosmological argument, showing that the objection to it would also rule out libertarian agent causality, and showing that the objection rests on an account of causality and sufficient reason that we have good reason to reject.
The necessity of the present and Anselm's eternalist response to the problem of theological fatalism
Authors: ROGERS KATHERIN A.
Published: January 2007

It is often argued that the eternalist solution to the freedom/foreknowledge dilemma fails. If God's knowledge of your choices is eternally fixed, your choices are necessary and cannot be free. Anselm of Canterbury proposes an eternalist view which entails that all of time is equally real and truly present to God. God's knowledge of your choices entails only a ‘consequent’ necessity which does not conflict with libertarian freedom. I argue this by showing that if consequent necessity does conflict with libertarian freedom then God's knowledge in the present would conflict with the freedom of a present choice. Absurd.
Sceptical theism and moral scepticism
Authors: SCHNALL IRA M.
Published: January 2007

Several theists have adopted a position known as ‘sceptical theism’, according to which God is justified in allowing suffering, but the justification is often beyond human comprehension. A problem for sceptical theism is that if there are unknown justifications for suffering, then we cannot know whether it is right for a human being to relieve suffering. After examining several proposed solutions to this problem, I conclude that one who is committed to a revealed religion has a simpler and more effective solution. In particular, according to traditional Judaism, God has permitted us, indeed commanded us, to relieve suffering, so we know that it is right for us to do so. I further show how God's command, according to Judaism, that we save lives provides an answer to an analogous argument put forward by David Hume. Thus, revealed theistic religions can sometimes solve problems more effectively than theism alone.
The logic of mystery
Authors: BOYER STEVEN D.
Published: January 2007

This paper proposes an analytical taxonomy of ‘mystery’ based upon what makes a mystery mysterious. I begin by distinguishing mysteries that depend on what we do not know (e.g. detective fiction) from mysteries that depend on what we do know (e.g. religious mysteries). Then I distinguish three possible grounds for the latter type. The third and most provocative ground offers a mathematical analogy for how rational reflection can be appropriate to mystery without compromising its intrinsically mysterious character. I conclude with reflections on the metaphysical presuppositions that this understanding of mystery requires.
Nonlinear controllers for underactuated cooperative manipulators
Authors: Siqueira A. A. G. , Terra M. H.
Published: January 2007

In this paper, two nonlinear $\mathcal{H}_{\infty}$ control techniques are used to solve the position control problem of underactuated cooperative manipulators. The first technique consists in representing the nonlinear system in a quasi-linear parameter varying form and the solution is given in terms of linear matrix inequalities. The second technique gives an explicit solution to the cooperative manipulators $\mathcal{H}_{\infty}$ control problem. The control of the squeeze force between the manipulator end-effectors and the object is also evaluated. Results obtained from an actual cooperative manipulator, which is able to work as a fully actuated and an underactuated manipulator, are presented.
Modelling the epidemiology and transmission of Verocytotoxin-producingEscherichia coliserogroups O26 and O103 in two different calf cohorts
Authors: LIU W.-C. , SHAW D. J. , MATTHEWS L. , HOYLE D. V. , PEARCE M. C. , YATES C. M. , LOW J. C. , AMYES S. G. B. , GUNN G. J. , WOOLHOUSE M. E. J.
Published: January 2007

Mathematical models are constructed to investigate the population dynamics of Verocytotoxin-producingEscherichia coli(VTEC) serogroups O26 and O103 in two different calf cohorts. We compare the epidemiological characteristics of these two serogroups within the same calf cohort as well as the same serogroups between the two calf cohorts. The sources of infection are quantified for both calf cohort studies. VTEC serogroups O26 and O103 mainly differ in the rate at which calves acquire infection from sources other than infected calves, while infected calves typically remain infectious for less than 1 week regardless of the serogroups. Fewer than 20% of VTEC-positive samples are the result of calf-to-calf transmission. PFGE typing data are available for VTEC-positive samples to further subdivide the serogroup data in one of the two calf cohort studies. For serogroup O26 but not O103, there is evidence for unequal environmental exposure to infection with different PFGE types.
The magnitude and distribution of infectious intestinal disease in Malta: a population-based study
Authors: GAUCI C. , GILLES H. , O'BRIEN S. , MAMO J. , STABILE I. , RUGGERI F. M. , GATT A. , CALLEJA N. , SPITERI G.
Published: January 2007

Routine sources of information on infectious intestinal disease (IID) capture a fraction of the actual disease burden. Population studies are required to measure the burden of illness. A retrospective age-stratified cross-sectional telephone study was carried out in Malta in order to estimate the magnitude and distribution of IID at population level. A random sample of 3504 persons was interviewed by a structured questionnaire between April 2004 and December 2005. The response rate was 99·7%. From the study, the observed standardized monthly prevalence was 3·18% (95% CI 0·7–5·74) with 0·421 (95% CI 0·092–0·771) episodes of IID per person per year. The monthly prevalence was higher in the <5 years age group and in females aged 31–44 years. The mean duration of illness was 6·8 days and a median duration of 3 days. A bimodal seasonal distribution was observed with peaks in June–July and October–November.
Control of Spasticity in a Multiple Sclerosis Model is mediated by CB1, not CB2, Cannabinoid Receptors
Authors: Pryce G , Baker D
Published: January 2007

Background and Purpose:

There is increasing evidence to suggest that cannabis can ameliorate muscle‐spasticity in multiple sclerosis, as was objectively shown in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis models. The purpose of this study was to investigate further the involvement of CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the control of experimental spasticity.

Experimental approach:

Spasticity was induced in wildtype and CB1‐deficient mice following the development of relapsing, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Spastic‐hindlimb stiffness was measured by the resistance to flexion against a strain gauge following the administration of CB1 and CB2 agonists.

Key Results:

As previously suggested, some CB2‐selective agonists (RWJ400065) could inhibit spasticity. Importantly, however, the anti‐spastic activity of RWJ400065 and the therapeutic effect of non‐selective CB1/CB2 agonists (R(+)WIN55,212–2 and CP55, 940) was lost in spastic, CB1‐deficit mice.

Conclusions and Implications:

The CB1 receptor controls spasticity and cross‐reactivity to this receptor appears to account for the therapeutic action of some CB2 agonists. As cannabinoid‐induced psychoactivity is also mediated by the CB1 receptor, it will be difficult to truly dissociate the therapeutic effects from the well‐known, adverse effects of cannabinoids when using cannabis as a medicine. The lack of knowledge on the true diversity of the cannabinoid system coupled with the lack of total specificity of current cannabinoid reagents makes interpretation of in vivo results difficult, if using a purely pharmacological approach. Gene knockout technology provides an important tool in target validation and indicates that the CB1 receptor is the main cannabinoid target for an anti‐spastic effect.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 519–525. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707003
Pharmacological characterization and CNS effects of a novel highly selectiveα2C‐adrenoceptor antagonist JP‐1302
Authors: Sallinen J , Höglund I , Engström M , Lehtimäki J , Virtanen R , Sirviö J , Wurster S , Savola J‐M , Haapalinna A
Published: January 2007

Background and purpose:

Pharmacological validation of novel functions for the α2A‐, α2B‐, and α2C‐adrenoceptor (AR) subtypes has been hampered by the limited specificity and subtype‐selectivity of available ligands. The current study describes a novel highly selective α2C‐adrenoceptor antagonist, JP‐1302 (acridin‐9‐yl‐[4‐(4‐methylpiperazin‐1‐yl)‐phenyl]amine).

Experimental approach:

Standardin vitrobinding and antagonism assays were employed to demonstrate the α2C‐AR specificity of JP‐1302. In addition, JP‐1302 was tested in the forced swimming test (FST) and the prepulse‐inhibition of startle reflex (PPI) model because mice with genetically altered α2C‐adrenoceptors have previously been shown to exhibit different reactivity in these tests when compared to wild‐type controls.

Key results:

JP‐1302 displayed antagonism potencies (KBvalues) of 1,500, 2,200 and 16 nM at the human α2A‐, α2B‐, and α2C‐adrenoceptor subtypes, respectively. JP‐1302 produced antidepressant and antipsychotic‐like effects,i.e.it effectively reduced immobility in the FST and reversed the phencyclidine‐induced PPI deficit. Unlike the α2‐subtype non‐selective antagonist atipamezole, JP‐1302 was not able to antagonize α2‐agonist–induced sedation (measured as inhibition of spontaneous locomotor activity), hypothermia, α2‐agonist‐induced mydriasis or inhibition of vas deferens contractions, effects that have been generally attributed to the α2A‐adrenoceptor subtype. In contrast to JP‐1302, atipamezole did not antagonize the PCP‐induced prepulse‐inhibition deficit.

Conclusions and implications:

The results provide further support for the hypothesis that specific antagonism of the α2C‐adrenoceptor may have therapeutic potential as a novel mechanism for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)150, 391–402. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707005
JP‐1302: a new tool to shed light on the roles ofα2C‐adrenoceptors in brain
Authors: Tricklebank M D
Published: January 2007

The discovery of JP‐1302 as a selective, high affinity antagonist at theα2C‐adrenoceptor will enable researchers to probe the functional role and address the therapeutic utility of this potentially highly important adrenoceptor subtype.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)150, 381–382. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707007
Statins induce S1P1 receptors and enhance endothelial nitric oxide production in response to high‐density lipoproteins
Authors: Igarashi J , Miyoshi M , Hashimoto T , Kubota Y , Kosaka H
Published: January 2007

Background and purpose:

Sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) is a serum‐borne naturally occurring sphingolipid, specifically enriched in high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) fractions. S1P binds to G‐protein‐coupled S1P1 receptors to activate endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) in vascular endothelial cells. We explored whether and how statins, 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase inhibitors, modulate expression of S1P1 receptors and endothelial responses for subsequent stimulation with S1P or with HDL.

Experimental approach:

Protein expression and phosphorylation and mRNA expression in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) were determined using immunoblots and reverse transcription PCR analyses, respectively. NO synthesis was assessed as nitrite production.

Key results:

Stimulation of BAEC with pitavastatin or atorvastatin led to significant increases in S1P1‐receptors, at levels of protein and mRNA, in a dose‐dependent manner. When BAEC were treated with pitavastatin prior to stimulation with S1P or with normal human HDL, phosphorylation and activation of eNOS evoked by S1P or by HDL was enhanced. These effects of statins were counteracted by L‐mevalonate and were mimicked by an inhibitor of geranylgeranyl transferase I, suggesting that inhibition of HMG‐CoA reductase activity and subsequent decreases in protein geranylgeranylation may contribute to these actions of statins. Specific knock down of S1P1 receptors by small interfering RNA led to attenuation of eNOS responses to HDL.

Conclusions and implications:

Statins induce S1P1 receptors and potentiate responses of endothelial cells to HDL‐associated sphingolipids, identifying a novel aspect of the pleiotropic actions of statins through which they may exert NO‐dependent vascular protective effects.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 470–479. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707114
Involvement of Na+–Ca2+exchanger in cAMP‐mediated relaxation in mice aorta: Evaluation using transgenic mice
Authors: Karashima E , Nishimura J , Iwamoto T , Hirano K , Hirano M , Kita S , Harada M , Kanaide H
Published: January 2007

Background and purpose:

Although vascular smooth muscle cells are known to express the Na+–Ca2+exchanger (NCX), its functional role has remained unclear, mainly because of its relatively low expression. We thus investigated the involvement of NCX in the mechanism for the forskolin‐induced vaso‐relaxation, using wild type (WT) and transgenic (TG) mice that specifically over‐express NCX1.3 in smooth muscle.

Experimental approach:

We examined the relaxing effect of forskolin during the pre‐contraction induced by 100 nM U46619, a thromboxane A2analogue in the mouse isolated thoracic aorta. We also measured the intracellular Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i) in fura‐PE3‐loaded aortic strips.

Key results:

The forskolin‐induced decreases in [Ca2+]iand tension were much greater in aortas from TG mice than in those from WT mice. In a low Na+solution, forskolin‐induced decreases in [Ca2+]iand tension were greatly inhibited in both groups of aortas. In WT aortas, the presence of 100 nM SEA0400, an NCX inhibitor, had only a little effect on the forskolin‐induced decreases in [Ca2+]i, but inhibited the forskolin‐induced relaxation. However, in TG aortas, the presence of SEA0400 greatly inhibited the forskolin‐induced decreases in [Ca2+]iand tension.

Conclusions and Implications:

The NCX was involved in the forskolin‐induced reduction of [Ca2+]iand tension in the mouse thoracic aorta. Measurement of [Ca2+]iand tension in aortas of the TG mouse is thus considered to be a useful tool for evaluating the role of NCX in vascular tissue.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)150, 434–444. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707119
Long‐term treatment with TGFβ1 impairs mechanotransduction in bovine aortic endothelial cells
Authors: Watanabe M , Oike M , Ohta Y , Ito Y
Published: January 2007

Background and purpose:

Vascular endothelial cells play a role in the physiological response to mechanical stress. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) induces morphological changes in endothelial cells, and this may alter their mechanosensitive responses. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of TGFβ1 on hypotonic stress (HTS)‐induced responses in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs).

Experimental approach:

Cultured BAECs were treated with 3 ng ml‐1 TGFβ1 for 24 h (24h‐TGFβ1) or 7 days (7d‐TGFβ1). Cytosolic actin fibres were stained with rhodamine‐phalloidin. Intracellular Ca2+ concentration was measured using fura2. Tyrosine phosphorylation and RhoA expression were assessed by Western blotting. Expression of RhoA mRNA was assessed by real‐time PCR.

Key results:

BAECs developed pseudopod‐like processes within 24 h and showed a fibroblast‐like appearance after 7 days. HTS induced Ca2+ transients via endogenous ATP release in both control and 24h‐TGFβ1 BAECs but not in 7d‐TGFβ1 BAECs. We have previously shown that HTS‐induced ATP release is mediated by sequential activation of RhoA and tyrosine kinases. The basal amount of membrane‐bound RhoA was significantly lower in 7d‐TGFβ1 than in 24h‐TGFβ1 or control BAECs. HTS increased the membrane‐bound RhoA to the same fractional level in 24h‐TGFβ1 and control BAECs, but its net maximal amount was significantly lower in 7d‐TGFβ1. HTS‐induced downstream signals of RhoA activation, i.e. the tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK and paxillin, were markedly suppressed in 7d‐TGFβ1 BAECs.

Conclusions and Implications:

These results indicate that long‐term treatment with TGFβ1 does not impair mechanoreception in BAECs but impairs mechanotransduction by affecting RhoA membrane translocation.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 424–433. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707123
For Gentrification?
Authors: Butler Tim
Published: January 2007

In this paper I argue that gentrification, despite the many arguments over its continuing validity as a concept, retains its key importance in understanding processes of class change. For some it is a process of colonising the city, for others a manifestation of belonging; for some the concept can be used as a radical critique of neoliberalism whilst for others this very critique is an exemplar of the hegemonising tendencies amongst (often radical) North American urban scholars. I argue that the concept has grown somewhat middle-aged and overendowed with its own history. I suggest that it needs to retain a focus on the implications of macro social change for individuals and social groups. In particular, gentrification needs to decouple itself from its original association with the deindustrialisation of metropolitan centres such as London and from its associations with working-class displacement. Recently, gentrification has occurred across the spatial scale—in second-order cities and in hitherto suburban locations as well as in the countryside. Processes such as ‘greentrification’, ‘gated communities’, and ‘studentification’ often coexist in quite close proximity to each other; the influence London exerts over the southern half of England is a good example of this. I argue that the concept of gentrification functions as an important way of understanding the mediations between global processes and flows, on the one hand, and the construction of identities in particular localities, on the other. With the decline of social class as providing an overall explanation of cultural, social, and spatial behaviour, this notion of gentrification as a form of ‘elective belonging’ has considerable potential for uniting geographical and sociological approaches to agency and structure. I illustrate this by drawing on three recent studies on the relationship between people and places.
Studentification and ‘Apprentice’ Gentrifiers within Britain's Provincial Towns and Cities: Extending the Meaning of Gentrification
Authors: Smith Darren P , Holt Louise
Published: January 2007

This paper focuses on processes of studentification, and explores the link between higher education students and contemporary provincial gentrification. The paper provides two main, interconnected, contributions to advance debates on gentrification. First, the discussion appeals for wider temporal analyses of the lifecourses of gentrifiers to trace the formation and reconfiguration of the cultural and residential predilections of gentrifiers across time and space. With this in mind, it is argued that there is a need to rethink the role of students within the constraints of third-wave gentrification, and to consider how ‘student experiences’ may influence the current and future residential geographies of young gentrifiers within provincial urban locations. Drawing upon recent studies of studentification, it is asserted that this profound expression of urban change is indicative of gentrification. Second, the paper advances Clark's recent call to extend the term gentrification to embrace the wider dominant hallmarks and tendencies of urban transformations. Controversially, in light of a deepening institutionalisation of gentrification, we contend that gentrification can be most effectively employed at a revised conceptual level to act as a referent of the common outcomes of a breadth of processes of change.
The Metropolitan Habitus: Its Manifestations, Locations, and Consumption Profiles
Authors: Webber Richard
Published: January 2007

Geographers and sociologists have recognised the emergence of new variants of the middle-class neighbourhood characterised by a strong focus on the development of human capital, a high level of connectedness to global networks, and a strong sense of identity based on aesthetics and taste. Such neighbourhoods are typically associated with the inner areas of ‘metropolitan’ centres and, according to Bourdieu, are manifestations of ‘milieux’ in which residents increasingly use taste as a basis for the ascription and enjoyment of status by way of contrast to residents in neighbourhoods in ‘suburban’, ‘provincial’, and ‘small-town’ settings where status continues to derive primarily from occupation and/or the ownership of key consumer products. This paper explores the extent to which qualitative evidence for the existence of these different milieux can be supported by quantitative evidence, using classifications of residential neighbourhoods originally developed by commercial organisations to assist marketers target the promotion of consumer products. The paper uses a study by Peter Hall, which locates urban centres in England and Wales on a central place hierarchy, to differentiate those types of middle-class neighbourhood whose location is characteristically inner metropolitan from those principally associated with suburban and/or small-town locations. These types of neighbourhood are then contrasted in terms of their residents' role within the urban system, in terms of their spatial distribution, and in terms of their consumption of products and media. Results from similar classification schemes developed in other countries are used to evaluate the extent to which these types of metropolitan habitus are characteristic of other advanced industrial societies.
Beyond Gentrification: The Demographic Reurbanisation of Bologna
Authors: Buzar Stefan , Hall Ray , Ogden Philip E
Published: January 2007

It has recently come into question whether the term ‘gentrification’ can capture the wide array of contemporary demographic processes in the inner city. There is also a need to extend the gentrification debate beyond the Anglo-American context, while understanding the urban implications of contemporary demographic processes. In response to such challenges we examine the changing population geographies of the city of Bologna, with the aim of establishing, whether the concept of ‘reurbanisation’ can provide a more useful encapsulation of its recent sociospatial transformations. Upon investigating the spatial patterns and movements of relevant population structures at various scales within the city, we have found that Bologna is the site of multifaceted and multidirectional demographic trends. In their entirety, these dynamics are leading to the social diversification, ‘residentialisation’, and fragmentation of the urban fabric. Such processes cannot be subsumed under the notion of gentrification because they do not involve major housing renovation and are spread throughout the inner city in a diffused and fragmented manner. ‘Reurbanisation’ is a more appropriate term to describe them.
Designer Neighbourhoods: New-Build Residential Development in Nonmetropolitan UK Cities—The Case of Bristol
Authors: Boddy Martin
Published: January 2007

New-build city-centre residential development in the UK has increasingly been identified as a form of ‘third-wave’ or ‘postrecession’ gentrification. The aim of this paper is, first, to extend our understanding of new, developer-led, residential development in the context of nonmetropolitan urban areas in the UK, which it does by means of a case study of the city of Bristol. The second aim is to revisit the issue of whether such residential development should be seen as a form of postrecession gentrification and to question the meaning of the term ‘gentrification’ as it has been increasingly used in a global context. This discussion draws both on a detailed case study of Bristol and on a critical reading of Davidson and Lees (2005, “New build ‘gentrification’ and London's riverside renaissance”, Envronment and Planning A 37 1165–1190) account of new-build ‘gentrification’ in London's riverside. In conclusion, it is argued that these forms of residential development and investment flows reflect a powerful and complex set of processes which it is important to understand. In contrast to Davidson and Lees, however, the conclusion is also that the extension of the term ‘gentrification’ to embrace such forms of development stretches it beyond the point at which it retains utility or meaning.
Is Gentrification a Useful Paradigm to Analyse Social Changes in the Paris Metropolis?
Authors: Préteceille Edmond
Published: January 2007

The category of gentrification has only recently began to be used for the study of French cities. The process through which working-class neighbourhoods became areas of upper-middle-class residence was earlier discussed as embourgeoisement, largely referred to as state intervention and seen as the effect of the permanent preference for central locations of higher categories. The detailed empirical examination of the Paris metropolis shows that such changes have indeed been occurring steadily over the last decades, but that the largest number of neighbourhoods experiencing that change of social profile are to be found in the first ring of banlieues and not in the central city. The analysis of the social profile of gentrifiers shows that it differs substantially between areas. Three main types of processes are identified: the first is the expansion of upper-class areas into adjacent working-class neighbourhoods, with an influx mainly of private-sector professionals, managers, and engineers; the second is upward social mobility of working-class areas, spatially and socially distinct from upper-class ones; and the third, which is found in a minority of cases only, resembles more the dominant model of gentrification, with a substantial contribution of professionals in public, scientific, media, and artistic occupations.
Prevalence and causes of paediatric obesity.
Authors: Reilly J. J.
Published: January 2007

Recent estimates based on body mass index suggest that 10-20% of the paediatric population were obese in the developed world by the late 1990s. These may be conservative assessments of the extent of the paediatric obesity epidemic: secular trends in body fatness and fat distribution suggest that contemporary children and adolescents may typically be fatter than in the past, and with a more central fat distribution. This in turn suggests that lifestyle changes in children and adolescents have been pervasive. Despite its apparent physiological simplicity, aetiology of obesity is complex and remains poorly understood. Studies of energy expenditure to date have failed to confirm that low energy expenditure predisposes to obesity. More epidemiological approaches to investigating the aetiology of paediatric obesity have been limited in the past, but recent studies have been more productive, suggesting a number of aetiological or "risk" factors which are now based on reasonably sound evidence. Some of these risk factors are promising candidate behaviours for strategies aimed at obesity prevention.
SUSHI: simplifying the delivery of usage statistics
Authors: PESCH Oliver
Published: January 2007

In 2005, SUSHI became the latest buzzword in the library community. This article (and this kind of SUSHI) refers to usage data, not raw fish. The growth of online collections has resulted in libraries demanding that publishers provide detailed usage data to allow them to better manage their collections and purchases. The Project COUNTER Code of Practice was created in response to this need; however, it did not address the painstaking task of collection and management of the usage data. SUSHI is a new protocol developed to allow for automated retrieval of COUNTER usage reports from publishers and other content providers.
The impact of open access publishing (and other access initiatives) on use and users of digital scholarly journals
Authors: NICHOLAS David , HUNTINGTON Paul , JAMALI Hamid R.
Published: January 2007

Oxford University Press moved one of its most prestigious journals, Nucleic Acids Research (NAR), to a full open access (OA), author‐pays publishing model in January 2005. A deep log analysis study was carried out in order to determine the impact of this move to OA on the use and users of the journal. Surprisingly the findings showed that although there was a 143% increase in use from early 2003 to January 2005, it was search engines and robots that accounted for a high proportion of the increased use. Robots were responsible for half of sessions in the second quarter of 2005, compared to 1% in the second quarter of 2003.
Creative Commons — the other way?
Authors: SUTHERSANEN Uma
Published: January 2007

On 9 Mar 2006, the District Court of Amsterdam upheld the Creative Commons (CC) licence in relation to photographs made available for the public on an online sharing website, but subject to a Creative Commons licence. This is the first known court decision involving a Creative Common licence, not only in the European Union, but worldwide, that has held that CC licences are valid and enforceable. This paper gives a critical analysis of the reasons for the popularity of Creative Commons licences and of the basic structure of the Creative Commons licensing regime in England and Wales.
RMIT Publishing: neither fish nor fowl
Authors: WRIGHT Janette , HEARN Sara
Published: January 2007

In a time when university presses are struggling to survive and most require financial support from their parent institutions, RMIT Publishing – an electronic publisher from its inception in 1989 – has grown its annual sales from AU$2.8m in 2003 to an expected AU$6m in 2007. This 100% sales growth in five years has been achieved by RMIT Publishing's unique, context‐driven approach to electronic publishing. This approach has made RMIT Publishing the publisher of choice for Australian databases, aggregated scholarly content for the global market and now ‘born‐digital’ publications.
The healthcare advertising landscape
Authors: BRUNELLE Bette , RICHARD Chuck
Published: January 2007

A survey of the various categories of advertising spend in the United States in the healthcare market is reported upon and the position of the publishing industry within that is described.
China opening up: Chinese university journals and research — today and tomorrow
Authors: STANLEY Adrian , Shuai YAN
Published: January 2007

This paper provides a general background on China's academic publishing sector. It discusses the statistics of the sector, shows plans for future development, and offers a longer‐term view both from within and externally.
E‐prints and journal articles in astronomy: a productive co‐existence
Authors: HENNEKEN Edwin A. , KURTZ Michael J. , EICHHORN Guenther , ACCOMAZZI Alberto , GRANT Carolyn S. , THOMPSON Donna , BOHLEN Elizabeth , MURRAY Stephen S. , GINSPARG Paul , WARNER Simeon
Published: January 2007

Are the e‐prints (electronic preprints) from the arXiv repository being used instead of journal articles? We show that the e‐prints have not undermined the usage of journal papers from the four core journals in astrophysics. As soon as the journal article is published, the astronomical community prefers to read it and the use of e‐prints through the NASA Astrophysics Data System drops to zero. This suggests that most astronomers have access to institutional subscriptions and that they choose to read the journal article. In other words, the e‐prints have not undermined journal use in this community and thus currently do not pose a financial threat to publishers. Furthermore, we show that the half‐life (the point at which the use of an article drops to half the use of a newly published article) for an e‐print is shorter than for a journal paper.
Scholarly publishing funds in China
Authors: Lifang XU , Qing FANG , Xiaochuan LIAN
Published: January 2007

The paper analyses the background and the present position of scholarly publishing funds in China; it then discusses the issues faced by these funds.
Book Reviews
Authors: Blake Monica , Oppenheim Charles , Oppenheim Charles , Lambert Sue , Oppenheim Charles
Published: January 2007

A Century of Science Publishing: A Collection of Essays
Edited by E.H. Fredriksson Amsterdam: IOS Press, 2001. US$49/€44/€31

A User's Guide to Copyright, 6th
edn Michael Flint, Nick Fitzpatrick and Clive Thorne Tottell Publishing, 2006, ISBN 1845920686, 639 pp., paperback, £78

Publishing Law, 3rd edn Hugh Jones and Christopher Benson Taylor and Francis, 2006 ISBN 0 415 38427 3

Scientific Style and Format: The CSE Manual for Authors, Editors, and Publishers, 7th edn Style Manual Committee, Council of Science Editors Council of Science Editors in cooperation with The Rockefeller University Press, 2006, xvi + 659 pp. Hardback. ISBN 0‐9779665‐0‐X

The Trouble with Medical Journals Richard Smith Royal Society of Medicine, 2006, ISBN 1 85315 673 6, 292pp., £19.95
Going beyond journal classification for evaluation of research outputs
Authors: Basu Aparna , Lewison Grant
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Seeks to characterise world astronomy research during the last decade by an analysis of papers in the Science Citation Index identified with a special filter and to study Indian output in order to identify the leading institutions and authors.

Design/methodology/approach

Lists of specialist journals and title words of papers were selected to create a filter giving high precision and recall for astronomy papers. Some biology papers were erroneously retrieved because of ambiguous title words. Potential citation impact was determined from journal citation scores, and multiple regression was used to evaluate leading countries.

Findings

Title words added almost a quarter to the list of papers in specialist journals, and the final file contained over 96,000 papers. Potential impact increased with more authors per paper and more addresses; it was greater for papers from Canada, the UK and the USA, and less for papers from China, India and Russia; for other countries the effects of the author's location on potential impact were not statistically significant. Indian astronomy output has increased in potential impact, partly through greater international co‐authorship, but also through indigenous papers.

Research limitations/implications

The study was confined to one subject area, and impact was determined on the basis of journals, not of individual papers.

Practical implications

Use of title words in addition to journal lists is essential to sub‐field definition in order to have high precision and recall. Because of the confounding effects of authorship numbers, it is necessary to use multiple regression analysis in order to see whether research from a given country is significantly better or worse than average.

Originality/value

Characterises world astronomy research during the last decade by an analysis of papers in the Science Citation Index identified with a special filter.