bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An inherently stable boundary-condition-transfer algorithm for muffler analysis
Authors: Kar T. , Munjal M. L.
Published: June 2005

Wave coupling exists in the wave propagation in multiple interacting ducts within a waveguide. One may use the segmentation approach, decoupling approach, eigenvalue approach, or the matrizant approach to derive the overall transfer matrix for the muffler section with interacting ducts, and then apply the terminal boundary conditions to obtain a two-by-two transfer matrix. In such instances, a boundary condition applied to a vector is given as a linear combination of its components. Spatial dimensions along with parameters like impedance of the perforated interface may yield numerical instability during computation leading to inaccurate prediction of the acoustic performance of mufflers. Here, an inherently stable boundary-condition-transfer approach is discussed to analyze the plane wave propagation in suchlike mufflers and applied to waveguides of variable cross-sectional area. The concept of pseudo boundary conditions applied to the state vector at an intermediate point is outlined. The method is checked for self-consistency and shown to be stable even for extreme geometries.
Pitch discrimination of patterned electric stimulation
Authors: Chen Hongbin , Ishihara Yumi Christine , Zeng Fan-Gang
Published: June 2005

One reason for the poor pitch performance in current cochlear-implant users may be the highly synchronized neural firing in electric hearing that lacks stochastic properties of neural firing in normal acoustic hearing. This study used three different electric stimulation patterns, jittered, probabilistic, and auditory-model-generated pulses, to mimic some aspects of the normal neural firing pattern in acoustic hearing. Pitch discrimination was measured at standard frequencies of 100, 250, 500, and 1000Hz on three Nucleus-24 cochlear-implant users. To test the utility of the autocorrelation pitch perception model in electric hearing, one, two, and four electrodes were stimulated independently with the same patterned electric stimulation. Results showed no improvement in performance with any experimental pattern compared to the fixed-rate control. Pitch discrimination was actually worsened with the jittered pattern at low frequencies (125 and 250Hz) than that of the control, suggesting that externally introduced stochastic properties do not improve pitch perception in electric stimulation. The multiple-electrode stimulation did not improve performance but did not degrade performance either. The present results suggest that both “the right time and the right place” may be needed to restore normal pitch perception in cochlear-implant users.
Click rates and silences of sperm whales at Kaikoura, New Zealand
Authors: Douglas Lesley A. , Dawson Stephen M. , Jaquet Nathalie
Published: June 2005

Analysis of the usual click rates of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) at Kaikoura, New Zealand, confirms the potential for assessing abundance via “click counting.” Usual click rates over three dive cycles each of three photographically identified whales showed that 5min averages of usual click rate did not differ significantly within dives, among dives of the same whale or among whales. Over the nine dives (n=13728 clicks) mean usual click rate was 1.272clickss−1 (95% CI=0.151). On average, individual sperm whales at Kaikoura spent 60% of their time usual clicking in winter and in summer. There was no evidence that whale identity or stage of the dive recorded affects significantly the percentage of time spent usual clicking. Differences in vocal behavior among sperm whale populations worldwide indicate that estimates of abundance that are based on click rates need to based on data from the population of interest, rather than from another population or some global average.
On the meaning of Lamb mode nonpropagating branches
Authors: Simonetti F. , Lowe M. J. S.
Published: June 2005

The modes of vibration of an elastic plate are usually divided into propagating and nonpropagating kinds. While nonpropagating modes characterize local vibration nearby a perturbation source, which can be either an external force or a geometrical discontinuity, propagating modes carry energy along the waveguide and account for the vibration far away from the perturbation source. In this paper, by considering that the modes of an absorbing plate are always propagating, it is shown that each elastic mode consists of propagating and nonpropagating branches, which turn into a single propagating mode as soon as internal absorption is considered. Moreover, it is shown how introducing a little material damping leads to a rigorous differentiation of elastic modes when they are connected. A similar result can be obtained by loading the plate with a light fluid [Rokhlin et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 85, 1074–1080 (1989)].
Numerical simulation of an aircraft style panel excited by a random pressure field
Authors: Schiller Noah H. , Fuller Chris R. , Cabell Randolph H.
Published: June 2005

This study describes the development of a model that predicts the sound radiation from an aircraft style panel excited by a dynamic pressure field with arbitrary spatial correlation. Eventually, this model will be used to develop distributed feedback control strategies for systems with spatially correlated inputs. For this study, the input pressure field is simulated using an array of point forces on the panel. The excitation at each point is defined in the time domain using the spectral representation method [M. Shinozuka and C.-M. Jan, J. Sound Vibr. 25(1), 111–128 (1972)]. This method generates sample functions that match the spatial and temporal correlation characteristics of the desired pressure field. Three different types of excitations are considered: a turbulent boundary layer excitation, a diffuse field, and a spatially uncorrelated disturbance. This approach could be extended to a variety of other types of spatially correlated stochastic inputs as well. A convergence study is also presented to show how many point forces are required to approximate the spatial characteristics of each type of pressure field. [Work supported by NASA.]
Technique for measurement of characteristic impedance and propagation constant for porous materials
Authors: Jung Ki Won , Atchley Anthony A.
Published: June 2005

Knowledge of acoustic properties such as characteristic impedance and complex propagation constant is useful to characterize the acoustic behaviors of porous materials. Song and Bolton’s four-microphone method [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 107, 1131–1152 (2000)] is one of the most widely employed techniques. In this method two microphones are used to determine the complex pressure amplitudes for each side of a sample. Muehleisen and Beamer [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 117, 536–544 (2005)] improved upon a four-microphone method by interchanging microphones to reduce errors due to uncertainties in microphone response. In this paper, a multiple microphone technique is investigated to reconstruct the pressure field inside an impedance tube. Measurements of the acoustic properties of a material having square cross-section pores is used to check the validity of the technique. The values of characteristic impedance and complex propagation constant extracted from the reconstruction agree well with predicted values. Furthermore, this technique is used in investigating the acoustic properties of reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) in the range of 250–1100 Hz.
CHANGING OPINIONS IN A CHANGING WORLD: A NEW PERSPECTIVE IN SOCIOPHYSICS
Authors: PLUCHINO ALESSANDRO , LATORA VITO , RAPISARDA ANDREA
Published: June 2005

We propose a new model of opinion formation, the Opinion Changing Rate (OCR) model. Instead of investigating the conditions that allow consensus in a world of agents with different opinions, we study the conditions under which a group of agents with different natural tendency (rate) to change opinion can find agreement. The OCR is a modified version of the Kuramoto model, one of the simplest models for synchronization in biological systems, adapted here to a social context. By means of several numerical simulations, we illustrate the richness of the OCR model dynamics and its social implications.
SIMULATIONS OF GAS–GAS MIXING LAYERS WITH A LATTICE BOLTZMANN BINARY FLUID MODEL
Authors: McCRACKEN MICHAEL E. , ABRAHAM JOHN
Published: June 2005

Gas–gas mixing layers are important in many practical applications including transport of pollutants in smoke plumes and air–fuel mixing in combustion. In this paper, mixing layers are studied by conducting direct numerical simulations using a lattice Boltzmann model for binary fluids. The binary fluid model can simulate gases with different molecular weights. In this work, nitrogen–helium and nitrogen–nitrogen mixing layers are studied with different velocities. The computed results are compared with published experimental results and there is agreement between them within 7% for most cases.
MICROSCOPIC SPIN MODEL FOR THE STOCK MARKET WITH ATTRACTOR BUBBLING AND HETEROGENEOUS AGENTS
Authors: KRAWIECKI A.
Published: June 2005

A multi-agent spin model for changes of prices in the stock market is considered, based on the Ising-like cellular automaton with global, randomly varying in time interactions between traders. The presence of "fundamentalists" is taken into account by introducing additional term in the local field acting on each agent, dependent on the ratio between the actual stock price and its fundamental value. Numerical multi-agent as well as mean-field simulations show that for properly chosen parameters, the time series of logarithmic price returns exhibit bursting typical of volatility clustering, due to appearance of attractor bubbling in the model. Distributions of price returns show the power-law tails, and the corresponding cumulative distributions have regions of power scaling, with exponents comparable to those observed in empirical time series of stock price returns.
MATHEMATICAL DESCRIPTION OF A SIMPLE AGING MODEL
Authors: HE MINGFENG , YUE HUI
Published: June 2005

We present difference equations for the simple biological aging model, which is called Stauffer model, and obtain the corresponding expression of the exact stationary solution. Considering numerically iterated solutions to those difference equations, we find that the result of iterated simulations is similar to the simulations of Stauffer model.
MONTE CARLO SIMULATION OF ISING MODEL ON DIRECTED BARABASI–ALBERT NETWORK
Authors: SUMOUR MUNEER A. , SHABAT M. M.
Published: June 2005

The existence of spontaneous magnetization of Ising spins on directed Barabasi–Albert networks is investigated with seven neighbors, by using Monte Carlo simulations. In large systems, we see the magnetization for different temperatures T to decay after a characteristic time τ(T), which is extrapolated to diverge at zero temperature.
MULTIDIMENSIONAL CONSENSUS MODEL ON A BARABÁSI–ALBERT NETWORK
Authors: JACOBMEIER DIRK
Published: June 2005

A Consensus Model according to Deffuant on a directed Barabási–Albert network was simulated. Agents have opinions on different subjects. A multi-component subject vector was used. The opinions are discrete. The analysis concerns distribution and clusters of agents which are in agreement with the opinions of the subjects. Remarkable results shown that there mostly exists no absolute consensus. It depends on the ratio of number of agents to the number of subjects, whether the communication ends in a consensus or a pluralism. Mostly a second robust cluster remains, in its size depending on the number of subjects. Two agents agree either in (nearly) all or (nearly) no subject. The operative parameter of the consensus-formating-process is the tolerance in change of views of the group-members.
MAPPING A COMMUNICATION TREE WITH CORRELATION OF PACKETS
Authors: SZABÓ GÁBOR J.
Published: June 2005

We show how the connection structure of a loopless communication network may be discovered using only ubiquitous echo requests or as a byproduct of normal two-way transport. The key factor is the correlation effect in waiting times of successively sent messages, which is caused by background traffic on the routers.
ACTIVE PERCOLATION ANALYSIS OF PYRAMIDAL NEURONS OF SOMATOSENSORY CORTEX: A COMPARISON OF WILD TYPE AND p21H-RasVal12 TRANSGENIC MICE
Authors: COSTA LUCIANO DA FONTOURA , BARBOSA MARCONI SOARES , SCHIERWAGEN ANDREAS , ALPÁR ALÁN , GÄRTNER ULRICH , ARENDT THOMAS
Published: June 2005

This article describes the investigation of morphological variations among two sets of neuronal cells, namely a control group of wild type mouse cells and a group of cells of a transgenic line. Special attention is given to singular points in the neuronal structure, namely the branching points and extremities of the dendritic processes. The characterization of the spatial distribution of such points is obtained by using a recently reported morphological technique based on forced percolation and window-size compensation, which is particularly suited to the analysis of scattered points, presenting several coexisting densities. Different dispersions were identified in our statistical analysis, suggesting that the transgenic line of neurons is characterized by a more pronounced morphological variation. A classification scheme based on a canonical discriminant function was also considered in order to identify the morphological differences.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Based Subgrouping of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients
Authors: Tan S. , Tillisch K. , Bolus R. , Olivas T. I. , Spiegel B. M. R. , Naliboff B. , Chang L. , Mayer E. A.
Published: June 2005

Partly from lack of effective conventional therapeutics, patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) turn to complementary and alternative approaches, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Key to TCM's approach to IBS is individualized therapies targeted at subgroups. Subgroups represent distinct patterns of dysregulation (e.g. "excess" or "deficiency") identified by both intestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms. Our objective was to identify operational criteria supporting the existence of TCM-based subgroups in IBS and to assess reliability and validity of these criteria. Using TCM principles, items were selected on face validity from conventional questionnaires. TCM practitioners evaluated items for content and face validity. Symptom items and a set of patient cases with item responses were validated by examining patient's pattern of response to items and assessing the consistency with which practitioners diagnosed patients on the spectrum of an "excess" or "deficiency" syndrome. Standard correlation analysis revealed 33 intestinal and extra-intestinal symptom items. There was high degree of practitioner agreement in assessing individual items to particular patterns. External validation by practitioners of cases showed high internal consistency among practitioners (Cronbach's alpha coefficients of 0.91 and 0.87 for excess and deficiency, respectively) and high correlation of average practitioner rating to original questionnaire generated scores (Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.94 and 0.92 for excess and deficiency, respectively). This pilot study provides preliminary support for a methodology to identify novel subgroups of IBS patients related to the TCM classification, which may differ in underlying pathophysiology and treatment responses.
Immunomodulatory Activities of Yunzhi and Danshen in Post-treatment Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Wong Chun-Kwok , Bao Yi-Xi , Wong Eliza Lai-Yi , Leung Ping-Chung , Fung Kwok Pui , Lam Christopher Wai Kei
Published: June 2005

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Discomfort and fatigue are usually arisen from anticancer therapy such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or combination therapy, because of the suppressed immunological functions. Yunzhi (Coriolus versicolor) can modulate various immunological functions in vitro, in vivo, and in human clinical trials. Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) has been shown to benefit the circulatory system by its vasodilating and anti-dementia activity. The purpose of this clinical trial was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of Yunzhi-Danshen capsules in post-treatment breast cancer patients. Eighty-two patients with breast cancer were recruited to take Yunzhi [50 mg/kg body weight, 100% polysaccharopeptide (PSP)] and Danshen (20 mg/kg body weight) capsules every day for a total of 6 months. EDTA blood samples were collected every 2 months for the investigation of immunological functions. Flow cytometry was used to assess the percentages and absolute counts of human lymphocyte subsets in whole blood. Plasma level of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results showed that the absolute counts of T-helper lymphocytes (CD4+), the ratio of T-helper (CD4+)/T suppressor and cytotoxic lymphocytes (CD8+), and the percentage and the absolute counts of B-lymphocytes were significantly elevated in patients with breast cancer after taking Yunzhi-Danshen capsules, while plasma sIL-2R concentration was significantly decreased (all p < 0.05). Therefore, the regular oral consumption of Yunzhi-Danshen capsules could be beneficial for promoting immunological function in post-treatment of breast cancer patients.
Caesalpinia sappan Induces Cell Death by Increasing the Expression of p53 and p21WAF1/CIP1 in Head and Neck Cancer Cells
Authors: Kim Eun-Cheol , Hwang Young-Soo , Lee Hwa-Jeong , Lee Sun-Kyung , Park Myung-Hee , Jeon Byung-Hun , Jeon Chang-Duk , Lee Suk-Keun , Yu Hyeon-Hee , You Yong-Ouk
Published: June 2005

Caesalpinia sappan L. (C. sappan) has been used in Oriental medicine as an antitumor agent. The present study shows the effects of the chloroform extract of C. sappan on cell death in head and neck cancer cell lines. The viability of HNSCC4 and HNSCC31 cells (head and neck cancer cell lines) was noticeably decreased compared to that of HaCaT cells (control group) in the presence of chloroform extract. No significant difference was observed in the viability of HNSCC4 and HNSCC31 cells when compared with HaCaT cells in the presence of n-butanol, methanol, and water extracts. Exposure to the chloroform extract of C. sappan resulted in an increase in the Sub-G1 phase of the cell cycle and condensation and shrinkage of nuclei in the HNSCC4 and HNSCC31 cells. The levels of p53 and p21WAF1/CIP1 were also increased in the HNSCC4 and HNSCC31 cells. The results suggest that the chloroform extract of C. sappan may increase cell death in the HNSCC4 and HNSCC31 cells, which is linked to increased cellular levels of p53 and p21WAF1/CIP1 .
Anti-inflammatory Activity of Herbal Medicines: Inhibition of Nitric Oxide Production and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Secretion in an Activated Macrophage-like Cell Line
Authors: Park Eunkyue , Kum Susan , Wang Chuanhua , Park Seung Yong , Kim Bo Sook , Schuller-Levis Georgia
Published: June 2005

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (HC), Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer (GU), Forsythia suspense (Thunb.) Vahl (FS), and Lonicera japonica Thunb. (LJ) are Chinese herbs known to possess anti-inflammatory properties. The effects of aqueous extracts of these herbs on the production of the pro-inflammatory mediators, nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were examined in an activated macrophage-like cell line, RAW 264.7 cells.

Aqueous extracts from FS at 0.0625–2.0 mg/ml inhibited in vitro production of NO and secretion of TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner. FS at 1.0–2.0 mg/ml and 0.125–2.0 mg/ml significantly inhibited NO production and TNF-α, respectively. An extract of LJ demonstrated potent inhibition of both NO production and TNF-α secretion in a dose-dependent manner. An aqueous extract from HC inhibited NO production in a dose-dependent manner, but minimally (approximately 30%) inhibited TNF-α secretion at 0.0625 and 0.125 mg/ml. In contrast, an aqueous extract of GU had a minimal effect on both the production of NO and the secretion of TNF-α. Viability of cells at all concentrations studied was unaffected as determined by MTT cytotoxicity assay and trypan blue dye exclusion. These results suggest that aqueous extracts from FS, LJ and HC have anti-inflammatory actions as measured by inhibition of NO production and/or TNF-α secretion.
PANCHROMATIC STUDIES OF DISTANT CLUSTERS OF GALAXIES
Authors: DEMARCO RICARDO , FORD HOLLAND C. , ROSATI PIERO
Published: June 2005

High redshift (z≳1) clusters are ideal probes to study the formation and evolution of large scale structures and galaxies in the universe. A 10-m class ground based telescope, X-ray observatories (Chandra, XMM-Newton) and HST/ACS are allowing us to perform an unprecedented study of distant massive clusters of galaxies in the redshift range 0.84<z<1.3, selected from X-rays surveys. In this paper we summarize our results on the structure and dynamics of two of these clusters derived from imaging and spectroscopic data as well as our results on the evolution of early-type galaxies.
CoPt/C NANOGRANULAR MAGNETIC THIN FILM
Authors: LI TONG , YAN HUI , WANG HAI , ZHENG WU
Published: June 2005

Granular Co 30 Pt 70/ C and Co 45 Pt 55/ C films, consisting of nanoparticle CoPt phases embedded in a carbon matrix, have been made by co-sputtering from CoPt and C targets using a tandem deposition mode. X-ray diffraction shows the existence of hard CoPt phase embedded in an amorphous C matrix after annealing. The coercivities for CoPt/C are strongly dependent on C and Pt composition. Films with coercivity of up to 5.4 kOe and grain size of 7 nm can be obtained. The development of shoulder in hysteresis loop may be contributed to the co-existence of magnetic soft CoPt 3 and hard CoPt phases and the magnetic interactions between them. High remanence Mr/Ms (>0.8) found in our samples indicates the presence of the intergranular interactions in the samples. Observed positive contributions of δm also give evidence of the existence of exchange interaction. High coercivity and large Mr/Ms make granular CoPt/C film with magnetic nanoparticles very attractive for next-generation high-density recording.
PERTURBATION THEORY ABOUT GENERALIZED SELF-CONSISTENT FIELD SOLUTION
Authors: YANG C. , KOCHARIAN ARMEN N. , CHIANG Y. L. , CHEN L. Y.
Published: June 2005

A new efficient converging perturbation technique valid for arbitrary interaction strength U/t and electron concentration n is applied to study strongly correlated electrons within the repulsive Hubbard model. We test the new perturbation expansion theory in terms of interacting quasi-particles about generalized self-consistent field (GSCF) solution in an entire parameter space. The developed perturbation formalism for strong interaction and large perturbation region differs from the traditional theory on the vicinity of non-interacting electrons by incorporating systematically fluctuations of quasi-particles around self-consistent solution. Performed analytical calculations of the ground state properties in the extreme conditions of one dimensionality provide quite reasonable numerical agreement with the Bethe-ansatz results in the intermediate range of U/t and n. The results are compared with the predictions of traditional perturbation theory.
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF MgB2 IN NORMAL STATE
Authors: DEVI J. MEENA , RAMACHANDRAN K.
Published: June 2005

Thermal conductivity of MgB 2 at room temperature is measured from the photoacoustic technique and analyzed for electron and lattice contribution to the thermal conductivity in the normal state. These results are compared with the flow cryostat measurements.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONTINUITY OF TRIANGULAR NORMS REVISITED
Authors: KLEMENT ERICH PETER , MESIAR RADKO , PAP ENDRE
Published: June 2005

Different types of continuity of triangular norms are investigated. The types which are stronger than the usual continuity are analytical properties and, therefore, there are representations of the corresponding triangular norms. This is not the case for the weaker types of continuity (which are topological properties). In these cases, some related analytical properties are discussed, in particular, the Schur concavity.
DECISION-MAKING MODEL FOR STOCK MARKETS BASED ON PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM
Authors: NENORTAITE JOVITA , SIMUTIS RIMVYDAS
Published: June 2005

The objective of this paper is to introduce the decision-making model for stock markets. The proposed model is based on the study of historic data and the application of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. In the proposed decision-making model the ANN are applied in order to make the analysis of historical daily stock returns and to calculate the recommendations concerning the purchase of the stocks. Subsequently, the application of PSO algorithm is made. The core idea of this algorithm application is to select the "global best" ANN for future investment decisions and to adapt the weights of other ANN towards the weights of the best network. The experimental investigation results presented in this paper show the potentiality of PSO algorithm applications for the decision-making in the stock markets.
Endothelial t-PA release is impaired in overweight and obese adults but can be improved with regular aerobic exercise
Authors: Van Guilder Gary P. , Hoetzer Greta L. , Smith Derek T. , Irmiger Heather M. , Greiner Jared J. , Stauffer Brian L. , DeSouza Christopher A.
Published: June 2005

Endothelial release of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) regulates fibrinolysis and is considered to be a primary endogenous defense mechanism against thrombosis. Adiposity is associated with an increased risk of atherothrombotic events. We determined the influence of overweight and obesity on the capacity of the vascular endothelium to release t-PA and the effects of regular aerobic exercise on endothelial t-PA release in previously sedentary overweight and obese adults. First, we studied 66 sedentary adults: 28 normal-weight (BMI <25 kg/m2); 22 overweight (BMI ≥25 and <30 kg/m2); and 16 obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). Net endothelial t-PA release was determined in vivo in response to intrabrachial infusions of bradykinin (BK) and sodium nitroprusside. Second, we studied 17 overweight and obese adults who completed a 3-mo aerobic exercise intervention. Net release of t-PA in response to BK was ∼45% lower ( P < 0.01) in overweight (from 0.1 ± 0.4 to 41.7 ± 4.9 ng·100 ml tissue−1·min−1) and obese (−0.1 ± 0.6 to 47.7 ± 5.2 ng·100 ml tissue−1·min−1) compared with normal-weight (0.1 ± 0.8 to 77.5 ± 6.7 ng·100 ml tissue−1·min−1) adults. There was no difference in t-PA release between the overweight and obese groups. Exercise training significantly increased t-PA release capacity in overweight and obese adults (from −0.3 ± 0.5 to 37.1 ± 4.9 ng·100 ml tissue−1·min−1before training vs. 1.0 ± 0.9 to 65.4 ± 6.3 ng·100 ml tissue−1·min−1after training) to levels comparable with those of their normal-weight peers. These results indicate that overweight and obesity are associated with profound endothelial fibrinolytic dysfunction. Importantly, however, regular aerobic exercise can increase the capacity of the endothelium to release t-PA in this at-risk population.
Insulin secretion by rat lachrymal glands: effects of systemic and local variables
Authors: Cunha Daniel Andrade , Carneiro Everardo M. , Alves Mônica de C. , Jorge Angélica Gobbi , de Sousa Sylvia Morais , Boschero Antonio C. , Saad Mário J. A. , Velloso Lício A. , Rocha Eduardo M.
Published: June 2005

To understand the secretory mechanisms and physiological role of insulin in the tear film, the present study examined 1) the time course of insulin secretion in the tear film under glucose intravenous stimulation, 2) the glucose- and carbachol-induced insulin secretion from isolated lachrymal gland (LG), 3) the effect of insulin on glucose consumption by the cornea, and 4) the expression of insulin, pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX-1), and glucose transport proteins (GLUTs) in LG tissue. The insulin level in the tear film of 8-wk-old male Wistar rats increased from 0.6 ± 0.45 to 3.7 ± 1.3 ng/ml in the initial minutes after glucose stimulation. In vitro assays demonstrated that higher glucose concentrations from 2.8 to 16.7 mM, 200 μM carbachol, or 40 mM KCl significantly increased insulin secretion from lacrimal glands compared with controls, but did not detect C-peptide as measured by RIA. Glucose consumption by corneal tissue, evaluated by radiolabeled d-[U-14C]glucose uptake, was 24.07 ± 0.61 and was enhanced to 31.63 ± 3.15 nmol·cornea−1·2 h−1in the presence of 6 nM insulin ( P = 0.033) and to 37.5 ± 3.7 nmol·cornea−1·2 h−1in the presence of 11.2 mM glucose ( P = 0.015). Insulin and PDX-1 mRNA was detected in LG. Insulin was located in the apical areas of acinar cells by immunoperoxidase and the expression of GLUT-1, but not PDX-1, was confirmed by Western blot. These findings suggest that insulin secretion in the tear film is influenced by local stimuli such as nutrient and neural inputs and that this hormone plays a metabolic role in ocular surface tissues. These data also indicate that under normal conditions the insulin secreted by LG is stored, but it is not clear that is locally produced in the LG.
Ion Channel Development, Spontaneous Activity, and Activity-Dependent Development in Nerve and Muscle Cells
Authors: Moody William J. , Bosma Martha M.
Published: June 2005

At specific stages of development, nerve and muscle cells generate spontaneous electrical activity that is required for normal maturation of intrinsic excitability and synaptic connectivity. The patterns of this spontaneous activity are not simply immature versions of the mature activity, but rather are highly specialized to initiate and control many aspects of neuronal development. The configuration of voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels that are expressed early in development regulate the timing and waveform of this activity. They also regulate Ca2+influx during spontaneous activity, which is the first step in triggering activity-dependent developmental programs. For these reasons, the properties of voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels expressed by developing neurons and muscle cells often differ markedly from those of adult cells. When viewed from this perspective, the reasons for complex patterns of ion channel emergence and regression during development become much clearer.
Efficacy of an Intensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Program in Alcoholism: Predictors of Outcome 6 Months after Treatment
Authors: Bottlender Miriam , Soyka Michael
Published: June 2005

Treatment of alcohol-dependent patients was primarily focused on inpatient settings in the past decades. The efficacy of these treatment programs has been evaluated in several studies and proven to be sufficient. However, with regard to the increasing costs in public healthcare systems, questions about alternative treatment strategies have been raised. Meanwhile, there is growing evidence that outpatient treatment might be comparably effective as inpatient treatment, at least for subgroups of alcohol dependents. On that background, the present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a high-structured outpatient treatment program in 103 alcohol-dependent patients. 74 patients (72%) terminated the outpatient treatment regularly. At 6 months’ follow-up, 95% patients were successfully located and personally re-interviewed. Analyses revealed that 65 patients (64%) were abstinent at the 6-month follow-up evaluation and 37 patients (36%) were judged to be non-abstinent. Pre-treatment variables which were found to have a negative impact (non-abstinence) on the 6-month outcome after treatment were a higher severity of alcohol dependence measured by a longer duration of alcohol dependence, a higher number of prior treatments and a stronger alcohol craving (measured by the Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale).Further patients with a higher degree of psychopathology measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (depression) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (anxiety) relapsed more often. In summary, results of this study indicate a favorable outcome of socially stable alcohol-dependent patients and patients with a lower degree of depression, anxiety and craving in an intensive outpatient rehabilitation program.
Use of Slow-Release Oral Morphine for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence
Authors: Kraigher Dominik , Jagsch Reinhold , Gombas Wolfgang , Ortner Romana , Eder Harald , Primorac Andjela , Fischer Gabriele
Published: June 2005

Aims: In addition to methadone, other synthetic opioids are now available for the treatment of opioid dependence. The study investigated the treatment satisfaction of oral slow-release morphine for maintenance therapy in opioid-dependent patients in an open-label 3-week study. Design: We evaluated the treatment satisfaction of oral slow-release morphine hydrochloride for 3 weeks in 110 patients meeting the diagnosis of opioid dependence (DSM-IV 304.0) or polysubstance dependence (DSM-IV 304.9). Measurements: Primary outcome measures were the study retention rate, urinalysis for additional illicit consumption other than heroin, cravings and withdrawal symptoms 24 h after the last intake of the medication (duration of action of treatment). Findings: In total, 103 patients completed the study, representing a retention rate of 94%. Patients reported significant improvements in somatic complaints, as well as significant reductions in heroin and cocaine cravings (p < 0.0001) and in additional consumption of cocaine in supervised urinalysis (p = 0.0083). Additional illicit consumption of benzodiazepines remained unchanged. Conclusions: The high study retention rate implies a good acceptance of slow-release acting oral morphine. However, randomised, double-blind, double-dummy studies with a longer investigational period are needed to meet criteria for evidence-based medicine.
Within-Patient Variability in Clinical Presentation of Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate Withdrawal: A Case Report
Authors: Glasper Anthony , McDonough Michael , Bearn Jenny
Published: June 2005

The emergence of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) dependence in the UK is described, with specific reference to a case study of serial episodes of GHB withdrawal. Symptoms are broadly similar to those for alcohol withdrawal, and rapid deterioration into delirium is common in severe dependence. This case report reflects the variability in clinical presentation of GHB withdrawal and response to treatment, even within the same patient. It is concluded that GHB withdrawal requires vigorous clinical management, preferably on an elective basis, in an inpatient setting if dependence is severe.
Rapid Assessment of Annual Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon Using MODIS Data
Authors: Morton Douglas C. , DeFries Ruth S. , Shimabukuro Yosio E. , Anderson Liana O. , Del Bon Espírito-Santo Fernando , Hansen Matthew , Carroll Mark
Published: June 2005

The Brazilian government annually assesses the extent of deforestation in the Legal Amazon for a variety of scientific and policy applications. Currently, the assessment requires the processing and storing of large volumes of Landsat satellite data. The potential for efficient, accurate, and less data-intensive assessment of annual deforestation using data from NASA’s Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) at 250-m resolution is evaluated. Landsat-derived deforestation estimates are compared to MODIS-derived estimates for six Landsat scenes with five change-detection algorithms and a variety of input data—Surface Reflectance (MOD09), Vegetation Indices (MOD13), fraction images derived from a linear mixing model, Vegetation Cover Conversion (MOD44A), and percent tree cover from the Vegetation Continuous Fields (MOD44B) product. Several algorithms generated consistently low commission errors (positive predictive value near 90%) and identified more than 80% of deforestation polygons larger than 3 ha. All methods accurately identified polygons larger than 20 ha. However, no method consistently detected a high percent of Landsat-derived deforestation area across all six scenes. Field validation in central Mato Grosso confirmed that all MODIS-derived deforestation clusters larger than three 250-m pixels were true deforestation. Application of this field-validated method to the state of Mato Grosso for 2001–04 highlighted a change in deforestation dynamics; the number of large clusters (>10 MODIS pixels) that were detected doubled, from 750 between August 2001 and August 2002 to over 1500 between August 2003 and August 2004. These analyses demonstrate that MODIS data are appropriate for rapid identification of the location of deforestation areas and trends in deforestation dynamics with greatly reduced storage and processing requirements compared to Landsat-derived assessments. However, the MODIS-based analyses evaluated in this study are not a replacement for high-resolution analyses that estimate the total area of deforestation and identify small clearings.
Building Power, Losing Power: The Rise and Fall of a Prominent Community Economic Development Coalition
Authors: Immergluck Dan
Published: June 2005

This article examines the neighborhood economic development movement in Chicago from the late 1970s through summer 2002, with a focus on changes since the middle 1980s, when Harold Washington’s progressive regime provided much hope for those promoting community-based development approaches and reforms. More specifically, it analyzes the growth, struggles, and eventual collapse of the city’s longstanding and nationally recognized coalition of neighborhood economic development organizations, the Chicago Association of Neighborhood Development Organizations (CANDO). CANDO’s rise and fall showcases the changing fortunes of the community-based development movement in large cities. The group’s experience is important for understanding the relationship between the movement and local government in general and for suggesting the best ways for community-based development organizations to gain and keep power in the face of changing environments
Employer Participation in Workforce Development Networks
Authors: Green Gary Paul , Galetto Valeria
Published: June 2005

Rural America faces numerous challenges in building a high-wage, high-skilled workforce. Many rural communities are establishing workforce development networks that promote linkages across organizations and communities to more efficiently integrate and deliver a variety of services. Drawing on case studies from rural areas of the United States, the authors identify three different patterns of organizing workforce development networks: the sole provider, the hub-spoke, and the cluster oriented. In comparing the case studies, they find that place matters as much as form of organization in the ability to promote employer participation.
Impact of Headquarters Relocation on the Operating Performance of the Firm
Authors: Gregory Richard , Lombard John R. , Seifert Bruce
Published: June 2005

Communities often compete fiercely for corporate headquarters relocations. Although headquarters relocations affect both the losing and winning communities, the authors investigate only the impact of corporate headquarters relocation on the subsequent financial performance of the firm. Prior research using event study methodology suggests that headquarters relocation announcements, when controlling for motivation of relocation, significantly affect short-term stock market reactions. Unlike previous research in this area, the authors use an industry-matched-firm comparison and investigate the impact of relocation on select performance indicators over a 6-year period surrounding the relocation. Using a sample of 167 corporate headquarters relocations during the 1990s, they find little evidence of improved operating performance after headquarters relocation. They also test for the influence of distance as a factor and find that the distance relocated has no significant impact.
Economic Development and Property Rights: Time Limits on Land Ownership
Authors: Papageorgiou Chris , Turnbull Geoffrey K.
Published: June 2005

This article discusses the relationship between economic development and one aspect of property rights, a statute of limitations defining time limits on ownership claims. The analysis centers on property rights in land. This article argues that the available development opportunities shape the time limits on ownership claims that maximize property values, which in turn creates an inherent underlying tension among the owners of different types of property in the economy. An implication for positive analysis is that economic growth and successful development create demands for changing this dimension of property rights. Other characteristics of the economy, such as the efficiency of the legal system, the quality of the public sector bureaucracy, and corruption, also affect the value-maximizing time limitations for different types of property. This article discusses implications of these relationships for developing countries and for property redevelopment in declining U.S. central cities.
Measuring Confidence for Basic Domains of Vocational Activity in High School Students
Authors: Betz Nancy E. , Wolfe Jessica B.
Published: June 2005

These studies report the development and psychometric evaluation of a version of the Expanded Skills Inventory designed for use with high school students. The resulting inventory contains 14 eight-item scales measuring self-efficacy with respect to dimensions of vocational behavior comparable in specificity to the Basic Interest dimensions of the Strong Interest Inventory. The self-efficacy, or confidence, measures were internally consistent and were related to the appropriate Holland confidence theme and to parallel measures of vocational interest. Patterns of gender and ethnic group differences were generally consistent with previous research findings.
Physician Assistant Self-Directed Search Holland Codes
Authors: LaBarbera Dawn M.
Published: June 2005

A mailed survey was used to identify the vocational interests of physician assistants (PAs) as measured by Holland’s Self-Directed Search (SDS) Form R. A random sample of 2,323 PAs from the American Academy of Physician Assistants’ mailing list was sent a survey to identify a pool of practicing PAs satisfied with their career choices for further study with the SDS. Of the 1,137 respondents, 945 met the inclusion criteria for SDS participation. Nine hundred twenty-one SDS booklets were sent to qualifying PAs, with 463 usable booklets returned. The PA Holland profile was identified as SIREAC. Men had significantly higher realistic scores than women, even within the surgical and family/general practice specialties. Some implications for the career counseling of individuals considering entry into the PA profession are discussed.
Can a Firm’s Expected Marginal Tax Rate Exceed 100 Percent?
Authors: Mumy Gene E.
Published: June 2005

The effects of a progressive marginal tax rate structure are examined when the base of the tax is a firm’s realized profit, which depends on the realization of a random variable and the firm’s choice of an output level. Even though the firm is risk neutral and the marginal tax rate on any realized outcome is in strictly less than 100 percent, it is shown that the progressive rate structure causes the firm to choose a lower output level than would be chosen in the absence of the tax. This result is in striking contrast to the choice neutrality of such a tax in a world of certainty. A novel reason for this is identified—namely, that uncertainty and the progressive rate structure generate expected marginal tax rates of 100 percent and higher.
A Hotelling Model of Fiscal Competition
Authors: Hsu Li-Chen
Published: June 2005

This article examines a model in which two jurisdictions engage in fiscal competition. The jurisdictions’ strategic variables are labor tax rates and types of local public goods. Both are determined by majority voting. The article finds that in Nash equilibrium, labor tax rates will be efficiently chosen such that quantities of local public goods will achieve the first-best level. Furthermore, there are two symmetric Nash equilibria for the types of local public goods. These two equilibria, when they both exist, exhibit less public sector differentiation than if there were no mobility. However, a primary difference between them is that when the net gain of more population increases, in one equilibrium jurisdictions will raise the similarity of local public goods to attract population, but in the other equilibrium jurisdictions will differentiate themselves more to prevent harsh competition.
Tax Evasion on Gratuities
Authors: Anderson John E. , Bodvarsson Örn B.
Published: June 2005

Tax evasion on tips earned by servers is a pervasive problem, one that has received almost no attention in the tax evasion literature. The authors develop a model of joint server and employer tax compliance to derive predictions for how the customer tipping rate, the server’s sales and tax rate, and the expected IRS penalty on employers influence compliance by both parties. They test the model by examining interstate differences in reported hourly pay (wages plus reported tips) during 2001. They use the Occupational Employment Statistics surveys, data on IRS regional audit rates, data from each state’s food and beverage service industry, and information on each state’s minimum wage and tax laws to perform ordinary least squares and two-stage least squares estimation. Empirical results generally provide strong support for a number of the theory’s predictions.
Sustained response and long-term safety of eculizumab in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
Authors: Hill Anita , Hillmen Peter , Richards Stephen J. , Elebute Dupe , Marsh Judith C. , Chan Jason , Mojcik Christopher F. , Rother Russell P.
Published: June 2005

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a hematologic disorder characterized by clonal expansion of red blood cells (RBCs) lacking the ability to inhibit complement-mediated hemolysis. Eculizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds the C5 complement protein, blocks serum hemolytic activity. This study evaluated the long-term safety and efficacy of eculizumab in 11 patients with PNH during an open-label extension trial. After completion of an initial 12-week study, all patients chose to participate in the 52-week extension study. Eculizumab, administered at 900 mg every 12 to 14 days, was sufficient to completely and consistently block complement activity in all patients. A dramatic reduction in hemolysis was maintained throughout the study, with a decrease in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels from 3110.7 IU/L before treatment to 622.4 IU/L (P = .002). The proportion of PNH type III RBCs increased from 36.7% at baseline to 58.4% (P = .005). The paroxysm rate of days with gross evidence of hemoglobinuria per patient each month decreased from 3.0 during screening to 0.2 (P < .001) during treatment. The median transfusion rate decreased from 1.8 U per patient each month before eculizumab treatment to 0.3 U per patient each month (P = .001) during treatment. Statistically significant improvements in quality-of-life measures were also maintained during the extension study. Eculizumab continued to be safe and well tolerated, and all patients completed the study. The close relationship between sustained terminal complement inhibition, hemolysis, and symptoms was demonstrated. (Blood. 2005; 106:2559-2565)