bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shifting discourses of professionalism: a case study of general practitioners in the United Kingdom
Authors: Jones Lorelei , Green Judith
Published: September 2006

This paper addresses shifting constructions of professional identity in the context of debates about reflexive modernisation and the changing role of professionals in the provision of primary healthcare. Data are drawn from interviews with 20 early‐career general practitioners (GPs), who accounted for their orientations towards work in rather different ways from those typically reported in much primary care research. In particular, they reported high job satisfaction and success in achieving what they called ‘nice work’. We argue that these GPs typify a shift in discourses of professionalism, characterised by respondents as the ‘new general practice’, which explicitly rejects many values attributed to ‘traditional’ general practice. Within the ‘new general practice’, professionalism has been de‐coupled from some of the paradigmatic traits of traditional rhetorical accounts (such as vocation), and has significantly reframed others. Despite policy concerns that a retreat from ‘vocational’ professionalism will lead to reductions in service quality, we argue that this is not inevitable. The ‘new general practice’ resonates with the social values of reflexive modernisation, and has the potential to enable new, less paternalistic, forms of relationships with clients, although it remains to be seen whether this potential is realised in healthcare delivery.
Severing the Distribution of PRO from Case
Authors: Landau Idan
Published: September 2006

Abstract. Deriving the distribution of PRO in a principled manner is a central task for the theory of control. Traditionally, Case has been identified as the key to this problem: PRO was argued to bear no Case at all, or some special (‘‘null’’) Case. I argue that PRO bears standard case like normal lexical DPs; clear evidence comes from languages with case‐concord (Russian, Hungarian, Icelandic). Moreover, PRO (and obligatory control) may occur in finite clauses (Hebrew, Balkan languages). Conclusion: PRO's distribution must be completely divorced from Case, possibly because abstract Case does not exist. The alternative is to tie the distribution of PRO to the specific values of [T] and [Agr] on the I0and C0heads of the embedded clause (Landau 2004). A feature‐based algorithm predicts the distribution of PRO in a variety of clausal complements. It is shown that the system naturally explains some intriguing correlations between obligatory control and agreement in Basque and Welsh complementation structures.
What Would Normalisation of Economic Relations Between Mashrek Countries, Turkey and Israel Imply?
Authors: Tovias Alfred , Kalaycioglu Sema , Dafni Inon , Ruben Ester , Herman Lior
Published: September 2006

This article examines the potential for economic cooperation among Mashrek countries, Turkey and Israel in the fields of trade in goods and services both separately and across‐field. It first describes the macroeconomic features of the region and then estimates the overall potential for inter‐industry trade in goods by estimating gravity equations for each country separately and the potential for intra‐industry trade using Grubel‐Lloyd indices. The article also examines the potential for trade in specific services, namely information and computer technology, transport, financial and health services.
Withdrawals of Anti‐dumping Complaints in the EU: A Sign of Collusion
Authors: Rutkowski Aleksander
Published: September 2006

The study looks at a possible relation between the withdrawals of anti‐dumping (AD) complaints and the price increases and quantity decreases in the EU imports. Such a positive relationship is a sign of a tacit collusion. Terminated cases without withdrawals are taken as a benchmark in the second part of the analysis. The dataset covered the ordinary new investigations only to eliminate the impact of different AD protection measures and different types of investigations. The coefficients were estimated with cross‐case time‐series feasible GLS regressions with heteroscedastic case time series and case‐specific autocorrelation AR(1). Current and lagged nominal exchange rates were used as control variables. The collusive impact both on prices (proxied by unit values) and quantities (volumes) was detected.
East Asian Economic Integration and its Impact on Future Growth
Authors: Dee Philippa
Published: September 2006

Two presumptions appear to underlie recent proposals for East Asian economic integration. The first is that economic integration is a good way to promote economic growth. The second is that preferential trade agreements (PTAs), particularly ones that go beyond goods trade, are an effective way to promote economic integration. Both these presumptions are empirical questions. In this paper, a partial evaluation of the evidence suggests caution. Even a broadranging PTA may do little to remove the important impediments to growth in the region. Far greater income gains would come from comprehensive reform of non‐discriminatory impediments to competition, as part of a thorough‐going programme of unilateral domestic regulatory reform. It may be time to rethink East Asian economic integration as a policy priority, or at least review the way in which it might be pursued.
BALTHASAR AND GNOSTIC GENEALOGY
Authors: O'REGAN CYRIL
Published: September 2006

Against the backdrop of Balthasar's recurrence to genealogical labeling of modern discourses that many believe lacks Christian credibility, this essay examines Balthasar's understanding and use of the category of “Gnosticism” to designate modern speculative discourses and the history of their effects. While it is conceded that Balthasar uses “apocalyptic” and “Neoplatonism” to designate the same phenomenon, it is argued that “Gnosticism” is accorded priority. The essay traces the use of both multiple genealogical categories and the relative privileging of “Gnosticism” back to F. C. Baur. At the same time, it also traces back to Baur the essentially narrative criterion for use: Gnosticism is defined by a developmental narrative which has at its center divine pathos. Balthasar, however, inflects this differently than Baur by appeal to Irenaeus's view that the Gnostic metanarrative is a parasitic discourse that disfigures and refigures the biblical narrative. I illustrate how Balthasar is particularly concerned with what he regards as a “Gnostic return” in modern trinitarian thought of a Hegelian vintage. I conclude with some reflections as to how Balthasar's genealogy of Gnosticism could be further developed and conceptually refined.
MORALITY AND POLITICS IN THE WORK OF MICHAEL WYSCHOGROD
Authors: WALZER MICHAEL
Published: September 2006

Michael Wyschogrod claims that his arguments proceed from his biblical faith. But many of the (commendable) things that he has to say about politics and morality seem to derive from an autonomous ethics. I give five examples of arguments that cannot, in my reading of them, be drawn out of the relevant (but not definitive) biblical texts. Either the texts don't support the arguments at all, or they require interpretation, or some texts must be chosen above others if the arguments are to stand. Faith in the texts cannot by itself sustain the arguments that Wyschogrod wants to make.
THE INTENSIFICATION OF TIME: MICHAEL WYSCHOGROD AND THE TASK OF CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY
Authors: LOWE WALTER
Published: September 2006

In conversation with Karl Barth, Michael Wyschogrod observes that with God's promises, unlike humans', “if we have [God's] promise, we have its fulfillment”. The essay considers Wyschogrod's implicit intensification of time, which displaces common linear views of time. Wyschogrod charges that Christian understandings of fulfillment imply a completed line of history which is all too luminous. Edwyn Hoskyns's study of John's Gospel suggests an alternative; namely, a Christian intensification of time which finds in Jesus both life and judgment, love and condemnation. Such realized apocalyptic, as it were, confronts readers with a density or relative darkness more consonant with Hebrew scriptural revelation.
Contributing Factors to the Spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Authors: Ressler Rand W. , Waters Melissa S. , Watson John Keith
Published: September 2006

Abstract.  Economists have long studied the determinants and effects of income transfers. This article examines an indirect effect of welfare payments on participating individuals: an increase in the incidence of sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates.

Several studies have found a significant and positive link between the size of welfare benefits and out‐of‐wedlock fertility rates. Higher welfare payments reduce the cost of bearing and raising a child, and thus reduce the full cost of engaging in unprotected sex. An unintended consequence of unprotected sex is exposure to contagious diseases. This implies that states with higher welfare payments per child will experience higher rates of STDs.

We test this hypothesis using statewide data on the incidence of three types of bacterial STDs, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, for the years 1994 through 1998. The empirical specification is based on the standard microeconomic model of utility‐maximizing behavior. The included explanatory variables are demographic proxies reflecting differences in state population characteristics. These characteristics capture unobservable or intrinsically unmeasureable differences in the perceived costs and benefits of engaging in unprotected sex.

The explanatory variable of primary interest is the size of the real welfare payment per recipient. Our empirical results indicate that states with higher real welfare payments are associated with greater rates of STDs.
Evaluating Economic Justifications for Alcohol Restrictions
Authors: Stringham Edward , Pulan Ilkay
Published: September 2006

Abstract.  Does economics justify restricting alcohol consumption? A new line of research concludes that alcohol involves significant social costs and that various restrictions would lead to net social gains. This article focuses on Levy and Miller (1995), who conduct a cost‐benefit analysis of serving‐intoxicated‐patron laws. We administer a survey of taverns in Washtenaw County, Michigan, to investigate the plausibility of some of Levy and Miller’s claims. We find a number of problems with their economic discussion: in addition to a number of problematic assumptions, they count private costs as social costs and completely ignore consumer and producer surplus associated with alcohol. We find their assumptions bias the results in favor of the restrictions. Despite their popularity in public policy debates, these economic justifications for restricting alcohol are dubious.
Anterior cingulate activation in antipsychotic‐naïve first‐episode schizophrenia
Authors: Yücel M. , Brewer W. J. , Harrison B. J. , Fornito A. , O'Keefe G. J. , Olver J. , Scott A. M. , Egan G. F. , Velakoulis D. , McGorry P. D. , Pantelis C.
Published: September 2006

Objective:  Anterior cingulate (ACC) hypo‐activity is commonly observed in chronically ill schizophrenia patients. However, it is unclear whether this is secondary to persistent illness and/or medication.

Method:  We examined eight antipsychotic‐naïve first‐episode patients and matched healthy controls undergoing PET scanning while performing the Stroop task.

Results:  Group‐averaged and single‐subject analyses showed ACC activation in both controls and patients, albeit in different sub‐regions (paracingulate and cingulate respectively). A direct comparison revealed relative under‐activity of the left paracingulate cortex in patients.

Conclusion:  These findings suggest that the more pervasive hypo‐activation observed in chronic patients may be secondary to persistent illness and/or medication.
Temperature dependent activity and structure of adsorbed proteins on plasma polymerized N-isopropyl acrylamide
Authors: Cheng Xuanhong , Canavan Heather E. , Graham Daniel J. , Castner David G. , Ratner Buddy D.
Published: September 2006

Thorough studies of protein interactions with stimulus responsive polymers are necessary to provide a better understanding of their applications in biosensors and biomaterials. In this study, protein behavior on a thermoresponsive polymer surface, plasma polymerized N-isopropyl acrylamide (ppNIPAM), is investigated using multiple characterization techniques above and below its lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Protein adsorption and binding affinity are probed using radiolabeled proteins. Protein activity is estimated by measuring the immunological activity of an antibody adsorbed onto ppNIPAM using surface plasmon resonance. Conformation/orientation of the proteins is probed by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) and principal component analysis (PCA) of the TOF-SIMS data. In this work, we find that at low protein solution concentrations, ppNIPAM-treated surfaces are low fouling below the LCST, but protein retentive above it. The protein adsorption isotherms demonstrate that apparent affinity between soluble protein molecules and the ppNIPAM surface are an order of magnitude lower at room temperature than at 37 °C. Although direct protein desorption is not observed in our study when the surface temperature drops below the LCST, the binding affinity of surface adsorbed protein with ppNIPAM is reduced, as judged by a detergent elution test. Furthermore, we demonstrated that proteins adsorbed onto ppNIPAM are functionally active, but the activity is better preserved at room temperature than 37 °C. The temperature dependent difference in protein activity as well as TOF-SIMS and PCA study suggest that proteins take different conformations/orientations after adsorption on ppNIPAM above and below the LCST.
Breaking bonds in the atomic force microscope: Extracting information
Authors: Hanke Felix , Jürgen Kreuzer Hans
Published: September 2006

A theoretical framework is developed to analyze molecular bond breaking in dynamic force spectroscopy using atomic force microscopy (AFM). An analytic expression of the observed bond breaking probability as a function of force is obtained in terms of the relevant physical parameters. Three different experimental realizations are discussed, in which (i) the force is increased linearly in time, and (ii) the AFM cantilever is moved at constant speed, and (iii) the force is held constant. We find that unique fitting of the bond parameters such as the potential depth and its width is possible only when data from rather different force-loading rates is used. The complications in the analysis of using the constant velocity mode arising from the intermediate polymer spacer are discussed at length.
Settlement behavior of swimming algal spores on gradient surfaces
Authors: Chaudhury M. K. , Daniel S. , Callow M. E. , Callow J. A. , Finlay J. A.
Published: September 2006

When surfaces possessing gradients of surface energy are incubated with motile spores from the green seaweed Ulva, the spores attach on the hydrophilic part of the gradient in larger numbers than they do on the hydrophobic part. This result is opposite to the behavior of the spores observed on the homogeneous hydrophobic and hydrophic surfaces. The data suggest that the gradients have a direct and active influence on the spores, which may be due to the biased migration of the spores during the initial stages of surface sensing.
Structural and kinetic properties of laterally stabilized, oligo(ethylene glycol)-containing alkylthiolates on gold: A modular approach
Authors: Valiokas Ramūnas , Östblom Mattias , Björefors Fredrik , Liedberg Bo , Shi Jing , Konradsson Peter
Published: September 2006

The formation of highly ordered self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold from an unusually long and linear compound HS(CH2)15CONH(CH2CH2O)6CH2CONH(CH2)15CH3 is investigated by contact angle goniometry, ex situ null ellipsometry, cyclic voltammetry and infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy. The molecules are found to assemble in an upright position as a complete monolayer within 60 min. The overall structure of the SAM reaches equilibrium within 24 h as evidenced by infrared spectroscopy, although a slight improvement in water contact angles is observed over a period of a few weeks. The resulting SAM is 60 Å thick and it displays an advancing water contact angle of 112° and excellent electrochemical blocking characteristics with typical current densities about 20 times lower as compared to those observed for HS(CH2)15CH3 SAMs. The dominating crystalline phases of the supporting HS(CH2)15 and terminal (CH2)15CH3 alkyl portions, as well as the sealed oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) “core,” appear as unusually sharp features in the infrared spectra at room temperature. For example, the splitting seen for the CH3 stretching and CH2 scissoring peaks is normally only observed for conformationally trapped alkylthiolate SAMs at low temperatures and for highly crystalline polymethylenes. Temperature-programmed infrared spectroscopy in ultrahigh vacuum reveals a significantly improved thermal stability of the SAM under investigation, as compared to two analogous OEG derivatives without the extended alkyl chain. Our study points out the advantages of adopting a “modular approach” in designing novel SAM-forming compounds with precisely positioned in plane stabilizing groups. We demonstrate also the potential of using the above set of compounds in the fabrication of “hydrogel-like” arrays with controlled wetting properties for application in the ever-growing fields of protein and cell analysis, as well as for bioanalytical applications.
Computer simulation of short-range repulsion between supported phospholipid membranes
Authors: Pertsin Alexander , Platonov Dmitry , Grunze Michael
Published: September 2006

The grand canonical Monte Carlo technique is used to calculate the water-mediated pressure between two supported 1,2-dilauroyl-dl-phosphatidylethanolamine (DLPE) membranes in the short separation range. The intra- and intermolecular interactions in the system are described with a combination of a united-atom AMBER-based force field for DLPE and a TIP4P model for water. The total pressure is analyzed in terms of its hydration component and the component due to the direct interaction between the membranes. The latter is, in addition, partitioned into the electrostatic, dispersion, and steric repulsion contributions to give an idea of their relative significance in the water-mediated intermembrane interaction. It is found that the force field used exaggerates the water affinity of the membranes, resulting in an overestimated hydration level and intermembrane pressure. The simulations of the hydrated membranes with damped water-lipid interaction potentials show that both the hydration and pressure are extremely sensitive to the strength of the water-lipid interactions. Moreover, the damping of the mixed interactions by only 10%–20% changes significantly the relative contribution of the individual pressure components to the intermembrane repulsion.
A temporary organization of the subatomic particles
Authors: Swartz Clifford E.
Published: September 2006

A summary is presented of the elementary particles and how they are currently classified on the basis of their intrinsic properties. (AIP)
Solar energy Part II—The greenhouse effect
Authors: Young Matthew
Published: September 2006

The performance of flat plate collectors is discussed among the topics considered are heat gain and loss and overall efficiency.(AIP)
General relativity and radio interferometry
Authors: Fomalont Edward B.
Published: September 2006

A summary is given of the radiowave bending experiment conducted at NRAO to check the validity of Einstein’s General Relativity theory. AIP
Cosmic synchrotrons
Authors: Dickel John R. , Dickel Hélène
Published: September 2006

A brief review of the detection and properties of synchrotron radiation from cosmic radio sources is given.(AIP)
The search for better superconductors
Authors: Gavaler J. R.
Published: September 2006

A brief survey is given of the importance and present status of the development of superconducting materials of high transition temperature.(AIP)
Generation of coherent radiation in the extreme ultraviolet
Authors: Reintjes J. F.
Published: September 2006

A method is described for the generation of coherent laser radiation in the extreme ultraviolet. Light is first produced in lasers that operate at relatively long wavelengths (400–700 nm) or the near ultraviolet (200–400 nm), and is then shifted to shorter wavelengths by the nonlinear optical process known as harmonic generation (or more generally optical frequency conversion). This procedure eliminates the often difficult search for a medium that has the necessary gain at the desired wavelengths by making use of lasers already available. (AIP)
The future of the universe
Authors: Pasachoff Jay M.
Published: September 2006

Olber’s paradox is discussed in terms of Hubble’s law, and the question of the closure of the universe is considered in light of recent experimental observations. (AIP)
Why is white light dispersed by a prism?
Authors: Crawford Frank S.
Published: September 2006

By consideration of the electric fields emitted by individual electron oscillators, the frequency dependence of the speed of light in glass in discussed. (AIP)
Current physics research, Part I
Authors: Schewe Phillip F.
Published: September 2006

A brief summary of the current state of research and potential breakthroughs in several areas is given. Among the topics covered are high-energy accelerators, storage rings, quantum chromodynamics, unified gauge models, and fusion reactors.(AIP)
Choose your colors
Authors: Gewirtz Herman
Published: September 2006

The author suggests that the primary colors of red, green, and blue be adopted as the nomenclature for the quark model.(AIP)
The fall of parity
Authors: Forman Paul
Published: September 2006

The historical background behind the discovery of the violation of parity by T. D. Lee and [N. Yand is described. The experimental techniques used by Chien-Shiung Wu, Ernst Ambler, and their collaborators at the Cryogenic Physics Laboratory of the NBS to first demonstrate the violation of parity are also described. (AIP)
An alternative treatment of the elementary theory of the ordinary cyclotron
Authors: Khan M. Z. Rahman , Kumar Y.
Published: September 2006

The final energy obtained by the charged particles circulating in a cyclotron is calculated. (AIP)
Dialogue concerning the Stimpmeter
Authors: Holmes Brian W.
Published: September 2006

The Stimpmeter is a device sanctioned by the United states Golf Association to measure the speed of putting greens. It is based upon the inclined plane. A calculation, more elaborate than is usual for inclined planes, shows that the Stimpmeter causes the ball to roll on the green at 1.83 m/s.
Brief Chronologies Which Illustrate the Historical Development of Measurement Techniques, Apparatus, and Standards Part II: the development of calculational mathmetics and computing devices
Authors: Bender Paul A.
Published: September 2006

The first part of this article offered a chronology of the development of standards of length and length-measuring devices. In Part II, which follows, we consider the history of the development of computing machines and the mathematics associated with computations.
Construction of an Inexpensive Planetarium
Authors: Schade Herbert C. , Boyt Richard
Published: September 2006

Details are presented which describe the construction of an inexpensive 12-ft diam planetarium which can be built as a student project. A geodesic dome aproximating 5/8 of a sphere was used to produce an acceptable projection surface. A complete planetarium, with a projector, can be acquired at a cost of approximately fifty dollars.
Brief Chronologies Which Illustrate the Historical Development of Measurement Techniques, Apparatus, and Standards Part III: the development of the measurement of mass and weight
Authors: Bender Paul A.
Published: September 2006

Two earlier articles in this series gave the chronologies of the development of standards of length and length-measuring devices and the development of computing machines and the mathematics associated with computers.
The Telstar Satellite—How Its Temperature Is Controlled
Authors: Foster Ronald M. , Hrycak Peter
Published: September 2006

The purpose and general description of the communication satellite Telstar are given. The components within the satellite and those on the ground are briefly described. Particular attention is given to one problem, that of an outer surface that would help maintain the right internal temperature as the satellite passes through extremes of heat and cold. The physical principles utilized in designing the surface are considered. Much of the material is taken from the book Satellite Communications Physics, written by members of the staff of Bell Telephone Laboratories and soon available to teachers from local telephone company business offices.
Physics in Space
Authors: Liddel Urner
Published: September 2006

Some of the unanswered questions regarding space and the parts of the solar system near the earth are discussed. A brief survey is given of the results obtained from recently launched satellites.ast
C̆erenkov Radiation: its Origin, Properties and Applications
Authors: Jelley J. V.
Published: September 2006

In this account of C̆erenkov radiation, the optical analogue of the 'supersonic bang,' great emphasis is laid on the underlying physical principles of the effect. The historical introduction is followed by a qualitative account of the basic mechanism of the generation of light by the passage of fast charged particles through homogeneous transparent media. After a discussion of the relationship of C̆erenkov radiation to other processes connected with the interaction of fast particles with matter, the article turns to the practical applications of C̆erenkov detectors and counters in the fields of cosmic-ray and high-energy physics. In conclusion, the author describes some interesting experiments carried out by his colleagues and himself on light flashes from the night sky.
Infrared Radiation
Authors: Williams Dudley
Published: September 2006

The characteristics of radiation of wavelength somewhat longer than that of visible light, the methods of detecting and measuring it, and some of its applications are described.
The Age of Photography
Authors: Wallington G. Grantly
Published: September 2006

Numerous applications of photography in present day technology and science are described. These include the launching and tracking of satellites and rockets, the observation of the reactions of an astronaut, the recording of data obtained by the Venus probe, tracing the movement of a sodium cloud 100 miles above the earth, recording data from a radar screen, either by photographing the light produced in the phosphorous screen or allowing the electron beam to act directly on the photographic film, the study of cosmic rays by use of unmounted photographic emulsions, the detection of elements in a tiny sample, and the manufacture of small parts by photoengraving.
Physics and Optics In High Schools
Authors: Thekaekara Matthew P.
Published: September 2006

The place of optics in the physics curriculum of high schools is examined in the light of current educational trends and needs. Both the P.S.S.C. and conventional physics curricula place due emphasis on optics, but relatively few students take physics in school, and adequately trained teachers are fewer in physics than in other branches of physical science. An analysis of relevant statistics discloses a serious shortage of scientific manpower needed for the nation's economy, and an even more serious threat to cultural unity and progress.
The Exploding Universe of Quasars
Authors: Lessing Lawrence
Published: September 2006

These strange new bodies on the outer limits of space are challenging all modern concepts of the nature of the universe. They may also lead to the discovery of new forms of energy vastly more powerful than the nuclear.
Electrons, Photons, and Students
Authors: Portis Alan M.
Published: September 2006

The four-year development of the Berkeley Physics Laboratory is described starting from its inception in the Summer of 1962. Reasons for the special attention given to electrons and photons are presented. The use of student groups in the laboratory trials is discussed. The wide response to the laboratory is analyzed. Finally, modifications currently being made in the laboratory by the Berkeley Physics faculty are presented and discussed.
Static Equilibrium Problems Solved with Jigsaw Puzzles
Authors: Freier George D.
Published: September 2006

A teaching aid for solving problems of static equilibrium is described. Force polygons are constructed at each joint of a simple structure, and, when these force polygons are fitted together for the complete structure, they give a jigsaw puzzle solution for overall static equilibrium.
Three Demonstrations of Projectile Motion
Authors: Poole William F.
Published: September 2006

This article describes the techniques for three classroom demonstrations on projectile motion for the physics classroom. These demonstrations are the plotting of projectile motion using the overhead projector, photographing falling objects using stroboscopic methods, and a variation in the technique of performing the Monkey and the Gun demonstration.
Where Credit is Due
Authors: Raman V. V.
Published: September 2006

The history of science is replete with instances of disappointed, disgruntled, and frustrated scientists who have felt and complained that their ideas have been stolen or ignored until some one else came up with the same. Conversations have been recorded, correspondence uncovered, and public debates conducted on lively questions of priority.
APPARATUS FOR TEACHING PHYSICS: A Comparative Evaluation of He-Ne Lasers
Authors: Jeong Tung H.
Published: September 2006

This is the second of a series of apparatus reviews sponsored by the AAPT Apparatus Committee as a service to physics teachers. To perform this study, all manufacturers of helium-neon lasers costing $400 or less were invited to complete survey forms and submit production samples to Dr. Jeong for testing. Not only was their cooperation excellent, but several also volunteered to submit laser accessory kits for optical experiments and holography for evaluation. It is hoped that such accessories will be included in future studies.
Trampoline injuries
Authors: Nysted M , Drogset J O
Published: September 2006

Objective:To describe the mechanism, location and types of injury for all patients treated for trampoline-associated injuries at St Olav’s University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway, from March 2001to October 2004.

Materials and methods:Patients were identified from a National Injury Surveillance System. All patients were asked to complete a standard questionnaire at their first visit at the hospital. Most data were recorded prospectively, but data on the mechanism of injury, the number of participants on the trampoline at the time of injury, adult supervision and whether the activity occurred at school or in another organised setting were collected retrospectively.

Results:A total of 556 patients, 56% male and 44% female, were included. The mean age of patients was 11 (range 1–62) years. 77% of the injuries occurred on the body of the trampoline, including falls on to the mat, collisions with another jumper, falls on to the frame or the springs, and performing a somersault, whereas 22% of the people fell off the trampoline. In 74% of the cases, more than two people were on the trampoline, with as many as nine trampolinists noted at the time of injury. For children <11 years, 22% had adult supervision when the injury occurred. The most common types of injuries were fractures (36%) and injury to ligaments (36%). Injuries to the extremities predominated (79%), and the lower extremities were the most commonly injured part of the body (44%). A ligament injury in the ankle was the most often reported diagnosis (20%), followed by an overstretching of ligaments in the neck (8%) and a fracture of the elbow (7%). Regarding cervical injuries, two patients had cervical fractures and one patient had an atlantoaxial subluxation. Three patients with fractures in the elbow region reported an ulnar nerve neuropathy. 13% of the patients were hospitalised for a mean of 2.2 days.

Conclusion:Trampolining can cause serious injuries, especially in the neck and elbow areas of young children. The use of a trampoline is a high-risk activity. However, a ban is not supported. The importance of having safety guidelines for the use of trampolines is emphasised.
Can patients with McArdle’s disease run?
Authors: Pérez M , Moran M , Cardona C , Maté-Muñoz J L , Rubio J C , Andreu A L , Martin M A , Arenas J , Lucia A
Published: September 2006

Patients with McArdle’s disease commonly adopt a sedentary lifestyle. This sedentary behaviour, however, usually worsens the limited exercise capacity of these patients. Although eccentric muscle work can be associated with rhabdomyolysis, supervised eccentric training with gradually increasing loads has important advantages compared with conventional concentric work, particularly for patients with a poor cardiorespiratory system. We report the beneficial effects (particularly, increased VO2peak(from 14.6 to 30.8 ml/kg/min) and increased gross muscle efficiency (from 13.8% to 17.2%)) induced by a supervised aerobic training programme of 7 months duration including 3–4 running sessions (⩽60 min/session) per week in a 38-year-old patient. These preliminary data suggest the potential therapeutic value of this type of exercise in these patients.
CLUSTERING BIOLOGICAL ANNOTATIONS AND GENE EXPRESSION DATA TO IDENTIFY PUTATIVELY CO-REGULATED BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES
Authors: HENEGAR CORNELIU , CANCELLO RAFFAELLA , ROME SOPHIE , VIDAL HUBERT , CLÉMENT KARINE , ZUCKER JEAN-DANIEL
Published: September 2006

Motivation: Functional profiling is a key step of microarray gene expression data analysis. Identifying co-regulated biological processes could help for better understanding of underlying biological interactions within the studied biological frame.

Results: We present herein an original approach designed to search for putatively co-regulated biological processes sharing a significant number of co-expressed genes. An R language implementation named "FunCluster" was built and tested on two gene expression data sets. A discriminatory functional analysis of the first data set, related to experiments performed on separated adipocytes and stroma vascular fraction cells of human white adipose tissue, highlighted the prevalent role of nonadipose cells in the synthesis of inflammatory and immunity molecules in human adiposity. On the second data set, resulting from a model investigating insulin coordinated regulation of gene expression in human skeletal muscle, FunCluster analysis spotlighted novel functional classes of putatively co-regulated biological processes related to protein metabolism and the regulation of muscular contraction.

Availability: Supplementary information about the FunCluster tool is available on-line at .
COEXPRESSIONFINDER: A NEW ALGORITHM FOR FINDING GROUPS OF COEXPRESSED GENES
Authors: ROGOV SERGEY I. , MOMYNALIEV KUVAT T. , GOVORUN VADIM M.
Published: September 2006

Results: A new algorithm is developed which is intended to find groups of genes whose expression values change in a concordant manner in a series of experiments with DNA arrays. This algorithm is named as CoexpressionFinder. It can find more complete and internally coordinated groups of gene expression vectors than hierarchical clustering. Also, it finds more genes having coordinated expression. The algorithm's design allows parallel execution.

Availability: The algorithm is implemented as a Java application which is freely available at: and .
OPTIMAL SPECTRAL COORDINATION OF SUBANTENNAE IN NATURAL ANTENNAE AS AN EFFICIENT STRATEGY FOR LIGHT HARVESTING IN PHOTOSYNTHESIS
Authors: NOVIKOV A. A. , TAISOVA A. S. , FETISOVA Z. G.
Published: September 2006

This work continues a series of our investigations on efficient strategies of functioning of natural light-harvesting antennae, initiated by a concept of rigorous optimization of photosynthetic apparatus by functional criterion, and deals with the problem of an optimal spectral coordination of subantennae in photosynthetic superantenna of the green bacterium Oscillochloris trichoides from a new family of green bacteria Oscillochloridaceae based in 2000. At present, two subantennae were identified surely: chlorosomal BChl c subantenna B750 and membrane BChl a subantennae B805-860. Some indirect experiments indicated on the presence of minor amounts of BChl a in isolated chlorosomes which allowed us to propose on the existence of an intermediate-energy subantenna which can connect the chlorosomal BChl c and the membrane BChl a ones. However, in the absorption spectra of isolated chlorosomes, this BChl a subantenna was not visually identified. This promoted us to perform a theoretical analysis of the optimality of spectral coordination of Oscillochloris trichoides subantennae. Using mathematical modeling for the functioning of the natural superantenna, we showed that an intermediate-energy subantenna, connecting B750 and B805-860 ones, allows one to control superantenna efficiency, i.e. to optimize the excitation energy transfer from B750 to B805 by functional criterion, and hence, the existence of such intermediate-energy subantenna is biologically expedient.
TRANSLATION REGULATION OF INTRON-CONTAINING GENES IN CHLOROPLASTS
Authors: SELIVERSTOV ALEXANDER , LYUBETSKY VASSILY
Published: September 2006

The paper provides a short description of the originally developed algorithm for searching of the conservative protein–RNA binding sites. The algorithm is applied to analyze chloroplast genes. The candidate protein–RNA binding sites were detected upstream of atpF, petB, clpP, psaA, psbA, and psbB genes in many chloroplasts of algae and plants. We suggest that some of these sites are involved in suppressing translation until splicing is completed.
Contrasting Actions of Endothelin ETAand ETBReceptors in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Schneider Markus P. , Boesen Erika I. , Pollock David M.
Published: September 2006

First identified as a powerful vasoconstrictor, endothelin has an extremely diverse set of actions that influence homeostatic mechanisms throughout the body. Two receptor subtypes, ETAand ETB, which usually have opposing actions, mediate the actions of endothelin. ETAreceptors function to promote vasoconstriction, growth, and inflammation, whereas ETBreceptors produce vasodilation, increases in sodium excretion, and inhibit growth and inflammation. Potent and selective receptor antagonists have been developed and have shown promising results in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as pulmonary arterial hypertension, acute and chronic heart failure, hypertension, renal failure, and atherosclerosis. However, results are often contradictory and complicated because of the tissue-specific vasoconstrictor actions of ETBreceptors and the fact that endothelin is an autocrine and paracrine factor whose activity is difficult to measure in vivo. Considerable questions remain regarding whether ETA-selective or nonselective ETA/ETBreceptor antagonists would be useful in a range of clinical settings.
Arsenic: Signal Transduction, Transcription Factor, and Biotransformation Involved in Cellular Response and Toxicity
Authors: Kumagai Yoshito , Sumi Daigo
Published: September 2006

Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid that causes oxidative stress. Exposure of humans, experimental animals, and cultured cells to arsenic results in a variety of diverse health effects, dysfunction of critical enzymes, and cell damage. In this context, one area of arsenic study has been the role of its metabolism. Like organic chemicals, arsenic undergoes reduction, methylation, and glutathione conjugation to yield polar metabolites that are substrates for transporters. These events suggest that transcription factor(s) controlling the upregulation of antioxidant proteins, Phase II xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, and Phase III transporters should affect arsenic-mediated oxidative stress and the steady-state level of arsenic in the cells. In this review, we summarize recent progress in arsenic toxicity in terms of disrupted signal transduction cascades, the transcription factors involved, and arsenic biotransformation, including a novel pathway.
Resistance of mice lacking the serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase SGK1 against salt-sensitive hypertension induced by a high-fat diet
Authors: Huang Dan Yang , Boini Krishna M. , Osswald Hartmut , Friedrich Björn , Artunc Ferruh , Ullrich Susanne , Rajamanickam Jeyaganesh , Palmada Monica , Wulff Peer , Kuhl Dietmar , Vallon Volker , Lang Florian
Published: September 2006

Mineralocorticoids enhance expression and insulin stimulates activity of the serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase SGK1, which activates the renal epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC). Under a salt-deficient diet, SGK1 knockout mice ( sgk1−/−) excrete significantly more NaCl than their wild-type littermates ( sgk1 +/+) and become hypotensive. The present experiments explored whether SGK1 participates in the hypertensive effects of a high-fat diet and high-salt intake. Renal SGK1 protein abundance of sgk1 +/+ mice was significantly elevated after a high-fat diet. Under a control diet, fluid intake, blood pressure, urinary flow rate, and urinary Na+, K+, and Cl− excretion were similar in sgk1−/− and sgk1 +/+ mice. Under a standard diet, high salt (1% NaCl in the drinking water for 25 days) increased fluid intake, urinary flow rate, and urinary Na+, K+, and Cl− excretion similarly in sgk1−/− and sgk1 +/+ mice without significantly altering blood pressure. A high-fat diet alone (17 wk) did not significantly alter fluid intake, urinary flow rate, urinary Na+, K+, or Cl− excretion, or plasma aldosterone levels but increased plasma insulin, total cholesterol, triglyceride concentrations, and systolic blood pressure to the same extent in both genotypes. Additional salt intake (1% NaCl in the drinking water for 25 days) on top of a high-fat diet did not affect hyperinsulinemia or hyperlipidemia but increased fluid intake, urinary flow rate, and urinary NaCl excretion significantly more in sgk1−/− than in sgk1 +/+mice. Furthermore, in animals receiving a high-fat diet, additional salt intake increased blood pressure only in sgk1 +/+ mice (to 132 ± 3 mmHg) but not in sgk1−/− mice (120 ± 4 mmHg). Thus lack of SGK1 protects against the hypertensive effects of a combined high-fat/high-salt diet.
Chronic Low-Dose Angiotensin II Infusion Increases Venomotor Tone by Neurogenic Mechanisms
Authors: King Andrew J. , Fink Gregory D.
Published: September 2006

The purpose of this study was to identify changes in venomotor tone in the chronic low-dose angiotensin II (Ang II) model of hypertension and to establish the contribution of sympathetic nerve activation to these venomotor tone changes. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were acclimatized to a 0.4% or 2.0% NaCl diet for 7 days and then catheterized to allow chronic and repeated measures of arterial pressure, central venous pressure, and mean circulatory filling pressure (MCFP), an index of venous smooth muscle tone, in conscious undisturbed rats. After 4 days of recovery and a 3-day control period, an Ang II or physiological saline-filled osmotic minipump was implanted subcutaneously to deliver Ang II (150 ng/kg per minute) or vehicle control for 14 days. MCFP was measured in duplicate before and after acute ganglionic blockade with hexamethonium (30 mg/kg IV) on control day 2 and Ang II infusion on days 1, 3, 7, and 14. Blood volume was also measured on these days and was unchanged for the duration of the study in all of the groups. Arterial pressure was increased for the duration of Ang II infusion in rats on both 0.4% and 2% NaCl diets, but the increase was significantly greater in the 2% NaCl group and completely abolished by hexamethonium. MCFP was significantly increased for the entire Ang II infusion period only in rats fed 2% NaCl, and this increase was completely abolished by hexamethonium. We conclude that the combination of chronic low-dose Ang II infusion and high dietary salt intake engages the sympathetic nervous system to increase venomotor tone.
Angiotensin II Stimulates Endothelial NO Synthase Phosphorylation in Thoracic Aorta of Mice With Abdominal Aortic Banding Via Type 2 Receptor
Authors: Yayama Katsutoshi , Hiyoshi Hiromi , Imazu Daichi , Okamoto Hiroshi
Published: September 2006

Abdominal aortic banding in mice induces upregulation of angiotensin II (Ang II) type 2 (AT2) receptors in the pressure-overloaded thoracic aorta. To clarify mechanisms underlying the vascular AT2receptor-dependent NO production, we measured aortic levels of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), eNOS phosphorylated at Ser633and Ser1177, protein kinase B (Akt), and Akt phosphorylated at Ser473in thoracic aortas of mice after banding. Total eNOS, both forms of phosphorylated eNOS, Akt, and phosphorylated Akt levels, as well as cGMP contents, were significantly increased 4 days after banding. The administration of PD123319 (an AT2receptor antagonist) or icatibant (a bradykinin B2receptor antagonist) abolished the banding-induced upregulation of both forms of phosphorylated eNOS, as well as elevation of cGMP, but did not affect the upregulation of eNOS, Akt, and phosphorylated Akt. In the in vitro experiments using aortic rings prepared from banded mice, Ang II produced significant increases in both forms of phosphorylated eNOS, as well as cGMP, and these effects were blocked by PD123319 and icatibant. Ang II–induced eNOS phosphorylation and cGMP elevation in aortic rings were inhibited by protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors H89 and KT5720 but not by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors wortmannin and LY24002. The contractile response to Ang II was attenuated in aortic rings from banded mice via AT2receptor, and this attenuation was blocked by PKA inhibitors. These results suggest that the activation of AT2receptor by Ang II induces phosphorylation of eNOS at Ser633and Ser1177via a PKA-mediated signaling pathway, resulting in sustained activation of eNOS.
Positive Association Between Plasma Fibrinogen Level and Incident Hypertension Among Men
Authors: Shankar Anoop , Wang Jie Jin , Rochtchina Elena , Mitchell Paul
Published: September 2006

Elevated plasma fibrinogen is implicated in cardiovascular disease. However, it is not clear whether fibrinogen levels predict the development of hypertension. We examined the relationship between plasma fibrinogen level and hypertension in a population-based cohort study of 3654 participants (mean age: 61.5 years; range: 49 to 84 years) at the baseline examination (1992–1994) in the Blue Mountains region, west of Sydney, Australia, who were examined 5 years (1997–1999) later. Main outcomes of interest were prevalent hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg, or a combination of self-reported hypertension diagnosis and use of antihypertensive medications) at baseline (n=2212/3180) and 5-year incidence of hypertension among baseline normotensive individuals (n=361/637). Elevated plasma fibrinogen level was positively associated with prevalent hypertension both among men and women and positively associated with 5-year incident hypertension among men, independent of several cardiovascular risk factors. Multivariable odds ratio (95% CI) of 5-year incident hypertension comparing tertile 3 of plasma fibrinogen (≥3.9 g/L) with tertile 1 (≤3.2 g/L) was 1.95 (1.03 to 3.68;
P
trend=0.040). This prospective association, however, was not observed in women (odds ratio; 95% CI) comparing tertile 3 versus tertile 1 of plasma fibrinogen (1.00; 0.54 to 1.86;
P
trend=0.986). Subgroup analyses stratified by smoking, body mass index, diabetes, and blood pressure categories supported this male gender–specific pattern of association. These data provide prospective epidemiological evidence of an essential link between plasma fibrinogen level and incident hypertension among men but not among women, a finding consistent with that observed in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.