bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guanethidine treatment does not block the ability of central leptin administration to decrease blood glucose concentrations in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Wang Jinpin , Wernette Catherine M , Judd Robert L , Huggins Kevin W , White B Douglas
Published: July 2008

Leptin, administered either into the ventricles of the brain or systemically, has been shown to normalize blood glucose concentrations in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. We hypothesized that an intact sympathetic nervous system is necessary for centrally administered leptin to normalize or attenuate high blood glucose concentrations in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Young male Wistar rats (∼50 g) were treated every other day with either s.c. guanethidine (100 mg/kg) or vehicle for 2 weeks. Rats were then implanted with an intracerebroventricular cannula directed to the lateral ventricle and made diabetic with an i.v. injection of STZ (50 mg/kg). Half of the animals in each group were given daily injections of leptin (10 μl), while the remaining animals received vehicle injections. Blood glucose concentrations were measured daily and tissue norepinephrine content was determined by high performance liquid chromatography at the end of the study. Guanethidine pretreatment did not block the ability of centrally administered leptin to decrease blood glucose concentrations in diabetic rats. This suggests that the sympathetic nervous system does not mediate the leptin-induced attenuation of high blood glucose concentrations observed in diabetic rats.
Using buttress walls to reduce excavation-induced movements
Authors: Ou C.-Y. , Teng F.-C. , Seed R. B. , Wang I.-W.
Published: July 2008

The buttress wall is an alternative construction method for protection of adjacent buildings during excavation. It is generally recognised, but not verified, that the method has good effects in reducing wall movement and ground settlement, because buttress walls behave as T-shaped concrete beams, which possess comparatively larger stiffness than two-dimensional diaphragm walls. However, the behaviour of buttress walls in excavations is not fully understood, because of a lack of well-monitored case histories and systematic studies. In this study, the effectiveness of buttress walls in reducing wall deflection and ground settlement is evaluated through observed behaviour of a case history, and through finite element studies. The case study indicates that the use of buttress walls in a deep excavation can significantly reduce the deflection of a diaphragm wall. Effective prediction of the behaviour of the buttress wall can be achieved using the three-dimensional finite element method. Parametric studies reveal that deflection of the diaphragm wall is strongly influenced by the condition of the restraint at the bottom of the buttress walls, and by the number of buttress walls. As long as the buttress wall bottom is well restrained, and reasonable numbers of buttress walls are installed, wall deflection can be considerably reduced.
Nonlinear concrete model for an internally confined hollow reinforced concrete column
Authors: Han T. H. , Lim N. H. , Han S. Y. , Park J. S. , Kang Y. J.
Published: July 2008

A hollow reinforced concrete (RC) column has been used to obtain a more economical design by reduction of the material or the self weight of the column. Although a hollow RC column offers a high effectiveness of section properties, it may show poor ductility owing to brittle failure at its inner face. In order to develop a more economical and safer model for a RC column, an internally confined hollow (ICH) RC column and its non-linear concrete model were proposed with the considerations of confining effects. To determine the relation of stress–strain for the concrete in an ICH RC column, possible failure modes of the column were investigated and the confining pressure was derived from equilibriums for each failure mode. A computer program was developed with respect to the derived equilibrium equations and parametric studies were performed to evaluate the application of the developed program. The ICH RC column significantly improved its strength and ductility by the internal confinement.
Solution of an integral important in the analysis of wire antennas above ground
Authors: Petrovic Vladimir
Published: July 2008

Analytical solution of an integral important in the analysis of wire antennas above ground is presented in detail. The integral plays an important role in numerical analysis of wire antennas, because for small source-to-field distances it is quasi-singular and thus very demanding for numerical integration. Therefore, its exact analytical solution is preferred.
Radio continuum study of the large Magellanic cloud: SNR J0519-6926
Authors: Crawford E.J. , Filipovic M.D. , Payne J.L.
Published: July 2008

We present the results of new high resolution ATCA observations of SNR J0519-6926. We found that this SNR exhibits a typical 'horseshoe' appearance with ?=-0.55?0.08 and D=28?1 pc. No polarization (or magnetic fields) were detected to a level of 1%. This is probably due to a relatively poor sampling of the UV plane caused be observing in 'snap-shot' mode.
Neocatastrophism and the milky way astrobiological landscape
Authors: Vukotic B. , Cirkovic M.M.
Published: July 2008

The number and distribution of habitable planets in the Milky Way is one of the foremost problems of contemporary astrobiological research. We investigate the effects of applying general neocatastrophic paradigm to the evolution of the Galactic Habitable Zone. In this paper, we investigate the limits of simple, 1-dimensional astrobiological models, and consider the role of regulation mechanisms in shapening the 'astrobiological landscape'. We show that the transition from predominantly gradualist to predominantly (neo)catastrophist history of our Galaxy leads to the build-up of large-scale correlations between habitable sites, offering possible keys to such important problems as Carter's 'anthropic' argument and Fermi's paradox. In addition, we consider the possibilities for extending the present class of models into spatially realistic 3-dimensional case via probabilistic cellular automata.
Element free Galerkin method for transient thermal analysis of carbon nanotube composites
Authors: Singh Vir , Tanaka Masataka , Endo Morinobu
Published: July 2008

This paper deals with the transient thermal analysis of carbon nanotube composites via meshless element free Galerkin method. A three-dimensional representative volume element containing single nanotube has been taken as model for these simulations. Essential boundary conditions have been enforced via penalty approach. Simulations using continuum mechanics have been carried out for two different values of nanotube length. Backward difference and Galerkin approaches have been utilized for time approximation, and the results obtained by backward difference method are compared with those obtained by Galerkin approach. .
Two-dimensional modeling of water spray cooling in superheated steam
Authors: Ebrahimian Vahid , Gorji-Bandpy Mofid
Published: July 2008

Spray cooling of the superheated steam occurs with the interaction of many complex physical processes, such as initial droplet formation, collision, coalescence, secondary break up, evaporation, turbulence generation, and modulation, as well as turbulent mixing, heat, mass and momentum transfer in a highly non-uniform two-phase environment. While it is extremely difficult to systematically study particular effects in this complex interaction in a well defined physical experiment, the interaction is well suited for numerical studies based on advanced detailed models of all the processes involved. This paper presents results of such a numerical experiment. Cooling of the superheated steam can be applied in order to decrease the temperature of superheated steam in power plants. By spraying the cooling water into the superheated steam, the temperature of the superheated steam can be controlled. In this work, water spray cooling was modeled to investigate the influences of the droplet size, injected velocity, the pressure and velocity of the superheated steam on the evaporation of the cooling water. The results show that by increasing the diameter of the droplets, the pressure and velocity of the superheated steam, the amount of evaporation of cooling water increases. .
Thermal behavior of sewage sludge derived fuels
Authors: Li Xin-Rui , Lim Woo-Sub , Iwata Yusaku , Koseki Hiroshi
Published: July 2008

The utility of sewage sludge as a biomass fuel is taken as an approach to deal with global warming. Thermal characterization of this new type of fuel is a premise before it is practically used in real facilities. Four sludge derived fuels were examined by thermal calorimeters (TG-DTA, C80, and TAM) at temperature ramp and isothermal conditions. Heat generation at low temperature was found in some sludge species. The corresponding spontaneous ignition was measured in an adiabatic spontaneous ignition tester at 80 ?C. The reason of the thermal behaviors of the sludge fuels was discussed. The critical temperature of large scale pile-up was predicted. .
Particulate matters from diesel engine exhaust emission
Authors: Petrovic Velimir
Published: July 2008

Air pollution caused by diesel engine emissions, especially particulate matters and nitric oxides emissions, is one of the biggest problems of current transportation. In the near future the emission of diesel particulate matters will become one of the most important factors that will affect the trend of engine development. Ambient airborne particles have adverse environmental and health effects and therefore their concentration in the air is regulated. Recent medical studies showed that different particle properties are important (for example: number/concentration, active surface, chemical composition/morphology) and may take role in the responsibility for their human health impact. Thus, diesel engines are one of the most important sources of particles in the atmosphere, especially in urban areas. Studying health effects and diesel engine particulate properties, it has been concluded that they are a complex mixture of solids and liquids. Biological activity of particulate matter may be related to particle sizes and their number. The paper presents the activities of UN-ECE working group PMP on defining the best procedure and methodology for the measurement of passenger cars diesel engines particle mass and number concentrations. The results of inter-laboratory emissions testing are presented for different engine technologies with special attention on repeatability and reproducibility of measured data. .
The nonstandard algorithm for constructing efficient conjoint experimental designs
Authors: Kuzmanovic Marija
Published: July 2008

Conjoint analysis is a research technique for measuring consumer preferences, and it is a method for simulating consumers' possible reactions to changes in current products or newly introduced products into an existing competitive market. One of the most critical steps in Conjoint analysis application is experimental designs construction. The purpose of an experimental design is to give a rough overall idea as to the shape of the experimental response surface, while only requiring a relatively small number of runs. These designs are expected to be orthogonal and balanced in an ideal case. In practice, though, it is hard to construct optimal designs and thus constructing of near optimal and efficient designs is carried out. There are several ways to quantify the relative efficiency of experimental designs. The choice of measure will determine which types of experimental designs are favored as well as the algorithms for choosing efficient designs. In this paper it is proposed the algorithm which combines one standard and one non-standard optimality criteria. The computational experiments were made, and results of comparison with algorithm implemented in commercial package SPSS confirm the efficiency of the proposed algorithm. .
Fuzzy evaluation method using fuzzy rule approach in multicriteria analysis
Authors: Othman Mahmod , Ku-Mahamud Ruhana , Bakar Abu
Published: July 2008

A multicriteria analysis in ranking the quality of teaching using fuzzy rule is proposed. The proposed method uses the application of fuzzy sets and approximate reasoning in deciding the ranking of the quality of teaching in several courses. The proposed method introduces normalizing data which dampen the extreme value that exists in the data. The use of the model is suitable in evaluating situations that involve subjectivity, vagueness and imprecise information. Experimental results are comparable and the method performs better in some domains. .
Postnatal Expansion of the Pancreatic β-Cell Mass Is Dependent on Survivin
Authors: Jiang Yuying , Nishimura Wataru , Devor-Henneman Deborah , Kusewitt Donna , Wang Haijuan , Holloway Michael P. , Dohi Takehiko , Sabo Edmond , Robinson Michael L. , Altieri Dario C. , Sharma Arun , Altura Rachel A.
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE—Diabetes results from a deficiency of functional β-cells due to both an increase in β-cell death and an inhibition of β-cell replication. The molecular mechanisms responsible for these effects in susceptible individuals are mostly unknown. The objective of this study was to determine whether a gene critical for cell division and cell survival in cancer cells, survivin, might also be important for β-cells.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We generated mice harboring a conditional deletion of survivin in pancreatic endocrine cells using mice with a Pax-6-Cre transgene promoter construct driving tissue-specific expression of Cre-recombinase in these cells. We performed metabolic studies and immunohistochemical analyses to determine the effects of a mono- and biallelic deletion of survivin.

RESULTS—Selective deletion of survivin in pancreatic endocrine cells in the mouse had no discernible effects during embryogenesis but was associated with striking decreases in β-cell number after birth, leading to hyperglycemia and early-onset diabetes by 4 weeks of age. Serum insulin levels were significantly decreased in animals lacking endocrine cell survivin, with relative stability of other hormones. Exogenous expression of survivin in mature β-cells lacking endogenous survivin completely rescued the hyperglycemic phenotype and the decrease in β-cell mass, confirming the specificity of the survivin effect in these cells.

CONCLUSIONS—Our findings implicate survivin in the maintenance of β-cell mass through both replication and antiapoptotic mechanisms. Given the widespread involvement of survivin in cancer, a novel role for survivin may well be exploited in β-cell regulation in diseased states, such as diabetes.
FTO Variants Are Associated With Obesity in the Chinese and Malay Populations in Singapore
Authors: Tan Jonathan T. , Dorajoo Rajkumar , Seielstad Mark , Sim Xue Ling , Ong Rick Twee-Hee , Chia Kee Seng , Wong Tien Yin , Saw Seang Mei , Chew Suok Kai , Aung Tin , Tai E-Shyong
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE— Association between genetic variants at the FTO locus and obesity has been consistently observed in populations of European ancestry and inconsistently in non-Europeans. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of FTO variants on obesity and type 2 diabetes in Southeast Asian populations.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— We examined associations between nine previously reported FTO single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and related traits in 4,298 participants (2,919 Chinese, 785 Malays, and 594 Asian Indians) from the 1998 Singapore National Health Survey (NHS98) and 2,996 Malays from the Singapore Malay Eye Study (SiMES).

RESULTS— All nine SNPs exhibited strong linkage disequilibrium (r2 = 0.6–0.99), and minor alleles were associated with obesity in the same direction as previous studies with effect sizes ranging from 0.42 to 0.68 kg/m2 (P < 0.0001) in NHS98 Chinese, 0.65 to 0.91 kg/m2 (P < 0.02) in NHS98 Malays, and 0.52 to 0.64 kg/m2 (P < 0.0001) in SiMES Malays after adjustment for age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, and exercise. The variants were also associated with type 2 diabetes, though not after adjustment for BMI (with the exception of the SiMES Malays: odds ratio 1.17–1.22; P ≤ 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS— FTO variants common among European populations are associated with obesity in ethnic Chinese and Malays in Singapore. Our data do not support the hypothesis that differences in allele frequency or genetic architecture underlie the lack of association observed in some populations of Asian ancestry. Examination of gene-environment interactions involving variants at this locus may provide further insights into the role of FTO in the pathogenesis of human obesity and diabetes.
Distinct Monocyte Gene-Expression Profiles in Autoimmune Diabetes
Authors: Padmos Roos C. , Schloot Nanette C. , Beyan Huriya , Ruwhof Cindy , Staal Frank J.T. , de Ridder Dick , Aanstoot Henk-Jan , Lam-Tse Wai Kwan , de Wit Harm , de Herder Christian , Drexhage Roos C. , Menart Barbara , Leslie R. David , Drexhage Hemmo A. ,   the LADA Consortium
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE—There is evidence that monocytes of patients with type 1 diabetes show proinflammatory activation and disturbed migration/adhesion, but the evidence is inconsistent. Our hypothesis is that monocytes are distinctly activated/disturbed in different subforms of autoimmune diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We studied patterns of inflammatory gene expression in monocytes of patients with type 1 diabetes (juvenile onset, n = 30; adult onset, n = 30) and latent autoimmune diabetes of the adult (LADA) (n = 30) (controls subjects, n = 49; type 2 diabetic patients, n = 30) using quantitative PCR. We tested 25 selected genes: 12 genes detected in a prestudy via whole-genome analyses plus an additional 13 genes identified as part of a monocyte inflammatory signature previously reported.

RESULTS—We identified two distinct monocyte gene expression clusters in autoimmune diabetes. One cluster (comprising 12 proinflammatory cytokine/compound genes with a putative key gene PDE4B) was detected in 60% of LADA and 28% of adult-onset type 1 diabetic patients but in only 10% of juvenile-onset type 1 diabetic patients. A second cluster (comprising 10 chemotaxis, adhesion, motility, and metabolism genes) was detected in 43% of juvenile-onset type 1 diabetic and 33% of LADA patients but in only 9% of adult-onset type 1 diabetic patients.

CONCLUSIONS—Subgroups of type 1 diabetic patients show an abnormal monocyte gene expression with two profiles, supporting a concept of heterogeneity in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diabetes only partly overlapping with the presently known diagnostic categories.
Characterization of avalanche loading on impacted structures: a new approach based on inverse analysis
Authors: Berthet-Rambaud Philippe , Limam Ali , Baroudi Djebar , Thibert Emmanuel , Taillandier Jean-Michel
Published: July 2008

Experiments have been conducted on the French full-scale experimental site at Lautaret pass to improve our understanding of the action of snow avalanches on obstacles. The ultimate objective is to provide realistic pressure distribution models suitable for use in civil engineering design and to eliminate the restrictive assumptions currently used in this field. We focus on the feasibility of using the inverse method to quantify the action of the avalanche from its effects on realistic structures rather than from sensors placed directly in the flow. This approach takes into account the interactions between the flow and the obstacle and ensures that the result is effectively the action experienced by the obstacle. The inverse analysis procedure is developed and validated using both numerical and laboratory tests. In situ tests carried out at the Lautaret site to determine the avalanche action at different scales confirm the reliability of this original approach. Its intrinsic characteristics make it especially suitable for application to different structures to provide new knowledge in this complex field.
Arctic sea ice surviving the summer melt: interannual variability and decreasing trend
Authors: Zwally H. Jay , Gloersen Per
Published: July 2008

Sea ice surviving the summer melt season to become multi-year ice in the Arctic Ocean is of interest because multi-year ice significantly affects the ice-thickness distribution and the dynamics and thermodynamics of the ice pack in subsequent seasons. However, the amount of ice surviving summer melting has not been well determined because the time of the minimum ice area varies from region to region. A concept of local temporal minimum (LTM) accounts for non-simultaneity of the melt–freeze transition by determining the minima ice concentrations (CLTM) on local spatial scales. CLTM are calculated for 25 km gridcells using 24 years (1979–2002) of satellite passive-microwave data. The total area of ice surviving the summer melt (ALTM) is given by spatial integration of CLTM. Over 24 years, the average ALTM is 2.6 × 106 km2 (excluding ∼0.7 × 105 km2 above 84° N). In contrast, the average area (3.8 × 106 km2) of all ice types (ASM), measured when the total (simultaneous) ice cover is a minimum in daily maps in mid-September, is an often-used estimate of ice surviving the summer melting that is ∼45% too large. Over 24 years, the ALTM decreased by 9.5 ± 2.2% (10 a)−1 (0.27 ± 0.06 × 106 km2 (10 a)−1), which is similar to the rate of decline of ASM and about three times the rate of the annual average. The time-of-occurrence of the LTM averaged over the perennial ice pack increased by 8 days from around 11 to 19 August, indicating a later ending of the melt season by about 3 days (10 a)−1 as the summer pack declines. Estimates of multi-year ice in midwinter from passive microwave observations are ∼17% smaller than ALTM, suggesting that the microwave algorithm does not measure all the multi-year ice.
Performance of ASTER and SRTM DEMs, and their potential for assessing glacial lakes in the Lunana region, Bhutan Himalaya
Authors: Fujita Koji , Suzuki Ryohei , Nuimura Takayuki , Sakai Akiko
Published: July 2008

To assess the potential volume of a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) more precisely than in previous studies, we analyze ground survey data and remote-sensing digital elevation models (DEMs) around glacial lakes in the Lunana region, Bhutan. Based on a DEM generated from differential GPS ground surveys, we first evaluate the relative accuracies of DEMs produced by the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) and the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). Root-mean-square errors of the altitudinal difference between these DEMs and ground survey data were 11.0 m for ASTER and 11.3 m for SRTM. These errors are similar to those of previous studies. We show that a topographical classification allows a better estimate of elevation on lakes/ponds, riverbeds and glaciers due to their flat surfaces, while the relative accuracy is worse over moraines and hill slopes due to their narrow ridges and steep slopes. Using the optical satellite images and the ground survey data, we re-evaluate the GLOF volume in 1994 as (17.2 ± 5.3) × 106 m3. We show GLOF-related information such as distance, altitudinal difference and gradient at possible outburst points where the lake level is higher than the neighboring riverbed and/or glacial lake.
A comparison of Greenland ice-sheet volume changes derived from altimetry measurements
Authors: Thomas Robert , Davis Curt , Frederick Earl , Krabill William , Li Yonghong , Manizade Serdar , Martin Chreston
Published: July 2008

We compare rates of surface-elevation change on the Greenland ice sheet derived from European Remote-sensing Satellite-2 (ERS-2) radar-altimeter data with those obtained from laser-altimeter data collected over nearly the same time periods. Radar-altimeter data show more rapid thickening (9 ± 1 cm a−1 above 1500 m elevation in the north, and 3 ± 1 cm a−1 above 2000 m in the south) than the laser estimates, possibly caused by a lifting of the radar-reflection horizon associated with changes in the snowpack, such as those caused by progressively increased surface melting, as summer temperatures rise. Over all the ice sheet above 2000 m, this results in an ERS-derived volume balance ∼75 ± 15 km3 a−1 more positive than that from laser data. This bias between laser and radar estimates of elevation change varies spatially and temporally, so cannot at present be corrected without independent surveys such as those presented here. At lower elevations, comparison of detailed repeat laser surveys over Jakobshavn Isbræ with ERS results over the same time interval shows substantial ERS underestimation of ice-thinning rates. This results partly from missing data because of ‘bad’ radar waveforms over the very rough surface topography, and partly from the tendency for large radar footprints to sample preferentially local high points in the topography, thus missing regions of most rapid thinning along glacier depressions.
APPLYING SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES IN THE ECONOMY
Authors: Grundey Dainora
Published: July 2008

„Applying sustainability principles in the economy" Ukio Technologinis ir Ekonominis Vystymas, 14(2), p. 101-106
PARTICIPATORY ASPECTS OF STRATEGIC SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PLANNING IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES: EXPERIENCE OF LITHUANIA / STRATEGINIO DARNAUS VYSTYMOSI ASPEKTAI VIETINĖSE BENDRUOMENĖSE: LIETUVOS PATIRTIS
Authors: Čiegis Remigijus , Gineitienė Dalia
Published: July 2008

While analysing the evolution of sustainable development concept as the basic criteria of periodisation, a number of dimensions could be used. Thus, it is possible to mark three stages in the development of the concept: a) two‐dimensional sustainability; b) three‐dimensional sustainability; c) four‐dimensional sustainability. Sustainable development should be implemented in all spheres and levels of life, estimating economic, social, ecological, territorial, political and institutional aspects. All dimensions of sustainability should be considered in the process of strategic sustainable development planning. Local communities understood that strategic sustainable development plans, which realize their willingness to live following the principles of sustainable development, are important. Different methods of public involvement were used when creating sustainable development strategies for local communities. Sustainable development concept, principles of sustainable development and strategic planning, methodology for strategic sustainable development planning, and participation of local communities are discussed in the article.

Santrauka

Šiame straipsnyje pristatoma darnaus vystymosi etapų koncepcija, kurią sudaro dviejų, trijų ir keturių dimensijų paradigmos. Planuojant strateginį darnų vystymąsi turėtų būti atsižvelgta į šiuos etapus. Dar visai neseniai Lietuvoje vietos savivaldos institucijos ir akademinė bendruomenė priėmė darnaus vystymosi principus, tačiau šiuo straipsniu siekiama parodyti vietinių bendruomenių nuostatas šiuo klausimu. Paaiškėjo, kad ne visos vietinės bendruomenės grupės (dalininkai) suvokia pagrindinius darnaus vystymosi principus, kyla nepasitikėjimas savivaldybės veiksmais ir priimamais nutarimais, kyla nesutarimų ir konfliktų grėsmė darnaus vystymosi strategijos bei planavimo procese dėl metodologijos spragų ir netikslumų.
MANAGING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN LITHUANIA: DREAM OR REALITY? / DARNAUS TURIZMO VALDYMAS LIETUVOJE: SVAJONĖ AR REALYBĖ?
Authors: Grundey Dainora
Published: July 2008

This paper analyzes theoretical conception of sustainable development and different points of view to it. Principles of sustainable development, forms of sustainability are discussed. Sustainable concept's influence on tourism is analyzed. Sustainable tourism is discussed as region's opportunity to create infrastructure of tourism where natural resources would be kept and market, similar to competition in tourism market, would be created at the same time. Sustainable tourism concept and principles, that highlight peculiarities of sustainable tourism conception as compared to general sustainable conception, are presented and applied to the case of Lithuania. Santrauka Straipsnyje konceptualizuojama tvariosios plėtros pritaikymo darniam turizmui esmė. Diskutuojami tvariosios plėtros principai ir tvarumo formos, aptariama, kaip jie galėtų būti taikomi turizmo sektoriui. Siekiant nubrėžti tvaraus turizmo gaires, pateikiama tvaraus turizmo sąvokų įvairovė, įvertinama situacija regioniniu lygiu, peržvelgiama gamtos išteklių ir turizmo infrastruktūros dermė. Straipsnyje minimi Airijos, Škotijos ir Kanados tvaraus turizmo plėtojimo pavyzdžiai, pateikiamos jų strategijų bei programų įžvalgos. Jos vėliau įvertinamos Europos Sąjungos parengto ekologinio tvaraus turizmo kontekste. Straipsnio tikslas pasiekiamas, taikant pasiūlytus tvaraus turizmo principus ir formas Lietuvos atvejui – tai rekomendaciniai samprotavimai, kurie vėliau bus grindžiami empiriniais tyrimais ir publikuojami atskiru straipsniu.
SUSTAINABLE INCENTIVES IN MARKETING AND STRATEGIC GREENING: THE CASES OF LITHUANIA AND ROMANIA / MARKETINGO IR ŽALIOSIOS STRATEGIJOS DARNUMO PASKATOS: LIETUVOS IR RUMUNIJOS ATVEJAI
Authors: Grundey Dainora , Zaharia Rodica Milena
Published: July 2008

This paper focuses on a growing interest in green marketing and its sustainable incentives via greening strategy and ecological labelling practices, especially in Europe and with a separate case in Lithuania. The article deals with the issues of environmental (eco‐) marketing and ecological labelling to ensure that consumers have access to ecological products and services and they might adjust their preferences towards environmentally‐friendly business practices. For business worldwide, ecological marketing and its applications in practice have become a competitive prerogative for modern business performance.

Santrauka

Šiame straipsnyje darnumo iniciatyvos nagrinėjamos per rinkodaros prizmę, pasitelkiant teorinius žaliosios strategijos ir ekologinio žymėjimo konceptus. Žalioji (ekologinė) rinkodara tampa vienu iš verslo konkurencinio pranašumo variklių, todėl jos teorinis ir praktinis nagrinėjimas tampa aktualia ir dėmesio verta tematika Europos Sąjungos (ES) vykdomos ekologinio ir darnaus vystymosi politikos kontekste. Straipsnyje pažymima, kad naujos ES narės, pvz., Rumunija, taip pat siekia įgyvendinti privalomus arba savanoriškus ekologinio žymėjimo standartus, juos kurdama ES fondų ir programų finansuojamomis lėšomis. Lietuva, priėmusi ekologinio žymėjimo standartų įsipareigojimus dar 1995 metais, šiuo klausimu yra pažengusi gerokai toliau.
“INSTITUTIONAL CAPITAL” AS A FACTOR OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ‐ THE IMPORTANCE OF AN INSTITUTIONAL EQUILIBRIUM / INSTITUCINIS KAPITALAS KAIP DARNAUS VYSTYMOSI VEIKSNYS – INSTITUCINĖS PUSIAUSVYROS SVARBA
Authors: Platje Joost
Published: July 2008

The main aim of this article is to provide a basis for changing the focus in New Institutional Economics (NIE) from the economic effects of institutions to the importance of “institutional capital” for sustainable development. First, a theoretical model of NIE is presented in the context of sustainable development. Then, the concept of an institutional equilibrium (where informal institutions support and strengthen formal institutions) is discussed as an important determinant of “institutional capital” stimulating or hampering sustainable development.

Santrauka

Šio straipsnio tikslas – pateikti naujos institucinės ekonomikos (NIE) pokyčius, kai pastebimas perėjimas nuo ekonominių institucijų efektų prie institucinio kapitalo plėtotės darnaus vystymosi kontekste. Visų pirma autorius pateikia teorinį NIE modelį darnaus vystymosi aplinkoje. Vėliau nagrinėjama institucinės pusiausvyros koncepcija (atvejis, kada neformalios institucijos palaiko ir stiprina formaliąsias institucijas). Autorius konceptualiai apibrėžia stimuliacinį ir prevencinį šios koncepcijos poveikį sąveikaujant instituciniam kapitalui bei darniam vystymuisi.
EU POLLUTION REDUCTION STRATEGIES AND THEIR IMPACT ON ATMOSPHERIC EMISSIONS IN LITHUANIA / ES TARŠOS MAŽINIMO STRATEGIJOS IR JŲ ĮTAKA ATMOSFEROS TERŠALŲ EMISIJOMS LIETUVOJE
Authors: Štreimikienė Dalia , Esekina Bakhyt
Published: July 2008

This paper analyses the role of EU pollution strategies in reducing SO2 and NOX emissions in the EU. The environmental policies impact on the slope of Kuznets environmental curve is discussed. The use of economic mechanisms for SO2, NOX and other pollutants emission reduction is analysed based on experience of EU member states. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the impact of EU pollution reduction strategies on atmospheric emissions in Lithuania and to define the role of EU emission reduction policies on shifting environmental Kuznets curves of EU member states and Lithuania.

Santrauka

Straipsnyje nagrinėjama ES atmosferos taršos mažinimo strategijų įtaka ekologinių Kuznets kreivių
nuolydžiui. ES rūgštėjimą ir eutrofikaciją sukeliančių teršalų emisijų ribojimo politika yra pagrindinė
varomoji jėga, keičianti Kuznets ekologinės kreivės nuolydį. Nubraižius Kuznets ekologinę kreivę Lietuvai, galima nustatyti, kaip ES atmosferos taršos mažinimo politika paveikė klasikinių atmosferos teršalų emisijos dinamiką Lietuvoje. Straipsnyje išnagrinėti ES šalyse taikomi taršos mažinimo būdai ir palyginti ES narėse taikomų mokesčių už pagrindinių teršalų emisijas tarifai su Lietuvoje taikomais tarifais analogiškų teršalų emisijoms. Pateikti siūlymai dėl taršos mažinimo priemonių plėtros Lietuvoje,pirmenybę teikiant lankstiems rinką imituojantiems mechanizmams.
HOW TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR PRODUCTIVE AND SATISFYING CAREERS IN THE KNOWLEDGE‐BASED ECONOMY: CREATING A MORE EFFICIENT EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT / KAIP PARENGTI STUDENTUS SĖKMINGAI IR TEIKIANČIAI PASITENKINIMĄ PROFESINEI VEIKLAI ŽINIŲ EKONOMIKOJE: EFEKTYVESNĖS UGDYMO APLINKOS KŪRIMAS
Authors: Stukalina Yulia
Published: July 2008

Globalization poses new challenges to higher education institutions. The main concern for educators is to provide their graduates with an extensive assortment of skills required for the new knowledge‐based economy. To successfully address the emerging challenges education managers have to create an efficient educational environment for providing a sustaining learning process. The integrated educational environment, where students have an opportunity to develop their creative potential, is an efficient means of preparing students for productive and satisfying careers in the knowledge‐based economy. Realizing their strategy educational managers employ a variety of management practices. Integrated management practices accompany pedagogical instruments to be applied in the highly integrated educational environment. The symbiosis of pedagogical and management tools leads to the educational environment enhancement. This paper focuses on some essential educational management issues; it stresses the importance of creating the highly integrated and learner‐centred educational environment to provide multidisciplinary education.

Santrauka

Globalizacija kelia naujų iššūkių aukštojo mokslo institucijoms. Dabar pagrindinis pedagogų rūpestis – suteikti būsimiems specialistams kuo daugiau žinių naujosios žinių ekonomikos sąlygomis. Norint sėkmingai priimti kylančius iššūkius, subalansuotam mokymo procesui ugdymo planuotojai turi sukurti efektyvią ugdymo aplinką. Integruota ugdymo programa, suteikiant studentams galimybių tobulinti savo kūrybingumo potencialą, yra veiksminga priemonė, rengiant studentus sėkmingai ir pasitenkinimą teikiančiai profesinei veiklai žinių ekonomikoje. Realizuodami savo strategiją ugdymo planuotojai naudoja daug vadybos technologijų. Vadybos technologijos kartu su pedagoginėmis priemonėmis gali būti pritaikytos integruotoje ugdymo aplinkoje. Pedagoginių ir vadybos priemonių simbiozė gerina ugdymo aplinką. Straipsnyje aptariamos kai kurios svarbiausios ugdymo organizavimo problemos, pabrėžiama integruotos ugdymo aplinkos sukūrimo svarba teikiant daugiadisciplininio ugdymo paslaugas.
MODELLING THE PROCESS FOR DEFENCE OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS INFRINGED WHILE IMP LEMENTING CONSTRUCTION INVESTMENT PROJECTS / PAŽEISTŲ TREČIŲJŲ ASMENŲ TEISIŲ GYNIMO PROCESO, ĮGYVENDINANT INVESTICINIUS STATYBOS PROJEKTUS, MODELIAVIMAS
Authors: Mitkus Sigitas , Šostak Olga Regina
Published: July 2008

The article analyses the influence of third party rights infringed during construction planning for implementation of an investment project. It analyses the process for defence of third party rights infringed during territorial planning. The focus in this process is on third party rights and opportunities to learn about possible infringement of such rights. An analysis of detailed territorial planning procedures is also provided. The model of the proceedings of a dispute on possibly infringed third party rights has been developed. Modelling a dispute between investors and third parties was performed along with creation of the tree of behaviour variants of dispute parties. The model has been developed considering possible behaviour of the parties. Santrauka Nagrinėjama, kaip trečiųjų asmenų teisių pažeidimai, planuojant statybas, gali daryti įtaką investicinio projekto įgyvendinimui. Išnagrinėtas trečiųjų asmenų teisių pažeidimo, planuojant teritorijas, gynimo procesas. Ypatingas dėmesys šiame procese skiriamas trečiųjų asmenų teisėms ir galimybėms sužinoti apie galimus jų teisių pažeidimus. Išnagrinėtos detaliojo teritorijų planavimo procedūros. Sudarytas ginčo dėl galimai pažeistų trečiųjų asmenų teisių proceso modelis. Ginčo tarp investuotojų ir trečiųjų asmenų dėl galimai pažeistų trečiųjų asmenų teisių modeliavimas atliktas sudarant ginčo šalių elgsenos variantų formavimo medį. Modelis sudarytas atsižvelgiant į galimą šalių elgseną.
eAMTexplorer: a software package for texture and signal characterization using Angle Measure Technique
Authors: Kvaal Knut , Kucheryavski Sergei V. , Halstensen Maths , Kvaal Simen , Flø Andreas S. , Minkkinen Pentti , Esbensen Kim H.
Published: July 2008

Texture characterization plays an important role in image analysis as do signal complexity characterization for one‐dimensional arrays (time series a.o.). One of the most effective approaches for this task is Angle Measure Technique (AMT) which simultaneously describes the complexity of images or signals at all scales. This approach is not widespread yet, first of all because of the absence of universal software with a user‐friendly interface, which implements the general AMT algorithm together with the many necessary pre‐ and post‐processing techniques. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive software package for analysis of textures and one‐dimensional signals with the AMT – The eAMTexplorer is an implementation of the two optimal algorithms as well as other application options suggested during the 10 years history of the AMT. eAMTexplorer is designed to be a user friendly, graphically oriented visual data analysis facility, implemented in Delphi 2006 and Borland C++. We here describe the specific implementation concepts and give a short introduction to the potentials of systematic use of this new software. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced red and near infrared detection in flow cytometry using avalanche photodiodes
Authors: Lawrence William G. , Varadi Gyula , Entine Gerald , Podniesinski Edward , Wallace Paul K.
Published: July 2008

Polychromatic flow cytometry enables detailed identification of cell phenotype using multiple fluorescent parameters. The photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) used to detect fluorescence in current instruments limit the sensitivity in the long wavelength spectral range. We demonstrate the flow cytometric applications of silicon avalanche photodiodes (APDs), which have improved red sensitivity and a working fluorescence detection range beyond 1,000 nm. A comparison of the wavelength‐dependent performance of the APD and PMT was carried out using pulsed light‐emitting diode sources, calibrated test beads, and biological samples. A breadboard flow cytometer test bench was constructed to compare the performance of PMTs and APD detectors. The APD used an additional amplifier stage to match the internal gain of the PMT. The resolution of the APD and PMT was compared for flow cytometry applications using a pulsed light‐emitting diode source over the 500–1060 nm spectral range. These measurements showed the relative changes in the signal‐to‐noise performance of the APD and PMT over a broad spectral range. Both the APD and PMTs were used to measure the signal‐to‐noise response for a set of six peak calibration beads over the 530–800 nm wavelength range. CD4‐positive cells labeled with antibody‐conjugated phycoerythrin or 800 nm quantum dots were identified by simultaneous detection using the APD and the PMT. The ratios of the intensities of the CD4− and CD4+ populations were found to be similar for both detectors in the visible wavelengths, but only the APD was able to separate these populations at wavelengths above 800 nm. These measurements illustrate the differences in APD and PMT performance at different wavelengths and signal intensity levels. While the APD and PMT show similar signal‐to‐noise performance in the visible spectral range, the dark noise of the APD detector reduces the sensitivity at low signal levels. At wavelengths longer than 650 nm, the high quantum efficiency of the APD contributes to better signal‐to‐noise performance. The APD detector provides enhanced performance in the long wavelength region and may be used to extend the working range of the flow cytometer beyond 1,000 nm. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Clinical validity of Fuld Object Memory Evaluation to screen for dementia in a Chinese society
Authors: Chung Jenny C. C.
Published: July 2008

Objectives

Fuld Object Memory Evaluation (FOME) evaluates the episodic memory functions of encoding, storage, and recall across five recall trials and a delayed recall trial. This study examined the clinical validity of FOME as a screening tool for dementia in older Chinese adults.

Method

The psychometric properties and the discriminative power of FOME were examined in a convenience sample of 192 community‐dwelling older individuals, of which 57 were diagnosed with dementia. The influence of age and education on the FOME performance was also estimated.

Results

The test–retest reliability and parallel‐form reliability of FOME were excellent, with Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ranging from 0.91–0.96. Good convergent validity of FOME was established with Mini‐Mental State Examination (rp = 0.69–0.74), and the Memory subscale and the Initiation/Perseveration subscale of Dementia Rating Scale (rp = 0.63–0.74). The FOME total retrieval (TR) score and delayed recall (DR) score demonstrated good discriminative power in differentiating dementia from normal cognitive functioning, with area under the curve values of 0.97 and 0.93 respectively. The optimal cut‐off scores suggested for TR and DR were 31 (93% sensitivity, 90 specificity) and 7 (91% sensitivity, 82% specificity), respectively. The performance of the FOME was not influenced by the educational level.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the FOME is a reliable and valid instrument to screen for dementia in older community‐dwelling Chinese adults. The absence of the effects of education on the assessment performance makes FOME a clinically useful instrument for older adults with limited education. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cell fusion is a physiological process in mouse liver
Authors: Faggioli Francesca , Sacco Maria Grazia , Susani Lucia , Montagna Cristina , Vezzoni Paolo
Published: July 2008

A large portion of hepatocytes are polyploid cells, thought to arise through endoduplication followed by aborted cytokinesis. However, several recent reports describing liver cell fusion with exogenously derived bone marrow cells have been published. The exact significance of this finding is unclear, because the adopted protocols involve ablation regimens, damaged livers and artificial injections of adult cells. By creating chimeric mice bearing distinct reporter genes (LacZ and GFP), we show that in an unperturbed setting, hepatocytes carrying both markers can be detected via immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction analysis. To further corroborate these findings with a direct visualization of the chromosome content at the single-cell level, we performed genotype analysis via fluorescence in situ hybridization on XY/XX chimeric mice with a Y chromosome–specific paint and an X chromosome–specific bacterial artificial chromosome clone probes.

Conclusion

: This technique confirmed the occurrence of cell fusion in adult mouse liver. (Hepatology 2008.)
The stem cell niche of human livers: Symmetry between development and regeneration
Authors: Zhang Lili , Theise Neil , Chua Michael , Reid Lola M.
Published: July 2008

Human livers contain two pluripotent progenitors: hepatic stem cells and hepatoblasts. The hepatic stem cells uniquely express the combination of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), cytokeratin (CK) 19, albumin ±, and are negative for α-fetoprotein (AFP). They are precursors to hepatoblasts, which differ from hepatic stem cells in size, morphology, and in expressing the combination of EpCAM, intercellular cell adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), CK19, albumin++, and AFP++. The hepatic stem cells are located

in vivo

in stem cell niches: the ductal plates in fetal and neonatal livers and canals of Hering in pediatric and adult livers. The hepatoblasts are contiguous to the niches, decline in numbers with age, wax and wane in numbers with injury responses, and are proposed to be the liver's transit-amplifying cells. In adult livers, intermediates between hepatic stem cells and hepatoblasts and between hepatoblasts and adult parenchyma are observed. Amplification of one or both pluripotent cell subpopulations can occur in diseases; for example, hepatic stem cell amplification occurs in mild forms of liver failure, and hepatoblast amplification occurs in forms of cirrhosis. Liver is, therefore, similar to other tissues in that regenerative processes in postnatal tissues parallel those occurring in development and involve populations of stem cells and progenitor cells that can be identified by anatomic, antigenic, and biochemical profiles. (Hepatology 2008;48:1598–1607.)
Advances in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia: From chromosomal aberrations to biologically targeted therapy
Authors: Lübbert Michael , Müller‐Tidow Carsten , Hofmann Wolf‐Karsten , Koeffler H. Phillip
Published: July 2008

We describe several recent advances in our understanding and treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) including the use of cytogenetics to classify these diseases and to identify therapies that are specific for the abnormalities. Cell lines have provided readily available and very relevant models to understand these diseases. The two clear successes include the use of retinoic acid for acute promyelocytic leukemia and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., imatinib) for chronic myelogenous leukemia. Very recent results suggest a particular activity of lenalidomide, an analogue of thalidomide, in MDS patients with deletions of the long arm of chromosome 5 (so‐called 5q minus syndrome), and notable activity of azanucleoside DNA demethylating agents in MDS with loss of chromosome 7. However, for the vast majority of cytogenetic abnormalities found in AML/MDS, no specific therapies have been identified. The use of a variety of molecular biology techniques have identified a large number of genomic abnormalities; the challenge of the next several decades is to identify specific therapies for these molecular defects. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 2059–2070, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.