bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Atropine- and P2X1Receptor Antagonist-Resistant, Neurogenic Contractions of the Urinary Bladder
Authors: Kennedy Charles , Tasker Paul N. , Gallacher Gemma , Westfall Timothy D.
Published: January 2007

Acetylcholine and ATP are excitatory cotransmitters in parasympathetic nerves. We used P2X1receptor antagonists to further characterize the purinergic component of neurotransmission in isolated detrusor muscle of guinea pig urinary bladder. In the presence of atropine (1 μm) and prazosin (100 nm), pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2′,4′-disulfonic acid (PPADS) (0.1–100 μm) and suramin (1–300 μm) inhibited contractions evoked by 4 Hz nerve stimulation in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50of 6.9 and 13.4 μm, respectively). Maximum inhibition was 50–60%, which was unaffected by coadministration of the ectonucleotidase inhibitor ARL67156 (6-N,N-diethyl-d-β,γ-dibromomethyleneATP) (100 μm). The remaining responses were abolished by tetrodotoxin (1 μm). PPADS and suramin also reduced contractions to exogenous ATP (300 μm) by 40–50%, but abolished those to the P2X1agonist α,β-methyleneATP (α,β-meATP) (1 μm). The P2X1antagonists reactive blue 2, NF279 (8,8′-[carbonylbis(imino-4,1-phenylenecarbonylimino-4,1-phenylenecarbonylimino)] bis-1,3,5-naphthalenetrisulfonic acid), MRS2159 (pyridoxal-α5-phosphate-6-phenylazo-4′-carboxylic acid) (100 μm), and NF449 [4,4′,4,4-(carbonylbis(imino-5,1,3-benzenetriylbis(carbonylimino)))tetrakis-benzene-1,3-disulfonic acid] (3 μm) abolished contractions to α,β-meATP (1 μm;n= 4–5), but only reduced contractions evoked by 4 Hz nerve stimulation by ∼40–60% (n= 4–6) and ATP by 30–60% (n= 4–7). However, prolonged exposure to α,β-meATP (50 μm) abolished contractions evoked by all three stimuli (n= 5–12). PPADS (100 μm) and suramin (300 μm) reduced the peak neurogenic contraction of the mouse urinary bladder to 30–40% of control. At the same concentrations, the P2X1antagonists abolished the nonadrenergic, purinergic component of neurogenic contractions in the guinea pig vas deferens (n= 4–5). Thus, P2X1receptor antagonists inhibit, but do not abolish, the noncholinergic component of neurogenic contractions of guinea pig and mouse urinary bladder, indicating a second mode of action of neuronally released ATP. This has important implications for treatment of dysfunctional urinary bladder, for which this atropine- and P2X1antagonist-resistant site represents a novel therapeutic target.
Is That Near My Hand? Multisensory Representation of Peripersonal Space in Human Intraparietal Sulcus
Authors: Makin Tamar R. , Holmes Nicholas P. , Zohary Ehud
Published: January 2007

Our ability to interact with the immediate surroundings depends not only on an adequate representation of external space but also on our ability to represent the location of objects with respect to our own body and especially to our hands. Indeed, electrophysiological studies in monkeys revealed multimodal neurons with spatially corresponding tactile and visual receptive fields in a number of brain areas, suggesting a representation of visual peripersonal space with respect to the body. In this functional magnetic resonance imaging study, we localized areas in human intraparietal sulcus (IPS) and lateral occipital complex (LOC) that represent nearby visual space with respect to the hands (perihand space), by contrasting the response to a ball moving near-to versus far-from the hands. Furthermore, by independently manipulating sensory information about the hand, in the visual (using a dummy hand) and proprioceptive domains (by changing the unseen hand position), we determined the sensory contributions to the representation of hand-centered space. In the posterior IPS, the visual contribution was dominant, overriding proprioceptive information. Surprisingly, regions within LOC also displayed visually dominant, hand-related activation. In contrast, the anterior IPS was characterized by a proprioceptive representation of the hand, as well as showing tactile hand-specific activation, suggesting a homology with monkey parietal hand-centered areas. We therefore suggest that, whereas cortical regions within the posterior IPS and LOC represent hand-centered space in a predominantly visual manner, the anterior IPS uses multisensory information in representing perihand space.
Multiple Mechanosensory Modalities Influence Development of Auditory Function
Authors: Horowitz Seth S. , Tanyu Leslie H. , Simmons Andrea Megela
Published: January 2007

Sensory development can be dependent on input from multiple modalities. During metamorphic development, ranid frogs exhibit rapid reorganization of pathways mediating auditory, vestibular, and lateral line modalities as the animal transforms from an aquatic to an amphibious form. Here we show that neural sensitivity to the underwater particle motion component of sound follows a different developmental trajectory than that of the pressure component. Throughout larval stages, cells in the medial vestibular nucleus show best frequencies to particle motion in the range from 15 to 65 Hz, with displacement thresholds of <10 μm. During metamorphic climax, best frequencies significantly increase, and sensitivity to lower-frequency (<25 Hz) stimuli tends to decline. These findings suggest that continued sensitivity to particle motion may compensate for the considerable loss of sensitivity to pressure waves observed during the developmental deaf period. Transport of a lipophilic dye from peripheral end organs to the dorsal medulla shows that fibers from the saccule in the inner ear and from the anterior lateral line both terminate in the medial vestibular nucleus. Saccular projections remain stable across larval development, whereas lateral line projections degenerate during metamorphic climax. Sensitivity to particle motion may be based on multimodal input early in development and on saccular input alone during the transition to amphibious life.
Telling Huaorani Stories
Authors: O'Brian Robin
Published: January 2007

Films in this review: “Nomads of the Rainforest” 59 min. 1983. Color, in English, Spanish and Waorani, with English subtitles. (currently unavailable); “Trinkets and Beads”; 52 min. 1996. Color, in English, Spanish and Waorani, with English subtitles. “Beyond the Gates of Splendor” 96 min. 2002. Color, in English, Spanish and Waorani, with English subtitles. Commercially available, VHS or DVD $12.99; “The End of the Spear”; 111 min. 2005. Color, in English and Spanish, with English subtitles. In theatrical release. “People of the Path”http://www.peopleofthepath.com/
Playing with Religion
Authors: Tanabe George J.
Published: January 2007

The relationship between religion and the media as reported by Christal Whelan, Benjamin Dorman, Jolyon Thomas and Ian Reader vary to the degree that religion and its capacity to induce personal transformation are subordinated to the media and its capacity to entertain. Using Jolyon Thomas' concept of shûkyô asobi (religious play), I have constructed a scheme for understanding these papers within an analytical continuum that allows for (1) the recognition that both religion and entertainment are locked in an interactive relationship at the same time that (2) distinctions can be made about the greater or lesser role played by religion as a transformative fantasy in relationship to entertainment as imaginative amusement.
Tegaserod for Constipation‐Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Kale‐Pradhan Pramodini B. , Wilhelm Sheila M.
Published: January 2007

Tegaserod, a selective and partial agonist at the 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT [serotonin]) receptor subtype 4 (5‐HT4), is the only United States Food and Drug Administration–approved drug for the treatment of constipation‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women. The drug's stimulation of 5‐HT4receptors on intestinal enterocytes increases peristaltic activity and fluid secretion into the gut lumen, facilitating stool passage. In addition, affinity of tegaserod for 5‐HT4receptors modulates visceral sensitivity, which helps alleviate abdominal pain associated with constipation‐predominant IBS. The drug's pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters do not differ significantly with age or sex. Tegaserod safely and effectively relieves overall gastrointestinal symptoms and abdominal discomfort and normalizes bowel habits in patients with constipation‐predominant IBS. It is associated with few drug interactions. In clinical studies, tegaserod was well tolerated, and its adverse‐effect profile was similar to that of placebo. Severe diarrhea, as well as abdominal pain, flatulence, headache, and nausea, were the most commonly reported events. Patients who experience severe diarrhea should discontinue the drug. With the data available, tegaserod remains an option for patients with constipation‐predominant IBS.
On the Implications and Consequences of a Neurobiochemical Etiology of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Seitler Burton Norman
Published: January 2007

Many names have preceded the currently used name, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, yet no greater explanatory power has ever been achieved by the numerous name changes. Questions are raised regarding the basis for and accuracy of the neurobiochemical etiological explanation. Weaknesses in the neurobiochemical hypothesis are raised, involving problems with definitions, plus the existence of logical fallacies, flawed research methodology, and serious measurement difficulties (such as the fact that no single valid or reliable physical, mental, or genetic test is available for diagnosing ADHD). The author observes that many investigators do not regard ADHD as a single diagnostic category on its own, but as a syndrome or a comorbid condition. Believing that ADHD has a neurobiochemical basis often results in an organic treatment approach, and the use of psychostimulant drugs like Ritalin or Adderall, which newly published disclosures clearly indicate have serious aftereffects. Agitated depression has been proposed as an alternative explanation, as well as the use of effective, tried and true psychotherapy treatments that do not pose the risks involved in the use of psychostimulant drugs.
Human Rights Progress in Psychiatry: More Apparent Than Real (Observations and Reflections on Life in the Texas Mental Health Courts)
Authors: Breeding John
Published: January 2007

The history of modern psychiatry includes a legacy of coercion and infamous physical and mechanical treatments, on the one hand, and progress in human rights, particularly patient rights, on the other. The purpose of this article is to remind readers that this modern progress in psychiatry is more apparent than real. The author’s experience with recent cases in the mental health courts is discussed in order to demonstrate the ongoing abuse of human rights in psychiatry. A brief look at other aspects of the current mental health climate in the United States is also provided, along with considerations of informed consent.
An Improved Semi‐Analytical Solution for Verification of Numerical Models of Two‐Phase Flow in Porous Media
Authors: Fučík Radek , Mikyška Jiří , Beneš Michal , Illangasekare Tissa H.
Published: January 2007

A closed‐form solution for one‐dimensional two‐phase flow through a homogeneous porous medium is presented that is applicable to water flow in the vadose zone and flow of nonaqueous phase fluids. The solution is a significant improvement to the one originally presented by McWhorter and Sunada, allowing the analysis of wetting phase entry saturations ranging from residual to full. Our aims are to provide a detailed analysis of how the solution to the governing partial differential equation of two‐phase flow can be obtained from a functional integral equation arising from the analytical treatment of the problems and to present an improved algorithm for the implementation of this solution. The integral functional equation is obtained by imposing a set of assumptions for the boundary conditions. The proposed method can be used to obtain solutions that incorporate a wide range of saturation values at the entry point. The semi‐analytical solution will be useful in the verification of vadose zone flow and multi‐phase flow codes designed to simulate more complex two‐phase flow problems in porous media where capillary effects must be included.
One‐Dimensional Modeling of Transport in Soils with Depth‐Dependent Dispersion, Sorption and Decay
Authors: Vanderborght Jan , Vereecken Harry
Published: January 2007

Macroscopic spatial variations in advection velocity lead to an increase in dispersion with increasing travel distance or depth. In soils, this increase goes along with a decrease in decay and sorption of organic substances. We used three different one‐dimensional models that make different assumptions about the dispersion process to compare predicted leaching in a 1‐m‐deep soil profile with layers with different sorption and decay parameters. The first two convective–dispersive models assume that dispersion results from microscopic variations in solute particle velocities that are not correlated across soil layer boundaries. The third model, a stream tube model (STM), assumes that the particle velocity remains constant along its trajectory and is perfectly correlated in different layers. The three models were parameterized to predict the same inert tracer breakthrough curve (BTC) at 1‐m depth. The first convective–dispersive model assumes a constant dispersion coefficient (“homogeneous” convection–dispersion equation [CDE]). The second model uses different dispersion coefficients in the different layers (“layered” CDE) to predict the same inert tracer BTCs as the STM at the layer boundaries. Despite similar predictions of inert tracer BTCs, the models predicted different BTCs of reactive substances at 1‐m depth. The different predictions by the STM and layered CDE illustrate the importance of the correlation of solute particle velocities in different soil layers. They also point to a fundamental problem related to the use of a CDE with a depth‐dependent dispersion to mimic a dispersion process caused by macroscopic variations in particle velocities.
Water reclamation, reuse and public health
Authors: Rose J.B.
Published: January 2007

The number of people who have limited access to high-quality water has increased, and while this is a growing global crisis, water issues, problems and solutions are often seen as localised. Water reuse and reclamation will play a significant role in achieving sustainability and public health protection in the future. The wastewater and reuse community should be responsible for monitoring sewage impacts and improvements as demonstrated through pathogen reduction with appropriate treatment. Viruses, Cryptosporidium and Giardia can all be reduced during treatment anywhere from 99% to 99.9999%, achieving drinking water quality, if so desired. Recommendations to achieve better access to scientific information for decision making include: 1) developing a global data base for biological contaminant loading from wastewater and 2) defining the public health protection via reuse and reclamation.
Characteristics of indicator microorganisms in paddy rice plots after reclaimed water irrigation
Authors: Jung K.W. , Yoon C.G. , Jang J.H. , Jeon J.H.
Published: January 2007

A study was performed to examine the effects of reclaimed-water irrigation on microorganism concentration in the ponded-water of paddy rice plots. Several treatments were used and each one was triplicated to evaluate the change of indicator microorganisms (total coliforms (TC), faecal coliforms (FC), and E. coli) concentrations in 2003 and 2004 growing seasons. Their concentrations increased significantly after irrigation, but decreased by approximately 45% in 24 h. It implies that agricultural activities such as ploughing and fertilising need to be practiced one or two days after irrigation, considering health risks. Treatments with UV-disinfected water irrigation, demonstrated significantly lower concentrations than others, including control plots where natural water was irrigated. The monitoring result from actual paddy rice fields and experimental paddy plots showed that concentrations of indicator microorganisms ranged from 102 to 105 MPN/100 mL. The field scale water reuse research project is in progress and national guidelines for reclaimed-water irrigation are under preparation in Korea. A comprehensive assessment of existing agricultural practices and a thorough monitoring in the fields as well as treatment plots are recommended to make national guidelines more representative.
Application of iron-coated sand and manganese-coated sand on the treatment of both As(III) and As(V)
Authors: Chang Y.Y. , Kim K.S. , Jung J.H. , Yang J.K. , Lee S.M.
Published: January 2007

In this study, manganese-coated sand (MCS) and iron-coated sand (ICS) were applied in the oxidation of As(III) and adsorption of As(V), respectively. ICS and MCS were prepared by mixing FeCl3 and Mn(NO3)2, respectively, with Joomoonjin sand at 150°C. In the batch adsorption isotherms, adsorption of As(III) and As(V) onto ICS followed a Langmuir type. ICS showed a greater capacity in the removal of As(V) than As(III) and also in the removal of As(V) compared with MCS. Three different configurations of ICS and MCS were used to investigate the oxidation of As(III) and adsorption of As(V) in a column. In the homogenised system, arsenic breakthrough was approximately two-times delayed compared with the separately packed systems. After breakthrough of arsenic, concentration of As(III) in the effluents was below 40 ppb for the entire reaction period in all configurations, and most arsenic was identified as As(V) owing to near complete conversion of As(III) to As(V) by MCS. The catalytic activity of MCS on the oxidation of As(III) was maintained up to 700 pore volumes, which corresponds to the treatment of at least 300 mg As(III) based on the 1 kg MCS. Compared with the homogenised column, the released Mn(II) concentration from two-staged and four-staged columns was great for the entire reaction period. In the case where the same amount of ICS and MCS was packed in a filtration system, the homogenised column was identified as a better configuration compared with the two-staged and four-staged columns when considering the arsenic breakthrough time as well as the released concentration of Fe(III) and Mn(II).
Ozonation parameter for removal of oestrogenicity from secondary effluent without by-products
Authors: Kim S.-E. , Yamada H. , Tsuno H.
Published: January 2007

The purposes of this study are to investigate ozonation characteristics, to evaluate oestrogenicity and to confirm behaviours of by-products during ozonation of secondary effluent. For the ozonation of secondary effluent, TOC was decreased only 10% when 4 (mgO3/mgC) of ozone consumption per initial TOC. However, UV254 and SUVA was decreased approximately 65% until ozone consumption of 2 (mgO3/mgC). Ozonation was also shown to be very effective for decrease of oestrogenicity in secondary effluent. Bromate ion started to form obviously when the ozone consumption per initial TOC exceeded 2 (mgO3/mgC) and increased while the time of ozonation became longer. From these results, ozone consumption per initial TOC was shown to be an appropriate operation parameter to reduce SUVA effectively and E2 equivalent concentration to less than 0.1 nM without significant formation of bromate ion, and its value was determined to be 2 (mgO3/mgC) in ozonation of secondary effluent.
Disinfection and oxidation of sewage effluent water using ozone and UV technologies
Authors: Oh B.S. , Park S.J. , Jung Y.J. , Park S.Y. , Kang J.W.
Published: January 2007

This study was aimed at exploring the reclamation of sewage treatment plant effluent water (SEW) as an alternative water resource. For the oxidation of SEW, an ozone-UV system, based on the results of the combined ozone/UV process performed in our previous study, was set up under practical conditions, including a series type, continuous mode, semi-pilot scale operation (1.5 m3/d). As a result, the serial contact of the ozone and UV reactors showed lower CODCr and TOC removal efficiencies. However, these were greatly enhanced by recycling the water flow of the ozone-UV system at 40Q, as a result of the improvements in the transferred ozone dose in the ozone reactor and the contact efficiency between photons and ozone in the UV reactor, which approached that achieved in the combined ozone/UV process. For the disinfection of SEW, carried out in a syringe-type batch reactor, the increase of instantaneous ozone demand (ozone ID) led to a higher inactivation efficiency, an increased UV transmittance due to ozonation, and an enhanced inactivation rate of E. coli in the UV reactor. Additionally, it was concluded that the ozone/UV process could overcome the limitations of the ozone alone and UV alone processes for the reclamation of sewage effluent water.
Reuse potential analysis on WWTP effluent of industrial parks in Taiwan
Authors: Chu C.P. , Wu Y.S. , Lin C.C. , Chung Y.J.
Published: January 2007

This study examined the reuse potential of the effluents discharged from several unified wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) of industrial parks in Taiwan, with designed capacity exceeding 10,000 CMD. Parameters were selected based on the relevant reuse purposes. The “potential recycling percentage”, R of the WWTP effluent was defined as the maximal percentage of pure water extractable by the “ideal reverse osmosis module” while the RO retentate still met local effluent standards and required no treatment. The analytical results demonstrated that the WWTP effluents had potential for recycling. A pilot plant was installed in one of the WWTPs. The treatment process included a sand filter, an ultrafiltration unit (UF) and a reverse osmosis module (RO). Results of this study demonstrated that the production quantity and quality are stable and appropriate for various purposes, including both industrial and domestic applications.
Better understanding of the filtration characteristics in the flexible fibre filter module (3FM)
Authors: Lee J.J. , Im J.H. , BenAim R. , Kim J.R. , Kim Y.J. , Poo K.M. , Kim C.W.
Published: January 2007

This study is about the particle retention and filtration characteristics of fibre filter. Four laboratory scale fibre filters with different heights were used in parallel at various packing densities and filtration velocities. Of all of the operating parameters studied, filtration velocity had the most influence. Contrary to general theories, pressure drop increases slightly during the filtration in spite of the continuous retention of particles. This may have occurred because of large porosity of the packing (about 93%). This might be considered an advantage of the filter and something that makes it economic. The higher the filtration velocity, the larger the mass of particles retained in the filter. For filtration velocities of 20 and 40 m/h, particles smaller than 5 μm are retained as proven by the particle size distribution at the inlet and outlet.
Preliminary studies using hybrid mediated electrochemical oxidation (HMEO) for the removal of persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
Authors: Chung S.J. , Balaji S. , Matheswaran M. , Ramesh T. , Moon I.S.
Published: January 2007

This study investigates the hybrid mediated electrochemical oxidation (HMEO) technology, which is a newly developed non thermal electrochemical oxidation process for organic destruction. A combination of ozone and ultrasonication processes to the mediated electrochemical oxidation (MEO) process is termed as hybrid mediated electrochemical oxidation. The electrochemical cell was developed in this laboratory. In the present study, several organic compounds, such as phenol, benzoquinone and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), were chosen as the model organic pollutants to be destructed by the hybrid process. The organic destruction was monitored based on the CO2 generation and total organic carbon (TOC) reduction. The HMEO process was found to be extremely effective in the destruction of all the target organics chosen in this study. The information obtained from this study will provide an insight in adopting this technique for dealing with more recalcitrant organics (POPs).
Depression and Smoking across 25 Years of the Normative Aging Study
Authors: Kinnunen Taru , Haukkala Ari , Korhonen Tellervo , Quiles Zandra N. , Spiro Avron , Garvey Arthur J.
Published: January 2007

Objective:

The majority of past findings indicate that smokers are more likely than non-smokers to report depressive symptoms and that depression may act as an impediment to smoking cessation. The aim of the present study is to examine the stability of the relationship between depressive symptoms and smoking status and to determine whether the presence of depressive symptoms predicts continued smoking.

Methods:

Subjects were initially healthy men (n=2208) from the Veterans Administration Normative Aging Study, an ongoing cohort of older men who have been re-assessed every 3–5 years for a period of 25 years. Depressive symptoms measures employed were the Cornell Medical Index, the MMPI-2 Content Depression Scale, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale.

Results:

Depression scores were higher among continuing smokers compared to never and former smokers and those who quit after entering the study. None of the three depressive symptoms measures were associated with decreased likelihood of smoking cessation. The change in MMPI-2 depression scores observed in a 4-year follow-up was the same among those who quit and those who remained smokers.

Conclusions:

Higher prevalence of depressive symptoms among male smokers is stable across time and is likely to contribute to higher morbidity and mortality among these smokers. However, presence of depressive symptoms did not have a significant impact on smoking cessation.
Nonparametric weighted symmetry tests
Authors: Abdous Belkacem , Ghoudi Kilani , Rémillard Bruno
Published: January 2007

Weighted symmetry is an extension of the classical notion of symmetry in which the tails of a distribution are similar, up to a scaling factor. The authors develop test statistics of weighted symmetry based on empirical processes. The finite‐dimensional distributions of the proposed statistics are either non‐parametric or conditionally nonparametric, according as the parameters of weighted symmetry are known or estimated. Asymptotically, the distributions of the processes behave like Brownian bridges or motions, leading to familiar distributions for the proposed test statistics. The authors also establish the asymptotic normality of Hodges‐Lehmann type estimators based on a generalization of the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Furthermore, they propose density estimators in mat setting.
for misspecified regression models
Authors: Shi Peilin , Ye Jane J. , Zhou Julie
Published: January 2007

The authors propose minimax robust designs for regression models whose response function is possibly misspecified. These designs, which minimize the maximum of the mean squared error matrix, can control the bias caused by model misspecification and provide the desired efficiency through one parameter. The authors call on a nonsmooth optimization technique to derive these designs analytically. Their results extend those of Heo, Schmuland & Wiens (2001). The authors also discuss several examples for approximately polynomial regression.
An affine‐invariant multivariate sign test for cluster correlated data
Authors: Larocque Denis
Published: January 2007

The author presents a multivariate location model for cluster correlated observations. He proposes an affine‐invariant multivariate sign statistic for testing the value of the location parameter. His statistic is an adaptation of that proposed by Randles (2000). The author shows, under very mild conditions, that his test statistic is asymptotically distributed as a chi‐squared random variable under the null hypothesis. In particular, the test can be used for skewed populations. In the context of a general multivariate normal model, the author obtains values of his test's Pitman asymptotic efficiency relative to another test based on the overall average. He shows that there is an improvement in the relative performance of the new test as soon as intra‐cluster correlation is present Even in the univariate case, the new test can be very competitive for Gaussian data. Furthermore, the statistic is easy to compute, even for large dimensional data. The author shows through simulations that his test performs well compared to the average‐based test. He illustrates its use with real data.
A geometric approach to transdimensional markov chain monte carlo
Authors: Petris Giovanni , Tardella Luca
Published: January 2007

The authors present theoretical results that show how one can simulate a mixture distribution whose components live in subspaces of different dimension by reformulating the problem in such a way that observations may be drawn from an auxiliary continuous distribution on the largest subspace and then transformed in an appropriate fashion. Motivated by the importance of enlarging the set of available Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques, the authors show how their results can be fruitfully employed in problems such as model selection (or averaging) of nested models, or regeneration of Markov chains for evaluating standard deviations of estimated expectations derived from MCMC simulations.
A new class of multivariate skew distributions with applications to bayesian regression models
Authors: Sahu Sujit K. , Dey Dipak K. , Branco Márcia D.
Published: January 2007

Abstract: The authors develop a new class of distributions by introducing skewness in multivariate elliptically symmetric distributions. The class, which is obtained by using transformation and conditioning, contains many standard families including the multivariate skew‐normal and t distributions. The authors obtain analytical forms of the densities and study distributional properties. They give practical applications in Bayesian regression models and results on the existence of the posterior distributions and moments under improper priors for the regression coefficients. They illustrate their methods using practical examples.
Inequalities between expected marginal log‐likelihoods, with implications for likelihood‐based model complexity and comparison measures
Authors: Trevisani Matilde , Gelfand Alan E.
Published: January 2007

A multi‐level model allows the possibility of marginalization across levels in different ways, yielding more than one possible marginal likelihood. Since log‐likelihoods are often used in classical model comparison, the question to ask is which likelihood should be chosen for a given model. The authors employ a Bayesian framework to shed some light on qualitative comparison of the likelihoods associated with a given model. They connect these results to related issues of the effective number of parameters, penalty function, and consistent definition of a likelihood‐based model choice criterion. In particular, with a two‐stage model they show that, very generally, regardless of hyperprior specification or how much data is collected or what the realized values are, a priori, the first‐stage likelihood is expected to be smaller than the marginal likelihood. A posteriori, these expectations are reversed and the disparities worsen with increasing sample size and with increasing number of model levels.
Insight into the Role of Oxidation in the Thermally Induced Green Band in Fluorene‐Based Systems
Authors: Grisorio R. , Suranna G. P. , Mastrorilli P. , Nobile C. F.
Published: January 2007

The causes of the spectral instability of poly[9,9‐dioctylfluoren‐2,7‐diyl‐co‐2′,7′‐spiro(cyclohexane‐1,9′‐fluorene)] during thermal annealing in air, which leads to a green photoluminescence (PL) emission band, are investigated. The Igreen/Iblue ratio evolution (I = intensity) is found to be independent of the amount of monoalkylfluorene defects, despite the fact that their presence might be regarded as a trigger for the radical process leading to polymer degradation in the presence of a trace amount of metal catalyst. Furthermore, the absence of a correlation between the degree of oxidation of the material and the Igreen/Iblue ratio indicates that the spatial disposition of fluorenones formed during the thermal degradation of the material, rather than their amount, is to be strictly related to the Igreen/Iblue ratio. The evidenced formation of fluorenone agglomerates, which could be considered the cause for the consistent increase in the Igreen/Iblue ratio during a thermal oxidation of a polyfluorene, confirms that the radical mechanism can also involve dialkylfluorene systems. Finally, the higher resistance to thermal degradation shown by spirocyclohexane fluorene units with respect to dioctylfluorene ones allows the synthesis of new, spectrally stable, fluorene‐based copolymers.
Optical Power Limiters Based on Colorless Di‐, Oligo‐, and Polymetallaynes: Highly Transparent Materials for Eye Protection Devices
Authors: Zhou G.‐J. , Wong W.‐Y. , Ye C. , Lin Z.
Published: January 2007

The synthesis, characterization, and photophysics of a series of solution‐processable and tractable di‐, oligo‐, and polymetallaynes of some group 10–12 transition metals are presented. Most of these materials are colorless with very good optical transparencies in the visible spectral region and exhibit excellent optical power limiting (OPL) for nanosecond laser pulse. Their OPL responses outweigh those of the state‐of‐the‐art reverse saturable absorption dyes such as C60, metalloporphyrins, and metallophthalocyanines that are all associated with very poor optical transparencies. On the basis of the results from photophysical studies and theoretical calculations, both the absorption of triplet and intramolecular charge‐transfer states can contribute to the enhancement of the OPL properties for these materials. Electronic influence of the type, spatial arrangement, and geometry of metal groups on the optical transparency/nonlinearity optimization is evaluated and discussed in detail. The positive contribution of transition metal ions to the OPL of these compounds generally follows the order: Pt > Au > Hg > Pd. The optical‐limiting thresholds for these polymetallaynes can be as low as 0.07 J cm–2 at 92 % linear transmittance and these highly transparent materials manifest very impressive figure of merit σex/σo values (up to 22.48), which are remarkably higher than those of the benchmark C60 and metal phthalocyanine complexes. The present work demonstrates an attractive approach to developing materials offering superior OPL/optical transparency trade‐offs and these metallopolyynes are thus very promising candidates for use in practical OPL devices for the protection of human eyes and other delicate optical sensors.
Methods of metal release assessment in soil water at anoxic sites
Authors: Schuwirth Nele , Hofmann Thilo
Published: January 2007

Metal mobility at contaminated sites can be assessed by soil water investigations or by leaching tests. Leaching tests are usually carried out in open contact with the atmosphere disregarding possible changes of redox conditions. This can affect the original metal speciation and distribution, particularly when anoxic samples are investigated. In this study, the applicability of common leaching tests (the German S4 test (S4), ammonium nitrate extraction (AmmN), and saturation soil extraction (SSE)) is tested for the assessment of zinc release from sulfide‐bearing flotation residues of a former ore mine. Results are compared to soil solution samples obtained by centrifugation and suction cups. The influence of sample storage on S4 leaching test results is investigated in a long‐term study to assess oxidation kinetics. Within the first 200 days the release of zinc increases with a slope of 0.1 mmol kg–1 d–1 or 6.0 mg kg–1 d–1, respectively. Since oxidation of the sulfide‐bearing samples leads to a significant overestimation of metal release, a feasible modification for the conduction of leaching tests for anoxic material is proposed where oxidation is prevented efficiently. The modified SSE is found to be the only of the tested leaching procedures, which can be recommended for the assessment of current soil water concentrations at anoxic sites if direct investigation of the soil water is impossible due to technical reasons.
Higher effectiveness of photoinactivation of bacterial spores, UV resistant vegetative bacteria and mold spores with 222 nm compared to 254 nm wavelength
Authors: Clauß Marcus
Published: January 2007

Eleven selected species of vegetative bacteria, bacteria spores and mold spores were irradiated with different doses of UV radiation of a 222 nm krypton‐chloride excimer lamp and a 254 nm mercury lamp under laboratory conditions. Then the inactivation curves were determined. The necessary UV fluences for a respective reduction were higher for the excimer lamp for the tested vegetative bacteria of Bacillus cereus, Arthrobacter nicotinovorans, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and slightly higher for the spores of Streptomyces griseus and Clostridium pasteurianum. However, less than 250 J/m2 UV fluence with 222 nm was sufficient for a 4‐log reduction, depending on the species. On the other hand, the UV fluences for the 254 nm mercury lamp were much higher for the bacterial spores of Bacillus cereus, Thermoactinomyces griseus and the bacteria of Deinococcus radiodurans and slightly higher for the mold spores of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium expansum. The results show that especially the germs with a higher UV resistance and those with more effective repair mechanisms can be inactivated more efficiently by the 222 nm excimer lamp. This may be due to the fact that low UV fluence mainly affects radiation sensitive microorganisms by DNA damage whereas at higher UV fluence (various) mechanisms of protein damage can presumably be held responsible for inactivation.
The Angola black‐and‐white colobus (Colobus angolensis palliatus) in Kenya: historical range contraction and current conservation status
Authors: Anderson J. , Rowcliffe J.M. , Cowlishaw G.
Published: January 2007

The Angola black‐and‐white colobus (Colobus angolensis palliatus) is a flagship species for Kenya's coastal forests, a global biodiversity hotspot and a region for “priority” conservation investment. This study provides the first evaluation of colobus distribution, status, and current threats within its Kenyan range: the southern coastal District of Kwale. Line transect and sweep count surveys were carried out between July and November of 2001, covering 25,514 ha of coastal forest within 124 forest fragments. A total of 55 colobus populations were located, with total Kenyan C. a. palliatus population estimates ranging between 3,100 and 5,000 individuals (560–900 groups). The Shimba Hills National Reserve protects both the largest forest and largest colobus population in the District. A total of 3,000 ha of coastal forest (12%) still remain unprotected and provide critical habitat for over 17% of the national colobus population. The Diani and Shimoni forests in particular, are highlighted as key habitat for future colobus (and coastal forest) conservation initiatives. Local semistructured interviews and archival research into the historical distribution of the taxon in North Coast Kenya confirmed its occurrence (and subsequent range contraction) in the Kilifi District, with the last sightings occurring in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest in 1979. Differences in the settlement distribution, associated habitat loss and hunting preferences of the nine coastal tribes (Mijikenda) may explain why colobus have disappeared from the north coast, but persist in the south. Am. J. Primatol. 69:664–680, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mutational changes in S‐cone opsin genes common to both nocturnal and cathemeralAotusmonkeys
Authors: Levenson David H. , Fernandez‐duque Eduardo , Evans Sian , Jacobs Gerald H.
Published: January 2007

Aotusis a platyrrhine primate that has been classically considered to be nocturnal. Earlier research revealed that this animal lacks a color vision capacity because, unlike all other platyrrhine monkeys,Aotushas a defect in the opsin gene that is required to produce short‐wavelength sensitive (S) cone photopigment. Consequently,Aotusretains only a single type of cone photopigment. Other mammals have since been found to show similar losses and it has often been speculated that such change is in some fashion tied to nocturnality. Although most species ofAotusare indeed nocturnal, recent observations show thatAotus azarai, an owl monkey species native to portions of Argentina and Paraguay, displays a cathemeral activity pattern being active during daylight hours as frequently as during nighttime hours. We have sequenced portions of the S‐cone opsin gene inA. azaraiandAotus nancymaae, the latter a typically nocturnal species. The S‐cone opsin genes in both species contain the same fatal defects earlier detected forAotus trivirgatus. On the basis of the phylogenetic relationships of these three species these results imply thatAotusmust have lost a capacity for color vision early in its history and they also suggest that the absence of color vision is not compulsively linked to a nocturnal lifestyle. Am. J. Primatol. 69:757–765, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mark Tests for mirror self‐recognition in capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) trained to touch marks
Authors: Roma Peter G. , Silberberg Alan , Huntsberry Mary E. , Christensen Chesley J. , Ruggiero Angela M. , Suomi Stephen J.
Published: January 2007

In Experiment 1, three capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) were exposed to a mirror in their home cage for 3 days and then given food treats for touching orange marks located on the surface of an experimental chamber. Following training, a mirror was added to the chamber to see if the monkeys would use it to guide non‐reinforced contacts with an orange mark on their foreheads that was only visible as a mirror reflection (mark test). Two monkeys touched the head‐mark more often with the mirror present than absent, but no mark touches were emitted while looking at the mirror. In Experiment 2, the monkeys were rewarded for touching orange marks on their bodies that were directly visible, followed by another head‐mark test. Again, two monkeys touched the mark more often with the mirror present than absent, but these contacts were not emitted while looking at the mirror. Since facing the mirror while mark touching was not required for reinforcement during training, Experiment 3 further tested the possibility that increased mark touching in the presence of the mirror during Experiments 1 and 2 was the result of a memorial process. For this, a final, novel mark test was conducted using an orange mark on the neck that was only visible as a reflection (Experiment 3). No monkeys passed this test. These are the first mark tests given to capuchin monkeys. The results are consistent with the finding that no monkey species is capable of spontaneous mirror self‐recognition. The implications of sequential training and mark testing for comparative evaluations of mirror self‐recognition capacity are discussed. Am. J. Primatol. 69:989–1000, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Short‐term fasting leads to inhibition of responsiveness to LH‐stimulated testosterone secretion in the adult male bonnet monkey
Authors: Medhamurthy R. , Priyanka G. , Vinuthan M.K. , Manjunatha A.M.
Published: January 2007

A variety of stressors including fasting profoundly inhibit reproductive function in mammals. Although the effect of short‐term fasting on gonadotropic axis is well established, the direct effects of fasting on gonads have not been reported. The objectives of the present experiments were to examine the effect of short‐term fasting on circulating luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) secretion, and to determine the responsiveness of testis to exogenous recombinant human (rh) LH treatment in male bonnet monkeys. In addition, an experiment was carried out to examine whether brief inhibition of endogenous LH secretion causes alteration in testicular responsiveness. Adult male monkeys were fasted for 1 day for examining the circulating endocrine hormone concentrations and challenged with rhLH injection 1 day after fasting. Food withdrawal for 1 day resulted in significant (P<0.05) decrease in LH, T and increase in cortisol concentrations. Surprisingly, T secretion in response to direct stimulation of Leydig cells by LH was not observed in fasted monkeys. In fed monkeys, treatment with Antide (a specific gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor antagonist to inhibit pituitary LH secretion) for 1 day did not compromise T secretion stimulated by rhLH, suggesting that loss of responsiveness of testis to exogenous LH treatment in fasted monkeys was not because of interruption in pituitary LH stimulation of the testis. The results indicate that short‐term fasting in adult male monkeys cause inhibition of LH and T secretion, and inhibition of responsiveness of testis to LH stimulation. Am. J. Primatol. 69:791–801, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
N‐acetylcysteine reduces lipopolysaccharide‐sensitized hypoxic‐ischemic brain injury
Authors: Wang Xiaoyang , Svedin Pernilla , Nie Chunxia , Lapatto Risto , Zhu Changlian , Gustavsson Malin , Sandberg Mats , Karlsson Jan‐Olof , Romero Roberto , Hagberg Henrik , Mallard Carina
Published: January 2007

Objective

Maternal inflammation/infection alone or in combination with birth asphyxia increases the risk for perinatal brain injury. Free radicals are implicated as major mediators of inflammation and hypoxia‐ischemia (HI)–induced perinatal brain injury. This study evaluated the neuroprotective efficacy of a scavenging agent, N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), in a clinically relevant model.

Methods

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐sensitized HI brain injury was induced in 8‐day‐old neonatal rats. NAC was administered in multiple doses, and brain injury was evaluated at 7 days after HI.

Results

NAC (200mg/kg) provided marked neuroprotection with up to 78% reduction of brain injury in the pre+post‐HI treatment group and 41% in the early (0 hour) post‐HI treatment group, which was much more pronounced protection than another free radical scavenger, melatonin. Protection by NAC was associated with the following factors: (1) reduced isoprostane activation and nitrotyrosine formation; (2) increased levels of the antioxidants glutathione, thioredoxin‐2, and (3) inhibition of caspase‐3, calpain, and caspase‐1 activation.

Interpretation

NAC provides substantial neuroprotection against brain injury in a model that combines infection/inflammation and HI. Protection by NAC was associated with improvement of the redox state and inhibition of apoptosis, suggesting that these events play critical roles in the development of lipopolysaccharide‐sensitized HI brain injury. Ann Neurol 2007
Acylation of iminochitosan: Its effect on blending with cellulose acetate
Authors: El‐Tahlawy Khaled , Abdelhaleem Essam , Hudson Samuel M. , Hebeish Ali
Published: January 2007

Chitosan has many similarities to cellulose, but there are few good direct solvents for codissolving them. Cellulose is cheaper than chitosan, and a blend film of the two would be expected to exhibit the desirable properties of both these polysaccharides. The formation of chitosanic and cellulosic acyl derivatives is an attractive route for the preparation of these fibers and films. They are soluble in common organic solvents, and in many cases it is not difficult to regenerate cellulose or chitosan from these derivatives. However, it may be desirable to protect the amino group from these reactions. Iminochitosan was used in the present study for that purpose. Chitosan at four molecular weights was prepared using an HCl/isopropanol binary system. The hydrolyzed chitosan was allowed to react with salicylaldehyde via Schiff base formation. Acylation of iminochitosan was carried out by its reaction with different acid halides containing a varied number of carbon atoms in the presence of a catalyst. The main factors that affected the dissolution of acylated iminochitosan in different organic solvents are described. Films from blends of n‐butyryl iminochitosan with cellulose acetate were prepared and are described. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 727–734, 2007