bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employee-management Techniques: Transient Fads or Trending Fashions?
Authors: Abrahamson Eric , Eisenman Micki
Published: March 2009

In this theory development case study, we focus on the relations across recurrent waves in the amount and kind of language promoting and diffusing, and then demoting and rejecting, management techniques—techniques for transforming the input of organizational labor into organizational outputs. We suggest that rather than manifesting themselves as independent, transitory, and un-cumulative fads, the language of repeated waves cumulates into what we call management fashion trends. These trends are protracted and major transformations in what managers read, think, express, and enact that result from the accumulation of the language of these consecutive waves. For the language of five waves in employee-management techniques—management by objectives, job enrichment, quality circles, total quality management, and business process reengineering—we measure rational and normative language suggesting, respectively, that managers can induce labor financially or psychologically. The results reveal a gradual intensification in the ratio of rational to normative language over repeated waves, suggesting the existence of a management fashion trend across these techniques. Lexical shifts over time, however, serve to differentiate a fashion from its predecessor, creating a sense of novelty and progress from the earlier to the later fashions.
On some infinite dimensional linear groups
Authors: Kurdachenko Leonid , Sadovnichenko Alexey , Subbotin Igor
Published: March 2009

Let F be a field, A be a vector space over F, and GL(F,A) the group of all automorphisms of the vector space A. A subspace B of A is called nearly G-invariant, if dimF(BFG/B) is finite. A subspace B is called almost G-invariant, if dimF(B/CoreG(B)) is finite. In the present article we begin the study of subgroups G of GL(F,A) such that every subspace of A is either nearly G-invariant or almost G-invariant. More precisely, we consider the case when G is a periodic p′-group where p = charF.
Hydrogen adsorption on Pd(133) surface
Authors: Tomaszewska Agnieszka , StÄ™pieÅ„ ZdzisÅ‚aw
Published: March 2009

An approach based on measurements of the total energy distribution (TED) of field emitted electrons is used in order to examine properties of the Pd(133) from the aspect of hydrogen adsorption. The most favourable sites offered to a hydrogen atom to be adsorbed are indicated and an attempt to ascribe the peaks of the enhancement factor R in the TED spectrum to the specific adsorption sites is made.
The structure of average turbulent flow field
Authors: Heinloo Jaak
Published: March 2009

A mathematical formalism to reflect the turbulent hierarchic eddy structure in an average turbulence description is discussed. The formalism is founded on simultaneous application of turbulent flow field splitting procedures by the motion variability and by the motion order explained in the paper. It is shown that this formalism permits the outlining of different types of cascading processes in turbulent media within the turbulence average description.
Crystalline silicon solar cells with high resistivity emitter
Authors: Panek P. , Drabczyk K. , Zięba P.
Published: March 2009

The paper presents a part of research targeted at the modification of crystalline silicon solar cell production using screen-printing technology. The proposed process is based on diffusion from POCl3 resulting in emitter with a sheet resistance on the level of 70 Ω/□ and then, shaped by high temperature passivation treatment. The study was focused on a shallow emitter of high resistivity and on its influence on output electrical parameters of a solar cell. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) has been employed for appropriate distinguishing the total donor doped profile. The solar cell parameters were characterized by current-voltage characteristics and spectral response (SR) methods. Some aspects playing a role in suitable manufacturing process were discussed. The situation in a photovoltaic industry with emphasis on silicon supply and current prices of solar cells, modules and photovoltaic (PV) systems are described. The economic and quantitative estimation of the PV world market is shortly discussed.
Protein-Protein Interaction Analysis by Docking
Authors: Fink Florian , Ederer Stephan , Gronwald Wolfram
Published: March 2009

Based on a protein-protein docking approach we have developed a procedure to verify or falsify protein-protein interactions that were proposed by other methods such as yeast-2-hybrid assays. Our method currently utilizes intermolecular energies but can be expanded to incorporate additional terms such as amino acid based pair-potentials. We show some early results that demonstrate the general applicability of our approach.
Potential Bioethanol Feedstock Availability Around Nine Locations in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Deverell Rory , McDonnell Kevin , Devlin Ger
Published: March 2009

The Republic of Ireland, like many other countries is trying to diversify energy sources to counteract environmental, political and social concerns. Bioethanol from domestically grown agricultural crops is an indigenously produced alternative fuel that can potentially go towards meeting the goal of diversified energy supply. The Republic of Ireland’s distribution of existing soils and agricultural land-uses limit arable crop land to around 10% of total agricultural area. Demand for land to produce arable crops is expected to decrease, which could open the opportunity for bioethanol production. Bioethanol production plants are required to be of a sufficient scale in order to compete economically with other fuel sources, it is important therefore to determine if enough land exists around potential ethanol plant locations to meet the potential demands for feedstock. This study determines, through the use of a developed GIS based model, the potential quantities of feedstock that is available in the hinterlands of nine locations in the Republic of Ireland. The results indicate that three locations can meet all its feedstock demands using indigenously grown sugarbeet, while only one location can meet its demands using a combination of indigenous wheat and straw as the two locally sourced feedstocks.
Psychoactive Medication and Traffic Safety
Authors: Verster Joris  C. , Mets Monique  A.J.
Published: March 2009

Driving a car is important to maintain independence and participate in society. Many of those who use psychoactive medication are outpatients and are thus likely to drive a vehicle. Most common adverse effects that impair driving are reduced alertness, affected psychomotor functioning and impaired vision. This review discusses the effects on driving ability of most commonly prescribed psychoactive drugs, including hypnotics, antidepressants, antihistamines, analgesics and stimulant drugs. Within these categories of medicines significant differences concerning their impact on driving ability are evident. The International Council on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety (ICADTS) categorization can help physicians to make a choice between treatments when patients want to drive a car.
Molecular Pathology of Human Prion Diseases
Authors: Kovacs Gabor  G. , Budka Herbert
Published: March 2009

Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative conditions in humans and animals. In this review, we summarize the molecular background of phenotypic variability, relation of prion protein (PrP) to other proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases, and pathogenesis of neuronal vulnerability. PrP exists in different forms that may be present in both diseased and non-diseased brain, however, abundant disease-associated PrP together with tissue pathology characterizes prion diseases and associates with transmissibility. Prion diseases have different etiological background with distinct pathogenesis and phenotype. Mutations of the prion protein gene are associated with genetic forms. The codon 129 polymorphism in combination with the Western blot pattern of PrP after proteinase K digestion serves as a basis for molecular subtyping of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Tissue damage may result from several parallel, interacting or subsequent pathways that involve cellular systems associated with synapses, protein processing, oxidative stress, autophagy, and apoptosis.
Neuropathology and Therapeutic Intervention in Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Banno Haruhiko , Katsuno Masahisa , Suzuki Keisuke , Tanaka Fumiaki , Sobue Gen
Published: March 2009

Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is a hereditary motor neuron disease caused by the expansion of a polyglutamine tract in the androgen receptor (AR). The histopathological finding in SBMA is loss of lower motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord as well as in the brainstem motor nuclei. Animal studies have revealed that the pathogenesis of SBMA depends on the level of serum testosterone, and that androgen deprivation mitigates neurodegeneration through inhibition of nuclear accumulation of the pathogenic AR. Heat shock proteins, ubiquitin-proteasome system and transcriptional regulation are also potential targets of therapy development for SBMA.
Development of a Novel Method for in vivo Determination of Activation Energy of Glucose Transport Across S. cerevisiae Cellular Membranes. A Biosensor-like Approach
Authors: Kormes Diego  J. , Cortón Eduardo
Published: March 2009

Whereas biosensors have been usually proposed as analytical tools, used to investigate the surrounding media pursuing an analytical answer, we have used a biosensor-like device to characterize the microbial cells immobilized on it. We have studied the kinetics of transport and degradation of glucose at different concentrations and temperatures. When glucose concentrations of 15 and 1.5 mM were assayed, calculated activation energies were 25.2 and 18.4 kcal mol-1, respectively, in good agreement with previously published data. The opportunity and convenience of using Arrhenius plots to estimate the activation energy in metabolic-related processes is also discussed.
Data Base Design with GIS in Ecosystem Based Multiple Use Forest Management in Artvin, Turkey: A Case Study in Balcı Forest Management Planning Unit
Authors: Yolasığmaz Hacı Ahmet , Keleş Sedat
Published: March 2009

In Turkey, the understanding of planning focused on timber production has given its place on Multiple Use Management (MUM). Because the whole infrastructure of forestry with inventory system leading the way depends on timber production, some cases of bottle neck are expected during the transition period. Database design, probably the most important stage during the transition to MUM, together with the digital basic maps making up the basis of this infrastructure constitute the main point of this article. Firstly, the forest management philosophy of Turkey in the past was shortly touched upon in the article. Ecosystem Based Multiple Use Forest Management (EBMUFM) approaches was briefly introduced. The second stage of the process of EBMUFM, database design was described by examining the classical planning infrastructure and the coverage to be produced and consumed were suggested in the form of lists. At the application stage, two different geographical databases were established with GIS in Balcı Planning Unit of the years 1984 and 2006. Following that the related basic maps are produced. Timely diversity of the planning unit of 20 years is put forward comparatively with regard to the stand parameters such as tree types, age class, development stage, canopy closure, mixture, volume and increment.
The Therapeutic Effect of Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase (EC-SOD) Mouse Embryonic Fibroblast (MEF) on Collagen-Induced Arthritis (CIA) Mice
Authors: Yu Dong Hoon , Kim Myoung Ok , Kim Sung Hyun , Shin Mi Jung , Kim Bong Soo , Kim Hei Jung , Lee Sang Ryeul , Lee Sang Gyu , Yoo Seung-Ah , Kim Wan Uk , Hyun Byung Hwa , Park Young Sik , Kim Tae Yoon , Ryoo Zae Young
Published: March 2009

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within an inflamed joint has been suggested as playing a significant pathogenic role. Extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) is a major scavenger enzyme of ROS, which has received growing attention for its therapeutic potential. To investigate the therapeutic effect of EC-SOD in mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), we used mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) of transgenic mice that overexpresses EC-SOD on the skin by using hK14 promoter. DBA/1 mice that had been treated with bovine type II collagen were administrated subcutaneous injections of EC-SOD transgenic MEF (each at 1.4 × 106 cells) on days 28, 35, and 42 after primary immunization. To test EC-SOD activity, blood samples were collected in each group on day 49. The EC-SOD activity was nearly 1.5-fold higher in the transgenic MEF-treated group than in the non-transgenic MEF-treated group (p < 0.05). The severity of arthritis in mice was scored in a double-blind manner, with each paw being assigned a separate clinical score. The severity of arthritis in EC-SOD transgenic MEF-treated mice was significantly suppressed in the arthritic clinical score (p < 0.05). To investigate the alteration of cytokine levels, ELISA was used to measure blood samples. Levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were reduced in the transgenic MEF-treated group (p < 0.05). Abnormalities of the joints were examined by H&E staining. There were no signs of inflammation except for mild hyperplasia of the synovium in the transgenic MEF-treated group. The proliferation of CII-specific T cells was lower in the transgenic MEF-treated mice than in those in the other groups. The transfer of EC-SOD transgenic MEF has shown a therapeutic effect in CIA mice and this approach may be a safer and more effective form of therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.
Flow Cytometric Quantification of Glucose-Stimulated β-Cell Metabolic Flux Can Reveal Impaired Islet Functional Potency
Authors: Hanson Matthew S. , Steffen Anja , Danobeitia Juan S. , Ludwig Barbara , Fernandez Luis A.
Published: March 2009

The objective of this study was to develop a multiparametric flow cytometry assay to simultaneously quantify isolated pancreatic islet cell viability, apoptosis, and glucose-induced metabolic flux. INS-1 and rat islet β-cells were stained with fluorescent probes for cell viability (ToPro3), apoptosis (Annexin V and VADFMK), and intracellular calcium (Ca2+i) (Fura Red), stimulated with glucose, and analyzed on a FACS VantageTM flow cytometer. Glucose-induced metabolic activity was indicated by changes in Fura Red fluorescence and the autofluorescence of the pyridine [NAD(P)H] and flavin (FAD/FMN) nucleotides. Rat islets cultured under conditions of proinflammatory cytokine-induced oxidative stress were evaluated by flow cytometry and transplantation into diabetic mice. INS-1 and rat islet β-cell health and metabolic activity were quantified in response to elevated glucose dose and inhibitors of glycolysis and mitochondrial function. Changes in metabolite fluorescence were converted to an area under the curve (AUC) value. Rat islets cultured under oxidative stress conditions showed decreased viability, increased apoptosis, and decreased glucose-induced metabolic activity indicated by reduced AUC for pyridine and flavin nucleotides and Ca2+i. Reduced metabolite AUC measured by flow cytometry correlated with the inability to reverse diabetes in mice. Single cell flow cytometry can simultaneously quantify both overall islet cell health and β-cell glucose responsiveness as indicators of functional potency.
Administration of Autologous Bone Marrow Stem Cells into Spinal Cord Injury Patients via Multiple Routes is Safe and Improves their Quality of Life: Comprehensive Case Studies
Authors: Geffner L. F. , Santacruz P. , Izurieta M. , Flor L. , Maldonado B. , Auad A. H. , Montenegro X. , Gonzalez R. , Silva F.
Published: March 2009

Presently, there is no cure or effective treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI). Studies in SCI patients have shown that for a treatment to be effective it must primarily improve their quality of life. Numerous studies have shown that stem cells represent an alternative treatment for various disorders and have shown promise in several disease/trauma states. For instance, the use of autologous CD34+ stem cells has been shown to ameliorate symptoms of several disorders such as leukemia, cardiomyopathy, diabetes, and several autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis. For the first time, we report eight case studies of SCI (four acute, four chronic) with approximately 2 years of follow-up that were administered bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) via multiple routes: directly into the spinal cord, directly into the spinal canal, and intravenous. Magnetic resonance imaging illustrated morphological changes in the spinal cord of some of the patients following BMSCs administration. Comprehensive evaluations demonstrate improvements in ASIA, Barthel (quality of life), Frankel, and Ashworth scoring. Moreover, in order to assess bladder function, we designed a simple numerical clinical scoring system that demonstrates significant changes in bladder function following BMSCs administration. To date, we have administration BMSCs into 52 patients with SCI and have had no tumor formations, no cases of infection or increased pain, and few instances of minor adverse events. These studies demonstrate that BMSCs administration via multiple routes is feasible, safe, and may improve the quality of life for patients living with SCI.
Liver after Hepatocyte Transplantation for Liver-Based Metabolic Disorders in Children
Authors: Quaglia Alberto , Lehec Sharon C. , Hughes Robin D. , Mitry Ragai R. , Knisely A. S. , Devereaux Stephen , Richards Julie , Rela Mohamed , Heaton Nigel D. , Portmann Bernard C. , Dhawan Anil
Published: March 2009

There are limited data regarding donor hepatocyte engraftment into recipient liver after human hepatocyte transplantation (HHTx). We reviewed the explant livers of seven children with metabolic disorders [ornithine-transcarbamylase deficiency (one), coagulation factor VII deficiency (three), Crigler-Najjar syndrome (one), progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 (PFIC-2) deficiency (two)] who received allograft hepatocytes by intraportal infusion with improvement in phenotype, although all later underwent liver transplantation (LT). Immunohistochemistry for bile salt export protein (BSEP) in the PFIC-2 patients and genetic typing following laser capture microdissection (LCM) of liver cells in the others were used to identify donor hepatocytes in recipient explant livers. Explant livers usually showed a preserved lobular architecture. In one patient, hepatocytes were identified inside portal vein thrombi. No donor hepatocytes in liver cell plates were identified immunohistochemically or by genetic typing. HHTx was generally followed by partial recovery of metabolic function; the procedure was well tolerated; any increase in portal vein pressure was transient. Hepatocytes were identified in portal vein thrombi, even months after portal vein infusion. Further studies are needed to monitor donor hepatocytes in vivo, to quantify better the efficacy of the procedure and to find ways of improving engraftment and function.
Human Islet Separation Utilizing a Closed Automated Purification System
Authors: Friberg A. S. , Ståhle M. , Brandhorst H. , Korsgren O. , Brandhorst D.
Published: March 2009

A central step within the human islet isolation process is the separation of islets from contaminating exocrine tissue utilizing linear, continuous density gradients manufactured by means of manually controlled standard gradient makers (SGM). The present study was performed to develop a closed, automated purification system (APS) that customizes density gradient profiles aiming to standardize and optimize human islet purification. Digested human pancreata were pooled, split evenly, and incubated in UW solution according to our standard protocol (n = 11). Continuous density gradient centrifugation was performed in parallel in two refrigerated COBE 2991 cell separators loaded with light (1.076 g/ml) and heavy (1.097 g/ml) Ficoll utilizing either an SGM or two computer-controlled pumps connected to Ficoll-containing bags. Quality control included islet equivalent (IE) yield, purity, in vitro function, and islet cytokine expression. Gradient profiles demonstrated that the APS readily customizes linear and nonlinear gradients. In comparison to the SGM, the APS recovered a higher percentage of the expected volume of continuous gradients (90.0 ± 1.1% vs. 98.2 ± 2.0%, p < 0.05). Islet yield (120,468 ± 15,970 vs. 114,570 ± 15,313 IE, NS) and purity (51.7 ± 4.8% vs. 54.4 ± 4.9%, NS) were nearly identical utilizing the SGM or APS. Decreased MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8 expression indicated that APS-purified islets were possibly exposed to less proinflammatory stress. Compared to standard procedures, similar success and gentle continuous density gradient separation of human islets is feasible utilizing the APS. The APS facilitates the standardization of this complex procedure according to cGMP standards.
Repopulation by Endogenous Hepatocytes Does Not Reconstitute Liver Mass in Rats Treated with Retrorsine
Authors: Laconi Sergio , Doratiotto Silvia , Montisci Stefania , Pani Paolo , Laconi Ezio
Published: March 2009

The retrorsine (RS)-based model for massive liver repopulation was laid on the hypothesis that transplanted cells can proliferate in the recipient liver if the growth capacity of endogenous hepatocytes is persistently impaired. In order to directly test this hypothesis, we examined the long-term response to 2/3 partial hepatectomy (PH) in rats pretreated with RS, according to the protocol for liver repopulation. Rats were given RS or saline and 4 weeks later they underwent PH; they were killed up to 16 weeks thereafter. Liver weights, liver DNA, and protein content were significantly lower in the RS group throughout the experimental time considered (e.g., at 16 weeks post-PH relative liver weight was 1.99 ± 0.30% in RS group vs. 3.06 ± 0.5% in controls). Regenerative nodules were present in RS-treated livers; they occupied about 3% of the liver at 2 weeks post-PH and this value increased to nearly 50% at 8 weeks and to >95% at 16 weeks. In conclusion, RS-treated rat liver is unable to recover its original mass for several months following PH, despite the development of regenerative nodules. This long-lasting effect is likely to contribute to the growth of transplanted hepatocytes, leading to massive liver repopulation.
FUTURE INSIGHTS, SCENARIOS AND EXPERT METHOD APPLICATION IN SUSTAINABLE TERRITORIAL PLANNING
Authors: Burinskienė Marija , Rudzkienė Vitalija
Published: March 2009

Implementation of sustainable development policy is one of the most complicated tasks and challenges faced by the global community. The efforts to move the concept of sustainable development from a theoretical level to a decision‐making level and to link the economic development to environment are followed by a number of problems. Several theories and individual methods of the development of trends exist and they could be applied in the forecast of potential future. The setting of concerned social problems, related to scientific knowledge, its receipt and representation, consists of 4 different but inter‐related elements: real world, data, theory, model. Analysis of the sustainable development must be based on a systematic approach. The paper describes the methodology for the creation of future insights, the principles of application of the expert method, the types of future scenarios, and their application in drafting the general plan of the territory of Moletai district. It provides a comparison of the offered scenarios for the future of Moletai. Conclusions and recommendations finalize the article. Santrauka Darnios plėtros politikos įgyvendinimas yra vienas iš sudėtingiausių uždavinių ir iššūkių visai bendruomenei. Bandymai pereiti nuo darnios plėtros koncepcijos teorinio lygmens prie sprendimų priemimo lygio bei nukreipti ekonominę plėtrą į aplinką yra susiję su keliomis problemomis. Yra keletas teorijų ir individualių plėtros krypčių metodų, kuriais remiantis galima nusakyti tikėtina ateitį. Socialinių problemų aplinka susijusi su mokslinėmis žiniomis, jų gavimu ir pristatymu. Ji apima keturis skirtingus tarpusavyje susijusius elementus: realų pasaulį, duomenis, teoriją ir modelį. Darnios plėtros analizė turi remtis sisteminiu požiūriu. Straipsnyje aprašomi ateities įžvalgų kūrimo metodologija, ekspertinių metodų taikymo principai, ateities scenarijų tipai ir jų taikymas rengiant Molėtų r. teritorijos bendrajį planą. Lyginami Molėtų r. teritorijos siūlomi ateities scenarijai.
THE COMPLIANCE OF MASTER'S DEGREE STUDIES WITH THE ECONOMIC NEEDS OF THE COUNTRY
Authors: Ginevičius Romualdas , Ginevičienė Vanda Birutė
Published: March 2009

In the system of higher university education, Master's degree programmes of study making its second stage are of major importance. Therefore, determining the effectiveness of these programmes is a significant problem. The main factor determining Master's degree programme effectiveness is based on how well it meets the needs of state economy. As a complex phenomenon, it can be described only by a set of criteria. To determine which Master's degree programme directions satisfy the market needs better is possible only when all the above criteria are integrated into a single quantity. Multicriteria evaluation methods are most suitable for solving such problems. All the criteria significances or weights should be known in this case. In the present research, 6 directions of studies have been established, e.g. biomedicine, physical, social, technological sciences, humanities and art studies. Multicriteria evaluation has shown that the programme of art studies is the best in satisfying the needs of the state economy. It is followed by the programmes of technological, biomedicine and social sciences, as well as humanities and physical sciences. Santrauka Aukštojo universitetinio mokslo sistemoje ypatingas vaidmuo tenka antrajai jo pakopai – magistrantūrai, todėl svarbi problema yra jos efektyvumas. Esminis efektyvumo rodiklis yra magistrantūros atitiktis šalies ūkio poreikiams. Ją apibūdinti galima tik daugeliu rodiklių, nes tai yra sudėtingas kompleksinis reiškinys. Apibendrintai pasakyti, kuri magistrantūros studijų kryptis geriau atitinka rinkos poreikius, o kuri blogiau, galima tik visus minėtus rodiklius sujungus į vieną dydį. Tokiems uždaviniams spręsti gerai tinka daugiakriteriniai metodai. Juos taikant reikia žinoti lyginamąsias visų rodiklių reikšmes ir svorius. Tiriant buvo nustatytos šešios studijų kryptys – biomedicina, fiziniai, socialiniai, technologiniai, humanitariniai mokslai ir meno studijos. Daugiakriterinės analizės rezultatai parodė, kad šalies ūkio poreikius geriausiai atitinka meno studijos. Po jų eina technologiniai, biomedicinos, socialiniai ir humanitariniai bei fiziniai mokslai.
A GIS AND MULTI‐CRITERIA‐BASED ANALYSIS AND RANKING OF TRANSPORTATION ZONES OF VILNIUS CITY
Authors: Jakimavičius Marius , Burinskienė Marija
Published: March 2009

Fixing the accessibility is a standard issue of transport analysis, which can be of interest to many socioeconomic applications. In the paper we propose and discuss accessibility and other indicators‐based urban transport system analysis and GIS (geographic information systems) calculation method for indicating problematic transportation zones in Vilnius city. The main parameter is time‐based accessibility from/to the central part of Vilnius and other transport zones in the city. Created GIS application computes the ranks for transport zones of Vilnius city according to accessibility and Vilnius statistics in these zones (street network density in city zones, number of working places, number of equipped parking places, number of attractive objects in transportation zones). The GIS decision support system is based on 2 calculation methods Topsis(Technique for OrderPreference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) and SAW (Simple Additive Weighting). Application of transportation zones analysis improves the quality of basic environment statistics and fills many data gaps related to urban statistics, providing information to decision‐makers and the general public concerning key factors determining the state of urban transportation environment. This paper outlines criteria and models used in Vilnius to develop urban transportation indicators and the reasons why the selected indicators represent the first important step to achieve a comprehensive system of indicators of urban transportation sustainability in Vilnius city. This model could be integrated in systems of urban transport planning and sustainable development planning. Santrauka Straipsnyje aptariama indikatorių sistema, reikalinga miesto transporto rajonams ranguoti, remiantis sprendimų paramos skaičiavimo metodais ir GIS (geografinės informacinės sistemos) technologijomis. Buvo identifikuojami Vilniaus miesto transporto rajonai, probleminiai susisiekimo sistemos požiūriu. Analizei atlikti buvo naudojami šie rodikliai: gatvių tinklo tankis, visuomeninio transporto tinklo tankis, automobiliu statymo vietų tankis, kelionių skaičius kiekviename transporto rajone, gatvių tinklo ilgis, tenkantis 1000 transporto rajono gyventojų, dirbančiųjų ir gyventojų tankių disproporcija transporto rajone, transporto rajono pasiekiamumas nuo miesto centro. GIS aplikacija su integruotais daugiakriteriniais sprendimų paramos sistemos skaičiavimo metodais, kaip paprastųjų svorių sudėjimo SAW ir idealiojo taško TOPSIS, ranguoja Vilniaus miesto transporto rajonus ir leidžia identifikuoti problemines susisiekimo sistemos požiūriu miesto vietas. Plečiant sukurta aplikacija, naudojant daugiau indikatorių galima sukurti bendra indikatorių sistemą miestų planavimo uždavinių sprendimams pagrįsti.
NEW METHODOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Authors: Burinskienė Marija
Published: March 2009

„New methodology for sustainable development towards sustainable transportation system" Ukio Technologinis ir Ekonominis Vystymas, 15(1), p. 5-9
COMBINING THE GRID‐BASED SPATIAL PLANNING AND NETWORK‐BASED TRANSPORT PLANNING
Authors: Mesarec Beno , Lep Marjan
Published: March 2009

Border regions of EU countries are confronted with changes of spatial and economical development. The lack of border crossing strategic information system for regional planning purposes reflects in non‐intense cooperation in the field of regional development strategies harmonization. The article presents the methodology developed during Interreg III B project REDECON. Grid‐based database with GIS interface, merging socio‐economic, environmental and spatial data with vector‐based network accessibility data, what enable the public planning departments to analyze and simulate different policy measures concerning transport. The article is focused on the modifications of (during project REDECON) developed methodology, which enable besides cross‐border spatial analysis also analysis of current status of public transport demand and supply for finding the areas, where the supply of public transport services does not reach the demand for public transport services. It describes the methodology for selecting the main indicator thematic groups for different public transport demand types, the characterization (evaluation) of suitability of locations in respect to the balance between public transport supply and demand. At the end of the article the results of methodology application are presented on the regional pilot project concerning accessibility of pilot area, regional public transport demands and regional optimization of the public transport supply. Santrauka Aprašoma Redecon metodika, sukurta vykdant tarptautinio projekto Interreg III B metu. Tinklelinė duomenų bazė, paremta geografinėmis informacinėmis sistemomis, suvienijo socialinius ir ekonominius, aplinkosaugos, erdvinius ir vektorinius pasiekiamumo duomenis. Visa tai leido viešojo transporto planuotojams lengviau analizuoti ir modeliuoti transporta skirtingomis priemonėmis. Straipsnyje aprašomoji sukurtos metodikos modifikacija, padedanti nagrineti transporto sistemos paklausa, parodo, kuriose teritorijose viešojo transporto aprūpinimas nepakankamas ir pan. Pabaigoje svarstoma, kokiam regionui galima pritaikyti šią metodiką, to regiono viešojo transporto paklausą ir optimizavimą.
ALTERNATIVES TO AUTOMATED PEOPLE‐MOVER SYSTEMS FOR SMALL BUT DENSE POPULATED AREAS
Authors: Scherer Milena , Wichser Jost , Venckauskaitė Jūratė
Published: March 2009

This paper describes the operational and technical requirements for a high quality public transport system in the country of Liechtenstein and is based on a study conducted by the Institute for Transport Planning and Systems (IVT) at the ETH Zurich. In this case study, a new public transport system (NPT) is defined as a new guideway transport system introduced in a region where this system does not exist yet. Often there are forms of a new technology, for instance, an automated people mover or a modern tramway. Some of the surveyed NPTs are not introduced in many places. The Liechtenstein case study made it possible to analyze, why these systems have not been successful than expected and what is the most appropriate way to introduce a NPT in this country. Santrauka Aprašomas poreikis sukurti aukštos kokybes viešojo transporto sistemą Lichtenšteino kunigaikštystėje. Remiamasi Ciuricho planavimo ir transporto sistemų instituto parengta studija. Šiame tiriamajame darbe pasiūlyta nauja viešojo transporto sistema. Dažnai naujos technologijos sistemos suprantamos kaip automatizuotas transportas, pvz., modernus tramvajus. Lichtenšteino studija parode, kodėl ne visos naujos transporto sistemos sėkmingos, kaip tikimasi. Studijoje pasiūlytas priimtiniausias naujos Lichtenšteino viešojo transporto sistemos būdas.
Design of the Dynamic Positioning System for the Drillship Glomar C. R. Luigs
Authors: Virk G.S. , Chiu Hin , Deter D.R. , van der Stoep C.
Published: March 2009

Glomar C. R. Luigs is a state of the art, ultra-deep water, drillship, equipped with Nautronix ASK 5003 dynamic positioning controller, which controlsthe thrust vector from six (6), 5 MW each, azimuthing thrusters to providesuperb stationkeeping capability. The system meets the ABS class requirementsfor DPS-3. The basic elements of a Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) are:Sensor System,Controller,Thruster System,Power System.

Theemphasis of this paper is on the thruster system. The thruster design has beenoptimized to satisfy the conflicting requirements for stationkeeping andpropulsion.

The paper briefly discusses the preliminary analytical studies to estimatethe DP power requirements and size the thruster system to satisfy thestationkeeping requirement for the specified metocean design criteria. This wasfollowed by a full complement of scale model tests for stationkeeping, seakeeping, propulsion, and wind tunnel tests. The paper discusses how theresults of the model tests were utilized to calibrate the analytical predictionmodel in order to predict the expected prototype performance.

The paper discusses the correction factors to the open water thrusterperformance for hull-thruster, thruster-thruster, and thruster-appendagesinteractions, in order to predict the inservice performance of the thrusters inthe stationkeeping mode. The forbidden zones for thruster operation weredeveloped from these interaction studies in order to provide input to the DPcontroller for optimum thruster performance. The influence on thrust of thecross-coupled side forces due an oblique inflow will also be discussed. Thepaper attempts to present a unified methodology for the thruster design inorder to achieve optimum stationkeeping and propulsion performance.

Introduction

Global Marine pioneered drilling from a floater, particularly a drillship. Adrillship's mobility, payload capacity, safety record, and ability to head intothe weather, gave it a tremendous advantage to operate in almost allgeographical regions of the world, albeit seasonal operation in harsh weatherareas. After the advent of jackup and semisubmersible drilling units, the useof a drillship declined in comparison, as the former's unique design featuresfound an optimum application for specific geographical areas.
Start-Up and Shut-In Issues for Subsea Production of High Paraffinic Crudes
Authors: Thomason William H.
Published: March 2009

A major flow assurance challenge is the production and transport of highparaffinic crudes in offshore fields where subsea flow lines and exportpipelines are involved. The challenge is particularly great when the sea watertemperature is lower than the pour point of the crude being produced andtransported. This paper describes flow assurance issues (with emphasis onstart-up and shut-in) for handling subsea production and transportation ofparaffinic crudes. Physical performance data for crudes are needed toplan/design for start-up, shut-in, and steady state operations. Theseperformance data include cloud point, pour point, gel strength, and viscosityas a function of temperature, shear rate, and dissolved gas. Examples of thesedata for high paraffinic crudes and how they were used to design productionsystems and develop operating guidelines for start-ups and shut-ins arepresented. Examples of transient flow computations for planned productionsystems are also presented. The principle focus of the examples are for subseasystems in which the seawater temperature is below the pour point temperatureof the produced crude.

Introduction

In its effort to find reliable and economic sources of oil, the offshore oilindustry continues to encounter and successfully handle more and morechallenging production environments. One of these is the production of highparaffinic crudes in offshore fields where subsea flow lines and exportpipelines are involved. The challenge is particularly great when the sea watertemperature is lower than the pour point of the crude being produced andtransported. Provisions for handling flow assurance issues such as crudegelling, wax deposition control, and high viscosities must be incorporated inthe system design and operation. Since many of the possible provisions forhandling flow assurance involve significant cost, their need and potentialeffectiveness must be properly evaluated, and their application selectedwisely.

The paper discusses a process for planning and designing systems for subseatransport of high paraffinic crudes. The process involves data collection toinclude measurement of the crude properties, assessment of the thermalconditions that the crude will experience, and assessment of the impact of gas, water, and terrain. With these crude property data and an estimate of the rangeof environmental conditions, one can then develop a plan to best handle theproduced crude and enable recovery from shut-ins and low flow rateconditions.
Glycoconjugates: Structure and Biosynthesis
Authors: Williams Spencer J
Published: March 2009

Carbohydrates are frequently found attached to lipids (e.g., glycoglycerolipids and glycosphingolipids), proteins (glycoproteins and proteoglycans), or in some cases, both (glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored proteins). Three main types of protein modification are found in vertebrates:N‐linked glycosylation,O‐linked glycosylation, and the attachment of glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchors; also, a fourth rarer type,C‐mannosylation, is found. In the main types, the biosynthesis of glycoconjugates occurs in two specialized, membranous biosynthetic compartments within the cell: the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus. Degradation of glycoconjugates occurs in another specialized membranous digestive compartment: the lysosome. The two major groups of enzymes that mediate the biosynthesis and degradation of glycoconjugates are glycosyltransferases and glycoside hydrolases. This article will review the classification and mechanisms of glycosyltransferases and glycoside hydrolases and give an overview of their roles in the biosynthesis and degradation of vertebrate glycoconjugates: glycolipids, glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchors.
Ion Channels
Authors: Andersen Olaf S. , Ingólfsson Helgi I. , Lundbæk Jens A.
Published: March 2009

Ion channels catalyze the transmembrane movement of small inorganic ions across biological membranes. They do so by forming continuous, hydrophilic pores through which ions can cross the barrier imposed by the lipid bilayer hydrophobic core. Ion channels serve many functions: they underlie the changes in membrane potential that control many cell functions, including the propagated electrical signaling (the action potentials) in electrically excitable cells; they allow for the bulk movement of ions across cell membranes. In this article we summarize key features of ion channels, with special emphasis on the channels in the plasma membrane—their structure and catalytic power, the generation of membrane potential changes, the regulation (or gating) that underlies normal channel function, and how channel function can be modulated by small molecules.
Proteasome, Chemistry of
Authors: Osmulski Pawel A , Tokmina‐Lukaszewska Monika , Endel Lydia , Sosnowska Renata , Gaczynska Maria
Published: March 2009

The proteasome is a multisubunit and multifunctional intracellular protease widespread from Archaebacteria to Eukaryota. In the latter, the proteasome is an essential enzyme and a convergence point of the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway (UPP), which provides the major venue for intracellular controlled proteolysis. In the most basic scenario, proteins are tagged by multiple copies of ubiquitin, as such recognized by the proteasome, then deubiquitinated, unfolded, and degraded to short peptides. Following up the evolutionary ladder, the proteasome assemblies gain complexity and diversity. Nevertheless, all of them share the essential catalytic core: a compartmentalized protease exhibiting a common architecture and catalytic mechanism. The core is a tube‐shaped particle built from four stacked heptameric rings with active sites concealed inside the two internal rings and self‐activated during its assembly. Hydroxyl and amino groups of Thr1 forming a catalytic dyad are employed to break peptide bonds using the N‐terminal nucleophile‐type mechanism. The proteasomes of higher Eukaryota are equipped with six active sites of specificities imposed by three distinct binding pockets. Binding of additional protein regulators to the core extends its capabilities into new functions, for example, processing of polyubiquitinated substrates. In the serendipitous twist, the proteasome recently became an attractive target for anti‐cancer and anti‐inflammatory drugs, which propelled studies on the mechanism of actions of the enzyme.
Transcription: Initiation
Authors: Martin Craig T. , Mironova Olga S.
Published: March 2009

Initiation of transcription is a complex process, requiring melting of the DNA duplex at a sequence‐defined location,de novosynthesis of an initial dinucleotide, polymerization/growth from that dinucleotide to a larger oligonucleotide in an extended RNA‐DNA hybrid, displacement and threading of the 5′ end of the RNA into an exit channel, and release of the initial promoter contacts. These events are necessarily driven energetically by growth of the RNA‐DNA hybrid. It has long been expected and is now becoming structurally clear that stress inherent in this transformation leads to instability during this phase and is a source of the abortive release of short RNA products that is characteristic of RNA polymerases. That apparently unrelated single and multisubunit RNA polymerases share extensive mechanistic (but not structural) homology, likely reflects the demands of the process.
DNA‐Conjugated Organic Chromophores inDNAStacking Interactions
Authors: Filichev Vyacheslav V. , Pedersen Erik B.
Published: March 2009

Since the discovery of the intercalation of acridine derivatives into DNA (1961), chemists have synthesized many intercalators tethered to DNA. Advances in the chemical synthesis of modified nucleosides along with progress in oligonucleotide synthesis have made it possible to introduce organic chromophores in any desired position of the sequence. As an outcome of such fascinating research, we gained a deeper knowledge and understanding of nucleic acid structures, which is pivotal for future progress within nucleic acid technology and for development of novel approaches in drug design. The current review presents those efforts in the design of intercalators/organic chromophores as oligonucleotide conjugates that form a foundation for the generation of novel nucleic acid architectures.
Small Molecules that Target Schizophrenia
Authors: Martenyi, MD, PhD Ferenc
Published: March 2009

Since the discovery of chlorpromazine in 1953, the number of antipsychotic medications has increased tremendously. Most of these drugs affect the dopaminergic neurotransmission (primarily blocking dopamine D2receptors). Antipsychotics registered until 2008 could be classified into 3 groups based on receptor occupancy profile rather than using their chemical structure. Conventional (or first‐generation antipsychotics, like haloperidol and fluphenazine) with a predominant D2receptor affinity have benefits in the treatment of delusions and hallucinations (positive symptoms of schizophrenia), which are parallel with a characteristic side‐effect profile of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) and prolactin elevation. Atypical antipsychotics—which are characterized by a higher antagonist affinity to serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5HT) 5HT2receptors than to dopamine D2receptors—are generally thought to be effective in alleviation of negative symptoms (such as anhedonia, and lack of motivation) beyond the positive symptoms domain of schizophrenia, with a reduced EPS burden (such as clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone). A third group of novel antipsychotics has a partial dopamine agonist profile (aripiprazole), with a lack of or minimal EPS. The nondopaminergicN‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) antagonist model of schizophrenia raised new gulatamatergic targets for treatment. NMDA antagonists ketamine and phencyclidine produce wide range of symptoms characteristic for schizophrenia, such as positive and negative symptoms as well as cognitive impairment. Compounds that blunt gulatamatergic activity (for example lamotrigine) or NMDA receptor glycine site allosteric agonists have both showed improvement of schizophrenic symptoms in combination with antipscychotics. The first compound that produced improvement in monotherapy for the treatment of schizophrenia is LY214023, which is a metabotropic Glutamate 2/3 (mGlu2/3) receptor agonist. This article reviews neurobiological background of treatments and clinical experiences proven in controlled clinical trials.
Pathogen‐Host Interactions: Chemical Biology Approach
Authors: Hett Erik C. , Hung Deborah T.
Published: March 2009

Microbes are continuously coevolving with their eukaryotic hosts. This process can result in a stable relationship of mutual benefit or an unstable relationship with pathologic consequences to the host. The latter relationship, which is known as the pathogen–host interaction, represents an ideal research area in which chemical biology can be applied to study the disease‐causing mechanisms of many bacterial pathogens. Chemical interference of pathogenicity can target specific virulence mechanisms of the pathogen or functions of the host organism involved in generating pathology. Small‐molecule modulators and their targets are extremely useful tools for studying specific mechanisms of disease and can help reveal novel cell biological processes. Promising compounds could also lead to the generation of novel paradigms for therapeutics. Here, we present examples of specific pathogen–host interactions and the chemical biological approaches that can be taken to both study and fight such pathogens.