bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NEURAL NETWORKS IN FINANCE AND ECONOMICS FORECASTING
Authors: HUANG WEI , LAI KIN KEUNG , NAKAMORI YOSHITERU , WANG SHOUYANG , YU LEAN
Published: March 2007

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been widely applied to finance and economic forecasting as a powerful modeling technique. By reviewing the related literature, we discuss the input variables, type of neural network models, performance comparisons for the prediction of foreign exchange rates, stock market index and economic growth. Economic fundamentals are important in driving exchange rates, stock market index price and economic growth. Most neural network inputs for exchange rate prediction are univariate, while those for stock market index prices and economic growth predictions are multivariate in most cases. There are mixed comparison results of forecasting performance between neural networks and other models. The reasons may be the difference of data, forecasting horizons, types of neural network models and so on. Prediction performance of neural networks can be improved by being integrated with other technologies. Nonlinear combining forecasting by neural networks also provides encouraging results.
A MULTI-ATTRIBUTE COMPARISON OF TURKISH QUALITY CONSULTANTS BY FUZZY AHP
Authors: CEBECI UFUK , RUAN DA
Published: March 2007

Quality consultants are used in ISO 9000 implementation projects especially by many small and medium-sized enterprises. Clients do not always appreciate differences between quality consultants. This paper aims to provide an analytical tool to select the best quality consultant providing the most customer satisfaction. The clients of three Turkish quality consultancy firms were interviewed and the most important criteria taken into account by the clients while they were selecting their consultancy firms were determined by a designed questionnaire. The fuzzy analytic hierarchy process was applied to compare these consultancy firms. The means of the triangular fuzzy numbers produced by the customers and experts for each comparison were successfully used in the pair wise comparison matrices.
UPTAKE AND DIFFUSION OF PHARMACEUTICAL INNOVATIONS IN HEALTH SYSTEMS
Authors: ATUN RIFAT A. , GUROL-URGANCI IPEK , SHERIDAN DESMOND
Published: March 2007

Multiple interacting factors influence the uptake and diffusion of medicines which are critical to improving health. However, there is a gap in our knowledge on how regulatory policies and other national health systems attributes combine to impact on the utilisation of innovative drugs, and health system goals and objectives.

Our review demonstrates that strong regulation adversely affects, access to innovation, reduces incentives for research-based firms to develop innovative products and leads to short- and long-term welfare losses. Short-term efficiency gains from reducing pharmaceutical expenditures may actually increase total healthcare costs, reduce user choice, and in some cases, adversely affect health outcomes.

Decision makers need to adopt a holistic approach to policy making, and consider potential impact of regulations on the uptake and diffusion of innovations, innovation systems and health system goals.
PARTNERSHIP AND INNOVATION IN THE LIFE SCIENCES
Authors: KLEYN DOMINIQUE , KITNEY RICHARD , ATUN RIFAT A.
Published: March 2007

Government support for partnering between BioPharma companies and universities is growing in the UK and some European countries but few studies have explored these partnerships.

Through interviews and a survey of key institutions we explored perceptions of key informants on industry and university partnerships. Study participants identified that partnering helped them to increase innovation in R&D and led them to adopt more open approaches to innovation.

Organisational structures to coordinate and support partnerships; flexibility in operational management to solve problems in establishing and running these partnerships; leadership, especially by investigators to champion and lead collaborations; developing organisational capabilities of universities; and creation of an enabling environment by governments were identified as the critical success factors for partnering. The challenges faced were identified as lack of funding for university research teams; pressure on pricing from industry partners; disagreements on IP ownership; asymmetry of industry and university capabilities in partnering; and lack of administrative support with excessive bureaucracy from universities.
INNOVATION, PATENTS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Authors: ATUN RIFAT A. , HARVEY IAN , WILD JOFF
Published: March 2007

Empirical evidence demonstrates the value of intellectual property (IP) in creating economic growth, enhancing productivity and profitability, and increasing enterprise value. Research and Development (R&D) intensive industries, such as the life sciences, where patents are critical to competition, need an enabling environment to institutionalise innovation and IP generation and reward investments in IP.

The US has approached IP strategically and created an IP infrastructure. Japan aims to develop into an "IP nation". China has an increasingly well-developed IP system. In contrast, the European Union (EU), which aims to become the world's leading knowledge-based economy, has a fragmented and expensive system of national patents. It lacks an environment which values investment in IP generation and management.

Until recently, the EU enjoyed global competitive advantage in the life sciences, but this advantage has been lost. To regain this competitive advantage the EU must invest substantially in R&D, IP generation and commercialisation of these outputs.
ON DIVISIBILITY OF ${\fontsize{9}{11}\selectfont\Big(\!\!\begin{array}{c}n-i-1\\[2pt]i-1\end{array}\!\!\Big)}$ by i
Authors: SHEVELEV VLADIMIR
Published: March 2007

We investigate the function b(n) = ∑ 1, where the summing is over all i for which [Formula: see text].
ON A RESULT OF IWASAWA
Authors: ANGLÈS BRUNO , HERRENG THOMAS
Published: March 2007

We recover a result of Iwasawa on the p-adic logarithm of principal units of ℚp(ζpn+1) by studying the value at s = 1 of p-adic L-functions.
SHIFTED AND SHIFTLESS PARTITION IDENTITIES II
Authors: GARVAN FRANK G. , YESILYURT HAMZA
Published: March 2007

Let S and T be sets of positive integers and let a be a fixed positive integer. An a-shifted partition identity has the form [Formula: see text] Here p(S,n) is the number partitions of n whose parts are elements of S. For all known nontrivial shifted partition identities, the sets S and T are unions of arithmetic progressions modulo M for some M. In 1987, Andrews found two 1-shifted examples (M = 32, 40) and asked whether there were any more. In 1989, Kalvade responded with a further six. In 2000, the first author found 59 new 1-shifted identities using a computer search and showed how these could be proved using the theory of modular functions.

Modular transformation of certain shifted identities leads to shiftless partition identities. Again let a be a fixed positive integer, and S, T be distinct sets of positive integers. A shiftless partition identity has the form [Formula: see text]

In this paper, we show, except in one case, how all known 1-shifted and shiftless identities follow from a four-parameter theta-function identity due to Jacobi. New shifted and shiftless partition identities are proved.
ULTRASONIC PREPARATION AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF HgWO4 NANOSHUTTLES
Authors: JIA RUNPING , WU QINGSHENG , DING YAPING
Published: March 2007

A newly luminescent nanomaterial, monoclinic wolframite-type HgWO 4 nanoshuttles (length: 200–300 nm; diameter: 100–150 nm) is prepared through ultrasonic method. For HgWO 4 nanoshuttles, the fluorescent (FL) emitting peaks at 430 and 330 nm obviously blue shift compared with those of corresponding bulk crystals. Meanwhile, the latter almost disappear after ultrasonic irradiation procedure. A UV-visible blue-shifted (about 130 nm) absorption peak is observed at 280 nm and a new absorption peak is observed at 203 nm. FTIR results show all absorption peaks below 800 cm-1 shift to a longer wavenumber region, whereas those above 800 cm-1 remain invariable. All those unique optical performances might result from both quantum size effects and the involvement of the incompact d10 electrons. Moreover, the possible synthesis mechanism of HgWO 4 nanoshuttles is also investigated.
DYNAMIC RESPONSE OF CARBON NANOTUBES DISPERSED IN NEMATIC LIQUID CRYSTAL
Authors: JEON SANG YOUN , PARK KYUNG AH , BAIK IN-SU , JEONG SEOK JIN , JEONG SEOK HO , AN KAY HYEOK , LEE SEUNG HEE , LEE YOUNG HEE
Published: March 2007

The alignment and dynamic response of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in nematic liquid crystal (NLC) medium induced by strong electric field have been observed through polarizing optical microscope. Density-functional calculations suggest that LC molecule anchors helically to the CNT wall to enhance π-stacking with a binding energy of nearly -2.0 eV due to a considerable amount of charge transfer from LC molecule to CNT, resulting in the formation of excess charges and permanent dipole moment in CNTs. Under strong electric field, the motion of CNTs distorted the director of adjacent LC molecules. Our detailed analysis of dynamics revealed that the four-lobe textures in vertical cell and two vertical stripes in in-plane switching cell were strongly correlated, i.e., the side view of textures by the vertical motion of CNTs in vertical cell was similar to the textures in in-plane switching cell. Interestingly, the magnitude of textures in microscope was strongly dependent on the size of CNTs and the applied field strength. The statistical size distribution of textures similar to that of CNTs provided information for the degree of dispersion of CNTs.
RECENT ADVANCES IN TWO-DIMENSIONAL PHOTONIC CRYSTALS SLAB STRUCTURE: DEFECT ENGINEERING AND HETEROSTRUCTURE
Authors: SONG BONG-SHIK , ASANO TAKASHI , NODA SUSUMU
Published: March 2007

This paper presents a review on the selected highlights of highly-functional devices in two-dimensional photonic crystals slab structure. By introducing artificial defects in the photonic crystals (that is, defect engineering), novel photonic devices of line-defect waveguides and point-defect nanocavity are demonstrated. For more efficient manipulation of photons, the fundamentals of heterostructure photonic crystals are also reviewed. Heterostructures consist of multiple photonic crystals with different lattice-constants and they provide further high-functionalities such as multiple wavelength operation while maintaining optimized performance and the enhancement of photon manipulation efficiency. Because of the importance of high quality (Q) nanocavity for realization of nanophotonic devices, we also review the design rule of high Q nanocavities and present recent experiments on nanocavities with Q factors in excess of one million (~ 1.2 × 106). The progress of defect engineering and heterostructure in two-dimensional photonic crystals slab structure will accelerate development in ultrasmall photonic chips, cavity quantum electrodynamics, optical sensors, etc.
Sensitizer Aging Effects on Metalization and Imaging in the Photoselective Metal Deposition (PSMD) Process
Authors: D'Amico J. F. , DeAngelo M. A.
Published: March 2007

The PSMD imaging system employs aqueous

SnCl

2

sensitizer solutions to generate electroless metal photopatterns on dielectric substrates. We have measured how aging in several typical sensitizer solutions affects their ability to generate electroless copper photopatterns on polyimide H film (DuPont Kapton®). Specimens, consecutively sensitized as the solution aged, have been characterized with respect to (i) tin deposition (by x‐ray fluorescence), (ii) catalytic activity for metalization (by optical density determination of the deposited electroless copper), and (iii) imageability (by image contrast measurements of the developed copper patterns). The system imageability is found highly dependent on the sensitizer solution age, while the capability for blanket metalization was relatively unaffected.
Kinetics of the Chemical Vapor Deposition of Tungsten
Authors: Bryant W. A. , Meier G. H.
Published: March 2007

The kinetics of the chemical vapor deposition of tungsten by the hydrogen reduction of

WF

6

were studied over the system pressure range from 6 to 60 Torr and over the temperature range from 500° to 870°C to determine the operative rate controlling mechanisms. Within the pressure and temperature ranges studied HF desorption from the substrate was determined to be rate limiting for lower pressure‐temperature combinations. An activation energy of 7300 cal/mole was associated with this mechanism. At higher pressure‐ temperature combinations

WF

6

diffusion to the substrate was rate controlling. The activation energy for this process was found to be 1650 cal/mole.
Rapamycin blunts nutrient stimulation of eIF4G, but not PKCε phosphorylation, in skeletal muscle
Authors: Vary Thomas C. , Anthony Joshua C. , Jefferson Leonard S. , Kimball Scot R. , Lynch Christopher J.
Published: March 2007

Phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4G (eIF4G) is hypothesized to be an important contributor to the stimulation of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle following meal feeding. The experiments reported herein examined the potential role for a rapamycin-sensitive signaling pathway in mediating the meal feeding-induced elevations in phosphorylation of eIF4G. Gastrocnemius from male Sprague-Dawley rats trained to consume a meal consisting of rat chow was sampled prior to and following 3 h of having the meal provided in the presence or absence of treatment with rapamycin, an inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (TORC1). Pretreatment with rapamycin prevented the feeding-induced phosphorylation of mTOR, eIF4G, and S6K1 but only partially attenuated the shift in 4E-BP1 into the γ-form. In contrast, the feeding-induced increase in phosphorylation of PKCε was not reduced by rapamycin. Rapamycin also prevented the augmented association of eIF4G with eIF4E and the decreased association of eIF4E with 4E-BP1. Similar findings were observed in gastrocnemius from animals after oral administration of leucine. Perfusion of gastrocnemius with medium containing rapamycin partially prevented the leucine-induced increase in phosphorylation of eIF4G. Thus, rapamycin attenuated a feeding- or leucine-induced phosphorylation of eIF4G in skeletal muscle both in vivo and in situ. The latter observation implies that the effects observed with rapamycin were the result of modulation of skeletal muscle signaling mechanisms responsible for eIF4G phosphorylation.
Calorie restriction or exercise: effects on coronary heart disease risk factors. A randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Fontana Luigi , Villareal Dennis T. , Weiss Edward P. , Racette Susan B. , Steger-May Karen , Klein Samuel , Holloszy John O.
Published: March 2007

Coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors and the risk of CHD increase with increased adiposity. Fat loss induced by negative energy balance improves all metabolic CHD risk factors. To determine whether fat loss induced by long-term calorie restriction (CR) or increased energy expenditure induced by exercise (EX) has different effects on CHD risk factors in nonobese subjects, we conducted a 1-yr controlled trial involving 48 nonobese subjects who were randomly assigned to one of three groups: CR, 20% CR diet ( n = 18); EX, 20% increase in energy expenditure through daily exercise with no increase in energy intake ( n = 18); or HL, healthy lifestyle guidelines ( n = 10). Subjects were 29 women and 17 men aged 57 ± 3 yr, with BMI 27.3 ± 2.0 kg/m2. Assessments included total body fat by DEXA, lipoproteins, blood pressure, HOMA-IR, C-reactive protein (CRP), and estimated 10-yr CHD risk score. Body fat decreased by 6.3 ± 3.8 kg in CR, 5.6 ± 4.4 kg in EX, and 0.4 ± 1.7 kg in HL, which corresponded to reductions of 24.9, 22.3, and 1.2% of baseline body fat mass, respectively. These CR- and EX-induced energy deficits were accompanied by reductions in most of the major CHD risk factors, including plasma LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol/HDL ratio, HOMA-IR index, and CRP concentrations that were similar in the two intervention groups. Data from the present study provide evidence that CR- and EX-induced negative energy balance result in substantial and similar improvements in the major risk factors for CHD in normal-weight and overweight middle-aged adults.
Rat maternal diabetes impairs pancreatic β-cell function in the offspring
Authors: Han Junying , Xu Jianxiang , Long Yun Shi , Epstein Paul N. , Liu Ye Q.
Published: March 2007

It has been shown that maternal diabetes increases the risk for obesity, glucose intolerance, and Type 2 diabetes mellitus in the adult life of the offspring. Mechanisms for these effects on the offspring are not well understood, and little information is available to reveal the mechanisms. We studied the effect of maternal diabetes on β-cell function in the offspring of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat mothers (STZ-offspring). STZ-offspring did not become glucose intolerant up to 15 wk of age. At this age, however, insulin secretion was significantly impaired, as measured by in vivo and in vitro studies. Consistent with these changes, islet glucose metabolism and some important glucose metabolic enzyme activities were reduced. No significant changes were found in islet morphological analysis. These data indicate that β-cell function is impaired in adult STZ-offspring; these changes may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adulthood.
Overexpression of human adiponectin in transgenic mice results in suppression of fat accumulation and prevention of premature death by high-calorie diet
Authors: Otabe Shuichi , Yuan Xiaohong , Fukutani Tomoka , Wada Nobuhiko , Hashinaga Toshihiko , Nakayama Hitomi , Hirota Naotoshi , Kojima Masayasu , Yamada Kentaro
Published: March 2007

Adiponectin, a physiologically active polypeptide secreted by adipocytes, shows insulin-sensitizing, anti-inflammatory, and antiatherogenic properties in rodents and humans. To assess the effects of chronic hyperadiponectinemia on metabolic phenotypes, we established three lines of transgenic mice expressing human adiponectin in the liver. When maintained on a high-fat/high-sucrose diet, mice of two lines that had persistent hyperadiponectinemia exhibited significantly decreased weight gain associated with less fat accumulation and smaller adipocytes in both visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues. Macrophage infiltration in adipose tissue was markedly suppressed in the transgenic mice. Expression levels of adiponectin receptors were not altered in skeletal muscle or liver. Circulating levels of endogenous adiponectin were elevated, whereas fasting glucose, insulin, and leptin levels were reduced compared with control mice. In the hyperadiponectinemic mice daily food intake was not altered, but oxygen consumption was significantly greater, suggesting increased energy expenditure. Moreover, high-calorie diet-induced premature death was almost completely prevented in the hyperadiponectinemic mice in association with attenuated oxidative DNA damage. The transgenic mice also showed longer life span on a conventional low-fat chow. In conclusion, transgenic expression of human adiponectin blocked the excessive fat accumulation and reduced the morbidity and mortality in mice fed a high-calorie diet. These observations may provide new insights into the prevention and therapy of metabolic syndrome in humans.
The atrial natriuretic peptide- and catecholamine-induced lipolysis and expression of related genes in adipose tissue in hypothyroid and hyperthyroid patients
Authors: Polak J. , Moro C. , Klimcakova E. , Kovacikova M. , Bajzova M. , Vitkova M. , Kovacova Z. , Sotornik R. , Berlan M. , Viguerie N. , Langin D. , Stich V.
Published: March 2007

Thyroid dysfunction is associated with several abnormalities in intermediary metabolism, including impairment of lipolytic response to catecholamines in subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (SCAAT). Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a powerful lipolytic peptide; however, the role of ANP-mediated lipolysis in thyroid disease has not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of thyroid hormones in the regulation of ANP-induced lipolysis as well as in the gene expression of hormone-sensitive lipase, phosphodiesterase 3B (PDE3B), uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2), natriuretic peptide receptor type A, and β2-adrenergic receptor in SCAAT of hyperthyroid and hypothyroid patients. Gene expression in SCAAT was studied in 13 hypothyroid and 11 hyperthyroid age-matched women before and 2–4 mo after the normalization of their thyroid status. A microdialysis study was performed on a subset of nine hyperthyroid and 10 hypothyroid subjects. ANP- and isoprenaline-induced lipolyses were higher in hyperthyroid subjects, with no differences between the groups following treatment. Hormone-sensitive lipase gene expression was higher in hyperthyroid compared with hypothyroid subjects before treatment, whereas no difference was observed following treatment. No differences in gene expression of other genes were observed between the two groups. Following treatment, the gene expression of UCP2 decreased in hyperthyroid, whereas the expression of PDE3B decreased in hypothyroid subjects. We conclude that thyroid hormones regulate ANP- and isoprenaline-mediated lipolysis in human SCAAT in vivo. Increased lipolytic subcutaneous adipose tissue response in hyperthyroid patients may involve postreceptor signaling mechanisms.
Epiregulin promotes proliferation and migration of renal proximal tubular cells
Authors: Zhuang Shougang , Yan Yan , Daubert Rebecca A. , Schnellmann Rick G.
Published: March 2007

Epiregulin is an epidermal growth factor (EGF) member that activates ErBB1 and ErBB4 homodimers and all possible heterodimeric ErbB complexes. Because its role in renal cell regeneration has not been investigated, we assessed the effect of exogenous epiregulin on regeneration of renal proximal tubular cells (RPTC) in primary culture. Epiregulin (10 ng/ml) was equivalent to EGF (10 ng/ml) in enhancing RPTC proliferation and migration. Epiregulin induced activation of the EGF receptor (EGFR), Akt, a downstream kinase of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and extracellular signaling-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Treatment with AG1478, a specific EGFR inhibitor, blocked phosphorylation of EGFR, Akt, ERK1/2, proliferation, and migration. Furthermore, inactivation of PI3K with LY-294002 blocked epiregulin-induced RPTC proliferation and, to a lesser extent, migration. However, blockade of ERK1/2 had no such effects. We suggest that epiregulin is a potent mitogen for renal epithelial cells and may contribute to renal regeneration through activation of EGFR and PI3/Akt pathways.
Renal interstitial corticosterone and 11-dehydrocorticosterone in conscious rats
Authors: Usa Kristie , Singh Ravinder J. , Netzel Brian C. , Liu Yong , Raff Hershel , Liang Mingyu
Published: March 2007

Deficiencies in the conversion between active and inactive glucocorticoids in the kidney can lead to hypertension. However, the significance of glucocorticoid metabolism in specific kidney regions in vivo is not clear, possibly in part due to the difficulty in measuring glucocorticoid levels in kidney regions in vivo. We used microdialysis techniques to sample renal interstitial fluid from conscious rats. The levels of corticosterone (active) and 11-dehydrocorticosterone (inactive) were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Direct infusion of the 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) inhibitor carbenoxolone into the renal medulla induced hypertension, and significantly increased corticosterone levels and the corticosterone/11-dehydrocorticosterone ratio, an index of 11β-HSD activity, in the renal medullary microdialysate, but not in urine or the plasma. Further characterization of conscious, untreated rats ( n = 13–16) indicated that corticosterone concentrations (ng/ml) were 0.8 ± 0.1, 1.0 ± 0.1, 66.7 ± 8.1, and 7.9 ± 1.1 in cortical microdialysate, medullary microdialysate, the plasma, and urine, respectively. The corticosterone/11-dehydrocorticosterone ratios were 0.8 ± 0.1, 0.6 ± 0.1, 10.6 ± 1.4, and 1.7 ± 0.1, respectively, in these 4 types of sample. The expression level of 11β-HSD1 was higher in the medulla than in the cortex, whereas 11β-HSD2 was most enriched in the outer medulla. Microdialysate levels of corticosterone were ∼1.6-fold higher in afternoons than in mornings, whereas plasma levels differed by 2.8-fold. These results demonstrated that corticosterone excess in the renal medulla might be sufficient to cause hypertension and provided the first characterization of renal interstitial glucocorticoids.
Release and Recycling of the Readily Releasable Vesicle Population in a Synapse Possessing No Reserve Population
Authors: Koenig J. H. , Ikeda Kazuo
Published: March 2007

We previously demonstrated that the tergotrochanteral muscle (TTM) of Drosophila is innervated by unique synapses that possess a small readily releasable/recycling vesicle population (active zone population), but not the larger reserve vesicle population observed at other neuromuscular junctions in this animal. Using light and electron microscopic techniques and intracellular recording from the G1 muscle fiber of the TTM, the release and recycling characteristics of the readily releasable/recycling population were observed without any possible contribution from a reserve population. Our results indicate 1) the total number of vesicles in synapses presynaptic to the G1 fiber correlates with the total number of quanta that can be released onto this fiber; 2) the number of quanta released by a single action potential onto the G1 fiber is about one half the number of morphologically “docked” vesicles in active zones onto the G1, and this ratio decreases in a partially depleted state; 3) the recycling rate at 1-Hz stimulation, a frequency that does not cause any depression, is 0.24 recycled vesicle/active zone/s; and 4) normal-appearing spontaneous release occurs from the active zone vesicle population and, unlike synapses that possess a reserve population, the frequency of this release is reduced after high-frequency evoked activity.
Muscle Reflexes and Synergies Triggered by an Unexpected Support Surface Height During Walking
Authors: van der Linden Marleen H. , Marigold Daniel S. , Gabreëls Fons J.M. , Duysens Jacques
Published: March 2007

An important phase in the step cycle is foot contact. When the moment of foot contact differs from the one expected, a fast response is needed. Such a mismatch can be caused by hitting a support surface earlier or later than expected. To study this, experiments were performed with healthy young adults who walked on a platform that was unexpectedly at a lowered (5 cm) or at a level height. Glasses blocked the lower visual field. In the unexpectedly lowered trials, the absence of expected heel contact triggered responses in the ipsilateral anti-gravity muscles [ipsilateral medial gastrocnemius (MGi), ipsilateral rectus femoris (RFi)] and contralateral flexor muscles [contralateral tibialis anterior (TAc), contralaterial biceps femoris (BFc)] with latencies of 47–69 ms. After the delayed heel contact, enhanced activity was found in the MGi, RFi, and TAc muscles. This specific muscle synergy was presumably activated to arrest the forward propulsion of the body. In contrast, when the surface was unexpectedly at level height, the subjects expected to step down, and the leg briefly yielded. A muscle synergy was activated at 46–81 ms that flexed the ipsilateral knee (TAi, BFi, RFi) and extended the contralateral one (MGc, BFc) to unload the perturbed leg and delay the contralateral swing phase. Both conditions triggered a fast functionally relevant muscle synergy because of a mismatch between the expected and actual sensory feedback at the moment of foot contact. The results are consistent with an internal model that compares the expected with the actual sensory feedback. The short latency of the response suggests a subcortical, possibly cerebellar pathway.
Oral Consumption of Pomegranate Fruit Extract Inhibits Growth and Progression of Primary Lung Tumors in Mice
Authors: Khan Naghma , Afaq Farrukh , Kweon Mee-Hyang , Kim KyungMann , Mukhtar Hasan
Published: March 2007

To develop novel mechanism-based preventive approaches for lung cancer, we examined the effect of oral consumption of a human achievable dose of pomegranate fruit extract (PFE) on growth, progression, angiogenesis, and signaling pathways in two mouse lung tumor protocols. Benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] and N-nitroso-tris-chloroethylurea (NTCU) were used to induce lung tumors, and PFE was given in drinking water to A/J mice. Lung tumor yield was examined on the 84th day and 140 days after B(a)P dosing and 240 days after NTCU treatment. Mice treated with PFE and exposed to B(a)P and NTCU had statistically significant lower lung tumor multiplicities than mice treated with carcinogens only. Tumor reduction was 53.9% and 61.6% in the B(a)P + PFE group at 84 and 140 days, respectively, compared with the B(a)P group. The NTCU + PFE group had 65.9% tumor reduction compared with the NTCU group at 240 days. Immunoblot analysis and immunohistochemistry were used to determine effect on cell survival pathways and markers of cellular proliferation and angiogenesis. PFE treatment caused inhibition of (a) activation of nuclear factor-κB and IκBα kinase, (b) degradation and phosphorylation of IκBα, (c) phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1/2, and p38), (d) phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p85 and p110), (e) phosphorylation of Akt at Thr308, (f) activation of mammalian target of rapamycin signaling, (g) phosphorylation of c-met, and (h) markers of cell proliferation (Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen) and angiogenesis (inducible nitric oxide synthase, CD31, and vascular endothelial growth factor) in lungs of B(a)P- and NTCU-treated mice. Thus, our data show that PFE significantly inhibits lung tumorigenesis in A/J mice and merits investigation as a chemopreventive agent for human lung cancer. [Cancer Res 2007;67(7):3475–82]
Proton Pump Inhibitor Improves Breath Marker in Moderate Asthma with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Shimizu Yasuo , Dobashi Kunio , Zhao Jian Jun , Kawata Tadayoshi , Ono Akihiro , Yanagitani Noriko , Kaira Kyoichi , Utsugi Mitsuyoshi , Hisada Takeshi , Ishizuka Tamotsu , Mori Masatomo
Published: March 2007

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) influences the symptoms of asthma with acid and oxidative stress. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of measurement of the acid stress marker pH and the oxidative stress marker 8-isoprostane by exhaled breath condensate in proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy effect on moderate asthma patients with GERD. Methods: The pH and the concentration of 8-isoprostane were measured in the exhaled breath condensate of patients with moderate asthma (n = 36) and healthy subjects (n = 26). Two months of PPI therapy (lansoprazole at 30 mg/day) were done in the asthma patients with (n = 13) or without (n = 13) GERD according to a questionnaire for the diagnosis of reflux disease, and exhaled markers were measured. Results: The pH was lower (7.3 ± 0.3) and the 8-isoprostane level was higher (27.7 ± 2.3) in the asthma patients than in the healthy control subjects (pH 7.5 ± 0.2 and 8-isoprostane 6.6 ± 1.2). Two months of PPI therapy improved the pH (from 7.2 ± 0.1 to 7.3 ± 0.1) and the 8-isoprostane concentration (from 32.7 ± 3.4 to 19.2 ± 3.4) in the asthma patients with GERD, along with improvement of GERD symptoms. However, these markers did not change in the asthma patients without GERD. Conclusions: Measurement of the pH and 8-isoprostane level of exhaled breath condensate may be useful to evaluate the influence of GERD on asthma, as well as to determine the timing of intermittent PPI therapy.
Comparison of Intravascular Ultrasound and Quantitative Coronary Angiography for the Assessment of Coronary Artery Disease Progression
Authors: Berry Colin , L’Allier Philippe L. , Grégoire Jean , Lespérance Jacques , Levesque Sylvie , Ibrahim Reda , Tardif Jean-Claude
Published: March 2007

Background—

The relative merits of quantitative coronary analysis (QCA) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) for the assessment of progression/regression in coronary artery disease are uncertain. To explore this subject further, we analyzed the angiographic and IVUS data derived from a contemporary clinical trial population.

Methods and Results—

We investigated the relationships between QCA and IVUS at single time points (n=525) and also for the changes over time (n=432). QCA and IVUS data underwent central laboratory analyses. Statistically significant correlations were observed between the QCA coronary artery score and the IVUS-derived lumen volume (
r
=0.65,
P
<0.0001) and total vessel volume (
r
=0.55,
P
<0.0001) and between the QCA cumulative coronary stenosis score and percent atheroma volume on IVUS (
r
=0.32,
P
<0.0001) at baseline for matched segments. A similar pattern of correlations was observed for global (all segments) QCA-derived and single-vessel IVUS-derived data. There were statistically significant but weak correlations between the changes over time in lumen dimensions on QCA and IVUS (
P
=0.005) and between the change in cumulative coronary stenosis score on QCA and percent atheroma volume on IVUS (
r
=0.14,
P
=0.01). Nevertheless, patients with and without angiographic progression had changes in plaque volume on IVUS of 9.13 and 0.20 mm
3
, respectively (
P
=0.028).

Conclusions—

QCA- and IVUS-derived measures of lumen dimensions are correlated at single time points and for changes over time. Although the change in percent atheroma volume is only weakly correlated with QCA changes as continuous variables, disease progression on QCA is associated with significant increases in plaque volume on IVUS compared with no angiographic progression.
Bioenergetic and Functional Consequences of Bone Marrow–Derived Multipotent Progenitor Cell Transplantation in Hearts With Postinfarction Left Ventricular Remodeling
Authors: Zeng Lepeng , Hu Qingsong , Wang Xiaohong , Mansoor Abdul , Lee Joseph , Feygin Julia , Zhang Ge , Suntharalingam Piradeep , Boozer Sherry , Mhashilkar Abner , Panetta Carmelo J. , Swingen Cory , Deans Robert , From Arthur H.L. , Bache Robert J. , Verfaillie Catherine M. , Zhang Jianyi
Published: March 2007

Background—

The present study examined whether transplantation of adherent bone marrow–derived stem cells, termed pMultistem, induces neovascularization and cardiomyocyte regeneration that stabilizes bioenergetic and contractile function in the infarct zone and border zone (BZ) after coronary artery occlusion.

Methods and Results—

Permanent left anterior descending artery occlusion in swine caused left ventricular remodeling with a decrease of ejection fraction from 55±5.6% to 30±5.4% (magnetic resonance imaging). Four weeks after left anterior descending artery occlusion, BZ myocardium demonstrated profound bioenergetic abnormalities, with a marked decrease in subendocardial phosphocreatine/ATP (
31
P magnetic resonance spectroscopy; 1.06±0.30 in infarcted hearts [n=9] versus 1.90±0.15 in normal hearts [n=8;
P
<0.01]). This abnormality was significantly improved by transplantation of allogeneic pMultistem cells (subendocardial phosphocreatine/ATP to 1.34±0.29; n=7;
P
<0.05). The BZ protein expression of creatine kinase–mt and creatine kinase–m isoforms was significantly reduced in infarcted hearts but recovered significantly in response to cell transplantation. MRI demonstrated that the infarct zone systolic thickening fraction improved significantly from systolic “bulging” in untreated animals with myocardial infarction to active thickening (19.7±9.8%,
P
<0.01), whereas the left ventricular ejection fraction improved to 42.0±6.5% (
P
<0.05 versus myocardial infarction). Only 0.35±0.05% donor cells could be detected 4 weeks after left anterior descending artery ligation, independent of cell transplantation with or without immunosuppression with cyclosporine A (with cyclosporine A, n=6; no cyclosporine A, n=7). The fraction of grafted cells that acquired an endothelial or cardiomyocyte phenotype was 3% and ≈2%, respectively. Patchy spared myocytes in the infarct zone were found only in pMultistem transplanted hearts. Vascular density was significantly higher in both BZ and infarct zone of cell-treated hearts than in untreated myocardial infarction hearts (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

Thus, allogeneic pMultistem improved BZ energetics, regional contractile performance, and global left ventricular ejection fraction. These improvements may have resulted from paracrine effects that include increased vascular density in the BZ and spared myocytes in the infarct zone.
Relationship Between Androgen Levels and Blood Pressure in Young Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Chen Mei-Jou , Yang Wei-Shiung , Yang Jehn-Hsiahn , Chen Chi-Ling , Ho Hong-Nerng , Yang Yu-Shih
Published: March 2007

The role of testosterone on the development of hypertension is controversial, especially in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who have higher prevalence of obesity and insulin resistance than women without PCOS. Little is known about the association between serum testosterone level and blood pressure in young women with PCOS. In the 151 young Taiwanese women with PCOS enrolled in this cross-sectional study, we measured the body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, lipid profile, and hormone profiles. The free androgen index, total testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin, but not the level of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, significantly correlated with both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). In multiple linear regression models adjusted for age, body mass index, and other anthropometric, metabolic, and hormonal variables, the level of serum free androgen index or total testosterone, but not the sex hormone-binding globulin, were independently related to SBP and DBP. The age- and body mass index–adjusted least-square mean of serum-free androgen index levels were significantly different between the highest quartile and other quartiles of the SBP and DBP levels. The high bioavailable testosterone levels (free androgen index: ≥19%) in women with PCOS increased the risk of elevated blood pressure (SBP ≥130 mm Hg and/or DBP ≥85 mm Hg) with an odds ratio of 3.817 (
P
=0.029; 95% CI: 1.14 to 12.74) after adjustment for age, anthropometric measures, and metabolic profiles. Our results suggest that the characteristic hyperandrogenemia in young women with PCOS was associated with an elevated SBP and DBP independent of age, insulin resistance, obesity, or dyslipidemia.
Predictors of All-Cause Mortality in Clinical Ambulatory Monitoring
Authors: Ben-Dov Iddo Z. , Kark Jeremy D. , Ben-Ishay Drori , Mekler Judith , Ben-Arie Liora , Bursztyn Michael
Published: March 2007

The prognostic value of sleep blood pressure reported by recent studies is variable. Our aim was to examine the relationship of sleep blood pressure, measured by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, with all-cause mortality. We studied a cohort of 3957 patients aged 55±16 (58% treated) referred for ambulatory monitoring (1991–2005). Sleep, including daytime sleep, was recorded by diary. Linkage with the national population register identified 303 deaths during 27 750 person-years of follow-up. Hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality in Cox proportional hazards models that included age, sex, hypertension, and diabetes treatment were 1.32 (95% CI: 0.99 to 1.76) for awake hypertension (≥135/85 mm Hg), and 1.67 (95% CI: 1.25 to 2.23) for sleep hypertension (≥120/70 mm Hg). By quintile analysis, the upper fifths of systolic and diastolic dipping during sleep were associated with adjusted HRs of 0.58 (95% CI: 0.41 to 0.82) and 0.68 (95% CI: 0.48 to 0.96), respectively. In a model controlling for awake systolic blood pressure, hazards associated with reduced systolic dipping increased from dippers (>10%; HR: 1.0), through nondippers (0% to 9.9%; HR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.69) to risers (<0%; HR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.43 to 2.96). Thus, in practice, ambulatory blood pressure predicts mortality significantly better than clinic blood pressure. The availability of blood pressure measures during sleep and, in particular, the pattern of dipping add clinically predictive information and provide further justification for the use of ambulatory monitoring in patient management.
Previous Hypertensive Disease of Pregnancy Is Associated With Alterations of Markers of Insulin Resistance
Authors: Girouard Joël , Giguère Yves , Moutquin Jean-Marie , Forest Jean-Claude
Published: March 2007

Insulin resistance syndrome has been observed in women with hypertensive disease of pregnancy, but few studies evaluated the presence of the syndrome a few years after delivery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of insulin resistance and its metabolic alterations in these women compared with those who had a normal pregnancy. We performed an observational study in 168 women with previous hypertensive disease of pregnancy and 168 control subjects with normal pregnancy contacted, on average, 7.8 years after their first delivery (mean age: 34.8 years). Complete blood lipid profile, insulin, glucose, homocysteine, adipokins, and markers of inflammation were measured. Also, an oral glucose tolerance test was performed in 146 case and 135 control subjects. Case subjects were more overweight compared with control subjects. We found significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin levels and higher apolipoprotein (apo) apoB/apoA1 ratio, homocysteine, leptin, and insulin levels among case subjects compared with control subjects (
P
≤0.004). Also, case subjects were more insulin resistant in the basal state estimated by homeostasis assessment model 2, as well as in the nonbasal state as estimated by insulin sensitivity indices calculated from the oral glucose tolerance test. Finally, in a multivariate regression model, leptin, apoB/apoA1 ratio, waist circumference, adiponectin, and free fatty acids explained 40% of homeostasis assessment model 2 variance. Young women with previous hypertensive disease of pregnancy show signs of insulin resistance within the first decade after delivery. These findings suggest that insulin resistance may be the link between hypertensive disease of pregnancy and increased cardiovascular risk later in life.
Transforming Creative Potential in Project Networks: How TV Movies Are Produced under Network-Based Control
Authors: Manning Stephan , Sydow Jörg
Published: March 2007

Project networks have been identified as dynamic, yet relatively stable organizational forms in project-based creative industries. They materialize in longer-term actor relationships which are actualized by and institutionalized through particular projects. This article examines how project networks transform creative potential for and beyond particular projects. The transformation process is enabled and constrained by the dialectic of network-based control which refers to the capacity of actors to reproduce relational power and autonomy within actor constellations in project networks. This study is empirically based on a qualitative analysis of two projects launched from project networks of two major German TV production companies. Theoretically, the study draws on concepts from structuration theory.
Freelancers in Germany's Old and New Media Industry: Beyond Standard Patterns of Work and Life?
Authors: Henninger Annette , Gottschall Karin
Published: March 2007

The paper addresses potential changes in the patterns of work and private life among freelancers in Germany's media industry (journalists, designers, software developers). In the first step, we analyze how freelance workers have been integrated into Germany's regulations for the labor market. Our analysis points to important differences between the professional groups. In a second step, we ask whether freelancers in the German media industry fit the picture of workaholics. Our interviews with freelancers show that only a minority has thoroughly blurred the boundaries between work and life, while most others still draw a clear line between the two. Findings on partnerships reveal that structurally equal dual-earner arrangements are widespread, but are not the only type of gender arrangement. An important group opts for structurally specialized arrangements based on traditional as well as reversed gender roles. In the final discussion we assess to what extent German trends in the changing patterns of work and life converge with those in the US and in the UK.
Shifting Patterns of Labor Regulation: Highly Qualified Knowledge Workers in German New Media Companies
Authors: Abel Jörg , Pries Ludger
Published: March 2007

In addition to changing ways of doing business and managing work, the new economy has affected the way that (generally) highly qualified employees participate in company decision-making processes. The research project entitled “Changing forms of labor regulation?” focused on the relationship between individual and collective forms of representation, as well as between regulation at the state, collective bargaining and company levels. It also investigated the possibility of applying new economy modes of representation in more traditional lines of business. Building on established industrial relations theory, this article will first propose three extensions to this conceptual framework and argue that a wider concept of labor regulation is needed. This will be demonstrated using empirical research conducted in new media companies. Economic developments in recent years and a growth in personnel in the companies studied point towards a professionalization of company structures which will have a lasting effect on forms of participation. In the companies studied, it is evident that mixed forms of labor regulation have evolved out of the traditional ideal types of representation (self-representation, alternative forms and works councils). In this context, two tendencies can be identified. First, as far as company structures are concerned, and regarding the rise of collective forms of representation in general, the new forms of regulation seem to be conforming to patterns found in old economy companies. Second, as far as the constellation of individual and/or collective forms of regulation is concerned, the new forms seem to be diverging from those found in the old economy. Trajectory, contingency and innovation effects all influence the specific patterns of labor regulation in the new media companies.
New Concepts of Management in Cultural Establishments: Experiences of Experts in the Field
Authors: Mader Sabine , Mields Just , Volmerg Birgit
Published: March 2007

New Public Management is being introduced in Germany as Contract Management — a management strategy that is characterized by extended flexibility in work performance and objectives. Control of processes is replaced by control of results with increased responsibility of the individuals for fulfilling the aims in the contracted area. In cultural establishments, contract management is implemented with the aim to create commitment not only within the public administration but also between the administrative body and the newly founded, independent enterprises of the communities. In reality, however, many of the processes carried out do not correspond to the theoretical requirements. In order to explore the structural level of the process of contracting in cultural establishments in Germany, we conducted expert interviews in three establishments selected from within the cultural sector. A total of 11 experts were asked for their personal evaluation of the following topics: purpose of contract management and particular effects; processes of negotiations relating to reform; consequences for employees; consequences for organizational