bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Person Fit Test for IRT Models for Polytomous Items
Authors: Glas C. A. W. , Dagohoy Anna Villa T.
Published: November 2006

A person fit test based on the Lagrange multiplier test is presented for three item response theory models for polytomous items: the generalized partial credit model, the sequential model, and the graded response model. The test can also be used in the framework of multidimensional ability parameters. It is shown that the Lagrange multiplier statistic can take both the effects of estimation of the item parameters and the estimation of the person parameters into account. The Lagrange multiplier statistic has an asymptotic χ2-distribution. The Type I error rate and power are investigated using simulation studies. Results show that test statistics that ignore the effects of estimation of the persons’ ability parameters have decreased Type I error rates and power. Incorporating a correction to account for the effects of the estimation of the persons’ ability parameters results in acceptable Type I error rates and power characteristics; incorporating a correction for the estimation of the item parameters has very little additional effect. It is investigated to what extent the three models give comparable results, both in the simulation studies and in an example using data from the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised.
Preparation and properties of a new type of carbohydrate‐based cationic surfactant
Authors: Kirk Ole , Pedersen Flemming D. , Fuglsang Claus C.
Published: November 2006

A new type of cationic surfactant, 6‐O‐monoesters of 3‐(trimethylammonio)propyl d‐glucopyranoside, was prepared in high yield by a simple chemoenzymatic synthesis. Surface‐active properties of the compounds were found to be highly dependent on the fatty acyl chain length in the 6‐O‐position with the dodecanoyl and tetradecanoyl esters exhibiting the highest ability to lower surface tension as well as having the lowest critical micelle concentration values. Furthermore, the dodecanoyl ester had excellent foaming properties. The new surfactants also showed antimicrobial activity. Thus, the most potent compound, the dodecanoyl ester, was able to inhibit growth of both bacterial (Gram‐positive as well as Gram‐negative) and fungal test strains. The antimicrobial effect was somewhat weaker compared to benzalkonium chloride, one of the most frequently used cationics for topical disinfection. However, compared to benzalkonium chloride, the new cationics exhibit a highly improved compatibility with anionic surfactants, as no precipitation took place even in highly concentrated solutions thereby providing a much more robust antimicrobial system. Finally, the new surfactants are expected to be readily biodegradable because they are carbohydrate ester‐based.
Carbohydrate‐alkyl ester derivatives as biosurfactants
Authors: Allen Douglas K. , Tao Bernard Y.
Published: November 2006

Reaction of carbohydrates with long‐chain plantderived lipids yields carbohydrate‐alkyl ester surfactants with a polyol structure. Their renewability, low cost, and environmental acceptability make carbohydrate‐alkyl ester surfactants an excellent alternative to petrochemically derived products. This article reviews developments in the synthesis and surface‐active properties of carbohydrate‐alkyl ester surfactants
Role of dietary calcium and dairy products in modulating adiposity
Authors: Zemel Michael B.
Published: November 2006

Dietary calcium plays a pivotal role in the regulation of energy metabolism. High‐calcium diets attenuate adipocyte lipid accretion and weight gain during overconsumption of an energy‐dense diet and increase lipolysis and preserve thermogenesis during caloric restriction, thereby markedly accelerating weight loss. Our studies of the agouti gene demonstrate a key role for intracellular Ca2+ in regulating adipocyte lipid metabolism and TG storage. Increased intracellular Ca2+ resulting in stimulation of lipogenic gene expression, and lipogenesis and suppression of lipolysis resulting in adipocyte lipid filling and increased adiposity. Moreover, we recently demonstrated that the increased calcitriol produced in response to lowcalcium diets stimulates adipocyte Ca2+ influx and, consequently, promotes adiposity. Accordingly, suppressing calcitriol levels by increasing dietary calcium is an attractive target for obesity intervention. In support of this concept, transgenic mice expressing the agouti gene specifically in adipocytes (a human‐like pattern) respond to low‐calcium diets with accelerated weight gain and fat accretion, whereas high‐calcium diets markedly inhibit lipogenesis, accelerate lipolysis, increase thermogenesis, and suppress fat accretion and weight gain in animals maintained at identical caloric intakes. Further, low‐calcium diets impede body fat loss, whereas high‐calcium diets markedly accelerate fat loss in transgenic mice subjected to caloric restriction. Dairy sources of calcium exert markedly greater effects in attenuating weight and fat gain and accelerating fat loss. This augmented effect of dairy products is likely due to additional bioactive compounds in dairy that act synergistically with calcium to attenuate adiposity. These concepts are confirmed by both epidemiological and clinical data, which demonstrate that increasing dietary calcium results in significant reductions in adipose tissue mass in obese humans in the absence of caloric restriction and markedly accelerates the weight and body fat loss secondary to caloric restriction, whereas dairy products exert significantly greater effects. These data indicate an important role for dairy products in both the prevention and treatment of obesity.
Isoprenoids: Remarkable diversity of form and function
Authors: Holstein Sarah A. , Hohl Raymond J.
Published: November 2006

The isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway is the source of a wide array of products. The pathway has been highly conserved throughout evolution, and isoprenoids are some of the most ancient biomolecules ever identified, playing key roles in many life forms. In this review we focus on C‐10 mono‐, C‐15 sesqui‐, and C‐20 diterpenes. Evidence for interconversion between the pathway intermediates farnesyl pyrophosphate and geranylgeranly pyrophosphate and their respective metabolites is examined. The diverse functions of these molecules are discussed in detail, including their ability to regulate expression of the β‐HMG‐CoA reductase and Ras‐related proteins. Additional topics include the mechanisms underlying the apoptotic effects of select isoprenoids, antiulcer activities, and the disposition and degradation of isoprenoids in the environment. Finally, the significance of pharmacological manipulation of the isoprenoid pathway and clinical correlations are discussed.
An isocaloric PUFA diet enhances lipid uptake and weight gain in aging rats
Authors: Woudstra Trudy D. , Drozdowski Laurie A. , Wild Gary E. , Clandinin M. T. , Agellon Luis B. , Thomson Alan B. R.
Published: November 2006

Aging is associated with a change in the morphology and absorptive capacity of the small intestine. In young rats, feeding a semisynthetic diet containing saturated FA (SFA) increases nutrient uptake, as compared with an isocaloric diet containing polyunsaturated FA (PUFA). We tested the hypotheses that (i) aging is associated with a decline in lipid absorption in the Fischer 344 rat; (ii) this decline can be corrected by manipulating the fat composition of the diet; and (iii) the age‐and diet‐associated variations in lipid uptake are associated with changes in the ileal lipid‐binding protein (ILBP) or the intestinal or liver FA‐binding proteins (l‐or L‐FABP, respectively) in the cytosol of the enterocyte. In rats fed SFA or PUFA, aging was associated with a decline in the in vitro uptake of stearic acid (18∶0) when expressed on the basis of intestinal or mucosal weight. In contrast, age had no effect on lipid uptake when expressed on the basis of serosal surface area, whereas lipid uptake increased with age when expressed on the basis of mucosal surface area. The age‐associated variations in lipid uptake were not associated with changes in protein abundance and/or expression of ILBP, I‐FABP, or L‐FABP. In 24‐mon‐old rats, when uptake of lipids was expressed on the basis of mucosal surface area, feeding PUFA enhanced lipid uptake and body weight gain as compared with rats fed SFA. Future studies must determine whether the enhanced lipid uptake and body weight gain observed in older animals fed PUFA have any therapeutic benefit.
Fenitrothion‐induced structural and functional perturbations in the yolk lipoproteins of the shrimp Macrobrachium borellii
Authors: García Fernando , Gonzalez‐Baró María R. , Garda Horacio , Cunningham Monica , Pollero Ricardo
Published: November 2006

Two lipovitellin (LV) forms containing the same apoproteins but differing in their lipid composition were isolated from Macrobrachium borelii eggs at early (LVe) and late (LVI) embryogenic stages and characterized. These two forms of LV, as well as liposomes prepared with lipids extracted from them, were used as simpler models to study the effect of the pesticide fenitrothion (FS) on their structures and functions. Rotational diffusion and fluorescence lifetime of two fluorescent probes [1,6‐diphenyl‐1,3,5‐hexatriene (DPH) and 3‐(p(6‐phenyl)‐1,3,5‐hexatrienal)phenylpropionic acid (DPH‐PA)] were used to obtain information on structural changes induced by FS in the inner and outer regions of the LV, respectively. Comparison of the rotational behavior of these probes in native LV and liposomes (LP) from extracted LV lipids suggests that apoprotein‐lipid interactions result in an ordered neutral lipid core. FS increased the lipid phase polarity of both LV and LP forms. The rotation of these probes in LP was not affected, suggesting a dependence of FS action on lipid‐protein interactions. DPH‐PA steady‐state anisotropy showed that, unlike the LVe form, the LVI form was sensitive to extremely low FS concentrations. The ability of both LV to transfer palmitic acid to albumin was increased, but in a dissimilar manner, by the presence of FS. Such differences in the sensitivity of the LV at different steps of embryogenesis to FS influence the toxic action of this insecticide.
Synthesis of deuterated fatty acids to investigate the biosynthetic pathway of disparlure, the sex pheromone of the Gypsy Moth, Lymantria dispar
Authors: Abad José‐Luis , Fabriàs Gemma , Camps Francisco
Published: November 2006

The preparation and characterization of a series of deuterium‐labeled intermediates used in the study of the biosynthetic pathway for disparlure, the sex pheromone of Lymantria dispar, is reported. The synthetic route starts with propargyl alcohol, and the deuterium atoms are introduced by deuteration of an alkyne precursor in the presence of Wilkinson's catalyst. The olefinic bond was created by the Wittig reaction of a suitable aldehyde with a common tetradeuterated phosphonium ylide intermediate. The presence of the expected label and its correct location were confirmed by both MS and 13C NMR. These compounds were successfully used to elucidate the disparlure biosynthetic pathway.
Effect of mitomycin‐C on human foreskin fibroblasts used as feeders in human embryonic stem cells: Immunocytochemistry MIB1 score and DNA ploidy and apoptosis evaluated by flow cytometry
Authors: Nieto A. , Cabrera C.M. , Catalina P. , Cobo F. , Barnie A. , Cortés J.L. , del Jesus A. Barroso , Montes R. , Concha A.
Published: November 2006

Mitomycin C (MMC) treatment has been used to arrest cell proliferation but not much is known about the effect of MMC on human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) used as feeders for human embryonic stem cells (hESC). We tested the ability of MMC to stop the proliferation of HFF and to induce apoptosis. MMC inhibited the proliferation of HFF at 10 μg/ml over 2.5 h of MMC treatment showing a decrease in the proliferation index measured by Ki‐67 and S and G2/M phases related to active HFF. A low percentage of cells showed necrotic or apoptotic features using different lengths of incubation. Over time, the majority of cells remained in a mitotically inactive state. The percentage of apoptotic cells increased from day 2 to day 10, at the same time as the necrotic ones increased. The HS181 hESC line grew in an undifferentiated state on inactive HFF throughout the study.
Antitumor effects of cationic synthetic peptides derived from Lys49 phospholipase A2 homologues of snake venoms
Authors: Araya Cindy , Lomonte Bruno
Published: November 2006

The effects of two cationic synthetic peptides, derived from the C‐terminal region of Lys49 phospholipase A2 homologues from snake venoms, upon various murine tumor cell lines (B16 melanoma, EMT6 mammary carcinoma, S‐180 sarcoma, P3X myeloma, tEnd endothelial cells) were evaluated. The peptides are 13‐mers derived from Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus Lys49 PLA2 (p‐AppK: KKYKAYFKLKCKK) and Bothrops asper Lys49 myotoxin II (pEM‐2[d]: KKWRWWLKALAKK), respectively, in the latter case with slight modifications and with all‐d amino acids. All tumor cells tested were susceptible to the lytic action of the peptides. The susceptibility of tumor cell lines was not higher than that of C2C12 skeletal muscle myoblasts, utilized as a non‐transformed cell line control. However, in a murine model of subcutaneous solid tumor growth of EMT6 mammary carcinoma, the intraperitoneal administration of pEM‐2[d] caused a tumor mass reduction of 36% (p < 0.05), which was of similar magnitude to that achieved by the administration of paclitaxel, an antitumor drug in clinical use. Thus, the C‐terminal peptides of Lys49 phospholipase A2 homologues present antitumor effects that might be of interest in developing therapeutic strategies against cancer.
Divergent evolutionary lines of fungal cytochromecperoxidases belonging to the superfamily of bacterial, fungal and plant heme peroxidases
Authors: Zámocký Marcel , Dunand Christophe
Published: November 2006

Novel open reading frames coding for cytochromecperoxidase (CcP) belonging to the superfamily of bacterial, fungal, and plant heme peroxidases were analyzed in the available fungal genomes. Multiple sequence alignment of 71 selected peroxidase genes revealed the presence of three conserved regions essential for their function: one on the distal and two on the proximal side of the prosthetic heme group. Conserved sequence motifs on the proximal heme side are peculiar for CcPs and are responsible for their reactivity. Phylogenetic analysis performed with the distance method as well as with the maximum likelihood method revealed the existence of three distinct subfamilies of fungal CcP and their relationship to other members of the peroxidase superfamily. These divergent CcP evolutionary lines apparently evolved from a single primordial heme peroxidase gene in parallel with the evolution of ascorbate peroxidase genes. Analyzed CcPs differ significantly in their N‐terminal sequences. Only subfamily I did not exhibit a presence of any signal sequence. Subfamily II members possess a well defined signal sequence allowing processing and release into mitochondrion and also in subfamily III a signal sequence was detected. Several here analyzed peroxidase genes mainly fromCandida albicansand fromRhizopus oryzaecan be considered interesting for the investigation of the structure–function relationship of novel CcPs revealing differences to the well documented properties of cytochromecperoxidase fromSaccharomyces cerevisiae.
Strain estimation from distorted vertebrate fossils: application of the Wellman method
Authors: SHAH JYOTI , SRIVASTAVA DEEPAK C.
Published: November 2006

Distortion of the vertebral column in fossils can be used for the estimation of two-dimensional finite strain by a simple geometrical technique, namely the Wellman method. We demonstrate application of the Wellman method to the distorted vertebral columns of a reptile and a stem-chordate, and use the results to restore the undistorted fossil shapes by a computer graphic method. The Wellman method is particularly efficient in situations where independent evidence for the principal strain directions, or undistorted forms, are lacking. The method is purely geometrical, easy to use, and rapid. It involves relatively low error, and works even when only a small segment of the distorted vertebral column is preserved.
An alternative strategy for universal infant hearing screening in tertiary hospitals with a high delivery rate, within a developing country, using transient evoked oto-acoustic emissions and brainstem evoked response audiometry
Authors: Mathur N N , Dhawan R
Published: November 2006

Objective: To formulate an alternative strategy for universal infants hearing screening in an Indian tertiary referral hospital with a high delivery rate, which could be extended to similar situations in other developing countries. The system should be able to diagnose, in a timely fashion, all infants with severe and profound hearing losses.

Methods: One thousand newborn were randomly selected. All underwent testing with transient evoked oto-acoustic emissions (TEOAE) in the first 48 hours of life. All TEOAE failures were followed up and repeat tests were performed at three weeks, three months and six months of age. Infants with acceptable TEOAE results at any of the four ages were discharged from the study. Infants with unacceptable TEOAE results at all the four ages underwent brainstem evoked response audiometry and oto-endoscopy. The ‘pass rate’ for TEOAE testing was calculated for all four ages. The time taken to perform TEOAE and brainstem evoked response audiometry was recorded for all subjects. These recordings were statistically analysed to find the most suitable strategy for universal hearing screening in our hospital.

Results: The pass rate for TEOAE was 79.0 per cent at ≤48 hours, 85.0 per cent at three weeks, 97.0 per cent at three months and 98.0 per cent at six months. The average time taken to perform the test was 12 minutes for TEOAE and 27 minutes for brainstem evoked response audiometry. Obstructed and collapsed external auditory canals were the two factors that significantly affected the specificity of TEOAE in infants ≤48 hours old.

Conclusion: The concept of screening all neonates within the first 48 hours of life is impractical because the specificity of TEOAE is lowest at that age. Many false positive results are generated, such that a larger number must undergo brainstem evoked response audiometry, wasting time and resources. This can easily be avoided by delaying TEOAE screening until three months of age, when it has a substantially lower false positive outcome. We expect that implementation of this alternative strategy in our hospital will maximise the benefits of such a programme.
Use of a rectal snare to remove a hypopharyngeal haemangioma
Authors: Abo-Khatwa M M , Abouel-Enin S , Klimach O , Osborne J
Published: November 2006

We describe in this case report a new technique for treatment of hypopharyngeal haemangioma, using the surgical diathermy snare. The snare was easily introduced through the direct laryngoscope, without any difficulties. The procedure was simple, rapid and involved minimal bleeding. We also discuss the histological types of haemangioma, clinical picture, radiological findings and other modalities of treatment.
A simulation model to assess herd-level intervention strategies againstE. coliO157
Authors: WOOD J. C. , McKENDRICK I. J. , GETTINBY G.
Published: November 2006

A simulation model of a herd of grazing cattle, which has been developed to provide insight into the infection dynamics ofE. coliO157 is described. The spatially explicit model enables the modelling of the infection transmission processes to be realistically addressed under field management conditions. The model is used to explore the efficacy of various potential control strategies in reducing the levels of within-herd infection. These measures include restricting the size of herds, niche engineering, improving housing hygiene and vaccination. While a vaccination strategy remains a hypothetical option, it has the potential to be particularly effective. It is likely that the most successful strategy will involve the implementation of a combination of measures.
Legionnaires' disease outbreak associated with a cruise liner, August 2003: epidemiological and microbiological findings
Authors: BEYRER K. , LAI S. , DREESMAN J. , LEE J. V. , JOSEPH C. , HARRISON T. , SURMAN-LEE S. , LÜCK C. , BRODHUN B. , BUCHHOLZ U. , WINDORFER A.
Published: November 2006

Eight cases of Legionnaires' disease were identified among the 215 German passengers after a cruise to the Nordic Sea in August 2003. An unmatched case-control study was conducted to identify risk factors and the source of infection. In total, eight passengers fulfilled the case definition, one of these died. Forty-two passengers served as controls. The attack rate was 4%. The mean age was 60 years for cases and 62 years for controls. Prolonged exposure to the spa pool seemed to be a risk factor of infection (OR 4·85,P=0·09).Legionella pneumophilaserogroup 1, monoclonal antibody (mAb) subgroup ‘Knoxville’ was isolated from clinical and environmental samples. DNA sequence-based typing revealed that these isolates were indistinguishable from each other. The investigation showed the importance of an interdisciplinary approach of microbiology and epidemiology as not all sites on the ship that tested positive forL. pneumophilaactually posed a relevant risk for the passengers.
Gastroenteritis associated with accidental contamination of drinking water with partially treated water
Authors: FERNANDES T. M. A. , SCHOUT C. , De RODA HUSMAN A. M. , EILANDER A. , VENNEMA H. , van DUYNHOVEN Y. T. H. P.
Published: November 2006

Due to human error, drinking water supplied to a new housing estate in The Netherlands was contaminated with grey water. The cohort of 921 accidentally exposed households (area A) had a higher attack rate for diarrhoea (54·1%) than a non-exposed cohort of 1529 households from an adjacent area (B) (24%) (RR 2·3, 95% CI 1·9–2·7). Household water score showed a dose-response with illness, in both areas A and B. For each 1000 inhabitants, 19·8 cases in area A, 7·0 cases in control area B (RRAB2·2, 95% CI 1·3–3·8) and 3·3 cases in a more distant control area C (RRAC4·6, 95% CI 2·7–8·0) were diagnosed with gastroenteritis by their general practitioner. A gastroenteritis outbreak associated with consumption of contaminated drinking water was observed in the exposed area. The use of grey water was banned in 2003, with the exception of rainwater use for flushing toilets. The risk of rainwater use is currently being investigated.
Older substance misusers still deserve better treatment interventions–an update (Part 3)
Authors: Crome Ilana , Bloor Roger
Published: November 2006

Substance use and misuse are best viewed through the framework of a multifactorial biopsychosocial model, which acknowledges the interplay of genetic, familial, physiological, psychological and social factors. Age, role, gender, social group and peer pressure, the family, community and occupational environment, as well as overall cultural values and controls on substance use, will act upon substance-taking behaviour.
Environmental degradation and the demand for children: searching for the vicious circle in Pakistan
Authors: Filmer Deon , Pritchett Lant H.
Published: November 2006

If children contribute to the household by using their time to collect natural resources from common property sources—such as collecting firewood, fetching water, collecting fodder, grazing animals—then local depletion of these resources could potentially increase the demand for children. This feedback could create a dynamically unstable ‘vicious circle’ between population growth and resource depletion. We empirically examine several elements of such a ‘vicious circle’ hypothesis using data from Pakistan with unusually rich detail on both child time use and firewood collection activities. We find that collection activities do absorb a substantial part of household resources; that children's tasks are relatively devoted to collection activities; that child time is a significant, but not a dominant, portion of collection activities; and the presence of older children in the household reduces the time that women devote to household tasks. Exploratory multivariate regressions show a partial correlation between indicators of firewood scarcity and fertility—a relationship that varies across regions of Pakistan.
The relationship between environmental values and income in a transition economy: surface water quality in Latvia
Authors: Ready Richard C. , Malzubris Jânis , Senkane Silva
Published: November 2006

A contingent valuation study measured citizen willingness to pay (WTP) for an improvement in surface water quality in Latvia. The average respondent was willing to pay 0.7 per cent of household income for the environmental improvement, but that amount was much less than needed to finance the required investments in treatment facilities. While the income elasticity of WTP for the average resident was low (0.56), it increases as income increases, reaching 0.9 at an income level double the current average. As real incomes increase in Latvia, the demand for environmental quality by citizens can be expected to increase substantially.
On the redistributive impact of privatizing a resource under imperfect enforcement
Authors: AMBEC STEFAN , HOTTE LOUIS
Published: November 2006

We consider the redistributive effects of privatizing a resource previously exploited under free access. We assume that illegal extraction is punished but that the sanction is bounded by individuals' wealth. First, we show that a segment of intermediate-wealth individuals is the most adversely affected from the regime change, while the poorest segment is not only less severely affected, but may actually gain from it. Next, we show how the authorities may prefer to choose an intermediate enforcement level in order to maximize the political acceptability of the regime switch among the local community.
Regional economic impacts of limited entry fishery management: an application of dynamic input–output model
Authors: BHAT MAHADEV G. , BHATTA RAMACHANDRA
Published: November 2006

Economic impacts that entry regulations have within the fishery industry are well documented in the economics literature. This study looks at how fishery regulations will impact other sectors of a regional economy. By developing integrated models of fishery bioeconomics and dynamic, inter-industry economic linkages, the paper estimates sector-wise economic gains and losses over time from an entry regulation. A case study from India shows that primary fishing and processing sectors realize significant wage and profit gains after a period of transition. Sizable losses in wage and industry profits are incurred by non-fishery sectors but are smaller than the profit gains in the primary sectors. The paper makes policy recommendations on how to ease the adverse regional impacts of fishery policies.
Is there a right way to deal with rights?
Authors: TERUGGI DANIEL
Published: November 2006

Rights have become a major issue today for composers and authors. In a technologically changing world, it is never easy to know what to do when it comes to publishing content on the Web. It is clear that there is no easy solution. However, methods for Web publishing exist; it is mainly a question of acquiring the necessary information and trying to sort out what is the best context for each country.
Modernising musical works involving Yamaha DX-based synthesis: a case study
Authors: BULLOCK JAMIE , COCCIOLI LAMBERTO
Published: November 2006

In this article we describe a new approach to performing musical works that use Yamaha DX7-based synthesis. We also present an implementation of this approach in a performance system for Madonna of Winter and Spring by Jonathan Harvey. The Integra Project, ‘A European Composition and Performance Environment for Sharing Live Music Technologies’ (a three year co-operation agreement part financed by the European Commission, ref. 2005-849), is introduced as framework for reducing the difficulties with modernising and preserving works that use live electronics.
An enactive approach to the design of new tangible musical instruments
Authors: ESSL GEORG , O'MODHRAIN SILE
Published: November 2006

In this paper, we propose a theoretical framework for the design of tangible interfaces for musical expression. The main insight for the proposed approach is the importance and utility of familiar sensorimotor experiences for the creation of engaging and playable new musical instruments. In particular, we suggest exploiting the commonalities between different natural interactions by varying the auditory response or tactile details of the instrument within certain limits. Using this principle, devices for classes of sounds such as coarse grain collision interactions or friction interactions can be designed. The designs we propose retain the familiar tactile aspect of the interaction so that the performer can take advantage of tacit knowledge gained through experiences with such phenomena in the real world.
Electroacoustic adaptation as a mode of survival: arranging Giacinto Scelsi's Aitsi pour piano amplifée (1974) for piano and computer
Authors: YONG KERRY
Published: November 2006

Arrangement has always played an essential part of transmitting, preserving and disseminating works in the musical practice of both ‘high art’ and popular music. However, at present it is rarely practised in electroacoustic music, which can partly be explained by the nature of electronic technology and current thinking about authenticity. Despite this context, there are benefits to performance opportunities through the diversity created by arrangement; therefore, the process of adapting the electroacoustics of Scelsi's Aitsi is explored. The work offers this opportunity, since it lacks precision in its musical documentation, has received a number of quite different renditions and shows ontological malleability as it exists in another form, Scelsi's Fifth String Quartet. The new electroacoustic adaptation exploits Max/MSP software to extend the electroacoustic treatment of the piano beyond previous interpretations, whilst attempting to remain consistent with the aesthetic of the work. The article aims to encourage the composition and adaptations of works that afford performers interpretative licence with the electroacoustics in order to promote the distinctive and evanescent nature of mixed acoustic-electroacoustic works in concert performance, and encourage its continuation through an evolving performing tradition.
Contracting for Safety: A Concept Analysis
Authors: Egan Mary P.
Published: November 2006

The concept of contracting for safety, although a popularly accepted method for managing suicidal patients, has no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. There are questions regarding the clinical justification. This article provides a concept analysis of contracting for safety to evolve and clarify exemplary criteria of the concept within psychiatric nursing practice. At times in clinical practice, contracting is often the primary factor in clinical decision-making, justifying a lower level of intervention. If a patient is inebriated or psychotic, he or she cannot enter into a legal contract. There may be undue reliance on the patient's apparent willingness to contract for safety. There may be little opportunity to establish a therapeutic relationship with the concomitant rapport and trust necessary for contracting. If it is used at all, contracting for safety should be used judiciously.
Validation of the Improved Limb Atmospheric Spectrometer‐II (ILAS‐II) Version 1.4 nitrous oxide and methane profiles
Authors: Ejiri M. K. , Terao Y. , Sugita T. , Nakajima H. , Yokota T. , Toon G. C. , Sen B. , Wetzel G. , Oelhaf H. , Urban J. , Murtagh D. , Irie H. , Saitoh N. , Tanaka T. , Kanzawa H. , Shiotani M. , Aoki S. , Hashida G. , Machida T. , Nakazawa T. , Kobayashi H. , Sasano Y.
Published: November 2006

This study assesses polar stratospheric nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) data from the Improved Limb Atmospheric Spectrometer‐II (ILAS‐II) on board the Advanced Earth Observing Satellite‐II (ADEOS‐II) retrieved by the Version 1.4 retrieval algorithm. The data were measured between January and October 2003. Vertical profiles of ILAS‐II volume mixing ratio (VMR) data are compared with data from two balloon‐borne instruments, the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS‐B) and the MkIV instrument, as well as with two satellite sensors, the Odin Sub‐Millimetre Radiometer (SMR) for N2O and the Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE) for CH4. Relative percentage differences between the ILAS‐II and balloon/satellite data and their median values are calculated in 10‐ppbv‐wide bins for N2O (from 0 to 400 ppbv) and in 0.05‐ppmv‐wide bins for CH4 (from 0 to 2 ppmv) in order to assess systematic differences between the ILAS‐II and balloon/satellite data. According to this study, the characteristics of the ILAS‐II Version 1.4 N2O and CH4 data differ between hemispheres. For ILAS‐II N2O VMR larger than 250 ppbv, the ILAS‐II N2O agrees with the balloon/SMR N2O within ±20% in both hemispheres. The ILAS‐II N2O in the VMR range from 30–50 to 250 ppbv (corresponding to altitudes of ∼17–30 km in the Northern Hemisphere (NH, mainly outside the polar vortex) and ∼13–21 km in the Southern Hemisphere (SH, mainly inside the polar vortex) is smaller by ∼10–30% than the balloon/SMR N2O. For ILAS‐II N2O VMR smaller than 30 ppbv (>∼21 km) in the SH, the differences between the ILAS‐II and SMR N2O are within ±10 ppbv. For ILAS‐II CH4 VMR larger than 1 ppmv (<∼25 km), the ILAS‐II CH4 agrees with the balloon/HALOE CH4 within ±5% in the NH. For ILAS‐II CH4 VMR larger than 0.3 ppmv in SH, the ILAS‐II CH4 is ∼9% larger than the HALOE CH4; note that this positive systematic difference between the ILAS‐II and HALOE CH4 has a seasonal dependence. Also note that the ILAS‐II N2O for its VMR smaller than 50 ppbv (>∼30 km) and the ILAS‐II CH4 for its VMR smaller than 1 ppmv (>∼25 km) only in the NH, are abnormally small compared to the balloon/satellite data.
MODIS aerosol product analysis for data assimilation: Assessment of over‐ocean level 2 aerosol optical thickness retrievals
Authors: Zhang Jianglong , Reid Jeffrey S.
Published: November 2006

Currently, the Moderate‐resolution Imaging Spectroradiometers (MODIS) level II aerosol product (MOD04/MYD04) is the best aerosol optical depth product suitable for near‐real‐time aerosol data assimilation. However, a careful analysis of biases and error variances in MOD04/MYD04 aerosol optical depth product is necessary before implementing the MODIS aerosol product in aerosol forecasting applications. Using 1 year's worth of Sun photometer and MOD04/MYD04 aerosol optical depth (τ) data over global oceans, we studied the major biases in MODIS aerosol over‐ocean product due to wind speed, cloud contamination, and aerosol microphysical properties. For τ less than 0.6, we found similar uncertainties in the mean MOD04/MYD04 τ as suggested by the MODIS aerosol group, while biases are nonlinear for τ larger than 0.6. We showed that uncertainties in MOD04/MYD04 data can be reduced, and the correlation between MODIS and Sun photometer τ can be improved by reducing the systematic biases in MOD04/MYD04 data through empirical corrections and quality assurance procedures. By removing noise and outliers and ensuring that only the highest‐quality data were included, we created a modified aerosol optical depth product that removes most massive outliers and ultimately reduced the absolute error (MODIS–Sun photometer) in MODIS τ at 0.55 μm (τ0.55) by 10–20%. Averaged over 1 year's worth of Terra MODIS aerosol product over global oceans, we found a 12% reduction in MODIS τ0.55 with extremes of 30% over the southern midlatitudes and the North Pacific due to a reduction in cloud contamination. This modified aerosol optical depth product will be used operationally.
Development of the southern Eastern Cordillera, NW Argentina, constrained by apatite fission track thermochronology: From early Cretaceous extension to middle Miocene shortening
Authors: Deeken Anke , Sobel Edward R. , Coutand Isabelle , Haschke Michael , Riller Ulrich , Strecker Manfred R.
Published: November 2006

For the Puna Plateau and Eastern Cordillera of NW Argentina, the temporal and spatial pattern of deformation and surface uplift remain poorly constrained. Analysis of completely and partially reset apatite fission track samples collected from vertical profiles along an ESE trending transect extending from the plateau interior across the southern Eastern Cordillera at ∼25°S reveals important constraints on the deformation and exhumation history of this part of the Andes. The data constrain the Neogene Andean development of the Eastern Cordillera as well as rift‐related exhumation for some of the sampled locations in the Late Jurassic/Early Cretaceous. An intervening Eocene‐Oligocene exhumation episode in the southern Eastern Cordillera was probably related to crustal shortening. Subsequent reburial of the area by Andean foreland basin strata commenced between 30 and 25 Myr. Magnitude and duration of sedimentation, revealed by thermal modeling, differ between the sample locations, pointing to an eastward propagating basin system. In the southern Eastern Cordillera, Andean deformation commenced at 22.5–21 Myr, predating both the inferred formation of significant topography by 5–7.5 Myr and preservation of sediments in the adjacent Cenozoic basins by 6.5–8 Myr. Comparing the calculated structural depth of partially reset samples suggests that newly formed west dipping reverse faults along the former Salta Rift margin accommodated most of the Neogene tectonic movement. Late Cenozoic deformation at the southern Eastern Cordillera began earlier in the west and subsequently propagated eastward. The lateral growth of the orogen is coupled with a foreland basin system developing in front of the range and then becomes subsequently compartmentalized by later emergent topography.
Transport and straining of E. coli O157:H7 in saturated porous media
Authors: Bradford Scott A. , Simunek Jirka , Walker Sharon L.
Published: November 2006

The transport and deposition behavior of pathogenic Escherichia coli O157:H7 was studied under unfavorable electrostatic conditions in saturated quartz sands of various sizes (710, 360, 240, and 150 μm) and at several flow rates. At a given velocity, column effluent breakthrough values for E. coli tended to decrease in magnitude, and concentration curves became more asymmetric with decreasing sand size. In a given sand, experiments conducted at a higher velocity tended to produce higher effluent concentrations, especially for finer (240 and 150 μm) textured sands. The shape of the deposition profiles for E. coli was also highly dependent on the sand size and velocity. Coarser‐textured sands and higher flow rates were associated with less deposition and gradually decreasing concentrations with depth. Conversely, finer‐textured sands and lower flow rates tended to produce greater deposition and nonmonotonic deposition profiles that exhibited a peak in retained concentration. This deposition peak occurred nearer to the column inlet for finer‐textured sands and at low flow rates. Microscopic observations of E. coli retention in these finer‐textured sands (micromodel experiments) clearly indicated that straining was the dominant mechanism of deposition. Batch experiments also indicated minor amounts of E. coli attachment for the selected sands and solution chemistry. A conceptual and numerical model was developed and successfully used to describe the observed E. coli transport and deposition data. Our conceptual model assumes that E. coli can aggregate when large numbers of monodispersed E. coli are deposited at pore constrictions or straining sites. When the deposited E. coli reach a critical concentration at the straining site, the aggregated E. coli O157:H7 can be released into aqueous solution as a result of hydrodynamic shearing forces.
Debris flow deposition and reworking by the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, Arizona
Authors: Yanites Brian J. , Webb Robert H. , Griffiths Peter G. , Magirl Christopher S.
Published: November 2006

Flow regulation by large dams affects downstream flow competence and channel maintenance. Debris flows from 740 tributaries in Grand Canyon, Arizona, transport coarse‐grained sediment onto debris fans adjacent to the Colorado River. These debris fans constrict the river to form rapids and are reworked during river flows that entrain particles and transport them downstream. Beginning in 1963, flood control operations of Glen Canyon Dam limited the potential for reworking of aggraded debris fans. We analyzed change in debris fans at the mouths of 75‐Mile and Monument Creeks using photogrammetry of aerial photography taken from 1965 to 2000 and supplemented with ground surveys performed from 1987 to 2005. Our results quantify the debris fan aggradation that resulted from debris flows from 1984 to 2003. Volume, area, and river constriction increased at both debris fans. Profiles of the two debris fans show that net aggradation occurred in the middle of debris fans at stages above maximum dam releases, and surface shape shifted from concave to convex. Dam releases above power plant capacity partially reworked both debris fans, although reworking removed much less sediment than what was added by debris flow deposition. Large dam releases would be required to create additional reworking to limit the rate of debris fan aggradation in Grand Canyon.
Working models for spatial distribution and level of Mars' seismicity
Authors: Knapmeyer M. , Oberst J. , Hauber E. , Wählisch M. , Deuchler C. , Wagner R.
Published: November 2006

We present synthetic catalogs of Mars quakes, intended to be used for performance assessments of future seismic networks on the planet. We have compiled a new inventory of compressional and extensional tectonic faults for the planet Mars, comprising 8500 faults with a total length of 680,000 km. The faults were mapped on the basis of Mars Orbiting Laser Altimeter (MOLA) shaded relief. Hence we expect to have assembled a homogeneous data set, not biased by illumination and viewing conditions of image data. Updated models of Martian crater statistics and geological maps were used to assign new maximum ages to all faults. On the basis of the fault catalog, spatial distributions of seismicity were simulated, using assumptions on the available annual seismic moment budget, the moment‐frequency relationship, and a relation between rupture length and released moment. We have constructed five different models of Martian seismicity, predicting an annual moment release between 3.42 × 1016Nm and 4.78 × 1018Nm and up to 572 events with magnitudes greater than 4 per year as upper limit end‐member case. Most events are expected on the Tharsis shield, but minor seismic centers are expected south of Hellas and north of Utopia Planitia.
α2A‐Adrenoceptors Regulate Sympathetic Transmitter Release in Mice Kidneys
Authors: Vonend O , Habbel S , Stegbauer J , Roth J , Hein L , Rump L C
Published: November 2006

Background and purpose:

In the present study, a rodent model was used to investigate whether the α2A‐adrenoceptor (α2A) represents the presynaptic autoinhibitory receptor regulating sympathetic transmitter release in the kidney. Moreover, the potential role of α2A as a heteroceptor regulating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release was tested.

Experimental approach:

Kidneys from wild‐type (WT) and α2A‐knockout (KO) mice were isolated and perfused. Renal nerves were stimulated with platinum‐electrodes. Endogenously released noradrenaline (NA) was measured by HPLC. The perfusion pressure was monitored continuously.

Key results:

Renal nerve stimulation (RNS) induced a frequency (1,2,5,7.5,10,15 Hz)‐dependent release of NA in WT mice (994±373, 2355±541, 6375±950, 11626±1818, 19138±2001 pg NA g‐1 kidney (means±s.e.m.)). There was a 2.7‐fold (5 Hz) increase of NA release in α2A‐KO mice. In WT animals α‐adrenoceptor blockade by phentolamine increased RNS‐induced NA release in a concentration‐dependent manner up to 350% of control. No facilitation by phentolamine was observed in α2A‐KO mice. Pressor responses to 1 Hz and 2 Hz were resistant to α1‐adrenoceptor blockade (0.03 μM prazosin) but abolished by P2 receptor blockade (5 μM PPADS). Blockade of α2‐adrenoceptors (1 μM rauwolscine) increased these purinergic pressor responses to 296±112% (1 Hz) in WT but not in α2A‐KO mice. Exogenous ATP (100 μM) increased basal but not RNS‐induced NA release.

Conclusions and Implications:

α2A‐Adrenoceptor‐activation inhibits NA and ATP release from renal sympathetic nerves. Pressor responses to RNS at higher stimulation frequencies (>2 Hz) are mediated by NA. At lower frequencies neuronally released ATP seems to be the predominant transmitter mediating renovascular resistance.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 121–127. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706961
Nuclear export modulates the cytoplasmic Sir2 homologue Hst2
Authors: Wilson Jeanne M , Le Viet Q , Zimmerman Collin , Marmorstein Ronen , Pillus Lorraine
Published: November 2006

Modulating transcription factors is crucial to executing sophisticated gene expression programs. The silent information regulator 2 (Sir2) family of NAD‐dependent protein deacetylases influences transcription by targeting proteins such as histones, p53 and forkhead‐box family transcription factors. Although apparently cytoplasmic, both mammalian SIRT2 and its yeast orthologue Hst2 have been implicated in transcriptional regulation. Here, we show that Hst2 moves between the nucleus and cytoplasm, but is largely cytoplasmic owing to efficient nuclear export. This nuclear exclusion is mediated by the exportin chromosomal region maintenance 1 (Crm1) and a putative leucine‐rich nuclear export sequence in Hst2, which overlaps a unique autoregulatory helix. Disruption of Hst2 export shows that nuclear exclusion inhibits the activity of Hst2 as a transcriptional repressor. Our identification of putative nuclear export sequences in numerous vertebrate SIRT2 proteins shows that active nuclear export can be a conserved mechanism for regulating Sir2 homologues.
Exploring mechanochemical processes in the cell with optical tweezers
Authors: Hormeño Silvia , Arias‐Gonzalez J. Ricardo
Published: November 2006

Force and torque, stress and strain or work are examples of mechanical and elastic actions which are intimately linked to chemical reactions in the cell. Optical tweezers are a light‐based method which allows the real‐time manipulation of single molecules and cells to measure their interactions. We describe the technique, briefly reviewing the operating principles and the potential capabilities to the study of biological processes. Additional emphasis is given to the importance of fluctuations in biology and how single‐molecule techniques allow access to them. We illustrate the applications by addressing experimental configurations and recent progresses in molecular and cell biology.
The Evolution of the Global Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Supply Market and the Impact on the Generic Pharmaceuticals Business in the United States
Authors: Stafford Ambrose
Published: November 2006

The following paper is based in part upon a workshop chaired by the author at the 6th Annual Generic Drug Summit ( http://www.iirusa.com/genericsummit/ ) in Washington, DC, USA, on 28th September. The title of the workshop was ‘Strategic Sourcing in the generic drug industry in the US’. One of the objectives of the workshop was to examine the trend in the level of activity of API manufacturers in developing products for the US market and to discuss some basic principles that the sourcing manager can apply to make good business decisions sourcing APIs for the generic pharmaceutical company.