bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Minkowski metric in non-inertial observer radar coordinates
Authors: Minguzzi E.
Published: November 2005

We give a closed expression for the Minkowski (1+1)-dimensional metric in the radar coordinates of an arbitrary non-inertial observer O in terms of O’s proper acceleration. Knowledge of the metric allows the non-inertial observer to perform experiments in spacetime without making reference to inertial frames. To clarify the relation between inertial and non-inertial observers the coordinate transformation between radar and inertial coordinates also is given. We show that every conformally flat coordinate system can be regarded as the radar coordinate system of a suitable observer for a suitable parametrization of the observer worldline. Therefore, the coordinate transformation between arbitrarily moving observers is a conformal transformation and conformally invariant (1+1)-dimensional theories lead to the same physics for all observers, independently of their relative motion.
A damped pendulum forced with a constant torque
Authors: Coullet P. , Gilli J. M. , Monticelli M. , Vandenberghe N.
Published: November 2005

The dynamics of a damped pendulum driven by a constant torque is studied experimentally and theoretically. We use this simple device to demonstrate some generic dynamical behavior including the loss of equilibrium or saddle node bifurcation with or without hysteresis and the homoclinic bifurcation. A qualitative analysis is developed to emphasize the role of two dimensionless parameters corresponding to damping and forcing.
Simple derivation of general Fierz-type identities
Authors: Nishi C. C.
Published: November 2005

General Fierz-type identities are examined and their well-known connection with completeness relations in matrix vector spaces is shown. In particular, I derive the chiral Fierz identities in a simple and systematic way by using a chiral basis for the complex 4×4 matrices. Other completeness relations for the fundamental representations of SU(N) algebras can be extracted using the same reasoning.
Thermodynamic derivations of the mechanical equilibrium conditions for fluid surfaces: Young’s and Laplace’s equations
Authors: Roura P.
Published: November 2005

The fundamental laws governing the mechanical equilibrium of solid-fluid systems were formulated in 1805 and 1806. They are Laplace’s law, which describes the pressure drop across an interface, and Young’s equation for the contact angle. At that time, these laws were justified on purely mechanical grounds. In 1880 Gibbs used thermodynamics to show that these laws were necessary conditions for the equilibrium of heterogeneous systems. We revisit Gibbs’ derivation and simplify it for possible use at the undergraduate level. In addition, we present derivations of Young’s and Laplace’s equations, which involve energy balance on a volume element located at the surface. In particular, it is shown that the derivations are simpler, allow the analysis of nonequilibrium situations, and give a natural identification of the surface energy with the surface tension of the liquid-vapor interface.
Simple analytical models of gravitational collapse
Authors: Adler R. J. , Bjorken J. D. , Chen P. , Liu J. S.
Published: November 2005

Most general relativity textbooks devote considerable attention to the simplest example of a black hole containing a singularity, the Schwarzschild geometry. Only a few discuss the dynamical process of gravitational collapse by which black holes and singularities form. We present two simple analytical models that describe this process. The first involves collapsing spherical shells of light and is analyzed mainly in Eddington-Finkelstein coordinates; the second involves collapsing spheres filled with a perfect fluid and is analyzed mainly in Painleve-Gullstrand coordinates. Our main goal is simplicity and algebraic completeness, but we also present a few more sophisticated results such as the collapse of a light shell in Kruskal-Szekeres coordinates.
Cognition and Aging in Psychopathology: Focus on Schizophrenia and Depression
Authors: Harvey Philip D. , Reichenberg Abraham , Bowie Christopher R.
Published: November 2005

Aging has effects on many features of normal functioning, particularly in the domains of cognition and adaptive life skills. Several psychiatric conditions also affect cognition and adaptive functioning; most of the research on these topics has been performed on patients early in their lives. The amount of research on older patients is smaller than in younger patients, but there is a developing research literature in several aspects of aging and psychopathology. This chapter reviews aging effects on two major psychiatric conditions: schizophrenia and depression. We examine changes in symptoms and cognitive functioning with aging and the functional implications of the development or worsening of cognitive performance. We also identify risk factors for cognitive changes within each condition and examine the implication of early- versus late-life onset. We believe that cognitive changes with aging are potentially predictable, possibly sharing a mechanism with normal aging-related changes and certainly laden with prognostic implications. We see cognitive changes as a possible commonality across persistent psychiatric disorders as well as healthy aging in late life.
Reinterpreting Comorbidity: A Model-Based Approach to Understanding and Classifying Psychopathology
Authors: Krueger Robert F. , Markon Kristian E.
Published: November 2005

Comorbidity has presented a persistent puzzle for psychopathology research. We review recent literature indicating that the puzzle of comorbidity is being solved by research fitting explicit quantitative models to data on comorbidity. We present a meta-analysis of a liability spectrum model of comorbidity, in which specific mental disorders are understood as manifestations of latent liability factors that explain comorbidity by virtue of their impact on multiple disorders. Nosological, structural, etiological, and psychological aspects of this liability spectrum approach to understanding comorbidity are discussed.
The History and Empirical Status of Key Psychoanalytic Concepts
Authors: Luborsky Lester , Barrett Marna S.
Published: November 2005

Over the past century, the ideas set out in psychoanalytic theory have permeated the field of psychology as well as literature, art, and culture. Despite this popularity, analytic theory has only recently received empirical support. In this chapter, we seek to highlight several fundamental concepts of analytic theory (the unconscious, drives, defenses, object relations, Oedipus complex) and psychodynamic treatments (transference, countertransference, interpretations, resistance). The first section of the chapter offers a comprehensive definition and historical background for each concept. This foundation is followed by a review of the empirical evidence supporting the reliability and validity of these concepts, their impact on treatment, and their broader influence on the future of psychology.
THE TORTUOUS JOURNEY OF A BIOCHEMIST TO IMMUNOLAND AND WHAT HE FOUND THERE
Authors: Strominger Jack L.
Published: November 2005

After starting out to become a physician, by a series of accidents I found myself at NIH in 1951 during its most productive growth phase. At age 26, I had a fully funded, independent laboratory and did not know what to work on. With advice from colleagues, I initiated a study of how penicillin kills bacteria. Twenty years later, my lab had outlined the structure and biosynthesis of the peptidoglycan of bacterial cell walls and had discovered that penicillin inhibited the terminal step in its biosynthesis catalyzed by transpeptidases. I then switched fields, moving to Harvard in 1968 and beginning the study of human HLA proteins. Twenty-five years later, the last half of which was spent in a stimulating collaboration with the late Don Wiley, our labs had isolated, crystallized, and elucidated the three-dimensional structures of these molecules and shown that their principal function was to present peptides to the immune system in initiating an immune response. More recently, the laboratory has focused on natural killer cells and their roles in peripheral blood and in the pregnant uterine decidua. It has been a wonderful scientific journey.
PROGRESS IN THE THEORY OF MIXED QUANTUM-CLASSICAL DYNAMICS
Authors: Kapral Raymond
Published: November 2005

▪ Abstract  Quantum-classical Liouville dynamics can be used to study the properties of open quantum systems that are coupled to bath or environmental degrees of freedom whose dynamics can be approximated by classical equations of motion. In contrast to many open quantum system approaches, quantum-classical dynamics provides a detailed description of the bath molecules. Such a description is especially appropriate for the study of quantum rate processes, such as proton and electron transport, where the detailed dynamics of the bath has a strong influence on the quantum rate. The quantum-classical Liouville equation can also serve as a starting point for the derivation of reduced descriptions where all or some of the bath degrees of freedom are projected out. Quantum-classical Liouville dynamics can be simulated in terms of an ensemble of surface-hopping trajectories whose character differs from that in other surface-hopping schemes. The results of studies of proton transfer in condensed phase and reactive dynamics in a dissipative environment are presented to illustrate applications of the formalism.
BENTLEY, TRUMAN, AND THE STUDY OF GROUPS
Authors: LaVaque-Manty Mika
Published: November 2005

▪ Abstract  Arthur F. Bentley and David Truman helped develop the so-called group interpretation of politics. They argued that all political activity is groups pursuing their interests against the interests of others. Despite their influence, Bentley and Truman are increasingly forgotten. This paper reviews their group interpretation, focusing on its philosophical basis. The paper argues for the continued significance and value of the group interpretation and of the pragmatist view of social science on which it is based.
Nicotine Induces Cyclooxygenase-2 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 in Association with Tumor-Associated Invasion and Angiogenesis in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Shin Vivian Y. , Wu William K.K. , Chu Kent-Man , Wong Helen P.S. , Lam Emily K.Y. , Tai Emily K.K. , Koo Marcel W.L. , Cho Chi-Hin
Published: November 2005

Blockade of angiogenesis is a promising strategy to suppress tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which binds to tyrosine kinase receptors [VEGF receptors (VEGFR) 1 and 2], is the mediator of angiogenesis and mitogen for endothelial cells. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays an important role in the promoting action of nicotine on gastric cancer growth. However, the action of nicotine and the relationship between COX-2 and VEGF/VEGFR system in tumorigenesis remain undefined. In this study, the effects of nicotine in tumor angiogenesis, invasiveness, and metastasis were studied with sponge implantation and Matrigel membrane models. Nicotine (200 μg/mL) stimulated gastric cancer cell proliferation, which was blocked by SC-236 (a highly selective COX-2 inhibitor) and CBO-P11 (a VEGFR inhibitor). This was associated with decreased VEGF levels as well as VEGFR-2 but not VEGFR-1 expression. Topical injection of nicotine enhanced tumor-associated vascularization, with a concomitant increase in VEGF levels in sponge implants. Again, application of SC-236 (2 mg/kg) and CBO-P11 (0.4 mg/kg) partially attenuated vascularization by ∼30%. Furthermore, nicotine enhanced tumor cell invasion through the Matrigel membrane by 4-fold and promoted migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in a cocultured system with gastric cancer cells. The activity of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and protein expressions of plasminogen activators (urokinase-type plasminogen activator and its receptor), which are the indicators of invasion and migration processes, were increased by nicotine but blocked by COX-2 and VEGFR inhibitors. Taken together, our results reveal that the promoting action of nicotine on angiogenesis, tumor invasion, and metastasis is COX-2/VEGF/VEGFR dependent.
Non–High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Apolipoprotein B in the Prediction of Coronary Heart Disease in Men
Authors: Pischon Tobias , Girman Cynthia J. , Sacks Frank M. , Rifai Nader , Stampfer Meir J. , Rimm Eric B.
Published: November 2005

Background—

Apolipoprotein B (apoB) plasma levels reflect the concentration of proatherogenic lipoproteins very low-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), whereas non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non–HDL-C) levels reflect the concentration of cholesterol transported by these particles.

Methods and Results—

The aim of our study was to compare apoB, non–HDL-C, LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), and other lipid markers as predictors of coronary heart disease (CHD) in a nested case-control study among 18 225 participants in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Among men who were free of diagnosed cardiovascular disease at the time of blood collection, 266 had nonfatal myocardial infarction or fatal CHD during 6 years of follow-up. Through the use of risk set sampling, control subjects were selected at a 2:1 ratio and matched with regard to age, date of blood collection, and smoking status. After adjustment for matching factors, the relative risk of CHD in the highest quintile compared with the lowest quintile was 2.76 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.66 to 4.58) for non–HDL-C, 3.01 (95% CI, 1.81 to 5.00) for apoB, 1.81 (95% CI, 1.12 to 2.93) for LDL-C, 0.31 (95% CI, 0.18 to 0.52) for HDL-C, 2.41 (95% CI, 1.43 to 4.07) for triglycerides (all
P
trend <0.001), and 1.42 (95% CI, 0.86 to 2.32,
P
trend =0.19) for lipoprotein(a). When non–HDL-C and LDL-C were mutually adjusted, only non–HDL-C was predictive of CHD. When non–HDL-C and apoB were mutually adjusted, only apoB was predictive; the relative risk was 4.18 (95% CI, 1.30 to 13.49;
P
trend =0.02) for apoB compared with 0.70 (95% CI, 0.21 to 2.27;
P
trend =0.72) for non–HDL-C. Triglycerides added significant information to non–HDL-C but not to apoB for CHD risk prediction.

Conclusions—

Although non–HDL-C and apoB were both strong predictors of CHD in this male cohort, more so than LDL-C, the findings support the concept that the plasma concentration of atherogenic lipoprotein particles measured by apoB is more predictive in development of CHD than the cholesterol carried by these particles, measured by non–HDL-C.
Outcomes and Associated Risk Factors for Aortic Valve Replacement in 160 Children
Authors: Karamlou Tara , Jang Karen , Williams William G. , Caldarone Christopher A. , Van Arsdell Glen , Coles John G. , McCrindle Brian W.
Published: November 2005

Background—

We sought to define patient characteristics, outcomes, and associated risk factors after aortic valve replacement (AVR) in children.

Methods and Results—

Clinical records from children undergoing AVR from 1974 to 2004 at our institution were reviewed. Competing-risks methodology determined the time-related prevalence of 3 mutually exclusive end states: death, repeated replacement, and survival without subsequent AVR and their associated risk factors. Longitudinal echocardiographic data were analyzed by mixed linear-regression models. Children (n=160) underwent 198 AVRs, with 33 having >1. Competing-risks analysis predicted that 10 years from the initial AVR, 19% had died without subsequent AVR, 34% underwent a second AVR, and 47% remained alive without replacement. Risk factors for death without a second AVR included lower weight (
P
<0.001) and younger age at AVR (
P
=0.04), performance of aortic arch reconstruction together with AVR (
P
=0.03), and nonautograft use (
P
=0.03). Risk factors for a second AVR included earlier operation year (
P
=0.04) and implantation of a bioprosthetic or homograft valve (
P
=0.004). Analysis of serial echocardiographic measurements showed that pulmonary autograft use was associated with slower progression of peak aortic gradient (
P
=0.002), smaller left ventricular dimension (
P
=0.04), and decreased prevalence of aortic regurgitation (
P
=0.04).

Conclusions—

Mortality and repeated valve replacement are common after initial AVR in children, especially in younger patients and those with bioprosthetic or homograft valves. Pulmonary autograft use is associated with decreased mortality, slower gradient progression, and smaller left ventricular dimension.
Exertional Leg Pain in Patients With and Without Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Wang Jimmy C. , Criqui Michael H. , Denenberg Julie O. , McDermott Mary M. , Golomb Beatrice A. , Fronek Arnost
Published: November 2005

Background—

Although exertional leg pain is a hallmark of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and can occur in persons without PAD, symptom variation has received inadequate attention.

Methods and Results—

Three cohort studies were combined for cross-sectional analysis. The San Diego Claudication Questionnaire assessed exertional leg pain. PAD was defined as ankle brachial index (ABI) ≤0.90 or history of lower-extremity revascularization. Of 3658 subjects, 3629 were analyzed after exclusions. Of these, 24.1% had PAD in 1 or both legs. There was a stepwise decrease in average ABI, from no pain to pain on exertion and rest, noncalf pain, atypical calf pain, and classic claudication (
P
=0.002). When stratified by PAD, this trend was no longer significant. Legs with ABIs >0.90 and revascularization had pain distributions intermediate between that of normal legs (ABI, 1.00 to 1.39) and legs with ABIs ≤0.90. Compared with normal legs, legs with low-normal (0.91 to 0.99) and high-normal (≥1.40) ABIs had higher pain rates, suggesting borderline disease and vascular stiffness, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression models showed that ABI was a strong correlate of pain category throughout the ABI range. Independently of ABI, age, male sex, diabetes, smoking history, high body mass index, myocardial infarction, and previous revascularization were all significant correlates of exertional leg pain.

Conclusions—

No category of exertional leg pain was sufficiently sensitive or specific for routine PAD diagnosis. Legs with low-normal and high-normal ABIs appeared to have ischemic leg pain; thus, a “normal ABI” is likely to range from 1.00 to 1.39. In addition to ABI, several risk variables were independent correlates of exertional leg pain.
Critical Role for Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 and Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1α in Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Myocarditis and Effective Anti–Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Gene Therapy
Authors: Göser Stefan , Öttl; Renate , Brodner Alexander , Dengler Thomas J. , Torzewski Jan , Egashira Kensuke , Rose Noel R. , Katus Hugo A. , Kaya Ziya
Published: November 2005

Background—

Autoimmune myocarditis is a principal cause of heart failure among young adults and is often a precursor of dilated cardiomyopathy. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α) are potent chemotactic factors for mononuclear cells. The inflammatory infiltrate observed in myocardial lesions of myocarditis consists of >70% mononuclear cells. To determine their critical role in the pathogenesis of myocarditis, we inhibited mononuclear cell activation and migration to see if it would affect disease severity and disease prevalence in experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM).

Methods and Results—

In this report, we demonstrated that blockade of MCP-1 or MIP-1α with monoclonal antibodies significantly reduced severity of myocarditis in BALB/c mice immunized with cardiac myosin. Similar results were obtained when CCR2−/− and CCR5−/− mice were used. In CCR2−/− mice, not only disease severity but also disease prevalence was reduced. To further inhibit mononuclear cell activation and migration, we transfected the mice before inducing EAM with a dominant-negative inhibitor of MCP-1 gene (7ND). This transfection significantly reduced the disease severity, decreased mRNA expression levels, especially of the chemokines RANTES, MIP-2, IP-10, MCP-1, T-cell activation gene 3, and eotaxin in the myocardium, and resulted in a reduction in cardiac myosin-induced interleukin-1 and interleukin-4 and in an increase in interferon-γ and interleukin-10 cytokine production by splenocytes.

Conclusions—

Overall, these findings suggest that the chemokines MCP-1 and MIP-1α, acting through their receptors CCR2 and CCR5, are important in the induction of EAM and that inhibition of MCP-1 with 7ND gene transfection significantly reduced disease severity. This strategy may be a new feasible form of gene therapy against autoimmune myocarditis.
Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) Process Incorporating Gravitational Effects: A Closed-form Solution
Authors: Yoon Myung-Keun , Baidoo Joyce , Gillespie John W. , Heider Dirk
Published: November 2005

Vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) is ideal for the manufacture of large-scale composite structures. However, gravitational effects on flow behavior can be significant in increasingly tall structures. In this study, an analytical solution incorporating the gravitational effects is developed to predict the flow and pressure distributions of uniform thickness preforms under vacuum infusion conditions. Injection scenarios of preforms of various lengths and inclination angles ranging from horizontal to vertical are studied. Nondimensional process parameters in terms of the resin fill time, mold angle, permeability, radius and length of injection tubes, and preform cross-sectional area for horizontal, downward, and upward injection scenarios are considered. The analytical results show good agreement with the experimental data collected in horizontal and vertical infusions. The parametric study provides insight into the design and optimization of the VARTM process for infusion of tall composite structures.
Constructing Task-Level Assembly Strategies in Robot Programming by Demonstration
Authors: Chen Jason R.
Published: November 2005

Programming by demonstration (PbD) is a technique for programming robots that holds much promise in making robots more accessible to ordinary, non-technical users. However, a well-known difficulty with the method is that a human will often demonstrate the task to be programmed inconsistently or even erroneously, leading to the inclusion of what is essentially noise in the demonstration. A number of techniques exist in the literature for filtering out this type of noise; however, most focus on very low level control command details. In this paper, we propose a new, complementary direction of research. We take a “task-level” view of the demonstration, and note that noise can exist at this level also. We propose a framework, based on a hybrid dynamic system modeling approach, to select the most optimal, task-level execution strategies that were demonstrated. We apply our framework to a real household task of inserting the compressible spindle of a paper towel holder into its supports. We conduct experiments to show that significant improvements in robot performance of the task can be achieved by a PbD regime that includes our method.
Using Workspace Information as a Guide to Non-uniform Sampling in Probabilistic Roadmap Planners
Authors: van den Berg Jur P. , Overmars Mark H.
Published: November 2005

The probabilistic roadmap (PRM) planner is a popular method for robot motion planning problems with many degrees of freedom. However, it has been shown that the method performs less well in situations where the robot has to pass through a narrow passage in the scene. This is mainly due to the uniformity of the sampling used in the planner; it places many samples in large open regions and too few in tight passages. Cell decomposition methods do not have this disadvantage, but are only applicable in low-dimensional configuration spaces. In this paper, a hybrid technique is presented that combines the strengths of both methods. It is based on a robot independent cell decomposition of the free workspace guiding the probabilistic sampling more toward the interesting regions in the configuration space. The regions of interest (narrow passages) are identified in the cell decomposition using a method we call watershed labeling. It is shown that this leads to improved performance on difficult planning problems in two- and three-dimensional workspaces.
Physico-chemical treatment of marble processing wastewater and the recycling of its sludge
Authors: Arslan E. IşIl , Aslan Sibel , Ipek Ubeyde , Altun Samet , Yazicioğlu Salih
Published: November 2005

In the first part of this study, the treatability of marble processing wastewater by the coagulation-flocculation process was investigated. Optimum coagulant-flocculant doses for turbidity removal in wastewater from the cutting, faience and equalization processes were determined as 500, 200 and 500 ppm of Al2(SO4)3; 300, 500 and 300 ppm of FeCl3 and 600, 400 and 200 ppm of Agrofloc 100 (AGRON Water Treatment Technologies and Chemical Marketing Industry and Trade Limited Company, İzmir, Turkey), respectively. It was found that the removal of total solids from cutting and equalization process wastewaters was highest for the 100 ppm dosage of all chemicals used. The amount of total solids removed from faience process wastewater by Agrofloc 100 was higher than that removed by the other chemicals used. The removals of suspended solids from cutting, faience and equalization process wastewaters were similar to each other for each of the chemicals. The pH values after treatment by Agrofloc 100 were higher than the values determined after treatment by other chemicals for all process wastewater. Electrical conductivity values, however, were lower for Agrofloc 100 than for the others. Settled sludge volume experiments showed that settled sludge volumes decreased with time. The results of the quiescent settling experiment showed that the settling type could be termed flocculent settling. In the second part of the study, the usage of waste sludge from marble processing as an additive material in cement was investigated. The waste sludge originated from the wastewaters of different steps of the marble processing plant. Waste sludge was replaced with cement at various percentages by weight to prepare the mixtures of mortar. The specimens poured into the moulds were held for 24 h, removed from the moulds and held again for 28 days in lime-saturated water at 23°C. Compressive and flexural strengths were evaluated with respect to percentages of waste sludge replaced with cement. The maximum compressive and flexural strengths were observed for specimens containing a 6% waste sludge when compared with control and it was also found that waste sludge up to 9% could effectively be used as an additive material in cement.
Health-care waste management in Lao PDR: a case study
Authors: Phengxay Soulivanh , Okumura Junko , Miyoshi Miki , Sakisaka Kayako , Kuroiwa Chushi , Phengxay Manilay
Published: November 2005

This study investigated the health-care waste (HCW) management at each health-care facility level at two selected sites in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR): Vientiane Municipality; and Bolikhamxay province. It focused on the amount of HCW, its segregation and the factors influencing HCW management, particularly segregation procedures. A high proportion of incorrectly segregated medical waste was found at each level of health-care facility. Re-segregation revealed 39, 62, 57 and 37% at national hospital, provincial hospital, district hospital and health centre level, respectively, was poorly segregated. The mean of generated HCW was 0.62 kg/bed per day (Vientiane Municipality) and 0.38 kg/bed per day (Bolikhamxay) at two study sites. A higher proportion of medical waste (MW) from the inpatient department at the primary health-care level was found. Thus, HCW management at primary health-care facilities needs more attention and should be better understood.
Solid waste collection and recycling in Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia: a case study
Authors: Isa M. Hasnain , Asaari Faridah A. H. , Ramli N. Azam , Ahmad Shamshad , Siew Tan S.
Published: November 2005

The implementation of a suitable solid waste management programme with appropriate methods of recycling as an inherent element is vital to the alleviation of the problems associated with solid waste generation, handling and disposal, environmental conservation, public hygiene, etc. The present work is a case study on solid waste collection and recycling practices in Nibong Tebal town, Penang, Malaysia. The amount and types of domestic waste generated, household participation in recycling, identification of existing problems related to the implementation of the recycling programme, etc. formed the basis of this study. Surveys (interviews/questionnaires) and on-site observations were conducted to gather information on the solid waste collection and recycling practice of the residents. A focus group of 60 individuals was selected and their response to a questionnaire, prepared according to a Likert scale, was obtained and analysed. The majority of the respondents expressed concerns about recycling and wanted more to be done in this regard. Illegal collection, aesthetically displeasing sites and a lack of public awareness were problems of major concern. Issues related to inadequate funding and manpower as well as end market are also addressed and suggestions made.
Remediation of an oily leachate pond in Estonia
Authors: Kriipsalu Mait , Marques Marcia , Hogland William
Published: November 2005

Until recent years, waste oil and oil-contaminated waters commonly ended up in landfills. At some dump sites, ponds of oily liquids and leachate were formed. To remediate such ponds, an interdisciplinary approach is now required, keeping costs at an affordable level, particularly in countries with changing economies. From 1974 to 1993, liquid oily wastes taken to the Laguja landfill, in Estonia, were disposed of in a pond with a surface area of 9800 m2. It was estimated that the pond contained 4500-6000 m3 of oily water and 3500 m3 of oil-containing bottom sediments. This study aimed at developing an environmentally sound and cost-effective method for remediation of the oily liquids, leachate and contaminated underlying sediment material, to meet the existing legal demands. It was concluded that treatment of contaminated water is well established and the procedures carried out to meet the regulatory demands achieved satisfactory results. However, regarding treatment of sediments it was concluded that legal and technological aspects, as well as monitoring procedures are not fully established and are usually underestimated. Laboratory investigations can provide valuable information in decision-making, and contribute to effective full-scale remediation planning.
Quality control of waste to incineration - waste composition analysis in Lidköping, Sweden
Authors: Petersen Cecilia Mattsson , Berg Per E.O. , Rönnegård Lars
Published: November 2005

In order to decrease environmental impacts in waste management the choice of treatment method must be based on the characteristics of the waste. Present sampling procedures do not provide statistically representative samples of solid waste and this provides difficulties in characterization. The objective of this study was to develop a procedure for waste component analysis and sampling of waste after collection and at plant level. A further objective was to characterize the waste delivered to an incineration plant for physical and chemical properties and to determine the amounts of delivered waste that could be classified as biofuels and fossil fuels. The proportions of recyclables and hazardous waste were also examined. Samples were taken randomly from waste trucks and divided by square implementation. Statistical analysis of the results showed that the number of sub-samples could be decreased with only a moderate increase in the confidence interval. This means that future waste composition analyses could be made more efficient and thereby less expensive. The analysis of the waste delivered to the Lidköping incineration plant (Central Sweden) showed that 66.4% of the household waste was composed of biofuels and 21.3% of non-renewable combustibles, of which 40.3% were recyclables. In addition, 11.6% of the household waste was non-combustible and 0.6% hazardous waste. The heat value for the biofuels was 18.0-19.7 MJ kg-1 dry mass (DM) and for the fossil fuels 28.2-33.9 MJ kg-1 DM. The industrial waste consisted of 35.9% biofuels, 62.0% fossil fuels, 1.6% non-combustible and 0.5% hazardous waste. The heat value was 19.5 MJ kg-1 DM for the biofuels and 31.4 MJ kg-1 DM for the fossil fuels.
Transboundary hazardous waste management. Part I: waste management policy of importing countries
Authors: Fan Kuo-shuh , Chang Tien Chin , Ni Shih-Piao , Lee Ching-Hwa
Published: November 2005

Mixed metal-containing waste, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) containing capacitors, printed circuit boards, steel mill dust and metal sludge were among the most common wastes exported from Taiwan. Before the implementation of the self-monitoring model programme of the Basel Convention (secretariat of the Basel Convention 2001) in the Asia region, Taiwan conducted a comprehensive 4-year follow-up project involving government authorities and the waste disposal facilities of the importing countries. A total of five countries and nine plants were visited in 2001-2002. The following outcomes can be drawn from these investigations. The Chinese government adopts the strategies of ‘on-site processing’ and ‘relative centralization’ on the waste management by tightening permitting and increasing site inspection. A three-level reviewing system is adopted for the import application. The United States have not signed the Basel Convention yet; the procedures of hazardous waste import rely on bilateral agreements. Importers are not required to provide official notification from the waste exporting countries. The operation, administration, monitoring and licensing of waste treatment plants are governed by the state environmental bureau. Finland, France and Belgium are members of the European Union. The procedures and policies of waste import are similar. All of the documents associated with transboundary movement require the approval of each government involved. Practically, the notification forms and tracking forms effectively manage the waste movement.
A critical review of economic valuation studies of externalities from incineration and landfilling
Authors: Eshet Tzipi , Ayalon Ofira , Shechter Mordechai
Published: November 2005

The primary objective of this study was to assist waste management researchers, decision-makers and waste managers at national, regional and local levels, in their decision-making processes, with most recent valuations on the environmental and social costs of externalities associated with various pollutants and disamenities related to landfilling and incineration of municipal solid waste. The aim was achieved by mapping, gathering, analysing, comparing and synthesizing various valuation estimates, based on a thorough review of existing literature. This study provides the first comprehensive review and analysis focused on primary and secondary valuation studies, conducted since 1990. The second objective was to assess the appropriateness and reliability of the valuation methods and techniques that were performed in the reviewed studies. The results of the review are summarized in tables, organized by topics and units of measure and in addition a classified list that describes the profile of the reviewed studies is provided. The results are then analysed and compared, and recommended ranges of the values are presented. The study reveals inconsistency in part of the estimates across the reviewed studies and provides reasonable explanations for the variations. Given the nature of uncertainty, and the difficulties associated with transferring values among different places and cases, these values should be considered mostly as an indication for the order of magnitude of the externalities. Nevertheless, these essential estimates of the external costs can beneficially be used with proper adjustment for each individual case to address important policy questions regarding landfilling and incineration of waste.
African Americans and Serial Killing in the Media
Authors: Walsh Anthony
Published: November 2005

There were many expressions of shock and surprise voiced in the media in 2002 when the “D.C. Sniper” turned out to be two Black males. Two of the stereotypes surrounding serial killers are that they are almost always White males and that African American males are barely represented in their ranks. In a sample of 413 serial killers operating in the United States from 1945 to mid-2004, it was found that 90 were African American. Relative to the African American proportion of the population across that time period, African Americans were overrepresented in the ranks of serial killers by a factor of about 2. Possible reasons why so few African American serial killers are known to the public are explored.
Transposing a culture: reflections on the leadership of a closing school®
Authors: Roberts Amanda
Published: November 2005

This article explores the leadership of a closing school. It draws on the case of Newley School, a mixed comprehensive for students aged between 11 and 18 years, and examines the primary leadership activities undertaken during the 12-month period when the school reopened temporarily as a ‘new’ school. These activities were driven by the imperative of ensuring the provision of a positive learning environment for students. The article examines the key factors underpinning the cultural change required to secure this environment. It moves on to explore the impact of cultural change activities from the viewpoint of some of the school's main stakeholders – students, parents, teachers and governors. It highlights the importance of short-term culture building and provides insights into the potential benefits of school federations. The article concludes with implications for school leaders attempting to manage cultural change.
Understanding and enriching young people's learning: issues, complexities and challenges®
Authors: Carnell Eileen
Published: November 2005

Within the context of national debate about the motivation of young people in Year 8 and the effects of the key stage three strategy, this article examines young people's views of learning and their understanding of what helps them learn. The research method draws on the concept of Appreciative Inquiry to examine young people's experiences. The findings, based on interviews with 58 young people in four schools, indicate a range of views. Three models of learning emerge and are used to examine young people's views of learning and what supports their learning. Young people provide examples of effective learning including activity in learning, learner responsibility and collaboration. Young people express a wish that their classroom experiences would include more of these elements. In all four schools, however, there does not seem to be any time for talk about learning. Implications for schools are discussed: first, in providing more effective learning experiences for young people; second, in the value of talking with young people about their learning.
Constructing Dementia and Dementia Care
Authors: Parker Jonathan
Published: November 2005

Summary: This article explores the ways in which dementia can be constructed and maintained by the actions, and received ideas concerning dementia, of social care staff practising in a local authority day care setting in the UK. The article is set within the context of ‘daily practice’, the things that we do forming the basis of how things may be (re)defined.

Findings: The study suggests that the physical environment of the day care setting, the routines and activities provided and the practices of care staff indicate three particular ways in which dementia was constructed. These comprised ‘holding and homogenizing’,‘demarcating and distancing’ and ‘caring and controlling’. Each depended on individual approach, training and experience and was influenced by ‘received’ traditional approaches.

Applications: This is important to our understanding of dementia care as we seek to recognize diverse experiences and to consider pluralistic approaches to best practice in dementia care. The study indicates the need for training at a deep and reflective level in which the new culture of person-centred dementia care becomes part of daily practice rather than a distant ideal.
Transparent or Opaque? Disabled People in Scotland Describe Their Experience of Applying for Disability Living Allowance
Authors: Banks Pauline , Lawrence Maggie
Published: November 2005

Summary: Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a UK social security benefit designed to meet the extra costs associated with disability. It has been suggested that some people with disabilities who are eligible for DLA do not claim the benefit, and amongst those who do claim there are inconsistencies of award decision-making. The aim of this research was to establish the level of knowledge relating to DLA amongst disabled people in Scotland and to explore the process of application from the perspective of those involved. Questionnaires were distributed through voluntary organizations. Six hundred and six completed questionnaires were received.

Findings: Almost all respondents (97%) found the form difficult to complete. Many respondents indicated that they could not have completed the forms themselves, particularly those with learning disabilities, mental health problems and/or difficulty concentrating. Many applicants believed that decisions were inconsistent and often based on inadequate understanding of individual circumstances. A significant number of applicants (42.9%) who were subsequently awarded the benefit were turned down on their first application.

Applications: The findings of this study suggest that the Scottish Parliament should ensure that disabled people have access to advice and guidance about welfare benefits irrespective of whether potential applicants are in contact with social work departments. More generally, the findings prompt questions about how the additional costs associated with disability are managed elsewhere. Social workers should be proactive in providing information and advice relating to welfare benefits in Scotland and in other countries.
Neoplastic circulating endothelial cells in multiple myeloma with 13q14 deletion
Authors: Rigolin Gian Matteo , Fraulini Chiara , Ciccone Maria , Mauro Endri , Bugli Anna Maria , De Angeli Cristiano , Negrini Massimo , Cuneo Antonio , Castoldi Gianluigi
Published: November 2005

In multiple myeloma (MM), circulating endothelial cells (CECs) represent a vascular marker of angiogenesis and may reflect tumor mass. In this report, we showed that, in 5 MM patients with 13q14 deletion, CECs carried the same chromosome aberration as the neoplastic plasma cells (11%-32% of CECs with 13q14 deletion). Most of the CECs displayed immunophenotypic features of endothelial progenitor cells as they expressed CD133, a marker gradually lost during endothelial differentiation and absent on mature endothelial cells. To the contrary, in 3 patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and 13q14 deletion, CECs were cytogenetically normal and had a mature immunophenotype. In MM CECs, immunoglobulin genes were clonally rearranged. These findings suggest a possible origin of CECs from a common hemangioblast precursor that can give rise to both plasma cells and endothelial cells and point to a direct contribution of MM-derived CECs to tumor vasculogenesis and possibly to the spreading and progression of the disease. (Blood. 2006;107:2531-2535)
The variable number of tandem repeats element in DAT1 regulates in vitro dopamine transporter density
Authors: VanNess Sidney H , Owens Michael J , Kilts Clinton D
Published: November 2005

Background

A 40-bp variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism exists in the 15th exon of DAT1, the gene encoding the human dopamine transporter (DAT). Though the VNTR resides in a region encoding the 3' untranslated region (UTR) and does not alter the protein's amino acid sequence, the prevalent 10-repeat variant has shown both linkage and association to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In this study, we examined the effects of the DAT1 VNTR on measures of in vitro DAT expression and pharmacology. A series of four DAT1 constructs, each containing the DAT1 coding region, but varying with respect to the downstream presence or content of the 3'UTR, were engineered and stably transfected into an HEK-293 variant using Flp-In integration, an enzyme-mediated, site-specific recombination technology.

Results

[3H] Win 35,428 saturation binding assays and DAT immunoblots revealed statistically significant differences in DAT expression attributable to DAT1 genotype. Cells harboring the 10-repeat DAT1 variant were characterized by a Bmax approximately 50% greater than cells with the 9-repeat VNTR; those containing only the DAT1 coding region or the coding region flanked by a truncated 3' UTR resulted in greater DAT density than either of the naturalistic 9- and 10-repeat variants. Competition binding assays showed no statistically significant DAT1 genotype effects on the DAT affinity for methylphenidate, a finding consistent with the positional location of the VNTR.

Conclusion

This study identified the DAT1 VNTR as a functional polymorphism and provides an interpretive framework for its association with behavioral phenotypes.
Genes involved in complex adaptive processes tend to have highly conserved upstream regions in mammalian genomes
Authors: Lee Soohyun , Kohane Isaac , Kasif Simon
Published: November 2005

Background

Recent advances in genome sequencing suggest a remarkable conservation in gene content of mammalian organisms. The similarity in gene repertoire present in different organisms has increased interest in studying regulatory mechanisms of gene expression aimed at elucidating the differences in phenotypes. In particular, a proximal promoter region contains a large number of regulatory elements that control the expression of its downstream gene. Although many studies have focused on identification of these elements, a broader picture on the complexity of transcriptional regulation of different biological processes has not been addressed in mammals. The regulatory complexity may strongly correlate with gene function, as different evolutionary forces must act on the regulatory systems under different biological conditions. We investigate this hypothesis by comparing the conservation of promoters upstream of genes classified in different functional categories.

Results

By conducting a rank correlation analysis between functional annotation and upstream sequence alignment scores obtained by human-mouse and human-dog comparison, we found a significantly greater conservation of the upstream sequence of genes involved in development, cell communication, neural functions and signaling processes than those involved in more basic processes shared with unicellular organisms such as metabolism and ribosomal function. This observation persists after controlling for G+C content. Considering conservation as a functional signature, we hypothesize a higher density of cis-regulatory elements upstream of genes participating in complex and adaptive processes.

Conclusion

We identified a class of functions that are associated with either high or low promoter conservation in mammals. We detected a significant tendency that points to complex and adaptive processes were associated with higher promoter conservation, despite the fact that they have emerged relatively recently during evolution. We described and contrasted several hypotheses that provide a deeper insight into how transcriptional complexity might have been emerged during evolution.