bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coalescence of Bubbles Translating through a Tube
Authors: ALMATROUSHI EISA , BORHAN ALI
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  The results of an experimental study of the interaction and coalescence of two air bubbles translating in a cylindrical tube are presented. Both pressure‐ and buoyancy‐driven motion of the two bubbles in a Newtonian suspending fluid within the tube are considered. The close approach of the two bubbles is examined using image analysis, and measurements of the coalescence time are reported for various bubble size ratios and capillary numbers. For pressure‐driven motion of bubbles, coalescence is found to occur in an axisymmetric configuration for all bubble size ratios considered in the experiments. For buoyancy‐driven motion, on the other hand, the disturbance flow behind the leading bubble causes the trailing bubble to move radially out toward the tube wall when the trailing bubble size becomes very small compared to the size of the leading bubble. In that case, coalescence occurs in a nonaxisymmetric configuration, with a time scale for coalescence that is substantially larger than that for coalescence in the axisymmetric configuration. When the imposed flow is in the direction of the buoyancy force, coalescence time is independent of bubble size ratio, and decreases as the capillary number increases. Experimental measurements of the radius of the thin liquid film separating the two bubbles are used in conjunction with a simple film drainage model to predict the dependence of the coalescence time on the bubble size ratio.
Study on Internal Flow and Surface Deformation of Large Droplet Levitated by Ultrasonic Wave
Authors: ABE YUTAKA , HYUGA DAISUKE , YAMADA SHOGO , AOKI KAZUYOSHI
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  It is expected that new materials will be manufactured with containerless processing under the microgravity environment in space. Under the microgravity environment, handling technology of molten metal is important for such processes. There are a lot of previous studies about droplet levitation technologies, including the use of acoustic waves, as the holding technology. However, experimental and analytical information about the relationship between surface deformation and internal flow of a large levitated droplet is still unknown. The purpose of this study is to experimentally investigate the large droplet behavior levitated by the acoustic wave field and its internal flow. To achieve this, first, numerical simulation is conducted to clarify the characteristics of acoustic wave field. Second, the levitation characteristic and the internal flow of the levitated droplet are investigated by the ultrasonic standing wave under normal gravity environment. Finally, the levitation characteristic and internal flow of levitated droplet are observed under microgravity in an aircraft to compare results with the experiment performed under the normal gravity environment.
Toxicoproteomics in Liver Injury and Inflammation
Authors: ALEX MERRICK B.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Toxicoproteomics, in applying proteomics to toxicology, seeks to identify critical proteins and pathways in biological systems responding to adverse chemical exposures and environmental stressors using global protein expression technologies. Toxicoproteomics is being exploited for the discovery of new biomarkers and toxicity signatures in target organs, such as liver, in major biological processes, such as inflammation, in mapping serum, plasma, and other biofluid proteomes, and in parallel proteomic and transcriptomic studies. The new field of toxicoproteomics is uniquely positioned toward discovery of new biomarkers and signatures of tissue injury and a better understanding of protein expression responses during toxicity and environmental disease.
Gene–Environment Interactions in Cancer
Authors: HEMMINKI KARI , FÖRSTI ASTA , BERMEJO JUSTO LORENZO
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are extensively used in case–control studies of practically all cancer types. In addition to the pure genetic studies, gene–environment studies, which simultaneously consider environmental factors, have been increasingly conducted. All SNP studies aim at the identification of the role of inherited cancer susceptibility genes. However, being genetic markers, they are applicable only on heritable conditions, which is often a neglected fact. Based on the data on the heritability of cancer and the importance of environmental factors in cancer etiology, we discuss the likelihood of successful gene–environment studies. The available evidence is not conclusive, but it consistently points to a minor heritable etiology in cancer, which will hamper the success of SNP‐based association studies. We use simulation techniques to examine which situations would favor the application of a gene–environment approach instead of the traditional environmental approach in case–control studies. The results show that well‐chosen candidate gene with a relatively low allele frequency may improve the power to detect environmental determinants of a disease. However, this advantage is lost when the number of underlying genes increases. We are concerned about an indiscriminate use of genetic tools for cancers, which are mainly environmental in origin. The likelihood of success for SNP‐based gene–environment studies increases if established environmental risk factors are tested on proven candidate genes. Enhancing the likelihood that the disease causation is genetic, for example, by selecting familial cases, may increase the power of the studies, and the rareness of those cases calls for collaborative networks.
Valuing the Adult Health Effects of Air Pollution in Chinese Cities
Authors: MEAD ROBERT W. , BRAJER VICTOR
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  China's ongoing economic growth is accompanied by a large amount of air pollution that exacts significant health and economic costs on its people. Following up on some earlier work focusing upon general mortality and child‐specific health effects, this article uses a larger data set, covering more than 90 Chinese cities, along with a set of China‐based epidemiological functions, to estimate some of the adult health benefits of reducing urban air pollution. Projecting future air pollution based upon current conditions, it calculates the averted mortality and morbidity effects that would result from the cleanup of particulates, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. The inclusion of nitrogen dioxide in our analysis is particularly important because it is a growing problem and has not been included in most of the more widely known studies that examine Chinese air pollution. Finally, the economic valuation of these pollution‐related health effects is developed, using a number of recent, China‐based valuation studies.
Genetic Polymorphism of Toxicant‐Metabolizing Enzymes and Prognosis of Chinese Workers with Chronic Benzene Poisoning
Authors: WAN J‐X. , ZHANG Z‐B. , GUAN J‐R. , CAO D‐Z. , YE R , JIN X‐P. , XIA Z‐L.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Workers with chronic benzene poisoning (CBP) sometimes have a white blood cell count (WBC) below 4 × 109/L even after cessation of workplace exposure to benzene for years. In order to explore this phenomenon, 120 workers with CBP were divided into two groups depending on the WBC, the mean diagnostic age of CBP, benzene exposure duration, and body mass index (BMI). The proportion of genotypes of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), glutathione‐S‐transferase mu‐1 (GSTM1), glutathione‐S‐transferase theta‐1 (GSTT1), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and NAD(P)H, quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) were compared between workers with WBC <4 × 109/L and those with WBC ≥4 × 109/L. With methods of logistic regression, a risk model was set up to predict the prognosis of CBP workers. The results indicated that the BMI of workers with WBC <4 × 109/L was lower than that of workers with WBC of ≥4 × 109/L (21.40 ± 2.76 versus 23.09 ± 3.36, P= 0.01), and the logistic regression model suggested there was a 4.5‐fold increased risk among workers carrying GSTT1 null genotype (95% CI= 1.13– 17.54) compared with workers with GSTT1 non‐null genotype. Our findings suggest that benzene exposure duration, BMI, and GSTT1 genotype may impact prognosis of the CBP workers.
Interpreting Cancer Trends
Authors: WARD ELIZABETH M. , THUN MICHAEL J. , HANNAN LINDSAY M. , JEMAL AHMEDIN
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  The interpretation of cancer incidence trends is complicated by short‐term random variation, artifactual fluctuations introduced by screening, changes in diagnosis or disease classification, completeness of reporting, and by the multiplicity of factors that may affect risk for specific cancer sites. We analyzed trends in 56 different cancer sites and subsites in the U.S. SEER registries in the period 1975–2002 using joinpoint analysis. The increase in cancer incidence for all sites combined that became evident with the inception of the SEER registries in the mid‐1970s has abated since the early 1990s. Among the 15 most common cancer sites in men, sites with increasing incidence rates during the most recent time period include melanoma of the skin and cancers of the prostate, kidney and renal pelvis (kidney), and esophagus. Among women, incidence rates are increasing for leukemia, non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, melanoma, and cancers of the breast, thyroid, urinary bladder, and kidney. Incidence rates for all childhood cancers combined increased 0.6% per year from 1975 to 2002. Cancer mortality rates have decreased in the United States since 1991 in both men and in women; site‐specific death rates have decreased in the most recent time period for 12 of the top 15 cancer sites in men and 9 of the top 15 cancer sites in women. Similar trends in cancer incidence and mortality have been reported in other industrialized countries. Possible reasons for these trends are discussed.
Health and Environmental Threats Associated with the Destruction of Chemical Weapons
Authors: MATOUŠEK JIŘÍ
Published: November 2006

Abstract: Still existing arsenals of chemical weapons (CW) pose not only security threats for possible use in hostilities by state actors or misuse by terrorists but also safety threats to humans and biota due to leakages and possible accidents. The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) commits the States Parties (SPs) to destroy CW using technologies taking into consideration human health and environmental protection. It does not allow methods, routinely used up to the 1970s, such as earth burial, open‐pit burning, and sea dumping.Long‐term health and environmental threats and some accidents that have already occurred in the known localities of the sea‐dumped and earth‐buried arsenals of Nazi‐German armed forces in the Baltic Region and of Imperial Japanese forces in the Far East Region are analyzed according to the impact of major CW and ammunition types (i.e., sulfur mustard—HD, tabun—GA, arsenicals—DA, DC, DM, arsine oil, and chloroacetophenone—CN).Any possible operations and handling with CW envisaged by the CWC as well as their verification are summarized taking into account the health threat they pose. CW and toxic armament waste to be destroyed and applied technologies (both developed and under current use in operational CW destruction facilities [CWDF]) are reviewed as are systems of health safety and environmental protection of the destruction/demilitarization stems from the extraordinary high toxicity of supertoxic lethal agents in man and biota. Problems of currently used Russian and U.S. standards for maximum allowable workplace concentrations and general population limits and possibilities of their determination by available analytical instrumentation are discussed.
Collision of Basic and Applied Approaches to Risk Assessment of Thyroid Toxicants
Authors: THOMAS ZOELLER R.
Published: November 2006

Abstract: Thyroid hormone (TH) is essential for normal brain development; therefore, any environmental chemical that interferes sufficiently with thyroid function, TH metabolism, or TH action may exert adverse effects on brain development. Important known differences in aspects of thyroid endocrinology between the fetus, infant, and adult allow us to identify age‐dependent vulnerabilities to thyroid toxicants with some confidence. These differences include the size of the hormone pool stored in the thyroid gland at different ages as well as the age‐dependent sensitivity to mild TH insufficiency. Several recent studies that describe risk assessments of the environmental contaminant, ammonium perchlorate, provide good examples of conclusions based on the selective consideration of these known aspects of the thyroid system. Specifically, authors who consider age‐dependent differences in thyroid endocrinology suggest that safe levels of perchlorate should be set at relatively low levels (low parts per billion). In contrast, authors who do not consider these known age‐dependent differences in thyroid endocrinology recommend safe levels of perchlorate at high (hundreds) parts per billion to parts per million. Emerging evidence indicates that a variety of high production volume chemicals can directly interact with the TH receptor. As testing paradigms are designed by regulatory agencies, these age‐dependent differences in thyroid endocrinology must be considered.
Clinical Features of Bacterial Conjunctivitis in Children
Authors: Patel Parul B. , Diaz Maria Carmen G. , Bennett Jonathan E. , Attia Magdy W.
Published: November 2006

Objectives

Conjunctivitis is a common cause of primary care and emergency department (ED) visits. There is a paucity of data in recent literature on the prevalence of pediatric bacterial conjunctivitis, and there are no evidence‐based clinical guidelines for empirical treatment. The study objective was to describe clinical features most predictive of bacterial conjunctivitis.

Methods

This was a prospective study in a children's hospital ED. Conjunctival swabs for bacterial culture were obtained from patients aged 1 month to 18 years presenting with red or pink eye and/or the diagnosis of conjunctivitis.

Results

A total of 111 patients were enrolled over one year. Patients had a mean (±SD) age of 33.2 (±37.5) months, and 55% were male. Eighty‐seven patients (78%) had positive bacterial cultures. Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae accounted for 82% (71/87), Streptococcus pneumoniae for 16% (14/87), and Staphylococcus aureus for 2.2% (2/87). Five clinical variables were significantly associated with a positive bacterial culture. Regression analysis revealed that the combination of a history of gluey or sticky eyelids and the physical finding of mucoid or purulent discharge had a posttest probability of 96% (95% confidence interval = 90% to 99%). Subjective scoring by physicians for a positive culture was 50.6%.

Conclusions

Conjunctivitis in children is predominantly bacterial, with nontypeable H. influenzae being the most common organism. A history of gluey or sticky eyelids and physical findings of mucoid or purulent discharge are highly predictive of bacterial infection. Based on the above data, empirical ophthalmic antibiotic therapy may be appropriate in children presenting with conjunctivitis.
Conformational analysis of the telomerase RNA pseudoknot hairpin by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Reipa Vytas , Niaura Gediminas , Atha Donald H.
Published: November 2006

We have measured the temperature-dependent Raman spectra of two 30-mer ribonucleotides that represent the wild-type (WT) and dyskeratosis congenita (DKC) mutant (MT) GC (107–108) → AG structures of the pseudoknot hairpin region of human telomerase RNA. We have used these structures, previously characterized by UV-melting and NMR, as a model system for our Raman investigation. We observe that Raman hypochromism of vibrational bands, previously assigned to specific bases or conformational RNA markers, reflect temperature-dependent alterations in the pentaloop and stem structures of these two oligonucleotides. We also observe that the intense νs(O-P-O) band at 812 cm−1 indicates the presence of A-form backbone structure at relatively low temperatures in both the WT and MT RNA sequences. The mutation induces a decrease in the intensity of the uridine (rU) band at 1244 cm−1 associated with C2′-endo/anti ribose conformation in the pentaloop. Two transition temperatures (Tm) were determined from the analysis of Raman difference intensity-temperature profiles of the 1256 cm−1 band, which is associated with vibrations of cytidine (rC) residues, in particular, the C2′-endo/anti ribose conformation (Tm1 = 23.6 ± 1.6°C for WT and 19.7 ± 2.8°C for MT; Tm2 = 68.9 ± 1.8°C for WT and 70.9 ± 1.1°C for MT). From these results we can conclude that the DKC mutant 30-mer exhibits a lower stability in the pentaloop region and a slightly higher stability in the stem region than the WT 30-mer. This demonstrates that Raman bands, previously assigned to specific bases or conformational RNA markers, can be used to probe local structural features of the telomerase pseudoknot hairpin sequence.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome with Delayed Onset of Fever Following Risperidone Administration
Authors: Norris Byron , Angeles Virginia , Eisenstein Rina , Seale J Paul
Published: November 2006

Objective:

To report and discuss a case of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) with delayed onset of fever in a patient taking risperidone.

Case Summary:

A 59-year-old white female presented with progressive weakness, confusion, and disorientation 10 days after restarting risperidone 2 mg/day therapy for bipolar disorder. She had taken risperidone for several years prior to this episode and had stopped it for approximately 3 weeks; risperidone was discontinued on admission. The patient's creatine kinase (CK) level was elevated (901 IU/L; reference range 39–162) on admission and increased to 1991 IU/L the following day. She was initially afebrile and had no muscular rigidity. Elevated temperature (38.1°C) did not occur until hospital day 2. The patient was successfully treated with diazepam, bromocriptine, and dantrolene and suffered no long-term sequelae.

Discussion:

Other clinicians have reported atypical presentations of NMS in patients taking newer neuroleptic agents. Although this patient met diagnostic criteria for NMS, the hallmark symptoms of fever and muscle rigidity were delayed in onset. Also, the patient never remained febrile for more than 24 hours and her maximum temperature was only 38.6°C. An objective causality assessment suggests that this case of NMS was probably related to restarting risperidone.

Conclusions:

Because of the life-threatening nature of this syndrome, clinicians should consider NMS in afebrile patients presenting with diaphoresis, changes in level of consciousness, mutism, tremors, tachycardia, leukocytosis, and elevated CK levels.
A Survey of Automatic Teller Machine Usage across the Adult Life Span
Authors: Rogers Wendy A. , Cabrera Elizabeth F. , Walker Neff , Gilbert D. Kristen , Fisk Arthur D.
Published: November 2006

The purpose of this study was to analyze automatic teller machine (ATM) usage across the adult life span. We conducted an extensive survey of 9000 people in the Memphis and Atlanta metropolitan areas. Approximately 17% of those people responded. The survey assessed detailed demographic information, experience with technology in general, experience specifically related to ATMs, problems and dislikes with ATMs, and reasons that people do not use ATMs. The survey provided a valuable set of data. First, we have detailed information about the demographics and individual characteristics of ATM users and nonusers; importantly, these data are stratified across the adult life span. In addition, we know the likes and dislikes of ATM users and the types of problems they typically have using ATMs. Moreover, we have a detailed analysis of why adults of all ages may choose not to use ATMs. Training and design implications of these data are discussed.
Kinematics, Kinetics, and Psychophysical Perceptions in Symmetric and Twisting Pushing and Pulling Tasks
Authors: Resnick Marc L. , Chaffin Don B.
Published: November 2006

The use of material handling devices (MHDs) to eliminate the repetitive lifting components of industrial jobs has introduced a new set of issues for industrial ergonomics. Worker performance and safety when using MHDs depends on the mass and distance moved, the asymmetry of the postures, and the positioning accuracy required at each endpoint of the movement. Ten participants moved loads of up to 68 kg and placed them in targets of different sizes. In one experiment they maintained sagittally symmetric postures; in the another they were required to rotate their entire body 180° to complete the task. Measured peak push and pull hand forces ranged from 40 to 120 N and peak hand velocities ranged from 1.0 to 1.6 m/s in both studies. Psychophysical ratings were significantly correlated with peak push and pull hand forces but not peak velocity. Averages of peak hand force and velocity are used to develop some general recommendations for improved implementation of MHDs in industry.
A Comparison of Methods for Promoting Geographic Knowledge in Simulated Aircraft Navigation
Authors: Williams Henry P. , Hutchinson Scott , Wickens Christopher D.
Published: November 2006

In two experiments we evaluated different techniques for flight rehearsal to develop navigational knowledge about a region. In Experiment 1 different groups of pilots studied a map of a region, actively flew an IRIS simulator through the same region, or passively viewed the same dynamic screen as flown by the active participants. The latter two groups were subdivided into those that trained with high and low levels of scene detail. All pilots then transferred to a high-image-fidelity simulation to fly the same route. The transfer results indicated no effect of scene detail and that the active group performed best, the passive group worst, and the map group at an intermediate level. In Experiment 2 the workload of training was increased, and half the participants were required to train with a north-up map. These changes degraded the transfer performance of the active training group relative to the other two. The implications of the results for workload during rehearsal flights and the kinds of geographical knowledge acquired are discussed.
Application of a Three-Dimensional Auditory Display in a Flight Task
Authors: Bronkhorst Adelbert W. , Veltman J. A. (Hans) , Van Breda Leo
Published: November 2006

The effectiveness of a three-dimensional (3D) auditory display in conveying directional information was investigated in a flight simulation experiment. While flying a simulated fighter aircraft, participants followed a target aircraft that suddenly disappeared and reemerged at an unknown position. The task was to locate and trail the target as quickly as possible. In all conditions the participants viewed a computer-generated outside image, on which they could spot the target only when it was at short range, and a three-dimensional (3D) tactical display indicating the target position at all distances within a limited field of view. Additional displays were a bird's-eye-view radar display, which also indicated whether the target was above or below the own plane, and a 3D auditory display, which generated a warning sound from the relative direction of the target. The auditory display used individualized head-related transfer functions to create a virtual sound source and a head-tracking device to decouple the position of the source from head movements. Results show that the radar and auditory displays caused about the same significant reduction in search time in comparison with the tactical display only. A further reduction was found when the two additional displays were presented simultaneously.
Combining Time and Intensity Effects in Assessing Operator Information-Processing Load
Authors: Hendy Keith C. , Liao Jianqiao , Milgram Paul
Published: November 2006

A quantitative description of the human information processor is required for predicting operator workload and performance from the simulated task time line data generated by task network models and related methods. Although many models of workload exist, few appear to be well founded in theory or to provide a satisfactory basis for a quantitative representation of operator load. Adherents of both time-and intensity-based models of operator load individually claim success for their methods. which might suggest that both factors are operating in determining operator workload and performance. This paper describes a study that explicitly investigates the relationship between a time-based factor and an intensity-based factor (amount of information to be processed) within a simulated air traffic control environment. A model is developed that posits that the load on the human information-processing system results directly from the ratio of the time necessary to process the required information to the time allowable for making a decision. This ratio, which can be identified with time pressure, determines subjective estimates of workload as well as operator performance. The model is tested against the data from the air traffic control simulation.
Activation Force and Travel effects on Overexertion in Repetitive Key Tapping
Authors: Radwin Robert G. , Jeng One-Jang
Published: November 2006

Key switch design parameters, including make force, make travel, and over travel, were investigated for minimizing operator-exerted force while maximizing key-tapping speed. A mechanical apparatus was designed, constructed, and used for independently controlling key switch parameters and for directly measuring finger exertions during repetitive key tapping using strain gauge load cells. The task for the 25 participants involved using the index finger of the dominant hand to repeatedly depress a single key as rapidly as possible. Participants received visual and auditory feedback upon a successful keystroke. Peak force exerted decreased 24% and key-tapping rate increased 2% when over travel was distended from 0.0 to 3.0 mm. Although peak force exerted was not significantly affected by make point travel, key-tapping rate increased 2% when make point travel was reduced from 4.0 to 1.0 mm. These results indicate that key switch mechanisms that provide adequate over travel might enable operators to exert less force during repetitive key tapping without inhibiting performance
Intracellular and Trans-Synaptic Regulation of Glutamatergic Synaptogenesis by EphB Receptors
Authors: Kayser Matthew S. , McClelland Andrew C. , Hughes Ethan G. , Dalva Matthew B.
Published: November 2006

The majority of mature excitatory synapses in the CNS are found on dendritic spines and contain AMPA- and NMDA-type glutamate receptors apposed to presynaptic specializations. EphB receptor tyrosine kinase signaling has been implicated in both NMDA-type glutamate receptor clustering and dendritic spine formation, but it remains unclear whether EphB plays a broader role in presynaptic and postsynaptic development. Here, we find that EphB2 is involved in organizing excitatory synapses through the independent activities of particular EphB2 protein domains. We demonstrate that EphB2 controls AMPA-type glutamate receptor localization through PDZ (postsynaptic density-95/Discs large/zona occludens-1) binding domain interactions and triggers presynaptic differentiation via its ephrin binding domain. Knockdown of EphB2 in dissociated neurons results in decreased functional synaptic inputs, spines, and presynaptic specializations. Mice lacking EphB1–EphB3 have reduced numbers of synapses, and defects are rescued with postnatal reexpression of EphB2 in single neurons in brain slice. These results demonstrate that EphB2 acts to control the organization of specific classes of mature glutamatergic synapses.
Regional Interaction of Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+Signals between Soma and Dendrites through Rapid Luminal Ca2+Diffusion
Authors: Choi Yu Mi , Kim Shin Hye , Chung Sungkwon , Uhm Dae Yong , Park Myoung Kyu
Published: November 2006

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+store plays a key role in integration and conveyance of Ca2+signals in highly polarized neurons. The interconnected ER network in neurons generates Ca2+signals in local domains, but the regional interaction is unclear. Here, we show that continuous or repetitive applications of caffeine produced robust Ca2+release from the ER Ca2+store in dendritic areas without severe store depletion, but that similar stimuli applied to soma caused rapid store depletion in acutely isolated midbrain dopamine neurons. Partial emptying of the ER Ca2+store within a dendrite caused a similar level of store depletion in unstimulated dendrites, as well as in soma. Photobleaching and local stimulation experiments revealed that Ca2+and the dye trapped within the ER diffused rapidly from the soma to dendrites up to 90 μm, which we could resolve, suggesting that the ER network acts as a functional tunnel for rapid Ca2+transport. These data imply that the ER in soma acts as a Ca2+reservoir supplying Ca2+to the dendritic store, and that the dendritic store, hence, is able to respond to Ca2+-mobilizing input signals endurably.
Mice with Conditional Inactivation of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-2 Signaling in Oligodendrocytes Have Normal Myelin But Display Dramatic Hyperactivity when Combined with Cnp1 Inactivation
Authors: Kaga Y. , Shoemaker W. J. , Furusho M. , Bryant M. , Rosenbluth J. , Pfeiffer S. E. , Oh L. , Rasband M. , Lappe-Siefke C. , Yu K. , Ornitz D. M. , Nave K.-A. , Bansal R.
Published: November 2006

Fibroblast growth factor receptors (Fgfr) comprise a widely expressed family of developmental regulators implicated in oligodendrocyte (OL) maturation of the CNS. Fgfr2 is expressed by OLs in myelinated fiber tracks.In vitro, Fgfr2 is highly upregulated during OL terminal differentiation, and its activation leads to enhanced growth of OL processes and the formation of myelin-like membranes. To investigate thein vivofunction of Fgfr2 signaling by myelinating glial cells, we inactivated the floxed Fgfr2 gene in mice that coexpress Cre recombinase (cre) as a knock-in gene into the OL-specific 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (Cnp1) locus. Surprisingly, no obvious defects were detected in brain development of these conditional mutants, including the number of OLs, the onset and extent of myelination, the ultrastructure of myelin, and the expression level of myelin proteins. However, unexpectedly, a subset of these conditional Fgfr2 knock-out mice that are homozygous forcreand therefore are also Cnp1 null, displayed a dramatic hyperactive behavior starting at ∼2 weeks of age. This hyperactivity was abolished by treatment with dopamine receptor antagonists or catecholamine biosynthesis inhibitors, suggesting that the symptoms involve a dysregulation of the dopaminergic system. Although the molecular mechanisms are presently unknown, this novel mouse model of hyperactivity demonstrates the potential involvement of OLs in neuropsychiatric disorders, as well as the nonpredictable role of genetic interactions in the behavioral phenotype of mice.
Vesicular Glutamate Transporter 2 Is Required for Central Respiratory Rhythm Generation But Not for Locomotor Central Pattern Generation
Authors: Wallén-Mackenzie Åsa , Gezelius Henrik , Thoby-Brisson Muriel , Nygård Anna , Enjin Anders , Fujiyama Fumino , Fortin Gilles , Kullander Klas
Published: November 2006

Glutamatergic excitatory neurotransmission is dependent on glutamate release from presynaptic vesicles loaded by three members of the solute carrier family, Slc17a6–8, which function as vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs). Here, we show that VGLUT2 (Slc17a6) is required for lifeex utero.Vglut2null mutant mice die immediately after birth because of the absence of respiratory behavior. Investigations at embryonic stages revealed that neural circuits in the location of the pre-Bötzinger (PBC) inspiratory rhythm generator failed to become active. However, neurons with bursting pacemaker properties and anatomical integrity of the PBC area were preserved. Vesicles at asymmetric synapses were fewer and malformed in theVglut2null mutant hindbrain, probably causing the complete disruption of AMPA/kainate receptor-mediated synaptic activity in mutant PBC cells. The functional deficit results from an inability of PBC neurons to achieve synchronous activation. In contrast to respiratory rhythm generation, the locomotor central pattern generator ofVglut2null mutant mice displayed normal rhythmic and coordinated activity, suggesting differences in their operating principles. Hence, the present study identifies VGLUT2-mediated signaling as an obligatory component of the developing respiratory rhythm generator.
Unraveling the Japan-South Korea “Virtual Alliance”: Populism and Historical Revisionism in the Face of Conflicting Regional Strategies
Authors: Rozman Gilbert , Lee Shin-wha
Published: November 2006

Domestic politics combined with strategic repositioning toward the U.S. set back ties between Japan and South Korea in 2004–05. Despite the North Korean nuclear crisis and the challenge of shifting great power relations in Asia, as well as closer economic and cultural bilateral ties, politicized forces are pulling the two countries apart.
Selling the Storied Stone Crab: Eating, Ecology, and the Creation of South Florida Culture
Authors: mink nicolaas
Published: November 2006

"Selling the Storied Stone Crab" examines the intersection between eating and the environment in South Florida using the stone crab, a highly-prized local delicacy, and the world-renowned restaurant that purportedly first began serving them, Joe's Stone Crab, as lenses through which to analyze regional identity, conceptions of place, and the social, cultural, generational and class distinctions that have arisen through consuming the crustacean over the twentieth-century. The work is both an institutional and corporate history of Joe's Stone Crab and an environmental and cultural history of the stone crab. In an area defined by striking transience, tourism, and massive growth, the essay argues that people envisioned themselves becoming indigenous to South Florida's unique natural and cultural landscape through the ingestion of a food that they believed could only be attained in the region. But the common perception that most gourmands hold--that the stone crab can only be procured in South Florida--is in itself a myth. The stone crab can be purchased worldwide, it is not strictly indigenous to South Florida, nor did Joe's Stone Crab first serve the decapod. Nevertheless, "Selling the Storied Stone Crab" concludes that these points are inconsequential for most visitors and residents who continue to relish both the crustacean's sweet meat and the myths that surround its eating.
Development of the Waste Procurement Toolkit
Authors: Couth R. J. , Enright J. , Snape J. , Whiteman C. , Davies J. N.
Published: November 2006

This paper describes the development and structure of Defra's (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs') electronic Waste Procurement Toolkit. The toolkit was developed jointly by Enviros and Nabarro Nathanson to aid local authorities in drafting waste contract documents, guiding them through the procurement process and helping them achieve their objectives in relation to eGovernment. The objectives of the toolkit are to: improve the standard of contract documents used by local authorities and the waste industry; reduce procurement costs for all parties; and ensure long- and short-term government targets are reflected in contracts. It is aimed at managers and those involved in waste procurement to ensure all relevant issues are considered in contract development. The toolkit was developed from first principles in consultation with a group of stakeholders from the waste management industry. The toolkit consists of three parts: a procurement plan to determine the procurement strategy; a contract toolkit to prepare the contract documents; and a procurement process toolkit to lead local authorities through the procurement process. A help manual is also included in the toolkit. The toolkit is a living document that is regularly updated to include new waste legislation and guidance.
Genotype Dependent Interspecific Hybridization of Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Price H. James , Hodnett George L. , Burson Byron L. , Dillon Sally L. , Stelly David M. , Rooney William L.
Published: November 2006

Wild Australian Sorghum species are a tertiary gene pool to grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], and they are of interest to breeders because of their resistance to important insects and pathogens. However, strong reproductive barriers have prevented hybridization between S. bicolor and these wild species. The purpose of this study was to determine if the recessive iap allele (dominant allele Iap = inhibition of alien pollen) would reduce or eliminate the pollen–pistil incompatibilities that prevent hybridization between S. bicolor and divergent Sorghum species. Cytoplasmic male‐sterile S. bicolor plants, homozygous for the iap allele, were pollinated with three divergent Sorghum species, S. angustum Blake, S. nitidum (Vahl) Pers., and S. macrospermum Garber. The pollen of these three wild species readily germinated and the pollen tubes grew to the base of the S. bicolor ovary within 2 h after pollination. Hybrid embryos were detected in the S. bicolor florets 13 to 20 d post‐pollination. Sorghum bicolor × S. angustum and S. bicolor × S. nitidum hybrids were obtained using embryo rescue followed by in vitro culture techniques and hybrids between S. bicolor and S. macrospermum were obtained by simply germinating the hybrid seed. These hybrids were confirmed by their morphological and cytological traits. These findings clearly demonstrate that the recessive iap allele circumvents pollen–pistil incompatibilities in the genus Sorghum and permits hybrids to be made between S. bicolor and species of the tertiary gene pool.
Treatment of seafood‐processing wastewaters in mesophilic and thermophilic anaerobic filters
Authors: Mendez Ramon , Lema Juan M. , Soto Manuel
Published: November 2006

Wastewaters from fish‐canning industries have a high concentration of organic polluting substances (10–50 g chemical oxygen demand L−1 [COD]) and, in some cases, a high content of sea salts (Cl−: 8–19 g L−1, Na+: 5–12 g L−1, SO2−4: 0.6–2.7 g L−1). The presence of high sodium ion concentrations in wastewaters with high organic content traditionally is considered as a very negative factor for their anaerobic treatment. In fact, both the presence of Na+ and SO2−4, transformed into H2S during the anaerobic degradation process, may cause toxicity and inhibition on the methanogenic process. This work deals with the operation and treatment efficiency of two lab‐scale mesophilic and thermophilic anaerobic filters (MAF and TAF, respectively). So that the adaptation of anaerobic sludge to high saline concentrations is attained, a prolonged start‐up period of about nine months was necessary. After this, a stable operation and similar treatment efficiencies were reached, even when organic loading rate (OLR) as high as 9 kg COD m−3 d−1 (TAF) or 24 kg COD m−3 d−1 (MAF) were applied at chloride concentration of 13 g L−1. At these conditions, the COD removal reached 73% (TAF) and 64% (MAF), and the COD methanized reached 69% (TAF) and 66% (MAF). The sulphate in the influent was removed practically completely, leading to a H2S concentration in the biogas between 3–4%. In spite of the lower specific activity of sludge from MAF (0.21 g COD g−1 volatile suspended solids [VSS] d−1) than from TAF (0.66), the MAF reached a higher OLR than TAF. This fact can be explained because of the higher retention of sludge into MAF (72 g VSS L−1) than TAF (10 g VSS L−1). Two practical conclusions may be derived from this work: the thermophilic operation needs the use of a packing material with a higher capacity to retain biomass and the mesophilic operation requires a more frequent detachment of biomass from the support in order to avoid clogging problems.
Appraising a Century of Scholarship in theAmerican Journal of International Law
Authors: Bederman David J.
Published: November 2006

The observation that a century in the life of any person, entity, or institution is a worthy milestone holds just as true for a scholarly journal. The prevalence and permanence of academic serials, especially in the legal field, has spawned a growing literature of centennial commemorations. And while too much can be made of the anniversary of a law journal, it does serve as a propitious moment to take stock, not so much of the achievement of longevity as of its intellectual content and scholarly character. That is precisely what I intend for this appreciation of a hundred years of writing in theAmerican Journal of International Law (AJIL).
Humanitarian Intervention and Pretexts for War
Authors: Goodman Ryan
Published: November 2006

The legal status of humanitarian intervention poses a profound challenge to the future of global order. The central question is easy to formulate but notoriously difficult to answer: Should international law permit states to intervene militarily to stop a genocide or comparable atrocity without Security Council authorization? That question has acquired even greater significance in the wake of military interventions in Kosovo and Iraq, and nonintervention in the Sudan. Concerted deliberation on these issues, however, has reached an impasse. A key obstacle to legalizing unilateral humanitarian intervention (UHI) is the overriding concern that states would use the pretext of humanitarian intervention to wage wars for ulterior motives. In this article, I argue that it is just as likely, or even more likely, that the impact on states would be the opposite. Drawing on recent empirical studies, I contend that legalizing UHI should in important respects discourage wars with ulterior motives, and I discuss changes to international legal institutions that would amplify that potential effect.
An extension of geisser's discrimination model to proportional covariance matrices
Authors: Hawkins Douglas M. , Raath E. Liefde
Published: November 2006

The predictive discrimination model of Geisser is derived for the case in which the covariance matrices of the different populations are assumed proportional, with unknown constants of proportionality. It is shown that this model provides a better fit to a set of data than does the usual homoscedastic model.
Small‐sample results for maximum‐likelihood estimation in branching processes
Authors: Dion Jean‐Pierre , Labelle Gilbert , Latour Alain
Published: November 2006

In this article, small sample properties of the maximum‐likelihood estimator (m.l.e.) for the offspring distribution (pk) and its mean m are considered in the context of the simple branching process. A representation theorem is given for the m.l.e. of (Pk) from which the m.l.e. of m is obtained. The case where p0 + p1 + p2 = 1 is studied in detail: numerical results are given for the exact bias of these estimators as a function of the age of the process; a curve fitting analysis expresses the bias of m̌ as a function of the mean and the variance of the offspring distribution and finally an “approximate m.l.e.” for (pk) is given.
Pluche and Derham, New Sources of Goldsmith
Authors: Lynskey Winifred
Published: November 2006

Goldsmith's extensive borrowings from other writers, especially from French writers, have long been known. It has been established that he was heavily indebted to Buffon, Voltaire, Marivaux, Montesquieu, D'Argens, and the Encyclopédie. To these French sources of Goldsmith should be added La Spectacle de la Nature of the Abbé Pluche, published in eight volumes in Paris between 1732 and 1751. La Spectacle de la Nature is a medley of popularized scientific knowledge, presented in dialogue form. It includes material on zoology, botany, physics, and astronomy, with a strong teleological motivation. Its popularity in England may be seen in the fact that the English translation appeared in 1733, almost immediately after the first Paris edition, and went into an eighth edition between 1754 and 1763. To the English sources of Goldsmith, moreover, should be added William Derham's Physico-Theology, first published in London in 1713, which includes astronomy, physics, and natural history, and which, like La Spectacle de la Nature, promulgates the argument from design.
Der Josephroman in Thomas Manns Gesamtwerk
Authors: Spann Meno
Published: November 2006

Weder Kunst noch Leben werden unbedingt positiv bewertet.“ Mit diesem von ”Tonio Kröger“ und ”Der Tod in Venedig“ gewonnenen Urteil mindert Obenauer Manns Lebensleistung. Nicht nur in Obenauers ernstem und umfassendem Werk sondern auch im landläufigen literarhistorischen Urteil erscheint Mann als Dichter der Décadence, des Impressionismus, des Aesthetizismus. Als Obenauer die zitierten Zeilen schrieb, konnte man den Weg Manns noch nicht überschauen. ”Die Geschichten Jaakobs“ waren noch nicht erschienen. Der folgende Versuch—in seiner Art der erste und darum sicherlich nicht erschöpfend—soll den Ort des Josephromans im Gesamtwerk des Dichters finden und die übrigen Werke vom ”Joseph“ aus in einen entwicklungsgeschichtlichen Zusammenhang bringen.
The Concept of Grace in Wordsworth's Poetry
Authors: Geen Elizabeth
Published: November 2006

One sentence in Wordsworth's long letter to Dorothy describing his journey through France and Switzerland in 1790 might very well be used as a datum line from which to chart later utterances of the poet, either in prose or poetry, on God and nature. Wordsworth says, “Among the more awful scenes of the Alps I had not a thought of man or a single created being; my whole soul was turned to him who produced the terrible majesty before me.” When we add to this a sentence from a letter to Mathews written from Keswick late in 1794, “Cataracts and mountains are good occasional society, but they will not do for constant companions,” we can measure more or less accurately the distance Wordsworth had covered between 1790 and 1798, when cataracts and mountains had become “the soul of all his moral being” and He who had produced the terrible majesty a “motion and a spirit” that “rolls through all things.” Both sentences serve a salutary purpose in focusing attention on those formative elements in Wordsworth's early training which we tend under the influence of descriptions in The Prelude and its apostrophes to the “Wisdom and Spirit of the Universe” either to forget or to push into the background. With their outlines sharpened by a proper perspective they support the contention that Wordsworth's later orthodoxy is less a retreat from the naturalism of “Tintern Abbey” and The Prelude than it is a return to an earlier position, which, while all its implications at the time may not have been realized, was more in line with the later Wordsworth than with the pantheist of 1798–1802.
Some Sources of Yeats's The Wanderings of Oisin
Authors: Alspach Russell K.
Published: November 2006

The purposes of this article are two: 1) to consider the sources of “The Wanderings of Oisin” that Yeats himself gives; and 2) to consider additional sources, not given by Yeats, that I have found in the Irish literature written in English that we are fairly sure Yeats was familiar with. I shall be concerned throughout with only the first version of the poem—that of 1889—for in subsequent printings it was much changed.
Parallels in Poetic Device between the Old French Epic and the Old Welsh Elegy
Authors: Travis James
Published: November 2006

Parallels in poetic device between the Old French epic and the Old Welsh elegy, though numerous, appear to have escaped general notice. A consideration of these parallels can prove suggestive regarding the possible sources of the devices involved.
The Cavalheiro de Oliveira—A Precursor of Ramalho Ortigão
Authors: Moser Gerald M.
Published: November 2006

Francisco Xavier de Oliveira, also known as “Cavalheiro de Oliveira,” an obscure Portuguese official of the eighteenth century, is to most students of Romance literature a mere name, often confused with other Oliveiras, like Fernâo, the heretical grammarian; Alberto, the Brazilian poet; Olivesaira Martis, the dramatic historian; etc.