bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recruitment of the diaphragmaticus, ischiopubis and other respiratory muscles to control pitch and roll in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
Authors: Uriona T. J. , Farmer C. G.
Published: March 2008

We used electromyography on juvenile American alligators to test the hypothesis that the following muscles, which are known to play a role in respiration, are recruited for aquatic locomotion: M. diaphragmaticus, M. ischiopubis, M. rectus abdominis, M. intercostalis internus, and the M. transversus abdominis. We found no activity with locomotion in the transversus. The diaphragmaticus, ischiopubis, rectus abdominis and internal intercostals were active when the animals executed a head-down dive from a horizontal posture. Weights attached to the base of the tail resulted in greater electrical activity of diaphragmaticus, ischiopubis and rectus muscles than when weights were attached to the head, supporting a role of this musculature in locomotion. The diaphragmaticus and rectus abdominis were active unilaterally with rolling maneuvers. Although the function of these muscles in locomotion has previously been unrecognized, these data raise the possibility that the locomotor function arose when Crocodylomorpha assumed a semi-aquatic existence and that the musculoskeletal complex was secondarily recruited to supplement ventilation.
The correlated evolution of biomechanics, gait and foraging mode in lizards
Authors: McElroy Eric J. , Hickey Kristin L. , Reilly Stephen M.
Published: March 2008

Foraging mode has molded the evolution of many aspects of lizard biology. From a basic sit-and-wait sprinting feeding strategy, several lizard groups have evolved a wide foraging strategy, slowly moving through the environment using their highly developed chemosensory systems to locate prey. We studied locomotor performance, whole-body mechanics and gaits in a phylogenetic array of lizards that use sit-and-wait and wide-foraging strategies to contrast the functional differences associated with the need for speed vs slow continuous movement during foraging. Using multivariate and phylogenetic comparative analyses we tested for patterns of covariation in gaits and locomotor mechanics in relation to foraging mode. Sit-and-wait species used only fast speeds and trotting gaits coupled with running (bouncing) mechanics. Different wide-foraging species independently evolved slower locomotion with walking(vaulting) mechanics coupled with several different walking gaits, some of which have evolved several times. Most wide foragers retain the running mechanics with trotting gaits observed in sit-and-wait lizards, but some wide foragers have evolved very slow (high duty factor) running mechanics. In addition, three evolutionary reversals back to sit-and-wait foraging are coupled with the loss of walking mechanics. These findings provide strong evidence that foraging mode drives the evolution of biomechanics and gaits in lizards and that there are several ways to evolve slower locomotion. In addition, the different gaits used to walk slowly appear to match the ecological and behavioral challenges of the species that use them. Trotting appears to be a functionally stable strategy in lizards not necessarily related to whole-body mechanics or speed.
Aquaporins play a role in desiccation and freeze tolerance in larvae of the goldenrod gall fly, Eurosta solidaginis
Authors: Philip Benjamin N. , Yi Shu-Xia , Elnitsky Michael A. , Lee Richard E.
Published: March 2008

Survival of freezing not only requires organisms to tolerate ice formation within their body, but also depends on the rapid redistribution of water and cryoprotective compounds between intra- and extracellular compartments. Aquaporins are transmembrane proteins that serve as the major pathway through which water and small uncharged solutes (e.g. glycerol) enter and leave the cell. Consequently, we examined freeze-tolerant larvae of the goldenrod gall fly, Eurosta solidaginis, to determine whether aquaporins are present and if their presence promotes freeze tolerance of specific tissues. Immunoblotting with mammalian anti-AQP2, -AQP3 and -AQP4 revealed corresponding aquaporin homologues in E. solidaginis, whose patterns of expression varied depending on acclimation temperature and desiccation treatment. To examine the role of aquaporins in freeze tolerance, we froze fat body, midgut and salivary gland tissues in the presence and absence of mercuric chloride, an aquaporin inhibitor. Survival of fat body and midgut cells was significantly reduced when mercuric chloride was present. In contrast, survival of the salivary gland did not decrease when it was frozen with mercuric chloride. Overall, this study supports our hypothesis that naturally occurring aquaporins in E. solidaginis are regulated during desiccation and promote cell survival during freezing.
Knowledge-based vehicle body conceptual assembly design
Authors: Li Y-B , Chen G-L , Lai X-M , Jin S , Xing Y-F
Published: March 2008

The paper discusses the architecture of a knowledge-based vehicle body conceptual assembly design system. The proposed system addresses problems when applying knowledge-based techniques to vehicle body design at the conceptual design stage and later stages. The paper mainly gives a proposed framework and organization of the conceptual assembly design system with the help of knowledge-based engineering, where it takes into integrated consideration the assembly sequence, joint configuration, and tolerance allocation in the autobody assembly design process planning. Heuristic knowledge and empirical knowledge play active roles in the generation of the assembly sequence and dimension chain, the configuration of joint types, and the allocation of tolerance limits, and qualitative simulation is knowledge reasoning or rule reasoning with all kinds of rule, criterion, and principle, so that the knowledge-based vehicle assembly design system can improve assembly concept quality by means of qualitative simulation to fulfil the concurrent integration between conceptual design and detail design stages.
A study of the effects of entrained air in a hydraulic brake actuator
Authors: Lee J -C , Shin H -M , Jo H -Y
Published: March 2008

The effect of entrained air in the hydraulic brake system of a platoon vehicle in a controlled braking manoeuvre was theoretically investigated. The actuator dynamics with the load inertia was considered, and non-linear and linearized system equations were derived in dimensionless form. It was found that the principal resonant critical frequency decreases as a result of the entrained air, and that the resonant peak amplitude increases as the air content increases. The decreased resonant frequency leads to a reduction in the bandwidth of the brake actuator. A stability criterion for the system reveals that the entrained air reduces the allowable open-loop gain, diminishing the stability in a closed-loop system. Numerical simulations for frequency response show that even small amounts of entrained air could drastically affect the braking performance.
Identification of the interior noise generated by sport utility vehicle axles and structural modification of the axle system for noise reduction
Authors: Lee S -K , Lee J -Y , Kim S -J
Published: March 2008

This paper presents experimental and analytical methods for reducing the interior noise generated by the axle system of a sport utility vehicle. The test vehicle has a whine noise problem at the passenger seats. To identify the transfer path of the interior noise caused by the axle system, a vibration path analysis, modal analysis, and operational deflection shape analysis are systematically employed. It has been found that the interior noise generated by the axle system was airborne noise. To predict and reduce the whine noise generated by the axle system, structural modifications for the axle system are performed by using the finite element method and the boundary element method techniques. Throughout this modification the whine noise was reduced by 3—4 dBA.
Surface flame patterns and stability characteristics in a perforated cordierite burner for fuel reformers
Authors: Yang S W , Lee S H , Hwang S S
Published: March 2008

The combustion characteristics of surface flames in a perforated ceramic burner, which can be used as the main burner of a fuel reformer in fuel cell systems are experimentally investigated. The effects of the equivalence ratio and heating rate were studied to find less emission and a more stable surface flame. A specially designed fuel/air mixer was fabricated to produce a stable surface flame. The results show that surface flames can be classified into green, red radiant, and blue surface flames as the equivalence ratio decreases. Each flame is maintained very stable at the specified equivalence ratio and has the same flame characteristics at any orientation of the ceramic burner. In particular, the blue surface flame is found to be very stable at a very lean equivalence ratio at 8 to 23.2 kW heating rates. The exhausted NO x measurement shows that the blue surface flame represents the lowest NO x emission since it remains very stable at a lean mixture ratio. CO emission is also much lower compared with the bunsen flame due to lean combustion.
Simultaneous removal of CO2, SO2, and NOx from flue gas by liquid phase dehumidification at cryogenic temperatures and low pressure
Authors: McGlashan N R , Marquis A J
Published: March 2008

The current paper presents a new process for postcombustion carbon capture. An historical survey of the cryogenic techniques used in the chemical industry for the removal of acid vapours is given, with particular emphasis on two Ryan—Holmes-based processes. The paper suggests that these two processes have the potential to achieve CO2 separation from flue gas with high second law efficiency. A further variation on these processes is then proposed enabling the simultaneous capture of CO2, SO2, and NO x from flue gas produced in conventional or combined cycle power stations, burning pulverized coal or heavy bunker fuels. The proposed process absorbs these vapours by dehumidification using a cooled liquid absorbent, at low pressure (close to atmospheric) and cryogenic temperatures. A feature of the process is the use of direct contact heat transfer to perform the major cooling and heating operations thus reducing the plant size and cost while improving efficiency.

The paper starts with a discussion of the most suitable absorbent for the process; liquid SO2 is suggested and a simplified analysis of an absorption column is conducted using the technique developed by Souders and Brown. This analysis shows that with only four theoretical stages and an acceptable liquid/gas ratio of two, SO2 is able to absorb CO2 and leave a residual concentration of CO2 in the flue gas equivalent to 90 per cent carbon capture.

The final section of the paper describes the use of dilute H2SO4 as a precooling stream to reduce the temperature of the flue gas prior to it entering the CO2 scrubbing section. It is proposed to produce the necessary H2SO4 from the constituents of the flue gas using similar reactions to those of the ‘lead-chamber process’. The H2SO4 stream is also used to reheat the flue gas before it is passed to the chimney. It is shown that an important attribute of the H2SO4 stream is its role as a ‘lean-oil’, reducing SO2 emissions from the power station to well below the levels required by future legislation.
A two-dimensional simulation of developing laminar heat and mass transfer in fuel cell channels with uniform suction of O2 and H2
Authors: Hassanzadeh H , Mansouri S H , Mehrabian M A , Sarrafi A
Published: March 2008

A numerical model was developed to simulate the momentum, heat, and mass transfer in the fuel cell channels at steady state and developing laminar flow with constant fluid properties. The continuity, momentum, energy, and species equations were solved for humidified air and humidified H2 with constant mass flux suction boundary condition for O2 in the cathode and H2 in the anode channels. A finite-volume method was used to solve the equations in two-dimensional cases. Friction coefficient was related to the flowrate, whereas Nusselt and Sherwood numbers were, respectively, related to the heat and mass transfer in the flow channels. The distribution of local Nu and Sh numbers and their average values were obtained on the porous walls of the channels (electrodes). The local Nu and Sh numbers were increased with increasing the pressure and Reynolds numbers, whereas the coefficient of friction and the average Nu and Sh numbers were decreased when the pressure and Re number are increased. The mass fraction of O2 and H2 were decreased along the channel, except at the entrance regions, whereas the mass fraction of water vapour increased along the channel, especially on the porous wall. Solving the species equations gave: (a) the distribution of mass concentration of O2 and H2 and other species in the channels and on the electrode surfaces for several stochiometric ratios and different current densities; (b) the local and average Sherwood numbers in the cathode channels for O2 at different stochiometric ratios, different inlet wall Reynolds numbers, and several inlet pressures; and (c) the water vapour mass fraction in both channels and the mass of liquid water if condensation occurs.
Automatic generation control of single area power system with multi-source power generation
Authors: Ramakrishna K S S , Bhatti T S
Published: March 2008

In the current paper, automatic generation control (AGC) of a more realistic single area power system with multi-source power generation is studied. The system transfer function model comprises hydro, thermal, and gas power generations with speed governor models and system load for studying the dynamic response for small load disturbances. A proportional plus integral load frequency control scheme is applied only to thermal and gas power generations and hydro is allowed to operate at its scheduled generation level with only speed governor control. Genetic algorithm (GA) is used to optimize the conventional proportional—integral controller gains. Integral squared error (ISE) and integral time absolute error (ITAE) performance indices are used to obtain optimal AGC parameters. The effects on transient performance of the system are investigated for common and individual AGC controller gains of thermal and gas power generations. It is shown that the optimum values of the AGC controller parameters for a single area power system obtained by assuming single source plant dynamics (hydro or thermal) are considerably different than that of a multi-source single area system. The study is also conducted by considering generation rate constraint (GRC) on thermal and hydro generating units. Finally, transient responses are shown for different scheduled loading conditions.
Design optimization of a low-speed fan blade with sweep and lean
Authors: Seo S-J , Choi S-M , Kim K-Y
Published: March 2008

The present work performs numerical optimization for design of blade stacking line for an axial flow fan with response surface method using three-dimensional Navier—Stokes analysis, and evaluates the effects of sweep and lean on the performance of the fan blade. Reynolds-averaged Navier—Stokes equations are discretized with finite-volume approximations using unstructured grids. Four geometric variables concerning spanwise distributions of sweep and lean of blade stacking line are chosen as design variables to find maximum efficiency. The computational results show good agreements with experimental data. The total efficiency is successfully increased in comparison with the reference fan by optimizing three-dimensional stacking line with sweep and lean. Coupling of sweep and lean also improves off-design performance of the blade remarkably.
Computer system for monitoring power boiler operation
Authors: Taler J , Weglowski B , Zima W , Duda P , Gradziel S , Sobota T , Cebula A , Taler D
Published: March 2008

The computer-based boiler performance monitoring system was developed to perform thermal-hydraulic computations of the boiler working parameters in an on-line mode. Measurements of temperatures, heat flux, pressures, mass flowrates, and gas analysis data were used to perform the heat transfer analysis in the evaporator, furnace, and convection pass.

A new construction technique of heat flux tubes for determining heat flux absorbed by membrane water-walls is also presented. Flux tubes mounted at different levels in the boiler work at similar conditions as water-walls tubes. The current paper presents the results of heat flux measurement in coal-fired steam boilers.

During changes of the boiler load, the necessary natural water circulation cannot be exceeded. A rapid increase of pressure may cause fading of the boiling process in water-wall tubes, whereas a rapid decrease of pressure leads to water boiling in all elements of the boiler's evaporator — water-wall tubes and downcomers. Both cases can cause flow stagnation in the water circulation leading to pipe cracking. Two flowmeters were assembled on central downcomers, and an investigation of natural water circulation in an OP-210 boiler (with steam capacity of 210 × 103 kg/h) was carried out. On the basis of these measurements, the maximum rates of pressure change in the boiler evaporator were determined.

The on-line computation of the conditions in the combustion chamber allows for real-time determination of the heat flowrate transferred to the power boiler evaporator. Furthermore, with a quantitative indication of surface cleanliness, selective sootblowing can be directed at specific problem areas. A boiler monitoring system is also incorporated to provide details of changes in boiler efficiency and operating conditions following sootblowing, so that the effects of a particular sootblowing sequence can be analysed and optimized at a later stage.

The current paper also presents an analysis of stresses occurring in the boiler drum and the downcomer junction during-start up and shut-down of the boiler.
Models for the estimation of building integrated photovoltaic systems in urban environments
Authors: Clarke P , Muneer T , Davidson A , Kubie J
Published: March 2008

Growing concerns of global warming has spurred a rapid growth in micro-renewable technologies. Technologies, which can be integrated into building structures, such as photovoltaic and solar thermal systems, are a popular choice with clients and installers. Traditional solar energy models are often used when designing building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems. Problems are often encountered in urban locations where BIPV systems do not meet their design performance. This is because the solar energy models used in the design process include only the effects of shading caused by the blockage of the beam component, but do not consider the effects of overall global dimming, caused by the reduction of the diffuse component emanating from the sky hemisphere due to surrounding obstacles, such as buildings and trees. The current paper presents two models, which have been developed to incorporate the effects of shading of either the beam component, or the shading of both the beam and the diffuse components on BIPV output.
Deconstructing media coverage of trastuzumab (Herceptin): an analysis of national newspaper coverage
Authors: Wilson Paul M , Booth Alison M , Eastwood Alison , Watt Ian S
Published: March 2008

Summary

Objective

To explore and critically describe the content and main narratives of UK national daily newspaper coverage of trastuzumab (Herceptin®).

Design

We used the NewsBank database to search eight national daily newspapers, and their Sunday equivalents, retrospectively from 19 February 2006 back to the earliest mention of trastuzumab or Herceptin (19 May 1998).

Setting

UK national newspapers.

Main outcome measures

To be eligible for inclusion, articles had to contain at least three sentences about trastuzumab. Articles that focused on the financial performance of companies associated with the drug were excluded from the analysis. For each included article, we extracted bibliographic details and data, and independently rated the reporting slant towards trastuzumab and, where relevant, the reporting slant towards access to treatment.

Results

We identified 361 articles that met the study inclusion criteria. The proprietary name of Herceptin was always used, with only eight articles mentioning the generic alternative. 294/361 included articles (81.5%) were rated as being positive towards trastuzumab, the remainder rated as neutral. Access to trastuzumab treatment was the main narrative running across included articles and reports of individual patients seeking treatment featured prominently throughout. In 208/361 of included articles (57%) the reporting slant towards access to trastuzumab treatment was rated as negative. 178/361 of included articles (49.3%) mentioned licensing, but rarely mentioned that licensing processes can only occur when the manufacturer applies for a licence. Only a minority of articles mentioned that the drug had to be licensed before it could be subject to the NICE approval process.

Conclusions

Newspaper coverage of trastuzumab has been characterized by uncritical reporting. Journalists (and consumers) should be more questioning when confronted with information about new drugs and of the motives of those who seek to set the news agenda.
Dysphagia with a thyroid nodule: is there a primary aerodigestive malignancy?
Authors: Michalopoulos Konstantinos , Gunasekaran Sinnappa , Moor James W , Bem Chris
Published: March 2008

Summary

Three cases of laryngopharyngeal primary squamous cell carcinoma presenting with thyroid nodules are described. The key message to take away from these cases is that patients with advanced malignancy of the upper aerodigestive tract can present with a thyroid nodule.
Trends in national incidence, lifetime prevalence and adrenaline prescribing for anaphylaxis in England
Authors: Sheikh Aziz , Hippisley-Cox Julia , Newton John , Fenty Justin
Published: March 2008

Summary

Background

Analysis of primary healthcare datasets offers the possibility to increase understanding of the epidemiology of acute uncommon conditions such as anaphylaxis, but these datasets remain under-exploited.

Aim

To investigate recent trends in the recorded incidence, lifetime prevalence and prescribing of adrenaline for anaphylaxis in England.

Methods

QRESEARCH is one of the world's largest national aggregated health databases containing the records of over nine million patients. We extracted data on all patients with a recorded diagnosis of anaphylaxis and calculated annual age-sex standardized incidence and lifetime period prevalence rates for each year from 2001–2005. We also analysed trends in adrenaline prescribing in those with a recorded diagnosis of anaphylaxis. National population figures were used to estimate numbers of people in England that have experienced anaphylaxis at some point in their lives.

Results

The age-sex standardized incidence of anaphylaxis was 6.7 per 100,000 person-years in 2001 and increased by 19% to 7.9 in 2005. Lifetime age-sex standardized prevalence of a recorded diagnosis of anaphylaxis was 50.0 per 100,000 in 2001 and increased by 51% to 75.5 in 2005. Prescribing of adrenaline increased by 97% over this period. By the end of 2005 there were an estimated 37,800 people that had experienced anaphylaxis at some point in their lives.

Conclusions

Recorded incidence, lifetime prevalence and prescribing of adrenaline for anaphylaxis all showed substantial increases in recent years. An estimated 1 in 1,333 of the English population have at some point in their lives experienced anaphylaxis.
Proxy assessment of quality of life in patients with prostate cancer: how accurate are partners and urologists?
Authors: Pearcy R , Waldron D , O'Boyle C , MacDonagh R
Published: March 2008

Summary

Objectives

To assess the ability of partners and clinicians to make proxy judgements on behalf of patients with prostate cancer relating to selection of life priorities and quality of life (QoL).

Design

47 consecutive patients with histologically proven adenocarcinoma, and their partners, were recruited. The partners were asked to assess, by proxy, the QoL of the patient by completion of a series of interview-led questionnaires assessing global QoL (SEIQoL-DW), health-related QoL (FACT-P) and overall QoL (visual analogue score [VAS]). The patients' clinicians were asked to complete the SEIQoL-DW and VAS by proxy as soon as possible after a consultation with the patient.

Setting

Patients with histologically proven adenocarcinoma, their partners and their clinicians.

Main outcome measures

Proxy scores for SEIQoL-DW, FACT-P and VAS, as provided by partners and clinicians.

Results

25 partners made a proxy assessment of the patients. The results showed that partners were able to select similar QoL cues to those of the patients (Spearman-Rank correlation 0.89). Comparison of the QoL scores obtained from patients and partners in proxy using the questionnaires showed no statistically significant difference (paired t-test). Urologists were poor predictors of areas of life (cues) that were important to their patients. The doctors overemphasized the importance of survival, postoperative complications, urinary symptoms, sexual ability, activities of daily living and finance, but underestimated the importance of wife, family, home and religion. Comparison of the QoL scores obtained from patients and urologists by proxy showed a significantly lower score when assessed by urologists using the SEIQoL-DW questionnaire.

Conclusions

Partners are able to accurately assess, by proxy, the areas of life that are of importance to patients. Clinicians, however, who are charged with making decisions on behalf of patients, are very poor judges of their patients' life priorities and QoL. This illustrates that conventional views held by most doctors regarding the priorities patients set themselves when planning treatment should be called into question and consequently suggests that the way in which doctors and patients arrive at treatment decisions must be reviewed.
Analysis of Circulating Forms of proBNP and NT-proBNP in Patients with Severe Heart Failure
Authors: Hammerer-Lercher Angelika , Halfinger Bernhard , Sarg Bettina , Mair Johannes , Puschendorf Bernd , Griesmacher Andrea , Guzman Norberto A , Lindner Herbert H
Published: March 2008

Background: The specific forms of pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (proBNP) that occur in human blood are not yet clear. We demonstrated the presence of several proBNP forms in human plasma with a new affinity chromatography method that can be used in combination with nano–liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (nano-LC–ESI–MS/MS).

Methods: For affinity chromatography, we coupled Fab′ fragments of polyclonal sheep antibodies specific for N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) epitope 1–21 to silica beads. We connected a column (10 mm × 0.8 mm inner diameter) packed with these beads to a trypsin reactor and used a preconcentrator in combination with a fritless nanospray column to perform MS analyses of proBNP forms in preextracted and non-preextracted samples of plasma from patients with severe heart failure (HF). We used Western blotting in deglycosylation experiments to confirm the shifts in proBNP and NT-proBNP masses.

Results: Tandem MS experiments demonstrated the presence of both NT-proBNP and circulating proBNP in preextracted samples of plasma from patients with severe HF, and Western blotting analyses revealed 2 bands of approximately 23 kDa and 13 kDa that shifted after deglycosylation to positions that corresponded to the locations of recombinant proBNP and synthetic NT-proBNP.

Conclusions: We obtained clear evidence for circulating proBNP in patients with severe HF and provided the first demonstration of O-glycosylation of NT-proBNP. The higher molecular masses for NT-proBNP and proBNP observed in the Western blotting analyses than those expected from calculations can be explained by O-glycosylation of these peptides in vivo.
Tissue Factor and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Expression in Hypertensive Individuals with Normal or Increased Carotid Intima-Media Wall Thickness
Authors: Sardo Maria A , Campo Salvatore , Mandraffino Giuseppe , Saitta Carlo , Bonaiuto Antonio , Castaldo Maria , Cinquegrani Maurizio , Pizzimenti Giovanni , Saitta Antonino
Published: March 2008

Background: People with hypertension display an inflammatory pattern that includes increased plasma concentrations of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and C-reactive protein (CRP) and enhanced expression of tissue factor (TF) mRNA in blood monocytes.

Methods: In this study, we investigated the relationship between CRP concentrations and TF and MCP-1 mRNA expression in unstimulated and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated monocytes isolated from hypertensives with or without an increase in carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). We also investigated the expression of TF and MCP-1 mRNA and MCP-1 protein after in vitro addition of CRP to monocytes. We measured CRP (by immunonephelometry) and monocyte expression of TF and MCP-1 (by real-time PCR) in 80 untreated hypertensive patients without clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) or additional risk factors for CVD compared with 41 controls. Based on IMT measured by carotid Doppler ultrasonography, patients were classified into the categories of normal (≤1 mm) or abnormal (>1 mm). TF and MCP-1 mRNA and MCP-1 protein (by Western blotting) were measured after in vitro addition of CRP to monocytes from 10 randomized controls as well as 10 hypertensives with IMT ≤1 mm and 10 with IMT >1 mm.

Results: CRP and TF and MCP-1 mRNA concentrations were significantly higher in IMT >1 mm hypertensives vs those with IMT ≤1 mm and controls. CRP had no effect on monocyte TF mRNA from either hypertensives or controls. CRP-stimulated monocytes from hypertensives, however, showed increased MCP-1 mRNA and protein expression compared with controls and LPS-stimulated cells.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the inflammatory response of blood monocytes plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis and hypertension.
Immunodetection of Glycosylated NT-proBNP Circulating in Human Blood
Authors: Seferian Karina R , Tamm Natalia N , Semenov Alexander G , Tolstaya Anastasia A , Koshkina Ekaterina V , Krasnoselsky Mihail I , Postnikov Alexander B , Serebryanaya Daria V , Apple Fred S , Murakami MaryAnn M , Katrukha Alexey G
Published: March 2008

Background: Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) or NT-proBNP (N-terminal fragment of BNP precursor) measurements are recommended as aids in diagnosis and prognosis of patients with heart failure. Recently it has been shown that proBNP is O-glycosylated in human blood. The goal of this study was to map sites on the NT-proBNP molecule that should be recognized by antibodies used in optimal NT-proBNP assays.

Methods: We analyzed endogenous NT-proBNP by several immunochemical methods using a broad panel of monoclonal antibodies specific to different epitopes of the NT-proBNP molecule.

Results: Treatment of endogenous NT-proBNP by a mixture of glycosidases resulted in significant improvement of the interaction between deglycosylated NT-proBNP and monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific to the mid-fragment of the molecule. MAbs specific to the N- and C-terminal parts of NT-proBNP (epitopes 13–24 and 63–76) were able to recognize glycosylated and deglycosylated protein with similar efficiency.

Conclusions: The central part of endogenous NT-proBNP is glycosylated, making it almost “invisible” for the antibodies specific to the mid-fragment of the molecule. Thus sandwich assays using even one antibody (poly- or monoclonal) specific to the central part of the molecule could underestimate the real concentration of endogenous NT-proBNP. MAbs specific to the N- and C-terminal parts of NT-proBNP (epitopes 13–24 and 63–76) are the best candidates to be used in an assay for optimal NT-proBNP immunodetection.
Performance Evaluation Test of the Time-of-Flight Diffraction Technique for Welded Joints of Steel Bridges
Authors: Miki Chitoshi , Nishikawa Kazuhiro , Shirahata Hiromi , Takahashi Minoru
Published: March 2008

Ultrasonic testing can be applied to welded joints of steel bridges following a revision of the Japanese Specifications for Highway Bridges. The time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD) technique and the pulse echo technique are possible testing methods. However, the efficiency of the TOFD technique for steel bridges has until now not been investigated completely. A round robin test project using testing systems of several different companies was organized by the Ministry of Construction for this purpose. The performance of each participant system was evaluated and applicability of the TOFD technique was investigated.
The Effects of Trauma-Focused Research on Pregnant Female Participants
Authors: Schwerdtfeger Kami L. , Goff Briana S. Nelson
Published: March 2008

Recent emphasis on the ethical conduct of researchers has resulted in a growing body of literature exploring the impact of trauma-focused research on participants. To date, pregnant women have not been widely included in trauma-focused research, possibly because they are considered a vulnerable population in research. The current research investigated how 41 expectant mothers responded to participation in a trauma-focused study. Overall, the results of this study suggest that trauma-focused research is well tolerated by pregnant women. Specific findings indicated that pregnant women considered more traumatized perceived greater benefits from participation. Best practices for conducting ethical trauma-focused research with pregnant women are provided. As well, recommendations for future research are outlined in an effort to further extend the ethical understanding of the benefits and costs of trauma-focused research with potentially vulnerable populations.
Are We Misjudging How Well Informed Consent Forms are Read?
Authors: McNutt Louise-Anne , Waltermaurer Eve , Bednarczyk Robert A. , Carlson Bonnie E. , Kotval Jeroo , McCauley Jeanne , Campbell Jacquelyn C. , Ford Daniel E.
Published: March 2008

Understanding that informed consent forms are provided to be read and comprehended, this study compares the research assistant's perception of comprehension with the actual time potential participants spend reading their consent form. After providing information verbally to two samples of women, research assistants observed as the women reviewed and signed the consent form recording the time spent reading and the assistant's impression of reading behavior. Over half of the women “read” their consent forms in thirty seconds or less before signing. Despite the brief time participants actually read, research assistants reported that 38%–74% (depending on the sample) appeared to have completely read the forms. Research to determine if timing aids will improve research assistants' assessment of participant reading behaviors should be considered.
Co-produced Histories: Mapping the Uses and Narratives of History in the Tourist Age
Authors: GLOVER NIKOLAS
Published: March 2008

The past we associate with ourselves, “Others,” and particular spaces—be they historical sites or global communities—is central to the study of current global transformative cultural processes. Thus, investigating the uses and narratives of history among tourists and their local “hosts,” we might gain important insights into how we try to make sense of the ever-changing present and our place in it. One way of doing so would be to apply the analytical terminology discerned in this article. Taking a number of studies as a point of departure, the article suggests a way of “mapping” the uses and narratives of history in international heritage tourism contexts. The proposed typology should not be conceived as static, but rather as a conceptual attempt to assist public historians as they reflect upon the dynamics of heritage-tourism contexts.
The Reconstruction of Memory at Constitution Hill
Authors: MADIKIDA CHURCHILL , SEGAL LAUREN , VAN DEN BERG CLIVE
Published: March 2008

The Old Fort Prison was Johannesburg's main place of incarceration of prisoners for eight decades, including during the apartheid era. Virtually every important political leader in South African history, including Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Winnie Mandela, and Fatima Meer, as well as scores of ordinary South Africans caught in the web of colonial and apartheid repression, were imprisoned there. Today, this prison complex is home to South Africa's Constitutional Court. Constitution Hill has brought former prisoners to “map” their memories of the site. They also host public dialogues on the injustices of the past, as typified by the prisons at Number Four, as well as people's understanding of their constitutional needs and rights, and their experiences of the country's young constitutional democracy.
Challenges on the Road to Memory
Authors: GUEMBE MARIA LAURA
Published: March 2008

Memoria Abierta's work responds to the need for a dialogue in Argentina among human rights organizations, the government, and civil society that will stimulate the formation of a collective memory about the history of State-led terrorism in the country. Processing documents, testimonies, and images related to the history of illegal repression in Argentina (c. 1974–1983), and creating a topographical reconstruction of the locations where State-led terrorism occurred poses diverse ethical, technical, and political problems regarding the recollection, description, transmission, and diffusion of the materials of memory. This article describes some of these challenges and how they affect and are shaped by the work of Memoria Abierta.
The Struggle to Control the Past: Commemoration, Memory, and the Bear River Massacre of 1863
Authors: BARNES JOHN
Published: March 2008

On January 29, 1863, the United States Army attacked a band of Northwestern Shoshones at Bear River in southern Idaho, killing nearly 300 men, women, and children. This massacre is absent from much of the historiography. At the site of the massacre, however, a handful of monuments stand commemorating the same event yet telling the story in different—almost contradictory—ways. These monuments are anomalous in America's commemorated history, and reveal shifts in popular and scholarly memory over the last 140 years: a visible struggle to control the past.
Foreword
Authors: ŠEVČENKO LIZ , RUSSELL-CIARDI MAGGIE
Published: March 2008

Sites of Conscience are historic places that foster public dialogue on pressing contemporary issues in historical perspective. This foreword to a collection of essays from members of the International Coalition of Historic Site Museums of Conscience highlights diverse approaches to opening historic sites for civic dialogue. The collection explores the challenges sites around the world face to hosting public conversation on difficult subjects in their different political contexts, and some of the strategies they have used to address those challenges. The foreword reflects on the perspectives international examples provide for U.S. museums that seek to serve as Sites of Conscience.
Mobilization of Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells by Yeast-Derivedβ-Glucan Requires Activation of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9
Authors: Cramer Daniel E. , Wagner Stephanie , Li Bing , Liu Jingjing , Hansen Richard , Reca Ryan , Wu Wan , Surma Ewa Zuba , Laber Damian A. , Ratajczak Mariusz Z. , Yan Jun
Published: March 2008

Poly-(1,6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1,3)-β-d-glucopyranose (PGG) β-glucan is a soluble yeast-derived polysaccharide that has previously been shown to induce hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) mobilization. However, the mobilizing mechanism of action remains unknown. Here, we confirmed that PGG β-glucan alone or in combination with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) mobilizes HPC into the periphery. Optimal mobilizing effects were seen 24–48 hours after PGG β-glucan doses of 4.8–9.6 mg/kg. Animals treated with G-CSF and PGG β-glucan showed a collaborative effect in HPC mobilization compared with G-CSF treatment alone. Additional studies demonstrated that neither complement 3 nor complement receptor 3 played a role in this effect and that PGG β-glucan treatment did not induce proinflammatory cytokine secretion. However, bone marrow cells from PGG β-glucan-treated mice secreted abundant matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and PGG β-glucan-induced HPC mobilization was abrogated in MMP-9 knockout mice. Moreover, we demonstrated that both hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cells contributed to MMP-9 secretion upon PGG β-glucan treatment. In addition, HPCs mobilized by PGG β-glucan had similar levels of engraftment in host and lineage differentiation capability compared with those mobilized by G-CSF. Thus, PGG β-glucan is an agent that enhances HPC mobilization and may improve the outcome of clinical stem cell transplantation.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Stormwater sand filters in water-sensitive urban design
Authors: Kandasamy J. , Beecham S. , Dunphy A.
Published: March 2008

This paper investigates the suitability of sand filters for harvesting and treating stormwater for non-potable reuse purposes. A stormwater sand filtration device was constructed in a small urban catchment in Sydney, Australia. A sand filter is typically used in water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) as a component of a treatment train to remove pollution from stormwater before discharge to receiving waters, to groundwater or for collection and reuse. This paper describes an 18 month field study undertaken to determine the effectiveness and pollutant removal efficiency of a sand filter, and the differences in the pollutant removal efficiency of two grades of sand. A comparison of pollutant removal with previous literature on sand filters showed similar efficiencies but nutrient removal was higher than expected. A further unexpected result was that the coarse filter media performed as well as the fine media for most pollutant types and was superior in suspended solids removal. Improved modelling equations for predicting suspended solids and total phosphorus removal in sand filters are also presented in this paper.
Identifying risk factors of BOT for water supply projects
Authors: Zeng S. X. , Wan T. W. , Tam C. M. , Liu D.
Published: March 2008

In China, urbanisation, industrialisation and increasing population are straining the existing infrastructure facilities, the shortage of which will suffocate economic growth and social development. In order to overcome the ‘bottleneck’, the Chinese government has explored the mechanism of the build–operation–transfer (BOT) model to encourage infrastructure provisions from the private sector. Using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique, this paper constructs a three-level hierarchy for identifying the critical risk factors for water supply BOT projects in China. By comparing the 28 risk factors, the critical risk factors were short-listed and found to include ‘change of taxation policy’, ‘fluctuation of loan interest rate’, ‘variation of water resources price’, ‘fluctuation of foreign exchange rates’, ‘competitors’ and so on. Finally, strategies of risk management were proposed, including risk minimisation, risk transfer, risk allocation and risk retention.
Determining water surface elevation in tidal rivers by ANN
Authors: Adib A.
Published: March 2008

Fluvial flows and tidal flows are governing on tidal rivers while fluvial flows are governing on non-tidal rivers alone. In addition to analytical and numerical models, stochastic methods must be considered to determine water surface elevation at the tidal limit of tidal rivers because hydraulic routing of this reach is very complex. In the present research, the neural network method was considered for determination of water surface elevation at the tidal limit of tidal rivers. The artificial neural network (ANN) method was trained using results from a suitable numerical model. The results of the ANN method were compared with results for the governing regression relation for water surface elevation at the tidal limit of tidal rivers. The ANN method was applied to the Karun river in Iran and the River Severn in the UK. The ANN method was found to produce water surface elevations for different combined return periods in the Karun river and the River Severn.
Retirees' Social Identity and Satisfaction with Retirement
Authors: Michinov Estelle , Fouquereau Evelyne , Fernandez Anne
Published: March 2008

The purpose of this study was to examine the structure of retirees' social identity and its impact on satisfaction with retirement. From social identity theory formulations, we assumed that (1) retiree-identity was comprised of three distinct components (cognitive, evaluative, and affective), and (2) only the affective component would play a role in satisfaction with retirement. Results of the present study conducted with 154 retired people in France revealed only two components of social identity: a cognitive identity which refers to self-categorization as “retired people,” and an affective identity which refers to evaluation of the group and affective involvement. As expected, regression analyses results indicated that only affective identity was a predictor of satisfaction with retirement. These results will be discussed in the framework of social identity theory literature.
A Review: Development of a Microdose Model for Analysis of Adaptive Response and Bystander Dose Response Behavior
Authors: Leonard Bobby E.
Published: March 2008

Prior work has provided incremental phases to a microdosimetry modeling program to describe the dose response behavior of the radio-protective adaptive response effect. We have here consolidated these prior works ( Leonard 2000 , 2005 , 2007a , 2007b , 2007c ) to provide a composite, comprehensive Microdose Model that is also herein modified to include the bystander effect. The nomenclature for the model is also standardized for the benefit of the experimental cellular radio-biologist. It extends the prior work to explicitly encompass separately the analysis of experimental data that is 1.) only dose dependent and reflecting only adaptive response radio-protection, 2.) both dose and dose-rate dependent data and reflecting only adaptive response radio-protection for spontaneous and challenge dose damage, 3.) only dose dependent data and reflecting both bystander deleterious damage and adaptive response radio-protection (AR-BE model). The Appendix cites the various applications of the model. Here we have used the Microdose Model to analyze the, much more human risk significant, Elmore et al (2006) data for the dose and dose rate influence on the adaptive response radio-protective behavior of HeLa x Skin cells for naturally occurring, spontaneous chromosome damage from a Brachytherapy type 125I photon radiation source. We have also applied the AR-BE Microdose Model to the Chromosome inversion data of Hooker et al (2004) reflecting both low LET bystander and adaptive response effects. The micro-beam facility data of Miller et al (1999) , Nagasawa and Little (1999) and Zhou et al (2003) is also examined. For the Zhou et al (2003) data, we use the AR-BE model to estimate the threshold for adaptive response reduction of the bystander effect. The mammogram and diagnostic X-ray induction of AR and protective BE are observed. We show that bystander damage is reduced in the similar manner as spontaneous and challenge dose damage as shown by the Azzam et al (1996) data. We cite primary unresolved questions regarding adaptive response behavior and bystander behavior. The five features of major significance provided by the Microdose Model so far are 1.) Single Specific Energy Hits initiate Adaptive Response, 2.) Mammogram and diagnostic X-rays induce a protective Bystander Effect as well as Adaptive Response radio-protection. 3.) For mammogram X-rays the Adaptive Response protection is retained at high primer dose levels. 4.) The dose range of the AR protection depends on the value of the Specific Energy per Hit, < z1>. 5.) Alpha particle induced deleterious Bystander damage is modulated by low LET radiation.