bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bupivacaine caudal epidural anesthesia: assessing the effect of general anesthetic technique on block onset
Authors: INGELMO P.M. , BENDALL E.J. , FRAWLEY G. , LOCATELLI B.G. , MILAN B. , LODETTI D. , FUMAGALLI R.
Published: October 2006

Background: The primary objective of this prospective, randomized trial was to compare the effect of propofol and sevoflurane on effectiveness of regional anesthesia. As a secondary objective, we aimed at evaluating the influence of age on neuraxial block profile.

Methods: One hundred and thirteen healthy children aged <10 years, scheduled for general or urological surgical procedures were randomly allocated to receive either propofol or sevoflurane induction and maintenance. Children received caudal or lumbar epidural block depending on their weight and expected surgery. Time to onset of surgical anesthesia, intraoperative analgesic effectiveness, residual motor blockade, postoperative pain, and adverse effects were evaluated. To assess the influence of age on these measures children were further divided into three age groups: 0–24, 25–60 and >60 months.

Results: The mean time to onset of surgical anesthesia was significantly shorter in the sevoflurane group than the propofol group (3.1 vs 4.7 min,P < 0.01), independent of the type of regional technique employed. Distress on arousal in recovery was increased in children receiving sevoflurane (P = 0.03). There was no significant difference in residual motor blockade between the groups but children between 0 and 24 months receiving sevoflurane had a higher incidence of residual motor blockade 3 h after local anesthetic injection (P = 0.01).

Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that general anesthesia with sevoflurane decreases the time to onset of surgical anesthesia relative to propofol anesthesia. This effect was most marked when sevoflurane anesthesia preceded caudal epidural blockade. The basis for this effect is most likely to be related to differential binding of the two anesthetic agents to receptors in the spinal cord that mediate immobility in response to surgical stimuli.
Labour market integration of unemployed youth from a life course perspective: the case of Norway
Authors: Hammer Torild
Published: October 2006

The aim of this article is to analyse the labour market integration of previously unemployed youth in a life course perspective. ‘Work, Lifestyle and Health’ is a longitudinal panel survey following a sample of nearly 2,000 individuals who are representative of the Norwegian cohorts born between 1965 and 1968. The survey was first conducted in 1985 with follow‐ups in 1987, 1989, 1993 and again in 2003. Unemployment among young people does not necessarily lead to marginalisation and social exclusion. Long‐term effects will be dependent upon how the youths cope with unemployment, the duration of the unemployment period, their mental health status and educational qualifications. Many young unemployed people are not entitled to unemployment benefits because they lack work experience. Consequently, they are dependent on support from their family and/or social assistance. However, there is still much to learn about the long‐term consequences of youth unemployment, e.g. whether or not the youths have received social assistance and what are the long‐term consequences for their future labour market career and labour market integration.
Visual fields in Blue Ducks Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos and Pink‐eared Ducks Malacorhynchus membranaceus: visual and tactile foraging
Authors: MARTIN GRAHAM R. , JARRETT NIGEL , WILLIAMS MURRAY
Published: October 2006

Blue Ducks Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos (Anatidae), an IUCN Red Listed Endangered species, reside in headwaters of New Zealand rivers and feed primarily on aquatic invertebrates. However, whether such food items are detected by tactile or visual cues is unknown. That Blue Ducks may use tactile cues when foraging is suggested by the presence of specialized flaps of thickened, keratinized epidermis containing Herbst's corpuscles along the ventral margins of the upper mandibles near the bill tip. Similar bill flaps are found only in one other duck species, Pink‐eared Ducks Malacorhynchus membranaceus, that surface filter‐feed on a range of planktonic organisms. Using an ophthalmoscopic reflex technique we determined the visual fields of both species. In Blue Ducks the eyes are frontally placed resulting in a relatively wide binocular field into which the narrow tapering bill intrudes. There is a large blind area to the rear of the head. This visual field topography is similar to that of other visually guided foragers including those that take mobile prey from the water column, e.g. penguins (Spheniscidae). By contrast, Pink‐eared Duck visual fields show features found in other tactile feeding ducks: a narrow frontal binocular field with the bill falling at the periphery, and comprehensive visual coverage of the celestial hemisphere. We conclude that although Blue Ducks may take prey from rock surfaces they are primarily visual feeders of the water column and we suggest therefore that their foraging may be significantly disrupted by changes in water clarity. This introduces a previously unconsidered factor into the selection of sites for population enhancement or re‐introductions, a current conservation focus.
Leishmania infantum LeIF protein is an ATP‐dependent RNA helicase and an eIF4A‐like factor that inhibits translation in yeast
Authors: Barhoumi Mourad , Tanner N. K. , Banroques Josette , Linder Patrick , Guizani Ikram
Published: October 2006

LeIF, a Leishmania protein similar to the eukaryotic initiation factor eIF4A, which is a prototype of the DEAD box protein family, was originally described as a Th1‐type natural adjuvant and as an antigen that induces an IL12‐mediated Th1 response in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of leishmaniasis patients. This study aims to characterize this protein by comparative biochemical and genetic analysis with eIF4A in order to assess its potential as a target for drug development. We show that a His‐tagged, recombinant, LeIF protein of Leishmania infantum, which was purified from Escherichia coli, is both an RNA‐dependent ATPase and an ATP‐dependent RNA helicase in vitro, as described previously for other members of the DEAD box helicase protein family. In vivo experiments show that the LeIF gene cannot complement the deletion of the essential TIF1 and TIF2 genes in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that encode eIF4A. In contrast, expression of LeIF inhibits yeast growth when endogenous eIF4A is expressed off only one of its two encoding genes. Furthermore, in vitro binding assays show that LeIF interacts with yeast eIF4G. These results show an unproductive interaction of LeIF with translation initiation factors in yeast. Furthermore, the 25 amino terminal residues were shown to enhance the ability of LeIF to interfere with the translation machinery in yeast.
Identification of bikunin as an endogenous inhibitor of dynorphin convertase in human cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Suder Piotr , Bierczynska‐Krzysik Anna , Kraj Agnieszka , Brostedt Peter , Mak Pawel , Stawikowski Maciej , Rolka Krzysztof , Nyberg Fred , Fries Erik , Silberring Jerzy
Published: October 2006

Dynorphin‐converting enzymes constitute a group of peptidases capable of converting dynorphins to enkephalins. Through the action of these enzymes, the dynorphin‐related peptides bind to δ‐opioid instead of κ‐opioid receptors, leading to a change in the biological function of the neuropeptides. In this article, we describe the identification of the protein bikunin as an endogenous, competitive inhibitor of a dynorphin‐converting enzyme in human cerebrospinal fluid. This protein is present together with its target enzyme in the same body fluids. The KM value of the convertase was found to be 9 µm, and the Ki value of the inhibitor was 1.7 nm. The finding indicates that bikunin may play a significant role as a regulatory mechanism of neuropeptides, where one bioactive peptide is converted to a shorter sequence, which in turn, can affect the action of its longer form.
Relief of chronic partial ureteral obstruction attenuates salt‐sensitive hypertension in rats
Authors: Carlström M. , Wåhlin N. , Skøtt O. , Persson A. E. G.
Published: October 2006

Aim:  The incidence of hydronephrosis due to ureteropelvic junction obstruction is approx. 0.5%. During the last decade, the management of non‐symptomatic hydronephrosis has become much more conservative, but the long‐term physiological consequences of this policy are not clear. Previously, we have shown that animals with chronic partial unilateral ureteral obstruction develop salt‐sensitive hypertension. In this study, the effects of ipsilateral and contralateral nephrectomy and ureterovesicostomy on blood pressure were studied in hydronephrotic animals.

Methods:  Partial unilateral ureteral obstruction was created in 3‐week‐old male Sprague–Dawley rats and blood pressure was measured telemetrically 4–6 weeks later during a normal and high salt diet before and after uninephrectomy or ureterovesicostomy. Plasma samples for renin assay were collected during both diets before and after ipsilateral nephrectomy.

Results:  All hydronephrotic animals developed salt‐sensitive hypertension, of different degrees. Before nephrectomy the plasma renin concentration was significantly higher in the hydronephrotic animals than in controls (160 ± 15 μGU mL−1 vs. 96 ± 12 μGU mL−1, respectively), but after the ipsilateral nephrectomy no differences were found between the groups. In the hydronephrotic animals both ipsilateral nephrectomy and ureterovesicostomy reduced the blood pressure and salt‐sensitivity but the former still differed significantly from the controls. In contralaterally, nephrectomized hydronephrotic animals the salt‐sensitive hypertension became more pronounced.

Conclusion:  Hydronephrosis in rats causes salt‐sensitive hypertension that can be markedly reduced by removing the hydronephrotic kidney or relieving the obstruction by ureterovesicostomy. The mechanisms appear to be intrarenal and primarily located in the diseased kidney, but a secondary mechanism is also present.
Exposure to carcinogens for defined job categories in Norway’s offshore petroleum industry, 1970 to 2005
Authors: Steinsvåg Kjersti , Bråtveit Magne , Moen Bente E
Published: October 2006

Objectives:To identify and describe the exposure to selected known and suspected carcinogenic agents, mixtures and exposure circumstances for defined job categories in Norway’s offshore petroleum industry from 1970 to 2005, in order to provide exposure information for a planned cohort study on cancer.

Methods:Background information on possible exposure was obtained through company visits, including interviewing key personnel (n = 83) and collecting monitoring reports (n = 118) and other relevant documents (n = 329). On the basis of a previous questionnaire administered to present and former offshore employees in 1998, 27 job categories were defined.

Results:This study indicated possible exposure to 18 known and suspected carcinogenic agents, mixtures or exposure circumstances. Monitoring reports were obtained on seven agents (benzene, mineral oil mist and vapour, respirable and total dust, asbestos fibres, refractory ceramic fibres, formaldehyde and tetrachloroethylene). The mean exposure level of 367 personal samples of benzene was 0.037 ppm (range: less than the limit of detection to 2.6 ppm). Asbestos fibres were detected (0.03 fibres/cm3) when asbestos-containing brake bands were used in drilling draw work in 1988. Personal samples of formaldehyde in the process area ranged from 0.06 to 0.29 mg/m3. Descriptions of products containing known and suspected carcinogens, exposure sources and processes were extracted from the collected documentation and the interviews of key personnel.

Conclusions:This study described exposure to 18 known and suspected carcinogenic agents, mixtures and exposure circumstances for 27 job categories in Norway’s offshore petroleum industry. For a planned cohort study on cancer, quantitative estimates of exposure to benzene, and mineral oil mist and vapour might be developed. For the other agents, information in the present study can be used for further assessment of exposure, for instance, by expert judgement. More systematic exposure surveillance is needed in this industry. For future studies, new monitoring programmes need to be implemented.
STATISTICAL MODEL SELECTION METHOD TO ANALYZE COMBINATORIAL EFFECTS OF SNPS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS FOR BINARY DISEASE
Authors: NAKAMICHI REIICHIRO , IMOTO SEIYA , MIYANO SATORU
Published: October 2006

We propose a model selection method to estimate the relation of multiple SNPs, environmental factors and the binary disease trait. We applied the combination of logistic regression and genetic algorithm for this study. The logistic regression model can capture the continuous effects of environments without categorization, which causes the loss of the information. To construct an accurate prediction rule for binary trait, we adopted Akaike's information criterion (AIC) to find the most effective set of SNPs and environments. That is, the set of SNPs and environments that gives the smallest AIC is chosen as the optimal set. Since the number of combinations of SNPs and environments is usually huge, we propose the use of the genetic algorithm for choosing the optimal SNPs and environments in the sense of AIC. We show the effectiveness of the proposed method through the analysis of the case/control populations of diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and obesity patients. We succeeded in finding an efficient set to predict types of diabetes and some SNPs which have strong interactions to age while it is not significant as a single locus.
AUTO- AND CROSS-CORRELATION OF PHASES OF THE WHOLE-SKY CMB AND FOREGROUND MAPS FROM THE 1-YEAR WMAP DATA
Authors: CHIANG LUNG-YIH , NASELSKY PAVEL D.
Published: October 2006

The issue of non-Gaussianity is not only related to distinguishing the theories of the origin of primordial fluctuations, but also crucial for the determination of cosmological parameters in the framework of inflation paradigm. We present a method for testing non-Gaussianity on the whole-sky cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropies. This method is based on the Kuiper's statistic to probe the two-dimensional uniformity on a periodic mapping square associating phases: return mapping of phases of the derived CMB (similar to auto-correlation) and cross-correlations between phases of the derived CMB and foregrounds. Since phases reflect morphology, detection of cross-correlation of phases signifies the contamination of foreground signals in the derived CMB map. The advantage of this method is that one can cross-check the auto- and cross-correlation of phases of the derived maps and foregrounds, and mark off those multipoles in which the non-Gaussianity results from the foreground contaminations. We apply this statistic on the derived signals from the 1-year WMAP data. The auto-correlations of phases from the internal linear combination map show the significance above 95% C.L. against the random phase hypothesis on 17 spherical harmonic multipoles, among which some have pronounced cross-correlations with the foreground maps. We find that most of the non-Gaussianity found in the derived maps are from foreground contaminations. With this method we are better equipped to approach the issue of non-Gaussianity of primordial origin for the upcoming Planck mission.
THE VARIATION OF THE GRAVITATIONAL CONSTANT INFERRED FROM THE HUBBLE DIAGRAM OF TYPE Ia SUPERNOVAE
Authors: GARCIA-BERRO ENRIQUE , KUBYSHIN YURI , LOREN-AGUILAR PABLO , ISERN JORDI
Published: October 2006

We consider a cosmological model with a variable gravitational constant, G, based on a scalar–tensor theory. Using the recent observational data for the Hubble diagram of type Ia supernovae (SNeIa), we find a phenomenological expression describing the variation of G. The corresponding variation of the fine structure constant α within multidimensional theories is also computed and is shown not to support known constraints on Δα/α.
VERIFICATION AND PREDICTION OF TIMED PROBABILISTIC PROPERTIES OVER THE DMTF CIM
Authors: POERNOMO IMAN , SCHMIDT HEINZ , JAYAPUTERA JANE
Published: October 2006

Understanding nonfunctional aspects of system behavior is an essential component of practical software development and maintenance. Many nonfunctional system properties, such as reliability and availability, involve time and probabilities. In this paper, we present a framework for runtime verification and prediction of timed and probabilistic nonfunctional properties of component-based architectures, built using the Meta-Object Facility and the Distributed Management Task Force's Common Information Model (CIM) standard. We describe a Microsoft .NET-based implementation of our framework. We define a language for describing timed probabilistic behavior based on Probabilistic Computational Tree Logic (PCTL). We provide a formal semantics for this language in terms of observed application execution traces. The semantics is interesting in that it permits checking of required timing behavior both over the overall average of traces and also over local "trends" in traces. The latter aspect of the semantics is achieved by incorporating exponential smoothing prediction techniques into the truth function for statements of our language. The semantics is generic over the aspects of an application that are represented by states and state transitions. This enables the language to be used to describe a wide range of nonfunctional properties for runtime verification and prediction purposes. We explain how statements of our language are used to define precise contracts for system monitoring, through relating the semantics to an extended CIM monitoring infrastructure.
A FORMAL ANALYSIS OF A BUSINESS CONTRACT LANGUAGE
Authors: GOVERNATORI GUIDO , MILOSEVIC ZORAN
Published: October 2006

This paper presents a formal system for reasoning about violations of obligations in contracts. The system is based on the formalism for the representation of contrary-to-duty obligations. These are the obligations that take place when other obligations are violated as typically applied to penalties in contracts. The paper shows how this formalism can be mapped onto the key policy concepts of a contract specification language, called Business Contract Language (BCL), previously developed to express contract conditions for run time contract monitoring. The aim of this mapping is to establish a formal underpinning for this key subset of BCL.
MUSCLES WITHIN MUSCLES: A MECHANOMYOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF MUSCLE SEGMENT CONTRACTILE PROPERTIES WITHIN HUMAN GLUTEUS MAXIMUS
Authors: McAndrew D. , Gorelick M. , Brown J. M. M.
Published: October 2006

The aim of this investigation was to determine the contractile properties of motor units within 3 segments of the gluteus maximus utilizing a laser-based mechanomyographic (MMG) technique. The intention was to determine whether there were segmental differences in motor unit contractile properties and whether these differences may be related to the muscle segment's function and its fibre type composition.

Ten subjects were recruited from the student population at the University of Wollongong. Maximal percutaneous neuromuscular stimulation (PNS) was delivered to the medial and lateral portions of three (cranial, middle, caudal) muscle segments of the gluteus maximus by an MMG stimulator. An MMG laser sensor measured the lateral displacement of the muscle segment belly resulting from the development of maximal isometric tension. Parameters characterizing the MMG waveforms were statistically compared to determine variations in contractile properties both within (medial to lateral) and between segments.

Our results indicated that the contractile properties of motor units varied significantly (p < 0.05) between, but not within (medial to lateral), the three segments of the gluteus maximus. Most the gluteus maximus. Most notably, segment contraction time (tc) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in a cranio to caudal direction suggesting a variation in muscle fibre type composition within the three segments of the muscle. Even when corrected for differences in muscle belly displacement between subjects, the cranial segment was found to have a significantly (p < 0.05) longer contraction time than the two more caudal segments. The results suggest that the gluteus maximus was composed of muscle segments that were physiologically, as well as anatomically, designed to fulfil particular roles during everyday motor tasks. Based upon these results, the MMG technique appears to have considerable utility for the non-invasive assessment of muscle segment contractile properties for both laboratory and clinical applications.
INVARIANTS OF PSEUDOGROUP ACTIONS: HOMOLOGICAL METHODS AND FINITENESS THEOREM
Authors: KRUGLIKOV BORIS , LYCHAGIN VALENTIN
Published: October 2006

We study the equivalence problem of submanifolds with respect to a transitive pseudogroup action. The corresponding differential invariants are determined via formal theory and lead to the notions of l-variants and l-covariants, even in the case of non-integrable pseudogroup. Their calculation is based on the cohomological machinery: we introduce a complex for covariants, define their cohomology and prove the finiteness theorem. This implies the well-known Lie–Tresse theorem about differential invariants. We also generalize this theorem to the case of pseudogroup action on differential equations.
ON THE NUMBER OF INVARIANT EINSTEIN METRICS ON A COMPACT HOMOGENEOUS SPACE, NEWTON POLYTOPES AND CONTRACTIONS OF LIE ALGEBRAS
Authors: GRAEV MICHAIL M.
Published: October 2006

We associate to a homogeneous manifold M = G/H, with a simple spectrum of the isotropy representation, a compact convex polytope PM which is the Newton polytope of the rational function s(t) and that to each invariant metric t of M associates its scalar curvature. We estimate the number [Formula: see text] of isolate invariant holomorphic Einstein metrics (up to homothety) on Mℂ = Gℂ/Hℂ. Using the results of A. G. Kouchnirenko and D. N. Bernstein, we prove that [Formula: see text], where ν(M) is the integer volume of PM, and give conditions when the defect [Formula: see text]. In case when G is a compact semisimple Lie group, the positiveness of d(M) is related with the existence of Ricci-flat holomorphic metric on a complexification of a noncompact homogeneous space Mγ = Gγ/HP which is a contraction of M and is associated with a proper face γ of PM.
ESCHER, COXETER AND SYMMETRY
Authors: EMMER MICHELE
Published: October 2006

The Dutch graphic artist Escher was very much interested in plane symmetry. He was fascinated by the problem of infinity and the representation of infinity on a sheet of paper. An exchange of ideas with Coxeter was the origin of the series of works called "Circle Limit". This article also describes the animation technique, which by adding time and movement to the images of Escher try to contribute to Escher's dream of reaching infinity.
ELECTRONIC-STRUCTURE ENGINEERING OF CARBON NANOTUBES
Authors: AN KAY HYEOK , LEE YOUNG HEE
Published: October 2006

A review for controlling electronic structures and chirality separation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is presented with the subject divided into three topics. The first topic introduces the electronic structures of CNTs and the analytical techniques to identify the chirality of CNTs. The second topic discusses band gap engineering techniques using the sidewall functionalization of CNTs. The third topic concerns several approaches in chiral and diameter-dependent separation of CNTs. The electronic-structure engineering is of critical importance for a variety of technological applications of CNTs including, for example, field-effect transistor, chemical/bio-nanosensors, the electrical conductivity and charge dissipation in polymer/CNT composites, and flexible transparent conducting films. This paper is intended to concisely review the recent advances in the experimental and theoretical CNT researches concerned with the band gap engineering and chiral separation techniques of CNTs.
MoS2FULLERENE-LIKE NANOPARTICLES AND NANOTUBES USING GAS-PHASE REACTION WITHMoCl5
Authors: DEEPAK F. L. , MARGOLIN ALEXANDER , WIESEL INNA , BAR-SADAN MAYA , POPOVITZ-BIRO RONIT , TENNE RESHEF
Published: October 2006

Inorganic fullerene-like (IF) nanoparticles of MoS2were synthesized using gas-phase reaction starting from MoCl5and H2S . The IF- MoS2nanoparticles are spherical and in some cases faceted with diameters in general ranging between 20 and 80 nm. The IF- MoS2nanoparticles have large hollow cores, filled in some cases with amorphous material. Various parameters have been investigated to understand the growth and formation of the IF- MoS2nanoparticles. The parameters that have been studied include flow rates of the various carrier gases, temperature at which the reaction was carried out, time of the reaction and heating of the precursor material. The best set of conditions wherein maximum yields of the IF- MoS2nanoparticles are obtained have been identified. Additionally, annealing the as-obtained samples or heating them in a mixture of H2along with H2S improves the crystallinity and reduces the amorphous material filling in the core. Apart from the fullerene-like nanoparticles under certain experimental conditions nanotubes of MoS2have also been obtained nonetheless in small yields.
A 20–40 SECOND PROCESS FOR SYNTHESIS OF MULTI-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBES
Authors: LI YUAN-YAO , LIU TING-CHI , HSIEH CHIH-CHE , SAGEHASHI MASAKI , SAKODA AKIYOSHI
Published: October 2006

We report on a 20–40 s process for growing aligned, uniformed, high purity multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) using an alcohol lamp burner. With an appropriate catalyst precursor concentration, MWNTs can be grown on a Co-coated 304 stainless steel mesh under incomplete combustion conditions at 680–700°C. The process provides a rapid, easy, economic and safe method for the formation of carbon nanotubes. We suggest that the proposed method be considered as an educational kit for college or high school level experiments.
The Multiple Roles of Osteoclasts in Host Defense: Bone Remodeling and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization
Authors: Kollet Orit , Dar Ayelet , Lapidot Tsvee
Published: October 2006

Bone remodeling by bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-resorbing osteoclasts dynamically alters the bone inner wall and the endosteum region, which harbors osteoblastic niches for hematopoietic stem cells. Investigators have recently elucidated mechanisms of recruitment and mobilization; these mechanisms consist of stress signals that drive migration of leukocytes and progenitor cells from the bone marrow reservoir to the circulation and drive their homing to injured tissues as part of host defense and repair. The physical bone marrow vasculature barrier that is crossed by mobilized cells actively transmits chemotactic signals between the blood and the bone marrow, facilitating organ communication and cell trafficking. Osteoclasts play a dual role in regulation of bone resorption and homeostatic release or stress-induced mobilization of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. In this review, we discuss the orchestrated interplay between bone remodeling, the immune system, and the endosteal stem cell niches in the context of stem cell proliferation and migration during homeostasis, which are accelerated during alarm situations.
Oppositely directed H+ gradient functions as a driving force of rat H+/organic cation antiporter MATE1
Authors: Tsuda Masahiro , Terada Tomohiro , Asaka Jun-ichi , Ueba Miki , Katsura Toshiya , Inui Ken-ichi
Published: October 2006

Recently, we have isolated the rat (r) H+/organic cation antiporter multidrug and toxin extrusion 1 (MATE1) and reported its tissue distribution and transport characteristics. Functional characterization suggested that an oppositely directed H+ gradient serves as a driving force for the transport of a prototypical organic cation, tetraethylammonium, by MATE1, but there is no direct evidence to prove this. In the present study, therefore, we elucidated the driving force of tetraethylammonium transport via rMATE1 using plasma membrane vesicles isolated from HEK293 cells stably expressing rMATE1 (HEK-rMATE1 cells). A 70-kDa rMATE1 protein was confirmed to exist in HEK-rMATE1 cells, and the transport of various organic cations including [14C]tetraethylammonium was stimulated in intracellular acidified HEK-rMATE1 cells but not mock cells. The transport of [14C]tetraethylammonium in membrane vesicles from HEK-rMATE1 cells exhibited the overshoot phenomenon only when there was an outwardly directed H+ gradient, as observed in rat renal brush-border membrane vesicles. The overshoot phenomenon was not observed in the vesicles from mock cells. The stimulated [14C]tetraethylammonium uptake by an H+ gradient [intravesicular H+ concentration ([H+]in) > extravesicular H+ concentration ([H+]out)] was significantly reduced in the presence of a protonophore, carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP). [14C]tetraethylammonium uptake was not changed in the presence of valinomycin-induced membrane potential. These findings definitively indicate that an oppositely directed H+ gradient serves as a driving force of tetraethylammonium transport via rMATE1, and this is the first demonstration to identify the driving force of the MATE family. The present experimental strategy is very useful in identifying the driving force of cloned transporters whose driving force has not been evaluated.
Development of an in vitro model for study of the efficacy of ischemic preconditioning in human skeletal muscle against ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Martou Glyka , O’Blenes Catherine A. , Huang Ning , McAllister Sandra E. , Neligan Peter C. , Ashrafpour Homa , Pang Cho Y. , Lipa Joan E.
Published: October 2006

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury causes skeletal muscle infarction and ischemic preconditioning (IPC) augments ischemic tolerance in animal models. To date, this has not been demonstrated in human skeletal muscle. This study aimed to develop an in vitro model to investigate the efficacy of simulated IPC in human skeletal muscle. Human skeletal muscle strips were equilibrated in oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit-HEPES buffer (37°C). Aerobic and reperfusion phases were simulated by normoxic incubation and reoxygenation, respectively. Ischemia was simulated by hypoxic incubation. Energy store, cell viability, and cellular injury were assessed using ATP, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2 H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays, respectively. Morphological integrity was assessed using electron microscopy. Studies were designed to test stability of the preparation ( n = 5–11) under normoxic incubation over 24 h; the effect of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6 h hypoxia followed by 2 h of reoxygenation; and the protective effect of hypoxic preconditioning (HPC; 5 min of hypoxia/5 min of reoxygenation) before 3 h of hypoxia/2 h of reoxygenation. Over 24 h of normoxic incubation, muscle strips remained physiologically intact as assessed by MTT, ATP, and LDH assays. After 3 h of hypoxia/2 h of reoxygenation, MTT reduction levels declined to 50.1 ± 5.5% ( P < 0.05). MTT reduction levels in HPC (82.3 ± 10.8%) and normoxic control (81.3 ± 10.2%) groups were similar and higher ( P < 0.05) than the 3 h of hypoxia/2 h of reoxygenation group (45.2 ± 5.8%). Ultrastructural morphology was preserved in normoxic and HPC groups but not in the hypoxia/reoxygenation group. This is the first study to characterize a stable in vitro model of human skeletal muscle and to demonstrate a protective effect of HPC in human skeletal muscle against hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced injury.
Heterozygous CuZn Superoxide Dismutase Deficiency Produces a Vascular Phenotype With Aging
Authors: Didion Sean P. , Kinzenbaw Dale A. , Schrader Laura I. , Faraci Frank M.
Published: October 2006

The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that loss of a single copy of the gene for CuZn superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) increases vascular superoxide levels and produces vascular dysfunction with aging. Responses of carotid arteries from young (7 months) and old (22 to 24 months of age) heterozygous CuZnSOD-deficient (CuZnSOD
+/−
) mice and their wild-type (CuZnSOD
+/+
) littermates were examined in vitro. Total superoxide dismutase activity in aorta was reduced by ≈30% (
P
<0.05) in CuZnSOD
+/−
mice compared with wild-type mice. Responses to acetylcholine (an endothelium-dependent agonist) produced relaxation that was similar (
P
>0.05) in carotid arteries from young wild-type, young CuZnSOD
+/−
, and old wild-type mice. In contrast, relaxation to acetylcholine was markedly impaired in old CuZnSOD
+/−
mice (eg, 100 μmol/L acetylcholine produced 51±5% and 96±5% relaxation in vessels from old CuZnSOD
+/−
and old wild-type mice, respectively). This effect was selective, because relaxation to nitroprusside (an endothelium-independent agonist) was not affected by either CuZnSOD genotype or aging. The impaired response to acetylcholine in old CuZnSOD
+/−
mice was restored toward normal with either tempol (a scavenger of superoxide; 1 mmol/L) or PJ34 (an inhibitor of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase; 3 μmol/L). Vascular superoxide levels were increased in aorta in old CuZnSOD
+/+
mice and increased further in CuZnSOD
+/−
mice with aging. These findings provide the first direct evidence that normal CuZnSOD expression protects endothelial function and that deficiency in a single copy of the gene that encodes CuZnSOD produces increases in superoxide and marked impairment of endothelial function with aging.
ANP Differentially Modulates Marinobufagenin-Induced Sodium Pump Inhibition in Kidney and Aorta
Authors: Fedorova Olga V. , Agalakova Natalia I. , Morrell Christopher H. , Lakatta Edward G. , Bagrov Alexei Y.
Published: October 2006

NaCl loading and plasma volume expansion stimulate 2 natriuretic systems, vasoconstrictor, digitalis-like Na/K-ATPase inhibitors and vasorelaxant ANP peptides. Several hormones, including ANP, regulate activity of the Na/K-ATPase by modulation of its phosphorylation state. We studied effects of ANP on Na/K-ATPase phosphorylation and inhibition by an endogenous sodium pump ligand, marinobufagenin, in the aorta and renal medulla from male Sprague–Dawley rats. Marinobufagenin dose-dependently inhibited the Na/K-ATPase in renal and vascular membranes at the level of higher (nanomolar) and lower affinity (micromolar) binding sites. Marinobufagenin (1 nmol/L) inhibited Na/K-ATPase in aortic sarcolemma (18%) and in renal medulla (19%). prepro-ANP 104 to 123 (ppANP) and α-human ANP ([α-hANP] both 1 nmol/L) potentiated marinobufagenin-induced Na/K-ATPase inhibition in the kidney, but reversed the effect of marinobufagenin in the aorta. Similarly, ppANP and α-hANP modulated the sodium pump (ouabain-sensitive
86
Rb uptake) inhibitory effects of marinobufagenin in the aorta and renal medulla. In renal medulla, ppANP and α-hANP induced α-1 Na/K-ATPase phosphorylation, whereas in aorta, both peptides dephosphorylated Na/K-ATPase. The effect of ppANP on Na/K-ATPase phosphorylation and inhibition was mimicked by a protein kinase G activator, 8-Br-PET-cGMP (10 μmol/L), and prevented by a protein kinase G inhibitor, KT5823 (60 nmol/L). Our results suggest that α-1 Na/K-ATPase inhibition by marinobufagenin in the kidney is enhanced via Na/K-ATPase phosphorylation by ANP, whereas in the aorta, ANP exerts an opposite effect. The concurrent production of a vasorelaxant, ANP, and a vasoconstrictor, marinobufagenin, potentiate each other’s natriuretic effects, but ANP peptides may offset the deleterious vasoconstrictor effect of marinobufagenin.
The CarboEurope Regional Experiment Strategy
Authors: Dolman A. J. , Noilhan J. , Durand P. , Sarrat C. , Brut A. , Piguet B. , Butet A. , Jarosz N. , Brunet Y. , Loustau D. , Lamaud E. , Tolk L. , Ronda R. , Miglietta F. , Gioli B. , Magliulo V. , Esposito M. , Gerbig C. , Körner S. , Glademard P. , Ramonet M. , Ciais P. , Neininger B. , Hutjes R. W. A. , Elbers J. A. , Macatangay R. , Schrems O. , Pérez-Landa G. , Sanz M. J. , Scholz Y. , Facon G. , Ceschia E. , Beziat P.
Published: October 2006

The Second Global Soil Wetness Project (GSWP-2) is an initiative to compare and evaluate 10-year simulations by a broad range of land surface models under controlled conditions. A major product of GSWP-2 is the first global gridded multimodel analysis of land surface state variables and fluxes for use by meteorologists, hydrologists, engineers, biogeochemists, agronomists, botanists, ecologists, geographers, climatologists, and educators. Simulations by 13 land models from five nations have gone into production of the analysis. The models are driven by forcing data derived from a combination of gridded atmospheric reanalyses and observations. The resulting analysis consists of multimodel means and standard deviations on the monthly time scale, including profiles of soil moisture and temperature at six levels, as well as daily and climatological (mean annual cycle) fields for over 50 land surface variables. The monthly standard deviations provide a measure of model agreement that may be used as a quality metric. An overview of key characteristics of the analysis is presented here, along with information on obtaining the data.
A Unified Perspective on the Dynamics of Axisymmetric Hurricanes and Monsoons
Authors: Wirth Volkmar , Dunkerton Timothy J.
Published: October 2006

This paper provides a unified perspective on the dynamics of hurricane- and monsoonlike vortices by identifying them as specific limiting cases of a more general flow system. This more general system is defined as stationary axisymmetric balanced flow of a stably stratified non-Boussinesq atmosphere on the f plane. The model is based on the primitive equations assuming gradient wind balance in the radial momentum equation. The flow is forced by heating in the vortex center, which is implemented as relaxation toward a specified equilibrium temperature Te. The flow is dissipated through surface friction, and it is assumed to be almost inviscid in the interior. The heating is assumed supercritical, which means that Te does not allow a regular thermal equilibrium solution with zero surface wind, and which gives rise to a cross-vortex secondary circulation. Numerical solutions are obtained using time stepping to a steady state, where at each step the Eliassen secondary circulation is diagnosed as part of the solution strategy.

Reality and regularity of the solution is discussed, putting this work in relation to previous work. Scaling analysis suggests that for a given geometry, essential vortex properties are controlled by the ratio ℱ = αT/cD, where αT is the rate of thermal relaxation and cD quantifies the strength of surface friction for a given surface wind. For large ℱ, the temperature is close to Te and the vortex shows properties that can be associated with a hurricane including strong cyclonic surface winds. On the other hand, for small ℱ, the vortex shows properties that can be associated with a monsoon; that is, the surface winds are small and the secondary circulation keeps the temperature significantly away from Te. The scaling analysis is verified by numerical solutions spanning a wide range of the parameter space. It is shown how the two limiting cases correspond with the respective approximate semianalytical theories presented previously. The results imply an important role of αT for hurricane formation.
On the Tropospheric Response to Anomalous Stratospheric Wave Drag and Radiative Heating
Authors: Thompson David W. J. , Furtado Jason C. , Shepherd Theodore G.
Published: October 2006

Observational and numerical evidence suggest that variability in the extratropical stratospheric circulation has a demonstrable impact on tropospheric variability on intraseasonal time scales. In this study, it is demonstrated that the amplitude of the observed tropospheric response to vacillations in the stratospheric flow is quantitatively similar to the zonal-mean balanced response to the anomalous wave forcing at stratospheric levels. It is further demonstrated that the persistence of the tropospheric response is consistent with the impact of anomalous diabatic heating in the polar stratosphere as stratospheric temperatures relax to climatology.

The results contradict previous studies that suggest that variations in stratospheric wave drag are too weak to account for the attendant changes in the tropospheric flow. However, the results also reveal that stratospheric processes alone cannot account for the observed meridional redistribution of momentum within the troposphere.
Commentary on “Connecting with Culture”
Authors: Beirman David
Published: October 2006

This article analyzes a community tourism enterprise in Jamaica that has sought to provide an alternative experience to the self-contained resorts that dominate tourism in Jamaica. The resorts as they are currently structured have actually become a barrier between tourists to Jamaica and Jamaican society. This has had negative effects on the quality of the tourist experience for visitors to Jamaica and has limited the economic and social benefits of tourism for Jamaica. The community tourism project outlined by Hawkes and Kwortnick is an ideal model in theory. Its intention is to offer tourists a genuine Jamaican tourist experience and to expand the benefits of tourism for Jamaican society. However, the practical application of community tourism requires considerable development and improvement before its can be a commercially viable alternative for tourists and operators alike.
Wine Promotions in Restaurants
Authors: Wansink Brian , Cordua Glenn , Blair Ed , Payne Collin , Geiger Stephanie
Published: October 2006

A controlled field study of wine promotions in a mid-priced chain restaurant generated three key findings: (1) selected wine recommendations increased sales by 12 percent, (2) food-wine pairing recommendations increased sales by 7.6 percent, and (3) wine tastings increased sales by 48 percent. In general, 69 to 87 percent of the increase in sales of promoted wines come from diners who would likely have ordered a nonpromoted wine. This means that 13 to 31 percent of the increase come from diners who would have otherwise ordered liquor, beer, and nonalcoholic drinks. Specific implications for responsible restaurateurs are outlined, including the caveat to not cannibalize sales by promoting a lower-margin, lower-profit wine.
Tourism Demand Forecasting: A Time Varying Parameter Error Correction Model
Authors: Li Gang , Wong Kevin K. F. , Song Haiyan , Witt Stephen F.
Published: October 2006

The advantages of error correction models (ECMs) and time varying parameter (TVP) models have been discussed in the tourism forecasting literature. These models are now combined to give a new single-equation model, the time varying parameter error correction model (TVP-ECM), which is applied for the first time in the context of tourism demand forecasting. The empirical study focuses on tourism demand, measured by tourism spending per capita, by U.K. residents for five key Western European destinations. The empirical results show that the TVP-ECM can be expected to outperform a number of alternative econometric and time-series models in forecasting the demand for tourism, especially in forecasting the growth rate of tourism demand. A practical implication of this result is that the TVP-ECM approach should be used when forecasting tourism growth is concerned.
Destination Personality: An Application of Brand Personality to Tourism Destinations
Authors: Ekinci Yuksel , Hosany Sameer
Published: October 2006

As tourism destinations become more substitutable due to increasing competition in global tourism markets, destination personality is seen as a viable metaphor for building destination brands and crafting a unique identity for tourism places. At the conceptual level, although the importance of destination personality has been acknowledged, to the best of our knowledge, no empirical research has yet identified its dimensions. Adopting Aaker’s brand personality scale, this study aimed to identify whether tourists ascribed personality traits to tourism destinations. The findings of the study indicate that perception of destination personality is 3-dimensional: sincerity, excitement, and conviviality. The study also found that destination personality has positive impact on perceived destination image and intention to recommend. In particular, the conviviality dimension moderated the impact of cognitive image on tourists’ intention to recommend.
Collaboration on Corpora for Regional and Social Analysis
Authors: Kretzschmar William A. , Anderson Jean , Beal Joan C. , Corrigan Karen P. , Opas-Hänninen Lisa Lena , Plichta Bartlomiej
Published: October 2006

Compilers of corpora that document regional and social languages and varieties of languages have different needs and goals, and yet we also face common problems, and we should have an interest in collaboration. In this paper, we set forth our intention to begin such a collaboration. We begin by exploring the parameters of our various corpora. We then explore issues of access and analysis, whether public or private, whether for general audiences or for specialists. Finally, we assert that it is indeed possible, practical, and desirable for us to apply common methods to our common problems, and we propose specific recommendations.
‘When I Was Young and Politically Engaged...’: Lefort on the Problem of Political Commitment
Authors: Geenens Raf
Published: October 2006

This article attempts to reconstruct a Lefortian account of the phenomenon of political commitment. In a democracy, the gap between the subject of commitment and its object, the domain of politics, is unavoidable. The result is an attitude towards political causes characterized by a two-way movement between an engaged perspective and a more distant, realist perspective. Although the contrast between these two perspectives is disenchanting, we, as democratic citizens, nevertheless have an obligation to hold on to both perspectives simultaneously. Justification of this claim will rely upon a rereading of several key texts by Lefort, such as ‘La politique et la pensée de la politique’ (1963) and Un Homme en trop (1976), in which Lefort analyses the attitudes of his contemporaries toward the Algerian cause and the Soviet regime. This study also sheds new light on the rational impetus behind Lefort's break with Socialisme ou Barbarie and his gradual progression towards a philosophy of democracy.
Impact of Intervention Surveillance Bias on Analyses of Child Welfare Report Outcomes
Authors: Chaffin Mark , Bard David
Published: October 2006

Two studies using data from child maltreatment intervention outcome evaluations were conducted examining several aspects of surveillance bias, including directly measuring rates of surveillance reporting, comparing characteristics of surveillance versus nonsurveillance reports, examining differences across service types and doses, and testing how ignoring versus removing surveillance reports in the data affects survival analysis. The net effect of surveillance bias was small in the studies examined. Home-visiting services were not biased more than center-based services, and bias was not greater among intervention compared to prevention cases. Surveillance reports were equally as severe as nonsurveillance reports, failing to support the hypothesis that surveillance serves as early detection of less severe maltreatment. However, surveillance bias was far more substantial during time periods when participants were actively engaged in services. Therefore, the net impact of surveillance could vary with service engagement rates and the relative duration of service engagement and postservice follow-up times.