bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stable high q active networks
Authors: Levi A. , Zeheb E.
Published: June 2007

A new approach is suggested to approximate the amplitude frequency behaviour of a given high Q poles network function, by an explicit function having poles with a predetermined desired low Q, and with explicit knowledge and control of the error. The method is practical for reducing Q's by the ratio of up to 6. Any critical pole‐pair is replaced by an approximating function possessing a complex conjugate n‐th order pole‐pair and a (n−1)‐th order zero‐pair. A general second order low Q building block is derived as an example. Measured results proving the practical usefulness of the method, are reported.
Algorithms for the element values in a class of stub‐unit‐element cascades
Authors: McLaughlin L. , Rhodes J. D.
Published: June 2007

Attempting to unify the various papers in the literature revolving around the classical ideas of moment theory, this paper by considering various generalizations of the orthogonal polynomial concept, examines the microwave equivalent of the lumped ladder structure.

The stub‐unit‐element cascades that result are shown to be synthesizable in terms of the properties of Hurwitz generalized orthogonal polynomials. Using this concept, the synthesis procedure leads to element value algorithms, both for the reactance ladder case, and the case where the unit‐elements become redundant (in the sense that they do not contribute to synthesis).

As an example, explicit element value formulas are derived for lowpass and bandpass reflection filters using stub‐unit element‐cascades, that exhibit maximally flat delay and amplitude characteristics.

Lastly, using the concept of a complex weight function, the relationship between the approximation of a transfer impedance and the synthesis of the resulting structure, is considered.

The considerations discussed here appear to have many possible lines for extension: to multivariable networks; alternative one‐variable structures; and to the question of the existence of explicit element value formulas for particular filters.
On the minimal realization of the gyrator by means of nullors and resistors. II
Authors: Deprettere E.
Published: June 2007

It is proved that it is impossible to synthesize a gyrator with only two nullors and three resistors. Combining the results obtained in References 1 and 2 and in this paper, we obtain the following necessary and sufficient conditions: a nullor‐resistor gyrator realization is minimal if and only if it consists of either two nullors and four resistors or three nullors and two resistors.
Maximally flat non‐recursive digital filters
Authors: Fahmy M. F.
Published: June 2007

A new class of polynomials with derivative constraints at both x= ± 1, is introduced. Such polynomials can be used in the design of non‐recursive digital filters with maximally flat amplitude response at both ±T= 0 and ±T= 180 degrees, as well as the design of certain class of microwave networks. As compared with the already known methods1, the proposed design method provides some advantages.
A lumped‐distributed small‐signal model for a class of transit‐time semiconductor devices
Authors: Quang Nguyen
Published: June 2007

In this paper a new lumped‐distributed small‐signal and noise model is presented for a class of transit‐time semiconductor devices including the IMPATT, BARITT, Transferred Electron and Space Charge Limited (SCL) diodes. The assumption of uniform carrier velocity is made and diffusion is neglected. The diode‐model is composed of lumped elements and dispersionless transmission lines, hence it is very suitable for computer‐aided circuit analysis. Broad agreement has been found between the experimental behaviour of devices and that of their models.
Generalized linear phase polynomials—application in filter synthesis
Authors: Jarry P. , Garault Y. , Clapeau M.
Published: June 2007

In this paper, we give explicit expressions for the study of attenuation and phase characteristics of generalized linear phase polynomials (i.e. Jacobi and generalized Bessel polynomials for transmission line and lumped filters respectively). We present an exact method to find the digital transfer function which exhibits [n/2] to (n−1) simultaneous conditions on amplitude and delay.
Graph‐theoretic state models for the piecewise analysis of large‐scale electrical networks
Authors: Chandrashekar M. , Kesavan H. K.
Published: June 2007

State models based on graph‐theoretical concepts are presented for the computer‐aided analysis of large‐scale linear networks by decomposition in time as well as frequency domains. Several examples are analysed which illustrate the validity and efficiency of these models. These models exploit the sparsity and the repetitive structure present in most large‐scale networks.
On the application of degree theory to the analysis of resistive nonlinear networks
Authors: Chua Leon O. , Wang Niantsu N.
Published: June 2007

This paper presents an application of the theory of the degree of a map to the study of the existence of solutions and some related problems for resistive nonlinear networks. Many well‐known results in this area have been generalized to allow coupling among the nonlinear resistors. The usual hypothesis requiring the nonlinear resistors to be eventually increasing has been weakened considerably by only requiring the resistors to be eventually passive. Instead of investigating special cases by special techniques, we study the network equations from a geometrical point of view. The concept of homotopy of odd fields provides a unified yet simple approach for analyzing a large class of practical nonlinear networks. Many known results belong to this category and are derived as special cases of our generalized theorems. This approach leads to a much better understanding of the geometric structure of the vector fields associated with the network equations. As a result, in so far as the existence of solutions is concerned, the concept of eventual passivity is shown to be far more basic than that of eventual increasingness. The emphasis of the concept of eventual passivity also leads naturally to the inclusion of coupling among the nonlinear resistors.

The homotopy of odd fields also provides some useful techniques for locating the solutions. Along this line, we also study the bounding region of solutions and discuss the operating range of nonlinear resistors.
Modulated carriers in nonlinear systems
Authors: Van Nie A. G.
Published: June 2007

The systems to be considered consist of linear and nonlinear elements and are driven by a priori known periodic signals (carriers). The present theory deals with small perturbations from the periodic steady state. Use has been made of the ‘amplitude‐phase’ representation of the perturbations. The operator (jω0 + λ) is used, in which jω0 indicates the time differentiation of the carrier components and the operator λ ( = d/dt) affects the perturbation only. The perturbations will be related by a ‘sensitivity’ matrix H. In order to illustrate the applicability of this theory, the performance of the dynamic limiter of Zaalberg van Zelst will be treated.
A successive filtering technique for identifying long‐term trends
Authors: Assimakopoulos V.
Published: July 2007

The most reliable component of a time series, for forecasting purposes, is the shape of the long‐term trend. However, the presence of cycles makes it difficult to identify and predict the changes in such trends. While up to now emphasis has been given in identifying and measuring cyclical behaviour, this paper presents a technique that aims at removing cyclical effects from the long‐term trends. This technique is based on a transformation that is successively applied on the original time series. Each time the transformation is applied, an observation is selected and replaced by the average of its adjacent observations. This results in the elimination of the cyclical component. Independently of their depth, the cycles are being removed in ascending order relatively to their length. This leads to 'brushing off' the long‐term trends from any cyclical effects. A specialized software has been developed in Pascal. The proposed technique was applied in a set of time series from the M2‐ and M‐competition and the results are presented in this paper.
Lower leg replantation—Decision‐making, treatment, and long‐term results
Authors: Hierner Robert , Berger Alfred Karl , Frederix Peter Reynders
Published: June 2007

Object: The aim of this article is to review the results of replantation at the lower leg after total and subtotal amputation injury. Although subtotal and total lower leg amputations have been successfully replanted in the past, nowadays there is a common opinion that these operations do not justify their efforts, and therefore most of those patients are amputated. Methods: To clarify this hypothesis we carried out an extensive literature research. The following criteria were evaluated: 1) survival rate, 2) individual motor and sensory functions and global lower extremity function judged according to the classification of Chen, 3) socioeconomic aspects (operation time, number of operations per patient, time of hospitalization, and return to normal life), and 4) number and nature of local and/or systemic complications. Results: The success rate of lower leg amputation, which only means perfect resortation of viability, is reported between 62.5% and 100%. Using Chen's classification the functional results can be given as follows: A “functional extremity” (grade I and grade II) can be reconstructed in 82.6% to 92.7%. A non‐functional extremity (grade III and grade IV) will result in one tenth to one fifth of cases. Complications can be classified in local or systemic and occur depending on the quality of the decision‐making process. Conclusion: Our results as well as those of other large series show that lower leg replantation is still worthwhile in a well selected patient group, contrary to what is believed by an increasing number of orthopaedic and trauma surgeons. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
The free deltoid flap: Clinical applications to upper extremity, lower extremity, and maxillary defects
Authors: Meltem Ayhan , Metin Gorgu , Zeynep Aytug , Cenk Melikoglu , Betul Ulusal Gozel
Published: June 2007

The deltoid free flap is a thin, reliable flap that is easily dissected from the posterolateral arm. It has large‐caliber vessels and is capable of sensory reinnervation to portions of the flap above the deltoid/triceps groove through the lateral brachial cutaneous nerve. There is little sensory return to the large vascular territory, which can be extended inferiorly below the deltoid triceps groove. The donor site can be closed primarily or skin grafted and when large may be objectionable to some patients. The flap is an excellent choice for extremity soft‐tissue reconstruction on the plantar or palmar surfaces. Because of its excellent color‐matching and texture‐matching characteristics, it has recently been widely used for the reconstruction of soft‐tissue defects during oral and maxillofacial surgery. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
Annual Appraisal of Municipal Reports
Authors: Ridley Clarence E.
Published: June 2007

Reports for the year 1935 exceed all previous records for number and quality.
New adherents to the manager plan: How they are faring
Authors: Jones Howard P.
Published: June 2007

Hackensack and Wheeling among others report excellent results following adoption of plan.
Cincinnati keeps its lead
Authors: Rose Charles O.
Published: June 2007

“Best governed large city in America” records new achievements: story told by official who saw city “before and after”.
Manager government in Pennsylvania
Authors: Porter Robert M.
Published: June 2007

Borough manager covernment by ordinance works well, but the Keystone State should make provision for adoption of plan in all municipalilties by popular vote.
Black sheep: The story of the abandonments of the manager plan
Authors: Bromage Arthur W.
Published: June 2007

Fifty‐five referenda over a five‐year period result in but seven abandonments of manager plan government.
Economic implications of the social security program
Authors: Dewhurst J. Frederic
Published: June 2007

More than half the workign population given substantial protection against old age and unemployment under the terms of the social security act.
Administrative problems of social security
Authors: McKinley Charles
Published: June 2007

The social security program starts a series f great enterprises simultaneously, and so presents to federal and state administrators tasks that challenge their creative competence and their ability to work effectively to gether.
Administration of the Wisconsin unemployment reserves and compensation act
Authors: Hibbard Russell
Published: June 2007

Experience of pioneer social security state has value for other states which must assume similar responsibilities.
Old‐age insurance under the social security act
Authors: Brown J. Douglas
Published: June 2007

Adoptin of a contributory insurance plan is necessay to cope with the large and grwoing problem of old‐age security.
Municipalities and R.E.A.
Authors: Cooke Morris L.
Published: June 2007

How cities are furnishing the farmers with electric power, thereby helping themselves as well as their rural neighbors.
An institute for managers of publicly owned utilities
Authors: Morgan Arthur E.
Published: June 2007

An important and valuable service can be rendered by an organizaitn which would prescribe representative and accepted standards of administration for municipal utilities.
County jail financing in Kentucky
Authors: Stephenson C. M.
Published: June 2007

Despite statutory provisions, jailers report a varity of fees received for care of prisoners.
Effective citizenship training
Authors: Jones O. Garfield
Published: June 2007

Student at Univeristy of Toledo are using the laboratory method to learn “the great gams of politics,” participating actively in local political campaigns.
Personnel: The executive's responsibility
Authors: Mosher William E.
Published: June 2007

“The preeminent task of managemnt through all the vairous channels of production is the direction of activities of human beings.”— Oliver Sheldon.
Programs of municipal credit rehabilitation
Authors: Reed Thomas H.
Published: June 2007

The past few years have witnessed the restoration of municipal credit, badly shaken by the depression, in many cities.
State receiverships of insolvent municipal corporations
Authors: Frye Arnold
Published: June 2007

State Municipal Finance Commission has greatly aided rehabilitation of credit in New Jersey municipal.
The work of the North Carolina local government commission
Authors: Ratchford B. U.
Published: June 2007

State control of local finance has proved successful through improvement in methods of control needed.
The importance of sound governmental credit
Authors: Zukerman T. David
Published: June 2007

Reduction in interest rates would release funds for much needed services and public improvements.
The quest for direct relief funds
Authors: Ecker‐R L. László
Published: June 2007

States and their subdivisions have as yet no solution for permanent relief problem.
Probable effects of federal land purchase on local government
Authors: Renne Roland R.
Published: June 2007

Costs of county government can be reduced if taxpayers and office‐holders will make adjustments in local government made possible by land purchase program.
Rental value as a meaure of ability to pay
Authors: Reed Thomas H. , Chubb L. R.
Published: June 2007

An interesting experiment from the St. Petersburg survey.
Collegians steal legislators' fire
Authors: Webb Malcolm L.
Published: June 2007

Unhampered by political “ties that bind” college students enact model constitution and progressive legislatin in annual conferences at Pennsylvania's state capital.
Redefining the metropolitan area
Authors: Lepawsky Albert
Published: June 2007

The wide variations between cities in area, density of population, and suburban relationships make it difficult to set up a definition applicable everywhere.
Interstate cooperation
Authors: Calrow Charles J.
Published: June 2007

A review f the ways in which important problems, transcending state boundary lines, may be solved.
Federal‐municipal relations—whither bound
Authors: Wallerstein Morton L.
Published: June 2007

An analysis of the fast developing tie‐up between the nation and its cities and the direction in which it is leading.
Effect of the depression on state‐local relations
Authors: Jones Howard P.
Published: June 2007

Local financial difficulties and the greater capacity of the state to raise money have fored cities to accept state dictation in fiscal matters.
The pressure for local spoils
Authors: Spencer Richard C.
Published: June 2007

“Take care of your people and your people will take care of you.”
Mainly about words
Authors: Lespes Jules
Published: June 2007

A definition of the terms frequently used in discussions of local government.
The new local government of Germany
Authors: Marx Fritz Morstein , Wells Roger H. , Bronisch Gotthilf
Published: June 2007

German municipal governmnt still in a state of transtion—much depnds on local officials' use of powers delegrated to them.
Local government in Scandinavia
Authors: Peel Roy V.
Published: June 2007

Public ownership and social services have log been the concern of municipalities in Scandinavian countries.
Spotlight on the county manager plan
Authors: Spicer George W. , Cottrell Edwin A. , Sanford Harold W.
Published: June 2007

Continued success of the council‐manager plan in counties in Virginia, California and New York advances it far from the category of experiment to a method of proved worth.
A physician examines the coroner
Authors: Schultz Oscar T.
Published: June 2007

The diagnosis shows a feebl and ineffective office holder whose life should not be prolonged.
Erie county, New York deals in real estate
Authors: Mauck Elwyn A.
Published: June 2007

Aggressive measures are taken to restore value to overburdened real estate.
A personnel program for the county service
Authors: Kaplan H. Eliot
Published: June 2007

Centralization of authority in the county governemnt will make imperative the adoption of a better personnel system.
Functional consolidation in the counties of Virginia
Authors: Uhl Raymond
Published: June 2007

A frank discussin f the merits and disadvantages of joint administration of governmental functions as determined by pioneer counties in the movement.
Design for country living
Authors: Wager Paul W.
Published: June 2007

Through planning rural America may yet bet saved for less wasteful and more appreciative generations.
Rural zoning in Wisconsin
Authors: Trackett Mary C.
Published: June 2007

Surveys, maps and public discussion precede the passage of zoning ordinances which raise problems of constitutionsality and of administrative organization.
The planner faces a new job
Authors: Calrow Charles J.
Published: June 2007

Planning for rural counties introduces many problems never confornted by those planning for urban areas.
Municipal problems facing the 75th congress
Authors: Williams J. Kerwin
Published: June 2007

Increasing federal city relations dictate important measures on the Congressional agenda.
Rhode Island—a city‐state?
Authors: Goodrich Robert M.
Published: June 2007

Efficient government demands that this state soon decide whether to emphasize state or local authority/
The saga of a village manager
Authors: Taylor Philip D.
Published: June 2007

How a village manager dealt with staggering debt created through an era of expansion and easy spending.
State aid and tax limitation in California
Authors: Crouch Winston W.
Published: June 2007

The combination of increased state aid and tax limitation has disappointed by failing to provide tax relief and better distribution of the tax burden.
Town planning and taxation: Friends or foes?
Authors: Buttenheim Harold S.
Published: June 2007

Town‐planners and land‐taxers should unite to discover how to make the best use, in the public interest, of mankind's common heritage.
The apportionment of state relief funds
Authors: Ecker‐R L. László
Published: June 2007

Painstaking research needed in order to envolve a formula for more equitable distribution of grants‐in‐aid to local governments.
Comparative tax rates of 259 cities, 1936
Authors: Mohaupt Rosina
Published: June 2007

Figures for the cities reporting in both 1935 and 1936 show an increase in both the total tax rate and the adjusted tax rate for 1936.
The impact of the social security act on the relief problem
Authors: Burns Eveline M.
Published: June 2007

While the social security act has solved some problems, it has created others, since it affects only part of the realm of dependency.
New York's 1937 election and its results
Authors: McCaffrey George H.
Published: June 2007

Reform administration succeeds itself for first time in city's history.
Public opinion in our cities
Authors: Gallup George
Published: June 2007

Results of recent polls indicate that the scientific measurement of public opinion will in the future have a wide usefulness in municipal affairs.
For debt service: Nothing
Authors: Doubleday Douglas
Published: June 2007

Kalamazoo pays its last bond and becomes the first debt‐free, pay‐as‐you‐go city of more than fifty thousand population.
The merit system and the constitution
Authors: Kaplan H. Eliot
Published: June 2007

In order to avoid “legislative tinkering” and assure permanent merit rule, the competitive principle in appointment of civil service employees should be embodied in the constitution.
The study of local school units in ten states
Authors: Alves Henry F.
Published: June 2007

Surveys under United States Office of Education paving the way for organization of more efficient and economical educational systems.
Municipal holdback straps
Authors: Capes William Parr
Published: June 2007

How quickly should municipal officials act keeping up with economic changes, prompt provision for which may soon be made obsolete by new discoveries or changing needs?
An inventory of Baltimore's tax savings department
Authors: Bone Hugh A.
Published: June 2007

Many home owners take advantage of city's plan to accumulate amount of taxes by frequent small payments into a tax savings account.
Maine's emergency municipal finance board
Authors: Jseming John W. , Owsley Roy H.
Published: June 2007

A significant experiment in state control for relief of the ills of bankrupt municipalities which merits attention of students of government.
Fixing the judge
Authors: O'Reilly Bryan M.
Published: June 2007

Wherein the efforts of well meaning friends prove futile but the “tough” judge proves “just”.
State assistance to cities in highway building
Authors: Crouch Winston W.
Published: June 2007

The state has recently begun to recognize the problem caused by the construction of highways into and through cities and accordingly to take over such streets or sharestate‐collected motor vehicle taxes.
Michigan's county government, 1938
Authors: Leonard J. M.
Published: June 2007

What form of constitutional amendment providing county home rule is most likely to be accepted by the state's voters?
Wisconsin counties as political chessmen
Authors: Toepel M. G.
Published: June 2007

Partisan elections of county officials, with its consequent local political machinery, proves an aid in the election of state officials by the dominant party group.
Death of a Gerrymander
Authors: Spencer Richard C.
Published: June 2007

Attempts of Cleveland council to draw up new ward boundaries along political lines meet with decisive defeat.
Administration as a science
Authors: Dimock Marshall E.
Published: June 2007

A review of eleven essays prepared by management experts both in this country and abroad.
Resources and debts of the forty‐eight states
Authors: Trull Edna
Published: June 2007

Lack of uniformity in the state‐local debt loads stresses the need for a comparative study of this basic element of fiscal policy and public credit.
Constitutional limitation on local indebtedness in New York state
Authors: Studenski Paul
Published: June 2007

Many proposals relating to debt limit provisions in state's basic law presented to the constitutional convention now meeting in Albany.
The need for adequate reporting of debt
Authors: Rightor C. E.
Published: June 2007

Given the pertinent facts regarding its own debt and similar information for other cities of the same same and economic position, a municipality is in a position to conduct its financial program both intelligently and economically.
Hackensack confounds a legend
Authors: Roher Miriam
Published: June 2007

New Jersey city no longer contends with inefficient administration. Its manager government, adopted in 1933, has restored credit and rendered new services on a cash basis at lower cost.
State printing—monopoly or competition
Authors: Sparlin Estal E.
Published: June 2007

Great financial savings reported by states in which “individual job” system of letting printing contracts has been introduced.
Local forums and local government
Authors: Millard Walter J.
Published: June 2007

Field secretary of National Municipal League considers the public forum an excellent means of reporting the work of local administrators and of helping citizens form opinions concerning future municipal policies.
Toledo inspects its government
Authors: Seed Allen H.
Published: June 2007

Executive secretary of Toledo's City Manager League describes muncipal exhibit which demonstrated to Toledoans what city manager–P. R. government has done for their city in the way of new and improved services.
The cities prepare for disaster
Authors: Betters Harry R.
Published: June 2007

To arm against invasion by the forces of nature is as important as to arm against invasion by the forces of another people.
State‐municipal Coöperation in purchasing
Authors: Maccorkle Stuart A.
Published: June 2007

Although local governments may secure supplies through their state purchasing departments in at least five states, but little use has been made of this opportunity to cut costs.
Recreation to the fore in American cities
Authors: Pangburn Weaver W.
Published: June 2007

Facilities for public recreation have grown markedly in many cities during recent years as American people become increasingly recreation‐conscious.
City planning personnel—A critical analysis
Authors: Shepard Arthur L.
Published: June 2007

A recent survey discloses that city planning is finding a recognized place in government, but despite the fact that its goals are fairly well defined, qualifications and duties of technical personnel are disorganized and lacking in uniformity.
Thirty dollars a week for life
Authors: Smith Wade S.
Published: June 2007

Drastic effect on state and local government finance, with tremendous increase in tax burden, to be expected if California voters adopt initiated measure for generous pension to a possible half million persons.
Coöperative purchasing in the United States and Canada
Authors: Chute Charlton F.
Published: June 2007

Experiments in scattered instances with cooperation in the purchase of supplies for local units of government suggest that extension of the idea should prove eficient and economical.
Cincinnati's regional department of economic security
Authors: Thompson Lorin A.
Published: June 2007

Program of organization whose efforts to help solve unemployment difficulties in scientific manner have met with wide interest, described by department's director.
Planning a winning campaign
Authors: Blumner Lester A.
Published: June 2007

Opponents had said, “They can't win!” But they did win! Advertising and public relations expert, who was called from his managing editor's desk to direct the campaign for city management in Yonkers, New York, tells how it was done.
Frontier town manager, 1938 model
Authors: Roher Miriam
Published: June 2007

Baie‐Comeau, infant manager community in Canada, born into municipal life with a silver spoon in its mouth and a trained administrator to rear it.
Signals in pathological CNS extracts of ALS mice promote hMSCs neurogenic differentiation in vitro
Authors: Zhao Cui‐Ping , Zhang Cheng , Wang Yi‐Hua , Zhou Sheng‐Nian , Zhou Chang , Li Wan‐Yi , Yu Mei‐Juan
Published: June 2007

The capability of MSCs to differentiate into neurons has been proven by many studies. Recently, other studies have cast doubt on MSCs neurogenic differentiation with non‐physiological chemical inducing agents in vitro. This present study was designed to use conditioned medium to investigate whether signals from pathological condition of ALS were competent to induce a program of neurogenic differentiation in expanded cultures of hMSCs. Incubation of hMSCs with conditioned medium prepared from CNS extracts of ALS mice (SOD1‐G93A ALS mice) resulted in a time‐dependent morphological change from fibroblast‐like into neuron‐like, concomitant with increase in the expression of Nestin and subsequent β‐tubulin III, NSE and GAP43. Moreover, signals in pathological CNS extracts of ALS mice were more effective in promoting hMSCs neurogenic differentiation than those in physiological extracts of normal adult mice. These results show that pathological condition of ALS is endowed with capacity to induce hMSCs neurogenic differentiation and hMSCs have shown a potential candidate in cellular therapy for ALS.
Protective role of carnitine in breast cancer via decreasing arginase activity and increasing nitric oxide
Authors: Erbas Hakan , Aydogdu Nurettin , Usta Ufuk , Erten Oya
Published: June 2007

Breast cancer remains one of the most common types of cancer. High levels of arginase and ornithine in different carcinomas may indicate their relation to cancer. Carnitine is a cofactor required for the transformation of free long‐chain fatty acids into acetyl‐carnitines. We have examined the protective effect of carnitine and the possibility that it disturbs arginase—nitric oxide (NO) interaction. Histopathological examination, arginase activity, ornithine and NO levels were determined in tumour tissues. Mitotic cells significantly decreased in the treatment group. Tissue arginase activity and ornithine levels decreased significantly with carnitine. NO levels were significantly higher in the treatment group. One of the possible mechanisms of carnitine's protective role in tumour progression might be its promotion of NO. This mechanism could decrease the production of tumour‐promoting agents, polyamines, and increase the production of NO, thereby exerting a protective effect on cancer development.
Interleukin‐10 inhibits the down‐regulation of ATP binding cassette transporter A1 by tumour necrosis factor‐alpha in THP‐1 macrophage‐derived foam cells
Authors: Mei Chun‐li , Chen Zhi‐jian , Liao Yu‐hua , Wang Yan‐fu , Peng Hong‐yu , Chen Yu
Published: June 2007

It is suggested that cholesterol efflux mediated by ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) plays an important role in anti‐atherogenesis. However, the effects of inflammatory cytokines on ABCA1 expression and cholesterol accumulation in foam cells are little known. This study investigates the effects of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) on ABCA1 expression and cholesterol content in THP‐1 macrophage‐derived foam cells. ABCA1mRNA and protein levels were determined by RT‐PCR and Western blot, respectively. The total cholesterol content in THP‐1 macrophage‐derived foam cells was detected by the zymochemistry method. Results revealed that TNF‐α could increase cholesterol content by down‐regulating ABCA1 expression in a time‐dependent manner in THP‐1 macrophage‐derived foam cells, which may contribute to its pro‐atherosclerotic effect. In addition IL‐10 time‐dependently decreased cholesterol accumulation by up‐regulating ABCA1 expression and inhibited the down‐regulation of ABCA1 by TNF‐α in THP‐1 macrophage‐derived foam cells, which may be one of the mechanisms of IL‐10 contributing to its anti‐atherosclerotic action.
Patient Perception and Assessment of Admission to Acute Cardiac Care Unit
Authors: Nakano Anne , Mainz Jan , Lomborg Kirsten
Published: June 2007

Background: To provide equal care and treatment of cardiac patients it is common practice to base the work on clinical guidelines. These guidelines mainly cover the provider perspective rather than the patient perspective. Patient satisfaction, however, is an important parameter within quality development of professional services in hospitals. Patient satisfaction is, i.e. connected with the amount of information provided to the patient and how much patients are involved in their care and treatment. This is also assumed to apply within cardiac practice. However, in relation to acute admission there is no clear picture of the patients' real preferences; likewise there is no documentation whether these preferences correspond with the nurses' assumptions.

Aim: The aim of this study was primarily to investigate what preoccupied patients admitted to cardiac care units with acute coronary syndrome in connection with the first hours of their admission, and secondly to discuss these perceptions in relation to the nurses' perception from a previous pilot study.

Method: A qualitative descriptive analysis of 30 semi-structured interviews was carried out to investigate the patient perception and assessment of care and treatment by acute admission.

Results: The patients included 22 men and 8 women with an average age of 59 (SD = 11.5) years. In all, 5 themes: efficiency, professionalism, pain management, compassionate nursing and information were considered essential and all together they expressed what preoccupied the patients.

Conclusion: It is possible to show what the patients think is important, also during acute admission. In general, the patients felt they were in good hands. Most important was the care providers' competencies and that they “knew their job”. The patients' experience of pain management might suggest insufficient care and treatment within this field.
ABA modulates the degradation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase kinase in sorghum leaves
Authors: Monreal José Antonio , Feria Ana Belén , Vinardell José María , Vidal Jean , Echevarría Cristina , García-Mauriño Sofía
Published: June 2007

Salt stresses strongly enhance the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase kinase (PEPC‐k) activity of sorghum leaves. This work shows that (1) abscisic acid (ABA) increased the rise in kinase activity in illuminated leaf disks of the non‐stressed plant, (2) ABA decreased the disappearance of PEPC‐k activity in the dark, (3) two PEPC‐k genes expressed in sorghum leaves, PPCK1 and PPCK2, were not up‐regulated by the phytohormone and, (4) ABA effects were mimicked by MG132, a powerful inhibitor of the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway. Collectively these data support a role for the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway in the rapid turnover of PEPC‐k. The negative control by ABA on this pathway might account for the increase of kinase activity observed in salt‐treated plants.
B cell terminal differentiation factor XBP‐1 induces reactivation of Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus
Authors: Yu Fuqu , Feng Jiaying , Harada Josephine N. , Chanda Sumit K. , Kenney Shannon C. , Sun Ren
Published: June 2007

The herpesvirus life cycle has two distinct phases: latency and lytic replication. The viral immediate early protein replication and transcription activator (RTA) plays a central role in mediating the balance between these two phases. Here, we demonstrate that a B cell terminal differentiation factor X‐box binding protein 1 (XBP‐1) can effectively initiates Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV) reactivation by activating the RTA promoter, which results in the induction of other viral lytic transcripts. We also showed splicing of the XBP‐1 mRNA which specifically occurs during B cell differentiation is critical in triggering KSHV reactivation. This work demonstrates the integration of KSHV reactivation mechanisms with host cell differentiation.
Physicochemical modeling as applied to study of sulfoarsenide complexes in hydrothermal solutions
Authors: Vilor N.V. , Kaz’min L.A.
Published: June 2007

System As–Na–S–Cl–H–O was studied. The research was carried out in three stages: (1) selection of the most likely complexes resulting from arsenic sulfide dissolution, (2) calculation of their thermodynamic constants, and (3) comparison of calculated data with thermodynamic database obtained in tests with the solution of inverse thermodynamic problems using the Selektor program complex. The system As–Na–S–Cl–H–O included more than 230 dependent components, which were divided into two groups, base and functional. The former group includes components of the solution (NaCl, NaOH, Na2S, NaHS, HCl, H2S, H2SO4, sulfates, H2SO3, sulfites, thiosulfates, Na+, Cl−,HS−, S2−), gas phase (43 components), and solid phase (orpiment, red arsenic, arsenolite, claudetite, arsenic, sulfur, sodium salts). Thermodynamic constants of the base components are contained in the Selektor database (they were borrowed from reference-books). The latter group includes 77 complexes labile in the solution but determining the solubility of arsenic and stability of its solid phases. Physicochemical modeling was performed in H2S (≥0.01 m, pH = 1–10), Na2S, and NaHS solutions at 25–250 °C and saturated-vapor pressure. It has been established that the dissolution of arsenic sulfide mineral phases in subneutral and alkaline solutions at low oxidation potential is favored by the formation of sulfoarsenides, which are more stable than arsenides and arsenates. Thermodynamic constants of functional complexes determining the orpiment solubility were calculated within the experimental error. It is shown that in hydrothermal iron-free systems with a low oxidation potential, the concentration of As in the solution decreases on cooling and with acidity increase.
Seismicity and seismoactive faults of Cuba
Authors: Cotilla Rodriguez M.O. , Franzke H.J. , Cordoba Barba D.
Published: June 2007

The first catalogue of active regional faults of Cuba is presented. The seismotectonic map of Cuba is a base for studying the seismicity in this region. Of the 30 faults studied, only twelve are active. The main seismotectonic structure is the Bartlett-Cayman fault system, which borders the eastern and southeastern seismotectonic units in this region. Approximately 70% of Cuban seismicity is concentrated here. The Cauto-Nipe, Cochinos and Nortecubana faults border other seismotectonic units. The Nortecubana fault is the only one associated with a tsunami. All the faults are segmented. The faults described are related to the current tectonic stress regime of the Northern Caribbean. All the available information (maps, sections and profiles, photos, geological and neotectonic data on seismicity and focal mechanisms) is supported by a GIS.
Modern accumulation rates of biogenic silica in Baikal bottom sediments: significance of diatom species composition
Authors: Levina O.V. , Karabanov E.B.
Published: June 2007

The modern distribution of biogenic silica (SiO2biog) in Baikal surface (0–0.2 and 0–0.5 cm) sediments, its mass accumulation rates (MAR), and the processes responsible for this distribution were studied. The contents of SiO2biog were determined in samples from 87 stations evenly distributed throughout the lake water area. These data were used to calculate the MAR of SiO2biog and compile SiO2biog and MAR distribution maps. The maps showed that the MAR varies significantly throughout the study area. Its highest values have been established in North Baikal. In Central and South Baikal the MAR values are much lower, and the minimum values are observed in the Selenga shoal. This MAR distribution pattern is consistent with the distribution of frustules of Aulacoseira baicalensis endemic diatoms throughout the surface sediments. Compared with other modern diatom species, this one has the most massive and heaviest frustules, which undergo the least dissolution when settling. This suggests that the above species plays a leading role in the accumulation of biogenic silica in modern Baikal bottom sediments, whereas the role of thin-walled species is minor because of their small mass and partial or complete dissolution in water on settling. Dilution of the sediments with terrigenous material is less significant for the SiO2biog accumulation.
Electromagnetic processes in a conducting magnetic casing string
Authors: Epov M.I. , Morozova G.M. , Antonov E.Yu.
Published: June 2007

We investigated the electromagnetic filed of a current loop in a conducting ferromagnetic cylinder for applications of casing monitoring in petroleum wells. We tested different transmitter-receiver configurations for excitation and recording of TEM and stationary magnetic fields, studied the responses to changes in electromagnetic and geometrical parameters of casing strings, and determined the intervals of highest sensitivity.
Paleogene equatorial penguins challenge the proposed relationship between biogeography, diversity, and Cenozoic climate change
Authors: Clarke Julia A. , Ksepka Daniel T. , Stucchi Marcelo , Urbina Mario , Giannini Norberto , Bertelli Sara , Narváez Yanina , Boyd Clint A.
Published: June 2007

New penguin fossils from the Eocene of Peru force a reevaluation of previous hypotheses regarding the causal role of climate change in penguin evolution. Repeatedly it has been proposed that penguins originated in high southern latitudes and arrived at equatorial regions relatively recently (e.g., 4–8 million years ago), well after the onset of latest Eocene/Oligocene global cooling and increases in polar ice volume. By contrast, new discoveries from the middle and late Eocene of Peru reveal that penguins invaded low latitudes >30 million years earlier than prior data suggested, during one of the warmest intervals of the Cenozoic. A diverse fauna includes two new species, here reported from two of the best exemplars of Paleogene penguins yet recovered. The most comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of Sphenisciformes to date, combining morphological and molecular data, places the new species outside the extant penguin radiation (crown clade: Spheniscidae) and supports two separate dispersals to equatorial (paleolatitude ≈14°S) regions during greenhouse earth conditions. One new species,
Perudyptes devriesi
, is among the deepest divergences within Sphenisciformes. The second,
Icadyptes salasi
, is the most complete giant (>1.5 m standing height) penguin yet described. Both species provide critical information on early penguin cranial osteology, trends in penguin body size, and the evolution of the penguin flipper.
In vivo
quantitation of rare circulating tumor cells by multiphoton intravital flow cytometry
Authors: He Wei , Wang Haifeng , Hartmann Lynn C. , Cheng Ji-Xin , Low Philip S.
Published: June 2007

Quantitation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) constitutes an emerging tool for the diagnosis and staging of cancer, assessment of response to therapy, and evaluation of residual disease after surgery. Unfortunately, no existing technology has the sensitivity to measure the low numbers of tumor cells (<1 CTC per ml of whole blood) that characterize minimal levels of disease. We present a method, intravital flow cytometry, that noninvasively counts rare CTCs
in vivo
as they flow through the peripheral vasculature. The method involves i.v. injection of a tumor-specific fluorescent ligand followed by multiphoton fluorescence imaging of superficial blood vessels to quantitate the flowing CTCs. Studies in mice with metastatic tumors demonstrate that CTCs can be quantitated weeks before metastatic disease is detected by other means. Analysis of whole blood samples from cancer patients further establishes that human CTCs can be selectively labeled and quantitated when present at ≈2 CTCs per ml, opening opportunities for earlier assessment of metastatic disease.
Characterization of prion protein (PrP)-derived peptides that discriminate full-length PrP
Sc
from PrP
C
Authors: Lau Anthony L. , Yam Alice Y. , Michelitsch Melissa M. D. , Wang Xuemei , Gao Carol , Goodson Robert J. , Shimizu Robert , Timoteo Gulliver , Hall John , Medina-Selby Angelica , Coit Doris , McCoin Colin , Phelps Bruce , Wu Ping , Hu Celine , Chien David , Peretz David
Published: June 2007

On our initial discovery that prion protein (PrP)-derived peptides were capable of capturing the pathogenic prion protein (PrP
Sc
), we have been interested in how these peptides interact with PrP
Sc
. After screening peptides from the entire human PrP sequence, we found two peptides (PrP
19–30
and PrP
100–111
) capable of binding full-length PrP
Sc
in plasma, a medium containing a complex mixture of other proteins including a vast excess of the normal prion protein (PrP
C
). The limit of detection for captured PrP
Sc
was calculated to be 8 amol from a ≈10
5
-fold dilution of 10% (wt/vol) human variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease brain homogenate, with >3,800-fold binding specificity to PrP
Sc
over PrP
C
. Through extensive analyses, we show that positively charged amino acids play an important, but not exclusive, role in the interaction between the peptides and PrP
Sc
. Neither hydrophobic nor polar interactions appear to correlate with binding activity. The peptide–PrP
Sc
interaction was not sequence-specific, but amino acid composition affected binding. Binding occurs through a conformational domain that is only present in PrP
Sc
, is species-independent, and is not affected by proteinase K digestion. These and other findings suggest a mechanism by which cationic domains of PrP
C
may play a role in the recruitment of PrP
C
to PrP
Sc
.
War & famine in Ethiopia & Eritrea
Authors: White Philip , Cliffe Lionel
Published: July 2007

The following Summary is taken from a longer report just completed by the authors. ‘Conflict, Relief and Development: Aid Responses to the Current Food Crisis in the Horn of Africa’ is available from the University of Leeds. See end for details.
Business & war in Angola
Authors: Cillers Jakkie
Published: July 2007

As the international community's enthusiasm for peacekeeping has declined, it has sought effective and alternative ways of effecting peace without the risk of troop deployment Imposing various conditions on the warring parties has been an obvious alternative. This is the thinking behind the sanctions presently applied, albeit with limited effect, on the Angolan rebel movement, UNITA, and the various attempts at structural adjustment programs imposed on the government in Luanda.
Ujamaa and rural socialism
Authors: Raikes P.L.
Published: July 2007

Tanzania's policy of Ujamaa Vijijini aimed at bringing peasant producers together in villages for co‐operative production. At first the policy was voluntaristic, stressing that the peasants themselves should initiate, control and run their villages. More recently the ‘frontal’ approach has resulted in administrative coercion and compulsory villagization. Some of the problems of rural planning and ujamaa implementation are closely connected with the absence of a concerted strategy for the transformation of the economy. Without such a strategy even the most democratically‐run villages of full producer co‐operation will maintain dependence if they continue to be deployed for export crop production. As serious: the increasingly bureaucratic implementation of the policy has acted as a barrier to political mobilisation and to the release of productive forces. Ujamaa was intended to be pursued politically, through the education and mobilisation of peasants; instead it conforms with the interests and methods of the bureaucratic bourgeoisie.
Structural dependence and decolonisation in a West African land‐locked state: Niger
Authors: Higgott Richard
Published: July 2007

What does ‘dependency’ mean in the little studied, land‐locked state of Niger? Class formation, the creation of a ‘national’ bourgeosie and the nature of the post‐colonial state have normally been studied in relation to the larger, more prosperous countries like the Ivory Coast and Kenya. (The discussion of which is further pursued in our Debatessection). Here the author examines the differing impact of colonialism on a small country and provides basic information on the workings of the Nigerien state.