bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HOUSING CONDITIONS AND AFFORDABILITY IN HONG KONG
Authors: Ho Winky K.O.
Published: October 2007

Housing in Hong Kong is of interest as an example of how improvements in living conditions have not kept pace with the territory's economic growth. This paper describes basic housing conditions in Hong Kong, and assesses them against the background of progress over time and within the context of housing conditions in other countries. Housing affordability is a growing problem, particularly for population groups that are marginal to the housing market. We discuss the emerging affordability crisis, especially for homeowners in the private sector, analyze the reasons behind it and review government policies to overcome the housing problems.
RECENT ECONOMIC TRENDS
Authors: LESER C. E. V.
Published: October 2007

The gross reproduction rates for Scottish cities and counties have come much closer to each other between 1930‐32 and 1950‐52. This process has taken the form of spectacular increases in some counties with small populations and decreases by smaller amounts in cities and counties with large populations.

To a considerable extent this has been due to reductions in the differences in the proportions of married women in the reproductive age‐groups. This may be due not only to greater uniformity in marriage habits but also to less migration of single women to a few areas traditionally employing women.

Local variations in legitimate and illegitimate fertility have also diminished, but the pattern of regional differentials has persisted more than in the field of nuptiality.
TORRENS, McCULLOCH AND DISRAELI
Authors: O'Brien D. P.
Published: October 2007

“Reciprocity is, no doubt, the return of the Protection cry, in a disguised form.”– Lord Overstone. (O'Brien 1971 III p. 1458).
MARSHALL'S INDUSTRIAL ANALYSIS
Authors: O'BRIEN D. P.
Published: October 2007

My confidence in Cournot as an economist was shaken when I found that his mathematics re I[ncreasing] R[eturns] led inevitably to things which do not exist and have no near relation to reality. One of the chief purposes of my Wander‐jahre among factories, etc., was to discover how Cournot's premises were wrong. The chief outcome of my work in this direction, which occupied me a good deal between 1870 and 1890, is in the ‘Representative firm’ theory,.the supplementary cost analysis,.as well as the parts [of the Principles] that directly relate to supply price for I. R. Marshall to A. W. Flux, 7 March, 1898, in Memorials, (1872–1923), pp. 406–7
UK EXCESS SHARE RETURNS: FIRM SIZE AND VOLATILITY
Authors: Fraser Patricia
Published: October 2007

Abstract

Using the family of GARCH‐M(p, q) models and UK data comprising of the market portfolio and a portfolio of smaller company shares over the period January 1970 through June 1994, this paper provides support for the notion that the degree of market capitalisation is an important factor in the analysis of risk‐return relationships. The evidence reported supports the view that, although both portfolios appear to be driven by the persistence of volatility shocks, there exist significant differences in risk‐return behaviour.
SUNK COSTS AND PROFIT TAXATION: A SOURCE OF TAX NON‐NEUTRALITY
Authors: Panteghim Paolo M.
Published: October 2007

Abstract

This Paper uses a two‐period Von Stackelberg model to study the effects of profit taxation on the behaviour of a monopolist, when the entry of a potential competitor is threatened. A barrier to entry, consisting of a sunk cost, is assumed. If the potential competitor decides to enter, thus making a loss, deduction is allowed in the following period. This model shows that these tax deductions can make profit taxation be distortive.
A CONTINGENT VALUATION STUDY OF UNCERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL GAINS
Authors: Macmillan Douglas , Hanley Nick , Buckland Steve
Published: October 2007

Acid deposition in a present and future cause of biodiversity losses in vulnerable upland areas of Scotland important for nature conservation. However, the exact nature of damages under the status quo, and both the timing and extent of recovery of upland ecosystems if deposition is reduced, are subject to uncertainty. this uncertainty complicates damages cost estimation. In this paper, we have explored the use of CVM to measure the willingness to pay (WTP) of the Scottish population for uncertain recovery/damage scenarios from reduced acid rain deposition. An optimally‐designed referendum format was used utilising the distribution of open‐ended bids from a pilot study to determine bid amounts and sampling size for each bid amount. Eight explanatory variables, including future damage level were selected in a non‐linear step‐wise regression analysis. Average household WTP for abatement of acid rain was £247 and £351 per year when faced with low and high future damage levels respectively. Recovery level and recovery time did not significantly influence WTP. When faced with risky outcomes regarding future damage and recovery level, respondent were found to be risk averse to both environmental gains and losses.
NIDA522131, a new radioligand for imaging extrathalamic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: in vitro and in vivo evaluation
Authors: Chefer Svetlana I. , Pavlova Olga A. , Zhang Yi , Vaupel D. Bruce , Kimes Alane S. , Horti Andrew G. , Stein Elliot , Mukhin Alexey G.
Published: September 2007

A novel radioligand, 6‐chloro‐3‐((2‐(S)‐azetidinyl)methoxy)‐5‐(2‐fluoropyridin‐4‐yl)pyridine (NIDA522131), for imaging extrathalamic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) was characterized in vitro and in vivo using positron emission tomography. The Kd and T1/2 of dissociation of NIDA522131 binding measured at 37°C in vitro were 4.9 ± 0.4 pmol/L and 81 ± 5 min, respectively. The patterns of radioactivity distribution in monkey brain in vivo was similar to that of 2‐[18F]fluoro‐3‐(2(S)‐azetidinylmethoxy)pyridine (2FA), a radioligand that has been successfully used in humans, and matched the α4β2* nAChRs distribution. Comparison between [18F]NIDA522131 and 2FA demonstrated better in vivo binding properties of the new radioligand and substantially greater radioactivity accumulation in brain. Consistent with [18F]NIDA522131 elevated affinity for nAChRs and its increased lipophilicity, both, the total and non‐displaceable distribution volumes were substantially higher than those of 2FA. Estimated binding potential values in different brain regions, characterizing the specificity of receptor binding, were 3–4 fold higher for [18F]NIDA522131 than those of 2FA. Pharmacological evaluation in mice demonstrated a toxicity that was comparable to 2FA and is in agreement with a 2300 fold higher affinity at α4β2* versus α3β4* nAChRs. These results suggest that [18F]NIDA522131 is a promising positron emission tomography radioligand for studying extrathalamic nAChR in humans.
FROM LEEDS TO LEADS
Authors: Thomas P. R.
Published: October 2007

The paper outlines the author's background and continuing education in photogrammetry. The potential of low cost instruments for non‐specialists is examined from her viewpoint as a research student and as an employee of Leica UK Ltd.

Ľarticle retrace les compétences acquises par ľauteur en photogrammétrie et lew prolongement en formation continue. Ľauteur présente également les possibilityé des appareils à bas prix pour les non‐spécialistes en so plaçant à un double point de vue, en tant qu'tudiant faisant de la recherche et en tant qu'employee de la Société Leica Ltd. (RU).

In dem Artikel werden die Ausbildung und die fortwährende Weiter‐bildung der Autorin in Photogrammetrie skizziert. Der Nutzen preiswerter Gerdte für Nichtspezialisten wird unter ihrem Blickwinkel als Forschungs‐student und Mitarbeiterin der Leica UK Ltd. beleuchtet.
XVIIth INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF PHOTOGRAMMETRY AND REMOTE SENSING
Authors: Atkinson K. B. , Dowman I. J. , Farrow J. E. , Newby P. R. T. , Newton I. , Smith M. J. , Stirling D. M.
Published: October 2007

The XVIIth International Congress of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing was held in the Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC, USA from 2nd to 14th August, 1992. Reports on the Technical Commission activities, on the Congress Exhibition and on the General Assembly were given at a meeting of the Photogrammetric Society on 20th October 1992. Papers from the Congress were published in the International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing 29.

Resume

Le XVIPème Congrès de la Société Internationale de Photogrammétrie et de Télédétection s'est tenu an Washington Convention Center, Washington D.C., Etats‐Unis. du 2 au 14 août 1992.

La Société britannique de Photogrammétrie a organisé une réunion le 20 octobre 1992 au cours de laquelle des rapports sur les activités des Commissions Techniques, et sur ľexposition et ľAssemblée Générate du Congrès ont été présentés. Les communications déposées au Congrès ont été publicées dans les Archives internationales de Photogrammétrie et de Télédetéction, n° 29.

Der XVII. Internationale Kongreβ für Photogrammetrie und Fernerkundung wurde vom 2. bis 14. August 1992 in den USA im Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. durchgeführt. Berichte über die Tätigkeit der Technischen Kommissionen, die Kongreβ‐Ausstellung und di Generalversammlung wurden am 20. Oktober 1992 auf einer Versammlung der Photogrammetric Society gegeben. Beiträge vom Kongreβ wurden im Internationalen Archiv für Photogrammetrie und Fernerkundung, Bd. 29 veröffentlicht.
RELATIVE ORIENTATION FOR TWO‐MEDIA PHOTOGRAMMETRY
Authors: Shan Jie
Published: October 2007

This paper discusses analytical relative orientation for two‐media photogrammetry. After a brief introduction concerning the collinearity condition, the coplanarity equation is derived, which is similar inform to the conventional expression. By considering the differences from one‐medium photogrammetry, the computational strategy of relative orientation for two‐media photogrammetry is studied, including linearization of the equation, the correction for refraction and, especially, the determination of the boundary between the two media. Simulated test results verify the theoretical analysis.

On étudie dans cet article ľ orientation relative analytique dans la photogrammétrie à deux milieux. Après une brève introduction relative à la condition de colinéarité, on en dérive les équations de coplanarité dont la forme est tout à fait semblable à celle du cas classique. On dégage ensuite une stratégie de calcul de ľ orientation relative pour la photogrammétrie à deux milieux, en s'attachant aux différences avec celle à un seul milieu, et en mentionnant la linéarisation des équations, la correction de la réfraction et, plus particulièrement, la détermination de la limite entre les deux milieux. Les résultats obtenus sur des simulations sont conformes àľ‘analyse théorique.

ImArtikelwirddie analytische relative Orientierung für die Zweimedien‐Photogrammetrie diskutiert. Nach einer kurzen Einführung, die sich mit der Kollinearitätsbedingung befaβt, weden Komplanaritätsgleichungen ähnlich der konventionellen Form abgeleitet. Unter Beachtung der Unterschiede zur Einmedium‐Photogrammetrie wird die rechnerische Strategic der relativen Orientierung für die Zweimedien‐Photogrammetrie studiert. Das schließt die Linearisierung der Gleichungen, die Refraktionskorrektur und besonders die Bestimmung der Grenze zwischen den beiden Medien ein. Simulierte Testergebnisse bestdtigen die theoretische Analyse.
Health‐related Quality of Life in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis in Serbia: Comparison with Hemodialysis
Authors: Lausevic Mirjana , Nesic Vidosava , Stojanovic Miomir , Stefanovic Vladisav
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Patients' health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important indicator of the effectiveness of the medical care they receive. Patients who reach end‐stage renal disease are older and have a considerable extent of comorbidity. The objectives of this study were (i) to evaluate HRQoL in patients at the initiation of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) treatment (incident cohort) and in patients on long‐term CAPD therapy (prevalent cohort), and (ii) to compare influence of comorbidity on HRQoL in CAPD and hemodialysis (HD) patients. In a cross‐sectional study we enrolled 99 CAPD and 192 HD patients. HRQoL was assessed with the 36‐item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF‐36). HRQoL summary scales in both incident and prevalent groups of CAPD patients were similar for physical component summary score (PCS) and for mental component summary score (MCS). Generally, higher values were found in mental health domains in comparison to PCS. In the incident group of patients, 1 year of peritoneal dialysis treatment was associated with a slight improvement in both PCS and MCS, but statistical significance (P < 0.05) was found in the role‐physical limitation (RP), bodily pain (BP), and vitality (VT) scales only. CAPD patients with the highest disease severity (Index of Disease Severity [IDS]‐3) and physical impairment (Index of Physical Impairment [IPI]‐2) scored significantly higher parameters of HRQoL than HD patients. Comorbidity had negative influence on HRQoL, but statistically significant correlation has been found in HD patients only. In conclusion, comorbid conditions had negative correlation with parameters of HRQoL in both CAPD and HD patients. One year after starting CAPD, patients reported better scores in some domains, especially in RP, BP, and VT scales. Assessment of HRQoL and comorbidity might be useful in clinical practice in the follow‐up of patients treated with both CAPD and HD.
Radha Jalan and ElectroChem, Inc.: Energy for a Clean Planet
Authors: Amatucci Frances M. , Coleman Susan
Published: October 2007

ElectroChem, Inc. was a global supplier of fuel cell technology for government and commercial applications. When the founder unexpectedly died in 1992, the firm had not yet achieved profitability and was burdened with a high level of debt. Without any formal technical training or business experience, his wife, Radha Jalan, became president. Her primary challenges included increasing ElectroChem's market share and reputation, technology development, generating sufficient revenues and cash flows, and securing external sources of capital. This case illustrates some of the challenges faced by a woman entrepreneur as well as issues associated with growth in an emerging market for energy source alternatives.
From Human Capital to Social Capital: A Longitudinal Study of Technology–Based Academic Entrepreneurs
Authors: Mosey Simon , Wright Mike
Published: October 2007

This article develops theory relating to how differences in the human capital of academic entrepreneurs influence their ability to develop social capital that can address the barriers to venture development. We examine the development of social capital by three types of academic entrepreneurs with differing levels of entrepreneurship experience: nascent, novice, and habitual entrepreneurs. Using a longitudinal study, critical differences are observed between the structure, content, and governance of their social networks. We propose that entrepreneurs with prior business ownership experience have broader social networks and are more effective in developing network ties. Less experienced entrepreneurs likely encounter structural holes between their scientific research networks and industry networks. Support initiatives help attract industry partners for novice entrepreneurs from engineering and the material sciences but academics based within biological sciences encounter greater difficulties building such ties. Regardless of academic discipline, business ownership experience appears essential to learn to build relationships with experienced managers and potential equity investors.
Genetic Basis of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: From Bench to the Clinics
Authors: ALCALAI RONNY , SEIDMAN JONATHAN G. , SEIDMAN CHRISTINE E.
Published: October 2007

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common inherited cardiac disorder that characterized by marked thickening of the left ventricular wall that occurs in the absence of increased external load. HCM is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death under 35 years and in addition causes heart failure. HCM is usually inherited as an autosomal dominant mutation in genes that encode protein constituents of the sarcomere. To date, more than 450 different mutations have been identified within 13 myofilament‐related genes. This review focuses current research involved in the discovery of other causative genes, investigation of the mechanisms by which sarcomere genes mutations produce hypertrophy and arrhythmia, and identification of modifying factors that influence clinical expression in HCM patients. The clinical implications of molecular advances in HCM are discussed.
DP+1: Another Simple Endpoint for Atrial Flutter Ablation
Authors: ZAMBITO PETER E. , PALMA EUGEN C.
Published: October 2007

Background: When double potentials (DP) on the line of block are difficult to see, we propose another simple method to verify complete bidirectional block (CBDB) at the end of an atrial flutter ablation. We measured the interval between the electrograms immediately on either side of the line of block on a multipole catheter spanning the isthmus. We called this interval “DP+1” because it is one pair of electrodes away from the DP on the line of block.

Methods: Fifty consecutive patients (age 62 ± 13 years, LVEF 54 ± 11%, mean cycle length 241 ± 34 ms) underwent an atrial flutter ablation using a duodecapolar catheter with 2–10 mm spacing with the distal tip inserted into the mid‐coronary sinus and the rest of the poles spanning the isthmus and the low lateral right atrium. Radiofrequency ablation was performed using a 10‐mm tip electrode (EP Technologies). The ablation endpoint was the creation of a craniocaudal activation pattern of the opposite wall to the pacing site (septal and lateral of the line of block).

Results: The ablation endpoint was achieved in 48 of 50 (96%) patients with 8 ± 2 RF applications. Adequate DP were found in only 22 of 50 patients (44%), but the DP+1 interval was measurable in all patients. When no block was present, the DP+1 interval was 81 ± 10 ms, and 160 ± 18 ms when complete bidirectional block was present (P < 0.001). A DP+1 interval of >140 ms had 100% specificity, 96% sensitivity, 100% positive predictive value for verifying complete bidirectional block. After a follow‐up of 528 ± 253 days, there were no recurrences of AFL, but there were four recurrences of AF (8%).

Conclusion: When DP cannot be seen, another simple method for verifying CBDB in ablation of typical atrial flutter is a DP+1 interval > 140 ms.
Early Recurrence of Ventricular Fibrillation After Successful Defibrillation During Prolonged Global Ischemia in Isolated Rabbit Hearts
Authors: WU TSU‐JUEY , LIN SHIEN‐FONG , HSIEH YU‐CHENG , CHEN PENG‐SHENG , TING CHIH‐TAI
Published: October 2007

Introduction: The mechanisms that lower the efficacy of electrical defibrillation during prolonged global ischemia remain unclear.

Methods and Results: Epicardial activation patterns during attempted electrical defibrillation were studied in 18 Langendorff‐perfused rabbit hearts at baseline, after 5‐minute no‐flow global ischemia and after 10‐minute reperfusion. DFT50 (voltage required to achieve 50% probability of successful defibrillation) was determined at each stage. Defibrillation was considered successful if postshock sinus/idioventricular rhythm was present. Prolonged global ischemia converted type 1 VF (multiple wandering wavelets) into type 2 VF (repetitive epicardial breakthroughs, REBs). The mean DFT50 after 5‐minute ischemia (96 ± 39 V) was significantly lower when compared with that at baseline (154 ± 47 V, P < 0.0001) and after 10‐minute reperfusion (145 ± 47 V, P < 0.001). However, the incidence of early (within 10 seconds) VF recurrence after successful shock during prolonged global ischemia (23 of 78, 29.5%) was much higher than that at baseline (2 of 60, 3.3%) and after 10‐minute reperfusion (5 of 63, 7.9%; P < 0.0001). Mapping data showed that the VF wavefronts during prolonged global ischemia were initially halted by the shock, followed by one to five ventricular escape beats. These beats then triggered REBs and early VF recurrence. In eight out of 11 episodes, the REBs before and after successful shock arose from the same location near the interventricular septum.

Conclusions: There is a significant reduction of DFT50 during prolonged global ischemia. However, defibrillation appears to fail when the preexisting REBs near the interventricular septum induce early VF recurrence. Shock per se cannot eliminate the substrates of these REBs.
One Angry Man? A New Look at an Old Film
Authors: Wheeler Michael
Published: October 2007

In this satire written from the perspective of the fictional defendant in the film 12 Angry Men, the arguments used by the dissenting juror to prove the possibility that the defendant is innocent are explained in ways that actually support his guilt.
Plasma MMP‐2‐TIMP‐2 complex levels measured during follow‐up predict a risk of relapse in patients with malignant lymphoma
Authors: Pennanen Heli , Kuittinen Outi , Turpeenniemi‐Hujanen Taina
Published: October 2007

Objectives:  Circulating gelatinases and their tissue inhibitors measured at diagnosis have been shown to exhibit prognostic relevance in several solid tumours. The clinical data concerning their role in follow‐up of cancer are still very preliminary. The aim of this study was to find out whether the concentrations of these circulating markers could be used as follow‐up markers predicting the risk of lymphoma relapse.

Methods:  Here, we investigated these circulating molecules in a large (n = 126) follow‐up material of lymphoma patients and in healthy controls (n = 44). The plasma samples of patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma (n = 31), non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma (n = 95), and healthy controls were analysed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9), proMMP‐2, matrix metalloproteinase‐2‐tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2‐TIMP‐2) complex, TIMP‐1, and TIMP‐2.

Results:  The patients with the highest plasma levels of MMP‐2‐TIMP‐2 complex had a 3‐fold risk of relapse when compared to the patients with lower levels (P = 0.036). Plasma levels of proMMP‐2 and MMP‐2‐TIMP‐2 complex as well as the proMMP‐2/TIMP‐2 ratio were significantly higher in patients with active lymphoma and those in remission when compared to healthy controls. On the contrary, the values of TIMP‐2 were significantly lower in lymphoma patients than in controls.

Conclusions:  This study shows that lymphoma patients with the highest levels of MMP‐2‐TIMP‐2 complex are at a marked risk of relapse. Moreover, plasma levels of MMP‐2‐TIMP‐2 complex, proMMP‐2, TIMP‐2, and proMMP‐2/TIMP‐2 ratio are at abnormal level in patients with newly diagnosed lymphoma and those in remission when compared to healthy controls. They remain abnormal even after successful lymphoma treatments.
Dopamine system genes associated with parenting in the context of daily hassles
Authors: Van IJzendoorn M. H , Bakermans‐Kranenburg M. J. , Mesman J.
Published: September 2007

The current study examined the molecular genetic foundations of sensitive parenting in humans and is the first to test the interaction between genes and environment in modulating parental sensitive responses to children. In a community sample of 176 Caucasian, middle class mothers with their 23‐month‐old toddlers at risk for externalizing behavior problems, the association between daily hassles and sensitive parenting was investigated. We tested whether two dopamine‐related genes, dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) and catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) gene polymorphisms, modulate parents’ vulnerability to the negative influence of daily hassles on sensitive parenting behavior to their offspring. Sensitive parenting was observed in structured settings, and parents reported on their daily hassles through a standard questionnaire. In parents with the combination of genes leading to the least efficient dopaminergic system functioning (COMT val/val or val/met, DRD4‐7Repeat), more daily hassles were associated with less sensitive parenting, and lower levels of daily hassles were associated with more sensitive parenting d = 1.12. The other combinations of COMT and DRD4 polymorphisms did not show significant associations between daily hassles and maternal sensitivity, suggesting differential susceptibility to hassles depending on parents’ dopaminergic system genes. It is concluded that the study of (multiple) gene–environment interactions (in the current case: gene by gene by environment interaction, G × G × E) may explain why some parents are more and others less impacted by daily stresses in responding sensitively to their offspring’s signals.
Comparative Social Capital: Networks of Entrepreneurs and Venture Capitalists in China and Russia
Authors: Batjargal Bat
Published: October 2007

I compare networks of entrepreneurs and venture capitalists in China and Russia by examining professional social networks of software entrepreneurs and private equity investors from the perspectives of institutional theory and culture paradigm. In the empirical study, I draw on survey data from Beijing and Moscow based on interviews of 159 software entrepreneurs and 124 venture capital decisions. I found that professional networks of the Chinese software entrepreneurs are smaller, denser and more homogeneous in educational specializations, compared with the networks of Russian entrepreneurs. Furthermore, I found that both ties and interpersonal trust in the referral tie are stronger in China than in Russia.
Identification of calreticulin as a ligand of GABARAP by phage display screening of a peptide library
Authors: Mohrlüder Jeannine , Stangler Thomas , Hoffmann Yvonne , Wiesehan Katja , Mataruga Anja , Willbold Dieter
Published: October 2007

4‐Aminobutyrate type A (GABAA) receptor‐associated protein (GABARAP) is a ubiquitin‐like modifier implicated in the intracellular trafficking of GABAA receptors, and belongs to a family of proteins involved in intracellular vesicular transport processes, such as autophagy and intra‐Golgi transport. In this article, it is demonstrated that calreticulin is a high affinity ligand of GABARAP. Calreticulin, although best known for its functions as a Ca2+‐dependent chaperone and a Ca2+‐buffering protein in the endoplasmic reticulum, is also localized to the cytosol and exerts a variety of extra‐endoplasmic reticulum functions. By phage display screening of a randomized peptide library, peptides that specifically bind GABARAP were identified. Their amino acid sequences allowed us to identify calreticulin as a potential GABARAP binding protein. GABARAP binding to calreticulin was confirmed by pull‐down experiments with brain lysate and colocalization studies in N2a cells. Calreticulin and GABARAP interact with a dissociation constant Kd = 64 nm and a mean lifetime of the complex of 20 min. Thus, the interaction between GABARAP and calreticulin is the strongest so far reported for each protein.
Association between recipient ICAM‐1 K469 allele and renal allograft acute rejection
Authors: Tajik N. , Salari F. , Ghods A. J. , Hajilooi M. , Radjabzadeh M. F. , Mousavi T.
Published: October 2007

Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1) genetic polymorphisms (G241R and K469E) have been implicated in several autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Investigating a sample of living‐unrelated donor (LURD) kidney transplant pairs, we revealed an association between recipient K469 allele (P = 0.013) and K/K genotype (P = 0.042) with renal allograft acute rejection.
The Role of the Neurobiologist in Redefining the Diagnosis of Autism
Authors: London Eric
Published: October 2007

Until recently, autism, along with the other developmental disabilities, was largely ignored by the medical and research community. At this early point in our understanding of the syndrome, neurobiologists and especially those who work with human brain tissue have a great deal to offer. A thorough understanding of the clinically defined syndrome is essential. Along with the other psychiatric diseases listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), autism is defined by gross behavioral macros that, in all probability, are only indirectly related to basic biological systems. The diagnostic schema is not etiologically based. The diagnostic triad of symptoms that defines autism—impaired communication, impaired social interaction, and restricted and repetitive interests and activities—has been found to be present in the general population with no clear demarcation between pathological severity and being a common trait. In addition, the three basic symptoms of autism appear not to associate highly, thus leaving undetermined the validity of studying autism in its currently defined triad of symptoms. It is proposed that a close working relationship between neurobiologists and clinicians is necessary in order to identify etiologically based diagnostic schemas that would complement, rather than replace, the clinical diagnosis.
Preservation of basophils in dapsone‐induced agranulocytosis suggests a possible pathogenetic role for leucocyte peroxidases
Authors: BESSER M. , VERA J. , CLARK J. , CHITNAVIS D. , BEATTY C. , VASSILIOU G.
Published: October 2007

We describe a hitherto unreported laboratory observation, namely the selective preservation of basophils, in a case of severe dapsone‐induced agranulocytosis. Dapsone is known to be metabolised by peroxidases to nitroso derivatives in non‐hemopoietic cells where these can in turn act as haptens. Our observation that basophils are selectively spared in this syndrome supports the hypothesis that leucocyte peroxidases function in a similar way to facilitate the pathogenesis of this form of agranulocytosis in susceptible individuals.
Epistemic Contextualism as a Theory of Primary Speaker Meaning1
Authors: HARMAN GILBERT
Published: October 2007

Jason Stanley’s Knowledge and Practical Interests is a brilliant book, combining insights about knowledge with a careful examination of how recent views in epistemology fit with the best of recent linguistic semantics. Although I am largely convinced by Stanley’s objections to epistemic contextualism, I will try in what follows to formulate a version that might have some prospect of escaping his powerful critique.
Rotary Kiln Slow Pyrolysis for Syngas and Char Production From Biomass and Waste — Part II: Introducing Product Yields in the Energy Balance
Authors: Fantozzi Francesco , Colantoni Simone , Bartocci Pietro , Desideri Umberto
Published: October 2007

A microscale electrically heated rotary kiln for slow pyrolysis of biomass and waste was designed and built at the University of Perugia. The reactor is connected to a wet scrubbing section, for tar removal, and to a monitored combustion chamber to evaluate the lower heating value of the syngas. The system allows the evaluation of gas, tar, and char yields for different pyrolysis temperature and residence time. The feeding screw conveyor and the kiln are rigidly connected; therefore a modification of the flow rate implies a modification of the inside solid motion and of residence time. Part I of the paper describes the theoretical and experimental evaluation of the working envelope of the reactor, that is, rotational speed as a function of feedstock density and humidity content, to obtain pyrolysis conditions inside the kiln. This paper describes the development and resolution of an energy balance of the reactor under pyrolysis conditions. Once the rotational speed n is fixed, the aim of the balance is to obtain the yield of wood biomass pyrolysis products such as syngas, tar, and char. Results can be used to choose the correct rotational speed of kiln and feeding screw before doing the real pyrolysis test.
Influence of Reynolds Number on the Evolution of a Plane Air Jet Issuing From a Slit
Authors: Suresh P. R. , Das Sarit K. , Sundararajan T.
Published: October 2007

Jet flows are encountered in a variety of industrial applications. Although from the points of view of manufacturing with ease and small spatial requirement it is convenient to use short slit nozzles, most of the available studies deal with turbulent jets issuing from contoured nozzles. In the present work, experiments have been conducted in the moderate Reynolds number range of 250–6250 for a slit jet. Mixing characteristics of slit jets seem to be quite different from those of jets emerging out of contoured nozzles. This is primarily due to the differences in the decay characteristics and the large scale eddy structures generated in the near field, which are functions of the initial momentum thickness. It is evident that, in the range of 250⩽Re⩽6250, the overall spreading characteristics of the slit jet flow have stronger Reynolds number dependence than those of contoured nozzle jets. In particular, the slit jets exhibit slower mean velocity decay rates and slower half-width growth rates. Normalized power spectra and probability distribution functions are used to assess the spatial evolution and the Reynolds number dependence of jet turbulence. It is seen that the fluctuating components of velocity attain isotropic conditions at a smaller axial distance from the nozzle exit than that required for mean velocity components to become self-similar.
Friction Factor Directly From Transitional Roughness in a Turbulent Pipe Flow
Authors: Afzal Noor
Published: October 2007

The friction factor data from transitional rough test pipes, from the measurements of Sletfjerding and Gudmundsson (2003, “Friction Factor Directly From Roughness Measurements,” J. Energy Resour. Technol. 125, pp. 126–130), have been analyzed in terms of directly measurable roughness parameters, Ra the arithmetic mean roughness, RZ the mean peak to valley heights roughness, Rq the root mean square (rms) roughness, and Rq∕H rms textured roughness (H, the Hurst exponent is a texture parameter), in addition to h the equivalent sand grain roughness. The proposed friction factor λ, in terms of new scaling parameter, viz., the roughness Reynolds number Reϕ=Re∕ϕ (where ϕ is a nondimensional roughness scale), is a universal relation for all kinds of surface roughness. This means that Prandtl’s smooth pipe friction factor relation would suffice provided that the traditional Reynolds number Re is replaced by the roughness Reynolds number Reϕ. This universality is very well supported by the extensive rough pipe data of Sletfjerding and Gudmundsson, Shockling’s (2005, “Turbulence Flow in Rough Pipe,” MS thesis, Princeton University) machined honed pipe surface roughness data, and Nikuradse’s (1933, Laws of Flow in Rough Pipe, VDI, Forchungsheft No. 361) sand grain roughness data. The predictions for the roughness function ΔU+, and the roughness scale ϕ for inflectional roughness compare very well with the data of the above mentioned researchers. When surface roughness is present, there is no universality of scaling of the friction factor λ with respect to the traditional Reynolds number Re, and different expressions are needed for various types of roughnesses, as suggested, for example, with inflectional roughness, monotonic roughness, etc. In traditional variables, the proposed friction factor prediction for inflectional roughness in the pipes, is supported very well by the experimental data of Sletfjerding and Gudmundsson, Shockling, and Nikuradse. In the present work, the predictions of friction factor as implicit relations, as well as approximate explicit relations, have also been proposed for various roughness scales.
Friction Factor Correlations for Gas Flow in Slip Flow Regime
Authors: Hong Chungpyo , Asako Yutaka , Turner Stephen E. , Faghri Mohammad
Published: October 2007

Poiseuille number, the product of friction factor and Reynolds number (fRe) for quasi-fully-developed gas microchannel flow in the slip flow regime, was obtained numerically based on the arbitrary-Lagrangian-Eulerian method. Two-dimensional compressible momentum and energy equations were solved for a wide range of Reynolds and Mach numbers for constant wall temperatures that are lower or higher than the inlet temperature. The channel height ranges from 2 μm to 10 μm and the channel aspect ratio is 200. The stagnation pressure pstg is chosen such that the exit Mach number ranges from 0.1 to 1.0. The outlet pressure is fixed at atmospheric conditon. Mach and Knudsen numbers are systematically varied to determine their effects on fRe. The correlation for fRe for the slip flow is obtained from that of fRe of no-slip flow and incompressible theory as a function of Mach and Knudsen numbers. The results are in excellent agreement with the available experimental measurements. It was found that fRe is a function of Mach and Knudsen numbers and is different from the values by 96/(1+12Kn) obtained from the incompressible flow theory.
Streaming Electric Potential in Pressure-Driven Flows Through Reservoir-Connected Microchannels
Authors: Mirbozorgi S. A. , Niazmand H. , Renksizbulut M.
Published: October 2007

Electrical power generation employing pressure-driven flows is a fundamental problem in microfluidics. In the present work, analytical and numerical analyses are performed to study the interplaying effects of electrolyte motion with the associated electrical current in a flat microchannel with and without fluid reservoirs. The modified Navier–Stokes equations as well as a Poisson equation for the distribution of electric potential and the Nernst–Planck equations for the distribution of charge densities are solved for the steady flow of a Newtonian liquid. The results show that for a pressure-driven flow, an electric potential is induced due to the motion of charged particles, which increases linearly along the microchannel. This streaming potential generates an opposing conduction current in the core region of the channel as well as in the immediate vicinity of the walls, where the streaming current is negligible. The streaming potential varies in a nonlinear manner with the zeta potential at the walls such that a maximum potential exists at a certain zeta potential. The maximum potential is also observed to increase with both the applied pressure difference and the electric double layer thickness in the range studied. The presence of reservoirs adds significant complexity to this electrokinetic flow.
Low-frequency and high-frequency cochlear nonlinearity in humans
Authors: Gorga Michael P. , Neely Stephen T. , Dierking Darcia M. , Kopun Judy , Jolkowski Kristin , Groenenboom Kristin , Tan Hongyang , Stiegemann Bettina
Published: October 2007

Low- and high-frequency cochlear nonlinearity was studied by measuring distortion product otoacoustic emission input/output (DPOAE I/O) functions at 0.5 and 4kHz in 103 normal-hearing subjects. Behavioral thresholds at both f2’s were used to set L2 in dB SL for each subject. Primary levels were optimized by determining the L1 resulting in the largest Ldp for each L2 for each subject and both f2’s. DPOAE I/O functions were measured using L2 inputs from −10dB SL (0.5kHz) or −20dB SL (4kHz) to 65dB SL (both frequencies). Mean DPOAE I/O functions, averaged across subjects, differed between the two frequencies, even when threshold was taken into account. The slopes of the I/O functions were similar at 0.5 and 4kHz for high-level inputs, with maximum compression ratios of about 4:1. At both frequencies, the maximum slope near DPOAE threshold was approximately 1, which occurred at lower levels at 4kHz, compared to 0.5kHz. These results suggest that there is a wider dynamic range and perhaps greater cochlear-amplifier gain at 4kHz, compared to 0.5kHz. Caution is indicated, however, because of uncertainties in the interpretation of slope and because the confounding influence of differences in noise level could not be completely controlled.
A one-step patch near-field acoustical holography procedure
Authors: Lee Moohyung , Bolton J. Stuart
Published: October 2007

When performing holography measurements over a limited area of a source, the hologram pressure typically remains finite at the edge of the measurement aperture. Patch near-field acoustical holography (NAH) has been developed specifically to mitigate the effects related to that windowing. In iterative patch NAH, the source distribution is reconstructed in two steps: first, the partially measured sound field is extended iteratively, and then the extended pressure is projected onto the source surface by using conventional NAH procedures. In the present work, a one-step procedure for performing that combined task is described. In this approach, the acoustical property to be reconstructed on a surface of interest is related to the partially measured pressure on the hologram surface in terms of sampling and bandlimiting matrices, and the reconstructed result is obtained by finding the regularized least squares solution of the latter relation; a procedure for determining the cutoff wave number of the bandlimiting matrix without a priori knowledge of the signal bandwidth is suggested. The proposed procedure was validated by using a synthetic sound field created by a point-driven, simply supported plated.
Hearing thresholds for pure tones above 16kHz
Authors: Ashihara Kaoru
Published: October 2007

Hearing thresholds for pure tones between 16 and 30kHz were measured by an adaptive method. The maximum presentation level at the entrance of the outer ear was about 110dB SPL. To prevent the listeners from detecting subharmonic distortions in the lower frequencies, pink noise was presented as a masker. Even at 28kHz, threshold values were obtained from 3 out of 32 ears. No thresholds were obtained for 30kHz tone. Between 20 and 28kHz, the threshold tended to increase rather gradually, whereas it increased abruptly between 16 and 20kHz.
Effects of electrodes on performance figures of thin film bulk acoustic resonators
Authors: Zhang Tao , Zhang Hui , Wang Zuo-qing , Zhang Shu-yi
Published: October 2007

The effects of mechanical losses and elastic properties of the electrodes on the performance figures of a thin film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) are analyzed by numerical simulation. Results indicate that the material loss of the electrode has no visible effect on the characterization of the effective electromechanical coupling factor, keff2. The acoustic impedance ratio of the electrode to the piezo-film dominantly determines the behaviors of the keff2 variation with the electrode thickness. The resonance Q value, Qs, of the FBAR closely relies on the material Q values of film and of electrodes as expected. Besides, the variation of Qs versus the thickness of the electrodes crucially depends on the acoustic impedance ratio as well. Especially, three characteristic parameters, i.e., the maximum value of keff2, the sectional mass ratio of the electrode to the piezo film corresponding to the maximum keff2, and the tolerance range of the ratio to keep keff2 near the maximum, are calculated for some typical samples. These results would be useful for optimizing FBAR designs and performances.
Sex Chromosome-Linked Species Recognition and Evolution of Reproductive Isolation in Flycatchers
Authors: Sæther Stein A. , Sætre Glenn-Peter , Borge Thomas , Wiley Chris , Svedin Nina , Andersson Gunilla , Veen Thor , Haavie Jon , Servedio Maria R. , Bureš Stanislav , Král Miroslav , Hjernquist Mårten B. , Gustafsson Lars , Träff Johan , Qvarnström Anna
Published: October 2007

Interbreeding between species (hybridization) typically produces unfit offspring. Reduced hybridization should therefore be favored by natural selection. However, this is difficult to accomplish because hybridization also sets the stage for genetic recombination to dissociate species-specific traits from the preferences for them. Here we show that this association is maintained by physical linkage (on the same chromosome) in two hybridizing
Ficedula
flycatchers. By analyzing the mating patterns of female hybrids and cross-fostered offspring, we demonstrate that species recognition is inherited on the Z chromosome, which is also the known location of species-specific male plumage traits and genes causing low hybrid fitness. Limited recombination on the Z chromosome maintains associations of Z-linked genes despite hybridization, suggesting that the sex chromosomes may be a hotspot for adaptive speciation.
In Situ Imaging of the Endogenous CD8 T Cell Response to Infection
Authors: Khanna Kamal M. , McNamara Jeffery T. , Lefrançois Leo
Published: October 2007

Mounting a protective immune response is critically dependent on the orchestrated movement of cells within lymphoid organs. We report here the visualization, using major histocompatability complex class I tetramers, of the CD8-positive (CD8) T cell response in the spleens of mice to
Listeria monocytogenes
infection. A multistage pathway was revealed that included initial activation at the borders of the B and T cell zones followed by cluster formation with antigenpresenting cells leading to CD8 T cell exit to the red pulp via bridging channels. Strikingly, many memory CD8 T cells localized to the B cell zones and, when challenged, underwent rapid migration to the T cell zones where proliferation occurred, followed by egress via bridging channels in parallel with the primary response. Thus, the ability to track endogenous immune responses has uncovered both distinct and overlapping mechanisms and anatomical locations driving primary and secondary immune responses.
How a Race Was Won
Authors: Baker Joanne
Published: October 2007

Epic Rivalry
. The Inside Story of the Soviet and American Space Race.
By Von Hardesty and Gene Eisman
. National Geographic, Washington, DC, 2007. 367 pp. $28, C$36. ISBN 9781426201196.

The authors consider why, after the early Soviet successes, American astronauts were the first (and, so far, only) to walk on the Moon.
Activity of the Novel Macrolide BAL19403 against Ribosomes from Erythromycin-Resistant
Propionibacterium acnes
Authors: Dreier Jürg , Amantea Eva , Kellenberger Laurenz , Page Malcolm G. P.
Published: October 2007

BAL19403 is a macrolide antibiotic from a novel structural class with potent activity against propionibacteria in vitro. The antibacterial spectrum of BAL19403 covers clinical isolates with mutations in the 2057 to 2059 region of 23S rRNA that confer resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin. The basis of this improved activity was investigated by ribosome binding assays and by a coupled transcription and translation assay. The latter was specifically developed for the use of ribosomes from
Propionibacterium acnes
. BAL19403 inhibited protein expression by ribosomes from erythromycin-sensitive and erythromycin-resistant
P. acnes
with similar potencies if the resistance was due to G2057A or A2058G mutations. BAL19403 showed a >10-fold higher activity than erythromycin against ribosomes from a strain with the
erm
(X) gene. Erm(X) confers high levels of macrolide and lincosamide resistance by dimethylation of A2058. Assays with such ribosomes showed that BAL19403 was potent enough to inhibit half of the total activity with a 50% inhibitory concentration very close to the value measured with erythromycin-sensitive ribosomes. We concluded from our data that the
P. acnes
strain with the
erm
(X) gene had a mixed population of ribosomes, with macrolide-sensitive and macrolide-resistant species.