bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous radiative decay rates in Ga‐like ions
Authors: Charro E. , Curiel Z. , Martín I. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe analysis of forbidden lines, such as E2 and M1, in the atomic spectra emitted by certain ions is important for the study of the plasma in astrophysical objects and fusion devices. Atomic data, such as wavelengths and transition rates for 4p3/2 → 4p1/2 emission lines in the gallium sequence have been calculated with the Relativistic Quantum Defect Orbital (RQDO) method. The present results are tested by comparison with other theoretical values available in the literature. The regularity of the transition intensities along the isoelectronic sequence for both (E2 and M1) lines, as well as their relative magnitude, are also analyzed. M1 transitions were found to dominate by at least a factor of ten times, being in many cases bigger that this. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Biomarkers of alcohol abuse in racehorses by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: You Youwen , Uboh Cornelius E. , Soma Lawrence R. , Guan Fuyu , Li Xiaoqing , Rudy Jeffrey A. , Chen Jinwen 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA rapid and sensitive method was developed for the screening, quantification and confirmation of ethyl glucuronide (EG) and ethyl sulfate (ES) as biomarkers for alcohol administration to racehorses using liquid chromatography coupled on‐line with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry. Urine sample aliquots (0.1 mL) were pre‐treated by protein precipitation. Separation of EG and ES was achieved on an Ultra PFP column. Isocratic elution with a flush step was performed using 0.1% formic acid in water (A) and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile (B). Analysis was performed by negative electrospray ionization in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The retention times for EG and ES were 1.7 ± 0.30 and 3.4 ± 0.30 min, respectively. The internal standard used was d5‐ethyl glucuronide with a retention time of 1.7 ± 0.30 min. The entire separation was completed in <5 min. The limit of detection (LOD) and of quantification (LOQ) for both analytes were 100 ng/mL (S/N ≥3) and 500 ng/mL, respectively. The limit of confirmations (LOC) for EG and ES were 500 ng/mL and 1.0 µg/mL, respectively. The assay was linear over a concentration range of 0.5–100 µg/mL (r2 > 0.995). Intra‐ and inter‐day accuracy and precision were less than 15%. The analytes were stable in urine for 24 h at room temperature, 10 days at 4°C and 21 days at −20°C and −70°C. Ion suppression or enhancement due to matrix effect was negligible. The measurement uncertainty was <14% for EG and <25% for ES. This method was successfully used for the quantification of EG and ES in urine samples following alcohol administration to research horses and for screening and confirmation of EG and ES in urine samples obtained from racehorses post‐competition. The method is simple, rapid, inexpensive, and reliably reproducible. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probing the non‐covalent binding interaction of the Na+channel inactivation gate peptide in a linker between domain III and IV with 5,5‐diphenyhydantoin in electrospray ion trap tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Lou Bih‐Show , Chen Yuan‐Chin , Wu Hui‐Fen 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe Na+channel‐subunit containing an Ile1488, Phe1489 and Met1490 (IFM) motif is critical for a fast inactivation process. BL‐1, a model IFM‐containing peptide with a sequence of acetyl‐GGQDIFMTEEK‐OH, was observed as a doubly charged potassium‐adduct ion by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) and a singly charged ion by atmospheric‐pressure matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (AP‐MALDI‐MS). Two crown ethers were applied to demonstrate their desalting ability and then to confirm the potassium‐adduct assignments. In order to probe the best binding condition for BL‐1 with a local anesthetic drug, 5,5‐diphenyhydantoin (DPH), a series of experiments were performed and the parameters affecting complexation were carefully investigated including molar ratios, reaction time and reaction temperature. The most effective conditions for the observation of the complex by ESI‐MS were molar ratio of BL‐1 and DPH of 1:28 after 18 h of incubation at 40°C. In addition, collision‐activated dissociation (CAD) was successfully applied to confirm the formation of the complex between BL‐1 with DPH that is via a weak non‐covalent bonding with a 1:1 stoichiometry. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distributed control over structured and packet‐dropping networks
Authors: Jiang Shengxiang , Voulgaris Petros G. , Neogi Natasha 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIn this paper we consider distributed control ofndynamic agents to optimize an overall system performance metric. Due to limited communication resources, there exist structured interconnections among the agents and the interest is placed on synthesizing a suitably distributed control law to provide a given performance level. Based on a Youla–Kucera (Y–K) parameterization approach, the problem of designing a distributed controller to deliver given performance levels for different network topologies is shown to be convex in the Y–K parameterQ. Furthermore, if in addition to structured interconnections, packet drops exist in information transmission among the agents, we provide convex conditions to guarantee mean square (MS) stability and to optimize ℋ︁2system performance. The proposed method is also extended to deal with systems of triangular structure. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bridging the gaps between theory and practice: a service niche approach to urban sustainability indicators
Authors: Keirstead James , Leach Matt 
Published: October 2007

AbstractUrban sustainability indicators play an important role in helping policy‐makers ensure the continued success of their cities. However, a review of current practice suggests that priority is often given to the measurability and policy relevance of these metrics. Their analytical validity – i.e. their ability to act as meaningful representations of the urban system and thus inform appropriate policy responses – is less certain. An examination of London's USIs confirms this gap between theory and practice and identifies vague definitions of urban sustainability as part of the problem. A ‘service niche’ approach to indicator selection is therefore outlined, using pervasive goal‐oriented urban services such as energy or water systems to guide the selection of policy‐relevant interconnected metrics. Strategies for expanding such niches to wider assessments of urban sustainability are also discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
CoPlot: A tool for visualizing multivariate data in medicine
Authors: Bravata Dena M. , Shojania Kaveh G. , Olkin Ingram , Raveh Adi 
Published: October 2007

AbstractMany critical questions in medicine require the analysis of complex multivariate data, often from large data sets describing numerous variables for numerous subjects. In this paper, we describe CoPlot, a tool for visualizing multivariate data in medicine. CoPlot is an adaptation of multidimensional scaling (MDS) that addresses several key limitations of MDS, namely that MDS maps do not allow for visualization of both observations and variables simultaneously and that the axes on an MDS map have no inherent meaning. By addressing these issues, CoPlot facilitates rich interpretation of multivariate data. We present an example using CoPlot on a recently published data set from a systematic review describing clinical features and disease progression of children with anthrax and provide recommendations for the use of CoPlot for evaluating and interpreting other healthcare data sets. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do bridging ties complement strong ties? An empirical examination of alliance ambidexterity
Authors: Tiwana Amrit 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis study examines the underexplored tensions and complementarities between bridging ties and strong ties in innovation‐seeking alliances. Bridging ties span structural holes to provide innovation potential but lack integration capacity, and strong ties provide integration capacity but lack innovation potential. We theoretically develop the idea that—notwithstanding their tensions—strong ties complement bridging ties in enhancing alliance ambidexterity at the project level. While bridging ties provide access to diverse, structural hole‐spanning perspectives and capabilities, strong ties help integrate them to realize an innovation. We also propose that their effects and complementarities influence alliance ambidexterity because they facilitate knowledge integration at the project level. Tests using data on 42 innovation‐seeking project alliances involving a major American services conglomerate and its alliance partners support the majority of the proposed ideas. Implications for interfirm network configuration, strategic alliances, and the broader strategy literature are also discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enzymatic Interesterification of Palm Stearin and Coconut Oil by a Dual Lipase System
Authors: Ibrahim Nuzul A. , Guo Zheng , Xu Xuebing 
Published: October 2007

AbstractEnzymatic interesterification of palm stearin with coconut oil was conducted by applying a dual lipase system in comparison with individual lipase‐catalyzed reactions. The results indicated that a synergistic effect occurred for many lipase combinations, but largely depending on the lipase species mixed and their ratios. The combination of Lipozyme TL IM and RM IM was found to generate a positive synergistic action at all test mixing ratios. Only equivalent amount mixtures of Lipozyme TL IM with Novozym 435 or Lipozyme RM IM with Novozym 435 produced a significant synergistic effect as well as the enhanced degree of interesterification. The interesterification catalyzed by Lipozyme TL IM mixed with thermally inactivated immobilized lipase preparations indicated that the carrier property may play an important role in affecting the interaction of two mixed lipases and the subsequent reactions. A dual enzyme system, consisting of immobilized lipases and a non‐immobilized one (Lipase AK), in most cases apparently endows the free lipase with a considerably enhanced activity. 70% Lipase AK mixed with 30% immobilized lipase (Lipozyme TL IM, RM IM and Novozym 435) can achieve an increase in activity greater than 100% over the theoretical value when the reaction proceeds for 2 h. The co‐immobilization action of the carrier of the immobilized lipases towards the free lipase was proposed as being one of the reasons leading to the synergistic effect and this has been experimentally verified by a reaction catalyzed by a Lipase AK‐inactivated preparation. No apparently synergistic effect of the combinations of Lipozyme TL IM and RM IM was observed when the dual enzyme systems applied to the continuous reaction performed in a packed bed reactor. In brief, this work demonstrated the possibility of increasing the reaction rate or enhancing the degree of conversion by employing a dual lipase system as a biocatalyst.
Inulin results in increased levels of β-catenin and cyclin D1 as the adenomas increase in size from small to large in the Min/+ mouse
Authors: Misikangas Marjo , Tanayama Heidi , Rajakangas Johanna , Lindén Jere , Pajari Anne-Maria , Mutanen Marja 
Published: October 2007

The mechanism that drives the growth of some colonic adenomas towards malignancy, while permitting others to remain for decades in quiescence, remains unknown. Diets can alter the growth rate of intestinal tumours but it is still unknown whether diets are able to alter the molecular biology of these adenomas in a way that predicts further outcome. To address this issue we fed Min/+ mice with two diets known to lead to different adenoma outcomes: a high-fat control diet (n 15) or a high-fat inulin-enriched (10 % w/w) diet (n 13). To study the effect of diet on cell signalling during adenoma growth, the adenomas of each Min/+ mouse were divided into three size-categories, and the levels of β-catenin, E-cadherin, cyclin D1 and matrix metalloproteinase-9, which are known to be involved in colon tumorigenesis, were determined. The growth-promoting inulin diet resulted in more large adenomas than the control feeding (P = 0·003) and doubled the total area of the adenomas (P = 0·008). The inulin diet increased the expression of nuclear β-catenin (P = 0·004) and its target cyclin D1 (P = 0·017) as the adenomas increased in size from small to large, indicating the presence of an accelerated cancerous process. Neither phenomenon was seen in the control group during adenoma growth. Our results suggest that in addition to the number, size, and growth rate of adenomatous polyps, the signalling pattern of the adenomas should also be considered when evaluating preventive dietary strategies.
Seasonal variations in the chemical composition of camel milk in Jordan
Authors: Haddadin Malik SY , Gammoh Sana I , Robinson Richard K 
Published: October 2007

The principal chemical components of milk from the Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius) were monitored in Jordan over one year. The analyses included total solids, fat, protein, vitamins, minerals and organic acids. Large seasonal variations in total solids and fat were apparent, with maxima in mid-winter of 139 and 39·0 g/l, respectively, and minima in August of 102 and 25·0 g/l. These differences may be sufficient to alter the sensory properties of the milk, and the fat: casein ratio may need standardisation for cheesemaking. The mean values of trace elements like zinc (5·8 mg/l), iron (4·4 mg/l) and manganese (0·05 mg/l) in Jordanian camel milk could provide valuable additions to the diet of urban populations, as could the mean concentration of vitamin C (33 mg/l). The levels of organic acids were generally higher than in bovine milk and, as with all the constituents of the milk, there were discernible patterns linking concentration and season of the year.
Political Parties and Financial Development: Evidence from Malaysia and Thailand
Authors: ZHANG XIAOKE 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACTDrawing upon theoretical studies on the policy impact of political parties, this article address cross-national differences in financial policy choice and capital market development in Malaysia and Thailand. An explanatory approach that considers inter-party organisational dimensions in tandem with intra-party structural attributes shows that financial and regulatory policies have varied significantly between Malaysia and Thailand in response to the national configurations of political parties. The different patterns of policy choices, in turn, have led to varied capital market structures and development trajectories. Thus the theoretical literature on the political economy of financial capitalism in developed countries, which stresses the importance of domestic political institutions, has implications for the political underpinnings of financial market reforms in emerging market countries.
Rhetorical Objectives and Program Efficiency in Swedish Policy about Immigrants
Authors: DAHLSTRÖM CARL 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper explains differences in the policy objectives and policy programs of Swedish immigrant policy as a consequence of the fact that policy objectives tend to be evaluated in public political debates whereas policy programs are evaluated through administrative reviews within government. Given contrasting contexts, different questions are important for policy legitimacy. The public debate focuses on questions of moral values, while the audit within government deals with issues of efficiency. Policy objectives and policy programs therefore respond differently to criticisms that separate rhetoric and practice. As a result, Swedish immigrant policy rhetoric and practice were from the outset only loosely joined and have failed to converge over time.
Institution-driven Competition: The Regulation of Cross-border Broadcasting in the EU
Authors: HARCOURT ALISON J. 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACTThis article examines the deregulation of cross-broader broadcasting to test its impact on strategies pursued by EU member states. It modifies our understanding of regulatory competition through an institutional explanation of the process. The European Union’s Television Without Frontiers (1989) Directive provided a framework for regulatory competition in television broadcast markets. Despite a high level of investment flight, member states did not automatically respond with deregulation but were compelled to do so by the European Court of Justice. Therefore national deregulation in this field was not a natural response to the preference of economic actors or an objective of state policy; it was driven by the European institutions.
Macular zeaxanthins and lutein – a review of dietary sources and bioavailability and some relationships with macular pigment optical density and age-related macular disease
Authors: Thurnham David I. 
Published: October 2007

The retina is unique in the human body in containing three xanthophyll carotenoids; 3R,3′R-zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin (MZ) and lutein. Humans consume 1 to 3 mg lutein per d and the lutein:zeaxanthin ratio in the diet is about 5:1.Xanthophyll pigments occur widely in vegetables and fruits but MZ is found in only a few foods such as the shrimp carapace and fish skin. In spite of the amounts of the different xanthophylls in the diet, zeaxanthin and MZ occur in approximately equal amounts in the eye, and their combined concentration can exceed that of lutein. In the present review the bioavailablity of zeaxanthin and lutein is assessed using the plasma xanthophyll response to dietary intervention. A number of studies have used single and mixed sources of the pure xanthophylls to achieve steady-state plasma responses. Mostly these have been with lutein and zeaxanthin but two using MZ are also described. Responses following the intervention with the pure xanthophylls are compared with those following food intervention. Vegetables are the richest source of dietary lutein and several vegetable-feeding studies are discussed. Intervention studies with eggs, which are a good source of zeaxanthin, suggest that the xanthophyll carotenoids in egg yolk may be more bioavailable than those in other foods and are described separately. MZ has been a component of a xanthophyll supplement added to chicken feed in Mexico in the last 10 years. Egg consumption in Mexico is approximately one egg/person per d and the potential contribution of this food source of MZ to Mexican dietary intakes is described. Very limited information from human feeding studies of MZ-containing supplements suggests that MZ is less well absorbed than zeaxanthin. However, MZ is unusual in the diet and not reported in the plasma. Thus plasma responses may not reflect true absorption if it takes MZ longer to equilibrate with body tissues than the other xanthophylls and competition with zeaxanthin may lower the relative concentrations of MZ in plasma. Lastly, the effects of long-term feeding with both pure and food sources of the xanthophyll pigments on macular pigment optical density is compared and the importance of previous dietary intake on the effects of intervention is discussed.
Predictors and Consequences of Suppressing Obsessional Thoughts
Authors: Markowitz Lee J. , Purdon Christine 
Published: October 2007

AbstractCognitive-behavioral models of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) assert that negative appraisals of obsessional thoughts lead to distress over the thoughts and drive ameliorative actions such as thought suppression and compulsions. These responses in turn play a role in the persistence of the disorder. However, past research has not examined (a) what factors lead individuals to suppress obsessional thoughts; (b) whether certain predictors and consequences relate to suppression uniquely or can be explained by general factors such as negative mood and neuroticism; or (c) individuals' natural active suppression of obsessions. The current study addresses these limitations by examining the roles of natural suppression and distress over thought intrusions in the thought-appraisal/OC symptoms relationship while controlling for general factors. Ninety-one nonclinical participants completed a variety of measures assessing theoretically relevant constructs. After their obsessional thought was primed, they recorded their thoughts for 6 minutes and then rated their suppression effort. Four hours later, longer-term outcomes were assessed. Path analyses supported most components of cognitive-behavioral models.
The meaning of ‘necessary’ in GATT Article XX and GATS Article XIV: the myth of cost–benefit balancing
Authors: REGAN DONALD H. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractConventional wisdom tells us that in Korea–Beef, the Appellate Body interpreted the word ‘necessary’ in GATT Article XX to require a cost–benefit balancing test. The Appellate Body is supposed to have applied this test also in EC–Asbestos, US–Gambling (involving GATS Article XIV), and Dominican Republic–Cigarettes. In this article I demonstrate, by detailed analysis of the opinions, that the Appellate Body has never engaged in such balancing. They have stated the balancing test, but in every case they have also stated the principle that Members get to choose their own level of protection, which is logically inconsistent with judicial review by cost–benefit balancing. And they have decided every case by reference to the ‘own level of protection’ principle. The Appellate Body is right not to balance. Balancing is not authorized by the treaty texts, and it is not needed to prevent inefficient harm to foreign interests.
A ‘probabilistic’ approach to the use of econometric models in sunset reviews
Authors: KECK ALEXANDER , MALASHEVICH BRUCE , GRAY IAN 
Published: October 2007

AbstractEconomists have increasingly become involved in trade remedy and litigation matters that call for economic interpretation or quantification. The literature on the use of econometric methods in response to legal requirements of trade policy is rather limited. This article contributes to filling this gap by demonstrating the efficacy of using a simple ‘probabilistic’ model in analyzing the ‘likelihood’ of injury to the local industry concerned, following a finding of continuation or recurrence of dumping (or countervailable subsidies). The legal concept of ‘likelihood’ is not only particularly well-suited to illustrate the systemic need for trade lawyers and economists to cooperate. It is also of imminent practical relevance with a groundswell of ‘sunset’ reviews looming on the horizon. We discuss the significance of economic analysis for trade remedy investigations by reviewing the literature, the applicable WTO rules, and, in particular, the pertinent case law. The potential value of probabilistic simulations for ‘likelihood’ determinations is exemplified using a real-world application. Using data from past United States International Trade Commission investigations, we find that a probabilistic model that takes account of the uncertainty surrounding economic parameters reduces the risk of misjudging the effect on the domestic industry of a termination of trade remedies.
Reforming agricultural trade among developing countries
Authors: MOHAN SUSHIL 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIt is commonly perceived that much of the initiative for removal of distortions in trade in agriculture has to come from the developed world. This generalization is not valid across all agricultural products, in particular for tropical products that are predominantly produced in developing countries and constitute a large share of their exports. It emerges that export of most of these products suffers not because of barriers in advanced countries, but from those in the developing world. This implies reciprocal benefits from growth in counter-trade if developing countries agree on more stringent trade liberalization measures for them. Cotton, sugar and bananas are important exceptions; they face trade barriers in some developed economies, so they deserve specific attention of trade negotiators.