bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of trawling on the behaviour and spatial distribution of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in Moreton Bay, Australia
Authors: Chilvers B Louise , Corkeron Peter J , Puotinen Marji L
Published: February 2004

Sympatric communities of inshore Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) have previously been identified within Moreton Bay, southeast Queensland, Australia. The two communities overlap in distribution, yet are almost completely socially segregated and forage in distinctly different ways. The correlation between this social segregation, the different foraging strategies, and a human activity (trawling) has previously been demonstrated. This paper investigates the possible effects of trawling on the behaviour and spatial distribution of these two communities. A geographical information system is used to determine the spatial use of each community. The behavioural budgets of both communities showed significantly higher levels of foraging behaviours than reported for most other bottlenose dolphin communities. The spatial use of both communities changed seasonally. These results provide further detail on how human activities may indirectly influence the behaviour and spatial use of free-ranging marine wildlife.
Effects of artificial perches and interspecific interactions on patch use by wintering raptors
Authors: Kim Daniel H , Chavez-Ramirez Felipe , Slack R Douglas
Published: February 2004

We used an experimental approach to investigate the effects of woody vegetation and interspecific interactions on patch use by three wintering raptor species in the coastal prairie in south Texas. We manipulated perch type and density by the addition of artificial perches to patches of coastal prairie grasslands, varying perch height in the first year and canopy density in the second year. American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) used areas with artificial perches more often than they used natural woody vegetation and areas without woody perches. Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) patch use did not vary with treatment type. Loggerhead Shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus) used areas of natural woody vegetation more than patches with artificial perches and patches with no perches. Patch use by Loggerhead Shrikes was also influenced by the presence of complex woody vegetation and interspecific interactions, whereas American Kestrel use was limited by landscape matrix and ground cover density. We believe that predation by Northern Harriers limited Loggerhead Shrikes to patches with escape cover, while competition from American Kestrels prevented Loggerhead Shrikes from concurrent patch use.
Postfreeze locomotion performance in wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) and spring peepers (Pseudacris crucifer)
Authors: Layne, Jr., Jack R , Rice Matt E
Published: February 2004

Freeze tolerance exists among a few species of terrestrially hibernating North American frogs such as the wood frog (Rana sylvatica) and the spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer). We investigated jump distance and swimming speed of these two frog species during postfreeze recovery because impaired performance, even if reversible, could have adverse ecological consequences for these frogs. Following a nonlethal freeze at –1.5 °C, R. sylvatica returned to the prefreeze level of both modes of locomotion sooner than P. crucifer (54 h vs. 11 d or longer). Wood frogs recovered slowly following more intense freezes: a –4.0 °C treatment group failed to reach the prefreeze level after 11 d, and a –3.0 °C treatment group took 54 h to reach 50% of the prefreeze level. As a result of their diminished locomotive performance, frogs recovering from natural freezes may be temporarily less able to exploit environmental resources and less able to escape predators active in winter. Nevertheless, given the massive biochemical and physiological disturbances accompanying tissue freezing, the recovery dynamics in these frogs seem sufficiently rapid to minimize most ecological risks and to permit early spring breeding. The faster recovery of locomotion in R. sylvatica compared with P. crucifer is consistent, however, with its greater northward distribution.
Richardson's ground squirrels (Spermophilus richardsonii) do not communicate predator movements via changes in call rate
Authors: Wilson David R , Hare James F
Published: February 2004

The call rate of repetitive alarm calls produced by Richardson's ground squirrels (Spermophilus richardsonii) conveys the extent of threat during predator encounters. It remains unknown, however, whether changes in call rate communicate predator movements. That is, does an increasing call rate indicate an approaching predator and a decreasing rate the opposite? We presented free-living squirrels with moving predator models and recorded their responses. Vigilant behaviour increased more when predators approached versus retreated, suggesting that squirrels recognize the changes in threat associated with predator movements. Squirrels rarely produced alarm calls during these encounters, however, suggesting that squirrels do not rely entirely on alarm vocalizations to assess the threat posed by potential predators. Receivers of manipulated calls did not respond differentially to alarm calls containing an increasing or decreasing rate of syllable production. Thus, while rate may encode information about the extent of threat, Richardson's ground squirrels do not communicate predator movements via changes in call rate.
PATH INTEGRAL DERIVATION OF THE GROUND STATE ENERGY OF THE INTERACTING PARTICLES IN A HARMONIC TRAP
Authors: TAYANASANTI KOBCHAI , SA-YAKANIT VIRULH
Published: February 2004

We show within the framework of Variational Path Integration that the density matrix and the ground state energy of the trapped Bose gas can be obtained in a simple way and it is in agreement with the result obtained by the variational Gross–Pitaevskii equation. The advantage of this method is the analytical result can be found for various forms of interaction between particles.
QUANTUM FIELD THEORETICAL FORMULATION OF EQUATION OF STATE FOR FERMION–BOSON MIXTURES
Authors: ANMA DAISUKE , TAKIUCHI KEN-ICHI , TOYODA TADASHI
Published: February 2004

Using a quantum field theoretical canonical generator for the scale transformation of the second quantized Schrödinger fields describing a mixture of Fermion and Boson systems, the equation of state is derived. The derivation is based on the equal-time canonical commutation relations of the field operators and no approximation is employed. The result can be applied to liquid 3 He –4 He mixture.
SINGLE-MODE APPROXIMATION AND EFFECTIVE CHERN–SIMONS THEORIES FOR QUANTUM HALL SYSTEMS
Authors: SHIZUYA K.
Published: February 2004

A unified description of elementary and collective excitations in quantum Hall systems is presented within the single-mode approximation (SMA) framework, with emphasis on revealing an intimate link with Chern–Simons theories. It is shown that for a wide class of quantum Hall systems the SMA in general yields, as an effective theory, a variant of the bosonic Chern–Simons theory. For single-layer systems the effective theory agrees with the standard Chern–Simons theory at long wavelengths whereas substantial deviations arise for collective excitations in bilayer systems. It is suggested, in particular, that Hall-drag experiments would be a good place to detect out-of-phase collective excitations inherent to bilayer systems. It is also shown that the intra-Landau-level modes bear a similarity in structure (though not in scale) to the inter-Landau-level modes, and its implications on the composite-fermion and composite-boson theories are discussed.
CHANGES IN THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF NONADIABATICALLY COUPLED ELECTRON–PHONON SYSTEMS ARISING FROM SQUEEZING–ANTISQUEEZING EFFECT
Authors: PANG XIAO-FENG
Published: February 2004

Changes in the physical properties such as the ground state properties, charge density wave ordering, binding energy and energy bandwidth of polaron and quantum fluctuation, and minimum uncertainty relation of phonons and nonadiabatically coupled electron–phonon systems with spin-1/2 have been investigated by our new state ansatz which can account for correlation among the phononic displacement, squeezing and polaron effects using variational method in one-dimensional Holstein model. The investigation here shows that the squeezing–antisqueezing effect (correlated) results in a decrease of the ground state energy, an increase of the binding energy of polarons, the reduction of the uncertainty and quantum fluctuation of the phonons, a decrease of polaron narrowing of electron bandwidth, an increase of tunneling effect of the polarons and an increase of CDW ordering and phonon staggered ordering when compared with the uncorrelated case. Therefore, this shows that the ground state determined by the new state ansatz is the most stable. The new ansatz which include the squeezing–antisqueezing (correlated) effect is very relevant for the coupled electron–phonon systems, especially in strongly coupled and highly squeezed cases.
STUDY ON REGULAR DILUTIONS OF $S=\frac{1}{2}$ IMPURITY IN S=1 CHAINS BY QUANTUM MONTE CARLO SIMULATIONS
Authors: WANG HUAWEN , XU ZHAOXIN , YING HEPING , ZHANG JUN
Published: February 2004

We investigate the variant regularly diluted situations of [Formula: see text] in S=1 isotropic antiferromagnetic chains by the quantum Monte Carlo loop cluster algorithm. Our results manifest significant different magnetic properties in the ground state with respect to the odd (even) host S=1 spins in one unit cell with an impurity S=1/2, and the doped system gradually transits to the pure Haldane chain in two different tendencies with the decreasing of the impurity concentrations.
STRUCTURAL AND CORROSION PROPERTIES OF SODIUM-CALCIUM-PHOSPHATE GLASSES
Authors: SIMON V.
Published: February 2004

Various compositions of x CaO ·(70-x) P 2 O 5·30 Na 2 O glasses (0≤x≤30% mol%) are investigated in order to estimate glass formation, glass stability and activation energy of crystallization as well as dissolution properties of samples. Transparent vitreous samples were obtained in the entire composition range from 40 to 70 mol% P 2 O 5. The glass transition temperatures and crystallization temperatures increased with CaO content. Dissolution properties in distilled water and simulated biological fluids were measured. The dissolution rate increases with the extent of substitution of P 2 O 5 by CaO in samples.
DNA DYNAMICS AND BIG VISCOSITY
Authors: ZDRAVKOVIĆ S. , SATARIĆ M. V.
Published: February 2004

In this paper we study an impact of viscosity on DNA behaviour. We investigate a so-called big viscosity using extended Peyrard-Bishop model to describe nonlinear DNA dynamics.
POLARON CORRECTION TO THE NEGATIVE DONOR ON THE HETERO-INTERFACE IN MAGNETIC FIELDS (II–VI CRYSTALS)
Authors: ZHANG XIAOYAN , WANG XU , FAN GUOLIANG
Published: February 2004

Negative donor ion on the hetero-interface in magnetic fields are investigated. Using a variational method, we have calculated the binding energies of D- center for the spin-triplet state of L=-1 in this structure. Moreover, the effect of electron-interface phonon coupling on the energy of a donor located in a polar-crystal hetero-interface is found. Numerical results are produced for heterostructures of some II–VI crystals.
EFFECTS OF TRANSITION-METAL ELEMENT ADDITION ON THE STABILITY OF THE SUPERSATURATED Ag–Cu SOLID SOLUTION BY MECHANICAL ALLOYING
Authors: POULOPOULOS P. , BASKOUTAS S. , KAPAKLIS V. , POLITIS C.
Published: February 2004

We report on the effects of using various doping 3d, 4d and 5d transition metal elements on the stability of the supersaturated FCC Ag–Cu solid solution prepared by mechanical alloying. We find that the addition of W does not have any influence on the stability of the Ag–Cu solid solution. Moderate effects are observed for Ru, Fe and Co, while the addition of Ni partially destabilizes the Ag–Cu solid solution. The results are discussed in the framework of kinetic and thermodynamic processes.
ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE AND FERMI SURFACE OF THE QUATERNARY INTERMETALLIC BOROCARBIDE SUPERCONDUCTOR YNi2B2C FROM 2D-ACAR
Authors: HAMID A. S.
Published: February 2004

We measured the angular momentum density distribution of YNi 2 B 2 C to acquire information about its electronic structure. The measurements were performed using the full-scale utility of the two-dimensional angular correlation of annihilation radiation (2D-ACAR). The measured spectra clarified that Ni (3d) like state, predominantly, affected the Fermi surface of YNi 2 B 2 C . Further, s- and p-like-states enhanced its superconducting properties. The Fermi surface of YNi 2 B 2 C . was reconstructed using Fourier transformation followed by the LCW (Loucks, Crisp and West) folding procedure. It showed a large and complex surface similar to that of the high temperature superconductors HTS, with anisotropic properties. It also disclosed the effect of d-like state. Nevertheless, the current Fermi surface could deliver the needed topological information to isolate its features. The general layouts of this Fermi surface are; two large electron surfaces running along Γ–Z direction; as well as an additional large electron surface centered on X point; beside one hole surface centered on 100 point. This Fermi surface was interpreted in view of the earlier results.
QUANTUM TREATMENT OF A TIME DEPENDENT SINGLE-TRAPPED ION INTERACTING WITH A BIMODAL CAVITY FIELD
Authors: ABDEL-ATY MAHMOUD , OBADA A.-S. F. , ABDALLA M. SEBAWE
Published: February 2004

In the present communication we consider a time dependent ion-field interaction. Here we discuss the interaction between a single trapped ion and two fields taking into account the coupling parameter to be time dependent and allowing for amplitude modulation of the laser field radiating the trapped ion. At exact resonances the analytic solution for the Heisenberg equations of motion is obtained. We examine the effect of the velocity and the acceleration on the Rabi oscillations by studying the second order correlation function. The phenomenon of squeezing for single and two fields cases is considered. The cross correlation between the fields is discussed.
DISTANCES BETWEEN THE SURGERY SLOPES YIELDING S3 ON A GENERIC LINK
Authors: MAYRAND E.
Published: February 2004

A generic link is a 2-component link L=(k1,k2) in S3, such that none of the components is unknotted, and such that the complement of the link contains no annulus whose boundary is the union of an essential circle on ∂N(k1) and an essential circle on ∂N(k2). Let μ1 and μ2 be the meridian slopes of k1 and k2 respectively. If the non-trivial (β1,β2)-surgery on L yields S3, then by the complement theorem, β1≠μ1 and β2≠μ2. We find a bound for min (Δ(β1,μ1),Δ(μ2,β2)), where Δ(μi,βi) is the distance between the slopes μi and βi on ∂N(ki)(i∈{1,2}). The bound depends on the bridge number of L.
THE LINKS–GOULD INVARIANT OF CLOSED 3-BRAIDS
Authors: ISHII ATSUSHI
Published: February 2004

In this paper, we study the Links–Gould invariant of closed 3-braids. We consider the algebra generated by the image of the 3-string braid group by the linear representation which yields the Links–Gould invariant. We find fundamental linear relations among natural generators of the algebra, and we obtain a basis of the algebra. The relations allow us to evaluate the invariant of closed 3-braids recursively. As an application we give a computer program to calculate the invariant for closed 3-braids.
ENUMERATING THE PRIME ALTERNATING KNOTS, PART II
Authors: RANKIN STUART , FLINT ORTHO , SCHERMANN JOHN
Published: February 2004

In [1], we described an efficient inductive scheme which uses a total of four operators to generate all prime alternating knots of a given minimal crossing size. The process is carried out in two steps, where in the first step, two of the four operators are applied to the prime alternating knots of minimal crossing size n to produce approximately 98% of the prime alternating knots of minimal crossing size n+1, while in the second step, the remaining two operators are applied to these newly constructed knots, thereby producing the remaining prime alternating knots of crossing size n+1. The process begins with the prime alternating knot of four crossings, the figure eight knot.

In this paper, we provide an actual implementation of our procedure, wherein we spend considerable effort to make the procedure efficient. One very important aspect of the implementation is a new way of encoding a knot. We are able to assign an integer array (which we call the master array) to a prime alternating knot in such a way that each regular diagram of the knot can be constructed from the data in the array. Moreover, two knots are equivalent if and only if their master arrays are identical.

We have used this generation scheme to enumerate the prime alternating knots up to and including those of 19 crossings. The knots up to and including 17 crossings produced by our generation scheme concurred with those found by M. Thistlethwaite, J. Hoste and J. Weeks (see [3]).

The current implementation of the algorithms involved in the generation scheme allowed us to produce the 1,769,979 prime alternating knots of 17 crossings on a five node beowulf cluster in approximately 2.3 hours, while the time to produce the prime alternating knots up to and including those of 16 crossings totalled approximately 45 minutes. The prime alternating knots at 18 and 19 crossings were enumerated using the 48 node Compaq ES-40 beowulf cluster at the University of Western Ontario (we also received generous support from Compaq at the SC 99 conference). The cluster was shared with other users and so an accurate estimate of the running time is not available, but the generation of the 8,400,285 knots at 18 crossings was completed in 17 hours, and the generation of the 40,619,385 prime alternating knots at 19 crossings took approximately 72 hours. With the improvements that are described in the sequel, we anticipate that the knots at 19 crossings will be generated in not more than 10 hours on a current Pentium III personal computer equipped with 256 megabytes of main memory.
ENUMERATING THE PRIME ALTERNATING LINKS
Authors: RANKIN STUART , FLINT ORTHO
Published: February 2004

In [5], four knot operators were introduced and used to construct all prime alternating knots of a given crossing size. An efficient implementation of this construction was made possible by the notion of the master array of an alternating knot. The master array and an implementation of the construction appeared in [6]. The basic scheme (as described in [5]) is to apply two of the operators, D and ROTS, to the prime alternating knots of minimal crossing size n-1, which results in a large set of prime alternating knots of minimal crossing size n, and then the remaining two operators, T and OTS, are applied to these n crossing knots to complete the production of the set of prime alternating knots of minimal crossing size n.

In this paper, we show how to obtain all prime alternating links of a given minimal crossing size. More precisely, we shall establish that given any two prime alternating links of minimal crossing size n, there is a finite sequence of T and OTS operations that transforms one of the links into the other. Consequently, one may select any prime alternating link of minimal crossing size n (which is then called the seed link), and repeatedly apply only the operators T and OTS to obtain all prime alternating links of minimal crossing size n from the chosen seed link. The process may be standardized by specifying the seed link to be (in the parlance of [5]) the unique link of n crossings with group number 1, the (n, 2) torus link.
Glucose homeostasis in abdominal obesity: hepatic hyperresponsiveness to growth hormone action
Authors: Buijs M. M. , Romijn J. A. , Burggraaf J. , de Kam M. L. , Frölich M. , Ackermans M. T. , Sauerwein H. P. , Cohen A. F. , Meinders A. E. , Pijl H.
Published: February 2004

It has been suggested that (abdominally) obese individuals are hypersensitive to growth hormone (GH) action. Because GH affects glucose metabolism, this may impact glucose homeostasis in abdominal obesity. Therefore, we studied the effect of GH on glucose metabolism in abdominally obese (OB) and normal-weight (NW) premenopausal women. A 1-h intravenous infusion of GH or placebo was randomly administered to six NW [body mass index (BMI) 21.1 ± 1.9 kg/m2] and six OB (BMI 35.5 ± 1.5 kg/m2) women in a crossover design. Insulin, glucagon, and GH secretion were suppressed by concomitant infusion of somatostatin. Glucose kinetics were measured using a 10-h infusion of [6,6-2H2]glucose. In both groups, similar physiological GH peaks were reached by infusion of GH. GH strongly stimulated endogenous glucose production (EGP) in both groups. The percent increase was significantly greater in OB than in NW women (29.8 ± 11.3 vs. 13.3 ± 7.4%, P = 0.014). Accordingly, GH responsiveness, defined as the maximum response of EGP per unit GH, was increased in OB vs. NW subjects (6.0 ± 2.1 vs. 2.2 ± 1.5 μmol·min−1·mU−1·l−1, P = 0.006). These results suggest that the liver is hyperresponsive to GH action in abdominally obese women. The role of the somatotropic ensemble in the control of glucose homeostasis in abdominal obesity is discussed.
Programming of adult cardiovascular function after early maternal undernutrition in sheep
Authors: Gopalakrishnan G. S. , Gardner D. S. , Rhind S. M. , Rae M. T. , Kyle C. E. , Brooks A. N. , Walker R. M. , Ramsay M. M. , Keisler D. H. , Stephenson T. , Symonds M. E.
Published: February 2004

The prenatal nutritional environment influences the subsequent risk of hypertension in adulthood. Animal studies have used, generally, the rat as a model species to illustrate the association between maternal nutrient intake and blood pressure in the resulting adult offspring. No study to date has shown programming of adult cardiovascular function in the sheep through maternal dietary intervention. We therefore fed pregnant sheep to either 100% recommended intake from day 0 of gestation to term [∼147 days gestational age (dGA); controls n = 8] or to 50% recommended intake from day 0 to 95 dGA and thereafter to 100% intake (NR; n = 9). Sheep lambed naturally, offspring were weaned at 16 wk, and the male offspring were reared on pasture until 3 yr of age. At this time, cardiovascular catheters were inserted under halothane anesthesia and sheep were allowed 2–4 days recovery. Basal cardiovascular status and pressor responses to infusion of norepinephrine, angiotensin II, and captopril were then assessed alongside basal plasma concentrations of glucose, cortisol, and leptin. NR sheep were of similar birth weight to controls but at 3 yr of age had higher blood pressure before, but not after, feeding. Peripheral sensitivity to vasoconstrictor infusion was similar between dietary groups, although a reflex bradycardia was not apparent in NR sheep during norepinephrine infusion. Circulating leptin correlated well with fat mass and increased more after vasoconstrictor infusion in NR sheep. In conclusion, early NR has been shown to program aspects of cardiovascular control and adipocyte function in adult sheep.
Perception of Visual Space at the Time of Pro- and Anti-Saccades
Authors: Awater Holger , Lappe Markus
Published: February 2004

The localization of peri-saccadically flashed objects shows two types of errors: first, a uniform shift in saccade direction, and second, a compression of visual space around the saccade target. Whereas the uniform shift occurs when the experiment is performed in complete darkness compression occurs when additional visual references are available. Thus peri-saccadic mislocalization contains motor and visual components. To distinguish between both factors we compared peri-saccadic localization errors during pro- and anti-saccades. In the case of anti-saccades, the visual cue that elicits the saccade and the actual eye movement are in opposite directions. We asked whether peri-saccadic compression can be observed with anti-saccades, and if so, whether the compression is directed toward the visual cue or follows the actual eye movement. In blocked trials, subjects performed saccades either toward a visual cue (pro-saccade) or to the mirrored position opposite to a visual cue (anti-saccade). Peri-saccadically, we flashed a thin vertical bar at one of four possible locations. Subjects had to indicate the perceived position of the bar with a mouse pointer about 500 ms after the saccade. Experiments were performed in complete darkness and with visual references. Peri-saccadic mislocalizations occurred during anti-saccades. The mislocalizations were very similar for pro- and anti-saccades in magnitude and direction. For both, pro- and anti-saccades, mislocalizations were directed toward the actual eye movement and not the visual cue.
Rat Cutaneous RA Afferents Activated by Two-Dimensional Skin Stretch
Authors: Grigg Peter , Robichaud Daniel R.
Published: February 2004

Skin develops biaxial stresses and strains when stretched. Rapidly adapting cutaneous mechanoreceptor neurons are known to be stretch sensitive, yet in the past, they have been studied using stretch stimuli applied along only a single direction. In this study, cutaneous rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors were studied in preparations of isolated skin in which the skin was stretched dynamically using biaxial stretch stimuli and in which loads and displacements were measured along two directions. Stretch stimuli followed a pseudo-Gaussian waveform and were applied along either one or two directions simultaneously. Associations between spikes and mechanical variables were determined using multiple logistic regression. When the skin was actuated along a single direction, holding the orthogonal axis fixed, spike responses were strongly associated with mechanical variables along the actuated direction. The variables were stress and its rate of change, the rate of change of strain, and the product of stress and its rate of change, which is proportional to strain energy density. When the skin was stretched along a single direction, spikes were very poorly associated with stress variables measured along the direction orthogonal to the stretch. Afferents showed weak directional selectivity: they were slightly more responsive to the variable stress along the circumferential direction of the hindlimb. When the skin was stretched biaxially (i.e., along both directions simultaneously) with identical pseudo-Gaussian noise stimuli, neuronal responses were associated with the same variables as above, but the associations were weaker.
Three single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the angiotensinogen gene and susceptibility to hypertension: single locus genotype vs. haplotype analysis
Authors: Wu Shyh-Jong , Chiang Fu-Tien , Chen Wei J. , Liu Pi-Hua , Hsu Kwan-Lih , Hwang Juey-Jen , Lai Ling-Ping , Lin Jiunn-Lee , Tseng Chuen-Den , Tseng Yung-Zu
Published: February 2004

Although some single polymorphism analyses of the angiotensinogen (AGT) gene have been found to be associated with hypertension, the results are still inconsistent. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the association of the genotype and haplotype distributions of three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (G−217A, A−6G, and M235T) in the AGT gene with hypertension. In a sample of 461 hypertensive and 327 normotensive patients in Taiwan, we found that −217AA and −6GG homozygotes conferred independently an increased risk to hypertension ( P = 0.008 and P = 0.037, respectively), as illustrated by their significant associations with hypertension in both single SNP and pair-wise SNPs analyses. Meanwhile, a very weak linkage disequilibrium was found between the G−217A and the A−6G polymorphisms in terms of r2 (<0.05). On the basis of likelihood ratio test, only the set of haplotypes that constituted the A−6G and the M235T polymorphisms was associated with hypertension (χ2 = 20.91, P = 0.0008), which was mainly due to the increased frequency of the recombinant haplotypes (−6A ≡ 235M and −6G ≡ 235T), and a pathophysiological role in the predisposition to hypertension was hence indicated. In functional assays, the promoter activities of the haplotypes −217A ≡ −6A and −217G ≡ −6G were significantly higher than the most common haplotype −217G ≡ −6A. These results highlight the necessity of a thorough analysis of all reported variants of a candidate gene in the elucidation of genetic susceptibility to a complex disease like hypertension, even when the variants are in the same haplotype block.
THE NARRATIVE QUANDARY: CASES OF LAW IN LITERATURE
Authors: Barmash Pamela
Published: February 2004

Narrative texts that address legal matters in the Hebrew Bible must be approached with caution. An author has freedom to create and shape characters and events, and the law that is touched upon in such narratives is subject to the needs of narrative art. Can such texts be used to reconstruct legal history? I will examine three approaches to law in literature, and I will argue that the literary texts in the Bible are critical to the study of biblical law because they reflect essentials of legal practice omitted from legal texts. They exhibit what is perceived to be the inadequacies of a legal system and what type of problems arose in putting the law in practice. They address issues of justice and governance that are omitted in legal tetxs.
THE DEATH OF JOSIAH IN SCRIPTURE AND TRADITION: WRESTLING WITH THE PROBLEM OF EVIL?
Authors: Delamarter Steve
Published: February 2004

This study in comparative midrash traces the accounts of the death of Josiah through more than a dozen texts and translations. These include the two Biblical texts, as well as texts from Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha, Septuagint, Vulgate and early rabbinic writings. The evidence suggests that the later tradents may have been wrestling with the problem of evil that lies at the core of the Biblical accounts of the death of Josiah. As such, the study represents a fascinating look into the ongoing relationship between canon and the communities that looked to it for identity and ethos.
SPRACHLICHE UND RELIGIONSGESCHICHTLICHE BEOBACHTUNGEN ZU JESAJA XVII 10F.
Authors: Müller Hans-Peter
Published: February 2004

Der Artikel erörtert einerseits Probleme der Semantik und Grammatik von Jes. xvii 10f. und will andererseits den religionsgeschichtlichen Hintergrund der in ihm verarbeiteten Vorstellungen aufgrund einer Neubewertung der Zeugnisse zu Adonis, der ursprünglich als sterbender, nicht auch als auferstehender Gott gefeiert wurde, und zu den Adonisgärtchen klären. Deren rasch wachsende und verwelkende Pflanzen, die gewöhnlich als Feldzauber wirksam werden, sind in Jes. xvii 10f. Metaphernspender für das richtende Handeln des Gottes Israels. Die mannigfaltigen poetischen Uneindeutigkeiten mythischer und ritueller Signifikate, die der Phantasie des Hörers bzw. Lesers Raum zu jeweiligen Vereindeutigungen lassen, tragen dazu bei, die Bedeutungsambivalenz der besprochenen Wirklichkeit akzeptabel zu machen. Die griechischen Sachparallelen zu V.10b.11a verweisen auf einen weit zurückreichenden religionsgeschichtlichen Zusammenhang zwischen dem westlichen Alten Orient und Griechenland.
Late Studentship: Academic Aspiration, Personal Growth, and the Death of the Past
Authors: Stevens Graham
Published: February 2004

Because of the recent rapid transition in Britain from an elite system of higher education (HE) to one in which a much larger propor tion of the population is intended to participate, many students—whose social backgrounds would previously have (to a large extent) precluded their involvement in HE—experience strangerhood within academia in a particularly acute form. This paper deals with the experiences of members of an one particular HE course, especially designed for students over 21 years old—such "mature" students are a group who has not been traditionally found in large numbers in British HE Such students describe dramatic changes in their sense of self and in their relationships with others—to the extent that their biographical continuity with their own past becomes problematical.The applicability of an idea touted by certain postmodern writers, "the new selfconsciousness," is considered. Attention is also paid to the practical implications of the findings.
Phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling is essential for ABL oncogene–mediated transformation of B-lineage cells
Authors: Kharas Michael G. , Deane Jonathan A. , Wong Stephane , O'Bosky Karen R. , Rosenberg Naomi , Witte Owen N. , Fruman David A.
Published: February 2004

BCR-ABL and v-ABL are oncogenic forms of the Abl tyrosine kinase that can cause leukemias in mice and humans. ABL oncogenes trigger multiple signaling pathways whose contribution to transformation varies among cell types. Activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) is essential for ABL-dependent proliferation and survival in some cell types, and global PI3K inhibitors can enhance the antileukemia effects of the Abl kinase inhibitor imatinib. Although a significant fraction of BCR-ABL-induced human leukemias are of B-cell origin, little is known about PI3K signaling mechanisms in B-lineage cells transformed by ABL oncogenes. Here we show that activation of class IA PI3K and downstream inactivation of FOXO transcription factors are essential for survival of murine pro/pre-B cells transformed by v-ABL or BCR-ABL. In addition, analysis of mice lacking individual PI3K genes indicates that products of the Pik3r1 gene contribute to transformation efficiency by BCR-ABL. These findings establish a role for PI3K signaling in B-lineage transformation by ABL oncogenes. (Blood. 2004;103:4268-4275)
A retrospective study of the association between haematological and biochemical parameters and morphine intolerance in patients with cancer pain
Authors: Riley J , Ross J R , Rutter D , Shah S , Gwilliam B , Wells A U , Welsh K
Published: February 2004

Background: Morphine is the strong opioid of choice for the treatment of moderate to severe cancer pain according to guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). However, a minority of patients do not receive the desired analgesic effect or suffer intolerable side effects from morphine, and are switched to alternative opioids. Methods: The aim of this retrospective study was to identify factors that might be associated with morphine intolerance. Data were analysed from 100 controls who tolerated morphine and 77 patients who were switched to an alternative opioid. We investigated whether currently logged data could fully explain the need to switch. Demographic details, cancer type (histological diagnosis) and markers related to organ function were included in an analysis of biochemical and haematological parameters. Results: Patients over 78 years (P=0.03), or with a high white cell (P=0.002) or high platelet count (P=0.003), were more likely to switch. Although our numbers were small, patients with severe organ impairment were more likely to switch. However, a model including white cell count, platelet count, age, serum albumin and alkaline phosphatase, accurately separated switchers and controls in only 68% of cases. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the numbers of patients having cytotoxic drugs in the two weeks prior to the haematological and biochemical analysis. Similarly, there were no significant differences in histological diagnoses between groups. Conclusions: The white cell count was the strongest single effect observed and, as such, warrants further investigation. Further studies are needed in order to accurately define a model that will predict those patients likely to be intolerant of morphine.
The challenge of providing holistic care in a viral epidemic: opportunities for palliative care
Authors: Leong Ian Yi-Onn , Lee Angel Onn-Kei , Ng Tzer Wee , Lee Lay Beng , Koh Nien Yue , Yap Eliada , Guay Sarah , Ng Lee Min
Published: February 2004

Objective: To determine, using the perspective of a hospital-based palliative care service (PCS), the spiritual and psychosocial impact of a novel and potentially fatal viral epidemic on patients, their families and health care workers. Design: Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. The data were analysed using the constant comparative method and were validated using respondent validation. Participants: Eight palliative care workers. Setting: Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), the hospital designated to manage all cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Singapore. Results: Disease containment resulted in isolation, where isolation meant the disruption of connectedness. This disruption of connectedness took place at multiple levels: in the patient himself, between the patient and the family, within the family, between the patient and the health care worker, between the patient and society, and between health care workers. As the nature of the disease was uncertain, prognostication was inaccurate. This created difficulties in helping patients and their families prepare for death. The fear of facing the unknown led to safety-seeking behaviours, which could be overcome by repeated exposure to the feared situation. The process of bereavement was disturbed, as traditional death rituals could not be performed by the family. Informants perceived themselves to be suffering as they suffered the same anxieties, fears and grief as the patient. Conclusions: Dealing with a novel viral epidemic creates spiritual and psychosocial issues similar to those encountered in a palliative care practice. Palliative care workers would do well to be aware of such issues and act proactively when such epidemics arise.
Reciprocating machinery bearing analysis: Theory and practice
Authors: Goodwin M. J. , Nikolajsen J. L. , Ogrodnik P. J.
Published: February 2004

The aim of this paper is to review theoretical and experimental work undertaken on the design and performance assessment of bearings in reciprocating machinery. The review details the most recent developments in theoretical approaches to design and also describes the practical work that has been undertaken to validate theoretical models. The limitations of both areas of work are identified.
Transient elastohydrodynamic lubrication of rectangular elastomeric seals for linear hydraulic actuators
Authors: Nikas G. K.
Published: February 2004

A numerical model developed previously by the author to study rectangular rubber seals for reciprocating piston rods in hydraulic actuators is extended to include transient effects, considering the sealed pressure and the stroking velocity of the piston rod as time variables. The model incorporates various improvements regarding the treatment of seal extrusion, non-linear seal elasticity effects, as well as the modelling of back-up rings at the air side of the actuator, all of which have been dealt with individually in previous studies by the author. These new features are combined in the present model for a complete analysis of the leakage and friction performance of the seal-ring system under real transient operating conditions of industrial and aircraft actuators, including thermal effects and rough-contact analysis, and covering the widest applicable range of sealed pressures (over 0.1 MPa) and operating temperatures (− 60 to + 140°C).
Theoretical analysis of stability characteristics of hydrodynamic journal bearings lubricated with micropolar fluids
Authors: Das S , Guha S. K. , Chattopadhyay A. K.
Published: February 2004

The aim of the present paper is to study theoretically, using finite difference techniques, the stability characteristics of hydrodynamic journal bearings lubricated with micropolar fluids. The theoretical study has been presented using both the linear analysis based on the perturbation method and non-linear analysis using the Runge-Kutta method. Parametric studies have been conducted and stability characteristics have been obtained and a comparison of the results of linear and non-linear analyses for different parameters have been compared and presented. A modified Reynolds equation has been obtained using micropolar lubrication theory and the solution of pressure obtained from this equation is used in the governing differential equations of motion to arrive at a stability threshold. The results show that the micropolar fluid exhibits better stability in comparison with the Newtonian fluid.
Roelands' missing data
Authors: Bair S
Published: February 2004

The author questions the accuracy of application of the Roelands equation in pressureviscosity relationships for lubricants. He contends that in the development of his equation when Roelands discarded some vital data on high-viscosity measurements that did not fit his claim of universal applicability. The author suggests that some conclusions based upon calculations using the Roelands equation should be reexamined.
Rotordynamic characteristics of a multilobe hybrid journal bearing in turbulent lubrication
Authors: Ghosh M. K. , Nagraj A
Published: February 2004

This paper presents an investigation of the rotordynamic behaviour of a four-lobe orifice compensated hybrid bearing. It aims to show that multilobe hybrid journal bearings prove to be a better alternative for high-speed turbo pump applications.
Particle Size Control of 11-Mercaptoundecanoic Acid-Protected Au Nanoparticles by Using Heat-treatment Method
Authors: Kim Kyung-Hoon , Yamada Mami , Park Dae-Won , Miyake Mikio
Published: February 2004

Carboxylic acid-functionalized Au nanoparticles with very small and uniform core size (1.8 nm) could be prepared on the basis of the Brust’s two phase method using 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) as a surfactant. Various sizes of MUA-protected Au nanoparticles (MUA-Au) were obtained by the heat-treatment method in the solid state from 150 to 170 °C.
Water-free Solution Synthesis of Monodisperse Cu2S Nanocrystals
Authors: Kuzuya Toshihiro , Yamamuro Saeki , Hihara Takehiko , Sumiyama Kenji
Published: February 2004

We report a novel water-free processing of monodisperse and pure Cu2S nanocrystals (NCs) by thermolysis of copper–dodecanethiol complex. The narrow size distribution led to the formation of ordered self-assemblies with various well-defined structures. However, unclose-packing structure was observed as a predominant phase.
Light-triggered Luminescence Modulation Using Labile Axial Coordination to Zinc–Porphyrin
Authors: Otsuki Joe , Narutaki Koichi , Bakke Jan M
Published: February 2004

Modulation of luminescence intensity triggered by light input is demonstrated. The system consists of a Zn–porphyrin and an azopyridine derivative, which axially coordinates to Zn–porphyrin and quenches its fluorescence more efficiently in the trans-form than in the cis-form. Thus, light-induced isomerization of the azopyridine results in the increase/decrease of the porphyrin fluorescence.
Crystal Structure of a Liquid Crystalline Ferrocene Derivative, 1,1′-bis[10-[4-(4-methoxyphenoxycarbonyl)phenoxy]decyloxycarbonyl]ferrocene
Authors: Nakamura Naotake , Okabe Takashi
Published: February 2004

The molecular and crystal structures of 1,1′-disubstituted ferrocene derivative, 1,1′-bis[10-[4-(4-methoxyphenoxycarbonyl)phenoxy]decyloxycarbonyl]ferrocene (bMAF-10) were determined by X-ray diffraction method using the single crystals. The structural molecular feature was the cis conformation (“U” shape) in which the two substituents existed in the same directions, but not the trans conformation (“S” shape) expected in general.
Methodology in Diagnostic Laboratory Test Research in Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
Authors: Lumbreras-Lacarra Blanca , Ramos-Rincón José Manuel , Hernández-Aguado Ildefonso
Published: February 2004

Background: The application of epidemiologic principles to clinical diagnosis has been less developed than in other clinical areas. Knowledge of the main flaws affecting diagnostic laboratory test research is the first step for improving its quality. We assessed the methodologic aspects of articles on laboratory tests.

Methods: We included articles that estimated indexes of diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) and were published in Clinical Chemistry or Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine in 1996, 2001, and 2002. Clinical Chemistry has paid special attention to this field of research since 1996 by publishing recommendations, checklists, and reviews. Articles were identified through electronic searches in Medline. The strategy combined the Mesh term “sensitivity and specificity” (exploded) with the text words “specificity”, “false negative”, and “accuracy”. We examined adherence to seven methodologic criteria used in the study by Reid et al. (JAMA1995;274:645–51) of papers published in general medical journals. Three observers evaluated each article independently.

Results: Seventy-nine articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The percentage of studies that satisfied each criterion improved from 1996 to 2002. Substantial improvement was observed in reporting of the statistical uncertainty of indices of diagnostic accuracy, in criteria based on clinical information from the study population (spectrum composition), and in avoidance of workup bias. Analytical reproducibility was reported frequently (68%), whereas information about indeterminate results was rarely provided. The mean number of methodologic criteria satisfied showed a statistically significant increase over the 3 years in Clinical Chemistry but not in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine.

Conclusions: The methodologic quality of the articles on diagnostic test research published in Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine is comparable to the quality observed in the best general medical journals. The methodologic aspects that most need improvement are those linked to the clinical information of the populations studied. Editorial actions aimed to increase the quality of reporting of diagnostic studies could have a relevant positive effect, as shown by the improvement observed in Clinical Chemistry.
Pharmacodynamic Approach to Immunosuppressive Therapies Using Calcineurin Inhibitors and Mycophenolate Mofetil
Authors: Millán Olga , Brunet Mercè , Campistol Josep M , Faura Ana , Rojo Isabel , Vidal Elena , Jiménez Olga , Vives Jordi , Oppenheimer Federic , Martorell Jaume
Published: February 2004

Background: Graft survival depends on adequate immunosuppression. To evaluate the effect on the immune system of immunosuppressive therapies using calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), several pharmacodynamic indices have been proposed to complement pharmacokinetic data. In this preliminary study we compared some of these parameters during combined immunosuppressant therapies.

Methods: We treated 65 stable renal transplant recipients with cyclosporin A (CsA; n = 16), tacrolimus (TRL; n = 10); CsA + mycophenolate mofetil (MMF; n = 14); TRL + MMF (n = 13), and MMF (n = 12). Twelve nontreated healthy controls were also included. Calcineurin activity (CNA) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was measured using 32P-labeled peptide. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-γ production in phytohemagglutinin-activated whole blood were measured at 0 and 2 h postdose. The areas under the curves, cmin, cmax, and concentration at 2 h (c2 h) were also measured.

Results: We found no differences in CNA between groups receiving CNIs alone or combined with MMF [median (25th–75th percentiles)]: CsA2 h, 3.87 (3.00–6.85)% alkaline phosphatase (AP); CsA+MMF2 h, 3.90 (1.78–5.19)% AP; TRL2 h, 5.68 (3.02–16.00)% AP; TRL+MMF2 h, 11.80 (4.05–14.63)% AP. In vitro IL-2 production was significantly lower in the groups receiving combined therapy than in groups receiving CNIs alone [median (25th–75th percentiles)]: CsA2 h, 276.52 (190.41–385.25) ng/L; CsA+MMF2 h, 166.48 (81.06–377.01) ng/L (P <0.001); TRL2 h, 249.34 (127.48–363.50) ng/L; TRL+ MMF2 h, 122.13 (51.02–180.00) ng/L (P <0.001). The correlations (r) between c2 h and CNA 2 h postdose were as follows: CsA, r = −0.74; CsA+MMF, r = −0.84; TRL, r = −0.70; TRL+ MMF, r = −0.70 (P <0.001 in all cases).

Conclusions: The measurement of CNA may be of help in following the effect on the immune system of CNI treatments, even in combined therapies, but does not reflect the additional effect of MMF. In contrast, IL-2 in vitro production reflects the effect of both MMF and CNIs.